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Verizon to Be Honored With 2015 Award For Leadership in Hispanic Television By Broadcasting & Cable and Multichannel News

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Verizon to be honored with 2015 Award For Leadership in Hispanic Television by Broadcasting & Cable and Multichannel News at the 13th Annual Hispanic Television Summit. Javier Farfan, Vice President of Cultural Engagement for Verizon will accept the award on behalf of the company on Thursday, October 22, 2015 at The Park Central Hotel New York.





Verizon to Be Honored With 2015 Award For Leadership in Hispanic Television By Broadcasting & Cable and Multichannel News

Annual Award Presented at 13th Annual Hispanic Television Summit,
October 22 at The Park Central New York Hotel


NEW YORK, Aug. 12, 2015 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Verizon will be honored with the 2015 Award for Leadership in Hispanic Television at the 13th Annual Hispanic Television Summit, set for October 22 at the Park Central Hotel.

Photo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150812/257928

The annual award, presented by Broadcasting & Cable and Multichannel News, recognizes the company for its significant and on-going commitment to the business of television for Hispanic audiences. This year, for the first time, the Hispanic Television Summit is one of the signature events that make up New York City Television Week, which also includes The Next TV Summit & Expo, The Content Show, Advanced Advertising and the Broadcasting & Cable Hall of Fame.

“Since its launch in 2000, Verizon has responded to the needs of the Hispanic community by delivering customized content and packages across its video, voice, mobile and internet platforms,” said Louis Hillelson, VP/Group Publisher, Broadcasting & Cable/Multichannel News. “We applaud the company’s forward thinking commitment to designing a multi-cultural communications strategy that specifically includes outreach to this vitally important and diverse community.”

Javier Farfan, Vice President of Cultural Engagement for Verizon will accept the award on behalf of the company. Farfan is responsible for developing strategy and engagement models for all of Verizon’s cultural and emerging market segments (including Hispanic) across Verizon’s wireless and wireline platforms for voice, video and internet services.

Previous corporate recipients of the Award for Leadership in Hispanic Television have included Comcast, Time Warner Cable, Dish and Major League Soccer.

This is the first of two awards that will be presented at the Awards Ceremony. Soon to be announced is the Award for Achievement in Hispanic Television, which is presented to an individual. Past honorees have included renowned television hosts Don Francisco and Cristina Saralegui; network news anchors Jorge Ramos, Maria Celeste Arraras, Maria Elena Salinas and Jose Diaz Balart; sports celebrity Oscar De La Hoya; soccer announcer Andres Cantor; and advertising executives Monica Gadsby of SMG and Edgar Sandoval of P&G.

Other notables at this year’s Hispanic Television Summit include recently announced keynote speakers Gonzalo del Fa, President, GroupM Multicultural and Gary R. Stevenson, President and Managing Director, MLS Business Ventures.

The Hispanic Television Summit is produced by The Schramm Marketing Group, which is based in New York City.

To inquire about speaking opportunities, contact Joseph Schramm at 212-983-0219 or [email protected].

For registration, please contact Rebecca Shottland at [email protected]
or 917-281-4782.

For sponsorship opportunities, please contact Charlie Weiss at [email protected]
or 212-378-0478.

About Broadcasting & Cable and Multichannel News

Broadcasting & Cable and Multichannel News serve the television industry with respected, industry-leading websites, weekly print publications, daily e-newsletters and events. Broadcasting & Cable covers the broadcast, cable and syndication markets, while Multichannel News focuses on programming, marketing, finance and more for the cable and telecommunications industries.

