Runaas Resources Public Relations

Houston Area PR Agency Honored by the Spring-Klein Chamber of Commerce

July 25, 2009 – SPRING, TX – Runaas Resources LLC announced today that the independent public relations agency received the Spring-Klein Chamber of Commerce’s (SKCC) Toni Award for 2009 Business of the Year.

Candace Runaas (c) accepts the SKCC Toni Award for Business of the Year 2009 from Toni Richard and Assad Shorrosh.

“I am so surprised and honored to receive this…,” said Candace Runaas, president of Runaas Resources, whose company focuses primarily on representing women-owned businesses. She has earned a reputation for her active support of the local business community and her altruistic involvement with non-profit organizations and anti-abuse causes.

The SKCC Toni Award recognizes area businesses that contribute to the economic growth of the Spring-Klein area through active support of the Chamber and its member businesses.

Namesake of the award, Toni Richard, chamber president and co-founder, and Assad Shorrosh, executive board member, presented the award to a tearful Runaas, during the chamber’s 2^nd Annual Christmas in July Gala on Friday, July 24, 2009.

The annual fundraiser also serves as a celebration of the one year anniversary of the young chamber.  The first Christmas in July Gala was held only two months after the chamber’s inaugural luncheon in May 2008.  This year’s event featured Commissioner Jerry Eversole as the guest of honor.

“No one could have deserved this award more,” stated Jennifer Grassman, a Runaas Resources client. “I enjoy working with Runaas Resources because they are a creative, strategic and effective PR agency. Candace has such a big heart. She is a fierce advocate for small business owners and community causes. She puts her heart and soul into everything she does and I am honored to say that I work with her.”

About Runaas Resources LLC

Established in 2005, Runaas Resources LLC is a virtual public relations agency located in Spring, Texas.   Candace Runaas, company president, receives much recognition for her innovative PR methods and her involvement in the community.  For more information, please contact Candace Runaas at info@www.runaasresources.com or visit www.runaasresources.com.

Commissioner Eversole encourages businesses during the 2009 SKCC Christmas in July Gala. (Credit: Ava Ray)

Commissioner Jerry Eversole Speaks to Banquet Guests; Local PR agency wins SKCC Toni Award for Business of the Year

July 26, 2009 – SPRING, TX – The Spring-Klein Chamber of Commerce (SKCC) celebrated their 2^nd Annual Christmas in July Gala on Friday, July 24, 2009.   Harris County Precinct 4 Commissioner Jerry Eversole spoke as the special guest during the banquet.

“The unique challenge for this chamber is that the area you represent cannot easily be mapped out,” said Commissioner Eversole at the event.  He was referring to the fact that Spring and Klein are unincorporated and extra-territorial jurisdictions of Houston.  “But the businesses of this area need to support this chamber in order for it to continue to grow.”

His comments were spoken with the Commissioner’s candid and outspoken sense of humor to an audience that included a table hosted by Senator Dan Patrick.   Court Koenning, chief of staff for Senator Patrick, and his wife, Dawn, were also at the event.

Event auctioneer, Mark Moore TAL #15019, purchased and donated a Texas Flag donated by Representative Debbie Riddle to be flown over the state capital and a VIP Capitol Tour for the live auction in honor of the day of their choosing.

“We are so appreciative of all the support that we have received from our representatives and the community,” said Toni Richard, president and co-founder of the SKCC.  “The membership continues to grow at a steady pace and our mission to connect the community to create a thriving economy in Spring is really making an impact.”

“We thank all of the businesses that supported us through donations to our auction,” added Elle Carnes, chair of the Christmas in July Committee. “We also give special thanks to the generous sponsors who made this event possible.”  Sponsors of the event included Shorco Inc., Century 21 – Robert Harris, Houston WAHMS (Work-at-Home Moms) and the Tomball-Spring Times.

The event also featured the first annual SKCC Toni Awards ceremony.   Candace Runaas, president of Runaas Resources, tearfully accepted the honor for her company as the 2009 Business of the Year.  The award recognizes businesses that make outstanding service contributions to the chamber and its member businesses.

