Category Archives: Industry News

Television Personality Jane Monzures Hosts Inaugural LIVE LOVE LIFE Charity Event in Chicago

Inaugural LIVE LOVE LIFE Event to take place this weekend

CHICAGO, June 23, 2011 /Barrons via PRNewswire/ — America’s Domestic Diva, Jane Monzures is hosting her first LIVE LOVE LIFE event this weekend. The invite only fashion show charity event will be benefiting Chicago based Share Your Soles Foundation.

LIVE LOVE LIFE (L3) celebrates individuals striving to do their best and pass along the goodness in their hearts to those around them. From the streets of Chicago, to spreading a global message through organizations like Share Your Soles, the event guest list features a who’s who of Chicago leaders, philanthropist, and media personalities.

L3′s board of directors is filled with a variety of Chicago and national industry leaders. Founder and chairman, Jane Monzures is a radio and television personality active on WGN-TV, CLTV, WCIU-TV, WLUP-FM and has recently begun working with the new digital NBC Chicago Nonstop Channel. The board of directors also consists of Chicago based communication strategist, Chris Foltz of Christopher Foltz & Company; Dr. Sev Hrywnak, President and CEO of Advanced Ambulatory Surgical Center; Fox Chicago’s Good Day Chicago co-anchor, Anna Davlantes; host of HGTV’s Kitchen Crashers and founder of Alison Victoria Interior Design, Alison Gramenos; Dominic Zaccagini, aka Zakk Tyler on Fox Sports Radio, Pete McMurray from WLUP 97.9 The Loop and NBC’s 24/7, and entrepreneur Dean Solver.

“I am excited with the response we have gotten for our first event. Every single person in the room this weekend lives and breathes the LIVE LOVE LIFE message. I am so happy to make in impact with all of them,” commented Monzures.

This inaugural LIVE LOVE LIFE event will be held on Saturday, June 25th 8PM-Midnight, at epoch.floral studio, 1700 W. Hubbard St in Chicago. Guests will be greeted with entertainment, fashion, art, and complimentary food and open bar. All net proceeds from ticket sales, donations, and the high value prize package raffles will benefit Share Your Soles.

Jane, a fashion enthusiast and shoe fanatic, is excited to work with Share Your Soles. Share Your Soles is a non-profit foundation, which holds shoe drives and special events to provide the necessary support to put shoes on the soles of children and adults in the most impoverished areas of the world. Not only does Share Your Soles collect shoes, they also collect handicap equipment, bikes, canes, walkers, anything without a motor that helps make mobility easier.

SOURCE LIVE LOVE LIFE (L3)

/CONTACT: Christopher Foltz, +1-312-772-4865, chris@christopherfoltz.com, for LIVE LOVE LIFE (L3)

CFCo chosen as Public Relations and Marketing Partner for Share Your Soles, the global leader in shoe donations.

Chicago Based Share Your Soles Expanding to Become Global Shoe Donation Leader

Over 1.2 million shoes donated globally in just over a decade

CHICAGO, June 13, 2011 /Original CNBC.com Article/ — Chicago based Share Your Soles marked its twelfth anniversary of giving this year. This wasn’t just an anniversary celebration for Mona Purdy, Founder of Share Your Soles, but a celebration marking over 1.2 million pairs of shoes donated to those in need in just over a decade.

Share Your Soles organizes shoe drives and other special events that provide the necessary support to putting shoes on the soles of children and adults in the most impoverished areas of the world. The ever growing group of Share Your Soles supporters and volunteers finds it all pretty simple; by giving whatever you can, even just an hour or two each month, it’s easy to become involved and change the world. Share Your Soles, as part of their ongoing mission to help improve the quality of life throughout the world, has recently started collecting medical equipment, new and gently used canes, walkers, wheelchairs and crutches, anything to improve mobility without a motor.

