Canright Communications

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Collin Canright

Canright Calendar

Peony Season is Upon Us in Rosemary’s Garden If you like our weekly photos, you will love our upcoming book, Rosemary’s Garden: A Photo Almanac of a Midwest Cottage Garden.
Peony Season is Upon Us in Rosemary’s Garden

If you like our weekly photos, you will love our upcoming book, 
Rosemary’s Garden: A Photo Almanac of a Midwest Cottage Garden.
Collin Canright

The Canright Calendar is a weekly email of networking events in Chicago. View all of our events here. Sign up for the list here. If you have any other suggestions you’d like us to consider, send them to Alexandra at alexandra@canrightcommunications.com.

WEEK OF 06-04-2025

From revitalizing Chicago’s disinvested neighborhoods to honoring the legacy of Juneteenth and tackling the evolving workplace, these events offer powerful opportunities to engage with the most pressing issues of our time. Learn how cross-sector partnerships are transforming communities like Austin, explore the role of Black economic empowerment in closing the wealth gap, and gain fresh insight into the future of work in an AI-driven era. Each event brings together leaders, experts, and changemakers committed to building a more inclusive, equitable, and forward-thinking future.

Revitalizing Historically Disinvested Communities
City Club of Chicago
June 9, 2025
Maggiano’s Banquets
111 W. Grand Avenue, Chicago, IL 
Chicago’s Austin neighborhood is a compelling example of how a coordinated public-private investment strategy can positively impact the lives and livelihoods of local residents. In this historically disinvested community on the West Side, nonprofit, community, public and private organizations have worked alongside residents to design and leverage investments that are creating new economic opportunities and systematically transforming the neighborhood—like the Aspire Center, which is set to open June 19.  

United Way of Metro Chicago is working in 17 Chicago neighborhoods and suburban communities, including Austin, Auburn Gresham and Elgin, to help bring community vision to life and make catalytic investments with some of Chicago’s most stalwart corporate partners like BMO.  

Join Darrel Hackett (U.S. CEO, BMO), Darnell Shields (Executive Director, Austin Coming Together) and Dr. Kimberlee Guenther (Chief Impact Officer, United Way of Metro Chicago) to learn more about how United Way’s Neighborhood Network Initiative has created a blueprint of intentional cross-sector collaboration that can revitalize disinvested communities across the Chicago region.
Register

A Juneteenth Freedom Celebration: Honoring the Past, Inspiring the Future
Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce
June 17, 2025
Baker Tilly
205 N Michigan, Plaza Room, 3rd Floor, Chicago, IL
Join us on June 17th for A Juneteenth Freedom Celebration: Honoring the Past, Inspiring the Future, an event designed to educate our members, partners, emerging leaders, and volunteers about the significance and history of Juneteenth and the role that this celebration plays in advancing Black economic empowerment and freedom. This impactful program will explore the historical context of Juneteenth, examine the effects of past and present tax policies on wealth distribution, highlight the importance of agriculture in the Black economy, and discuss how entrepreneurship can assist in providing opportunities to close the racial wealth gap.
Register

The Future of Work Summit 2025
Executives’ Club of Chicago
June 18, 2025
425 S Financial Pl, Floor 3, Chicago, IL
As organizations rapidly integrate AI and advanced technologies into their operations, the concept of “the future of work” is no longer a distant vision—it’s a present-day challenge, and opportunity. This summit explores how the workplace is being reshaped by innovation, workplace culture, and evolving employee and customer expectations.

With AI promising greater efficiency and smarter decision-making, concerns are also emerging around unintended consequences: siloed teams, eroding culture, and diminished human connection at the workplace.

Leaders must now navigate not just technological change, but also the important intersection of personal communication, human engagement, the physical environment and cohesion across increasingly evolving workplaces.
Register
 
National Great Outdoors Month
Founded in 1998, National Great Outdoors Month is a reminder to celebrate and explore the natural beauty that surrounds us—from scenic trails and winding rivers to serene forests and wildlife refuges. It also raises awareness about the importance of making the outdoors accessible to everyone. Whether you’re hiking, biking, paddling, or simply enjoying the fresh air, it’s the perfect time to reconnect with nature and advocate for the spaces that allow us all to do so.

