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View Full Listing  Link to Press Release IACP Foundation Raises over $100K At Annual Conference in New Orleans The International Association of Chiefs of Police Foundation raised over $100,000 at its 114th Annual Conference and Gala in New Orleans. With the newly raised money, the IACP Foundation has “an even greater opportunity to achieve its critical goals and bring its programs and initiatives to a wider audience,” said Joseph C. Carter, Immediate Past President and IACP Foundation Chair. The money will be used to fund the Center for Police Leadership in addition to providing scholarship money for the dependent families of police officers disabled or killed in the line of duty. Wendy Balazik, 703-836-6767, The International Association of Chiefs of Police http://www.theiacp.org 12/11/2007

View Full Listing  Link to Press Release Restaurant Industry to Continue to Be Major Driver in Nation’s Economy Through Sales, Employment Growth in 2008 According to Dawn Sweeney, President and CEO of the National Restaurant Association, “While the overall economy is slowing, the [restaurant] industry will still show respectable growth [in 2008]." The industry’s sales are increasing, its total economic impact is more than $1.5 trillion and its workforce continues to grow. Full service restaurant sales are expected to reach $187.4 billion in 2008, which is a 4.3 percent increase over 2007 sales. Restaurant growth will continue due to increased menu choices and off-premise options, including curbside takeout and delivery services. Quick service restaurants are projected to reach sales of $156.8 billion in 2008, a 4.4 increase over 2007. This increase will likely be attributed to a better selection of healthful meal options and patrons’ need for on-the-go meals. Annika Stensson, (202) 973-3677, The National Restaurant Association http://www.restaurant.org 12/12/2007

View Full Listing  Link to Press Release MADD’s Efforts To Eliminate Drunk Driving Bolstered By Holiday Law Enforcement Crackdown And State Legislative Victories Mother’s Against Drunk Driving (MADD) is campaigning to all the states to pass life-saving, comprehensive alcohol ignition interlock laws that will prevent repeat offenders from driving under the influence. Over the course of only one year, MADD’s Campaign to Eliminate Drunk Driving has convinced four states to legislate comprehensive ignition interlock laws and an additional 30 are likely to consider the legislature. The ignition interlock system is a breath test device linked to a vehicle’s ignition system, that has proven 90 percent effective in preventing repeat drunk driving offenders. At the same time, the nation is also preparing for the surge in drunk drivers during the holiday season with more sobriety checkpoints. In addition, a Blue ribbon panel formed by MADD, NHTSA, the auto industry and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety is moving forward in developing a cooperative research plan to develop voluntary advanced vehicle-based technology to prevent drunk driving. Misty Moyse, (469) 420-4558, Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) http://madd.org/home.aspx 11/20/2007

View Full Listing  Link to Press Release UCSC Offers City Renewed Financial Support For Neighborhood Party Patrols During the winter, spring, and fall quarters of 2008, the University of California, Santa Cruz, will provide $25,000 per quarter to fund additional police coverage on Fridays and Saturdays between the hours of 9 p.m. and 3 a.m. The university will also publish and distribute brochures informing students about how to be better neighbors. Santa Cruz Chief of Police Howard Skerry is happy about the university’s commitment to the community. "Over the last year, these funds have allowed us to dedicate specific patrols to problem areas in our community. Partnership with the university is essential to addressing these issues in our neighborhoods," he says. Scott Rappaport srapp@ucsc.edu, 831-459-2496, University of California, Santa Cruz http://www.ucsc.edu/news_events/press_releases 12/4/2007

View Full Listing  Link to Press Release Mayor Cicilline Receives Prestigious Public/Private Partnership Award At Mayors Conference Following his work to implement a Hospitality Resource Partnership (HRP) to better manage the city’s nighttime economy, Providence, RI Mayor David N. Cicilline was presented with the U.S. Conference of Mayors Outstanding Achievement Award for Public/Private Partnerships at its 76th Winter Meeting. This prestigious award reflects the effectiveness of the partnership model, which was developed by the Responsible Hospitality Institute (RHI), and its potential application in other cities. Karen Southern ksouthern@providenceri.com, (401) 421-2489, City of Providence, Rhode Island http://www.providenceri.com/ 1/24/2008

