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Panel to Review Social Security Projections

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Panel to Review Social Security Projections


WASHINGTON, Nov. 6, 2014 /PRNewswire- HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The Social Security Advisory Board (SSAB) today announced the appointment of an expert panel to review the assumptions and methods used by the Social Security trustees in their annual report on the program’s financial status. “The nation relies on these projections for measuring the status of the nation’s most important social insurance program and for evaluating proposed reforms,” said Henry J. Aaron, chair of the SSAB. “It is vital that these projections embody the best possible data and methods.” This Technical Panel on Assumptions and Methods is the fifth the SSAB has commissioned since 1999.

To that end, the Panel, which consists of renowned economists, demographers, and actuaries, will meet over the next several months to analyze how economic and demographic trends will affect Social Security’s long-term solvency. The panel will first meet on November 21, 2014 at the Social Security Advisory Board offices at 400 Virginia Ave S.W., Suite 625, Washington, DC. The panel will issue a final report of its findings in the fall of 2015.

The 2015 Technical Panel on Assumptions and Methods will be chaired by Alicia Munnell, currently the Peter F. Drucker Professor of Management Sciences at Boston College’s Carroll School of Management and Director of the Center for Retirement Research at Boston College. Professor Munnell is a former member of the President’s Council of Economic Advisers and vice-president and research director at the Boston Federal Reserve. The other members of the panel include:

  • Dr. Katharine Abraham – Professor in the Joint Program in Survey Methodology at the Maryland Population Research Center and formerly Commissioner of the Bureau of Labor Statistics and member of the President’s Council of Economic Advisers
  • Dr. David Autor – Professor and Associate Department Head of the MIT Department of Economics, formerly editor of The Journal of Economic Perspectives
  • Dr. Jeff Brown –William G. Karnes Professor of Finance and Director of the Center for Business and Public Policy at the University of Illinois and formerly member of the Social Security Advisory Board
  • Dr. Peter Diamond – Institute Professor (emeritus), Massachusetts Institute of Technology, recipient of the Economic Sciences prize in memory of Alfred Nobel, and formerly president of the American Economic Association
  • Dr. Claudia Goldin – Henry Lee Professor of Economics at Harvard University, Director of the National Bureau of Economic Research’s Development of the American Economy program, formerly president of the American Economic Association and the Economic History Association
  • Sam Gutterman – Retired as Director and Consulting Actuary at PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, and formerly president of the Society of Actuaries
  • Dr. Ron Rindfuss – Research Professor of Sociology and Carolina Population Center Fellow at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, formerly president of the Population Association of America
  • Michael Teitelbaum – Senior Research Associate in the Harvard Law School Labor and Worklife Program, formerly Vice President of the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, and formerly vice-chair and acting chair of the U.S. Commission on Immigration Reform
  • Joe Silvestri – Retirement Research Actuary at the Society of Actuaries, formerly vice-president, Aon Hewitt

Like its predecessors, the 2015 panel will help to assure the American public that the work of the trustees and actuaries has been examined by recognized experts and embodies the highest professional standards.

Congress charged the Social Security Advisory Board with advising the President, the Congress, and the Commissioner of Social Security on matters relating to the nation’s retirement and disability systems. Its mandates also include increasing public understanding of the Social Security system. Members of the Board are appointed on a bipartisan basis by the President, the Senate, and the House of Representatives.

For updates on the 2015 panel and other Board activity, follow the Board on Twitter: @ssabgov


Consumers Energy Supports the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers at Nation’s Largest Annual Hispanic STEM Technical Conference

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Consumers Energy Supports the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers at Nation’s Largest Annual Hispanic STEM Technical Conference

Michigan utility is the Premier Sponsor of the STAR Awards at the 2014 SHPE Conference in Detroit


DETROIT, Nov. 6, 2014 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — With a focus on enhancing the diversity and talents of its workforce, Consumers Energy is supporting the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE) at the largest annual Hispanic STEM technical and career event in the country, Nov. 5th – 9th at Detroit’s Cobo Center.  SHPE, the leading national organization aimed at motivating Hispanics to pursue careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) is celebrating its 40th anniversary conference in Detroit.

Photo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20141105/156890

The four-day event is expected to attract over 5,000 STEM professionals, students and corporate representatives for unique program workshops, featured guests speakers, award ceremonies, technical competitions and a large Career Fair & Graduate School Expo. The conference is an opportunity for companies to recruit top talent from SHPE membership. It also provides educational, technical and career opportunities for professionals and students in STEM. 

