GFS is an education/awareness organization that provides alternative fundraising options for Schools, places of worship, organizations and causes. We provide "cleaner and greener" alternatives to products that are already being used in the course of daily living. We provide a new fundraising partnership that makes sense!
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
You can't handle the truth! It's getting warm in here...
">Like many things in life.... you either believe it.... or don't believe it... is the amount of carbon contributed by human activity changing the earth? This NOVA presentation is 56 minutes long and tell's a very science based story. Ignore AL Gore and celebrate the great Sir Richard....
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Nuclear melt down of the brain...?
Even after the events in Japan from the past few weeks there is still an alarming amount of denial coming from the some of my ultra conservative friends. They appear to be so far off the scale that they may now in fact be on the far left! One friend of mine just this past week stated that we have more oil in this country than we know what to do with. We all know about the strategic reserve and the "let's use yours first" to be the last man standing with an oil reserve. Now... amazingly the comment was made that nuclear is the next best option above solar, wind, and hydro electric. "Who wants to look at those ugly panels and wind mills all over the place". "what happens if one blows over in a storm... some one could get hurt or injured.
Hello?? Ever get exposed to nuclear radiation from a reactor gone bad? There is "hurt" and then there is "exposed". They are unbelievably different situations. The possibility of being harmed by a wind turbine seems pretty remote at best. Now... some argue that they are harmful to migrating birds and so are airplanes that impact migrating birds each year. In fact the famous landing of the airplane in New York City occurred because the plane has sucked a migrating goose into the engine. In fact the engineering on the jet engines is designed to be able to handle large migratory birds into the engine (they test the engine using frozen Turkey)and ultimate the real deal... makes for a real mess... but if your a passenger in the air plane its nice to know they have planned for this.
My point is that there is cause and effect for every decision we make in society. I can only think that it is fear of change that makes people so resistant to new technologies. That combined with the old saying of "who's ox is being gored...".
If people took the time to understand the befits it could be a different outcome. I hear criticism from some really intelligent people who are so caught up with in the talking heads in the media that they have defied their own intelligence to line up with their side on the scale.
So... from an bright engineer in California... more nuclear and oil drilling off the coast line is the future. Solar and wind are too expensive, ugly, and harmful to the birds and people might get hit by a part that might fall off? What ever happened to the hippies? I heard they have left California... but I'm not sure where they ended up. Perhaps they are oil company executives who sold out to the man! Who the hell is that man anyway? And why are we still selling out? ;)
Hello?? Ever get exposed to nuclear radiation from a reactor gone bad? There is "hurt" and then there is "exposed". They are unbelievably different situations. The possibility of being harmed by a wind turbine seems pretty remote at best. Now... some argue that they are harmful to migrating birds and so are airplanes that impact migrating birds each year. In fact the famous landing of the airplane in New York City occurred because the plane has sucked a migrating goose into the engine. In fact the engineering on the jet engines is designed to be able to handle large migratory birds into the engine (they test the engine using frozen Turkey)and ultimate the real deal... makes for a real mess... but if your a passenger in the air plane its nice to know they have planned for this.
My point is that there is cause and effect for every decision we make in society. I can only think that it is fear of change that makes people so resistant to new technologies. That combined with the old saying of "who's ox is being gored...".
If people took the time to understand the befits it could be a different outcome. I hear criticism from some really intelligent people who are so caught up with in the talking heads in the media that they have defied their own intelligence to line up with their side on the scale.
So... from an bright engineer in California... more nuclear and oil drilling off the coast line is the future. Solar and wind are too expensive, ugly, and harmful to the birds and people might get hit by a part that might fall off? What ever happened to the hippies? I heard they have left California... but I'm not sure where they ended up. Perhaps they are oil company executives who sold out to the man! Who the hell is that man anyway? And why are we still selling out? ;)
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
I saw an Angel in Detroit... Really....
Many of you know that I am pretty passionate about the City of Detroit and all that comes in the package. Just last week I was blessed to be part of the IDEA Detroit Conference that took place on the 11th floor of the College for Creative Studies in Mid Town. It was an event that promised to be filled with a jammed packed line up of speakers with messages about their stories of success. http://www.regonline.com/builder/site/Default.aspx?EventID=913825
http://detroitlives.org/2011/03/24/crains-and-adages-idea-detroit-conference-wrap-up/
http://elbingermedia.com/idea-conference-detroit/
Over the past 20 years I have been invited to attend what I will call high "motivational" speaking engagements that would contain line ups of the highest fliers in the free world (and usually a few want to be's...). The promoter would mass mail and media blitz the event to be held at the largest building (Palace, Silver dome) they could book in town and then proceed to sell the hell out of motivational books, tapes, c d's, life improvement materials... you get the idea.
