Acqua Smeraldina Artesian Italian Water

Acqua Smeraldina to Promote Artesian Water at Prestigious New York City Events

(New York, NY) Acqua Smeraldina will participate in two exciting and high-profile trade shows in New York City in November as part of a campaign to introduce its premium pure artesian water to New Yorkers. In addition, the company will reach out to New York restaurants to promote its renowned sparkling and still waters.

Acqua Smeraldina will participate in Cook. Eat. Drink. Live. November 6-8 at the Tunnel/La.Venue, 608 W. 28th St., in New York City. The show, which is open to the public, is a foodie’s paradise. This tasty three-day event will feature a large sampling of gourmet food and beverages, as well as appearances from world-renowned chefs and industry experts including Chef Jean-Louis Dumonet, television personality Ted Allen and Epicurious.com Editor-in-Chief Tanya Wenman Steel.

Visitors to Cook. Eat. Drink. Live. will not only indulge their senses with delectable food and the world’s finest beverages, they will also learn what goes into a great meal, discover the ingredients that help create delicious dishes, and learn tips and trends to make the most of the upcoming holiday season.

Acqua Smeraldina’s pure premium artesian water will be featured at Cook. Eat. Drink. Live. at a pavilion sponsored by Gruppo Ristoratori Italiani (GRI), a nonprofit association that promotes an awareness of fine, authentic Italian cuisine.

Acqua Smeraldina will also participate in the International Hotel/Motel & Restaurant Show November 8-10 at the Javits Center, 655 W. 34th Street, in New York City. The industry trade show will feature the latest products and industry trends and will include seminars and networking events for participants. This exciting and informative event, which is expected do draw 35,000 industry professionals, will feature exhibitors from all sectors of the hospitality industry including food and beverage, equipment, furnishings, linens, technology, amenities and tableware, among others. In addition, the show will feature product launches from more than 1,000 exhibitors.

Among the 35,000 attendees at the International Hotel/Motel & Restaurant Show will be lodging and restaurant owners and operators, as well as catering and specialty food service establishments, owner groups, purchasing companies, design firms, equipment dealerships, resorts, casinos and more. These attendees represent the most influential buyers in the industry.

At both the International Hotel/Motel & Restaurant Show and Cook. Eat. Drink. Live., Acqua Smeraldina will showcase its elegant and sophisticated glass and plastic bottles, which were recently redesigned. Acqua Smeraldina’s president, Mauro Solinas, who is based in Sardinia, will attend both shows.

As part of Acqua Smeraldina’s New York campaign, the company plans to send letters to more than 100 New York restaurants promoting its pure artesian water. Ten restaurants have also been designated to receive bottles of Acqua Smeraldina.

“Acqua Smeraldina is growing, and presenting ourselves to the New York market is a priority,” says Giuseppe Pinna, vice president of the Smeraldina Corporation. “The State of New York Department of Health recently granted Acqua Smeraldina a Certificate of Approval to Operate a Bottled Water Facility. Only about five Italian bottled water companies are Certified with the State of New York, and we are proud to be among them.”

Acqua Smeraldina natural artesian water is available in the United States through the recently opened distribution centers in Chicago and New Jersey. Additional centers will open soon in Miami and Los Angeles. Smeraldina bottled water comes from Sardinia, a small Italian island located in the center of the Mediterranean Sea. Sardinia is considered a “blue zone” because of the number of residents who live active lives past the age of 100. Smeraldina water is filtered for 200 years through the granite rocks of Gallura in an underground aquifer 1,000 feet under the Mountain of God. Numerous doctors and experts recommend Smeraldina Natural Artesian water for its perfect balance of sodium, chlorides and bicarbonates, which help to correctly maintain arterial blood pressure, and for its diuretic properties. For more information, please contact Giuseppe Pinna, vice president of the Smeraldina Corporation, at 414-732-6501 or visit http://www.smeraldina.us.

Smeraldina Corporation, The Empire State Building, 350 Fifth Avenue, 59th Floor, New York, NY 10118.

Acqua Smeraldina: www.smeraldina.us
Cook. Eat. Drink. Live: http://www.tastingsnewyorkcity.com
International Hotel/Motel & Restaurant Show: http://www.ihmrs.com

Marjorie Young’s email: marjorie@carriagetradepr.com

Marjorie Young – 912.844.9990 – Savannah, GA – Phone Contact

How to succeed as a NEW realtor in 2009

Helen Johnson of Celia Dunn Sotheby's International Realty

New realtor finding success despite the tough housing market

www.celiadunnsir.com

Helen Johnson has had a busy past year with Savannah area real estate experts at Celia Dunn Sotheby’s International Realty

(SAVANNAH) – A year ago, Helen Williams Johnson started a new career – in real estate. Some might question her timing, but not her results. Despite the odds, she’s succeeding in perhaps the most challenging time ever in real estate.

“I started when the market had already bottomed out and I don’t know any different,” Johnson said. “I think this is to my advantage because I don’t know anything other than to work for the business. I was not around for the boom when agents were turning calls away.”

Since December 2008, Johnson has had five closings and has one more in the works. She’s had a busy Fall, with eight listings ranging from $190,000 to $950,000.

