Pivotal : Chicago : Blog

Certified WBE!!!

2011-01-18T12:53:00.003-06:00

We are pleased to announce that Pivotal is OFFICIALLY a certified Women Business Enterprise!

Grant For Good Announcement

2010-12-23T14:23:00.002-06:00

Wow! That might have been one of the hardest decisions ever made. We had over 50 amazing non-profits from across the country apply for the Grant For Good. We labored to narrow the field to 3 incredible organizations. After interviews and much conversation the team is pleased to announce that the Chicago Women's Health Center is the recipient of the 2011 Grant For Good.

Interested in watching the year's progress? "Like" the Grant for Good Facebook Page!

Pivotal Chicago's Shop Local Holiday Gift Giving Guide

2010-11-09T18:21:00.007-06:00

I was just spending a few minutes catching up on Facebook when this really interesting update went by. It said, “If all Chicago households shifted at least $100 of holiday spending from a chain store to a locally owned business it would create over $25 million in economic impact across Chicago during the holiday season” – statistic attributed to Local First Chicago.

This got me thinking about how + where I would be spreading my monetary holiday cheer. I started reflecting on all the people I could shop with and the gifts I could buy and I realized that I created quite an amazing list. I can’t possibly buy everything so I thought that the list might be of use to you.
So please, shop local this holiday season Chicago. I’m going to make it really easy for you. I present:

Pivotal Chicago’s - Shop Local - Holiday Gift Giving Guide

Art + Craft

Cusic Photo
No more Sear’s Portrait Studio for YOUR family. You need to spend some time with the amazing Candice Cusic. This photojournalist will capture the uniqueness and beauty of your family like no one else.

MCA
‘Platinum Fast Vase’ by Cedric Ragout is less home-good and more-most beautiful piece of functional art I’ve ever seen. Find it at the Museum of Contemporary Art Store.

What Wood You Say
With the new ‘What Wood You Say’ project, all you have to do is dream up a phrase, lyric, or wisdom-nugget, and they carve it into a tailor-made art object or gift. I was just given one that says “hilarious” and I love it!

Woman Craft
This social enterprise uses recycled office paper and reclaimed flowers to create unique, sustainable, handmade paper products. They provide artisan positions and transitional jobs to women facing barriers to employment. Their “Tree” note cards make exceptional holiday cards.

Woman Made
A somewhat hidden gem is the Woman Made Artisan Gallery. This collection, housed in the gallery at 685 N Milwaukee, is comprised of hundreds of beautiful crafts ranging from one-of-a-kind jewelry to vessels and fiber art. Super reasonable prices, original and unique art and you support both the artists and the gallery. Become a member of Woman Made for $40 and get 10% off every purchase in the gallery for a year!

Eco-Intimates

Early to Bed
A retail and web store that provides high quality sex toys at fair prices in a women-oriented, guy-friendly atmosphere. Vegans can rest assured the knowledable staff will be able to point them in the right direction to making sure your “bedtime” is as vegan as your mealtime. They even host toy recycling days!

myEARTH360.com
Eco-lingerie! And it’s actually sexy! Don’t stop there, this online shop run by a Chicagoan has all things eco covered from handbags to pet products.

Foodies

Chicago Honey Co-op
Local Honey! This social enterprise provides job training opportunities for the under-employed while operating a small business model that is dedicated to sustainable agricultural. Did I mention how good their honey is? You can also get Beeswax candles, lip balms and body bars.

Chicago Tea Garden
I spent an evening with these delightful folks learning about and tasting some of the most delicious teas I’ve ever had. They have teas I can’t even describe (see Pu-reh and you’ll understand). They also have some lovely tea cups and vessels made by local artisans on their site. Highly recommend the Golden Bi Luo.

City Provisions
Two options for you here; you can visit the new Ravenswood Deli and buy everything you need to create a beautiful local food basket or you can book a seat at a 2011 farm dinner!

Katherine Anne Confections
Everyone who knows me knows how much I love this woman’s truffles and caramels. I can’t live without them. That is not a joke. The salted caramel truffles…I’m sorry I can’t talk about this anymore I have to go order some.

MOTO
These guys literally blow my mind. They do things with food that defy logic. Desserts that look like a plate of nachos, edible menu’s, sushi that looks and tastes like fish but is made from fruit. What?! It’s expensive but a dinner here seems well worth the splurge.

Tipsy Cake
Enough of giving a bottle of wine as a hostess gift! What every hostess wants is a big ole cake that tastes amazing and looks like, well, whatever your hostess is into! You dream it up and they make it happen.

Giving

Reason to Give
How about giving a gift to a community member in need? Reason To Give is a storefront of Humboldt Park's basic needs. You can donate directly and change someone's life. Choose who you want to give to and what you want your money to buy knowing that 100% of what you give is passed directly onto the family/person you chose.

Home

Bright Endeavors
An incredible social enterprise, Bright Endeavors is responsible for Dreambean Candles. This is an eco-friendly and socially responsible line of candle products hand made by using green products such as soy and palm wax, recycled glass and bottles. Proceeds from the sale of Dreambean Candles go to support training, mentoring and permanent job placement for the young women that lovingly create and package each product. I love their gift baskets!

If you read this before December 4th be sure to attend their holiday sale at their studio at 4222 N Ravenswood from 10am – 1pm. If you missed it, don’t worry you can shop online.

Colori
There is nothing more powerful than creating a space that feels right. Give the gift of a color therapist! Michelle Quaranta, the owner of Colori, is the most trusted Color Therapist around. She will walk alongside you to co-create your new color inspired world at home or work. Her eco paint boutique also has unbelievable color options and my favorite no-VOC paint line, Mythic.

Rebuilding Exchange
This is a social venture that diverts building materials from the waste stream + makes them accessible to the public for reuse. They carry refrigerators, ovens, sinks, tables, lighting fixtures, windows and on and on and on. What I especially love is that their inventory is on Flickr. Hours of fun.

Kids + Parents

Green Genes
An eco-friendly boutique specializing in green goodies
for children and their grown-ups too! This women-owned shop in Andersonville has the cutest baby + kid clothing, art, accessories, and toys. I love how soft everything is.

Psychobaby
Rock star baby? Psychobaby is a style shop for cool & funky baby clothes, kids clothing, baby gifts and toys. I got a newborn size Red Hot Chili Peppers T-shirt and a CD of Nirvana Lullaby’s. Seriously!

Neighborhood Parents Network
This is an incredible gift for a Chicago Parent. This online resource connects Chicago Parents with all of the tools they could ever need or want. Workshops, events, clubs, School Fair and Directory (that’s a big one), discussion forums and more! Only $45 for a year membership.

Local Authors

Visitors Book
This is the culmination of a year long photography project that featured a portrait of everyone who visited the home of Kyle LaMere (Chicago Photographer) for one year. This is a good looking and really unique coffee table book that has already amused me for hours. Pre-order now and get it for $30

Return on Engagement
This book gives you integrated strategies for honing and maintaining online relationships through personal interaction and compelling digital content. YES! Thank you Tim Frick.

Loui Saves the Earth
Local author Alexandra Gnoske has crafted a children’s book that teaches the lesson that kids can make a difference for our planet.

From Workplace to Playspace: Innovating, Learning and Changing Through Dynamic Engagement
This innovative book draws on more than twenty years of research and consulting work with organizations as diverse as Google, Chicago Public Schools, Threadless, Learning Curve, Theater Oobleck, and Umpqua Bank. Author Pamela Meyer outlines how organizations can create dynamic workplaces—or "playspaces"—that inspire creative collaboration, learning, and positive change.

Out of the Box

Supernatural Chicago
Experience Chicago's paranormal past for yourself in this acclaimed one-man show hosted by Neil Tobin, Necromancer that blends compelling stories, enchanting psychic magic, and audience-engaging interactive fun—all in a landmark nightspot reputed to be one of the city's most haunted locations. I have worked with Neil many times over the past few years and he still manages to creep me out (in a good way). He blew my parents minds. His shows always sell out so buy online ahead of time.

Gene Siskel Film Center
My favorite thing to do is go to the movies. More than just the popcorn, the entire experience of going to the movies is magical for me. I imagine any film lover would adore a membership to the Gene Siskel Film Center. Only $50 for a year membership which includes $5 admissions, 4 free popcorns, advanced warnings of all the cool stuff, discounts to events and more. I give it two thumbs up.

The Boring Store
Chicago’s only undercover secret agent supply store. The Boring Store outfits its spy-entele with the latest and greatest in espionagical wares. The coolest part of this awesomely weird store? All funds raised through the store go to support 826CHI. A non-profit dedicated to supporting students ages 6 to 18 with their creative and expository writing skills, and to helping teachers inspire their students to write. Now, who wants a grappling hook for Hanukah?

Spa + Health

Allyu Spa
Allyu Spa is a sustainably built and consciously operated luxury day spa in Rivernorth. It is absolutely beautiful and the most relaxing spot in the city hands-down. I highly recommend the personal spa day packages. Yeah for massage gift certificates for the holidays!

Now Studio
This adorable Bucktown holistic healing studio makes you feel at home the minute you walk in. The owner, Nourhy, has many talents but my two favorite services are craniosacral therapy and foot reflexology.

Sports

Greenheart Shop
Chicago’s premier eco-fair trade non-profit shop, carrying both fair trade and eco friendly products. Among a zillion cool products, they carry the most beautiful soccer balls I’ve ever seen. Hoorah for fair trade sports items!

Happy Shopping Chicago!!!

Grant for Good

2010-10-20T14:10:00.007-05:00

As a business owner, I often consult with older, wiser, business owners when I'm not sure how to handle certain business-related matters. This has ranged from "How the hell does anyone make it through the Women Business Certification process" to "Can I write-off my Starbucks habit as a business expense?"

Not that long ago, I was talking to a fellow business owner about the pressures I was feeling regarding supporting friends + non-profits with donations of time/services. The problem is I want to help everyone. I feel like I have a talent and should use that talent for paid work and to support folks who need my help but can't pay for it. Unfortunately when un-paid work takes up a larger percentage of time than paid work, you no longer have a sustainable business you have, well, a non-profit without the 501c3 status!

The other challenge I was facing was that I didn't feel very helpful. The work that I do is best served over the course of months to a year, sometimes over a few years. My goal is to build brands and create momentum, if this comes in the form of an annual fundraiser, re-shaping said events to their optimum can be a 2-3 year process. By donating my services piecemeal, I didn't feel I was being as effective as I wanted to or could be.

As I started asking around I realized that most of my colleagues had established policies for their donations. Sounds simple right?! Sometimes the most obvious answers are the hardest to see.

I was dreaming up my ideal policy when I started talking to Firebelly Design. Dawn and her team decided their policy would be a year-long grant given to one lucky non-profit. Brilliant! I was going to write a grant up too; It's been working for Firebelly for years. They have a policy, a process, and produce substantial results that make a difference. That's when Firebelly had an idea...

I am pleased to announce that Pivotal now has a policy in regards to our donations.

We will continue to donate 10% of our profits to select charities
We will continue to serve on the Board of Directors for Woman Made Gallery + The Firebelly Foundation
We will continue to make cash donations in honor of any referrals that lead to contracts
HERE'S THE BIG ONE! We will be part of the amazing team that will be offering a year of our services to one amazing non-profit through the Grant For Good! www.GrantForGood.com

In 2011, the Grant for Good team will be giving one non-profit an enormous opportunity to completely reinvent themselves. From organizational development and strategy to branding, design, web development, marketing, photography, video, event production, social media planning, copywriting and even printing!

Visit the website to learn more and download an application.

Application deadline is December 3, 2010

Pivotal is absolutely thrilled to be able to be a part of this AMAZING team!

TEDxWindyCity October 6

2010-09-15T09:09:00.003-05:00

By the People, For the People

CHICAGO – Four hundred of Chicago’s most impassioned TEDx fans will come together on October 6 for an evening of networking and dialogue surrounding the challenges, innovations and future of our food supply. This exciting mission-driven and action-oriented gathering titled, “The Best Ideas Since Sliced Bread,” will fill the rotunda of the Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago (MSI), and will feature an incredible lineup of speakers on topics ranging from food deserts and vertical farming to wild new food-based inventions. Additionally, a pre-show networking event will include an expo that will feature 10 of Chicago’s most exciting up-and-coming food-based projects and non-profits.

“It’s really important to the team that TEDxWindyCity provide a platform for innovations at all phases of development. We want our TEDx events to create community and action. Our hope is that people use the electricity and energy that they create on October 6 to spur action to support these innovators and help them grow, succeed and ultimately to better the lives of all Chicagoans. We are here to provide the moment and then support attendees in turning it into a movement,” said Shannon Downey, TEDx licensee.

