GreenMark Public Relations®, Inc.

Sustainable Approach Enhances Core Efficiencies and Productivity

Malcolite, an award-winning business-to-business lighting component manufacturer, is using sustainable, new technologies to advance performance, efficiency, cost savings and hassle-free service.

The Northbrook, Ill.-based company, founded in 1962, manufactures replacement fluorescent light covers, easy-install retrofit kits and LED and natural day lighting diffusers. Malcolite serves all types of commercial and public facilities nationwide, including schools, healthcare, nursing homes, property management, food processing, retail and municipalities. In 2002, ownership of the business shifted to current president Jason Howard, a LEED® Accredited Professional who offers an entrepreneurial, progressive vision that is transforming the company.

Malcolite’s new management embraced the opportunity to revitalize the company and enacted improvements in product design, customer relations, operational efficiencies and environmental consciousness. With its mission to give customers all the light they’re paying for, the company measures success by carefully monitoring its performance, value and service.

Malcolite first confronted the challenges it faced in managing inventory, shipping and logistics for a growing list of 8,000 product variations, while honoring its commitment to timely customer service. The company converted to a Web-based Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system and moved more than 80 business processes – such as accounts payable and receivable – to this new platform.

The conversion was the result of a rigorous planning process, and improvements were substantial. Malcolite achieved virtually paperless processing, reduced order pricing turnaround times and substantially improved its order response time. The company now offers its customers immediate access to order status with automated order processing. Real-time order visibility and an innovative supplier program helped Malcolite reduce carrying costs, with an increase in inventory turns of 66 percent. The new process also generated product design improvements by allowing the company to more easily source and track components for complex lighting assemblies from multiple vendors.

“The improvements we made in our internal systems permeated our organization,” Howard says. “When we started drawing new connections from the hub of our systems, it touched every process and relationship we have. Now, our employees work smarter, our customers receive better service and more useful information, and our designers are free to think and plan without constraints on parts acquisition and inventory challenges.”

This system upgrade enabled Malcolite to drastically reduce order quoting and processing times and provide immediate access to order information. Customers now see a real-time, thorough picture of their account status, boosting their ability to efficiently plan, budget, allocate and install.

The enhancements in processes, deliveries and support are tailored to highlight the core of Malcolite’s business: providing well-designed, long-lasting, highly efficient lighting components to thousands of facilities across the country. Customers benefit from better performance, superior light quality and an innovative, healthful design – all with an energy savings of up to 78 percent. The company strives to improve the functionality of a customer’s existing lighting and enhance working conditions by reducing glare and providing visual comfort.

Malcolite’s pre-wired, pre-assembled retrofit/replacement lighting kits significantly minimize waste and installation time and cost by allowing installers to replace only necessary fixture components. Lower energy costs, a shorter payback period and utility company rebates also contribute to improving customers’ operations. Malcolite lighting systems maximize value with trouble-free service for many years after installation. Because its products offer a longer life, they initiate fewer replacement cycles.

“It is rewarding to see Malcolite grow and witness the increasing satisfaction from our customers, vendors and staff,” Howard says. “We stepped into this with the goal of giving customers all the light they’re paying for, and it’s paid off for everyone in ways we couldn’t have imagined.”

Malcolite is a recipient of the 2010 PM100 Progressive Manufacturing Award from Managing Automation Media, for incorporating multiple levels of innovation into its business practices. For information on Malcolite, please visit www.malcolite.com.

Work by Chicago Gateway Green was featured on ABC 7 News Chicago on June 27, 2010 at 8:50 a.m. The non-profit organization created and cares for more than 100 gardens along the city’s expressways. Landscape Operations Manager Julia Plumb was featured in the live segment, standing alongside one of Gateway Green’s gardens by the Kennedy expressway.

A reader of Time Out Chicago recently asked “What’s up with that?” regarding the oak leaf markers next to plants along the interstate. In the Around Town section from June 3 to June 9, Britany Robinson answers the question by identifying the signs as those of Chicago Gateway Green, “a nonprofit org that gives eyesore roadside strips the HGTV treatment.” She says the sturdy native plants in these gardens are designed to withstand the harsh environment around them.

