Cindy Seip, Director of Book Design
Born with a crayon in one hand and a camera in the other, Cindy Seip has never ventured far from her creative instincts. Through the years, her creative side took hairpin turns but always finished with a checkered flag.
As an “A+” student in art, it was her 12th-grade art teacher, Mr. Popovitch, that set her on a professional course in design, introducing her to the Ft. Lauderdale Art Institute. There, she would earn her degree in Advertising Design.
She began her career at the Miami Herald Tropic Magazine and later started her own design + underwater portrait photography business.
Over the years, Seip has amassed an impressive client list with some high-profile names like Sony, Nasdaq, Ericsson, Blue Cross Blue Shield, AvMed, Miami International Book Fair, Breakthrough Miami, and many more. Her accolades reflect her keen eye for design.
Seip resides in sunny Miami with her husband, Miami Herald Photojournalist, Al Diaz, two great kids, and a cute Wheaten Terrier named Amanda Bubbles.
By Hope Katz Gibbs
founder and president
Inkandescent Public Relations
Screenwriter Leo Rosten once said, “I think the purpose of life is to be useful, to be responsible, to be compassionate. It is, above all to matter, to count, to stand for something, to have made some difference that you lived at all.”
That thoughtful philosophy has long guided my life. It is also a core belief for my PR firm, Inkandescent Public Relations. I tell my clients, most of whom are entrepreneurs: “If we are going to write something, it must matter to the reader.”
That is especially true when it comes to writing content for websites. Here’s why—and how.
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April 2011, Be Inkandescent magazine — Microsoft rules. I am telling you the truth, because I had the opportunity to witness firsthand one of Microsoft’s launches where they pitched several new product lines to the media.
At the 2010 New York auto show, Ford announced a partnership with Microsoft to provide the next generation of control technology for electric cars.
Clearly, an enormous amount of time and money had been invested to make the entire day a splashy and entertaining affair, as they courted the bloggers, tech writers, and gadget geeks. But then, this is Microsoft—the largest company in the world.
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April 2011, Be Inkandescent magazine — “There’s no such thing as having too much fun,” insists author, singer, and entrepreneur Kathi Kamen Goldmark — the woman who in 1991 founded the infamous writer rock band, the Rock Bottom Remainders. “Fun is good for you. So get out there and start playing.”
That philosophy of life, in fact, is what motivated the then book publicist to pull together some of the authors that she was schlepping around San Francisco when they’d come to town to do a book tour.
“I was known as the media escort who had the best music selection in her car,” says Kathi, who is actually a musician in her own right. “When I was a kid, I wanted to be a combination of Joan Baez and Judy Collins — at the same time. Sadly those jobs were taken by the time I got around to applying.”
She did, however, get a good taste of life as a rock star when, after graduating from Antioch College, she moved to Los Angeles with her boyfriend, Jimmy Hodder. It was 1972 and he had just gotten a gig to be the original drummer for the rock band Steely Dan. “It was a fabulous adventure being the girlfriend of a rocker,” Kathi recalls.
So when Dave Barry, Barbara Kingsolver, Ridley Pearson, Amy Tan, and other notable writers told her they not only had a secret fantasy of being a rock star, but also were relatively decent musicians themselves — it got her thinking.
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APRIL 2011 ENTREPRENEUR OF THE MONTH
Be Inkandescent magazine
What does it take to sustain a career in rock and roll for more than five decades? The Byrds founder Roger McGuinn, and his wife and business partner Camilla, show us the way.
By Hope Katz Gibbs and Michael Gibbs Publishers,
Be Inkandescent Magazine
At 68, legendary rock star Roger McGuinn is going strong. On April 1, he performed at the popular DC music venue The Barns at Wolf Trap, where his one-man show wowed the packed house. McGuinn strolled out onto the stage singing “My Back Pages,” which was penned by his long-time friend Bob Dylan.
For the next hour and a half, the minstrel in the Stetson sat before a beautifully lit ruby backdrop surrounded by his favorite three guitars and a banjo. As he eloquently shared the history of folk music and told the story of his career, he sang and strummed dozens of the songs that he and The Byrds have made famous.
For the finale, he sang “May the Road Rise,” an old Irish blessing he turned into a ballad with his wife of more than three decades and official roadie, Camilla McGuinn. April 1, in fact, was their 33rd anniversary, and the inspiration for the name of their music label, April First Productions.
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April 2011, Be Inkandescent magazine — Whether you realize it or not, there is an incredible pharmacy in your kitchen — your spice rack. In fact, common herbs and spices have been used for their medicinal properties for centuries.
My Russian grandmother knew this. She donned her apron with dignity, acknowledging that her role in our family was — first and foremost — to be our health care provider. Her tools against what might ail us were all in her pantry.
Chicken soup to cure a cold or flu? Definitely. She knew that a generous use of parsley in the soup, dill with our potatoes, cinnamon and raisins in our oatmeal, would keep us healthy.
Similar examples are found in cultures and cuisines the world over. Indian grandmothers have been sprinkling turmeric into food for centuries. Scientists are now validating the fact that this fragrant yellow spice is a wonderful way to reduce inflammation. Cinnamon is a natural remedy for lowering cholesterol. Ginger is a great choice to heal the symptoms of colds and the flu.
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Mr. Edinger represents U.S. and international clients, handling all aspects and sizes of deals, including negotiating, documenting, coordinating due diligence for and closing U.S. and cross-border mergers and acquisitions, finance, and joint-venture transactions.
Mr. Edinger also advises debtor and creditor clients on workout, insolvency, and reorganization matters, as well as structuring, formation, and governance matters, including duties of directors and officers.
In addition, Mr. Edinger serves as outside general counsel to a number of small and medium-sized enterprises. After living in Istanbul for two years, Mr. Edinger has established a broad network of contacts in finance, business, and law in Southern Europe and Central Asia, particularly in Turkey, and he regularly arranges and staffs all aspects of deals, from identifying counterparties and professionals, initial discussions, and term sheets, to diligence, documentation, and consummation.
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March 2011, Counselor Magazine — Simplicity Urgent Care recently made news in Counselor Magazine regarding the promotional products they created to give to their patients. The marketing savvy doctors had their creative team put the Simplicity logo on lip balm, hand sanitizer, and refrigerator magnets — plus they mailed out brochures and postcards to thousands of residents living in the neighborhoods surrounding the urgent care center.
It helped draw attention. One patient, in fact, came in because a friend had given him a lip balm just days before he came down with the flu. Thanks to the fact that the logo and address were on the lip balm, the gentleman knew exactly where to go for treatment.
The docs give credit to Kelly Jan of CGMarketing, and the New York design firm run by Kelly Makes, for their help in creating these powerful marketing tools.
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March 29, 2011, Washington, DC — Edinger Associates founder and principal Brook Edinger announced today that he and his partner, J. Ladd Johnson, welcome Scott W. Woodworth as their new associate.
