febrero 2021 – Página 295

Richardson Announces Candidacy for SC 7th Congressional District

CONWAY, S.C., Feb. 3, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Horry County School Board Chairman Ken Richardson announced today he is a candidate for the Republican nomination for the South Carolina 7^th Congressional District.

Richardson‘s announcement makes him the first official candidate to declare a run at the 7^th Congressional District seat currently held by Rep. Tom…

Richardson‘s announcement makes him the first official candidate to declare a run at the 7^th Congressional District seat currently held by Rep. Tom Rice.

«I will not be seeking reelection to the school board chairmanship in 2022,» Richardson said. «Instead I am 100 percent dedicated to taking Tom Rice out of Congress.

«I want to thank the voters for placing their trust in me as school board chairman,» Richardson said. «I believe we have made a lot of progress within the school district and will continue to do my very best for the students of the Horry County in the two years I have left in office.»

Richardson is the only person in the state to have served as Chairman of the Board at both the K-12 and college levels. He served 20 years as Chairman of the Board of Trustees at Horry Georgetown Technical College before being elected as Chairman of the Board of Horry County Schools.

«Education will continue to be a top priority of mine at the federal level,» Richardson said. «I believe what is taught in our schools is very important and I am willing to fight for top quality education across the nation.»

Richardson said federal government dollars sent to local school districts often come with many strings attached. He said he will work in Congress to lessen federal dictates on local schools.

«Parents, teachers and school boards should have input into what is taught in local schools,» Richardson. «I don‘t believe the school curriculum should be dictated by the demands of standardized tests alone.»

Richardson has spent the last two weeks putting together a campaign staff all of whom live and work within the congressional district.

«It‘s not necessary to go to Columbia or other states to staff a campaign,» Richardson said. «There are plenty of quality people within the 7^th District and I prefer to use those local specialists in my campaign. The money my campaign is going to spend in this effort will be spent within this district.»

Those hiring practices go along with Richardson‘s philosophy of Congressional representation.

«This is not Tom Rice‘s seat nor is it Ken Richardson‘s seat. It is the People‘s seat and I believe the peoples‘ representative in Washington should vote according to the wishes of the majority of those he represents.»

Ken Richardson will hold a one hour press conference today at the Richardson Art Gallery, Conway Campus of Horry Georgetown Technical College, U.S 501, Conway, SC. The press conference will begin at 1 p.m. Wednesday February 3, 2021.

Ken Richardson is a lifelong resident of Horry County. He is married to wife Donna for 43 years. The couple has two children and two grandchildren. All three generations are products of Horry County Schools.

Education has always been a passion of Richardson‘s. He served four years on the Coastal Carolina University Advisory Board, 20 years on the Horry Georgetown Technical College Board of Trustees, 16 as Chairman. Richardson was elected in 2018 as Chairman of the Horry County School Board.

Richardson is currently Chairman Emeritus of the HGTC Board, a member of the Conway High School Alumni Hall of Fame and the Richardson Art Gallery at HGTC is named for him.

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SOURCE Ken Richardson for Congress

LotLinx Brings Vehicle Marketing System to Dealer Desktops with TURNx Browser Extension

PETERBOROUGH, N.H., Feb. 3, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — LotLinx, the automotive industry’s leading Vehicle Marketing System, announced today an expansion of their all-encompassing inventory marketing platform with the release of TURN^X. The /AI/-powered solution brings real-time pricing, demand, and competitor data right to a dealer’s desktop, eliminating digital waste and maximizing profit potential.

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The product release comes at a pivotal time for LotLinx as it expands its mission to solve dealership marketing inconsistencies and aims to operationalize the vehicle sales process from the point of acquisition.

Powered by LotLinx /AI/, the browser extension leverages in-market data to provide VIN-level insights on any internet site hosting a VIN, including Vehicle Details Pages and Search Results Pages. This readily-available data is intended to aid dealers throughout the acquisition, pricing, and marketing processes. TURN^Xprovides insight into active buyer demand, letting dealers know if, and when, the time is right to move on a new unit. Dealers leveraging the in-site extension can accelerate inventory turn by understanding the level of marketing necessary to sell each unit – before they buy.

VIN-level campaigns can be launched directly from the browser extension; and dealers can avoid routine, calendar-based markdowns by proactively pricing new and used inventory based on unbiased pricing recommendations.

TURN^Xcreates full transparency between a dealership’s management, sales, marketing, and inventory departments, allowing each department knowledge of the vehicle details at any point in time.

