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2016 Acura RDX Brings the Heat in World Debut at 2015 Chicago Auto Show

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The new 2016 Acura RDX brings the heat in its debut to today at the 2015 Chicago Auto Show





2016 Acura RDX Brings the Heat in World Debut at 2015 Chicago Auto Show

Hot-selling Acura RDX luxury crossover boosts its considerable market strength with significant upgrades to performance, luxury, styling and safety features


CHICAGO, Feb. 12, 2015 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Coming off its best-ever year, the newly refreshed and energized 2016 Acura RDX luxury sport-utility made its world debut at the Chicago Auto Show, sporting a host of significant upgrades to performance, luxury prestige and styling. Launching at Acura dealerships nationwide this Spring, the 2016 Acura RDX receives  Jewel Eye™ LED projector headlamps and LED taillights, a new, more powerful 3.5-liter i-VTEC® V-6 engine, an expanded list of AcuraWatch™ safety and driver-assistive technologies, and a host of new luxury features and technologies, including a new line-topping RDX with Advance Package.

Photo- http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150212/175125

Logo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20100923/ACURALOGO

The Acura RDX and MDX have formed a potent 1-2 punch in the luxury SUV game, posting record sales in 2014 well ahead of European rivals in their segments. With the 2016 MDX also getting significant new features and technologies, including a 9-speed automatic transmission, the new RDX and MDX stand as an even more formidable presence in the luxury SUV space.

“The RDX ended on a high note in 2014, posting its best sales year ever, but at Acura, we are not content in resting on our laurels,” said Mike Accavitti, senior vice president and general manager of Acura. “The 2016 RDX gets a major infusion of Acura brand DNA including enhancements to styling, driving performance, and exciting new luxury feature-content, further solidifying its place as the one to beat in the entry luxury SUV segment.”

The 2016 RDX gets an important performance boost courtesy of its new 3.5-liter SOHC i-VTEC V-6 engine with Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) cylinder deactivation technology. Peak horsepower and torque output are up—279 (+6 hp) and 252 lb.-ft. (+1 lb.-ft.), respectively, while sporting a broader torque curve for more immediate and powerful acceleration response—right where it counts. Variable Cylinder Management™ allows for deactivation of two of the engine’s six cylinders under light engine loads, helping the more powerful 2016 RDX increase its highway EPA fuel-economy ratings by 1 mpg, rising to 19/28mpg for AWD models and 20/29mpg for FWD models (city/highway). Driving refinement is further enhanced by new active front and rear engine mounts, updates to the steering control system and increased suspension mount stiffness. Additionally, the RDX’s all-wheel-drive system – AWD with Intelligent Control – has been tuned for greater rear torque bias to further enhance dynamic stability and all-weather performance.

The 2016 RDX also gets key elements of Acura design DNA with restyled front and rear fasciae, including the addition of Acura’s signature Jewel Eye™ LED headlights and LED taillights with light-pipe design on all models and a new three-dimensional grille treatment. The lower front and rear fascia areas also support the new look with fresh luxury details while all models receive new wheel designs.

Inside, the new RDX gets a fresh look with a high-contrast silver and black trim plus significant upgrades to both standard and available luxury features and technology, including standard heated front seats and new second-row air-conditioning vents. The RDX with Technology Package adds a new 8-way adjustable power passenger’s front seat (4-way power in base models), Acura’s intuitive dual-screen On-Demand Multi-Information Display (ODMD), HD Radio®, blind spot information (BSI) and Rear Cross Traffic Monitor.

A new Advance Package for the 2016 RDX adds rain-sensing wipers, front fog lights, Bi-Directional Keyless remote engine start, front and rear parking sensors, ventilated front seats, an auto-dimming driver’s side mirror, and AcuraWatch™ advanced safety and driver-assistive technologies.  Both the Technology and Advance packages are equipped with the Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition™. All RDX models with AcuraWatch™ also get a new 4.2-inch full-color TFT Multi-Information Display with expanded, customizable information readouts such as average vehicle speed, fuel economy, fuel range, tire pressure monitoring system (TMPS) and turn-by-turn navigation.

