The Joy Writer PR

Joy Kennelly updates - VOX DJs, #Hermosa Beach City Council Elections, #LA Fashion Week, etc

By Joy A. Kennelly

I have been slammed pulling together the pieces of VOX DJs/VOX Entertainment's 25th Year Anniversary party in a month which is why I haven't been blogging much here. Writing, editing, and preparing press kit materials takes time and am happy to report - this PR effort is almost finished!

I just posted a blog showcasing some of VOX career highlights for your reading and viewing pleasure here: www.thejoywriter.typepad.com

If you're at all interested in attending their 25th Year Anniversary Celebration this Saturday, November 14th, please RSVP asap as space is limited and we're nearing capacity. It's going to be a blast - an evening of memories and music!

Here's the invite I wrote with all the details:

As we celebrate the

25th Anniversary of VOX DJs and VOX Entertainment,

Thank you for making us a success!

 Shawn Sedlacek & KC Campbell invite you to

A Night to Remember

VOX Celebrates 25 Years!

Featuring

Shawn's band "Run 4 Cover"

DJ+Drummer duo "DJ Raw Styles vs. Kaumyar"

Past and Present VOX DJs performances

 8:00pm

Saturday, November 14

Manhattan Country Club

1330 Parkview Avenue

Manhattan Beach, CA 90266

 Upscale Beach Attire

Free admission, Cash bar

 RSVP to: Annie McAllister 310.535.5510 ext 301 or annie (at) thevoxgroup (dot) com

In addition to promoting this event I was also stumping politically on my blog for two Hermosa Beach Candidates, Jeff Duclos and Howard Fishman, helping prepare for a huge Family Fall Festival, and attending numerous LA Fashion Week events which I was also writing up.

My candidates were elected, I saw some amazing fashion (still have to cover the most amazing designer of them all - Kevan Hall) which you can read highlights on my personal blog: Pure, Unadulterated Joy. The festival was also a hit.

So, now back to job hunting. If you hear of any opportunities in public relations, digital marketing or speaking engagements, please let me know!

Hope to see you Saturday!

VOX DJs & Signature Magazine July Party, and other news

By Joy A. Kennelly

Some quick updates. VOX DJs recently could be caught spinning during Signature Magazine's July Issue party at Palihouse which featured Cover Model/Actress AnnaLynne McCord.  A good time was had by all.

Here's some highlights:

   

My efforts to build my LinkedIn profile have paid off. I have just been invited to do two presentations on blogging for professional women's organizations this Fall. Now to put it together.:)

I've been blogging since 2006 and feel like I should be able to give those unfamiliar with what's involved some basic knowledge to get started. Really looking forward to it!

I had a death in the family which put me back a bit in my job search, but am back on track now. Starting to begin plotting my August Mixer with VOX DJs which I'm looking forward to producing. Time to re-connect with people face-to-face!:)

That's all for now. Enjoy your weekend.

Linkedin is my new career playground and other thoughts

By Joy A. Kennelly

Since most influential professionals who speak regularly at conferences have 500+ contacts on Linkedin, I've decided to beef up my connections which has been fun re-connecting with people I've lost touch with over the years and new people I'd like to stay in touch with now.

I'm up to 300+ in less than a week and look forward to even more once I get out there networking in full force. It's been especially gratifying to have old friends, former participants of my film festival years ago either as a judge, an advisory board member, or filmmaker, and business friends met recently respond so favorably.

I've always been told I know a lot of people and now I'm beginning to see they are right! It's fun to see what everyone has been up to since we last communicated which is why I enjoy reaching out so much.

I've been rather busy moving and I'll admit, playing with my visiting sister and nieces I haven't seen in a long time, which is why I haven't been writing much. Plus, my remaining clients have been too busy to give me what I need to do my job for them which is fine.

Once they do, we'll move at warp speed and it's all good. I just have to wait...