«TURN^X not only brings real-time buyer demand data at the VIN level to the general manager’s desktop, but to the entire dealership,» says Lance Schafer, LotLinx GM of Product & Technology. «This is the kind of data that will allow dealers to become VIN-aware and help them make more effective and profitable decisions.»

The company will be releasing TURNx to dealers who visit the virtual LotLinx Booth during the 2021 NADA Show. Dealership owners, managers, and principals can request meetings at the virtual booth February 4th to the 11th or by visiting www.lotlinx.com/NADA2021 and be entered to win a Whistling Straits weekend getaway at Destination Kohler. If you’re not attending the show but are interested in gaining early access to TURNx, visit www.lotlinx.com/extension.

About LotLinx:

LotLinx is the automotive industry’s leading Vehicle Marketing System. Founded in 2012 and based out of Peterborough, NH, LotLinx harnesses today’s industry data to develop a specific marketing plan for each vehicle on a dealer’s lot. With a proven track record of progressing dealers to #1 in their markets, LotLinx is committed to providing precision-level marketing that accelerates inventory turn, increases gross margin, and returns control back to the dealer. To learn more about LotLinx, please visit www.lotlinx.com or email hello@lotlinx.com.

Media Contact: Mary McDonnell, marketing@lotlinx.com

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SOURCE LotLinx

Con Edison Customers Made 2020 an Impressive Year for Solar Energy

NEW YORK, Feb. 3, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Con Edison customers continued their rapid adoption of solar energy in 2020, despite the economic and logistical challenges the coronavirus pandemic posed.

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NEW YORK, Feb. 3, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Con Edison customers continued their rapid adoption of solar energy in 2020, despite the economic and logistical challenges the coronavirus pandemic posed.

Customers in New York City and Westchester County, N.Y. completed 5,542 arrays during the year. The panels customers placed on their roofs last year have the capacity to produce 44.77 megawatts, or 44.77 million watts.

«The pandemic caused a pause in construction and the recession created apprehension among people who wanted to invest in their homes and businesses,» said Lenny Singh, Con Edison’s senior vice president, Customer Energy Solutions. «But it’s a tribute to our customers that they continued to choose clean, renewable solar energy. Our customers are our greatest asset as we seek to lead our state and region toward a clean energy future.»

Con Edison customers have now completed more than 35,700 projects with the capacity to produce 322 megawatts. Those projects avoid 300,000 tons of carbon emissions and the amount of greenhouse gas emissions produced by more than 64,000 cars.

It’s a lot of clean electricity. The panels customers have installed have the capacity to produce enough power to run more than 4 million 42-inch LED TVs.

Among the five boroughs of New York City and Westchester County, Queens has the most customer solar arrays, 11,334. When it comes to production, Westchester is the leader with the panels there having the capacity to produce 83.75 megawatts.

	Solar Energy in NYC and Westchester County
		Projects	Capacity (in megawatts)
Bronx		2,543	30.39
Brooklyn		5,767	47.2
Manhattan		272	7.27
Queens		11,334	83.01
Staten Island		8,455	70.59
Westchester County		7,341	83.75
Total		35,712	322.2

Customers in Queens completed the most projects last year – 2,064. That borough also added the most capacity, 13.35 megawatts.

A typical residential customer with a 6-kilowatt solar array can generate enough power to provide up to $700 in annual savings, helping reduce a bill by more than 60 percent.

Con Edison encourages customers to consider solar energy and tries to make the installation process faster, easier, and less expensive.

The company recently began offering solar installers and their customers a device called Smart ConnectDER, which allows a customer to avoid the cost of upgrading the home’s circuit breaker panel and excessive electrical boxes on the side of the house.

The device can save a solar customer upwards of $1,000 and is available following a successful pilot program in 2019. Customers or installers who are interested can send an e-mail to ConnectDer@coned.com.

The company also sought and received New York State Public Service Commission approval to shorten the process for customers with solar projects up to 5 megawatts. Until this year, customers applying to interconnect these projects had to pay for a detailed engineering review that could take up to three months. This new process has shortened the interconnection timeline for dozens of projects.

Con Edison’s efforts to speed the approval process include allowing developers to make payments electronically via Automated Clearing House or wire transfers.

The company has also enhanced a software program that streamlines communication and project inquiries between developers, applicants and Con Edison’s Distributed Energy Services Group.

Through its Clean Energy Businesses, Con Edison Inc. is the second largest solar producer in North America and seventh largest in the world.

The company also supports utility ownership of large-scale renewable generation in New York State. Utility ownership would be less costly for customers since utilities can finance and operate these projects less expensively than private developers.

