Makita Factory Service Centers Remain Ready To Serve With New Repair Options

LA MIRADA, California, April 13, 2020 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Makita U.S.A., Inc., the innovation leader in power tools, outdoor power equipment, pneumatics and accessories, is immediately initiating temporary free labor and free shipping for tool repairs at Makita® Factory Service Centers. 

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LA MIRADA, California, April 13, 2020 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Makita U.S.A., Inc., the innovation leader in power tools, outdoor power equipment, pneumatics and accessories, is immediately initiating temporary free labor and free shipping for tool repairs at Makita® Factory Service Centers. 

Makita Factory Service Centers remain ready to serve with new product repair options.

«After-market service has been a point of focus since the company was founded,» said Mark Cox, National Service Manager, Makita U.S.A., Inc. «If you invest in Makita, our factory service centers are here to serve you.»

To support America’s workers, Makita is offering free labor and free «round-trip» shipping for tool repairs in Makita Factory Service Centers beginning April 13, 2020 through May 31, 2020. This new service helps users get their tools repaired, without having to travel to a Makita Factory Service Center.

Here are step-by-step instructions:

Step 1: Call 1(800) 4-MAKITA
Step 2: Request a pre-paid COVID-19 shipping label
A pre-paid FedEx shipping label will be sent via email to ship your tool freight pre-paid to Makita for service
Step 3: Take your Makita® Tool to a FedEx shipping location
Step 4: Makita receives and repairs the tool
You pay for parts only, unless under warranty (no labor cost and no shipping cost)
Step 5: Makita ships the tool back to you

Note: Items over 70 lbs. are excluded from pre-paid shipping and will still need to be brought directly to the Makita Factory Service Center. Users can call 1(800)4-MAKITA to contact your local Makita Factory Service Center to arrange a large item drop-off. This offer is valid only within continental U.S.A. (excluding residents of Puerto Rico, Hawaii and Alaska).

For more information, please visit makitatools.com/service

Alternative Service Options 

  • Authorized Service Center – This offer is not valid at Authorized Service Centers. If an Authorized Service Center is preferred, please contact them directly for available service options and hours of operation.  
  • Fastlane Express Service – Fastlane Express Service is a program to expedite service specifically for the 18V LXT® Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless Rebar Tying Tool (XRT01). Makita will offer a 3-day turnaround on repairs for the XRT01 done through the Fastlane program. This service is available to all XRT01 owners, in the contiguous 48 states, at no additional cost at Makita’s Factory Service Centers. However, the user will have to pay for any out-of-warranty repairs.

About Makita
Makita is a worldwide manufacturer of industrial power tools, pneumatics and power equipment, and offers a wide range of industrial accessories. Makita U.S.A., Inc. is located in La Mirada, California, and operates an extensive distribution network throughout the U.S.A. With 50 years in the United States and over 100 years worldwide, Makita utilizes experience and expertise to manufacture best-in-class solutions. For more information call Makita U.S.A. at (800)4-MAKITA or visit makitatools.com. Find Makita on Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, and Twitter @makitatools 

MEDIA CONTACTS
Wayne Hart
(714) 522-8088 x4410
whart@makitausa.com

Jennifer Morse
(714) 522-8088 x 4401
jmorse@makitausa.com

Consumer Inquiries:
(800) 4-MAKITA
makitatools.com
@makitatools

Makita is offering free labor and free pre-paid "round-trip" shipping for repairs at Makita Factory Service Centers.

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1154678/Makita_Factory_Service_Centers.jpg 
PDF – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1154677/Makita_is_offering_free_labor.pdf?p=original

SOURCE Makita U.S.A., Inc.

Hispanics’ Consumer Confidence Plummets as Coronavirus Paralyzes the Country

BOCA RATON, Florida, April 13, 2020 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Consumer confidence among Hispanics in the United States fell sharply in the first quarter of 2020 as the coronavirus pandemic spread across the country and disrupted nearly every aspect of American life.

<img id="prnejpgb276left" title="The Business and Economics Polling Initiative (BEPI) at Florida Atlantic…

BOCA RATON, Florida, April 13, 2020 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Consumer confidence among Hispanics in the United States fell sharply in the first quarter of 2020 as the coronavirus pandemic spread across the country and disrupted nearly every aspect of American life.

