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AMM Communications Selected as one of Small Business Monthly’s “2017 Future 50” Recipients

image of Ann Marie Mayuga

Ann Marie Mayuga is AMM Communications co-founder and principal

September 6, 2017 (St. Louis) – AMM Communications LLC, a WBE-certified, St. Louis-based public relations, communications skills training and marketing firm, was selected as one of Small Business Monthly’s “2017 Future 50” companies, an award recognizing privately held companies that are key economic indicators for regional business growth.

“This is an honor to be selected as one of the Future 50 award recipients. We are thrilled to be included with this amazing group of local companies. Give the caliber of the Future 50 companies, St. Louis has a bright future,” said Ann Marie Mayuga, AMM Communications principal and co-founder.

For more information about Small Business Monthly’s “Future 50” 2017 recipients, please click here.

AMM Communications has also been voted one of the “Best St. Louis Public Relations Firms” by the readers of Small Business Monthly for eight consecutive years from 2010-17.

Founded in 2008, AMM Communications LLC, the St. Louis-based strategic marketing communications, public relations, and talent acquisition firm, provides media relations, business development, crisis communications, content marketing, internal communications, communications skills training, digital marketing, reputation management, social media consulting, and executive search services for businesses nationwide. AMM Communications is WBE certified, and has been voted one of the “Best PR Firms in St. Louis” by Small Business Monthly from 2010-2017. We want to help you … Drive your sales. Communicate better. Hire well. For more information, please visit, visit AMM Communications’ website or call 314.485.9499.

NutritionHQ, St. Louis-Headquartered Premium Supplement and Vitamin Retailer, Plans Nationwide Expansion Fall 2017

St. Louis (August 31, 2017) –  NutritionHQ (NHQ), the premium supplement and vitamin retailer headquartered in St. Louis, announced today that its first retail store will open August 23 at 8:00 a.m., located at 9430 Manchester, Rock Hill, MO, 63119.

Founded in 2015, NHQ now has five locations, including the Rock Hill that serves as its flagship store. The retail outlets are in Illinois, Indiana and Kentucky. Later this year, NHQ will announce plans with the introduction of its franchise program.

“We have long wanted a NHQ St. Louis retail location to further our brand, train our team, and provide a unique customer experience to every friend in The Lou,” said Ricky Hall, NutritionHQ founder and CEO.  “We are transforming 1,000 square feet of retail space into our flagship that will become the national model for all NHQ stores across the country.”

In 2016, NHQ exceeded $2,000,000 in revenue, which included its e-commerce business and retail operations. The company employs more than 25 team members. 

NHQ sources and sells only the highest quality products made from manufacturers that follow the FDA Good Manufacturing Products (GMP) regulations to help clients achieve their goals for weight loss, good health and sports nutrition.

“What distinguishes us from other supplement, vitamin and nutrition retailers is our commitment to sourcing and selecting the most reputable vendors in the industry who are manufacturing high-quality products that WORK!  NHQ Team Members listen, learn, educate and provide solutions to every client consistent with his or her goals.  To make it simple, its people and products that set us apart, and we are unparalleled in this industry,” said Jennah Purk-Hall, CPA, NutritionHQ CFO.

Hall and Purk-Hall, each of whom is a serial entrepreneur, selected the Rock Hill location to open their flagship store because it is a community they know well since they live, worship, workout and raise their family. Leveraging Hall’s industry expertise and Hall-Purk’s business and accounting expertise, they are a dynamic duo that cannot be stopped.   

Hall, who served in the Air Force, learned early in his career that strong physical conditioning leads to better decision making, stress management, and improved attitude. “Good physical health is an attainable goal. You don’t need to be a triathlete or performance weight lifter to achieve your physical goal. Our purpose is to help people make educated and informed decisions about how to use the best GMP supplements and vitamins available to achieve their fitness goals,” he said.

NHQ will sell its premium, private label brand, Legit Supplements, along with top-tier supplement and vitamin brands such as Rule1, NOW Nutrition, Magnum Nutrition, and many more.

