The Worst Month of the Year
Although February is the shortest month of the year, it seems like it drags out much longer. I hate February. It’s cold. It’s dark. Everyone is grouchy. When WWBT Meteorologist Andrew Freiden posted a pic on Instagram this week showing that the sunset would be 6 pm, I almost wept. (If you’re on Instagram, you really should follow @InstaFreiden)
February is so bad people have to make up holidays just to keep our minds off the fact that it’s February; Groundhog Day, Valentines Day, Rare Diseases Day (Feb. 28th) and one called Hoodie Hoo Day — invented for those who hate February. One bright spot was National Margarita Day on February 22nd, but no one wanted to celebrate with me. #ayecarumba
The fact that February has only one football game played during the month is enough to make an oversize rodent want to crawl back in his burrow and declare 6 more weeks of winter.
But yesterday, I hit the reset button and literally turned the page — on the calendar. I celebrated by reading “Oh, The Thinks You Can Think,” by Dr. Seuss, who would have turned 114 yesterday, March 1st.
Monday, February 26 – Bold Brands Win Comes to the VPA
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On Monday morning Business Manager Brandy Seay and I sent off my bio, headshot and a primer to the good folks at the Virginia Press Association. I am pleased that they have invited me to speak at their Annual Conference on Saturday, April 14th. If you’re an advertising or media pro, you should attend, if only to hear me. 🙂 #BoldBrandsWin
Tuesday, February 27 – No Breakfast, Big Lunch
On Tuesday, the Midlothian Rotary Club invited Elizabeth Kell, VP of Development at Elijah House Academy, to speak to our raucous breakfast club. She did a great job, and I was fascinated to hear about the great things they are doing there. As 2017-18 Rotary President, I run around, run the meeting and then run out. On Tuesday, I was so busy I forgot to eat breakfast, but I did win the weekly pot of $16. #momoney
When my pal Jimmy Barrett left WRVA 1140 AM, I knew the next host of “Richmond’s Morning News” would have big shoes to fill. After listening for a few months, I have to say that the former 8News anchor and longtime communications pro John Reid has stepped in and done a GREAT job. Luckily, I had the chance to tell him that in person on Tuesday, when we met for lunch at CanCan in Carytown. John is as engaging and witty in real life as he is on the radio.
Wednesday, February 28 – Big Wins For Our Wineries!
On Wednesday, we woke to the news that not one, but BOTH of our Virginia Wine clients — Crosskeys Vineyards and New Kent Winery scored big at the Governor’s Cup. New Kent Winery scored two silver medals and CrossKeys Vineyards won gold for its 2015 Ali d’Oro Ice Wine, which will be part of the coveted Governor’s case — 12 select Virginia Wines that he will use for official state dinners and trade missions. CrossKeys Vineyards also took home five silver medals and one bronze medal as well. There are now more than 280 wineries in Virginia, and we are so proud of our two favorites. #BoldWinesWin
On Wednesday morning, Client Services Coordinator Haleigh Lader and I travelled down to one of my favorite spots, the sleepy little town of Urbanna. We met BES Studios Producer Mark Remes and Director Doug Bischoff as we scouted locations for a TV spot we are shooting next Friday.
Of course, no trip to Urbanna would be complete without buying some fresh,
local oysters from Walton Seafood.
Meanwhile at CBS6, our own Meredith Mason was featured on the evening news with Antoinnette Essa to promote the Richmond Home + Garden Show happening this weekend at Richmond Raceway complex.
Lights, camera, Meredith!
Thursday, March 1 – Intern Mugshots
On Thursday, I was installed as 2018-19 President of The Insiders, at the Commonwealth Club. Since last year’s president Donnie Harper, CEO of Door-to-Door Solutions was sunning himself in Florida, I had to pass the gavel to myself. What is The Insiders, you ask? It’s a super-secret society of RVA biz execs that I probably shouldn’t be mentioning in my newsletter that goes out to 8,000 people. #shhhh
Now that’s it’s March, the semester is half over and our interns will all be OOO next week, probably guzzling PBRs and spreading tanning butter on themselves in Florida. But before they go, here’s a long overdue intro of the college kids who are helping the big kids at Madison+Main this semester. Here are their “mugshots.” Get it?
Say hello to (clockwise) Daniel Green, Taylor Burress, Maegan Kranz and Mindy Yuan.
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Calendar!
Madison+Main March Media Mixer
Capital Ale House Innsbrook
March 14
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Join the Madison+Main-iacs and friends on Wednesday, March 14th for our March Media Mixer at Capital Ale House Innsbrook! There will be delicious cocktails, yummy appetizers, and a door prize! Join us for a night of networking where the business world and the creative community can mix and mingle! RSVPs are not required, but are encouraged. Please feel free to bring a guest! To RSVP e-mail Haleigh Lader at haleighl@madisonmain.com.
Richmond Home + Garden Show
Richmond Raceway Complex
March 2-4
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At this year’s Richmond Home + Garden Show you will see everything you need to make your home more beautiful, energy efficient, safe, and comfortable. Whether you want to remodel your kitchen or bath, add or rebuild a deck, or replace that old electricity-eating heat pump, you can find it all over three days at Richmond Raceway Complex. Meet Bristol and Aubry Marunde from HGTV’s Flip or Flop Vegas, shop, compare, and save with our trusted exhibitors. Tickets are on sale now!
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FC Richmond Juggle Challenge
Huguenot Park
March 5-6
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Youth soccer players from FC Richmond will be putting their fanciest footwork on display for a good cause this March. The club is hosting a Juggle Challenge to raise money for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, as well as the club’s new soccer complex. Interested in supporting a great club? Donate today!
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Chili Cook Off
The Brandermill Church
March 11
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Sunday, March 11th directly following the 10:30am service join The Brandermill Church for food, fellowship, and a little healthy competition! It’s Chili Cook Off time! Please support the youth in raising funds towards their summer missions and trips. If you think you have a winning chili please sign up! There will be sign up sheets for Cook Off participants and tickets will be sold the week before and the day of the event. Kids meals will be $3 and tastings will be $8.
Friday, March 2 – Promo Code DAVE
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It’s SHOW TIME! It’s DAVE Time!
The Richmond Home+Garden Show runs today, Saturday and Sunday and you can save $4 on tickets by entering the offer code DAVE. I always wanted my own offer code, and our Communications Manager Kent Brockwell made my dreams come true.
Come join me at the show this weekend!
FYI: In 28 days, I’ll be in Florida for Spring Break, probably drinking something better than a PBR. #countingthedays
“Think left and think right. Think low and think high. Oh the thinks you can think if you only try.”
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– Dr. Suess