Club Cabeza

Delivering What's In Store for Caché

2012-05-23T10:16:00.000-04:00

Caché and MRA Design Boast a 20-Year Business Relationship

MRA Design delivers Cache's signature look.

Twenty-year romantic relationships are rare today, but even rarer is the 20-year business relationship. Customer service, delivering on projects and continuing to push creative boundaries are the secret to Miami-based design firm MRA Design’s and nationwide specialty retail store Caché’s business success.

One of the first cues that MRA Design offers special customer service touches is when you call the main office phone. Jeri Rosenthal, Owner of MRA Design, answers the phone.

“Our policy has always been to focus on customer relations and make our customers feel like family,” Rosenthal says. “Getting someone’s voicemail doesn’t give off that feeling.”

MRA Design has been designing both retail and residential spaces since its inception. For Caché executives, MRA’s ability to provide a store that looks expensive, yet doesn’t have to be in terms of design elements, is why the company continues to rely on MRA Design.

“Our company is a fast-paced environment, and we need a partner who provides great concepts and drawings with a fast turnaround,” says Clifford Gray, Vice President of Construction at Caché stores. “MRA has a great design eye, and they pay attention to giving us a store that looks rich and beautiful, but is conscious in terms of costs. That’s very critical in our business.”

Constructing a High-Class Retail Space

Caché has more than 260 stores in 43 states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, and MRA Design helps to keep their look fresh. The retail stores are intended to provide the feel of shopping in a boutique with the convenient access to an upscale mall. To design a space, MRA Design starts off with the client’s mission and goes from there.

“We do full design from concept to completion,” Rosenthal says. “They give us a space layout, and we design it from floor to ceiling, including fixtures, flooring finishes and full construction documents.”

While the customer service aspects haven’t changed in the 20-year business relationship, technology has. MRA Design used to provide hand-drafted designs. Today, design technology allows MRA Design to streamline their process and e-mail Caché a 3-D model of a new retail store, outlet or re-vamp of an existing store.

Whatever the project or process, Gray says he feels valued as a customer.

“Without question, it’s a company with integrity, who always pays attention to detail and there for you when have questions or needs,” Gray says. “I feel they care about me as a client, and they hit the mark with the concepts we ask them to execute.”

To find out more about these featured businesses, visit:

• Caché specialty clothing stores at www.cache.com.

• MRA Design at www.mradesign.com or call (305) 762-6222. Facebook & Twitter.

Boost your message with Amplification, Inc. - Social Media Marketing.

Catching Up With Karin

2012-05-17T23:11:00.005-04:00

The stunning Ms. Kelts

CEO and Actress with Long Legs Productions and KMK Films, internationally known model, mother and world traveler: Meet Karin Kelts, a Miami native who recently returned to South Florida after years spent in Paris, France. In this feature “Catching Up With Karin,” Amplification, Inc. sits down with the businesswoman to shed some light on recent travels and get a sneak peek of some upcoming film projects.

Amplification: You have lived and traveled all over the world, but where’s the coolest place you’ve been lately?

Karin: I just got back from my birthday party in Barcelona, Spain. My best friend, who I’ve known since I was six years old, runs four spas in Barcelona, so it was a treat to spend time with my life-long friends. Barcelona is one of my top five favorite cities in the world—the architecture is astounding. I also got to have a don’t-miss experience in going to the Turkish baths. Being there was like knowing what heaven must be like. It was a five-star experience for very little money: you can enjoy an ice bath or steam room, all while sipping mint tea from Morocco. It was incredible.

Amplification: What’s one thing you can’t live without right now?

Karin: The best thing for me is absolutely my kids. I can’t imagine life without them! I’d also have to say my business partner, Kim St. Leon. She knows the film business so well and is absolutely one of my favorite people to work with.

Amplification: You have lived in Europe for many years—what’s one thing you miss, and one thing you love about being in the States? [ What to Do?! ]

Karin: In Europe, there’s this real sense of community. When you have your coffee every morning or buy fresh fruit at the street market, there’s a true sense of an unhurried lifestyle and community. Being back in Florida is wonderful, however. Everything is on the water and so beautiful. Ft. Lauderdale is, truly, the Venice (Italy) of Florida. But hoping to achieve that sense of community is one reason why I created my production company here. I hope to create a sense of family among the Florida film industry.

Amplification: Speaking of your film company, what do you have in the works right now?

Karin: I wish I could tell you the name of the project we just finished! It’s a KMK Films full-length feature film starring Danny Trejo, Jennifer Tilly and Margaret Cho. We’re currently in contract negotiations, so I think we’ll hear some good news about film distribution by the end of the month. This will potentially be the second film of ours to go into distribution. I’m never one to slow down, so the last two evenings have been spent reading three new scripts for possible production. The one I believe we’re working on the hardest is called “It’s All Relative,” which is a family comedy. [ Need Help Finding Your Way? ]

My television production company LongLegs has two reality shows we produced, and I am currently selling a tattoo show entitled Linework about a local celebrity tattoo artist Lordgyn Belizaire. It is not a Miami Ink-style show but rather an Inside the Actor’s Studio meets Ink! We have such names as Bob Marley Jr. and Matt Barnes from the Lakers. The interviews get personal and deep hearing about Bob as a father and Matt’s loss of his mom to cancer, thus forming his foundation “Athletes Fighting Cancer.”

Amplification: We’re almost halfway through with 2012. What are your goals for the rest of the year?

Karin: I would really love to see the sale of the last feature film go into distribution and be in full pre-production before the end of the year on one of the scripts we are looking at. One of my real goals is to continue to bring more film projects in Florida. Florida-centric shows like CSI Miami and The Glades aren’t even filmed in this state for the most part, so my goal is to continue producing Florida-based films in the state. We have a possibility of Victoria Justice, who is a Florida native, reading for a role in the upcoming film. All of this will help Florida take its rightful place in the film industry and for KMK Films to play a big role in that.

Stay tuned for future articles to find out more about Karin’s upcoming tv and film projects. For more information, click here to visit Karin’s IMDB page or visit KarinKelts.com to learn more about her company, KMK Films. You also can follow her on Twitter at @KarinKelts. [ It is FREE to Register, Your Loved Ones Will Thank You! ]

Amplification, Inc. Social Media Marketing Company

Dynamic DO!

2012-05-03T16:41:00.000-04:00

Fort Lauderdale, Florida

A Message From Steve Cabeza, Social Media Idea Man at Amplification, Inc.

Dynamic DO!

I get asked, often, as to my opinion on whether a business should spend more time, money, and effort on social media marketing (SMM) and search engine optimization (SEO). The answer is as easy as asking someone if they would like to make more profits: Yes. Both are important.

In the absence of the resources to do both, however, my default position is ALWAYS to proceed with SMM. Why? It is simply the difference between making your message become dynamic versus being passive. [ Find Your Way ]

If you are waiting for someone to search out your message/website/brand/product, then you are being passive. Even if you pay to have your website be top-ranked in “search” engines, you still are waiting for someone to search for your product or service.

Why not make your message dynamic and start generating activity, engagement, and interaction on social media? This way your message, piggybacked on what you do, eat, and see on a daily basis, becomes dynamic and you become proactive in your promotional and messaging efforts.

Barter Much?

Amplification, Inc. is always looking for new and exciting ways to proactively generate content on behalf of our clients and ourselves. Have you a product or service that you would like to barter or trade for social media marketing service/assistance?

Contact Marnie Goldberg or myself to schedule a brief WebEx presentation about Amplification, Inc.’s reach, approach, and capabilities. This is the first step in determining the best way to Amplify your message. [ Free to Register ]

Let us pitch the strategies and tactics to make your brand come alive on our social networks. Consider that 78 percent of people trust a peer recommendation versus 14 percent who trust advertising. Tap into our extensive, social media peer-network.

One Good Intern Deserves Another

Help us welcome Eric Seidmon to the Amplification, Inc. Team! He is an attorney and partner with the The SYM Law Group, LLC. His firm recently joined the Davie-Cooper City Chamber of Commerce. While at one of the Chamber’s recent networking events, he met Marnie Goldberg (Social Medium at Amplification, Inc.). One thing led to the next, and, well let Eric tell it in his own words:

“Starting a business, especially in this economy, is challenging and learning best how to leverage social media to support our efforts is paramount to our success, so I really was fortunate that Amplification, Inc. is so dynamic. I’ve learned a ton and I’m just getting started.”

Don’t worry, Eric, we plan to keep you busy AND help your business prosper. Eric’s firm can help you with contract law, consumer protection, and real estate law (http://www.symplelaw.com/). Follow them on Twitter at @SympleLaw.

Interested in helping out Amplification, Inc. as they help Ft. Lauderdale, Miami, and all of South Florida make sense of social media marketing? Do you just want to learn new and novel ways to help your business grow with social media? E-mail Marnie at Marnie@AmplificationInc.com for details. Amplification, Inc. is South Florida’s fastest growing social media marketing company. We have Business Development opportunities open, too.

Another Good Reason to Hit the Beach

2012-04-24T08:08:00.003-04:00

Hit the Sand (and Volleyball) For a Good Cause

Club Cabeza guest poster Kari Geck shares an upcoming event that’s fun for the whole family and close to her heart. Kari writes:

For the past nine summers, my family and I have participated in and attended the annual Cerebral Palsy Volleyball Challenge. This year marks the 27th anniversary of the event, which will be held on June 2 and 3 at the Lauderdale Beachside Hotel.

On the first weekend in June, the beach plays host to hundreds of people who come out for United Cerebral Palsy’s fun-filled, sun-soaked family friendly event. I got involved through my previous job at The Miami Herald, who generously supported and gave ad space in exchange for two teams to play in the United Cerebral Palsy charity event. At this time, my challenge was to coordinate the two teams of eight players each. The co-ed teams must have at least two women playing at all times—I had three gals and guys thanks to one lady teammate who was a “relief spiker”/ringer.

Although I no longer work at the paper, I always hold the event close to my heart. When I started a new advertising/marketing sales job from home, I needed a new sponsor to enter the event. Like Amplification, Inc., I relied on the power of social media to scout for a sponsor. I got a swift reply: Matt Blank and Gina Leggiere, co-owners of Davie SIGNARAMA stepped up to the net. After learning how this disability has touched Gina’s life, we knew it was the perfect match. Especially since we are hard-working ladies from New Jersey who love the beach and giving our blood, sweat and donations to this worthy South Florida cause.

Last year, this weekend-long fundraising event generated more than $7,000. My 12-year-old son CJ or “Coach Joe” as we call him served as our coach, motivating and keeping our team focused and on-task. His participation is a great example of what a family-oriented and fun event this can be.

Even if you aren’t ready to sign up to bring a team to the event “Sharing” this event on your Facebook, e-mail, Twitter or other social media outlet is at the heart of successful marketing. I encourage you to “pay it forward” for this worthy cause—because it’s the right and fun thing to do.

For more information on this event, visit UCPSouthFlorida.org or call Pat Murphy at (954) 257-6639 or Jackie Nunez at (561) 357-7779, ext. 13.

Have a Life Insurance Policy? Take Two Minutes to Protect It

From the time you read this to the point where you finish, you could earn yourself a significant amount of peace of mind.

On March 29, The Club shared some common misconceptions about life insurance policies, most importantly that your life insurance company will track down your beneficiaries should something happen to you. Your loved ones may be unaware of the company that holds the policy, and if you have changed addresses without updating, they may never get the money you have paid to provide.

If you own a life insurance policy, navigate to FindYourPolicy.com. This site is the country’s first (and free) life insurance policy database where you can put in the company who holds your policy and your name. That’s it—no Social Security numbers or credit card information. The registration process takes seconds, and the results can be long-lasting to protect your greatest asset: Your family.

