Newest Scion Cars Riding Wave Of Success Into Miami International Auto Show

November 5, 2015

MIAMI BEACH, Florida, Nov. 5, 2015 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Car-buyers are loving the new Scion iA and iM, propelling the brand to sales records in September and October. The two new, 2016 models will ride the wave of momentum into the Miami International Auto Show, held Nov. 6-15 at the Miami Beach Convention Center.

Photo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20151105/284277

The Scion iM is a 5-door hatchback that combines maximum versatility with a sporty design and a fun-to-drive experience. The iA, Scion’s first sedan, is designed to appeal to young people who need a little more practicality, but still want attractive styling and outstanding driving dynamics. Along with the FR-S and tC sport coupes, both vehicles represent the evolution of Scion and mark powerful momentum for the brand.

“The sporty iM 5-door hatchback and iA compact sedan just arrived at dealerships in September, and the response has been great,” said Scion Vice President Andrew Gilleland. “New customers are drawn to the styling and value of our new cars.”

The iA and iM bring unexpected touches to consumers, like a heap of desirable standard features at practical prices. Available with either a 6-speed manual or continuously variable transmission, the 5-door hatchback Scion iM delivers a lengthy list of amenities including the 7-inch Pioneer Display Audio unit with standard HD Radio and the Aha™ music streaming app, rear-view backup camera, and a 4.2-inch color multi-information display. The iM starts at $18,460, excluding a $795 delivery, processing and handling fee. The sporty styling, estimated 37 mpg highway, and versatile space lets drivers envision their own ordinary – or odd – adventures.

The Scion iA brings sophistication to the compact sedan class as safety and sensibility meet style. The iA features a low-speed pre-collision system, sporty handling and an estimated 42 mpg highway. Standard features include piano black bumper treatment, a grill and tailpipe trimmed in chrome, keyless entry with push-button start, a rear-view backup camera and a 7-inch touch screen multimedia system with voice recognition. The iA starts at $15,700, excluding a $795 delivery, processing and handling fee.

In Miami Beach, the iA and iM will be joined by the FR-S and tC sports coupes. The 2016 tC adds new sound, smarts and swishes, including a new standard audio system, a host of upgraded interior features (including a Smart Key with push-button start) and the addition of a standard rear windshield wiper. With a new premium feel featuring bright silver interior accents, two fresh exterior colors, a new standard audio system and an integrated rearview backup camera, the 2016 FR-S adds more style and safety to its solid enthusiast credentials.

About Scion

Scion continues to be the test laboratory division for Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc. From its start in 2003, Scion’s goal was to offer products and processes that stand apart from the crowd. Scion offers distinctive vehicles that reflect owners’ passions with a model line-up that includes the all-new iM five-door hatchback, the all-new iA sports sedan, the iconic xB urban utility vehicle, the tC sports coupe, and the FR-S rear-wheel drive sports car. Scion also appeals to a youthful audience by offering a simple, no-haggle buying experience and by engaging with potential customers in meaningful and creative ways. For more information, visit www.scion.com.

The Dream Team Agency Awarded 2015 NAMIC Excellence in Multicultural Marketing Awards

November 5, 2015

MIAMI, Nov. 5, 2015 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The Dream Team Agency is celebrating another triumph receiving the prestigious 2015 NAMIC Award. The agency was awarded at the 29th Annual NAMIC Conference second place in 2015 NAMIC Excellence in Multicultural Marketing Awards.

The agency was recognized for developing top marketing tactics and/or case studies targeted to multicultural audiences.

“We strive to surpass client expectations as if it was our own business; every project we take on is as if it was our very own; Using an integrated approach, we work in partnership with brand strategists, marketing managers, ad agencies, and sales departments, so that together we can create the perfect plan for our clients. We are the multicultural generation,” expressed Co- founder and Leader on the account Susan Stipcianos.

“We engage in multicultural marketing because we understand our clients desire to be engaged in ways that are relevant and create unique strategies that are authentic and meaningful,” says partner Laura Mejia Cruz.

The NAMIC EMMA is as prestigious as the Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval. In 2014 DTA also won in the same category among other prestigious companies 3rd place national in marketing tactics.

Founded in 1980, the National Association for Multi-ethnicity in Communications (NAMIC) is the premier organization that educates, advocates and empowers multi-ethnic diversity in the communications industry.

