Peru to reduce natural disasters vulnerability, boost response capacity with IDB assistance

$25 million loan to support legal, institutional reforms to maximize prevention, risk reduction and disaster management

 

Peru, the Latin American country most affected by natural disasters, will reduce its vulnerability and improve its disaster response capacity with a $25 million loan from the Inter-American Development Bank.

 

The program is the first of a series of three programmatic policy-based loans to support the Peruvian government in the implementation of measures to forecast, reduce, and control disaster risk factors in society and provide an adequate response to emergencies.

 

Between 1970-2009, a total 105 droughts, floods, mudslides, frosts, earthquakes and volcanic eruptions caused 74,000 deaths and affected 18 million people, more than in any other country in the region. Additionally, in the periods 1982-83 and 1997-98 the El Niño phenomenon caused estimated losses of $6.8 billion, while the Pisco earthquake in 2007 caused damages in excess of $2 billion.

 

This year, floods and mudslides caused by rains in Cusco, Ayacucho, Puno, Huancavelica and Huánuco left 92 dead and 235,000 people affected, 27,000 houses destroyed or damaged, and 11,700 hectares of ruined crops.

 

By providing support to the planned Framework Law for Integrated Disaster Risk Management, which would put Peru on the cutting edge of legislation on this issue, the program will strengthen the legislative and institutional structure in the areas of risk identification, reduction, management, and financial handling.

 

■ RISK IDENTIFICATION. Modern, efficient information systems will enable prevention and early warning moves through implementation of standards and an information integration platform and adoption of natural disasters and climate change monitoring and analysis systems.

 

■ RISK REDUCTION: Safe land use and territorial management, improved coordination among the various government levels, and safety criteria for informal settlements and populations in high-risk areas and in the agricultural sector will be promoted, with particular emphasis on floods risk reduction.

 

■ DISASTER MANAGEMENT: Development of emergency plans for earthquakes and tsunamis, particularly for Lima and Callao, will be supported, including simulation and drill activities, preparation of guides, and effective operation of Regional Emergency Operation Centers.

 

■ FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT: A National Financial Management Strategy for Disaster Risks comprising emergency reserve funds, contingency credit lines, and risk transfer instruments, including public infrastructure insurance, will be established.

 

The loan is for a 20-year term, with a five-year grace period and a variable interest rate based on Libor.

 

Argentina to boost farming sector with IDB assistance

A $170 million loan to promote technological innovation in agriculture, support climate change adaptation and environment protection

 

Argentina, one of the world's top four food exporters, will further boost sustainable growth of its agricultural sector by strengthening its innovation system for the development of new technologies, supporting small- and mid-sized producers, and implementing environmental sustainability improvements with a $170 million loan from the Inter-American Development Bank.

 

The loan will help the National Agricultural Technology Institute (INTA, Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria) to support the sector's innovation system, increase its capacity to generate and transfer new technologies, products and processes, scale-up coverage of extension services, and focus more attention on small-scale producers.

 

The program is expected to help maintain high agricultural productivity rates and lead at least 40% of Argentine farmers to adopt INTA-supported technologies aimed at boosting the sustainable use of natural resources.

 

Some $88 million will be set aside to build up INTA's research and development capacity, enhancing and improving its technical and scientific production. Another $17 million will be used to promote its contacts and integration with other public and private institutions, both local and foreign.

 

The program will devote $43 million to the diffusion of knowledge generated by improving technology transfer and extension processes. A special emphasis will be place on family-based agriculture in order to promote the use of technologies suitable for different regions, as well as the support local extension councils and research networks with civil society participation, including indigenous communities.

 

The IDB loan will also finance the construction of an INTA headquarters building to bring the senior management under a single roof, leading to major savings in office space leases and a 30 percent reduction in electricity costs. Additionally, the 29 existing management systems will be merged into five, improving access to information and leading savings in communications and transfer expenses.

 

The Argentine Government will provide an additional $43 million in local counterpart funds for the program.

 

The IDB loan is for a 25-year term, with a five-year grace period and a variable interest rate based on Libor.

Sofía Vergara

 

Sofía Vergara

Handy Manny Got Milk

 

Handy Manny Got Milk

Cristina Saralegui

 

Cristina Saralegui

Jimena Navarrete - Miss Universo 2010 - México

 

Jimena Navarrete

Miss Universo 2010

México

Miss Mexico Jimena Navarrete Crowned Miss Universe 2010 during live NBC Telecast

 

NEW YORK, Aug. 24 /PRNewswire/ -- Monday evening, during one of the year's most exciting live international television events, a star-studded panel of judges chose Jimena Navarrete, Miss Mexico, as Miss Universe 2010 live from Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino in Las Vegas.

 

Bret Michaels and NBC's "Today" show co-host and correspondent Natalie Morales hosted the international event, which aired on NBC and Telemundo. John Legend & The Roots and Viva ELVIS by Cirque du Soleil performed live during the competition. The pageant was presented by official hair care sponsor Farouk Systems.

 

Miss Mexico, Jimena Navarrete, is 21 years old and loves nature, boating, riding motorcycles, spending time with her family and traveling.

 

The judging panel for the 2010 Miss Universe Pageant included: illusionist and mystifier, Criss Angel; actor, producer and writer, William Baldwin; world-renowned percussionist and drummer, Sheila E; anchor of "NBC Live," Tamron Hall; 2010 Olympic Gold Medalist and 2009 World Figure Skating Champion, Evan Lysacek; Oscar nominated actor and director best known for his work in A Bronx Tale, Chazz Palminteri; American singer and actress, Chynna Phillips; winner of multiple Emmys and Golden Globes, Jane Seymour; and international supermodel, Niki Taylor.

