Acura Team Penske Dominates at Laguna Seca

0
The Acura Team Penske ARX-05s finished 1-2 today at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, effectively clinching the 2019 IMSA Manufacturers’ Championship for Acura.

MONTEREY, California, Sept. 15, 2019 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Acura Team Penske swept today’s IMSA Monterey Grand Prix, dominating the two-hour, 40-minute contest at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca as Dane Cameron and Juan Pablo Montoya scored their third victory of the season and a 1-2 result for Acura.  The result unofficially clinches the Manufacturers’ Championship for Acura, while Cameron and Montoya neared the drivers’ title.

The Acura Team Penske ARX-05s finished 1-2 today at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, effectively clinching the 2019 IMSA Manufacturers’ Championship for Acura.

In GTD, Katherine Legge and co-driver Christina Nielsen led the Acura NSX GT3 Evo effort, finishing sixth for Heinricher/Meyer Shank Racing; while teammates Mario Farnbacher and Trent Hindman closed on the GTD Drivers’ Championship following an eighth-place finish. 

All championships will be formally decided in the season finale at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta, October 10-12.

Acura Team Penske ARX-05

Starting from the pole, Ricky Taylor took the #7 Acura ARX-05 prototype to an early lead, with teammate Montoya close behind.  Near the end of the first hour, the pair swapped positions in traffic, with Cameron now at the wheel of the #6 Acura Team Penske entry. 

Except for pit stops, the #6 Acura led the rest of the way for the third win of the season for Cameron and Montoya, and their seventh consecutive podium finish.  They now hold a 12-point lead in the DPi Drivers’ Championship, and will secure the title with a finish of eighth or better at the season-ending Petit Le Mans 10-hour race in October. 

With an eight-point lead in the Manufacturers’ Championship, Acura will officially claim the title at the season finale next month.

After fending off a mid-race challenge from the Cadillac prototype of Jordan Taylor and Renger van der Zande, Ricky Taylor and co-driver Helio Castroneves came home second to complete the 1-2 finish for Acura, moving the pair to third in the drivers’ title chase with one race remaining.

Meyer Shank Racing Acura NSX GT3 Evo

In GTD, Christina Nielsen and Katherine Legge ran as high as fifth in the competitive, production-based class, but faded in the closing laps as the handling deteriorated for both Meyer Shank Racing Acura NSX GT3 Evos at the end of the race.  Legge lad the pair home with a sixth-place finish in her #57 Acura.

Teammates Mario Farnbacher and Trent Hindman fought the same issues, and finished eighth in GTD in the #86 NSX GT3.  Still, the result was enough to all but clinch the GTD Drivers’ Championship for the pair, as they leave WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca with a 32-point lead, with a maximum of 35 points available in the sole remaining race.

Social media content and video links from this weekend’s Acura Motorsports IMSA sports car racing action at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca are available on HPD’s Facebook page  (https://www.facebook.com/HondaRacingHPD) and on Twitter at (https://twitter.com/HondaRacing_HPD).  Produced by the Carolinas Production Group, YouTube video packages can be found at: https://www.youtube.com/HondaRacingHPDTV. 

Next

The IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship now takes three weeks off before resuming October 12 with the season-ending Petit Le Mans 10-hour endurance event at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta, near Gainesville, Georgia.

Quotes

Dane Cameron (#6 Acura Team Penske ARX-05) race winner, third IMSA victory of 2019, closes on Drivers’ Championship with co-driver Juan Pablo Montoya: “It’s really, really nice to get a big win here.  This is the level of performance and execution [three wins and seven consecutive podium finishes] that is expected of a Team Penske program: to be a contender for race wins week-in and week-out.  It’s what makes us excited to be a part of it. It’s also what is expected of us as a group.  I really feel like we’re firing on all cylinders and the team is doing an amazing job with both pit stops and race strategy.  The car’s been absolutely amazing.”

Ricky Taylor (#7 Acura Team Penske ARX-05) finished second: “The primary goal today was to maximize the [championship] points for the #6 car [their teammates]. After today, they’re going to the Petit Le Mans season finale in great shape.  It’s a perfect day for the team.  We were there to support them the best way we could and bring Acura our second 1-2 finish of the season.  I’m really happy for the #6 car guys and the team, and now we can focus on getting the win at Petit.”

Katherine Legge (#57 Heinricher/Meyer Shank Racing Acura NSX GT3 Evo) finished sixth in GTD“: “It was a tough race with varying degrees of tire degradation.  I think we had great pace at the beginning of each stint, but after that it became a matter of preserving tires.  Basically, we finished one place ahead of where we started.  I think we deserved a top five, but unfortunately that’s not the way it worked out.”

Mario Farnbacher (#86 Meyer Shank Racing Acura NSX GT3 Evo) finished eighth in GTD, closes on GTD Drivers’ Championship with co-driver Trent Hindman: “We struggled a little bit for speed.  It seemed like the Lamborghinis were on a different planet today.  We did the best we could do to hit our smaller goals; we finished the race and scored points for the championship.  Unfortunately, the Sprint Cup championship is over and you aren’t always going to win everything.  I feel like we made the best of what we had today, and we’re in good shape going to Road Atlanta.”

Matthew Niles (Principal Engineer, Honda Performance Development): on today’s DPi race win and unofficial Manufacturers’ Championship crown: “It was near-perfect weekend for us. It doesn’t get much better than starting and finishing 1-2.  The teamwork and execution from Acura Team Penske were exemplary, and we’re very close to achieving all of our championship goals for the season.  But the job’s not quite done, and we need to continue to focus all of our efforts on finishing strong next month at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta.”

Acura Logo.

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/995926/galstad_WRLS_0919_107040.jpg
Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/458749/acura_logo.jpg  

SOURCE Acura Motorsports

“America’s Best Sedan” 2020 Honda Accord Heading to Dealerships

0
With a choice of two turbocharged engines, standard Honda Sensing®, and a spacious and high-tech interior, the 2020 Honda Accord begins arriving at dealer showrooms tomorrow, September 17, with a starting Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $23,870 (excluding $930 destination and handing).

TORRANCE, California, Sept. 16, 2019 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — With a choice of two turbocharged engines, standard Honda Sensing®, and a spacious and high-tech interior, the 2020 Honda Accord begins arriving at dealer showrooms tomorrow, September 17, with a starting Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $23,8701 (excluding $930 destination and handing). The 2020 Accord Hybrid on-sale will be announced separately.

With a choice of two turbocharged engines, standard Honda Sensing®, and a spacious and high-tech interior, the 2020 Honda Accord begins arriving at dealer showrooms tomorrow, September 17, with a starting Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $23,870 (excluding $930 destination and handing).

The 10th-generation Accord offers midsize sedan shoppers a combination of performance, refinement, technology, and value that has made it the winner of dozens of awards and accolades since its introduction, including 2018 North American Car of the Year. The 10th-gen Accord has been called “America’s Best Sedan” by Car and Driver, and Accord is the all-time leader in the magazine’s “10 Best” awards with 33 appearances on the coveted list.

2020 Accord buyers can choose between two turbocharged 4-cylinder engines: a 1.5-liter, DOHC direct-injected engine with a peak output of 192 horsepower and 192 lb.-ft. of torque (both SAE net) backed by a CVT automatic transmission, or a 2.0-liter VTEC Turbo® with 252 peak horsepower and 273 lb.-ft. of torque (both SAE net) with a 10-speed automatic. In Sport trims, both engines are also available with a 6-speed manual transmission, and Sport trims are also available in two exclusive colors: San Marino Red and Still Night Pearl. All Honda Accords for the U.S. market are manufactured exclusively at Honda’s Marysville, Ohio, auto plant using domestic and globally-sourced parts.

2020 Honda Accord Pricing & EPA Ratings

Trim / Engine

Transmission

MSRP1

MSRP Including
$930 Destination
Charge

EPA Mileage Rating2

City/Hwy/Combined

LX / 1.5L Turbo

CVT

$23,870

$24,800

30 / 38 / 33

Sport / 1.5L Turbo

6MT

$26,530

$27,460

26 / 35 / 30

Sport / 1.5L Turbo

CVT

$26,530

$27,460

29 / 35 / 31

EX / 1.5L Turbo

CVT

$27,770

$28,700

30 / 38 / 33

EX-L / 1.5L Turbo

CVT

$30,270

$31,200

30 / 38 / 33

Sport / 2.0L Turbo

6MT

$31,060

$31,990

22 / 32 / 26

Sport / 2.0L Turbo

10AT

$31,060

$31,990

22 / 32 / 26

EX-L / 2.0L Turbo

10AT

$32,270

$33,200

23 / 34 / 27

Touring / 2.0L Turbo

10AT

$36,100

$37,030

22 / 32 / 26

Safety and Driver Assist Technology
Standard on every 2020 Honda Accord Honda Sensing® suite of safety and driver-assistive technologies that includes Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS™) with pedestrian sensing, Lane Keeping Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow and Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR). Also standard are automatic high-beam headlights, a Multi-Angle Rearview Camera and a driver attention monitor, while additional available driver-assistive features include blind spot information (BSI) and rain-sensing windshield wipers.

Thanks to its next-generation Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure and advanced safety systems, Accord achieves a 5-star Overall Vehicle Score from the NHTSA in its NCAP safety ratings, and is anticipated to receive a Top Safety Pick rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), including the highest available IIHS rating of “Good” in all crashworthiness tests.

Cutting-Edge Connectivity
All Accord trims come standard with Bluetooth® music streaming and Hands Free Link®, as well as Pandora® compatibility. Accord Sport and above trims add an 8-inch Display Audio touchscreen with Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ integration, while EX and above trims boast a range of leading-edge connectivity features, including HD Radio™ and SiriusXM® satellite radio. The range-topping Accord Touring adds HondaLink® subscription services (subscription required) which allow a wide range of remote services such as locking and unlocking doors from virtually anywhere via a compatible smartphone, automatic emergency calling, stolen-vehicle tracking, automatic collision notification and enhanced roadside assistance. Accord Touring also comes with built-in 4G LTE Wi-Fi (subscription required) and can even accept in-vehicle package deliveries via Amazon Key (subscriptions required, including Amazon Prime).

About Honda
Honda offers a full line of reliable, fuel-efficient and fun-to-drive vehicles with advanced safety technologies sold through over 1,000 independent U.S. Honda dealers. The Honda lineup includes the Fit, Civic, Insight, Accord and Clarity series passenger cars, along with the HR-V, CR-V, Passport and Pilot sport utility vehicles, the Ridgeline pickup and the Odyssey minivan.

Honda has been producing automobiles in America for more than 35 years and currently operates 19 major manufacturing facilities in North America. In 2018, more than 90 percent of all Honda brand vehicles sold in the U.S. were made in North America, using domestic and globally-sourced parts.

For More Information
Additional media information including detailed pricing features and high-resolution photography of all 2020 Honda models is available at hondanews.com. Consumer information is available at automobiles.honda.com. To join the Honda community on Facebook, visit facebook.com/honda.

1 MSRP excluding tax, license, registration, $930 destination charge and options. Dealer prices may vary.
2 Based on 2020 EPA mileage ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle, driving conditions, lithium-ion battery pack age/condition and other factors.

Honda Logo.

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/995934/2020_Honda_Accord_Touring_2020.jpg
Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/451598/Honda_Logo.jpg  

SOURCE American Honda Motor Co., Inc.

Cargill and Rumba Meats Recognize Hispanic Heritage Month Through Scholarships and Leadership Program for US Hispanic Students

0

WICHITA, Kan., Sept. 16, 2019 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, Cargill and Rumba Meats, its food brand focused on celebrating family and keeping Latino traditions alive, is partnering with the United States Hispanic Leadership Institute (USHLI) to award 25 scholarships of $1,000 for post-secondary education. Rumba Meats is also investing in USHLI’s Student Leadership Series program, which serves more than 85,000 high school students, in more than 25 states, annually. The Student Leadership Series is designed to connect students with resources, tools and support to achieve higher education.

