SB 863 Return-to-Work Program Offers Supplemental Payments for Injured Workers

May 8, 2015

SB 863 Return-to-Work Program Offers Supplemental Payments for Injured Workers

OAKLAND, California, May 8, 2015 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) today launches the Return-to-Work Supplement Program for injured workers. This fund – which will quickly get an additional $5,000 to each eligible injured worker who has a disproportionate loss of earnings – is an important component of the workers’ compensation reforms in Senate Bill 863.

“This program is another example of the benefits that SB 863 brought about for injured workers,” said DIR Director Christine Baker. “Many workers face economic hardship when they suffer disabling work injuries and this supplement will help them regain some of those lost earnings.”

DIR inaugurated the new program today with an online portal as well as kiosks that connect to the portal in its Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC) offices across the state, allowing injured workers to easily file the application. All completed applications will be reviewed for eligibility within 60 days from the date of filing. Payment to workers will be made within 25 days of the eligibility determination.

Governor Brown’s landmark worker’s compensation reform, SB 863, became law on Jan. 1, 2013 with benefits to workers that included a 30 percent increase – more than $800 million per year – in permanent disability indemnity rates for workers, and an independent medical review (IMR) system for resolving medical treatment disputes with review by a physician to ensure that injured workers receive timely and appropriate medical treatment. Included in the major benefit increase is up to $120 million annually in Return-to-Work special funds, for injured workers whose employers do not offer them continued employment after the injury at approximately the same pre-injury income levels.

SB 863’s cost savings to businesses are also significant, resulting in lower medical loss, indemnity and medical severities. The recent proposal by the WCIRB for a reduction of 10.2% in pure premium rate from the approved average of Jan. 1, 2015 can be attributed in large part to the reforms’ cost-saving efficiencies.

Regulations for the Return-to-Work Supplement Program were approved by the Office of Administrative Law (OAL) and filed with the Secretary of State on April 6, 2015. These regulations will be implemented on April 13 and are authorized by Labor Code section 139.48.

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 non-media 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.

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US Latinas Put Selfies and Sacrifice First in Travel Experiences

May 8, 2015

US Latinas Put Selfies and Sacrifice First in Travel Experiences

Annual Best Western Women in Travel Survey Shows Power of Latinas for the Travel Industry

NEW YORK, May 8, 2015 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — When it comes to family, U.S. Latinas put their children’s needs before their own, even when traveling, according to the annual Women in Travel survey released today by Best Western International. In fact, approximately 68 percent of U.S. Latinas with children said their children’s needs come first when traveling, in comparison to only 61 percent of their non-Hispanic counterparts. As the busy summer vacation season approaches, Best Western looked at U.S. women to find out more about their travel preferences in a survey of 500 females living within the U.S. The findings were unveiled today at the Leisure Travel Summit in New York City.

“American women are the major decision makers for family travel, and their perspectives help define the leisure travel industry,” said Best Western’s Senior Vice President of Marketing and Sales Dorothy Dowling. “As we look at trends in this space, we also know Latinas are a mighty, growing force that holds significant potential buying power and family influence, making their travel preferences an extremely important indicator for future hotel demand.”

On average, only 31 percent of U.S. female travelers take all or most of their paid time off from work each year. Sadly, U.S. Latinas rank even lower, with only approximately 27 percent taking all or most of their paid time off. Both groups agree that vacationing solely with their immediate family is more relaxing than visiting family who live elsewhere, and they also noted they would rather travel with family than friends, as well as a preference for traveling with people from the same generation.

Family structure and marital status are major factors in priorities and needs when vacationing for both groups. In fact, according to the survey, marriage generally leads to increased travel for all female travelers in the U.S., with Latinas holding just one percentage over their U.S. general market counterparts (54 percent versus 53 percent).

All female travelers are concerned about losing personal items and personal safety, though U.S. Latinas were more concerned with personal safety when traveling. In order to stay safe, both groups keep cell phones with them at all times and leave important items in a locked safe. Latinas indexed slightly higher with nearly 91 percent saying they have their cell phone on them at all times.

TripAdvisor also plays a major role in safety concerns for women in both groups with 40 percent citing they check the review site before booking.

Both groups also agreed that waiting in lines, worrying they’ve forgotten items at home and coming home to things to do are general themes that keep them from enjoying their trips. Interestingly, for U.S. Latinas, another frequent concern was having minimal to no phone reception, showing the true importance of constant contact and easily accessible mobility for this group. In fact, Latino Internet users are more likely than white internet users to go online using a mobile device (76 percent) versus their non-Hispanic counterparts with only 60 percent going online via mobile.¹

Speaking of connectivity, when it comes to mobile and social, Latinas are the social queens. U.S. Latinas are the most likely to share their travels on social media with approximately 47 percent saying they always or often do. In comparison, only 41 percent of other females in the U.S. share on social media. The reasons for posting vary, though most Latinas cited wanting to share their travels with friends and family that aren’t with them or wanting to capture the moment to remember it at a later date.

Facebook still dominates as the most popular platform to post about travels (approximately 56 percent of U.S. females) but, interestingly, Latinas use this medium less and less, with only 51 percent citing Facebook as their main social channel as Instagram and Snapchat become strong contenders for younger Latinas. Latinas also dominate in the selfie category. Approximately 78 percent of U.S. Latinas have taken a selfie while traveling compared to approximately 67 percent of the U.S. general market female population.

