Both winning organizations were selected by Infuse’s sponsors based on their expected ability to grow and succeed with the support of the grant’s services. Originally each winner was expected to receive $50,000 in free services but due to the generosity of the sponsors, each winner will receive up to $67,500 in value of combined donated services from Synergy Marketing Group (strategic marketing); Appnuity, LLC (technology support); J.D. Walls and Associates, P.C. attorney at law (legal services); Foster Results (accounting and bookkeeping); Lushin & Associates (sales training); and Delivra (e-mail marketing software).

Indianapolis Early Learning Center is a small non-profit preschool that invests in a successful future for all preschool-age children, regardless of socioeconomic status. The school accomplishes this by providing scholarships to at least 70% of families and ensuring that all families have access to the best early childhood education to prepare their children for school and for life. The preschool’s executive director is Amanda Byrd.

Professional Conventions & Meetings, Inc, (ProCaM), owned by Tammy Wiley, is based in Brownsburg, Indiana. The company was formed in 2000 and is a certified woman-owned business enterprise (WBE) with the State of Indiana. ProCaM is a meeting and event planning and management company specializing in local, regional, national and international corporate meetings, sales incentive trips, educational seminars and training events, association and fraternal conventions and trade shows, government meetings, special events and motorsports hospitality.

“The Infuse Initiative has gained so much momentum since we first launched the program earlier this year,” said Amy Zucker, president of Synergy Marketing Group and creator of Infuse. “Through the months, we have continued to attract both quality applicants and well-respected sponsors. In fact, through the generosity of the sponsors we are now giving away 35% more free services than originally planned – bringing Infuse’s total 2010 in-kind prize value to $135,000.”

Infuse Initiative is a business grant that provides not-for-profits, for-profits and government agencies with free strategic counsel and experienced support in several core business areas including strategic marketing, accounting, technology, legal, sales training and e-mail software. The 2010 sponsors of Infuse that will provide pro bono services include Synergy Marketing Group, Foster Results, LLC, Delivra, Appnuity, Lushin & Associates and J.D. Walls and Associates, P.C. attorney at law. 2010 community partners include Town of Fishers, City of Noblesville, City of Carmel, Indy Partnership, Central Indiana Corporate Partnership, and TechPoint. To learn more about Infuse Initiative, visit www.InfuseInitiative.com.

Name: Patricia Pickett

Company Name: Synergy Marketing Group

Email: pat@synergy-mg.com

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Saturday afternoon, team and personal effectiveness coach Deseri Garcia, owner of Vida Aventura, will speak on team building. Sunday morning, business attorney Brandt Voight of Bingham McHale, LLP will present on business entity formation. Finally, Kristian Andersen, owner of KA+A, will speak on designing a startup.

“Indianapolis is a great town for startups,” said Lorraine Ball, a member of the planning committee. “We’re thrilled to have such a strong lineup of business owners to encourage our fledgling entrepreneurs.”

During Startup Weekends, a diverse group of developers, business managers, startup enthusiasts, marketing gurus, graphic artists and more gather to create and develop innovative new products, projects, and companies. Many times, a viable company emerges, including Pocket Tales, a company which turns reading books into an interactive game.

The cost for the event is $75, including all meals. To register or for more information about Indy Startup Weekend, please visit www.indystartupweekend.com.

About Startup Weekend: Founded in 2007 by Andrew Hyde, Startup Weekend is a conference focusing on learning by creating. Startup Weekends have been held in more than 52 cities and 12 countries, and is still growing.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Lorraine Ball

317-569-1396

Lorraine@roundpeg.biz

www.roundpeg.biz

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“Mark’s experience with site investigation and design makes him a perfect fit with GWI,” said Tom Barrett, owner of GWI. “This partnership will allow us to offer a fuller range of environmental services to our clients.”

Behrens is a company principal of TERRA, Mark Behrens is Director of Geotechnical Engineering and Construction Materials Testing (CMT) services and oversees all aspects of company services and managers TERRA’s engineering staff. He co-managers other corporate functions including business development for TERRA’s private and public clients, strategic partnerships, financial, quality control and community outreach services.

About Green Water Infrastructure:

Green Water Infrastructure is a consulting company, which integrates water resources for sustainable site development. Green Water strives to utilize one hundred percent of the water resources on a site at the site. The company saves communities money by combining green infrastructure with gray infrastructure, new technology with existing technology, creating sustainable growth – sustainable growth environmentally and socially.  For more information, please visit http://thinkgwi.com/.

About Mark Behrens: Behrens received his Civil Engineering degree from the University of Arkansas. He has worked on a variety of projects, including the Honda Manufacturing Facility in Greenburg, Indiana, the expansion of Mackey Arena Building at Purdue University, and a PepsiCo Distribution Center. He is the Director of Geotechnical Engineering and Construction Materials Testing (CMT) with TERRA Site Development, Inc.

IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

CONTACT:

Lorraine Ball

317-569-1398

lorraine@roundpeg.biz

###

“When I lived in Spokane, Washington there was an official holiday for the opening season of Copper River Salmon. The city literally shut down for one full day, it was a huge deal where I came from. This is some of the best, most delicate fish in the world and I want to bring a little piece of my past, to Indy,” says JJ Boston. “I thought that the salmon would be even better when perfectly paired with some great wine. And with the timing of this event it would be best suited to take place on the back patio at Back Yard. With all these elements, I think we have prepared for a great night here at Chef JJ’s.”

Come sit back and relax outside while learning some tips and recipes from one of the best Big Green Egg grillers in town. Tickets to this event are $45 per person. To purchase tickets to this event go to: http://www.chefjjs.com/grilling-classesgrilling-classes/special-events-with-featured-chefs/

About Chef JJ Boston:

Hailing from the gorgeous Pacific Northwest, Chef JJ grew up appreciating the beauty of his environment and the simplicity of fresh, local food. Today he brings the best of his experiences together with local food sources and the Big Green Egg to create a deceptively simple yet innovative dining experience. For more information go to: http://www.chefjjs.com.

About Chef JJ’s Back Yard:

Founded by Chef JJ and his wife, Sarah Boston, Back Yard offers a twist on outdoor living. Chef JJ is a professional Chef with a passion for all things grilled. Everything is grilled/smoked/baked on The Big Green Egg, Back Yards only cooking device. The Big Green Egg is the centerpiece for Back Yard’s custom outdoor patio and kitchen design. Resort style living is something that many people want in their own backyard, and Chef JJ’s is fully prepared to help design, install and maintain the best outdoor oasis for each client. Chef JJ’s outdoor living showroom is used for interactive grilling classes, team building sessions, cook-offs, festivals and private parties.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Staraya McKinstry

317.602.3828

staraya@chefjjs.com

Due to an overwhelming response from potential applicants as well as additional sponsors, the application deadline for the Infuse Initiative (www.infuseinitiative.com) has been extended until Monday, May 3. Infuse Initiative is a business grant that will provide up to $100,000 in pro-bono professional services to Indiana small businesses, not-for-profits and/or government agencies.

Lushin & Associates has joined Infuse Initiative as the program’s newest sponsor. As a sponsor, the sales training company will provide sales coaching and training to the two grant winners. Lushin & Associates join Infuse’s other impressive partners that include Indianapolis-based Synergy Marketing Group, Sponsel CPA Group, Delivra, Appnuity, Dave & Busters and J.D. Walls and Associates, P.C. attorney at law.

“The response to Infuse Initiative has been overwhelmingly positive. We wanted to give all of those who have expressed interest a chance to participate,” said Amy Zucker, president of Synergy Marketing Group and creator of Infuse. “We are thrilled to be a part of such an exciting program and are looking forward to assisting two organizations achieve their true potential by providing them with strategic counsel and experienced support in several core business areas.”

Infuse Initiative is a business grant that will provide the winners with free strategic counsel and experienced support in several core business areas. Winners will be selected based on their potential to grow and improve if they had access to expert advice and support at the executive and operational levels. Infuse Initiative is ideal for small businesses, not-for-profits and government entities with executives who wear too many functional hats to effectively move their organizations forward.

Community partners that are supporting Infuse Initiative include: Town of Fishers, City of Noblesville, City of Carmel, Indy Partnership, Central Indiana Corporate Partnership, and TechPoint.

Name: Pat Pickett

Company Name: Synergy Marketing Group

Email: pat@synergy-mg.com

The satellite office serves as the training center for SpinWeb’s Muncie clients. Arrick Garringer, VP of Sales at SpinWeb and a Muncie-area resident, is thrilled about the partnership. “The Innovation Connector is an amazing asset to our community. SpinWeb has always had a strong client base in Muncie, and now we have a state-of-the-art facility to meet with clients and share resources.” SpinWeb also utilizes the Innovation Connector to offer the Muncie community seminars on such topics as website design, online marketing, and technology.

About the Innovation Connector

The Innovation Connector offers a variety of resources and services, including office space and equipment, strategic guidance, marketing support, business plan assistance and funding recommendations. Founding partners of the Innovation Connector include the City of Muncie, Ball State University and Ball Memorial Hospital. More information about the Innovation Connector can be found at www.innovationconnector.com.

About SpinWeb

SpinWeb is an Indianapolis website design firm that creates professional websites for businesses and non-profits. SpinWeb has received national acclaim for excellence in website design, and innovation in business processes. More information about SpinWeb can be found at www.spinweb.net.

Media Contact:

Jessica Mitchell

Jessica@spinweb.com

(February 17th, 2010, Indianapolis, IN) – Run4LifeIndy will partner with BuDa Lounge to host a Hearts4Haiti Happy Hour on Sunday March 14th from 4:00 to 8:00 pm at 429 Massachusetts Avenue. Paul Poteet will be the special guest of Run4LifeIndy at this event in support of the cause.

