We’ve Moved!

If you’ve noticed our absence and lack of blog posts, it’s because we’ve moved!  This summer we had our website redesigned and our blog is now located on our new site under the “News” tab.

I hope you take some time to look over the new site and continue to follow our blog!  

Go to www.seedling-communications.com to check out our site and all of the blog posts you’ve missed over the past several months. Once you’re there, you can enter your email address and subscribe to the last updates on Seedling and our clients.

Thanks!
Marcus

MOD FITNESS Makes Preparations for Grand Opening on South Lamar

A few weeks ago we met Marnie O’Donnell, owner of the new MOD FITNESS studio going in on South Lamar. It wasn’t long after we met with her that she quickly proved to us that the body is capable of much more than we think. After recovering from a life threatening boating accident in 2006, she has had an incredible (and full) recovery from a C2 “hangman” fracture, the same injury that paralyzed Christopher Reeves.

As a previous Division 1 athlete at UC Berkeley, she knew she had to strengthen her entire body after the injury and so she began her training with barre fitness. Seeing the results of her hard work, she continued her barre training long after her broken neck healed and today she is a local business owner with a fantastic story to tell.

MOD FITNESS classes take place in O’Donnell’s beautiful new studio on South Lamar (near a bunch of great places like Lick, Barley Swine, The Waxing Studio, Opa’s! and Olivia’s) seven days a week, providing a combination of strength, cardio and endurance exercises.

We’re thrilled to help Marnie launch her studio and grow MOD FITNESS. Her official launch date is February 28, 2013. We hope to see you there when we’re trying out our first barre classes!

For more information about MOD FITNESS, go to www.modfitnessaustin.com.

-Jennie

Atlas of Giving Shares 2012 Report and 2013 Forecast on Charitable Giving

At the end of January, Atlas of Giving shared their 2012 report and 2013 forecast on charitable giving. Atlas of Giving provides a great resource for the nonprofit community with the first published report on charitable giving from the previous year and the only forecast put out with expected giving totals for the year ahead.

We love sharing Atlas of Giving news because it’s so well received by the media and we find that the report is invaluable to those who take the time to review the numbers. Their CEO, Rob Mitchell, held a free, information webinar last week to detail the report, but you can also download it the entire report from their website, www.atlasofgiving.com.

We had dozens of media hits from across the country in the first week of distribution, but we just wanted to share a snippet of coverage from January:

Dallas Business Journal

The Huffington Post

Pittsburg Tribune Review

The Oregonian

Nashville Business Journal

Bloomberg

The Chronicle of Philanthropy

Dayton Business Journal

Fundraising Success Magazine

If you work for a nonprofit, take a look at the report and let us know what you think. We’d love to hear your feedback! And, if you’re interested in learning more, we’d be happy to connect you.

-Jennie

Nashville’s Best, Revolution Real Estate!

The New York Times recently highlighted Music City in their article, “Nashville’s Latest Big Hit Could Be the City Itself.”   Nashville’s recent “it” city status, (sorry Austin, their words, not ours), is partly due to a robust downtown scene and nightlife, a low unemployment rate and a high expected job growth (18%) over the next five years.  While these are just some of the factors leading to a boom in the city’s real estate market, we know from experience that Nashville has much to offer for people in all walks of life.

And that’s where Revolution Real Estate comes in. If you have ever been through the home buying process, you already know all the logistics and emotions that go into a purchasing or selling a home.  As consumers we all want to be cognizant of our options and comfortable throughout the process. Nothing makes this transition smoother than working with a real estate agent you are comfortable with, who is always looking out for your best interest. Even though we haven’t had the chance to buy a home in Nashville, we’ve seen their positive reviews online and we’ve noticed their growth in recent years, both illustrations that prove Revolution Real Estate’s business model is working.

Over the past few weeks we’ve had the opportunity to work on some marketing collateral for the Revolution team. They were looking for a way to efficiently and effectively share pertinent information about the home buying process with their potential customer base. We worked closely with Revolution’s owners, Aaron Noffsinger and Tyler Rygmyr, to create two buyer handouts and new business cards (see below).
                             

