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Labor Commissioner Distributes $329,000 in Back Pay to Bay Area Assisted Living Workers

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Labor Commissioner Distributes $329,000 in Back Pay to Bay Area Assisted Living Workers


FREMONT, Calif., Dec. 15, 2014 /PRNewswire HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Labor Commissioner Julie A. Su has obtained $329,000 in back wages for 24 employees of the Common Destiny Care Home assisted living facility in Fremont. The business owners were fined more than $358,700 on October 24 for multiple wage law violations.

Video – http://youtu.be/PGyfjIr1g_w

Photo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20141213/164284

The affected workers received payments for minimum wage underpayment and unpaid overtime ranging from approximately $200 to over $160,000, depending on their length of employment and the hours they worked.

“Our department and the Labor Commissioner’s Office are committed to enforcing labor laws so that workers are paid as mandated by law. The wages and liquidated damages we recover are returned directly to the affected workers,” said Christine Baker, Director of the Department of Industrial Relations (DIR). The Labor Commissioner’s Office, also known as the Division of Labor Standards Enforcement (DLSE), is a division within DIR.

Investigators determined that residential caregivers were required to work more than 8 hours a day – at times up to 17 hours a day – without being compensated the State mandated minimum wage or overtime pay. Employees received between $60 to $80 per day, averaging sometimes as little as $5 an hour. More details on this case – as well as investigations into other assisted living businesses – can be found here.

Conchita Almodovar, who received a sizeable payment for back wages, said she never expected this outcome. Her message to other workers who might be underpaid is clear: “Just in case you’re being treated unfairly, if you’re not getting paid properly, don’t be scared. Just come forward. There’s the government, there’s the Labor Commissioner’s office – they can help you.”

The Labor Commissioner’s investigation also found the Common Destiny workers were required to report for duty the night before their shifts began, and were not paid for the hours spent on site prior to the start of their duties. Employees were given a sofa bed in an unheated garage as sleeping quarters, and they were frequently required to work, unpaid, during designated sleeping hours when residents required care.

“When we effectively enforce the law, we put wages earned into workers’ pockets,” said Labor Commissioner Su. “This is money that goes to food, clothing, housing, education, and right back into our economy. I am really pleased that these hardworking caregivers will end the year with a new beginning.”

Paz Aquino, formerly the house manager and supervisor at Common Destiny, was grateful for the assistance she received from DIR and the Labor Commissioner’s office: “It’s not only me who they helped; this is for the protection of the caregivers.”

Among its wide-ranging enforcement responsibilities, the Labor Commissioner’s office inspects workplaces for wage and hour violations, adjudicates wage claims, enforces prevailing wage rates and apprenticeship standards in public works projects, investigates retaliation complaints, issues licenses and registrations for businesses and educates the public on labor laws.

The most recent information related to California labor laws is available on the DIR website. Employees with work-related questions or complaints may call the California Workers’ Information Hotline at (866) 924-9757 for recorded information in English and Spanish on a variety of work-related topics.

Testimonials from three of the 24 workers who received back pay are available for viewing. For media inquiries contact Erika Monterroza at (510) 286-1164 or Peter Melton at (510) 286-7046.

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/CaliforniaDIR

Twitter – https://twitter.com/CA_DIR

YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/user/CaliforniaDIR

E-mail notices – http://www.dir.ca.gov/email/listsub.asp?choice=1

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


The National Latino Children’s Institute (NLCI) Launches Multi-media Campaign to Prevent Injuries and Fatalities Due to Unrestrained Drivers and Passengers

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El National Latino Children's Institute (NLCI) presenta campana multimedia para prevenir lesiones y muertes de pasajeros y conductores causadas por no usar el cinturon de seguridad.





The National Latino Children’s Institute (NLCI) Launches Multi-media Campaign to Prevent Injuries and Fatalities Due to Unrestrained Drivers and Passengers

Campaign addresses leading cause of death among Latinos under age 34


SAN ANTONIO, Texas, Dec. 15, 2014 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The National Latino Children’s Institute (NLCI), whose mission is to focus the nation’s attention on the contributions and unique challenges of young Latinos, announced today the launch of a multi-media campaign to prevent injuries and fatalities among young Latinos due to unrestrained drivers and passengers. 

