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Live Nation Entertainment Continues Global Expansion: Forms Live Nation Concerts Germany With Marek Lieberberg, Germany’s Leading Concert Promoter

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Live Nation Entertainment Continues Global Expansion: Forms Live Nation Concerts Germany With Marek Lieberberg, Germany’s Leading Concert Promoter

– Live Nation Concerts Germany to Become Top Promoter in Germany, Expands Ticketmaster Inventory in #2 Music Market in Europe –


LOS ANGELES, Aug. 3, 2015 /PRNewswire HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Marking a key expansion for the company, Live Nation Entertainment (NYSE: LYV) has formed Live Nation Concerts Germany with German concert promoter Marek Lieberberg to promote concerts and festivals in Germany, Austria and Switzerland beginning Jan. 1, 2016.

As the fifth largest promoter in the world, Marek Lieberberg will add over 700 shows and more than 2 million fans to Live Nation’s platform of over 23,000 shows for 60 million fans, across more than 40 countries. Ticketmaster Germany will serve as the lead ticketing company, adding over 2 million tickets to its inventory. Under the terms of the deal, Marek Lieberberg will be chief executive officer of Live Nation Concerts Germany and Andre Lieberberg will serve as president.

“I have worked with Marek and Andre for over 20 years, and they are clearly among the top promoters in the world. Having them lead Live Nation’s concert business for Germany is an ideal fit, and continuing to build on our global scale in concerts provides our sponsors with increased access to fans in an important European market while adding millions of tickets to our Ticketmaster inventory,” said Live Nation Entertainment President and CEO, Michael Rapino.

“Becoming a part of Live Nation is the dream of every promoter,” said Marek Lieberberg. “Gaining access to Live Nation’s concert platform and sponsorship team will take our business to another level, and accessing Ticketmaster’s leading technology will enable us to reach more fans and provide them with a unique service.”

Marek Lieberberg has more than 45 years of experience in concert promotion and creating the leading festivals in Germany. He has worked with Live Nation in the past to promote tours including Justin Timberlake, Rihanna, U2 and Madonna, and on his own has worked with Depeche Mode, Metallica, Bruce Springsteen, Michael Bublé, Coldplay, Queen and Celine Dion.

About Live Nation Entertainment
Live Nation Entertainment (NYSE: LYV) is the world’s leading live entertainment company comprised of global market leaders: Ticketmaster, Live Nation Concerts, Live Nation Media & Sponsorship and Artist Nation Management. For additional information, visit www.livenationentertainment.com.


(Español) La lactancia materna en público es vista como ‘algo completamente natural’ por más de dos tercios de las madres en los Estados Unidos

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Actitudes y Comportamientos ante la Lactancia Materna en los Estados Unidos
Actitudes y Comportamientos ante la Lactancia Materna en los Estados Unidos

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Rahal, Honda Master Mid-Ohio

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Honda Racing HPD Logo






Rahal, Honda Master Mid-Ohio

– Popular victory for hometown hero at the Honda Indy 200

– Second win of 2015 puts Rahal within nine points of series championship lead

– Justin Wilson completes a 1-2 result for Honda


LEXINGTON, Ohio, Aug. 2, 2015 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Graham Rahal drove a flawless race and his Rahal Letterman Lanigan team employed perfect pit strategy to win Sunday’s Honda Indy 200 at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course. Rahal’s second IndyCar Series victory of 2015 moves him to within nine points of leader Juan Pablo Montoya in the battle for the drivers’ championship, with two races remaining.

Photo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150802/254065
Logo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140312/LA82397LOGO-a

Making his fifth start of the season, Justin Wilson finished second for Andretti Autosport to give Honda a 1-2 finish at its “home” circuit, in front of some 15,000 Honda associates from more than a half-dozen manufacturing plants and support facilities in central and western Ohio among the large crowd in attendance.

Pit strategy played an important role in Sunday’s 90-lap contest on the hilly, 2.258-mile Mid-Ohio circuit, as an early caution on Lap 21 resulted in the field splitting into two groups. Those who elected to pit during the caution – 12 of the 24-car starting field, including both Rahal and Wilson – put themselves in contention for the victory.

On Lap 68, just after this group made its third and final stop of the race, the caution flag waved for the second time. With their pit stops already complete, Rahal, Wilson, Simon Pagenaud and Scott Dixon, among others, were positioned at the front of the field when the green waved again on Lap 69.

