CaribPR Wire

International accreditation recognizes exceptional standards of quality and patient care. Baptist Health International is proud to have supported ImSan to reach this significant milestone in Aruba

MIAMI, July 21, 2023 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ – Baptist Health International partner in Aruba, Instituto Medico San Nicolas (ImSan), has earned hospital accreditation by the Joint Commission International (JCI). Globally recognized as the gold standard in healthcare quality and patient safety, JCI accreditation signifies ImSan’s commitment to providing exceptional medical care, adhering to rigorous international standards, and continuously striving for excellence. ImSan is the first hospital in Aruba and the Dutch Caribbean, as well as the fourth in the entire Caribbean region, to receive this prestigious recognition.

To obtain the accreditation, ImSan underwent a five-day on-site review in June. A team of JCI reviewers evaluated compliance with hospital standards across various areas, including emergency management, environment of care, infection prevention and control, leadership, medication management, and individual rights and responsibilities. In addition to their own observations and interviews, the reviewers conducted patient tracers, which followed patients through the course of their care while receiving services.

With its multidisciplinary team of medical experts, Baptist Health International, part of Baptist Health South Florida, offered comprehensive advisory services, assessments, training, and readiness support to ImSan in preparation for the JCI survey.

“We extend our warmest congratulations to Dr. Rajnherc and the ImSan team on its remarkable achievement of obtaining Joint Commission International accreditation. Through our long-standing partnership, ImSan has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to excellence in healthcare,” said Rogelio E. Ribas, M.D., corporate vice president of Baptist Health International. “This accreditation is a testament to the dedication and hard work of the entire ImSan team. We are proud to be part of ImSan’s journey and look forward to continued collaboration in advancing healthcare excellence in Aruba and the Dutch Caribbean region.”

Baptist Health International has had a relationship with ImSan for more than 10 years, providing consulting services and guidance throughout various expansion projects. These include the construction and relocation of the dialysis department; the completion of three operating rooms; the opening of the medical surgery area; the construction and launch of Aruba’s first radiation oncology unit, in collaboration with Baptist Health Miami Cancer Institute; and the design and construction of the facility’s new central energy plant. Baptist Health International also facilitated the renovation of ImSan’s Eye Center and Clinic, Emergency and Radiology departments, building lobby and support areas.

“With continuous support and inspiration from our partners at Baptist Heath International, we embarked on our journey to excellence. Striving for excellence in healthcare is like reaching for the stars should you only reach the moon you have already made a giant leap forward,” said Joel Rajnherc, director of ImSan. “Achieving JCI accreditation is the ultimate testimony to the success of that journey.”

This accomplishment reinforces ImSan’s position as a trusted healthcare provider that is dedicated to delivering top-quality services to all its patients and positions the hospital as a leading healthcare institution in the region.

About Baptist Health International
Baptist Health International is one of the largest hospital-based international programs in the United States, with more than 13,000 international patient visits at Baptist Health facilities from the Florida Keys to Palm Beach County. Baptist Health International is dedicated to providing comprehensive, high-quality services for international physicians and their patients, including hospital admissions, outpatient medical exams, medical second opinions and physician consultations, as well as concierge services. For more information, please visit https://baptisthealth.net/international-services.

For more information on Baptist Health International’s collaborations and advisory services, please visit https://baptisthealth.net/international-services/international-healthcare-professionals/international-collaborations or email [email protected]

About Miami Cancer Institute
Miami Cancer Institute brings to South Florida access to personalized clinical treatments and comprehensive support services delivered with unparalleled compassion. No other cancer program in the region has the combination of cancer-fighting expertise and advanced technology — including the first proton therapy center in South Florida, Latin America and the Caribbean, and one of the only radiation oncology programs in the world with each of the newest radiation therapies in one place — to diagnose and deliver precise cancer treatments that achieve the best outcomes and improve the lives of cancer patients. The Institute offers an impressive roster of established community oncologists and renowned experts, clinical researchers and genomic scientists recruited from the nation’s top cancer centers. Selected as Florida’s only member of the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer (MSK) Alliance, Miami Cancer Institute is part of a meaningful clinical collaboration that affords patients in South Florida access to innovative treatments and ensures that the standards of care developed by their multidisciplinary disease management teams match those at MSK. For more information, please visit https://cancer.baptisthealth.net/miami-cancer-institute.

