California Paid Sick Leave Law Goes into Effect Today

July 1, 2015

California Paid Sick Leave Law Goes into Effect Today

OAKLAND, Calif., July 1, 2015 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — California Labor Commissioner Julie A. Su reminds employers that California’s paid sick leave law goes into effect today.

“With California’s new paid sick leave law in effect, most workers now won’t have to choose between their family’s health and their job,” said Christine Baker, Director of the Department of Industrial Relations (DIR). The Labor Commissioner’s Office is a division within DIR.

The Healthy Workplace Healthy Family Act of 2014 (Assembly bill 1522) generally provides most employees the ability to accrue at least one hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked, paid at the regular rate of the worker’s wages. The employer can also provide employees at least 24 hours of sick leave up front for use during the year. Workers may begin using their accrued hours beginning on the 90th day of employment.

“In order to help achieve healthier workplaces, my office is committed to providing essential education to workers and employers on their rights and responsibilities under the new paid sick leave law,” said Labor Commissioner Julie A. Su.

Retaliation or discrimination against an employee who requests paid sick days or uses paid sick days or both are prohibited. An employee can file a complaint with the Labor Commissioner against an employer who retaliates or discriminates against an employee.

Employers and workers can refer to DIR’s webpage for more information on the new law, including a recorded training webinar and presentation slides, as well as FAQ’s. DIR has also produced a short video on the new law.

The Labor Commissioner’s Office, formally known as the Division of Labor Standards Enforcement, inspects workplaces for wage and hour violations, adjudicates wage claims, enforces prevailing wage rates and apprenticeship standards in public works projects, investigates retaliation and whistleblower complaints, issues licenses and registrations for businesses, and educates the public on labor laws. Updated information on California labor laws is available online.

Employees with work-related questions or complaints may contact DIR’s Call Center in English or Spanish at 844-LABOR-DIR (844-522-6734). California Workers’ Information line at 866-924-9757 offers recorded messages in English and Spanish on a variety of work-related topics.

Members of the press may call Erika Monterroza at (510) 286-1164 or Peter Melton at (510) 286-7046.

The California Department of Industrial Relations, established in 1927, protects and improves the health, safety, and economic well-being of over 18 million wage earners, and helps their employers comply with state labor laws. DIR is housed within the Labor & Workforce Development Agency. For general inquiries, contact DIR’s Communications Call Center at 1-844-LABOR-DIR (1-844-522-6734) for help in locating the appropriate division or program in our department.

Texas condominium and townhome sales slow during first half of 2015

July 1, 2015

AUSTIN, Texas, July 1, 2015 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Condominium and townhome sales slowed in Texas’ major metro areas in the first half of 2015, according to the 2015 Texas Condominium Mid-Year Sales Report. Released today by the Texas Association of Realtors, the report shows that condominium (condo) and townhome sales in Texas’ four major markets remained relatively consistent with condo sales in the first half of 2014.

According to the report, Austin, Dallas, Houston and San Antonio experienced an average one percent decrease in condo sales between January and May 2015. While Dallas and San Antonio posted small annual gains of three and six percent, respectively, condo sales decreased one percent year-over-year in Houston and 12 percent year-over-year in Austin in the first half of the year.

Scott Kesner, chairman of the Texas Association of Realtors, explained: “The rapid pace of Texas’ housing market growth has slowed in the last year, and that includes the condominium and townhome market. However, the demand for condos remains strong, as condos continue to spend less time on the market and sell at higher prices. Those higher prices, however, could be impacting some Texas homebuyers’ ability to afford condos, especially in our state’s metro areas.”

Condos showed consistent gains in median price in three of the four metro areas in the first half of 2015, with the exception of Houston, which was unchanged in median price compared to the first half of 2014. While still priced considerably less overall than single-family homes, the price-per-square-foot is significantly higher for condos and townhomes versus single-family homes.

Jim Gaines, Ph.D., economist with the Real Estate Center at Texas A&M University, explained: “The land and development costs for condominiums in Texas’ metro areas are so high that new condos being built today are priced outside of an affordable price range for many first-time homebuyers and buyers with lower household incomes. Existing condos, by comparison, are priced significantly less than new condos and therefore have a much higher demand and tighter inventory. In several of Texas’ metro areas, existing condos and townhomes are driving sales in that segment of the housing market.”