Great Outdoors Month Ideas:
– Visit a State or National Park.
– Volunteer as a summer camp counselor.
– Take an outdoor photography class. 
– Sign up for Northern Lights tour. 
– Go deep-sea diving. Learn how to identify birds and go birding. 
– Share your enthusiasm for nature with a group of students and take them on a nature hike.  
– Become a Big Brother or Big Sister and go on a group nature bike trail. 
– Share your ideas on social media using #GreatOutdoorsMonth.

Learn more

Arts Corner
Canright account manager Alexandra Sulack is an opera singer and voice teacher. She curates arts recommendations for you.

Titanique
Mar 25 – Jul 13, 2025
Broadway in Chicago
All aboard NYC’s must-sea musical comedy! When the music of Céline Dion makes sweet Canadian love with the eleven-time Oscar®-winning blockbuster film “Titanic,” you get Titanique, off-Broadway’s most award-winning splash hit, which turns one of the greatest love stories of all time into a hysterical musical fantasia. Want to find out what really happened to Jack and Rose on that fateful night? Just leave it to Céline Dion to enchant the audience with her totally wild take, recharting the course of Titanic’s beloved moments and characters with her iconic song catalog. Sailing on fierce powerhouse voices in show-stopping performances of such hits as “My Heart Will Go On,” “All By Myself” and “To Love You More” – backed by the unparalleled energy of a full live band – Titanique is a one-of-a-kind theatrical voyage bursting with nostalgia, heart and campy chaos.

Tickets & More Info

If you have any other suggestions you’d like us to consider, send them to Alexandra at alexandra@canrightcommunications.com.

Balance AI with Original Thought Leadership: Why Your Voice Still Matters

AI is changing the way we create content. From idea generation to drafting copy, tools like ChatGPT and Claude are making it faster—and in some ways easier—to produce articles, white papers, and social media posts.

But here’s the catch: AI can’t replace your voice.

At Canright Communications, we embrace generative AI as a smart, strategic tool—but never as a substitute for original thought, deep expertise, or authentic storytelling. And in a world where AI-generated content is everywhere, the best way to stand out is to say something only you can say.

Why Original Thought Leadership Still Wins

While AI is helpful for scaling routine content or repackaging existing ideas, real thought leadership goes deeper. It brings forward:

– Unique perspectives from real experience

– Expert analysis of trends and challenges

– Stories only your organization can tell

– Practical insights your audience can’t find anywhere else

Original content builds trust. It positions your business as a leader in your field—not just another voice echoing what’s already out there.

How We Blend AI and Human Insight

At Canright, we use AI to support and speed up parts of the writing process. It can help us brainstorm angles, generate outlines, or draft initial versions of basic content. But the final product? That’s always shaped, edited, and fine-tuned by a real writer—someone who understands your brand, your industry, and your voice.

Our process includes:

Original Executive Bylines
We ghostwrite articles that reflect the vision, experience, and expertise of your leadership team. These are not generic thought pieces—they’re strategic narratives aligned with your brand and your goals.

Client Case Studies
Real success stories resonate more than any AI-generated paragraph ever could. We interview your clients, dig into the problem-solving, and craft compelling stories that show the value of your work in action.

Expert Q&As and White Papers
We take subject matter expert insights and turn them into professional, digestible content that educates and inspires your target audience.

    AI can help you move quickly—but original content makes you memorable.

    Stand Out in a Sea of Sameness

    In an AI-powered content landscape, your edge is simple: be human. Bring forward your ideas, your expertise, and your stories—and let us help you turn them into thought leadership that gets attention.

    Whether you’re looking to strengthen your voice, grow your influence, or support a bigger marketing strategy, Canright Communications delivers clear, compelling content that strikes the right balance between efficiency and originality.

    Ready to improve your brand with thought leadership that only you can deliver? Let’s start a conversation!

    To learn more about our services, contact us at collin@canrightcommunications.com.

