AICI in the News

ANNE NAMBA WINS IMAGE CONSULTANTS AWARD

(Honolulu, HI - Star Advertiser)  Designer Anne Namba of Anne Namba Designs was honored Sunday with the Association of Image Consultants International's IMMIE Bravo Award of Excellence at the Marriott Waikiki Resort, marking the end of the association's conference in Honolulu.

The award is presented annually for outstanding contribution to the group, its members or clients.

Past recipients of the IMMIE — Image Makers Merit of Industry Excellence — include Oprah Winfrey, New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Dr. P.M. Forni, author and founder of the Civility Proj¬ect at Johns Hopkins University.

In addition to her local retail operation, Namba has designed costumes for Hawaii Opera Theatre and for "Madame Butterfly," presented at the Savonlinna Opera Festival in Finland. She also presented "Fashion in Motion" in New York to benefit Mikhail Baryshnikov's Art Center.
Nancy E. Pace, also from Honolulu, received the association's Civility Star Award for philanthropic efforts.

The association is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the level of professionalism and enhancing the recognition of image consultants.

The four-day conference included workshops on such topics as "The New Esthetics of Human Identity," "Nice Matters," "Values Communication Through Personal Style," "Techno-Etiquette: How to Be a Cyber Superstar and Build Your Online Brand" and "I Don't Need an Image Consultant, She Does!" 

To download this press release, click here. 

AICI HONORS HAWAIIAN FASHION DESIGNER ANNE NAMBA WITH ITS HIGHEST INDUSTRY ACCOLADE

(San Francisco, CA) The Association of Image Consultants International (AICI) wrapped up the 2012 Annual Conference in Honolulu at the Marriott Waikiki Resort on Sunday, May 20 with a Gala Awards Dinner and bestowed its highest industry accolade, The IMMIE Bravo Award of Excellence, on fashion designer Anne Namba of Anne Namba Designs. This prestigious award is presented annually to a person (or organization) whose work or contribution to AICI, its members or clients is outstanding.

AICI’S international vice president of marketing Yasmin Anderson-Smith, AICI CIP explains the origins of the IMMIE Bravo Award: “The individual selected must have actively supported and promoted a positive image in our society as a whole. IMMIE stands for Image Makers Merit of Industry Excellence, and Bravo expresses our appreciation for the recipient’s contributions either to AICI or the image industry. Anne Namba now joins other prominent past recipients including Oprah Winfrey, Dr. P.M. Forni, author and founder of the Civility Project at Johns Hopkins, New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Target stores, to cite a few well-known names.”

Anne Namba Designs reflect her Asian heritage. Born in Hawaii, she lived as a child in Thailand and Iran. A graduate of the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York, she worked for a time in the costume department at Radio City Music Hall. Her recent accomplishments include the costume designs for Pirates of Penzance for the Hawaii Opera Theatre, Madame Butterfly, presented at the Savonlinna Opera Festival in Finland and the collection Fashion in Motion, a New York City benefit for Mikhail Barysnikov’s Art Center.

Namba‘s client list has included both celebrities and politicians, including the late, great actress Elizabeth Taylor, soul singer Aretha Franklin, secretary of state Hillary Clinton and Olympic gold medalist Kristi Yamaguchi. She launched her design business in 1989, and calls it a true family business. Her husband is the business brain, her nephew, the artist Kamea Hader interprets the fabrication designs with her and her daughter does modeling plus sales. “I humbly share this award with my family and loyal clients,” says Namba modestly. Without their contribution and support Namba Designs could not exist. I love working in fine silks, along with select vintage fabrics. For me, the work is always challenging and meticulous. This year, I got my dragon design inspiration from the Chinese calendar--2012 is the Year of the Water Dragon. The dragon is a symbol of empowerment.”

AICI members had the opportunity to view the chic, colorful and comfortable Anne Namba designs during a live fashion presentation as part of the conference’s emphasis on image enhancement.