While offered as standard equipment on the new Advance Package, all RDX models can now be equipped with the AcuraWatch™ suite of advanced safety and driver-assistive technologies, including Lane Departure Warning, Adaptive Cruise Control, Collision Mitigation Braking System™ and Lane Keeping Assist, along with a standard Multi-View Rear Camera and Expanded View driver’s side mirror.  AcuraWatch™ uses sensor fusion technology, the cooperative operation of a millimeter wave radar system and a windshield-mounted monocular camera to expand both the scope and fidelity of its sensing capabilities, including the ability to sense and respond to numerous road hazards, including a pedestrian detected in the roadway.

In addition to the available AcuraWatch™ technologies, the 2016 RDX offers enhanced collision performance with numerous changes to its Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure that further improve frontal collision performance. The 2016 RDX targets top-in-class safety ratings – a 5-Star Overall Vehicle Score from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and a TOP SAFETY PICK+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

The RDX is produced at the company’s award-winning East Liberty, Ohio, plant, using domestic and globally sources parts. In January, Acura marked the sale of its two-millionth North American-made vehicle in America.  Today, approximately 94 percent of all Acura models sold in America are made in the company’s plants in Ohio and Alabama.

About Acura
Acura offers a full line of precision crafted performance-luxury vehicles through a network of approximately 270 U.S. dealers. The Acura lineup features five distinctive models – the RLX luxury flagship sedan, the TLX performance luxury sedan, the ILX sport sedan, the 5-passenger RDX luxury crossover SUV, and the seven-passenger Acura MDX, America’s all-time best-selling three-row luxury SUV. The next-generation Acura NSX mid-engine supercar will join the Acura lineup later this year.  Acura was recently recognized by Edmunds.com for the third consecutive year as leading all luxury brands in retained value after five years of ownership.

For More Information
Consumer information about Acura is available at acura.com. To join the Acura community on Facebook, visit facebook.com/Acura. Additional media information including detailed features, pricing and high-resolution photography of the Acura model line is available at acuranews.com.


Gift of Hope Sets Record in Number of Lives Saved

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Gift of Hope Sets Record in Number of Lives Saved

Organization Announces Significant Increase in Latino Contributions


CHICAGO, Feb. 12, 2015 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — February 14th is National Donor Day. To celebrate, Gift of Hope Organ & Tissue Donor Network announced a record number of lives saved by helping 334 donors and their families donate 1,020 organs to patients waiting for a transplant, giving them a second chance at life last year.

“In 2014 we helped more people than ever before in our 28 year history and made a huge difference in the lives of many people,” said Kevin Cmunt, Gift of Hope President/CEO. “But none of this would have been possible without the selfless decisions made by individuals and family members to offer the gift of life to others through donation,” added Cmunt.

Despite this accomplishment, the shortage of donated organs remains critical. More than 5,200 Illinoisans currently are waiting for transplants, and the gap between the number of people waiting and available organs continues to widen. That is why today Gift of Hope invites the community to become organ and tissue donors.

“Every year through our efforts, we confirm that compassion and generosity are part of our community culture,” said Raiza Mendoza, Manager of Hispanic Affairs for Gift of Hope. “The contribution of the Latino community also set a record as the number of registered donors increased substantially, presenting the highest donor authorization rate at Gift of Hope in the entire year,” concluded Mendoza.

Today, Hispanics are more receptive to Gift of Hope’s message about registering to become organ donors and making this matter an everyday conversation among family and friends. Consequently, the organization has raised the bar on programs and services to continue educating, inspiring and addressing their sensitive needs with initiatives such as: Scholarships for Hope, Stories for Hope and Mission Smile for Hope. To that end, Gift of Hope delivered hundreds of toys to: Chicago Children’s Advocacy Center, Mt. Sinai Children’s Hospital, University of Illinois Children’s Hospital and its Pediatric Transplant Center, with a final delivery to the children of El Hogar del Nino taking place this Friday, February 13th in observance of National Donation Day.

