Friday, November 20, 2009
Be Naughty or Nice This Holiday Season
“Helping others is always a good way to celebrate the holidays, bringing cheer and making you feel good,” says Dr. Sandy Goldberg, founder of A Silver Lining Foundation (ASLF). The organization’s Auxiliary Board sponsors its second annual “Naughty or Nice” party from 8:30 p.m. until 11:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 4 at Zella, (1983 N. Clybourn Ave., Chicago; 773-549-2910).
The event raises money to fund no cost mammograms for uninsured and underinsured individuals, and raises awareness of the need for early detection of breast cancer.
“A Silver Lining Foundation’s Auxiliary Board happily hosts our second annual holiday party to provide a potentially life-saving mammograms and related outreach and resource services for uninsured and underinsured individuals,” says Dr. Goldberg. “By celebrating the holidays and enjoying time with friends at Zella, we have the opportunity to make a huge difference in someone’s life. In this season of giving, what better gift is there?”
Tickets are $25, and can be purchased at the door or in advance at www.asilverliningfoundation.org/tickets.
Admission includes all-you-can-drink cocktails, wine (house brands) and domestic beers.
There will also be raffle with a variety of prizes, including sports tickets, and restaurant and spa deals.
For more information on ASLF, visit www.asilverliningfoundation.org.
Alicia's Final Post
I've been working as an intern at Kurman Communications for the past few months as you have seen some of my Got Buzz postings. For my final post, I decided to do a top five gems of information I've learned list since I'm a sucker for rating things: movies, lists, places, food. I have way too many mental list countdowns as well: five weeks until Christmas, three days until I see my dog, two hours until lunch at La Madia with Kurman staff. I thought it would only be appropriate to continue this in my final posting. The following is a taste of what I experienced and learned during my internship. So here it is folds, the highly anticipated top five list, the top gems of information I've learned here:
5. Be persistent. Persistence was one quality that was essential to get this internship, was an attribute that was critical to my success during my internship, and a trait that will be fundamental for a promising future. First, if I wasn't persistent about working in a field that I was passionate about, I probably would be doing a mindless data entry job. After diligently looking, inquiring, interviewing, and following up, it was as important to continue my persistence while interning. Every day I expected more out of myself and I continued to seek out constant challenges in my eagerness to learn.
4. Social media is here to stay folks! Yes, I have a Facebook page, a professional profile on LinkedIn, a Twitter account and I read blogs, so I thought I had a pretty good grasp on the concept of social media before my time at Kurman, but was I wrong. I expected to improve my writing skills and learn more about the professional workforce. What I didn't know was how much I would learn about social media. At Kurman Communications there is a strategy behind their use of these tools and their ability to utilize this technology was beyond my knowledge. I knew there was lot of behind the scenes work that goes into generating buzz, including understanding the methodology, analyzing communications and marketing option, identifying and engaging communicators from all walks of life with the primary goal of getting noticed. I also knew public relations was and has always been a strategic marketing function in motion, I just hadn't realized how integrated social networking had become as a platform. As I started tweeting, posting and updating information on Facebook and to the KCI blog, Got Buzz, I quickly learned how social media has broadened the opportunities for Kurman's clients to get noticed.
3. Details, details, and did I mention details? At Kurman, I learned the art and importance of editing and searching for those little details. With every piece I wrote, re-wrote and wrote again, I learned a lot about my strengths and weaknesses as a writer. Even what may have seemed like the tiniest of details, an extra space after a period, adding a retweet button to a blog post, or capitalizing the first and second letter of a word was the difference between work that was fine and work that was great. I learned that although something may have made sense to me, there's always another way for a thought to be expressed and a lot of communication lies in the small details and phrases. I learned that effective communication is key to success and my supervisors and, even the company president, Cindy, brought light to really thing about the details and then re-thinking the details.
2. Media are people too. Corresponding with media can be a bit daunting and frightening at first, but I learned that the best way to deal with this fear is head on. It's like when as a little kid you were scared to jump off the high dive, and the longer you stood up there and looked down the more scared you became. Your big sister was always in the pool screaming to "JUMP! The longer you stand there, the more difficult it gets!" And just like the high dive, the longer you look at the phone thing about the reporter hanging up on you, or laughing in your face, the scarier the call becomes and takes on a life of its own. Instead of staring at the phone, I picked it up and made my first call, and I realized, it was just like calling up a friend to tell them about something really cool (because our clients are cool and fun to talk about).