 

Throughout the two-hour event, contestants from over 80 countries and territories around the world competed in three categories: swimsuit, evening gown and personality interview. Stefania Fernandez, Miss Universe 2009, crowned her successor at the conclusion of the two-hour primetime telecast before an estimated worldwide viewing audience of approximately one billion viewers.

 

Final Results:

 

First Runner-Up:  Miss Jamaica, Yendi Phillipps; will assume the duties of MISS UNIVERSE 2010 if the titleholder for some reason cannot fulfill her responsibilities.

 

Second Runner-Up:  Miss Australia, Jesinta Campbell.

 

Rest of Top Five: Miss Ukraine, Anna Poslavska; and Miss Philippines, Venus Raj.

 

Rest of Top Ten:  Miss Ireland, Rozanna Purcell; Miss Albania, Angela Martini; Miss Puerto Rico, Mariana Paola Vicente; Miss South Africa, Nicole Flint; and Miss Guatemala, Jessica Scheel.

 

Rest of Top Fifteen:  Miss Belgium, Cilou Annys; Miss France, Malika Menard; Miss Russia, Irina Antonenko; Miss Colombia, Natalia Navarro; and Miss Czech Republic, Jitka Valkova.

 

Miss Photogenic Universe™ Award: Miss Thailand, Fonthip Watcharatrakul. The General public voted on www.nbc.com for the delegate who exemplifies beauty through the lens of a camera. She was awarded a $1,000 cash prize and a gift from pageant sponsor Diamond Nexus Labs.

 

Miss Congeniality Universe™ Award: Miss Australia, Jesinta Campbell. This award reflects the respect and admiration of the delegate's peers, who voted for her as the most congenial, charismatic and inspirational participant. She was awarded a $1,000 cash prize and a gift from Diamond Nexus Labs.

 

National Costume Award: Miss Thailand, Fonthip Watcharatrakul. This award was decided by an online vote through Club Universe, a new, exclusive membership club featured on MissUniverse.com. 

 

The MISS UNIVERSE® 2010 prize package includes: a custom diamond tiara and jewelry designed by Diamond Nexus Labs; a shoe wardrobe from Nina Footwear; a one-year scholarship (including housing) from the New York Film Academy; hair care products and tools from Farouk Systems; eveningwear wardrobe by Sherri Hill; a collection of swimwear from Dar Be Dar by Tala Raassi; luxury accommodations in a New York City apartment for the duration of her reign, including living expenses; a year-long salary as Miss Universe; personal services including membership to Gravity Fitness and hair services from John Barrett Salon; modeling portfolio by leading fashion photographer Fadil Berisha; dermatology and skincare services provided by Dr. Cheryl Thellman-Karcher; professional health and nutrition consultation by Tanya Zuckerbrot, MS, RD and dental services by Dr. Jan Linhart, D.D.S.; casting opportunities and professional representation by the Miss Universe Organization; extensive travel opportunities representing sponsors and charitable partners; access to various New York City events including movie premiers and screenings, Broadway shows and launch parties; year-long consultation with a fashion stylist; and access to a personal appearance wardrobe.

 

About the Miss Universe Organization

 

The MISS UNIVERSE®, MISS USA® and MISS TEEN USA® pageants are a Donald J. Trump and NBC Universal joint venture. Utilizing its nationwide grass roots infrastructure, the Miss Universe Organization is committed to increasing HIV/AIDS awareness by focusing on women's health and reproductive issues. By forging relationships with organizations committed to research and education such as the Latino Commission on AIDS, God's Love We Deliver, PSI/YouthAIDS, The Global Network for Neglected Tropical Diseases and Gay Men's Health Crisis. For more information, visit: www.missuniverse.com.

 

Follow Miss Universe

 

•Facebook: www.facebook.com/OfficialMissUniverse

•YouTube: www.youtube.com/OfficialMissUniverse

•Twitter: TheRealMissU

•Blogs: www.missuniverse.com/blogs/index

 

 Source The Miss Universe Organization

The Dominican Republic Call Center Association Opens Hurricane Hotline

 

Call Center Association Offers Hurricane Hotline

 

SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic, Aug. 16 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ -- The Dominican Republic Call Center Association today announced the availability of a toll-free hotline, which began in 2008, to help answer questions during this very active hurricane season.

 

Callers to the hotline will receive information regarding hurricane preparedness, storm development, hurricane tracking, shelter locations, evacuation information, etc. Call center representatives from DRCCA member companies will staff their contact number throughout the hurricane season. The toll-free number is 1-888-994-8774 and it will be answered from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday during the season.

 

"We are very proud to be able to offer these services, which are funded by our member organization. They have provided us with a team of representatives who are now trained to work the hurricane hotline," said Doug Meyers, DRCCA Director and co-founder for the DRCCA.

 

About The Dominican Republic Call Center Association

The Dominican Republic Call Center Association was established to inform companies in the Dominican Republic and the United States of the great opportunity that exists in the call center industry in the Dominican Republic. Most importantly, the DRCCA serves as a guide to those businesses who are interested in moving their business or operation to the Caribbean.

 

US companies often find it difficult to move their operation overseas as there are many unknown obstacles to navigate, such as laws, government policies, local banking, where to buy equipment services and more. The DRCCA team has achieved impressive results in a very short period of time.