Run4LifeIndy co-founders Brooke Randolph and Suzanne Zaleski will be hosting as “celebrity” bartenders during the Hearts4Haiti Happy Hour.  Asian cuisine including unique sushi rolls are on the menu in addition to cocktails and cigars. BuDa Lounge will donate 25% of all sales from the event to the Hearts4Haiti campaign. Run4LifeIndy will also accept on the spot donations via cash or check. BuDa Lounge has put together a prize package which will go to the person who contributes the most to the campaign during the event. This event is published on the Run4LifeIndy Facebook fan page. The Hearts4Haiti Happy Hour is open to the public to raise funds and awareness for the cause while allowing runners, walkers, supporters and sponsors to network.

About Run4LifeIndy:
The Run4LifeIndy Hearts4Haiti campaign is focused to attain a minimum fund raising goal of $13,100 within 100 days prior to the 13.1 mile OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon. A donation link is posted on the Run4LifeIndy website; all Hearts4Haiti donations directly benefit the earthquake victims via the Northwest Haiti Christian Mission.

Run4LifeIndy connects fitness with opportunities for charitable giving in pursuit of well being for all people. Please contact Run4LifeIndy if you would like additional information or are interested in joining the Hearts4Haiti campaign as a participant, supporter, or sponsor.  

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Media Contact: 
Suzanne Zaleski
Run4LifeIndy
317.513.5833
Email Address info@Run4LifeIndy.org
Website URL http://www.Run4LifeIndy.org

Indianapolis – A new business grant, Infuse Initiative, will award up to $100,000 in professional business services to two Indiana organizations. The program will give away marketing, accounting, legal and technology strategy and support services. Services will be provided by Infuse sponsors: Indianapolis-based Synergy Marketing Group, Sponsel CPA Group, Appnuity and J.D. Walls and Associates, P.C., attorney-at-law.

Infuse Initiative is a business grant designed to help Indiana organizations achieve their true potential by providing them with strategic counsel and experienced support in several core business areas: marketing, accounting, legal and technology. Winners will be selected based on their potential to grow and improve if they had access to expert advice and support at the executive and operational levels. Infuse Initiative is ideal for small businesses, not-for-profits and government entities with executives who wear too many functional hats to effectively move their organizations forward.

To be eligible, organizations must have a location in Indiana, be operational for at least 18 months, employ at least 10 full-time employees and have commercial office space. Applications for the grant will be accepted at www.InfuseInitiative.com. The final deadline is April 1. Winners will be announced April 22.

Each winner will receive up to $50,000 in combined pro-bono services from some of the most respected Indianapolis marketing, accounting, legal and technology firms. This includes strategic consulting with each firm’s practice area leaders as well as tactical support.

“Most executives wear too many hats in their organization,” said Amy Zucker, president of Synergy Marketing Group and creator of Infuse Initiative. “Infuse Initiative will pair talented executives with some of Indianapolis’ most experienced marketing, technology, accounting and legal professionals. This partnership will provide the winners with a trusted advisory team that helps with strategic planning, budgeting and implementation in four critical business areas.”

Community partners that are supporting Infuse Initiative include: Town of Fishers, City of Noblesville, City of Carmel, Indy Partnership, Central Indiana Corporate Partnership, City of Carmel and TechPoint.

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MEDIA CONTACT
Pat Pickett
Synergy Marketing Group, Inc.
317.205.9690, ext. 228
pat@synergy-mg.com

The Award of Merit is given annually to an individual, corporation or government agency which has contributed significantly to the Indiana Landscape Horticulture Industry.

In recognizing Mr. Barrett for his achievement, the INLA noted his tremendous ongoing commitment and dedication to his field, including the launch of a notional certification program for industry professionals.

“The level of commitment for a project of this size was equivalent to a full time job,” said Dan Gluesencamp, President of the INLA, “Without Mr. Barrett’s consistency in working with the association’s largest committee and volunteers, exceeding more than 100 persons, made this project seem effortless.”

About Tom Barrett: Mr. Barrett holds a Bachelor of Science in Agronomy and Plant Genetics from the University of Arizona.  He furthered his studies in architecture at Syracuse University.  He holds multiple certifications in water conservation.  Tom is a board member of the Indiana Nursery and Landscape Association, and is active the Irrigation Association, in which he chaired the Communications Committee.  He is an approved instructor for the Irrigation Association.

Mr. Barrett’s company, Green Water Infrastructure, provides consulting and training services for sustainable site development with the nursery and landscape industry. Mr. Barrett may be reached at tom.barrett@jtbarrett.com or 317.565.9964

About INLA: The Indiana Nursery and Landscape Association is a not-for-profit organization whose primary objective is to elevate the level of professionalism through education and networking.   For more information, please visit