These double-sided handouts were designed to quickly inform potential customers of the services Revolution Real Estate offers. The smaller handout was designed for the back of their business card to be inserted and perfectly align with their red logo.  This way the customer gets all the information they need with one clean handout and an intact business card.

If you find yourself relocating to Nashville and you’re looking to purchase a home (or even looking to sell your current home) keep our friends at Revolution Real Estate top of mind!  Here’s a short clip about their business model, http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=O363b_fXmWU, but obviously you can learn a lot more from their website, it’s www.revolutionnashville.com.

-Marcus

Head for the Cure Comes to Central Texas

Over the past few years we’ve had the great privilege of supporting several nonprofits. This spring, we are working with Head for the Cure to raise awareness and increase their fundraising efforts for brain cancer research by launching a new 5K in Austin.

Marcus and I are thankful for the opportunity to support this organization, in memory of our friend’s father, and champion this cause for those still fighting this disease. The news release is copied below Sarah’s story.

Here’s a little about Sarah’s story and why we’re all working so hard to organize this race in Austin:

I’ll never forget where I was on August 22, 2010 when I heard the news. My brother said, “Dad had an MRI today…he has brain cancer.” My heart sunk so low and so fast the dropping sensation threw me off balance and I collapsed to the floor. My world, as I knew it, had changed. It was a few weeks later when we received the biopsy results confirming it was a glioblastoma, the most aggressive form of brain cancer; a terminal diagnosis. My dad’s first words to me after his first surgery were, “When’s our next run?”

Fifteen short months later, my father lost his graceful fight against brain cancer. As part of my healing, I sought out Head for the Cure. Knowing the incredible athletic and philanthropic mindset of this region, I knew a 5K run would be a success. My father and I shared a love of running. He took me to my first 5K when I was 15 years old. Together we have covered hundreds of miles through countless races and fun runs. Up and down the hills of Annapolis and Austin, through the coastal lands of Clear Lake, over the deserts of Arizona and on the beaches of Virginia, we ran together.

A 5K race dedicated to raising awareness about brain cancer and research funding for more effective treatments is the best way I can continue his graceful fight against this horrible, aggressive disease and at the same time honor the strength of other survivors and the undeserving victims it claims. It is my way of answering his question. Dad, this is our next run.

The decision to add Central Texas as a venue for HFTC’s 6th 5K event  is fueled not only by my personal heartache, but also by a growing Central Texas population and increased presence of brain cancer research and treatment options in Austin. The first HFTC 5K was in September 2003 in Overland Park, Kansas. This year, in addition to Central Texas, four other cities/venues will be added to HFTC’s 5K schedule (bringing the total to 10).

In fact, February 2011 marked the inception of the Austin Brain Tumor Center at Texas Oncology, led by Morris D. Groves, M.D., a board certified neurologist and neuro-oncologist, allowing for expansion of the detection and treatment of cancers of the brain and central nervous system in Central Texas. Bringing with him acclaimed experience from the Brain and Spine Center at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, 60 cases of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), the most common and aggressive malignant primary brain tumor, have already been diagnosed and treated at Texas Oncology in Austin in less than a year. This qualifies GBMs as the number one disease treated at the Austin Brain Tumor Center and underscores the relevancy of addressing brain cancer awareness, research and funding in Central Texas. With the addition of Dr. Groves extensive expertise, training and experimental treatments to the Texas Oncology team, Central Texans now have access to impeccable oncological care without having to travel.

While the likelihood of a malignant brain tumor diagnosis is less than one percent, approximately 1,582 new brain and other nervous system cancer cases were diagnosed in Texas in 2012. Survival rates, too, remain low, with less than 33 percent of those diagnosed living longer than 5 years. In children, brain and spinal cord tumors account are the second most common type of cancer (27 percent).

Gratefully, The Head for the Cure Foundation (HFTC) decided to expand its efforts with an inaugural Head For The Cure 5K event and fundraiser in Central Texas to bring more attention, research funding and support to fight brain tumors. We hope you join our fight. March 17, 2013. Be there, help us Head for the Cure.

Head for the Cure’s 5K in Central Texas will take place Sunday, March 17th at Camp Mabry. To register, go to www.headforthecure.org. We hope you’ll help us support this organization.