In Austin, 1,178 condos were sold between January and May 2015, a 12 percent decrease from the same period in 2014. Median price increased to $222,000, a four percent gain from the year prior. New listings rose two percent to 1,904 listings, whereas active listings jumped 14 percent to 623 listings and pending sales dropped four percent to 1,496 sales from January to May. Finally, average days on the market fell to 43 days, an eight percent decrease from the year prior.

In Dallas, 2,454 condos were sold between January and May 2015, a three percent increase from the same period in 2014. Median price increased to $171,020, a seven percent gain from the year prior. New listings decreased three percent to 3,366 listings, whereas active listings dropped 20 percent to 1,101 listings and pending sales rose 11 percent to 2,618 sales from January to May. Finally, average days on the market dropped to 48 days, a 22 percent decrease from the year prior.

In Houston, 2,668 condos were sold between January and May 2015, a one percent decrease from the first half of 2014. Median price remained unchanged at $145,000 during the same time frame. New listings increased seven percent to 4,471 listings, whereas active listings increased two percent to 1,490 listings and pending sales rose 25 percent to 2,126 sales from January to May. Finally, average days on the market dropped to 51 days, a nine percent decrease from the year prior.

In San Antonio, 288 condos were sold between January and May 2015, a six percent decrease from the same period in 2014. Median price increased to $189,900, a nine percent gain from the year prior. New listings decreased 12 percent to 467 listings, whereas active listings dropped 21 percent to 302 listings and pending sales rose six percent to 284 sales from January to May. Finally, average days on the market dropped to 89 days, a seven percent decrease from the year prior.

About the Texas Condominium Mid-Year Sales Report
The Texas Condominium Mid-Year Sales Report is based on data from The Real Estate Center at Texas A&M University and analyzes condominium and townhome sales data from January through May 2015 for Austin, Dallas, Houston and San Antonio. The Texas Association of Realtors distributes insights about the Texas housing market each month, including quarterly market statistics, trends among homebuyers and sellers, luxury home sales, international trends, and more. To view these reports, visit TexasRealEstate.com.

About the Texas Association of Realtors
With more than 100,000 members, the Texas Association of REALTORS® is a professional membership organization that represents all aspects of real estate in Texas. We advocate on behalf of Texas REALTORS® and private-property owners to keep homeownership affordable, protect private-property rights, and promote public policies that benefit homeowners. Visit TexasRealEstate.com to learn more.

CONTACT: Danielle Urban
Pierpont Communications
512-448-4950
[email protected]

Cal/OSHA Issues High Heat Advisory for Sacramento Valley, Northern California as Temperatures Rise

July 1, 2015

Cal/OSHA Issues High Heat Advisory for Sacramento Valley, Northern California as Temperatures Rise

OAKLAND, Calif., July 1, 2015 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Cal/OSHA is urging all employers, particularly those in the Sacramento Valley and adjacent foothills, to protect their outdoor workers from heat illness. The National Weather Service has issued an excessive heat warning for these areas, where temperatures are expected to rise to highs of 115 degrees through Friday morning. Heat warnings are issued when weather conditions pose a threat to life.

“We want to ensure that the rules in place are followed to protect outdoor workers during soaring temperatures,” said Christine Baker, Director of the Department of Industrial Relations (DIR). The Division of Occupational Safety and Health, known as Cal/OSHA, is a division of DIR.

California’s heat regulation requires all employers with outdoor workers to protect outdoor workers by taking these basic steps:

Train all employees and supervisors about heat illness prevention.
Provide enough fresh water so that each employee can drink at least 1 quart, or four 8-ounce glasses, of water per hour, and encourage them to do so.
Provide access to shade and encourage employees to take a cool-down rest in the shade for at least 5 minutes. They should not wait until they feel sick to cool down.
Develop and implement written procedures for complying with the Cal/OSHA Heat Illness Prevention Standard.

“Heat illness can be life threatening,” said Cal/OSHA Chief Juliann Sum. “That’s why employers are required to make sure outdoor workers have enough shade, water and rest, even if they don’t see visible symptoms of sickness.”

When temperatures reach 95 degrees, as predicted in Northern California, special “high heat” procedures are also required. These procedures include:

Observing workers for signs and symptoms of heat illness.
Providing close supervision of workers in their first 14 days of employment to ensure acclimatization.
Having effective communication systems in place to be able to call for emergency assistance if necessary.

