The VIPP Report: Pre-Derby Event Introduces The Community To The Art of “Sippin Tea”

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IT’S A NEW LIFESTYLE FOR PROFESSIONALS

What’s the first thing you think about when the words “Sippin Tea” are brought up in a conversation?  There are so many things that probably come to mind and most likely all of them are correct.

The Sippin Tea Company presents “Sippin Tea in Seersucker” on Thursday, April 16th from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at 8UP Elevated Drinkery & Kitchen at 350 W. Chestnut Street, part of Clay Commons in the South 4th Street district.

Come join the “Sippin Tea” team for an upscale casual event on the rooftop of 8UP overlooking the downtown Louisville as the city prepares for Thunder Over Louisville.  The pre-Derby event is the kickoff of two weeks of activities.

Guests will get to enjoy Sippin Southern Cocktails from Jefferson’s Bourbon & Midnight Moon with Sean Thibodeaux and sampling appetizers by Jacob Coronado.

Sippin Tea is a branded lifestyle focusing on the spirits, traditions, and apparel of Sophisticated Southern living. Our mission is to provide Lifestyle Events highlighted with a branded line of apparel and accessories that accentuate our Southern Heritage/Pride, but create a lifestyle that transcends demographic location.

The professional but casual setting will attract business leaders looking for new networking opportunities while enjoying the evening an intimate crowd atmosphere.

Bring plenty of business cards and wear your best seersucker because you will be eligible to win a Sippin Tea Gift basket.

We would like to thank the following sponsors for their support: Retirement Management Services, LLC, Empower Retirement and Mass Mutual 401k.

To learn more about the Sippin Tea Company go to www.sippinteacompany.com.  Follow us on Facebook at  www.facebook.com/sippinT and on Twitter @SippinTea1 to receive updates and win merchandise and tickets to events throughout Louisville.  To learn more about the venue go to www.8uplouisville.com.

The VIPP Report: Birdgang Brand adds another feather to their cap

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A THREE YEAR MARKETING PARTNERSHIP IS INKED WITH LOUISVILLE SPORTS PROPERTIES

Immediate Release

(Louisville, KY) Locally owned Birdgang Brand Clothing has reached a 3 year deal with Louisville Sports Properties, a division of Learfield Sports. The multi-year deal allows Birdgang to market their products at some of The University of Louisville’s biggest venues, such as the KFC Yum! Center, Papa John’s Cardinal Stadium and Jim Patterson Stadium, and creates an opportunity for the brand to increase visibility and brand awareness. Specifics of the partnership include advertising in the University of Louisville football and men’s basketball gameday program, baseball inning sponsorship, scoreboard marketing and tabling opportunities.

The Birdgang Brand team is focused on bringing urban fashion to the sports apparel arena, and the relationship with Louisville Sports Properties allows them direct access to Louisville fans. The clothing line is founded by two members of the rap group Nappy Roots, Brian “Buffalo Stille” Scott and Ronald “Ron Clutch” Wilson. Scott is the founder and Wilson serves as the co-founder of the brand. Scott says “Birdgang is a culture, not a company. The Cardinals fans who represent their beloved team deserve a better quality shirt. We don’t want to just be successful; our goal is to make history, and this deal puts us well on our way!”

“We are excited and optimistic by this partnership with Birdgang Brand Clothing,” said Louisville Sports Properties General Manager John Penny. “The Birdgang Brand brings a unique partner and product to the fans of Louisville Athletics and we are confident this relationship will only enhance the demand for Birdgang Brand apparel.

Birdgang will have a table full if prizes and giveaways for the upcoming U of L vs. UK baseball game at Jim Patterson stadium Wednesday April 8th.

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Birdgang Brand Clothing is headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky and is a high fashion sports apparel company centered around the University of Louisville Athletics. Birdgang Brand Clothing is supported and approved by the University of Louisville, and is officially licensed by the Collegiate Licensing Company, (CLC). Birdgang Brand Clothing can be found at JD Becker, Fan Outfitters and/or Cardinal Authentic.. To learn more about the Birdgang Brand and find vendor information, visit www.wearebirdgang.com.