The National Latino Children's Institute (NLCI) Launches Multi-media Campaign to Prevent Injuries and Fatalities Due to Unrestrained Drivers and Passengers. Campaign addresses leading cause of death among Latinos ages 5 to 34.

Logo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20141212/164279LOGO

Although automobile accidents are the leading cause of death in the U.S. among Latinos under age 34, there are few programs designed to educate and inform them of the importance of seatbelt use.  The campaign – “Do it for your family, buckle up!” (Hágalo por su familia, abrochese el cinturon!), – helps fill this void and has the potential of saving thousands of lives annually and preventing countless more injuries.  

According to NLCI, language barriers, immigration status, long-held cultural customs and traditions, and other factors among Latinos, especially those who have recently immigrated, pose considerable challenges in reaching them. However, primary research conducted by NLCI for this campaign made it clear that the key cultural insight for motivating Latinos to wear their seatbelts was doing so for the sake of their families.

To prevent injuries and fatalities among Latinos resulting from unrestrained drivers and passengers, NLCI collaborated with the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA) to develop this new, culturally relevant campaign to reach Latinos.  Also working with locally based Latino organizations, NLCI conducted focus groups in various regions of the country to ensure the diverse Latino population was reflected in the campaign. As a result, NLCI developed a bilingual, bicultural web-based campaign toolkit that is customized for the diverse Latino community. NLCI is making the campaign toolkit available to partner organizations around the nation for use in their local communities to reach Latinos. “The toolkit will help state and local organizations concerned with the public safety of their Latino communities to reach them in a more culturally compelling way. The toolkit and its messages incorporate traditions and values that we know engage the Latino community.  The campaign serves to motivate drivers and passengers to use seatbelts by focusing on the terrible consequences car accidents can have to the family if drivers and passengers are not properly restrained and protected,”  stated Maria Rita Jaramillo, NLCI Board Chair.

NLCI hopes to build and connect a nationwide network of informed leaders and organizations that serve and support young Latinos.  “Seatbelt use is the single most effective and immediate way we can save lives and reduce injuries among young Latinos. This is a winnable battle!” Jaramillo added. “Working with our partners we believe that the use of culturally targeted media, especially digital and social media is key to connecting with the Latino community and changing behaviors and outcomes.”

A recent Pew Research Report indicates that Latinos top everyone in social media activity. According to the survey, 80 percent of Hispanic adults in the U.S. use social media, that’s more than Whites (70 percent) and African Americans (75 percent).  “It is evident, that if we are to engage Latinos, we must reach them through the use of social media,” said Jaramillo. “NLCI’s campaign toolkit provides our partner organizations with the tools they need to do so effectively.”

The seatbelt toolkit can be downloaded free of charge from the NLCI and NHTSA websites at www.nlci.org and www.nhtsa.gov.  Latino-serving organizations, law enforcement and public safety officials, and the general public are urged to help save lives by using and promoting the NLCI seatbelt campaign toolkit.  

About the National Latino Children’s Institute

The National Latino Children’s Institute is a national 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization whose mission is to focus the nation’s attention on the contributions and unique challenges faced by young Latinos.  It carries out its mission by working with its network of Latino children’s serving organizations, other national Latino and children’s organizations, through advocacy and social media.


HolaDoctor Launches Free Healthcare Reform Help Line for Hispanics in New Jersey

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HolaDoctor Launches Free Healthcare Reform Help Line for Hispanics in New Jersey


UNION CITY, N.J., Dec. 12, 2014 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — HolaDoctor, the leading health and wellness online destination for Hispanics, launched a new Toll Free Help Line to assist Hispanics in New Jersey with questions regarding Healthcare Reform, as well as to guide them in the application process for acquiring health insurance in the state and federal marketplace.

The 1-888-551-ALOSEGURO (1-888-551-2567), service is staffed by a group of bilingual representatives, trained to help Hispanics in everything related to the Healthcare Law and the purchase of health insurance, who answer user questions from 8am to 8pm EST on weekdays and from 9am to 5pm EST on weekends.

Callers receive personalized attention in Spanish by bilingual personnel trained on the Affordable Care Act, AKA “Obamacare,” as well as the health insurance market in the United States.

