http://www.croatia.org/crown en-us http://www.croatia.org/crown N/A nenad@nenadbach.com Thu, 28 Aug 2008 00:46:31 -0700 20 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/9504/1/Mateo-Juric-Croatian-Real-Estate-Specialist-in-Las-Vegas.html Mateo Juric (left) and his team have sold over $320,000,000 in residential properties just in recent years and are currently the leading real estate team in Prudential Americana Group in Las Vegas. their specialty and focus is particularly with bank/foreclosure properties, REOs and builders' close-outs. This could be the best time to consider Las Vegas hottest properties! stecak@sbcglobal.net (Marko Puljiæ) Tue, 18 Mar 2008 00:00:00 -0700 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8920/1/Croatia-Gifts-established-by-Pam-Kelley-and-Melissa-Obenauf.html     letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Tue, 30 Jan 2007 00:00:00 -0800 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/8898/1/Kastav-Croatia-on-the-World-map-thanks-to-Darko-Ivaneiae--ELCON----KEZIA-formed.html One of the most demanding businesses that ELCON Marine carried out was equipping the largest cruise ship in the world, Queen Mary II with the "heart" of  AV systems - audiovisual racks for local entertainment for the entire cruise ship. Numerous awards and acknowledgments followed.   letters@croatia.org (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 15 Jan 2007 00:00:00 -0800 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4848/1/E-HRT---CROATIAN-RADIO-TELEVISION-America.html CROATIAN RADIO TELEVISION - America HRT-America www.hrt-america.com HRT-Australia www.hrt-australia.com PICTURE OF CROATIA is the North American television broadcast of Croatian Radio and Television, HRT (Hrvatska Radiotelevizija), the national public broadcaster of the Republic of Croatia. Picture of Croatia offers information on Croatian history, culture, and heritage as well as news, sports and entertainment programs of interest to Croatians living abroad.The channel consists of an 8-hour block of original programming broadcasted from 8pm to 4am ET (5pm to 1am PT) followed by two rebroadcasts of the initial 8-hours block.Picture of Croatia offers American viewers the latest daily entertainment as broadcasted in Croatia, including a 30-minute news bulletin from TV DNEVNIK to keep you informed on the current events in Croatia and the world.VOICE OF CROATIA is Picture of Croatia's full-time companion international radio channel, which replaces HR International. Voice of Croatia is specifically for the Croatian population living abroad. Focusing on social, economic and cultural issues, Voice of Croatia keeps listeners informed about current events and culture events back home.For more information, visit www.hrt.hr  or contact us at:Experience the Croatia of today by subscribing to HRT's Picture of Croatia and Voice of Croatia - your direct link with Croatia - now available in North America as Pay TV.For $15.99 US dollars a month, HRT's Picture of Croatia and Voice of Croatia comes directly to your home via satellite. All you need is a GlobeCast WorldTV satellite system, including a satellite dish, a satellite receiver and an authorized smartcard to decode the Television & Radio progam.HRT - America Inc. 6708 Stoneybrooke Lane,Alexandria, VA 22306 Tel: 1-703-768-2746 | E-mail: info@hrt-america.com HRTPrisavlje 3,10 000 Zagreb, CroatiaE-mail: satelitski_program@hrt.hrHRT-America www.hrt-america.com HRT-Australia www.hrt-australia.com   nenad@nenadbach.com (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 09 May 2005 00:00:00 -0700 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4847/1/H-ATP-TURNIR-CROATIA-OPEN-UMAG-25-31-srpnja-2005.html  ATP TURNIR CROATIA OPEN UMAG 1990.- 2005. www.croatiaopen.hr Od 1990. godine, kao prvi nosioc turnira u srednjoj i Istočnoj Europi i prvi hrvatski turnir, Umag se nalazi na karti ATP-a, svjetske teniske organizacije koja pokriva sve kontinente.U pripremi je Å¡esnaesta izvedba ATP turnira Croatia Open Umag koji će se održati u Umagu u periodu od 25. do 31. srpnja 2005.g. sa ukupnim nagradnim fondom od 400.000 EUR. Već sada, nastup na turniru 2005.g. potvrdili su; Starace, Volandri, Ljubičić, Moya, Nadal, Canas. Croatia Open jedini iz Hrvatske odnosno Å¡ire regije ovog dijela Europe pripada među 63 turnira u 32 zemlje svijeta iz vrhunskog muÅ¡kog profesionalnog teniskog ciklusa poznatog u svijetu kao ATP. Njime je naÅ¡a domovina uvrÅ¡tena u “druÅ¡tvo malo ali odabranoâ€? koje predstavlja ekskluzivni i prestižni sportski sustav, koji je četvrta sportska institucija u svijetu I vodeća u individualnim sportovima od kojih je tenis najpopularniji. Teniski centar Stella Maris sagrađen je 1989/1990 da bi na hrvatskoj obali Mediterana započeo međunarodni turnir iz ciklusa ATP. U dosadaÅ¡njih petnaest uzastopnih godina Međunarodno prvenstvo Hrvatske u tenisu prolazilo je kroz stalan rast i razvoj te stasalo u događaj koji je ugledan i uvažen u svjetskim razmjerima. Malo se turnira može pohvaliti činjenicom da je od toliko igrača koji su sudjelovali čak njih petorica bilo broj 1 na prestižnoj ATP listi najboljih: Thomas Muster, Magnus Norman, Gustavo Kuerten, Carlos Moya i Marcello Rios.Svjestan svojih prednosti na međunarodnoj sceni, prije svega jakog imagea jednog od najljepÅ¡ih malih turnira kojega igrači drže za svoje omiljeno mjesto, ali i neiskoriÅ¡tenih ili nedovoljno iskoriÅ¡tenih potencijala ovog događaja kao vrhunskog medijsko-marketinÅ¡kog proizvoda Republike Hrvatske, ovogodiÅ¡nji petnaesti po redu Croatia Open nastavio je ostvarenje koncepcije “Tournament of Excellenceâ€? započeto 2002.g. Oslonjen na dosadaÅ¡nja iskustva i nedvojbene uspjehe, a posebno na tri iznimno važna i vrijedna priznanja “Award of Excellenceâ€? ( 1998.g., 2000.g.i 2001.g.) dodijeljena od svjetske teniske zajednice, turnir je postavio jasnu strukturu i odabrao pristup koji će razvijati slijedećih godina s ciljem stasanja u viÅ¡u klasu međunarodnih teniskih natjecanja. Potrebno je naglasiti da je 2001.godine na zavrÅ¡nici 12. ATP turnira Croatia Open Umag taj događaj uveličala prisutnost predsjednika Republike Hrvatske, predsjednika Republike Slovenije i predsjednika Republike Kazakhstan, Å¡to je potom na sastanku direktora ATP-a održanog u New Yorku krajem kolovoza te