PRAWNC Hosts "A Holiday Tasting" at the Wine Studio of Asheville

ASHEVILLE, N.C. – Communicate the warm glow of the season with the Public Relations Association of Western North Carolina (PRAWNC) as it announces its after-hours’ event, “A Holiday Tasting” at the Wine Studio of Asheville on Wednesday, December 16, from 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.

PRAWNC members and their guests will enjoy the opportunity to preview five quality holiday wines, hand-picked by Jessica Gualano, certified wine specialist and proprietor of Wine Studios of Asheville.

“The array will focus on one sparkling, one white and three reds,” Gualano says. “I’m always thrilled to showcase excellent holiday wines, particularly so for PRAWNC.”

This year, PRAWNC members celebrate the close of the year 2009, and the affirmation of the 2010 slate of officers. After the party, event photos will be posted on the group’s blog at http://publicrelationsassociationofwnc.blogspot.com/. And, an online poll will assess PRAWNC members’ favorite wines from “A Holiday Tasting” at the Wine Studios of Asheville.

“The incredible buzz and upward trend-setting image of PRAWNC this year has been precedent setting,” says Amy Fowler-Smialowicz, past-president and 2009 financial chairman. “This is our moment to do our part to enhance Western North Carolina’s economic growth and positioning by advancing and celebrating its communications professionals. It’s been a great year; it’s going to be a great year.”

Public Relations Association of Western North Carolina hosts “A Holiday Tasting” at the Wine Studios of Asheville, Wednesday, December 16, from 5 p.m. – 7 p.m., the cost is $12 for members and guests. The Wine Studio of Asheville is located at 169 Charlotte Street. For more information or to RSVP, contact Amy Fowler-Smialowicz at: afowler@carepartners.org

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Public Relations Association of Western North Carolina, or PRAWNC, is the region’s premier professional organization for public relations, marketing, advertising and communications professionals since 1983. Learn more about PRAWNC at http://www.prawnc.org/.

PRAWNC is a 501C3 not-for-profit corporation providing practitioners with opportunities for education, collaboration, networking and professional excellence.

PRAWNC announces holiday gift memberships for communications professionals

Asheville, N.C. – Professional development, networking, and collaboration are assets each public
relations, advertising, and marketing professional offers employers in Western North Carolina. Now, thanks to the Public Relations Association of Western North Carolina, or PRAWNC, employers have an opportunity to return the favor.

Communications professionals will be delighted to find a special gift membership to PRAWNC under the office Christmas tree or holiday display, says Sherri McLendon, membership committee member.

As one-time special incentive, $50 memberships given as gifts to incoming public relations “stars” begin in January 2010, for a 25% increase in membership value. Currently, annual membership begins in March. University student memberships are also available at $25.

“To place creative communicators in like company only adds value to the entire corporation, the entire community,” says McLendon. “This gift is truly one which lends support to key public relations and marketing professionals now, and creates connections that may last a lifetime.”

Due to the promise of economic turnaround in 2010, PRAWNC also plans to extend the special offer to members whose dues are in arrears, bringing their membership current and welcoming them back into the organization.

“We’re all in this together,” says Betancourt. “We want each practitioner in Western North Carolina to be able to build a strong network ensuring individual as well as collective success. PRAWNC is committed to making exciting, meaningful connections possible for each of its members.”

New members receive a holiday card with notice of the gift and the giver. A personal letter of welcome from the president and a Certificate of Membership suitable for framing will arrive in January 2010. The limited offer becomes void after January 31, 2010.

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Public Relations Association of Western North Carolina, or PRAWNC, is the region’s premier professional organization for public relations, marketing, advertising and communications professionals since 1983. Learn more about PRAWNC at http://www.prawnc.org/.

PRAWNC is a 501C3 not-for-profit corporation providing practitioners with opportunities for education, collaboration, networking and professional excellence.

Best of the Mountains Winners Announced

ASHEVILLE, N.C. – Oct. 27, 2009 – The Public Relations Association of Western North Carolina (PRAWNC) announces the winners of “The “Best of the Mountains,” a popular event among communication professionals that recognizes regional communication professionals for outstanding marketing and public relations’ techniques and designs. The event was held on Thursday, Oct. 22, at the Farm, in Candler, N.C.