 

Further information can be found at http://www.drcca.org or by calling us directly at (786) 347-5607.

 

SOURCE Dominican Republic Call Center Association

Farmers Insurance Unveils Latest Spanish-Language Television Campaign Highlighting Right Fit Coverage

 

Actor Edward James Olmos continues his role as Farmers spokesperson

 

LOS ANGELES, Aug. 10 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ -- Farmers Insurance will launch its latest national Hispanic TV advertising campaign this coming Monday, August 16, produced by its Hispanic Agency of Record, Accentmarketing.

 

The new ads are the next installment of the insurers "Right Fit" campaign, launched in 2009. They feature a "force field" which represents the customizable Farmers coverages customers can choose to meet their individual needs,

 

First to launch is "Neighbors", which uses a dramatization to highlight the difference between having customized coverage that "fits" correctly and inadequate or inappropriate coverage. In the spot, two neighbors boast about their insurance coverage, as represented by their "force fields". While one has the "right fit" coverage secured with the help of a Farmers agent, the other is not so lucky. Both neighbors have to duck for cover as a tree strikes the not-so-fortunate neighbors home, right where his "inadequate" coverage is.

 

In "Zoom Out" Farmers showcases its multiline product offerings of auto, home, life and business insurance and their customizable coverages available through a variety of different life stages. Beginning in a flower shop, we "zoom out" to see the Farmers "force field" around the business. Then we enter and exit a car, again "zooming out" to reveal the Farmers "force field" and finally we enter and exit a growing familys home and we see that it, too, counts on Farmers customized coverage.

 

"As more companies draw on Spanish-language media to reach Hispanic consumers, Farmers is taking an entertaining and innovative approach to connecting with this core audience," said Luisa Acosta-Franco, Vice President of Multicultural Marketing for Farmers. "Our agents work very hard to ensure that customers have the best possible coverage for their life circumstances, and we want prospective customers to know that, as well."

 

Continuing in his role as Farmers Insurance Hispanic spokesperson for the fifth year is actor and humanitarian, Edward James Olmos. In the new commercials Mr. Olmos shares with viewers that Farmers agents go through some of the best training in the industry, so they can rest assured that by working with a Farmers agent they can obtain the coverages that fit their lifestyles.

 

"It was important for us to make an emotional connection with our audience and we did that by showcasing the diversity of Latino life in this country," said Diana Ocasio, Executive Vice President and Creative Director for Accentmarketing. "We also wanted people to have that aha! moment that makes them think - If they dont adapt their coverage to themselves, theyll have to adapt to surprises. These new spots are unique and we feel they will be very impactful within the category."

 

Details of "Right Fit" TV Spots

1. Title: "Neighbors" and "Zoom Out"

2. Agency: Accentmarketing

3. Client: Farmers Insurance

4. Length of Spots: 30-seconds (:25 / :15 versions available)

5. Launch Date: August 16, 2010

6. Markets where it will air: National

7. EVP Creative Director: Diana Ocasio

8. Associate Creative Director: Daniel Stewart

9. SVP, Account Group Director: Alice Rivera

10. Executive Producer: Rudy Leschhorn

11. Production Company: Weird Pictures

12. Director: Martin Weisz

13. Executive Producer: Cordula Weisz

14. Post Production: Giant Steps

15. Music: Makeabeat Productions

 

About Farmers Insurance

Farmers is a trade name and may refer to Farmers Group, Inc. or the Farmers Exchanges, as the case may be. Farmers Group, Inc., a management and holding company, along with its subsidiaries, is wholly owned by the Zurich Financial Services Group. The Farmers Exchanges are three reciprocal insurers (Farmers Insurance Exchange, Fire Insurance Exchange and Truck Insurance Exchange), including their subsidiaries and affiliates, owned by their policyholders, and managed by Farmers Group, Inc. and its subsidiaries. For more information about Farmers, visit our Web site at http://www.farmers.com.

 

About Accentmarketing

 

Established in 1994, Accentmarketing (http://www.accentmarketing.com) is a full-service Hispanic marketing communications agency with offices in Miami, Los Angeles and Detroit. A certified minority owned business and member of The Interpublic Group of Companies, Accentmarketing employs a multinational and multicultural staff. The agencys client partners include the American, Farmers Insurance, GobiernoUSA.gov, Chevrolet, the California Association of Realtors, Kaiser Permanente, Brown-Forman and the U.S. Navy.

 

SOURCE Farmers Insurance

Wendys Taps Bravo Group to Bring Real to Life for U.S. Hispanic Consumers

 

Leading Hispanic Marketing Firm to Help Build Brand in Fast-Growing Market

 

DUBLIN, Ohio, Aug. 10 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ -- Wendys International, Inc., part of Wendys/Arbys Group, Inc. (NYSE: WEN), today named Miami-based Bravo Group as its U.S. Hispanic agency of record. Recognized as one of the leading U.S. Hispanic integrated communications agencies by Advertising Age, Bravo Group will be tasked with creative, planning and strategy to engage and attract the more than 45 million Hispanic consumers in the U.S. to the Wendys brand.

 

"The annual purchasing power of U.S. Hispanic households is on track to top $1 trillion per year, so connecting with these consumers is essential to the growth of our brand," said Bob Holtcamp senior vice president, brand marketing, Wendys International, Inc. "The Bravo team showed us inspired, creative approaches that will complement our existing general market communications, but connect with our Hispanic consumer base in a unique and compelling way. We are confident this new partnership will bring great results for our brand and help us continue as the real choice in fast food."