Consumers Energy is the Premier Sponsor of SHPE’s STAR Awards show, which takes place at the Grand Riverview Ballroom on Saturday, November 8th from 7 to 10pm, where the keynote speaker will be Patti Poppe, Consumers Energy vice president of customer experience, rates and regulation.  The STAR Awards is SHPE’s premier event that honors the contributions of SHPE Members and Hispanic organizations in the STEM fields.  

“As Michigan’s largest utility, Consumers Energy recognizes the importance of diversity, both in terms of employee staffing and within our evolving customer base of nearly 6.5 million residents across the Lower Peninsula,” said Poppe. “We are excited to sponsor and take an active role in this SHPE conference. We want to create opportunities for qualified candidates in STEM to use their talents and help us fulfill our Promise to Michigan by delivering the energy you need, whenever you need it.”

Consumers Energy promotes STEM through various events and offers a Hispanic Outreach Team to foster leadership development, engagement and networking.  It also provides opportunities for employees like Karli Mayer, a recent engineering hire who is currently serving as the Gas Customer Attachment Program Project Manager to help bring natural gas to communities in Michigan. Mayer is also a member of the SHPE Detroit Professional Chapter.

“Consumers Energy not only recognizes my passions, but provides resources and flexibility to support them,” said Karli Mayer, engineer with Consumers Energy.  “The company’s commitment to organizations such as SHPE has allowed me to work with college students and help them embrace their diverse backgrounds in a way that will not only open more doors of opportunity, but to walk through with confidence.” 

“We are honored to have Consumers Energy as one of our top sponsors at the SHPE Conference in Detroit this year,” said Barry Cordero, SHPE President and Interim CEO.  “Consumers Energy has displayed a leading role in embracing change and taking risks to provide opportunities for our next generation of STEM leaders.  We are grateful for their tremendous support.”

About Consumers Energy
Consumers Energy is one of the nation’s largest combination utilities, providing electric and natural gas service to more than 6.8 million of the state’s 10 million residents in all 68 counties in the Lower Peninsula counties.   For more information, visit www.consumersenergy.com.

About SHPE
The Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers offers a network of more than 400 chapters nationally. SHPE’s mission is to change lives by empowering the Hispanic community to realize its fullest potential and to impact the world through STEM awareness, access, support and development. SHPE provides a variety of programming and resources including hosting the largest annual Hispanic STEM conference in the nation.  For more information, visit www.shpe.org.


U.S. Preterm Birth Rate Hits Healthy People 2020 Goal Seven Years Early

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U.S. Preterm Birth Rate Hits Healthy People 2020 Goal Seven Years Early



Nation Still Earns a “C” on




 March of Dimes Annual Premature Birth Report Card


WHITE PLAINS, N.Y., Nov. 6, 2014 /PRNewswire/ — The national preterm birth rate fell to 11.4 percent in 2013 – the lowest in 17 years – meeting the federal Healthy People 2020 goal seven years early.  Despite this progress, the U.S. still received a “C” on the 7th annual March of Dimes Premature Birth Report Card because it fell short of the more-challenging 9.6 percent target set by the March of Dimes, the group said today.

To view the multimedia assets associated with this release, please click: http://www.multivu.com/players/English/65164-march-of-dimes-march-for-babies-2014/

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“Achieving the Healthy People 2020 goal is reason for celebration, but the U.S. still has one of the highest rates of preterm birth of any high resource country and we must change that,” said March of Dimes President Dr. Jennifer L. Howse. “We are investing in a network of five prematurity research centers to find solutions to this still too-common, costly, and serious problem.”

More than 450,000 babies were born premature in 2013, compared to 542,893 in 2006 when the rate was at its highest. The March of Dimes estimates that since 2006, 231,000 fewer babies have been born preterm because of sustained interventions put in place by states, saving  $11.9 billion in healthcare and other costs. Medical expenses for an average premature infant are about $54,000 compared to just $4,000 for a healthy newborn.

The sustained improvement in reducing premature births shows that when infant health becomes a priority, babies benefit. Bold leadership and policies implemented by state and local health departments, hospitals and health care providers will encourage continued health improvements for newborns, Dr. Howse added.

Preterm birth is the leading cause of newborn death, and babies who survive an early birth often face serious and sometimes lifelong health challenges, such as breathing problems, jaundice, developmental delays, vision loss, and cerebral palsy. Even babies born just a few weeks too soon have higher rates of death and disability than full-term babies.

