Archive for the ‘Business as Usual’ Category

Fleishman-Hillard has been tapped to develop an integral marketing and PR campaign to support the U.S. launch of Chevy Cruze. Built in the U.S., the Cruze has already been launched and proven in more than 60 countries and soon will arrive at U.S. dealerships. FYI for those who came in late, that the,Cruze is a compact car that offers amenities more commonly found in upscale vehicles, including Bluetooth, USB port, navigation, and numerous safety features, such as 10 standard airbags. It also offers segment-leading fuel economy and the spaciousness and amenities of a mid-size car. In support of the launch, Fleishman-Hillard has created a program that fuses the social and traditional media strategies with consumer marketing and grassroots capabilities.

“We have broken ground on a new Carol House in Valley Park,” spewed Brook Dubman, bossman of the furniture and accessory giant “where you like nice things.” A familiar face on television via the company’s blitz of commercials, Dubman, with his wife,

Brook and Melissa Dubman

Melissa, fawned over their children, Garrett, 5 and Eliana, 3, at the KPLR, Channel 11 fall preview launch party at Dierdorf & Hart’s Westport Plaza eatery. Beginning Sept. 20, the station’s Patrick Clark will headline a new 4 o’clock news block, that will feature the arts and entertainment, according to Channel 11 and KTVI FOX 2’s leader, Spencer Koch, who hails from Staten Island, and later recalled his five years as production assistant with the Mets. He turned to the print media and opined, “It’s going away with the era of tech. And now, you can read newspapers online with Google. Some day, you’ll have to pay for it.” Jenny and Rich Wolkowitz were on hand and got kudos on their 5-unit Car Credit City independent dealerships – “The largest in the area,” hyped Rich, who confirmed he’s given up political aspirations. As for buying time on KMOX radio for Cardinal baseball, Wolkowitz said, “It’s not my mix, but I do buy a great deal of advertising on cable.” Creative advertising maven Bob Kochan got backpats on landing the Pulaski Bank account and ad exec Ben Turec waxed on about his Golden Oak Lending and Casino Queen accounts. Kochan also mentioned, that his daughter, Emily, now serves Laclede’s Landing as exec director. Turec pointed out, that even KTRS, whose broadcasts of Cards games will end this year, did a salute that day to KMOX for snagging the rights. Then it was onward for rounds at Herbie’s Vintage ‘72 for a chat with twosome David Charak and his steady, Diane Zebell, who lamented the passing of the popular Redel’s. Nearby were Nestle-Purina’s James Kristol and Matt Kurusz with Patty Abel, toasting Matt’s 27th birthday dinner, amiably served by Herbie’s star waiter, Charlie Manns.

It’s been a great week so far, any way you look at it (provided you weren’t looking at it from Iraq, Afghanistan, North Korea or the house of Centene communicator and former television anchor Deanne Lane, who is mourning the sudden death of her husband, consultant and avid golfer Greg Goodrich. . . .A family of restaurants has grown to three with Ellen Schmitz’s just-debuted Mosaic Bistro Market on Central Avenue in Clayton. It features French inspired fare. Her siblings, Frank and Carl Schmitz, own BARcelona and Mosaic Modern Fusion Restaurant. . .Nearby, that big colorful World News is filled with newspapers and magazines from around the world. Some are serious, some scurrilous, some silly, some trashy, some slightly pornographic, but they all seemed to be healthier than the neurotic notions being peddled upstairs under the American flag. How appropriate that the popular American philosophers of the day are those who write for consumers, automobiles and physical fitness. But then there’s St. Louis magazine’s style editor, Nicole Benoist Edgerton, who has chosen the best-dressed townies for 2010: Dawna Sturdivant; Frankie Muriel; Diane Breckenridge; Alex Russell; Beth Davis; Alex David; Retta Leritz DiFate; Mike McMillan; Sarah King and Mark Austin. . . .Metro passenger to a retired employee, “Does this Metro stop everywhere?” Metro staffer to passenger, “Sometimes even oftener Man, do I get sick of being quaint and colorful”. . .Comes Stan Kroenke, the new owner of 60 percent of the Rams to play a game a different way, not necessarily better. . ..Donna Wilkinson is lamenting the loss of her quality assistant, Jim Timmerberg, who has opted to work for a company in Colinsville, IL., after serving our town’s leading fund-raiser for 16 years. . .Nan Fowler, former sales exec with the beleagured NPS, has bowed her own firm to serve funeral homes with products. Her credo? “I believe every life should be celebrated and every service be meaningful”. . .Is it true that a local hospital will dub its baby show as the “Heirport?”. . .And, don’t you love the refrain, “I’ll vote for him even if he can’t win?”

Whitmoor C.C. was the place to be on a hot day. The fairway was strewn with bodies like a battlefield. The sun cocked an eye on the duffers and happiness was Channel 5’s Frank Cusumano, who shot a 59. It was Christian Brothers College High School’s (CBC) annual tourney. A DeSmet alum, Cusumano’s heart belonged to CBC for a day. Zoning czar John King, a barrrister for the school, where he graduated in ‘54, turned to politics and questioned, “How can Jewish people support President Obama, when he won’t support Israel? After all, we can count on Jews the most. I would die for Israel.”

CBC ON THE LINKS AT WHITMOOR C.C.

On the subject of zoning, King said 50 acres of a tract at the JCC will be developed and sold via lots by Mike Staenberg to Pulte, the nation’s largest homebuilder. With King was his son, Paul, who owns the Gateway Golf Center. CBC’s prez, Mike England, said 368 golfers participated in the tourney, raising $175,000 “for a good Christian education in support of financial aid to students.” Tuition is now more than $11,000 a year, which includes laptop fees. “With the struggling economy, we have 830 students and 235 freshmen. Our vision is having 1,000 students with 250 in each class. Then, we can expand the campus.”

Bommarito Automotive’s John Bommarito served as emcee over the auction prior to dinner. On hand was his dad, Frank Bommarito, as were: Jamie Komorek “85; Jim Simon “82; Chris Cavato ‘87; Gian Vitale ‘89; Pujols 5’s David Hanon ‘90′; Shaun McDonald ‘89; Andy Touchette ‘87; Roy Rehme, Jr., ‘86, director of alumni relations and annual giving and yesteryore head of the school, Michael Jordan.