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Kia Motors America Posts Best-Ever Full-Year Sales In 2014

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Kia Motors America Posts Best-Ever Full-Year Sales In 2014

Annual Sales Up 8.4 Percent as Kia Surpasses Half a Million Vehicles for Third Straight Year;
Optima Achieves All-time Single Nameplate Sales Record


IRVINE, Calif., Jan. 5, 2015 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Kia Motors America (KMA) capped a record-setting year with best-ever December sales of 45,587 vehicles – up 35.6 percent over the same period in 2013 – and the highest annual sales total in company history of 580,234 vehicles, up 8.4 percent year-over-year and 4.0 percent over the previous record set in 2012. Leading the historic performance were the U.S.-built* Optima, which established a new single nameplate record of 159,020 units, and the iconic Soul, which saw sales increase for the fifth straight year.

“Kia’s momentum consistently outpaced the industry throughout 2014, and we finished strong with showroom traffic surging in December thanks to rising consumer confidence, historically low gas prices, and one of the youngest and best-looking lineups in the industry,” said Michael Sprague, executive vice president of sales and marketing, KMA. “More customers turned to Kia last year than ever before as we celebrated our 20th anniversary in the U.S., and our record-breaking performance demonstrates the speed at which our brand has transformed and matured into a proven leader in design, quality, technology and value.”

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

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

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

MONTH OF DECEMBER

YEAR-TO-DATE

Model

2014

2013

2014

2013

Rio

1,924

2,156

35,933

40,742

Forte

5,306

4,302

69,336

66,146

Optima

11,827

9,474

159,020

155,893

Cadenza

548

844

9,267

8,626

K900

93

1,330

Sportage

3,298

2,527

42,945

32,965

Sorento

9,688

7,482

102,520

105,649

Sedona

2,997

501

14,567

7,079

Soul

9,906

6,345

145,316

118,079

Total

45,587

33,631

580,234

535,179

1 2015 K900 V8 available in select trims and in select markets with limited availability.
2 2015 Soul EV in select markets with limited availability.

 


Secure your financial future

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Secure your financial future

Make saving money a lifelong habit


WASHINGTON, Jan. 2, 2015 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Make a new year’s resolution to reach long term financial stability. Secure your quality of life for your retirement.

Logo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20141030/155566LOGO

Social Security only covers part of your retirement, which is why the Department of Labor (DOL) recommends developing a savings plan. The resources below will help you plan for retirement.

Develop your savings plan

  • Calculate your monthly expenses, such as housing payments, utilities, food, etc.
  • Allocate part of your income toward a savings account; it doesn’t matter if the amount you put away varies every month.
  • Eliminate unnecessary expenses that might affect your budget.
  • Avoid debt. Try not to use your credit card, that way you won’t have to make monthly payments with interest.

Worksheets to start a savings plan

The DOL provides a series of worksheets to help you manage your finances for retirement. You will need to create an account to access your worksheets and any saved information. The worksheets are organized as follows:

  1. Goals and Priorities. Write your short and long-term financial goals, such as travel expenses or saving for retirement, and set priorities to achieve them.
  2. Financial Documents Checklist. Gather copies of documents you’ll need to create a retirement budget, including bank statements, student loan information and tax returns. 
  3. Balance Sheet to Calculate Net Worth. Calculate your assets, like property and investments, as well as your liabilities, which include mortgage and loan payments.
  4. Retirement Saving. Figure out how much money you’ll need to save each year to reach your retirement goal.
  5. Cash Flow Spending Plan. You’ll come up with a monthly and yearly budget, and then return to the worksheet at the end of the year to see the results.
  6. Debt Reduction. Prioritize your debt and figure out how much you plan to pay.

To learn more about financial issues, see USA.gov and GobiernoUSA.gov, the U.S. Government’s official web portals in English and Spanish, and part of the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA).


Children’s Hospital Los Angeles Receives A Special Visit

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Children’s Hospital Los Angeles Receives A Special Visit


LOS ANGELES, Jan. 1, 2015 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Vallarta Supermarket invites you to their annual Children’s Hospital Los Angeles Dia de Reyes Toy Giveaway. This event will take place on Tuesday, January 6, 2014 at 10am at the Children’s Hospital in Los Angeles (CHLA) located at 4650 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90027.

