Page 2726

Natureplex, LLC Acquisition of Medline’s Enema Category

0

OLIVE BRANCH, Mississippi, Feb. 24, 2016 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/– Natureplex, LLC, an over-the-counter drug manufacturer headquartered in Olive Branch, Mississippi, is pleased to announce that it has purchased the enema product category from Medline Industries.

Logo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160224/336999LOGO

Saline and mineral oil enemas have been part of Natureplex’s product portfolio for many years now. This purchase will complement existing production, contribute to greater efficiencies in component and chemical purchases, and will make Natureplex the largest enema manufacturer in the United States.

Earlier this year, offices were opened in Western Europe.  To support growth in international markets and the Medline enema products, the company has added a new distribution center in Olive Branch, MS and is expanding its production facility with additional filling rooms and associated equipment.  Second quarter 2016, laboratory space will be doubled and additional office area constructed.

The company plans to work diligently on transitioning customers over and will begin production for its new customers in late February with shipments starting shortly after. Finished Goods inventory is currently being increased with a second shift to ensure no supply disruptions for new or existing customers.

About Natureplex
The privately held company was first started in 2001 and has been growing exponentially each year.  Natureplex offers its own control brand, but is also very strong in private label and contract packaging of enemas, feminine hygiene douches, over-the-counter medications, and personal care products.  Product categories include both drug and cosmetics.  All of our products are made in America by our dedicated team of professionals.

http://www.natureplex.com

Batelco Successfully Obtains Indian Freezing Orders Against Assets of Related Parties of Chinnakannan Sivasankaran and Siva Limited to Enforce its USD 210 Million Judgment

0

MUMBAI, India, Feb. 24, 2016 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ –Batelco Group (Ticker: BATELCO ), the international Telecommunications Group with operations across 14 countries, has successfully obtained Indian freezing orders from the Madras High Court against certain Indian assets of Chinnakannan Sivasankaran (Mr Siva) and his related parties namely: his ex-wife Mrs Jayalakshmi Sivasankaran, his father R.C.K. Vallal, his mother Chinnakannan Chandrammal, his long-term associates Baskaran, Nithyavathi Venkatesan and his related company, Siva Limited. The value of the assets frozen by such orders is estimated to be approximately 500 Crore (US$ 74 million).

Logo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160216/333596LOGO

The orders that have been made by the Madras High Court are intended to pay down a substantial UK judgment that was awarded to BMIC Limited (a fully owned subsidiary of Batelco) by the English High Court of Justice totaling US$ 212 million in June 2014 (the UK Judgement). The UK Judgement was awarded against Mr Siva and Siva Limited, following BMIC’s successful litigation against them (the defendants). The UK Judgment found that the defendants failed to honour a Settlement Agreement signed with BMIC in November 2011, relating to a commercial venture into which such parties had entered in 2009. According to the UK Judgment, full payment should have been made to BMIC by the defendants by 26 June 2014. To date the defendants have failed to pay such sum to BMIC.

Ihab Hannawi, Group CEO of Batelco said:

We fully expect all of the respondents to honour the Indian Court Orders and pay to BMIC the monies owing to it under the UK judgement. We will pursue all legal avenues available to us against such parties to secure this outstanding payment.”

[BMIC acquired a 42.7% stake of Indian registered S Tel in 2009. S Tel had been awarded a 2G Licence in 2008. Following the cancelation of 2G licences by India’s Supreme Court in February 2012, BMIC sought to implement an agreed put option which under certain circumstances, such as the cancelation of its 2G licence, or in the event of a failure of Siva to secure financing, would ensure Siva bought back the shares acquired by BMIC at the price paid originally. BMIC and the defendants entered into the binding Settlement Agreement to give effect to this commitment which contained a promise by Mr Sivasankaran and Siva Limited to make payment to BMIC in agreed circumstances.]

(Español) Cuatro razones para votar en las primarias o en los “caucuses”

0

Sorry, this entry is only available in Español.