Adding more solar to the region’s energy mix is part of Con Edison’s Clean Energy Commitment.

Con Edison is a subsidiary of Consolidated Edison, Inc. [NYSE: ED], one of the nation’s largest investor-owned energy companies, with approximately $13 billion in annual revenues and $60 billion in assets. The utility delivers electricity, natural gas and steam to 3.5 million customers in New York City and Westchester County, N.Y.

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SOURCE Consolidated Edison Company of New York

IMEC Launches Move Ahead Faster Initiative to Advance Illinois Manufacturing Competitiveness

PEORIA, Ill., Feb. 3, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Today, IMEC, the Illinois affiliate of the U.S Commerce NIST Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) National Network, launched the Move Ahead Faster Projects for Illinois small and mid-sized manufacturers. This initiative provides the necessary assessments and technical assistance to improve key drivers of their organizational success. Presented with fully funded projects to address their most critical needs, eligible Illinois manufacturers can receive support led by industry experts to help them plan, implement and excel. Projects vary in focus and were developed based on insights and immediate needs reported from over 1,200 manufacturers. These projects are fully funded through the CARES Act Recovery Assistance Funds.

Illinois manufacturing is a major contributor to the Illinois economy. In fact, the Illinois Manufacturers Association’s Manufacturing Matters report highlights that Illinois manufacturing is 12.0% of the Gross State Product and creates 592,200 jobs. In many cases, these manufacturers are at the heart of their community and their success drives the success of the people and places where they reside.

«Our state is an incredibly powerful manufacturing engine for the global economy. Coming out of the pandemic, this is the right moment for manufacturers to upskill and retool. These Move Ahead Faster Projects will build on manufacturing strengths and ensure our manufacturers become even more competitive in 2021» – David Boulay, Ph.D. President – IMEC.

The Move Ahead Faster Projects, valued at $5,000 each, emphasizes topics such as: Industrial Hygiene, Global Market Presence, Maintenance, Leadership, Finance, and Technology. Existing small and mid-sized Illinois manufacturers with less than 500 employees are encouraged to apply for one project that best suits their immediate needs. Selected projects must be conducted in Illinois and completed by July 30, 2021 and projects are limited to one project per company.

«This is a great opportunity for our state’s manufacturing companies. The Move Ahead Faster project options are the right range of topics critical to advancing manufacturing competitiveness in today’s marketplace» – Marcia Ayala, President -Aurora Specialty Textiles Group.

For more information about the program and to apply for a Move Ahead Faster Project, visit https://www.imec.org/rebound/.

About IMEC

IMEC is a team of improvement specialists who are dedicated to changing lives and creating a positive impact on Illinois’ workforce and economy. With a mission to drive growth through enterprise excellence, they help organizations become more effective and efficient by identifying issues, developing and implementing solutions and providing the necessary support that will allow them to excel in areas of leadership, strategy, customer engagement, operations, workforce, and measurement and results. In 2020, they assisted over 1,144 companies and help create or retain over 6100 jobs, resulting in over $645M aggregate impact to the Illinois economy. IMEC has seven offices statewide and 48 full-time industry improvement specialists. For more information, visit www.imec.org.

IMEC is one of the 51 MEP Centers in the US and Puerto Rico. MEP Centers are part of the MEP National Network, which includes the National Institute of Standards and Technology Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NIST MEP) and over 1000 manufacturing experts at over 400 service locations, with the tools and resources to help US manufacturers succeed and advance US Manufacturing. Being that each Center is a public-private partnership, they are able to connect manufacturers with government agencies, universities and research facilities, trade associations and many more resources that foster growth and innovation. In 2018, the MEP National Network helped over 2700 manufacturers and created over 122,000 jobs. Find your local MEP Center here.

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SOURCE IMEC

Compost Crew drives 50% growth in 2020

ROCKVILLE, Md., Feb. 3, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Compost Crew announced its results for 2020, the best year on record for the Maryland-based firm. In the most recent fiscal year, Compost Crew grew its business by over 50%.

«I’m proud of what the team has been able to accomplish, despite the headwinds of the COVID-19 pandemic,» said CEO Ben Parry. «With DMV residents spending more time at home and generating more food scraps, demand…

More than 1,500 additional homes in the Maryland, District of Columbia and Northern Virginia area signed up for Compost Crew’s convenient curbside food scrap collection services in 2020. The company extended its service area into Reston, Virginia and Ellicott City, Maryland and experienced particularly strong growth on its Baltimore and Northern Virginia routes.