The independently produced event, operated under a license from TED, is being presented by Pivotal Production (www.pivotalchicago.com) and the Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago (www.msichicago.org) and is aimed at creating dialogue and action as well as giving Chicago’s best and brightest a platform for sharing their thoughts, ideas and calls to action. The event is sponsored by Google and Chicago Convergence.

“The Best Ideas Since Sliced Bread” will feature local and national innovators, researchers, and activists whose work has appeared on The Colbert Report, The Discovery Channel, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, and CNN and in such publications as TIME, USA Today, Crain’s Chicago Business and Fast Company. They include:

§ Homaro Cantu, Executive Chef, Moto Restaurant; Chairman and Founder, Cantu Designs; star of Future Food on Planet Green channel; featured in MSI’s Fast Forward exhibit.

§ Ben Roche, Pastry Chef, Moto Restaurant; Director of Research and Development, Cantu Designs; star of Future Food on Planet Green channel.

§ Dickson Despommier, Emeritus Professor of Public Health and Microbiology, Columbia University; featured in MSI’s Fast Forward exhibit.

§ Mari Gallagher, Principal, Mari Gallagher Research and Consulting Group.

Tickets are $40 and include parking and entrance into the MSI exhibit Fast Forward … Inventing the Future, a gallery that highlights global innovators in science, technology, the environment, the arts and more. Guests will also receive admission into Science Storms and YOU! The Experience. exhibits. Tickets can be purchased at www.TEDxWindyCity.com.

More information about the event can be found at www.TEDxWindyCity.com.

Twitter – http://twitter.com/TEDxWindyCity

Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/TEDxWindyCity

About TEDxWindyCity

In the spirit of "ideas worth spreading," TED has created TEDx. TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. Our event is called TEDxWindyCity, where x = independently organized TED event. At TEDxWindyCity, TEDTalks video and live speakers will combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events, including ours, are self-organized.

About TED

TED is a nonprofit organization devoted to Ideas Worth Spreading. Started as a four-day conference in California 25 years ago, TED has grown to support those world-changing ideas with multiple initiatives. The annual TED Conference invites the world's leading thinkers and doers to speak for 18 minutes. Their talks are then made available, free, at TED.com. TED speakers have included Bill Gates, Al Gore, Jane Goodall, Elizabeth Gilbert, Sir Richard Branson, Nandan Nilekani, Philippe Starck, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Isabel Allende and UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown. The annual TED Conference takes place in Long Beach, California; TEDGlobal is held each year in Oxford, UK, and this November, the TEDIndia Conference will be held in Mysore, India. TED’s media initiatives include TED.com, where new TEDTalks are posted daily, and the Open Translation Project, which provides subtitles and interactive transcripts as well as the ability for any TEDTalk to be translated by volunteers worldwide. TED has established the annual TED Prize, where three exceptional individuals with a wish to change the world are given the opportunity to put their wishes into action; TEDx, which offers individuals or groups a way to host local, self-organized events around the world, and the TED Fellows program, helping world-changing innovators from around the globe to become part of the TED community and, with its help, amplify the impact of their remarkable projects and activities.

Follow TED on Twitter (twitter.com/TEDTalks), or on Facebook, (facebook.com/TED).

Climate Change Exhibit at the Field Museum

2010-07-29T11:39:00.005-05:00

Climate Change Exhibit now at the Field Museum

Depending on your viewpoint, exhibit educates or agitates

I was invited to the Field Museum, as many press were, for a guided tour of the new Climate Change Exhibit. My guide was Project Manager, Janet Hong. She kindly walked me through the exhibit highlighting points of interest and engaging in some exciting conversation about malaria, the arctic fox, and carbon off-setting.

The exhibit is full, and I mean full, of information. It is content-driven which also means it’s a lot to take in. It is without a doubt geared toward middle schoolers and up simply because it is just so much darn reading.

Is the reading worth it? Absolutely. The exhibit raises interesting points, leaves most of the doomsday approach out, and offers guests a chance to internalize their role in minimizing climate change.

What I also appreciated about the exhibit was its many levels of information. If you are new to exploring climate change, you will be carefully introduced to the basics but should you be AFS readers and already know your stuff, you will still leave the exhibit with new information.

The ‘talk back board’ at the end of the exhibit gives guests an opportunity to comment on the exhibit, the changes they are willing to implement to minimize their impact on the environment, or to whine about the number of summer camps passing through. It was here that I saw a particularly interesting comment that led me to do some additional online research.

I honestly don’t remember the exact wording but it was something alluding to this particular guest’s belief that climate change was not real.

I thought this was really interesting. I love a good debate. I love a conspiracy theorist even more...

Click Here for the Juicy Part

WPB Make Believe

2010-07-16T16:46:00.007-05:00

Want some FREE fun this summer?
How about a self-guided art stroll through Wicker Park?

Our latest project (in partnership with Firebelly Design) has brought some brilliant art to Wicker Park. Download a walking tour, grab an ice cream and view 10 of the coolest window installations you have ever seen.

Then, visit the website and cast a vote for your favorite. The installation with the most votes will win Chicago's largest art prize!

Running now through October 31st.

http://makebelieve.wegotitinwpb.com

Oprah's OWN network and Shannon!

2010-06-16T10:17:00.006-05:00

I would love to bring
The Shannon Downey Show to Oprah's OWN Network.
You can watch my reel and vote if you feel so inclined.

http://myown.oprah.com/audition/index.html?request=video_details&response_id=10454&promo_id=1

Support a Great Artist

2010-05-06T07:45:00.005-05:00

You know Pivotal supports the arts everyday in every way possible but I bet you didn't know we have an artist in-house. Literally in house (living in my house). His work is brilliant and we love him.

His latest design Geisha is up for vote for a T-shirt design for everyone's favorite company, threadless.

We would appreciate if you would take a minute and vote for his T-shirt. Obviously we are rooting for 5's ;)

Thanks Everyone!

Score this design: "Geisha," to help it get printed on Threadless!

Green Festival FREE Ticket

2010-04-21T08:14:00.003-05:00

The Chicago Green Festival will be back in town on May 22 and 23rd at Navy Pier.

Celebrating what’s working in our communities, the Chicago Green Festival®, a joint project of Global Exchange and Green America, showcases more than 350 diverse local and national green businesses. More than 150 renowned speakers appear for insightful panel discussions and presentations.

You’ll also enjoy great how-to workshops, green careers, a Fair Trade pavilion, Youth Unity Pavilion, kids’ activities, delicious organic beer, wine and cuisine, and live music.

Find out how Midwest neighbors, community nonprofits and city departments are working together to make their cities healthier places to live.

I will be speaking Sunday at 4pm on "Greening Your Events" and I hope to see you there!

Don't forget to swing by the A Fresh Squeeze booth and see what we have cooked up.

May 22-23, 2010
Saturday – 10am – 7pm
Sunday – 11am – 6pm

Navy Pier
600 E Grand Avenue
Chicago, IL 60611

FREE TICKET!!! CLICK HERE

Get Your Green Glam On

2010-04-20T15:42:00.002-05:00

As you know, I believe sustainability can and should be sexy. After all, sex sells right? I believe that if we can make our missions sexy then we can appeal to a wider audience.

Look at PETA for example, their latest press release is titled, “Nude PETA Beauties Shower on Sidewalk to Expose Meat's Devastating Impact on the Planet” Um…hello…who doesn’t want to learn about meat’s devastating impact on the planet now?

As a marketer, it drives me nuts when people assume that because my services are “green” that that somehow means they can’t be hot. I have on more than one occasion, heard some version of the following after an initial meeting, “Oh boy, can I say what a relief this has been? I totally expected you to come in wearing Birkenstocks, smelling like Patchouli trying to pitch us burlap and hay.”

I’m happy to be breaking down stereotypes of what sustainable decisions, services and products look like. I’m also proud to not be alone in that endeavor, far from it, for that reason I celebrate the following folks who are helping shape the look and feel of sustainable events with some seriously sexy offerings.

CLICK HERE FOR THE REST...

Chicagoland Guide to Green Events

2010-03-26T08:23:00.004-05:00

I just experienced my first 'Green Event' of the Spring. And it wasn't what I had in mind.

It ocurred in my backyard, actually, where I was enjoying the sun, the Vitamin D and watching my pooches run around, I noticed my neighbor in his yard working on his motorcycle. He offered me a St. Patrick’s Day greeting, “Pog mo thoin” but I’m sure he meant to say “Slainte."

As I watched him with his can of WD-40, Pabst Blue Ribbon and cigarette I thought, “Man, that guy could use an infusion of green in his life.” Just then he bent over and I got a really exceptional look at his green thong. NO joke.

And that, my dear friends, is where I drew the inspiration for this fantastic run-down of upcoming green events this year to get you (and your neighbors) on the right track!

Continue...

Mindful Metropolis - Movie Night - No Impact Man

2010-03-17T15:07:00.004-05:00

Colin Beavan decides to completely eliminate his personal impact on the environment for the next year.

It means eating vegetarian, buying only local food, and turning off the refrigerator. It also means no elevators, no television, no cars, busses, or airplanes, no toxic cleaning products, no electricity, no material consumption and no garbage.

No problem – at least for Colin – but he and his family live in Manhattan. So when his espresso-guzzling, retail-worshipping wife Michelle and their two-year-old daughter are dragged into the fray, the No Impact Project has an unforeseen impact of its own.

Laura Gabbert and Justin Schein's film provides an intriguing inside look into the experiment that became a national fascination and media sensation, while examining the familial strains and strengthened bonds that result from Colin and Michelle’s struggle with their radical lifestyle change.

April 8, 2010, 5:30pm
The Green Street Theater in The Chicago Center for Performing Arts
777 N. Green Street (near Halsted & Chicago Ave)

The doors open at 5:30 PM. Light fare will be served, catered by City Provisions and desserts by The Chicago Diner.

So come early and enjoy the opportunity to meet our sponsors and other MindfuLive! supporters. The film will begin at 7PM and will run approximately 90 minutes. Afterward, there will be a brief presentation (until roughly 9:30PM) by local experts who will take questions from the audience.

The presentation will include these experts:

Wyllys Mann: Associate Director for the Delta Institute, Director of the Green Business Development Center. http://www.delta-institute.org

Deborah Neiman-Boehle: Journalist, Writer, Homesteader. http://networkedblogs.com/p29688692

Ken Dunn, Founder and President of Resource Center. http://resourcecenterchicago.org

Seats are limited. Tickets are $15 in advance and can be purchased at http://www.mindfulmetropolis.com/noimpactman where you can also view the movie trailer.

SPONSORS:

A Fresh Squeeze: http://www.afreshsqueeze.com

Bean and Body: http://www.beanandbody.com
Chicago Diner: http://www.veggiediner.com
Christina Noël Photography: http://www.christinanoel.us
City Provisions: http://www.cityprovisions.com
Climate Cycle: http://www.climatecycle.org
Conscious Living TV: http://www.consciouslivingtv.com
Domanus Interactive: http://www.domanusinteractive.com
Equilibrium Energy + Education: http://www.equilibrium-e3.com
Ginger Bliss Juice: http://www.gingerblissjuice.com
Healthy Green Goods: http://www.healthygreengoods.com
House of Kids & Teens: http://www.houseofkidsandteens.com
I-GO Car Sharing: http://www.igocars.org
my earth 360: http://www.myearth360.com
Soulistic Studio Spa: http://www.soulisticstudiospa.com
Victories of the Heart: http://www.victoriesoftheheart.org
XOX Salon + Spa: http://www.xoxsalon.com
WCPT: http://www.chicagoprogressivetalk.com

TEDxWindyCity Inaugural Event

2010-03-12T13:45:00.005-06:00

TEDxWindyCity held it's inaugural event on February 10th.

Presented by Pivotal Production and the Museum of Science and Industry Chicago this exciting gathering of great minds and inspirational speakers was a wonderful success!

Thank you to our gracious host: Flashpoint Academy and our generous sponsors: Amazing Edibles, Ginger Bliss Juice, Green Planet, Chris Kirzeder Photography, Marissa Strassel Design, Speedpro Imaging, Mobile Garden, Cafe Media, A Fresh Squeeze.

Want to see pictures? Click Here

Watch our speakers presentations:

Next Event is October 6 at the Museum of Science and Industry
Visit www.TEDxWindyCity.com for updates!

Earth Hour

2010-03-04T17:29:00.002-06:00

I am pleased to be a contributing columnist for AFreshSqueeze.com

My latest article, on Earth Hour, is for you.

Read It Here!

Nothing Says Sexy Like Sustainability...

2010-02-03T10:08:00.003-06:00

So excited to say that the NEW A Fresh Squeeze site has launched.
I will be a regularly contributing columnist.

Here is my first article for your viewing pleasure.

http://www.afreshsqueeze.com/chicago/articles/nothing-says-sexy-sustainability

xo
Shannon

TEDxWindyCity!

