EA Principals to Host Free Webinar on Understanding the Roles of Enterprise and Solution Architecture

EA Principals will host a free webinar Understanding Enterprise and Solution Architecture, at 2 p.m., July 27th with the goal of helping attendees understand the roles of Enterprise Architecture (EA) and Solution Architecture (SA) as a single entity.

Alexandria, VA, July 20, 2016 - EA Principals will host a free webinar Understanding Enterprise and Solution Architecture, at 2 p.m., July 27th with the goal of helping attendees understand the roles of Enterprise Architecture (EA) and Solution Architecture (SA) as a single entity.

“When we refer to Enterprise and Solution Architecture (E&SA) as a single entity, we are actually referring to an understanding of the roles and relationships between Enterprise Architecture and Solution Architecture. In many cases, it is not feasible to believe that a single person could operate as an Enterprise and Solution Architect; however, it is becoming vitally important that both Enterprise Architects and Solution Architects have an understanding of E&SA so they may leverage each of the others' roles,” explains Dr. Steven Else, CEO and Founder of the Alexandria-based EA Principals.

Else will present the free webinar which aims to offer attendees insights into understanding the roles of Enterprise & Solution Architects.

As Founder and CEO of EA Principals, Inc. (EAP), Dr. Else is among the globe’s top TOGAF (The Open Group Architecture Framework) trainers, having worked with thousands of professionals to help them learn and practice EA. He is also author of the book Organization Theory and Transformation of Large, Complex Organizations. In addition to leading EAP, he established and leads the Enterprise and Solution Architecture International Institute (ESAII) (esaii.org) under the Center for Public-Private Enterprise (CPPE) (cppe.org), which he founded in 1998. ESAII expands his global professional outreach and allows other experts to mentor students on complex, innovative enterprise solutions approaches, going well beyond the enterprise architecture aspects of value delivery. Offering a wealth of practical and academic experience to his EA, Open FAIR, TOGAF 9, and ArchiMate 2 Certification Training, (certified in the latter three, with individual training of 4,000+ professionals), Else is also a Certified Enterprise and Solutions Architect (BCS Professional Certifications), a Project Management Professional (PMP) and an FEAC Certified Enterprise Architect (CEA).

He notes that enterprise Architecture deals with planning, road mapping, and developing future state architectures that map to an enterprise's business strategy. It must balance reality with desired outcomes. Enterprise Architecture creates and executes governance related to its EA role. Enterprise Architects must effectively engage the proper people and teams that will help deliver the future state architectures. Solution Architecture deals with delivering high quality solutions to areas Enterprise Architecture has identified. Solution Architects define in concrete terms: how a future state will be delivered whereas Enterprise architects define what future state will be delivered. Typically, a Solution Architect will be a development team leader and may also lead specialty architects such as ERP, CRM, and Cloud Architects. Solution Architects must always ensure that solutions align to the roadmaps established by Enterprise Architecture. Solution Architects can contribute to the early stages of roadmap planning to reduce possible implementation complications. In short, Solution Architecture transforms requirements discovered by Enterprise Architecture into a concrete plan toward a solution.

“EA and SA work together to build an architecture. Solution Architects often rely on their own experience, published reference architectures, and guidance from EA. Solution Architects act as a bridge between Enterprise Architecture and Software/System Engineers. It is important for professionals in either role to understand E&SA so each knows its roles and expectations. It typically appeals to experienced architects who are looking to streamline the fulfillment of an architecture program or initiative both near and long term,” says Else. Because it lays out scenarios and roles within an EA Practice, E&SA training has also been instrumental to those looking to operate in the roles of Enterprise Architect or Solution Architect. Enterprise Architecture training is common, Solution Architecture training is less common, and E&SA training is rare. Companies like EA Principals in Alexandria, Virginia are among the few that have both the EA and SA training experience and knowledge to be able to offer courses in E&SA.

RSVP to the no-cost webinar online at http://preview.tinyurl.com/EAPrincipalsWebinar or by contacting Luke Gilfeather at luke.gilfeather@eaprincipals.com.

Located in Alexandria, VA, EA Principals is an enterprise architecture firm that has built an enviable client base comprising of major US Governmental agencies as well as private companies, including Fortune 500 companies, through its effective & efficient training, consulting, and mentoring services. The firm has worked with the Department of Defense, Department of Homeland Security, Department of Health and Human Services, General Services Administration, and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. Having worked with several Federal procurement officers and their agencies, we have experienced the challenges involved in strategic planning for privatization, outsourcing, and public-private partnerships. Over the years, EA Principals has developed services in Enterprise Architecture to address complex strategic planning, project/portfolio management, and service-oriented architectures. EA Principals is a Gold Member of The Open Group and Co-Sponsor of ArchiMate Certification Program, Global EA (and EA-related) training (e-learning, online, face-to-face) in multiple languages and including the use of EA tools. The firm also offers accredited courses in TOGAF 8, TOGAF 9.1, ArchiMate 2.0, DODAF./MODAF, Government EA (FEAF), Enterprise and Solution Architecture, Business Architecture, Business Analysis, and modeling. For more information, email info@eaprincipals.com or call (703) 333-6098.

Contact:
Steven Infanti
SMI Communications
Alexandria, VA
717-982-3772
SMICommunications@Earthlink.net
http://www.eaprincipals.com

After Two Hundred Shows, Touring Country Artist Cody Webb Announces Self- Titled EP, Out July 22, 2016!

With his exhilarating and charming presence, country artist Cody Webb is preparing to showcase to the world his highly anticipated, self-titled EP.

Nashville, TN, July 17, 2016 - With his exhilarating and charming presence, country artist Cody Webb is preparing to showcase to the world his highly anticipated, self-titled EP. The singer- songwriter and guitarist is set to release his six-song collection on July 22, 2016.

Represented by RPM Management, Cody Webb is a newcomer to the country scene but has already acquired a large fan base across the country. In two years, Cody Webb has played over two hundred shows and has shared the stage with the likes of Cole Swindle, Frankie Ballard, and Old Dominion. Cody has also performed in notable venues such as Wild Bills (Atlanta, GA), Moonshine Flats (San Diego, CA), the Tin Roof in Nashville, Miami, Indianapolis, Cincinnati and more. If he is not on the road or creating music of his own, Webb is writing full time for ECK Publishing (a division of Monument Entertainment, LLC).

In support of his upcoming release, Cody continues to tour and showcase his songwriting talents as well as his electrifying performances. Cody recently performed at Nashville’s CMA Fest and has already made his way back to Stoney’s Rockin Country in Las Vegas. “Cody has a great stage presence! He really captivated the audience and kept them entertained,” says Chris Lowden (owner, Stoney’s Rockin Country). Webb is represented, for concert bookings, by renowned country music agent Bob Kinkead of The Kinkead Entertainment Group.