 

Bravo Group will work closely with Wendys lead agency, Kaplan Thaler Group, to develop and deliver integrated communications that work for the brand in a holistic manner, while remaining relevant and impactful to the Hispanic consumer segment.

 

The agency was selected from several leading multicultural marketing agencies that participated in a rigorous review process involving Wendys senior executives, Wendys franchise community and Kaplan Thaler Group. The selection of Bravo Group marks a key milestone in the continued execution of Wendys disciplined brand-building strategy; the effort is successfully affirming Wendys reputation as the leader in the hamburger quick-service restaurant category, with enhanced customer service, breakthrough new products, improved core menu choices and leading-edge marketing.

 

"From our products to our people, Wendys strives to be authentic, genuine and honest - all values we know Bravo shares, and that resonate with Hispanic audiences," added Holtcamp.

 

Bravo Group will transition into its new role over the next 60 days. Hispanic media planning and buying will remain with MediaVest and MV42.

 

SOURCE Wendys International, Inc.

 

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Woodbury University Tops National List of Success in Graduating Hispanic Students

 

BURBANK, Calif., Aug. 9 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ -- Woodbury University tops a list released today from the Education Trust of private institutions that succeed in graduating Latino students at rates similar to those for white students.

 

The Education Trust singled out Woodbury as a school where Latino students are thriving, noting that 31 percent of Woodbury students are Hispanic and that the graduation rate for this population is 62 percent-well above the 47% rate for Latino students nationally. The report, "Big Gaps, Small Gaps: Some Colleges and Universities Do Better Than Others in Graduating Hispanic Students," contends that what universities do to promote student success has a tremendous impact, especially for Hispanic students.

 

"Woodburys Hispanic students are typically the first in their families to go to college, and theyre coming here in search of their entre to economic success," says David M. Rosen, Ph.D., senior vice president, Academic Affairs, Woodbury University. "For them, as the Education Trust report makes clear, a college education is their ticket to fulfilling their dreams, the dreams of their families, and the dreams of their communities. Woodbury feels a deep responsibility to help turn these aspirations into reality."

 

Rosen points to the highly personal nature of the relationships between Latino students and professors at Woodbury and the individualized attention all Woodbury students receive as the key reasons for graduation success. Nearly 70 percent of Woodbury undergraduates are in studio-based academic programs in the School of Architecture and the School of Media, Culture & Design, with students working daily on projects and receiving real-time feedback from their professors and fellow students as opposed to periodically taking tests. Students in Woodburys School of Business and the Institute for Transdisciplinary Studies benefit similarly from project-based learning and close interaction with faculty. Other factors that contribute to high Latino graduation rates at Woodbury include an emphasis on student success through the universitys support services, including a program that assigns each student a peer mentor in their first semester. In addition, Woodbury has invested heavily in financial support for its students with approximately 94 percent of undergraduates receiving some form of financial aid.

 

"Over a period of many years, we have become a place where broad cross sections of people can come and be recognized for their talent and their potential," says Rosen. "By focusing on the needs of the individual student and making that student successful, we have created a culture that honors differences and allows all ethnic, social, and economic groups to work together to achieve their goals."

 

Woodbury University has been designated as a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) under Title V of the Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008. Accredited, degree-granting institutions where at least 25 percent of the full-time-equivalent undergraduate student body is Hispanic are designated as HSIs, with these institutions constituting about eight percent of public and nonprofit degree-granting institutions and enrolling approximately half of Hispanic undergraduates in the United States, according to Excelencia in Education. Excelencia in Education recently recognized Woodburys undergraduate architecture program for its strong record of serving Latino students.

 

The full report from the Education Trust is available online by visiting the Woodbury University website, http://www.woodbury.edu, or at the Education Trust website, http://www.edtrust.org.

 

Founded in 1884, Woodbury University is one of the oldest institutions of higher education in Southern California. Woodbury offers bachelors degrees from the School of Architecture, School of Business, School of Media, Culture & Design, and Institute of Transdisciplinary Studies, along with an MBA program, Master of Architecture, Master of Architecture in Real Estate Development, and Master of Organizational Leadership. A San Diego campus offers bachelor of architecture and Master of Architecture in Real Estate Development degrees.

 

SOURCE Woodbury University

 

Luis Miguel Adds Fourth Show to Sold Out Engagement at Caesars Palace

 

Additional show Thursday, September 16 Now On Sale

 

September 15, 17 and 18 SOLD OUT!

 

LAS VEGAS, Aug. 9 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ -- Due to overwhelming demand to see Latin superstar Luis Miguel at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace, an additional fourth show on Thursday, September 16 has been added to his sold out run to celebrate the 2010 Mexican Independence Day week.  This additional show on Thursday, September 16 is now on sale.

 

    Show dates:

 

    Wednesday       September 15, 2010            9pm    SOLD OUT!

 

    Thursday        September 16, 2010            9pm

 

    Friday          September 17, 2010            9pm    SOLD OUT!

 

    Saturday        September 18, 2010            9pm    SOLD OUT!

 

 

 

    Ticket pricing: $250/$185/$155/$95

 

    (all prices include 10% Live Entertainment Tax)

 

 

 

    On-Sale Information 

 

    Tickets may be purchased in person at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace Box Office, by calling 1-800-745-3000 or by visiting www.ticketmaster.com, keyword "Caesars Palace". (All Ticketmaster orders may be subject to additional service charges and fees).