Louisville Sports Properties is one of nearly 100 collegiate properties managed by Learfield Sports. Learfield’s rich history includes four decades of developing trusted, long-term relationships with some of the most revered institutions and associations in the world of college sports. The company has prominence in all of the major conferences and titles the prestigious Learfield Sports Directors’ Cup. Learfield represents collegiate institutions, conferences and arenas for their respective multimedia rights and sponsorship initiatives, and offers these partners with professional concessions and ticket sales, licensing and trademark consulting and digital platform expertise through its owned companies. To learn more about its history, businesses and job opportunities, please visit www.learfieldsports.com.

 

The VIPP Report: The White House releases that President Barack Obama will be in Louisville later this week

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Sherlene Shanklin with President Barack Obama

Sherlene Shanklin with President Barack Obama

By Sherlene Shanklin

Later this week, President Barack Obama will be in Louisville, KY.  At this time, White House officials are not releasing very many details.  I do know that the President will visit Indatus, a Louisville based technology company on Thursday, April 2, 2015.  The business is located on E. Main Street, which is just down the street from the KFC Yum Center and Whiskey Row, a new business development designed to promote Kentucky’s bourbon and other related products.

If you have a story idea, send it to me at TheVIPPReport@vippcommunications.com.  You can follow me on Twitter @Sherlenemediapr @vippcomm.

The VIPP Report: Joyce Meyer Ministries will be at the KFC Yum! Center in April

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Joyce Meyer Ministries will be in Louisville April 23rd through the 25th at the KFC Yum! Center. Meyer along with Christian music artist Israel Houghton will be hold four sessions that will give guests a powerful message from Joyce as well as worship with Israel.

There’s a total of four sessions

·         Thursday, April 23, 7 pm

·         Friday, April 24, 10 am & 7 pm

·         Saturday, April 25, 10 am

Admission is free for all sessions.  No registration is required but seating is on a first come, first serve basis.  The doors of the KFC Yum! Center will open approximately two hours prior to each session.

If you have a story idea, send it to TheVIPPReport@vippcommunications.com.  You can also follow us on Twitter @vippcomm.

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The VIPP Report: The Prince of Wales meets with Sculptor Ed Hamilton during his visit to Louisville

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By Sherlene Shanklin

World renowned sculptor Ed Hamilton and his wife Bernadette had the wonderful opportunity to meet the Prince of Wales. Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall made a trip to the United States and Louisville, KY was on their schedule.  The Hamilton family met the royal couple on Friday in an intimate meet and greet.   

Hamilton has many works all over the world. He created the “Spirit of Freedom”. That was the first National Memorial in the District of Columbia has achieved worldwide acclaim.
That was a tribute to the Colored Soldiers and Sailors of the Civil War now stands at 10th and U Streets NW in Washington D.C. It was dedicated on July 18, 1998.
Other public memorials of note include the Amistad Memorial in New Haven, CT. 1992, the Joe Louis Memorial dedicated at Cobo Hall in 1987, the Booker T. Washington Memorial dedicated May 12, 1984, Whitney M. Young Jr. dedicated in Frankfort, Kentucky on the Kentucky State University campus, October 9, 1998, the Lenny Lyles Memorial dedicated October 13, 2000 at Cardinal Park Complex, on the University of Louisville campus.
Ed created a Memorial to honor York, the slave of William Clark, who was a vital part of the Lewis and Clark Expedition of 1803-1806. The 8’ ft. heroic Bronze is mounted on a four foot sculpted natural rock is
on the Belvedere in downtown Louisville, Kentucky. The York Memorial was part of the Bicentennial celebration of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, the Corps of Discovery. The Abraham Lincoln Memorial at Waterfront Plaza is a memorial that consists of a twelve-ft. scale bronze of  Abraham Lincoln as he is sitting on a sculpted rock. Also there are four bas-relief bronze plaques, 4×6 scale.  The Lincoln Memorial was dedicated on June 4, 2009 at Waterfront Park, Louisville Kentucky.  In 2014, he unveiled The Unfinished March of the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in Newport News, Virginia. 
 