With its “Healthy Babies are Worth the Wait Campaign,” the March of Dimes has encouraged women and their health care providers to avoid scheduling an early elective delivery before at least 39 weeks of pregnancy. Based on quality improvement programs at hospitals, there has been dramatic reduction in early elective deliveries. Other factors driving improvement of preterm birth rates are fewer women smoking, and improved access to maternity care.  

The March of Dimes Premature Birth Report Card compares each state’s preterm birth rate to the March of Dimes goal of 9.6 percent of all live births by 2020. 

On the 2014 Report Card, 27 states and Puerto Rico saw their preterm birth rates improve between 2012 and 2013, earning better grades for five of them: Iowa, Virginia, Arkansas, Nevada and Oklahoma. Five states earned an “A,” including California, Maine, New Hampshire, Oregon and Vermont.  Twenty states earned a “B,” 20 states received a “C,” two states and the District of Columbia got a “D,” and only three states and Puerto Rico, received an “F” on the Report Card. The Report Card information for the U.S. and states are available online at: marchofdimes.org/reportcard.

The Report Card also tracks states’ progress toward lowering their preterm birth rates by following three principle risk reduction strategies:

  • 30 states and the District of Columbia reduced the percentage of uninsured women of childbearing age;
  • 34 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico reduced the percentage of women of childbearing age who smoke;
  • 30 states and Puerto Rico lowered the late preterm birth rate, babies born between 34 and 36 weeks gestation.

The March of Dimes Prematurity Campaign is guided by a Steering Committee of six leadership organizations: the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP); the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG); the Association of Maternal and Child Health Programs (AMCHP); the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO); the Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric & Neonatal Nurses (AWHONN); and the National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO).

The March of Dimes Prematurity Campaign is supported by corporate partners including Johnson & Johnson and Cigna, and gifts from millions of individual donors. Prematurity Awareness Month is nationally sponsored by First Response and the WellPoint Foundation.

The March of Dimes works to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality. The March of Dimes is the leading nonprofit organization for pregnancy and baby health.  For more than 75 years, moms and babies have benefited from March of Dimes research, education, vaccines, and breakthroughs.  For the latest resources and information, visit marchofdimes.org or nacersano.org. Find us on Facebook and Twitter.


Diabetes and Eyes: What People Don’t Know Could Leave Them Blind

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Diabetes and Eyes: What People Don’t Know Could Leave Them Blind

Recent studies show low awareness of diabetic eye disease among African-Americans and Hispanics, low uptake of sight-saving exams among Medicare beneficiaries


SAN FRANCISCO, Nov. 5, 2014 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — While people with diabetes are more likely to develop blinding eye diseases, recent studies have revealed low awareness of the issue among ethnicities at higher risk for diabetes and low uptake of preventive eye exams among affected Medicare beneficiaries. With the findings signaling that many Americans may not be defending themselves against diabetes-related vision loss, the American Academy of Ophthalmology is sharing information about diabetic eye disease and dilated eye exams to encourage those with diabetes to take proactive steps to protect their vision.

Photo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20141105/156829
Logo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130405/MM89329LOGO

Those at higher risk for diabetes have lowest awareness of diabetic eye disease. The American Academy of Ophthalmology is reminding those living with diabetes - the leading cause of new cases of blindness among adults age 20 to 64 years - to get an annual eye exam to help prevent vision loss. (PRNewsFoto/American Academy of Ophthalmology)

Although Hispanics and African-Americans are more likely to have diabetes than most other ethnicities, a recent poll commissioned by the Alliance for Eye and Vision Research has revealed that only 27 and 32 percent (respectively) report to know about diabetic eye disease.[1] In addition, while the Academy recommends that people with diabetes have a dilated eye exam every year, one study recently published in the journal Ophthalmology found that, among Medicare beneficiaries diagnosed with age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma or diabetes – all conditions that require annual eye exams – three-quarters of those who did not have an exam in five years were those living with diabetes.[2] 

“It’s alarming that so many people with diabetes or at risk for diabetes may be unaware of the damage their condition can do to their eyes and may not be getting exams to check for it,” said Raj K. Maturi, M.D., ophthalmologist and clinical spokesperson for the American Academy of Ophthalmology. “Outside of maintaining good blood glucose levels, having an annual dilated eye exam is the best first line defense against vision loss from diabetic eye disease.”

