WHAT WATER SHORTAGE? CORAL SPRINGS FIRM MAKES WATER FROM AIR
CORAL SPRINGS, FL – October 3, 2011: A Coral Springs company is selling machines that make water out of thin air.
Water Integrity Systems (www.waterintegrity.com) sells Atmospheric Water Generators, which take moisture out of the air and convert it to 99.99%-pure drinking water. The water is more pure than bottled water, filtered water, and – for certain – municipal water. And it generally ends up costing less…as little as ten cents a gallon.
The President of Water Integrity Systems is Steven Nestler, a world-class photographer who teaches at the Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale. Nestler and his wife Cindy, Vice President of the firm, also happen to be dedicated environmentalists…and that’s how they got into this business.
“We didn’t start out to sell machines that made water from air,” Nestler says. “We just wanted pure drinking water for our home. We heard about atmospheric water generators, and were intrigued by the concept of harvesting South Florida’s humidity to make pure drinking water. So we bought one for ourselves. And we liked it so much that we decided to become distributors.”
Most municipal water systems can only test for about 90 pollutants, when there can be as many as 6,000 in water...among them asbestos, aluminum, arsenic, and pharmaceutical waste. Despite the popular perception that bottled water is healthier than tap, nearly a third of it actually comes from public water sources, Nestler notes; and bottled water leaches pollutants from the oil-based plastic while being transported in hot trucks. Atmospheric Water Generators, on the other hand, are considered by many experts as the wave of the future.
Water Integrity Systems sells the only American-made brand of atmospheric water generators, made by a Fort Lauderdale company called WaterPure International. And the brand holds a patent for its special “ozonation” process, which guarantees bacteria-free water.
“Most of us get fluoridated water,” Steven Nestler says. “But studies show that fluoride is actually harmful to our health…especially for children. We’re trying to show people there are alternatives - environmentally-friendly, inexpensive alternatives. And that you can, literally, make water from air.”
I’ll give you a call in a few days to follow up. In the meantime, please feel free to contact me at (954) 575-4089, or at steve@winstoncommunications.com, if you’d like to speak with Steven Nestler about making water from air.
CONTACT: Steve Winston
President – Winston Communications
steve@winstoncommunications.com
Monday, October 3, 2011
Saturday, October 1, 2011
YOUFIT HEALTH CLUBS SEEK "MAINSTREAM" CROWD
This is an article about one of my clients, Youfit Health Clubs, reprinted from The Tampa Tribune, 9/28. - Steve Winston
Health Club Seeks 'Mainstream' Crowd
By DEREK MAUL | The Brandon News
Published: September 28, 2011
BRANDON, FL --
Fitness entrepreneur Rick Berks doesn't do anything halfway.
But he also believes in balance. So when Berks felt it was time to offer a new gym concept in 2008, he melded his desire for success with two decades of industry experience and rolled out Youfit Health Clubs.
The concept was an instant success.
"We've had tremendous response," Berks said during a visit to Youfit's West Brandon location at 322 Brandon Town Center Drive. "We've opened 32 so far, that's 30 in Florida and two in Arizona."
The East Brandon Youfit — open since October at 1423 E. Brandon Blvd. — has close to 5,000 members.
"We're designed and set up to handle volume," Berks said. "People don't want to wait for equipment, but they also want to be where it's busy and active. People don't work out in their garage — it's boring."
The entire concept, Berks said, is built around fitness rather than bodybuilding. Clients tend to stay 30-40 minutes, work out, and then leave.
"We bring in 1,000 people a day and it rejuvenates shopping centers," Berks said. "One reason we're growing is we have a positive impact. Our crowd comes in and then they're gone. It's opened a lot of doors."
Youfit is designed to appeal to "the rest of us," Berks explained. "We're not targeting the bodybuilder crowd; I wanted to be more mainstream."
Berks grew up in South Florida, was always involved in sports, and got into weight training while working as a Broward County sheriff's deputy.
"I was a gym rat before it was popular," he said. "Then somewhere along the way I thought of it as a business. I acquired a Gold's Gym license in Pompano Beach."
By 1994 Berks had launched Planet Fitness. The name came from his daughter Christy's freshman science project.
"I opened numerous clubs, sold the brand to a franchise group in 2002, and continued to run 10 South Florida locations," he said.
In 2008, he launched a new concept, Youfit, featuring a "non-intimidating environment and an eclectic mix of people." His daughter, Christy Berks-Stross, helps run the chain of gyms.
With membership — cancelable at any time — just $10 a month for unlimited access, Youfit hopes to connect East Hillsborough County residents with a new level of fitness. The $19.99 level allows members to bring a friend any time and sets up a 50 percent discount for drinks. Personal training is available at competitive rates.
Berks said his gyms are environmentally friendly. "We decided to do a green concept as much as we can," he said. "It's expensive up front but saves going forward."
Youfit's green initiatives include high-efficiency lighting, air-conditioning and extensive recycling. Each new location costs around $1 million to set up and — to date — Youfit remains a family business.
To find out more about Youfit, visit www.youfithealthclubs.com.
Health Club Seeks 'Mainstream' Crowd
By DEREK MAUL | The Brandon News
Published: September 28, 2011
BRANDON, FL --
Fitness entrepreneur Rick Berks doesn't do anything halfway.
But he also believes in balance. So when Berks felt it was time to offer a new gym concept in 2008, he melded his desire for success with two decades of industry experience and rolled out Youfit Health Clubs.
The concept was an instant success.
"We've had tremendous response," Berks said during a visit to Youfit's West Brandon location at 322 Brandon Town Center Drive. "We've opened 32 so far, that's 30 in Florida and two in Arizona."
The East Brandon Youfit — open since October at 1423 E. Brandon Blvd. — has close to 5,000 members.
"We're designed and set up to handle volume," Berks said. "People don't want to wait for equipment, but they also want to be where it's busy and active. People don't work out in their garage — it's boring."
The entire concept, Berks said, is built around fitness rather than bodybuilding. Clients tend to stay 30-40 minutes, work out, and then leave.
"We bring in 1,000 people a day and it rejuvenates shopping centers," Berks said. "One reason we're growing is we have a positive impact. Our crowd comes in and then they're gone. It's opened a lot of doors."
Youfit is designed to appeal to "the rest of us," Berks explained. "We're not targeting the bodybuilder crowd; I wanted to be more mainstream."
Berks grew up in South Florida, was always involved in sports, and got into weight training while working as a Broward County sheriff's deputy.
"I was a gym rat before it was popular," he said. "Then somewhere along the way I thought of it as a business. I acquired a Gold's Gym license in Pompano Beach."
By 1994 Berks had launched Planet Fitness. The name came from his daughter Christy's freshman science project.
"I opened numerous clubs, sold the brand to a franchise group in 2002, and continued to run 10 South Florida locations," he said.
In 2008, he launched a new concept, Youfit, featuring a "non-intimidating environment and an eclectic mix of people." His daughter, Christy Berks-Stross, helps run the chain of gyms.
With membership — cancelable at any time — just $10 a month for unlimited access, Youfit hopes to connect East Hillsborough County residents with a new level of fitness. The $19.99 level allows members to bring a friend any time and sets up a 50 percent discount for drinks. Personal training is available at competitive rates.
Berks said his gyms are environmentally friendly. "We decided to do a green concept as much as we can," he said. "It's expensive up front but saves going forward."
Youfit's green initiatives include high-efficiency lighting, air-conditioning and extensive recycling. Each new location costs around $1 million to set up and — to date — Youfit remains a family business.
To find out more about Youfit, visit www.youfithealthclubs.com.
Thursday, September 8, 2011
FITNESS CHAIN OWNER HOPING TO CAPITALIZE ON NICHE
Article about my client, reprinted from the South Florida Sun-Sentinel, April 21, 2011
Pompano Beach High graduate Rick Berks founded the Youfit chain of health clubs.
by REBECCA DELLAGLORIA Forum Publishing Group
A new type of workout environment is coming to Pompano Beach, one where you don't have to be a bodybuilder or even a fitness buff to fit right in.
Youfit Health Club is opening its second location in Pompano Beach, at Sample Road and Federal Highway, at the Shoppers Haven plaza this month.
Founder Rick Berks, who is also a Pompano Beach High School graduate, said his concept is to target "the rest of the market" — those people who haven't joined the bigger chains or muscle gyms where they might feel intimated to work out.
"The objective is to make it as friendly, comfortable, non-intimidating as possible,'' said Berks, at his most recent gym to open, in Margate. "Look at the people working out. It's not the typical bodybuilder crowd."
Indeed, The Youfit motto is "It's where you fit in" and the crowd on a recent weekday at a Margate location was mixed between young and old and those who are already in shape, and those looking to get fit.
"I love it. It's very affordable compared to the other gyms. The people are very nice,'' said Shanitta Bedminster, 24, who has just started working out to lose some weight and get in shape. "I don't feel intimidated. Here it doesn't feel that way. Here everyone wants to help you. They're very welcoming."
The Youfit Health Clubs are all distinctive in their look, too. The walls and machines are painted purple and green. The floors - made of recycled tires and old sneakers - have specks of purple and green as well. And the men's and women's locker rooms are also green and purple, respectively.
Berks said the color scheme is meant to be inviting, along with green signifying the gym's commitment to having a low carbon footprint. There are waterless urinals, as well as high efficiency lighting and air conditioning.
All the machines are made in the USA, Berks said. The cardio equipment has personalized TVs, iPod hookups and built in heart rate monitors. The dumbbells only go up to 75 pounds.
"If they need more than 75 pounds, this probably isn't the right club for them,'' Berks said.
The gym skips the usual amenities of chain gyms like swimming pools and racquetball courts, and instead "spends money on what people really use,'' Berks said. Some of the locations do have tanning rooms, however.
The price is also affordable, at $10 a month for a basic membership and there are no long-term contracts. Everyone is free to go month-to-month - which is part of Berks’ no-pressure concept.
For $19.99 per month you can get tanning, half-priced drinks and bring a guest with you every time you work out.
Right now, at all new locations, Youfit is running a $10-down special, compared to the usual price of $29 down for signing up.
"I love the new equipment,'' said Akisha Butler, 29, who took advantage of the free guest amenity, as she joined her friend at the new Margate location. "It gives you a sense you're not really working out, because they have the television, the iPod and everything."
For more information about joining the new location, at 3555 N. Federal Highway in Pompano, call 888-968-3481 or visit http://www.youfithealthclubs.com.
Copyright © 2011, South Florida Sun-Sentinel
Pompano Beach High graduate Rick Berks founded the Youfit chain of health clubs.
by REBECCA DELLAGLORIA Forum Publishing Group
A new type of workout environment is coming to Pompano Beach, one where you don't have to be a bodybuilder or even a fitness buff to fit right in.
Youfit Health Club is opening its second location in Pompano Beach, at Sample Road and Federal Highway, at the Shoppers Haven plaza this month.
Founder Rick Berks, who is also a Pompano Beach High School graduate, said his concept is to target "the rest of the market" — those people who haven't joined the bigger chains or muscle gyms where they might feel intimated to work out.
"The objective is to make it as friendly, comfortable, non-intimidating as possible,'' said Berks, at his most recent gym to open, in Margate. "Look at the people working out. It's not the typical bodybuilder crowd."
Indeed, The Youfit motto is "It's where you fit in" and the crowd on a recent weekday at a Margate location was mixed between young and old and those who are already in shape, and those looking to get fit.
"I love it. It's very affordable compared to the other gyms. The people are very nice,'' said Shanitta Bedminster, 24, who has just started working out to lose some weight and get in shape. "I don't feel intimidated. Here it doesn't feel that way. Here everyone wants to help you. They're very welcoming."
