Mes: noviembre 2020

CHICAGO, Nov. 18, 2020 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) Chicago, one of the country’s largest chapters, is proud to announce the launch of the PRSA Chicago Michelle Flowers Diversity Fellowship. The new initiative was created to grow the pipeline of upcoming multicultural talent in the field of public relations and communications while honoring the impactful contributions of one of the nation’s leading marketing communications veterans.

«PRSA Chicago is creating more opportunities to close the diversity gap in the public relations industry by launching the Michelle Flowers Diversity Fellowship Program,» explains Dane Roth, president of the PRSA Chicago Chapter. «According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the ethnic makeup of the PR industry in the U.S. is nearly 88 percent white. As a Chapter that represents one of the most diverse cities in the world, we must invest in the development of the next generation of multicultural PR practitioners. We are working toward creating a future state of PR that is dynamic, equitable and inclusive. The Fellowship Program establishes a long-term investment in our profession and builds a highly qualified pipeline of diverse talent.»

The program consists of two awards, each in the amount of $3,000, which will be presented to two talented juniors who major in communications and are of African-American/Black, Hispanic/Latino, Asian, Native American, Alaskan Native, or Pacific Islander ancestry. The two fellows will be announced in February 2021. Interested college students can visit www.michelleflowersfellowship.com to learn more and apply for the fellowship.

The fellowship will include a summer internship at a Chicago agency affiliated with PRSA Chicago between the Fellow’s junior and senior year. The award is renewable for the Fellow’s senior year based on attaining a 3.0 GPA. While in school, Diversity Fellows will be able to attend PRSA Chicago chapter events and programs at no cost. The Fellows also will be recognized at PRSA Chicago’s annual Skyline Awards. Following graduation, the Michelle Flowers Diversity Fellows will be considered for additional employment opportunities at PRSA Chicago member agencies.  Membership in the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) is preferred, but is not a requirement. 

By providing financial assistance and employment opportunities, PRSA Chicago aims to attract, train and retain people of color to the practice of public relations and communications. The Diversity Fellowship pays tribute to the meaningful contributions of Michelle Flowers Welch, an award-winning expert in the field of multicultural communications. The visionary public relations and marketing entrepreneur founded Flowers Communications Group, one of the nation’s top multicultural integrated marketing agencies, in 1991.

One of the firm’s core values is focused on cultivating the next generation of multicultural communications practitioners. In support of Flowers Welch’s lifelong commitment to diversity in the public relations industry, Flowers Communications Group is a founding sponsor of the PRSA Chicago Michelle Flowers Diversity Fellowship Program. 

A strategic, innovative thought leader, Flowers Welch serves as a trusted senior counselor to clients and an inspiring mentor to young professionals. She holds a master’s degree in advertising from Northwestern University and is a magna cum laude graduate of HBCU Winston-Salem State University. A charter inductee into Northwestern University’s Medill Hall of Fame, Flowers Welch is the recipient of the Publicity Club of Chicago’s Lifetime Achievement Award, was named PRSA Chicago’s 2017 Distinguished Senior Leader and is a member of the PR News Hall of Fame. She currently serves on the boards of The Salvation Army Metropolitan Chicago, PRSA Chicago and the PR Council. Her firm has received more than 150 industry awards for communications excellence. Most recently, Flowers Communications Group was named to Forbes list of America’s Best PR Agencies. 

About PRSA Chicago
PRSA Chicago is one of the largest chapters in the country. The chapter was founded in 1948 to provide professionals with programs and activities designed to meet their needs for professional development and networking. Today, its nearly 500 members represent a cross-section of industries, with a diverse mix of Fortune 100 corporations, public relations agencies, associations and non-profit organizations. The goal of PRSA Chicago is to advance the profession of public relations, promote high professional and ethical standards and build the reputation of the profession in the Chicago area.

As part of PRSA Chicago, members have access to the national Public Relations Society of America, the world’s largest organization for public relations professionals. The Society has nearly 32,000 professional and student members. PRSA is organized into more than 100 Chapters nationwide, 19 Professional Interest Sections and Affinity Groups, which represent business and industry, counseling firms, independent practitioners, military, government, associations, hospitals, schools, professional services firms and nonprofit organizations. The Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) has nearly 300 Chapters at colleges and universities throughout the United States.  