 

 

 

    About Luis Miguel

 

    Luis Miguels career began in 1982 when he recorded his first album at the age of 12. Since then his career has catapulted to the top of the Latin Music charts and to International fame establishing Luis Miguel as one of the most successful Latin American artists in history. Luis Miguel set world records that go unrivaled in Latin Music including being the first to have a Spanish-language album (Romances, 1997) debut in the top positions of the Billboard Top 200. Over the span of his successful 27 year career, Luis Miguel has broken numerous box-office records, has received an extensive number of awards and honors and has sold over 60 million albums worldwide.

 

 

 

    About Caesars Palace

 

    Caesars Palace is the worlds best known resort-casino, celebrating the glory that was Greece and the grandeur that was Rome, in an 85-acre destination location that sets the standard for entertainment, dining and luxury.  Reigning at the heart of the Las Vegas Strip, Caesars Palace ranks among the worlds top luxury resorts known for their originality and beauty and features 3,300 hotel guest rooms and suites, 23 diverse restaurants and cafes, five-acre Garden of the Gods pools and gardens, 50,000 square foot Qua Baths & Spa and 300,000 square feet of premium meeting and convention space.  The 4,300-seat Colosseum sits just steps from celebrity chef restaurants and the acclaimed Forum Shops at Caesars and spotlights world class entertainers such as Jerry Seinfeld and Cher. Journalists may access media materials and request high-resolution images at media.harrahs.com. Find Caesars Palace on Facebook at www.facebook.com/caesarspalace and follow www.twitter.com/caesarspalace (@caesarspalace).

 

 

 

    About AEG Live

 

    AEG Live, the live-entertainment division of Los Angeles-based AEG, is dedicated to all aspects of live contemporary music performance. AEG Live is comprised of touring, festival, exhibition, broadcast, merchandise and special event divisions, fifteen regional offices, and thirty state-of-the-art venues. The company is currently producing tours and productions including Cher at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace, Supernatural Santana: A Trip Through the Hits at The Joint at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, Barry Manilow at Paris Las Vegas and Celine Dion who will return to The Colosseum at Caesars Palace in March 2011.   The concert tour roster includes artists such as Taylor Swift, The Black Eyed Peas, Bon Jovi, Carrie Underwood, Daughtry, Justin Bieber Leonard Cohen, Miley Cyrus, Kelly Clarkson, Wisin & Yandel, Britney Spears, Kenny Chesney, P!nk, Paul McCartney and KISS. AEG Live is the largest producer of music festivals in North America from the critically acclaimed Coachella Music & Arts Festival to Stagecoach and New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. For more information, go to www.aeglive.com/.

 

 

 

SOURCE  Caesars Palace

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Latin Recording Academy(R) Promotes Gabriel Abaroa Jr. to President/CEO

 

MIAMI, Aug. 6 /PRNewswire/ -- The Latin Recording Academy(R) Board of Trustees has promoted Gabriel Abaroa Jr. to President/CEO of The Latin Recording Academy, it was announced today by Latin Academy Chair of the Board Luis Cobos. Abaroa has been President of the nonprofit music membership organization since March 2003.

 

"Gabriel has graciously served The Latin Recording Academy for the past seven years as President, making immense strides to reach an international audience and establishing the Latin GRAMMY(R) Awards as a brand recognized worldwide," said Cobos. "He continues to demonstrate great leadership and is determined to create and support new initiatives and programs that will further increase the visibility of Latin music and culture. He has successfully led the Latin GRAMMYs through its milestone 10th celebration with vision and purpose, and we look forward to his continued success and accomplishments as The Latin Recording Academy enters its next decade."

 

Throughout his tenure as President, Abaroa has provided overall direction and re-positioned the goals of the organization while maintaining its financial health. In 2005 the annual Latin GRAMMY Awards telecast moved from CBS to Univision, giving the show and its new home record-breaking ratings every year since, along with numerous memorable musical moments. Additionally, the Latin GRAMMYs have been held in different cities bringing the excitement of Latin music to such places as Los Angeles (STAPLES Center, Shrine Auditorium and Kodak Theatre); Miami (American Airlines Arena); New York (Madison Square Garden); Houston (Toyota Center); and Las Vegas (Mandalay Bay Events Center). He has led the way in making the Latin GRAMMY Awards a point of reference within the music community both domestically and worldwide.

 

Additionally, Abaroa has been actively involved in expanding the Latin GRAMMY brand internationally with special educational programs, panels and musical showcases produced in various cities and countries throughout the world including Bogota, Colombia; Buenos Aires, Argentina; Madrid; Mexico City; and San Juan, Puerto Rico among many others. He also has implemented a number of programs domestically that bring awareness to Latin music and its creators including the Latin GRAMMY Showcases at the GRAMMY Museum(R), which launched in 2009 and featured artists such as Cesar Franco, Marta Gomez, Alih Jey, Kevin Johansen, Eduardo Osorio, and Alberto Plaza. Since expanding to Miami, these showcases have featured performances by Yamandu Costa, Hamilton de Holanda, Debi Nova, and Aleks Syntek. Additionally, Abaroa activated the Latin GRAMMY In The Schools program, which unites musicians and music professionals with high school students to educate them on the various facets of the music industry. The program has taken place in schools across the United States and recently expanded to include schools in Mexico.

