March of Dimes Switches Domain to marchofdimes.org

September 11, 2014

March of Dimes Switches Domain to marchofdimes.org

WHITE PLAINS, New York, Sept. 11, 2014 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The March of Dimes has switched its domain name to marchofdimes.org.

“For 12 years, the March of Dimes has used .com to promote our presence on the internet because it was the best and only descriptive domain available to us,” said Dr. Jennifer L. Howse, president of the March of Dimes. When the .org became available this year we saw an opportunity to more appropriately align ourselves with other top nonprofit organizations around the world. We think it will help consumers more intuitively understand that the March of Dimes is a not-for-profit dedicated to mom and baby health.”

“Changing to www.marchofdimes.org is a subtle improvement, but it’s a natural for us,” said Dr. Howse. “It lets more moms know that we’re a trustworthy, independent, non-commercial source. We are a one-stop shop for the information women need to help them have healthy pregnancies and healthy, full-term babies.”

Founded by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1938, the March of Dimes has become a familiar household name, reaching more than about 90 percent name recognition across the United States, according to internal research.

About March of Dimes

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 health information, visit our websites marchofdimes.org and nacersano.org. Find us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.

Native American Contractors Association and National Association of Surety Bond Producers Sign Memorandum of Understanding

September 11, 2014

Native American Contractors Association and National Association of Surety Bond Producers Sign Memorandum of Understanding

WASHINGTON, Sept. 11, 2014 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Today, the Native American Contractors Association and National Association of Surety Bond Producers signed a Memorandum of Understanding between the two organizations.

Photo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140911/145450

Logo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110325/MM71964LOGO

In an effort to increase awareness by Native business enterprise of the benefits afforded them through surety credit relationships, the leadership of NACA and NASBP came together in early 2014 to build a report between not only their respective membership, but also the communities at large.

Historically underserved, Native businesses increasingly are pursuing contracting opportunities that require surety bonds and are interested in the best ways to qualify for such bonds in Indian Country.

“Partnerships from all sectors are vital to economic development in Indian Country,” said NACA Executive Director Kevin J. Allis. “It’s through building relationships with organizations like NASBP that both sides can learn the intricacies of one another’s industries, and find the appropriate solutions for both parties.”

The formal MOU signing occurred at the NACA Capitol Hill headquarters office today in Washington, DC, with leadership from both organizations in attendance.

“We are looking forward to beginning a long standing relationship with Indian Country through our partnership with NACA,” said NASBP CEO Mark H. McCallum. “Business diversity is imperative to the future growth of the American economy, and Native businesses are part of that growth.”

NASBP joins a sophisticated group of organizations looking toward the future economic development in the United States.

Over the past year, NACA has actively developed working relationships with American Indian Chambers of Commerce in California, Arizona and South Carolina, and have standing MOUs with U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, U.S. Black Chambers, Inc., Native Hawaiian Chamber of Commerce, and Native Hawaiian Association Organization.

Native American Contractors Association
NACA is a national Native advocacy organization based in Washington, D.C., and represents Tribal, Alaska Native Corporations, and Native Hawaiian Organizations across the country. NACA seeks to protect the economic self-sufficiency of America’s indigenous people that is enhanced through the participation of its members in the SBA 8(a) program. NACA’s members represent and provide benefits for nearly 700,000 Tribal members, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiians.

National Association of Surety Bond Producers
Founded in 1942, the National Association of Surety Bond Producers (NASBP), www.nasbp.org, is the association of and resource for surety bond producers and allied professionals. NASBP members specialize in providing surety bonds for construction contracts and other purposes to companies and individuals needing the assurance offered by surety bonds. NASBP members engage in contract and commercial surety production throughout the United States, Puerto Rico, Guam, and a number of countries. They have broad knowledge of the surety marketplace and the business strategies and underwriting differences among surety companies. As trusted advisors, professional surety bond producers act in many key roles to position their clients to meet the underwriting requirements for surety credit.

Media Contacts:
Ricki McCarroll
[email protected]
(202) 503-9169

Kathy Hoffman
[email protected]
(202) 464-1175

AFF Ad Campaign Highlights Culture of Corruption Under Puerto Rican Governor Padilla

September 11, 2014

AFF Ad Campaign Highlights Culture of Corruption Under Puerto Rican Governor Padilla

DES MOINES, Iowa, Sept. 11, 2014 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The American Future Fund (AFF), a national 501(c)4 organization, launched its latest advertising campaign aimed at exposing the culture of corruption under Puerto Rican Governor Alejandro Padilla that should alarm investors, creditors and taxpayers.

