The Midwest’s Largest Networking Event Kicks Off May 18th in Chicago

CHICAGO, May 17, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — With over one million businesses servicing the Chicago and Midwest markets alone, regionally based small businesses and large corporations have made a dramatic impact on the nation’s recent economic growth. This weekend, thousands of industry leaders will come to Chicago for the 2012 American Businessperson Expo. The three-day-long event features keynotes from industry giants like Michael Gerber, Bill Walsh, and Tom Ziglar, as well as some of the nation’s leading business and success coaches; providing professionals with a necessary opportunity to leverage business connections and make strides in today’s tough economy.

CFCo Founder Speaking Friday May 18th at 7:30PM

The event kicks off Friday, May 18th with a business networking meet and greet with event sponsors and keynote speakers. Friday’s anticipated expert panel is moderated by Joe Abraham, author of Entrepreneurial DNA, and features the Expo‘s keynote speakers and sponsors. Additional opening night highlights include speeches from two of the nation’s youngest industry leaders, Austin Walsh and Christopher Foltz. Austin Walsh, a 20-year-old social media expert, helps individuals and companies around the world monetize their social media engagements. Chris Foltz is a 30-year-old “outside the box” public relations industry pioneer whose Chicago based communication strategy firm revolutionizes the way brands think about charity partnerships in their PR and marketing campaigns.

“I am truly honored to not only present some of the top industry leaders in the nation, but to have the opportunity to sit on the panel with some of my personal career mentors. This weekend will surely be a highlight for businesses in the Midwest this year,” commented Chris Foltz, who speaks right before the expert panel on Friday night.

Attended by thousands of tenured business people, new companies, and independent sales producers, the Midwest’s largest networking event – The 2012 American Businessperson Expo - gives attending professionals a vital edge in our challenging market. Gaining valuable business strategies for growth and expansion, attendees discover innovative marketing and technology advancements to enhance exposure and sales. For businesses looking to make gains in our new economy, or to simply stay afloat in tough economic times, the 2012 American BusinesspersonExpo is not to be missed.

“I have had the opportunity to coach major corporations and entrepreneurs around the globe. There is no question that the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center is the place to be this weekend to bring your business and brand to the next level. I look forward to sharing both message and strategy alongside some of the most respected success coaches in the world,” said renowned marketing expert and business coach Bill Walsh, who will sit on the expert panel and deliver Saturday’s keynote address.

Promoting the American dream and bringing out the entrepreneur in all of us every week, Richard M. Killian, host of The American Businessperson Talk Show, is the visionary behind the 2012 Expo. With a loyal following of over 100,000 listeners, Killian’s show recognizes that small businesses in the United States (companies with less than 500 employees) account for the majority of the nation’s workforce. Helping and encouraging these businesses to excel, The American Businessperson Talk Show educates and motivates listeners with its nationwide guests, from the small business owner to the corporate CEO, local franchise to industrialist, and start-up mom and pops to inventor.

“It has always been about staying dedicated to helping business people increase productivity in a tough economy,” commented Killian. “We live in a global economy and wanted to give access to global leaders and coaches to help business owners excel in today’s market. That is what the 2012 American Businessperson Expo is all about.”

With limited tickets to Friday night’s opening event and expert panel still available at no charge, attendees have the opportunity to take part in the entire 3 day Expo for under $40. For more information about the event including a complete schedule visithttp://theamericanbusinessperson.com/expo/. To register directly for Friday nights event and to take advantage of special event offers and parties visit http://the2012expo.eventbrite.com/.

The American Businessperson logo is available athttp://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=12941

CONTACT: The American Businessperson
         1-800-913-4110
         info@prospectequities.com

Changing the way the world thinks about energy efficiency

CHICAGO, IL. 5/17/2012:  This year, April 22nd marked the 43rd anniversary of what many consider the birth of the modern environmental movement — Earth Day.  With millions of people worldwide wanting to make environmental responsibility a part of their everyday lives, the day is widely marked with events and rallies. Whether at home or work, their attempts at saving the Earth are usually best accomplished in baby steps.  Two Chicago based brands are making strides in the “greening” of America as well as setting the bar high for the rest of the country.

Often times people commit to adopt green initiatives in their effort to demonstrate a commitment to the health of our planet. Some of the more traditional routes people take to make an impact include recycling, using cloth grocery bags, taking public transportation, turning down their water heaters, planting trees and installing energy efficient light bulbs and appliances. Unfortunately, this excitement wears off after Earth Day as overriding reminders on television and social media start to dwindle and are soon forgotten.

Chicago based Uncommon Ground has changed the way restaurant owners across the country consider adding green concepts from the day they break ground on the development. With over 116 measures taken to ensure the most eco-friendly dining experience in the nation, Uncommon Ground’s founders took environmental strides from day one.

