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Ericka L. KellyProfessional Writing Samples

October 7, 2014

As the season changes, fall in Wisconsin becomes the ideal getaway for families to create unforgettable memories! Covered by 16 million acres of forest, Wisconsin transitions into a captivating scenic backdrop of fall color.

The temperature might have dropped but there’s a full lineup of fall festivities that will make any trip worthwhile. In the attached release, you’ll find a fall guide of scenic fall tours, apple orchards, corn mazes, multicultural arts, wineries and much more!

We appreciate your partnership in spreading the word about Wisconsin Tourism! Please forward this information to your editor for consideration. I will follow-up with you in the next few days on sharing the Wisconsin fall guide to your readers.

Regards,

Ericka Kelly, Public RelationsCreative Marketing Resources, Inc.

WIC celebrates 40 years of healthy families across the nation!

Wisconsin WIC serves approximately 108,000 income-eligible participants in 68,000 families monthly in Wisconsin.

As the nation’s premier public health nutrition program, WIC has consistently improved health outcomes for 50 percent of all infants born in Wisconsin, with food packages, nutrition education, breastfeeding support and mom-to-mom peer counseling.

WIC’s outstanding efforts have influenced 8.7 million participants each month through 10,000 clinics nationwide. WIC has been the front-runners providing low and moderate-income families with accessibility to health care and social welfare services to improve their overall well-being with lifelong healthy habits.

Please find attached a press release for more information on this topic. We welcome the opportunity to answer your questions and offer more resources to better serve your market.

Regards,

Ericka Kelly, Public RelationsCreative Marketing Resources, Inc.

WISCONSIN WIC: CELEBRATING 40 YEARS OF HEALTHIER MOMS AND BABIES

The Wisconsin WIC (Women, Infants and Children) Program is celebrating 40 years of public health service

dedicated to low and moderate-income mothers and children. Since the program’s inception in 1974, WIC has

grown to serve some 110,000 income-eligible participants each month throughout Wisconsin’s 72 counties. As

the nation’s premier public health nutrition program, WIC has consistently improved health outcomes for 50

percent of all infants born in Wisconsin, with food packages, nutrition education, breastfeeding support and

mom-to-mom peer counseling.

WIC strives to educate all families on maintaining optimal health status and nutrition awareness. WIC

nutritionists help families to develop lifelong healthy eating habits through one-on-one education, group

discussions with other mothers, learning kiosks and interactive websites. WIC moms learn how to prepare

healthy meals; select the right foods to eat during pregnancy and even gain tips on breastfeeding when

returning to work or school.

When families apply for WIC, staff will provide referrals to other health services including Prenatal Care

Coordination (PNCC), smoking cessation, BadgerCare Plus, Food Share, and Head Start. WIC encourages all

pregnant mothers to take advantage of services during the first trimester of pregnancy to improve birth

outcomes and the overall health of mom and baby.

WIC children up to five years of age are better prepared for school, visit their doctor regularly, and are more

likely to receive immunizations. WIC helps ensure infants’ and children’s normal growth, reduces levels of

anemia, and improves diets. WIC interventions can help improve healthful behaviors that are linked to reducing

early childhood obesity. WIC promotes breastfeeding as the optimal infant feeding choice, which lowers the

rate of infections, digestive problems and sudden infant death syndrome.

WIC’s outstanding efforts have influenced 8.7 million participants each month through 10,000 clinics

nationwide. WIC has helped the at-risk population thrive through accessibility to health care and social welfare

services to improve their overall well-being and future generations.

Next year, Wisconsin WIC families will be able to shop for their food benefits using a magnetic stripe card (like

a debit card) instead of the paper checks used now. eWIC (or electronic WIC) will make shopping easier for

both the WIC clients and the store cashiers, making the nutritious WIC foods even more accessible to needy

families.

In recognizing this monumental year for WIC, please visit: http://www.wicturns40.org/ to learn more about the

impact of WIC’s services on assisting families across the nation.

About WIC

The Wisconsin WIC Program (Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children) is

administered at the Federal level by the Food and Nutrition Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The

WIC program was established in 1974 to provide Federal grants to States for nutrition education, supplemental

foods, and health care referrals for low to moderate-income pregnant, breastfeeding, and non-breastfeeding

postpartum women, as well as infants and children under five years of age who have a health or nutrition need.