The Business and Economics Polling Initiative (BEPI) at Florida Atlantic University conducts surveys on business, economic, political, and social issues with main focus on Hispanic attitudes and opinions at regional, state and national levels.

The Hispanic Consumer Sentiment Index, measured from January through March, stands at 81.3, down from 100.9 in the fourth quarter of 2019, according to the Florida Atlantic University Business and Economics Polling Initiative (FAU BEPI) in FAU’s College of Business.

The index is even lower than the March score of 89.1 for the overall U.S. population, as published by the University of Michigan.

Hispanics’ consumer confidence weakened at the end of 2019 as concerns grew that the longest economic expansion in history was due to end. But the first cases of COVID-19 in the U.S. led to massive quarantines, millions of job losses and fears that the sweeping economic fallout may not be short-lived, said Monica Escaleras, Ph.D, director of FAU BEPI.

«It’s the uncertainty of what’s going to happen,» she said. «Nobody knows if the effects of the virus will last weeks or months. So people are very concerned about the future.»

Overall, 58 percent of those surveyed indicated during the first three months of 2020 that they will be better off over the next year, down from 73 percent in the last quarter of 2019.

Hispanics are concerned about the short-term economic outlook, with 34 percent saying they expect the country to experience good business conditions in the upcoming year, compared with 65 percent in the fourth quarter of 2019.

The long-term economic outlook also is a concern, with 57 percent of Hispanics optimistic in the first three months of the year, down from 65 percent in the fourth quarter.

Another indication that optimism is waning: A smaller percentage of Hispanics – 53 percent – believes it’s a good time to buy big-ticket items, compared with 65 percent in the prior quarter.

Despite the coronavirus’ devastating effect on the nation’s economy, more Hispanics support U.S. President Donald Trump, whose approval rating increased from 42 percent in the fourth quarter to 44 percent in the first quarter. Of those surveyed, 40 percent identified themselves as Republicans, 39.6 percent at Democrats, 14.1 percent as independents and 6.3 percent as non-registered voters.

For polling results and full cross-tabulations, visit business.fau.edu/bepi.

Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/214770/bepi_at_florida_atlantic_university_logo.jpg

SOURCE Florida Atlantic University Business and Economics Polling Initiative

COVID-19 Alcohol Regulatory Relief Questioned

SAN RAFAEL, California, April 13, 2020 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Alcohol Justice made public today an open letter to Jacob Appelsmith, Director of the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control. The letter outlines <a target="_blank"…

SAN RAFAEL, California, April 13, 2020 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Alcohol Justice made public today an open letter to Jacob Appelsmith, Director of the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control. The letter outlines eleven serious concerns associated with the agency’s two recent «regulatory relief» actions that clearly place alcohol industry profits above public health and safety concerns.

#COVIDwashing: The alcohol industry is using the Corona virus crisis to push for deregulation for the sake of corporate profits. Alcohol annually kills 3 million worldwide. The world would be better served with tougher regulations and less alcohol.

«We understand the intense pressure placed on the agency to preserve jobs and protect profits,» stated Bruce Lee Livingston, Executive Director / CEO, Alcohol Justice. «But truth be told, the ABC has the mission not just to monitor and enforce the state’s liquor laws, but to use its powers to promote «temperance» — by reducing consumption and promoting public health and safety. There is nothing in the agency’s recent regulation-relaxing documents that addresses the public health and safety threats in their emergency changes to public policy.»

Read the complete letter here: https://bit.ly/2RuoWBl

CONTACT:

Michael Scippa 415 548-0492

Jorge Castillo 231 840-3336

Bruce Lee Livingston 415 515-1856

 

Alcohol Justice logo.

