March 17th, 2009
Possibly a bit of the luck-o-the Irish. So, we started this effort a couple of years ago and have learned a good bit along the way. Our focus was more Meridian channeled with not enough attention to the site and its interactiveness. That is about to change, a couple of weeks ago, we posted an ad on craigslist looking for some Technology help. Ultimately, we were looking for co-founders that could bring their technology expertise to the table while contributing to other aspects of our mission. Fortunately, we had a few hits and were able to find a new team member that will add a good bit of experience to our founding team. Introductions will be made in the near future. Hopefully, based on recent discussions, we will have a second introduction to our team as well, a branding specialist with front-end web experience. Our goal is to have a revamped website by late summer with a Facebook app ready by early fall.
We also recognized that eventually, demand for the Meridian will require a lot of time for assembly of necklaces and packaging. In sticking with our mission of “build it where we sell it”, we had to find a way to get this assembly work done without looking overseas to rock bottom cost alternatives. So, we reached out to the folks at Atlanta Step-up Society to see if we might be able to help one another out. They do some great work in downtown ATL to help folks kick substance abuse while providing them an opportunity to get off the streets. Their mission is to give a “hand up”, not a “hand out”. Our goal is to create some job opportunities for the individuals that they are helpling. Who knows, if the partnership works well, maybe one day it would provide an opportunity to expand the program to other cities. (Always the optimist 
Finally, in line with our mission to support charitable organizations, we have reached out to many charities over the last couple of years to partner with out of the gate. Unfortunately, we have not had much luck, understandably because we are a new organization with very little track record. However, we have had some discussions lately with the folks at Musicians for Harmony. Their mission is similar to ours in that they are striving for world unity utilizing music as their medium. And even though they have not said yes, they have not said no. Our hope is to eventually provide a fundraising effort for their cause. Find them on Facebook!
Oh yeah, one last point, look for our Meridians in the following stores:
Blue Sky Outffiter in Rome, GA
MacTaggarts Market in Madison, WI
Infintea Teahouse in Eau Claire, WI
Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »
October 29th, 2008
My daughter is always onto me about helping to protect the environment. Her intentions are great, but unfortunately, I still have to follow after her to switch of the lights. She’ll get there one day. Anyway, at the beginning of this year, I had heard more and more about the waste and disposal of plastic bags. I also noticed that most every time I shopped for groceries, I would find multiple bags with only one item in them, a can of beans for example. So, I decided to do something about it…
There are some interesting statistics floating around about the use of plastic bags. First, they use up a bunch of oil annually to make them. Second, they create a real litter problem, as so few are recycled. Some estimates show less than 1% make it to the recycle bin. Alternatively, there are other views about the use of plastic bags.
…One day in April, I was at the self check-out at the local Ingles supermarket and saw some reusable bags on sale for $0.99. I decided to buy one instead of using the plastic bags. This was a great decision! I could fit a bunch of stuff into the bag, and the flat bottom made it easy to pack. (if you are bagging retentive like me, this is a bonus) On my next trip, I bought three more of the bags as I had about a weeks worth of goods. Combined with my first bag, all the groceries fit into these four bags. Now the really cool part was that when I got home, I could tote all of the bags in one trip. A bag on each shoulder and a bag in each hand.
Overall, I am happy with the decision. Instead of just trying to recycle, I chose to reduce and reuse. The only downfall is that sometimes I forget to grab the bags out of the trunk and have to park my buggy to run out and get them. I also need to be more conscious of grabbing them at stores other than the supermarket (Target, Lowes, etc.) I have to admit that on occasion, I still do grab a few plastic bags to reuse around the house.
So, when will you make the switch? If not, you could choose to recycle the bags you don’t use.
Posted in Change, Good Things! | No Comments »
May 1st, 2008
If you have not already checked the results for the ATL business launch, we did not “Fast Forward” to the semis. However, we want everyone to know how much we appreciate the support. Unfortunately, the competition was ran “Idol” style, so we are not really even sure where we finally ended up. What I can share is some statistics about visits to our site during the length of the competition.
- Close to 400 unique visitors
- Over 1100 pageviews
- Visitors from 9 countries
- Visitors from 40 states
- Visitors from 194 Cities
- 152 referrals from Facebook
- 25 referrals from Myspace
Thanks again for all your support and stay tuned for more updates on our journey to connect the world! Oh yeah, and congrats to the “Fast Forward” winners, ProperNotice and SharedStudy!
Tags: Business Launch, Connections, Visits
Posted in Connections, Good Things! | No Comments »
April 20th, 2008
Quick update on the email spread.
Start - Cartersville, GA
Stop 1 - Macon, GA
End - Zionsville, IN
That’s two connections with a distance travelled of 630 miles or 1013 kilometers.
Tags: Meridian, Travels
Posted in Connections | No Comments »
April 19th, 2008
The 2008 TAG/GRA Business Launch competition has officially kicked off with the people’s choice awards. There are approximately 70 startups that entered and 25 elected to post a 1 minute video pitch to “fast forward” to the second round. We entered One World Connects. Our video is #17. It is actually amazing how quickly one can stiffen up (yours truly) when sitting in front of a video camera in a studio, especially when you know that probably only a handful of folks will see the tape. So, if you see the video, please feel guiltless having a laugh at my expense. Oh, yeah, the competition lasts until the end of April.