While “diabetic eye disease” is often used, people may be unaware that this term encompasses a number of diseases and conditions that can cause blindness if left untreated. These include:

  • Diabetic Retinopathy affects 28.5 percent of people age 40 and older living with diabetes.[3] It occurs when the small blood vessels in the eye change by swelling, leaking fluid or closing off completely, blocking blood flow from reaching the retina. In its earliest stages, diabetic retinopathy does not have symptoms, but can lead to changes in the eye, such as macular edema, which is the most common cause of vision loss among people with diabetes. Treatment for diabetic retinopathy and many of its related changes include laser surgery, medical injections and vitrectomy surgery in which blood and scar tissue caused by abnormal blood vessels is removed.
  • Cataract occurs when the eye’s lens becomes cloudy, causing vision to become blurry, cloudy or dim. While this happens in many people as they age, those with diabetes are more likely to develop cataracts than their peers without diabetes. Mild cataracts may be treated with eyeglasses, but once the cataract is advanced, it will require cataract surgery, in which the natural cloudy lens is removed and replaced with an artificial lens implant known as an intraocular lens or IOL.
  • Glaucoma is a disease that damages the optic nerve and peripheral vision. The damage to the optic nerve is usually caused by elevated pressure in the eye. People with diabetes are also more likely to develop glaucoma, which rarely has any noticeable symptoms in its early stages. Glaucoma can be treated with medication such as prescription eye drops or with surgery, but will result in blindness if left untreated.

The Academy recommends that those with type 2 diabetes should get a dilated eye exam at the time of diagnosis and every year following. Those with type 1 diabetes should start receiving annual eye exams five years after their initial diagnosis.

Seniors who have not had a recent eye exam or for whom cost is a concern may qualify for EyeCare America, a program of the Foundation of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, that offers eye exams and care at no out-of-pocket cost for eligible seniors age 65 and older. EyeCare America is the largest public service program of its kind in American medicine, and has helped more than 1.8 million people access eye care services. Visit www.eyecareamerica.org to learn more.

Through its public education website, EyeSmart, the Academy also offers tools and information such as

About the American Academy of Ophthalmology
The American Academy of Ophthalmology, headquartered in San Francisco, is the world’s largest association of eye physicians and surgeons, serving more than 32,000 members worldwide. The Academy’s mission is to advance the lifelong learning and professional interests of ophthalmologists to ensure that the public can obtain the best possible eye care. For more information, visit www.aao.org. 

The Academy is also a leading provider of eye care information to the public. The Academy’s EyeSmart® program educates the public about the importance of eye health and empowers them to preserve healthy vision. EyeSmart provides the most trusted and medically accurate information about eye diseases, conditions and injuries. OjosSanos™ is the Spanish-language version of the program. Visit www.geteyesmart.org or www.ojossanos.org to learn more.

About EyeCare America
Established in 1985, EyeCare America, a public service program of the Foundation of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, is committed to the preservation of sight, accomplishing its mission through public service and education. EyeCare America provides year-round eye care services to medically underserved seniors and those at increased risk for eye disease. More than 90 percent of the care made available is provided at no out-of-pocket cost to the patients. EyeCare America is co-sponsored by the Knights Templar Eye Foundation Inc., with additional support provided by Alcon, Genentech and Regeneron. More information can be found at www.eyecareamerica.org.

[1] http://www.researchamerica.org/uploads/AEVRRApoll.pdf
[2] http://www.aaojournal.org/article/S0161-6420(14)00624-1/abstract
[3] http://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/pubs/statsreport14/national-diabetes-report-web.pdf

American Academy of Ophthalmology Logo


St. Jude Supporters In 65 Communities Nationwide Stepping Out Nov. 22 For St. Jude Give Thanks. Walk.

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St. Jude Supporters In 65 Communities Nationwide Stepping Out Nov. 22 For St. Jude Give Thanks. Walk.


Family-friendly event asks participants to give thanks around the holidays


by walking for childhood cancer research and treatment


MEMPHIS, Tenn., Nov. 5, 2014 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Walkers from more than 65 communities are stepping out on Saturday, Nov. 22 to support kids battling cancer and other life-threatening diseases at this year’s St. Jude Give thanks. Walk.™, benefiting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital®.