It is also important to emphasize the legislative accomplishments that have brought a positive impact to the area of organ and tissue donation in Illinois, like the signing of SB0741, the alignment of Medicare and Medicaid services, which would allow some excluded patients a greater access to transplants, and the passing of SB0957, which allows thousands of undocumented drivers to register as donors when they apply for their temporary driver’s licenses.

“When the community gets united to help in the solution of its needs, the outcome is always positive. The record we celebrate today is the result of the shared work of Gift of Hope, healthcare partners, legislators, religious and community leaders, and a generous community willing to keep giving hope to those in need,” Mendoza concluded.

CONTACTS:

Janet Dominguez

Hispanic Media Relations

P: 312.281.2044

C: 630.779.3800

[email protected] 

Sonia Sotello 

Hispanic Media Relations

P: 312.281.2164

C: 312.909-7259

[email protected]

About Gift of Hope 
Gift of Hope Organ and Tissue Donor Network is a nonprofit organization that coordinates donation of organs and tissues with 180 hospitals in Illinois and northeast Indiana. Since its inception in 1987, Gift of Hope has coordinated donations that have saved the lives of more than 20,000 organ transplant beneficiaries, and bettering the lives of hundreds of thousands of recipients of tissue transplants. For more information: www.giftofhope.org/espanol or call: 877-577-3747.

 


Shepherd Smith Edwards & Kantas LLP Continues Investigating Investor Claims Involving Puerto Rico Bond Funds

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Shepherd Smith Edwards & Kantas LLP Continues Investigating Investor Claims Involving Puerto Rico Bond Funds


SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico, Feb. 12, 2015 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Lawyers with the Securities Law Firm of Shepherd Smith Edwards & Kantas LLP, www.sseklaw.com, continue investigating investor claims involving Puerto Rico bonds and Puerto Rico bond funds.  Recently, it was uncovered that as early as the summer of 2011, two years before Puerto Rico bonds crashed, UBS financial advisors were concerned about the risks of these investments to the point that many UBS advisors refused to continue selling them.

Logo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20131011/DA96469LOGO

According to numerous news reports, Miguel Ferrer, who was at the time the chairman of UBS Financial Services Inc. of Puerto Rico, held a meeting with these reluctant UBS advisors in June 2011 and one of those advisors recorded the meeting.  Ferrer emphasized in the recording that many of these brokers had clients with cash in their accounts which was not generating revenue for UBS.  According to the recording, the advisors gave UBS a list of at least 22 different problems with Puerto Rico bonds and UBS’s Puerto Rican bond funds, which was why the advisors were no longer pushing these investments on Puerto Rico investors.  Ferrer told these advisors they needed to start pushing UBS’s proprietary Puerto Rico bond funds to their clients again, or they needed to leave their jobs at UBS.    Instead of disclosing and discussing the risks with their clients, Ferrer stated these advisors needed to focus on the “attractive benefits” of these Puerto Rico bond funds.

These comments made by a UBS executive may substantially strengthen claims made by clients of UBS who bought Puerto Rico bonds or UBS proprietary Puerto Rico bond funds at the recommendation or advice of their UBS broker.

If you are or were a customer of UBS, Banco Popular, or another brokerage firm who invested in Puerto Rico bonds, Puerto Rican bond funds or similar securities, it is not too late to contact the law firm of Shepherd Smith Edwards & Kantas LLP for an evaluation of your account to determine if you might have a claim to recover some or all of your losses.  All communications will be kept strictly confidential, and you will not be billed in any way for a consultation. 

Shepherd Smith Edwards & Kantas LLP has a team of attorneys, consultants and staff with more than 100 years of combined experience in the securities industry and in securities law. For more than two decades, our firm has represented thousands of investors throughout the United States, Puerto Rico, and internationally to recover losses suffered through brokerage firms and banks. We have represented clients in Federal and state courts and in arbitration through the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), the New York Stock Exchange Inc. (NYSE), the American Arbitration Association (AAA) and in private arbitration actions. More information can also be found at www.ubs-taxfree-puertorico.com.