 

Under Abaroas watch, The Latin Recording Academy has increased its membership significantly. In 2009, a new comprehensive website (www.latingrammy.com) - presented in English, Spanish and Portuguese - was created allowing members and the general public access to regularly updated information about the various events, programs, and initiatives The Latin Recording Academy produces throughout the year. Additionally, he launched a biweekly newsletter aimed at keeping members informed of upcoming events, recaps and accomplishments. In conjunction with the 10th Annual Latin GRAMMY Awards, The Latin Recording Academy introduced a new and successful social media plan including the creation of official pages on Facebook and Twitter. This allowed members and fans, as well as artists themselves, opportunities to interact and discuss nominees, performances and winners.

 

Successful events that continue to thrive under Abaroas leadership include the annual tribute gala honoring The Latin Recording Academy Person of the Year (Gilberto Gil, Carlos Santana, Jose Jose, Ricky Martin, Juan Luis Guerra, Gloria Estefan and Juan Gabriel, have been honored during Abaroas tenure), and the Special Awards Ceremony (recognizing Lifetime Achievement Award and Trustee Awards), which was institutionalized as a way to recognize and honor the work of legends in Latin music.

 

Before becoming President in 2003, Abaroa served as the Vice Chairman of The Latin Recording Academy Board of Trustees. Prior to that, he also held the position of CEO at both Wireless Latin Entertainment and IFPI Latin America, the international recording industry association. He is a proud member of the National Council of La Raza, a Trustee of the Miami Symphony Orchestra, and a member of Enlace México. Abaroa comes from a family of talented musicians and entertainment business professionals.

 

Abaroa reports to the Board of Trustees of The Latin Recording Academy and leads a staff that works in Los Angeles and Miami.

 

The Latin Recording Academy is an international, membership-based organization comprised of Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking recording artists, musicians, songwriters, producers and other creative and technical recording professionals. The organization is dedicated to improving the quality of life and cultural condition for Latin music and its makers. In addition to producing the Latin GRAMMY Awards to honor excellence in the recorded arts and sciences, The Latin Recording Academy provides educational and outreach programs for the Latin music community. For more information about The Latin Recording Academy, please visit www.latingrammy.com. For breaking news and exclusive content, join the organizations social networks as a Twitter follower at www.twitter.com/latingrammys, and a Facebook fan at www.facebook.com/latingrammys.

 

SOURCE The Latin Recording Academy

Trio of Latino Non-Profits to Send a Message through Music with Unveiling of High Profile Performances Honoring Latino Culture in the U.S.

 

MALDEF, the Dolores Huerta Foundation and the Mexican Heritage Corporation jointly announce dates in August and September for series of concerts in Los Angeles and San Jose with headliners that include Carlos Santana, Pete Escovedo, Lila Downs, Zack de la Rocha, Eugenia Leon, Intocable, Los Tigres del Norte, Los Lobos, Ozomatli, Los Tex Maniacs, Mariachi Cobre and Mariachi Los Camperos de Nati Cano

 

 

LOS ANGELES, Aug. 6 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ -- On August 2, 2010, a trio of Latino non-profit organizations jointly unveiled August and September dates for a series of concerts developed by the respective organizations to honor Latino culture and history and to bring awareness to the ongoing need for comprehensive immigration reform. The historical series of performances by icons of Latino music and multiple Grammy winners spans both traditional and contemporary genres and will begin on August 13, with the Dolores Huerta Foundations concert at the Greek Theater in Hollywood, will continue from September 16 - 26, 2010 with the 19th Annual San Jose Mexican Heritage & Mariachi Festival, and will end on September 28, with MALDEFs "Truth in Immigration" Benefit Concert at the Gibson Amphitheater in Universal City. Headliners for the concerts and performances include: Carlos Santana, Eugenia Leon, Intocable, Los Tigres del Norte, Los Lobos, Ozomatli, Los Tex Maniacs, Mariachi Cobre and Mariachi Los Camperos de Nati Cano.

 

First, on August 13, the Dolores Huerta Foundation will host a concert entitled "Weaving Movements Together" at the Greek Theater in Hollywood featuring Carlos Santana, Pete Escovedo, Lila Downs, Zack de la Rocha, with celebrity co-hosts Martin Sheen, Ed Bagley Jr., Benjamin Bratt, Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, Culture Clash, and Jodie Evans from Code Pink with more to be announced.

 

Internationally recognized for her role in promoting human rights for women, immigrants, workers and the gay community, Dolores Huerta, President of Dolores Huerta Foundation and Co-founder of United Farm Workers of America, is celebrating her 80th birthday with an inspiring benefit concert entitled "Weaving Movements Together" to celebrate the victories of the past, address the challenges of the future, and collectively envision a better world. The Concert will be webcast live to over 25 simultaneous parties nationwide, will unite several social movements and help raise funds for the Dolores Huerta Foundation.

 

Next, the Mexican Heritage Corporation (MHC), producer of the largest Latino heritage and music festival in California, will host its 19th Annual San Jose Mexican Heritage & Mariachi Festival, September 16 - 26, 2010. Following the vision of Artistic Director and multiple Grammy winner Linda Ronstadt, the Festivals concerts and cultural events illuminate the "roots and branches" of Mexicos diverse culture, celebrate the contributions of Mexicos heritage and people to our civic life and honor the artists, who, through their body of work, spotlight the issues impacting Latinos today. The Festival is not a mere entertainment - it is a platform for advocacy through cultural expression.

