Schipul Clients Archives - Page 3 of 6 - Tendenci Blog

2010-10-22

AVANCE Houston, Inc. Mangum Education Center Ribbon Cutting

This week we launched the new website for AVANCE-Houston, Inc. at www.avancehouston.org!

Founded in Texas, AVANCE works with poor and marginalized communities to promote better parenting, school readiness, literacy, health and personal development. AVANCE provides programs that strengthen families in at-risk communities through effective parent education and support programs.

Avance Houston Inc. website — See more at www.avancehouston.org

Also, we were privileged to attend the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony of AVANCE Houston’s new Mangum Education center.

The Mangum Education Center is a 48,000 square ft. facility housing AVANCE education and support programs and Southwest Schools Charter Schools, K -5th grade. The facility is a former boarded up and vacated retail center.

Students from Southwest school singing at AVANCE Mangum Ribbon cutting

The ribbon cutting ceremony featured speakers Mayor Annise Parker, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, and Houston City Council Member Melissa Noriega – along with AVANCE Inc. CEO Rick Noriega, AVANCE-Houston, Inc. Executive Director Jose Villareal, and Superintendent of Southwest Schools Janelle James.

Also, students from the Southwest School performed songs and poems for the crowd.

Annise Parker at the AVANCE Mangum Center Ribbon Cutting

The ribbon cutting was a great event and was a great showcase of all the hard work the AVANCE team has put in to get this major project accomplished! We are so thrilled to get to work with this fantastic Houston nonprofit!

AVANCE Mangum Education Center ribbon cutting

2010-09-14

Kolache Factory Celebrates Grand Opening

Amazing Schipul client Kolache Factory celebrated the grand opening of their new location in Katy!

The Houston Dynamo‘s forward Dominic Oduro, and Dynamo cheerleaders came out to help celebrate.

Toro and the Houston Texans cheerleaders came to help spread some Houston cheer, too!

Check out more photos from the event in the flickr slideshow below or on the Schipul facebook page!

2010-09-142014-11-02

Schipul goes to AZA 2010 – zoos, aquariums + more!

The Houston Zoo (a Schipul client) is hosting the annual AZA 2010 conference in Houston this year and we are lucky enough to join them to document the experience!

From a fantastic kick off bash at Houston MFAH to a standing ovation for keynote speaker Jim Collins (author of Good to Great), the AZA 2010 conference is a great and interactive experience for zoo and aquarium leaders to learn, connect and innovate.

Jim Collins led a great panel on moving Zoos from ‘good to great’ – some tidbits from the panelists:

When businesses do well, they are making a bunch of money. When Zoos are doing well, they are making faces and running around happy. They don’t know they are successful until they see it.
Graffiti – you go into a school where kids don’t honor their spaces. In Zoos, you see no graffiti. People respect your facility and honor it.
Hire for people skills, as well as animal skills.
Be strategic in what you accept and what you don’t do for revenue streams – even if you really need the money, you must stay true to your mission.
How do you decide what donors to partner with? Money is good, but mission is important. Do the sponsors make you feel ‘icky’? Will they shine a negative light on your brand. Then the answer is no.

On staffing, Jim says ‘first who, then what’. There is a difference between seats and bus – someone can be the right person on the bus, but you must put them in the right seat?

How long should you be patient? Values, will and skills – if it’s a skills question you can be patient longer. Either you are self-motivated or you are not, there is less time for this. Then there’s the values – and that’s a no patience zone. Either they match yours or they don’t. No patience.

What’s changing – what are the brutal facts?

People come to zoos that care and love us, but not for the reason we want them to. Zoos are passionate about conservation and education, but most attendees come for a fun experience. We are aware and we wrestle with that.
Biggest threat to wildlife is that we have a generation growing up that has little connection to nature. We must teach them our values and connect them to what’s important – and, as always, our educators are leading the way.
It’s wonderful to see zoos using animals as ambassadors – not just nameless objects. Give them a personalized experience that pulls visitors in. But it’s important how we position themselves to animals, as other organizations are connecting with the allure of animals. We must remain authentic, educational and passionate.

Want to see some more great #AZA2010 posts? Check out these great ones on the Houston Zoo blog:

2010-08-25

Welcoming back IABC Houston to Brennan’s of Houston

Brennan’s Rebuilding 2008-2010

View more presentations from Ed Schipul.

The Schipul team is honored to sponsor this month’s IABC Houston luncheon featuring the H-E-B corporate communication team.

If you are not familiar with IABC (the International Association of Business Communicators), they are a great networking and teaching organization with chapters all across the United States. In fact, you may have even seen some of the Schipulites speak there before!

While the luncheon topic and speakers are going to be amazing this month, what has really got us excited is that this month will be IABC’s grand return to Brennan’s of Houston (disclosure: a client) after the tragic fire in 2008.

