ETS Wins Major Contract for OECD’s PISA 2018 Cycle

January 20, 2015

ETS Wins Major Contract for OECD’s PISA 2018 Cycle

PRINCETON, N.J., Jan. 20, 2015 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has chosen Educational Testing Service (ETS) to manage and develop the 2018 cycle of the Program for International Student Assessment (PISA.) PISA results are used by educators and policymakers worldwide to evaluate and improve their educational systems and promote learning.

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ETS will be responsible for overall project management including survey design, test development, operations and quality control, expansion of the computer platform, as well as data processing, scaling and analysis. The work for the 2018 cycle began in July 2014 and runs through September 2020. ETS will collaborate with, and coordinate the work of, three other core contractors.

“For nearly 70 years, ETS’s mission has been to help advance quality and equity in education for people worldwide by providing research, products, and services to measure knowledge and skills and promote learning,” says Walt MacDonald, President and CEO of ETS. “This latest PISA contract embodies that mission and our selection can be credited to the talented staff that has already done such outstanding work for the OECD in recent years.”

PISA is administered every three years. ETS is currently playing a key role in PISA 2015, which will be administered to nationally representative samples of in-school 15 year olds in over 70 participating countries. As a result of this latest contract, ETS will assume an even larger role for PISA 2018.

“It is an honor and a privilege for ETS to be selected to lead the world’s largest international reading, science and math assessment,” says Irwin Kirsch, director of the Center for Global Assessment at ETS and holder of the Ralph W. Tyler Chair in Large Scale Assessment. “Winning PISA 2018 provides ETS with an opportunity to continue to work with the OECD and participating countries to build on the foundation of innovation that has been a cornerstone of PISA since its inception. Across the PISA cycles, important innovations have been introduced both in terms of assessment domains and modes of assessment.”

One of those innovations is evident in PISA 2015, which marks a significant shift away from a primarily paper-and-pencil assessment to one that is being computer-delivered in most participating countries. ETS was selected for this cycle due to the innovative assessment design and proposed psychometric analyses submitted, as well as its proven ability to design and deliver a large-scale computer-based assessment.

For the 2015 cycle, ETS is responsible for building and delivering the computer platform upon which the tests will be delivered as well as a communication portal for sharing project information and coordinating project activities with participating countries and the OECD. In addition, the company developed new cognitive assessments of Scientific Literacy and Collaborative Problem Solving, as well as adapting existing trend items in Reading, Mathematics, Science and Financial Literacy for computer delivery.

“ETS has proposed innovations for the 2018 cycle that would introduce the use of adaptive testing,” Kirsch says. “In addition, they would diminish the distinction between major and minor domains that has been the focus of previous cycles and let us study the use of new adaptations that would make PISA more accessible to students with special needs.”

About ETS
At ETS, we advance quality and equity in education for people worldwide by creating assessments based on rigorous research. ETS serves individuals, educational institutions and government agencies by providing customized solutions for teacher certification, English language learning, and elementary, secondary and post-secondary education, as well as conducting education research, analysis and policy studies. Founded as a nonprofit in 1947, ETS develops, administers and scores more than 50 million tests annually — including the TOEFL^® and TOEIC ^® tests, the GRE ^® tests and The Praxis Series™ assessments — in more than 180 countries, at over 9,000 locations worldwide. www.ets.org

Honda to Highlight Zero-Emissions FCV Concept in the Nation’s Capital

January 20, 2015

Honda to Highlight Zero-Emissions FCV Concept in the Nation’s Capital

– Honda FCV Concept, offering a glimpse of the next-generation Honda fuel-cell vehicle, to anchor the Honda booth at the 2015 Washington Auto Show

– Next-generation Honda FCV intends to provide significant gains in packaging, interior space, cost reduction and real-world performance, including an anticipated driving range in excess of 300 miles

– Green Car Journal honors the 2015 CR-V and the 2015 Fit’s 1.5-liter Earth Dreams™ Technology engine as finalists for its green technology awards to be announced at the show

TORRANCE, California, Jan. 20, 2015 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Fresh from its North American debut at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, the zero-emissions Honda FCV Concept will be the highlight of the Honda display at the 2015 Washington Auto Show opening on Jan. 21. Continuing more than a decade of Honda leadership in fuel-cell vehicle (FCV) technology, the Honda FCV Concept showcases the styling evolution of Honda’s next fuel-cell vehicle, anticipated to launch in the U.S. in 2016.

Photo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150120/170098

Logo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140415/73520

Additionally, Green Car Journal is honoring the 2015 Honda CR-V as a 2015 Green SUV of the Year award finalist and the 1.5-liter Earth Dreams™ Technology engine featured in the 2015 Honda Fit as a 2015 Green Car Technology Award finalist for the role the technology plays in enabling improved environmental performance in Honda vehicles on the market today.