godine, gosp Mark Miles, predsjednik Uprave ATP-a, posebno istaknuo kao jedinstveni događaj u povijesti ATP-a.Croatia Open jedini je predmet poslovanja tvtke Istra â€" Golf d.o.o. u sklopu hotelsko â€" ugostiteljske tvrtke Istraturist d.d. Umag . SjediÅ¡te joj je u Umagu u međunarodnom teniskom centru Stella Maris. “Istra Golfâ€?, a u daljnjem tekstu Croatia Open. Ovom prilikom vrijedno je istaknuti veliku pomoć sponzora bez koje bi bilo nemoguće upriličiti ovakav sportski događaj. ProÅ¡le godine Umag i Hrvatska obilježili su 15 godina turnira Croatia Open i 10 godina neponovljive sage o jednom tenisaču i jednom turniru â€" deseti uzastopni dolazak Carlosa Moye na turnir u Umagu. Carlos Moya je, kao jedan od igrača TOP 10 na ATP ljestvici i četverostruki pobjednik Umaga (1996., 2001.,2002. i 2003. godine).Unatoc pobjedi argentinca Guillerma Canasa, neprikosnoveni «kralj» Umaga ostaje Carlos Moya koji je pristupom pokazao da je provjereni prijatelj Hrvatske. Medu svojim prijateljima, suigracima i u medunarodnoj javnosti poznat je po svojoj posebnoj privrženosti umaÅ¡kom turniru i Hrvatskoj. Jedan je od nekolicine ATP igraca koji su prepoznati kao “sportske i medijske licnostiâ€? te predvode cjelokupni ATP kao cetvrtu sportsku organizaciju u svijetu. Priznanje ovom velikom igracu, a nadasve promicatelju Hrvatske proÅ¡le je godine, predsjednik republike Hrvatske, gospodin Stjepan Mesic osobno urucio dana 21. srpnja u svom Uredu uz prisustvo Mark Milesa, CEO ATP, De Erice Gomez-Acebo, Sebastian, Veleposlanik Å panjolske, Carlos Gomez, regionalni direktor Sol Melia Hrvatska d.o.o., Gordana Tomicic, predsjednica Uprave Istraturista d.d. I Slavka Rasbergera, direktor Croatia Open Umag. Osim tog priznanja, grad Umag, kao domacin turnira Croatia Open Umag nagraduje Carlosa Moyu za sve ove godine u kojima je dao veliki doprinos njegovoj promidžbi. Sam turnir možemo reći da je započeo tradicionalnom tiskovnom konferencijom 15. lipnja 2004.g. u hotelu “Operaâ€? u Zagrebu gdje je osim velikog odaziva sponzora i novinara, bila prisutna I potpredsjednica Vlade, gospođa Jadranka Kosor koja je tom prilikom pozdravivÅ¡i sve prisutne potvrdila svoj dolazak u Umag. Pod pokroviteljstvom Ministrice Ministarstva obitelji, branitelja I međugeneracijske solidarnosti, gospođom Jadrankom Kosor te uz direktan prijenos HRT-a, kao uvod u ovogodiÅ¡nji, jubilarni turnir , u petak, 16. srpnja na centralnom terenu ITC-a održan je humanitarni koncert pod nazivom “Najbolje od nasâ€?.Turnir je osim po igračima koji uvijek rado stižu u Umag specifičan I po dolascima vrlo važnih gospodarstvenika I uglednika. Tako su i ove godine, osim predsjednika RH, gospodina Stjepana Mesića kao pokrovitelja turnira, među uvaženim i cijenjenim gostima turnir pratili guverner Narodne banke, gosp. Željko Rohatinski, Župan istarski, gosp. Ivan Jakovčić, predsjednik Uprave Zagrebačke banke, gosp. Franjo Luković, predsjednik Uprave TDR-a, gospodin Ante Vlahović, predsjednik Uprave INA-e, gosp. Tomislav Dragičević, predsjednik Uprave Podravke, gosp. Darko Marinac i ostali. O značaju turnira govori I činjenica o medijskoj zastupljenosti turnira. HRT je i proÅ¡le godine direktno prenosio mečeve od ponedjeljka do nedjelje cca 22 sata . Službeni medijski pokrovitelj proÅ¡logodiÅ¡njeg turnira bio je Europapressholding na čelu s gospodinom Ninoslavom Pavićem. O interesu novinskih kuća za turnir govori činjenica da je na proÅ¡logodiÅ¡njem turniru prisustvovalo 40 hrvatskih, 14 slovenskih i 10 stranih redakcija sa zahtjevom za akreditiranje svojih novinara kako bi izvjeÅ¡tavali o turniru. Ukupno je na turniru bilo 147 akreditiranih novinara. S RITV-om je 2004. godine potpisan ugovor gdje je jedna od njihovih obveza bila svakodnevno emitiranje emisije u kojoj su se prikazivala zabavna događanja oko turnira. Internet stranice Turnira očitane su viÅ¡e od 100 000 puta u periodu od 14 dana. Brojnim zanimljivim sadržajima stranice su privukle posjetitelje kako iz Hrvatske tako iz cijelog svijeta. Zabilježen je i velik broj posjetitelja za vrijeme održavanja turnira (cca 60.000. posjetitelja)Croatia Open okarakteriziralo je do sada 15 godina napornog i kvalitetnog rada te upornih godina nastojanja organizatora, teniskih djelatnika Hrvatske i turističkih djelatnika Istre da pokažu ljepotu Hrvatske svijetu i nagli rast njene ekonomije jer sport i turizam a u ovom konkretnom slučaju Umag, tenis i turizam, neÅ¡to Å¡to ide ruku pod ruku te predstavljaju čvrste temelje za stvaranje turističke perspektive a znamo da je turizam jedna od najpropulzivnijih industrija sa direktnim utjecajem na gospodarstvo.ISTRA - GOLF d.o.o. Savudrijska cesta bb, p.p. 105, 52470 Umag, CROATIAPhone (385) 52 741 704, Fax (385) 52 741 513 www.croatiaopen.hr  nenad@nenadbach.com (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 09 May 2005 00:00:00 -0700 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4845/1/E-Istraturist---New-Web-Page.html  Istraturist - New Web Pageswww.istraturist.hrJedna od najvecih hotelijersko-turistickih kuca u Istri Istraturist is a company with a forty years tradition of tourism. Op-ed I have been guest at Sol Koralj Hotel last year, participating at the concert  "Najbolje od Nas"  - Toni Cetinski and Friends. From food, to hospitality everyone at the hotel passed the test of the tourist from the west. I wholeheartedly recommend your staying at those hotels, especially if you are visiting during Croatia Open, because it is just few minutes walk as they say Lungomare. Boardwalk near the blue Adriatic sea. Nenad Bach  ABOUT US Dear VisitorsWelcome to Istraturist Umag d.d. website!Istraturist  is a company with a forty years tradition of tourism. Our basic activities are providing accommodation and catering services in hotels, tourist settlements and campgrounds. We would also like to emphasize our participation in organizing the International Tennis Tournament, ATP Croatia Open Umag for the past 15 years.All our facilities are located on the northwest coast of the Istrian Peninsula, in the are of the towns of Umag and Buje, as well as the Brtonigla community. We own 7 hotels, 4 tourist settlements and 5 campgrounds, totaling 20,000 beds. According to 2004 data, Istraturist holds 10% of the total Istrian tourist market and 4% of the total Croatian tourist market.Istraturist