Both groups also agree they’d rather pay for hotel WiFi than checked luggage, showing the importance of connectivity for all female travelers.

While on vacation, U.S. Latinas differ from the general population on where they splurge the most. For Latinas, hotel rooms are the one item they would be more willing to splurge on upgrades. For their U.S. counterparts, activities and excursions are the number one splurge, followed by lodging and hotel upgrades. Both groups agree that spa treatments were the last thing they would splurge on while on vacation.

Women across the U.S. remain major decision makers for family travel, and Latinas are no doubt leading that charge.

¹ Data from Pew Research Center article Closing the Digital Divide: Latinos and Technology Adaption, March 2013

ABOUT BEST WESTERN INTERNATIONAL, INC.
Best Western International, Inc., headquartered in Phoenix, Ariz., is a privately held hotel brand with a global network of 4,000+* hotels in more than 100* countries and territories worldwide. Best Western offers six hotel products to suit the needs of developers and guests in every market: BEST WESTERN^®, BEST WESTERN PLUS^®, BEST WESTERN PREMIER^®, BEST WESTERN PLUS EXECUTIVE RESIDENCY^SM, Vib^SM and BW Premier Collection^SM. Now celebrating 69 years of hospitality, Best Western provides its hoteliers with global operational, sales and marketing support, and online and mobile booking capabilities. More than 22 million travelers are members of the brand’s award-winning loyalty program Best Western Rewards^®, one of the few programs in which members earn points that never expire and can be redeemed at any Best Western hotel worldwide. The brand’s partnerships with AAA/CAA, Minor League Baseball, and Harley-Davidson^® provide travelers with exciting ways to interact with the brand. Best Western continues to set industry records and accolades, including Business Travel News naming BEST WESTERN and BEST WESTERN PLUS as the best mid-price and upper mid-price hotel chains, three consecutive Compuware Best of the Web gold awards for the best hotel website and six consecutive AAA/CAA Hotel Partner of the Year awards. Best Western-branded hotels worldwide won four times more TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence awards than industry average.

For more information or to make a reservation, please visit www.bestwestern.com.
*Numbers are approximate and may fluctuate.

CONTACT: Laura Zilverberg, 623-201-5556 , [email protected]

AHAA to Contribute to Smithsonian’s Advertising History Collections

May 8, 2015

AHAA to Contribute to Smithsonian’s Advertising History Collections

Leading Hispanic Organization to Host Fall Event for its 20^th Anniversary

FAIRFAX, Va., May 8, 2015 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Today, AHAA: The Voice of Hispanic Marketing announced that it will donate the Sara Sunshine archives to the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History where they will become part of the nationally recognized advertising collections held by the museum’s Archives Center. The Sara Sunshine archives feature advertising print, audio and visuals from the 1960s to 1990s and include artifacts from Ms. Sunshine’s tenure at Spanish Advertising and Marketing Services (SAMS), the first recognized U.S. Hispanic agency founded in 1962, and Siboney Advertising. Among the major advertisers showcased in the Sara Sunshine archives are companies such as Colgate-Palmolive, Kimberly-Clark, Pepsi-Cola and Polaroid.

AHAA is the only national trade organization for the Hispanic marketing, communications and media industry. Since its founding in 1996, AHAA has championed the Hispanic Market in corporate boardrooms, advocated for increased investment in multicultural marketing strategies, and led the industry in defining Total Market strategy. The association has grown to represent more than 45,000 marketing, research and media executives who possess trusted Hispanic expertise.

“On the cusp of AHAA’s 20^th anniversary, the Hispanic marketing industry has undergone significant changes and now in many cases the Hispanic consumer is at the forefront of corporate advertising strategy,” said AHAA Executive Director, Horacio Gavilan. “We are honored to find a home in our nation’s museum where this archive can be studied and showcased to show the origins of our proud industry and honor those luminaries who were the architects of change and development. The entire industry looks forward to joining AHAA to celebrate these achievements with a fall event.”

This collection will join artifacts from fellow AHAA pioneers Lionel Sosa, Ernest Bromley and Adolfo (Al) Aguilar, which include agency business records, public service announcements, awards and other printed materials and video landmark campaigns developed for companies such as American Airlines, Burger King, Coca-Cola, Kroger, Bud Light and Western Union.

“The National Museum of American History explores the richness and complexity of American history and helps people understand the past in order to make sense of the present and shape a more humane future,” said AHAA Chair Aldo Quevedo. “That’s why it is so significant that the Hispanic advertising industry is being honored as an important part of marketing history, which has influenced the trends and pop culture of today.”

The National Museum of American History is opening its first-ever exhibition on American business, “American Enterprise” on July 1. A section of the exhibition explores branding and its role in engaging consumers from the 1700s to the present. “American Enterprise” places a special emphasis on the consumer-era, between 1940s and 1970s which is also the time period when television became a big business and changed the world of advertising and marketing.

American Enterprise chronicles the tumultuous interaction of capitalism and democracy that resulted in the continuous remaking of American business – and American life. Visitors will be immersed in the dramatic arc of labor, power, wealth, success and failure in America in an 8,000-square-foot gallery focused on the role of business and innovation from the mid-1700s to the present. The exhibition traces the country’s development from a small, dependent agricultural nation to one of the world’s most vibrant economies.

