"Social media has become the dominant vehicle for businesses and consumers to communicate and we want to evolve with it," says Charlie Cocotas, chief operating officer of UFood Grill. "UFood Grill wants to extend its shareholder communications and customer service beyond our retail locations. UFood Grill has a great story to tell and The Castle Group will dramatically improve our exposure and reach additional shareholders and consumers for better communication and interest in our brand. Additionally, we believe that our better-for-you fast casual concept is a natural complement to the fitness-focused military lifestyle, and we are excited about the potential to grow in that area." 

Boston Chamber Announces 2011 Pinnacle Award Honorees

Congratulations to our very own Sandy Lish for "Achievement in Entrepreneurship" and Castle client Massachusetts College of Art and Design President Kay Sloan for "Excellence in Arts & Education." Click here to view 2011's full list of honorees.

Castle's Reach Expands to India, Russia

Castle's PR team has expanded to India and Russia. Our invitation-only global network of public relations firms, the Public Relations Global Network (PRGN) approved the addition of two agencies at its semi-annual meeting in Mexico last month.

Joining the ranks of PRGN are Perfect Relations in India, and CROS Public Relations and Public Affairs in Moscow, expanding the network's global reach and capabilities in two of the world's fastest-growing economies. The worldwide network now numbers 40 independently owned public relations agencies on six continents, which allows Castle clients to seamlessly penetrate global markets with unsurpassed market knowledge and intelligence.

Are you looking for a unique way to engage, inspire and motivate your employees? Castle has seen a new trend toward office-based, local teambuilding activities. Many of our clients have turned to us recently for ideas to help boost internal ties and bonds.

In lieu of hosting a traditional cocktail party during the holidays, why not consider a teambuilding activity or event? Below are a few ways to motivate and inspire--and reconnect--this holiday season (or any season for that matter).

Here's a thought...

• Clue-based challenges promote team-based strategy: How about an "amazing" race or a scavenger hunt through your town or office? You'd be amazed at how competitive teams get and how much good natured teasing and bonding results.
• Dare we say, arts and crafts are just plain fun, especially when those who aren't so crafty are "encouraged" to join in. Conduct a miniature golf hole-making competition at your office, then all play a round on your custom-designed course - complete with 19th hole, of course.
• Cooking challenges are hot! Yes, we did say, "hot!" Consider a chili cook-off, an iron chef contest or a grilled cheese competition. Or, for something simpler to pull off, how about a gingerbread-men decorating competition with make-your-own hot cocoa and s'mores stations.

One of the ways we foster creativity--a core mission at Castle--and boost internal bonding is through our annual "Thing" competition. Each December, we hand out a set of raw materials (a different theme each year) to all of our employees. They are given a week or so to create some-"Thing" unique from the supplied items and then present it at our annual holiday get-together.

Year after year, we are consistently reminded how creative our entire team is, not just by the "Things" they create but by the presentations themselves. For us, this is the best gift of all!