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Nexion Travel Group Holds Expo for Travel Advisor Prospects

IRVING, Texas, Jan. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Nexion Travel Group, the industry’s premier host agency, is holding a complimentary virtual expo on Jan. 13 and 14. <a target="_blank"…

IRVING, Texas, Jan. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Nexion Travel Group, the industry’s premier host agency, is holding a complimentary virtual expo on Jan. 13 and 14. Nexion EXPO is a one-stop solution for travel advisors of all experience levels who are interested in learning about what a host agency is, and how Nexion Travel Group can help them achieve their goals as independent travel advisors. The event is open to all North American travel advisors and those considering a career as a travel advisor.

«Throughout the pandemic, interest in becoming a travel advisor has remained high. Many current travel professionals are also seeking a new way forward,» said Heather Kindred, CTIE, Senior Director of Business Development and Education at Nexion Travel Group. «Nexion EXPO will help these individuals discover how to be successful in this business. And, as a virtual event, Nexion EXPO can be made available to a wide variety of people who might otherwise not be able to attend.»

Nexion Travel Group will be using the same interactive online platform it used for its annual CoNexion conference, held virtually last fall, to bring Nexion EXPO to life. The platform allows attendees to chat with Nexion Travel Group staff, learn about their programs and tools, and access all the information even after the event ends.

Attendees at the Nexion EXPO can expect:

Live chats with Nexion Travel Group’s experts who can discuss the host agency’s award-winning programs and tools like Agent Profiler and the Escape omnimedia program.
A deep dive into Nexion Travel Group’s preferred suppliers, with information on the high commission rates the host agency can offer its members.
Top-tier educational opportunities virtually and live to help grow their business and bring in new clients.

Nexion EXPO participants can also get valuable information and network with others in similar situations, such as new to the industry, experienced advisors, and those who are considering becoming a travel advisor. Nexion Travel Group-Canada will also have a dedicated virtual room staffed with experts to help Canadian advisors.

«Travel is on its way to recovery,» commented Jackie Friedman, CTC, CTIE, President of Nexion Travel Group. «As people enter the industry or consider their next steps, they are seeing the value that a host agency can bring to the independent advisor. The COVID-19 pandemic has ironically provided the ideal situation to bring forth a large-scale virtual recruiting event like Nexion EXPO. It may not be safe to gather in person right now, but it is a great time for current and potential travel professionals to spend some time at a virtual event and make an investment in their future with Nexion Travel Group. We look forward to meeting everyone!»

Nexion EXPO will be held Jan. 13 and 14, 2021, with live staffing from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. CST on Jan. 13 and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. CST on Jan. 14. The Nexion EXPO event platform will also be open for browsing Jan. 13 – Feb. 14, 2021. Free registration is available at https://nexion.com/expo-registration/.

All travel professionals interested in learning how to succeed as a professional business owner, backed by Nexion Travel Group’s many great benefits, are encouraged to call 800-747-6813 or email sales@nexion.com.

Nexion Travel Group
Nexion^® Travel Group is a fully accredited host agency, offering membership to independent travel professionals since 1995. As part of Travel Leaders Group, Nexion Travel Group provides ticketing, operations and fulfillment support to independent travel professionals coupled with best-in-class tools, technology, marketing, education and support. Nexion Travel Group is the complete host agency for multi-agent agencies, corporate agencies, experienced agents and those new to the industry.

Contact:	Berit Griffin
	651.442.5173
	berit.griffin@nexion.com

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SOURCE Nexion Travel Group

Travel restrictions update: South Africa ban extended, Israel (and Jerusalem) removed from Travel Corridors list

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Travel restrictions update: South Africa ban extended, Israel (and Jerusalem) removed from Travel Corridors list

PR Newswire

LONDON, 07 January 2021

LONDON, 07 January 2021 /PRNewswire Policy/ —

From 4am Saturday 9 January, people arriving in England from Botswana, Israel (and Jerusalem), Mauritius or Seychelles will need to self-isolate.

The government has responded swiftly to new evidence showing an urgent need to halt travel from all southern African countries to help prevent the spread of a new coronavirus (COVID-19) variant identified in South Africa.

Entry into England will be banned to those who have travelled from or through any southern African country in the last 10 days, including Namibia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Eswatini, Zambia, Malawi, Lesotho, Mozambique and Angola – as well as Seychelles and Mauritius. This does not include British and Irish Nationals, longer-term visa holders and permanent residents, who will be able to enter but are required to self-isolate for 10 days on arrival along with their household.

The government has therefore also removed Botswana, Seychelles and Mauritius from the travel corridor list, with the changes coming into place from 4am on Saturday 9 January 2021.

The move, in addition to the travel ban imposed on South Africa on 23 December 2020, follows new data on the steep rise in incidence of the new variant, that has vastly increased the risk of community transmission between 9 other southern African countries as well as the Seychelles and Mauritius, which both have strong travel links with South Africa. Urgent restrictions are therefore now needed to prevent the spread of this strain in the UK.

The measures will be in place for an initial period of 2 weeks while the scientific data and alternative ways to protect the UK and our partners in Africa are reviewed.

Any exemptions usually in place – including for those related to employment – will not apply and those British nationals arriving into England from the other southern African countries, Seychelles and Mauritius after 4am on Saturday 9 January cannot be released from self-isolation through Test to Release. People sharing a household with anyone self-isolating from these countries will also have to self-isolate for 10 days.

