Clients

Partial List of Personalities/Entities Represented.
Publishing

Health Communications, Inc, leading publisher of such New York Times best selling titles such as Chicken Soup for the Soul, A Child Called It, and Lost Boy.

Overlook Press, highly respected and prestigious publishing icon

MacMillan Books

Little, Brown & Company

Simon & Schuster

Warner Books

Penguin/Putnam

John Wiley & Sons

Westminster/John Knox Press

Adams Media

Allworth Press

Benbella Books, innovative independent press with several enormous successes

Pearson

Troll Publishing, leading children's publisher

Avon Publishing

Ballantine Books, a division of Random House

Morrow

Berkely Books, an imprint of Penguin Putnam

Ace Books, an imprint of Penguin Putnam

Harper San Francisco

Harper Colins

Red Sea Press

Carol Communications and Publishing Group

Kensington Publishing, largest independent publisher in America

Caroll & Graf

Mira Books, hardcover imprint of Harlequin Enterprises

Internationally acclaimed best selling women's fiction writers, Emilie Richards, Erica Spindler, Jasmine Cresswell, Jennifer Blake, Rebecca Brandewyne, Janet Dailey, Elizabeth Gage, and Candy Camp among others.

Susan Elizabeth Phillips, New York Times best selling author of numerous books with her latest This Heart of Mine hitting the NYT list at 7 and featured in USA Today, Chicago Tribune, Chicago Sun-Times, and the Daily Southtown.

Dave Pelzer, New York Times Best Selling author, "A child Called It", "My Name is David"

Kevin J. Anderson, New York Times best selling and award-winning author

Catherine Lanigan, bestselling fiction writer, author of over 21 novels, most notably Romancing The Stone and Jewel Of the Nile, which preceded the wildly successful films of the same names

Kathy Hepenstall, best selling author and advertising executive, whose first novel hit the NYT list and launched a dual career for her.

Les Brown, New York Times best selling author and one of the most sought after speakers

Garrison Keillor, New York Times best selling author and America's beloved "Prairie Home Companion".

Walter Zacharius, CEO, Kensington Publishing who released is own first novel, SONGBIRD

Dr. Paul Pearsall, New York Times best selling author and relationship expert

Stan Jolley, Academy award-winning author of the blockbuster movie "Witness"

Nora Hayden, New York Times best selling author

Julie Cook Downing, noted author, speaker and expert on America's growing "Caregiver" network and industry.

Dr. Joel Fuhrman, author of the top selling book, EAT TO LIVE

Dr. Henry Lee and Dr. Jerry Labriola, two of America's more revered forensic scientists

Dr. Daniel Stein, globally renowned gynecologist and author

Dr. Robert Pamplin, Jr., author, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and President, R.B. Pamplin Corporation

Entertainment

Chicago Center for the Performing Arts, a multi-level, state of the art, educational and entertainment facility with four stages, restaurant, music school, training and casting center.

Shapiro/West, leading management company with such clients as Carl Reiner, Jerry Seinfeld and Peter Bonnerz among others.

Bob Zmuda, visionary behind the creation of Comic Relief, Co-Executive Producer of the movie MAN ON THE MOON and author of the companion book Andy Revealed.

West 175, dynamic media company with divisions in television production, publishing, direct mail, and licensing. Winner of the 1999 James Beard Award for Best Television Food Program

BLUE SKY|VIFX, a recognized leader in the creation of visual and digital effects for all aspects of the entertainment industry, working on such films as JINGLE ALL THE WAY, THE RELIC, VOLCANO, FACE/OFF, ALIEN RESURRECTION, TITANIC, FIRESTORM, THE X-FILES MOVIE, and BLADE among others.

FOX SPORTS NET, Fox cable sports network offering an unprecedented combination of live, local-event programming framed by regionally customized pre- and post-game sports news.

Savino Brothers' Productions, independent filmmaker, who's recent feature film, LIARS POKER, swept the awards at the Alternative Film Festival in Chicago.

John Rhys-Davies, international acclaimed actor of such blockbuster hits films as THE LORD OF THE RING (Gimli), RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARC, INDIANA JONES AND THE LAST CRUSADE, and hit television series "Shogun," "The Untouchables," and "Sliders."

Tim Thomerson, globally recognized actor, seen in such films as TRANCERS, AIR AMERICA, IRON EAGLE, WHO'S HARRY CRUMB, UNCOMMON VALOR, and television series "Sirens," "Silk Stalkings," "Xena," and "Escape from Atlantis."

Landmark Entertainment Group, leading themed entertainment design and television production company; producers of "Skeleton Warriors," CBS children's Saturday morning program and themed attractions around the globe.