Enjoyed attending Lewis Howe's Linkedin event tonight at Busby's and ironically enough met a guy who had never even used Linkedin before. He worked for the Clippers so I forgave him. I don't think most sports people are into technology which makes them fun to hang out with because it mixes things up.

Okay, that's all. More as soon as it happens.:) Oh, and if you're on Linkedin, add me! Love to network with you.

BizBash Expo, VOX DJs, Bolthouse/Vox Events and other news

By Joy A. Kennelly

Quick updates - The First Responder's Congress and the Long Beach Taco Festival will not be happening this year -- Just in case you were planning to attend, or wanted to cover it. Economy strikes again.

Moving right along....

My Financial Expert client, Steve Bloch of MHB Financial Group, has been formally presented to a diverse and extensive group of media and business owners. This has already proven successful seeing as he has been invited to participate in a local speaking engagement as a direct result of my PR efforts.

I'll keep you posted. A little sad to finalize our time together due to my desire to close my business, but excited to see what happens for him in the future.

Best wishes Steve!

Recently attended the intimate Biz Bash Expo and Awards Show in Downtown LA at the LA Mart representing my DJ client, VOX DJs to learn the latest news in the event world and see certain event professionals I admire be honored.

If the name VOX DJs sounds familiar, it should. This DJ/MC entertainment company has been serving Los Angeles for 25 years!

Here's their story:

VOX DJs Company Backgrounder

VOX DJs started in 1984 as a hobby by Musician/Founder Shawn Sedlacek and quickly grew into a successful business with performances at over 1,500 events by more than 40 DJs over the span of 25 years.

Focused on achieving the best customer experience, VOX DJs offers entertainment for weddings, corporate events, Bar/Bat Mitzvahs, colleges and universities, private parties, and "residencies" at some of LA's finest nightclubs, restaurants, and lounges.

Current CEO/ DJ/MC KC Campbell began his career with VOX DJs at an early age when Shawn discovered KC at a local Manhattan Beach Intermediate (MBI) middle school dance and offered him a job after noticing his love for music and outgoing personality.

Even at that young age, KC quickly became one of VOX DJs most highly requested DJs.  After graduating from

Mira Costa High School in Manhattan Beach,

KC left to attend the University of Colorado, Boulder

where he majored in Communications and continued DJ’ing and performing. 

After graduation, KC returned home to Manhattan Beach

to head the DJ division of VOX Entertainment, Inc.  From 2000 to 2007, under his leadership and guidance, KC helped build VOX DJs from 3 DJs and 150 events a year to 10 DJs and over 400 events a year. 

In 2008, KC Campbell purchased VOX DJs from Shawn and launched it as a separate, yet strategic partner, of Shawn’s newly merged company, Bolthouse/VOX Events, a full-service Event Production Company based in Hollywood, CA.

.

KC remains intimately involved in every detail of running VOX DJs to ensure a positive customer experience for each and every event.  KC oversees the sales and booking of events, the assignment of specific DJs to each event, the training of newly hired DJs and MCs to VOX DJs performance standards, and the execution of all events.

Upon acquiring VOX DJs, KC hired Roderick Gaerlan as the Operations Manager for VOX DJs due to his previous experience running R.A.W. Entertainment, a successful DJ/MC Production and Event Company in the San Francisco Bay Area.

 Together, this dynamic duo of KC Campbell/ AKA “DJ Kace Logic” and Roderick Gaerlan/ AKA “DJ Raw Styles” continue the legacy started by Founder Shawn Sedlacek in building VOX DJs into a powerhouse DJ/MC entertainment company.

 Known throughout Los Angeles

for their professional DJ staff, entertaining MC’s, and distinctive musical stylings, VOX DJs prides itself on a high level of customer satisfaction.

VOX DJs is a member of the American Disc Jockey Association (ADJA).

That was the formal introduction.

Now, in case you missed an important connection, please note that VOX DJs is a creation of the brilliant mind of local Manhattan Beach marketing genius, Shawn Sedlacek, and up until two years ago was part of VOX Events.