AICI, the Source for Image Professionals in Education, Experience and Excellence, is the leading and largest professional association of personal and
corporate image consultants worldwide. A nonprofit organization, AICI is
dedicated to advancing the level of professionalism and enhancing the recognition of image consultants. On the Web at www.aici.org.

 

Anne Namba accepting her Award at the AICI Annual Conference Honolulu May 2012

 

Click here to hear Cindy Ann Peterson on Hawaii Public Radio during the AICI Hawaii Conference.


IMAGE CONSULTANT LEADERS REVEAL LATEST INDUSTRY INNOVATIONS AT AICI’S 2012 ANNUAL CONFERENCE

(San Francisco, CA) The Association of Image Consultants International (AICI) holds its 2012 Annual Conference in Honolulu from Thursday, May 17 through Sunday, May 20 at the Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa. Oahu, sometimes called the “Gathering Place,” brings together professional and aspiring image consultants from across the globe for four days of intense listening, learning and living the image industry.

International president Kimberly Law, AICI CIP, an image and etiquette expert, based in Vancouver, British Columbia says: “Our Annual Conference is the premier education and networking event in the image industry. This is the first time we have held the international conference outside of the North America mainland.”

“AICI is dedicated to providing ongoing education, support, resources and encourages members to pursue professional certification--a major reason for the Annual Conference’s comprehensive educational programming,” explains Law. “AICI FLC is First Level Certification; Second Level is AICI CIP or Certified Image Professional; the highest level of consultant is AICI CIM or Certified Image Master. Only a handful of consultants in the world have attained this status.”

The conference theme, “Expanding Our Horizons,’’ features image leaders from North America, Europe, Asia and Australia presenting a variety of topics in over 34 sessions. A few workshop highlights include: Asia’s Christina Ong, AICI CIM on Branding through People; Penelope Paik, MA, Honolulu, presents Civility Rules in Social Media; Australia-based Ferial Youakim, AICI CIP discusses Ability, Possibility and Profitability; England’s Sue Donnelly, AICI CIP gives age-based style secrets in Grown-Up Style: Dressing the 50+; multi-linguist Valerie Berset-Price, AICI FLC takes on Bridge the Culture Gap; and India-based Sangetta Bahl, MBA, AICI FLC talks on From a Novice to a Pro.

Image and fashion are also integral to conference activities: An AICI night at Hilo Hattie’s, the leading purveyor of Hawaiian fashions, and a fashion presentation by leading Hawaiian designer Anne Namba. The event culminates with a Gala Awards and Dinner, where the dress is Hawaiian.

AICI, the Source for Image Professionals in Education, Experience and Excellence, is the leading and largest professional association of personal and corporate image consultants worldwide. A nonprofit organization, AICI is dedicated to advancing the level of professionalism and enhancing the recognition of image consultants. On the Web at www.aici.org.

For more information, please contact:

LynAnn King, KingSingsPR / AICI
Tel.: 650-550-0090
E-mail: LynAnnKing@KingSingsPR.com  

To download this press release as a Word document, click here.

5 STEPS TO A MORE CIVIL WORKPLACE
By Catherine E. Toth

Rude coworkers, bullying bosses, stolen lunches. Office life can be uncivil. But Penelope Paik, president of Civility International Inc., says five small changes to our behavior can make a big difference. There’s no better time to start than this month, which is International Civility Month.

1. Golden Rule: Even in the business world, the Golden Rule should apply.

“Treat each other the way you want to be treated,” says Paik, co-author of the book “The Power of Civility.” Respect colleagues, avoid gossip, and watch what you say and how you say it. Being civil takes effort, but the payoff is a better and more productive workplace.

2. Use, not abuse, technology:

Smartphones and other technology shouldn’t be tools for rudeness. Put down your phone or close your laptop during meetings. E-mail may be convenient, but it isn’t always the best way to communicate. “There are instances when direct person-to-person contact is vital to your working or professional relationships,” Paik says. Then consider following up with a phone call, a personal visit or even a handwritten note. “You’ll go a long way to being valued in the other party’s eyes.”