Nick Ryan, Founder of the American Future Fund, said: “Governor Padilla continues to lead a government that disregards The US Constitution. His repeated efforts to publicly shame political opponents, rip up legal contracts and fleece unsuspecting businesses to save face is not only wrong, it is illegal.”

Under Governor Padilla, Puerto Rico has:

Racked up huge levels of public debt through the opaque and politically-controlled Government Development Bank, at the expense of unsuspecting investors;
Violated the U.S. Constitution by enacting an illegal bankruptcy law that destroys the rights of creditors and eviscerates individual pensions that are invested in the island’s public utility;
Trumped up charges against a private bank in order to seize the bank’s assets to enrich political cronies;
Threatened a NY-based rating agency with investigation and persecution after the agency downgraded the creditworthiness of the island; and
Presided over public corruption that has transformed Puerto Rico into a major transit point in the global drug trade originating from Venezuela.

Ryan concludes, “Puerto Rico is becoming an unsafe place to invest. Governor Padilla can change course, and do the right thing. Nancy Soderberg, a Democrat and former Clinton administration official, put it best, saying Governor Padilla must “uphold property rights, the rule of law, contractual rights and the rights of investors and creditors”.

To view the initial advertisement click here.

Background
Governor Padilla and his government have undertaken a full-blown attack on the rule of law, the U.S. Constitution and investor rights. The first example, Doral Financial Corporation, a US-based bank and mortgage lender that Puerto Rico lawfully entered into a contractual agreement in 2012 acknowledging the Commonwealth owes Doral over $230 million. The agreement was ratified by both parties yet again in 2013. But Governor Padilla and his government are now refusing to honor this contract. Moreover, Doral’s regulator – the Office of the Financial Institutions Commissioner – and key political leaders including the Department of Justice are threatening the bank and its employees. These actions, coming after Doral’s decision to file litigation to enforce its agreement with the government, are disturbing, and an abuse of power by Governor Padilla and his government. The second example involves a new law, the Debt Enforcement and Recovery Act, which was rammed through the legislature by Governor Padilla. This law would allow the Puerto Rican government to repudiate the debts of the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority (PREPA) and could leave the lights on the island literally being turned off because of Padilla’s actions. This action stiffs investors and pensioners to the benefit of a few select bondholders that are covering for the GDB. This law violates the U.S. Constitution, and has led the island’s bond ratings to be downgraded to junk status.

Amscot’s 9th annual ‘Just a Dollar’ campaign pushes total over $1 million for support of local education

September 11, 2014

Amscot’s 9th annual ‘Just a Dollar’ campaign pushes total over $1 million for support of local education

Amscot Community

Over the past nine years, Amscot customers and Amscot Financial have combined to raise more than $1 million for local education foundations in the counties that Amscot serves.

TAMPA, Florida, Sept. 11, 2014 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Amscot Financial, a leading provider of convenient, consumer-oriented financial services, has concluded its ninth annual “Just a Dollar” campaign, designed to raise funds for local education foundations in the 17 Florida counties where Amscot has branches. The 2014 campaign included Miami-Dade and Broward counties, where Amscot has recently opened new branches.

Logo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20060316/FLAMSCOTLOGO

Throughout the month of August, Amscot Financial associates asked each customer if they would like to voluntarily contribute a dollar to their local education foundation. Amscot kept track of each contribution by county to ensure that it was donated directly to the education foundation serving the county in which the branch is located. Through customer generosity, the 2014 ‘Just a Dollar’ campaign raised $146,172. Amscot matched the overall contributions, up to the first $10,000, bringing the grand total to $156,172.

Including customer contributions and Amscot matches over the past nine years, more than $1,000,000 has been raised for local education foundations via the Consortium of Florida Education Foundations (CFEF), a Gainesville-based umbrella organization.

According to CFEF executive director, Mary Chance, the Funds raised on behalf of Florida’s county-based educational foundations are used to support reading and scholarship programs. She also states that the local education foundations focus their fund-raising efforts on programs that are not supported by Tax dollars.