Contact Info: 800-259-9010

713-580-8914 to speak to Spanish fluent staff

Sam Edwards [email protected]

Kirk Smith [email protected]

Luis Acevedo [email protected]


Park West Gallery artist Romero Britto named 2016 Olympic ambassador

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Park West Gallery artist Romero Britto named 2016 Olympic ambassador


MIAMI LAKES, Florida, Feb. 12, 2015 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Park West Gallery artist Romero Britto has been selected to represent his native country for the 2016 Olympic games in Brazil.

Britto unveiled the news during a visit to Park West Gallery’s Miami Lakes location. The Brazilian Olympic Committee appointed the Neo-pop artist as ambassador for the 2016 Summer Olympics. As ambassador, Britto encourages the participation and involvement of fans for the international athletic event.

For the Miami resident, the role is an extension of what his art stands for: to bring joy and happiness to others.

“The idea of giving something – the pleasure of giving pleasure, to have the pleasure of doing something nice for somebody – I love doing that,” he said.

Park West Gallery conducts art auctions on cruise ships, in major metropolitan areas, and in Park West Gallery locations in Michigan and Florida.

This isn’t the first time Britto has been a global sports ambassador. In 2014, he served as a FIFA ambassador for the World Cup in Brazil, and was the official artist for World Cup 2010.

Growing up in Recife, Britto drew on everything from newspapers to cardboard. He would hone this talent and become a world-renowned artist, but admits at one point in his life he wanted to become a diplomat.

“I’m really glad that I gave up the idea of being a diplomat,” he said. “Today people tell me that I am a different sort of diplomat.”

Britto displayed this diplomacy when he held a painting party with the 2015 Miss Universe contestants at his Miami studio on Jan. 11. The fundraiser benefitted Best Buddies International.

“The girls represent so many different cultures and countries,” he said. “To me it was a real privilege to work with them.”

Britto combines cubism, pop art and graffiti painting into his style, citing influences like Pablo Picasso and Henri Matisse. After moving to Miami in 1988, he was asked to create art for Absolut Vodka’s Absolut Art campaign, exposing his colorful style to millions.

Park West Gallery is proud to represent Britto, including three-dimensional artwork exclusively offered by the gallery.

Park West Gallery in Detroit connects artists to fine art aficionados via land and sea art auctions by creating an entertaining, educational and welcoming environment that ignites a passion for the arts and offers an incomparable collecting experience.

CONTACT: Jillian Rowland, 248-354-2343 ext. 1282


Dating for Latino Singles Just Got Easier

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NEW YORK, Feb. 12, 2015 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — MiCrush, a free mobile dating app specially designed for the Latino user, the nation’s second-largest ethnic group, is officially available for use on iPhone and Android.

MiCrush logo

MiCrush is the newest mobile app from Crush Mobile, an application designer specializing in location-based, speed dating apps where users can find, chat and meet up with demographically-specific matches near them. 

“Mobile dating has become a highly social experience and is here to stay,” says Sonya Kreizman, COO at Crush Mobile. “Today, it’s not uncommon to see a group of friends hanging out and sharing profiles of singles they’re considering meeting – gone are the days of trying to hide that you met your girlfriend or boyfriend through a dating app.” She adds, “With MiCrush, users can connect with other users automatically, whether they’re browsing in the city where they live or traveling someplace new.”

Nearly two-thirds of Latinos are online, and they are among the most avid social media users – adopting mobile phones faster than any other group and are more likely to use mobile web and apps.

MiCrush is the ideal app for young Latino singles and professionals, providing a way for the busy dater to make private connections on the go. Users log in through their Facebook accounts; automatically creating a profile that allows them to browse potential matches. Users sort by “Crush” or “No, Gracias.” If a crush is mutual, the app will connect users in a private chat to explore their new crush. And the app’s “Say Hola” feature allows you to jumpstart the conversation by sending a message to potential matches, without waiting for a match – this feature is available through in-app purchases.

MiCrush users also have the option to describe their Latin American roots and filter their ideal matches by preferred Latin American background in the settings to link up with fellow daters. 

“Dating apps are the ideal way for young millennials to fit romance into their busy lifestyles,” Natasha Nova, Crush Mobile co-founder, said. “With our targeted app, users can quickly find matches specific to their demographic, making finding love easier than ever.”

