Grenergy Renovables S.A. and Natixis Close Solar PV Portfolio Financing in Chile

NEW YORK, Jan. 11, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Grenergy Renovables S.A. («Grenergy»), with Natixis as Sole Lead Arranger, Hedge Provider, LC Issuing Bank and Administrative Agent, have successfully closed senior secured facilities totaling US $91 million for an expected 130 MWp portfolio of 14 solar photovoltaic («PV») plants in Chile. This marks Natixis’ first transaction with Grenergy and was fully underwritten by Natixis.

The Grenergy…

NEW YORK, Jan. 11, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Grenergy Renovables S.A. («Grenergy»), with Natixis as Sole Lead Arranger, Hedge Provider, LC Issuing Bank and Administrative Agent, have successfully closed senior secured facilities totaling US $91 million for an expected 130 MWp portfolio of 14 solar photovoltaic («PV») plants in Chile. This marks Natixis’ first transaction with Grenergy and was fully underwritten by Natixis.

The Grenergy portfolio consists of solar projects that will operate under Chile’s special regime for distributed generation projects (known as «PMGD»). Each of the PMGD projects in the portfolio will have capacity of up to 9 MWAC and will be entitled to sell its energy output at the regulated stabilized price. The financing structure provides Grenergy the flexibility to add projects to the portfolio, subject to meeting predefined eligibility criteria. Grenergy has been active in Chile since 2016 and has 400 MW of capacity connected or under construction.

Grenergy estimates that the projects in the portfolio will produce an estimated 311 GWh in green energy and offset approximately 108,900 tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) per year. The construction of the projects will reinforce Grenergy’s position in Chile, where the company currently has approximately 2.6 GW and expects to continue its growth in the coming years.

According to Grenergy’s CEO, David Ruiz de Andrés, «Closing the financing of this PMGD portfolio in Chile will enable Grenergy to achieve its strategic objective of assets under operations in 2021 and demonstrates that Chile remains a key market for the company with a solid commitment to competitive and green energy.»

«This marks the seventh PMGD term financing for which Natixis has acted as Sole Lead Arranger in the last two years, representing nearly $600 million. These transactions further consolidate Natixis’ leadership among financial institutions in the PMGD space and LatAm infrastructure more broadly,» said Aitor Alava, Managing Director, Head of Infrastructure Finance, Latin America at Natixis.

The PMGD regime was created in 2005 with the goal of incentivizing more distributed and greener electricity generation. The projects in the Grenergy PMGD portfolio also contribute to the Chile’s broader energy transition as it progressively retires coal plants and heads towards long-term carbon-neutrality.

About Grenergy Renovables
Grenergy Renovables is a Spanish company created in 2007, an independent producer of energy from renewable sources, mainly wind and photovoltaic, which has been listed on the Continuous Market since 2019. Its business model covers all phases of the project, from development, construction and financial structuring to plant operation and maintenance. In 2012, it was installed in LATAM, where it is present in Chile, Peru, Argentina, Mexico and Colombia, as well as in Spain and Italy with a global pipeline of over 5.1 GW in various stages of development.

Press Contact:
Daniel Lozano
+0034 917 08 19 70
comunicacion@grenergy.eu    

About Natixis
Natixis is a French multinational financial services firm specialized in asset & wealth management, corporate & investment banking, insurance and payments. A subsidiary of Groupe BPCE, the second-largest banking group in France through its two retail banking networks, Banque Populaire and Caisse d’Epargne, Natixis counts nearly 16,000 employees across 38 countries. Its clients include corporations, financial institutions, sovereign and supranational organizations, as well as the customers of Groupe BPCE’s networks. Listed on the Paris stock exchange, Natixis has a solid financial base with a CET1 capital under Basel 3(1) of €11.8 billion, a Basel 3 CET1 Ratio(1) of 11.7% and quality long-term ratings (Standard & Poor’s: A+ / Moody’s: A1 / Fitch Ratings: A+). (1) Based on CRR-CRD4 rules as reported on June 26, 2013, including the Danish compromise – without phase-in. Figures as at 30 September 2020.

Press contact:
Meredith Zaritheny, Prosek Partners
+1 646 818 9251
mzaritheny@prosek.com

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SOURCE Natixis

Líderes de DMS unen fuerzas mientras OmniVision y Seeing Machines colaboran formalmente

CANBERRA, Australia, 11 de enero de 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Seeing Machines, la empresa de tecnología de visión artificial avanzada que diseña sistemas de control de operadores impulsados por IA para mejorar la seguridad del transporte, ha avanzado su Memorándum de Entendimiento previamente anunciado a un Acuerdo de Licencia ejecutado para licenciar Occula® Neural Processing Unit («Occula®«) de la Compañía a OmniVision Technologies, Inc. («OmniVision«), un desarrollador líder de soluciones avanzadas de…

CANBERRA, Australia, 11 de enero de 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Seeing Machines, la empresa de tecnología de visión artificial avanzada que diseña sistemas de control de operadores impulsados por IA para mejorar la seguridad del transporte, ha avanzado su Memorándum de Entendimiento previamente anunciado a un Acuerdo de Licencia ejecutado para licenciar Occula® Neural Processing Unit («Occula®«) de la Compañía a OmniVision Technologies, Inc. («OmniVision«), un desarrollador líder de soluciones avanzadas de imágenes digitales.

Esta colaboración representa la primera ejecución de una licencia de silicio para Occula® de Seeing Machines, que ofrece un diseño NPU único que permite el desarrollo de semiconductores de IA de borde de bajo coste y alto rendimiento para alimentar futuras interfaces hombre-máquina.

En línea con su recientemente anunciada «estrategia de productos integrados de tres pilares», donde Seeing Machines expuso su enfoque estratégico para satisfacer las amplias y crecientes necesidades tecnológicas del mercado mundial de control interior automotriz para la automoción, esta colaboración da vida al tercer pilar, ya que los socios trabajan juntos para combinar Occula® Silicon IP con la innovadora tecnología de visión artificial de OmniVision.