Ministers have also removed Israel (and Jerusalem) from the government’s travel corridor list, as data from the Joint Biosecurity Centre and Public Health England has indicated a significant change in both the level and pace of confirmed cases of coronavirus. The decision to remove Israel (and Jerusalem) has been made following a sustained and accelerating increase in COVID-19 cases per 100,000 of the population, similar in trajectory to the UK.

National restrictions for England introduced on 6 January 2021 remain in place meaning everyone must stay at home unless travelling for a very limited set of reasons, including for work. This means people can no longer travel to take holidays or travel internationally unless for work or other legally permitted reasons. Those in breach of the rules face penalties starting at 200 pounds, rising to a maximum of 6,400 pounds.

People in all countries affected by the travel ban are encouraged to follow the local rules and check FCDO travel advice for further information. All travellers, including those from exempt destinations, will still be required to show a complete passenger locator form on arrival into the UK unless they fall into a small group of exemptions.

SOURCE UK Department for Transport

LONDON, 07 January 2021 /PRNewswire Policy/ —

From 4am Saturday 9 January, people arriving in England from Botswana, Israel (and Jerusalem), Mauritius or Seychelles will need to self-isolate.

The government has therefore also removed Botswana, Seychelles and Mauritius from the travel corridor list, with the changes coming into place from 4am on Saturday 9 January 2021.

The measures will be in place for an initial period of 2 weeks while the scientific data and alternative ways to protect the UK and our partners in Africa are reviewed.

SOURCE UK Department for Transport

SinglePoint Announces Capital Re-Structuring and Spin-Off of Non-Core Asset, 1606 Corp., to All Shareholders

PHOENIX, Jan. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — SinglePoint Inc. (OTC: SING) («SinglePoint» or the «Company»), a company focused on providing renewable energy solutions, today announced the Company will affect a 1-for-75 reverse split of its issued and outstanding shares of common stock. Additionally, the Company will, on a 1-for-1 basis, spin-off of 1606 Corp. to its shareholders, which will become its own entity. The spin-off and the effectiveness of the reverse stock split will occur after the filing of required documentation with SEC and Finra, and the expiration of proscribed time limits after mailing of materials to shareholders.

The solar energy market is experiencing exponential growing demand and is expected to reach $223 billion by 2026¹. To help sustain this growth, there is expected to be significant government support with investing heavily in renewable energy through direct investments, subsidies as well as tax credits. SinglePoint intends to evaluate additional opportunities for strategic spin-off’s, combinations, sale and/or purchase of other non-core, non-alternative energy assets to streamline offering and accelerate positioning of SinglePoint as leader in renewable energy solutions.

«This represents a key component in our planned, multi-stepped approach towards uplisting to a national exchange and enhancing shareholder value. By taking this initial step of separating into two independent companies, each business will have the ability to enhance focus on its significant market opportunities and evolve into two industry-leading companies, each one entirely focused on delivering quality products and services,» commented Greg Lambrecht, Chairman and CEO of SinglePoint. «Our team is laser-focused on establishing a rich portfolio of leading renewable energy solutions and leveraging the rapidly growing solar market to build short- and long-term value. We believe this is a significant moment for SinglePoint and look forward to providing continued updates as we execute our deliberate path forward.»

The brand 1606 was launched in October 2019, based upon indicated market interest received at the 2019 NACS show from major retailers and distributors. 1606 was designed to be the premium brand and continues to innovate and differentiate itself as evidenced by the recent introduction of a six pack point of sale display unit designed to be placed on countertops or next to the register retail locations across the nation.

«Our team is committed to building shareholder value and expanding our market exposure. After months of discussions with partners and financial institutions, we believe that this is the best path forward in providing the Company the optimal opportunity to grow and achieve our ultimate goal of listing on a national exchange. We believe that by successfully executing this reverse split and a spin-off of one of our designated non-core assets, we have a greater potential in gaining increased attention from larger institutional and family office investors that have the ability to provide accretive capital,» added Wil Ralston, President of SinglePoint.

About SinglePoint Inc.

SinglePoint Inc. is a company focused on providing renewable energy solutions to consumers and small commercial businesses. SinglePoint is committed to building the largest network of renewable energy solutions and modernizing the traditional model. For more information, visit the Company’s website (www.singlepoint.com) and connect on LinkedIn and Twitter.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements in this news release may contain forward-looking information within the meaning of Rule 175 under the Securities Act of 1933 and Rule 3b-6 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and are subject to the safe harbor created by those rules. All statements, other than statements of fact, included in this release, including, without limitation, statements regarding potential of listing on a national exchange, the spin-off, operations of 1606, solar operations and future plans and objectives of the Company, are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements.

Technical complications, which may arise, could prevent the prompt implementation of any strategically significant plan(s) outlined above. The Company undertakes no duty to revise or update any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this release.

Investor Contact:

JTC Team, LLC
Jenene Thomas
833-475-8247
SING@jtcir.com

¹ Valuates Reports; Solar Energy Market by Technology (Photovoltaic Systems and Concentrated Solar Power Systems), by Solar Module (Monocrystalline, Polycrystalline, Cadmium Telluride, Amorphous Silicon Cells, and Others), by Application (Residential, Commercial and Industrial) and End-Use (Electricity Generation, Heating, Charging and Lighting): Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2019-2026

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SOURCE SinglePoint Inc.