development strategy is directed towards systematic improvement of product quality according to the general vision of development of Istria into a prestige tourist destination. In accordance with this strategy, our investment politics are centered on the establishment of 3***star and 4**** star accommodation categories for our facilities. These investments will also highlight Istrian visual images and the overall image of each individual facility. In 2004, 42% of our hotel facilities were categorized as 4****star and 23% were categorized as 3***star accommodations. According to our achieved category levels, we are implementing high international standards for our catering services. We have also developed educational programs as well as activities directed to the satisfaction of our employees. The business strategy of our company is to provide our services in an environmental friendly atmosphere, which includes in all its segments protection of our natural environment, maintenance of local cultures, way of life and developing a friendly relationship with local communities. Management strives to achieve efficient and economical results for the benefit of owners and shareholders. More information ABOUT US can be found throughout our website, so we invite you to learn more…VISION Istraturist Umag, d.d. is a hotel catering Company which with its development potential aims to become a prestigious tourist company in the Mediterranean, carrying on restructuring and market repositioning. DEVELOPMENTAL STRATEGY Participation in regional development plans Supporting public institutions in activities to achieve quality positioning for Istria in the tourist market Directing investment politics towards improvement of accommodation categories of our own facilities to the level of 3***star and 4****star Investments to be based on following of Istrian visual images and the image of each individual facility To develop new tourist products which meet the interest and needs of guests, their activities, and emotional experiences in order to prolong the duration of the tourist season To think and act ecologically, to maintain and protect natural resources, local culture and way of life To continually apply the highest international standards of the catering industry services To invest in educational programs and higher standards for employees.HOTELSSo far, investments in hotels have enabled a variety of hotel offers. Therefore, Istraturist offers in 2004 a mixture of facilities with 42% of hotel accommodations categorized as 4****star and 23% categorized as 3***star.Hotel Koralj****is our first 4****star hotel and belongs to a group of hotels with a long tradition. A specialty of this hotel is its maintenance of high quality gastronomic offers and sports facilities. Katoro bb, 52470 Umag, Istra - Croatia Tel: ++385 52 701 000, Fax: ++385 52 701 999E-mail: sol.elite.koralj@istraturist.hr  ...Sol Koralj is above all renowned for its particular food offer dominated by delicacies and aromas of the Istrian region, recommended and prepared by the famous chef. It is located in the proximity of a valuable archaeological site - the Villa Tiola, to which it is linked through its wellness centre bearing the same name, which takes us to ancient times…located amidst a pinewood and only 100 m from the beachrooms and luxurious apartments with a sea viewbuffet restaurant with show cooking and a rich offer of delicaciestavern “Mediteranâ€? with international dishes and marvelous Istrian meals, wide range of winesthematic Istrian gastro-nights, authentic meals, Istrian dances andinstrumentselegant aperitif barnew Wellness Villa Tiola that will impress you with its atmosphere and take you back to the times of the ancient Romans (amber, sandal-wood, and ginger treatments, cupping, acupuncture, Thai, Shiatsu and Chi Nei Tsang massages, Reiki…)an indoor swimming pool and 3 outdoor swimming pools with salt water, 2 of which are for children, fitnessfor your business meetings, workshops and congresses there are 3 modern conference halls and wireless Internetentertainment hall with light-show and barnearby valuable archaeological sitelong, rocky beach with arranged plateaus, water-splash, buffet Koralj on the beach with grill and live music in the eveningsport and entertainment: near the hotel there is a trim path, 14 open air and 2 covered tennis courts with tennis school, water sports, mini golf, beach volley, table tennis, water splash, handball, football and basketball courts and riding centre; guests can take advantage of bike and roller-blades rental; entertainment is organized by the Sol Melia entertainment team which prepares day and evening entertainment for children and adults and offers a possibility of recreation in Activities Club and Mini ClubparkingHotel Aurora**** is a 4****star hotel reconstructed in 2002, creating a warm and special ambience. Its traditional interior was renovated to blend itself with its beautiful natural environment. This hotel is perfect for those guests who want relaxation in a natural Mediterranean atmosphere.Hotel Umag**** is a 4****star hotel designed as a hotel resort for year round operation. With its wide selection of offers, it satisfies the needs of the most demanding guests. A wellness program is available for those guests who are want to step away from the fast pace of life through active rest and relaxation in an oasis of Istrian ambiance. The Meeting Center was opened in October of 2004, completing the hotel's offers and contributing to the operation of its facilities during the off season. Therefore, Hotel Umag aims to widen its services to those who enjoy combining business meetings with sports and relaxation activities. Garden Istra Accommodation Complex*** â€" In the year 2004, the first phase of Garden Istra Accommodation Complex has been completed, while its final phase is planned for 2006. Apart from other accommodation facilities renovated in 2004, this complex will include Hotel Istra which is to be reconstructed by 2006, totaling 1,500 bed. The future Hotel Istra will be positioned on the market as a ''sports hotel'' offering sports, recreation, leisure adventures and water and entertainment theme parks.Convention Hotel Adriatic â€" Its middle â€" long term investment plan includes complete