For Immediate Release May 22, 2012
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© 2013 Contagious Optimism. All rights reserved.
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Contacts:
Lisa Burke
Contagious Optimism
Viva Editions
Viva Editions To Acquire Life Carrots
New Book Series Title: CONTAGIOUS OPTIMISM
Uplifting Lessons of Happiness, Love, and Success From Around the Globe
BERKELEY, CA., May 22, 2012 — Viva Editions, a San Francisco Bay Area publisher, has acquired the publishing rights to Life Carrots. The series is being re-titled under the name CONTAGIOUS OPTIMISM. "While we are sad to see the original name go, we all agree that 'Contagious Optimism' is exactly what we are about. And, we believe that our contagious effect will have a dramatic impact in the global marketplace." says David Mezzapelle, author and founder of the Life Carrots series.Â
Joining forces with Viva Editions is a natural fit. Viva, and its founding team, has significant experience in this genre including the bestseller Random Acts of Kindness along with other inspirational-motivational series.Â
The books will be distributed through one of the largest global book distribution companies. CONTAGIOUS OPTIMISM will be available world-wide in superstores, independent bookstores, chain book stores, all eBook formats, and will be printed in multiple languages. A Spring 2013 release of volume I is scheduled.
"We can now efficiently and effectively deliver our message of optimism and positive forward thinking to readers world-wide at a time when they need it most. This is great news for everyone involved including our co-authors, contributors, Fairfield University, and our team of copy-editors, students, etc." says Lisa Burke, the CONTAGIOUS OPTIMISM/Life Carrots submission coordinator. Â
The team plans to continue the process of writing one volume per year. Submission guidelines for CONTAGIOUS OPTIMISM volume III will be available in late Q3 or early Q4.Â
​Learn more at www.contagiousoptimism.com
It's Relevant Stamford July 20, 2012
 STAMFORD, CT., July 20, 2012 — Contagious Optimism author David Mezzapelle appears on The Bob Hagan Show, a popular Fairfield County show that is part of the It's Relevant news network. Click here to watch the web edition.Â
Nothing But Good News magazine October 22, 2012
JUPITER, FL., October 22, 2012 — Contagious Optimism author David Mezzapelle appears in the uplifting magazine, Nothing But Good News. Click here to read the full story.  Â
David Mezzapelle to Speak at TEDx Event in 2013
 Contacts: Lisa Burke Â
​          Contagious Optimism Â
          www.lifecarrots.com Â
          Viva Editions
          www.vivaeditions.com
BERKELEY, CA., February 12, 2013 — Pre-orders for Contagious Optimism can now be placed at Barnes & Noble, Amazon, and Target at this time.Â
For Immediate Release February 12, 2013
Kandee G Radio 880 AM. South Florida and Miami Beach.  March 25, 2013
Miami Beach, FL., March 25, 2013 — Contagious Optimism author David Mezzapelle appears on the Kandee G radio show.  Click here to listen.  Â
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Double click here to a2246 Sixth St.â– Berkeley â– California â– 94710-2219 Â
 ☎ 510.845.8000 â– fax 510.845.8001Â
Contact:Â
Eileen Duhné
eduhne@comcast.net / 415.459.2573
Brenda Knight Â
 bknight@cleispress.com / 510.845.8000
Making Optimism Contagious With Positive Forward Thinking
The fast pace of our lives can seem like an infinite loop. For many, this includes the constant barrage of emails, a 24/7 workplace, busy families, the challenges of uncertainty, and life’s trials and tribulations. All of this can make it easy for someone to get sucked into a “poor meâ€? cycle.Â
Instead of dwelling on the negative, David Mezzapelle recommends tuning your mind to the positive. Contagious Optimism: Uplifting Stories and Motivational Advice for Positive Forward Thinking (Viva Editions, June 2013) is inspired by the idea of “positive forward thinkingâ€? created by Mezzapelle, serial entrepreneur and founder of several well-known companies such as Goliath Technology, GoliathJobs, JobsOver50, and Goliath-SilverCensus.Â
Positive forward thinking is the ability to find the silver lining in every cloud no matter how difficult yesterday or today may be. Nowadays, many people have lost confidence in themselves and the world around them due to personal hardship along with economic and political uncertainty worldwide. Mezzapelle believes that we all have stories that can inspire and motivate others across many of life's themes. “We all have the capacity to make optimism contagious,� says Mezzapelle. “Whether people are enduring good times or bad, just knowing that others have persevered from similar experiences is comforting and spreads a message of hope,� he asserts.
A compendium of encouragement, Contagious Optimism shows readers that it’s possible to look for and FIND silver linings in every cloud. Developed by some of the team that brought you Random Acts of Kindness, this book is rather like Chicken Soup for the Soul meets Pay It Forward, with extra pizzazz! Contagious Optimism is pure inspiration that will lift hearts, open minds and create a movement of pass-it-on hope and happiness.