“Fuel-cell vehicles are a critical pillar for meeting our mid- to long-term carbon cutting goals,” said Robert Bienenfeld, assistant vice president of environment and energy strategy for American Honda Motor Co., Inc. “With renewed attention to the development and thoughtful rollout of a fueling infrastructure, it’s a very exciting time for both the technology and the promise it holds.”

As the next progression in Honda’s dynamic FCV styling, the Honda FCV Concept features a low and wide aerodynamic body with clean character lines. The interior strives to achieve harmony between man and machine by taking advantage of new powertrain packaging efficiencies delivering even greater passenger space than the Honda FCX Clarity fuel-cell vehicle, including seating for up to five people.

The Honda FCV Concept made its world debut in Japan on Nov. 17, 2014, followed by its North American debut at the 2015 North American International Auto Show earlier this month.

Honda also recently announced a $13.8 million financial contribution to FirstElement Fuel that will be used to build additional hydrogen refueling stations throughout the state of California in an effort to support the wider introduction of fuel-cell vehicles.

Honda Fuel-Cell Vehicle Firsts:

The original Honda FCX was the first EPA- and CARB-certified fuel-cell vehicle in July 2002.
The FCX was the world’s first production fuel-cell vehicle, introduced to the U.S. and Japan in December 2002.
The Honda FCX was the first fuel-cell vehicle to start and operate in sub-freezing temperatures (2003).
The FCX was the first fuel-cell vehicle leased to an individual customer (July 2005).
The Honda FCX Clarity made Honda the first manufacturer to build and produce a dedicated fuel-cell vehicle on a production line specifically made for fuel-cell vehicles (2008).
Honda was the first automaker to create a fuel-cell vehicle dealer network (2008).

Green Car Journal Green Car Awards

In addition to the Honda FCV Concept vehicle displayed at the Washington Auto Show, Green Car Journal will honor the 2015 Honda CR-V as one of five finalists for the 2015 Green SUV of the Year award. The 2015 CR-V received the most significant mid-cycle model refresh in its history, with a new direct-injected Earth Dreams™ Technology i-VTEC® engine and continuously variable transmission (CVT), two major contributors to the CR-V’s improvement in fuel efficiency that result in 27/34/29 mpg EPA fuel economy rating¹ (city/highway/combined) for front-wheel-drive models and 26/33/28 mpg rating¹ for Real Time AWD models.

Further, Honda’s 1.5-liter Earth Dreams™ Technology engine will also be honored at the show as a finalist for Green Car Journal’s 2015 Green Car Technology Award. The Honda Earth Dreams™ Technology 1.5-liter engine, featured on the all-new 2015 Fit, is paired with either a new six-speed manual transmission (6MT) or a new Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) and keeps with Honda’s commitment to provide customers with both fuel efficiency and fun-to-drive character at a high level. The new engine contributes to the Fit receiving class-leading (LX) EPA fuel-economy ratings of 29/37/32¹ for manual transmission models, 33/41/36¹ for the LX trim with CVT and 32/38/35¹ for the EX and EX-L trims with the CVT.

The Green Car^™ awards honor important enabling technology helping to create a new generation of fuel-efficient, alternative-fuel, or low-emission vehicles. Technologies considered for the award range from advanced powerplants and drivetrain components to on-board systems that work toward increasing efficiencies, reducing petroleum use or improving environmental impact. Qualifying technologies must be in use by vehicle models currently on the market today. The award winners will be announced during a press conference at the show’s Green Car Awards exhibit on January 22 where both the 2015 Fit and CR-V will be on display until the end of the show’s public days on February 1.

Honda Environmental Leadership

Based on its vision of “Blue Skies for our Children,” Honda is taking a portfolio approach to reducing the environmental impact of its products, advancing fuel efficiency, low emissions and fun-to-drive performance with new powertrain technologies from its Earth Dreams™ Technology lineup, which includes more fuel-efficient engines and transmissions and advanced electromotive technologies. Honda will offer several next-generation, advanced powertrain vehicles, including a new battery-electric model and plug-in hybrid model by 2018 and plans further application of its two- and three-motor hybrid systems in the years to come. Together, these vehicles will offer significant sales volume, enabling Honda to bring ultra-low carbon transportation to consumers in the U.S.

¹Based on 2015 EPA mileage ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary depending driving conditions, how the vehicle is driven and maintained and other factors.

New Kids On The Block Step Into The Ring For THE MAIN EVENT

January 20, 2015

New Kids On The Block Step Into The Ring For THE MAIN EVENT

– Pop Icons Team Up with TLC and Nelly for the Ultimate Summer Concert Ticket –

– The Main Event to Kick Off May 1 with Tickets On Sale Jan. 31 at LiveNation.com –

NEW YORK, Jan. 20, 2015 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — New Kids On The Block are stepping into the ring for 2015! The pop phenoms stopped by Good Morning America this morning to announce THE MAIN EVENT, a summer headlining tour featuring very special guests, Grammy Award-winning and multi-platinum selling artists TLC and Nelly. NKOTB surprised viewers with a special reveal of TLC and a personal message from Nelly (who is currently overseas with the armed forces). The groups hinted at possible collaborations and other exciting possibilities while on the road this summer, sending fans into a frenzy across social media. The tour, promoted by Live Nation, kicks off on May 1 in Las Vegas, Nev. and will stop in over 30 cities across North America.