3. Ditch the clique:

An office can be like high school, with small cliques creating rifts. Instead of clinging to your usual friends, branch out. “Your initiative could not only yield a new friendship, you may discover ways this colleague can provide valuable assistance to you,” Paik says.

4. Dress the part:

When you look good, you feel good. Your image should be part of your work strategy. “Your co-workers … appreciate a neat, clean appearance, including appropriate dress,” Paik says. “Avoid showing too much skin, tight clothes or pants that are so baggy your underwear shows. These all detract from you being seen as a professional and someone who’s ready for promotion.”

5. Mind your manners:

Even small actions can be disrespectful and create negative feelings. Helping yourself to a colleague’s lunch, talking too loudly on the phone, and discussing inappropriate things in front of colleagues aren’t conducive to a productive work environment. “Part of civility is building trust and respect and sharing responsibility. It’s a conscious effort; it’s not automatic,” Paik says.

www.civilityinternational.com



THE 2012 AICI CIVILITY STAR AWARDEE, NANCY E. PACE, M.D. LEADS WITH PURPOSE
 
Coinciding with May as International Civility Awareness Month, the Association of Image Consultants International (AICI) holds its Annual conference at the beautiful Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort and Spa, Honolulu Hawaii. Come feel the magic of Civility and spread the word about Civility, one word, one person at a time. Honolulu Rotary Club President honored and officially recognized during AICI’s Annual Conference held Thursday, May 17 through Sunday, May 20, 2012 at their Gala Awards.

Honolulu, HI (PRWEB) May 10, 2012 http://www.prweb.com/releases/2012/5/prweb9493524.htm -- The Association of Image Consultants International (AICI) salutes May as International Civility Awareness Month for the third successive year, as designated in Chase’s Calendar of Events, The Ultimate Go-To-Guide for Special Days, Weeks and Months.

Honolulu-based Nancy E. Pace, M.D. was presented this distinguished honor recently during the Rotary Club Meeting, held at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel by Penelope Paik, AICI‘s co-chair of the Civility Counts Project. Dr. Pace will again be officially recognized during AICI’s Annual Conference held Thursday, May 17 through Sunday, May 20 at the Marriott Waikiki Resort & Spa at their Gala Awards Banquet.

“The Civility Star Award is presented annually to an individual who has demonstrated outstanding leadership; someone who has made significant contribution to the betterment of society,” states Yasmin Anderson-Smith, AICI’s international vice president of marketing and co-chair of the Civility Counts Project. “The Civility Star award is one of several AICI initiatives aimed at promoting the spirit of Civility and philanthropy and engaging our global members around a worthy cause. Dr. Pace exemplifies incredible leadership and service. As CEO of Solutions for Non Profit Organizations, she is at the forefront in both her career and community. She currently serves as president of the Rotary Club of Honolulu, a board member and former president of Kahi Mohala Hospital, the Boys and Girls Club, American Cancer Society, Salvation Army, just to cite a few of her accomplishments

To view this press release online, click here.

RAISING A RED FLAG ABOUT INCIVILITY AS A GLOBAL CRISIS IS THE MISSION OF FOUNDERS OF THE AICI CIVILITY COUNTS PROJECT

(Sacramento, CA) Founding father George Washington, our patriotic leader, wrote Rules of Civility & Decent Behaviour in Company and Conversation containing 110 Rules of acceptable conduct. Regrettably, incivility reigns supreme in partisan politics, in daily uncivil acts due to incivility in the air, on the road and in classrooms. As we approach Presidents Day, the Association of Image Consultants International (AICI) wants to raise a civility red flag. “We endeavor to spread the word that Civility Counts one city, state, region, business, professional organization or workplace at a time,’’ says Yasmin Anderson-Smith, AICI CIP, co-chair of the AICI Civility Counts Project.

