My Life: Volunteering and Fundraising

Sorry about the lack of posts, I was experiencing some technical difficulties and wasn't able to post anything.

So, what have I been up to. Let see for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, I made time to volunteer at a senior center and in the evening I attended a speaker on African-American Artists from past to present at the museum.

A wonderful way that we can embrace Dr. King's philosophy is to celebrate our differences and know that we can learn something from each other. Our life experiences are what makes us unique. The world would be so boring if we all were the same. Maybe it's hokey to feel that way but maybe one day it will happen.

As for what going on with PR, lately I have been focusing on more causes and charitable organizations trying to help raise money for worthy causes. For anyone looking to enter PR, fundraising for museums is a great entry level way to get experience.

Holiday Time = Good Cause PR

How was your Thanksgiving? I really enjoyed it. Spent time with my family and enjoyed the all the great food. Thanksgiving really makes me reflect on all the good people in my life.

This is also the time of year where you read numerous articles and see various news segments on how people are helping those in need. I saw one early this morning about a toy donation program in Los Angeles that let children borrow toys for free (I'll find out the name of organization). The program is a big help to parents who can not afford to buy new toys and it gives children a chance to play with them then return them for another toy. It also teaches kids responsibility because they are essentially taking care of someone's property.

I also read various articles about churches donating food including turkeys, so families can prepare their own Thanksgiving meal. There are so many good organizations that are genuinely trying to help others such as Toys for Tots. Every year I try to donate be it some of my time, PR skills or monetary (gift or money) to hopefully make some kind of difference with different organizations.

Are We Too Focused on Youth?

by C. A. Brooks
Style and Focus Lifestyle PR

We live in a youth obsessed culture where everything and everyone has to be young and fresh. Look at some of the new and returning fall shows, that are aimed at teens and early twenty-somethings including the revamped 90's shows like 90210 and Melrose Place. The main cast of both shows are at least 10 years younger than the actors were when the original 90's series aired.

Flip through any glossy fashion and beauty magazine and you will notice there are numerous ads for anti-aging products and not just for your face but for your hair, nails and body. There's big business in anti-aging products and treatments all to make you look younger. Even teenagers are starting to purchase these products. Which is the last thing they should be worrying about is their skin starting to age. I wrote another post on this "Are Anti-Aging Products being over Marketed?"

Take a look at Hollywood, the current hottest celebrities are Miley Cyrus and the Jonas Brothers. Yes, they are talented but I feel as though they are be over marketed and are being promoted to the wrong target audience (more so with Miley Cyrus than with the Jonas Brothers). Hollywood has always had an obsession with youth but it seems that must be the current pre-requisite now because you don't really need to have any talent just youth. This is included with the number of complaints that I hear from teens about the lack of quality shows for them to watch. Some feel that there's nothing to watch if you're too old for Hannah Montana and not into the Gossip Girl type shows. So, what's left for them to watch?

As a marketer and publicist, I think overly promoting youth is not a good thing because constantly pushing youth places a negative connotation towards aging and suggest that you're only of some worth or value if you're in your teens and early twenties. It gives off a fear of once you step out of that age bracket you're useless and your life will no longer be any fun. Which is certainly not true. Now there are a group of people out there trying to chase youth and that's kind of like running on a treadmill trying to reach the finish line.

By only concentrating on youth, you decrease the value and experiences that we gain as we age. I think more attention should be focused on one's talent and experiences and instead of on looks and aging. Yes, it's pipe dream but maybe it'll happen one day.

Chicago's French Inspired Market Soon to Offer Delectable Culinary Treats

Local culinary favorites Pastoral, Vanille Patisserie and Flip Crepes are among the many local vendors to be featured at MetraMarket's French Market.

CHICAGO, Aug. 19 -- From locally grown fruits and vegetables to freshly-baked breads to artisanal made cheeses, Chicago will finally have a year-round, European-inspired fresh market to call its own. To be comprised of more than two dozen individual vendors, Chicago French Market is poised to become Chicago's newest and most enticing culinary destination, featuring Pastoral, Espression by Lavazza, Sweet Miss Giving's, Flip Crepes and the award-winning Vanille Patisserie, among many others.

Chicago French Market is the heart of MetraMarket, a new vibrant, street-level restaurant and retail complex developed by U.S. Equities Realty, a full-service real estate firm based in Chicago. Connected to Ogilvie Transportation Center's suburban commuter concourse, MetraMarket will enliven two underutilized city blocks bounded by Lake, Canal, Washington and Clinton Streets in Chicago's West Loop. Six days a week, alluring aromas from fresh baked goods and other delectable items will fill Chicago French Market at 131 N. Clinton Street, making it an exciting fresh food destination for local residents, downtown office workers, commuters, tourists and Chicagoans alike.