Photo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150120/170142

American Express card members can get advance tickets beginning this Friday, Jan. 23 at 10:00 a.m. (local time). Fans will have additional opportunities to purchase tickets early starting Wednesday, Jan. 28 by signing up for a Facebook RSVP at http://smarturl.it/NKOTB_RSVP. Tickets can be purchased starting Jan. 31 on www.livenation.com.

After announcing the tour on Good Morning America, NKOTB took over the LIVE! with Kelly and Michael set to step in and play a mix of super hits and new fan favorites throughout the entire hour on air. The morning TV whirlwind was followed up with an NKOTB/TLC media blitz. The groups shut down Chase Plaza at Madison Square Garden for a press conference filled with media and ecstatic fans, talking with outlets like Access Hollywood, E!, Entertainment Tonight, EXTRA, Associated Press and BuzzFeed. Social media has been abuzz ever since the official reveal with no signs of slowing down.

“We always have something special up our sleeves,” said NKOTB member Donnie Wahlberg. “Our fans keep asking us to come back out on the road, and we want to keep giving them what they want! We wanted to make sure it was something new and fresh and fun and totally worthwhile for all of our supporters year after year. This year, we are making it THE MAIN EVENT. And we promise, it will be THE TICKET of the summer.”

With all-new and top-notch production elements, this tour is sure to be the ultimate summer concert ticket as promised. The highlights will include a 360-degree stage “in the round.” With no obstructions, the stage set up will offer optimal viewing. The bands have worked hard on the show and staging concept to make sure that everyone in the house has a part of the action, up close and center.

“We are thrilled to be able to join pop icons NKTOB and Nelly on tour. We are equally excited to be back on the road connecting with our fans in such huge arenas,” said TLC.

Please visit www.NKOTB.com, www.livenation.com or www.ticketmaster.com for up to date information or join the discussion at #themainevent.

THE MAIN EVENT Tour Dates:

All dates, cities and venues below subject to change.

Date	City	Venue
Friday, May 1	Las Vegas, NV	Mandalay Bay Events Center
Saturday, May 2	Anaheim, CA	Honda Center
Sunday, May 3	San Jose, CA	SAP Center
Tuesday, May 5	Vancouver, BC	Pepsi Live at Rogers Arena
Wednesday, May 6	Tacoma, WA	Tacoma Dome
Saturday, May 9	Los Angeles, CA	The Forum
Monday, May 11	San Diego, CA	Viejas Arena
Tuesday, May 12	Phoenix, AZ	Gila River Arena
Thursday, May 14	Dallas, TX	American Airlines Center
Friday, May 15	New Orleans, LA	Smoothie King Center
Saturday, May 16	Houston, TX	Toyota Center
Monday, May 18	Oklahoma City, OK	Chesapeake Energy Arena
Tuesday, May 19	Kansas City, MO	Sprint Center
Wednesday, May 20	St. Paul, MN	Xcel Energy Center
Friday, May 22	St. Louis, MO	Scottrade Center
Saturday, May 23	Rosemont, IL	Allstate Arena
Tuesday, May 26	Cincinnati, OH	U.S. Bank Arena
Wednesday, May 27	Nashville, TN	Bridgestone Arena
Friday, May 29	Detroit, MI	The Palace of Auburn Hills
Saturday, May 30	Grand Rapids, MI	Van Andel Arena
Sunday, May 31	Indianapolis, IN	Bankers Life Fieldhouse
Tuesday, June 2	Charlotte, NC	Time Warner Cable Arena
Thursday, June 4	Fort Lauderdale, FL	BB&T Center
Friday, June 5	Orlando, FL	Amway Center
Saturday, June 6	Atlanta, GA	Philips Arena
Sunday, June 7	Louisville, KY	KFC Yum! Center
Tuesday, June 9	Norfolk, VA	Norfolk Scope Arena
Wednesday, June 10	Washington, D.C.	Verizon Center
Friday, June 12	Uncasville, CT	Mohegan Sun Arena
Saturday, June 13	Bethlehem, PA	Sands Bethlehem Event Center
Sunday, June 14	Pittsburgh, PA	CONSOL Energy Center
Tuesday, June 16	Columbus, OH	Nationwide Arena
Wednesday, June 17	Cleveland, OH	Quicken Loans Arena
Friday, June 19	Philadelphia, PA	Wells Fargo Center
Saturday, June 20	Uniondale, NY	Nassau Coliseum
Sunday, June 21	New York, NY	Madison Square Garden
Monday, June 22	New York, NY	Madison Square Garden
Wednesday, June 24	Boston, MA	TD Garden
Saturday, June 27	Hershey, PA	Mixtape Festival @ Hersheypark Stadium
Sunday, June 28	Toronto, ON	Air Canada Centre
Tuesday, June 30	Montreal, QC	Bell Centre
Thursday, July 2	Buffalo, NY	First Niagara Center