The Association of Image Consultants International (AICI) officially launched its Civility Counts Project in May, 2009 precisely to respond to this global outcry about incivility in our society and its impact on people’s lives, regardless of color, creed or station in life. Sadly, the recent tragic events that occurred in Tucson, AZ, and the subsequent plea made by President Obama during the Tucson Memorial Service, where he called for “civility in public discourse,’’ raises a compelling question: Everybody’s talking about civility, but do people really understand the meaning of civility and how it impacts their everyday lives at home, in the workplace, on school campuses and in the community?

Anderson-Smith was the driving force behind the movement that led to having the month of May declared “International Civility Awareness Month.’’ This event is now officially listed in Chase’s Calendar of Events, The Ultimate Go-to Guide for Special Days, Weeks and Months. Her take on the topic of civility today? “Our world continues to be ‘civility challenged.’“

“Let’s get to its explicit meaning,’’ says the Maryland-based civility and etiquette image expert: “The word civility comes from the Latin word Civitas--or city--and the French word Civilite, which means politeness.’’ Anderson-Smith, whose inspiration was Professor P.M. Forni, cofounder of the Civility Project at Johns Hopkins University and author of Choosing Civility--The Twenty Five Rules of Considerate Conduct, explains that “civility is all about kindness, consideration, sensitivity, caring, giving and nurturing. It is a code of conduct based on the

Three R’s: Respect, Restraint and Responsibility.’’

The self-declared Republican and evangelist, Mark DeMoss, co-founder of the Civility Project.org and president of the public relations firm DeMoss Group, commented on the dismal results that happened when he mailed a Civility Pledge to every member of Congress and every governor in the U.S. Only three congressmen signed the pledge--and no governors. This led DeMoss to announce that he would terminate the Civility Project.

Appearing recently on CNN’s The Journal Report with Paul Gigot, New Jersey Governor Chris Christie had this to say about Civility: “We should always be examining how we speak to each other, and we should speak to each other civilly. But, if speaking to each other civilly means not telling the truth, or putting so much varnish on what we say, that you can’t tell where people stand, I’m not in favor of that.’’

Atlanta-based international president of AICI, Lynne Henderson Marks, AICI CIM, reports that prior to launching the Civility Counts Project in 2009, a civility research project survey was conducted by a select group of Blue Ribbon image experts from the association. “The results were profound. Seventy two percent of the survey participants believe people are more uncivil today that they were 20 years ago, and 63 percent affirmed that rudeness in the workplace is on the rise. A whopping 83.6 percent felt that lack of respect and consideration was the major cause for incivility. We felt that the business of image and the pursuit of civility were completely compatible with our long-range goals. Image means the disciplines of Appearance, Behavior and Communication and Civility is defined as Respect, Restraint and Responsibility.’’

“Leading up to our May, 2011 Annual Conference to be held in Orlando, FL,’’ says Anderson-Smith, “we continue to have our members collecting Civility proclamations in our 26 chapters around the world. We want to turn the civility challenged into civility ambassadors by emphasizing in actions that Civility Counts! You might say that we are raising the civility red flag.”

AICI, the Source for Image Professionals in Education, Experience and Excellence, is the leading and largest professional association of personal and corporate image consultants worldwide. A nonprofit organization, AICI is dedicated to advancing the level of professionalism and enhancing the recognition of image consultants. On the Web at www.aici.org.

For more information, please contact:

Carole Ann Lyons, AICI Publicist
530-644-4919, caroleann@millermania.com  

Yasmin Anderson-Smith, VP Marketing
301.792.2276, yasmin@kymsimage.com  

To download this press release as a Word document, click here .

AICI MEMBERS TAKE THE CIVILITY AWARENESS CHALLENGE BACK HOME TO THEIR GLOBAL COMMUNITIES

The Association of Image Consultants International (AICI) Global Conference held recently in Vancouver, British Columbia, was a celebration of civility. The Civility Counts Project was first launched during the 2009 conference held in Irvine, CA, and on display was a single official proclamation from the city of Los Angeles declaring one day in May Civility Awareness Day. One year later, AICI members unveiled 40 official proclamations, declaring the entire month of May as International Civility Awareness Month, as a recognized event published in the Annual Events Bible, Chase’s Calendar of Events (McGraw Hill).