Turn Five Minutes of Airport Downtime into a Lifesaving Layover

0

DALLAS, Feb. 24, 2016 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Airport travelers can now put their time to good use and take five minutes to learn the simple, yet lifesaving skills of Hands-Only CPR via interactive training kiosks debuting at six major airport hubs across the country, courtesy of the American Heart Association (AHA) and the Anthem Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Anthem, Inc.

Logo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150917/267765LOGO

Each Hands-Only CPR training kiosk features a touch screen with a video program that gives a brief “how-to,” followed by a practice session and a 30-second CPR test. With the help of a practice manikin, or a rubber torso, the kiosk provides feedback about the depth and rate of compressions and proper hand placement – factors that influence the effectiveness of CPR. The kiosks will be available at Chicago O’Hare International (ORD), Indianapolis International (IND), Las Vegas’ McCarran International (LAS), Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International (ATL) and Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall (BWI) airports. Two additional kiosks will be available at The Global Center for Health Innovation in Cleveland, Ohio and Anthem’s office in Washington, D.C.

Every year, more than 359,000 cardiac arrests occur outside the hospital and more than 20 percent occur in public places like airports, casinos and sporting facilities. “Cardiac arrest remains a leading cause of death in the United States, and survival depends on immediately receiving CPR from someone nearby,” said Clifton Callaway, M.D., Ph.D., chair of the AHA’s Emergency Cardiovascular Care committee and professor of emergency medicine at the University of Pittsburgh. “Although in-person training is still the best way to learn high-quality CPR, the kiosk will provide additional training that could make a difference and save the life of someone you love.”

The launch of these seven kiosks comes on the heels of the successful and life-saving pilot kiosk installed in 2013 at the Dallas/Ft. Worth International Airport (DFW) by AHA and American Airlines Occupation Health Services. This kiosk, which is located in Terminal C, Gate 7, has trained more than 25,000 travelers.

“For those who suffer cardiac arrest outside of the hospital, only 10 percent survive – but effective bystander CPR provided immediately after cardiac arrest can double or even triple these chances,” Dr. Craig Samitt, Executive Vice President and Chief Clinical Officer at Anthem, Inc. said. “That’s why for the past four years, we’ve been working closely with the American Heart Association to help educate people about Hands-Only CPR and we’re excited to launch these new kiosks as an extension of this campaign. To date, we’ve helped to educate and train more than three million people in this life-saving skill with the goal of preparing people to act in an emergency to save the lives of strangers, or those they love most.”

Just this month, The Anthem Foundation was the recipient of the 2016 AHA Impact Award in recognition of impacting the lives of people across the country by bringing them the lifesaving skill of Hands-Only CPR.

Five years ago, AHA simplified the steps of CPR to encourage more people to take action: if a bystander sees a teen or adult collapse, he or she should first call 9-1-1, then push hard and fast in the center of the chest to the beat of “Stayin’ Alive,” which has the perfect cadence for proper CPR. Hands-Only CPR removes the step of rescue breaths; bystanders should simply keep pushing until emergency help arrives.

The timing of AHA’s kiosk launches coincide with American Heart Month (February), a federally designated month devoted to raising awareness about heart disease and educating Americans about what they can do to live healthier lives, free of cardiovascular disease and stroke.

To learn more about the Hands-Only CPR campaign and learn how to save a life, visit www.heart.org/handsonlycpr or facebook.com/AHACPR. Visit www.heart.org/rcp for Spanish resources.

About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is devoted to saving people from heart disease and stroke – the two leading causes of death in the world. We team with millions of volunteers to fund innovative research, fight for stronger public health policies, and provide lifesaving tools and information to prevent and treat these diseases. The Dallas-based association is the nation’s oldest and largest voluntary organization dedicated to fighting heart disease and stroke. As part of our dedication to saving lives, we are setting out to train all Americans in lifesaving Hands-Only CPR. To learn more or to get involved, call 1-800-AHA-USA1, visit heart.org or call any of our offices around the country.

