West 3rd Common (AMP3 PR’s newest client!)  is the latest addition to Manhattan’s NoHo district. The restaurant is an elevated version of owner Dan Warren’s older venture, the popular East Village bar Common Ground.

“Like the East Village location, West 3rd Common maintains the cozy appearance of a 19th century library, with shelves full of leather-bound books, crystal chandeliers, and red velvet couches.  We’ve also kept our signature board game selection. What we’ve added is a menu that goes far beyond your typical pub fare,” says Warren. Indeed, pub fare doesn’t come close to describing the New American menu, which includes Duck Sliders (with kim chi and sweet hoisin), Pan Seared Sea Scallops (with orange pepper coulis and arugula citrus salad), and Build-Your-Own Grilled Cheese.

For their weekend brunch, West 3rd Common boasts an all-you-can-drink special for only $20. Favorite brunch selections include the Southwest Benedict, Spicy Fried Chicken and Waffles, and French Toast with Strawberries, Blueberries, and Chocolate Chips. Twenty dollars buys you a brunch entree and unlimited bloody marys, mimosas, and screwdrivers!

The gastro pub menu is crafted by Chef David Scott Walker, a former F.C.I. student who showcases his southern roots at West 3rd and boasts that he makes one of NYC’s best burgers: “We use a special burger blend and a rather uncommon technique of steaming the burger, rather than grilling it. Steaming it makes it super juicy, even when it’s cooked well done. And our blend of toppings combines all the right flavors. It IS the best burger in the city.”

Another highlight at West 3rd Common is their unbeatable happy hour specials: $3 draft beers, $4 well drinks and wine, and $5 cosmos and appletinis (from 4-8pm, every day).

Whether you’re looking for an affordable yet chic downtown restaurant to take your date, a warm, inviting lounge to play scrabble with your friends, or an unpretentious after-work happy hour spot, West 3rd Common has something for everyone.

To celebrate its opening, West 3rd Common is offering new patrons a free plate of its signature, mouth-watering garlic fries and a free pint of beer or glass of wine. To take advantage of the limited-time promotion, mention the code word “wheaten terrier” to your server on your next visit! Promo expires March 31, 2010.

If you’re a blogger/writer/editor and want to review the restaurant or interview its owner/chef, email me,  Termeh Mazhari, at West3rd@AMP3pr.com or call (646) 827-9594

The Yantra Mat is a gentler version of the ancient Indian nail bed. A real sensation in Europe, the Yantra Mat (also known as a “spike mat“) is studded with 8,820 non-toxic ABS plastic spikes (see image below).

The spikes feel sharp, but with your body’s weight distributed evenly over the mat, the initial feelings of discomfort quickly give way to a sensation of heat rushing through your body. This natural response to acupressure comes from increased circulation, which lowers blood pressure and soothes aches and pains. Within minutes, this improved blood flow triggers a deep sense of calm and relaxation.

In a recent survey of 304 users, 96.7% described positive effects from the Yantra Mat – and over half of all participants said the mat helped relieve their pain.

Whether you want to spice up your yoga routine, ease your back pain, or feel more centered and stress-free, the Yantra Mat is perfect for you. Mats come in green and purple, and in three sizes (Medium, Large and X-Large).

For all media inquiries, you can email me, their PR rep, at Termeh(at)AMP3pr.com or Press(at)YantraWay.com

Custom-Made Chocolate Bars by chocri

“Chocolate is cheaper than therapy and you don’t need an appointment.” – Catherine Aitken

Chocolate is perhaps the world’s most affordable luxury. In good times, and in bad, people seem to always turn to the sweet treat, leading some to label chocolate as “recession proof”. In Germany, one innovative start-up named chocri (AMP3’s latest client) caters to the selective chocoholic, by offering premium organic Belgian chocolate bars, which consumers can cover with toppings of their choice – ranging from nuts and dried fruit, to herbs, cereals and candies. After a massively successful first year of business in Germany, chocri is now expanding to the U.S. market. I spoke with chocri CEO Carmen Magar…

Termeh Mazhari: How did the concept behind chocri come about?

