Warmest Birthday Wishes

It may have been freezing outside, but there's nothing a little friendship, cake and candles couldn't warm up. We celebrated Anne's birthday on Fun Friday last week. For one day, our Time Ninja earned the title of Fun Friday Queen. Happy birthday Anne!

Look who's watching Time Ninja?

Gotta hand it to them - our business team really finds ways to stay connected even when they are working from home or on vacation.

They knew Ann would miss them when they were gone, so they adorned her desk with cardboard cutouts of themselves!

Dilbert - Social media in a nutshell

Southwest's stamp on social media maybe Nuts About Southwest, but Dilbert's giving them a run for their money with this latest strip on companies who aren't so nuts about doing social media right:

 Hands up if you know any Beths or you are Beth -- We can help!

Welcome Elizabeth Hay!

When you call our front desk these days you'll hear Elizabeth Hay's soothing greeting.




Today marks her first full week at Gagen -- here's a little more about her:


Tell us a bit about your family – e.g kids, spouse, siblings, pets
I come from a big family – four sisters and one brother. It makes for some very interesting holidays! At this time I have no pets as my dog Jackson had to stay behind with my sister.

Do you have a nickname you’d like us to call you by?
Sure, you can call me Liz.

What is your idea of perfect happiness?
For me there is no specific idea or definition of a “perfect” happiness. I live my life each day as proactively, positive and humble as I can because happiness truly is not a destination but a state of mind.


Which words or phrases do you most overuse?
Wow good question, I would have to say “no worries” I catch myself saying that a lot.

Favorite Chicago spot
It really depends, currently I have just begun relearning the city since I have moved back but Wells on Wells and Benchmark are a few favorite spots.

Do drop Liz a welcome note in the comments below and remember to introduce yourself next time you're in town!

Here is one from the evening of Tuesday the 20th. Notice the Blue car at the bottom of the frame flip over and the Bumblebee Camaro driving through at the end.

Another video clip from yesterday

Here is a clip from yesterday titled "Blowup Wacker Drive" with a litle background music.

Transformers action hits closer to home

Base jumpers coming off the top of the Trump building.

Full-on pyrotechnics on Wacker just east of us.
Guns and firepowers ablazing.
Explosion debris strewn across the street.

 Video Courtesy of John Bock

Just another typical work day at Gagen as the 2nd week of filming continues. Even Access Hollywood can't beat our bird's eye view!

Transformers 3 are here!

No, the robots aren't here (they're purely computer-generated, as the building chose to remind everyone in their note) but the crowds, cameras and commotion are all over the place!
Check out the scene they are filming in front of the Chicago Tribune building today:

Being downtown has its privileges!

Anne @ Work

 

We've all met or at least spoken to Anne Pendergrast, the newest member of the Gagen family. Here's a little more about her:

Tell us about your family and where you're from:

I grew up in Beverly, on the south side of Chicago. I'm from a large Irish family, that for themost part, grew up on the Southside as well. I am the youngest of three. 

 What makes you happy?

My family, friends and Martha (MacMorris)! 

Which words or phrases do you most overuse?

"OMG" "No way.." and most recently "Where is your time?"

Favorite Chicago spots:

Wrigley Field, Grand Lux Café, and Maggianos.

Peter rocks @ Sun City

Sure it’s not the biggest venue he’s ever rocked. No, of course it doesn’t compare to jamming with Mick and Keith and the boys in Paris in ’74, or to opening for Bowie on the Ziggy Stardust tour. And yes, it’s true: he doesn’t always drink beer, but when he does, he prefers Dos Equis.

But, on a recent Tuesday night, when Peter D showed up in El Paso to help advance Gagen’s marketing and thought leadership efforts, he gave the “Sun City”  (seriously, that’s their nickname. I’m not making this up…) a show that no one in the audience will soon forget.

During an impromptu three song set, the musical bad boy put jaws on the floor as he showed off his range of vocal, lead guitar, and percussion talents, before closing out with a gripping rendition of The Beatles’ “Hey Jude.” As it turns out, Peter revealed that he has a special attachment to the song, since he inspired Paul to write it (“I am Jude – you knew that! Didn’t I mention that!?!”)

Like all great entertainers, Peter left the crowd wanting more, turning the set over to up-and-coming PlayStation3 sensation Catherine Gailey just as the show was peaking.

“Sometimes you have to let go to lead,” the rock / communications legend opined.

While his representatives refused to confirm an upcoming tour, Peter remains open to the idea of getting back out on the road.

“I hope that by this time next year, I can at least hit Lawrence, New York, D.C., Atlanta and San Francisco,” he said. “It really just depends on my bandwidth.”

Article by: Chandler Goodman
Photos by: Rose Gailey.

World Cup fever hits 35 East Wacker

With the World Cup having started this week, many of us are glued to the ESPN HD screen during the (occasional) 30 second break between client work. Newly minted football (soccer to the US citizens) fan Chandler comments on Thursday's action.