    How Claude AI Reworked My LinkedIn Post

    🚀 The Future of Digital Assets: Seeking Insights & Opportunities

    Hey crypto enthusiasts and financial innovators! 👋 As we navigate the ever-evolving landscape of digital assets in 2025, I’m reaching out to tap into the collective wisdom of my network.

    🔮 Question 1: What’s Your Take on Digital Assets’
    Present & Future?

    The crypto market is buzzing with potential:

    • Total market cap projected to exceed $4 trillion by Q2 2025 📈
    • Bitcoin entering its “Acceleration Phase” – are we on the cusp of new ATHs? 🌠
    • Stablecoins gaining mainstream adoption (PayPal’s recent move, anyone?) 💳

    What trends are you watching? How do you see digital assets reshaping finance?

    I’m compiling insights for an upcoming newsletter report. Your expert opinion could be featured! 🌟

    ✍️ Question 2: Need Help with Crypto Content?

    In this rapidly evolving space, clear, authoritative content is more crucial than ever. Whether it’s:

    • Demystifying DeFi for newcomers 🧠
    • Analyzing regulatory impacts on the market 📊
    • Creating educational materials on blockchain tech 🔗

    I’m here to help craft thought-provoking, SEO-optimized content that cuts through the noise.

    Why partner with me?

    1. Deep understanding of crypto markets and technology
    2. Proven track record in financial writing (check out my recent piece for Morningstar Wealth: Crypto Asset Clarity)
    3. SEO expertise to ensure your content reaches the right audience

    Know someone who could benefit from expert crypto content? Tag them below or DM me!

    🔗 Let’s Connect!

    • 💬 Share your thoughts on digital assets’ future
    • 🤝 Suggest potential content collaboration opportunities
    • 📩 DM me for a free content strategy consultation

    Together, let’s shape the narrative of the digital asset revolution! 🌐💼

    #DigitalAssets #CryptoContent #BlockchainInnovation #FinTech2025 #CryptoWriting

    What I Wrote

    Here’s the LinkedIn note I asked the Claude AI Agent to rewrite as an SEO optimized post:

    I hardly need to mention that the outlook and business of digital asset and cryptocurrency has changed dramatically, but that is why I’m writing to you. I have two questions I’m asking of my LinkedIn connections with an interest in crypto:

    1. What’s your take on the present and future of digital assets? I plan to compile opinions for a report in my newsletter.
    2. Do you know anyone who could use my help writing articles, reports, or educational materials? It’s a good time for thought-provoking communications.

    As an example, here’s a link to a piece I wrote for Morningstar Wealth on why advisors need to know about clients’ crypto portfolios: https://canright.co/CryptoassetClarity

    What It Takes to Write Thought Leadership Content

    We get asked about our process for producing thought leadership, including articles, digital publications, and white papers. To show what goes into writing and producing pieces that reflect a company’s point of view and value proposition while educating potential clients on industry topics, we’ve deconstructed the process of projects with different scopes and intents. 

    FinTech: The New Core of Financial Services
    The copy for this digital publication originated in posts we wrote for our FinTech Rising newsletter.  What we did for Yodlee is select topics, edit the copy for the posts, and pull in some additional research for the charts. This is analogous to taking existing product pieces and repurposing them as thought leadership.

    https://canright.co/FinTech-TheNewCore

    Personalization at Scale White Paper
    This white paper started with a marketing deck and transcripts of two internal interviews. We did another interview with the main subject-matter expert, outlined the paper, and wrote a draft after comments on the outline. It went through three revisions.

    https://canright.co/MorningstarPersonalization

    Getting Started with the Developer API
    This technology introduction is part sales piece and part software procedure. Its purpose was to introduce FinTech firms to a data-aggregation API and show how easy it is to use. This required calls with the marketing manager and the subject-matter expert, who did a demo and provided screen shots. The piece went through three revisions.

    https://canright.co/YodleeAPI

    Articles for Community Banks
    We wrote a series of basic articles on topics for HTLF Bank’s community banks to spark ideas in their business clients. We generally did one call with the communications manager and a subject-matter expert, then did our own research. The pieces were basic and explanatory. They tended to have two revisions.