Photo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20141229/166241
Logo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140103/LA39827LOGO

This will be the third year Vallarta Supermarkets visits this Children’s Hospital to give toys to in and out patients at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. Vallarta Supermarkets staff come in dressed as the Three Kings, set up toy tables in main lobbies, greet each child and invite them to choose a toy. Not leaving behind the exceptional work of the hospital’s nurses, Vallarta Supermarkets also brings in their traditional Rosca de Reyes (traditional sweet bread in the shape of a crown) for them to enjoy. This event is received with much enthusiasm from CHLA staff and patients. This confirms Vallarta Supermarkets sincere commitment to help the local communities.

In 2014 Vallarta Supermarkets raised over 202 thousand dollars for Children’s Miracle Network during the annual in-store fundraiser. Of this, over 63 thousand dollars will go to the Children’s Hospital in Los Angeles. We invite you to be part of this important celebration which gives Vallarta Supermarkets the opportunity to personally thank the community who made the Children’s Miracle Network Fundraiser an immense success, and spread joy to CHLA staff and patients.

Invitation:
Date: Tuesday, January 6, 2014
Address: Children’s Hospital in Los Angeles (CHLA)-  4650 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90027
Time: 10am to 1pm           

ABOUT CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL LOS ANGELES:
Founded in 1901, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles is the first and largest pediatric hospital in Southern California. The hospital is one of only 12 children’s hospitals in the nation, only one in California, ranked in all 10 pediatric specialties by U.S. News & World Report.

Children’s Hospital is a provider of more than $125 million annually in community benefits to the children and families of Los Angeles. Each year, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles provides more than 104,000 children with pediatric health care in a setting designed just for their needs.

ABOUT VALLARTA SUPERMARKETS:
Founded in 1985 by Enrique Gonzalez, Sr; Vallarta Supermarkets is a full-service grocery independent chain with 44 locations throughout the state of California. Vallarta Supermarkets is known for having fresh produce, quality meats, exquisite pastries, and specialty items from Latin America and other parts of the world. Vallarta Supermarket locations go from Fresno to San Diego, California. Visit www.vallartasupermarkets.com for additional information.

For any further questions please contact Ruby Martinez, Marketing Manager at Vallarta Supermarkets.

Phone: (818) 898-0088 ext 1224, Email: [email protected], Fax: (818) 898-0119.

 

 

 

 


(Español) Las cuentas de FPL bajarán el 1 de enero

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Sorry, this entry is only available in Español.

Table Mountain Casino Presents Lupillo Rivera And Graciela Beltran In Concert

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Table Mountain Casino Presents Lupillo Rivera And Graciela Beltran In Concert


FRIANT, Calif., Dec. 30, 2014 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Lupillo Rivera and Graciela Beltran, two of the most popular Mexican artists performing today, will bring their amazing talents to Table Mountain Casino on Sunday, January 11, 2015.

Table Mountain Casino

Logo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20141231/166505LOGO

These beloved artists have experienced unprecedented success performing popular Mexican Regional Music genres, Banda, Rancheras, Norteno and Corridos, throughout the US and Mexico.  Both Rivera and Beltran have individually achieved Multi-platinum status and also won every industry award, including a Grammy.  

Located just minutes north of Fresno, Table Mountain Casino is home to some of the best concerts in all of California. Lupillo Rivera and Graciela Beltran continue the tradition of headliners for which Table Mountain Casino is renowned.

Tickets for Lupillo Rivera and Graciela Beltran are now on sale at www.tmcasino.com and at Table Mountain Casino Cashier’s Cage.