I found these events to be an unusual and eclectic gathering of humanity. The draw of listening to a series of speakers who would share some of their secrets (never all... you need to hold back the really good ones to sell the books and tapes!) that allowed them to reach such lofty heights. Some of the lineups in them selves were down right bizarre. For example... Colen Powell on stage with... Mary Lou Retton. A war general who kicked as in the battle field on stage with a very flexible springy young woman with a fantastic smile that kicked ass on the high beam?
The IDEA Detroit Conference was something much different. No quick shot of Red Bull and out the door feeling good for a few days with this line up. This group was different indeed. The common thread in ALL of the guests were that I had not heard of a single one of them before the event. In fact... to be honest... looking down the lineup a few days before the event.... I was wondering what else I could do with my time that might be more productive. Was I wrong!
Why is this event so special in my heart? I think the one thing that everyone in the building had on that day is that they ALL deep down.... really love Detroit.... and it's citizens. In fact... earlier that day it was announced in the news that the census results had come in and that the D in fact had lost another 25K or better and had shown to have slipped below the 750K total. Ohhh... doom... gloom... right? Not really.
So... who was the angel I saw in Detroit you say? Was it Mary Kramer or Abbey Klaassen or Keigth Kramer? Keith Kramer... and angel? Not what I pictured! How about all the candidates for the Big Idea contests? Eric Ryan of Method? Debbie Cantu and Mark Somon of Kaiser Permanente? David Morrow ready to kick your ass from Warrior Sports? or Aaron Dworkin, the self proclaimed African, Jewish, musical genius from Spinx Organization (Were are not talking Leon here!). Maybe Dale Dougherty, founder of Make Magazine and the Maker Faire? Or Jennene Whitfiled of the Detroit iconic Heidelberg Project? Tony Posawatz from Chevrolet Volt? Josh Linker of Detroit Venture Partners (show me the money Josh!). Maybe Joe McClure of McClure Pickles or Phillip Cooley of SlowBar BQ or Suzanne Vier of Simply Suzanne? Perhaps Bobby Smith of En Garde! Detroit (motivational and therapeutic fencing?)
Must have been Veronika Scott (student from college fr Creative Studies) working on a coat for the homeless that doubles as a protective sleeping bag? Or Wello founder Cynthia Koenig creator of the water wheel transport system. Must be Margarita Berry publisher of IamYoungDetroit 71Pop video. Could be Kate Daughdrill who Co-founded Detroit Soup or Toby Barlow CCO of Team Detroit? Perhaps it was the lovely assistants who served the wonderful selection of food and beverages. Dare I say it may have been all of the above... or non of the above?
The angel I really saw in Detroit took place late one summer afternoon when my wife and I decided to do a "staycation" in Detroit with our 4 children. What U talking bout Willis? You say? A "stay" "cation" is a concerted effort to look for exciting and stimulating, fun activities without the drive. If you visit my facebook page you can see some of the many photos from the day in a folder... Visit to the D. Getting to the point... we had been all over town visiting many of my favorite places when late in the day we found ourselves touring the newly restored (still newly) Book Cadillac Hotel. We were out on Washington Boulevard looking for a clear crossing back to the People Mover station.... when along came.... an angel?
Let me set this for you.... Washington Blvd and Lafayette... pretty typical city intersection without all the traffic of a major city. Down the street... through the intersection... late in the day.... summer sun fading in the west.... comes a bicyclists. Now on any given day in any given place this would not be a big deal. But in this case it seems so strangely out of place. It is not one of those Lance Armstrong types for sure. She was in fact.... angelic... frail.... pale white complected... long flowing permanent wavy type red hair blowing in the mild stagnant city breeze. She was wearing what I will describe as a spaghetti strap type flowing mid length dress in peach or cream. The bike was one of those old time bikes with no gears... like one from the museum or a retro bike... that you have to really work to go.... with a basket in front for your stuff. Pumping along down Lafayette like it's just another day heading home from a spin around town.