United States proclamations were secured from the states of Maryland and Oklahoma, and from cities in the states of Texas, Washington, Ohio, California, Virginia and Maryland. Prominent organizations also weighed in with their support, including the Girl Scouts of America, Rotary Club, Emily Post Institute, several members of Congress, a chamber of commerce, a high school and a university, to name a few. Internationally, proclamations came from Canada, the Philippines, Jamaica and Japan.

“This was AICI’s first annual grass-roots effort to spread the word about civility,’’ states Yasmin Anderson-Smith, AICI CIP, who chairs the Civility Counts Project. It has been a year-long effort to educate our global members, who are located in more than 40 countries, to embrace civility as a way to boost their image business. Based in the greater Washington, D.C. area and founder of the nonprofit, Girls for a Change, Anderson-Smith is both an etiquette and civility expert. “The Civility Counts Project was inspired by Dr. P.M. Forni, author of Choosing Civility - The Twenty-Five Rules of Considerate Conduct (St. Martin’s Griffin, 2002) and cofounder of the Civility Project at Johns Hopkins University.

Just what is civility and what does it mean? Forni defines it as a code of conduct based on the 3 Rs: Respect, Restraint and Responsibility. Deborah King, AICI CIP, who is behind the proclamation-gathering process, says: “Incivility is rampant in our global society, and has reached epidemic proportions. We see it in government, in sports, in the air and on the road. What we are trying to do is raise awareness that civility is good business and enhances the quality of our lives no matter where in the world we live or work.’’ Founder of the Final Touch Finishing School, headquartered in both Dallas, TX and Seattle, WA, King was pleasantly surprised to see how eagerly the city officials she approached wanted to climb on the civility awareness bandwagon. “They recognize that civility has been absent in our schools, communities and in families everywhere. Each and every year going forward, AICI members will spread the word about civility in every corner of the world where we have a presence one proclamation at a time.’’

Another civility component has been added to the Civility Counts Project: the Civility Star Award. “During this conference, we awarded our first Canadian Civility Star to Manitoba-based Lewena Bayer, the founder and executive director of The Center of Cultural Competence and The Civility Experts,‘’ adds Anderson-Smith. “Lewena‘s expertise in civility in the workplace has made a difference. She epitomizes outstanding leadership leading to the betterment of society.”

AICI, the Source for Image Professionals in Education, Experience and Excellence, is the leading and largest professional association of personal and corporate image consultants worldwide. A nonprofit organization, AICI is dedicated to advancing the level of professionalism and enhancing the recognition of image consultants. On the Web at www.aici.org.

For more information, please contact:
Carole Ann Lyons, AICI Publicist
530-644-4919
caroleann@millermania.com  

To download this press release as a Word document, click here.

For the list of the 2010 International Civility Awareness Month Proclamations from around the world, click here.

Lewena Bayer (left) is presented with the AICI 2010 Civility Star Award by Karen Brunger (right) as part of International Civility Awareness Month.

AICI CELEBRATES 20 YEARS IN THE IMAGE BUSINESS WITH A COMMITMENT TO CIVILITY--AND AWARDS ITS FIRST CANADIAN CIVILITY STAR TO LEWENA BAYER

The Association of Image Consultants International (AICI) will hold its Global Annual Conference in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada from Thursday, May 20 through Sunday, May 23, 2010 at the Renaissance Harbour Hotel, and celebrates its 20th Anniversary.

Just 20-years ago, image consulting was considered a pricey perk exclusively geared to the rich and famous. Not any more! Now, professional image consultants’ clients can include teens preparing for their first dance, recent college grads hunting for their first job, out-placed executive men and women trying to polish up their image to land a new job, or men and women seeking to climb the corporate ladder. Image has grown to include all segments of the population.