Share Your Soles has rapidly been expanding after they opened a warehouse in Alsip, IL this past January. They have just confirmed a new drop site and warehouse donated by Freeport Logistics in Phoenix, AZ as well as the Nexus Distributing Company donating a facility in Allentown, PA.

Founder Mona Purdy started Share Your Soles in her garage with a few helping hands that are still with her today. There are about 200-500 volunteers each week. “Many don’t realize the time and money that goes into an organization like Share Your Soles. To process a shipping container of shoes and send them overseas costs $10,000-$15,000; and Share Your Soles makes sure they are there to hand deliver the cartons to those in need,” stated Purdy in a recent interview.

Share Your Soles recently hosted its 7th Annual Run With Purpose event on May 22nd. Secretary of State Jesse White, mentor, friend, and board member of Share Your Soles, was present at the event along with the Jesse White Tumblers.

Share Your Soles just brought on rising star Chicago based communication strategy firm Christopher Foltz & Company to help with the global expansion and non-profit development. “We are more than honored to be chosen as a public relations and marketing partner for such an amazing Chicago based, globally driven organization like Share Your Soles,” commented Chris Foltz, President of Christopher Foltz & Company.

This year the Share Your Soles Chicago Marathon team, “Run With a Purpose”, marks its second showing in the race with a goal of each team member raising about $1,000 to process more shoes and help more people. The organization is planning on raising over $100,000 for Share Your Soles at this year’s marathon.

For more information visit www.ShareYourSoles.org SOURCE Share Your Soles www.prnewswire.com Copyright (C) 2011 PR Newswire.

One of the nations leading Oral Maxillofacial Surgeons joins CFCo medical client roster.

Christopher Foltz & Co. is excited to welcome another leading medical client roster. Dr. Scott Frank, DDS and North Shore Oral andMaxillofacial Surgery – excellence in health care.

Dr. Frank received his undergraduate education at the University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana.  He received his doctorate of dental surgery degree from Northwestern University, School of Dentistry-Chicago in 1987.  Dr. Frank was selected from numerous applicants by the American Cancer Society to participate in a head and neck cancer externship at the University of Chicago Hospital in 1986.  He then completed an intensive residency in oral and maxillofacial surgery at Howard University Hospital, District of Columbia General Hospital, and Veterans Administration Medical Center, Washington D.C.

North Shore Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Ltd. and Dr. Scott Frank have been accredited by the Academy of General Dentistry to award continuing education units (CEU) for courses that are presented and sponsored.

Joint Commission Accreditation is voluntary. To prepare for a Joint Commission review, Dr. Frank and his staff made a commitment to quality improvement and put teams together to look carefully at what the they could do better to ensure safety and quality of care.  Accreditation is a tremendous accomplishment. It means that North Shore Oral has been recognized for complying with rigorous national performance standards that promote safe and quality health care. They have earned the Joint Commission Seal of Approval.

Dr. Frank and his staff handles extensive oral procedures in facial trauma cases, jaw surgery and bone grafting.  Doctors now have the ability to grow bone where needed; this provides for an opportunity to place implants of proper length and width, it also gives us a chance to restore functionality and esthetic appearance.

Another procedure performed by the doctors is dental implants.  Dental implants are designed to provide a foundation for replacement teeth which look, feel and function like natural teeth. The person who has lost teeth regains the ability to eat virtually anything, knowing that teeth appear natural and that facial contours will be preserved. Patients with dental implants can smile with confidence.

Chicago Television Personality Jane Monzures Celebrates Greek America’s Best and Brightest Stars

(Chicago, IL) June 2, 2011 –Chicago television personality Jane Monzures celebrates Greek America’s best and brightest stars, at this year’s GABBY Awards.  The awards are being held at Ellis Island in New York on June 4^th, where Jane will serve as the official host of the Red Carpet.

The GABBY Awards hosted by the Greek America Foundation recognize the best and brightest individuals who have excelled in their respective fields and strive for excellence in all they do. The Gabby Awards serve as the “Oscars^®” of the Greek American community. The Gabby Awards are the Greek American community’s first and only awards where the winners are decided by popular vote, thus serving as the true voice of the people.