Since it began, the St. Jude Give thanks. Walk. has raised more than $17 million to help St. Jude provide cutting-edge treatment and pursue visionary research. These funds are critical given that no family ever receives a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food because all a family should worry about is helping their child live.

“The annual St. Jude Give thanks. Walk. is a great way for families and friends to join together and kick off their holiday celebrations while helping children fighting cancer and other deadly diseases,” said Richard Shadyac Jr., President and CEO of ALSAC/St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. “Funds raised from the walk each year help St. Jude pursue the pioneering research and treatments that can help save the lives of children in communities everywhere.”

Anchor and producer for CNN en Español, Ismael Cala, is one of the many Latin talents and St. Jude friends expected to walk alongside participants at a St. Jude Give thanks. Walk. event. This year’s event also welcome the support to the lifesaving mission of St. Jude from artists such as: Raul Gonzalez, Rashel Diaz, Ximena Duque, Gabriel Coronel, Gloria Ordaz, Sonja Smith, Alberto Mateo, Roxana Garcia, Karent Sierra, Christian Carabias, Paula Arcila, Anna Sobero, Maria Andrea Fridmann, Guadalupe Venegas, Galo Arellano, Carolina Sandoval, James Tahhan, Juan Manuel Cortes, Carlos Augusto Maldonado, Jose Antonio Alvarez, Fabian Rios, Cynthia Olavarria, Kimberly Dos Ramos, Karolina Con K,  Paula Lamas, and many more.

“Earlier this year, I had the opportunity to visit the hospital campus in Memphis and today, more than ever, I am committed to its cause. St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is a pillar of hope for thousands of patients and their families who suffer from cancer and other life-threatening disease.” said Cala. “The St. Jude Give thanks. Walk. is a great opportunity for us to join this holiday season and give thanks for the blessings in our life supporting thousands of sick children who desperately need our help.”

In addition to supporting the lifesaving mission of St. Jude, participants receive incentives at the $35, $100 and $250 levels to help make great strides in achieving their fundraising goals. Prizes include a St. Jude Give thanks. Walk. t-shirt, tumbler and tote bag.

Target and American Airlines are National Series Sponsors of the St. Jude Give thanks. Walk., and Gold Level national teams include: Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Tri Delta Fraternity, New York & Company, Brooks Brothers, AutoTrader.com and Chili’s Grill & Bar.  

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is leading the way the world understands, treats and defeats childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases. The hospital freely shares the breakthroughs it makes, so every child saved at St. Jude means doctors and scientists worldwide can use that knowledge to save thousands more children.

Registration for the St. Jude Give thanks. Walk. is free, except in select markets, as participants are encouraged to form teams and raise funds to help support the lifesaving mission of St. Jude. Visit givethankswalk.org to find out market-specific event day information.

About St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital:
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is leading the way the world understands, treats and defeats childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases. St. Jude has the world’s best survival rates for the most aggressive childhood cancers, and treatments invented at St. Jude have helped push the overall childhood cancer survival rate from 20 percent to 80 percent since we opened more than 50 years ago. St. Jude is working to drive the overall survival rate for childhood cancer to 90 percent in the next decade. St. Jude freely shares the breakthroughs we make, and every child saved at St. Jude means doctors and scientists worldwide can use that knowledge to save thousands more children. Families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food – because all a family should worry about is helping their child live. Join the St. Jude mission by visiting stjude.org or following St. Jude on facebook.com/stjude and twitter.com/stjude.


Statement by Dr. Samuel Rodriguez, President of the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference (NHCLC) / Conela Regarding the 2014 Mid-Term Election Results

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Statement by Dr. Samuel Rodriguez, President of the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference (NHCLC) / Conela Regarding the 2014 Mid-Term Election Results


SACRAMENTO, Calif., Nov. 5, 2014 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — “The outcome of the 2014 mid-term elections serves as a repudiation to the idea of perpetual gridlock and the status quo. Voters determined that a Congress in the hands of the Republicans and a White House under the stewardship of a Democrat can prayerfully result in bipartisan solutions that will benefit all Americans.

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“Accordingly, we call upon the newly elected Republican-led Congress to resurrect Abraham Lincoln’s justice platform and engage Ronald Reagan’s optimism in passing legislation that elevates life, strengthens families, protects religious liberty, and integrates millions of undocumented individuals created in God’s image into the fullness of the American experience by passing immigration reform.

