August 2009 Archives

Teachers, administrators, and students, time to put your creativity caps on! Just in time for back-to-school, MEGA Brands (TSX: MB) has launched the "RoseArt Design your Dream Classroom" contest, inviting K-8 classrooms across the U.S and Canada to submit their dream classroom designs for a chance to win loads of RoseArt school supplies.

"It is really inspiring to see young minds come together, and direct their creativity toward designing and creating a work of art colored by their imagination" said Vic Bertrand, Chief Innovation Officer of MEGA Brands. "We continue to offer family-friendly value through our RoseArt brand, and this contest is a great way to encourage students to become designers and architects by creating their ultimate classroom."

The contest invites participants to create and digitally submit a creative design of their dream classroom through the new RoseArt website at www.roseart.com. The website features an online gallery where kids and classrooms can upload and share their pictures.

The grand prizes will be awarded to the top three creative classrooms, one in each of the following grade categories: K-2, 3-5, 6-8, who will win RoseArt school supplies for the remaining 2009/2010 school term. Each prize is valued at approximately $1,700. Secondary prizes will be awarded to 12 classrooms, three in each of the following grade groupings: K-2, 3-5, 6-8, who will receive a basket full of RoseArt supplies for their classroom, valued at approximately $150 each.

Entrants can digitally submit any artwork such as drawings, mock-ups, photographs etc. A judging panel will select the top 30 submissions, 10 in each grade category, and final winners will be selected through a public online voting process that will begin once the contest closes. Voting will be based on the most creative, original and innovative entry. All entries must be received by 5:00 pm EDT on October 22, 2009. Winners will be formally announced on November 18.

For complete contest details, submission requirements and more information on RoseArt, please visit www.roseart.com.

SOURCE MEGA Brands Inc.

From locally grown fruits and vegetables to freshly-baked breads to artisanal made cheeses, Chicago will finally have a year-round, European-inspired fresh market to call its own. To be comprised of more than two dozen individual vendors, Chicago French Market is poised to become Chicago's newest and most enticing culinary destination, featuring Pastoral, Espression by Lavazza, Sweet Miss Giving's, Flip Crepes and the award-winning Vanille Patisserie, among many others.

Chicago French Market is the heart of MetraMarket, a new vibrant, street-level restaurant and retail complex developed by U.S. Equities Realty, a full-service real estate firm based in Chicago. Connected to Ogilvie Transportation Center's suburban commuter concourse, MetraMarket will enliven two underutilized city blocks bounded by Lake, Canal, Washington and Clinton Streets in Chicago's West Loop. Six days a week, alluring aromas from fresh baked goods and other delectable items will fill Chicago French Market at 131 N. Clinton Street, making it an exciting fresh food destination for local residents, downtown office workers, commuters, tourists and Chicagoans alike.

Managed and operated by the Bensidoun family, the largest market operator in and around Paris, Chicago French Market is the latest in a growing number of Bensidoun French Markets throughout the Chicagoland area. To date, the family manages eleven weekly outdoor markets throughout Chicagoland during the summer.

The combined passion and vision for Chicago French Market has enabled the Bensidoun family and U.S. Equities to assemble a unique collection of local vendors that were hand selected for their individual passions, high-quality products and competitive prices. Bringing together the best-of-the-best from Chicago neighborhoods and outlying areas, Chicago French Market will be largely comprised of entrepreneurs, family-owned businesses and accomplished purveyors, including:

• Albano's Deli: Recently voted as "Favorite Deli" by West Suburban Living Magazine readers, Albano's Deli, an authentic Italian specialty store, will provide Chicago French Market customers with imported and domestic meats, tomato products and other Italian favorites. It will also offer an assortment of freshly made sub sandwiches, salads and soups, as well as deli tray catering.
• Canady Le Chocolatier: Professional chocolatier, Michael Canady, who attended Richemonte School in Lucerne, Switzerland and studied in Antwerp, Belgium, will be offering his broad selection of delicious rich dark, milk and white chocolate creations. Headquartered in Chicago's South Loop, Canady Le Chocolatier will boast mouth-watering specialties such as truffles, chocolate-coated orange slices, marzipan, nougat, ginger slices and a variety of ganache.
• Chicago Organics: An organization dedicated to the expanded production, marketing and distribution of locally grown and responsibly produced products, Chicago Organics will offer an exceptional array of fresh and certified organic produce, meats, dairy and other local delicacies.
• Completely Nuts: Completely Nuts began as a small roaster at a local fair back in 1991 and evolved into one of Chicago's most renowned nut shops. It will offer a variety of roasted almonds, cashews, pecans and peanuts, as well as scrumptious candied options.
• Espression by Lavazza: In addition to its 2,045-square-foot space within MetraMarket, the 114 year old, family-owned Italian cafe will also offer its award-winning espresso and coffee drinks, as well as authentic gelato, at its French Market location.
• Flip Crepes: For breakfast, lunch or dinner, the tastes of authentic France can be found in Flip Crepes, a creperie offering a variety of healthy and original recipes wrapped in an all-natural wheat crepe. It's traditional French food at its best: chocolate, dulce de leche, fresh fruits, goat cheese, roasted mushrooms and caramelized onions are among the palette of flavors that will please food connoisseurs at Chicago French Market.
• Fraternite Notre Dame: The nuns of the Fraternite Notre Dame have created a loyal following for their sweets and baked goods. A large selection of handmade items will be available, including fresh breads, creme brulees, quiches and beignets, among dozens of other sweet and savory baked goods. Additionally, a portion of their profits will fund the Fraternite Norte Dame's charitable work with families in need throughout Chicago.
• Pastoral Artisan Cheese, Bread & Wine: Chicagoans Ken Miller and Greg O'Neill own and operate this European-inspired, authentic neighborhood cheese shop, offering the highest quality fine and artisan cheeses from America and around the world, select small production wines and freshly baked breads, along with a full complement of related items such as charcuterie and olives. Pastoral also offers custom gift collections, gourmet sandwiches and salads, picnics and catering. Pastoral operates successful locations in Lakeview and in the Loop and is known for its approachable and knowledgeable staff.
• Sweet Miss Giving's: Sweet Miss Giving's Bakery and Gifting is a premier bakery and jobs program that offers rich, decadent baked goods while providing a new reason to feel good about sweet indulgences: more than 50 percent of all profits go to help the formerly homeless and HIV/AIDS-affected men, women and children of Chicago House. Opened in November 2008, this new bakery with a great story has garnered attention from local foundations and news outlets as an innovative business with a social mission.
• Vanille Patisserie: Owned by Dimitri Fayard, the World Pastry Champion of 2008, and Keli Fayard, an accomplished cake designer, this husband and wife team has built an award-winning French pastry shop that melds classic European traditions with modern flavors. Appealing to the contemporary palette, Vanille Patisserie specializes in wedding and special occasion cakes, handmade chocolates and candies, mousse cakes and luscious tarts.
• Wisconsin Cheese Mart: Headquartered in Old World Third Street in downtown Milwaukee, the Wisconsin Cheese Mart is a 70 year old tradition. Offering a wide collection of Wisconsin-produced sheep, cow and goats milk varieties, Wisconsin Cheese Mart's hand-crafted offerings will appeal to cheese lovers in search of the Midwest's finest cheeses.
  

"Chicago French Market has assembled the area's best vendors to create a dynamic market experience that boasts a range of local and international flavors," said Sebastien Bensidoun, executive vice president of Bensidoun Investment LLC and a fourth generation Bensidoun market expert. "With its collection of vendors and a public space for cooking demonstrations, events, mingling and dining, we're certain that Chicago French Market will be solidified in the minds of Chicagoans as a culinary and shopping destination unlike anything else in the city."

"Chicagoans will finally have a true marketplace right in the heart of downtown offering the exciting experience of a farmers' market six days a week, 52 weeks a year, rain or shine," said Camille Julmy, vice chairman of U.S. Equities. "From a Metra commuter or nearby worker looking to pick up a healthy, fresh meal on-the-go to a city resident looking to pick up ingredients for a tasty, home cooked dinner, Chicago French Market will appeal to a broad range of consumers looking for a unique shopping experience and high-quality products."