Shawn and KC have known each other and worked together for years with an ongoing business relationship to this day. 

KC Campbell, Shawn Sedlacek, Roderick Gaerlan at the recent Biz Bash Expo and Awards Ceremony.

Now VOX Events is part of Brent Bolthouse's Hollywood red carpet special event empire and the new company is called Bolthouse/VOX Events.  (VOX DJs CEO KC Campbell, Brent Bolthouse, Shawn Sedlacek, and Roderick Gaerlan at Biz Bash.)

Bolthouse/VOX Events also recently merged with Wolfgang Puck and now control every aspect of a special event in Hollywood. That's why Brent was invited to be the keynote speaker at this year's Biz Bash and why Shawn was recognized last year with numerous honors.

Got it? Good.

So, when you hire VOX DJs, you're hiring a proven music entertainment entity with deep connections to an event powerhouse ready and able to blow your event up with special effects, lighting, production, celebrity lists, red carpet cache, catering, etc.

Kinda makes you shudder doesn't it? LOL Who knew the Hollywood event world could merge and become just like all the rest of corporate America in their efforts to control the market. What's next? World domination?

No offense guys, just stating the obvious. Kudos to you. it's a natural progression and excellent partnership(s).

We all had a great time at the expo and awards show. Over 1500 people attended and it was great to see, contrary to popular belief, the event industry is alive and well.

The Bobs opened the Awards Ceremony. If you've never heard them, they've been described as an "acappella, post-modern performance art piece". I had heard them years ago at UCLA Royce Hall when they performed with a modern dance troupe and enjoyed watching them again. Due to the fact it takes so long to write and I want to give justice to the Awards Ceremony and Expo I will update this blog tomorrow with more details.

I gotta take a break. It's almost 8pm and I've been working since 10am.

Have a good one. Come back later and I'll give you the lowdown then ok?

Summer of fun coming your way - check out these festivals

By Joy A. Kennelly

Well, wrapped up publicity on the upcoming festivals I was hired to promote online. If all goes well, when you Google certain words soon all you will see are our events!

Here's what is coming up. Mark your calendars accordingly to not miss out:

Long Beach Crawfish Festival

August 1^st – 2^nd, 2009

Saturday, August 1^st:   12noon – 11pm

Sunday, August 2^nd:    12noon – 10pm

 The 16th Annual Long Beach Crawfish Festival serves mouth-watering Cajun Crawfish dinners!    Delicious Louisiana-style crawfish prepared to spicy perfection by chefs from Bristol Farms in the world’s largest crawfish steamers.  Crawfish feasts include succulent red baby potatoes, buttery corn on the cob and a special remoulade dipping sauce. Dance to incredible live Cajun, Zydeco and New Orleans bands.

Also, giant food court, beach bars and a children’s area create the largest Crawfish Festival experience outside of Louisiana, right here in Southern California.

Rainbow Lagoon
[400-403] Shoreline Village Drive, Long Beach, CA 90802

Last year sold out!  Info 562.495.5959 / Advance ticket discounts available at: http://www.longbeachcrawfishfestival.com/

And for the watermelon lovers in our midst:

48^th Annual Sunland-Tujunga Watermelon Festival

It’s the 48^th Annual Sunland-Tujunga Watermelon Festival. August 14-16, 2009. Delicious free watermelon to cool down on hot summer day! Featuring: Watermelon carving display, watermelon eating contest, watermelon seed spitting contest, watermelon recipe contest and the royal coronation of the Watermelon Festival Queen!  International food court, wine and beer garden, artisan exhibits, carnival rides, arcade games, pony rides, petting zoo and more. Fun for the whole family! $1 Admission fee.

Festival Hours

Friday -  5:00 p.m. to 11:00p.m.
Saturday -  Noon to 11:30 p.m.
Sunday -  Noon to 10:30 p.m.

