Geovanny Vicente – Página 100

#1! Kia Top Mass-Market Brand In J.D. Power Vehicle Dependability Study

IRVINE, California, Feb. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Kia was ranked number one among mass-market brands today by J.D. Power in the 2021 Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) with a reported 97 problems per 100 vehicles. The achievement has been strengthened by three of Kia’s most popular-selling models – the Sorento, Sportage, and Optima – each besting their respective segments.

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«Earning the top spot among mass market brands in J.D. Power’s Vehicle Dependability Study is another new benchmark achievement for Kia’s meteoric rise in the industry,» said Sean Yoon, president & CEO, Kia Motors North America & Kia Motors America. «This substantial award bolsters our track record in initial quality and shows that the ‘new car luster’ of our world-class vehicles extends far beyond the first 90 days of ownership. Kia owners continue to enjoy and feel confident in their vehicles as the years go by, especially knowing they’re backed by our industry leading warranty.»

The study measures the number of problems per 100 vehicles (PP100) experienced over the last year by owners of their three-year-old vehicles, meaning this study focused on 2018 model year vehicles. It includes 32 nameplates and 153 models, covering problem symptoms grouped into eight major vehicle categories (Seats, HVAC, Features/Controls/Displays (FCD), Driving Experience, Interior, Engine/Transmission, Exterior, Audio/Communication/Entertainment/Navigation (ACEN).

About Kia Motors America
Headquartered in Irvine, California, Kia Motors America continues to top quality surveys and is recognized as one of the 100 Best Global Brands. Kia serves as the «Official Automotive Partner» of the NBA and offers a complete range of vehicles sold through a network of more than 750 dealers in the U.S., including cars and SUVs proudly assembled in West Point, Georgia.*

For media information, including photography, visit www.kiamedia.com. To receive custom email notifications for press releases the moment they are published, subscribe at www.kiamedia.com/us/en/newsalert.

*The Telluride, Sorento and K5 are assembled in the United States from U.S. and globally sourced parts.

¹ Tied with Dodge.

Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1441344/Kia_Motors_America_Logo.jpg

SOURCE Kia Motors America

#1! Kia Top Mass-Market Brand In J.D. Power Vehicle Dependability Study

IRVINE, Calif., Feb. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Kia was ranked number one among mass-market brands today by J.D. Power in the 2021 Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) with a reported 97 problems per 100 vehicles. The achievement has been strengthened by three of Kia’s most popular-selling models – the Sorento, Sportage, and Optima – each besting their respective segments.

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Kia owners reported fewest problems in new vehicles after three years of ownership.

*The Telluride, Sorento and K5 are assembled in the United States from U.S. and globally sourced parts.

¹ Tied with Dodge.

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SOURCE Kia Motors America

Wounded Warrior Project Supports Bill Introduction for Global War on Terrorism Memorial

WASHINGTON, Feb. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Wounded Warrior Project^® (WWP) applauds the recent introduction of H.R.1115, The Global War on Terrorism Memorial Location Act of 2021. When signed into law, this act will provide the Congressional authority needed to build the Global War on Terrorism Memorial in the Reserve of the National Mall in Washington, DC. The Global War on Terrorism Memorial will be a monument dedicated to the brave men and women who…

«As we approach the 20-year mark since the 9/11 attacks, Wounded Warrior Project is proud to support this fitting tribute that will stand alongside other notable monuments in DC. May it serve as a prominent reminder of the brave men and women who fought and sacrificed so much for their country,» said WWP CEO Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Mike Linnington. «We believe this generation of warriors has earned their own place on the mall and should be recognized and honored for their service at the Global War on Terrorism Memorial.»

This legislation was introduced by co-sponsors who are combat veterans, Reps. Jason Crow (D-CO) and Mike Gallagher (R-WI), with the full support of WWP and other veterans service organizations. WWP fully supports this effort, and its goal is to see the bill enacted before Memorial Day 2021.

Read more about the legislation here. Learn more about WWP’s other legislative priorities and how we work with our nation’s leaders to improve the lives of wounded veterans and their families.

About Wounded Warrior Project
Since 2003, Wounded Warrior Project^® (WWP) has been meeting the growing needs of warriors, their families, and caregivers — helping them achieve their highest ambition. Learn more.

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SOURCE Wounded Warrior Project

California housing market momentum continues into new year, C.A.R. reports

LOS ANGELES, Feb. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — California’s housing market kicked off the year on a positive note, following up on December’s strong showing with double-digit price and sales growth on a yearly basis in January, the CALIFORNIA…

– Infographic: https://www.car.org/marketing/clients/infographics/January%202021%20Sales%20and%20Price

Closed escrow sales of existing, single-family detached homes in California totaled a seasonally adjusted annualized rate of 484,730 in January, according to information collected by C.A.R. from more than 90 local REALTOR^®associations and MLSs statewide. The statewide annualized sales figure represents what would be the total number of homes sold during 2021 if sales maintained the January pace throughout the year. It is adjusted to account for seasonal factors that typically influence home sales.

