Category Archives: Business

The Shop Local Network is excited to announced that AJ’s Garage has become a Shop Local Mission Partner

AJ’s Garage, located at 1556 W. LincolnwaySte 1 in Valparaiso, Indiana sets the bar high when it comes to detailing.

LaPorte, Indiana, August 14, 2018 – AJ’s Garage, located at 1556 W. LincolnwaySte 1 in Valparaiso, Indiana sets the bar high when it comes to detailing. Nick Bello, president of The Shop Local Network stated, “I am blown away each time I stop by. From full size, bus type RV’s to boats and classic cars, they are trusted to handle the big jobs as well as the small!”

We are now a fast paced society and with that comes more time in our vehicles and even eating in them. Some of us have jobs that we get dirty at and have to climb into our cars after. Maybe you just have the kids snacking in the back seat and you have those crumbs and goldfish crackers under the car seats. AJ’s has seen it all and they make it look like it like it never happened.

New car clean! That is what we want, yet none of us have time to do it ourselves. At AJ’s garage, you can get just about anything automotive related detailed quickly and affordably. They take extra special care of each vehicle which is why people come back time and time again and refer others over and over.

AJ’s garage has become a Mission Partner with The Shop Local Network and participates in the Shop Local keytag discount program. Just by showing them your keytag, you can get 10% Off any service. This makes it even more affordable to have someone else do our dirty work.

So stop by today or give them a call. Your vehicle can be sparkling on the inside and out!

(219) 531-9274

http://ajs-garage.com/

Contact:

Nick Bello

The Shop Local Network

LaPorte Indiana

1-800-501-2632

support@TheShopLocalNetwork.com

http://www.TheShopLocalNetwork.com

Goodwill Central Coast Board Members, Staff Reflect On Legacy Of Service And Opportunity With Reopening of Renovated Capitola Store on Aug. 22

With the grand reopening of the Capitola Goodwill store on Aug. 22 fast approaching, board members and staff instrumental in implementing Goodwill’s strategy in achieving its goals reflect on the mission of the organization.

Capitola, CA, August 14, 2018 — With the grand reopening of the Capitola Goodwill store on Aug. 22 fast approaching, board members and staff instrumental in implementing Goodwill’s strategy in achieving its goals reflect on the mission of the organization.

Walt Henning and Charles Leigh-Wood are outgoing board members who played key roles in the development of Goodwill’s strategy, while staff members Jessica Hogue and Taylor Strang are production supervisor and assistant manager, respectively, at the Capitola store.

Henning, who is completing his service on the Board at the end of the year, says that the renovations of the Capitola and downtown Santa Cruz stores means that all four stores in Santa Cruz County have been renovated in the last two years. “Our employees have never had better, safer working conditions than they do right now,” said Henning.

Leigh-Wood says that even though Goodwill moved their headquarters to Salinas a year ago, they remain committed to Santa Cruz County and have expanded their workforce development partnership with the County of Santa Cruz. In the last year, Goodwill has provided work experience training hundreds of individuals referred by the county.

Both Henning and Leigh-Wood emphasize that Goodwill Central Coast is a community-based nonprofit organization with a charitable mission and both take pride in the organization’s good work.

Hogue started with Goodwill six years ago as a temporary employee helping with Halloween and now manages 12 employees in a production space that has tripled due to the renovations. “I’m now a leader within Goodwill and have a career rather than just a job.”

“I started in 2014 as a participant in Goodwill’s work experience program. Now I’m the assistant manager for our biggest store,” says Taylor, who says that she has benefitted from Goodwill expansion. “The expansion of our Capitola store has made it possible to accept, process and sell more donations which opens up more jobs for our local community. Not only has it created a better work environment for employees but a more organized shopping experience for our customers.”

The store at 1550 41st Avenue in Capitola will host city officials, Goodwill board members and staff for a grand reopening ceremony at 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 22, and will open to the public at 9 a.m.

The store has expanded into an adjacent space, growing from 11,500 square feet to 17,500 square feet, expanding and improving its donation processing area and retail sales floor. The expansion also allows Goodwill to add six more full-time employees to its current 24 employees.

“We still have a very strong commitment to Santa Cruz County,” said Ed Durkee, President and CEO, referring to the recent move of Goodwill Central Coast headquarters from Santa Cruz to Salinas. “Once completed, we will have remodeled, moved or renovated all four retail stores in Santa Cruz County in less than 24 months. This is all part of our strategy to serve the community by turning their donations into the best jobs possible.”