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1154207/COVIDwashing_English_Alcohol_Justice.jpg

Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/147418/alcohol_justice_logo.jpg

SOURCE Alcohol Justice

Saban Music Group and International Superstar, Pitbull Team Up to Create a Message of Hope and Faith. «I Believe That We Will Win (World Anthem)»

LOS ANGELES, April 13, 2020 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — During this time of uncertainty due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Grammy Award Winner, Pitbull, in collaboration with Haim Saban’s label, Saban Music Group, have risen to action by creating a genuinely encouraging message of hope and faith, designed to invoke a sense of positivity and strength in people of all ages. «I Believe That We Will Win (World Anthem)» is a song of much-needed inspiration for…

LOS ANGELES, April 13, 2020 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — During this time of uncertainty due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Grammy Award Winner, Pitbull, in collaboration with Haim Saban’s label, Saban Music Group, have risen to action by creating a genuinely encouraging message of hope and faith, designed to invoke a sense of positivity and strength in people of all ages. «I Believe That We Will Win (World Anthem)» is a song of much-needed inspiration for humanity!

Saban Music Group

Haim Saban said of the new joint effort: «As Pitbull said it best, ‘now is the time to face everything and rise.’ I am humbled to be part of this movement that unites everyone, even though we MUST stay apart to win the war against this disease. Pitbull knows how to inspire, and collaborating with him on this project was something I knew I had to do. I BELIEVE THAT WE WILL WIN!»

The song will be available worldwide on April 13, 2020, followed by an Official video. The strategy behind the video is to incorporate a call to action that will invite artists, musicians, and entertainers alike to participate. Everyone will be encouraged to create a visual snippet singing the hook/chant while pounding their chest and then having them upload it to all their social platforms. A portion of the proceeds from the song will go to the charities, Feeding America, and the Tony Robbins Foundation.

«Let’s show the world how powerful it is when we come together to fight for one cause – that’s called life,» announced Pitbull when teasing the new track.

 «There’s no better partner than Haim Saban and his team to motivate our world,» said Armando Christian Perez (Pitbull). «Together, we will show the world how to Face Everything And Rise (FEAR).»

Stream the song here: https://mr305.ffm.to/believeanthem

About Pitbull:

Pitbull invites disruption on a global scale as a GRAMMY®-winning independent international superstar, education advocate, business entrepreneur, and motivational speaker. With countless awards, dozens of international number ones, hundreds of gold and platinum certifications, single sales of over 80 million, and cumulative views above 15 billion, one of the most impressive careers in music history have set the stage for him to make real change.  Pitbull successfully helped establish the Sports Leadership Arts and Management (SLAM!) tuition-free public charter schools across the country. He was honored by the United Nations General Assembly on behalf of Clean Water Here.  He is a partner in eMerge Americas, the annual tech and innovation summit held in Miami. And he was honored alongside music legends as well as Nobel Peace Prize and Pulitzer Prize winners at the 2019 International Achievement Summit. Pitbull and Horizon Media have partnered to launch 305 Worldwide, a new multicultural marketing agency. The first partnership secured through 305 Worldwide is Pitbull’s multiplatform marketing collaboration with Boost Mobile. Pitbull has performed for millions worldwide and even joined forces with the #1 life and business strategist, Tony Robbins, for numerous engagements around the globe. He maximizes his own creative, entrepreneurial and personal freedom yet again on the Latin album LIBERTAD 548 — his first project released independently under his own Mr. 305 Records on September 27, 2019

About SMG:

Saban Music Group LLC (SMG) is a global music entertainment company based in Los Angeles, California. SMG was founded in 2019 by Haim Saban, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Saban Capital Group LLC and a worldwide pioneer and leader in the entertainment industry. SMG captures the globalization of music by identifying, signing, and developing artists with international appeal. Earlier this year, SMG announced a global distribution and marketing agreement with Universal Music Group (UMG), the world leader in music-based entertainment.

Spearheaded by industry veteran Gustavo Lopez, SMG has been signing artists and developing content for the global music audiences since its launch. The music entertainment firm is committed to providing resources for both local as well as international artists through its 360 model. The company operates in many pillars, including recorded music, publishing, touring, management and acquisitions. SMG’s global artist roster includes Static & Ben El (Israel), Mergui (Israel), Marie Monti (France), Chesca (Puerto Rico), and Reykon (Colombia), to name a few.

Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1063157/saban_Logo.jpg

SOURCE Saban Music Group LLC

Saban Music Group and International Superstar, Pitbull Team Up to Create a Message of Hope and Faith. «I Believe That We Will Win (World Anthem)»

LOS ANGELES, April 13, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — During this time of uncertainty due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Grammy Award Winner, Pitbull, in collaboration with Haim Saban’s label, Saban Music Group, have risen to action by creating a genuinely encouraging message of hope and faith, designed to invoke a sense of positivity and strength in people of all ages. «I Believe That We Will Win (World Anthem)» is a song of much-needed inspiration for humanity!

<div…

LOS ANGELES, April 13, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — During this time of uncertainty due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Grammy Award Winner, Pitbull, in collaboration with Haim Saban’s label, Saban Music Group, have risen to action by creating a genuinely encouraging message of hope and faith, designed to invoke a sense of positivity and strength in people of all ages. «I Believe That We Will Win (World Anthem)» is a song of much-needed inspiration for humanity!

Haim Saban said of the new joint effort: «As Pitbull said it best, ‘now is the time to face everything and rise.’ I am humbled to be part of this movement that unites everyone, even though we MUST stay apart to win the war against this disease. Pitbull knows how to inspire, and collaborating with him on this project was something I knew I had to do. I BELIEVE THAT WE WILL WIN!»

The song will be available worldwide on April 13, 2020, followed by an Official video. The strategy behind the video is to incorporate a call to action that will invite artists, musicians, and entertainers alike to participate. Everyone will be encouraged to create a visual snippet singing the hook/chant while pounding their chest and then having them upload it to all their social platforms. A portion of the proceeds from the song will go to the charities, Feeding America, and the Tony Robbins Foundation.

«Let’s show the world how powerful it is when we come together to fight for one cause – that’s called life,» announced Pitbull when teasing the new track.

 «There’s no better partner than Haim Saban and his team to motivate our world,» said Armando Christian Perez (Pitbull). «Together, we will show the world how to Face Everything And Rise (FEAR).»

Stream the song here: https://mr305.ffm.to/believeanthem

About Pitbull:

Pitbull invites disruption on a global scale as a GRAMMY®-winning independent international superstar, education advocate, business entrepreneur, and motivational speaker. With countless awards, dozens of international number ones, hundreds of gold and platinum certifications, single sales of over 80 million, and cumulative views above 15 billion, one of the most impressive careers in music history have set the stage for him to make real change.  Pitbull successfully helped establish the Sports Leadership Arts and Management (SLAM!) tuition-free public charter schools across the country. He was honored by the United Nations General Assembly on behalf of Clean Water Here.  He is a partner in eMerge Americas, the annual tech and innovation summit held in Miami. And he was honored alongside music legends as well as Nobel Peace Prize and Pulitzer Prize winners at the 2019 International Achievement Summit. Pitbull and Horizon Media have partnered to launch 305 Worldwide, a new multicultural marketing agency. The first partnership secured through 305 Worldwide is Pitbull’s multiplatform marketing collaboration with Boost Mobile. Pitbull has performed for millions worldwide and even joined forces with the #1 life and business strategist, Tony Robbins, for numerous engagements around the globe. He maximizes his own creative, entrepreneurial and personal freedom yet again on the Latin album LIBERTAD 548 — his first project released independently under his own Mr. 305 Records on September 27, 2019

About SMG:

Saban Music Group LLC (SMG) is a global music entertainment company based in Los Angeles, California. SMG was founded in 2019 by Haim Saban, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Saban Capital Group LLC and a worldwide pioneer and leader in the entertainment industry. SMG captures the globalization of music by identifying, signing, and developing artists with international appeal. Earlier this year, SMG announced a global distribution and marketing agreement with Universal Music Group (UMG), the world leader in music-based entertainment.

Spearheaded by industry veteran Gustavo Lopez, SMG has been signing artists and developing content for the global music audiences since its launch. The music entertainment firm is committed to providing resources for both local as well as international artists through its 360 model. The company operates in many pillars, including recorded music, publishing, touring, management and acquisitions. SMG’s global artist roster includes Static & Ben El (Israel), Mergui (Israel), Marie Monti (France), Chesca (Puerto Rico), and Reykon (Colombia), to name a few.