The self- titled EP reveals something distinctive yet undeniable about his infectious guitar melodies and singer- songwriter talents. His music fits uniquely into today’s country landscape. With his purring vocals, Cody charms listeners with his romantic storytelling. However you can still feel the honesty and passion that Cody pours into his songwriting. At the heart of the album, you hear Cody’s down-to-earth lyrics that are laced with delightful melodies, which showcase the diversity and depth to the artist’s work.

The six- song release includes Cody’s lead track, “More Than a Little”. The debut single was highly praised by media and was noted by Middle Tennessee Music that it is “more than a little too good to not be spinning on a radio station near you.” Band Blurb said, “The Webb sound and personality just gives the music credible bulk and authenticity.” Vents Magazine commended, “I was blown away by what Cody Webb has to offer”.

Upcoming Tour Dates

July 19, 2016	6:00 PM	12TH and Porter	Nashville, TN
July 23, 2016	6:30 PM	Spinner’s Resort and Marina	Batesburg, SC
August 6, 2016	3:00 PM	Liberty on the Lakes	Irmo, SC
September 17, 2016	4:00 PM	The Esso Club	Clemson, SC
December 9, 2016	10:00PM	Moonshine Flats	San Diego, CA
December 10, 2016	10:00PM	Moonshine Flats	San Diego, CA

Press Inquiries: Chip Schutzman, Miles High Productions, Chip@mileshighproductions.com, 323-806-0400

Other Inquiries: April Rider, RPM Management, April@rpmweb.com

For Booking: The Kinkead Entertainment Agency,Bkinkead@kinkeadentertainment.com, 615-499-5115

For more information on Cody Webb please visit his website at http://www.codywebbcountry.com.

Contact:
Chip Schutzman
Miles High Productions
PO Box 93157
Hollywood, CA 90093
323-871-4821
http://www.codywebbcountry.com

ProctorU Announces New Partnerships with Innovative Institutions

ProctorU combines technology and a human element to test students anywhere

Birmingham, AL, July 15, 2016 – ProctorU is pleased to announce partnerships with the Arizona State University (ASU), the University of Virginia (UVA) and the Florida Virtual School (FVS). In collaboration with ProctorU, each institution is able to embrace the use of technology to offer their students flexible options in test-taking.

UVA, a nationally recognized institution, has over 21,000 students and is located in Charlottesville, Va. ASU, recently ranked #1 by U.S. News & World Report on its "Most Innovative Schools" list, has five campuses across the Phoenix metropolitan area and has over 69,000 students. FVS is the largest and most successful state virtual school in the nation. It offers both full-time and part-time virtual options for Florida students, as well as virtual solutions for students in other states and nations.

ProctorU provides live student identity management and proctoring services to make online testing more secure. Its unique service will allow these institutions to securely identify and test students anywhere.

Since it was established in 2008, ProctorU has worked with more than 800 colleges and universities around the world and has administered over 2 million exams for test-takers in 129 countries. Their unique approach to proctoring enhances the online testing experience while ensuring the academic integrity of an institution and that of its students.

To learn more about ProctorU, visit www.proctoru.com.

About ProctorU
ProctorU helps protect the academic integrity of online programs around the world. With an evolving online education environment, institutions are faced with the challenge of maintaining quality, rigorous standards and a consistent experience in online courses and assessments. ProctorU’s digital solutions, including student identity management and exam management, are designed to address the most common challenges to the academic integrity of online programs. Trusted by over 800 institutions and serving students in countries all around the world, ProctorU works to meet institutional and student needs while enhancing the online education experience. The company has four offices in the United States, as well as an international support center in the Philippines, and employs more than 600 people. For more information about ProctorU visit www.proctoru.com or follow them on Twitter or Facebook.

Contact:
Franklin Hayes
ProctorU
2200 Riverchase Ctr.
Suite 600
Birmingham, AL 35244
850-512-4552

http://www.proctoru.com

Maverick and Fender’s Featured Band, Angie and the Deserters Announces the Release of Their Blood Like Wine EP, out July 15th!

Americana and Alt-Country band, Angie and The Deserters are set to release their new Blood Like Wine EP and their second single “The Gift” this summer.

Los Angeles, CA, July 14, 2016 - Americana and Alt-Country band, Angie and The Deserters are set to release their new Blood Like Wine EP and their second single “The Gift” this summer. The six- song release will be available on all digital stores including iTunes and Amazon on July 15, 2016 through Topanga Canyon Records. The band includes Angie Bruyere, Kyle Stevens, Danny Hulsizer and Chris Lawrence.

This EP is a follow up to the group’s debut full- length release, West of The Night in 2015. The album turned heads at Fender who offered Angie a sponsorship that featured her as Fender’s artist of the month which was then followed by two Fender Sessions.

Angie showcases her talented and poetic song-writing skills in the Americana record, Blood Like Wine. At the root of the album, Angie’s collection of intimate poems bloom into a distinctive alternative country landscape that is joined with gliding strings and western riffs. The six song release reveals Angie’s raw and raspy vocals that bring truth and realism to her lyrics.

Blood Like Wine includes the band’s lead track “Country Radio” which highlights a possible love affair between a female country fan and her idol. The band recently released their new music video for “Country Radio” which was filmed in Joshua Tree, California and directed by Mike Bruce (Black Mountain, Paul McCartney, Noel Gallagher, & The Dandy Warhols).

The six-song release also features the second single “The Gift”. This track emphasizes a dying love story of a lover who begins to lose hope in their partner’s compassion and desire in their relationship. Angie’s cryptic and haunting vocals accentuate the lyrical message of the song as she begs the question “would you die for me, too?”

Angie and The Deserters’ 2016 summer release will be followed with an additional EP that will be distributed later in the year. This second EP will include the second half of Angie’s Nashville recordings that were created in the famous Castle Recording Studios with well-known country producer, Jeff Huskins (Keith Urban, Carrie Underwood, Clint Black, Shania Twain).

On each record, Bruyere was able to work with renowned musicians such as; Troy Lancaster (Loretta Lynn, Tim McGraw, Taylor Swift), Aubrie Haynie (Blake Shelton, Hank Williams Jr., Merle Haggard), Scott Sanders (Kenny Chesney, Taylor Swift, Alan Jackson), John Willis (Johnny Cash, Van Morrison, Kenny Rogers), Kevin “Swine” Grant (Willie Nelson, Linda Rondstat, Toby Keith), Fred Eltringham (Miranda Lambert, Keith Urban, Sheryl Crow), Evan Hutchings, Dave Doran and mastered by legendary and Grammy Winning, Bob Ludwig (Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, Jimi Hendrix).