–Jennie
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 Head for the Cure Brings 5K to Central Texas for Brain Cancer Research
 Local Austinite and Business Owner Leads the Cause in Memory of Her Father

AUSTIN, TX (January 7, 2013)—The Head for the Cure Foundation (HFTC) today announced the organization’s expansion efforts and the inaugural Central Texas Head For The Cure 5K event and fundraiser  which will take place at Camp Mabry on Sunday, March 17, 2013. This inaugural event aims to bring more attention, research, funding and support in the fight against brain cancer.

“Treatment options for brain cancer are limited,” said Matt Anthony, HFTC chairman. “In a growing region, with such an athletic, philanthropic and medical presence, Central Texas is a very relevant market where we can make a positive impact. We hope our efforts highlight this disease, raise awareness and create additional funding for brain cancer research, as well as build a community around those suffering from brain cancer or those personally affected by the disease.”

While the likelihood of a malignant brain tumor diagnosis is less than one percent, approximately 1,582 new brain and other nervous system cancer cases were diagnosed in Texas in 2012. Currently, survival rates remain low, with less than 33 percent of those diagnosed living longer than 5 years. In children, brain and spinal cord tumors are the second most common type of cancer (27 percent).

The decision to add Central Texas to HFTC’s event market is fueled by a growing population, an increased presence of brain cancer research and treatment options in Austin, as well as the story of local Austinite and business owner, Sarah Shrader’s, personal heartache that came after losing her father to brian cancer in 2011. HFTC was founded in 2003 and Central Texas marks the organization’s 6th 5K venue.

In February 2011 Morris D. Groves, M.D., a board certified neurologist, and neuro-oncologist, began the Austin Brain Tumor Center at Texas Oncology. This center greatly impacted the medical community in Central Texas, expanding the opportunity to detect and treat cancers of the brain and central nervous system. Dr. Groves brought unmatched experience from the Brain and Spine Center at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. In his first year at Texas Oncology in Austin he diagnosed and treated more than 60 cases of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), the most common and aggressive malignant primary brain tumor. This statistic made GBMs the number one disease treated at the Austin Brain Tumor Center and underscores the relevance of addressing brain cancer awareness, research and funding in Central Texas. With the addition of Dr. Groves’ extensive expertise, training and experimental treatment options to the Texas Oncology team, Central Texans now have access to impeccable oncological care without having to travel to elsewhere.

“Based on the number of cases we have seen since our center’s inception, it is evident that Central Texans deserve access to cutting-edge treatment options and I am proud we are able to provide this level of care and cutting edge experimental treatments in Austin,” Dr. Groves, said. “We are committed to finding new and better treatment options for our patients, by  expanding Texas Oncology’s research in difficult-to-treat cancers, and we can now do that right here in Austin.”

After losing her father to a GBM 15 short months post-diagnosis, Austin business owner and registered nurse, Sarah Shrader, reached out to HFTC and volunteered to chair the inaugural event. Her brother, Chris Woll of Houston, Texas created a team in their father’s memory.

“My Dad and I shared a love of running,” Shrader, said. “A 5K event and fundraiser was the best way I could continue his graceful fight of this horrible, aggressive disease and honor other survivors and victims.”

Shrader, an avid runner, fitness enthusiast and owner of Fit to the Core, an anti-gravity yoga studio in Austin, hopes Central Texas residents, athletes, philanthropists and fellow cancer haters will embrace HFTC efforts to raise awareness and support for brain cancer research. The inaugural event is scheduled for Sunday, March 17, 2013 and will be held at Camp Mabry. HFTC hopes to attract 2,000 enthused participants, raising  at least $50,000 in sponsorship and donations.

Since 2003, HFTC has raised more than $1.8 million for the Brain Tumor Trials Collaborative (BTTC), a network of medical centers with the expertise and desire to participate in state-of-the-art clinical trials investigating new treatments for malignant brain tumors. The continued HFTC funding has allowed the BTTC to expand its network of participating institutions (from 16 to 23) to assist in the discovery of new and effective therapies for treatment of brain tumors. The Austin Brain Tumor Center joined the BTTC in 2012 bringing even more new brain tumor treatment options to Austin.

