Old Town’s Full-Service Grocer to Offer Exclusive Flash Sales All Week Long

Chicago, IL (June 23, 2014) – Plum Market, Old Town’s connection to natural, organic, local and specialty items, is proud to celebrate its one-year anniversary in Chicago with special savings all week long and an in-store party for guests.

The main event on Saturday, June 28 will include free samples in each department of the store and live music from the Pinup Project from 11:00am to 3:00pm.  Each day from June 23-29, the store will feature a different anniversary deal, which will allow customers to experience some of Plum Market’s favorite products.

Special Anniversary Savings include:

• $4 Raw Juice Blends, Limit six per person | Monday, 6/23

• $10 Box of Kind Bars, Limit two per person | Tuesday, 6/24

• $9/lb Faroe Islands Salmon Fillets, Limit 5lb per person | Wednesday, 6/25

• $5 Housemade Wraps, Limit two per person | Thursday, 6/26

• Sparkling Wines from Around the Globe WineBar Event | Thursday, 6/26
  • Celebratory sparkling wine tasting. Purchase tickets here.

• $7 Dozen Short Stem Roses, Limit two dozen per person | Friday, 6/27

• $5 – 1 Liter Pons Olive Oil – Limit six per person | Saturday, 6/28

• 3 for $10 – 3oz Vosges Haut-Chocolat Bars | Sunday, 6/29

Guests are also invited to enjoy the store’s newly opened fresh-pressed ‘JuiceBar,’ located next to the WineBar.  The JuiceBar offers raw juices daily, made from Plum’s own fresh selection of produce that will help customers detox, reboot and revive.  The custom blends and superfood smoothies are made to order, maintaining the natural benefits of nutrients and antioxidants.  For more information, visit www.plummarket.com.

About Plum Market

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Premium Vodka Brand Reaffirms Commitment to Donate $1 to Veterans Charities for Every 750ml Bottle Sold

Chicago, IL (May 1, 2014) – Better Brands Beverage Co., the parent company of Salute American Vodka, announced a national initiative geared to assist our nation’s veterans and military families who are in need of financial assistance.  Through a one-year licensing agreement beginning today, the American-made premium vodka will donate $1 to the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Foundation for every 750ml bottle sold.

Funds donated by Salute American will be earmarked for the VFW Unmet Needs program, which supports struggling veterans and their families.  Salute American kicked off the initiative with an initial $10,000 donation and will be a presenting sponsor of the 115^th VFW National Convention in St. Louis, Mo., from July 19-23, 2014.

“There are countless veterans who need some form of financial assistance,” said John Hamilton, VFW adjutant general.  “Each purchase of Salute American vodka will assist us in fulfilling our mandate of service to our nation’s veterans, service members and their families.  It’s a simple way for veterans and non-veterans to pay it forward.”

Salute American was started by CEO-founder Pete Kelly, a passionate entrepreneur who wanted to make a difference in people’s lives through the ‘pay-it-forward’ philosophy.  Pete couldn’t think of a more deserving group than U.S. veterans – a band of brothers and sisters with increasingly high unemployment and homelessness rates*.  Salute American became a practical way to help maintain and create jobs in the US for veterans, and to generate ongoing economic success and stronger communities.

“Salute American is more than a name – it’s our mission,” said Pete Kelly, CEO-founder, Better Brands Beverage Co.  “We prove our patriotism by giving back to U.S. veterans who have proudly served their country and paying it forward.”

Since the launch of Salute American, Better Brands Beverage Co. has donated more than $50,000 to veteran’s charities, including: Veteran’s Farm through Work Vessels for Veterans; Farmer Veteran Coalition; Homes for Our Troops; Wish for our Heroes; and Greater St. Louis Honor Flight.

Salute American is pure American from start to finish.  The vodka, which was approved for the USA Certified™ Seal, is made from corn and wheat grains straight from the heartland.  It’s then four times distilled for a smooth and sweet taste that works well mixed or neat.  The canteen-shaped bottle bearing the red, white and blue, was manufactured in Park Hills, Mo., and distilled and bottled in Rochester, NY.