January home sales decreased 4.9 percent from 509,750 in December and were up 22.5 percent from a year ago, when 395,700 homes were sold on an annualized basis. The year-over-year, double-digit sales gain was the sixth consecutive and the third straight month that sales increased more than 20 percent from a year ago.

«Despite an economy that’s slow to recover, the momentum from late last year continued into January, driven by strong growth in California’s core housing markets, especially in the San Francisco Bay Area, where the higher cost areas experienced the most sales growth,» said C.A.R. President Dave Walsh, vice president and manager of the Compass San Jose office. «Home prices continued to power through the traditional slow season in January with the largest annual price gain in nearly seven years.»

After hitting a record high price the previous month, California’s median home price dipped below the $700,000 benchmark in January. The statewide median home price declined 2.5 percent on a month-to-month basis to $699,890 in January, down from December’s $717,930. Low rates and tight supply continued to push up home prices on a year-over-year basis, gaining 21.7 percent from the $575,160 recorded last January. The double-digit increase from last year was the sixth in a row and the largest since February 2014.

«With the COVID-19 vaccine continuing to roll out, another fiscal stimulus relief package likely on the way and historically low interest rates, the housing market will continue to thrive,» said C.A.R. Vice President and Chief Economist Jordan Levine. «The market outlook is stronger than previously projected as buyer demand continues to outstrip supply, but we do expect the current robust market growth to decelerate later this year as the housing shortage intensifies.»

Other key points from C.A.R.’s January 2021 resale housing report include:

At the regional level, sales continued to record healthy year-over-year gains in all major regions, except in the Far North, which was the only region that posted an annual sales decline. The San Francisco Bay Area had the highest year-over-year growth rate at a gain of 31.8 percent over last January. The Central Coast (19.9 percent) and Southern California (13.5 percent) regions also remained strong and experienced double-digit, year-over-year sales increases. Sales in the Central Valley region moderated slightly (6.9 percent) but continued to grow on a year-over-year basis. The Far North had a slow start for the year with a modest sales decline of 5.3 percent.

Resort communities sustained their momentum going into 2021, as sales continue to outpace the rest of state. Big Bear and Mammoth Lakes experienced year-over-year, triple-digit gain of 176.2 percent and 150 percent, respectively, while South Lake Tahoe and Mammoth Lake both had a sales growth rate of more than 30 percent.

More than 80 percent of all counties – 42 of 51 – tracked by C.A.R. recorded a year-over-year increase in closed sales, with both Calaveras and Mariposa gaining the most from last year at 69.2 percent, followed by Alameda (53.6 percent), and San Benito (50 percent). Counties with an increase from last year averaged a gain of 22.7 percent in January, compared to 36.1 percent in December. Nine counties experienced a sales decline at the beginning of 2021, with Yuba dropping the most from last year at 25.4 percent, followed by Glenn (-25 percent) and Merced (-22 percent).

All major regions’ median prices continued to increase by double digits on a yearly basis, with the San Francisco Bay Area growing the fastest at 20.2 percent. The Central Coast region had another strong month, increasing 18.6 percent from January 2020, followed by Southern California (15.0 percent), the Central Valley (14.5 percent), and the Far North (10.5 percent). Three of four Central Coast region counties continued to surge by more than 25 percent from a year ago.

Forty-seven of the 51 counties tracked by C.A.R. reported a gain in price on a year-over-year basis, with 40 of them increasing more than 10 percent. Del Norte had the largest price growth of 75.8 percent in January, followed by Mariposa (50.4 percent) and Nevada (48.4 percent). Glenn was one of four counties with an annual drop in price, dipping 21.4 percent from a year ago. Madera, Plumas and Tehama also experienced price declines in the first month of 2021, but their losses were all less than five percent.

Homeowners reluctant to list their homes for sale during the pandemic is contributing to a shortage of active listings. As a result, C.A.R.’s Unsold Inventory Index (UII) remains extremely low at 1.5 months in January and was down sharply from 3.4 months in January 2020. The index indicates the number of months it would take to sell the supply of homes on the market at the current rate of sales.

Active listings fell 53.4 percent from last year and continued to drop more than 40 percent on a year-over-year basis for the eighth straight month. On a month-to-month basis, for-sale properties dropped 10.7 percent in January.

Except for the Bay Area, housing inventory continued to tighten up across the state in all major regions, declining more than 45 percent in January. Southern California had the biggest year-over-year supply drop of 56 percent in January, followed by the Central Coast (52.1 percent), the Central Valley (-48.6 percent), the Far North (-46.5 percent), and the San Francisco Bay Area (-30.9 percent).

All 51 counties reported by C.A.R. experienced a year-over-year decline in active listings in January. Merced had the biggest drop from last year, with a decline of 72.8 percent, followed by Madera (-71.9 percent) and San Bernardino (-70.8 percent). Thirty-two counties had less than half the active listings they had in January 2020. San Mateo (-0.3 percent) and San Francisco (-5.6 percent) were the only counties in California with less than a 10 percent decline in active listings from the prior year.

