Music on Web Sites

Above this post I have displayed a poll about the music on my site.

Over the last few weeks I have been getting mixed emotions about the music.  Some people love it and appreciate the new artists they are being introduced to.  In fact, some have told me that they stay on columbus imPRessions longer because they enjoy the music.  On the other hand, some people hate it and want it removed or they might not visit the site any longer.

I personally love the music.  That's why I put it on there.  The music sets a mood and, in my opinion, enhances the visit.  

So I leave it up to my visitors.  Please take a second to participate in the poll.  Majority will rule and I will do what gets the most votes.  Feel free to add additional thoughts in the comment section below.

Thanks!

TasteCasting: Another Tortastic Event

Last night the Columbus TasteCasters were invited back to the Suisse Shop for a special Eurporean torte tasting.  Being a huge fan of the Suisse Shop Bakery I signed up as soon as I saw the invite.  As we walked in we were all welcomed as if we were family.  Since becoming a TasteCaster I have actually been to the Suisse Shop a few times to purchase goodies for family occasions.  So when I was greeted by name and asked how everyone liked the cupcakes they made for my daughter's party it made me feel special.  The warmth from the Suisse Shop is not just from their ovens!

Herb started the torte tasting by showing us the beautiful case of tortes and explained Torte Week.  During Torte Week you can by tortes by the slice for $3.50 per slice.  Buy just one, or mix and match. But because there are over 25 different types, buying just one might be a little difficult.  Torte Week is celebrated two times a year and is currently going on right now.  Stop up at the Suisse Shop, located on Polaris Parkway, between now and May 2nd.  You'll be so glad you did.  The quality is impeccable and the taste is delectable.  Each torte is a work of art made with the finest ingredients, which include imported chocolate and seedless marmalade.

Some of my favorites I tried were: Black Forrest, Chocolate Almond, Chocolate Decadence and Chocolate Peanut Butter (see a chocolate pattern here).

If you were wondering why the Suisse Shop invited the TasteCasters group back it's because since the cupcake tasting a couple months back their web site visits have increased almost 50%, and sales have gone up.  Social media marketing really works.  If your establishment would like to host a TastCasting event visit the web site for more info and to schedule a tasting.

Phasing Out the Pontiac Brand

It's no secret that GM has had its share of financial hardships.  But yesterday the economic noose got even tighter.  GM announced that by 2010 Pontiac, one of GMs longest running brands, will become history. 

Introduced by GM in 1926, the Series 6-27  marketed Pontiac as the

 athletic brand which specialized in mainstream performance vehicles.  However, the brand actually existed before its public introduction and dates back to 1893 when the Pontiac Bugging Company in Pontiac, Michigan was established.

It's sad to see Pontiac close its doors because a big part of America's history will be closing its doors right along with it.

Diggin' Digg

This weekend I created a profile on Digg.  You can see the link to my Digg profile down my sites right hand column, (toward the bottom) or you can click here.

What is Digg?  Digg is a site where people share and discover content from all over the Internet from major web sites to independent blogs.  Submit content or search for something that interests you.  If people like the content they see they simply Digg what they like.  The more Diggs, the higher the article ranks on the site.  Think of it as an advanced bookmark.  Instead of bookmarking pages only on your computer you are sharing them with an entire social media community.  This way more people can see your content or you can see come really cool articles you might have never found before.

To find out more about how Digg works, click here.  Happy Digging!

Philanthropy Friday and Philanthropy Friday Behind the Scenes

This week I will be busy writing my debut feature column for the Philanthropy Friday on Columbus Underground.  

In order to provide more information on featured non-profit, I will end the article with a link to my site for some behind the scenes information, as well as additional photos.  I've made a logo to brand that as well.  Take a sneak peak.  What do you think?

The Power of Michelle Obama. Is it Powerful Enough for a Burger?

No matter what side you are on politically I can bet almost everyone will agree that Michelle Obama is one of the world's most powerful trend setters.  People across the globe seem to be paying attention to what she is wearing and then try to copy that style.  Ever since her Tonight Show appearance with Jay Leno in October when she announced she was wearing a J Crew ensemble, on-line sales for J Crew and the Gap have skyrocketed.

