Book-signing promo sets new world record

West Michigan author and marketing guru Tony Rubleski, of Mind Capture Group in Spring Lake, set a “world record” as part of the launch of his new business book, Mind Capture: How To Stand Out In The Age of Advertising Overload, released by New York publisher Morgan James.

Between 6 a.m. and 11 p.m. on August 11, Rubleski made 60 stops at bookstores, coffee shops and chambers of commerce in 14 cities, signing copies of his book. Two dollars from every book sold at the event (one dollar each from Rubleski and his publisher) was donated to non-profit Junior Achievement of the Michigan Great Lakes.

Belle Tire has introduced a service it calls “Nitro-nizing”—inflating tires with nitrogen gas instead of air for better gas mileage, longer tire life and a smoother ride—at its 42 locations in Michigan and Ohio. The Allen Park-based retailer made the move to distinguish itself from the competition. Each location has its own tank and systems to make nitrogen gas.

Art Van Furniture is evaluating its stores’ merchandise selections, floor layouts and designs. As consumer trends and shopping habits continue to evolve, the company believes it must also evolve to ensure a healthy future. To help evaluate research and design direction, Art Van has announced a partnership with retail design firm Chute Gerdeman, a retail design and branding firm in Columbus, Ohio.

Ideation, Inc., of Ann Arbor, a syndicated catalog company serving independent gift retailers, has hired Annette Donnelly as a buyer. Donnelly brings 14 years experience as a buyer in the U.S. college retail industry, specializing in general giftware and insignia items.

Jewelers for Children, an industry-wide charity, has announced the 2006 Hope for the Holidays program. The program includes holiday greeting cards, honor donations, contribution cards and inserts, and the first edition of a JFC holiday ornament that can be sold in retail jewelry stores. All elements of the program have been produced from artwork created by children representing JFC’s charity partners.

The 2005 Hope for the Holidays program raised more than $200,000 for JFC and its recipient charities, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, the Make-A-Wish Foundation, the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation and the National CASA Association.

Information on purchasing holiday cards, contribution cards and inserts, holiday ornaments and the honor donation program can be found on JFC’s website at jewelersforchildren.org, or by calling 212.687.2949.

A new retail complex known as Union Commons is under construction on Bluegrass Road just south of Mount Pleasant. Kohl’s is slated to be the first major retailer to open, with a grand opening slated for October. Menard’s, Sam’s Club and a Wal-Mart Supercenter are scheduled to open in the spring.