Today sixteen bicyclists will set off from the Texas-Louisiana border and pedal 850 miles, traveling for two weeks toward their destination of far West Texas in the Rise Across Texas Challenge.

Beginning at the Louisiana border in Orange, the Rise Across Texas Challenge cyclists will bike an average of 65 miles a day for 15 days, finishing in Presidio. Tour stops include Kountze, Montgomery, Brenham, Bastrop, Austin, Wimberley, Kerrville, Leakey, Brackettville, Del Rio, Sanderson, Marathon, and Marfa. The cyclists will finish their journey on March 19.

Motivated by the physical challenge and the desire to see Texas from the seat of a bike, the cyclists are driven even more by the mission of the ride: to raise funds for the nonprofit Rise Schools of Texas.

Steve Hicks, owner and executive chairman of Capstar Partners in Austin, conceived of the Rise Across Texas Challenge as a philanthropic way to celebrate his 60th birthday in February 2010.  The Rise Schools of Texas, the beneficiary of the Challenge, provide early childhood education services to children with special needs as well as their typically developing peers. Rise Schools of Texas are located in Austin, Corpus Christi, Dallas, and Houston.

Lance Armstrong is the honorary captain of the Rise Across Texas Challenge and Mack Brown and Gene Stallings are honorary coaches.

Funds raised will support the important therapeutic and educational services offered at the Rise Schools, including physical, occupational, speech, and music therapies.  

Event sponsors include DMX, Harden Healthcare, LIVESTRONG, Mellow Johnny's, Pedal Hard and TEXAS MONTHLY. Trek Travel is the official bike tour operator.

For more information on the Rise Across Texas Challenge, please visit riseacrosstexas.org.

SOURCE Rise Across Texas Challenge

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As part of the newly expanded series of sailing competitions leading up to the eighty-three year tradition of the BACARDI® Cup, the inaugural BACARDI® Miami Sailing Week will proudly begin March 8th at 12:00 p.m. noon on Biscayne Bay with the Star Class regatta. The Star Class regatta will kick off the first day of sailing and as part of BACARDI® Miami Sailing Week other newly added Viper, Melges 20, Melges 24 and J24 classes will also be competing at various times throughout the week. With more than four-hundred local, national, and international competitors from ten countries coming together in the grand spirit of competition and camaraderie that the event was founded on in 1927, BACARDI® Miami Sailing Week is the perfect prelude to a sailing tradition eight decades in the making.

"Over the years, the BACARDI® Cup has become an international sailing tradition of the highest order that Olympic level competitors come from across the world to enter to compete among the very best sailors around," comments Bill Allen, President of the International Star Class Yacht Racing Association. "The Star Class is honored to be here again this year and start off a new tradition in BACARDI® Miami Sailing Week. We couldn't be more pleased to participate in the opening regatta on March 8th in what promises to be one of Miami's most memorable weeks in sailing ever."

The prestigious Coral Reef Yacht Club will continue to be the organizing authority for the Star Class and will coordinate all on-water activities in collaboration with Biscayne Bay Yacht Club and Coconut Grove Sailing Club. The U.S. Sailing Center and Shake-A-Leg will also support the event. Regattas will be held on three different courses approximately two miles out on Biscayne Bay. Miami Sailing Week is a STUDIOMILANO creation and BACARDI® is the event title sponsor. BACARDI® Miami Sailing Week and the BACARDI® Cup would like to warmly thank the City of Miami, Miami-Dade County, and all sponsors helping make these events possible.

Jose "Tito" Argamasilla Bacardi, the great grandson of the founder of BACARDI®, which is the title sponsor of both BACARDI® Miami Sailing Week and the BACARDI® Cup comments, "The Trofeo BACARDI® has always been an exciting event, one that unites the sailing community through stimulating competition, unrivaled hospitality, and above all camaraderie among participants. The start of the Star Class competition at BACARDI® Miami Sailing Week marks the 83rd anniversary of the running of this regatta, and, as always, we are excited to watch the exhilarating series of events unfold at Biscayne Bay."

For more information on the 83rd BACARDI® Cup and BACARDI® Miami Sailing Week, please visit www.MiamiSailingWeek.com.

About BACARDI® Rums:

In 1862, in Santiago de Cuba, BACARDI® revolutionized the spirits industry when founder Don Facundo BACARDI® began producing his remarkable light-bodied, smooth rum – BACARDI® , the world's favorite premium rum brand and the world's most awarded premium rum. Today, BACARDI® Rum is produced in Puerto Rico, following the production legacy set forth by Don Facundo – crafted in a five step distillation process, aged in American white oak barrels, and filtered five times for unparalleled quality and smoothness.

