Elettra’s Leanne Kedrosky wrote the following post on why switching to a standing desk was right for her.

A month ago I switched to a standing desk for two reasons. One is that I have scoliosis, which is a back condition that makes it difficult to sit all day without pain. Second, sitting for a long period of time makes me feel lethargic and I wanted to evaluate if standing more would boost my energy. After purchasing the Oristand, a cardboard standing desk creating by Hootsuite founder Ryan Holmes, here is what I found:

1.    I really do have more energy! The 3 o’clock slump doesn’t crush my productivity like it used to. Instead, I can crush my work without feeling the need or a midday coffee and at the end of the day I feel ready to head to the gym or tackle the evening’s activities.  

2.    I feel better physically. I’ll admit, it takes some effort to keep good posture when standing all day, but it has made a big difference for my back. The soreness that used to show up in my back daily has pretty much disappeared.

After having such a positive experience to switching to a standing desk, I decided to do a little research to back up my claims. As it turns out, it has been argued on the TED stage that sitting is considered the new smoking because it can be so bad for your body in the long term. I’m extremely happy with the results from my little energy experiment this month and will continue to stand up for standing desks moving forward.

Today in our ongoing series, “Two Minutes With”, we're talking to Elettra Account Manager Lorna Allen.  

Favourite quote:

I love inspirational and witty quotes so it’s hard for me to pick just one. But here are two I like and think of often.

Mark Twain: A person who won’t read has no advantage over one who can’t.

Anais Nin: Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one’s courage.

Somebody wise also once told me to remember to "be the you that you know you are" which I always try to remember.

Favourite place to visit:

Top of my list is the South of France especially the Cote D’Azur. I used to go to Cannes and Antibes every spring when I lived in Europe and I thoroughly enjoyed the food, the Kir Royals, and the beautiful coastal scenery.

I also have a very special place in my heart for Hong Kong.  Truly the most colourful and vibrant city I have ever had the pleasure of visiting.  It has it all: beautiful beaches, world class shopping, the world’s cheapest Michelin-starred restaurant, and that iconic cityscape. 

Favourite author:

Daniel Woodrell – the novelist who penned Winter’s Bone, Tomato Red, Give Us a Kiss and many more. I really enjoy his “country noir” style and think he is very underrated.

Oxford comma: Yay or nay?

I’m an Oxford comma convert.  But only since moving to Canada.  My English teacher did not believe in it and my punctuation habits were deeply ingrained.  My colleagues at Elettra have made me see the light on this one though and I think it definitely clarifies meaning when listing things.

If you didn’t work in PR, what would you choose to do?

I would be a full time film journalist.  I dabbled in this field when I lived back in the UK and the highlight of my year was attending film festivals, working red carpets and interviewing actors and directors.

Why do you choose to live in Vancouver?

I fell in love with Vancouver back in 1999 when I lived here on a temporary working visa. It is such a beautiful city and I love how accessible everything is.  I made up my mind to come back and live here again and 14 years later I finally did just that.

What’s the #1 most played song on your iPod?

I go through phases.  At the moment it is probably either Hello by Adele or Fairytale of New York by The Pogues.  It is nearly Christmas after all!

Fun fact about you:

I once had drinks with George Clooney and Brad Pitt in Venice

If you could witness any event past, present or future, what would it be?

It would be to go back in time and be present when Martin Luther King delivered his “I Have a Dream” speech at the Lincoln Memorial. His words have inspired so many people over the years and I think it would have been incredible to have been present to hear and witness it first hand.

If you could be any fictional character, who would you choose?

Hmm…my love of cinema brings a lot of people to mind.  But sadly my favourite film characters don’t always meet the most pleasant of ends.  For that reason, I think Elizabeth Bennett from Pride and Prejudice would be preferable. However, my friends would probably say I’m more like Bridget Jones (in fact they have done so...many times).

I can’t believe how quickly time flies. It seems like just yesterday I started my internship here at Elettra Communications, yet somehow I’m already heading into my last week. Working with a range of clients in a variety of industries, I’ve been lucky enough to have some pretty great experiences in my short time here.

On my first day, I was able to help out with Harbour Centre’s Urban Grind. I got to meet thousands of Vancouverites that, through the power of PR, showed up to hike to the top of the Vancouver Lookout to enjoy some music, beers, and great city views. I also got insight into the back end of events like this by tracking the event’s success on a weekly basis and preparing a post-event report for the client. 

In addition to the Urban Grind, I was part of a team that celebrated all of the hardworking employees at YVR, promoting their new employee appreciation program: YVR Stars.

I got to spend a morning handing out coffee, tea, and cookies to YVR employees coming in to work, while telling them about the YVR Stars program.

On top of that, I was solely responsible for organizing the Chefs’ Showcase for this year’s Vancouver magazine Restaurant Awards. What does that mean? It means I got to spend a good portion of my days talking to the top chefs in Vancouver and inviting them to prepare some of their signature dishes to be presented to (and thoroughly enjoyed by) the over 900 guests at this year’s awards. This also means I got to work on a project that was 100% my own, from start to finish. That was a pretty good feeling.

