All posts by Michelle Walma

Anniversary Announcements, Celebration Ideas

Morris Animal Foundation Celebrates 65 Years!

History65 years

Dr. Mark L. Morris aspired to improve the health of dogs and cats, and by using advances in human medicine, he became a pioneer of veterinary medicine in regards to diagnostics and nutrition.  In 1928, he established the Raritan Hospital for Animals in Edison, New Jersey, the second companion animal hospital in the country.

Dr. Morris discovered during the Great Depression that dogs who were fed low amounts of protein, or low-quality protein, developed kidney failure. In response to this discovery, Dr. Morris formulated Raritan Ration B, a special mix of high-quality proteins that could be mixed into dog food at home. The result was that Raritan greatly increased the health of dogs.

The Morris Animal Foundation was started by Dr. Morris in 1939.   He credits the inspiration to start the foundation to meeting Morris Frank, an ambassador for the Seeing Eye foundation, and his guide dog Buddy II.  Frank’s guide dog was suffering from kidney failure, was treated by Dr. Morris and fed the Raritan Ration B, and Buddy II’s health improved dramatically.  Frank then helped Dr. Morris obtain a canning machine, and they began canning the prescription formula.  In 1948, they partnered with Hill Packing Co. (now Hill’s Science Diet) to make and distribute the special kidney diet.  A portion of proceeds from the sales went to establish the non-profit Buddy Foundation, later renamed the Morris Animal Foundation, dedicated to researching the health needs and nutrition of animals.  Today, the Morris Animal Foundation is a renowned leader in veterinary advances, and the largest non-profit foundation in the world for companion animal nutrition.

Celebration

In celebration of 65 years of improving animal health, the Morris Animal Foundation will be hosting the Gala of Hope — An Evening with Betty White, on October 19, 2013.  This black tie event will be held in Marina Del Rey at the Ritz Carlton, and will highlight the work of the Morris Animal Foundation, along with the lifelong commitment of Betty White to improve the lives of animals. Festivities will include dinner, music, silent and live auctions, and fun.  In addition to raising money through the silent and live auction events, the Morris Animal Foundation also allowed gala attendees to bid on eBay to attend the gala with Betty White as their guest! The bidding started at $1500, and the winning bid was $10,300. The winning bidder will receive 2 round-trip airfare tickets,  a one-night hotels stay, and VIP tickets to the gala, where they and a guest will sit at the same table as Betty White. Regular tickets to the gala can be purchased by visiting the Morris Animal Foundation website.

Join us in congratulating the Morris Animal Foundation on their 65th anniversary!

Anniversary Announcements

Cascade Engineering Celebrates 40 Years!

40yearsCascade Engineering was founded in 1973, by company President and CEO Fred P. Keller, and is headquartered in Grand Rapids, Michigan.  Cascade is a manufacturer and leading provider of engineered plastics systems and components, serving a multitude of industries. In addition to manufacturing, they offer design, development, and coordination of logistics, providing customers with complete service.  Cascade Engineering is nationally recognized for sustainable business practices and high quality, focusing on the Triple Bottom Line – having a positive impact on people, the planet, and profit. Today, Cascade Engineering is a global company, with 15 locations, 13 strategic businesses, and over 1100 employees, serving an array of industries including:

  • CK technologies – Manufactures large plastic injection components used for commercial truck applications
  • Cascade Engineering Automotive Americas – Plastics technology to replace heavier metal interior and exterior parts, resulting in lighter weight vehicles with improved fuel economy
  • Cascade Engineering Automotive Europe – Manufactures and assembles plastic injection molded components used for vehicle HVAC, electrical and fuel management systems
  • Cascade Cart Solutions – Provides products and services for the solid waste and recycling industry, including bins, rolling carts, front and rear-load commercial containers, lifters, and other service technology solutions
  • Extreme RFID – Designs and manufactures RFID tags for harsh environmental conditions
  • Cascade Engineering Commercial Products – Commercial seating plastic molding processes like co-injection, multi-shot, 3D suction blow molding, insert molding and fabric adhesion technology
  • Invisible Waste Services – Provides valet trash services to multi-family residential communities using the patented “Bench” located near the resident’s front door
  • Noble Polymers – Specializing in the development and production of compounded thermoplastic resins
  • Decade Products – Provides a complete line of reusable plastic containers and pallets for industrial, agriculture and food processing applications worldwide
  • Cascade Renewable Energy –  Provides wind and solar services including site assessments and feasibility studies, system design engineering, project management, installation construction, and technical support
  • Cascade Consulting Group – Provides training, mentoring and consulting services to help organizations use sustainable solutions to produce business and community results
  • Triple Quest – Manufactures and distributes the HydrAid® BioSand water filter which is capable of providing a family of 10 with safe drinking water for 10 years.