The Youfit Health Clubs are all distinctive in their look, too. The walls and machines are painted purple and green. The floors - made of recycled tires and old sneakers - have specks of purple and green as well. And the men's and women's locker rooms are also green and purple, respectively.
Berks said the color scheme is meant to be inviting, along with green signifying the gym's commitment to having a low carbon footprint. There are waterless urinals, as well as high efficiency lighting and air conditioning.
All the machines are made in the USA, Berks said. The cardio equipment has personalized TVs, iPod hookups and built in heart rate monitors. The dumbbells only go up to 75 pounds.
"If they need more than 75 pounds, this probably isn't the right club for them,'' Berks said.
The gym skips the usual amenities of chain gyms like swimming pools and racquetball courts, and instead "spends money on what people really use,'' Berks said. Some of the locations do have tanning rooms, however.
The price is also affordable, at $10 a month for a basic membership and there are no long-term contracts. Everyone is free to go month-to-month - which is part of Berks’ no-pressure concept.
For $19.99 per month you can get tanning, half-priced drinks and bring a guest with you every time you work out.
Right now, at all new locations, Youfit is running a $10-down special, compared to the usual price of $29 down for signing up.
"I love the new equipment,'' said Akisha Butler, 29, who took advantage of the free guest amenity, as she joined her friend at the new Margate location. "It gives you a sense you're not really working out, because they have the television, the iPod and everything."
For more information about joining the new location, at 3555 N. Federal Highway in Pompano, call 888-968-3481 or visit http://www.youfithealthclubs.com.
Copyright © 2011, South Florida Sun-Sentinel
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
RESPONDING TO CONSUMERS HELPS YOUFIT HEALTH CLUBS THRIVE
This article, about one of my clients, is reprinted from the South Florida Sun-Sentinel, which ran it on May 27, 2011. - Steve Winston, President, WINSTON COMMUNICATIONS, www.winstoncommunications.com
'If we're doing everything right, the clubs sell themselves.'-Rick Berks, owner Youfit Health Clubs
May 27, 2011|By Cindy Kent, Sun Sentinel
Who: Rick Berks
What: Berks is founder of the Youfit Health Clubs chain. There are about 25 locations in Florida, including Margate, Pompano Beach and Boca Raton. Customers pay a flat $10 monthly fee.
Understanding the market, demographics and responding to consumers has kept his business plan healthy, fit and on track, says Berks.
Berks based the Youfit profile on his decades-long experience in the health club industry. He owned and operated multiple Gold's Gyms before opening the first Planet Fitness location in 1993.
This time, he's tuned into the growing sector of average consumers looking to be healthy, rather than those focused on body sculpting and bodybuilding, says Berks.
The back story: Berks compiled lessons learned to launch the streamlined Youfit model in 2008.
He rebranded his facilities, upgraded equipment and created smaller footprints with fewer amenities like classrooms and babysitter spaces. There are no sales people pushing membership fees or long-term multiyear commitments; spinning classes or group aerobics.
“The market is shaping itself," said Berks.
People want to spend less money but still have access to an exercise venue, he says. Consumers want flexible hours. They want an offering of equipment that matches their own level of proficiency and interest.
At the same time, businesses have to find ways to cut expenses, too, says Berks.
The clubs are retrofitted with newer energy-efficient air conditioning, LED lighting and tankless water heaters. The floors are made from recycled sneakers.
"Doing the things we are doing isn't just idealistic," said Berks. "It's economics as well. The upfront costs are savings in the end."
Though Berks maintains corporate control of the clubs, "the idea is to make a simple reproducible model," he said. The marketing platform is pretty simple, too, says Berks. The company utilizes direct mail, multimedia and social media.
The take away: "As an entrepreneur, you have to be optimistic or you can't be an entrepreneur," said Berks.
"I've had good times and I've had bad times," says Berks, who once asked a mentor what separates successful people from "non successful" people.
"He answered, 'Persistence. If you stick with it, you'll figure it out.'" said Berks.
Knowledge
Achieve mass appeal. Rather than focus on a niche group of fitness consumers, Berks caters to customers that know what they want, a comfortable, low-pressure gym environment while achieving their goals. "Our typical consumer is more committed to being healthy by doing a 45 minute workout," said Berks. "They want to know they will fit in."
Calculate trial and error. Beta test a product or location, says Berks. That way you can be aggressive trying out an idea and at the same time limit potential loss. Expand on what works. "Good judgment comes from a lot of bad judgment," said Berks.
Details: Go to youfithealthclubs.com, 954-968-3481
'If we're doing everything right, the clubs sell themselves.'-Rick Berks, owner Youfit Health Clubs
May 27, 2011|By Cindy Kent, Sun Sentinel
Who: Rick Berks
What: Berks is founder of the Youfit Health Clubs chain. There are about 25 locations in Florida, including Margate, Pompano Beach and Boca Raton. Customers pay a flat $10 monthly fee.
Understanding the market, demographics and responding to consumers has kept his business plan healthy, fit and on track, says Berks.
Berks based the Youfit profile on his decades-long experience in the health club industry. He owned and operated multiple Gold's Gyms before opening the first Planet Fitness location in 1993.
This time, he's tuned into the growing sector of average consumers looking to be healthy, rather than those focused on body sculpting and bodybuilding, says Berks.
The back story: Berks compiled lessons learned to launch the streamlined Youfit model in 2008.
He rebranded his facilities, upgraded equipment and created smaller footprints with fewer amenities like classrooms and babysitter spaces. There are no sales people pushing membership fees or long-term multiyear commitments; spinning classes or group aerobics.
“The market is shaping itself," said Berks.
People want to spend less money but still have access to an exercise venue, he says. Consumers want flexible hours. They want an offering of equipment that matches their own level of proficiency and interest.
At the same time, businesses have to find ways to cut expenses, too, says Berks.
The clubs are retrofitted with newer energy-efficient air conditioning, LED lighting and tankless water heaters. The floors are made from recycled sneakers.
"Doing the things we are doing isn't just idealistic," said Berks. "It's economics as well. The upfront costs are savings in the end."
Though Berks maintains corporate control of the clubs, "the idea is to make a simple reproducible model," he said. The marketing platform is pretty simple, too, says Berks. The company utilizes direct mail, multimedia and social media.
The take away: "As an entrepreneur, you have to be optimistic or you can't be an entrepreneur," said Berks.
"I've had good times and I've had bad times," says Berks, who once asked a mentor what separates successful people from "non successful" people.
"He answered, 'Persistence. If you stick with it, you'll figure it out.'" said Berks.
Knowledge
Achieve mass appeal. Rather than focus on a niche group of fitness consumers, Berks caters to customers that know what they want, a comfortable, low-pressure gym environment while achieving their goals. "Our typical consumer is more committed to being healthy by doing a 45 minute workout," said Berks. "They want to know they will fit in."
Calculate trial and error. Beta test a product or location, says Berks. That way you can be aggressive trying out an idea and at the same time limit potential loss. Expand on what works. "Good judgment comes from a lot of bad judgment," said Berks.
Details: Go to youfithealthclubs.com, 954-968-3481
Monday, August 15, 2011
FITNESS TIPS FOR YOUR FIFTIES - FROM THE FOUNDER OF PLANET FITNESS
by
STEVE WINSTON
Rick Berks knows a thing or two about fitness. And he should. He was the founder of Planet Fitness in the early-90’s. And he’s now started a new company called Youfit Health Clubs, with a new concept that’s sending enrollment soaring at his clubs around the country.
What, exactly, is this new concept? No long-term contracts (you pay by the month). No huge bodybuilders or gym rats. No pressure to join (because there are no contracts). And no pushy instructors. Youfit Health Clubs is for what Rick Berks calls “the rest of us.” People who just want to be healthy, and to maintain their fitness…a concept ideal for middle-agers. When Rick Berks talks about fitness, people listen. And he has some valuable tips for people who don’t think middle-aged means slowing down.
1. Start Simple - A good starting exercise program should be easy on your joints and muscles. Start out with light weights or a circuit training program, walking on the treadmill, or bicycling at your local gym. Over a period of a week or two (or as long as you need), work your way up to a half-hour daily.
2. Don't Be Afraid of Strength Training – In fact, it can become your best friend as you age, because it helps prevent (or slow down) bone-density loss. You should do it at least twice a week to achieve some results…and three times is better. Strength training helps maintain muscle mass, helps prevent loss of bone mass, builds muscle, and improves balance – all of which are very important factors as we age.
3. Drink More Water - A workout can “head south” pretty quickly if you aren't hydrated. This is even more important for middle-aged people, because your body doesn't conserve water as efficiently as it used to.
4. Mix It Up! - Boredom is Public Enemy No. 1 for fitness buffs…of any age. And it’s often the chief reason we fail to maintain the momentum (and enthusiasm) we had when we started out. And when you do the same workout continuously, without any variation in your routine, you risk overworking your joints. Eventually, you’ll find yourself losing your verve, losing your form…and probably losing your desire to work out.
5. Know Your Options, So You Can Make Your Choices - Before beginning an exercise program, you might want to seek out the input of a certified personal trainer or fitness professional. They can instruct you in how to get the best results without injuring yourself or over-doing it. They can show you how to get most out of your time at the gym, and how to make your minutes count. And they’ll keep you motivated as hell!
6. Read the Warning Signs (And Heed the Warning Signs!) - While enthusiasm and motivation are vital to a successful exercise program, obsession can be lethal to it. We’re not kids anymore (physically, anyway!). So rest and recovery time is just as important as exercise time. It not only allows your muscles time to relax, but also to grow. Time and time again, I’ve seen people start out bursting with enthusiasm, but then running themselves into exhaustion…and, if they’re not careful, into injury. And the best intentions often fizzle in the harsh light of an overworked middle-aged body.
7. Exercise Is Something We Should Do – In Some Form – Every Day – Use it, or lose it, as the saying goes. If you want to be flexible and healthy, you should do some form of exercise every day. It doesn’t have to be strenuous. It can be simply walking around the block (or mall) a few times, or gardening, or even washing the car. It can be the simple act of choosing to use the stairs instead of the elevator. Or, rather than driving around the parking lot for ten minutes searching for the closest spot at the mall, just parking your car a bit farther away, and walking. You’d be amazed how simple it is to incorporate different forms of exercise into our everyday routines.
8. Target Heart Rate: Learn It, Use It – People often use this term with an element of dread in their voices, as if there’s something mystifying or frightening about it. In reality, though, it’s a very simple formula…220-Your age x 60%= your target heart rate. Learning this figure will help you get the most out of your workout…and the healthiest years out of your life. You’ll build a stronger heart, a heart that’s under less stress, and that will beat slower while resting (and the slower it beats, generally, the longer you’ll live). A heart monitor can tell you how close you are to your target heart rate – and can keep you from exceeding it, thereby preventing injury and accidents. Most cardio equipment at your local gym provides built-in heart-rate sensors.
9. Be Nice To Your Joints (And They’ll Be Nice To You) - If you have joint issues, non-weight-bearing activities such as elliptical machines or bikes won’t put stress on your joints. (By the way, you should never start any exercise program without consulting a physician first. This is just good common sense.)
10. Girl Power! - One every five women over 50 is developing Osteoporosis, the most common form of bone disease. This makes it vital to put in some quality time on weight-bearing activities (like the treadmill) or weight machines. These types of exercise are, simply put, your greatest defense against bone deterioration.
And now…let’s get to it! Your life will be a lot richer…and a lot healthier!
Fitness Resources: Yahoo Health; www.youfithealthclubs.com;
Steve Winston (www.winstoncommunications.com) is President of WINSTON COMMUNICATIONS, an integrated PR/Marketing/Communications company in Fort Lauderdale, FL.