Goodwill’s Santa Cruz store at 204 Union St. is also getting a new look and is scheduled for completion about the same time as the Capitola store.

Andy Stone, director of the Santa Cruz County Workforce Development Board, says that Goodwill is a good partner of the County. “The County likes working with Goodwill because of the number of high quality worksites that they have in every part of the County.” He said that Strang, the assistant manager of the Capitola store, is a great example of how county residents can use County services to get back into the labor market.

Note to media: Outgoing Goodwill board members Walt Henning and Charles Leigh-Wood and store staff members Jessica Hogue and Taylor Strang are available for interviews. Contact Marci Bracco at (831) 747-7455 to set up interviews with them.

About Goodwill Central Coast

Goodwill Central Coast, a private 501(c)3 non-profit organization, began in 1928 in the city of Santa Cruz and today has expanded into three counties: Santa Cruz, Monterey, and San Luis Obispo. Goodwill Central Coast now employs over 600 people, including employment training professionals, sales personnel, donation center attendants, warehouse and distribution workers, and administrators. Its programs strengthen communities by improving job growth, the lives of individuals and families, and the health of our environment. Each year Goodwill assists more than 9,000 job seekers get back to work and reclaim financial and personal independence. Goodwill provides a positive learning environment that creates brighter futures through connecting people to meaningful work.

Capitola Goodwill

Donation Center and Store

1550 41st Avenue, Capitola, CA

(831) 462-1300

Welcome to Goodwill Central Coast

Store hours:

9 a.m.–8 p.m. Monday–Saturday

10 a.m.–6 p.m. Sunday

Contact:

Marci Bracco Cain

Chatterbox PR

Salinas, CA 93901

(831) 747-7455

https://www.ccgoodwill.org

Monterey Symphony’s 2017-18 Annual Report

After a few challenging years, The Monterey Symphony has been able to right the ship and is looking to 2018/19 as a season of financial stability and growth.

Monterey, CA, August 07, 2018 — After a few challenging years, The Monterey Symphony has been able to right the ship and is looking to 2018/19 as a season of financial stability and growth. The most recent annual report just released reveals one of the Symphony’s most successful seasons.

The Symphony’s concerts were within two dozen tickets of selling out each; its Music for the Schools programs was so successful a fourth county will be added to the roster; and it met and exceeded its foundation granting goals in December 2017, halfway through the last season, which ended June 30.

“We’re doing well, everything’s up, and 2018/19 is going to be a spectacular year for the Symphony,” says Nicola Samra, Symphony executive director. When Samra was named the new executive director in July 2017, she was able to hit the ground running. She was already a member of the Symphony staff as director of Institutional Advancement with several months under her belt, she had experience as director of development for the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences at CSU Monterey Bay, and for almost four years as director of development and marketing for the Carmel Bach Festival.

As the Symphony’s director of Institutional Advancement she had already developed a three-year plan for the Symphony and her experience in development gave her the confidence to approach the various foundations and rebuild their relationships with the Symphony.

“I met with every program director from every foundation, if I couldn’t meet with them in person, we spoke on the phone. I also read proposals and reports from the last five years,” says Samra. “I took it as a vote of confidence from the community that what we do here is important, that what we do is important and impactful.”

Concert ticket sales only account for 18% of the Symphony’s annual budget, with grants from foundations and donations from individuals and other sources accounting for 80%. The 2018/19 budget is $1.74 million, smaller than the 2017 budget, but one that allows the Symphony to “live within its means,” says Samra.

The Symphony was able to save $250,000 by consolidating its concert venues and focusing on the two concerts Saturdays and Sundays at the Sunset Center in Carmel (along with a free concert on Monday for student groups).

In fact, with new funding, the Symphony will add two youth concerts in Salinas in May of 2019 and hopes to add additional transportation for some of the school districts that don’t have funding for buses to the concerts.

“We are now on the path to financial sustainability, we’re grateful to the community for its support, we’re excited by the increased attendance at our concerts and we’re looking to the future to see how we can continue to serve our patrons,” says Samra.

Contact:

Marci Bracco Cain

Chatterbox PR

Salinas, CA 93901

(831) 747-7455

https://www.montereysymphony.org/

Spill the Milk Vintage in Valparaiso, Indiana joins The Shop Local Network as a Shop Local Mission Partner

Spill the Milk Vintage, located at 3152 W. Morthland Drive Valparaiso, Indiana, aims to inspire people to explore their individual style.

