Steve Becker Media

“Green Building” transformed from a buzzword to redefining how we design and live in eco friendly buildings.

admin — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 19:05:20 +0000

At the 5th Annual International Summit at Greenbuild International Conference and Expo in Toronto, Canada more than 500 building professionals representing 35 countries today gathered at the event to exchange ideas and learn about the latest green building strategies October 4th through 7th. UTC’s Carrier division was a major sponsor of the International Summit. Geraud Darnis, president and CEO, UTC Climate, Controls & Security Systems, gave the closing plenary address and highlighted three key components necessary to forward the green building movement: knowledge, economics and collaboration.

“We can look at the green movement the same way we would construct a building. Knowledge serves as the foundation — it drives decisions when fueled by education and awareness. Economics is the framework — it determines the success of green investments, retaining value even in difficult economic times. And collaboration is the cement that holds it all together. Like a building, success for this movement depends on strong relationships and cooperation,” Darnis said in his remarks.

It was interesting to be a part of such a forward thinking event. A few of the many events I photographed over the four day Expo was the SCGBC Center for Green Schools award ceremony and panels and general interaction with UTC employees and their customers. It was encouraging to see youth making there mark on the green movement. The conference was action packed and full of interesting technologies.

Quaker Oats -from trademark to lovemark

admin — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 09:05:20 +0000

On September 9th PepsiCo and Quaker met at River East Arts Center for a day of team building and nutritious Quaker Oats treats.

Andrew Ross Sorkin dishes harsh realities at the Wisconsin Real Estate Trends Conference

admin — Sat, 19 Nov 2011 09:01:03 +0000

On September 15th, the Wisconsin Real Estate Alumni Association hosted the Wisconsin Real Estate Trends Conference: Return to the Peak. The conference keynote, Mr. Sorkin, New York Times’ Columnist and Author of Too Big To Fail drew a crowd of over 300 attendees. The day was filled with presentations, panel discussions and beautiful views from the Mid American Club in downtown Chicago. I worked behind the scenes capturing interesting and unique angles of all in attendance.

Financial education for preschoolers at library

admin — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 16:59:26 +0000

On Monday November 14th the Chicago Public Library Foundation received a $223,000 grant from the PNC Foundation. Joe Gregoire, regional president for PNC Bank, spoke on behalf of the Foundation, “We recognize that kindergarten readiness is the foundation of the health of our children, their families and ultimately, our local economy,”.

In addition, thousands of Chicago PNC employee volunteers are providing up to 40 hours per year to assist with the program, and PNC also donated 40,000 of the “Happy, Healthy, Ready for School – Math Is Everywhere” activity kits.

The event was held at Harold Washington Library. It was an honor to document such a special event! What a great example of philanthropy enhancing our admirable Chicago community.

Defines the meaning of “contact sport”

admin — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 16:57:44 +0000

On September 17th the rugby team the Chicago Dragons had a matchup against the Chicago Riot. It defines the meaning of “contact sports”. It was a brutal matchup, and in the end the Dragons lost 58-0. The tournament drew a sizable crowd of spectators. I couldn’t think of a better way to spend a Saturday afternoon on a sunny fall day.

Gatorade is Ready for Some Football

admin — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 20:14:09 +0000

Gatorade teamed up again as the sponsor of the NFL as the new season approaches and thoughts of the lockout fade into the past.

Gatorade renewed their sponsorship with the NFL. I was asked to photograph the event that included talks by sportscasters as well as PepsiCo executives.

PepsiCo CEO, Indra Nooyi kicked off the simulcast between the offices nationwide.

Signed memorabilia including tickets to this years Superbowl were raffled off. Those who attended the event were sporting their favorite football teams and looking forward to the upcoming season and continued partnership of Gatorade and football.

Cathay Pacific Airways Inaugural Flight Lands in Chicago

admin — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 16:04:04 +0000

On September 1st, Chicago welcomed Cathay Pacific Airways to International Terminal 5 of O’Hare Airport, which marked a new nonstop service between Chicago and Hong Kong. The terminal was filled with traditional symbols of good luck and lots of excitement. The event included a ceremonial lion dance, a roasted pig and a water cannon salute by the Chicago Fire Department. The inbound and outbound flights were both on time with every seat being filled.

The Chicago Fire Department gave the Boeing 777-300ER aircraft a ceremonial water cannon salute.

Hong Kong native and National Geographic photographer Catherine Karnow was celebrated by an exhibit of her work.

Eric Odone, Cathay Pacific Airways Vice President conducted the eye dotting ceremony.

The Chinese lion dance is a more than thousand year long tradition.

The eye dotting ceremony is significant as if brings the lion to life.

Steve Becker Featured in Las Manos Gallery Exhibition

admin — Fri, 05 Aug 2011 20:10:57 +0000

This month Las Manos Gallery will feature a group exhibition entitled ‘Environ’ which explores the environment and its impact by human influence. It includes 5 large prints of my work from my trip to Alaska aboard a cruise ship where I was invited to speak on photography. It allowed me to step away from my comfort zone of photographing people and gave me the opportunity to focus on the background; the amazing natural and untouched landscapes of Alaska.
The exhibit opens August 5th and will run until the first week of September.
Las Manos Gallery is located in Andersonville at 5220 North Clark Street.

Montana Rising

admin — Tue, 26 Jul 2011 17:47:54 +0000

One of my images of rising country star, Randy Montana was selected to run alongside an article published in an upcoming issue of Country Weekly.

Here is a small preview of the layout!

Treasury Makes History with Monetary Awards

admin — Thu, 21 Jul 2011 19:05:57 +0000

The Community Development Financial Institutions Fund (CDFI) alongside the United States Department of the Treasury will provide 155 institutions in areas in need of financial assistance with the distribution of $142,302,667, which is the largest amount awarded in its history. Among the recipients of one of the largest monetary awards was the Chicago Community Loan Fund, which offers low and easy financing to community development organizations.

Illinois Senator Dick Durbin and Representative Danny Davis joined CDFI Fund Director Donna Gambrell in making the announcement in Chicago this week.

Before the announcement, small Chicago-based companies were able to show off what they can do. Element Bar is a small business where customers can create their own energy bar with help of their website. Passion House Coffee Roasters is an artisan whole sale coffee distributor, specializing in fair trade and organic coffees. Both companies were involved with meetings and tours, being a great example of how small businesses can thrive and change the face of how these local businesses are viewed.

Remarks, speeches and awards were delivered and distributed by Donna Gambrell, Dick Durbin and Danny Davis.

A photo of mine was even used to illustrate the article in The White House Blog.