At the head of the pack, Rahal succeeded in maintaining his advantage, while Wilson held off Pagenaud for second. Rahal again held off an attack from Wilson following a brief caution flag with just ten laps remaining, then pulled away to a 3.4-second margin of victory at the checkers.

In addition to claiming the top two steps of the victory podium, Honda drivers also finished sixth through tenth to dominate the top of the Mid-Ohio box score. Tristan Vautier had his best result of 2015 to finish sixth, followed by Iowa race winner Ryan Hunter-Reay, seventh, Jack Hawksworth in eighth, Detroit victor Carlos Munoz, ninth, and Marco Andretti rounding out the top 10.

Video recaps from Honda’s IndyCar Series victory and this weekend’s Acura Pirelli World Challenge action at Mid-Ohio are being posted on the “Honda Racing/HPD” YouTube channel. Produced by the Carolinas Production Group, the video packages can be found in the 2015 HPD Trackside Video Playlist at: https://www.youtube.com/HondaRacingHPDTV.

The Verizon IndyCar Series now takes two weeks off before heading to Pocono Raceway in eastern Pennsylvania for the penultimate race in the 2015 championship and final round in the “triple crown” of 500-mile races: the Pocono IndyCar 500 on Sunday, August 23.

Verizon IndyCar Series Drivers’ Championship (after 14 of 16 rounds):

1. Juan Pablo Montoya

465 points (2 wins)  

6. Sebastien Bourdais  

379 (2 wins)

2. Graham Rahal

456 (2 wins)        

7. Marco Andretti               

378

3. Scott Dixon

431 (2 wins)   

8. Josef Newgarden    

370 (2 wins)

4. Helio Castroneves

407

9. Tony Kanaan            

354

5. Will Power

406 (1 win)       

10. Simon Pagenaud      

329

Manufacturers

1. Chevrolet         

1,209 (9 wins)

2. Honda             

1,029 (5 wins)

Graham Rahal (#15 Rahal Letterman Lanigan Honda) started 13th, finished 1st, his 2nd IndyCar Series victory of 2015 and 3rd career win: “This is a special day for my team and for Honda. Honestly, [even] if I’d won a lot of races in my career – but I never won this one – I think I’d be pretty disappointed. To win this one, you have no idea what it means to our family. For the Rahals, this track has been pretty special to us for so, so many years. It’s funny how this whole thing has come together: I’ve got the [Ohio State University] “buckeye” helmet, this is all amazing. I didn’t have any push-to-passes left on that last restart, so I was pretty nervous that [Justin] Wilson might get me. But the car was awesome, I was able to just absolutely gap anyone I needed to at the end.”

Justin Wilson (#25 Andretti Autosport Honda) started 14th, finished 2nd: “”It feels great to get a second place. I was pushing like hell to try and get past Graham [Rahal] on that [final, Lap 83] restart. I knew I couldn’t lean on him or bang wheels with him – he’s a Honda driver going for the championship, so that was in the back of my mind. At the same time I wanted to push him as hard as I could, make him honest and make him earn it. He did a fantastic job today. I had one more push-to-pass left, but Graham was too quick – all the credit to him today because he was on fire. We pushed as hard as we could. I have to thank everyone at Andretti Autosport and Honda for all the work they’ve done. I’m pleased to get Honda a 1-2 finish at its home track.”

Art St. Cyr (President, Honda Performance Development) on today’s victory at Mid-Ohio: “Today was a great day for Honda. With this being Honda’s “home” track, it’s always gratifying to win here in front of so many Honda associates. Congratulations to Graham, Bobby and the rest of the Rahal Letterman Lanigan team on their second victory of the season and heading into Pocono with some serious momentum. The team and everyone at HPD are working hard to continue our fight for the championship.”



Tecate Wraps Up Summer of Soccer With Two-Day Event Beginning With A Fan Fest And Ending With Chivas Del Guadalajara Taking On Club Leon

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Tecate Wraps Up Summer of Soccer With Two-Day Event Beginning With A Fan Fest And Ending With Chivas Del Guadalajara Taking On Club Leon

Two-Day Event to Serve as Celebration of the Brand’s Mexican-American Audience


NEW YORK, July 31, 2015 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Today, Tecate announced the conclusion to its summer of soccer – a two-day event honoring its Mexican-American consumers through fan-fueled activities and one of the hottest soccer matches of the summer. The event, which is a part of Tecate’s sports engagement platform, dubbed, “Taste of Triumph,” begins with the fan fest on Friday, September 4th and wraps up with Tecate-sponsored Chivas Del Guadalajara facing off against Club Leon on Saturday, September 5th at 7:30pm from the StubHub Center in Carson, CA.