It was just a quick passing.... you know... like any person you pass on the street... but I think we all stopped for a second or two and looked because it was like... "What the hell are you doing here... dressed like that...and is someone chasing you? Because it doesn't appear to be the case.... it just seems wrong?
Well... we crossed the street and didn't mention it because it was one of those moments where something way cool just happened.... and it would have spoiled the moment to point and say something stupid. The moment passed.... the day came to an end... we drove home and savored the day of our visit to the city on it's knee's... or so they'd like you to believe. What we saw.... I am now convinced... was an angel.... with sprinkley dust falling behind her every turn of the wheel. Spreading good wishes to the streets that have had so much pain on them. If you know of a person who fits this descriptionor in fact rides this route.... don't ruin it for me. Keep it to yourself.... I am sticking with my story.... there is an Angel in Detroit.
http://detroitlives.org/2011/03/24/crains-and-adages-idea-detroit-conference-wrap-up/
http://elbingermedia.com/idea-conference-detroit/
Over the past 20 years I have been invited to attend what I will call high "motivational" speaking engagements that would contain line ups of the highest fliers in the free world (and usually a few want to be's...). The promoter would mass mail and media blitz the event to be held at the largest building (Palace, Silver dome) they could book in town and then proceed to sell the hell out of motivational books, tapes, c d's, life improvement materials... you get the idea.
I found these events to be an unusual and eclectic gathering of humanity. The draw of listening to a series of speakers who would share some of their secrets (never all... you need to hold back the really good ones to sell the books and tapes!) that allowed them to reach such lofty heights. Some of the lineups in them selves were down right bizarre. For example... Colen Powell on stage with... Mary Lou Retton. A war general who kicked as in the battle field on stage with a very flexible springy young woman with a fantastic smile that kicked ass on the high beam?
The IDEA Detroit Conference was something much different. No quick shot of Red Bull and out the door feeling good for a few days with this line up. This group was different indeed. The common thread in ALL of the guests were that I had not heard of a single one of them before the event. In fact... to be honest... looking down the lineup a few days before the event.... I was wondering what else I could do with my time that might be more productive. Was I wrong!
Why is this event so special in my heart? I think the one thing that everyone in the building had on that day is that they ALL deep down.... really love Detroit.... and it's citizens. In fact... earlier that day it was announced in the news that the census results had come in and that the D in fact had lost another 25K or better and had shown to have slipped below the 750K total. Ohhh... doom... gloom... right? Not really.
So... who was the angel I saw in Detroit you say? Was it Mary Kramer or Abbey Klaassen or Keigth Kramer? Keith Kramer... and angel? Not what I pictured! How about all the candidates for the Big Idea contests? Eric Ryan of Method? Debbie Cantu and Mark Somon of Kaiser Permanente? David Morrow ready to kick your ass from Warrior Sports? or Aaron Dworkin, the self proclaimed African, Jewish, musical genius from Spinx Organization (Were are not talking Leon here!). Maybe Dale Dougherty, founder of Make Magazine and the Maker Faire? Or Jennene Whitfiled of the Detroit iconic Heidelberg Project? Tony Posawatz from Chevrolet Volt? Josh Linker of Detroit Venture Partners (show me the money Josh!). Maybe Joe McClure of McClure Pickles or Phillip Cooley of SlowBar BQ or Suzanne Vier of Simply Suzanne? Perhaps Bobby Smith of En Garde! Detroit (motivational and therapeutic fencing?)
Must have been Veronika Scott (student from college fr Creative Studies) working on a coat for the homeless that doubles as a protective sleeping bag? Or Wello founder Cynthia Koenig creator of the water wheel transport system. Must be Margarita Berry publisher of IamYoungDetroit 71Pop video. Could be Kate Daughdrill who Co-founded Detroit Soup or Toby Barlow CCO of Team Detroit? Perhaps it was the lovely assistants who served the wonderful selection of food and beverages. Dare I say it may have been all of the above... or non of the above?
The angel I really saw in Detroit took place late one summer afternoon when my wife and I decided to do a "staycation" in Detroit with our 4 children. What U talking bout Willis? You say? A "stay" "cation" is a concerted effort to look for exciting and stimulating, fun activities without the drive. If you visit my facebook page you can see some of the many photos from the day in a folder... Visit to the D. Getting to the point... we had been all over town visiting many of my favorite places when late in the day we found ourselves touring the newly restored (still newly) Book Cadillac Hotel. We were out on Washington Boulevard looking for a clear crossing back to the People Mover station.... when along came.... an angel?