Indeed, the plant life surrounding the hardy, industrial city of Chicago must, too, carry the same qualities. That such plant life thrives in the Windy City when given the chance is not only a testament for sustainability, but affirms that the efforts of organizations like Gateway Green are essential.

Click here to visit Chicago Gateway Green’s web site.

Fantastic news for Chicago’s North Shore: the new, bimonthly magazine Quintessential New Trier debuts this September. Led by the former editor in chief of Northshore Magazine, Sherry Thomas says in a letter to readers on the new web site, “[Quintessential New Trier] is designed to be your magazine, the one that tells stories about your neighbors, your schools, your lakefront, your institutions and all those things you value about this place you call home.”The publication will cover an area of 56,000 residents within the villages of Winnetka, Wilmette, Kenilworth, Glencoe and portions of Glenview and Northfield. Quintessential New Trier will be available on the newsstands, but hasn’t yet been priced. Thomas says on the web site that she looks forward to friends, readers and members of the New Trier community joining her on this exciting new voyage. We couldn’t agree more and we look forward to reading the first issue.Click here to get more details on the launch of Quintessential New Trier on Crain’s Chicago Business web site.Click here to visit the Quintessential New Trier web site.

Multi-use turf fields will serve recreation needs of residents, community sports

With the groundbreaking today at Nike Sports Complex, the Naperville Park District begins development of the long-anticipated 20-acre expansion, bounded by Mill Street, and Diehl and Bauer Roads.

“This is a great boost to the sports life of every child from Naperville and the surrounding communities,” said Mayor A. George Pradel during Tuesday’s event.
When the addition opens next spring, the expanded site will include the District’s first premier lighted artificial and multi-use turf fields for soccer, football, lacrosse and cricket. It will be used by residents of all ages for Park District programs, including community youth and local athletic organizations. Organized sports teams especially have been desperate for play field space on the north side of town.

“It’s great that we have this field space on the north side of town,” said Brett Strang, director of coaching and executive director of the Galaxy Soccer Club, which represents 550 youths on 40 teams in the community. “The lighted game fields will be very helpful, especially in the fall season.”

Several thousand people use the existing Nike Sports Complex every year for organized play and recreation. In addition to more turf fields, the expansion will include courts for tennis, basketball and volleyball, as well as a playground, and walking and bicycle trails. A park support building will include a picnic pavilion, restrooms, and storage. New trees will be installed throughout the project, including along a landscaped berm on the south and east perimeters.

Land adjacent to the existing Nike Sports Complex was purchased in 2007 because of its ideal acreage. It also is easily accessible and contiguous with the existing sports complex. The property was annexed into the City of Naperville after approval by City Council in April.

The expansion is based on resident feedback, as well as recommendations contained in the Naperville Park District’s Open Space and Recreation Master Plan. In addition to the landscaped berm, the master plan includes entry into the new area from Mill Street and a dry bottom detention pond to assist in collecting storm water runoff. Opening of the expanded facility is expected in early spring 2011.

The Naperville Park District is home to 139 parks totaling more than 2,500 acres. Parks appeal to a wide variety of interests and needs, including for environmental stewardship, conservation and education, as well as recreation, sport and fitness, gardening, and river and trail walks.

For more information on the Nike Sports Complex expansion, including the master plan, background information and frequent updates, please visit online at www.napervilleparks.org.

Respected Journalist, Philanthropist and Rancher Shares Vision for Greening ChicagoHe has been in the trenches of America’s biggest news stories and feels at home on the cattle-grazing grasslands of Kansas. Now, legendary newsman Bill Kurtis is working with Chicago Gateway Green to increase the tree canopy and create blankets of gardens across Chicago.

Kurtis is serving as spokesperson for Chicago Gateway Green, a non-profit organization dedicated to greening and beautifying the city by planting trees and gardens along its expressways, gateways, and neighborhoods. The organization marks its 25th anniversary in 2011 and is working towards a goal of planting 15,000 trees throughout Chicago by 2015.