She credits her success to hard work, professional education, support from her agency, tenacity, and becoming close to her clients. She’s also found an unexpected networking benefit from her longstanding commitment to volunteerism – she’s chairing the Telfair Art Fair in November and serves on boards of several nonprofits.

For years many friends and family members, including her aunt, Celia Dunn, kept telling her she would be great at real estate and love it. Johnson is now a real estate sales associate at Celia Dunn Sotheby’s International Realty. In addition to being successful, Johnson’s found she loves the career as much as everyone thought she would.

“I really enjoy meeting new people that are moving to town and trying to help them get acclimated,” Johnson explained. “I also enjoy helping old friends find the perfect home and neighborhood that best suits their needs and wants. You learn a lot about person’s tastes and personality when you are helping them search for a home.”

Kesha Gibson Carter and her husband recently closed on a home thanks to Johnson, who explained that the family had received “horrible” mortgage advice that tripped them up in the purchasing process. Carter appreciates that Johnson went above and beyond to make sure they got everything ironed out and could buy their new home.

“Persistent, tenacious and relentless are all words that come to mind when I think of Helen Williams Johnson and the experience we had with Celia Dunn Sotheby’s International Realty,” Carter said. “She showed herself friendly, expressed genuine concern, and supported us as we worked to attain our goal. What we imagined would be a typical traditional real estate transaction, through no fault of our own, turned out to be ‘mortgage misery.’ However, because of the belief Helen had in our family and our ability, she did not shy away from working with us and continued her commitment to help get us through the crisis we found ourselves in.”

Johnson definitely goes way out of her way to make things work for her clients.

“It’s not about the sale – it’s about getting to know the client, their family, their goals in life. Some may think it is getting too close to the client, but I just want to make sure they are taken care of and that in the end we are all on the same page and trying to achieve the same goal.”

“The only other advice I would have for new agents is education,” Johnson said. The more courses you can take the better, she said, whether on marketing, networking, how to use MLS, contracts, or anything else. “You’ll be better off the more educated you are, and the more proactive you are about the market and its daily changes.”

“Celia’s office is also very special – the more I talk to agents at other offices, the more I realize how lucky we are,” Johnson said. “We have a wonderful support in the staff and the agents, and everyone just gets along, which is not always the case.”

Once Johnson’s youngest was old enough to start pre-school, she took the real estate class for new agents. With small children it was tough to be gone two nights out of the week from 6 to 10 p.m. for four months, she admits, but says it was well worth it.

Many people think real estate is a great career for mothers because you can make your own hours, but Johnson explains that’s not really the case. Many times you are working around the schedules of clients and customers.

“It is nice to have my parents in town, because my mother is great about keeping the kids for an hour here and there,” Johnson said. “Childcare of course is always tough in the summer time, but it’s been easier now that school is back in session.”

Johnson is chairing the Telfair Art Fair this year. She sits on the Savannah Technical College Community Council Board, helps with the tour of Homes every year and was a day chair for the Saturday tour last year. She is on the flower Altar Guild for Christ Church and teaches Sunday School. She is a member of the William Jay Society at the Telfair and the 13th colony society at HSF. She’s about to join the board of another local nonprofit as well.

“It can be tough juggling work, volunteer work, and children, but it somehow always seems to work itself out,” Johnson said. “My mother is great, and my husband is very supportive, as well as a very hands-on dad. Between the three of us, the kids always get to after-school programs and sports on time. And the great thing about all of the volunteer activities is that you can be as active as you want in all of them, so when you’re super busy in one you can slack off a little in another. It just works that way, which is nice.”

“Volunteering is just something I believe in,” Johnson said. “My mother has always been so involved my entire life in so many different things that I don’t really know any different. I can’t imagine not giving back to the community.”

“I am from Savannah and have a lot of contacts anyway, but there are so many neat people out there that do so much for the community that you would never know unless you volunteer,” she said. “I just believe so strongly in giving back to one’s community.”

Known for its tradition of integrity, Celia Dunn Sotheby’s International Realty specializes in residential and commercial properties in Savannah and the Low Country of Georgia and South Carolina. Founded in 1981, Celia Dunn Sotheby’s International Realty is noted for outstanding service to its clients, thorough knowledge of Savannah and the South Carolina Low Country, and excellent staff, in addition to having one of the region’s top property management departments. The owners are natives of Savannah who have more than 60 years’ combined experience in real estate. The offices are located at 9, 13, and 17 West Charlton Street on Madison Square in Savannah and 6 Bruin Street in Bluffton, S.C.

For more information, call Celia Dunn Sotheby’s International Realty at (912) 234-3323 or visit http://www.celiadunnsir.com. To contact the Bluffton office, call (843) 836-3900.

Things to do in Savannah this weekend

(SAVANNAH, GA) Savannah Friends of Music will present Milano Classica, one of Italy’s most highly regarded chamber orchestras, during their 2009 USA tour in two different programs, Sunday afternoon, 4:00 p.m., November 1st, and Monday evening, 7:00 p.m., November 2nd, in the sanctuary of the First Baptist Church, 223 Bull Street, on Chippewa Square.