LaPorte, Indiana, August 07, 2018 – Spill the Milk Vintage, located at 3152 W. Morthland Drive Valparaiso, Indiana, aims to inspire people to explore their individual style. Nick Bello, President of The Shop Local Network stated, “Spill the Milk is really a one-of-a-kind store. It is a different store every day and it is like a walk back in time! A must stop if you are in the area!”

At Spill the Milk Vintage, they believe that every item can be repurposed. They give a heart to every item in the store. They think that every item is sure to be unique or an item that makes you think nostalgically. With Spill the Milk Vintage, it is easy to find that one piece that can transform an entire room.

This vintage store prides itself on having an extensive variety of items that include, furniture, mirrors, armories, benches, cabinets, and chairs. They also have collectable signage, original and preowned artwork, and urban salvage and decor. They also have a variety of purses, and small gifts along with many other items.

The name, “Spill the Milk Vintage,” comes from one of the two concessions that Al Steele ran. This later turned into a carnival game. Al Sr. was the current owners grandfather. They were one of the 17 Steele’s that traveled with the carnival.

So, are you ready to make something old new to your home? Go and visit Spill the Milk Vintage today!

Call or visit their website today for hours or other information.

219-286-3955

Spillthemilkvintage.com

Contact:

Nick Bello

The Shop Local Network

LaPorte, Indiana

1-800-501-2632

support@TheShopLocalNetwork.com

http://www.TheShopLocalNetwork.com

The Shop Local Network is excited to announce Martin Landscape Center as a new Shop Local Mission Partner

Martin Landscape Center located at 9961 West 109th Street in Cedar Lake, Indiana is your one stop shop for all your landscape needs.

LaPorte, Indiana, August 07, 2018 – Martin Landscape Center located at 9961 West 109th Street in Cedar Lake, Indiana is your one stop shop for all your landscape needs. Nick Bello, President of The Shop Local Network stated, “Martin Landscape Center has a huge selection of plants, trees, flowers and all your landscaping needs. Not only do they have a huge selection, but the quality is second to none!”

Stop by and check out their wide selection of trees, shrubs, perennials, annuals, and herbs that include old favorites as well as new and exciting varieties. Martin Landscape Center carries everything you need to keep your new plants healthy and looking their best for years to come. Step inside and shop for birdhouses and birdfeeders, decorative pots and other garden accessories to add interest to your landscape. Martin Landscape Center is there to meet all your landscape and gardening needs.

Martin Landscaping is a landscape design and build firm which caters to the differing needs and budgets of each customer. They tailor their services to homeowners, contractors and builders to make sure that they receive the best experience possible in a timely and cost sensitive manner.

Martin Landscaping offers a full service garden center which stocks fresh and unique plant material each season. This allows customers to come in and choose the items they would like to see in their designs and ultimately their homes.

Want to see what they have to offer? Stop by, give them a call or check out their website.

(219) 365-2424

www.martinlandscaping.com

Contact:

Nick Bello

The Shop Local Network

LaPorte, Indiana

1-800-501-2632

support@TheShopLocalNetwork.com

http://www.TheShopLocalNetwork.com

The Shop Local Network is excited to welcome Coyote Cantina as a new Shop Local Mission Partner

Nick Bello, president of The Shop Local Network stated, “The food at Coyote Cantina is amazing.

LaPorte, Indiana, August 04, 2018 – Coyote Cantina, located at 1090 US HWY 41, Schererville, Indianabrings Fine Mexican cuisine to Northwest Indiana. Nick Bello, president of The Shop Local Network stated, “The food at Coyote Cantina is amazing. It is like a flavor explosion with every bite!” When you go there, you will enjoy the energy and passion of Mexico in the innovative yet authentic flavors of their Latin-inspired dishes, crafted by Executive Chef Dudley Nieto and his culinary team. Dietary preferences are accommodated, with vegetarian options available.

Everything they create is fresh, made from scratch and with passion- including handmade tortillas! The menu includes street tacos! Each has its own amazing ingredients, whether it is steak, shrimp, chicken, pork or vegetarian. Using the freshest, locally bought ingredients, their unique menu offers many selections that they know their guests will enjoy and love.