reconstruction of the existing Hotel Adriatic into a high category Convention Hotel, meant for middle-sized meetings. Hotel Sipar***After a complete refurbishment hotel Sipar has obtained the 3 stars category. The goal of the Company is to have a total hotel offer which, beside the 4 stars hotels, will include 3 stars facilities of high quality that will satisfy the needs of a wide range of different target groups. Hotel Sipar has modern interior and amenities, and is meant for the whole-year operation.ECOLOGYWe are actively involved in several development projects using method which are environmentally friendly. We pay special attention to the preservation of the environment and reasonable use of natural and energy resources. Beach Development ProjectsBeach development projects are carried on through a program called Plava Zastava (Blue Flag). These blue flags represent the high standard of cleanliness of our Istrian beaches. In 2004, seven Istraturist beaches were flying blue flags.SavudrijaPolynesiaKatoroAuroraLaguna (Sol STella Maris) - The most beautiful Croatian beach in the year 2003.Ladin Gaj(The City of Umag also has the Blue Flag for ACI Marina Umag and the Green Flag for the elementary school V.C.Emina)Landscape Architecture ProjectsWe are planning in detail the arrangement of green areas, enriching them with plants of local origin. We actively maintain our wooded areas. In 2004, in an area the size of 17 hectares, approximately 400 Pinus Pinea trees (Stone Pine) and olive trees were planted, while through ecological felling, the existing woods were treated. Public Lighting Projects We have installed environmental friendly public lighting only, which gives protection from light pollution and also preserves animal life and vegetation.Water Protection Programsare related to • reduction of wastewater volume• Installation of water flow control mechanisms• Installation of water saving devicesSquirrel Protection ProjectThis project is being carried on in cooperation with Marija and Lina Elementary School in Umag, which for the past few years has had the status of an ''''EKO-school''''.CONTACTIstraturist Umag d.d.Jadranska 66, 52470 Umag, CroatiaTel: +385 (52) 719 000Fax: +385 (52) 719 271E-mail addresses:info@istraturist.hr  marketing@istraturist.hr prodaja@istraturist.hr financije@istraturist.hr nabava@istraturist.hr posao@istraturist.hr informatika@istraturist.hr investicije@istraturist.hr Reservations: Info telephone toll-free number:800 33 00 22 (only for calls from Croatia) Tel:+385 (52) 71 91 00 (hotels&settlements)+385 (52) 71 91 10 (hotels&settlements)+385 (52) 71 91 22 (camping sites)Fax: : +385 (52) 71 99 99e-mail: hotel@istraturist.hr camping@istraturist.hr crs@istraturist.hr  Srdacan pozdrav, Jelena SimunovicOdjel marketinga i prodajeIstraturist Umag d.d.Tel: +385 (52) 719 105Fax: +385 (52) 719 380e-mail: jelena.simunovic@istraturist.hrwww.istraturist.hr   nenad@nenadbach.com (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 09 May 2005 00:00:00 -0700 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4844/1/E-ATP-CROATIA-OPEN-UMAG-The-Tournament-history.html  ATP TURNIR CROATIA OPEN UMAG 1990.- 2005. www.croatiaopen.hr 25th April 2005.ATP CROATIA OPEN UMAG The Tournament history 1990.- 2005.For the past 15 years ATP Croatia Open Umag, has been known as one of the most intriguing tennis tournaments of ATP International series in Europe. The unique «shell shape» of central stadium, location just on the beach, excellent combination of tourism, economy and sport Event, have been the trade marks of Umag, and Croatia itself. Great skill of tournament personal in finding a good combination of daily great matches and evening entertainment, are a magnet for numerous spectators, Croatian leading companies and world famous players. Not so many tournaments in this category can be praised with participation of players from clay tennis elite: Thomas Muster, Gustavo Kuerten, Marcelo Rios, Carlos Moya, Alberto Berasategui, and newcomers such as Filippo Volandri and Rafael Nadal.  Winners :’90 â€" G. Prpic       ’94 â€" A. Berasategui     ’98 â€" B. Ulihrach     ’02 â€" C. Moya’91 â€" D. Poliakov  ’95 â€" T. Muster            ’99 â€" M. Norman     ’03 â€" C. Moya’92 - T. Muster     ’96 â€" C. Moya             ’00 â€" M. Rios           ’04 â€" G. Canas’93 â€" T. Muster     ’97- F. Mantilla           ’01 â€" C. Moya Thomas Muster, 3 times winner of the Tournament, and Carlos Moya, 4 times winner of the Tournament, have been both awarded from the town and government institutions for great sport and political involvement in promoting Umag & Croatia.As far as the Tournament awards, besides numerous national awards, the ATP community has honored the Tournament organization by presenting it the Award of excellence 3 times. 1998, 2000, 2001, each time acknowledging the growing improvements in organizing this type of event.Sponsorship aspectSince the Tournament beginnings in 1990, Croatia has passed many transformations, from socialism to democracy, trough war to liberty, not stopping the Event trough the whole time, making the Tournament the only international Event in the country during the war, proving its importance and value beyond everything.Today, Croatian economy has reached a status of marketing expanding community, and presenting a company on the tournament in Umag has become an important step, almost a “mustâ€? for all mayor Croatian and European trademarks with importance in this region.The sponsorship value has been acknowledged by many Croatian companies, covering the most important Croatian brands from paint producers to water, and international brands such as Pepsi, Toyota etc. Trough the 15 years the tournament has gathered a strong sponsor family, celebrating with many of them a constant 10 year old cooperation.Various promotional opportunities, from visual exposure in tennis center and central court, to VIP sponsor village with daily presentations, have created many interesting details in capturing different promotional requests for each sponsor. Besides standard promotional packages / from 25.000 â,¬ to 100.000 â,¬ / tournament goal is to reach to all various sponsors challenging them with new promotional ideas and combinations.Media coverageTelevision coverage of the Event is a valuable asset of the sponsorship market. In 2004 edition, Croatian national television, HTV, covers the Event with cca 22 hours of direct broadcasting, reaching more than 400.000 viewers. Private national wide TV channels, NOVA TV and RTL, have reported about the tournament ( estimated value cca 500.00 Kn / cca 67.000 â,¬ ). Several international broadcast companies have transmitted few matches and the final match.ISTRA - GOLF d.o.o. Savudrijska cesta bb, p.p. 105, 52470 Umag, CROATIAPhone (385) 52 741 704, Fax (385) 52 741 513  www.croatiaopen.hr Op-ed A special article about Director of the Croatia Open, Slavko Rasberger, and the Institution of Croatia Open will be published on CROWN soon. This is one of the Croatia's Brands worth paying attention to. And if you love tennis, July 25 - 31 2005, be there in Umag and enjoy our Croatian hospitality and a beautiful nature, great hotels, sports and culture.  