In Sunday’s program, “Mostly Milano,” Mr. Philip Greenberg, former conductor of the Savannah Symphony Orchestra, will be one of eight soloists. Sunday’s performance features Vivaldi’s double violin concerto and the concerto for four violins. Monday’s performance features works by Italian masters of the 17th and 18th centuries with solo performances by Marcello Scandelli, principal cellist and founder of the group.

Tickets are $35.00 for one concert, or $50.00 for both concerts. Students with ID admitted for $5.00. Children twelve and under free with adult ticket holders. Purchase tickets at the door, or reserve them by calling 912-355-4252 or 912-598-8112.

Thinking of Matt Freeman – and his family

In 1995, Ina Stuart, my cousin from Lake Como, Italy and our friend Mirko Fenu of Florence, Italy spent the summer with us in Richmond Hill. My daughter Carol was only 7 years old at the time. Matt Freeman (left) was our neighbor, he came over and showed the Italians how to make Taffy! It was a fun afternoon.

This past August – Matt, while serving his country, was Killed in Action. He was an amazing, amazing, amazing young man.

Captain Matthew Charles Hays Freeman –

RICHMOND HILL – Captain Matthew Charles Hays Freeman, age 29. Matthew was born in Lake Forest, Illinois. He spent most of his life in Richmond Hill. He was a graduate of Richmond Hill High School where he was a member of the tennis team, president of the Student Council and a member for four years, and a member of the Literary Club. In 1998, he earned the “Student of the Year” Award from the Richmond Hill Exchange Club. Matthew was an Eagle Scout and a life long member of the Richmond Hill United Methodist Church.

After high school, he entered the United States Naval Academy, graduating in 2002 with an Aerospace Engineering degree.

He received third generation Naval Aviator Wings passed down from his grandfather, Rear Admiral DeWitt L. Freeman USN (Ret.), and his father, Commander Gary M. Freeman USN (Ret.). He served as the aide-de-camp to Major General Kenneth J. Glueck Jr. USMC, Commanding General 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing.

Matthew was stationed in Okinawa, Japan with VMGR-152 were he flew the KC-130J aircraft. He volunteered for an individual augment position with 4th Marines Embedded Training Team which was deploying to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

It was while serving with this unit that he was killed in action.

JAZZ CORNER HILTON HEAD

THE JAZZ CORNER

PRESENTS

Our 5th Annual Charity Golf Tournament

Palmetto Hall Plantation, Robert Cupp Course

Hilton Head Island, SC

Saturday, November 21, 2009

10:00 AM Shotgun!

A BENEFIT FOR THE JUNIOR JAZZ FOUNDATION

“Striving to Keep Music Alive in Our Schools”

The Junior Jazz Foundation (JJF) is the non-profit arm of The Jazz Corner. The JJF is under the umbrella of the prestigious Community Foundation of the Low Country, a quality organization with tremendous experience in managing the philanthropic work of individuals,

families and businesses.

The larger mission of The Junior Jazz Foundation is to broaden the awareness of the original American art form of jazz within our local schools. Our approach to accomplishing this is to utilize The Junior Jazz Foundation to seek donations of goods and services to assist in raising funds for new equipment, instruments, scholarships, classes and seminars for interested and promising young students.

The 2009 JJF Golf Tournament, in collaboration with Palmetto Hall Golf Club,
will achieve these goals for the local schools on Hilton Head Island with the following:

COUNTY-WIDE USED INSTRUMENT DRIVE
The JJF will refurbish the instruments and distribute them among the schools.

HOLE SPONSORSHIP
These funds collected from sponsors will go directly to the schools.

GOLF GAMES AND RAFFLES
During the tournament, we will raise further funds with “hole in one,”
“longest drive,” and “closest to the pin” games as well as raffle tickets for mulligans.

AWESOME PRIZES
The Jazz Corner is famed for its prize list that includes well over 50 items
such as restaurant certificates, golf lessons, spa certificates, jewelry, wine, CD’s, shirts, and much more!

The Junior Jazz Foundation takes great pride in presenting the tournament at the esteemed Palmetto Hall Club Saturday, November 21, 2009.
Following the tournament, join us at The Jazz Corner for the awards ceremony, raffles,
and a performance by the Hilton Head High School Jazz Band.

With your help, we look forward to raising the necessary funds to assist our schools  in furthering their music programs.

TO PLAY GOLF ($300/Team), SPONSOR A HOLE ($100/Hole), or DONATE

PLEASE CONTACT

Kelli Lesch or Mike Huffstetler

kelli@thejazzcorner.com

843.842.8620

Entry Deadline is Saturday, November 7, 2009

For your convenience, we have attached a registration/donation form for the tournament.

We hope you will join us for this fun-filled day of golf and music!

Thank you in advance for your consideration and your support of The Junior Jazz Foundation and The Jazz Corner as we “Strive to Keep the Music Alive on Our Schools”!