There were multiple award categories for agency and in-house divisions. The winners were as follows:

• Synergy Point – Online Marketing: Web sites (Agency)


• New West/Four Seasons Hospice and Palliative Care Services – Brand/Marketing Campaigns: Campaign (Agency)


• United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County – Brand/Marketing Campaigns: Campaign (In-house)


• Bluefish Marketing/Junior League of Asheville – Brand/Marketing Campaigns: Brand/Logo Design (Agency)


• Franklin Street Marketing/Pardee Hospital – Publications: Brochures (Agency)


• United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County – Publications: Brochures (In-house)


• Pardee Hospital Foundation – Publications: Newsletters (In-house)


• KP Communications – Publications: Annual Reports (Agency)


• United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County – Publications: Annual Reports (In-house)


• Pardee Hospital – Publications: Annual Reports (In-house) (Tie)


• Write Away, Inc. – Publications: Magazines (Agency)


• United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County – Publications: Other (In-house)


• Summit Marketing Group – Special Event (Agency)


• United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County – Special Event (In-house)


• ADCO/Park Ridge Hospital – Advertising Campaign: Print Ad (Agency)


• ADCO/Park Ridge Hospital – Advertising Campaign: TV Ad (Agency)


• ADCO/Park Ridge Hospital – Advertising Campaign: Direct Mail (Agency)


• Summit Marketing Group – Advertising Campaign: Outdoor/Transit (Agency)


• ADCO/Park Ridge Hospital – Advertising Campaign: Complete Campaign (Agency)


• KP Communications – Public Relations Writing: Press Release (Agency)


• UNC Asheville – Public Relations Writing: Press Release (In-house)


• KP Communications – Public Relations Writing: Feature Story (Agency)


• UNC Asheville – Public Relations Writing: Feature Story (In-house)

The projects were judged by a panel of regional communication professionals: Jess McCuan, Editor-in-Chief of Verve Magazine; Eric Seeger, Editor-in-Chief of WNC Magazine; Phil Murray, Assistant Art Professor, Mars Hill College; Michael Flynn, Mass Communication Professor at UNCA; Janie Williamson, graphic designer; and Jane Murray, president of Carolina Creative Services.

Awards were based on six criteria: creativity; innovation; sound planning; implementation; effectiveness and evaluation

Best of the Mountains on October 22

PRAWNC Hosts Best of the Mountains to Recognize Outstanding WNC Communication Pros Asheville, NC – Oct. 2, 2009 – The Public Relations Association of Western North Carolina (PRAWNC) will be hosting its annual Best of the Mountains awards ceremony to be held at the Farm, an event space, in Candler, NC on Thursday, October 22 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

The prestigious PRAWNC Annual Best of the Mountains Awards’ program was formed to celebrate and recognize excellence in Western North Carolina public relations and marketing communications. The program offers both area organizations and agencies the opportunity to submit their best communications campaigns, initiatives or projects.

After six judges reviewed nearly 50 projects, PRAWNC will provide awards to 27 recipients that include agencies and in-house divisions in the following categories: publications, special events, brand marketing campaigns, public relations writing, advertising campaign and online marketing. Each category has several sub divisions.

Judges were comprised of a diverse panel that included: two magazine editors; two communication professors; one PR and marketing agency; and one ad agency. PRAWNC invites people from the community to partake in this fun and educational event. Projects will be on display for viewing and refreshments will be provided by the Colorful Palate; an open wine bar is also available.

The event will be emceed by Tammy Jones of WOXL; the cost to attend is $35 per person. RSVPs will be accepted through Thursday, October 15. Email finance@prawnc.org to RSVP.

About PRAWNC

Formed in 1983, PRAWNC is a not-for-profit organization that facilitates and recognizes excellence in marketing, public relations, and advertising, while providing practitioners with opportunities for education, collaboration, networking and professional excellence. For more information, please visit: www.prawnc.org.

PRAWNC Luncheon

"Crisis Communications--Is Our Community Prepared?"
Jan Blunt, Communications Director, Buncombe County Schools, and Marla Tambellini, Assistant Vice President/Director of Marketing & Public Relations for the Asheville Convention and Visitors Bureau will discuss “crisis communications: is our community prepared?” at the September 2009 Public Relations Association of Western North Carolina luncheon Friday, September 25, from 11:30am – 1pm p.m., at Broadmoor Country Club, Fletcher. Members: $15; Non-Members: $25.

A timely topic during National Emergency Preparedness Month, disasters do happen in western NC, and they aren't always obvious. A flu pandemic could cause schools and businesses to close, and disrupt everyone's way of life. A hurricane can hit our state and cause flooding, or hit a thousand miles away and cause a gas shortage that lasts for weeks. Learn how area communications personnel representing industry, non-profit organizations, schools and government are preparing together for the next "big event," whatever it may be.


Please RSVP to Jennifer Perez,jennifer.perez@ahss.org, by September 21st, for reservations and membership information.

Vegetarian and vegan meals are available upon request.

Those individuals who request an RSVP for the luncheon and do not attend will be billed for the cost of their lunch.

