Emergency Fund on the air - Perspectives, Channel 50

Last week, representatives from the Emergency Fund had the pleasure of sitting down with Monique Caradine, the host of television show, Perspectives, to discuss the new face of homelessness.

Heloise, a college educated professional, lost her job last year due to downsizing. Although she had some savings, the savings she had wasn't enough to sustain her for several months and she was facing eviction. Through referrals, she learned of the Emergency Fund, a Chicago-based non-profit organization which helps individuals and families through a crisis, such as homelessness. Heloise was able to stay in her place and she is now gainfully employed.

Kimberly Holley, from the Emergency Fund, joined Heloise as guests of Monique's for a taping last week on the new face of homelessness.

We hope you'll take a moment this coming Sunday, November 29, to watch the segment when it airs on Channel 50 at noon CST.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday!

Megy Karydes
Karydes Consulting
www.KarydesConsulting.com

Emergency Fund Paint the Town Blue Gala - October 16

The much-anticipated Paint the Town Blue Gala comes to the Chicago Cultural Center tomorrow and we're very excited. Even columnist Bill Zwecker, from the Chicago Sun Times, mentioned it in his article today.

Illinois State Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias will have the podium to give a presentation and other notables including Susanna Negovan (editor of Michigan Avenue magazine) and Tom Negovan (anchor/reporter of WGN9 News) will be in attendance. Susanna and Tom are the honorary co-chairs and the event will mark Tom's first public appearance since his motorcycle accident in Chicago earlier last month.

Major corporate sponsors of the evening's event include Northern Bank, The Private Bank, and the Chicago Realtors Association.

To learn more about the event or to purchase tickets, please visit www.EmergencyFund.org.

Hope to see you there!

-Megy Karydes
Karydes Consulting
www.KarydesConsulting.com

FRESH! the movie screening in Chicago

You know when you hear that one person CAN make a difference and you pause and wonder...really? How can one person really make a difference? Well, McCall Marshall is one of those people.

When she wanted to see the movie FRESH! and noticed it wasn't slated to show in Chicago, a major city in the United States, she was surprised, and annoyed. But rather than forget about it, she decided to do something about it - she contacted the director of the movie, bought the rights to show the film in Chicago and hosted two screenings this summer. Not only did she get to see the movie (more than once) but she introduced the film to hundreds of people who otherwise wouldn't have had the chance to see it.

Fast forward a few days later and Mindful Metropolis, along with Ripple Effect Films, are hosting another screening on Thursday, September 24, complete with sponsors and a panel discussion immediately following the film. Lake Side Cafe (www.Lake-Side-Cafe.com), a vegetarian and vegan restaurant and catering company based on Chicago, is among the sponsors.

You can also read the article I wrote for the September 2009 issue of Mindful Metropolis (page 20) to get a sense of what the movie is all about. If you get a chance to see it, though, I strongly recommend it!

Hope to see you on September 24!

-Megy Karydes
Karydes Consulting
www.KarydesConsulting.com

Threat of Becoming Homeless on the Rise

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

For more information, contact:
Megy Karydes
312-560-2715
megy@karydesconsulting.com

Threat of Becoming Homeless on the Rise
Rise in calls to Homelessness Prevention Call Center

Chicago, IL, (August 27, 2009) — Calls to the Homelessness Prevention Call Center are at an all time high, according to the Emergency Fund, a Chicago-based non-profit organization committed to providing immediate financial assistance to individuals and families in need.

“Calls to the Homelessness Prevention Call Center have increased by 22.3 percent from the beginning of the year through May,” says Nonie Brennan, executive director of the Emergency Fund. “While the economy is affecting nearly everyone across the board, it’s particularly challenging for those individuals and families who were already at the brink of a crisis. We’re seeing more families with incomes over $35,000 calling to see if they qualify for assistance because they can’t make ends meet.”

The Emergency Fund is in a unique position to provide help to thousands of residents because of its relationship with 58 partner agencies located throughout the city of Chicago and surrounding suburbs.

“We couldn’t do our work without the help of our partner agencies,” says Kathleen Molnar, program director of the Emergency Fund. “They are our eyes and ears in the community and together we’re able to help individuals and families through a crisis which could easily result in homelessness.”

Ranging from community centers to shelters, the partner agencies meet with individuals and families to assess each situation on a case by case basis. Most find the agencies through their community or by calling 311 and speaking with a representative from the Homelessness Prevention Call Center who directs them to the closest agency. If the individual or family qualifies for assistance, help is provided within 72 hours.

“More individuals and families need our help now more than ever,” adds Brennan. “We’ve never seen this level of concern and we’re doing our best to meet the needs of each individual and family.”

To learn more about the Emergency Fund, please visit www.EmergencyFund.org or call 312-379-0301.

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ABOUT THE EMERGENCY FUND
The Emergency Fund is a non-profit organization based in Chicago which has been providing immediate financial assistance to individuals and families in need through its network of 55 partner agencies located throughout the City of Chicago and nearby suburbs for 36 years. To learn more about the organization, visit www.EmergencyFund.org.

NOTE TO MEDIA: To arrange an interview with Nonie Brennan, executive director of the Emergency Fund, please contact Megy Karydes at 312-560-2715 or at Megy@KarydesConsulting.com.

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Emergency Fund Helps Children and Families Avoid a Crisis

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

For more information, contact:
Megy Karydes
312-560-2715
megy@karydesconsulting.com

Emergency Fund Helps Children and Families Avoid a Crisis

Chicago, IL, (August 21, 2009) — With back to school on the minds of many families, Chicagoland residents may not realize the youngest victims of the economic crisis are children. Last year alone, the Emergency Fund (www.EmergencyFund.org), a Chicago non-profit leader in homelessness prevention, assisted nearly 9,000 people through a crisis or transition, including the threat of homelessness.

