Award-winning philanthropist and business tycoon George Stamas, AM, leaves an indelible impact on the cleaning industry and is crowned with Queen's last Australia Day award for his major contributions to multiple philanthropic efforts in business and his community.

MELBOURNE, Australia, December 6, 2023 (Newswire.com) - George Stamas, the owner and director of the phenomenal establishment GJK Facility Services, has been recognised with Queen Elizabeth's last Australia Day award, presented to him by Governor General Linda Dessau in Governor House, grounding his 30 years of service devoted to charities and efforts to uplift society. George Stamas initiated his career as an occasional cleaner and progressively elevated his position to the top management and ownership of GJK Facility Services in 1987. Under his prudent leadership, GJK Facility Services blossomed from a new enterprise to an industry giant, employing over 3,000 people across Australia and New Zealand.

George Stamas innovatively led GJK into a joint venture with the Victorian State Government and the Brotherhood of St. Lawrence, culminating in a groundbreaking pilot project that brought employment to 35-40 long-term unemployed public housing tenants in Melbourne's inner suburbs. This commendable project garnered praise from Harvard University and was honoured with the esteemed H. Bruce Russell Global Innovators Award for Community Redevelopment. His influential strides in the management and cleaning Industry have also earned him major commendations, including the "Excellence in Sustainability Business Award, City of Yarra" in 2012 and the "Australian Business Award" for Community Contribution in 2011.

Beyond his business success, George Stamas, AM, has held key roles in several governmental and non-profit organizations. He is a member of the Business to Business Conduct Study Group, CEO Forum for Disability Action Plan Framework and a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Management. Stamas' board appointments include Director of GJK Indigenous Solutions Killara Indigenous Facility Services, Alternate Director of AustralianSuper, Ex Finance Director of Facility Management Association of Australia, and he was recently awarded the Prestigious Life Member Award of FMA Association, where he donated his expertise for over 18 years. He is a trustworthy member of Epworth Medical Foundation’s Board of Trustees.

His membership in the Order of Australia in 2022 is a testament to his meaningful contributions to society. George Stamas, AM, is also known for his commendable contributions to Bridge of Hope for homeless children. His commitment to sparking positive change in society, enhancing the standard of living in communities, and fostering the growth of other professionals is unrivalled.

George Stamas, AM, also supports Lighthouse Foundation, helping displaced women and their families through his successful company GJK Facility Services, which staff give their time to contribute to helping this charity. George Stamas and GJK Facility Services also support The Kids Cancer Project, helping find a cure for kids' brain cancer in Australia.

George Stamas, AM, and his entire team at GJK Facility Services continue to transform businesses and society at large. It's this spirit of philanthropy and excellence that made him the recipient of the prestigious award. His dedication and strong work ethic continue to inspire upcoming entrepreneurs in Australia and beyond.

Giving back and doing good has always been part of GJK's DNA, thanks to our founder and managing director, George Stamas, and this program just takes this to the next level, enabling our employees to participate and give back too.

For three decades, GJK Facility Services has invested in initiatives and programs that benefit the wider community, fostering sustainable outcomes that have positive social impacts. To date, a generous portion of this work in the community has been philanthropic – donations to support the purchase of equipment, scholarship programs, and the like.

GJK Facility Services launched its new social impact program, GJK Giving Back, with one of the program’s partners, Lighthouse Foundation. Built around four pillars; Philanthropic, Volunteering, Workplace Giving and Employment, the program has been designed so GJK employees can get involved.

“Working with charities, not-for-profits and organisations we already support, like the Lighthouse Foundation, the GJK Giving Back program will build on these relationships to create shared value partnerships,” said CEO Elias Stamas. “Giving back and doing good has always been part of GJK’s DNA thanks to our Founder and Managing Director, George Stamas, and this program just takes this to the next level, enabling our employees to participate and give back too.”