Registration for the inaugural Central Texas Head for the Cure 5K is now open.  To register for the HFTC 5K, create a team, join a team, volunteer, donate to or sponsor the event,visit http://www.headforthecure.org.

*MEDIA NOTE* Interviews with Sarah Shrader, Dr. Groves at Texas Oncology and/or Matt Anthony at HFTC are available by request.  For more information about Head for the Cure or to schedule an interview, contact Jennie Whitaker at jennie@seedling-communications.com or 512-215-8977.

About HFTC
The HFTC Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to raising awareness and funding in the fight against brain cancer. Dedicated to the memory of Chris Anthony, HFTC started with one 5K event in 2003, and has now grown to 10 cities, expanding with an inaugural Central Texas event in 2013. These events not only raise money to fight brain cancer through research funding, but are also opportunities to honor those survivors, victims, caregivers, families and friends affected by this disease.

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Backwoods Acquired Neptune Mountaineering

Backwoods is starting the year off with big news for the outdoor industry.  Not only is Backwoods celebrating their 40th Anniversary this year, but they also acquired Neptune Mountaineering a little over a week ago. Neptune Mountaineering is one of the most recognizable names in Boulder, and throughout the climbing and ski industry.  We are excited to share this news for Backwoods, learn more about Neptune Mountaineering and to be a part of the company’s continued growth.

Much like Backwoods, Neptune Mountaineering has been a family-owned and operated business.  When asked about the acquisition, Gary Neptune said he had very specific ideas about an ideal successor and he could not have hoped for a better fit than Backwoods. We couldn’t agree more and we’re excited for our client!

Neptune Mountaineering (which will retain it’s name) originally repaired climbing and ski boots, installed edges on wooden skis and re-shafted axes. Today, Neptune Mountaineering is known across the industry for it’s climbing, backpacking and backcountry ski equipment, gear and overall mountaineering knowledge. For more about the acquisition, the news release is copied below.

-Marcus Whitaker

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Backwoods Acquires Neptune Mountaineering
Outdoor Retailer Purchases Iconic Store in Boulder Colorado

AUSTIN, Texas (January 7, 2013)—Backwoods today announced the acquisition of Neptune Mountaineering, an iconic specialty outdoor retail store in Boulder, Colorado. The doors will remain open throughout the transition and the name will remain Neptune Mountaineering. Both family owned companies, Neptune Mountaineering and Backwoods originally opened in 1973. The official acquisition date was December 31, 2012 for an undisclosed amount.

“With the purchase of Neptune Mountaineering, we are thrilled to announce a presence in Boulder. We plan to maintain the atmosphere and culture of the store and continue the successes of the company’s rich history in this community. Our intent is to keep much of the customer experience the same.” Jennifer Mull, CEO of Backwoods, said. “When the company’s founder, Gary Neptune, made the decision to sell the store, we began discussions and found a lot of common ground between our two family-owned companies histories’. As our discussions continued, it made more and more sense for Backwoods to acquire Neptune Mountaineering. Our philosophies about customer experience are quite similar and both companies strive to inspire people to lead active, adventurous lives—this provided a lot of synergy between our two companies. We look forward to learning more about the existing customers, working with the Neptune staff, and growing the brand in such a well established location for outdoor recreation.”

A single-store mountain shop located in the shadow of Boulder’s Flatirons, Neptune Mountaineering first opened its doors on April 1, 1973, just weeks after Backwoods first opened its doors in Wichita, Kansas. In the beginning, Neptune Mountaineering primarily repaired climbing and ski boots, and installed edges on wooden skis and re-shafted axes. Today the store is full of climbing, backpacking and backcountry ski equipment and gear, and the company’s founder, Gary Neptune, has filled the shop with artifacts of his related passion for climbing and skiing. The “museum” within the store began to take shape in the late 1970s and has become one of the most extensive collections of its kind throughout the country. The museum will remain within the store and the Neptune Mountaineering name will continue as the face of the store, with Backwoods operating behind the brand that has served thousands upon thousands in Boulder for many years.

“When I started to think about the long term future of Neptune Mountaineering and eventually selling my business I had very specific ideas about an ideal successor,” Gary Neptune, founder of Neptune Mountaineering, said.  “I could not have hoped for a better fit than Backwoods and am very excited about the future of Neptune Mountaineering and my continued involvement.”

Celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2013, Backwoods is an outdoor gear and apparel retailer located in 8 cities, now 9, across the country and on the web.  Backwoods offers clothing, equipment and expertise to help customers fulfill their travel plans with a range of adventures such as hiking, trekking, fishing, climbing, camping, trail running, kayaking, paddling, adventure trips and yoga. Backwoods Adventures, a sister company to Backwoods, is currently running trips on 6 of the 7 continents. For more about Backwoods visit http://www.backwoods.com.

*MEDIA NOTE* Interviews with Jennifer Mull are available by request.  For more information about the Backwoods acquisition of Neptune Mountaineering, or to schedule an interview, contact Jennie Whitaker at jennie@seedling-communications.com or 512-215-8977.

About Backwoods
Founded in 1973, Backwoods is an Austin-based, family owned and operated outdoor gear and apparel store. Backwoods’ corporate office is located at 127 E. Riverside Dr. Suite 101, Austin Texas 78704. With eight locations throughout Texas, Oklahoma, Nebraska, and Kansas, Backwoods has sold quality products with exceptional customer service for more than 39 years. Backwoods offers equipment and expertise to help customers fulfill their travel plans with a range of adventures such as hiking, trekking, fishing, climbing, camping, trail running, kayaking, paddling, adventure trips and yoga. In 2004, Backwoods took their mission a step further and created Backwoods Adventures, a travel company that provides unique, personal, first-rate experiences. Backwoods Adventures is currently planning trips on six different continents. For more information go to http://www.backwoods.com.

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We Made CNBC’s Top 10 List

That’s right, you read the title correctly, we made it on CNBC’s Top 10 list! Even more impressive was that we actually finished in the top 5. Public Relations, as a profession, was named the 5th most stressful job for 2013! The list was created by CareerCast and used 11 different criteria to help determine the level of work related stress by profession. Physical danger, the amount of time a person works in the public eye, unemployment rates and job growth were some of the benchmarks.

Want to see if your job made the chart? Here’s a look at the Top 10 Most Stressful Jobs of 2013.

10. Police Officer
9.   Taxi Driver
8.   Newspaper Reporter
7.   Photojournalist
6.   Senior Corporate Exec
5.   Public Relations Exec
4.   Commercial Airline Pilot
3.   Firefighter
2.   Military General
1.   Enlisted Military Personnel

When I initially looked at the list I wasn’t surprised to find PR near the top. As Jennie and I thought about it some more, we began to talk about our previous jobs, new and old clients, working with the ever-changing media and managing unexpected client crisis, we reflected on why we weren’t burdened by the industry inducing stress.

While deadlines can be overwhelmingly stressful, we quickly realized why it’s manageable. We love what we do and most importantly we love who we are doing it for!  When we started Seedling Communications in 2010 we decided that we wouldn’t just take on any client in order to generate a source of revenue for us, but that we would pursue projects we believed in. Revenue is a great thing, and necessary to remain in business, but we wanted to be particular about the clients we partnered with so that we could be equally passionate about the work they are doing in and around our community. This means we have had to turn away business in the past, but it also means that we are always working with clients whose mission aligns with ours. The interest we have in seeing our clients grow and succeed is a shared responsibility, and we love to see them make a positive impact among the people they serve.

Needless to say, we are excited about 2013 and all that it holds for Seedling Communications. Being on this list was a great way for us to reflect on 2012 and focus on 2013. We looked at it as validation for what we are doing and the clients we work alongside. We are thankful for each of them (both current and past clients) and are blessed to be a part of their individual stories of success.  

If your organization is looking for support with your communication initiatives this year, feel free to reach out to Jennie or I. We’d be thrilled to hear from you!

Happy New Year!
-Marcus Whitaker

The Holidays Are Here!

The holidays are upon us and we’re thrilled about all the fun events happening in Austin this month. Speaking of great events, two of our favorites are taking place this weekend.

-Friday, 12/7, The Ronald McDonald House of Austin and Central Texas is hosting their annual Lights of Love 5K and Family Fun Run at the Mueller Hanger from 5:30-8:30p.m. For more details and to register, you can visit http://www.rmhc-austin.org/LOL-5K.

