Ranita Productions Owner: Annabelle M. Karabec What We Do: We are a full-service event production firm (floral design, planning and production for special events) – originally headquartered in New York City, now with additional offices in Chester and Paramus. Our mission is to create events that reflect our client’s individual needs. We offer a wide array of services from hourly consultation to full service planning, design and production, specializing in the creation and management of unique and memorable celebrations. We believe the first step in creating any successful event is to build a close working relationship with our client. Creating the perfect wedding, down to the smallest detail, is what we do best. Our approach to wedding planning and floral design, like our approach to everything, is one of creative vision, the ultimate in style and the highest level of skill attainable. We ensure a consistently high standard of quality and impeccable service and deliver nothing less. Attention to detail is at the heart of how we manage every event, no matter how large or small. How It Began: From 1982 until 1999, I was the director of facilities and special events at Tiger Management, a NYC-based hedge fund. When the company dissolved in 2000, I founded Ranita Productions, managing and producing special events for both the corporate and social client. Ranita is a Spanish word meaning little frog. As a young girl of Hispanic descent, my Mom affectionately nicknamed me her “Ranita,” a name that stuck with me throughout my childhood. When it was time to name my company, I returned to “Ranita” both as a tribute to my Mother who I had unfortunately lost and as a reflection of the personal meaning and great commitment that I have to it. The company logo is a tiny frog sitting on a banana leaf. Our Primary Clientele: We have a fairly equal spread of clientele in both the private and corporate worlds. We do as many social events – weddings, anniversaries, birthdays, etc. as we do corporate events – product launch celebrations, holiday parties, not-for-profit dinners, etc. Most Unique Thing About Us: What sets Ranita Productions apart is a consistent attention to detail and follow through and in-house, one stop shopping for all facets of the event regardless how large or small, all of which is possible because our staff consists of leaders and innovators in every aspect of our field. Our production team is highly trained, creative and nonpareil. How to Find Us: Ranita Productions, LLC Two Greycourt Avenue Chester, NY 212.986.9850 or 866.404.8102 www.ranitaproductions.com

The Rio Mexican Eatery and Bar Owner: Dawn Jacobs What I Do: I own and operate The Rio Mexican Eatery and Bar in Poughkeepsie. How I Began: I decided to open a restaurant after spending time traveling throughout Mexico. I had always had an interest in Mexican cuisine and found that the local fare was lacking. With my past culinary and retail knowledge, I thought it would be a good venture. Along with my husband Alan, we found a location near Vassar College and opened 15 years ago. Who Visits To Dine: People of all ages, both white and blue-collar stop in. During the week we get a lot of college professors and students from Vassar. On the weekends we get all ages of people who come to enjoy the casual dining and festive atmosphere while listening to the flamenco guitarist in the dining room. Most Unique Thing About It: We offer fine Mexican cuisine made from the freshest ingredients around as well as the best margaritas made from scratch. We have been voted "Best Mexican and Best Margaritas" for five years running and "Best Mexican Restaurant" by two area magazines. We also offer a selection of American fare. How To Find Us: The Rio Mexican Eatery and Bar 5 Raymond Avenue Poughkeepsie, NY 12603 486.5119 email: theriocrew@aol.com

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