In Coyote’s luxurious bar, choose from the finest tequilas and Mezcals, along with an extensive selection of fresh, seasonal cocktails crafted by the Tippling Bros. Signature margaritas are made with fresh lime and fruit juices and are infused with herbs, flowers and spices to create a refreshing, mouth-watering tequila cocktail.

So make plans to visit Coyote Cantina as soon as possible. You will not be disappointed, and you will make plans to return! Learn more about them by visiting their website, or give them a call today.

219-319-0902

http://www.coyotecantinanwi.com

Contact:

Nick Bello

The Shop Local Network

LaPorte, Indiana

1-800-501-2632

support@TheShopLocalNetwork.com

http://www.TheShopLocalNetwork.com

For Sale: Extraordinary Real Estate Opportunities in Carmel Valley that are Worlds Apart, But Share a Certain Aesthetic — Only the Best of the Best Will Do

These two show-stopping properties couldn’t be more different, however, what they do have in common is that they are two of the most spectacular properties in an area known worldwide for spectacular properties, and both are one-of-a-kind real estate!

Carmel, CA, July 31, 2018 — These two show-stopping properties couldn’t be more different, however, what they do have in common is that they are two of the most spectacular properties in an area known worldwide for spectacular properties, and both are one-of-a-kind real estate!

The other common denominators are they are both in the verdant Carmel Valley on the Central Coast of California and they’re represented by Monterey Peninsula real estate agent Doug Steiny, a fifth generation and longtime resident of Monterey Peninsula and a licensed Realtor for more than 30 years, working with Sotheby’s International Realty.

The first property is “The Crown Jewel Of Carmel Valley,” also known as the “River House,” and is a 4,762-square-foot, three-bedroom, three-and-a-half–bath French country chateau located a stone’s throw from the Carmel River, but well above the flood plain, on a secluded knoll. In fact, it is the only place on the Carmel River where there is water year-round.

Originally built by a Central Valley tomato grower and his wife, who discovered the property by walking along the river until she found the perfect location, the villa boasts massive French oak entry doors, 17th century roof tiles from a monastery in Burgundy, terra cotta kitchen floors, antique French chandeliers throughout, 17th century fireplaces, in-ground pool, spa/hot tub, herb/vegetable garden, library and a two-car garage.

One of its most striking features is its main staircase, which is French oak and features a bannister created by a San Francisco woodworking artisan, who had to steam, bend and twist 15-foot sections of French oak to create. “It’s not just something you can just go out and buy,” says Steiny.

“The entire property is like a piece of art, including the land on which it sits,” says Steiny, who, even with all his experience in the business, still marvels at the $6.5 million property. ”It’s just breath-taking. You walk in and are visually transported into a fantastic dream. I’m seeing something truly special.’”

The same could be said for the second property, which is as far from French country as you can get and is located on the opposite end of Carmel Valley, in horse and ranch country.

Fox Creek Ranch sits on 276 acres of unparalleled beauty, complete with nine-stall 4,600-square-foot horse stable, riding area with covered round pen and seven fully fenced and irrigated pastures, an equipment bar and hay barn, a 450-square-foot garage, six water wells with 100,000-gallon storage tank, solar panels throughout, and 5 acres of Pinot Noir grapevines and 1 acre of Chardonnay grapes.

And all that doesn’t include the main house! The 4,000-square-foot-plus ranch-style main house features exposed oak beams, hickory-planked floors, walls of double-stacked Montana fieldstone, three bedrooms, two full baths, one half-bath, a fitness room, office, heated in-ground pool, spa/hot tub, outdoor barbecue and fireplace, expansive deck/patio, and 875-square-foot garage.

There’s also a 3,100-square foot guest house with many of the same features, such as double-stacked Montana fieldstone, and amenities, including three bedrooms, den, full kitchen and laundry.

The horse stable is a sight to behold. The developers of the property, Tom and Judy Deregt, didn’t want to spare any expense in building the stables, barns, pastures and riding areas. Starting from scratch, they re-engineered the soil on about 50-60 acres (“It’s like building a golf course from scratch,” says Steiny) and spent $3.3 million on the stables alone.

The stables, built for cutting horses, consist of a 4,600-square-foot horse barn with nine stalls, tack room, hot/cold water wash bay, office, laundry room and full bath. It’s built with stacked Montana fieldstone, covered with slate shingle roofing, and decorated with iron-capped Australian hardwood, and was designed by a renowned barn designer. “It’s like a four-star hotel for horses,” quips Steiny.