LUPILLO RIVERA & GRACIELA BELTRAN
Sunday, January 11, 2015
Doors open at 4pm; Show starts at 5pm
VIP $65-Platinum-$55-Reserved-$45-General Admission-$35
Player/Preferred members save $5; Platinum members save $10
Must be 18 years or older to attend
Attendees receive $10 Concert Cash Coupon
No refunds, cameras or videos; above ticket prices do not include processing fee

#GetYourWinOn!
Table Mountain Casino is owned and operated by the Table Mountain Rancheria Band of Indians who actively support many community-based agencies and non-profit organizations serving residents of the greater Fresno area and the regional San Joaquin Valley community.Table Mountain Casino proudly operates an alcohol and drug free environment. Must be 18 years of age to game.

https://www.facebook.com/tablemountaincasino 
https://twitter.com/Tablemtncasino

 


Walden University Scholars of Change Demonstrate the Impact of Positive Social Change

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Walden University Scholars of Change Demonstrate the Impact of Positive Social Change


MINNEAPOLIS, Dec. 30, 2014 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Walden University Scholars of Change focus on the future, whether they are transforming the way children learn, mentoring, or improving living conditions for others. More than 175 Walden University students and alumni submitted inspiring videos of social change in their communities for the university’s 2014 Scholars of Change video contest. These scholars—along with hundreds of their fellow video contributors—are supporting Walden’s mission by putting their knowledge to use for the greater good.

To view the multimedia assets associated with this release, please click: http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7388451-walden-university-scholars-of-change/

Photo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20141230/MM98322

Five scholars each received $7,500 plus a $2,500 donation to the charity of their choice. The 2014 Scholars of Change are:

  • Jazmin Chi-Aguillon, B.S. in Business Administration graduate from Altamira, Tamaulipas, Mexico. She founded LevGrow, an organization that improves education for children by transforming how they learn culture and values through stories, games, interactive toys and animated videos. Her charity donation will go to Shanxi University in China.
  • Heather Hefner, Ph.D. in Psychology graduate from Cortland, Ohio. A clinical psychologist, she partners with Refuge, an after-school program run primarily by volunteers who donate their time for the sole purpose of mentoring, to provide mental health support for children in her community. Her charity donation will go to Refuge.
  • Benjamin Isaac, Doctor of Education student from Augusta, Georgia. Inspired by his daughter, who has cerebral palsy, he is creating an animated show featuring children with special needs with the goal to positively impact and influence children with special needs. His charity donation will go to the T.W. Josey Comprehensive High School.
  • Dorsey Kendrick, Ph.D. in Education graduate from New Haven, Connecticut. As president of Gateway Community College, she works to impact its more than 8,000 students and connect the college to the surrounding community. Her charity donation will go to the Gateway Community College Foundation.
  • Carol Zoffinger, Ph.D. in Human Services student from Lakeland, Florida. As founder of the nonprofit organization Zoe’s Journey, she provides a safe place to help women and their children rebuild their lives after addiction, incarceration or homelessness, changing generations to come. Her charity donation will go to Zoe’s Journey.

Other inspiring stories of social change from Walden students and alumni include 10 additional scholars, who each received $500.

  • Joy Bliss, Ph.D. in Management graduate from Honolulu. She took nursing students to impoverished Micronesia to provide needed healthcare.
  • Yvette Castell, Doctor of Business Administration student from Kingston, Jamaica. She volunteers in her Jamaican community as a teacher and mentor.
  • Lynn Cockburn, Ph.D. in Public Health and Master of Public Health graduate from Toronto. She is improving services for people with disabilities in Africa.
  • Karanja Crews, Doctor of Education student from Portland, Oregon. He turns his passion for hip-hop music into an innovative literacy program.
  • Bobby Gueh, Ed.S. in College Teaching and Learning student from Buford, Georgia. He led a summer enrichment program for children in Liberia.
  • Lal Gunasinghe, Doctor of Business Administration graduate from Singapore. He is improving the English curriculum at a remote Sri Lankan school.
  • Kelly Kelley, M.S. in Education graduate from Fort Collins, Colorado. She opened a coffee shop with a mission of providing jobs for the homeless.
  • Natasha LaBeaud, Ph.D. in Public Health student from San Diego. She couples her love for running with a passion to prevent childhood obesity.
  • Candice McDonald, Ph.D. in Human Services student from Salem, Ohio. A volunteer EMT and firefighter, she creates positive social change in the fire service.
  • Martina St-Germain Auguste, B.S. in Public Health student from Lacombe, Alberta, Canada. She provides clean water and improves living conditions in Haiti.

All 15 Scholars of Change videos are available for viewing online at www.WaldenU.edu/scholarsvideos.