“I was chamber president of the Humble Chamber of Commerce for 18 years,” shared Eversole, “and I enjoyed ever minute of it.  This chamber can be a very successful one as long as the area businesses and members are willing to support the work that they are doing.”

Commissioner Eversole is currently serving his fifth four-year term as commissioner of Precinct 4, the largest Harris County precinct, encompassing 587.1 square miles with over 904,000 residents.  Spring Texas is located in Harris County Precinct 4.

ABOUT THE SPRING KLEIN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE: Founded in May 2008, the Spring Klein Chamber of Commerce (SKCC) is the business and community support organization dedicated to being the primary resource for area economic development, business expansion and overall quality of life in Spring-Klein. For more information, visit www.springkleinchamber.org or call 281-257-4431.

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Ross Wells, the creative influence and director of Zenfilm, received recognition as Artist of the Year at the TLM Fall Festival in Brenham, Texas on Saturday, November 1, 2008.

TLM Productions, an independent record label, presented Wells with the award for displaying ‘extraordinary creativity, passion, and service to the TLM Group and its member artists,’ during the production company’s fourth annual music festival featuring artists such as Thread Atlas, Cheryl Amelang, 3 Kisses and Jennifer Grassman.

Zenfilm is a Houston-based film and HD production boutique, operated by the long time producer/director team of Merideth Melville and Ross Wells. Zenfilm attended the festival in celebration of the completion of their latest music video project for TLM, “Pretty Girls,” the debut single from recording artist, Jennifer Grassman.

Artists collaborating on the project include cinematographers Wayne Forster and Raul Casares, Assistant Editors Scott Marett and Everett Taasevigen, Unit Production Manager Jarrod Gullett and First Assistant Director Tracy Jemison. The video was also made possible by support from Panavision Houston and The Lighting Zone Houston. The video is due for public release in December.

Tori Amos Commends Houston Indie Recording Artist for Benefiting Abuse Victims

Spring, TX – October 10, 2008 – Jennifer Grassman, recording artist, was recently commended by multi-platinum recording artist Tori Amos for her work organizing the city’s first benefit concert for The Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network (RAINN).

“I commend Jennifer on the great work she is doing to help victims of sexual assault,” says Tori Amos, recording artist and founder of RAINN, speaking of Grassman’s passion to assist those affected by this violent crime, especially young adults. 

The fundraising concert, called RAINN Over Houston, will take place in Houston in June of 2009, almost exactly 15 years after Amos co-founded RAINN in June of 1994.

Grassman, a resident of Spring and child abuse survivor, is hosting RAINN Over Houston in order to raise donations to help abuse victims and to educate the public on how to reduce their risk of assault. “Tori Amos has long been an inspiration for me,” stated Grassman, “not only because of her musical talent, but because of her passion, individuality, and spiritual strength. I was aware of her music before I became aware of her personal life and work. Her relation to RAINN resolved my respect and admiration.”

Every two minutes someone in the United States is sexually assaulted and 60% of those cases go unreported to the police, according to RAINN, the country’s largest anti-sexual assault organization. The Houston Area Women’s Center stated that there were 20,070 instances of domestic violence, six of which resulted in death, in Houston in the year 2006.  There were also 854 reported rapes in 2006, according to The Houston Police Department in January of 2007.

The financial goal of RAINN Over Houston is to raise at least $100,000 with 100% of net proceeds to be donated to RAINN.  Grassman is also dedicating her third album to the organization and contributing a portion of the sale proceeds to their cause.

Tickets will go on sale early next year.  Several sponsorship packages are available for local benefactors to consider.  For more information on the concert or sponsorship opportunities, please contact Jennifer Grassman Music at jennifergrassmanmusic@comcast.net or 281-573-0610.

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Jennifer Grassman, singer, songwriter, pianist, and recording artist, resides in Spring TX.  Her songs are inspired by a desire to console and reassure listeners who are suffering and to promote meaningful thought and great expectations. To learn more, please visit www.JenniferGrassman.com or www.rainnoverhouston.org.  

The Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network (RAINN) created and operates the National Sexual Assault Hotline (800-656-HOPE) which has helped over 1.2 million people since its inception in 1994.  RAINN recently launched the National Sexual Assault Online Hotline (www.rainn.org), the country’s first secure web-based hotline, which provides a safe, secure and anonymous place for victims to get help online.  RAINN also helps to educate over 130 million college students each year about sexual assault, and leads national efforts to improve services to victims and ensure that rapists are brought to justice. 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Local Celebrity Hosts First Houston Concert to Benefit Victims of Sexual Assault

All net proceeds from the concert to support the nation’s largest anti-sexual assault organization

Spring, TX – July 29, 2008 – Jennifer Grassman, local celebrity and recording artist, will host the city’s first RAINN Over Houston Benefit Concert, to help support the efforts of the Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network (RAINN).  The fundraising concert will take place at the Meridian in Houston in June of 2009.

“It is a tragedy that has tainted the lives of many of us,” says Grassman. “I myself am an abuse survivor.  My best friend is a rape survivor.  We are not alone.”  Every two minutes someone in the United States is sexually assaulted and 60% of those cases go unreported to the police, according to RAINN, the country’s largest anti-sexual assault organization. 

Grassman, a resident of Spring, is hosting the event to raise awareness and educate the public on how to reduce the risks of assault for themselves and their loved ones.  She will perform during the concert, which will feature speakers and other notable Houston personalities, such as Ernie Manouse, show host of PBS’ Inner Views. 

The financial goal of the event is to raise at least $30,000 with 100% of net proceeds to be donated to RAINN.  Grassman is also dedicating her third album to the organization and contributing a portion of the sale proceeds to their cause.

Tickets will go on sale early next year.  Several sponsorship packages are available for local benefactors to consider.  For more information on the concert or sponsorship opportunities, please contact Jennifer Grassman Music at jennifergrassmanmusic@comcast.net or 281-573-0610. 

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Jennifer Grassman is a singer, composer and recording artist.  Her songs are inspired by her desire to console and reassure listeners who are suffering and to inspire meaningful thought and great expectations. She is currently on tour in Texas.  To learn more, please visit www.myspace.com/JenniferGrassman or www.myspace.com/rainnoverhouston.

The Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network (RAINN) created and operates the National Sexual Assault Hotline (800-656-HOPE) which has helped over 1.2 million people since its inception in 1994.  RAINN recently launched the National Sexual Assault Online Hotline (www.rainn.org), the country’s first secure web-based hotline, which provides a safe, secure and anonymous place for victims to get help online.  RAINN also helps to educate over 130 million college students each year about sexual assault, and leads national efforts to improve services to victims and ensure that rapists are brought to justice. 

 TWO WOMEN…TWO LOCATIONS…TWO COMPLETED NOVEL COLLABORATIONS!

Novelists Meet Online and Merge to Write Scintillating Trilogy!  

HOUSTON, April 1, 2008 – What began as mutual admiration has culminated in a successful literary merger not easily accomplished between two people living in the same zip code…so imagine how amazing it is for these two ladies to pull it off in two different states!  Raquel Eldridge, of Houston, Texas, and Shawnte’ Henderson, of Toledo, Ohio, have collaborated for six years as friends and coauthors, creating several novels, without ever physically meeting each other. WomanEntrepreneur.com observed in a recent article entitled ‘E-Business Trend Spotting for 2008’ that ‘business relationships are becoming increasingly virtual.’  Online business collaborations are a consistently growing trend in our modern technological culture.  Electronic mail, along with social networking websites, such as MySpace and Facebook, and a variety of blog sites, contribute to an emerging cyber-community of business relationships that develop and solidify into thriving partnerships.  Eldridge and Henderson are a good representation of this popular business practice with their latest series of novels.  Neither of the novelists has physically laid eyes on the other in the nearly six years that they’ve been friends and coauthors. “We primarily communicate via standard e-mail and the telephone.  We also maintain separate social networking websites on MySpace, BlackPlanet and other similar sites, acknowledging each other therein, obviously,” says Eldridge.   Conceptualized from the beginning as a 3-part collection, their first installment, Where Friendship Lies, a fictional dramatic work, introduces the reader to complex and well-developed characters that cope with commonplace situations while also confronting the deep emotional issues of loneliness, infidelity and marital trust.  “The novel was very well-received by both male and female readers alike!” says Eldridge.   The two writers recently completed their follow-up project, A Lover’s Deceit, which promises to build on the saga of the two female lead characters.     About the Authors:
Raquel Eldridge (left) lives in Houston, TX, where she works in Accounting for a Corporate IT Company, performs as Associate Editor for Gospel Xpress Magazine, and is Communications Director for HELP Sister Connect.  Shawnte’ (right) resides in Toledo, OH, where she is mother to her daughter, Taylor, and works in retail as a bookseller and Administrative Assistant.  She’s also currently working to develop her company, PageTurner Publications.  More info @ www.prose-pros.com.   

