You are currently browsing the Engine Communications posts tagged: Belleville
Say Hi to Justin Monk and Shannon Bergin. The latest additions to our Engine Communications team! Justin is our Senior Designer, Print God and Award-winning Web Genius. Nothing stumps Shannon, Web Goddess, Code Master and Design Diva!
Special THANKS to our Loyalist Intern Brandon Bisson for being so awesome and also for the fab photography skills!
We’re happy to announce the launch of a special Belleville Bulls Fan Webpage.
This is for you - Belleville Bulls Fans
Connect with Your Belleville Bulls. See home games and event info.
Your Instagram & Twitter Pics Shared!
Post your pics on Instagram & Twitter using the hashtag #BellevilleBulls and get featured on the webpage.
Player Collector Cards
Click through the players collector cards where you can see personal pics and learn their likes and dislikes including following them on Twitter.
Social Media Sharing
See Belleville Bulls Facebook, Twitter feeds and share posts. Don’t forget to watch the Plays of the Week videos too! Most of all, Share your best Belleville Bulls Moments on our Facebook wall!
Thank you Belleville Bulls Fans! Please share.
Click here to see Your Bulls Fan Page
As we say on our website “a brand is a powerful collection of perceptions in the mind of a consumer.” Although your brand image depends on what your consumer thinks, you can do many things to help foster a positive brand image.
A relatively easy way is to start from where you do business. Whether you are a manufacturer, small business, multinational or creative business, your location can make a lasting impression. A great location will convince people of your mission and your passion.
A great example is the BMW headquarters (seen in the YouTube video). The tower was designed in the shape of four-cylinders, which alludes to a four-cylinder car engine.
Also, as I begin interning here at Engine, the first thing I noticed is that they take their mission to heart. Positioned at a railway station, the constant rumbling, horn-blasting and bell-ringing remind me that we are here to drive businesses toward success.
It really makes a lasting and great first impression on both consumers and employees. Take a look at your business, or your place of employment. Does the location reflect your mission?
Troy is currently interning at Engine Communications as part of his Loyalist Post-Grad PR Program. He likes anything to do with PR, social media and technology. A UWO graduate, he is always looking at new ways of doing things. His blog can be found at: troyvstew.wordpress.com
Camera Lens Mug
You may not know this, but I am an avid photographer. I may not make a career of it, but I find tremendous joy in all things photographic–from the gear, to the process, to the final image.
iphone lens
I received an e-newsletter this morning from a company called photojojo. I love the stuff they sell and their light hearted approach. Like this camera lens mug:
Or perhaps you been looking for a fisheye lens for your iPhone?
Well, if you’re not ready to spend your cash on such frivolous items, and you have been wanting to experiment with photography – may I suggest you visit: DIYPhotography. If you are a do-it-yourselfer and want to save some money on studio lighting and such, you can find all sorts of great low cost ideas. Be warned though these projects require some resourcefulness. It isn’t all building stuff however, they also have some great instruction on a variety of techniques too.
Check it out…
As I’m sure you’re aware, we here at Engine have partnered with the students from Loyalist College’s Public Relations program to host a tweet up for all Quinte area social media users. All of the details can be found on our Facebook Fan Page, and you can RSVP via our event profile. You can also tweet, email, call or fax in, your attendance.
Heck, we’ll take anything but carrier pigeon and smoke signal.
There are so many ways to connect! That’s why we’re hosting a tweet up. We want to take all of our great online connections, and translate them to the real world.
You’re all so cool! We want to meet you, and introduce you to some other great people in our community.
You know what else is cool? Our logo for the event! (Fillmore is my hero.)
There’s this one women’s washroom in a restaurant (which shall remain nameless) here in Belleville that really irks me. I’m a pretty small woman, but the narrow L-turn in the hallway leading into it, bookended by two doors which open in the wrong directions, makes it really difficult to maneuver. Everytime I go through this obstacle course I think, “What would I do if I were in a wheelchair?” It’s ridiculous.
But it illustrates a good point: How easy is it for people with disabilities to access your business?
As you may, or may not know, January ushered in the dawn of a new era of Accessibility for Ontarians with disabilities. Under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005, the government has taken it upon themselves to develop standards of accessibility, and to enforce them.
It’s about time. It boggles the mind that in 2010, people with disabilities still do not have equal access to services, employment, transportation, and information. But all of that is about to change, and the first target for reformation is the world of customer service.
As of January 10, 2010, all public service sector organizations (ie. government, hospitals, school boards) must be in compliance with these standards. By January 2012, everyone else has to be on board.
The standards include things like enacting policies and procedures for providing goods and services to people with disabilities. It also encompasses training staff and volunteers in accessibility issues. Another key element of these standards is in regard to communication: website accessibility.
What is website accessibility?