View Full Listing  Link to Press Release Restaurant Industry Outlook Remains Positive Despite Decline In The Restaurant Performance Index According to the recent results of the National Restaurant Association’s Restaurant Performance Index (RPI) – a monthly composite index tracking the outlook and health of the U.S. restaurant industry – the restaurant industry’s financial outlook is positive. Although many restaurants have reported declined sales and traffic, the RPI’s Expectations Index is up by 0.5 percent, which indicates a likely increase in sales over the next six months. Annika Stensson, (202) 973-3677, National Restaurant Association http://www.restaurant.org 10/31/2007

View Full Listing  Link to Press Release National Restaurant Association Praises Governor Schwarzenegger For Vetoing Menu Labeling Bill The National Restaurant Association is pleased to report that California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has vetoed SB 120, a recently passed bill that would have required California’s restaurants to label menus with nutritional information. “By vetoing this legislation, Governor Schwarzenegger shows an understanding that this bill would have placed unrealistic mandates on restaurateurs… Many restaurants already provide nutritional information to their customers through the use of brochures, posters, kiosks, packaging, tray liners, and the Internet,” said Dawn Sweeney, President and CEO of the National Restaurant Association. Sweeney also added that despite popular belief, such a law would not have reduced obesity nor encouraged more healthful eating. Sue Hensley, 202-331-5964, National Restaurant Association (NRA) http://www.restaurant.org 10/15/2008

View Full Listing  Link to Press Release Anti-Drug Campaign Urges Parents to Take Action, Keep Teens Drug-Free The White House’s Office of National Drug Control Policy has launched a new campaign aimed at reducing teen drug use by educating parents. A recent study has shown that parents underestimate their teens’ exposure to drugs and alcohol and therefore don’t realize the importance of discussing the dangers of drugs and alcohol. The new program, the National Youth Anti-Drug Media Campaign, “encourages parents to close the gap between them and their teens by sharing experiences with each other and their kids.” Videos and newspaper ads will help spread the news about the program. Earth Times, (201) 467-4365, Earth Times http://www.earthtimes.org 9/25/2007

View Full Listing  Link to Press Release Bacardi USA Supports Launch of “We Don’t Serve Teens Week” Bacardi USA, Inc. is pleased to support “We Don’t Serve Teens Week,” a federal government campaign aimed to prevent underage drinking. This program is “part of Bacardi’s historic and continued commitment to social responsibility” and will emphasize the fact that most underage drinking occurs when friends and family provide alcohol. Therefore, this program highlights parents’ role in teen drinking. Amy Federman amy.federman@bm.com, 305-347-4343, Business Wire http://home.businesswire.com 9/12/2007

View Full Listing  Link to Press Release Transmission Entertainment Launches in Austin, Texas: Independent Venues, Booking Agents, and Filmmakers Announce Collaborative Agreement to Produce New Approach to Live Music & Events Transmission Entertainment, the new independent alternative to booking in Austin, will “coordinate the talents of great musicians, venue owners, talent buyers, filmmakers, and industry experts to produce unique live music events and content in independent venues of all sizes in Austin.” Transmission Entertainment’s mission is to connect fans and musicians in a progressive fashion – booking emerging artists in pioneering venues at fair prices. Essentially, Transmission Entertainment seeks to place artists in inspiring venues, where their talent can be appreciated by those who are looking for inspiring entertainment. Graham Williams grahambooking@gmail.com, 512-762-5690, Yahoo Finance http://biz.yahoo.com/ 6/28/2007

View Full Listing  Link to Press Release Beer Can Be Part Of A Healthy Lifestyle The National Beer Wholesalers Association “took its healthy lifestyle message to approximately 8,000 physicians assistants (PAs) at the American Academy of Physicians Assistants 2007 Annual Conference.” At the conference, NBWA informed physicians assistants that consumption of one 12-ounce beer a day for women and two 12-ounce beers per day for men can have significant health benefits. For instance, beer can help build bone density in women of childbearing age. Also, the alcohol in beer may reduce inflammation and thin the blood, which may reduce heart attacks. Erin Rutherford erutherford@nbwa.org, 800-300-6417, National Beer Wholesaler’s Association (NBWA) http://www.nbwa.org 6/1/2007