Carmen Magar: The two founders, Franz and Micha, were already chocolate entrepreneurs when, in early 2008, Franz needed to find the perfect gift for his girlfriend’s birthday. Genius struck, and he decorated a chocolate bar with his girlfriend’s favorite toppings, which you may call the first chocri bar! Shortly after, a friend asked for a bar with toppings for his mother as a gift, and then that led to more orders, and so forth. And that’s when Franz and Micha decided to turn customized chocolate bars into a business, and chocri was born.

Termeh Mazhari: Where does the name chocri come from?
Carmen Magar: From a fan! Franz and Micha had a few ideas, and so they polled their friends and fans and chocri was the winner. We polled our fans in the US too and chocri won again. It’s actually a combination of the words chocolate and create!

Termeh Mazhari: Tell me about DIV Kinder, the charity program you are supporting…

Carmen Magar: Our cocoa beans are from the Ivory Coast, the biggest exporter of cocoa beans in the world. Unfortunately, many cocoa farmers in the world have unethical working conditions and farming practices, such as child labor. For this reason, the chocolate we use is entirely fair-trade (that includes both the cocoa and all other traded ingredients). In addition, DIV Kinder is an organization that supports children in the Ivory Coast, protecting them from child labor and helping them and their families to obtain better living conditions. The money we have so far collected went towards a well, refrigerators and now an orphanage, and our founders know the organization personally, so we can ensure that the money is used entirely for a good cause.

Termeh Mazhari: What have been the most popular chocolate bar combinations with your German customers?

Carmen Magar: With our three base chocolates and 90 toppings, we allow for more than 10 billion combinations, so even just for a combination to be picked twice is unusual! However, I can tell you that the most popular toppings are real gold flakes, dried strawberries, roasted almonds,  hazelnut brittle, and cinnamon.

Termeh Mazhari: What has been the biggest challenge with your U.S. expansion?

Carmen Magar: Really, things that shouldn’t be a challenge.  Like opening a bank account is extra complicated for international businesses. But there’s nothing we can’t manage!

Termeh Mazhari: Who picks the toppings at chocri?

Carmen Magar: Although we started out with some of our own ideas, by now our toppings are mainly determined by our customers! For example, we had a “toppings poll” a while back for the US where we put existing toppings as well as some new ideas to a vote. After the poll, we found out, for example, that we needed to add cocoa nibs to our topping choices!

Termeh Mazhari: Do you think chocolate is recession-proof?

Carmen Magar: Yes! In fact, I think chocolate has an advantage in a recession! Chocolate makes you happy, after all! Also, affordable luxuries such as a high quality chocolate bar usually show growth in a recession. By the way, according to a recent article in the NY Times, mass customization sales grew ten times faster than e-commerce last year!

Termeh Mazhari: What are some of the strangest topping choices at chocri?

Carmen Magar: My Chicago Booth Entrepreneurship professor thinks edible gold is a crazy choice. I personally think many of the herbs, like basil or orange pepper, are surprising (but tasty!)

Termeh Mazhari: And what is your favorite chocolate bar?

Carmen Magar: My favorite changes every week! I’m dying to try out marzipan stars on dark chocolate. My solid all-time favorite so far though is dark chocolate with strawberries, roasted almonds and basil. Chocolatey, sweet and provocative! Love it

U.S. consumers can create their own chocolate bar starting January 11, 2010 at CreateMyChocolate.com. A unique gourmet gift for Valentine’s Day, chocri is sure to please that special someone in your life. For all media inquiries, you can email me at press@chocri.com or termeh@amp3pr.com

Tis the season for holiday shopping, and the good folks at Daffy’s are giving one lucky New York Buzz reader a free $50 gift card! To enter to win the $50 gift card, just post a comment and tell me what would YOU buy at Daffy’s for $50?

The deadline to enter is Sunday, December 13th at midnight (winner will be announced on Monday December 14th!). Bonus points to those of you who are following me on Twitter (let me know if you are!).