Where in the world is Gagen? - Mary Wallenfang @ APCO NY

This blog to date has been focused on what's going on in Chicago. We're such a dispersed and diverse group and our entries should be just like that. Beginning with Peter's post on Mack in Atlanta, we're continuing to showcase Gagen at work. Take a picture of your home office, or your space at the client's if you are embedded and set up a post yourself, or send it to me and I'll put it up.


Here's Mary Wallenfang in her new digs at APCO (Editor's comment: Feels like there should be a big welcome banner in the cube so we gave her one :)

Wade & Laurel have a new addition!

Just in time for Father's Day Wade has become the proud "father" of Mack - acquired from the local Animal Shelter in Atlanta. Here's Mack on his way home this afternoon. What a cutie!! What a great name!! And is it now Son&Son&Sons?

Go Hawks!

Our hometown hockey heroes did us proud by bringing home the Stanley Cup - the first in almost 50 years! they defeated the Philadelphia Flyers 4-3 in overtime.
A parade and rally in honor of the victory has taken over the base of our building right on the corner of Wacker and Michigan Ave -way to be part of the action!

Thanks Mary Ward and Nick for the pics!

Welcome Sheila!

Sheila Kindig joins us this week - and all of us in Chicago have been busy getting her up to speed and getting to know her as well. Here's a little more about her:

Tell us a bit about your family.

My husband (Mark) and I have three daughters, Caitlin (11), Julia (nearly 4) and Hannah (1).  Mark is a fun-loving father to our children, aspiring organic vegetable farmer, passionate squash player and gifted black & white photographer.  Caitlin is finishing up 5^th grade at the Nettelhorst School and spends her spare time practicing tae kwon do, participating in school theatre productions and serving as a Girl Scout (she’ll be around in January to sell cookies!). Julia is finishing her first year of pre-school at Nettelhorst and brings joyful energy to all that she does, while Hannah is busy exploring the world around her as she learns to walk and talk.

I come from a family of four girls  – Shannon, Sheri, Shelly (my twin) and Sheila –  and was also known as a Tuttle twin (my maiden name), providing an early introduction to alliteration.

What is your idea of perfect happiness?  

A note that I keep at my desk at home describes “happiness” as reflecting on the PAST with satisfaction, contentment and pride; appreciating the PRESENT with joy, ecstasy, calm and flow; and viewing the FUTURE with optimism, hope, faith and trust. 

Put simply, my idea of perfect happiness is pausing  to witness and enjoy what’s happening all around me, wherever I am.

What is your favorite journey?

I love road trips because it frees you to explore special places along the way.

Which words or phrases do you most overuse?   

“Right?” … particularly as I talk with my little ones.

Favorite Chicago spot
Millennium Park

If you haven't already been in touch, please write a comment to say hi and share one or two of your fave things about working at Gagen.

We Heart Halsted Street Deli

Lunch is something we all look forward to every day, but when it comes to Chandler - his heart belongs to just one place - Halsted Street deli - just 2 blocks from our offices. Fast delicious service - and an uncanny ability to know what you want even before you know what you want!

Gagen at Conference Board 2.0 conference

Here's our display at this week's Conference Board Web 2.0 meeting. Peter D presented with Evan Kraus from APCO and Shel Holz on using social media to drive employee engagement. We were co-sponsors with APCO of the event, and making our mark with the people who matter - about 85 communicators from all around the country were at the event.

Showering Morgan

In true Gagen style, we held a bridal shower for Morgan in our offices - complete with Bellini and brunch. Congrats soon-to-be Mrs Muirhead!

Welcome Erica!

Erica Warner joined us a receptionist last week and many of us have probably talked to her on the phone. Here's a little about her:

I was originally from Colorado, but we moved to Connecticut when I was 6 so I really did all of my growing up there. I have 1 younger sister, and LOTS of extended family, both parents are from families of 6 kids. My family has 3 dogs, 2 black labs and a jack-a-poo. Only 1 of them came with me in the move so he’s getting adjusted to being an only child.

My favorite food is Asian – any and all, but especially Sushi! I haven’t found a favorite hangout here yet, but back in CT we used to go to this restaurant/bar called The Tavern in Hartford, such awesome food and great wine & martinis too.

I like snowboarding, wine tasting (there’s a small wine trail in CT, going to CA in august) and traveling, my next big trip is going to be Greece!

Water anyone?

It's official - our new water dispenser beats the fridge by a large margin - almost 3 times faster. Time to fill a tall glass with water - 18 seconds by the new dispenser, 48 seconds by the fridge. I say we call it Speedy!

Welcome Son and Sons! - Part 2

Nick Skyles has arrived at our offices - here he is hobnobbing with and getting a loving welcome from our cuddly pets. So far we know that he rides Jasper the Vespa as his main mode of transportation, has a biting rubbish receptacle called Oliver and an imaginary dog called Beckham who can do all the tricks you can ever imagine. Say hi and leave a comment to welcome him to our crew!

Welcome Son and Sons!