Which brings me to my next thought. Will Five Guys sales spike? This morning on the Today Show I saw an interview about Michelle Obama.  She attended a "Take Your Child to Work" Q&A session with some parents and their children.  

One of the questions posed by a child was, "What do you like to do in your spare time." Michelle answered by saying she didn't have a lot of spare time but occasionally she likes to sneak out for a little fun.  Then proceed to say - "Every now and then I have this thing that I like to do with some of my staff members, and we sneak out, without telling anybody, and we go and test out all the fun places to eat in D.C. -- like I went to Five Guys and nobody knew it," she said, prompting laughs from the children. "It was good." 

I haven't eaten at Five Guys yet.  There is a new location pretty close to my house.  I've driven by a handful of times thinking I would like to stop and try it out sometime soon.  I have to be honest, Michelle Obama did peak my curiosity even more.  I see a visit to Five Guys real soon. I guess the power of Michelle Obama is powerful enough for a burger.

Cup O'Joe is a Cup O'Clever

Yesterday I had a meeting at Cup O'Joe.  I ordered a medium sized regular coffee with cream - my usual.  Even though I was going to enjoy my coffee there, I asked for my coffee in a to go cup.  

It wasn't until I was almost finished with my coffee that I noticed the cup sleeve.  It was very colorful, had texture and prominently displayed the Cup O' Joe logo.  But on the back it had an incentive. If you saved the sleeve and reused it ten times you would redeem one fully punched sleeve and a free cup of Cup O'Joe coffee.  Very smart! 

This sleeve serves a few purposes.  The obvious being protection on your hand from the hot coffee in the cup. The second being clever marketing.  This is such a simple and smart way to get customers to come back (and to possibly even talk about it on their blog). The last being an environmentally friendly idea.  By reusing the sleeve Cup O'Joe is helping keep the earth a little greener.

Very clever indeed.  Kuddos to Cup O'Joe! 

Philanthropy Friday Will Debut on Columbusunderground.com

Earlier this month I created a post about Philanthropy Friday.  Philanthropy Friday is a weekly segment that will create an in-depth profile featuring a local non-profit every Friday.

I'm excited to announce that beginning in May, Philanthropy Friday will now be a feature on Columbus Underground.

Yesterday I met with Columbus Underground Founder, Walker Evans to discuss my idea and it was favorably received!

My first feature will be on May 1st. You can find it at www.columbusunderground.com.  On that same day I will create a "Behind the Scenes" post on columbus imPRessions where viewers can get additional information about the group, as well as see more photos. Both Columbus Underground and columbus imPRessions will link to the non-profit organization.  

I'm looking forward to bringing greater awareness to the many non-profits in Columbus, Ohio and with the help of Columbus Underground so many more people will learn about these wonderful organizations.

If you have a nonprofit you would like me to feature email me at info@columbusimpressions.com.  

Happy Earth Day!

Yes, every day should be Earth Day but today is that one special day of the year to recognize and act.  Think of it as a New Year's Resolution for the earth.  

On behalf of mother earth's new year I thought I'd compile a few easy resolutions to make a part of your daily habits.  

If any of these become routine we will be one step closer to making our planet a little greener and it might even save you a little money.

1. Turn off the water while brushing your teeth.
2. When you go to bed turn your thermostat down a few degrees
3. Buy some reusable grocery bags and use instead of paper or plastic
4. Recycle the newspaper, junk mail or magazines either with your garbage company or look for a recycling dumpster in your neighborhood
5. Repurpose household items.  For some ideas click here to read an article I wrote for Gomestic.org awhile back.  If you like the article I'd appreciate it if you click I like it!

COLUMBUS MEDIA: It's Volunteer Week Please Help Me Create Awareness for In-Kind Connection

This week marks Volunteer Week.  We are encouraged to share our stories.  Therefore, I'm asking the Columbus media to assist me in bringing awareness to In-Kind Connection. 