Press Contacts:

Geena Pandolfi
Sayles & Winnikoff Communications
P: 212-725-5200, x112
E: [email protected]

Ashley Read
Sayles & Winnikoff Communications
P: 212-725-5200, x122
E: [email protected]

NOTE TO EDITORS: A high-resolution image is available at: http://hispanicprwire.com/en/multimedia/


Back To School Doesn’t Have To Mean Back To Head Lice For Children

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Back To School Doesn’t Have To Mean Back To Head Lice For Children

Non-Toxic Vamousse is a Breakthrough in Lice Defense


MORRISVILLE, North Carolina, Aug. 12, 2015 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Sending children back to school can mean the unpleasant possibility of coming in contact with head lice. Lice infestation is the second most frequent health issue for school-age kids in the U.S., each year affecting more than 12 million children between the ages of 3 and 11, second only to the common cold according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Children miss valuable class time if they’re out while treating head lice, so schools have begun to eliminate “no nit” policies that bar children previously infested from returning to school unless proven free of lice and nits (eggs). The American Academy of Pediatrics and the National Association of School Nurses both support the end of “no nit” policies, citing that nits remaining in the hair after treatment are often empty casings or dead eggs, and that head lice, while disturbing and distressing, are essentially harmless rather than a public health concern.

These policy changes have fueled conversation and concern among parents. The good news is that advanced scientific research has produced innovative, safe and reliable solutions to defend children against head lice and provide parents with much-needed peace of mind.

Jason Schmidt, M.S., an accomplished entomologist who has spent over 10 years researching human and animal health vectors, including head lice, says that there are new lice control products available to help parents avoid the fear and frustration of preparing for and potentially treating an infestation. Schmidt’s groundbreaking research and product development work for TyraTech, a leading-edge life sciences company specializing in non-toxic insect and pest control, has produced Vamousse, the latest innovation in effective, pesticide-free head lice solutions.

To safely guard against head lice and help to keep the entire family lice free, Schmidt recommends using Vamousse Lice Defense, a daily shampoo, during high risk periods like heading back to school and for 10-14 days after potential exposure. If there is evidence that lice are present, Vamousse Lice Treatment kills lice and their eggs in a single treatment. But detection isn’t always easy and risk is ever-present. Children can be exposed to lice during any close contact situation, such as playdates, sleepovers or camp, and lice can be transferred to siblings and even parents.

“Parents believe they will recognize an infestation quickly if a child contracts head lice, when in reality it can take 2-4 weeks before an infestation is first noticed,” said Schmidt. “In most cases, people find the nits (eggs) before seeing lice. After initial infestation, it takes time for the number of nits to build to the point where they become readily apparent and longer yet before the number of lice is large enough that characteristic symptoms, such as itching or a crawling sensation, are felt. During that time, it is possible for the lice to infest other family members and classmates.”

“Vamousse Lice Defense gives parents a tool for when their children are at risk of lice exposure. Simply switching to this daily shampoo helps keep the whole family lice-free. If undetected lice are already there, the shampoo has been shown in laboratory studies to kill them,” said Schmidt.

Vamousse is pesticide-free and uses active ingredient Natrum Muriaticum to dehydrate lice. Non-toxic Vamousse is easy to use and rinses out easily, leaving no pesticide residue.

With Vamousse, parents can feel confident about sending their kids back to school, even after notification of an outbreak.

Vamousse Lice Defense (MSRP $12.99) is available nationwide at Walmart and online at Amazon.com, Drugstore.com and Walmart.com. Vamousse Lice Treatment (MSRP $24.99) is available nationwide at Walmart, CVS, Walgreens, Kmart, and in some regional chains, including Harris Teeter, HEB, and online at Amazon.com and Drugstore.com.

Additional information and resources can be found at www.vamousselice.com.

About TyraTech
Established in 2004, TyraTech, Inc. (AIM: TYR and TYRU) is a life sciences company focusing on nature-derived insect and parasite control products that are as effective as traditional chemical options while providing a new level of safety for people, animals and the environment. TyraTech’s Nature’s Technology® leverages its patented scientific platform to provide a full range of biocides, head lice and insect repellent solutions.


Beverly Hills Group Announces Integral Acquisitions Bringing BHGI to the Forefront of Several Major Industries

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Beverly Hills Group Announces Integral Acquisitions Bringing BHGI to the Forefront of Several Major Industries


BEVERLY HILLS, Calif., Aug. 12, 2015 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Beverly Hills Group, Inc. (OTC PK: BHGI), is pleased to announce it has entered into an agreement to acquire a private Company with various subsidiaries having diverse operations in retail stores, wholesale distribution, construction, real estate development, banking and financial services throughout Mexico. 