-Sunday, 12/9, Backwoods will host their annual holiday party from 2p.m.-7p.m. in all of their stores with free food, drinks and entertainment for the public. You can find more information about this event at http://www.backwoods.com/stores/.

In addition to holiday fun, we don’t want to miss the chance to share a word of caution from Dr. Peters-Do at Texas MedClinic. We recently sent out this byline article on preparing for flu season and wanted to share it with our blog readers too.

Our hope is that you’ll get to enjoy some of the great things Austin has to offer this time of year (but make sure you have a flu shot and you’re taking proper care of your body)!

Below is the article from Texas MedClinic’s Dr. Peters-Do.

-Jennie

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Preparing for Flu Season Can Save Your Life
by Dr. Jean Peters-Do

Each year there are nearly 50 million Americans who contract the influenza virus. More than 100,000 people are hospitalized and nearly 36,000 people die from the virus. Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is a virus that can pass through the air and on contaminated surfaces, which enter the body through the nose or mouth. Flu season typically lasts from November to March, but early immunization is encouraged.  In order to help build antibodies against the current strain it’s important to get your flu shot as soon as the vaccine becomes available each year.

The best way to prevent the flu is by getting vaccinated, while hand washing remains the second best defense. Given the evolving nature of the flu strain, I recommend getting vaccinated every year, even if the viruses in the vaccine are the same as the year before. Since immunity to flu viruses decline over time, antibodies for a reoccurring strain may be too low to provide protection after a year.

The benefits of flu vaccines are numerous, and healthy, vaccinated individuals benefit the community. Those who are vaccinated fight the spread of the flu and can participate in daily life without missing work or becoming absent from their commitments. The highly contagious flu virus spreads very quickly, even before symptoms occur, and once symptoms are present, the virus is contagious five to seven days after.

The flu affects everyone differently and is potentially life threatening to the very young, the elderly and those with compromised immune systems. Vaccinations are recommended for all people over the age of 6 months old.

Simply put, flu shots save lives. Protecting yourself and your family is important and convenient. Please, make time for a quick flu shot this month—they are available all over town and on a walk in basis at many clinics and pharmacies. And, of course, we’d be happy to serve you at one of Texas MedClinic’s locations around town too.

Time to Vote for Backwoods’ 2013 Ultimate Outsider

The political elections are over, but it’s time to cast your vote for Backwoods’ 2013 Ultimate Outsider!  There were over 500 contestants from across the country that entered this month for the chance to win the grand prize, an all-expenses paid international adventure trip to Nepal’s Everest Base Camp, Kilimanjaro, Mont Blanc Circuit, or Trekking into Machu Picchu! Along the way winners will receive prizes too!

Now it’s up to you!  Contestants were asked to submit one photo of themselves along with three words that described why they were the Ultimate Outsider.  Now that the submissions are in, it’s time for you to go to their Facebook page at http://tinyurl.com/d4ubvy3 and vote for your favorite photo!  Voting runs until November 30, 2012.  Ten winners from round one will be selected and given gear that includes, Mountain Hardwear outerwear, an Icebreaker baselayer system, an Osprey travel pack, Keen footwear, and more to try and review. And, the contest continues from there…(more to come in a later post!)

Backwoods’ Ultimate Outsider contest perfectly compliments the company’s goal to get everyone outdoors!  For more information on the Ultimate Outsider contest, go to http://tinyurl.com/c9tflpe and to learn more about other Backwoods events or Backwoods Adventures go to www.backwoods.com.

–Marcus Whitaker

The For the City Network Hosts 3rd Annual Christmas Market

With Thanksgiving in the rearview mirror, the focus has shifted towards Christmas and people are already searching for the best deals of the season. Driving home for Thanksgiving late Tuesday night, Jennie and I saw people (literally) camping outside of stores for their doorbuster deals on Black FRIDAY. Reports from earlier today indicated that consumers have already spent over $1 billion on CyberMonday. And, nearly $60 billion has already been spent on holiday shopping since early Friday morning.