Logo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150707/232336LOGO

To further celebrate the fluid duality in which Mexican-Americans move between their Mexican and American worlds, Tecate has strategically timed the two-day event to take place during the Labor Day weekend and just ahead of Mexican Independence Day (September 16th) – two significant moments for each culture.

“From great tasting, full-flavored beers to sports such as soccer and boxing, we know what our audience loves, and deliver products and experiences that immerse our consumers 21 and older in these passions,” said Gustavo Guerra, brand director for Tecate. “This two-day celebration with Chivas is our way of saying thank you to our loyal audience, while paying homage to their Mexican-American heritage.”

This match-up between Chivas and Club Leon is the fifth and final soccer preseason game brought to consumers by Tecate this summer. Others included Chivas matches against Club Atlas, Club Pachuca and Rayados de Monterrey. Tickets for this upcoming game, which will be organized and produced by Pazzo Sports, will be available from noon PDT today here.

For additional details on Tecate’s “Taste of Triumph,” the sponsorship of the Chivas del Guadalajara, or to speak with a Tecate representative about the brand’s support of soccer, please contact BRAYA US at [email protected].

About HEINEKEN USA
HEINEKEN USA Inc., the nation’s premier beer importer, is a subsidiary of Heineken International BV, which is the world’s most international brewer. European brands imported into the U.S. include Heineken Lager, the world’s most international beer brand; Heineken Light; Amstel Light, a leading imported light beer brand; Newcastle Brown Ale, the leading imported ale in the United States; and Buckler non-alcoholic brew. HEINEKEN USA is also the exclusive USA importer for the Tecate Franchise, Dos Equis Franchise, Sol, Indio, Carta Blanca and Bohemia brands from Mexico. For a safe ride home, download the HEINEKEN USA -sponsored Taxi Magic™ application from your smartphone at taximagic.heineken.com. Please visit www.EnjoyHeinekenResponsibly.com.

About Chivas
Club Deportivo Guadalajara was born in 1906, when a group of friends met in one of the most important stores, “Perla de Occidente,” (Pearl of the West). Their employees created a soccer team sponsored by the store owners. Headed by Belgian, Edgar Everaert, Mexicans, Belgians and Frenchs were brought together, and named their team “Union Club,” and two years later “Club Guadalajara.”

On October 21st 1943, Guadalajara makes their debut in professional soccer, winning 4-1 to the Atlante in the capital of the Republic. Since its inceptions, Chivas decided to implement the policy of admitting only Mexicans players in their ranks, and today, is the most beloved team in Mexico, with more fans and titles in the national territory, in addition to being the most important team in Mexico.

Chivas, is the most winning team in the history of Mexican soccer.

* 11 League titles: 1956-1957, 1958-1959, 1959-1960, 1960-1961, 1961-1962, 1963-1964, 1964-1965, 1969-1970, 1986-1987, Summer of 1997, and 2006 opening.

* 7 Champion of Champions 1957, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1964, 1965, 1970.

* 2 Cup titles in 1963 and 1970.

* 4 Cups of gold in the West.

* 3 International Pentagonals.

* 3 CONCACAF championships.

* 5 Individual Champions Scorer, Adalberto “Dumbo” Lopez, (1953-1954) Crescenzio Gutierrez (1956-1957), El Salvador Reyes (1961-1962), Omar Bravo (Closing 2007) and Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez with 10 goals (Bicentennial Closing 2010).

On October 30th, 2002, Jorge Vergara acquires Chivas, which meant a generational change in the way of leading a soccer team. Currently, Chivas consists almost in its majority by elements that have emerged from their basic forces, in addition to being the best quarry in Mexican soccer.