 

Cision View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/saban-music-group-and-international-superstar-pitbull-team-up-to-create-a-message-of-hope-and-faith-i-believe-that-we-will-win-world-anthem-301038896.html

SOURCE Saban Music Group LLC

Entravision Announces New Radio Format Changes in the Harlingen, Brownsville and McAllen, TX Markets

SANTA MONICA, Calif., April 13, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Entravision Communications Corporation, (NYSE: EVC), a diversified global media and advertising technology company serving consumers, today announced two format changes to its radio stations in Rio Grande Valley. Effective <span…

SANTA MONICA, Calif., April 13, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Entravision Communications Corporation, (NYSE: EVC), a diversified global media and advertising technology company serving consumers, today announced two format changes to its radio stations in Rio Grande Valley. Effective Monday, April 13th, Entravision will launch Q94.5 FM All Rock All the Time and 107.9 RGV-FM More Hits More Variety, along with new imaging. The English language stations will target listeners in the greater Harlingen, Brownsville and McAllen area.

Classic rock format, Q94.5 FM All Rock All the Time, will target males 25-54 and 35-64, and will feature James Echavarria, also known as Rock-n-Roll James, every day from 6AM-12PM CT. Rock-n-Roll James is one of the most recognizable radio and TV personalities in all of Southern Texas while also lead singer in the band, Whisky D. The afternoon drive will be led by the San Benito born, Charlie Corona, from 3PM-7PM CT.

Targeting women 25-54, 107.9 RGV-FM More Hits More Variety, will feature Roxy in the Morning every weekday from 6AM-12PM CT. Roxy’s voice, energy and style will bring the hits to the Rio Grande Valley with news, traffic and weather every hour. At 12PM CT, Commercial Free Recess Hour will take over with non-stop hits from the 80’s and 90’s.

«We are seeing that the communities in the greater Rio Grande Valley are diversifying their taste in music genres. To better suit what our audiences are most interested in listening to, we have enhanced our two radio formats to better connect with our listeners, and in turn, our advertisers with their customers. We continue to be dedicated to providing top-quality, entertaining programming that resonates with our local communities,» said Nestor Rocha, Vice President of Audio, Entravision.

About Entravision Communications Corporation
Entravision is a diversified global media, advertising technology and data analytics company that reaches and engages consumers in the U.S. and other markets primarily including Mexico, Latin America and Spain. Entravision’s portfolio includes digital media properties and advertising technology platforms that deliver performance-based solutions and data insights, along with 55 television stations and 49 radio stations. Entravision’s digital and technology businesses include Headway, a leading global provider of mobile, programmatic, data and performance digital marketing solutions. Entravision is the largest affiliate group of both the Univision and UniMás television networks, and its Spanish-language radio stations feature its nationally recognized talent. Entravision shares of Class A Common Stock are traded on The New York Stock Exchange under the symbol: EVC. Learn more at: www.entravision.com.

Cision View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/entravision-announces-new-radio-format-changes-in-the-harlingen-brownsville-and-mcallen-tx-markets-301039020.html

SOURCE Entravision Communications Corporation

Arne Wilhelmsen, a founder of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd., dies at 90

MIAMI, April 11, 2020 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ Arne Alexander Wilhelmsen, a founder of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (NYSE: RCL) and a visionary strategist of the modern cruise industry, died Saturday, April 11, 2020, in Palma, Spain. He was 90. The entire Royal Caribbean family extends its heartfelt condolences to the Wilhelmsen family.

<div id="prni_dvprnejpg0717left" style="WIDTH: 100%;…

MIAMI, April 11, 2020 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ Arne Alexander Wilhelmsen, a founder of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (NYSE: RCL) and a visionary strategist of the modern cruise industry, died Saturday, April 11, 2020, in Palma, Spain. He was 90. The entire Royal Caribbean family extends its heartfelt condolences to the Wilhelmsen family.

RCL_Logo

Wilhelmsen was a constant influence on the company from its founding, serving more than three decades on the company’s board of directors. Together with the company’s first CEO, the late Edwin Stephan, Wilhelmsen saw possibilities for the nascent cruise industry that others did not.

«At a time when the rest of the world thought cruising was a niche use for old transatlantic liners, Arne was already seeing glimmers of the growth that was possible,» said Richard Fain, RCL’s chairman and CEO. «He had a vision of the modern cruise industry when the ‘industry’ might have been a dozen used ships, total.»