These established Mexican corporations for fiscal year ending December 31st, 2014 had gross sales of approximately US$ 4.75 million with roughly US$35 million in Real Estate assets. The Company currently does business with AB-InBev (Bud Light and Corona) in their different business units.  The corporations to be acquired were founded as early as 2005 and others as recently as 2014, with approximately 150 full-time employees.

The acquisitions, as currently negotiated, will be determined after a thorough financial audit, legal due diligence and based on Fair Market Valuation.

The Company’s retail and construction subsidiaries signed important agreements with Grupo Modelo’s retail division, an AB-InBev company. The construction subsidiary is responsible for remodeling current retail stores in their efforts to change the branding of Modelorama to Corona stores, as well to build from ground up Grupo Modelo’s new concept of retail stores with Bud Light brand, a much bigger convenience store than their current Modelorama / Corona model. The retail subsidiary also obtained the concession to operate the Modelorama / Corona stores, as well as owning and operating larger convenience stores under AB-InBev’s (Grupo Modelo) Bud Light model.

In July 2014, the Company’s financial services subsidiary launched its operations with an electronic payment system with Point of Sales (PoS) technology called Comercio ON which provides financial services to a niche retail market in Mexico with merchant services including; credit and debit card transactions, utilities, government and telecommunications payments, shipping and other services. This program is backed and supported by the Mexican State governments, Secretary of Economy and local Mexican authorities, giving us a competitive advantage.

The proposed acquisition of this Company represents the next step in Beverly Hills Group’s strategy to become a leading Emerging Market Company.  With the current strategy the Company can be positioned to grow into one of the leading retail providers and suppliers throughout Mexico. BHGI will continue to use mergers and acquisition as a primary tool to grow our business throughout Latin America markets.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This press release may contain a number of forward-looking statements. Words, and variations of words such as “expect,” “goals,” “plans,” “believe,” continue,” “may,” “will,” and similar expressions are intended to identify our forward-looking statements, including but not limited to, our expectation for growth; benefits from brand-building; cost savings; growth and margins.

These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control, which could cause our actual results to differ materially from those indicated in our forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to, continued volatility of, and sharp increase in, costs, pricing actions, increased competition, risks from operating internationally, continued consumer weakness, weakness in economic conditions and tax law changes.

 


Live Nation Venue in Downtown Houston Gets New Name: Revention Music Center

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Live Nation Venue in Downtown Houston Gets New Name: Revention Music Center


HOUSTON, Aug. 11, 2015 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Live Nation Entertainment and Revention today announced a new multi-year naming rights deal to the premier indoor music theater located in downtown Houston. The new venue name is Revention Music Center.

Photo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150810/257435LOGO

“From the beginning, this relationship has been absolutely synergistic,” said Jeff Doyle, president and CEO of Revention. “As a growing technology company we are honored to have the opportunity to strengthen our business by partnering with such a strong leader in the music and entertainment industry. We are thrilled to further ingrain ourselves in the Houston community and look forward to our mutual success.”

Through artist meet and greets, access to the VIP club and the ability to make tickets available for events at the theater, Revention employees will join in on the thrill of being up close to the live music experience. A custom renovation of the venue space is in progress, with a new viewing area being designed, to be called The Revention Suite. The Revention brand will be fully integrated across the venue, including with the installation of Revention point-of-sale technology and equipment within the theater.

“We look forward to working with a great Houston company like Revention,” said Drew Dixon, general manager, Revention Music Center. “It is such a great opportunity to showcase their point-of-sale technology in our venue, while taking advantage of the great talent and shows, VIP hospitality, and live music experience Revention Music Center delivers to entertain Revention’s clients and employees.”

Open since 1997 and formerly known as the Bayou Music Center, the Revention Music Center can transform itself from theater style seating and standing room arrangements, to cabaret or banquet style seating. Located in the heart of Downtown Houston’s theater district, the entertainment complex has hosted countless shows, with a diverse group of artists from all over the world, including: Radiohead, Coldplay, Neil Young, Pixies, Smashing Pumpkins, Lana Del Rey, Skrillex, Elton John, Joe Rogan, Kathy Griffin and Bill Maher, just to name a few. 