OmniVision es un líder tecnológico global en soluciones avanzadas de imágenes digitales, sirviendo a todos los segmentos del mercado de imágenes, incluida la automoción. Durante más de 15 años, ha estado entregando soluciones de imágenes de automoción, con un éxito comprobado en la carretera para cada tipo de cámara de vehículos interiores y exteriores, lo que permite a sus clientes de automoción proporcionar una experiencia de conducción más segura e inteligente. OmniVision cuenta con una cartera completa de sensores de imagen para el mercado de control de interiores y actualmente es el proveedor líder de sensores de imagen en el segmento del mercado de control interior.

Seeing Machines sigue creciendo como líder de automoción en tecnología DMS, habiendo ganado contratos con un total de cinco clientes de nivel 1 de automoción para un número creciente de programas en seis fabricantes de equipos originales de automóviles globales. La compañía ahora está ampliando su oferta de productos integrados, y extendiendo su conocimiento de DMS integrado de alto rendimiento de bajo coste en el mercado del Sistema de Supervisión de Ocupantes (OMS) de automóviles.

Seeing Machines y OmniVision están trabajando juntos para ofrecer soluciones optimizadas y altamente integradas para los mercados globales de DMS y OMS, aprovechando los clientes existentes y nuevos a nivel mundial.

Paul McGlone, consejero delegado, comentó: «Seeing Machines ha tenido una maravillosa relación de trabajo con OmniVision desde hace más de 5 años, habiendo trabajado juntos con éxito en múltiples programas de automoción con una serie de clientes de nivel 1. Este acuerdo representa un siguiente paso natural para nuestras dos empresas, trabajar estratégicamente juntas para lograr el mayor acoplamiento posible entre los dominios de imagen y procesamiento.

«Estamos encantados de seguir trabajando con OmniVision, ya que ambas empresas se combinan para seguir ofreciendo excelentes precios frente a soluciones de control de conductores y ocupantes al mercado.»

Andy Hanvey, Director de Marketing del Automóvil en OmniVision comentó: «Hemos estado colaborando con Seeing Machines durante más de media década, debido a su rendimiento de algoritmo líder y posición líder en el mercado DMS. Este acuerdo nos permite aprovechar mejor Occula® NPU de Seeing Machines, en combinación con las extensas tecnologías de imagen de OmniVision, incluidos los obturadores globales, la tecnología de infrarrojo cercano Nyxel® y los módulos de cámara a nivel de obleas CameraCubeChip, para proporcionar un rendimiento óptimo para la supervisión de conductores y ocupantes.»

Acerca de Seeing Machines
Seeing Machines (LSE: SEE)
, una empresa global fundada en 2000 y con sede en Australia, es un líder de la industria en tecnología de control basada en la visión que permite a las máquinas ver, entender y ayudar a las personas. La cartera tecnológica de algoritmos de IA de Seeing Machines, procesamiento integrado y óptica, productos de potencia que necesitan ofrecer una comprensión confiable en tiempo real de los operadores de vehículos. La tecnología abarca la medición crítica de dónde está mirando un conductor, a través de la clasificación de su estado cognitivo, ya que se aplica al riesgo de accidente. La medición fiable del «estado del conductor» es el objetivo final de la tecnología de sistemas de supervisión del conductor (DMS). Seeing Machines desarrolla tecnología DMS para impulsar la seguridad para la automoción, la flota comercial, la carretera y la aviación. La compañía tiene oficinas en Australia, Estados Unidos, Europa y Asia, y suministra soluciones y servicios tecnológicos a los líderes de la industria en cada mercado vertical. seeingmachines.com

Acerca de OmniVision
OmniVision Technologies, Inc. es un desarrollador líder de soluciones avanzadas de imágenes digitales. Su galardonada tecnología de imagen CMOS permite una calidad de imagen superior en muchas de las aplicaciones comerciales y de consumo de hoy en día, incluidos los teléfonos móviles; seguridad y vigilancia; automóviles; tabletas, cuadernos, webcams y dispositivos de entretenimiento; médico; y sistemas de imágenes de realidad aumentada, realidad virtual, drones y robótica. Obtenga más información en www.ovt.com.

OmniVision®, CameraCubeChip™, Nyxel®, el logo de OmniVision son marcas comerciales o marcas registradas de OmniVision Technologies, Inc.

Consultas de Medios:
Seeing Machines – sophie.nicoll@SeeingMachines.com 
OmniVision Technologies – mengxi.liu@ovt.com

 

United States Furnace Filters Market Report 2020: Non-cleanable Segment Accounted for Share of 52.17% in 2019 – Forecast to 2025

DUBLIN, Jan. 11, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — The «United States Furnace Filters Market, By Filter Category (Cleanable & Non-Cleanable), By Filter Type (HEPA Filters, Pleated Filters & Others), By End Use (Residential & Non-Residential), Competition Forecast & Opportunities, 2015-2025» report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com’s offering.

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The United States Furnace Filters Market stood at USD 20.06 Billion in 2019, and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.35% to cross USD 22.71 Billion by 2025.

Anticipated growth in the market can be attributed to increasing consumer concerns regarding indoor air quality and increasing number of End-user industries in the country. Increasing levels of indoor biological and chemical air pollutants such as radon, carbon monoxide, dust mites and VOCs coupled with rising incidences of asthma and other lung infections are expected to aid the United States Furnace Filters Market over the coming years.

Moreover, stringent regulations by governing bodies such as FDA, which has set particulate limit of 50 parts per billion for indoor air quality, is anticipated to boost the demand for furnace filters from the country’s residential and non-residential sectors in the coming years.

The rising demand for furnaces from various End-use industries to beat extreme cold during winters, and growing awareness regarding the timely change of furnace filters is anticipated to positively influence the country’s furnace filters market over the coming years.