SunPower Corporation to Close Manufacturing Facility in Hillsboro, Oregon

SAN JOSE, Calif., Jan. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — SunPower Corp. (NASDAQ:SPWR), a leading solar technology and energy services provider, today announced that it will close SunPower Manufacturing Oregon, LLC, its solar panel manufacturing plant in Hillsboro, Ore.

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«We made the difficult but necessary decision to close our plant after careful evaluation and the change in focus of our business over recent months,» said Tom Werner, CEO and chairman of the board of SunPower. «We recognize how hard this is for all the employees impacted and are dedicated to helping them through this transition.»

In August 2020, SunPower completed the spin-off of Maxeon Solar Technologies, Ltd. The spin-off encompassed international panel manufacturing and associated sales, which is now run by Maxeon. Following the split, SunPower is focused on innovative solar and battery storage system sales and services for customers in the U.S. and Canada, as well as developing downstream energy services products like energy management software. SunPower is continuing to provide the most powerful and efficient solar panels through a supply agreement with Maxeon.

The decision to close the plant will impact approximately 170 employees. SunPower will provide all impacted employees with comprehensive separation packages, including severance, work transition assistance and six months of COBRA for continuation of health insurance coverage. The company will source and present open positions from other area employers, host a virtual job fair to assist in securing new employment, and encourage employees to apply for open positions at SunPower if they are willing to relocate.

The company is taking steps to cease operations by March 2021 and complete the wind-down of the facility in early June while simultaneously looking into other options. These include selling the plant, exploring a joint venture option or assessing potential partnerships.

SunPower will continue its distributed generation investments consistent with its business strategy. Its U.S. workforce of about 1,200 employees in numerous cities across ten states is currently growing with demand. Additionally, SunPower has a network of more than 700 independent residential and commercial dealers across 46 states – each its own small business – totaling more than 17,000 U.S. jobs.

About SunPower
Headquartered in California’s Silicon Valley, SunPower (NASDAQ:SPWR) is a leading Distributed Generation Storage and Energy Services provider in North America. SunPower offers the only solar + storage solution designed and warranted by one company that gives customers control over electricity consumption and resiliency during power outages while providing cost savings to homeowners, businesses, governments, schools and utilities. For more information, visit www.sunpower.com.

Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including, but not limited to, statements regarding our plans for, and the timing and impact of, shutdown of our Oregon manufacturing facility, and our future areas of focus. These forward-looking statements are based on our current assumptions, expectations and beliefs and involve substantial risks and uncertainties that may cause results, performance or achievement to materially differ from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to: (1) the timing and execution of restructuring plans; (2) employee management and retention issues that may arise; (3) estimates and assumptions related to the cost of exiting employees, modifying or terminating lease and other real estate obligations, and other associated costs; (4) potential disruptions to our operations and supply chain that may result from epidemics or natural disasters, including impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic; and (5) changes in public policy, including the imposition and applicability of tariffs. A detailed discussion of these factors and other risks that affect our business is included in filings we make with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) from time to time, including our most recent reports on Form 10-K and Form 10-Q, particularly under the heading «Risk Factors.» Copies of these filings are available online from the SEC or on the SEC Filings section of our Investor Relations website at investors.sunpower.com. All forward-looking statements in this press release are based on information currently available to us, and we assume no obligation to update these forward-looking statements in light of new information or future events.

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SOURCE SunPower Corp.

PriceSmart Announces Fiscal 2021 First Quarter Operating Results

SAN DIEGO, Jan. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — PriceSmart, Inc. (NASDAQ: PSMT), operator of 47 warehouse clubs in 12 countries and one U.S. territory, today announced its results of operations for the fiscal first quarter of 2021 which ended on November 30, 2020.

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Comments from Sherry S. Bahrambeygui, Chief Executive Officer:

«PriceSmart delivered solid results for the first quarter of fiscal year 2021. In November, mobility restrictions were reduced in many of our markets. We meanwhile expanded our Click and Go™ contactless shopping program, which provides for ordering online and curbside pickup, and as of Q1, includes delivery options in all of our markets.

We continue to improve operating efficiencies while making appropriate investments. Together, these initiatives have contributed to an increase in our operating income of 45.0% to $44.5 million and an earnings increase of 40.6% to $0.90 per diluted share in the first quarter of 2021 compared to the prior-year period.

Although varying pandemic-related restrictions throughout our markets were on the rise again in December and continue to impact the business in early January, thanks to our tremendous team, we are becoming increasingly adept at early monitoring and quickly adjusting to challenges as they arise, as well as anticipating the needs and preferences of our Members.»

First Quarter Financial Results

Total revenues for the first quarter of fiscal year 2021 increased 8.1% to $877.4 million compared to $811.9 million in the comparable period of the prior year. For the first quarter of fiscal year 2021, net merchandise sales increased 7.7% to $838.4 million from $778.7 million in the first quarter of fiscal year 2020. Foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations impacted net merchandise sales negatively by $27.4 million, or 3.5%, versus the same period in the prior year.

The Company had 46 warehouse clubs in operation as of November 30, 2020 compared to 45 warehouse clubs in operation as of November 30, 2019.

Comparable net merchandise sales for the 43 warehouse clubs that have been open for greater than 13 ½ calendar months increased 3.6% for the 13-week period ended November 29, 2020 compared to the comparable period of the prior year. Foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations impacted comparable net merchandise sales negatively by $27.0 million or 3.5% versus the same period in the prior year.