Let me set this for you.... Washington Blvd and Lafayette... pretty typical city intersection without all the traffic of a major city. Down the street... through the intersection... late in the day.... summer sun fading in the west.... comes a bicyclists. Now on any given day in any given place this would not be a big deal. But in this case it seems so strangely out of place. It is not one of those Lance Armstrong types for sure. She was in fact.... angelic... frail.... pale white complected... long flowing permanent wavy type red hair blowing in the mild stagnant city breeze. She was wearing what I will describe as a spaghetti strap type flowing mid length dress in peach or cream. The bike was one of those old time bikes with no gears... like one from the museum or a retro bike... that you have to really work to go.... with a basket in front for your stuff. Pumping along down Lafayette like it's just another day heading home from a spin around town.
It was just a quick passing.... you know... like any person you pass on the street... but I think we all stopped for a second or two and looked because it was like... "What the hell are you doing here... dressed like that...and is someone chasing you? Because it doesn't appear to be the case.... it just seems wrong?
Well... we crossed the street and didn't mention it because it was one of those moments where something way cool just happened.... and it would have spoiled the moment to point and say something stupid. The moment passed.... the day came to an end... we drove home and savored the day of our visit to the city on it's knee's... or so they'd like you to believe. What we saw.... I am now convinced... was an angel.... with sprinkley dust falling behind her every turn of the wheel. Spreading good wishes to the streets that have had so much pain on them. If you know of a person who fits this descriptionor in fact rides this route.... don't ruin it for me. Keep it to yourself.... I am sticking with my story.... there is an Angel in Detroit.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Spring is just around the corner... Make a "Green" fashion statement...
I love my Michigan calender provided to my from my State Farm Agency. It provides 12 months of wonderful photo's of unique places throughout the state. Many of them I recognize as iconic symbols such as the Mackinac Bridge, Light House with waves breaking over the break wall in Holland, or my favorite place to rest in the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Shoreline in Glenn Arbor. The other fun thing is that in bright blue font you will find interesting facts such as March 1st, is the the end of Bobcat Hunting Season in Units A, B, & C. Now I can assure you that I have no plans to hunt for a Bobcat. Not this week or last week nor probably never. But... it is interesting to know that this is important to someone. This month photo is of the beautiful plunging Ontonagon River. I've not seen this one in person... but it sure looks worth the trip. See http://www.caladco.com/ for a peak at the photo options.
As a former public school science teacher I always enjoy the excitement that builds up with the coming of the change of season. I love to remind my friends and family about coming of the vernal equinox.... better know to the common person as... the arrival of spring. The reality is that the seasons change when they are good and ready here in Michigan. Regardless of what the calender says. One thing that I think all living things really look forward to is the arrival of that extra minute and few seconds each day forward of sunlight. The migration of the earth on its axis is really amazing and so very accurate and timely.
This month I want to bring your attention to making sure you are properly dressed and detailed for the arrival of spring. Please take a look at the link below for the latest arrivals in "Green" fashion statements.
http://www.greenfundraiserstore.com/index.php?option=com_virtuemart&page=shop.browse&category_id=23&Itemid=133
Everything here is certifiable organic and/or recycled materials. Each shirt has its own distinct style ranging from the Eco Godess to The Kids Good to Be Green Tee. Which one best describes you?
This month you can get started ahead of schedule for gifts for: Vernal Equinox (what? you don't exchange gifts?) , Easter, Mother's Day, March Madness, St. Patricks Day (The original Greenie!) just to name a few. So... what are you waiting for? Christmas?
Operators are standing by to take your order at 866-752-6626 or direct order via the web site. We take Visa, Master Card , and Pay Pal.
As a former public school science teacher I always enjoy the excitement that builds up with the coming of the change of season. I love to remind my friends and family about coming of the vernal equinox.... better know to the common person as... the arrival of spring. The reality is that the seasons change when they are good and ready here in Michigan. Regardless of what the calender says. One thing that I think all living things really look forward to is the arrival of that extra minute and few seconds each day forward of sunlight. The migration of the earth on its axis is really amazing and so very accurate and timely.