Contact
The Dream Team Agency
[email protected]
786 537 2411

www.TheDreamTeamAgency.com

(Español) Dr. Vincent Makhlouf de Magnifica Figura Elegido 2015 Presidente para la Sociedad de Cirujanos Plásticos de Illinois

November 5, 2015

Sorry, this entry is only available in Español.

MassMutual Named 12th Among Top 25 Employee Resource Groups

November 5, 2015

SPRINGFIELD, Massachusetts, Nov. 5, 2015 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual) announced today that its Latino employee resource group (ERG)—Association of Latinos at MassMutual and Allies (ALMMA)—has been recognized on its first attempt as one of 2015’s Top 25 U.S. ERGs and Diversity Councils by the Association of ERGs & Councils, a Prism International, Inc. partner company.

Photo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20151104/284037
Logo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150715/237445LOGO

Named 12^th among over 538 participants, MassMutual is recognized as a company that has demonstrated diversity and inclusion results in their workforce, workplace and marketplace and has emerged as one of the top Latino employers in the country.

“We are proud to see one of our employee resource groups, which are certainly successful internally, getting recognized by this prestigious industry organization, especially to be among so many impressive diversity and inclusion organizations and initiatives from a variety of industries,” said Lorie Valle-Yañez, Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer at MassMutual. “It is an honor to be named among the top organizations setting the standards in diversity and inclusion.”

“We have worked diligently to transition from Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) to Business Employee Resource Groups (BERGs), emphasizing integration and alignment with the company’s strategic objectives,” said Sylena Echevarria, Assistant Vice President, MassMutual Business Strategy & Support and Chair of ALMMA. “This award speaks to the remarkable work being done by the passionate and dedicated members of our ERG, and the difference we are making within our company.”

The ERG & Council Honors Awards recognize and honor contributions and achievements of U.S. Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), Business Resource Groups (BRGs) and Diversity Councils. Through MassMutual’s ALMMA, members promote inclusion among all employees, and provide mentoring, volunteer and development opportunities to employees, while contributing to the company’s strategic business objectives. In addition, the support from top leaders at the company, including ALMMA’s Executive Sponsor, Betsy Ward, EVP, Chief Enterprise risk Officer and Chief Actuary has been instrumental in this process. ALMMA is one of nine different ERGs, all formed to encourage employees with similar backgrounds or interests to contribute to the company’s culture, the community and corporate business strategy.

MassMutual’s holistic approach to diversity and inclusion is demonstrated through its continued expansion of mentorships, early-mid career programs, and scholarship and educational reimbursement programs, as well as community initiatives such as the FutureSmart Challenge, the Career Pathways programs, Junior Achievement, LifeBridge^SM Free Life Insurance Program, and MassMutual Scholars Program, which help provide education and resources to children and families across the U.S.

For more information about MassMutual’s commitment to diversity and inclusion visit MassMutual.com. For information about a career with MassMutual, logon to massmutual.com/careers.

About MassMutual
Founded in 1851, MassMutual is a leading mutual life insurance company that is run for the benefit of its members and participating policyowners. The company has a long history of financial strength and strong performance, and although dividends are not guaranteed, MassMutual has paid dividends to eligible participating policyowners consistently since the 1860s. With whole life insurance as its foundation, MassMutual provides products to help meet the financial needs of clients, such as life insurance, disability income insurance, long term care insurance, retirement/401(k) plan services, and annuities. In addition, the company’s strong and growing network of financial professionals helps clients make good financial decisions for the long-term.

MassMutual Financial Group is a marketing name for Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual) and its affiliated companies and sales representatives. MassMutual is headquartered in Springfield, Massachusetts and its major affiliates include: Babson Capital Management LLC; Baring Asset Management Limited; Cornerstone Real Estate Advisers LLC; The First Mercantile Trust Company; MassMutual International LLC; MML Investors Services, LLC, Member FINRA and SIPC; OppenheimerFunds, Inc.; and The MassMutual Trust Company, FSB.

For more information, visit www.massmutual.com or find MassMutual on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube, Google+ and Pinterest.

CONTACT:	Karen Lavariere-Sanchez
	[email protected]
	413.744.7660

Epica Wines Launches Label Design Contest “Reset Me”

November 5, 2015

NEW YORK, Oct. 27, 2015 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Epica Wines, the adventurous Chilean wine brand that inspires epic lifestyles, invites consumers 21 and older in Chicago, Miami, New York, Ontario and British Columbia, to participate in “Reset Me” a label design contest with a $5,000 cash prize and the chance for the winning design to be featured on limited edition Epica wine bottles. Online submissions will be accepted between now and November 23 and will be evaluated based on creativity, alignment with Epica’s “Good Taste Has No Rules” positioning, and originality. Contest rules and entry method can be found online at www.epicawinescampaings.com.