Cascade Engineering has been recognized for their sustainability efforts and accolades, which include:

  • Platinum LEED Certified
  • Certified “B” Corporation
  • Finalist for the 2013 Grand Rapids Area Chamber’s Excellence in Business EPIC award
  • Winner of the 2011 Innovation Michigan Lifetime Achievement Award
  • City of Grand Rapids, Cascade Engineering Partner in Green Award 2013
  • Ergonomic Success Award from the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration 2005
  • National Governors Association Distinguished Service Award
  • Best Medium Company to Work for in America finalist 2004

Join us in congratulating Cascade Engineering on their 40th anniversary!

Anniversary Announcements

Jersey Junction- 50 Deliciously Successful Years

Jersey Junction50 Years is an iconic ice cream parlor, located at 652 Croswell Avenue SE, in ‘Gaslight Village’ East Grand Rapids, Michigan. It was founded in October of 1963 by Doris ‘Chris’ Van Allsburg.  She originally opened the shop as a storefront for the East End Creamery, which was owned by her husband and his brothers.  Today, Jersey Junction is owned by Elias Olivarez and features West Michigan made Hudsonville ice cream.

From the outside, Jersey Junction resembles a little red train depot. Located at the front of the building is a deck for visitors to relax and enjoy their favorite ice cream; complete with the last remaining and functional gaslight from “Gaslight Village”.

Upon entering Jersey Junction, visitors are greeted by a wall of candy, reminiscent of an old fashioned candy shop, a favorite among the children waiting for their ice cream.  An old fashioned school bench also lines the wall, where visitors can sit. The ice cream parlor is covered in history, displaying Jersey Junction memorabilia as well as early photographs of Ramona Park, Gaslight Village, and more.   Encircling the parlor near the ceiling is a model of the Polar Express, the train from the children’s book authored and illustrated by Doris’s son Chris Van Allsburg, and later made into a Christmas movie starring Tom Hanks. The dining room contains an exact replica of Jersey Junction complete with working lights and a train.

The display also explains how the name Jersey Junction came about.  The word “Jersey” is representative of Jersey cows which are said to produce the best milk and therefore the best ice cream.  The word “Junction” means to come together.  Today, Jersey Junction remains a favorite place for families and friends to come together and enjoy delicious ice cream.

Join us in congratulating Jersey Junction on their 50th anniversary and on 50 deliciously successful years!

Anniversary Announcements, Celebration Ideas

10 Inspirational Years of The WGVU Morning Show with Shelley Irwin!

History10 Year Annv

Shelley Irwin was drawn to West Michigan as a result of a job opening, and a personal decision to make a career change in order to help make a difference in peoples lives.  She originally came to the WGVU Morning Show’s radio broadcast as a producer and fill-in host back in December of 2001, and officially became the morning show’s host in July of 2003. Shelley says that what she loves most about hosting the morning show is “the opportunity to get the word out on what is happening locally, the feeling of connectivity to the community, and essentially having a front row seat to West Michigan.”

About

The WGVU Morning Show with Shelley Irwin is a two hour conversational news magazine which focuses on local news and events, with a goal to inform, educate, and entertain. In addition to regular guests, both regional and national newsmakers traveling through West Michigan will often grace the show’s microphone. The morning show has many regular segments including:

  • Business Happens in Heels– 3 local west Michigan women gather monthly to discuss their career journeys, challenges, surprises, and thrills, and to share practical advice
  • The Right Place– CEO Birgit Klohs joins in monthly to discuss business development and the regional economy
  • Off the Mat– a local Chopra certified wellness expert joins TMS to discuss stress free lifestyles
  • From Where I Sit– monthly, crunching the numbers with a local furniture analyst
  • Healthy Headlines– guests from the Kent County Health department discuss health in the news, as well as available pets for adoption at the local animal shelter
  • City Beat– weekly, discussing what to do and where to go during the weekend in West Michigan
  • Roving microphone– out and about in the community and statewide to showcase community features, including: the John Ball Park Zoo, Lake Michigan, local coffee shops, cycle races in Traverse City, sailboat races of northern Michigan, and even a trip to the country of Jordan
  • Many other guest segments including: librarians, veterinarians, educators, travel experts, wine experts and those from surrounding communities (Holland, Muskegon, and “up north”)