Nenad Bach  Site: INTERNATIONAL TENNIS CENTER PO BOX 105, Istraturist 52470 Umag tel: 385-52/741704 fax: 385-52/741513 www.croatiaopen.hr Direktor: Slavko Rasberger tel: 385-52/741704 ili 710888 fax: 385-52/741513 slavko.rasberger@pu.htnet.hr   nenad@nenadbach.com (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 09 May 2005 00:00:00 -0700 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4843/1/E-Pam-Kelley-and-Melissa-Obenauf-HEART-OF-CROATIA.html  Pam Kelley and Melissa Obenauf  HEART OF CROATIAwww.croatiagifts.com HEART OF CROATIA GIFTSPam Kelley and Melissa Obenauf (pictured above) are thrilled to welcome you to HEART OF CROATIA GIFTS, where you will find gifts of exceptional and long-lasting quality to help you celebrate the beauty and richness of our wonderful CROATIAN CULTURE...HEART of CROATIA Gifts will be setting up shop in the following location on the following dates:*YOUNGSTOWN, OH: April 30-May 1 St. George's Day*PITTSBURGH, PA: May 27-28-29 Pittsburgh Folk Festival*PITTSBURGH, PA: June 26 Lodge #1 Picnic*CHICAGO, IL: July 1-2-3 CFU Jr. Tamburitzan Festival*PITTSBURGH, PA: July 9 Tamburaland Festival*YOUNGSTOWN, OH: September 4 Lodge Picnic*EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ: November 4-5-6 CFU Adult TamFESTHeart of Croatia will bring its store to YOUR Croatian event; just call us at 740-587-7715.Our ALL NEW, ALL CROATIAN Scrapbooking Kit...is now here!!!Remember to purchase your special Croatian FATHER a unique and special gift right here!Don't Miss Our Newest Category...the Adriatic Spa Collection!!!LONELY PLANET voted Croatia as the "hottest travel destination" in the world in 2005. HEART OF CROATIA is proud to carry LONELY PLANET's Travel Guide to Croatia, (by Jeanne Oliver) one of the most authoritative travel guides on Croatia on the market today! Go to Books Category to order your copy! 3rd EDITION IS HERE AND HOT OFF THE PRESS!Visit our CD Category; our newest additions are by the wonderful tambura ensembles, OTROV and SELO! And, Heart of Croatia also now offers a wonderful instructional kolo DVD/video! Heart of Croatia is the official North American representative for famed Croatian Naive Artist, Ivan Generalic. Just contact us by email or by phone at 877-906-8314 (toll-free in USA). You are receiving this email from Heart of Croatia because of your interest in our Gift Shop, or because of your interest in Croatia. To ensure that you continue to receive emails from us, add info@heartofcroatia.com  to your address book today.  Melissa Pintar Obenauf and Pamela Lacko Kelley, Proprietorsobenaufm@alink.com www.croatiagifts.com   nenad@nenadbach.com (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 09 May 2005 00:00:00 -0700 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4846/1/E-MARASKA-5-centuries-of-tradition-and-world-reputation.html   5 centuries of tradition and world reputation This is not only a slogan, this is an experience carried over the centuries into MARASKA ZADAR, the house which continues the famous liqueur tradition of the ancient city Zadar. MARASKA products have the name known all over the world, while the confidence of the consumer is obtained by high and stable quality of its products based on the experience which has been brought through the centuries. Maraska has improved its range of liqueurs, strong drinks, fruit syrups and juicesIn peace and quietness of Zadar Dominican monastery, at the beginning of 16th century, the recipe of authentic Zadar liqueur was made and noted, liqueur which for the first time was prepared just by the apothecaries of the Dominican monastery.Special and full flavoured liqueur was known under the name of “ROSOLJ” (which came from the word “ros solis”- “the sun dew”). Later on, this liqueur was named MARASCHINO, as it was produced from the essence of ripe fruits of Dalmatian cherry marasca as well as from the leaves of its sprigs. In 18th century when at Zadar started the industrial production of liqueurs, Maraschino set out from Zadar and “sailed” into every more important European ports and metropolis.On the way Maraschino "sailed away" from Zadar and spread over the world, a very long time ago Prunus Cerarus Marasca sailed from Middle Asia to Zadar. Prunus Cararus Marasca - a noble plant with beautiful flower and rich fruits - our Dalmatian cherry marasca. It became attached to Dalmatian Karst, and in its sun and red soil "crljenica" marasca found the source of its vigour. It successfully thrives on the territory of Northern and Middle Dalmatia, from Zadar to Makarska, mainly in the continental regions and partly on the Dalmatian islands too.Thanks to the mild Mediterranean clime and to the specific kind of soil, cherry marasca reached the best quality. Fresh or manufactured, cherry marasca has different roles: as food, as prevention, protection and as medicine for human organism. As raw material, cherry marasca is "worth a gold" for the liqueur industry. So at MARASKA - ZADAR, the fruits of cherry marasca together with stone and leaf are used for the production of liqueurs (Maraschino, Cherry Brandy, Half), strong drinks (Kirsch, Mare), desert wines (Cherrica), fruit syrups (Amarena), and fruit juices (Maraška). Besides minerals, vitamins and proteins, marasca fruits are rich in aromatic substances, amino acids, sugar and colours.Hence, it can be said with good reason MARASKA - Sun in each