Jason Binn

I had the opportunity to share a cup of coffee last night with Jason Binn, the controversial not-yet-40 founder and CEO of Niche Media. I was looking forward to this encounter because Mr. Binn is the publisher of the soon to be circulated "Michigan Avenue," the new magazine featuring Chicago high-end fashion, real estate, and other topics relevant to the "rich and famous."

Mr. Binn's most celebrated achievement seems to be that he invented the highly focused free publication, covering his costs of publication by convincing advertisers that he can deliver extremely high-end demographics. He has been spectacularly successful with his other regional magazines, including "Ocean Drive" (Miami), "Gotham" (Manhattan), "Hamptons (Long Island)," "Los Angeles Confidential," "Aspen Peak," "Boston Common," and "Capitol File" (Washington, DC).

"Michigan Avenue" is expected to appear this summer free in luxury hotel rooms, business jet seat pockets, luxury restaurants, and through direct mail to a list of people with a net worth of over $1 million and a net income of at least $200,000 per year. The magazine is also available at some newsstands for about $5.00. About half of the circulation will be through direct mail

I had heard earlier that Mr. Binn was busy calling around Chicago to engage writers, other content providers, and, of course, advertisers. So I shouldn't have been surprised when he appeared dead tired when I met him. He was attentive as I characterized GNMAA as an organization that could assist him in making important contacts in the City. I also discussed the already rich publishing environment here, which includes "Where, "Chicago Social," "The Chicago Collection," "Chicago Magazine," and others. His main point was that "Michigan Avenue" will excel at "being local." He remarked that each of his magazines works very hard to include stories on local celebrities, political leaders, and events that match the interests of wealthy readers.

A quick prior "google" heightened my anticipation of the meeting. Mr. Binn has many detractors. Several blogs called him names that I wouldn't repeat here, except to say that he apparently has a reputation in some circles as being a bit aggressive, arrogant, pushy, etc. In summary, he is accused of trampling on the vineyards of more than a few employees, business associates, and competitors.

But I did not witness any of this as he slouched exhausted in his suite at the Peninsula telling me about his great plans for the Chicago magazine. It was fun and, of course, I wish him well!

The Walter Watroba Memorial

I was privileged to attend a special ceremony honoring Fire Fighter Walter Watroba and others with the Chicago Fire Department who have lost their lives in the line of duty. The program was on Tuesday, December 4, 2007, at the Engine 13 Firehouse at 259 North Columbus just south of the Soffitel.

Retired Captain George Rabiela is to be commended for having worked hard over the past many years to prepare for the ceremony, line up the sponsors, and organize the event, which was extremely well done.Alderman Edward Burke, dean of the Chicago City Council, officiated the ceremony. The program opened with the Fire Department's bagpipe troupe and an impressive "drill team" of apparently senior officers in dress uniform. Then the former chaplain of the Fire Department, a very elderly priest who had administered the last rites for Walter Watroba, offered a prayer. Then Alderman Burke thanked a number of people, including several of Mr. Watroba's fellow fire fighters (mostly retired) the sponsors, and contributors to the event.

I recall Mr. Watroba's death vividly because I worked at Commonwealth Edison at the time and it was a fire at one of our generating stations that took his life. I recall November 22, 1976, when those of us in the office were informed that there was a fire underway in the coal conveyor system at Fisk Station, the ComEd facility that is snuggled prominently at the intersection of the Dan Ryan and Stevenson Expressways on the near south side. Early on in fighting the blaze, steel debris had fallen on Mr. Watroba, pinning him in the fire. Seven desperate hours followed as fellow firemen tried to free him. Finally, desperate to save his life, a team of paramedics and a surgeon amputated his leg. Severely weakened by the entire ordeal, Mr. Watroba died of trauma.

Fire Commissioner Raymond Orozco and Alderman Brendan Reilley made a brief presentation, as did top executives from ComEd, Midwest Generation (the company that purchased the plant from ComEd about a decade ago), and Magellan Development, all companies that paid for the memorial.

One of the best presentations was by Guy Gorney, president of Midwest Generation. He told about asking his son what the word "hero" meant and the son listed off Superman, Spiderman, and other TV and movie characters. Then Guy talked about the invincibility of these heroes and how the real heroes are those who are not invincible and accept risk. It was an innovative way of leading into the risks every first responder takes in dealing with an emergency.

Then Ms. Watroba delivered one of the best short tributes I have ever heard. She started by saying that their three daughters were in elementary school when her husband died. "So many times I said, 'I wish Wally were here.' When the girls graduated form high school, I said, 'I wish Wally were here.' When they graduated from college, I said, 'I wish Wally were here.' When they were married to three of the finest young gentlemen I have ever met I said, 'I wish Wally were here.' And when each of our grandchildren arrived I said, 'I wish Wally were here.' And now today, with the Fire Commissioner, Aldermen, and other government and business leaders, many of Wally's retired co-firefighters, and a whole crowd of young firefighters here, I say, 'I wish Wally were here.' He would be honored by all of you." There wasn't a dry eye in the firehouse.

The large bronze casting of a Chicago fireman's coat, boots, and hat resting on fallen debris, is on display at the firehouse and will eventually be moved to Magellan Development's new condo Aqua, being built in River East by GNMAA member Jim Loewenberger, who participated in the ceremony.

For more information, click on the links below.

• Chicago Tribune Article
  

• ABC 7 Video
  

• National Foundation for Public Safety (this site has more links as well)