Meet Me…The Faces of Downtown…Jennifer L. Jones

Posted on January 17, 2012 by klawrence

This month marks the 5th anniversary for Jennifer L. Jones as a member of the American Shakespeare Center family. For those of you who come to the Blackfriars Playhouse, her face is likely familiar. Whether she’s assisting a patron, managing the Box Office staff, or troubleshooting a maintenance issue, Jennifer is always ready to do what needs to be done to make each patron’s visit to the ASC the best experience it can be.

In honor of her 5 year anniversary, we sat down with Jennifer to learn more about her:

 

 

Where are you from and what brought you to Staunton?

I am originally from Montgomery, AL. I moved to Staunton in 2003 with my now husband who attended the MLitt/MFA program at Mary Baldwin College.

My first day in Staunton, I found out that I had something in common with ASC Co-Founder and Director of Mission, Dr. Ralph Alan Cohen. He is also from Montgomery and we both went to Sidney Lanier High School. Go Poets!

When did you start working at the ASC and in what capacity and when did you become the Box Office Manager?

My first day at ASC was December 18, 2006. I started as a bartender that Holiday season. I started working full time in the box office in March 2007, and I became Box Office Manager in October 2007.

What is your favorite part of your job?

My favorite part of my job is talking to folks who are coming to the Blackfriars for the first time. I love how excited people are to see our playhouse and our shows.

What is your favorite thing/part of the Blackfriars Playhouse?

I don’t know that I have a favorite part of the Playhouse itself, but my favorite part of being in the Playhouse is the Actors’ Renaissance Season every year. The performances that come out of those seasons are simply amazing.

I still remember when we did Pericles in the 2007 Actors’ Renaissance Season. I hated Pericles when I read it, but I wanted to see the show anyway. It was nothing short of magical. I think I ended up watching Pericles four or five times that season.

What is the biggest change you’ve seen at ASC and/or in Staunton while you’ve been here?

I have loved watching downtown Staunton grow over the last five years.

What is your favorite Shakespeare play and why?

Hamlet will always hold a special place in my heart. It is the first Shakespeare play I remember seeing live, and the first show I memorized a soliloquy from.

With which Shakespeare character do you most identify and why?

If I had to pick, I guess Horatio. He has a kind of blind loyalty to his friends that I (mostly) admire.

What do you hope that people get out of their visits to the Blackfriars Playhouse?

I hope that people feel the passion that everyone at ASC has for what we do. One of the greatest parts of working for ASC is getting to work with people who are passionate about what they do everyday. To me, it makes the difference between a job and a career.

When you’re not at the ASC what do you like to do?

I read (fiction); I spend time with my wonderful husband, Noah; and I watch ridiculous TV with my best friend, Christina. As much as I enjoy the intellectual stimulation of working at ASC; when I go home, I like to turn my brain off.

Thank you, Jennifer, for being a part of what makes the American Shakespeare Center so special.

Want to feature one of your employees or learn more about someone from downtown Staunton?  Send us an email at sdda_assistant@ci.staunton.va.us and we’ll feature them on our website, blog and in the eblast!

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Downtown Staunton Gift Card Sales Soar in 2011

Posted on January 12, 2012 by klawrence

Staunton, Virginia – January 17, 2012 – When the Staunton Downtown Development Association (SDDA) launched its low-tech gift card program in late 2007, the idea was to create a convenient, inexpensive and easily administered way to stimulate sales at downtown shops and restaurants.   With increases in Gift Card sales topping more the 38% in 2011 and participation by downtown merchants reaching more than 90 businesses, the SDDA believes the program has provided a much needed shot in the arm to downtown’s economy and empowered consumers with a visible way to participate in the Buy Local movement.