High school seniors across the U.S. are invited to apply for the Rumba Meats Scholarship between Sept. 15 and Nov. 30. Unique to the Rumba Meats scholarship application is an essay asking students to articulate how their heritage has influenced the direction of their lives, their leadership aspirations and how they plan to serve their communities in the future.

“Rumba Meats, USHLI and Hispanic Heritage Month all share a common priority: to celebrate Latino culture and preserve it for generations to come. That starts by investing in today’s youth so that they can become tomorrow’s leaders,” said Hilary Gerard, Cargill Protein – North America brand manager for Rumba Meats. “We are proud to partner with USHLI to invest in higher education for Latino youth and be a part of their bright future.”

Cargill recently joined 81 other companies in signing the We Are All Human Foundation “Hispanic Promise,” supporting workplace diversity. The promise is a first-of-its-kind national pledge to hire, promote, retain and celebrate Hispanics in the workplace.

For almost 40 years, USHLI has advocated for the education and leadership development of Latinos and similarly underrepresented groups. Founded in 1982 by Dr. Juan Andrade, Jr. – one of America’s most decorated Hispanic figures – USHLI has empowered millions of Latinos to pursue education, civic engagement and more. The organization’s cornerstone program is its Student Leadership Series – a program dedicated to empowering high school students to stay in school, graduate and pursue post-secondary education.

“Education is the single greatest tool to help today’s youth have a successful future,” said Andrade. “Investment in scholarships from organizations such as Rumba Meats allows students to achieve a higher education and build a future they may have otherwise thought impossible.”

Students can learn more about the Rumba Meats scholarship, including eligibility criteria and how to complete their application, by visiting the Rumba website.

About Rumba Meats
Rumba Meats, part of the Cargill family of brands, helps the Latino community celebrate their culture and preserve their heritage through food. With nearly 30 different specialty beef cuts available, Rumba delivers high-quality traditional variety meats that are an integral part of Latino traditions and culture. Customers can find Rumba Meats in mainstream and independent grocery stores and retailers nationwide. To learn more, visit https://rumbameats.com/ or www.facebook.com/rumbameats.

About Cargill
Cargill’s 160,000 employees across 70 countries work relentlessly to achieve our purpose of nourishing the world in a safe, responsible and sustainable way. Every day, we connect farmers with markets, customers with ingredients, and people and animals with the food they need to thrive. We combine 154 years of experience with new technologies and insights to serve as a trusted partner for food, agriculture, financial and industrial customers in more than 125 countries. Side by side, we are building a stronger, sustainable future for agriculture.

About the United States Hispanic Leadership Institute
Based in Chicago, USHLI is an award-winning national nonprofit, nonpartisan, tax-exempt organization. Since 1982, USHLI has registered 2.3 million new voters; published 425 reports on Latino demographics in the Almanac of Latino Politics; sponsored 35 annual national conferences, each attended by leaders from 40 states; trained over 1.1 million present and future leaders; and awarded over $1.3 million in scholarships and internships.

 

SOURCE Cargill

Acura and Genius Launch Live Music Series Featuring Emerging Artists Who Superfans Predict Will Pop

0
For the first time for a live show, the real-time search trends of the Genius superfan community will help identify and curate music’s fiercest emerging artists taking the stage, through the use of “Music IQ”.

TORRANCE, California, Sept. 16, 2019 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Acura is collaborating with Genius – music media platform and the world’s largest digital destination for song lyrics and music knowledge – to feature emerging artists in a new music series, “Acura x Genius: Precision Crafted Performances.” The series spotlights rising artists at exclusive, hand-curated live showcases targeting tastemakers, influencers and music aficionados in Los Angeles, New York, Atlanta and Miami. The kickoff event will take place in Los Angeles on Thursday, Sept. 26 at Mack Sennett Studios, featuring intimate performances by Destiny Rogers and Olivia O’Brien.

For the first time for a live show, the real-time search trends of the Genius superfan community will help identify and curate music’s fiercest emerging artists taking the stage, through the use of “Music IQ”.

For the first time for a live show, the real-time search trends of the Genius superfan community will help identify and curate music’s fiercest emerging artists taking the stage, through the use of “Music IQ”.  Genius’s “Music IQ” proprietary trend-spotting data is powered by special Genius stats and insights, encompassing everything from the world’s most accurate lyrics and metadata to trend-spotting analysis that identifies music’s hottest emerging artists ahead of the crowd. Each Acura x Genius show will feature two of these emerging artists at a critical moment of their career, between underground buzz and mass discovery, including Destiny Rogers and Olivia O’Brien who will be performing at the Los Angeles showcase later this month.

“Our hope is that this program shines a light on these amazing artists and the unique ways they’ve challenged the status quo to get to this pivotal point in their career,” said Jon Ikeda, vice president and Acura Brand Officer. “The Acura x Genius series builds on Acura’s passion for music seen across our marketing and festival partnerships by creating new opportunities for music fans to engage with our brand, which is all about exciting experiences and performance.”

“We’re honored to team up with Acura to celebrate the artists and performers shaping the next wave of music culture,” said Rob Markman, Genius’s Head of Artist Relations. “This collaboration is extra special because we’re tapping into Genius’s Music IQ data to curate each showcase with new voices who our community is really excited about.”

Destiny Rogers, who is performing at the first Acura x Genius showcase in Los Angeles added, “When I’m on stage sharing my music, I feel confident and I know this is where I’m meant to be. I’m really happy to be a part of this experience and I’m stoked to connect with the audience, especially for those who hear my music for the first time. There’s no better introduction to who I am than that.”

“I’m really excited to perform with Genius and Acura! I think it’s going to be a really fun event and great show,” said Olivia O’Brien, also performing at the Los Angeles showcase.

Acura x Genius Music Series
The Acura x Genius Precision Crafted Performances make up a multi-city music series hitting select U.S. music markets, including Los Angeles on September 26; shows in New York, Atlanta, and Miami will follow in the coming months. Live performances and behind-the-scenes content from the series will be shared across Genius’s social channels and on Genius.com. Each event will also feature curated food and beverage menus, unique photo opportunities, and Acura vehicles on display, including the NSX supercar with a DJ booth in its trunk, and the ILX sports sedan.

Destiny Rogers
Destiny Rogers is a singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist born and raised in Lodi, California. Growing up in a musical home, listening to all genres from classic rock to mariachi, Destiny started to gravitate towards pursuing a career in music. This rising singer infuses her tomboy-ish style, skater culture vibes, and soulful pipes into her music, proving that staying true to yourself pays off. The California native’s empowering lyrics feel more authentic than anything else on pop radio.

Olivia O’Brien
Olivia O’Brien is a native of Napa, California and is known for writing moody, emotionally honest songs like “hate u love u,” which has racked up more than 122.5 million Spotify plays. O’Brien overcame childhood bullying and the pains of being an outsider to become one of the hottest young pop stars in the game.

Acura Music History
Acura has a long history supporting music and the arts, from partnering with events and festivals that align with the brand’s values of performance and innovation, to the soundtracks featured throughout Acura advertising. This year, Acura celebrated 20 years as a sponsor of the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, where the Acura Stage again hosted many of the world’s most accomplished musicians. Acura also returned for the fifth year as the automotive partner of the Trombone Shorty Foundation, an organization dedicated to supporting traditional jazz music education, instruction, mentorship and performance in New Orleans, and was the Presenting Sponsor of the Foundation’s largest fundraising event, “Shorty Fest.” Sharing a collective passion for innovation and superior performance, Acura has been the official automotive partner of the historic Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles for the last eight years.

About Acura
Acura is a leading automotive luxury nameplate that delivers Precision Crafted Performance – a commitment to evocative styling, high performance and innovative engineering, all built on a foundation of quality and reliability. The Acura lineup features six distinctive models – the RLX premium luxury sedan, the TLX performance luxury sedan, the ILX sport sedan, the five-passenger RDX luxury crossover SUV, the seven-passenger Acura MDX, America’s all-time best-selling three-row luxury SUV, and the next-generation, electrified NSX supercar.

Five of the six Acura models sold in North America are made in central Ohio, using domestic and globally-sourced parts, including the ILX and TLX luxury sports sedans (Marysville Auto Plant), the RDX and MDX luxury SUVs (East Liberty Auto Plant) and the Acura NSX supercar, which is built to order at the Performance Manufacturing Center in Marysville, Ohio.

Additional media information including pricing, features & specifications and high-resolution photography is available at AcuraNews.com. Consumer information is available at Acura.com. Follow Acura on social media at Acura.us/SocialChannels.

About Genius
Genius is the world’s biggest encyclopedia of music. From its foundation in lyrics, Genius has grown to become a leading brand in music, producing popular video series like VERIFIED, Deconstructed, Genius News, and Open Mic and hosting career-spanning live conversations with the likes of Nicki Minaj, The-Dream, and Mariah Carey. 

Genius reaches over 100 million people monthly across the globe and has over 6 million YouTube subscribers. It continues to power the successful “Behind the Lyrics” integration on Spotify and drives a major lyrics integration on Apple Music. Top names in music—including Chance the Rapper, Camila Cabello, Cardi B, Frank Ocean, Billie Eilish, and Lin-Manuel Miranda—use Genius to share the stories behind their songs with the world.

"Acura x Genius: Precision Crafted Performances" music series kicks off in Los Angeles on Sept. 26 at Mack Sennett Studios with performances by Destiny Rogers and Olivia O’Brien

 

Acura Logo.

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/985701/Acura_x_Genius___Precision_Crafted_Performances.jpg 
Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/985702/Acura___Olivia_O_Brien_and_Destiny__Rogers_performances.jpg 
Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/458749/acura_logo.jpg

SOURCE Acura

Blue Shield of California Provides Medicare Beneficiaries More Benefits With New Medicare Supplement Plan G Extra

0
Blue Shield of California Logo

LOS ANGELES, Sept. 16, 2019 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Blue Shield of California today announced its new Medicare Supplement Plan G Extra, the latest addition to its Medicare Supplement plan portfolio that offers innovative services such as coverage for over-the-counter items, access to physicians via smartphones and a gym membership at no additional cost.

Blue Shield of California Logo

Blue Shield’s Medicare Supplement Plan G Extra is available to Medicare beneficiaries throughout California that’s designed to be affordable. This new plan has all the benefits offered by Medicare Supplement Plan G plus additional services such as: 

  • Over-the-Counter (OTC) items benefits: including up to $100 allowance per quarter at CVS for eligible OTC health and wellness products such as cold and allergy medicines, first-aid supplies and pain relievers
  • Physician consultation benefits: available by phone or video via computer or mobile application
  • Hearing aid benefits: including an annual hearing test and savings on Vista brand mid-level and premium-level hearing aids
  • Vision benefits: including coverage for the cost of eye exams, frames, eyeglass or contact lenses that are not traditionally covered by original Medicare
  • SilverSneakers® Fitness Program: includes a fitness benefit at no extra cost

“We are thrilled to introduce our new, innovative Medicare Supplement Plan G Extra, providing additional benefits for Medicare beneficiaries throughout California,” said Krista Bowers, General Manager, Senior Markets, Blue Shield of California. “The Medicare landscape continues to change and evolve, and we are excited to offer members of the Medicare community this new product.”

Medicare’s Annual Election Period is October 15, 2019 to December 7, 2019. For more information about Blue Shield’s Medicare offerings, please visit https://blueshieldcamedicare.com/.

About Blue Shield of California
Blue Shield of California strives to create a health care system worthy of our family and friends that is sustainably affordable. We are a not for profit, independent member of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association with 4 million members, 6,800 employees and more than $20 billion in annual revenue. Founded in 1939 and headquartered in San Francisco, Blue Shield of California and its affiliates provide health, dental, vision, Medicaid and Medicare health care service plans in California. The company has contributed more than $500 million to Blue Shield of California Foundation since 2002 to have an impact on California communities.

For more news about Blue Shield of California, please visit news.blueshieldca.com. 
Or follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, or Facebook.