In-Kind Connection is a complimentary service sponsored by columbus imPRessions connecting non-profits in need of in-kind items to businesses and donors who can help.

Making a difference for the greater good - www.inkindconnection.com

* columbus impressions runs the web site to help spread the word and make a connection. 
* Non-profits email needs for upcoming events, to enhance the program, the office or to raise awareness. 
* Businesses email overstock items they are looking to donate or the willingness to assist non-profits.

After posted to the site needs and haves are then broadcasted through various social media channels like, Twitter, Facebook, AllTop, LinkedIn, etc.

columbus imPRessions will help make the connection. It is up to the non-profit and donor to work together to secure and exchange the items.

Email your need or have to inkindconnection@columbusimpressions.com

Virgin - It's not just for music anymore (or airlines)

Last week when shopping at the grocery store I leisurely strolled down the wine isle.  I'm sure I mentioned this before, but I do enjoy a good glass of red wine, especially those surprisingly, delicious finds around $10.00.

Glancing up and down the shelves I came across a wine bottle I didn't recognize, a 2006 Shiraz by Virgin Vines.  Reading the back I loved what I read - "Dare to enjoy this wine without dashes of pretentiousness or hints of snootiness. Virgin Vines believes wine should be all about having fun and loving the taste . . . not waxing poetically about meaningless wine-speak and food pairings.  Simply drink this big, bold red with something or someone you find delicious."

This wine had a sense of humor and I couldn't pass that up.   I just had to buy it, after all Sir Richard Branson always peaks my curiosity.  I opened the bottle of wine with my pasta dinner last night and even added a dash to my sauce. It was good!

I wanted to learn more about this wine and why Virgin would extend their brand to include wines.  Visiting their site I immediately was asked to become a V3IP and by signing up I will receive exclusive information on Virgin Vines, be the first to know about upcoming events, and get free downloads  - cross promoting the music brand - clever.  However, when I tried to download my free music the links did not work.

Researching a little further I learned that Virgin Vines is actually one of the brands fromBrown-Forman out of Louisville, KY who also brands a large number of alcohol brands.

Overall, my curiosity was satisfied.  I saw the Virgin brand, bought the wine, drank the wine, sign-up for more info on their website and now I'm blogging about it.  Heck, I sound like Virgin Vine's dream customer! :)

Betty Crocker Ads Gluten Free Products to Their Brand

Gluten Free diets are becoming pretty common place.  People dealing with Autism, Celiac disease and even Rheumatoid Arthritis are turning to the no-wheat, gluten free diet to help fight their symptoms.  Years ago, my mom was diagnosed with Celiac Disease.  For years she had to eat bland food with little, or bad, taste.

However, over the years health food stores have carried gluten free products that are constantly improving in taste.  Now gluten free diets are becoming main stream.  On June 1st, Betty Crocker will introduce Gluten Free products to their brand.  Soon the shelves in the baking isle will be stocking:

Betty Crocker Gluten Free Yellow Cake Mix -  Size:  15 oz - Makes an 8-inch square or 9-inch round pan

BC Gluten Free Devil’s Food Cake Mix – Size: 15 oz - Makes an 8-inch square or 9-inch round pan

 BC Gluten Free Chocolate Chunk Brownies – Size:  16 oz - Makes an 8-inch square or 11×7-inch pan

 BC Gluten Free Chocolate Chip Cookie Mix – Size: 19 oz

Not sure how they will taste, I am looking forward to making some of these products for my mom this summer to give them a try.  Thanks Betty Crocker for seeing a need and adding a new product to your already great brand. 

Espresso Yourself Music Cafe: A TasteCasting Event

Last night the TasteCasting team was treated to a night out at Espresso Yourself Music Cafe in Powell, Ohio.

  

Espresso Yourself is such a great play on words.  Obviously they are a coffee house, but musicians far and wide come to this venue to express themselves with their gift of music.  Eric, the owner and a musician himself, decided to open up a coffee shop that offered so much more than just java.  In it's second year, Espresso Yourself has a cool, artsy, organic, eclectic vibe, having a Short North feel in suburban Columbus.  