About the Anthem Foundation
The Anthem Foundation is the philanthropic arm of Anthem, Inc. and through charitable contributions and programs, the Foundation promotes the inherent commitment of Anthem, Inc. to enhance the health and well-being of individuals and families in communities that Anthem, Inc. and its affiliated health plans serve. The Foundation focuses its funding on strategic initiatives that address and provide innovative solutions to health care challenges, as well as promoting the Healthy Generations Program, a multi-generational initiative that targets specific disease states and medical conditions. These disease states and medical conditions include: prenatal care in the first trimester, low birth weight babies, cardiac morbidity rates, long term activities that decrease obesity and increase physical activity, diabetes prevalence in adult populations, adult pneumococcal and influenza vaccinations and smoking cessation. The Foundation also coordinates the company’s year-round Associate Giving program which provides a 50 percent match of associates’ pledges, as well as its Volunteer Time Off and Dollars for Doers community service programs. To learn more about the Anthem Foundation, please visit http://www.anthem.foundation and its blog at http://anthemfoundation.tumblr.com.

Take Me Fishing™ and Vamos A Pescar™ Cast Off Third Annual Search for the Country’s Greatest Family Fishing & Boating Spots

0
CAST YOUR VOTE FOR A CHANCE TO WIN A FISHING & BOATING EXPERIENCE OF A LIFETIME FROM TAKE ME FISHING(TM)

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Feb. 23, 2016 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The America’s Top Family Fishing and Boating Spots Instant Win and Sweepstakes is back for its third consecutive year, and it’s no fish tale that it will now cast a wider net to reach more people across the country than ever before, due to its new features, including a Spanish-language version and mobile-friendly components. The Sweepstakes, which aims to increase awareness of the great family-friendly places across the country and get more families out on the water fishing and boating, is part of the Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation’s (RBFF) Take Me Fishing™ and Vamos A Pescar™ campaigns.

CAST YOUR VOTE FOR A CHANCE TO WIN A FISHING & BOATING EXPERIENCE OF A LIFETIME FROM TAKE ME FISHING(TM)

“Fishing and boating are continually ranked among America’s most popular outdoors activities. This data, along with the successes we’ve seen since our Sweepstakes’ inception, led us to add new features this year that will allow for even more people across the country to participate,” said RBFF President and CEO, Frank Peterson. “Adding accessibility to a wide-reaching audience is especially important this year, as it is the National Park Service Centennial. The Centennial provides us with an expanded opportunity and responsibility to remind and educate everyone about the positive experiences fishing and boating provide, as well as the conservation benefits they have on our nation’s waterways, from local, hidden gems to the country’s most beautiful National Parks.”

This year’s Sweepstakes includes several National Parks like the Everglades, which ranked No. 1 on the 2015 Top Places list. Offering more than 310 pre-selected family-friendly parks from across the U.S., entrants can vote daily for the three parks they feel offer the best fishing and boating experience based on family amenities, location and the likeliness to catch a fish or enjoy a day on the water. The Sweepstakes voting duration is six weeks-long, ending on March 27, 2016 at 11:59pm EST. The parks with the most votes will make the list of the 2016 America’s Top 100 Family Fishing and Boating Spots, which will be released during National Fishing and Boating Week from June 4 – 12, 2016.

Those who enter the sweepstakes will have a chance to win an instant prize, a Take Me Fishing™ Drawstring bag. One lucky grand prize winner will receive their own memory-making experience from Take Me Fishing™: a three-night, four-day stay for four at the Walt Disney World® Resort, including a Guided Fishing Excursion. Full prize information can be found in the Official Rules.

Since 2007, the Take Me Fishing™ campaign has played a critical role in introducing families and newcomers to boating and fishing; the campaign’s Spanish-language counterpart, Vamos A Pescar™, joined this effort when it launched in 2013. The campaigns have helped in generating $650M that is distributed to the states for projects conservation efforts. TakeMeFishing.org and VamosAPescar.org campaigns increase awareness of the need to protect, conserve and restore the nation’s aquatic resources by encouraging participation in recreational boating and fishing.

To learn more about the sweepstakes and to vote for your favorite parks, visit America’s Top Family Fishing and Boating Spots Instant Win and Sweepstakes.

