Latest news with #DennisFlores
Yahoo
17-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Pueblo city councilors are set for their first raise since 1998. Here's how much
The salary of Pueblo City councilors is set to double in 2026 following a 4-3 vote on July 14. Council voted to increase the monthly salary for most members from $700 — a rate approved on March 24, 1997 — to $1,400. The pay for Pueblo City Council president was approved to increase from $900 to $1,800 per month. Just as the 1997 increase took effect the following year, Pueblo City Council's recently approved raise will take effect on Jan. 1, 2026. The ordinance establishing council pay increases cites "inflationary factors," with $700 in 1997 being equal to $1,405.40 in 2025, according to the Federal Reserve Bank. Supporters of the pay increase included Councilors Dennis Flores, Roger Gomez, Joe Latino and Sarah Martinez. Pueblo City Council President Mark Aliff and Councilors Brett Boston and Regina Maestri voted against the ordinance. Flores argued that pay increases outlined in the ordinance would not only align council pay with inflation but also encourage younger candidates to run for public office. He also noted that sitting council members would not benefit from the pay increase unless reelected. "I think it's time that we just make an adjustment for inflation," Flores said. "There isn't a negotiated salary within the city that doesn't have a cost of living factor in all of our agreements. I just think that this is the time to do this." While Flores' at-large seat is up for election in 2025, he is unable to run for reelection due to term limits. Brett Boston, council's youngest member, is also the only sitting council member who's filed to run for reelection this November. However, Boston argued that a raise for councilors would not be fiscally responsible. "Do I think that council is underpaid? Yes," Boston said. "Do I think they deserve a raise? Sure. But I don't support this. This council constantly preaches fiscal responsibility. Certain council members say 'You don't got it, you don't give it.' That's just my opinion." Despite the pay rates for Pueblo City Council doubling in 2026, wages will remain below the Colorado minimums for tipped and non-tipped employees working full-time jobs. However, Pueblo City Council pay rates will exceed rates in the comparably sized city of Greeley. Members of Greeley City Council earn $12,600 per year, according to a presentation by Pueblo Deputy City Attorney Harley Gifford. Martinez argued that pay increases are necessary to make serving on council accessible to a diverse field of candidates, while also stating that increases should not come "at the expense" of other city employees. "I don't think that we can justify raising our own pay while also talking about laying off the very employees to keep this city running every single day," she said. "If we do end up in a position where layoffs are necessary, I believe that we have a duty to come back to this if it passes and reevaluate." Pueblo City Council District 1 candidate Elvis Martinez spoke against the ordinance during a public hearing before the vote. "It makes absolutely no sense," he said. "I know, and all of us know, that council shouldn't be getting paid double... I could bet $1 that council wouldn't double the work that they do." Pueblo D60 elections: Pueblo lawyer and professor announces Pueblo D60 school board run Pueblo Chieftain reporter James Bartolo can be reached at JBartolo@ Support local news, subscribe to the Pueblo Chieftain at This article originally appeared on The Pueblo Chieftain: Pueblo City Council approves first pay increase since 1998 Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
30-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
'Boots on the ground': Steven Rodriguez vying for Pueblo City Council seat in 2025
Following his second-place finish in a tight Pueblo County Commissioner District 1 race last year, Steven Rodriguez was encouraged by supporters to run for office again in 2025. This November, Rodriguez will be on the ballot as an at-large candidate for Pueblo City Council. Two at-large seats—one currently occupied by Brett Boston and another currently occupied by Dennis Flores—are up for election in 2025. Boston is running to retain his seat in 2025, while Flores is term-limited. Rodriguez looks to invest in public safety "without criminalizing poverty," address the local housing crisis with "practical solutions" like smart zoning, make Pueblo a place where the workforce wants to stay and "empower local voices," according to a campaign announcement shared with the Chieftain. "Our city is in need right now," Rodriguez told the Chieftain in an interview. "I feel like I can help with that." Rodriguez has lived in Pueblo for over 60 years and his family roots in the Steel City trace back to the late 19th century. While running in the same race as Boston and Sam Hernandez — both fellow Republicans whom Rodriguez considers friends — Rodriguez said experience is what sets him apart from other candidates. "Puebloans are struggling right now with a lot of different issues from housing, to food insecurity, to just fear walking streets," he said. "My experience with not only life but serving on the different boards that I have will help bring common sense to any future decisions made by council." Rodriguez has served with the Community Services Advisory Commission (CSAC), as Vice President of Somos Republicans and as a member of the Hispanic Steering Committee for former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich's 2012 presidential campaign among other endeavors. On the issue of homelessness, Rodriguez said the encampment sweeps of 2024 were carried out without a plan and without regard to the complex issues facing the local homeless community like addiction and mental health. "These homeless, the majority are from here," he said. "To think that we're going to make it so difficult that they're going to leave. It's not going to happen." While he has not recently been to the local homeless shelter—which fell under new ownership this year—Rodriguez said he has plans to visit. "I need to see firsthand," he said. "That's the type of person I am. I don't just sit behind a desk and and make decisions. I think some of our counselors do that." Rodriguez said he believes the city needs to find "sustainable revenue sources" to address budget shortfalls, but is against the idea of a food tax. On the issue of funding for nonprofits, he said such organizations are "essential," but also "need more oversight." Pueblo City Council elections: Fourth-generation Puebloan announces run for Pueblo City Council District 3 Pueblo Chieftain reporter James Bartolo can be reached at JBartolo@ Support local news, subscribe to The Pueblo Chieftain at This article originally appeared on The Pueblo Chieftain: Who is 2025 Pueblo City Council candidate Steven Rodriguez?