The 30-year, fixed-mortgage interest rate averaged 2.74 percent in January, down from 3.62 percent in January 2020, according to Freddie Mac. The five-year, adjustable mortgage interest rate was an average of 2.87 percent, compared to 3.33 percent in January 2020.

Note: The County MLS median price and sales data in the tables are generated from a survey of more than 90 associations of REALTORS^® throughout the state and represent statistics of existing single-family detached homes only. County sales data are not adjusted to account for seasonal factors that can influence home sales. Movements in sales prices should not be interpreted as changes in the cost of a standard home. The median price is where half sold for more and half sold for less; medians are more typical than average prices, which are skewed by a relatively small share of transactions at either the lower end or the upper end. Median prices can be influenced by changes in cost, as well as changes in the characteristics and the size of homes sold. The change in median prices should not be construed as actual price changes in specific homes.

*Sales-to-list-price ratio is an indicator that reflects the negotiation power of home buyers and home sellers under current market conditions. The ratio is calculated by dividing the final sales price of a property by its last list price and is expressed as a percentage. A sales-to-list ratio with 100 percent or above suggests that the property sold for more than the list price, and a ratio below 100 percent indicates that the price sold below the asking price.

**Price per square foot is a measure commonly used by real estate agents and brokers to determine how much a square foot of space a buyer will pay for a property. It is calculated as the sale price of the home divided by the number of finished square feet. C.A.R. currently tracks price-per-square foot statistics for 50 counties.

Leading the way…® in California real estate for more than 110 years, the CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS^® (www.car.org) is one of the largest state trade organizations in the United States with more than 200,000 members dedicated to the advancement of professionalism in real estate. C.A.R. is headquartered in Los Angeles.

January 2021 County Sales and Price Activity
(Regional and condo sales data not seasonally adjusted)

January 2021	Median Sales Price of Existing Single-Family Homes					Sales
State/Region/County	Jan. 2021	Dec. 2020	Jan. 2020	Price MTM% Chg	Price YTY% Chg	Sales MTM% Chg	Sales YTY% Chg
Calif. Single-family home	$699,890	$717,930	$575,160	-2.5%	21.7%	-4.9%	22.5%
Calif. Condo/Townhome	$515,000	$520,000	$467,000	-1.0%	10.3%	-26.8%	29.2%
Los Angeles Metro Area	$630,000	$625,250	$538,500	0.8%	17.0%	-29.4%	14.3%
Central Coast	$829,900	$825,000	$700,000	0.6%	18.6%	-30.8%	19.9%
Central Valley	$386,570	$395,000	$337,500	-2.1%	14.5%	-31.1%	6.9%
Far North	$335,000	$325,000	$303,200	3.1%	10.5%	-32.2%	-5.3%
Inland Empire	$457,000	$450,000	$385,000	1.6%	18.7%	-26.1%	14.3%
San Francisco Bay Area	$1,025,000	$1,058,000	$853,000	-3.1%	20.2%	-39.3%	31.8%
Southern California	$650,000	$650,000	$565,000	0.0%	15.0%	-29.8%	13.5%