An immigrant from Cuba, in 1962 Ms. Sunshine, working in conjunction with Luis Diaz-Albertini, co-founded SAMS the first U.S. full service agency to focus on the Hispanic market. She then collaborated with Alex Berger and Gary McBride to establish the New York office of Siboney Advertising before joining the Bravo Group. A highly sought-after speaker at industry events, Ms. Sunshine has also been the recipient of many industry awards including the first CLIO ever awarded for Hispanic advertising.

For more information on AHAA, please visit http://ahaa.org and follow @ahaa on Twitter. For more information on the National Museum of American History, please visit http://americanhistory.si.edu.

About AHAA: Founded in 1996, AHAA: The Voice of Hispanic Marketing is the national trade organization of all marketing, communications and media firms with trusted Hispanic expertise.

Letter Carriers’ Annual Food Drive Set for Saturday throughout Nation

May 8, 2015

Letter Carriers’ Annual Food Drive Set for Saturday throughout Nation

National Organizations and Community Members Pitch in to Help Millions of Americans Facing Hunger in All 50 States

WASHINGTON, May 8, 2015 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) will conduct its 23rd annual Stamp Out Hunger food drive on Saturday, May 9. Letter carriers will collect non-perishable food donations on that day as they deliver mail along their postal routes.

Logo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110406/DC78673LOGO

It is the nation’s largest single-day food drive, and is held annually on the second Saturday in May in 10,000 cities and towns in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands and Guam.

Hunger affects about 49 million people around the country, including millions of children and senior citizens.

“Letter carriers are honored to be able to help people in need,” NALC President Fredric Rolando said. “On a daily basis we see the needs in the communities we serve, and we believe it’s important to help meet those needs.”

On May 9, as they deliver mail, the nation’s 175,000 letter carriers will collect donations left by residents near their mail boxes. People are encouraged to leave a sturdy bag containing non-perishable foods such as canned soup; canned vegetables; canned meats and fish; pasta; peanut butter; rice or cereal next to their mailbox before the regular mail delivery on Saturday.

Carriers will bring the donated items to local food banks, pantries or shelters.

(Español) Univision Presenta el Camino A Seguir para Anunciantes en el Upfront 2015

May 7, 2015

Sorry, this entry is only available in Español.

Genesis Rodriguez joins L’Oreal Paris and Melanoma Research Alliance (MRA) to Help Spread Melanoma Awareness and Sun Protection Education Among the Hispanic Community with the It’s THAT Worth It To Me Campaign

May 7, 2015

Genesis Rodriguez joins L’Oreal Paris and Melanoma Research Alliance (MRA) to Help Spread Melanoma Awareness and Sun Protection Education Among the Hispanic Community with the It’s THAT Worth It To Me Campaign

Rodriguez Shares How Skin Cancer has Affected her Family through a New Public Service Announcement and Ignites a Movement to Raise Funding for Research by Inspiring Women to Donate 15 Social Media Seconds and Share Why It’s THAT Worth It™

to Protect Their Skin, Their Beauty and Their Life

NEW YORK, May 7, 2015 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Skin cancer rates among Hispanics have skyrocketed in the United States. Research shows that in the past two decades alone, melanoma incidence among Hispanics has risen by almost 20 percent.¹ The first line of defense in helping to reduce the risk of developing melanoma is by wearing broad spectrum UVA and UVB SPF protection. L’Oreal Paris, a leading global beauty brand, and Melanoma Research Alliance (MRA), the leading private funder of melanoma research, announced today the addition of Actress and L’Oreal Paris spokesperson, Genesis Rodriguez, to the It’s THAT Worth It To Me campaign. This social media campaign encourages women to donate 15 social media seconds by sharing why SPF protection or using sunless tanner is worth it to protect their skin, their beauty and their life. For every social share, L’Oreal Paris will donate $1 to MRA to fund the L’Oreal Paris – MRA Team Science Award Research Grant, up to $250,000 in 2015.

Experience the interactive Multimedia News Release here http://www.multivu.com/players/Spanish/7459052-l-oreal-paris-mra-it-s-that-worth-it

Additionally, $1 from U.S. sales of select L’Oreal Paris products from now through December 31^st, 2015 will fund the L’Oreal Paris – MRA Team Science Award Research Grant, up to $250,000 in 2015, including: L’Oreal Paris Advanced Suncare Invisible Protect Clear Cool Lotion SPF 50, L’Oreal Paris Advanced Suncare Liquid Silky Sheer Face Lotion SPF 50+, L’Oreal Paris Advanced Suncare Alcohol-Free Quick Dry Sheer Finishing Spray SPF 50+, L’Oreal Paris Sublime Bronze Self-Tanning Serum, L’Oreal Paris Sublime Bronze ProPerfect Airbrush Self-Tanning Mist, L’Oreal Paris Age Perfect Cell Renewal Day Cream SPF 15, L’Oreal Paris Youth Code Dark Spot Correcting & Illuminating Day Cream SPF 30 and L’Oreal Paris Revitalift Anti Wrinkle + Firming SPF 30 Day Lotion.