August Luncheon - eNewsletters & Effectively Marketing Your Business

Spencer Howerton, will share his insights on utilizing cutting edge internet marketing tools such as e-Newsletters and e-mail marketing at the August 2009 Public Relations Association of Western North Carolina luncheon Friday, August 28, from 11:30am – 1pm p.m., at Broadmoor Country Club, Fletcher. Members: $15; Non-Members: $25. 

After 20 years in sales & marketing to Fortune 500 clientele, Spencer now helps lead the industry’s third largest eMarketing firm, JBA Network, Inc. which provides email marketing solutions such as Mynewsletterbuilder.com, Evoicespot.com, buzzseo.com and Jukeboxalive.com. The company also provides web development, design and programming for clients in the music industry, healing arts, corporations and individuals.
“The internet is the largest growth sector in the marketplace today. It is what drives our business going forward,” Howerton said.

Please RSVP to Jennifer Perez, jennifer.perez@ahss.org, by August 24, for reservations and membership information.
Vegetarian and vegan meals are available upon request.

Those individuals who request an RSVP for the luncheon and do not attend will be billed for the cost of their lunch

Social Media Hurting Writing And Thinking Skills for PR Professionals?

Musician John Mayer recently twittered "Suffering cerebral atrophy. Since I've been communicating in short pulses, I've been writing lyrics the same way." & "The single-serve idea is killing my writing. Laying off a little in the coming weeks. Need books, thoughts, a sequence of ideas that build."

Question--do you think that apps like Twitter, Facebook, Blogspot, etc. have taken a toll on your ability to write well?

Next Question--do you think that these apps have taken a toll on your ability to focus?

Let us know what you think?

Baseball, Hot Dogs, Apple Pie and....PR Professionals?

Yep, sounds awesome.

Here are the details:

Join PRAWNC for a fun night of baseball and hot dogs on July 24 as the Asheville Tourists play the Lakewood Blueclaws. “Take your family and friends out to the ballgame” and enjoy an evening with your communications colleagues!

July 24th at McCormick Field

Game begins at 7:05 p.m. – PRAWNC group will meet at front entrance at 6:30 p.m. for ticket distribution.

$12 buys you a ticket, hot dog and $4 worth of “Tourist bucks” to purchase whichever libation you choose!

Contact Jennifer Perez at jennifer.perez@ahss.org for more information and to RSVP

PR Question

How can we do a better job of keeping our clients on brand message?

Thoughts?

LinkedIn Profile

We're tweaking a LinkedIn profile in the next few days so we can continue to grow our "cloud effect" with all you PR professionals out there.

The url is: http://www.linkedin.com/in/prawnc

Placing WGN Superstation with Michelle Tennant

Michelle Says--Small Owners Can Get Front Page Media

Check this out:

Recap: Telling Your Story & Getting the Media to Listen

What a great luncheon. Many thanks to Michelle Tennant of Wasabi Publicity, Inc. Not only did she share some truly valuable industry information, she was very knowledgeable too!

Here's a sample - more to come!

Job Opportunity - Director Downtown Hendersonville, Inc.

Here's the link to the .pdf application & job description.

Here's the overview:

Position Overview: Main Street Program Manager/Executive Director
The Executive Director is both the Chief Executive Officer of Downtown Hendersonville, Inc./Downtown Development Corporation, and Hendersonville’s Main Street Program Manager for both the North Carolina Main Street Center’s Main Street Program and the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s National Main Street Program. The Executive Director reports to the Board of Directors and is responsible for the organization's consistent achievement of its mission and objectives.

Good Article: "Talking About My Generation"

Gen Xers, Gen Yers, Millennials and Boomers are all working alongside each other. But how do you get them to work well together?

Read more: http://www.entrepreneur.com/magazine/entrepreneur/2009/march/200104.html#ixzz0Jp061eO9&C

Many thanks to Sherri McClendon for sending us the link to this article. The list of generational red flags alone is a real eye-opener.

Job Opportunity

Wanted: Freelance Online Content Writer

Description: Volvo Construction Equipment is looking for an experienced freelance online content writer to collect and optimize content for our websites and eMail marketing and potentially for social media sites. Writers must be proficient in AP style, significant experience in online writing, understand the importance of factual accuracy, meet strict deadlines, make revisions as requested, and bring fresh ideas and story angles to the eBusiness and Marketing groups. Writers will work independently, but they will be required to keep the editor updated. At least four years of experience is required.

Qualifications: • Bachelor’s degree in English or similar • High understanding and advocacy for web user experience and impact of text on search engines. • Understand interactive writing, online constraints and effective communication on and for the web. • Must have excellent writing experience • Excellent knowledge of grammar and command of the English language • Top-notch written and oral communication skills • Computer savvy with the ability to pick up technical skills quickly • Bright, hard-working, flexible, dedicated, and team-focused self starter Preferred Qualifications: • Masters or PhD in English

Compensation: $25 - $50/hr.