drop!http://www.maraska.hr/engleski/e_povijest.html   nenad@nenadbach.com (Nenad N. Bach) Wed, 04 May 2005 00:00:00 -0700 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4849/1/E-A-Val-Architectural-Metal-Corp--Val-Blaskovic.html  Welcome to A-Val Architectural Metal CorporationCreators of custom made architectural metal and glass designs.Among the best in the New York Metropolitan area.Established in March of 1984, A-Val Architectural Metal Corp. started with three employees and one truck. We now operate with more than fifty employees and twelve trucks to provide you with high quality professional service. A-Val Architectural Metal Corp. started in the storefront business, but has since evolved into one of the largest most respected architectural metal and glass companies in the Tri-State area. We specialize in, but are not limited to custom railings, lobby entrances, curtainwalls, interior metal and glasswork, custom storefronts and canopies. All ornamental metal and glass projects receive the same attention to detail no matter the size. Whether your project is bronze, stainless steel, aluminum or all glass, you can count on A-Val to work closely with your design build team to optimize quality as well as economy.Our office staff includes in-house engineering/drafting department with AutoCAD capabilities, project managers to see your project through and administrative personnel to insure proper flow of paperwork.Call Today A-Val Architectural Metal Corporation15-06 129th St., College Point, NY 11356Phone: 718 539 2391Fax: 718 353 1316E-mail us: val@a-val.com website: www.a-val.com God Bless AmericaEditor's Note:Val Blaskovic deserves another page in category People as well as Charity on CROWN. His contribution and style in which he does that, is among the best of us. His heart is as big as Manhattan (Big Apple). Always giving and never bragging. People see this and appreciate your kindness and generosity. Hvala !Nenad BachSome of our clients:A.J. Contracting Alexander Wolf & Son Americon Ammirati Puris Lintas Anchor Construction Atco Construction Corp. Barr & Barr Boston Properties Builders Group Cauldwell Wingate CDS Mestol Construction Citibank Citiscape Construction Compusite Turnkey Construction Core Construction Crow Jones Construction Designers Fore Ltd. Donna Karen Dorff Construction Duce Contracting Emmis Communications Estee Lauder Estee Lauder Store Des. Excel Interiors Gabe Construction George Hillenbrand Associates GM Services H.M. Hughes Helmsley - Spear, Inc. Hennegan Hines Property Management HJ Kalikow & Co. LLC HLW Services Humphreys & Harding IBM Icon Interiors IDI Construction J.T. Magen & Company Inc. Jaeger James E. Fitzgerald James G. Kennedy Jar Construction JCS Design Associates John A. Grillo Architects John F. Davie Construction Justin Management Kajaro Management Kasper Ast. Ltd. Kotier Construction Lehr Construction Lehrer McGovern Bovis Lincoln Building Associates Manda Corp. Matura & Sons MBI Construction McHugh DiVincent Alessi Mendik Reality Company Inc. Morse Diesel Nine West NTX Interiors Oat Construction Corp. Oestreicher Construction Orsid Realty Pavarini Construction Peter Marino & Associate Architects Plaza Construction R.P. Brennan Rectenwald Brothers RFC Construction Richter & Ratner Rudin Management Sciame Construction Selby Construction Inc. Skyline Construction SPK/Lewis Construction Starwood Lodging Structure Tone The Vanderbilt Group Trebor Management Tri-M Construction Tri-Star Construction Turner Interiors ULM II Holding Corp. Vanguard Construction Vertical Club W & W Construction West Contracting Whitestone Construction Whitney Museum of Art Yorke Construction York-Hunter Zaffulo Construction   nenad@nenadbach.com (Nenad N. Bach) Fri, 26 Mar 2004 00:00:00 -0800 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4850/1/E-CROATIAmonthly.html  A Window To The Republic of Croatia!  CROATIAmonthly CROATIANS AROUND THE GLOBE From as far back as the 1830's the first wave of mass emigrations to the countries of the New World occurred, which mainly saw the Croatian population fit into the context of European migration flows of the time. There were many reasons why Croatians emigrated to foreign countries: economic underdevelopment, political reasons and for reasons of adventure and exploration. But for the majority of people who left their homes at the time the main reason was the economic situation. The most striking example of this was the so-called "Wine Clause," stipulated in an 1891 trade agreement between the Austro-Hungarian Empire and Italy, which was particularly unfavorable to Dalmatian viticulture. The Wine Clause allowed the import of cheap Italian wines under very favorable conditions. The Dalmatian wine industry was heavily affected by this resolution by the Viennese authorities, which reduced its market in Croatia itself. The agreement lasted decades and was not revised for some time.Political conditions as the main motive of emigration was the result of the First World War and became much more significant immediately after World War II, when hundreds of thousands emigrated for fear of retaliation and the suppression of democracy by the Yugoslav authorities. The emigrants were mostly men from rural areas, young and without professional qualifications. In general it is safe to say that they performed the hardest and the most dangerous physicallabor in the countries they moved to. So-called chain emigration results in compact groups of emigrants, often related by family connections, place of emigration, region, etc. Thus, many emigrants from Dubrovnik have large communities in California, Peru, emigrants from the island of Hvar in Argentina, emigrants from Korcula in Brazil, emigrants from the Lika region in the American Midwest, emigrants from Makarska in New Zealand and Dalmatians in Australia.The most recent research conducted can't conclusively reveal how many Croatians have left their country and how many currently live abroad. It is estimated, from a combination of sources, that there are over 1.5 million Croatians who have emigrated and taken up permanent residence in one of the destination countries. Together with descendents, the number of Croatians that live in overseas countries can be estimated at 2.5 million. It should be noted that after