“Moreover, Hispanics voted and will continue to play an even more significant role in elections to come. The good news extends from the fact that America’s Hispanic electorate continues to emerge as the quintessential independent voting constituency free from political manipulation but fully engaged in prophetic activism.

“To that regard, we call upon both parties to work together for the greater good. For at the end of the day when the donkey and the elephant work together in advancing our God-given rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness then together we advance the Lamb’s agenda and reemerge as ‘a city on a hill.'”

NHCLC/Conela is the largest Hispanic Christian organization representing millions of Evangelicals, 40,118 U.S churches and more than 500,000 churches across the globe. Seeking to reconcile evangelist Billy Graham’s message of salvation with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s march of prophetic activism, the NHCLC emphasizes “7 Directives” of Life, Family, Compassionate Evangelism, Stewardship, Justice, Education and Youth. For additional information, visit http://www.nhclc.org.


Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers Appoints Richard Morley as Chief Executive Officer

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Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers Appoints Richard Morley as Chief Executive Officer


INDUSTRY, California, Nov. 5, 2014 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE), the leading national organization aimed at motivating Hispanics to pursue careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM), announced today the appointment of Richard H. Morley as Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

After an extensive national search, Mr. Morley was selected because of his experience and knowledge of nonprofit operations, financial management, grant funding and management, and fundraising.  He also has an extensive entrepreneurial background in training and development at his own company with scientists and engineers for more than 18 years.

Prior to joining SHPE, Mr. Morley was the executive director for Irvine Valley College (IVC) Foundation, serving 15,000 students. Previously, Mr. Morley was executive director of the Mt. San Antonio College Foundation, one of the largest Hispanic serving community colleges in the country with more than 65,000 students. Under his leadership, both the IVC Foundation and Mt. San Antonio College Foundation, exceeded their annual targeted growth rates, reached the highest total net assets for the first time in their history and implemented new programs that allowed for significant growth. Mr. Morley and his team were also responsible for tripling scholarships at IVC and quadrupling scholarships at Mt. San Antonio, including STEM scholarships.

Mr. Morley holds a bachelor’s degree in English and Alternative Education from Indiana University Bloomington and holds two of the highest earned distinctions in non-profit management, Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) and Certified Specialist in Planned Giving (CSPG).

“As we celebrate SHPE’s rich 40 year history and all the achievements this organization has accomplished, we are pleased to welcome Richard to our organization to move us further toward our vision,” said Barry Cordero, SHPE Board President. “Richard brings a strong set of skills that will enable SHPE to grow in membership, sponsors and make more of an impact in changing the lives of Hispanics in STEM.”

“I am delighted to join SHPE,” said Richard Morley. “From the days of owning my own company and working with scientists and engineers, to my work in philanthropy and STEM scholarships, I am honored to lead SHPE through this critical time of financial stability and exciting growth. As SHPE enters a new era, I look forward to being instrumental in shaping the organization’s mission, growing its membership and increasing the impact SHPE makes on a national level.”

About SHPE
The Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers offers a network of more than 400 chapters nationally. SHPE’s mission is to change lives by empowering the Hispanic community to realize its fullest potential and to impact the world through STEM awareness, access, support and development. SHPE provides a variety of programming and resources including hosting the largest annual Hispanic STEM conference in the nation.  For more information, visit www.shpe.org.


NALCAB, Sam’s Club Giving Program Catalyze Growth of U.S. Small Businesses and Jobs with $1.1M in Grants

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NALCAB and Sam's Club Giving Program catalyze growth of U.S. small businesses and jobs with $1.1M in grants.





NALCAB, Sam’s Club Giving Program Catalyze Growth of U.S. Small Businesses and Jobs with $1.1M in Grants


SAN ANTONIO, Nov. 5, 2014 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — As part of a national initiative made possible with the support of Sam’s Club Giving Program to spur job creation and grow Latino-owned business in the U.S., NALCAB – National Association for Latino Community Asset Builders awarded $1.1 million to 24 small business projects across 17 states that are managed by community and economic development nonprofit organizations. To learn more about this year’s grantees, visit http://www.nalcab.org/Grantees2014

“Integrating Latino entrepreneurs into the mainstream economy is critical for rebuilding wealth and ensuring a strong U.S. economy,” said Lance de la Rosa, senior vice president of operations for Sam’s Club. “Our philanthropic investment in the NALCAB network helps to increase capacity of nonprofits serving small businesses to deliver culturally and linguistically relevant services to Latino business owners, to open access to capital and to catalyze business growth. All of these steps ultimately create jobs in the communities that NALCAB serves.”