Sincerely,

Kelli, Mike, and the entire Junior Jazz Foundation Golf Tournament Committee

Kelli Lesch
Manager
The Jazz Corner
Jazz Club & Restaurant nightly
Hilton Head Island, SC

kelli@thejazzcorner.com
www.thejazzcorner.com
843.842.8620

DO YOU HAVE A COOP?

(Chatham County, GA)  The Chatham Emergency Management Agency (CEMA)
wants to ensure that business owners in Chatham County understand how to
create an effective and reliable Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP) so
to ensure that the capability exists for all businesses to continue
essential agency functions across a wide range of hazards.

Does your business have a COOP in place?  If not, here’s how to get
started:

First, all businesses need to understand a COOP’s planning
objectives.  A COOP:
●       Ensures continued performance of essential functions.
●       Reduces loss of life and minimizes damage.
●       Ensures succession to office of key leaders.
●       Reduces or mitigates disruptions to operations.
●       Protects essential assets.
●       Achieves a timely recovery and reconstitution.
●       Maintains a test, training, and exercise program for program
validation.

Check back next week for more tips from CEMA on COOP planning.

For further information about COOP planning, please visit CEMA’s
website at http://www.chathamemergency.org/businesses/ or contact
Courtney Cunningham at (912) 201-4500.

NEWELL RECYCLING SCRAP METAL SAVANNAH SHREDDER

Photos by  Jade Mccully

(SAVANNAH, GA)  Newell Recycling is pleased to announce that pieces of scrap metal from its Savannah shredder plant have been used to create The Creative Coast Alliance’s 2009 Innovation Awards trophies. The trophies were presented at the Innovation Awards ceremony, Thursday, October 22, at 6 p.m. at the Trustees Theater, 216 E. Broughton St.
http://www.newellrecycling.com/
http://www.thecreativecoast.org/

(SAVANNAH, GA) TCCa Announces the Winners of the 2009 Innovation Awards

TCCa Proudly Announces the Winners of the 2009 Innovation Awards, Presented by Lott + Barber

(Savannah, GA) October 22, 2009, 10pm – The drum rolled and the curtain parted tonight to unveil the latest and greatest Savannah innovators, the winners of the 2009 Innovation Awards.  The victors were chosen from a tough field of nearly 100 applicants by an independent panel of local and regional judges that included State Representative Ron Stephens, former Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Economic Development Craig Lesser, retired CFO/business consultant/angel investor Gordon Matthews, UGA Small Business Development Center Area Director Lynn Vos, WTOC General Manager Bill Cathcart, SCAD Professor of Graphic Design and Sustainable Design Scott Boylston, Executive Director of the US Green Building Council (GA Chapter) Leesa Carter, and a 2008 winner, Union Mission President/CEO Michael Elliott.

The second year for The Creative Coast Alliance’s (TCCa) trademark annual event brought together a diverse group of more than 400 and attracted a veritable ‘who’s who’ of local creative heavy-weights and technology buffs.

For the second year in a row, the Innovation Awards event was presented by Lott + Barber – a leading commercial architecture, sustainable design and land planning firm headquartered in Savannah.  “We’re thrilled to help TCCa celebrate innovation and shine the light on those helping to make Savannah a true Creative Coast.  Savannah has a history of innovation – our goal through this event is to honor those who are continuing the tradition,” said Forrest Lott, principal of Lott+Barber. “Tonight was perfect follow-up to last year’s ground-breaking inaugural event.”

Tonight TCCa and Lott + Barber “took it to the street” – Broughton Street, specifically – blocking it off between Lincoln and Abercorn Streets in front of SCAD’s Trustees Theater for conversation, cocktails provided by SEED Eco Lounge, and locally grown hors d’oeuvres courtesy of Earth to Table (Cha Bella’s catering arm.) The Awards presentation followed inside the Theater promptly at 8pm.

The mid-evening awards program highlighted the most pioneering personages of Savannah’s Creative Coast in five categories including Community, Education & Government; Small Business; Big Business; Sustainability; and the Howard J. Morrison Leadership Award.  Jim Carswell, co-owner and operator of Spy Hop Productions, a local production company, served as master of ceremonies.

“Tonight we honored some of Savannah’s greatest innovators, true examples of local and successful knowledge-based business,” said Brynn Grant, TCCa’s Executive Director.  “We pay tribute to local innovation through this event every October, but this kind of creative action is occurring every day. Through a new initiative we’ll be kicking-off soon called Actions Speak, we have plans to identify, empower and promote those doing new and meaningful things in Savannah all year long.”

Testament to the out-of-the-box planning that went into the event, the physical awards presented to the five winners were each themselves a work of art – literally. Handmade by Jerry Lancaster of Port City Metals, this year’s awards were made of a mix of shredded automobile parts from local scrap metal recycler Newell Recycling and scrap granite from Bella Terra Granite.