The Scholars of Change program began in 2009 when Walden invited students and alumni to submit short videos showing how they were applying their Walden education and experience to create positive social change in their communities and around the globe.

About Walden University
For more than 40 years, Walden University has supported working professionals in achieving their academic goals and making a greater impact in their professions and their communities. Today, more than 47,800 students from all 50 states and more than 150 countries are pursuing their bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degrees online at Walden. The university provides students with an engaging educational experience that connects them with expert faculty and peers around the world. Walden is the flagship online university in the Laureate International Universities network—a global network of more than 80 campus-based and online universities in 29 countries.

Walden offers more than 80 degree programs with more than 370 specializations and concentrations. Areas of study include health sciences, counseling, human services, management, psychology, social work, education, public health, nursing, public administration and information technology. For more information, visit www.WaldenU.edu. Walden University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association, www.ncahlc.org.


International Music Artist Noelia to Perform at Legendary ‘Genesis’ Event New Years Day, Jan. 1, 2015, in Miami Beach

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International Music Artist Noelia to Perform at Legendary ‘Genesis’ Event New Years Day, Jan. 1, 2015, in Miami Beach


MIAMI, Dec. 30, 2014 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Award-winning recording artist Noelia is set to perform at Miami’s legendary New Years Day annual event, Genesis, Jan. 1, 2015, at Mansion.  Noelia will perform her #1 hit, “Mind Blown,” which topped iTunes Electronic Music Chart this year.

Photo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20141230/166360

Genesis has a rich 10-year history of presenting Top Global Performers at the annual event. 

World Renowned DJ/Producer Tracy Young founded Genesis, which has become a Miami Beach mainstay tradition attracting 1000s of guests from around the world.  The event has evolved into a legendary 12-hour dance marathon at the state-of-the-art venue, Mansion in Sobe (Jan. 1, 2015, 8am – 8pm).

Along with Tracy Young, DJ/Producer Tom Stephan, aka Superchumbo, will once again take over the decks for the daylong musical journey.

Noelia has sold more than 5 million albums around the world, including 18 worldwide Gold Certified albums and 9 worldwide Multi-Platinum Certified albums.  Her self-titled debut album has been RIAA-certified Gold (500,000) in the United States.  The album also won Billboard’s Latin Album of the Year.

Noelia has crossed borders to Europe to be acknowledged as the “International Singer of the Year” in Italy at the prestigious Festival Bar. 

She has earned 10 Latin Billboard hits and 3 Billboard Club Dance hits throughout her career.

Genesis is partnered with Miami Beach Gay Pride, a nonprofit organization that produces free, safe, quality mass-appeal events that are inclusive, bringing together and celebrating members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community.

www.noelia.tv
Instagram: www.instagram.com/noeliaofficial
Facebook: www.facebook.com/officialnoelia

For information on Genesis 
visit: www.genesis.wanttickets.com

 


Hotwire Predicts 2015 will be Year of Millennial Traveler

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Hotwire Predicts 2015 will be Year of Millennial Traveler

Younger generation deal conscious; Hotwire reveals most affordable time of year to travel to their favorite destinations


SAN FRANCISCO, Dec. 30, 2014 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — With the New Year right around the corner, Hotwire.com® today released additional findings from its 2014 American Travel Behavior Survey, which point to the growing power of the millennial traveler. The survey was conducted online in October 2014 on behalf of Hotwire® by Harris Poll among over 2,000 U.S. adults ages 18 and older. According to the survey, millennial travelers have a greater desire to travel more than their older counterparts and are looking for the best deals in 2015.  

More specifically, the report contained the following American Travel Behavior Survey findings:  

  • More than any other age group, approximately one-third of millennials intend on traveling more in 2015.
  • Those ages 18-34 are more likely than their older counterparts to say they:
    • Intend to take one or two large vacations in 2015 (35 percent vs. 23 percent of those ages 45-54).
    • Intend to be more deal conscious when booking travel in 2015 (24 percent vs. 16 percent of those ages 65+).
    • Intend to be more spontaneous in 2015 (19 percent vs. 11 percent of those ages 45-54 and 10 percent of those ages 65+).
  • Younger adults ages 18-34 (70 percent) are more likely to have any money in their travel budget each year than those ages 45+ (55 percent).
    • Millennials set aside a total of $226 billion1 for their travel budget.