“Epica is a brand that believes there is no perfect path to follow. Everyone has their own destiny, their own timing and their own vision for what they want to make out of their lives. As a brand, we can relate to those consumers who live life without regrets and seize every moment and opportunity,” said Sebastian Reitze, global marketing manager for Epica Wines. “We are thrilled to offer this opportunity to adult consumers and look forward to seeing how they capture Epica’s essence in their designs.”

Entries will be reviewed by a judging panel comprised of Tulsa Kinney, editor of Artillery magazine; Wayne Brenner, art editor at the Austin Chronicle; Simone Douglas, associate professor and director, MFA, Fine Arts / Art, Media and Technology, Parsons School of Design; Rocío Aranda-Alvarado, curator, El Museo del Barrio; and Sebastian Reitze, global marketing manager for Epica wines.

As part of the launch announcement, Epica wines hosted an event at El Museo del Barrio in New York City on Oct. 15 where consumers, media and artists had an opportunity to meet the brand team, learn about the contest, and enjoy a sampling of Epica’s five varieties.

For more information on “Reset Me” contest, please contact William Bell Murillo or Berenice Gonzales at [email protected].

About Viña San Pedro and VSPT Wine Group
San Pedro is part of VSPT Wine Group, one of the largest exporters of Chilean wine and leader in the premium segment in the Chilean market. All of the Group’s wineries are renowned, producing its own distinctive wines, and they are all great representatives of the best wines that each terroir can produce.

Epica Wines are imported by Shaw-Ross International Importers, LLC, Miramar, FL.

Americans’ Fear Of Fat Is A Roadblock To Understanding How Some Fats Have A Positive Health Benefit

November 5, 2015

Savory Turkey Torta with Spicy Avocado Salsa

MISSION VIEJO, Calif., Nov. 5, 2015 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Studies confirm there is need for more public education on how good nutrition can reduce the risk of heart disease and diabetes, both among the top five leading causes of death of U.S. Hispanics. A survey by the Hass Avocado Board (HAB) reveals that American consumers’ understanding of the difference between good and bad dietary fats is a continual source of confusion and that a troubling number (25%) of respondents admitted they do not really pay attention to this type of information. Further, more than one-third of people inaccurately thought that monounsaturated fats and polyunsaturated fats are bad and should be reduced or eliminated from their diets. To help reverse this trend, Spanish-language outreach is underway to better explain the benefits of good fats like that in fresh avocados and their link to overall health.

“Stop running away from fat! Our bodies need some dietary fat to help with absorption of nutrients and picking the healthier, good fats is a smart choice,” said Sylvia Klinger, MS, R.D. “This misconception that all fat is bad for us leads to a lot of confusion. The truth is that some fats are recognized as ‘good’ while others are considered ‘bad.’ Avocados in a smoothie at breakfast, on top of a salad at lunch or sliced in a torta with leftover holiday turkey contribute naturally good fats to our diet, are a great substitute for foods high in bad fats and do not raise cholesterol levels.”

The HAB study revealed that more than one quarter of participants did not know that foods high in good fats, such as avocados, have been shown to play a beneficial role in heart health, reducing the risk of certain diseases and supporting overall health. Further, nearly half of consumers surveyed incorrectly thought that all fats contributed to increasing cholesterol levels. Good (unsaturated) fats like that found in fresh avocados do not raise LDL (bad) cholesterol and are beneficial when consumed in moderation.

For more information in Spanish on good fats and new Latino-inspired avocado recipes including how to make a Turkey Torta, visit www.SaboreaUnoHoy.com/grasasbuenas

About the Survey
The results are based on a national probability sample of 1,008 telephone interviews among US adults 18 years of age and older in 2014 with a portion of the sample being Hispanic. The margin of error for data based on total sample is plus or minus three percentage points. The survey was conducted by CARAVAN®, an omnibus service of ORC International.

About the Hass Avocado Board
The Hass Avocado Board (HAB) us an agriculture promotion group established in 2002 to promote the consumption of Hass Avocados in the United States. A 12-member board representing domestic producers and importers of Hass Avocados directs HAB’s promotion, research and information programs under supervision of the United States Department of Agriculture. Funding for HAB comes from Hass avocado producers and importers in the United States. To learn more about avocado nutrition visit www.SaboreaUnoHoy.com.