“Scott brings to Edinger Associates years of experience on communications issues, having represented clients before the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and other federal agencies,” Edinger explains. “In his impressive law career, he has represented broadcast, media, and other communications clients in all types of FCC rulemaking, application, and enforcement proceedings.”
Johnson adds, “We were also impressed that Scott had advised clients on media transactions, with an emphasis on FCC rules and policies, which is one of our key practice areas. We know he will be a valuable addition to our team.”
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March 29, 2011, Washington, DC — Brook Edinger and J. Ladd Johnson, of the Washington DC law firm Edinger Associates, are pleased to announce that Dag Wilksonson has joined their firm as senior counsel.
“With more than 25 years of experience as a large law firm partner and general counsel, Mr. Wilkinson brings to Edinger Associates a wealth of corporate finance, securities, transactional and executive expertise,” Edinger explains. “He has a proven track record of forging long-term working relationships with executive management teams.”
Mr. Wilkinson was previously Chief Legal Officer and Secretary of Capital Pacific Holdings, Inc., a publicly traded $600 million real-estate company based in Newport Beach, California, with operations in multiple states.
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March 28, 2011, Washington, DC — Having spent 25 years working as an educator and marketing executive, entrepreneur Robin McDougal married her understanding of education with her flair for fashion in 2001 when she founded e-GLAM, a company that manufactures fashionable business products and sells them to the wholesale market. Her mantra: “Pursue your dreams in style.”
Beginning April 1, she will take her skills and knowledge to a new level when she becomes the Leadership columnist for Be Inkandescent Magazine, an online business and lifestyle publication with 15,000 subscribers and more than 75,000 readers.
“I am very excited to be branching out into this area,” says McDougal, whose company creates beautiful and functional organizational laptop bags and briefcases that help business people move more easily through their busy days. “Business people are my customers. I have had the privilege of meeting some spectacular leaders who have taught me tremendous lessons about success, empowerment, and balancing work and life. I’ll be interviewing these savvy leaders for my column, and will also be interviewing them on my new blog radio show. My goal is inspire others and help propel them toward greatness.”
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By Hope Katz Gibbs
Founder & President
Inkandescent Public Relations
Greater visibility. That’s the goal of any public relations and marketing campaign. So what does it take to get out the good word about your company so you can build your business? Whether you are just starting out, are looking to increase sales, or need to rebrand your firm, click inside to read a dozen tips that will help you accomplish your communications goals.
1. Pick good PR partners. The first step in any strong communications campaign is to partner with the right creative team. Their track record for creating successful campaigns is important, but they must also share your vision, and have a style that dovetails with yours—or you’ll drive each other mad.
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Since March is Women’s History Month, each year we dedicate our March issue to the incredible work being done by female entrepreneurs.
As Dr. Helen Fisher explained in our February issue: “When women began returning to the workforce, the balance of power between the sexes shifted. And as more women graduate from college—not to mention earn as many PhDs as men—their economic and political power will only continue to grow.”
Head over to “www.beinkandescent.com,” to view the entire issue. You’ll find that all of our columnists this month are women, from our Entrepreneur of the Month Lee Woodruff, to our featured Leadership columnist, Joanna Barsh, the author of How Remarkable Women Lead, and our Truly Amazing Woman of the month, Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz.
But what does it mean to be a powerful woman? Like the heroine in the opera Carmen, illustrated above by Michael Gibbs, women make tough choices every day. This issue is dedicated to helping readers dive deeper into considering how to best ways to grow their companies, care for their families, and make time for themselves. Those who do it with grace and courage are profiled in the book I’m writing, Truly Amazing Women Who Are Changing the World. I invite you to click on the website for the book, www.trulyamazingwomen.com, to learn more, then send me an email to tell me about you and your work for possible inclusion: hope@inkandescentpr.com.
Here’s to seizing your power, and to crafting your personal definition of success. — Hope Katz Gibbs, Be Inkandescent
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March 10, 2011, CareerBuilder.com — “Can bad spelling ruin your chances of landing a job?,” asks CareerBuilder.com reporter Rachel Farrell. “Almost every time you hear about mistakes to avoid in your résumé or cover letter, you see the same things: lying about your experience, providing too much information or using the same generic résumé for every application. We also preach about spelling,” she writes.
“Excellent communication skills can pave the way to promotions for employees,” says Sharon Armstrong, president, Sharon Armstrong and Associates. “If you are a life-long learner, you’ll continue to work on the skills that will help you grow and develop. Any company that cares about their ‘brand’ will be put off by bad spelling. A company that cares about the details will want to always show a professional image.”
“Read the entire article here.:http://msn.careerbuilder.com/Article/MSN-2568-Job-Search-Can-bad-spelling-ruin-your-chances-of-landing-a-job/
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March 1, 2011 — Inkandescent Public Relations new client, artisan Stephanie Ponder of Seattle, WA says she has always liked to keep her hands busy.
“I’ve cycled through latch hook rugs, bubble gum wrapper chains, cross stitch, knitting and finally the pendants and other pieces made with resin,” she shares. “But when I saw examples of resin on Scrabble tiles, I knew it was something I had to try making. In the last couple of years, I’ve battled with errant bubbles, resin that doesn’t cure, and paper that isn’t sealed properly. Nonetheless, each imperfect piece was a learning opportunity.”
Today, she has mastered the art of adhering art to Scrabble tiles. “It’s amazing to see how an image will read when it’s reproduced in such a small format. It doesn’t hurt that the resin helps images pop. It’s also fun to see the effects of a little well-placed glitter.”
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March 2011, Be Inkandescent magazine — From “total you” empowerment conferences and women-in-business programs, to parent-focused seminars, health and wellness symposiums, and community sporting events, women-focused functions are all the rage.
Some standard elements inspire their success, however.
For instance, all these events seek to foster an environment of equality to create a safe and inviting atmosphere for attendees. They also strive to empower guests to share of themselves, and enable women to build camaraderie through business and personal networks. And, they often focus on specific women’s issues such as heart health and breast cancer awareness.
As a woman, I think that’s terrific. As an event organizer, I face a new challenge because a ballroom packed with women requires a special touch to ensure that the organizers and guests get the most of their time together. Whether the goal is to inspire, celebrate, or foster friendships, here are tips on how to make your guests feel at home.
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March 2011, Be Inkandescent magazine — These are truly stressful times. Regardless of your age, status, or accomplishments, we all have one goal: To find a sense of well-being.
While it is tempting to look outside ourselves for a supplement, the latest diet craze, the perfect exercise program, or a partner who can provide us with what we need, we all know that the real solution is to look within.
For women especially — even those who have a partner, the children they dreamed of, and work that makes them feel fulfilled — it is important to take time each day to listen to the wisdom inside. When we do, we will find she actually has quite a bit to say.
I would venture to guess on the top of her list is, KISS: Keep It Simple Sweetie.
