The Muhammad Ali Center in Louisville opens a new exhibit. XOXO: An Exhibit About Love and Forgiveness. It provides children an opportunity to explore their feelings through facial expressions, words, movement, art making and other hands-on activities.
For more information go to www.alicenter.org.
If you have a story idea, send it to TheVIPPReport@vippcommunications.com. You can follow us on Twitter @vippcomm.
General Colin Powell has served more than 35 years of service to the U.S. Army. He’s also served as President Ronald Reagan’s national security advisor. The four-star general will be in Lexington, Kentucky in Monday, May 18th.
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.
To learn more about REBELnation Week go to www.alltech.com.
If you have a story idea, send it to TheVIPPReport@vippcommunications.com You can also follow us on Twitter @vippcomm.
Special from Sherlene Shanklin, WHAS11 Television/ABC Louisville
Late tonight, the attorney for music legend B.B. King says he has passed away. The King of Blues died in Las Vegas. The Mississippi native leaves behind three children. King was considered one of the greatest guitarist of our time. He will be fondly remembered for naming his guitar “Lucille”.
Stay with WHAS11 & The411 with Sherlene Shanklin with more on King’s death. B.B. King was 89 year old. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame artist performed several times in Louisville. If you have a story and/or photos you would like to share about King, send it to me at the411@whas11.com. You can also send it to TheVIPPReport@vippcommmunications.com. Follow Shanklin on Twitter @Sherlenemediapr or @VIPPComm.
SIXTH ANNUAL SKILLS AND DRILLS FOOTBALL CAMP
(Louisville, KY) As the school year comes to a close, training for football is in full swing for aspiring athletes. From weight training to running suicides it’s all about the off season that gives you a successful season in the fall. It takes discipline to be successful on the field and what better way to learn from one of the best to play the game.
Two-time Super Bowl champ and Super Bowl XXXIX MVP Deion Branch will host his 6th Annual Skills & Drills Football Camp on Saturday, June 6th at St. X High School, 1609 Poplar Level Road. Registration begins at 8:00 am and the camp is from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm.
The camp will promote health, sportsmanship and even scholastic achievement to further a child’s education. The former University of Louisville star will have some of his former Cardinals teammates and friends working the camp.
The camp is for youth ages 7 to 16. The registration fee is only $50, which includes: lunch, goodie bag, t-shirt and personal instruction.
Branch says “By participating in the camp it will give players a chance to get professional instruction and measure their skill set. By starting early, it will give them a leg up on their competition and they will improve as a player by getting the routine in place as the summer begins. I wish I had the opportunity to work with the guys I’m assembling for the youth. This camp gives them a real look at the competitive sport they want to play.”
The proceeds raised during the camp will benefit the Deion Branch Foundation. 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 injected with meningitis. The DBCF’s mission is to help with research and to find a cure to ease the struggle for children like 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. For more information on the foundation go to http://www.deionbranchfoundation.org.
If you would like to be a sponsor and/or donate items for goodie bags, please contact William Hicks at 334-507-3632. To register your child for the 6th Annual Skills & Drills Camp go to http://www.deionbranchfoundation.org and fill out the online registration form.
To setup an interview with Deion Branch about the camp held on Saturday, June 6th, please call Sherlene Shanklin, Branch’s publicist at sshanklin@vippcommunications.com or 502-295-0435.
Special by Sherlene Shanklin, WHAS11 Television
The411 with Sherlene Shanklin: The untimely death of Stephen Garrett on February 25, 2008 shocked music fans, his hometown of Louisville, Kentucky and especially his family and close friends. Many of you may not recognize the name Stephen Garrett but many called him “Static/Major”. The Grammy Award winning singer, songwriter, producer and member of the R & B trio Playa has an extensive catalog that he leaves behind as his legacy. From songs like “Cheers 2 U”, Lil Wayne’s “Lollipop”, Drake’s “Look What You’ve Done”, and Ginuwine’s “Pony”.
With all of the music in his life you would think that was the most important thing but it was something that helped keep him grounded. Garrett was a family man and it was important to the music legend. To continue and honor his legacy, his wife Avonti Garrett and their children want you to come out and celebrate his life. Avonti has started a foundation called “To Save A Life Foundation”. I’ve been in communication with Avonti and I will let her explain what the foundation plans to do this weekend.
She says “My foundation is called To Save A Life in honor of Stephen Static/Major Garrett. As you know, Stephen was killed in the Hospital in 2008, and I decided that I was going to turn my pain into my passion! This year will be our 2nd ANNUAL RIP THA RUNWAY SHOW, in which we will be paying Tribute to the Late AALIYAH! 100% of the Proceeds of this fundraiser event will go back towards the foundation, for scholarships and tutoring! Also, we will be honoring Mothers, for MOTHERS DAY! This is an All White Affair and Cocktail event!”