Rodriguez will help spread melanoma awareness and sun protection education among the Hispanic community by sharing her personal story about how skin cancer has affected her family, and motivated her to protect her skin, her beauty and her life by wearing SPF. She will appear in a public service announcement (PSA), a series of press events and participate in the donate 15 social seconds campaign.

“Growing up in Miami, I spent a lot of time outside, but I never really burned. I wore sunscreen from a young age because my mami told me that SPF prevented wrinkles and I wanted to keep my skin healthy-looking and youthful,” said Genesis Rodriguez, Actress and L’Oreal Paris spokesperson. “My life was affected by skin cancer when my abuelitos were diagnosed after years of working outside in Cuba. I was shocked to learn about the risk of the disease because I did not think that Hispanics were at risk because of their skin tone. It’s important for me to share my story and tell other Latinas that they are not invincible to developing melanoma and it’s important to wear SPF every day to protect your skin.”

Genesis’ PSA will join a series of celebrity broadcast, print and digital PSAs that feature Eva Longoria, Aimee Mullins, Diane Keaton and L’Oreal Paris Communications Executive Danielle Macaluso. Each spokesperson featured is committed to spreading awareness around the risk of melanoma and the importance of SPF and sunless tanner through personal storytelling to encourage others to help spread the word.

“We are very proud to have Genesis Rodriguez join us in supporting Melanoma Research Alliance,” says President of L’Oreal Paris, Karen T. Fondu. “Genesis is an exceptional role model for young women. We applaud her commitment to helping better the lives of others by using her celebrity voice to educate Latinas on the risk of melanoma and the importance of SPF. She truly embodies the spirit of L’Oreal Paris’ philosophy, ‘Because You’re Worth It.'”

How To Participate in It’s THAT Worth It to Me by Donating 15 Social Media Seconds

Beginning on May 4^th, “Melanoma Monday,” and through Labor Day on September 7^th, people can participate in the campaign by following three steps:

Create a 15 second video or photo sharing with their social community why SPF protection or using sunless tanner is worth it.
Share the video or photo via Insta-video/Instagram, Facebook and/or Twitter with hashtag #ItsTHATWorthIt
Get your social media community involved to further spread the word by tagging three friends in your post.

About L’Oreal Paris’ Partnership with Melanoma Research Alliance (MRA)

This campaign is part of a three-year collaboration that began in May 2013 when L’Oreal Paris committed to donate over $750,000 to fund a team research grant with MRA, called the L’Oreal Paris-MRA Team Science Award. The L’Oreal Paris-MRA Team Science Award is led by internationally renowned cancer researcher Dr. Meenhard Herlyn, D.V.M., D.Sc., at The Wistar Institute in Philadelphia. Dr. Herlyn and his team are conducting research to explore the role of 16 variant genes as co-drivers in melanoma susceptibility, development and progression. The goal of the research is to help scientists better understand how to treat melanoma to develop improved treatments and a cure for melanoma.

About L’Oreal Paris

The L’Oreal Paris division of L’Oreal USA, Inc. is a total beauty care brand dedicated to empowering women by offering the most luxurious and innovative products and services available in the mass market. The brand’s signature tagline, “Because I’m Worth It,” was born in the United States in 1971 to celebrate the beauty and intrinsic self-worth of women, and for more than 100 years, L’Oreal Paris has been providing women around the world with products in four major beauty categories: hair color, haircare, skincare and cosmetics. With L’Oreal’s invention of hair color in 1909, the brand continues to serve as the leading innovator of hair products across color, care, and styling with brands such as Superior Preference, Feria, Excellence Creme, Advanced Haircare, Advanced Hairstyle, Elnett Satin Hairspray, the Ever collection, and OleoTherapy. As the #1 skin aging expert worldwide, L’Oreal Paris provides scientifically-advanced skincare products that are clinically proven to address individual skin concerns through its renowned brands Revitalift, Age Perfect, Sublime Bronze, and Advanced Suncare. In 2014, L’Oreal Paris changed the way women interact with makeup by introducing Makeup Genius, an app that allows users to scan a L’Oreal Paris product or advertisement to virtually try on individual products or curated looks. L’Oreal Paris’ iconic cosmetics collections include Infallible, True Match, Colour Riche, Voluminous, and Visible Lift. For more information about L’Oreal Paris and to receive personalized advice, expert tips, and exclusive content , please visit www.lorealparisusa.com or follow on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and Tumblr @LOrealParisUSA.

About Melanoma Research Alliance (MRA)
MRA is a public charity formed in 2007 under the auspices of the Milken Institute, with the generous founding support of Debra and Leon Black. Debra Black serves as Chair of MRA and is a melanoma survivor. MRA has dedicated more than $60 million to research seeking to better prevent, diagnose, and treat melanoma, the deadliest type of skin cancer. Due to the ongoing support of its founders, 100% of every dollar MRA raises goes to support its melanoma research program. The organization is poised to build on recent momentum in the field, accelerating the pace of scientific discovery and translation in order to eliminate suffering and death due to melanoma. MRA’s ability to fund wide-ranging research in melanoma is amplified by unique multi-faceted collaborations and partnerships with individuals, private foundations, and corporations. For more information, please visit www.CureMelanoma.org.

For more information on the It’s THAT Worth It To Me social media campaign and how to fight melanoma visit www.itsTHATworthit.org.