STEVE WINSTON
Rick Berks knows a thing or two about fitness. And he should. He was the founder of Planet Fitness in the early-90’s. And he’s now started a new company called Youfit Health Clubs, with a new concept that’s sending enrollment soaring at his clubs around the country.
What, exactly, is this new concept? No long-term contracts (you pay by the month). No huge bodybuilders or gym rats. No pressure to join (because there are no contracts). And no pushy instructors. Youfit Health Clubs is for what Rick Berks calls “the rest of us.” People who just want to be healthy, and to maintain their fitness…a concept ideal for middle-agers. When Rick Berks talks about fitness, people listen. And he has some valuable tips for people who don’t think middle-aged means slowing down.
1. Start Simple - A good starting exercise program should be easy on your joints and muscles. Start out with light weights or a circuit training program, walking on the treadmill, or bicycling at your local gym. Over a period of a week or two (or as long as you need), work your way up to a half-hour daily.
2. Don't Be Afraid of Strength Training – In fact, it can become your best friend as you age, because it helps prevent (or slow down) bone-density loss. You should do it at least twice a week to achieve some results…and three times is better. Strength training helps maintain muscle mass, helps prevent loss of bone mass, builds muscle, and improves balance – all of which are very important factors as we age.
3. Drink More Water - A workout can “head south” pretty quickly if you aren't hydrated. This is even more important for middle-aged people, because your body doesn't conserve water as efficiently as it used to.
4. Mix It Up! - Boredom is Public Enemy No. 1 for fitness buffs…of any age. And it’s often the chief reason we fail to maintain the momentum (and enthusiasm) we had when we started out. And when you do the same workout continuously, without any variation in your routine, you risk overworking your joints. Eventually, you’ll find yourself losing your verve, losing your form…and probably losing your desire to work out.
5. Know Your Options, So You Can Make Your Choices - Before beginning an exercise program, you might want to seek out the input of a certified personal trainer or fitness professional. They can instruct you in how to get the best results without injuring yourself or over-doing it. They can show you how to get most out of your time at the gym, and how to make your minutes count. And they’ll keep you motivated as hell!
6. Read the Warning Signs (And Heed the Warning Signs!) - While enthusiasm and motivation are vital to a successful exercise program, obsession can be lethal to it. We’re not kids anymore (physically, anyway!). So rest and recovery time is just as important as exercise time. It not only allows your muscles time to relax, but also to grow. Time and time again, I’ve seen people start out bursting with enthusiasm, but then running themselves into exhaustion…and, if they’re not careful, into injury. And the best intentions often fizzle in the harsh light of an overworked middle-aged body.
7. Exercise Is Something We Should Do – In Some Form – Every Day – Use it, or lose it, as the saying goes. If you want to be flexible and healthy, you should do some form of exercise every day. It doesn’t have to be strenuous. It can be simply walking around the block (or mall) a few times, or gardening, or even washing the car. It can be the simple act of choosing to use the stairs instead of the elevator. Or, rather than driving around the parking lot for ten minutes searching for the closest spot at the mall, just parking your car a bit farther away, and walking. You’d be amazed how simple it is to incorporate different forms of exercise into our everyday routines.
8. Target Heart Rate: Learn It, Use It – People often use this term with an element of dread in their voices, as if there’s something mystifying or frightening about it. In reality, though, it’s a very simple formula…220-Your age x 60%= your target heart rate. Learning this figure will help you get the most out of your workout…and the healthiest years out of your life. You’ll build a stronger heart, a heart that’s under less stress, and that will beat slower while resting (and the slower it beats, generally, the longer you’ll live). A heart monitor can tell you how close you are to your target heart rate – and can keep you from exceeding it, thereby preventing injury and accidents. Most cardio equipment at your local gym provides built-in heart-rate sensors.
9. Be Nice To Your Joints (And They’ll Be Nice To You) - If you have joint issues, non-weight-bearing activities such as elliptical machines or bikes won’t put stress on your joints. (By the way, you should never start any exercise program without consulting a physician first. This is just good common sense.)
10. Girl Power! - One every five women over 50 is developing Osteoporosis, the most common form of bone disease. This makes it vital to put in some quality time on weight-bearing activities (like the treadmill) or weight machines. These types of exercise are, simply put, your greatest defense against bone deterioration.
And now…let’s get to it! Your life will be a lot richer…and a lot healthier!
Fitness Resources: Yahoo Health; www.youfithealthclubs.com;
Steve Winston (www.winstoncommunications.com) is President of WINSTON COMMUNICATIONS, an integrated PR/Marketing/Communications company in Fort Lauderdale, FL.
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
RESPONDING TO FITNESS CONSUMERS HELPS SHAPE HEALTHY BUSINESS PLAN
This article is about one of my clients. It's reprinted from the South Florida Sun-Sentinel, May 30, 2011 - Steve Winston, President, WINSTON COMMUNICATIONS (www.winstoncommunications.com)
RESPONDING TO FITNESS CONSUMERS HELPS SHAPE HEALTHY BUSINESS PLAN
'If we're doing everything right, the clubs sell themselves.'-Rick Berks, President, Youfit Health Clubs
May 27, 2011|By Cindy Kent, Sun Sentinel
Who: Rick Berks
What: Berks is founder of the Youfit Health Clubs chain. There are about 25 locations in Florida, including Margate, Pompano Beach and Boca Raton. Customers pay a flat $10 monthly fee.
Understanding the market, demographics and responding to consumers has kept his business plan healthy, fit and on track, says Berks.
Berks based the Youfit profile on his decades-long experience in the health club industry. He owned and operated multiple Gold's Gyms before opening the first Planet Fitness location in 1993.
This time, he's tuned into the growing sector of average consumers looking to be healthy, rather than those focused on body sculpting and bodybuilding, says Berks.
The back story: Berks compiled lessons learned to launch the streamlined Youfit model in 2008.
He rebranded his facilities, upgraded equipment and created smaller footprints with fewer amenities like classrooms and babysitter spaces. There are no sales people pushing membership fees or long-term multiyear commitments; spinning classes or group aerobics.
“The market is shaping itself," said Berks.
People want to spend less money but still have access to an exercise venue, he says. Consumers want flexible hours. They want an offering of equipment that matches their own level of proficiency and interest.
At the same time, businesses have to find ways to cut expenses, too, says Berks.
The clubs are retrofitted with newer energy-efficient air conditioning, LED lighting and tankless water heaters. The floors are made from recycled sneakers.
"Doing the things we are doing isn't just idealistic," said Berks. "It's economics as well. The upfront costs are savings in the end."
Though Berks maintains corporate control of the clubs, "the idea is to make a simple reproducible model," he said. The marketing platform is pretty simple, too, says Berks. The company utilizes direct mail, multimedia and social media.
The take away: "As an entrepreneur, you have to be optimistic or you can't be an entrepreneur," said Berks. "I've had good times and I've had bad times," says Berks, who once asked a mentor what separates successful people from "non successful" people.
"He answered, 'Persistence. If you stick with it, you'll figure it out.'" said Berks.
Knowledge: Achieve mass appeal. Rather than focus on a niche group of fitness consumers, Berks caters to customers that know what they want, a comfortable, low-pressure gym environment while achieving their goals. "Our typical consumer is more committed to being healthy by doing a 45 minute workout," said Berks. "They want to know they will fit in."
Calculate trial and error. Beta test a product or location, says Berks. That way you can be aggressive trying out an idea and at the same time limit potential loss. Expand on what works. "Good judgment comes from a lot of bad judgment," said Berks.
Details: Go to youfithealthclubs.com, 954-968-3481
ckent@tribune.com or 954-356-4662
RESPONDING TO FITNESS CONSUMERS HELPS SHAPE HEALTHY BUSINESS PLAN
'If we're doing everything right, the clubs sell themselves.'-Rick Berks, President, Youfit Health Clubs
May 27, 2011|By Cindy Kent, Sun Sentinel
Who: Rick Berks
What: Berks is founder of the Youfit Health Clubs chain. There are about 25 locations in Florida, including Margate, Pompano Beach and Boca Raton. Customers pay a flat $10 monthly fee.
Understanding the market, demographics and responding to consumers has kept his business plan healthy, fit and on track, says Berks.
Berks based the Youfit profile on his decades-long experience in the health club industry. He owned and operated multiple Gold's Gyms before opening the first Planet Fitness location in 1993.
This time, he's tuned into the growing sector of average consumers looking to be healthy, rather than those focused on body sculpting and bodybuilding, says Berks.
The back story: Berks compiled lessons learned to launch the streamlined Youfit model in 2008.
He rebranded his facilities, upgraded equipment and created smaller footprints with fewer amenities like classrooms and babysitter spaces. There are no sales people pushing membership fees or long-term multiyear commitments; spinning classes or group aerobics.
“The market is shaping itself," said Berks.
People want to spend less money but still have access to an exercise venue, he says. Consumers want flexible hours. They want an offering of equipment that matches their own level of proficiency and interest.
At the same time, businesses have to find ways to cut expenses, too, says Berks.
The clubs are retrofitted with newer energy-efficient air conditioning, LED lighting and tankless water heaters. The floors are made from recycled sneakers.
"Doing the things we are doing isn't just idealistic," said Berks. "It's economics as well. The upfront costs are savings in the end."
Though Berks maintains corporate control of the clubs, "the idea is to make a simple reproducible model," he said. The marketing platform is pretty simple, too, says Berks. The company utilizes direct mail, multimedia and social media.
The take away: "As an entrepreneur, you have to be optimistic or you can't be an entrepreneur," said Berks. "I've had good times and I've had bad times," says Berks, who once asked a mentor what separates successful people from "non successful" people.
"He answered, 'Persistence. If you stick with it, you'll figure it out.'" said Berks.
Knowledge: Achieve mass appeal. Rather than focus on a niche group of fitness consumers, Berks caters to customers that know what they want, a comfortable, low-pressure gym environment while achieving their goals. "Our typical consumer is more committed to being healthy by doing a 45 minute workout," said Berks. "They want to know they will fit in."
Calculate trial and error. Beta test a product or location, says Berks. That way you can be aggressive trying out an idea and at the same time limit potential loss. Expand on what works. "Good judgment comes from a lot of bad judgment," said Berks.
Details: Go to youfithealthclubs.com, 954-968-3481
ckent@tribune.com or 954-356-4662
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
SOUTH FLORIDA FITNESS PIONEER BRINGING NEW CONCEPT TO BROWARD COUNTY
NEWS FROM WINSTON COMMUNICATIONS
SOUTH FLORIDA FITNESS PIONEER BRINGING A NEW CONCEPT TO BROWARD
The founder of nationally-known Planet Fitness is a native of Broward County. He’s now created a new company - and a new concept in fitness. And he’s bringing it to Broward.
Rick Berks’ new company, Youfit Health Clubs (www.youfithealthclubs.com), already has eight clubs in South Florida (and 25 throughout the state). And now he’s opening new clubs in Margate and North Pompano Beach, as showpieces for his new concept. What, exactly, is this new concept? No long-term contracts, for one thing (you pay by the month). No huge bodybuilders or gym rats. No singles scenes. No used or worn-out equipment (all the machines are brand-new and top-of-the-line). No pressure to join (because there are no contracts). No pushy instructors. And no carbon footprint – these may be the “greenest” gyms in America (the floors are made of recycled sneakers!).
The “Youfit” name is meant to convey a very strong message. These are gyms for people who aren’t planning to enter bodybuilding championships, and who aren’t there to meet a member of the opposite sex. And Rick Berks’ fee structure may be the lowest you’ll ever see for a first-rate fitness facility.
Berks is a graduate of Pompano Beach High School. And he’s a successful entrepreneur, with a very colorful story. We’ll be telling you more soon, as we get closer to opening. In the meantime, please feel free to contact me with any questions, or if you’d like to speak with Rick Berks, at steve@winstoncommunications.com.