The band’s efforts have not gone unnoticed, already Angie and The Deserters have been featured in Maverick magazine in addition to receiving significant airplay and glowing reviews for their single “Country Radio.” Band Blurb mentioned “Angie Bruyere has chosen her collaborators wisely, but her vocals and lyrical talents are the undisputed star of the show.” Indie Music told its readers, “An action packed opening single like this can only mean great things from the upcoming EP release. Bruyere is throwing down the gauntlet here and announcing herself as a vital, formidable force to be reckoned with from hereafter.”

For More Information, Please Visit: www.AngieandTheDeserters.com

For all PR inquiries please contact: Chip Schutzman - Founder, Miles High Productions, Chip@mileshighproductions.com, 323-871-4821.

Contact:
Chip Schutzman
Miles High Productions
PO Box 93157
Hollywood, CA 90093
323-871-4821
http://www.AngieandTheDeserters.com

Edgy Americana and Alt- Country Band, Angie and the Deserters Release Official Music Video for “Country Radio”

From the Upcoming Record, Blood Like Wine, Out July 15th!

Los Angeles, CA, July 10, 2016 - With her soulful voice and edgy style Angie Bruyere of Angie and the Deserters charmed reviewers with the band’s latest single “Country Radio.” The Deserters consist of Kyle Stevens, Danny Hulsizer and Chris Lawrence. In support of their recent track, the americana/alt- country/desert rock group releases the official music video for “Country Radio” on July 29, 2016.

In the single, Angie discusses a love affair between a female country fan and her idol. The fan has only heard the country singer on the radio however, the song leaves room for the listeners’ interpretation. There may be a bit more truth to the story than Bruyere would like us to know, perhaps we may know his music very well and maybe there was a meeting indeed. “Country Radio” is layered with gritty guitar riffs, foot stomping drums, a heavy bassline, and stirring violin strings. But it is Bruyere’s rasp and rawness that shines through this upbeat and edgy Americana single.

Angie really gets the chance to showcase her outlaw roots in the song and in the music video. Directed by Mike Bruce (Paul McCartney, Noel Gallagher, The Dandy Warhols, & Black Mountain) the music video was filmed in Joshua Tree, California. The video begins with Angie in disguise as she rides her own customized Harley through the beautiful desert backroads. From black and white, the video fades to color as Angie enters a rest stop. She attracts another biker and leads him to the band playing out in the desert oasis.

“Country Radio” was produced by Jeff Huskins (Keith Urban, Carrie Underwood, Clint Black, Shania Twain); along with the rest of the songs from the band’s upcoming EP, Blood Like Wine which will be out July 15th. Already Angie and the Deserters have received notable reviews from the EP’s debut single. “Angie Bruyere has chosen her collaborators wisely, but her vocals and lyrical talents are the undisputed star of the show” says Band Blurb. Indie Music Reviews touted “‘Country Radio’ places Bruyere exactly where she wants to be, a renegade musical force living life on the margins, and filling every line with passion.”

“Country Radio” Video: https://youtu.be/6HAMMYf-LFc

For More Information, Please Visit: www.AngieandTheDeserters.com

Upcoming Tour Dates: August 13, 2016 — Boozacarooza – Santa Barbara

For all PR inquiries please contact: Chip Schutzman - Miles High Productions, Chip@mileshighproductions.com, 323-871-4821.

Contact:
Chip Schutzman
Miles High Productions
PO Box 93157
Hollywood, CA 90093
323-871-4821
http://www.AngieandTheDeserters.com

The Clement Palo Alto offers Shopping Package with the Famed Stanford Shopping Center

The famed Stanford Shopping Center recently completed a multi-million dollar redevelopment project, with world-renowned Bloomingdale's moving to a new location to make way for the improvements.

Palo Alto, CA, July 09, 2016 - The famed Stanford Shopping Center recently completed a multi-million dollar redevelopment project, with world-renowned Bloomingdale's moving to a new location to make way for the improvements. The three-level, 125,000-square-foot reimagined Stanford Shopping Center store includes 68 designer shops, over 100 new brands, and a refreshed assortment of stylish essentials for women, men, children and home.

The 25 new retailers to set up shop in the new area include: Anthropologie; Allen-Edmonds Shoe; LUSH Fresh Handmade Cosmetics; Luisa Spagnoli, a Italian women's fashion boutique; AllSaints, a British fashion house; lululemon; Everything But Water, a designer swim and resort fashion boutique; The North Face; Uno de 50, a Spanish jewelry shop; and Vineyard Vines, a clothing and gift store; Japanese lifestyle retailer Muji and girls' retailer Brandy Melville.

Three new eateries were also part of the renovation, including the vegan/vegetarian restaurant True Food Kitchen; Tender Greens, which features fresh local produce; and Minamoto Kitchen, a shop that will sell artisanal Japanese desserts.

Several of Stanford Shopping Center's existing retailers also moved to expanded locations in the mall, including Victoria's Secret, BCBG/MAXAZRIA, J. Crew, Solstice and Tommy Bahama.

A new outdoor plaza, which was part of the renovation of the shopping center's common areas, features gardens, a stretch of lawn where people can sit and a water feature with infinity edges.

One of the three anchor stores in the Stanford Shopping Center is the iconic Bloomingdale's. The Clement Palo Alto is now offering an exclusive shopping trip to this celebrated store. This exciting experience can include such things as:

Complimentary Style Advisor (personal shopper) appointments and beauty consultations (advance reservations required)
Little Brown Bag welcome amenity
15% off Savings Certificate (see in-store for details and restrictions)
Exclusive event invitations
Car pick-up service

Bloomingdale's is America's only nationwide, full-line, upscale department store and a division of Macy's, Inc. It was founded in 1872 and currently operates 38 Bloomingdale's stores and 16 Bloomingdale's, The Outlet Stores, in California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Virginia. In addition, Bloomingdale's has an international presence with a location in Dubai. Be sure to follow @bloomingdales on social media, become a Loyallist, and for more information, or to shop any time, visit www.bloomingdales.com.

The Clement Palo Alto can design this shopping experience specifically to the hotel guest's needs and desires.

The Clement Palo Alto's all-inclusive services and amenities include:
* All-inclusive breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks
* All-inclusive wine, beer and cocktails (charges apply for premium brands)
* All-inclusive in-room dining
* All-inclusive mini-bar
* All-inclusive fully-stocked Guest Pantry available around the clock
* All-inclusive Business Center
* All-inclusive valet parking
* All-inclusive twice-daily housekeeping services
* All-inclusive overnight shoe shine services
* All-inclusive high-speed Internet
* All-inclusive personal assistants
* All-inclusive gratuities

The Clement Palo Alto is ideally located across from Stanford University and next to downtown Palo Alto, with its award-winning restaurants, world-class shopping and upscale spas. It is just 45 minutes south of San Francisco and only 30 minutes north of San Jose, not only making it convenient, but easily accessible to the world-famous sights and myriad activities of both cities.