This month I want to bring your attention to making sure you are properly dressed and detailed for the arrival of spring. Please take a look at the link below for the latest arrivals in "Green" fashion statements.
http://www.greenfundraiserstore.com/index.php?option=com_virtuemart&page=shop.browse&category_id=23&Itemid=133
Everything here is certifiable organic and/or recycled materials. Each shirt has its own distinct style ranging from the Eco Godess to The Kids Good to Be Green Tee. Which one best describes you?
This month you can get started ahead of schedule for gifts for: Vernal Equinox (what? you don't exchange gifts?) , Easter, Mother's Day, March Madness, St. Patricks Day (The original Greenie!) just to name a few. So... what are you waiting for? Christmas?
Operators are standing by to take your order at 866-752-6626 or direct order via the web site. We take Visa, Master Card , and Pay Pal.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
GreenfundraiserStore.Com: Chrysler Eminem Super Bowl Commercial - Imported F...
GreenfundraiserStore.Com: Chrysler Eminem Super Bowl Commercial - Imported F...: "If you watch this commercial and it does not bring goose bumps to your skin... then your either dead, emotionally disabled, or a communist!..."
I've got an interesting side story to this commercial that has generated so much conversation and buzz here in the Detroit market. Last weekend I took my two youngest daughters downtown to the Motor City Winter Blast held each winter in Campus Marcius. Now for those of you have not set foot in the city for a number of years you will be pleasantly surprised with the wonderful activities and goings on in this part of the city.
The park is really like a giant round about in the heart of what was at one time the central shopping district of the city. Of late... it is mostly vacant store fronts and a few businesses that are making a go of it. If you visit my Facebook page you can see the pictures I have posted of our visit to the D. When you visit you will notice that I am a complete architecture junkie and love the 3 dimensional aspect of the city. Living out in the rolling hills of North Oakland County it is a major shift in not only looking along the horizon... but up... up... and you see some wonderful details that many just miss or are uninterested in.
Half way down the photos you will find the first shot of the Guardian Trust building rising into the sky. What is so important about this landmark you say? Well... here is where some of the connections to "the commercial" come into view. The girls and I walked into the lobby late last Saturday (note: the arched ceilings decorated with burnt orange and bright blue Pewabic tiles from back in the 1920's) and were fortunate enough to come across a young security guard behind the front desk (I'm sorry to have forgot his name). He took the time to give us some history and details of what is currently happening with the building. Currently it is 75% occupied by Wayne County offices, several other small offices, houses a branch of Bank of America. Believe me when I tell you... this is just not any ordinary bank branch. Note the photo of the tiled wall mueral of the State of Michigan (again Pewabic tile mosaic done in the 1920's). On this day the Bank was closed and inaccessible other than through the decorative gates.
One special note is that tours are available of this wonderful structure Monday through Friday from 10:30 am to 12 noon. Guess who does the tours? Slim Shady? No... but go back to the commercial and recall the door man standing so straight and proud of this post at the door.... and that guy... he is the doorman to the one and only Guardian Trust Building! Yes... according to my sources you can stop in at the stated times and meet a new star of the Motor City! I don't know about you... but I'm planning to take the tour.... and maybe a few more photos of the rising star.
* Last note on this for now: One part of the building I've not seen up close (until last Saturday) are the giant vaults located in the bowels of the GTB. Note in the FB photos these are still there in all their stainless steel glory. These vaults once held stacks of cash, gold, and other valuables in their cavournous interiors. The girls and I walked into the vaults and imagined what it must have been like. Very cool... must see!
Really... the story behind the story is that back in the glory days of the automotive revolution Detroit was a rising star with cash and wealth piling up and reinvestment in buildings like never before seen in this country. The GTB was in fact created off the interest payments of those original auto workers who Henry Ford put to work for $5 a day. As the industry grew... so did the Guardian Trust assets and ability to trim out this building so lavesly. Funny thing... when the great depression came along after the workers were moslty let go... so went the GTB. The financial giant went broke and the building eventually became vacanct for a short time.
Ironey.... here we are in 2011 looking for a hero to lead us back again... Slim Shady? He's the best we got for now!
I've got an interesting side story to this commercial that has generated so much conversation and buzz here in the Detroit market. Last weekend I took my two youngest daughters downtown to the Motor City Winter Blast held each winter in Campus Marcius. Now for those of you have not set foot in the city for a number of years you will be pleasantly surprised with the wonderful activities and goings on in this part of the city.
