Call it a homecoming.
When Toyota introduced Lexus to the U.S. market in 1989, the Georgetown, Ky., plant – its first stand-alone vehicle manufacturing facility in America – was just in its second year of producing the Camry.
Fast forward 26 years and that same plant is celebrating the start of U.S. Lexus production. Today at a ceremony fit for a luxury brand king, the first-ever U.S.-produced ES 350 was unveiled before several thousand proud team members in Georgetown. And, just like a newborn foal at the nearby horse farms in Central Kentucky, the newcomer was brought into the world with plenty of TLC and hope for a bright future.
“This is really a proud moment for us and brings us full circle,” said Wil James, president, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Kentucky, Inc. “To be the first wholly owned plant, building the number one best-selling car in America, the Camry, for 13 years in a row, and then to be selected to build the first Lexus is truly a tribute to our team members.”
For the past two and a half years, the Kentucky plant – Toyota’s largest in North America – has been gearing up to make the ES 350, Lexus’ best-selling sedan in the U.S. In all, $360 million was invested toward a new dedicated assembly line, adding 750 new jobs. Total capacity for the new line will be 50,000 vehicles.
To view the multimedia release go to:
http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7655351-lexus-kentucky-plant-es-350/
Today, SunPower launched its Helix™ platform, the world’s first fully-integrated commercial solar solution combining solar power production and energy management.
“Unique in the solar industry, Helix is a complete solution that optimizes power production and maximizes value for our commercial customers, such as Bed Bath and Beyond,” said Tom Werner, president and CEO of SunPower. “Integral to each Helix component, from the solar cells to the energy management system, is SunPower’s 30 years of innovation and experience delivering some of the world’s most efficient, reliable solar technology.”
Helix is a pre-engineered, modular solution that is built to last and fast to install, enabling customers to scale their solar programs quickly with minimal business disruption. The Helix platform is standardized across rooftop, carport and ground installations.
To view the multimedia release go to:
http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7048952-sunpower-helix/
Toys“R”Us® today announced that The Great Big Toys“R”Us Book of Awesome, the company’s annual resource for the year’s hottest toys, will begin arriving in homes this week featuring an all-new, special interactive edition. This 96-page toy compendium is compatible with the company’s all-new app, The Geoffrey Shuffle, a game that allows kids to bring to life the season’s most coveted toys through an augmented reality experience. An abbreviated catalog, which features 48 pages of kid-favorite toys, is now available online at Toysrus.com and will be in local newspapers on Saturday, October 31. This year’s highly-anticipated gift guide from The World’s Greatest Toy Store™ also includes thousands of dollars worth of compelling deals and coupon offers, valid Sunday, November 1 through Saturday, November 21.
“The arrival of The Great Big Toys“R”Us Book of Awesome marks the kickoff of the time-honored tradition of children eagerly studying pages upon pages of the year’s hottest toys, curating their must-have lists for Christmas morning,” said Richard Lennox, Senior Vice President, Chief Marketing Officer, Toys“R”Us, U.S. “Within the book, we created eight interactive lifestyle spreads that show the breadth of our assortment and make bold statements for some of the brands most beloved by kids. This catalog is the centerpiece of our holiday marketing efforts, and extends the theme of “AWWWESOME,” speaking not only to the excitement kids have when they turn the first page, but also the ways the company is helping gift-givers save with great deals and services, such as Price Match Guarantee and Free Shipping.”
To view the multimedia release go to:
http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7476352-toys-r-us-book-of-awesome-2015/
A new Obama administration regulation–the so-called Stream Protection Rule–is about to drive up energy costs and unemployment with no gain in environmental benefits, cautions the National Mining Association.
“The primary motive of this regulation is not to protect streams, as its title would suggest, but to protect federal regulators' jobs at the expense of coal miners' jobs as the nation's energy providers,” said Luke Popovich, vice president of communications for the National Mining Association.
In a classic example of needless regulation, the U.S. Office of Surface Mining, or OSM, plans to change more than 475 regulations, as well as add more new rules – despite no demonstrated need. OSM has crafted the rule behind closed doors, Popovich said, shutting cooperating states out of discussions about the purpose and content of the regulation.
The new rule carries a heavy economic price tag, Popovich warned. He pointed to an analysis by an independent consultant that found that OSM’s rule would put more than 268,000 mining and dependent jobs at risk—adding to the 40,000 high-wage jobs already lost in the industry.
