DALLAS UNITED CREW MEN’S AND WOMEN’S VARSITY 8+ TEAMS QUALIFY FOR NATIONALS AT THE USROWING CENTRAL YOUTH CHAMPIONSHIPS

Both the Men’s and Women’s Varsity 8+ teams Win Gold

First Time in the Organization’s 14-year history For Women’s Varsity 8+ to Win Gold

DALLAS, May 12, 2016 – Dallas United Crew men’s and women’s 8+ teams both finished on top last weekend at the USRowing Central Youth Championships in Oklahoma City. Dallas United teams finished the weekend with a total of nine medals and three boats qualifying for the 2016 Youth National Championships June 10 – 12 in West Windsor, NJ, hosted by the Princeton National Rowing Association. Dallas United Crew is a 501(c) 3 non-profit rowing organization based on White Rock Lake that has programs for people of all ages and abilities.

The USRowing Central Youth Championships bring together top junior crews from Arkansas, Colorado, Kansas, Louisiana, Missouri, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas for the opportunity to qualify for the USRowing National Youth Championship. For the second consecutive year, Dallas United Men’s Varsity 8+, Men’s Varsity 4+ and the Women’s Varsity 8+ teams have the opportunity to compete at the national championships. 

“We are beyond thrilled with how the teams finished in Oklahoma City this weekend,” said Rebecca George, Dallas United Varsity Women’s Coach “We are especially thrilled for the Women’s Varsity team. This marks the first time in the organization’s 14-year history that our varsity women’s 8+ team has won gold.”

“Dallas United teams have demonstrated exceptional strength and leadership this year, and have proudly represented the city of Dallas,” said Randy Dam, Dallas United Varsity Men’s Coach. “We are now going to turn our attention to training for the National Championships in June.”  

Below is a detailed list of results from the race:

MENS:

GOLD - The Men’s Varsity 8+ - Qualifying for US Nationals

SILVER - The Men’s Varsity 4+ - Qualifying for US Nationals

SILVER - The Men’s 2^nd Varsity 4+

BRONZE - The Men’s 2^nd Varsity 8+

WOMEN’S

GOLD - The Women’s Varsity 8+ - Qualifying for US Nationals

SILVER - The Women’s 2^nd Varsity 8+

SILVER - The Women’s Novice 8+

BRONZE - The Women’s Varsity 4+

BRONZE - The Women’s Lightweight 4+

Dallas United will host open tryouts for the 2016 fall season on May 21 at 10:30 am at CrossFit Lake Highlands. Students entering grades 6^th - 12^th are welcome to attend; no experience or equipment is required. Tryouts offer students a great opportunity to learn more about the sport and discover the college scholarship opportunities available through rowing.

Dallas United is also excited to host summer camps in June and July for middle school- and high school-aged children. For more information on the May 21tryouts or the summer camps, please visit dallasunitedcrew.org.

About Dallas United Crew

Dallas United Crew’s mission is to transform lives and build a community. DUC offers a variety of rowing and dragon boating programs for adults and youth age 11+ on White Rock Lake located in East Dallas. Since 2002, DUC has been building community, fostering leadership and teamwork and having fun through oar and paddle sports. These programs challenge, strengthen and empower people both mentally and physically. Both novice and experienced rowers and paddlers are welcome. DUC is a registered 501c(3) nonprofit organization and donations are tax-deductible. For complete information on getting out on the water with DUC, visit www.dallasunitedcrew.org.

Facebook: www.facebook.com/DallasUnitedCrew

Twitter:  www.twitter.com/RowDallasUnited

Instagram: www.instagram.com/dallasunitedcrew

You Tube: www.youtube.com/user/DallasUnitedCrew

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Abcarian is the Managing Partner for the Dallas office of Fisher & Phillips

Michael V. Abcarian has been named to the Board of Directors of the Business Council for the Arts (BCA). Abcarian is the managing partner of the Dallas office of Fisher & Phillips, a national management-side labor and employment law firm. BCA’s mission is to create strong partnerships between businesses and arts and culture organizations in North Texas to promote a thriving community that enriches the lives of those who live and work in the area.

