Case Studies – Big Buzz Idea Group

Northcenter Chamber of Commerce-Ribfest Chicago

In 2003, the Northcenter Chamber of Commerce hired a prominent event agency to manage Ribfest Chicago, their largest annual fundraiser. The gross profit tripled but the net profit plunged leaving the organization in a challenging financial position. In 2006, Big Buzz Idea Group took over management of Ribfest Chicago successfully breaking new fundraising records for nine years in a row and securing national media attention when the event was featured on Food Network’s “Eating America with Anthony Anderson.”

During our three years with the event agency, profits stagnated while expenses increased. The management company pooled together almost all the sponsorship money it acquired, allocating a portion to each event they managed. In the first year that Big Buzz Idea Group managed our event, net profits more than doubled. More importantly, BBIG’s total transparency meant we knew where each dollar came from and how it was spent.

Donna Shultz, Member and former Director
Northcenter Chamber of Commerce

Medals4Mettle

Founded in 2005 by Steven Eisenberg, M.D., Medals4Mettle allows avid runners to share their earned medals with children who are battling a much more difficult race in fighting a life-threatening illness. The nonprofit had been searching for several years to find a management partner to help take their organization to the next level. After just nine months, Big Buzz Idea Group has helped Medals4Mettle completely reorganize with a unified dataset with a regularly executed communication schedule to maintain stronger contact with their supporters.

Our introduction to Big Buzz Idea Group started as a referral, and has now grown into a collaborative partnership in just a year. Being a unique NPO, we were looking for a creative partner that understood our mission and were willing to put their reputation on the line to help us grow.”

Scott M. Morgan, R.Ph.
Executive VP, Medals4Mettle

Edgewater Artists in Motion (EAIM)

In 2009, three women came together to combat the effects of a troubled economy in their commercial district by placing art in the vacant windows. Now, years later, EAIM is still focused on creating regular traffic for local businesses and showcasing original artists in the community, and to build sustainability, the organization has partnered with Big Buzz Idea Group. By outsourcing the day-to-day management of the organization, the founder has been able to focus more intently on reducing vacant storefronts and creating new opportunities for attracting more artists and art organizations to the community to continue making Edgewater a cultural destination.

The combination of Big Buzz Idea Group working with the Edgewater Artists In Motion (EAIM) developed a great advantage for the success of EAIM’s Art Fair 2015 and 2016.The Big Buzz organizational skills cut the EAIM dedicated hours almost in half.

Big Buzz’s experience and knowledge enhanced EAIM’s income stream while lowering expenses. Big Buzz helped our organization to be more professional, creating goodwill and excitement throughout the community, with the vendor artists, performing artists and community businesses. Big Buzz helped EAIM carry out our mission and carry out the mission twice as fast. EAIM members are impressed and thankful.”

Rae Ann Cecrle
EAIM President & Founder

NAWBO Chicago

When one organization found themselves in crippling debt, they knew they needed a new management team. After three years with Big Buzz Idea Group, the organization is now debt-free with significantly healthy reserves. In addition to financially restructuring the organization, Big Buzz increased attendance at the client’s two largest events 23 percent and 17 percent, respectively.

Melissa (Lagowski, Big Buzz Idea Group) stepped in as our management company during a period of turbulence for the organization. Her strength in process and systemization put us back on solid footing. We never before experienced the expertise she brought to every program and project. Tasks were handled promptly and with a strong dedication to accuracy.

Gail Zelitzky, Principal
Silver-Robins Consulting LLC