The United States Furnace Filters Market can be segregated based on filter category, filter type, End-use and region. Based on filters category, non-cleanable accounted for share of 52.17% in 2019. However, cleanable category is anticipated to witness growth in the coming years due to longer shelf life and ease of use. Besides, cleanable furnace filters come with a membrane which can be easily replaced and do not need any technical supervision.

Leading players operating in the market include Honeywell International, Inc, Parker Hannifin Corporation, 3M Company, American Air Filter Company, Inc, Camfil (United States of America) Inc., Koch Filter Corporation, Precision Filtration Products, Tri-Dim Filter Corporation, Aeolus Filter Corporation, Smith Filter Corporation and others.

Years Considered for this Report:

  • Historical Years: 2015-2018
  • Base Year: 2019
  • Estimated Year: 2020
  • Forecast Period: 2021-2025

Key Topics Covered:

1. Product Overview

2. Research Methodology

3. Impact of COVID-19 on United States Furnace Filters Market

4. Analyst View

5. United States Furnace Filters Market Outlook
5.1. Market Size & Forecast
5.1.1. By Value
5.1.2. By Volume
5.2. Market Share & Forecast
5.2.1. By Filters Category (Cleanable & Non-Cleanable)
5.2.2. By Filters Type (Fiberglass Filters, HEPA Filters, Pleated Filters & Others)
5.2.3. By End-use (Residential & Non-Residential)
5.2.4. By Region
5.2.5. By Company
5.3. Market Attractiveness Index
5.3.1. By Filters Category
5.3.2. By Filters Type
5.3.3. By End-use
5.3.4. By Region

6. Market Dynamics
6.1. Drivers
6.2. Challenges

7. Market Trends & Developments

8. Value Chain Analysis

9. Pricing Analysis

10. United States Economic Profile

11. Policy & Regulatory Landscape

12. Competitive Landscape
12.1. Competitive Benchmarking
12.2. Company Profiles
12.2.1. Honeywell International, Inc
12.2.2. Parker Hannifin Corporation
12.2.3. 3M Company
12.2.4. American Air Filter Company, Inc
12.2.5. Camfil (United States of America) Inc.
12.2.6. Koch Filter Corporation
12.2.7. Precision Filtration Products
12.2.8. Tri-Dim Filter Corporation
12.2.9. Aeolus Filter Corporation
12.2.10. Smith Filter Corporation

13. Strategic Recommendations

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/xqb3rn

Research and Markets also offers Custom Research services providing focused, comprehensive and tailored research.

Media Contact:

Research and Markets
Laura Wood, Senior Manager
press@researchandmarkets.com

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SOURCE Research and Markets

NACTOY Reveals Winners of the 2021 North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle™ of the Year

DETROIT, Jan. 11, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — The winners of the 2021 North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year (NACTOY) Awards™ were revealed earlier today during a virtual event hosted by the organization’s officers.

DETROIT, Jan. 11, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — The winners of the 2021 North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year (NACTOY) Awards™ were revealed earlier today during a virtual event hosted by the organization’s officers.

After hundreds of hours of test drives, research and evaluation, NACTOY’s independent jurors voted for Hyundai Elantra, as the North American Car of the Year™, Ford F-150 as North American Truck of the Year™ and Ford Mustang Mach-E as North American Utility Vehicle of the Year™.

Founded in 1994, these awards are the longest-running new-vehicle awards not associated with a single publication, website, radio or television station. They are judged by 50 professional automotive journalists from the United States and Canada who work for and contribute to a wide variety of magazines, newspapers, websites, television and radio stations.

Jurors began the 2021 evaluation process with 43 eligible vehicles before narrowing them down to 27 semifinalists and then nine finalists through two rounds of voting.

«The automotive industry launched an unusually strong field of impressive new vehicles, including many with significant technological advances, which made our job as jurors even harder than usual this year,» said NACTOY President Gary Witzenburg. «We applaud these 2021 winners and congratulate the industry for continuing to serve its customers with highly desirable new products year after year.»

To determine these three winners, jurors voted on the nine finalists based on segment leadership, innovation, design, safety, handling, driver satisfaction and value for the dollar. The votes were tallied confidentially by Deloitte LLP and remained secret until envelopes were unsealed during today’s event.

Here is a closer look at each winner:

Car of the Year: Hyundai Elantra

The compact car segment is far less popular today than it was just a few years ago and some automakers have abandoned it entirely. Not Hyundai.

«It is refreshing to see an automaker so committed to the sedan segment that at launch they offer such a wide variety of models as is in the Hyundai Elantra family,» said Senior Executive Producer/Host at Maryland Public Television/MotorWeek and NACTOY juror John Davis. «Hyundai did not do the drip-drip of the model variants over a longer term as is typical for the class.»

Hyundai Elantra – photos and B-Roll 

Truck of the Year: Ford F-150

NACTOY jurors said Ford found many ways to improve what was already the market’s top-selling pickup.

«The F-Series is Ford’s crown jewel, not to mention the highest-selling vehicle lineup in the U.S. for 40 years,» said freelance auto reporter, analyst and NACTOY juror John Voelcker. «The latest version refines the package, keeping what’s good, updating as needed, and delivering the right mix of features, capabilities, comfort, and style—with the added benefit of the first hybrid powertrain in almost a decade to debut in a full-size pickup truck.»

Ford F-150 – photos and B-roll

Utility Vehicle of the Year: Ford Mustang Mach-E

Until now, it would have been unheard of to put an iconic Mustang badge on a utility vehicle, but NACTOY jurors say Ford’s decision to take that risk paid off with the Mustang Mach E.

«The Mustang Mach-E leapfrogs European EVs as the Tesla Model Y’s most formidable challenger yet. Like Tesla, Mach-E understands that the premium EV market is as much about interior tech as it is about torque,» said Detroit News Auto Critic and NACTOY juror Henry Payne.