Their key insight: building new ships uniquely designed for cruising in warm weather. The industry did not grow from New York, the traditional transit hub; it came to Miami, helping the region itself grow as the public discovered an entirely new way to take a vacation.

Wilhelmsen saw the potential for cruising to become the fastest growing segment in a growing vacation industry.  A believer in economies of scale, he once recalled, «My initial challenge was to convince my partners and management in Miami to build bigger and more efficient ships in order to grow the company.»  True to his vision, the company now sails 61 ships calling on all seven continents and its fleet features the largest cruise ships in the world.

Born on June 15, 1929, in Oslo, Norway, Wilhelmsen earned his MBA at Harvard Business School and worked as a chartering assistant for Norway’s EB Lund & Co. and later as a shipbroker in New York. After joining the family business in 1954, he became its president in 1961. The scion of a leading Norwegian shipping concern – Anders Wilhelmsen & Co AS – he spent most of his life in the family business, including an early stint as a deckhand.

«Arne was a steady presence and source of wisdom on our board for decades,» Fain said. «And in 2003, when he was ready to step back, he was succeeded on the RCL board by his son, Alex, who has carried the involvement of the Wilhelmsen family in charting our company’s course into its sixth decade. Our high standards as a company, our insistence on excellence in operations and design, and our determination to persevere all owe a great deal to the long-term vision of Arne, Alex and the Wilhelmsen family. We salute our friend, and we will miss him dearly.»

About Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (NYSE: RCL) is a global cruise vacation company that controls and operates four global brands: Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, Azamara and Silversea Cruises. We are also a 50% joint venture owner of the German brand TUI Cruises and a 49% shareholder in the Spanish brand Pullmantur Cruceros. Together these brands operate a combined total of 61 ships with an additional 17 on order as of December 31, 2019. They operate diverse itineraries around the world that call on all seven continents. Additional information can be found on www.royalcaribbean.com, www.celebritycruises.com, www.azamara.com, www.silversea.com, www.tuicruises.com, www.pullmantur.es, or www.rclinvestor.com.

Logo –  https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/677715/RCL_Logo.jpg

SOURCE Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.

Arne Wilhelmsen, a founder of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd., dies at 90

MIAMI, April 11, 2020 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ Arne Wilhelmsen, a founder of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (NYSE: RCL) and a visionary strategist of the modern cruise industry, died Saturday, April 11, 2020, in Palma, Spain. He was 90. The entire Royal Caribbean family extends its heartfelt condolences to the Wilhelmsen family.

<div id="prni_dvprnejpg0717left"…

MIAMI, April 11, 2020 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ Arne Wilhelmsen, a founder of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (NYSE: RCL) and a visionary strategist of the modern cruise industry, died Saturday, April 11, 2020, in Palma, Spain. He was 90. The entire Royal Caribbean family extends its heartfelt condolences to the Wilhelmsen family.

RCL_Logo

Wilhelmsen was a constant influence on the company from its founding, serving more than three decades on the company’s board of directors. Together with the company’s first CEO, the late Edwin Stephan, Wilhelmsen saw possibilities for the nascent cruise industry that others did not.

«At a time when the rest of the world thought cruising was a niche use for old transatlantic liners, Arne was already seeing glimmers of the growth that was possible,» said Richard Fain, RCL’s chairman and CEO. «He had a vision of the modern cruise industry when the ‘industry’ might have been a dozen used ships, total.»

Their key insight: building new ships uniquely designed for cruising in warm weather. The industry did not grow from New York, the traditional transit hub; it came to Miami, helping the region itself grow as the public discovered an entirely new way to take a vacation.

Wilhelmsen saw the potential for cruising to become the fastest growing segment in a growing vacation industry.  A believer in economies of scale, he once recalled, «My initial challenge was to convince my partners and management in Miami to build bigger and more efficient ships in order to grow the company.»  True to his vision, the company now sails 61 ships calling on all seven continents and its fleet features the largest cruise ships in the world.

