CMI COMPLETES INTERIOR SIGNAGE FOR COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY STUDEBAKER BUILDING Crystal McKenzie, Inc. (CMI) provided the design and production of the interior signs for the Studebaker building. Skanska Full Spectrum Joint Venture project managers James Nimon and Jude Alibey worked closely with the CMI team lead by CMI's Creative Director Brian Jones to achieve the University's flagship renovation in Manhattanville, NY. Renovation of the Studebaker building is an example of Columbia University's commitment to MWL business enterprise participation in its construction efforts. Construction management for this project is a joint venture between Skanska and Full Spectrum Development of New York, a Harlem-based construction firm. Architectural design for this project is being performed by the Switzer Group, a leading New York City-based business enterprise. CRYSTAL MCKENZIE, INC. (CMI) ABOUT TO UNVEIL THE NEW BUSINESS STRATEGIST FOR THE WEB DEVELOPMENT ARM OF CMI End of One Year CMI Search Committee CMI, a strategic brand identity and communications firm, is about to unveil their New Business Strategist. The new Business Strategist will report to the Chairman and Founder Crystal McKenzie. The Business Strategist will formulate and execute major policies, programs and objectives to promote and ensure the 27-year-old company’s success and continued growth. The CMI Search Committee reviewed national and international candidates to find the right executive to execute strategic and tactical operational growth plans for the company, with particular emphasis on the candidates’ ability to lead the continued expansion into new products/services and markets. Key issues in the lengthy process were selecting a candidate who could take a leadership role in formulating and articulating the company’s vision and mission to achieve maximum efficiency and profit objectives. Top of the list were ongoing strategic /market vision, track record with formulating sound operating business plans and processes, with the charisma necessary to effectively focus and motivate employees were also key considerations. The leading candidate has an extensive track record establishing and maintaining strong relationships with industry peers and major corporate players; and, has a passion for customer service and the experience necessary for ensuring the company’s continued growth. The CMI Search Committee expects that the successful candidate will be a high impact, dynamic, and visionary leader, since they are arriving in the new position with a record of achieving results individually and through others; as an intelligent, strategic thinker with broad knowledge and experience in brand positioning. The company will be offering an aggressive compensation and benefits package. CMI DESIGNS EXHIBITION ON CONTEMPORARY FASHION AND STYLE CMI recently completed an exhibition design at the Museum of the City of New York, titled "Black Style Now," a groundbreaking exploration of hip-hop style and the black fashion revolution from the 20s to the present. It will be open until February 19, 2007. http://www.mcny.org Television Coverage: W-ABC News ­ 9/13/06 WABC-TV, New York, NY http://abclocal.go.com/wabc/story?section=local&id=4554180 Segment highlights Black Style Now and quotes Michelle Ebanks. See attached news clip. Print Coverage: The New York Times - 9/31/06 (2 pages) Article highlights Black Style Now exhibit. The Philadelphia Inquirer ­ 9/13/06 ³The Color of Fashion² http://www.philly.com/mld/inquirer/news/magazine/daily/15504025.htm Philadelphia, PA Article highlights Black Style Now exhibit and opening gala. Print and Online Coverage: CBS The Showbuzz ­ 9/14/06 http://www.showbuzz.cbsnews.com/sections/video/main500620.shtml?id=2003840n Video clip features Black Style Now event. Select Windows Media Player for viewing. Style.com ­ 9/11/06 ³Diddy¹s Modest Moment² http://www.style.com/fashionshows/blogs/tent_talk/2006/09/09 Article highlights Diddy and Black Style Now. The Washington Post ­ 9/12/06 ³In New York, 'Black Style' Spins the Color Wheel² http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/09/11/AR2006091101 302_2.html?sub=AR Article highlights Black Style Now. AOL Music.com ­ 9/12/06 http://music.aol.com/artist/lil-kim/198619/photos/rapper-lil-kim-attends-ess ence-presents-black-style-now-opening-night-gala/1708171 Photo of Lil Kim at Black Style Now. Fashion Week Daily ­ 9/11/06 http://www.fashionweekdaily.com/enespanol/fullstory.sps?iNewsid=362460&itype =8497 Mention of Essence and Black Style Now, with photo of Joy Bryant. Metro NY ­ 9/13/06 ³If Only It Fit² http://www.metropoint.com/ftp/20060913_NewYork.pdf (Page 15) Article highlights Black Style Now exhibit and opening gala. WWD Monday ­ 9/11/06 ³Fashion Scoops² New York, NY NY Daily News ­ 9/11/06 Gatecrasher ³Paint It Black² New York, NY am new york ­ 9/11/06 Buzz Section ³Diddy & Pals at the Gala² CRYSTAL MCKENZIE RECEIVES THE AMERICAN RED CROSS "2004 PIONEER AWARD" IN NEW YORK AT COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY NEW YORK, NY, September 13, 2004 -- Crystal McKenzie, President & CEO of Crystal McKenzie, Inc. (CMI), a brand strategy and marketing communications agency, will be awarded the PIONEER AWARD honoring her career as an influential Creative Director, at the American Red Cross 2005 Annual Recognition Awards Reception & Silent Auction to be held in New York, at Columbia University's Faculty House. CMI a Corporate and Brand Identity, Strategy and Planning,Corporate Image, Marketing and Brand Integration consultancy , has built on the success of 24 years of experience in leveraging purchaser opinion to provide clients with a competitive advantage. Her company, Crystal McKenzie, Inc., helped launch their Spring fundraising event at the Faculty House. The event is sponsored by Columbia University. The Awards, now in their 3rd year, are organized by the American Red Cross in Greater New York , The American Red Cross, a humanitarian organization led by volunteers and guided by its Congressional Charter, provides relief to victims of disasters and helps people prevent, prepare for, and respond to emergencies. MAY 2003 ­ CMI DESIGNS CORNING MUSEUM OF GLASS(Corning, NY) BLOCKBUSTER EXHIBITION, "Robert Willson: A Texan in Venice" MAY 2004 ­CMI DESIGNS OUTDOOR ADVERTISING CAMPAIGN for Glenn H. Curtiss Museum (Hammondsport, NY); campaign is in its second year. Visitation to the Glenn H. Curtiss museum was languishing and museum management knew that tourist visibility was a key factor. CMI provided design consultation and artwork for the three-billboard series throughout the Finger Lakes region that increased visitation. May 2004 ­ CMI DESIGNS CORNING MUSEUM OF GLASS(Corning, NY) BLOCKBUSTER EXHIBITION, "Beyond Venice: Glass in Venetian Style 1500 ­ 1750." The exhibit provides a survey of the movement of glass made à la façon de Venise throughout Renaissance Europe. www.cmog.org NOVEMBER 2004 ­ CMI LAUNCHES PROPRIETARY FTP SITE In response to customer feedback and a desire to continuously improve creative service offerings, CMI has refurbished its web site. The process started with analysis of our site and customer use patterns. Customer personas were developed to guide the design team to develop the architecture of the site and a content management system (CMS) that would allow updates and better customer interaction. With a new database management system in place, customers can now log in as members to the CMI community. From there, clients can manage or share project files, create new projects and get updates on information pertinent to their business needs. "It¹s going to be the heart of our operations, and yet like a brand new car," said Paul Kwak, Senior Communications Designer, "we can't wait to take it for a drive with our friends. We also likened the new site to "a creative ambulance." It has the elements needed for CMI to take quick action and assistance in case of a creative emergency. 2005 ­ CMI CELEBRATES 25 YEARS OF CREATIVE SERVICE AND MARKETING COMMUNICATIONS It¹s been a long time since Crystal McKenzie decided to open up shop. Ms. McKenzie received her BFA from The Cooper Union, with additional study at New York University and Università Cattólica di Milano, Rome. McKenzie started her career in 1973 as a commercial artist for the American Broadcasting Company. After establishing her corporate communications firm in 1980, at 30 East 20th Street, she guided its growth from a staff of one to a full-time staff of seven with additional associates and consultants. "At the time, there was practically nothing there ­ it was all I could afford," said McKenzie. "Now, it¹s a lively hub of creative and restaurants, nestled in the Gamercy area, just south of the Flatiron building and north of Union Square." Among the firm¹s clients are such corporate giants as Compaq, The Chase Manhattan Bank and public institutions such as HUD and the Dormitory Authority. Her grants and awards include recognition from the U.S. Department of Commerce and "1983 Woman Business Owner of the Year;" CEBA Award; Time, Inc. / NMBC Award. Ms. McKenzie is a board member of the Borough of Manhattan Community College. McKenzie maintains professional memberships with the New York New Media Association, the American Marketing Association, American Institute of Graphic Arts; and, professional affiliations with Women In Communications, Inc., Graphic Artists Guild, The National Minority Business Council, American Women¹s Economic Development Corporation, and Women In Construction. She lectures regularly and frequently appears as a keynote speaker at professional events. "We¹ve survived on a foundation of business standards (process, management, and integrity) mixed with strong creative (diversely talented people)." Over the years, Crystal McKenzie, Inc. (CMI) has weathered the storms of business climates ­ even 9-11 ­ by shear tenacity and devotion to customer service and diversifying the company¹s creative service mix. McKenzie remarks, "It¹s a creative business, and it¹s great to be 25!"