How to Apply:

Address: One Volvo Drive
City: Asheville
State: North Carolina
Website: http://volvoce.com/na
Contact Person: John Johnston
Phone: 828-650-2000
Email: john.johnston@volvo.com

See You At The Luncheon

We look forward to seeing everybody at today's luncheon. It's 11:30 at the Orchard at Broadmoor.
Lots of news to share today!

PR Job Opportunity

Resource Development Manager Mountain Housing Opportunities

Private nonprofit community development corporation seeks skilled professional to plan and implement marketing & fundraising. Positive spirit, excellent written & oral communication, productivity, accuracy, initiative, interpersonal skills. Build relationships w/ diverse volunteers, donors, board, staff, foundations, religious groups, businesses. Coordinate website, other publicity. Manage donor solicitations, recognition, database. B.A. in related field, at least 2-5 years exper.

EOE.

Mail cover letter and resume w/ salary requirements & references received by June 26 to: Scott Dedman
Executive Director
Mountain Housing Opportunities
64 Clingman Avenue
Suite 101
Asheville, NC28801.

Attention Bloggers: FTC May Monitor Blogs for Conflict of Interest

News item of interest to PR professionals. The FTC is set to issue new advertising guidelines that will require bloggers to disclose when they're writing about a sponsor's product or voicing opinions that aren't their own.

The new guidlines will require blog authors to disclose when they're being paid by an advertiser to discuss a product.

Interesting timing here--it is being reported that Google has begun to downgrade paid blog entries. Can anybody out there confirm this?

Click here to read the Baltimore Sun article
Click here to read the BusinessWeek.com article
Click here to read the TechWag.com article
Click here to read the GearDiary.com article

Don't Let Your Clients Fall for This - Domain Name Scam Alert -

As public relations specialists, we are often called on to help our clients with all matter of things--not just strictly PR issues. Truthfully, that's the way we want it. It's called a relationship and it's built on trust.

The following or some version of it is the latest in scam offerings from overseas. They contact you on the pretense that a foreign company is trying to purchase websites using your domain and trademark names. However being the responsible and caring Domain Name Registration Service they are, they are first contacting you, the owner of the existing domains and trademarks, and will give you the amazing opportunity to get these website names first and therefore protect your brand. It’s a scam, it’s dodgy, and it's unsolicited. Advise your client not to reply, because if they do, the company will then barrage them with more emails containing more spam & potential ripoffs.

Below is a recent version:

Dear Manager: Sorry to trouble your company,my name is "Dabria", We are a Domain Name registration service company, which is the domain name register center in Shanghai,China. We have something important need to confirm with your company.
A formal application here dated on June.22nd,2009 from HAITONG Investment company requested "******" as their internet Trademark and CN/Asia domain names(.cn/.com.cn/.net.cn/org.cn/.asia) on internet,
After our initial examination,we find this name conflicts with your company. We send this email to the owner who have used this name and hope to get the affirmation of your company because that may relate to your internet intellectual property.I want to know whether you allow their application?Now we have not finished the registration for this company, in order to deal with this issue better, please let the someone who is responsible for this matter to contact us as soon as possible.
Thank you!Best regards,
Dabria
Oversea marketing manager
Company: YiGuan China Co,Ltd.
Tel:+86(0)21 6296 2950
Fax:+86(0)21 6296 1557
web:www.ygchina.org.cn

Getting Ready for a Great Lunch This Friday

Telling Your Story & Getting the Media to Listen

Good Morning America Producer Mabel Chan says, "Michelle Tennant is a Five-Star publicist." The June 2009 Public Relations Association of Western North Carolina business networking luncheon will present co-owner of Wasabi Publicity Inc, Michelle Tennant, Friday, June 26th, from 11:30am-1pm, at Broadmoor Country Club, Fletcher. Members: $15; Non-Members: $25.
In addition to discussing why press releases don't work like the used to, how technology shifts how publicists must pitch, and using breaking news and seasonal tie-ins to score national and local media coverage, Michelle,"Storyteller to the media," will share how she booked Dr. Phil, CNN and more the same day a client signed on, and insights on getting the media to pick up the story.

The award-winner author of PR Cookbook, Michelle'simpressive list of media hits for clients includes Larry King Live,Good Morning America, Dr.Phil, CNN, BBC, The Today show, Oprah,Woman's World, Entrepreneur, Parents, Health, First for Women, theAssociated Press,and much more.

Please RSVP to Jennifer Perez, jennifer.perez@ahss.org, by June 22, for reservations and membership information.

Hello World!

Here we go. PRAWNC needs your expertise to help make this blog viable. Please join us here & feel free to send us your thoughts, questions, articles, & links. Together, we can make it grow into something we will all benefit from.