Founded in 2015, NutritionHQ (NHQ), a St. Louis-based, veteran owned business, is the premium supplement and vitamin retailer that sources and sells only the highest-quality products online and at its retails locations in Illinois, Indiana and Missouri. At NutritionHQ, our focus is about you, our customer, to provide the best supplements and vitamins for weight loss, general health and sports nutrition. To learn more, please visit, http://nhqrocks.com.

AMM Communications, LLC, Launches Executive Search Division to Expand Service Offerings

image of Ed MayugaAugust 23, 2017 (St. Louis) – AMM Communications LLC, a WBE-certified, St. Louis-based public relations, communications skills training and marketing firm, announced today that it has launched a new executive search division to help clients identify the best talent for their open management positions in sales, business development, marketing, finance, accounting, operations, and administration.

Ed Mayuga, a partner at AMM Communications, has nearly 20 years of executive recruitment experience, and he will manage the new division while overseeing the talent acquisition process.

“Since 2008, we’ve helped multiple clients place A-players within their organizations as part of a strategic marketing plan. The demand is there, and it has become increasing difficult to recruit and retain top talent as the US economy has improved,” said Mayuga.

Mayuga uses a proprietary and customized search process that has a successful retention rate of more than 90 percent for new hires after the first year. In addition, what sets the AMM Communications executive search process apart from other search firms, is that the talent acquisition is guaranteed. If for some reason the new hire is not a fit for the position, AMM Communications will reopen the search free-of-charge.

Founded in 2008, AMM Communications LLC, the St. Louis-based strategic marketing communications, public relations, and talent acquisition firm, provides media relations, business development, crisis communications, content marketing, internal communications, communications skills training, digital marketing, reputation management, social media consulting, and executive search services for businesses nationwide. AMM Communications is WBE certified, and has been voted one of the “Best PR Firms in St. Louis” by Small Business Monthly from 2010-2017. We want to help you … Drive your sales. Communicate better. Hire well. For more information, please visit, http://ammcommunications.com or call 314.485.9499.

Purk & Associates Selected as one of Accounting Today’s “2017 Best Accounting Firms to Work For”

August 9, 2017 (St. Louis) – Purk & Associates, the leading St. Louis-based accounting and business consulting firm, was recently named as one of Accounting Today’s “2017 Best Accounting Firms to Work For.”

This is the fourth consecutive year that Purk & Associates has been selected for this prestigious award, and the firm is only one of two St. Louis- based accounting firms to receive this recognition.

“What an incredible honor to receive this recognition for four consecutive years,” said Bill Purk, CPA, Purk & Associates president. “We have an amazing and talented team that has helped build an amazing culture where we learn and support one another, and serve our clients well to guide them to financial success.”

Since its founding in June 2009, Purk & Associates has achieved significant financial growth, attracted and retained leading talent, and has been recognized by business groups and industry organizations for company awards and recognition of individual employees.

Purk & Associates has doubled the number of full-time professionals since its founding and doubling revenue during the past several years. Within the past six years, Purk & Associates has been recognized by the business community and accounting industry as one of the country’s leading accounting firms. The firm has been named to Inc. Magazine’s 500 | 5000 list in 2014, 2015 and 2016. Purk & Associates has been selected by the St. Louis Business Journal as the recipient for its “Best Places to Work” in 2010 and 2015, and a finalist in 2012 and 2014.

To review the list of the “2017 Best Accounting Firms to Work For,” please visit the Accounting Today article about the list of 2017 recipients.

This survey and awards program is designed to identify, recognize and honor the best employers in the accounting industry, benefiting the industry’s economy, workforce and businesses. The list is made up of 100 companies. Accounting Today partnered with Best Companies Group to identify companies that have excelled in creating quality workplaces for employees.

To be considered for participation, companies had to meet the following eligibility requirements: must be a public accounting firm in the U.S.; have a minimum of 15 employees working in the United States; and must be in business a minimum of 1 year.

Companies from across the United States entered the two-part survey process to determine Accounting Today’s “Best Accounting Firms to Work For.” The first part consisted of evaluating each nominated company’s workplace policies, practices, philosophy, systems and demographics. This part of the process was worth approximately 25% of the total evaluation. The second part consisted of an employee survey to measure the employee experience. This part of the process was worth approximately 75% of the total evaluation. The combined scores determined the top companies and the final ranking.