Picture the scene, an old church with smells of coffee, sounds of music and colorful walls filled with art from artists from all over.

Yesterday was a beautiful spring evening and was the perfect night to enjoy the jazz trio, Trio of Fury while sipping on peach and strawberry smoothies and eating a variety of delicious pannini sandwich samples.

Between sets we learned that if you sign up for the weekly Espresso Yourself Music Cafe newsletter you are automatically placed in the weekly $20.00 gift card drawing.  Register for their newsletter here.

I would recommend spending an evening or Saturday afternoon at this venue.  You'll be in for a real treat

Social Media and Crisis Communication

Time to revise your crisis communication plans to include the effects of social media.  Because of social media channels like Facebook, YouTube and Twitter, word (both positive and negative) spreads faster than ever.  Just ask the latest victim, Dominos Pizza.

So what can you do to keep your brand ahead of the 140 character or viral video storm?

1. Figure out who the source of the social attack is, where it's coming from, and how widespread it is.
   
2. Create an honest response as soon as possible.  Just like traditional crisis communication get it out quick even if it is to say you are looking into the situation and will get back with more information soon.
3. Don't make a broad statement.  Make your statement on the social media channel(s) in which it came from.  That way you are not creating more attention to others who may not have heard.
4. Keep your tone upbeat and professional and show your company cares about fixing the situation.

The playing field is just a little different but the same quick crisis communication tips for traditional media apply to social media:

• Get it right - communicate correct information
  
• Get it quick - communicate promptly to key audience
  
• Get it out - communicate your positive key messages
  
• Get it over with - resolve situation as quickly as possible

In Dominos case, they've taken action and have responded very fast.  They have a strong brand, a good product and should be fine.

What Can Happen Over Coffee

Yesterday I had a great coffee meeting with Ryan Bauer.  Ryan is a mover and a shaker with a dynamic personality.  Two hours flew and before the conversation was over I agreed to become a speaker at an upcoming Meetup group.

Recently moving back to Columbus, Ryan started the Meetup group, Columbus Social Media Network.  The purpose of this group is to gather social media "junkies"  to meet up each month. Some meet-ups are social for cocktails and some, like the one I'll be speaking at, are educational.

I'll be speaking at the May 12th Reputation Management: Social Media and Public Relations with my focus being Social Media/PR for Non-Profit Organizations.  Ryan has invited another speaker who will be discussing Social Media/PR for Corporations.  More details will soon be posted on the Meetup site.  

Meetup is a network site for local groups.  Meetups are a great resource for anyone to organize a local group or find a group to join in your area.  Thousands of Meetup groups across the country get together each day.  There are over 4.7 members in over 3,500 cities.   Find a Meetup group near you here.

Garage Band Publicist

A couple weeks ago I was contacted by a manager of a local garage band.  The band is gaining popularity and in order to take the next step they are considering hiring a publicist.  He wanted to see what columbus imPRessions could do for the band to generate more exposure and get them into magazines.

Because of my past life at Q-FM-96, my love for music - especially rock, and the fact that I almost left Columbus to work at a record label years ago (decide to choose stability and marriage over a rock-n-roll lifestyle), I was very intrigued to say the least!

Being a publicist is so much more than just magazine articles.  It's about taking the brand of the band and marketing it using a targeted approach to generate a buzz and loyal following in a niche group.  "Infiltrate and Plaster" - You must focus on the the niche, infiltrate their environment, then plaster the band's brand everywhere in that environment.  

Also, because of social media, generating exposure for a rock band has so many options. Sure band's have MySpace, but with Twitter, Blogging, Widgets, YouTube, ReverbNation and other social media platforms bands can get to the niche with the click of a button.  Bands can enlist their fans too.  Word of mouth marketing by fans on social media sites immediately becomes viral.  Traditional PR can still happen, but nowadays with savvy marketing and social media traditional media is taking a back seat.  By thinking beyond the box the possibilities are limitless.  Very exciting opportunity could be made available for this band and any other band.