Contact: Vickie Allande-Fite for Hass Avocado Board
[email protected]
(310) 613-0937

Photo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20151104/284119

Autism Speaks And Ad Council Launch New PSAs With 3D And Stop-Motion Animation Inspired By The Story Of A Child With Autism

November 5, 2015

NEW YORK, Nov. 5, 2015 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Autism Speaks – the world’s leading autism science and advocacy organization – today joined the Ad Council and BBDO New York, the long-time volunteer agency for Autism Speaks, to announce the launch of a new series of public service advertisements (PSAs) designed to help parents recognize the early signs of autism and take immediate action. For the first time in the campaign’s history, the new PSAs feature an imaginative world, created using 3D and stop-motion animation, inspired by stories of real children with autism and told from the perspective of a child with autism. The PSAs are an extension of the award-winning “Learn the Signs” campaign, created by BBDO, which has helped significantly increase the percentage of parents who recognize the early warning signs of autism.

Experience the interactive Multimedia News Release here: http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7674151-ad-council-autism-speaks-psa-s-2015/

Autism is one of the fastest-growing serious developmental disorders in the United States. Approximately 1 in 68 children is on the autism spectrum — an increase in prevalence of more than 100 percent in one decade according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Despite its prevalence, research shows that many parents have very little knowledge about the signs of autism and are not seeking help early enough. While there is currently no cure for autism, early detection and intervention can result in critical improvements throughout life. The campaign aims to raise awareness, increase knowledge of the signs of autism and empower parents to take action if their child is not meeting developmental milestones.

“Our ongoing partnership with the Ad Council and BBDO New York has been highly instrumental in raising awareness,” said Liz Feld, president of Autism Speaks. “Parents now know more about autism than ever before, but we must continue to educate them about the vital importance of early identification, diagnosis and intervention. By telling a story from the perspective of a child who is on the spectrum, these new PSAs will not only further educate parents to recognize the early signs and take action, but will also lead to greater understanding of the disorder in the general public.”

The new creative campaign was inspired by a young boy named Jacob and his experiences living with autism, along with interviews conducted with other families affected by it. Jacob didn’t speak until he was 4 years old, which is how the story in the new TV spot begins. By the end, viewers hear Jacob’s voice to show how far he has come in his journey. The animated scenes communicate the signs of autism through metaphors, including lack of eye contact, sensitivity to light, repetitive behavior and delayed speech. The world featured in the campaign was built from scratch, in partnership with Lobo Production, and inspired by elements of the interviews with Jacob. Some of the creatures, for example, are reflections of Jacob’s real toys.

The new TV, radio, print, digital and outdoor ads encourage parents to learn the signs of autism early by visiting autismspeaks.org/signs.

“I’m so proud of the work we’ve done with Autism Speaks and BBDO New York over the last ten years to help raise awareness about the early warning signs of autism and encourage parents to take action when they recognize the signs,” said Lisa Sherman, President and CEO of the Ad Council. “This poignant creative features an imaginative environment with very real experiences that are identifiable and will resonate with parents throughout the country.”

According to the CDC, the average age of diagnosis is 4-5 years, but a reliable autism diagnosis can be made as early as 18-24 months. Research shows that early intervention services improve learning, communication and social skills in young children with autism.

Since the launch of the PSA campaign in 2006, according to the Ad Council’s research, awareness of all of the key signs has increased significantly. They include not socializing, not making eye contact, preoccupation or fixation with objects, no imitation of sounds or facial expressions by 9 months, and no big smiles by 6 months. Additionally, more parents can cite at least one sign of autism unaided (from 40 percent in 2006 vs. 49 percent today). Furthermore, the percentage of parents with young children who’ve spoken to their child’s pediatrician about autism has increased by more than 60 percent.

“Working with the Ad Council and Autism Speaks has been a passion project,” said Bianca Guimaraes, associate creative director at BBDO New York. “The saying ‘If you’ve met one child with autism, you’ve met one child with autism’ says it all. So, we knew we had to convey the individual signs in a way that every parent could recognize and understand.”

Added Mark Anderson, creative director of BBDO New York, “That was one of the reasons why we decided to use animation – to create an open canvas that each parent could imagine their own child in.”