San Francisco Bay Area
Alameda	$1,060,000	$1,060,000	$875,000	0.0%	21.1%	-37.5%	53.6%
Contra Costa	$765,000	$763,000	$614,000	0.3%	24.6%	-42.7%	27.5%
Marin	$1,350,000	$1,459,000	$1,294,000	-7.5%	4.3%	-57.8%	17.3%
Napa	$835,000	$842,000	$697,500	-0.8%	19.7%	-47.9%	1.6%
San Francisco	$1,745,000	$1,581,000	$1,460,000	10.4%	19.5%	-57.5%	21.5%
San Mateo	$1,605,000	$1,700,000	$1,422,250	-5.6%	12.8%	-39.9%	35.4%
Santa Clara	$1,375,000	$1,375,000	$1,200,000	0.0%	14.6%	-31.2%	47.0%
Solano	$510,000	$510,000	$449,900	0.0%	13.4%	-28.7%	0.8%
Sonoma	$715,000	$720,000	$667,000	-0.7%	7.2%	-36.4%	20.5%
Southern California
Los Angeles	$697,660	$709,500	$617,520	-1.7%	13.0%	-31.4%	15.2%
Orange	$971,000	$950,000	$855,000	2.2%	13.6%	-30.3%	14.3%
Riverside	$495,500	$488,250	$415,460	1.5%	19.3%	-28.4%	12.6%
San Bernardino	$390,000	$378,500	$325,000	3.0%	20.0%	-22.1%	17.0%
San Diego	$730,000	$730,000	$660,000	0.0%	10.6%	-31.7%	9.9%
Ventura	$776,000	$740,000	$660,000	4.9%	17.6%	-34.5%	6.9%
Central Coast
Monterey	$860,000	$785,000	$649,500	9.6%	32.4%	-33.9%	18.6%
San Luis Obispo	$698,000	$711,000	$652,500	-1.8%	7.0%	-33.7%	42.3%
Santa Barbara	$920,000	$970,000	$675,000	-5.2%	36.3%	-26.6%	1.0%
Santa Cruz	$1,110,000	$1,070,000	$869,500	3.7%	27.7%	-27.1%	24.0%
Central Valley
Fresno	$325,000	$325,500	$289,950	-0.2%	12.1%	-22.6%	10.5%
Glenn	$247,500	$297,500	$315,000	-16.8%	-21.4%	-16.7%	-25.0%
Kern	$302,000	$300,000	$252,000	0.7%	19.8%	-26.3%	23.7%
Kings	$278,750	$281,750	$247,450	-1.1%	12.6%	-8.0%	17.9%
Madera	$325,000	$335,000	$334,790	-3.0%	-2.9%	-27.9%	21.1%
Merced	$307,000	$315,000	$282,950	-2.5%	8.5%	-28.6%	-22.0%
Placer	$609,100	$559,000	$493,000	9.0%	23.5%	-38.0%	9.9%
Sacramento	$459,770	$442,250	$379,000	4.0%	21.3%	-34.6%	6.5%
San Benito	$695,000	$729,500	$575,020	-4.7%	20.9%	9.1%	50.0%
San Joaquin	$429,810	$435,750	$385,000	-1.4%	11.6%	-39.7%	-8.4%
Stanislaus	$385,520	$380,000	$330,000	1.5%	16.8%	-29.6%	1.6%
Tulare	$306,920	$295,000	$240,000	4.0%	27.9%	-31.8%	5.8%
Far North
Butte	$420,000	$408,460	$355,860	2.8%	18.0%	-33.9%	-17.4%
Lassen	$249,500	$215,000	$239,000	16.0%	4.4%	-8.7%	23.5%
Plumas	$315,000	$305,000	$330,000	3.3%	-4.5%	-51.1%	46.7%
Shasta	$329,000	$307,500	$282,500	7.0%	16.5%	-37.0%	-10.0%
Siskiyou	$257,000	$228,000	$255,000	12.7%	0.8%	25.7%	10.0%
Tehama	$250,000	$273,250	$260,000	-8.5%	-3.8%	-29.5%	24.0%
Other Calif. Counties
Amador	$386,360	$355,000	$335,000	8.8%	15.3%	-27.7%	46.3%
Calaveras	$398,500	$397,500	$343,500	0.3%	16.0%	-31.8%	69.2%
Del Norte	$399,000	$346,000	$227,000	15.3%	75.8%	-50.0%	-5.6%
El Dorado	$604,510	$538,350	$442,120	12.3%	36.7%	-53.0%	-5.8%
Humboldt	$366,000	$370,000	$308,000	-1.1%	18.8%	-24.0%	7.7%
Lake	$300,000	$306,950	$253,000	-2.3%	18.6%	-36.9%	17.8%
Mariposa	$400,000	$380,000	$266,000	5.3%	50.4%	4.8%	69.2%
Mendocino	$517,500	$540,000	$412,000	-4.2%	25.6%	-36.1%	35.3%
Mono	$1,112,500	$880,000	$780,000	26.4%	42.6%	-42.9%	9.1%
Nevada	$544,640	$508,000	$367,000	7.2%	48.4%	-37.1%	34.6%
Sutter	$350,000	$369,900	$327,250	-5.4%	7.0%	-42.0%	-21.7%
Tuolumne	$350,500	$330,000	$309,000	6.2%	13.4%	-38.1%	20.7%
Yolo	$490,320	$515,000	$431,240	-4.8%	13.7%	-32.8%	4.5%
Yuba	$395,000	$360,000	$315,000	9.7%	25.4%	-39.7%	-25.4%

r = revised
NA = not available

January 2021 County Unsold Inventory and Days on Market
(Regional and condo sales data not seasonally adjusted)

January 2021	Unsold Inventory Index			Median Time on Market
State/Region/County	Jan. 2021	Dec. 2020	Jan. 2020	Jan. 2021	Dec. 2020	Jan. 2020
Calif. Single-family home	1.5	1.3	3.4	12.0	11.0	31.0
Calif. Condo/Townhome	1.2	1.6	3.3	17.0	17.0	31.0
Los Angeles Metro Area	1.9	1.4	3.6	12.0	11.0	32.0
Central Coast	2.4	1.7	4.4	13.0	11.0	44.0
Central Valley	2.0	1.3	3.0	10.0	8.0	24.0
Far North	3.0	2.1	4.3	25.0	19.0	42.0
Inland Empire	1.9	1.4	4.1	14.0	12.0	41.0
San Francisco Bay Area	1.7	1.1	2.7	12.0	13.0	31.0
Southern California	1.9	1.3	3.5	11.0	10.0	31.0