Contagious Optimism includes over one hundred stories and parables of amazing life turnarounds and contagious insight from real people around the globe, as well as advice and guidance from business leaders, visionaries, and professionals. Contagious Optimism contributors include:
•Ricky Wade — raised in Jamaica with poverty all around him, Wade worked his way up to become one of the top McDonald’s franchisees in Florida, mentoring and hiring at-risk youth in his stores.
Ricky Wade — raised in Jamaica with poverty all around him, Wade worked his way up to become one of the top McDonald’s franchisees in Florida, mentoring and hiring at-risk youth in his stores.•Daniel Tully — considered one of the top executives to ever grace Wall Street, Tully’s strong belief in values, ethics, and optimism, coupled with his drive to instill these attributes in his team, led Merrill Lynch & Co. to record success during his era as chairman and CEO.
Daniel Tully — considered one of the top executives to ever grace Wall Street, Tully’s strong belief in values, ethics, and optimism, coupled with his drive to instill these attributes in his team, led Merrill Lynch & Co. to record success during his era as chairman and CEO.•Marshall Goldsmith — America’s preeminent executive coach, Goldsmith is recognized by the London Times as one of the fifteen most influential business thinkers in the world.
Marshall Goldsmith — America’s preeminent executive coach, Goldsmith is recognized by the London Times as one of the fifteen most influential business thinkers in the world.•Nancy Ferrari — the “Oprah of Radio,â€? dedicated to giving all women the tools and inspiration for success in work and life.Â
Nancy Ferrari — the “Oprah of Radio,� dedicated to giving all women the tools and inspiration for success in work and life. “It is impossible to inoculate oneself against the contagion of optimism that pours out from the stories of the courageous men and women in this book who show us how we can soar and flourish in the very midst of life’s challenges. Read Contagious Optimism and celebrate the human spirit!� —Michael Bernard Beckwith, founder of the Agape International Spiritual Center and author of Life Visioning
About the Author:
David Mezzapelle has been motivating others to be positive since his childhood. Mezzapelle was the founder and director of marketing for Goliath Technology, a leader in data center infrastructure that supported corporations, schools and government agencies worldwide. In addition, he orchestrated one of the most innovative academic internship programs ever created. A graduate of Fairfield University in Connecticut, Mezzapelle worked with the students at Fairfield on the Contagious Optimism book project. It has proved successful for the students in several ways; many students are getting jobs or into graduate school based on the experience. After selling Goliath Technology, Mezzapelle launched several companies. Today, Mezzapelle consults on various projects and initiatives along with serving on several public and private boards. Throughout his life he has encountered great peaks and valleys, all of which he is thankful for. He never lost sight along the way and has kept his positive attitude and confidence at 110 percent. A regular contributor to The Wall Street Journal and various other international publications, Mezzapelle has been a frequent guest on radio and television. He resides in Jupiter, Florida with his wife, Courtney. Learn more about David Mezzapelle at www.contagiousoptimism.com.
A portion of the proceeds from Contagious Optimism will go to Fairfield University and various charities.
Contagious OptimismÂ
Uplifting Stories and Motivational Advice for Positive Forward Thinking
By David Mezzapelle, Foreword by Marshall Goldsmith
ISBN: 978-1-936740-41-3Â
Trade Paper, $16.95
5.5� x 8.25�, 272 pages
Publishing on National Smile Power Day, June 15, 2013
Contact: Eileen Duhné, eduhne@comcast.net, 415-459.2573Â
Brenda Knight, bknight@cleispress.com, 510-845-8000
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For Immediate Release March 22, 2013
Sun Sentinel  April 2, 2013
Delray Beach hosts its first TEDx talks
TEDxDelrayBeach will feature local and international speakers
By Maria Herrera, Sun Sentinel
7:11 p.m. EDT, April 2, 2013
Delray Beach will soon be showcasing people who preach innovation, creativity and the visionary power of the human potential — thanks to TEDxDelrayBeach.
The renowned speaker series will be held at the Center for the Arts at Old School Square and will feature a variety of experts organizers hope will entertain, inspire and educate.
"Someone sent me a talk with Brene Brown about vulnerability and I became a TED groupie," said organizer Becky Woodbridge. "Then I attended a simulcast of an actual TED event and it opened my eyes even bigger about the potential of a community event."
TED, a nonprofit organization whose motto is "Ideas Worth Spreading," started in 1984 as a conference bringing together people from the technology, entertainment and design worlds.