New Kids On The Block

NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK sold more than 80 million albums worldwide — including back-to-back international #1 songs, 1988’s Hangin’ Tough and 1990’s Step By Step — and a series of crossover smash R&B, pop hits like “You Got It (The Right Stuff),” “Cover Girl,” “Didn’t I (Blow Your Mind This Time),” “Hangin’ Tough,” “I’ll Be Loving You,” “Step By Step” and “Tonight.” The group shattered concert box office records playing an estimated 200 concerts a year, in sold out stadiums throughout the world. They still hold many of these records to date. They were Forbes highest paid entertainers of 1990, beating out Michael Jackson and Madonna. The band boasted an extensive and highly profitable merchandise line which included everything from lunch boxes and sleeping bags to comic books, marbles and dolls. More Information is available at www.nkotb.com.

About Live Nation Entertainment

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

Press Conference to Support Los Angeles City Council Vote to Ban Alcohol Ads on L.A. Public Property

January 20, 2015

Press Conference to Support Los Angeles City Council Vote to Ban Alcohol Ads on L.A. Public Property

LOS ANGELES, Jan. 20, 2015 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Alcohol Justice, youth, adults, and community organizations that make up the Coalition to Ban Alcohol Ads on Public Property in Los Angeles (www.NoAlcoholAds.org) will hold a press conference with political leaders in support of the passage of a prohibition on alcohol ads on city-owned and controlled property. The ordinance, nearly four years in the making, will then be voted on by the Los Angeles City Council.

Logo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110727/DC41105LOGO

“Money should never be part of this discussion. It is very dangerous. Young people that see those signs suffer great harm in their lives from the use of alcohol.” – Kitty Dukakis

What: Press conference before Los Angeles City Council Meeting Vote
When: Tuesday, January 20, 2015, 9:30 a.m. (PT)
Where: City Council Press Media Room (#340) 3^rd Floor, Los Angeles City Hall, Los Angeles, CA

Who: Speakers Include:

Bruce Lee Livingston, Executive Director/CEO, Alcohol Justice, MC of event
Paul Koretz, Councilmember District 5
Jose Huizar, Councilmember District 14
Ruben Rodriguez, Executive Director, Pueblo y Salud, Inc.
Carol Lee, Community Organizer, Koreatown Youth and Community Center, Inc.
Margot Bennett, Executive Director, Women Against Gun Violence
Richard Bis, Community Organizer Asian American Drug Abuse Program, Inc.
Kevin Michael Key, Lead Organizer, United Coalition East Prevention Project

Why:

Lawmakers should work to ban alcohol advertising on property that government controls, including public transportation vehicles and street furniture and restrict alcohol advertising in out-of-home locations elsewhere as well
Despite claims of economic necessity, revenue from alcohol ads comprises less than 1% of reporting agencies’ operating revenue
The City of Los Angeles, which has succeeded in getting alcohol ads off transit vehicles, should now finish the job by banning them from all public property to play a positive role in reducing exposure to alcohol ads to protect youth and reduce alcohol-related harm to all residents and visitors of the city
Families and youth utilize city owned and controlled property on a daily basis, such as school buildings, recreation centers, libraries and bus shelters
UCLA, Center for Alcohol Marketing to Youth, & Dr. Jonathan Fielding submitted clear and compelling evidence that alcohol advertising on city owned property encourages youth alcohol consumption which leads to harm
The L.A. County Department of Public Health has recommended reducing alcohol advertising in public spaces and in areas commonly seen by minors as a way to help discourage underage drinking

“On behalf of Alcohol Justice, the Coalition to Ban Alcohol Ads on Public Property in Los Angeles, and all the people of L.A., we thank Councilmember Koretz for his leadership on this critical public health and safety issue,” stated Jorge Castillo, Advocacy Director at Alcohol Justice. “The day when residents, visitors, and especially our youth, are no longer assaulted by alcohol ads on L.A. city-owned property is almost here.”