Dave Brubeck, internationally acclaimed jazz composer and musician

Les Garland, co-founder MTV Networks

Bill Kinison, author of the book BROTHER SAM and manager of legendary comedian Sam Kinison.

Restaurants

Sweets & Savories -- Popular new Chicago restaurant that has recieved rave reviews from the Chicago Press. The country French menu features a wide array of entree items in addtion to an abundant Sweets menu.

Bluegrass -- North shore eatery with executive chef David Teichman who taps into his world wide experience in his menu and casual family restaurant.

Nina's -- the "In" restaurant in Chicago's bucktown neighborhood with award winning chef David Richards at the helm, featuring his French inspired cuisine and award winning wine list.

Lovells of Lake Forest, beautiful French chateau in the heart of the popular North Shore suburb featuring a fine dining menu by Chef Jay Lovell, son of astronaut Capt. James Lovell, II.

Chef's Station, intimate European restaurant at the base of the Evanston metra depot with celebrity chef David Richards and Culinary director Peter Mills at the helm.

Isaac Hayes Music o Food o Passion, new restaurant and music venue launched by two time Grammy award-winning composer, actor, performer, author and undeniably one of the entertainment industry's most prolific artists with locations in Chicago and Memphis.

Michael's Soon To Be Famous-- One of the son's of the legendary Chicago restaurant family, Michael Portillo begins his own chain of quick service restaurants.

Blimpie International, franchising powerhouse with 2,000 plus locations throughout the United States and 13 countries worldwide, recognized for its quick service sandwiches and other restaurant concepts such as, Pasta Central, Maui Tacos, and Smoothie Island.

Kimpton Restaurant Group, four restaurant properties located in Chicago, Mossant, 312 Chicago with celebrity chef Dean Zanella, Atwood Cafe with rising star executive chef Heather Terhune, and Encore! Lunch Club & Liquid Lounge.

Rainforest Cafe Inc., one of the country's hottest themed restaurant and retail environments, with 40 locations throughout the globe.

Famous Dave's award-winning barbecue restaurants and blues clubs, a public company, that has grown quickly over the past two years with 75 locations in operation throughout the United States.

P.F. Chang's China Bistro, burgeoning new Asian American restaurant concept with locations throughout the country.

MARS 2112, "event dining" themed environment in the hopping New York Times Square district, that transports guests on a fantasy mission to Mars.

Jekyll & Hyde Club, theme restaurant company capturing the spirit of the famous Robert L. Stevenson books.

Home Run Inn Pizza, Chicago's premier pizzerias for thin crust and a traditional Italian menu. The company also distributes upwards of 8 million frozen pizzas yearly throughout the country.

Chicago Franchise Systems, innovative franchising company that owns the rights to franchise two of Chicago's legendary products, Nancy's pizza and Al's #1 Italian Beef.

Rivers Euro American Bistro, model restaurant for planned national launch situated on the alluring Chicago river.

Carlucci Hospitality Group, landmark restaurant company with several venues throughout Chicagoland.

Sports

Len Miller, first African American race car team manager and author of the book "Silent Thunder"

Fox Sports Nets, America's largest cable sports network

Walt Frasier, Basketball legend, author, and broadcaster

Jim Brown, football great, movie star, activist

Ann Liguori, Producer and host of the nationally syndicated Sports Innerview Show

Cecil Fielder, all-star first baseman for the Detroit Tigers

Andre Dawson, all-star outfielder for the Boston Red Sox

Sports Dent, Inc., national sports marketing firm focusing on teaching children the importance of dental care.

Retail

Imperial Clothiers, premier men's clothing manufacturer that has recently embarked on a consumer based retail operation in Chicago.

C.D. Peacock, the legendary Chicago jewelry company that was established before the famous Chicago fire. It is a veritable who's who of Chicago history with records of such Chicagoan's purchases as Mary Todd Lincoln, Cyrus McCormick, Marshall Field, Potter Palmer and George Pullman.

Florida Vacation Store, trailblazing marketing venue spotlighting destination travel throughout Florida and specifically Orlando.

Everything But Water, America's premiere retailer of specialty swimwear and accessories with outlets throughout the country.

The Wormser Company, apparel manufacturer specializing in children's products

Soda Creek Press, direct mail catalog company specializing in romance and mystery books.

Non-Profit

United Cerebral Palsy of Greater Chicago -- orchestrated four of the organizations top fundraising intiatives including the Jack Brickhouse Sox Event (1500 people), the Chef Tasting Party, Gambol!, and the Monster Bash Halloween Party.

