Walden University Launches Online Degree in Spanish

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Extends access to higher education for Spanish-dominant adults. Walden University Launches Degree Taught in Spanish, Delivered Online; Offers Tuition Success Award

MINNEAPOLIS, July 29 /PRNewswire/ –Walden University has launched an online B.S. in Business Administration degree taught in Spanish with the option to learn English. The curriculum is fully delivered in Spanish, and is supported by a full suite of Spanish-language services. Walden’s program is designed to serve those for whom the English-language barrier is an obstacle to a degree from an accredited U.S. university.

Census data show that one-half of the foreign-born population of the United States is Hispanic. Members of the Hispanic community are, in particular, expected to benefit from this program offering.

“The segment of the Latino population that prefers learning and communicating in Spanish has not been well served by U.S. higher education institutions,” said Dr. Ivonne Chirino-Klevans, director of the Spanish-language B.S. in Business Administration program at Walden University. “Walden’s degree program removes the language obstacles preventing many eligible Hispanics from earning a degree. College ready, Spanish-dominant individuals now have a greater opportunity to improve their lives and advance their careers.”

To help provide an opportunity for all eligible students to pursue a degree, Walden has announced it will offer a Walden University Academic Success Award. Open to all students enrolled in the Bachelor of Science in Business Administration program (taught in Spanish with the option to learn English), this award can provide a 15 percent tuition reduction, which equates to between $6,000 and $6,750 over the life of the program*.

Walden’s bachelor’s program provides a full suite of Spanish-language support services, including enrollment and academic advising, writing assistance, tutoring, library resources, technical support, financial and personal counseling, and career services. For those students who want to become English-proficient, Walden offers an optional English-language component (ESL). With the ESL component, students can learn English while earning their degree, and eventually may become eligible to transfer into Walden’s English-language B.S. in Business Administration program. Regardless of the path students choose, upon graduation and with demonstrated proficiency, they may be able to enter Walden’s M.B.A. program.

The program combines academic theory with practical application. The Spanish-language program is designed to achieve the same outcomes as Walden’s English-language B.S. in Business Administration program and prepares students for real-world jobs in a global economy. For example, students will learn how to apply basic business principles to solve problems and leverage domestic and global opportunities; how to use critical thinking and business application skills to make strategic business decisions; how to evaluate the use of technology in a competitive global economy; and how to work effectively across cultures.

Students in the program will communicate in Spanish with other students and faculty members to exchange ideas; discuss key concepts, theories, and issues; practice new skills and strategies; and apply new knowledge to prior experiences.

Walden has long been a champion of the Latino community. In April 2009 The Hispanic Outlook in Higher Educationmagazine ranked Walden University No. 12 on its list of the top 25 colleges and universities with the largest Hispanic graduate student enrollment. The program, targeted to meet the specific and unique needs of the Latino community, is based in Walden’s College of Management and Technology. For the second year in a row, Walden was listed as having the No. 4 largest online graduate management program by enrollment by U.S. News & World Report. Walden is also a part of the Laureate International Universities network, with sister universities located across eight countries in Latin America.

For more informationabout Walden University’s B.S. in Business Administration (taught in Spanish with the option to learn English), visit www.licenciatura.waldenu.edu.

*Award, tuition and fees are for the 2009 – 2010 academic year and are subject to change. The total award amount is dependent upon each student’s transfer of credits and prior learning assessment totals. This award cannot be combined with any other Walden scholarship or tuition reduction offer. Not valid to Tennessee residents.

About Walden University

Since 1970, Walden University has supported working professionals in achieving their academic goals and making a greater impact in their professions and their communities. Today, more than 33,000 students from all 50 states and more than 90 countries are pursuing their bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degrees at Walden. The university provides students with an engaging educational experience that connects them with expert faculty and peers around the world. Walden is the flagship online university in the Laureate International Universities network–a global network of 45 online and campus-based universities in 20 countries.

Walden offers more than 36 degree programs with more than 140 specializations and concentrations. Areas of study include: health sciences, counseling, human services, management, psychology, education, public health, nursing, public administration, technology and engineering.

For more information, visit www.WaldenU.edu. Walden University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association, www.ncahlc.org.

Source: Walden University

Mundet, the Wonderful Apple Soft Drink Centenario Promotion

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Mundet announces the first winner of its national Centenario promotion — Julissa from Calexico, California. This contest commemorates the 100+- year heritage of Mundet, offering exciting prizes under special gold bottlecaps that can be found on Mundet Manzana Verde (Green Apple) and Sidral (Original Red Apple) Mundet bottles.

Mundet, the delicious apple-based soft drink which has been a part of the Mexican heritage since the early 20th century, is celebrating its 100+-year heritage with an exciting Centenario promotion. Consumers have the opportunity to win exciting instant-win prizes located under special gold bottlecaps found on Mundet Green Apple and Sidral Mundet glass bottles. The grand prizes are Centenarios, Mexican bullion coins created in 1921 to honor the 100-year anniversary of Mexico’s independence from Spain, with an approximate value of $1,500 each. Additional prizes include T-shirts and teddy bears.