Many people with disabilities rely on computers and the internet as sources of communication. Assistive devices, such as screen readers, speech input systems, and others operate with their software to provide an optimal experience. Making your website accessible means that it is built to be compatible with these tools.
There are different levels of accessiblity for the web. Most businesses with be able to stop at the ‘A’ level, but others, like our awesome clients, Pathways to Independence, will want to take it a step further. It all depends on what your site is doing, who it’s reaching, and how accessible you feel you need to be (it would be pretty cool if everyone was at ‘AAA,’ but maybe someday.)
We here at Engine have been talking about website accessibility for awhile. You can check out a quick slideshow presentation we did on the topic on our Slideshare site.
In the meantime, consider the implications for your business. Check out the following resources:
Ministry of Community and Social Services, Ontario – AccessON
WorldWideWeb Consortium – Web Accessibility Initiative
Wikipedia – Web Accessibility
Feel free to call, email, tweet or Facebook us with any questions you might have. We’d be happy to help!
We here at Engine have had the privilege of helping our friends at the Mully Children’s Family with some of the promotional elements for their 2009 North American Safari Tour. If you don’t know what the Mully Children’s Family (MCF) is, let us fill you in.
Charles Mulli, the founder of MCF, was abandonded by his family at six years of age and left to beg on the streets of Kenya. Through perseverance, passion and ingenuity, Charles became a self-made millionaire–overcoming obstacles of social class, race, and extreme poverty. Charles had seen his dreams become reality. But then fate intervened, and his life was changed forever.
In 1986, a group of street children stole Charles’ Mercedes during a business trip to Nairobi. His anger quickly turned to compassion as he realized that he was once one of them. He knew he had to do something.
Charles and his wife, Esther, gave up everything they’d accomplished–sold his homes, cars, and businesses–and used the money to open the Mully Children’s Family, a Christian humanitarian organization committed to transforming the lives of orphaned, abandoned and abused children in Kenya.
Since its opening in 1989, MCF has seen over 7,000 orphaned and abandonded children rehabilitated, educated, and rescued from AIDS, poverty, disease, and isolation.
Using his business savvy and experience, Charles has extended MCF’s work to include an agricultural program, medical centre, and environmental sustainability initiatives that provide income for the home and employ half of the surrounding community.
MCF also supports 40 projects around the world—offering guidance to other NGO’s and communities in the areas of child rescue and rehabilitation, sustainable development, agriculture, and HIV/AIDS education; and has helped shape Kenya’s policies and laws on children’s rights and protection.
As I write this, former stree youth, now under the care of the Mully Children’s Family are making their way across Canada on their North American Safari Tour. The two-month tour kicked off mid-October in Ontario, and is moving across the country through Winnipeg, Calgary, Grande Prairie, Kelowna and Vancouver until mid-December. The youth will perform at schools, churches and events across the country, presenting a dynamic show of traditional African singing, dancing, drumming, acrobatics, and karate demonstrations from their championship team.
A complete list of tour dates is available on the Mully Children’s Family Charitable Foundation (MCFCF) website: www.mcfcf.ca.
The MCF tour will arrive in the Quinte area the week of November 2-6th. These events are a must see!
On Tuesday, November 3, Engine Communications is partnering with MCF and local speaker, author and blogger, Sheila Wray Gregoire, to host the Women of Hope event.
This evening is geared toward local business women, but any woman of any age will walk away from this event feeling inspired. No more will the word, ‘Africa,’ conjure images of poverty and despair. As you hear Esther and Mueni Mulli share their visions for their contintent, country, and it’s women, your heart will break but your spirit is sure to soar.
Specificallly, the discussion will focus on the future of education and micro-business opportunities in Kenya and rural Africa, for its women. Testimonials from local women who have visited MCF will also be heard. This is a learning and networking opportunity for anyone interested in social justice, business, and international development.
Whether you’re a mother, a daughter, an entrepreneur or student, you’ll be inspired by the stories of women, just like you, doing great things to change the world. You’ll also have the chance to buy some unique Christmas gifts to support the Mully’s efforts in Kenya.
There is no cost for admission, but donations to the Mully Children’s Family will be accepted.
If you would like to attend this event, please RSVP to our Facebook event page, or email Bryna Jones [email protected] or Sheila Wray Gregoire [email protected]. You can also call Bryna at Engine Communications: 613-771-0090.
Guests are welcome to bring friends, and seats will be available at the door (just in case you’re not sure you can commit). No one will be left out of this special mixer.
This morning I had the privilege to speak to the students in the Loyalist College Public Relations program, of which I am a graduate.
In remembering my time there, and the snippets of wisdom I might have to impart to those just beginning their journey, I realized that everything I learned in school I learned from Loyalist PR.