View Full Listing  Link to Press Release AASHTO Calls for Action to Address $4 Billion Shortfall in Highway Trust Fund The American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) has recently called for Washington to take action in regards to a $4 billion shortfall in the federal Highway Trust Fund for the 2009 Fiscal Year. John Horsely, executive director of AASHTO, says that “unless action is taken, the development could trigger substantial cuts in the federal-aid highway program financed in each state through the Highway Trust Fund.” Sunny Mays Schust, (202) 624-5800, American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) http://news.transportation.org 7/11/2007

View Full Listing  Link to Press Release Buying From Women-Owned Businesses Makes Good Business Sense, Says Survey It is financially advantageous for businesses to buy from women-owned suppliers; after all, a recent survey found that nearly 80 percent of women consumers would purchase products from companies who buy from women-owned suppliers. Women consumers are also more likely to give such businesses a second chance if the product or service they initially received was unsatisfactory. Linda Denny, Interim President for the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) says, "Buying from women-owned business is an instant competitive advantage for corporations that have invested in supply chain diversity." Rachel (Asche) Meranus rachel.meranus@prnewswire.com, 201-360-6776, PR Newswire http://www.prnewswire.com 6/28/2007

View Full Listing  Link to Press Release The Festival International De Jazz De Montréal: Green For Almost 20 Years The Festival International de Jazz de Montréal has always been environmentally-conscious: Since 1989, the Festival has partnered with Recyc-Quebec in order to provide 40 recycling bins for festival attendees. Since 2002, the Festival has “carried out in partnership with Consortium Écho-Logique” which has given rise “to a joint pilot project aimed at clearly identifying the recycling resources required on site and in the Festival offices. This marked a first in the major events sector, and today this recovery and recycling system serves as a model for countless public events.” This year, the Festival will continue its commitment to the environment by setting up mobile recycling bins, providing a waste-collection coordinator and maintenance staff, recycling the wood used for set-up, and staging a promotional campaign. Marie-Eve Boisvert marie-eve.boisvert@equipespectra.ca, 514-509-2000, Le Equipe Spectra http://www.equipespectra.ca/equipe/accueil_equipe_en.php 6/26/2007

View Full Listing  Link to Press Release 12th Annual Cape Fear Blues Festival Continues Tradition At New Concert Venues Starting July 27th and continuing through July 29th, “world-class touring blues artists, noted regional performers, and the most talented blues musicians” will come together for North Carolina’s 12th Annual Cape Fear Blues Festival. The festival will include the All-Day Blues Jam, a free blues workshop (with guitarist Elliot New), and the traditional Blues Cruise down the Cape Fear River. Connie Nelson cvbpr@cape-fear.nc.us, 866-266-9690, Cape Fear Coast Convention & Visitors Bureau http://hospitality-1st.com/PressNews 6/25/2007

View Full Listing  Link to Press Release Catch The Sweet Sounds Of Summer With Concerts In The Parks Through September 16th, the Chicago Park District will present 80 free outdoor music events in the city’s neighborhood parks. Also, the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs will present the “SummerDance … On the Move” event, which will include dance lessons and live music. Timothy J. Mitchell, Superintendent and CEO of the Chicago Park District, says that the concerts bring “a variety of musical genres to [Chicago’s] various neighborhood parks for all residents to enjoy.” Timothy J. Mitchell, 312.742.7529, Chicago Park District http://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com 6/19/2007

View Full Listing  Link to Press Release North Carolina House Passes Bill Revoking Driver’s Licenses Of Those Who Illegally Provide Alcohol To Minors Starting December 1, 2007, in North Carolina, adults convicted of giving alcohol to minors will have their driver’s licenses revoked. Adults convicted of aiding in the purchase of alcohol for minors will also have their licenses revoked. Council Vice President David Wojnar said, “The distilled spirits industry fully supports this important legislation. The House has passed a tough bill that will serve as an effective deterrent to anyone who knowingly provides alcohol to those under the legal purchase age.” Wojnar also said that the distilled spirits industry has a “long history of working with communities nationwide to combat underage drinking and drunk driving.” Peter H. Cressy press@discus.org, 202-682-8840, Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS) http://www.discus.org 5/23/2007