While dozens of commercial clients put their services on hold due to COVID, the company added strategic new clients for its commercial collection services including JBG SMITH, Medstar Health and Episcopal High School. The company also expanded its relationship with important commercial clients like Brookfield Properties, MOM’s Organic Market and Goodwin House.

Compost Crew continued its efforts to partner with local municipalities to bring composting options to communities around the DMV. In 2020, the company opened food scrap drop-off sites on behalf of municipal governments in Fairfax County, Virginia; the Town of Berwyn Heights, Maryland; and the City of Greenbelt, Maryland. In addition, Compost Crew worked with Chevy Chase Section 3 and Chevy Chase Section 5 to launch residential curbside collection programs.

«Compost Crew made it easy for the City of Greenbelt to launch a food scraps drop-off program to help our residents divert more food scraps from the landfill,» said Kevin Carpenter-Driscoll, Environmental Coordinator with the City of Greenbelt. «The company’s prior expertise with similar programs and its reliable service have helped make this a success for our community.»

In all, Compost Crew diverted nearly 2,500 tons of food from landfills and incinerators in 2020, saving valuable landfill space and avoiding approximately 4.4M tons of greenhouse gases (CO2-e) created by food sent to landfills. For its efforts, Compost Crew was named the best composting service in Washington, DC for 2020 by Treehugger.

To help meet the region’s rising demand for processing organic waste into compost, Compost Crew introduced an innovative new modular composting facility. The Compost Outpost℠ can be rapidly deployed in a range of locations to promote distributed composting. The first Compost Outpost was built on One Acre Farm in Dickerson, Maryland. Construction took less than two months. The company is partnering with local officials to pave the way for zoning legislation to support additional composting options.

To address the growth in its customer base, Compost Crew expanded its fleet to 11 trucks – the largest dedicated organic waste hauling fleet in the DMV area. The company opened a new truck depot in Prince George’s County to reduce the amount of time drivers and trucks spend on route.

Compost Crew grew its staff by 25% in 2020, including two new members of its leadership team. Dan Israel joined the company as Senior Vice President, Sales & Marketing. Israel previously held a number of marketing and general management roles at Google and Vlocity. In addition, Musa Collidge-Asad joined the company as Head of Strategy and Finance. Collidge-Asad has extensive leadership, strategy and investment experience, including with the World Bank Group.

Compost Crew has been actively supporting compost advocacy efforts at the state and local levels. It helped organize a composting roundtable with Montgomery County, took a leading role in the newly formed MD Compost Advocacy Coalition to work on state legislation, and established collaborative partnerships with Western Fairfax Christian Ministries, Ward 4 Mutual Aid and the Baltimore Community Fridge.

About Compost Crew

Compost Crew is the leading organics recycling company in the DMV. The company provides simple, clean, and convenient composting to thousands of businesses, organizations and residential customers throughout Maryland, Northern Virginia and Washington, D.C.

Press Contact:

Dan Israel
202-468-4258
https://compostcrew.com

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SOURCE Compost Crew

What’s New In The Islands Of The Bahamas In February

NASSAU, Bahamas, Feb. 3, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — The Bahamas appeals to travelers looking for a warm winter getaway in February as hotels and activities continue to reopen across the islands and resorts offer romantic Valentine’s Day escapes. With new extended-stay accommodations on Harbour Island and a number of hotels providing on-site COVID testing, The Bahamas continues to adapt to safety regulations to provide visitors with a stress-free Bahamian vacation.

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The Bahamas appeals to travelers looking for warm winter getaways and romantic Valentine’s Day escapes.

NEWS

Bahamian Hotels Provide On-Site COVID Testing – Hotels across Nassau Paradise Island, Grand Bahama Island and the Out Islands are providing on-site COVID testing for guests in accordance with new U.S. international travel requirements. Baha Mar, Atlantis and The Ocean Club are just a few of the hotels and resorts with on-site testing on Nassau Paradise Island along with Out Island hotels, including Caerula Mar Resort and Abaco Beach Resort. For a full list of COVID testing sites and the latest travel and entry protocols, visit Bahamas.com/TravelUpdates.

SLS and Rosewood Baha Mar to Reopen March 2021 – Baha Mar will enter into its final phase of reopening on March 4 with the reopening of Rosewood and SLS. The Nassau resort first welcomed back guests at Grand Hyatt Baha Mar in December 2020.