Best Companies Group managed the overall registration and survey process, analyzed the data and determined the final ranking.

Founded in 2009 with headquarters in St. Louis, Purk & Associates, P.C., is a nationally recognized and award winning, independently owned accounting and management advisory firm that delivers a full range of tax, accounting, audit and consulting services. At Purk & Associates, our focus is to help our clients achieve more financial and business success. To learn more, please visit http://purkpc.com.

Orlando’s Event Centers, Catering & Special Events Celebrates 50th Anniversary

Orlando’s Event Centers, Catering & Special Events is a third-generation, St. Louis family-owned business that has been involved with thousands of private and corporate events since 1967.
(Image by Strauss Peyton)

St. Louis (July 18, 2017) – Orlando’s Event Centers, Catering & Special Events, a St. Louis-based, third-generation family owned business, celebrates its 50th anniversary in July.

Founded in 1967 by husband and wife team, Sam Orlando, Sr., and Jan Orlando, they started as a catering company focused on serving the best St. Louis barbeque. During the past five decades, Orlando’s has been involved with tens of thousands of events and parties ranging from weddings and anniversaries to catering, planning and hosting some of the biggest not-for-profit fund raisers and corporate events in the St. Louis area. The business has expanded into all areas of the hospitality industry, including:

  • Catering:  Orlando’s is on the preferred caterers list at Louis’ most prestigious, unique venues and offers the latest culinary trends for private and corporate events.  High quality, locally sourced and uniquely presented food is their highest priority.  With events as small as 10 and as large as 10,000, Orlando’s offers catering for all occasions.
  • Event space: Orlando’s has three unique spaces for private, corporate and not-for-profits events located in South County, at 4300 Hoffmeister Avenue; Maryland Heights, located at 2050 Dorsett Village; and The Lodge at Grant’s Trail, a bed and breakfast, located at 4398 Hoffmeister Avenue. Orlando’s has a variety of spaces that will accommodate groups of 50 to 1,000 guests from the intimate outdoor patio at The Lodge to the multipurpose ball room at the South County event space.
  • Event Planning: Orlando’s has a team of event professionals to help plan and guide clients when planning an event to make the most of any size budget.
  • Lodging: The Lodge at Grant’s Trail is a unique bed and breakfast experience for guests who want rustic and luxurious experiences.

“Orlando’s is a family business from all aspects. Throughout the last 50 years, Orlando’s has employed thousands of team members, and today we have employees whose grandparents and parents worked for us. My brother Sam, Jr., and I have grown up with many of our employees, said Mike Orlando, Orlando’s Vice President.

“My son Scott is the third Orlando generation to learn the business from the ground up, and he and my daughter Jordan are eager to continue the legacy,” added Mike Orlando.

In 1999, the Orlando Family Foundation for Charities was founded as a 60th birthday present for Sam Orlando, Sr., for his community service, volunteerism and charitable gifts. Since the Foundation was formed, more than $1 million dollars have been awarded to local not-for-profits with an annual gala with the selected charitable partners participating. The Orlando Family Foundation for Charities Gala is January 27, 2018. For more information, please visit www.orlandofamilyfoundation.org.

“We have been part of the St. Louis community for decades, and have grown and expanded to keep up with the changing taste of our clients. Our success is dependent on the fine talent of our team members, ensuring that our clients have memorable experiences, and keeping true to our St. Louis roots,” said Sam Orlando, Jr., Orlando’s Vice President.

Since 1967, Orlando’s Event Centers, Catering & Special, a St. Louis-based, third-generation, family owned business, has been providing outstanding and unique catering, wedding and event planning services for private, corporate and not-for-profit events in St. Louis city, St. Louis, St. Charles, Franklin and Jefferson counties, and Metro East communities. To learn more, visit, http://orlandogardens.com.