FindYourPolicy.com is on Twitter! Follow them at @FindUrPolicy for tips on how you can protect your life insurance policy.

An Inspiring Story, An Incredible Cause

From fear to sorrow, each person had a different emotional reaction to the September 11th attacks. New York City Firefighter Stephen Siller felt emotions of bravery and duty. After finishing a firefighter shift with New York Firefighter’s Squad 1, Siller was heading home when he heard the news of the attacks. As he raced to get back to the World Trade Center, he found the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel closed. Instead of giving up, he ran toward the fallen towers in full firefighter gear, ready to help those in need.

Siller lost his life that day, working hard to save others, but his memory lives on in the Tunnel to Towers Foundation. Begun as a charity run to retrace Siller’s footsteps from the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel to the World Trade Center, the race brings more than 20,000 runners to New York each year.

In 2011, Siller’s powerful story was celebrated in Fort Lauderdale when more than 3,000 runners and walkers signed up to honor Siller’s memory and raise funds for quadruple amputee servicemen from the current war to receive specialized smart homes that allow them to live independently.

“Participants ran along side firefighters in full gear,” says Cindy Campbell, Director of Client Relations and Events at Fort Lauderdale’s Patriot National Insurance Group, who organizes the event. “It was inspirational to have community members come together for this amazing and worthy cause.”

If you’re inspired by the Tunnel to Towers mission, mark your calendars for Saturday, September 8 at 7:30 a.m. when the Fort Lauderdale event takes place. From participants to volunteers, many are needed to ensure the event’s success.

To find out how you can get involved, visit www.tunneltotowersfortlauderdale5k.com or e-mail ccampbell@pnigroup.com.

Need help with social media marketing in Fort Lauderdale? Amplification, Inc. can assist and not break the budget.

Unclaimed Life Insurance Policy? You'll Have to Find It First.

2012-03-29T16:49:00.000-04:00

While the idea of a life-ending accident, injury or illness isn’t something most want to think about, but consider these facts: 25 percent of American seniors carry a debt of $5,000 or more and an even larger percentage of working Americans are living paycheck-to-paycheck.

Anticipating just how much one might need to protect his or her loved ones is difficult, but life insurance serves as a way to financially support your beneficiary. While life insurance policies may vary on their terms and costs, the basic idea is that life insurance can offer payments to your loved ones in the event of your death to prevent your family from losing a home, car or taking on a second or even third job.


Leslie Carlet

According to Leslie Carlet, President of American Benefit Partners, Inc., a Boca Raton-based employee benefits consulting and management company, many companies continue to offer life insurance benefits or opt-in life insurance for a small fee as an attractive benefit for employees.

“Life insurance is an inexpensive way for employers to offer additional benefits to employees to help retain and recruit staff,” Carlet says. “In the unfortunate circumstance that an employee passes away, the family can turn to the employer for a means of paying for final expenses through the life insurance vehicle.”

Life insurance can offer peace of mind, but it’s important to focus on some truths about insurance policies that many family members unfortunately learn the hard way.

Searching for a Loved One’s Insurance Policy

Michael Hartmann

Two days after Michael Hartmann’s father passed away, he asked his mother about a life insurance policy he was aware his father had. His mother knew about the policy, but hadn’t previously shared the location of policy-related documents with her family members.

“She thought the insurance company would contact us to pay out on the policy,” Hartmann, CEO of FindYourPolicy.com says. “I told her it’s our responsibility to contact the company and let them know my father had passed away. After going through this experience, I thought there had to be an easier way.”

After further research, Hartmann found purchasing the life insurance policy is an important half of the battle, but isn’t all you need to claim the policy:

• Many Americans may be unaware of the company who carries a loved one’s life insurance policy. Finding which company isn’t always so easy. There are a number of insurance companies, both large and small, that could carry a policy, or the company could have changed its name. Even if you count on a lawyer or other estate guardian, details can fall through the cracks that keep you from obtaining policy information.

• The burden of contacting the life insurance company is on the beneficiaries. While a life insurance company may send information about missed premium payments, if an address is out of date, the letter may never reach your doorstep.

• The methods to access life insurance policy recommendations aren’t foolproof. You can check with the Medical Information Bureau if your loved one underwent a physical exam to qualify for life insurance or query health records in an attempt to find out policy information—but these methods are hardly foolproof.

A National Life Insurance Database

Hartmann took what could have been an otherwise tragic situation and turned it into a life lesson—and business enterprise. Along with his twin brother Edmund, he started a website called FindYourPolicy.com. The website serves to bridge the gap between purchasing an insurance policy and allowing beneficiaries to claim the policy.

Registration on the site is free—you are asked to fill out information on the company who holds the life insurance policy and the last four digits of the deceased’s Government Issued Personal Identification number, which is your Social Security number in the United States. Through registering on the site, your loved ones have one, central location to turn to that won’t change addresses. In turn, you also can search the FindYourPolicy.com database to find a beneficiaries’ life insurance policy.

Life Insurance = Peace of Mind for Your Family

Don’t give up on life insurance’s power in helping your family through a rough and unexpected time. Through FindYourPolicy.com, you can protect your loved ones and your insurance policy.

“The entire process takes no more than two minutes to register on a database that never goes away,” Hartmann says. “It’s a great safety net, and it’s free.”

Ready to protect your loved ones? Visit FindYourPolicy.com and register your policy for free or e-mail info@findyourpolicy.com. To link up on social media sites, visit www.findyourpolicy.blogspot.com, on Delicious by clicking here or follow on Twitter: @FindUrPolicy.

For more information on American Benefit Partners, Inc. services and consulting opportunities, call (561) 394-2881 or visit www.abpbenefits.com.

Contact Amplification, Inc. for all of your social media marketing needs in South Florida. We help with content, counseling, access, interaction, consulting, teaching, hand-holding, helping and everything else you need.

Need to Bridge Your Unemployment Gap?

2012-03-26T16:19:00.002-04:00

If you’re between jobs or just want to beef up your résumé, volunteering may be the way to do it: One in five employers consider outside volunteer service a reason for hiring

a job candidate, according to a survey from LinkedIn, a business resource service.

“If you’re unemployed, this work shows you’ve been productive,” says John Challenger, the CEO of Challenger, Gray & Christmas, a Chicago-based outplacement firm in an interview with “Real Simple” magazine. “And if you’re already employed, it supplements the experiences you’ve gained at your job.”

[ Helping Others Find The Way ]

Eric Yankwitt, the founder of the Pompano Beach-based volunteer organization Florida Community Support sees the benefits of volunteering each day, including building job skills and the good feelings that come with making the world a better place.

“Our organization is based around finding creative ways to serve needy populations,” says Yankwitt, who is an attorney, accountant and insurance professional. “This doesn’t just extend to financial need—it’s for people in need of legal advice, support groups for families and access for those are feeling lonely and want to make a new friend.”

One Organization, Many Outlets

Florida Community Support has many outlets for a willing volunteer to get involved or financially support. This includes:

• Business Seminars: From tutorials on starting a new business to tax law to marketing your business, attending a free S.C.O.R.E. and R.E.E.P. session can help you get started. Florida Community Support also offers seminars on QuickBooks to help you manage your money. Click here to find an upcoming seminar in locations such as Miami, Deerfield Beach, Ft. Lauderdale and Pembroke Pines.

• Support Groups: Florida Community Support offers many supportgroups, including groups from those who have experienced a recent death, those who live with alcoholics and parents of disabled children.

“A licensed therapist leads these groups, and they provide an outlet for people to receive support and meet others going through similar experiences,” Yankwitt says.

• Special Events: From organizing a Thanksgiving Day meal for those who may not have others to celebrate with to setting out to break the Guinness Book of World Record’s “World’s Largest Simon Says” contest, Florida Community Support is always looking to organize and promote new ways to bring people together.

Simon Says, “Set the World Record”

Speaking of the “World’s Largest Simon Says” contest, the opportunity for you to be a part of the record books is coming up. On August 27, 2012, thousands of people across South Florida will set out to beat the current world record. This doesn’t have to happen in one place. Instead, Florida Community Support is organizing various community locations and condo and homeowner’s association clubhouses in Broward County where you can be a part of the fun.

[ Social Media Annoyances? ]

“The Simon Says event is an easy way to get involved, meet some of your neighbors and possibly even win a prize,” Yankwitt says.

The current record is 12,215, set on June 14, 2007, in Cedar City, Utah. Now is your chance to be in the record books.

Volunteers Needed

All sorts of reasons exist to volunteer: From improving your mental functioning to boosting the likelihood you’ll get hired, volunteering can help in all facets of your life. If you’re looking for a place to get started, Florida Community Support is here.

“We encourage every person that ever needs to feel like they’re a part of something to volunteer with our organization,” Yankwitt says. “We have veterans, retirees, college students and high school students—people from every walk of life. They all have gifts and talents to contribute to our organization.”

Ready to get involved with Florida Community Support? For more information, visit www.floridacommunitysupport.org. You also can e-mail Eric@FloridaCommunitySupport.org. If you’re more of an in-person visitor, visit the organization’s offices at 2304 East Atlantic Blvd., 2nd Floor, Pompano Beach, FL 33063.

Do you need help with social media marketing but don't know where to start? Amplification, Inc. can help you make sense of Twitter to help your business and give instant access to a growing, established, and vibrant network.

'Tis the Season For Weddings, Jobs and Social Media Annoyances

2012-03-20T15:12:00.000-04:00

The new "Timeline" is not popular.

Gasp! Like Humans, Social Media Isn’t Perfect

Does the new Facebook Timeline bug you? Do you skip Words With Friends turns because your app takes forever to load? You’re not alone. Social media is like the freeway—you have to travel on it to get anything done, but you can reserve the right to get frustrated when there’s too much traffic, slowdowns or detours due to new construction.

What’s frustrating you in social media right now? In “Was This Broken, Why Did You Fix It?” news, the new Facebook Timeline is “Liked” by only 8 percent of Facebook users, according to The Daily Mail.

That’s a pretty low number, Zuckerberg. What’s often more concerning is that the timeline has been called a “Stalker’s Paradise,” that allows everyone to know what you’ve eaten, written, photographed and liked for however long you’ve been on Facebook, all wrapped up with a super-large, sometimes-scary “Cover Photo.”

While we’re on the subject of annoying social media, the results from the “Who Gives a Tweet” study from Carnegie Mellon, MIT, and Georgia Tech have recently launched. Time magazine reported that some, but not all, of the top Twitter annoyances were:

• Too Many Hashtags: When you have more hashtags than characters, you have too many hashtags. Give it a rest, already.

• Too Many @Mentions: See above about hashtags, but replace with @Mentions

• Talking About Old News or “Pedestrian Tweets”: If you’re only Tweet contributions are what you had for lunch or the last Presidential election, you aren’t using Twitter effectively.

If you’re afraid you’re turning into a Twitter offender, check out “Why Your Business Can’t Afford Not to Tweet” for some quality advice from the Amplification, Inc. experts about how to effectively use Twitter.

April from The D-Tales

The D-Tales: Making Grandma (and You) Happy

April Dorsey, Founder of The D-Tales event planning and production, has dedicated her career to making weddings memorable and unique. But she says that when it comes to wedding planning, the most difficult obstacle isn’t the budget or even the amount of time to plan. Instead, the biggest obstacle has to do with balancing what the bride, mother, mother-in-law and grandmother all want from the wedding.

“The first advice I give brides is to realize that it’s not your mother’s wedding, and that throwing out the rules can equal a special, personal wedding,” April says. “The second piece of advice is to realize there’s a fine balance between traditions that are important to you and those that are not.”

Once you have these ground rules set, April says the next steps are a matter of give-and-take. Think about what you and your fiancé have to have to achieve the wedding you’ve always dreamed of. The rest of the details can come together and be achieved through compromise should your mother-in-law insist on a particular seating arrangement, having your cousin Mitzi circulate the guest book, etc.