 

Julie Markowitz, Executive Director of the SDDA describes the program’s growth: “We sold more than $50,000 in downtown gift cards in 2011 that can be redeemed at most businesses in our downtown district.  That’s going to be a significant boost to our merchants in the early part of 2012 as the cards are used.  Because this program is operated with low administrative costs and is free for merchants and consumers to use, it’s really a wonderful way to engage the community in being an active part of supporting downtown.  It’s not only become a great gift, but also a powerful reward incentive that is being used by local lodging establishments and businesses to encourage visitors or employees to explore downtown.  It’s exciting to see the community truly rallying around our ‘Buy Local. Give Local.’ message. ” 

The Downtown Staunton Gift Card is sold in denominations of $5, $10, $20 and $50 and can be used just like cash.  They are available at Pufferbellies Toys & Books, Turtle Lane, The Sacred Circle, Schmid’s Printery and the SDDA office at 110 W. Johnson St. and there are no fees involved for consumers or merchants.  The SDDA has worked to raise awareness of the cards the past few years with special giveaways and promotions, the most successful being a $10 bonus with the purchase of a $50 card and the introduction of ELFis, an Elvis Elf who promotes gift card sales during the holiday season.  

Participation in the beginning years of the program averaged around 60 businesses and sales grew slowly.  Markowitz believes in addition to constant emphasis by the SDDA, the increasing popularity of Buy Local programs and publicity surrounding national events like Small Business Saturday and Independents Week have helped raise awareness. 

For more information about downtown gift cards, visit www.stauntondowntown.org

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Unique Last Minute Gift Ideas from YOUR Independent Businesses

Posted on December 15, 2011 by klawrence

 Staunton Performing Art Center Ornaments & Note Cards

The ornament is a depiction of the Dixie Window in beautiful brass and enamel.  The note cards are a color photo of the three Dixie windows, including envelopes.
The ornament is $15.
Pack of eight cards is $15.
They can be purchased at the Staunton Performing Arts Center office at 103 East Beverley Street, Staunton or at Bookworks, 101 West Beverley Street, Staunton. They can be ordered by phone at 540-885-3211. MasterCard, VISA, and American Express are accepted. Add $5 for shipping and handling, if needed.

 

Dixon Studio Gifts!

Make Christmas more meaningful -and more beautiful- with gifts from the Priestly Life Catalog at Dixon Studio. And, make it easy on yourself with free gift wrapping! We have searched through all the seasonal silliness to find a few wonderful pieces that are engaging and inspiring, as well as appropriate gifts for and from priests.

 Check out the Christmas Shopping page for the free giftwrap items. And remember: free shipping site-wide this week AND all books always on sale! This is too good and too easy!

Pamper Your Canine Friends This Holiday at Turtle Lane. Turtle Lane has gifts for your canine family members! We carry locally made gourmet dog treats, collars and charms! Bring your pooch by anytime for a free sample!  We also carry great locally made gifts, featuring work from over 30 of your friends and neighbors. 

Turtle Lane ~ 10 East Beverley Street ~ (540)886-8591 ~www.turtlelanegifts.com ~ turtlelanegifts@yahoo.com

The Wine Cellar Holiday Wine Case 2011  ($149) 

Gruet Brut (New Mexico) This Brut offers a crisp and full-bodied sparkling wine, which has developed rich complexity and fine mousse. Brilliant with ultra fine bubbles. A wonderful fine bouquet dominated by green apple and grapefruit flavors combines with the allure of toasty finish from twenty-four months on tirage, a complement to the sophisticated apple and citrus flavor.   

Angeline Sauvignon Blanc ( Russian River, California) –  This wine, produced 100% in stainless steel is the ideal refreshment by a warm fire on a cool day. Fresh floral, honeydew melon and bright tropical aromas lead to crisp and lively green melon flavors. This wine finishes soft and light with a lingering touch of citrus. Try with mango shrimp, light spiced halibut with lemon or crab-stuffed flounder. 

Man Vitners Chenin Blanc (South Africa) – Bright yellow, cool aromas of melon, kiwi, lime zest and herbs and Juicy and densely packed, with a bit of sweetness balanced by brisk acidity. A crisp, clean midweight with a  lively finish.  A versatile food wine to go with most poultry, fish and salad dishes. Also fabulous as an aperitif. 

Santa Julia Torrontes (Mendoza, Argentina) – An organic, dry wine that pours a pale white gold with an aromatic nose with notes of grapefruit, rose, and peach.  The wine is light-bodied and refreshing with vibrant tastes of grapefruit, orange, pear, ginger and lively acidity; a long finish and the flavors linger on with a hint of orange peel. Delicious with spicy dishes, smoked salmon, or composed salads. 