Steve Winston
President – WINSTON COMMUNICATIONS
steve@winstoncommunications.com
SOUTH FLORIDA FITNESS PIONEER BRINGING A NEW CONCEPT TO BROWARD
The founder of nationally-known Planet Fitness is a native of Broward County. He’s now created a new company - and a new concept in fitness. And he’s bringing it to Broward.
Rick Berks’ new company, Youfit Health Clubs (www.youfithealthclubs.com), already has eight clubs in South Florida (and 25 throughout the state). And now he’s opening new clubs in Margate and North Pompano Beach, as showpieces for his new concept. What, exactly, is this new concept? No long-term contracts, for one thing (you pay by the month). No huge bodybuilders or gym rats. No singles scenes. No used or worn-out equipment (all the machines are brand-new and top-of-the-line). No pressure to join (because there are no contracts). No pushy instructors. And no carbon footprint – these may be the “greenest” gyms in America (the floors are made of recycled sneakers!).
The “Youfit” name is meant to convey a very strong message. These are gyms for people who aren’t planning to enter bodybuilding championships, and who aren’t there to meet a member of the opposite sex. And Rick Berks’ fee structure may be the lowest you’ll ever see for a first-rate fitness facility.
Berks is a graduate of Pompano Beach High School. And he’s a successful entrepreneur, with a very colorful story. We’ll be telling you more soon, as we get closer to opening. In the meantime, please feel free to contact me with any questions, or if you’d like to speak with Rick Berks, at steve@winstoncommunications.com.
Steve Winston
President – WINSTON COMMUNICATIONS
steve@winstoncommunications.com
Thursday, December 9, 2010
EXTRA! EXTRA!: "I WORKED AT THE NATIONAL ENQUIRER!!"
by
STEVE WINSTON
The recent announcement that AMI, parent company of “The National Enquirer,” had declared bankruptcy, struck me in a different way than it might have struck you. Because I once worked there. Yes, it’s true. I admit it. For two weeks, many years ago, I worked at “The National Enquirer.”
My story started in a raging blizzard that tied up the whole Northeast. We had three feet of snow n Hartford, CT. I was looking out the window at the blizzard that night, while talking on the phone with my younger brother in Philadelphia…who was looking out his window at the blizzard. And we both decided, then and there, that we were going to get jobs in Florida.
Bobby did, within a month. Just about that time, I was sitting in my downtown apartment on a miserable late-winter day, looking out at the city’s skyline, while glancing distractedly through an issue of “Editor & Publisher.” I came to the classified section. And then I saw it.
It was a half-page ad for an Editor. For “The National Enquirer.” In a place called Lantana. Lantana, Florida! And they were offering a salary of $52,000 – very big money for a young guy all those years ago.
I dashed off a resume and letter to them. And promptly forgot all about it. So, when they called a week or so later to invite me down to Florida for an interview, it took me a minute to remember.
I’ll never forget sitting on the runway at Hartford-Bradley International Airport a few days later at 6 in the morning, looking out at the pitch-black, watching the sleet and snow smash against my window. Three hours later, I landed in West Palm Beach, and walked out of the terminal into a day with 76 degrees, swaying palm trees, and the bluest sky I’d ever seen.
In those days, the executives at The Enquirer were mostly British (if you’ve ever seen the big newspapers in Britain, you know why). And so I found myself being interviewed by an Editor from Britain named “Ian” (which seemed to be the name of just about every other Editor there, as well).
The interview was not particularly scintillating, I thought. Until mid-afternoon.
Then, all hell broke loose. Police suddenly barged in from two sides of the building. Women started screaming. Men started running.
And the first hint I had that I wasn’t in Kansas anymore, Dorothy, was when I asked “Ian” what was going on, and he looked at me and said, “Oh, nothing.”
It wasn’t long before I was told – by one of the people there - that some of the Brits did not have green cards. And that one of the green-cardless Brits had apparently offered Elvis’ cousin a goodly amount of money if he would open the casket and let the Brit take a few pictures.
By this time I was having trouble keeping a straight face. Much to my amazement, Ian, at the end of the interview, invited me back for a two-week mutual look-see. They’d put me up in a beachfront hotel. They’d pay all my transportation, lodging, and food costs. And, oh, yes, they’d also pay me, at the pay-rate for the Editor job…a thousand a week.
So I took a two-week leave from my job in Hartford and found myself back in Florida.
It was an interesting experience, to say the least. Say what you will about the Enquirer, in its own way, it did push the journalistic envelope. It did have some talented – and very dogged – journalists. And it ended up “scooping” mainstream media on some major stories of the nineties and 2000’s…stories that often had an enormous effect on American society and politics. But I decided, while there, that I preferred traditional journalism…despite the $52,000 salary.
So, toward the end of the two weeks, during lunchtime, I walked in off the street to the Palm Beach Post. And they hired me as a reporter – for $12,000.
Soon after, I was on my way back down to Florida for the third - and last - time, in an ugly green Mazda with everything I owned hanging out the sides. And in a way, everything that’s happened in my life since then has been because of “The National Enquirer.” Without the Enquirer, it probably would have turned out very differently.
AMI and “The National Enquirer” may or may not survive reorganization. But they’ll always be a major reason that my life turned out as it did. And that the only snow I see now is at the top of the mountains I climb.
Steve Winston
www.winstoncommunications.com
steve@winstoncommunications.com
STEVE WINSTON
The recent announcement that AMI, parent company of “The National Enquirer,” had declared bankruptcy, struck me in a different way than it might have struck you. Because I once worked there. Yes, it’s true. I admit it. For two weeks, many years ago, I worked at “The National Enquirer.”
My story started in a raging blizzard that tied up the whole Northeast. We had three feet of snow n Hartford, CT. I was looking out the window at the blizzard that night, while talking on the phone with my younger brother in Philadelphia…who was looking out his window at the blizzard. And we both decided, then and there, that we were going to get jobs in Florida.
Bobby did, within a month. Just about that time, I was sitting in my downtown apartment on a miserable late-winter day, looking out at the city’s skyline, while glancing distractedly through an issue of “Editor & Publisher.” I came to the classified section. And then I saw it.
It was a half-page ad for an Editor. For “The National Enquirer.” In a place called Lantana. Lantana, Florida! And they were offering a salary of $52,000 – very big money for a young guy all those years ago.
I dashed off a resume and letter to them. And promptly forgot all about it. So, when they called a week or so later to invite me down to Florida for an interview, it took me a minute to remember.
I’ll never forget sitting on the runway at Hartford-Bradley International Airport a few days later at 6 in the morning, looking out at the pitch-black, watching the sleet and snow smash against my window. Three hours later, I landed in West Palm Beach, and walked out of the terminal into a day with 76 degrees, swaying palm trees, and the bluest sky I’d ever seen.
In those days, the executives at The Enquirer were mostly British (if you’ve ever seen the big newspapers in Britain, you know why). And so I found myself being interviewed by an Editor from Britain named “Ian” (which seemed to be the name of just about every other Editor there, as well).
The interview was not particularly scintillating, I thought. Until mid-afternoon.
Then, all hell broke loose. Police suddenly barged in from two sides of the building. Women started screaming. Men started running.
And the first hint I had that I wasn’t in Kansas anymore, Dorothy, was when I asked “Ian” what was going on, and he looked at me and said, “Oh, nothing.”
It wasn’t long before I was told – by one of the people there - that some of the Brits did not have green cards. And that one of the green-cardless Brits had apparently offered Elvis’ cousin a goodly amount of money if he would open the casket and let the Brit take a few pictures.
By this time I was having trouble keeping a straight face. Much to my amazement, Ian, at the end of the interview, invited me back for a two-week mutual look-see. They’d put me up in a beachfront hotel. They’d pay all my transportation, lodging, and food costs. And, oh, yes, they’d also pay me, at the pay-rate for the Editor job…a thousand a week.
So I took a two-week leave from my job in Hartford and found myself back in Florida.
It was an interesting experience, to say the least. Say what you will about the Enquirer, in its own way, it did push the journalistic envelope. It did have some talented – and very dogged – journalists. And it ended up “scooping” mainstream media on some major stories of the nineties and 2000’s…stories that often had an enormous effect on American society and politics. But I decided, while there, that I preferred traditional journalism…despite the $52,000 salary.
So, toward the end of the two weeks, during lunchtime, I walked in off the street to the Palm Beach Post. And they hired me as a reporter – for $12,000.
Soon after, I was on my way back down to Florida for the third - and last - time, in an ugly green Mazda with everything I owned hanging out the sides. And in a way, everything that’s happened in my life since then has been because of “The National Enquirer.” Without the Enquirer, it probably would have turned out very differently.
AMI and “The National Enquirer” may or may not survive reorganization. But they’ll always be a major reason that my life turned out as it did. And that the only snow I see now is at the top of the mountains I climb.
Steve Winston
www.winstoncommunications.com
steve@winstoncommunications.com
Monday, November 15, 2010
IMPORTANT WORDS FROM A GOOD FRIEND
Dear Friends - Today I'm not publishing my own thoughts. I'm publishing those of a friend, Roberta Guise, who's a marketing guru with a great deal of words to the wise. Read, enjoy, and think! - Steve Winston
Build your reputation around your name
by Roberta Guise on November 2, 2010
A recent article in BusinessWeek on naming companies lamented how hard it’s become to create a novel, catchy name.
This is hard news to swallow if you’re a startup with a new product to sell.
But if you're a small business owner who sells ideas and services to people in business — even if you sell products such as books, videos, CDs, software, and business systems — there’s no need to go through mental contortions to divine the perfectly witty name for your company. The perfect moniker for your company is your own name. Why?
Your reputation is built around your personal name. People remember you, not necessarily your company. When a client refers you they think of the value you personally provided. It’s you, the person, who comes to mind, not your company name.
This isn’t to say that you shouldn’t create a corporate name for your business, especially if you set up your business as a C or S corp. Just don’t spend too much time trying to come up with something catchy.
Pile your efforts into fortifying your brand around your own name. Mine is “Guise,” plus what I do, “Marketing & PR.” A strong tag line will support your name. My tag line is, “Be Visible!”
By using your own name you’ll save money and time on extensive name searching. You still need to do a search, but if you can add what you do to the name like I’ve done, even if it’s your last name plus “Consulting” or “Accounting,” for example, you’ll have your company named in next to no time.
Roberta Guise enables successful women to become thought leaders. She also works with experts, small business owners and professionals who want to be extraordinarily visible and sharpen their marketing edge. A small business marketing consultant and speaker, she is the founder of San Francisco-based Guise Marketing & PR. If you'd like to know how to apply these concepts to your situation, call for a free 1/2 hour consultation. 415-979-0611. www.guisemarketing.com
Build your reputation around your name
by Roberta Guise on November 2, 2010
A recent article in BusinessWeek on naming companies lamented how hard it’s become to create a novel, catchy name.
This is hard news to swallow if you’re a startup with a new product to sell.
But if you're a small business owner who sells ideas and services to people in business — even if you sell products such as books, videos, CDs, software, and business systems — there’s no need to go through mental contortions to divine the perfectly witty name for your company. The perfect moniker for your company is your own name. Why?
Your reputation is built around your personal name. People remember you, not necessarily your company. When a client refers you they think of the value you personally provided. It’s you, the person, who comes to mind, not your company name.
This isn’t to say that you shouldn’t create a corporate name for your business, especially if you set up your business as a C or S corp. Just don’t spend too much time trying to come up with something catchy.
Pile your efforts into fortifying your brand around your own name. Mine is “Guise,” plus what I do, “Marketing & PR.” A strong tag line will support your name. My tag line is, “Be Visible!”