Overall, The Clement Palo Alto offers a unique, one-of-a-kind 6-star experience in the heart of Silicon Valley with unparalleled personal service, all-inclusive luxury and privacy in a warm, inviting and luxurious residential environment.

To book a room and the shopping package, contact Oscar Gonzalez, our Guest Experience Specialist, at ogonzalez@theclementpaloalto.com, Monday through Friday or call (650) 322-7111.

Contact:
The Clement Hotel
711 El Camino Real
Palo Alto, California 94301
650.322.7111
www.theclementpaloalto.com

About Pacific Hotel Management, LLC
The Clement Hotel is owned and managed by Pacific Hotel Management, LLC. Pacific Hotel Management, LLC. is a privately-owned company that specializes in the development and management of high quality hotels using a variety of franchise brands. Pacific Hotel Management, LLC (PHM) manages all of the hotels owned by affiliates of Clement Chen & Associates, combining a focused corporate administrative staff with a "hands-on" management philosophy to operate profitable, well-maintained hotels. PHM is based in San Mateo, California, and can be visited on the Web at www.phmhotels.com.

Contact:
Marci Bracco Cain
Chatterbox PR
Salinas, CA 93901
(831) 747-7455
http://www.theclementpaloalto.com

Acclaimed Jazz-Rock Fusion Band Project Grand Slam to Release New Single “The Rescue” On July 1

“The Rescue” is the first single from the inspired new album, “The Queen’s Carnival”, out August 19.

New York, NY, July 08, 2016 – Project Grand Slam, the acclaimed jazz-rock fusion band led by bassist/composer Robert Miller, will be releasing the first single from their upcoming full-length album, “The Queen’s Carnival”, on July 1. This single, “The Rescue”, draws from a variety of influences and highlights Miller’s unique approach to blending jazz and rock into a totally new sound. While mostly instrumental, the new album features a guest appearance by vocalist Lucy Woodward on Robert’s completely reimagined cover of The Kinks’ “You Really Got Me,” and will be released on August 19 via CEN/RED Distribution, a division of Sony Music

“The Rescue” features Project Grand Slam exploring an infectious funk groove, but Miller says the song did not start off that way. “This was the final song that I wrote for the new album,” he notes. “I started off thinking about “Crossroads” by Cream, which is one of my all-time favorite live rock songs.” But as Miller and the band worked on the song it morphed into a kind of James Brown style funk meets jazz-rock fusion tune. “I’m so pleased with the way this one came out”, adds Miller. “The Rescue” has been a fixture of recent Project Grand Slam live shows and is already a proven crowd favorite.

Following the successful 2015 release of their third album, “Made in New York”, which featured the hit songs “New York City Groove” and “Fire”, Robert’s highly acclaimed reimagined cover of Jimi Hendrix’s classic, Project Grand Slam returns with “The Queen’s Carnival”. This exciting and fresh take on jazz-rock fusion (Miller calls “The Queen’s Carnival” a post-fusion record) features eleven tracks, including nine original songs by Robert and both vocal and instrumental versions of the Kinks’ classic, “You Really Got Me.” This continues Project Grand Slam’s tradition of reinventing popular classic rock songs as jazz-rock fusion and featuring vocal and instrumental versions of the cover track. “I think that people can relate to covers of popular songs, and it’s very cool to try and reimagine them in a way that is both true to the original but which takes the song to a whole other level”, says Robert.

About Project Grand Slam:
Project Grand Slam – the brainchild of bassist/leader/composer Robert Miller – continues to create and perform their brand of jazz-rock fusion at the highest level.

PGS’s third album, “Made In New York”, was released in September 2015 and featured two hit singles, “New York City Groove” (Robert’s love letter to his NYC home) and “Fire” (Robert’s re-imagined version of the Jimi Hendrix classic). Both singles featured 2013 “The Voice” semi-finalist Kat Robichaud on vocals. The band and Kat also filmed videos for “Groove” and “Fire” that have been viewed over 150,000 times to date. The reviews of the album and “Fire” were incredible, with words like “fantastic”, “damn fine album” and “hard to resist” for the album, and “superb”, “brilliant”, “excellent”, “stunning” and “unbelievable gem” for “Fire”.

Robert originally formed Project Grand Slam in 2007. PGS’s first two celebrated albums, “Play” (2008) and “Spring Dance” (2012), had two top radio singles – “The Captain Of Her Heart” (feat. Judie Tzuke on vocals) from Play, and “Catch You Later” from Spring Dance. The band also had a featured role in the hit NBC-TV series “Lipstick Jungle” starring Brooke Shields and Kim Raver, with five of the band’s tunes featured in the soundtrack.

Follow Project Grand Slam:
Website
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
SoundCloud
BandsInTown

See Project Grand Slam Live:
July 15 Kirby Performing Arts Center - Wilkes-Barre, PA
July 23 The Groove - NYC
August 11 Tin Angel - Philadelphia
August 12 Garcia's at The Capitol Theater - Port Chester, NY (after YES)
August 20 The Groove - NYC

For more information, to request an interview, or for a review copy of “The Rescue” or ‘The Queen’s Carnival’ contact:

Contact:
Chip Schutzman
Miles High Productions
PO Box 93157
Hollywood, CA 90093
323-871-4821

http://www.mileshighproductions.com

Central Valley Winery Offers Perfect Tongue in Cheek Wedding Wine for Brides and Grooms with Sense of Humor and Fun

It takes a lot of audacity to name a wine created to be served at weddings “Ball and Chain,” but Solitary Cellars Wine Co. is no ordinary winery.

Lodi, CA, June 26, 2016 — It takes a lot of audacity to name a wine created to be served at weddings “Ball and Chain,” but Solitary Cellars Wine Co. is no ordinary winery.

Owned by two California state correctional officers, Solitary Cellars is well known for not taking itself too seriously and having fun with the sometimes stuffy and too-proper wine industry.

The tagline for their winery, after all, is: “Solitary Cellars — Wines Without Restraints.” Their wine club is called the Chain Gang, with two levels, Minimum and Maximum Custody, and the tasting room is called the North Block Tasting Room.

Now winery partners Greg “Bergie” Bergersen and Rick “Q” Quesada are having a little more fun by offering brides and grooms with a sense of humor a new wine to serve at their weddings: Ball and Chain, a term that can be applied to both prisoners and wives. Facetiously and with a smile for the latter, of course.

“My wife, Syndi and I were approached by Curtis Williamson and he respectfully asked for our blessing to marry our daughter Paige,” says Bergersen, who retired from corrections in 2014 to start the winery with Quesada, who is still active. “We enthusiastically agreed and that began the conversation about wine served at their wedding dinner.”

Of course, his daughter asked for one of Dad's wines. But not just any wine.