Coalition Members include:

American Indian Movement – WEST
Alcohol Justice
Asian American Drug Abuse Program Inc.
Boyle Heights Stakeholders Association
Boyle Heights Coalition for a Safe & Drug Free Community
California Hispanic Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse
Coalition to Ban Billboard Blight
Community Coalition
Institute for Public Strategies
Koreatown Youth & Community Center
Mexican History Foundation
Mothers of East L.A. (MELA)
Personal Involvement Center, Inc.
P3 Partnership for a Positive Pomona
Phoenix House
Pillar of Fire Church
Paso por Paso
Pueblo y Salud
Saving Lives Drug and Alcohol Coalition
Sycamore Grove School
Tarzana Treatment Centers & AWARE Coalition
The Wall – Las Memorias Project
United Coalition East Prevention Project
Woman’s Christian Temperance Union
Women Against Gun Violence
Writers In Treatment

Supporters include

Michael & Kitty Dukakis, former Massachusetts Governor & First Lady
Boyle Heights Neighborhood Council
California Council on Alcohol Problems
California Alliance for Retired Americans
Center for Living and Learning
County Alcohol and Drug Program Administrators’ Association of California
Crescenta Valley Drug & Alcohol Prevention Coalition
Cri-Help
Day One Pasadena
Dr. J. Benjamin Hardwick
Kurtwood Smith, Actor, Activist
Monsignor John Moretta
NCADD East San Gabriel & Pomona Valleys
Public Citizen
Resurrection Church Neighborhood Watch – Los Angeles
San Fernando Valley Partnership
Venice Neighborhood Council

PRESS AVAILABILITY immediately after the vote: City Council Press Media Room #340 3^rd Floor

TAKE ACTION: Send a message to Los Angeles City Councilmembers who have not yet declared their support for the ordinance: http://bit.ly/1ss2c4w

For More Information go to: www.AlcoholJustice.org and www.NoAlcoholAds.org

CONTACT: Michael Scippa 415 548-0492
Jorge Castillo 213 840-3336

Meruelo Media Taps Sean O’Neill To Lead Full Revenue Integration And New Business Across All Its Media Platforms

January 20, 2015

Meruelo Media Taps Sean O’Neill To Lead Full Revenue Integration And New Business Across All Its Media Platforms

LOS ANGELES, Jan. 20, 2015 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Meruelo Media, Southern California’s leading minority-owned media group announced today that seasoned media executive, Sean O’Neill, will lead the company as Senior Vice President, Revenue Integration and New Business. In addition to maximizing sales opportunities, developing current revenue channels and creating new revenue integration for Meruelo-owned KDAY 93.5 radio Los Angeles, MundoFox 22 TV- Los Angeles, MundoFox 34 TV-Houston, and Super 22 TV- Los Angeles, O’Neill will oversee the continued development of digital media strategies and non-traditional event revenue streams across all platforms to address the continued evolution and consistent growth of Meruelo Media.

“With Sean on board, we’re going to be able to take our business to a whole new level,” said Otto Padron, President of Meruelo Media, to whom O’Neill will report. “Sean brings essential broadcast industry know-how, creativity, passion, unparalleled sales and management experience with a proven track record of exceeding goals.” Padron added, “His valued expertise is vital as a team-builder within our sales force; his spirit and management style, along with the knowledge for creating new products is crucial in our ever-changing off-line and online media business environments, and I am excited in beginning 2015 with him on board.”

O’Neill’s experience includes managing both English and Spanish language stations around the country. Most recently, O’Neill oversaw sales, programming and all other aspects of operations as Vice President, General Manager of Radio Centro 93.9 in Los Angeles. O’Neill also served as Sales Manager for Estrella TV Channel 62 with LBI Media. He also led as Market Manager for Salem Media of New York, overseeing and managing all aspects of two different radio stations in New York City. Prior to that, O’Neill was General Sales Manager for CBS Radio’s KFWB and the Dodger’s Radio Network, where he was responsible for overseeing a large sales staff, and under his leadership became one of the top ten revenue-producers in Southern California.

“I’m beyond thrilled to lead this team and contribute to Meruelo Media’s continued growth and success by leveraging its unique assets and improving sales while also growing the digital business.” continued O’Neill, “Meruelo Media has quickly expanded beyond its landscape, it’s a driven and diverse organization; I and many others have taken notice of its presence,” he concluded, “I’m grateful for the opportunity to work with some of the finest professionals in the business and believe there are no limits to what we can achieve together.”

About Meruelo Media

Meruelo Media (MM) is the media division of The Meruelo Group. MM currently operates two Southern California Legendary media platforms; the classic hip-hop and R&B radio station, 93.5 KDAY and one of Los Angeles’ oldest Hispanic TV stations, KWHY-TV Canal 22, which is currently the flagship of MundoFOX Television Network. MM also owns the first and only US Hispanic Super Station, Super LA, airing on its KWHY-TV second digital stream and reaching over 6 Million Homes over various multiple video delivery providers. MM also operates television stations in Houston and Santa Barbara. The Meruelo Group is a minority owned, privately-held management company serving a diversified portfolio of affiliated entities with interests in banking and financial services; food services, manufacturing, distribution and restaurant operations; construction and engineering; hospitality and gaming; real estate management; media, public and private equity investing. For more information please visit www.meruelogroup.com

Media Contact: Rebekah Salgado (562) 228-8191

Toyota Plows Forward In Plano, Breaks Ground On New Headquarters

January 20, 2015

Toyota Plows Forward In Plano, Breaks Ground On New Headquarters

PLANO, Texas, Jan. 20, 2015 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — A V-8 engine growls, and the earth moves.