To assess eligibility or to find out more about WIC services, visit: http://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/wic/ or call the

hotline at 1-800-722-2295.

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MEDIA ALERT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

WOHM Hosts Training 2 Work Generation 2 Kick-Off Event

WHAT: Word of Hope Ministries, Inc. hosts Training 2 Work Generation 2 Kick-off Event informing the City of Milwaukee employers, key stakeholders and partners of its awarded $2 million national grant from the U.S. Department of Labor for the Training to Work Adult Re-entry program, Milwaukee’s Home 2 Stay Project.

WHO: Congresswoman Gwen Moore is the keynote speaker for the event, along with many local public officials such as: Chris Abele, County Executive; Kent Lovern, Chief Deputy District Attorney; Evan Goyke, Minority Caucus Secretary; Alderman Russell Stamper, II; Alderman Willie Wade and Cavalier “Chevy” Johnson, Rep from the Mayor’s Office

WHEN: October 23, 2014, 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM

WHERE: Italian Community Center, 631 E. Chicago Street, Milwaukee, WI

WHY: The Training to Work Adult Reentry program will help men and women participating in state or local work-release programs gain the job skills necessary to succeed in-demand occupations upon reintegrating back into society. Through the Career Pathways Collaborative will provide education and training services to enable workers to attain industry-recognized credentials and find jobs.

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WOHM Awarded $2 Million Grant for Training 2 Work Adult Reentry Program

Word of Hope Ministries, Inc. (WOHM) hosted a Training 2 Work Generation 2 Kick-off Event on Thursday, October 23, 2014 at the Italian Community Center. The event informed the City of Milwaukee employers and key stakeholders of its awarded $2 million national grant from the U.S. Department of Labor for a Career Pathways Collaborative, Milwaukee’s Home 2 Stay project. The keynote speaker, Congresswoman Gwen Moore spoke highly of the benefits of the program and relevance to intensify work productivity for the Greater Milwaukee area, presented with the Re-entry and Second Chance Champion honorary award.

The Career Pathways Collaborative aims to provide the resources for incarcerated citizens returning to Milwaukee to gain the skills, services and support needed to succeed personally and professionally. This collaborative yields successful results by following the Education Reentry model. This model features education and training opportunities to support career advancement for offenders who have the potential to benefit from career pathways, education and job training.

“We are privileged to receive this national grant from the U.S. Department of Labor and it is our hope that we are able to boost a strong infrastructure for this project ensuring successful results of an emerging diverse workforce geared to industry-related occupations,” said Dr. C.H. McClelland, Pastor of Holy Cathedral COGIC and President of WOHM.

WOHM has established a Career Pathways Collaborative Leadership Team including key agencies such as: the WI Department of Corrections, Milwaukee County House of Correction, WI Community Services, Milwaukee Area Workforce Investment Board, MATC, Milwaukee County Departments of Health & Human Services and Child Support Services, UMOS, M & S Clinical Services, Legal Action of WI and Center for Veterans Issues. Along with over 40 participating employers willing to share their workforce needs and identify company’s deficiencies in filling the skill gap in Milwaukee.

WOHM’s goal is to provide training opportunities that will result in competencies leading to industry certification to diminish the skills gap in the area of manufacturing in Southeastern Wisconsin. This project will identify and map out career pathways in demand sectors and supportive services providers. The ultimate end goal of this cross-systems collaboration is for every Milwaukeean returning from incarceration will be home to stay and avoid recidivism. This Training to Work Adult Reentry program is an opportunity for industry employers and community partners to join together and become a part of the solution through recruitment and offering support services.

