News (Noticias) Tagged ‘Canada’

The United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC) proudly announces its support of a new PaycardUSA program that will offer its business members the convenience of paying their workers through the La Moneda (The Coin) Card Prepaid MasterCard.

“As a business owner in the construction industry we employ hundreds of Hispanic workers. I was so excited when we discovered how the PaycardUSA payroll cards worked for us and our workers, our company invested in PaycardUSA. We are honored to be endorsed as the USHCC payroll card and will work diligently to keep bringing critical financial services to workers — using the card as the registration and payment vehicle.” James Hammer, owner WestCor Construction & PaycardUSA.

The La Moneda Card is essentially a prepaid MasterCard card, allowing workers to avoid check cashing lines and fees and offering key benefits such as:

– Easy on-line bill pay
– State of the art mCash mobile commerce application
– The ability to purchase special discounted goods and services
– Additional cards can be ordered for other family members, allowing the employee to move funds to the family card. No more wiring fees to send family members money or having to send cash with family members on vacation.
– Workers have the freedom to rent movies, purchase online, or make everyday purchases without having to walk around with a lot of cash.

“The USHCC is proud to support PaycardUSA as it provides our business members with a system that will truly meet the most pressing needs of Hispanic workers,” said Elizabeth Gallagher, USHCC Vice-Chair. “The La Moneda Card Prepaid MasterCard is the preferred solution for our business members’ Hispanic workforce and we recommend the card for any worker.”

A Paycard saves small and medium size businesses both time and money as it is less costly to pay workers through a Paycard than paper checks. As a modern twist for “pay day,” it is a much more efficient and safer way for employees to receive their paycheck.

“It is costly for employers to pay workers by writing checks, money that businesses can save using the Paycard,” said Rafael Sanchez, USHCC Board Finance Chair. “The ROI calculator website feature is an easy tool that will allow you to calculate your savings per employee per year based on check printing and bookkeeping.”

For more information on the partnership and the La Moneda Card Prepaid MasterCard program, please visit www.paycardusa.net/lamonedacard or www.ushcc.com .

About the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
Founded in 1979, the USHCC actively promotes the economic growth and development of Hispanic entrepreneurs and represents the interests of more than 2.5 million Hispanic-owned businesses in the United States that generate more than $388 billion annually. It also serves as the umbrella organization for 200 local Hispanic chambers in the United States, Puerto Rico, Canada, Mexico, Bolivia and Uruguay.

About PaycardUSA, LLC
PaycardUSA offers payment solutions that allow you to pay dozens, hundreds or even thousands of employees with a single transaction that takes mere minutes. With the paperless PaycardUSA MasterCard(R) Payroll Card program, you can make your payroll process simple and easy and save your company money while providing your employees the benefit of a Prepaid MasterCard card. PaycardUSA is a registered MSP of Palm Desert National Bank. The La Moneda Card Prepaid MasterCard is issued by Palm Desert National Bank pursuant to a license from MasterCard International Incorporated.

MasterCard is the registered trademark of MasterCard International Incorporated. “

NAVTEQ, a leading global provider of digital map data for vehicle navigation and location-based solutions, has announced increased coverage and content in the NAVTEQ map for Mexico that enables improvements to the region’s navigation systems functionality. The current map release includes almost 450,000 km of roads and covers the entire population. Twenty-three percent of that population is covered at NAVTEQ’s highest quality levels: road network attribute verification, a specification distinctive to NAVTEQ maps.

NAVTEQ collects up to 260 attributes about the road network, such as direction of travel (one-ways), turn restrictions, and addresses providing automotive grade maps for use in line-fit or portable navigation systems. Unique to NAVTEQ, all of their global maps are built to a single data specification with a standard toolkit that supports quality map collection and verification. Local geographic analysts familiar with regional nuances collect and verify the map content using a variety of processes including driving the roads.

“Digital maps that support turn-by-turn vehicle guidance need to be highly accurate, and detailed,” stated Eliot Dam, director of product marketing- Americas, NAVTEQ. “Many road attributes such as turn restrictions or other restricted maneuvers are more efficiently collected or verified via in-vehicle processes. Other elements such as small physical barriers can only be collected and verified by geographic analysts on the road.”

NAVTEQ has three local offices employing up to thirty geographic analysts. Much of the database production is done locally as well in the Leon production center.

“Because all of our map collection, verification and production processes are standardized against a common database specification, customers can more quickly and easily integrate new quarterly coverage and content into their navigation systems,” stated Jim Dineen director and general manager-Latin America, NAVTEQ. “As we add more content and broaden attribute verification, end-users can receive improved routing benefits through the system providers’ map update programs.”

The NAVTEQ map for Mexico quarterly release program represents NAVTEQ’s ongoing commitment to the region. In addition to the Mexico map, NAVTEQ’s regional global coverage includes the United States, Canada, and South American coverage in Brazil and Argentina.

About the NAVTEQ Map for Mexico

The NAVTEQ map for Mexico enables automotive-grade turn-by-turn guidance for navigation systems, location-based solutions, and enterprise applications. Local resources employed in three field offices and a production facility in Leon collect and verify the road geometry and up to 260 road attributes. New map content is release quarterly.

About NAVTEQ

NAVTEQ is a leading provider of comprehensive digital map information for automotive navigation systems, mobile navigation devices, Internet-based mapping applications, and government and business solutions. NAVTEQ creates the digital maps and map content that power navigation and location-based services solutions around the world. The Chicago-based company was founded in 1985 and has more than 3,600 employees located in 187 offices and in 39 countries.

NAVTEQ is a trademark in the U.S. and other countries. All rights reserved.”

The United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC), the leading advocate for the more than 2.5 million Hispanic-owned businesses in the United States, proudly welcomes Dale A. Crowell as the organization’s new Director of Communications. Crowell brings to the USHCC more than 13 years of experience working in media and public relations, public affairs, project management, brand management, and international development.

“We are very pleased to welcome Dale into the USHCC family,” said USHCC Chairman David C. Lizárraga. “His experience with the national and local media as well as legislators and other public officials will be an invaluable asset to our organization. He and his team will play a key role as we promote exciting new partnerships, upcoming national events, and other programs and initiatives.”

Most recently, Crowell served as Director of Public Relations for Bethesda, Maryland-based Honest Tea, the nation’s best-selling organic bottled tea company. While there, he helped the company greatly increase its earned media exposure in leading consumer outlets, trade publications, national daily newspapers, television and radio shows, and web-based media. Before Honest Tea, Crowell was the Director of Communications and Public Outreach for the Pan American Development Foundation (PADF) where he managed overall communications and outreach initiatives for projects and field offices in seven countries throughout Latin America and the Caribbean. At PADF, Crowell also conducted outreach and developed relationships with members of Congress, corporate donors, public officials, partner organizations, and media outlets. He has also served as the Director of Communications for the Office of Congressman José E. Serrano [D-NY].