“HolaDoctor is always looking for opportunities to help the Hispanic community in the U.S. and we know that Health Reform is a very confusing point for our people. That is why we are offering this service to help everyone who needs it. Our system is easy to use, confidential and totally free,” said Roberto Estrada, CEO of HolaDoctor Inc.

HolaDoctor representatives have the knowledge and tools to provide information about tax credits or subsidies, the documentation required to enroll in the health insurance marketplace, get 2015 coverage, and also how and where to apply in New Jersey.

“Hispanics who call our free helpline are mainly concerned about how to enroll, if they qualify for financial assistance from the government and key dates and deadlines. Many are confused and frightened by the higher penalty this year of $325 per adult or 2% of yearly household income. Our representatives are specially trained to guide people through this complex process and provide the information necessary to understand the new healthcare law in a simple way,” said Catalina Rodriguez, VP Marketing Services at HolaDoctor Inc.

Those interested may call 1-888-551-ALOSEGURO (1-888-551-2567), seven days a week or enroll online at promo.holadoctor.com/obamacare to receive a call from an HolaDoctor representative.

They can also visit our Health Insurance Center at: http://holadoctor.com/es/centro-de-seguros-de-salud for additional information.

About HolaDoctor
HolaDoctor® is a leading Hispanic health company. Founded in 1999, HolaDoctor manages the largest online community of Hispanics interested in health and wellness and is the exclusive partner of Univision Interactive Media for health content. HolaDoctor also provides strategic marketing, communications, and consulting services to healthcare companies seeking to grow the business with Hispanic consumers in the United States and internationally. The company has broad experience in the health care law (Affordable Care Act) [http://holadoctor.com/es/seguros-de-salud], health insurance, obesity and diabetes, among other key areas, to increase access to health care and reduce disparities among Hispanics. Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, with offices in South Florida and Latin America, HolaDoctor serves a growing customer base throughout the Western Hemisphere. For more information, visit http://www.holadoctor.net

Contact: Catalina Rodriguez
[email protected]
Telefono: 678-242-6779 

 


KFC Asks Consumers To ‘Fill Up For Good’ This Holiday Season

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KFC Asks Consumers To ‘Fill Up For Good’ This Holiday Season

Brand Partners with Feeding America to Help Provide up to One Million Meals
for those Struggling with Hunger


LOUISVILLE, Ky., Dec. 12, 2014 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The holidays are a time to be grateful and to give back and that’s just what KFC plans to do with the launch of its #FillUpForGood campaign. Teaming up with Feeding America®, the nation’s largest domestic hunger-relief organization, KFC® invites consumers to help KFC reach its goal to fund one million meals to those in need this holiday season.

Feeding America works directly with major manufacturers, retailers, and other partners across the country to secure safe, nourishing food that would otherwise go to waste. For every 50 cents received, the Feeding America network of food banks can help provide five meals through food pantries and meal programs across America.

Supporting KFC’s #FillUpForGood Campaign is easy. All consumers need to do to help KFC reach its one million meal donation goal is post a picture of a KFC $5 Fill Ups™ meal (no purchase necessary) on social media (Twitter, Instagram or Facebook) with the hashtag #FillUpForGood. For each social post or repost that includes a $5 Fill Ups meal photo and #FillUpForGood hashtag, KFC will donate 50 cents to Feeding America (equal to five meals) for those struggling with hunger across the country.   KFC will donate up to $100,000.    

“KFC introduced the $5 Fill Ups in July of this year and America has really shown them some love,” said Kevin Hochman, Chief Marketing Officer for KFC U.S. “The #FillUpForGood Campaign allows KFC to pay it forward with the bold challenge of helping to provide one million meals to feed Americans struggling with hunger, driven by the support of our loyal customers and Feeding America.”

“We’re excited to partner with KFC this holiday season and help more Americans become engaged in our fight to end hunger,” said Nancy Curby, Vice President of Corporate Partnerships for Feeding America. “With their commitment, the Feeding America network of food banks will be able to provide more food for our neighbors in need.”

For more information on how to participate in KFC’s #FillUpForGood campaign, visit Feeding America.com.  For updates on the campaign’s progress towards one million meals, consumers can follow KFC on Twitter and Facebook.