I left the manager with some things to think about like: What is their brand? Who is their target demographic? What are their likes, hangouts, habits, patterns, etc?  What message do they want to relay to this group?  What are the band's goals? What social media platforms does the band currently use? How do they currently promote the band?   

I could have gone on and one but didn't want to overwhelm the manager too much.  Haven't heard back yet.  We'll see.  If I don't hear back at least for a few moments I got to revisit that rock and roll life I left behind year's ago.

Non-Profit Walk Season

Nice weather is upon us in the northern half of the country and outdoor activities are in full swing. For non-profit organizations it means the walk season is about to begin.

If you have a spring walk, you should be deep in the planning phases but if you have a late summer or fall walk you might just be starting.  If your event falls into the latter part of the season here are some things to consider or include in your planning:

1. Branding - If this is a first year event brand your event with a name, logo, key messages, purpose, etc.  If the event has been around for years, consider refreshing with a new look.
2. Sponsorship:  There are plenty of sponsorship opportunities in a walk event (paying and in-kind).  Start with securing media sponsor(s) - Radio, TV and Print act as inventory to entice other sponsorship types so go to local media outlets for sponsorship first.  Next look for a title or presenting sponsor, mile marker sponsors, beverage sponsor, celebration sponsor, starting line and finish line sponsor, etc.  Try to obtain sponsorships as early as possible.  Sponsor logos on brochures, posters and signage is also inventory and entices sponsors to become involved.
3. Logistics - Location, How long is your walk, are runners allowed, what is the route, what are event goals, budget, fees, authorization, food, entertainment, emcees, staging area, etc.
4. Committee - Do you have a core of volunteers to assist in creating event, volunteers pre-event, volunteers day-of, roles and responsibilities, meetings.
5. Walk teams - recruit corporate, school and individual teams. How many make a team?
6. Marketing & PR - save the date, brochures, posters, signage, pre-press, day of press, post press, e-blasts, newsletters.
7. On-line - Can you create an on-line walk page, collect donations, sign-up teams. Include sponsors as this is another form of inventory and a benefit.
8. Stewardship - capture all data, thank sponsors, walkers, volunteers.

As you can see there are quite a few elements to include when creating a walk.  But with a clear timeline and an organized checklist you should be able to achieve success for your organization. 

Need assistance on your upcoming walk?  columbus imPRessions can help.  I have over ten years experience with walk events - Arthritis Foundation's Jingle Bell Run, Make-A-Wish Walk for Wishes, Crohn's & Colitis Take Steps and Epilepsy Foundation Stroll for Epilepsy.  Email info@columbusimpressions.com or call 740.816.3251

TasteCasting Elegance At The Culinary Table

Last night was another TasteCasting event.  This time I was the team captain because I set up the event with The Culinary Table.

The Culinary Table was fabulous and Annette, Regina and team pulled out all the stops! Walking in the door all senses were heightened.  I immediately smelled the most amazing aroma, heard classy music in the background and saw gorgeous spring decor, fresh flowers and elegant food displays. I knew we were all in for a real treat!

Then came the tasting!  In Rachel Ray's word - YUMO!  We were spoiled with amazing appetizers, a food demonstration by Chef Brooke and homemade Toasted Sesame Ice Cream. Amazing!

For months now, The Culinary Table has been a client of mine.  I love this concept and really believe in what Annette and Regina have decided to do by fusing their incredible talents with Bellisari's Catering and Natural Designs.  By combining food and floral/decor you create the perfect combination making any occasion the most special it can be.  

Book The Culinary Table for wedding occasions, corporate events, cooking classes, as well as culinary kids events.  Trust me, whatever you decide to do there  you will get a first-class event and now I know after last night all the TasteCasters feel the same way.

Special thanks to Annette, Regina, Brooke, Kelly, Elizabeth and Emili for an incredible night. Thanks also to all the TasteCasters for coming out. I look forward to getting to know all of you better through these terrific events.

Spent Some Time With Crimson Cup Coffee

When I wrote my first post about Crimson Cup almost one year ago I said "I couldn't wait to have my first cup of Crimson Cup Coffee."  Well, today I got to have my first cup of Crimson Cup Coffee, actually a cappuccino - the world's best cappuccino, and it was one of the best I've ever tasted!  Not only did I enjoy a cup, I was treated to a tour of the corporate facility by Anna, one of the "cuppers", and boy did I learn a lot!