“I am delighted to join the USHCC. This organization’s history and reputation speak for themselves and as the new Director of Communications I intend to keep that tradition moving forward,” stated Dale Crowell. “I am proud of the confidence that both David Lizárraga and Augustine Martinez have expressed in me and look forward to working with the entire team to promote the Chamber to an even wider audience,” he added.

As Director of Communications for the USHCC, Crowell is responsible for all Internal and External Communications and for developing and implementing the Chamber’s communications strategy. In this key role, Crowell also serves as key Editorial Board member for USHCC’s award-winning TV program, Hispanics Today, and a subscriber publication, Hispanic Enterprise Magazine.

“An excellent communicator, fluent in English and Spanish, Crowell has the necessary experience and proven track record to lead our Communications Team,” said Augustine Martinez, USHCC President and CEO. “In addition to his professional success, Crowell’s passion for working with the Hispanic community makes him a perfect addition to our staff.”

Crowell, of Puerto Rican heritage, lives in Maryland with his family. Crowell attended graduate courses at Georgetown University, Latin American Studies Master’s Program, focused on US foreign policy and Inter-American relations. He graduated from the University of Maryland at College Park with a Bachelor of Arts in Government and Politics with a concentration in International Studies and History.

About the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
Founded in 1979, the USHCC actively promotes the economic growth and development of Hispanic entrepreneurs and represents the interests of more than 2.5 million Hispanic-owned businesses in the United States that generate more than $388 billion annually. It also serves as the umbrella organization for 200 local Hispanic chambers in the United States, Puerto Rico, Canada, Mexico, Bolivia and Uruguay.

About Hispanics Today
Hispanics Today is an English-language television show that highlights the largest and fastest growing segment of the U.S. population — the Latino market — and their impact on American business, politics, and culture. The show reaches 84% of Hispanic television viewers in 165 markets.
“*

Marketwire, a full-service newswire and communications workflow solutions provider, today announces the debut of NoticiasDigitales, the newswire industry’s first real-time business-to-consumer digital news service to publish Spanish-language news on Latin American websites. An enhancement to its Spanish-language press release distribution circuits, Marketwire’s NoticiasDigitales displays press releases on more than 100 leading newspaper, financial and economic news, and media websites and portals that bring corporate news to millions of influential Spanish-speaking viewers across North America, Central America and South America.

“With the rapid growth of social media and ‘citizen journalism,’ the future of the newswire industry depends on leveraging new technologies to offer effective business-to-consumer news delivery solutions,” commented Marketwire Vice President of Emerging Markets Hector Botero. “Ethnic, emerging and international markets represent enormous, untapped opportunities for an online digital news distribution service, and we are extremely excited to launch an industry first to our clients who target Spanish-speaking audiences.”

Participants in the large web network at the core of Marketwire’s NoticiasDigitales include major news media, business, finance and technology websites published in Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Puerto Rico, Uruguay and Venezuela. Examples of participating websites are Caracol Radio, Clarín.com, Dinero.com, El Universal.com and Nacion.com.

A 30-day testing period revealed that between June 11 and July 11, 2008, Marketwire’s NoticiasDigitales received more than 4 million total impressions from visitors in 21 countries. Thirty percent, or 1.2 million of those impressions came from visitors in Colombia, an economy growing at 6.8 percent a year (two full points faster than the Latin American average); 29 percent, or 1.18 million of the impressions were from the United States; 13 percent, or 520,000 impressions, came from visitors in Argentina, a country that has experienced four consecutive years of more than 8 percent growth in GDP; and 11 percent, or 431,000 impressions, came from Mexico, a country counting the United States as its largest trading partner.

Now, by adding more than 100 websites and 3 million-plus monthly views to its comprehensive Latin America distribution circuits that, combined, reach more than 80,000 media points in Latin America, Marketwire reinforces its position as the leading Latin American market press release distributor. NoticiasDigitales is included in all of Marketwire’s Spanish-language press release distribution circuits: five Latin America/South America distribution packages; newslines to 17 Latin American countries; and its industry-leading North America Hispanic newsline that reaches more than 5,000 journalists and editors through Marketwire’s NoticiasFinancieras news syndicate generating news for print publications with combined circulation exceeding 3 million daily, and readership, including web properties, exceeding 10 million.

About Marketwire

The only fully integrated North America-based global newswire, Marketwire, Inc. is a full-service partner to IR, PR and MarCom professionals seeking top-tier news distribution, media management, multimedia and monitoring solutions. Marketwire’s customer-centric corporate philosophy focuses on being the best by infusing every aspect of its business with the following core attributes: precision, adaptability, innovation and simplicity.

Marketwire delivers its clients’ news to the world’s media and financial communities, fulfilling disclosure requirements in North America in compliance with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX), and serving as Primary Information Provider (PIP) with the UK’s Financial Services Authority (FSA). With a reputation for technology leadership, Marketwire offers innovative products and services — including Social Media, Search Engine Optimization, Dashboard Mobile Financial, News Dashboard coverage reports, exclusive access to networks such as the Canadian Press Wire Network, Easy IR and Easy PR workflow solutions, and more — that help communication professionals maximize their effectiveness while ensuring accuracy and best practices.

Having merged companies (Market Wire and CCNMatthews) in April 2006, and enjoying a combined history of 25 years of service, Marketwire is now majority-owned by OMERS Capital Partners, the private equity arm of one of Canada’s largest pension funds. Marketwire distributes the majority of press releases issued by publicly traded companies in Canada and serves more than 8,000 clients worldwide through 19 offices on four continents. For more information, visit us at www.marketwire.com. “*

For many Hispanics the summer season is an eagerly awaited time to enjoy outdoor sports and activities. However, many forget to protect their eyes from invisible ultraviolet (UV) rays. Most people who practice outdoor sports — particularly in the summer — are conscious of the need to use sunblock to protect the skin, but few are aware that the eyes are at risk from the sun’s damaging radiation.

Unprotected eyes are subject to numerous eye health issues, such as cataracts, Pterygium, and macular degeneration. UV rays have a cumulative effect, so when spending time outdoors it is important to take the proper precautions to protect the eyes.

“Although many Hispanics are careful when protecting their skin from the UV rays, it surprises me to see that very few extend that care to their eyes,” said Dr. Madeline Romeu, O.D., F.A.A.O. “I recommend that all my patients who wear prescription lenses and spend time outdoors consider photochromics, such as Transitions(R) lenses.”

Clear indoors, Transitions lenses automatically adjust to sunglass-dark to block 100 percent of UV rays and reduce painful and eye fatigue. Available in the widest range of lens designs and materials, including shatter-resistant polycarbonate, Transitions lenses are ideal for athletes and sports enthusiasts alike.