In the mean time, check out Daffy’s flash mob style dance performance at the Ziegfeld theater in Manhattan:

******UPDATE******: Hi everyone! Thank you so much for participating in this contest! I enjoyed reading your responses! This morning, the winner was picked, and I’d like to explain how the selection was made: First, I picked everyone who said they were also following me on twitter, then I selected my favorite responses from those who weren’t following me on Twitter. I printed out the selection of 9 names/responses that I liked the most and cut out each entry. I then crumpled each entry into a small ball, and let my colleague @AlyAMP3 randomly pick one from the batch I was holding in my palms. And the winner is……..

@JoanaSwan!!!!!!!!! It is a pure coincidence that she not only was the first person to post a comment and enter the contest, but she’s also a former AMP3 PR employee!!

So congratulations to JoAna!! Daffy’s will mail you your gift card as soon as you provide me with your mailing address!

Thanks again to everyone who participated and happy holidays to you all!

Haute Life PR presents the Sassy City Chicks Holiday Fashion Bash, an exclusive shopping event where guests can shop luxury designers like Chanel, Prada, and Gucci at 50%-80% off. Attendees will also receive complimentary spa services and cocktails, as well as giftbags!

*****The first 50 New York Buzz readers who go to sassycitychicks.com and enter coupon code ‘NEWYORKBUZZ’ at checkout win a FREE pair of promo VIP tickets! *****

The Holiday Fashion Bash will be held on December 2nd from 5pm – 10pm at the Hotel Penn (401 7th Avenue).

For more information go to www.sassycitychicks.com or call (310) 318-1731.

Joonbug describes this blog as  “a professional blog with a personal touch from a Gen-Y woman’s perspective. This PR agent brings you updates on main stream events all around the city as well as touching on obvious topics that concern Gen-Y such as fashion, beauty, health and food.”

Check out NewYork.Joonbug.com for calendar listings and local events, such as New Year’s Eve parties in New York.

Since I joined AMP3 PR I’ve probably spoken with over a hundred different companies, often start-ups, calling our office looking to get PR, representation or brand management. Out of those 100 calls, only a small fraction typically convey a well thought-out business model, or give off an impression of – what I like to call – “knowing  one’s sh*t”. And out of that small fraction, an even smaller fraction of companies actually delivers the goods and effectively executes that original business plan. Blazetrak is one such company. Founded by Nate Casey, Corey Stanford, McKinley Joyner, and Ron Harrison (brother of the famed R&B producer Rich Harrison), Blazetrak is not only poised to eliminate the archaic practices of the A&R industry, but it also has the potential to revolutionize how we interact with the world around us.

How does it work? Let’s say Beyonce, for example, wants to put together her dance crew for her upcoming tour. She could use Blazetrak to accept all her demo submissions from dancers. And she’ll even get paid for it!  Which means that yes, if you want to submit your video demo, you’ll need to cough up whatever fee she decides to charge you to review it. But with that fee, you get a guaranteed VIDEO feedback response from Mrs. Jay Z herself, or your money back!

A faster, more efficient, and not to mention greener way of receiving/submitting  applications – Blazetrak’s unique and innovative platform gives celebrities and employers the opportunity to sift through talent, all while getting paid, and it offers the average Joe the once-in-a-lifetime chance to get directly in touch with his idol or dream employer!

As an online platform that brings together aspiring professionals with established professionals, Blazetrak is the ultimate digital people connector.

I spoke with Blazetrak co-founder Nate Casey…

Termeh Mazhari: How and when did you guys come up with the idea behind Blazetrak?