Born on June 15, 1929, in Oslo, Norway, Wilhelmsen earned his MBA at Harvard Business School and worked as a chartering assistant for Norway’s EB Lund & Co. and later as a shipbroker in New York. After joining the family business in 1954, he became its president in 1961. The scion of a leading Norwegian shipping concern – Anders Wilhelmsen & Co AS – he spent most of his life in the family business, including an early stint as a deckhand.

«Arne was a steady presence and source of wisdom on our board for decades,» Fain said. «And in 2003, when he was ready to step back, he was succeeded on the RCL board by his son, Alex, who has carried the involvement of the Wilhelmsen family in charting our company’s course into its sixth decade. Our high standards as a company, our insistence on excellence in operations and design, and our determination to persevere all owe a great deal to the long-term vision of Arne, Alex and the Wilhelmsen family. We salute our friend, and we will miss him dearly.»

About Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (NYSE: RCL) is a global cruise vacation company that controls and operates four global brands: Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, Azamara and Silversea Cruises. We are also a 50% joint venture owner of the German brand TUI Cruises and a 49% shareholder in the Spanish brand Pullmantur Cruceros. Together these brands operate a combined total of 61 ships with an additional 17 on order as of December 31, 2019. They operate diverse itineraries around the world that call on all seven continents. Additional information can be found on www.royalcaribbean.com, www.celebritycruises.com, www.azamara.com, www.silversea.com, www.tuicruises.com, www.pullmantur.es, or www.rclinvestor.com.

Logo –  https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/677715/RCL_Logo.jpg

SOURCE Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.

Altais and Brown & Toland Physicians Join Forces to Offer Bay Area Patients A New Generation of Services and Technology to Enhance Quality of Care

OAKLAND, California, April 10, 2020 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Altais and Brown & Toland Physicians today announced they are joining forces to transform patient care for improved health outcomes that’s more affordable.

<img id="prnejpg55e2left" title="Altais" style="HEIGHT: 134px; WIDTH: 400px" border="0" alt="Altais" align="middle" imagelabel="General"…

OAKLAND, California, April 10, 2020 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Altais and Brown & Toland Physicians today announced they are joining forces to transform patient care for improved health outcomes that’s more affordable.

Altais

The two organizations have signed a definitive agreement that paves the way for Brown & Toland and its network of more than 2,700 physicians to join Altais Clinical Services, a subsidiary of Altais.

Altais is a healthcare services company that is working to pioneer next-generation clinical tools and technology, along with best practices for high-touch support so physicians can focus on their passion: delivering high-quality, affordable care.

For Brown & Toland, the partnership is a key step in furthering its goal of supporting physicians in providing personalized and high-quality care to more than 350,000 patients in the San Francisco Bay area by working with Altais Clinical Services to transform health care delivery.

«Together with Altais Clinical Services we will serve as an innovator for independent physicians, providing new services and levels of support designed to relieve the burdens associated with managing a practice and providing best-in-class tools to deliver high-quality, affordable care to their patients,» said Kelly Robison, CEO, Brown & Toland Physicians. «I am looking forward to bringing our shared vision of a reimagined physician practice experience to the Bay Area and broader market.» 

«Brown & Toland is a premier medical provider and we are delighted for the opportunity to envision and create together a new care delivery model,» said Jeff Bailet, M.D., president and CEO, Altais. «Our goal is to help physicians and the clinical community maximize the health and well-being of their patients and set practices up for long-term success. We have a shared commitment to physicians and patients to support independent practices so they can direct more of their focus on patient care.»

As part of Altais Clinical Services, Brown & Toland will provide a robust, clinically integrated system of coordinated care to ensure its network of physicians spend time doing what they do best – caring for patients. Altais will provide a technology-enabled practice management platform to enhance clinical and service quality for physicians and their patients. Together the two organizations will provide a vibrant model of care delivery that enhances quality of care and better serves independent physicians and their patients.

Brown & Toland Physicians, as the physician organization, will continue to operate under the Brown & Toland Physicians brand and continue to service all payers. It will have access to additional capital, services and broader support for physicians to operate independent practices. All Brown & Toland patients can continue to see their physicians with no interruption in care.

The definitive agreement has been approved by both the Altais and Brown & Toland Physicians’ boards of directors. The transaction is subject to approval by Brown & Toland shareholders and customary regulatory reviews.