“It has been an exciting ride for our profession. What started as a primarily U.S.-based membership, AICI now has members in over 40 countries,” says Lynne Marks, AICI CIM, the president of the international association, and founder/president of the London Image Institute, headquartered in Atlanta, GA. “We are a group of men and women who are certified image professionals, dedicated to helping individuals from all walks of life to learn, project and appreciate their own image uniqueness.”

This conference does hold special significance. In 2009, members were first introduced to the Civility Counts Project. As part of the 20th anniversary celebration, Chase’s Calendar of Events, The Ultimate Go-to Guide for Special Days, Weeks and Months, has recognized AICI as the official sponsor of the month of May as “International Civility Awareness Month.” States Marks: “We are very proud to support Civility.”

Lewena Bayer, the Canadian-based founder and executive director of The Center for Cultural Competence and The Civility Experts, is the author of seven books and an acknowledged Canadian expert on civility in the workplace. In conjunction with the Civility Counts Project, AICI will award Bayer its first Canadian Civility Star Award, during the conference’s Awards Ceremony on Saturday, May 22.

The Civility Counts Project was inspired by Dr. P.M. Forni, author of Choosing Civility--The Twenty-Five Rules of Considerate Conduct and cofounder of the Civility Project at Johns Hopkins University. This long-term, multi-faceted program is based on the 3 Rs: Respect, Restraint and Responsibility, as defined by Dr. Forni.

President-elect Kimberly Law, AICI CIP, who runs Personal Impact Image Management in Burnaby, BC, states that an image consulting career is one of the most rewarding, especially in a tough economy. “Each year, our members and guests get exposed to the best--and the newest--opportunities in the image industry. They are encouraged to explore and to add additional image-related revenue streams. This year, we will be talking a lot about Civility, as a new business of image opportunity.”

AICI, the Source for Image Professionals in Education, Experience and Excellence, is the leading and largest professional association of personal and corporate image consultants worldwide. A nonprofit organization, AICI is dedicated to advancing the level of professionalism and enhancing the recognition of image consultants. Online at www.aici.org.

For more information, contact:
Carole Ann Lyons, AICI Publicist
530-644-4919
caroleann@millermania.com  

To download this press release as a Word document, click here.

IMAGE CONSULTANTS CELEBRATE MAY AS INTERNATIONAL CIVILITY AWARENESS MONTH

The Association of Image Consultants International (AICI) has declared May International Civility Awareness Month in an effort to raise awareness of the decline of civility around the world. This listing is now officially on the Chase’s Calendar of Events Web site, and will be permanently included in the 2011 Edition of Chase’s Calendar of Events, The Ultimate Go-to Guide for Special Days, Weeks and Months.

Lynne Marks, AICI CIM, president of the international association, and founder of the London Image Institute, headquartered in Atlanta, GA, believes “There is a logical and compelling connection between civility and the ABC’s of Image (Appearance, Behavior and Communication).” In fact, AICI says, “Civility is the new image. Incivility not only impedes our daily interactions with other people but also is costly for business. A 2009 study by Porath and Pearson concluded that incivility in the American workplace costs businesses hundreds of billions of dollars every year.”

“The Civility Counts Project was inspired by Dr. P.M. Forni, cofounder of the Civility Project at Johns Hopkins University and author of Choosing Civility --The Twenty Five Rules of Considerate Conduct (St. Martin’s Griffin N.Y. 2002). Yasmin Anderson-Smith, AICI CIP, who chairs the Civility Counts Project Committee and authored an AICI white paper Civility Counts: An Image Perspective says “Dr. Forni defines civility as being all about kindness, consideration, sensitivity, caring, giving and nurturing.” Anderson-Smith founded Every Girl Can, a nonprofit based in Bowie, Maryland, and is a civility and etiquette expert. “It is a code of conduct based on the principles of ‘Respect, Restraint and Responsibility’,” she said.