Red Hot Chicago!, Chicago's 40 top fashion designers come together for a magnificent show held at the famous Navy Pier's Grand Ballroom. Proceeds benefit the Chicago Apparel Board education fund.

America's Kids Connect, an organization of top business leaders who took the initiative to connect the K-12 education system in the United States to the technology industry.

Citizens United for a Brickhouse Statues (C.U.B.S) Steering committee of some of Chicago's most prominent citizens who worked together to erect a statue in honor of the late Hall of Fame broadcaster Jack Brickhouse on Michigan Ave.

Canine Companions for Independence, a national organization working to bring dogs into the homes of some of America's physically challenged individuals by aiding in their efforts to become more independent. Charity was started by Charles Schultz and his wife.

Freedom Foundation, prestigious non-profit organization that promotes patriotism and positive citizenship

Thomas & Dorothy Leavey Foundation, non-profit organization that recognizes some of our country's outstanding educators

Starlight Foundation, national non-profit organization that brings a little joy and happiness to terminally and chronically ill children

Society Of Operating Cameramen, national non-profit organization of the entertainment industry's union film and television cameramen.

Rick Wilkins Foundation, non-profit organization established to raise funds to build an adult facility for cerebral palsy.

Hero Athlete Award Foundation, National foundation and award program that recognizes outstanding individuals in the athletic arena.

Select Noteworthy Campaigns

Book launch party for top selling "How To Become Famous In Two Weeks or Less" by authors Karen Robinovitz and Melissa De la Cruz. To encourage press coverage, Lissy pulled together a collection of event participants including MAC Cosmetics, Mario Tricoci hair salon, C.D. Peacock Jewelry, celebrity chefs and Bently to give three press representatives the day in the life of a celebrity. Turning the table on the press, Lissy picked up each journalist in a brand new Bentley and transported them to a day of luxury, capped off with celebratory party with over 200 guests including the authors of the book.

First Annual Gingerbread House Auction held at Lovells of Lake Forest benefiting Habitat for Humanity. Lissy created the concept and developed the event from scratch garnering 20 top Chicago pastry chefs and bakeries to donate a gingerbread house for charity. The event was seen on 4 television stations in the market, with both live remote and in studio coverage, along with all the top major newspapers in the area covered the opportunity to go to the event as well as the success of the activities.

Fox Network's new SPEED CHANNEL launch with a plethora of consumer activities at the Taste of Chicago with a 40 foot jumbo tron attached to the top of a semi. We coordinated video games that passersby could participate, prizes, tickets to the racetrack, race cars, famous drivers from Cart, NASCAR and the Simple Green girls, to name just a few of the activities surrounding this launch. We secured the site with the City of Chicago, and various Malls throughout the area.

Red Hot Chicago! benefit fashion show, orchestrated public relations campaign for Chicago's hottest fashion extravaganza featuring 40 of the cities' top designers held in the historic Navy Pier Grand Ballroom, sponsored by the City of Chicago, Chicago Sun-Times, Target, and the Apparel Industry Board.

Miss USA 2001 Pageant, hosted delegates and Miss USA 2000 Lynnette Jones when they spent the day in Chicago. B & P coordinated several receptions and performance in which all participants and sponsors attended.

America's Kids Connect, an organization of top business leaders who took the initiative to connect the K-12 education system in the United States to the technology industry. Through an interactive, internet program connecting classrooms all across the country participate in an internet game show to win prizes totaling $3 million from such companies as Valic, Compaq, Edventions, 3M, Ridgeway International, International Assessment, JIT Technologies, Altiris, Microsoft, Troll Communications, Sun Microsystems, Lexmark, ZH Computer, Gateway, Computer User magazine and Comdisco.

Citizens United for a Brickhouse Statue (C.U.B.S) Steering committee of some of Chicago's most prominent citizens who worked together to erect a statue in honor of the late Hall of Fame broadcaster Jack Brickhouse on Michigan Ave. In attendance at dedication ceremony included Governor George Ryan, Jerry Rhinesdorf, Richard Melman, Dick Celozzio, Senator Bill Marovitz, Christie Hefner, Mini Minosa, Erie Banks, along with a representative from every television station and newspaper in the city.

Developed landmark campaign for women's fiction novel cross pollinating resources from Mira Books, a division of Harlequinn publishing company and C.D. Peacock, legendary Chicago jeweler. Campaign response saw hundreds of people writing and submitting their own stories of family legacy.

Critical and galvanizing component in the organization of RAINFOREST CAFE opening gala events with over 2,000 guests and celebrities throughout the country and on-going publicity for this news making corporation. RAINFOREST CAFE is one of the country's hottest themed restaurant and retail environments, with 13 domestic locations and three international units. The company continues to grow and has many additional locations planned to open throughout the globe.