Harbour Island’s Rock House Hotel Launches Villa – Rock House Hotel on Harbour Island has launched its Rock House Rental Villa, a private vacation home with all the amenities of a hotel. While the hotel and restaurant remain closed, up to 20 guests can enjoy the fully staffed private villa that comes with a private chef and concierge to take care of guests’ every need. Booking is available on Vrbo.

Sandals Emerald Bay Golf Course Reopens –With the Sandals Emerald Bay Resort’s reopening on February 24, golfers can once again enjoy the award-winning Greg Norman course. Sandals Emerald Bay Golf Course is frequently recognized as one of the most scenic courses in the Caribbean, with 18 holes set against The Exumas’ famous turquoise waters and white-sand beaches.

Breezes Bahamas Welcomes Back Guests with Be Smart + Safe Initiative – Upon its reopening in December 2020, Breezes Bahamas has safely welcomed guests with its Be Smart + Safe initiative. The initiative provides guests and team members with protocols on social distancing, face coverings and more.

PROMOTIONS AND OFFERS

For a complete, up-to-date listing of deals and packages for The Bahamas, visit www.bahamas.com/deals-packages.

Atlantis Couples Getaway Package – Couples can plan a romantic Bahamian getaway at Atlantis this Valentine’s Day. Celebrate with your partner while receiving daily complimentary breakfast, a quiet dinner for two, and late checkout.

Cape Santa Maria Beach Lovers Vacation – Escape to Cape Santa Maria Beach Resort on Long Island for a romantic retreat. Relax with a complimentary massage, welcome cocktails and more when staying three nights or more.

Breezes Bahamas Winter Sale – Breezes Bahamas is offering guests savings up to 53% for travel booked by February 28, 2021 as part of its Winter Sale.

ABOUT THE BAHAMAS
With over 700 islands and cays and 16 unique island destinations, The Bahamas lies just 50 miles off the coast of Florida, offering an easy fly away escape that transports travelers away from their everyday. The Islands of The Bahamas have world-class fishing, diving, boating and thousands of miles of the earth’s most spectacular water and beaches waiting for families, couples and adventurers. Explore all the islands have to offer at www.bahamas.com or on Facebook, YouTube or Instagram to see why It’s Better in The Bahamas.

PRESS INQUIRIES

Anita Johnson-Patty
Bahamas Ministry of Tourism & Aviation
ajohnson@bahamas.com

Weber Shandwick
Public Relations
Bahamas@webershandwick.com

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SOURCE Bahamas Ministry of Tourism & Aviation

Mitsubishi Motors Dealer Partner Spotlight – Redondo Mitsubishi on Taking Chances, Making a Name for Yourself

FRANKLIN, Tenn., Feb. 3, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is celebrating dealer partners who go above and beyond for their communities. They provide more than just a great place to buy a car – they help their home towns thrive in the good times and heal in the challenging times. They rise to the occasion in support of the community, whatever the occasion may be. This month, we are proud to feature Frank Figueredo, owner, and Miguel Mejia, general manager, of Redondo Mitsubishi in Redondo Beach, CA.

Five Questions with Redondo Mitsubishi
Frank Figueredo, Owner & Miguel Mejia, General Manager