The Ad Council is distributing the new PSAs to more than 33,000 media outlets nationwide this week. The ads will air and run in advertising time and space entirely donated by the media. Since the launch of the campaign nine years ago, media outlets have donated nearly $500 million in time and space. The PSAs have earned numerous awards in the past, including an Effie Award for advertising effectiveness in 2008, a Silver Telly in 2009, a Silver Addy and Gold Ogilvy in 2011.

To learn more about the campaign visit autismspeaks.org/signs.

About Autism
Autism is a general term used to describe a group of complex developmental brain disorders – autism spectrum disorders – caused by a combination of genes and environmental influences. These disorders are characterized, in varying degrees, by communication difficulties, social and behavioral challenges, and repetitive behaviors. An estimated 1 in 68 children in the U.S. is on the autism spectrum.

About Autism Speaks
Autism Speaks is the world’s leading autism science and advocacy organization. It is dedicated to funding research into the causes, prevention, treatments and a cure for autism; increasing awareness of autism spectrum disorders; and advocating for the needs of individuals with autism and their families. Autism Speaks was founded in February 2005 by Suzanne and Bob Wright, the grandparents of a child with autism. Mr. Wright is the former vice chairman of General Electric and chief executive officer of NBC and NBC Universal. Since its inception, Autism Speaks has committed more than $570 million to its mission, the majority in science and medical research. Each year, Walk Now for Autism Speaks events are held in nearly 100 cities across North America. On the global front, Autism Speaks has established partnerships in more than 70 countries on five continents to foster international research, services and awareness. To learn more about Autism Speaks, please visit AutismSpeaks.org.

About the Ad Council
The Ad Council has a rich history of marshaling volunteer talent from the advertising and media industries to deliver critical messages to the American public. Having produced literally thousands of PSA campaigns addressing the most pressing social issues of the day, the Ad Council has affected, and continues to effect, tremendous positive change by raising awareness, inspiring action and saving lives. To learn more about the Ad Council and its campaigns, visit www.adcouncil.org, like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or view our PSAs on YouTube.

About BBDO
BBDO’s mantra is “The Work. The Work. The Work.” Every day, BBDO people in 289 offices in 81 countries work day by day, job by job and client by client to create and deliver the world’s most compelling commercial content. For seven years in a row, BBDO has been the most creative agency network in the world in The Gunn Report and for the past six years, BBDO has also been ranked the most awarded agency network across all marketing communications in The Directory Big Won. In addition, BBDO has been named Network of the Year at Cannes five times and was named the world’s most Effective Agency Network in the inaugural Effie Effectiveness Index. BBDO has been chosen Agency of the Year multiple times by the leading industry trade publications.

Business Gets Stark Naked for a Good Cause

November 5, 2015

IRVINE, California, Nov. 4, 2015 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — “There’s a part of me that can’t believe I actually did it—well, ok, most of me,” states Dianne Ippolito, a Stark client for over four years and a Working Wardrobes’ board member. “I love what Stark has done for me, and I love what Working Wardrobes stands for. I thought, these are two great organizations with shared values and a passion for giving…why not bring them together to support a great cause.”

Photo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20151102/283002

Ippolito confides that she didn’t actually take all of her clothes off in front of the camera, but she is visibly nervous, having never done anything like showing off her body for a camera. In fact, with the exception of a couple of Stark’s staff, there are no professionals in the group—professional models, that is. Stark clients are made up of some of the most influential business leaders in Orange County; mostly CEO’s and entrepreneurs.

“Asking them [clients] to go through the process of a fitness model for a photo shoot with the end game being an actual photo shoot, gave me some funny responses like nervous laughter, resounding ‘no’s,’ and ‘you’ve got to be kidding,” says Todd Vande Hei, Co-Founder and President. “When I threw in the word ‘Naked,’ that’s when most backed out.” Vande Hei states that he was the only one to go naked in the first competition, then a couple in the second, then a few in the next. This time, depending on the pictures selected by the contestants, there may be many more.

This is the fourth Stark Naked Challenge, but the first with Working Wardrobes. Vande Hei and the Stark Team are passionate about the charity’s mission of getting men, women, young adults and Veterans back to work, with dignity.