While in its initial stage, MiCrush intends a targeted approach among major US cities with plans to expand globally, capitalizing on a growing, Latino-dating community.

Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150212/175130LOGO

 


Portada Announces Milestones for 2015 Latin American Advertising and Media Awards

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Let the fun start! Portada's Latin American Advertising and Media Awards reward excellency in Latin American (panregional) advertising campaigns and in start-ups/media companies targeting pan-latin audiences (Latin America, U.S. Hispanic and the Iberian Peninsula!). Award Winners will be announced at Portada's 2015 Latin American Advertising Media Summit, June 3-4 at the Hyatt Regency Miami.





Portada Announces Milestones for 2015 Latin American Advertising and Media Awards


MIAMI, Feb. 12, 2015 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Marketing, Content Marketing, Advertising, and Media professionals from all over the Americas are getting ready to nominate and vote for their favorite candidates in 11 different categories at the 2015 Latin American Advertising and Media Awards. Winners will be announced at the Award Ceremony of the Latin American Advertising and Media Summit (#Portadalat: https://www.portada-online.com/events/summit) on June 4 in Miami! The Award Ceremony will be live streamed!

MILESTONES OF AWARD PROGRAM:

NOMINATION PERIOD: March 9, 2015 – April 3, 2015
Portada’s audience of thousands of marketing, media and advertising executives nominate candidates in 11 different categories on Portada’s Spanish and English-language websites.

VOTING PERIOD: April 13, 2015 – May 1, 2015
Portada’s Audience votes for the nominated candidates in the 11 categories. Each user gets to vote one time in each category.

FINALISTS ARE ANNOUNCED!: May 13, 2015:
Portada announces the finalists: The 3 most voted candidates in each category. 

WINNERS ARE ANNOUNCED AT AWARD CEREMONY, June 4, 2015. During Portada’s 7th Annual Latin American Advertising and Media Summit in Miami’s Hyatt Regency Hotel.
Award Ceremony to be streamed worldwide.

To obtain the winners in 11 categories Portada Editorial Board members will add their votes to the audience voting results.

Portada Editorial Board Members and #PortadaLat Award Jury:

  • Carlos Espindola, Digital Head Latin America, 3M
  • Denisse Guerra, Regional Marketing Director Latin America, The Estée Lauder Companies Inc.
  • Ruben Leo Sarmiento, ‎Marketing/Digital Marketing Director / Mexico & International at Genomma Lab
  • Jose Ruiz, Director, LAD Advertising & Online, Oracle.
  • Raquel Solorzano, Regional Media Director, Diageo

Portada Latin American Advertising and Media Award Categories

  • Top Latin American Online Video Campaign
  • Top Latin American Print Advertising Campaign
  • Top Latin American Content Marketing Campaign
  • Top Latin American Digital Media Agency
  • Top Latin American Media Buying Agency
  • Top Marketer to Latin American Audiences
  • Top Latin American Digital Innovator
  • Top Content Provider to Latin American Audiences
  • Top Panregional Advertising Campaign
  • Top Panregional Integrated Advertising Campaign
  • Top Panregional Marketing and Media Professional

More exciting news about #Portadalat are going to be disclosed by Portada in coming weeks! For information about #Portadalat and sponsorship opportunities, please contact Bob Oliva at (305) 546-1515 ([email protected])

#PortadaLat
www.portada-online.com/events/summit
Twitter: @portada_online
https://www.facebook.com/Portada

About Portada
Portada (www.portada-online.com, http://latam.portada-online.com/ ) is the leading source of news and analysis on the Latin Marketing and Media space. We offer world-class news and intelligence through audited online, print and conference vehicles to highly targeted audiences. Portada’s mission is to help professionals in Business and Media understand and reach Latin American consumers. Credibility is our biggest asset: The Portada team is very passionate about producing high-quality independent content that helps drive forward the Latin Marketing and Media space.