Nate Casey: Back in 2007, one of the Blazetrak co-founders was partnered up with a record label based in Atlanta called Dirty South Records.  They were receiving tons of demos…literally hundreds of mailed CDs.  They decided to see if they could find a way to slow down the flow.  They put a very small ad in Billboard magazine and posted on their website – for $35 they would listen to the material submitted and also give the person who submitted a quick call to respond.  Well, the response was overwhelming; obviously people were greatly incentivized by a guaranteed review.  In the end, I think the overall concept was born from the idea that people are tired of the brick wall that separates them from the professionals that can help make their dreams come true…or at least validate their talent.  I can personally think of so many instances in my life where Blazetrak could have been a critical step to validating my ability, or helping to create opportunity.  I am just so excited to see how this changes the realm of what is possible for people.

Termeh Mazhari: What are the common misconceptions that people may have about Blazetrak?

Nate Casey:

Misconception 1: “Blazetrak is just music”

Blazetrak is about getting you in touch with untouchables and/or experts in “their field”.  It is our goal to have Blazetrak participate in opening doors in every vertical you can think of.

Misconception 2: “We are trying to rip people off”

The partners built Blazetrak because we were tired of being ripped off and watching others experience the same.  Look…if you submit on Blazetrak, we cannot guarantee that you will like the critical review you receive back.  On the other hand we do guarantee a lot – your submission is directly exposed to the professional of your choice, you’ll receive a video response, and your response will be delivered within 30 days. We even tell you exactly what number you are in line.  So the 31st day comes and although you are debating requesting a refund – you might wait because you are number 2 in line.  We are not like other sites that make it difficult to request a refund. After the 30 days just click the “request a refund” and write a one line explanation – done.  Also – it is really important for people to understand that Blazetrak does not decide on the fee for requests.  The request fees are decided on by the pro that is making the request.

Misconception 3:  “Some of our Professionals are just in it for the money”

Our Professionals are some of the busiest people in the world.  Having spoken to dozens of highly successful people about Blazetrak – I can tell you one thing for sure – people become professionals because they are looking  for talent or something specific that’s created by someone talented.  Most of them look at the money as a bonus and also a way to keep “non-serious” people from wasting their time. In addition, they are professionals that have a real interest in giving valuable advice to people.

Termeh Mazhari: Who are some of Blazetrak pros, for instance, on the Blazetrak roster?

Nate Casey: We have an amazing roster of professionals. Some of the bigger names include: Big Boi from Outkast, John Rich (of “Nashville Star” / Big & Rich), Paul Worley (Country Music Songwriter/Producer), Rich Harrison (Grammy Award Winning Producer),  Bryan-Michael Cox (Award-winning Songwriter/Producer), Rodney “Darkchild” Jerkins (Grammy award winning songwriter and producer), Carlene K (Celebrity Make Up Artist), Robin Antin (Creator of the Pussycat Dolls), Tara Conner (Miss USA 2006), and Doc Shaw (Disney actor).

Termeh Mazhari: How has Blazetrak been funded so far?

Nate Casey:  We received a 6 figure seed investment, and we’re also using personal funds contributed by the co-founders.

Termeh Mazhari: Why should a budding musician use Blazetrak? What are the key benefits?

Nate Casey: Direct exposure to an opportunity provider in just about any genre - the Professionals are creating their own specific requests.  So for example, if you are a producer it would make sense to submit to a professional that is looking to give feedback and or purchase production.  In this example, the unique benefit of Blazetrak is that you would be guaranteed a response from the Professional.  Also, our Professionals are huge in the industry and all very difficult to contact using conventional means.  So the main points are:

1.     The opportunity to find out what top professionals are looking for

2.    A guaranteed way to respond to the request of a professional

3.    Even if the professional does not utilize your talent – you still receive valuable feedback in the form of a score, possible typed response, and a guaranteed video response.

Termeh Mazhari: Why should a celebrity sign up to be a pro on Blazetrak?

Nate Casey: A celebrity should become a professional on Blazetrak for one main reason beyond all others – they are looking for talent (creative people or materials produced by creative people).  Other reasons might include – valuable expertise, raising contributions for their charity, a chance to advise people around the world, or as an occasional portal to reach fans.

Termeh Mazhari: How was it like working with Amber Lee Ettinger (the “Obama Girl”) in the Blazetrak promo?