Sunland Park Recreation Center

8651 Foothill Blvd.
Sunland, CA
352-5282

866-420-4118

Learn more: http://www.lionswatermelonfestival.com/

And on a more serious note, this is a conference for all the brave men and women who defend our country and are the first to arrive during an emergency:

A forum to embrace the guidelines laid out in Homeland Security’s National Response Framework, the 2^nd Annual First Responders Congress (FRC) brings together personnel from many areas, organizations, and disciplines to share best practices. With a primary goal of sharing knowledge and stimulating interdisciplinary communication, the FRC greatly assists the ability to mount more efficient and better coordinated responses to disasters of all types at all levels: national, state, and local.

The First Responders Congress is THE meeting place for professionals on the frontlines of defending America. Whether it is a local or national response to accidents, natural disasters, or terrorist activities, this front line of emergency response is critical to our Homeland Security and the protection of the people of the United States.

The FRC consists of emergency response personnel from a diverse array of organizations that include: firefighters, police, military, Homeland Security, DOE, NRC, national, state, and local emergency response organizations, search and rescue, EMT, equipment and services providers, trainers, and other related professionals.

Early Bird Registration ends June 12^th! 

Homeland Security Veteran, Ron Breland, to Chair the First Responders Congress conference

US Nuclear Corp. is proud to announce Ron Breland as the chairman for the second annual First Responders Congress. Ron Breland has spent an entire career in the areas of First Response and Emergency Management. As a third-generation firefighter, Ron entered the United States Army Fire Service in 1990. After medically retiring from the United States Army as a disabled Veteran in 2005, he was selected as the New Mexico State Hazardous Materials Coordinator in 2006 for the New Mexico Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management.

Breland was also personally selected as a member of the Department of Homeland Security’s Focus Group to examine response actions for First Responders; a cumulative report which directly served in the development of Homeland Security Presidential Directive-19. Currently, Breland is an instructor for the Center for Domestic Preparedness, New Mexico Tech., Eastern New Mexico University-Roswell, the Albuquerque Police Academy, and has published two books.

And now back to another foodie festival to lighten the mood:

The Original Long Beach Lobster Festival

 September 11 – 13, 2009

Friday, September 11^th:      5pm - 11pm
Saturday, September 12^th:  12noon - 12 Midnight
Sunday, September 13^th:   12noon - 10pm

The Original Long Beach Lobster Festival features fresh Maine Lobsters flown in nightly from the icy waters of the Atlantic Ocean. Bristol Farms Master Chef Bruce Jacobs and crew serve unforgettable Lobster Dinners, steamed to mouth-watering perfection in the world's largest lobster steamers. Feasts include; sweet, succulent lobster, melted butter dipping sauce, fresh cut lemons, coleslaw, dinner roll and watermelon. Also, International food court, beer & wine gardens, arts & crafts booths, amazing live entertainment, dancing and a children’s area create the largest Lobster Festival outside of Maine, right here in Southern California.

Rainbow Lagoon
[400-403] Shoreline Village Drive

Long Beach, CA 90802

Info/ Online discounts available at:

http://www.originallobsterfestival.com/

Often imitated, never duplicated...

By Joy A. Kennelly

What I love is seeing that there are simply no new ideas under the sun. Fortunately, I'm the one usually thinking ideas up first for clients and then enjoy watching other similar businesses emulate what we have proven successful later on.

For example, a little less than a year ago I created a Hospitality Appreciation Event under my South Bay Professional Connection banner to promote The Shore Restaurant and Lounge. Heard that term being bandying out lately by other restaurants? You heard it here first. Trust me.:)

Having worked briefly in the hospitality industry and understanding what was important to that demographic, we decided to launch our evening with networking and gift bags.

It was a great hit and hospitality professionals from all over Los Angeles participated.

We received a write up in the Los Angeles Business Journal from some of the pictures I sent out afterwards to the media.