The achievements in the Vergara era include, the Runner Up Spot Closing 2004, Copa Libertadores Semifinalist 2005, Copa Libertadores Semifinalist 2006, Champion Opening 2006, Champions Cup Runner-up CONCACAF 2007, Finalist Copa Sudamericana 2008, Champion of the Interliga 2009, Runner-up of the Copa Libertadores 2010, new Record of Eight Games Won consecutively at the start of a championship, achieved in the Bicentennial Closing Tournament 2010. Chivas is the base of national selections with an age limit, as well as the Seleccion Mayor or Greater League.


(Español) 10 consejos para el regreso a clases

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Afrojack comes to Aruba for the first time

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Afrojack comes to Aruba for the first time


ORANJESTAD, Aruba, July 30, 2015 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The rumors are true! Nick Leonardus van de Wall, commonly known by his stage name Afrojack, is set to perform at the third edition of Electric Festival amongst NERVO and Loco Dice Labor Day weekend. The DJ and producer performs at the main stage at the APA Arena in Oranjestad, Aruba.

Photo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150730/250883
Photo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150730/250885
Photo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150730/250886

The Twins Maurice and Karim Neme, Entrepreneurs and Founder of Electric Festival, are proud to organize the third edition in conjunction with the Aruba Tourism Authority and Amsterdam Dance Event.

From Thursday, Sept. 3rd to Sunday, Sept. 6th, Aruba opens its gates for the electronic music industry and showcases for the world. The four day event will feature top international DJs as well as ADE Global Sessions. Tickets and travel packages are available at http://www.electricfestival.com/tickets.

Grammy award winning DJ and producer, Afrojack, is one of the most influential names in electronic dance music today. At only 27, he has played a large role in the worldwide explosion and popularity of dance music with The Hollywood Reporter calling him “a global icon” set “to conquer the world” and in 2014, Forbes placed him at #6 on its annual list of ‘The World’s Highest Paid DJs.’ A talented producer and artist, Afrojack is versatile and creative with his sound whether creating club hits or producing and remixing for the likes of Beyonce, Pitbull or Madonna. Afrojack is adept at shifting between genres and playing with his sound and it’s easy to see why his skills are some of the most sought after in the world. Nick also won an EBBA Award (a BUMA Initiative) in his home country, the Netherlands.

Given Afrojack’s immense popularity and influence on the music industry it is no surprise that many corporate brands have flocked to him for brand partnerships. Afrojack recently announced a partnership with globally celebrated fashion label ‘G-Star Raw’ for his own line of Afrojack inspired designs sold worldwide. He recently released his second capsule collection with the brand, after his first collection sold out in only 48 hours. He was also sought out by leading gaming company, Razer, to be a brand consultant on the development of its future products. Further, Nick’s single, ‘Ten Feet Tall,’ premiered as a part of Bud Light’s newest commercial during the 2014 Superbowl. He continues to collaborate with some of the world’s most legendary music artists, including his most recent appearance on “Good Morning America” with world renowned music artist Sting.

Afrojack has built a global brand that is recognized for influencing attitudes and championing new levels of change for the music world. It is clear from his exponential growth that there is no stopping him and at only 27 years old, this is just the beginning; now he touches Electric Festival for the very first time.

The first two editions of Electric Festival were attended by more than 15,000 people in both 2013 and 2014. With artists and speakers such as Chus & Ceballos, Dave Clarke, DJ Chuckie, Erick Morillo, Fellow, Knife Party, Lil John, Loco Dice, Maarten Vorwerk, Mike Henderson (ENDO), Nicole Moudaber,, Nutzbeatz, No Eat No Sleep, Partai, REVOLT TV, Slash, Stacey Pullen and many others.

Visitors in previous years came not only from neighboring ABC Islands, a strong following from the U.S., Venezuela, and Europe emerged.

With the addition of prominent new speakers and program items, Amsterdam Dance Event’s global touring platform, ADE Global Sessions, is also shaping its Aruba lineup for this year. During ADE Global Sessions Aruba there will be a host of exclusive industry meetings, strategy sessions, top notch Q&A’s, pop-up parties and more alongside Electric Festival.

The program of ADE Global Sessions Aruba focuses on the exploding electronic dance music market in the Latin American and Caribbean region. Exclusive business gatherings include an interactive series of powerful talks on the rise of electronic music festivals in the region with Leizer Guss (OCESA/EDC Mexico), Rodrigo Frutos (The Bullitt Agency) and Edo van Duijn (SFX South America) and Industry Inside: Spot on Latin America, with Brandon Bakshi (BMI) talking to Luis Estrada (Aftercluv Dancelab/Universal Music Latin Entertainment) about industry trends, sounds, possibilities and future visions for electronic dance music in and from the Latin American region. 