Redondo Mitsubishi opened in December 2020, a bright spot in an otherwise challenging year. Miguel, how have things been going? Redondo Beach is a close-knit community and has been very welcoming! Of course, the timing has been interesting, but it has given us an opportunity to slow down, really listen to what the community wants and needs right now, and do things the right way. A local mother actually stopped by our office while we were finishing construction, to say that she had been keeping an eye on our progress, and that she had an idea for how we could engage the community. She had a 6-year-old daughter that was out of school, missing her classmates, and had a birthday coming up. Her idea? Turn the parking lot into a drive-in movie for the community. We loved the idea, and of course, couldn’t let her daughter down, so we found a way to make it happen. That was a night everyone could be proud of and a great introduction into the community.
Frank, this is the realization of a dream for you. Tell us about that. I am a first generation American and a second generation car dealer. My father immigrated to Miami from Cuba in the 1950s. His first job was to cold-call people, from the phone book, to come down to the local Chevy dealership and test drive a car. He made the calls from the corner phone booth at his own expense, but if he generated a lead, he got $5. He worked his way up from there to owning a Chevy dealership of his own. I’ll never be able to express how grateful I am for what he did, but I can build on his legacy for my children. Even though my dad came up through Chevy, he always had an eye on Mitsubishi. In his mind, it was a brand for the people – safe, reliable, affordable. It stood for the same things we stood for. With the opening of Redondo Mitsubishi, I am fulfilling a dream for myself, but also my father.
Miguel, we know that the Mitsubishi Motors brand is special, personal even, to Frank. What stands out about the brand to you? The Mitsubishi family – it is a real thing! Opening a new store – taking a risk – is challenging, especially during a pandemic. From day one, Mitsubishi national and regional leadership have been with us lock step, working to address our immediate needs and understand where we want to go. And, sure, there is friendly competition, but the dealer body has been so supportive – always reaching out to check-in or help where they can. Not every brand is like that. Plus, the product is a great fit for the community. Frank said it, but Mitsubishis are affordable and reliable, and by the end of this year, we will have a totally updated or all-new lineup of vehicles on our show room floor. We feel good about putting our neighbors, our families, in these vehicles.
As a smaller automotive brand, Mitsubishi Motors has to do things differently to be top of mind for customers. What sort of things are you doing differently?
Frank: We understand we have one shot to get it right. Every interaction a customer has with the brand needs to be a positive, or at least constructive, one. That means responding to every online comment, question or review. It means treating customers like family and understanding their unique needs. It means fixing things right the first time and maintaining a high level of trust. The team here is so good at all of these, and I am extremely lucky to be on this journey with them.
Miguel: I spoke about the Mitsubishi family… that includes an extremely loyal group of current customers. They are excited about the future of the brand and about having a new representation in Southern California. We are working to engage those voices, bring them into our social media, and really build a community around common interests.
Frank, what are your goals for the year ahead? And after that? Customer service is our foundation. It has been our focus for the first six months – hiring the right people, providing the right training, giving them the right tools to do their jobs well and to build meaningful relationships with customers. If customer service is our foundation, family is our heart. My dad was the kind of guy who worked seven days a week, and that is often what is required in this business. But this year, we have had to be flexible and allow parents and caregivers to work-from-home – to show up for things that really matter. We are just as proud of that. Longer term, we want to expand our footprint in the community. There is so much need for time, talent and resources, especially during and in the wake of a pandemic. We want to find the right community partners and give back in a way that only we can.

About Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc.
Through a network of approximately 330 dealer partners across the United States, Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc., (MMNA) is responsible for the sales, research and development, marketing and customer service of Mitsubishi Motors vehicles in the U.S. MMNA was the top-ranked Japanese brand in the J.D. Power 2020 Initial Quality study, ranking sixth overall and experiencing the greatest year-over-year improvement of any brand.

Located in Franklin, Tennessee, MMNA is a part of the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance. Mitsubishi continues to lead the way in the development of highly efficient, affordably priced new gasoline-powered automobiles, while using its industry-leading knowledge in battery-electric vehicles to develop future EV and PHEV models.

For more information on Mitsubishi vehicles, please contact the Mitsubishi Motors News Bureau at 615-257-2698 or visit media.mitsubishicars.com.

Contacts
Jeremy Barnes
Senior Director, Communications and Events
jeremy.barnes@na.mitsubishi-motors.com
Mobile: 714-296-1402

Lauren Ryan
Manager, Communications and Events
lauren.ryan@na.mitsubishi-motors.com
Mobile: 404-862-8286

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SOURCE Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc.

Car Keys Express Launches First-of-its-Kind Comprehensive Automated Retail Key Cutting Machine

LOUISVILLE, Ky., Feb. 3, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Car Keys Express, the US-based global leader in automotive key replacement, has released their Keys NOW! retail key cutting machine. The automated key machine is so easy to use, every store employee can immediately cut keys like an expert, without training.

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Keys NOW! is a revolutionary automated car and house key duplication machine that simplifies key cutting for retailers. It’s the first and only key machine that cuts both house keys and car keys in a single, fully-automated device that any associate can operate. It’s as easy to use as a microwave oven—open the door, insert the key, and stand back. Keys NOW! does the rest. Keys NOW! comes complete with an integrated inventory storage system. Retailers enjoy high margins, incremental sales, and increased foot traffic, while giving consumers an easier, less expensive alternative to a dealership service appointment. Now, it’s easier than ever for retailers to enter the multi-billion dollar car key industry.

«Retail key programs are out-of-date and far too complex. Store associates have told us they’re afraid of cutting expensive car keys,» said Mike Bliss, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Car Keys Express. «We set out to develop a fully-automated machine that’s simple enough for any store associates to use immediately. Keys NOW! does all the work, so now every store associate can make keys without any special expertise.»