“The key is to find a way to put little touches of your own that still respect traditions you hold most dear,” April says.

Need April’s touch for your upcoming wedding? Visit www.thedtales.com and click on “Contact Us” for more information or e-mail April@TheDTales.com.

Calling All Future Social Media Mavens

Position: Intern with the Social Media Experts at Amplification, Inc.

Description: If you love all things social media, including Twitter, Facebook, blogging and video production, come and join us at Amplification, Inc. to learn and contribute in a fast-paced, ever-growing social media company.

Duties include, but are not limited to:

• Assisting in social media efforts for clients, including updating Facebook and Twitter profiles and helping to develop and implement social media strategies for clients.

• Contributing to growing video production efforts, including help with filming and conceptualizing video ideas.

“We’re really looking for an intern who loves social media and the digital environment—this is the opportunity to learn how something you love can turn into a potential career,” says Marnie Goldberg, Social Medium and Twitter Goddess at Amplification, Inc. “Our intern will be very involved with all of our projects, so prepare to get your hands dirty.”

If you’re ready to add “Amplification, Inc. Intern” to your resume, e-mail Marnie at Marnie@AmplificationInc.com, including your resume and cover letter about why you would be a great fit for the position. We are located in Broward County, Florida (Ft. Lauderdale area) so only local applicants need apply.

YOU Could Break Records

Our friends at Florida Community Support (get some more info on them by clicking here) have a fantastic event coming up. Here’s more information from our guest poster, Matthew Johnson, Florida Community Support Intern:

My name is Matthew Johnson and I am a student at Everest University in Pompano Beach, Fla. I am in my last semester and am doing my internship with Florida Community Support. While interning, I am one of the project managers for the forthcoming world record attempt of the “Largest Simon Says Game." Mark your calendars for August 27, 2012, to help us break the records and celebrate the anniversary of the Guinness World Records first publication in 1955.

The August 27 event will take place throughout Broward County at Homeowner's Association meeting rooms and local community rooms. If you are interested in participating, you need only bring a plate of food from your culture or that celebrates your heritage that can feed at least five people.

The inspiration for the event is the same drive behind Florida Community Support's mission: The unfortunate reality that on any given day you can walk up to someone and ask them if they know their neighbors, and there is a really good chance that a majority will say no. This is why Florida Community Support is dedicated to “Building Communities One Neighbor at a Time.” We hope this event will bring each community closer together by allowing you to meet your neighbors from down the street or right next door.

Don't miss out on the fun and your chance to be a part of the record books as we try to break the previous record that was set back on June 14, 2007, in Cedar City, Utah, at the Utah Summer Games Opening Ceremony and involved 12,215 participants. We anticipate the event will be fun for the whole family.

For more information on this event, stay tuned to the Florida Community Support website at FloridaCommunitySupport.org and like them on Facebook by clicking here.

Need help making sense of social media marketing? Turn to Amplification, Inc. Think you may be the beneficiary of a life insurance policy but aren't sure? Visit FindYourPolicy.com and thank us later.

Helping Others Find Their Way

2012-03-12T13:34:00.000-04:00

Think about all the signs it takes to get a new condominium or housing community construction project to completion. From the “Coming Soon” signs to “Five Units Left” to the actual signs that serve as entrance landmarks, there’s a lot of things that have to happen for you to find your way to your new home. Ten years ago, when Chuck Halberg, Owner at Stuart and Shelby Development, Inc., a construction and renovation business, needed just these items, he found a business he has come to count on: SIGNARAMA USA, BOCA/DELRAY.

“Supporting community businesses is important to me, and SIGNARAMA goes above and beyond for my business needs,” Halberg says. “They have made every sign, banner, business card and much more. When I need something, I just call them.”

Because sign projects take creativity and a bit of perfectionism to get just right, Mike Sneiderman, who is the co-owner of SIGNARAMAUSA, BOCA/DELRAY along with his son Dave, says being responsive and building a business relationship with his clients are just some of the reasons why customers like Halberg become repeat customers.

“Service is important to me, and SIGNARAMA has always performed at the highest level,” Halberg says. “Lots of times, I tell them what I want and they execute it to perfection.”

SIGNARAMA: Your Success Is Theirs

Another business aspect that Halberg says he has been impressed with is the variety of products offered at SIGNARAMA. From a project (literally) as small as creating a new business card to one as large as a backlit sign for the entrance to Halberg’s “The Colony at Delray Beach” development, SIGNARAMA serves as a one-stop opportunity for Halberg to have his business needs met.

“Our knowledge of available products and what will work on a particular project makes us a great partner with businesses,” Mike Sneiderman says. “It’s not uncommon to have a business owner come in, uncertain of signs he needs in terms of sizing, design and materials. We are a source of advice and guidance on these aspects because we have worked in the sign industry for many years and know what works.”

As Halberg’s company continues to embark on new building project, he says he’ll always rely on SIGNARAMA USA, BOCA/DELRAY to get the job done.

“I don’t call anybody else—when I have a project, Mike and Dave at SIGNARAMA are the guys to go to,” Halberg says.

If you have need of a signature sign,banner, magnet and so much more, call SIGNARAMA USA, BOCA/DELRAY at (561) 278-7446 or visit www.signdb.com. Or you can visit the welcoming sign professionals in person at SIGNARAMA located at 2905 S. Congress Avenue, Suite E in Delray Beach.

To find about more about Stuart and Shelby Development, Inc. and the comprehensive building and renovationservices offered, visit stuartandshelby.com or call (561) 637-7902 for more information.

Need help making sense of social media marketing and what the best approach for your unique product, business, service, and message is? Contact Amplification, Inc., and learn how to use Twitter to help your business.

[ The Sheriff, Cars, and the Right Thrive ]

The Sheriff, Used Cars, and the right Thrive!

2012-03-09T12:15:00.001-05:00

Scott Israel

A New Sheriff In Town

Even if your New Year’s resolutions are out the window, there’s still something important you must do in 2012: Vote. In addition to the Presidential election, you must consider the elections here in our own backyard if you're a Broward County resident, like I. Don’t ignore the local elections because these officials will directly affect you.

One election that’s sure to be highly contested in 2012 is the race for Broward County Sheriff. Here’s why you should care: In addition to keeping you safe, the sheriff’s office has more than 6,300 employees and a budget of $700 million. You don’t want to trust that budget to just anyone. You want to trust it to the person who will keep you safe and command the kind of department that puts ethical and fair treatment first and does his best to spend locally.

[ Tweet to assist your business! ]

I’m still deciding who to vote for because I believe it’s important to be an educated and informed citizen, and there is still plenty of time left to evaluate the candidates. That means I’m staying up to date on campaigns via social media (my favorite!), the newspapers and various websites. Whatever your favorite way to get the news, resolve to spend an extra five minutes or so a week catching up too. I’ve come across some interesting and altogether colorful information about one sheriff candidate, Louis Granteed. Read more about it here: Is Broward’s Louis Granteed the Democrat’s Herman Cain? and Broward Sheriff’s Candidate Counseled on Lunch-time Strip-Club Visit. I’m also learning more about Scott Israel at ScottIsraelforSheriff2012.com. These two guys are running for the Democratic nomination in the election to be held on August 14, and the winner will take on the incumbent Republican Sheriff (Al Lamberti) in November.

When we both cast our ballots, we’ll know we made the decision that was best for our safety and for our friends and family in Broward County. A person we can trust with our funds and the running of a department that employs thousands. That’s the kind of sheriff you should elect, and that’s the one I’m hoping for too.

What Car Repairs and Your Health Have in Common

Finding out you need significant repairs to your car can be like going to the dentist and finding out you need a root canal: The unexpected expense may keep you from getting the repairs, but the problem isn’t going to go away.

But economic times are tough, and Ariel Chmielarz at Autologic, Inc. of Fort Lauderdale has seen an increasing number of people either leave their in-need-of-repair cars parked or drive them to an early death due to lack of needed repairs. That’s when Chmielarz sought to give customers an alternate solution: a 90-day same-as-cash agreement.

[ Check out the latest Round-Up! ]
If car repairs your bank account may not be able to afford are recommended, you can fill out a quick form, pay a $35 registration fee and find out in 15 minutes if you qualify for a $1,500 line of credit that can be paid off with no interest charged in 90 days.

“Getting your needed repairs means you can drive your car longer and without the fear that it could break down on you,” Chmielarz says. “The 90-day same-as-cash offer helps you get the repairs you need in a more comfortable time frame.”

Three Signs You Have the Right Mechanic

With more than 32 years in business, Chmielarz and the Autologic employees pride themselves on quality service and a commitment to customers. If you aren’t sure your mechanic is offering you the same standards, here are some of his tips for finding a quality repair shop for your car:

• Time-tested. If a shop has survived 10 years or more, it has likely built a customer following that relies on its reputability.

• Clean. While working with cars may be dirty by nature, Chmielarz says it’s important that a shop take pride in its appearance—they’re more likely to offer the same respect to you and your car.

• Professional. From the way the mechanics are dressed to the way they treat you as a customer. If you are treated with professionalism and respect, you are better able to rely on them.

Ariel’s Autologic offers service and repair for every make and model automobile. Ariel is also in the market for used cars, trucks, motorcycles, and RVs. For more information visit autologicfl.com or call (954) 462-7560.

Moving Forward to Change Your Life

Letting go of past wrongs helped one woman find her romantic soul.

If four months ago, you had told Jennifer Pedrizzetti that she would have moved past life-altering events in her personal and professional life to begin her own business, she probably wouldn’t have believed you.

Today, she does because she found a life coach who made her believe change was possible. She credits the beginning of these transformations to her life coach Fran Asaro, CEO of Thrive Any Way, a life coaching and business consulting company. And last Saturday, Jennifer launched her own company thanks to their sessions.

Letting Go, Moving Forward

Jennifer e-mailed Fran and signed up for 12 weeks of coaching.

“I told Fran that my life was just not where I wanted it to be,” Jennifer said. “We started with goals and values that I had as well as how to move forward past the personal and professional relationships that had been holding me back.”

These coaching sessions with Fran brought about forgiveness.

“Many of my clients say I am the first person to give them permission to be themselves,” Fran said. “I am not particularly attached to what they do, whether they change what they do or what people think. I am, however, very attached to their joy.”

By helping Jennifer learn to love herself again, an idea for a new business emerged. Through their coaching sessions, Jennifer said that Fran helped her to find a job she could do that doesn’t even feel like work at all.

“Fran ignited the passion in my life, and I realized that you have start with love for yourself before you can share it with others,” Jennifer said.

That’s where the idea for YourRomanticSoul.com was born. Jennifer’s website focuses on everything romantic, from personal relationships to loving yourself. Launched on Saturday, November 19, the website features three chief sections. The first is for love stories, both fictional and true life. Visitors also are invited to share their stories with other readers. The second portion features exclusive articles currently dedicated to romance, including seasonally appropriate suggestions for date-night ideas and romantic getaways.

[ You May Be Beneficiary of a Lost Policy and not Even Know It! ]
The final section is a members-only access site where members can receive weekly newsletters and even a customized service where you can write a love letter to yourself or a loved one. The letter is then sent to a calligrapher and presented on specialized paper or finished with a wax seal. Each month will offer a different love letter style; from scrolls to a puzzle your loved one can assemble. The site doesn’t feature advertisements, so Jennifer hopes it will be a place where visitors can enjoy and re-kindle their own romantic relationships.

From Stuck to Unstoppable

If you are ready to change your own life, make the business dream in your mind a reality or move on from life challenges, Fran can help you thrive in the way that’s best for you. Call her for an appointment at (954) 370-8001 or e-mail her at fran@thriveanyway.com. For more information on the ways Fran can help you, visit www.thriveanyway.com.