About Word of Hope Ministries, Inc. Word of Hope Ministries, Inc. (WOHM) is a faith-based community ministry created by Dr. C.H. McClelland, pastor of Holy Cathedral Church of God in Christ, 2677 N. 40th St. in Milwaukee, WI. Word of Hope Ministries, Inc. (Word of Hope) established in 1996 provides an array of services designed to encourage personal development and self-sufficiency. Word of Hope’s mission is to “effect a social transformation so that lives are spiritually empowered and humanized.” The services focuses on bringing social and economic change to the residents of the Sherman Park and surrounding communities. The support areas include: social services, ATODA Counseling, health care support, employment readiness, mentoring, technology courses and prison re-entry. Since 1996 more than 23,000 community residents have been served by a team of professional paid staff and volunteers with specific credentials and areas of expertise.

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Dear Church Group Leader:

Thank you for expressing interest to attend The Milwaukee Rep’s rendition of the epic musical, The Color Purple jumpstarting the 2014 - 2015 fall season production! Your attendance at the Color Purple Community Committee Kick-Off Event was greatly appreciated as it left a lasting impression for future collaborations. We would like to recognize your involvement by offering your church members with group discount rates during the Faith-Based Night performances on Friday, September 26 or Saturday, October 4, 2014.

The Color Purple Community Committee would like to acknowledge the support of community churches and showcase the significant value it holds within the African American community. Over the years, Milwaukee Churches have been the platform uplifting our communities and sharing positive messages. This production would truly benefit from your congregation’s attendance and create the momentum needed for this to have an outstanding turnout.

The Milwaukee Rep has provided (3) options for organizations to get the best deals possible for this production.

Standard Group Sale Fundraising Group Sale Single Ticket Fundraiser

*All tickets must be purchased now through June 24 for the Early Bird Discount.

Please take advantage of the special group discount/ fundraising opportunities to show your support. For more information, please visit our partner website at: www.MilwaukeeRep.com/colorpurplecommunity.

Greetings!

 

As a valued advocate of the City of Milwaukee I am sure you are aware of the great happenings occurring throughout the community. Our city prides itself on building those communal bonds to connect others of all backgrounds. One of the many ways our community preserves unity is through the performing arts. The performing arts uplift the vibrancy of diversity in our city enhancing our overall cultural identity. In supporting the performing arts, the Milwaukee Repertory Theater would like to gain your support for its 2014-2015 season’s first major production of the epic musical, The Color Purple.

The Milwaukee Rep has developed a Color Purple Community Committee to partner with key African American organizations whose support is essential for a successful outcome. The Milwaukee Rep’s Color Purple Community Committee has started a community engagement campaign strategy to increase awareness and attendance of The Color Purple. The strategy will produce the short-term goal of increase attendance for the fall production; leading to long-term community engagement for future Milwaukee Rep productions. Although, the musical is based on an African American woman’s experiences the central themes of solidarity, overcoming racism, sexism and independence are relatable topics a part of our history as a progressive city.

The Color Purple Community Committee would like for your organization to join as an official partner. We ask that you encourage your members and others to attend The Color Purple production. Partners are eligible for exclusive group ticket discounts, fundraising opportunities, name recognition and giveaways. By joining you will have a significant impact on future productions and strengthen community relationships with The Milwaukee Rep.

Please find attached an invitation to The Milwaukee Rep’s Color Purple Community Committee Kick-Off Event held on Monday, May 5, 2014 from 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. at the Intercontinental Hotel - Galleria M. 

If you are interested in becoming a partner, please share your best availability below by Friday, April 25,2014.

As an integrative asset for the firm it is our responsibility to seek out the best quality supervisory tools to maintain competency in the field. The leadership team has reviewed the structure of Sales Practice operations addressing diverse ways to respond to the unit’s current challenges. Through our discussions we have made significant progress in guiding the Sales Practice Unit this upcoming year.

To form a more cohesive unit, we are shifting from a vertical model of organizational structure to a circular model. Previously, the Sales Practice Unit was operating where all associates shared most of the responsibilities. The purpose of the vertical model was to educate the Unit on a variety of issues. However, by practicing this approach overtime has hindered our department rather than strengthen our functionalities.

Now, the Sales Practice Unit will use a circular model to leverage risk-based areas covering branch exams, training and surveillance. For direct supervision of this process there are coordinated driver groups with functional-oriented responsibilities.