About Altais
Altais is a healthcare services company that helps physicians and the clinical community maximize the health and well-being of their patients in a way that is sustainably affordable and maintains professional gratification. Altais seeks to enhance the vibrancy of physician practice and strengthen the heart of medicine – connecting with patients and providing personalized, high-quality care. For more information about Altais, please visit www.altais.com.

About Brown & Toland Physicians
Brown & Toland Physicians is a leading network of independent doctors focused on delivering personalized and high-quality healthcare to the San Francisco Bay Area. Its network of more than 2,700 physicians, serving more than 350,000 HMO and PPO patients, is dedicated to improving care and reducing costs through innovative care management and care coordination programs, use of healthcare technology, and population health management strategies. Brown & Toland, which celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2018, collaborates with leading hospitals and health plan providers to provide high quality care in the Bay Area. To learn more, visit www.brownandtoland.com.

Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/967144/Altais_Logo.jpg
Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1153769/Brown_and_Toland_Physicians.jpg

SOURCE Altais

T.D. Jakes Presents: ‘The Light,’ An Easter Production

DALLAS, April 10, 2020 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — In the midst of worldwide hardship, The Potter’s House will host its first digital-only Easter celebration to bring encouragement to millions around the world. A special Easter production titled The Light will be streamed online, broadcast on BET and distributed audibly through the iHeart Radio app.

While Easter in quarantine may feel alienating, global spiritual leader Bishop <span…

DALLAS, April 10, 2020 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — In the midst of worldwide hardship, The Potter’s House will host its first digital-only Easter celebration to bring encouragement to millions around the world. A special Easter production titled The Light will be streamed online, broadcast on BET and distributed audibly through the iHeart Radio app.

While Easter in quarantine may feel alienating, global spiritual leader Bishop T.D. Jakes advocates that physical distancing requirements are not just a test in how connected we are to one another, but how deeply connected we are to God. Jakes reminds us that Easter, in its beginning, did not start with a crowd, and attendance numbers should not affect the value of the moment. 

«The first Easter service wasn’t crowded, and it didn’t lose its significance for the lack of a crowd. There were few people around the tomb,» said Jakes. «Celebrating Easter in our homes with our families, you can still have a memorable time together with your family around you and have a spiritual moment that’s intimate between you and the people you love.»

The Potter’s House Arts and Music Ministry, a Grammy Award-winning group, will tell the story of Jesus Christ from the book of John’s perspective—centered around how the light of Christ came into the world to dispel darkness. From hip-hop, to presentations by children’s dance companies, to poetry and sometimes comical recitations, The Light aims to bring hope and strength to a world navigating challenging times.

What:   Easter Service at The Potter’s House Online

Who:

  • Bishop T.D. Jakes, senior pastor of The Potter’s House
  • The Potter’s House Arts and Music Ministry
  • Special guest appearances by Quentin Darrington, Tony Award-winning Broadway veteran

Where:  The Potter’s House Online, BET TV and BET.com, and iHeart Radio app

When: April 12 at 9 a.m. CT

This week, USA TODAY selected Jakes’ best-selling book Crushing as one of the 10 inspirational books «readers have turned to over the years for comfort during difficult times» to help live through the current climate with the coronavirus. Ranked on The New York Times bestsellers list, Jakes’ Crushing allows readers to follow God’s process for growth and learn how individuals can benefit from life’s challenging experiences.

Jakes and The Potter’s House are broadcasting and distributing content regularly. Resources are specifically designed to address escalating concerns as social distancing mandates from health and government authorities continue.

All of The Potter’s House’s free streaming platform options can be found here.

About The Potter’s House
Located in Dallas, The Potter’s House is a 30,000-member nondenominational, multicultural church and humanitarian organization led by Bishop T. D. Jakes, twice featured on the cover of Time magazine as America’s Best Preacher and as one of the nation’s 25 Most Influential Evangelicals. The Potter’s House has five locations: The Potter’s House of Dallas, The Potter’s House of Fort Worth, The Potter’s House of North Dallas, The Potter’s House of Denver and The Potter’s House OneLA.

SOURCE The Potter’s House