Nate Casey:  It was actually a lot of fun.  We all love Amber; she has a great personality and was a real trouper even with the 90 degree heat that day.  We hope to have Amber be a part of our marketing efforts going forward.  We also hope that she will become an interviewer for us.

Termeh Mazhari: Does Blazetrak have any competitors?

Nate Casey:  We have competition but nothing I would call direct.  In the business world, Blazetrak would be considered “Blue Ocean”.  We studied the competition – played some mock Game Theory – figured out what was working for them and what was not working.  To say it boldly – we are not looking to compete with anyone – we are looking to reinvent this model and, in doing so, bring a great deal of value to our users and our professionals.

Termeh Mazhari: What other types of industry pros will Blazetrak be including?

Nate Casey: Pros in just about every industry you can think of - film, fashion, TV, sports, art, business, lifestyle, authors, chefs, press people, and on and on…

Termeh Mazhari: How will Blazetrak impact the A&R industry?

Nate Casey:

The whole process of looking for artists and repertoire will change.

1.    It will be made electronic

2.    It will be opened up to the world for submission

3.    The world will have a clue what the talent seekers are actively looking for

4.    Talent seekers will have amazing tools to help them archive and organize submissions instead of storing or throwing out hundreds of CDs a week.

5.    And the list goes on

Blazetrak.com launched on November 1st, 2009 in Beta. For all media inquiries, email Blazetrak(at)AMP3pr.com

Termeh Mazhari: Was there an A-HA moment that lead you to quit your career in fashion and pursue pastry art?

Gail Dosik: Over the years I realized that fashion wasn’t my passion….I never got the same rush about a pair of shoes that I got about a new dessert recipe.  That should have been my first clue.  I had never really thought about a career in pastry art because I never considered myself artistic, despite the fact that I loved to bake!  After the last Seventh Avenue company I worked for downsized, and I was part of that downsizing, I decided to change my life completely.

Termeh Mazhari: What was the biggest challenge launching your career, and what is your biggest challenge today, as an established baker?

Gail Dosik: The biggest challenge is marketing yourself.  That takes a lot of guts, I have to say.  Thank goodness for the internet.  The web is everyone’s marketing friend.  Biggest challenge today?  Identifying the ‘next level’ of branding.  That’s very exciting, too!

Termeh Mazhari: Define One Tough Cookie. Where does the name come from?

Gail Dosik: I love double entendres, always have. I just knew that if someone was doing an internet search for baked goods, they’d definitely be intrigued by a company called One Tough Cookie.  It just reeks of snarky fun.  I had to go for it.

Termeh Mazhari: What has been your biggest accomplishment thus far? What are you most proud of?

Gail Dosik: I can’t really pinpoint my biggest accomplishment, because to me, each one is another hurdle.  I think I’m the proudest when people tell me they see my work and admire it., and refer to me as an artist.  For someone who never took an art class, and was never encouraged to explore an artistic avenue, this is huge for me.

Termeh Mazhari: What are some of quirkiest cookie/cake concepts people have to come to you with?

Gail Dosik: I did a cookie that looked like an upper GI tract….that was really fun….my large intestine was a thing of sheer beauty.  And, I love doing ‘product’ cookies for ad meetings.  Turning a beauty product into a cookie is great fun.  I love the challenge.

Termeh Mazhari: Do you have any favorite cookies/cakes?

Gail Dosik: My princess cake will always have a special place in my heart, because it’s the most requested cake.  I also love the quarter cookie I did for Glamour Magazine, and I did scissors and a film strip for a film editing company…I loved those, too.

Termeh Mazhari: When you’re not nibbling on your own cookies, where do you like to get cookies and sweets in general, in the New York City area?

Gail Dosik: Excellent question!  I adore chocolate chip cookies, and I think I’ve tasted every single one in the NYC area.  Jacques Torres’ are the best, in my estimation.   Baked thoroughly, nice ratio of chocolate to cookie, and the most important ingredient in my estimation is salt.  People underestimate the importance of salt in baking.  It really heightens all the flavors.

