A Lesson in PR

We had a great workshop on creating press releases today with Andrea Schwartz, V.P of Media Relations and Cause Marketing for Macy's Inc. along with Brooke Vane, Public Relations Specialist for the Chicago Department of Tourism.

Their most important tip?

Make sure you have a true reason to send out a release and that you have an avenue to sell your wares. There's nothing worst than a customer reading a great story about your wonderful collection, but then not being able to purchase it!

Tommy Hilfiger and Terry Lundgren at CFI

It's all the buzz here at CFI as Mayor Richard M. Daley and Macy's announces Tommy Hilfiger as the Master Designer for the Chicago Fashion Incubator here at Macy's on State!  This announcement came along with the news that Fashion Focus Chicago was returning for a fifth year in October, an awesome opportunity for local Chicago designers to be featured in Millennium Park.

Tommy Hilfiger comes to CFI and the DIR and alumni got to take advantage of Mr. Hilfiger's industry experience in a round table discussion, seek his advice, and discuss key issues that will directly effect them and their businesses.  What an important day!

Small Biz Workshop

Special thanks goes to Esther Barron, a Clinical Assistant Professor of Law and representative from the BLUHM Legal Clinic and Small Business Opportunity Center (SBOC), and her fellow students for connecting with the CFI and helping our DIR to understand the legal realm of their designing business.

The SBOC provides affordable legal services to entrpreneurs and nonprofit organizations to help them make the right legal choices for their business to include trademark registration, copyright protection, and business license.

The workshop was invaluable to the DIR, we can't wait until their next visit!