Rip the Runway Mothers Day Gift 2015 will be Sunday, May 10th at the Kentucky Center for the Arts on West Main in downtown Louisville. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. Tickets are $25 in advance and $35 at the door. You can purchase tickets at Major Styles,1160 West Indian Trail or by calling 502-767-9459. The 501C(3) non-profit organization dedicated to nurturing inner city youth in their pursuit of education and musical endeavors.
Nashota Modelz and Major Styles Salon will be the special host. Some of the designers participating will be the Black Designers on tour, Dauphine of France Couture and many more that will participate on Sunday. This all white attire fashion show and cocktail event will have a special tribute to the late Aaliyah that you don’t want to miss.
Static/Major was the lead songwriter for the late R&B singer Aaliyah. His songwriting collaborations with her include: “Are You That Somebody?”, which was featured in the Dr. Dolittle soundtrack, and the Romeo Must Die soundtrack singles “Come Back in One Piece” and her first and only number-one Billboard Hot 100 single “Try Again”. The songs “More than a Woman,” “We Need a Resolution,” “Rock the Boat”, “Loose Rap”, “Extra Smooth”, “I Refuse”, “Read Between the Lines”, “Those Were The Days,” and “Never No More” were all featured on her third and final studio album Aaliyah. Static Major earned Aaliyah four top 25 Billboard Hot 100 singles during his time working with the late R&B star.
If you have a story idea and/or if you would like for me to cover your event, send the information to me at The411@whas11.com. You can follow me on Twitter @Sherlenemediapr for real-time entertainment, community, sports and breaking news.
***Sherlene Shanklin is the founder and head writer for The VIPP Report. You can also send ideas to TheVIPPReport@vippcommunications.com. Follow the blog on Twitter @VIPPComm.
Link to the story: http://www.whas11.com/story/entertainment/2015/05/06/the411-with-sherlene-shanklin-wife-of-the-late-static-major-will-rip-the-runway-for-a-great-cause/70920200/
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.
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.
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
By Sherlene Shanklin
I’ve been in contact with McDaniel Bluitt, Executive Director for the West Louisville Boys and Girls Choir. This Friday, they will perform for Prince Charles, the Prince of Wales. Bluitt says they are scheduled to sing several songs with one of them being “Amazing Grace.”
Prince Charles will be in Louisville, Kentucky on Friday, March 20, 2015.
If you have a story idea, send it to TheVIPPReport@vippcommunications.com. You can also follow us on Twitter @vippcomm.
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: Louisville native and boxing legend Muhammad Ali celebrates his 73rd birthday today with family and close friends. The Greatest of all time, (GOAT) has been in and out of the hospital the last month, recovering from an inflection. As the Louisville Lip continues to recover his hometown will celebrate tonight with a dinner, the world premiere of And in This Ring….Cassius Clay production and two new temporary exhibits will be on display at the Muhammad Ali Center.
Today, Ali is trending on social media with fans, celebrities and athletes from all over the world sending him birthday wishes. The Ali family appreciates all of the prayers and well wishes but they are requesting privacy as they focus on Ali’s recovery.
To celebrate Ali’s birthday, I wanted to share one of the quotes that I love, “If you even dream of beating me you’d better wake up and apologize”. #GOAT #LouisvilleLip #TheChampishere #Ali #boxinglegend #itsmorethanastory #itshistory
The VIPP Report was created by Sherlene Shanklin who’s also a Louisville, KY native. She has been following the “Greatest” pretty much her whole adult life, even prior to starting her 20 plus years in the broadcast industry. She’s covered numerous events, honors and special appearances Muhammad Ali has made over the years.
Shanklin is an Assignment Editor and the creator of The411 with Sherlene Shanklin at WHAS 11 Television, ABC affiliate which finds unique stories and finds a way to put a local spin on them. You can follow her on Twitter @Sherlenemediapr.
If you have a story for The VIPP Report send it to TheVIPPReport@vippcommunications.com. You can follow the blog on Twitter @VIPPComm.
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.
Special Report by Sherlene Shanklin, WHAS11 Television
If you watched Jimmy Kimmel Live Wednesday night you heard him say he was in Nashville, TN doing some promotions for the 48th Annual Country Music Awards (CMA).Well, I was there with Kimmel and Guillermo Rodriguez.WHAS11 Television is the only station from Kentucky present and he spoke exclusively to us about his cross-country hologram for the biggest night in country music.