Accolades

Since Shelley Irwin began hosting the WGVU Morning Show, one of her goals has been to constantly strive to do more and to do better.  As a result of her hard work and dedication, she has earned a multitude of awards:

  • Five Gracie Allen Awards (American Women in Radio and TV) for outstanding Show Host
  • Multiple AP and MAB awards,Silver Microphone awards
  • Michigan Excellence in Journalism award
  • GVSU Community Award
  • Epilepsy Foundation Service Award
  • GVSU Women’s Center Award
  • GRBJ 50 most influential Women in West Michigan
  • GR Magazine’s Face of GR 2013
  • TedX speaker  Macatawa September 2013
  • 2013 Media Personality of the Year Proof Award PRSA
  • GR Lion of the Year and President’s Plaque
  • Half Iron athlete

Celebration

In celebration of ten successful years of The WGVU Morning Show with Shelley Irwin, there are frequent postings on the show’s Facebook page, including memories and photographs of key guests who have appeared on the show. What an adventurous, informational, and fun-packed decade!

Congratulations to The WGVU Morning Show with Shelley Irwin on 10 successful years!

Anniversary Announcements, Celebration Ideas

Harley-Davidson Celebrates “110 Years of Freedom”

History110 Harley Davidson
Harley-Davidson is a Milwaukee based, American motorcycle manufacturer, founded in 1903 by 22-year-old William S. Harley. In 1901, Harley designed the initial prototype, which was a bicycle frame with a motor. Over the next couple years, Harley and his friend Arthur Davidson worked on the motor-bicycle development. Ultimately, they found that the motorized pedal bicycle wasn’t practical for climbing the hilly terrain around Milwaukee. So, in 1903, they designed a new bike with a bigger engine, and on a loop-frame. The prototype was built in a 10ft x 15ft shed in the Davidson family backyard. The motorcycle was functional and competed in the Milwaukee motorcycle race held at the state fair on September 8, 1904, and placed fourth. In 1906, the Harley-Davidson first factory was built on Juneau Avenue, producing 50 motorcycles. Today, the original factory serves as the corporate headquarters, and Harley-Davidson is the most recognized motorcycle brand in the world.

Celebration
This year marks the 110th anniversary of Harley-Davidson, which is being recognized by a 3-day celebration on Labor Day Weekend, Thursday August 29-Saturday August 31, 2013. Two-day ($79 per person) or three-day ($99 per per) celebration tickets are available. The festivities take place at Milwaukee’s lakefront Summerfest Grounds, otherwise known as the Henry W. Maier Festival Park. Festivities include:

  • A Harley-Davidson Museum
    View Harley-Davidson history and culture through self-guided tours
    Open 9am-9pm Thursday through Saturday
  • Product displays
  • Food and drink booths
  • UFC 164
    Harley-Davidson Hometown Throwdown on Sat, Aug 31
    Ultimate Fighting Championship at the BMO Harris Bradley Center
  • Music from:
    • Toby Keith
    • Aerosmith
    • Kid Rock
    • ZZ Top
    • John Fogerty
    • Uncle Kracker
    • Dropkick Murphys
    • Lupe Fiasco
    • Common
    • Brantley Gilbert
    • Doobie Brothers
    • Buckcherry
    • Joan Jett & The Blackhearts
    • Gaslight Anthem
    • Katey Sagal & The Forest Rangers
    • Sublime with Rome and Halestorm

*Note – some bands require an additional ticket

  • Downloadable 110th Anniversary Celebration Poster
  • Downloadable Official Harley-Davidson 110th Anniversary Mobile App- your guide to the celebration

H.O.G (Harley Owners Group) 30th AnniversaryFLHS Electra-Glide Sport
In addition to this year being the 110th Anniversary of Harley-Davidson, it is also the 30th Anniversary of the Harley Owners Group or H.O.G. The H.O.G. celebration is the same time as the 110th Anniversary Celebration, but requires both an 110th Anniversary celebration ticket and a H.O.G. membership card for entrance. Activities include:

  • Live entertainment from Lynyrd Skynyrd and nine other bands
  • Motorcycle Skills Competition
  • Members-only MDA (Muscular Dystrophy Association) bike raffle for charity, where raffle ticket purchasers can win a 2014 one-of-a-kind Harley-Davidson.
  • New Orleans-style walking parade displaying country’s colors, chapter flags, and H.O.G. and Harley-Davidson colors and attire.
  • Custom bike show
  • 30th Anniversary pin for attendees

Congratulations to Harley-Davidson on 110 years and H.O.G. on 30 years!