The first Centenario prize winner was Julissa from Calexico, CA. The Centenario promotion is national in scope. Consumers still have a chance to win prizes, including more Centenario coins, because the promotion is scheduled to run through May, 2010, or until all prizes are awarded.

Mundet soft drinks are known for their unique and delicious real-apple flavor. Sidral Mundet does not contain any flavoring (natural or artificial), since its unique flavor comes from real apples. Mundet is popular with adults and children, and is considered by many to have health benefits due to its pasteurization process and since it does not contain caffeine. Many Mexican mothers use Mundet as a hydration fluid for their children.

Since 1988, Mundet soft drinks have been distributed in the United States exclusively by Novamex (www.novamex.com). Mundet is currently one of the best-selling Mexican soft drinks in the US. Novamex is a leader in the marketing and distribution of authentic Mexican products in the United States, including Jarritos, Mineragua and Mundet, delicious soft drinks with the great authentic flavor of Mexico. In additional to product sales, marketing and distribution, Novamex provides educational and sports opportunities to children and youth in high-Hispanic markets throughout the United States, and assists hundreds of churches and non-profit organizations through the donation of soft drinks that can be sold for fundraising purposes.
Source: Mundet

New Financial Services Hispanic Marketing Campaign

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Fifth Third Bank (Nasdaq: FITB), a diversified financial services company headquartered in Cincinnati, OH, announced this week the launch of its new financial services Hispanic marketing campaign tailored for the growing Hispanic population. The campaign entitled “Las cosas que hacemos por los suenos,” or “The Things We Do for Dreams,” seeks to expand the Bank’s positioning as a trusted financial partner for Hispanics. The creative executions show variations of the “American Dream” such as owning a home or taking a family vacation, along with the Bank’s tips regarding how to make those dreams a reality through proper financial planning.

The campaign began running in April and will appear throughout the year in markets that are part of the Bank’s footprint: Chicago, Orlando, Tampa, Ft. Myers, Naples, Grand Rapids, and Indianapolis. The ads will run in radio, print, Out of Home and online in Spanish language media. Part of the campaign will also be a series of financial workshops and television vignettes providing tips on how to best handle one’s finances during the current economic climate and beyond. A comprehensive public relations push will support all initiatives.

Why a New Financial Services Hispanic Marketing Campaign

“The Hispanic market is a key growth segment for Fifth Third Bank. The goal with this campaign is to inform Hispanic customers about the best ways to keep their finances healthy and growing so they can make their dreams a reality,” said Larry S. Magnesen, Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer.

“Fifth Third Bank just celebrated its 150th anniversary, a testament to the Bank’s strength and heritage. Our campaign seeks to couple that message of trust with a personal connection around Latino insights. At the end, the goal is simple: to get them to see Fifth Third as a partner they can trust,” commented Catherine Nunez Account Director at the vox collective, the full service advertising agency Fifth Third Bank is partnering with for many of its multicultural initiatives.

The campaign pieces can be viewed at: www.thevoxcollective.com/fifththirdbank

Fifth Third Bancorp is a diversified financial services company headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio. The Company has $119 billion in assets, operates 16 affiliates with 1,318 full-service Banking Centers, including 99 Bank Mart(R) locations open seven days a week inside select grocery stores and 2,354 ATMs in Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana, Michigan, Illinois, Florida, Tennessee, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Missouri, Georgia and North Carolina. Fifth Third operates four main businesses: Commercial Banking, Branch Banking, Consumer Lending, and Investment Advisors. Fifth Third also has a 49% interest in Fifth Third Processing Solutions, LLC. Fifth Third is among the largest money managers in the Midwest and, as of March 31, 2009, had $166 billion in assets under care, of which it managed $23 billion for individuals, corporations and not-for-profit organizations. Investor information and press releases can be viewed at www.53.com. Fifth Third’s common stock is traded on the NASDAQ(R) National Global Select Market under the symbol “FITB.” Fifth Third Bank, Member FDIC.
Source: Fifth Third Bancorp

Health advertising campaigns by Kaiser Permanente

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Kaiser Permanente Continues to Spread Health With New Health Advertising Campaigns

Thrivecampaign reflects diverse communities; focuses on health advocacy and quality

Kaiser Permanente is adding two new television commercials to its Thrive advertising campaign this month. The 30-second ads, titled “Mural” and “Kabuki,” reinforce Kaiser Permanente’s commitment to the communities it serves, as well as the organization’s dedication to helping its members achieve total health.

Mural, the first of the health advertising campaigns

“Mural,” a bilingual commercial featuring Latin music, tells a story of young artists in an urban neighborhood who start with a polluted environment, and create a beautiful mural of a park with a farmers market and a soccer field, demonstrating how healthy environments play an instrumental role in total health and wellness. Using a technique that water-washes a stencil pattern onto a dirty wall, the patterned scene comes to life as the spot closes with the words, “Imagine Health. Kaiser Permanente. Viva Bien.”