NOTE TO EDITORS: High-resolution images are available at: http://hispanicprwire.com/en/multimedia/


Captain Morgan ‘Takes the Beach’ with New Flavors

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The Captain Morgan Rum Co. announced the launch of the newest additions to its portfolio of products- CAPTAIN MORGAN(R) Pineapple Rum, CAPTAIN MORGAN(R) Coconut Rum, and CAPTAIN MORGAN(R) Grapefruit Rum. (PRNewsFoto/Captain Morgan)





Captain Morgan ‘Takes the Beach’ with New Flavors

Captain Morgan Banishes Traditional ‘Fru Fru’ Cocktails By Invading Summer with Pineapple, Coconut and Grapefruit Flavors


ST. CROIX, U.S. Virgin Islands, Feb. 11, 2015 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Captain Morgan is taking the beach with a tidal wave of flavor – and cocktails will never be same. Infusing a bit of the Caribbean into drinks across the country, the Captain Morgan Rum Company will introduce three flavors to its fleet— CAPTAIN MORGAN® Pineapple Rum, CAPTAIN MORGAN® Coconut Rum, and CAPTAIN MORGAN® Grapefruit Rum.

Photo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150211/174988

Crafted from the sparkling waters of the Caribbean, Captain Morgan’s new flavors are five times distilled and made with fine cane molasses. Each expression blends natural flavors with CAPTAIN MORGAN® White Rum, resulting in a liquid that can be enjoyed as the key ingredient in a number of island-inspired cocktails.

“This summer, we’re looking for consumers to flip over their hammocks and have a little fun with their mojitos and daiquiris by enjoying our new pineapple, coconut and grapefruit extensions,” said Dan Kleinman, Vice President of Marketing, Rums for Diageo North America. “After last year’s successful launch of CAPTAIN MORGAN® White Rum, we wanted to expand our offerings in the category. These flavors allow adult fans to diversify their cocktails, providing them with a taste of the Caribbean no matter where they may be responsibly enjoying our products.”

With new flavors come new twists on the classics. The “Pina Thunder” is a new and improved take on the pina colada using CAPTAIN MORGAN® Pineapple Rum, and if you need a punch that will get the crowd talking, make a splash with CAPTAIN MORGAN® Coconut Rum’s “Shark Puncher.” Looking for the perfect cocktail to kick off the night? Consider a “Dusk Til Daiquiri” with CAPTAIN MORGAN® Grapefruit Rum.

The Pina Thunder

1.5 oz. CAPTAIN MORGAN® Pineapple Rum
.5 oz. Lime juice
1 oz. Cream of coconut
.5 oz. Coconut water
.5 oz. Pineapple juice

Directions: Combine all ingredients including CAPTAIN MORGAN® Pineapple Rum with ice in a blender and mix.

The Shark Puncher

9 oz. CAPTAIN MORGAN® Coconut Rum
9 oz. Orange juice
3 oz. Ruby red grapefruit juice
6 oz. Cranberry juice

Directions: Combine all ingredients including CAPTAIN MORGAN® Coconut Rum in a pitcher and stir.

From Dusk Til Daiquiri

1.5 oz. CAPTAIN MORGAN® Grapefruit Rum
.75 oz. Fresh lime juice
.75 oz. Simple syrup
1 Scoop of ice

Directions: Combine all ingredients including CAPTAIN MORGAN® Grapefruit Rum and add ice.

At 70 proof (35% ABV), CAPTAIN MORGAN® Pineapple Rum, CAPTAIN MORGAN® Coconut Rum, and CAPTAIN MORGAN® Grapefruit Rum are available nationally, with a suggested retail price of $15.99 for a 750 mL bottle. These flavors are the newest additions to the brand’s robust portfolio of offerings that includes CAPTAIN MORGAN® Original Spiced Rum, CAPTAIN MORGAN® Black Spiced Rum and CAPTAIN MORGAN® White Rum.

Throughout the year, the Captain Morgan Rum Co. is bringing these flavors to music festivals, pool parties and summertime spots across the country. Prepare yourself – Captain Morgan will be making a splash like never before!

As we embark on a year of adventure, the Captain Morgan Rum Co. encourages adult consumers to take the beach and raise a glass – always in moderation.