Ian MacKechnie, founder and CEO of Amscot Financial, had this to say about this year’s ‘Just a Dollar’ campaign, “To be able to surpass a million dollars, with this year’s campaign, says a great deal about the generous nature of our customers and to our dedicated associates in each and every one of our branches…we hope to continue our support of local education in the years to come.”

Founded in 1989, Amscot Financial employs more than 2,000 associates who work at the company’s retail branches and at the company’s corporate headquarters in Tampa.

Amscot Financial’s service centers are open seven days a week and are typically open Mondays through Saturdays from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday hours are typically from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Select Amscot locations are open 24 hours a day. The company currently operates retail locations in Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, Hernando, Polk, Hardee, Highlands, Manatee, Sarasota, Orange, Osceola, Seminole, Lake, Volusia, Brevard, Marion, Miami-Dade and Broward counties.

SiriusXM Announces Exclusive Programming Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month

September 11, 2014

NEW YORK, Sept. 11, 2014 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — SiriusXM announced today its exclusive programming celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month beginning Saturday, September 13.

Logo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20101014/NY82093LOGO

The exclusive month-long programming will air across multiple SiriusXM channels and feature specials, interviews and performances by some of today's most emblematic Latin artists.

Seven-time Latin GRAMMY® Award winning singer, songwriter and actor Carlos
Vives will sit down in front of a live studio audience for "SiriusXM ICONOS with Carlos Vives," featuring an exclusive Q&A session. Vives, who is set to receive the Hispanic Heritage Foundation "Legend" Award this month for his musical body of work, will discuss his early days as rocker, soap opera actor, musical influences, and his work on behalf of the marginalized populations of Colombia. He will also discuss his most recent album, Mas + Corazon Profundo, and how his revisiting of vallenato music catapulted him to international fame.

"SiriusXM ICONOS with Carlos Vives" will air on September 29 on SiriusXM Caliente channel 150 at 5:00 pm ET.

SiriusXM will feature multiple GRAMMY® and Latin Grammy® Award-winning pianist, composer, and arranger Chucho Valdes in the opening concert of the Jazz at Lincoln Center 2014-2015 season
with SiriusXM's exclusive weekly show "Live from Jazz at Lincoln Center." The world premiere will also feature percussionist and vocalist Pedrito Martinez, JALC's Artistic Director Wynton Marsalis, and The Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra. In addition, singer, songwriter and social activist Lila Downs will perform songs from her repertoire which fuses traditional Mexican sounds with elements of jazz, blues, soul, African root, and Klezmer. Airs Saturday, September 20 and Saturday, October 11 on SiriusXM Real Jazz channel 67 at 8:00 pm ET.

"We are proud to announce SiriusXM's expansive programming celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month offering listeners a great variety of genre-spanning Latin music for all tastes," said Trinity Colon, VP of Latin Music Programming, SiriusXM. "Listeners nationwide will have some of the best music to sample –
from Latin jazz to reggaeton and ballads – all here on SiriusXM."

Additional Hispanic Heritage Month programming will include:

Caliente channel 150:

The tropical music channel will air some of the best performances recorded at SiriusXM's studios including performances by Tito Nieves, Prince Royce, Grupo Niche, 3Ball MTY, Kat DeLuna, Black Eyed Peas' Taboo, Alejandro Sanz, and Cristian Castro. La Vieja Escuela host George Nenadich will present a weekly, three-hour special offering an in-depth look into the music of a classic salsa star, and Henry Santos will share his biggest bachata influences. Begins Thursday, September 18 at 12:00 pm ET.

Viva channel 500:

Latin Grammy award winner Lena visits for a special performance; Latin rock singer, songwriter Juanes shares his favorite rock songs; Viva airs interview and performance with Diana Fuentes; Latin Grammy award winning Panamenian rock band Los Rabanes share their party playlist; and, Luis Fonsi, the official voice of the channel during Hispanic Heritage Month, discusses his musical influences. Begins Friday, September 19 at 4:00 pm ET.

Aguila channel 148:

Special interviews and performances by La Reunion Nortena, Alerta Zero, Los Pescadores Del Rio Conchos; Revancha Nortena; and Regional Mexican singer, songwriter Larry Hernandez stops by to guest DJ. Begins Monday, September 15 at 7:00 pm ET.

Latidos channel 520:

Listeners are in for a treat with the broadcast of the best performances at the SiriusXM studios including singers Kany Garcia, Tommy Torres, and Carla Morrison. Begins Friday, September 19 at 2:00 pm ET.