I spoke to Hamilton this evening and he and his family are still excited about the experience.  He never thought he would have this opportunity but he has great friends and when the opportunity presented itself he was able to meet the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall. 
 
For more on Sculptor Ed Hamilton contact VIPP Communications at 502-582-7716 or by email at booking@vippcommunications.com. 
 
If you have a story idea, send it to TheVIPPReport@vippcommunications.com.  You can also follow us on Twitter @Vippcomm. 
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The VIPP Report: The Deion Branch Foundation prepares for the 2015 Kentucky Derby Marathon/miniMarathon

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It’s that time of the year again! The Deion Branch Foundation will be entering the 2015 Kentucky Derby Festival Marathon/miniMarathon on Saturday, April 25, 2015! For the fourth year, Team Branch will be running the Mini (13.1 miles) portion of the race.

Because of all of you,  last year we were able to raise a total of $10,725!  That’s $22,000 including the Branch Family donation match. We are excited to begin training and even more excited to see if we can reach our goal again this year.  In addition to raising funds for the foundation, we will also be donating multiple small grants to non-profit organizations in need, who share our mission of supporting children’s mental, physical and emotional well-being of children in our communities. In order to apply, applicants will need to send a letter on their organization’s letterhead that includes:

Introduction/Information on program.  Amount of money needed.  How the grant will benefit the children being serviced.

All letters can be mailed to the foundation and must be postmarked by April 1, 2015. Winners will be chosen at random and will be notified no later that April15, 2015. To keep this event special for us, Deion will still be pushing Deiondre the last mile (mile 12)! Upon completion of the event, the Branch Family will MATCH ALL funds raised. We ask that you please join us and consider making a donation in honor of Deiondre and the Deion Branch Foundation.

You can also help by spreading the word. Please feel free to share on your social media pages as well as with organizations who you think will benefit from our grants.  If you would like to volunteer or run/walk with Team Branch please send us an email at deionbranchfoundation@gmail.com.

Help us make a difference, one mile at a time!!!

To donate, please visit the following link:    http://www.active.com/donate/TeamBranch15 .

Send donations and grant letters to: Team Branch, P.O Box 568, Carmel, IN 46082.

Thanks for your continued generosity, love and support,

Team Branch

The Deion Branch Charitable Foundation is a non-profit organization whose mission is to offer support to children’s mental, physical, emotional well-being and for those inflicted with meningitis.  The DBCF’s mission is to help with research and to find a cure to ease the struggles for children like Deiondre, Deion’s son. The foundation goal is to assist by providing programs and initiatives aimed at improving their quality of life. We are a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

Branch is a client of VIPP Communications.  For interviews and/or appearances contact us at info@vippcommunications.com.

The VIPP Report: Muhammad Ali welcomes the Prince of Wales to Louisville, KY

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Muhammad Ali released this updated photo on Twitter 3-20-15 Cheering on the Louisville Cardinals. He also sent a statement to the Prince of Wales who was visiting Louisville.

Muhammad Ali released this updated photo on Twitter 3-20-15 Cheering on the Louisville Cardinals. He also sent a statement to the Prince of Wales who was visiting Louisville.

By Sherlene Shanklin

On Friday, Louisville native Muhammad Ali sent a warm “Welcome to Louisville” message to Prince Charles and his wife Camilla who are visiting the city as part of a multiple-day trip to the states.  The statement from Ali, which was read by Mayor Greg Fischer during today’s Harmony and Health Initiative Luncheon at the Kentucky Center for African American Heritage.

His Majesty Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall,

 Lonnie and I welcome you to our hometown of Louisville, Kentucky, USA! We are honored that you have come to explore, share, and learn about new sustainable initiatives that are so close to your hearts. Louisville prides itself on being a compassionate city and we are confident that you will leave feeling a sense of our southern hospitality, caring for the environment, and yes—our love for college basketball.  As you travel back to your homeland, we hope you know how much this city respects and admires the many contributions you have made in the world. We think you are the greatest.