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March 2011, Be Inkandescent Magazine — After spending 25 years working as an educator and marketing executive, Robin McDougal married her understanding of education with her flair for fashion in 2001 when she founded e-GLAM, a company that manufactures fashionable business products and sells them to the wholesale market. Her mantra: “Pursue your dreams in style.”
That philosophy put her in the company of Marie Osmond in 2008 when the pop icon hosted the American Heart Association’s Go Red For Women — Untold Stories of the Heart campaign.
“Participating in Go Red For Women provided me with an opportunity to combine my passion for education, women’s health, and fashion, with my desire to give back through e-GLAM,” says Robin. “It was an incredible opportunity to share my laptop handbags with the world.”
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Who says you can’t be smart, clever and beautiful all at the same time? Check out these great pendants by Stephanie Ponder. The Washington State artist is happy to create tiles that feature the images of your choice. Or pick one from her collection.
Price: $10 each, or 3 for $20.
Send Stephianie an email to order: seponder@hotmail.com.
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These big, beautiful barrettes can feature the images of your choice. Or pick one from Stephanie’s ready-made collection.
Fun and engaging, these never cease to get a conversation started.
Price: $15
Send Stephanie an email to order: seponder@hotmail.com.
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Need a little pick me up? Try this delicious recipe by Culinaria Cooking School Chef Robyn Alexander that features the subtle flavor of green tea. (Note: Matcha, which is Japanese powdered green tea, can be found in the tea section or the freezer section of many Asian grocery stores.)
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Chef Stephen Sands is the co-founder and CEO of Culinaria Cooking School.
A nuclear physicist for more than three decades, he began his culinary career in 1989 as the lead assistant for Francois Dionot, the director and founder of L’Academie de Cuisine in Bethesda, MD. Stephen assisted both L’Academie chefs, and visiting guest chefs, ensuring the execution of classes for the chefs was seamless; and assisted students in the participation classes with instruction and techniques during classes.
He graduated from L’Academie de Cuisine’s part-time professional program in 1996, and began teaching as a chef/instructor at the school. There, he developed curricula and original recipes for classes he taught at L’Academie. Stephen taught both demonstration and participation classes, and also instructed L’Academie’s private parties and team building events.
In 2004, Stephen formed Capital Food Partners, LLC, along with his business partner Pete Snaith, as a cooking school and catering company. He left L’Academie de Cuisine as a chef/instructor in the spring of 2009, and retired in March 2010 after working for 35 years as a nuclear engineer working for Westinghouse, Exxon, and NRC to pursue the development of the Culinaria Cooking School.
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Founded in 2008, Culinaria Cooking School brings together professional chefs and wine experts who want to share their passion for the culinary arts with the community.
Conveniently located in the heart of Vienna, VA, this state-of-the art facility will feature modern equipment for use by instructors and students.
The team includes (from left to right) Chef and CEO Stephen Sands, Office Manager Stefanie Sacripante, Chef and VP Pete Snaith, Chef Brian Batsel, Chef Robyn Alexander, Chef Bonita Woods, and Wine Director John Peters.
“Our classes are built around teaching the fundamentals of cooking,” says Chef Stephen Sands. “They appeal to novice chefs, seasoned cooks, and beginners. Not only do our classes emphasize food preparation, but we also teach the presentation aspects of the dishes you serve — and offer tips on how to entertain with style and class.”
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By Chef Marilena Leavitt
Introduction to Greek Cooking
Culinaria Cooking School
Welcome to the Greek table! I am excited to introduce Culinaria Cooking School students to an array of classes based on fresh, seasonal ingredients central to Greek cuisine.
March 18: Introduction to Greek Cooking. Students will learn to prepare foods that are the heart of any taverna menu, from tzatziki with zucchini fritters, to savory skewered meatballs with pita, to Greek peasant salad, to delicious almond cookies.
April 1: Cook with Fillo Dough. Students will learn to cook and bake with this versatile ingredient to make spanakopitakia, creamy chicken fillo pie, and mouthwatering baklava.
April 14: The Foods of the Greek Islands. In this class, students will make mini sesame bread rolls, olive tapenade, baked fresh fish wrapped in parchment paper, coriander potatoes, fennel and orange salad, and walnut spice cake.
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By Elise Museles
Mindful Meals and More
Culinaria Cooking School
Despite our fast-paced world, we need to slow down, prepare a home-cooked meal, and spend quality time with those we love.
Eating consciously and making simple lifestyle changes will not only release you from the endless cycle of dieting, it will calm and relax you so that you can enjoy the wonderful life that you have created.
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What’s love got to do with it? “When it comes to business, romance, and life in general, love is the engine that powers just about everything we do,” says our February Entrepeneur of the Month, Dr. Helen Fisher.
A world-renowned anthropologist and expert in the science of human attraction, Fisher wrote the questionnaire behind chemistry.com. Below you’ll find details about why we choose the mates, and business partners, that we do. In our Tips for Entrepreneurs column, she tells us when and why to trust our intuition.
Because February is the month of amore, we feature Rachel Machacek’s The Science of Single, a deliciously devilish account about her search for Mr. Right. Don’t miss Dr. John Maguire’s tips on heart health, the breathtaking wedding photos of Charlie Archambault, the work of personal historian Sherry Andersen, who preserves the legacy of loved ones on video, and our Truly Amazing Woman of the month, Anne Hastings, who runs Haiti’s largest micro-bank. To spark the romance, indulge in Culinaria Cooking School’s Valentine’s dinner menu, and learn to prepare a healthy elixir by our new Healthy Living columnist Jill Leslie.
From all of us at Be Inkandescent Magazine, here’s to an enchanted month! – Hope Katz Gibbs, Be Inkandescent • Illustration (of La Traviata) by Michael Gibbs, for the Virginia Opera.
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January 18, SHRM — “HR consulting is a relationship business, which can be both good and bad,” writes reporter Lin Grensing-Pophal in today’s issue of SHRM.
For the bright side, she interviewed Dr. Alice Waagen, founder and president of Workforce Learning, who explained: “I am very pleased when a client of mine leaves their current position to join a new organization. I see their transition as potentially increasing my client base with a new organization.”
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Happy Valentine’s Day! As I mentioned in my New Year’s Eve newsletter, I think it’s a shame to drink this effervescent gift from the gods only on fancy holidays. That said, I can’t imagine a better way to celebrate the joy of love than with a glass or two of champagne on February 14.
To add even more fun to the day, Chef Stephen Sands and I worked to pair some lovely champagnes with a menu of delicious dishes: Mussels with Avocado-Chili Cream; Steamed Corn Custard with Lobster; and Mixed Berries with Champagne Zabaglione.
Don’t know which champagne to pair with each course? Click here to view my primer, Champagne Supernova, which provides tips for choosing delicious, affordable bottles of bubbly.
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When I was a young boy growing up in an Italian family in New Jersey, food and cooking were an important part of life.
I spent countless hours in the kitchen watching my mother and grandmother prepare family recipes, which filled our home with the scent of old-world goodness.