Caricia channel 523:

The channel will dedicate the first three weekends to the most emblematic music of a past decade – the 60s, 70s, and 80s. The final weekend of the month-long celebration will feature an exclusive SiriusXM studio performance by the Gypsy Kings. Begins Saturday, September 20 at 12:00 am ET.

La Kueva channel 540:

SiriusXM's rock en espanol channel features Latin star Juanes' new installment of his monthly show Fíjate Bien and interviews with Los Autenticos Decadentes, Bang Data, Illya Kuryaki and The Valderramas, Timothy Brownie, Los Babasonicos, and a track by track album tour of the socially conscious Ama-zonas by Doctor Krapula. Begins Monday, September 15 at 4:00 pm ET.

Rumbon channel 533:

SiriusXM's channel for classic salsa enthusiasts devotes each weekend to non-stop music by a different, celebrated salsa singer including Willie Colon, Celia Cruz, Hector Lavoe, Ruben Blades, and an all legends of Fania weekend. Begins Saturday, September 13 at 12:00 am ET.

La Mezcla channel 149:

Cher Lloyd hosts La Mezcla's Power 10; international pop star Inna stops by for a special interview; singer, rapper and producer Sky Blu of LMFAO shares his top party songs and Latin heartthrob Enrique Iglesias hosts a personal countdown special. Begins Friday, September 19 at 6:00 pm ET.

Flow Nacion channel 506:

J Balvin, Fat Joe, Tony Dize, and Alexis & Fido share their reggaeton influences and top ten songs. Airs every Friday during Hispanic Heritage Month; begins September 19 at 8:00 pm ET.

SiriusXM's Hispanic Heritage Month programming is available via satellite and through the SiriusXM Internet Radio App for smartphones and mobile devices.

The SiriusXM Latino channel lineup features ten exclusive commercial-free music channels covering a wide variety of music genres, including Caliente (tropical, channel 150), Rumbon (classic salsa, channel 533), Flow Nacion (Latin hip-hop and Reggaeton, channel 506), La Kueva (rock en espanol, channel 540), Viva (contemporary pop, channel 500), La Mezcla (top hits in English and Spanish, channel 149), Aguila (regional Mexican, channel 151), Caricia (classic ballads in
English and Spanish, channel 523), Latidos (romantic love songs from the 90s to today, channel 520), Luna (Latin jazz, channel 530) and more.

Listeners can register for a 7-day trial and access these channels online through SiriusXM Internet Radio and through the SiriusXM Internet Radio App for smartphones and mobile devices.

For more information, please visit www.siriusxm.com/latino.

About SiriusXM

Sirius XM Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: SIRI) is the world's largest radio broadcaster measured by revenue and has more than 26.3 million subscribers. SiriusXM creates and broadcasts commercial-free music; premier sports talk and live events; comedy; news; exclusive talk and entertainment; and the most comprehensive Latin music, sports and talk programming in radio. SiriusXM is available in vehicles from every major car company in the U.S. and from retailers nationwide as well as at shop.siriusxm.com. SiriusXM programming is available through the SiriusXM Internet Radio App for smartphones and other connected devices as well as online at siriusxm.com. SiriusXM also provides premium traffic, weather, data and information services for subscribers in cars, trucks, RVs, boats and aircraft through SiriusXM Traffic™, SiriusXM Travel Link, NavTraffic®, NavWeather™, SiriusXM Aviation, SiriusXM Marine™, Sirius Marine Weather, XMWX Aviation™, and XMWX Marine™. SiriusXM holds a minority interest in SiriusXM Canada which has more than 2 million subscribers.

On social media, join the SiriusXM community on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

This communication contains
"forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements include, but are not limited to, statements about future financial and operating results, our plans, objectives, expectations and intentions with respect to future operations, products and services; and other statements identified by words such as "will likely result," "are expected to," "will continue," "is anticipated," "estimated," "believe," "intend," "plan," "projection," "outlook" or words of similar meaning. Such forward-looking statements are based upon the current beliefs and expectations of our management and are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are difficult to predict and generally
beyond our control. Actual results may differ materially from the results anticipated in these forward-looking statements.