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                         

Contact:   Candace Runaas, Runaas Resources Public Relations
info@runaasresources.com 

Citywide Talent Search Auditions Taking Place in Northwest Houston on April 19, 2008 “Reach for the Sky” Talent Search Final Performances at the Hilton Garden Inn on April 20, 2008  

HOUSTON, March 3, 2008 – Only positive musical artists need apply.  Keith A. Rowel, founder and CEO of Space City Institute of Houston, Inc., announced today their organization is hosting a citywide talent search “American Idol” style, entitled “Reach for the Sky” with auditions on April 19 and final performances on April 20 at the Hilton Garden Inn in northwest Houston. 

            The talent search is open to all solo artists, duos, trios, and bands.  The auditions will be held on Saturday, April 19^th, beginning at 8:00 a.m, at the Hilton Garden Inn, located at 7979 Willow Chase Boulevard.   A variety of music genres are encouraged, including Hip Hop, R&B, Alternative Mix, Contemporary Gospel and Alternative artists and bands. 

            The audition entry fee is $35 per contestant, per category, with proceeds from the “Reach for the Sky” talent search event to benefit the programs of Space City Institute of Houston (SCIH), a non-profit organization that educates both youth and adults about the business of music and media, including core course subjects such as Entertainment Management, Entertainment Law, Artist Development, Creative Journalism and Sound Engineering. 

“We are looking for developing artists, not only to promote but to also educate,” says Rowel, a music professional who traveled during the 80’s with Top 40 group, Starpoint, as well as being instrumental in the early career of Toni Braxton.  He adds, “I’m doing this because there is a huge gap between people who are aspiring to be in the music industry and their actual understanding of the business as it relates to music and media.”

Music and media industry professionals will judge the performances.  Winners will be eligible for cash prizes and recording studio time.

SCIH is home to innovative programs such as the International College Arts Network (iCAN), a curriculum based program for high school and college students, and the Restore and Save the Music Campaign (RSMC), which encourages artists and industry professionals to create and promote positive music.

Current sponsors include Hilton Garden Inn, 125^th & Lennox Athletics, KRecords, and K20 Promotions.   The event is still in need of financial and in-kind sponsors.  For more information, visit The Music Space (www.the-musicspace.com), or call 713-459-2540.

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 About Space City Institute of HoustonEstablished in 2003, Space City Institute of Houston, Inc. (SCIH) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization committed to providing professional solutions to educate youth and adults about the Business of Music and Media.  For more information about our organization and various programs, please visit www.scih.org or www.the-musicspace.com.

Houston Artist Creates Anti-Smoking Coloring Book for Children

Houston, TX – January 7, 2008 – Freelance artist and poet, Tim Webb, a Spring resident, also known as Texas Tim, announced today that he has created an anti-smoking coloring book to reach young children with the message that cigarette smoking is harmful to their health through cartoon illustrations and poems.

Webb’s goal is to provide a means for parents to teach their children in the tender years to refrain from cigarette smoking or, as he puts it, “to dodge the smoking bullet.”

According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), “cigarettes kill more Americans than alcohol, car accidents, suicide, AIDS, homicide, and illegal drugs combined.” The ACS strongly recommends that ‘parents start talking about tobacco use when their children are 5 or 6 years old and to continue through their high school years’ as a preventative measure.