“Partnering with Stark has been a wonderful experience,” states Jerri Rosen, Founder and CEO of Working Wardrobes. We so appreciate companies, and board members like Dianne Ippolito, that go beyond the limit to help us support people who are facing the difficult challenges that our clients are going through. To bring humor, fun and the absence of clothing (!) to the opportunity to raise money for us is fantastic. We look for to an ongoing partnership with Stark and their very generous and well-toned clients.”

This year’s challenge includes twenty clients whose pictures will be posted here for voting: http://StarkNakedChallenge.com. The images won’t be ready until Mid-November, with the contest running for three weeks. The winner will be calculated with points earned in three categories: peer votes, public votes, and funds raised for Working Wardrobes, with the images linked to a site for donations. It’s like getting sponsored for a charity walk or a run, but instead it’s a three-month, hard-core diet and training regimen to prepare you for a photo shoot.

To kick off the contest, Stark is holding a party called “Stark After Dark” on November 6^th at 7 PM, at the businesses location: 17524 Von Karman Avenue, Irvine. The media is invited and can RSVP here: http://evite.me/B4W6rEknk7. There will be food, drinks, and maybe even a naked guitar player.

March Of Dimes Premature Birth Report Card Grades Cities, Counties; Focuses On Racial And Ethnic Disparities

November 5, 2015

WHITE PLAINS, New York, Nov. 5, 2015 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Portland, Oregon has the best preterm birth rate of the top 100 cities with the most births nationwide, while Shreveport, Louisiana has the worst, according to the 2015 March of Dimes Premature Birth Report Card, which for the first time graded cities and counties around the nation and revealed persistent racial, ethnic and geographic disparities within states.

Experience the interactive Multimedia News Release here: http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7653351-march-of-dimes-premature-birth-report/

The U.S. preterm birth rate ranks among the worst of high-resource countries, the March of Dimes says. Worldwide, 15 million babies are born preterm, and nearly one million die due to early birth or its complications. Babies who survive an early birth often face serious and lifelong health problems, including breathing problems, jaundice, vision loss, cerebral palsy and intellectual delays.

Portland’s preterm birth rate was 7.2 percent, earning that city an “A” on the report card and Shreveport got an “F” for its 18.8 percent rate in 2013, the most recent year statistics were available for large cities.

The United States earned a “C” on the 8^th annual report card with a preterm birth rate of 9.6 percent in 2014, according to the National Center for Health Statistics. The nation met the March of Dimes 2020 goal early, avoiding thousands of early births and saving millions in health care costs, the organization’s leaders said. The March of Dimes also announced a new goal for the nation to lower the preterm birth rate to 8.1 percent of live births by 2020.

Despite the long term trend of better rates, premature birth is the leading cause of infant death and the number one killer of babies; and, within states, serious gaps exist among racial and ethnic groups, as well as between communities, the March of Dimes says.

“Reaching our goal ahead of schedule is progress, but it is not victory — our work is far from done,” said Dr. Jennifer L. Howse, president of the March of Dimes. “As our new list of city preterm birth rates highlights, many areas of the country, and tens of thousands of families, are not sharing in this success. No baby should have to battle the health consequences of an early birth. All babies, everywhere deserve a healthy start in in life.”

The 2015 Premature Birth Report Card provides rates and grades for major cities or counties in each state, and Puerto Rico. It also provides preterm birth rates by race and ethnicity for each state and applies a disparity index that ranks states.

Maine ranked first on the disparity index with the smallest gaps among racial and ethnic groups in its preterm birth rate, while the District of Columbia had the largest gaps.

Idaho, Oregon, Vermont and Washington earned “As,” 19 states received a “B,” 18 states and the District of Columbia got a “C,” six others a “D,” and Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi and Puerto Rico received an “F.”

In addition to Portland, Oxnard, California; St. Paul, Minnesota; and Seattle, Washington are the only other cities that earned “As” on the national report card.

The March of Dimes says progress in the US preterm birth rate came through bold leadership and the implementation of programs and policies by state and local health departments, hospitals and health care providers. Also, a more accurate method of measuring pregnancy length recently was adopted by the National Center for Health Statistics. The new measurement already is used by most other high-resource countries.

The March of Dimes says it recognizes that continued research to identify new medical advances to prevent preterm birth is necessary in order to reach the new goal. The March of Dimes is raising $75 million to support a nationwide network of five cutting-edge, team-based research centers seeking to find the unknown causes of preterm birth and ways to prevent it.

