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CLC/Conela Begins PSA & Prayer Campaign to Reduce the Number of Unaccompanied Children to Zero

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NHCLC/Conela Begins PSA & Prayer Campaign to Reduce the Number of Unaccompanied Children to Zero

Organization joins with Latin American churches to solve crisis


SACRAMENTO, Calif., July 3, 2014 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — NHCLC/Conela, which serves 40,118 U.S. churches and more than 500,000 churches worldwide, is immediately launching a concerted effort to keep unaccompanied children away from the U.S. border.

National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference logo

Logo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120912/CL72800LOGO

Through an informative and educational campaign, NHCLC/Conela will work with thousands of churches in Latin America to urge congregants not to send their children to cross the border. Additionally, the organization is asking churches worldwide to join in prayer on five important fronts: unaccompanied children, their parents, Latin American government leaders, U.S. government leaders and the overwhelmed law enforcement officers who are in the middle of this crisis and doing their best to enforce current policies.

“This is a humanitarian crisis and we must act now,” said Dr. Samuel Rodriguez, president of NHCLC/Conela. “The Bible gives us clear instructions on how to treat both our neighbors and children, and therefore we must show compassion for them.”

NHCLC/Conela leadership will meet with Latin American church leaders from El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras on July 10 in Guadalajara, Mexico.

“Our global world requires global solutions,” said Ricardo Luna, executive director of NHCLC/CONELA. “Our organization is positioned to serve and encourage real solutions to the heartbreaking situations that children and their families are facing.”

NHCLC/Conela will also launch a comprehensive PSA campaign across Latin America through television and radio advertisements as well as leaflets, print ads and other materials with the goal of reducing the number of unaccompanied children at the border to zero by the end of the year.

“We urge for Congress and our President to continue to work together to seek both short- and long-term solutions for the crisis of unaccompanied children at the border,” said Rodriguez. “Additionally, we encourage all God’s people to commit to pray specifically this Sunday, July 6, 2014, for this dire situation.”

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.

SOURCE NHCLC/Conela


Gerawan Farming Raises Hourly Base Pay To $11

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Gerawan Farming Raises Hourly Base Pay To $11

The family-owned company has a history of paying the industry’s highest wages.


FRESNO, Calif., July 3, 2014 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — For years, peach and table grape grower Gerawan Farming has paid the highest wages in the industry. Today the family-owned and operated company announced that it is boosting its base pay wage from $10 to $11. (Gerawan’s wages that are above base, such as grape harvest and packing, are already much higher than $11.)

Gerawan Farming
Gerawan Farming Logo

Photo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140703/124384
Logo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140703/124383

Since 2012, California’s minimum wage has gone up three times. During that same period of time, Gerawan has raised wages seven times, maintaining its longstanding reputation of exceeding California’s minimum wage, and leading the industry in wages. In addition, the family continues to offer paid vacation and retirement bonus.

“Our employees tell us that one of the many reasons they enjoy working on our farm is because we pay the highest wages,” said Mike Gerawan, co-owner of Gerawan Farming. “With the state minimum wage increase now in effect, the timing was right for yet another increase for our hard working, committed employees. They’ve earned it.”

More about Gerawan Farming here: http://www.prima.com/preferred-employer/

SOURCE Gerawan Farming


Keep your home free of summer pests without pesticides

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Keep your home free of summer pests without pesticides

There are better options than using toxic chemicals


WASHINGTON, July 3, 2014 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Summer temperatures can be pleasant, but the warm weather is also attractive to insects and rodents.

This is the time of year when ants, roaches, mice and other pests make their way into your home, especially if they find the right living conditions. All they really need to get comfortable is water, food and a place where they can hide or reproduce.

You can fight these pests without pesticides if you follow these suggestions:

Restrict access to food sources

  • Tightly close any food packaging, like boxes and bags of cookies, chips, cereals or candy, so that ants or roaches can’t get in.
  • Store items such as flour, sugar, rice or pasta in airtight bags or plastic containers.
  • Clean any food spills or stains off the countertop, floor, and other areas throughout the kitchen.
  • Do not let crumbs sit in pet dishes, as this can attract cockroaches, ants or rodents.
  • Remember to take out the kitchen trash frequently, preferably every night.