As a teenager, I learned to prepare these wonderful traditional dishes so that I could share them with others. I then went on to study architecture in college, and learned design skills and how to make a perfect presentation.
I now blend my passions as a professional chef through my firm, Roberto’s Creative Cuisines, which provides in-home meal preparation and cooking classes, as well as caters dinner parties and corporate events.
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February 2011, Be Inkandescent magazine — I love romantic venues. Everything from big, open museums to well-lit art galleries, and private homes with spectacularly appointed interiors — each allows wedding guests to mix and mingle while celebrating the couple’s special day.
I know this from personal experience, as I tied the knot myself last fall. So it was an interesting exercise to apply to my wedding the advice that I offer to couples looking for the perfect venue: “Embrace your personality as a couple.”
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February 2011, Be Inkandescent magazine — It’s that time of year when shop windows are ablaze in red, and grocer’s shelves are stocked with hearts, flowers, wines, and candies.
While there’s nothing wrong with a glass of smooth merlot or a chunk of melt-in-your-mouth chocolate, with a little know-how you can choose healthier foods to ignite your passion — and not just on Valentine’s Day.
I know what you are thinking: “Aphrodisiacs as part of my daily routine? Oysters for breakfast, chocolate-covered strawberries for lunch, and a bit of bubbly for my afternoon pick me up?”
While our Western notions of aphrodisiacs may be enticing, those selections may not be the best way to balance the body, mind, and emotions.
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Simplicity Urgent Care is a neighborhood center that is open evenings and weekends, and never requires on appointment.
Located at 3263 Columbia Pike in Arlington, our goal is to provide a medical center where you can see a doctor any day of the week – whether you have insurance or not.
From treating sore throats and cold-and-flu symptoms to cuts and abrasions, strains and sprains, and urinary tract infections, the doctors on our staff provide fast, friendly care, as well as immunizations, X-rays, drug screenings, travel medicine, and more.
For more information, visit www.simplicityurgentcare.com.
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Arlington, VA, January 20, 2011 — Imagine a neighborhood urgent-care office that is open nights and weekends, and accepts major insurance. That’s Simplicity Urgent Care, located at 3263 Columbia Pike in Arlington, VA.
The founders, Dr. John Jones and Dr. John Maguire, were joined by Arlington County Board Chairman Christopher Zimmerman, and Arlington Chamber President Richard V. Doud, Jr., for an official ribbon-cutting ceremony.
“The Chamber is very excited to have a new urgent-care center in Arlington,” says Arlington Chamber President Rich Doud. “The facility is huge, incredibly clean, and very efficient. Those who choose Simplicity can rest assured that they’ll get the finest care.”
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January 19, 2011, Patch.com — Patch.com reporter Christine Neff featured Culinaria Cooking School in an article that explained CEO / Chef Stephen Sand’s belief anyone can cook and cook well – with the knowledge of basic techniques. “The techniques translate from country to country, recipe to recipe. If you have those, it doesn’t matter what you attempt,” Sands said.
Neff wrote, “This chef and retired engineer has been teaching cooking classes to people of all skill levels for many years now and claims to have never repeated a recipe in his courses.”
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Happy New Year! In this issue of our newsletter, we usher in 2011 with a feature article on page 2 by Trow & Rahal founder Linda Rahal, who encourages readers to Consider These New Questions Employers Must Answer on Revised Form I-129. This valuable guide will help employers seeking nonimmigrant visa status for foreign national employees.
In our Immigration Update on page 3, you’ll learn more about the Delayed Implementation of Deemed Export Requirement in Revised I-129 Petition. We also share details about the H-1B Cap, which is close to being reached.
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January 13, 2011, Washington, DC — Ladd Johnson, a partner at the Washington, DC-based law practice Edinger Associates, learned today that he was named one of Utah’s Legal Elite for 2011 by Utah Business Magazine.
“This is a prestigious list, and I am very pleased to have been recognized,” says Johnson, who has a wealth of experience representing public and private companies of all sizes in business and finance matters.
For nearly 10 years, Utah Business has published the Legal Elite list showcasing the state’s best-of-the-best lawyers, the editors explain. Each lawyer on the list received votes from numerous peers.
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By Dr. John Jones
Medical Director
Simplicity Urgent Care
It always seems to happen at 6 p.m. You left your happy, healthy baby at the daycare center this morning, and now you have a cranky baby with a runny nose, cough, and a fever. Since your pediatrician’s office is closed for the day, you know you can wait until morning to see a doctor, or take your child to the emergency department or urgent care center. But are you overreacting?
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By Chef Robyn Alexander
Director of Programs for Youth and Families
Culinaria Cooking School
Kids are usually more interested in eating an item if it’s something that they’ve made themselves. So, get busy with them in the kitchen. Here are six tips that work with my students and four children:
1. Work together to make their favorite restaurant meals from scratch. Cooking experiences make food more memorable, even if the meal is not cooked perfectly.
2. Let kids decide. Make personal pizzas on whole wheat dough with your own homemade red sauce, and let kids choose their own toppings. Sauces are a wonderful way to use “stealth” to make sure the healthy veggies are incorporated into a diet. Carrots, red peppers, onions, and even spinach have been known to make it into pizza sauce at our house.
3. Get silly with food. Make polka dot mashed potatoes (peas mixed in with mashed potatoes) or use skewers, shape cutters and fancy toothpicks to present a visually appealing meal.
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January 2011, Be Inkandescent magazine — Since planning and pulling off huge galas for nonprofit organizations is a large part of my business, this year I’ve been asked repeatedly: Are huge, expensive galas going out of style?
The simple answer is yes. And no. Some organizations are definitely rethinking throwing the ballroom event filled with giant TV screens, high-profile speakers, and cheerleaders (yes, cheerleaders) that annually asks supporters to whip out their black ties, diamonds, and checkbooks. Others, however, are sticking with the tried-and-true gala as a way to celebrate and show off the work they are doing with donors.
In fact, in December I was thrilled to see one of my clients who throws incredible annual galas have another fabulously successful event. The organization grossed more than $1 million at the event, which is obviously no small feat in the current economy. How did they do it?
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Happy 2011! This issue marks our second year publishing Be Inkandescent Magazine, so this month we look toward the future.
Philanthropy is our theme, and our three Entrepreneurs of the Month are the leaders of some the largest nonprofits in the country – The Nature Conservancy, The Community Foundation for the National Capital Region, and The Humane Society. Scroll down to read about their strategies for 2011, and learn what keeps them up at night.
You’ll find an overview of what lies ahead in our Nonprofit column. Nonprofit consultant, and author of “Give a Little,” Wendy Smith shares donation trends for the coming years. We also talked to DC Central Kitchen founder Robert Egger, the author of “Begging for Change,” and our November 2010 Entrepreneur of the Month.
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Happy New Year’s Eve! In anticipation of the big celebration on Friday night, you’ll find tips for picking the perfect bottle of bubbly in this week’s newsletter.