“My daughter asked if we could develop a wine that no one had ever tasted and that would be unique to them,” says Bergersen. “We put the request in motion and developed a Cabernet Sauvignon and Petite Sirah blend. The wine was rich, full flavored and very balanced. We decided to call the blend Ball and Chain. The name seemed appropriate as the term has a prison component, as our blends do, but also has to do with a widely used phrase describing a marital relationship, as in ‘the old ball and chain.’

”The wine was not only a big hit at his daughter's wedding, it won a gold medal from the San Joaquin County Wine Growers Association, and Bergersen and Quesada hope other wedding couples take a shine to it.

“We plan on bottling the blend in large-format bottles, because our wedding customers can have the bottles signed by the entire wedding party,” says Bergersen. “We hope the new vintage of Ball and Chain, which is scheduled for a 2016 late fall or early 2017 release will be found at many weddings throughout the country.”

About Solitary Cellars:
Owned and operated by Greg Bergersen and Rick Quesada, two California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation officers with more than 45 years of service in California’s most dangerous prisons, Solitary Cellars produces wines in Lodi, California (Wine Enthusiast’s Wine Region of the Year 2015), working with renowned growers from Monterey County, Amador County, Lodi and Lake County. The winery's portfolio of premium wines features deep red wines that show off the essence of California's most-respected vineyards and wine growers.

The Solitary Cellars portfolio currently include the 2014 Code Three (a red wine blend) (Lodi); 2012 and 2013 Liberty Oak Tempranillo (Lodi); 2014 Solitary Cellars Albariño (Lodi); 2013 Evasion Syrah Rosé (Fresno); 2012 and 2013 Solitary Cellars Old Vine Zinfandel (Lodi); 2013 Santa Lucia Highlands Syrah; 2013 Shenandoah Valley Barbera (Amador); 2013 Monterey County Pinot Noir.

The wines are targeted to consumers directly in the tasting room, online and in select restaurants and wine bars.

Solitary Cellars’ winery is located in Lodi and its North Block Tasting Room is located in Madera, California.

Contact:
Marci Bracco Cain
Chatterbox PR
Salinas, CA 93901
(831) 747-7455
https://www.solitarycellars.com/

Love and Madness Partners with Warner Bros. Consumer Products to Launch Jewelry Collections Celebrating DC Super Heroes

Love and Madness has announced that they will partner with Warner Bros. Consumer Products, on behalf of DC Entertainment, to design a series of jewelry collections inspired by DCs’ iconic Super Heroes, Wonder Woman, Batgirl, and Supergirl.

New York, NY, June 23, 2016 – Love and Madness has announced that they will partner with Warner Bros. Consumer Products, on behalf of DC Entertainment, to design a series of jewelry collections inspired by DCs’ iconic Super Heroes, Wonder Woman, Batgirl, and Supergirl.

Love and Madness, founded by industry veteran Heather McAvoy, has become widely recognized for its ability to merge pop culture and trend through an assortment of accessories that speak to both the geek girl and the fashion girl, alike.

“As a brand that emphasizes a passion for nostalgia and pop culture, there could not be a more perfect fit for Love and Madness. It is the unique opportunity and vision to merge the needs of both fan girl and fashion girl that drives and inspires us on a daily basis. This partnership with Warner Bros. Consumer Products enables us to explore new ways to marry the past, present and future through jewelry that speaks to all, taking licensing to an entirely new level,” explains McAvoy.

The empowered, female-run brand, which strives to connect women with their inner strength and influence through the stories told by compelling accessories, will kick off this new licensing partnership with a collection centered around Wonder Woman, honoring the 75th anniversary of the beloved Super Hero.

Rich colors and materials will merge with nostalgic symbols in an assortment of jewelry that exemplifies the Super Hero’s commanding qualities through modern design. The collection will include a tailored variation of the brand’s recently released piece entitled “The Crawl.” In response to the astounding attention garnered by this design, which quickly became a signature for the brand, the wrap will present words and phrases that embody Wonder Woman and all that she is. The style will be further carried throughout the partnership’s various collaborations, continuously evolving to represent each of the iconic characters.

The collections, beginning with the launch of Wonder Woman for Holiday 2016, will be available at a broad range of high-end boutiques and department stores worldwide. For additional details, please visit theloveandmadness.com.

About Love and Madness
Love and Madness merges pop culture and trend through an exciting assortment of jewelry and accessories. The female-run brand is constantly seeking to inspire and innovate through the evolution of both product and partnerships, providing cutting edge design and quality that is accessible to all women. Keep up with the brand at www.theloveandmadness.com and on social @theloveandmadness.

About Warner Bros. Consumer Products
Warner Bros. Consumer Products, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company, is one of the leading licensing and retail merchandising organizations in the world.

About DC Entertainment
DC Entertainment, home to iconic brands DC (Superman, Batman, Green Lantern, Wonder Woman, The Flash, etc.), Vertigo (Sandman, Fables, etc.) and MAD, is the creative division charged with strategically integrating across Warner Bros. and Time Warner. DC Entertainment works in concert with many key Warner Bros. divisions to unleash its stories and characters across all media, including but not limited to film, television, consumer products, home entertainment, and interactive games. Publishing thousands of comic books, graphic novels and magazines each year, DC Entertainment is one of the largest English-language publishers of comics in the world.

WONDER WOMAN, BATGIRL, SUPERGIRL and all related characters and elements © & ™ DC Comics. (s16)

HARRY POTTER characters, names and related indicia are © & ™ Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Publishing Rights © JKR. (s16)

For Press Inquiries: Malorie Kaye, Cameo PR, 732-598-2236, malorie@cameopr.com

Contact:
Malorie Kaye
167 Madison Avenue
Suite 205
NY, NY 10016
(732) 598-2236

http://www.cameopr.com

Betty Lau, Val Markos, and David Peterson to Join Executive Development Associates’ Advisory Board

Executive Development Associates, Inc. (EDA), a global leader in top-of-the-house leadership development, today announced the addition of Betty Lau, Val Markos, and David Peterson to its advisory board.

Oklahoma City, OK, June 23, 2016 - Executive Development Associates, Inc. (EDA), a global leader in top-of-the-house leadership development, today announced the addition of Betty Lau, Val Markos, and David Peterson to its advisory board.

“As we look at the Trends in Executive Development research as well as broader business trends, we want to ensure that we are thinking about how to develop executives from a future focused, global orientation. In order to do this well, we seek the best and most diverse advisors in our field which is why we are very pleased to announce new members to our highly esteemed advisory board. Betty, Val and David will add thought leadership in the areas of international business, trends in development, and technology’s impact on leadership today. All of our Advisory Board Members are powerful voices in the development of leaders across the globe and each one adds an important component as we think through how to solve some of the most current and challenging leadership issues,” says Bonnie Hagemann, CEO of Executive Development Associates.