About KFC
KFC Corporation, based in Louisville, Ky., is the world’s most popular chicken restaurant chain. KFC specializes in Original Recipe®, Extra Crispy™, Kentucky Grilled Chicken® and Extra Crispy™ Tenders, Hot Wings™, Go Cup®, KFC Famous Bowls®, Pot Pies, freshly prepared chicken sandwiches, biscuits and home-style side items. There are more 4,300 KFC outlets in the United States.  KFC Corporation is a subsidiary of Yum! Brands, Inc., Louisville, Ky. (NYSE: YUM.) For more information, visit www.kfc.com. Follow KFC on Facebook (www.facebook.com/KFC) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/kfc).

About Feeding America
Feeding America is the nationwide network of 200 food banks that leads the fight against hunger in the United States. Together, we provide food to more than 46 million people through 60,000 food pantries and meal programs in communities across America. Feeding America also supports programs that improve food security among the people we serve; educates the public about the problem of hunger; and advocates for legislation that protects people from going hungry. Individuals, charities, businesses and government all have a role in ending hunger. Donate. Volunteer. Advocate. Educate.  Together we can solve hunger. Visit www.feedingamerica.org, find us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.


Pollo Tropical® Continues Houston-Area Expansion

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Pollo Tropical® Continues Houston-Area Expansion

Miami’s iconic island-inspired chicken restaurant to open new location near the Galleria in December


MIAMI, Dec. 3, 2014 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Pollo Tropical, Florida’s beloved fast-casual concept known for its citrus-marinated, flame-grilled chicken and array of authentic sauces and sides, continues its Texas expansion in December with the opening of its third Houston-area restaurant near the Galleria at 6522 Westheimer Road.

Logo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20141201/161592LOGO

The restaurant’s grand opening celebration will be from 9 a.m.-8 p.m. on Dec. 19. Festivities will include calypso music, a proclamation by local officials and a robosurfer challenge, where contestants will compete for first- and second-place prizes of $500 and $300 for their favorite charity. One lucky guest will win Free Chicken for a Year*, and the first 100 guests will receive a coupon for a free Create Your Own Family Meal, redeemable on a future visit.

Pollo Tropical opened its first Houston-area restaurant in Pearland in July, followed by the Tomball restaurant in October. The new Houston location will be the first one inside city limits.

“Pearland and Tomball residents have embraced the uniquely tropical, fresh, hand-prepared foods that Pollo Tropical brings to their communities,” said Pollo Tropical Chief Operating Officer Danny Meisenheimer. “Because the Galleria area is a citywide destination, our new Westheimer Road location will offer more people from all around the chance to experience Pollo Tropical.”

Pollo Tropical’s menu is a melting pot of culinary cultures, featuring the distinctive, bold and tangy flavors of the Caribbean. Savory island spices, mixed herbs and citrus are blended into rubs and marinades that enhance the flavors of fresh vegetables, pork, beef and signature chicken dishes. The company has built a loyal following for its fresh, never frozen, bone-in chicken that is marinated in tropical fruit juices and spices and then flame-grilled to perfection and served quartered or halved.

Guests can choose options that include Create Your Own TropiChops®, sandwiches, salads, wraps, platters, kids meals and family meals. In addition to its signature bone-in chicken, Pollo Tropical offers boneless, skinless grilled chicken breasts, Mojo Roast Pork, Calypso Beef and Grilled Tropical Wings. Made-from-scratch sides include rice, beans, yuca with garlic sauce, sweet plantains and many more. The restaurant uses ingredients without added trans fats or hormones.

Pollo Tropical’s famous Saucing Island brings on the flavor – and a little heat – with 10 signature sauces, including Curry Mustard, Guava BBQ, Pineapple Rum, Cilantro Garlic and Spicy Poyo-Poyo. The sauces allow diners to further customize their meals and tempt their taste buds with craveable, zesty, tropical flavors.

To complement its menu, Pollo Tropical also offers diners a variety of island-inspired beverages, ranging from a selection of Caribbean beers to coconut water and popular Refrescas in tropical breeze, mango peach and superfruit punch flavors. Diners can add rum for a tropical cocktail or enjoy a Cuba Libre made with Coca-Cola® and a fresh squeeze of lime.