 –Muhammad Ali

If you have a story that you would like for Sherlene Shanklin to cover send it to TheVIPPReport@vippcommunications.com.  You can also follow me on Twitter @sherlenemediapr or @vippcomm

The VIPP Report: Derek Anderson will host a basketball camp in his hometown of Louisville to help prepare youth to handle themselves both on and off the court

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1799000_10203164447174035_729699839_oFormer NBA and NCAA champion Derek Anderson is proud to announce the return of his Stamina Camp for the third year. “Stamina Camp 15” will be held in Louisville, KY on June 22th-26th at Louisville Collegiate School, 2427 Glenmary Ave. The five-day camp will go from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. each day where Anderson and his team of coaches will take your child through a series of life skills that can be used both on and off the court.

Anderson says “I like teaching basketball players but I love to help people to be better! At Stamina Camp we all get better at BOTH! I want to teach them how to hold your follow thru, become a great shooter to doing your chores and becoming a responsible person in life. I hope it becomes second nature to them. Sports and Life go hand in hand if you want to WIN in both!”

The Kentucky Wildcat legend is opening the camp to youth from ages 7 to 17. Derek and some of his former teammates will stop by to participate in the camp. He’s also working on a few surprises for the youth. Just to give you an idea, last year, Derek played H.O.R.S.E. and held free throw contests and if the camp’s participant won, Derek would give the winner a pair of signed Jordan Brand shoes.

The camp is only $175, which includes a t-shirt, free lunch, drinks and a career poster.

To register your child, for Derek Anderson’s Stamina Camp 15 go to http://www.staminacamp.com. Registration begins on Monday, March 16th.

If you would like to setup an interview with Derek Anderson about his Stamina NBA Skills Camp, appearances involving his Stamina Book Tour and/or to be a sponsor please contact Sherlene Shanklin, Anderson’s publicist at 502-295-0435 or by email at sshanklin@vippcommunications.com.

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The VIPP Report: Enrollment underway for 2015 Miss Kentucky and Ohio Plus America Pageant

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(Louisville, KY) The Fifth Annual Miss Kentucky and Ohio Plus America Pageant is just a few weeks away and it’s YOUR time to shine. The pageant will be held May 22-May 23 at the Cincinnati Airport Hilton Hotel. On Friday May 22 at 7:00 p.m. there will be a men’s fashion show and talent competition. The pageant and women’s fashion show will be Saturday, May 23rd at 7:00 p.m.

The Miss Plus America Pageant system is designed to showcase plus-size women who display confidence through their leadership skills within their community, beauty, and trendsetter. They have exterior beauty and amazing inner beauty.

Cynthia Elliott, Director for Miss Kentucky and Ohio River Valley Plus America says, “This year’s pageant is a benefit pageant which will benefit at-risk children. We are especially interested in helping pre-teen and teenage girls who have been teased, bullied or experienced depression because of their weight. We want them to join us and volunteer and be a part of this event so they can be mentored by women who have been through what they have been through and are now confident in who they are.” The women in the pageant will also have the opportunity to promote other charities such as the Cancer Society, Race for the cure, Domestic violence, Kidney foundation and other worthy causes.

To kick off the event, on Sunday, March 22 at the Cincinnati Airport Hilton 7373 Turfway Rd, Florence KY, there will be a Boot Camp from 1:00 – 4:00 PM, a Model casting call at 10: AM -12:00 PM and Singing auditions   from 5:00 PM-8:00 PM.

To setup an interview, contact Sherlene Shanklin, VIPP Communications at 502-295-0435. If you are considering becoming a contestant for the pageant(s) please call Cynthia Elliott at 859-221-8010 or by email at kyplusamerica@hotmail.com, visit the Miss Kentucky Plus America or Ohio Plus America Facebook pages. Also to sign up for the pageant go to http://www.misskentuckyplusamerica.com.