CONTACTS:

Carol Thornton

Blue Shield of California

415-229-5359

media@blueshieldca.com

Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/810201/blue_jpg_Logo.jpg

SOURCE Blue Shield of California

Acura Team Penske Sweeps Qualifying at Laguna Seca

0
Acura_Motorsports_Ricky_Taylor_Race_Car

MONTEREY, Calif., Sept. 14, 2019 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Acura Team Penske swept the front row in qualifying today for Sunday’s Monterey SportsCar Championship race, with Ricky Taylor claiming the pole with a new lap record time of 1:15.035 in his Acura ARX-05 prototype, and teammate Juan Pablo Montoya claiming the outside of the front row with the second-fastest qualifying run.

Acura_Motorsports_Ricky_Taylor_Race_Car

In GTD, Trent Hindman continued his run of front-row starts this year for Meyer Shank Racing, and will start second in his Acura NSX GT3 Evo.

Acura Team Penske ARX-05
Taylor and co-driver Helio Castroneves paced the final practice sessions prior to qualifying, and Taylor went to the top of the time charts in the 15-minute DPi qualifying session, posting a new qualifying record of 1:15.035 in his Acura ARX-05 to take his first pole of the season, and the fourth of the year for Acura.

Teammate Montoya led the first half of the session, and ultimately slotted in second in the ARX-05 he will share with Dane Cameron, just over three-tenths of a second off Taylor’s pole-winning time.  The pole is the fourth of the season for Team Penske – one for each of the team’s full-season drivers – and the third 1-2 sweep for Acura, with the others coming at Detroit and at Road America.

Meyer Shank Racing Acura NSX GT3 Evo
GTD championship leader Trent Hindman led qualifying until the final minutes of the session with a time of 1:25.063, when a last-lap effort from Paul Miller Racing’s Corey Lewis dropped him to second by the narrow margin of 0.101 of a second.  Hindman will be starting his Meyer Shank Racing Acura from the front row of the GTD field for the fourth time this season – including three GTD poles – before handing off driving duties to co-driver Mario Farnbacher.

Returning to the #57 MSR/Heinricher Racing Caterpillar NSX GT3 she will share with four-time Acura GTD race-winner Katherine Legge, Christina Nielsen qualified seventh, just 0.349 tenths of a second off the pole in the very competitive GTD category.

Where to watch
Live network television coverage from WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca begins at 3 p.m. Sunday on NBC.  Complete, live race coverage will also be available on NBCSports.com and the NBC Sports App with NBCSN authentication.

Quotes
Ricky Taylor (#7 Acura Team Penske ARX-05) pole qualifier: “I was the only one on the team without a pole [this year] and I just felt like I had to pull my weight today!  The whole team gave us a fantastic Acura today, locking out the front row shows what a great team it is.  It’s going to be a tough race tomorrow.  We need to make sure we can keep the tires under us, and be there at the end.”   

Trent Hindman (#86 Meyer Shank Racing Acura NSX GT3 Evo) qualified second in GTD: “Once again, the turn around for this Meyer Shank Racing team from practice yesterday to qualifying today was pretty ‘mega.’  I think we went a little bit too far in one direction [with the chassis setup] in qualifying here, but it was good to learn that for tomorrow.  Of course, I wanted the pole, but at the end of the day we’re thinking ‘championship’ and we’re certainly in a great starting position.”

acura_logo

https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/995808/Acura_Motorsports_Ricky_Taylor_Race_Car.jpg 

SOURCE Acura Motorsports

Singer/Songwriter Erika Ender receives Philanthropy Award from the Ismael Cala Foundation

0

MIAMI, Sept. 16, 2019 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — This Saturday, Erika Ender, Panamanian composer, president of the Fundación Puertas Abiertas (‘Open Doors Foundation’) and creator of the Talenpro project, received the Philanthropy Award of the Ismael Cala Foundation for being “an example of social responsibility.”

“She has created an exponential platform for young talents, interweaving entertainment and culture with efforts to promote the social welfare of others. Coming from Panama and acting on behalf of the world, she has prioritized the professional and emotional education of new generations, with the aim of training balanced human beings,” Ismael Cala emphasized as he handed over the prize to the renowned, multiple award-winning artist, who has broken records of all kinds. Her songs have been recorded by more than 200 international artists, including the smash hit Despacito (‘Easy does it’).

Cala said that Ender “today is an example of an artist with a sense of social responsibility, involved in managing solutions for Panamanians and providing an example for the Americas overall.”

The award was presented at Gala Fifty, in Miami, which celebrated the Ismael Cala Foundation’s first 50 months of work.

During the event, funds were raised to strengthen Foundation programs and contribute to the education and social transformation of children, adolescents and young adults, with Daniel Sarcos and Alessandra Villegas serving as Emcees.  

“This foundation is part of my DNA. It didn’t just come into being by chance or inertia, but because I wanted to build something like this. Obviously, this is a team effort. I’ve just been the manager. It’s all the people who work here who make all the difference,” said Cala in his remarks.  

In its 50 months of activity, 6,359 young people from 13 countries in Latin America and the United States have benefited from its programs, which seek to develop their potential and enhance their wellbeing and social development.  

Dilcia Ruan, ambassador of the Foundation and organizer of the Gala, indicated that “with the funds raised at the gala, some 500 young people from Latin America will benefit from emotional intelligence programs.”  

At the Gala Fifty an auction was also held to benefit the “Fly a Kite program,” initially launched in Guatemala, and scheduled to reach nine other countries. Its aim is to offer tools for emotional intelligence and leadership to adolescents.  

Salsa legend Oscar D’León brought the gala to a close with a driving salsa beat.  

Celebrities such as designer Nicolás Felizola, journalists Mariana Atencio (NBC) and María Alejandra Requena (CNN en Español) walked the blue carpet, among guests from the United States, Mexico, Argentina, Spain, Ecuador, Belgium, Germany, Chile, Paraguay, the Dominican Republic, Guatemala and other countries.

 The event’s official auction featured contributions from the designers Carolina Herrera, Nicolás Felizola and Giannina Azar, among others.

The Ismael Cala Foundation (IFC) aspires to develop the emotional and educational leadership of at-risk children, adolescents and young adults in our region and among the Hispanic population of the United States. To accomplish its mission, the ICF has created a variety of programs, among them the Scholarship Award program. In alliance with educational institutions, companies and other social development organizations, it promotes the education and training of young people by awarding scholarships for classes and/or programs of study for personal and professional improvement, in this way increasing their wellbeing and social development.  

SOURCE Cala Enterprises

New Events Make San Antonio’s Day of the Dead Celebration Largest in the U.S.

0
A colorful Dia de Muertos parade at the historic Pearl brewery district. Dozens of events from Oct. 26 to Nov. 3 make San Antonio the largest Day of the Dead celebrations in the U.S.

SAN ANTONIO, Sept. 16, 2019 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — San Antonio is renowned for its lively atmosphere and colorful cultural events. This year, the city’s Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead) festivities are hitting an all-time high as new offerings join dozens of annual events, creating the largest celebration of the holiday in the U.S.

A colorful Dia de Muertos parade at the historic Pearl brewery district. Dozens of events from Oct. 26 to Nov. 3 make San Antonio the largest Day of the Dead celebrations in the U.S.

Dating back to pre-Columbian times, Day of the Dead is a traditional Mexican holiday when people celebrate their deceased loved ones. Participants create festive altars adorned with photographs, food and other gifts associated with the holiday such as marigolds, incense and candles to honor those who have passed. It’s said that on Nov. 1 and 2, the distance between the living and the dead is at its closest point creating a special moment to share memories and send wishes to dearly departed family and friends.

Taking place Oct. 26 through Nov. 3, San Antonio’s festivities include events big and small, some going back more than 40 years, with traditional altars, live music, Mexican cuisine and parades, many of which are family friendly and free and open to the public. Restaurants, cafes and cultural institutions across the city will showcase altars, customary décor and fresh-baked pan de muerto, a sweet bread that’s a traditional offering.

Día de Los Muertos (Oct. 26-27): For its seventh year, this celebration, also known as Muertos Fest, has expanded to a new location at Hemisfair in the heart of downtown. The free, family-friendly event features the largest open altar exhibition in the city along with live music on two stages, original Day of the Dead art, a drum and puppet procession, poetry readings and more. The fest was named one of the 10 Great Day of the Dead Celebrations by USA Today and the second best Día de Muertos Celebration in the country by Tripping.com.

Day of the Dead San Antonio (Nov. 1-3): The historic La Villita neighborhood serves as home to the new celebration. The three-day program includes artistic displays, activities for children, musical performances, gastronomical treats, a beer garden, Spirits Bar, dancing and opportunities to learn about the historic and cultural importance of the celebration. Additional Day of the Dead San Antonio events include:

  • Catrineras on the River (Nov. 1) – The kick-off to Day of the Dead San Antonio will dress the city’s famous river barges in the colorful hallmarks of the holiday for a floating parade down the River Walk. The parade ends with a performance of “La Danza de Las Mojigangas” at the Arneson River Theatre.
  • Celebrating Life 5 Run-Walk (Nov. 2) – Participants receive a race kit including a skeleton t-shirt, water bottle and finisher medal. Runners also will have the opportunity to get their faces painted by a team of makeup artists pre-race.

Cultural Exhibitions:

  • The Witte Museum’s Mythic Creatures: Dragons, Unicorns and Mermaids (Sept. 28 – Jan. 12) – Part of this exhibition, which explores the science and history of the world’s most popular imaginary creatures, will include a section on Alebrijes, brightly colored Mexican folk art sculptures of mythical creatures, from Oct. 22 – Nov. 16.
  • Mexicraneos Street (Oct. 15 – Nov. 15) – A series of sculptural skulls encompass a street art exhibition along Houston Street and around the new Frost Bank building in downtown San Antonio.

Pearl (Nov. 1-2):  Pearl Park will be transformed for its elaborate Día de Muertos celebration with altars throughout the property, live music, a procession and children’s crafts. Hotel Emma and other Pearl businesses will join in the festivities with ornate altars and original programming.

Muertitos Fest (Nov. 1-2): SAY Sí, a creative youth development organization, curates one of the city’s comprehensive Día de Muertos celebrations. This year’s theme is Mestizo and will reflect the convergence of cultures and indigenous roots of the region.

Huarache Turbo Night Run (Oct. 26): This 5K fun run takes place around Día de Muertos each year, with a prize going to the best costume. The fiesta kicks off once the last runner finishes. 

Come and experience one of San Antonio’s most vibrant traditions. To learn more, explore visitsanantonio.com/dia-de-los-muertos.

Additional events, information and media images available at media.visitsanantonio.com 

A large community altar at the Dia de Los Muertos festival in San Antonio. This fest, along with dozens more, help make San Antonio home to the largest Day of the Dead celebration in the U.S.

 

Visit San Antonio logo

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/985588/Visit_San_Antonio_Pearl.jpg
Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/985589/Visit_San_Antonio_Louie.jpg
Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/790376/VISIT_SAN_ANTONIO_Logo.jpg

SOURCE Visit San Antonio

Oaxaca Wins Guinness Record with “Mezcal Wall”

0
Mezcaleros and dignitaries were jubilant at the ceremony announcing Oaxaca’s win of the Guinness Record with the “Mezcal Wall” at Vive Mezcal, International Forum. In first row, center from left to right, starting with the Guinness representative: Natalia Ramirez, Guinness World Records, adjudicator; Juan Carlos Guzman Cobian, Oaxaca Secretary of the Economy; Alejandro Murat Hinojosa, Governor of Oaxaca; Dante Montano, Mayor Santa Lucia del Camino; and Juan Carlos Rivera Castellanos, Oaxaca Secretary of Tourism.

OAXACA, Mexico, Sept. 16, 2019 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Oaxaca has set a new world record, bringing together the largest number of different mezcal labels in a single space. Three hundred-sixty-nine bottles on display with liquid inside and seal of authenticity are the requirements requested by the global world records authority. 