Guests can watch as fresh food is prepared all day in the restaurant’s open kitchen. The 3,400-square-foot restaurant will feature a design influenced by tropical blues and greens, island-inspired lighting and plants, indoor and outdoor seating for 90+ with limited table service, and a convenient drive-thru.

To serve its guests, the Westheimer restaurant plans to hire more than 40 hourly team members. The company is actively recruiting for all positions and is accepting applications at http://pollotropical.com/careers/job-postings/.

Guests can get a coupon for either a buy one, get one free small TropiChop or $3 off a family meal by signing up for the Pollo Reward$® loyalty program.

*Complete details including contest rules, odds of winning and eligibility can be found online at www.pollotropical.com/community.

About Pollo Tropical
Pollo Tropical, a subsidiary of Fiesta Restaurant Group®, is a Caribbean-inspired fast-casual concept known for its fresh, flame-grilled chicken marinated in a proprietary blend of tropical fruit juices and spices, as well as authentic, made-from-scratch side dishes, soups, salads and wraps. The Miami-based company, founded in 1988, currently owns and operates more than 120 locations in Florida, Georgia, Tennessee and Texas. There are also five licensed restaurants located on college campuses and more than 30 franchised locations throughout the Caribbean, Central America, South America and Puerto Rico. For more information on Pollo Tropical, including employment opportunities, menu and nutritional information as well as information about international franchising, visit Pollo Tropical’s website at www.pollotropical.com.

About Fiesta Restaurant Group, Inc.
Fiesta Restaurant Group, Inc., owns, operates and franchises Pollo Tropical, Taco Cabana® and Cabana Grill® restaurant brands. The brands specialize in the operation of fast-casual, ethnic restaurants that offer distinct and unique flavors with broad appeal at a compelling value. The brands feature made-from-scratch cooking, fresh salsa bars, drive-thru service and catering. For more information about Fiesta Restaurant Group, Inc., visit the corporate website at www.frgi.com.

Media Contacts:
Kerrie Sparks
[email protected]
Mary Kate Jeffries
[email protected]
+1-214-379-7000


Silver Jeans Co. Welcomes MLB Slugger Jose Bautista To Its Family

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Silver Jeans Co. Welcomes MLB Slugger Jose Bautista To Its Family

Baseball star will act as first-ever ambassador to the brand.


LOS ANGELES, Dec. 12, 2014 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Exciting news from the Silver Jeans Co.™ camp today.  With dedication and passion at its core, the Canadian-based company is proud to welcome its newest family member, a MLB star whose story carries the very same values.

Jose Bautista, outfielder and hard hitter for the Toronto Blue Jays, is the new brand ambassador for the Silver Jeans Co.™ men’s 2015 spring line.

“I’m very excited to join Silver Jeans Co.™ as a representative of the brand,” Bautista says. “We clearly share common values such as determination and a passion for what we do. I’m looking forward to working with such a dedicated team.”

According to Michael Silver, CEO for Silver Jeans Co.™ the pair are a perfect fit. “Jose has made a name for himself through commitment to his craft, loyalty to his fans, and decades of hard work. These are qualities we have valued highly throughout our company history as well,” he says. “We’re thrilled Jose has agreed to join our family of friends.”

Like Silver Jeans Co.™, Bautista’s story was years in the making. His career highlights include five All-Star Game appearances, two Hank Aaron Awards, and most recently his third Silver Slugger Award for an outstanding at bat record in 2014. He is just as committed to excellence off the field, dedicating time and energy to his youth-focused charity the Bautista Education Fund. In addition, he is a partner in the Marucci bat company, and recently earned a degree in business from the University of South Florida.

This story of success is parallel to the Silver Jeans Co.™ 23-year history. A business built on family, company founder Michael Silver has always focused on delivering only high-quality, well-fitting jeans. It’s this dedication to the craft that maintains the brand’s stellar reputation among its loyal customers.

As brand ambassador, Bautista will be a key player in the upcoming “Work Hard. Be Great.” campaign for the Silver Jeans’ men’s line. He’ll be the focus of in-store displays, fan engagement events and a national media campaign.