The park is really like a giant round about in the heart of what was at one time the central shopping district of the city. Of late... it is mostly vacant store fronts and a few businesses that are making a go of it. If you visit my Facebook page you can see the pictures I have posted of our visit to the D. When you visit you will notice that I am a complete architecture junkie and love the 3 dimensional aspect of the city. Living out in the rolling hills of North Oakland County it is a major shift in not only looking along the horizon... but up... up... and you see some wonderful details that many just miss or are uninterested in.
Half way down the photos you will find the first shot of the Guardian Trust building rising into the sky. What is so important about this landmark you say? Well... here is where some of the connections to "the commercial" come into view. The girls and I walked into the lobby late last Saturday (note: the arched ceilings decorated with burnt orange and bright blue Pewabic tiles from back in the 1920's) and were fortunate enough to come across a young security guard behind the front desk (I'm sorry to have forgot his name). He took the time to give us some history and details of what is currently happening with the building. Currently it is 75% occupied by Wayne County offices, several other small offices, houses a branch of Bank of America. Believe me when I tell you... this is just not any ordinary bank branch. Note the photo of the tiled wall mueral of the State of Michigan (again Pewabic tile mosaic done in the 1920's). On this day the Bank was closed and inaccessible other than through the decorative gates.
One special note is that tours are available of this wonderful structure Monday through Friday from 10:30 am to 12 noon. Guess who does the tours? Slim Shady? No... but go back to the commercial and recall the door man standing so straight and proud of this post at the door.... and that guy... he is the doorman to the one and only Guardian Trust Building! Yes... according to my sources you can stop in at the stated times and meet a new star of the Motor City! I don't know about you... but I'm planning to take the tour.... and maybe a few more photos of the rising star.
* Last note on this for now: One part of the building I've not seen up close (until last Saturday) are the giant vaults located in the bowels of the GTB. Note in the FB photos these are still there in all their stainless steel glory. These vaults once held stacks of cash, gold, and other valuables in their cavournous interiors. The girls and I walked into the vaults and imagined what it must have been like. Very cool... must see!
Really... the story behind the story is that back in the glory days of the automotive revolution Detroit was a rising star with cash and wealth piling up and reinvestment in buildings like never before seen in this country. The GTB was in fact created off the interest payments of those original auto workers who Henry Ford put to work for $5 a day. As the industry grew... so did the Guardian Trust assets and ability to trim out this building so lavesly. Funny thing... when the great depression came along after the workers were moslty let go... so went the GTB. The financial giant went broke and the building eventually became vacanct for a short time.
Ironey.... here we are in 2011 looking for a hero to lead us back again... Slim Shady? He's the best we got for now!
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Chrysler Eminem Super Bowl Commercial - Imported From Detroit
If you watch this commercial and it does not bring goose bumps to your skin... then your either dead, emotionally disabled, or a communist!
Or on the other hand.... perhaps you have not gone through the experience of watching the world beat the living crap out of an old friend who you'd always hoped could get it together.... get up and fight man... don't take that anymore! Don't get me wrong... I have not been down on the ground and beat up as badly as many. I am not from the mean streets as some might call it. In fact I was raised in the Lilly white suburbs of neatly groomed lawns known as Sterling Heights. I was in fact born in Detroit and spend a great deal of time in my youth on the east side border town to the north Detroit know as Harper Woods. The other grandparents lived... well you might have never guessed it... on 8 mile and Van Dyke again bordering the cities northern boundary. I am a second generation son of an auto worker from Chevy Gear and Axle Hamtramck. My dad came came home not smelling like booze or pot... like some in the media want you to perceive all Detroit auto workers are into.
He came home with the penetrating smell of machining oil. He came home dirty, tired, and stressed with the wonder of when the next day off might come... or the next lay off notice. There was nothing constant about his work...except inconsistency. He worked his ass of for the family. Literally going months without a day off to provide us with a better life. He came home with a sling on his arm and a bloody bandage around his hand. A grinding wheel shattered into pieces and a chunk flew into his hand severing the tendons. I remember the surgery to fix it and the crazy get up the Dr. required him to where in the form of a dress hook glued to the tip of this pointer finger and a rubber band attached to a fixture on his wrist. I swear to God... we all ducked when he motioned to pass the salad at the dinner table for fear of being shot at with the taught rubber band keeping his hand from seizing up.