Talk about the ultimate phoenix story, Brennan’s was closed after standing for generations as one of Houston’s most recognizable culinary landmarks. After months of re-building, it has returned as lovely, classy and delicious as ever. We are honored to be a part of a very special day for both IABC Houston and Brennan’s. Nothing goes together quite like Creole and Communicators, please say hello to one of the Schipul gang if you attend!

2010-08-06

Friday Fun Post: Houston Restaurant Week at Brennan’s

As a transplant to Houston, I have a long list of restaurants I have yet to try. Brennan’s is a Schipul client, and also extremely high on that list.

With reservations moving quickly in the first months since the February reopening and my budget going to other things lately, I hadn’t taken the plunge. Until last night for Restaurant Week.

Restaurant Week

Restaurant “Week” is a bit of a misnomer, the event actually lasts for the 3 weeks from August 1- August 21. Local restaurants offer a $35 three course dinner, with $5 of your meal cost going directly to the Houston Food Bank (the event is completely organized by volunteers, so every penny goes to the cause). New this year is the $20 two course lunch, with $3 going to the food bank. Eat great food with great friends for a great cause? Sign me up!

Brennan’s

It’s beautiful inside, somehow classic and modern at the same time, and it feels very posh when the waiter points to the corner table next to you with the high backed yellow armchairs and says “that’s where George H.W. Bush likes to sit when he comes.” The staff was fantastic, and the food was delicious.

I was dining with a group of LSU alums who know their Cajun food, so it was great to see them gush over the Bread Pudding and Pralines. For me, the sweet things stole the show – the peaches and candied pecans in my salad, the pecan crust on my fish, and the Bananas Foster (prepared table side with a huge impressive flame).

Brennan’s Restaurant Week Menu

1st
Turtle Soup Au Sherry
Cooper Farms Peach Salad
Summer Tomato Salad

2nd
Pecan Crusted Gulf Fish
Black Grouper & Local Field Peas
Tournedos of Beef

3rd
Texas Blueberry Shortcake
Creole Bread Pudding SoufflÃ©
Traditional Bananas Foster

Don’t worry, it’s not too late!

You have until August 21 to enjoy Restaurant Week. Check out houstonrestaurantweek.com for participating restaurants and menus, and make a reservation now at a restaurant you’ve always wanted to try!

Happy dining!
~ Qcait

http://www.houstonrestaurantweek.com/Menus-2010-A_through_L.htm

2010-08-04

Bowling for Rhinos | Charity Event for Conservation

The Houston Chapter of the American Association of Zookeepers hosted its annual “Bowling for Rhinos” fundraiser last Friday.

Friends and members of the AAZK and Houston Zoo arrived at Palace Bowling Lanes for a fun-filled night of bowling and silent auction bidding.

About the International Rhino Foundation

The International Rhino Foundation provides technical and financial resources for rhinoceros conservation efforts by supporting applied research, creating rhino conservation programs, and coordinating the resources and communication of rhino conservation partners.

Proceeds from the fundraiser benefit the Sumatran, Javan, Black and other species of endangered rhinos. Proceeds also benefit the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy and Action for Cheetahs in Kenya.

To learn more, visit the Houston Zoo’s Conservation blog.

See photos from the event here!

2010-07-30

Friday Fun Post: And That’s Why IKEA Totally Rocks!

Special thanks to photographer Annie Ray for the wonderful photo! To see more of her work or more photos from the event visit her site: www.AnnieRay.net

Sigh I love you IKEA.

Long before it was a Schipul client and I was Schipulite, IKEA was my home goods haven.

I’m a neat freak. Let’s just get that out of the way.

Also, it’s pronounced /ee-KAY-uh/. I promise. Let’s get that out of the way, too.

Yesterday I Went on a Field Trip to IKEA’s Cafeteria

*Faints*

It was exciting. And that’s when the magic of it all hit me, and I realized how much I love this place.

The menu is decent. The food is good. The view isn’t bad. So what’s the magic you ask?

For me, it’s the same magic most sane people feel when they open the catalog and start imagining the room they’ll build with the furniture they’re eyeballing.

Eating in IKEA’s cafeteria is like eating in IKEA’s catalog.

And I’m not afraid to admit it: I’d love to live in the IKEA catalog. (The photos that Annie Ray took at the IKEA 2011 Catalog Preview Party prove that most people would!)

Some of the menu items include their famous Swedish meatballs, organic pasta and Princess Cake. Also, shoppers can purchase some of the goods in the Swedish Food Market section of the store and take the yummy goodness home. (It’s near the Bistro/Exit Cafe‘, which is a whole other blog post).

I’m Still A Neat Freak

The best part of the experience came with putting away my tray. There’s a pretty blue wall, and in front it looks like a condiment station. But be not fooled! The hind side of the wall holds a shelving system just for trays. It’s the most efficient, DIY, tray taking system I’ve ever seen. I shed a tear (@happykatie saw it…maybe).

I encourage you to visit the restaurant. No. You’re not gonna get a five-star, Zagat-rated meal. But you’ll get good food in a pretty place. And who wouldn’t want that?