Associated Press
02-06-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Jollibee Continues Stellar Growth Across Southeast Asia, Strengthens Leadership in Key Markets
MANILA, PHILIPPINES - Media OutReach Newswire - 2 June 2025 - Jollibee, the flagship brand of Jollibee Group, continues its remarkable growth across Southeast Asia, recording strong sales performance and store expansion across key markets in the region. In Q1 2025, the brand achieved an impressive 27.8% systemwide sales growth across its Southeast Asia operations outside the Philippines, including Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, and Brunei. Jollibee's strong showing in Southeast Asia strongly contributed to the Jollibee Group's third consecutive year of record performance in 2024. With strong sales and continued store expansion, Jollibee deepens brand love and local patronage in Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, and Brunei The brand opened 51 new stores in the region in 2024, including its 200th store in Vietnam, which reflects Jollibee's commitment to bringing the joy of eating to the region's most dynamic quick-service restaurant (QSR) markets. 'We are grateful for our consumers' love for Jollibee, which reflects the strength of our flagship brand and the appeal of our offerings in different markets,' said Ernesto Tanmantiong, Global President and Chief Executive Officer of the Jollibee Group. 'Our continued strong growth across our international markets, particularly Southeast Asia, is a testament to the hard work of our team and commitment to our 5-year strategy of tripling attributable net income.' Winning with Local Love, Taste, and Innovation The brand's continuous effort to build relevance and resonance with local customers has resulted in strong local patronage across all Southeast Asian markets. In Vietnam, for example, where Jollibee now operates over 200 stores, nearly all customers are Vietnamese. In Brunei, Jollibee has established a leading position as the market leader in the QSR category, with virtually all customers also being local Bruneians. The brand is also experiencing strong community patronage in Singapore and Malaysia, where the majority of its consumers are locals. Another key driver of Jollibee's success in the region is the taste superiority of its products, especially the brand's world-famous Chickenjoy fried chicken—recognized by global platforms such as USA Today as the 'Best Fried Chicken' and lauded by renowned publications including Yahoo!, and South China Morning Post. The brand's Spicy Chickenjoy is also continuing to make waves, with many local consumers in Singapore and Malaysia praising its uniquely spicy kick compared to the competition. Beyond its fan-favorite bestsellers, Jollibee's success has also been fueled by its ability to introduce locally resonant menu innovations, including Chili Chicken in Vietnam and the Spicy Spaghetti in Malaysia, which have been well-received by local consumers. 'Our commitment to delivering superior taste has fueled our growth in Southeast Asia, and we're grateful to have passionate franchisees and partners who share in this mission,' shared Dennis Flores, President of Jollibee Europe, Middle East, Asia, and Australia. 'We are excited to strengthen these relationships, while also seeking new franchisees for new markets as we bring the joy of superior taste to more customers around the world.' Accelerating Expansion in Southeast Asia Riding on this momentum, Jollibee will continue its store network expansion across Southeast Asia, contributing to the global food company's mid-term goal of tripling its business in five years. This ongoing expansion reinforces Southeast Asia's critical role in Jollibee Group's global growth strategy, as the company continues its commitment to spreading joy through superior taste through global expansion, combining strong brand equity, product excellence, and operational agility. For more information on Jollibee Group, visit Jollibee Group's official website. Hashtag: #JollibeeGroup The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. About Jollibee Group The Jollibee Group (PSE: JFC) is one of the world's fastest-growing restaurant companies, driven by its purpose of spreading joy through superior taste. Its portfolio includes 19 brands with over 9,900 stores across 33 countries. The Jollibee Group's portfolio includes nine wholly owned brands (Jollibee, Chowking, Greenwich, Red Ribbon, Mang Inasal, Yonghe King, Hong Zhuang Yuan, Smashburger and Tim Ho Wan), five franchised brands (Burger King, Panda Express, Yoshinoya, Common Man Coffee Roasters, and Tiong Bahru Bakery in the Philippines), and ownership stakes in other key brands like The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf (80%), Compose Coffee (70%), SuperFoods Group that operates Highlands Coffee (60%), and bubble tea brand Milksha (51%). The Company also has membership interests in Tortazo, LLC, along with Chef Rick Bayless, for Tortazo in the U.S. and has recently invested in Botrista, a leader in beverage technology. The Jollibee Group's global sustainability agenda, Joy for Tomorrow, underscores its commitment to sustainable business practices across food safety, employee welfare, community support, good governance, and environmental responsibility, among others. These focus areas are aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs). The Jollibee Group has been recognized as the Philippines' Most Admired Company by the Asian Wall Street Journal, named one of Asia's Fab 50 Companies, and listed among Forbes' World's Best Employers and Top Female-Friendly Companies. The Company is also a three-time Gallup Exceptional Workplace Award recipient and featured in TIME's World's Best Companies and Fortune's Southeast Asia 500 List.