“Becoming homeless due to loss of a job, a landlord’s foreclosure on a home, or simply rising costs of living are all very real reasons individuals and families face the threat of becoming homeless,” says Nonie Brennan, executive director of the Emergency Fund. “When families have children, the problem is compounded by the fact that children don’t have the capacity to understand what is happening or why.”

Through its network of 56 partner agencies based throughout the city of Chicago and surrounding suburbs, the Emergency Fund is poised to quickly provide emergency financial assistance.

“Whether the aid comes in something as basic as a bus pass to get to a job interview, eyeglasses for a child who is having difficulty reading, to rent for a family who has been evicted due to a landlord’s foreclosure, our goal is to make that crisis or transition as least disruptive as possible for individuals, families, and especially children.”

To see if an individual or family qualifies to receive the financial assistance, residents are encouraged to call 311 and ask for Short Term Help. The caller will be transferred to the Homelessness Prevention Call Center, an Emergency Fund partner, where the intake representative can assess the situation and locate a nearby agency for the caller to visit. If help can be provided, assistance is provided within 48-72 hours.

“The point is that our assistance is immediate,” adds Brennan. “While we do our due diligence to ensure that the individuals and families using our services are in need, we also do not want people to have to wait. You can’t put a crisis on hold until the funds become available – that is why it’s called a crisis. It’s immediate, and so is our assistance.”

To learn more about the Emergency Fund, please visit www.EmergencyFund.org or call 312-379-0301.

ABOUT THE EMERGENCY FUND
The Emergency Fund is a non-profit organization based in Chicago which has been providing immediate financial assistance to individuals and families in need through its network of 55 partner agencies located throughout the City of Chicago and nearby suburbs for 36 years. To learn more about the organization, visit www.EmergencyFund.org.

NOTE TO MEDIA: To arrange an interview with Nonie Brennan, executive director of the Emergency Fund, please contact Megy Karydes at 312-560-2715 or at Megy@KarydesConsulting.com.

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Sustainable Holiday Gifts - Heartland Alliance Hope for a Hurting World Gift Catalog

Sustainable Gifts that Keep on Giving

Heartland Alliance Holiday Catalog Offers Inspiring Gifts This Season

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact:
Megy Karydes
312-560-2715
megy@KarydesConsulting.com

Sustainable Gifts that Keep on Giving

Heartland Alliance Holiday Catalog Offers Inspiring Gifts This Season

Chicago, IL (August 19, 2009) – With the holidays just around the corner, many people are beginning to wonder what their holidays will look like. The holidays are for giving, after all, but for some individuals, the funds for survival are barely there and their needs are great.

Heartland Alliance for Human Needs & Human Rights, a Chicago-based non-profit which helps people who are threatened by poverty or danger improve their lives and realize their human rights, knows this need too well. That is why Heartland Alliance has decided to continue its popular Hope for a Hurting World Gift Catalog (http://www.heartlandalliance.org/howtohelp/giveagift/) during this holiday season.

By replacing traditional holiday gifts with a gift from Heartland Alliance, individuals and businesses can help those who are struggling not only during the holiday season, but throughout the year. The catalog is a way for people to make a real difference in the communities in which they live.

Gifts start as low as $15 for a gift of a blanket and pillow to bring comfort and security to a child living in poverty. Other options include $30 for prescription medication for a person experiencing homelessnesss; $100 for an infant care kit; and $150 for a job training course. There are also gifts specifically geared for children to help other children. There are 43 different options for gifts through the catalog ranging from $15-$550 each.

A charitable gift made through Heartland Alliance’s gift catalog offers hope and meaning to disadvantaged families, especially women, children, and others struggling to survive. Each honoree will receive a personalized note card acknowledging the generous gift and every gift is tax-deductible. Last minute shoppers can purchase gifts online and an e-card will be sent through email.

For more information about the Heartland Alliance Hope for a Hurting World Gift Catalog, please visit http://www.heartlandalliance.org/howtohelp/giveagift/. For more information about Heartland Alliance and its services, please visit www.heartlandalliance.org.


About Heartland Alliance:
Heartland Alliance for Human Needs & Human Rights helps people who are threatened by poverty or danger improve their lives and realize their human rights. For more than 120 years we have been providing solutions – through services and policy – creating paths from crisis to stability and on to success. Our work in housing, health care, legal protections, and economic security supports more than 200,000 people annually, helping them build a better future.

Note to Media:
Liz Sode, Vice President and Executive Director of Heartland Alliance Strategic Services, is available for interviews. Hi-resolution images of specific catalog images are available by request. To schedule an interview or to receive images, please contact Megy Karydes at 312-560-2715 or at megy@KarydesConsulting.com.

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On Twitter? Feel free to share!
Meaningful holiday gifts that give back? Check out Non-profit Heartland Alliance's Gift Catalog - http://pitch.pe/22320

Book Reco: Most Likely You'll Go Your Way and I'll Go Mine

A former colleague wrote this book and I noticed it this weekend when my family and I were enjoying some ice cream in the Lincoln Square neighborhood in Chicago. The Book Cellar had it featured in their window since Ben Tanzer, the author, had just done a book signing the week earlier.

From what I've been able to read about the book so far, I'm intrigued...enough to go back to the Book Cellar this weekend to purchase the book and enjoy it while on my 24 hour flight to South Africa next week. I can use a humorous book on a flight that long. No matter how much you enjoy the company of the stranger seated next to you, you need a break and this will be perfect.

This isn't the first time a fellow colleague has written a book (in fact, as I count on my hands, it's quite a few!) and, I admit, I've purchased them all. Sometimes I've been invited to their parties at book shops and other times I've just been interested in reading their work (much like I attend art openings for my artsy friends who have shows of their work in art galleries). Some are awesome and others are really the genre I'm drawn to but I can honestly say I've enjoyed reading them all because I feel like I have some sort of personal connection to the author.