Below is an overview of the driver groups:

Surveillance and Oversight All reports supervision (B/D, IA, ProSurv, BETA, PIM) and improvements; increased focus on Alt. Products/ ETPs

Escalation/ Special Investigations Proactive focus on escalated issues/ special investigations from Oversight

Branch Exam Increase pure Sales Practice Review during exam; re-tool all aspects of the process (pre/ post exam)

Training Lead all trainings including new FAs, CAMs, firm-wide recorded FINRA training, Firm CE

IT Support/ Systems Development Support all surveillance systems for compliance oversight

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

FALL IN LOVE WITH WISCONSIN THIS FALLFind bushels of fun ideas to make the season memorable

MADISON, Wis. (Oct. 1, 2014) – Colorful leaves fill the air of Wisconsin this time of year, awakening the

senses of visitors to join the fun! Although summer has drifted away, there are many reasons to smile while

exploring Wisconsin this fall. Fallin’ in love with the state will be an unforgettable experience with endless fun

activities. Enjoy scenic fall routes, corn mazes, apple orchards, pumpkin patches, wineries and much more!

Color-Rama Daze

Red, yellow or orange, Wisconsin's best colors are on display as the state's 16 million acres of forest

transition from the bright greens of summer to the vibrant colors of fall. To plan your getaway when fall colors

are at their peak, visit Wisconsin Department of Tourism's Fall Color Report. In the next few weeks,

southern Wisconsin will fully peak its gorgeous fall foliage, so hurry and get here to be a part of the splurge of

fall festivities!

Interested in tracking the state's fall color as it evolves over the next several weeks? You can access

the report right from your mobile device to make travel decisions on the go.

Visitors can also sign-up to have the Fall Color Report emailed every Thursday in time to make weekend

plans. The report offers an interactive map including nearby events, activities, lodging and dining, travel tips

and more to guarantee a successful trip!

Travel the extra distance from the big city to a serene scene with Mother Nature! Once you arrive, you

won’t put your camera down because every view invites you to gaze at the mesmerizing backdrops of the

autumn. To get started, view some of Wisconsin’s favorite fall driving tours, here you will find the most

talked about excursions in the state.

Multicultural Arts in Autumn

STEP AFRIKA! African American Stepping – John Michael Kohler Arts Center, Sheboygan, WI

Nov. 17 – 19, 2014; 7:30 p.m.

The Company blends percussive dance styles practiced by historically African American fraternities and

sororities, along with African traditional dance and influences from a variety of other dance and art forms. As

the first professional company devoted to stepping, Washington, D.C.’s world-renowned Step Afrika! brings

high-energy performance blended with songs, storytelling, humor and audience participation. It ranks as one of

the top ten African American dance companies in the United States.

The Color Purple Musical - Milwaukee Repertory Theater, Milwaukee, WI

Sept. 23 – Nov. 2, 2014

The Color Purple stage musical breathes new life into Alice Walker’s Pulitzer prize-winning novel and

iconic film that bear its name. This glorious musical saga, spanning four decades, tells the unforgettable story

of a woman who finds the strength to triumph over adversity and discover her own unique voice in the world.

With a joyous Grammy-nominated score featuring jazz, ragtime, gospel, and blues; capturing the hearts of

young and old.

Fall Festivals  

You’ll find multiple fall celebrations honoring everything from apples and cranberries to wines and

lagers. Seasonal celebrations are jam-packed with exciting memories and unlimited adventure. Your only

difficulty will be deciding which festivals to attend, we narrowed the list down for you with our top two

recommendations for a Fall-tastic time in Wisconsin!

Oktoberfest – Lake Geneva, WI

October 11 – 12, 2014

Come to celebrate at the 23rd Annual Oktoberfest in Downtown Lake Geneva. Each year this family

festival gets bigger and better, it is definitely a crowd pleaser that will keep you and your little ones busy. The

fall festivities lineup will include: live entertainment, magic performance, pumpkin giveaway, wagon hayrides,

the famous caramel apples, bouncy castle, restaurant and shopping specials and crafts booths. This will be a

memorable festival that your little ones will be begging to come again next year. So, make it a family affair at

Lake Geneva; who knows maybe you’ll be a winner of the Great Pumpkin Giveaway.