With a diverse program that offers opportunities for a new generation, Aruba wants to get back in the driver’s seat and be the number one destination amongst millennials and attract not only with its flamingos, crystal clear waters and sandy beaches.


(Español) La Ciudad de San Antonio fortalece su posición financiera y ahorra a contribuyentes millones de dólares con venta de bonos y refinanciación

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NBC UNIVERSO and mitu Partner to Bring Latino Millennials Exclusive Content Highlighting the Best Ways to Enjoy Summer

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NBC UNIVERSO and mitu Partner to Bring Latino Millennials Exclusive Content Highlighting the Best Ways to Enjoy Summer

Available on TV, Online, Mobile Platforms and Video-on-Demand, “Vive el Verano” Series of Short-Form Videos to Launch Across NBC UNIVERSO and mitú Platforms Beginning Sat., Aug. 1


MIAMI, July 30, 2015 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — NBC UNIVERSO, the modern sports and entertainment cable channel for Latinos, announced a new partnership with mitú, the technology-driven media brand comprised of the world’s largest group of Latino digital content creators and social media influencers, to develop and air exclusive summer-themed cross-platform content geared towards Latino millennial audiences.

“Vive el Verano” is a series of fun, quick-hitting clips produced by mitú and stars some of its popular talent, including El Guzii, Maiah Ocando, Luan Palomera, Luisito Comunica, and Oh Em Gee It’s Eddie G., whose combined audience spans in the millions and across all major social media platforms. The topics include do-it-yourself summer hacks relevant to young Latinos, such as electronics, must-have summer apps, fun backyard and pool ideas, savory and sweet grilling recipes and outdoor entertaining tips.

The segments will air on NBC UNIVERSO during weekend afternoons beginning Sat., Aug. 1, through Labor Day weekend – the unofficial end of summer – and also air across all of the company’s platforms on Video on Demand, on the NBC UNIVERSO NOW app, online at www.nbcuniverso.com, NBC UNIVERSO’s YouTube channel, and its Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages. Also online, viewers can find photos and bios of mitú’s talent as well as additional entertaining vignettes. Complementing digital content and social experiences will live across mitú’s social and digital properties, reaching young Latinos on whatever platform they are.

“The strong combination of relevant, fun, short-form content on NBC UNIVERSO platforms, and mitú’s popularity and reach, will resonate with Latino millennials, many of whom have grown up with our network,” said Bilai Joa Silar, Senior Vice President, Programming & Production, NBC UNIVERSO. “We’re excited to bring this exclusive, timely offering aimed at younger Latinos across all of our traditional and digital platforms.”

Beatriz Acevedo, President, mitú, said, “mitú is proud to be a part of NBC UNIVERSO’s exciting evolution, and multi-platform content offering that the network is now delivering to its audience. As the voice of today’s Latino millennials, we love the opportunity to highlight some of our talent and content by partnering with NBC UNIVERSO to feature our summer-themed programming #ViveElVerano.”

For more information on “Vive el Verano,” please visit www.nbcuniverso.com/viveelverano. To find NBC UNIVERSO on your channel guide, please visit http://www.nbcuniverso.com/encuentra.

About NBC UNIVERSO:
NBC UNIVERSO (www.nbcuniverso.com) is a modern sports and entertainment cable channel for Latinos, bringing the world’s top sports franchises and edgy programming to more than 40 million households in the U.S. As one of the most widely available modern cable channels for U.S. Latinos, NBC UNIVERSO delivers a thrilling mix of exclusive sports action – including FIFA World Cup™, Liga MX, Premier League, NASCAR Mexico Series, NFL and The 2016 Rio Olympics – along with signature series, blockbuster movies, music, must-see live events and strategic acquisitions, on TV, online and mobile devices. NBC UNIVERSO is part of Hispanic Enterprises and Content, a division of NBCUniversal (www.nbcuniversal.com), one of the world’s leading media and entertainment companies. NBCUniversal is a subsidiary of Comcast Corporation (www.comcastcorporation.com). To find the NBC UNIVERSO channel number in your area, please visit www.nbcuniverso.com/encuentralo.