¹Skin Cancer Foundation. http://www.skincancer.org/publications/sun-and-skin-news/winter-2013-30-4/soar

Window Covering Industry Launches “Best for Kids” Program; New Safety Program to Help Consumers and Retailers Easily Identify Products for Homes with Young Children

May 7, 2015

Window Covering Industry Launches “Best for Kids” Program; New Safety Program to Help Consumers and Retailers Easily Identify Products for Homes with Young Children

WASHINGTON, May 7, 2015 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The Window Covering Manufacturers Association (WCMA) today announced the industry’s first third-party certification program designed to help consumers and retailers identify window covering products that are certified as best suited for use in homes with young children. The new Best for Kids program will require products that manufacturers want to be part of the program to meet stringent criteria, and to submit those products to a WCMA-recognized third party testing laboratory. Products that meet these criteria will be eligible to be listed and labeled on packaging and materials as “certified,” and companies can use this designation on their marketing materials.

“For years the window covering industry has joined with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and safety groups to urge parents to use only cordless window coverings or those with inaccessible cords in homes with young children,” said WCMA Executive Director Ralph Vasami. “This new program provides clarity to consumers and retailers who will be able to easily identify those products that have been independently tested specifically to meet these criteria.”

In order to earn the “Certified” designation a window covering product must either have no cords or the inner cords cannot be accessible, as defined by the industry’s safety standard (ANSI/WCMA A 100.1-2012). If accessible inner cords are present in products with no operating cords, the accessible inner cords cannot create a hazardous loop in accordance with the test procedures in Appendix D of the safety standard. The Best for Kids program includes criteria to evaluate window covering products primarily intended for use in homes or buildings in which young children are expected to be present. Based on the evaluation of those criteria, the program allows for a window covering product to be certified and recommended for use in such environments.

“We anticipate the retail community embracing the new Best for Kids program as it will assist them in promoting to their customers those window covering products that are most suitable for homes with young children,” continued Vasami.

In order to participate in the Best for Kids program, manufacturers must have the products they determine meet the program criteria assessed by a WCMA-recognized laboratory. Physical samples of the products must be submitted to the laboratory for review and analysis to determine if they meet the Best for Kids program criteria. For products that pass the test, the laboratory will send a report to the company that the submitted products meet the criteria and may be labeled.

WCMA expects an increase in the number of products certified Best for Kids as companies continue to innovate and more products are promoted in the market.

“Cordless technology continues to evolve and is currently available in many popular styles; however, it is not available affordably in all product styles and sizes. In addition, cordless solutions are often not appropriate for and/or don’t work in certain applications or for certain consumers. Corded products that comply with the current safety standard are essential to meet the needs and desires of disparate consumers, including the elderly and users with disabilities,” said Vasami. “The Best for Kids program in no way diminishes the requirement that all window covering products must be manufactured in accordance with the most current version of the ANSI/WCMA A 100.1-2012 standard. In addition, the launch of this program will not deter the industry’s ongoing efforts to update the voluntary safety standard, work with CPSC and fund and implement a nationwide public education campaign through the Window Covering Safety Council to promote window covering safety.”

For additional information on the Best for Kids Program, contact Tim Bennett at 212-297-2108 or [email protected].

About WCMA
Organized in the 1950s as the Venetian Blind Council, the Window Covering Manufacturers Association (WCMA) represents the interests of the window covering industry manufacturers, fabricators and assemblers. Industry products include blinds, shades, shutters, curtains, curtain rods, drapes, drapery hardware and other window treatments. Visit us on the web at www.wcmanet.org.

Media Contact:
Tim Bennett
212-297-2108
[email protected]

Got Milk? Honoring California’s Better Future Moms

May 7, 2015

Got Milk? Honoring California’s Better Future Moms

Campaign aims to identify outstanding moms and introduces video series featuring mom influencers

SAN CLEMENTE, Calif., May 7, 2015 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The California Milk Processor Board (CMPB), the creator of got milk?, announced today the launch of the California’s Better Future Moms campaign to honor mothers making a difference in their community while empowering their children to work towards a better future. Nomination submissions are now open and will continue to be accepted until May 31, 2015. The Better Future Moms campaign also includes a series of videos featuring candid roundtable conversations between online mom influencers. On the videos the moms offer tips and advice through personal experiences.

Video – http://origin-qps.onstreammedia.com/origin/multivu_archive/PRNA/ENR/California-Milk-Processor-Board-Better-Future-Moms-Influencers-050615-1.mp4

Logo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150507/214480LOGO

“This statewide search will allow us the opportunity to identify and thank those unsung hero moms who are guiding their children toward a better future while simultaneously being that positive force bettering their children’s schools, neighborhoods or communities,” said Steve James, Executive Director, CMPB. “We are also looking to engage with moms online by providing them with entertaining videos that may either help them overcome a challenge they’re facing with their children or reinforce their decisions.”

Better Future Moms nominations are open to all Californian moms who have at least one child between the ages of 3 to 18 years of age. Got milk? is also actively working with community organizations, PTSAs, sports organizations and after-school programs as part of its quest to identify these outstanding moms. Submissions will also be accepted via email by contacting [email protected] with a brief summary of the nominee. Entries must describe how the nominated mom is actively taking the steps necessary to ensure a better future for their children and their community.