Termeh Mazhari: Tell me about your private pastry art classes. Who is your typical student?

Gail Dosik: I have two types of students:  those who want to learn cookie decorating for themselves and their families, and the beginning pro who wants to learn new tricks.  My classes are private, so I can tailor the 3 hours to anything the student wants to concentrate on.  Newbies are always astonished when they see how much work is really involved. Cookie decorating is a very labor intensive process.  I adore it so it’s not work to me, even after a 12 or 14 hour day.

Termeh Mazhari: How do you explain America’s obsession with cookies, cakes, and especially cupcakes?

Gail Dosik: If I only could explain the obsession!  I think cupcakes embody everything about a cake that you can call your own.  You don’t have to share.  Special occasion cakes have definitely evolved from dry, boring, generic cakes to delicious, personal and artistic ways of marking the most important celebrations of our lives.  Cake has always played a part in celebrations and now we celebrate the cake.

Termeh Mazhari: What do you love most about your job?

Gail Dosik: I’m most touched when Moms send me photos from the birthday parties. I love to see a child’s face when he or she first sees the cake.  That’s very special to me.

Read more about One Tough Cookie, or sign up for private lessons with Gail Dosik at www.onetoughcookienyc.com

As a publicist who has often worked with musicians, I have a soft spot for indie bands. Truly one of the toughest businesses to break into, indie musicians – especially rock bands – who’ve received even a glimmer of success deserve serious kudos.

One such musician contacted me recently, an indie New York City based singer/songwriter named Colin McShane, who told me he got some of his music placed in the popular soap TV series Guiding Light.

You may be thinking: he must be childhood BFFs with the show’s producer or something. Turns out that Colin landed the placement through good old-fashioned networking.

To find out Colin’s secrets to his success, read our interview:

Termeh Mazhari: Describe your music…

Colin McShane: My music is hard to define. Each and every song I write is a combination of what I feel in my soul and every album I have ever been inspired by; I’m talking Michael Jackson’s Thriller to Jay-Z’s The Blueprint 3. I guess the best description of my music would be the lyrical and musical portrayal of feelings which can be universally identified with.

Termeh Mazhari: How did you get your songs on Guiding Light?

Colin McShane: I worked at Sony Music Studios for a number of years. At the studio I met musical artists, producers, and engineers as well as television producers and personalities that used the facilities at the studio to edit their shows. Networking is the most important aspect of any industry; especially the Entertainment Industry. Each time I introduced myself to a professional in the industry, I would add them on my LinkedIn page knowing that connections are invaluable and they might help in some point in my career.

Soon after, I posted a question to all of my LinkedIn contacts asking if anyone could help me get my music featured in TV or Film. I received a number of responses to my question offering help. One of the respondents was working as a producer on Guiding Light and had just had a meeting with Executive Producer Ellen Wheeler about how she would like to bring undiscovered artists music into the new format of the show. My producer friend told me they were currently accepting submissions, and I sent in some of my tracks that I thought would be appropriate for the genre. A month or so later I got a phone call from Guiding Light saying they would like to license four of my songs for recurring themes for the next 14 months. Guiding Light licensed “It’s All For You,” “My Dear,” “Coke & Trees,” and “In The Mood” from my catalog. After a few months of featuring these songs on the show, “It’s All For You” became a top seller on iTunes.

This was the start of my licensing career. Right after Guiding Light played a song of mine for the first time, I was offered a licensing contract from MTV Networks securing my music for licensing across all the channels owned by MTVN (MTV, MTV2, VH1, Comedy Central, Nickelodeon, etc.) My songs have since been featured on The Hills and iCarly.

Deciding to take this one step further I made another connection through LinkedIn who introduced me to Pat Weaver. Pat Weaver is the Director of Artist Development at Lakehouse Sound in California (www.lakehousesound.com). Pat was digging my tunes and wanted to help me take them a step further in licensing. She offered me a contract that allows her company to pitch my songs and my band Fountainhead’s songs (www.myspace.com/fountainheadnyc) for licensing to TV, Film, Video Games, and Commercials. I enjoy working with Pat and Erin at Lakehouse Sound and we have some good things coming up in 2009!