In addition to ensuring the legacy of trees and gardens throughout Chicago by participating various fundraising initiatives and special events, Kurtis will support tree plantings with volunteers and key partners, ranging from United Airlines to the Chicago Blackhawks. Other upcoming events include the annual Green Tie Ball, held in the fall, and Gaming for Green, on Aug. 5. Through these and other efforts, Chicago Gateway Green is helping meet the goals of Mayor Daley’s Chicago Climate Action Plan, aimed at doubling Chicago’s tree canopy by 2040 and creating a greener, healthier and more vibrant city.

“We are thrilled to welcome Bill on board,” says Gerald J. Roper, chairman, Chicago Gateway Green. “To have this fantastic role model of integrity and sustainability kindly agree to serve as the face of Chicago Gateway Green will truly make a difference as we work together to make Chicago an even more beautiful place to live and visit.”

Kurtis is especially familiar with the importance of thinking globally and acting locally, Roper says, through his own Tallgrass Beef Company (www.tallgrassbeef.com), service to countless green causes and events, and his Emmy Award-winning work as a one of the country’s most respected journalists.

“It’s great to have the support of a man who is as deeply rooted in Chicago and who shares Chicago Gateway Green’s long-held vision of the vital beauty and greenness of trees and gardens all over our city. We are especially excited to have his support to reach our goal of 15,000 trees by 2015,” says Claire Woolley, recently named executive director of Chicago Gateway Green.

For more information, contact Chicago Gateway Green at 312-540-9930 or visit www.gatewaygreen.org.

Father’s Day is around the corner on June 20, and since Dad is more lunch than brunch and more backyard than corsage, Chalet is featuring several plants and home and garden items that will help him chill out on his special day, and, for that matter, all year long:

• The outdoor version of the favorite TV room recliner may just be the Adirondack chair. Through Father’s Day on June 20, buy two or more Poly Lumber Adirondack chairs, made from 100% recycled materials, for $599 at Chalet — more than $50 savings per chair. Just like dear old Dad, these chairs are both handsome and durable.

• What’s green all over, a kid-friendly project and a gift sure to become a conversation piece? Living walls, often used commercially for green roofs, are now available in home-sized kits exclusively at Chalet and are perfect for a display at home or in his office. Pick up a “canvas”, plants and instructions for a project that’s as quick and easy to assemble as it is a thoughtful gesture of love for Dad - and all things green.

• His lawn will be the envy of the neighborhood if you hand Dad or Grandpa some Big Daddy Hostas from Chalet. As their name implies, bigger is better with this variety of the hearty hosta plant ($24.99 for an extra-large plant).

• For snoozing, reading or just plain lying around, nothing beats a hammock. He’s no ordinary Dad, so only an extraordinary hammock will do, like Chalet’s line of hand-crafted Hatteras Hammocks, featuring top-notch all-weather fabrics, heavy rope for strength and comfort, charming decorative pillows and cypress stands. These durable, beautiful hammocks start at $209.

• Add more thrill to the grill with top-of-the-line Charcoal Champion barbecue tools and accessories, including a handy 4-in-1 All Purpose Grill Spatula complete with a cutting edge, tenderizer, grill cleaner and bottle opener in one handsome, high quality durable tool with rosewood handles ($12.99). For the catch of the day, try the Big Fish Spatula, with wide head, incredible construction and rosewood handles ($16.99)

• Keep the fire going well into the night with a fire pit, perfect for rousing get togethers as well as family s’more making night or even a quiet, solitary respite.

What’s red-hot now at Chalet: a solid copper fire pit that’s perfect for heating outdoors, grilling your favorite meats or simply adding an ambient fire to your outdoor parties. It features the deepest bowl on the marketplace and, because it’s made with 100% solid copper, offers greater durability and heat conductivity without the waste and pollution associated with other types of copper. This distinctive fire pit, which includes a cover screen, poker, and a non-toxic coated steel charcoal grate, starts at $299.

• Dads love tools - and that includes garden tools. Check out Chalet’s line of DeWit tools featuring modern designs with old-fashioned craftsmanship that tackle special problem areas, ranging from rockery trowels to patio knives to disc weeders and seeding rakes. Tools start at $12.99.