Personally, I think it’s a shame to drink this effervescent gift from the gods only on New Year’s Eve.
So I make a point to serve champagne and sparkling wines year-round, because bubbly sets the perfect mood for any celebratory event – from birthdays and anniversaries to graduation and Super Bowl Sunday.
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WEBSITE — Pavilion Medical Home Health & Staffing, LLC
Click image for larger view Writing / Concept by Hope Katz Gibbs
Website design / coding / database by Gregg Hurson, Top Shelf Design
About Pavilion Medical Home Health
Pavilion Medical Home Care is a leading home healthcare and staffing agency, licensed in Virginia and certified by Medicare / Medicaid. From our offices in Annandale and Manassas, VA, we provide a full range of home healthcare and skilled nursing services to hundreds of individuals and dozens of institutions throughout Northern Virginia.
Independent, objective and qualitative measurements show that after Pavilion Medical Home Care has completed its treatments, our patients report having increased functional capacity, improved bladder control, better ability to bathe themselves, improved ability to correctly take oral medications, improved or healed wounds, and less tasking effort to live independently.
For every patient, we devise a comprehensive care plan, addressing patient needs and guardian concerns. We are dedicated to upholding the Patients Bill of Rights, and provide services 24 hours a day / seven days a week.New patients, including permanent placements, are admitted within 24 hours. We also recognize the comfort that comes from communicating in one’s native tongue; our staff is fluent in English. Filipino, Korean, and Spanish.
Website design / Eileen O’Tousa-Crowson
Writing / Concept by Hope Katz Gibbs
Website coding / database by Max Kukoy
About Workforce Learning, LLC
Workforce Learning is a leadership development company, founded in 1997 by Dr. Alice Waagen, which provides managers and C-level executives with the skills and knowledge they need to build a more productive work environment.
Prior to founding Workforce Learning, Alice served as Senior Director of Corporate Training for Amtrak in Washington DC and Director Education, Training & Development for Freddie Mac in McLean VA. In both of those positions, Alice created and implemented workplace development programs that served her internal clients from the shop floor to the executive suite.
Her passion for working with organization leaders to identify their successful HR programs and practices as well as to develop new programs that increase leader effectiveness. In the past three years, more than 125 leaders from 24 different organizations have graduated from Alice’s unique leadership development workshop series.
Alice is frequently called on to present on topics of organizational learning best practices. She has spoken at the International Personnel Management Association (IPMA) annual conference, numerous chapter meeting of the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), American Association for Training & Development (ASTD), the Association of Fundraising Professional (AFFP) and the American Legal Association (ALA).
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My professional life is well documented on my website, which got a facelift this month. I do hope you will go there for a visit: www.workforcelearning.com My other life is something that may come as a surprise to many. It is my passion for the visual arts. The only evidence of my artistic life is the mention in my bio that I have a doctoral degree in art education.
How did I make the transition from art teacher to business owner? That is a story for another newsletter, but suffice it to say that as my business has grown, I have increasingly felt the need to bring the two parts of myself together. So earlier this fall, I participated in a 12-week intensive study at the Smithsonian American Art Museum (SAAM). Beginning in January, I will be a videoconference docent, presenting interactive art-appreciation talks with schools throughout the United States using artworks from the SAAM collection.
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As 2010 comes to a close, we reflect on the interesting work we’ve done this year – as well as changes in the immigration law that have made an impact on our clients.
In this month’s Immigration Update, for instance, you’ll find that USCIS has issued a new version of the Petition for Nonimmigrant Worker (Form I-129), which pertains to employers seeking nonimmigrant visa status for foreign national employees. There are significant changes, so be sure to review the information on page 3 of this newsletter.
On page 2, you’ll find an article about our Of Counsel attorney, Laurie Volk. An accomplished attorney and equestrian, she combines her skills as an immigration lawyer with her passion for the horse world. We think you’ll be as impressed by her interesting work as we are.
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Attention all carnivores: In this issue of our weekly newsletter, you’ll find three recipes that are sure to please.
They came from my cookbook, “The Street Chef,” and I do hope you’ll enjoy preparing this hearty, simple meal.
Rack of Lamb Stuffed With Brandied Apricots
Perfect Mashed Potatoes
Grilled Asparagus With Butter and Lemon
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Tune in to WUSA9 at noon on Thursday, December 16 at noon when Chef Stephen Sands of Culinaria Cooking School will give a demonstration of Hazelnut Linzer Torte With Fresh Raspberries.
For more great recipes, sign up for one of Culinaria’s December classes. And be sure to buy a gift certificate for all of your family and friends for classes in the upcoming winter session. From Italian to Sushi, Baking to Knife Skills, each class will help improve your cooking. Click here to buy a gift certificate.
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When you have a house filled with guests at holiday time, the last thing you want to do is spend the whole party in the kitchen. On the attached pages, you’ll find three of my favorite appetizers. They are easy to make, and can be prepared ahead of time. Plus, they are all packed with veggies.
Be sure to sign up for one of Culinaria Cooking School’s December classes, which are listed at the right. Most of our classes are three-hour sessions that run about $65 each.
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Believe it or not, pumpkin pie, cornbread, roasted turkey, and other traditional Thanksgiving fare weren’t actually part of the original meal enjoyed by the Pilgrims. Back in 1621, potatoes were unavailable, and butter and oil were scarce. There were no ovens, and roasting on a spit over a fire took hours. But the pilgrims wanted to celebrate the end of the drought that revived their crop of corn and fruits with their neighbors, the Wampanoags.
In the spirit of collaboration, the Native Americans brought five deer, adding to a meal of stewed boiled fowl, lobster and fish, corn and wheat breads, dried fruits and pumpkin, boiled vegetables, and water to drink. About 150 people enjoyed the feast, which lasted three days. Now that’s a celebration!
Like the Pilgrims, we have much to be thankful for here at Culinaria Cooking School. More than 400 friends, family members, and new students turned out to our grand opening on Nov. 7, and we thank you all for that incredible show of support.
As our gift to you, click on the numbers at the top of this newsletter to find eight pages of Thanksgiving recipes, plus our holiday wine tips (page 10).
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Washington, DC, November 18, 2010 — Join Robin Strongin and her Disruptive Women bloggers on December 1 at The Kreeger Museum for a night of art and music when she hosts the 2010 Disruptive Women holiday event, “Music & Art Therapy: A Demonstration in Healing.”
“I designed this special holiday event with a singular purpose in mind: to help people understand the enormous evidence-based power of the arts to heal — mentally, physically, and spiritually,” says Strongin, the creator of the Disruptive Women in Health Care Blog (www.disruptivewomen.net) and the president and CEO of the Washington, DC, firm Amplify Public Affairs (www.amplifypublicaffairs.net.)
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Arlington VA, December 7, 2010 — Veteran emergency room doctors John Jones and John Maguire have opened Simplicity Urgent Care, a neighborhood medical center located at 3263 Columbia Pike that allows patients with or without insurance to see a doctor without an appointment.