Managed and operated by the Bensidoun family, the largest market operator in and around Paris, Chicago French Market is the latest in a growing number of Bensidoun French Markets throughout the Chicagoland area. To date, the family manages eleven weekly outdoor markets throughout Chicagoland during the summer.

The combined passion and vision for Chicago French Market has enabled the Bensidoun family and U.S. Equities to assemble a unique collection of local vendors that were hand selected for their individual passions, high-quality products and competitive prices. Bringing together the best-of-the-best from Chicago neighborhoods and outlying areas, Chicago French Market will be largely comprised of entrepreneurs, family-owned businesses and accomplished purveyors, including:


** Albano's Deli: Recently voted as "Favorite Deli" by West Suburban Living Magazine readers, Albano's Deli, an authentic Italian specialty store, will provide Chicago French Market customers with imported and domestic meats, tomato products and other Italian favorites. It will also offer an assortment of freshly made sub sandwiches, salads and soups, as well as deli tray catering.

** Canady Le Chocolatier: Professional chocolatier, Michael Canady, who attended Richemonte School in Lucerne, Switzerland and studied in Antwerp, Belgium, will be offering his broad selection of delicious rich dark, milk and white chocolate creations. Headquartered in Chicago's South Loop, Canady Le Chocolatier will boast mouth-watering specialties such as truffles, chocolate-coated orange slices, marzipan, nougat, ginger slices and a variety of ganache.

** Chicago Organics: An organization dedicated to the expanded production, marketing and distribution of locally grown and responsibly produced products, Chicago Organics will offer an exceptional array of fresh and certified organic produce, meats, dairy and other local delicacies.

** Completely Nuts: Completely Nuts began as a small roaster at a local fair back in 1991 and evolved into one of Chicago's most renowned nut shops. It will offer a variety of roasted almonds, cashews, pecans and peanuts, as well as scrumptious candied options.

** Espression by Lavazza: In addition to its 2,045-square-foot space within MetraMarket, the 114 year old, family-owned Italian cafe will also offer its award-winning espresso and coffee drinks, as well as authentic gelato, at its French Market location.

** Flip Crepes: For breakfast, lunch or dinner, the tastes of authentic France can be found in Flip Crepes, a creperie offering a variety of healthy and original recipes wrapped in an all-natural wheat crepe. It's traditional French food at its best: chocolate, dulce de leche, fresh fruits, goat cheese, roasted mushrooms and caramelized onions are among the palette of flavors that will please food connoisseurs at Chicago French Market.

** Fraternite Notre Dame: The nuns of the Fraternite Notre Dame have created a loyal following for their sweets and baked goods. A large selection of handmade items will be available, including fresh breads, creme brulees, quiches and beignets, among dozens of other sweet and savory baked goods. Additionally, a portion of their profits will fund the Fraternite Norte Dame's charitable work with families in need throughout Chicago.

** Pastoral Artisan Cheese, Bread & Wine: Chicagoans Ken Miller and Greg O'Neill own and operate this European-inspired, authentic neighborhood cheese shop, offering the highest quality fine and artisan cheeses from America and around the world, select small production wines and freshly baked breads, along with a full complement of related items such as charcuterie and olives. Pastoral also offers custom gift collections, gourmet sandwiches and salads, picnics and catering. Pastoral operates successful locations in Lakeview and in the Loop and is known for its approachable and knowledgeable staff.

** Sweet Miss Giving's: Sweet Miss Giving's Bakery and Gifting is a premier bakery and jobs program that offers rich, decadent baked goods while providing a new reason to feel good about sweet indulgences: more than 50 percent of all profits go to help the formerly homeless and HIV/AIDS-affected men, women and children of Chicago House. Opened in November 2008, this new bakery with a great story has garnered attention from local foundations and news outlets as an innovative business with a social mission.

** Vanille Patisserie: Owned by Dimitri Fayard, the World Pastry Champion of 2008, and Keli Fayard, an accomplished cake designer, this husband and wife team has built an award-winning French pastry shop that melds classic European traditions with modern flavors. Appealing to the contemporary palette, Vanille Patisserie specializes in wedding and special occasion cakes, handmade chocolates and candies, mousse cakes and luscious tarts.