Cal/OSHA will inspect outdoor worksites in industries such as agriculture, construction, landscaping, and others throughout the heat season. Through partnerships with various employer and worker organizations in different industries, Cal/OSHA will also provide consultation, outreach and training on heat illness prevention.

Cal/OSHA’s award-winning heat illness prevention campaign, the first of its kind in the nation, includes enforcement of heat regulations as well as outreach and training for California’s employers and workers.

Online information on the heat illness prevention requirements and training materials can be obtained at Cal/OSHA’s Heat Illness web page or the Water. Rest. Shade. campaign site. A Heat Illness Prevention e-tool is also available on Cal/OSHA’s website.

Cal/OSHA helps protect workers from health and safety hazards on the job in almost every workplace in California. Cal/OSHA’s Consultation Services Branch provides free and voluntary assistance to employers and employee organizations to improve their health and safety programs. Employers should call (800) 963-9424 for assistance from Cal/OSHA Consultation Services.

Employees with work-related questions or complaints may contact DIR’s Call Center in English or Spanish at 844-LABOR-DIR (844-522-6734), or the California Workers’ Information Hotline at 866-924-9757 for recorded information in English and Spanish on a variety of work-related topics.

For media inquiries contact Erika Monterroza at (510) 286-1164 or Peter Melton at (510) 286-7046.

The California Department of Industrial Relations, established in 1927, protects and improves the health, safety, and economic well-being of over 18 million wage earners, and helps their employers comply with state labor laws. DIR is housed within the Labor & Workforce Development Agency. For general inquiries, contact DIR’s Communications Call Center at 844-LABOR-DIR (844-522-6734) for help in locating the appropriate division or program in our department.

BMW Group U.S. Reports June 2015 Sales

July 1, 2015

BMW Group U.S. Reports June 2015 Sales

– BMW brand up 6.5 percent, sets June record

– MINI brand sales up 14.8 percent

– BMW Motorcycle sales increase 83.3 percent, sets all time sales record

WOODCLIFF LAKE, N.J., July 1, 2015 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Sales of BMW brand vehicles increased 6.5 percent in June for a total of 32,176 compared to 30,201 vehicles sold in June, 2014.

“There’s no better follow-up to a record May than a record June with the numbers showing a consistent momentum for BMW as the year reaches the half-way point,” said Ludwig Willisch, President and CEO, BMW of North America. “It’s clear the U.S. is more in love with light trucks than ever before and the hardest part is supplying the demand. At the same time, I am delighted to see MINI gaining more traction as model availability continues to increase.”

To see and hear more of Ludwig Willisch’s perspective on the June sales, click here.

In June, notable vehicle sales included the BMW 2 Series which increased 56.9 percent to 1,067 vehicles, the BMW 4 Series which increased 69.4 percent to 6,625 vehicles and the BMW X5 which increased 89.0 percent to 7,508 vehicles.

BMW Group Sales
In total, the BMW Group in the U.S. (BMW and MINI combined) reported June sales of 38,350 vehicles, an increase of 7.8 percent from the 35,577 vehicles sold in the same month a year ago.

MINI Brand Sales
For June, MINI USA reports 6,174 automobiles sold, an increase of 14.8 percent from the 5,376 sold in the same month a year ago.

BMW Pre-Owned Vehicles
In June, BMW Certified Pre-Owned sold 9,326 vehicles, up 16.7 percent over June 2014, with a year-to-date gain of 23.8 percent to 58,396 vehicles sold over the same period in 2014. Total BMW Pre-Owned sales were 15,069 vehicles sold in June 2015, a 1.1 percent decrease from June 2014. The Total BMW Pre-Owned cars sold for the first six months were 93,141, a 4.9 percent decrease from the same period in 2014.

MINI Pre-Owned Vehicles
In June, sales of MINI NEXT (certified pre-owned) were 1,051 vehicles, up 35.6 percent over June 2014, with a year-to-date gain of 29.9 percent to 5,683 cars over the same period in 2014. Total MINI Pre-Owned sales were 2,432 cars, an increase of 25.9 percent from June 2014. Total MINI Pre-Owned sales for the first six months were 12,972, a 5.1 percent increase from the same period in 2014.