Lighthouse Foundation provides homes and therapeutic care programs to children and young people impacted by long-term neglect, abuse, and homelessness. Their focus is to create caring communities where kids can feel safe, create meaningful relationships, and begin to heal from traumatic relationships. Lighthouse relies heavily on the support of its corporate partners to allow them to continue to provide the life-changing work they do with Australia’s most vulnerable kids.

“It’s integral for Lighthouse to have these purposeful partnerships with organisations, exactly like with GJK, so we can continue to deliver the care programs necessary for young people to heal,” Dr. Eamonn McCarthy, CEO of Lighthouse Foundation, says. “We wouldn’t be able to do it without them.”

Lighthouse’s impact on young kids in the homelessness space speaks for itself. Eight out of 10 children who go through Lighthouse never return to the streets, and for every $1 invested, there is a $12 return of investment for the community. They have proudly changed the lives of 1,000+ young people.

The GJK Giving Back program also involves the Kids Cancer Project, SuperTee, The Hunger Project, Epworth Foundation and Bridge of Hope.

In the words of Winston Churchill – “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give”.

Contact Information:
Media Relations GJK Facility Services
Media
[email protected]
1800635983


Original Source: GJK Facility Services Owner George Stamas Wins Australia Day Award

Award Recognizes the Accomplishments of Paralyzed Individuals With Lifetime Grant

CHICAGO, December 5, 2023 (Newswire.com) - The Brennan Rehabilitation Foundation today announced the recipients of the 2023 Socrates Award, which provides a lifetime cash grant to individuals with paralysis caused by illness or injury that results in the partial or total loss of the use of one's limbs with economic resources for therapy, equipment, prescriptions, and in-home care.

"These four individuals recognize that the daily pursuit of ‘a healthy mind' and 'a healthy body' in the face of adversity is the true testament of one's character," said Chris Brennan, Chairman of The Brennan Rehabilitation Foundation.

Marine Cpl Kelsee Leinhart (Dearborn, IN)

Marine Cpl. Kelsee Lainhart was among the service members wounded in the Kabul Airport attacks on August 26, 2021. Cpl. Lainhart was working with the withdrawal of U.S. troops and refugees in the final days of the U.S. involvement in the war in Afghanistan when the attack that killed 13 service members happened. Lainhart was left paralyzed, and recovery has taken her from Walter Reed in Washington to rehabilitation in Chicago. She continues her journey of healing back in the Hoosier State. Despite everything she has been through, the decision to join the Marines is one Cpl. Lainhart said she doesn't regret it. Once a Marine, always a Marine!

Ivan Smith (San Diego, CA)

Ivan Smith, an elite tennis player from Southern California, was in a terrible car accident on April 5, 2022, while attending college in San Antonio, Texas. Ivan endured significant surgery to rebuild his spine with 16 screws, and his spinal cord was severely damaged around T.H. 7-8. There are severe long-term problems ahead, but hopefully, with divine intervention and remarkable technological and scientific advances, Ivan will someday walk again. 

Clay Scherb  (Winnetka, IL)

On August 28, 2022, Clay Scherb, who was a senior in high school, suffered a horrific accident in which his C5 was shattered. After being rushed into surgery and spending two critical weeks in the ICU, Clay was transferred to Northwestern Hospital in Chicago for another week of enhanced care. The following 12 weeks were spent in intense rehabilitation, with a brief stint back to Northwestern Hospital for two weeks to help clear Clay's lungs. Clay is paralyzed from the chest down and has difficulty with his core and sitting upright unassisted. Clay has worked tirelessly five days a week, six hours a day, for the past 15 months in physical therapy. He has slowly gained some functionality with his leg mobility and continues to work on developing hand dexterity. Clay's will is indomitable, and he is determined to continue healing, gaining strength, and regaining mobility and self-sufficiency. 

