National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference, Governor Mike Huckabee, Preview Efforts to Champion Equality in American Classrooms
National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference, Governor Mike Huckabee, Preview Efforts to Champion Equality in American Classrooms
More than 50 Faith Leaders Participate in Conference Emphasizing High Academic Standards, Biblical Principles to Create Greater Opportunity among Minority Students
WASHINGTON, Aug. 22, 2014 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Former Governor Mike Huckabee joined Dr. Carlos Campo and the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference (NHCLC) today to call on the Christian community to join efforts to help close inequality gaps in the U.S. education system. Speaking to over 50 Hispanic pastors from across the United States, Huckabee and Campo underscored the need for high education standards and conservative values to reach underserved minority students.
“The Bible teaches us that we are all children of God and equal in his sight, and as Americans, we are united in the principle that every person deserves an equal opportunity,” Governor Huckabee said. “Yet because of a persistent disparity, too many children – particularly in economically disadvantaged communities – are graduating without the requisite skills needed to succeed. I agree with NHCLC’s leadership and their 40,000 Hispanic evangelical congregations that as Christians we have a responsibility to set our expectations high for children and educators, and to insist that policymakers do the same.”
Despite significant academic gains in recent years, Latino and African-American students face uphill challenges in the classroom. Hispanic and black students are less likely than white students to graduate high school on time, and only slightly more than a third will enroll in college. About 45 percent of college-bound Hispanic students require remediation in English or math courses, which significantly decreases their chances of obtaining a degree on time.
In time for the new school year, the NHCLC has launched a website, http://www.FaithandEducation.com, where pastors and parents can access tools and information supporting their education initiatives. Resources at the site include Raising the Standards videos, a new Parent Toolkit, resources for National Hispanic Education Sunday (September 7, 2014), and a call for Education Liaisons in each congregation.
“Just as Paul wrote, ‘Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice,’ Hispanic churches place a high value on education,” said Dr. Campo. “But even though Latino high school graduation rates are on the rise, too often a high school diploma does not adequately prepare the graduate for college or a career. The NHCLC’s goal is to organize the 16 million American Hispanic Evangelical Christians to demand a public school system that equips all students with the skills they need to succeed – including adoption and application of the Common Core State Standards across the country.”
About the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference
NHCLC/Conela is the largest Hispanic Christian organization serving 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/Conela emphasizes “7 Directives” of Life, Family, Compassionate Evangelism, Stewardship, Justice, Education and Youth. For additional information, visit http://www.nhclc.org.
Catholic Relief Services Commits $1 Million to help Persecuted Iraqis
Catholic Relief Services Commits $1 Million to help Persecuted Iraqis
BALTIMORE, Aug. 22, 2014 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Catholic Relief Services (CRS) has committed an initial $1 million in private funding to help victims of the escalating violence in northern Iraq. With the help of our partners in Iraq, CRS is currently providing food, water and essential living supplies to families in desperate need of the essentials. Over the next six months, CRS hopes to more than double our initial $1 million commitment and help an additional 30,000 people with social support and trauma counseling, education for children and preparation for longer-term resettlement.
Photo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140821/138714
Photo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140821/138716
Photo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140821/138717
The situation is horrific, said Kris Ozar, CRS emergency response coordinator in Iraq. People are completely traumatized after being forced to flee their homes under threat of death. Many have nothing more than the clothes on their backs. Some who tried to pack their belongings were stripped of everything–even the rings off their fingers–at mandatory checkpoints,” he said.
With support from our Catholic Church partners in Iraq, CRS has provided immediate, life-saving assistance to almost 4,000 families forced to flee their homes by the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS). Religious minorities including Christians, Yazidis, Turkmen and Shia Muslims have been singled out for attack. Many are living in empty houses, schools, clinics, church compounds and abandoned buildings, with living conditions deteriorating.
“Every day, I meet brave but frightened people who have no idea what the future holds. Recently I met a young mother with a three-week-old baby living in a school. Then, I met a man who took in 20 orphaned children from Mt. Sinjar. Another day, I met a former humanitarian aid worker from Caritas Iraq huddled with his family under the shade of a lone tree in the desert. This man, who used to help people, now needs help himself,” said Ozar.