About Silver Jeans Co.™

Silver Jeans Co.™ is a division of Western Glove Works, a family-owned company producing quality denim products for 90 years. Established in 1991 by Michael Silver, its devotees know Silver Jeans as the must-have brand for those who demand a perfect fit. Silver Jeans Co.™ gives fashion savvy, cost-conscious customers the latest styles and best quality at an affordable price. The brand offers men’s, women’s, and extended size denim and denim-related sportswear to markets worldwide. Silver Jeans Co.™ is always striving to fulfill its mission to weave the passion of its handcrafted jeans into the story of your life. For more information, visit: www.silverjeansco.com.


(Español) Nuevos servicios de interCaribbean Airways en Haití, Jamaica y la República Dominicana

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Sorry, this entry is only available in Español.

InterCaribbean Airways new Services in Haiti, Jamaica and Dominican Republic

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InterCaribbean Airways new Services in Haiti, Jamaica and Dominican Republic

With new flights offer non-stop Port au Prince to Kingston and Santo Domingo Flights


PROVIDENCIALES, Turks & Caicos Islands, Dec. 11, 2014 /PRNewswire/ — interCaribbean Airways is pleased to announce the commencement of new non-stop services to and from Kingston, Jamaica and Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic to Port au Prince, Haiti . 

interCaribbean Airways begins scheduled services on December 13th 2014, between Kingston Normal Manley International Airport and Port au Prince, Haiti, and also Port au Prince to Santo Domingo International Airport.  With high hopes for this service, the business and leisure traveler will be able to enjoy this new service in just an hour of travel time. 

In concert with the mission of the Ministry of Tourism, and Minister Stephanie Villedrouin to increase flights and build Haiti as a leisure destination, these new services will extend the travel options for the visitors to neighboring islands as an easy means to travel to Haiti and extend their vacation stays.

FLIGHT No.

FROM

TO

FREQUENCY

DEP          

ARR

JY 217

PAP

PLS

Wed Sun

01:25 PM

02:35 PM

JY 623

PAP

SDQ

Thu Sat

11:25 AM

01:20 PM

JY 217/250

PAP*

KIN

Wed (*via PLS)

01:25 PM

04:50 PM

JY 624

PAP

KIN

Fri Sat

03:20 PM

04:40 PM

JY 217/250

PAP*

KIN

Sun (*via PLS)

01:25 PM

04:50 PM

Seats are on sale, and bookable immediately at interCaribbean.com or calling our call centers and visiting our airport locations.  Customers may also visit their preferred travel agency.

Said Trevor Sadler CEO of interCaribbean Airways, we are pleased to offer these new routes to give the more choices and more connectivity across the Caribbean and support Haiti as it grows its appeal to the vacation visitor, while facilitating new business opportunities.  We look forward to increasing the frequency and number of destinations we serve in the new year.

About InterCaribbean Airways

interCaribbean Airways is based in the Turks & Caicos Islands, operating for the last 23 years to connect you and the Caribbean.  Services are via EMB 120 and BE99 aircraft connecting the Turks & Caicos to the Bahamas, Dominican Republic, Haiti, Jamaica and Puerto Rico.  International services also connect Jamaica to the Dominican Republic and Haiti, and the Dominican Republic to Puerto Rico.  Domestic flights are operated in The Turks & Caicos Islands and Jamaica. With new services planned to the Eastern Caribbean we look forward to connecting more of the Caribbean.


Honda Releases “Green Dealer” Guide to Help Auto Dealers Measurably Reduce their Energy Consumption and Environmental Impact

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Honda has developed a comprehensive energy efficiency roadmap for dealerships and similar commercial buildings with high energy loads. Honda is publicly releasing the "Green Dealer" Guide to help automakers across all brands reduce their environmental footprint. (PRNewsFoto/American Honda Motor Co., Inc.)