The Sun
02-06-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Jollibee Continues Stellar Growth Across Southeast Asia, Strengthens Leadership in Key Markets
MANILA, PHILIPPINES - Media OutReach Newswire - 2 June 2025 - Jollibee, the flagship brand of Jollibee Group, continues its remarkable growth across Southeast Asia, recording strong sales performance and store expansion across key markets in the region. In Q1 2025, the brand achieved an impressive 27.8% systemwide sales growth across its Southeast Asia operations outside the Philippines, including Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, and Brunei. Jollibee's strong showing in Southeast Asia strongly contributed to the Jollibee Group's third consecutive year of record performance in 2024. The brand opened 51 new stores in the region in 2024, including its 200th store in Vietnam, which reflects Jollibee's commitment to bringing the joy of eating to the region's most dynamic quick-service restaurant (QSR) markets. 'We are grateful for our consumers' love for Jollibee, which reflects the strength of our flagship brand and the appeal of our offerings in different markets,' said Ernesto Tanmantiong, Global President and Chief Executive Officer of the Jollibee Group. 'Our continued strong growth across our international markets, particularly Southeast Asia, is a testament to the hard work of our team and commitment to our 5-year strategy of tripling attributable net income.' Winning with Local Love, Taste, and Innovation The brand's continuous effort to build relevance and resonance with local customers has resulted in strong local patronage across all Southeast Asian markets. In Vietnam, for example, where Jollibee now operates over 200 stores, nearly all customers are Vietnamese. In Brunei, Jollibee has established a leading position as the market leader in the QSR category, with virtually all customers also being local Bruneians. The brand is also experiencing strong community patronage in Singapore and Malaysia, where the majority of its consumers are locals. Another key driver of Jollibee's success in the region is the taste superiority of its products, especially the brand's world-famous Chickenjoy fried chicken—recognized by global platforms such as USA Today as the 'Best Fried Chicken' and lauded by renowned publications including Yahoo!, and South China Morning Post. The brand's Spicy Chickenjoy is also continuing to make waves, with many local consumers in Singapore and Malaysia praising its uniquely spicy kick compared to the competition. Beyond its fan-favorite bestsellers, Jollibee's success has also been fueled by its ability to introduce locally resonant menu innovations, including Chili Chicken in Vietnam and the Spicy Spaghetti in Malaysia, which have been well-received by local consumers. 'Our commitment to delivering superior taste has fueled our growth in Southeast Asia, and we're grateful to have passionate franchisees and partners who share in this mission,' shared Dennis Flores, President of Jollibee Europe, Middle East, Asia, and Australia. 'We are excited to strengthen these relationships, while also seeking new franchisees for new markets as we bring the joy of superior taste to more customers around the world.' Accelerating Expansion in Southeast Asia Riding on this momentum, Jollibee will continue its store network expansion across Southeast Asia, contributing to the global food company's mid-term goal of tripling its business in five years. This ongoing expansion reinforces Southeast Asia's critical role in Jollibee Group's global growth strategy, as the company continues its commitment to spreading joy through superior taste through global expansion, combining strong brand equity, product excellence, and operational agility. For more information on Jollibee Group, visit Jollibee Group's official website.