Anniversary Announcements, Celebration Ideas

Chipotle Mexican Grill- “Celebrating 20 Burritoful Years”

20 YearsAbout
Steve Ells opened the first Chipotle in July 1993 at a former Dolly Madison ice cream location in Denver, CO. A chef himself, Steve’s vision was to build a place where people could eat delicious food, made of the finest ingredients, quickly and affordably. A simple idea, although rarely followed through on, people loved the idea and Chipotle began to grow and expand. “Food with Integrity” is Chipotle’s commitment; to always look closer, dig deeper, and work harder. Chipotle promises to run their business in a way that doesn’t exploit animals, people, or the environment. It is this philosophy that guides every decision made at Chipotle.

History
1993: Chipotle opened, only 880 sq feet, and is the smallest Chipotle in the world.
1995: The 2nd and 3rd locations were opened.
1996: Five more restaurants were opened in the Denver area
1999: The first Chipotles opened outside of Colorado: Minneapolis, MN and Columbus, OH
1999: Steve Ells learns about the way most pork is raised in the US and decides to do things differently
2000: Chipotle started serving naturally raised pork. The price of carnitas increased $1 but sales increased as well. As of 2010, 100% of pork served is naturally raised.
2002: Chipotle started serving naturally raised chicken as well, and 100% of chicken served is naturally raised
2002: The first green Chipotle opened in Austin, Texas
2004: Chipotle starts using zero trans fat frying oil.
2006: Chipotle goes public on the NYSE
2007: Chipotle started serving naturally raised beef, and 100% of beef served in naturally raised
2007: All cheese and sour cream used at Chipotle is rBGH free
2008: Begins using certified organic black beans and as of 2010, 40% of black beans served are organic

CelebrationChipotle pic
Chipotle is celebrating their 20th anniversary with the Adventurrito- 20th Anniversary Treasure Hunt

Participants in the contest must pre-register at www.adventurrito.com

The treasure hunt starts on July 13th and lasts for 20 days.

Each day Chipotle will release a new puzzle to complete and Chipotle will select 20 players at random (19 days, 20 winners per day, equals 380 happy people) to receive free burritos for a year!

The players that correctly solve the first 19 puzzles get a shot at the grand prize on the 20th day. The first 20 people with the highest scores on the 20th puzzle win!

The grand prize is 20 years of free burritos! Yes, that’s a lot of burritos–1040 to be exact! The grand prize winners will receive 52 free burrito cards per year- one burrito per week- for 20 years.

Join us in congratulating Chipotle on their 20th anniversary!

Anniversary Announcements

Frontier Celebrates 19 Successful, High-Flying Years

Frontier Airlines is celebrating their 19th anniversary this year.  Frontier Airlines is a wholly owned subsidiary of Indianapolis-based Republic Airways Holdings Inc, an airline holding company that also owns Chautauqua Airlines, Republic Airlines, and Shuttle America.  Frontier operates its primary hub at Denver International Airport. Today, Frontier operates more than 350 daily flights, serves more than 75 destinations in the United States, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, and Mexico; and employs more than 4,500 professionals.

HistoryFrontier pic

Frontier Airlines began as a local service airline, operating out of Denver’s Stapleton Airport, on November 27, 1946.  At that time it was known as Monarch Airlines, which serviced Colorado, Utah, New Mexico, and Arizona.  In 1950, Monarch Airlines merged with Arizona Airways, and Challenger Airlines, becoming Frontier Airlines.  Frontier then served the Rocky Mountain area, 40 cities in total, with 12 Douglas DC-3s in its fleet.  The airline carried millions of passengers over the years and had a reputation for great service and an outstanding safety record.  The airline declared bankruptcy in 1986,  and was subsequently purchased by Republic Airways Holdings, Inc. Then, in August of 1993, executives derived a plan to give Frontier Airlines a fresh start while looking to fill a huge gap left by Continental Airlines’ drastic cutback on flights to Denver’s International airport.  In November of the same year, executives finished the business plan to create the “new” Frontier Airlines.

1994: the beginning!