In the meantime, visit Jennifer’s new website—visit www.YourRomanticSoul.com to find the romance in your own life. Memberships also are available for purchase on eBay or Amazon.com.

Your Business Can’t Afford Not to “Tweet"

2012-03-02T14:05:00.001-05:00

Six years ago if you asked someone to “follow” you, it was most likely because you were leading them to their table at a restaurant. Thanks to Twitter, “Following” someone is as easy as clicking on their name, and you get 140-character or less updates about them daily…or by the hour…or seemingly by the minute.

“Twitter can be a divisive thing—I know many people who tell me they they just don't get it,” says Marnie Goldberg, Social Medium and Twitter Goddess at Amplification, Inc. “Twitter is designed to be simple and skipping out on the opportunities Twitter can provide your business keeps you from maximizing your business’ potential.”

Marnie Goldberg

Users generate more than 200 million Tweets a day, according to The Wall Street Journal. What this means to most businesses is if you aren’t capitalizing on Twitter, you are missing out on a powerful opportunity to get your messages across.
Twitter’s power is that it uses short messages to provide readers an enticing preview of what is to come on a website or a tight and succinct statement. In fact, some financial companies pay as much as $40 million per year on Twitter research that then informs financial decisions.

“Underestimating the power of social media in 2012 would be a drastic mistake for a business to make,” says Kalia Garrido, co-founder of www.locallyrooted.com, a website dedicated to community conscious shopping. “Using Twitter allows us to get our messages out virally—we have the potential to reach the friends of our friends and their friends. It’s a seemingly unlimited audience just waiting to be tapped.”

LocallyRooted.com

Social media-based businesses like Amplification,Inc. have capitalized on the seemingly unlimited influence of the Twitter feed.

“We work with our clients to target and constantly calibrate what messages they need relayed,” Goldberg says. “From sales to promotions to specific products to simply wishing customers a good day, we’re able to keep a Twitter feed active so followers start to eagerly anticipate the next announcement.”
A robust messaging tempo also helps attract new followers, which in turn gives your message more traction, reach, and greater influence.

Decoding Twitter

While Twitter (technically a micro-blogging site) was invented to be a simpler alternative to social media giants such as MySpace and Facebook, it’s unique language and vocabulary can be understandably intimidating. According to Goldberg, you can make Twitter work for your business in a three-step process.

1. Head to Twitter.com and sign up. You’ll be asked to choose a name, such as @ClubCabeza and upload your company’s logo or any relevant photo that helps followers identify your business.

2. Start pushing out your messages. Goldberg recommends having a Twitter strategy as part of a larger content strategy. Deciding what message you want to convey within the 140-character Twitter parameters and when those tweets should deploy can be a bit overwhelming. Amplification, Inc. can assist you with developing your message and deploying your tweets throughout the day.

3. Build your followers to drive traffic. Obtaining a good amount of Twitter followers takes time and work. Once you have identified your target audience, following them isn’t enough. You have to make your account social and speak to your followers so that you avoid becoming “noise,” which means what you’re sharing must be of high quality and credible. Get it right, and Twitter can and will drive traffic to your website.

“People today are busy, but they typically have time to read a 140-character or less message about your business,” Goldberg says. “By capitalizing on this audience who needs quick, usable information and providing links to your site, followers have everything they need to buy and/or support your business.”

[ Winning Friends and Influencing People! ]

A Little Help From Your Friends

Another aspect of what Amplification, Inc. does is build Twitter followers for an organization.

“When it comes to social media, reputation is everything, and Amplification, Inc. has worked to build its reputation,” says Steve Cabeza, of Amplification, Inc. “When we add a client to the Amplification family, that client is linking in to our well-established and time-earned reputation as a provider of quality content and useful information.”

Garrido agrees.

“Our Twitter traffic has improved drastically since we became involved with Amplification, Inc.,” she says. “They basically took our unused Twitter account and built it up to a following of almost 1K users, and it’s growing every day.”

Amplification, Inc.'s extended and growing social network includes many content aggregators that will take the information we send out and re-tweet (re-posting, forwarding, sharing) those tweets, which enlivens an even larger audience. One such content aggregator is Tonya Scholz, a South Florida-based communications consultant and broadcaster on www.kNOw-aging.com (@kNOwAging on Twitter).

“I want to be a trusted source for information and part of the way I accomplish this is by assimilating people’s information on Twitter,” says Scholz, whose followers include The NewYork Post. “Twitter is all about creating influence. It’s like an introduction that allows you to then build a deeper business relationship offline.”

If you’re not ready to stick your toe in the Twitter waters just yet, Amplification, Inc. can help.

“Marnie and Steve at Amplification, Inc. have truly become valued members of our marketing team—we rely on them to handle our social media so that we can focus on what we do best: running our business,” Garrido says.

For more information on Amplification, Inc., visit www.AmplificationInc.com.This article was written exclusively for The Club by Rachel Nall. Check her out on Twitter by clicking here.

Winning Friends and Influencing People

2012-02-27T22:56:00.002-05:00

Spreading the Social Media Love...

Mark Your Calendars for the McSorley’s Hennessey Cup Classic

Fore! The First-Annual “McSorley’s Hennessey Cup Classic” will be held on Thursday, March 8, 2012, on the West course of Jacaranda in Plantation, Fla. If you sign up for this golf scramble, you’ll be playing for a good cause: the tourney benefits the Carlow/KilkennyHome Care organization and is held in memory of Eamonn Hennessy, a true Kilkenny man who recently passed away.

[ Why you MUST be using Twitter to help your business! ]

The Carlow/Kilkenny Home Care Team is a volunteer organization that provides home-based palliative nursing care services to patients in the counties of Carlow and Kilkenny, Ireland. As if that wasn’t reason enough to sign up the event offers a BBQ lunch, beverages throughout the course, a Nike Gift Package you’re going to hope you win, raffle prices, auction and a $10,000 putting contest. When your round ends, you’ll head to McSorley’s Beach Pub for a three-hour open bar. Hurry and sign up—the entry deadline is February 29. Amplification, Inc. is a proud sponsor.

For more information, click here or call Kevin Ludke at (954) 551-1956 or e-mail him at kevinpge@bellsouth.net for registration and sponsorship information.

10,001 Reasons to Support Those With Developmental Disabilities

There are 10,001 reasons to sign up for the 2nd Annual Mike Campbell Memorial Golf Tournament held on May 9, 2012 at the Palm Aire Country Club. The 10,000 comes from the $10,000 you could win if you make a hole in one. The one (and most important) reason is the tournament benefits the Ann Storck Center, a nonprofit organization dedicated to enriching the lives of children and adults with developmental disabilities.

The event will begin with a 7:30 a.m. shotgun start and also includes an auction with amazing prizes. Don’t wait to sign up—the deadline for entries is April 15, 2012. Hole sponsorships are available for $100 and the cost is $400 for a foursome. To find out how you can support this event, please call (954) 941-5566, ext. 6106 or mail checks to the Wyndham Santa Barbara 1301 South Ocean Blvd. Pompano Beach, FL 33062, noting “Ann Storck Center” on the envelope.

Even if you don’t play golf, there are many ways to support the Ann Storck Center. Visit www.annstorckcenter.org or call (954) 584-8000 for more information.

Caring for Your Friends and Neighbors

You’ve worked hard to build the skills that keep your job and support your family—but in your occasional spare time, do you use those for others? If you are looking for an outlet to get involved, Florida Community Support can help. This nonprofit organization takes a three-pronged approach to services:

The first is participating in community events, such as providing Thanksgiving meals, producing health fairs and promoting therapy support groups.

The second is educational support, offering seminars on a variety of 35 different skilled topics, including how to prepare a will, obtain a green card, how to prevent foreclosure and/or how to receive a loan or grant.

The final approach is serving as a bridge between churches and not-for-profit organizations, bringing the best of both government and not for profits to serve the community. Florida Community Support has a variety of committees that can offer services and connect you with local organizations for your mutual benefit.

“We accomplish these tasks by allowing those amongst us who need or want to improve job skills to learn and provide us with the manpower to do the activities,” said Eric Yankwitt, Esq., attorney and founder of Florida Community Support. “We’re always looking for volunteers who want to give back—and there are so many ways for people of all ages to do just that.”

For more information on how you can get involved with this organization, please visit http://www.floridacommunitysupport.org or e-mail Eric@FloridaCommunitySupport.org for a list of upcoming events.

Deals Made In Heaven

Who doesn’t love a good deal? At Deal Heaven 24/7, you can find the best deals in town and support local businesses. From coupons that save you money on your pets to saving money on being pampered yourself, Deal Heaven 24/7 has the discounted deals you love. The most heavenly part of all is that 2.47% of your online purchases are donated to charity, and you can find out more about local charities on the DealHeaven247.com site. Click here to sign up for your Deal Heaven 24/7 account to begin receiving your personal deals or refer a friend to receive $10 in Deal Dollar$ toward future purchases.

A New Sheriff In Town

The Presidential election isn’t the only important vote in town—the Broward County Sheriff’s election is one you’ll want to cast your vote for too. The “New Times” has started a series of candidate profiles, starting with Sheriff Candidate Scott Israel. Check out the profile here at “Broward Sheriff Candidate Scott Israel: ‘I Have a Pristine Record" to start learning more about this candidate in the upcoming election.

Sometimes Awesomeness Speaks for Itself

If you haven’t checked out some of our recent posts on 595 Corporate Park of Commerce (like “ThePerfect Fit for CrossFit” or “BrowardCounty Real Estate Markets Heat Up In Winter”) you’re missing out. 595 Corporate Park of Commerce is situated in the Weston/Western Broward County market, which is one of the fastest-growing real estate markets in South Florida. Not to mention that you’ll have some pretty amazing neighbors, including famous names like Guy Harvey and Dragados, USA. If you’re thinking of relocating your business or finally starting the business you’ve always dreamed of, contact Maiko Winer with REMS Group at (954) 474-1000 or mw@remsgroupinc.com.

Adventure Travel at the Rio Celeste Hideaway Hotel

2012-02-09T23:02:00.000-05:00

While a visit to a tourist destination has its place and time, thrill seekers or “adventure” travel opportunities are on the rise. You’re an adventure traveler if you’ve ever wanted to immerse yourself in the beauty of the Costa Rican rainforest, without too many camera-toting tourists or tiki bars.

Nestled in the Northern Costa Rican rainforest is the Rio Celeste Hideaway Hotel, a boutique hotel that’s as friendly to adventure travelers as it is to romantic relaxers. With 26 casitas, the hotel aims to create an authentic Costa Rican experience, just 100 miles north of San Jose.

[ Crossfit Much? ]

Hotel guest Nima R. from Mountain View, Calif., stayed at the Rio Celeste in November 2011 where she hiked to the waterfalls and immersed herself in the secluded hot water pools.

“The path to the waterfalls is one that starts out with open spaces and leads into dense forest with rainforest canopy,” she said. “The waterfall is pretty impressive, with its huge volume of water coming down every minute.”

When her thrill-seeking hike was over, the hotel provided a place for rainforest relaxation.

“The furniture at the hotel gives the guests the feeling of being in the tropics,” she said. “The ambiance and the service are superlative.”

Rainforests, Waterfalls, Hot Springs

To see Costa Rica the way it was meant to be seen, location is everything. Adventure-seeker Alex Ramos and her boyfriend chose the Rio Celeste Hotel because of its close proximity to the Tenorio Volcano National Park. The Rio Celeste is nestled right at the entrance of the national park, which features four volcanic peaks, two craters and the aquamarine Rio Celeste, or Light Blue River where hikers can travel along.