Plus, I got to catch a glimpse of the event itself - a room full of Vancouver’s finest from the restaurant industry coming together to celebrate each other’s successes.

Aside from working on some pretty amazing events, my internship at Elettra has allowed me to put my writing skills to good use. One of the main reasons I’m in PR is because I love to write. Throughout my internship, my bosses recognized this passion and encouraged it by giving me opportunities to write blog posts, client articles, and social media content.

I would also like to acknowledge some of the extra perks of working at a PR agency - the proverbial cherry-on-top of my internship. Working on the Vancouver magazine Restaurant Awards meant I was able to visit some of Vancouver’s top restaurants before the crowds got to them. I also got to hand deliver mail to some pretty great food trucks; needless to say, some delicious lunches were had. Additionally, I was able to attend this year’s Boink Day hosted by Spring Advertising where I learned I could bouce on a pogo stick over 30 times for a good cause!

So there you have it, some first-hand insight into life as an intern. It’s been an incredible experience and I couldn’t have enjoyed it more. Of course, saving the best for last, I would like to thank all the ladies at Elettra for being so supportive and encouraging during my time here. I hope our paths cross again soon.

And now, I’m off to find a job!

We are delighted to be working with alumni UBC to publicize Fashioning Cancer, a fundraiser in support of the Canadian Cancer Society Cancer Prevention Centre at UBC. The event, part of Western Living Design Week, will feature the auction of ten exquisite evening gowns that were designed as works of art by Jacqueline Firkins, Assistant Professor, UBC Department of Theatre and Film, to encourage honest and open conversations about cancer.

The gowns were inspired by colourful microscopic images of cancer cells and cellular systems and auction and ticket proceeds from the event will go to the Canadian Cancer Society Cancer Prevention Centre at UBC.

In addition to the auction there will be a live performance by Canada’s queen of punk, singer/songwriter and cancer survivor, Bif Naked.

The Fashioning Cancer fundraiser will take place in the Porsche Centre Vancouver on Tuesday, September 23

For further information and to buy tickets, visit www.alumni.ubc.ca/fashion.

Local company Mahony & Sons opened the doors to their newest location in South False Creek earlier this week and Vancouverites have been flocking to the new restaurant to check out the detailed authentic Irish décor and sample delicious dishes and drinks on the stunning waterfront patio.

Prior to the opening Breakfast Television’s Dawn Chubai came down to Mahony & Sons to broadcast four cooking segments with Executive Chef Paul Nguyen and the Mahony brothers.  Viewers learned how to make Mahi Mahi Fish Tacos (a Mahony & Sons best-seller), Lily Belle’s Shrimp Salad, and Lee’s Lamb Dip, and Bar Manager Barry Quinn gave some useful tips on how to pour the perfect pint of Guinness.

Executive Chef Paul Nguyen prepares a shrimp salad at Mahony & Sons for BTV

The opening of Mahony & Sons Stamps Landing has proved of great interest to the local media and food bloggers with rave reviews appearing on the Georgia Straight website, Vancity Buzz, Modern Mix, and My VanCity (to name just a few), as well as on the websites of national food trade publications such as Canadian Restaurant News and Foodservice and Hospitality.

Follow @MahonyAndSons on Twitter for details on further coverage in the coming days and weeks.

Mahony & Sons Stamps Landing

The craic was mighty on Thursday evening as Mahony & Sons hosted a special sneak preview for media of their much-anticipated Stamps Landing restaurant.

The family-run company has just completed a complete overhaul of the former Monk McQueen’s site in South False Creek and will be officially opening the new 10,000 square foot location on Monday, August 18 at 11am.

Guests at last night’s media event were invited to experience true Irish hospitality and enjoyed the perfect pairing of Guinness and oysters upon arrival, followed by a tour of the new premises before sampling a number of signature Mahony & Sons dishes prepared by Executive Chef Paul Nguyen.

The Mahony & Sons Stamps Landing Media Launch

Mahony & Sons, Mahony and Sons, Stamps Landing, False Creek, Restaurants, Irish pub

Mahony & Sons Stamps Landing can seat up to 600 people spread across two levels - 150 upstairs, 150 downstairs, and 300 on the four waterfront patios. Key features include an Oyster Bar, an extensive patio with double-sided fireplace, and a private sunset patio perfect for small groups.

Executive Chef Paul Nguyen

Thank you to all media who attended – Mahony & Sons appreciates your support!

We are delighted to be working with Muscular Dystrophy Canada in the run up to their Empowerment in Action Summit 2014.  This engaging and informative event will take place at the Sheraton Vancouver Airport from the 22nd – 24th August and will feature interactive workshops and panel discussions providing valuable information and inspiration to anyone whose life is directly impacted by a neuromuscular disorder. If you would like more information go to http://muscle.ca/we-can-help/educational-events/empowerment-in-action/

The deadline for registration is 8 August 2014.