1. You CAN and should love your job! You spend more time at work than you do with your family and most friends. Fortunate for me, I really found I enjoyed and loved the work I was doing. I also respected and had of lot fun with those I worked with at Kurman. My colleagues were always very supportive and helpful in explaining, as well as, outlining tasks.
My advice for any intern is to ask questions and get involved in the organization. You won't learn anything by only doing what you're told. I have already have many doors opened for me and have had the opportunity to work with some of the brightest and most creative mind in PR. With the completion of my fourth internship, I am armed with the tools for a promising future and I'm excited about the opportunities and challenges that are ahead. I look forward to my future in PR and know that thanks to Kurman Communications, I will be taking a rocking portfolio and resume with me.
As they say, where one door closes another opens!
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Email me: Alicia.Schindle@gmail.com
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Legendary Auto Show Moving from McCormick Place after 47 years
“The good news is, we aren’t leaving the Chicago area,” says president of Championship Auto Shows, Inc., Pete Toundas. “The Rosemont venue provides us with more space and accessibility that we are excited to utilize with new exhibit features this year.”
The O’Reilly Auto Parts World of Wheels, presented by Denny Guest’s South Oak Dodge-Chrysler-Jeep is the oldest and largest auto enthusiast event in the Chicago area. Like the other events that have decided to leave, the show producers acknowledge increasing cost and customer convenience are major factors in making the decision to move the show.
Toundas also acknowledges that moving to Rosemont, Ill. is easier on the customers attending the show, providing affordable and convenient valet and garage parking. Since the show began at McCormick Place more than four decades ago, Toundas has seen the price of parking skyrocket, especially in recent years.
Along with the location, the show is also changing its date. Historically, the show has been in late January, one to two weeks within the new car show. This year, the O’Reilly Auto Parts World of Wheels takes place in early March, when guests can expect better weather than previous years.
“Championship Auto Shows is committed to providing the best experience possible for guests of the show,” says Toundas. “With the move of the show to Rosemont in the spring, we feel the show has more to offer and can continue to be Chicago’s largest auto enthusiast event.”
Historically the show has drawn thousands of auto enthusiasts from across Illinois and the United States showcasing some of the country’s most unique muscle cars, trucks and motorcycles. Last year, the show boasted the legendary George Barris who designed the original Batmobile and other famous television cars. This year, the show is happy to have Chip Foose, legendary auto designer and star of “Overhaulin” as well as a number of new show features.
About O’Reilly Auto Parts World of Wheels
The 48th Annual O’Reilly Auto Parts World of Wheels, presented by Denny Guest's South Oak Dodge-Chrysler-Jeep is produced by Championship Auto Shows, Inc. of Auburn Hills, Mich. Part of the International Show Car Association custom car competition, the show takes place March 5-7, 2010 at Donald E. Stephens Convention Center (5555 N. River Road, Rosemont, Ill.). The event hours are Friday, 3 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., Saturday, 10 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Discount pre-sale tickets can be purchased at O’Reilly Auto Parts. For more information, visit http://www.worldofwheels.com/.
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Editor’s Note: To set up an interview with Pete Toundas about the O’Reilly Auto Parts World of Wheels and his decision to move the show, please contact Stephanie DeMeester at Kurman Communications, Inc. at (312) 651-9000, via cell at (317) 340-0605 or via e-mail at stephanie@kurman.com
Fresh Weekend Deals at Glen Prairie
Stop by Glen Prairie (1250 Roosevelt Rd., Glen Ellyn, Ill.) after 5 p.m. today, Nov. 20 and tomorrow, Nov. 21 for farm-fresh weekend specials, created by executive chef Daniel Ovanin, featuring ingredients sourced from areas farmers and ranchers.
Specials include Iowa Farmed Beef "Sheperd's Pie," braised pot roast, carrots, onion, celery, truffle whipped potatoes and two year Laack Bros. cheddar ($19), as well as the Sage and Apple Seared Miller Farms Chicken, warm salad of wild rice, Michigan apples, dried cherries and cranberries, green beans and an apples glaze ($20).
These specials are offered in addition to Glen Prairie's regular menu. Reservations are recommended and can be made by calling Glen Prairie at (630) 613-1250 or visiting http://www.glenprairie.com/.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
'Tis the Season for Giving
Celebrate the holiday season with StreetWise at the second annual holiday fundraiser from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 22, 2009 at Praha Boutique (3849 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago, Ill., 773-549-1227). The fundraiser includes gourmet passed appetizers, which guests can enjoy while shopping at the European-inspired, affordable boutique. Fifteen percent of all proceeds from the event will be donated to StreetWise.