From low energy LED lighting and reclaimed wood for amenities to the nation’s first sustainable rooftop organic farm and a biodiesel vehicle that runs on its own waste, Uncommon Ground’s founders take no short cuts. Their strides in adopting green initiatives have proven that implementing a eco-conscious environment not only helps reduce their carbon footprint, but has reduced overall monthly expenditures dramatically.

“We truly care about operating a Certified Green Restaurant and we challenge restaurants around the U.S. to exceed our record of environmental accomplishments. As an industry we have the potential to make a huge difference in taking better care of our planet – and ourselves,” commented Helen Cameron, Co-Founder of Uncommon Ground’s two Chicago locations.

It is easy to go to a eco-friendly business and “participate” in everyday green through brands that have pioneered the movement, but with modern day technology we can easily adopt some of these same principles in our own daily lives.

In theory most people want to do things that benefit the environment. A great many of them, while concerned, have no idea where to start.  When it comes to adopting green initiatives, or better yet, understanding the impact green purchases have on the environment and our wallets, a Chicago based socially responsible mobile application company has done just that. Verde Sustainable Solutions L3C, was founded in 2010 to advocate the principles of sustainability. Built around the idea that people look at energy efficiency in the wrong light, Verde uses technology and private sector products to help solve today’s environmental problems. The Verde app for iPad is a new tool to help people perform an energy audit in their own home. It can also be used to show how behavioral changes, like hibernating a computer or turning off lights in rooms unused, can lead to significant savings.

“It is all about the simple measures we can take in our own lives that can change the world. We developed the technology as a tool not only to make an impact in the growing eco-friendly consumer base, but to allow each person to make an impact themselves as well,” commented Verde’s Founder Jamie Johnson. Verde’s platform educates consumers and businesses on the operational costs of lighting and appliances in order to help them make informed decisions. “We wanted to take our experience in app development and database management to solve complex environmental issues through education and action,” continued Johnson.

With more consumers leaning towards giving back to our planet, companies like Uncommon Ground and Verde Sustainable Solutions L3C help not only their target markets give back, but set the stage for other business and consumer brands to carry the same message. For more information on Uncommon Ground visit www.uncommonground.com. To download the Verde app at reduced price of $.99 (normally $4.99), visit the iTunes store or the app website at http://verdel3c.com/.

Where  Elegant  Fashion  Meets  Chic  Design

CHICAGO, IL, May 4th, 2012: For Christina Monley, the most fitting way to celebrate the colorful journey of modern day women’s sexuality is through her dress label, Christina Karin.  The award-winning designer’s highly anticipated Fall/Winter Collection 2012 has finally arrived, and it is already flying off the rack.

Christina Karin’s Fall/ Winter 2012 collection titled “The Dark Garden of My Castle” features twelve different jaw dropping looks for women in bold and vibrant hues. The line features exquisite fabrics including, silk chiffon and taffeta, stunning sequins and lace, along with Swarovski crystals embellishments and silver chain detailing. Styles from the new collection are available online in the new Christina Karin online store. If online shopping isn’t for you, Monley has an elegant trunk show complete with custom fittings scheduled in June.

“I believe every woman should be the best version of themselves that they can be,” says Christina who left a highly successful career in the financial industry to design and build her brand. “It truly is all about how you feel – when you feel beautiful and confident, you look beautiful and confident.  The new collection will make you feel this way.”

Christina Monley is a native of the East Coast that grew up surrounded by the elegance and history of art.  Raised by European parents and a father in the antique business, Christina was exposed to many cultures and travels abroad.  She has a degree in business and art history from Boston University and she studied fashion design at the Art Institute of Chicago. Christina is an Associate Designer for the renowned Chicago Fashion Incubator at Macy’s.

Shop the looks in person at the Christina Karin trunk show highlighting her Fall/Winter 2012 collection on Saturday, June 23rd, 2012 from 10am-6pm. Attendees will have the opportunity to enjoy a personalized fitting with Christina herself while served complimentary champagne and hors devours. Guests will also be given a special discount off of Christina’s gorgeous spring collection. The trunk show event will take place at 2256 West Grand Ave. in Chicago’s fashion chic near west side.

Christina Karin dresses have been seen on numerous fashion elite and celebrities and continue to rise in popularity amongst women who exude sexuality, confidence, and maturity and are not afraid to stir things up. To learn more about the designer and label, or to shop the online store, visit her website www.ChristinaKarin.com

Where  Inspiration  Meets  Small  Business

CHICAGO, IL, May 2nd, 2012– With the surge in small business growth at the roots of America’s economic turnaround, the nation’s largest trade show for small business owners is the destination for industry leaders around the globe. The 2012 Small Business Expo is featuring famed marketing expert and world renowned speaker Bill Walsh as the keynote for the prominent event. Walsh, Founder and CEO of Powerteam International, headlines with “The 3 Keys to Building Your Million Dollar Business” as the expo takes over Penn Plaza Pavilion in New York City on May 10th.