Media Contact:
communications@prsachicago.com

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SOURCE PRSA Chicago

TORRANCE, Calif., Nov. 18, 2020 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — After more than two decades and one million units sold since the debut of the first-generation MDX in 2000, the new MDX Prototype previews the nameplate’s most ambitious redesign yet. Utilizing a clean sheet design and clear focus on delivering Precision Crafted Performance, the fourth-generation MDX reimagines the three-row SUV’s proven formula with a more emotional, exciting and premium design.

The clean sheet approach harkens back to the pioneering 2001 MDX, the first SUV designed by Acura in California, and the industry’s first three-row SUV to be based on a unibody platform. Both challenging designs were undertaken by the same person – exterior design leader Catalin Matei.

In a new video released today, Matei reflects on the disparate design intentions between the first and fourth-generation MDXs, while also highlighting similarities such as a distinct character line which runs the perimeter of both models, below the headlight on the original, and higher on the all-new MDX to communicate strength and performance.

Link to Video: https://youtu.be/BBv8-gXVvIs

MDX Design Reimagined
Previewed in Prototype form, the fourth-generation MDX makes a bold statement with its more dynamic and muscular design. A more upright front fascia and long, sculpted hood convey power and presence along with an impressive six-inch increase in dash-to-axle dimension versus the outgoing MDX. Inspired by the wind-shaped rocks of the Antelope Canyons, the new MDX’s alluring and sculpted body sides give the vehicle a constant impression of movement.

Elegantly crafted details include multi-faceted diamond surfaces on the grille creating dynamic reflections and light play while moving around the vehicle. The new MDX’s headlight and taillights, «the jewelry of the vehicle» as described by Matei, deploy Acura’s unique Chicane light signature at both the front and rear. 

The new MDX’s performance intent is underscored by its broad shoulders and tapered cabin, drawn rearward on the lower and wider body. Larger and wider wheels are pushed to the corners, anchoring the MDX to the ground and further communicating performance.

The Original MDX: First-Generation Changes the SUV Game       
The original 2001 MDX redefined the luxury SUV segment as the industry’s first three-row SUV to be based on a unibody platform, offering superior comfort, space and driving performance than existing truck-based SUVs. From a design perspective, the first-generation MDX artfully balanced between muscularity and elegance, while communicating strength and stability with its clean look, sharply chiseled front fascia and wide stance. The first gen MDX earned critical praise, including 2001 North American Truck of the Year and 2001 Motor Trend SUV of the Year awards.

Designer Bio: Catalin Matei 
Catalin Matei is a principal designer and exterior design technical expert at Honda R&D Americas (HRA). After graduating from Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, Matei joined HRA in Torrance, California in 1988. His passion for finding creative solutions to technical problems, combined with his love of cars and drawing, are what led him to vehicle design.

Matei’s first role as a designer was on the 1993 Honda Civic Coupe. Following that, Matei designed both the 2000 Acura MD-X Concept and the 2001 Acura MDX production vehicle. He also led the exterior designs of the 2006 Honda Pilot, 2007 Honda Element SC, and two generations of Honda Odyssey (2011 and 2018).

Matei’s responsibilities for the 2022 MDX ranged from the overall exterior design all the way down to details such as the textures used inside the headlights and taillights. In addition to achieving a highly emotional appearance for the MDX, Matei had to consider the vehicle’s engineering layout and overall packaging.

About Acura
Acura is a leading automotive nameplate that delivers Precision Crafted Performance – a commitment to expressive styling, high performance and innovative engineering, all built on a foundation of quality and reliability. The Acura lineup features five distinctive models – the ILX and TLX sport sedans, the RDX and MDX sport-utility vehicles and the next-generation, electrified NSX supercar. All Acura models sold in North America for the 2021 model year are made in the U.S., using domestic and globally sourced parts.

Additional media information including pricing, features & specifications and high-resolution photography is available at AcuraNews.com. Consumer information is available at Acura.com.