Key Machine Features

The machine combines a scanner, key cutter, and touch-screen interface to create a seamless and simple user experience.
Intuitive graphic interface lets consumers verify pricing and availability on their own, without a store associate.
Consumers can replace car keys, including «smart» keys and high-security «laser-cut» keys, at up to 75% off dealership prices.
Automated processes eliminate human error and costly «miscuts.» Even untrained employees can cut keys instantly with greater than 99% accuracy.
Keys NOW! includes an integrated, secured key inventory management system.
Car Keys Express’ universal key technology reduces SKU counts, allowing Keys NOW! to stock keys for most vehicles in a small footprint.
«Do-it-for-me» strategy facilitates retailers who want their associates to actively, personally engage their customers. Keys NOW! is part of a growing ecosystem of technology solutions designed to simplify automotive key replacement. An automated vending machine, coming in Q3 2021, provides a completely «hands off» solution.

Car Keys Express CEO Mark Lanwehr: «At Car Keys Express, our stated goal is to make replacing car keys simple, and with Keys NOW!, we’ve succeeded. This level of simplicity and automation has never been seen in our industry. But it doesn’t stop there. Our Keys NOW! Vending Machine coming later this year offers even more automation, giving retailers a true consumer DIY option. Both these machines will be integrated with our mobile van service to allow for maximum vehicle coverage, «white glove» on-location fulfillment, and more exciting service features we’ll announce later this year. No other key replacement company comes close to this level of integration, further demonstrating our commitment to lead our industry with groundbreaking technologies.»

Keys NOW! is currently rolling out at select retailers. For more information or to request consideration for a store pilot, visit CarKeysExpress.com/KeysNow.

About Car Keys Express

Car Keys Express is a global leader in discount, automotive key replacement for businesses and consumers. The company invented the world’s first Universal Car Remote and Universal Car Keys and is the only company that manufactures a full line of aftermarket versions of modern car keys, like remote keys and smart keys. Car Keys Express offers a complete line of retail-friendly solutions to allow retailers to build a key replacement program or enhance an existing program. Car Care Express, a division of Car Keys Express, offers mobile vehicle reconditioning service for businesses and consumers. Founded in 2002, Car Keys Express is continually recognized for excellence in the industry, winning Inc. Magazine’s, «Inc. 5000» in 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020, AAPEX «Best New Product» Award in 2015 and 2019, Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year® in 2017, and EnterpriseCorp’s FAST Innovation Award Winner in 2017, among others. To learn more, visit www.CarKeysExpress.com.

Media Contact:
Retail@CarKeysExpress.com

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SOURCE Car Keys Express

U-Haul Reusing Carbondale Building for Climate-Controlled Storage

CARBONDALE, Ill., Feb. 3, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — A state-of-the-art self-storage facility is coming together at 710 N. Illinois Ave. thanks to the U-Haul® acquisition of the former Southern Illinoisan newspaper production building.

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U-Haul Storage of Carbondale encompasses one single-story building on a 3.25-acre property. The 48,106-square-feet space was acquired on Jan. 29.

Once the building is repurposed, it will offer approximately 400 indoor self-storage rooms with high-tech security features at affordable price points. Climate-controlled units will be available. Renovations are expected to be completed this spring.

«This will be a modern, convenient location for our customers,» stated Aaron Freeman, U-Haul Company of Illinois president.

«Our customers have been asking for more self-storage options in Carbondale. We look forward to expanding our sustainable footprint by reusing a building that has been part of this community since 1946. By repurposing existing buildings rather than constructing new builds, U-Haul is taking the ecofriendly approach to serving our Illinois customers.»

While U-Haul Storage of Carbondale undergoes renovations, nearby U-Haul facilities and neighborhood dealers are available to serve customers. U-Haul Moving & Storage of Carbondale, just one block away for the new storage addition, is open 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday-Thursday and Saturday; 7 a.m.-8 p.m. Friday; and 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday.

Reserve equipment at uhaul.com or contact Reservations at 1-800-GO-UHAUL.

Acquisition of the property was driven by U-Haul Corporate Sustainability initiatives: U-Haul supports infill developments to help local communities lower their carbon footprint. The adaptive reuse of existing buildings reduces the amount of energy and resources required for new-building materials and helps cities reduce their unwanted inventory of unused buildings.

As an essential service provider, U-Haul remains open during the COVID-19 pandemic while offering contactless business programs and enhanced cleaning protocols, including added steps for sanitizing equipment between customer transactions. U-Haul products are used daily by First Responders; delivery companies bringing needed supplies to people’s homes; small businesses trying to remain afloat; college students; and countless other dependent groups, in addition to the household mover. Please visit uhaul.com/announcement for more information on how U-Haul is keeping customers and Team Members safe.