“Urgent care is for accidents and illnesses that require a doctor’s attention, but not a trip to the emergency room,” explains Dr. Jones, an emergency department physician at INOVA Fair Oaks Hospital, who is certified in both pediatric and adult emergency care. “From colds and flu to minor injuries and urinary tract infections, our physicians will specialize in fast, friendly care. That also includes immunizations, x-rays, drug screenings, travel medicine, and more.”
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WEBSITE — Workforce Learning, LLC
Click image for larger view Website design / Eileen O’Tousa-Crowson
Writing / Concept by Hope Katz Gibbs
Website coding / database by Max Kukoy
About Workforce Learning, LLC
Workforce Learning is a leadership development company, founded in 1997 by Dr. Alice Waagen, which provides managers and C-level executives with the skills and knowledge they need to build a more productive work environment.
Prior to founding Workforce Learning, Alice served as Senior Director of Corporate Training for Amtrak in Washington DC and Director Education, Training & Development for Freddie Mac in McLean VA. In both of those positions, Alice created and implemented workplace development programs that served her internal clients from the shop floor to the executive suite.
Her passion for working with organization leaders to identify their successful HR programs and practices as well as to develop new programs that increase leader effectiveness. In the past three years, more than 125 leaders from 24 different organizations have graduated from Alice’s unique leadership development workshop series.
Alice is frequently called on to present on topics of organizational learning best practices. She has spoken at the International Personnel Management Association (IPMA) annual conference, numerous chapter meeting of the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), American Association for Training & Development (ASTD), the Association of Fundraising Professional (AFFP) and the American Legal Association (ALA).
December 6, 2010, US News & World Report — Congratulations to our client, and Be Inkandescent Events columnist, Roxanne Rukowicz Ladd of Behind the Scenes Events, who was quoted in US News and World Report this week about “Best Careers in 2011.”
Roxanne said: “Take every opportunity to break into the field, even if it means catering or volunteering with a florist. You’ll build an appreciation for the time on your feet and what it takes to pull off a gig. All experience is good experience and will serve you well in becoming a more rounded candidate for a position.”
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As 2010 comes to a close, our thoughts turn to the future. Experts and entrepreneurs agree that no matter what your business is, you’ll increasingly be impacted by globalization.
That’s why we asked Tom Adams, CEO of Rosetta Stone to be our December Entrepreneur of the Month. As the leader of an international language-learning software firm, he believes that American companies that don’t get on the global bandwagon will certainly be left behind. “While it’s obviously important to speak more than one language, it’s also critical to understand other cultures, employ people from foreign countries, and look five or 10 years ahead—or risk being left in the dust,” he says. Click here to read more the entire interview.
Also in this issue:
From all of us at Be Inkandescent Magazine, here’s to your success in 2011.
Illustration (above) by Michael Gibbs: www.michaelgibbs.com
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November 26, 2010, Colesville Patch — Got the Black Friday Blues? In today’s issue of the Colesville Patch, reporter Catherine Krikstan offers salvation in her article about The Bagelry, owned by Steven and Tracy Brecher.
“When it comes to Thanksgiving, most people are concerned with just one meal: dinner. But when stomachs start to rumble for breakfast on Black Friday, Colesville residents can turn to the Bagelry,” Krikstan writes.
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November 23, 2010, TDB.com — In today’s issue of TDB Neighborhoods, reporter Rebecca Cooper writes about Simplicity Urgent Care, the newest medical office on 3263 Columbia Pike Arlington, VA, which opened its doors on Nov. 22.
“Co-founder, Dr. John Jones, says he hopes people will take advantage of the clinic’s services during the upcoming week if their regular doctors are unavailable due to the holiday,” she said.
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Magazine cover design by Eileen O’Tousa-Crowson
Client: Washingtonian Magazine
Title: “Great Dates,” February 2010
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Magazine article design by Eileen O’Tousa-Crowson
Client: Washingtonian Magazine
Title: “Inside Man”
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Design by Eileen O’Tousa-Crowson
Client: Washingtonian Magazine
Title: “100 Very Best Restaurants”
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Design by Eileen O’Tousa-Crowson
Client: Washingtonian Magazine
Title: Washingtonian’s Bride & Groom Magazine
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“Imagine that your foreign-born client has been an American citizen since birth — but does not know it,” writes attorney Steve Trow in this month’s issue of our newsletter. “Perhaps the client tells you one of his parents was American, but he is not. Or he used to be an American citizen, but he lost that citizenship when he became a citizen of another country.” While your client may be certain he is right, Trow suggests that he or she could be wrong. Click here to learn more about The Accidental American Citizen.
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By Victoria Tran
Senior, Fairfax High School
2010-2011 Student School Board Representative
Like the other articles in this month’s issue of Close-Up, I wrote about diversity — but from a student’s point of view. When I think about what has it been like growing up in a multicultural community such as Fairfax City, my answer is simple. it has defined who I am. Because of my exposure to different people, ideas, and beliefs at an early age, I have become more open-minded and more knowledgeable of the many different cultures that coexist in our community. I am so grateful to have been given this opportunity to grow up in one of the most diverse regions in the world.
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November 11, 2010, Vienna Connection — Soon after Culinaria Cooking School opened its doors on Nov. 7, Vienna Connection reporter Donna Manz wrote an article noting:
“Hundreds of friends, family and supporters turned out to celebrate with the owners and staff and share. An array of sweet and savory finger foods and bottles of flowing wine didn’t hurt the camaraderie, either.
“Between the two co-founders, there is more than thirty years of culinary experience, and many of the guests go back 20 to 30 years with co-founders Stephen Sands and Pete Snaith.”
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Culinaria’s Thanksgiving Feast 2010
For starters:
Parsnip Soup w/ Truffle Oil
Pair with:
The main course:
Brined Spice-Cured Roast Turkey
Pair with:
On the side:
- Brussels Sprouts with Apple, Bacon & Pine Nuts
- Cranberry Pinot Noir Relish
- Red-Wine Braised Cabbage and Onions
- Roasted Sweet-Potatoes Spears with Turkey Bacon Vinaigrette
- Sausage Chestnut Stuffing
For dessert:
Delicata Squash Tart
Pair with:
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Since this is the month of Thanksgiving, we want to take the opportunity to celebrate the power and importance of giving.
Research shows that your brain actually lights up when you give, writes author Wendy Smith in Give a Little: How Your Small Donations Can Transform Our World. “Researchers at the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke found that something in our brains shaped by evoalution allows us to feel joy when we do good things,” she says. “It’s a biological force.” Read our review of her book.
Also in this issue, you’ll learn about several incredible non-profit organizations including the Maasai Girls Education Fund, The Center for Wilderness Safety, and the World Food Programme, which is run by our Truly Amazing Woman of the month, Josette Sheeran.