“It’s just gorgeous, but it doesn’t feel at all ostentatious, it feels really nice” marvels Steiny about the $19 million (asking price, well below its actual value) property, which sits on a wide bench just a few miles east of Carmel Valley Village. “I would just leave it as is, just have fun with it. Most properties like this are a lot of work, this is not. It’s absolutely immaculate, every inch of it.”

These two prestige properties may be worlds apart in terms of style and size, but they share a certain aesthetic — only the best of the best will do.

Images:

22 Scarlett Road: https://realogy.app.box.com/s/eju6yesfidsj1uhrdo7lhch7lfz0f2yy

Fox Creek Ranch: https://realogy.app.box.com/s/4295ydya3ld2q14pdxng9v81tgih9hcx

Additional Images Available Upon Request

About Doug and Lisa Steiny

As a fifth generation Californian and life long resident of Monterey Peninsula, Doug has been fortunate to live and work in an area which offers the highest quality of living in the world. As a licensed Realtor for over 30 years, Doug has experienced and has been involved in the growth of the Monterey Peninsula. His single mindedness in providing exemplary customer service has helped grow his business to more than $500 million in sales. Over 90% of Doug’s business is generated from direct referrals from previous clients, friends and family who recognize the benefit in utilizing his expertise in Real Estate and knowledge of the area. Doug has consistently been a Top Producer since 1990 with notable clients, including several presidents of Fortune 500 companies.

After 30 years as a top producer in the title and escrow business, Lisa joined her husband, Doug Steiny. Lisa relocated to Carmel with her parents when her father retired from the Air Force. Being from Southern California, the draw to the smaller community of Carmel was an enticing place to raise their family. Lisa prides herself in her service-oriented approach to helping clients. She is extremely detailed and brings to the team the ability to provide the best service possible. With 15 years of management experience, Lisa offers incomparable knowledge and skills to Doug’s team.

Doug and Lisa Steiny

www.dougsteiny.com

Tel: (831) 277-2070

Email: doug@dougsteiny.com

Sotheby’s International Realty

Carmel Rancho Brokerage

3775 Via Nona Marie Ste 100

Carmel, CA 93923

Contact:

Marci Bracco Cain

Chatterbox PR

Salinas, CA 93901

(831) 747-7455

http://www.dougsteiny.com

Monterey-based Ruccello Olive Oil Releases Four New Private Label Balsamic Vinegars on Aug. 1

Ruccello Olive Oil’s first private label balsamic vinegars will be available on its website starting Aug. 1.

Monterey, CA, July 29, 2018 — Ruccello Olive Oil’s first private label balsamic vinegars will be available on its website starting Aug. 1.

Ruccello Olive Oil, founded in 2017 by Monterey native RoseAnne Ruccello-Fischer, specializes in Extra Virgin Olive Oils from the Tuscany region in Italy and from California, as well as hand-crafted olive wood items, locally made olive oil soaps and lotions and handmade aprons.

The new line features four balsamic vinegars, including a Dark Chocolate Balsamic Reserve Vinegar (8.5 fluid ounces); a Honey Balsamic Reserve Vinegar (8.5 fl oz.); Cask 5 Organic Balsamic Vinegar (16.9 fl oz.); and Cask 25 Balsamic Vinegar (16.9 fl oz.). All the vinegars are gluten-free, with no artificial flavorings, thickening agents, caramel or additives added. May contain sulfites.

All four vinegars originate in Modena, Italy, and were bottled by the Olive Oil Source. They will be available Aug. 1, at ruccellooliveoil.com.

Here’s a description of each of the vinegars and their nutritional values:

Dark Chocolate Balsamic Reserve Vinegar

One-of-a-kind balsamic with the rich deep flavors of dark chocolate. Use as a glaze on beef or pork or drizzle on fruit, chocolate desserts, and pastries.

Nutrition facts per 1 tablespoon:

Calories 35.8

Protein 0.2g

Carbohydrates 17.39g

Sugar 8.1g

Honey Balsamic Reserve Vinegar

Blended with artisanal Italian honey and reduced over open-air fire. Fabulous drizzled on cheeses and with dishes using walnuts, pears, or game.

Nutrition facts per 1 tablespoon:

Calories 53

Protein 0g

Carbohydrates 13.3g

Sugar 13.3g

Sodium >1mg

Cask 5 Organic Balsamic Vinegar

This organic cask-aged balsamic is an everyday balsamic ideal to pair with cooked vegetables and salads.