“Many sports, such as soccer and baseball are enjoyed by Hispanics. Participants and spectators are subject to long hours of sun exposure, which place the eyes at great risk for damage,” said Martha Rivera, manager of Hispanic marketing for Transitions Optical. “We only have one pair of eyes and they must last a lifetime. Protecting your eyes today and everyday will help maintain long-term healthy sight and wellness.”

Dr. Romeu offers recommendations that will help ensure the healthy sight of all Hispanics:

– Schedule regular visits to your eyecare professional
– Before going outdoors for an extended period of time, be sure to check the UV index in your area
– Consider photochromics, like Transitions lenses to block 100 percent of UVA/UVB rays
– Do not smoke
– Drink eight to ten glasses of water daily to hydrate your body and eyes
– Maintain a balanced diet

About Transitions Optical, Inc.
Transitions Optical is a joint venture of PPG Industries, Inc. and Essilor International. The first to successfully commercialize a plastic photochromic lens in 1990, today the company is a leading provider of photochromics to optical manufacturers worldwide. Transitions Optical offers the most advanced photochromic technology in the widest selection of lens designs, materials and brand names.

Transitions(R) lenses are the ideal everyday choice for healthy sight. They are clear indoors and at night. Outdoors, they automatically darken as light conditions change. Transitions lenses provide visual comfort, and enhance visual quality by reducing glare and enhancing contrast, helping you to see better today. Transitions lenses block 100 percent of harmful UVA and UVB rays — helping to protect the health and wellness of your eyes — so you can see better tomorrow as well.

For more information about the company and Transitions lenses, the first to earn the American Optometric Association’s Seal of Acceptance for Ultraviolet Absorbers/Blockers, visit Transitions.com or contact Transitions Optical Customer Service at (800) 848-1506 (United States) or (877) 254-2590 (Canada).”*

The United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC), the leading advocate for the more than 2.5 million Hispanic-owned businesses in the United States, is pleased to announce that Hilda Rayas will serve as Chief Operating Officer for the USHCC. Rayas brings more than 25 years of documented success in global leadership, minority business advocacy and executive level management to the USHCC.

“Rayas is truly a global executive leader whose expertise will be an invaluable asset to our organization,” said USHCC President and CEO Augustine Martinez. “As COO, Rayas’ charisma and international experience offers our organization great leadership as we continue to work toward building and strengthening the Hispanic business community in the United States and globally.”

Most recently, Rayas served as Director of the Interracial Council for Business Opportunities (ICBO) in New York. Her many professional achievements include: obtaining $8B in international consumer long distance revenue in a highly competitive Mexico market, managing budgets up to $160M and a work force of 5,000 employees, and designing and developing an integrated $135M marketing plan for Puerto Rico while strengthening client relations in a competitive Latino market. In almost ten years of working for AT&T, Rayas also navigated complex political situations in both the USA and Latin America/Caribbean resulting in the company’s entry into Spain, Colombia, Chile, Peru, Mexico, and Puerto Rico.

“The political landscape is rapidly changing and now is the time for immense progress in this arena,” said Hilda Rayas. “I am passionate and excited about the key role Hispanics will continue to play in America’s future. I am honored to be of service to this organization to help move this necessary and important agenda to the forefront of mainstream America.”

As COO of the organization, Rayas is responsible for the financial oversight and all internal operations of the organization. She will serve as Legislative liaison with Members of Congress advocating for and supporting legislation affecting small business owners, specifically Hispanic-owned. Rayas is also one of three major senior management personnel responsible for fundraising for the USHCC and the principal contact person for sponsorship and advertising opportunities for USHCC’s award winning television program, Hispanics Today.

“Rayas is a perfect example of the strong Latina leadership that is so prominent in our Hispanic business community today,” said Martinez. “Rayas joins our organization during an exciting time as we gear up for the 29th Annual Convention and Business Expo in Sacramento, California this September. I couldn’t be more confident that she will help lead and strengthen our events, programs and initiatives in order to better serve our constituents.”

Rayas was born in Ciudad Delicias, Chihuahua, Mexico and raised in El Paso, Texas. Rayas has been appointed to various leadership positions for the United States Hispanic Advocacy Association (USHAA), Hudson County Chamber of Commerce and the Hispanic B2B Committee. She is a graduate of Executive Level Education Programs including: University of Pennsylvania, University of Michigan, Dartmouth University, and Harvard University.

About the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
Founded in 1979, the USHCC actively promotes the economic growth and development of Hispanic entrepreneurs and represents the interests of more than 2.5 million Hispanic-owned businesses in the United States that generate more than $388 billion annually. It also serves as the umbrella organization for 200 local Hispanic chambers in the United States, Puerto Rico, Canada, Mexico, Bolivia and Uruguay.

About Hispanics Today
Hispanics Today is an English-language television show that highlights the largest and fastest growing segment of the U.S. population — the Latino market — and their impact on American business, politics, and culture. The show reaches 84% of Hispanic television viewers in 165 markets.

About USHCC Foundation
The USHCC Foundation is committed to the purpose of giving Latino entrepreneurs alternatives for life preparation and life-long learning by developing and implementing initiatives and educational campaigns to awaken and nurture their entrepreneurial spirit. The Foundation leverages corporate and public support to ensure that existing and aspiring Latino entrepreneurs gain access and achieve success in the world of business. Please visit www.ushccfoundation.org for more information on the USHCC Foundation. “

Leaders from the Hispanic business community held a press conference this morning to announce Tampa Bay as the first city in the United States chosen to host the 18th Annual Retailers of the Americas Conference. Present at the press conference to discuss highlights of the event were the following members of the Tampa Bay’s Host Committee:

– Derek Lloyd, President of Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce of Tampa Bay (CACCTB),
– Augustine Martinez, USHCC President & CEO,
– Julio Fuentes, President of the Florida State Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

“The CACCTB is committed to the growth and development of the Tampa Bay region and Florida.” stated Mr. Lloyd. “We are pleased to welcome our Caribbean, South and Central America neighbors to Tampa Bay and provide a favorable setting which encourages numerous opportunities to promote and expand their business successfully.”

Tampa was selected due to leading attributes such as its diverse Hispanic heritage and the opportunities that Tampa Bay region provides globally and locally for its cultural ties, airport facilities, port, industrial centers and distribution of goods. From a business perspective the Tampa Bay region provides more than just theme parks, it provides an industry that parallels the growth in global commerce and communication.

“Tampa holds such a talented cross-section of people, all looking to promote the city and what it has to offer,” said Augustine Martinez. “In our preliminary search for the perfect city to name as host for this one of a kind event, we were blown away by the Tampa community. We highlighted Tampa for the simple fact that, when thinking of how to bring commerce to the U.S., Tampa has it covered. Geographically and culturally, it is the perfect gateway to the Americas.”