¹ Based on MotorIntelligence cumulative total sales among all 3-row luxury SUV and CUV models, January 1980 through October 2020.

Video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BBv8-gXVvIs  
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SOURCE Acura

Compact SUV praised for driving dynamics, design and value

IRVINE, Calif., Nov. 18, 2020 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The 2021 Mazda CX-5 today was named as a Car and Driver 10Best winner, the fourth consecutive year that Mazda’s compact crossover SUV has received the award.

Recognized by Car and Driver for its driving dynamics, design and value, Mazda’s CX-5 had its best sales month ever in October. The 2021 model offers many premium features as standard, such as Mazda’s suite of i-Activsense safety features, including Lane Departure Warning with Lane-Keep Assist and Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert. A new 10.25-inch center display, the largest screen ever in CX-5, features the latest Mazda Connect infotainment interface and adds capabilities for Mazda Connected Services and in-car Wi-Fi hot spot. Along with Apple CarPlay^TM and Android Auto^TM, the 2021 CX-5 provides occupants seamless integration with their smartphone and helps enhance the sophisticated experience in the vehicle.

«The Mazda CX-5 is the crossover we recommend to friends who are shopping for crossovers,» said Sharon Silke Carty, editor-in-chief of Car and Driver. «It is polished enough to compete with more upscale brands, and its effortless steering and controlled suspension make it fun to drive. It has the right combination of good looks, price and handling and has become a regular on our 10Best list.»

The upper trim 2021 CX-5 models come with the Skyactiv-G 2.5 Turbo engine that delivers up to 250 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque with premium 93 octane fuel or 227 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque with regular 87 octane fuel. The standard four-cylinder Skyactiv-G 2.5-liter engine delivers 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque. CX-5 also features a quick-shifting six-speed automatic transmission with sport and manual-shift modes, G-Vectoring Control Plus, and front-wheel drive as standard. Mazda’s i-Activ all-wheel drive with off-road traction assist is available on all trim levels. 

New for 2021 is the CX-5 Carbon Edition. Sharing similar features to the CX-5 Touring with Touring Preferred SV Package, the Carbon Edition offers exclusive styling with Polymetal Gray exterior paint, gloss black door mirrors and 19-inch black metallic aluminum alloy wheels. The interior has red leather seats and special interior trim. The Carbon Edition offers the Skyactiv-G 2.5 Turbo engine as an option and is available in either front-wheel or all-wheel drive.

Car and Driver’s staff evaluated 57 vehicles during two weeks of testing, before voting on its 2021 10Best winners. The award recognizes the smartest, most entertaining cars, trucks, SUVs and vans on sale. «We judge vehicles with an emphasis on value, mission fulfillment, and whether they are fun to drive,» Carty said. «Each of the 10 winners competes against the entire market to earn this recognition.»

To be eligible for a 10Best award, a vehicle must be new or substantially changed from the prior model year, or be a returning winner from last year’s awards. It also must have a base price of less than $90,000 and be on sale in the United States by Jan. 21, 2021.

Mazda North American Operations is headquartered in Irvine, California, and oversees the sales, marketing, parts and customer service support of Mazda vehicles in the U.S. and Mexico through approximately 620 dealers. Operations in Mexico are managed by Mazda Motor de Mexico in Mexico City. For more information on Mazda vehicles, including photography and B-roll, please visit the online Mazda media center at InsideMazda.MazdaUSA.com/Newsroom.

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SOURCE Mazda North American Operations

OAKLAND, Calif., Nov. 18, 2020 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — In its ongoing focus to help Californians make sustainable lifestyle changes for their long-term health and well-being, Blue Shield of California today announced the addition of three tobacco-cessation online providers to its popular Wellvolution platform, the largest digital therapeutics and community network in the healthcare industry.

The announcement coincides with the American Cancer Society’s Great American Smokeout on November 19, which focuses the attention of millions of smokers on the lifetime benefits of quitting tobacco.

«We’re adding our voice to that important message with three new, clinically validated digital programs to help people quit smoking or vaping,» said Angie Kalousek, director of Mind-Body Medicine at Blue Shield. «Research shows that 49 million Americans now use tobacco of some kind with cigarettes, cigars and e-cigarettes topping the list. That is a staggering number of people putting their health at risk for multiple diseases.»