Logo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150120/170133LOGO

With the roar of a 2015 TRD Pro Series Tundra, Toyota today formally broke ground on its new North American headquarters at the intersection of Headquarters Drive and Palomino Crossing in Plano, Texas. The Tundra took center stage, bulldozing the first soil on the site of Toyota’s new campus in a manner that can only be described as not your traditional groundbreaking ceremony.

“The support and encouragement we’ve received from the community, civic leaders, business partners and nearby corporations has been nothing short of tremendous,” said Jim Lentz, Toyota Motor North America chief executive officer. “Our goal is to build an environmentally-sustainable campus that our new neighbors will welcome and our team members and associates will be proud to call home.”

Toyota also unveiled an installation during the ceremony: the word “TOYOTA” in large letters, standing 10 feet tall and 64 feet wide. Inside each letter are native Texan Yaupon Holly trees, which represent “wish” trees, a Japanese cultural tradition. Students from the Plano ISD Academy High School and community participants contributed to the event by adding handwritten notes to the trees representing their wishes, dreams, hopes and inspirations. The notes will be collected from the holly trees and placed into a time capsule at the new headquarters.

The trees will be planted permanently once the Toyota headquarters is completed and will represent the long-standing friendship between Japan and the United States and the Company’s commitment to the Plano community.

Plano Mayor Harry LaRosiliere joined Lentz, addressing about 100 dignitaries and Toyota “Pioneers” – team members and associates who have already made the move to North Texas.

“Today’s groundbreaking event marks another milestone for the future of Toyota and the future of the City of Plano,” he said. “Toyota has already proven to be a great corporate citizen and neighbor, and we look forward to the continued impact they will have not only on Plano but on the whole North Texas region.”

“Breaking ground in Plano is an exciting and tangible demonstration of the great progress we are making in bringing our major North American business affiliates and leaders together in one location for the first time,” said Mike Groff, President and CEO of Toyota Financial Services. “As we create this best place to work for our people, we will strengthen our ability to put customers first and make a meaningful difference in the communities we are privileged to serve.”

Since announcing the relocation last April, Toyota has purchased property; hired a developer (KDC), architect (Corgan Associates) and project manager (JLL), and filed a preliminary site plan with the City of Plano. The Company is now engaged in the design process, and formal construction activity is set to begin in the next several weeks. Completion is expected by late 2016 or early 2017.

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Javier Moreno, Toyota Corporate Communications
469-292-1027
[email protected]

Josh Reed, Allison+Partners
480-282-7205
[email protected]

About Toyota

Toyota (NYSE:TM), the world’s top automaker and creator of the Prius, is committed to building vehicles for the way people live through our Toyota, Lexus and Scion brands. Over the past 50 years, we’ve built more than 25 million cars and trucks in North America, where we operate 14 manufacturing plants and directly employ more than 40,000 people. Our 1,800 North American dealerships sold more than 2.6 million cars and trucks in 2014 – and about 80 percent of all Toyota vehicles sold over the past 20 years are still on the road today.

Toyota partners with philanthropic organizations across the country, with a focus on education, safety and the environment. As part of this commitment, we share the company’s extensive know-how garnered from building great cars and trucks to help community organizations and other nonprofits expand their ability to do good. For more information about Toyota, visit www.toyotanewsroom.com.

About Toyota Financial Services

Toyota Financial Services (TFS) is a service mark used to refer to a number of entities, including Toyota Motor Credit Corporation (TMCC), Toyota Financial Savings Bank (TFSB), and Toyota Motor Insurance Services, Inc. (TMIS).

NOTE TO EDITORS: For event photos, please visit http://bit.ly/1C8N7oC. For all b-roll requests, please email [email protected]

(Español) Western Dental abrirá un segundo consultorio en Long Beach, California

January 20, 2015

Sorry, this entry is only available in Español.

(Español) Brident Dental & Orthodontics inaugurará un nuevo consultorio en Dallas, Texas

January 20, 2015

Sorry, this entry is only available in Español.

FREE Tax Preparation for Taxpaying Working Families Starting January 2015

January 20, 2015

FREE Tax Preparation for Taxpaying Working Families Starting January 2015

Higher refunds possible if individuals qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and other tax credits

HOLLYWOOD, Fla., Jan. 20, 2015 /PRNewswire- HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Working families who made $53,000 or less in 2014, persons with disabilities, veterans, the elderly and limited English speaking taxpayers who need assistance in preparing their own tax returns can have their taxes prepared for FREE starting January 20, 2015 throughout Broward County. The service also is available to individuals without children. This 40+ year old federal program, created by Hispanic Unity of Florida, is called Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and has strong bipartisan support in Congress.

Working families are encouraged to call 2-1-1 NOW or visit www.vitataxesfree.org to find the closest VITA Tax Site. 211 provides assistance in multiple languages, including English, Spanish, French and Haitian-Creole.