One helpful tool that parents can use to introduce anti-smoking messages to their Pre-K and early elementary school age children is the new coloring book, “Smoke in Your Eye Makes You Cry,” written and illustrated by Texas Tim, which includes imaginative jokes, puns and play on word poetry with original caricature art that is sure to attract young children while teaching them that smoking cigarettes is a poor choice.

Using the term Sickerettes (c) to describe cigarettes, the coloring book features characters such as “Ollie Owl” who can fly for miles because smoking is not his style or “Freddy Frog” who tells his young audience that there is “no room for an ash tray on my lily pad.” The sensible frog adds, “A fisherman offered me a Sickerette (c) / Certainly as a joke/ What, me use tobacco/ You think I want to croak?”

Experts agree that parents are the primary factor in a child’s choice to abstain from smoking. Dr. Denton A. Cooley, M.D., founder, president and surgeon-in-chief of the Texas Heart Institute, prescribes in the foreword that “this book belongs in every child’s ‘Survival Kit.’ The knowledge will serve them from childhood through adulthood into their parenthood.”

“Texas Tim” Webb, (http://www.texastim.com/), freelance artist and poet, wants to work with schools, health organizations and interested private parties and businesses to spread the anti-smoking message in a delightful, easy to understand way to children. The coloring books are available for purchase for only $5.00 each at http://www.texastim.com/.

Contact:
Candace Runaas
Runaas Resources PR
281.257.4431

For Immediate Release:

First Sizzler Restaurant in U.S. To Offer Full Service Located in Houston

December 21, 2007 – Houston, Texas – Mr. Assad Shorrosh, President and CEO of Shorco Enterprises Inc., announced today that his Sizzler steakhouse franchise located in NW Houston will be the first and only Sizzler Restaurant to offer full service in the United States.

Sizzler, a trusted restaurant brand, re-introduced their “fast casual” restaurants, a form of dining where the customer orders their food prior to being seated, to the city of Houston this year with a grand opening at FM 2920 and Kuykendahl in July 2007. The initial area response was “tremendous. Our opening was well above expectations,” says Shorrosh.

In the coming months, customer feedback revealed that interest in a “full” service style of dining had more appeal than Sizzler’s traditional “pay-first” method.

Shorco took the initiative in addressing the concerns by creating a proposal to modify the receipt of customers, the cost structure, and the introduction of new menu items in order to accommodate the public.

In early November, Anthony Shorrosh, Shorco business partner and head of operations for the restaurant, began working directly with corporate executives in California to propose the full service concept for the Houston market. Coincidentally, Sizzler was planning to implement this service style in Las Vegas, but as a direct result of Shorco’s proposal, Houston will be the first and only full service Sizzler in the United States.

Initial customer reaction suggests that the changes are welcome. Todd Peterson, Vice President of New Business Development at Sizzler’s offices in California, says, “It is still early in the test, but all indications are that this is a positive move, particularly in the Texas market.”

Since 1958, Sizzler has served great steaks, seafood and salad while emphasizing value comfort and convenience . Sizzler now owns or franchises more than 400 midscale, casual dining restaurants worldwide, with locations in Puerto Rico, Asia and Australia. Sizzler continues to frequently update and expand their restaurants and marketing efforts by research-driven brand strategy.

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Candace Runaas
Runaas Resources Public Relations
281.257.4431
info@runaasresources.com

Upcoming Houston Event – Business

SCORE is a volunteer association and a partner of the US Small Business Association. They are recognized as a great resource for entrepreneurs and I highly recommend meeting with one of their counselors for ideas on how to create a business plan, network or manage your business. If you are able to make this event, it will benefit your business. Enjoy.

Starting and Running Your Own Business, Saturday, Dec. 8, 8;30 a.m. – 4 p.m., University of Houston Hilton Hotel Conference Center, 4800 Calhoun. Hosted by SCORE: Counselors to America’s Small Business. Cost: $35. Information: 713-773-6565 or http://www.scorehouston.org/