Month: December 2018

SearchWide Global Partners with R4 Communications Strategies, Inc.

by jsl_web_admin

Adds Strategic Communications to Suite of Services for Executive Searches

 

Mike Gamble, CEO of SearchWide Global announced a partnership with Chicago-based R4 Communications Strategies, Inc., a boutique strategic communications firm specializing in the travel and tourism industry. This new alliance provides SearchWide Global clients with the opportunity to engage a proven industry leader for a variety of communications strategies, including media relations, advocacy and crisis management support, especially during times of executive transition.

 

R4 Communications Strategies, Inc. is owned by Meghan Risch, a communications strategist with more than 25 years in the hospitality, economic development, and travel and tourism industries.  She launched R4 in April 2016 after leading the public relations and corporate communications teams at Choose Chicago, Chicago’s destination marketing organization (DMO), for 12 years.

 

“There are very few communications strategists who are well versed in the DMO industry. Meghan has the experience and the measurable results we are confident our clients are seeking,” said Gamble.  “In many cases, searches are confidential and the Board of Directors may not be in a position to rely upon the internal communications team.  As a result, R4 is a solid and respected resource for our clients as we work to maintain confidentiality during the change of leadership within an organization.”

 

Earlier this year, SearchWide Global and R4 collaborated to support Puerto Rico’s first privatized DMO, Discover Puerto Rico. R4 developed and implemented a multi-tiered external communications plan to inform stakeholders, including media and customers on the mainland, how the creation of the newly established DMO would positively impact the Island’s economic growth through business and leisure visitation.  Additionally, R4 worked with Discover Puerto Rico to officially unveil the DMO’s new name at Destination International’s Annual Convention in Anaheim.

 

“It is an honor and a privilege to work with Mike and his team to support an industry that I am so fortunate to be part of,” said Risch.  “R4 is committed to delivering effective and transparent communications strategies to help elevate brand image and reputation for destinations and their respective communities.”

Gamble added, “We believe the time is right to offer a strategic communications component that ensures confidentiality, allows for a smooth transition and conveys appropriate messaging for our client’s goals and objectives.”

 

R4 currently works with Destinations International, Discover Puerto Rico and DuPage Convention & Visitors Bureau.  In 2016, R4 collaborated with Discover PHL on its bid to host the 2017 NFL Draft, an event which it successfully hosted with record-setting attendance.

# # #

 

 

CONTACTS:

Kara Ryan

SearchWide Global

ryan@searchwideglobal.com

480-570-5272

 

Meghan Risch

R4 Communications Strategies, Inc.

meghan@r4commstrategies.com

312-388-1174

 

About SearchWide Global

SearchWide Global is a full-service executive search firm primarily for companies in Destination Organizations / Hotels & Resorts / Venue Management / Experiential Marketing, Tradeshow & Exhibition / Industry Associations / Sports & Entertainment. Specializing in C-Level and Director level executive searches for companies ranging in size from Fortune 500 corporations to mid-sized public and private companies and associations. Founded in 1999, SearchWide Global headquartered in St. Paul, MN, USA and operates worldwide.  Visit SearchWideGlobal.com for more information.

 

About R4 Communications Strategies, Inc.

R4 Communications Strategies, Inc. is a boutique strategic communications firm specializing in the travel and tourism industry.  The team develops effective and transparent communications strategies that ultimately build connections and resonate with the stakeholders who matter most to an organization. R4 not only represents the four Rs associated with strategic communications – Relevance, Reputation, Respect and Results, it’s also an homage to what keeps our founder Meghan Risch grounded – her family of four.  Visit r4commstrategies.com for more information.

 

 

 

How to Stay Healthy During the Holiday Season

by jsl_web_admin

Written by: Kara Ryan

 

Winter is coming! With the colder weather comes those festive holiday snacks that contribute to us packing on a few pounds. Those sneaky calories leave us feeling sluggish going into the new-year. This is the time of year where baked goods and sweets are abundant at the office, at home, and while traveling.