The following factors, among others, could cause actual results to differ materially from the anticipated results or other expectations expressed in the forward-looking statements: our competitive position versus other radio and audio entertainment providers; our ability to attract and retain subscribers, which is uncertain; our dependence upon the auto industry; general economic conditions; failure of our satellites, which, in most cases, are not insured; the interruption or failure of our information and communications systems; the security of the personal information about our customers; royalties we pay for music rights, which increase over time; the unfavorable outcome of pending or future litigation; our failure to realize benefits of
acquisitions; rapid technological and industry change; failure of third parties to perform; changes in consumer protection laws and their enforcement; failure to comply with FCC requirements and other government regulations; and our indebtedness. Additional factors that could cause our results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements can be found in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013, which is filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") and available at the SEC's Internet site (http://www.sec.gov). The information set forth herein speaks only as of the date hereof, and we disclaim any intention or obligation to update any forward looking statements as a result of developments occurring after the date of this
communication.

P-SIRI

Contacts:

Michelle Dominguez

212.901.6792

[email protected]

(Español) Entrenamiento y lección, este sábado, para empresarios e individuos hispanos con deseos de entrar en la industria del cannabis en la Florida y en otros estados

September 11, 2014

Sorry, this entry is only available in Español.

Cheers to Honey!

September 11, 2014

Cheers to Honey!

Nature’s Sweetener Adds a Flavorful Twist to New Latin Libations

FIRESTONE, Colorado, Sept. 11, 2014 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — With nine Latin American countries celebrating their independence during Hispanic Heritage Month, decadent drinks will be top of mind for the season. But if you are running out of creative cocktail ideas to keep the party deliciously in swing, Master Mixologist and Tequillier Marco Antonio Ramos has you covered. Ramos has partnered with the National Honey Board (NHB) to stir-up Latin libations with a modern twist to liven up your Fiestas Patrias celebration – or any special occasion this season – with family and friends. Best of all, each creation leverages nature’s sweetener, honey, to give it a one-of-a-kind hint of sweetness.

Ramos’s passion for mixology and knowledge of the abundant selection of flavors in the Americas shines through perfectly in every glass crafted by his artistic hand. From exotic tropical fruits to aromatic spices and chili peppers, Ramos combines honey with a variety of ingredients to create unique, honeylicious cocktails.

“Whether you like tequila, rum, mezcal or pisco, knowing the characteristics of each spirit is key for successfully creating a new drink,” says Ramos, who manages the day-to-day at the Venice, Calif. hot spot Scopa Italian Roots. “For these specific cocktails, I used honey to balance out the flavor profile of each spirit and the fresh ingredients I incorporated into each drink. Working with natural ingredients like honey is always rewarding because you can really taste the quality in the end result.” With delectable offerings like the Spicy Tropical Gold and Honey Watermelon Pisco, Ramos created a new set of Latin-inspired cocktails with honey that are fun and versatile for this celebratory season, which also coincides with National Honey Month in September.

Ramos also recommends keeping a variety of all-natural honey types and forms at hand to pair with various drink profiles. “Depending on the notes and ingredients of any given cocktail, you always want to balance them out with a honey that complements the taste and aroma of the beverage as a whole,” he adds. Among his favorite go-to honey varietals are Orange Blossom honey (distinctive citrus-floral notes), Tupelo honey (mild and pleasant flavor and will not granulate) and cut honeycomb, for an eye-catching garnish on the rim or in the glass. As for best honey storage practices, Ramos advocates always storing honey at room temperature so it is ready to pour for that perfect drink during any party or celebration this season!

Created for today’s cosmopolitan palates, new Latin-inspired classics are showcased in Ramos’s exclusive honey cocktail offerings for Hispanic Heritage Month and National Honey Month. Among his signature drinks developed for the NHB and featured on www.mielpura.org are:

Spicy Tropical Gold

Makes 1 serving

Ingredients:
½ oz honey
½ oz lime juice
1 oz pomegranate juice
1 oz pineapple juice
2 small slices of jalapeno
Salt to taste
Ice
Slices of jalapeno (garnish)
2 oz silver tequila *optional

Preparation:
Place the two slices of jalapeno into a cocktail shaker and muddle with a muddler (or the handle of a sturdy wooden spoon). Add the honey and remaining ingredients, with the exception of the garnish, into the shaker. Please note that the honey must be added in first so that the additional ingredients help dissolve it and incorporate it into the combination. Shake for eight seconds. Pour into a glass with a salted rim and garnish with a slice of jalapeño.