Miami Cancer Institute is part of Baptist Health Cancer Care, the largest cancer program in South Florida, with locations from the Florida Keys to the Palm Beaches.

About Baptist Health South Florida
Baptist Health is the largest healthcare organization in the region, with 12 hospitals, more than 27,000 employees, 4,000 physicians and 200 outpatient centers, urgent care facilities and physician practices spanning Miami-Dade, Monroe, Broward and Palm Beach counties. Baptist Health has internationally renowned centers of excellence in cancer, cardiovascular care, orthopedics and sports medicine, and neurosciences. The organization includes Baptist Health Medical Group, Baptist Health Quality Network and Baptist Health Care On Demand, a virtual health platform. A not-for-profit organization supported by philanthropy and committed to its faith-based charitable mission of medical excellence, Baptist Health has been recognized by Fortune magazine as one of the 100 Best Companies to Work For in America and by Ethisphere as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies. For more information, visit BaptistHealth.net/Newsroom and connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn.

About Instituto Medico San Nicolas
Instituto Medico San Nicolas (ImSan) is a 22-bed medical facility for hospital care located in San Nicolas, Aruba. Specializing in the treatment of patients with chronic noncommunicable disease, its services and support areas include an emergency department, three operating rooms and medical surgery department, a diabetic center, a full-service eye center and clinics, dialysis, radiology, radiation oncology, pharmacy, central sterile and the ambulance operations for the island. For more information, please visit https://www.imsan.aw/

About The Joint Commission
Founded in 1951, The Joint Commission seeks to continuously improve healthcare for the public, in collaboration with other stakeholders, by evaluating healthcare organizations and inspiring them to excel in providing safe and effective care of the highest quality and value. The Joint Commission accredits and certifies more than 21,000 healthcare organizations and programs in the United States. An independent, nonprofit organization, The Joint Commission is the nation’s oldest and largest standards-setting and accrediting body in healthcare. Learn more about The Joint Commission at www.jointcommission.org.

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- Clinical trials with over 3,000 treated patients demonstrate its efficacy.

- Studies demonstrated that at least two thirds of the patients obtained 75% improvement of Psoriasis Activity Severity Index.

- This treatment significantly improves the quality of life of patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis.

PANAMA CITY, Dec. 2, 2015 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ – Psoriasis is a chronic skin disease that affects around 140 million people worldwide.  It’s more frequent between the ages of 15 and 25, but may develop at any age and highly impacts the quality of life.

Several types of psoriasis exist, which range from mild to severe and disabling. Plaque psoriasis is the most common form and is known for producing inflammation and scaly patches of thickened skin called “plaques”. It is caused due to a problem in the immunologic system, where white blood cells that normally become activated to fight infections, are in this case activated against the healthy skin cells.  The cause of the disease is unknown. The immunologic system is activated and produces inflammatory mediators which are responsible for the skin lesions.

During this process, white blood cells release chemical products called “cytokines”, which produce inflammation, reddening of the skin and make the cutaneous cells move from deeper skin layer to surface at a higher speed than normal, (almost 5 times). These cells accumulate and generate the scaly patches. Psoriatic lesions show the aspect of scales, sometimes with a white silver color, while the skin below is red and if scratched it can bleed. Two specific cytokines are increased in the pathogenesis of psoriasis and produce the inflammatory process of the disease (Interleukin 12 and Interleukin 23).

Ustekinumab is a monoclonal antibody that represents the first of a new class of psoriasis therapies that specifically and selectively targets IL-12/IL-23.

Ustekinumab is now available in the Caribbean, specifically in Aruba, Bahamas, Bermuda, Cayman Islands, Curacao and Jamaica.^[i] Ustekinumab is commercialized under the brand Stelara™.

This therapeutic alternative is the latest generation of psoriasis treatment. With over 3,000 treated patients (in clinical trials) up to 5 years of treatment. The data obtained proves that the treatment is well tolerated and safe.