About BACARDI® U.S.A., Inc.:

BACARDI® U.S.A., Inc. is the United States import, sales and marketing arm of one of the world's leading spirits and wine producers. The company boasts a portfolio of some of the most recognized and top-selling spirits brands in the United States including BACARDI® rum, the world's favorite and best-selling premium rum, as well as the world's most awarded premium rum; GREY GOOSE® vodka, the world-leader in super-premium vodka; DEWAR'S® Blended Scotch Whisky, the number-one selling blended Scotch whisky in the United States; BOMBAY SAPPHIRE® gin, the top-valued premium gin in the world; CAZADORES® blue agave tequila, the number-one premium tequila in the world; MARTINI® vermouth, the world-leader in vermouth; and other leading and emerging brands.

SOURCE BACARDI

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Yakult U.S.A. Inc. has launched its first Spanish-language website http://spanish.yakultusa.com/ to reach Hispanic consumers in the U.S. The site includes valuable product information, a search function that identifies store locations in your area as well as a community calendar that lists free Yakult sampling opportunities. Since introducing Yakult to Hispanic retailers in 2005, Latin Americans who fondly remember the product from their home countries have continued to purchase Yakult for their families in the U.S. -- and in very high numbers. Nearly half of Yakult's probiotic drink sales in the U.S. are attributed to Hispanic sales. In addition, Yakult is currently running a TV and radio media campaign in Spanish appealing to new and regular customers.

(Logo:  http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20070911/YAKULTLOGO)

"Many of our Latin American customers are excited to find Yakult in the U.S. because it reminds them of their family and childhood abroad," says Mr. Masaaki Sunami, Yakult U.S.A. Inc. Vice President, who worked for Yakult Mexico for nearly seven years. "Now their children and many others who are growing up in America can enjoy Yakult, too."

In Mexico and some South American countries, Yakult has been a family favorite for over 25 years. The popular citrus-tasting drink is now available in most major and independent Hispanic retailers in California (i.e. North Gate, Superior, Food Maxx, Food 4 Less), Arizona, Nevada, Texas (i.e. Fiesta), Colorado and New Mexico selling as the traditional five-bottle pack at the suggested retail price of $2.99. For nearby store locations, visit http://spanish.yakultusa.com/Yakult/StoreLocator.php.

Yakult is the one of the world's leading probiotic beverage sold in more than 30 countries and regions around the world. Consumption of the petite probiotic dairy drink exceeds 28 million bottles daily. Yakult U.S.A. Inc., a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Yakult Honsha Co., Ltd., is headquartered in Torrance, CA. It supports Yakult's business in the United States and Canada.

Yakult was created by microbiologist Dr. Minoru Shirota in 1935 in Japan to help people maintain good health. For more information, please visit http://spanish.yakultusa.com/.

SOURCE Yakult U.S.A. Inc.

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Hours before the highly anticipated opening of River City Casino in south St. Louis County, Missouri, thousands of enthusiastic guests gathered to be the first to experience the new gaming and entertainment venue. When the doors opened to the public at 2 p.m., the crowds rushed in, quickly filling every seat in the 90,000 sq. ft. casino.  By the end of its first day of operation, the casino welcomed more than 20,000 guests.  

(Photo:  http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100305/LA66012)

"It was overwhelming to see thousands of smiling faces waiting outside and the enthusiasm throughout the property when we opened," said Todd George, regional vice president-St. Louis and general manager of River City Casino. "We believe we have created a magnificent property that will bring excitement and entertainment to the St. Louis community and add another attraction for the region's tourism industry."

Owned by Pinnacle Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE: PNK), River City Casino is the first casino complex in south St. Louis County and has introduced a new class of gaming and nightlife to the region, while sending a surge of adrenaline through the state's economy.

The new casino represents an investment of approximately $380 million, one of the largest private investments in the St. Louis region. The project created 1,200 new permanent jobs and will contribute millions in tax dollars to the state each year.  

In addition to the expansive gaming floor with 2,100 of the most popular slot machines and table games including blackjack, craps, roulette, baccarat and poker, River City Casino boasts a number of superior dining options, and a vibrant nightlife. In every way, River City Casino is larger than life — a sensory tour de force with a surprise around every corner.

During the opening ceremony, a festive procession of vintage cars and the world-famous Anheuser-Busch Clydesdale horses led the way along River City Casino Boulevard to the main entrance. The thousands of guests and local dignitaries were welcomed by Richard Goeglein, Pinnacle's interim chairman of the board; John Giovenco, Pinnacle's interim chief executive officer; and Todd George.  

River City Casino marks Pinnacle Entertainment's second venture in the St. Louis area, where the company introduced Lumiere Place in 2007.  The $495 million project, consisting of  Lumiere Place Casino, Four Seasons Hotel St. Louis and HoteLumiere, opened in late 2007 and sits just north of the famous St. Louis Gateway Arch.