Photos and B-Roll of the Ford Mustang Mach E available here 

NACTOY jurors voted these three winners from the following nine outstanding finalists:

Car of the Year

Truck of the Year

Utility Vehicle of the Year

Genesis G80

Hyundai Elantra

Nissan Sentra

 

Ford F-150

Jeep Gladiator Mojave

Ram 1500 TRX

 

 

Ford Mustang Mach E

Genesis GV80

Land Rover Defender

NACTOY is an independent, non-profit organization, with dues-paying journalist members led by elected officers.

NOTE: Spanish and French versions of this release will be available on NACTOY’s website. For more information about NACTOY and its history: http://northamericancaroftheyear.org.

ABOUT NORTH AMERICAN CAR, TRUCK, AND UTILITY VEHICLE OF THE YEAR™

The awards are intended to recognize the most outstanding new vehicles of the year. These vehicles are benchmarks in their segments based on factors including innovation, design, safety, handling, driver satisfaction and value for the dollar. The organization gives out three awards. They are: «North American Car of the Year™,» «North American Truck of the Year™,» and the «North American Utility Vehicle of the Year™.» The awards are unique because they are given by an independent jury of automotive journalists from the United States and Canada instead of being given by a single publication, website, radio or television station.

 

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SOURCE North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year Awards

SoCalGas Supports Climate Adaptation and Resiliency Planning with $150,000 in Grants to Local Governments

LOS ANGELES, Jan. 11, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Southern California Gas Co. (SoCalGas) today announced that the City of Compton, the City of Anaheim and the City of Palmdale have been selected as recipients of the…

LOS ANGELES, Jan. 11, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Southern California Gas Co. (SoCalGas) today announced that the City of Compton, the City of Anaheim and the City of Palmdale have been selected as recipients of the utility’s 2020 Climate Adaptation and Resiliency Planning Grant program. Each of the three local governments will receive a $50,000 grant to support local planning efforts to help prepare for and recover from climate change risks such as extreme heat, wildfires, drought, subsidence, sea level rise, flooding and mudslides.

The Climate Adaptation and Resiliency Planning Grant Program is a shareholder-funded initiative that has awarded $400,000 over the past three years.  An advisory panel of planning and sustainability experts from the Los Angeles Regional Collaborative for Climate Action and Sustainability (LARC) and the American Planning Association-California Chapter (APA-California) reviewed the project submissions and selected the recipients.

«Our infrastructure continues to support the growth of renewables like wind and solar, as well as renewable gas to help reach the states’ climate goals,» said Jawaad Malik, vice president of strategy, sustainability and chief environmental officer. «The climate resiliency and adaptation grants will help kickstart many new projects across Southern California, allowing local communities to prepare for risks from climate change.»

The City of Palmdale plans to use this grant to update the City’s FEMA-approved Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP) with a specific focus on climate risks.

«As our City moves forward to meet and comply with both State and Federal environmental regulations, this grant will help us identify and prioritize the concrete and innovative projects we will need as we grow,» said Palmdale Mayor Steve Hofbauer.  «Our Local Hazard Mitigation Plan will offer an up-to-date and comprehensive assessment of the risk and vulnerability from natural hazards to the City’s critical facilities, infrastructure, economy, and population, while helping to identify the projects needed to mitigate the identified hazards.»

These funds will allow for the City of Compton to update the safety element of its General Plan and LHMP to address current and projected climate change impacts. These changes will be reflective of the issues the population of Compton currently faces such as extreme heat and high levels of pollution.

«The City of Compton plans to use this grant to assist with our communities to better adapt and become further resilient towards climate change,» said Compton City Manager Craig J. Cornwell. «With the help of this grant from SoCalGas, we are excited to begin implementing these funds to update our local hazard mitigation plan and the city’s safety element of the general plan.»

The City of Anaheim is committed to using this grant to address climate resiliency in a way that supports forecasted economic and population growth while recognizing the differing properties of its diverse community. Their Climate Action Plan focuses on three challenges that the community is currently facing: wildfire, drought and extreme heat.

«As shapers of the built environment, planners recognize our critical role in helping the communities we serve prepare for the risks associated with climate change,» said Ashley Atkinson, president-elect of the American Planning Association’s California Chapter. «We’re grateful to SoCalGas for helping local cities elevate climate adaptation among competing priorities by providing grant funding for essential plan updates.»

«As LA’s regional climate collaborative, LARC supports cross-jurisdictional collaboration and facilitates the exchange of information, best practices, and cutting-edge research» said Erin Coutts, LARC’s executive director. «We are excited to advise a grant program that encourages partnerships and will help our cities address climate vulnerabilities in disadvantaged communities.»

Recipients were judged based on their proposal’s emphasis on addressing vulnerabilities in disadvantaged communities; collaboration among various agencies; and benefits beyond resiliency, such as public health, air quality, reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, and the economy. 

SoCalGas is a leader in researching and developing new technologies that improve energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions linked to climate change. The utility is working to increase the production and use of renewable natural gas, which turns waste from dairies, farms, wastewater and landfills, into a source of clean and renewable energy to fuel homes and businesses. Research into other renewable gases, like hydrogen, is also part of SoCalGas’ mission to be the cleanest, safest and most innovative energy company in America.  SoCalGas recently announced multiple hydrogen projects, including its hydrogen blending demonstration program. Learn more about SoCalGas’ mission here.

About SoCalGas

Headquartered in Los Angeles, SoCalGas® is the largest gas distribution utility in the United States. SoCalGas delivers affordable, reliable, clean and increasingly renewable gas service to 21.8 million customers across 24,000 square miles of Central and Southern California, where more than 90 percent of residents use natural gas for heating, hot water, cooking, drying clothes or other uses. Gas delivered through the company’s pipelines also plays a key role in providing electricity to Californians— about 45 percent of electric power generated in the state comes from gas-fired power plants.