2010-07-16

The YMCA Kicks Off Operation Backpack

This week marked the start of the YMCA of Greater Houston‘s school supply drive, “Operation Backpack.”

Having the right tools is a big part of being successful. The YMCA is working to give back to the Houston community and help children in-need ease into the new school year with a new backpack and school supplies. The goal is to reach 40,000 backpacks by Aug. 15.

How Does Operation Backpack Work

Operation Backpack works just as you’ve probably imagined. Using a list of recommended school supplies (available on the YMCA’s website), donors will:
Purchase a new backpack for a child in elementary or middle school.
Buy school supplies and put them in the backpack.
Write a note of encouragement to the child and put in the backpack.
Drop off the backpack at any Houston YMCA or participating business, church, or organization drop-off location between now and Aug. 15th.

Donate Online

Another great way to participate in Operation Backpack is to make an online donation.

The online donations will go towards a $50 school supply shopping spree hosted by the YMCA. Donors can give a general gift or make a donation to a YMCA location of choice.

Be A Drop-Off Location

Operation Backpack will run from now through Aug. 15, so there’s still time to sign-up to be a drop-off location. It’s a perfect way help make donating to the program convenient and easy for people in your area. Just fill out the sign-up form on the YMCA’s Operation Backpack site and submit it.

For additional information or to find a YMCA near you, contact the YMCA of Greater Houston at 713-659-5566 or contact:

Elida Chavez

Association Advancement Department

713-758-9156

elidac@ymcahouston.org

We’re happy to help as well. Feel free to contact us at info@tendenci.com or 281-497-6567.

2010-06-222014-11-02

We Saw a Lady Walking a Cheetah

Of all the things I imagined seeing this weekend, a cheetah on a leash taking a leisurely stroll through the Houston Zoo was NOT on the list. But that’s the kind of thing that happens during Photo Day at the Houston Zoo.

Photo Day is a series of 6 outings during which photographers and photography enthusiasts can visit the Houston Zoo and take pictures of the animals. Fellow Schipulite Derek Key (@dereskey) and I had the opportunity to attend Saturday’s photo day…and that’s how we saw the cheetah.

Our Day…in Photos

The animals are likely to be active during the earliest part of the day, especially in the summer…in Houston. So for Photo Day, the zoo opens two hours early (at 7am) and lets photo enthusiasts catch the early risers. I’ve been to the Houston Zoo countless times, but this is the first time I saw so many of the big cats and rare birds.

The lions roamed their pen long enough for photo ops…

We watched the reptiles have breakfast, which is creepy and AWESOME…

We found out what a Cassowary is…

and finally, we discovered that the meerkats draw quite a crowd!

Have an Awesome Time AND Help the Zoo

Since the Houston Zoo is a non-profit organization it relies heavily on membership and attendance for support. While Photo Day is open to both the public and zoo membership holders, the zoo features special events just for members, including Zoobilee and special Member Mornings.

In addition to cool member activities, the zoo is also involved in conservation efforts like the Lone Star State Projects and fundraising to for treatments that help prevent elephant herpes.

Be sure to check out the Houston Zoo’s Flickr photo stream, and upload photos of your zoo visits!

2010-06-17

Decide the Fate of the Houston Astrodome

Want to help decide the fate of a Houston landmark? Owners of the Reliant Astrodome are considering three possible options for one of Houston’s icons and are asking the public for feedback.

The Astrodome is the first Houston monument I remember seeing in a movie. I was watching The Bad News Bears in Breaking Training, which had been re-released in technicolor several hundred years prior to the first time I watched it, (I kid…a little) and thought more movies should be made in the Dome. Then last year the idea of using the Dome for movie-filming came around again, but the latest ideas include:

Green Space Plaza – Demolish the dome. Build a park-like setting.
Multi-Use Venue – Keep the dome. Gut the inside. Raise the floor.
Nerdtopia! – Keep the dome. Build a Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Institute. Include a planetarium. And more.

I’m 100 percent for “NERDTOPIA.” However, that’s not the official name. In fact, nothing’s set in stone just yet. Right now, the Reliant folks are really interested in hearing ideas on the three options they’re considering for the Houston landmark. They’re asking for feedback, and have dedicated a space on the Reliant site for visitors to send their own ideas or comment on the current ideas. (Remember: there’s no such thing as a dome idea.)

Astrodome History: The Wonder Years

Houston is a city prone to 80 degree weather at 6am, on any given day of any season. And that’s just no bueno, especially for baseball. The Astrodome, the world’s first air conditioned, indoor baseball stadium became the solution to protect Houston fans and players from sweltering heat and rained out games.

It was initially called The Harris County Domed Stadium, and nicknamed The Eighth Wonder of the World. The doors opened Apr. 9, 1965, and the Houston Astros played their last game on Oct. 9, 1999. Since then, the Dome has been used for a number of functions including The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.