“It is an amazing event that celebrates a culture and heritage that has been the basis for so much style, fine cuisine, and industry impact in America.  Every single guest and red carpet interviewee has made a dramatic impact on both Greek American culture, but more importantly, society as a whole,” commented Jane Monzures in a recent interview.

Jane, who is also Greek, is major market television and radio personality.  She is the host of television shows such as “You & Me This Morning”, “Living Healthy Chicago”, and “For The Love of Cooking”.  Jane’s latest television venture “America’s Domestic Divas” hits the airwaves this summer and takes everyday simple items and recreates them into something special; it’s food – remade; fashion – restyled; and home décor – refurbished.  The unique blend of humor, creativity, talent and fun allows Jane to take the average and make it amazing.

Jane, who will be gracing the Red Carpet in a dress by Greek designer Elene Cassis, and jewelry by world renowned designer Alina Korotkina, will be interviewing Greekcelebrities from movie stars and athletes, to political figures and doctors. Celebrities walking the Red Carpet include, HBO’s Kary Antholis, Fox Film’s, Jim Gianopulos, and “Hangover” star, Zach Galifianakis.  Along with athletes like Nick Markakis from the Baltimore Orioles, Ted Leonsis, and hockey star Chris Chelios.  Jane will also be interviewing Michael Dukakis and Stephen Antonakos, both Lifetime Achievement Award winners.

Department of Communication Students from Bradley University visit CFCo May 16th

Students from the Department of Communication at Bradley University visit Christopher Foltz & Company for a session as part of their two-week, three-credit hour SPORTS INDUSTRY SEMINAR in Chicago from May 16-26.

During this two-week period, a selected group of 7-9 juniors and seniors from the Bradley University Department of Communication majoring in sports communication,public relations, advertising, journalism, organizational communication, and/or televisionarts have an opportunity to meet with major industry executives at their professionallocations to become more familiar with various aspects of the dynamic and challenging sports industry.

Dr. Ron Koperski of Bradley’s Department of Communication has created this unique education experience for the upper level students. On May 16th, Dr. Koperski’s seminar class will be visiting Christopher Foltz & Company’s River North office to spend time with CFCo Chairman Chris Foltz and Chicago Television Personality Jane Monzures.

“We are thrilled to have Christopher Foltz & Company participate in this summers seminar program. It gives the students the opportunity to spend time with both Jane and Chris to experience the public relations and communication sides of professional sports from two different angles,” commented Dr. Koperski.

Besides spending time with Chris Foltz and Jane Monzures, the Sports Seminar class will be visiting the Chicago Bears, Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Fleishman-Hillard, Starcom Worldwide, WGN radio, and Fox Chicago.

Later that evening Foltz has the honor of presenting the Jeffery Werner Youth Award and Scholarship to two graduating seniors from Deerfield High School(Illinois). “I am excited to join the Board of Trustee’s during the village board meeting and recognize true community leadership. The Jeffery Werner Award is the highest honor the village and Community Relations Commission bestows to a student and acknowledges excellence and dedication to youth leadership, scholarship, and the community. This is what it’s all about,” said Foltz

New Video Technology takes Web Browser Based Application Industry by Storm

New Video Technology takes Web Browser Based Application Industry by Storm
Chicago, IL – April 5^th 2011 – FliXpress.com is a new Web-based service that lets individual consumers, corporations, and organizations customize animated video templates to create their own automated media. FliXpress’ feature rich presentation quality videos include high quality 3D animation and online video ads directed to the consumer. The easy-to-use and affordable online service saves users hundreds of dollars by utilizing high-end animated templates which people can customize and render in minutes. Most animated templates on FliXpress cost between $3 and $25 per rendered video.