To view the multimedia release go to:
http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7221731-national-mining-association-americans-electricity-bill-increase-due-to-epa-regulations/
Today Barclaycard US, the payments business of Barclays in the United States, announced the launch of the #IHAVEARRIVED Travel Community contest, hosted by Barclaycard Arrival™ MasterCard®. Travel enthusiasts and Barclaycard Arrival cardmembers are invited to join the Barclaycard Travel Community to share their #IHAVEARRIVED travel moment. Barclaycard Arrival cardmembers who enter, have the opportunity to win an exclusive grand prize trip for two to the 58th Annual GRAMMY Awards® in February 2016. Community members who are not Barclaycard Arrival cardmembers have an opportunity to choose between two grand prize options: a West Coast VIP trip for two to Napa Valley, California or an East Coast VIP trip for two to New York City.
“Since launching in 2013, Barclaycard Arrival continues to be recognized by industry experts as the go-to travel card,” said Maurice Ragland, vice president of branded cards. “We make it easy for cardmembers to have once-in-a-lifetime adventures by offering the industry’s best travel rewards program. What better way to showcase these moments than through the #IHAVEARRIVED campaign.”
Travel enthusiasts across the country are encouraged to share memorable travel stories from October 28 through November 22 in the Barclaycard Travel Community. Entries must include a short description and photo of the travel experience. Entries will be judged on originality, creativity, writing and photography.
To view the multimedia release go to:
http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7671251-barclaycard-ihavearrived-launch/
Carhartt, America’s premium work wear brand since 1889, today launched its national fall integrated marketing campaign focused on the brand’s durable water repellent Rain Defender® technology available in select outerwear, sweatshirts, pants and accessories. The multi-week campaign features search and rescue crewmembers who don’t have the luxury of waiting for good weather; their workdays don’t get rain delays. The campaign will be shown across multiple broadcast and digital channels through December.
“Durable, high performance sweatshirts and outerwear are a necessity for anyone in the rugged outdoors who can’t stop because of weather. Carhartt’s products featuring Rain Defender® keep you dry by making water bead up and run off the fabric,” said Tony Ambroza, senior vice president of marketing at Carhartt. “This fall’s national campaign features real search and rescue crews from Creede, Colorado taking on rain, sleet and snow in a typical day’s work.”
Carhartt’s durable water repellent Rain Defender® gear includes Quick Duck® jackets, vests and bibs, Carhartt’s Shoreline and Force Equator outerwear, bibs and pants and Carhartt’s Rain Defender® equipped sweatshirts – zip-front, hoodie, mock or crewneck styles. Carhartt also offers tool bags and a selection of other gear also equipped to protect against the rain as well.
To view the multimedia release go to:
http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7419252-carhartt-rain-defender/
Mitsubishi Aircraft Corporation and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI) today conducted the first flight of the first flight-test airplane for the MRJ (Mitsubishi Regional Jet), their next-generation regional jet. The first flight was viewed around the world on the MRJ website, www.flythemrj.com.
The MRJ took off from Nagoya Airport and confirmed its basic characteristics and functionality in ascent, descent and turning in airspace off the Pacific coast during its 1.5-hour first flight.
“The MRJ successfully took to the sky today thanks to ongoing cooperation and support from all members involved,” said Hiromichi Morimoto, President, Mitsubishi Aircraft Corporation. “ We will make our utmost efforts towards type certificate acquisition, committing all our resources to develop and produce the finest regional jet aircraft to enter commercial service in 2017.”
“Operational performance of the MRJ exceeded expectations. We had a significantly comfortable flight,” said Pilot Yasumura, who served as captain.
To view the multimedia release go to:
http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7688051-mitsubishi-aircraft-mrj/
ShoulderHill Events, LLC a wholly-owned subsidiary of ShoulderHill Entertainment today announced that the Company is producing the global event 2015 24 Hours of Reality and Live Earth: The World Is Watching, airing from 6pm CET, Friday, November 13 to 6pm CET, Saturday, November 14. The show will be broadcast from the Champs de Mars in front of the iconic Eiffel Tower in Paris and will feature leaders from around the world in addition to actors, activists, scientists and some of the biggest names in music.
Former US Vice President and Chairman of The Climate Reality Project Al Gore will lead the global broadcast which is seeking to generate momentum for strong action on climate from world leaders in the final days before the UN climate talks in Paris. This round-the-clock and round-the-world program will unite a global audience in demanding a strong climate agreement in Paris and include presentations and performances from leading climate experts and activists and award-winning celebrities and musicians. French leaders President François Hollande, Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo and musical group Duran Duran will join in the broadcast from Paris.
To view the multimedia release go to:
http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7692251-shoulderhill-24-hours-of-reality/
Christina Nicols, senior vice president and director of strategic planning and research at Hager Sharp, was named the Washington Women in Public Relations’ (WWPR) 2015 Washington PR Woman of the Year Friday in a ceremony honoring top public relations executives and celebrating women in communications.
Nicols was one of three public relations professionals chosen as an honoree for the 26th annual award. The other finalists were Carrie Fox, president of C. Fox Communications, and Lisa Throckmorton, chief operations officer at SpeakerBox Communications. The three finalists represent women who have led some of the most influential communications campaigns in the District and across the country.