AMM Communications, LLC, Voted One of Best 2017 St. Louis Public Relations Firms by Small Business Monthly for Eighth Consecutive Year

image of Ed MayugaJuly 11, 2017 (St. Louis) – AMM Communications LLC, a St. Louis-based strategic communication and marketing communication firm, focused on public relations, business development, internal communications, content marketing, crisis communications, reputation management, talent recruitment, executive communication skills training, and social media consulting, was selected as one of the “Best 2017 Public Relations Firms in St. Louis” by Small Business Monthly readers.

The firm has made the list of Small Business Monthly’s Top Public Relations firms for eight consecutive years from 2010-17.

The list of the top public relations is published in the July 2017 Small Business Monthly. To view the list of the best public relations firms, please click here.

“This is an incredible honor,” said Ann Marie Mayuga, AMM Communications partner. “We want to thank our clients and the readers of Small Business Monthly for selecting us as one of the top public relations firms in St. Louis. To be included with this group of St. Louis firms demonstrates the level of marketing and public relations talent in the St. Louis region.”

Since its founding in 2008, AMM Communications has served the leading companies in their industry sectors providing them with support ranging from media relations and crisis communications to content marketing, and executive communications skills training, and talent recruitment.  The company, co-founded by Ed and Ann Marie Mayuga, focuses on financial institutions, professional services firms, manufacturing and distribution companies, healthcare, technology start-ups, government entities and not-for-profits throughout the region and nationwide.

Founded in 2008, AMM Communications LLC, the St. Louis-based strategic marketing communications, public relations, and talent acquisition firm, provides media relations, business development, crisis communications, content marketing, internal communications, communications skills training, digital marketing, reputation management, social media consulting, and recruitment services for businesses nationwide. The firm is WBE certified and has been voted one of the “Best PR Firms in St. Louis” by Small Business Monthly from 2010-2017. “Drive your sales. Communicate better. Hire well.” For more information, please visit, http://ammcommunications.com or call 314.485.9499.

Summer Pests, How to Avoid Bees, Wasps, and Hornets

Tips from a Local Business on How to Avoid Summer Stingers

It’s that time of the year again!  You’re lounging poolside soaking up the summer sun when all of a sudden, you hear something out of your right ear.  The sound is so unnerving that your entire body begins to tense up.  You go into full combat mode.  The sound gradually increases in volume and now it’s also heard through your left ear.  You throw your entire body off the lounge chair and quickly turn around, a flip-flop in hand.  Sure enough, a wasp hovers aggressively above a plant adjacent to the lounge chair.  There’s nothing you can do but wait it out.  Unfortunately, when there’s one wasp, there’s usually a nest somewhere nearby.  For the remainder of your summer, you’re left to fend off these nasty summer stingers.

Okay, some maybe I’m just terrified of wasps but we’ve all been in a similar situation.  You’re out enjoying the summer sun when suddenly you’re confronted with an aggressive pest ready to defend its territory.  Unfortunately, unlike bees, wasps and hornets can sting multiple times and are very aggressive.  Not to mention all three pests pack a powerful stinger packed with venom.  Though we like to label these pests as a simple nuisance, they can actually cause injury.  All three pests can injure and even kill a person.  However, injury and death are very rare.  Still, it’s important to know if and when you have a problem with these summer stingers.  Here are some tips from a St. Louis-based exterminator to get you through your summer, sting free!

There’s Little You Can Do to Prevent Them

Less of a tip and more of a harsh realization, there’s actually very little you can do to prevent summertime stinging pests.  Unlike termites or ants, you can’t create a barrier that kills pests at the source.  You also can’t create decoy hives or nests or set traps.  Sure, you could just remove all pollinating plants from your yard and home but that would be absolutely insane.  There are, however, a few precautionary measures that can be taken to avoid welcoming stinging pests into your home.

Don’t Create a Foundation on Which Wasps Can Build a Home

You might not be aware of it, but the way in which you maintain and manage your home could be serving as an invitation to wasps and hornets.  Wasps and hornets love building nests in corners, under loose siding, near gutters, near patches of mud or dirt, and around leftover firewood.  To ensure you don’t send out an invitation to these summer stingers, make sure that you’re replacing damaged siding, cleaning out gutters, keeping your yard lush and green, and removing leftover firewood from the winter.