Barren Ridge Tinkling Spring (Virginia) – The Shenandoah Valley in a glass by way of vidal blanc, vignier, traminete, chardonnay and riesling. With an intriguing lime ice nose, spritely lime and ripe green fruit palate and medium finish. Cool, crisp and fruity, this exclusive wine features the artwork of local artist P. Buckley Moss.  Pair with seafood, lemon chicken, curry, tajines. 

Ruca Malen Chardonnay (Argentina) – Ripe, luscious pear, apples, peaches, and apricot share a ride on a creamy texture with notes of caramel and toasty vanilla spice. It is also surprisingly bright with acidity and a great food match for turkey, stuffing, and creamed pearl onions. 

Evodia (Catalyud, Spain) – This wine offers up a slightly exotic nose of earthy minerality, mocha, black cherry, black raspberry, high-pitched aromas of strawberry preserves, and pungent flowers. Concentrated but not at all heavy; sweet raspberry and blackberry flavors are lifted by a hint of violet.  Pairs well with cured pork and aged cheeses.

Monte Sciavo Rosso Piceno (Italy) – Rosso Piceno is a red wine from Marche (“The Marches,” the Italian region across from Rome, on Italy’s eastern Adriatic coast. It’s made from at least 60 percent Sangiovese (the Chianti grape), plus some of Marche’s native Montepulciano.  Similar to Chianti in style, pairs well with pasta and pizza, and roasted herbed meats. 

McManis Family Vineyards Petit Sirah (California) – Deep purple in color with bright hues, the Petite Sirah is full of boysenberry and blueberry fruit aromas. Mocha notes contributed from oak aging are also present. The wine is big, rich and full of juicy red and black fruit flavors. Serve with game, roasted garlic, and filet mignon. 

Gabriele Rausse Cabernet Sauvignon (Virginia) – Attractive and inviting black cherry palette, nicely seasoned with a wisp of spice.  Produced in Italian style with clean structure and clear fruit flavors, most likely the only stainless steel aged Cabernet Sauvignon in Virginia. Classic with steak au poivre, aged cheeses like Parmeggiano Regiano and of course, chocolate. 

Santa Julia Malbec (Mendoza, Argentina) – Dark violet with brilliant purple colors. Good complexity in the nose with aromas of ripe fruit such as figs, plums, and blackberries.. Notes of vanilla, tobacco, coffee, and chocolate. Full-bodied red wine with sweet tannins, good structure, and long finish. Pairs perfectly with a juicy steak, beef bourguignon, pasta with red sauces, or dark chocolate. 

Xavier Cotes du Ventoux  (France) – Dense ruby/purple color followed by a warm elegant nose of red and black fruits and spice; intermixed with subtle herbs, forest floor and spring flowers. Noteworthy length and balance.  Perfect for enjoying with roasted meats or a simple wild mushroom pasta dish and cheeses.

Open Monday through Saturday from 11 until 6
Visit us on the web: www.stauntonwinecellar.com
Contact Us: The Wine Cellar, 8 Byers St.,540-213-WINE, winecellar@mail.com

Naughty or Nice? Give the Gift of Shakespeare this Holiday Season.

NICE
Ebenezer Scrooge, Bob Cratchit, and Tiny Tim return to the Blackfriars Playhouse in Charles Dickens’s classic holiday story, A Christmas Carol.  Bring the whole family* to see the 2011/12 Almost Blasphemy Tour as they offer up a production full of music, laughter, and cheer. 

NAUGHTY
Enjoy the snarkier side of the holiday season with Ginna Hoben’s The Twelve Dates of Christmas and David Sedaris’s The Santaland Diaries. Leave the kids at home,* grab a drink at our bar, and escape the holiday rush.  

Give the Gift of Shakespeare
Share your love of the American Shakespeare Center this holiday season.  Whether it’s a package under the tree or the anticipation of a once-in-a-lifetime experience, the ASC can provide the perfect present for everyone on your list. 