Being a fan of both red wine and coffee I was pleasantly surprised to find the process of creating the perfect cup of coffee is quite similar to that of making the perfect bottle of wine.

Crimson Cup Coffee starts in 25 countries throughout Central America, South America and Indonesia. The beans come from the coffee cherry bean, crimson in color (hence the company's name).

The Speciality Grade Class 1 beans are then shipped to Crimson Cup's roasting facility.  They arrive green and smell like grass. If the beans smell like fresh grass, you know they are good beans. I got to smell the beans and they definitely are fresh.

Next comes the art of roasting. Crimson Cup has a handful of roasters. Godzilla roasts 300 lbs. of coffee and Little Red makes smaller roasts. During the tour I got to see a decaf roasting in

Little Red.  

A couple interesting points 

about roasting:

1. Roasting really is science.
2. It takes about 15 minutes to roast beans (for light slightly sooner, for dark slightly longer - but just within minutes)
3. When you roast beans you will hear a cracking noise, when you hear two you know the bean is ready to cool.
4. About 80% of beans come out. 20% turns to water.  
5. Here is an important fact - one of the facts that sets Crimson Cup apart from the rest - they DO NOT put the water back into the roaster.  Most roasters do, but when water is added back in, it weakens the coffee.

Other interesting coffee facts:

1.  Flavored oils are used to make flavored coffee.  It takes about 15 minutes to mix the oils with the coffee bean.

2.  The small hole in the back of the coffee bag is to release gasses.  If there wasn't a hole the bag would grow and grow and could eventually explode.

3.  You DO NOT refrigerate coffee after it is opened.  It does not keep it fresher.  If you buy coffee in bulk you can freeze it but only once. And once you open it you can't refreeze.

As for the company,  Crimson Cup started in 1991 when Greg, the founder, decided to leave his job at a software company to follow his passion for coffee.  Now they supply coffee to over 300 coffee shops across the country, as well as train coffee houses how to do the "dance" with the

perfect layout.

As you can tell, I learned quite a bit. Something else that impressed me about Crimsons Cup was the strong brand. Take for example the various menu options they have created for the Coffee Shops.  They thoroughly thought out various designs to match different styles of coffee shops. This makes the Coffee Shops happy and just as important, it keeps Crimson Cup's brand consistent.  Very smart!  Crimson Cup also projects a good culture.  They recognize that the "cuppers" are also its brand.  They convey passion, comfort, learning and quality.

Look for newly designed Crimson Cup bag at Whole Foods throughout Ohio, Hills Market in Worthington, Kroger Stoneridge Gahanna, OSU and these locations here.  

This is definitely coffee you'll want to try and then have again and again.  Thanks to Anna for the tour and the complimentary bag of Armando's blend.  This is Crimson Cup's signature coffee with a blend of five different beans created by Greg, Chis Lamb and Armando - Chief Espresso Officer (love that title)!  

Can't wait to have my next cup!

Plea To Trader Joe's

I'm a huge fan of Trader Joe's.  For the quality of food, the value is superb.  Just one problem with Trader Joe's . . . . there isn't one close enough to me.

So here is my plea.  "Trader Joe's will you build a store in Lewis Center, Ohio?  Yes there are two stores in the Columbus, Ohio area - Easton and Dublin, but I see I huge need for one in the northern part of Columbus."

Let me tell you why:

1. So many people in this area love Trader Joe's!
2. So many people in the northern part of Columbus want to eat healthy but have limited choices.
3. Currently there are no health grocery stores in this part of Columbus.  The closest is The Raisin Rack in Westerville.
4. Delaware county, is one of the fastest growing counties in the country.
5. In the Route 23 Corridor - between Powell and Delaware - retail establishment are popping up very fast.
6. Plenty of land is still available in above mentioned area to build a Trader Joe's store.
7. Lewis Center is a community that supports its schools and community organizations.
8. Home to Alum Creek State Park and many bike and walking paths, Lewis Center residents live an active, healthy life-style.