SoCalGas’ vision is to be the cleanest gas utility in North America, delivering affordable and increasingly renewable energy to its customers. In support of that vision, SoCalGas is committed to replacing 20 percent of its traditional natural gas supply with renewable natural gas (RNG) by 2030. Renewable natural gas is made from waste created by dairy farms, landfills and wastewater treatment plants. SoCalGas is also committed to investing in its gas delivery infrastructure while keeping bills affordable for our customers. From 2014 through 2018, the company invested nearly $6.5 billion to upgrade and modernize its pipeline system to enhance safety and reliability. SoCalGas is a subsidiary of Sempra Energy  (NYSE: SRE), an energy services holding company based in San Diego. For more information visit socalgas.com/newsroom or connect with SoCalGas on Twitter  (@SoCalGas), Instagram (@SoCalGas) and Facebook.

About Southern California Gas Co.: Southern California Gas Co. (SoCalGas) has been delivering clean, safe and reliable natural gas to its customers for more than 145 years. It is the nation's largest natural gas distribution utility, providing service to 21.6 million consumers connected through 5.9 million meters in more than 500 communities. The company's service territory encompasses approximately 20,000 square miles throughout central and Southern California, from Visalia to the Mexican border. SoCalGas is a regulated subsidiary of Sempra Energy (SRE), a Fortune 500 energy services holding company based in San Diego.

 

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SOURCE Southern California Gas Company

SavATree Establishes West Coast Beachhead – Merges with Arborwell Professional Tree Management

BEDFORD HILLS, N.Y., Jan. 11, 2021 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — SavATree, the industry leader in professional tree and shrub care, announced its largest merger to date with Arborwell Professional Tree Management of California and Washington State. Operations include a corporate office in Hayward, CA plus six core branches strategically located in Oakland, <span…

BEDFORD HILLS, N.Y., Jan. 11, 2021 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — SavATree, the industry leader in professional tree and shrub care, announced its largest merger to date with Arborwell Professional Tree Management of California and Washington State. Operations include a corporate office in Hayward, CA plus six core branches strategically located in Oakland, Redwood City, Sacramento, San Diego, San Jose and Seattle.

Founded by Peter Sortwell in 2001, Arborwell has rapidly grown to become the leading provider of commercial tree care and management services on the West Coast by cultivating long-term, mutually beneficial relationships with customers and employees. Arborwell’s experienced ISA certified arborists serve marquee commercial clients, property management companies, real estate developers, contractors, municipalities, homeowner associations and homeowners.

«We are thrilled to expand into this region of the country and join forces with a best-in-class partner,» said Carmine Schiavone, CEO of SavATree. «We welcome Arborwell’s talented team to the SavATree family. Arborwell’s extensive knowledge of the West Coast’s unique tree care needs and experience working with an impressive scope of clientele will add a great partner to the SavATree family.»

Peter Sortwell, CEO and Founder of Arborwell stated, «SavATree shares our same core values and high-quality standards, making this a great fit to move the company forward and provide clients with continued expert service and our employees with additional professional growth opportunities.»

Media Contact

SavATree, SavATree, (914) 241-4999, emitchell@savatree.com

Twitter

 

SOURCE SavATree

Treehouse Announces Legislative Priorities for Youth in Foster Care

SEATTLE, Jan. 11, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Treehouse announced it will be asking the Washington State Legislature to preserve educational and adult-transitional investments for youth experiencing foster care as the pandemic enters its second year. The nonprofit organization partners with…

SEATTLE, Jan. 11, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Treehouse announced it will be asking the Washington State Legislature to preserve educational and adult-transitional investments for youth experiencing foster care as the pandemic enters its second year. The nonprofit organization partners with more than 7,800 youth in care statewide, providing access to childhood experiences and critical resources as they plan for the future.

«COVID-19 is a serious threat to this generation’s opportunities, and youth in foster care face the most serious obstacles,» said Dawn Rains, Treehouse Chief Policy and Strategy Officer. «It’s essential we preserve safeguards during these unprecedented times.»

Even prior to the pandemic, youth experiencing foster care fell behind their peers on every academic and stability measure, and the crisis has severely deepened these inequities.

Treehouse is advocating to:

  • Preserve and expand equitable education supports – Pandemic-related school closures and increased mental health needs have led to significant disengagement from school. Treehouse asks the legislature to protect funding for Graduation Success, Educational Advocacy, Early Childhood Education Assistance Program (ECEAP), and Passport to Careers and to increase funding by $2 million for 300 additional youth statewide to take part in Graduation Success. School building points of contact are also needed to coordinate services and resources for youth in foster care.
  • Preserve transition to independence funding – Alumni of foster care are more likely to live in poverty, require public assistance and experience homelessness and incarceration. Treehouse asks the legislature to protect funding for Extended Foster Care and implement more effective youth-centered transition planning, establishing a system of «step-down» support.
  • Disrupt the foster care to prison pipeline – Approximately 40% of youth in juvenile rehabilitation facilities have experienced foster care and many meet criteria for post-traumatic stress disorder. Treehouse asks the legislature to increase essential behavioral therapy and substance use treatment, as well as reentry and transitional aftercare support. Treehouse is also calling for expanded training for school resource officers and staff, and increased data collection related to student arrests
  • Provide financial support to relative caregivers – Without licensing, relative caregivers do not have access to the financial support and services that are provided to licensed foster families despite 45% of youth being placed with relatives. Treehouse asks the legislature to modify licensing requirements to improve relatives’ access to licenses and stipends.

Be a voice for youth in foster care: Visit www.treehouseforkids.org/advocate.

About Treehouse
Founded in 1988 by social workers, Treehouse is Washington’s leading nonprofit organization addressing the academic and other essential support needs of more than 7,800 youth in foster care. We’re committed to youth in care statewide achieving a degree or other career credential, living wage job and stable housing at the same rate as their peers. With fierce optimism, we fight the structural inequities that impact all of us. Learn more at treehouseforkids.org.