Nutrition facts per 1 tablespoon:

Calories 81

Protein 0.6g

Carbohydrates 25g

Sugar 25g

Sodium 20mg

Cask 25 Balsamic Vinegar

This 25-year cask-aged balsamic is a prized Italian condiment that is rich and flavorful. Drizzle on fruit, cheeses, and salads.

Nutrition facts per 1 tablespoon:

Calories 35.8

Protein 0.2g

Carbohydrates 8.1g

Sugar 8.1g

About Ruccello Olive Oil

RoseAnne Fischer of Monterey has such a passion for Extra Virgin Olive Oil that she founded her own company in 2017, Ruccello Olive Oil, to offer consumers the highest quality Extra Virgin Olive Oil from the best producers from around the world.

RoseAnne is also committed to educating the consumer on the many health benefits of Extra Virgin Olive Oil and how to be a discerning consumer through olive oil tastings, olive oil and food pairing events and house parties showcasing the liquid gold.

She will have 10 different kinds of Extra Virgin Olive Oil from Italy, California, Spain, Greece and Turkey available on her website, ruccellooliveoil.com, as well as soaps and lotions made from olive oil. She and her husband also import European antiques in partnership with a company in Carmel Valley.

Her business took root in 2015 when she and her husband bought a small house in Tuscany nestled in the Chianti hills, with vineyards and olive groves everywhere you could see.

The idea of running her own olive oil business inspired her to take an Olive Oil Sommelier class to learn everything she could about olive oil.

And among the things she learned was the fact that many olive oils for sale in the U.S. are mislabeled and adulterated and that customers were being duped into buying Extra Virgin Olive Oil that was either virgin olive oil or lampante oil, which is not fit for human consumption.

So the Monterey, California native decided she wanted to educate American consumers and offer them the best Extra Virgin Olive Oil that the world has to offer.

“Consumers know that olive oil is good for you, but there are a lot of myths about it out there,” she says. “I want to share what I’ve learned and I want to provide a product that people can trust and feel safe in the knowledge that the products are of the highest quality.”

Ruccello Olive Oil

P.O. Box 257, Monterey, CA 93940

Telephone: 831-275-8306

WhatsApp: 1-831-275-8306

roseanne@RuccelloOliveOil.com

http://ruccellooliveoil.com

Contact:

Marci Bracco Cain

Chatterbox PR

Salinas, CA 93901

(831) 747-7455

http://www.ruccellooliveoil.com

Fulham White Paper Describes How Digital Lighting Controls Overcomes Lack of Dimming Standards

Migration to Digital Standards Promises to Simplify Lighting Installation, Add Wireless Communications, and Extend Controls to Other Building Systems.

Hawthorne, CA, USA — Fulham Co., Inc., a leading supplier of lighting components and electronics for commercial and specialty applications, has released a new white paper that discusses the limitations surrounding 0-10V luminaire dimming and the benefits of adopting open digital standards to promote universal lighting compatibility. The white paper, entitled “Next-Gen Digital Dimming and the Shortcomings of 0-10V,” describes the pitfalls of trying to retrofit luminaires with incompatible dimming curves and how the emergence of new digital control and communications platforms extends lighting controls beyond simple dimming.

To date, there has been no universal standard for 0-10V dimming in LED luminaires. As a result, LED drivers from different vendors have different dimming characteristics; a 5V signal could result in a dimming profile of 50, 80, or 30 percent, depending on the manufacturer. Similarly, at 0V some LED drivers will turn power off, while others may dim from 1 or 10 percent. Non-standard dimming drivers also can overload a lighting system, tripping a circuit breaker or creating a catastrophic driver failure.

Lighting control systems such as DALI, Bluetooth mesh, and Zigbee address this lack of common dimming standards by taking advantage of embedded software support in LED components. Intelligent LED drivers can be grouped and programmed to accommodate changes and incompatibilities in dimming profiles, including making changes and upgrades automatically. In addition, polarity is not an issue with digital control systems, which makes digital luminaires easier to wire and scale.

More importantly, where most dimming protocols are unidirectional, issuing instructions with no means to verify response, digital control systems provide two-way communications to show the status and health of each switch, sensor, and luminaire. In addition, lighting manufacturers are finding that digital LED controls lend themselves to wireless connectivity, eliminating the need for extensive retrofits or additional control wiring.