Betty Lau is the Global Learning Director of Unilever. She leads the Unilever Coaching Service and is responsible for the leadership development of the top 3,000 leaders within the organization, focusing on the design and execution of global leadership development programs. Before joining Unilever, Betty worked for Novartis where she spent five years as a Program Director at their headquarters office in Basel, Switzerland. In this role, she established Novartis China University, Novartis Russia Corporate University, and the CEO-sponsored LEAD program focusing on developing talents in emerging markets.

The Ministry of Manpower within Singapore’s government appointed Betty as a member of the Singapore Workforce Development Agency’s (WDA) Lifelong Learning Council in October 2014. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and a Master of Science degree in Marketing from The Chinese University of Hong Kong.

Val Markos, Ph.D. has served in various executive development roles throughout the course of his career. His areas of expertise lie in succession planning, high potential development programs, executive education, assessment, selection, and development of future leaders. During his 20+ year tenure at BellSouth, Val led the organization’s leadership development efforts including the talent review process, high potential programs, staffing at the executive level, executive education and coaching, and the performance management process. Prior to joining BellSouth, Val worked as an internal consultant in the area of personnel selection and organization development in both the private and public sectors.

In 2006 Val founded Vmark Consulting and has worked with such organizations as PricewaterhouseCoopers, Lowes, Nationwide Insurance, Chick-fil-A, Cox Communications, Emory University, BJC Healthcare, and Ultimate Software. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Weber State University in Ogden, Utah, as well as a Master of Science and PhD in Industrial/Organizational Psychology from the University of Georgia.

David Peterson, Ph.D. joined Google in 2011 as Director of Executive Coaching and Leadership. He coaches senior leaders, manages Google’s network of external and internal coaches, and supports leadership, learning, and executive development initiatives at Google. Before joining Google, David served as leader of world-wide coaching services for PDI Ninth House (now part of KornFerry). In addition to coaching top leaders in organizations such as Salesforce, Sandisk, Microsoft, Hewlett-Packard, Target, Wal-Mart, Shell, Genentech, Mayo Clinic, Harvard, and Stanford University, he provided consultation and thought leadership on how to design and manage organizational coaching programs, how to develop high potential leaders and critical talent, and how to accelerate learning and leadership development at all levels.

David earned his PhD in Counseling and Industrial/Organizational Psychology at the University of Minnesota. He is a Fellow of the American Psychological Association, the Society of Consulting Psychology, the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology (SIOP), and the Harvard Institute of Coaching.

Lau, Markos, and Peterson join current EDA advisory board members James F. Bolt, Yury Boshyk, Ram Charan, George Consolver, Fariborz Ghadar, Vijay Govindarajan, Jim Kouzes, Sandy Ogg, Chuck Presbury, and Gillian Stamp.

About Executive Development Associates:
Executive Development Associates (EDA) is a leader in creating custom-designed executive development strategies, systems and programs that help organizations build the capabilities needed to achieve their strategic objectives. EDA leads the way in the use of executive development to help organizations successfully address their marketplace challenges and accelerate the execution of their business strategy utilizing various approaches including custom executive development programs, c-suite and executive coaching, action learning, leadership workshops, executive assessment and more. For more information, visit executivedevelopment.com.

Contact:
Steven Infanti
Executive Development Associates
13431 Broadway Ext # 104
Oklahoma City, OK 73114
https://www.executivedevelopment.com/

AOA Lead ‘March against Monsanto’ with New Single and Music Video, ‘Paradise’ (ft. Deploi)!

"Astronauts Of Antiquity superbly deliver. Exquisite vocals and compelling grooves....always rocks the house!" -Time Out London

“Hypnotic listen that drips with beauty.” -Sonicjive.com

"A stunning crossover between urban trip hop and straight pop genres.....powerful lyrics...infectious beat...gets it's message across....now is the prefect time to get on the Astronauts hype train". - Real Music Network

New York, NY, June 20, 2016 -  US based alt­pop/ trip­hop collective, AOA (Astronauts Of Antiquity) debut their single, ‘Paradise’. The song’s recent release date coincided with the March Against Monsanto phenomenon taking place in major cities worldwide. AOA, along with artists such as Neil Young are at the forefront of the March Against Monsanto with their new single, ‘Paradise’, from their upcoming EP, ‘Beyond The Maze’. The track was mixed by Martin Cooke (Muse, Death Cab For Cutie, Flying Lotus) and was mastered by Ian Sefchick from Capitol Records.

AOA’s debut single has already received a considerable buzz. ‘Paradise’ was recently featured in the Huffington Post highlighting the band’s conscious musical efforts towards the harmful effects of genetically modified organisms (GMOs). The single also debuted on the CMJ Hip Hop Charts at #36, climbed to #22 and continues to raise its chart position.

At the heart of ‘Paradise’ is Los Angeles based rapper and spoken word artist Deploi. Deploi’s expansive lyrics are delivered with urgency in matters concerning Monsanto,referencing George Orwell’s ‘Animal Farm’ and the obesity epidemic in the West. Tieing in with the core message of ‘Paradise’, AOA’s vocalist, India (Best Female Vocalist–Detroit Music Awards), offers up a distinctly swaggering vocal style with intriguing melodies that are hard to ignore. B. Rhyan (Bernie Worrell) throws dark, haunting guitars over Ivica’s (Sony­Epic) arrangement of electronic soundscapes sending tension and atmosphere throughout the track. ‘Paradise’highlights the many issues with Monsanto’s genetically modified food that has been stated in scientific studies to cause health and environmental problems.

The discussion around Monsanto is a lively one; GMOs remain a hot topic of debate for people everywhere. The March Against Monsanto movement continues to grow and has now garnered over a million followers on Facebook. AOA recently released their accompanying music video for ‘Paradise’, a satirical take on the dangers of corporate dominance. Aside from their quirky magnetism and bohemian charm, AOA has clear, strong messages laced with mesmerizing song craft, gaining attention from the likes of Rick Rubin and Jeannie Hopper.

‘Paradise’ sets the pace for a prolific array of upcoming releases from the talented group. Watch out for AOA as they catapult onto the world stage.

Watch “Paradise” Music Video

Website | Facebook | Twitter

Contact:
Chip Schutzman
Miles High Productions
PO Box 93157
Hollywood, CA 90093
323-806-0400

https://www.aoamusic.com/

Unique Slow Flowers Workshop in Santa Cruz Features Innovative Bay Area Floral Designer Teresa Sabankaya and Internationally Known Outdoor Living Expert, writer, lecturer and Slow Flowers Founder Debra Prinzing

Innovative Bay Area floral designer Teresa Sabankaya will team up with renowned floral expert Debra Prinzing, founder of Slowflowers.com to offer an inspiring two-part workshop for floral professionals at a beautiful private garden in Santa Cruz.