Mezcaleros and dignitaries were jubilant at the ceremony announcing Oaxaca’s win of the Guinness Record with the “Mezcal Wall” at Vive Mezcal, International Forum. In first row, center from left to right, starting with the Guinness representative: Natalia Ramirez, Guinness World Records, adjudicator; Juan Carlos Guzman Cobian, Oaxaca Secretary of the Economy; Alejandro Murat Hinojosa, Governor of Oaxaca; Dante Montano, Mayor Santa Lucia del Camino; and Juan Carlos Rivera Castellanos, Oaxaca Secretary of Tourism.

Among the verified bottles, there is the commemoration of the Vive Mezcal International Forum, which was the framework in which the Guinness Mezcal Wall Record was established. 

The contest started at 2 pm in the afternoon. The global world record authority reviewed evidence and verified that there were at least 300 bottles of mezcal. They were counted one by one in the presence of two experts. 

Four bottles that did not meet the requirements for participation were disqualified, however, the total was 369 bottles, thus imposing a new world record. 

This award was held within the framework of the Vive Mezcal International Forum, the most important business meeting of the agave maguey production chain in Oaxaca, organized by the Ministry of the Economy of the Government of Oaxaca.  

Vive Mezcal lasted three days, during which more than 10,000 visitors attended, 1,100 business meetings took place and 70 million pesos in commercial agreements were made, said the Governor of that entity, Alejandro Murat Hinojosa. 

Within the Forum framework, the Vive Mezcal Cup award was also held, with the participation of 88 mezcal brands that were blind tasted by the jury. Nine brands with the highest scores received a gold medal.

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/995989/Vive_Mezcal_2019_Guinness_World_Record.jpg

 

SOURCE Vive Mezcal 2019

Nuestra Vision Launches Free Mobile App for US Mexicans and Overall Hispanic Market

0

MIAMI, Sept. 16, 2019 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Nuestra Vision, a Spanish language TV network who offers 100% Mexican premium programming to Mexican, Mexican-American and Hispanic audiences living in the US, continues to expand its reach through the release of its free digital mobile app for iOS and Android devices. The app offers 24/7 nationwide access to the channel’s array of premium content. Nuestra Visión provides one of the largest and most important Mexican movie libraries, composed of over 2,300 movie hits, spanning from the Golden Mexican Movie Era to recent productions. Additionally, Nuestra Vision features sports programming, including live games such as men and women soccer tournaments, football games, boxing, lucha libre, baseball, and MMA, together with sports news and content, and world-class news produced live, as well as shows and interviews with top-tier Mexican and International talent and celebrities. 

Experience the interactive Multichannel News Release here: https://www.multivu.com/players/English/8606151-nuestra-vision-free-mobile-app-us-mexican-hispanic-market/

“Through the exciting release of the Nuestra Vision Mobile App, our premium TV broadcast model is now complemented with our digital platform. This addition will allow us to reach viewers that prefer to consume their content through their mobile devices, as well as people who have been requesting to watch the channel in every DMA,” said Victor Herrera da Silva, CEO of Nuestra Vision. “Additionally, we have built a growth model that will give our affiliates, who want to participate, the opportunity to take full advantage of this technological transition and grow together with us by expanding their stations reach to also serve those same users.”

TV station representatives can become a Nuestra Vision affiliate and gain access to thousands of titles and unique programming for Mexicans, Mexican-Americans and Hispanics living in their DMA. 

Nuestra Vision is bound to celebrate its second year On Air this November. 

About Nuestra Vision: Nuestra Vision debuted on November 2017. It is a part of América Móvil (NYSE: AMX), a Forbes Global 2000 Mexican Telecommunications Corporation. Nuestra Vision, which translates to “Our Vision,” offers original programming featuring Movies, News provided by UNO TV and Sports News provided by Claro Sports, as well as Live Sporting events which is broadcasted directly from Mexico. 

To download the Nuestra Vision app, visit NuestraVision.tv/app 

SOURCE Nuestra Vision

Alcohol Justice: California Assembly STOPS Extended Bar Hours Experiment

0
California Alcohol Policy Alliance (CAPA) AlcoholPolicyAlliance.org

SAN RAFAEL, Calif., Sept. 14, 2019 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ Alcohol Justice and the California Alcohol Policy Alliance (CAPA) expressed deep gratitude today as the California State Assembly voted to stop SB 58. 35 members voted NO, and 29 voted Yes. 15 members did not vote, another way of making sure Senator Scott Wiener would be handed his 3rd failure in three years of attempting to establish a so-called “pilot project” to give some California cities the ability to extend last call at bars, restaurants, and clubs.

“At 3 a.m. this morning the bar bill died so that Californians won’t,” stated Bruce Lee Livingston, Executive Director / CEO of Alcohol Justice. “This dangerous idea of extending bar hours should not be resurrected by Scott Wiener for the fourth time next year— the Assembly will not allow it any longer.” 

Just before the final Assembly floor vote, former CHP officer and current Assemblymember Tom Lackey addressed his colleagues, “…As members push that green button this morning on #SB58 – 3 am bar bill, I want to be a witness to you that a yes vote will send some people to their grave. How you reconcile that, I will never know.”

The Los Angeles City Council, as well as the Los Angeles County Democratic Party, recently passed resolutions opposing the dangerous so-called “pilot project.” They, and an impressive majority of State Assembly echoed last year’s veto statement by Governor Brown of Wiener’s nearly identical SB 905. Governor Brown said, “I believe we have enough mischief from midnight to 2 without adding two more hours of mayhem.”

“This is a huge victory,” said Los Angeles City Councilmember Paul Koretz. “The California Assembly chose the safety of its residents over profits for alcohol-related businesses. I am proud of their actions and of the coalition that fought to oppose this dangerous bill.”

“The State Assembly spoke early this morning and the people of California won by defeating SB 58,” said Richard Zaldivar, Executive Director and Founder The Wall-Las Memorias Project, Co-Chair California Alcohol Policy Alliance (CAPA). “We stopped the attempt by the nightlife lobby to harm our communities. Thank you to the members of the legislature that voted for people over special interests.”

In late August, a surprise Assembly Appropriations Committee amendment reduced SB 58’s last call change from 4 a.m. to 3 a.m. However, critics of the policy change were quick to point out that even one more hour of alcohol sales in ten different cities disrupts the protections of a uniform, statewide 2 a.m. last call.  Surrounding communities would have experienced increased harms and costs while alcohol sellers in the epicenter of nightlife entertainment districts would have seen marginal economic benefits.

In 2018, the evidence for increased harms was presented to the legislature in an Alcohol Justice/CAPA report entitled The Late Night Threat, Science, Harms, and Costs of Extending Bar Service Hours. It highlighted the existing data supporting how the acute effects of extending alcohol sales would spread to “Splash Zones” surrounding the pilot project cities.

This year a new analysis was done by the respected Oakland-based ARG organization, a project of the Public Health Institute. The “High Cost of the 4 A.M. Bar Bill”   was a first of its kind cost-benefit analysis detailing the effects of changing state alcohol policy to allow later last call at bars, restaurants, and clubs. The analysis disturbingly documented the worst concerns of Alcohol Justice and CAPA that public health and safety would be severely compromised if SB 58 became law.

“The Assembly saw right through Senator Wiener’s haze of faulty justification and for the 3rd time, California said NO to this author’s dangerous policy change,” stated Michael Scippa, Public Affairs Director at Alcohol Justice. “To paraphrase a song from the Wizard of Oz, ‘…it’s not only merely dead, it’s really most sincerely dead’. And we are committed to making sure this Zombie last call bill is gone for good.”

FACTS

  • SB 58 would have allowed closing times for on-sale retailers to be extended from 2 a.m. to 3 a.m. as part of a poorly conceived and inadequately funded “pilot program” conducted by the ABC
  • SB 58 would have allowed ten cities to extend last call: San Francisco, Oakland, Sacramento, Los Angeles, West Hollywood, Long Beach, Cathedral City, Coachella, Palm Springs and Fresno.
  • SB 58 would have stripped away statewide uniform protections of 2 a.m. last call
  • SB 58 would have cost the state at least $3-4 million per year to administer and mitigate the harm
  • SB 58 would have cost cities and towns in “Splash Zones” millions more
  • SB 58 disregards 40 years of peer-reviewed, public health research on the dangers of extending last call
  • SB 58 ignores $35 billion in annual alcohol-related harm in California
  • SB 58 would have subsidized and rewarded nightlife alcohol-sellers at tax-payer expense
  • According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), California already suffers more annual alcohol-related harm than any other state: over 10,500 alcohol-related deaths, $35 billion in total costs, $14.5 billion in state costs.

CAPA Member Organizations

  • Alcohol Justice
  • Alcohol-Narcotics Education Foundation of California
  • ADAPP, Inc.
  • ADAPT San Ramon Valley
  • Bay Area Community Resources
  • Behavioral Health Services, Inc.
  • CA Council on Alcohol Problems
  • CASA for Safe & Healthy Neighborhoods
  • Center for Human Development
  • Center for Open Recovery
  • DogPAC of San Francisco
  • Dolores Huerta Foundation
  • Eden Youth & Family Center
  • Institute for Public Strategies
  • FASD Network of Southern CA
  • FreeMUNI – SF
  • Friday Night Live Partnership
  • Koreatown Youth & Community Center
  • Laytonville Healthy Start
  • L.A. County Friday Night Live
  • L.A. Drug & Alcohol Policy Alliance
  • L.A. County Office of Education
  • Lutheran Office of Public Policy – CA
  • MFI Recovery Center
  • Mountain Communities Family Resource Center
  • National Asian Pacific American Families Against Substance Abuse
  • National Council on Alcoholism & Drug Dependence – Orange County
  • Partnership for a Positive Pomona
  • Paso por Paso, Inc.
  • Project SAFER
  • Pueblo y Salud
  • Reach Out
  • San Marcos Prevention Coalition
  • San Rafael Alcohol & Drug Coalition
  • SAY San Diego
  • Saving Lives Drug & Alcohol Coalition
  • South Orange County Coalition
  • Tarzana Treatment Centers, Inc.
  • The Wall Las Memorias Project
  • UCEPP Social Model Recovery Systems
  • Women Against Gun Violence
  • Youth For Justice

For More Information go to: https://alcoholpolicyalliance.org/ or https://alcoholjustice.org/

To thank the Assemblymembers who opposed SB 58, Take Action here: Text JUSTICE to 313131

CONTACT:

Michael Scippa 415 548-0492

Jorge Castillo 213 840-3336

 

SOURCE Alcohol Justice

Allen Tate Realtors Makes First Acquisition After Howard Hanna Partnership

0

PITTSBURGH, Sept. 16, 2019 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Hanna Holdings announced today that Howard Hanna Real Estate Services’ sister company, Allen Tate Realtors®, has acquired Blowing Rock Investment Properties, an independent residential real estate company serving Blowing Rock, Boone, and surrounding areas in North Carolina’s High Country region. This acquisition marks Charlotte-based Allen Tate’s entry into the High Country region.  Tate, the largest real estate company in the Carolinas, operates 46 offices spanning the Charlotte and Research Triangle regions in North Carolina and the Upstate of South Carolina. 

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/985689/Howard_Hanna_Allen_Tate_Realtors_Acquisition.jpg  

Established in 2005, Blowing Rock Investment Properties is a market leader for vacation homes, retirement properties, primary residences, commercial properties and investment properties. Led by Scott MacIntosh, president and broker in charge, the company has more than twenty experienced agents serving clients in Blowing Rock, Boone, West Jefferson, Banner Elk, Linville, Beach Mountain, Sugar Mountain, and Lenoir, North Carolina.

“The High Country marketplace has always been a natural fit for Allen Tate.  For many years, we’ve been watching this special company grow in the right way, and we’re very excited to welcome Blowing Rock Investment Properties to Allen Tate Realtors. We will bring the tools and resources to distinguish their agents and expose their clients’ unique listings to the local, regional, national, and investment marketplaces,” said Pat Riley, president and CEO of the Allen Tate Companies.