Monday, November 16, 2009
Jingle & Mingle at The James Hotel
There’s no better time to celebrate the holidays than at “River North’s Jingle & Mingle Holiday Party,” hosted by the River North Business Association (RNBA) from 5:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 2 at The James Hotel (55 E. Ontario St., Chicago; 312-337-1000).
The holiday celebration features a live pianist from The Redhead Piano Bar, as well as Dickens-era carolers and a classic cocktail bar presented by Templeton Rye whiskey. Tickets for the event are $40 in advance and $50 at the door, and can be purchased by calling the RNBA office at (312) 645-1047 or visiting http://www.rivernorthassociation.com/. The event is open to the public.
There will be opportunities to win a variety of prizes, including weekend packages featuring tickets to the Chicago Bulls and the Chicago Blackhawks, and event passes and hotel stays. Passed appetizers and an open bar are included in the price of admission. “River North’s Jingle & Mingle Holiday Party” sponsors include: The Redhead Piano Bar, The James Hotel, Merchandise Mart Properties, Inc., Erie-LaSalle Body Shop and Car Care Center, Templeton Rye whiskey, KaBloom Flowers, Goose Island Brewery and Kurman Communications, Inc.
About River North Business Association:
The River North Business Association was founded in 1981 and quickly became a force in the community, representing businesses and providing member services to help them succeed. The RNBA hopes to preserve a community environment that will provide a high quality of life for all who live, work and visit River North. For more information on the participating businesses and their discount offers, visit http://www.rivernorthassocation.com/ or call (312) 645-1047.
Friday, November 13, 2009
Weekend Eats from Glen Prairie
Need weekend plans without breaking the budget? Look no further than Glen Prairie (1250 Roosevelt Rd., Glen Ellyn; 630-613-1250) a local farm sourced restaurant featuring contemporary American cuisine from chef Daniel Ovanin. This weekend only (Nov. 13 and 14), chef Ovanin has prepared weekend specials, offered in addition to the restaurant's regular menu.
Start with the appetizer, Seared Colorado Lamb Chops, shaved fennel and Michigan Apple salad and Port reduction ($11). Entree specials include Glazed Pork Loin Medallions, raspberry whole grain mustard glaze, whipped potatoes and caramelized Brussels sprouts ($20), and Butternut Squash Ravioli, sauteed wild mushrooms, caramelized leeks and truffle cream sauce ($19).
Reservations are recommended at Glen Prairie. Call (630) 613-1250 or visit http://www.glenprairie.com/ for more information.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
News Update from PRIDE Travel
PRIDE Travel Receives 2009 Gold Davey Award
At the 2009 Davey Awards, the International Academy of Visual Arts recognized PRIDE Travel with its highest award, a Gold Davey, for the independent in-house production of the "Amazing Thailand" commercial which promotes Thailand as a travel destination. The commercial was produced in-house by PRIDE Travel's owner and CEO, Marc R. Kassouf, using only a standard PC and old fashioned trial and error. Kassouf initiated the project in order to promote the destination with a short commercial video at trade shows and events, as well as to add it to other similar destination videos.
With more than 4,000 entries from around the world, the Davey Awards honor the finest creative work from the best small firms, agencies and companies worldwide. The Davey Awards are judged and overseen by the International Academy of the Visual Arts (IAVA), a 200+ member organization of leading professionals from various disciplines of the visual arts dedicated to embracing progress and the evolving nature of traditional and interactive media.
The "Amazing Thailand” commercial is available for online viewing on YouTube.
PRIDE Travel Organizes Wedding Cruise for Celebrity Music Artists
Musical artists Jason and deMarco retained PRIDE Travel to organize and coordinate a cruise in celebration of their wedding. The couple will be sailing with family, friends and fans on a seven night Carnival's Conquest round trip from Galveston, Texas near the newly-wed's home, with stops in Freeport Bahamas, Nassau Bahamas and Key West, Fla. May 2010.
A special cruise group has been setup by PRIDE Travel with Carnival Cruises, with limited space available for fans to book and sail with the artists. Those booking through PRIDE Travel will receive special amenities limited to the Jason and deMarco wedding group.