Clinical trials demonstrated that at least two thirds of the patients obtained a 75% improvement of the psoriasis, in accordance with the Psoriasis Activity Severity Index (PASI 75), after only two doses of Ustekinumab. This innovative treatment has a very convenient dosage regimen when compared with other biological therapies for psoriasis. After 5 years, approximately 80% of the patients treated with Ustekinumab maintain response.

Until recent years, psoriasis was considered a disease limited to the skin. Recent evidence, from important population studies in psoriatic patients, has demonstrated an increase in mortality and a decrease in life expectancy between 3 to 4 years in patients with psoriasis.

On the other hand, the impact of psoriasis notably influences the quality of life, and this is reflected in the increase of different social and psychoactive pathologies, and in the acquisition of unhealthy habits like tobacco and alcohol, favored by low self-esteem, anxiety, depression and the isolation which patients feel subjected to.^[ii]

“Ustekinumab significantly improves the quality of life of patients with moderate to severe psoriasis, as well as their physical and mental functions. After 12 weeks of treatment, patients treated with Ustekinumab present a significant improvement in their mental well-being and their physical condition”, affirmed Dr. Eduardo Franco; Janssen’s Medical Director for Central America and the Caribbean.

The itching and pain, the plaques in their hands and feet may hinder the performance of certain tasks or participation in some activities. Overtime, about 40% of psoriatic patients develop arthritis. “The most severe cases of psoriasis may even generate immobility of the patient. Some patients compare the reduction of their physical activities to the ones generated by other diseases as cancer or heart diseases”, pointed out Dr. Jose Antonio Herrera, Immunology Medical Manager for Janssen.

About Janssen

Janssen is a Company dedicated to the research of providing innovative products that help protect and improve the life of people, and face and solve the most important and unresolved medical needs of our times, in the areas of oncology, immunology, neurosciences and infectious, cardiovascular and metabolic diseases.

Across the different companies of the Johnson & Johnson group, our people are united in the passionate pursuit of solutions through science, in benefit of the patients.

Present in over 50 countries, we share the commitment of the founders of the Company, of innovating in ideas, products and services for the patients of the whole world.

^{[i] Ustekinumab was approved by the following Health Authorities:
Aruba: Drug Registration Board,
Curacao; Drug Registration Board
Jamaica: Ministry of Health.
Cayman Islands, Bahamas and Bermuda are not regulated countries.}

^{[ii] 2009 Latin American Psoriasis Consensus, treatment guides, Latin American Psoriasis Society}

Fact Sheet Psoriasis

1. Psoriasis is a chronic disease that affects over 140 million people worldwide.
2. It presents itself more frequently between the ages of 15 and 25, but may develop at any age and highly impacts the quality of life.
3. The main cause for this disease is unknown. The immunologic system is activated and produces inflammatory mediators which stimulated white cells and infiltrate the skin layers. The deep layer cells move to the outer layer of the skin at least 5 time faster than usual, and this produces the characteristic plaque of the psoriasis.
4. There are several clinical forms of the disease, plaque psoriasis being the most common form. It is known for producing inflammation and scaly patches of thickened skin called “plaques”.
5. Moderate to severe plaque psoriasis, notably influences the quality of life.  Severe cases of psoriasis may even generate immobility of the patient.
6. Some patients compare the reduction of their physical activities to the ones generated by other diseases such as cancer or heart disease.
7. Ustekinumab is now available in the Caribbean, specifically in Aruba, Bahamas, Bermuda, Caiman Islands, Curacao and Jamaica.[i]  Ustekinumab is commercialized under the brand Stelara™.
8. Clinical trials with over 3,000 patients treated with Ustekinumab have demonstrated its efficacy. At least two thirds of the patients obtained a 75% improvement of the Psoriasis Activity Severity Index.
9. After 5 years, approximately 80% of the patients treated with Ustekinumab maintain response.