“On behalf of the Florida State Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, we show full support of this great conference,” said Julio Fuentes, FSHCC President. “We are excited that the city of Tampa was chosen and extend the invitation to Hispanic businesses in the rest of Florida to participate.”

“Small businesses play a significant and important role in our economy. We need to continue opening markets at home and abroad to raise living standards and consolidate democratic gains in the hemisphere,” said Senator Mel Martinez on the benefit the conference will have on Tampa and the state of Florida.

The 18th Annual Retailers of the Americas Conference, also known as XVIII Congreso del Comercio Detallista de las Americas, will host hundreds of business executives and dignitaries from across Latin America and the United States. The conference, expected to see an attendance of 3,000, will convene in Tampa between November 20 -22, 2008.

The press conference took place at the Embassy Suites (Downtown) at 10:30AM. Speakers also included the Honorable Faye Culp, Florida House of Representatives and Neighborhood Services Administrator Santiago Corrada.

Background:
The mission of the 18th Annual Retailers of the Americas Conference is to integrate the commercial sectors in the western hemisphere in a collaboration effort to develop strategies and initiatives directed at fortifying technological know-how, economic development and the creation of jobs. Previous host countries include, Dominican Republic, Uruguay, Panama, Costa Rica, Brazil, Peru, Mexico, Chile, Puerto Rico and Argentina.

About the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
Founded in 1979, the USHCC actively promotes the economic growth and development of Hispanic entrepreneurs and represents the interests of more than 2.5 million Hispanic-owned businesses in the United States that generate more than $388 billion annually. It also serves as the umbrella organization for 200 local Hispanic chambers in the United States, Puerto Rico, Canada, Mexico, Bolivia and Uruguay.”*

7UP and celebrity Chef Carlos Fernandez of Hi-Life Café in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida continue the national search for the 7UP 100% Naturally Talented Chef in the 7UP Recipe for Success contest. Consumers across the country have been challenged to put their creative cooking skills to the test for a chance to compete for the $70,000 grand prize.

“Entries are pouring in for the 7UP Recipe for Success contest. And we encourage other aspiring chefs out there to participate by whipping up some great recipes with 7UP’s natural lemon and lime flavors,” said Andrew Springate, vice president of marketing for Dr Pepper Snapple Group, the makers of 7UP with 100% Natural Flavors.

The flavorful contest, which kicked off in April, has attracted thousands of attendees to local demonstrations where Chef Carlos has shared his tips on cooking with the natural lemon and lime flavors of 7UP and invited consumers to submit their own recipes featuring 7UP with 100% Natural Flavors for the contest.

“The 7UP Recipe for Success contest has been amazing,” said Carlos Fernandez, a former participant on Bravo’s Top Chef. “I’ve really enjoyed interacting with the crowds at each cooking demonstration and seeing that as we get closer to the final cook-off, the anticipation for the $70,000 grand prize builds.”

Contestants can submit their original 7UP-infused recipes online at www.Receta7UP.com , via mail or at in-store demos in select markets through July 28. All entries must be received by Aug. 5, 2008. Chef Carlos, a self-taught culinary talent, will review each entry and, ultimately, narrow the selection down to seven lucky participants who will cook their recipes live in-studio with him. The final cook-off will be shown during Telemundo’s new morning show in September. Chef Carlos will select the lucky winner with the help of the beautiful Telemundo star, Monica Noguera, and a representative from 7UP. The Chef will crown one winner with the title of 7UP 100% Naturally Talented Chef and award them with the $70,000 grand prize to fulfill their dreams.

Chef/co-owner of Hi-Life Café located in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, will host cooking demonstrations throughout June and July in Chicago, Houston and Dallas. During these demos, he will educate consumers on the healthy preparation of meals using 7UP with 100% Natural Flavors and all natural ingredients.

For complete contest rules for the 7UP Recipe for Success contest and to find the demonstration nearest you, please visit www.Receta7UP.com .

About 7UP with 100% Natural Flavors
7UP with 100% Natural Flavors is a leading brand in the beverage portfolio of Dr Pepper Snapple Group, Inc. (NYSE: DPS). DPS is an integrated refreshment beverage business marketing more than 50 beverage brands to consumers throughout North America. In addition to its flagship Dr Pepper and Snapple brands, the company’s portfolio includes 7UP, Mott’s, A&W, Sunkist Soda, Hawaiian Punch, Canada Dry, Schweppes, Squirt, RC Cola, Diet Rite, Penafiel, Rose’s, Yoo-hoo, Clamato, Mr & Mrs T and other well-known consumer favorites. Based in Plano, Texas, Dr Pepper Snapple Group employs approximately 20,000 people and operates 24 bottling and manufacturing facilities and more than 200 distribution centers across the United States, Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean. For more information, please visit www.drpeppersnapple.com . “*

Now the art director of a preschool in Doral, López is far from a housekeeper these days, but from the lint bags of others — friends send them from as far away as Canada, and her neighbors share, too — López created The Johnsons and the Ramirezes, a sculpture endearingly dubbed “la casita.”

”The house is a metaphor for the space you have to share with others, the cultural space, the urban space. . . . It stands for the diversity in Miami, where in one block you have Americans, Latin Americans and Europeans living alongside one another,” says López, one of 26 artists featured in the provocative show Miami: City-Metaphor at Centro Cultural Español (Spanish Cultural Center) in Coral Gables.”*

Horizontes Unidos, LLC is pleased to announce that a selection of its greeting cards have appeared in two trade magazines.

One of the quinceañera cards which commemorates a young girl’s transition into woman-hood was featured in the premier issue of Stationery Trends. This is a quarterly magazine that focuses on greeting cards and stationery trends. They selected the card as an NSS (National Stationery Show) winner.

Three cards, featuring a quinceañera, a baptism and a birthday card, were showcased in the May 2008 issue of Gifts & Decorative Accessories. This is a monthly magazine that highlights trends in both gift and stationery manufacturing as well as in retail markets.

Horizontes Unidos, LLC is a Spanish greeting card company which offers greeting cards for all occasions to the Hispanic consumer market. The company was founded in 2006 and is committed in its mission to offer a great variety of quality cards, where each Latino’s true sentiments are reflected.

For additional information please contact:
Jennifer España
Horizontes Unidos, LLC
publicrelations@horizontesunidos.comThis e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
www.horizontesunidos.com
“*

Americas Society held its 28th Annual Spring Party last night at Cipriani Wall Street, located in New York City’s Financial District. At the party, which was attended by some 600 prominent members of the international culture, business, and diplomatic worlds, Americas Society awarded gold medals to Patricia Phelps de Cisneros, Carlos Fuentes, and Peter Munk in honor of their creative and philanthropic contributions to the arts, education, and social initiatives within the Americas.