Arabian Post
02-06-2025
- Business
- Arabian Post
Jollibee Continues Stellar Growth Across Southeast Asia, Strengthens Leadership in Key Markets
With strong sales and continued store expansion, Jollibee deepens brand love and local patronage in Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, and Brunei MANILA, PHILIPPINES – Media OutReach Newswire – 2 June 2025 –Jollibee, the flagship brand of Jollibee Group , continues its remarkable growth across Southeast Asia, recording strong sales performance and store expansion across key markets in the Q1 2025, the brand achieved an impressive 27.8% systemwide sales growth across its Southeast Asia operations outside the Philippines, including Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, and Brunei. Jollibee's strong showing in Southeast Asia strongly contributed to the Jollibee Group's third consecutive year of record performance in 2024. The brand opened 51 new stores in the region in 2024, including its 200th store in Vietnam, which reflects Jollibee's commitment to bringing the joy of eating to the region's most dynamic quick-service restaurant (QSR) markets. 'We are grateful for our consumers' love for Jollibee, which reflects the strength of our flagship brand and the appeal of our offerings in different markets,' said Ernesto Tanmantiong, Global President and Chief Executive Officer of the Jollibee Group. 'Our continued strong growth across our international markets, particularly Southeast Asia, is a testament to the hard work of our team and commitment to our 5-year strategy of tripling attributable net income.' ADVERTISEMENT Winning with Local Love, Taste, and Innovation The brand's continuous effort to build relevance and resonance with local customers has resulted in strong local patronage across all Southeast Asian markets. In Vietnam, for example, where Jollibee now operates over 200 stores, nearly all customers are Vietnamese. In Brunei, Jollibee has established a leading position as the market leader in the QSR category, with virtually all customers also being local Bruneians. The brand is also experiencing strong community patronage in Singapore and Malaysia, where the majority of its consumers are locals. Another key driver of Jollibee's success in the region is the taste superiority of its products, especially the brand's world-famous Chickenjoy fried chicken—recognized by global platforms such as USA Today as the 'Best Fried Chicken' and lauded by renowned publications including Yahoo!, and South China Morning Post. The brand's Spicy Chickenjoy is also continuing to make waves, with many local consumers in Singapore and Malaysia praising its uniquely spicy kick compared to the competition. Beyond its fan-favorite bestsellers, Jollibee's success has also been fueled by its ability to introduce locally resonant menu innovations, including Chili Chicken in Vietnam and the Spicy Spaghetti in Malaysia, which have been well-received by local consumers. 'Our commitment to delivering superior taste has fueled our growth in Southeast Asia, and we're grateful to have passionate franchisees and partners who share in this mission,' shared Dennis Flores, President of Jollibee Europe, Middle East, Asia, and Australia. 'We are excited to strengthen these relationships, while also seeking new franchisees for new markets as we bring the joy of superior taste to more customers around the world.' ADVERTISEMENT Accelerating Expansion in Southeast Asia Riding on this momentum, Jollibee will continue its store network expansion across Southeast Asia, contributing to the global food company's mid-term goal of tripling its business in five years. This ongoing expansion reinforces Southeast Asia's critical role in Jollibee Group's global growth strategy, as the company continues its commitment to spreading joy through superior taste through global expansion, combining strong brand equity, product excellence, and operational agility. For more information on Jollibee Group, visit Jollibee Group's official website. Hashtag: #JollibeeGroup The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. About Jollibee Group The Jollibee Group (PSE: JFC) is one of the world's fastest-growing restaurant companies, driven by its purpose of spreading joy through superior taste. Its portfolio includes 19 brands with over 9,900 stores across 33 countries. The Jollibee Group's portfolio includes nine wholly owned brands (Jollibee, Chowking, Greenwich, Red Ribbon, Mang Inasal, Yonghe King, Hong Zhuang Yuan, Smashburger and Tim Ho Wan), five franchised brands (Burger King, Panda Express, Yoshinoya, Common Man Coffee Roasters, and Tiong Bahru Bakery in the Philippines), and ownership stakes in other key brands like The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf (80%), Compose Coffee (70%), SuperFoods Group that operates Highlands Coffee (60%), and bubble tea brand Milksha (51%). The Company also has membership interests in Tortazo, LLC, along with Chef Rick Bayless, for Tortazo in the U.S. and has recently invested in Botrista, a leader in beverage technology. The Jollibee Group's global sustainability agenda, Joy for Tomorrow, underscores its commitment to sustainable business practices across food safety, employee welfare, community support, good governance, and environmental responsibility, among others. These focus areas are aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs). The Jollibee Group has been recognized as the Philippines' Most Admired Company by the Asian Wall Street Journal, named one of Asia's Fab 50 Companies, and listed among Forbes' World's Best Employers and Top Female-Friendly Companies. The Company is also a three-time Gallup Exceptional Workplace Award recipient and featured in TIME's World's Best Companies and Fortune's Southeast Asia 500 List. To learn more about Jollibee Group, visit