^{[i] Ustekinumab was approved by the following Health Authorities:
Aruba: Drug Registration Board,
Curacao; Drug Registration Board
Jamaica: Ministry of Health.
Cayman Islands, Bahamas and Bermuda are not regulated countries.}

CONTACT:  Janssen, JoanTownsend, (507) 64306252 or (507) 3989740, tojoa

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ORANJESTAD, Aruba, July 30, 2015 /PRNewswire/ — The rumors are true! Nick Leonardus van de Wall, commonly known by his stage name Afrojack, is set to perform at the third edition of Electric Festival amongst NERVO and Loco Dice Labor Day weekend. The DJ and producer performs at the main stage at the APA Arena in Oranjestad, Aruba.

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The Twins Maurice and Karim Neme, Entrepreneurs and Founder of Electric Festival, are proud to organize the third edition in conjunction with the Aruba Tourism Authority and Amsterdam Dance Event.

From Thursday, Sept. 3rd to Sunday, Sept. 6th, Aruba opens its gates for the electronic music industry and showcases for the world. The four day event will feature top international DJs as well as ADE Global Sessions. Tickets and travel packages are available at http://www.electricfestival.com/tickets.

Grammy award winning DJ and producer, Afrojack, is one of the most influential names in electronic dance music today. At only 27, he has played a large role in the worldwide explosion and popularity of dance music with The Hollywood Reporter calling him “a global icon” set “to conquer the world” and in 2014, Forbes placed him at #6 on its annual list of ‘The World’s Highest Paid DJs.’ A talented producer and artist, Afrojack is versatile and creative with his sound whether creating club hits or producing and remixing for the likes of Beyonce, Pitbull or Madonna. Afrojack is adept at shifting between genres and playing with his sound and it’s easy to see why his skills are some of the most sought after in the world. Nick also won an EBBA Award (a BUMA Initiative) in his home country, the Netherlands.

Given Afrojack’s immense popularity and influence on the music industry it is no surprise that many corporate brands have flocked to him for brand partnerships. Afrojack recently announced a partnership with globally celebrated fashion label ‘G-Star Raw’ for his own line of Afrojack inspired designs sold worldwide. He recently released his second capsule collection with the brand, after his first collection sold out in only 48 hours. He was also sought out by leading gaming company, Razer, to be a brand consultant on the development of its future products. Further, Nick’s single, ‘Ten Feet Tall,’ premiered as a part of Bud Light’s newest commercial during the 2014 Superbowl. He continues to collaborate with some of the world’s most legendary music artists, including his most recent appearance on “Good Morning America” with world renowned music artist Sting.

Afrojack has built a global brand that is recognized for influencing attitudes and championing new levels of change for the music world. It is clear from his exponential growth that there is no stopping him and at only 27 years old, this is just the beginning; now he touches Electric Festival for the very first time.

The first two editions of Electric Festival were attended by more than 15,000 people in both 2013 and 2014. With artists and speakers such as Chus & Ceballos, Dave Clarke, DJ Chuckie, Erick Morillo, Fellow, Knife Party, Lil John, Loco Dice, Maarten Vorwerk, Mike Henderson (ENDO), Nicole Moudaber,, Nutzbeatz, No Eat No Sleep, Partai, REVOLT TV, Slash, Stacey Pullen and many others.

Visitors in previous years came not only from neighboring ABC Islands, a strong following from the U.S., Venezuela, and Europe emerged.

With the addition of prominent new speakers and program items, Amsterdam Dance Event’s global touring platform, ADE Global Sessions, is also shaping its Aruba lineup for this year. During ADE Global Sessions Aruba there will be a host of exclusive industry meetings, strategy sessions, top notch Q&A’s, pop-up parties and more alongside Electric Festival.

The program of ADE Global Sessions Aruba focuses on the exploding electronic dance music market in the Latin American and Caribbean region. Exclusive business gatherings include an interactive series of powerful talks on the rise of electronic music festivals in the region with Leizer Guss (OCESA/EDC Mexico), Rodrigo Frutos (The Bullitt Agency) and Edo van Duijn (SFX South America) and Industry Inside: Spot on Latin America, with Brandon Bakshi (BMI) talking to Luis Estrada (Aftercluv Dancelab/Universal Music Latin Entertainment) about industry trends, sounds, possibilities and future visions for electronic dance music in and from the Latin American region.