Media Contact
Desiree Lindsay
desiree.lindsay@treehouseforkids.org
206.767.7000

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SOURCE Treehouse

2021 bring a new currency in Cuba and a new Cubacel promo for international Cubacel recharges

ATLANTA, Jan. 11, 2021 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — 2020 is finally over. Everybody waited for that to happen, hoping that the new year would rise to the occasion. Yup, people have pretty high expectations when it comes to 2021, the highest being getting back to normal. In the meantime, starting January 1, Cuba put an end to the dual currency system and the CUP is now almighty and HablaCuba.com launches a new promo for international top ups to…

ATLANTA, Jan. 11, 2021 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — 2020 is finally over. Everybody waited for that to happen, hoping that the new year would rise to the occasion. Yup, people have pretty high expectations when it comes to 2021, the highest being getting back to normal. In the meantime, starting January 1, Cuba put an end to the dual currency system and the CUP is now almighty and HablaCuba.com launches a new promo for international top ups to Cuba.

Here is how the bonuses look like for the Cubacel promo that will be valid starting January 11 until January 16.

Here are the bonuses that accompany the main top ups:
500 CUP – 1000 CUP Bonus
650 CUP – 1000 CUP Bonus
750 CUP – 1000 CUP Bonus
1000 CUP – 2000 CUP Bonus
1100 CUP – 2000 CUP Bonus
1250 CUP – 2000 CUP Bonus

Cubacel has set in place some restrictrictions when it comes to how to use the amount, differentiating between the main balance and the bonus – Bono Dinero. For starters, the bonus expires 30 days after the top up is received in Cuba, whereas the main balance keeps the same validity as previous promos, that is 330 days from the recharge date. In addition to this, the Cubans who receive the top up should also pay attention to the way they want to spend the money wisely, because they can use the amount received both to purchase 3G packages, in case they have a compatible device, and talk and text in Cuba and abroad.

The entire amount (main balance and Bono Dinero) can be used for:
National and international calls
National and international texts (including SMS entumóvil)

ONLY THE MAIN BALANCE transferred can be used for purchasing 3G plans:
400 MB for 5 CUC
600 MB for 7 CUC
1 GB for 10 CUC
2.5 GB for 20 CUC
4 GB for 30 CUC

To activate the mobile internet plans, the recipient must enter the USSD code *133# and then dial 1 (data).

Besides sending top ups, customers can also recharge their family’s and friends’ Nauta accounts, in order to help them gain access to the internet. Or, if they prefer calling, they can also use HablaCuba.com’s calling services.

Customers can place their calls:

From any landline, mobile or even payphone in the world, through access numbers. 
Through the smartphone app called KeepCalling, available for iOS and Android.
The rate for international calls to Cuba is 69.9¢/min, for both landlines and mobiles, and the cost of a text message is 7¢.

All services HablaCuba.com offers revolve around the website’s mission, which is to bring people together, no matter the distance, no distance is too long if people stay connected.

About HablaCuba.com
HablaCuba.com is an interactive website designed by KeepCalling, a global telecommunications company registered in 2002 in the USA. Presently, KeepCalling provides its services to hundreds of thousands of consumers, with a focus on customer satisfaction. KeepCalling has been listed by Inc 5000 as one of the fastest growing companies in the USA for 5 consecutive years. In 2015 the company registered a revenue increase of over 200% from 2011 to 2014.

Media Contact

Ecaterina Ilis Lia, HablaCuba.com, +1678 528 0398 x 3040, ecaterina.lia@keepcalling.com

 

SOURCE HablaCuba.com

Crowne Plaza Toronto Airport Announces the Completion of a $20M Renovation – Hotel Now Open

TORONTO, Jan. 11, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Crowne Plaza Toronto Airport, owned and operated by Manga Hotels, opens its doors after completing a $20 million renovation. The transformation marks a new beginning for…

TORONTO, Jan. 11, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Crowne Plaza Toronto Airport, owned and operated by Manga Hotels, opens its doors after completing a $20 million renovation. The transformation marks a new beginning for the hotel as staff recommits to delivering warm hospitality, memorable events and delightful dinning. The 528-room hotel is in a prime location for all travellers visiting the Toronto region and flying through the Toronto Pearson Airport. The hotel is close to Highway 401 and 427, making it an ideal venue for conferences, meetings and layover travel when the need resumes.

Manga Hotels has invested in the following renovations to the 12-story property, improving the hotel’s offering with a modern design:  

  • Design and structural enhancements to the external façade, a rebuild of the lobby with dramatic grey and gold lighting fixtures, a grab and go marketplace, modern fireplace, and a new business centre – all designed to provide a one-stop solution for busy travellers. 
  • All 528 guest rooms and bathrooms were redesigned for functionality with a chic contemporary palette. The rooms feature warm, welcoming colors of gold, grey and whites. Half of the hotel’s room inventory offer king-sized beds with walk-in showers.
  • The hotel has an executive floor on the upper levels of the hotel for added privacy.  
  • Award-winning Chef Tony Fernandes’ vision of The Cannery Kitchen & Social outlet in the hotel includes an updated dining, bar, and social area with seating for 200-guests. The menu will be updated to reflect a fresh and healthy take on Canadian food favourites.
  • The 1,000 square foot gym features modern workout equipment from Life Fitness brand, including Bluetooth™ speakers. The hotel’s indoor pool was also renovated.
  • The 4,500-square feet Algonquin Ballroom and meeting spaces now feature state of the art audio-visual equipment such as digital screens, surround sound audio, web camera for virtual calls and theatrical lighting – making it ideal for weddings, conferences and trade shows. The total function meeting space is 12,000-square feet.