San Francisco Bay Area
Alameda	1.3	0.8	2.0	9.0	9.0	20.0
Contra Costa	1.4	0.9	2.3	8.0	8.0	27.0
Marin	2.1	1.0	3.3	39.0	28.0	63.0
Napa	3.7	2.3	5.0	46.0	37.0	62.0
San Francisco	2.2	1.2	2.7	NA	27.0	26.0
San Mateo	2.2	1.1	2.7	13.0	12.0	21.0
Santa Clara	1.7	1.1	2.3	9.0	9.0	19.0
Solano	1.2	1.4	3.0	29.0	29.0	39.0
Sonoma	2.9	2.1	4.4	41.0	37.0	68.0
Southern California
Los Angeles	1.8	1.4	3.2	11.0	10.0	26.0
Orange	2.0	1.3	3.4	10.0	11.0	27.0
Riverside	2.0	1.4	4.2	15.0	13.0	39.0
San Bernardino	1.6	1.3	3.9	13.0	11.0	43.0
San Diego	1.8	1.2	3.0	7.0	8.0	23.0
Ventura	1.6	1.1	4.8	29.0	27.0	56.0
Central Coast
Monterey	3.0	2.0	4.9	10.0	10.0	39.0
San Luis Obispo	2.4	1.6	5.9	16.0	10.0	46.0
Santa Barbara	2.3	1.6	3.7	14.0	15.0	35.0
Santa Cruz	1.9	1.4	2.8	11.0	10.5	55.5
Central Valley
Fresno	1.7	1.4	3.4	8.0	7.0	25.5
Glenn	2.1	2.2	3.0	8.0	5.0	63.0
Kern	2.0	1.5	3.0	12.0	11.0	21.0
Kings	1.4	1.3	3.1	7.0	7.0	25.0
Madera	2.6	1.9	5.8	18.0	13.0	45.0
Merced	1.9	1.3	3.6	13.0	14.0	28.0
Placer	1.6	1.1	2.8	NA	7.0	34.0
Sacramento	1.4	1.0	2.4	NA	7.0	17.0
San Benito	2.0	2.0	4.0	19.0	9.0	29.5
San Joaquin	1.4	1.0	2.8	NA	8.0	32.0
Stanislaus	1.7	1.3	2.8	NA	8.0	24.0
Tulare	2.3	1.5	3.8	12.0	8.5	27.0
Far North
Butte	2.2	1.4	2.7	16.0	7.0	25.5
Lassen	3.3	3.7	6.6	100.0	100.0	133.0
Plumas	5.9	2.9	13.5	157.0	91.0	106.0
Shasta	2.9	1.8	3.8	20.0	17.0	43.0
Siskiyou	2.4	3.7	5.5	22.5	31.0	48.5
Tehama	4.8	3.4	8.0	47.0	45.5	52.0
Other Calif. Counties
Amador	2.2	1.9	6.6	NA	23.0	40.0
Calaveras	2.0	1.5	7.4	62.5	61.0	107.5
Del Norte	4.7	2.2	7.3	151.0	127.0	121.0
El Dorado	2.1	1.3	4.7	NA	20.0	65.5
Humboldt	2.3	1.8	4.4	10.0	12.0	40.0
Lake	4.2	2.5	8.4	38.0	35.0	77.0
Mariposa	2.4	2.8	7.3	22.0	73.0	88.0
Mendocino	3.7	2.6	9.0	55.5	67.0	109.0
Mono	3.8	2.0	8.7	84.5	106.0	126.0
Nevada	2.6	1.8	5.7	NA	20.0	62.5
Sutter	1.5	0.9	2.5	7.0	10.0	31.0
Tuolumne	2.8	1.9	6.2	32.5	30.0	71.5
Yolo	1.8	1.4	3.2	NA	13.0	40.5
Yuba	2.3	1.2	3.6	15.0	7.0	30.0

r = revised
NA = not available

View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/california-housing-market-momentum-continues-into-new-year-car-reports-301231805.html

SOURCE CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® (C.A.R.)

Recent Calf Death a Blow in a Tenuous Tale of Survival

WASHINGTON, Feb. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — This World Whale Day (Feb. 21^st), just fourteen calves offer hope for the survival of the North Atlantic right whale, a critically endangered species on the brink of extinction. Though the trend of this recent calving season is positive, the situation remains tenuous, given the recent tragic death of a calf reported just last week. This is according to the International Fund for Animal Welfare (<a…

Once numbering in the tens of thousands, the species estimates now hover at only 360 total individuals, threatened by entanglement in commercial fishing gear and vessel strikes.

Endearingly referred to by some as the ‘Class of 2021’, these fourteen young calves, five of which were born to first-time mothers, are critical to the survival of the species following years of severe shortfalls in new right whale calve births. Sadly, one of the 15 calves born this calving season was likely killed by a sport fishing vessel off the coast of Florida on February 13^th. The calf showed obvious signs of trauma from vessel strike and is the first right whale death reported his year, and the third calf death reported over the last thirteen months.