The Blackfriars Playhouse Gift Shop is now ONLINE.  You can shop at the Blackfriars Playhouse during a visit to Staunton or while you’re cozy at home in your pajamas.  Get that ASC swag you’ve been wanting - SHOP NOW Give an adventure this year with full or partial scholarship to one of our ASC Summer Camps. Anyone from age 9-99 can learn and play with us at the Blackfriars Playhouse. – LEARN MOREASC Gift Cards can be used for tickets or gift shop merchandise, making them a fitting gift for the person who has everything. They can be purchased ONLINE or at the Blackfriars Playhouse Box Office. Blackfriars Playhouse Ticket Packages are giftable. Give your favorite Shakespeare lover 6, 10, or 16 tickets that they can use whenever they’d like.

All’s Well Massage Holiday Hours for Gift Card Sales! 

Fri.,   Dec. 16, 4-7pm
Sat.,  Dec. 17, 2-6pm
Sun., Dec 18, noon-5pm

Gift Packages from All’s Well Massage Studio.  Choose from:
½ hr. massage with soft hands or sole cleanse treatment just $40
1 hr. massage with both soft hands and sole cleanse treatment just $80

11 E. Beverley St., Suite 17  540-213-1975  Laura & Lisa.  www.allswellmassage.com

Staunton Augusta Art Center presents the annual Art for Gifts exhibition and sale November 19-December 31 .  Art for Gifts is open seven days per week with extended hours: 10-6 Mon. – Sat. and 1-4 Sun.  Closed Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.  Located at 20 S. New Street in the Smith Center building across from the Visitor Center and parking garage in historic downtown Staunton.  Art for Gifts features affordable, unique gifts of art and fine craft by over 70 Virginia artists, many participating for the first time.  No admission charge.  Members receive a 10% discount on all purchases.  For more information, visit www.saartcenter.org or call 540.885.2028. 

Smith Center Museum Store on One-of-a-Kind Items! The Smith Center Museum Store has placed two one-of-a-kind side tables on SALE! Made by local artist and fine craftsmen, Gary Hostetter. Wood includes Mahogany and Spalted Maple. All original, Shaker Style designs. More of Gary Hostetter’s work available in store. Holiday Hours: Mon-Fri 11am-6pm, Sat 10am-6pm, Sun 1-4pm.
Smith Center Museum Store ~20 S. New St. ~  540-886-8755

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Historic Downtown Staunton Featured in Junior Women’s Club Ornament

Posted on November 30, 2011 by klawrence

Want something truly local and collectible for your home this holiday season that also gives back to the community?  Then be sure to buy one of the Staunton Augusta Junior Women’s Club’s (SAJWC) beautiful ornaments!  2011 marks the 19th year SAJWC has sponsored this sale and this year’s ornament is called Christmas in Historic Staunton.  The ornament features an image of the historic lampposts found in downtown Staunton with a lovely filigree boarder. 

 The Staunton Augusta Junior Women’s Club is a local group made up of women starting at ages 18 and up. They have been an organized Club for over twenty years in the Augusta County and Staunton area. Proceeds from this fundraiser support SAJWC’s service projects throughout the year.  In 2011 SAJWC provided New Directions with warm blankets, Valley Mission with meals, sponsored “Shop with a Cop”, donated earrings to breast cancer patients at Augusta Health and gave funds to various local community service organizations.  A favorite project among members was making and serving a meal at the Valley Mission. 

 In addition to the Christmas in Historic Staunton ornament, they have numerous other ornaments for sale.  Below is the availability and price list. 

  • 2011 New! Christmas in Historic Staunton: $17 each
  • Underpass, RE Lee, Mrs Rowe’s: $10 each
  • DeJarnette, Lady Libby Trolley, Trinity Church, Augusta Military Academy: $5 each

 Ornaments can be purchase from members directly; during sales at St John’s Church, 1716 N. Augusta St., on Wednesday, Nov 30th, 5-7pm/Thursday, Dec 1st,5-7pm/ Sat. Dec 3rd 9am-noon; or at celebrate!!!, 16 W. Beverley St.  and Turtle Lane, 10 E. Beverley St. 