Don’t Open a Stinging Pest Buffet

Leaving leftover food exposed outside or improperly bagged in the trash can also serve as an invitation for wasps, bees, and hornets.  All three pests love sugary foods and will be quick to notice leftover food.  Always make sure you’re properly bagging or discarding food waste and ensure you aren’t leaving food out for extended periods of time.

Look for the First Signs of Infestation

Unfortunately, because there’s little that can be done to prevent stinging insects, the best thing to do is to keep an eye out for the first signs of an infestation.  If you’re not used to seeing bees, wasps, or hornets roam around your home and you begin to see an influx of these pests near your home, there’s probably a nest nearby.  Be sure to note any patterns that would indicate a possible location of a nest or hive.

FYI: Wasps, bees, and hornets will often attack in groups.  Children can be killed with 500 stings while the average adult can die after 1000 stings.  Wasp nests can reach 5,000 members at a time!

Another thing to note is possible nests and hives.  Bee hives are recognizable as are most wasp and hornets nests, however, there are more types of nests that the common paper or comb-based nests.  Wasps, such as the mud-dauber, build nests out of mud or dirt.  These nests are built on the side of homes or outdoor structures and look like balls or pockets of dry mud.  Never remove a nest or hive haphazardly.  It’s best to consult an expert, however, should you feel compelled to do it yourself, make sure to have a carefully created plan and the correct tools.

That’s About It!

Again, there’s little to do in the way of prevention.  However, there are multiple steps that can be taken to note the first signs of infestation.  Catching an infestation early can limit the amount of larva these pests can lay and will aid in the removal process.

 

Mick’s Exterminating
8491 Veterans Memorial Pkwy, O’Fallon, MO 63366
636-978-5700
http://www.micksexterminating.com/

Scientists from Intact Genomics, University of Wisconsin – Madison and Northwestern University, Partnered to Build New Platform for the Discovery of New Drug Leads from the Microbial World

St. Louis – (June 12, 2017) Today scientists from St. Louis-based Intact Genomics, a world leader of research and services around large DNA fragment cloning and metagenomics related technologies; the University of Wisconsin – Madison; and Northwestern University, announced that their research to develop a new, scalable platform that harvests valuable lead compounds from fungi, using a technology known as Fungal Artificial Chromosomes with Metabolomic Scoring (FAC-MS) will be published in the Nature Chemical Biology June 12 issue.

The FAC-MS approach harnesses fungi to create powerful molecules honed through evolution by capturing large swaths of their DNA in a special system for robust production and identification of new molecules.  Most notable, the company has also developed another disruptive technology of soil shuttle BAC-NGS (next generation sequencing) to capture 100-kb large DNA directly from soil and environmental uncultivable microbes for large-scale natural product discovery.

The new 100-kb large DNA platforms will transform the process of discovering new bioactive molecules for application to numerous human diseases through the systematic discovery of new drug leads from the microbial world.

The published work shows how one of Intact Genomics products, the genome-based 100-kb large DNA technologies, is used to revive large-scale natural products and drug discovery for the biosynthetic industry, pharmaceutical companies, agriculture, bioenergy, and environment protection. A significant amount for the funding of the research to build and test the company’s genome-based 100KB large DNA technologies, was funded through a total $1.8 million NIH SBIR Phase II grant from May 2014 to April 2016.

Founded in 2013 by Dr. Chengcang Charles Wu along with Rosa Ye, his wife, Intact Genomics is based at the Helix Center Biotech Incubator and has six full-time employees.

Dr. Wu explained that he and Rosa were drawn to St. Louis when they knew they wanted to start a business because it offered the necessary biotech infrastructure, access to research talent, and ideal community to raise a family.

“When I turned 50 years-old in 2013, I knew that if I didn’t start my company now that it might be too late. Rosa and I like to explore new places so we visited San Diego, the North Carolina Research Triangle Park, Boston and St. Louis. We choose St. Louis because it has a good environment for biotech startups and family life,” said Dr. Wu.

During the past four years, Intact Genomics has developed more than 40 new molecular biology products including Escherichia coli competent cells (highest transformation efficiency in the market), Enzymes, Real-time PCR kits, Real-time qPCR kits, and cloning kits, and many of its clients are international academic institutes and corporations.