View Full Listing  Link to Press Release As Home Sizes Level Off, Owners Looking For More Flexible Design According to a recent American Institute of Architects (AIA) Home Design Trends Survey, compared with last year, Americans are less interested in home size and more interested in wider hallways, single-floor design, fewer steps, upscale landscaping, fireplaces, tennis courts, gazebos, and swimming pools. According to AIA chief economic officer, Dr. Kermit Baker, these trends are “being driven by baby boomers approaching retirement who are adapting their homes to meet their long-term needs, along with those who are caring for aging parents or relatives.” Furthermore, rising energy costs are also a factor in the preference for smaller homes. Scott Frank sfrank@aia.org, 202-626-7467, The American Institute of Architects (AIA) http://www.aia.org 5/3/2007

View Full Listing  Link to Press Release This Summer, Nashville Is The Center Of The U.S. Lodging Industry The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AH&LA) will host its Summer Summits at Nashville, Tennessee’s Loews Vanderbilt Hotel. The summit will be held June 11th through June 14th and will bring nearly 20 committees together in order to facilitate networking, business, and knowledge. The event will also offer participants the opportunity to “analyze current industry performance and provide insight on the future” of the U.S. hotel and travel industries. Presenters will include D.K. Shifflet, President and CEO of D.K. Shifflet and Associates; John Russell, CEO of NYLO Hotels, LLC, and many other recognized industry leaders. Kathryn Potter conventions@ahla.com, (202) 289-3171, American Hotel & Lodging Association (AH&LA) http://www.ahla.com 5/16/2007

View Full Listing  Link to Press Release Kerry: Immediate Implementation of Women’s Contracting Program Will Help Massachusetts Firms Massachusetts Senator John Kerry is urging the Bush administration to immediately implement the Women’s Procurement Program. The program began in 2000, but the current administration has failed to put the program into action – this delay is costing women-owned businesses $165 million per year in lost contracts. "Women-owned businesses in Massachusetts are on the rise – increasing by more than 40 percent over the last 10 years. They play a vital role in our state’s economy generating thousands of jobs each year," said Kerry. Gregory Willis, 202-224-5175, PR Newswire http://www.prnewswire.com 5/4/2007

View Full Listing  Link to Press Release Stratus Properties Partners With Canyon-Johnson Urban Fund On Block 21 Mixed-Use Development In Downtown Austin Stratus Properties and the Canyon-Johnson Urban Fund will jointly provide equity for downtown Austin’s Block 21, a $250 mixed-use development. Block 21 will feature 200 condos, a 250-room W Hotel, a 2200-set music venue, a children’s museum, and a television studio. In addition, the development will feature restaurants, retail space, and a public plaza. Canyon-Johnson, a “joint venture between…Canyon Capital Realty Advisors and basketball-legend-turned-urban-entrepreneur Earvin ‘Magic’ Johnson,” will also contribute nearly $1 billion in equity for the revitalization of urban, diverse communities in other parts of the U.S., as well. Kristen Coco or Steve Sugerman kristen@sugermangroup.com, 310-689-7539, Business Wire http://home.businesswire.com 5/9/2007

View Full Listing  Link to Press Release Design Plan To Create One Of South Florida’s Most Progressive, Environmentally-Friendly Centers Approved By City Commission Brown Hill Development, in partnership with Stanbery Development, will build The Promenade at Lyons in Coconut Creek, Florida. The development will be 23 acres and will feature upscale retail, high-end housing, and working venues. The development, which will be built on part of the largest undeveloped parcel of land in Broward County, will be both pedestrian- and environmentally-friendly. Tricia Boone tricia@marcomgroupinc.com, 770-887-3971, Businesswire http://home.businesswire.com/portal/site/home/index.jsp?front_door=true 3/26/2007

View Full Listing  Link to Press Release MADD National President to Testify Before the Texas Legislature in Support of Critical Anti-Drunk Driving Legislation Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) would like to see two new anti-drunk driving bills passed by the Texas legislature: One law would allow law enforcement to set up sobriety checkpoints while the other would require that drunk drivers have ignition locks installed in their vehicles. MADD’s national president, Glynn Birch, is going to testify in support of the two bills; after all, in Texas, more people die in drunk driving crashes than in any other state. Amy George, 469-420-4493, PR Newswire http://www.prnewswire.com 4/2/2007