The Company recorded operating income during the fiscal first quarter of $44.5 million compared to operating income of $30.7 million in the prior year period. Net income attributable to PriceSmart was $27.7 million, or $0.90 per diluted share, in the first quarter of fiscal year 2021 as compared to $19.7 million, or $0.64 per diluted share, in the first quarter of fiscal year 2020.

The Company reports comparable net merchandise sales on a «same week» basis with 13 weeks in each quarter beginning on a Monday and ending on a Sunday. The periods are established at the beginning of the fiscal year to provide as close a match as possible to the calendar month and quarter that is used for financial reporting purposes. This approach equalizes the number of weekend days and weekdays in each period for an improved sales comparison, as the Company experiences higher merchandise club sales on the weekends. Each of the warehouse clubs used in the calculations was open for at least 13 ½ calendar months before its results for the current period were compared with its results for the prior period.

The term «currency exchange rates» refers to the currency exchange rates the Company uses to convert net merchandise and comparable net merchandise sales for all countries where the functional currency is not the U.S. dollar into U.S. dollars. The Company calculates the effect of changes in currency exchange rates as the difference between current period activities translated using the current period’s currency exchange rates and the comparable prior year period’s currency exchange rates. The Company believes the disclosure of the effects of currency exchange rate fluctuations on the Company’s results permits investors to understand better the Company’s underlying performance.

PriceSmart management will host a conference call at 12:00 p.m. Eastern time (9:00 a.m. Pacific time) on Friday, January 8, 2021, to discuss the financial results. Individuals interested in participating in the conference call may do so by dialing (855) 209-8211 toll free, or (412) 317-5214 for international callers and asking to join the PriceSmart, Inc. call. A digital replay will be available through January 15, 2021, following the conclusion of the call by dialing (877) 344-7529 for domestic callers, or (412) 317-0088 for international callers, and entering replay passcode 10149960.

About PriceSmart

PriceSmart, headquartered in San Diego, owns and operates U.S.-style membership shopping warehouse clubs in Latin America and the Caribbean, selling high quality merchandise and services at low prices to PriceSmart Members. PriceSmart operates 47 warehouse clubs in 12 countries and one U.S. territory (eight in Costa Rica and Colombia; seven in Panama; five in the Dominican Republic, four in Trinidad and Guatemala; three in Honduras; two each in El Salvador and Nicaragua; and one each in Aruba, Barbados, Jamaica and the United States Virgin Islands). The Company also plans to open new warehouse clubs in Guatemala City, Guatemala and Portmore, Jamaica in the fall of 2021 and the spring of 2022, respectively. Once these two new clubs are open, the Company will operate 49 warehouse clubs.

This press release may contain forward-looking statements concerning the Company’s anticipated future revenues and earnings, adequacy of future cash flows, omni-channel initiatives, proposed warehouse club openings, the Company’s performance relative to competitors, the outcome of tax proceedings and related matters. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements containing the words «expect,» «believe,» «will,» «may,» «should,» «project,» «estimate,» «anticipated,» «scheduled,» and like expressions, and the negative thereof. These statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially including, but not limited to: adverse changes in economic conditions in the Company’s markets, natural disasters, compliance risks, volatility in currency exchange rates, competition, consumer and small business spending patterns, political instability, increased costs associated with the integration of online commerce with our traditional business, whether the Company can successfully execute strategic initiatives, cybersecurity breaches that could cause disruptions in our systems or jeopardize the security of member or business information, cost increases from product and service providers, interruption of supply chains, COVID-19 related factors and challenges, including among others, the duration of the pandemic, the unknown long-term economic impact, the impact of government policies and restrictions that have limited access for our Members, and shifts in demand away from discretionary or higher priced products to lower priced products, exposure to product liability claims and product recalls, recoverability of moneys owed to PriceSmart from governments, and other important factors discussed in the Risk Factors section of the Company’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, and other factors discussed from time to time in other filings with the SEC, which are accessible on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov, including Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date that they are made, and the Company does not undertake to update them, except as required by law.

For further information, please contact Michael L. McCleary, EVP, Chief Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer (858) 404-8826 or send an email to ir@pricesmart.com.

PRICESMART, INC. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (UNAUDITED AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)

	Three Months Ended
	November 30,		November 30,
	2020		2019
Revenues:
Net merchandise sales	$	838,369	$	778,728
Export sales		10,881		8,274
Membership income		13,299		13,746
Other revenue and income		14,883		11,193
Total revenues		877,432		811,941
Operating expenses:
Cost of goods sold:
Net merchandise sales		703,619		662,724
Export sales		10,433		7,971
Non-merchandise		5,824		4,251
Selling, general and administrative:
Warehouse club and other operations		84,832		79,373
General and administrative		27,521		25,884
Pre-opening expenses		602		953
Loss on disposal of assets		70		71
Total operating expenses		832,901		781,227
Operating income		44,531		30,714
Other income (expense):
Interest income		491		293
Interest expense		(2,033)		(862)
Other expense, net		(1,545)		(985)
Total other expense		(3,087)		(1,554)
Income before provision for income taxes and loss of unconsolidated affiliates		41,444		29,160
Provision for income taxes		(13,618)		(9,403)
Loss of unconsolidated affiliates		(9)		(48)
Net income		27,817		19,709
Less: net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest		(80)		19
Net income attributable to PriceSmart, Inc.	$	27,737	$	19,728
Net income attributable to PriceSmart, Inc. per share available for distribution:
Basic	$	0.90	$	0.64
Diluted	$	0.90	$	0.64
Shares used in per share computations:
Basic		30,398		30,277
Diluted		30,420		30,284
Dividends per share	$	—	$	—