That's the thing. There are event producers, there are publicists and there are photographers. Rarely do you find one company to do it all for you when it's my size business. And the best part is, you're not paying extra either.

Generally, when you produce an event as a client, people are not thinking about the story, only about producing the event. As an event producer, you might also not always think there's a news angle to your event, but you'd be surprised at what the media finds interesting when a veteran professional PR & Marketing person is attached.

We can make anything exciting, or interesting!:)

When I produce an event, not only do I consider the basic elements involved and what it's going to take to produce, I'm also trained to publicize and promote my events to the media through this blog, pitching the media, press releases, and long-standing personal relationships with media professionals.

That's what sets my events apart. It's also why I find it flattering when others copy something I've done in the past for other clients. I know that I will always be able to think of something else just as, or even more, creative because I'm an idea person.

I'm paid to create new ideas for my clients which is great fun and very rewarding to their bottom line. When I am creating an event I'm always thinking what is the story, why should the media find this of interest, how will I write it up and what pictures I need to take to best showcase the story visually.

When it's a bigger event like a festival or other large-scale event like I'm currently working on with Radio Disney and South Bay Woman Magazine for a local city, I may hire or work alongside another public relations firm or publicist.

However, I always oversee their efforts and work together as a team to make sure the stories I see while producing the event needed to gain the attention of the media are brought to their attention. I think holistically about the entire marketing effort, not just the PR, not just the marketing, not just the visual, etc.

Here's some examples from our recent event with TLC Pharmacy. I've added some information to help explain why TLC Pharmacy is a news story.

Nutritionist Jayne Justice, a life-long advocate of health, nutrition and wellness, is dedicated to sharing the benefits of nutritional health and wellness to women in the South Bay. To expand her knowledge of Holistic Nutrition, she travels bi-monthly to NYC to attend the Institute for Integrative Nutrition, the only school in the world to teach all dietary perspectives from traditional to modern and world-wide.

 

Janne Kouri bought some products too. He's the owner of a California Non-Profit Corporation called NextStep Fitness. The goal of NextStep Fitness, Inc. is to create a fitness environment for individuals with physical disabilities - where everyday fitness & wellness is available and supported in a state-
of-the-art facility.

Here Mindy and I model all the beverages offered.

There's lots of great eco and spa products to peruse too.

Mindy and I enjoyed playing Susie Homemaker wearing the aprons also available for sale here.:)

 

Why Choose TLC?

Customized medications can be a vital part of quality medical care.  Every patient is different and has different needs.  At TLC Pharmacy, they strive to work with your doctor or patient to meet those needs.  They’ve been in business for 7 years in the South Bay and have developed relationships with both local and out of state clients.

They are able to ship anywhere in the United States including Alaska and Hawaii.  They also accept most insurance plans and will work with you and your insurance company to ensure the best care for you.

 

 Annabell Kim, Pharm. D., is the owner of TLC Pharmacy.  She graduated from University of Southern California School of Pharmacy in 1995 and is a member of Professional Compounding Centers of America (PCCA).  Prior to opening TLC Pharmacy, Annabell completed a residency in Primary Care at the VA Outpatient Clinic and worked in a variety of pharmacy settings, including another compounding pharmacy, Kaiser Hospital, and Long Beach Memorial Hospital.  

Juggling her work and three kids, Annabell still manages to enjoy some of her favorite sports, including surfing, snowboarding, SCUBA diving, and even completed her first mini-triathalon last summer.

Mindy Oumi, Pharm. D., also graduated from University of Southern California School of Pharmacy in 1995 and is a member of Professional Compounding Centers of America (PCCA).  Before joining Annabell at TLC, Mindy also completed a residency in Primary Care at the VA Outpatient Clinic and has worked at various institutions including Huntington Memorial Hospital, the USC/Norris Cancer Hospital and Cedars-Sinai Hospital Outpatient Cancer. 