Artists such as Jill Scott, Damien Rice, Twenty One Pilots, Of Monsters and Men, Jackson Browne, Garbage, Joe Bonamassa and many more are set to perform at the theater this season.

About Revention
Revention is the leading developer of complete, customizable restaurant and entertainment management solutions designed to streamline the way hospitality concepts do business. Revention’s offerings include point-of-sales solutions, HungerRush™ integrated online ordering, and Revention Enterprise. Revention’s goal is to provide a complete solution that includes customized installation, training, technical support and much more.

For additional information, go to www.revention.com

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.

 


Vivala Launches to Explosive Growth as it Fills a Void in the Millennial Latina Market

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Vivala Launches to Explosive Growth as it Fills a Void in the Millennial Latina Market

Winning User Engagement Strategy Marks CafeMom’s First Foray Beyond Moms


NEW YORK, Aug. 11, 2015 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Today, CafeMom launched Vivala.com, the first online platform of its kind fueled by user participation highlighting real stories, video and images that represent the unique voices of the millennial Latina.  In its first month of beta launch, Vivala reached more than 300,000 unique visitors with its share-worthy content, mobile-first design and activation among its social audience of over 20,000 fans.

CafeMom has grown its business by becoming number one with the mom audience, reaching 30 million visitors and 260 million pageviews each month on its owned and operated properties.  The company is already a leader in the Latina market with its property for Hispanic mothers, MamásLatinas, which reaches more than 4 million Hispanic women in the United States each month.

“We are thrilled to apply what we’ve learned serving moms to other key audiences, starting with the critically important millennial Latina market,” said CafeMom CEO and Co-Founder, Michael Sanchez. “We are confident in our ability to scale an audience with our highly participatory and sharable content, and bring partners custom solutions that resonate with the young Latina.”

Vivala is led by Editor-in-Chief, Zuania Capó, who brings years of expertise in leadership roles as Executive Editor for People en Español and Siempre Mujer.  She has recruited a best-in-class team that reflects the millennial Latina audience from properties including CNN, Vogue.com, The Huffington Post, xoJane, Latina, and more.

“Vivala is redefining sharable and culturally relevant content for Latinas,” explained Capó.  “Our Latinas are savvy, bold and real. We want to provide a platform that highlights their voices where they can find the stories that matter most to them. We felt there was a void of smart and authentic editorial offerings that truly spoke to this audience.”

Vivala is already breaking the mold by tackling topics including workplace empowerment, beauty tips that embrace the diversity of Latinas and stories of women who are making an impact in their communities.  Reflecting the language of the target audience, Vivala’s content is offered primarily in English, but with some Spanish and a heavy dose of Spanglish.

Original Web Series with Founding Creators
In partnership with influential Latinas, Vivala has launched seven original web series as a key component of featuring its audience’s voices, showcasing relevant topics such as career, fitness, style, food and more.  Vivala recruited well-known Latina bloggers and celebrities as “Founding Creators” who are hosting their own video series on the new property.  Founding Creators include Jackie Cruz, singer and star of Netflix’s Orange is the New Black, celebrity fitness trainer to the stars Ary Nuñez, model and fashion blogger Natalie Suarez, and food blogger and lifestyle expert Alejandra Ramos.

“I just love that Vivala is focused on real people and not what people think of you,” explained Vivala Creator & actress Jackie Cruz.  “That’s what’s really cool about being part of Vivala – I get to show people the real Jackie, not just the actress. Vivala gives girls like me the opportunity to share what we enjoy and what we are passionate about.”