Seven regional winners will be selected and notified in June 2015. The honorees will serve as Better Future Mom ambassadors representing got milk? through media opportunities in their city and will also be invited to attend an exclusive awards ceremony to be held in Los Angeles and hosted by “Jane the Virgin” actress and TV mom Andrea Navedo, also a proud mother of two.

“I am honored to be joining got milk? for this amazing project,” said Navedo. “I believe moms are the backbone to their children’s well-being and, as a mother, I understand the dedication it takes to ensure that our children have a bright future.”

In order to engage digital moms and help kick-off the program, got milk? brought together a diverse group of California-based mom influencers including Daily Baez of Daily Curlz, Keke Dixon of Free and For Me, Ericka Sanchez of Nibbles and Feasts and Melissa Burton, RD/CDE of the Valentine RD, for candid roundtable conversations that were videotaped and will be shared on social media. The panel of social media moms was invited to share their opinions on topics related to guiding their children towards a better future, such as the importance of building a strong foundation, influencing healthier eating habits, encouraging academic challenges and higher education and always finding time to create memorable family moments. The videos will be available online through the got milk? Facebook page starting on Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 10^th.

To submit your California’s Better Future Moms nomination, e-mail got milk? at [email protected] and also visit www.gotmilk.com for updates. Remember to follow got milk? via social media on Facebook @gotmilk, Twitter @gotmilk or Instagram @officialgotmilk and join the conversation using #BetterFutureMoms.

About the CMPB
The California Milk Processor Board was established in 1993 to make milk more competitive and increase milk consumption in California. Awareness of got milk? is over 90% nationally and it is considered one of the most important and successful campaigns in history. Got milk? is a federally registered trademark that has been licensed by the national dairy boards since 1995. The CMPB’s Spanish-language campaign began in 1994 using the tagline “Familia, Amor y Leche” (Family, Love and Milk). The TOMA LECHE (Drink Milk) campaign replaced it in 2006, in order to better align the English and Spanish language work. The CMPB is funded by all California milk processors and administered by the California Department of Food and Agriculture.

YipTV Offers Live Television Broadcasts from Channels Worldwide with Launch of OTT Service for Multi-Lingual ‘Never Corders’ in U.S.

May 7, 2015

YipTV Offers Live Television Broadcasts from Channels Worldwide with Launch of OTT Service for Multi-Lingual ‘Never Corders’ in U.S.

Foreign Sports, News, Dramas and More Now Accessible on PCs, Android/iOS Mobile Devices with No Long-Term Service Contract and Subscription for only $14.99 a month

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla., May 7, 2015 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Recognizing an underserved population in the television marketplace, YipTV today launched a new OTT broadband television service that brings live channel broadcasts from around the globe to millions of multi-lingual consumers in the United States.

Logo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150310/180864LOGO

YipTV — short for Your Individual, Personalized TV — provides affordable access to international programming content at only $14.99 a month, with no long-term service commitments or contracts.

Available over any type of wired or wireless broadband connection, YipTV enables subscribers to explore a whole world of live telecasts using a Smart TV, laptop/desktop computer or mobile Android or iOS smart device. In addition, YipTV can be viewed on a traditional TV screen using an Apple TV™ or a Google Chromecast™ device. With YipTV, viewers gain a personalized entertainment experience wherever, whenever and however they choose.

Launching with 50 channels, YipTV brings intriguing and entertaining viewing options to the United States, including live sports broadcasts from Latin America and Europe. In coming months, YipTV will add a number of Spanish- and Portuguese-language channels, and bolster broadcast offerings from Europe, Asia and India.

At launch, popular channels of note offered by YipTV include:

beIN Sports (Global)
Azteca (Mexico, Global)
Antenna 3 (Spain & Global)
RT News (Russia, Global)
Hola TV(Spain, Global)
TYC Sports (Argentina, Global)
NTN24 (Colombia, Global)
Canal Sur (Latin America, Global)

Nearly 40 million U.S. citizens have emigrated from another country. Of that number, more than half are from Latin America and the Caribbean. Another 30 percent are from Asia and 12 percent from European nations.

CEO and Co-founder Michael Tribolet said YipTV will use Internet-based OTT technology to allow for an explosion of channel options catering to that 40 million-strong, underserved portion of the U.S. consumer marketplace that he calls the “Fifth Nation.”

“Advancements in technology have made the world seem smaller and smaller,” Tribolet said. “YipTV is now using the latest technology to expand entertainment options and provide value to the customer.

“We are not just reorganizing the way people access channels that have been available for years,” he added. “With YipTV, people with emotional and family ties overseas can watch programs that they are familiar with at a reasonable price. They can watch live news broadcasts from the city where they grew up, or share an experience with loved ones back home.

“YipTV provides more than just high-quality programming; it is also a way to stay connected with your local community and home town,” Tribolet said.

Tribolet leads the YipTV team consisting of seasoned professionals who have many years of combined experience in offering iconic, web-based consumer services from companies such as Vonage, IDT and Dialpad. Many of the team members also worked together at Vonage where Tribolet served as president.

A free, seven-day introductory trial, allowing access to a limited number of YipTV channels, is available so television watchers can experience the quality before they subscribe to the full channel lineup. The full subscription — for $14.99 a month — is also available from the YIPTV website. Android and iOS mobile apps for YipTV are available for download via iTunes and Google Play.