“We released this white paper to show the industry what we see coming in digital lighting and open control standards,” said Russ Sharer, Vice President of Global Marketing for Fulham. “Digital controls not only make it easier to mix and match lighting systems, but ensures faster and more trouble-free installations.”

Fulham has already demonstrated interoperability of digital control systems over a Bluetooth mesh wireless infrastructure, as well as delivering power and control to luminaires using Power over Ethernet (PoE). New programmable, digital LED components that are Bluetooth-mesh and PoE compatible will become commercially available later this year.

For more information and a copy of Fulham’s white paper, “Next-Gen Digital Dimming and the Shortcomings of 0-10V,” visit http://www.fulham.com/resource-center.

About Fulham
Fulham Co., Inc. is a leading global provider of intelligent, socially-conscious sustainable commercial lighting components and electronics for use in commercial general lighting, parking structure, signage, horticultural, UV and other applications. The company develops and manufactures a variety of award-winning LED and emergency products, as well as legacy products across multiple lighting platforms. Fulham sells its lighting solutions worldwide through original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and electrical equipment distribution channels. Headquartered in Hawthorne, Calif., the company has sales and/or manufacturing facilities in the Netherlands, China, India and the UAE. For more information, visit http://www.fulham.com, @FulhamUSA or @FulhamEurope.

Media Contact:
Andy Firchau
Marketing Manager
Fulham Co., Inc.
Phone: +1 (323) 779-2980, ext. 1252
afirchau@fulham.com

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New Jewelry Line from Designer/Entrepreneur Vivian Storms Features One-of-a-Kind Sculptural Artwork from Acclaimed Cold Glass Artist Jack Storms

Even though Vivian Storms has accomplished much in her young life — she’s only 31 — including being a child star in her native Brazil, a publisher, CEO, manager of an art gallery, marketing expert, fashion designer and mother, she never imagined she’d become a designer of her own jewelry line.

Valencia, CA, July 21, 2018 — Even though Vivian Storms has accomplished much in her young life — she’s only 31 — including being a child star in her native Brazil, a publisher, CEO, manager of an art gallery, marketing expert, fashion designer and mother, she never imagined she’d become a designer of her own jewelry line.

Viv Storms Fine Jewelry will launch its new line of exceptional jewelry, fashioned from one-of-a-kind, original cold-glass artwork produced by her business partner, artist Jack Storms, on Aug. 1.

There will be 500 pieces available during the pre-sale, with five different designs for necklaces, rings, cuff links, earrings and pendants, all affordably priced starting at $500, and up. A pre-sale will be launched on Aug. 1, with 360-degree videos of the pieces on the website vivstorms.com. Those who pre-order pieces will receive several perks, including deep discounts and entry into a giveaway of a $15,000 Jack Storms sculpture. Pre-ordered pieces will be delivered on Nov. 1. A portion of the proceeds of the pre-sale will go to charity.

“We have an amazing team of designers helping me take this crazy idea of a jewelry line based on fine art from a piece of paper to reality,” said Vivian about the process of creating the line.

Over the last decade, Jack has become a dominant force in the landscape of cold-glass art. The effect of his work is palpable. Take one look at any of his masterpieces, and it’ll become obvious that, aside from technical prowess, there’s something else at work. It’s that artistry that Vivian, the brains behind the Storms company, thought of harnessing three years ago.

Vivian believed that Jack’s craft had a lot more to offer, so she set herself the task of reinterpreting his art and expanding the reach of the Storms name. Rendered in jewelry form, Jack’s art could be worn, carried and someday even passed down. With this venture, Vivian also combined two of her greatest passions: art and fashion.

But the scale of Jack’s sculptures and their sheer weight posed a challenge. Taking Jack’s work and striving for the same excellence — and the same painful precision and meticulous attention to detail — in a fraction of the size was by no means an easy task. The former husband-and-wife duo worked feverishly, side-by-side, to translate Jack’s creation into stones as small as 8mm. It took two and a half years, and various episodes of trial and error, to develop and perfect the process, but Vivian’s jewelry line is finally slated to launch in November.

With the brilliantly reflective core in mind, Vivian dreamed up the designs — which come in gold, silver and platinum — for her debut line, her first foray into fine jewelry.

In the Sophia collection, the stones drive the narrative and dictate the settings. The collection makes good use of simple, modern lines and contemporary features, all executed with an obsession with quality and elegance.