“We absolutely loved visiting the park for a great hike to see the volcano, river, falls and hot springs,” Alex said. “Lots of birds to see was a bonus.”

[ Sow Some Karma! ]

But even a thrill-seeker like Alex takes a break every once in a while—she said she found relaxation at the Rio Celeste.

“To exist in the rainforest and experience its tranquil ambiance within the hotel compound, even from our casita with the French doors open throughout the night as we slept, was out-of-this world breathtaking,” she said.

To find out more about how adventure-seekers enjoy the Rio Celeste, check out this video or visit their TripAdvisor page where guests have ranked the Rio Celeste the No. 1 hotel in the region. To find your own authentic Costa Rican experience at the Rio Celeste Hotel, visit www.RioCelesteHideaway.com, (954) 234-2608 and become a fan on Facebook.

The Perfect Fit for CrossFit

2012-01-23T12:41:00.000-05:00

To have the outdoor space for running and the interior space for gymnastic rings and hanging ropes, Steve Bowser knew he was going to need plenty of room for his CrossFit facility. At 595 Corporate Park of Commerce, he found a 4,000-square foot space he and his trainers could call home—and put people through the challenging workouts CrossFit is famous for.

“Our location is right off the 595 corridor, so we loved the convenience for our clients when we were looking for new gym space,” said Bowser, who is the owner and program director of the CrossFit Affliction facility. “It’s been our location for three years, and the management company and owners keep it incredibly clean, neat and organized.”

[ Desk Job = Damaged Back ]

At its core, CrossFit is a strength and conditioning program designed for everyone—the gym even offers classes for those ages 6 to 12. The space is a weightlifter’s dream, filled with power racks, kettlebells, rowing machines, medicine balls and Prowler sleds. For exercisers considering giving CrossFit a try, Bowser recommends calling their location and making an appointment. CrossFit offers introductory sessions to walk exercisers through techniques and common exercise movements so exercisers can start their first class feeling comfortable and safe.

Finding Your Space

Like Bowser and the CrossFit facility, businesses can find the space to fit their needs, from showroom and warehouse spaces ranging from 2,000 to more than 30,000 square feet of space.

[ Broward County Real Estate Heats Up ]

“In business, location is everything—and we feel like we have the best location in town in an area that’s only going to expand,” said Robert Lechter, managing member with the REMS Group, who developed the 42-acre 595 Corporate Park of Commerce. “The Corporate Park of Commerce was built to be a complex that fit a business’ aesthetic needs, not to mention how convenient and highly visible it is from the interstate.” Check out the video tour.

You’ll Get Hooked

Bowser’s gym has the term “affliction” in the title because that’s the kind of dedication CrossFit trainees have. When clients catch the affliction, they keep coming back to get fit.

“We have a broad base of clientele, from the grandparent who would like to lift her grandchild a little easier to the cage fighter that trains for a televised bout,” Bowser said. “The best part about CrossFit is that people see results so quickly. You’re never going to get bored.”

[ Rainforest Relaxation ]

To learn more about CrossFit Affliction, visit www.crossfitaffliction.com or call (954) 846-8666. The facility is located at 10400 State Road 84 #103 in Davie. To find out how you can become a nearby tenant at 595 Corporate Park of Commerce, visit www.595corp.com or call Maiko Winer at (954) 474-1000.

Rachel Nall wrote this article exclusively for Amplification, Inc. To check out more of her work, visit http://www.demandstudios.com/profile-7146611d-Rachel-Nall/.

Are you prepared for the coming battles?

Costa Rica Rainforest Relaxation

2012-01-21T08:08:00.000-05:00

Less-Traveled Costa Rica

Think you’ve seen all there is to see in Costa Rica? Think again. The Rio Celeste Hideaway Hotel offers luxurious accommodations in a Costa Rican area that’s off the beaten track.

Located in Guatuso, Costa Rica, just 100 miles north of San Jose, the hotel is a short drive from the Liberia, Guanacaste, airport. Situated in the lush, Costa Rican tropical rainforest, the boutique hotel features 26 casitas with the amenities of home, such as flat-screen televisions and Jacuzzi tubs, coupled with the experiences you could only get at the Rio Celeste, such as a balcony that opens out to the rainforest, with its brightly colored birds and flowering plants.

[ Social Karma ]

The Rio Celeste’s walking distance to Tenorio Volcano National Park attracted guest Alex Ramos, to travel from Sacramento, Calif., to the Rio Celeste. It is from this park where the Rio Celeste takes its name—the Rio Celeste River is a breathtaking shade of blue derived from the sulfur of the nearby Tenorio Volcano. Check out the video.

While Ramos classifies herself as the kind of traveler that loves to be on the go all the time, at the Rio Celeste, she found a place where she felt she could truly relax.

“I absolutely loved visiting the park for a great hike to see the volcano, river, falls and hot springs,” Alex said. “At Rio Celeste, I just wanted to hang out on the casita balcony or any part of the hotel and relax.”

In addition to the reach-out-and-touch-it scenery, Alex was impressed with the hotel service—the staff even baked a cake especially for her boyfriend’s birthday.

An Authentic Experience

The desire to find a less-discovered portion of Costa Rica also attracted George S. and his wife from Oceanport, New Jersey, to the Rio Celeste.

“My wife and I have traveled all over Costa Rica, and we wanted to try somewhere different, so we thought we would see the Tenorio Volcano area and the blue Rio Celeste,” George said.

[ Desk Job = Damaged Back ]

During their December 2011 stay, the couple hiked the Rio Celeste River for hours, taking in the sites and enjoying the wildlife bird-watching opportunities.

“This part of Costa Rica is really different from all other parts of the country that we have seen and had very few tourists,” George said. “We went on a drive that took us through many farm areas where they grow pineapple, papaya and many other things. It was all just beautiful.”

To find your own authentic Costa Rican experience at the Rio Celeste Hotel, visit www.RioCelesteHideaway.com, or call (954) 234-2608. Check out Rio Celeste's Facebook page for more photos and guest feedback.

Amplification, Inc.

What Better Women's Care Looks Like!

2012-01-17T15:07:00.000-05:00

In a world obsessed with quantity over quality, the office of Dr. Andrew Krinsky is a breath of fresh air. The minute you walk in, you’re welcomed by an environment that is attentive to a woman’s entire well-being. A luxurious waiting room complete with relaxing background music, soothing images of nature, and the calming scent of vanilla are just a few ways you know this is not your average gynecology practice.

[ Desk Job = A Damaged Back ]

“People often don’t look at a woman as a whole person and instead focus on treating the surface symptoms,” Dr. Krinsky says. “There are many facets in a woman’s life that might lead to her not feeling well. Understanding what is going on has a great effect on getting to the basis of her health issues and providing meaningful, useful care with a focus on wellness and preventing health issues.”

Holistic and Traditional

Having performed his medical residency at Yale New Haven Hospital in New Haven, Connecticut, and maintaining status as a Diplomate of the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology (FACOG), Dr. Krinsky has a firm grasp on traditional Western medical practices. However, he doesn’t let his traditional medical training prevent him from having a fuller view of women’s health.

“I’m open to what other cultures have been doing for centuries and have found effective,” Dr. Krinsky says. This provides Dr. Krinsky’s patients with a unique approach to their care that combines holistic and traditional medicine.

[ Refinance NOW! ]

Who comes to Dr. Krinsky for gynecologic care? Women of all walks of life from ages 15 to 105 in need of a yearly exam, cancer screening, breast health or contraception assistance, nutrition or exercise advice, or issues with menopause. They’re housewives, physician’s wives, fellow physicians, grandmothers, mothers, daughters, working professionals, and students. They have one goal: More complete health in a boutique setting.

“Going to the gynecologist isn’t always the most relaxing experience, so we do everything we can to make it more comfortable for them,” Dr. Krinsky says. “We treat our patients like people, and they appreciate it.”

[ Are you Afflicted? ]

Above and Beyond

Along with typical health services, women who turn to Dr. Krinsky have immediate access to an impressive array of auxiliary services. Whether you need a pelvic ultrasound or advanced skin care, you can get it in a medically monitored setting.

“We really want to help women enjoy life and maintain the highest level of functioning and quality of life,” Dr. Krinsky says. “One way we do this is by listening to what our patients want out of their healthcare experience and finding ways to provide it.”

[ Some Social Karma! ]

By offering diagnostic testing (osteoporosis, ovarian cancer, bladder issues, and others) Dr. Krinsky makes it possible for women to avoid getting lost in the medical system. Tests are performed and read right inside Dr. Krinsky’s office, and all results are discussed with the patient either in person or over the phone, allowing women to have any questions or concerns addressed immediately.

Dr. Krinsky’s services also recently expanded to skin care treatment.

“As women age, they begin to experience a lack of hormones, and their skin can show the effects of that,” Dr. Krinsky explains. To combat this, a certified licensed aesthetician performs facials, chemical peels, microdermabrasion, and skin resurfacing. Ladies who want to get rid of unwanted hair on their bikini line or elsewhere can take care of it at Dr. Krinsky’s as well, via laser removal.

[ Rainforest Relaxation? ]

Mohel Services

Dr. Krinsky also travels to homes, synagogues, and other locations as a mohel to perform ceremonial circumcision for Jewish families. Whereas there are a number of physicians and laypersons who are mohels, very few are surgically trained like Dr. K.

“This is a stressful time for new mothers, their hormones are still raging from the delivery of their new baby,” Dr. Krinsky says. “Having a medical doctor who is a surgeon and can offer medically based advice, topical anesthetic for the baby, and who is religiously trained to perform the entire ceremony puts everyone at ease.”

[ Your Coming Caregiving Battle! ]

As a certified mohel, Dr. Krinsky carries out the entire Bris ceremony. He performs various readings, offers prayers in celebration of the new baby’s birth, circumcises the child, pronounces Hebrew blessings upon the child, helps the parents choose a Hebrew name for the child, and performs the naming ceremony of the new child.

“People often come to a Bris and don’t understand the meaning and don’t participate. I go to extra lengths to explain the traditions and rituals,” Dr. Krinsky says, “and my services encourages and includes readings by everyone in attendance.”

[ Florida's Gold Coast ]

The result is a meaningful experience for family and friends, regardless of their religious preference. Like the rest of Dr. Krinsky’s services, his mohel practice offers comprehensive personal care, attention to detail, and a professional yet comfortable feel.

To learn more or to schedule an appointment, call (954) 722-2002 or visit drandrewkrinsky.com or southfloridamohel.com. Andrew Krinsky, MD, LLC, is located at 7401 North University Drive, Suite 101, Tamarac, Florida 33321.

This article was written by Daniel Brantley exclusively for Amplification, Inc. (Facebook / Twitter / YouTube).

Sowing Social Karma

2012-01-11T20:45:00.000-05:00

Social Karma

Spreading the Social Media Love

Maybe you’ve noticed…it’s not 2011 anymore. With a renewed sense of optimism about how to bring you success in 2012, we share tips for getting your media messages noticed, finding the best drinks and locating an exotic place to stay when you want to get out of town.

Discover Costa Rica

The Travel Channel recently named Costa Rica one of the “Best Places to Visit in February.” The warm weather and rain-free days of February are the ideal time to plan your trip—and we know the best-kept secret in Costa Rica: Rio Celeste Hideaway Hotel. This boutique hotel is nestled in the Costa Rican rainforest, and you’ve never seen greenery this lush against the backdrop of a luxury hotel. Check out their TripAdvisor reviews to hear from very happy guests. One recent visitor said: “The staff was amazing, the rooms were beautiful, everything about it was impeccable.” That's the kind of endorsement that makes us want to pack our bags.

To find out how to make your dream vacation happen, visit www.riocelestehideaway.com or call (954) 234-2608, and click here for a special from Living Social.