Limit access to sources of water or liquids

  • Try not to leave water drops or other liquids in the kitchen or anywhere else around the house. Roaches can’t live more than a week without water.
  • Wash and dry your dishes immediately after each meal.
  • Repair leaky faucets or pipes in the bathroom, kitchen, backyard and any other area of the house.
  • When gardening or watering plants, don’t leave puddles or excess water. Standing water encourages mosquito reproduction.
  • Open the bathroom window after bathing to clear out the steam; these tiny drops are drinking sources for cockroaches and other insects.

Limit entry access to your home

  • Seal cracks around pipes, doors and windows to stop insects from getting inside.
  • Repair holes or tears on screen doors and windows.
  • Close off the spaces underneath doors.
  • Before coming home from a shopping trip, make sure there are no roaches hiding inside bags or grocery boxes.
  • Throw away or recycle unwanted boxes or wrappers.
  • Put mouse traps inside and outside the home in areas where children or pets can’t access.

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

SOURCE GobiernoUSA.gov/USA.gov


Starwood Hawaii Hotels Invites Guests To “Check in for Babies” To Benefit March of Dimes

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Starwood Hawaii Hotels Invites Guests To “Check in for Babies” To Benefit March of Dimes


HONOLULU, July 2, 2014 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Guests who “Check in for Babies” at Starwood Hotels & Resorts in Hawaii (The Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort, Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa, Sheraton Waikiki and Sheraton Maui) can donate $1.00 to the March of Dimes for each night of their stay, and help fund lifesaving programs for Hawaii’s moms and babies.

One of the programs that will benefit from the campaign is March of Dimes NICU Family Support® at Kapiolani Medical Center for Women and Children. This program provides information, support, and comfort each year to more than 500 families whose babies are being treated in the newborn intensive care unit (NICU).  Other programs around Hawaii that will benefit include:

  • CenteringPregnancy® at Kokua Kalihi Valley Comprehensive Family Services (Oahu), and at Waimea Women’s Center at North Hawaii Community Hospital (Hawaii Island), an innovative, culturally-competent model of group prenatal care for Asian and Pacific Island women.
  • BabySAFE Program at Malama Family Recovery Center (Maui), providing outreach, group prenatal education sessions, and referral to substance abuse treatment services to pregnant women who use alcohol or other drugs.
  • Hua O Lanai at Lanai Community Health Center (Lanai), improving care for women and babies by eliminating barriers and improving access.

Starwood will be launching a free benefit for the March of Dimes at a special kick-off event on Sunday, July 6 at The Royal Hawaiian resort’s Monarch Room located in the Historic Wing  featuring a concert by the award-winning Citrus College Blue NoteSwing Orchestra, with a special guest appearance from local legend Jimmy Borges. This campaign was the brainchild of Vic Kimura, senior vice president of Kyo-ya Management, Co. 

“We are truly fortunate to have Starwood Hotels’ caring ‘ohana committed to improving the lives of Hawaii’s moms and keiki through their deep commitment, tireless support and boundless generosity. Mahalo nui loa to the ‘Stars’ of Starwood for making Hawaii a better place!” says John Henry Felix, president and CEO of HMAA and former chairman of the national March of Dimes Board of Trustees.

About Starwood Hotels & Resorts in Hawaii

Starwood Hotels & Resorts in Waikiki, comprised of the Sheraton Waikiki, Sheraton Princess Kaiulani, The Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort, and Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa, is owned by Kyo-ya Hotels & Resorts, LP and managed by Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.  Between the four properties, Starwood Hotels & Resorts in Waikiki offers 4,110 rooms, ranging from comfortable affordability to the ultimate in suite luxury.  In addition, the properties offer industry-leading and critically-acclaimed food and beverage offerings and one-of-a-kind resort amenities.  Kyo-ya Hotels & Resorts, LP is one of Hawaii’s largest employers, with nearly 3,000 hotel associates in its workforce.   

Kyo-ya Hotels & Resorts LP owns the Sheraton Waikiki, Sheraton Princess Kaiulani, The Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort, the Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa, and the Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa.   Kyo-ya Hotels & Resorts LP is one of Hawaii’s largest employers, with nearly 3,000 hotel associates in its workforce.  The hotels are a part of the 11-hotel group of Starwood Hotels & Resorts-managed properties in Hawaii.