Abcarian has been involved with the arts community for many years, and has a long history of working with BCA’s Founder’s Chair, Nancy Nasher. He was nominated for the BCA board position by Steven J. Roth, senior deputy general counsel for Parkland Health & Hospital System; Katherine Wagner, CEO for Business Council for the Arts; and Bernie DeFiore, president of BenefitMall. Abcarian has supported BCA as a sponsor of the Obelisk Awards since 2012.

“I am honored to have been nominated to BCA’s board by such distinguished members of the arts and business communities and I am thrilled to accept the nomination,” said Abcarian. “I have a passion for the arts and look forward to working with other members of the board to advance BCA’s efforts such as those geared towards strengthening future leaders in the arts community and studying the impact of the arts on our society.”

Abcarian’s term on the board will run through September 2018.

DALLAS UNITED CREW READIES FOR ITS 14^TH REGATTA SEASON

700 Dallas United Crew Participants Call White Rock Lake Home

Dallas United Crew Teams Continue to Shine in Competition

Rowing Programs for DISD, Disabled Veterans, and Breast Cancer Survivors Continue to Grow

DALLAS, March 3, 2016 -- Dallas United Crew announced today that March 6, 2016, marks the beginning of the organization’s 14^th Regatta Season. The first spring regatta will be held in Austin, Texas and Dallas United Crew will be fielding 24 boats in the Heart of Texas Regatta. Dallas United Crew (DUC) is a 501(c) 3 non-profit rowing organization based on White Rock Lake for people of all ages and abilities. Currently, DUC has approximately 700 rowers annually from across the Dallas Metroplex participate in six rowing programs ranging from youth and adult rowing programs, competitive teams, adaptive rowing and youth outreach programs along with kayaking and dragon boating programs. DUC is the first rowing organization in Dallas to have a dragon boat team for breast cancer survivors and a program for disabled veterans. 

“We are pleased to share White Rock Lake with the many other organizations and individuals who also call the lake home,” said John Gartin, Dallas United program director. “We are proud of the success we have had as an organization, which started as a single program for high school rowers, and now has blossomed into a diverse rowing community that provides extraordinary access to all those who are interested in recreational or competitive rowing.”

DUC began in 2002 as a team of four Highland Park High School student rowers but grew quickly to 39 participants by the end of its first year, including students from Woodrow Wilson High School in East Dallas. Bishop Lynch High School students joined DUC as a competitive team in 2006. Today, DUC rowing and dragon boating participants represent a diverse cross-section of the Metroplex with the majority of participants coming from Dallas including a strong contingent from neighborhoods in East Dallas, North Dallas and Fair Park/South Dallas. Additionally, more than 30 schools across Dallas and 12 within DISD school system have students who participate in the various DUC programs.

 “Our priorities for 2016 include broadening the number of community programs we offer, increasing our youth rowers financial assistance program and developing a revised long-range plan for the organization that includes securing a long-term, city-owned solution that will be privately funded to house our equipment on White Rock Lake” added Gartin.

“We are overwhelmed by the support we have received from our participants, volunteers, coaches and the community at large as we plan for the future of our organization. Rowing is gaining popularity in Dallas, and we are honored to be an integral part of providing Dallas citizens access to this amazing sport, which can be enjoyed for a lifetime. We look forward to continuing to offer programs to individuals who may not have had exposure to the sport.”

“Additionally, we are very proud of our financial assistance and adaptive rowing programs. To date, we have been able to provide a substantial amount of financial assistance to rowers who demonstrate a need, so they will have an opportunity to participate in our rowing programs. We also are rapidly expanding our adaptive rowing program. Our goal is that no rower is ever turned away for physical or financial needs.”

Editor’s Note: Dallas United rows on White Rock Lake Monday – Friday 4:30 pm – 6:30 pm, Saturday 9:30 am – noon.