The fast and user-friendly service allows the final output of animated templates to be used as TV ads, web videos and promos, product promotion, presentations, animated intros for shows and live events, and even as personal photo galleries and video e-cards. For those companies or individuals requiring more complex customizable media, FliXpress offers a wide range of custom options.

“By utilizing animated templates we’ve made high-end media production much more affordable and accessible for individuals and companies,” said Dr. Sev Hrywnak, Co-Founder and CFO of FliXpress. “Anyone can create high-end, broadcast quality media for just a few dollars in only minutes by using FliXpress – something that traditionally would have cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars and would have taken several days to produce,” concluded Dr. Hrywnak.

FliXpress adds new animated templates weekly to their ever growing database. To stay on top of the latest social media trends, FliXpress offers direct integration with Facebook and YouTube, the ability to email the link to friends or clients, or a one click download in standard and HD formats. “A seven year old can do it, a seventy year old can do it,” said Brij Desai, CMO of FliXpress

Companies will benefit by saving time and money using FliXpress. “As a marketing executive I see FliXpress opening the door to a new demographic using video as a staple in everyday presentations, resumes, and press kits. As a producer and director for 30 years, the technology is feature rich and allows for a new hip small business world entering the television advertising market,” said Loren Comitor , partner at Chicago based Christopher Foltz & Company.  In the television advertising arena, FliXpress’ Direct Delivery Pipeline allows processed video to be delivered directly to the cable networks via FTP and cloud storage, in addition to digital signage playlists, or mobile devices. Custom API’s can be developed to meet specific service integration needs.

“Companies of all sizes will greatly benefit from our custom media automation option,” said Andrey Arkhipov, Co-Founder and CTO of FliXpress. “We can design media specifically for their brand, which can then be customized from any browser in minutes,” concluded Mr. Arkhipov.

CFCo adds Chicago’s top surgical center to client roster

Leading the way people think about medicine

Christopher Foltz & Company is proud to add Chicago’s top surgical center to our client roster. Licensed by the State of Illinois on May 4, 2000, Advanced Ambulatory Surgical Center is an accredited multi-specialty, outpatient surgical center centrally located in Chicago and to surrounding communities.

AASC offers an impressive roster of board certified specialists.

The 10,000 square foot, state-of-the -art facility accommodates three operating suites offering the most advanced technology and surgical instrumentation to perform outpatient surgical procedures including minimally invasive surgery. Customarily, surgery performed using minimally invasive techniques and instruments require significantly smaller incisions resulting in less pain, less risk, and less recuperative time for patients.

Dr. Sev Hrywnak, Chief Executive Officer of Advanced stated “We are extremely excited to work with Chris and his team. They have positioned themselves as not only one of the top medical communication strategy firms in America, but also do their work with the right intentions.”

Christopher Foltz & Company’s first task with the team at Advanced is to develop the new philanthropy model. “CFCo stands apart from most agencies in the Chicago market by leading the way for their clients in the realm of charitable models and corporate philanthropy programs. We are very excited to continue giving back to the communities we serve locally, and expanding our reach where it’s needed the most nationally,” Hyrwnak continued.

The Advance Ambulatory Surgical Center offers pioneering techniques in:

• General Surgery

• Gastro Intestinal Surgery

• Orthopedic Surgery

• Foot and Ankle Surgery

• Gynecological Surgery

• Plastic Surgery

• Ear, Nose & Throat Surgery

• Urology

• Diabetic Sensory Restoration Surgery

• Quantitative Sensory Testing (QST)

• Neurosensory and Motor Testing (NMT)

For more information on AASC please visit http://www.aascinc.com/

CFCo selected as agency of record for the Premier Basketball League, focused on national franchise development.

Christopher Foltz & Company is excited to announce the signing of agency of record with the Premier Basketball League. CFCo will be working with the PBL organization on national basketball franchise development.