Kabuki, the second of the health advertising campaigns

“Kabuki,” a musical-themed ad, showcases an actual Kaiser Permanente health team and employs techniques derived from the ancient art form of Kabuki, a type of Japanese dance-drama. The “Kabuki” spot includes two Southern California doctors, Bob Sallis, MD, and Tad Funahashi, MD, along with Daniella Gerber, education and research clerk, Jim Warmington, pharmacy services manager, Lynn Owens, RN, and Norma Aguilar, medical assistant. The overarching Thrive message is, “You and your Kaiser Permanente team. Together, you rock.”

“‘Mural’ and ‘Kabuki’ continue to expand on Kaiser Permanente’s message of total health,” said Debbie Cantu, vice president of brand marketing and advertising for Kaiser Permanente. “With ‘Mural’ we showcase the importance of community partnerships to create healthier communities and with ‘Kabuki,’ we highlight the benefits of an integrated health care system, where all caregivers are connected with each other as well as with patients. We are proud to emphasize our commitment to healthier communities and comprehensive, coordinated care to promote a culture of wellness–Kaiser Permanente’s point of differentiation.”

The $50-million, multi-year Thrive Campaign was created in partnership with Warren, Michigan-based advertising agency Campbell-Ewald, which has worked with Kaiser Permanente since the rollout of the first Thrive ads in 2004, and its sister agency Accentmarketing, headquartered in Miami, which specializes in the Hispanic market.

“The most interesting aspect of the ‘Kabuki’ spot is the real Kaiser Permanente medical professionals who perform the Kabuki dance in the finale,” said Campbell-Ewald Agency Creative Director, Neville Anderson. “Just as in real life, you can count on every member of the Kaiser Permanente team to work in unison to provide completely integrated care for each patient.”

“Kabuki” will run in California, Oregon/Washington, Colorado (Southern),Hawaii and Georgia. “Mural” will be shown in California,Oregon/Washington and Colorado (Denver).

Source: Red Orbit

Publix tries to appeal to Hispanic market in Georgia

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Hispanic buying power in Georgia has grown by 1037% since 1990, No wonder Publix tries to appeal to Hispanic market in Georgia!

Norcross store gets makeover with focus on items from Mexico

“Do you have the sombrero? Has it arrived yet?”

It’s not the kind of question a grocery store manager overseeing the final details of a renovation would normally expect from a contractor. But for Marco Guillen, it’s just all in a day’s work.

Guillen is the point man on Publix Super Markets newest experiment — the first store outside of the company’s home turf in Florida designed to appeal to Hispanic shoppers.

The store, located in a heavily Hispanic neighborhood that Census records show is predominantly Mexican in origin, features bilingual signs and shelves stocked with more than 1,500 new Mexican and Central American items brought into the store in recent months.

Where Hispanic foods were once isolated in a single aisle, they’re now spread throughout the store. Dried guajillo chiles are piled up in a box in the produce section. Jarritos soft drinks take up shelf space near Coke and Pepsi products. Foca powder detergent is near the Tide. Colorful pinatas are scattered throughout.

“We really had to go out and challenge our suppliers to go out and get us items that are traditionally Mexican. Not Mexican-American, but Mexican,” said the company’s Atlanta spokeswoman, Brenda Reid.

The store also features a salsa bar, deli items meant to appeal to the Hispanic palate and an expanded number of Western Union terminals, popular with Hispanic immigrants sending money home. About half of its employees are bilingual, recruited from Publix stores all over metro Atlanta, Reid said.

The store has been slowly rolling out the changes for months. It formally debuts Thursday with a grand opening featuring a mariachi band and other festivities.

The effort is rooted in rising Hispanic buying power and increasing competition from ethnic groceries that cater to the fast-growing Hispanic and Asian communities, Reid said.

Hispanic buying power in Georgia has grown by 1037 percent since 1990, outstripping the 194 percent growth for the overall market by more than five times, according to the Selig Center for Economic Growth at the University of Georgia.

Hispanics now account for 5.1 percent of Georgia’s buying power and are projected to outpace the growth by all other ethnic groups, according to the center.

A spokesman for Kroger, metro Atlanta’s leading grocer, said his company hasn’t explicity labeled any one store to appeal to a specific demographic. But Glynn Jenkins said the company adjusts each store’s product mix to appeal to local tastes.

Publix tries to appeal to Hispanic market in Georgia

Guillen said the changes at his store have gone over well with both Hispanic and non-Hispanic customers. The store’s bright new color palette and the fact that the store only eliminated a handful of unpopular items to make way for its new Hispanic product mix continues to bring in customers of all stripes, he said.

Source: The Atlanta Journal-Constitution – Michael Pearson