The Civility Counts Project was first introduced at the 2009 Conference in Irvine, CA, with the City of Los Angeles proclaiming “Los Angeles Civility Awareness Day.” “It was then that we committed to a grass roots effort to launch a “civility epidemic” and to spread the word around the world by encouraging our global membership to gather proclamations from city and state agencies, including business and professional organizations,’’ states Deborah King, AICI CIP, who heads up the proclamation effort. “We have accumulated proclamations from around the world to display during the 2010 conference, and this is just the beginning. This process will be ongoing every year, as part of our commitment to Civility.“

This year, AICI celebrates its 20th Anniversary in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada from Thursday, May 20 through Sunday, May 23, 2010. Anderson-Smith and King, founder of the Final Touch Finishing School in Decatur, TX, will be presenting a conference workshop entitled Civility Counts: Boost Your Business and Your Life.

For more information, please contact:

Carole Ann Lyons, AICI Publicist
Tel.: 530-644-4919
E-mail: caroleann@millermania.com

Katherine Wurzburg, VP Marketing
Tel.: 650-949-3170
E-mail: vpmarketing@aici.org

To download this press release as a Word document,  click here .

THE ROTARY DISTRICT 7610 JOINS WITH AICI IN DECLARING THE MONTH OF MAY 2010 INTERNATIONAL CIVILITY AWARENESS MONTH BY ISSUING AN OFFICIAL PROCLAMATION

(Washington, DC)  The District Governor Horace McCormack of Rotary District 7610, Virginia teams up with The Association of Image Consultants International (AICI) by issuing an Official Proclamation to support AICI’s global initiative, Civility Counts.  The signing ceremony took place on Thursday, March 25, at 2:30 PM.

“This proclamation supports the continued expectation of habitual exemplary civil behavior among Rotarians that is the core of our service objectives.’’ states McCormack.  The proclamation will be displayed on May 1, 2010, at Kingsmill Resort, Williamsburg, VA where he will designate a Rotarian to receive the AICI Civility Star Award at the Annual Conference for Rotary District 7610. 

The worldwide chapters of AICI will come together at the 2010 Annual Conference to be held in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada from May 20 through May 23, 2010.  Each proclamation received will be recognized and prominently displayed at the Conference in celebration of May 2010 as International Civility Awareness Month.

“AICI is proud to include Rotary District 7610 in this impressive lineup of proclamations,’’ says Pat Locke, a member of AICI’s Civility Counts Project committee, and owner of LifePlan Services, Springfield, VA.

The effort began at the AICI 2009 Annual Conference in Irvine, California where the Civility Counts Project was launched.  The Los Angeles City Council awarded AICI with its first civility awareness proclamation.  Since then, AICI chapters around the world are approaching city councils, mayors’ offices, clubs, chambers of commerce, and more, to obtain official proclamations to help spread the word that beginning May 2010 that May is International Civility Awareness Month.

The inspiration for this global civility initiative  is Dr. P.M. Forni, the author of Choosing Civility:  The Twenty-Five Rules of Considerate Conduct and The Civility Solution:  What to Do When People Are Rude.  He is also co-founder of the Johns Hopkins Civility Project and was the recipient of AICI’s highest recognition, the IMMIE Bravo Award, presented at the 2009 Conference.  Former recipients include New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg, Target Stores and Oprah Winfrey.

Forni now serves as AICI’s advisor and mentor on Civility.  Civility is defined as a code of behavior based on the 3Rs:  Respect, Restraint and Responsibility.

For more information, please contact:

Pat Locke, AICI Civility Counts Project
Tel.:  703-455-2572
E-mail:  PatLocke@aol.com

Yasmin Anderson-Smith
Chair, AICI Civility Counts Project
Tel.: 301-792-2276
E-mail: Yasmin@kymsimage.com

To download this press release as a Word document, click here .  