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Ignite Staunton Fires up the Local, Creative Economy

Posted on November 17, 2011 by klawrence

 Entrepreneurs Pitch Ideas, Hope to Turn 5 Minutes into $5,000 

 Staunton, VA – Do you have a small idea that might have a big community impact? The community of Staunton wants to hear it.

 This fall, Staunton Creative Community Fund teamed up with Mary Baldwin College to launch an innovative, community-minded entrepreneurial event called Ignite. 

Ignite Staunton is an information exchange designed to foster and inspire Staunton’s creative community. During an Ignite session, the audience listens to new ideas from the area’s creative, technical, and business communities. Local entrepreneurs are invited to take the stage to pitch a current project or favorite idea. Each presenter gets five minutes to make their case…and five thousand dollars in seed money if their idea is selected as the final winner after three rounds of presentations.

The event, which has been hosted in cities like Seattle, Philadelphia, and Raleigh, is a fun and fast-paced open-mic format where presenters share their creative ideas. Staunton is the first city in Virginia and the smallest city on record to offer an Ignite program. 

“While it can be entertaining, Ignite isn’t about watching a show – it’s about participating in the community and watching an idea take root,” says Meghan Williamson, Executive Director of the Staunton Creative Community Fund.  Each evening’s winners are picked via People’s Choice format. The winner for the September 15th Ignite was Michael Reeps with his presentation on “Staunton Fresh:  Local Food for Local People,” a member-driven, online farmer’s market offering weekly produce pickup.  The winner for the October 20th Ignite was Doug Sheridan with his presentation for the “Staunton Pavilion,” an outdoor performance stage in the parking lot of Sunspots. The final $5,000 winner will be selected by a judges panel of creative local entrepreneurs, including owners of Frazier Associates, Pufferbellies Toys and Books, and the Friendly City Food Co-op. Additional $500 grants will also launch student led Ignite projects. 

The final Ignite Staunton will be held on November 17th at the Darjeeling Cafe at 7 pm.  If you are interested in presenting your concept and want to compete for the $5,000 award, contact the Staunton Creative Community Fund at 540-213-0333 or joelle@stauntonfund.com. 

“Staunton boasts a flourishing creative community and the Ignite program creates a can-do atmosphere – it’s our way to help launch the next great idea,” says Williamson. 

Williamson says startups provide more than just jobs.  They also improve innovation, placemaking, and social good – all on a local level. 

Amanda Glover, Assistant Director of Economic Development for Staunton, agrees, “Research shows that small business drives local economy. Creating a city of entrepreneurs and innovators is a key component of Staunton’s economic development plan.” 

The Staunton Creative Community Fund (SCCF) revitalizes communities by supporting and funding local entrepreneurs in the central Shenandoah Valley. SCCF is set up to finance, mentor, and launch multiple early- stage businesses quickly and systematically.  SCCF leverages existing resources in the local entrepreneurial community and fills critical seed capital and expertise gaps so that Staunton has a seamless foundation for exceptional economic development.  

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Staunton Augusta Art Center’s Art for Gifts Announces Participating Artisans