A native of Hawaii, Mindy’s relaxed personality doesn’t deter her from also being active outside work.  An accomplished musician, Mindy plays the oboe and Engish horn for various community orchestras.

 Together, the two bring integrity, expertise and thoughtfulness to TLC Pharmacy. 

(Please note, I did not write the above formal copy for TLC Pharmacy. Tina, the happy woman handling the cash register, is actually TLC's in-house marketing representative. I am showcasing this information to give you a better idea of what they're all about and offer the medical and local community.)

Thanks for dropping by and taking the time to read this! Now drop by and visit TLC!:)

TLC Pharmacy Owner/Pharmacist Annabell Kim in Daily Breeze Friday!

By Joy A. Kennelly

Very happy to report that my PR efforts on behalf of TLC Pharmacy and Pharmacists, Annabell Kim & Mindy Oumi, was successful since the Business Editor of the Daily Breeze called to arrange an interview and photo op for a story that will run this Friday!

Event marketing is a great way to raise attention about your business. Just a little PR fyi.

The Joy Writer PR & Marketing updates

By Joy A. Kennelly

Very happy to report things are moving along on the Travel Play Co front. Just signed with a new sales representative who is very connected to the product world we're wanting to reach and understands the product as a patent sale, not the company as the asset which should help move this along quicker.

As a result, this is a match made in heaven. Very excited about this new development. Will keep you posted.

Been having positive response with new business meetings which is always nice. I love meeting new people and learning about their business goals because I'm very goal-oriented. I used to lead empowerment groups for men and women for many years and was always thrilled to see how much we all accomplished together in three month's time.

May be starting up more goal groups soon. Stay tuned.

Very focused on TLC Pharmacy's TAI Slim promotion on Thursday, March 26 from 1pm - 2:30pm featuring Nutritionist Jayne Justice. I took the owner of TLC Pharmacy with me to the Hermosa Beach City Council meeting to introduce her and pitch our event and pharmacy which was fun.

We have quite the characters in City Government. Watch and you'll see what I mean!

You can view our presentation online to learn more what a compounding pharmacy is and hear about the extra special medical care offered to adults, families, children and your pets offered by Pharmacist Annabell Kim, by clicking on this link to view the city council meeting: http://hermosabeach.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?view_id=4&clip_id=787

Click on the link above to make it go live and once it's going, drag your cursor over to 26:00 minutes in to where you'll hear three people wrapping up about a very interesting upcoming surf event. Then we are on. I thought Annabell did great for being apprehensive about speaking. I only wished the camera guy had panned in closer on our sign with the address and phone of TLC Pharmacy!

(Next time I'll make sure it's bigger.)

Moving right along... which is what is happening with promotion of Wealth Manager, Steve Bloch of MHB Financial Group. Once he finds a printer and is satisfied with the price and everything else printing his brochure entails (which I normally do for clients, but he wanted to be more involved which is fine. He is the money guy after all. lol), then we will be pitching his services and expertise to the media and the community for consideration.

In the meantime, Google MHB Financial and see what happens. This is an example of my Search Engine Optimization services which I provide for clients when we work together. Generally, whatever I blog about jumps to the top ten searches of Google within days. Cool, eh?

That's all for now. Thanks for stopping by.

John Gran of Fish Window Cleaning and my BNI experience

By Joy A. Kennelly

It always takes me awhile to come back after working on a big project and this past week was no exception. Especially since it was such exhausting work and so all-consuming.

That said, after this morning's Business Networking International Beach Cities Professionals meeting and my subsequent one-to-one meeting with new member, John Gran of Fish Window Cleaning, I am back!

I can't speak highly enough about my BNI chapter and the people involved. Every time I have a one-to-one meeting with a new member, or someone I don't know too much about before we meet, I'm always blown away by their background, their experience, their professional stature, and their knowledge in their particular field.