2010-01-07T14:58:00.007-06:00

In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TED has created a program called TEDx. TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. Pivotal Production and the Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago have teamed up to bring you TEDxWindyCity, where x = independently organized TED event.

At our TEDxWindyCity event, TEDTalks video and live speakers will combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events, including ours, are self-organized.

We have been working relentlessly to develop an engaging series of TEDx events and are elated to announce that the first in our series will take place on February 10, 2010.

Thanks to the amazing support of Flashpoint Academy, we have a technology-rich and ultra cool environment in which to host our first TEDxWindyCity event; one that is right in the heart of the city and will be sure to wow even the tech geekiest among us.

Our theme for February, Creative Convergence, speaks to the creative process and the fusing of art and technology to revolutionize our world. Our speakers are three of the most creative folks around!

Donald Marinelli, Head of the Entertainment Technology Center at Carnegie Mellon University
Dawn Hancock, Creative Director and Owner of Firebelly Design
Zach Kaplan, CEO of Inventables

Our Moderator is Dr. Rabiah Mayas, Science Director of the Center for the Advancement of Science Education at the Museum of Science and Industry

Did I mention the amazing performances you will experience by the circuit bending duo of RothMobot?

Tickets are $20 and are currently on sale here: https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/93140
(Not to be dramatic but ticket are selling at a pace I never imagined so you don't delay! Seriously.)
Plus, every ticket gets you a coupon for one FREE admission to the Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago!

I look forward to seeing you there!

Happy New Year!

2009-12-31T14:25:00.005-06:00

Pivotal's Top 9 of 2009!

9. Ravenswood ArtWalk
8. Woman Made Gallery Annual Art Auction
7. Museum of Science and Industry - Science Saturday's
6. Logan Square Kitchen Grand Opening
5. Mythic Paint Launch at Colori Eco Paint Boutique
4. A Fresh Squeeze
3. Event Solutions Spotlight Award Finalist
(still time to vote to make Shannon Downey the winner ;)
2. BizBash Article & Mindful Metropolis Article
1. Pop Up Art Loop

Thank you so much for all of the support you have given Pivotal this past year! We would not be here without you.

Looking forward to an even more fun and fabulous 2010!

All the Love,
Team Pivotal

Hot New Product!

2009-12-30T08:47:00.011-06:00

Let me start by saying...I am not a juice drinker. Never have been. Ok I'll admit it. I don't really even like fruit (gasp...a vegetarian who doesn't really like fruit!) I know I know.

So a few months ago, Pivotal did a product launch for Mythic Paint at Colori Eco Paint Boutique and this delightful company, Ginger Bliss Juice, donated our non-alcoholic beverages. I was working so I wasn't drinking (yet) and I needed to hydrate...I grabbed a Ginger Bliss Juice.

Now, I would like to revise my previous statement and say...I was not a juice drinker UNTIL I tried Ginger Bliss Juice!

I LOVED it. I mean seriously LOVED it. It is this amazing mix of pineapple juice and ginger. It is sweet but ends with a delightful kick. I think I drank about 10 bottles of the stuff that night and then threw a few in my bag (just like gram used to do)!

What I love about this company (second to the product) is their wonderful spirit and energy.

They describe themselves as, " a cutting edge, boutique juice company specializing in Authentic Caribbean Ginger Juice. They use the highest quality organic and all natural ingredients to bring you the best tasting and most nutritious juice on the planet. Ginger Bliss is made with carefully sourced organic, natural ingredients and herbal supplements. It is brewed with Organic Hawaiian Yellow Ginger that is considered to be the best in the world."

Seriously, after you try it you know they MUST use the best ingredients in all the world.

You can find Ginger Bliss Organic Pineapple Ginger juices at a number of locations throughout Chicago such as Karyn's Raw and Cooked Food, Kramer's Health Foods, Bonne Sante, Hyde Park Produce, Heritage Health Foods, Green Grocer and True Nature Foods.

But what you should really do is join their movement by asking the manager of your local health food store and grocer to carry Ginger Bliss Juice. It is after all the best juice in the world and a fantastic, up and coming business. WHOLE FOODS? Hello?

Join their Face Book fan page - Ginger Bliss Juice
or hit them up at info@gingerblissjuice.com
Their new website will be up shortly www.gingerblissjuice.com

Vote Today!

2009-12-17T16:29:00.005-06:00

Wow! Super duper flattered and excited.

I was just named one of 10 finalist (from over 500 nominee's) for the Event Solutions Annual Spotlight Award "Rising Star-Female"

How does it work?

"Colleagues nominated their valued strategic partners. The impressive list of nominees and entrants included industry luminaries who provide for and create every element of a fabulous event or meeting.

The Event Solutions Spotlight Awards are unique to the event world. These prestigious awards recognize and honor the top individuals and companies which lead our vibrant industry."

Voting is now open and I would love your help! So if you think I'm worthy, would you take 30 seconds and vote for me?

www.event-solutions.com
Click 'Vote Now'
Scroll down to "Rising Star-Female"
Click "Shannon Downey - Pivotal Production"

(You can view my entry profile as well)

Thanks! I'll keep you posted.

Shannon

Pop Up Art Loop!

2009-12-16T07:26:00.003-06:00

Take a peek at this amazing video created by the brilliant One Tree Forest Films...

Network 2009 from One Tree Forest Films on Vimeo.

Pretty cool huh? Visit www.popupartloop.com for more information.

(a pivotal production)

Pop Up Art Loop!

2009-11-27T13:09:00.006-06:00

The Latest Pivotal Production...

PopUp Art Loop™ Pop-Up Art Loop transforms empty storefronts in the Loop into public art galleries, exhibits and studios. A new initiative of Chicago Loop Alliance, Pop-Up Art Loop creates partnerships between artists and property owners by giving artists temporary access to available storefront space in the Loop. Artists are able to exhibit their work in prime Loop locations and property owners gain temporary tenants who bring energy and life to otherwise unused spaces.

There are currently 3 galleries open for your viewing pleasure!

Sullivan Center (E. Monroe St. between State & Wabash)
29 E Madison
220 S Wabash

Visit www.popupartloop.com for more information

Some Recent Press:
http://www.chicagoreader.com/TheBlog/archives/2009/11/25/pop-up-art-loop-opens-temporary-galleries-in-vacant-loop-storefronts

Exceptional Customer Service Makes ALL the Difference!

2009-11-27T12:48:00.007-06:00

I hate making mistakes. It's not admitting to the mistake that I have an issue with...it's the making of the mistake that I hate.

Recently, I made a mistake in my A/V plan for an event. My favorite A/V company (Sound Investment) even double checked with me to see if in fact I was mistaken. I was certain I was right.

I got to the event site and started setting up and realized DOH! Mistake!! It is now 2 hours before the event and my projection just is not going to work within the space. This is when I frantically call my boy Matt Woodburn at Sound Investment in a mild panic. That man is a miracle to work with and deserves all kinds of awards. He calmed me down, maked a quick phone call and within minutes his amazing team (and I mean amazing people) arrived on-site.

10 minutes later and these brilliant guys replaced my equipment, got it up and running, and disappeared like they were never there. No one had a clue that there was ever an issue.

Now, I could keep this on the DL out of pride but I think its much more important to use this scenario to highlight the amazing team, exceptional customer service and above and beyond measures that the Sound Investment team made to help little old Shannon out of her pickle with her pride in tact.

I applaud you Sound Investment and I HIGHLY recommend this company!! (and a special shout out to Matt Woodburn for being my rock star)

GREEN DISCOUNTS = BETTER BUSINESS

2009-11-03T07:32:00.004-06:00

So you all know www.afreshsqueeze.com but I bet you didn't know that a brand new version of AFS is coming soon! Amazing content (I mean amazing), more features, AND my favorite part a discount program for subscribers.

I am now calling all Chicagoland Green Business Owners to hurry up and get on board.

What's in it for you?

*First off, it's FREE to participate
*Build Increased Awareness of your store, services, brand
*Accessibility to the Green Consumers of Chicagoland
*Grow Foot Traffic

What do you do?

*Visit www.squeezecard.com
*Fill in your info including what fabulous and meaningful discount or offer you want to provide customers
*Set the timetable for the offer
*35 seconds later you are on your way to greater sales!

We can all use a little boost right now and frankly consumers want a one-stop info hub to help them make smarter purchasing decisions. THIS IS IT!

Mythic Paint Launch at Colori by Pivotal

2009-10-23T18:31:00.003-05:00

Thanks EcoChicagoIL for a great little video! How fun!

Non-toxic paint...alien gift?

2009-10-20T12:07:00.003-05:00

You are not going to want to miss this one folks! Join us at Colori Eco Paint Boutique for the launch of their new paint line.

Mythic® paint is a non-toxic, ultra low odor paint that provides the durability and coverage you expect from a premium paint without the off-gassing VOC’s and cancer-causing toxins that emit years after drying. Stronger, safer, smarter paint®. AND LOCAL.

Bites by Lula Cafe, Funky Grooves by DJ Ron Trent, Fun by Pivotal!

Stop in, hang out, and try this amazing paint out.

Cool Green Product Alert!

2009-10-07T15:42:00.005-05:00

I think this is the greatest re-use idea ever!

As an event planner/producer I end up having banners made for my events. I try to create timeless banners that can work year after year but sometimes it is just not possible. So what do I do with my banners when the event is over? Simple, I turn them into a revenue stream!

PriorLife is a company I was just introduced to and here's what they do...

Step 1 - Send them your old banners
Step 2 - They refabricate them (with the help of some talented seamstresses) into products of your choosing Ie. Messenger Bags, Totes, Laptop sleeves, Coolers
Step 3 - They send them back to you and you do with them as you please. (Sell them at next years event for example)

They even create a custom label for the inside that shares the story of the new item.

I am carrying around a beautiful tote from a Looptopia Banners right now!

Check them out www.priorlife.com

Ravenswood ArtWalk This Weekend

2009-10-02T07:51:00.006-05:00

I thought I was excited about this event until yesterday when I loaded in the Blago Exhibit and Central Art Gallery pieces and I LOST MY MIND with EXCITEMENT over this event!!

BRILLIANT ART (you can tell I'm really excited by my overuse of CAPS)

180 of some of the finest artists in this great city have converged on the Ravenswood Corridor for two days. This FREE event runs Saturday and Sunday from 11am - 6pm. There will also be FREE trolley service.

Starting location is 4256 N Ravenswood (west side of the tracks) in the Central Gallery where you can see one piece by every artist AND buy raffle tickets for the GREAT ART RAFFLE featuring over $3,000 worth of art by some of our talented and most generous artists.

Don't forget to come to 4147 N Ravenswood to see the special exhibit: The Blago Project which is housed in Blagojevich's former offices (Where the FBI wiretapped and eventually raided!!) You can even see a Shannon Downey original ;)

I hope to see you there supporting the arts and industry in Chicago! I'm pretty sure I'm going to go broke buying art this weekend...

Above is a sneak peek at just one room of the Blago Project!

For more details visit www.ravenswoodartwalk.org

Logan Square Kitchen Opening

2009-09-29T17:45:00.003-05:00

EcoChicago just released this fun video covering the Logan Square Kitchen Grand Opening.

Pivotal's Spread in CRAVE Chicago

2009-09-22T09:20:00.006-05:00

So honored to be a part of this amazing book that celebrates stylish women entrepreneurs *blush*
You'll be able to buy it in book stores in just a few months!

You Are Invited!

2009-09-13T11:45:00.015-05:00

Revitalization in Chicago
Logan Square Kitchen Brings a Breath of Fresh Air to the Neighborhood

An innovative and unique business is opening its reclaimed doors this month in the Logan Square neighborhood. The much-anticipated Logan Square Kitchen bears testament to the burgeoning Green Economy taking root in Chicagoland. This 96 year-old building has been refurbished into a stunning LEED Gold rated private event space and shared commercial kitchen. "Every inch of this space, every detail, every moment of the building process has a wonderful story behind it. From the salvaged 100-year-old doors to the castor bean kitchen flooring, the building feels...soulful to me," shares owner Zina Murray.

The space is a lesson in energy efficiency and purposeful decision making both in materials as well as, design. The intimate event space is both elegant and comfortable with the dreamy inclusion of a restaurant kitchen so that any chef you choose can prepare an amazing meal. The commercial kitchen features three separate galleys available to food entrepreneurs for rent by the hour. While event patrons enjoy a wonderful venue, they are supporting economic development by providing a place for chefs and farmers to start micro food enterprises. Tiny Cakes, a Logan Square baker specializing in individually sized desserts, is already hard at work filling the kitchen with tempting chocolate aromas.