On Wednesday, November 5, the late night host will be live in Hollywood, California while simultaneously being transported to Nashville, Tennessee via hologram.This is how it will work, Jimmy Kimmel Live will broadcast via hologram to a live audience at the CMA Theater in the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in Nashville.Using technology from Hologram USA, Kimmel’s monologue will be beamed to the Nashville stage.His first guest will be an in-studio guest in Hollywood while his second guest will be an unannounced CMA Award winner from that evening’s event who will be interviewed as a hologram by Jimmy on stage in Hollywood. The show will also feature a musical performance from reigning CMA Vocal Duo of the Year Florida Georgia Line from Nashville that will also be hologrammed to Hollywood, California as if live on Kimmel’s outdoor stage for his studio audience.
Kimmel will also feature appearances by CMA Awards nominees and Country Music royalty Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, and CMA Awards Co-Host Brad Paisley.
You can watch the CMAs on Wednesday, November 5th on WHAS11 starting at 8 p.m. Followed by news at 11@11 followed by Jimmy Kimmel Live at 11:35 p.m.
If you have a story idea, send it to The411@whas11.com.You can also follow me on Twitter@Sherlenemediapr.
You can also send your ideas to TheVIPPReport@vippcommunications.com. Follow us on Twitter @VIPPComm. 
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 Muhammad Ali Center held a news conference Thursday to talk about CONGO14 Louisville and the Second Annual Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Awards.
Donald Lassere, CEO for the Muhammad Ali Center announced the following as this year’s recipients: Jim Brown, Mick Eberling, Susan Sarandon and Common.
Brown, former NFL star who played for the Cleveland Browns. He stood up for civil rights and fought for equality and against injustice. He’s the recipient of the Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Lifetime Achievement Award.
Eberling is receiving the Humanitarian of the Year Award. He’s the founder and CEO of Not Impossible, LLC, an organization that develops creative solutions to real-world problems.
Sarandon, an Academy-Award winning actress and social and economic activist will receive the award for Global Citizenship.
Common will be honored with the Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Award for Education. The multi-Grammy Award winner, actor, poet and activist is known for motivating and empowering collegiate minds.
This year’s Muhammad Ali Kentucky Humanitarian Award will be presented to Robert and Deborah Blair. They are the founders of the West End School in Louisville. The school is a free, private, college preparatory school for young men.
Ali will also honor six young people who exemplies one of his core principles of confidence, conviction, dedication, giving, respect and spirituality. Recipients are from New York, Kenya, Colombia, Iowa, California and Malaysia.
Some of the people who will be presenters during the Saturday, September 27th event at the Louisville Marriott Downtown will be: Lonnie Ali, Brad Montague, Robby Novak, Holly Robinson-Peete, William Mapother, Pamela Brown and Congressman John Yarmuth.
To celebrate the 40th anniversary of the “Rumble in the Jungle” where Ali battled against George Foreman in the historical boxing match. The Ali Center will host a benefit concert featuring two-time Grammy award artist Bruno Mars, multi-Grammy award winners The Temptations Review featuring Dennis Edwards and rising stars Southern Sirens according to Lassere.
Mars only has a few dates left on his tour schedule so fans will be in for a treat by listening to his hits like “Grenade”, “If I Were Your Man”, plus many others. Fans of The Temptations get to hear the rich Motown sound and high energy performance. You will hear songs like “My Girl”, “Papa Was A Rollin’ Stone” to “Get Ready”. The Southern Sirens will also perform during the concert. Lassere says its just a matter of time before everyone will know their name.
The Ali Center Benefit Concert will be Saturday, September 20th at the Kentucky International Convention Center. Tickets range from $50 to $200. Discounts are available for military families, educators, and students. Show your ticket stub and receive free admission to the Ali Center.
For additional information on both events visit the Muhammad Ali Center website at www.alicenter.org.
If you have a story idea send it to TheVIPPReport@vippcommunications.com. You can also follow us on Twitter @VIPPComm or @Sherlenemediapr. (creator of The VIPP Report).
The VIPP Report: Civil right activist and comedian Dick Gregory will take the stage on Wednesday, June 18th in Louisville for one show only at the Laughing Derby at Comedy Caravan. The 83year old has produced 15 comedy albums and written 14 books just to name a few of his accolades. His live performance is not for the shy. His “Tell it like it is” approach brings current events and humor to another level.
Gregory is no stranger to Louisville. He’s been here several times in support of the late Rev. Louis Coleman and civil rights issues. In 2002, Gregory along with Martin Luther King III and other leaders walked the streets of Louisville in protest of the death of James Taylor who was killed by police.
It will be interesting to hear what Gregory will say tomorrow night at the Laughing Derby. Comedian Steve Hofstetter from the Late Late Show will open for Gregory.
