Dave is Unavailable
Only one person called to bother me this week while I was on vacation. #ThanksKennedy She reminded me I had one job I had to do this week — write the Weekly Report. My calendar says, “Dave is Unavailable.” My email says, “Dave is Unavailable.” If I was smart enough to figure out my fancy smartphone, I would make sure my text messages would mark me as unavailable, too.
I am writing this week’s Weekly Report from Eau Gallie, Florida. Thanks to limited interruption from life and work, I have made it 1,000 miles down the Intracoastal Waterway. Only 130 more to go.
Working from home (or a boat) doesn’t mean you have to work all the time. Take a break to ease the numbness induced by back-to-back video calls and a long to-do list by taking some time off — and encourage your team to do the same.
Since the initial adrenaline rush of the panic-inducing pandemic has passed, it’s important to prioritize some time away from your business. With almost two years of nowhere to go and too much “pivoting,” most business owners I know are re-booking those long-lost travel plans and taking some time off.
So why are vacations important? Especially now? Medical experts tell us when you take time away from the daily stresses of work and life, it can improve your physical and mental health, motivation, relationships, job performance, and overall perspective. That’s my story, and I’m sticking to it.
MONDAY:
MADISON+MAIN-IAC UNIVERSITY
On Monday, the entire team joined in on a Zoom call to learn a little bit more about Jr. Graphic Designer AJ Stuit. AJ hails from NOVA, is a VCU alum, and hates Comic Sans. AJ has been a great addition to our Creative Team and it was a blast seeing her baby photos. #AllIWantForChristmasIsMyTwoFrontTeeth
TUESDAY:
GIVING TUESDAY
In honor of Giving Tuesday, our PR pros secured an interview for Executive Director Beth Vann-Turnbull of Housing Families First on Jeff Katz’s weekday radio show. The two talked about the organization’s current Opening Doors for Families capital campaign. The interview was a huge success. Thanks, Jeff, for highlighting such an incredible local non-profit. Haven’t given to the campaign yet? Donate today.
WEDNESDAY:
BOURBON BUDS
Still not done shopping even after Black Friday and Cyber Monday? We’ve been working on blog content for our client A. Smith Bowman Distillery recently. Our latest highlights all the best gifts for bourbon lovers. I think I know a few. Read the blog today for ideas — they’ll even ship their award-winning spirits to Virginia residents. #AllIWantForChristmasIsTwoBottlesOfBowman
THURSDAY:
FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS
Need a fun, festive family activity? Our client Hermitage Roanoke, a Pinnacle Living community, is hosting their second annual Festival of Lights event. From December 4 until January 1, the beautiful grounds at Hermitage Roanoke will be transformed into a spectacular winter wonderland display of holiday lights and decorations nightly.
On Thursday, Communications Specialist Kennedy Heidel and Account Executive Jeremy Colb headed down to Compass Entertainment Complex for a client visit. They had a blast working closely with the team (and playing on all the games and attractions). Thanks for hosting the Madison+Main-iacs Julien Patterson and Terri Wesselman!
FRIDAY:
LEANNE’S ANNIVERSARY
On Friday, the entire team celebrated Director of Business and Marketing LeannePillow’s four-year anniversary as a Madison+Main-iac. We are incredibly proud to have Leanne on our side — and her smiling face every day lights up everyone’s afternoons. Thank you Leanne for your hard work and dedication! We can’t wait for the holiday party you’ve planned!
A FEW OF OUR FAVORITE EVENTS
Hermitage Richmond’s Illumination on the Lawn
Richmond, VA
From December 4 until January 6, the grounds at Hermitage Richmond will be transformed into a dazzling winter wonderland display of holiday lights and reindeer. The festivities are for the whole family — including your pets! Join us there!
Hermitage Roanoke’s Festival of Lights
Roanoke, VA
From December 4 until January 1, the beautiful grounds at Hermitage Roanoke will be transformed into a spectacular display of holiday lights and decorations that you can enjoy from the comfort of your car — or your “sleigh” rather. As part of the December 4 kickoff festivities, the first 500 children who visit the drive-thru event will receive a special goody handed out by one of our very merry special guests — Mrs. Claus!
Texas Inn’s 86-Day Food Drive
Lynchburg, VA
The Lynchburg Legend is hosting a food drive to give back to the community and Blue Ridge Food Bank. Drop canned The Lynchburg legend is hosting a food drive to give back to the community and Blue Ridge Food Bank. Drop canned goods at both locations of the T Room — Downtown & Cornerstone.
Perkinson Center for the Arts & Education Performances
Chesterfield, VA
New Performances Weekly!
Check out a plethora of performances at Chesterfield’s Premier Center for the Arts & Education — including a new gallery show! Tickets can be bought online.
“Not all who wander are lost.st when open.“ — J.R.R. Tolkien