Pope Francis launched an appeal for unity, calling for “security, peace and a future of reconciliation and justice, where all Iraqis, whatever their religion, could build their nation together, creating a model of coexistence.” For more information about how CRS is assisting persecuted minorities in Iraq, visit crs.org.
CRS staff is available for interviews.
Catholic Relief Services is the official international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States. CRS eases suffering and provides assistance to people in need in 93 countries, without regard to race, religion or nationality. Our programs touch nearly 100 million lives. CRS has been helping people in need for more than 70 years. For more information, please visit www.crs.org or www.crsespanol.org.
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The Home Depot Names Craig Menear CEO, Effective November 1, 2014
The Home Depot Names Craig Menear CEO, Effective November 1, 2014
ATLANTA, Aug. 21, 2014 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The Home Depot®, the world’s largest home improvement retailer, today announced that Craig Menear, currently president, U.S. retail, has been named CEO and president, effective November 1, 2014, and has been elected to the company’s board of directors, effectively immediately. Current chairman and CEO Frank Blake will remain chairman.
Logo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20030502/HOMEDEPOTLOGO
Menear, who was named president, U.S. retail in February of this year, is a 34-year retail veteran and a key leader in the company’s success. In addition to his role as chief merchant, Menear has overseen the company’s supply chain efforts, its rapidly growing online and private brand businesses and the company’s marketing and global sourcing.
“Craig has taken on increasing leadership responsibility over the last several years and has excelled in all his roles,” said Blake. “As a long-time Home Depot veteran, Craig lives our values and embodies our culture. He’ll do an outstanding job leading our company in the years ahead.”
Blake has been Chairman and CEO of The Home Depot since 2007.
“On behalf of the board, I want to thank Frank for the job he has done over the last seven years,” said Greg Brenneman, the board’s lead director. “Among his many accomplishments, Frank has built a world-class leadership team. We are fortunate to have a leader of Craig’s capabilities as our new CEO.”
The Home Depot is the world’s largest home improvement specialty retailer, with 2,265 retail stores in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, 10 Canadian provinces and Mexico. In fiscal 2013, The Home Depot had sales of $78.8 billion and earnings of $5.4 billion. The company employs more than 300,000 associates. The Home Depot’s stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: HD) and is included in the Dow Jones industrial average and Standard & Poor’s 500 index.
It’s a New Day for Unlimited Data
It’s a New Day for Unlimited Data
Sprint $60 Unlimited Plan – Unlimited Talk, Text and Data –The Best Value on Unlimited Data
$20 Cheaper than T-Mobile; Not Offered by AT&T and Verizon Wireless
OVERLAND PARK, Kan., Aug. 21, 2014 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — It’s a new day for unlimited data in the wireless industry as Sprint (NYSE: S) announces the best unlimited wireless plan available from a national carrier with the Sprint $60 Unlimited Plan. This plan provides consumers unlimited talk, text and data while on America’s Newest Network for just $60 per month, a $20 savings compared to T-Mobile’s $80 per month unlimited plan. Simple, easy, affordable – the Sprint $60 Unlimited Plan is available to both new and existing Sprint customers starting tomorrow, August 22. To qualify for the plan, customers must purchase their device through Sprint Easy Pay, pay full retail price or bring their own compatible device.
Whether communicating via email or text, socializing via picture-sharing or tweeting, or navigating with GPS, consumers rely on their smartphones for all of their daily needs. Last year U.S. wireless consumers devoured 3.23 trillion MB of data, according to CTIA’s annual survey1, which equates to watching more than 153 billion five minute cat videos on YouTube, or streaming more than 53.8 billion hours of music on Spotify. Meanwhile, millions of American consumers restrict their usage, fearful of data limits with overage charges. With the Sprint $60 Unlimited Plan, consumers no longer have to worry about high bills based on how much data they are using. Enjoying daily life with the unlimited support of a smartphone has never been so easy.
“People know Sprint for Unlimited,” said Marcelo Claure, Sprint CEO. “We have long been the leader in offering customers unlimited data and that leadership continues today with our new $60 unlimited plan. Unlimited talk, text and data for $60 is the best unlimited postpaid plan available. And, we’ve listened to our loyal customers; we’re making the Sprint $60 Unlimited Plan available to both new and existing customers.”