About Diageo

Diageo is a global leader in beverage alcohol with an outstanding collection of brands across spirits, beer and wine categories.  These brands include Johnnie Walker, Crown Royal, J&B, Buchanan’s, Smirnoff, Ciroc and Ketel One vodkas, Captain Morgan, Baileys, Don Julio, Tanqueray and Guinness.

Diageo is a global company, and our products are sold in more than 180 countries around the world.  The company is listed on both the London Stock Exchange (DGE) and the New York Stock Exchange (DEO).  For more information about Diageo, our people, our brands, and performance, visit us at www.diageo.com.  Visit Diageo’s global responsible drinking resource, www.DRINKiQ.com, for information, initiatives, and ways to share best practice.

Celebrating life, every day, everywhere.

Contacts:

Sari Brecher

Travis Rexroad

Diageo

Taylor

646.223.2019

323.330.0568

[email protected]

[email protected]

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

    


Arlon Group Invests in Grano Alimentos S.A.

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Arlon Group Invests in Grano Alimentos S.A.


SAO PAULO, Feb. 11, 2015 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Arlon Group (Arlon), the food and agriculture investment firm focused on investing in the Americas, announced that it has acquired a significant stake in Grano Alimentos S.A. (Grano), based in Serafina Correa, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Grano is a leading manufacturer of packaged frozen vegetable products, selling to food service, retail, private label and industrial clients throughout Brazil. As part of the investment, Charlie Conner and Bruno Silva have joined the Company’s board of directors as Arlon’s representatives.

Logo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150211/174990LOGO

The Company was founded in 2000 by Edi Deitos to add value to primary production by offering high quality products to the consumer. Today the Company has a significant market share in Brazil in the fast-growing frozen vegetable market. Grano uses a semi-integrated sourcing model and sources vegetables year-round from local producers in the region. The Company is known for its strong brand, the quality and reliability of its product offering, and the reach of its distribution.

Roberto Denuzzo, a seasoned food executive who brings more than 25 years of experience in the sector, including roles at Bunge and Sadia, has joined the Company as CEO, and Gustavo Cochlar, a finance executive with extensive food and beverage experience gained at Ambev, has joined as CFO. Founder and former CEO, Edi Deitos, will remain on the board of directors and will also be responsible for a variety of strategic projects at the Company. Ricardo Zortea, Director of Operations, and other key executives at Grano will continue to lead Grano’s operations.

“Arlon brings significant operating experience and networks in food and agriculture in Brazil. They fully understand Grano’s business, and importantly, are fully committed to supporting Grano’s growth. I am very pleased with the relationship that Arlon, Roberto, Gustavo and I have developed, and I look forward to their important contribution as we grow Grano,” said Edi Deitos.

“Grano is an exceptional company with a talented team. Edi created an excellent business, and I am excited at the outstanding opportunity to further develop the Company. I have gotten to know the Arlon team well, and I am thrilled to partner with them and confident that we will, together with Edi, Gustavo and Ricardo, lead Grano to significant growth and expansion,” said Roberto Denuzzo, CEO of Grano.

Charlie Conner, Principal, speaking on behalf of Arlon, said, “Edi has built a business that is focused on quality and is a leader in its industry. The Brazilian frozen vegetable market is poised to grow to meet the increasing needs of food service providers and consumers alike for the quality and the convenience of prepared frozen vegetables. The Company’s unique sourcing capabilities and excellent relationships with local farmers make it well-positioned to meet this need. We are thrilled to partner with Edi, Roberto, Gustavo and Ricardo, who are first class executives, and excited to bring to Grano the capital and other resources to allow it to be the premier provider of frozen vegetables in Brazil.”

About Arlon Group
Arlon Group is the food and agriculture investment firm with a global network that supports investments across the entire food supply chain in middle-market businesses in the Americas. Arlon’s investment focus comes from its roots, which began with its founding investor, Continental Grain Company, a 200-year-old leader in the food and agriculture space. The firm’s investment professionals are experts in global food and agriculture investing and work collaboratively across geographies to identify and back growth-oriented, middle-market businesses that benefit from the investment team’s shared knowledge and resources. Arlon Group has approximately $980 million in assets under management and is headquartered in New York, with a presence in São Paulo, Brazil and in Beijing and Hong Kong, China through a local affiliate. For more information, visit www.arlongroup.com.