Table 1: New Vehicle Sales BMW of North America, LLC, June 2015

	June 2015	June 2014	%	YTD June 2015	YTD June 2014	%
i3	551	358	54.0%	4,456	694	542.1%
i8	137	0	0.0%	733	0	0.0%
1/2 Series	1,067	680	56.9%	5,342	3,268	63.5%
3 Series	6,891	7,633	-9.7%	42,783	41,521	3.0%
4 Series	6,625	3,910	69.4%	24,906	15,402	61.7%
5 Series	2,965	7,940	-62.7%	23,581	27,617	-14.6%
6 Series	238	322	-26.1%	5,084	5,067	0.3%
7 Series	832	1,548	-46.3%	5,223	4,711	10.9%
Z4	105	114	-7.9%	1,072	1,213	-11.6%
X1	1,118	1,052	6.3%	5,905	11,311	-47.8%
BMW passenger cars	20,529	23,557	-12.9%	119,085	110,804	7.5%
X3	2,301	2,105	9.3%	13,283	21,802	-39.1%
X4	390	0	0.0%	3,146	0	0.0%
X5	7,508	3,972	89.0%	29,151	22,438	29.9%
X6	1,448	567	155.4%	3,958	2,338	69.3%
BMW light trucks	11,647	6,644	75.3%	49,538	46,578	6.4%
BMW brand	32,176	30,201	6.5%	168,623	157,382	7.1%
Cooper /S Hardtop 2 Door	1,425	2,304	-38.2%	10,227	7,721	32.5%
Cooper /S Hardtop 4 Door	1,886	0	100.0%	8,261	0	100.0%
Cooper /S Convertible	393	368	6.8%	1,707	1,737	-1.7%
Cooper /S Clubman	7	361	-98.1%	18	1,910	-99.1%
Coupe	51	78	-34.6%	258	512	-49.6%
Roadster	123	127	-3.1%	673	724	-7.0%
Countryman	2,041	1,956	4.3%	8,278	10,621	-22.1%
Paceman	248	182	36.3%	838	927	-9.6%
MINI brand	6,174	5,376	14.8%	30,260	24,152	25.3%
TOTAL BMW of North America, LLC	38,350	35,577	7.8%	198,883	181,534	9.6%

BMW Motorrad Sales
BMW motorcycles established a new all-time record for sales, retailing 2,433 motorcycles in June. This record was also 83.3 percent above the 1,327 motorcycles sold in June 2014.

The R 1200 RT was the best selling model in June with 270 units, and in combination with the new for 2015 R 1200 R, grew boxer model retails by 160% to 1,346 units compared to 517 in June of 2014. S-Series models were boosted by the arrival of the all-new S 1000 XR adventure motorcycle, posting growth of 60% with sales of 463 units compared to 290 this time last year. The recently introduced F 800 R helped F-Series models also outperform 2014, growing 50% with 337 deliveries compared to 225 in June 2014.

With growth of 10.9% after 6 months, BMW Motorrad also set a new half-year record.

Table 2: Motorcycle Sales BMW of North America, LLC, June 2015

June

2015

June

2014

YTD June

2015

YTD June 2014

BMW Motorcycles

2,433

1,327

83.3

9,254

8,348

10.9

BMW Group In America
BMW of North America, LLC has been present in the United States since 1975. Rolls-Royce Motor Cars NA, LLC began distributing vehicles in 2003. The BMW Group in the United States has grown to include marketing, sales, and financial service organizations for the BMW brand of motor vehicles, including motorcycles, the MINI brand, and Rolls-Royce Motor Cars; Designworks, a strategic design consultancy based in California; a technology office in Silicon Valley and various other operations throughout the country. BMW Manufacturing Co., LLC in South Carolina is part of BMW Group’s global manufacturing network and is the exclusive manufacturing plant for all X5 and X3 Sports Activity Vehicles and X6 and X4 Sports Activity Coupes. The BMW Group sales organization is represented in the U.S. through networks of 339 BMW passenger car and BMW Sports Activity Vehicle centers, 148 BMW motorcycle retailers, 123 MINI passenger car dealers, and 36 Rolls-Royce Motor Car dealers. BMW (US) Holding Corp., the BMW Group’s sales headquarters for North America, is located in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey.