About the March of Dimes

The March of Dimes is the leading nonprofit organization for pregnancy and baby health, and works to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality. For the latest resources and health information, visit our websites marchofdimes.org and nacersano.org. Find us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.

SOURCE March of Dimes




Avaya Named Nemertes PilotHouse Top Provider for Enterprise Video Conferencing

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Avaya Named Nemertes PilotHouse Top Provider for Enterprise Video Conferencing

— Value and technology boost Avaya to the Top Provider for Video Conferencing for the enterprise, according to research study of 500 IT professionals

— Pricing, licensing clarity, strategic roadmap and actual costs help drive top ranking

— Avaya customers prove to be among the most loyal amidst four vendors


GUAYNABO, Puerto Rico, July 2, 2014 /PRNewswire/ — Enterprise customers of four different vendors ranked Avaya as the top provider of video conferencing technologies according to industry analyst firm, Nemertes Research. As a result, Avaya has been designated the 2014 Nemertes PilotHouse Top Provider for Video Conferencing for the enterprise. High marks in value and technology helped garner the award which customers weighted as the most important factors in the rating criteria.

Photo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140702/124152

Nemertes Research also found that Avaya customers are among the most loyal, with high scores received in the overall solution strategy and future roadmap category. Customers also appreciated the pricing, clarity of licensing and actual costs relative to Avaya’s video conferencing portfolio.  

Based on feedback from the customer study and Nemertes’ analysis, the research report recommends that companies include top providers in any evaluation of video conferencing.

The research results from the feedback of 500 IT decision makers using collaboration technologies and was conducted in the Spring 2014 in the U.S.

 Quotes 
“The key to this research is that it’s based largely on ratings from those who know best: IT professionals who actually use the products and services. The 2012 acquisition of Radvision improved Avaya’s video conferencing capabilities to the point where it’s delivering an overall better experience to the enterprise than its competitors.”

Robin Gareiss, President, Nemertes Research

“The fast, multi-channel, virtual pace of business today requires powerful collaboration tools that easily fit a mobile lifestyle. Avaya’s video conferencing portfolio has been tested by some pretty tough critics who experience this every day: our own employees who are clocking over 50,000 video conferences each month. It’s especially gratifying to see that sentiment reflected by our customers and to be recognized as the Nemertes Pilothouse Top Provider.”

Gary Barnett, SVP and president, Collaboration, Avaya   

Additional Resources
2014 Nemertes Pilothouse Award for Video Conferencing report  
Avaya Video Collaboration 
Free 14-day Avaya Video Trial 

About Nemertes Research
Nemertes Research is a research-advisory and strategic-consulting firm that specializes in analyzing and quantifying the business value of emerging technologies. You can learn more about Nemertes Research at www.nemertes.com.

About Avaya
Avaya is a global provider of business collaboration and communications solutions, providing unified communications, contact centers, networking and related services to companies of all sizes around the world. For more information please visit www.avaya.com.

Certain statements contained in this press release are forward-looking statements. These statements may be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “might,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “should” or “will” or other similar terminology. We have based these forward-looking statements on our current expectations, assumptions, estimates and projections. While we believe these expectations, assumptions, estimates and projections are reasonable, such forward-looking statements are only predictions and involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control. These and other important factors may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. For a list and description of such risks and uncertainties, please refer to Avaya’s filings with the SEC that are available at www.sec.govAvaya disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Follow Avaya
https://twitter.com/avaya
https://www.facebook.com/avaya
http://www.youtube.com/Avayainteractive
http://www.linkedin.com/company/1494
https://www.flickr.com/photos/avaya
http://www.avaya.com/blogs/

SOURCE Avaya


California’s Alternative Security Program Frees $7.5 Billion in Working Capital for Businesses

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California’s Alternative Security Program Frees $7.5 Billion in Working Capital for Businesses


SACRAMENTO, Calif., July 2, 2014 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Department of Industrial Relations Director Christine Baker today approved the implementation of the 2014/15 Alternative Security Program (ASP), which frees $7.54 billion in working capital and provides self-insured California businesses greater financial flexibility.

The ASP is a first-in-the-nation, innovative program operated by the non-profit California Self Insurers’ Security Fund with the California Department of Industrial Relations (DIR). The program provides financial guarantees to replace security deposits required to collateralize self-insured workers’ compensation liabilities.  The participation fee for the guarantee program was also reduced 10% versus last year.  These added savings make the program and costs even more competitive for California businesses.