The VITA program is an excellent opportunity for individuals and families to keep more of their money and save on tax preparation fees. This service is provided by trained IRS-certified volunteer tax preparers who will–in addition to preparing taxes for free–also determine an individual’s eligibility for special tax credits such as Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), Child Tax Credit, and Credit for the Elderly and education credits to assist tax payers in maximizing their returns refunds.

Electronic filing assures a quick return on their tax claims.

The federal EITC for taxpaying low-to-moderate-income working people reduces the amount of taxes owed and refunds the difference if the credit is larger than the amount owed. The credit changes from year to year and is based on earnings, number of qualifying children and marital status.

“According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, Florida had more than 2 million individuals and the average rebate in 2013 was $2,450,” said Josie Bacallao, President & CEO of Hispanic Unity of Florida, the largest provider of these services in Broward County.

In the 2014 tax season, more than 5,200 Broward County taxpaying working families and individuals took advantage of the VITA program and had their income taxes prepared by trained VITA volunteers. More than $5.6 million in taxes were refunded to working families. Nearly 40% of the individuals assisted last year qualified for additional tax credits, including the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). Individuals who have not taken advantage of EITC in the past may be eligible for the credit for up to three years retroactively.

According to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), below are the EITC income requirements for the 2015 tax season.

IRS: 2015 EITC Income Limits and Maximum Credit Amounts*

Earned Income and adjusted gross income (AGI) must each be less than:
$47,747 ($53,267 married filing jointly) with three or more qualifying children
$44,454 ($49,974 married filing jointly) with two qualifying children
$39,131 ($44,651 married filing jointly) with one qualifying child
$14,820 ($20,330 married filing jointly) with no qualifying children

EITC maximum credit:

$6,242 with three or more qualifying children
$5,548 with two qualifying children
$3,359 with one qualifying child
$503 with no qualifying children

Individuals do NOT have to wait to January to determine if they are EITC eligible. They can visit the easy to use IRS site at: Do I qualify for EITC?

In 2015, the services will be provided throughout Broward County at more than 15 permanent tax sites at local nonprofit locations as well as 20+ mobile tax sites. And, trained IRS-certified volunteer tax preparers will assist individuals in English, Spanish, French, Haitian-Creole, Portuguese and sign-language at designated tax sites.

In Broward County VITA/EITC services are provided through a community-wide, initiative made possible through funding and leadership from the Children’s Services Council of Broward County (CSC), an independent taxing authority established to enhance the lives of Broward County’s children, the United Way of Broward County and the IRS.

Other key partners and funders include HandsOn Broward, 211 Broward, Hispanic Unity of Florida, Broward County’s Family Success Administration, Bank of America, Nova Southeastern University, Community Access Center and Broward College.

About the Children’s Services Council:
The Children’s Services Council of Broward County is an independent taxing authority which was established by a public referendum on September 5, 2000, which, through Public Act, Chapter 2000-461 of the laws of Florida, authorized the Council to levy up to 0.5 mills of property taxes. The role of the Council is to provide the leadership, advocacy and resources necessary to enhance children’s lives and empower them to become responsible, productive adults through collaborative planning and funding of a continuum of quality care.

For more information about the Children’s Services Council of Broward County, please visit www.cscbroward.org. Follow us on Twitter at @CSCBroward and on Facebook.

About United Way of Broward County:
United Way of Broward County is a volunteer driven, community-based, non-profit organization servicing Broward County for more than 75 years. United Way of Broward County’s mission is to focus and unite the entire community to create significant lasting change in the impact areas of Education, Income and Health, the building blocks for a better life, which positively impacts people’s lives. United Way of Broward County is the catalyst for change and convener of partnerships that unite the hearts, minds, and resources within the Broward community. For more information, visit www.UnitedWayBroward.org

About Hispanic Unity of Florida (HUF):
Hispanic Unity was founded 32 years ago by community leaders to ease the acculturation transition for newcomers from other nations. Today this nonprofit provides assistance through 19 programs, in three languages, to Broward’s diverse community. Hispanic Unity remains the county’s largest agency dedicated to the immigrant population, providing them with the tools they need to build a new life. In 2013, the agency served 20,000+ clients, from toddlers to adults. The agency offers assistance at eight Broward County sites in addition to 15 FREE Tax Preparation sites and 11 Citizenship Preparation sites.

Its mission is: Empowering Hispanics and other members of the community to become self-sufficient civically engaged and to lead productive lives. For more information visit: www.hispanicunity.org or call 954-964-8884 ext. 216. Follow us on Twitter @HispanicUnity as well as on our blog, Facebook, LinkedIn and YouTube.

Information about the IRS’s Volunteers in Tax Assistance (VITA) program can be found here.

Information on EITC eligibility can be found here.