The 2009 TCCa Innovation Award WINNERS are as follows:

Innovative Achievement by a Small Business (less than 50 employees)

Who: Music Intelligence Solutions, Inc. (uPlaya)
What: Through uPlaya.com, Music Intelligence Solutions, Inc. provides interactive online services – including creative development, branding, social networking and discovery tools – for established and budding musicians and songwriters, producers, music supervisors, mobile distributors and anyone who has an affinity for music.
Why: The recently released site, uPlaya.com, provides users with music industry-focused services such as Hit Song Science™ and the Music Universe™, which provide technological feedback on the music’s viability in the marketplace and offers a first indication of a song’s success potential. Since creating a good song is only the first step in a complex machinery of hit creation, uPlaya™ also helps artists identify new fans, decide where to best place their music among the vast amounts of different markets, and promotes musicians through their social networking, promotional and PR resources to increase artist exposure. For consumers, uPlaya™ has a suite of services, including online and mobile interactive games, a music discovery application and a personalized streaming solution.

“We are honored to receive this recognition from the Creative Coast Alliance.  When our board of directors in Barcelona agreed to move operations to Savannah from San Francisco two years ago, the Creative Coast and others in the community stepped up to help make the transition a success,” said David Meredith, CEO of Music Intelligence Solutions.  “We now have artist and record label customers from over 170 countries around the world, so we hope to be an example that companies looking for global growth can find a home here in Georgia.”

Innovative Achievement by a Big Business (more than 50 employees)

Who: Chatham Steel Corporation
What: “Steel Fit” Wellness Program designed to help improve employee health, thereby positively impacting company health care costs.
Why: In 1999, when most businesses were preoccupied with the impact of Y2K, Chatham Steel was instead trying to get a handle on the company’s rising health care expenses. They realized the correlation between managing employees’ health and the impact that it made on the company’s health care costs. Chatham Steel collaborated with INTERxVENT to track chronic risk factors and provided lifestyle management programs to its truck drivers to modify those particular risk factors. Once the results were realized, this successful pilot program developed into a company-wide effort. Today, they provide communications and rewards through wellness competitions and on-site services, a tobacco-use policy, drug/alcohol free policy, disease management program, pre-natal management program, employee assistance program, and safety incentive program. A premium has been placed on healthy food choices at work and wellness through personal mentoring, ongoing educational Lunch N Learns, semi-annual employee meetings with the President, awards programs, and ongoing cookouts to celebrate employees wellness achievements. There is no charge to the employee and covered dependents for wellness benefits.

“Chatham Steel understands that investing in its employees and their wellness is ‘smart’ business,” said Missy Jarret, Director of Human Resources for Chatham Steel.  “Even though the economy has had an impact on employers benefits offerings, we continue to increase our benefits in health and wellness and without an increase in healthcare premiums. Providing a safe and healthy environment for our employees is one of Chatham Steel’s key values on our Roadmap for organizational success.”

Innovative Achievement in Sustainability

Who: Structured Green LLC
What: Eco-friendly product, process and community approach
Why: In addition to an original line of sustainable furniture, Structured Green’s specialty is in custom design work. From restaurants to hotels, boutiques to special event installations, Structured Green is dedicated to seamlessly bringing modern design and earth-sensitive practices to both individual and corporate clients.  Pieces are built entirely in Savannah, GA using CNC technology for material efficiency. When not built from locally sourced reclaimed or FSC-certified woods, pieces are built from rapidly renewable bamboo ply, which is grown and harvested in South America. All finishes and adhesives are LEED compliant, Green Guard certified, no- and low-VOC. Wherever possible they prefer to use FDA-sanctioned, organic, food grade, Tung oil from Pennsylvania and Savannah-local, organic beeswax finishes. All hand finishing is done on premises and whenever possible the company works with local welders and artisans for special projects. With carbon-neutral, recycling and off-grid initiatives in place for this year, Structured Green hopes to be the paragon of the new “Eco-factory”.

“We hope that events like the Innovation Awards encourage Savannah to truly take on sustainability as the way forward as well as choosing local businesses first,” said Mike Ayres, owner of Structured Green LLC. “We would like to thank the Creative Coast for their encouragement of local businesses and are honored to win this award.”

Innovative Achievement in Community, Eduction or Government

Who: Savannah Music Festival
What: Off-season communications initiative resulting in new media programs, such as online streaming of Savannah Music Festival (SMF) concerts, and the new use of technology for internal data management.
Why: While the technology itself is commonplace, the successful integration of PURLs (personal URLs), SMF live radio (broadcasting online on GBP statewide and across 8 other states), eBlasts, Ticketing/Patron Development (interfacing its ticketing and development databases to create specific audience target areas), and its substantial Production Database (data/content that ties together the artists/vendors involved in the festival, from agencies and managers to sound and light companies, to volunteers and interns) is an innovative approach that could soon be taken to market for other festivals and presenting organizations. New media initiatives, coupled with publicity efforts, has increased the SMF profile both domestically and internationally. Over the last year, web visits are up in major US markets such as Atlanta, New York and Los Angeles, as well as in Canada and Europe.

“We are thrilled to have been chosen for this award. Our communications efforts have always relied on two core elements: unique musical programming and the incredible atmosphere of Savannah in the early spring,” said Rob Gibson, Executive Director of the Savannah Music Festival.  “With the wide variety of music that we present, it is essential that we rely on digital media to refine and customize our outreach. Many thanks, Creative Coast!”