Nonetheless, if you find yourself in need of a good book to read, consider local Chicago author Ben Tanzer's latest: Most Likely You'll Go Your Way and I'll Go Mine. And, if you do read it, please let me know...I'd love to compare notes!

Happy reading!

-Megy Karydes
Karydes Consulting
www.KarydesConsulting.com

It's time for FRESH

I'm on a food kick...maybe because I need to have breakfast and another cup of coffee? In any event...

The second screening of FRESH (http://www.freshthemovie.com/) will take place on Thursday, July 30, beginning at 7:30 p.m. at EP Theater (1820 S. Halsted- in Chicago's Pilsen neighborhood). According to the show promoters, FRESH offers viewers from all walks of life an informative look at our current food system and then leaves them with a hopeful glance at radical, feasible industry reform.

FRESH celebrates the farmers, thinkers and business people across America who are re-inventing our food system. Viewers have hailed FRESH as “emotionally powerful” and the film features notable contributors to the sustainable food movement such as progressive farmer Joel Salatin, urban food-activist Will Allen, and author of Omnivore’s Dilemma Michael Pollan.

The screening is FREE (although there is a $10 suggested donation to help cover costs with presenting the film). Seating is limited and complimentary beer is provided (alcohol is present so please remember to bring a valid ID). To RSVP, email FreshMovieChicago@gmail.com.

EP Theater is easily accessible via the #8 Halsted bus, the Halsted Metra stop, or Interstate 90/94. Enter the building through a discreet back door opposite of the Halsted façade.

To help celebrate all things fresh this month, I wanted to share a picture of some of my farmer's market bounty (see photo). For those who think it's not possible to buy healthy food at a farmers market that won't break the bank, below is a rough break down of what I bought from a local farmer in Homers Glen and the total (feel free to compare this to your regular grocery store prices). And, don't forget that Lake Side Cafe's veggie cooking classes are an option if you want to learn how to make new veggie dishes, veggie sushi, vegan baked goods, etc.

5 pickled cucumbers - 50 cents a lb
2 pints of grape tomatoes - $3 each pint
3 onions - 50 cents each
2 green peppers - 50 cents each
2 red peppers - 50 cents each
2 yellow (orange?) peppers - $1 each
a HUGE bundle of basil - don't remember...I was too intoximated by the smell
3 lbs of red baby potatoes - 50 cents per lb
10 ears of corn - 50 cents each

The prices might be a bit off but my entire bill was less than $25. For FRESH food. That tasted AMAZING. Not everyone has the opportunity to purchase (or raise) fresh fruits and vegetables but if you do have the chance, jump on it. You will taste the difference!

-Megy Karydes
Karydes Consulting
www.KarydesConsulting.com

Lake Side Cafe Voted Among Top 5 for meatless meat

Metromix chose Lake Side Cafe's Chicago Polish as one of its Top 5 picks for meatless meats!

Featured in this Saturday's RedEye (July 25) as part of its cover feature on grilling veggies, Metromix loved that fct that the "traditionally dressed vegan Polish ($9) is topped with sauerkraut, yelow mustard and hose-made relish and comes with your choice of coleslaw, salad or blue corn chips."

Still not sure how to prepare meals with just veggies (or what do do with those gorgeous veggies popping up at the Farmer's Markets right now?), Lake Side Cafe's August veggie cooking class is booking up quickly so don't delay: http://lake-side-cafe.com/cooking-classes.html. Might even give you some tips on what to plant in next year's garden!

Ellu.COLOR launches this week

I'm so proud of one of my clients, Leslie Pozen! This past Saturday, at the Beckman's Handcrafted Gift Show (R) Chicago, she launched her latest line, Ellu.COLOR. To help highlight the new line, she designed a larger-than-life bag standing 7 feet tall and 4 feet wide (see photo) in the North Lobby of the historic Merchandise Mart in downtown Chicago (where the trade show is held bi-annually).

Leslie isn't just any handbag designer, though. What makes Leslie and her line so special is that she designs her bags with color in mind. Color energy, how color affects our moods, what colors complement us, make us feel certain ways, etc. Ellu.COLOR is about color just as much as it is about the handbags.

The line debuted this week to retailers with rave reviews and will find themselves in retail shops later this season.

We're excited about the energy already created around the line and hope you'll visit www.ElluBags.com to learn more about Leslie and Ellu!

-Megy Karydes
Karydes Consulting
www.KarydesConsulting.com

Cover Story - From Farm to Table in Mindful Metropolis, July 2009

I've loved the written word as long as I can remember. As soon as I was able to read on my own, I was usually entrenched in some thick novel. Don't you recall getting into a book and you just had to finish it to find out what happens? With all do respect, you just can't capture that feeling watching reality television...the anticipation, the twists, the turns.

It was that love of reading that formed my love for writing stories. From my high school creative writing class, to my college newspaper days as a copy editor and features writer, I've loved writing feature stories. Unlike the short 800 word pieces, features allow the writer to delve a little deeper...to conduct a few interviews and get to the heart of the story. That may be why I love PR and pitching the media story ideas - each and every one of us has a story to tell. I want to help share those stories with a larger audience.

It was this reason that I jumped at the chance to write a possible cover feature story for a magazine I very much admire - Mindful Metropolis. The story was about a man who started a catering company using produce and meats from local and sustainable farms. But it's more than that - Cleetus Friedman, the owner of City Provisions and the focus of this piece, also shares the stories of his farms with those who want to learn more about how food comes to their table by hosting monthly farm tours during the summer months. You can learn more about City Provisions by reading the story here: http://digital.mindfulmetropolis.com/publication/?m=6071&l=1&p=23.

Thank you for sharing this story with me asnd I hope you take a moment to tell me what you think of the piece!