“We owe our success to our incredible agents, who take great care of our clients and brought us to this point,” MacIntosh said. “I’m also extremely grateful for the professional relationships I’ve had with Pat Riley and Allen Tate over the years. They introduced me to the Leading Real Estate Companies of the World® network and laid a path for me to follow to achieve my goals and objectives.”

In September 2018, Allen Tate Realtors joined forces with Howard Hanna, the third largest real estate company in the United States and the largest home seller in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and New York.  This partnership created the #1 privately owned real estate company in the nation with more than 11,000 agents and employees in more than 300 offices in 9 states.  It also gave Allen Tate Realtors substantial traction and scale in the competitive real estate industry and the opportunity to grow through acquisitions.

“We are thrilled to welcome Scott MacIntosh and the agents with Blowing Rock Investment Properties to Allen Tate and the Howard Hanna family of companies,” said Howard W. “Hoby” Hanna, IV, president of Howard Hanna Real Estate.  “Part of our strategy in the joint venture with Allen Tate is to grow the company through mergers, acquisitions, and franchises in the Carolinas and Southeast as we have throughout the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions.  Our secure financial strength and proactive approach to continued growth, will keep us solidly positioned for combined success.”

Howard Hanna Real Estate Services, Allen Tate Realtors, and Blowing Rock Investment Properties are all members of Leading Real Estate Companies of the World®, the most powerful connection in the world of real estate.

Visit www.howardhanna.com, www.facebook.com/howardhanna or allentate.com for more information.

About Howard Hanna 
Howard Hanna Real Estate Services is the third largest real estate company in the United States, the #1 privately owned broker in the nation, and the largest home seller in Pennsylvania, Ohio, New York, and the Carolinas. The family-owned and -operated real estate company specializes in residential and commercial brokerage service, mortgage, closing and title insurance, land development, appraisal, property and casualty insurance, corporate relocation, and property management. In 2018, Howard Hanna completed a partnership with the Allen Tate Companies, the 14th largest real estate company in the nation.  The combined company has more than 300 offices across PA, OH, NY, VA, MI, WV, MD, NC and SC, with more than 11,000 sales associates and employees who are guided by a spirit of integrity in all aspects of the real estate process.

Contact:
Deborah Donahue
Director of Public Relations
412-784-3816
ddonahue@howardhanna.com

 

SOURCE Howard Hanna Real Estate Services

Tecate Celebrates Mexican-Americans Through Music This Mexican Independence Day

0
Tecate logo

LOS ANGELES, Sept. 13, 2019 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Born 75 years ago on the western borderland of Tecate, Baja, Mexico, Tecate embodies the unapologetic energy of Mexican-Americans in the USA. This Mexican Independence Day, Tecate has teamed up with Mexican-American musicians to help them share their own journeys through music.

Tecate logo

Mexican-American artists, The Delirians, É Arenas, Katzù Oso, and Mariachi Lindas Mexicanas, will create an original compilation dubbed “Los Angeles Lindo Y Querido,” that is a reflection of their bicultural identity inspired by one of the most popular anthems of love and loyalty to Mexico, “Mexico Lindo Y Querido.” The three individual tracks will also be merged into a mashup track that highlights the individual experiences of each artist growing up in Southern California while paying tribute to their Mexican roots. Produced by Mexican music producer Ulises Lozano, the compilation honors the Mexican-American community’s cultural influence on Los Angeles.

As part of the project, Tecate is working with Mexican-American Directors Cliqua (Pasqual Gutiérrez and RJ Sánchez) to create a music video of the mashup. The compilation and the music video will make a limited debut on Thursday, September 12th at a private Tecate event hosted in Los Angeles celebrating Chicano culture – featuring performances by the artists involved in the project, as well as special guests including  Kid Frost, Pacoima Techno, Ugly Primo, Chulita Vinyl Club, Chicano Playboy & Que Madre, hosted by DJ Lechero, Jose Hernandez (Eseveco), and Debbie Gonzales.

The compilation will be available on September 13, 2019 via all streaming music platforms including Spotify, Apple Music and Tidal, with the music video hitting YouTube that same day. As part of the Spotify release, Tecate will also enlist local chapter of DJ collective and Instagram influencer Chulita Vinyl Club to curate a playlist representing LA Mexican American artists to encourage more consumers to get into the spirit of Mexican Independence Day.

“We celebrate Mexican-Americans as both 100% Americans and 100% Mexicans. We believe there is no such thing as being half Mexican, just as there is no such thing as being half you,” said Oscar Martinez, Tecate Senior Brand Director. “Tecate is honoring and celebrating the Mexican-Americans who are breaking conventions, living life on their own terms, and redefining the US Latino journey. Our goal in this initiative is to give these Mexican-American artists a microphone to share their personal journeys through music, while putting a modern spin on a Mexican classic.”

To further amplify the celebration of Mexican-American heritage, as the official beer of boxing, Tecate will sponsor the Jaime Munguia vs. Patrick Allotey boxing match on Saturday, September 14 hosted in Carson, CA. As always, the fight will bring fans closer to the action, and simultaneously kick-off Mexican Independence Day and Hispanic Heritage Month, taking place from Sunday, September 15 through Tuesday, October 15.

Martinez added, “Mexican Independence Day weekend is one of the biggest boxing dates of the year, and a great opportunity to help the Southern California community celebrate one of Mexico’s biggest boxing stars while enjoying Mexico’s favorite beer.”

For additional details on Tecate’s celebration of Mexican Independence Day, visit TecateBeerUSA.com.

ABOUT HEINEKEN USA
HEINEKEN USA Inc., the nation’s leading high-end beer importer, is a subsidiary of HEINEKEN International NV, the world’s most international brewer. Key brands imported into the U.S. are Heineken® – the world’s most international beer brand, Heineken® 0.0 – the newest innovation, Dos Equis and Tecate. HEINEKEN USA also imports Amstel Light, Red Stripe, Tiger Beer, Newcastle Brown Ale, Strongbow Hard Apple Ciders, Birra Moretti, Bohemia and more. For news and updates, follow us on Twitter @HeinekenUSACorp, or visit HEINEKENUSA.com.

Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/335003/Tecate_Logo.jpg

 

SOURCE HEINEKEN USA Inc.

Marc Anthony and Henry Cardenas, co-Founders of The Maestro Cares Foundation, announce along with its partners and supporters the opening of 4 projects serving 1000+ orphaned and disadvantaged children in El Salvador, Guatemala and Colombia

0
Marc Anthony and Henry Cardenas, co-Founders of The Maestro Cares Foundation, announce along with its partners and supporters the opening of 4 projects serving 1000+ orphaned and disadvantaged children in El Salvador, Guatemala and Colombia

CHICAGO, Sept. 13, 2019 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The Maestro Cares Foundation, co-founded by music icon Marc Anthony and prominent businessman Henry Cardenas, continues to fulfill its mission of improving the quality of life of orphaned and disadvantaged children in Latin America and the United States by providing safe and loving environments for them to live, learn and play. 

Marc Anthony and Henry Cardenas, co-Founders of The Maestro Cares Foundation, announce along with its partners and supporters the opening of 4 projects serving 1000+ orphaned and disadvantaged children in El Salvador, Guatemala and Colombia

This past week Maestro Cares Foundation, along with its partners and supporters, have welcomed children in four new projects in three different countries! 

Casa de Gozo in Santo Tomas, El Salvador is a home inaugurated Wednesday, September 4th for Fundación La Casa De Mi Padre which will be part of a bigger complex of homes for children. In this particular home for girls, they will receive basic needs, such as private schooling and enrichment programs. This project was possible thanks to the support of their partners Mr. Macario Armando Rosales Rosa and SISTEMA FEDECREDITO. 

Escuelas Palo Verde in Jalapa, Guatemala officially opened its doors to the children and 4,500 families in the community on Thursday, September 5th. This projects consist of a pre-k, primary school and middle school, serving 700+ students with a clean and healthy facility to increase attendance rates. Computers, books and furniture was also donated to the schools and this would not have been possible if not for their amazing partner, Mr. Mario Lopez Estrada and Fundación Tigo. 

Fundación Jeison Aristizabal-Asodisvalle in Cali, Colombia opened its doors to a new facility this past Friday, September 6th with an addition to its third floor, kitchen and rehab center to increase the quality of care for the institute’s children who have cognitive and physical disabilities. With this new infrastructure, Fundaicón Jeison Aristizabal-Asodisvalle will be able to serve over a thousand children everyday. This project would not have been possible if not for the support of Latin icon Juan Luis – better known as Maluma, Luis and Manuela Londoño with their foundation, El Arte De Los Sueños and Fundación Tecnoglass ESWindows. 

That same Friday, September 6th, Casita de Belen also in Cali, Colombia opened a new wing and recreation space to better serve the infants and children who live in partial abandonment, or physical or psychosocial danger. This new addition will also allow them to receive 80+ more babies and offer them a safe and loving space to live, learn and play. This project was possible thanks to the invaluable support of Mr. Eduardo Trujillo and Grupo Trusot and Fundación Tecnoglass ESWindows. 

About Fundación La Casa de Mi Padre 
The mission of Casa De Mi Padre is to model a healthy home environment and provide counseling, education, life plans and family support from a Christ centric approach, as well as giving hope of a better future for children and families in crisis in El Salvador. Children who are living in La Casa De Mi Padre have been referred by the Childhood and Adolescence Protection System and the Courts. They come from critical situations of abuse, neglect, abandonment and extreme poverty. The basis of the programs consists of: Family Life, Academic Development, Christ-centered Counseling, and Family Relations.

For more information visit: www.mfh-elsalvador.org 

About Fundación Tigo 
With over 25 years of leadership, Fundación Tigo, the social arm of Tigo Guatemala, operates in three areas of work: Education, Special Projects and Transparency. It is an organization committed to improving the quality of life index of Guatemalan communities; creating, developing and executing programs and digital solutions that cause a real impact in the country.

For more information on Fundación Tigo enter: www.fundaciontigo.org 

About Fundación Jeison Aristizabal-Asodisvalle
Founded 19 years ago by Jeison Aristizabal to serve and provide opportunities for children and youth with disabilities in the Aguabalanca district in Cali. For their work, Jeison and the foundation have received different national and international awards, as well as support from different organizations worldwide. Today the Foundation serves more than 720 children with disabilities, providing services in special education, rehabilitation, food, transportation among other services, free of charge. The foundation is certified in ISO 9001 2015 Quality Processes, which support the work and service offered by the foundation to the community.

For more information on the foundation enter: www.fundacionjeisonaristizabal.org 

About Casita de Belen 
Casita de Belén is an institution that protects and supports children and families in the construction of life projects that allow them to integrate into society as dignified and responsible human beings. 

The care provided is comprehensive, raising the best interest of the child, the strengthening of Human Rights, and defining the family as the fundamental group of society, where its members are active protagonists of their own lives.

In order to achieve these purposes, health, nutrition, psychosocial, pedagogical, recreational, cultural and sports activities are developed.

For more information on Casita de Belen enter: www.casitadebelen.co

About Fundación El Arte de los Sueños 
Founded by Juan Luis Londoño Arias – Maluma and his family, trains young people in situations of vulnerability in art and based on urban genders. Through the areas of singing, dance, percussion, creative art and psychosocial attention, they seek to generate different life alternatives as well as tools to face the world and its challenges.

Currently, 170 young people are trained in the department of Antioquia, distributed in the municipalities of La Estrella, Bello, El Retiro, Santa Bárbara, Sopetrán and San Pedro de los Milagros. In addition to this, it supports the professional training of 7 young people who are part of the University Dreamers project, a program through which economic support (tuition, materials, food and transportation) is provided throughout the race to dreamers (the way they are called to the young people who are part of the Foundation) who have decided to take art as a career option, emphasizing in this way that art is the best tool to transform the world.

For more information about the foundation enter: www.elartedelossuenos.com

About Fundación Tecnoglass  ESWindows
Fundación Tecnoglass ESWindows is a non-profit organization that was born in 2005 as an instrument of transformation and social progress. The Foundation works every day with the hope of changing lives and building dreams, supporting and managing social welfare projects and programs that aim to contribute to the development of communities.