If that's not convincing then how about a little market research:

1. The median household income is $81,769
2. Estimated median household value is $289,997
3. Over 11,000 people live in Lewis Center, proper - that's almost 5,000 housing units
4. Average household size is 2.6
5. Percentage of family households is 72.8%
6. The median age is 30 years old
7. Profits from business +$13,693
8. Surrounding nearby communities have median household incomes of over $80,000 with median ages of 34.

So, what do you say Trader Joe's . . . is my plea and market research convincing?  

If anyone would like to comment and add to my persuasion please do.  I would greatly appreciate it!

Put Your Walking Shoes On Today

Just wanted to post a quick reminder that today is National Start! Walking Day.

The American Heart Association wants us all to beat heart disease.  One way to do that is by exercising and walking.

So lace up those tennis shoes and walk for 30 minutes today anytime between 8a and 11p.

It's Grilled Cheese Month

Show some grilled cheese love at www.iheartgrilledcheese.com.

Kraft created a micro site for the month of April where, in 50 words or less, you can express why a grilled cheese sandwich makes you smile.   Your words could win you a coupon for a free packet of Kraft singles.  Five hundred winner will be selected each Monday in April.  Contest ends May 3, 2009.

Cute campaign but not enough?  Then feel free to Join Kraft in LA on April 25th at the 1st 7th Annual Grilled Cheese Invitational. It's the largest, craziest, and most exciting grilled cheese cooking contest in the country.  Judges of the contest are in pursuit of the perfect grilled cheese "sammich."  What do you win?  The coveted Spaz award, and bragging rights.

I Like Cream in My Coffee

I enjoy a good cup of coffee (or two) everyday.  I like to add flavored cream, and try various types but my staple seems to be French Vanilla.  Over the years, I have gone back and forth between International Delight and Coffee-mate.  But lately, I have been buying more Coffee-mate.  It's not because of the taste, when mixed into my coffee I really can't tell that much of a difference between the two because they both taste good.  It's actually more because of the packaging. 

While both bottles are tall and almost a slender pear shape, the pour tops are very different. International Delight's pour tends to be messy, the cream catches in the cap so when you open it your hit by a slight squirt, and the cream usually glops instead of pours out smoothly.

But to my delight (international delight), I just learned that International Delight just redesigned their bottle addressing and fixing all the concerns I just mentioned and making it look more Euro-modern.  Reports say the redesign will save the $1 million a year in production costs. Hey, maybe they will lower the cost of their cream now. They listened to their consumers on the redesign.  Any chance they'll listen to a consumer on the price? One can only dream.

With the redesign I will buy International Design and give it another try.  

Before

After

Looks like during the product redesign a little logo redesign occurred.  The G swirling into a coffee cup on the old product seems not to have transferred onto the new product.

Things Are Cooking At The Culinary Table

This week, my client, The Culinary Table will be busy whipping up some excitement!  So many interesting items are on this week's menu.  

If you're listening to almost any Columbus radio station Tuesday or Wednesday you will hear Children's Hunger Alliance talking about the children's cooking classes at The Culinary Table that will benefit the Foundation.  The Culinary Table is hosting children's cooking classes one full day, Saturday, April 11th, for food, fun and philanthropy.  Click here for details.

The crew at The Culinary Table will also be preparing for the TasteCasting group on Thursday. Almost 20 TasteCasters will eat and Tweet their way through a fabulous evening where they will sample some delicious appetizers like mozzarella stuffed grilled portobello mushrooms, Stilton tart with cranberry chutney, smoked trout on cucumber rounds to name a few, as well as learn more about what The Culinary Table has to offer.  The TasteCasters should be prepared for a real first-class treat!  The Culinary Table should be prepared for great exposure over hundreds of various social media channels.

Under my suggestion and supervision, The Culinary Table is also trying their hand at social media.  We have added more posts and personality to their blog, and they have joined Twitter. You can follow them on Twitter here.  The tweets are just starting, but after this week they should have lots more to add!