Until next time,

-Megy Karydes
Karydes Consulting
www.KarydesConsulting.com

Lake Side Cafe's veggie cooking classes - yummy

For those of us who enjoy a healthy and great meal, Lake Side Cafe as a venue to enjoy such meal might be an option. Situated just a few short blocks from Chicago's Lake Michigan in the Rogers Park neighborhood (on Howard Street), it's become a popular dining locale for foodies, vegetarians and vegans (since almost its entire menu uses nearly 100% preservative or chemical-free ingredients and has won awards as the best veggie restaurant for the past 3 years - and it's only been in business for 3 years).

But one of the reasons it sets itself apart is because Lake Side Cafe doesn't come across as pretentious or preachy. Both vegetarians and vegans and non-vegetarians love this place. As a way to encourage guests to see how great their food is, or to show Chicagoans how easy and delicious it is to prepare a vegetarian meal, Lake Side Cafe introduced its veggie cooking classes this month (June 14th was the first one of the season and featured cooking with seasonal regional foods).

If you've ever wondered how to prepare a vegetarian meal or are a vegetarian or vegan and want to check this place out, visit www.Lake-Side-Cafe.com. The entire veggie cooking class selection can be found here: http://www.lake-side-cafe.com/cooking-classes.html.

The next class takes place on Sunday, July 12, and will cover vegetarian basics. Cooking without gluten, veggie sushi and vegan baking are on the menu in the coming months, too! Classes are limited to just 15 participants so if you're interested in taking one of the classes, act quickly to secure a spot. They do go quickly.

Thanks, Lake Side Cafe, for being part of our community!

Until next time,

-Megy Karydes
Karydes Consulting
www.KarydesConsulting.com

Making Media Connections in Chicago

It's not really a secret but it's something I like to remind people - note the second word in media relations. It's relations. As in relationships.

One of the things I love about the work is do is that I basically get to build relationships. Whether it's getting to know my clients better, their work or services, or a media contact, it's about developing a rapport with someone and building on that. Some of those relationships become richer with time as we get to know one another better. Others are fleeting because it's about a give and take in that particular situation.

Community Media Workshops, based in Chicago, understands the importance of building those relationships - especially for non-profits. A non-profit itself, it's also host of the popular Making Media Connections annual conference. Admittedly, many of my friends highly recommended I attend this conference and some clients of mine were even surprised not to find me last year. So when registration opened up for this year's conference, I booked it within minutes of the announcement.

Tomorrow is the first of the two-day conference and I'm ready! I'm excited to see some friends, make new ones, and learn about some wonderful and amazing people doing great work in our cities and communities.

As we all know, we read, listen and hear the news because we love to hear the stories or to learn new things. The Making Media Connections workshop is about learning how to communicate with the media in a way that is interesting and appealing to them and their audience. With the changing landscape of the media, it's more important than ever to stay abreast on what is happening within their world.

I'm looking forward to the 2-day event and hope to share some of the news with you soon, too!

Until next time,

-Megy Karydes

Karydes Consulting

http://www.karydesconsulting.com/

Sustain Illinois Winners Announced

Chicago Community Ventures Announces Sustain Illinois Award Winners

Chicago, IL (May 15, 2009) — Chicago Community Ventures, a non-profit business development organization, today announced the award winners of its Sustain Illinois competition. Sustain Illinois is a highly selective entrepreneurial competition meant to recognize and reward sustainable companies which not only benefit the business community, but the public health, welfare and environment through their business practices and products.

The winners of Sustain Illinois 2009 include:

Sustainable Product or Service Award: Irv & Shelly’s Fresh Picks – Irv & Shelly's Fresh Picks offers year-round home delivery in the Chicago area of local and organic produce, meat, dairy, eggs, baked goods and more! We are partnering with sustainable farmers in the region to grow the supply of local food in a way that protects our health and the environment.

Sustainable Process Award: City Provisions - City Provisions is a catering company that focuses on local, sustainable and organic foods, with a heavy focus on sustainable practices—including, but not limited to: compostable disposables, a strict recycling program, and a creative organic “composting” program (our organic waste is preserved and given to our farmers to use as feed for their livestock). All this is coupled with unparalleled service.

Audience Choice Award Winners:
1st place: Mindful Metropolis – a socially-conscious print magazine that brings conscious living ideas to its readers and shares what is happening in our community so we can become more connected and committed to socially-conscious living.

2nd place: Earth Paint Collection Services - Founded in 2007, the company disposes of unwanted latex paint through a system of collecting and consolidating post-consumer latex paint that allows it to be recycled into new consumer products.

“We’re absolutely thrilled at the response we received to our inaugural award program,” said Bryan Stubbs, director of the Chicago West Side Entrepreneurial Center and the Sustain Illinois program. “It definitely was difficult to wittle down our list of innovative and talented companies for this program since so many are doing amazing things for their customers and our community as a whole. They are true leaders and I hope other companies will take notice that it is possible to have a sustainable and profitable business model. The two terms are not mutually exclusive.”

Interested companies submitted an application last month and judges of the program narrowed down the applicants to the most enterprising companies and organizations to continue to the next phase of the application process. Those who were chosen to continue the competition convened at Sustainovate to give their “Fast Pitches” to a panel of judges yesterday afternoon. Two Audience Choice Awards also were awarded. The award winners will share in a combined cash prize of $22,500 in addition to the award recognition.

The Sustain Illinois Award was designed to encourage and reward companies for implementing or planning sustainable products, services or processes that have, or will have, a lasting economic effect on Illinois.

Sponsors of the award were ComEd, Consolidated Printing Company, Crain’s Chicago Business, Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Development, Karydes Consulting, Mindful Metropolis, Peoples Gas, PNC/National City.

To learn more about Sustain Illinois or CCV, please visit www.SustainIllinois.com.

About Chicago Community Ventures
Chicago Community Ventures is a non-profit business development organization that provides financing and consulting services to small, growing businesses in the region’s underserved markets which include women- and minority-owned enterprises and companies operating in low and moderate income areas. It specializes in offering assistance to companies that are beyond the start-up phase and at a pivotal stage in their development. By linking personalized consulting with financing and procurement services CCV helps its clients grow.

