Recruiter

Choose Chicago appoints Meryl Press Vissel VP Communications & Content. Choose Chicago has appointed Meryl Press Vissel as Vice President of Communications & Content, a newly structured leadership role that will oversee the organisation's communications, media relations and social media functions. Ms Vissel brings more than a decade of communications experience across tourism, hospitality and real estate, most recently leading Corporate Communications for the Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board. "Chicago has one of the strongest stories of any destination in the world. Our job is to make sure it's the one people hear," said Lisa Nucci, Chief Marketing Officer at Choose Chicago. "Meryl has spent her career navigating complex issues and winning attention in a competitive global marketplace. Under her leadership, we'll tell Chicago's story with more force and more consistency than ever - and that's a real advantage in a market where every city is making its case." As Vice President of Communications & Content, Vissel will work closely with colleagues across Choose Chicago and partners throughout the city's tourism and hospitality community. Her team will play a central role in strengthening Chicago's reputation as a premier global destination and showcasing the people, places and experiences that distinguish the city. "Meryl Vissel brings exactly the kind of global perspective and hands-on destination experience Choose Chicago needs as we enter this next chapter of transformation and growth," said Kristen Reynolds, President & CEO of Choose Chicago. "From representing a Tier 1 destination with its own Tourism Improvement District, to shaping global media and content strategy around mega-events like the World Cup and the Olympics, Meryl has built her career at the intersection of world-class storytelling and world-class hospitality. We could not be more excited to have her leadership and vision guiding our team." Prior to joining Choose Chicago, Ms Vissel led Corporate Communications for the Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board, the official destination marketing organisation for the City of Los Angeles. During her tenure, she re-established the organisation's Corporate Communications function following the pandemic and developed earned media and executive communications strategies designed to elevate Los Angeles on the global stage. Previously, Ms Vissel led communications for Hudson Pacific Properties, a publicly traded real estate investment trust, where she oversaw internal and external communications, corporate reputation and executive thought leadership. She began her career in travel and tourism with Cunard, part of Carnival Corporation, directing North American public relations for the iconic luxury cruise line. "Chicago has an energy, character and sense of place that is entirely its own," said Ms Vissel. "Having spent much of my career telling the stories of iconic destinations and travel brands, I'm honoured to join Choose Chicago and help share what makes the city so compelling with audiences around the world. I look forward to working alongside the talented team at Choose Chicago and partners across the city to spotlight the people, places and experiences that define Chicago and inspire travellers to experience it for themselves." Ms Vissel's official start date at Choose Chicago will be 31st August.

Hudson Pacific Properties is achieving 100% carbon neutrality and building a 'better blueprint' for the future. 07/01/2021 | by This is a case study that's a part of the 2021 REIT Industry ESG Report, an annual report detailing the REIT industry's environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance details in the publicly traded U.S. REIT industry. Featured case studies showcase REIT leadership and ESG innovation from a variety of sectors and serve as a practical tool for stakeholders to assess the scale and impact of the REIT industry's ESG commitments and initiatives. In 2020, Hudson Pacific Properties, Inc. (NYSE: HPP) achieved 100% net-zero carbon across all operations through a combination of energy efficiency, on-site renewables, off-site renewables, and carbon offsets. Hudson Pacific's race to net zero was accelerated due to the coronavirus pandemic, as the organization recognized that even in low occupancy scenarios its energy usage would likely increase due to enhanced air quality and ventilation needs. "Hudson Pacific's 'Better Blueprint'(TM) platform recognizes sustainability, health, and equity as interconnected pillars that guide our work and form the foundation of our long-term success. Meeting our carbon neutrality goal - five years ahead of schedule - showcases our commitment to prioritizing climate action and minimizing our environmental impact, with much more work to come as we continue to set bold goals for the future." Natalie Teear, SVP, Innovation, Sustainability & Social Impact. In recognition of these operational changes and challenges, the organization decoupled its carbon and energy use, ensuring that Hudson Pacific would remain carbon neutral regardless of pandemic impacts while also positioning the organization to not have to "choose" between its commitment to sustainability and property health and safety. More specific drivers contributing to Hudson Pacific's carbon neutrality achievements included: * Energy efficiency: Approximately 71% of Hudson Pacific's in-service office portfolio is ENERGY STAR certified, while 80% is LEED certified. * On-site renewables: The company uses traditional rooftop solar panels where possible and has piloted new technology such as building-integrated solar panels. * Off-site renewables and Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs): Many of Hudson Pacific's properties purchase carbon-free directly from local utilities, and all remaining electricity is 100% renewable through the purchase of RECs from a wind farm in Texas. * Carbon offsets: The remainder of the company's greenhouse gas emissions are offset by Verified Carbon Standard (VCS) certified emission reduction credits from a landfill gas-to-energy project in Illinois. Moving forward, Hudson Pacific plans to measure embodied carbon at all its developments, leverage innovative design and materials choices to drive lower-carbon construction, and further invest in innovative technology to scale its energy efficiency and on-site renewable energy solutions. Hudson Pacific Properties, Inc. is a real estate investment trust focused on premier West Coast epicenters of innovation, media, and technology - with a portfolio of office and studio properties totaling nearly 20 million square feet, including land for development. Companies: Company name 1 Year Total Return -17.40% As of market close 07/21/2026 Stock price

SF celebrates Ferry Building with second annual festival. San Franciscans will celebrate the Ferry Building's 128th anniversary Sunday with a daylong extravaganza at the Embarcadero. Hudson Pacific Properties and Noise Pop, the Bay Area independent music and events promoter, will host the second edition of Ferry Fest. Launched last year, the annual event - which commemorates the Ferry Building's July 13, 1898, opening - will run from noon to 6 p.m. There will be Bay Area musicians, cocktails, retail vendors courtesy of the Pickwick Vintage show, and art. Visitors ages 21 and up can purchase $22.85 wine-tasting passes, giving them access to drinks from members of the Napa Valley Vintners trade association and a stemless wine glass. Proceeds will benefit the nonprofit Foodwise. Organizers said Ferry Fest will reflect the landmark's longstanding reputation as an everyday hub of social activity for residents and visitors alike, while simultaneously highlighting regional artistic and cultural contributors. "Our goal with Ferry Fest is to capture what makes the Ferry Building - and San Francisco - so extraordinary," said Lillian Brauner, Ferry Building senior programming and events manager. She said the organization could think of "no better way to celebrate this iconic gathering place than by bringing together the exceptional food, culture and community that have made it a beloved destination for 128 years." Noise Pop will showcase nine Bay Area musical acts, with Sunday's lineup including names like French Cassettes, Animal Prince, DJ Walkin' Love, Nina Durango and Country Risque. Noise Pop founder Kevin Arnold said his employees wanted to create "a lineup and experience packed with local performers that represents the diversity and spirit of San Francisco." The region's creative community will also be highlighted by the San Francisco Bay Area Etsy Team, a collective of artisans who sell their works on the Etsy website. Artists will hold workshops throughout the Ferry Building, where participants can make their own bedazzled bracelets, craft trinket trays and design drink coasters out of felt. Rebecca Saylor said that, for her and her fellow SFEtsy artists, it feels like "such an honor to bring art to San Francisco and to everyone who comes out to celebrate with us." Saylor said that "it means a lot to see art still pulsing through the lifeblood of this city."