PRICESMART, INC. CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE DATA)

	November 30,
	2020		August 31,
	(Unaudited)		2020
ASSETS
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	207,955	$	299,481
Short-term restricted cash		185		185
Short-term investments		73,980		46,509
Receivables, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $157 as of November 30, 2020 and $147 as of August 31, 2020, respectively		15,150		13,153
Merchandise inventories		373,178		309,509
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		40,103		30,165
Total current assets		710,551		699,002
Long-term restricted cash		4,255		4,105
Property and equipment, net		700,837		692,279
Operating lease right-of-use assets, net		119,316		119,533
Goodwill		45,123		45,206
Other intangibles, net		9,566		10,166
Deferred tax assets		20,246		21,672
Other non-current assets (includes $144 and $872 as of November 30, 2020 and August 31, 2020, respectively, for the fair value of derivative instruments)		57,508		54,260
Investment in unconsolidated affiliates		10,593		10,602
Total Assets	$	1,677,995	$	1,656,825
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Current Liabilities:
Short-term borrowings	$	47,349	$	65,143
Accounts payable		384,086		373,172
Accrued salaries and benefits		28,630		32,946
Deferred income		25,125		23,525
Income taxes payable		9,559		7,727
Other accrued expenses and other current liabilities		35,228		37,731
Operating lease liabilities, current portion		8,649		8,594
Long-term debt, current portion		19,771		19,437
Total current liabilities		558,397		568,275
Deferred tax liability		1,401		1,713
Long-term income taxes payable, net of current portion		5,243		5,132
Long-term operating lease liabilities		124,383		124,181
Long-term debt, net of current portion		108,104		112,610
Other long-term liabilities (includes $5,321 and $4,685 for the fair value of derivative instruments and $6,313 and $6,155 for post-employment plans as of November 30, 2020 and August 31, 2020, respectively)		13,176		12,182
Total Liabilities		810,704		824,093

PRICESMART, INC. CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE DATA)

Stockholders’ Equity:
Common stock $0.0001 par value, 45,000,000 shares authorized; 31,395,847 and 31,417,576 shares issued and 30,738,334 and 30,670,712 shares outstanding (net of treasury shares) as of November 30, 2020 and August 31, 2020, respectively		3		3
Additional paid-in capital		450,666		454,455
Accumulated other comprehensive loss		(173,658)		(176,820)
Retained earnings		610,224		582,487
Less: treasury stock at cost, 657,513 shares as of November 30, 2020 and 746,864 shares as of August 31, 2020		(21,068)		(28,406)
Total stockholders’ equity attributable to PriceSmart, Inc. stockholders		866,167		831,719
Noncontrolling interest in consolidated subsidiaries		1,124		1,013
Total stockholders’ equity		867,291		832,732
Total Liabilities and Equity	$	1,677,995	$	1,656,825

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SOURCE PriceSmart, Inc.

Instate one-way fares starting at $49 with Ravn’s New Year, New Ravn sale

ANCHORAGE, Alaska, Jan. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — With 10 destinations and growing, the New Ravn Alaska is flying into 2021 with promotional fares to help Alaskans skip the winter drives and get back in the sky. Discounted fares are available on one-way travel, network wide for tickets purchased online through Jan. 12.

Anchorage is a hub community for business, health care, education and retail and Ravn’s fares are making life…

Anchorage is a hub community for business, health care, education and retail and Ravn’s fares are making life essentials more accessible. While half of the airline’s routes are accessible by car to Anchorage, with flights as low as $49, travelers will save hours and dollars when compared to drive times and refueling.

«We’ve not been able to celebrate our return to service in each community as we may have pre-Covid, so we’re offering these fares as an expression of gratitude for welcoming us back and for trusting us as you return to air travel,» said Ravn Alaska CEO Rob McKinney. «When you fly with us, you’ll experience our commitment to customer service, safety and communities.»

«New Year, New Ravn» promotional fares available for booking through Jan. 12 for travel through March 13, 2021.

One-way travel between Anchorage (ANC) and the following cities begin at:
$49* to/from Kenai (ENA)
$59* to/from Fairbanks (FAI)
$69* to/from Homer (HOM)
$69* to/from Valdez (VDZ)
$89* to/from Unalakleet (UNK)
$299* to/from Cold Bay (CDB)
$299* to/from Dutch Harbor (DUT)
$299* to/from Sand Point (SDP)
$299* to/from St. Paul (SNP)

*Terms apply

Ravn Alaska is following CDC best practices as well as guidelines from the State of Alaska and its municipalities and boroughs. Mask wearing is required on all Ravn flights for passengers and crew, as the airline maintains transmission risk-mitigation techniques including distancing protocols; disinfection of high-touch aircraft surfaces and passenger confirmation that they do not have Covid symptoms and commitment to adhere to the airline mask policy.

Passengers are encouraged to familiarize themselves with community guidelines before travel.

Fare details, terms and conditions are available at RavnAlaska.com.