“This is a phenomenal honor and I am humbled to be surrounded by such exemplary leaders in the field who are dedicated to mentoring and supporting the next generation of public relations professionals,” said Nicols. “It is a special privilege to join the ranks of previous PR Woman of the Year recipients including Hager Sharp’s own cofounders Susan Hager and Marcia Sharp, as well as our CEO Jennifer Wayman and executive vice president Debra Silimeo.”
Nicols was presented the award by Silimeo, the 2010 PR Woman of the Year, at Friday’s luncheon.
To view the multimedia release go to:
http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7695751-2015-wwpr-woman-of-the-year-award/
Kia Motors America (KMA) today unveiled the all-new 2017 Sportage at the Los Angeles Auto Show. The fourth-generation Sportage, KMA’s longest-running nameplate, wraps stunning contemporary design around a structure that is both stiffer and more spacious than before. Advanced driver assistance technologies, significant suspension and steering improvements, and available intelligent AWD vastly improve the Sportage’s driving dynamics while premium materials and world-class craftsmanship create a class-up experience in an otherwise utilitarian segment.
“Simply put, the Sportage is a breed apart in the compact CUV segment,” said Orth Hedrick, vice president, product planning KMA. “Instead of bland utility, the Sportage combines distinctly European and sporty styling with thoughtful design and functionality, including innovative packaging, premium materials, a turbocharged engine and surprising features. Sales of compact CUVs are on a sharply upward trajectory, and the all-new 2017 Sportage hits the sweet spot by providing an alternative for those seeking to express themselves with a vehicle that’s versatile enough to suit their unique lifestyle.”
The all-new Sportage’s roomier, more luxurious cabin features an impressive level of craftsmanship, with high-quality, soft-touch materials and a range of technologies improving overall comfort, convenience, and connectivity. Updates to the drivetrain provide enhanced efficiency and performance, while changes to the suspension deliver better ride and handling. Like the outgoing model, the all-new Sportage will be built at Kia’s production facility in Gwangju, Korea, and be available in three distinct trim levels (LX, EX, SX Turbo) when it goes on sale next year. Pricing will be announced closer to the Sportage’s on-sale date.
To view the multimedia release go to:
http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7436354-2017-kia-sportage-l-a-auto-show-debut/
Food Network kicks off the New Year with a new season of Worst Cooks in America, the hit competition series that transforms kitchen disasters into skilled cooks, and five-time winner Chef Anne Burrell returning for a rematch against Chef Tyler Florence. Premiering on Sunday, January 3rd at 9pm ET/PT, the seven episode series pits Anne against Tyler, each leading a team of disastrous cooks in an intense kitchen boot camp designed to vastly improve the food skills of their recruits. The contestant who makes the most impressive culinary transformation is awarded a $25,000 grand prize, in addition to delivering victory and bragging rights for their team leader.
“Worst Cooks is comical, competitive and ultimately, inspiring,” said Bob Tuschman, General Manager and Senior Vice President, Food Network. “Under Anne and Tyler's guidance, these cooking-challenged contenders transform their hilarious kitchen blunders to refined culinary techniques - and the journey is truly entertaining to watch.”
In the season premiere, Anne and Tyler are confronted with some of the worst cooks they've ever seen during an open casting call. They then chose fourteen recruits including a lunch lady, truck driver, Army veteran and special education teacher to send to boot camp, and each contestant whips up the “offending dish” that landed them in hot water. After a stomach-wrenching tasting, Anne and Tyler pick their teams and attempt to teach them to make a well-balanced meal. Two recruits are not up to the task, and are sent home. Upcoming episodes feature a game show - style battle called “Family Food,” internationally-flavored empanada and Asian street food challenges and a visit from the competitors’ loved ones. The season culminates in a finale on Sunday, February 14th at 9pm ET/PT where the most improved recruit is awarded $25,000 and bragging rights for their mentor.
To view the multimedia release go to:
http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7619231-food-network-worst-cooks-in-america/
Jewelry Television (JTV), the only shopping network focused exclusively on the sale of fine jewelry and gemstones, is celebrating the holiday season with eight days of exclusive savings and offers. From Nov. 23 through Nov. 30, JTV's customers will be able to purchase select gifts and jewelry up to 70 percent off. Early holiday shoppers can take advantage of special offers and savings on jewelry, gemstones and more each day, online and during programming on JTV.
“Every year, holiday shoppers try to get an earlier head start on their shopping,” said Jill Johnson, vice president of marketing at JTV. “With our weeklong Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals, customers can enjoy the holidays with their families while shopping from home.”
To view the multimedia release go to:
http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7372631-jewelry-television/