“Self-insurance and the ASP are two innovative ways that California supports businesses and helps them reinvest their capital,” said DIR Director Christine Baker. “With workers’ compensation representing a significant expense to businesses, this program benefits both the businesses and the larger California economy.”

All employers in California are required to have workers’ compensation insurance to protect themselves and workers, and to minimize the impact of work-related injuries and illnesses. Meeting this requirement can be accomplished either by buying an insurance policy, or through obtaining authority from DIR’s Office of Self Insurance Plans (OSIP) to self-insure the businesses’ workers’ compensation liabilities.

“Self-Insurance offers tremendous advantages and substantial cost savings to California employers,” said OSIP Chief Jon Wroten. “With program improvements and streamlining efforts, it is now possible for a company wanting to enter self-insurance to move from initial application to fully insured in less than 2 weeks.”

Self-insured employers are required to maintain a deposit to collateralize their risk in an amount equal to estimated liabilities as determined by an actuary. This deposit, which can be posted in cash, letters of credit, surety bonds or securities, limits the employer’s ability to use the cash or credit line to expand their business. In contrast, ASP member’s cash or line of credit is freed up allowing them to invest this capital back into their businesses while the ASP assumes responsibility of their security deposit posting requirement.

California currently has more than 9,850 employers protecting more than 4 million workers representing a total payroll of $177 billion through self-insurance workers’ compensation plans.

One of every four California workers is protected by a self-insurance plan. Self-insured employers in California represent large and midsized private companies, industry groups, and public entities such as city, county, state and school districts.

More information of California’s workers’ compensation self-insurance program is available at OSIP’s website.

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

SOURCE Dept. of Industrial Relations


Ser Padres Magazine Expands Online Editorial Content

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NEW YORK, July 2, 2014 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Ser Padres magazine, the premier provider of informative and empowering content for today’s Hispanic parent, announced today that it has expanded its online editorial content on SerPadres.com with new sections featuring articles from three collaborators, as well as updates to the menu and navigation.

The new collaborators for SerPadres.com include budget-conscious mom blogger Luciana Lamberto, party design aficionado Fara Medina, and holistic nutrition bloggers Bettina and Mau:

  • Luciana Lamberto will host “$mart Mami,” a savvy new blog focusing on savings, sales and the best weekly deals for the whole family. Luciana combines her real life experience with practical advice on how to save money.
  • Fara Medina will host Party Design,” a fun new blog focusing on beautiful design ideas for kids’ parties, arts and crafts, and activities for the entire family.
  • Bettina and Mau will host Holistic Nutrition,” an inspiring new blog focusing on how the balance between nutrition, well-being and a fulfilling spiritual life is the key for a healthy body. Bettina is currently a holistic chef and health counselor, and Mau has studied nutrition and holistic health.

“Today’s Hispanic parents are smart, savvy and nurturing,” says Ser Padres Editor-in-Chief Alberto Oliva. “We wanted to offer them new content that empowers and inspires them, their family, their home, and their life.”

For more information, please visit www.SerPadres.com

About Ser Padres
Since 1990, Ser Padres has been a must-have guide for parents. Published by Meredith Corporation (NYSE: MDP), Ser Padres provides the tools moms and dads need to raise healthy and happy children in the U.S. while celebrating our rich culture and heritage. Ser Padres’ goal is to be the primary source of inspiration and information on family, home and health. Ser Padres is about family well-being: bienestar familiar.

About Meredith Hispanic Media: Engagement, Access, Perspective
Meredith Hispanic Media (MHM), the publisher of Ser Padres magazine, is the premier content delivery and insight resource for and about Hispanic parents. With millions of digital, social, experiential, and media touch points and powerful proprietary and syndicated research capabilities, MHM offers unmatched perspective about the U.S. Latino, intimately connecting marketers to this highly coveted demographic. Through continued investment in an expanding portfolio of empowering brands and extensions including Siempre Mujer, Ser Padres, Ser Padres Espera and Ser Padres Bebe, and leading-edge engagement tools including custom publishing, content licensing, research, digital marketing, database marketing, events, grassroots marketing, and video, MHM is the first and only stop for brands seeking to reach action-oriented consumers who embrace media and share passionately.