Note to Media: Media interviews with Bryan Stubbs, director of the entrepreneurial center at CCV, are welcome. Please contact Megy Karydes to schedule interviews by calling 312-560-2715 or emailing her at Megy@KarydesConsulting.com.

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Andersonville Galleria Proudly Opens Doors - Again

Despite the uncertainty of the economy, there are several small retailers who are doing very well. The Buy Local, Shop Local movement has really resonated with many community residents and that's evident with the Andersonville Galleria's expansion to DOUBLE ITS SIZE in just over one year in business.

The Andersonville Galleria opened its doors in November of 2007 as a way for smaller merchants and artisans to have a retail presence without having to actually manage an entire retail operation. Individual retailers rent a space in the gorgeous retail store, merchandise it, take care of their space as any retailer would. The difference is that you don't have to physically be there every day. Rather, shoppers browse the more than 90 indie merchant spaces throughout the 2 floors and then take all their newfound treasures and gifts to one central check out near the doors. That's it.

The whole retail concept is unique and very timely given the economic situation of our country. And, the concept is working. Just last month, the Andersonville Galleria opened its doors once again after shutting down for 6 weeks to complete construction of the second floor to allow for double the amount of merchants interested in having a space.

You'll find everything from handmade jewelry, apparel, home accessories and fine art beautifully displayed. If you've never had the chance to see the space for yourself, I hope you'll join us on May 15 when we have our official grand re-opening party from 6-10pm.

Thank you for supporting local artists, artisans and merchants. I hope to see you at our party!

-Megy Karydes

Karydes Consulting

www.KarydesConsulting.com

WomanCraft in the News - Chicago Sun Times!

I'm delighted to share the news that WomanCraft's Wildflower Seed Note Cards are featured in today's Chicago Sun-Times (page 28). The note cards share the space with other "green gear".

Jessica Sedgwick did an amazing job with the layout and piece - thank you so much for including us, Jessica!

PS - Have you secured your Green Goddess event celebrating WomanCraft's 10 year anniversary? Find out more at: http://www.womancraft.net/.

-Megy Karydes

Karydes Consulting

http://www.karydesconsulting.com/

SunTimes Columnist Diagnosed with Breast Cancer

I just read on Twitter than Mary Mitchell, a columnist with the Chicago Sun-Times, has breast cancer. My heart sank. I read Mary's work regularly and, as with most journalists whom you read or watch or listen to with some regularity, you feel a part of their world.

Mary's choice to share this news with her readers was very touching:http://blogs.suntimes.com/cgi-bin/mt-tb.cgi/21646. I'm not sure I would have the strength to write about it but I've heard from others that the writing process is often healing so who knows...

But why am I posting something about Mary's illness on my blog? I wanted to remind us all to take care of ourselves. Schedule that overdue doctor's appointment (I'm including myself in this reminder.). Remind a friend or family member how important they are in your life and to take care of themselves, too.

We wish Mary our very best as she struggles through this journey. I've had a loved one battle lung cancer and he's still alive and very much a part of my life. I love him very dearly. Thank you for sharing your story with us.

Is Your Content Search Engine Optimized?

The media landscape is changing. No doubt about it. In fact, so many things in our lives are changing. Is it for the better or worse? It may be hard to say at this point but one thing is clear - you have to adjust your thinking and marketing plans accordingly!

One of the things I've been working on lately is making sure the copy I'm writing for online content is search engine optimized. I have to consider the myriad of ways individuals think about how they search for information. For example, if you're promoting an item for Mother's Day, you'll want to mention the key words Mother's Day in your content somewhere. Even better, be as specific as possible. If you have a jewelry piece, consider saying something like "this jewelry piece would be a perfect Mother's Day gift". If you want to hone in on the price, adjust the text to say something like, "this gold necklace jewerly piece would make a perfect Mother's Day gift for under $50".

Gone are the days when you could write something pithy and those who were interested in your work would read it and enjoy the writing. Our writing now has to become even more sophisticated because our world has become so dependent on technology. It won't matter how strong your prose is if people can't find it!

Can you still be creative, get your point across and be found? Absolutely. However, we have to keep evolving and learning how to do our jobs better and make our content more easily available to the audience in which we serve. Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is here to stay. Our challenge is to keep up, keep learning, and keep doing what we do best!

Until next time,
-Megy Karydes
Karydes Consulting
www.KarydesConsulting.com

Joan Kaufman of Interior Planning & Design featured in 2-page spread

Joan Kaufman's sunny sunroom project was featured in a gorgeous 2-page spread in the February/March 2009 issue of Window Fashions Visions magazine! Read the entire piece here: http://catalog.proemags.com/publication/5d9612a3#/5d9612a3/44 (her two-page spread is on page 42-43).

The project's mission was to let as much sunlight into the space as possible since Chicagoland weather can be dreary during the winter months. The new addition of the sunroom allows natural light to enter the space and overlooks the backyard and garden, too.

-Megy Karydes

Karydes Consulting

www.KarydesConsulting.com

Plaln for Earth Day - Every Day

The media seems like it suddenly realized Earth Day is coming up. While I applaud the fact that many are covering Earth Day and showcasing environmentally-friendly options for home and office, or ways in which we can become more eco-friendly in our daily lives (whether it's recycling more, using energy-efficient lightbulbs or eating more organically), wouldn't it be smart for all of us to take a moment and reflect on how we can be more Earth-friendly everyday?

With that in mind, I just learned that the City of Chicago's Dept of Environment is hosting a "Hazardous Waste" event on April 18 and on May 9 (for city of Chicago residents only). During this event you can drop off old prescriptions, paint cans, many electronic equipment including computers and cell phones (note: they won't be accepting working televisions during these events). In addition to doing your spring cleaning and disposing of these toxins in a way that won't harm fellow residents, you can also choose to purchase a compost bin or rain barrel (while supplies last).