Vivala Spotlight Search for Video Stars
In addition to being a Founding Creator, Cruz is part of the judging panel in the groundbreaking Vivala Spotlight Search, a contest providing undiscovered talent the chance to become one of the next generation of video stars.  Vivala has put a call-out to its audience to share their ideas for a video series.  Five winners will each star in their own video series produced by and featured on Vivala, with an estimated production value of $20,000 per series plus tens of thousands of dollars in promotional and advertising support.  The judging panel includes the true experts – vloggers and online video stars including Cruz and VinylBlush YouTube star, Cindy Diaz.

Embracing user participation on a new level, Vivala gives its audience a channel to have their voices heard on the rapidly growing platform.  Through its Insiders Program, Vivala gives hundreds of top users the chance to contribute original content as well as help shape the direction of the site.

For more information, please visit www.vivala.com or join in the conversation on social media @heyvivala.

About CafeMom

CafeMom is a rapidly growing digital media company that delivers highly participatory and shareable content to reach up to 75 million monthly users across its owned and operated Properties, Blogger Network, and Social Platforms.

CafeMom developed its formula for success by becoming #1 with the mom audience – its properties, which include CafeMom, MamásLatinas, The Stir, and Baby Name Wizard, generate a collective 260 million page views and millions of conversations every month. CafeMom also engages users beyond its properties, with 28 million social media followers and posts that get seen 450 million times a month on social media.

CafeMom develops custom content marketing and word-of-mouth programs that help brands add value to users’ lives and activate word of mouth.  CafeMom also increasingly helps advertisers reach the right users through premium programmatic solutions.  

CafeMom was founded by Michael Sanchez and Andrew Shue, with Highland Capital Partners and Draper Fisher Jurvetson as lead investors.


(Español) YipTV agrega ¡HOLA! TV a Su Red de Canales OTT

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Sorry, this entry is only available in Español.

Alma’s Growth Leads To Revamped Executive Board

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Alma’s Growth Leads To Revamped Executive Board

Leading U.S. Hispanic Agency Sets Path For Future After Doubling In Size in 5 Years


MIAMI, Aug. 10, 2015 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Last Friday afternoon, as Alma’s staff took their talents to South Beach to celebrate a string of top creative awards and new business, Luis Miguel Messianu, Founder and President of Alma, broke the news about updates in the agency’s leadership structure.

Photo- http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150810/257244
Logo- http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150126/171190LOGO

“We are obviously a different agency than the one we were in 1994 when we started with 12 people and a big dream,” he said. “In the last 5 years alone we’ve doubled in size, and although the fact that there are 150 of us here today is certainly a matter of pride, it’s also a reason to renew our commitment and gear up to conquer even more ground.”

He then announced the appointment of Isaac Mizrahi and Alvar Suñol as co-presidents of the agency. Mizrahi becomes Co-President, Chief Operating Officer and Suñol is now Co-President, Chief Creative Officer. Together the pair will lead the agency’s focus on balancing art and business, marketing and creativity. Messianu will continue his full commitment, now moving into the role of Creative Chairman and CEO. He intends to focus on the continued growth of the agency and developing strategic relationships, along with fueling the agency’s non-conformist culture.

Also promoted were Angela Battistini (now Senior Vice President, Business Services) and Michelle Headley (now Senior Vice President, Operations). “It’s a recognition of their dedication, commitment and invaluable contributions to the agency — they’ve each been with us since the doors opened in 1994 and are an integral part of the agency’s success — but more importantly, it’s a benchmark for the continued growth of great leaders working on their respective teams,” says Messianu.

The changes indeed reflect the agency’s growth, accounting for over 40 hires in the last 6 months alone. Alma recently acquired the U.S. Hispanic accounts for Sprint, Bud Light and American Cancer Society, and general market client South Florida Commuter Services. Alma also appeared on Ad Age’s A-list 4 times since 2010, and has been the Multicultural Agency of the Year for two years running.

Recognition for Alma’s creative work, a combination of storytelling leading with cultural insights, has spiked as well. Just this year they brought home a Lion and 4 shortlists from the Cannes Festival, and were the most awarded U.S. Hispanic agency at Wave Festival, El Sol, FIAP and U.S.H. Ideas. Among the highlights, you might recall “First Customer” for McDonald’s, the poignant “Spoon” commercial for AARP, Cannes winner “Species II” for Green Works, the “Fast Lighting Charcoal” campaign for Kingsford, and the new McDonald’s musical, “Lovin’“.