Howard J. Morrison Leadership Award

Who: Stephen J. Stephens, Jr., Stage Front Presentation Systems

Why: This award honors an individual who exhibits outstanding commitment in Coastal Community leadership within the advancement of creativity, innovation or technology through his/her partnership building and collaboration-oriented contributions. Such contributions may be business, civic and/or educational in nature.

####

Note to Editors:
The Creative Coast Alliance (TCCa) is a 501(c) 6 organization dedicated to helping create, grow and attract higher-wage, knowledge-based businesses in the Savannah region. TCCa is currently funded by contributions from the Savannah Economic Development Authority (SEDA) and the City of Savannah. For more information, visit www.thecreativecoast.org.

A leading commercial architecture, sustainable design and land planning firm headquartered in Savannah, Lott + Barber excels at working with clients at every phase of a project, from site selection through grand opening events. Founded in 1990, the firm has been honored with numerous design awards over the years, including Historic Preservation Awards from Historic Savannah Foundation, Excellence in Architecture awards from the American Institute of Architects and a National Award for Outstanding Technical Merit in Metropolitan Transportation Planning from the Association of Metropolitan Planning Organizations. For more information about Lott + Barber, please call (912) 234-5230 or visit www.lottbarber.com online.

Osprey Lake Plantation registered as first LEED for homes and neighborhood in Jasper County

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Osprey Lake Plantation registered as first LEED for homes and neighborhood in Jasper County

Lakefront community is 10 minutes from Savannah

(JASPER COUNTY) – Osprey Lake Plantation is Jasper County’s first all-LEED housing development to be registered in the LEED for Homes certification program. LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design and is the internationally-recognized standard for high performance, low water and energy use buildings awarded by the U.S. Green Building Council.

Osprey Lake Plantation is a unique lakefront community located less than 10 minutes from Savannah and 15 minutes from downtown Bluffton. Many of the 62 home sites surround the 18-acre lake with a neighborhood dock, said Jerry Reeves IV of Celia Dunn Sotheby’s International Realty. Lakefront home sites can also have a private dock. Osprey Lake is located less than five miles from two public boat launches and offers on-site boat storage. Homes start in the low $200,000 price range.

“People are looking for value right now, both short-term value and value for the long term, and LEED houses do that,” said Reeves. “Energy and water costs are dramatically reduced because of Energy Star and LEED features.” An open house will be held in the fall.
The homes will be 25-30 percent more energy efficient than the standard home being built today, explained Tommy Linstroth of Melaver Sustainability Consulting. The homes will be third-party tested and verified as part of the LEED certification process, which lets  future owners know their home is truly “green” and energy efficient.
Some of the features include:
·    Energy Star windows
·    Spray-foam insulation
·    Energy efficient lighting
·    Low-VOC  paint, adhesives and sealants. VOC stands for Volatile Organic Compounds, some of which may have long- or short-term adverse health effects, including autism, asthma, allergies and bronchitis.
·    Low-flow water fixtures and dual-flush toilets
·    Drought-tolerant plants
·    Drywall that is a by-product of coal burning
·    Green space for Osprey Lake set aside by the developers
·    Tree preservation plan

The location is as much of a draw as the energy efficiency, Reeves said.

“It’s a great location to live – it gives easy access to the Talmadge Bridge,” Reeves said. “You don’t have to fight the traffic on the southside out Abercorn Street, out Highway 21 to Effingham, or out Highway 80 to Pooler. You have a great quality of life, with very large lots and lakefront property.”
Melaver Sustainability Consulting will be providing LEED for Homes certification for the 62 homes at Osprey Lake Plantation. As a LEED for Homes provider, (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Melaver Sustainability Consulting has been tested, qualified, and certified to provide these services.  Combined with hands-on job site experience, the Melaver team can offer the highest level of experience based in the southeast.
Each home at Osprey Lake Plantation will be analyzed for sustainable construction practices, the materials used, and then tested for energy and water efficiency.  LEED for Homes providers offer third party project certification, and guide project teams through the overall certification process. All projects that wish to participate in the LEED for Homes program through the U.S. Green Building Council must do so through a LEED for Homes Provider.

Known for its tradition of integrity, Celia Dunn Sotheby’s International Realty specializes in residential and commercial properties in Savannah and the Low Country of Georgia and South Carolina. Founded in 1981, Celia Dunn Sotheby’s International Realty is noted for outstanding service to its clients, thorough knowledge of Savannah and the South Carolina Low Country, and excellent staff, in addition to having one of the region’s top property management departments. The owners are natives of Savannah who have more than 60 years’ combined experience in real estate. The offices are located at 9, 13, and 17 West Charlton Street on Madison Square in Savannah and 6 Bruin Street in Bluffton, S.C.

For more information, call Celia Dunn Sotheby’s International Realty at (912) 234-3323 or visit http://www.celiadunnsir.com. To contact the Bluffton office, call (843) 836-3900.
http://www.OspreyLakeSC.com
http://www.MelaverConsulting.com

http://www.synergydesignerhomesinc.com

WIN a Marketing Makeover for your Local Savannah Business

Win a $5000 Marketing Makeover
for your Local Savannah Business

WHAT
Win a $5000 Marketing Makeover for your Local Savannah Business

WHY
The Marketing Makeover Team can help you increase your visibility in the community and online and your $100 donation will help raise money for CASA.

