PHOENIX (Jan. 28, 2009) – B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Camp, a self-esteem and leadership building summer camp specifically designed for adolescent girls, has opened enrollment for its 2009 summer sessions. Session one, for high school girls, is scheduled for Sunday, June 21 – Saturday, June 27; and session two, for middle school girls, is scheduled for Sunday, July 19 – Saturday, July 25.

The week-long camp, held at Northern Arizona University, engages girls from across the country and challenges them to realize their potential, as well as set the foundation for a life of confidence, leadership and happiness. During the adolescent years, many girls become self-critical, more deferential and temperamental. It’s estimated that 90 percent of those with eating disorders are women 12 to 25 years old, and nearly 45 percent of high school girls think they’re overweight.

“Raising teenage girls is a challenge,” said Laurie Sliva, BRIDGES Camp director, founder and life-skills trainer. “It’s typically when young women begin to lose confidence and ambition, making parent-daughter relationships difficult to maintain. Adolescent girls need opportunities to connect with peers, practice selflessness, develop leadership and communication skills, and discover their true selves.”

At the summer camp, girls interact in small and large groups; participate in experiential, self defense and fitness activities; and learn to take the first step in paying-it-forward by empowering other girls. These activities and interactions, created from research-based programs, are designed to help them develop confidence, a positive body image, and, above all else, discover their self worth.

“The girls leave feeling confident and with a more positive outlook on life,” Sliva said. “We work to equip both the campers and their parents with the tools to keep this going even after camp.”

About BRIDGES Camp

Founded by Laurie Sliva, BRIDGES (Building Relationships Involving the Development of Girls’ Empowering Selves) Camp is a self-esteem and leadership building summer camp specifically designed for adolescent girls as they transition into adulthood. At the camp, girls have the opportunity to build lifelong friendships, forget the worries of everyday life for a week and work on developing confidence and positive body image. The camp offers separate sessions for girls in high school, and girls in middle school/junior high. The weeklong retreat, held at the Northern Arizona University campus, focuses on experiential learning and relationship-based shared learning through large group activities as well as small, structured support groups. All courses are led by certified instructors. For more information, visit www.BridgesCamp.com 

PHOENIX (Dec. 2, 2008) – Urban Oven, a Tempe-based gourmet cracker company, announces its launch into the local and international market. The company, which established in June, has grown its distribution to 700 retail clients, adding, on average, 125 new clients each month.

Founded by Gene Williams, the motivation for Urban Oven came after the nationally recognized gourmet food company he worked for disbanded and he realized there was an opportunity to capture the large following of loyal customers the company had. A long-time colleague and owner of a manufacturer representative business, Linda Anne Marty, joined Williams in the venture and the duo have successfully launched it into various U.S. markets, as well as in Ireland and Canada.

“We wanted to capitalize on the successes of past gourmet cracker companies, but also focus on improving the product,” said Williams. “We made it our mission to shift the focus back to the customer and use only the highest-quality ingredients. It’s this attention to detail that separates our crackers from the rest.”

Currently, there are five flavor offerings: Classic White, Olive Oil, Rosemary Parmesan, Asiago and Lemon Black Pepper.

“There’s an immediately noticeable difference in the taste and texture of our crackers and the response thus far has been amazing,” said Marty. “We’re continually looking to expand our reach in the gourmet markets and looking forward to the continued, steady growth ahead.”

Prior to forming Urban Oven, Williams worked as a manager and production manager for Starr Ridge, which helped prepare him for his current role. He holds a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from Arizona State University, where his emphasis was power production and alternative energy. Following graduation, he went to work for Starr Ridge and discovered a new passion for the gourmet food product industry.

Previously, Marty worked in computer software sales for the maker of Norton AntiVirus, Symantec Corp., a global company focusing on security, storage and system management solutions. After 13 years in the software industry, Marty moved to Arizona from Seattle, Wash., where she started a career in the gourmet food and drink industry. In addition to Urban Oven, she also currently owns and operates Luscious Accents and More, a manufacturer representative business, which she has successfully grown over the past 12 years. Marty holds a bachelor’s in Kinesiology from North Seattle College in Washington State.

About Urban Oven

Founded in 2008, Urban Oven is a Tempe-based gourmet cracker company that utilizes all natural ingredients, as well as local ingredients when possible. The company, which distributes to gourmet retailers throughout the U.S., Ireland and Canada, has five cracker products, including Classic White, Olive Oil, Rosemary Parmesan, Asiago and Lemon Black Pepper. For more information, visit www.UrbanOven.com.