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The VIPP Report: General Colin Powell comes to Kentucky

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Gen. Colin Powell comes to Lexington, KY in May

Gen. Colin Powell comes to Lexington, KY in May

Four-star General Colin Powell has served more than 35 years of service to the U.S. Army. He also served as President Ronald Reagan’s national security advisor. Now, Powell will be in Lexington, Kentucky in May.
General Powell will share his insights on leadership at the opening session of Alltech’s REBELation Week.

Powell is the first African American to be the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff for both President George H.W. Bush and President Bill Clinton. Powell is scheduled to speak on Monday, May 18th.
To learn more about REBELnation Week go to http://www.alltech.com.

If you have a story idea, send it to TheVIPPReport@vippcommunications.com Follow us on Twitter @vippmediapr.

The VIPP Report: 3rd Sunday returns and will honor a veteran in the field during Black History Month

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Dudley Products Louisville & Dudley Q Kentucky, a leader in urban hair care and cosmetics kicks off another year of their 3rd Sunday Protect & Respect the Beauty Industry Series. It’s “Ode to the Hot Stove!” with featuring this month’s spotlight artist Yolanda Huff from Atlanta on Sunday, February 15th from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Kentucky Center for African American Heritage, 1701 W. Muhammad Ali Blvd.

In honor of Black History Month, 3rd Sunday we will honor a true veteran in the beauty industry when it comes to African American hair.   Eighty-one year old, Mrs. Thelma Martin has been behind the chair for more than 61 years. Martin has been through the progression of marcel irons, pressing combs, to roller sets.

Models in the February 15th show will have their hair designs created with those tools that Martin made legendary in the business. We will also highlight African-American businesses that have had longevity in the hair care industry.

Each month Tami Charles, owner of Dudley Products Louisville will dedicate a Sunday to focus on the trends of hair care from natural to salt & pepper/silver hair. She will showcase hair weave, hair color, cuts and even fantasy hair along with a barber and hair battles. Charles has the only authorized Dudley professional and retail store in the nation which is located at 332 West Broadway in Louisville, Kentucky.

General admission is $12 per person in advance and $15 at the door. Spoken word artist Jasemine Reed will be this month’s special entertainment. Reed is a poet, writer and advocate.

For Professionals Only: It’s 3rd Monday on February 16th at the Heyburn Building, 332 W. Broadway, 2nd floor conference room.   Professionals will participate in a working seminar with Smith on “Using Marcel Irons & A Pressing Comb”. The professional seminar is from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Students save half off the professional price. Atlanta stylist Yolanda Huff will have a class for licensed beauty professionals and students teaching them about Marcel irons and the pressing comb. Smith will also share some of her business and marketing strategies.

To learn more go to http://www.3rdsunday.info or call 502-286-9281. You can also log onto http://www.dudleyproductslouisville.com to learn more about the product line.

If you have a story idea, send it to TheVIPPReport@vippcommunications.com.  Follow us on Twitter @VIPPComm.

The VIPP Report: Two-time Super Bowl Champ Deion Branch proves that giving back is never out of season

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The VIPP Report:  Deion and Shola Branch along with their children and team members of the Deion Branch Foundation helped spread some holiday cheer for a Louisville family in need of a little assistance.  The Branch family took the mother of four on a shopping spree.  Things have been challenging for the mother since she’s been spending most of her time and money on her children. One child was diagnosed with ADHD and another is autistic. Between the family’s medical bills and day to day needs the hardship was real for the family. 

The Branch family knew the family was very close when the children waited for their mother to walk away and they approached Mrs. Branch to see if they could get her a gift. They wanted to make sure she was also going to have something under the tree on Christmas as well.

The foundation wanted to thank the Louisville Metro Police Department.  They made sure the family was able to get to Target in New Albany, Indiana to meet the Branch family.

Before leaving the store Team Branch still needed to make sure several dozen children currently in the Salvation of Army’s Emergency Shelter all had something for Christmas.  They filled more than 50 bags with pajamas, underclothes, socks and diapers just to name a few of the items in their bags.  Each child received a gift bag personally addressed to them.

After the shopping spree, the Branch family met the staff from the Salvation of Army and dropped off the gifts just in time for the holidays.

