Tile is being laid (Brick Style) today at the new building. Entries, kitchen and baths are getting covered in ceramic goodness. Check out the carpet in the lower left. The building has it wall-to-wall. The previous owners must have found it in the “Casino & Movie Theater” section at their carpet dealer.

After 18 years in the same location it was time for a change. And in mid-March, after years of searching, we finally purchased a building to call our own. Located on Interstate Drive in Champaign, our new 5,500 sq. ft. office will provide wide open spaces and collaborative environments for the team and our clients. For the past few months we’ve been making updates (painting, carpet, cat5, interactive additions, etc.) with the hopes of moving in early this fall. This move is something we’re pumped about and happy to finally share. We’ll be updating more regularly with pics and video, so check back often.

We’ve been working on the City of Urbana website for months… and it’s finally launched! Check it out, in all it’s CMS glory. Details coming soon, but we couldn’t wait to share.

Getting ready for our annual trip to Disney World. I would call it a vacation, but a vacation to most means rest and relaxation. On our vacations we do neither. It’s go, go, go the whole time. When I’m there I don’t feel the need to rest. I want to see it all. Disney recharges my batteries on a different level. I get inspired by their attention to detail, their creativity, and their ability to make magic.

Every year I hear the same thing, “you go every year-doesn’t it get boring?” Not for me. There is so much to see and do that its a different experience every time. Besides, the kids are getting older and they like to do different things with each visit. This year we’re staying at The Contemporary, Walt’s ultra-modern (now retro-chic) pre-fab architectural marvel, located within walking distance of the Magic Kingdom. Very exciting. I love that it was one of the first 2 hotels at Disney World… I’m just nostalgic and a little sentimental that way. Which is perfect, because no one does sentimentality and nostalgia better than Uncle Walt.

UPDATE 6/7/2010: This position has been filled.

This position is for a web developer and part web designer. Responsibilities include website creation from prototypes through deployment and into maintenance using a variety of web based technologies.

You must be able to take designs and implement them into standards-based html layouts and templates. Preferred candidates will be able to create and modify graphics using photoshop and illustrator as well as advise on the design process with an eye towards usability, standards, and elegance.

You must also be able to research and develop solutions to the unexpected using new technologies – what you know is less important than how fast you can learn. continue »

Travel industry thought leaders from across Illinois gathered at in Chicago on February 17-19 for the 2010 Illinois Governor’s Conference on Tourism to discuss best marketing practices and explore the future of the state’s tourism industry. At the conference they also handed out the 2009 awards for “Excellence in Illinois Tourism.” We were proud take home two key category wins for The Springfield Illinois Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Our Facilities Guides won for Best Sales Promotion and our 2009 Bicentennial Visitors Guide won for Best Visitors Guide. The entries were judged by a panel of 15 industry marketing and tourism professionals on creativity and innovation as well as their overall effectiveness and return-on-investment.

They say homemade gifts are the best… this year they might just be right. Here’s my 8 year old daughter’s recipe book for grandparents, friends and families. Happy holidays and Merry Christmas.

Once again we made the pilgrimage to Mignone Printing in Huntington, Indiana for the Springfield Convention and Visitors Bureau. We were there to check in on the progress of the 2010 Visitors Guide. Colors were adjusted. Paper was printed. It was a rough trip with the snow and ice, but we took it slow and made it there in one piece. Stopping off at the Beef House didn’t hurt either. We also made a return visit to Nick’s Kitchen, where years ago Nick and his crew invented the Pork Tenderloin we all know and love today. Images and a digitally published copy of the Official 2010 Visitors Guide will be posted soon. As for the tenderloin you’ll have to make the trip on your own.