By using your own name you’ll save money and time on extensive name searching. You still need to do a search, but if you can add what you do to the name like I’ve done, even if it’s your last name plus “Consulting” or “Accounting,” for example, you’ll have your company named in next to no time.
Roberta Guise enables successful women to become thought leaders. She also works with experts, small business owners and professionals who want to be extraordinarily visible and sharpen their marketing edge. A small business marketing consultant and speaker, she is the founder of San Francisco-based Guise Marketing & PR. If you'd like to know how to apply these concepts to your situation, call for a free 1/2 hour consultation. 415-979-0611. www.guisemarketing.com
Thursday, October 21, 2010
CENTRAL PARK BIKE TOURS INTRODUCES "FALL FOLIAGE TOUR"
NEWS FROM CENTRAL PARK BIKE TOURS
Contact:
Steve Winston
President, Winston Communications
(954) 575-4089
steve@winstoncommunications.com
CENTRAL PARK BIKE TOURS INTRODUCES “FALL FOLIAGE TOUR”
New York, NY: October 21, 2010 – Central Park Bike Tours (www.centralparkbiketours.com) today announced a special new tour of Central Park during Fall Foliage season. The Fall Foliage Bike Tour will take visitors to spots bursting with brilliant colors, in America’s most famous urban oasis.
“If you’ve never seen Central Park in Autumn, you’ve never really seen Central Park,” says Tom Ahern, owner of Central Park Bike Tours. “And, for some wonderful reason, the foliage seems to linger here more than it does in most other places in the region…generally into late-November.”
Central Park Bike Tours will be running its Fall Foliage Tours at 10 a.m., 1 p.m., and 4 p.m. through October, and 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. through November. Guests on these tours will get a bird’s-eye view of hundreds of different types of trees, ranging from American Elms to Black Cherries to Red Cedar and Carolina Silverbells. And among the hundreds of once-a-year colors riders will see will be burnt oranges, flaming reds, bright yellows, deep purples, and rust-orange.
Central Park Bike Tours is one of the city’s leading tour companies, leading guided tours into nooks and crannies and special places in Central Park that even many New Yorkers don’t know about. Customers pedal past beautiful meadows and old bridges and rarefied museums and horse-drawn carriages, and landmarks such as Strawberry Fields, the John Lennon International Peace Garden, the Wollman Skating Rink, and the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir. In addition, the company also offers tours of special New York neighborhoods such as Harlem, Brooklyn, Times Square, and Little Italy. And customers can also rent bikes, to explore this bike-friendly city on their own.
“It’s a very special time of year,” says Tom Ahern. “And we wanted to offer a very special tour to take advantage of it.”
###
Contact:
Steve Winston
President, Winston Communications
(954) 575-4089
steve@winstoncommunications.com
CENTRAL PARK BIKE TOURS INTRODUCES “FALL FOLIAGE TOUR”
New York, NY: October 21, 2010 – Central Park Bike Tours (www.centralparkbiketours.com) today announced a special new tour of Central Park during Fall Foliage season. The Fall Foliage Bike Tour will take visitors to spots bursting with brilliant colors, in America’s most famous urban oasis.
“If you’ve never seen Central Park in Autumn, you’ve never really seen Central Park,” says Tom Ahern, owner of Central Park Bike Tours. “And, for some wonderful reason, the foliage seems to linger here more than it does in most other places in the region…generally into late-November.”
Central Park Bike Tours will be running its Fall Foliage Tours at 10 a.m., 1 p.m., and 4 p.m. through October, and 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. through November. Guests on these tours will get a bird’s-eye view of hundreds of different types of trees, ranging from American Elms to Black Cherries to Red Cedar and Carolina Silverbells. And among the hundreds of once-a-year colors riders will see will be burnt oranges, flaming reds, bright yellows, deep purples, and rust-orange.
Central Park Bike Tours is one of the city’s leading tour companies, leading guided tours into nooks and crannies and special places in Central Park that even many New Yorkers don’t know about. Customers pedal past beautiful meadows and old bridges and rarefied museums and horse-drawn carriages, and landmarks such as Strawberry Fields, the John Lennon International Peace Garden, the Wollman Skating Rink, and the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir. In addition, the company also offers tours of special New York neighborhoods such as Harlem, Brooklyn, Times Square, and Little Italy. And customers can also rent bikes, to explore this bike-friendly city on their own.
“It’s a very special time of year,” says Tom Ahern. “And we wanted to offer a very special tour to take advantage of it.”
###
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
ZIP AVIATION ANNOUNCES ALLIANCE WITH MANHATTAN HELICOPTERS
NEWS FROM WINSTON COMMUNICATIONS
CONTACT:
Steve Winston
President – Winston Communications
steve@winstoncommunications.com
ZIP AVIATION ANNOUNCES NEW ALLIANCE WITH MANHATTAN HELICOPTERS
NEW YORK, NY: October 13, 2010 – Zip Aviation LLC today announced a new strategic alliance with Manhattan Helicopters LLC, which will bring a bevy of benefits to customers of both helicopter-tour companies.
The new strategic alliance was formed to enhance the range of services and tours available, and to provide a one-of-a-kind sightseeing experience for New York City visitors. For customers of the two fleets, the advantages will be evident immediately – industry-leading liability coverage, a wider availability of innovative tours, greater booking flexibility/added availability of times, and two companies known for the best customer-service in the industry.
Zip Aviation and Manhattan Helicopters will now be able to offer a combined fleet of nine helicopters, with some of the most technologically-advanced and luxurious craft in the air. The total includes two brand-new Bell 407s, considered one of the safest helicopters in the world; a Eurocopter AS350B3, a high-performance aircraft with the distinction of being the only helicopter ever to land on Mount Everest; and an MD600N, the quietest helicopter in the world.
“We think it offers the best of all worlds to our customers,” says Itai Shoshani, owner of Zip Aviation. “Two industry-leaders, combining their strengths to increase their range of offerings, and to enhance the customer-experience. It’s a win-win situation for both of us – and the customer.”
Zip Aviation (www.zipover.com) takes guests on a variety of helicopter tours around New York City, ranging from the “Liberty Island” tour to the memorable “Over the Top” and “Grand Island” tours. New York stretches out from horizon to horizon and side to side before the aircraft, with an incomparable view of the world’s most exciting city, its greatest skyline, and one of its busiest harbors. In addition to the sightseeing tours, Zip Aviation specializes in discreet charters (often for celebrities or international dignitaries) and aerial photography, along with executive and special-event transportation.
“We want to be the type of company that’s always focused on improving the customer-experience,” Shoshani said. “And this alliance will help us achieve that.”
###
CONTACT:
Steve Winston
President – Winston Communications
steve@winstoncommunications.com
ZIP AVIATION ANNOUNCES NEW ALLIANCE WITH MANHATTAN HELICOPTERS
NEW YORK, NY: October 13, 2010 – Zip Aviation LLC today announced a new strategic alliance with Manhattan Helicopters LLC, which will bring a bevy of benefits to customers of both helicopter-tour companies.
The new strategic alliance was formed to enhance the range of services and tours available, and to provide a one-of-a-kind sightseeing experience for New York City visitors. For customers of the two fleets, the advantages will be evident immediately – industry-leading liability coverage, a wider availability of innovative tours, greater booking flexibility/added availability of times, and two companies known for the best customer-service in the industry.
Zip Aviation and Manhattan Helicopters will now be able to offer a combined fleet of nine helicopters, with some of the most technologically-advanced and luxurious craft in the air. The total includes two brand-new Bell 407s, considered one of the safest helicopters in the world; a Eurocopter AS350B3, a high-performance aircraft with the distinction of being the only helicopter ever to land on Mount Everest; and an MD600N, the quietest helicopter in the world.
“We think it offers the best of all worlds to our customers,” says Itai Shoshani, owner of Zip Aviation. “Two industry-leaders, combining their strengths to increase their range of offerings, and to enhance the customer-experience. It’s a win-win situation for both of us – and the customer.”
Zip Aviation (www.zipover.com) takes guests on a variety of helicopter tours around New York City, ranging from the “Liberty Island” tour to the memorable “Over the Top” and “Grand Island” tours. New York stretches out from horizon to horizon and side to side before the aircraft, with an incomparable view of the world’s most exciting city, its greatest skyline, and one of its busiest harbors. In addition to the sightseeing tours, Zip Aviation specializes in discreet charters (often for celebrities or international dignitaries) and aerial photography, along with executive and special-event transportation.
“We want to be the type of company that’s always focused on improving the customer-experience,” Shoshani said. “And this alliance will help us achieve that.”
###
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
NY SKYRIDE ANNOUNCES NEW COMMUNITY INITIATIVE - "SCHOOL OF THE MONTH"
NEWS FROM WINSTON COMMUNICATIONS
CONTACT: Steve Winston
President - WINSTON COMMUNICATIONS
steve@winstoncommunications.com
NY SKYRIDE ANNOUNCES NEW COMMUNITY INITIATIVE –
“SCHOOL OF THE MONTH”
NEW YORK, NY: October 5, 2010 – NY SKYRIDE has just announced a new city-wide program to reach out to the local community – and to reward local schools whose students are performing well.
The new program will be called “School of the Month,” and it will reward students in New York City schools that are improving their academic status – a lot of students. NY SKYRIDE, a virtual tour over New York City’s landmarks and neighborhoods, will be hosting hundreds of students every month – for free. And these students will get to see one of those famous landmarks first-hand - because NY SKYRIDE is located on the second floor of the Empire State Building.
According to attendance figures, NY SKYRIDE is one of the top ten attractions in New York City, and it has hosted nearly 8 million visitors since its opening in 1996.
“We really want to do something special for this city,” says Matthew Day, Vice President of Business Development for NY SKYRIDE. “These days, with all that’s going on in the economy and in the world, we believe strongly in being good corporate citizens. So we’ll be hosting hundreds of children from the winning school each month…at no charge.”
NY SKYRIDE is New York’s only virtual aerial simulator, and it’s one of only a few New York attractions that also serve as a tourist guide to the city. This “aerial” swing over the streets of the Big Apple utilizes digital technology, moving platforms, and an 18-foot-screen. It’s a big draw for foreign and out-of-town visitors, as well as for local residents. And corporate, civic, and student groups can get special rates.
“In establishing the ‘School of the Month’ program, we’d like to feel that we’re helping these kids learn more about the city in which they live,” says Day. “A virtual helicopter ride over the neighborhoods and landmarks of New York allows them to view their hometown from a perspective they never had before.”
New York City schools interested in being considered for “School of the Month” should contact Renee Wilson at 212-299-4904 to participate.
###
CONTACT: Steve Winston
President - WINSTON COMMUNICATIONS
steve@winstoncommunications.com
NY SKYRIDE ANNOUNCES NEW COMMUNITY INITIATIVE –
“SCHOOL OF THE MONTH”
NEW YORK, NY: October 5, 2010 – NY SKYRIDE has just announced a new city-wide program to reach out to the local community – and to reward local schools whose students are performing well.
The new program will be called “School of the Month,” and it will reward students in New York City schools that are improving their academic status – a lot of students. NY SKYRIDE, a virtual tour over New York City’s landmarks and neighborhoods, will be hosting hundreds of students every month – for free. And these students will get to see one of those famous landmarks first-hand - because NY SKYRIDE is located on the second floor of the Empire State Building.
According to attendance figures, NY SKYRIDE is one of the top ten attractions in New York City, and it has hosted nearly 8 million visitors since its opening in 1996.
“We really want to do something special for this city,” says Matthew Day, Vice President of Business Development for NY SKYRIDE. “These days, with all that’s going on in the economy and in the world, we believe strongly in being good corporate citizens. So we’ll be hosting hundreds of children from the winning school each month…at no charge.”