PRIDE Travel Owner and CEO Named Co-Chair of International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association's Diversity Committee
Further deepening ties and contributions by PRIDE Travel's owners and employees to the Diversity Committee of the International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association (IGLTA), Kassouf was appointed co-chair to the organization. In his continuing duties as member of the committee, Kassouf now takes on additional strategic and administrative roles to help facilitate the production of plans and processes to fulfill the committee's mission as tasked by the board of directors of IGLTA.
PRIDE Travel has been an active member and supporter of IGLTA, attending conferences and events. To support the conference and fundraising efforts, PRIDE Travel donated a seven night accommodations package to one of more than 5000 resorts worldwide. The donation was the second highest grossing silent auction item at the May 2009 conference, with all proceeds benefiting IGLTA directly to continue its mission.
PRIDE Travel LGBT Leisure Travel Sales Ahead of National Community Marketing Inc Average
In contrast to trends released from Community Marketing, Inc. (CMI), PRIDE Travel sales to LGBT leisure is up slightly for the year ending 2009 according to S. Nathan DePetris, COO and Owner of PRIDE Travel.
"We have seen growth not only in number of LGBT leisure clients booking trips," noted DePetris, "but also in the length of travel, with more clients traveling further and for longer periods."
PRIDE Travel Finds New Exciting Destination for Clients to Explore
Participants in the Seoul Tourism Organization sponsored and hosted event return home with a fresh perspective on the fascinating culture, attractions and exotic cuisine that form the facets of Korea. The familiarization tour included five fast-paced full days split between Gwangju, Korea's southern culinary capital, and Seoul, Korea's cultural and thriving metropolitan heart.
PRIDE Travel owner and COO S. Nathan DePetris participated by special invitation of the Seoul Tourism Organization, joining delegates from U.S. tour operators, journalists, travel writers, food critics and renowned chefs and foodies. All participants in this tour returned home with a strong desire to share the many fascinating facets that Korea has to offer leisure travelers, culinary foodies and convention goers in the North American market. PRIDE Travel looks forward to its part in exposing the many facets to its clients and sharing the great potential of this marvelous destination.
To learn more about PRIDE Travel, press here or visit http://www.pridetravelonline.com/.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Glen Prairie Thanks Veterans with a Dining Discount
Happy Veteran's Day! Celebrate at Glen Prairie (1250 Roosevelt Rd., Glen Ellyn; 630-613-1250), where men and women of our armed services, plus their guests, receive a 15% food discount today, Veteran's Day, upon presentment of a military or veteran's ID or DD214.
Friday, November 6, 2009
The New Colony's "Calls to Blood" Extends Performance Schedule through Nov. 28
The New Colony's "Calls to Blood" extended performance schedule to run through Nov. 28 after moving the production to the much larger cabaret space of the Royal George Theatre, which they moved to on Oct. 29 to accommodate the over whelming demand for tickets. The show premiered Oct. 12 and runs at 8 p.m. Thursdays - Saturdays.
"We always hoped for this situation, but the outpouring of interest and word of mouth for this show has taken us completely by surprise," comments Artistic Director Andrew Hobgood at Sunday's company meeting.
After only a short number of performances, The New Colony finds themselves in the delightful position of maxing out the capacity of their venue. Over the course of a week, the production team began transitioning the production to the new venue while still performing in the Gallery of the Royal George Theatre.
"Over a four-week run, less than 1,000 people would be able to see this show in the Royal George's Gallery," explains Hobgood. "Moving the production to the Cabaret space will make the show available to more people.
"Calls to Blood" tells the darkly comic tragedy of the perfect American couple and their seemingly impenetrable happiness - even as they struggle to conceive the child they want so desperately. But in trying to find a solution to this continual failure, they unearth the one truth that can destroy everything upon which their perfect lives have been built.
Here's what the press has been saying:
Chicago Tribune Recommended and Critic's Pick
"Four young performers in sync with one another, wholly able to replicate the casual jokes and hidden terror that fill the yuppie life in Chicago as it is lived, and, in the case of an arresting young actress named Sarah Gitenstein, wholly willing to dig deep and howl out her wounded innards with sufficient force to jolt you out of your uncomfortable seat."
"On the face of it, such dramas seem easy to do and, indeed, many small companies attempt them. But "Calls to Blood" and New Colony know how to heed that call much clearer than most. Andrew Hobgood's savvy production is quite the riveting show."
-- Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune
"... the New Colony's fierce production transcends the scenario's slick contours. As Alison, Gitenstein brings a breathtaking passion to the stage; torn apart by what she learns, Gitenstein manages to lift the play from its true-story origins to true art."
