November 6, 2006

Mayor Francis G. Slay placed a friendly wager October 20 with Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick on the outcome of the World Series. “The Cardinals pitching is simply dominating opposing batters right now,” said Slay. “I’m confident Suppan, Carpenter, Weaver, and the Wainwright will shut down the Tigers offense.” They did as the Cardinals won the World Series 5 to 2. Slay bet the following items: photo-op wearing a Detroit Tigers jersey, a case of Budweiser, Hostess products from Interstate Brands, wings from Culpeppers, bread and cookies from Missouri Baking, a case of Switzer cherry licorice and TUMS (to help the ease the pain of defeat). Kilpatrick bet the following items: photo-op wearing a St. Louis Cardinals jersey, a case of Vernors ginger ale soda, Better Made potato chips, Sanders hot fudge topping, and Avalon International bread. “After the Cardinals dispose of the Tigers, I’ll look forward to a parade on Market Street in downtown St. Louis,” said Slay.

Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley, Oprah Winfrey and a high'school student who survived Rwanda’s genocide spoke at the Chicago U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum 11th annual luncheon, the largest regularly scheduled fund-raiser October 25. ‘’All of us must help stop prejudice and hatred wherever we meet it,’’ Daley said. Organizers say education about the holocaust remains important today to help combat genocide.

A Newton (MA) company whose services have helped hundreds of seniors citizens remain in their homes was honored by Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce at the 2006 Small Business of the Year Awards October 30. Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino and Larry Weber, Chairman and CEO of W2 Group, offered congratulatory remarks to the award recipients at the luncheon at the Colonnade Hotel in Boston. “We take real pride in our small businesses,” Menino said. “They are the nucleus of our neighborhoods of Boston.”

Indy Partnership interim Chief Executive Officer Gordon Hendry and BAA-Indianapolis Air Service Director Kirk Lovell returned October 27 from a trip promoting the Indianapolis region in Beijing, China and Taiwan. The Beijing chapter of the CCPIT is closely linked with the Beijing mayor’s office, and represents over 4,000 companies. Hendry and Lovell delivered a letter to Beijing Mayor Wang from Indianapolis Mayor Bart Peterson.

With its founding companies onboard, the World Jewelry Center (WJC) held a ceremony October 27 in Las Vegas to officially introduce the ambitious, several hundred million dollar projects. Former Gemological Institute of America President Bill Boyajian was joined by developer Robert Zarnegin and Las Vegas Mayor Oscar B. Goodman as they kicked off the project, which will be built on about 5.4 acres in Union Park, a downtown urban development project.

The Sacramento Area Council of Governments, the region’s transportation planning agency, has announced the 2006 list of Best Workplaces for Commuters, highlighting 64 employers and a South Natomas district that offer benefits to commuters. “These organizations are doing their part to reduce air pollution and traffic congestion by offering excellent benefits to their employees,” said Sacramento Mayor Heather Fargo in a prepared statement. Fargo is the chairwoman for SACOG. According to the council, the 90,000 commuters covered by the Best Workplaces list will help reduce 43,789 metric tons of carbon dioxide per year, or a reduction equal to growing more than 33,000 acres of pine trees for a year.

Providence Mayor David N. Cicilline launched the 4th Annual Mayor’s Coat Drive to help Rhode Island’s homeless and those in need. Donations of warm, clean winter coats and clothing can be made to Crossroads of Rhode Island, a nonprofit organization that serves the homeless. Marked collection bins will be set up at the doors of city buildings starting November 1, where donations are made. The program will continue through the winter months. Donations can also be made directly to Crossroads of Rhode Island at 160 Broad St. Providence.