*Contact:*	Gabriel De Los Reyes
	Latin2Latin Marketing + Communications, LLC
	954-376-4800 (Main Line) 754-701-3311 (Direct Line)
	[email protected]

Dove Hair Encourages Women to #LoveYourCurls

January 20, 2015

Dove Hair Encourages Women to #LoveYourCurls

New Research Shows Women Can Lead By Example and Inspire Young Girls to Love Their Curls

ENGLEWOOD CLIFFS, N.J., Jan. 20, 2015 /PRNewswire/ — One in three women in the US have wavy to curly hair^¹; however ‘straight, sleek’ hair is often portrayed as the traditional standard of beauty. This impacts the lives of millions of women with curly hair and can leave them feeling less confident at all stages of their lives, particularly as young girls. To better understand how curly haired women and girls feel about their hair, Dove Hair commissioned a global study and found that only 10% of women in the US with curly hair feel proud of their hair², and sadly, only four in ten little girls with curly hair think their hair is beautiful².

Experience the interactive multimedia release here: http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7403051-dove-hair-love-your-curls

Launching today is the new Dove Hair: Love Your Curls campaign and film, which encourages women to celebrate, love and take pride in their curly hair. The Love Your Curls film draws on a selection of unique stories that powerfully illustrate the relationship young girls have with their curls. As little girls, many struggle to accept their curls and wish they could change their curly hair to straight. Ultimately, the film reveals that if women with curly hair begin to celebrate all the things they love about their curls, young girls will be inspired to do the same. In fact, Dove Hair found that little girls are seven times more likely to love their curls if people around them do².

“At Dove, we recognize that there is a very complex relationship between a woman and her hair,” stated Rob Candelino, VP of Unilever Haircare. “Our Love Your Curls campaign is intended to inspire millions of women to feel confident about embracing their natural curls. If women show the world just how much they love their hair, they will positively impact the next generation to do the same.”

Dove Hair is introducing the Love Your Curls campaign in tandem with the launch of its new range of nourishing products for curly hair, Dove Quench Absolute. Watch the Love Your Curls film and be inspired to share your curl love story at Dove.com/loveyourcurls. Show the world how you #LoveYourCurls on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

NEW Dove^®Quench Absolute
Dove Hair introduces its most nourishing range yet, NEW Dove Quench Absolute. The system, Dove Quench Absolute Ultra Nourishing Shampoo and Conditioner, Dove Quench Absolute Supreme Creme Serum and Dove Quench Absolute Intensive Restoration Mask, delivers 4x more defined, natural curls and provides five key benefits for all curl needs, including improved manageability, quenched dryness, smoothness, strength and nourishment. With Quench Absolute, Dove Hair helps women achieve softer, nourished, more defined natural curls with every wash, allowing them to wear their curls with confidence.

About Dove^®Hair
Dove Hair offers a wide range of solutions that provide deep nourishment and repair to meet women’s specific hair needs, whether it is dry, frizzy, in need of volume or damaged. The range includes shampoo, conditioners, treatments and styling products.

About Unilever North America
Unilever is one of the world’s leading suppliers of Food, Home and Personal Care products with sales in more than 190 countries. Working to create a better future every day, we help people feel good, look good and get more out of life. In the United States and Canada, the portfolio includes brand icons such as: Axe, Becel, Ben & Jerry’s, Breyers, Caress, Clear Scalp & Hair Therapy, Consort For Men, Country Crock, Degree, Dove personal care products, Fruttare, Good Humor, Hellmann’s, I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter!, Just for Me!, Klondike, Knorr, Lever 2000, Lipton, Magnum, Motions, Nexxus, Noxzema, Pond’s, Popsicle, Promise, Q-tips, Simple, St. Ives, Suave, TIGI, TONI&GUY Hair Meet Wardrobe, TRESemme and Vaseline. All of the preceding brand names are trademarks or registered trademarks of the Unilever Group of Companies.

Our ambition is to double the size of our business, while reducing our overall environmental footprint (including sourcing, consumer use and disposal) and increasing our positive social impact. We are committed to helping more than a billion people take action to improve their health and well-being, sourcing all our agricultural raw materials sustainably by 2020, and decoupling our growth from our environmental impact. Supporting our three big goals, we have defined seven pillars, underpinned by targets encompassing social, environmental and economic areas. See more on the Unilever Sustainable Living Plan at http://www.unileverusa.com/sustainable-living/ or http://www.unilever.ca/sustainable-living/.

Unilever employs approximately 11,500 people across North America – generating more than $10 billion in sales in 2013. For more information, visit www.unileverusa.com or www.unilever.ca.

Contact:
Katie Stratakis/Edelman
212-704-8183
[email protected]

Kathryn Fernandez/Unilever
[email protected]

¹ H&E Study, 2014
² Dove Hair Study Conducted by Edelman Berland, October 2014

New Dove Quench Absolute Perfectly nourished hair + 4X more defined*, natural curls

Dove Hair: Love Your Curls Opening Scene

Experience the interactive multimedia release here: http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7403051-dove-hair-love-your-curls

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