NY SKYRIDE is New York’s only virtual aerial simulator, and it’s one of only a few New York attractions that also serve as a tourist guide to the city. This “aerial” swing over the streets of the Big Apple utilizes digital technology, moving platforms, and an 18-foot-screen. It’s a big draw for foreign and out-of-town visitors, as well as for local residents. And corporate, civic, and student groups can get special rates.
“In establishing the ‘School of the Month’ program, we’d like to feel that we’re helping these kids learn more about the city in which they live,” says Day. “A virtual helicopter ride over the neighborhoods and landmarks of New York allows them to view their hometown from a perspective they never had before.”
New York City schools interested in being considered for “School of the Month” should contact Renee Wilson at 212-299-4904 to participate.
###
Monday, September 20, 2010
CENTRAL PARK BIKE TOURS BRINGS YOUR BIKE TO YOU
NEWS FROM WINSTON COMMUNICATIONS
CONTACT: Steve Winston
President, Winston Communications
954) 575-4089
steve@winstoncommunications.com
CENTRAL PARK BIKE TOURS BRINGS YOUR BIKE TO YOU
NEW YORK, N.Y.: September 21, 2010 - Central Park Bike Tours takes the trouble out of renting a bike in New York City. This company, one of the pioneers of New York City bicycle-tours and rentals, will deliver its bikes to customers at Manhattan hotels – and pick them up again at the end of the day.
“When we started in 1994, we were pretty much the only bicycle-tour and rental company in the Central Park area, “ says Tom Ahern, owner of Central Park Bike Tours (www.centralparkbiketours.com). “And our philosophy has remained the same since then. We don’t care about being the biggest. We’re only interested in nurturing our reputation for innovative customer-service.”
For its “VIP” renters, many of whom come from out of town, the company takes all the hassle out of taking a bus or cab – or walking – to its store off Central Park. It cuts down on time, and it cuts down on cost. And customers can start pedaling the minute they walk outside their hotel.
In addition to rentals, Central Park Bike Tours is also one of the city’s leading bicycle-tour companies, leading guided tours into nooks and crannies and special places in Central Park that even some New Yorkers don’t know about. Customers pedal past beautiful meadows and old bridges and rarefied museums and horse-drawn carriages, and landmarks such as Strawberry Fields, the John Lennon International Peace Garden, the Wollman Skating Rink, and the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir. In addition, the company also offers tours of special neighborhoods such as Harlem, Brooklyn, Times Square, and Little Italy.
Central Park Bike Tours was originally discovered by “New York” magazine in the mid-90’s, resulting in a new wave of business. Shortly afterward, foreign tourists discovered the company. It’s still one of the few New York bike companies with an actual store.
“If you Googled ‘bicycle tours in Central Park’ in 2005, we were the only ones that came up,” says Ahern. “Now, there’s plenty of competition. But we’re still growing at the rate of 40% a year – so we must be doing something right. And we’d like to think it’s our customer-service.”
###
CONTACT: Steve Winston
President, Winston Communications
954) 575-4089
steve@winstoncommunications.com
CENTRAL PARK BIKE TOURS BRINGS YOUR BIKE TO YOU
NEW YORK, N.Y.: September 21, 2010 - Central Park Bike Tours takes the trouble out of renting a bike in New York City. This company, one of the pioneers of New York City bicycle-tours and rentals, will deliver its bikes to customers at Manhattan hotels – and pick them up again at the end of the day.
“When we started in 1994, we were pretty much the only bicycle-tour and rental company in the Central Park area, “ says Tom Ahern, owner of Central Park Bike Tours (www.centralparkbiketours.com). “And our philosophy has remained the same since then. We don’t care about being the biggest. We’re only interested in nurturing our reputation for innovative customer-service.”
For its “VIP” renters, many of whom come from out of town, the company takes all the hassle out of taking a bus or cab – or walking – to its store off Central Park. It cuts down on time, and it cuts down on cost. And customers can start pedaling the minute they walk outside their hotel.
In addition to rentals, Central Park Bike Tours is also one of the city’s leading bicycle-tour companies, leading guided tours into nooks and crannies and special places in Central Park that even some New Yorkers don’t know about. Customers pedal past beautiful meadows and old bridges and rarefied museums and horse-drawn carriages, and landmarks such as Strawberry Fields, the John Lennon International Peace Garden, the Wollman Skating Rink, and the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir. In addition, the company also offers tours of special neighborhoods such as Harlem, Brooklyn, Times Square, and Little Italy.
Central Park Bike Tours was originally discovered by “New York” magazine in the mid-90’s, resulting in a new wave of business. Shortly afterward, foreign tourists discovered the company. It’s still one of the few New York bike companies with an actual store.
“If you Googled ‘bicycle tours in Central Park’ in 2005, we were the only ones that came up,” says Ahern. “Now, there’s plenty of competition. But we’re still growing at the rate of 40% a year – so we must be doing something right. And we’d like to think it’s our customer-service.”
###
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
LEADING NEW YORK TOURIST ATTRACTION ADDS TO ITS FLEET
NEWS FROM WINSTON COMMUNICATIONS
CONTACT: Steve Winston
President – WINSTON COMMUNICATIONS
(954) 575-4089
steve@winstoncommunications.com
ZIP AVIATION PURCHASES NEW SIGHTSEEING HELICOPTER
NEW YORK, NY: September 7, 2010 – Zip Aviation, one of New York City’s leading sightseeing and charter-helicopter companies, has announced the purchase of a new Bell Helicopter. The helicopter is an advanced Bell 407, and it brings a new measure of speed, comfort, and technical sophistication to Zip’s already-modern fleet.
Zip Aviation, known for superb customer-service, takes guests on a variety of helicopter tours around New York City, ranging from the “Liberty Island” tour to the memorable “Over the Top” and “Grand Island” tours. New York stretches out from horizon to horizon and side to side before the aircraft, with an incomparable view of the world’s most exciting city, its greatest skyline, and one of its busiest harbors. Visitors get birds-eye views (nighttime or daytime) of the Empire State Building, the Statue of Liberty, the aircraft carrier U.S.S. Intrepid, the Wall Street district, the harbor, and three states. In addition to the sightseeing tours, Zip Aviation specializes in discreet charters (often for celebrities or international dignitaries) and aerial photography, along with executive and special-event transportation. Its new Bell 407 – modified to be the only one of its kind - features a state-of-the-art “glass cockpit” system, a luxurious custom-designed interior of leather and maple, and an in-flight entertainment system with touch-screen technology.
"We’re really excited about this new craft,” said Itai Shoshani, owner of Zip Aviation. “We think it’s revolutionizing helicopter sightseeing…and our guests love it. The Bell 407 has a luxurious cabin, a smooth ride, and large windows with great visibility. And this is a specially-enhanced model. It’s the nicest 407 in the world, in fact - and the first with the special Garmin glass cockpit.”
The Bell 407’s six-passenger cabin allows guests to get up-close-and-personal with New York City - from a brand-new perspective. And it will allow Zip Aviation to expand its range of services to corporate and VIP clients, as well.
“Many of our clients are celebrities,” Itai Shoshani said. “But all of our clients are treated like celebrities.”
###
Zip Aviation (www.zipover.com) offers air tours and charters from Manhattan’s heliports at Wall Street and West 30th Street (in a private terminal) with an all-Bell fleet. The company also flies to all area airports, and can be reached at 1-866-ZIP-OVER (947-6837).
CONTACT: Steve Winston
President – WINSTON COMMUNICATIONS
(954) 575-4089
steve@winstoncommunications.com
ZIP AVIATION PURCHASES NEW SIGHTSEEING HELICOPTER
NEW YORK, NY: September 7, 2010 – Zip Aviation, one of New York City’s leading sightseeing and charter-helicopter companies, has announced the purchase of a new Bell Helicopter. The helicopter is an advanced Bell 407, and it brings a new measure of speed, comfort, and technical sophistication to Zip’s already-modern fleet.
Zip Aviation, known for superb customer-service, takes guests on a variety of helicopter tours around New York City, ranging from the “Liberty Island” tour to the memorable “Over the Top” and “Grand Island” tours. New York stretches out from horizon to horizon and side to side before the aircraft, with an incomparable view of the world’s most exciting city, its greatest skyline, and one of its busiest harbors. Visitors get birds-eye views (nighttime or daytime) of the Empire State Building, the Statue of Liberty, the aircraft carrier U.S.S. Intrepid, the Wall Street district, the harbor, and three states. In addition to the sightseeing tours, Zip Aviation specializes in discreet charters (often for celebrities or international dignitaries) and aerial photography, along with executive and special-event transportation. Its new Bell 407 – modified to be the only one of its kind - features a state-of-the-art “glass cockpit” system, a luxurious custom-designed interior of leather and maple, and an in-flight entertainment system with touch-screen technology.
"We’re really excited about this new craft,” said Itai Shoshani, owner of Zip Aviation. “We think it’s revolutionizing helicopter sightseeing…and our guests love it. The Bell 407 has a luxurious cabin, a smooth ride, and large windows with great visibility. And this is a specially-enhanced model. It’s the nicest 407 in the world, in fact - and the first with the special Garmin glass cockpit.”
The Bell 407’s six-passenger cabin allows guests to get up-close-and-personal with New York City - from a brand-new perspective. And it will allow Zip Aviation to expand its range of services to corporate and VIP clients, as well.
“Many of our clients are celebrities,” Itai Shoshani said. “But all of our clients are treated like celebrities.”
###
Zip Aviation (www.zipover.com) offers air tours and charters from Manhattan’s heliports at Wall Street and West 30th Street (in a private terminal) with an all-Bell fleet. The company also flies to all area airports, and can be reached at 1-866-ZIP-OVER (947-6837).
Monday, August 30, 2010
NEWS FROM WINSTON COMMUNICATIONS
NEWS FROM WINSTON COMMUNICATIONS
CONTACT: Steve Winston
President, WINSTON COMMUNICATIONS
(954) 575-4089
steve@winstoncommunications.com
TOP NEW YORK ATTRACTION HITS 7.5-MILLION-VISITOR MARK
New York, NY: August 30, 2010 – NY SKYRIDE, one of New York City’s top ten attractions according to attendance figures, reached a new milestone recently – the 7.5-million-visitor mark. That’s an average of more than half-a-million visitors a year since the attraction opened in 1996.
NY SKYRIDE is located in one of the biggest tourist draws in the world for the past eighty years – the Empire State Building. And it takes visitors on the most unusual ride in New York City – up, up, and away, over the Big Apple, while never leaving the ground. It’s a virtual helicopter tour of the city, from the comfort of a seat on the second floor of the world’s most famous building. You’ll feel the sensation of flight, as you lift off and then “fly” low over one great attraction after another. The ride is narrated by actor Kevin Bacon, a New York City resident. And you’ll get an aerial “tour” of the world’s greatest city.
“Reaching the 7.5 million mark really means something,” said Matthew Day, NY SKYRIDE’S Vice President of Business Development. “This is an attraction you won’t see anywhere else, and – combined with the fact that it’s located in the most famous building in the world – it really makes for a special experience. And while you’re ‘flying’ over New York, you can get a bird’s-eye view of thirty other attractions you may also want to explore.”
One of those attractions is about a hundred floors north of NY SKYRIDE – the Observatory of the Empire State Building. The two attractions offer a joint Combo ticket that not only gets you into both for a discounted price, but also gains you access to the “Fast Track” line for the observatory. The Fast Track allows visitors to bypass most of the regular Observatory line, which can sometimes have waits of up to three hours.
NY SKYRIDE (www.skyride.com) is New York’s only virtual aerial simulator, and it’s one of only a few New York attractions that also serves as a tourist guide to the city. This “aerial” swing over the streets of the Big Apple utilizes digital technology, moving platforms, and an 18-foot-screen. And it’s also proven a very big draw for local residents, as well, along with corporate, civic, and student groups that can get special rates.