In order to raise support, all the participants were encouraged to get their email lists together and ask for support. Of course we jumped on the bandwagon too. In our plea, we asked for those who forwarded the message to put their city/state (and country if necessary), in the header and copy us back and we’d keep up with how they go. Well, so far one message has travelled from Cartersville, GA to Macon, GA. If your interested in helping out and seeing how far your message may spread, get my contact information and shoot me a message. I will forward the original to you.
Last, thanks to all those that are helping us out with their votes!
Tags: Atlanta, Business Launch, GRA, TAG
Posted in Our company, Technology | No Comments »
February 18th, 2008
Sometime before Christmas, I visited a few stores in Kennesaw near Town Center Mall. I was looking at merchandise to see what kind of stores would be the best for our products. On my quest, I learned that one store, SURFTOWN, was locally operated and looking to expand in metro Atlanta. As such, I asked to speak to the purchasing gurus and out came Curtis. We talked about One World Connects and the Meridian (it was not yet named). Curtis said that he liked what we were starting and said he would be willing to put some of our shirts in the store….. check back after Christmas. I left a Meridian and was on my way.
So, a few weeks after Christmas, I went back into SURFTOWN and asked for Curtis. I asked if he remembered our conversation in December to which he said ofcourse. He had been wearing the Merdian I gave him and showed it to me hanging on a necklace. I thought that was pretty cool. We talked a bit and he agreed to carry a couple of our shirts and would allow us to set up a table with some signage about One World Connects.
Today, we set up the table and have some of our shirts for sale. In addition, we have a couple of samples of the Meridian displayed to check out in person. So, if you happen to be at the Town Center Mall in Kennesaw, stop by SURFTOWN and see what the Meridian looks like in person.
Thanks Curtis, and good luck with your new store opening in April… Avenues Forsyth *North of Northpointe Mall.
Posted in Our company, Product Info | No Comments »
January 28th, 2008
I saw an interesting CNN clip on Yahoo!News about an Iranian couple that is cycling the world to promote peace in addition to their message of protecting the environment. When they can find an audience, the couple is sharing information on Iranian culture that they feel can be skewed by media reports. With all that is happening in the world today, it is good to know that others share the same beliefs of peace.
It has been known for a while that many in Iran (particularly the younger population) have looked to create a more democratic state that will loosen its regulations related to religious beliefs and values as interpreted by its leaders. However, you have to wonder what has happened to this movement since the outbreak of wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. Has this created the opportunity for the leadership in the middle east to create propaganda against democracy and the west?
I would like to assume that our leadership in the US has made decisions that are in the best interest of the country based on the information they have been given. However, because we are not privy to national security data, we have to trust that recent decisions made supporting “premptive strikes” against terrorism have been the best choice to protect nations and cultures around the world. Given our focus on the middle east, I wonder if propaganda targeting us is always the most truthful, or at least gives all the different aspects of the true reality.
These are just some thoughts to think about with a disclosure that I am far from an expert in foreign relations. However, feel free to share thoughts/facts that we can learn from. Overall, it is good to learn about people from around the world that strive for peace with action to support it!
Maybe one day we will get enough “crazy” and smart people in a room to push the world towards peace.
Posted in Change, Good Things! | No Comments »
January 27th, 2008
We have named our medallion….. the Meridian! What does meridian mean:
1) A point or period of highest development
2) (in accupuncture) any of the pathways in the body along which vital energy flows.
See our video describing it on our homepage!
Posted in Our company, Product Info | 1 Comment »
January 7th, 2008
We want to give the One World medallion a name. What are your ideas? Remember, our goal is to connect the world while being environmentally friendly and socially responsible. It’s a challenge and we need your help. So, get the creative juices flowing and let us know what you think.
Posted in Our company, Product Info | 1 Comment »
October 26th, 2007
We have launched our site to the world as of this evening. Well, sort of. Currently, we only have T-Shirts available for sale. The main component of our business is still in development mode, but is rapidly approaching its launch. We actually will receive sample parts next week. From this point, we will have a few accesories to source and then we are really off. This is pretty exciting stuff!
We ask your patience when you order a T-shirt at this point. Why you may ask? Well, we have received some financial support from family and friends and have bootstrapped the rest of the way. As a result, we are having to carry minimal inventories. However, the good news (as we had originally intended) is that our products our 100% made in the USA. One of our goals is to support economies whereever we expand. So, if we are going to sell in the US, why not make it in the US. If we are going to sell in Europe, why not make it in Europe.
Our shirts are sourced from American Apparel out of California. I called them yesterday to confirm that their organics are made in the US. I also found out that even the cotton is grown here. The shirts are being printed by ATS Graphics of Kennesaw, GA. That means that if you do place an order that we do not have in stock, we can probably get it made and shipped to you within four weeks (maybe sooner). At least you know that it has not sat on a shelf collecting dust!
Check back for updates on our main product and remember, Make a trade, Cast a vote, Change the World!
Posted in Our company, Product Info | 1 Comment »