The show starts at 7:45 p.m. and tickets are $20 per person. The Laughing Derby at Comedy Caravan is located at the Mid-City Mall, 1250 Bardstown Road.
Next event: June 19th-21st will be Comedian Mark Curry.
If you have a story idea send it to TheVIPPReport@vippcommunications.com. You can also follow us on Twitter @VIPPComm.
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”)
The VIPP Report: March 5, 2014 marks the 50th anniversary on the “March on Frankfort” which was initially in support of equity in public accommodations. We spoke to the last surviving organizer Sen. Georgia Davis Powers. In 1967, Powers became the first person of color and the first woman elected to the Kentucky State Senate. She will be in attendance Wednesday and at the age of 80 will take the historic walk once again. Powers says she will be speak right after the Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear in the program.
The rally will commemorate what Civil Rights leaders accomplished by urging Kentucky to pass a law that would help end segregation by making discrimination illegal in the area of public accommodations such as stores, restaurants, theatres, and hotels. The march helped build support for the U.S. Civil Rights Act of 1964 and helped result in the Kentucky Civil Rights Act of 1966.
Local organizers will meet at the Kentucky Center for African American Heritage and convoy to Frankfort, Kentucky.
The VIPP Report will take you up close to the place where Dr. Martin Luther King, baseball Hall of Famer Jackie Robinson, Sen. Georgia Davis Powers, Kentucky Civil Rights leaders and 10,000 marchers converged on the capitol in Frankfort, Kentucky in 1964 making the Bluegrass state the first south of the Mason-Dixon Line to have a state Civil Rights Act.
The march will begin at 10:00 a.m. People will gather at the corner of 2nd Street and Capital Avenue at 9:30 a.m. to line up in order to proceed to the State Capitol, 700 Capitol Ave.
Follow us on Twitter @VIPPComm. If you have photos you want to share send them to TheVIPPReport@vippcommunications.com.
The VIPP Report: In a raw interview with Louisville native Ben “Digital Black” Bush of Playa he opens up to Sherlene Shanklin of WHAS11 and owner of the The VIPP Report about Stephan “Static Major” Garrett. Bush talks about the call he received from Static’s wife six years ago today.
Below is a link for your review. If you have a story idea send it to TheVIPPReport@vippcommunications.com. You can also follow us on Twitter @VIPPComm. You can follow Sherlene Shanklin at @Sherlenemediapr.
The VIPP Report by Sherlene Shanklin: Today friends and family paid their final respects to one of the last living members of the Tuskegee Airmen. Louisvillian Alvin LaRue Sr.passed away on Monday, February 3rd. LaRue was a flight officer for the Tuskegee Airmen and World War II veteran. He retired from the Army Corps of Engineers.
I had the once in a lifetime opportunity to find the Kentucky members of the prestigious Alabama unit about 13 years ago for Black History Month. The first person I found was Alvin LaRue Sr. I knew him because I knew his son. We sat down and talked about his accomplishments and how important it was to let people know their history. I remember that he was very humble and so willing to share his story about the segregation in the Army even though they were all fighting for the same thing.
LaRue is a native of Louisville and he was a student at the University of Pittsburgh when he was drafted into the U. S. Army in 1943. LaRue then went on to become one of America’s first Black military airmen.
LaRue was buried today at the Kentucky Veterans Cemetery in Radcliff, KY. Alvin LaRue Sr. was 89 year old.
During this Black History Month remember those who made sacrifices so that their children, and their children’s children could have a better life.
If you have a story idea send it to TheVIPPReport@vippcommunications.com
The VIPP Report: In the February edition of Ebony Magazine renowned sculptor Ed Hamilton has one of his pieces featured. The African American Civil War Memorial began in 1992 as a Bill in Congress presented by Representative Eleanor Holmes Norton of the District of Columbia. Work began to develop the site and select an artist to design the commemorative art piece. The DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities commissioned The Spirit of Freedom designed by artist Ed Hamilton from Louisville, KY. To learn more about Hamilton contact sshanklin@vippcommunications.com.
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.
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.
The VIPP Report: Multi-platinum R & B/Soul artist Mary J. Blige’s father is currently in critical condition in a Michigan hospital. Police say 63 year old Thomas Blige was allegedly stabbed by his ex-girlfriend. The incident happened around 7:00 a.m. Thursday morning in Blige’s apartment. The suspect is currently in a Calhoun County jail charged with attempted murder and she is expected to be arraigned Friday.
Follow us on Twitter @VIPPComm for the latest in this story and other entertainment and community news.
To learn more about the blog go to https://thevippreport.wordpress.com/. If you would like to advertise and/or have your event posted contact us at TheVIPPReport@vippcommunications.com. You can also follow us on Twitter @VIPPComm
The VIPP Report 