You’re Feeling Thirsty…Very Thirsty

We always knew McSorley’s Beach Pub has the best drinks, DJs and atmosphere—and now they’ve got the award to prove it. Goldcoast magazine voted McSorley’s “Best Bar By the Sea” and we can’t help but agree. If you have a private party or event coming up, McSorley’s is the place to book it. Or just bring your friends to one or all of their four bars: The downstairs Beach Pub and Snug and the upstairs Sundeck and Lounge. Follow McSorleys on Facebook / Twitter / YouTube.

Find McSorley’s at www.mcscorleysbeachpub.com, call (954) 565-4446 or plug 837 N. Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd. in Fort Lauderdale into your GPS.

An Earth-Friendly New Year’s Resolution

If your New Year’s resolution was to reduce your carbon footprint, our friends at LocallyRooted.com have a wide selection of eco-friendly products. For ways to start incorporating an eco-friendly lifestyle into your home and even your workouts (we love the eco-friendly yoga mats from Jade Yoga), check out their latest blog post. Best of all, each of their vendors fit into a “Community Conscious” model, meaning your purchase will in some part support a charitable cause. Good for the Earth, good for the community and good for you—that’s the best way to shop.

Amplify It!

Feel Like Your Messages Are Going Nowhere?

Social media guru Tonya Scholz specializes in social media messaging for the anti-aging, aesthetics and wellness industries. To strengthen her messages, she uses content aggregation. If you don’t know what that is, the information you’re working so hard to put on the web is likely going nowhere. Content aggregators find the best web articles related to a particular topic—in Tonya’s case, anti-aging and wellness and share them via Twitter, the web, Facebook, you name it. As a result, your information gets by a wider audience.

[ The Coming "Sandwich Generation" Battles ]

“Keywords are the key to having more people read your articles,” Tonya explained. “Your article has to have a focus, and the headline and first two sentences are the most important to helping content aggregators and readers determine if they need your information.”

Tonya offers a few tips for your next article, ad or blog post:

• Head to GoogleAdWords and go to “Find Keywords.” This search lets you know what people are looking for—make your keywords go along with this.

• Keep things fresh. Google returns the freshest results, and if you aren’t updating your information every 30 days, you’ll get left behind.

• Keep keywords to the point. Tonya believes in 10 key words. Put three in the headline and add seven more. If you use more, you’re not focused enough.

Find Tonya at kNOw-aging.com or on Twitter at http://twitter.com/kNOwaging.

Need some persuasion? You've come to the right place. Amplification, Inc.

The Coming "Sandwich Generation" Battles

2012-01-05T17:54:00.000-05:00

When Gloria G. Alfonso, 74, retired in her late 60s, she expected to experience rest and relaxation. But when her mother, now 92, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease three years ago, she took on the role as her mother’s caregiver.

“My life completely changed,” Alfonso says. “Sometimes I wake up as much as 10 times in the night because she needs something or because I am worried about her.”

Alfonso is just one of the estimated 1.7 million caregivers in South Florida. Being a caregiver can be classified as anything as simple as taking a loved one to weekly doctor’s appointments to having a parent move in with the family full-time. One growing subset of the caregiver population has been called the “Sandwich Generation” because caregivers are often sandwiched between providing care for aging parents and their own children.

[ Is Your Desk Job Damaging Your Back? ]

For Alfonso, being a caregiver means offering round-the-clock support to her mother, who can go through periods of recognizing Alfonso and other family members coupled with times of confusion and fear.

As the disease process is understandably challenging for Alfonso, a friend recommended attending the Alzheimer’s Caregiver Support Group, a free monthly service offered by United HomeCare, a Miami-based not-for-profit home health and community care organization. On the first Wednesday of every month from 1 to 2:30 p.m., Alfonso says she attends the support group, where participants share concerns, tips and stories with each other.

“The Alzheimer’s Caregiver Support Group has been wonderful,” Alfonso says. “Many times I believe it is the only way I have survived through this situation.”

A Growing Need

While many caregivers help without question, it often is at a strain to themselves. That’s why United HomeCare offers not only the Alzheimer’s Caregiver Support Group that Alfonso attends, but also a larger Caregiver Resource Center. The Center is the first of its kind in Miami and offers programs including counseling, a stress management support group and yoga classes, among other activities. The center also acts as a centralized network for education, information and referrals to needed community services.

[ Check Out United's Video ]

“Caregivers are so consumed with their loved one, they often neglect their own health and self-care,” says Blanca Ceballos, Manager of the Caregiver Resource Center and Volunteer Department at United HomeCare. “That’s why we offer programs to provide them with information, educational materials and events where they can come and take a relaxing break.”

Another aspect of service United HomeCare provides is its Working Caregiver Assistance Program, which offers education for employers on what employees may be going through as caregivers. The estimated cost to employers for missed days of work and other costs related to caregiving are $17.1 billion annually. United HomeCare offers Lunch & Learn programs at the worksite and health fairs that can help companies make adjustments that reduce lost productivity, yet assist caregivers in their responsibilities.

Financial Implications

In addition to the emotional and physical toll caregiving can have on a family, caregiving can be costly and an unexpected expense.

“You’ve worked all your life to grow your assets, but health insurance does not typically provide for custodial care,” says Marc Rheingold, owner of Marc Rheingold & Associates, Inc. an independent financial and employee benefits firm in Weston. “There are options available where you as a caregiver can ensure your parents are cared for, and that you’re prepared should you require long-term care for any reason.”

[ Broward County's Real Estate Market Heats Up! ]

If you are in a position where you may be caring for aging loved ones in the future, Rheingold suggests sitting down with a financial and insurance planner to discuss insurance policy options that can lessen the long-term financial constraints associated with caregiving.

One emerging option is the long-term care, asset-based policy, which is a life insurance policy that also covers long-term care needs. While the initial contribution may represent an up-front investment, many like that the premium is not lost should the owner not require long-term care, Rheingold says. Such policies have increased by 79 percent from 2009 to 2010, according to the American Association for Long-Term Care Insurance.

Maintaining Perspective

Alfonso says she tells other caregivers to take advantage of programs designed to help whenever possible. Through programs like the Alzheimer’s Caregiver Support Group, she has found a way to cope.

[ The Eco-Friendly Answer to Wall Street ]

“Alzheimer’s disease makes my family feel like we lost my mother before we really lost her,” Alfonso says. “It can be heartbreaking because the person changes so much. I would just encourage caregivers to remember there is a place inside each loved one where they remember us and love us.”

Help Is Here

To learn more about United HomeCare and its Caregiver Resource Center, visit UnitedHomeCare.com, call (305) 716-0710 or visit the center at 8400 NW 33rd St., Fourth Floor, Miami, FL 33122. The Caregiver Resource Center is open Monday through Friday, from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

[ Its A Great Time To Refinance ]

For ways you can protect your financial assets as a caregiver, contact Marc Rheingold & Associates, Inc. at (954) 217-3066. Rheingold’s offices are located at 1840 Main Street, Suite 202, Weston, FL 33326 or you can learn more by visiting www.marcrheingold.com.

This article was written by Rachel Nall exclusively for Amplification, Inc. Check out the YouTube Channel.

Is Your Desk Job Damaging Your Back?

2011-12-29T18:04:00.000-05:00

Does your typical work day consist of eight, nine, or even more hours sitting at your office desk? Do you sandwich this time between a lengthy commute to and from work? If so, you need to think about your spine and the effects this idle time is likely having on your back.

First, Look at the Spine

To better understand what goes on in your spine while you sit for long periods, let’s first look at the spine itself.

The spine has four main parts, including the vertebrae, discs, joints, and nerves. Each vertebra is a separate bone that attaches to another vertebral bone, forming a protective column around the spinal cord. At each vertebra is a joint and between each vertebra is a disc, which acts as a cushion to keep the bones from rubbing together.

Discs tend to be the first part of the spine to show damage from wear and tear over the years. As noted in an article found on the Cleveland Clinic’s website, with age the gelatin-like substance that makes up the center of each disc can dry up, thus hindering the disc’s ability to absorb shock and cushion the spinal bones and joints. This condition is referred to as disc degeneration.

[ Eco-Friendly Answer to Wall Street ]

According to the Cleveland Clinic, most people beyond age 40 will experience some degree of disc degeneration due to overuse of and/or strains and sprains in the back. Often people are affected by a specific type of disc degeneration in which the normal water content within the discs is lost. This loss then diminishes the effectiveness of the discs to do their job of absorbing pressure and shock from our movements.

Additionally, sitting still for lengthy periods causes the fluid to wring out of the discs. Couple this with the natural drying of the discs’ gelatin-like center and you have a recipe for back pain and potentially further resulting complications.

“Most patients who have sedentary jobs don’t have the core muscle strength to support their spine properly,” says Scott Goldberg, chiropractor with 212 Chiropractic in Sunrise, Fla. “They end up slouching, which overtime curves the spine like a ‘C’ shape and speeds up the arthritic process.”

Sitting Pretty

To help combat the effects of prolonged sitting, Robin Thompson, OTR, LAP, Florida-based occupational therapist, recommends getting up and stretching every half hour for a few minutes during the work day. If that’s not possible, shoot for every hour, she urges. In addition to moving around regularly, make sure your working environment is ergonomically sound, meaning that your desk, computer, and other tools are fitting to your body’s posture and range of motion.

[ About Club Cabeza ]

“As an occupational therapist, part of my job is to evaluate the ergonomics of the office space,” says Thompson. “A desk should not be too high, as to cause you to strain your back, or be too low as to allow you to hunch. Desks are not one size fits all.”

Thompson (email her) also suggests using a lumbar support pillow to significantly help reduce strain in your low back.

Build a Stronger Core

While making sure your office space is ergonomically fit, you can further help your spine fight the effects of hours of sitting still by strengthening your core muscles—the muscles in your abdomen, back, and buttocks. By strengthening your core muscles you can help your back become more resistant to injury and pain.

Not sure how to exercise these oh-so important muscles?

[ Broward County's Real Estate Market Heats Up ]

“I recommend doing specific core workouts twice a week,” says Goldberg. “The most basic exercises for this are ‘supermans’ and planks. Moreover, during every activity always draw your belly button into your spine, pull your shoulders back and down, and pull your butt in so it is in line with the rest of your body.”

Goldberg also suggests bringing a stability ball to the office and sitting on it rather than your office chair for periods during the day as a way to promote core strength. Because the ball inherently rolls, you have to use your core muscles to stabilize and balance. For those readers who are just starting to exercise, consider saving this tip for a later date when you’re a bit stronger as to avoid any potential workplace accidents.

[ Helping a New Generation of Students Find Their Way ]

Address the Pain

If you find your desk-bound job has already caused you to suffer from low back pain, first consult your physician. He or she can determine the source of your pain and recommend the best options for pain management, recovery, and/or prevention of future injury. Your doctor will likely address the topics of office ergonomics and core strengthening. You may also choose to ask your physician about chiropractic care and acupuncture, as both can be a beneficial element of spinal care and well-being.

[ It's a Great Time to Refinance Your Home ]

“Acupuncture can help by alleviating pain and tightness caused by prolonged sitting, especially when used in conjunction with therapies such as electro stimulation; Tui-na, a Chinese massage technique; moxibustion, heat with the Chinese herb mugwort; and cupping,” says Thompson. “Acupuncture helps to restore the energy flow by stimulating the points in the meridian of the body that are blocked by stagnation, or no movement of blood flow.”