The Small Business Expo is known as the networking, trade show, and conference event of the year for entrepreneurs, C-Level executives, and business decision-makers. From enlightening attendees on new products and services, to instructive and innovative workshops and seminars, the Small Business Expo is an exclusive educational tool that can help businesses grow. With a global draw in the thousands, the distinguished exposition provides professionals with a rare opportunity to network and learn from not only industry leaders, but also the creators of some of those very industries.

Bill Walsh, known widely as America’s Business Expert, headlines events all over the world presenting with Brian Tracy, Mark Victor Hansen, Les Brown, T. Harv Eker and several other well-respected authors, speakers and business coaches. Walsh is celebrated for his business coaching on transformation and practical applications. Walsh’s ability to relate to every single person in his audience through life stories empowers people to understand specifically what it takes to build successful companies. Walsh’s keynote is expected to be a major highlight at the 2012 event.

“It is such an honor to share time with great entrepreneurs and small business leaders. It is inspiring to hear their stories and dreams. I hope to help the attendees on the road develop the business and personal tools needed to make those dreams come true,” commented Bill Walsh from a Rainmaker Summit in London.

Proficient in finance, marketing, foreign currency trading and real estate development, Walsh is responsible for increased sales, productivity, and overall success of major global brands and startups.  Walsh is not only the expert on how companies can launch and grow, but the expert on how to seize global market opportunities.

“If you really want to be an entrepreneur, you need a great and inspiring entrepreneurial teacher who knows how to take low value and make it high value. And that’s what Bill Walsh and the Powerteam can do,” noted Mark Victor Hansen, author of Chicken Soup of the Soul and the One-Minute Millionaire Series.

Walsh is also debuting his new book “The Obvious” at the Small Business Expo. The much anticipated book teaches key points and strategies to live your perfect dream. At 10:00AM, Walsh will host a book signing and meet and greet at booth 1101, with free copies for the first 500 people. All book sales up to the first $1Million will be donated to breast cancer research and children’s causes.  “I have learned so much from global industry leaders and main street small business owners alike. ‘The Obvious’ is some of the knowledge I have learned,  developed,  and refined to bring out the millionaire in all of us. In addition to entrepreneurs, we are going to be able to give back to non-profits from day one of the book launch,” continued Walsh.

Walsh is also hosting the “Entrepreneur Financial Freedom Success Conference” on May 12th at New York’s Peninsula Hotel Skytop Ballroom. The Success Conference will feature some of the top business strategy speakers in the country and will run from 8:30AM-6:00PM. Visit www.ISuccessLive.com for complete details and complementary registration.

The Small Business Expo kicks off May 10th at 10AM with Bill Walsh’s keynote at 4pm. Event Pre-Registration is still open at no charge by visiting www.thesmallbusinessexpo.com. For more information on Bill Walsh and Powerteam International visit www.IPowerteam.com.

When  Giving  Back  Comes  in  Boot  Form…

CHICAGO, IL, May 4th, 2012– The Boot Campaign, a grassroots initiative raising support and awareness for the United States military through the sale of signature combat boots, enlists television personality Whitney Reynolds as their newest celebrity endorser. Excited to show off her new combat boots to spread awareness for our troops, Reynolds is honored to join the campaign’s impressive roster of stars in support of a patriotic cause.

Chicago could not be prouder to see their beloved Whitney Reynolds featured as the newest Boot Campaign celebrity. As host of NBC Chicago Nonstop’s popular weekend talk show “Weekends With Whitney,” Whitney has generated a loyal fanbase across the Chicagoland area and nationwide.  Known as charity-minded with commitments to nonprofits like Project HUGS (Helping Uninsured Get Surgery), Reynolds is thrilled to use her trend setting status to help spread awareness for another great cause.

Whitney Reynolds joins Hollywood stars like Bachelor host Chris Harrison, Dwayne Johnson “The Rock,” Desperate Housewives actor James Denton, Heroes actor Greg Grunberg, and the Sons of Anarchy cast, in addition to newsmakers like Elisabeth Hasselback, Glenn Beck, and Kathie Lee Gifford and politicians like Rick Perry and Governor Barbour, in support of the Boot Campaign. The Chicago-based star is proud to join this group of stars and encourage her loyal fanbase to follow in her footsteps and get their boots on.