For more info about the event, visit: http://egov.cityofchicago.org/webportal/COCWebPortal/COC_EDITORIAL/AprilandMayEventflyer.pdf.

Looks like I'll be upgrading my compost (aka upside down old planter) soon! Nice job, Chicago!

-Megy Karydes
Karydes Consulting
www.KarydesConsulting.com

Business Cards Still Important

A while back I wrote a piece on the importance of business cards. The little piece of paper holds immense marketing power. From sharing your information to making an impression, I'm amazed at how many people don't give the tool more thought.

I just saw this blog post and wanted to share some really neat business cards: http://webdesignledger.com/inspiration/business-cards-produced-using-unusual-materials. The post is about companies that are using unusual materials to produce their business cards - from wood chips, to silver, to even fabric swatches. Wouldn't you really remember someone who gave you a business card that resembled an Altoid tin box? That's the point - these companies have realized that they can harness the power of the business card by making a HUGE impression.

Your business card doesn't have to cost a fortune to make an impression. But a thought-out business card can make the difference between a client lost and a client gained. Isn't that worth taking a second look at this marketing tool?

-Megy Karydes

Karydes Consulting

http://www.karydesconsulting.com/

Socially-Conscious Magazine Launches in Chicago

Former staff of Conscious Choice magazine didn't sit on their laurels when the staff learned last week that their beloved magazine was being shut down. Rather than head to the unemployment office, they set to launch their own socially-conscious magazine. Exactly one week later, the announcement was made: Mindful Metropolis will debut with the May issue.

Below is the press release in its entirety announcing the news. I'm thrilled to see a magazine like this will continue to meet the needs of Chicagoland residents and businesses. Now, more than ever, we need a magazine like this to exist. I hope you're as excited, too. Please let me know if you have any questions about the magazine!

-Megy

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
Megy Karydes
312-560-2715
Megy@KarydesConsulting.com

New Socially-Conscious Magazine To Launch in Chicago

CHICAGO (April 1) – Former staff of a long-running and popular socially-conscious monthly print magazine today announces the launch of a new print magazine: Mindful Metropolis. On the heels of news that the publisher of Conscious Choice magazine was shutting down the Chicago-based publication, the dedicated staff quickly re-organized and plans to debut with its May issue.

“Mindful Metropolis is more than just a print publication,” says James Faber, editor and production manager of the magazine. “We’ll bring conscious living ideas to our readers and share what is happening in our community with them so we can become more connected and committed to socially-conscious living.”

Richard McGinnis, publisher of the new enterprise, is encouraged by the overwhelming support of former advertisers, writers and readers that have committed to helping make the new magazine a success.

Recounting his experience with the news, McGinnis notes that the magazine is already a success story. “The overwhelming support we’ve received about our new venture is truly remarkable,” says McGinnis. “This is truly the power of the people, of the human spirit and of relationships. This is not only the beginning of a success story; this is a story of success already.”
More than 35,000 copies of the magazine will be distributed through more than 570 distribution points throughout the city and surrounding suburbs. Mindful Metropolis will be a free monthly publication that meets a full color glossy eco-friendly print format.

"We're absolutely delighted to bring a new, exciting magazine to the Chicagoland community and to embark in a direction that allows immense opportunity to have an impact on thousands of socially-conscious readers, and gives both longtime and new advertisers a great arena for engaging our audience," says McGinnis.

For more information about Mindful Metropolis, please visit www.MindfulMetropolis.com or call 312-593-2766.

NOTE TO MEDIA: A hi-res image of Mindful Metropolis is available upon request. Media interviews with Richard McGinnis, publisher, are welcome. Please call Megy Karydes at 312-560-2715 or email her at Megy@KarydesConsulting.com.

# # #

Why Investing in Public Relations is so Important

It's no secret that businesses of every size are cutting back, from laying off staff to business travel.

As you re-adjust your budget this year, one line item you really cannot afford to decrease is your marketing and PR budget.

There are few expenses that can drive the type of quick ROI that your marketing and PR efforts can deliver. Even in the best of times, PR especially can be a strong arsenal in your marketing toolkit.

In these challenging times, it can really hold the key to your success now and in the future. Marketing and PR covers a wide net, from marketing collateral to prospecting communications, advertising, and customer/client outreach efforts. The goal is to not have all your eggs in one basket - make sure your plan incorporates the necessary pieces to make your company stand out from the rest.

It doesn't matter what you make or do: you have to sell it. If people don't know about you, your products or your services or if they aren't reminded about them, then how can they buy from you or hire you? You must be visible.


The good new is that public relations can be one of the most affordable ways to let customers know what you're doing and how you can help them. In addition to using a traditional PR firm to help you get press, you can employ countless free or inexpensive PR techniques yourself.

• The digital world has made grassroots PR easier than ever. Email can be your best friend. It costs very little to send out email blasts highlighting your successes, offering special incentives or unique offerings to customers or clients, or brief newsletters discussing points of interest in your industry. Companies like Constant Contact (what I'm using to send you this email) have made it easier and cost-effective to keep your network abreast of what you're up to.Social media such as Facebook and MySpace might be appropriate, too. Blogs, another free service, are yet another effective way of getting your message out, creating conversations with customers, or driving traffic to your Web site. For more tech savvy companies, there are text messaging, Twitter, or iPhone applications.
• 
  Sometimes a simple gesture like a call or handwritten thank you note can be the most powerful type of communication. I'm amazed at how few people bother to send a thank you note. Not only is it appropriate to thank people when they've taken the time to help you or provide you business, since seldom does it happen, it allows you to make a real and positive impression. Any card will really do, but if you want to support a non-profit while you're at it, consider cards from Chicago-based WomanCraft (www.WomanCraft.net).
  