About Ravn Alaska
The new Ravn Alaska is the hometown airline of Alaska, employing more than 300 Alaskans and serving the passenger, cargo and charter needs of 10 Alaska communities with a network that continues to grow. Learn more at RavnAlaska.com.

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Media contact:
Gary Scott, Thompson & Co. PR
907-229-7311
gary@thompsonpr.com

Media Contact

Gary Scott, Thompson & Co. PR, +1 (907) 561-4488, Gary@thompsonpr.com

SOURCE Ravn

Report Cards to Rate 50 States and DC on Essential Traffic Safety Laws: How Will Your State Measure Up?

WASHINGTON, Jan. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — New Report Cards to Give State Lawmakers a Legislative «Roadmap» During 2021 Sessions to Reverse Rise in Fatal Crash Frequency During COVID-19 Pandemic-Era.

WHEN: MONDAY, JANUARY 11, 2021 at 11:00 AM EST

WHAT:
VIRTUAL NEWS CONFERENCE – Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety (Advocates) will release the 2021 Roadmap of State Highway Safety Laws, a report rating all 50 states…

WHEN: MONDAY, JANUARY 11, 2021 at 11:00 AM EST

WHAT:
VIRTUAL NEWS CONFERENCE – Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety (Advocates) will release the 2021 Roadmap of State Highway Safety Laws, a report rating all 50 states and the District of Columbia on the passage of 16 essential traffic safety laws.

The 2021 Roadmap Report and release event will:

Assign each state a green, yellow or red rating based on the number of optimal safety laws enacted
Name the Best & Worst states
Identify dangerous gaps in each state’s traffic safety laws that contribute to the daily toll of 100 deaths and more than 7,500 injuries on the Nation’s roads

As the COVID-19 pandemic took hold in 2020, a shocking trend also emerged: A rise in excessive speeding and impaired driving coupled with lower seat belt use leading to a substantial rise in the fatality rate on our roadways despite the presence of fewer cars.

Advocates will call on state lawmakers to use this new report as a roadmap during their 2021 legislative sessions to pass proven, effective laws that will reverse this trajectory and reduce the more than 36,600 deaths and 2.7 million injuries resulting from motor vehicle crashes annually.

WHERE:
This news conference will be livestreamed at http://www.saferoads.org. Reporters tuning into the livestream are invited to submit questions during the event.

WHO:

Cathy Chase, President, Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety
Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL, 8), Sponsor of the SAFE TO DRIVE Act (H.R. 2416) in the last Congress, which seeks to encourage states to enact distracted driving laws with the incentive of federal grant money.
State Senator David Carlucci (New York, retired), Senate sponsor of bill enacted in 2020 that now requires all front and back seat occupants to buckle up in New York.
State Assemblyman Nicholas Chiaravalloti (D-NJ, 31), Assembly sponsor of legislation (A. 855) to add a prohibition on viewing distracting content while driving such as streaming video and participating in video conferencing.
Ivette Chaidez, Education Outreach Coordinator for Impact Teen Drivers (California). She became a traffic safety advocate after her sister Itzayana «Itzy» Chaidez was killed in a crash involving a teen driver. NOTE: Ivette esta disponible para entrevistas en Español.
Stephen W. Hargarten, MD, MPH, a nationally recognized leader in emergency medicine, who serves as Professor of Emergency Medicine and the Director of the Comprehensive Injury Center at the Medical College of Wisconsin.
Alan Maness, Vice President of Federal Affairs and Counsel, State Farm Insurance.

ELECTRONIC MEDIA KIT, including the 2021 Roadmap of State Highway Safety Laws report, will be available online Monday, January 11, 2021 at 12:01 AM EST at http://www.saferoads.org. Embargoed copies of the Roadmap report will be made available to the media upon request.

Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety is an alliance of consumer, medical, public health, law enforcement and safety groups and insurance companies and agents working together to make America’s roads safer. Advocates’ mission is the adoption of federal and state laws, policies and programs that prevent motor vehicle crashes, save lives, reduce injuries, and contain costs.

Media Contact

Bill Bronrott, Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety, +1 2022704415, bronrott@gmail.com

Pete Daniels, Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety, 301-442-2249, pdaniels@saferoads.org

SOURCE Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety

Lamborghini Austin promotes the Lamborghini Urus Graphite Capsule color options available in model year 2021

AUSTIN, Texas, Jan. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Lamborghini Austin, a luxury exotic car retailer in the Austin area, is promoting the Lamborghini Urus Graphite Capsule color options available in the model year 2021. Drivers who are interested in getting their own luxury exotic model are encouraged to check out the Lamborghini Urus Graphite Capsule options.

The Lamborghini Urus Graphite Capsule comes in matte color options. The new matte colors include Nero…

The Lamborghini Urus Graphite Capsule comes in matte color options. The new matte colors include Nero Noctis, Grigio Keres, Grigio Nimbus, and Bianco Monocerus. All of these options are perfect for drivers who enjoy neutral options. Nero Noctis is a matte black color option that can be paired with black wheels for a monochromatic attire. Grigio Nimbus and Grigio Keres are two shades of dark gray, while Bianco Monocerus is a white matte color option.

For those who are looking for something more colorful, the Lamborghini Huracan Evo Fluo Capsule comes in several rainbow shades. Currently, Lamborghini Austin has a 2021 Lamborghini Huracan Evo in stock in the Bianco Icarus color option. The dealership gets new stock every month, and drivers are encouraged to contact the dealership for more information on any model of interest.