Set to open this fall, Chicago French Market will be open Monday through Saturday from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. For additional information on joining Chicago French Market, please contact Katherine Loring, leasing associate for U.S. Equities' MetraMarket and Chicago French Market leasing team, at 312-456-7061. To stay up-to-date on the latest news on Chicago French Market, join the e-mail list to receive details on opening festivities and additional vendor information at www.chicagofrenchmarket.com.

SOURCE U.S. Equities Realty

The Art of Pairing - Symphony & Crafts. Some combinations simply work! Just when you thought it couldn't get any better; this nationally ranked craft show, held in the streets of historic downtown Mount Dora, will now become the backdrop for the Florida Lakes Symphony Orchestra as they perform a free afternoon concert in Donnelly Park. The symphony rehearsals will begin at 11am on Saturday, October 24, and the free performance is scheduled for 1pm.

During this two-day Annual Craft Fair, Mount Dora welcomes over 250,000 visitors. This year's craft fair will be held on October 24 & 25, 2009 and Saturday's attendees will enjoy music performed by the Florida Lakes Symphony Orchestra (FLSO). The FLSO is Lake County's resident professional orchestra and was founded by internationally acclaimed composer and pianist Guy Saint-Clair and his wife, artist Audrey Sanders and is led by award-winning conductor Michael J. Garasi. The Symphony's October 24th performance will include its full 60 professional musicians from all over the world, who now reside in Florida.

Co-founder and executive director, Audrey Sanders said, "We're so excited to perform in this year's Craft Fair, showcasing the Symphony's many talents and splendid music. We're looking forward to being a part of this year's show and marrying both the music and the art together, something Mount Dora does so well!"

The Mount Dora Annual Craft Fair is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year and will be featuring over 350 talented crafters from all over the United States, displaying their art for show and sale. For more information on the 25th Annual Mount Dora Craft Fair, visit www.mtdora.org or call 1-866-683-6722.

The 25th Annual Mount Dora Craft Fair event is presented by the Mount Dora Village Merchants & Business Association, a non-profit organization responsible for promoting Mount Dora.

SOURCE Mount Dora Village Merchants & Business Association

Founded in 1943, Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores, the leading fabric and craft specialty retailer in America, has been the destination for creative enthusiasts to sew, craft and grow for 66 years.

Sixty six of the best Jo-Ann customers across the country will be celebrating this anniversary with Jo-Ann when they receive special recognition for their loyalty to the company. These 66 lucky customers will receive $100 Jo-Ann gift cards from their local stores.

"Generations of sewers and crafters have been coming to Jo-Ann for more than six decades, and we think that's a great reason to celebrate," said Travis Smith, Chief Operating Officer. "We appreciate our customers' creativity and we strive to serve their needs with a wide array of fabrics and sewing items, plus an extensive selection of crafting supplies, all under one roof. The gift cards are just our way of saying a special thank you to those 66 customers."

Looking back on the past 66 years, below are key Jo-Ann milestones:

• From one 1,400 square foot store in 1943 to more than 750 locations across the United States employing more than 20,000 team members, Jo-Ann Stores, Inc. has not only witnessed a creative explosion in sewing and crafts, it has helped inspire it
• The first Jo-Ann store was named the Cleveland Fabric Shop; expansion in the 1950s and 1960s led to a new name, Jo-Ann Fabrics, which the two founding families chose by combining the names of their daughters
• In 1976, Jo-Ann Stores, Inc. joined the New York Stock Exchange
• During the 1980s and 1990s, Jo-Ann Stores began opening larger stores in strip shopping centers, adding crafts and floral products
• The chain grew in 1994 with the acquisition of Clothworld, a 342-store chain operating in the southern U.S.
• Joann.com launched in 1997, giving customers 24-hour-a-day access to creative projects and products
  

Today, Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores, (NYSE: JAS) the nation's largest fabric and craft retailer with locations in 47 states, operates more than 750 Jo-Ann stores across the country providing consumers with creative inspiration. For additional information, visit www.Joann.com.

SOURCE Jo-Ann Stores, Inc.