  • February 8, 1994

The new company was incorporated as Frontier Airlines

  • March 15. 1994

The new headquarters office opened with a staff of 22, on a sunny and chilly day in Denver, celebrating the milestone with a nice juicy steak.

  • July 5, 1994

Take off! Frontier launches their first flights. Operations begin with two Boeing 737-200s on routes linking Denver to Bismarck, Fargo, Grand Forks and Minot, N.D. Champagne was served.

1999 – 2004: the wonder years!

  • July 5, 1999

Frontier celebrated their fifth anniversary of flight operations, having carried approximately 5.8 million passengers since July 1994. Employees: 1,700.

  • 2004

The fleet gets a makeover, with each plane getting a wild animal painted on the tail.  There are over 50 different animals with unique personalities in all.

  • May 6, 2004

EarlyReturns® mileage program places in the top three in five categories at the 2004 Freddie Awards for frequent flyer programs. The awards came after Frontier’s “Talking Animals” advertising campaign which won widespread critical accolades in 2004, including the Denver Advertising Federation’s (DAF) “Fame and Fortune” Award, four New York Festival Awards, nine Mobius Awards and one Cresta Award.

2005-2009: into the wild blue yonder!

  • July 1, 2005

For the third consecutive year, Travel + Leisure magazine recognized Frontier Airlines as one of readers’ “Top 10 Domestic Airlines” in its World’s Best Awards.

  • Nov. 3, 2005

The Department of Transportation released the “On Time Arrival Performance” report ranking all carriers at the 33 largest airports in America, and Frontier ranked #1 with 92.1% of flights arriving on time.

  • Nov. 30, 2006

Frontier is named the best U.S. low-cost carrier by the readers of Business Traveler magazine.

  • Dec. 24, 2007

Frontier Airlines received an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Achievement in Advanced Media Technology for best use of On Demand Technology.

  • March 31, 2009

Frontier wins its tenth consecutive award for excellence in safety and training from the FAA. A record number of our maintenance and engineering employees win the Diamond Award of Excellence.

A green FRONTIER

Frontier Airlines takes pride in their green initiatives.   They are setting themselves apart from other airlines.  Their fleet is newer and more fuel-efficient than the average domestic fleet by 25%. They are working on reducing fuel consumption, and therefore emissions, by becoming more efficient.  They recycle 80% of aluminum cans from flights and virtually 100% of cardboard products.

Anniversary Celebration

Frontier is celebrating their 19th birthday this year by offering 19% off fares for travel on July 4th and 5th, 2013.

Congratulations to Frontier Airlines on 19 successful years of service!

Anniversary Announcements

Bob’s Big Boy – 75 Years of Delicious

BigBoy75Big Boy franchise is still growing, and has over 1,000 locations nationwide, with locations in Canada and even Japan.  The oldest remaining Bob’s Big Boy restaurant is the one located at 4211 W. Riverside Drive in Burbank, California, and was declared a historical landmark by the state of California in 1993.

The Creation of the Big Boy Double Decker Burger

As it would happen, one night a regular customer to Bob’s Pantry requested a hamburger, but wanted something different.  Bob accepted the challenge, went to work on creating a new burger, and so the first double-decker hamburger was born.  Customers loved the burger so much that Wian added it to his menu.  There was one neighborhood boy in particular, Richard Woodruff, who loved the new burger.  He would offer to help Bob sweep the restaurant in exchange for a free burger. Wian was inspired by the boy and named the new burger the Big Boy.  Shortly thereafter, a regular customer and Warner Bros. animation artist Ben Washam, sketched the boy on a napkin, and the infamous Big Boy character was born. The rest as they say, is history.

New Developments After 75 Years

Big Boy is always working to improve their restaurant, and this 75th year of service is no different. Big Boy is currently trying out some changes to their menu. This year, they are testing a new Blockbuster Breakfast in the Grand Rapids, Michigan test market, which has garnered great success so far. Likened to the Denny’s Grand Slam breakfast, customers can mix and match 3 to 5 breakfast options at a more affordable price point.

They’ve also added the build-your-own-burger option, giving guests the ability to customize their burger to perfection. Some restaurants are also expanding their salad bars, with a build-your-own baked potato bar at lunchtime, and a taco bar at night.

Big Boy is proud of their 75 years of food service, with their 75th anniversary logo stamped on cups, napkins, banners, and other decor throughout their restaurant.

Congratulations to Bob’s Big Boy restaurant on 75 years of service!