River City's expansive casino offers guests the latest in comfort and amenities. Slots and table games feature adjustable, ergonomic chairs and extra-wide aisles provide easy access around the gaming floor. While smoking is permitted on the casino floor, state-of-the-art "smoke curtains" use constant streams of air to quickly pull smoke away from guests and employees.

At River City's distinctive restaurants and lounges, diners enjoyed a range of cuisines and libations in unique settings.

• Jeff Ruby's Steakhouse offers an incomparable selection of USDA Prime dry-aged steaks, a fresh sushi/raw bar, and a wine list featuring more than 500 different selections from around the world in a visually stunning atmosphere.
• The 1904 Beerhouse features more than 100 beers by the bottle and 32 on tap, including River City's own 1904 Brewhouse Ale, custom-blended by the brewmasters at Anheuser-Busch.  
• Burger Brothers is River City's spin on the classic "burger joint," with each specialty burger cooked to order using the highest-quality, freshest ingredients.
• The Great Food Exposition offers buffet dining on a grand scale, featuring an abundant menu of Italian, American, Asian and seafood favorites along with rotisserie-grilled meats carved fresh on an authentic Brazilian-style Rodizio Grill.
• Lewy Nine's Cafe presents café classics in a setting that offers an irreverent retro-twist to the classic '50s diner, with a decidedly playful nod to King Louis IX of France.
• Judy's Velvet Lounge is the epicenter of River City's nightlife scene, offering a menu of bar food with signature drinks, live entertainment, special events and DJs.
• BarCentral, at the heart of the casino floor, mixes hot bar-top slots and cool drinks to create a lively social centerpiece.    

River City Casino, located on approximately 56 acres in the community of Lemay, sits just to the south of the confluence of the Mississippi River and the River des Peres. The complex sits on the site of the long-abandoned National Lead facility, which was environmentally remediated to accommodate the new casino complex. As part of the development, Pinnacle invested nearly $24 million to build the new River City Casino Boulevard, which provides a vital east-west link between the I-55 and South Broadway corridors. River City provides parking for more than 3,000 vehicles, as well as convenient valet parking service.  

To learn more bout River City Casino, call (314)8 88-7777 or visit www.rivercity.com for information.

About Pinnacle Entertainment

Pinnacle Entertainment, Inc. owns and operates casinos in Nevada, Louisiana, Indiana, Missouri and Argentina. In March 2010, Pinnacle opened its newest casino, River City, in south St. Louis County, Missouri. Pinnacle is also developing a second casino in Lake Charles, Louisiana, to be called Sugarcane Bay at L'Auberge du Lac, and a casino in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

All statements included in this press release, other than historical information or statements of historical fact, are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. These forward-looking statements, including statements regarding the Company's River City casino, the potential job creation and potential economic benefits of River City casino for the Company's shareholders, the local community and the State of Missouri, are based on management's current expectations and are subject to risks, uncertainties and changes in circumstances that could significantly affect future results. Accordingly, Pinnacle cautions that the forward-looking statements contained herein are qualified by important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those reflected by such statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to: (a) the Company's business may be sensitive to reductions in consumers' discretionary spending as a result of downtowns in the economy; (b) the global financial crisis may have an impact on the Company's business and financial condition in ways that the Company currently cannot accurately predict; (c) insufficient or lower-than-expected results generated from the Company's new developments and acquired properties may negatively affect the market for the Company's securities; (d) significant competition in the gaming industry in all of the Company's markets could adversely affect the Company's profitability; and (e) other risks, including those as may be detailed from time to time in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). For more information on the potential factors that could affect the Company's financial results and business, review the Company's filings with the SEC, including, but not limited to, its Annual Report on Form 10-K, its Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and its Current Reports on Form 8-K.

SOURCE Pinnacle Entertainment

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• Ford Fusion and Fusion Hybrid – America's most fuel-efficient midsize sedan – are luring customers from other brands at a record pace with consideration from import shoppers at an all-time high

• Fusion sales to buyers new to Ford rose to 60 percent of total Fusion sales in February, up from 54 percent in January and 49 percent in 2009; Fusion Hybrid sales to buyers new to Ford increased to 82 percent last month from 70 percent in January and 63 percent in 2009

• Consumers want new features and smart technology, with half opting to buy high series models – Fusion Hybrid, Sport and SEL

The 2010 Ford Fusion and Fusion Hybrid, fresh off a sales record and a string of awards in 2009, are attracting more buyers who are new to the Ford brand than ever before.

The Fusion, redesigned in 2009, saw "conquest sales," or sales to customers new to Ford, increase to 60 percent of total Fusion sales in February, up 6 percentage points from January and up 11 percentage points from the 2009 calendar year. The percentage of customers new to Ford purchasing the Fusion Hybrid reached 82 percent last month, up 12 points from January and 19 points from 2009.