• 
  If writing is not your forte, call your clients or customers. Invite them into your office or store, if only for a cup of coffee. Give them updates. Thank them for their business. Ask them for suggestions of what might be good promotions or niche markets, products or services. Ask them what is on their minds. Ask if they'd like to contribute to your newsletter or blog. Depending on your type of business, ask for referrals to other people you might be able to help or serve. Letting your clients know you appreciate them is always great PR - also referred to as good old client service!

In a difficult environment, small businesses cannot afford to hibernate. You must be seen and you must communicate. Investing in public relations efforts will keep you in front of your customers and let them know that your doors are open.



Committing time and even a small amount of money into communications and outreach can be one of the best investments you can make in any environment. In this challenging atmosphere, concentrating on public relations might be the smartest investment you can make.

Until next time,

-Megy Karydes, President
Karydes Consulting
www.KarydesConsulting.com

Conscious Choice magazine's March 2009 issue rocks!

There are a lot of magazines out there that tout their "green"ness whether they are printing on recycled paper (which is great), covering more eco-lifestyle topics (also great), or helping everyday folks on what they can do to help the environment.

I read a lot of magazines. There isn't a day that goes by that I'm not reading something. Most of the stuff I read is standard fare and occassionally I read something really cool and interesting and I like that share that with my friends and family. Well, I'm happy to share the March 2009 issue of Conscious Choice as one wonderful goldmine of an issue! Although available for free at many Chicagoland outposts, you can read most of this month's issue online at http://consciouschoice.com/index.html.

From a piece on Earth Hour, to a piece on shmeat (hint: it's test tube meat ... what?!), to keeping live chickens in your backyard, to 24 ways to green your life (these weren't the run of the mill change your lightbulbs - I actually picked up several new ideas!) to a great piece on Raj Patel, a food activist who supports fair trade but knows that alone won't save the world either...And the book reviews! Books I'd actually enjoy reading!

In my quest to simplify my life, I've started tearing out articles I either enjoyed or want to read later (like when I'm standing in line at the DMV). Well, I should have kept this issue intact because I found myself ripping out more than half the magazine and that rarely ever happens!

Conscious Choice, kudos on a job well done. I hope to see many more issues packed with helpful, interesting, informative piece like this one!

-Megy Karydes
Karydes Consulting
http://www.karydesconsulting.com/

Sustain Illinois to be featured on Univision tonight

Sustain Illinois (http://www.sustainillinois.com/) is an awards program designed to idenitfy and reward sustainable businesses in the state of Illinois. It's a program of Chicago Community Ventures (http://www.chiventures.org/), which is a non-profit business development organization dedicated to meeting the needs of Chicago's small businesses.

CCV's consulting and financial services are focused on growing small businesses in the region’s underserved markets: businesses located in Chicago's low and moderate income communities and those owned by women and/or minorities. Cumulative to date, CCV has helped its clients create and retain over 5,000 jobs and access over $230 million in financial resources.

Bryan Stubbs, director of the Sustain Illinois program, was interviewed last week by Univision and his piece will air this evening at 5:00 p.m. CST on Univision.

For more information about the awards program and/or to apply, please visit http://www.sustainillinois.com/.

Congratulations on the coverage, Sustain Illinois!

-Megy Karydes
http://www.karydesconsulting.com/

Interior Planning & Design in the news - full feature in Naperville magazine

Joan Kaufman is one of those interior designers who is not only talented and professional, but load of fun, too. Her interior design firm, Interior Planning & Design, caters to both residential and commercial clients alike.

This month, you can get a glimpse of the person and her interior design firm in the March issue of Naperville magazine Jjoan lives and works in Naperville, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago, Illinois). The very first article of the magazine includes a half page picture of Joan and discusses her life and how she came to becoming an interior designer.

In addition to the wonderful piece about Joan and Interior Planning and Design, Joan is also quoted in another article within the magazine which covered trends in homes. As a feng shui practitioner as well, Joan discusses how she incorporates feng shui within her projects, too.

For more information about Joan Kaufman or Interior Planning & Design, please visit www.InteriorPlanning.com or call Megy at 312-560-2715.

Happy reading!

-Megy Karydes

www.KarydesConsulting.com

Ellu Bags on 190 North television show in Chicago

Leslie Pozen (the one not wearing the handbag), the artist and brainchild of Ellu Bags, showed off handmade bags to Janet Davies, host of the popular Chicago quirky show 190 North. 190 North, for those of you who haven't had a chance to enjoy, is on at 10:35 p.m. on Sundays on ABC7. Janet Davies leads the pack of 3 additional hosts who search Chicago for the coolest, most fun, most interesting things to see, shop, do, or dine in Chicago.

Janet and her television crew and producer met up with Leslie Pozen to learn more about her colorful, handmade and eco-friendly handbags and wristlets. While this isn't Leslie's debut television appearance (she also shot a live segment for Good Morning, Vail late last month), this will be her first major market show and in her hometown.

Please tune in to see the show this coming Sunday, March 15, 2009, at 10:35 p.m. on ABC (Channel 7). The show's theme is "Green" so you'll be learning about some green Chicagoland options, too!

If you'd like to see Ellu's bags, visit www.ElluBags.com. There you will see not only the collections, but Leslie's background, too!

Enjoy!

-Megy Karydes
www.KarydesConsulting.com

6 Ways to Publish Your Own Book

In my line of work, I often meet people who are either writing a book or want to write a book. Many are editors and reporters who a writing a novel during their "free" time and others are clients who want to share their expertise with a larger audience (for example, one of my interior designer clients, Hilary Sopata with Interior Visions Designs - www.InteriorVisionsDesigns.com, is LEED accredited and writing a book on eco-friendly interior design).

A recent post on Mashable outlines 6 ways to publish your own book and is a really great resource for those who don't want to go through a publishing house or agent: http://mashable.com/2009/03/01/publish-book/. It talks about some options out there for self-publishing and the pros and cons of each. I personally know of people who have used Lulu and enjoyed the experience but the article really does a nice job of giving you several options in an easy-to-understand write up.