Santa Cruz, CA, June 20, 2016 — Innovative Bay Area floral designer Teresa Sabankaya will team up with renowned floral expert Debra Prinzing, founder of Slowflowers.com to offer an inspiring two-part workshop for floral professionals at a beautiful private garden in Santa Cruz.

“Slow Flowers Creative Workshop,” set for 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 20, is designed to help floral designers and Farmer-Florists clarify, document and communicate their personal artistic message as a floral professional by focusing on brand-building, floral storytelling and media messaging.

Sabankaya, founder and creative director of Bonny Doon Garden Co. and creator of the unique Bonny Doon Posies arrangements, will work with participants to explore and expand their approach to garden-inspired design and identify the inspiration for their floral designs.

The will participate in her hands-on exercises that build support for their designs’ inspired floral elements and complementary elements and focus on how to make the mechanics that support their style work as they create an arrangement of their own.

Sabankaya, whose floral designs have become highly desirable due to their unique style of arranging and elegant garden appeal, is considered one of the most innovative florists in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Prinzing is a writer, speaker, outdoor living expert and advocate for American flower farming and author of “Slow Flowers: Four Seasons of Locally Grown Bouquets from the Garden, Meadow and Farm” and “The 50 Mile Bouquet: Seasonal, Local and Sustainable Flowers.”

The website slowflowers.com is an online directory to help people find floral professionals who are committed to using American-grown flowers.

The workshop will take place over one and a half days in a private garden in the Santa Cruz area. Guests will receive location and map to the garden after they register.

Cost for the workshop is $525 and includes all instruction, materials, supplies, flowers, morning coffee/refreshments, two lunches and a cocktail reception in the garden. It also includes a guest's own gallery of images from the sessions and their design work.

In a safe, supportive and intimate setting, the small group will spend 24-plus hours focusing on Slow Flowers “brand building” and how each participant can find his or her own voice as a floral storyteller. Subjects that will be covered include:

• How to evoke and express your personal story as a creative individual
• How to play with words to describe the natural world’s color, texture and form
• How to tell your flower memoir as metaphor for your brand
• How to flex your sensory muscles
• How brand development can capture key distinctives in words and images that define you
• How to use storytelling in a media pitch — learn how to be a resource for targeted media

On the second day, Sabankaya will lead participants in a floral design exercise that identifies the essential spirit of “garden-inspired design.” They will learn how to build the support for the inspired/complementary elements and learn how to make the mechanics work.

After her presentation, participants will choose from local, seasonal roses, dahlias and other signature blooms and create an arrangement that expresses their personal take on garden-inspired design. Sabankaya will cover sourcing of botanical ingredients, growing decisions and foraging approaches. Coached by her, each student will photo-style her/his creation for web, marketing and portfolio use.

During the design portion of this module, Prinzing will interview each participant individually about their philosophy and provide them with tips on creating a floral narrative for their design.

Registrants will be sent a pre-planning packet of exercises created by Prinzing two weeks prior to the workshop. The goal for these exercises is that the more time and thought invested in the exercises, the more rewarding the 24-hour experience will be.

About Teresa Sabankaya:
Sabankaya is the founder and owner since 1999 of The Bonny Doon Garden Company, a full-service floral design studio, florist, and botanical gift shop.

Sabankaya holds an influential position as one of the most innovative florists in the San Francisco Bay Area. She has exhibited her floral art annually at the “Bouquets to Art” exhibition at the De Young Museum in Golden Gate Park, the National Trust Filoli’s Estate in Woodside, and various other floral design and garden shows.

Sabankaya's floral designs have become highly desirable due to their unique style of arranging and elegant garden appeal. Her wedding floral styles have been featured in numerous wedding blogs and magazines including Smitten, Sweet Violet Bride, Style Me Pretty and Green Wedding Shoes.

She has been featured in Amy Stewart’s “Flower Confidential” book as well as her blog, and was featured “like a florist from 100 years ago” in the PBS documentary “Botany of Desire,” based on Michael Pollen’s bestseller Botany of Desire.

Sabankaya's trademarked creations, Bonny Doon Posies, have been a core part of her retail business from the beginning, and have been featured in such media as “CBS Sunday Morning,” Romantic Homes magazine, San Francisco Chronicle, Santa Cruz Sentinel and The New York Times.

She is a Certified Green Gardener; a member of Slowflowers.com, an online directory of florists who source their materials locally; and Greatgardenspeakers.com.

About Debra Prinzing:
Prinzing is an award-winning author, speaker and leading advocate for American-grown flowers. She is the founder and producer of the online directory slowflowers.com, a guide to American flower farms, and florists, shops and studios who source domestic and local flowers. She is the author of 10 books, including Slow Flowers and The 50 Mile Bouquet.Her book “Slow Flowers” (St. Lynn’s Press, 2013) received a Silver Medal from Garden Writers Association in 2014.

Prinzing is a contributing editor to Country Gardens magazine and her feature stories on architecture and design appear regularly in the Los Angeles Times’ Home section. She is a contributor to Garden Design, and her work has appeared in numerous magazines, newspapers, online publications and blogs.

A Master Gardener, the Seattle-based Prinzing has studied landscape horticulture and design at South Seattle Community College. She is the current president of Garden Writers Association and a member of the Association of Specialty Cut Flower Growers.

For more information, contact Teresa Sabankaya at teresa@bonnydoongardenco.com or by calling (831) 566-9925. To register for the workshop, go to https://www.eventbrite.com/e/slow-flowers-creative-workshop-tickets-25988990771.

Contact:
Marci Bracco Cain
Chatterbox PR
Salinas, CA 93901
(831) 747-7455
http://slowflowers.com/

Hofsas House Hotel in Carmel-by-the-Sea Announces New Pin it to Win it contest

Post your favorite family pictures anytime throughout the month of July and our favorite post will win a two-night stay in a two-room suite!

Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA, June 18, 2016 - Hofsas House Hotel in Carmel-by-the-Sea announces its new Pin it to Win it contest!

This July we are ready for some fun in the sun and what's more fun than kids at the beach Post your favorite family pictures anytime throughout the month of July and our favorite post will win a two-night stay in a two-room suite!

Simply:
* Follow us on Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/hofsashouse
* Create A boared titled: Family Getaways
* Add a minimum of 5 pictures of your family vacation destination with the hashtag #HofsasHouseGetaways
* Email a link to your board to marci@chatterboxpublicrelations.com
* One lucky winner will receive a two -night stay at our beautiful hotel in Carmel!
* Contest runs July 1st - July 30th. Winner announced August 5th.