About the Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation (RBFF)
RBFF is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to increase participation in recreational angling and boating, thereby protecting and restoring the nation’s aquatic natural resources. RBFF developed the award-winning Take Me Fishing™ and Vamos A Pescar™ campaigns to create awareness around boating, fishing and conservation, and educate people about the benefits of participation. Take Me Fishing™ and Vamos A Pescar™ help boaters and anglers of all ages and experience levels learn, plan and equip for a day on the water. The campaign websites, TakeMeFishing.org, and VamosAPescar.org, feature how-to videos, information on how to get a fishing license and boat registration, and an interactive state-by-state map that allows visitors to find local boating and fishing spots.

Follow Take Me Fishing™ and Vamos A Pescar™ within the social media space:

TAKE ME FISHING.ORG                                                           
http://www.facebook.com/takemefishing 
http://www.twitter.com/take_me_fishing
https://instagram.com/take_me_fishing/

VAMOS A PESCAR.ORG
https://www.facebook.com/VamosAPescar.org
http://www.twitter.com/Vamos_A_Pescar
http://www.instagram.com/vamosapescar

Photo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160223/336382 

Tecate Knocks-Out Sponsorship With Golden Boy Promotions And Lands A Sponsorship Deal With Mexican Superstar Canelo Alvarez

0

NEW YORK, Feb. 23, 2016 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — After a banner 2015 in boxing, Tecate, the Mexican beer with bold flavor, announced today it will enter 2016 as the exclusive beer and presenting sponsor for Oscar De La Hoya’s Golden Boy Promotions and has signed an endorsement contract with boxing’s biggest star, current WBC, RING Magazine and Lineal Middleweight Champion and Golden Boy Promotions fighter, Canelo Alvarez.

Logo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160218/335003LOGO

In 2016, Tecate will continue to become more synonymous with legendary boxing matches and for the first time in the brand’s history, will endorse an individual boxer, Canelo, leveraging his popularity to promote the brand’s 2016 ‘BORN BOLD’ campaign. As part of the endorsement, Canelo will wear Tecate branded boxing trunks in the ring in his upcoming marquee fights in May and September, 2016.

“The new partnership with Tecate establishes Canelo as the biggest star in all of boxing, period,” said Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions. “With this partnership with Tecate and his commitment to fight on Cinco de Mayo and Mexican Independence Day weekends — boxing’s two biggest annual dates — Canelo’s popularity will only continue to soar for years to come.”

“Tecate is a world recognized company and I am very happy to have a strong and serious sponsor be part of my team,” said Canelo Alvarez. “With Tecate on my side, I know that we will take our brands to new heights.  Through our partnership will be able to achieve our mutual goals and lead boxing into its next great era.”

“This sponsorship is an incredibly natural fit,” said Gustavo Guerra, brand director for Tecate. “Not only is boxing one of our consumer’s biggest passion points, but Golden Boy Promotions, Canelo and Tecate share common ground for being Mexico’s best in their respective categories – boxing and beer.”

The multi-year sponsorship contract with Golden Boy Promotions will have Tecate featured prominently in the center ring, around the mat and throughout the arena.

For additional details on Tecate’s “Born Bold” campaign, the sponsorship of Golden Boy Promotions fights, or to speak with a Tecate and Tecate Light representative about the brand’s support of boxing, contact BRAYA at [email protected].

For more information on Golden Boy Promotions and Canelo Alvarez, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com and follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram @GoldenBoyBoxing and @Canelo.

About HEINEKEN USA
HEINEKEN USA Inc., the nation’s leading upscale beer importer, is a subsidiary of HEINEKEN International NV, the world’s most international brewer. European brands imported into the U.S. include Heineken®, the world’s most international beer brand, Strongbow Hard Apple Ciders, Amstel Light, and Newcastle Brown Ale. HEINEKEN USA also imports the Dos Equis Franchise, Tecate Franchise, Sol, Indio, Carta Blanca and Bohemia brands from Mexico. For the latest information on our company and brands, follow us on Twitter @HeinekenUSACorp, or visit HEINEKENUSA.com.