The Hispanic Public Relations Association Announces Call-For-Entries for the HPRA National ¡BRAVO! Awards

July 1, 2015

The Hispanic Public Relations Association Announces Call-For-Entries for the HPRA National ¡BRAVO! Awards

2015 awards program introduces new host city, four new categories and the inaugural ‘Pioneer of the Year’ award

NEW YORK, July 1, 2015 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The Hispanic Public Relations Association (HPRA) announced the call-for-entries for the highest accolade in Hispanic public relations – the HPRA National ¡BRAVO! Awards. Hosted in New York City for the first time in the organization’s 30-year history, the National ¡BRAVO! Awards celebrate the best corporate, agency, and non-profit PR teams, and the breakthrough work they produced.

“These are exciting times in our industry and I am proud to say that the HPRA National ¡BRAVO! Awards 2015 program will be the most ambitious in the award’s history,” said Andy Checo, president of HPRA National Board of Directors. “We look forward to celebrating the best work of our industry during an event full of firsts for our rapidly growing organization. It will mark the first time we host the event in the Big Apple, the first time we will recognize an industry leader with the ‘Pioneer of the Year’ award and the first time we will awarding four newly created categories.”

The HPRA ‘Pioneer of the Year’ award will be presented to an individual who has demonstrated significant leadership and influence to advance the practice of Hispanic public relations. Nominees will be presented by the HPRA National Board of Directors who will also select the recipient of the prestigious award. The honoree will be recognized during the 2015 HPRA BRAVO Awards on October 8 at the New York Palace Hotel.

There are 16 categories available to enter for the HPRA National ¡BRAVO! Awards. These include:

Technology
Healthcare/Nutrition
Fashion & Beauty
Food & Beverage
Public Education
Sports
New Product/Service Launch
Pro-Bono
Media Events
Integrated Marketing Communications
Non-Profit
Digital PR Programs (Social Media Campaigns)
Internal Communications (NEW)
CSR Communications (NEW)
Public Affairs (NEW)
Multicultural PR Program (NEW)

How to Enter
All materials are required to be submitted digitally. Awards categories are open to all public relations, advertising, and marketing agencies, corporations, non-profit organizations and/or practitioners who practice in the United States, including Puerto Rico. Work must have been implemented between June 1, 2014 and June 30, 2015. All entries must be received by 5:00 p.m. PST on Wednesday, August 26, 2015.

Entries will be judged by an unaffiliated panel of senior public relations professionals representing industry national organizations and trade publications. Entrants will be notified of results by early-September. Awards winners will be recognized at HPRA National ¡BRAVO! Awards dinner at The New York Palace Hotel in NYC on Thursday, Oct. 8, 2015.

For more information about the awards program and to enter a submission, visit https://www.hpra-usa.org/bravo-awards/

For information about HPRA National ¡BRAVO! Awards sponsorship opportunities, please contact the HPRA National Office at [email protected].

All proceeds benefit the HPRA National scholarship and professional development programs.

Record June Sales Propel Kia Motors America To Best First-Half Performance In Company History

July 1, 2015

Record June Sales Propel Kia Motors America To Best First-Half Performance In Company History

Kia Surpasses 300,000 Units in Six Months for First Time; Year-To-Date Sales Up 4.6 Percent

IRVINE, Calif., July 1, 2015 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — After setting an all-time monthly sales record in May, Kia Motors America’s (KMA) momentum continued with best-ever June sales of 54,137 vehicles, capping off the greatest first-half performance in company history. With more than 300,000 vehicles sold in six months, Kia is up 4.6 percent year-to-date. Sales of the Sedona minivan, which was completely redesigned for the 2015 model year, reached new heights with a 707-percent increase over June 2014.

“Customers continue to turn to Kia in increasing numbers for our world-class design, technology, value and, of course, our quality, which was recently reaffirmed in J.D. Power’s annual Initial Quality Study in which Kia finished second overall and first among non-premium brands,” said Michael Sprague, Chief Operating Officer and EVP, KMA. “With our ‘Summer’s On Us’ promotion attracting even more traffic into showrooms, June proved to be a historic month for Kia as we recorded both the best quarter and first half sales performances in company history.”