Sukhdev Toor, President of Manga Hotels said: «The hotel is one of the largest airport hotels in the market and now, the most modern. The renovation and undertaking of this new look and design was extensive and the results are amazing. Our experience working with airport markets will continue to allow us to provide the very best services and faculties to our guests.»

The inspiration for The Cannery Kitchen & Social is influenced by Canada’s vibrant history and East Coast roots.  The menu features local favourites combined with international flavours to represent the best of Canada.  The atmosphere is relaxed and casual, allowing guests to unwind and enjoy a great meal, and drinks. 

IHG understands that cleanliness is top of mind for today’s traveler. The company’s longstanding commitment to rigorous cleaning procedures includes the IHG Way of Clean program developed with Ecolab and Diversey, both world leaders in hygiene and cleaning technologies. The program, launched in 2015, features deep cleaning with hospital-grade disinfectants as well as new COVID-19 protocols and best practices, developed with experts from the Cleveland Clinic. As a part of the IHG family of brands, Crowne Plaza properties offer guests additional peace of mind with the IHG Clean Promise – guests can be reassured that their room will meet IHG’s high standards of cleanliness. If not, the hotel will make it right.

Manga Hotels is a Toronto-based, privately held hospitality and real estate company, Manga Hotels acquires, develops and manages high quality hotels affiliated with a range of prestigious brands, including IHG. Manga Hotels currently operates 18 hotels in the Greater Toronto Area, Halifax, St. John’s and Buffalo, NY as well as 12 affiliated restaurants including Starbucks and a Turtle Jack’s Muskoka Grill.

About Crowne Plaza® Hotels & Resorts: Crowne Plaza® Hotels & Resorts is one of the fastest growing hotel brands globally. At Crowne Plaza® we’re all business, mostly, combining empowered service, always-on connectivity, innovative rooms and flexible co-working spaces, to enable guests to be productive, feel energised and build meaningful relationships with their clients and colleagues whist travelling for business. Beautifully equipped rooms, signature Sleep Advantage® programme, 24-hour fitness facilities, healthy food and innovative partnerships deliver an experience that’s design-led, tech-enabled and culturally relevant to the world of modern business travel; meaning guests can recharge and be inspired to enhance their downtime and worktime. For more information, visit www.crowneplaza.com, and connect with us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/Crowne.PlazaTwitter www.twitter.com/crowneplaza, and Instagram www.instagram.com/crowneplaza.  

About IHG®:  IHG® (InterContinental Hotels Group) [LON:IHG, NYSE:IHG (ADRs)] is a global organisation with a broad portfolio of hotel brands, including Six Senses Hotels Resorts SpasRegent Hotels & Resorts, InterContinental® Hotels & Resorts, Kimpton® Hotels & Restaurants, Hotel Indigo®, EVEN® Hotels, HUALUXE® Hotels and Resorts, Crowne Plaza® Hotels & Resorts, voco™, Holiday Inn® Hotels & Resorts , Holiday Inn Express®, Holiday Inn Club Vacations®, avid™ hotels, Staybridge Suites®, Atwell Suites™, and Candlewood Suites®.

IHG franchises, leases, manages or owns more than 5,900 hotels and approximately 883,000 guest rooms in more than 100 countries, with over 1,900 hotels in its development pipeline. IHG also manages IHG® Rewards Club, our global loyalty programme, which has more than 100 million enrolled members.

InterContinental Hotels Group PLC is the Group’s holding company and is incorporated in Great Britain and registered in England and Wales. More than 400,000 people work across IHG’s hotels and corporate offices globally.

Visit www.ihg.com for hotel information and reservations and www.ihgrewardsclub.com for more on IHG Rewards Club. For our latest news, visit: https://www.ihgplc.com/en/news-and-media and follow us on social media at: https://twitter.com/ihgcorporate, www.facebook.com/ihgcorporate and www.linkedin.com/company/intercontinental-hotels-group.

 

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SOURCE IHG Hotels & Resorts

Get Ready to Soak Up Some Vitamin Sea With Holland America Line’s 2021-2022 Caribbean Cruise Season That Includes New Rotterdam

SEATTLE, Jan. 11, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Beyond the balmy breezes and crystalline waters of the Caribbean, the vibrant cultures of the islands await to be discovered on a Holland America Line cruise during the 2021-2022 season. Ranging from seven to 21 days, guests will have their pick of six of the line’s premium, mid-sized ships — including Rotterdam in its debut season in the Caribbean —…

SEATTLE, Jan. 11, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Beyond the balmy breezes and crystalline waters of the Caribbean, the vibrant cultures of the islands await to be discovered on a Holland America Line cruise during the 2021-2022 season. Ranging from seven to 21 days, guests will have their pick of six of the line’s premium, mid-sized ships — including Rotterdam in its debut season in the Caribbean all conveniently sailing roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Holland America Line’s vast offerings between October 2021 and April 2022 feature three- to 14-day itineraries to the eastern, western and southern regions of the Caribbean, including sailings that spend a day discovering the Panama Canal. In addition to Rotterdam, guests can choose a Caribbean cruise on Eurodam, Nieuw Amsterdam, Nieuw Statendam, Volendam and one holiday sailing on Zaandam.

Half Moon Cay: Best Private Island & Highest Rated Caribbean Port
All of the itineraries include a call at Half Moon Cay, affording guests more opportunities to experience Holland America Line’s award-winning private Bahamian island. Both Porthole Cruise Magazine and Travel Weekly readers have named Half Moon Cay the industry’s Best Private Island, and it is Holland America Line’s highest-rated Caribbean port call by its guests. This quintessential and quaint sanctuary has evolved into a playground for cruise guests and features the finest beaches in the Caribbean; a natural 700-acre lagoon; two-story villas and private cabanas; delicious dining venues like Lobster Shack; a children’s waterpark; and a variety of fun-filled shore excursions for nature lovers, adventurous travelers and explorers.