The Premier Basketball League (PBL) is a professional men’s basketball league that began play in January 2008. The league had ten teams for the 2008 season and thirteen teams for the 2009 season. Nine teams from Canada and the United States participated in the 2010 season. The PBL took over the position of the former Continental Basketball League (CBA) in the professional basketball arena.

“We are excited to work on franchise development for the league. Since taking over the CBA basketball operations, the PBL has raised the bar for sports and family entertainment in America,” said Chris Foltz of Christopher Foltz & Company at a recent interview.

CFCo is working with league leadership on strategic market placement for new franchise operations across the country. “Right now there is a heavy concentration of teams in the continental north east. We are excited to develop both west coast and central region franchise operations. Working with the league to develop regional divisions that ease the constant cross country travel burdens on franchise owners will raise the level of entertainment for fans across the nation,” said Foltz.

Christopher Foltz & Company is also working on league awareness development and strategic marketing and philanthropy development.  “PBL owner Dr. Sev Hrywnak is an absolute leader in charitable giving across the country. We are excited to work with him on giving back to society in every way we can. With Dr. Hrywnak’s leadership and compassion, the PBL will sit at the forefront of charitable models in professional athletics,” Foltz commented.

CFCo and the PBL are already looking at expansion markets. “We are looking at the Anaheim, Las Vegas, Tempe, Seattle/Tacoma, Chicago Suburban/Rockford, Madison, and St. Louis markets during our first round of franchise development,” said Foltz. The current PBL franchises are; Halifax Rainmen, Quebec Kebs, St. John Mill Rats, Bluegrass Stallions, Dayton Air Strikers, Lawton-Fort Sill Calvary, and the Rochester Razorsharks.

Chicago Air Quality Improves – Solar Electric Vehicle Company

American Lung Association State of the Air Report 2010 Shows Fewer Days of Unhealthy Levels of Pollution, Cleaner Emissions

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: From the American Lung Association – Greater Chicago

CHICAGO, IL (APRIL 28, 2010) – The American Lung Association in Greater Chicago’s State of the Air 2010report shows an improvement in the quality of air for the city of Chicago.  Thanks in part to a decade of cleanup measures to reduce emissions of nitrogen oxides, one of the key ingredients required to produce ozone, and the transition to cleaner diesel fuels and engines, Chicago’s efforts to improve the quality of air for its citizens is working.

“This is great news for our city,” states Harold Wimmer, President & CEO of the American Lung Association in Greater Chicago.  “But we have a lot of work to do.  State of the Air 2010 proves with hard data that cleaning up air pollution produces healthier air, and it should drive home to everyone how imperative it is to give ourselves healthy air to breathe.”

The American Lung Association in Greater Chicago is working to continue efforts and legislation to tighten ozone standards and get even more emissions out of the air.  One such effort involves promoting the use of no-emissions vehicles like those produced by the Solar Electric Vehicle Company.

“We are proud to be able to support the American Lung Association in Greater Chicago’s clean air mission by bringing our no-gas, no-emissions, solar charged vehicles to consumers, businesses, parks, universities and municipalities in the Chicagoland area,” states Bob Kopach, Co-Founder & Vice President of the Solar Electric Vehicle Company.  “SEVC’s solar electric vehicles provide up to 60 miles of pollution-free driving on a single charge.”

Driving a solar powered vehicle is just one of the steps individuals can take to immediately and directly impact the air we breathe.  Carpooling, turning off lights when we’re not in the room, not burning wood or trash and making sure your local school system requires clean school buses are just some of the steps individuals can take to promote clean air.

Visit www.lungusa.org to search local air quality grades by zip code and to send messages to Congress and the Obama Administration to urge action to protect the air we breathe.

About the American Lung Association in Greater Chicago: Now in its second century, the American Lung Association is the leading organization working to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease. With your generous support, the American Lung Association is “Fighting for Air” through research, education and advocacy. For more information about the American Lung Association or to support the work it does, call 1-800-LUNG-USA (1-800-586-4872) or visit www.lungil.org.