###
WINSTON COMMUNICATIONS (www.winstoncommunications.com) is an award-winning public relations, marketing, and communications firm in Fort Lauderdale, FL. Its Client List includes organizations such as CitiGroup, American Airlines, Alamo Rent A Car, The Florida Panthers National Hockey League Club, and The State of Florida. Steve Winston, President of WINSTON COMMUNICATIONS, was named by “PR Week” as one of the Top Twenty Public Relations Executives in America.
CONTACT: Steve Winston
President, WINSTON COMMUNICATIONS
(954) 575-4089
steve@winstoncommunications.com
TOP NEW YORK ATTRACTION HITS 7.5-MILLION-VISITOR MARK
New York, NY: August 30, 2010 – NY SKYRIDE, one of New York City’s top ten attractions according to attendance figures, reached a new milestone recently – the 7.5-million-visitor mark. That’s an average of more than half-a-million visitors a year since the attraction opened in 1996.
NY SKYRIDE is located in one of the biggest tourist draws in the world for the past eighty years – the Empire State Building. And it takes visitors on the most unusual ride in New York City – up, up, and away, over the Big Apple, while never leaving the ground. It’s a virtual helicopter tour of the city, from the comfort of a seat on the second floor of the world’s most famous building. You’ll feel the sensation of flight, as you lift off and then “fly” low over one great attraction after another. The ride is narrated by actor Kevin Bacon, a New York City resident. And you’ll get an aerial “tour” of the world’s greatest city.
“Reaching the 7.5 million mark really means something,” said Matthew Day, NY SKYRIDE’S Vice President of Business Development. “This is an attraction you won’t see anywhere else, and – combined with the fact that it’s located in the most famous building in the world – it really makes for a special experience. And while you’re ‘flying’ over New York, you can get a bird’s-eye view of thirty other attractions you may also want to explore.”
One of those attractions is about a hundred floors north of NY SKYRIDE – the Observatory of the Empire State Building. The two attractions offer a joint Combo ticket that not only gets you into both for a discounted price, but also gains you access to the “Fast Track” line for the observatory. The Fast Track allows visitors to bypass most of the regular Observatory line, which can sometimes have waits of up to three hours.
NY SKYRIDE (www.skyride.com) is New York’s only virtual aerial simulator, and it’s one of only a few New York attractions that also serves as a tourist guide to the city. This “aerial” swing over the streets of the Big Apple utilizes digital technology, moving platforms, and an 18-foot-screen. And it’s also proven a very big draw for local residents, as well, along with corporate, civic, and student groups that can get special rates.
###
WINSTON COMMUNICATIONS (www.winstoncommunications.com) is an award-winning public relations, marketing, and communications firm in Fort Lauderdale, FL. Its Client List includes organizations such as CitiGroup, American Airlines, Alamo Rent A Car, The Florida Panthers National Hockey League Club, and The State of Florida. Steve Winston, President of WINSTON COMMUNICATIONS, was named by “PR Week” as one of the Top Twenty Public Relations Executives in America.
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
WINSTON COMMUNICATIONS SIGNS MAJOR NEW CLIENT
NEWS FROM WINSTON COMMUNICATIONS
CONTACT: Steve Winston
President, WINSTON COMMUNICATIONS
(954) 575-4089
steve@winstoncommunications.com
WINSTON COMMUNICATIONS SIGNS MAJOR NEW CLIENT
FORT LAUDERDALE, FL: August 25, 2010 – Winston Communications today announced a major new addition to its client roster – NY SKYRIDE, one of the top ten attractions in New York City.
NY SKYRIDE recently hit the 7.5-million-visitor mark - an average of more than half-a-million visitors a year since it opened in 1996. The attraction is located in one of the biggest tourist draws in the world – the Empire State Building. And it takes visitors on the most unusual ride in New York City – up, up, and away, over the Big Apple, while never leaving the ground. It’s a virtual helicopter tour of the city, from the comfort of a seat on the second floor of the world’s most famous building. Visitors feel the sensation of flight, as they lift off and “fly” on an aerial tour of the world’s greatest city. The ride is narrated by actor Kevin Bacon, a New York City resident.
‘Winston Communications has a long and very successful history in the travel/tourism market,” said Steve Winston, President of the company. “For us, helping NY SKYRIDE tell its story is a natural extension of what we do. And it’s a very exciting addition to our client list – because it’s the only attraction of its kind.”
NY SKYRIDE is New York’s only virtual aerial simulator, and it’s one of only a few New York attractions that also serves as a tourist guide to the city. This “aerial” swing over the streets of the Big Apple utilizes digital technology, moving platforms, and an 18-foot-screen.
Winston Communications is an award-winning public relations, marketing, and communications firm that has worked with organizations such as CitiBank, American Airlines, Alamo Rent a Car, The Florida Panthers NHL Hockey Club, and The State of Florida. And it has regularly generated coverage of its clients in media such as CBS, NBC, ABC, FOX-TV, CNN, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, “Business Week,” “Forbes,” “Fortune,” USA Today, and The Associated Press. Steve Winston was named as one of the top twenty public relations executives in America by “PR Week.”
“Attendance figures show that we’re already one of the top ten attractions in New York,” said Matthew Day, Vice President of Business Development for NY SKYRIDE. “And now we’re going to really get our story out, with a partner that specializes in generating new business for its clients. We’re thrilled to hook up with Winston Communications.”
CONTACT: Steve Winston
President, WINSTON COMMUNICATIONS
(954) 575-4089
steve@winstoncommunications.com
WINSTON COMMUNICATIONS SIGNS MAJOR NEW CLIENT
FORT LAUDERDALE, FL: August 25, 2010 – Winston Communications today announced a major new addition to its client roster – NY SKYRIDE, one of the top ten attractions in New York City.
NY SKYRIDE recently hit the 7.5-million-visitor mark - an average of more than half-a-million visitors a year since it opened in 1996. The attraction is located in one of the biggest tourist draws in the world – the Empire State Building. And it takes visitors on the most unusual ride in New York City – up, up, and away, over the Big Apple, while never leaving the ground. It’s a virtual helicopter tour of the city, from the comfort of a seat on the second floor of the world’s most famous building. Visitors feel the sensation of flight, as they lift off and “fly” on an aerial tour of the world’s greatest city. The ride is narrated by actor Kevin Bacon, a New York City resident.
‘Winston Communications has a long and very successful history in the travel/tourism market,” said Steve Winston, President of the company. “For us, helping NY SKYRIDE tell its story is a natural extension of what we do. And it’s a very exciting addition to our client list – because it’s the only attraction of its kind.”
NY SKYRIDE is New York’s only virtual aerial simulator, and it’s one of only a few New York attractions that also serves as a tourist guide to the city. This “aerial” swing over the streets of the Big Apple utilizes digital technology, moving platforms, and an 18-foot-screen.
Winston Communications is an award-winning public relations, marketing, and communications firm that has worked with organizations such as CitiBank, American Airlines, Alamo Rent a Car, The Florida Panthers NHL Hockey Club, and The State of Florida. And it has regularly generated coverage of its clients in media such as CBS, NBC, ABC, FOX-TV, CNN, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, “Business Week,” “Forbes,” “Fortune,” USA Today, and The Associated Press. Steve Winston was named as one of the top twenty public relations executives in America by “PR Week.”
“Attendance figures show that we’re already one of the top ten attractions in New York,” said Matthew Day, Vice President of Business Development for NY SKYRIDE. “And now we’re going to really get our story out, with a partner that specializes in generating new business for its clients. We’re thrilled to hook up with Winston Communications.”
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
IS NEWS DEAD?
IS NEWS DEAD?
I’m convinced it is. Or, at least, after watching the hysterical reaction to a young woman’s recent Facebook posting, I’m convinced it’s on its death-bed.
I’ve spoken often, in this space about our preoccupation with “news” stories about the rich-and-famous…specifically, rich-and-famous athletes and movie stars and born-with-a-silver-spoon-in-their-mouths who get drunk, do drugs, get in brawls (often with their own spouses), and do a host of other really-unimportant things that somehow manage to become “news” stories. But the transformation of this recent Facebook posting into “news,” in my opinion, took the cake.
The Facebook posting to which I’m referring, of course, is the one by the young Israeli former-soldier who posted a photo of herself posing in front of a few blindfolded Palestinian prisoners.
Yes, the photo was a stupid decision by a young woman who obviously had no clue about the sensitivities involved, both human and political. Yes, the photo was offensive. Yes, it was no doubt humiliating to the prisoners. And – for sure – it does show the corrupting influence of an occupation on at least one “occupier” – if not THE “occupier.” (Although, as some have pointed out, she did not then turn around and chop off the heads of her prisoners after taking the photo, as some Islamo-terrorist groups have done.)
But, really…this is news?? This former soldier posted some disturbing photos on Facebook. She wasn’t representing her government. She wasn’t even representing her army – whose officers are justifiably pissed off at her. But have you seen any of the other stuff that young people post on Facebook? And – if you have two daughters on the site, as I do – you realize that all those initials posted by young people are actually curse-words (such as “wtf” – “What the f____k”)? You realize, as well, that the site has plenty of very suggestive photos by young women. And plenty of tasteless, inappropriate photos and comments by young men.
What is real news? Well, let’s see. Thirty million Pakistanis are homeless. The Federal budget is out of control. The war in Afghanistan is still raging (and most likely will continue to rage indefinitely). The recession is still hovering over our lives like a nightmare. Iraq, which has taken seven-and-a-half years and thousands of lives, seems anything but stable. More people lose their jobs every day. Any semblance of reasoned political discussion in our country has turned into screaming and shouting. And our political processes seem sorely corrupt. This is news! Not the social-media posting of an immature, insensitive young woman.
If this is what our “news” is coming to because of the electronic/viral influence, I’m wondering if we should really let the good ole newspaper – and the traditional ways of reporting news - die out.
Steve Winston
President, WINSTON COMMUNICATIONS
www.winstoncommunications.com
steve@winstoncommunications.com
I’m convinced it is. Or, at least, after watching the hysterical reaction to a young woman’s recent Facebook posting, I’m convinced it’s on its death-bed.
I’ve spoken often, in this space about our preoccupation with “news” stories about the rich-and-famous…specifically, rich-and-famous athletes and movie stars and born-with-a-silver-spoon-in-their-mouths who get drunk, do drugs, get in brawls (often with their own spouses), and do a host of other really-unimportant things that somehow manage to become “news” stories. But the transformation of this recent Facebook posting into “news,” in my opinion, took the cake.
The Facebook posting to which I’m referring, of course, is the one by the young Israeli former-soldier who posted a photo of herself posing in front of a few blindfolded Palestinian prisoners.
Yes, the photo was a stupid decision by a young woman who obviously had no clue about the sensitivities involved, both human and political. Yes, the photo was offensive. Yes, it was no doubt humiliating to the prisoners. And – for sure – it does show the corrupting influence of an occupation on at least one “occupier” – if not THE “occupier.” (Although, as some have pointed out, she did not then turn around and chop off the heads of her prisoners after taking the photo, as some Islamo-terrorist groups have done.)
But, really…this is news?? This former soldier posted some disturbing photos on Facebook. She wasn’t representing her government. She wasn’t even representing her army – whose officers are justifiably pissed off at her. But have you seen any of the other stuff that young people post on Facebook? And – if you have two daughters on the site, as I do – you realize that all those initials posted by young people are actually curse-words (such as “wtf” – “What the f____k”)? You realize, as well, that the site has plenty of very suggestive photos by young women. And plenty of tasteless, inappropriate photos and comments by young men.