About U-Haul

Since 1945, U-Haul has been the No. 1 choice of do-it-yourself movers, with a network of 22,000 locations across all 50 states and 10 Canadian provinces. U-Haul Truck Share 24/7 offers secure access to U-Haul trucks every hour of every day through the customer dispatch option on their smartphones and our proprietary Live Verify technology. Our customers’ patronage has enabled the U-Haul fleet to grow to approximately 176,000 trucks, 127,000 trailers and 41,000 towing devices. U-Haul offers nearly 774,000 rentable storage units and 66.7 million square feet of self-storage space at owned and managed facilities throughout North America. U-Haul is the largest installer of permanent trailer hitches in the automotive aftermarket industry, and is the largest retailer of propane in the U.S.

Contact:

Andrea Batchelor
Jeff Lockridge
E-mail: publicrelations@uhaul.com
Phone: 602-263-6981
Website: uhaul.com

View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/u-haul-reusing-carbondale-building-for-climate-controlled-storage-301221480.html

SOURCE U-Haul

Catalina Island Reopens to Leisure Travelers

AVALON, Calif., Feb. 3, 2021 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Following the State of California’s recent lift of regional stay-at-home orders, Love Catalina, the official Catalina Island Tourism Authority, has announced it is once again welcoming leisure travelers. A recovery plan is underway in partnership with local businesses, retail shops, activities and restaurants now open for in-person visitation and outdoor dining.

Effective as of January 29, 2021, the updated Los Angeles County Public Health orders allow the additional businesses to reopen with updated protocols. Social distancing and face covering guidelines remain in place at all establishments on the island. The status of key travel and service information can be found below:

Transportation: Catalina Express is operating daily passenger ferry service from Long Beach to Avalon; weekend service from Dana Point to Avalon; and weekend service from San Pedro to both Two Harbors and Avalon. Due to the vessels operating at reduced capacity for social distancing, visitors are encouraged to make reservations early to ensure a seat. The Catalina Flyer from Newport Beach will resume service on February 26, 2021. IEX Helicopters is operating with on demand daily flights to the island, seven days a week from multiple Southern California locations. While on the island, Catalina Island Conservancy is resuming limited services of the Wildlands Express shuttle, offering transportation to and from the Trailhead visitor’s center in Avalon to the world-famous Airport in the Sky and Catalina’s backcountry tails. Visitors can view the shuttle schedule and make reservations here. Face masks are required by passengers at all times while waiting to board and while on vessels.
Accommodations: Hotels and vacation rentals are open for leisure travel bookings. A list of open accommodations can be found online here. Campgrounds and camping services are scheduled to fully reopen on February 12, 2021.
Restaurants: Outdoor dining guidelines have made it possible for many restaurants to reopen. Protocols for outdoor dining also allow some restaurants to set up tables directly on the beach. A list of all open restaurants can be found online here.
Retail, Services and Activities: Most services and retail shops are open, along with many recreational activities; a list can be found online here.

An online compilation of updates from business and services on the island, including hours of operation and closures, is being updated in real time on the «What’s Open» page on LoveCatalina.com. To accommodate smaller group sizes and social distancing, visitors are encouraged to make reservations in advance and verify activities or status directly with the business prior to booking.

«The health and well-being of our residents and all visitors is the top priority right now, and businesses on the island have done an incredible job of implementing appropriate safety protocols,» said Love Catalina President and CEO Jim Luttjohann. «The ability to safely welcome leisure travelers back and resume overnight accommodations, outdoor tours, activities, dining and more, is not only a promising sign for the future of travel, but will also be a vital lifeline for saving so many of the businesses and jobs on our small island that relies on tourism. Being open for President’s Day, Valentine’s Day and Spring Break is wonderful.»

For more information about Catalina Island, please visit http://www.lovecatalina.com. Follow along on Facebook @LoveCatalinaIsland, Instagram @LoveCatalinaIsland and Twitter @LoveCatalina_. Travelers are encouraged to share their memories and experiences via social media using the hashtag #LoveCatalina.

About Love Catalina:
Love Catalina serves as the official Catalina Island Tourism Authority. Originally founded in 1949, the nonprofit comprises over 200 member businesses, working to attract visitors and support the local economy. Love Catalina is governed by an elected board of directors and is funded in part through the collection of Transient Occupancy Taxes. For more information, please visit http://www.lovecatalina.com.

Media Contact

Venice Fahey, 62ABOVE, +1 (858) 337-7538, venicef@62above.com

SOURCE Love Catalina Island