For these and other great Father’s Day gifts, visit Chalet at 3132 Lake Street in Wilmette and get a preview at www.ChaletNursery.com. Call 847.256.0561 or email info@ChaletNursery for more details.

When the Nike Sports Complex expansion opens on the north side of town in early 2011, the traditionally English game of cricket will be among the organized sports played on a pitch located at the new field space.

“It is very exciting to see a cricket pitch included in the new Nike Sports Complex because Naperville residents, especially its youth, will benefit in a big way from the programs the park district will be able to offer at the facility,” says Sarti Krishnan, a Naperville Park District Cricket League participant. The community has one other cricket pitch, at Commissioners Park, 3704 111th St.

“The addition will enable the district to expand its nationally renowned and highly popular cricket league, which has seen overflow demand for the past three years,” Krishnan says.
Cricket is played with two teams of eleven players each. Although the play and rules are different, the basic concept of cricket is similar to baseball. Teams bat in successive innings and attempt to score runs, while the opposing team fields and attempts to bring an end to the batting team’s innings. After each team has batted an equal number of innings, the team with the most runs wins.

“Cricket teaches patience, teamwork and self-confidence,” Krishnan says. “As with many competitive sports, younger players benefit the most because of values the sport teaches early on. Children as young as 8 years old can start playing seriously. Many people play the game for recreational purposes well into their 60s.”

Several thousand people use the existing 25-acre Nike Sports Complex every year for organized play and recreation. With viable, active youth sports teams in the thriving
community, Naperville became desperate for recreational field space on the north side of town. Land adjacent to the existing Nike Sports Complex was purchased for expansion in 2007 because of its size, contiguous location and ease of accessibility.

Area youth athletic coaches say the planned addition of 20 acres of field play at the site will get even more kids involved in the community’s record-winning teams – and help maintain its tradition of producing great sports athletes.

With the planned expansion at Mill Street and Diehl and Bauer Roads nearly doubling the facility’s existing size, amenities also will include the district’s first lighted, synthetic turf field and multi-use fields for soccer, football and lacrosse, in addition to cricket. Lighted courts for tennis, basketball and volleyball as well as a playground, walking and bicycle trails also will be used by youth and community residents.

“Without regular practice, a player will fail to perform well and a team will not win consistently until it plays well together,” Krishnan says of cricket. “Regular practice that results in improvement in game performance will significantly increase one’s overall self-confidence. In addition to cricket, this multi-sport facility is very attractive for the range of recreational activities it provides.”

The Nike Sports Complex expansion is based on resident feedback during the acquisition process, at several public meetings and from recommendations contained in the Open Space and Recreation Master Plan. One of the first steps in the project’s development was installation of safety fencing and removal of trees and underbrush last fall. Engineering plans were developed and the park site received a positive recommendation from Plan Commission earlier this year, followed by City Council approval in April. Groundbreaking is planned for late June. An opening is targeted for early 2011.

For more information about the Nike Park Sports Complex expansion, call 630-848-5000 or visit www.napervilleparks.org. The Web site features news updates, a site plan and frequently asked questions about the project. Please visit the Web site to also learn about Naperville Park District and its numerous public programs, seasonal events and services.

Read more about the sports complex on Naperville Park District’s web site, here.

Everyone enjoys time for meditation. It’s healthy, calming, boosts metabolism and eases the anxious spirit. Why not carve out some time during your day and give it a try?Look how relaxed these people are and it’s not even lunch time yet!Why not meditate outside? No, not necessarily with a bunch of people around. That woman with the dark blonde hair not even doing it for real (totally peeking). We’re talking zen gardens.Robert Milani of Chalet recently spoke with Kelly Konrad on MakeItBetter.net about zen gardens on her fantastic article, ” Now and Zen: Meditation Space Just Steps Away” (read it here). Milani said “Meditation gardens can mean anything. We design a wide variety of spaces and outdoor rooms. With meditation, what comes to mind is something that is private. A place to meditate or pray.”Find a good outdoor space isolated by greenery (you may have to add some greens) and bring in some pretty, low-maintenance flowers. It could be that simple. Or be elaborate and create a garden wall, something to gaze at. Maybe add water - little babbling brook or an invigorating waterfall. Why not a bird bath?Why not check out Chalet’s web site for some more zen garden ideas like the image above?Meditation photo credit: Sarvodaya Shramada from Colombo, Sri Lanka, posted in Wikimedia Commons.