View Full Listing  Link to Press Release Philadelphia: Three Day 2007 Soul-Patrol Convention Features Soul, Jazz, Funk, Spoken Word, and Hip Hop Superstar Lineup From May 25th through Memorial Day weekend, Soul-Patrol.com and the Philadelphia Black Heritage Festival will present the 2007 Soul-Patrol Convention. The event will feature an Old School Party featuring music from the ‘50s, ‘60s, and ‘70s and DJ’s from four cities. In addition, there will be a series of black music, culture, and history panels. All events will be free, except for the Black Music Cabaret. Soul-Patrol.com owner, Bob Davis, says the festival will help to preserve black culture and music. “Clearly we are in a crisis. As we look at the current landscape, Black music/culture and history are under assault both internally and externally,” Davis says. Bob Davis earthjuice@prodigy.net, 609-351-0154, Blacknews.com http://www.blacknews.com

View Full Listing  Link to Press Release Ponderosa Stomp Announces Show Schedule For May 2 New Orleans Roots Fest The Sixth Annual Ponderosa Stomp will be at New Orleans’ House of Blues this year. The show, which will be on three different stages, lasting from 5:30 p.m. until 2 a.m., “promises to bend ears with the inclusion of many legends of blues, R&B, soul, garage rock, New Orleans music, traditional country, rockabilly, and swamp pop.” Many artists will be performing, including Roky Erikson, Dale Hawkins, Jimmy Scott, Jean Knight, and chitlin’ circuit legend Bobby Rush. Cary Baker, 818-501-2001, The Open Press http://www.theopenpress.com 4/3/2007

View Full Listing  Link to Press Release St. Louis Reports A Dramatic Reduction In Number Of Homeless People City Secures $8.45 Million Grant From HUD To Expand Its Efforts St. Louis, Missouri has seen a 26% reduction in homelessness – and it has just received an $8.45 million HUD grant in order to continue its progress. Mayor Francis G. Slay says of St. Louis’s accomplishment: “We are reaping the benefits from our efforts.” After all, in 2005, the city set the goal of eliminating chronic homelessness within the next decade. In order to do so, St. Louis created a 10-year plan focusing on permanent housing and support services instead of temporary shelters. Francis G. Slay, 314-622-3201, City of St. Louis Mayor’s Office http://stlouis.missouri.org/ 2/27/2007

View Full Listing  Link to Press Release Diageo Supports Kentucky Legislation Banning ’Alcohol Without Liquid’ (AWOL) Machines Sonya Deen, Diageo North America’s Senior Director of State Government Relations recently said, "Diageo commends Kentucky State Representative Susan Westrom (D) in her efforts to prohibit the use and sale of AWOL machines in Kentucky and raise awareness about the dangers of these machines." Diageo’s support of Representative Westrom highlights the company’s dedication to responsible drinking. Gary Galanis media@diageo.com, 203-229-2100, Diageo http://www.diageo.com 2/14/2007

View Full Listing  Link to Press Release As America Changes Direction, 10th Annual Wall Street Conference Convenes January 7-10 in New York City to Seek Economic Fairness For All The Wall Street Economic Summit and Conference, to be held January 7-10 in New York City, will focus on encouraging the financial and advertising industries to facilitate the growth and success of minority-run businesses. The Small Business Institute – which will unite corporate, government, and faith-based resources in order to help minority businesses gain access to capital, technology, marketing, financial services, and best business practices – will be debuted at this event. This conference will also feature a gala at Carnegie Hall, honoring the Reverend Jesse Jackson, Sr. Jerry Thomas jthomas@rainbowpush.org, 773-256-2714, The Rainbow PUSH Coalition http://www.blacknews.com 12/15/2007

View Full Listing  Link to Press Release Heineken USA And The American Advertising Federation Challenge Students To "Think, Create, Win" With Social Responsibility Campaign Competition Heineken USA, Inc. and the AAF are presenting the second annual Heineken USA/AAF Public Service Advertising Competition. Every year, the competition gives students the chance to create a three-part campaign addressing a particular aspect of underage drinking prevention – this year, the focus is on avoiding getting into a car with an intoxicated driver. Campaigns must include radio, Internet, and print advertisements. Those who participate in the competition must be at least age 21 and a member of an AAF college chapter. The competition will run December 1, 2006 through February 1, 2007. Rachel (Asche) Meranus rachel.meranus@prnewswire.com, 212-282-1929, Heineken USA, Inc. http://www.prnewswire.com 11/30/2006