About Golden Boy Promotions
Los Angeles-based Golden Boy Promotions was established in 2002 by 10-time world champion in six divisions Oscar De La Hoya, the first Hispanic to own a national boxing promotional company. Golden Boy Promotions is one of boxing’s most active and respected promoters, presenting shows in packed venues around the world and has worked with networks such as HBO, HBO Latino, Estrella TV, ESPN, TeleFutura, FOX Sports 1, FOX Deportes, Televisa and TV Azteca. The company has also promoted some of the top boxing events in the history of the sport including De La Hoya vs. Mayweather, Mayweather vs. Canelo and other notable pay-per-view fights featuring fan-favorites Bernard “The Alien” Hopkins, Juan Manuel “Dinamita” Marquez, Miguel Cotto, Marco “Baby Faced Assassin” Antonio Barrera, Erik “El Terrible” Morales and Sugar Shane Mosley.

About Canelo Alvarez
At the age of 25, Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico’s Canelo Alvarez (46-1-1, 32 KOs) has conquered the boxing world, captivating fans both at home and around the globe with his action-packed fighting style, charisma and willingness to take on the toughest challenges. The current WBC, RING Magazine and Lineal Middleweight Champion, was last seen in the ring against former four-division world champion Miguel Cotto on November 21, 2015, defeating him via unanimous decision.  The 2015 Fighter of the Year candidate’s road to stardom began in 2011 with a win over Matthew “Magic” Hatton for the vacant WBC Super Welterweight World title, his first title defense against Ryan Rhodes and stoppage victories over Alfonso Gomez and Kermit Cintron. Then in 2012, Canelo defended his belt against future Hall of Famer Sugar Shane Mosley and showed the veteran his first retirement, winning via unanimous decision in 12 rounds. Canelo continued on the path to superstardom in 2013 with a fifth round technical knockout of Josesito Lopez, followed by a 12-round unanimous decision victory over then world champion, Austin Trout in front of over 40,000 fans at San Antonio’s Alamodome. The victory earned, Canelo the WBA Super Welterweight World Championship and proved his dominance at 154-pounds and a clear, bonafide ticket seller. On September 14, 2013, Canelo faced the man on top of the pound-for-pound list – Floyd “Money” Mayweather – giving a stellar effort before falling short of victory for the first time via 12-round majority decision. The fight ended up being the biggest of 2013, but also the second highest grossing bout of all-time and the second most watched boxing event ever on Mexican television (only behind 2015’s Mayweather-Pacquiao). Since then, Canelo has won four straight fights, defeating top stars Alfredo “Perro” Angulo via 10th round technical knockout and Erislandy “The American Dream” Lara via split decision in 2014 and achieved 2015’s  Knockout of the Year over James “Mandingo Warrior” Kirkland on May 9, at Minute Maid Park in Houston in front more than 31,000 fans.

Survey Reveals Top Ten Design Trends for Residential Landscape Architecture

0

WASHINGTON, Feb. 23, 2016 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Sustainable design is the big trend for residential landscapes, according to the 2016 Residential Landscape Architecture Trends Survey conducted by the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA). The top trend—rainwater/graywater harvesting—reflects a growing consumer demand for beautiful residential landscapes that also save water.

Photo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160222/335976 
Logo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140325/DC90161LOGO-b

Landscape architects were asked to rate the expected popularity of a variety of residential outdoor design elements in 2016. The survey was fielded February 4 through February 18, 2016, with 803 responding.

Respondents expected the greatest demand for outdoor living spaces that are environmentally sustainable, reduce water costs and are low maintenance.

Here are the top ten project types with the expected highest consumer demand:

  • Rainwater/graywater harvesting – 88%
  • Native plants – 86%
  • Native/adapted drought tolerant plants – 85%
  • Low-maintenance landscapes – 85%
  • Permeable paving – 77%
  • Fire pits/fireplaces – 75%
  • Food/vegetable gardens (including orchards, vineyards, etc.) – 75%
  • Rain gardens – 73%
  • Drip/water-efficient irrigation – 72%
  • Reduced lawn area – 72%

Water-focused design elements dominated this year’s top ten list and reflect consumers’ growing commitment to landscapes that reduce water use and stormwater runoff, says Nancy Somerville, Hon. ASLA, executive vice president and CEO of ASLA.