These calves, along with their mothers and respective pods, have begun their journey to feeding grounds off the shores of Cape Cod up to the Gulf of St. Lawrence in Canada, maneuvering through an industrial waterway dense with shipping traffic and an estimated one million commercial vertical fishing lines in the water column. The immense amount of threats encountered in such a journey can ultimately affect the growth and reproductive development of right whales as they endure conditions that inflict both short and long-term stress.

This week, the government of Canada announced the 2021 measures to mitigate the impacts of fisheries and marine traffic for whales while in Canadian waters. These sustained measures are an important component of ongoing efforts by government and industry groups to support the recovery of the North Atlantic right whale. IFAW believes all parties must come to the table in the search for a long-term solution. Currently, the key elements of our efforts include:

Testing and promoting the development and adoption of ropeless fishing gear technology which would significantly reduce the risk of entanglement;
Advocating sustained funding for research and development into life-saving technologies that provide long-term solutions;
Advocating for maritime regulations that include expansion of existing speed restrictions and altering shipping lanes to reduce vessel strikes;
Assisting in the development of Whale Alert, a situational awareness app for mariners to avoid potential for vessel strike; and
Educating consumers about the existence of safer fishing practices and advocating for the introduction of whale-friendly seafood.

According to Patricia Zaat, IFAW Canada’s Country Director, «Canada has an important responsibility to ensure that the North Atlantic is protected while in our waters. If human activity has brought the North Atlantic right whale to this critical tipping point, then human proactivity, collaboration, and 21^st century innovation can save it.»

To take action for the North Atlantic right whale click here.

For more information, images, or to arrange interviews please contact:
Rodger Correa at rcorrea@ifaw.org.

About the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) – The International Fund for Animal Welfare is a global non-profit helping animals and people thrive together. We are experts and everyday people, working across seas, oceans and in more than 40 countries around the world. We rescue, rehabilitate and release animals, and we restore and protect their natural habitats. The problems we’re up against are urgent and complicated. To solve them, we match fresh thinking with bold action. We partner with local communities, governments, non-governmental organizations and businesses. Together, we pioneer new and innovative ways to help all species flourish. See how at ifaw.org.

SOURCE International Fund for Animal Welfare

GlowTouch a 2021 Global Outsourcing 100 Company

LOUISVILLE, Ky., Feb. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — GlowTouch LLC, a Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) company headquartered in Louisville, KY, was recently recognized as one of The Global Outsourcing 100® companies by the International Association of Outsourcing Professionals ®.

«Buyers…

«Buyers understand there are hundreds of qualified service providers and advisors out there, but what they need to understand now is what makes each one exceptional,» said IAOP CEO, Debi Hamill. «The Global Outsourcing 100 has done just that, and we’re proud to recognize GlowTouch.» The distinguished top 100 list recognizes BPOs who achieve greatness in four areas: 1) customer references, 2) awards and certifications, 3) programs for innovation, and 4) programs for Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).

«I’m so proud that GlowTouch has made its debut on the 2021 Global Outsourcing 100 list. It’s an honor to be included among the world’s best BPO providers,» said GlowTouch Vice President of Marketing and Analyst Relations, Tammy Weinstein. «This is a people-first industry, and being named to this list is a testament to how our agents and support teams work to earn our clients’ business every day. To be included on this list says that we are listening to the voice of the customer and creating lasting partnerships with our clients.»

IAOP® accepts applications every year for the GO100 program, which began in 2006, and the award is an honor for companies regardless of their GO100 list tenure.

«Getting recognized on the Global Outsourcing 100 gives us validation within our industry and is a distinction our entire company can be proud of,» Vidya Ravichandran, GlowTouch President and Founder, added. «I am always proud and thankful of our team who work tirelessly, even through the pandemic, to ensure we provide exceptional service for our clients. Receiving this recognition affirms the outstanding work the GlowTouch family is doing!»

Since GlowTouch began its operations in 2002, it has grown from a small family business to a 2,100+ employee international company. Locations include Louisville, Kentucky, Mangalore and Bangalore, India, with recent expansions in the Dominican Republic and Honduras.

GlowTouch provides personalized contact center, business processing, and technology outsourcing solutions to clients around the world. Founded in 2002, its 2,100+ employees deliver operational excellence with high-touch engagement. A certified Woman-Owned Business and six-time Inc. 5000 honoree, GlowTouch is headquartered in Louisville, KY, with additional locations in Mangalore and Bangalore, India, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, and Tegucigalpa, Honduras. To learn more about GlowTouch, visit www.GlowTouch.com, or email Tammy Weinstein at Tammy.Weinstein@GlowTouch.com.