The program included a welcome from Americas Society Chairman William R. Rhodes; introductions of the honorees by David Rockefeller, Americas Society founder and distinguished philanthropist, and The Right Honourable M. Brian Mulroney, former Prime Minister of Canada; and remarks by the honorees. The ceremony concluded with a brief, inspiring talk by Mr. Fuentes, who offered reflections on the history of dialogue between Latin America and the United States and the importance of Americas Society in that endeavor.

Honorees
Patricia Phelps de Cisneros is founding chairman of the Fundacion Cisneros, which is committed to enriching educational opportunities in Latin America and increasing global awareness of the breadth of Latin America’s contributions to world culture. Mrs. Cisneros and her husband, Gustavo A. Cisneros, established the foundation in the belief that education is key to overcoming poverty and, along with freedom of expression, is vital to democracy. Among the programs Mrs. Cisneros has founded are AME (Actualizacion de Maestros en Educacion), a comprehensive professional-development program for teachers, and Piensa en Arte, an art-in-education program based on the acclaimed Coleccion Patricia Phelps de Cisneros.

Carlos Fuentes, celebrated as one of the greatest writers in the
Spanish-speaking world, regularly comments from an international perspective on social issues impacting the Western Hemisphere. He has received many prizes, including the Cervantes Award, and has been featured in the Americas Society publication Review. As a social historian and diplomat, Mr. Fuentes founded the Iberoamerican Forum, which brings together political, literary, and business personalities of the Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking worlds. He has been a teacher and fellow at several universities, including Brown University, where he is currently professor at large. His books include The Death of Artemio Cruz, The Old Gringo, and The Buried Mirror.

Peter Munk, Canadian entrepreneur and philanthropist, is founder and chairman of the board of Barrick Gold Corporation, the largest gold producer in the world, currently celebrating its twenty-fifth successful year in operation. Mr. Munk’s charitable foundation supports a range of philanthropic causes in the fields of medicine, education, and research. Additionally, Barrick Gold has renewed its commitment to educational initiatives in Latin America. His significant donations established the leading Centre for International Studies at the University of Toronto, and the Centre for Research, Innovation and Technology at the Technion Institute in Israel. He also established the Peter Munk Cardiac Centre, a world-class health-care facility in Toronto.

Americas Society
Americas Society is the premier not-for-profit organization dedicated to education, debate, and dialogue in the Americas. Established by David Rockefeller in 1965, the Society’s mission is to foster an understanding of the political, social, and economic issues confronting Latin America, the Caribbean, and Canada. Its mission is also to increase public awareness and appreciation of the diverse cultural heritage of the Americas and the importance of the inter-American relationship. Together with its affiliate, the Council of the Americas, a business group committed to encourage free trade, open markets, democracy, and the rule of law throughout the Americas, the Society has become the leading national organization in creating international awareness issues impacting the Western Hemisphere.”*

An initiative to develop and improve five school libraries within the National Council of La Raza (NCLR), the largest national Hispanic civil rights and advocacy organization in the U.S., School Network in partnership with the Lowe’s Charitable and Educational Foundation was announced today. The NCLR was awarded a $100,000 grant from the Lowe’s to construct and supply the libraries scheduled for completion in August.

Unlike traditional public schools, public charter schools, like those in the NCLR School Network, lack resources like on-campus libraries because they receive approximately 20 percent less in per-student public funding than other schools in their respective districts. The support from the Lowe’s grant will help fill funding gaps, give the faculties and staffs the necessary tools to enrich students’ academic development and engage and involve parents and the community in school activities.

“All students should have access to library resources without having to leave their school building or school grounds,” said Janet Murguia, NCLR president and CEO. “NCLR applauds Lowe’s commitment to making this a reality for schools across the country.”

“Lowe’s is committed to recognizing and supporting efforts that enrich the lives of our neighbors and customers,” said Larry D. Stone, chairman of Lowe’s Charitable and Educational Foundation. “By supporting organizations like the National Council of La Raza, we are contributing to a cause that’s important to our customers and employees and helping build a stronger foundation for the children who will be tomorrow’s employees, homeowners and community leaders.”

Raul Yzaguirre School for Success in Brownville, Texas; Erie Elementary Charter School in Chicago, Ill.; Academia Avance Charter Public School in Los Angeles, Calif.; Amber Charter School in New York, N.Y. and El Sol Science and Arts Academy in Santa Ana, Calif. will each receive $20,000 to help build and supply a library with the proper furniture, materials and books.

Since its inception in 1957, Lowe’s Charitable and Educational Foundation has helped communities nationwide through employee volunteerism and financial contributions. Lowe’s and the Lowe’s Charitable and Educational Foundation together contributed more than $27.5 million to support community and education projects across the United States and Canada in 2007.”*

Charities has contributed $6,000 to the Hispanic Heritage Organization’s essay contest.

“IPA Charities is proud to support the Hispanic Heritage Organization’s essay contest for the third consecutive year,” said Dana Burgess, IPA Charities President.

Congress first proclaimed National Hispanic Heritage Month in September of 1968. Since that time, National Hispanic Heritage Month has taken place annually from September 15th to October 15th. Many of the events that take place during this month provide opportunities to celebrate, experience and enjoy the rich Latino culture and heritage including its wonderful art, food, history and music.

The Hispanic Heritage Organization is a non-profit organization promoting understanding and appreciation of the Latino culture through a variety of educational initiatives such as special events.

IPA Charities is a 501(c)3 charitable foundation dedicated to the quest of improving communities and people’s lives around the world. International Profit Associates, Inc. (IPA-IBA), the largest privately held management consulting and professional services firm for small and medium size businesses in North America, is a leading authority on small business. With annual revenues in excess of $200 million since 2005, IPA-IBA is the 6th largest management consulting company in Chicago and the 61st largest consulting company in the world. IPA-IBA offers a wide range of proven and innovative methodologies to help businesses grow and prosper. International Profit Associates and its alliance partners, including Integrated Business Analysis, Inc. (IBA), International Tax Advisors, Inc. (ITA), Accountancy Associates, LLC (AAL) and IPA Advisory & Intermediary Services, LLC (IPA A&I), provide comprehensive business advisory services and tax strategies to companies in the United States, Canada and other locations worldwide. Additional information is immediately available by visiting www.ipa-iba.com, www.iba-usa.net, www.internationaltaxadvisors.com, www.accountancyassoc.com/ and www.aiservices.com. The Public Relations Department may be contacted at: telephone (847) 495-6786; facsimile (847) 495-6773.”*