The Lamborghini Urus Graphite Capsule has a top speed of 305 km per hour. It can accelerate from 0 to 100 km per hour in just 3.6 seconds. This powerful vehicle is perfect for drivers who like to drive fast and experience the excitement of driving a supercar. For more information on this model and other Lamborghini models, drivers can head to the Lamborghini Austin website, lamborghiniaustin.com.

Media Contact

Cathy Cassidy, Lamborghini Austin, 833 331-0322, cathy@lamborghiniaustin.com

SOURCE Lamborghini Austin

Costa Rica is the No.1 Retirement Destination in 2021–Internationalliving.com

BALTIMORE, Jan. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Costa Rica takes the top spot in InternationalLiving.com’s 2021 Annual Global Retirement Index. It topped the…

BALTIMORE, Jan. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Costa Rica takes the top spot in InternationalLiving.com’s 2021 Annual Global Retirement Index. It topped the healthcare category while also scoring well in the fitting in, development, visa and residency, and cost of living categories.

Earning the nickname «Switzerland of Central America,» this peace-loving democracy attracts millions of visitors and foreign residents throughout the year with its tropical climate; lower cost of living; friendly locals; affordable medical care; vast real estate options; and, of course, its natural beauty.

«Retirees that have moved to Costa Rica will tell you they are living a much healthier lifestyle than before they moved,» says Kathleen Evans, International Living Costa Rica Correspondent.

«Perhaps it’s the beautiful weather that beckons you to enjoy the outdoors. Or maybe it’s the massive selection of fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables at your fingertips. Or it could be the strong local communities that make it really easy to forge new friendships.

«One of the things you hear often from expats is how warm and welcoming the ticos (Costa Ricans) are,» Evans says. «They are wonderful people, eager to share the magic of their culture, food, and traditions with foreigners. You will also find engaging international communities of expats who will help you through the process of acclimation.»

That’s another bonus: expats needn’t be pioneers in Costa Rica. There are well-established expat communities throughout the country. Things are «set up» so to speak, when it comes to shipping household goods, using the healthcare system, buying property, and more. And by following this well-trodden path, the transition to a new life can be much easier.

Costa Rica is a country where the older generation is treated with respect by custom. And things like head-of-line privileges at banks and government offices are inscribed in the law. But there is also a government program available to those age 65 or older that gives discounts on a variety of products and services

«Being ‘Viejo’ or old is a rite of passage, a badge of honor in Costa Rica,» says Evans. «And you will see simple things like seniors going to the front of the line—any line, enjoying special early shopping hours, free bus rides, and the Ciudando de Oro or Golden Citizen card.»

Cost of living, of course, depends on lifestyle. But in many ways Costa Rica is much more affordable than the U.S. and Canada.

«A couple can live comfortably, but not necessarily extravagantly, here for around $2,000 a month,» Evans says. «This includes renting a two-bedroom home with North American amenities, air conditioning, plus groceries, entertainment, transportation, and healthcare. If your monthly budget is closer to $2,500 to $3,000, you will find a relaxed lifestyle with every comfort you require.»

«The residency process in Costa Rica is also very straightforward,» Evans says. «For expats, there are three initial options. Choosing any of these programs, allows you to file jointly, as well as claim any dependent children under the age of 18 (up to 25-years old if enrolled in a university).»

The Pensionado option requires proof of $1,000 per month minimum income from a life-long pension or social security.
The Rentista program requires proof of $2,500 per month income for at least two years, guaranteed by a banking institution. Or you can deposit US$60,000 in an approved Costa Rican bank.
The third option is the Investment program. The applicant needs to prove they have invested a minimum of $200,000 in a business or property here in Costa Rica.

After three years of one of these statuses, one can apply for permanent residency (those married to a Costa Rican or have a child born in Costa Rica can apply to this category immediately).

With 97 points, Costa Rica is the highest-ranking country in the healthcare category of the Annual Global Retirement Index 2021.

«One of the reasons Costa Rica is so appealing for retirees, and expats in general, is because of the low cost, excellent healthcare options,» says Evans.

Costa Rica provides some of the best healthcare options in Latin America for its citizens and residents. The World Health Organization (WHO) places Costa Rica in the top rankings for life expectancy and the United Nations (UN) ranks the country’s public healthcare system in the top 20 worldwide.

The country has three JCI certified medical centers in the nation’s capital, San José. This is the highest worldwide accreditation which medical centers can receive based on a scale of various criteria.

The country operates in public and private systems with both regularly experiencing upgrades in equipment, new clinics, and improved training. Many of the country’s doctors work in both sectors, have studied in North America or Europe, and most in the private field speak English.

Pura Vida is a common Costa Rican phrase. Although it translates to «pure life,» this definition merely scratches the surface of a phrase deeply woven into Costa Rican culture, and used to convey anything from «hello» and «goodbye,» to «great news,» «cheers!» and countless declarations in between.

Expat Nicole Rangel, explains it in this way, «What makes Pura Vida such a check-all statement is that it translates to more than just a greeting. It is a solution, an action, and a way of life. When you approach life with a Pura Vida state of mind, you are opening yourself up to the possibilities of life beyond what you experienced before. You are sharing together in this communal acceptance that life doesn’t have to be controlled or mandated, you can make it what you want, you can have friends you never thought you would have, you experience things you never thought possible because you are opening up to a life less complicated.

