Co-operative News - Puerto Rico

Seguros Múltiples launches mobile application “Text U Later”

AlisonGrant — Thu, 31 May 2012 10:10:00 +0000

Puerto Rican cooperative insurer and member of ICMIF, Seguros Múltiples, has launched a mobile application “Text U Later” in cooperation with the Commission for Traffic Safety in Puerto Rico, to educate and warn people about the dangers of using mobile phones while driving. With this application the insurance cooperative allows drivers to avoid unnecessary distractions which could cause a traffic accident.

When calls or texts come in to a driver’s mobile phone the application generates an automatic text message indicating that the driver is busy, saying: “Driving and texting do not go together. Courtesy notice from Seguros Múltiples.” This message will let the caller or sender of the message know that the person they are trying to reach knows that they tried to contact them and that they will contact them later. Once the person has finished driving and is able to return the call or text then the application will provide a detailed list of contacts or phone numbers for them.

“Our company is launching this mobile application because we recognize that there is a problem and a need to educate people about the responsible use of mobile phones… It is proven that using a mobile phone is distracting, as well as preventing the operation of the steering wheel with both hands,” said Roberto Castro Hiraldo Esq, President of Seguros Múltiples.

This application has been launched in good time before the implementation in Puerto Rico of Act 201 of 2011, which limits the use of mobile phones while driving and enters into force on January 1, 2013.

“As a cooperative, we have a responsibility to promote safe behavior among our drivers. And what better way than offering them a tool to help them to channel calls and messages while you are driving,” says Juan Gonzalez Feliciano, Vice President of the Board of Directors of Seguros Múltiples.

This is the second mobile application that Seguros Múltiples has launched for the smartphone market. The first was launched in 2010 for the use of Seguros Múltiples’ members to help them with information on the location of branches, policy payment, etc. However, the Text U Later application has been designed for the welfare of the general public in Puerto Rico, based on the Seguros Múltiples’ social mission and their technological strength and innovative capacity.

Seguros Múltiples is a leading property and casualty insurance in Puerto Rico. It has over 150 exclusive authorized representatives and 11 branches throughout the island.

Text U Later Cooperativa de Seguros Multiples a leading property...

AnthonyMurray — Tue, 22 May 2012 09:02:00 +0000

Text U Later

Cooperativa de Seguros Multiples a leading property and casualty insurer in Puerto Rico has launched a campaign to educate and warn people about the dangers of using cell phones whilst driving.

The cooperative insurer supports the campaign to limit cell phone use among drivers from January 1, 2013.

The insurer has developed an application which is designed for the Android operating system - when receiving a call or text the system generates an automatic text message indicating that the driver is not available. Once the person is available to return the call or documents received, the application will provide a detailed list of contacts or phone numbers to which the message was sent.

To find out more contact Rizick Rosario Peña

Some Insights Into How Strong Are Labor Rights in Fair Trade

Jeff Goldman — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 18:02:28 +0000

On September 21, FTRN produced Webinar 116: How Strong Are Labor Rights in Fair Trade? The 3 panelists were Judy Gearhart, Executive Director, International Labor Rights Forum (ILRF); Wil Flinterman, Senior Advisor – Workers Rights and Trade Union Relations, Fairtrade International (FI); Helen Nicolás, Certification Officer, Savid Dominicana (banana company in the Dominican Republic). You can download the 50-min recording, or register for upcoming webinars, at FTRN webinars.

Oldest Fair Trade Organization Celebrates 65th Anniversary

Jeff Goldman — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 14:50:50 +0000

Ten Thousand Villages, widely recognized as the oldest Fair Trade Organization in the world, is celebrating its 65th anniversary this year. What started as Ms. Edna Ruth Byler selling needleworks made by artisans in Puerto Rico in 1946 has evolved to two separate organizations in the US, and Canada, owned by the Mennonite Central Committee. Both Villages organizations together now work with hundreds of artisans in over 35 countries, selling their crafts at around 100 stores in North America.

dotCoop announces winners of Global Awards

AnthonyMurray — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 08:54:23 +0000

DotCoop, the sponsor of the .coop domain name, has announced the winners of its Global Awards for the promotion of 'Co-operative Excellence' through the internet.