For more information, please visit https://www.yiptv.com/

About YipTV:
YipTV, Inc., is a privately held company with offices in West Palm Beach, Fla., and New Brunswick, N.J., that provides low-cost, television channels, including domestic and international network content. Founded in 2012, YipTV is an Over the Top (OTT) television content provider that distributes over 50 channels and programs in multiple languages, letting subscribers watch YipTV on televisions, tablets, computers, smartphones and other Internet-enabled devices. YipTV sends video content via the public internet to broadband users, bypassing legacy cable systems and head end technology, and then passes that savings directly to the consumer.

Contact:

Jim Byrnes
Comunicano
+1 610-333-1794 (office)
+1 610-248-5053 (mobile)
[email protected]

Fashion Icon, Chef and Actor Join Together to Share Personal Stories of Managing Life-Threatening Allergies in New Campaign

May 7, 2015

Fashion Icon, Chef and Actor Join Together to Share Personal Stories of Managing Life-Threatening Allergies in New Campaign

EpiPen^® On Location™ Ambassadors Share Videos to Help Raise Awareness of How to Be Prepared if a
Life-Threatening Allergic Reaction Happens

POTTERS BAR, ENGLAND, AND PITTSBURGH, May 7, 2015 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Mylan N.V. (Nasdaq: MYL), a leading global pharmaceutical company, today announced the launch of EpiPen® On Location™. This campaign is a national call-to-action to help those living with potentially life-threatening (severe) allergies and their caregivers understand the importance of being prepared for a life-threatening allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) by avoiding allergic triggers and having access to two epinephrine auto-injectors, such as EpiPen^® (epinephrine injection) Auto-Injectors, at all times — whether at home, school, work or on vacation. Studies reveal that nearly half of all anaphylactic episodes happen outside of the home, increasing the importance of having epinephrine in multiple locations. Epinephrine is the only first-line treatment for anaphylaxis.

To view the multimedia assets associated with this release, please click: http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7160153-mylan-specialty-epipen-on-location/

To help spread the word, three On Location Ambassadors are sharing their personal stories about managing food allergies for the first time during National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month. Each of the Ambassadors lives with, or cares for someone with, food allergies. Captured on camera, “Project Runway” judge and Creative Director of Marie Claire Nina Garcia, Chef and cooking competition judge Amanda Freitag and “Girl Meets World” actor Auggie Maturo and his parents, discuss why it is important to be prepared should anaphylaxis occur.

“As a working mom in the high-paced fashion industry, I feel like my daily to-do list is a mile long, but without a doubt, the most important item on that list is ensuring my son avoids his allergic triggers and always has access to two EpiPen Jr^® (epinephrine injection) Auto-Injectors in several locations including at home, at school and on vacation,” said Garcia, whose 8-year-old son was diagnosed with food allergies to peanuts and tree nuts as a young child and has experienced anaphylaxis. “Though I do everything I can to help my son, I’ve seen firsthand that life happens, so we’ve got to be prepared.”

Garcia, Freitag and the Maturos are asking people to visit EpiPenOnLocation.com to watch their videos and share them with friends and family using #OnLocationTips and #promo. With different life experiences they each have learned the importance of incorporating their anaphylaxis action plan into their daily lives. Families managing known severe allergies are encouraged to follow their own anaphylaxis action plan, which should include 1) avoiding allergic triggers, 2) recognizing the signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis, 3) having access to two epinephrine auto-injectors, such as EpiPen^® Auto-Injectors, at all times and 4) seeking immediate emergency medical care should anaphylaxis occur.

Participants who share the EpiPen^® On Location videos from May 7 – July 9, 2015 will be entered into a Mylan-sponsored sweepstakes for a chance to win one of three, three-night/four-day Walt Disney World Resort vacations for four to be taken during the 2015 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, which runs between Sept. 25 – Nov. 16, 2015. Up to three shares per week will be considered toward a chance to win. The grand prize packages include a resort stay, theme park tickets, a vacation travel kit prepared by Nina Garcia and more. Plus, if winners travel between Oct. 2 and 4, 2015, they will also have an opportunity to attend culinary demonstrations and educational seminars featuring Chef Freitag and Auggie Maturo and his family. The sweepstakes will run through July 9, 2015. For the official sweepstakes rules, visit www.epipen.com/EOLTC.

Mylan and Walt Disney Parks & Resorts are committed to supporting guests with severe allergies. The companies formed an alliance in late 2014 to increase awareness of anaphylaxis and enhance access to epinephrine.

“Anaphylaxis is unpredictable, and one reaction does not predict the next. Those at increased risk should avoid their allergic triggers, have access to two epinephrine auto-injectors everywhere they go and know how to use them immediately, if needed,” said Maeve O’Connor, MD, FACAAI, FAAAAI, FACP, Allergy, Asthma and Immunology Relief of Charlotte, N.C. “When it comes to anaphylaxis, the time to think about being prepared is before it happens so that you are immediately ready to respond; this is what the EpiPen^® On Location program is all about.”

Nina Garcia, Amanda Freitag, Auggie Maturo and his parents and Dr. Maeve O’Connor are paid spokespeople of Mylan.