The pièce de résistance of this issue is the November Entrepreneur of the Month, Robert Egger, the founder of the DC Central Kitchen, and author of the inspiring book, “Begging for Change.” He teaches us the dollars and sense of making non-profits responsive, efficient, and rewarding for all. As industrialist and philanthropist Warren Buffett says: “Anything not worth doing well is not worth doing.”
Here’s to giving it your all. — Hope Katz Gibbs
Editor & publisher, Be Inkandescent Magazine
Founder, Inkandescent Public Relations
Illustration (above) by Michael Gibbs, www.michaelgibbs.com
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WEBSITE — GED program at Fairfax County Public Schools
Click image for larger view Writing / Concept by Hope Katz Gibbs
Website design by Michael Gibbs
Website coding / database by Max Kukoy
About the GED Program
The General Educational Development (GED) test gives students an opportunity to complete their high school credential and move forward to post secondary or training centers. Once completed, a GED credential shows colleges and employers that a person has the skills that are expected of a high school graduate.
The GED tests cover the five subjects that are taught in high school: Language Arts, Writing and Reading; Social Studies, Science, and Mathematics. Each test and section are timed based on the difficulty of each section.
As the test taker, you are not required to know all the information that is usually taught in high school. However, you will be tested on your ability to read and process information, solve problems, and communicate effectively.
You are in good company. Others who earned their GED credential include Bill Cosby, Dave Thomas of Wendy’s, Alicia Silverstone, Gretchen Wilson(country/western singer); Michael J Fox; Christian Slater, Ben Nighthorse Campbell(retired US Senator) and the former Surgeon General of the United States of America.
Bring your friends, bring your family, and bring your appetite to Culinaria Cooking School this Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. for our Grand Opening Bash!
Our address: 110 Pleasant St. NW, Vienna, VA 22180
Please RSVP: 703-865-7920
We’ll be serving: Polpettine with Pomodoro Sauce (little meatballs) •Dumplings w/ Dipping Sauces •Caramelized Onion w/ Gorgonzola in Fillo Cups •Flank Steak Crostini •Flat Bread w/ Mushroom & Gruyere •Mini Margherita Pizza •Cup Cakes w/ Strawberry or Chocolate •Smoked Salmon Mousse in Cucumber Cups •Italian Vino-Sausage Bites •Bruschetta w/ Olive Tapenade & Roasted Peppers •Southwestern Bruschetta •Baked Stuffed Brie w/ Cranberry Relish •Sprouted Lentil Dhal in a Pastry Shell
Check out our brand new digs and meet our chefs. You’ll find their bios below.
Also below, you’ll find a list of our fall classes, including individual sessions on cooking regional Italian dishes, tapas from Spain, and crepes. There is also an array of wine classes to choose from, and plenty of classes for teens who will learn to make Chinese food, cookies and quick breads. You’ll also see that we have classes for couples, Ladies Lunch Bunch, team building opportunities for businesses, and more.
We look forward to seeing you on Sunday! – Chef and CEO Stephen Sands, Office Manager Stefanie Sacripante, Chef and VP Pete Snaith, Chef Brian Batsel, Chef Robyn Alexander, Chef Bonita Woods, and Wine Director John Peters.
Visit us online: www.culinariacookingschool.com • Send us an email: info@culinariacookingschool.com
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November 8, 2010, Colesville Patch — In today’s issue of the Colesville Patch, reporter Rob H. writes about the new owner of The Bagelry, Steven Brecher, who took over the popular bagel shop from former owners last month.
He writes: “Just learned that The Bagelry on Vital Way changed hands a couple of weeks ago. Inquiring Colesvillians (and longtime Bagelry customers) want to know who’s new and where our old friends are going! Last month, the former owners of The Bagelry sold the landmark breakfast shop. After seven years of ownership, Ricky and Neva Silverstein decided that running the restaurant had become far too tough.”
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November 2010, Be Inkandescent magazine — I have a friend who is a mentor to many. Yes, he is well-liked and well-known. He is an excellent sales man and a consummate gentleman. In fact, some might say he is business in Greater Washington. But I have long since believed these are not the attributes that draw so many individuals his way. Instead, it is his philosophy that one can do well in business by doing good in the community, that pulls so many people close.
And at the end of the day, aren’t most people looking for a larger sense of accomplishment? We all want to know that not only did our work yield a positive to your stakeholders, but that at the same time, the work positively impacted the community at large.
Fortunately, more organizations than ever before are integrating the concept of corporate citizenship or Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) into their core culture and values.
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Welcome to the October issue of my newsletter, in which we spell out the steps to ensure you shop for the right solution to your staffing needs. Case in point is a good friend of mine, who told me recently about a very bad day she had at work. She had to fire a staff member who was not performing the job he was hired to do. In fact, his performance wasn’t up to the most minimal of standards.
We talked a bit about the endless days of training and guidance that ended in the termination, and finally my friend asked me: “How can I learn how to do a better job of firing someone? They always end in tears, with me feeling guilty, as if it was my fault that the person was not the right fit for the job. What am I doing wrong?”
My quick response: “You have the right goal but are asking the wrong questions. You don’t need to learn how to fire someone. You need to learn how to hire the right person so that the firing never happens.”
In my experience, most of the information available on hiring focuses on interviewing skills. And while conducting a good interview is certainly important, click here to read HR / career expert Sharon Armstrong’s 100 Best Interview Questions, interviewing skills won’t help if there is a mismatch between your expectations for the job and how it is described in the hiring process.
Click inside: You’ll find tips on how to create what we call in the HR business an “organizational resource strategy.” You’ll also meet Gina Schaeffer, owner of a string of ACE Hardware stores in Washington, DC, who not only has mastered the art of hiring well. And, you’ll read about “What the Dog Saw: And Other Adventures,” by Malcolm Gladwell.
Here’s to a wonderfully successful remainder of Q4. I’ll talk to you again in December.
Alice Waagen, President
Workforce Learning
alice@workforcelearning.com.
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Text by Hope Katz Gibbs, www.InkandescentPR.com
Design by Jerry Lustan, www.surface2.com
“The secret of a happy marriage is finding the right person; and you know it’s right if you love to be with them all of the time. But I wouldn’t keep him around long if I didn’t feed him well.” — Julia Child
At Culinaria Cooking School, we want your marriage to last a lifetime. Whether you are recently engaged, a newlywed, or a couple of old lovebirds hoping to spice up your culinary skills — our chefs will help you unlock new flavors and aromas, and teach you the secrets of preparing fine food.
From couples dinners to wine classes, bachelorette parties and more, sign up today for a fabulously fun cooking class that is sure to bring you closer. And do bring your friends. This is the gift that keeps on giving. Cheers to your happiness!
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Ad copy by Hope Katz Gibbs, www.inkandescentpr.com
Design by Baltimore & Washington DC’s Best Lawyers
Photo by Steve Barrett
Employers have turned to this mid-sized DC law firm since 1993 for advice on immigration policies and strategies, compliance issues, and to obtain visas and green cards for executives and employees.