The one thing you shouldn't forget if you're interested in writing a book is that you need a marketing/pr plan to support it. Just like anything in life, just because you build it does NOT mean they will come. In this fast-paced world we live in, it's not easy to break through the clutter of noise so keep that in mind if you're writing a book. Enjoy the experience but don't forget that you'll want to have a game plan in place if you're going to sell it once it's printed!

Megy Karydes
Karydes Consulting
www.KarydesConsulting.com

Ellu Bags Taping 190 North segment

Leslie Pozen, artist and mastermind of Ellu handbags (http://www.ellubags.com/), will be taping her 190 North segment tomorrow morning and we couldn't be more excited!

Leslie's bags are eco-friendly and vegan! No leather, no suede, fabric remnants often are used, too. And, each component is significant and meant to help a woman "shine". (Ellu means the shining one.)

The producer of the segment is absolutely amazing and such a thrill to work with. We can't wait to see him and his crew tomorrow morning!

Until next time, send us good karma! We'll keep you posted on when you can watch Leslie on ABC's 190 North!

-Megy Karydes

Karydes Consulting

www.KarydesConsulting.com

WomanCraft In The News

WomanCraft (http://www.womancraft.net/) continues to receive recognition for its beautiful, handmade and 100% eco-friendly stationery.

WomanCraft was mentioned in Sunday's Chicago Tribune article by Kristy Kennedy: http://www.chicagotribune.com/features/lifestyle/chi-0201-wedding-nichefeb01,0,7694398.story.

And, the non-profit organization is mentioned again in today's popular e-newsletter/Blog, Ideal Bite: http://www.idealbite.com/chicago/!

Nice work, women!

-Megy Karydes

Karydes Consulting

www.KarydesConsulting.com

Mayu makes television debut, CBS 2 News Chicago

Mayu (www.ShopMayu.com) will make its debut television appearance this Saturday, January 24, during the 8:00 a.m. CST segment of CBS 2 News Chicago. Kevin Aeh, The Get Editor of TimeOut Chicago, will be speaking about winter fashion accessories and will be covering some Mayu pieces during the segment! We're thrilled and can't wait to see what he chose to feature on the air.

So please tune in and see our fair trade and eco-fashion accessories on the telly Saturday morning! For those in the Chicagoland area, that's Channel 2 News, 8:00 a.m. CST segment.

Thanks for watching!

-Megy Karydes
Karydes Consulting
www.KarydesConsulting.com

www.World-Shoppe.com Featured in FitYoga

http://www.world-shoppe.com/ makes another appearance in the new year in FitYoga's February 2009 issue!

The eco-messenger bag (in read) is featured in the "Stay in Shape" feature of "products to go". I love this magazine - so full of great info and beautiful photos. Now if only I can maintain some of those poses for longer than 4 seconds...

-Megy Karydes

Karydes Consulting

www.KarydesConsulting.com

Marketing - Beware what your say or claim

Two stories posted over the last 24 hours have been alarming and reminds us as marketers that a) we need to watch what we say and b) we need to be careful what we claim.

A friend of mine once said that if you spend the money to market something well, you can sell just about anything. Sure, marketing support for any brand will help, but we have to remember to be honest about what we're saying too (and, not to forget people mightactually read what we put out there!).

The first is a post by Peter Shankman on his blog about a Ketchum (NY) vice president who was traveling to a client meeting and posted a tweet about remarks he made about Memphis (they weren't very nice). Apparently folks at FedEx read the tweet and found it offensive and wrote to the account person as well as the higher ups. Ouch. Read the post here: http://shankman.com/be-careful-what-you-post/trackback/

The second is a major story about a major brand - Coca Cola. According to Media Daily News (Jan 16), the Center for Science in the Public Interest has served Coca-Cola with a class-action lawsuit, charging the Atlanta beverage giant with deceptive and unsubstantiated claims on its Vitaminwater beverages. David Schardt, a senior nutritionist at CSPI, remarked, "The idea that you can improve immunity by drinking a vitamin water beverage is nonsense. The idea that B vitamins provide extra energy is bunk. It's like saying that since cars run on gasoline, if you give them more gasoline they will go faster."

As you might suspect, Coca Cola's spokesperson called the charges ludicrous.

Read the full article at: http://www.mediapost.com/publications/?fa=Articles.san&s=98473&Nid=51273&p=988455.

Happy Friday, everyone - and for those of us in the Midwest, stay warm!!

-Megy Karydes
Karydes Consulting
www.KarydesConsulting.com

Amber's Organizing - in the news!

Amber's Organizing (www.AmbersOrganizing.com) was quoted today in an Associated Press article by Megan Scott on ways in whcih we can get organized this year (a popular new year's resolution!). Check out the article and some great tips from not only Amber Kostelny-Cussen, a Chicago-based professional organizer, but other professional organizers, too! http://wtop.com/?nid=773&pid=0&sid=1565126&page=1

By the way, did you know January is known as Get Organized Month (GO)? Amber and two colleagues will be giving presentations this month at various Chicagoland locations on how you, too, can become organized in both your personal and professional life! Check out www.AmbersOrganizing.com for more info and to register if you're interested! It'll be some of the best time you'll spend to help you get organized!

Until next time,

-Megy Karydes
Karydes Consulting
www.KarydesConsulting.com

Is Fair Trade Fair to American Artists?

I recently wrote a feature story on fair trade and American artists for The Crafts Report, a monthly magazine geared toward North American (actually American and Canadian mostly) artists. The piece discusses whether artisans in developing countries producing handmade work that is fairly traded is affecting sales for North American artists. The results were optimistic and I was pleasantly surprised to hear that many North American artists embraced their neighbor's work for what it is - handmade art, regardless of origin.

I've added the article here for your reading pleasure. I hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoyed researching and writing the piece!

-Megy Karydes

Karydes Consulting

www.KarydesConsulting.com