“Water issues are hot topics for many communities, and many people are turning to landscape architects for creative green infrastructure solutions,” said Somerville. “Sustainable residential landscape architecture, if part of a broader integrated site design, can dramatically reduce water usage and stormwater runoff over the long term while creating a healthy residential environment.”

The top three most popular outdoor design elements include fire pits/fireplaces (75 percent), lighting (67 percent) and wireless/internet connectivity (66 percent).

The top landscape and garden elements include native plants (86 percent), low-maintenance landscapes (85 percent) and food/vegetable gardens (75 percent). Pergolas (51 percent), decks (47 percent), arbors (44 percent) and fencing (44 percent) are expected to be the most popular outdoor structures.

The hottest sustainable design elements include rainwater/graywater harvesting (88 percent), native/adapted drought tolerant plants (85 percent) and permeable paving (77 percent).

The most popular outdoor recreation amenities for 2016 will include sports courts (41 percent), spa features (40 percent) and swimming pools (36 percent).

For more landscape ideas for your home, and to find a professional in your area, visit www.asla.org/residentialinfo.

Outdoor Design Elements

Ranked in expected order of popularity for 2016

Fire pits/fireplaces – 75%
Lighting – 67%
Wireless/internet connectivity – 66%
Seating/dining areas – 64%
Outdoor furniture – 63%
Planters, sculptures, garden accessories – 56%
Grills – 54%
Counter space – 50%
Outdoor heaters – 47%
Stereo systems – 40%
Movie/TV/video theaters – 38%
Utility storage – 35%
Sinks – 33%
Refrigerators – 31%
Outdoor cooling systems (including fans) – 29%
Showers/baths – 29%
Hammocks – 21%
Bedrooms/sleeping spaces – 11%

Outdoor Recreation Amenities

Ranked in expected order of popularity for 2016

Sports courts (tennis, bocce, etc.) – 41%
Spa features (hot tubs, Jacuzzis, whirlpools, indoor/outdoor saunas) – 40%
Swimming pools – 36%
Labyrinths – 11%

Landscape/Garden Elements

Ranked in expected order of popularity for 2016

Native plants – 86%
Low-maintenance landscapes – 85%
Food/vegetable gardens (including orchards, vineyards, etc.) – 75%
Rain gardens – 73%
Water-saving xeriscape or dry gardens – 68%
Organic gardens – 64%
Plant walls/vertical gardens – 61%
Rooftop gardens – 55%
Decorative water elements (ornamental pools, fountains, splash pools, waterfalls, grottos, water runnels or bubblers) – 46%
Ponds/streams – 29%

Outdoor Structures

Ranked in expected order of popularity for 2016

Pergolas – 51%
Decks – 47%
Arbors – 44%
Fencing – 44%
Porches – 40%
ADA accessible structures (ramps, bars, shelving, etc.) – 38%
Pavilions – 33%
Play structures (treehouses, swing sets, etc.) – 31%
Utility sheds (tool sheds, garden sheds) – 28%
Gazebos – 24%

Sustainable Elements

Ranked in expected order of popularity for 2016

Rainwater/graywater harvesting – 88%
Native/adapted drought tolerant plants – 85%
Permeable paving – 77%
Drip/water-efficient irrigation – 72%
Reduced lawn area – 72%
Recycled materials – 61%
Solar-powered lights – 56%
Compost bins – 45%
Geothermal heated pools – 28%

About the American Society of Landscape Architects

Founded in 1899, ASLA is the national professional association for landscape architects, representing more than 15,000 members in 49 professional chapters and 72 student chapters. Members of the Society use “ASLA” after their names to denote membership and their commitment to the highest ethical standards of the profession. Landscape architects lead the stewardship, planning and design of our built and natural environments; the Society’s mission is to advance landscape architecture through advocacy, communication, education and fellowship.