While acupuncturists often utilize thin, metallic needles to stimulate points on the body, chiropractors use hands-on manipulation of the spine to correct the misalignments responsible for the pain. At 212 Chiropractic, Dr. Goldberg often incorporates new, advanced therapies with these traditional spinal adjustments to bring patients optimal pain relief and well-being. Among these technologies are cold laser therapy, decompression therapy, and the Graston instrument. (Learn more about these services on the practice’s website at www.212Chiropractic.com and click here to read about Ion Detoxification Foot Baths)

“We’re all about wellness,” adds Dr. Goldberg. “We have many patients who come to us regularly for preventive care. So often, people wait until their backs hurt before they take care of it. Just like you get your teeth cleaned regularly to avoid cavities and other problems, it’s important to take care of your back.”

Robin Thompson can be reached at (786) 351-5218.

By Erin King, exclusive to Amplification, Inc. Does your message need to be heard? We can help.

Check out Steve Cabeza's award-winning video health commentary for M.D. News.

It is a Great Time to Refinance!

2011-12-28T19:45:00.000-05:00

Wondering if it’s time to refinance your home? Wonder no more.

With mortgage rates hitting record lows, you probably know one or two or a dozen people who have taken the opportunity to refinance their homes. Hearing about their new lower monthly payment probably has you thinking about taking the refinancing plunge yourself.

“This is an incredible time to buy a new home, and it’s an equally great time to refinance the mortgage on your existing home,” says Melanie Levine, owner of Mellex Title Company, LLC. “Just about anybody can benefit from refinancing, but you’ll need to ask yourself a very important question before jumping into it.”

[ Broward County Real Estate Market Heats Up ]

Will It Pay Off?

Been paying on your mortgage faithfully for a dozen years? You should take time to consider the implications of refinancing. On the positive side, refinancing can immediately provide you with a lower monthly payment. At the same time, this lower payment may require starting the 30-year payment process over. However, if you intend to pay down the mortgage early or would just prefer to save a few bucks each month—even if it takes longer to pay off, refinancing may be just what your pocketbook ordered.

Another thing to consider is that when you refinance, you have to pay closing costs. Thankfully, you can usually have these costs tossed into your overall mortgage balance, so you don’t have to feel the immediate pain of a few thousand dollars sucked out of your bank account. However, if you’re not sure how much longer you’re going to stay in your current home, you may want to shy away from refinancing. Otherwise, you may move into a new home a month or a year after refinancing, making it impossible to recoup the money you spent on refinancing closing costs. Remember—the purpose of refinancing is to save money. And if refinancing doesn’t put more cash in your pocket in the long run, you’ve done something wrong.
[ An Eco-Friendly Answer to Wall Street? ]

Fear Not

While you will want to sit down and do the math before refinancing, this is no reason not to consider the possibility.

“A lot of people get nervous about refinancing because they didn’t understand the loan process the first time through,” Melanie says. “At Mellex Title, we get customers the best refinancing rates possible, and we explain everything along the way so customers feel good about the end result and the process required to get there. We want our clients to feel comfortable and empowered to make the right decision, and we do this each and every day.”

Ready to get started on refinancing your home? Let the pros at Mellex Title, LLC make it happen. With a single phone call, you can start finding out whether refinancing is going to help you meet your financial goals and how Mellex can help you meet your goal. Contact Melanie Levine at Mellex Title at (954) 472-5025 or Melanie@MellexTitle.com, find Mellex online at www.MellexTitle.com, or follow Melanie on Twitter.

Written exclusively for Amplification, Inc. by none other than Daniel Brantley, urban chicken farmer and freelance writer and editor. Find him online, follow him on Twitter, or contact him directly.

[ Helping a New Generation of Students Find Their Way ]

Broward County Real Estate Markets Heat Up In Winter

2011-12-12T22:07:00.000-05:00

While the national commercial and residential real estate markets have been decidedly downward, Broward
County real estate representatives aren’t feeling the chill.

“The winter months are truly the busiest of the year in
South Florida—from large commercial buildings to
residential properties, deals are closing,” said Melanie
Levine of Mellex Title Services, LLC, a Plantation, Fla.-
based title services company and winner of Fidelity National Title’s Top Ten Agent for Southeast Florida award.

If trends continue in the current market, Levine predicts continued sales in the Weston
(Western Broward County) market, which has shown some of the largest increases
in homes sold versus homes on the market. In addition, South Florida vacation property
sales have reached their highest point in five years since the market’s peak in March 2005.

“This is an excellent time to be an investor or buyer in Southeast Florida,” said Moe Veissi,
the president-elect of the National Association of Realtors in a speech given November 7 at
the Miami International Real Estate Conference .

Capitalizing on the fast-growing commercial real estate opportunities in Weston is the 595 Corporate Park of Commerce. Located in Central Broward County, directly off Interstate
595, the site has seen the benefits of prime location in a growing residential community.

“From a geographic and facilities standpoint, it’s the best project in town,” said Robert
Lechter, managing member with REMS Group who developed the 42-acre site, visible
from East and West I-595. “Commercial investors are attracted to the fact that it’s a
state-of-the-art commercial park in a location where people are not only purchasing
homes, but also buying goods.”

Attracting Industries Near and Far

The 595 Corporate Park of Commerce (video) is home to Dragados, USA, the construction division of international company ACS Group, who specializes in promoting infrastructure
and services. The company is currently conducting a $1.8 billion construction project along
I-595, further enhancing the attractiveness of the Weston market. Also calling the
595 Corporate Park of Commerce home, is the international headquarters of marine
life artist Guy Harvey. The Sun-Sentinel recently reported that Guy Harvey, Inc.
has announced plans to develop its second boutique Outpost resort, which travelers
can reach via chartered plane from Fort Lauderdale.

[ More about Guy Harvey and their signage ]

As unemployment rates reached their lowest nationwide numbers—8.6 percent in
November—since March 2009, the economic climate is right for job creation and new
businesses moving into the area. Considering the interest in the 595 Corporate Park of
Commerce and the growing Weston market, Lechter says he is not surprised at the market
shift toward Weston.

“The 595 Corporate Park of Commerce is situated in one of the few areas in the entire
country that is financially sound,” Lechter said. “We built this park with space to meet the
needs of a variety of commercial investors.”

595 Corporate Park of Commerce has completed units available for purchase or lease,
ranging from 1,970 sq. ft. to 10,000 sq. ft. For more information about opportunities to capitalize on this growing market, contact Maiko Winer with REMS Group at (954)
474-1000 or mw@remsgroupinc.com.

This article was written by Rachel Nall exclusively for The Club, part of the Amplification,
Inc. social media network. Click here regularly to check out Rachel's ever-expanding body
of freelance work. Please follow along on Twitter and Facebook.

[ An Eco-Friendly Answer to Wall Street? ]

Helping a New Generation Of Students Find Their Way

2011-12-08T08:28:00.001-05:00

In August, City College opened the doors to their fifth campus in Hollywood, Fla. For the college, setting up a new branch wasn’t easy—in addition to recruiting students and establishing programs, the school had to retain the logo and brand consistency they had honed for decades. When it came to creating the Signs that would help new students identify their new collegiate home, City College turned to the company that worked hard to earn their business and that local professionals recommended: Davie SIGNARAMA.

“The branding part for City College is important, and our Sign was our way to show that we’re here in the community,” said Lora James, Executive Director at City College, whose branches include Fort Lauderdale, Gainesville, Hollywood, Miami and Altamonte Springs. “The Sign helps students easily recognize our facility, find us without frustration and identify with our existing campuses.”

Custom Signs and Much More

When it came to conceptualizing the kind of Signs that would get City College noticed, Gina Leggiere, the owner of Davie SIGNARAMA, said creating the Signs was a tall order—literally. One of the Signs on the south side of the City College building was to be placed four stories high, meaning considerations for recognizable color and size had to be made. From there, other supporting Signage projects were completed, including Door Graphics for the college’s offices.

“Davie SIGNARAMA’s experience with school-based projects equipped us with the expertise to produce Custom Signs for City College,” Leggiere said. “This project created a Signature Sign for City College, one that everyone in the area can come to recognize the college by.”

Hands-On Education

City College supported a local business in Davie SIGNARAMA, and the college aims to support community members at large. The Hollywood campus offers four degrees in the Business, Allied Health (Medical Assisting and Medical Billing and Coding) and Emergency Medical Services.

“Our philosophy is to help students and give them an education that will help them achieve their personal and professional goals,” James said. “We chose these degrees for the Hollywood area because they are where our students can be fully trained, so they can get jobs after they’ve completed their education.”

Just as City College plans on adding new students to its programs, it will also add additional Signage on the building and Entrance Monument, all thanks to Davie SIGNARAMA. They’re a way to welcome students to a new future.

“Davie SIGNARAMA was instrumental in making these Sign Projects happen,” James said. “We’re dedicated to supporting community businesses and community members so everyone can grow.”

[ An Eco-Friendly Answer to Wall Street? ]

To see Davie SIGNARAMA’s Signs in person, visit City College at 6565 Taft St., Suite 200 in Hollywood. For more information, visit www.citycollege.edu or call (954) 744-1777. If you have need of a Signature Sign, banner, magnet and so much more, call Davie SIGNARAMA at (954) 476-4923, e-mail sar@daviesignarama.com or visit www.daviesignarama.com. Or you can visit the welcoming Sign Professionals at Davie SIGNARAMA located at 1906 South University Drive in Davie, Florida, 33324. They’re located in the Tower Shops near Costco. And check them out on YouTube!

Need help getting your message out and increasing sales? Amplification, Inc. combines the best parts of reputation management, public relations, awareness, advertising, and marketing delivered via social media. Check out our YouTube Channel.

An Eco-Friendly answer to Wall Street?

2011-11-28T00:04:00.001-05:00

Ever feel like your shopping dollars are going… nowhere? Ever question how a product was made? How about if a product does something to help, or hurt, the environment? In the vast sea of ecommerce websites, super shopping centers and city malls, it’s easy to lose sight of the basics. If you strive to find unique, high-quality eco friendly products that do more than just fill up space in your home, then look no further. LocallyRooted.com is the answer.

What is Locally Rooted?

Locally Rooted, dubbed as “the leading online marketplace for green goods,” is a new kind of shopping experience. Locally Rooted products are made exclusively by companies that are going the extra mile by giving back to their communities or to charities. By leveraging a philanthropic message against social media networks and a consumer base hungry for exposure to businesses doing more than just looking for a profit, Locally Rooted has rocketed to the forefront of the online green retail space.

"Locally Rooted was born out of a desire to support companies doing great things for our communities and society as a whole,” Nolan Garrido, co-founder of Locally Rooted, explains. “We didn't like the idea that our consumer dollars were simply thickening the wallets of business executives who viewed the green movement as another way to make a buck. So we created the Locally Rooted marketplace. Here, customers can select from a wide variety of green products made by companies who care about the world we live in as much as they care about making a great product. It really is a smarter way to shop."

What is community conscious shopping?

Community conscious shopping is the act of purchasing products while conscious of the impact the product and its manufacturer have on their communities, society, and the Earth as a whole. It's putting extra thought into the purchasing decisions we make, and taking into account the charitable pursuits of the manufacturer as well as the cost and benefit to our planet.

The word community is the key in all that Locally Rooted is working towards. Poised to revolutionize the future of green shopping, Locally Rooted was created for consumers who want quality eco-friendly products and a sense of empowerment by knowing that their dollars are also going to support great causes.

What types of products are available through Locally Rooted?

Organic cotton baby clothes, eco-friendly home décor, all-natural bath and body products, and everything in between - Locally Rooted has great, green products from every stretch of the imagination. "Locally Rooted has a great selection of unique, eco-friendly gifts, but we take it a step further,” Kalia Gordon, co-founder of Locally Rooted explains. “Simply being eco-friendly is not enough - our vendors have to give back. That's what makes them community conscious. As a result, Locally Rooted customers not only feel good about the products they’ve purchased – they also feel good about the company that made them."

How can you be sure that Locally Rooted's vendors are community-conscious?