Two-time Super Bowl Champion Deion Branch says “I was always brought up as a child that when you are blessed with a special gift in your life, turn around and be a blessing to others.  When the family walked into the store and we explained to the mother why she was there, the look on her face was simply priceless.  I turned to my wife Shola and we knew that we were definitely doing the right thing by helping this great family.  I’m also trying to instill in my children that it’s important to give back to the community.  The whole day was truly a blessing and I’m so happy that my foundation was a part of it.”

If you have a story idea and/or if you would like to advertise send your request to TheVIPPReport@vippcommunications.com. Follow us on Twitter @VIPPComm.

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The VIPP Report: Political activist Angela Davis will be the keynote speaker at Kentucky Alliance annual gala

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28th Annual Brooklyn Tribute To Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Hosted By BAM

To mark the 40th anniversary of the “Unity Movement”celebration, the Kentucky Alliance will hold their annual dinner. It will be held on Friday, December 19th featuring political activist, scholar and author Angela Davis as the keynote speaker.
The late Dr. J. Blaine Hudson will be honored posthumously with the Carl and Anne Braden Lifetime Achievement Award.
The dinner will be held at the Kentucky Center for African American Heritage. Tickets are $60 per person. For more information you can call 502-778-8130.

The VIPP Report: Birdgang Brand Steps Up Their Game With A New Line Of Merchandise

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The VIPP Report: Birdgang Brand Steps Up Their Game With A New Line Of Merchandise.

The VIPP Report: Muhammad Ali and Lonnie Ali will appear at a rally in Louisville

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By Sherlene Shanklin

I’ve have learned that Muhammad Ali and his wife Lonnie will attend a senate race rally in Louisville, KY later today.  The Ali’s will attend Alison Lundergen Grimes senate race rally at the Muhammad Ali Center.  Former President Bill Clinton will be the featured speaker.

If you have a story idea send it to TheVIPPReport@vippcommunications.com.  You can follow us on Twitter @VIPPComm.

The VIPP Report: Birdgang Brand Clothing drops a new line of apparel just before one of the biggest football games in Cardinal history

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CREATED FOR THE FANS AND RUN BY THE FANS ITS “BIRDGANG BRAND”
FALL LINE UNVEILED JUST DAYS BEFORE U OF L FACES THEIR TOUGHEST COMPETITION TO DATE

October 27, 2014

Immediate Release

(Louisville, KY) As the seasons begin to change, the University of Louisville Cardinal fans have a lot to be proud of from academics to their athletic teams. You can show your school spirit by wearing some of the coolest apparel. The Birdgang Brand decided to release their Fall/Winter line before some of their biggest games in the school’s history and the holidays.

The line of Cardinal apparel has been created and ready for distribution just in time for the Louisville versus Florida State football game on Thursday, October 30th at Papa John’s Cardinal Stadium and Saturday, November 1st for the men’s basketball first exhibition game at the KFC Yum! Center, who is fresh off their 2013/2014 run with a record of 31-6 and an Elite Eight appearance. This is their first year in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).

Fans can wear the signature Birdgang Brand “L” as well as other trendy Louisville recognizable symbols. “We Are Birdgang” has become a popular brand and a pop culture sensation for fans. If you place your order this week, the Birdgang Brand team will be able to deliver your apparel before this week’s games.
Danny Mosby Partner/CFO says “I want to express to the true hard core University of Louisville fan that you are the reason we are in existence. Every person in our organization is truly a team player and we work tirelessly to bring you designs with the upmost quality. Because of you WEAREBIRDGANG!”

This Tuesday, October 28th at 12:00 a.m. Birdgang Brand will be opening its virtual doors to the first one hundred customers. All items will be on a first come first serve basis and sizes are limited. Go to http://www.WeAreBirdgang.com to place your order. Mosby goes on to say “When the virtual window opens we are running a 100/24 Campaign. We want to sell 100 t-shirts in 24 hours”. Be a part of the Birdgang movement and purchase yours in time for Cardinal athletic events.

If you would like to setup an interview and see the new line of merchandise with Birdgang Brand members, Brian “Buffalo Stille”, Ronald “Ron Clutch” Wilson and/or Mosby, please call 502-582-7716 or by email at info@vippcommunications.com.