(Español) Univision lanza innovadora campaña de participación de votantes: Vota por tu América

0
Pagina web de Vota Por Tu America, YourAmerica.com

Sorry, this entry is only available in Español.

Former Senior Executives of Borderfree Join iguama to Accelerate Cross-Border Shopping in Latin America

0

MIAMI, Feb. 23, 2016 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Michael DeSimone and Kris Green, early e-commerce pioneers and experts in the cross-border ecommerce space, have taken on leadership roles at iguama, a Latin American online cross-border mall featuring popular U.S. brands and products. DeSimone has joined the Board of Directors of iguama and Green has joined the Advisory Board to guide the start-up’s business and operations teams.

Founded in 2014, iguama is a cross-border shopping club offering top brands to Latinos from U.S. retailers not traditionally present in Latin America. Using end-to-end technology tools, iguama manages the entire store-to-customer transaction process, allowing U.S. brands to sell products internationally with ease.

Michael DeSimone and Kris Green have been a prominent force in the cross-border industry, inventing new ways to help top U.S. retailers successfully expand in the global marketplace. We are very pleased they have decided to take on this leadership role at iguama. Their experience, knowledge and resources will be invaluable in directing our business plan,” said Diego Fernandez, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of iguama.

DeSimone is the former Chief Executive Officer and President of Borderfree, a technology logistics company that allows businesses to sell products internationally. For more than eight years, DeSimone led the company from a struggling startup to a global enterprise that IPO’d on NASDAQ. Borderfree was successfully acquired by Pitney Bowes in May 2015 for $395 million.

Over his career DeSimone has been a part of sales, e-commerce and marketing divisions of companies such as E4X, Travelex and Citi. He also has received numerous honors, including finalist in the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year award, and was most recently selected as one of SmartCEO’s Future 50. During his tenure at Borderfree, the company was ranked No. 17 on Crain’s New York Business Fast 50 List and No. 86 on Deloitte’s Technology Fast 500 list.

Green is the former Chief Strategy Officer and Executive Vice President of Sales at Borderfree. Green joined Borderfree in 2007 and alongside DeSimone, helped build the world’s leading cross-border ecommerce platform product. Green has more than 15 years experience building, selling, and marketing technology solutions that facilitate cross-border trade and in eight years at Borderfree, helped recruit and power global e-commerce for more than 200 iconic and coveted brands and retailers in the U.S. and United Kingdom. He is a recognized authority on international ecommerce best practices and successfully globalizing ecommerce businesses.

“I am honored and pleased to be working with team iguama,” said Desimone. “The global e-commerce sector, particularly in Latin America, is on the verge of major expansion. Retailers have been longing for a partner they can trust to not just smooth over Latin American ecommerce transactions, but to also drive significant consumer demand and awareness. That’s the combination that team iguama will be the first to truly deliver.”

Green echoed Desimone’s sentiment. “Latin America has been a region that U.S. retailers have struggled to succeed in from a distance. Iguama has finally given the Latin American consumer the hyperlocalized shopping experience they want and made it effortless for U.S. retailers of all sizes to be a part of it”, said Green.

About iguama
Established in 2014, iguama is the first and only e-commerce cross-border shopping club that allows the rest of the world (starting in Latin America) to buy top quality brands from U.S. stores at affordable prices. The company’s core business model is to market club memberships and not to profit on the products it sells or on international costs associated with each transaction, making it very simple for U.S. stores to sell products internationally. All of the complexity in cross-border transactions is handled by iguama, which includes: local marketing, customer service, total in-country calculation of price, efficient logistics and payment acceptance. Based in Miami, iguama is backed by venture capital firm PeopleFund. Visit www.iguama.com for more information.