Related Images

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GlowTouch
GlowTouch Putting People First

Related Links

The Global Outsourcing 100 (R) List

GlowTouch Website

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SOURCE GlowTouch LLC

Shareholders Win Unprecedented Support for Reforms at Tyson Foods

WASHINGTON, Feb. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Proxy voting results recently released from Tyson Foods’ (NYSE: TSN) annual shareholder meeting show unprecedented levels of investor support for shareholder proposals seeking greater disclosure and accountability around the company’s lobbying activities and human rights practices. The votes come amid intense scrutiny of Tyson’s health and safety practices, and broader governance, after COVID-19 has wreaked havoc on its…

While the Tyson family and other insider holdings control the voting power at the company, nearly 82 percent of shares cast by independent shareholders backed the two proposals, including shares held by BlackRock and Vanguard, who both issued special voting bulletins. Another proposal, calling for the elimination of the dual class voting structure, won over 88 percent support.

«Tyson’s current voting structure insulates its board and management from having to answer for failures, such as its deficient response to the impacts of COVID-19 on the company’s operations and workforce,» said New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli. «Tyson’s independent shareholders have sent a clear message to the company that changes to the company’s voting structure are needed to ensure better management of ESG risks.»

«Investors, including the largest asset managers, are clearly outraged by Tyson leadership’s failures to protect essential workers in its pursuit of profits. Shareholders demand accountability and transparency from the Tyson Board,» said Ken Hall, International Brotherhood of Teamsters General Secretary-Treasurer. «The board needs to take heed and adopt these much-needed reforms.»

The International Brotherhood of Teamsters and co-filer Oxfam America were the sponsors of the proposal calling for lobbying disclosure; a group of 23 investors led by the American Baptist Home Mission Society (ABHMS) put forth the proposal calling for Tyson’s Board of Directors to prepare a human rights due diligence report; and the New York State Common Retirement Fund submitted the resolution calling for an end to the dual class share structure.

The lobbying proposal calls on the company to expand its disclosures which currently fail to identify state lobbying expenditures as well as payments made to trade associations and other political organizations. The proposal follows Tyson’s controversial efforts to ensure the meat industry would be designated an essential industry amid the pandemic and to accelerate line speeds despite the increased contagion risks to workers.

«It was a clear case of production over people when Tyson put pressure on the administration to use the Defense Production Act to keep doors open despite clear threats to workers’ health and safety,» said Alex Galimberti, Senior Oxfam America Advocacy Advisor. «The result was disastrous for workers, and the company. Shareholders deserve to know how the company is doing business – especially if it’s endangering one of its primary assets, its workforce.»

Proponents of the human rights due diligence proposal also cited the precarious conditions facing Tyson workers.

«Tyson’s independent investors make clear that they stand with workers whose rights have been repeatedly violated by the company amidst the pandemic, and will continue to demand increased worker-driven solutions. Tyson insiders, the board, and senior management cannot ignore this clear call to address material human rights risks,» said Gina Falada, Senior Program Associate at Investor Advocates for Social Justice.

Contacts:

Louis Malizia, International Brotherhood of Teamsters,
lmalizia@teamster.org
(202) 497-6924

Matt Sweeney, New York State Common Retirement Fund
msweeney@osc.ny.gov
(646) 584-2850

Kria Sakakeeny, Oxfam America
Kria.sakakeeny@oxfam.org
(401) 359-2219

Gina Falada, Investor Advocates for Social Justice (on behalf of ABHMS)
gfalada@iasj.org
(973) 509-8800

Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents 1.4 million hardworking men and women throughout the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. Visit www.teamster.org for more information. Follow us on Twitter @Teamsters and «like» us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/teamsters.

Contact:
Galen Munroe, (202) 439-7427
gmunroe@teamster.org

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SOURCE International Brotherhood of Teamsters

Georgia Power encourages planting the right tree in the right place on Georgia Arbor Day

ATLANTA, Feb. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Georgia Power works every day to keep reliability high across the state and, with Georgia Arbor Day marking the start of the spring planting season this month, the company encourages customers to make the right landscaping choices around homes and businesses. Planting the right tree in the right place helps reduce the chance of a power outage in the event of a storm. It also reduces the need for future pruning by tree contractors and can improve accessibility to…

Georgia Power recommends dividing your yard into three specific planting zones – the Tall Zone (trees 60 feet or higher) farthest from power lines, the Medium Zone (trees no taller than 40 feet), and the Low Zone (trees and shrubs no taller than 25 feet). Trees and shrubs in the Low Zone may be planted 15 feet from electric utility wires.

In addition to helping customers select the right trees to plant, Georgia Power maintains 160,000 line acres and 24,000 miles of transmission and distribution lines under guidelines set by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC). These maintenance activities are an essential piece of the company’s commitment to ensuring reliable service for 2.6 million customers in every corner of the state.

Helping Reforest Georgia
Georgia Power has a longstanding commitment to natural resource conservation, which includes protecting native habitat and water quality through establishing and enhancing native forests. Last year, Georgia Power planted more than 361,000 loblolly pines on 596 acres and restored a 200-acre longleaf landscape by planting 84,000 pine seedlings.

Through Georgia Power GreenKeepers, the company’s employee volunteer environmental & natural resources organization, hundreds of seedlings were distributed in communities across the state this month to celebrate Georgia Arbor Day, and the beginning of spring planting season.