Maiden Season in the Caribbean for Rotterdam
Holland America Line’s newest ship kicks off the Caribbean season with three- and four-day samplers. The four-day departs Nov. 3 and calls at Half Moon Cay and Key West Florida, and the three-day departs Nov. 7 and calls at Half Moon Cay. With the most varied options of the season, Rotterdam will then sail a series of cruises that include tropical, western, eastern and southern itineraries ranging from six to 11 days.

Holland America Line’s ships explore the treasures of the Caribbean on a variety of routes:

Bahamas Sampler:

Ports: Half Moon Cay and Nassau, Bahamas
Length: Three, four or five days
Ships: Eurodam, Nieuw Amsterdam, Rotterdam

Eastern Caribbean:

Ports: Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos; San Juan, Puerto Rico; St. Thomas, U.S.V.I.; Half Moon Cay
Length: Seven days
Ships: Eurodam, Nieuw Amsterdam, Nieuw Statendam, Rotterdam

Western Caribbean:

Ports: Combination of Belize City, Belize; Falmouth and Ocho Rios, Jamaica; Georgetown, Grand Cayman; Cozumel, Mexico; Half Moon Cay, Nassau
Length: Seven or eight days
Ships: Nieuw Amsterdam, Nieuw Statendam, Rotterdam

Southern Caribbean:

Ports: Combination of Amber Cove, Dominican Republic; Bridgetown, Barbados; Oranjestad, Aruba; Kralendijk, Bonaire; Willemstad, Curaçao; Philipsburg, Sint Maarten; Fort-de-France, Martinique; Castries, Saint Lucia; Basseterre, St. Kitts; Pointe-a-Pitre, Guadeloupe; Saint Georges, Grenada; Port-of-Spain, Trinidad; Half Moon Cay, San Juan, St. Thomas
Length: Seven, nine, 10, 11 or 14 days
Ships: Eurodam, Nieuw Amsterdam, Nieuw Statendam, Rotterdam, Volendam, Zaandam

Tropical Caribbean:

Ports: Amber Cove, Grand Turk, Half Moon Cay,
Length: Six or seven days
Ships: Eurodam, Nieuw Amsterdam, Nieuw Statendam, Rotterdam

Partial Panama Canal:

Ports: Cartagena, Colombia; Colon, Panama; Puerto Limon, Costa Rica; Aruba, Curaçao, Half Moon Cay, Panama Canal partial transit (Gatun Lake/scenic cruising)
Length: 10 or 11 days
Ship: Eurodam

Combine Back-to-Back Cruises for Longer Collectors’ Voyages
Many of the cruises can be extended into Collectors’ Voyages to create the ultimate Caribbean exploration with more economical fares than if booking the cruises individually. Ranging from 13 to 21 days, these longer journeys combine nonrepeating, back-to-back itineraries, allowing guests to span more than one Caribbean region and enjoy the ultimate island-hopping journey.

Celebrate the Season with a Festive Holiday Cruise
Travelers who like to get away for the winter holidays have nine holiday sailings to choose from that range from seven to 14 days; Holiday Collectors’ Voyage extend up to 21 days.

During holiday cruises, guests can take part in a Christmas tree-lighting ceremony, enjoy caroling and sing-alongs, participate in Hanukkah celebrations, indulge in traditional holiday meals with all the trimmings and a special Royal Dutch High Tea with fanciful holiday cookies and pastries. Kids will delight in a visit from Santa Claus and holiday-themed crafts. The New Year’s Eve sailings are the ideal setting to ring in a new year, featuring a festive holiday ball with a Champagne toast.

Delve Deeper Into Caribbean Life
Throughout each cruise, EXC programming brings the Caribbean’s local traditions, culinary tastes and cultural experiences to life. Guests who want to learn more about the region can attend an EXC Talk on topics ranging from «The Caribbean Spirit: The Story of Rum» to «The Deep Blue: Life Below the Water’s Edge.» Foodies can head to a Port to Table cooking demonstration, cooking class or themed mixology class featuring local fare, or participate in an exclusive culinary-themed shore excursion in partnership with FOOD & WINE magazine showcasing the region’s food scene from a local perspective.

Take Advantage of View and Verandah Offer
Book by Feb. 28, 2021, and take advantage of the ‘View & Verandah’ offer that includes stateroom upgrades, free beverages, one-night specialty dining, 10% off shore excursions and more. Savings with the «View and Verandah» Big Event is valued at up to $3,800 per stateroom, depending on length of cruise and category booked. Caribbean cruise pricing starts at $699 per person, double occupancy, for a seven-day sailing. Taxes, fees and port expenses are additional.

For more information, contact a travel advisor, call 1-877-SAIL HAL (1-877-724-5425) or visit hollandamerica.com.

Find Holland America Line on Twitter, Facebook and the Holland America Blog.  Access all social media outlets via the home page at hollandamerica.com.

About Holland America Line [a division of Carnival Corporation and plc (NYSE:  CCL and CUK)]
Holland America Line has been exploring the world since 1873 and was the first cruise line to offer adventures to Alaska and the Yukon more than 70 years ago. Its fleet of premium ships visits more than 470 ports in 98 countries around the world, offering an ideal mid-sized ship experience. A third Pinnacle-class ship, Rotterdam, is under construction and will join the fleet in July 2021.

The leader in premium cruising, Holland America Line’s ships feature innovative initiatives and a diverse range of enriching experiences focused on destination exploration and personalized travel. The best live music at sea fills each evening at Music Walk, and dining venues feature exclusive selections from Holland America Line’s esteemed Culinary Council, comprising world-famous chefs.

In light of COVID-19, Holland America Line is currently assessing enhanced health and safety protocols and how they may impact future cruises. Actual offerings may vary from what is displayed. Stay updated on current Travel Advisories and Health & Safety protocols.

CONTACT:

Erik Elvejord

PHONE:

800-637-5029, 206-626-9890

EMAIL:

pr@hollandamerica.com

 

 

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SOURCE Holland America Line