the Homeland War of the last decade, large migrations from the territory of Bosnia and Herzegovina have changed the ethnic aspect of that country. Today within Bosnia and Herzegovina there are an estimated 450,000 Croatians who are registered in BiH out of a totalpopulation of 2.5 million.Croatians in AfricaWith the exception of the Republic of South Africa there are no Croatian communities on the African continent. Over 13,000 Croatians live in South Africa today. The largest wave of emigrants which found its way to this region was the result of the Second World War.Croatians in AustraliaThe Croatian community in Australia is very vivid and is supported through the multicultural attachment of the country. Australia has very large Italian and Greek populations and, according to some studies, the third largest group of descendents residing in Australia are from Croatia. It is estimated that 350,000 Croatian immigrants and descendants live in this country.Croatians in ArgentinaThe new generation of Croatians in Argentina is constantly decreasing, and the wave of emigrants post second world war generation is estimated at 130,000.Croatians in AustriaThe Croatian minority in Austria (Gradisce-Burgenland) has an estimated 60,000 inhabitants, where over 15,000 live in Vienna. They have a highly developed ethnic consciousness, especially in the cultural aspect, and they strongly resist a loss of ethnic identity.Croatians in BelgiumAn estimated 12,000 Croatians live in Belgium. In addition to the older generation of emigrants (and today their descendents) who arrived in Belgium before and between the two world wars, the new, post-war emigrants make up most of the Croatian minority.Croatians in BoliviaAbout 1,200 Croatians live in this country which is today unfavorable to potential immigration due to poor standards. The majority of Croatians in Bolivia come from the Dalmatian region of Croatia.Croatians in Bosnia and Herzegovina782,068 Croatians used to live in Bosnia and Herzegovina, making up 17.4% of the total population. The decrease in this number is very distinctive and can be classified in the category of ethnic cleansing of the territory. Today the majority of Croatians in Bosnia and Herzegovina live in Western Herzegovina, Posavina and Central Bosnia. Last year official estimates revealed that 450,000 Croatians are registered inBiH.Croatians in BrazilIt is estimated that 80,000 Croatians live in Brazil. Unlike other Southern American countries in which the number of Croatians has stagnated or dropped after the war, Brazil is one of the few countries where the number of Croatian immigrants is constantly on the rise.Croatians in CanadaThere are about 400,000 Croatians in Canada today. The largest number of Croatians live in the province of Ontario. There are three waves of Croatianemigrants in this country; the first wave started arriving from the late 1800's. The second group came after the Second World War and the most recent emigration wave was the direct result of the Homeland War.Croatians in ChileDue to the global economic crisis and a shortage of profitable reserves of saltpeter, Chile has had difficulties in keeping up with the economic trends of the developed western world. This has caused a decrease of Croatians living in Chile and it has had a direct effect of the dynamics of their immigration. There are 25,000 Croatians living in Chile today.Croatians in the Czech Republic and SlovakiaThe Croatian communities in these countries are scattered among seven villages in Bohemia (Moravia) and seven villages in Slovakia (around Bratislava). Most of them live in Slovakia(Devinsko Selo, Hrvatski Grob, etc.). The number of indigenous Croatians in these countries is constantly decreasing. It is estimated that 6,000 Croatians reside in these countries today.Croatians in DenmarkUntil the conclusion of World War II, it was recorded that no Croatians lived in this country. Today, over 2,000 Croatians live in Denmark, half of whom reside in Copenhagen.Croatians in FranceAbout 40,000 Croatians live in France today. Most came to France after the 1960's, when the Communist regime opened the borders.Croatians in GermanyGermany is home to the largest Croatian community in western Europe. There are 193,000 permanent emigrants and another 230,000 working status Croatian emigrants.Croatians in HollandAbout 40,000 Croatians live in the Netherlands today. Most arrived after the 1960's, when the Communist regime opened the borders.Croatians in HungaryHungary and Croatia have a rich tradition and this can be seen mostly in the communities around Pecs and in Budapest. Over 73,000 Croatians live in Hungary today.Croatians in ItalyAt least, 33,000 Croatians live in Italy. The Croatian community in Abruzzi (Molise Croatians), in the village Acquaviva (the living water) and its surroundings maintains Croatian traditions, and the older residents even preserve their local dialect.Croatians in Latin AmericaThere are about 30,000 Croatians who found there way to this part of the world. Most were economic and political post-war emigrants.Croatians in LuxembourgThere are currently 1,200 Croatian emigrants registered in Luxembourg.Croatians in MacedoniaEstimates reveal a Croatian population of 3,400 currently living in Macedonia.Croatians in New ZealandAbout 19,000 Croatians live in New Zealand. In addition to a limited number of post-war immigrants, the number primarily refers to thedescendants of previous immigrants from the Makarska littoral area and the Zagora region that gravitates towards it(Vrgovac), together with natives of Korcula and Peljesac who began to immigrate to this country in the second half of the 19th century.Croatians in RomaniaA portion of the Croatians who emigrated to the Banat long ago found themselves within the borders of Romania after World War I. In the Caras-Severin district around Rasice(Resita), there are about a dozen Croatian villages where the majority of Croatians live. It is estimated that 12,000 Croatians live in Romania.Croatians in SloveniaAbout 55,000 inhabitants of Croatian nationality live in the Republic of Slovenia, making up about 3% of the total Slovenian population.Croatians in SerbiaCroatians in Vojvodina are a part of the indigenous population that has lived there for 300 or more