Kerry Ramsay, the coordinator and facilitator of the program, is one of the most amazing, dynamic teachers I know. She inspired our class to get involved in our community, to give back to others, and that PR is inherently about servant leadership.
Above all she encouraged us to dream BIG!
She pushed us out of our comfort zones into places of creativity and experience that I had never had in four previous years of post-secondary. She gave us the skills and practical know-how to excel in our fields. She also imparted in our class (and many others from what I’ve heard), a fearlessness to take on big projects, communicate effectively, and do things we never thought possible.
Being back in her classroom this morning brought so many memories back. Getting to stand up with one of my fellow grads, the ever-eloquent and hilarious Jeff Lauritsen, was such a treat. It’s amazing when you see pieces of your life come full circle.
For anyone reading this who might be looking for inspiration, I encourage you to dream big. Do something you’d never do. Look for creativity in the most unlikely places. And check out the Loyalist PR blog. You’re sure to find something to bring out the best in you. I know I did.
A visit to your local farmer’s market is a must.
Yesterday I took a leisurely stroll through the Belleville farmer’s market and was in awe, as I always am, by the familiar abundance of beautiful colors, aromas and tastes. Yes, I did get a taste or two in–sampling is half the fun. The tables were overflowing with herbs, fruits, vegetables, baked goods, and gorgeous fragrant flowers. Strolling through the market I am always amazed at how powerful the multitude of scents can be–a sensual experience at it’s finest!
Make sure that you don’t rush your experience. Take some time and visit with the vendors; they have a wealth of valuable information, whether it’s facts about the produce and different varieties available, cooking and preparation tips, canning advice, recipes, or just a good old fashioned story–I guarantee it will be time well spent. You’ll be sure to notice the difference that the relaxed pace can make, a welcomed change from today’s rushed, crowded supermarkets and the bonus here? It’s FRESH!
I was trying to decide which basket of apples I wanted to take home, so of course I was handling them; checking out the color etc., when the vendor so politely looked at me and told me to try one and see what I thought. With some produce it’s always wise to touch, but isn’t tasting it better? You couldn’t do that in the supermarket. (I suppose you could but you might get thrown out.)
My goal here is not to knock the supermarkets, as I would be totally lost if I couldn’t get the staples that I require on a daily basis–not to mention how ticked off my kids would be if they didn’t get their Froot Loops or their Nesquik–it is to get you to slow down and truly enjoy what an “experience” crossing off your grocery list can be.
In the end I took home Dempsey Red apples from Dempsey’s Orchards in Rendersville. These are very similar to Macs–an awesome sweet crisp apple with a slightly sour finish. Yummy!! Check out the Foodland Ontario website for some awesome apple recipes.
Here’s my pick!
Apple Clafouti
This easy dessert, between a custard and cake, is perfect for a quick company dessert. If you like, serve it with softly whipped cream.
Preparation Time: 15 Minutes
Cooking Time: 1 Hour
Servings: 8
Ingredients:
Preparation:
Peel apples, core and cut in half lengthwise. Thinly slice crosswise and arrange attractively overlapping in rows in well-buttered 6-cup (1.5 L) shallow baking dish. Sprinkle with 2 tbsp (25 mL) of the sugar. Bake in 375°F (190°C) oven for 10 minutes; remove from oven. Sprinkle with brandy; let cool.
In blender or food processor, blend milk, cream, eggs, flour, cinnamon and salt for 2 minutes. Add remaining sugar and vanilla; blend for a few seconds. Pour over apples and bake in 375°F (190°C) oven for 45 to 50 minutes or until well puffed and golden. (Clafouti will fall upon cooling.) Serve barely warm sprinkled with icing sugar.
My “experience” wouldn’t have been complete without a visit to the Shelter Valley Farms stand where Beth, the owner, helped me pick a variety of vegetables to grace my dinner table. She’s awesome! If you don’t have a chance to visit her at the market, her farm is located in the County at 4309 Hwy 62 South, just past Victoria Rd. If you don’t see anyone around just knock on the side door at the house and someone is always glad to help. How great is that?
This info won’t apply to all of our readers, but sometimes it’s nice to share the spotlight with other businesses and non-profits in our community who are doing great things! So here are a few pieces of interest to those living in the Quinte area.
PELA CFDC Business Plan Competition
From September 1-September 28, your small business could win a $50,000 interest free loan from the Community Futures Development Corp of Picton! Check out the website, or Facebook page for more information.
The Lung Association Wine Tour
Who wouldn’t want to tour local wineries for charity?!
Cougars for Cancer
Have a girls night at the Ramada Inn on October 2, to support the Canadian Cancer Society. This night will feature fashion, fun and food. It’s hosted by the Cat’s Meow Salon & Spa. Check out the website or Facebook page for more details.