We truly have the creme de la creme of the South Bay participating in my humble opinion. And I'm not the only one who thinks so. What I find is that many of our members used to live up in Los Angeles or Beverly Hills, but became tired of the rat race and moved down here to create a more balanced lifestlye.

As a result, we have really sharp people you don't normally find in the South Bay participating because they too, need to build up their network in this area just like me. Or, they are at such a high level in their industry it's better for them to participate in our group because there isn't the competition they feel within their own industry.

I think the other reason so many of us participate in Beach Cities Professionals is because it can be very isolating to work alone and/or boring only working within your industry. The weekly structured interaction with over 30 professionals in very diverse industries is very refreshing and stimulating.

Even at 7am in the morning! LOL Okay, enough of the BNI commercial.

I just had to share because it felt so good to be back in the groove. I didn't realize how much I missed my friends and colleagues, or needed their motivating presence in my life after two weeks of not seeing everyone until today.

What a blessing in disguise too that I'm having car issues because I needed a ride to and from the meeting. As a result, my ride there had a pre-arranged one-to-one meeting with another member immediately after the meeting which meant I either had to wait for him and do busy work for an hour, or set up a meeting for myself which I chose to do instead.

I'm so glad I did! Who knew that taking a meeting with someone who owns a window cleaning franchise business would provide so much insight into my new business plan I'm working on? Nor, that this person has years and years of experience writing business plans!

Turns out not only is John Gran the CEO and Business Owner of Fish Window Cleaning, he has years and years of professional experience in marketing and new product development working for many well-known healthcare companies as a highly paid consultant.

Here's a link to his Linked In profile if you don't believe me. lol

http://www.linkedin.com/in/johnfgran  Now do you see what I mean about the caliber of people involved in my Beach Cities Professionals group?

Now imagine sitting down to have a meeting with someone who you think will be telling you about his new window cleaning franchise business, only to discover this wealth of experience in a completely different field which he applies directly to his new business and now mine? And his generosity in giving his professional opinion on how to make what I'm planning to do even more successful?

Priceless like the commercial always says. I feel like I've found the business mentor I've always wanted and needed. What a total blessing. I had prayed this morning that God would help me know whether or not I should stay or leave the group to find another one closer to where I want to move.

Man did He answer! Praise the Lord and pass the ammunition! LOL

Needless to say, whether or not I move, I'm staying involved in this chapter. Two weeks might be long enough to forget why I'm part of this particular chapter, but now four hours later I know without a shadow of a doubt I'm not leaving!

I encourage all of you to consider visiting our chapter, or any local BNI chapter near you (which you can find here - www.socalbni.com). It may take awhile to find a group that's right for you, but trust me, once you do it will change your business and life in ways you will never even imagine.

It has mine. And I'm not done yet! Givers gain as BNI Founder, Dr. Ivan Misner always says.

That's all for now. Just felt the urge to share since it had been a little while. I need to get back to writing another press release, editing my previous business plan to include all my new ideas and suggestions from John, and a whole myriad of other public relations responsibilities I won't bore you with here.

Hope you're having a great day and enjoying the beautiful weather! And if you're local and want to see the world through new eyes - hire John and his excellent crew at Fish Window Cleaning to clean your home or business! Call him for a free written estimate today at (310) 973-3474.

They're not that expensive, they're reliable, and John is an accomplished professional who brings his work ethic and integrity to every job.

It will change the way you see the world in more ways than one.:)

Good meeting with Radio Disney today

By Joy A. Kennelly

Last week while working for the Oscars I received a call from a wonderful woman representing Radio Disney who wanted to discuss the possibility of working together after reading about my Hermosa Beach Christmas Village this past December.

It was way too loud where I was eating lunch to really hear or comprehend much; thus we decided to meet this week to explore our options in greater detail. Ironically enough, she lives in the South Bay and commutes to Burbank.

Fancy that.

We've started bandying about ideas for new events and I've put some calls out to people I respect in the community.

We shall see! Stay tuned for more.