Termeh Mazhari: What are your favorite places to perform in New York?

Colin McShane: I love playing in NYC. There are a number of venues I especially like but there is none greater than Arlene’s Grocery. The sound at Arlene’s is the best by far.

Termeh Mazhari: What advice would you give for aspiring bands and musicians looking to make it in the industry today?

Colin McShane: My friend Fresh and I were recently talking about how important it is to make yourself available to your fans in the music industry climate of today. By making yourself available I mean having an active Twitter account, an active Facebook page, and a presence on YouTube, etc. This creates an area where your fans can connect with you on a personal level which is invaluable when it comes to acquiring and retaining fans.

Something else I firmly believe in is diversification. If you have talent you have to remember that your talent is multifaceted; instead of pigeonholing yourself you must explore how else you can use your talent. Step out of your safe zone… creatively challenge yourself. This will help not only with networking and obtaining new fans, but it will also help satisfy that insatiable hunger for creativity all musicians have.

Termeh Mazhari: So what’s next for you?

Colin McShane: I’m currently working on my new album, it’s a little more raw than the others have been so I am eager to release it.

I’m also working with Fresh who I mentioned earlier (www.myspace.com/getfresh718). Fresh and I just finished a song called “I Do This” for his new album, I’m really excited about it.

Other than that I’m working with producers at MTVN on placements in some existing shows and others that are currently in development. And I’m working with Pat Weaver of Lakehouse Sound which helps me obtain licensing opportunities for my music.

Keep in touch with me on Facebook and follow me on Twitter! Twitter.com/colinmcshane

Click here to go to Colin McShane’s iTunes page.

GreenScoutReport.com is a newly launched online resource that provides weekly profiles of eco-friendly companies and sustainable businesses, as well as new green fashion or product releases. Think: Daily Candy meets Al Gore.

Founded by Justine Suh (image below), GreenScoutReport.com went live over the summer of 2009. Suh, a former luxury merchandising and product development executive for global Fortune 500 companies, is now a certified green business consultant, as well as a member of the Green Business League, and the U.S. Green Building Council. As a sustainable business expert, Suh advises companies on brand management and positioning, eco-purchasing strategies, and offers tips to improve their green business practices.

After spending over ten years in the fashion industry, Suh became frustrated by the lack of “hip” resources for eco living and sustainable businesses. “I wanted the Green Scout Report to be a fun, modern resource that provides easy-to-digest green tips for both individuals and companies,” says Suh.

As the world prepares to navigate the unprecedented challenges of climate change, the Green Scout Report will profile companies and individuals reshaping their lifestyle or business for the benefit of the environment or charitable causes. GSR (abbreviated) will also provide tips and advice for businesses looking to think outside the box and reduce their carbon footprint. And as a fashion industry expert, Suh will counsel retailers on how to “unite style with sustainability.”

Green Scout Report will be updated at least once a day, with the week broken down into the following sections: On Mondays, Justine Suh will be commenting on global green news. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, GSR will feature a profile (with a Green Report rating) on a company’s green practices. On Wednesdays, the blog will offer tips and advice for retailers, as well as interviews with green-conscious retail and food stores. And Fridays will regularly feature a giveaway or contest, as well as news/opinions on green celebs.

For the definitive guide to being green, and staying in the loop on the eco-conscious movement, visit www.GreenScoutReport.com or check out Justine Suh’s video blog, which includes exclusive one-on-ones with NYC area green visionaries, at www.youtube.com/greenscoutreport.

Here’s a clip of Justine Suh interviewing Wine Library TV founder Gary Vaynerchuck on organic wines:

Justine Suh is represented by AMP3 PR. To book her for speaking engagements, green business consulting, and for any other press or advertising inquiries, email me at GSR(at)AMP3pr.com

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