With a diverse program that offers opportunities for a new generation, Aruba wants to get back in the driver’s seat and be the number one destination amongst millennials and attract not only with its flamingos, crystal clear waters and sandy beaches.

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CONTACT: Sami Michl, [email protected], 323-743-1117

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– Expanded Policy will Increase Access for Darunavir Pediatric Formulations in 128 Resource-Limited Countries

– Trinidad and Tobago, Antigua, Aruba, Bahamas, Barbados and Jamaica are some of the countries that would benefit with this policy

PANAMA CITY, May 14, 2015 /PRNewswire/ — Johnson & Johnson today announced that its Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies have furthered their commitment to improve the health of children living with HIV through an expanded policy aimed at enhancing access to its HIV medicine darunavir. This policy enables the development of and access to new pediatric products of darunavir in 128 low- and middle-income countries[i], home to 99.8% of children and adolescents living with HIV worldwide[ii] today.

As part of efforts to help meet the needs of children and adolescents living with HIV, Janssen is working to create one of the broadest geographic territories for an access effort for pediatric HIV medicines to date. To that end, Janssen will expand the geographic scope of its 2012 policy not to enforce the patents it owns and controls on the antiretroviral (ARV) drug darunavir, for pediatric products used in low- and middle-income countries. This doubles the original territory of sub-Saharan Africa and Least Developed Countries[iii] announced in 2012. The 2012 policy outlines that Janssen will not enforce its darunavir patent rights, provided the generic versions of darunavir are quality, medically acceptable, and only used in the indicated countries. Today’s expanded policy is applicable only for pediatric darunavir products used in the defined territory. Manufacturers are still responsible for obtaining permissions from other darunavir patent holders and health authorities where appropriate.

These renewed efforts are an outcome of engagement between Janssen and the Medicines Patent Pool (MPP), directly supporting the recently-launched Pediatric HIV Treatment Initiative (PHTI). PHTI is a partnership between the MPP, UNITAID, the Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative (DNDi) and the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI) dedicated to speeding the development of high-priority pediatric co-formulations of HIV medicines and addressing other potential barriers to treatment access for children living with HIV.

Janssen will collaborate with PHTI partners to develop critical new formulations of pediatric HIV medicines to help safeguard the lives of children and adolescents living with HIV. Janssen and PHTI organizations will explore the possible development of a fixed-dose combination (FDC) of darunavir with the boosting agent ritonavir for children living with HIV. Darunavir administered with ritonavir and in combination with other antiretroviral medicines is currently indicated for highly treatment-experienced adult and pediatric HIV patients (third-line) in resource-limited settings and has been recommended by the World Health Organization[iv].  A novel FDC that is safe, effective and child-friendly would be an important step in realizing the global health imperative to close the pediatric HIV treatment gap.

“Our vision is that children living with HIV can receive the treatments they need to stay strong and grow to become productive young adults,” said Paul Stoffels, M.D., Chief Scientific Officer, Johnson & Johnson and Worldwide Chairman, Janssen. “We are committed to ensuring that no child is without access to appropriate, child-friendly HIV treatment options and, most importantly, the hope of a healthy future.”

“Finding innovative solutions for the challenges of pediatric HIV treatment requires us all to think differently and act collaboratively,” said Tomas Matthews, Access Director, Janssen Global Public Health. “We are working to address obstacles in efforts to help protect the health of vulnerable children living with HIV in high-burden countries in Latin America and the Caribbean, and elsewhere around the world.”

Janssen and Johnson & Johnson have a longstanding commitment to helping children living with HIV and enhancing access to its medicines for thosein need. For more than a decade, Johnson & Johnson has supported efforts to reduce the number of new HIV infections among children, and in 2011, the company pledged an additional $15 million to support the Global Plan to eliminate pediatric HIV. In December 2013, Janssen launched the New Horizons Advancing HIV Care initiative, a collaborative effort to strengthen country-level capacity, knowledge, and action around the needs of HIV treatment-experienced children. A key feature of this initiative is a treatment donation program for PREZISTA® (darunavir) and INTELENCE® (etravirine) for HIV treatment-experienced children and adolescents.