About Kia Motors America
Kia Motors America (KMA) is the marketing and distribution arm of Kia Motors Corporation based in Seoul, South Korea, and in 2014 was the #1 ranked mainstream brand according to Strategic Vision’s Total Quality Index. KMA proudly serves as the “Official Automotive Partner” of the NBA and LPGA and set an all-time annual sales record in 2014, surpassing the 500,000 unit mark for the third consecutive year. KMA offers a complete line of vehicles, including the rear-drive K900¹ flagship sedan, Cadenza premium sedan, Sorento CUV, Soul urban passenger vehicle, Soul Electric Vehicle², Sportage compact CUV, Optima midsize sedan, Optima Hybrid, the Forte compact sedan, Forte5 and Forte Koup, Rio and Rio 5-door subcompacts and the Sedona midsize multi-purpose vehicle, through a network of more than 765 dealers across the United States. Kia’s U.S. manufacturing plant in West Point, Georgia, builds the Optima* and Sorento* and is responsible for the creation of more than 14,000 plant and supplier jobs.

Information about KMA and its full vehicle line-up is available at www.kia.com. For media information, including photography, visit www.kiamedia.com. To receive custom email notifications for press releases the moment they are published, subscribe at www.kiamedia.com/us/en/newsalert.

	MONTH OF JUNE		YEAR-TO-DATE
Model	2015	2014	2015	2014
Rio	2,420	3,257	14,835	19,966
Forte	7,907	5,846	43,182	37,951
Optima	13,488	13,866	79,966	82,813
Cadenza	359	1,035	3,289	5,415
K900	168	224	710	816
Sportage	3,550	3,590	23,955	19,956
Sorento	8,967	9,831	56,421	51,921
Sedona	5,434	673	20,608	3,576
Soul	11,844	12,322	67,986	74,999
Total	54,137	50,644	310,952	297,413

_______________________________

* The Sorento and Optima GDI (EX, SX & Limited and certain LX Trims only) are assembled in the United States from U.S. and globally sourced parts.

¹ 2015 K900 V8 available in select trims and in select markets with limited availability.

² 2015 Soul EV in select markets with limited availability.

Mary Kay’s “Suits For Shelters” Delivers A Fresh Start For Women In Need

July 1, 2015

Mary Kay’s “Suits For Shelters” Delivers A Fresh Start For Women In Need

Survivors of Domestic Violence Receive Professional Clothing through Annual Campaign

DALLAS, July 1, 2015 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — As members of Mary Kay’s independent sales force start to pack their bags to travel to Dallas for the iconic beauty company’s annual Seminar, some make a little extra room in their suitcases to bring professional clothing for women in need. For the sixth year, Mary Kay’s Suits for Shelters is collecting women’s professional attire, shoes and accessories to benefit 12 Dallas area organizations supporting survivors of domestic violence.

Photo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150701/227537

From July 1 through Aug. 1, Tootsies, located in the Plaza at Preston Center, will host a community collection and in return provide benevolent shoppers with a $25 Tootsies gift card. WFAA is also running a series of public service announcements to encourage additional donations from Dallas area women.

“Genesis Women’s Shelter & Support is incredibly grateful to Mary Kay for their long-term support of our organization and their tireless efforts to bring an end to domestic violence,” said Jan Langbein, Chief Executive Officer, Genesis Women’s Shelter & Support. “Women leave everything behind when they flee an abusive home, often arriving at our Emergency Shelter with nothing but the clothes on their backs – this donation helps to provide women with the resources they need to rebuild their lives and create the bright futures they each deserve.”

A key component of ending the cycle of abuse is helping a survivor along her recovery secure employment and financial independence. A partnership between Mary Kay Inc. and The Mary Kay Foundation^SM, Suits for Shelters provides professional attire to boost a woman’s confidence to aid in her job search. Since 2009, the program has collected more than 14,000 pieces of professional attire for women in need.

“Many of the women served by our community partners have suffered unspeakable abuse at the hand of someone they loved,” said Crayton Webb, Vice President of Corporate Communications and Corporate Social Responsibility for Mary Kay Inc. “As a company dedicated to enriching women’s lives, it is our hope that the donations from Mary Kay’s Suits for Shelters will help these women as they take steps toward lives free from abuse.”