 

On September 25, the Festival will feature the world premiere of "¡Adelita! The Women of the Mexican Revolution," a dazzling theatrical piece created and directed by Dan Guerrero, named "One of the 25 most powerful Latinos in Hollywood" by Hispanic Magazine. Guerrero was selected by Ronstadt to create and direct this original theatre piece. ¡Adelita! tells the gripping story of the women who fought in the Mexican Revolution - a story of bravery, loyalty, courage, love and passion that weaves music, dance, and historic visual projections to create a magical fable. The show features performances by Mexico City chanteuse Eugenia Leon, and Mariachi Cobre and Mariachi Los Camperos de Nati Cano. Dolores Huerta will also be honored by the production for 80 years of service to her community.

 

On September 26, the Festival will host "A Concert for the American Dream," featuring a performance of five time Grammy winners and Latin music legends Los Tigres del Norte, with their special guests Grammy winners Intocable The evening concert will take place at San Joses HP Pavilion, Sunday September 26 at 7PM. "A Concert for the American Dream" will celebrate with strong voices our contributions to our nations civic culture. Additional Latino legacy artists will be announced in August. Also on September 26, the Festival presents a free outdoor concert at Plaza de Cesar Chavez with headliners Ozomatli and special guests Los Tex Maniacs.

 

Known for their commitment to social justice, the 2010 Festival artists personify, through music and their commitment to our community, the American Dream. Proceeds from all Festival events benefit MHCs education programs.

 

Bringing the series to a close, on September 28, MALDEF will host its "Truth in Immigration" Benefit Concert featuring Los Tigres del Norte and Los Lobos. The Benefit Concert will be held at the Gibson Amphitheatre in Universal City at 8:15PM. Proceeds from the Benefit Concert will assist MALDEFs ongoing efforts to promote immigrants rights, including its fight to permanently block Arizonas anti-immigration law known as SB 1070.

 

Los Tigres del Norte is a creative social force and a prominent voice of social conscience within Latin music. Los Lobos are a three-time Grammy Award winning American Chicano rock band with influences from rock and roll, Tex-Mex, country music, fold, R&B, blues, and traditional Spanish and Mexican music such as boleros and norteno.

 

MALDEFs Truth in Immigration Campaign seeks to ensure that legal and factual inaccuracies about Latinos and other immigrants are quickly and soundly dispelled. The Campaign also raises funds to support MALDEFs educational missions and litigation efforts related to protecting the rights of immigrants. With the Benefit Concert, MALDEF will partner with world-renowned artists like Los Lobos and Los Tigres del Norte to bring a message of humanity and hope through music to concert-goers and supporters.

 

Thomas A. Saenz, MALDEF President and General Counsel stated: "This concert marks a new means of promoting accurate information on immigrants and immigration to inform the national debate to achieve progressive immigration reform. We are pleased to have the support of cultural icons Los Tigres del Norte and Los Lobos."

 

"The theme of our benefit concert is Weaving Movements Together, to motivate our disparate movements to work together for a successful social justice agenda and focus on grassroots community organizing," stated Dolores Huerta, President of Dolores Huerta Foundation and Co-founder of United Farm Workers of America. "The Dolores Huerta Foundation raises funds to train community organizers to develop leaders and build sustainable community organizations with an emphasis on women and youth."

 

"As a non-profit arts organization dedicated to celebrating our Latino culture and heritage, were alarmed at efforts in Arizona and elsewhere that seek to eliminate heritage education programs," said Marcela Davison Aviles, President and CEO of MHC. "This joint effort announced today catalyzes a new movement -- through music and advocacy -- to call attention to the contributions of Latinos to our civic culture, and to start a new type of conversation for the common good. Laws that legislate the elimination of heritage studies legislate the elimination of the ideals upon which our country was founded. As President Lincoln noted over 150 years ago, our blended culture not only informs our common humanity, our diverse cultural heritage defines it."

 

About MALDEF

 

Founded in 1968, MALDEF is the nations leading Latino legal civil rights organization. Often described as the "law firm of the Latino community," MALDEF promotes social change through advocacy, communications, community education, and litigation in the areas of education, employment, immigrant rights, and political access. For more information on MALDEF, please visit: http://www.maldef.org.

 

About the Dolores Huerta Foundation

 

Based in the agricultural communities of the Central Valley of California, DHF is a "hands on" training center for community organizing. DHF organizers in training are building a network of neighborhood organizations, Vecinos Unidos (United Neighbors). Community residents are working collectively to prioritize neighborhood projects, engage decision makers, and advocate for their rights. Other DHF Projects include a youth leadership program, a micro-lending and financial literacy program, a policy advocacy program (Policies of Conscience), and the Dolores Huerta Archives. The Foundation is a powerful institution for training the organizers and community leaders we need to shape our future world. For more information, please visit http://www.doloreshuerta.org.

 

About the San Jose Mexican Heritage Festival

 

Now in its 19th year, the Festival offers a two week schedule of musical, cultural and educational events, drawing over 50,000 people annually. Throughout the years, the Festival has presented a variety of traditional, Latin alternative, pop and regional Mexican headline artists in concert, such as Linda Ronstadt, Aida Cuevas, Juan Gabriel, Marco Antonio Solis, Pepe Aguilar, Los Tigres Del Norte, Los Lobos, Ozomatli, Mariachi Vargas, Mariachi Los Camperos de Nati Cano, Mariachi Cobre, Mariachi Sol de Mexico, and Mariachi International de Guadalajara, as well as local artists and folklorico companies such as Mariachi Azteca, Los Cenzontles, Mariachi Monumental de Juan Reyes, and Los Lupenos de San Jose. The Festival is the cornerstone of Mexican Heritage programming and the largest of its type in the nation. For more information, please visit http://www.sanjosemariachifestival.com.