A beautifully told story about the power of family and courage, Under The Same Moon (La Misma Luna) arrives on DVD June 17 from Fox Home Entertainment. Starring world-class Latino talent including Adrian Alonso (The Legend of Zorro), Telenova superstars Kate del Castillo (“El Derecho de nacer”) and Eugenio Derbez, (“Los Perplejos”), Jesse Garcia (The Comebacks), Carmen Salinas (Man on Fire) and Golden Globe-winner America Ferrara (“Ugly Betty”) in a “beautifully rendered…warm hearted” (Richard Roeper) feature from first-time director Patricia Riggen, Under The Same Moon (La Misma Luna) portrays the parallel stories of nine-year-old Carlitos (Alonso) and his mother, Rosario (Del Castillo). In the hopes of providing a better life for her son, Rosario works illegally in the U.S. while her mother cares for Carlitos back in Mexico. Unexpected circumstances drive both Rosario and Carlitos to embark on their own journeys in a desperate attempt to reunite. Along the way, mother and son face challenges and obstacles but never lose hope that they will one day be together again. Touted for its colorful characters and an inspirational tale of self-discovery, Under The Same Moon (La Misma Luna) is “a timely and energetic crowd-pleaser that allows the viewer to share the bond between mother and son” (Rene Rodriguez, Miami Herald). Under The Same Moon (La Misma Luna) is presented in widescreen format and includes commentary, deleted scenes and two featurettes. The DVD is available for the suggested retail price of $29.98 U.S./$43.48 Canada. Prebook is May 21, 2008.

Synopsis:
Even across thousands of miles, the special bond between a mother and son can never be broken. It gives hope to Carlitos, a scrappy nine-year-old boy whose mother, Rosario, has gone to America to build a better life for both of them. While Rosario struggles for a brighter future, fate forces Carlitos’ hand and he embarks on an extraordinary journey to find her. Critics and audiences alike have praised this inspirational and heartwarming tale of a mother’s devotion, a son’s courage and a love that knows no borders.

Special Features – Under the Same Moon (La Misma Luna) Single Disc:

The Under the Same Moon (La Misma Luna) single disc DVD includes the theatrical version of the film presented in Wide Screen (1.85:1 aspect ratio) with English, French and Spanish subtitles. Bonus content includes:

• “The Murals of “Under the Same Moon” Featurette
• The Making of “La Misma Luna” Featurettes

About Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment

A recognized global industry leader, Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment LLC (TCFHE) is the worldwide marketing, sales and distribution company for all Fox film and television programming on DVD, Blu-ray Disc (BD) and Digital Copy as well as acquisitions and original productions. The company also releases all products around the globe for MGM Home Entertainment. Each year TCFHE introduces hundreds of new and newly enhanced products, which it services to retail outlets — from mass merchants and warehouse clubs to specialty stores and e-commerce - throughout the world. Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment LLC is a subsidiary of Twentieth Century Fox Film News Corporation, a News Corporation company.

UNDER THE SAME MOON (La Misma Luna)
Street Date: June 17, 2008
Prebook Date: May 21, 2008
Price: $29.98 U.S. / $43.48 Canada
Catalog Number: 2252690 U.S. / 2252690 Canada
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Feature Run Time: 106 minutes
Closed Captioned: Yes

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

There are many problems facing the United States today: a faltering economy, a health-care crisis, and the continuing war in Iraq, to name a few. But viewers of some of the most prominent cable news programs are presented a different reality, one in which one issue stands above all others: illegal immigration.

Media Matters Action Network undertook this study in order to document the rhetoric surrounding immigration that is heard on cable news. When it comes to this issue, cable news overflows not just with vitriol, but also with a series of myths that feed viewers’ resentment and fears, seemingly geared toward creating anti-immigrant hysteria.

There are two types of myths we discuss in this report. The first type is the large and most common myths, about crime and undocumented immigrants, and the costs of illegal immigration in social services and taxes. These topics are complex, and there are sometimes legitimate points buried within the arguments immigration opponents make. The second type of myth is the urban legend: that there is a conspiracy to take back the Southwest United States for Mexico; that there is a secret plan to construct a “NAFTA Superhighway” running from Canada to Mexico; that the U.S. is well on its way to surrendering its sovereignty to a “North American Union” (NAU); that Mexican immigrants are infecting Americans with leprosy; and that undocumented immigrants are responsible for a wave of election fraud. These myths are discussed less often, but are notable for their sheer ludicrousness. The North American Union and NAFTA Superhighway are closely related, and indeed are often discussed in tandem (the building of the Superhighway being posited as a step on the road to the creation of the NAU), but since each is also often discussed alone, we examine these two myths separately.”*

Cherokee Inc. (NASDAQ: CHKE), a leading licensor and global brand management company, announced today that it has signed an exclusive brand representation agreement with award-winning fashion designer David Rodriguez.

Extraordinary style, focus and work ethic defines designer David Rodriguez, who is emerging as one of America’s brightest stars in the fashion world. Rodriguez has received well-deserved recognition from the fashion industry, winning major awards and nominations, including: the Moët and Chandon Designer Debut award, the MODA award for Hispanic Designer of the Year, the Gold Coast Award, the Fashion Group International Rising Star Award, and the Smithsonian Latino Center Legacy Award. Combining his unique use of fine fabrics and styling to complement feminine curves, David Rodriguez has become a favorite among Hollywood celebrities, who rely upon his designs to make a major impact at red carpet events.

“We chose to collaborate with Cherokee based on the successful partnerships they’ve engineered with leading designers and premier retailers in the United States, including TJX Co., Target and Wal-Mart,” said Brandon Houchins, President, J.C. SOHO, LLC.

“We are excited to partner with David and help him bring his vision of reaching a broader consumer base to life,” said Shelly Marchetti, Business Development Director at Cherokee.

“We believe David Rodriguez’s unique design approach, coupled with a retailer’s cost effective sourcing ability, creates a formula for success,” said Larry Sass, Executive Vice President at Cherokee. “We look forward to expanding this talent.”

About Cherokee Inc.

Cherokee Inc., based in Van Nuys, is a marketer, licensor and manager of a variety of brands it owns (Cherokee, Sideout, Carole Little and others) and represents. Currently, Cherokee has licensing agreements in a number of categories, including family apparel, fashion accessories and footwear, as well as home furnishings and recreational products. Premier clients for the Cherokee brand around the world include Target Stores (U.S.), Tesco (U.K., Ireland and certain other European and Asian countries), Zellers (Canada), Pick ‘n Pay (South Africa), Fawaz Al Hokair (Middle East), Grupo Pão de Acucar (Brazil), S.A.C.I. Falabella (Chile and Peru), Arvind Mills (India), Shufersal LTD. (Israel), Comercial Mexicana (Mexico) and Grupo Eroski (Spain). Premier clients for Cherokee’s Sideout brand include Mervyn’s (U.S.) and Shanghai Bolderway (China), and for Cherokee’s Carole Little brands include TJX Companies (U.S., Canada and Europe).”*

– ad:tech expositions, LLC (www.ad-tech.com), the leading conferences and exhibitions organizer for the global marketing community, is hosting its second annual event in Miami on June 3-4, 2008 at the Miami Beach Convention Center. The event will address the challenges faced by marketers, executives and businesses alike when trying to communicate with domestic Hispanic and Latin American audiences. This event is the only digital marketing conference focused on exploring the Hispanic narrative and the trends that have led the growth of their increasing Internet usage and understanding the cultural force driving their connectivity and esponsiveness.