Johnson & Johnson and Janssen are committed to advancing global health. Its family of companies has launched and continues to support a variety of comprehensive efforts toward strengthening the health of communities, improving maternal and child health, and preventing the spread of infectious and preventable diseases worldwide. For more information on Johnson & Johnson global health programs, visit www.jnj.com.

About Janssen, the Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson

At Janssen, we are dedicated to addressing and solving the most important unmet medical needs of our time, including in oncology (e.g., multiple myeloma and prostate cancer), immunology (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, IBD and psoriasis), neuroscience (e.g., schizophrenia, dementia and pain), infectious disease (e.g., HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis C and tuberculosis), and cardiovascular and metabolic diseases (e.g., diabetes).

Driven by our commitment to patients, we develop sustainable, integrated healthcare solutions by working side-by-side with healthcare stakeholders, based on partnerships of trust and transparency. To learn more, visit www.janssen.com.

About Johnson & Johnson

Caring for the world, one person at a time…inspires and unites the people of Johnson & Johnson. We embrace research and science ‒ bringing innovative ideas, products and services to advance the health and well-being of people. Our approximately 126,500 employees at more than 265 Johnson & Johnson operating companies work with partners in health care to touch the lives of over a billion people every day, throughout the world.

References

[i] In addition to all Least Developed Countries (LDCs) as defined by the United Nations and the countries of sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), countries included in this policy expansion are Algeria, American Samoa, Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Aruba, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bolivia, British Virgin Islands, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Fiji, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Jamaica, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Malaysia, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Moldova, Mongolia, Montserrat, Morocco, Nauru, Nicaragua, Pakistan, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Sri Lanka, Suriname, Syrian Arab Republic, Thailand, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turks and Caicos, Ukraine, Uruguay, Venezuela, Vietnam, and West Bank and Gaza.

[ii] Calculated using data from: UNICEF. Children, Adolescents and AIDS (2014 Statistical Update). http://www.childrenandaids.org/

[iii] Resource-limited settings under this policy include all Least Developed Countries (”LDCs”) as defined by the United Nations (http://www.unohrlls.org/en/ldc/25/) and the countries of sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) which are not classified as LDCs.

[iv] World Health Organization. Antiretroviral Therapy for HIV Infection in Adults and Adolescents: Recommendations for a Public Health Approach, 2010 Revision. http://whqlibdoc.who.int/publications/2010/9789241599764_eng.pdf

CONTACT:  Joan Townsend, Janssen Communication Manager, [email protected]

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New Franchise Momentum Means Growth and New Senior Vice President of Franchise Sales Scott Schubiger Joins 550 Unit Rita’s to Continue Expansion

TREVOSE, Pa., April 10, 2012 /PRNewswire/ — Rita’s Italian Ice®, the nation’s largest Italian Ice concept with over 550 stores in 22 states, has signed a new area franchise development agreement for part of Los Angeles County, California, and an area franchisee development agreement for Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao also known as the ABC Islands.  The company also announced Scott Schubiger has joined the company as Senior Vice President of Franchise Sales.  Schubiger, a 20 plus year sales veteran, will manage worldwide franchise development for the popular growing chain.

“With a renewed focus on growing the Rita’s brand, we are proud to welcome our California and ABC Islands area franchisees,” said Jonathan Fornaci, chief executive officer of Rita’s.  “Another new addition, and member of the senior leadership team, Scott Schubiger will enable us to expand Rita’s brand to many more fans within the United States and abroad.”

Stuart and Cynthia Glist are the new area developers for Rita’s Italian Ice in Los Angeles County. Their territory includes San Fernando Valley, Santa Clarita Valley, and Antelope Valley.  They plan to grow the popular brand by offering franchises in their territory to have twenty five locations open over the next five years. Their first Rita’s store in Burbank is planned for this fall.  “We were actually in negotiations with Rita’s before we had even tasted the products,” said Stuart Glist. “During our due diligence process it became evident that Rita’s was perfect for California. The differentiated product, no direct competition, and a long history and track record of success, were just a few of the many things that appealed to us. We can’t wait to share our love of Rita’s with our fellow Californian’s!”