About PeopleFund
PeopleFund is a global pioneer in value added investments focused on technology, internet and media. They are uniquely positioned to add significant value to companies by leveraging their in-house management and technology expertise. PeopleFund’s investment approach allows them to partner and invest in early through growth stage venture investments, private equity and public companies. By partnering with management and entrepreneurs, PeopleFund has generated industry leading returns for our investors. For more information please visit: www.peoplefund.com

Pollo Campero’s Momentum Holds Strong with 10.2% Same-store Sales Growth for 2015

0

DALLAS, Feb. 23, 2016 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Pollo Campero, Latin America’s authentic chicken brand, kicks off its 45th anniversary year by announcing a strong performance for 2015. Pollo Campero’s announcement follows strong fourth quarter (Q4) results with 11.7% comparable sales growth, marking the 16th consecutive quarter of solid same-store sales growth. The positive sales momentum began in 2012 and comes as the world’s largest Latin chicken restaurant brand looks to enhance its digital presence and its already-famous Latin menu.

Photo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160222/336111

“We are thrilled for our continued solid performance at Pollo Campero,” said Tim Pulido, president and CEO of Pollo Campero International. “But to see our high comparable growth hold steady from year to year not only confirms to us that we’re on the right path, but also motivates us as we continue to grow and innovate.”

Pollo Campero began its strong growth trend in 2012, with a 7.9% same-store sales increase. In 2013, it reached 6.9% same-store sales growth, followed by 7.4% in 2014 and finishing with 10.2% comparable sales growth last year.

Campero has activated a number of strategic initiatives to maintain its momentum since 2014: a global brand refresh was launched with a chicken-centric Latin positioning that helped differentiate the brand, a remodel program that has modernized existing restaurants improving the overall brand experience and its focus on Latin-inspired limited-time offers to drive consumer interest and keep the menu exciting. Through its product and program strategy around its Latin flavors, Campero has grown its millennial customer base quarter after quarter. Today, more than half of the brand’s customers are millennials.

As Pollo Campero looks to sustain its momentum and continue to engage with millennials, the brand is investing heavily in the digital space. “We’ve recently revamped our website, Campero.com, to improve the online user experience, share more about our brand’s story and highlight other key brand attributes that are important to our fans,” said Federico Valiente, Pollo Campero International’s brand lead. The brand has also launched online ordering for a limited number of its Dallas, Texas, restaurants and is gearing up to test its new mobile app during the first quarter (Q1) of 2016. “We want to make our authentic Latin flavors more convenient to our customers and our online platforms will enable us to do so,” Valiente said.

Campero also continues its focus on new product news and innovation, particularly menu items to enhance its hormone-free chicken meals. The brand is kicking off the year with its new Street Corn Salad, a Latin American favorite offering a lighter pairing that’s rich and heavy in flavor. “We focus on unique menu items and the new Street Corn Salad delivers on just that—fresh Latin ingredients that deliver a real flavor punch,” Valiente explained.

Pollo Campero’s development plans are as bold as its flavors. “2016 will be a milestone year for our brand in the United States,” Pulido said. “We’re planning on growing our system by more than 20%, which is something we had not done before.” The brand is concentrating its development in key U.S. markets with both corporate and franchise restaurants. “Last year was an outstanding year for us and we’re confident we’re poised for another huge year in 2016,” finished Pulido. While Campero’s unit growth in recent years has been through corporate stores, the brand is looking to bring in new franchisees into the system as it expands its footprint in the United States.

ABOUT POLLO CAMPERO
Pollo Campero, considered the home of Authentic Latin Chicken, is the largest Latin chicken restaurant brand in the world. It first opened its doors as a tiny, family-owned restaurant in Guatemala in 1971 with the goal of treating family and friends to its prized chicken recipe passed down from generation to generation. Today, as Pollo Campero marks its 45th anniversary, its focus on quality, and its mission to stay true to its Latin roots remain the same. Pollo Campero is committed to serving unique Latin recipes prepared by hand daily using high-quality and all-natural ingredients. At the heart of that commitment: the promise to use fresh, never frozen, hormone-free chicken paired with traditional Latin sides, drinks and desserts in a vibrant atmosphere. There are more than 350 Pollo Campero restaurants around the world and Campero is still growing. For franchise information, or to learn more about Pollo Campero, visit Campero.com. Follow the flavor on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @CamperoUSA.