What is real news? Well, let’s see. Thirty million Pakistanis are homeless. The Federal budget is out of control. The war in Afghanistan is still raging (and most likely will continue to rage indefinitely). The recession is still hovering over our lives like a nightmare. Iraq, which has taken seven-and-a-half years and thousands of lives, seems anything but stable. More people lose their jobs every day. Any semblance of reasoned political discussion in our country has turned into screaming and shouting. And our political processes seem sorely corrupt. This is news! Not the social-media posting of an immature, insensitive young woman.
If this is what our “news” is coming to because of the electronic/viral influence, I’m wondering if we should really let the good ole newspaper – and the traditional ways of reporting news - die out.
Steve Winston
President, WINSTON COMMUNICATIONS
www.winstoncommunications.com
steve@winstoncommunications.com
Thursday, July 29, 2010
WINSTON COMMUNICATIONS SIGNS MAJOR NEW CLIENT
NEWS FROM WINSTON COMMUNICATIONS
CONTACT: Steve Winston
President, WINSTON COMMUNICATIONS
(954) 575-4089
steve@winstoncommunications.com
www.winstoncommunications.com
WINSTON COMMUNICATIONS SIGNS MAJOR NEW CLIENT
FORT LAUDERDALE, FL: July 29, 2010 – Winston Communications today announced a major new addition to its client roster – NY SKYRIDE, one of the top ten attractions in New York City.
NY SKYRIDE recently hit the 7.5-million-visitor mark - an average of more than half-a-million visitors a year since it opened in 1996. The attraction is located in one of the biggest tourist draws in the world – the Empire State Building. And it takes visitors on the most unusual ride in New York City – up, up, and away, over the Big Apple, while never leaving the ground. It’s a virtual helicopter tour of the city, from the comfort of a seat on the second floor of the world’s most famous building. Visitors feel the sensation of flight, as they lift off and “fly” on an aerial tour of the world’s greatest city. The ride is narrated by actor Kevin Bacon, a New York City resident.
‘Winston Communications has a long and very successful history in the travel/tourism market,” said Steve Winston, President of the company. “For us, helping NY SKYRIDE tell its story is a natural extension of what we do. And it’s a very exciting addition to our client list – because it’s the only attraction of its kind.”
NY SKYRIDE is New York’s only virtual aerial simulator, and it’s one of only a few New York attractions that also serves as a tourist guide to the city. This “aerial” swing over the streets of the Big Apple utilizes digital technology, moving platforms, and an 18-foot-screen.
Winston Communications is an award-winning public relations, marketing, and communications firm that has worked with organizations such as Citibank, American Airlines, Alamo Rent a Car, The Florida Panthers NHL Hockey Club, and The State of Florida. And it has regularly generated coverage of its clients in media such as CBS, NBC, ABC, FOX-TV, CNN, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, “Business Week,” “Forbes,” “Fortune,” USA Today, and The Associated Press. Steve Winston was named as one of the top twenty public relations executives in America by “PR Week.”
“Attendance figures show that we’re already one of the top ten attractions in New York,” said Matthew Day, Vice President of Business Development for NY SKYRIDE. “And now we’re going to really get our story out, with a partner that specializes in generating new business for its clients. We’re thrilled to hook up with Winston Communications.”
CONTACT: Steve Winston
President, WINSTON COMMUNICATIONS
(954) 575-4089
steve@winstoncommunications.com
www.winstoncommunications.com
WINSTON COMMUNICATIONS SIGNS MAJOR NEW CLIENT
FORT LAUDERDALE, FL: July 29, 2010 – Winston Communications today announced a major new addition to its client roster – NY SKYRIDE, one of the top ten attractions in New York City.
NY SKYRIDE recently hit the 7.5-million-visitor mark - an average of more than half-a-million visitors a year since it opened in 1996. The attraction is located in one of the biggest tourist draws in the world – the Empire State Building. And it takes visitors on the most unusual ride in New York City – up, up, and away, over the Big Apple, while never leaving the ground. It’s a virtual helicopter tour of the city, from the comfort of a seat on the second floor of the world’s most famous building. Visitors feel the sensation of flight, as they lift off and “fly” on an aerial tour of the world’s greatest city. The ride is narrated by actor Kevin Bacon, a New York City resident.
‘Winston Communications has a long and very successful history in the travel/tourism market,” said Steve Winston, President of the company. “For us, helping NY SKYRIDE tell its story is a natural extension of what we do. And it’s a very exciting addition to our client list – because it’s the only attraction of its kind.”
NY SKYRIDE is New York’s only virtual aerial simulator, and it’s one of only a few New York attractions that also serves as a tourist guide to the city. This “aerial” swing over the streets of the Big Apple utilizes digital technology, moving platforms, and an 18-foot-screen.
Winston Communications is an award-winning public relations, marketing, and communications firm that has worked with organizations such as Citibank, American Airlines, Alamo Rent a Car, The Florida Panthers NHL Hockey Club, and The State of Florida. And it has regularly generated coverage of its clients in media such as CBS, NBC, ABC, FOX-TV, CNN, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, “Business Week,” “Forbes,” “Fortune,” USA Today, and The Associated Press. Steve Winston was named as one of the top twenty public relations executives in America by “PR Week.”
“Attendance figures show that we’re already one of the top ten attractions in New York,” said Matthew Day, Vice President of Business Development for NY SKYRIDE. “And now we’re going to really get our story out, with a partner that specializes in generating new business for its clients. We’re thrilled to hook up with Winston Communications.”
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
MY '73 TOYOTA
It was one of my first cars. I bought it used, probably around 1977. I have no recollection of from whom I bought it, or under what circumstances.
It was white…well, more like cream, especially when you considered the ground-in dirt all over it. And the interior was one piece of creaky plastic after another. Yet, it was sort of cool, in a not-too-long-out-of-college, see-my-still-unusual-car sort of way. It was Japanese. No one – including me – had any pretensions that this Toyota Corolla was a “good” car. That it was solid. Or that it would last. Toyota, in those days, was still a long way from that status. But this little car served its purpose. It would get me where I had to go. And it would do so without costing me an arm and a leg for gas.
I remembered, when I had bought it, the stories my fifth-grade teacher had told us about “Made in USA.” He had related the story that, in the depths of a thousand miles of rubble after World War II, Japan needed to devise a way to stimulate its destroyed economy. And the best way to do that was to develop a market for its products in America. So they built a new town, called it Usa, and began stamping everything – from cars to push-pins – with “Made in USA.” I never found out if it was really true. But, to us, it was a hell of a story.
In fact, in those days, you didn’t see a hell of a lot of Toyotas on the road. My Dad, a World War II veteran who landed at Normandy and was wounded in Germany, was less than thrilled at my purchase of a Japanese car. And my uncle, who had fought the Japanese all through the Pacific, and had come home from Iwo Jima with a captured Japanese rifle and bayonet, was even less thrilled.
Most Americans don’t even know that the Japanese eventually learned to make quality products – including cars – from an American businessman and industrialist named W. Edwards Deming. After the war, Deming had been asked by the American government to go to Japan and help re-build the Japanese manufacturing sector, by teaching them American production methods and operations systems. And Deming taught them so well that they eventually, of course, passed us in the production of highly-reliable and quality automobiles.
So – like anyone else who once drove a Toyota, and who has admired the product even after he never drove one again – I’m disappointed and disillusioned by the betrayal of the public trust by a once-great company. How quickly, these days, the mighty can fall. And, like many people, I’m willing to cut Toyota a bit of slack for the problems with their cars. But I’m not sure I can ever forgive the apparent deceptions and story-spinning by a once-beloved company that seems to have put profits above people.
Steve Winston
President, WINSTON COMMUNICATIONS
www.winstoncommunications.com
steve@winstoncommunications.com
(954) 575-4089
It was white…well, more like cream, especially when you considered the ground-in dirt all over it. And the interior was one piece of creaky plastic after another. Yet, it was sort of cool, in a not-too-long-out-of-college, see-my-still-unusual-car sort of way. It was Japanese. No one – including me – had any pretensions that this Toyota Corolla was a “good” car. That it was solid. Or that it would last. Toyota, in those days, was still a long way from that status. But this little car served its purpose. It would get me where I had to go. And it would do so without costing me an arm and a leg for gas.
I remembered, when I had bought it, the stories my fifth-grade teacher had told us about “Made in USA.” He had related the story that, in the depths of a thousand miles of rubble after World War II, Japan needed to devise a way to stimulate its destroyed economy. And the best way to do that was to develop a market for its products in America. So they built a new town, called it Usa, and began stamping everything – from cars to push-pins – with “Made in USA.” I never found out if it was really true. But, to us, it was a hell of a story.
In fact, in those days, you didn’t see a hell of a lot of Toyotas on the road. My Dad, a World War II veteran who landed at Normandy and was wounded in Germany, was less than thrilled at my purchase of a Japanese car. And my uncle, who had fought the Japanese all through the Pacific, and had come home from Iwo Jima with a captured Japanese rifle and bayonet, was even less thrilled.
Most Americans don’t even know that the Japanese eventually learned to make quality products – including cars – from an American businessman and industrialist named W. Edwards Deming. After the war, Deming had been asked by the American government to go to Japan and help re-build the Japanese manufacturing sector, by teaching them American production methods and operations systems. And Deming taught them so well that they eventually, of course, passed us in the production of highly-reliable and quality automobiles.
So – like anyone else who once drove a Toyota, and who has admired the product even after he never drove one again – I’m disappointed and disillusioned by the betrayal of the public trust by a once-great company. How quickly, these days, the mighty can fall. And, like many people, I’m willing to cut Toyota a bit of slack for the problems with their cars. But I’m not sure I can ever forgive the apparent deceptions and story-spinning by a once-beloved company that seems to have put profits above people.
Steve Winston
President, WINSTON COMMUNICATIONS
www.winstoncommunications.com
steve@winstoncommunications.com
(954) 575-4089
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
POWERPOINT VS. TALKING POINTS
I probably own the title of "The Most Speeches Given Without Using PowerPoint," because I've spoken at meetings and events at least a hundred times - and I've never used it.
If you want to engage people, you don't use a stale computer program and elementary handouts that insult their intelligence.
You talk with them (not at – or even to - them).
You take the time to look them in the eye - as many of them as you can.
You connect with them...not only intellectually, but also emotionally.
You get them involved on some level, so they're emotionally invested in your presentation.
You present them with practical, actionable advice...advice they can use to be more efficient and more productive in their work and in their lives.
You tell stories. Because - still - people love a good story. A story to which they can relate. And a story that touches them.
You come off as excited and enthusiastic about your subject (hopefully you really are!)...because then your audience will be.
You speak in a conversational tone - because then they're more likely to hear what you're saying.
I could go on and on with more "talking” points. I won't. But if I decided to, you can be sure they’ll be “talking” points. Not PowerPoints.
Steve Winston
President, WINSTON COMMUNICATIONS
www.winstoncommunications.com
steve@winstoncommunications.com
If you want to engage people, you don't use a stale computer program and elementary handouts that insult their intelligence.
You talk with them (not at – or even to - them).
You take the time to look them in the eye - as many of them as you can.
You connect with them...not only intellectually, but also emotionally.
You get them involved on some level, so they're emotionally invested in your presentation.
You present them with practical, actionable advice...advice they can use to be more efficient and more productive in their work and in their lives.
You tell stories. Because - still - people love a good story. A story to which they can relate. And a story that touches them.
You come off as excited and enthusiastic about your subject (hopefully you really are!)...because then your audience will be.
You speak in a conversational tone - because then they're more likely to hear what you're saying.
I could go on and on with more "talking” points. I won't. But if I decided to, you can be sure they’ll be “talking” points. Not PowerPoints.
Steve Winston
President, WINSTON COMMUNICATIONS
www.winstoncommunications.com
steve@winstoncommunications.com
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