The Aria collection, on the other hand, sings another tune. While the stone is still the star attraction, it works hand-in-hand with ornate settings to display all facets of the duo’s vivid imagination. Here, Vivian opts for drama, in place of more minimalist design elements. The shimmering, light-catching stones are presented in romantic, storybook-like settings adorned with intricate scrollwork.

Manufactured entirely in the United States, between Los Angeles and Miami, both collections boast a timeless aesthetic, a true embodiment of outstanding work at the service of a radical vision.

When asked why someone should buy her jewelry, what with so many jewelry lines on the market, Vivian didn’t hesitate to answer.

“Because they are buying a piece of art from the foremost cold glass artist in the world,” she said. “These pieces do not exist anywhere else in the world. Every one of these pieces is different, they’re all original pieces of art, made by a master sculptor, one of only three in the world. The colors are just surreal.”

Vivian says she has more of an overarching view of the jewelry line than just selling necklaces and rings, beautiful and intricate as they are.

“It’s always been about bringing enlightenment with Jack’s art, it really changes people’s perception of everything, it’s more than a sculpture, he’s able to create something truly unique,” said Vivian. “For me it’s about bringing this art to the world — to see, to believe and to see the beauty of art. To involve more people and have this work touch them.”

About Vivian Storms

Hailing from the sprawling Brazilian city of Rio de Janeiro, where she carved a name for herself as an actress at a precocious age, Vivian Storms moved first to Canada then to the United States to pursue a career in film.

Her life in art began unexpectedly, in 2009, when she met cold-glass artist Jack Storms. Infatuated by his artistry, particularly his exceptional approach to glassmaking, Vivian decided Jack’s company image needed a complete overhaul.

Vivian knew that Jack’s work was an ode to superb workmanship, and that concocting a marketing strategy that accurately represented his talent would be fundamental to its success. Taking the helm of the company, she spent the lion’s share of her time building the Storms brand, and defining its identity. This included starting an online campaign, supervising photo and video shoots and expanding the brand’s presence on social media and print media.

Thanks to Vivian, the video she helped create went viral in 2014, racking up close-to 5 million views on YouTube alone. From then on, the business ballooned, and Jack began amassing a devout following of private collectors itching to get their hands on the next piece.

He also achieved widespread recognition when two of his pieces made cameo appearances in Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy. Not to mention, the “ViviOvo”— an egg-shaped sculpture he finessed as a gift to Vivian, his muse, and named after her — become one of his most popular and sought-after pieces.

In 2010, Vivian opened the doors to Storms Fine Art Gallery, an airy, light-filled space tucked away in Santa Clarita, California. She focused her efforts on discovering, selecting and displaying the works of gifted contemporary artists like New Zealand-based Michael Waysmith and LA-based Anja Van Herle.

But aside from being a gallery owner, a doting mother to her 7-year-old son Owen, and the brains behind the Storms legacy, Vivian can now add “jewelry designer” to her impressive and ever-growing resume.

Viv Storms Fine Jewelry, her namesake brand, is Vivian’s entrée into the world of jewelry design. Vivian has long been a style enthusiast, and she credits her unwavering love for fashion as the main draw to the project. After close to two-and-a-half years of work, a process fueled by Vivian’s workaholic nature and sheer will, the collection is complete and available for pre-sale ahead of its official launch date in November.

About Viv Storms Fine Jewelry:

Viv Storms Fine Jewelry is a luxury jewelry line by Vivian Storms that marries Jack Storms’ unparalleled craftsmanship with Vivian’s sophisticated designs. As one of the few cold-glass artists in the country, Jack uses optical crystal and dichroic glass to create a kaleidoscopic core for every stone. Because the artistic process is so labor-intensive, unique and rare, no two cores are the same. Every stone tells its own story, each aflame with turbulent, psychedelic flashes of color and alive with personality.

Viv Storms Fine Jewelry

(831) 920-8984

25520 Avenue Stanford #315

Valencia CA 91355

https://www.vivstorms.com

https://www.facebook.com/stormsjewelry/

contact@vivstorms.com

Vivian Storms

CEO & FOUNDER

STORMS PUBLISHING INC.

Storms Fine Art | StormWorks Studio | Viv Storms Fine Jewelry

Direct: +1 831.920.8984

www.stormsfineart.com

www.jackstorms.com

www.vivstorms.com

Contact:

Marci Bracco Cain

Chatterbox PR

Salinas, CA 93901

(831) 747-7455

https://www.vivstorms.com