About Mitú:
mitú is a technology-driven media brand focused on creating fresh and innovative content for the mobile generation. Its network is comprised of the largest group of Latino digital content creators and social media influencers. With a global audience of more than 100 million, mitú provides an unparalleled solution for content creators, brands, and content buyers looking to reach global Latino millennial audiences through high-quality cross-platform programming in English, Spanish and Portuguese. Current partners include Discovery Familia, AOL, and Disney’s Maker Studios among many others. mitú is headquartered in Santa Monica, CA, and has operations in Miami, Baja California, Mexico City & Bogota. For more information, please visit www.mitúnetwork.com

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@NBCUNIVERSO @NBCUNIVERSOPR


Video Presentation of ETS’s 15th William H. Angoff Memorial Lecture Now Available

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Video Presentation of ETS’s 15th William H. Angoff Memorial Lecture Now Available

Dr. Brian Gong Discusses Evaluating the Quality of Accountability Systems 


PRINCETON, N.J., July 30, 2015 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — A video presentation of the 15th William H. Angoff Memorial Lecture, “Evaluating the Quality of Accountability Systems: Beyond Reliability and Validity,” is now available for viewing from Educational Testing Service (ETS). The lecture was delivered in April by Dr. Brian Gong of the National Center for the Improvement of Educational Assessment.

Logo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120110/DC33419LOGO

A full-length video (Flash, 1 hr. 26 min. 21 sec.) of the lecture is available as well as a short video interview (Flash, 10 min. 1 sec.) in which Dr. Gong talks about accountability systems, their impact and their consequences.

During his presentation at the National Press Club earlier this year, Dr. Gong discussed how the evaluation of accountability systems, including school accountability and educator evaluation, should be treated separately from the evaluation of achievement testing.

“The essential question I am interested in,” Gong said, “is, how can we tell whether an accountability system is good? Or more generally, how should we evaluate the quality of accountability systems? Evaluating them is inextricably tied to the questions we ask about accountability systems, and the procedures and evidence we use to answer those questions.”

In the video, Gong notes that it is becoming increasingly common for student assessment results to be applied in the process of evaluating schools, districts and teachers. “If this is the case, then it is important to consider not only the reliability and validity of student assessments, but also the system of evaluations made on their basis.”

“Many people assume that the same means of evaluating the quality of assessment instruments apply to accountability systems. I believe that valid and reliable assessments do not guarantee high-quality accountability systems. Evaluation of the quality of accountability systems should go beyond checking whether the assessments are valid and reliable,” Gong said.

In the video, he explains that accountability scores and decisions have their own characteristics regarding reliability and validity, and do not automatically inherit attributes of reliability or validity from the assessments upon which they are based. For example, he said, it is possible to have accountability decisions that are quite unreliable, even though the assessments out of which they are constructed are quite reliable. Similarly, he added, it is possible to have highly invalid accountability scores and decisions built upon valid assessments.

“ETS is pleased to offer the video of this insightful and informative lecture by one of our nation’s top educational researchers,” says Ida Lawrence, ETS Senior Vice President of Research and Development. “Dr. Gong’s lecture gives direction and focus to the challenge of designing accountability systems that are intended to inform public education policy. He makes it clear that, while quality assessments can be an important tool in improving schools, we also need good data and solid research to guide how we use data from assessments.” 

About the Lecture Series

The Angoff Lecture Series was established in 1994 to honor the life and work of William H. Angoff, an ETS research scientist who distinguished himself as a prominent contributor in the field of educational measurement in more than 40 years at ETS. During that time, Angoff authored some of the classic publications on psychometrics, including the definitive text “Scales, Norms, and Equivalent Scores,” which appeared in Robert L. Thorndike’s Educational Measurement (2nd edition). The lecture series honors Angoff’s legacy by encouraging and supporting the relatively nontechnical discussion of public interest issues related to educational measurement.