The Alumni Society, a New Organization for Latino Executives, Encourages Diversity in Senior Management

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The Alumni Society, a New Organization for Latino Executives, Encourages Diversity in Senior Management


CHICAGO, Feb. 11, 2015 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — According to a 2014 study[1], in the United States, only 3.7 percent of Latinos account for senior management, 2 percent of all fortune 500 CEOs are Latino and 3.3 percent of directors on corporate boards are Latino. The Alumni Society, a new group organized by Hispanic Executive magazine, is for Latino business executives that have graduated from top American universities. It was formed to help corporations identify top talent and combat the challenge that they continue to face, diversity in the workplace, as well as help them understand the value of having a diverse work environment.

“The Alumni Society is the culmination of the efforts of many people whom I have been privileged to work with in promoting empowerment for Latino communities in the United States,” said Ricardo Anzaldua, EVP & General Counsel at MetLife and founding member of The Alumni Society. “Its purpose is to advance the importance of Latinos in senior corporate management and the boardrooms by helping US companies identify top Latino talent.”

This year, in partnership with MetLife, Goldman Sachs and Kaiser Permanente, The Alumni Society presents its first-annual Leadership Summit in NYC. The inaugural, invitation-only event will occur Thursday, June 25 at Tribeca Rooftop in New York City and will connect more than 300 senior-level corporate executives and thought leaders. The Alumni Society annual magazine will be released in conjunction with the summit in print and digital formats, and will feature influential Latino business leaders including Paloma Hernandez, CEO of Urban Health Plan and R. Martin Chavez, CIO of Goldman Sachs.

To learn more about The Alumni Society or be a part of the movement, visit www.thealumnisociety.com

About The Alumni Society

The Alumni Society is an organization for successful and inspiring Latino executives who share an affinity for their culture and for their alma mater. With an annual leadership summit and supporting print and digital media platforms, the society’s mission is to promote diversity among the senior-level leadership of corporate America by recognizing top Latino talent and fostering connections. Learn more at http://www.thealumnisociety.com.

About Hispanic Executive

Hispanic Executive is more than the leading print magazine for its market; it’s a union of leaders who represent America’s new majority. As such, it has developed a powerful network of corporate executives, community leaders, global visionaries, and entrepreneurial trailblazers. The magazine serves as both their voice and a platform to connect with one another. Learn more at http://www.hispanicexecutive.com and http://www.facebook.com/hispanicexecutive.

About MetLife

MetLife, Inc., through its subsidiaries and affiliates (“MetLife”), is one of the largest life insurance companies in the world. Founded in 1868, MetLife is a global provider of life insurance, annuities, employee benefits and asset management. Serving approximately 100 million customers, MetLife has operations in nearly 50 countries and holds leading market positions in the United States, Japan, Latin America, Asia, Europe and the Middle East. For more information, visit www.metlife.com.

About Goldman Sachs

The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. is a leading global investment banking, securities and investment management firm that provides a wide range of financial services to a substantial and diversified client base that includes corporations, financial institutions, governments and high-net-worth individuals. Founded in 1869, the firm is headquartered in New York and maintains offices in all major financial centers around the world.

About Kaiser Permanente

Kaiser Permanente is committed to helping shape the future of health care. We are recognized as one of America’s leading health care providers and not-for-profit health plans. Founded in 1945, our mission is to provide high-quality, affordable health care services and to improve the health of our members and the communities we serve. We currently serve more than 9.5 million members in eight states and the District of Columbia. Care for members and patients is focused on their total health and guided by their personal physicians, specialists and team of caregivers. Our expert and caring medical teams are empowered and supported by industry-leading technology advances and tools for health promotion, disease prevention, state-of-the-art care delivery and world-class chronic disease management. Kaiser Permanente is dedicated to care innovations, clinical research, health education and the support of community health. For more information, go to: kp.org/share.

[1] “National Hispanic Heritage Month.” DiversityInc. September 2014:91. Accessed January 27, 2015. http://www.diversityinc-digital.com/diversityincmedia/september_2014?pg=95#pg93.