 

SOURCE Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund

Labor and Latino Community Leaders Announce Kick-Off of Por Nuestras Familias - Todos a Votar! Campaign

 

9-City California Tour Under Way to Register Latino Constituents and Boost November Voter Turnout

 

LOS ANGELES, Aug. 5 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ -- The Service Employees International Union (SEIU) California, the California Teachers Association (CTA) and Latino leaders today announced a major statewide campaign, "Por Nuestras Familias - Todos a Votar!," aiming to register thousands of new Latino voters and boost Novembers Latino election turnout by signing up Latinos as new, permanent absentee (PAV) voters.

 

At a news conference in Los Angeles historic Placita Olvera, Eliseo Medina, International Executive Vice President of SEIU and David Sanchez, President of the California Teachers Association announced that they will embark on the 9- city "Por Nuestras Familias - Todos a Votar!" bus tour beginning August 14, with the goal of reinvigorating Latino voter participation and empowering those who do not regularly cast their ballot on election day. The campaign will provide non-registered Latino voters the tools they need to vote and generate motivation among all Latino constituents through a permanent absentee application drive.

 

"For Latinos, the 2010 election is more than merely electing one candidate or another; it is about taking an active role, now more than ever, in the decisions that will affect our families and creating a brighter future for our children and grandchildren," said Eliseo Medina, International Executive Vice President of the Service Employees International Union. "We have the potential to swing elections and the time for our voices to be heard is now."

 

The bus tour is the first effort launched by "Por Nuestras Familias - Todos a Votar!" to ensure that Latino voices are respected in the political process. Goals for this campaign include:

 

-- Registering Latinos to increase the proportion of voters statewide

-- Signing up Latinos as permanent absentee voters to increase Latino voter turnout from 34% in the last gubernatorial election to 40% this November - and make Latinos the decisive demographic this fall.

 

Angelica Salas, Executive Director of CHIRLA said, "With jobs and immigration being the two most important issues in Novembers elections, participating in the political process gives Latinos an opportunity to demand respect for our contributions to the economy and civic life of our communities."

 

While Latinos make up 32% of the adult population eligible to vote, they represent only 20% of the states registered voters - statistics "Por Nuestras Familias - Todos a Votar!" aims to change.

 

At each stop of the "Por Nuestras Familias - Todos a Votar!" bus tour, Eliseo Medina, CTA leaders, clergy and elected officials will join local community and labor leaders to urge Latinos to make their voice heard this November. The religious leaders said engaging Latinos in the election process is more important than one party or candidate, but about giving Latinos a voice in the political process and enabling them to build a better future for their families.

 

"Our message to Latinos is that we have the power to change California, and were putting the tools in their hands to improve the future of our communities," said Medina.

 

Following the bus tour, the campaign will continue to mobilize Latino voters to generate enthusiasm for the November election.

 

The "Por Nuestras Familias - Todos a Votar!" bus tour will start August 14 in San Diego, California and visit 9 cities before reaching the State Capitol in Sacramento. The schedule is as follows:

 

Saturday, August 14: San Diego, Riverside

Sunday, August 15: Santa Ana, Los Angeles, San Fernando

Monday, August 16: Bakersfield, Fresno

Tuesday, August 17: San Jose, Sacramento

 

About the "Por Nuestras Familias- Todos a Votar!" Coalition

The "Por Nuestras Familias - Todos a Votar!" Coalition was formed by community, labor, and religious leaders to encourage Latino civic participation and provide the information and necessary tools that non-registered Latino voters need in order to be fully engaged in the electoral process.

 

SOURCE Service Employees International Union

 

 

La Secta Allstar announces Concert in Miami

 

Currently nominated to Premios Juventud on the same category, the ceremony will take place in Miami the day before their concert

 

MIAMI, June /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ -- (Boomonline.com) It's exciting times for Puerto Ricans and Latinos in general living in Miami, as they are celebrating the newly announced concert date of LA SECTA ALLSTAR in that city. LA SECTA ALLSTAR is Puerto Rico's number one rock band.

Band members Mark Kilpatrick, Gustavo Laureano, John Lengel and Miky Genao have penned important hits along a 15 year old career with hits like "La locura automatica", "Este corazon", "Dame lo que quieras", "Vino viejo", "Bombon de Azucar" and many more.

The band is nominated this year, once again, to Premios Juventud, for Best Rock Album.

Their debut album, Aniquila, was released in 1997 producing four Top 40 hit singles: "Se Acabo", "Recompensa", "Nunca Jamas" and "Bombon de Azucar". This album was re-released in 1999 under the title Bombon de Azucar. Bombon de Azucar was again re-released in 2007 with the addition of "Mar y Marea" while "Si Tu No Estas" hasn't been rereleased.

On February 2010 the band won the prestigious Premio Lo Nuestro award in the "Rock Album of The Year" category. Currently the album is also nominated for Premios Juventud in the same category.

The awards ceremony will take place in Miami on July 15th, the next day, the band will perform, for the first time to a major audience in that city since 1997 since most of their trips to this city consisted of tv shows, special appearances and industry showcases. The concert will take place in Grand Central, the trendiest club in town, located at 697 N. Miami Ave, 33136 Downtown Miami (in front of former Miami Arena). Doors open at 9 PM, show 10 PM.

Tickets on sale now at http://www.wantickets.com/Events/115717/La-Secta-Allstar.aspx

More Info on the event here http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=119127864795279

Band's official website http://www.lasectaallstar.com/

SOURCE BOOM Magazine