The Logan Square Kitchen will be welcoming the public to an Open House on Saturday & Sunday, September 26th and 27th from 10am - 3pm. The Event Industry is cordially invited on Monday, September 28 from Noon - 7pm. Guests will be treated to complimentary exceptional bites as they explore the space and get the inside scoop on the exciting stories that this new "old" building holds. RSVP HERE

View their gallery on their new website www.logansquarekitchen.com
Follow them on twitter @Logansqkitchen

HELP!!

2009-09-11T09:28:00.002-05:00

Pivotal is so proud to have been nominated for a small business grant as part of the Shine a Light Program from AMEX.

We have 31 hours to get 50 people to endorse our story in order to move on to phase II

Will you help us?

http://shinealight.ivillage.com/sbo-profile/?ProfileID=7678

An Intro to the Green Exchange

2009-09-07T18:30:00.001-05:00

An Introduction to the Green Exchange (web version) from Conscious Living TV on Vimeo.

Pivotal could not be prouder to be a future tenant!

ChicagoArts features Pivotal Production

2009-09-01T08:57:00.002-05:00

Thanks ChicagoArts!

Pivotal featured in Mindful Metropolis Magazine!

2009-08-31T09:03:00.008-05:00

Click Here to Read!

Thanks Mindful Metropolis! We think you are the best. *blush*
@mindfulmetro

Confessing My Love...Publically blush

2009-08-28T09:34:00.004-05:00

Everyone who knows me knows I LOVE to draw up a floor plan. Every event needs one and it is one of my favorite parts of the "planning" side of events. (Nerd...yes)

Here's the thing...unless its a huge event with a ton of intricate details AutoCAD is often just too much of a program for such a floor plan. There really wasn't another option for me until recently. Ok sure, there are lots of design programs but they are either too expensive (in my humble opinion) or just clumsy.

So I was flipping through Special Event Magazine the other day and saw a little something about a new free program available on the CORT event furnishings website. Well I checked it out and I LOVE IT! It's easy, it's quick and it's free. Brilliant CORT! Of course, I will think of them first for furniture rentals...they just made my life easier! Symbiotic relationship.

Ok, it's out there. I have confessed my love for CORT and their brilliant marketing tactic that made my life easier and hence has earned them some new business!

(Image above is the floor plan I whipped up using their program)

This Sunday!!!

2009-08-27T08:05:00.006-05:00

Pivotal is proud to be sponsoring "Corks and Crayons" a fundraising event for an amazing non-profit, Purple Asparagus. Founded by Miss Melissa Graham (we are a huge fan) this non-profit is dedicated to bringing families back tot he table by promoting and enjoying all the things associated with good eating.

This event will be held at Uncommon Ground (Devon) this Sunday starting at 4pm. Amazing eats, delicious beverages, music, kids activities, tours of the rooftop garden, gardening demo's and seriously incredible silent auction items all for only $55!

Can't make it but still want to support? The silent auction is ONLINE and you can BID NOW!

See you there!

Green Leaders...Great Fun!

2009-08-26T12:54:00.006-05:00

A few weeks ago Pivotal held a fantastic networking event for some of Chicago's top Green/Sustainable Business Leaders.

The event was so much fun and the energy in the room was incredible.
We were humbled by the group of dynamic leaders who attended!

We wanted to take a second to thank our sponsors.
We encourage you to support these amazing businesses...

City Provisions Amazing Bites
Pivot Boutique Stunning Space
Vrai Photography Exceptional Photos
Bacardi Mojito Build your own Mojito Bar
Consolidated Printing Green Printing
Neil Dixon Smith Incredible Live Music
Aesthetic Engineer Our Favorite Art (and poster/invite design)
Distant Village Packaging Sustainable Name Badges

A BIG thank you to Sarah Snyder for her brilliant planning work!
Another BIG thank you to Jessica Levin for all her help on site.

Event at Connect

2009-08-21T09:58:00.004-05:00

An event to welcome and support Greenheart Shop

Tuesday, August 25th
6pm - 9pm
Suggested donation of $5 before or $7 at the door.

View Invite

Where?
Connect Chicago
1330 N Milwaukee

Who will be there?
Tree Theory Bags
VeeV
Blue Plate
Bleeding Heart Bakery
Divine Chocolate
Pollen

A Rose by Any Other Name...

2009-08-17T10:58:00.004-05:00

Author: Alaina Paradise

Fair Trade Certified flowers have been available in the United States for only two years, and are still not offered by most florists, grocers or wholesalers. A large reason for this is the lack of understanding on what Fair Trade actually means, and how it's different from the many different "green" labels that are currently available.

The Problem
Most of the roses and other flowers sold in the United States come from outside our borders. In fact, over 70% of the cut flowers sold in the US come from Africa and South America. Workers on these floral farms are typically women and are often abused, paid unfairly, and forced to work outrageous hours to meet production quotas and keep their jobs. In addition, they are rarely given protection from the many harmful chemicals and pesticides that are used on most farms. Because of these factors, the negative environmental, social and economic impacts of the floral industry in developing countries are astounding.

The Confusing Solution
Over time, and with the rise of consumer awarensess, many "green" labeling efforts have taken the initiative to make positive changes in the floral industry worldwide. However, consumers have good reason to question what these labels actually mean. Labels like FlorVerde, Veriflora, and Sierra Eco have all helped to reduce the impact of environmentally degrading growing practices in various ways.

Flowers with some of these labels may be offered at your local CO-OP and florists, and they are a great step forward in improving the floral industry worldwide. The problem for consumers is that these labels are often hard to differentiate between and offer little solution to the many human rights abuses that mar the floral industry. In addition, consistency in what these labels mean from farm to farm has been far from stable, even in recent years.

Fair Trade Certification
Flowers and floral farms can only be certified as Fair Trade for the US market by TransFair USA. This international organization guarantees consumers that strict environmental, social and economic criteria were met in the production and trade of your flowers. So, in addition to amending environmental abuses, Fair Trade Certification empowers farmers and farm workers to lift themselves out of poverty by investing in their farms and communities, protecting the environment, and developing the business skills necessary to compete in the global maretplace.

According to TransFair USA's website Fair Trade Certification includes these principles:

Fair Prices: Democratically organized farmer groups receive a guaranteed minimum floor price and an additional premium for certified organic products. Farmer organizations are also eligible for pre-harvest credit.
Fair Labor Conditions: Workers on Fair Trade farms enjoy freedom of association, safe working conditions, and living wages. Forced child labor is strictly prohibited.
Direct Trade: With Fair Trade, importers purchase from Fair Trade producer groups as directly as possible, eliminating unnecessary middlemen and empowering farmers to develop the business capacity necessary to compete in the global marketplace.
Democratic and Transparent Organizations: Fair Trade farmers and farm workers decide democratically how to invest Fair Trade revenues.
Community Development: Fair Trade farmers and farm workers invest Fair Trade premiums in social and business development projects like scholarship programs, quality improvement trainings and organic certification.
Environmental Sustainability: Harmful agrochemicals and GMOs are strictly prohibited in favor of environmentally sustainable farming methods that protect farmer's health and preserve valuable ecosystems for future generations.

To uphold these criteria, TransFair USA maintains close working relationships with certified farms, and is available to help each farm continue to develop its social and environmental programs. Look for the Fair Trade Certified label on Roses coming to your local stores soon and help support a truly sustainable initiative!

Alaina Paradise is the Owner of One World Flowers, a wholesale supplier of Fair Trade Certified Roses. Learn more at www.OneWorldFlowers.org

Fair Flowers for Green Events

2009-08-13T11:22:00.006-05:00

Have you ever bought flowers and wondered what their origin was? Or if the farmer had exposed themselves, their workers, their flowers and their local environment to toxic pesticides?

According to the US Dept of Agriculture, around 70% of flowers are imported to the US. The vast majority of commercially produced flowers are grown in Colombia and Ecuador where 2/3 of flower farm workers endure health consequences from pesticide exposure. The International Labor Organization estimates 20% of flower workers in Ecuador are children who are even more susceptible to related illnesses.

You need not eliminate flowers from your event plans; a simple way to green your special day is with fair-trade, organic or local flowers. We suggest you turn to Lynn Fosbender, owner of Pollen; an eco-friendly floral design studio in Chicago. When it comes to understanding environmental issues and sustainable design, she is at the top of her field! Fosbender has a well-rounded background in Ornamental Horticulture and Restoration Ecology from the University of Illinois. She spent time as a Land Conservation Specialist and several years as a designer in various floral shops. She loves integrating unexpected elements in arrangements such as berries, branches and other non-floral materials.

For eco-conscious events, Pollen offers floral designs created from sustainably grown flowers. Fosbender's first choice for sourcing eco-friendly flowers is from local, organic growers at Green City Market in Lincoln Park. When she can't find her client's request through local growers, she seeks out Verifloral flowers; a certification confirming flowers and plants have been produced to the highest environmentally and socially responsible standards.

Fosbender does not stop there; she decreases her carbon footprint by biking or using a car share service for all work related activities. She continually seeks to find alternatives to traditional floral tools such as floral foam; a petroleum based product that contains formaldehyde. She also posts handy articles and tips on her website such as Cut Flower Care for Longer Lasting Flowers.

*Picture above is an arrangement by Lynn Fosbender.

Article by: Jessica Levin

Sometimes finding the truth starts by studying Falcons!

2009-08-10T14:53:00.007-05:00

Kristina Carter is a Midwest girl and the owner of Vrai Photography, located here in Chicago. However, her story does not begin with photography. Kristina got her Master’s degree from the University of Kentucky which she studied Peregrine Falcon Behavior and Ecology! From here Kristina worked as a falcon biologist for a short period of time before making her move to full time photographer. Kristina’s research falcon research required her to work 10 hour a day studying behavior. She is now a master at anticipating the action of others and waiting patiently for just the right moment to get the perfect shot. Who would have thought?

Kristina chose to name her business Vrai which means true in French. Her goal within her photography is to capture true moments, true emotion, and true memories that are true to life and that will last a lifetime. She is very passionate about her work, life, and her love for people and which is all very clearly expressed through her art. She is drawn mostly to dynamic compositions but she also looks for bold patterns, shapes, colors, realness, and natural beauty that are found in the details of life. Kristina works hard to bring your pictures to life and to tell your story through photographs. She is a very talented photographer and she is sharing her gift with everyone around her.

Kristina is also passionate about environmental stewardship and responsible business practices. She maintains a fantastic list of green resources on her website and her blog. Kristina Carter is showing the world what she can do, one picture at a time! For more information check out her super gorgeous website and wildly entertaining blog. www.vraiphoto.com

Balanced Kitchen

2009-07-24T16:05:00.009-05:00

By: Jessica Levin

American painter and founder of the photorealism art movement, Chuck Close, experienced a blood clot in his spinal column resulting in paralysis. Instead of abandoning his passion mid-career, Close overcame his barrier by developing techniques allowing him to work from a wheelchair.

Similar to Close, Betty Alper could have retired as a bread chef when bread began to make her sick and she was diagnosed with Celiac. Celiac is a condition that causes intolerance to gluten, a protein found in bread, crackers, and similar wheat products. But abandoning her formal education from the Culinary Institute of America in New York, a premier culinary arts school for baking, was not an option for Alper.

Alper turned her health disorder and vegan lifestyle into a career.
She has created Balanced Kitchen; a local, sustainable, organic, vegan and gluten-free restaurant & catering business.

Balanced Kitchen specializes in small, seasonal, appetizers made from produce from local farmers to ensure freshness. Business Manager, Josh Alper, defined Balanced Kitchen’s goal: “to impact the market and show people gluten free and veganism do not necessarily mean tasteless, medicinal, or health foods."

Josh finds that it can be a "challenge bringing this concept to the market without sounding like snobby, gourmet elitists.” But these very down to earth folks communicate the importance and value of vegan gluten-free eating in such a positive and encouraging way you can't help but want to try it!

Once you try Betty's amazing creations you will be hooked!

Balanced Kitchen’s restaurant is currently relocating to the exciting Green Exchange, a sustainable business community located on Diversey Parkway between Western Avenue and the Kennedy Expressway.

The Green Exchange is scheduled to open in the fall of 2009. In the meantime, you can find additional information about catering on Balanced Kitchen’s website (http://www.gfreev.com/) and purchase their baked goods from The Green Grocer or True Nature Foods.

Some Facts:

• According to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization
livestock production produces 18% more emissions than transportation.
• Nearly half of all the fresh water used in the U.S. is used for
animal agriculture. A meat-based diet requires more than 4,000 gallons of water
a day, while a vegan diet requires only 300 gallons. (PETA)
• Animals raised for food produce 89,000 pounds of waste per
second—that’s approximately 130 times as much excrement as the entire human
population. (PETA)
• According to the Environmental Protection Agency, factory farms
pollute our waterways more than all other industrial sources combined.