    https://canright.co/NewMexicoBank

    https://canright.co/WisconsinBank

    Architectural Photo Guide for Hospitals
    We had dozens of photographs shot for case study emails we do for the North Central Terrazzo Association. To gain additional exposure, we group case studies by industry, then select the best photos from several jobs along with copy that provides an industry viewpoint. We do reviews of the jobs and photos with the client, as well as the copy. Once we do a layout, projects like this generally go through two additional drafts before final production.

    https://canright.co/HealthcareTerrazzo

    Crafting thought leadership content is not just about writing; it’s an art form that blends expertise, insight, and foresight in a way that resonates deeply with its audience. From the innovative realms of FinTech to the essential strategies for personalizing customer experiences at scale, each piece we create aims to not only inform but also inspire and provoke thought. Whether it’s simplifying complex technologies for easier adoption or providing actionable insights for community banks, our content is designed to elevate understanding and spark dialogue.

    As we wrap up this exploration into the nuts and bolts of producing thought leadership, remember that each link, each revision, and every expert consultation contributes to building compelling narratives that capture not just the mind but also the spirit of innovation in your industry. So, we invite you to delve deeper into our projects, see our process in action, and discover how we transform ordinary information into extraordinary insights. Are you ready to lead the conversation in your field? Let’s create something impactful together.for efficiency, the human element isn’t lost.

    To learn more about our services, contact us at collin@canrightcommunications.com.

    You’re Under Surveillance

    The New York Times last week ran an article headlined “Automakers are sharing consumers’ driving behavior with insurance companies.” I didn’t think much of it. Until I finished my weekly dose of the Times’s Hard Fork Podcast, which featured “Your Car is Snitching,” an interview with Kashmir Hill, the Times reporter who wrote the story.

    Hard Fork hosts Kevin Roose, a Times tech reporter, and Casey Newton, who writes the Platformer newsletter, promised that “the more of this story you read, the higher your blood pressure goes.” They are correct.

    Even as someone who has complained that the tech giants are making tons of money on my personal data, this story got me. I had no idea that automakers would collect and sell data on my driving behaviors.

    It’s more than cars, too. Suffice it to say that data collection and sales without consumer permission or knowledge are ubiquitous in today’s connected economy.

    My first reaction was, I’m glad I own a VW because they weren’t on the list, though that doesn’t mean VW isn’t selling my data. It would be difficult to tell because the disclosures are vague at best.

    That’s one of the problems, and not just with cars. Kevin, Casey, and Kash broadened the story to all things connected to the internet. The surveillance capitalism model pioneered by Google, Yahoo, Meta, Amazon, and others who give you free tech in exchange for the ability to monetize your data, is spreading to all internet-connected companies.

    Kevin noted that he bought a smart TV and, while shopping around, realized that the smart TVs, in some cases, cost less than nonconnected TVs. Smart TVs sell data, even though you wouldn’t know it, though you might figure it out if you read the legal fine print and made a few leaps of logic.

    I expect Amazon to collect my data and present me with offers. It’s called personalization, and I like it. I expect it from Netflix, as annoying as it can be to see tons of stuff presented faster than I can stop it. I expect it from marketers of all types. I don’t expect it from my car or my new TV, which does, it turns out, collect my data.

    I found out by following a path starting with the Set Up gear on the TV’s Home dashboard.

    General to System to Additional Settings. That seemed promising.

    Additional Settings to—there it is—Advertisement.

    TV Data Collection Settings Location

    On Advertisement, you see that the default is to give you the benefit of advertisements tuned to your viewing preferences, aka, data collection. It’s already granted permission to collect, too.

    TV Data Collection Settings Opt-Out Controls

    I selected both options: Reset AD ID so that any tracking would take place under new ID, then clicked the Limit AD Tracking switch to turn it on (green).

    To be fair, I have followed an opt-out email marketing model. It’s expected. People know how to opt-out. It’s easy. There are regulations for that sort of thing.

    There are no explicit disclosure and permission regulations for cars and TVs and refrigerators and who knows what else, at least not in the U.S. If you’re online (or walking down the street with your mobile turned on for that matter), you’re under surveillance.