Be is thrilled to host Indianapolis marketing gurus Deb Coons and Elizabeth Kraft Taylor on May 12, 2016 for a luncheon honoring the 100th running of the Indy 500. Deb will host a trunk show featuring jewelry commemorating the race and Elizabeth will sign her new memoir “Three Jews Walked Into A Shopping Center.”

Deb Coons Adds Sparkle to the 100th Running of the Indy 500

From Melvin Simon & Associates, to the 500 Festival, to the Indy Partnership, Deb Coons has been one of Indy’s standout marketing and communications professionals throughout the past three decades. After a brief stint working in the luxury jewelry industry in Sarasota, Deb was eventually drawn back to Indianapolis.

Since her return, Deb has continued her work in the jewelry business with Windsor Jewelry, a family-owned store in downtown Indianapolis. Working for an independent jeweler gives her the opportunity to work with custom-designed pieces – just in time for the 100th running of the Indy 500.

Deb led the way to ensure Windsor had the opportunity to design and produce a jewelry line commemorating this historic occasion. She was given the green light by Indianapolis Motor Speedway, and began designing and working with vendors to create just the right collection. She enlisted the help of Heather Carpenter, wife of IndyCar driver, Ed Carpenter and together they have created a line that fits a variety of lifestyles.

“I was thrilled when Deb asked me to help design the 100th Anniversary jewelry collection,” said Carpenter. “I love dressing up in May and my three children dress to match their dad’s car to support both him and the 500. There is no other race like it, so it’s worthy of donning pretty jewelry.”

Elizabeth Kraft Taylor Recounts Extraordinary Career

If you don’t know Elizabeth Kraft Taylor by name, you definitely know her by the incredible contributions she has made to the city of Indianapolis. From her gutsy marketing stunts to her philanthropic endeavors, Taylor is nothing short of an Indy icon.

Last year, Taylor published her memoir “Three Jews Walked Into A Shopping Center.” In her prologue, she tells readers why she chose to tell her life story. First, she wanted to honor Melvin Simon. Next, she hoped to amplify the honesty and ethics that lay at the foundation of the Simon organization. And, finally, she writes to show that “we are all born with handicaps and blessings, and it’s our job in life to figure out which is which.”

After experiencing a childhood of abuse, Taylor felt there wasn’t anything she couldn’t handle. She began her career working in retail in Chicago and eventually won the opportunity to move to Indianapolis and continue her career as Creative Director for Melvin Simon & Associates.

With Simon, Taylor played a leadership role in the opening of the Mall of America and Circle Centre Mall among other large openings. When Simon purchased the Pacers in 1983, she paved the way to a sell-out crowd on opening night. Later, Taylor continued her career as President and CEO of the 500 Festival.

“I am happy to share my stories,” says Taylor in a recent interview. “It was a great release for me and a cathartic healing experience. [And I wanted to] bring back conversation about Melvin Simon. He was so important to shaping this city, and his impact nationwide cannot be overstated.”