Cheers to Trader Joe's for Making Grocery Shopping Healthy & Fun!

I am so enamored with the Trader Joe's brand. What's not to love about affordable organic foods, a great wine selection and the fun, laid-back atmosphere of the store?

I have yet to be disappointed with anything I've purchased there and have never had a bad experience shopping there. The service is always good.

Bravo Trader Joe's for making the grocery shopping experience fun and interesting again. I hope to see more stores and overall success for this gem of a company. And I look forward to the new and interesting products I will find as a result of being a loyal shopper.

Green Companies & Brands Valued in Consumer's Eyes

I was driving around in Virginia Beach yesterday and saw a sticker someone had made on their car that said "Boycott BP". Sure we're all disappointed and frustrated with the oil spill and damage it is causing to our fragile ecosystem, but I think consumer sentiment goes even beyond disappointment. Consumers are taking an active role. Many consumers simply won't in many instances tolerate companies, products - brands that are not green or at least attempting to be more green.

I wouldn't call green a fad. I really think it is a way of living. A consciousness of the consumer that the little everyday decisions they make regarding what products or services to buy can make an impact on the health of our planet. This does not mean we all have to be treehuggers (no offense to those who do hug trees) but rather it suggests that we can do things a better way by becoming more green in our own lives. To companies the significance is that having policies for environmental sustainability and creating products that enhance environmental sustainability may be a large part of their success going forward.

Some examples of green companies, products, trends that are popular with consumers are listed below:

• Eco-friendly cars like the Prius, Insight, Hybrid vehicles

• Eco-friendly soaps & cleaning products like Method

• Organic foods from grocery stores like Whole Foods, Trader Joes and shopping at local markets

• Recycling at home and in the office

• Carrying reusable shopping bags and/or using paper bags since they're more eco-friendly

• Companies that make organic clothing, shoes that use recycled rubber like Teva, etc

Of course not every consumer is interested in the green influence but many are. And as marketers we can't ignore the heavy influence the green movement has on our market and our planet.

The King of Brands in Sports & Cleveland

How popular do you have to be to have your own appreciation day? Where a region (such as Northeast Ohio) cares so much about your contribution that they will go to almost any length to keep you local? Well, if you're Lebron James a.k.a. King James this is your reality.

On June 19th The City of Akron, University of Akron and a number of other sponsors and supporters will gather in Akron at Infocision Stadium to show their appreciation and admiration for the King. Why would a community do such a thing? Because for years, Lebron has been an integral part of our community. An Akron native, he leads our beloved Cavs and continues to support causes throughout the community and bring recognition to the region for sports excellence.

Lebron is a more than a professional basketball player. He is a symbol of hope and a source of energy for our region. He is the King of brands in basketball and the King of brands in our community. Losing him would be an immense loss. For information about Lebron James Appreciation Day, visit www.lebronday.com and if you're available that day go out and show your support!