A loud shout out to Jim Allen, marketing director for Hearst Castle and a guy who takes relationship building to the mat. Jim recently extended a VIP red carpet welcome to some ConocoPhillips folks who traveled from Houston for a team meeting in SLO. Not only did Jim dazzle the group with hospitality, he chased them down later at a Morro Bay restaurant – to deliver a pair of glasses left in the Castle van. That’s service.
Entries Tagged as Good Press
BRAGGING RIGHTS
July 29th, 2010
The Thoma chiefs and leaders: Pearl & Bud (front) and sons Ed and Bill (back).
Thoma Electric Company has earned many accolades over the years for impeccable electric design and construction, generous community support and for being one great company. It’s nice to see the news spread over three counties as it did this week when Pacific Coast Business Times selected Thoma Electric to receive the Spirit of Small Business Award in San Luis Obispo County. Congratulations to the Thoma team, especially present day chiefs Bill and Ed, and the company’s dedicated founders, parents Bud and Pearl Thoma … Congratulations to first time grandpa, Wade McKinney, Atascadero CAO whose gorgeous granddaughter Hannah was the centerpiece of a recent five-generation photo. Son Jay, and daughter-in-law Courtney, are the proud parents. Wade is happy to share photos.
Categories — Business Successes, Good Press, Kids
BCA BLURB
July 29th, 2010
You remember we bade fond farewell to Kristin Savage, our designer who moved to SF recently. Well, this is one young woman who won’t be convinced there’s a tough economy out there. She found a great new position with a fun PR firm before the moving van even unloaded. We like to think it was that great work she did at BCA that made her so attractive to Bite Communications. Bravo, Kristin.
We note with sadness the recent passing of two wonderful women, each of whom left a deep imprint on our community and especially on college education: Lois Martinez and Sandee Ogren. We extend condolences on the loss and appreciation for their giving spirits.
Categories — Condolences, Good Press
LOCAL BEAT
July 16th, 2010
We talked about Project Surf Camp in our last FYI, and today we can report the fabulous news that the group was named on the NBC Today Show as one of only three runners up in “Pepsi Refresh Project.” Top winner of a $100,000 grant was the Gulf Bay Area Food Bank. But here’s the best part: the runners up got more than just kudos – each of the three received a surprise grant of $50,000, enough to keep the local surf project in the water and serving 500 campers for two more seasons. Special kudos to Nate Ditmore of Morro Bay Surf Company and his wife, Jolie (Central Coast Pathology), dedicated Surf Camp volunteers … Even if you don’t fully understand what they do, you have to be impressed by Digital West Network’s relentless push for excellence. Tim Williams’ internet hosting company has made a huge upgrade to its internet backbone and transit system, now offering 100 times more volume and speed than was previously available.
Categories — Business Successes, Charity, Good Press
LOCAL BEAT
July 1st, 2010
The SLO Symphony team, Executive Director Brian Hermanson, John Baer, Music Director Michael Nowak and Music Education Director Andrea Stoner
Former talk show host Jenny Jones is no stranger to the Central Coast. She performed in SLO years ago as a standup comedienne on stage at the old William Randolph’s (now Holiday Inn Express). Her path crossed ours again recently when her “Jenny’s Heroes” Foundation surprised Arroyo Grande resident John Baer with a phone call and great news: a $4,000 grant to fund instruments for the SLO Symphony’s Music Van. The van travels the county to expose kids to the hands-on fun of music. Baer is a devoted Symphony volunteer … John Ewan and his team at Pacific Energy help with the juice that
Pacific Energy's installation at Cass Winery. While the field produces wine, the solar installation produces 45 KW per hour.
produces the juice at Cass Winery. A new solar array designed and installed by Pacific Energy is now keeping company with the vines … Two local photographers share their art in collections that will stir your home town pride. Tom Peck’s “The Fair” captures the many moods of California Mid-State Fairgoers in a month long show at Paso Robles’ Studios on the Park. And Chris Leschinsky’s talent for showcasing Central Coast landmarks and scenery can be enjoyed on his stock photo website, www.theCaliforniaArchive.com … Paso native son and much loved, fab-o media sales rep John Osman (his dad was the famous and equally well loved “Coach O” at Flamson Middle School in Paso for 38 years) has been on the sidelines battling a debilitating bout of Valley Fever for the last eleven months. John beat it back and has returned to work, tearing up the circuit for KPRL Radio in Paso Robles. Welcome back, Johnny-O … And kudos to local favorite and the just-wrapped Atascadero Wine Festival. Changing the event hours from mid day to 4-8 p.m. made for a perfect evening at the lake. 80 wineries and several thousand people agree.
Categories — Awards, Business Successes, Good Press
GOOD WORKS
July 1st, 2010
Project Surf Camp gives special needs youngsters a taste of catching a wave.
Project Surf Camp helps introduce special needs children and adults to the joy of the ocean. This amazing Morro Bay program was scheduled to be featured this morning on the NBC Today Show. We went to press before we could see the story, but here’s the mention online. More inspiring stories at the project website.
Categories — Good Press, Kids
GOOD WORKS
June 17th, 2010
Lou Robinson has ink – and service – in his blood. In addition to offering counseling as a SCORE volunteer, the retired journalist and top rate PR professional volunteered his time this last year to a group of Oceano Elementary School students, teaching them (many of whom are ESL kids) how to write and produce a school newsletter … Hunger Awareness Day was June 3 and boy, locals opened their pocketbooks. Food Bank staff is still receiving contributions in the mail and note that despite the great response, overall contributions are down from 2009. Visit www.slofoodbank.org if you can help out and pony up a bit more by mail, web donation or text. And special thanks to “Amy & Kahuna” from KSTT 101.3 radio, who broadcast live for the event starting at 6 a.m. and hanging in for 13 hours … Terry Veal, longtime radio and voice talent, lost his wife several years ago. His experience dealing with grief led him to a new project, “About Tomorrow,” an audio cd that captures the perspective and comments of more than 20 people who have similarly made their way through a wrenching time.