“Millennial travelers are impacting the travel industry in a big way, particularly given their overall excitement and interest in taking more trips,” said Henrik Kjellberg, president of the Hotwire Group. “Since they’re concerned with finding the best deals, Hotwire offers insights and tools that can help not only millennials but all travelers get more for their money and take more trips in 2015.”    

In an effort to help make millennial travel intentions become reality, Hotwire polled this audience to find out where they wanted to visit in the New Year and their travel experts mined internal pricing data to pair the 15 most sought after destinations for 2015 with the most affordable months to visit.

 

Destination

Best Month to Visit

Average Price Per Night (Best Month)

Percent Savings vs.  Peak Season

1.  Las Vegas, NV

January

$66

44%

2.  Honolulu, HI

May

$152

46%

3.  London, England

January

$129

55%

4.  Rome, Italy

January

$87

99%

5.  Miami, FL

September

$115

91%

6.  Paris, France

February

$117

64%

7.  New York City, NY

February

$136

77%

8.  Madrid, Spain

August

$71

77%

9.  San Francisco, CA

January

$116

88%

10. Los Angeles, CA

January

$99

37%

11. Chicago, IL

January

$68

67%

12. New Orleans, LA

August

$91

69%

13. Orlando, FL

September

$70

40%

14. Washington, DC

January

$77

58%

15. San Diego, CA

January

$79

109%

 

The above list of 15 destinations was determined by Hotwire’s American Travel Behavior Survey. Respondents ages 18-35 were asked if they could take one more vacation than you originally planned for 2015, which U.S. cities they would travel to. The Best Month to Visit was calculated based on the minimum average price per night for the location in 2014. The Average Price Per Night was calculated based on the average nightly rate for the best month. The Percent Savings vs. Peak Season was calculated based on the minimum average nightly rate and the maximum average nightly rate of the year 2014.

Travelers can be spontaneous and easily stay on top of the latest last-minute deals to their favorite locations through Hotwire’s award-winning website, www.hotwire.com, or search and book an affordable hotel while on-the-go via its free suite of mobile apps. The Hotwire app for iPad, iPhone and iPod touch is available at www.iTunes.com/AppStore and the Android app at https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.hotwire.hotels.

More data points and survey results including (include examples) are available upon request.

Survey Methodology
This survey was conducted online within the United States by Harris Poll on behalf of Hotwire® from October 23-27, 2014 among 2,011 adults ages 18 and older. The 2013 survey was conducted from October 8-10, 2013 among 2,020 adults ages 18 and older. These online surveys are not based on a probability sample and therefore no estimate of theoretical sampling error can be calculated. For complete survey methodology, including weighting variables, please contact [email protected]

About Hotwire
Hotwire.com is a leading discount travel site with low rates on airline tickets, hotel rooms, rental cars and vacation packages.  Launched in 2000, Hotwire, Inc. obtains deep discounts from its travel suppliers to help travelers book unsold airline seats, hotel rooms and rental cars.  Hotwire.com is an award winning website and Hotwire, Inc. is an operating company within Expedia, Inc. For more information, visit http://www.hotwire.com. Hotwire.com operates sites in 12 countries worldwide: www.hotwire.com, www.hotwire.com/uk, www.hotwire.com/ie, www.hotwire.com/au, www.hotwire.com/nz, www.hotwire.com/se, www.hotwire.com/no, www.hotwire.com/dk, www.hotwire.com/de, www.hotwire.com/hk, www.hotwire.com/mx and www.hotwire.com/sg. In addition to Hotwire.com, Hotwire, Inc. also operates www.carrentals.com.  

© 2014 Hotwire, Inc.  All rights reserved. Hotwire, Hotwire.com and the Hotwire logo are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Hotwire, Inc. in the U.S. and/or other countries.  All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.  CST # 2053390-40.

Contact:
Monica Caires
Grayling
(323) 648-5426
[email protected]

1Calculation based on U.S. Census Bureau’s Young Generations press release in December 2014 (http://www.census.gov/newsroom/press-releases/2014/cb14-219.html), which estimates there are 73 million adults ages 18-34 residing in the United States: Multiplied average amount set aside in travel budget per American adults ages 18-34 in 2014 by estimated number of adults residing in the United States: $3,100 x 73,000,000.