“The ABC’s, the sunny Caribbean islands with an average temperature year-round in the mid-80s Fahrenheit, is the perfect place to open Rita’s,” says Joe DeAngelis area developer, along with his wife, Irene, of Rita’s ABC Islands.  “We are very proud to be the first to bring Rita’s to the Caribbean.” They plan to franchise and open four Rita’s stores within three years with the first targeted to open in Aruba this October.

Rita’s growth strategy is to add significant scale around the world. From inquiry to opening, Rita’s seasoned executives provide an unparalleled level of support. Qualified franchisees benefit from a twenty-eight year old brand which is a predictable, measurable and sustainable investment opportunity. 

The company is actively seeking area development agreements and multiple-unit operators throughout California, Arizona, Nevada, Texas, Florida, the Carolina’s, and the Northeast, and single unit franchisees in the mid-Atlantic region.  Rita’s is also actively pursuing major international markets across several continents.

Candidates interested in opening a Rita’s Italian Ice should possess a passion for the brand and serving guests and families in a fast-paced environment. It is strongly desired that Area Developer candidates have past franchise operation or area development experience. For more information on franchising, visit www.ritasice.com

About Rita’s Franchise Company

Rita’s Franchise Company, headquartered in Trevose, PA, is the largest Italian Ice concept in the nation, currently operating in 22 states with over 550 stores.  The chain offers a variety of frozen treats including its famous Italian Ice, Old Fashioned Frozen Custard and layered Gelati as well as its signature Misto® and Blendini® creations. Rita’s was named one of the Top 25 Franchise High Performers by the Wall Street Journal’s ‘Startup Journal.’ For more information about Rita’s, please call 1-800-677-RITA or visit www.ritasice.com

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CaribPR Wire, MIAMI, FL, Weds. April 6, 2011: BlackBerry® Travel™, an application that provides BlackBerry® smartphone users with an all-in-one integrated tool to plan, book, manage and share travel activities quickly and easily, is now available in the major markets of the Caribbean.

The new app was recently announced in February at MWC 2011 in Barcelona and is now ready for download for BlackBerry users in the following markets: Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica, Barbados, Puerto Rico, Bermuda, Bahamas, Aruba, Cayman Islands, Virgin Islands and US Virgin Islands.

The BlackBerry Travel app offers convenient push notifications and seamless integration of travel itineraries and flight status updates into the familiar BlackBerry Calendar.  When a new booking confirmation or itinerary arrives in the user’s email inbox, the BlackBerry Travel app is automatically updated with the relevant itinerary details, which makes travel planning and management easier than ever. With the BlackBerry push technology, the BlackBerry Travel app can keep users informed and in control of their itineraries by monitoring flight statuses and promptly providing notifications about changes to their flight information. The app can even identify potential omissions or scheduling concerns with their itineraries, such as missing accommodations or timing conflicts, and provide users with suggestions.

The BlackBerry Travel app also brings together tools that travelers need while planning on the go, including:

• Hotel booking
• Currency converters
• Weather forecasts
• Local search functionality

In addition, BlackBerry smartphone users can share their travel information with colleagues, friends and family over email or through LinkedIn®, directly from the BlackBerry Travel app. The LinkedIn integration allows users to search for people in their network who will be in the same city, send messages to contacts and update their status.

The BlackBerry Travel app also features a web component that allows users to book flights and car rentals, as well as edit and print itineraries, from their computer.

The BlackBerry Travel app was built in collaboration with WorldMate, a leader in mobile travel platforms.  WorldMate and RIM are working together with leaders in the travel industries such as Continental Airlines, Expedia Affiliate Network, Hilton Worldwide, Starwood Hotels and Resorts, United Airlines to provide BlackBerry Travel app users with an amazing mobile experience.

The BlackBerry Travel app will be available as of today from BlackBerry App World™ (www.blackberry.com/appworld). The app is free and works on select BlackBerry smartphones running the BlackBerry® 5 OS (Device Software) or higher.* For more information please visit www.blackberry.com/travel

* BlackBerry Travel is available at launch for the BlackBerry® Bold™, BlackBerry® Curve™, BlackBerry® Storm™ and BlackBerry® Torch™ series of smartphones.

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