J.J. O'Connor (Chicago, IL)

J.J. O'Connor sustained a C4 spinal cord injury at the age of 16 while playing hockey, forcing him to learn how to live his life as a quadriplegic. About a week after his accident, long-time hockey official Jim Smith visited him in the hospital. The men became friends, and Smith became a caregiver for O'Connor, a role that Smith still has. Over the past two decades, J.J. has significantly impacted the sport of sled hockey and made invaluable contributions to USA Hockey, held various leadership roles on the local and national levels, and is currently Director Emeritus of USA Hockey's Disabled Section. The O'Connor Courage Trophy, named after J.J., is awarded yearly to the Tier I champion at the USA Hockey Sled Classic.

Contact Information:
Chris Brennan
Chairman, The Brennan Rehabilitation Foundation
[email protected]

K.C. O'Rourke
Owner, KCLO Communications
[email protected]


Original Source: The Brennan Rehabilitation Foundation Announces Socrates Recipients

Anthony Morey: The Architect of Innovation - Masterfully Redefining the Future of Design and Retail at Luminaire, Leading with Unparalleled Vision and Curiosity.

MIAMI, December 5, 2023 (Newswire.com) - In the dynamic world of design, where innovation is the key language, Anthony Morey emerges as a groundbreaking leader, currently at the helm of the design vision Luminaire, the trailblazer in design retail. His exceptional journey, illuminated by influential roles at prestigious institutions like Harvard, SCI-Arc, and USC, and as the transformative Executive Director of the A+D Museum in Los Angeles, is a testament to his unwavering commitment to design excellence.

Morey's multifaceted background, a rich tapestry of architecture, theory, design, philosophy, and business acumen, solidifies his status as an unparalleled visionary in the reinvention and propulsion of the design and retail landscapes. Luminaire, a pillar in global design discourse for over fifty years, becomes the canvas where Morey's genius melds visionary thought with tangible innovation.

Beyond the academic realm, Morey's impact reverberates, electrifying the next generation of design trailblazers and igniting influential conversations across the design community. His public lectures and engagements are not just talks; they are catalysts for change, steering the design world towards new paradigms and possibilities.

Leading his own design firm and exhibiting globally, Morey's work transcends mere creativity—it contributes significantly to the global design narrative. His unique blend of intellectual depth, pedagogical prowess, and hands-on design expertise marks him as a seminal figure in modern design.

At Luminaire, Morey is not just preserving a legacy; he is boldly charting new territories. Under his visionary leadership, Luminaire breaks the molds of traditional retail, emerging as a hub of inspiration and a crucible for the voices of tomorrow in design.

In today's landscape, where retail, design, and curiosity intersect with an insatiable thirst for knowledge and new experiences, Luminaire, guided by Morey's creative vision, stands as a beacon of creativity and exploration. His forward-thinking approach is reshaping not just Luminaire but setting a new global standard for what good design can achieve in our interconnected, information-rich age.

Contact Information:
Andrea Santos
Marketing Manager
[email protected]
3052987881


Original Source: Anthony Morey: Revolutionizing Design Retail at Luminaire With Unmatched Passion and Vision

Walkley Brings More Than 30 Years of Strategy, Manufacturing and Operations, and Sales and Marketing Experience to the Trace Minerals Leadership Team

OGDEN, Utah, December 5, 2023 (Newswire.com) - Trace Minerals, America’s number one selling trace mineral, liquid magnesium and performance nutrition brand according to SPINS®, announced today the addition of Charles “Chuck” Walkley as chief operating officer (COO). With more than three decades of experience in the CPG industry, Walkley has the proven ability to build and scale brands. As COO, Walkley will oversee the daily operational functions of Trace Minerals.

“As we look forward to further growing Trace Minerals in 2024 and beyond, Chuck’s role will be crucial in helping us reach and exceed our goals,” said Matt Kilts, CEO of Trace Minerals. “With extensive industry knowledge, experience and relationships, Chuck is sure to be a valuable addition to our leadership team.” 

Walkley is bringing a unique blend of business expertise to Trace Minerals, with firsthand experience building high-performing management and sales teams, setting corporate vision, leading sophisticated manufacturing operations, elevating brand equity and more. Most recently, he served as COO for CocoVibe, the nation’s leading supplier of tropical concentrates and purees. Before that, Walkley was CEO for New Whey Nutrition, COO for Tampico Beverages Inc. and vice president of sales for Vermont Pure Springs. He has also held positions at Quaker Oats Company and Pepsi-Cola Company.