Follow us on social media to receive updates on how you can win some merchandise. We will do giveaways each week.
Facebook @502Birdgang, Twitter and Instagram @WeAreBirdGang.

About Birdgang Brand Clothing
Birdgang Brand Clothing is based in Louisville, Kentucky and is a high-fashion urban sports apparel company centered around the University of Louisville Athletics. Birdgang Brand Clothing is supported and approved by the University of Louisville, and is officially licensed by the CLC (Collegiate Licensing Company).

The VIPP Report: Rapper The Game is sued by a Louisville promoter over a Kentucky Derby event

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The VIPP Report: Celebrities flock to the Derby City the first Saturday in May but one celebrity was a no show after signing an alleged agreement to perform Derby night. Jayceon Taylor, Fifth Amendment Entertainment and Cash Jones are being sued by local promoters, Dream Team Entertainment. Taylor known as “The Game” to his fans is a successful rapper and reality show star. The complaint was filed on October 17th in the U.S. District Court Western District of Kentucky Louisville Division. The complaint says Dream Team is requesting $75,000 in which $35,000 was given to him to secure the engagement. According to the suit Dream Team sent a bank wired transfer of those funds.

The lawsuit goes on in detail about what transpired between the artist, management and the Dream Team. The concert was scheduled for May 4, 2014 and on or around May 2nd, just two days prior to the event Cash Jones who served as The Game’s agent did not like the lineup of the show. He allegedly wanted his client to headline the event. Jones made a decision that The Game would not travel to Louisville and allegedly refused to return the $35,000 deposit.

The VIPP report have been in contact with Dream Team Entertainment and their attorney says they have no comment or statement concerning the pending lawsuit.

If you have a story idea send it to TheVIPPReport@vippcommunications.com.

The VIPP Report: Gladys Knight will make a stop in Kentucky at The Louisville Palace

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The VIPP Report: The Midnight train from Georgia will make a story in Louisville.  The Empress of Soul, Gladys Knight will be in concert at the Louisville Palace on Friday, September 12th at 8:00 p.m.
The seven-time Grammy Award winner got her start in the church performing gospel music at the age of four. She along with her brother, sister and two cousins, in 1959 The Pips were born. In 1962, the group was renamed Gladys Knight & The Pips. Now, you can see Knight starring in the syndicated sitcom, “The First Family” where she plays the mother of the President. Her film credits include “I Can Do Bad All By Myself”.
Tickets for Gladys Knight starts at $39.99. You can purchase them at the Louisville Palace Theatre Box Office and ticketmaster.com.If you have a story idea send it to TheVIPPReport@vippcommunications.com.  You can also follow us on @VIPPComm. 

The VIPP Report: Sculptor Ed Hamilton’s latest project unveiled of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

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The VIPP Report: I wanted to share with you some exclusive photos of Sculptor Ed Hamilton at work. I watched Hamilton carefully work his way up and down the piece carefully defining creases in the sleeve of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr’s jacket to Hamilton looking him in the eyes as if they were talking. To see a visionary in the arts create the likeness of another visionary in the civil rights movement was truly a historic moment. I even caught him closing his eyes as if he was trying to remember Dr. King and his image. Hamilton had this determination in his eyes that everything had to be perfect before he sent it to be bronzed. This weekend his vision came to life.

The City of Newport News commissioned the Louisville artist to create “The Unfinished March”. It’s a bas relief of Dr. King along with the men, women and children walking along side of the civil right leader is located at the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Plaza at 25th and Jefferson Avenue.

Hamilton says “I’m truly humbled and honored that the City of Newport News asked me to recreate a moment in Civil Rights that marked a significant piece of history. People from all over the world will be able to see how I captured Dr. King and other civil right leaders walk for freedom, justice and opportunity. When you walk away, I want it to give you a sense of pride and hope for the future.”

