That's Snow Business

Sturm Special Effects, which for the past 15 years has made snow for movies such as "Fargo" and "The Horse Whisperer," is now offering its services to the special event and promotion industry. The snow is produced by chipping, shaving and blowing block ice. According to company president Dieter Sturm, its trucks can churn out 800 pounds of snow per minute, in temperatures as high as 95 degrees Fahrenheit. Call 262/245-6594 or visit the company's Web site (www.snowmaker.com).

Vegging Out

Ken Bergeron's "Professional Vegetarian Cooking" features 200 recipes for vegetarian dishes, ideas for creating dishes and tips on making the transition to vegetarian cooking. Three appendices include menus based on the recipes in the book, a guide for waitstaff and kitchen personnel, and a purveyor guide listing contact information for mail-order products. Chef Bergeron's entry at the 1992 Culinary Olympics in Frankfurt, Germany, was the first vegetarian presentation to win a gold medal. The 434-page hardcover, which retails for $44.95, is available from bookstores or from the publisher, John Wiley & Sons, 800/225-5945; in Canada, call 800/567-4797.

Tie One On Customized with an image of your product, company logo or corporate message, a necktie becomes a marketing tool. Each tie is hand-cut and hand-sewn to order, with a lead time of two months and a minimum order of 150. Depending on the size of the order, the ties cost up to $14.50 for silk and up to $9 for microfiber material. Call Corporate Textiles at 800/998-TIES (8437) or 847/433-4111, or visit its Web site (www.shop4ties.com).

When hiring talent-DJs, comedians, magicians, emcees and so forth-through an agency, take the time to speak directly to the talent. Even if the agency is reputable, videos and photos can be deceiving.