Rosa added, “We fell in love with St. Louis the first time we came here. As entrepreneurs, we did what we had to do. In 2013, we rented a U-Haul, left our house behind in Madison, Wisconsin, and rented a two-bedroom apartment less than one mile from the Helix Biotech Incubator. Four years later, Charles and I are thrilled to be here in this position to produce life-saving products. We have an amazing team of scientists, the encouragement from our family, and the support of the St. Louis community.”

St. Louis-based, Intact Genomics, a world leader of research and services around large DNA fragment cloning and metagenomics related technologies, helps scientists explore the genome structure and function of microorganisms, plants, and animal species. To learn more, click here.

 

Research published in the Nature Chemical Biology June 12 issue

Purk & Associates, P.C., Celebrates Eighth Anniversary

Bill Purk – Purk & AssociatesJune 1, 2017 (St. Louis) – Purk & Associates, P.C., the leading, independently owned St. Louis-based accounting and management advisory firm, celebrated its eighth anniversary June 1.

“Looking back at the past eight years, it is humbling to see how Purk & Associates has grown. We want to thank our clients for the opportunity to serve them and grow with them. The Purk & Associates team members challenge ourselves each day to be better than we were the day before to exceed our clients’ expectations,” said Bill Purk, CPA, Purk & Associates president and co-founding shareholder.

Since its founding in June 2009, Purk & Associates has achieved significant financial growth, attracted and retained leading talent, and has been recognized nationally as one of the best accounting firms to work for in the country.

“I’d also like to thank the amazing team at Purk. We have an incredibly talented group of individuals who have each contributed to building a strong culture where we support and care for one another,” added Purk.

Purk & Associates was named to Inc. Magazine’s 500 | 5000 Fastest Growing Companies from 2014 – 2016, and was selected by Accounting Today as one of the “Top 100 Best Accounting Firms to Work For” from 2014 – 16. Purk & Associates was selected by the St. Louis Business Journal as the recipient of the 2010 and 2016 “Best Places to Work,” and selected as a Top 5 finalists in 2012, 2014 and 2015. The firm was voted by the Small Business Monthly readers as one of the “Best Accounting Firms in St. Louis” from 2010 – 2017.

Founded in 2009 with headquarters in St. Louis, Purk & Associates, P.C., is a nationally recognized and award winning, independently owned accounting and management advisory firm that delivers a full range of tax, accounting, audit and consulting services. At Purk & Associates, our focus is to help you achieve more financial and business success. To learn more, please visit www.purkpc.com.

AMM Communications LLC Celebrates Ninth Anniversary

image of Ann Marie Mayuga — AMM Communications LLCJune 1, 2017 (St. Louis) – AMM Communications LLC, the St. Louis-based strategic marketing communications, public relations, and talent acquisition firm, celebrated its ninth anniversary June 1.

Founded in 2008 by Ed and Ann Marie Mayuga, AMM Communications works with small- to mid-size businesses nationwide in the financial services, professional services, technology, and manufacturing and distribution industries.

“We want to thank our clients, family and friends for their support for the past nine years. We are excited about future opportunities, helping our clients’ businesses grow, and giving back to the St. Louis community,” said Ann Mayuga Mayuga, AMM Communications co-founder and partner.

AMM Communications is Women Business Enterprise (WBE) certified by the State of Missouri, and was voted one of the top 25 St. Louis public relations firms by the readers of Small Business Monthly from 2010-2016.

“It has been remarkable how much has changed in business and in the marketing and communications industries during the past nine years since Ed and I founded this business. We’ve learned much as entrepreneurs and are excited about what the future holds growing and learning as professionals to strengthen our skills, and leveraging technology to effectively and efficiently help our clients’ businesses grow,” added Mayuga.

Founded in 2008, AMM Communications LLC, the St. Louis-based strategic marketing communications, public relations, and talent acquisition firm, provides media relations, business development, crisis communications, content marketing, internal communications, communications skills training, digital marketing, reputation management, social media consulting, and recruitment services for businesses nationwide. “Drive your sales. Communicate better. Hire well.” For more information, please visit, http://ammcommunications.com or call 314.485.9499.