GreenHeart Eco Fair Trade Shop Opens New Store on Division

2009-07-21T09:13:00.003-05:00

The Greenheart Shop, Chicago's premier, green, fair trade non-profit shop will be hosting its welcoming party at its new location at 1911 W Division Street!

Stop by their new retail shop on July 23rd and celebrate.

Greenheart offers a wide variety of sustainable clothing, children's toys, jewelry, kitchen wares, food items, body products, home decor and so much more!

Store Hours: M-F 11am - 7pm, Sat 11am - 6pm, Sun 12pm - 5pm

The Greenheart shop, part of the not for profit the Center for Cultural Interchange, operates on the principal that consumers have the power to affect positive global change. The shop offers a wide selection of fair trade and eco-friendly products that support fair wages and safe working conditions for workers and ensures environmental sustainability in production practices.

A Green and Glam Summer Thanks to Tablescapes

2009-07-15T14:13:00.005-05:00

I just had the pleasure of visiting with the fine folks over at Tablescapes and learned about an exciting summer offer that I just had to share.

With the environment, your wallet, and your style in mind Tablescapes has crafted a deal to help you avoid feeling like you need to purchase disposables for your summer events. No more plastic forks people!

Choose any 3 items for ONLY $1.50
Choose any 6 for ONLY $2.50

You can choose from:

Flatware: Knife, Fork, Spoon
Glassware: Wine glass, Old Fashioned, Pedestal Mug
Dinnerware: Clear dinner plate, Sparkle Salad/Dessert Plate

I saw the collection firsthand and it is guaranteed to fit into any theme or style.

Cheaper and chicer than disposables not to mention WAY better for the environment and local economy.

Good work Tablescapes!

Rentals@tablescapes.com
(312)733-9700
(800)918-6500

Eat Well. Eat Smart.

2009-07-08T16:32:00.003-05:00

Author: Jessica Levin

If you are a frequent Chicago Farmers Market shopper, you may be familiar with the company Tomato Mountain.

Tomato Mountain is a certified organic, 12 acre farm located 25 miles north of Madison, Wisconsin. Chris Covelli, who owns and operates Tomato Mountain, is a unique individual with a plethora of knowledge relating to farming.

In 2009, Covelli brought Robin Schirmer onto his team as the Chicago-area Sales Manager. She has helped recruit 7 Chicago representatives who will attend at least twenty-two markets this summer, a common strategy used by other farmers to increase their market presence. Tomato Mountain wants to have more than a warm body at markets; representatives must have a consistent presence at the same markets each week and be well informed and passionate about the products they sell.

Covelli differentiates himself by adding value to his homegrown organic products at the height of their freshness by jarring and preserving them. This way he is not selling the same products as other farmers, which decreases competition. His premier products are salsas, preserves, soups, pasta sauce and Bloody Mary mix, all available on his website. Or, if you’re in the mood for immediate gratification, go to a farmers market and taste the samples yourself.

Tomato Mountain cultivates quality products with sturdy seedlings, which are available at markets during the beginning of the season. Additionally, the farm harbors 14-16 hoop houses, a type of enclosed greenhouse used to protect plants from harmful weather conditions. Most farmers use this method to extend their season but Covelli farms this way all year long. The result of this farming is that he can offer premier products weeks before other farmers and harvest 40-60 varieties of organic heirloom tomatoes.

Covelli also raises celery leaves, garlic, onions, basil, raspberries, strawberries and a variety of peppers. All of these products are used in making his fruit preserves. Supporting local Farmers Markets is one way you can help support a sustainable food system.

It is no secret that today we face a multitude of environmental issues that have been a negative impact on our planet. Environmental concern has gained much momentum and a number of non-profit groups, businesses, and even ordinary people have begun taking action. The Obama administration has noticed this and begun addressing these issues, but the truth is that addressing the problem is not enough. It is time for everyone to take immediate responsibility for the environmental damage humans have caused. You would be surprised that making a big difference can be as easy as purchasing locally grown food.

Buying locally gives the consumer the opportunity to make a socially-responsible decision, while positively impacting farmers’ businesses by allowing them to earn a fair wage. Communities throughout the Chicagoland area host several farmers markets all year long. Finding a market near your community is as simple as visiting www.localharvest.org.

Wouldn’t you rather meet the farmer who grew your food?
Chicago 2009 Farmers Markets: www.explorechicago.org

A special thanks to Robin Schirmer, who was kind enough to educate me about Tomato Mountain

Pivotal Welcomes New Team Member!

2009-07-02T10:15:00.004-05:00

We are so pleased to welcome Sarah Snyder to the Pivotal team for the summer!

Sarah is a student at Lexington College studying Hospitality Management with a concentration in Event Planning.

It's only day 2 and she is already invaluable!

Sarah can be reached at sarah@pivotalchicago.com

Pivotal Guest Spot on Metro Minutes

2009-06-17T09:09:00.005-05:00

Click Here

Friday Night Farmers Market at Uncommon Ground

2009-06-12T09:39:00.005-05:00

Every Friday
Uncommon Ground Restaurant
6/5/09-10/30/09 4-8pm

in the parking lot
1401 West Devon Avenue

Featuring:
Harvest Moon Organic Farms
Goose Island Brewery
Mint Creek Farm
Seedling Farm
BarkBarkClub
Delightful Pastries

Don't miss it!

CSA's Good for You...Great for Your Kids

2009-06-09T08:35:00.007-05:00

Pivotal is pleased to introduce guest blogger Caitlin Murray Giles.

Are you thinking about ways to make your family a bit "greener" this summer? I have the perfect idea for you -- join a CSA. Here, I'll tell you why I think that our CSA has been great for my kids and then you can decide for yourself.

My kids' approach to vegetables is fairly typical: skeptical about most and downright oppositional about others. Sure, they'll eat broccoli or mixed greens. Maybe even the occasional roasted pepper or grilled ear of corn. But serve them a roasted beet or a bowl of butternut squash soup and expect some serious resistance.

My husband and I are trying to raise good eaters because we love food and we want our three little ones to love food too. So we spend a lot of time together thinking about food, preparing food and eating food together as a family. Sometimes our brood devours dinner plates full of the season's finest offerings and other times we get scrunched up faces, skeptical scowls and "no thanks."

But we press on.

I think that the first step to healthy family eating is actually getting the fresh produce into your house. And that is why I absolutely love our CSA. What the heck is a CSA, you ask? A CSA (short for Community Supported Agriculture) is an arrangement where the "shareholders" (that's you) pay a group of farmers in advance for a "share" of their collective crop throughout the growing season. Under this model, the farmers get a steady market for their crops and you get to enjoy the fruits of their labor throughout the summer and fall. It is like having a mini farmer's market in your own kitchen!

We are about to begin our third season with Home Grown Wisconsin, a cooperative of over twenty farms committed to using sustainable and organic practices. We pick up our weekly box at a location less than a mile from our house. The contents of each week's box are always a surprise, although we get an email a day in advance telling us what to expect -- plus recipes and tips for storing and using the produce.

Our CSA experience has opened up a whole world of produce for our entire family. I am the first to admit that things like lacinato kale, kohlrabi, and garlic scapes make me a little bit nervous. But each week, we pick up our box and open it together. We immediately devour the berries or split open the melon. We examine the contents and talk about what looks good, what looks unfamiliar and what looks like it would be fun to play catch with (usually an eggplant or something). We touch. We smell. We taste. We do it together.

Our CSA has been a great opportunity to teach our children that zucchini and blueberries don't just appear on grocery store shelves. This is a weekly chance to talk to my urban-dwelling babes about the fact that people work hard to grow the food we eat.

My kids aren't willing to try every single item in our weekly boxes. But they do try some new things. And they watch Mom and Dad eat all sorts of things and talk about how delicious it all was.

It has quite simply been a very good thing.

If you think that a CSA would be a good thing for your family too, check out Local Harvest to find one that fits your needs.

Caitlin Murray Giles is a freelance writer and mama of three living in (and loving) the Wicker Park neighborhood. She chronicles her adventures with her little ones at A Hen and Two Three Chicks. Her work has appeared locally in Chicago Parent and Mindful Metropolis.

Internship Opportunity

2009-06-04T18:38:00.006-05:00

Looking for a summer internship with a super fun, green minded, event company?

Pivotal is currently seeking a fun and focused intern with the following skills & abilities:

*Social Networking Knowledge (Facebook, Twitter)
*Press Release and Marketing Content Writing Abilities
*Skilled in Microsoft Word, Excel, Powerpoint
*Committed to Environmental and Social Responsibility
*Online research skills
*Marketing, PR, Event Planning Majors Preferred
*Women, GLBT, and Minorities highly encouraged to apply

Must be organized, personable and flexible (and like dogs)

Please send resume and writing sample to shannon@pivotalchicago.com
(This is an unpaid part-time internship for the summer)
Hours are highly negotiable. I am willing to work with your college to secure you credit hours.

Fun Free Summer Fun!

2009-05-28T08:08:00.003-05:00

Starting June 3rd

Free Concerts!
Music without Borders at Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park

Sample the city's ongoing celebration of international music with 8 don't miss concerts at Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park. This year featuring performers from South Korea, Pakistan, Mali, Cape Verde, Mexico, Zimbabwe, Morocco and COLOMBIA!

Visit the website for more information
http://www.millenniumparkconcerts.org/musicwithoutborders/

A Fresh Squeeze at Green Festival

2009-05-18T09:40:00.005-05:00

What an amazing experience! We had such a great time designing this great booth for A Fresh Squeeze's booth at Green Festival. It looked amazing and drew a crowd all weekend long.

Everyone certainly knew 'A Fresh Squeeze' was back for good! Sign up for this great newsletter and learn all about all things green in Chicagoland.

Photo by Woodbury Photography

Love the booth? Want to rent it out and fill it with something fun for your next trade show or event? Give me a call 773.983.6328

Green Festival Chicago!

2009-05-13T12:48:00.005-05:00

This Saturday and Sunday at Navy Pier, Global Exchange and Green America bring you Chicago Green Festival.

125 speakers. 300 Exhibitors and sooo much green! Tons of information and giveaways. Pivotal designed the booth for 'A Fresh Squeeze' newsletter and it is dope people. Stop by booth 1111 to check it out. If you can guess how many oranges I used you could win a flip cam.

I would love to see all your shining faces so be sure to say hello...I'll be in that booth both days all day! Phew...I need some good shoes.

Pivotal featured in A Fresh Squeeze

2009-05-11T15:11:00.004-05:00

Pivotal was just featured in the online newsletter
'A Fresh Squeeze'
This wonderful newsletter features stories of all things Green in Chicago...sign up today!

Click Here to check out the article

They will be exhibiting at the Green Festival so be sure to drop by and say hello!

Lincoln Park Pedicab

2009-04-28T10:38:00.007-05:00

How much fun is this?
A very Chicago-chic tuk tuk.
Ah how I miss traveling through Thailand by tuk tuk!

How about being driven to your wedding in a zero-emission totally green pedicab? Or riding through the city handing out samples of your new green product using the cargo bike? Oh the options are endless!

These bad boys are for rent (with or without driver) or purchase and for a bit extra how about custom signage?! Can you say mobile green billboard people?

Check them out: www.lincolnparkpedicab.com

Happy Earth Day!

2009-04-22T11:28:00.004-05:00

I believe Earth Day should be like New Years and inspire everyone to make a New Earth Day resolution or two about how you are going to make a change toward living a Greener lifestyle.

This year my resolution is going to be to consciously use my buying power to support other small, local, sustainable, socially responsible businesses. I do this but I think I can do better...especially in the realm of home improvement. So I am happy to report I look forward to supporting the following businesses in the upcoming "Earth Calendar" (I just made that up...feel free to use it)

Colori (an eco-paint boutique) www.colorichicago.com

Greenwerks (Chicago's green contractor) www.greenwerkspro.com

Green Maker (Green Living Supplies) www.greenmakersupply.com

Conquest Pest Solutions (Quick, clean, green) www.conquestpestsolutions.com (Ok I am hoping not to need them but you just never know)

Granite Transformations (Green counter tops & mosaic tiles) www.granitetransformations.com

The ReBuild Exchange (ReUse Building Materials) www.delta-institute.org/rebuildingexchange/

What are you going to do this Earth Day to make a move towards a greener lifestyle? (Besides support Pivotal Production ;)

Pivotal Favorites Part I

2009-04-06T14:12:00.008-05:00

In the interest of sharing the green love and helping to spread the word about good folks doing good things, I am releasing Pivotal's favorites! I hope you support these lovely folks in their various missions to do good. (Hey if Oprah can do it so can I!)

Media

Mindful Metropolis - www.mindfulmetropolis.com New Chicago Magazine Launching May 1st.