Social media is key in starting a new business.  It's a great way to advertise with real impact because it reaches a substantial number of individuals simultaneously for mere pennies. Something a new business with a limited budget like The Culinary Table can afford.

We are hoping that with the awareness generated by these two events this week The Culinary Table will be well on its way to years of great success.  

Mangia Mangia or Eat Eat like my Nonna (grandma) would always say.

Philanthropy Friday

Over the last year, columbus imPRessions has added various small postings about different non-profit organizations and has always supported creating awareness for the greater good. Because so many non-profit organizations need assistance gaining attention, I have decided to step it up and create a weekly segment on the columbus imPRessions site.  

Starting in May, every Friday will now be known as Philanthropy Friday.  Each Friday I will do an in-depth story about a non-profit to help bring awareness to the cause and showcase the good work they are doing.

Do you know a great non-profit I should showcase, or are you a non-profit that would like a little awareness help?  Let me know. Comment below or email info@columbusimpressions.com with info.

Holibaugh Helping Hands

In Support of My Good Friend, Dianne.  

It's not too late to join.  I just found out yesterday and will be attending.

Commit to Be Fit - While Helping a Cause

A 2 mile WALK / RUN at Hyatts Middle School

Saturday, April 4th ~ 9:00AM - 11:00AM ~ Hyatts Middle School

Sponsored by Channel 10 TV Kids Club, Fleet Feet Sports, and Kinsale Country Club

Registration is $10.00 per person - a donation to the "Holibaugh's Healing Hands" fund established this year. Early registrants will receive a t-shirt and goodie bags. Please feel free to join us at the last minute...every foot that walks counts that day - goodie bag or not - we want to see your smiling face!  

I Joined the Army - the LIVESTRONG ARMY Against Cancer

Today I learned a good friend, who is a single mother of three beautiful girls, has brain cancer. 

Today I joined the LIVESTRONG ARMY to show my support and help her fight.

You can join the LIVESTRONG ARMY against cancer too.  

April is Donate Life Month

Yesterday I heard a news clip on 610 WTVN referencing Donate Life Month.

Ever since 2003 April has become the month to celebrate organ, tissue, blood and marrow donors while encouraging others to follow suit.

They also unveiled a couple staggering statistics:

1. Over 98,000 people are awaiting a transplant
   
2. Every day about 77 people get an organ transplant for a second chance a life.  However almost 20 others die waiting and never receiving an organ in time.
   

It's easy to become an organ or tissue donor:

1. Register with your State Donor Registry 
2. Say YES to donation when renewing your driver's license.  I signed up when I renewed my drivers license years ago.
3. Tell family, friends, caretakers you want to be a donor
4. Fill out a signed and witnessed donor card and carry with you.

This month, be an advocate for organ and tissue donation:

1. Encourage your company or organization to become a Workplace Partnership for Life.
2. Encourage your child's school to get involved with Decision Donation
3. Show your support and wear a free lapel pin.

Sign up during Donate Life Month to donate your organs or tissue.  It's easy!   It's free! It could save a life!

April Fool's Day

The history of April Fool's Day isn't clear, but it's thought to have started around 1582 in France with the reform of the calendar. The Gregorian Calendar was introduced, and New Year's Day was moved from March 25 - April 1 (new year's week) to January 1. Because communication traveled slowly in those days some people were only informed of the change several years later. Others refused to acknowledge the change and continued to celebrate on the last day of the former celebration, April 1. These people were labeled "fools" and were subject to ridicule and sent on "fool errands," sent invitations to nonexistent parties and had other practical jokes played upon them. 

Today people still play harmless pranks on April Fool's Day.  But now April Fool's Day is used as a marketing opportunity to launch new products.  Did you know Google Gmail was launched April 1, 2004?  At first it was thought to be a hoax but obviously ended up being true.  Double the exposure and publicity.  Smart stunt.

Today will unveil both hoaxes and truths.  Hopefully everyone will have good clean fun and no one will be affected by the Conficker.c virus.

Now I'm off to TP my kids bedrooms!