To keep up with agency news and new work, visit AlmaAd.com and all its social media accounts can be found under @AlmaAgency.

Contact: Tatiana Bengochea
Phone: 305-662-3151
[email protected]


Fourth Annual PEOPLE en Espanol Festival Heats Up With A-List Celebrity Appearances: Pitbull, Dascha Polanco, Alejandra Espinoza, Jasmine V, Gaby Espino And Jorge Bernal Among The Many Entertainers, Leaders And Influencers To Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month In NYC October 17 & 18

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Fourth Annual PEOPLE en Espanol Festival Heats Up With A-List Celebrity Appearances: Pitbull, Dascha Polanco, Alejandra Espinoza, Jasmine V, Gaby Espino And Jorge Bernal Among The Many Entertainers, Leaders And Influencers To Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month In NYC October 17 & 18


NEW YORK, Aug. 10, 2015 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Pitbull, Dascha Polanco, Alejandra Espinoza, Gaby Espino, Carlos Varela and Jorge Bernal will join Emilio and Gloria Estefan, and actresses Angelica Vale, Maite Perroni and Angelica Maria for the fourth annual PEOPLE en Espanol Festival culminating Hispanic Heritage Month in New York City on October 17-18 at the Jacob Javits Center.

The two-day event, which is taking place in New York City for the first time, is presented by Verizon, creating hope sponsor Libre by Nexus, major sponsor Coca-Cola, official sponsor Diageo and screening room sponsor HBO Latino. Media partners are CNN en Espanol, Music Choice and El Especialito.  PEOPLE en Espanol Festival has become one of the most-anticipated celebrations of Hispanic culture in the country.  Festival is free and open to the public, offering complimentary musical performances, interactive panel discussions, celebrity meet and greets, and more. This year’s Festival theme is “Your Voice, Your Power, Your Festival,” with programing featuring the nation’s top entertainers, leaders and influencers, including:

Pitbull, Singer-songwriter
Dascha Polanco, Actress
Emilio Estefan, producer & Gloria Estefan, Singer
Alejandra Espinoza, TV personality
Angelica Vale, Actress/singer
Angelica Maria, Actress/singer-songwriter
Jasmine V, Singer/actress
Jorge Bernal, TV Host
Gaby Espino, Actress/model
Carlos Varela, Singer-songwriter
Alicia Machado, Actress
Elizabeth Perez, TV journalist
Francisca Lachapel, Winner of “Nuestra Belleza Latina” 2015
Henry Santos, Singer 
Jonael Santiago, Winner of “La Voz Kids” 2015
Leslie Grace, Singer-songwriter
Maite Perroni, Actress/singer-songwriter
Pee Wee, Singer/actor
Quique Ursales, TV personality 
Sofia Reyes, Singer-songwriter 
Victor Florencio, Celebrity astrologer

PEOPLE en Espanol Festival has also partnered with On Your Feet!, the Broadway musical based on the life and music of the Estefans, to present a Festival-branded theater night on October 17 as a special offer for Festival attendees. The following day, the Estefans and cast members of the show cast will speak on a Festival panel.

“We are thrilled that PEOPLE en Espanol has chosen New York City for the first time to host their star-studded festival and celebrate the talent and diversity of the Hispanic community’s musicians, actors, producers, and more,” said Commissioner Cynthia Lopez, Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment. “The festival brings together a critical cross section of entertainers, decision makers, and leaders – many of whom call New York their home – to recognize the contributions Latinos make to entertainment industry.”

“We are pleased to welcome PEOPLE en Espanol Festival back to New York City this fall, with its impressive lineup of events, seminars and performances,” said Fred Dixon, president and CEO of NYC & Company. “The City is a melting pot of people, cultures and languages, and there is no better place to celebrate the Hispanic community during Hispanic Heritage Month.”

For more information, visit peopleenespanol.com/festival. For the latest updates about PEOPLE en Espanol Festival, join the conversation on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram #festivalpeople.   

