Robert Parente, who served as Miami’s film czar from 2002-2010, died last week after a long battle with cardiac disease. He was 62.
A beloved industry figure, Parente did much to attract and retain filming in Miami, spanning assorted projects ranging from commercials to features and TV. In the latter arena, he was instrumental in the long run that Miami enjoyed with the filming of USA Network’s Burn Notice spy thriller series. He also had a hand in developing a production incentive program (which expired this year) as well as a unified film permitting system called FilMiami.
A life celebration ceremony will be held 4-8 p.m. today at the Van Orsdel chapel at 4600 SW Eighth St. Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. on Tuesday at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church, 900 SW 26th Rd.
He is survived by his mother and his four siblings.
Pepsi soft drinks in plastic bottles are on sale at a grocery store in New York on Weds., Nov. 15, 2023. (AP Photo/Ted Shaffrey, File)
PepsiCo confirmed Friday that it's ending some of its diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, even as rival Coca-Cola voiced support for its own inclusion efforts.
In a memo sent to employees, PepsiCo CEO Ramon Laguarta said the company will no longer set goals for minority representation in its managerial roles or supplier base. The company will also align its sponsorships to events and groups that promote business growth, he said.
Laguarta wrote that inclusion remains important to PepsiCo, whose brands include Gatorade, Lay's potato chips, Doritos, Mountain Dew as well as Pepsi. The Purchase, New York-based company's chief diversity officer will transition to a broader role focused on employee engagement, leadership development and ensuring an inclusive culture, he said.
Since President Donald Trump returned to the White House last month, U.S. government agencies, companies and schools have rushed to reevaluate policies and programs they adopted with the goal of reducing discrimination against members of minority groups, women and LGBTQ+ people.
Trump ended DEI programs within the federal government and has warned schools to end DEI programs or risk losing federal money.
PepsiCo's rollback came as Coca-Cola reaffirmed support for its DEI efforts.
In its annual report, Atlanta-based Coke warned that its business could be negatively affected if it is unable to attract employees that reflect its broad range of customers.
"Failure to maintain a corporate culture that fosters innovation, collaboration and inclusion … could disrupt our operations and adversely affect our business and our future success," the company said.
Coca-Cola has set a goal of having women in 50% of its senior leadership roles by... Read More