The March of Dimes Board of Trustees set a new goal to lower the national preterm birth rate to 8.1 percent by 2020 and to 5.5 percent by 2030. Reaching the March of Dimes 2020 goal of 8.1 will mean that 210,000 fewer babies will be born preterm and achieving the 2030 goal will mean 1.3 million fewer babies will be born preterm saving about $70 billion, the March of Dimes estimates.

“This aggressive goal can be achieved by increasing best practices in preconception and pregnancy care, wider use of proven interventions such as progesterone and birth spacing, and funding discovery research through our research centers,” Dr. Howse says.

The March of Dimes Prematurity Campaign is guided by a Steering Committee of six leadership organizations. In addition to the March of Dimes, members include: the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP); the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG); the Association of Maternal and Child Health Programs (AMCHP); the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO); the Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric & Neonatal Nurses (AWHONN); and the National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO).

November is Prematurity Awareness Month. World Prematurity Day (WPD) will be observed on November 17 by the March of Dimes along with partner organizations worldwide. Activities in honor of WPD are expected in about 100 countries. Also on Nov. 17, the Empire State Building in New York City will be shining in purple light to symbolize hope for a healthy start for more babies.

The March of Dimes works to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality. The March of Dimes is the leading nonprofit organization for pregnancy and baby health. For the latest resources and information, visit marchofdimes.org or nacersano.org. Find us on Facebook and Twitter.

Logo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150409/197662LOGO

FIBRA Prologis Acquires 1.1 Million Square Foot Rail-Served Distribution Facility

November 4, 2015

MEXICO CITY, Nov. 4, 2015 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — FIBRA Prologis (BMV: FIBRAPL14), the leading owner and operator of Class-A industrial real estate in Mexico, today announced the acquisition of a fully occupied 1,093,000 square foot rail-served distribution facility in the Cuautitlan-Izcalli submarket of Mexico City for a total investment of US$14.1 million, including closing costs.

The intermodal facility was developed by sponsor Prologis.

“This acquisition brings great strategic value to our existing portfolio in Mexico City,” said Luis Gutierrez, CEO, Prologis Mexico. “Mexico City is a land-constrained market, with only a few intermodal terminals serving the city, and the volume of consumer goods transported by rail has been increasing significantly.”

As of September 30, 2015, FIBRA Prologis owns approximately 10.4 million square feet of logistics and distribution space in its Mexico City market.

ABOUT FIBRA PROLOGIS
FIBRA Prologis is the leading owner and operator of Class-A industrial real estate in Mexico. As of September 30, 2015, FIBRA Prologis comprised 185 logistics and manufacturing facilities in six industrial markets in Mexico totaling 31.6 million square feet (2.9 million square meters) of gross leasable area.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
The statements in this release that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on current expectations, estimates and projections about the industry and markets in which FIBRA Prologis operates, management’s beliefs and assumptions made by management. Such statements involve uncertainties that could significantly impact FIBRA Prologis financial results. Words such as “expects,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “seeks,” “estimates,” variations of such words and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements, which generally are not historical in nature. All statements that address operating performance, events or developments that we expect or anticipate will occur in the future — including statements relating to rent and occupancy growth, acquisition activity, development activity, disposition activity, general conditions in the geographic areas where we operate, our debt and financial position, are forward-looking statements. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Although we believe the expectations reflected in any forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, we can give no assurance that our expectations will be attained and therefore, actual outcomes and results may differ materially from what is expressed or forecasted in such forward-looking statements. Some of the factors that may affect outcomes and results include, but are not limited to: (i) national, international, regional and local economic climates, (ii) changes in financial markets, interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates, (iii) increased or unanticipated competition for our properties, (iv) risks associated with acquisitions, dispositions and development of properties, (v) maintenance of real estate investment trust (“FIBRA”) status and tax structuring, (vi) availability of financing and capital, the levels of debt that we maintain and our credit ratings, (vii) risks related to our investments (viii) environmental uncertainties, including risks of natural disasters, and (ix) those additional factors discussed in reports filed with the “Comisión Nacional Bancaria y de Valores” and the Mexican Stock Exchange by FIBRA Prologis under the heading “Risk Factors.” FIBRA Prologis undertakes no duty to update any forward-looking statements appearing in this release.

Non-Solicitation – Any securities discussed herein or in the accompanying presentations, if any, have not been registered under the Securities Act of 1933 or the securities laws of any state and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements under the Securities Act and any applicable state securities laws. Any such announcement does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy the securities discussed herein or in the presentations, if and as applicable.

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