With Hispanics accounting for 44.3 million of the U.S. population and their purchasing power expected to reach $1 trillion by 2010 , it’s no wonder interactive marketers are clamoring to reach this burgeoning segment. Hispanics are now not only the largest minority in terms of population size but also online consumer presence . This online audience is growing almost as rapidly as its population size, and now the hurdle that remains is how best to ensure engagement and adoption.

“Hispanics are certainly embracing all that digital media and technology has to offer. They’re currently leading the total population in adoption of various devices and technologies, seeking the best and the newest brands and services out there,” said Monica Gadsby, CEO SMG Multicultural and keynote speaker at ad:tech Miami on June 3rd on The Attention Economy: Mastering the Touchpoints that Captivate Multicultural Consumers. “Since Hispanic consumers view the internet as a leading source of information to make purchasing decisions and a platform to engage with relevant content, I think we’ll certainly see further growth in Hispanic online penetration as more options become available on the web.”

The new digital age we find ourselves amidst calls for a new approach altogether in reaching target audiences. Hispanic and Latin American consumers are tapping into social networking sites, RSS feeds and blog feeds at a feverish rate for the latest and greatest, and as such, companies have to position themselves within this space to obtain exposure. The increase in online content, such as broadband video, social networks and mobile applications, will increase the time spent online thus offering marketers innumerous direct connections with consumers.

“The number of Latin American households with broadband Internet access is currently growing at one of the fastest rates in the world,” said Marcos Galperin, MercadoLibre´s President and CEO and keynote speaker at ad:tech Miami on June 4th on Technology + Commerce + Culture: The Story of an eCommerce Pioneer. “What we experience in Latin America is positive growth trends influencing Internet, broadband and PC penetration rates, and we believe this course will persist for many years to come.”

ad:tech Miami offers the ideal setting to listen and learn from the best and brightest marketing minds who will share their expertise and know-how while discussing the opportunities and challenges affecting the digital landscape and the global market. The exhibit hall will showcase 40 key exhibitors from Latin America, Mexico and the United States. Expo and Conference attendees will have the opportunity to meet and engage with domestic and international organizations, as well as time and space to network with colleagues at the event.

For an exhibitor list, please visit www.ad-tech.com/miami/adtech_miami_exhibitors.aspx.

For public information, please visit www.ad-tech.com/miami

Editors: For interviews, images or more information, please contact Gracia Larrain at Edelman, ph: 305.358.7643 or Latiffe Ghanem at Edelman, ph: 305.358.8042

About ad:tech: ad:tech expositions, LLC is the leading organizer of conferences and exhibitions for the interactive marketing community worldwide. ad:tech produces the world’s largest interactive marketing events held in New York, San Francisco, Chicago, Miami, London, Paris, Shanghai, Beijing, Singapore and Sydney. ad:tech is produced by dmg world media; based out of the company’s headquarters in Larkspur, California. For listings of exhibitors, speakers, events and upcoming conference offerings, visit www.ad-tech.com.

About dmg world media: An international exhibition and publishing company, dmg world media produces over 300 market-leading trade exhibitions, consumer shows and fairs each year and publishes 45 related magazines, newspapers, directories and market reports. dmg world media employs 700 people and maintains a worldwide presence through more than 30 offices in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, France, the United Arab Emirates, China, India, Singapore, Australia and New Zealand. dmg world media is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Daily Mail and General Trust plc (DMGT), one of the largest and most successful media companies in the United Kingdom. Additional information on dmg world media can be found at www.dmgworldmedia.com.

“*

LandAmerica Financial Group, Inc. (NYSE: LFG) announces that Dan A. Robledo, Vice President - Arizona Operations Manager, has been inducted to the Board of Directors of the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals (NAHREP).

NAHREP is a non-profit trade association headquartered in Washington, D.C., with 15,000 members in more than 60 affiliate chapters in 48 states. Its mission is to increase the sustainable Hispanic homeownership rate by empowering real estate professionals serving the community. The association accomplishes this by providing educational tools and a networking forum, and through the power of advocacy. NAHREP members include real estate agents, brokers, loan officers, mortgage brokers, title officers, escrow officers, appraisers, insurance agents and other professionals from diverse cultural backgrounds.

“We are very pleased to welcome Dan Robledo to our Board of Directors,” said Timothy Sandos, President and Chief Executive Officer of NAHREP. “Dan is a tremendously talented leader, as evidenced by his career in the industry, and his contributions to NAHREP will help make the American Dream of homeownership come true for more Hispanics across the country.”

Visit www.nahrep.org for more information about the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals.

About LandAmerica Financial Group, Inc.
LandAmerica Financial Group, Inc. is a leading provider of real estate transaction services with over 700 offices and a network of more than 8,500 active agents. LandAmerica serves agent, residential, commercial and lender customers throughout the United States, Mexico, Canada, the Caribbean, Latin America, Europe and Asia. For the second consecutive year, LandAmerica is recognized as number one in the mortgage services industry on Fortune’s 2008 list of America’s most admired companies.”*

The State Farm Companies Foundation increased its investment and involvement in the Latino community today with a major, annual contribution of $285,000 to the Hispanic Scholarship Fund. The latest financial support from the State Farm Companies Foundation will create additional scholarships and community education programs for Latinos this year.

“We are excited about expanding our long-established partnership with the State Farm Companies Foundation,” said Frank D. Alvarez, HSF President and CEO. “This grant demonstrates the foundation’s commitment to improving access to higher education for everyone.”

State Farm and the State Farm Companies Foundation are working with HSF to provide more scholarships, to present more informational and educational events, and, in general, to promote higher education among Hispanics through more community involvement. First, this grant creates the HSF/State Farm Companies Foundation Scholarship Program, which awards scholarships to Latinos, in their junior and senior years enrolled in four-year institutions, pursuing careers in education.

In addition to scholarships, State Farm’s investment further expands HSF’s capacity to engage and support Latino students seeking the education they need to become future professionals. As the leader in this field, HSF knows college-going promotion, conditioning and outreach efforts in the Latino community are also critical. The expanded partnership will include a series of seven Town Hall Meetings in selected areas of California. These two-hour, completely bilingual sessions introduce students and their families to HSF and explain the basic steps necessary to prepare for college.