Mary Kay has a long-standing commitment to prevent and end domestic violence. Over the past 15 years, Mary Kay Inc. and The Mary Kay Foundation^SM have given $50 million to domestic violence prevention and awareness programs to women’s shelters across the country in an effort to end the cycle of abuse.

About The Mary Kay Foundation^SMThe Mary Kay Foundation^SM was created in 1996, and its mission is two-fold: to fund research of cancers affecting women and to help prevent domestic violence while raising awareness of the issue. The Mary Kay Foundation^SM has awarded $54 million to shelters and programs addressing domestic violence prevention and cancer researchers and related causes throughout the United States. To learn more about The Mary Kay Foundation^SM, please visit www.marykayfoundation.org or call 1-877-MKCARES (652-2737).

About Mary Kay
Irresistible products. Positive community impact. Rewarding opportunity. For more than 50 years, Mary Kay has offered it all. With 3.5 million Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultants and $4 billion in global annual sales, Mary Kay is a top beauty brand and direct seller in more than 35 markets around the world. Discover what there is to love about Mary Kay by connecting with a Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultant at marykay.com.

Mary Kay Inc. Corporate Communications
marykay.com/newsroom
972.687.5332 or [email protected]

Entrepreneurs’ Organization Announces New Global Chairman

July 1, 2015

Entrepreneurs’ Organization Announces New Global Chairman

– Mexican native, Gilberto Crombe, assumes leadership post in global organization for entrepreneurs –

ALEXANDRIA, Va., July 1, 2015 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Today, the Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO), the world’s leading peer-to-peer community of entrepreneurs, welcomed Gilberto Crombe as its new chairman of the global board of directors for FY2015/2016. Crombe’s tenure as chairman will focus on bringing together EO’s global network while driving the organization’s strategic initiatives—and the leading entrepreneurs it supports—to achieve success and significance. EO’s thriving membership has increased to more than 11,000 members worldwide, and member companies now generate a combined US$536 billion in annual revenue and employ more than 2.4 million people.

Photo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150701/227380

“This year, our growing, global community is uniting under a core theme of togetherness. Our members are an integral part of an entrepreneurial community that celebrates diversity, rewards innovation and engages the world through business leadership. This is a testament to what entrepreneurs with a global mindset represent,” said Crombe. “We will continue building on the intrinsic value of, and need for, a peer-to-peer network of entrepreneurs by coming together as an organization and building synergy across all levels of the organization.”

A member of EO Monterrey since 1999, Crombe is a serial entrepreneur and strategic business consultant who has owned and operated more than 12 companies in Latin America. In addition to Crombe’s role on the board, EO also welcomes chairman-elect, Ivan Ting, of EO China South, and newly elected directors: Brian Brault of EO Western New York, Fred Johnson of EO Utah and Rosemarie “Bubu” Andres of EO Philippines.

About the Entrepreneurs’ Organization
The Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO) is a global, peer-to-peer network of more than 11,000 influential business owners with 148 chapters in 48 countries. Founded in 1987, EO is the catalyst that enables leading entrepreneurs to learn and grow, leading to greater success in business and beyond. For more information, visit www.eonetwork.org.

The Hispanic Association on Corporate Responsibility (HACR) Responds To Derogatory Remarks By Donald Trump, Reiterates For Companies To #KnowUsOrLoseUs

July 1, 2015

WASHINGTON, July 1, 2015 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The Hispanic Association on Corporate Responsibility (HACR) denounces the statements made by Donald Trump during his New York City press conference on June 16 and his subsequent “double-down” statements in recent days. His remarks about Mexican Americans and immigrants were insulting, offensive, and disparaging to Hispanics and all who know the truth about the long and positive history of Hispanic contributions in the U.S.

“Donald Trump is a living breathing example that personal wealth does not equate to personal intelligence,” said Cid Wilson, President and CEO of HACR. “Mr. Trump’s statements were not only offensive and ignorant, it was also inaccurate and irresponsible. He has had numerous opportunities to apologize for his anti-Latino remarks and instead has doubled-down on his rhetoric.”

“We want to thank Univision Communications and Comcast Corporation, the parent company of NBC Universal, for doing the right thing by ending their business relationships with Donald Trump. We call on all other corporations with existing relationships with Donald Trump or his businesses, including Macy’s Inc., to end their relationships with Mr. Trump,” concluded Wilson.