Other works Hamilton has designed is the 16th President of the United States and Kentucky native Abraham Lincoln with the Lincoln Memorial which is located along the Ohio River in downtown Louisville. He’s known for but not limited to is The Booker T. Washington Memorial in Hampton, VA, Spirit of Freedom in Washington D.C., Joe Louis Memorial in Detroit, MI and the Amistad Memorial in New Haven, CT.
Hamilton has an autobiography, “The Birth of An Artist: A Journey of Discovery” (Chicago Spectrum Press). The book outlines his journey from hopeful art student in Louisville, Kentucky to nationally acclaimed sculptor.

 

To learn more about Ed Hamilton and his works contact VIPP Communications at 502-582-7716 or by email info@vippcommunications.com.

(Click link to see photos of the Hamilton working on “The Unfinished March”)

http://www.whas11.com/community/blogs/news-blog/The411-with-Sherlene-Shanklin-Sculptor-Ed-Hamilton-unveils-latest-project-honoring-Dr-Martin-Luther-King-Jr-259602661.html

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The VIPP Report: Grace at The Race announces Kirk Franklin, Amy Grant & Tamela Mann in concert during Kentucky Derby weekend

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The VIPP Report:  Kirk Franklin and the Family will be in Louisville during Kentucky Derby weekend.  It’s the 2nd Annual Grace at The Race featuring Tamela Mann, Amy Grant and Franklin.  The concert will be held on Thursday, May 1st at the Kentucky Center for the Arts in downtown Louisville.  The fly jock Tom Joyner will be the emcee for the evening.

Grace at The Race is an annual Pre-Derby event that will honor three individuals from the corporate, sports and entertainment sectors for their commitment and contributions to community service and raises funds for local and national non-profit organizations that have a focus on at risk children.

“Grace at The Race” will be held on Thursday, May 1st at the Galt House for dinner from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. followed by the concert.  If you would like to have dinner prior to the concert, there will be a “Grace at The Race” dinner which includes a concert ticket.  For both events tickets are $125.00 before March 1st and $150.00 after that date.  During the dinner local gospel artist Cynthia Williams will be featured.

If you would like to just attend the concert you purchase single tickets before March 1st for only $67.00, after March 1st, tickets are $77.00. For group sales call 502-417-1624.

For additional information on “Grace at The Race”, please visit http://www.graceattherace.com.

If you have a Kentucky Derby event you would like to promote contact our advertising dept. at TheVIPPReport@vippcommunications.com.  Follow us on Twitter @VIPPComm for real-time coverage.

The VIPP Report: Mocha Minute, the new water cooler for professionals

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LaSonya Berry, President/CEO of McPherson, Berry & Associates, Inc. (McPherson|Berry) was launched on January 10th, an interactive chat amongst professionals who only have a few minutes to spare in a workday.  It’s called “Mocha Minute™”.   The new online water cooler is designed for executives, leaders, managers, business students and professionals.  Mocha Minute™ will initiate the dialogue to promote social learning and provide thought provoking discussion.  The idea is to be able to do it within an allotted time you take a 15 minute break in your workplace.  The new type of online water chat will only take a few minutes of your time but provide you invaluable information from leaders you rarely have access to in the workplace.

LaSonya Berry, CEO of McPherson|Berry says “I was very happy with the execution of the first “Mocha Minute”.  Within the 15-minute break we were able to open the dialogue and answer questions from professionals interested in training, hiring and leadership coaching.  This is a great start for the monthly chat.  I encourage you to participate in the February online discussion.”

The next Mocha Minute will be Friday, February 14th at 11:00 a.m. (EST).  Grab your mocha, latte, coffee, tea or water and take a minute out of your busy schedule to chat online about important business matters with Mocha Minute™.  The online break will give you an outlet to discuss all things business from the latest trends, workforce challenges, industry news, HR, career/management concerns and power tips. We invite you to engage in the conversation.

Mocha Minute™ will take place every 2nd Friday of each month at 11:00 a.m. We invite you to engage in the discussion.  Follow us on Twitter @McPhersonBerry to get real-time responses.

If you have a story idea send it to TheVIPPReport@vippcommunications.com.  You can also follow us on twitter @VIPPComm.