Each company on LocallyRooted.com is thoroughly researched to make sure that it fits the community conscious philosophy. The companies give back to their communities in many different ways. Some provide monetary contributions to charitable organizations. Others donate their personal time to help non-profits reach their community-focused goals. You can read all about the community conscious companies on the product pages. Locally Rooted has done all of the legwork - these companies are researched and reviewed, and the information is displayed in an easy-to-find, easy-to-read format.

Do they back it up? Is Locally Rooted a community conscious company?

Locally Rooted prides itself on being a community conscious company. With the help of the amazing folks at Trees for the Future, Locally Rooted pledges to plant one tree for every order received. They also donate their junk mail and discarded paper and shreds it into packing material whenever possible. Shipping boxes are reused from previous shipments – nothing is thrown away if it can be avoided. If new shipping boxes are needed, only boxes made from 100% post-consumer recycled material are used.

At the corporate level, all Locally Rooted employees are incentivized to volunteer at the charitable organization of their choice at least one day per month. These charitable endeavors range from serving at soup kitchens to cleaning cages at animal shelters to reading to children at local elementary schools. Employees are encouraged to seek out innovative volunteer avenues to reach their own personal goals.

Being community conscious is more of a journey than a destination - there's always something else that can be done to become more eco-friendly and community conscious. Locally Rooted continues to take inspiration from its great community conscious vendors and adopts great ideas as they go.

What is the Monthly Get and Give?

The Monthly Get and Give is Locally Rooted’s version of a super charged, eco-friendly grab bag. For a monthly fee of $39.95, subscribers get a package containing hand-picked, high quality, Earth-friendly merchandise delivered directly to their doorstep. In addition, $10 of the subscriber's monthly fee is donated to a specially featured charity each month. This allows customers to be a part of a larger network of accelerated giving. Locally Rooted periodically announces the total amount of donations and encourages customers to track their personal contributions.

What are the customers saying?

Locally Rooted prides itself on its customer service, making sure that customers are as happy as possible with their Locally Rooted experience. As a result, they've received great feedback from their customers.

Here is what some of their recent customers are saying:

"I will definitely be making more purchases from your site as I've never seen some of the items anywhere else - they are so unique!"

"I googled the Priti NYC Crystal Nail File after MSN posted an article about things that make up artists can't live without. Your website came up as carrying them and you had one of the cheapest products and the nicest website. “

"Love your website! Will definitely be back."

Locally Rooted encourages customer participation; the company’s website urges readers to take surveys, give suggestions and write comments. “We always want to hear from you,” Kalia says. “Our customers are the heart of our business and we are dedicated to do right by them every step of the way.”

Where can you learn more about Locally Rooted?

The website, www.locallyrooted.com, of course. Check back early and often as the product selection is always changing. Locally Rooted is on Facebook and Twitter. Special promotions and deals are broadcasted regularly through their social media. You can also sign up for the newsletter to keep an eye on the Locally Rooted buzz. Phone lines are open at (954) 305-5187 Monday - Friday, 8am-8pm EST.

Written exclusively for The Club (Amplification, Inc.) by Dori Starnes, writer and editor extraordinaire. For copywriting inquiries, please contact her directly.

MD New Network Video Wins Merit Award #Healthcare #Reform

2011-11-08T09:15:00.000-05:00

MD News Network Video Wins Merit Award

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By: Staff Writer
Friday, November 04, 2011

The MD News Network’s Critical Condition — a video series featuring commentator Steve Cabeza — was among the list of Web Health Awards' Summer/Fall 2011 merit winners for offering the “best digital health resources” to medical professionals.

Photo: Steve Cabeza on the Critical Condition Set

The honor was awarded for a Critical Condition webisode focusing on medical liability reform (watch the video). Judging criteria included content, format, targeted audience success, and overall quality. Additional merit winners in the webcast video category included John Hopkins Medicine, among others.

The goal of Web Health Awards is to recognize quality digital health resources for consumers and health professionals.

ls. In 2011, Web Health Awards, organized by the Health Information Resource Center (HIRC), is celebrating its 13-year anniversary. HIRC is an 18-year-old clearinghouse for consumer health field professionals. Download a PDF with a complete list of Web Health Award winners.

MDNews.com and the MD News Network represent the online arm of MD News, an award-winning, custom business and practice-management publication for physicians and surgeons. MD Newsand the MDNews Network are divisions of True North Custom Media.

This blog is part of Amplification, Inc. - the perfect fusion of marketing, public relations, advertising, reputation management, buzz and awareness creation delivered via social media. We can help you make sense of Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Digg, StumbleUpon, G+, Foursquare, Yelp, and more.

Get Your Game Face On, Girl! #NFL #Football

2011-11-06T12:58:00.001-05:00

‘Cause it’s Monday morning, and you better be in the know.

Remember that play on fourth and three that changed the entire game? Or the punt return for a touchdown that was declined on a bogus call? If not, you’ll need to stop by LadysFootball.com before heading to work on Monday so you can get your game face on. That is, unless you like being in the dark.

“Monday mornings can be daunting for women who aren’t aware of what happened on the gridiron on Sunday,” says LadysFootball.com founder Leslie Carlet. “But with LadysFootball.com, women of all levels of football knowledge can confidently hang with the boys.”

Football Smarts

What does LadysFootball.com offer ladies who are into the game and have a hard time watching every game each week? A world of information from people who do watch every game every Sunday. And not bland information that you can get anywhere. It’s coming from people who eat, breathe, and sleep football, and their obsession shines through.

With the click of a button, you can access Twitter updates from four Tweeters who are deeply imbedded in the world of NFL: Adam Schefter, Matthew Berry, Rotoworld Football, and the NFL. Schefter is an NFL Insider with ESPN, Berry is ESPN’s Senior Fantasy Football Analyst), Rotoworld Football specializes and focuses on nothing but fantasy sports, and the NFL is…well—if you don’t know what the NFL is, you can head to the chat room at LadysFootball.com to get the answer. (Hint: It begins with National and ends with Football League.)

A Personal Touch

But LadysFootball.com doesn’t just pull information from the pros. It also gets it from real ladies who really love NFL. On top of offering a ton of great info on the main site, LadysFootball.com provides an extra touch of ladylike football knowledge by Tweeting throughout Sunday’s games. And since the LadysFootball.com ladies watch every game on TV, you can keep up with all the football goodness by following them on Twitter at www.twitter.com/ladysfootball.

“Football is such a passion of mine, and many other women feel the same about this great game,” Leslie says. “With LadysFootball.com and the LadysFootball.com Twitter updates, women don’t have to feel outside of the loop any more. Now, they can get in there and bust heads with the big boys and let them know football isn’t just for guys. It’s for ladies as well.”

Ready to beef up your football know-how? Head to your local sports bar this weekend. Or stay at home, watch a few games, and grow your knowledge at LadysFootball.com. And if you’re a guy who finds LadysFootball.com a useful site, you’re not alone. Plenty of guys frequent LadysFootball.com. Just don’t expect them to admit to it. But each day, more guys and gals are finding out that a quick trip to Ladysfootball.com helps you put your game face on no matter where you are.

Also, LadysFootball.com needs your help! Whether you’d like to contribute blog entries, participate in the growing forums, or sponsor the site financially, head to LadysFootball.com to learn how to get started.

Written exclusively for The Club by Daniel Brantley, football lover and freelance writer and editor. Find him online, follow him on Twitter, or contact him directly.

Amplification, Inc. incorporates the best parts of public relations, marketing, reputation management, and advertising to help your brand come alive on social media.

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Fashion and Food Featured at SoMi Talk of the Town Rooftop Party #Parks #MIami-Dade

2011-11-01T20:41:00.002-04:00

(MIAMI, November 1, 2011) – South Miami’s favorite fashion boutiques and restaurants are coming together all in one location for another rooftop party – SoMi Talk of the Town, showcasing great food and fine fashion, benefiting the Parks Foundation of Miami-Dade and the Million Trees Miami Project. SoMi Talk of the Town will be on Saturday, November 19, from 6:30 p.m. – 11 p.m. on the rooftop deck of the parking garage, located at 5829 SW 73 Street (above RA Sushi and across from Bougainvillea’s). Click here to go to the event on Facebook.

Guests will enjoy live music by popular local bands the Mojo Scoundrels, Cat Shell and the Vibe, sample some of the finest foods from area restaurants, and enjoy a fashion show by local fashion boutiques competing for “Best of” in four categories – SoMi Chill (Casual), SoMi Style (Chic), SoMi Exclusive (Most Unique), and the coveted “SoMi Talk of the Town” award.

Zoo Miami’s very own Ron Magill returns as master of ceremony for the evening.

Advance ticket costs are $30 general admission per person, $50 general admission per couple, and $50 VIP per person for the VIP Package which includes a special seating area and complementary cocktails, in addition to the samplers and beer and wine. To pre-purchase tickets online, please visit www.mdparks.org. There will be an additional surcharge of $10 at the door the night of the event.

Parks Foundation members can receive one free general admission ticket to the event, or a $30 credit towards an upgrade to a VIP ticket, but must RSVP online at www.mdparks.org and enter their membership code to receive their ticket.

“We are excited to host another great evening event after the overwhelming success of the July 9 SoMi Taste of the Town where restaurants competed for the Taste of the Town award,” said Allison Diego, Executive Director of the Parks Foundation of Miami-Dade. “This time around the restaurants will be supporting the area merchants that will showcase their latest in fashion and accessories competing for the Talk of the Town award. The evening promises to be bigger and better than the first, and all for a worthwhile cause.”

Sponsors include Big Cheese, Casa Lario’s, Chamber South, Community Newspapers, Fox’s Lounge, Red Sunset Merchants Association, Miami Disc Golf Association, South Miami Hospital, SoMi Magazine, and United HomeCare.

Participating restaurants and retailers include Casa Lario’s and Fox’s Lounge hosting the VIP tent, A Venue Boutique, Aurum Collections, Bougainvillea’s Old Florida Tavern, Cervezas, Co-Sign of the Times, D Find at Sunset, Fresh Beer, Gardner’s Market, Gold Coast Beverage Distributors, Massage Envy, MD Ageless South, Outback Steakhouse, Roaster’s n Toaster’s, Secret Vanity Boutique, Shula’s 347, Si Belle, Sports Grill, Swensen’s, Tastie Treats Café, Teleboro Wireless, The Boston Beer Company, The Irish Times, Wok Master, and more.

Proceeds from the event will benefit the Parks Foundation of Miami-Dade and the Million Trees Miami Project.

About the Parks Foundation of Miami-Dade
The Parks Foundation of Miami-Dade is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization supporting the Miami-Dade Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Department’s efforts to further develop Miami-Dade County’s world-class parks system for residents and visitors. Its mission is to create a healthier, more livable and sustainable Miami community by ensuring the implementation of the Parks Open Space Master Plan and the development of year-round park and recreation programs for local children, adults and people with disabilities.

Monies raised through membership and fundraising efforts help fund: scholarships for disadvantaged children to attend after-school and summer camp programs; recreational and community programs, such as disability services and health and wellness initiatives for people of all ages; and Parks Open Space Master Plan initiatives, such as the development of trailways, bikeways and safe access to parks and open spaces throughout Miami. For more information on the Parks Foundation, please visit www.parksfoundationofmiami-dade.com.

About Million Trees Miami Project
Million Trees Miami Project Campaign is a community-wide effort to plant one million trees by 2020 in order to achieve a thirty-percent tree canopy cover for Miami-Dade County. The campaign was developed by the Miami-Dade Community Image Advisory Board and was born of the idea that a healthy and sustainable urban forest provides significant social, economic, and environmental benefits that foster a high-quality, livable, vibrant, and beautiful community. In order to reach our urban tree canopy goal of 30%, everyone needs to participate.

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