View Full Listing  Link to Press Release Diageo Supports ’We Don’t Serve Teens’ Campaign Diageo is partnering with the Federal Trade Commission and the Century Council in order to present “We Don’t Serve Teens,” a new public awareness campaign aimed at preventing underage drinking. According to the Century Council, a non-profit organization who, with Diageo’s support, fights underage drinking, 65 percent of underage drinkers get their alcohol from adult friends and family. Therefore, the “We Don’t Serve Teens” program aims to hold adults responsible for giving alcohol to teens. Gary Galanis media@diageo.com, 203-229-2100, Diageo http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews 10/19/2006

View Full Listing  Link to Press Release "2006 Tour For Success" - Targeting African American and Latino Entrepreneurs and Professionals Global Diversity Group, with the assistance of Volvo Cars of North America and WTPS AM radio, will present the “2006 Tour for Success.” This all-day event will occur in Miami, Florida at the University of Miami Hyatt Regency Hotel. Melodie Cunningham, President of the Global Diversity Group and event planner, says that the “2006 Tour for Success” will offer minority entrepreneurs an opportunity to enhance their business skills. The event will include interactive workshops including “Managing Yourself as a Brand” and “Navigating the Corporate Maze: How to Overcome Obstacles to Achieve Success.” In addition, the event will feature Cathy Areu and George Fraser. Melodie Cunningham melodie@globaldiversitygroup.com, 410-730-6906, Black News http://www.blacknews.com 11/17/2006

View Full Listing  Link to Press Release Minnesota Resorts Face Challenging Future Minnesota’s resorts are in danger of disappearing for good. According to Explore Minnesota Tourism (Minnesota’s tourism marketing department), 7 to 10 percent of Minnesota’s resorts disappear each year. This loss is occurring for the following reasons: First, property values on Minnesota’s lakeshore, where the resorts are located, are going up rapidly. As a result, property taxes are too high for the tourism industry to sustain. Second, resort owners must face stringent regulations and high insurance costs. Consequently, many resort owners feel pressured to sell their properties to developers, who usually build condos and homes in the resorts’ place. However, since resorts have a positive economic impact on nearby businesses and help maintain the health of the environment surrounding the lakeshore - after all, visitors and the lakeshore’s beauty are the resorts’ lifeblood - Minnesotans should encourage their legislature to preserve the resorts. Dave Siegel dave@hospitalitymn.com, 651-778-2400, Hospitality Minnesota

View Full Listing Face-To-Face Transactions Best Way To Assure Legal Sales The American Beverage Licensees (ABL) has expressed concern over a recent study by the Wine and Spirits Wholesalers of America (WSWA) that illuminates a new contributor to underage access to alcohol – the Internet. The study reports that millions of minors have been able to buy alcohol through online sources, which ABL believes is an indicator of the success of tougher law enforcement and collaborative efforts between alcohol beverage retailers and state regulators to stop underage alcohol purchases. The ABL further notes that, although not foolproof, face-to-face transactions by licensed alcohol beverage retailers is still the best way to prevent illegal sales to minors. John Bodnovich bodnovich@ablusa.org, (301) 656-1494, American Beverage Licensees http://www.ablusa.org 8/17/2006

View Full Listing  Link to Press Release City of Vancouver Approves Whitecaps Waterfront Stadium To Move Forward The City of Vancouver, British Columbia has approved the Whitecaps Waterfront Stadium. The stadium will be located near Vancouver’s public transit hub, business and tourism district, and plenty of parking. Prior to the stadium’s development, the city government, CP Rail, Vancouver Port Authority, and residents will address concerns regarding possible negative impacts on the quality of life on nearby residential areas. In addition, the group will discuss ways to ensure that the stadium is a good fit with the historic Gastown neighborhood, where it will be built. Nathan Vanstone nvanstone@whitecapsfc.com, 604-669-9283, Vancouver Whitecaps http://www.whitecapsnewstadium.com 7/11/2006