Just days ago, Sprint declared a new day for data and announced the Sprint Family Share Pack – a new shared-data plan that can give customers double the high-speed data at a lower price than AT&T and Verizon Wireless. Whether consumers prefer to share or have unlimited data, with Sprint, they can find just the plan they need to get the most out of their smartphones, tablets and other wireless devices.
“With the new Sprint Family Share pack and now the Sprint $60 Unlimited Plan, Sprint is giving consumers what they want: choice, simplicity and value,” Claure said.
The Sprint $60 Unlimited Plan also is an ideal fit for small businesses, enabling their employees to be more productive in more places and providing the ability to stay on top of what matters most.
Competitive Comparison
Sprint continues its long history of offering consumers an unlimited data option. The Sprint $60 Unlimited Plan is the best value unlimited plan among national carriers available in the market today, providing significant savings over competitor plans. The Sprint $60 Unlimited Plan saves customers $20 a month compared to T-Mobile’s $80 unlimited plan. And AT&T and Verizon Wireless don’t even offer unlimited data plans. With the Sprint $60 Unlimited Plan, consumers can talk, text and use data, knowing that their market-leading plan is one low price of $60 without surprising overage charges. (All prices exclude taxes and surcharges.)
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Sprint $60 Unlimited Plan Competitive Comparison |
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Sprint |
T-Mobile |
AT&T |
Verizon |
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1 Line |
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These guys don’t even offer Unlimited! |
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America’s Newest Network
The Sprint $60 Unlimited Plan comes as Sprint already has built its 4G LTE network to serve more than 255 million people, with more on the way.
But that’s not all. In addition to Sprint’s all new 3G network and its 4G LTE network, Sprint is deploying Sprint Spark, a technology designed to greatly improve the performance of video and other bandwidth-intensive applications, including new generations of online gaming, virtual reality and advanced cloud services. It enables stutter-free video chat on-the-go and mobile gaming that leaves lag behind.
Available today in 27 markets across the country, Sprint Spark is an enhanced LTE service that’s built for data and designed to deliver average wireless speeds of 6-15Mbps and peak wireless speeds of 50-60Mbps today on capable devices, with increasing speed potential over time. Sprint plans to reach 100 million Americans by year-end with the service.2
About Sprint
Sprint (NYSE: S) is a communications services company that creates more and better ways to connect its customers to the things they care about most. Sprint served more than 54 million customers as of June 30, 2014 and is widely recognized for developing, engineering and deploying innovative technologies, including the first wireless 4G service from a national carrier in the United States; leading no-contract brands including Virgin Mobile USA, Boost Mobile, and Assurance Wireless; instant national and international push-to-talk capabilities; and a global Tier 1 Internet backbone. The American Customer Satisfaction Index rated Sprint as the most improved U.S. company in customer satisfaction, across all 43 industries, over the last six years. Sprint has been named to the Dow Jones Sustainability Index (DJSI) North America in 2011, 2012 and 2013. You can learn more and visit Sprint at www.sprint.com or www.facebook.com/sprint and www.twitter.com/sprint.
1Information from “Year-End U.S. Figures from CTIA’s Annual Survey Report,” CTIA – The Wireless Association.
2To improve data experience for the majority of users, throughput may be limited, varied or reduced on the network.
CR-Z Sport Hybrid Gets Supercharged with HPD Street Performance
CR-Z Sport Hybrid Gets Supercharged with HPD Street Performance
– Accessory supercharger kit boosts powertrain output to 197 hp
– Full range of CR-Z street performance parts from HPD now on sale
TORRANCE, Calif., Aug. 21, 2014 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Supercharged performance for the street is now available in the Honda CR-Z Sport Hybrid Coupe through a new dealer-installed Honda Performance Development (HPD) supercharger kit. Best known as Honda’s North American racing company, HPD developed a full line of street performance accessories for the CR-Z and first revealed them at the 2013 SEMA Show. With the debut of the supercharger kit this month, all of the HPD street performance components for the CR-Z are now available at Honda dealers in the United States.
Photo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140820/138311
Logo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140415/73520
“The CR-Z was the first hybrid to prove that efficiency doesn’t have to come at the cost of sportiness and fun,” said Art St. Cyr, president of Honda Performance Development. “With HPD street performance accessories, including the new supercharger kit, the CR-Z will surprise everyone again with even higher levels of performance directly inspired by our on-track racing efforts.”