We know that many of you are going to be purchasing gifts for the ones you love and those that you are thankful for, but hopefully you haven’t already checked everyone off your list. Typically we put a lot of thought into shopping for the perfect gift but often there’s very little thought that goes into the impact of purchasing those very specific gifts. For the past few years, we’ve been blessed to work with The For the City Network to share what they are doing in our city and beyond. Right now we’re helping to promote the 3rd  Annual Christmas Market this Saturday December 1, 2012 from 10a.m.-7p.m. at The For the City Center!

The Christmas Market provides a chance for consumers to shop responsibly this holiday season by purchasing gifts from local and global, socially-conscious vendors.  This will be their third year hosting the event, and they are expecting over 25 vendors to attend. Many of the items are made internationally, allowing those who made the goods the opportunity to be paid a fair market price for their time and the goods being sold. In the end, fair trade helps provide better opportunities for the family’s of the workers creating the items you purchase.  The available merchandise includes art, jewelry, clothing, purses, bags, toys, cosmetics, coffee, paper goods, housewares, photo prints, and much more. The event will offer activities for children too, so adults can shop.

For more information about the Christmas Market and the vendors who are currently set to attend, please see the release below or go to www.forthecity.org/market.

–Marcus Whitaker

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The For the City Network Hosts Third Annual Christmas Market
Event Features Merchandise & Benefits Local Fair Trade, Direct Trade and Social Enterprise Vendors

AUSTIN, Texas (November 13, 2012)—The For the City Network today announced plans to host the 3rd Annual Christmas Market on Saturday, December 1, 2012 from 10a.m.–7p.m. at The For the City Center located at 500 East St. Johns Avenue. The event is free of charge, open to the public and will feature 25+ local fair trade, direct trade, and social enterprise vendors who use their businesses to promote employment and well-being for people in Austin and around the world.

“The growth of this event has been amazing. Year after year, we’ve seen significantly increased participation. In fact, the number of vendors has nearly doubled since last year and we hope to see it expand in the future. Needless to say, we are expecting big things and look forward to hosting the Christmas Market again this year,” Justin Lopez, executive director of The For the City Network, said. “By purchasing items from one of these 25+ businesses, the consumer is playing a vital role in supporting the organization’s employees here in the states, and across the globe, ensuring everyone benefits.”

The Christmas Market is an event for patrons to shop responsibly this holiday season, all while supporting local, socially conscious vendors. This event allows each vendor a platform to have their merchandise sold at a fair price.  While many of the items are made internationally, it’s important to know that each vendor ensures that their workers are paid a fair market price allowing them better opportunities for their families.  Merchandise will include art, jewelry, clothing, purses/bags, toys, cosmetics, coffee, paper goods, housewares, photo prints, and much more. The event will offer activities for children, while adults shop.

Confirmed vendors include:
–Apparent Project
–Banglabaskets
–Esperos
–Fund a Future, Inc.
–Good and Fair Clothing
–Grow Together
–Hill Country Hill Tribers
–HOPE Ministries
–IChooseYou Ministries
–Imagine Art
–Kibera Penda Project
–Makarios
–Noonday Collection
–OAK Lifestyle
–Open Arms
–Radiant Cosmetics
–Rafiki Africa Ministries
–Raven+Lily
–Savvy Boheme
–Signs of Love
–SoCo Hammocks
–True Vineyard Ministries
–Weavers of Hope
–Women at Risk International
–100 People Network
For more information about the event, and to learn about volunteer opportunities, please visit http://www.forthecity.org/market.

*MEDIA NOTE* To schedule an interview with Justin Lopez at The For the City Network, please contact Jennie Whitaker, at 512-215-8977 or by email, jennie@seedling-communications.com.

About The For the City Network
A 501c3 nonprofit organization, The For the City Network was founded in 2009 and exists to maximize and catalyze individual, community, and city restoration efforts through connecting and developing people, churches, and organizations. The For the City Center is a physical representation of their mission to facilitate organizational collaborations and a place for partnering nonprofits and other Austin area organizations to reside, share meeting space, and join hands in the effort to maximize each others’ work towards city renewal. For more information about their work and involvement in Austin, please visit http://www.forthecity.org.
                         
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We hope to see you on Saturday at The For the City Center!