Wisconsin Dells Fall Festival Weekend – Wisconsin Dells, WI

October 17 – 19, 2014

A full day of fun awaits you at the Dells, so bring the entire family along to take part in this year’s fall

festivities. If you haven’t had the chance to embrace all of fall just yet; don’t worry pumpkin carving, scarecrow

stuffing, pony rides and arts and crafts are all here for you to make the most of your fall getaway. Also, parents

you will fit in just fine as you sip from a huge selection of artisan brews during the Dells Craft Beer Walk.

Wisconsin home to many local breweries take pride in its authentic beer craftsmanship, Dells on Tap,

Midwest’s premier microbrew beer tasting event, will present original creations for all attendees to sample.

Eye Spy through the Woods

Enjoy the wooded landscape of Wisconsin as a passenger on an old-fashioned train ride. As the leaves

transform into brilliant hues of reds, oranges and gold, you won’t miss a beat as you hear the whistle and bells

along the countryside. All aboard for fall color tours on these Wisconsin railways!

Mid-Continental Steam Train Autumn Color Tours – North Freedom, WI

All aboard a turn-of-the-century steam train for a journey through the scenic Baraboo River Valley.

Enjoy an hour-long journey and travel the historic former Chicago and North Western rail line basking in the

rural Sauk County countryside with beautiful shades of ruby, orange and yellow is sure to deliver a ride your

family will not want to miss!

Riverside & Great Northern Railway – Wisconsin Dells, WI

Fall is the perfect season to visit the Riverside & Great Northern Railway. The trips through Mother’s

Nature colorful tapestry lining the railroad’s historic right-of-way are even more stunning during the autumn as

the trees are ablaze with fall foliage. The special October Pumpkin Trains also include the gift of pumpkins for

the youngsters. Fall fun for the whole family—now departing!

Set Sail Amidst the Fall Foliage

Wisconsin is home to beautiful country roads, stunning hiking paths and adventurous biking trails—all

wonderful ways to view Wisconsin’s gorgeous landscape painted to perfection in hues of crimson, orange and

gold. But this fall, why not enjoy a different journey through the turning leaves of the season? Set sail aboard

one of Wisconsin’s boat cruises and let someone else be the guide. View the beautiful fall colors from the

water on one these boat tours.

Dells Boat Tours – Wisconsin Dells, WI

Tours of the Upper and Lower Dells reveal hidden canyons and towering sandstone cliffs

complemented by brilliant fall foliage. The two-hour tour of the Upper Dells navigates through the high cliffs

and around the spectacular rock formations, while also giving riders the chance to go ashore for the famous

dog leap and to explore Witches Gulch. The one-hour tour of the Lower Dells reveal a wider section of the

Wisconsin River, perfect for gazing at the spectacular trees ablaze in peak color on shore.

Lake Geneva Cruise Line – Lake Geneva, WI

The views of the fall color on the shores of Lake Geneva while aboard one of the boats of the Lake

Geneva Cruise Line fleet make autumn more enjoyable. The turn-of-the-century replica steamer, Belle of the

Lake offers narrated cruises with fascinating views of the grand estates that ring Geneva Lake, or ride along

one of the few remaining U.S. Mail boat delivery routes in the United States. Whichever tour you choose, the

area’s history and season’s backdrop are sure to deliver a memorable excursion.

Have Fun Getting Lost!

Wisconsin doesn’t disappoint in highly designed, thrill shocking corn mazes for anyone looking for an

adrenaline rush of fun. The fun doesn’t end once you’ve completed the maze either; from old time hayrides to

pumpkin chucking, enjoy the magic only fall on the farm can offer. Below are some of the coolest corn mazes

to visit that will have your little ones begging you to come again next year!

Schuett Farm – Mukwonago, WI

All techies come to this corn maze where you’re only one click away! This ordinary corn maze has

transformed into a “high-tech” 8-acres labyrinth where an interactive checkpoint system has been activated to

guide you. There are various checkpoints throughout the maze allowing visitors to use their smart phones to

navigate throughout the maze. Hayrides, pumpkin launching, and pick-your-own pumpkins are just a few of the

other festive activities you can enjoy.