Posted on November 10, 2011 by klawrence

Art for Gifts Participants, 2011 

Clarice Allen – hand-painted décor
Lisa Aronzon – blown glass
David Barnes – dichroic glass jewelry
William Bell – photography
Steve Berry – functional metals
Gerald Boggs – ironwork
Liz Brady – beaded jewelry
Barbara Buckingham – paper cuttings note cards
Jenni Campbell – smocked baby dresses
Jan Carter – statement necklaces, earrings
Sandra Carter – greeting cards
Barbara Cauthorn – clay figure vases
Alan Cleveland – wooden canes, letter openers
Lynn Hilton Conyers – enameled copper
Stephen Dalton – jewelry
Jayme Driver – silver jewelry
Kim Eubank – enameled metal quilts
Joanne Farrell – soaps
Jude Fchlotzhauer – fused glass ornaments
Kazuko Fuller – metal jewelry
Betty Gatewood – botanicals note cards, calendars
Eloise Giles – watercolor paintings
Diane Goodbar – hand-knit baby items
Darleen Green – sachets, gift tags
Cathy Guss –jewelry of silver and gems
Mary Hadden – pottery
Bruce Hanson – functional handforged metals
Saul Harris — photography
Pauli Hayes – bath and beauty products
Jane Hicks – art quilts
Richard Hicks – wood furniture
Richard Hines – turned wooden bowls, lidded vessels
Holly Horan – pottery
Whitney Jenkins – felted pins
Jill Jensen – art quilts and textiles
Liz Karaffa – hand painted décor
Hona Knudsen – porcelain
Brian Lacy — pottery
Charlotte LaRoy – art basketry
Audrey Maune – beaded jewelry
Robin McElwee – fabric art
Lindsey Mears – leather bound journals
John Mendez – wood boxes
Nikki Nargi – acrylic paintings
Maribeth Nolde – photography
Christine Norton – fine silver jewelry
Maggie O’Brien – lampwork jewelry
Vie Osvalds – stained glass
John Owen – decoys
Irene Peery – watercolor prints
Jim Phelps – panoramic photography
John Pluta – sculptural ceramics
Barbara Polin – marbled silk and leather
Patty Rousel – organic dog treats
Jan Russell – woven scarves
Ron Salomon – woven scarves
Susan Salomon – felted hats
Christine Severson – pine needle baskets
Karen Shapcott – felted apparel
Lilah Smith – basketry
Sandi Sprouse – bird ornaments
Katie Spurlock – engraved silver bracelets
Rudy Tucker – pottery
Penny Warren – bird seed ornaments
Susan Weeks – paper mache animal ornaments
Wendy Wrenn Werstein – pottery
Jessica Wertz – pottery
Angie Wiggins – jewelry
Jean Wilkerson – fabric ornaments
Fran Wohlfelder – art jewelry
Sharon Zarambo – painted fabric ornaments

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Lock ‘em up Lock ‘em Out–Office on Youth Campaign to Stop Easy Access

Posted on November 3, 2011 by klawrence

Download a copy of this poster and post it for others to get the message!!  Lock’em up Lock’em out

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H.E.S. Rugs Opens at 18 East Beverley Street

Posted on October 19, 2011 by Julie Markowitz

Stop in and you could win one of three rugs!

October 13, 2011. Staunton, VA. – H.E.S. Rugs owned by Ghiyasunden Sadr is a feast for the eyes.  Exotic patterns and color festoon the store with beautifully patterned new and antique rugs of all shapes and sizes.

Sadr offers carpets from Afghanistan, Iran and Turkey. These pieces of art have tribal designs in a variety or patterns and colors.  He has accent pieces for the home with door hangings that were actually used on tents in Afghanistan; tent bands that can serve as a border trim for rooms or ceilings and pillow covers.  He also has fringed saddle covers, saddle bags with trims and pockets.  These pieces are great for wall hangings, table or chair covers or handbags.

H.E.S. Rugs is open Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 10 to 6, Fridays and Saturdays from 10-9 and Sundays by appointment. It is closed on Mondays and Thursdays.  Call them at 571-528-2711.

As a special introductory offer, Sadr is giving away three oriental rugs, pictured below. Visit H.E.S. Rugs now through Saturday, December 17 and register to WIN!  Winners will be announced from Noon to 2. You need not be present to win.  Winners will be notified by phone. One entry per person, please.

 

 

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Small Business Saturday Toolkit for Businesses

Posted on October 11, 2011 by klawrence

Digital Dynamos — Facebook, Google and Twitter — Support Small Business Saturday

Package of FREE, Easy-to-Use Tools Make up Toolkit for Business Owners

NEW YORK, Oct 06, 2011 (BUSINESS WIRE) — –FedEx Offers $1M in Gift Cards for Consumers

Some of the world’s online pioneers are uniting around a common goal: driving more business to local, independent shops for Small Business Saturday 2011. Facebook(R), Google, Twitter and other innovators are joining with American Express to offer a toolkit designed to help small business owners get the cash registers ringing this holiday season. The business owner toolkit will roll out over the next few weeks, starting today, and will be available at http://www.facebook.com/ShopSmall.