About ETS
At ETS, we advance quality and equity in education for people worldwide by creating assessments based on rigorous research. ETS serves individuals, educational institutions and government agencies by providing customized solutions for teacher certification, English language learning, and elementary, secondary and postsecondary education, and by conducting education research, analysis and policy studies. Founded as a nonprofit in 1947, ETS develops, administers and scores more than 60 million tests annually — including the TOEFL® and TOEIC® tests, the GRE® tests and The Praxis Series® assessments — in more than 180 countries, at over 9,000 locations worldwide. www.ets.org

 

 


City of San Antonio strengthens its financial position, saves taxpayers millions of dollars with bond sale and refinancing

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City of San Antonio strengthens its financial position, saves taxpayers millions of dollars with bond sale and refinancing

‘AAA’ bond rating reaffirmed for the sixth consecutive year


SAN ANTONIO, July 30, 2015 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The City of San Antonio has strengthened its financial position after having its ‘AAA’ general obligation bond rating reaffirmed by the three major bond rating agencies – Standard and Poor’s, Fitch and Moody’s – for the sixth straight year. Moody’s, which had the City on negative outlook last year, revised its outlook to stable, citing “strong financial results guided by an experienced management team.” San Antonio is the only major city with a population of more than one million to have a ‘AAA’ bond rating from any one of the major rating agencies.

Photo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150730/250831

“It’s important for residents to know that the City has maintained the highest possible credit rating and is completing more than $1 billion in neighborhood projects (through the 2007 and 2012 bond programs) all without increasing the property tax rate,” said Mayor Ivy Taylor. “It’s no overstatement to say that the City of San Antonio is a shining example when it comes to managing taxpayer dollars.”

Taking immediate advantage of the highest possible credit rating, the City sold and refinanced a total of $320 million in bonds, certificates of obligations and tax notes this week at tax-exempt and taxable interest rates of 3.00% and 3.63%, respectively, saving City taxpayers millions of dollars on streets, parks, libraries and other capital projects. The sale included $140 million in bonds from the voter-approved 2012 Bond Program. The City also refinanced existing debt from the 2006 and 2007 obligations for present value savings of $12.9 million. The ‘AAA’ bond rating allows the City to pay the lowest possible interest rates in the market, which means the City can spend less on interest to repay the debt and more on capital projects.

“The City’s credit rating affects every resident of San Antonio,” said City Manager Sheryl Sculley. “Outstanding credit translates into lower total costs for the streets, drainage, libraries, parks and other projects that are important to the community. Many other cities would enjoy being in our shoes.”

The ongoing contract negotiations between the City and the fire and police labor unions were a consideration in the rating agencies’ evaluations. Moody’s, in particular, noted that “City officials expect to keep public safety costs at no more than 66% of the General Fund Budget. Officials continue to negotiate with public safety employees, with the expectation of realigning benefits with peer cities in the future.” The City has offered a proposed contract to the San Antonio Police Officers Association that includes more than 11% in pay increases over the next four years and has officers contributing to the cost of healthcare for their dependents, while keeping public safety spending within 66% of the General Fund Budget.

The following transactions took place on Monday and Tuesday, July 27-28, 2015:

TYPE

AMOUNT

INTEREST RATE

PURPOSE

General Improvement Bonds

$140,295,000

3.20%

Projects in voter-approved 2012 Bond Program

General Improvement Refunding Bonds

$94,215,000

2.10%

Refinancing $96,435,000 of outstanding obligations, producing a net present value savings of $12.9 million

Certificates of Obligation

Tax-Exempt

$36,360,000

3.18%

Projects approved in the capital budget

Certificates of Obligation

Taxable

$43,820,000

3.63%

Alamodome improvements

Tax Notes

$4,780,000

.86%

Street improvements

TOTAL

$319,470,000

City on the Rise: San Antonio

San Antonio is a city on the rise for the new face of America—a diverse, progressive and globally competitive city with a solid vision for national and international economic development. The City of San Antonio maintains a strong financial position with a “AAA” general obligation bond rating from all three major rating agencies. In 2014, Forbes labeled San Antonio the “Best City in the Southwest” for adults ages 18-34 for its dynamic economy, employment opportunities and affordable living. As the seventh-largest city in the United States, San Antonio is experiencing solid economic growth in 21st century industries such as bioscience, aerospace, cybersecurity and healthcare, which contribute billions to the local economy. San Antonio has also positioned itself at the forefront of the New Energy Economy in the United States, committed to investing and creating employment opportunities in green industries. San Antonio continues to experience the addition of missions at its several military commands, further fostering a significant relationship spanning more than 200 years. Thirty-one million visitors come to San Antonio every year, generating more than $13.4 billion annually and making the travel industry a vital asset to the city’s economic health. For more information, visit www.sanantonio.gov.


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