The firm also has niche practice areas including obtaining visas for foreign athletes, developed by Linda Rahal, a triathlete who applies the same winning strategies to her clients as she does to her races.
Cynthia Hemphill assists performing artists and the entertainment industry with their immigration needs, and collaborates with Laurie Volk to provide visa services to the equine community.
Steve Trow heads the EB-5 investor green card practice and focuses on immigration solutions for high net worth clients. He works with tax attorneys and financial advisors to develop tax-efficient immigration and citizenship solutions, both inbound into the U.S. and outbound when clients choose to terminate their U.S. status. Steve speaks regularly at conferences for tax and financial advisors worldwide, including the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP).
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Parsnip Soup With Truffle Oil
What you’ll need:
2-3 T. unsalted butter
1-2 lbs. parsnips, peeled and chopped
1 medium leek, washed well and chopped
1 large onion, diced
1 medium carrot, peeled and chopped
1 small stalk celery, chopped
2 quarts chicken stock or vegetable stock
1 bay leaf
2 cups heavy cream, or low-fat sour cream, or yogurt, as an option
salt & pepper, to taste
finely grated nutmeg, to taste
2 T. white truffle oil
Butternut Squash and Apple Soup
What you’ll need:
1 cup washed, sliced leeks, white and pale green parts only
3 T. unsalted butter
1 T. minced garlic
12 cups diced yellow onion
6-7 cups roasted butternut squash
3 cups granny smith apples, peeled and roughly diced
2 T. toasted spice rub
8 cups chicken stock
2 cups heavy cream
salt & pepper, to taste
3 tsp. olive oil
1 large peeped apple, sliced thinly for garnish
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Change is in the air this October.
Click inside to page 2 to find a feature article about the immigrant visa allocation system. We’ll tell you about the September 22, 2010, meeting where Charles Oppenheim explained the process used to assign priority dates and provided background in the applicable law. We’ll also share his predictions about the progression of visa numbers over the next few months. Oppenheim is Chief of the Visa Control and Reporting Division of the Visa Office at the U.S. Department of State (DOS).
On page 3, you’ll find our Immigration Updates, where among other changes, you’ll learn that the USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services) has changed its filing fees and extended the validity period of advance parole.
All of us at Trow & Rahal are available to help with your immigration-related needs. Don’t hesitate to call for more information: 202-537-4830. — info@trowlaw.com
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Oct. 18, 2010, Daily HR Solution — Today’s Daily HR Solution entry featured Dr. Alice Waagen, president and founder of the management training company, Workforce Learning.
In a Q&A with author Mary White, Alice answered a handful of questions including:
What are some of the unique challenges HR practitioners face when it comes to working with managerial level employees?
Alice said: Since the human resource manager’s main job is to keep the company safe from a liability lawsuit, we become de facto managers when the managers don’t manage well. And it happens all the time. In fact, in an interview with Inc. magazine in August, I told reporter Darren Dahl that for managers to succeed, the most important part of their job is to be accountable for results. For example, a good manager creates short- and long-term goals for all staff, and then sets realistic standards and targets to measure progress to plan. And, he or she needs to provide specific and objective feedback on an ongoing basis, which informs, enlightens and helps staff members improve their performance.
Remember, it’s the job of all senior staff members to monitor the rest of the team for compliance issues. When they fail to do this, lawsuits can occur — and that’s when HR must step in to minimize corporate exposure and liability. But the first line of defense is the management team, and they need to be pros.
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September 2010 — Video producer Ann-Marie McHugh, produced this video of Nell Merlino’s “Make Mine a Million $ Business” conference. View it here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HGqNHjE6IvA
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October 7, 2010, The Wall Street Journal — In today’s issue of the Wall Street Journal, reporter Emily Maltby interviewed five small business owners for an article entitled, “Preparing for a Double Dip.”
“Many business owners are worried that the economy will get worse before it gets better,” she wrote. “Here’s how some are readying their companies for a double dip.
Read more here.
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“Inspiration and genius — one and the same,” said French poet and playwright Victor Hugo.
Indeed. Often referred to as “an unconscious burst of creativity,” inspiration literally means breathed upon. The Greeks believed that inspiration came from the muses. The Ancient Norse thought inspiration derived from the god Odin. In the Hebrew Book of Amos, the prophet speaks of being overwhelmed by God’s voice and compelled to speak. In Christianity, inspiration is considered a gift of the Holy Spirit.
In the October issue of Be Inkandescent Magazine, our Entrepreneur of the Month Steven Schussler is sure to breathe inspiration into your day. The founder of the Rainforest Cafe and CEO of Schussler Creative has a new book out called, “It’s a Jungle in There: Inspiring Lessons, Hard-Won Insights and Other Acts of Entrepreneurial Daring.” You’ll also be inspired by Schussler’s favorite nonprofit, Smile Network International.
And that’s not all. In this issue, our 14 columnists provide ideas and insights that we believe will fuel your imagination, touch your heart, and feed your entrepreneurial spirit.
Here’s to your incredible success! — Hope Katz Gibbs
Editor & Publisher, Be Inkandescent Magazine
Founder, Inkandescent Public Relations
Illustration (above) by Michael Gibbs, www.mglenwood.com
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October 4, 2010, HealthCastle.com — Chef Stephen Sand’s recipe for Celeriac Bisque with Shiitakes is the recipe of the month for the online nutrition website HealthCastle.com.
Editors explain: “It is probably fair to say that celeriac is one of the most ignored root vegetables in North America. Its unglamorous appearance does not do its flavor justice – its crisp texture, as well as its celery and parsley-like flavor, is a great addition to any dish that goes well with celery. October is the time to try this strange-looking root vegetable, as it is generally available from October through April.
Read more here: www.healthcastle.com, and click on the link below to Read More, where you’ll find the recipe for this delicious Fall dish.
To sign up for a class at Culinaria Cooking School, visit www.culinariacookingschool.com.
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Smith Fairfield, Inc. conceptualizes, coordinates, and produces special events, grand openings, meetings, conferences, trade shows, and exhibitions ranging from the Academy Awards Oscar Viewing and Post Party held in Beverly Hills, California to Presidential Inaugurations held in Washington, D.C.
Our experience covers every size, scope and type of special event. With an eye for detail and an appreciation of the special touches that make events memorable, we know the event sites that fit the character of each unique experience. Through imaginative stage design and set constructions, special effects, lighting, sound and program production, Smith Fairfield, Inc. masterfully creates an atmosphere that captivates audiences from beginning to end.
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Smith Fairfield, Inc. assists clients in building and developing close ties to Washington’s decision-makers, including individuals in the Executive Branch, U.S. Congress, and the federal government.
Smith Fairfield, Inc. represents client interests before government officials and agencies, monitors legislation, arranges meetings with officials, builds ally group coalitions and working groups on legislative issues and drafts positioning papers. Furthermore, we know how to leverage our contacts through direct lobbying, the media, grassroots support, and viral messages passed through social networking medians.
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