In 2010, Small Business Saturday was founded by American Express to help address small businesses’ greatest need: driving sales. It was also an occasion to recognize the importance of small business and their vital contributions to the economy, job creation, and local communities. The national initiative encourages consumers to shop at small businesses during the holiday season. All small businesses, not just those that use or accept American Express, are able toparticipate. Most of the toolkit offerings were created to be relevant to business owners even beyond Small Business Saturday.

Small Business Saturday falls on Thanksgiving weekend between Black Friday and Cyber Monday. This year, Small Business Saturday will be on November 26.

“Last year, we saw a 28 percent rise in sales volumes for our small business merchants versus the same day in 2009,” said Mary Ann Fitzmaurice Reilly, senior vice president, American Express OPEN. “An all-star line-up of partners is coming together to provide the tools to help make this year even more impactful for small business owners throughout the country.”

Free Toolkit Includes:

Facebook Ads

For the second year, American Express is giving $100 in free Facebook advertising to the first 10,000 business owners who sign up. Facebook Ads help build online buzz anddrive customer engagement because they can be targeted to people’s real likes and interests. In addition, for those small businesses that do not have Facebook Pages but want to take advantage of the free advertising, AmericanExpress will offer a tool that takes them step-by-step through the free Page-creation process.

Google Tools to Create Professional-Quality Videos

Google and American Express are partnering to offer small businesses My Business Story, a tool to create and post free videos online about their businesses. Google research has shown that companies who effectively leverage video can expectbetter customer engagement and retention: online video boosts brand recall by 50 percent and likeability by 26 percent. With the free My Business Story tool, small business owners can create personalized, professional-quality videos for YouTube, social networks, business websites and more. This tool will be available in mid-October.

Twitter Follow Button

Small business owners can take advantage of Twitter’s Follow button to expand their marketing reach. These small businesses will be able to place a Follow button on their websites, and with a simple click, consumers will be able to follow them onTwitter.

YourBuzz to Help Drive Social Media Engagement

YourBuzz, an easy-to-use tool from American Express OPEN, helps small businesses reach more customers by enabling them to view and respond to customer reviews and online mentions all from one place. YourBuzz aggregates conversations across highly influential review sites such as Yelp and CitySearch, and social services such as Facebook, foursquare and Twitter, to ensure listings are accurate, buildcustomer relationships, and mitigate the damage that can be caused by poor reviews.

For Small Business Saturday, YourBuzz will offer additional ways for small businesses to market themselves online. The tool will offer $200 in free advertising credits on two online platforms where discussions about small businesses take place: $100 credit for LinkedIn Ads for up to 6,500 business owners and $100 in additional advertising credits on Facebook (in addition to the aforementioned Facebook ad credits). Business owners will also get free offerings or 50 percent off of any package from Pagemodo, a company that helps small businesses create professional Facebook Pages.

Go Social to Promote Coupon-less Offers

In July, American Express launched Go Social, a one-stop shop for American Express merchants to create coupon-less offers for Cardmembers. Go Social simplifies the creation of customized deals for small merchants to further incent Cardmembers to shop with them. Cardmembers will find these offers on foursquare, Facebook and the new American Express Mobile App.

Other Tools to Promote Small Business Saturday

The business owner toolkit will also include downloadable, point-of-purchase displays for small businesses to let customers know they are involved in the initiative. The displays will allow merchants to include their own branding, details about their business, and any special offers they are promoting for Small Business Saturday. Customizable email templates will also be made available for businesses looking to conduct email campaigns to customers and prospects.

One of the biggest Small Business Saturday supporters is FedEx. FedEx Office(R) has announced a special 20 percent savings on all Small Business Saturday materials that can be printed via FedEx Office(R) Print Online. The offer extends to all online print orders through November 26, giving small business owners even more savings as they prepare for the busy holiday season.

Consumer Incentives to Shop on Small Business Saturday

– FedEx recently announced it would inject $1 million into the small business economy in support of Small Business Saturday by distributing 40,000 $25 Shop Smallsm AmericanExpress(R) gift cards for use at small businesses on November 26. A total of 30,000 gift cards are available, first-come-first-serve, beginning November 1 on www.facebook.com/FedEx . FedEx will distribute an additional 10,000 giftcards directly to customers.