After six weeks of learning about PR in the SFU PR Program, I felt like I had a solid ‘tool kit’ to prepare for my practicum at Elettra. In class, we learned a little bit of everything from media kits, pitching, and social media for PR, but there is only so much you can learn in a classroom. The practicum component of the course is a chance to give that newly developed ‘tool kit’ a try, and taking advantage of the opportunities that come with it, whether the opportunity is presented to you directly or not.  When I started my practicum with Elettra, I had no idea how many opportunities would come my way.

Direct Opportunities: The first day of any practicum or job is always nerve-wracking, so it was nice to find out that on my first day of Elettra I was given a list of smaller and lower priority tasks. These tasks were a direct opportunity to show my capability, even if it was on a small scale. In my perspective, every task that you are assigned is an opportunity to do well.

Indirect Opportunities: Your practicum is what you make of your practicum. Yes, your supervisor will assign you tasks, but you also have the opportunity to find ways to go above and beyond those. For instance, my supervisors gave the team a brief overview on an upcoming project and let us know that there would be a brainstorm for ideas later on that day. Even though this was not “assigned”, I took advantage of some extra time I had, and did a mini brainstorm on my own. I essentially prepared a little pitch for my idea, anticipated problems and prepared answers for those problems. When I presented this to my supervisors at the brainstorm that day, they invited me to not only be part of the project but they also asked me if I would like to be hired on after my practicum to complete the campaign! This was a bit of a ‘aha’ moment for me, because I realized how initiative can help you make the best of your practicum and how you have the power to form your own opportunities.

Reflection: The SFU PR program really helped me to start thinking from a PR perspective and gave me a little more confidence with the skills I had developed. My experience at Elettra was a fantastic way to learn in a supportive environment, a chance to try out my skills in assigned tasks, and a chance to take advantage of some really great opportunities.

Beyond the Article: If you would like to see the campaign I helped with, take a look at Vancity Buzz’s page and the Harbour Centre website’s contest page.

Last week, Business in Vancouver explored the benefits of mentoring and networking by speaking with UBC alumnus, Carmen Lee of the Hong Kong-Canada Business Association. Through the networking and mentorship programs alumni UBC is building lifelong connections between graduates and UBC.

Read the full story here.

Vancouver Magazine's Editor-in-Chief John Burns, Dara Young and David Gunawan of Farmer's Apprentice, and Lori Chalmers, Publisher of Vancouver Magazine

On Tuesday, Vancouver Magazine announced the winners of their 25th Annual Restaurant Awards at the Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre Hotel.  This year marked the event's silver anniversary and hundreds gathered to celebrate the city's finest culinary talent. The festivities were hosted by CBC's Gloria Macarenko and Stephen Quinn and saw Gold awards handed out in 49 categories.  The night's big winner? The Farmer's Apprentice, taking home Restaurant of the Year, Best New Restaurant of the Year, and Best Casual Restaurant.

So who else took top honours? Click through for full coverage on vanmag.com.

Volunteer Opportunity - Event Coordination Event: Vancouver Magazine Restaurant Awards

Date/Time:  Tuesday, April 22nd, 10:00am – 6:00pm

Elettra Communications is looking for student volunteers to assist with Vancouver’s premier restaurant industry event. This opportunity will appeal to students who have an interest in public relations, publishing, marketing, or event management.

Vancouver Magazine’s Restaurant Awards event is the biggest of its kind in North America, and this year marks the event’s landmark 25th anniversary.  Twenty of the city’s top food critics form the judging panel and vote on the best dining experience in more than 40 categories. The event itself includes a reception and awards show. The annual extravaganza welcomes more than 800 restaurateurs, chefs, sommeliers, suppliers, and food and wine critics.

Duties: Volunteers will assist with a range of activities including: ·       Event set up ·       Guest check-in ·       Awards presenting/backstage coordination ·       Coat check ·       Gift distribution

Benefits to volunteering: ·       Event coordination experience. ·       Exposure to the behind-the-scenes workings of a large event. ·       Opportunity to build contacts in the PR, marketing, and publishing industries. ·       Lunch will be provided.

Dress code: All black. No jeans; no running shoes/sneakers.

How to apply: If you would like to volunteer for this opportunity, please contact cassandra@elettra.ca.  In your email please provide a brief introduction of yourself, and include a description of your current course of study and your contact information. 

Excited to share that starting this week, we have a fresh face at the Elettra offices - we're pleased to introduce you to our new intern, Leanne Kedrosky. Leanne is completing her final year as a Marketing Communications student at BCIT and wishes to use her passion and skills to pursue a career in public relations.  In her spare time, Leanne is a professional horseback rider and has an avid interest in painting and outdoor fitness.

Welcome to the Elettra team Leanne!

Earlier this year, we met with the team from The Kettle Society to talk about their Facebook page.  Together we all brainstormed some ways they could build a stronger page, engage their existing audience, and gain new followers that would find their page helpful and interesting.

Since then, they’ve done an awesome job with their updating their page regularly and posting valuable content related to their services, events, news, and topics important to their organization.

Head to their Facebook page  to learn more about the society and the great work they do!