View Full Listing  Link to Press Release Governor Granholm Announces 23 Projects As 2006 Cool Cities Designees This year, Michigan’s Cool Cities Program will work on 23 new projects, including the revitalization of several of Michigan’s downtowns and a main street project for Lansing’s Old Town neighborhood. The Cool Cities Program, Governor Granholm’s economic revitalization plan for Michigan’s cities, encourages the development of vibrant, mixed-use neighborhoods – especially in economically depressed areas. The program awards cities and state agencies with $100,000 catalyst grants, loans, tax credits, and priority access to state grant funds. In the process, this program not only retains and attracts jobs to Michigan’s cities, but also helps retain and attract young adults. Through the 23 new Cool Cities projects, Granholm expects to attract even more businesses to Michigan, greatly revitalizing its economy and enlivening its neighborhoods. Lori Donlan, 517-373-9280, MI Newswire http://michigan.gov/minewswire 7/20/2006

View Full Listing  Link to Press Release Year Five Comes To A Close -- Another Year Of Spectacular Music Filling The Streets Of Rochester -- Attendance Hits New High Of 80,000 The Rochester International Jazz Festival (RIJF), begun in 2002, experienced record attendance this year. 80,000 people attended the festival, which included 170 concerts and 600 performers. Artists included James Brown, McCoy Tyner, and Woody Allen and His New Orleans Jazz Band. In addition to high-quality musicians, the festival included a nine-day closure of Gibbs Street –called “Jazz Street” for the festival – in order to support the festival’s merchandise tents, a celebration honoring New Orleans, and a fundraiser. Not only does the RIJF attract Rochester residents, but it has also become an internationally-known event, drawing tourists and revenues to Rochester. In addition, the festival is fueling Rochester’s art and music scene, which is adding to the city’s quality of life. Jean Dalmath jean@rochesterjazz.com, 585-586-6650, Rochester International Jazz Festival http://www.rochesterjazz.com 6/18/2006

View Full Listing  Link to Press Release Binge Drinking - It’s Everyone’s Problem New Zealand’s Alcohol Advisory Council (ALAC) has released a series of television advertisements aiming to make the public recognize how their own behaviors contribute to the country’s binge drinking culture. The advertisements endeavor to change perceptions of binge drinking as “someone else’s problem” or a “youth issue” by including a wide range of statistics that prove that binge drinking is pervasive across all ages and demographics. The most recent series of ads portray everyday situations that emphasize the most commonly feared consequences of being drunk, such as embarrassment, being a bad parent, and relationship break-ups. Marketing is only one component of the ALAC’s comprehensive, multi-faceted program that hopes to challenge drinking norms and create a culture where intoxication is socially unacceptable. Alcohol Advisory Council central@alac.org.nz, 123-456-7891, Scoop Independent News http://www.scoop.co.nz/ 4/4/2006

View Full Listing  Link to Press Release Austin Hotel Occupancy On The Rise Austin’s hotel occupancy rate has reached 71 percent – the highest in Texas. In addition, hotel room rates have increased by 16.5 percent to $95. During the summer months, occupancy rates are projected to rise even more: Conventions, the Summer Session at the Austin Convention center, and other events are expected to bring tens of thousands of visitors to Austin. Cynthia Maddox, 521-583-7210, Austin Convention and Visitor’s Bureau http://www.austintexas.org 7/11/2006

View Full Listing  Link to Press Release Bronzeville Poster Featured In State’s Popular Tourism Advertising Campaign The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, Bureau of Tourism (IBOT) has recently launched “Offbeat Illinois,” a new advertising campaign aimed at attracting more tourists to Illinois. A prominent feature of the “Offbeat Illinois” campaign is a poster highlighting Bronzeville and its historic Chess Records recording studio. Since launching the “Offbeat Illinois” campaign, IBOT has been swamped with requests for the Bronzeville poster; therefore, IBOT has partnered with Cafepress.com to launch an online shopping site (http://www.enjoyillinois.com/shopoffbeat) for those in search of the Bronzeville posters. In addition, the online marketplace will feature coasters, magnets, t-shirts, and baby bibs featuring Illinois’s many attractions. Treva J. Marshall treva@tjmcommunications.com, 800-653-0450, Black News http://www.blacknews.com 7/24/2006

View Full Listing  Link to Press Release NIST Rhode Island Nightclub Fire Investigation Team Calls for Improvements-Draft Report Released for Public Comment For Immediate Release Fact Sheet: Key Findings and Recommendations for Improvement; NIST Investigation of The Station Nightclub Fire Michael Newman inquiries@nist.gov, (301) 975-3025, National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) http://www.nist.gov 3/3/2005

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