Salute American is currently available in the following markets: Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Missouri, New Mexico, Texas and Wisconsin.  The brand will also launch in Nebraska and North and South Dakota later in 2014.  The suggested retail price for a 750ml bottle is $19.99, which may vary by market.  Salute American Vodka is 80-proof and 40% alcohol by volume.  The brand received a Silver Medal and an 87-point “highly recommended” rating from the prestigious Beverage Testing Institute in the category of “Best Value Vodka $20 and under.”

For more information, please visit www.saluteamerican.com and “like” and “follow” Salute American on facebook www.facebook.com/SaluteAmericanVodka and twitter @SaluteAmerican – https://twitter.com/SaluteAmerican

* According to Labor Department Data, the unemployment rate among male veterans, ages 18-24, is nearly 27%.  There are currently more than 100,000 homeless vets in the US.

About Better Brands Beverage Co.

Privately owned and Midwest-based, Better Brands Beverage Co. is a for-profit company committed to investing in veterans charities that create jobs for veterans.  The Company was founded in 2012 by CEO-founder Pete Kelly who passionately believes in making a difference in people’s lives through the ‘pay-it-forward’ philosophy.

About VFW

The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S. is a nonprofit veterans’ service organization comprised of combat veterans and eligible military service members from the active, Guard and Reserve forces.  Founded in 1899 and chartered by Congress in 1936, the VFW is the nation’s largest organization of war veterans and its oldest major veterans’ organization.  With more than 1.9 million VFW and Auxiliary members located in almost 7,000 Posts worldwide, “NO ONE DOES MORE FOR VETERANS.”  The VFW and its Auxiliaries are dedicated to veterans’ service, legislative advocacy, and military and community service programs worldwide.  For more information or to join, visit our website at www.vfw.org.

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America’s First Blue 0-Calorie Sweetener Asks Brand Fans to Describe What “Love” Means to Them for the Chance to Win

Chicago, IL (April, 2014) – For more than 30 years, Equal^® has added sweetness to America’s favorite beverages and recipes.  The trusted, Chicago-based leader among 0-calorie sweeteners will celebrate “30 Years of Love” by conducting a “Love is Equal^®” online essay contest in which one entrant will win a stunning Meteor Cut^® Diamond Ring from Lustig Jewelers valued at over $14,000.  From among all entries, 80 finalists will be selected based on originality and creativity to attend a “blue” carpet event at West Loop hot spot Nellcôte restaurant in Chicago where the winning entry will be announced.

Beginning Monday, March 31, fans can tune into 101.9FM The MIX where Chicago’s top-rated morning co-hosts Eric Ferguson and Kathy Hart will direct fans to visit WTMX.com keyword Equal to enter the “Love is Equal^®” essay contest.  Contestants will have until Friday, April 11, to describe what “love” means to them, in 30 words or less.  On Monday, April 14, 80 finalists will be contacted by email with details and access to attend the exclusive “blue” carpet event on Thursday, April 17, hosted by The MIX Morning Show traffic reporter Melissa McGurren at Nellcôte.  The event will feature live entertainment, delicious bites by head chef Jared Van Camp, and a signature Equal^® “Blue Diamond” cocktail.  The night will culminate with the announcement of the winner of the exquisite Meteor Cut^® 1.92-carat Lustig Jewelers diamond ring.

“Equal fans have made these the sweetest years ever,” said Julie Higgins, Senior Manager of Brand Marketing for Equal^®.  “We wanted to celebrate this special milestone in our “sweet” home of Chicago, by presenting one lucky fan with this gorgeous Lustig Jewelers diamond.”

The “30 Years of Love” campaign celebrates the sweetest years in the brand’s history which began in 1979 when Merisant^®, the manufacturer of Equal^®, launched in Europe.  In the 80’s the Company launched Equal^® in the U.S.  The Equal^® brand expanded in 2010 with their own line of sucralose (yellow) and saccharin (pink) packets

Equal^® products are available at grocery, mass, club and drug stores.  Consumers can also look for the brand in the sweetener caddy at coffee shops and restaurants.  Equal^® is offered in 115 and 230-count boxes for a suggested retail price of $3.29 and $5.99 respectively.  Equal^® Spoonful 4oz has a suggested retail price of $3.29.  Retail prices may vary by market.