Schuster’s Playtime Farm – Deerfield, WI

As one of the largest corn mazes around the state, Schuster’s offers every fall activity you could dream

of including its famous Haunted Forest. Not for the faint-hearted, this forest is intended for those looking for a

good scare as you climb through tunnels and come face-to-face with creatures you won’t even be able to

distinguish. Outside of the Haunted Forest, visitors have a chance to experience its pumpkin patch, hayrides,

bonfires, farm animals and a fresh assortment of fall treats like the crowd favorite, apple cider doughnut.

Treinen Farm – Lodi, WI

Featured in MSN’s “Ten Amazing Mazes Around the World” it has proven to be one of Wisconsin’s

premier corn mazes with a whopping 15-acres of paths twisting through corn stalks taller than the State Capitol

Building. Be sure to spot the “secret locations,” where you can receive prizes for the more locations you hit.

Once finished with the maze, hop on the horse pulls and head over to the pumpkin patch, or even let the young

ones in your group catapult pumpkins over the nearby pond.

Wine Flights Anyone?

You may be surprised to know that almost 800 acres of grapes are grown in Wisconsin to produce

wines at some 51 wineries across the state. The wineries in these five distinct regions deserve a visit for their

efforts to create seasonal wines produced using local fruits. Be sure to take a winery tour and enjoy some wine

tasting while you’re there.

Wollersheim Winery – Prairie du Sac, WI

Established before the Civil War, this winery is a national historic site with national and international

accolades. The guided tour includes a winemaking video, a visit to the underground aging caves, and wine

tasting. The natural beauty surrounding the Wollersheim Winery has been the backdrop for a remarkable

historical heritage.

Door County Wineries – Sturgeon Bay, WI

Door County features blossoming orchards and lush vineyards throughout the county. The Simon

Creek Winery, Wisconsin’s largest vineyard, makes a variety of wines. The Door County Cherry, a sweet wine

produced from Door County cherries, is one of its favorites. The winery has also been awarded a silver medal

by the American Wine Society for its American Gewurztraminer and “Untouchable Red” American Ruby

Cabernet wines.

No Ordinary Apple Orchards Here!

If you’re looking for an outing to a Wisconsin apple orchard this fall, there are a bushel of great options

throughout the state. Whether you want to go apple picking, sip warm apple cider, decorate caramel apples or

even stock up on some specialty food for the holidays; there’s an orchard for both you and the kids to enjoy.

For a full listing of apple orchards perfect for fall travel, visit the Wisconsin Apple Growers Association. Below

are some of our favorite apple orchards to check out around Wisconsin.

Brightonwoods Orchard - Burlington, WI

Brightonwoods Orchard offers a two-story treehouse and an on-site AEppelTreow Winery, which

specializes in artisan hard ciders and sparkling wines made with the orchard’s apples. There’s a huge selection

of over 200 variety of apples for your taste buds. Apple cider lovers are welcomed here where fresh sweet

cider is pressed on-site.

Apple Holler – Sturtevant, WI

Seventy-acre orchard filled with over 30,000 apple trees offering 30 varieties, along with pears,

peaches, pumpkins and sugar snap peas. This isn’t your ordinary apple orchard it has more to offer such as:

delicious bakery, deli items, unique gifts and home-made pantry items. In addition, there’s a year-round

restaurant where you have your offerings of down-home cooking for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

The Elegant Farmer   – Mukwonago, WI

Come out to enjoy The Elegant Farmer’s Apple Pie Baked in a Paper Bag signature item! If you’re

looking to stock up on some seasonal foods, this is your one stop shop. There’s a diverse selection of locally

grown, fresh and frozen vegetables and fruit; including specialty items such as: cider-baked ham, fruity

applesauces, fruit crisps, fruit breads, gourmet sauces and seasonings and old-fashioned gourmet popcorn.

The pick-your-own currently includes apples, pumpkins and squash.

Travelers looking for year-round Wisconsin getaway ideas, travel planning, events and free guides can

discover their own fun at TravelWisconsin.com, Facebook.com∕TravelWisconsin, Twitter.com∕TravelWI, and

Pinterest.com∕TravelWisconsin.

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