WHO
Winner will receive a yearly marketing and PR plan for their company, website audit, one ad designed that is camera ready, develop a Facebook page, create a direct mail piece, training session on Social Media sites, 2 press releases about your company, distributed to the media and optimized online, and one YOUTUBE video about your company.

COST
$100 CHANCE TO WIN
Mail your check, made out to C.A.S..A (tax donation- 501 3c
Marjorie Young
CarriageTradePR
213 West York Street
Telfair Square
Savannah, GA 31401.
Must be received before Nov 11, 2009.

WINNER
Drawing November 12, 2009 at the Dancing with the Stars competition. Winner will be called. Checks will be placed in a hat – and a representative from CASA will draw the winner.

FUNDRAISER FOR CASA
Every child should have a safe, loving and permanent home, but unfortunately many do not. Each year in Chatham County, hundreds of abused or neglected children become entangled in an overcrowded juvenile justice and foster care system. A large majority of the children are removed from their homes and placed in an already overburdened system where they can get “lost” for months or even years. The Savannah-Chatham County CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) program provides an innovative, cost-effective solution to this urgent crisis. They are located at 428 Bull St in Savannah. 912-447-8908

DETAILS ABOUT MARKETING MAKEOVER
Winner will meet with the Marketing Makeover Team December 2, 2009 at 213 West York Street at 10am. Value is $5000

VISIBILITY TEAM CONSISTS OF
Marjorie Young – Carriage Trade Public Relations
Diana Morrison – Advertising Speciality Services
Joe Ippolito – River Horse Internet Marketing
John Powers – Bottom Line Marketing
Rick Monroe – Monroe Marketing
Cathy Rogers – 7 Waves Marketing
Brad Morrison of Southpoint Media

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CALL
Marjorie Young
912.844.9990
marjorie@carriagetradepr.com

INNOVATIVE AWARDS – SEE YOU THERE

EVENT DETAILS

When: October 22nd, 2009. Cocktails & hors d’oeuvres, 6:00-8:00pm.  Awards presentation from 8:00-9:30pm.

Where: On Broughton Street, in front of Trustees Theater. (Awards will follow inside the theater.)

Dress: Come as you are! Some people will be wearing suits, some jeans and a blazer. It’s whatever works for you, really.

Cost: $60 per person

Buy Tickets: http://innovation.thecreativecoast.org/tickets

Top Ten Reasons To Go: http://innovation.thecreativecoast.org/topten

Proceeds: Proceeds from the Innovation Awards will be reinvested in ways the TCCa Advisory Board determines match its mission and vision. Last year’s proceeds supported the Savannah Science Seminar, the Savannah-Ogeechee Regional Science and Engineering Fair, Savannah’s Engineering Academy and middle and high school robotics competitions.

Kim-Imaging PR Business Photography

CarriageTrade Public Relations, Inc. outsources to Kim-Imaging Photography in the Savannah, GA and Hilton Head, SC areas.

Kim Thomson can be reached at

kst@comcast.net

(SAVANNAH, GA) Green affordable housing development Sustainable Fellwood has been honored in Southeast Construction magazine’s “Best of 2009” awards.

www.SustainableFellwood.com

http://southeast.construction.com/PDFs/SEC_Best09Winners.pdf

www.melaver.com

(SAVANNAH, GA) – The green affordable housing development Sustainable Fellwood has been honored in Southeast Construction magazine’s “Best of 2009” awards.

Sustainable Fellwood was named “Best In Category” for Multi-Family Residential. The magazine editors noted that this year was especially competitive, with a record-breaking number of entries.The annual competition recognizes construction and design excellence in the four-state region that includes Florida, Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina.

The pioneering mixed use, mixed income Housing Authority of Savannah redevelopment Sustainable Fellwood has garnered national attention for its commitment to efficiency and the environment, as well as thoughtful design for a livable community.

Amenities for the environmentally friendly mixed-use, mixed income development include the preservation of trees, on-site recycling, cellulose insulation, high efficiency air conditioning and heating units, and low flow water fixtures. The homes have 30 percent less energy usage and 40 percent less water usage than typical construction. Sustainable Fellwood, which serves as a principal component of the City of Savannah’s Westside Development Revitalization Plan, is widely considered a national showcase for environmentally-responsible community planning. Catamount Constructors, Inc. is the construction company for Sustainable Fellwood.

Residents began moving into Phase I, the first 110 housing units, in April 2009. Phase II, which will include another 110 affordable housing units, and single family homes, is planned to begin construction this fall Future phases will include a senior housing apartment building, followed by potential retail, medical and technical space.

Construction on Phase I began in Fall 2008. Sustainable Fellwood is being built with sustainable materials with high standards for energy and water efficiency. For example, pervious paving will be used where possible to allow water to naturally infiltrate the ground, reducing the impact on the neighborhood stormwater system.

Sustainable Fellwood is registered in the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) for Neighborhood Development pilot program and will be guided by the Smart Growth Network’s principles for diverse, walk-able, distinctive, attractive communities.