But thanks to the Internet, it has grown and its scope has broadened to include many different topics. Along with two annual conferences – the TED Conference on the West Coast each spring, and the TEDGlobal conference in Edinburgh UK each summer – TED includes the award-winning TED Talks video site, a series of programs that include the local TEDx talks, and the annual TED Prize.
Woodbridge was granted the license to host TEDxDelray Beach, an independent version of the original TED. She named the event The Human Experience and it features speakers such as opera singer Cynthia Makris, football player Ricky Williams, David Mezzapelle who is author of books such as "Contagious Optimism," and Kartick Satyanarayan, known in India and the "Bear Man" for his conservation efforts.
"I chose this because I started to see a commonality in the speakers I was putting together," Woodbridge said. "They all address things that happen to us as humans, whether we make mistakes or have amazing accomplishments."
There are now TEDx talks in 17,777 cities in 162 countries, Woodbridge said. This would be the first in Delray Beach, where city officials are trying to make a push to develop the Congress Avenue Corridor as an innovation hub and attract young, tech-savvy entrepreneurs to live work and play in the city's downtown.
"Anecdotally, South Florida is really beginning to wake up and come into its own," said Daniel Cane, one of the featured speakers. "Venues like TEDx will allow people to place a much brighter spotlight in this area."
Cane is president and CEO of South Florida based Modernizing Medicine, Inc., a healthcare company that develops iPad-based specialty electronic medical records systems that are intuitive and designed for touch. The company has been named "Best Startup" at the South Florida Business Journal's 2011 Entrepreneur Awards; "Business of the Year" by Modernizing Magazine and was the #1 Fastest Growing Company in South Florida's "Fast 50."
Cane said TEDx events allow the community to get exposure to extraordinary minds and conversations going on in society and that most people wouldn't otherwise be exposed to.
"The value to me isn't the opportunity to be on stage," he said, "but to engage in rich conversations far after I've left the stage."
Meherrera@tribune.com or 561-243-6544.
IF YOU GO:
WHERE:
The Delray Beach Center for the Arts at Old School Square, 51 N. Swinton Ave., Delray Beach.
WHEN:
May 3
Visit http://www.tedxdelraybeach.com.
Copyright © 2013, South Florida Sun-Sentinel
Nothing But Good News Magazine April 10, 2013
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JUPITER, FL., April 10, 2013 — Contagious Optimism author David Mezzapelle appears in the uplifting magazine, Nothing But Good News. Click here to read the full story.  Â
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David Mezzapelle at Florida Atlantic University April 18, 2013
JUPITER, FL., April 18, 2013 — Contagious Optimism author David Mezzapelle gives a powerful talk at the Florida Atlantic University (FAU) auditorium. Click here to listen.
David Mezzapelle on Radio 1040 Aging Younger April 22, 2013
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Fort Lauderdale, FL., April 22, 2013 — Contagious Optimism author David Mezzapelle was a guest on radio 1040WLBJ and the Aging Younger Radio Show. Click here to listen.
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David Mezzapelle on The Only Way Out Is In Show May 9, 2013
Tampa, FL., May 9, 2013 — Contagious Optimism author David Mezzapelle was a guest on The Only Way Out Is In Show. Click here to listen. (Due to technical difficulties, we suggest that you start at 6:00 minutes by dragging or clicking your mouse on the timer bar). Â
David Mezzapelle. Author, Contagious Optimism
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Contagious Optimism LIVE! Officially Launches
Jupiter, FL., May 29, 2013 — The Contagious Optimism team, publisher Viva Editions, and FAU Lifelong Learning Jupiter have officially announced Contagious Optimism LIVE!
This is a series of events around the globe that are fun, motivational, and exciting. The first event is Friday October 4th, 2013 at Florida Atlantic University in Jupiter, Florida. 2pm - 9pm. STAY TUNED! DETAILS TO FOLLOW at www.contagiousoptimismLIVE.com.Â
This event is sponsored by FAU Lifelong Learning Society Jupiter.
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Contact: Becky Woodbridge
becky@beckywoodbridge.com
(561) 561.251.7059
Contagious Optimism LIVE! Officially Launches
First Event Scheduled for October 4, 2013 at FAU Lifelong Learning Society Jupiter
Jupiter, Fl. (June 1, 2013) — The Contagious Optimism team, including author David Mezzapelle, co-author Becky Woodbridge and publisher Viva Editions, along with Florida Atlantic University Lifelong Learning Society Jupiter, is excited to launch Contagious Optimism LIVE!
Contagious Optimism LIVE! is a series of events featuring inspirational talks from speakers with uplifting real-life stories from around the world. Each event will also include audience participation, entertainment, food, drinks and more. Â
This first event, scheduled for Friday, October 4, 2013, from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Florida Atlantic University Lifelong Learning Society, Jupiter, FL., is free and open to the public. Online pre-registration is required. A reception will immediately follow the event.