Call Before You Dig
Georgia Power also reminds customers of the importance of calling 811 before they dig. The company works every day with Georgia 811 to ensure that projects are safe and comply with the «Georgia Dig Law.» The law requires that workers contact Georgia 811 before digging to have all underground utility lines (such as power, communications, gas and water lines) clearly marked. Georgia residents can call the free service at 8-1-1 or (800)-282-7411, or submit an electronic request at www.Georgia811.com.

About Georgia Power
Georgia Power is the largest electric subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO), America’s premier energy company. Value, Reliability, Customer Service and Stewardship are the cornerstones of the company’s promise to 2.6 million customers in all but four of Georgia’s 159 counties. Committed to delivering clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy at rates below the national average, Georgia Power maintains a diverse, innovative generation mix that includes nuclear, coal and natural gas, as well as renewables such as solar, hydroelectric and wind. Georgia Power focuses on delivering world-class service to its customers every day and the company is recognized by J.D. Power as an industry leader in customer satisfaction. For more information, visit www.GeorgiaPower.com and connect with the company on Facebook (Facebook.com/GeorgiaPower), Twitter (Twitter.com/GeorgiaPower) and Instagram (Instagram.com/ga_power).

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SOURCE Georgia Power

Fla.’s Housing Market Continues Strong in January 2021

ORLANDO, Fla., Feb. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Florida’s housing market continued to show momentum in January even with the ongoing pandemic, with more closed sales, rising median prices, more new pending sales and increased pending inventory compared to a year ago, according to Florida Realtors® latest housing data. Single-family existing home sales rose 18% compared to a year ago.

…

«2021 began with the same market conditions we saw over the previous months, such as very low mortgage rates, high buyer demand and a lack of inventory,» said 2021 Florida Realtors President Cheryl Lambert, broker-owner with Only Way Realty Citrus in Inverness. «This shortfall in inventory continues to put pressure on home prices. However, new pending sales increased 16.9% for single-family existing homes last month compared to January 2020, while new pending sales for condo-townhouse units rose 32% year-over-year.»

In January, closed sales of single-family homes statewide totaled 21,587, up 18% year-over-year, while existing condo-townhouse sales totaled 9,608, up 24.6% over January 2020. Closed sales may occur from 30- to 90-plus days after sales contracts are written.

The statewide median sales price for single-family existing homes was $305,000, up 15.1% from the previous year, according to data from Florida Realtors Research Department in partnership with local Realtor boards/associations. Last month’s statewide median price for condo-townhouse units was $230,000, up 15% over the year-ago figure. The median is the midpoint; half the homes sold for more, half for less.

Florida Realtors Chief Economist Dr. Brad O’Connor noted that Florida’s housing market kicked off 2021 on a strong note.

«Eighteen percent year-over-year growth in single-family sales and 25% growth in condo and townhouse sales is way, way above our historical average – and we will likely remain well above our historical average for most, if not all, of 2021,» he said. «The primary reason is that mortgage rates will likely remain quite low for the duration of the year. The Federal Reserve has repeatedly signaled it intends to pursue a monetary policy agenda that ensures this will be the case.

«That said, economic forecasters have reached something of a consensus that mortgage rates have finally reached a bottom. Interest rates are, of course, notoriously difficult to forecast, so you never really can be sure exactly where they’ll be 12 months from now – then again, it’s a reason to take notice when everyone’s forecasts actually agree on something. However, there is still some mild disagreement among prominent forecasters in terms of how fast rates will rise from here – although no one is currently predicting rates are going to rise too significantly.»

Taking a look at the supply side of the market, last year’s decline in active listings of existing homes for sale continued into January 2021, according to O’Connor.

He added, «To be clear, I’ve pointed out that year-over-year growth in new listings – at least on a statewide basis – was positive over the second half of 2020. It’s just the pace of sales has been so phrenetic that these new listings have not replaced enough of our inventory to reverse the trend. However, in January 2021, new listings of single-family homes were down over 10% year-over-year in what is normally a strong month for new listings. Likewise, new listings of condos and townhouses were down statewide by almost 7%. We’ll need to keep an eye on new listings for the next few months to see if this is really a downshift or just a one-time decline.»

On the supply side of the market, inventory (active listings) continued to be constrained in January. Single-family existing homes were at a very restricted 1.6-months’ supply while condo-townhouse inventory was at a 3.9-months’ supply.

According to Freddie Mac, the interest rate for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 2.75% in January 2021, significantly lower than the 3.62% averaged during the same month a year earlier.

To see the full statewide housing activity reports, go to Florida Realtors Media Center at http://media.floridarealtors.org/ and look under Latest Releases or download the January 2021 data report PDFs under Market Data at: http://media.floridarealtors.org/market-data.

Florida Realtors® serves as the voice for real estate in Florida. It provides programs, services, continuing education, research and legislative representation to about 200,000 members in 51 boards/associations. Florida Realtors® Media Center website is available at http://media.floridarealtors.org.

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SOURCE Florida Realtors