For more information, visit www.equal.com or find the brand on facebook http://www.facebook.com/EqualSweetener.

About Equal^®

For more than 30 years, Equal^® has offered its trusted “blue” packets using the ingredient of aspartame.  Equal^® also offers yellow (sucralose) and pink (saccharin) packets that bear the brand name and deliver the quality and taste patrons expect.  Equal^® is a registered trademark of Merisant Company.

About Merisant Company

Merisant Company, the manufacturer of Equal^® brand 0-calorie sweetener, is a privately held company headquartered in Chicago.  Merisant is a global leader in the sweetener industry and has a presence in more than 90 countries with over 420 employees worldwide.

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Inaugural Run/Walk Designed to Build Community Will Benefit the New Center on Halsted Senior Center

Chicago, IL (April 15, 2014) – Runners take your mark!  Registration is now open at Pride5K.com for the first annual lakefront PRIDE 5K run/walk, which will take place on the evening of Thursday, June 26, just steps from Boystown.  In an effort to plus-up the fun and to further unite the community, everyone is encouraged to register with a partner.  Those that “couple up” will each receive a special $5 registration discount.

The new race, produced by Star Events, kicks off at 7:30pm near the Lakefront at Fullerton and Lake Shore Drive.  Awards will be given for the top individual finishers and the top pairs.  A post-race party near Diversey Harbor, featuring DJ Adam LeBlanc of the popular local band Sixteen Candles, will immediately follow the race and last until 10:00pm.

The $50 individual registration fee includes: a limited edition t-shirt designed by Chicago’s very own Borris Powell of Borris Powell Designs, valuable coupons and special gifts from local area businesses and two drink tickets for use during the post-race party.

The PRIDE 5K race will benefit the new Center on Halsted Senior Center (set to open in Fall 2014) and celebrate the incredible strides the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ) community has made over the last year toward full equality.  Packet pick-up will take place on Friday, June 20 (6-10pm) and Saturday, June 21 (9am-5pm) at Center on Halsted, 3656 North Halsted Street, in the lobby.

Pride 5K race sponsors include: 101.9 The MIX, Boi Magazine, Bud Light, Borris Powell Designs, Chicago Phoenix, Chicago’s 100.3, CMSA, GC Magazine, Ro-Bro Marketing & PR, Windy City Media Group.  If you are interested in sponsoring the race, please contact Michelle Krage at StarEvents, michelle@starevents.com

For more information and to register, visit Pride5K.com.  Please follow Pride 5K on facebook, twitter @pride5Kchicago and Instagram for regular race updates.

About StarEvents

StarEvents is Chicago’s award-winning event company that specializes in producing world-class community celebrations, races and festivals.  The organization is dedicated to raising money and awareness for community groups and local nonprofit organizations.  Founded in 1996, StarEvents in one of the largest Chicago festival, race and event production companies in the Midwest.  They offer a wide range of creative services that include event production, event management, logistical support, public relations, marketing and conceptual processes for all types of special events.  For more information, please visit starevents.com

About Center on Halsted

Center on Halsted is the Midwest’s most comprehensive community center dedicated to advancing community and securing the health and well being of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ) people of Chicagoland. More than 1,000 community members visit the Center every day, located in the heart of Chicago’s Lakeview Neighborhood.

Pride 5K logo design (donated) by Chris Newman, www.chris-newman.com

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• • Zingerman’s Coffee Bar and foods from Zingerman’s Bakehouse, Creamery and Candy Manufactory
  • Seasonal organic produce purchased directly from local producers and growers for optimal freshness
  • Grab-and-go natural and organic snacks and beverages
  • Apothecary with natural and holistic wellness products
  • WineBar offering a selection of local craft beers, specialty mixed drinks and incredible wines that are hand selected by Michigan native Madeline Triffon, America’s first certified female Master Sommelier