-- John Beer, TimeOut Chicago
Reader Recommended
"The play shouldn't work, but Asmus pack his seemingly incompatible scenes with accurate, telling observations of human behavior, and director Andrew Hobgood's pitch-perfect cast articulate them with graceful precision. Against all odds, nearly everything in this New Colony premiere rings poignantly true."
-- Justin Hayford, Chicago Reader
"Gut-wrenching! While establishing a couple's perfect relation only to rip it apart isn't new ground, this flawless execution is beyond rare."
"...it will floor you."
-- John Biederman, Centerstage Chicago
"Calls to Blood" premiered 8 p.m. Monday, Oct. 12 with an additional press opening Thursday, Oct. 15. "Calls to Blood" runs at 8 p.m. Thursdays - Saturdays at the Royal George Cabaret Theatre through Nov 28.
Show passes at $25 for general admission, $20 for seniors and $15 for students/industry. Visit www.thenewcolony.org/callstoblood to access the ePaybill for "Calls to Blood," Passes are on sale online through TickerMaster or by calling the Royal George Bow Office at (312) 988-9000. All passes to The New Colony productions allow the purchaser to see the show for which the pass was purchased for an unlimited number of times.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Erie-LaSalle Body Shop celebrates 75 years as Chicago's premier car collision repair shop
As owner Bob Gottfred leads a tour of the basement at Erie-LaSalle Body Shop, he reveals a wall that survived the Great Chicago Fire. You can still see some black charring on the basement ceiling beams. "You know, the basement used to be the first floor. When they rebuilt after the fire, the city was one level higher." It's just one more reminder that in Chicago, a business celebrating its 75th anniversary is as meaningful as it is rare.
A tour of the body shop also reveals how professional and intricate collision repair has become. Erie-LaSalle employees are clearly a team of professionals trained to use complex equipment and technology. They must know, in detail, how a wide range of cars are manufactured so they can repair them to factory specifications. "There are changes every day in this business," says Jay Gottfred. "Vehicles get more complicated; technology is added; new metals are substituted; different paints are used. Our profession is as much a science as it is an art."
What are the most difficult cars to repair? Limousines, says Gottfred. "Parts are hard to come by and you have to use your imagination to construct stretch panels and door panels."
Dr. Sandy Goldberg Named a 2009 Purpose Prize Fellow
Dr. Sandy Goldberg, founder of A Silver Lining Foundation (ASLF), has been named a 2009 Purpose Prize fellow, an honor for social entrepreneurs over 60 who are using their experience and passion to take on society’s biggest challenges. Now in its fourth year, the six-year, $17 million program is the nation’s only large-scale investment in social innovators in the second half of life.
Dr. Sandy Goldberg, the founder of the Chicago-based A Silver Lining Foundation, was named a Fellow for providing cancer resource information, treatment options, quality of life services and no-cost mammograms to uninsured and underinsured individuals.
The fellows underscore a trend in entrepreneurialism later in life. According to studies by the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, the 55-64 age group is the most active in creating new ventures. Counter to stereotype, people ages 20-34, the study found, are the least entrepreneurial.
“More than ever, the problems facing our communities, country and world call out for creative solutions,” said Marc Freedman, co-founder of The Purpose Prize and author of Encore: Finding Work That Matters in the Second Half of Life. “Fortunately, we don’t run out of ideas as we age.
“Like so many others in this new stage of life between the end of midlife careers and the beginning of true old age, The Purpose Prize fellows combine creativity, experience and passion with a desire to do something bigger than themselves,” Freedman continued.
“Now, more than ever before, is the time to address the needs of our fellow community members and provide cancer related resource information and related services they would not have access to otherwise. We strive to give everyone a silver lining in life,” said Goldberg. “It is an honor to be recognized for the efforts of A Silver Lining Foundation by the Purpose Prize.”
The Purpose Prize supports Fellows by helping develop their capacity, linking them with funders and venture philanthropists and connecting them to other social innovators over 60. It is part of the Encore Careers campaign run by Civic Ventures, a national think tank on boomers, work and social purpose. Funding for The Purpose Prize comes from The Atlantic Philanthropies and the John Templeton Foundation.
The Purpose Prize is a program of the Encore Careers campaign, which aims to engage millions of boomers in encore careers combining social impact, personal meaning and continued income in the second half of life.
For more information, visit http://www.encore.org/. For more information on ASLF, visit http://www.asilverliningfoundation.org/.