Spearheaded the introduction of the first FOX SPORTS NET ALL-STAR GOLF CLASSIC featuring the world's premiere celebrity golfers, held in the Chicago area. The special tournament pit five 12-man teams - one each from the NBA, NFL, NHL, Major League Baseball and the entertainment world with such star athletes as John Elway, Stan Humphries, Mike Schmidt, Jim McMahon, Mario Lemieux, Bryant Gumbel, Former Vice President Dan Quayle, Jack Wagner and "Seinfeld's Mr. Peterman," John O'Hurley.

Captained the fund raising efforts for the Rick Wilkins Foundation Celebrity Dinner and Auction featuring the Chicago Cubs and Houston Astros. The Rick Wilkins Foundation, a dream come true for the prominent ball player whose sister Trisha is mentally and physically challenged from cerebral palsy. The event raised more than $50,000 for the facility from such items as an autographed serigraph of Joe DiMaggio, a pair of Muhammad Ali boxing gloves, first base autographed by Mark Grace, and a Ryne Sandberg bat among many others.

Orchestrated exclusive media event, VIP reception and celebrity dinner for the World Team Tennis Smash Hits charity event to benefit Elton John's Aids Foundation with such superstars as Elton John, Andre Agassi, Pete Sampras, Martina Navratilova, Billie Jean King, Arantxa Sanchez Vicario, Lindsay Davenport, Mark Woodforde, Todd Woodbridge, and Natasha Zvereva.

Spearheaded innovative publicity coup for the Carlucci Hospitality Group by bringing in the cast and crew of the number one rated television program "ER" when they were shooting on location in Chicago. The event launched the opening of Carlucci's new bar and grill Charlie's Ale House on Navy Pier, and made national headlines.

Coordinated national publicity campaign for golf legend Arnold Palmer's retrospective pictorial book Arnold Palmer: A Personal Journey, published by Harper/Collins San Fran Francisco.

Spearheaded publicity and public relations campaign honoring Steven Spielberg for his outstanding achievements to cinematography. Award presented by the Society of Operating Camera with upwards of 500 of the most prominent directors, cameramen and technicians in the movie and television industry.

Executive directed publicity and public relations campaign for MIR 1 AMERICA, a benchmark presentation at the Mall of America in Minneapolis that provided the general public with the unprecedented opportunity to board a duplicate MIR space ship, witness first hand the historic cooperative exchange of space research, information and technology between Russian and the United States at the same time the astronauts were in space. Coverage obtained on every news station and on the front pages of both major newspapers in the market.

Targeted publicity campaign for small airline supplementing their overall corporate marketing strategy. This campaign galvanized awareness through a myriad of creative promotions and placements focusing on specific passenger demographics including college students, senior citizens, ethnic communities, female executives, families and holiday travelers.

Coordinated major United States publicity campaign for the World Expo in Taejon, Korea which served over 10 million people from around the world. As a result, Blanco & Peace hosted NBC International scout at the Expo in Korea on behalf of Landmark Entertainment Group.

Pivotal catalyst in an unprecedented book deal between Hollywood legend Mickey Rooney and prominent publishing house Carol Publishing Group, that boldly redefined the traditional author/publisher relationship.

Implemented trailblazing campaign that catapulted an obscure licensing property called "Scared Guy" into mainstream celebrity stardom, securing feature coverage in People magazine, USA Today, Seventeen magazine, Brandweek, DNR-Daily News Record, E! Network, Geraldo, and KTLA-TV as well as placement as mascot for a superstar extravaganza for a well-known national non-profit organization.

National broadcast and print campaign promoting former football legend and movie star Jim Brown's THE AMER-I-CAN Program, a prison and youth rehabilitation program, currently considered to be one of the most progressive and successful programs of its kind in the country.

Extensive national print and broadcast campaign for three of baseball's most formidable figures, Andre Dawson, Cecil Fielder and Warren Cromartie, announcing their partnership in a ground breaking corporation focused on motivating children around the world to practice good dental health care.

Collaborated on major debut event for the Starlight Foundation called Celebrate! with hosts Mel Gibson and Emma Samms. Blanco & Peace was responsible for bringing Landmark Entertainment Group and Warner Bros. on board as two of the main sponsors. Publicity about the event appeared in USA Today, People magazine, E! network, Today Show, and CNN Entertainment News. Celebrate! entertained upwards of 3,000 people in attendance including such celebrities as Lou Diamond Phillips, Dave Koz, Julianne Phillips, Gil Gerard, Candace Cameron, Maria Shriver and many others.