Its vision is to be a reference for its commitment to the country through the promotion and improvement of the quality of life of its stakeholders.

In line with its objective, the foundation manages and supports educational, social intervention and infrastructure projects that positively transform the life of communities and contribute to the common good.

About Maestro Cares Foundation 
Maestro Cares Foundation was founded in January 2012 by international pop icon Marc Anthony and businessman Henry Cárdenas to improve the quality of life of orphaned and disadvantaged children throughout Latin America and the United States. Maestro Cares Foundation works to achieve this mission by providing housing, educational programs and essential resources to support child growth and support. Our programs create the leaders of tomorrow by stimulating the confidence, enthusiasm and discipline necessary for these children to become workers, adults with social conscience and to have a positive impact on the world through their own contributions.

For more information on the Maestro Cares Foundation: www.maestrocares.org 

Marc Anthony and Henry Cardenas, co-Founders of The Maestro Cares Foundation, announce along with its partners and supporters the opening of 4 projects serving 1000+ orphaned and disadvantaged children in El Salvador, Guatemala and Colombia

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/975276/MaestroCares_Colombia_TamaraGibsonPhotography_09062019_0397.jpg
Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/975284/MaestroCares_Guatemala_TamaraGibsonPhotography_09052019_0175.jpg

SOURCE The Maestro Cares Foundation

How 11 Million Minority-Owned Firms Can Close the Wealth Gap and Drive the U.S. Economy

0

WASHINGTON, Sept. 12, 2019 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Today, the U.S. Department of Commerce, Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA), in collaboration with the Milken Institute, convened prominent scholars, economists and business leaders to combine research efforts in support of the growth and expansion of minority business enterprises (MBEs).  Fifty years after the inception of the MBDA, it is estimated there are more than 11 million minority-owned firms. 

“Minority businesses operate in an ever-changing domestic and global economic environment,” said U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross.  “With a complex array of variables perpetually at play, it is crucial for MBEs to remain flexible to the realities of the business world, and for government to create new pathways to success.”  

Attendees at the MBE Policy Symposium dialogued with experts such as Matthew J. Slaughter, Dean of the Dartmouth College Tuck School of Business, and a former member of the Council of Economic Advisors; and William Bradford, Dean of the University of Washington Foster School of Business, and Partner in the Ascend 2020 Initiative.   Other contributors to the conversation included Gregory B. Fairchild, Academic Director of Public Policy and Entrepreneurship, Darden School of Business, University of Virginia; Melissa Koide, Founder and CEO, FinRegLab; Shelley Stewart III, Partner, McKinsey & Company; and Carol Caldwell, Chief for Economic Statistical Methods Division, U.S. Census Bureau. The discussion emphasized that policies intended to drive positive change for MBEs must be considered in the context of the future of the U.S. economy. 

Yet, despite decades of research about MBEs, there are data limitations hindering the ability to develop effective policy in this area.  Existing data, largely survey-based and incomplete, points to disparities, but it has yet to isolate and clearly identify the causes and consequences of these disparities. MBDA, the only federal agency solely dedicated to MBEs, established the Office of Policy Analysis and Development (OPAD) to generate solutions to persistent disparities in access to capital and MBE annual revenues. 

By collaborating with renowned institutions like the Milken Institute, The MacroDyn Group and others, MBDA plans to pursue a rigorous, evidenced-based, empirical and analytical foundation for policy development and public engagement.  Ideas for new MBE-focused research topics, datasets and economic modeling were discussed at length during the MBE Policy Symposium and networking breaks. 

“Big data, new simulation tools, predictive analytics and the application of machine-learning algorithms offer great promise for researchers in the MBE space,” said Henry Childs II, MBDA National Director.  Childs further stated, “These new techniques have the potential to create inclusive growth strategies and be the building blocks for evidence-based policy making.”

As demographics shift, and minority groups become a majority of the United States population, it is imperative for the growth of the U.S. economy that MBEs are well understood. To achieve that, MBDA is expanding its engagement with statistical agencies, academic researchers, NGOs and other stakeholders to ensure that data continues to be pursued, sourced and continually improved. 

“The Milken Institute is delighted to work with MBDA to advance discussions designed to support minority enterprises. Our goal is to explore a host of national policy initiatives to address the lack of capital in low- and moderate-income communities, and to promote research on MBEs and their impact on jobs and wealth creation.” Aron Betru, Managing Director, Milken Institute Center for Financial Markets. 

About the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) and National Minority Enterprise Development (MED) Week

MBDA is the only Federal agency dedicated to the growth and global competitiveness of U.S. minority business enterprises through the mobilization and advancement of public and private sector programs, policy and research. Our services better equip minority-owned firms to create jobs, build scale and capacity, increase revenues and expand regionally, nationally and internationally. In 2019, MBDA commemorates 50 years of economic empowerment through entrepreneurship and recommits to Winning the Future for all U.S. minority-owned businesses. For more information visit www.mbda.gov.

Since 1983, every U.S. president has issued a Presidential Proclamation designating National MED Week to recognize the contributions of the minority business community to the U.S. economy. MBDA has hosted the National MED Week celebration since its inception.  The 2019 National MED Week events are sponsored by Facebook, The Coca-Cola Company, Raytheon, AT&T and IBM.  The MBE Policy Symposium was supported by The Milken Institute and Mintz.  Learn more at https://medweek.mbda.gov.

MBDA Office of Public Affairs
202-482-6272
MBDAPublicAffairs@mbda.gov

SOURCE Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA)

Tae-Yoon Kim Obtains $1,500,000 Settlement Agreement for Motorcycle Accident Victim

0
Wilshire_Law_Firm_Logo

LOS ANGELES, Sept. 11, 2019 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Wilshire Law Firm proudly announces that motorcycle accident lawyer Tae-Yoon Kim, Esq. has successfully obtained a $1,500,000 settlement on behalf of a motorcyclist injured in an April 2019 car accident.

“Our client’s condition remains serious and recovery continues slowly,” noted Kim, who reached his second settlement agreement of $1,000,000 or more in as many months. “This outstanding settlement will allow our client to get the additional treatment, surgery, and therapy they will need to deal with these lifelong injuries.”

The accident occurred at approximately 4:15 PM on April 26th, 2019 when the client had his motorcycle struck by another vehicle while traveling eastbound on Interstate 210 (Foothill Freeway) in Los Angeles County, California. Following the collision, the motorcyclist was rushed by ambulance to Pomona Valley Medical Center.

Numerous diagnostic procedures revealed significant facial fractures, a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), and serious damage to the client’s right knee and right optic nerve. Screws, plates, and other hardware were required to surgically repair the injuries, with multiple facial surgeries in the future likely.

In addition, the injured motorcyclist will require future TBI assessments, ophthalmological assessments, scar revisions, and ongoing psychiatric and sociopsychological care. With the new settlement agreement—a full recovery of the insurance policy limit—this deserving client can confidently move forward with their continuing medical treatment.

Determined to stand up for those without a voice, Tae-Yoon Kim, Esq. serves as an integral member of Wilshire Law Firm’s pre-litigation team. With nearly two decades of legal experience, Mr. Kim’s record of proven success includes multiple recoveries in excess of $1,000,000 each.

About Wilshire Law Firm
Founded in 2007 by Bobby Saadian, Esq., Wilshire Law Firm is an award-winning personal injury, employment law, and class action law firm. To date, our team of over 100 legal professionals has recovered more than $400,000,000 for the Wilshire Law Firm client family, providing exceptional service every step of the way.

To find out more, visit Wilshire Law Firm: https://www.WilshireLawFirm.com

Instagram: @WilshireLawFirmPLC
Twitter: @WilshireLawFirm
Facebook: @WilshireLawFirm

Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/537344/Wilshire_Law_Firm_Logo.jpg

SOURCE Wilshire Law Firm

BaronHR and its Family of Staffing Agencies Not Subject to Recent Indictment

0
BaronHR Family of Staffing Companies

SANTA ANA, California, Sept. 12, 2019 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Luis E. Perez was individually named in an indictment charging him with a single felony of tax evasion.  The indictment relates to an alleged tax deficiency arising on or before 2010, and involving prior business concerns unrelated to BaronHR, LLC, and its family of affiliate staffing agencies (collectively, “BaronHR”).  BaronHR is not accused of any wrongdoing in the indictment.  The indictment is based on a “personal tax liability” Mr. Perez allegedly accrued prior to BaronHR’s founding.  BaronHR is continuing normal business operations.

BaronHR Family of Staffing Companies

Mr. Perez will enter a plea of not guilty and intends to vigorously defend against these charges at trial, including by demonstrating that he has made payments to the IRS substantially reducing (and potentially even eliminating) the alleged tax deficiency.

CONTACT: info@baronhr.com

Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/734330/BaronHR_Logo.jpg

SOURCE BaronHR

Univision Doubles Down on Spanish-Language Talk Radio in the City of Angels with New Programming Slate on KTNQ 1020-AM

0
UCI_Vt_Pos_rgb

LOS ANGELES, Sept. 12, 2019 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Univision Los Angeles, part of Univision Communications Inc., the leading Hispanic media company in the U.S., today announced new programming for KTNQ 1020-AM, the Los Angeles talk radio station dedicated to improving the lives of Latinos locally by providing education and thought-provoking discussions with experts. Starting this week, the new KTNQ 1020-AM programming slate will cover subjects important to the Latino community in the City of Angels, including sports, community empowerment, politics, health and personal finance. Listeners around the country can also tune into the new KTNQ 1020-AM live by using the Uforia app, which can be found on the Apple App Store and Google Play.

“For over 60 years, Univision Los Angeles has been the voice of the Latino community in the City of Angels and we are proud to continue that tradition with the launch of the only Spanish-language talk radio station in the United States with over 14 hours of consecutive local programming,” said Luis Patino, Univision Los Angeles President and General Manager. “A radio station that informs and empowers the Latino community about the issues that affect our daily lives is more important than ever as we head into an election year, both in Los Angeles and across the country.”

KTNQ 1020-AM’s new programming slate is as follows:

  • 5am – 10am PST: Tu Voz en Los Angeles (Your Voice in Los Angeles) hosted by Gustavo Vargas, Juan Rodriguez and Gabriela Teissier
  • 11am – 12pm PST: Tu Dinero (Your Money) with personal finance expert Julie Stav and entrepreneur Carlos Marquez
  • 12pm – 1pm PST: A Toda Ley with attorney José Jordán
  • 1pm – 2pm PST: El Show de Luz Maria Briseño with certified nutritionist Luz María Briseño
  • 2pm – 3pm PST: En Privado (In Private) with Dr. Eduardo López Navarro
  • 3pm – 4pm PST: El Show de Fernando Espuelas with political analyst Fernando Espuelas
  • 4pm – 5pm PST: En Boca de León with journalist León Krauze
  • 5pm – 6pm PST: Ni Con Ellas, Ni Sin Ellas (With or Without Them) with Dr. Myriam Balbela, psychologist Sandy Caldera and Estefanía Iglesias

Listeners can get the latest on KTNQ 1020-AM by following KTNQ 1020-AM on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

Visit corporate.univision.com for more information on Univision and follow @UnivisionPRTeam on Twitter and Instagram.

About Univision Communications Inc.
As the leading Hispanic media company in the U.S., Univision Communications Inc. entertains, informs and empowers U.S. Hispanics with news, sports and entertainment content across broadcast and cable television, audio and digital platforms. The company’s top-rated media portfolio includes the Univision and UniMás broadcast networks, as well as cable networks Galavisión and TUDN, the No. 1 Spanish-language sports network in the country. Locally, Univision owns or operates 65 television stations in major U.S. Hispanic markets and Puerto Rico. Additionally, Uforia, the Home of Latin Music, encompasses 58 owned or operated radio stations, a live event series and a robust digital audio footprint. The company’s prominent digital assets include Univision.com, streaming service Univision Now, the largest Hispanic influencer network and several top-rated apps. For more information, visit corporate.univision.com.

Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/883440/UCI_Vt_Pos_rgb.jpg

SOURCE Univision

BOSS Revolution Taps Finance Coach And TV Personality Alexandra Ramirez As Brand Ambassador For Its BOSS Cares Program

0

NEWARK, New Jersey, Sept. 12, 2019 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — IDT Corporation (NYSE: IDT), a leading provider of international communications and payment services through its BOSS Revolution brand, announced today the launch of its Spanish educational video series BOSS Revolution MONEY on the administration and control of everyday finances. In the next installment of the BOSS Cares program, the series will present to the finance advisor and television opinion leader Alexandra Ramírez.

“The Latino workforce is expanding much faster than the workforce in general,” said Jessica Poverene, Vice President of Marketing for BOSS Revolution. “Its growing economic contribution is fueling the appetite for financial management skills. We are excited to present our BOSS Revolution MONEY video series to help Latinos reach their financial goals.”

In the videos of BOSS Revolution MONEY, Mrs. Ramírez shares her knowledge on critical financial issues, such as savings, credit and money management. The series, divided into two parts, covers the following topics:

  • The importance of saving money and how to do it: how consumers can plan to save money and achieve their financial goals.
  • How to manage credit and eliminate debt: an explanation of how credit works in the United States compared to Latin American countries, the most effective ways of managing credit; as well as, reduce and eliminate debt, among other issues.

Videos in Spanish can be viewed on the BOSS Revolution’s YouTube channel.

“I am very proud to partner with BOSS Revolution MONEY through its BOSS Cares program. We are joining forces to help Latino families here in the United States build successful financial futures by saving, managing credit and embarking on the path to freedom. of debt, ” said Alexandra Ramírez, spokesperson for BOSS Revolution MONEY, television opinion leader and finance advisor.

BOSS Revolution MONEY videos are the second series of BOSS Cares to support the Latino community. The previous initiative addressed immigration issues and was developed in partnership with the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC).

BOSS Revolution services are available in more than 35,000 retail stores in the United States, through the BOSS Revolution Calling and BOSS Revolution Money applications (available for free on iTunes and Google Play) and through the BOSS Revolution website https://www.bossrevolution.com/es-us/. Follow BOSS Revolution on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

About IDT Corporation: 
IDT Corporation (NYSE: IDT) provides communications and payment services to individuals and businesses primarily through its flagship BOSS Revolution® and net2phone® brands.  IDT’s wholesale Carrier Services business is a leading global carrier of international long-distance calls. For more information on IDT, visit www.idt.net.

SOURCE IDT Corporation

HITEC Recognizes 100 Most Influential Hispanics in Technology

0
HITEC_logo_color_01_Logo

SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. 12, 2019 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ –The Hispanic Information Technology Executive Council (HITEC) announced today the 100 most influential Hispanic leaders in technology – the HITEC 100.  Click here to view the full list of the HITEC 100.

“HITEC is proud to recognize the top 100 technology executive leaders that happen to be Hispanic. Not only do they represent the top tier talent that is making a positive impact on the technology industry, they also serve as role models to the next generation of leaders that are accelerating in their respective businesses and communities,” said HITEC Chairman, Guillermo Diaz, Jr., Senior Vice President, Customer Transformation, Cisco Systems, Inc. 

This year, 47 of the awardees are leaders at Fortune 500 companies and 46 awardees are women, the highest number of women ever recognized on the HITEC 100.

For more than a decade, HITEC has highlighted the value that Hispanic leaders create in technology. This is part of the organization’s mission to celebrate and increase Hispanic representation, building stronger technology and executive leaders in the diversity-challenged technology industry.

“The HITEC 100 is a true testament to the ever-growing talent in the technology industry represented by Hispanic executives. This year, we are proud to recognize a diverse group of accomplished leaders, 46% of which are women. These Hispanic leaders are driving and setting the tone of this transformative era of digital disruption,” said HITEC Board Member and Chair of the Awards Committee, Juan Carlos Gutierrez, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Partner, rational7.

HITEC is the premier global executive leadership organization of senior business and technology executives.  HITEC 100 awardees will be recognized during the HITEC Awards Gala benefiting the HITEC Foundation on October 24, 2019 held at the San Francisco Airport Marriott Waterfront.

Nominations for the HITEC 100 are solicited from HITEC members, partners and the general public. Awardees are evaluated on their accomplishments in the ever-changing global landscape of technology and for their mentoring and professional development activities.

For additional information please contact Viviana Costa, HITEC Executive Director via email at vivianacosta@hitecglobal.org.

About HITEC

Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/726204/HITEC_logo_color_01_Logo.jpg

SOURCE Hispanic Information Technology Executive Council

L’ATTITUDE, Wells Fargo Announce Strategic Collaboration to Support Latino-driven Mainstream Economy

0
L’ATTITUDE Logo

SAN DIEGO, Sept. 12, 2019 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — L’ATTITUDE, a top-tier business and media event, and Wells Fargo announce a strategic collaboration to elevate the U.S. New Mainstream Economy driven by Latino entrepreneurs, consumers and workers. Thought leaders ranging from c-level executives, entrepreneurs, journalists to policymakers will convene for L’ATTITUDE Sept. 26-29, 2019 at the Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego.

L’ATTITUDE Logo

L’ATTITUDE’s mission to celebrate Latinx contributions and provide a platform for burgeoning leaders aligns with Wells Fargo’s ongoing efforts to join leaders, change-makers and aspiring Hispanic visionaries, from all backgrounds, to unite and discover how to create a world ready for greater possibilities.

To kick off the event, L’ATTITUDE will release the 2019 Latino Donor Collaborative (LDC) U.S. Latino GDP Report sponsored by Wells Fargo that will provide the latest facts and data on the role, scope, and trajectory of U.S. Latino influence on the economy. The 2019 LDC U.S. Latino GDP Report will serve as a foundational component for conference presentations, panel discussions and interactive sessions.

“We are proud to support L’ATTITUDE and drive purposeful conversations that connect and inspire leaders to reinforce the continued growth and advancements of U.S. Latinos,” said Mary Mack, head of Consumer Banking for Wells Fargo. “Today, the New Mainstream Economy is powered by Latino consumers, entrepreneurs and workers who together are helping drive U.S. economic growth.”

Wells Fargo has a long-standing commitment to support Hispanic consumers and communities in helping them succeed financially through home lending, access to capital and initiatives that lead to sustainability and growth of small businesses, diverse suppliers and community development.

The company also will be the presenting sponsor of the Business & Economics Day at L’ATTITUDE, an executive discussion on the New Mainstream Economy focused on the U.S. Latino cohort that accounts for over $2.13 trillion in GDP—roughly the size of India.

“We are fortunate to align with Wells Fargo, a leading company that understands and leverages the opportunities U.S. Latinos are creating for all Americans,” said Sol Trujillo, L’ATTITUDE co-founder. “Their funding of the LDC underscores our efforts to provide data-driven insights into the New Mainstream economy.”

For more information on L’ATTITUDE and the New Mainstream Economy, visit www.lattitude.net.

Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/888356/L_ATTITUDE_Logo.jpg  

SOURCE L’ATTITUDE

Quinceañeras Aren’t Just For Girls

0

ANN ARBOR, Mich., Sept. 12, 2019 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — While the Quinceañera industry is growing rapidly, one recent trend is that of the Quinceañero. Quince Años events have normally been for Hispanic families to celebrate the 15th birthdays of their girls and their transitions to becoming women, but in the past few years, we have seen more families choose to do this for their sons as well. The Quinceañero has the same cultural purpose as a modern Quinceañera — to present the child to God and celebrate their life in front of family and friends. Most importantly, the event carries the same weight of marking the boy’s journey into adulthood.

The Quinceañero celebration provides young men a rite of passage that they crave. In their teen years, boys face so many changes — they experience life-altering decisions that form who they will be as an adult. An event like a Quinceañero serves as a charge to the young men to be good citizens and to take their religious beliefs seriously. The fiesta is also a reminder of where they came from and a chance to celebrate their culture.

Kim Gamez, CEO of Mi Padrino, recently hosted a Quinceañero of her own. “It was important for us to celebrate the growth and maturity of our oldest son, Hugo,” says Gamez. “But, man, are there hardly any resources out there for planning boys’ quinces. We had to come up with some fun and creative ways to replace a lot of the traditional elements, which pretty much all cater to girls.”

Quinceañeras involve a lavish dress, a unique doll, jewelry, and much more, all of which is geared towards the girls that have been celebrated in the past. Now, parents like Kim have to find new and unique ways to replace those elements to cater to their sons. This spans from getting new tuxedos and gifting watches to including sports themes and adding elements like “La Hora Loca“, which help create an atmosphere that the boys can really enjoy.

About Mi Padrino

Our mission is to help plan Hispanic events sin fronteras. Our unique marketplace focuses on every aspect of the event planning journey. By helping Latinos find and hire vendors, products, and resources, they can more easily focus on what matters: the reason for the celebration.

SOURCE Mi Padrino

ERC BPO Partners with Observe.AI to Create a Next-Generation Customer Service & Agent Coaching Product powered by Voice AI

0

SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. 12, 2019 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ —

SUMMARY 

ERC BPO has selected Observe.AI’s Voice AI Platform to empower more than several thousand agents across its global call centers to deliver better customer experiences by leveraging the latest sentiment model and natural language processing technologies. With Observe.AI, ERC’s product unlocks new customer care insights and opportunities for agent coaching, as well as drives significant efficiencies in its quality assurance process.

The Results:

  • Within four weeks of going live, ERC BPO reported an 87% increase in QA efficiency. Soon, ERC BPO will monitor 100% of its customer calls with the highest accuracy possible and receives near real-time insights at the individual and group level to improve agent coaching.
  • QA managers have reduced the time and effort it takes to QA the same volume of calls by 87% freeing up more time for strategic tasks.
  • The Platform reduces the time it takes to onboard new agents by over 20% and helps QA managers provide more prescriptive feedback by quickly accessing the most critical moments on calls and leaving in-line comments. Agents receive insights on areas like compliance violation, negative sentiment scenarios, dead air instances, and many more, thereby providing individual agents greater transparency on performance.

“Innovation and empowering our agents with the latest technologies is critical to our mission to delight customers at ERC and attract top talent. We are excited to leverage Observe.AI’s Voice AI Platform to have full visibility into customer conversations so we can train agents faster and unlock new insights on customer care. I’m very impressed with the agility and accountability demonstrated by Observe.AI’s team. This has been one of the most seamless integrations we’ve had in recent times.”

Marty Sarim, President and CEO at ERC

“We believe that Voice AI is ultimately a means to empower agents and customers via unique customer care insights that can only be unlocked when you monitor 100% of calls with the highest possible accuracy. We have selected ERC as a flagship customer and are humbled to be trusted by one of the larger call centers in the world to help them delight customers, solve core operational issues, and provide superior agent coaching.”

Sharath Keshava, Co-Founder and CRO at Observe.AI

About ERC

ERC is an agile, technology-driven company that provides business process outsourcing (BPO) and account recovery services for Fortune 500 companies. ERC leverages the latest innovations in technology while providing extraordinary workforce resources to deliver unparalleled end-to-end customer experience solutions, making ERC a top performer for its clients. With offices spanning four continents and the best talent in the business, ERC is dedicated to changing the BPO landscape through its continued investment in artificial intelligence and data analysis, and its commitment to creating a highly trained, empowered workforce.

About Observe.AI

Observe.AI is the most accurate, agent-first voice AI Platform empowering call centers to deliver next-generation customer experiences and agent coaching. The only platform in the world built specifically for call centers, Observe.AI analyzes both speech & text to provide businesses with richer customer insights with its proprietary SpeechNLP technology. Observe.AI is trusted by more than 50 global customers and partners, including Concentrix, Talkdesk, Mitel, Microsoft, Sysco, Employee Bridge, John Paul, GroupOne Auto and many other large enterprises. Backed by Nexus Venture Partners, Y Combinator and Emergent Ventures, Observe.AI’s headquarters is located in San Francisco with an office in Bangalore. For more information, visit www.observe.ai.