The three new clinically proven health solutions now available online to Blue Shield’s Wellvolution participants are:

• EX^® Program by Truth Initiative provides Blue Shield members access to a personalized quit plan; live chat coaching and medication guidance from tobacco treatment specialists; 24/7 peer support; interactive quitting tools and videos; and tailored text messaging. Developed in collaboration with Mayo Clinic, the program grew out of the national public health organization Truth Initiative’s leading research and long history of building engaging digital interventions that inspire lives free from smoking, vaping and nicotine.
• Clickotine by Click Therapeutics, Inc. is a comprehensive digital therapeutic program for smoking cessation that can be downloaded on a smartphone. The app provides an individualized program that is fully integrated with nicotine replacement therapy. Through cognitive and neurobehavioral mechanisms, Click’s Digital Therapeutics™ enable change within individuals, and are designed to be used independently or in conjunction with biomedical treatments.
• QuitSmart Mindfully by eMindful takes participants through 12 sessions that include live interactive virtual sessions with teachers and personalized strategies that smokers can integrate into their daily lives. The program demonstrates how smokers can minimize stress and cravings, build awareness of behavior patterns, identify key drivers of purposeful decision making and behavior change, and address issues of addiction to nicotine and a smoking habit.

«As an employer group that has worked closely with Blue Shield over the years to develop and manage a non-smoker incentive program for our employees, we are pleased we can add these new virtual options during the COVID-19 pandemic to help our employees who want to quit smoking and achieve their health and wellness goals,» said Tom Hatch, chief human resources officer at ‎County of Orange.

Kalousek added, «We are offering three new tobacco-cessation programs because each offers members a unique experience. Not every person quits in the same way and these options allow for member choice.»

Key facts about smoking:

• Smoking is the single largest preventable cause of death and illness in the world.
• More than 16 million people in America live with a smoking-related disease. (e.g. cancer, heart disease, hypertension, and diabetes)
• Every year more than 480,000 people in the U.S. die from illnesses related to tobacco use, representing one out of five deaths in the U.S.¹
• 49 million Americans use tobacco of some kind.
• Cigarettes – 32.4 million
• Cigars – 9.6 million
• E-cigarettes – 8.1 million
• Smokeless tobacco – 5.9 million
• Pipes – 2.6 million²

Wellvolution is a digitally based lifestyle medicine and health platform that can be personalized to each of its members’ individual health needs and preferences. Created in collaboration with Solera Health, Wellvolution provides members guided on-demand access to a tailored network of clinically proven applications using lifestyle to prevent, treat and even reverse disease. It is available to most Blue Shield members with their benefit plan at no additional cost, and is an example of how the nonprofit health plan is reimagining health for individuals, families and communities.

¹ www.cancer.org 
² Creamer MC et al. Tobacco Product Use and Cessation Indications Among Adults –United States, 2018. MMWR, 2019

About Blue Shield of California
Blue Shield of California strives to create a healthcare system worthy of its family and friends that is sustainably affordable. Blue Shield of California is a tax paying, nonprofit, independent member of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association with over four million members, 6,800 employees and more than $20 billion in annual revenue. Founded in 1939 in San Francisco and now headquartered in Oakland, Blue Shield of California and its affiliates provide health, dental, vision, Medicaid and Medicare healthcare 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

About Solera
Solera is committed to changing lives by guiding people to better health in their communities. The company has built a dynamic platform that provides intensive, evidence-based, lifestyle and behavioral social interventions to impact the costliest chronic conditions in the country.  Solera’s marketplace strategically matches consumers to curated disease prevention with a network of community organizations and digital therapeutics providers delivering the most meaningful health outcomes.  Solera is HITRUST certified, the most prestigious certification for meeting healthcare regulations and requirements for protecting and securing sensitive private healthcare information. For more information, visit Solera at www.soleranetwork.com 

CONTACT:    
Mashi Nyssen
Blue Shield of California    
510-607-2359
media@blueshieldca.com

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SOURCE Blue Shield of California