 

 


Hope in Havana: People to People Delegation Returns to U.S. After Witnessing “Joyful Optimism Everywhere”

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Hope in Havana: People to People Delegation Returns to U.S. After Witnessing “Joyful Optimism Everywhere”

Nation’s premier educational travel provider has brought more than 400 Americans to Cuba in the last two years


SPOKANE, Wash., Dec. 24, 2014 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — A group of nine U.S. citizens witnessed history in the making while traveling on an international good will tour to Cuba sponsored by People to People Ambassador Programs this past week. The group, led by University of Minnesota history and American studies professor Elaine Tyler May, returned to the U.S. on Dec. 20, after a remarkable turn of events during their 7-day stay that included tours of the rehabilitation of Old Havana, meetings with Cuban historians and exchanges at local community projects.

Logo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20141223/166039LOGO

“We were amazed to be in Cuba when the news came of the beginning of a new relationship between our two countries,” said Professor May. “We were fortunate to be in the beautiful biosphere community of Las Terrazes (located in a mountain area of the Candelaria municipality, about two hours from Havana) when the news arrived, and we watched the speech of President Raul Castro in the company of Cubans, along with wandering peacocks, chickens and cats! From that moment on, all of our meetings and conversations were filled with excitement and questions about what changes were in store.”

People to People began offering adult travel programs to Cuba in July 2013, and has since sent 27 groups totaling more than 400 people to the island nation located just over 90 miles south of the U.S. People to People acquired a travel operator “people-to-people” license from the U.S. Department of the Treasury, Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), which allows U.S. citizens to legally visit Cuba.

Optimism Everywhere; U.S. Investment Dollars to Follow?
Professor May explained that the initial celebration in Cuba last week revolved around the return of three members of the “Cuban 5,” prisoners who spent more than 15 years in U.S. jails on spying charges. Two other members of the Cuban 5 were released in 2012.

“In conversations with people we met, there was great optimism about the future, and the possibility of easing or lifting the (U.S. trade) embargo,” said May. “At the same time, there is some caution, because Cubans do not want a return of the American takeover of the Cuban economy reminiscent of the pre-1959 era. Nevertheless, there was joyful optimism everywhere we went.”

The easing of tensions between the U.S. and Cuba is “extremely important to the Cuban people,” noted Jacqueline Castledine, a professor of history at the University of Massachusetts, who also travelled with the group. “Something was in the air when we arrived in Cuba,” Castledine said. “While many Cubans appeared not to be surprised on the morning of December 17th to hear that within hours Raul Castro would be speaking to the nation, they were unsure of what he might announce. Slowly but surely reform is underway. There are renovations and infrastructure improvements going on everywhere, focused on the historic sites and tourism areas. What they need is investment. They are extremely hopeful U.S. dollars will flow into Cuba. The word ‘hopeful’ came up in many, many conversations.”

People to People’s adult travel programs give professionals a hands-on immersion in local culture and direct interaction with people in the same profession. “That peer to peer exchange, accompanied with our best in class guides and local experts, add up to a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see countries around the world,” notes Marcia Dartley, Program Director for People to People.

For more information about People to People’s Citizen Ambassador Programs visit www.peopletopeople.com/cuba or call 877.787.2000.

About People to People Ambassador Programs
People to People Ambassador Programs is the world’s most recognized student educational travel provider. Since the 1960s, more than 500,000 people from around the world have traveled with People to People Ambassador Programs to help further global understanding through cross-cultural exchange. Offering unmatched safety measures and unparalleled access to foreign cultures and countries, People to People Ambassador Programs promotes personal success in a globalized world and fosters international friendships for both students and professional adults.
People to People Ambassador Programs is the exclusive educational travel provider of People to People International (PTPI), a nonprofit organization founded in 1956 by President Dwight D. Eisenhower to promote peace through understanding worldwide. Together, PTPI and People to People Ambassador Programs are united in a mission to bridge cultural and political borders through education and exchange. For more information, please visit www.peopletopeople.com.