Honda Releases “Green Dealer” Guide to Help Auto Dealers Measurably Reduce their Energy Consumption and Environmental Impact

– Comprehensive Honda “Green Dealer” Guide capitalizes on learnings from the company’s Environmental Leadership Program; download the Guide at greendealer.honda.com

– 45 U.S. Honda and Acura dealers have reduced their energy consumption by 10% or more, including seven that have cut energy use by at least 50%

– In January, a Honda dealer became the nation’s first to achieve “Electric Grid Neutral” status

– A 10% reduction in energy use by America’s 17,000+ new car dealerships would eliminate nearly 800,000 tons of CO2 annually, or the equivalent carbon footprint of the electricity needed to power approximately 96,000 homes for a year


TORRANCE, California, Dec. 11, 2014 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — To help auto dealers adopt more environmentally responsible business practices while also reducing costs, Honda is publicly releasing the Honda “Green Dealer” Guide. This comprehensive, 93-page energy efficiency roadmap was developed specifically for dealerships and similar commercial buildings with high energy loads. The company is encouraging auto dealers – across all brands – to download the Guide and reduce their environmental footprint.

Photo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20141211/163788-INFO
Logo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20100923/HONDALOGO

The Honda “Green Dealer” Guide synthesizes the company’s experience over the past three years helping its U.S. dealers reduce their energy consumption through its Environmental Leadership Program. So far, the program has helped 45 Honda and Acura dealers collectively reduce their annual CO2 emissions by approximately 5,000 tons, the equivalent annual footprint of the electricity needed to power more than 600 U.S. homes.i In addition, dealers have cut their cumulative annual operating costs by more than $800,000. If all 17,000 automotive dealerships across the country were to reduce their electricity consumption by just 10%, nearly 800,000 tons of CO2 emissions would be eliminated annually.ii

“In researching existing green building programs, we found there was nothing ideally suited to the unique operational needs of auto dealerships, especially existing dealer facilities. We decided to create a roadmap that any dealer can use to improve energy efficiency, reduce emissions and cut overhead costs,” said Steven Center, Vice President of American Honda’s Environmental Business Development Office. “The bottom line is that green business is good business, and this guide gives dealers the tools they need to become more efficient and profitable at the same time.”

Dealerships have unique energy use characteristics that differ from other commercial or industrial energy users. Abundant parking lot and interior lighting, an auto service and repair operation, and an on-site car wash are all common features that can contribute to high energy and water demand. Approximately 46% of the average dealer’s energy use can be attributed to interior and exterior lighting, while 43% comes from building heating and cooling.iii

After finding that existing green building programs did not specifically focus on measurably reducing energy and water consumption without disrupting operations, Honda began developing and testing its own program, which includes a path to achieving zero net energy use. Highest impact improvement areas include installing high-efficiency lighting systems and motion sensors that turn lights off when they’re not needed, optimizing programmable thermostats, replacing older air-conditioning and heating systems with newer, more energy-efficient equipment, and installing low-flow water fixtures. Adding solar panels is another great way to significantly offset energy usage.

The Honda and Acura Environmental Leadership Programs
Independently owned and operated Honda and Acura dealers who participate in the company’s Environmental Leadership Program follow the four-step plan outlined in the Guide. Step one involves tracking of electricity, natural gas and water consumption data to identify trends. Next, a professional engineer supervises the dealership’s environmental assessment and provides improvement recommendations with a simple payback. Recommendations can be implemented on-site in as little as one day, or over a period of months if larger capital investment projects are required. Finally, post-implementation performance tracking verifies that the desired energy savings have been achieved.

Honda and Acura dealers who have verifiably reduced their energy and water consumption while adopting other sustainable practices earn an Environmental Leadership Award – silver for a 10% reduction in energy use, gold for 30% reduction and platinum for a 50% reduction. To date, seven Honda and Acura dealerships have received platinum awards, while 11 have received gold and 27 have received silver awards. More than 280 Honda and Acura automobile and Honda powersports dealers are currently enrolled in the program.

In January 2014, Rossi Honda of Vineland, NJ, became the nation’s first dealership to achieve “Electric Grid Neutral” status by producing as much as or more energy from renewable energy sources than it consumed from its local electric utility over a one-year period.iv

Expanding the Honda “Green Dealer” Program
Honda is encouraging auto dealers across all brands, as well as other commercial businesses, to download the Honda “Green Dealer” Guide on a new website. Interested consumers can also locate Honda and Acura dealerships that have received Silver, Gold, or Platinum Environmental Leadership Awards.