Honey-Watermelon Pisco

Makes 1 serving

Ingredients:
¾ oz honey
2 small chunks of watermelon
3 mint leaves
¾ oz lemon juice
Tonic water to taste
Crushed ice
Mint leaves (garnish)
Petite slices of watermelon (garnish)
2 oz pisco *optional

Preparation:
Place the two small chunks of watermelon and three mint leaves into a cocktail shaker. Using a muddler (or the handle of a sturdy wooden spoon) muddle the ingredients to bring out their natural flavors. Add the honey, pisco, lemon juice and ice. Shake for eight seconds. Strain the drinks into a glass with crushed ice and add tonic water to taste. Garnish with a slice of watermelon and a mint leaf.

For more honey-inspired Latin cocktail recipes and information about honey as a natural sweetener, visit www.mielpura.org.

About the National Honey Board

The National Honey Board is an industry-funded agriculture promotion group that works to educate consumers about the benefits and uses for honey and honey products through research, marketing and promotional programs.

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

(Español) Panorama del fin del verano: al menos 174 ahogamientos de niños ocurrieron este verano en piscinas y spas

September 11, 2014

Sorry, this entry is only available in Español.

DIR Advisory Committee Meeting to Focus on Refinery Safety

September 11, 2014

DIR Advisory Committee Meeting to Focus on Refinery Safety

OAKLAND, California, Sept. 11, 2014 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) has scheduled a Process Safety Management (PSM) advisory committee meeting to review proposed changes to Cal/OSHA’s PSM standard. The changes focus on strengthening regulatory oversight on California’s oil refineries.

The two-day meeting is open to the public and will be held on Tuesday, September 16 and Wednesday, September 17 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Elihu Harris State of California Building’s 13^th Floor Training Room, 1515 Clay Street, Oakland CA 94612.

DIR developed the draft regulatory proposal for a new PSM standard for the refinery sector in response to recommendations in a February report by the state’s Interagency Working Group on Refinery Safety.

“This advisory committee meeting is a pre-regulatory step in our ongoing efforts to strengthen oversight of refinery safety in California,” said DIR Director Christine Baker. “The proposed changes will provide a framework for anticipating, preventing and responding to refinery safety problems at the earliest possible point.” Cal/OSHA, the agency charged with enforcing workplace safety and health regulations, is the division of DIR which is leading the revision of PSM workplace safety requirements for refineries.

“I am pleased to see DIR take this important next step in accordance with the recommendations of the refinery safety working group,” said David Lanier, Secretary of the Labor & Workforce Development Agency, which includes DIR. “The proposed revisions and their thorough review reflects the administration’s ongoing commitment to improving refinery safety for workers and surrounding communities.”

In addition to proposing changes to existing PSM language, the draft proposal introduces new requirements in the following areas:

damage mechanism reviews
hierarchy of hazard controls analysis
human factors
management of organizational change
safeguard protection analysis
incident investigations
safety culture assessments

DIR’s notice of the proposed rulemaking along with the text of the proposed regulations have been posted online.

The draft proposal is part of an ongoing effort, coordinated by the Interagency Refinery Task Force, to improve the public and worker safety at the state’s oil refineries following the August 2012 explosion at Chevron’s Richmond Oil Refinery. The task force, headed by the California Environmental Protection Agency, was established to carry out the recommendations contained in the February report. In addition to the proposed PSM standard, the state has hired new inspectors to ensure that facilities are complying with health and safety laws.

For media inquiries contact Erika Monterroza at (510) 286-1164 or Peter Melton at (510) 286-7046.

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.

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Hispanic PR Wire

Markel Global Reinsurance suma a Erik Manning, Jamie Welsby y John Duda a su equipo

March of Dimes Switches Domain to marchofdimes.org

Native American Contractors Association and National Association of Surety Bond Producers Sign Memorandum of Understanding

AFF Ad Campaign Highlights Culture of Corruption Under Puerto Rican Governor Padilla

Amscot’s 9th annual ‘Just a Dollar’ campaign pushes total over $1 million for support of local education

SiriusXM Announces Exclusive Programming Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month

(Español) Entrenamiento y lección, este sábado, para empresarios e individuos hispanos con deseos de entrar en la industria del cannabis en la Florida y en otros estados

Cheers to Honey!

(Español) Panorama del fin del verano: al menos 174 ahogamientos de niños ocurrieron este verano en piscinas y spas

DIR Advisory Committee Meeting to Focus on Refinery Safety