“I am fully aligned with Trace Minerals’ mission to help people remineralize their bodies and live healthier and fuller lives,” said Walkley. “As I embark on this new role, I will leverage my expertise to support the company today and drive continued growth in the coming months and years.” 

Trace Minerals aims to help people remineralize their bodies and achieve and maintain an ideal level of trace minerals. For more information, visit https://www.traceminerals.com/.  

About Trace Minerals

For more than 50 years, Trace Minerals has been committed to helping people remineralize their bodies, achieving and maintaining the ideal level of trace minerals that is just right for them to live better every single day. Trace Minerals is America’s number one selling trace mineral, liquid magnesium, and performance nutrition brand according to SPINS® and is the exclusive provider of ConcenTrace® Trace Mineral Drops, a concentrated seawater complex that contains a precisely proportioned, full spectrum of trace minerals and elements. 

ConcenTrace is the basis for all products in the Company’s branded line, which is backed by a “Feel the Difference or Your Money Back” guarantee. Trace Minerals has been GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices)-certified since 2004, is a registered member of the Global Retailer & Manufacturer Alliance, and is certified by UL® Registrar LLC under the standard ANSI 455-2 Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) for Dietary Supplements.

Contact Information:
Janine Warner
PR Manager
[email protected]


Original Source: Trace Minerals Welcomes Charles Walkley as Chief Operating Officer

THE BELOVED TEXAS ICEHOUSE WILL CELEBRATE THREE DECADES OF GIVING BACK TO LOCAL COMMUNITIES WITH SPECIALS 30 YEARS IN THE MAKING

HOUSTON, December 4, 2023 (Newswire.com) - Willie's Grill & Icehouse, the brand that brings the classic icehouse experience to communities across Texas, is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year. The brand will celebrate throughout December with a discount that harkens back to the origins of the icehouse, as well as a commitment to continue their tradition of financially supporting communities across the state.  

The restaurant, known for its family-friendly atmosphere and icehouse classics, closes out its third decade of service with more than $1.5M in monetary donations to various charities and public services within the cities where the brand operates. 

Among the philanthropic programs are the Willie’s Grill & Icehouse Spirit Nights, in which local community charities are given a portion of the proceeds from a specific day’s overall sales. Their commitment to public servants is another important piece of the brand’s mission, as seen through their community sponsorships. Throughout the year, Willie’s Grill & Icehouse offers a 10% discount to first responders, teachers, firefighters, and nurses at all locations. Local law enforcement departments are also treated to 50% off their meals throughout the year at Willie’s. During their grand opening celebrations, Willie’s Grill & Icehouse hosts VIP soft openings where they invite educators, nurses, law enforcement, and other essential workers to dine for free throughout the day. Finally, all locations offer the Fire & Icehouse Lager throughout the year and a portion of the proceeds is donated directly to local fire departments. 

All Willie’s customers are in luck throughout the month of December, as the brand is offering a Texas-sized discount on one of their original menu items. Every Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday throughout December, Willie's will offer their original Cheese Willie Burger, the menu item that the brand was built on, for only $6.30 in honor of their milestone anniversary. The promotion, a ‘thank you’ to customers for their years of support, is valid for both in-store and online orders.

"We are thrilled to be celebrating 30 years of serving Texans our icehouse classics and welcoming families through our doors," said Greg Lippert, CEO of Willie's Restaurants. "Giving back to our communities has always been a pillar of who we are, and we look forward to continuing the tradition as the brand moves into our next era. We invite all customers to come and enjoy a delicious Cheese Willie Burger at a discounted price throughout December as a thank you from all of us at Willie’s Grill & Icehouse."

Contact Information:
Rachel Austin
Publicist
[email protected]


Original Source: Willie’s Grill & Icehouse Celebrates 30th Anniversary Reaching Philanthropic Milestone of $1.5M