In an endeavor to begin conditioning Latino and families and promote discussion of going to college, the State Farm Corporation is sponsoring with HSF a student essay contest in California. The theme of the essays is “Education - A Gift That Lasts a Lifetime,” and 18 winning students, ranging from kindergarten to 12th grade, will each receive an award of $1,000.

Since 1989, the State Farm Companies Foundation has contributed more than $750,000 to the Hispanic Scholarship Fund.

“This increased level of commitment to the remarkable students and families that HSF supports is just one of the many ways in which State Farm seeks to improve the vibrancy and strength of the communities in which we live and work,” said Rand Harbert, Senior Vice President for State Farm in California. He added, “we hope this contribution will make an impact in the lives of these students, their families and ultimately our state.”

HSF President Alvarez said, “We sincerely appreciate State Farm Companies Foundation’s willingness to invest in Hispanic youth through HSF, as we work to double the rate of Hispanics earning a college degree. Working together with companies and foundations like these, we will positively impact the future and move closer to our goal of strengthening America by generating more Latino college graduates.”

About Hispanic Scholarship Fund
Founded in 1975 as a 501(c) (3) not-for-profit organization, HSF’s vision is to strengthen the country by advancing college education among Hispanic Americans. In support of its mission to double the rate of Hispanics earning college degrees, HSF provides the Latino community more college scholarships and educational outreach support than any other organization in the country. During the 2006-2007 academic year, HSF awarded nearly 4,200 scholarships exceeding $26.5 million. In its 32-year history, HSF has awarded more than 82,000 scholarships worth over $221 million to Latinos attending nearly 2,000 colleges and universities in all 50 states, Puerto Rico, Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands. For more information about the Hispanic Scholarship Fund, please visit www.hsf.net.

About State Farm Companies Foundation
The State Farm Companies Foundation was established in 1963 as an independent private foundation and is primarily committed to education, helping to raise the level of student achievement in our elementary and secondary schools. The State Farm Companies Foundation provides funding for its education initiatives in the following areas: K-12 public schools, service learning and teacher excellence. For more information about the State Farm Companies Foundation, please visit www.statefarm.com/about/part_spos/part_spos.asp.

About State Farm
State Farm(R) insures more cars and homes than any other insurer in the U.S., the leading insurer of watercraft and is also a leading insurer in Canada. State Farm’s 17,000 agents and 68,000 employees serve over 76 million auto, fire, life and health policies in the United States and Canada, and more than 1.7 million bank accounts. State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company is the parent of the State Farm family of companies. State Farm is ranked No. 31 on the Fortune 500 list of largest companies. For more information, please visit statefarm.com(R) or in Canada statefarm.ca(R).”*

Alexis Puentes is running late with his sound check, but the crowd at Copa, a popular Latin dance bar on Congress Avenue here, seems driven to distraction. It’s hard not to stare at Puentes, who performs as Alex Cuba. There’s his towering Afro reminiscent of Sly Stone’s, the bushy sideburns that jut out to the corners of his mouth, the tight-as-Tupperware ripped jeans, the big brown eyes, and the toothy white smile Al Green used to flash back in the ’70s.

Puentes, in town for the South by Southwest music festival, looks exactly like his music sounds: funky, soulful, and, yes, suave. Fifteen minutes into his set, the audience, which had been seated cross-legged on the floor, has gotten up to dance, one by one like dominoes in reverse. They’re spinning around the dance floor, all elbows and hips and Coronas swinging from hands held aloft. But Puentes is giving them something irresistible and completely unexpected: an evening of old-school soul and funk - en español.”*

Wine expert Jose Penin released the Penin Guide to Spanish Wines 2008, Spain’s leading wine guide, at a private reception for trade professionals and media in New York. Over 300 people participated in the launch of the English language version of the Penin Guide followed by a tasting of wines from twenty-five of Spain’s emerging wineries, named the “New Values of Spanish Wine.” A highlight of the event was an expert panel discussion on Trends in Spanish Wines presented by Jose Penin with the participation of Dr. Jay Miller of The Wine Advocate, Carlos Hubner-Arteta of wine importer Winebow, and Roger Kugler, Sommelier at Boqueria and Suba restaurants in New York.
To view a complete list of the chosen wineries for the “New Values of Spanish Wine” and to view a photo gallery of the April 3rd event at New York’s W Hotel Union Square visit: www.grupopenin.com/newvaluesofspanishwine.
Penin Guide has long been the resource of choice for Spanish wine professionals, and strives to be the world reference on the Spanish wine industry. Currently in its 17th edition, the Penin Guide has twenty-four highly trained wine communication specialists, who provide critical information and reviews on over 8,000 Spanish wines each year. The Penin Guide has an annual print run of 30,000 copies and is widely referenced in the U.S., Germany, the United Kingdom, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Canada, Brazil, Switzerland, Russia and Japan.
Grupo Penin and the Penin Guide to Spanish Wine are accessible online at www.grupopenin.com/. The Penin Guide to Spanish Wine 2008 is also available for purchase through www.amazon.com/, Barnes & Noble, Borders and other retailers nationwide.
The Penin Guide to Spanish Wine is published by Grupo Penin Communications, an established marketing, branding and Public Relations company, specialized in wine and gastronomy. The group is chaired by Mr. Jose Penin and managed by Ms. Mercedes Cubillo. Through the Penin Guide to Spanish Wine the company has hundreds of business contacts worldwide, and is establishing a global consultancy and business-to-business information exchange centered on trends and opportunities in the Spanish wine industry.
To request more information about Grupo Penin and the Penin Guide to Spanish Wine 2008 please contact HG Marketing at 718-403-0097 or email info@hgmarketing.net.

Media Contacts Helen Gregory/Rebekah Polster HG Marketing 718-403-0097 / 646-621-3559

Highly respected and Emmy Award-winning veteran television executive Alfredo Duran has been named Senior Vice President, Branded Services, and General Manager of The Warner Channel Latin America. The announcement was made today by Jeffrey R. Schlesinger, President, Warner Bros. International Television.

Duran will be based in Miami and will report to Malcolm Dudley-Smith, who as Executive Vice President, Sales & Business Development for Canada, Latin America & Asia, oversees WBITD’s branded linear and nonlinear channels in these areas. “*

President George W. Bush and the leaders of Canada and Mexico rejected Democrats’ demands that the North American Free Trade Agreement be renegotiated, saying the move would undercut economic growth in each nation.

“Now is not the time to renegotiate Nafta or to walk away from Nafta,” Bush said at a joint press conference with Mexican President Felipe Calderon and Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper today. “I’m concerned about protectionism in America,” Bush said.”*