About Dallas United Crew

Dallas United Crew’s mission is to transform Lives and build a community. DUC offers a variety of rowing and dragon boating programs for adults and youth age 11+ on White Rock Lake located in East Dallas. Since 2002, DUC has been building community, fostering leadership and teamwork and having fun through oar and paddle sports. These programs challenge, strengthen and empower people both mentally and physically. Both novice and experienced rowers and paddlers are welcome. DUC is a registered 501c(3) nonprofit organization and donations are tax-deductible. For complete information on getting out on the water with DUC, visit www.dallasunitedcrew.org.

Facebook: www.facebook.com/DallasUnitedCrew

Twitter:  www.twitter.com/RowDallasUnited

Instagram: www.instagram.com/dallasunitedcrew

You Tube: www.youtube.com/user/DallasUnitedCrew

Cupid’s arrow often strikes at work, and while intra-office dating may initially seem harmless, employers may be left picking up the pieces when hearts get broken and sexual harassment or discrimination claims are filed. In fact, sexual harassment charges cost U.S. employers more than $208 million during the past five years, according to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).  According to Michael V. Abcarian, managing partner of the Dallas office of management-side labor and employment law firm Fisher & Phillips, employers need to be aware of the top five areas that when ignored, can land an employer in court when office romance turns sour. 

“Intra-office relationships have become common occurrences with more than half of the business professionals surveyed by Vault.com recently admitting to taking part in an office romance,” said Abcarian. “This can have serious repercussions for employers who must be prepared to respond when employees may be hit by cupid’s arrow.”

Top five ways office romances can land employers with a date in court:

1. Wearing rose-colored glasses. Employers who choose to only see what they want to and look the other way when office romances bloom run a high risk of subjecting themselves to potential sexual harassment claims. Employers must acknowledge the reality that intra-office relationships occur, and establish and enforce policies about such relationships among coworkers.
2. Forgetting the importance of boundaries. Office dating policies, like any good relationship, need boundaries. If employers allow office relationships, they should articulate expectations and set limits. Employers should consider prohibiting relationships between supervisors and employees. Even if the feelings are mutual in the beginning, if things take a turn for the worst, employees may file sexual harassment complaints and claim they felt pressured to continue their relationship with their superior for fear of negative repercussions if they terminated the relationship. In addition, employers should consider prohibiting public displays of affection in the workplace, because this often causes discomfort for others in the workplace.
3. Supporting the “don’t kiss and tell” mentality. Employers should establish and encourage use of procedures for reporting sexual harassment. There should be more than one point of contact designated to handle such complaints. In addition, employers should convey an open door policy to employees to ensure they are comfortable reporting claims of sexual harassment. It is far better for employers to learn about such matters internally, before the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission sends an investigator to the office.
4. Blowing off complaints. Employers must take all claims of sexual harassment seriously. It does not matter whether they do not believe the source to be credible, or if they believe the accused could never do such a thing. A reasonable internal investigation should be conducted whenever a harassment complaint is articulated by an employee.
5. Playing favorites. All policies governing intra-office dating must be equally and consistently enforced. If, for example, you have a policy prohibiting supervisors from dating other employees and your highest performing supervisor violates this ban, you must take the same disciplinary action against him or her as you would any other supervisor. In addition to a potential sexual harassment lawsuit, playing favorites could result in a discrimination claim if the favorite employee is of a different gender, race or religion than other supervisors who were punished for the same conduct.

Though love starts sweet, it can also turn bitter. If employers do not implement policies governing office romance, an employee’s broken heart may end up breaking the employer’s bank.

Granado Communications Group announced today that Morgan H. Sanders has been promoted to account executive. Granado Communications Group is a boutique communications firm based in Dallas specializing in developing and executing public relations, crisis communications and integrated communications programs.

As an account executive, she will provide strategic media relations counsel to clients in the legal and energy practice groups.

“Morgan’s media relations skills have been a great addition to our agency and have allowed us to deliver exceptional results to our clients that are above and beyond their expectations,” said Vicki Granado, principal of Granado Communications Group. “I believe her knowledge of traditional and digital media platforms is a true asset to the agency and to our clients.”

Sanders joined Granado Communications Group in 2014. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in public relations from Texas State University.