** Wisconsin Cheese Mart: Headquartered in Old World Third Street in downtown Milwaukee, the Wisconsin Cheese Mart is a 70 year old tradition. Offering a wide collection of Wisconsin-produced sheep, cow and goats milk varieties, Wisconsin Cheese Mart's hand-crafted offerings will appeal to cheese lovers in search of the Midwest's finest cheeses.


"Chicago French Market has assembled the area's best vendors to create a dynamic market experience that boasts a range of local and international flavors," said Sebastien Bensidoun, executive vice president of Bensidoun Investment LLC and a fourth generation Bensidoun market expert. "With its collection of vendors and a public space for cooking demonstrations, events, mingling and dining, we're certain that Chicago French Market will be solidified in the minds of Chicagoans as a culinary and shopping destination unlike anything else in the city."

"Chicagoans will finally have a true marketplace right in the heart of downtown offering the exciting experience of a farmers' market six days a week, 52 weeks a year, rain or shine," said Camille Julmy, vice chairman of U.S. Equities. "From a Metra commuter or nearby worker looking to pick up a healthy, fresh meal on-the-go to a city resident looking to pick up ingredients for a tasty, home cooked dinner, Chicago French Market will appeal to a broad range of consumers looking for a unique shopping experience and high-quality products."

Set to open this fall, Chicago French Market will be open Monday through Saturday from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. For additional information on joining Chicago French Market, please contact Katherine Loring, leasing associate for U.S. Equities' MetraMarket and Chicago French Market leasing team, at 312-456-7061. To stay up-to-date on the latest news on Chicago French Market, join the e-mail list to receive details on opening festivities and additional vendor information at www.chicagofrenchmarket.com.


About Chicago French Market - A Bensidoun Market

The 15,000-square-foot Chicago French Market will boast European style and consist of more than 25 individual vendors offering an array of meat, fish, cheese, organic produce and baked goods, as well as prepared meals for busy consumers. Unlike other seasonal farmers markets, Chicago French Market will be the only year-round market of its kind in the city.

Chicago French Market will be developed and managed by the Bensidoun family, the largest food operators of covered and open-air food markets in and around Paris since 1953. Thousands of vendors sell goods at the more than 80 markets throughout the Paris metropolitan area. In 1996, the Bensidouns decided to expand outside of Europe and created Bensidoun USA to develop French markets in the United States. The Bensidouns operate 15 markets in the U.S., 11 of which are throughout the Chicago area, all bringing a sense of community found in the markets of Europe, providing a place to gather, socialize and purchase quality goods at reasonable prices. For more information, please visit www.chicagofrenchmarket.com and www.bensidounusa.com.


About MetraMarket

Developed by U.S. Equities Realty, the 100,000-square-foot MetraMarket will be a vibrant street-level retail and restaurant complex that will bridge the gap in activity between the Loop and West Loop areas. MetraMarket will be home to a variety of unique restaurants, retail stores, boutique shops and neighborhood service providers, as well as the French Market. Bounded by Lake, Canal, Washington and Clinton streets and connected to the Ogilvie Transportation Center, MetraMarket will energize the heart of Chicago's West Loop office and residential markets by creating a bustling urban marketplace that will attract Metra commuters, downtown workers, area residents and tourists alike. Metra and the City of Chicago are working together with U.S. Equities to help make MetraMarket a one-of-a-kind culinary, cultural and entertainment destination in Chicago. For more information, please visit www.metramarket.com.


About U.S. Equities Realty

U.S. Equities Realty is a leading full-service commercial real estate firm headquartered in Chicago. The company serves as a strategic real estate advisor to clients throughout the United States and Latin America, providing development, program management, build-to-suit and construction oversight services; asset management and leasing; tenant representation, consulting and advisory services; and financial and investment services. For more information, please visit www.usequities.com.


Media Contacts:
Courtney Harper
312-819-5722
courtney@reputationpartners.com

Erin Serkaian
312-819-5719
erin@reputationpartners.com

The Importance of Staying Visible in Tough Times

by Annice Brooks
Style and Focus Lifestyle PR

Yes, it's common sense to stay visible doing tough economic times but many seem to forget that. As the old saying goes "Out of Sight, Out of Mind". Instead of using all their resources many are choosing to scale back or eliminate their Marketing and Public Relations altogether. Why? By doing that all it will do is put you at a disadvantage once the economy starts to take off again. This may not be the best time to promote curtain products such as luxury items but companies no matter if their selling birds seeds to Bottega Veneta need to stay in the public eye.