Conscious Living TV - www.consciouslivingtv.com Learn about making conscious choices for a better life through interesting and fun webisodes

Paper/Printing

WomanCraft - www.womancraft.net Handmade recycled paper by women working to create new beginnings

Consolidated Printing - www.consolidatedprinting.net Pioneers of green and sustainable printing

Food/Catering

Monogramme Events and Catering - www.monogrammeevents.com Delicious, delightful, sustainable, and they run a non-profit too! Purple Asparagus www.purpleasparagus.com

The Balanced Kitchen Catering - www.gfreev.com/balancedkitchen.html Vegan, Gluten-Free, and Scrumptious Catering

Uncommon Ground Restaurant - www.uncommonground.com Delicious, committed to local, organic and sustainable, gorgeous space and lovely, lovely people

Katherine Anne Confections - www.katherine-anne.com Truffles! Amazing!

Photographers

Vrai Photography - www.vraiphoto.com Brilliant and Oh so Green

Woodbury Photography - www.woodburyphotography.com - Up and Coming!

Venues

Woman Made Gallery - www.womanmade.org -
You can rent out this beautiful and green minded gallery AND be supporting women made art in the process. It gets no better than that folks

West Loop Studio - www.westloopstudio.com
So much natural light, great furniture, urban loft vibe, green minded folks, Great space for a meeting or brainstorming session!

Floral

Flowers with Feeling - www.flowerswithfeeling.com Beautiful florals and commitment to green (and getting greener everyday...great recycled glass products)

Bloggers

The Eco Chic Organizer - www.ecochicorganizer.com Smart, funny and green!

Goodness that was fun! I'm going to do this more often ;)
Up Next...Pivotal's Favorite Artists!

Support Women in the Arts!

2009-03-30T15:26:00.003-05:00

Pivotal Production is pleased to be helping Woman Made Gallery with their annual art auction. Here is the info...

Woman Made:
We are pleased to announce plans for this year’s annual Gala, themed “In Good Taste,” including several entirely new features. First, we’re delighted to have Alpana Singh from TV’s “Check, Please!” as our celebrity host. Second, we will host the event at a new venue, EnVent, which is just five minutes from the Gallery, at 344 N. Ogden. Delicious food and drinks will be donated by Chicago's most enjoyable restaurants, including The Italian Village Restaurants and Caterer Amazing Edibles.

Under the guidance of Co-Chairs Pamella Capitanini and Amy Stoeffler, and members of our hard-working board and auction committee, we will rely again on many individuals to make this a successful fundraising event. Contact us at gallery@womanmade.org or 312-738-0400 if you wish to get involved in any way, be a host or sponsor, purchase admission tickets ($65) or an ad in our event brochure, buy raffle tickets, or give a monetary donation. This is a great opportunity to support Woman Made Gallery's programs, which have helped thousands of women artists to exhibit their work.

Please join the ranks of sponsors who have made it possible for Woman Made Gallery to celebrate its 17th anniversary this year. Because of widespread funding cuts, especially in the arts, the annual Gala offers a greater opportunity to support our programs, which have helped more than 6000 women artists to exhibit their work.

We hope that you will support Woman Made Gallery by becoming a sponsor and joining us on Saturday, April 25th, from 6:30 to 10:00 pm, for a spirited and fun-filled evening.

This year’s sponsor levels are:

* Collector Circle - $2500 - ten tickets
* Art Angel - $1000 - six tickets
* Visionary - $500 - four tickets
* Patron - $250 - two tickets
* Friend - $100 - one ticket

Or buy individual tickets for $65

Live Auction Items include:
1) Artwork by Francine Turk
2) Artwork by Uli Osterman
3) Alpana Singh Private Wine Tasting party for up to 12
4) Reception for 40 at Woman Made Gallery

Endless Silent Auction Items

Raffle Prizes Include $1,000 CASH

We hope to see you there!

Earth Hour is TOMORROW!

2009-03-27T09:11:00.003-05:00

With the goal of 1 billion people switching off their lights as part of a global vote, Vote Earth is a global call to action for every individual, every business and every community. A call to stand up and take control over the future of our planet.

Turn off your lights from 8:30 - 9:30!

How Do Green Companies Prove Themselves?

2009-03-19T15:21:00.002-05:00

Read this great article -

http://www.greenexchange.com/read.php?id=40

PIVOTAL TURNS 2 TODAY!!!

2009-02-27T08:51:00.003-06:00

Could I be any prouder right now of this company?! The answer is nope.
What an amazing and inspiring two years. We are living the dream and want to thank all of you for helping us have such a productive and successful 2 years.

Looking forward to so many more!

Ironically, this lovely article came out today about Pivotal...such a nice birthday present!
Check it out http://chicagonista.com/articles/?p=643

The article was written by the amazing Jen Khatchatrian who is co-editor of Chicagonista, founder of Chicago Green Families and the blogger aka The EcoChic Organizer.

Just the most lovely woman who might be the greenest mom on earth!

THANK YOU ALL! You are soooo appreciated. Big Hugs!

Green Exchange Features Pivotal

2009-02-16T15:44:00.005-06:00

Want to learn more about Pivotal and how it all started?

Check out this great interview I did with the folks at the Green Exchange...

Pivotal Productions - Creating Planet-Friendly Parties and Eco-Events
Founder Shannon Downey shares her eventful story...

Click Here to Read the Full Interview!

Pivotal is moving to the GREEN EXCHANGE!

2009-02-05T10:18:00.005-06:00

We are so proud and excited to have signed our first commercial lease!

Pivotal Production will be moving into a very hot loft office space at the Green Exchange when it opens later this year.

The building will feature a beautiful green event space with gorgeous gardens.
We look forward to helping you plan a beautiful event, wedding, or party at the GX!

What is the Green Exchange You Ask?

"Imagine a place where more than one hundred of the country’s leading green businesses share ideas, services and customers under one giant green roof. Envision a rich array of products, services and showrooms all available in an iconic, state-of-the-art green building overlooking Chicago’s most traveled thoroughfare.

Later this year, Green Exchange will open its doors as the country’s largest sustainable business community, offering 272,000 square feet of convenient one-stop shopping options where the public can engage directly with the country’s leading green businesses, eco-speakers, events and ideas.

Green Exchange is committed to shifting the green marketplace from niche to mainstream, making green living easy and accessible for the public, and giving green businesses and innovators the national stage they need to grow exponentially."

We look forward to having you all to our new offices soon!

Sylvia Goes Green!

2009-01-06T13:01:00.003-06:00

Pivotal Production is pleased to be helping Sylvia go Green! Get your tickets today for this exciting event!

Enjoy a rare opportunity to spend an evening with Nicole Hollander, creator of the nationally syndicated cartoon, Sylvia. Nicole will discuss her life in comics, Sylvia's origins and getting syndicated, read a few odd fan letters, and wonder about what's next.

This special evening will be held at Woman Made Gallery on January 24, 2009 6:30 until 8:30 p.m.
Tickets are $150 per person.
All proceeds benefit Woman Made Gallery. For more information, call 312-738-0400.

www.sylviagoesgreen.org

Woman Made Gallery

2008-12-18T15:58:00.003-06:00

Pivotal Production is so lucky to be working with the Woman Made Gallery (www.womanmade.org) to produce their annual art auction this April. As part of our commitment to giving back to our community, we will be donating our services to this amazing non-profit.

Woman Made Gallery is a tax-exempt, not-for-profit organization founded in 1992. Its goal is to support women in the arts by providing opportunities, awareness and advocacy. It specifically accomplishes this through exhibitions which raise public awareness and recognition of women's cultural contributions.

Ticket information will be forthcoming but I look forward to seeing you all there!

Pivotal Moments

2008-11-21T12:35:00.006-06:00

I am so pleased to share with you all that the Pivotal Production marketing photo's were featured in PDN Magazine this month! Ryan Robinson (www.ryanrobinson.com) did such an amazing job realizing our concepts that his talents were featured in the "technically speaking" section of the magazine.

Check it out below or pick it up on newstands now!

It's a wrap...back from Milwaukee

2008-09-09T18:08:00.005-05:00

We are delighted to report that our work on the Harley Davidson 105th Anniversary was a huge success!

We were able to meet the Harley Davidson museum directive of moving 172 people through the doors of the museum, every 15 minutes for four days!

We facilitated the safe traffic flow/parking of over 1000 motorcycles and hosted an outdoor festival with a live music stage and delicious food and beverage tents.

The riders were happy, well-fed, entertained and best of all safe.

Green Branding - Flogos

2008-08-27T13:43:00.008-05:00

I found this product and frankly I think it is the coolest thing I've seen in a long time! It is new, original, and best of all it is pretty darn green.

It is called a flogo. Essentially it is a giant soap bubble in the shape of your logo (or whatever) that is filled with helium and floats over your event. They currently come in 24" and 36" diameters and soon they will be available in 46" diameters.

The machines (they are big) release a flogo every 15 seconds. The flogos can travel up to 30 miles and reach a height of 20,000 feet! Can you say impact?!

The company sends out a certified flogo tech to help you figure out optimum placement based on atmospheric conditions to ensure the flogos fly where you want them and stay put for as long as possible to have the most impact.

All flogos are currently white clouds but in 2009 the company plans to release colored flogos.

They are available for short-term rental or longer-term leasing. I hear they start at about $2500/day. The company is based in Alabama so you would need to take into account the impact of transporting them.

Mind you, I have not had the opportunity to rent one yet so I speak from excited pre-consumer status but I think you will agree ... Awesome.

http://www.flogos.net/

Philosophies of a 'Green' Caterer

2008-08-21T09:36:00.006-05:00

Meet Melissa Graham, owner of Monogramme Events and Catering and president and founder of Purple Asparagus, a non-profit dedicated to bringing families back to the table.

I encourage everyone to not only read the article, but buy a ticket to the Purple Asparagus 4th Annual Benefit "Corks and Crayons" this Sunday!!! http://www.purpleasparagus.com/

It promises to be a wonderful, inter-generational feast!

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Initially, my decision to go organic was not based on environmental or health concerns. Like many other consumers, I started buying organic food because of taste. In cooking, I believe in using the best product available and doing with it only as much as is necessary to obtain the best flavor. What I found was that much of the organic product that I tried tasted better, was of higher quality and as a result required less manipulation. This realization led me to the farmers’ markets, where I was first exposed to the products of our local farmers and producers.

It was a revelation. I could talk to the farmers and ask when the berries were at their peak for jamming or what tomatoes were best for sauce. Instead of planning menus, I went with a rough idea of the season in mind. In this time that I spent at our markets, I developed a philosophy about eating that can be summed up in three words: seasonal, small town and sustainable.

Why cook with the seasons when you can easily buy any kind of produce almost any time you want? There are obviously strong intellectual and political arguments, such as reducing our need for the fossil fuels used to fly this produce to our markets. I, however, put forth another reason: it reminds us of a slower time. In this global world, our bodies have lost a certain rhythm. For example, in March, people in Chicago grouse about the long winter, but by the time early May arrives and our Spring is, more often than not, cut short, they then complain about the early heat. I think that eating seasonally is one step towards getting away from our frenzied and out of sync lifestyles. I love March, just as I love June, August and November – each in their own way. My anticipation for any season to change is tempered by a bittersweet sadness when I think of all the dishes that I wanted to make, but didn’t have time. When you eat foods within their season, they’re likely to taste better. The flavor of a strawberry shipped from South America in any month cannot compare to that of a locally grown strawberry in June. Again, taste is the best inducement.

It probably sounds strange to say that the second prong of my philosophy of food is “small town” when I live in one of America’s largest cities. But I don’t mean a place, instead a mindset, one that can be adopted as easily in Paris, France as in Paris, Texas. I live in Chicago, a massive city, and yet it sometimes seems so small when I look at my social circle. I know my neighbors, we socialize regularly; I know my alderman, I helped get him elected; I even know my senator, or at least his family as I’ve cooked them dinner. But most importantly, I have a network of retailers, farmers, producers and restaurateurs that I know and trust to supply a large part of my client’s and my family’s food. I often say the more people that I meet, the smaller the world becomes. I truly believe that this interconnectedness is the key to sustainability.

Sustainable is a hard word to understand because it seems to mean different things to different people. In fact, until recently, I generally avoided using the term because I didn’t want to be asked what it meant. Then I read the following definition: “an interdependence of people with one another and with our environment” and I realized that, in some ways, I’ve been living a sustainable life since I was a child. Having grown up on Long Island, I was raised to have a healthy respect for the environment. The Summer that we couldn’t swim in our waters or eat the fish that were caught in them because of the medical waste that washed up on the shores of the Long Island Sound was heartbreaking to both me and my parents. We clammed, caught crabs, gathered beach plums and made jam. I loved our trips to the east end of the island where we would come home heavy with bags filled with local corn, peaches and tomatoes. While my mother wasn’t a food snob and often used the tricks of the processed food industry, she also froze, canned and dried the bounty of the growing season.