A MODERN-DAY CINDERELLA STORY COMES ALIVE AT AICI’S 2010 ANNUAL CONFERENCE IN VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA

(New York)  The Association of Image Consultants International (AICI) celebrates its 20th Anniversary at the Renaissance Vancouver Hotel Harbourside from Thursday, May 20 - Sunday, May 23, 2010.  This global gathering of image professionals launches a first-time effort entitled:  “AICI Gives Back to the Cinderella Project.”  The Cinderella Project is a volunteer-based Vancouver charity that benefits deserving, underprivileged high school students by providing them with formal attire in order that they may attend their graduation festivities.

Pamela Judd, AICI CIP, AICI‘s international secretary and philanthropic chair, is enthusiastic about this special event, which takes place on Sunday, May 23, from 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.  “We are thrilled to be hosting this seminar, featuring some of our association’s skilled image experts, as a benefit for these students to learn positive ways to build their confidence and self-esteem.”  A special highlight of the afternoon’s session is the Blue Ribbon Ceremony, developed by the nonprofit group Difference Makers International, an idea conceived by team member Kasey Smith.  Blue ribbons are being generously donated by the AICI South Central Chapter and attendees at the conference will have the opportunity to donate gift bags to the high schoolers and make a cash contribution to The Cinderella Project. 

Sessions include:  Wardrobe Magic, presented by Mexico-based Agueda Irizar, AICI CIP; Self-Esteem and Social Skills, delivered by San Francisco Bay Area’s Rosa Maria Livesay, AICI FLC; Your Best Colors, by Makati City, Philippines-based associate member, Julia Robillos.  Body Type Charts, sent to the attendees in advance by South Asia Singapore-based Delby Bragais, AICI FLC, will be interpreted and analyzed as part of the overall program.

“We are proud to launch AICI Gives Back in this special way,’’ states Magoe Johnson, AICI CIP, the project chair spearheading this “philanthropy in action’’ initiative. “Many of these teens have grown up in poverty, and struggle to maintain grades, while holding part-time jobs. What teenage girl doesn’t love beautiful things?’’

For more information, please contact:

Pamela Judd, AICI Philanthropy Chair
Tel: 718-530-3500
E-mail:  Pam@PamelaJudd.com

To download this press release as a Word document, click here .

AICI Members in the News

Abbygale Arenas-de Leon, AICI FLC, was profiled in the November 15th, 2011 article for the Manila Bulletin. The title: A Beauty with a Purpose." Article is about Abby's advocacy on Cervical Cancer Prevention and Treatment.

Sangeeta Bahl, "Perfume Personality," Gurgaon Magazine, January 15, 2009; radio interview: "Career as an Image Consultant," on Tu Tu meow Meow 104.8 FM Delhi, January 27, 2009; radio interview: "What not to wear," on Tu Tu meow Meow 104.8 FM Delhi, February 7, 2009.

Scarlett De Bease, "Beauty Savers Minimalist Makeup," Westchester Magazine, January 2009.

Diana Jennings, AICI CIP, CPBS, "50 Personal Branding Consultants Worth Working With," smartlifeblog.com, January 11, 2009.

Olen Juarez-Lim, AICI FLC, "Big accessories, pastel colors chic in 2009 - stylists," GMANews.tv (Phillipines), January 6, 2009.

Peggy M. Parks, AICI CIP, "Style: Eye candy - Glasses make it easy for others to see your creative streak," Atlanta Journal Constitution, January 25, 2009; radio interview: "Bright Spot with Dot Blum," on 1620 AM, February 6, 2009; "Working Women on the Rise," Atlanta INtown, February 15, 2009.

Jeanine D. Rozier, MBA, AICI FLC, "Are You Waging War With Your Hair?" Average Girl Magazine, Jan/Feb 2009.

Adrienne D. Simmons, "The Real Deal: Frugal Fashion," Fox 29 News Philadelphia (WTXF), January 21, 2009; "The Real Deal: Magazine Madness," Fox 29 News "Good Day Philadelphia" (WTXF), March 25, 2009.

Elaine Stoltz, AICI CIM, "United Way of Tarrant County Women's Leadership Society," Fort Worth Star-Telegram, February 8, 2009.