It's doesn't require companies using stunts to get attention. Promote the company's positive points such as charitable endeavors or how the company is striving to succeed during this lack luster economy. This is the real value of using PR to tackle issues such as this. Just come up with creative ideas to promote your company and/or products. Human interest pieces such as helping a local soup kitchen in need to Recession-proof workshops for small businesses can help increase visibility as well as provide you with positive feedback with your target audience. To move products many tried and true way work such as grocery stores, book stores and clothing boutiques have noticed increase in sales with in store signings (book stores and boutiques) and free samples with coupons (grocery stores).

However, despite the tough times many companies are doing the reverse and are increasing their budget. For instance, in a November Wall Street Journal article "Marketers Take a Softer Tack to Reach Uneasy Customers" several companies including Pillsbury are increasing their marketing budget with successful campaigns that focus on family, warmth and safety of home. It shows stability in an unstable time.

But don't over flood the social media networks, newspapers, etc. with "news" because doing that will easily result in no media coverage at all. Make it standout but remember no over the top gimmicks or stunts.


Style & Focus Lifestyle PR is a strategic and creative freelance based company catering to small businesses in the Lifestyle, Fashion and Beauty market. We provide clients with original ideas, services and personal attention through promotion and increased public awareness. For more information contact Style and Focus Lifestyle PR: styleandfocusfreelance@yahoo.com

Are we Overloaded with Celebrity Product Promotion?

by Style and Focus Lifestyle PR

This might sound strange coming from someone in Marketing & PR but there are too many ads featuring celebrities as well as there are too many celebrity products being aimed at the same target market.

A few questions that come to mind are: Do we really need to see so many celebrities in ads to purchase a product? Are companies relying too much on the celebrity endorsement to sell their products or are they just cashing in on our celebrity obsessed culture? Some might say that they are spending to much time and money on the celebrities instead of the focusing on promoting their product.

For instance, if you flip through any of the latest issue of a fashion magazine and you will see a large quantity of ads featuring some of the top as well as the latest IT celebrities promoting perfume, shampoo, skin care, clothing and more. With the fickleness of fans and not just in Hollywood, companies as well as celebrities entrepreneurs take a real risk of over exposure.

But do companies as well as their products risk losing their identity with being associated with the celebrity? What happens if the celebrity's image takes a hit? Will that reflect upon the product or the company?

It's almost to the point where it's considered a "no-brainer" to put a celebrity in an ad or endorse a beauty or fashion item. Because they know that some women are "star gazers" and want to be like them, which results in a good source of sales and revenue.

Is Creativity the Way to Boost Sales during Recession?

by A. Brooks
Style and Focus Lifestyle PR

During hard times companies are looking towards their marketing, PR and advertising - in-house or outside agency - to provide creative ways to make an impact and attract sales more often than not with a minimized budget. Creativity will be key because it will set a business apart from all it's competitors.

This is when marketers, advertisers and publicist really start earning their paychecks and surprisingly are given more free range to be more creative and use their imaginations to promote the products, services, the company's image, etc. However, there is no magical formula but it will take creative energy, innovative ideas and follow through to implement the new marketing plan. Publicist will continue to work the "free press" to get their clients name out there including continued contact with bloggers and social networks sites. They are also sending out more human interest pieces to show that the company cares as well as the traditional news releases and media alerts. It's a great cost effective way to reach the target market.

No doubt you have probably noticed the free gas cards being offered at certain businesses, new packaging, company logo's being updated, promotional tie-ends and free GWP (gift with purchase), magazines offering low priced subscriptions, etc. all to encourage current and potential new customers to try their products or services. The goal is to stay visible to their customers.

Visibility is important to fashion boutiques, because several popular ones continue to set up celebrities in-store promotions to promote the celebrity's clothing line which would result in additional sales and "free press" with perhaps the daily newspapers, entertainment TV shows and blogs. However, visibility can work in reverse with many boutiques dropping some celebrity lines if they can not get the celebrities for an in-store promotion, case in point, with the recent removal of Lauren Conrad's line from Kitson and Victoria Beckham's clothing also from Kitson back in April.

Will injecting more creativity boost sales during recession?



Style and Focus Lifestyle PR is a publicity and marketing freelance company as well as an informative and entertaining blog, Style and Focus Lifestyle PR, that helps small businesses build brand awareness in Fashion, Beauty, Philanthropic, Lifestyle, Entertainment and more. For more information contact Style and Focus Lifestyle PR: styleandfocusfreelance@yahoo.com