Who's cooler than a cucumber, hotter than Uggs and the latest additions to the Gagen family? It's Son and Sons - the dynamic design trio consisting of Wade Thompson, Jeff Jarvis and Nick Syles. We are indeed lucky to have Nick on site in Chicago, but never fear, Wade and Jeff are just a call away. Here they are on their Brooklyn rooftop.

Out of the Blue

If you don't look closely enough, you might just miss her - she was in camouflage all day. Guess who?

Parking That Won't Bust Your Wallet

There's a great lot just a block and a half away from the office off Wabash Ave on the east side of the street. If you arrive before 10 a.m., it's just $12 for the day. Sweet savings! Redirect the money toward some exploration of food spots, or crew, runs and ride donations in support of our colleagues.

Spring is Here!

It's almost 60 degrees in downtown Chicago, but the way you know Spring has really arrived is not the temperature - it's when the tour boats return from their long winter hibernation to their summer nesting grounds on the Chicago River. That happened today - as you can see from this shot from our office windows just a little while ago.

St Paddy's Day

One of the great things about our new gig is we get to walk to work - at least from the Blue Line stop at Clark and Lake. This morning was perfect - crisp and clear. With the temps heading to 70 tomorrow it's nice to enjoy the early spring for a few days before the snow comes again on the weekend.

We discovered a new piece of Chicago trivia this afternoon - thanks to a terrific client. The best icecream in the heart of SouthSide Chicago Irish neighborhood (92nd and Western) is also available right here at State and Lake - at the Halsted Street Deli to be exact. And here's Dewon packing us two quarts of the famous five flavor Rainbow Cone for our afternoon celebration of the auspicious day.

Welcome Helen!

This morning we welcomed the newest member of our Gagen family - Helen Paczkowski.

She'd heard about the fabulous food at Gagen, so we kicked off her first day with a wholesome breakfast. We learned that she is attempting her first triathlon in the Gulf (of Mexico) off of St Petersburg, FL next month. She also lives in one of the hottest Chicago neighborhoods - Southport.


And in case you were wondering, here's how you say her last name:

Copy by Helen. Illustration by Lauren Kostas.

Leave Helen a warm welcome by leaving a comment below, and stop by to say hi next time you're in the office.

More favorite things

Jennifer says, "..how lively the neighborhood is, you actually see people where ever you turn. It also has a different vibe than the old place, more outgoing and full of life."

Rich says, "On the record… my commute is shorter to the point where I’ll be able to walk to and from work when the weather is nice. Off the record.." -- you'll just have to ask him!

These are a few of my favorite things

There's a lot that's fun about our new digs - not least of which is its prime location, near the Theatre District and just two blocks to State Street shopping.

Brenda's favorite thing is a better view and a commute time that's 45 minutes less!
What are your favorites?

Cheese & Wine Events to Bust Those Winter Blues!

FRENCH MARKET: Thursday Evening Commuter Wine Tastings in March!
We'd love for our new resident and commuter neighbors to our French Market location to get better acquainted with our thoughtful, luscious selection of small production wines and what better way to do that then to do some wine tastings that show them off? These FREE Tastings Will be Thursdays from 4:30 til 6:30 in March as follows--take some home with you! Better yet, bring an extra bottle for your commuter buddies and be even more popular!


THURS 3/11- "Voluptuous Winter Whites"- featuring selections from Glunz

House pets

Along with all of our papers, books, files, stationery, machinery and furniture, came the Gagen menagerie. Two have found a new home - not quite birds of a feather, but here they flock together!

Hidden camera

Did you know that there are hidden cameras recording EVERYTHING in the elevators of our new building?

Did someone forget to tell KDub?

The Best Security System

Got my security key fob today - isn't that sweet. No fuss, no wait, and the fob is not obtrusive - love it!

In a corner not so far away

Who do we see first when we walk into our office? Erin - our intrepid office manager, reception goddess, catering maven [insert title of your choice]. With our new large space, Erin's out of sight for most of the day, but hopefully not out of mind!

How the lunch room came to be

A photo evolution of our new lunch room courtesy of John Bock.

Day One on Wacker Drive

Walked into our new office this morning by way of Metra - Washington St - State - Wacker Drive. It took 16 minutes, and 3 minutes up the elevator. Was greeted by a cheery Erin and gorgeous light. Chicago skies may be gray at the moment, but the bright blue walls and happy balloons lit up my morning! Shout out to the business team for moving us in over the weekend.

My favorite discoveries:
1. We get email notices when people leave voicemails on our desk phones.
2. I'm neighbors with Adrianne, Peter and Barbara.
3. It takes 2 people to pull our trash bins apart. Thanks Jenny and Chris for separating the ones on the west end of the office.
4. The foodcourt of death - as baptized by Martha - at 233 N Michigan Ave. Most of the crew have headed there for lunch. I'm stopping by on my way to my 3 p.m. meeting!

Let us know your fave new discoveries - places to eat, short cuts to the train, best barista at the Starbucks downstairs, etc.