I can go on and on about then.... but it is the now that really galvanized me as a Detroiter. You really haven't lived until you watch your family, friends, and customer base fall like domino's. I like to consider myself a fairly educated and trained professional. But... there are just some things your never really trained to do. Like take a call from a client who wants to know if you can help her determine wheather or not give their home back to the bank? Or friends in the 50's who are still out of work or underemployed.... the new American welfare class of unemployed going on two years consecutive with no irons in the fire. What can you do? What do you do? You do what we've been doing for a long time. You dig in, reach in deep and give more than you thought you had to give.
Yes... things are getting better... and we have learned from the endless trail of mistakes. People in the fair City of Detroit do what they have always done.... when you lose your way... you get back up again.... get up, get up, your gonna shine again. Fitting words from a city that has been on it's knee's.
Monday, February 7, 2011
Oakland Press coverage of the Greenfundraiserstore.com
It came as quite a surprise to me today when I visited the Oakland Press Sunday edition and found an unexpected story about one of my favorite topics.... the Greenfundraiserstore.com!http://www.theoaklandpress.com/articles/2011/02/06/business/doc4d4a08426e5aa202641561.txt I want to say thank you to who ever it was at the Oakland Press that found our company of interest and news worthy. We are coming up on the 1 year anniversary of the creation of the GFS and it only makes sense that this is a time for reflection on the events of the past year. Here is a brief timeline of the company history:
April 2010 Beginning of the business planning stages for the conceptualization of GFS.
May 2010 Focus group gatherings to begin putting pieces of the puzzle together for how the company will be organized and function. Critical decision made to make this a fundraising organization first... and a green product store second. More to come on this decision later.
June 2010 Launch of the actual website : Greenfundraiserstore.com and partnering with OCS Design out of Oxford Michigan for the creation of the web site and company logo. Design of the printed brochures and business cards showing the new company logo released.
July 2010 First public introduction of the concept took place at the Oxford Farmers Market. Second public introduction took place at the Celebrate Oxford Festival. Little did we know at the time that we avoided a potential disaster as a tent spike was driven into an underground gas main. It was discovered later in the day after the spike was removed and gas began escaping into the ground causing a mass evacuation of local stores. That was pure luck that day considering all the people that had come and go throughout the day. Better to be Lucky than good ... they say...
August 2010 Introduction to the Michigan Green Team as a result of a visit to the Earth Day Festival in Rochester Hills Michigan. Joined the Michigan Green Team and made the first introduction to the group at the Oakland University Green Team meeting. Discovered many influential and successful green business owners to network and refer to as a wealth of resources.
September 2010 Through the association with Michigan Green Team were introduceed to and joined GreeningDetroit.com . It just so happens that beside my interest in promoting and education the green message... I also am a huge believer in the City of Detroit. After all I was born there and spent much of my childhood coming and going to events like the Detroit Thanks Giving Day Parade and visiting places like J. L. Hudson and Cobo Hall during the holiday season. My Aunt Judy worked at the Detroit J.L. Hudson building for years and likely was instrumental in making the impression on me as a child. Cobo Hall... who can forget the visits to the Christmas set up every year... sliding down the giant snowman slide and visiting with Santa. To keep this brief... Greening Detroit.com was a natural partner for GFS.
October 2010 Hired first consultants to work on building web site content and tweaking the business model. Many of the first products were kept off the site because it was suggested that some of the products were not green enough and could be offensive to the hard core greenies. First attempt at YouTube video demonstrations of the green roof wash and deck cleaner. Staring my son Alex and daughter Amanda. By the way... the consultant was soon not renewed and products with more fun and practical appeal began to make their way to the store. After all... we are a fundraising company and that should be a fun thing to do.... in other words... don't take the message too seriously. We do not lay down in front of the recycling truck if they don't accept our plastics as some may have been told we do!
November 2010 Maybe a little late.... but Michigan Green Team sponsors a fundraiser for Roosevelt Park at the foot of the old Michigan Central Train Station. Good news... lots of cool people enjoying the day... bad news.... lots of cool people freezing their buns off! Good day for the purposes of creating awareness to the cause of saving the park/station. Who would have thought this very building would be seen in the major movie hit... Transformers!