According to Mezzapelle, Contagious Optimism Live! was created to:
â—?Make optimism contagious before a live audience in cities and towns around the globe. This allows people to hear and see uplifting stories of perseverance first-hand.
â—?Offer a motivational event unlike any other that people of all demographics and socioeconomic backgrounds can afford. Our team believes that everyone deserves to experience Contagious Optimism and find their silver linings.
This event is sponsored by Florida Atlantic University Lifelong Learning Society Jupiter.
Learn more about registration and other details at www.contagiousoptimismlive.com.
About David Mezzapelle:
David Mezzapelle believes that all humans have the capacity to make optimism contagious just by sharing their life’s adventures, their successes and even their failures. Mezzapelle is the author of Contagious Optimism, an uplifting book series that contains real stories from people around the globe. Mezzapelle was the founder of Goliath Technology, a global data center infrastructure company. Mezzapelle also orchestrated one of the most innovative internship programs ever created, a staple for organizations today. After selling Goliath, Mezzapelle launched several companies and philanthropic initiatives and along with serving on various boards. Throughout his life, Mezzapelle has encountered great peaks and valleys - all of which he is grateful for and has always kept his glass "completely full."
About Becky Woodbridge:
Becky Woodbridge has lived a life taken down many avenues. With more than 25 years as a major airline attendant, her background in owning a real estate company, and now the experience of organizing TEDxDelrayBeach and Contagious Optimism LIVE!, Woodbridge sees each opportunity in life as another chance to live. Originally from Bangor, Maine, Woodbridge needed a change in scenery, so she packed up her bags. Discarding the idea of a limited horizon, Becky eventually settled in sunny South Florida. She quickly became an active member within the local business community, holding memberships with the National Speakers Association, Florida Speakers Association, American Society of Training and Development and the International Coach Federation. In 2007 Becky participated in Leadership Boca Raton and Leadership Delray Beach and is a contributing author to the book “Contagious Optimism� by David Mezzapelle.
About Viva Editions:
Books for Vivacious Living!
Viva Editions are books that inform, enlighten, and entertain. The very name, "Viva!� is celebratory. And while Viva Editions is a line of books that are as fun as they are informational, the intention behind Viva is very serious—these are books that are truly helpful and intended to enhance people's lives. Viva Editions was founded at a pivotal point in time, as the stock market plummeted, the economy softened, and businesses tightened and cut back. Viva focuses on expansion, courage, and joy in life. In short, Viva is about the very best in the human spirit. As publishers, we need to be aware of the different economic environment we are publishing in—and respond to what people really need. Now is the time for fresh thinking and stripped-down self-help books that caused inspiration to spring into action. These hard times can create community, and so we invite you into the Viva community. Bring your ideas, questions, suggestions—because we want to hear from you! Viva books open hearts and minds. Viva authors are practical visionaries: people who offer deep wisdom in a hopeful and helpful manner. You can be frugal AND fabulous. You can be thankful for what you have. You can take risks and achieve your long-held dreams. Your relationships can be better than ever. And, you can simply have more fun. You can take a leap of faith and change your life, knowing it is never too late for positive action. www.vivaeditions.com.
Florida Atlantic University Lifelong Learning Society Jupiter:
The Lifelong Learning Society at FAU Jupiter offers non-credit, university-level courses for learners of all ages, backgrounds and interests. Courses are available in topics like foreign policy, fine arts, philosophy, science, and many others. More info here: http://www.fau.edu/divdept/lifelong/LLSJupiter/llsjupiter.php
Contagious OptimismÂ
Uplifting Stories and Motivational Advice for Positive Forward Thinking
By David Mezzapelle, Forewords by Marshall Goldsmith and Daniel P. Tully
ISBN: 978-1-936740-41-3Â
Trade Paper, $16.95
May 7, 2013 - AARP Magazine
May 27, 2013 - PR Web / Book Expo America
May 31, 2013 - Huffington Post
June 6, 2013 - San Francisco Chronicle / Hearst
June 6, 2013 - Broadway World / Books WorldÂ
June 9, 2013 - Publishers Weekly
​June 12, 2013 - Energy Awareness Radio
June 13, 2013 - Sai Browne Show NY
​June 18, 2013 - OM Times
June 19, 2013 - Books World / Broadway World
June 24, 2013 - Balance and Power Radio with Bob Hagan, Contagious Optimism
June 25, 2013 - Eyewitness News Bay Area Print, Contagious Tour
June 30th, 2013 -Balance and Power with Karen Lyons Kalmenson, Contagious Optimism
Welcome to our archive news page.
To review news after July 1, 2013 please click here.
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