Available for the 2013 and 2014 CR-Z, the HPD supercharger kit boosts total powertrain output to 197 hp1 (vs. 130 hp in the stock 2013 and 2014 CR-Z with manual transmission) and includes the HPD air-to-air intercooler, high-flow fuel injectors, an ECU calibrated to meet CARB AT-PZEV regulations with 91 octane fuel and the HPD air filter system. Honda’s Suggested Retail Price of the kit is $5,495, not including dealer installation, which is priced similarly to popular aftermarket supercharger kits but is engineered and backed by Honda. The HPD supercharger kit maintains the balance of customer’s 5 year/ 60,000 mile Honda limited powertrain warranty when installed by a Honda dealer. The HPD supercharger kit is available exclusively for CR-Z manual transmission models and HPD has developed an optional limited slip differential and HPD sport clutch for those customers looking for an even higher level of performance.
When equipped with available HPD street performance accessories, the CR-Z (automobiles.honda.com/cr-z/hpd.aspx) can feature a variety of track-proven, street-reliable performance upgrades. HPD-developed powertrain modifications – tested on-track – include a high-efficiency centrifugal supercharger; HPD air-to-air intercooler; high-flow fuel injectors; an ECU calibrated to meet CARB AT-PZEV regulations with 91 octane fuel; HPD air filter system; and HPD sport exhaust. Chassis improvements include HPD sport dampers, coil springs with reduced ride height, 300mm diameter disc brakes and HPD 18-inch wheels fitted with Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires. The CR-Z is completed by a graphics package including front lip and tail spoilers, rear diffuser and HPD badge.
1 2013 and 2014 CR-Z estimated SAE Net horsepower. Output will vary by individual vehicle.
GE Hispanic Forum Hosts Back-to-School Event for Norton Park Elementary School
ATLANTA, Aug. 21, 2014 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Today, GE’s Hispanic Forum hosted a back-to-school community service event to support local students in need. More than 75 GE employees assembled back-to-school backpacks, which will be donated to North Park Elementary School. The backpacks are filled with supplies such as pens, pencils, notebooks and healthy snacks.
The event is part of the GE Hispanic Forum’s ongoing initiative to promote academic achievement and healthy living amongst Hispanic students.
During the event, GE Hispanic Forum members also set a goal to raise $8,000 for scholarships to support its partnership with the Hispanic Scholarship Fund. GE launched the partnership in 2011 to provide financial resources to assist outstanding Hispanic college students. Within two years, the Hispanic Forum has successfully raised over $200,000, which has provided college scholarships to 58 Hispanic students, some of whom are first-generation college attendees.
“A solid education will open limitless opportunities for Hispanic students in Atlanta and around the country,” said Hernando Madronero, Senior Vice President of Nuclear Engineering at GE-Hitachi Nuclear Energy. “Our goal is to inspire the next generation of Hispanic leaders and cultivate lasting interest in STEM careers among Hispanics across the country. These backpacks and school supplies will help local students on their journey to gain an education that will prepare them for the jobs of the future.”
Jeffrey Mosley, Norton Park Elementary Assistant School Principal, attended the event and thanked GE for its gift and support.
“On behalf of Norton Park Elementary School, I would like to thank GE for its generous gift of 250 school backpacks including healthy snacks and meals for our students. The backpacks and their content will provide critical support to our students who work hard each day to succeed. As a Title-I school we are often faced with the challenge of meeting basic needs before we can focus on academic readiness and achievement. In some cases, access to food during non-school hours is a challenge. Your support and generosity will support families that otherwise may be unable to provide adequate and nutritious food for their children,” said Assistant Principal Mosley.
The GE Hispanic Forum was established in 1996 as an employee-based affinity group created to attract, retain and develop Hispanic talent within GE. GEHF currently has over 3,100 members in the U.S. and globally who work to engage and support Hispanic communities around the country.
About GE
GE (NYSE: GE) works on things that matter. The best people and the best technologies taking on the toughest challenges. Finding solutions in energy, health and home, transportation and finance. Building, powering, moving and curing the world. Not just imagining. Doing. GE works. For more information, visit the company’s website at www.ge.com.
For more information, contact:
Dan Nelson
GE
Digital Energy
+1 678 742 1462
[email protected]