 

Is there a way to stay healthy during the holidays and avoid the bulge? Instead of making a New Year’s resolution (yet again) to exercise more, eat healthier, and lose weight.

 

Here are some tried and true tips to stay healthy during the holiday season.

 

Lemon Water in the Morning

As soon as you wake, pour yourself an 8-16 oz. glass of water and squeeze half a lemon in it. If you’re traveling and don’t have easy access to lemon, that’s okay, a large glass of water in the morning brings benefits. Drink your morning water hot, room temperature, or cold; whatever you prefer.

 

The morning glass of water rehydrates you from the night before, kick starts your digestive system for the day, and the lemon offers vitamins and minerals that have been proven to help lose weight and decrease appetite.  Lemons are packed full of vitamin C, beneficial for your immune system during cold and flu season. Make sure you drink all of your water before your morning cup of joe or breakfast.

 

Read more benefits of drinking lemon water here.

 

Snack Throughout the Day

Snacking helps you to not over-indulge on unhealthy foods, which we tend to do when we are hungry. Keep fresh fruit on hand, perhaps apples and bananas. They go great with a small portion of peanut butter and take little preparation. Trail mix is another great snack option, but watch out, it can pack those sneaky calories (definitely read the label). You can easily make your own trail mix from raw or roasted nuts and some dried fruit that doesn’t contain added sugars. Carrots, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and celery are easy and a pair partner with hummus. Energy bites take a bit of preparation, but store nicely in the freezer. Here are eight variations to make.

 

Track Your Sweets

What would the holidays be if you couldn’t have seasonal baked goods or fancy flavored lattes? If you have that willpower, go you! If not, allow yourself a limited number of sweets treats or cheats a week. Keep track of them so you don’t go over your weekly limit and watch overindulging.

 

Keep on Moving

If you currently have an exercise program, stick to it and if you don’t yet have a plan, get one going! Some people prefer going to the gym when it starts getting too cold outside. There are plenty of fitness studios or classes offered at most gyms. Give one a try! Most studios offer your first class free. Spin class is fantastic cardio, yoga is great for strengthening and flexibility, barre is a low impact exercise that helps tone the whole body. All exercise is proven to reduce stress and increase energy! While traveling, there are a variety of apps that offer “no equipment needed” exercises and some hotels are offering unique fitness offerings and clothing rentals. Make sure to ask and give it a try.

 

Make it a Group Effort

It’s lonely being healthy and feeling great all by yourself. Enlist some of your coworkers, friend, and family to join you this holiday season in staying healthy. It’s great to share a healthy meal or go get a salad with a coworker during the week to stay on track. Friends make awesome workout buddies and will love checking out that spin class with you. Your family will love trying some healthier recipes together over the holiday season.

 

Take Time Off

We know being healthy isn’t all about eating right and exercising. Taking time out for you is beneficial for your health as well. Project Time Off says that people who take time off work are more productive, positive, have improved mental and physical health, and overall are happier. So use your time off, spend it with your loved ones and dedicate time doing what you love.

 

Unplug

This is one of the hardest things to do in the always-connected world we live in today. Maybe a nature hike, a good book, or a scenic drive does the trick for you to fully unplug. It doesn’t have to be a huge effort, simply being mindful to enjoy your cup of coffee with two hands without scrolling through your phone will do wonders for you. The Calm app can help you create a habit of being more mindful with daily meditations, calming music, and sleep stories.

 

Unplug, recharge, and go into 2019 a happier, healthier, you.

 

 

READ MORE: On Work-Life Balance

 

 

SearchWide Global is a full service executive search firm primarily for companies in Destination Organizations / Hotels & Resorts / Venue Management / Experiential Marketing, Tradeshow & Exhibition / Industry Associations / Sports & Entertainment. Specializing in C-Level and Director level executive searches for companies ranging in size from Fortune 500 corporations to mid-sized public and private companies and associations. Founded in 1999, SearchWide Global headquartered in St. Paul, MN, USA and operates worldwide.