About Hofsas House:
Owned and operated by the Theis Family, Hofsas House Hotel is within walking distance of everything Carmel has to offer, including a stunning beach, fine restaurants and shops and wine tasting. It provides peaceful respite and European charm just minutes from Monterey, Pebble Beach, Big Sur and Pacific Grove. The Hofsas House’s 38 spacious, one-of-a-kind rooms boast European comfort and lovely views and amenities such as fireplaces, private balconies, wet bars, kitchens and patios. Large suites provide the perfect stay for newlyweds and anyone else seeking an extra special getaway. Dutch doors in every room allow guests to welcome in the ocean air, and free WiFi enables them to stay connected — if they want to.

The Hofsas House Hotel family works to ensure every visitor's experience is special, striving to offer the highest quality personal services. Consider the continental breakfast, abundant with fresh French Roast coffee, tea, juice, fruit and pastries from a neighborhood bakery, or the personalized concierge services for guests and their families, including their four-legged family members, who are welcome as well.

For large groups — wedding parties, company meetings, family reunions and others — Hofsas HouseHotel offers a spacious room equipped with a fireplace and full kitchen that can comfortably accommodate 40 people. A heated pool, dry saunas, decks with views and off-street parking are on-site as well.

Hofsas House Hotel is located on San Carlos Street, north of Fourth Avenue in Carmel-by-the-Sea. For more information, call (831) 624-2745 or visit www.hofsashouse.com.

Contact:
Marci Bracco Cain
Chatterbox PR
Salinas, CA 93901
(831) 747-7455
http://www.hofsashouse.com

Meet The Team Behind Solitary Cellars Winery

Two corrections officers at Valley State Prison in Chowchilla, California (Bergersen is recently retired, Quesada is still active) launched their own line of wines in 2014, aptly named Solitary Cellars Wine Company.

Salinas, CA, June 16, 2016 - Prisons and the wine industry don't have a whole lot in common. Unless you're Greg Bergersen and Rick Quesada, that is.

The two corrections officers at Valley State Prison in Chowchilla, California (Bergersen is recently retired, Quesada is still active) launched their own line of wines in 2014, aptly named Solitary Cellars Wine Company.

And to press the prison-wine connection even more, the tagline for their wine business is, “Solitary Cellars - Wines Without Restraints.” Their wine club is called the Chain Gang, with two levels, Minimum and Maximum Custody. You get the picture.

So how do two longtime law enforcement veterans get into the wine business, a notoriously difficult and fickle endeavor, even for those with experience and expertise in wine and winemaking?

Almost by accident, as it turns out.

“I used to make wine at home under my own label, Bergindi Cellars. Bergindi Cellars was a combination of my work nickname, Bergie and my wife’s name, Syndi. As a home winemaker, making wine was a hobby I enjoyed,” says Bergersen. “I was a member of a local winery's wine club and we would talk about winemaking. As a member perk, they would test my projects in their lab, which was quite small. From there we were asked if we would be interested in developing a brand, and of course the opportunity was too great to let pass. And from there Solitary Cellars was born.

Before long, their wines were outselling the winery's own wines and the winery owner started to put restrictions on the duo, which caused a bit of a conflict.

“So we decided to go into business for ourselves,” says Bergersen about the partnership with Quesada. “We're cut from the same cloth and we work well together. Working in a prison setting allows us to see each other in various situations and under different pressures. We having been tested in critical situations and we see things similarly, so it seemed like a good fit. I deal with the wine, Rick deals with the customer service and loyalty. We just wanted to build a professional business we could be proud of and which represents the standards of all law enforcement professionals.”

Neither of them had any business background, so they basically learned on the job, by trial and error, which Bergersen admits was a “laborious process,” especially the seemingly endless paperwork. “Our business model is simple and tested, make the best wine from the best fruit possible, present the finished product at an appropriate value and provide the absolute best experience. If we do that, the rest will fall into place.”

“It was relatively low risk and it wouldn't be a big loss (if the business failed),” says Quesada, whose prison nickname is “Q.” “We started with three varietals, gained some momentum and soon outgrew the place we were in. We moved our production to Lodi, California because of location and the abundance of high quality fruit from exceptional growers. We then leased the North Block Tasting Room in the ApCal (Appellation California) event center, located in Madera, California for our tasting room.”

The business is a two-man job, with some help from their wives and friends, or as Bergersen puts it, “We do everything.”

And the tasting room, dubbed the North Block Tasting Room, reflects their shared 45 years in law enforcement and corrections, complete mug shots, a replica jail cell, a box of actual prison “shivs” (makeshift knives) and the duo's endless and colorful prison stories.

“We're probably the only tasting room of its kind in the world,” says Bergersen. “But for us it's all about the wines. We want the experience to be the wine. But we do have a bazillion stories!”

Married for 28 years with a 26-year-old daughter who is a nurse, Bergersen spent 25 years as a state prison corrections officer before retiring in 2014 from his position as a Lieutenant. In 2010, Bergersen was named the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation Supervisor of the Year. He retired from Valley State Prison as the institutions Public Information Officer and Administrative Assistant to the Warden.

Quesada served four years in the U.S. Army before joining the California Department of Corrections in 1996. Quesada has a resume that is vast and diverse. Quesada could be the most highly trained Lieutenant at Valley State Prison. He is married with a daughter and two sons and lives in Fresno.

Solitary Cellars’ wines is produced using grapes from several of California's best wine-growing regions, including Sonoma County, Lodi, the Santa Lucia Highlands, Lake County, Santa Barbera County and, of course, the Central Valley.

“Our business model is to focus on the regions that grow the best varietals,” says Quesada. “There's the old saying, ‘All good wines start with good fruit,’ so we focus on the growers. We establish relationships with growers. We want to work with the growers with dust on their boots. Our Tempranillo and Albariño are from Markus Bokisch Vineyards who was voted 20 Most Admired Wine Grape growers in North America by Wines and Vines magazine.”

“When people come in, they're shocked at the quality of the wines,” adds Bergersen. “We attribute that to great growers in great growing regions.”

The Solitary Cellars current portfolio consists of the 2014 Code Three (a red wine blend) (Lodi); 2012 and 2013 Liberty Oak Tempranillo (Lodi); 2014 Solitary Cellars Albariño Lodi ; 2013 Evasion Syrah Rosé (Fresno); 2012 and 2013 Solitary Cellars “East Block” Old Vine Zinfandel (Lodi); 2013 Santa Lucia Highlands Syrah; 2013 Shenandoah Valley Barbera (Amador); 2013 Monterey Pinot Noir.

The wines are targeted to consumers directly in the tasting room, online and in select restaurants and wine bars.

“We are very concerned with the branding of Solitary, we're very conscious of where it's marketed and our brand as a premium wine,” says Bergersen. “There are three areas work very hard at, we manage costs, we provide an exceptional product and experience and we work harder than everyone else.”

Contact:
Marci Bracco Cain
Chatterbox PR
Salinas, CA 93901
(831) 747-7455
https://www.solitarycellars.com/