years. There are 83,000 Croatians inVojvodina, making up 3.8%, 22,000 Bunjevci Croatians making up 1.1% and another 1,865 Sokci Croatians, making up 0.9% of the totalpopulation inVojvodina. Some estimates indicate that there are 110,000 Croatians in Vojvodina, but this still means that their number is in continuous decline. Another 8,178 Croatians lived inKosovo, but their number has drastically decreased over the last decade.Croatians in SwedenBesides Germany, this is one of the traditional destinations of Croatian labor migration. Today, most people belong to the category of permanent emigrants. A significant number of Croatians live inMalmo, Goteborg and Stockholm. It is estimated that 35,000 Croatians live in Sweden.Croatians in SwitzerlandThe majority of Croatians live in the German-speaking cantons of Switzerland. It is estimated that over 41,000 Croatians live in Switzerland.Croatians in the United States of AmericaThe United States is the leading immigration destination for Croatian immigrants. It is estimated that over 600,000 Croatians moved to this country and an additional 250,000 Croatians moved to this country after the Homeland War. The USA is home to more than 1.5 million Croatian descendents.A Window To The Republic of Croatia! CROATIAmonthlyCroatiamonthly is the only English printed newspaper in the Republic of Croatia! Over 10,000 issues are printed on a monthly basis to reach out toall interested in our fascinating country - CROATIA! It is designed for theinternational community, foreigners attending business and professionalconferences, and for the many holiday visitors! Croatiamonthly can be seenonline Free of Charge at www.croatiamonthly.hr or if the hard copy is more for you subscribetoday and discover the fascinating country of Croatia! We welcome anysuggestions and enquires at info@croatiamonthly.hr DISCOVER CROATIA TODAY! Take Croatia home with your copy ofCroatiamonthly!infoMedia d.o.o. iC MEDIA d.o.o.Marticeva 5, 10000 Zagreb, HrvatskaTel: 01/455-4841 Fax: 01/461-2334Maticni broj: 0538264Ziro-racun: 2340009-1110010454, PBZ ZagrebJure Antunovic, direktor jure.antunovic@croatiamonthly.hr Ivan Curic, Directorivan.curic@croatiamonthly.hr  CroNetwork: The Croatian-American Organization for Young Professionals. nenad@nenadbach.com (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 22 May 2003 00:00:00 -0700 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4851/1/E-Croatian-Fraternal-Union-Lodge-789-Slobodna-Hrvatska.html http://www.cfunyc.com/index.html Croatian Fraternal Union Lodge 789, Slobodna Hrvatska, has been in existence for well over sixty years and as its name implies, has always been an outspoken supporter of a free and independent Croatia.Lodge 789 members strive to forge lasting friendships with other lodges throughout the US, Canada and Croatia. Some of the national events that Lodge 789 members have participated in over the last several years are: the Junior and Senior Tambura Festivals, Ski-Festivals, and the Croatian Humanitarian Aid Fund. It members are also encouraged to participate in national bowling, basketball, softball, and golf tournaments. Also on the national level an attractive scholarship program is available to all college-level members.On the local level, a hiking trip to upstate New York was recently held, in addition to an evening at an off-Broadway dinner theatre and a winter wine tasting exhibition. In past years, lodge members have attended the US Tennis Open in support of fellow Croats and participated in Croatian Cuisine Month at the United Nations.The goal behind all of these events is to promote fraternalism and offer Croats, both young and old, an opportunity to benefit from, and network with, an international organization that has been in existence since 1894 and boasts over 100,000 members. nenad@nenadbach.com (Nenad N. Bach) Mon, 24 Jun 2002 00:00:00 -0700 http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4852/1/EH-Do-Your-Part-For-Croatia---CroLinkscom.html   www.crolinks.com Do Your Part For Croatia!As Croatia is recognized as an independent country (and as a strong force in world sports and science), it is the duty of all Croatians worldwide to do their part to publicize Croatia, and educate those around us. Be it through stories, pictures, or via links on the internet, we must show the world that we are a civilized, peace-loving people, contrary to the way we are portrayed in some media.As such, the task I have set for myself is to develop as large an index of Croatian links as possible. Links are broken down into self-explanatory categories. My goal is "unification" of Croatians worldwide through this project.As you look at my site, please keep in mind that this is a labour of love for Croatia, a strong feeling within me.Now that you see where I'm coming from, I hope you will help me in this endeavour. If you come across a URL you do not see on my pages, please send it to me, and I'll have it added within a day or two. At the very least, let me add you to our email or personal homepage list. Ucini Svoje Za Hrvatsku!Posto Hrvatska je priznata kao nezavisna drzava (i jaka sila u svjetskom sportu i znanosti), duznost je svih Hrvata sirom svijeta dati svoj udio u prosirivanju saznanja o Hrvatskoj, te da poduci sve oko sebe. Bilo to kroz price, slike ili kroz hrvatske tzv. "linkove" na Internetu, moramo dokazati cijelome svijetu da smo civiliziran i miroljubiv narod, protivno onome kako nas opisuju neki mediji.S time na umu sam preuzeo zadatak sloziti sto je moguce veci indeks hrvatskih linkova. Linkovi su razvrstani u jednostavne kategorije. Moj cilj je "ujedinjenje" Hrvata sirom svijeta kroz ovaj projekt.Dok gledate moje stranice, imajte na umu da je ovo rezultat moje ljubavi prema Hrvatskoj, a to je moj snazan osjecaj.Sada kad znate odakle dolazim, nadam se da cete mi pomoci u ovom nastojanju. Ako nadete URL koji nije na mojim stranicama, molim vas da mi ga posaljete, i dodat cu taj link za dan ili dva. U svakom slucaju, posaljite mi vasu email adresu da je stavim nalistu.Ante Milardovic"The most comprehensive listof Croatian links on the Net!", "Najopširnija listaHrvatskih linkova na Internetu!",www.crolinks.comhttp://web2.kw.igs.net/~amilardo/patriot.htm nenad@nenadbach.com (Nenad N. Bach) Thu, 18 Apr 2002 00:00:00 -0700