I realize that my suggestion to eat more organic, local and sustainable foods will be off-putting to some, given its perceived and oftentimes actual expense and difficulty. Isn’t it enough to put a good meal on the table, do we really need to ask questions about where it came? I am also painfully aware that it is a luxury to be able to ask these questions. Particularly, when there are many people in this plentiful country of ours who are still hungry. I am very sensitive to these concerns and seek to balance them, as we do in the educational programs that we produce for Purple Asparagus. We need to advocate and educate: advocate for the greater availability of local, organic and sustainable product and educate those more fortunate to incorporate more of these foods into their diets. I believe that the people who do so will be converted for the same reason that I was: they taste better. If this encourages people to learn about where their food comes from, then so much the better. While optimistic, I would love to see a world where it is as important to know the farmer who raises your child’s food as it is to know their teacher.

Melissa Graham, a former attorney, is the chef and owner of Monogramme Events & Catering, a boutique catering company that specializes in seasonal and sustainable cuisine. She is also the president and founder of Purple Asparagus, a non-profit dedicated to bringing families back to the table by promoting and enjoying all the things associated with good eating. When she’s not in the kitchen or the classroom, you can often find Melissa shopping at the Green City Market where she serves as the membership chair. Purple Asparagus is hosting Corks & Crayons, its fourth annual benefit this Sunday, August 24, from 4-7 at Webster’s Wine Bar, 1480 West Webster. For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit www.purpleasparagus.com.

Legitimizing the "Green" in Green Event Planners

2008-08-18T15:41:00.004-05:00

Recently I have heard a lot of people asking how a "green" company can prove they do what they claim to do. One way that Pivotal is 'proving' it - is with our B Corporation Certification.

What the heck is a B corporation?

Good Question! To quote the website, "B Corporations are a new type of corporation that uses the power of business to create public benefit. B Corporations I) Meet comprehensive and transparent social and environmental performance standards; II) Legally expand the responsiblities of the corporation to include stakeholder interests; III) Build collective voice through the power of the unifying B Corporation brand"

What does that mean?

It means that we passed (with flying colors) a rigorous third-party assessment of our company's social and environmental performance which in essence says to the world...Hey! We are doing our darndest to be as responsible as possible and look we can prove it!

It also means that we expanded our business charter to legally include our committment to our responsible environmental and social practices.

Currently, there are over 120 businesses that are certified B Corporations. Trust me when I say they are brands you shop for everyday.

And while this is certainly not the only way to legitimize one's 'greeness'; if you want to know if a company is willing to prove it...a good start would be with a visit to http://www.bcorporation.net/

Eco-friendly Invitations + Supporting a Good Cause = Good Business

2008-08-14T09:38:00.010-05:00

Author: Nancy Phillips, General Manager, WomanCraft

WomanCraft uses recycled office paper and reclaimed flowers to create sustainable, custom handmade invitations, menus, programs, favors, notecards and other items for individual and corporate customers. WomanCraft provides jobs to women facing barriers to employment, so that they may earn income, improve job skills, build a work history and increase economic self-sufficiency. WomanCraft is a social enterprise of Heartland Human Care Services and its studio is in Chicago’s North Lawndale neighborhood.

“People began asking us to make their wedding invitations 3 or 4 years ago and we did here and there, just by request at first,” says Nancy Phillips, director of WomanCraft. “Now weddings are more than half of our business and ‘green brides’ from all over the country have found us. Over a year ago, we won [Chicago] Mayor Daley’s GreenWorks Award for leadership in environmentally responsible products.”

WomanCraft exists to employ women in artisan positions and transitional jobs. “Recycling shredded office paper and using reclaimed botanic elements means that we pay less for raw materials and that more money goes to pay the artisans, which supports our social mission - so the environment wins, the artisans win and eco-friendly customers win,” says Phillips.

WomanCraft also provides special event items to corporations and non-profit organizations who are interested in promoting sustainability and community groups. “More corporations are using their events to enhance their position as environmentally and socially responsible leaders; WomanCraft is a great fit for linking those values,” notes Phillips.

WomanCraft offers items in a range of prices that compare favorably with alternatives. “Eco-friendly invitations have to be as stylish and cost-effective as traditional options – and we continue to offer ‘greener’ options and increased customization,” says Phillips.

Even eco-friendly invitations have seen changes in recent years. “For example, two years ago, using postcards for reply cards was a big ‘green’ concession - now more couples are using email or web replies,” Phillips points out. “More people are requesting hemp twine instead of satin ribbon. More people want all-recycled, not just recycled content.”

And at the end of the day, choosing products and vendors with positive impact on the community and the earth adds meaning to any event.

For more information about WomanCraft invitations, you can contact:
Nancy Phillips, General Manager, WomanCraft
phone: 773-521-3414; email: womancraft@yahoo.com
Web site: Web site: http://www.womancraft.net/

Don't miss this one!

2008-08-13T09:47:00.004-05:00

You have until Friday folks to register for the BizBash Trade Show coming to the Merchandize Mart on August 20th. I am confident this is going to be a great show! Larry Deutsch of Jack Morton and Bill Rancic of the Apprentice will be the keynote speakers.

Our friends Intelligent Lighting Creations (see previous post) will be at Booth #6 on the tradeshow floor so be sure to pop in and learn about their exciting products.

You will also get to hear the beautiful sounds of Swing Gitan (if you will remember they played at the Art Institute as part of Looptopia).

Most important, however, will be their session on "Greening Your Events" with the ever popular conscious caterer, Greg Christian. He will also be talking about the value of becoming a B Corporation. Did I mention, we were just certified a B Corporation?! (More to follow on that next week)

Sign up with a friend, enter this code BBCHIEMLST and you get a BOGO!

www.bizbash.com/chicago/tradeshow

Look for me...I'll be the one in the nametag that says Shannon Downey!

Event Lighting Goes Green (and Red, Blue, Amber and White)

2008-08-04T09:24:00.007-05:00

Author: Bob Moison, Intelligent Lighting Creations http://www.intelligentlighting.com/

Over the past several years, manufacturers of LED (Light Emitting Diode) lighting have increased the light output of this technology and developed fixtures which are viable event lighting tools. LED’s have progressed beyond mere accent lighting and into fixtures that provide “punch” in shows occurring in venues ranging from intimate spaces to large scale productions including concerts and large corporate events.

Being “Green” is not the only reason for the increased popularity of the lights. The benefits over conventional and intelligent lighting fixtures also drive demand. While using dramatically less power, these lights have flexibility in design and functionality that “regular” lighting can never match. Incorporating red, green, blue, amber, and white (RGBAW) LEDs into a variety of fixtures, manufacturers have produced tools for lighting and event designers that can be used almost anywhere.

In comparing the output of a standard 575 Watt PAR with a 110 Watt PixelRange Pixel PAR90 (http://www.pixelrange.com/pixelrange/product_pixelpar.htm) the result is almost an equal amount of light when sampling saturated colors such as blue, red, etc. The conventional PAR can still holds an advantage in output and quality of white light but that is not often used in event décor lighting systems. So at 20% of the power, the same effect can be created using LED technology.

The decreased need for power results in not only lower power bills for clients, it also allows lighting companies the ability to work in venues that they could not light in the past. Especially in older spaces, where the amount of power is limited and/or unknown, lighting production professionals can now create exciting atmospheres using light which was not possible even a few years ago. This has opened up a whole new market of “small” events in which designers can create the looks their clients demand.

Besides the obvious savings in power, LED lights also have color changing abilities that conventional lights can never duplicate. Instead of having to commit to a single color of gel for lights, LEDs give designers the ability to change the color of a venue throughout the event by programming color changes with a lighting control board. While the cutting of petroleum based gels for standard lights is time consuming and wasteful, LEDs have an almost infinite color template and can be accessed by the click of a mouse.

Another feature of LED lights is the ability to use them in video display applications. Martin Professionals produces LED strip lights (http://www.martin.com/product/product.asp?product=stagebar54) which can be used to uplight drape or as a low resolution “video baton” displaying video content from a wide variety of sources. For larger scale applications, Martin also manufactures LED video panels (http://www.martin.com/product/product.asp?product=Lcseries) that are lightweight, low-resolution LED walls. Besides using a fraction of the power than previous video display systems, these units create effects that will impress any audience.

In addition to the myriad of effects LEDs can produce, they also are manufactured in a wide variety of housings which allow them to be used in architectural, retail, museum, office, and theatrical settings – anywhere that needs light. Philips / Color Kinetics (http://www.colorkinetics.com/) manufactures LED products ranging from string lights to color blocks and allows designers the ability to use light in almost any setting.

While LED lights have obvious environmental advantages through the use of less power, they also have an impact on the bottom line. In smaller events where power generators would have been used in the past, events can now be lit using just the in-house power. That is a direct savings for the event planner and, in the end, client. In larger productions where power is ordered from the venue, LED fixtures can significantly reduce the need (and cost) of power. I worked with a client which typically paid $20,000 to the venue for their power needs for a show. In using LED lights for a portion of the event, they were able to reduce the power cost to $15,000. Although the LED rental bill was about $1,000 more than a conventional package, there was an overall savings of $4,000 – great for the client (and great for me!).

As the industry moves to a “greener” mindset, LEDs will continue to gain in popularity. The obvious savings in power - both physically and fiscally - will serve as a catalyst. But as event planners looking to increase their client base, the most exciting aspect of LED lighting is the ability to create new and exciting productions in a wide variety of venues.

Carbon Offsetting

2008-07-30T16:09:00.007-05:00

The Pivotal team does everything we can to minimize our energy consumption and our carbon footprint. However minimal our footprint; we all still leave one. That is why we decided to purchase carbon offsetting credits from Carbonfund.org.

We believe that in order for Carbon offsetting to continue to be an effective method of expanding the development and use of clean, renewable, energy one must first do all they can to reduce their collective greenhouse gas emissions.

Once you have minimized your emissions, then supporting programs that develop and support alternative energy sources is a great way to help make progress towards eliminating greenhouse gases and living carbon neutral.

There are many organizations out there right now offering carbon offsetting credits, however, there is currently no overarching regulation of these organizations. Be sure to do your research before choosing one if you are going to purchase credits.

Four organizations that we have found to be reputable include:

Carbon Fund - Their funds support renewable energy and reforestation

Delta Offsets - Their funds support conservation agriculture, grassland establishment, reforestation, and methane capture and destruction throughout the Midwest

Native Energy - Their funds support Native American/Native Alaskan Farm Projects

Terra Pass - Their funds support clean energy, farm power, and landfill gas capture

A very exciting option that many of these organizations offer is carbon offsetting for Special Events!

After you scour through your event to ensure your carbon footprint is as small as possible, you can visit one of these websites, input your event information, such as the number of people driving and flying to your event, number of hotel rooms, meals, etc. and they will calculate how many metric tons of CO2 your event will emit.

You can then purchase offsetting credits equal to your projected emissions and produce a carbon neutral event. A few of the organizations will mail you a certificate that you can display at your event to promote guest education about carbon emissions and offsetting.

Press Event Tomorrow!

2008-07-28T09:46:00.004-05:00

We are pleased to announce that Pivotal Production along with Ravenswood Event Services will be producing the Museum of Science and Industries Science Saturdays Program as part of Science Chicago.

Please join us at the Museum's "Science Chicago" press announcement tomorrow at 10:00am in front of the Cloud Gate Sculpture in Millennium Park. There will be lots of fun science activities for everyone to enjoy!

Science Saturdays have been created to reveal the science in and around the city. Local scientists, engineers, and experts will give families unfettered, behind-the-scenes access to the region's research laboratories, local ecosystems and nature preserves and an opportunity to truly experience science!

There will be 10-15 tours each Science Saturday.

The dates are:

September 20, 2008

October 18, 2008

November 15, 2008

December 6, 2008

January 17, 2009

February 21, 2009

March 21, 2009

April 18, 2009

June 20, 2009

July 18, 2009

You will be able to register online starting at the end of August at http://www.sciencechicago.com/!

See you there!

Are you Linkedin?

2008-07-23T14:15:00.004-05:00

Calling all Linkedin members!

Join our group: Green Event Planners and become part of a quickly expanding network of professionals who are interested in green events and/or providers of green products and services. An easy way to expand your pool of green resources!

If you are not linkedin yet - join up today! Linkedin is a free professional networking site. (http://www.linkedin.com/)

Look for the leaf

See you there!

Upcoming Education/Networking Event for Planners

2008-07-22T10:40:00.005-05:00

Sounds like a great evening! We will be there and would love for you to join us while we network and hopefully expand our green event knowledge.