SOURCE Ser Padres


New York State Of Mind: Toyota Welcomes LULAC 2014 National Convention To Big Apple

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New York State Of Mind: Toyota Welcomes LULAC 2014 National Convention To Big Apple

Event Marks First Time a Major Hispanic Organization Will Hold Its Annual Conference in New York City

New York Hilton Midtown, July 8-12, 2014


NEW YORK, July 2, 2014 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — There’s something special about experiencing New York City for the first time, which is why Toyota is excited to welcome the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) 2014 National Convention to the Big Apple. This year’s 85th National Convention, which will be held at the New York Hilton Midtown (1335 Avenue of the Americas) from July 8-12, 2014, marks the first time that any national Hispanic organization will be holding its annual conference in New York City. Toyota is a 2014 Presenting Sponsor.

Toyota has enjoyed a strong and longstanding relationship with LULAC, an organization that through its 1,000 local councils works to advance education, alleviate poverty, and improve the health and civil rights of Hispanic Americans. LULAC, which is based in San Antonio, Texas, also acts as the Latino community’s government liaison in Washington, D.C. LULAC’s National Convention will convene over 20,000 participants including key influencers and thought leaders from the worlds of government, business, philanthropy and the Hispanic community.

“We are especially excited to partner with LULAC on this year’s conference, which promises to be as vibrant and active as the event’s host city,” says Bill Fay, group vice president and general manager of the Toyota division at Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc. “New ideas, important policy discussions and interesting opportunities are hallmarks of this Convention and it’s these kinds of dialogues that help us make better cars for our customers and be good citizens within the Hispanic community.”

At the Convention, Toyota will present LULAC with a hybrid Prius that will serve as the official vehicle of this year’s event. LULAC will have use of the car for one year as it works with Toyota to raise environmental awareness among the Hispanic community and encourage greener and more sustainable lifestyles.

“LULAC values our partnership with Toyota, and we are grateful for their sponsorship at this year’s 85th LULAC Annual Convention in New York City,” said Brent A. Wilkes, LULAC national executive director. “By working together, we can provide greater resources for the Latino community.”

Toyota invites those in the New York City area to stop by the LULAC Expo from July 10 to July 12 to see the Toyota Sienna, Prius V and Corolla and participate in “Buckle Up for Life” or “Abrochate a la Vida” car seat and safety demonstrations.

Toyota has a lasting commitment to the Hispanic community and is proud to be the number one automobile brand for U.S. Latinos since 2004. Toyota has nearly tripled its number of Hispanic-owned Toyota and Lexus dealers since 2000, and the company’s Hispanic Business Strategy Group was formed to ensure that the Hispanic perspective is an integral part of Toyota’s growth strategies.

“Toyota never rests on our laurels when it comes to our commitment to the nation’s Hispanic community,” says Luis Rosero, Director of Hispanic Business Strategy Group, Toyota Motor North America. “We are extremely grateful for all of those in the Hispanic community who continually make Toyota vehicles their number one choice. We look forward to seeing many of you at this year’s National Convention.”

ABOUT TOYOTA
Toyota (NYSE:TM), the world’s top automaker and creator of the Prius, is committed to building vehicles for the way people live through our Toyota, Lexus and Scion brands. Over the past 50 years, we’ve built more than 25 million cars and trucks in North America, where we operate 14 manufacturing plants and directly employ more than 40,000 people. Our 1,800 North American dealerships sold more than 2.5 million cars and trucks in 2013 – and about 80 percent of all Toyota vehicles sold over the past 20 years are still on the road today. 

Toyota partners with philanthropic organizations across the country, with a focus on education, safety and the environment. As part of this commitment, we share the company’s extensive know-how garnered from building great cars and trucks to help community organizations and other nonprofits expand their ability to do good. To date, Toyota has contributed more than $700 million to nonprofits in the U.S.  For more information about Toyota, visit www.toyota.com/usa.

About LULAC
The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) is the nation’s largest and oldest civil rights volunteer-based organization that empowers Hispanic Americans and builds strong Latino communities. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., with 1,000 councils around the United States and Puerto Rico, LULAC’s programs, services and advocacy address the most important issues for Latinos, meeting critical needs of today and the future. For more information, visit www.LULAC.org.

SOURCE Toyota