«That is why so many people come to Costa Rica and find the best version of themselves—they embrace a new appreciation on life. It is just a bonus that it is in such a beautiful setting,» she continues.

While Costa Rica wins the top spot in this year’s Annual Global Retirement Index, it’s just one of 25 countries examined in 10 categories, including: Housing, Benefits and Discounts, Visas and Residence, Cost of Living, Fitting In/Entertainment, Healthcare, Development, Climate, Opportunity, and Governance.

Since 1979, InternationalLiving.com has used a widespread network of editors, correspondents, contributors, and contacts based around the world to accumulate the information, data, and insights used to prepare this Annual Global Retirement Index.

The main role of the Index is to help retirees find locations where their dollar goes further—where they can get the best value for money in terms of cost of living, housing, and overall quality of life.

International Living’s complete 2021 Annual Global Retirement Index, including more information on Costa Rica and the other nine countries that made it in to the top 10—as well as the individual rankings in all 10 categories for all 25 countries included—can be found at: The World’s Best Places to Retire in 2021.

In the wake of the violence at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, January 6, International Living’s editors report a spike in visitors to the The World’s Best Places to Retire in 2021 content on their website as well as to additional content related to how one moves out of the US, visas and residence, and second passports.

Members of the media have permission to republish the article linked above once credit is given to Internationalliving.com.

Further information, as well as interviews with expert authors for radio, TV or print, is available on request. Photos are also available.

For information about InternationalLiving.com content republishing, source material or to book an interview with one of our experts, contact Editorial Director for Web Content, Social Media, and PR, Donal Lucey, dlucey@internationalliving.com.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/internationalliving/
Twitter: @inliving
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/International.Living/

About International Living

Since 1979, InternationalLiving.com has been the leading authority for anyone looking for global retirement or relocation opportunities. Through its monthly magazine and related e-letters, extensive website, podcasts, online bookstore, and events held around the world, InternationalLiving.com provides information and services to help its readers live better, travel farther, have more fun, save more money, and find better business opportunities when they expand their world beyond their own shores. InternationalLiving.com has contributors traveling the globe, investigating the best opportunities for travel, retirement, real estate, and investment.

Media Contact

Donal Lucey, www.internationalliving.com, +001 667 312 3532, dlucey@internationalliving.com

SOURCE InternationalLiving.com

After a Slow Start, U.S. Print Book Sales Rose 8.2 Percent in 2020, The NPD Group Says

PORT WASHINGTON, N.Y., Jan. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Print book sales in the United States had their best year since 2010. Growth occurred across every major supercategory, including adult non-fiction, adult fiction, juvenile, and teen categories. Unit-sales volume in 2020 rose 8.2 percent, year over year, to reach 751 million units, according to The NPD Group (<a target="_blank"…

«The U.S. consumer book market looks very different today than it did back in April,» said Kristen McLean, books industry analyst for NPD. «Sales growth came in waves, from the sudden need to educate kids at home, to the super-heated political cycle. All of the additional time people spent at home created a big appetite for reading, including huge spikes in sales of cookbooks and do-it-yourself books, which helped people stay entertained and engaged.»

Juvenile fiction comprised one-third of all U.S. books market growth

Growth in print books was led by juvenile fiction, which contributed one-third of all U.S. books market growth.
Juvenile fiction print books, the second largest category on a volume basis, increased 11 percent, selling 18 million more units in 2020 compared to 2019. Adult non-fiction print books, the largest category of books in the U.S. by both volume and sales revenue, increased 4.8 percent (14 million units), year over year, in 2020. Juvenile non-fiction grew 23 percent (14 million units).

###

About NPD BookScan
NPD BookScan is the gold standard in point-of-sale tracking for the publishing market, covering approximately 85 percent of all the print books sold in the U.S. through direct reporting from all major retailers including Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Walmart, Target, independent bookstores, and many others. Each sale of the more than 13 million units tracked on a weekly basis includes geographic information making it possible to identify key markets, map regional sales trends, and index the likelihood of purchase in 200 major metro areas. NPD BookScan is also the exclusive provider of ALR data for Barnes & Noble, Target, Walmart, and Sam’s Club to U.S. publishers.

NPD PubTrack Digital offers a comprehensive view of today’s digital book market. Featuring information from more than 450 participants, including small, medium, and large U.S. publishers, this service provides unprecedented access to the top 80 percent of the traditionally published e-book market.

About The NPD Group, Inc.
NPD offers data, industry expertise, and prescriptive analytics to help our clients grow their businesses in a changing world. Over 2,000 companies worldwide rely on us to help them measure, predict, and improve performance across all channels, including brick-and-mortar, e-commerce, and B2B. We have services in 19 countries worldwide, with operations spanning the Americas, Europe, and APAC. Practice areas include apparel, appliances, automotive, beauty, books, B2B technology, consumer technology, e-commerce, fashion accessories, food consumption, foodservice, footwear, home, juvenile products, media entertainment, mobile, office supplies, retail, sports, toys, and video games. For more information, visit npd.com. Follow us on Twitter: @npdgroup.

Media Contact

Lee Graham, The NPD Group, Inc., 917-806-7902, lee@leegraham.biz

SOURCE The NPD Group, Inc.