Founded in 2009 by five Texas women known as the Boot Girls, the Boot Campaign provides an easy and tangible way for Americans to show appreciation for past and present troops, cultivate awareness of the challenges they face upon return and raise funds for military programs that assist with their physical and emotional needs. Proceeds from the sale of Boot Campaign combat boots directly support military programs that assist military men and women and give them hope for the future as they transition home. Fashionable and eye-catching, the sale of combat boots helps spread awareness for the United States military with each step taken in them.

To achieve the goal of seeing 1.4 million Americans with their boots on thanking 1.4 million active duty military men and women, the Boot Campaign enlists the help of celebrities. The celebrity trend began in 2009 when the Boot Girls asked a number of musicians at the Country for Our Country benefit concert to replace their cowboy boots with combat boots. Since then, signature combats boots have become a celebrity staple fashion piece.

Check Whitney out in the Newsmakers Section Here http://www.bootcampaign.com/buzz/
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For more information on Weekends With Whitney, visit www.weekendswithwhitney.com or contact Christopher Foltz & Co at 312-772-4865, and for more information or to get your boots on with the Boot Campaign, visithttp://www.bootcampaign.com/.

It  Has  Always  Been  About  The  Music  to  Me…

Chicago May 2nd 2012: Multi-Platinum award winning producer and chart topping remix specialist Vince Lawrence announces his partnership with Chicago PR/Marketing Firm Christopher Foltz & Company, as he gears up to launch a national-awareness campaign that will draw attention to the roots and raw talent of the Chicago music scene. With Chicago already leading the way in categories such as foodie culture and eco-initiatives, the music scene is on the rise, launching some of the leading talents in the industry right out of Chicago.

Vince Lawrence and Slang Music Group have been on the music radar since the mid 80’s. Lawrence helped revolutionize the music industry as an artists and producer who helped define, and is credited with creating an entire music genre. With the fall of disco in the late 70’s, Lawrence began adding new beats and rhythm to some of the local scene’s leading songs, with synthesizer in hand. Fast forward 25 years to find Slang Music Group sitting atop the record label and industry leaders lists of producers. Vince and his team have filled the major labels need for great remixes, providing chart topping work for Britney Spears, Madonna, Whitney Houston, Beyonce, R. Kelly, John Legend, and many others.

Photo Courtesy of Michigan Avenue Magazine

Lawrence and Slang Music Group have entered a new partnership with Chris Foltz and his team at Christopher Foltz & Company to put Chicago back at the forefront of the music industry. Christopher Foltz & Company’s new Lifestyle division will play home to the public relations and marketing efforts for Lawrence and Slang’s impressive roster of musical industry leaders and up-and-comers.

“It has always been about the music for me. From a young kid growing up on the South Side of Chicago all the way to where I am now…the music has always been my passion. Chicago has so much to offer to both new and seasoned musicians. I am extremely excited about working with Chris Foltz and his team. They look at marketing and public relations through a different lens just like us at Slang. This is going to be an exciting year for music in Chicago and across the industry,” commented Vince Lawrence.

Christopher Foltz & Company has grown from its humble roots in a child’s bedroom in Evanston just under two years ago to a venerable powerhouse in the Chicago marketing, PR, and strategic relationship industry. Foltz and his team have worked with industry leaders from all walks of local and national life. From day to day image and branding for major Chicago based businesses, to national charity minded ad campaigns and product launches, Christopher Foltz & Company has had their hands in major campaigns (including the 2011 Chicago Mayoral Elections) in less than two years.

“I couldn’t be more excited about launching our new division working with THE Vince Lawrence. He created a music genre, so naturally we’re excited to expand on that with him. We’re involved in the world of advertising and marketing, and Vince has set the bar high with his work on major campaigns like Pepsi, Loreal, Taco Bell, Honda, etc., in addition to his contribution to the music industry. Needless to say, we’re ready and anxious to take both the Chicago music and national advertising industries to the next level,” commented Chris Foltz.

With Chicago serving as home to music giants like R. Kelly, Common, Kanye West, Lupe Fiasco, and Twista, Slang Music Group is taking the platinum level production right into the studio with fresh new talent. “Vince has always been known as the remix king to major labels and now he is really focused on working with the artist from day one on the original albums. This is going to add a level to the music that has never been heard before,” continued Foltz.

Foltz & Co have been working on the roll-out of Slang’s new branding which is set to hit the market in mid May 2012. With Christopher Foltz & Company scheduled to announce two additional strategic partnerships this month, rumors sore that the brand is teaming up with both a legend in the Chicago restaurant and bar scene as well as a local fashion industry leader to round out the new Lifestyle division. For more information on Christopher Foltz & Company you can visit www.ChristopherFoltz.com. For additional information on Vince Lawrence and Slang Music Group you can visit www.SlangMusicGroup.com