The Details:

Green Event Source (http://www.greeneventsource.com/) and smarter choices for greener meetings have teamed up to present "Greener Events Chicago" - a FREE Education and Networking Session at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum (2430 N Cannon Drive - Chicago) on August 13th from 5:30pm - 8:30pm.

A cocktail reception will be provided by Greg Christian Catering and all attendee's will receive an eco-friendly tote bag courtesy of Proforma Business Services along with a copy of the Green Event Source Book.

Register online (by August 11th) at http://www.greenereventschicago.com/

Did we mention it is FREE?

Coming Soon!

2008-07-14T10:54:00.004-05:00

Hello!

Thanks for taking the time to check out our blog.

We are working hard and expect our new website to be up and running in the next few weeks! This past weekend was our photoshoot with the exceptional photographer, Ryan Robinson. Man is he good!

Our new website will have a very exciting downloadable list of ways to green your events. It is our hope that everyone who reads it will incorporate one, a few, or all of the greening techniques into their events.

Our goal for this blog is that it become a space for people to share their ideas, tools, services and resources for all things relevant to greening the event industry.

If you are interested in posting an article please email us at events@pivotalchicago.com

For now, please enjoy the "behind the scenes" look at our super fun photoshoot.

- The Pivotal Team

Neil Dixon Smith Weighs In...

2008-01-28T16:48:00.002-06:00

Music is a vital component to any gathering you may be planning. Whether you are hosting a dinner party for 4, an outdoor barbeque for 50, or a formal banquet for 200, the music you select sets the energy of the room as well as defines the larger cultural identity of the event.

Your choice of music should be in line with your goals for the event: do you wish for your guests to mingle in light conversation? hunker down for deeper relaxation or more intense discourse? or do you hope they get their groove on with dancing and flirtation?

It is very easy to settle for an attitude of choosing music based purely on your personal tastes and collection, but if you really want a special shared experience, it may be more interesting (and fun) to look beyond your personal knowledge - just as you might seek a new wine to compliment your personal comfort food.

Your choice in music will most definitely influence the reception of your choices of food, beverages and décor, as it will also have an emotional effect on your company. It’s very easy to fall into the traps of “matchy-matchy” (you don’t have to have mariachi music for a event serving Mexican cuisine!), and in this postmodern age a sense of playfulness in contrasting styles can lead to a more interesting and exciting event.

For every world culture there are folk traditions, modern artistic movements and contemporary cutting edge works - and there are probably people in your community with knowledge (and skills) in all of them. Don’t hesitate to seek the advice of online music bloggers and local specialty radio DJs, to learn about what might be available or possible.

In this digital age you have many options for how to put together music for a 3-4 hour event: self-created iPod playlists or mix CDs, specialized cable radio stations, or you can hire a professional DJ or, even better, actual live musicians.

Me? Well, yes, I happen to be a musician myself, a solo guitarist (though I play in groups too!). As a solo guitarist, I am primarily dedicated to providing background music at dinner/cocktail parties, weddings and special events of all kinds.

To me, there is nothing quite like live music as background music - there is nothing more warm and human than performing music in intimate gatherings, and I love being a guitarist because I can fit in the smallest of spaces. I perform a repertoire of guitar music of Latin American origin, as well classical works of the Spanish tradition, that are both elegant and vivacious, and appropriate for any gathering of adults.

Being in the same room as a musician is also an opportunity to observe a skilled craft up close - it is a guaranteed conversation starter and never fails to put smiles on people’s faces.

I am also a bit of an amateur world musicologist of both folk and contemporary electronic styles, and I’m thrilled at any opportunity to share my knowledge or accept any challenge to look for new previously undiscovered musical worlds.

*You can learn more about Neil Dixon Smith online at http://www.neildixonsmith.com/

Sharing Your Event Photos

2007-12-10T10:08:00.001-06:00

Remember in the late 1990’s when you would attend a wedding or a party and there would be a cleverly decorated disposable camera on your table? What a fun way for the hosts to see exactly how guests experienced their event and what went on while they were cutting their cake or dancing the funky chicken.

However, this clever idea had many a downside. First and foremost, you ended up paying to develop hundreds or thousands of pictures sight unseen. We all know that the person who has had the most to drink at each table snatches up that camera and starts clicking away. Second, they are disposable cameras. The quality is just not there, especially, when you forget to hold that flash button down for 10 seconds before each shot. Lastly, who gets to see the photos? As a guest, I always felt short-changed when I saw those cameras on the table; knowing there were a few good shots of my fabulous new outfit and finely coifed hair and I would never get to see them!

Thankfully today most people have their own digital camera’s that fit neatly into their pockets. At the very least they can take a mean photo or 60 seconds of glorious video on their cell phone. Why not capitalize on this by setting up a free photo file sharing account before your event?

Include the URL, username and password in your invitations and invite everyone to bring their cameras. After the party, guests can upload their best photos to the site for everyone who attended to enjoy. Many of these sites enable users to choose photos and have prints mailed to them. Guests can even have a picture of that famous drunk uncle doing the macarena put on a T-shirt to wear to your next party!

These services are free and ensure everyone will get a chance to see and be seen. Don’t forget how much money it will save you in film development not to mention the cost of those disposable cameras!

Some easy to use photo sharing sites include:

www.dropshots.com (completely private & you can upload video as well)
www.kodakgallery.com (private with lots of fun products and many special discounts)
www.flickr.com (you must assign photos as either private or public)

Be sure to choose a username and password that relate to your event.
For Example USERNAME: BestHalloweenPartyEver
PASSWORD: ByPivotalProduction

Everyone will love having the opportunity to share in the memories of your pivotal event!

Shannon Downey
Owner
www.pivotalproduction.com

Flirting with the Five Senses

2007-11-26T09:45:00.001-06:00

When you are working out the feel or theme of your event, remember to consider all five senses. If you are able to design an environment that engages all the senses and you are able to anticipate the needs and desires of your guests, the event will be a truly memorable experience for everyone.

Whether you are trying to make an emotional connection with your guests, encouraging them to think about something a bit differently, attempting to evoke a sense of nostalgia, creating a sense of luxury and exclusivity, or simply designing a fun, open atmosphere; the more you flirt with all five senses the stronger the impact and connection developed with your guests will be.

First impressions are critical to pulling your guests into the atmosphere and mood of the event. No matter what theme or feel you are trying to achieve, the first impression must be exciting, engaging and intriguing.

Below are some overarching elements I start with when designing an event, each is directly related to the sensory design of the event.

• Color palette: different colors invoke different emotions. This is a big one, because it will have an impact on everything from decor to lighting to menu design.

• Event flow: the schedule of event happenings and the layout of the space and activities. This will determine the event’s pace and how you will move guests throughout the event.

• Interactive elements: get your guests involved and engaged. Dancing, some creative staffing, board games in lounges, charity auction, interactive performances, art creation, competitions, lessons, photo booths, ping pong, and the list goes on…

In addition to these overarching considerations, think about each sense individually and how you can add additional elements to the event design to further enhance your sensory communication with guests. All of these elements are pivotal to invoking feeling, thought, and mood.

• Sight: lighting, décor, colors, layout…you can get a real sense of movement using these elements. Lighting is also very helpful when it comes to the overall event flow. By using different colors at different intensities, you can really move guests around the event.

• Sound: music, effects, volume, vibrations…you set the tone and the energy of the room with your sonic selections. Think about using a “signature” sound effect to draw attention to different happenings throughout the event.

• Touch: textures, comfort, climate…this is all about how your guests interact with the environment. This is a big thing to consider when you are designing the layout. The more comfy the space, the longer guests will linger in any given area.

• Taste: balance…I’m always trying to find the perfect balance between sour, salty, sweet, and bitter during menu designs and beverage selections. Don’t forget the folks that have special dietary needs!

• Smell: fragrance, emotion, ambiance…this sense is under-rated and powerful. Of all our senses, the sense of smell is most closely linked to emotion and memory. You can use something as simple as burning incense or candles to something far more complex like computer controlled scent machines to enhance your environment. A very important word to keep in mind while you are warming, spritzing, burning, and programming is SUBTLTY. You don’t want to overpower or offend any guests with sensitivity to scents. This could just be the extra touch needed to set the mood.

No matter what size event, successfully immersing your guests into your designed environment by engaging all five of their senses will ensure it will be an experience guests are not soon to forget. You will have connected with them on a whole other level!

Carrie Kennedy, Owner
Pivotal Production

www.pivotalproduction.com

Trend Alert!

2007-09-10T15:42:00.001-05:00

What could facilitate networking, conversation and interaction among guest better than literally making them feel at home? There is nothing hotter right now in event design than re-creating that feeling of warmth, comfort and total ease that you experience in your own home. Forget about the folding chairs and buffet tables and bust out the couches and armchairs! Residential Interior Design is the newest fashion in event decor and design. The beauty of this trend is its versatility.

Hosting a 50 person party in a small empty loft space with a great view of the city at night? No problem, modern leather furniture with clean lines and minimalist decor, some well chosen art installations combined with ample candles and sheer fabrics will create that chic city dweller living room feel.

What about the hip experiential marketing company hoping to wow 200 clients at their next open house? Make everyone feel at home by creating several "living rooms" to appeal to different guests. Create a bachelor pad, penthouse, country manor and rustic ranch space to meet everyone's comfort needs. Colors and textures can be used to create a collective cohesion within the space or allow each room to stand alone.

I cannot think of a more fun or comfortable environment to mix and mingle in!

Shannon Downey, Owner
Pivotal Production

www.pivotalproduction.com

Welcome!

2007-09-10T10:49:00.001-05:00

Thank you for visiting PIVOTAL's new website and blog.

We hope you will visit us often to learn more about:

PIVOTAL'S Events
The Latest Industry Trends
Creative Tips and Ideas for your Parties and Events
Our Favorite Vendors
Events and Parties that should not be missed
And Much More!

Our Best,

The PIVOTAL Team

Pivotal : Chicago : Blog

Certified WBE!!!

Grant For Good Announcement

Pivotal Chicago's Shop Local Holiday Gift Giving Guide

Grant for Good

TEDxWindyCity October 6

Climate Change Exhibit at the Field Museum

Climate Change Exhibit now at the Field Museum

Depending on your viewpoint, exhibit educates or agitates

WPB Make Believe

Oprah's OWN network and Shannon!

Support a Great Artist

Green Festival FREE Ticket

Get Your Green Glam On

Chicagoland Guide to Green Events

Mindful Metropolis - Movie Night - No Impact Man

TEDxWindyCity Inaugural Event

Earth Hour

Nothing Says Sexy Like Sustainability...

TEDxWindyCity!

Happy New Year!

Hot New Product!

Vote Today!

Pop Up Art Loop!

Pop Up Art Loop!

Exceptional Customer Service Makes ALL the Difference!

GREEN DISCOUNTS = BETTER BUSINESS

Mythic Paint Launch at Colori by Pivotal

Non-toxic paint...alien gift?

Cool Green Product Alert!

Ravenswood ArtWalk This Weekend

Logan Square Kitchen Opening

Pivotal's Spread in CRAVE Chicago

You Are Invited!

HELP!!

An Intro to the Green Exchange

ChicagoArts features Pivotal Production

Pivotal featured in Mindful Metropolis Magazine!

Confessing My Love...Publically *blush*

This Sunday!!!

Green Leaders...Great Fun!

Event at Connect

A Rose by Any Other Name...

Fair Flowers for Green Events

Sometimes finding the truth starts by studying Falcons!

Balanced Kitchen

GreenHeart Eco Fair Trade Shop Opens New Store on Division

A Green and Glam Summer Thanks to Tablescapes

Eat Well. Eat Smart.

Pivotal Welcomes New Team Member!

Pivotal Guest Spot on Metro Minutes

Friday Night Farmers Market at Uncommon Ground

CSA's Good for You...Great for Your Kids

Internship Opportunity

Fun Free Summer Fun!

A Fresh Squeeze at Green Festival

Green Festival Chicago!

Pivotal featured in A Fresh Squeeze

Lincoln Park Pedicab

Happy Earth Day!

Pivotal Favorites Part I

Support Women in the Arts!

Earth Hour is TOMORROW!

How Do Green Companies Prove Themselves?

PIVOTAL TURNS 2 TODAY!!!

Green Exchange Features Pivotal

Pivotal is moving to the GREEN EXCHANGE!

Sylvia Goes Green!

Woman Made Gallery

Pivotal Moments

It's a wrap...back from Milwaukee

Green Branding - Flogos

Philosophies of a 'Green' Caterer

Legitimizing the "Green" in Green Event Planners

Eco-friendly Invitations + Supporting a Good Cause = Good Business

Don't miss this one!

Event Lighting Goes Green (and Red, Blue, Amber and White)

Carbon Offsetting

Press Event Tomorrow!

Are you Linkedin?

Confessing My Love...Publically blush