December 2010 Website traffic is taking off and we have had thousands of hits in just a short time. Good news is that people are getting the word. Bad news is... some are confused and are unaware that you can make a product purchase any time... any day... with or without the fundraiser. Which... in turn caused us to go back to the drawing board to revisit the life long question of... what comes first.... the chicken or the egg?? The fundraiser concept or the green store? Minor changes made to the layout of the website to move the message of the green store to the front. How can you have a fundraising company that has good traffic, people who are in love with the idea, but don't know they can buy the products? In other words... product sales ahead of the fundraising produces the end result of raising funds! Which takes me back to the May 2010 design decision to go fundraiser first.
January 2011 Vision of a green retail products location begins to take shape. Trial versions of conceptual names for the store are being developed. Something that will dove tail well with the greenfundraiserstore.com name and mission. Still in the developmental stage and too soon to elaborate any further at this time.
February 2011 ??? Reporting soon...
April 2010 Beginning of the business planning stages for the conceptualization of GFS.
May 2010 Focus group gatherings to begin putting pieces of the puzzle together for how the company will be organized and function. Critical decision made to make this a fundraising organization first... and a green product store second. More to come on this decision later.
June 2010 Launch of the actual website : Greenfundraiserstore.com and partnering with OCS Design out of Oxford Michigan for the creation of the web site and company logo. Design of the printed brochures and business cards showing the new company logo released.
July 2010 First public introduction of the concept took place at the Oxford Farmers Market. Second public introduction took place at the Celebrate Oxford Festival. Little did we know at the time that we avoided a potential disaster as a tent spike was driven into an underground gas main. It was discovered later in the day after the spike was removed and gas began escaping into the ground causing a mass evacuation of local stores. That was pure luck that day considering all the people that had come and go throughout the day. Better to be Lucky than good ... they say...
August 2010 Introduction to the Michigan Green Team as a result of a visit to the Earth Day Festival in Rochester Hills Michigan. Joined the Michigan Green Team and made the first introduction to the group at the Oakland University Green Team meeting. Discovered many influential and successful green business owners to network and refer to as a wealth of resources.
September 2010 Through the association with Michigan Green Team were introduceed to and joined GreeningDetroit.com . It just so happens that beside my interest in promoting and education the green message... I also am a huge believer in the City of Detroit. After all I was born there and spent much of my childhood coming and going to events like the Detroit Thanks Giving Day Parade and visiting places like J. L. Hudson and Cobo Hall during the holiday season. My Aunt Judy worked at the Detroit J.L. Hudson building for years and likely was instrumental in making the impression on me as a child. Cobo Hall... who can forget the visits to the Christmas set up every year... sliding down the giant snowman slide and visiting with Santa. To keep this brief... Greening Detroit.com was a natural partner for GFS.
October 2010 Hired first consultants to work on building web site content and tweaking the business model. Many of the first products were kept off the site because it was suggested that some of the products were not green enough and could be offensive to the hard core greenies. First attempt at YouTube video demonstrations of the green roof wash and deck cleaner. Staring my son Alex and daughter Amanda. By the way... the consultant was soon not renewed and products with more fun and practical appeal began to make their way to the store. After all... we are a fundraising company and that should be a fun thing to do.... in other words... don't take the message too seriously. We do not lay down in front of the recycling truck if they don't accept our plastics as some may have been told we do!
November 2010 Maybe a little late.... but Michigan Green Team sponsors a fundraiser for Roosevelt Park at the foot of the old Michigan Central Train Station. Good news... lots of cool people enjoying the day... bad news.... lots of cool people freezing their buns off! Good day for the purposes of creating awareness to the cause of saving the park/station. Who would have thought this very building would be seen in the major movie hit... Transformers!
December 2010 Website traffic is taking off and we have had thousands of hits in just a short time. Good news is that people are getting the word. Bad news is... some are confused and are unaware that you can make a product purchase any time... any day... with or without the fundraiser. Which... in turn caused us to go back to the drawing board to revisit the life long question of... what comes first.... the chicken or the egg?? The fundraiser concept or the green store? Minor changes made to the layout of the website to move the message of the green store to the front. How can you have a fundraising company that has good traffic, people who are in love with the idea, but don't know they can buy the products? In other words... product sales ahead of the fundraising produces the end result of raising funds! Which takes me back to the May 2010 design decision to go fundraiser first.
January 2011 Vision of a green retail products location begins to take shape. Trial versions of conceptual names for the store are being developed. Something that will dove tail well with the greenfundraiserstore.com name and mission. Still in the developmental stage and too soon to elaborate any further at this time.
February 2011 ??? Reporting soon...
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