– For the second year in a row, American Express will help drive traffic through the doors of small businesses with a special incentive: a $25 statement credit offer forCardmembers when they register their Card and spend $25 or more on Small Business Saturday at any qualifying small business that accepts the American Express Card. Cardmembers will be able to register their cards in early November.

Lastly, WomenImpacting Public Policy (WIPP), a non-partisan organization that advocates for small business issues, has created the Small Business Saturday Coalition. Already, the Coalition has enlisted 200 advocacy organizations to raise awareness for Small Business Saturday and motivate consumers to shop at small businesses this holiday season.

For more information on all Small Business Saturday activities and offers visit: http://www.facebook.com/ShopSmall or smallbusinesssaturday.com.

About Small Business Saturday

November 26thmarks the second annual Small Business Saturday, a day to support the localbusinesses that create jobs, boost the economy and preserve neighborhoods around the country. Small Business Saturday (SBS) was created in 2010 by American Express in response to small business owners’ most pressing need: creating more demand for their products and services. A total of 1.5 million Facebook users, 130 public and private organizations, and 41 elected officials declared their support for SBS last year. More than 100,000 small businesses downloaded SBS marketing materials, 10,000 businesses signed up for free Facebook advertising that ran on SBS, and 200,000 consumers registered their American Express cards to receive $25 statement credits when they shopped at a smallbusiness on SBS. Small retailers who accept the American Express Card saw a 28% increase in sales on SBS when compared to the Saturday after Thanksgiving in 2009.

About American Express and American Express OPEN

American Express is a global services company, providing customers with access to products, insights and experiences that enrich lives and build business success. Learn more at www.americanexpress.com and connect with us on http://www.facebook.com/americanexpress, http://www.twitter.com/americanexpress and http://www.youtube.com/americanexpress.

American Express OPEN is the leading payment card issuer for small businesses in the United States and supports business owners with products and services to help them run and grow their businesses. This includes business charge and credit cards that deliver purchasing power, flexibility, rewards, savings on business services from an expanded lineup of partners and online tools and services designed to help improve profitability. Learn more at http://www.OPEN.com and connect with us at openforum.com and twitter.com/openforum.

SOURCE: American Express

American ExpressOPEN

Rosa Alfonso, 212-640-1712

rosa.m.alfonso@aexp.com

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Kevin McCartin Design Concepts Opens at 101 W. Frederick St.

Posted on August 18, 2011 by klawrence

Please welcome Kevin McCartin and Gary Sprouse as they embark on their new venture, Kevin McCartin Design Concepts, opening at 101 W. Frederick St. #207 on the second floor of the professional building.  The store offers affordable consulting and design for Kitchens & Baths. 

Kevin is the talented designer who has migrated from Orlando, FL and has had career that has taken him around the country.  He graduated from Brooks in Long Beach, CA, after studying at Harrington School of Design in Chicago.  He designed the largest kitchen and bath showroom in Los Angeles, CA and spent a year designing in Orlando before finding Staunton.  His partner, Gary Sprouse is originally from the Staunton area. 

Executive Director Julie Markowitz spoke with them recently about their vision. 

K:  Our main focus is custom affordable design that everyone can afford. People’s homes personify who they are.  I came from a family that really couldn’t afford to have an expensive designer and we found someone who was affordable that made our home unique and somewhere that everyone wanted to be.

For me it’s fun because I’m taking this living space that they can use and enjoy every single day and turning it into a space that reflects who they are.  Good design changes your life and makes your everyday life better. 

G: We can redesign your kitchen or bath and even if you move to another home, you’re going to want the service again because it enriches you lifestyle so much.

 JM:  Why Staunton?

 K: I’ve been all over the country but I love Staunton.  I love the cultural feel and I’m excited to be here.

 G:   Coming from Orlando back to Staunton, I appreciate the history.  Staunton has something that a history lover can embrace presented in a clean, crisp environment. It’s charming and diverse.

 Kevin McCartin Design Concepts will be open from 11 AM to 6PM , Monday through Friday.  They can be reached at 540-457-0281 or visit them on the web at www.kmdconcepts.com.

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