“Latinos are the fastest growing small business segment in the country,” said Noel A. Poyo, NALCAB Executive Director. “Latino entrepreneurial activity has increased over the course of a deep recession and demonstrates the determination and resilience of Latino business owners and entrepreneurs. The NALCAB Network is investing in this dynamic small business segment and our nation will benefit from the return on investment.”

In 2013, the US Hispanic Chamber of Commerce study shows the number of Latino start-ups increased 6.66% from 2007-2013; a full 3.5% more than the overall population. Since 2002, the number of Latino firms has doubled to 3.1 million and, in 2013; they jointly contributed $468 billion to the economy.

The $1.1 million in NALCAB grants will focus on three key elements of growth:

  • Expanding capital – focus on small business development services
  • Increasing lending to small and micro businesses, and
  • Strengthening food-based business incubators

Projected Outcomes for the grants include:

  • 24 nonprofit organizations will strengthen their capacity to provide small business development services, conduct lending to small businesses and operate innovative local food industry-focused incubators.
  • Grantees will cumulatively leverage more than $5 million in grants and debt capital.
  • 3,500 individuals will receive small business development training and coaching.

Grantees will also receive technical assistance and training in an integrated effort to support nonprofit-operated small business development and lending programs that effectively promote Latino/a small business start-ups and expansion. To learn more about this year’s grantees, visit http://www.nalcab.org/Grantees2014

Sam’s Club Giving Program has provided over $3 million in funding to Inversiones: A National Small Business Investment Initiative; an ambitious plan by NALCAB to strengthen the nonprofit infrastructure that delivers culturally and linguistically relevant small business development services to Latino business owners.

About the Sam’s Club Giving Program
Established by the Walmart Foundation in 2008, the Sam’s Club Giving Program is dedicated to micro- and small business prosperity, investing more than $11 million in national and local programs dedicated to improved training, education and increased access to capital for small business owners. For more information on national or local giving, visit SamsClub.com/giving.

About NALCAB
NALCAB-The National Association for Latino Community Asset Builders is a San Antonio based organization that represents and serves over 100 members that are a geographically and ethnically diverse group of nonprofit community and economic development organizations that are anchor institutions in our nation’s Latino communities. NALCAB’s mission is to build financial and human assets as well as real estate and technology resources for Latino families, communities, and organizations. For additional information, visit NALCAB’s press room or go to www.nalcab.org.

Contact: Hilda Bustos
[email protected]
(210) 215-4031

Eliana Rodriguez
[email protected]
(210) 399-4536

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


Noticias MundoFox 22 Reigns As L.A.’s Fastest Growing Station In Primetime Programing And News In October 2014 Ratings Period

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Noticias MundoFox 22 Reigns As L.A.’s Fastest Growing Station In Primetime Programing And News In October 2014 Ratings Period

KWHY Canal 22 Posts Significant “Year-to-Year” Growth among Key Demo of Adults 18-49 for Primetime, Early and Late Local Newscasts


LOS ANGELES, Nov. 5, 2014 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — MundoFox 22, the MundoFox Los Angeles television network affiliate, scored one of its strongest ratings books to date in the October 2014 Nielsen ratings cycle, posting the following highlights:

  • The fastest growing Spanish language TV station in Los Angeles, based on average primetime ratings (Weekdays, 7-11PM) among Adults 18-49, with an increase of 52% from October 2013 — more than KVEA (+29%), KRCA (+29%), KAZA (+13%), KFTR (flat), and KMEX (-1%).
  • The fastest growing Spanish newscasts early and late local newscasts. The Adults 18-49 ratings for Noticias MundoFox 22 at 5P increased 160% from October 2013, more than any other station’s early local news.
  • Among late local newscasts, the Adult 18-49 ratings for Noticias MundoFox 22 at 10P increased 167% from October 2013, more than any other station’s late local news.
  • KWHY’s digital sub-channel, “Super 22.2,” also scored impressive gains from last year. The Adult 18-49 ratings for the channel’s primetime movie, Cine Mexicano at 8P, rose 133% from October 2013.

“We are proud of the great strides made over the last year for both our flagship station, MundoFox 22 and Super 22,” said Meruelo Media President Otto Padron. “The ratings in October demonstrate our momentum in delivering quality entertainment and news to L.A.’s diverse Hispanic population.”

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
[email protected],
562.228.8191