Sustainable Fellwood is also registered in the EarthCraft Coastal Communities through Southface Energy Institute. Sustainable Fellwood is a mixed use, mixed income Housing Authority of Savannah redevelopment. Master Developer: Melaver, Inc., in partnership with Parallel Housing, Progressive Redevelopment, and Vanguard Developers. In collaboration with: Lott Barber, Architecture and Planning, Catamount Constructors, Inc., City of Savannah, and CHSA Development of Savannah.

BUDDY WALK RAISES $62,000 IN SAVANNAH, GA FOR LOWCOUNTRY DOWN SYNDROME

(SAVANNAH, GA) The Lowcountry Down Syndrome Society Buddy Walk Festival in Forsyth Park was a huge success, with over 3,000 walkers turning out to support families touched by Down syndrome. Savannah’s fourth annual Buddy Walk raised $62,000 this year for the cause. A second Buddy Walk, inspired by the LDSS Buddy Walk in Savannah, held in the combat zone of Afghanistan by Sergeant Samantha Allen—boasted the participation of over 300 soldiers who were unable to be present for the Savannah walk—raising an additional $3,000. Together, these walks garnered an impressive $65,000 in support of those with Down syndrome.

The Buddy Walk is held each year during October which is National Down Syndrome Awareness Month, to provide support and advocacy for individuals with Down syndrome and their families. Over 300 Buddy Walks are expected to occur throughout the United States this month.

About the Lowcountry Down Syndrome Society:
Established in 2006, the Lowcountry Down Syndrome Society (LDSS) is a non-profit family support group designed to benefit people with Down syndrome and their families. The LDSS is an affiliate of the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS), a national advocate for the value, acceptance and inclusion of people with Down syndrome.

These societies envision and promote a world in which all people with Down syndrome have the opportunity to enhance their quality of life, realize their life aspirations, and become valued members of welcoming communities. Quality educational programs, a stimulating home environment, good health care, and positive support from family, friends and the community allow people with Down syndrome to develop their full potential and lead fulfilling lives. http://www.ndss.org

The Lowcountry Down Syndrome Society now provides outreach to families in eight local counties. Families are encouraged to bring their children with them to meetings, which are held on the fourth Tuesday of each month. These gatherings usually include a guest speaker as well as social time for families to meet and share with one another. For more information call John or Candy Bogardus at (912) 728-8505 or visit the website at http://www.ldssga.org.

//////////////// Distributed by CarriageTradePR.com on the Local NewsWire™ Marjorie Young, President 912-844-9990 Writer: Leigh Donovan PRC: Holly Elliot Date: 10/9/09

Marjorie’s upcoming fundraisers for CASA

Working on fundraising for CASA. Schedule so far…NEED HELP WITH ALL!!

**OCTOBER 28, Leopolds on Broughton, 5pm. Buy a $20 ice cream with all proceeds benefitting CASA (savannahcasa.org)

Cast your $5 vote http://www.dancingwithsavannahstars.com

CASA HOSTS ANNUAL DANCING WITH SAVANNAH STARS ON NOVEMBER 12 AT THE CHARLES MORRIS CENTER

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE            CONTACT:  CHARLOTTE REHMERT
447-8908

Fundraiser will Support Abused and Neglected Children in
Savannah/Chatham County

Savannah, GA – Savannah/Chatham County CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) will host its annual Dancing with Savannah Stars event on Thursday, November 12, at 7:00 p.m. at The Charles Morris Center.  This event serves as CASA’s premier fundraiser with proceeds going directly to the support of abused and neglected children in Savannah/Chatham County.  This spectacular evening will include dance performances by local celebrities: Robin Greco, Jennifer Dickinson, Kristine Compton, Marjorie Young, Gordon Varnadoe, Lynn Fairbanks, Joe Steffan and Wayne Chambers as well as a cocktail hour, buffet style dinner, and silent auction.  Savannah/Chatham County CASA is a nonprofit organization that provides training and supervision to volunteers who advocate for the best interest of abused children who are under the jurisdiction of the Chatham County Juvenile Court. For tickets to the CASA Gala or to donate tax deductible auction items or become a sponsor of the event, please contact CASA at 447-8908.

WORKSHEETS FOR UPCOMING LECTURE

2.0 MARKETING WHEEL

http://www.lulu.com/content/e-book/worksheet-10-proven-online-pr-methods-vs-traditional-pr/7769394

HOW TO PUT TOGETHER A YEARLY PR PLAN

http://www.lulu.com/content/e-book/worksheet-for-lecture-how-to-create-a-simple-year-long-public-relations-plan/7772823

Down Syndrome Awareness in Forsyth Park, Savannah, GA

(SAVANNAH, GA) On October 3rd, The Lowcountry Down Syndrome Society’s (LDSS) Fourth Annual Buddy Walk raised a record 62,000 dollars for the non-profit organization this year. They also had 3,100 participants, Another first was this year’s Buddy Walk in Kabul, Afghanistan which raised an additional 3,900 dollars for the LDSS www.LDSSGA.org