Fusion competes in a segment long dominated by some of the best-selling cars in the market, including Honda Accord, Toyota Camry and Nissan Altima. Sales of the new Fusion Hybrid account for almost 20 percent of total Fusion retail sales and more than 60 percent of Fusion Hybrid sales have been to customers coming from import brands, including Honda, Nissan and Toyota.

Fusion's share of the midsize car segment in 2010 has increased to 12.2 percent, up 4.4 points from the 7.8 percent share in the first two months of 2009. Like it did in 2009, Fusion posted the largest share gain in the segment of any competitor.

Winning new buyers in the midsize segment is another indication that American car buyers value the craftsmanship and fuel economy offered across Ford's lineup.

"It's extraordinary that a car could set sales records and continue to excel in an environment where overall industry sales in the midsize segment are down 19 percent from a year ago," said Ken Czubay, Ford vice president of Marketing and Sales and Service.

Since the introduction of the redesigned Fusion in March 2009, the car has set monthly sales records for the nameplate in every month but one. In 2009, sales increased 22 percent to a record 180,671. Over the course of the year, Fusion's share of the midsize car market increased from 7.0 percent in 2008 to 10.5 percent in 2009. The gain – 3.5 points – was the largest gain for any car in the segment.

Over the first two months of 2010, momentum continued after the Fusion Hybrid, with industry-leading fuel economy, won key awards – including being named North American Car of the Year and winning the MOTOR TREND Car of the Year award.

Ford plans to build on its success in the car market with the upcoming launch of the Fiesta and Focus in the coming 12 months. Both vehicles, offering unmatched features and technology in their segments, are expected to follow Fusion in luring buyers from competing brands.

"This is very encouraging for our upcoming product introductions, because Fusion is the standard bearer for Ford's product strategy, delivering best-in-class quality, fuel efficiency, safety and smart technology, which of course all adds up to a terrific value proposition for our customers," said Czubay. "These are the drivers of our share and revenue improvements."

The 2010 Fusion Hybrid is the most fuel-efficient sedan in America. Fusion offers more power, class-exclusive technologies, such as Blind Spot Information System (BLIS®) and Ford SYNC®, and more total passenger and luggage capacity than the Toyota Camry.

According to Fusion Marketing Manager Jonathan Richards, the diversity of the 2010 Fusion lineup is drawing a growing number of customers to the brand.  

"There is no reason for customers shopping for a midsize sedan to look beyond the Fusion, because the lineup offers something for everyone – a Hybrid model, a Sport version and a new selection of gas-powered engines paired with a six-speed transmission," Richards said.  

"Fusion Hybrid, Sport and SEL models account for 50 percent of sales," said Richards. "Data also show that customers are embracing technology offerings such as voice-activated navigation, SYNC and Sony® Audio."  

The Fusion Hybrid delivers an EPA estimated 41 mpg rating in the city and 36 mpg on the highway, topping the Toyota Camry hybrid by 8 mpg in the city and 2 mpg on the highway. It also offers innovative new technology – SmartGauge™ with EcoGuide – that coaches hybrid drivers to maximize fuel efficiency.

According to early 2010 survey data obtained in the 2009 U.S. Global Quality Research System (GQRS), the 2010 Fusion Hybrid has the highest customer satisfaction ratings of any Ford vehicle ever. The survey was conducted for Ford Motor Company by RDA Group of Bloomfield Hills, Mich.  

Awards and accolades for the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid include:

• 2010 North American Car of the Year
• MOTOR TREND Car of the Year Award
• One of CAR and DRIVER Magazine's "10Best" Cars for 2010
• One of AUTOMOBILE Magazine's 2010 All-Stars
• 2009 "Top Safety Pick" rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety
• 2009 Ward's Interior of the Year Special Achievement Award for Best Graphic Display for SmartGauge with EcoGuide digital instrument cluster
• Great Car for the Long-haul Salesman by Kelley Blue Book kbb.com
• One of America's Top 40 New Cars by MOTOR TREND magazine
• Rated the No. 1 Hybrid Family Sedan by CAR and DRIVER in a recent comparison test by the magazine
• 2009 and 2010 Editors Choice for Fuel Sipper by CAR and DRIVER Magazine
• Best Hybrid for the Money in the Midsize Car segment by cars.com
• One of 2009 Top 10 Green Cars by Kelley Blue Book kbb.com
• The Detroit News Readers' Choice Award for "Best Value"
• 2010 Consumers Digest Best Buy
• Detroit Free Press 2010 Car of the Year
• 2010 Most Environmentally Progressive Car of the Year by Earth, Wind & Power
• 10 Best Engine by Ward's Auto World

About Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F), a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 198,000 employees and about 90 plants worldwide, the company's automotive brands include Ford, Lincoln, Mercury and Volvo. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company.  For more information regarding Ford's products, please visit www.ford.com. 

SOURCE Ford Motor Company

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