Press contacts
Pete Lee, +1 628 238 5683, press@observe.ai

SOURCE Observe.AI

Latin Biz Today’s Spectrum of Success Event New York to Celebrate LatinX Entrepreneurs During Hispanic Heritage Month and Fashion Week

0

CROTON ON HUDSON, New York, Sept. 12, 2019 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ —

When: Tuesday, September 17, 2019, 5:30-9:00 pm ET
Where: CUNY Baruch College, 55 Lexington Ave. (corner 24th St) Mid-town, New York, NY 

Join celebrity keynote Rosie Mercado, recognized by People En Español’s 2019 ’25 Most Powerful Women’, television personality, life coach, and plus size model. Gabrielle Y. Vázquez, attorney, McGrail & Bensinger, LLP will moderate with recognized thought leaders. Kiki Melendez will receive one of this year’s Latin Business Spirt Awards for her entrepreneurial journey.

Use special event promotion code COACH917 ($20 off) and automatically become a Latin Biz Today Insider member! Get your tickets at EventBrite while available lasts:

Why?
Here Are Seven Reasons to NY Latin X Entrepreneurs Will Attend the Latin Biz Today Spectrum of Success NY Event:

  1. Scale your business with an exception business panel.
  2. Network with business thought leaders and other small business owners.
  3. Enjoy great food by Go Catering, Corona Extra® and Corona Light® Beers and Robert Mondavi Wine.
  4. Laugh and honor comedian, producer and entrepreneur Kiki Melendez during a one-on-one with Adam Padilla of CEO BrandFire.
  5. Secure business contracts from New York City agencies DDC and SCA.
  6. Be inspired by celebrity keynote Rosie Mercado.
  7. Be part of Work, Life Fashion- Spring/Summer 2020 Fashion Show and enjoy the music of virtuoso guitarist, composer and producer, Hernan Romero.

Also, a gift bag…

Business Panel thought leader experts, moderated by Gabrielle Y. Vázquez, attorney, McGrail & Bensinger, LLP

  • Manuel Chinea, EVP, Chief Operating Officer, Popular Bank
  • Bob Dorf, “The Start Up Guy” Speaker, author, coach, consultant, trainer with over 83K LinkedIn followers small business growth in U.S and LatAm.
  • Chuck Garcia, motivational speaker, leadership expert, author of “A Climb to the Top”
  • Tracy Nieporent, partner of Myriad Restaurant Group: Tribeca Grill, Bâtard, Nobu Downtown, Nobu 57, Nobu London and sports venues.
  • Stella Vida, CPA, Owner and Managing Partner of Hart Vida & Partners

Fashion show featuring Latina brands: Paulita Carlotta, Cenia New York, Tocaya 

We appreciate our sponsor’s support:
Platinum- Popular Bank
Gold- Constellation Brands: Corona beer and Mondovi wine
Silver- BrandFire, Giraldo Farms, Hart Vida Partners, Martin, LLP, NYC DDC, NYC SCA, Semilla AD, Tocaya 

About: Latin Business Today is a national multi-platform small business trusted advisor founded on Dr. Les “Coach” Fernandez’s legacy of mentorship and success, engaging Hispanic business owners by addressing actual challenges with real solutions. This is accomplished with a “best and brightest” team of executives, 130 exemplary mentors-contributors and a nationally recognized advisory board who coach solutions for today’s rapidly changing market with a Latino nuance.

Follow Latin Business Today on Latin Biz Today Insider  Facebook  Instagram  LinkedIn  Twitter

SOURCE Latin Business Today

Stars Shine For Remember Me Thursday® Global Pet Adoption Awareness Campaign

0
2019 Remember Me Thursday® Official Spokesperson Bethenny Frankel. (Photo: Courtesy of Bethenny Frankel)

RANCHO SANTA FE, California, Sept. 12, 2019 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — This month, Helen Woodward Animal Center will once again unite with animal welfare proponents and organizations worldwide for the 7th Annual Remember Me Thursday®.  Honored on the fourth Thursday of September, the campaign asks pet lovers and animal rescue groups to create an unstoppable, integrated voice advocating for homeless pets to live in forever homes, not die waiting for them.  Grassroots candle-lighting ceremonies and a global avalanche of social media buzz will shine a light on the millions of orphan animals still awaiting adoption and encourage communities to opt to adopt and reduce the millions of homeless pets euthanized each year.  As in previous years, some very big names are stepping forward to lend their support to the cause, including self-made businesswoman, TV producer, philanthropist, New York Times bestselling author, and mother, Bethenny Frankel, who has been named the 2019 Official Spokesperson for the campaign. Helen Woodward Animal Center encourages the world to join with these philanthropic celebrities and to be a part of this very special day, Thursday, September 26th, 2019. 

As the campaign’s 2019 Official Spokesperson, Bethenny Frankel is the Founder & CEO of Skinnygirl, a lifestyle brand offering practical solutions to women, including the recent launch of the Skinnygirl Jeanswear Collection.  Frankel first gained public attention on the Bravo series “The Real Housewives of New York City.”  She was seen as a guest shark on ABC’s critically acclaimed series “Shark Tank” and has also been named one of the Top 100 Most Powerful Celebrities by Forbes.  Frankel recently made a multi-year deal with MGM Television and Mark Burnett to generate unscripted television projects that she will produce. Additionally, Bethenny established the worldwide initiative, “B Strong: Disaster Relief.” Their program provides people with much needed gift cards, bank cards and critical supplies so they are able to deliver in real time raising approximately $1.25 million in cash cards and collecting over $20 million worth of disaster relief. Bethenny shares her home with her rescued dogs Biggie and Smallz who bring joy and laughter to her life on a daily basis. The love they share can be witnessed in Bethenny’s Remember Me Thursday® public service announcement (PSA) seen here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Vr__OXZhQs.

Regarding her love of animals, Frankel stated: “Many pets are waiting to be adopted in shelters. On this Remember Me Thursday®, please join me in being their voice. As 2019’s Official Spokesperson, I ask you to join me on social media on September 26th and tell the world that pet adoption is the way to go!”

Frankel leads an impressive list of celebrity supporters also aligning themselves with Remember Me Thursday®.  Notable personalities, professional athletes, pet behaviorists and social media pet stars have signed on as “luminaries,” committing to share their thoughts on pet adoption in videos and via their social media accounts throughout the campaign.  At press time, nearly 100 influential luminaries have joined the cause, including:

Notable Film, TV and Stage Personalities:  Alexander Jean, Andie MacDowell, Ashley Bell, Ashley Roberts, Bellamy Young, Bethenny Frankel (2019 Official Spokesperson), Beth Stern, Bo Derek, Bonnie-Jill Laflin, Carrie Ann Inaba (2015 Official Spokesperson), Christian Siriano, Coco Austin, Courtney Lopez, David Tutera, Daymond John, Debbie Gibson, Diane Keaton, Elaine Hendrix,  Eric Paslay, Eric Roberts, George Lopez, Gilberto Santa Rosa, Holly Madison, Ian Somerhalder & Nikki Reed, Jamie Little, Javicia Little, Katherine Heigl (2014 Official Spokesperson), Kathy Najimy, Kristin Bauer, Kristin Chenoweth (2017 Official Spokesperson), Linda Blair, Lou Wegner, Mark Steines, Pauley Perrette (2016 Official Spokesperson), Rick Springfield, Ross Mathews, Wil Wheaton, and Wynonna Judd (2018 Official Spokesperson).
Cartoonists: Greg Evans (creator of LUANN), and Patrick McDonnell (creator of MUTTS).
Professional Athletes: Anze Kopitar (Los Angeles Kings), Bryan Bickell (Chicago Blackhawks), David Backes (Boston Bruins), Evan Longoria (San Francisco Giants),Jake Muzzin (Los Angeles Kings), Jeff Carter (Los Angeles Kings), Joey Logano (NASCAR), Kevin Kiermaier (Tampa Bay Rays), Logan Ryan (Tennessee Titans), Liam Hendriks (Oakland A’s), Marc Rzepczynski (World Series Champion), Mark Buehrle (World Series Champion), Matt Duffy (Tampa Bay Rays) and Ryan Newman (NASCAR).
Animal Specialty Celebrities: Dr. Marty Becker, Hannah Shaw, Jack Hanna, Jackson Galaxy, Jill Rappaport, Larissa Wohl, Tamar Geller, Victoria Stilwell, and Wendy Diamond.
Animal Celebrities: Alien Cat Matilda, Bamboo, Belarus the Cat, Boogie Shoes, Chewie, Chi Chi, Chloe, Choupette Lagerfeld, Cole and Marmalade, Cooper, Fugee, Josh, Justin Fire Survivor, Kitten Faces, Lil BUB, Louie, Memphis, Mimo and Kirry, Molly Happiness, Monty Boy, Mr. Bigglesworth, My Cat Kyle, Nala Cat, Norbert, Paddington, Pumpkin the Raccoon, Purrminators, Sauerkraut Kitty, Smush, Tango, Tuna, Venus, Vito Vincent, Worried Cat, and Yeti (the 2018 Remember Me Thursday® Rescue Pet Hero).

Remember Me Thursday® was established in 2013 by Helen Woodward Animal Center President and CEO Mike Arms.  Moved by the staggering statistic of the 2.7 million1 homeless pets who lose their lives each year in the U.S., Arms put out a call to rescue organizations in an attempt to create a global awareness campaign.  As creator of the International Pet Adoptathon and the International Home 4 the Holidays® program (placing over 15 million pets in homes since 1999), he was able to send out an expansive request and the response was significant.

Now in its seventh year, Remember Me Thursday® has been supported by 190 countries with hundreds of thousands of individuals and more than 700 separate animal welfare organizations around the globe holding candle-lighting ceremonies of their own, spreading the message on social media, or lighting a virtual candle.  The enormous swell of celebrity support has resulted in the topic trending each year on both Facebook and Twitter, garnering more than 1 billion social media impressions since its start. 

To be a part of the 2019 Remember Me Thursday® campaign, individuals and animal welfare organizations are encouraged to get the entire world talking about pet adoption on Thursday, September 26th, by tweeting, tagging, posting and sharing the beauty and life-saving significance of pet adoption using the hashtag #RememberMeThursday and @hwac.  Animal-lovers can win life-saving funds, toys and food for adoptable pets looking for forever families at their favorite non-profit, pet adoption organization. To enter the Remember Me Thursday Challenge, simply upload your rescue pet’s photo and story to the #RememberMeThursday Photo Wall for a chance to win!* (*Restrictions apply.  Final selection remains at the sole discretion of Helen Woodward Animal Center).

For more information on Remember Me Thursday® and a full list of participating celebrities and animal welfare organizations, go to www.remembermethursday.org. 

1Animal 24-7 published by Merritt Clifton approximates the number of homeless pets euthanized at 2.7 million annually.

About Remember Me Thursday®
Animal lovers and organizations across the globe unite on the fourth Thursday in September to light a candle in remembrance of the millions of homeless pets who lost their lives without the benefit of a loving home and to shine a light via social media on the millions of orphan pets still waiting for their forever homes.  The Remember Me Thursday® global awareness campaign is championed by Mike Arms, President of Helen Woodward Animal Center, and creator of both the International Pet Adoptathon and successful Home 4 the Holidays program which, in partnership with national animal organizations, has placed over 16 million pets in homes since 1999.  For more information, please visit www.remembermethursday.org or via hashtag #RememberMeThursday on social media. 

Video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f0-sB4Qxylc
Video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Vr__OXZhQs
Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/971107/2019_RMT_Spokesperson_Bethenny_Frankel.jpg

2019 Remember Me Thursday® Official Spokesperson Bethenny Frankel. (Photo: Courtesy of Bethenny Frankel)

SOURCE Helen Woodward Animal Center

123...1,161Page 1 of 1,161
Copyright © 2016 PR Newswire Association LLC. All Rights Reserved. A Cision company.