Learn to create stunning container gardens, plant with style, cook season’s bountyChalet, an award-winning landscape, nursery and garden center on Chicago’s North Shore, presents a free lecture and workshop series on seasonal gardening and garden design topics from June 3 through July 16, 2010. Lectures, which often include slide presentations and demonstrations, are held at the Chalet Education Center, 3132 Lake Ave., Wilmette, Ill., on Thursdays, 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. and repeated Fridays, 10:00 to 11:30 a.m.The schedule for mostly free summer education events are as follows:June 10 and 11: Don’t Forget the Summer Flowering ShrubsFlowering shrubs are wonderful additions to the landscape as specimen plants and members of mixed borders. Learn the favorite summer flowering shrubs of Jennifer Brennan, Chalet’s Horticulture Information Specialist. See slides and enjoy a walk through the nursery to get a personal introduction to these excellent showpieces for summer. Free. No registration required.June 17 and 18: Roy Diblik Presents … Right Plant in the Right Place with StyleSustainable perennial gardens do not need to look “wild and wooly.” Selecting the right plant for your garden is the key to its longevity in that “right place.” Roy Diblik, owner of Northwind Perennial Farm, will teach you how to use plants to create your own unique garden style. By using his trademarked concept of “Know Maintenance,” you can create a garden that you will enjoy because of its continuous beauty and unique characteristics. Free. No registration required.June 25 and 25: Butterfly Gardening with FreyaFreya Wellin, Chalet’s perennial buyer, has been busy raising butterflies! She will teach you about the life cycle of these special creatures and the host plants they need to sustain life. Even at summer’s peak, there is still time to add elements to attract butterflies to your garden. Free. No registration required.No classes July 1 and 2 due to holiday weekend. Happy Fourth of July!July 8 and 9: How to Water ProperlyA Chalet expert will discuss why correct watering is the most critical factor in the survival of our garden plants. Many of the problems diagnosed by Chalet’s experts aredue to inadequate watering techniques. Free. No registration required.July 15 and 16: Dave Esau Presents … Cooking with Your Summer HarvestDave Esau, chef and owner of Dave’s Specialty Foods (www.davespecialtyfoods.com), will demonstrate how to creatively use the harvest from your garden (or the farmers’ market). Esau was trained in France, has worked at Le Titi de Paris, Charlie Trotter’s and The American Club in Kohler, Wis., the only Five-Diamond resort in the Midwest. Enjoy the sights, fragrances and tastes at this fun demonstration. Free. No registration required.Lectures are free with no registration required. Tapes or DVD’s of each lecture can be rented for $3 for three nights. For questions about the series, contact Brennan at 847-256-0561, ext. 225, or jenniferb@chaletnursery.com.The goal of Chalet’s public education series, offered since 1997, is to provide timely, current and accurate horticultural information as a public service. The series reaches 3,000 adults and 700 children annually and regularly attracts industry leaders as guest lecturers. Education seminars are led by Brennan, who has a degree in ornamental horticulture and is an Illinois Certified Nursery Professional. The company’s Education Center and online resources offer tips and ideas on a broad range of subjects, from lawn care and pest control to caring for roses and creating a vertical garden.Click here to visit Chalet’s web site for more information.

In late April, the Naperville City Council voted to approve the expansion of the Nike Sports Complex. This expansion will add around 20 acres to the park, doubling its size. Additions include a lighted, synthetic turf field; fields for soccer, football and lacrosse; lighted tennis, basketball and volleyball courts; a playground; walking and bicycle trails; and a cricket pitch.The annexed property was purchased by the Park District in 2007 and the space was badly needed by local sports teams because of limited facilities on the north side of the city.Ground breaking on the expansion begins this summer.Click here to read about the unique military history of the land upon which the Nike Sports Complex is located.