HACR and its 16-member coalition of organizations will not host any future conferences or events at Trump properties. We call on Corporate America to exercise positive corporate social responsibility by not conducting any business activities at Trump properties worldwide.

Hispanic employees and consumers will associate with corporations who demonstrate a clear commitment to diversity, inclusion, and engagement. Donald Trump has made the decision to isolate himself from the Hispanic community with his derogatory remarks. That decision will prove to be financially and politically damaging to him and his businesses. Corporations must distance themselves from Mr. Trump to avoid the risk of brand association.

HACR reiterates the importance for Corporate America and corporate leaders to #KnowUsOrLoseUs as a community. Hispanics represents nearly 55 million consumers with nearly $1.5 trillion in buying power. We are among the fast-growing communities with an economic power that ranks us as the 14^th largest economy in the world.

HACR will host a press conference today at 10:00am ET at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. to further address our statement. For more information on HACR visit our website www.hacr.org, follow us on social media Facebook, LinkedIn, on Twitter @HACRORG, and viewing our videos on YouTube.

About the Hispanic Association on Corporate Responsibility
Founded in 1986, the Hispanic Association on Corporate Responsibility (HACR) is one of the most influential advocacy organizations in the nation representing 16 national Hispanic organizations in the United States and Puerto Rico. Our mission is to advance the inclusion of Hispanics in Corporate America at a level commensurate with our economic contributions. To that end, HACR focuses on four areas of corporate social responsibility and market reciprocity: Employment, Procurement, Philanthropy, and Governance.

Contacts:
Dr. Lisette M. Garcia – Senior Director, HACR Research Institute
[email protected]
202-682-4012

Ariana Solis Gomez – Manager of Communications
[email protected]
202-682-4012

Urban Health Plan, Inc. Appoints Dr. Jaime R. Torres As Vice President Of Community Relations And Partnerships

June 30, 2015

Urban Health Plan, Inc. Appoints Dr. Jaime R. Torres As Vice President Of Community Relations And Partnerships

BRONX, N.Y., June 30, 2015 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Urban Health Plan, Inc. announced the appointment of Jaime R. Torres, DPM, MS, as Vice President of Community Relations and Partnerships. In this new position, Dr. Torres will be responsible for facilitating, developing and managing strategic partnerships on behalf of the organization.

Announcing his appointment, Paloma Hernandez, President and CEO said, “We are very pleased to welcome Dr. Torres to the Urban Health Plan network. He brings vast experience and knowledge of the health care industry—federal, state and local–that will be a significant asset to our growing organization.”

Prior to this position, Dr. Torres was appointed by President Barack Obama to serve as the Regional Director of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Region II, covering New York, New Jersey, Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands. In this role, he served as HHS Secretary’s representative in the Region, and was the lead contact with federal, state, local, tribal and territorial government officials.

Previously he served as Associate Director of Consultative Services at Coler-Goldwater Specialty Hospital in New York City, part of the Health & Hospital Corporation, which is the largest public health system in the nation.

Dr. Torres is president of Latinos for Healthcare Equity, a not-for-profit organization created to improve access to quality, affordable healthcare for the Latino community. He earned a bachelor of science degree from Fordham University and a doctor of podiatric medicine degree from New York College of Podiatric Medicine. He also has a master of science degree in community health administration from Long Island University.

Contact information:
Jaime R. Torres, DPM, MS
Vice President of Community Relations & Partnerships
Urban Health Plan, Inc.
1065 Southern Boulevard,
Bronx, New York 10459
Tel: (718) 598-2440 x 2826
Cell: (929) 284-0672
[email protected]

About Urban Health Plan:
Urban Health Plan (UHP) is a network of federally qualified community health centers based in the South Bronx and Queens and has been serving the community since 1974. Our mission is to continuously improve the health of communities and the quality of life of the people we serve by providing affordable, comprehensive, quality, primary and specialty health care and by assuring the performance and advancement of innovative best practices. We have nine clinical sites, nine school-based sites and four part-time sites. In 2014, we served more than 68,000 patients through close to 350,000 patient visits. UHP is Joint Commission accredited. For more information, visit www.urbanhealthplan.org and our social media platforms: Twitter; Facebook; YouTube and Instagram.

Contact: Robin West
(347) 604-0063
[email protected]

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