Chicken 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.

The Pro Football Hall of Fame is located in Canton, Ohio and is “America’s premier sports museum and showplace”. Opening in September 1963, the Pro Football Hall of Fame inducted its first 17 enshrinees. Since then, the Hall of Fame has grown to 280 members.

The Pro Football Hall of Fame Highlights

• Hall of Fame Gallery- includes a bronze bust of each inductee and interactive kiosks with player bios, photos, and videos.
• Moments, Memories & Mementos Gallery- highlights incredible achievements
• Pro Football Today Gallery-features recent history-making performances
• Lamar Hunt Super Bowl Gallery- recaps every Super Bowl played to date, and includes the Super Bowl Theater-highlighting the greatest Super Bowl moments.
• Interactive Area- try your hand at trivia, calling the play, video game and more.
• Archives- world’s largest collection of documents pertaining to professional football.
• Hall of Fame Store
• Rotating Exhibits

The Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Festival

Each summer, the Pro Football Hall of Fame holds the 10-day Enshrinement Festival to celebrate the love of football and announce the newest inductees. For more information on the Enshrinement Festival or the Pro Football Hall of Fame, please visit their website: http://www.profootballhof.com/default.aspx.

Events include:

• Drum Corps International Competition
• Hot Air Balloon Classic
• Concerts
• Fireworks
• 2 and 5 Mile Races
• Community Parade
• Children’s Activities
• Ribs Burnoff- 3 day event where BBQ Rib masters from around the world come to compete for barbecue glory, and visitors can enjoy a lunch or dinner
• First Play – kids join together to toss an official NFL football to one another along a three-mile route

Friday

• Hall of Famer Photo Op
• Enshrinees Gold Jacket Dinner
•  Autograph Sessions

Saturday

• Grand Parade
• Autograph Sessions
• Enshrinement Celebration Fan Party
• Enshrinement Ceremony

Sunday

• Enshrinees Game Day Roundtable
• Fan Appreciation Tailgate Party
• NFL/Hall of Fame Game

Delighting football fans and spectators alike, congratulations to the Pro Football Hall of Fame on their 50th anniversary.

History

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!

History

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!

History
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 Anniversary
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!

About
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

Celebration
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!

One of the largest business anniversary celebrations we’ve seen occurred this year at Steamboat, also known as Ski Town USA and the home of Champagne Powder. Although yours truly didn’t make the January 12 to 21 celebration dates, my ski buddies from the Greater Grand Rapids Ski Club and I made it to the after party last week as shown in the photo.

We also got to chat with the nice folks at Steamboat Today, who put on a very informative morning show on TV 18, shown in the other photo.

Promotions Galore

This post would be miles long if it listed all of Steamboat’s promotions for their big celebration, so here is a shortened summary:

• An ESB beer brewed by Anheuser-Busch and labeled with a custom Steamboat 50th Anniversary tap at participating bars. Note: we did not see this at their outdoor “ice bar,” but the bar was sure cool.
• A new cocktail called “Golden Antler” made with Barenjager Honey Bourbon, peach schnapps, orange juice, and ginger ale. I don’t remember anything after trying this!
• Their official celebration (which we missed)
  • Live music from the Yampa Valley Boys
  • 50th Anniversary merchandise tent
  • A time capsule opening from their from their 25th anniversary
  • Several Bud Light free concerts featuring area bands
  • A Texas sized birthday cake: 3 layers, 700 lbs, 30” deep by 80” long by 3’ tall – use your imagination!!
  • Lighting of the 50th Anniversary Cauldron
  • Torchlight Parade (Vogue, See Me, Lower Valley View runs)
  • Fireworks synched to music – the largest display in resorts history
  • Prizes hidden in gondola cars
  • 39th Annual cowboy downhill
• Many, many prizes, including
  • Steamboat ski vacation for 4
  • Heli ski trip for 2
  • 4 monthly prizes: Rossignol skis and bindings, Burton Snowboard, Steamboat summer vacation for 2, Rossignol skis and bindings
  • 50 days and 50 daily prizes including lift tickets, ski and cowboy apparel, sleigh ride dinners, and massages
• On site improvements
  • new Bison Groomer
  • expanded and upgraded snow making capabilities
  • new 4-stroke energy efficient snowmobiles
  • foot rests and restraining bars on Morrningside chairlift (thank you, thank you!)
  • new chairs with foot rests for the 4 Points chairlift
  • ski rental inventory revamp
  • facility enhancements at the Steamboat Grand, Thunderhead, and Rendezvouz

Join us in congratulating Steamboat on their 50th anniversary!