About PEOPLE en Espanol

PEOPLE en Espanol was launched in 1996 as a special issue, and today has become the top-selling Hispanic magazine in the United States. Published 11 times a year, PEOPLE en Espanol reaches an audience of 7 million every month with its editorial mix of Hispanic and popular entertainment, fashion and beauty trends, and compelling human-interest stories. PEOPLE en Espanol delivers original editorial content that captures the values, contributions and impact of today’s Hispanics in the U.S.   The brand’s social media footprint includes 1,200,000 followers on Twitter, over 3,500,000 “Likes” on Facebook, and 450,000 followers on Instagram.  For daily news, photos, exclusive behind-the-scenes video and celebrity scoops, visit www.PEOPLEenEspanol.com, follow PEOPLE en Espanol on Twitter at @PEOPLEenespanol, and on Facebook at facebook.com/PEOPLEenespanol.

Contact:

PEOPLE en Espanol:  Dana Baxter           

PEOPLE en Espanol:  Sheila Harris

212-522-1634, [email protected]         

212-522-1089, [email protected]

 


California Groups Ask Governor Jerry Brown to Require Chip and PIN Technology

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California Groups Ask Governor Jerry Brown to Require Chip and PIN Technology

Letter calls for an executive order that would mirror the federal rule, protect state transactions


SACRAMENTO, Calif., Aug. 7, 2015 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The California Retailers Association, Latino Consumer Federation, and California Grocers Association sent a letter to California Governor Jerry Brown urging him to adopt a global credit card standard known as chip and PIN for all transactions that involve the state government. The groups believe that working with the Governor’s office to put forward a California solution that closely mirrors President Barack Obama’s BuySecure Initiative implemented in October 2014, would bolster security for transactions that involve state government.

“California has long been a pioneer in advancing policies that shape the economy and the rest of the country,” the letter reads. “This is another opportunity to demonstrate our leadership. Mandating chip and PIN technology for state cards like the ones in the Cal-Card Program would not only secure more transactions that take place, but it would also better protect state finances.”

The letter argues that decisive action by Governor Brown’s Administration would also encourage implementation of chip and PIN across California and the country. Chip and PIN cards are widely used around the world with the exception of the United States – the only G20 nation that has not adopted the technology and instead continues to rely on the outdated magnetic stripe and signature payment cards. “In order to move beyond the outdated and fraud-prone magnetic stripe credit cards we are all accustomed to, credit card issuers have started rolling-out new credit cards that contain an embedded microchip,” the letter states.

“While chip-enabled cards are certainly a step in the right direction,” Bill Dombrowski, President and CEO of the California Retailers Association explained, “they are merely a half-measure since the cards continue to rely on signatures for verifying transactions – an outdated security measure that thieves can easily forge.”

The PIN (personal identification number) in place of a signature adds an important second layer of security during point-of-sale transactions, according to the signers. “This technology has contributed to exponential reductions in fraudulent activity,” said California Grocers Association President Ronald Fong. “The United Kingdom saw a nearly 70 percent decline in in-store fraud when they established chip and PIN as the standard more than a decade ago. Yet we are bound by big banks and credit card companies’ self-serving unwillingness to invest in this more secure payment system. They continue to cut corners while consumers, retailers, and small businesses alike remain vulnerable to fraud.”

Michael Bustamante, Founder and Board Chair of the Latino Consumer Federation voiced his particular concern in protecting California’s Latino community. “Latinos and all American consumers deserve the strongest safeguards possible. The Governor’s support for chip and PIN technology will send a clear and important message to the credit card industry to invest and deploy chip and PIN cards for Californians and consumers across the country.”

President Obama took an important step last year when he issued an Executive Order requiring chip and PIN technology for all federally-issued cards, a strong signal from both the Administration as well as security experts that chip and PIN should be the national standard.

To read the full letter, please visit: Joint Letter Urging Governor Brown to Adopt Chip and PIN Technology for State Credit Card Transactions

Contact: Shea DeAnda McCaslin
(916) 552-2390