The Honda and Acura Environmental Leadership Programs and the Honda “Green Dealer” Guide are the products of American Honda’s Environmental Business Development Office (EBDO). Honda established EBDO in 2011 to reduce the environmental impact of Honda’s operations and create achievable pathways to enable a low carbon lifestyle for Honda customers. Among other projects, EBDO established Honda Smart Home U.S., a transportation-integrated zero net energy residence in California, and Honda’s partnership with SolarCity. Honda utilized the professional engineering services of Altura Associates, Inc. to complete dealership environmental assessments and to help design the Honda and Acura Environmental Leadership Programs.

Honda and the Environment
Based on its vision of “Blue Skies for our Children,” Honda is working to advance technologies that address society’s environmental and energy concerns through a diverse lineup of products and technologies, including more fuel-efficient gasoline engines, natural gas, hybrids, plug-in hybrids, battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and fuel-cell vehicles (FCVs).

Today, Honda is targeting a 30-percent reduction in CO2 emissions from its U.S. automobile product lineup by 2020, compared to 2000 levels. In pursuit of its vision for a zero-carbon future, the company is advancing electromotive technologies in many forms, and is slated to introduce an advanced fuel-cell vehicle in 2016.

In keeping with its commitment to produce vehicles with the lowest CO2 emissions at plants with the smallest environmental footprint, the company is broadly addressing emissions, energy, water use and waste in all phases of its products life cycles. In the manufacturing realm, this includes a 95 percent reduction in waste sent to landfills in North America. Honda is working to extend its “green factory” and “green purchasing” initiatives to its more than 650 parts suppliers in North America.

Honda is also demonstrating its vision for zero-carbon mobility and living with the creation of the Honda Smart Home US, in Davis, California, which was opened in early 2014 and is capable of producing more energy on-site from renewable sources than it consumes annually, including enough energy to power a Honda Fit EV for daily commuting.

i Honda Internal calculation based on data from the US EPA and DOE
ii Honda Internal calculation based on data from the US EPA and DOE
iii Based on Honda research
iv Based on Honda research


Florida Atlantic University Poll Finds Hispanic Consumers More Optimistic About Their Current and Future Conditions

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Florida Atlantic University Poll Finds Hispanic Consumers More Optimistic About Their Current and Future Conditions


BOCA RATON, Fla., Dec. 11, 2014 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Hispanic consumer confidence has rebounded as the nation comes into the holiday season, rising to 81.3, up from 73.4 in October, and its highest level since August when the Florida Atlantic University Business and Economic Polling Initiative (FAU BEPI) started calculating the index. The gain was due to improved personal finances and a more favorable outlook for businesses and the country as a whole. 

The Current Conditions Index was 80.8 in November, up from 74.6 in October. The entire gain was due to more favorable buying plans for big ticket items such as furniture, refrigerators, ovens or televisions by Hispanic consumers. The gains in buying plans were due to large gains among younger and higher income Hispanics.

“This is good news for manufacturers, retailers and the economy as a whole as the nation enters the holiday shopping season,” said Monica Escaleras, director of FAU BEPI.

The Expectations Index also rose to 81.6 in November from 72.9 one month ago. When asked about perceptions of personal finances a year from now, 61.6 percent of Hispanics surveyed expect better personal financial situation in 2015, up from 57 percent in October.

Republican Hispanics are feeling good after the election with 58 percent saying they are better off financially than a year ago, compared to 47 percent of Democrats. Both groups have similar positive expectations for the future.

Regional locations appear to affect consumer sentiment with Hispanics in the midwest (74 percent) and west (75 percent) reporting they are better off than a year ago compared with Hispanics in the south (55 percent) and the northeast (33 percent). The northeast also has the lowest consumer expectation for the future with a score of 59.7 compared with the other three regions (midwest 91.5, south 79.5 and west 87.6).

“A possible explanation for the pessimism in the Northeast is that cost of living is higher in this region relative to the other regions in the country, and the lower educated Hispanics could be feeling the effect of the higher cost,” Escaleras said.

For more information about this survey and the initiative, visit www.business.fau.edu/bepi, or contact Monica Escaleras at 561-297-1312 or [email protected].


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