Monthly Archives: January 2014

Anniversary Announcements, Celebration Ideas

Chicken of the Sea Celebrates 100 Years of Good

Chicken of the Sea Celebrates 100 Years of GoodChicken of the Sea began as Van Camp Seafood in 1914, a fish canning company located in California. In the 1930’s, World War I was happening overseas. During the war and in the following years there were food shortages across the US. As a result, canned tuna fish quickly gained popularity as an affordable source of protein in the American home.

Chicken of the Sea gained it’s iconic brand name in the 1930’s; fisherman often called the white albacore tuna “Chicken of the Sea” because of it’s light color and mild flavor. The name quickly appeared on packaging and in marketing in newspapers.

In the 1950’s, branding became increasingly important as more and more packaged products were making their way into American households. Thus, the Chicken of the Sea Mermaid became the mascot for the company, giving an appealing look to the brand’s products. The blonde mermaid was inspired by Grace Lee Whitney, actress in the popular Star Trek series of that time. Chicken of the Sea even used their mascot to sponsor Disneyland’s Fantasyland pirate ship and restaurant in 1955. The following decade, Chicken of the Sea debuted their commercial jingle, “Ask Any Mermaid You Happen to See, What’s the Best Tuna? Chicken of the Sea!”

In 1990. Chicken of the Sea initiated “The Mermaid Cares: Dolphin Safe Policy”, which made them the first seafood company to require their seafood to be dolphin safe.

In the present day, the company strives to maintain sustainable practices. Chicken of the Sea co-founded the International Seafood Sustainability Foundation in partnership with the World Wildlife Fund. They also take pride in investing in charitable organizations and local communities, including their partnership with Feeding America.

This year marks “100 Years of Good” for Chicken of the Sea. The company is celebrating in many ways. Beginning in March is “The Great American Gratitude Tour,” during which the company will travel to various communities. When the tour stops in your area, you can try samples, win prizes, meet the mermaid, and more.

Another way Chicken of the Sea is celebrating 100 years is by creating the Great American Gratitude Awards. Anyone can go to the Chicken of the Sea website, and nominate an individual, cause, or organization that they believe deserves an award. The company will then select 10 of those individuals, causes, or organizations, and award them with $10,000.

For the more creative types, the Name the Mermaid Contest is another way Chicken of the Sea is celebrating. Enter the contest with the name you think would best fit the Chicken of the Sea mermaid, and the person who comes up with the winning name will with $10,000.

The website also shares a variety of “favorite centennial recipes” using various types of seafood, including Chicken of the Sea Tuna, of course!

Congratulations to Chicken of the Sea on their “100 Years of Good!” We look forward to taking part in your fun celebratory festivities.

Anniversary Announcements

B.C. Pizza Celebrates 25th Anniversary!

25 yearsB.C. Pizza – “The Hometown Handmade Gourmet Pizza”, specializes in gourmet pizzas, using their secret sauce and crust recipes, and only the freshest ingredients. B.C. Pizza was founded in 1988, by brothers Chris and Wayne Nelson, in Boyne City Michigan. Since then, they have grown to over 30 locations throughout Michigan.

There is something for everyone on B.C. Pizza’s menu including gourmet pizza, salads, pasta, stuffed breadsticks, subs, grinders and wraps, and even desserts. However, B.C. Pizza is known for more than just pizza. The Nelson brothers are strongly committed to giving to the community, and B.C. Pizza is known for volunteering, donating food, partnering with area businesses, or helping out however they can in support of local causes. The community support, friendly customer service, and great pizza have been the key ingredients to B.C. Pizza’s success.

Join us in congratulating B.C. Pizza on their 25th anniversary and a successful 25 years!

Anniversary Announcements

CEW Celebrating 50th Anniversary

black business woman at laptopCEW, Center for the Education of Women, is part of the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. This group has come a long way since their establishment in 1964 as a pioneering university women’s center. Yet their mission remains the same: to encourage and enhance the education and careers of adult women through programs and services, advocacy and research.

CEW Celebration of Women and Film
While plans for celebrating CEW’s 50th anniversary are just beginning, they are kicking things off with a free program including film and festivities at the Michigan Theater on January 14. Included is a program of short films by and about women. Cynthia Wade, Oscar-winning director, will discuss her documentary, “Mondays at Racine.”

Additional Anniversary Year Events

  • Women and Economic Security: Changing Policy and Practice, May 14-16, 2014
    3 day interdisciplinary, multi-sector conference that focuses on removing barriers for women living in poverty as they seek economic security and mobility.
  • Friends and Scholars Weekend, Oct 17-18, 2014
    A recognition of the 2014 CEW scholars that also provides opportunities for former scholars and fellows  to reconnect.
  • Zora Neale Hurston Lecture: Alice Walker, November 5, 2014
    Alice Walker will explore justice issues from both a womanist and black feminist angle. Sponsored in conjunction with the Department of Afroamerican and African Studies.

CEW’s website includes diverse information about their programs and services, including one-on-one counseling, a circulating library collection, current research on work and women’s lives, and information on important issues that affect women both on the UM campus and in Michigan.

Their blog states that someone is working on the 50 year history of CEW, so we’ll be sure to update that reference when it becomes available. It is only through the perseverance of organizations like CEW that women of all color have gained their current social standing. There is so much farther to go, so here is to another 50 years, CEW!