About Anaphylaxis

Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening allergic reaction that has many possible triggers, occurs quickly, without warning, and must be treated immediately with epinephrine. Symptoms may include hives, itching, swelling or redness of the skin, tightness in the throat, nausea, dizziness, breathing problems, a decrease in blood pressure and/or fainting. Anaphylaxis can be caused by triggers, such as food, stinging and biting insects, medicines, latex or even exercise. While symptoms of an allergic reaction vary from person to person, reactions can quickly progress to become life-threatening.

An epinephrine auto-injector, such as EpiPen^®(epinephrine injection) Auto-Injector, should be given at the first sign of anaphylaxis, followed by seeking immediate emergency medical care. Delays in epinephrine administration have been associated with negative health consequences, even possibly death.

EpiPen^®Auto-Injector is approved for the emergency treatment of life-threatening allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) and for people who are at increased risk for anaphylaxis. Antihistamines, such as Benadryl^®, are not approved for these uses and should not be substituted for epinephrine. Despite these facts, the use of antihistamines is the most common reason reported for not using epinephrine and may place a patient at significantly increased risk for progression toward a life-threatening allergic reaction. In addition, the use of certain antihistamines can increase the effects of epinephrine, so talk to your doctor before using antihistamines with EpiPen^® Auto-Injector.

Indications

EpiPen^® (epinephrine injection) 0.3 mg and EpiPen Jr^® (epinephrine injection) 0.15 mg Auto-Injectors are for the emergency treatment of life-threatening allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) caused by allergens, exercise, or unknown triggers; and for people who are at increased risk for these reactions. EpiPen^® and EpiPen Jr^® are intended for immediate administration as emergency supportive therapy only. Seek immediate emergency medical help right away.

Important Safety Information

EpiPen^® and EpiPen Jr^® Auto-Injectors contain a single dose of epinephrine, which you (or your caregiver or others who may be in a position to administer EpiPen^® or EpiPen Jr^®) inject into the middle of your outer thigh (upper leg) (through clothing, if necessary). Get emergency medical help right away. You may need further medical attention. Only a health care professional should give additional doses of epinephrine if you need more than two injections for a single anaphylactic episode. DO NOT INJECT INTO YOUR VEINS, BUTTOCKS, FINGERS, TOES, HANDS OR FEET. In case of accidental injection, please seek immediate medical treatment. Epinephrine should be used with caution if you have heart disease or are taking certain medicines that can cause heart-related (cardiac) symptoms.

Tell your doctor if you have certain medical conditions such as asthma, depression, thyroid disease, Parkinson’s disease, diabetes, high blood pressure or heart disease, have any other medical conditions, are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Be sure to also tell your doctor all the medicines you take, especially medicines for asthma. If you have certain medical conditions, or take certain medicines, your condition may get worse or you may have longer lasting side effects when you use EpiPen^® or EpiPen Jr^®.

The most common side effects may include increase in heart rate, stronger or irregular heartbeat, sweating, nausea or vomiting, difficulty breathing, paleness, dizziness, weakness, shakiness, headache, apprehension, nervousness or anxiety. These side effects may go away if you rest. Tell your health care professional if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away.

Please see the full Prescribing Information and Patient Information.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA.
Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

For additional information, please contact us at 800-395-3376.

About EpiPen^® (epinephrine injection) Auto-Injector

EpiPen^® (epinephrine injection) and EpiPen Jr^® (epinephrine injection) Auto-Injectors are used for the emergency treatment of life-threatening allergic reactions. Each EpiPen 2-Pak^® and EpiPen Jr 2-Pak^® contains two single auto-injectors, instructions for use and an EpiPen^® Trainer, with no drug or needle, to help patients become familiar with the administration technique. EpiPen^® Auto-Injector should be administered immediately at the first sign of an anaphylactic reaction. EpiPen^® Auto-Injector is not a substitute for emergency medical treatment. Patients should seek emergency medical attention immediately following administration. EpiPen^® Auto-Injector has been the No. 1 prescribed epinephrine auto-injector in the U.S. for more than 25 years and has a simple, three-step administration process. For more information about EpiPen^® Auto-Injector, please visit www.EpiPen.com.

About Mylan

Mylan is a global pharmaceutical company committed to setting new standards in healthcare. Working together around the world to provide 7 billion people access to high quality medicine, we innovate to satisfy unmet needs; make reliability and service excellence a habit; do what’s right, not what’s easy; and impact the future through passionate global leadership. We offer a growing portfolio of around 1,400 generic pharmaceuticals and several brand medications. In addition, we offer a wide range of antiretroviral therapies, upon which approximately 40% of HIV/AIDS patients in developing countries depend. We also operate one of the largest active pharmaceutical ingredient manufacturers and currently market products in about 145 countries and territories. Our workforce of approximately 30,000 people is dedicated to creating better health for a better world, one person at a time. Learn more at mylan.com.

EpiPen^®, EpiPen Jr^®, EpiPen 2-Pak^® and EpiPen Jr 2-Pak^® are registered trademarks of Mylan Inc. licensed exclusively to its wholly-owned subsidiary, Mylan Specialty L.P. ON LOCATION™ is a trademark of Mylan Inc. Walt Disney World^® Resort and Epcot^® International Food & Wine Festival are registered trademarks of Disney. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

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Logo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140423/77793

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