After 28 years, PRAWNC takes its final bow

An old adage reminds us "All good things must come to an end." Thus is the situation which presents itself to Public Relations Association of Western North Carolina as it closes its 28th year. We would like to thank each of you from our hearts for three wonderful decades of public relations excellence.

To date, PRAWNC maintains its base operations, chamber membership, and member privileges. Our dues paying membership numbers ironically remain strong - even as member participation has dwindled over a period of several years.

The current fiscal year for PRAWNC continues through March 2012, but we regret that the board of directors has decided to disband the formal organization at that time due to the inability to fill vacant board positions, and lack of member participation. You'll see the changeover begin to take place now through March 30.

Please rest assured this decision was not made lightly. Four years ago, I had the privilege of serving on the "comeback board," the year PRAWNC faltered, then rallied. That excellent leadership has now been exhausted. None has risen to take its place, and the consensus is among all concerned that it's simply time to take our bows and leave the stage. The encore is over.

In 2012, you'll probably not see the work behind the scenes to gracefully conclude our ethical and financial commitments. I am beyond grateful to Vice President Chris Power, former board members Gary James and Jaime McKee, secretary Judy Davidson, and board member Brenda Murphree for standing fast long after we could see the writing on the wall.

The expression of gratitude would not be complete without honoring the memory of Jill Yarnall, our 2011 board member and most-awarded Best of the Mountains recipient. Jill worked tirelessly for PRAWNC as long as she possibly could. Our hearts grieved her passing. When all our commitments are met, it's our intention to use those resources appropriately in Jill's honor.

The newsletter will continue in 2012. I'd especially like to thank Debbie Griffith for offering to specifically publish the newsletter during 2012 so our members have an professional information source they can trust. Additionally, our existing email list will be maintained. An opt-in box on the website will allow us to continue to serve former members and friends of PRAWNC in this small but vital way.

What you will see also see in 2012 is the transition to a PRAWNC 'historic' website, a designated email address to answer questions, and an ongoing Facebook community to share news and job postings.

A separate committee will determine the future of Best of the Mountains, so please let us know if you have an opinion either way.

The hope of our board of directors is, from the cavern of this difficult decision, a PRSA chapter will rise, dragon-like and on fire with purpose, to grow and thrive in a future Asheville and WNC. To that end, a small group of like-minded individuals (not serving on PRAWNC's board) have been initiating conversations about making that happen. Please email us so we can put you in touch with those persons if that is a path you see yourself travelling.

My very best,
Sherri L. McLendon
President

QR Codes: An Emerging Marketing Trend

What is a QR code anyway?

A Quick Response code (QR) is a two-dimensional barcode, read by smartphones and other camera phones or by dedicated QR code readers. The codes are encoded with text, URL, phone numbers or other data. The QR code technology is already pretty common overseas (imagine that!), especially in Japan where it originated. The concept is still emerging here in the States as a new marketing trend, but seems to be catching on quickly. The use of QR codes is free of licensing, so the technology is available to use by any company. The codes are being used on menus, magazines, business cards, coupons, t-shirts- basically anything that can be scanned. The user scans the QR code and, through their phone, can automatically dial a phone number, visit a specific social media site or home page URL, set their phone calendar with an event (complete with alarm for a reminder), set the phone GPS with a physical address, just to name a few ideas. I love the concept because it incorporates design with technology and has a specific, user-generated purpose.

How are they being used?
These codes are popping up in marketing campaigns, both in traditional and interactive media partly because they allow marketing professionals to easily track response rates. They are being used in tradeshows, billboards, direct mail pieces, coupons and contests, and in guerrilla marketing campaigns. Use these codes to drive traffic to exclusive online content, offering prizes or other incentives. The majority of consumers may not being using these codes on a regular basis yet, but curiosity will make them check it out. Those that are already using them will be tech-savvy and more likely to visit your website, or be influenced by your social media campaign.

Well-known companies are using QR codes in various ways. Pepsi prints QR codes on bottles to direct customers to their website. Designers are using them on their mailers to give customers exclusive online content like runway videos and limited edition collections. Restaurants are using QR Codes to list product nutritional information on its packaging. Real Estate agents are using them on signage to provide details about the house for sale. The codes are also being used in unusual ways-food suppliers are using them to show where their product is grown and when it was harvested, an English version of "The Amazing Race" reality TV show is using the codes as part of the treasure hunt, and Japan has even put them on tombs to give background on the interred (creepy!)

So how can you use these codes for your small business?
You can drive traffic to your website by offering exclusive contests or discounts for QR code users. Track traffic to your website by using different codes on different marketing pieces, therefore knowing which piece has the best ROI (return on investment). Thank customers for their patronage and put one on receipts to offer a discount on their next purchase. Encode one with a Google map for your store location. Encode one with product reviews and information or price comparisons. Send the user to YouTube to see your online commercial. You can make it part of your campaign by placing them on t- shirts, business cards, billboards, or magnets. Or get creative, like Lego who made one out of lego blocks, and make the QR code the central part of your campaign.

If you still aren’t convinced about the future of QR Codes in your business marketing, let your customer tell you- In a recent study commissioned by ad agency MGH, 72 percent of smartphone users indicated that they would be likely to recall an ad with a QR code. Check out the whole study here: http://mghus.com/qr-code-survey-results. You can generate a QR code using a site like Kaywa.com, iCandy, or Stickybits. Kaywa.com will also provide the code reader for your phone, so will Barcode Scanner. You can install the app on your phone with ease.

KC Hart is the Director of Marketing & Communications for the Asheville Home Builders Association.

Time to renew your 2011 PRAWNC membership!

Hi! Sherri McLendon here, with Public Relations Association of Western North Carolina, reminding you it's time to renew your membership in our organization for the 2011 term.

NEW! In 2011 – Members who renew prior to the March 31 deadline will receive a FREE directory listing on the PRAWNC website. This listing includes your business name with link, description, and an individual link to you – an additional $97 annual value!

Existing benefits of membership include:

Full access to PRAWNC's 2010 membership in the Asheville Chamber of Commerce

quarterly luncheons with dynamic speakers at the Asheville Chamber

diverse “after-five” and evening events at a range of innovative venues

reduced fees for luncheons and events - including the prestigious Best of the Mountains awards entries and ceremony

unsurpassed professional networking opportunities

free job and internship listings on the PRAWNC web site and on Linked In

access to the Linked In private member network and discussion group

Currently, membership is $50 for practicing members, and $25 for student members. To renew, simply choose a preferred payment option. Thanks to electronic data submission, renewal is almost instant.

For more information or to fill out a new member form, industry professionals are encouraged to visit www.prawnc.org.

Thank you for your early renewal, and a brilliant 2011.

Best wishes,

Sherri L. McLendon, MA
2011 President, PRAWNC
www.prawnc.org

PRAWNC presents "Cooperative Marketing Strategies"

Please join Public Relations Association of Western North Carolina as we welcome Marilyn Ball with 12TwelveCollaborative Marketing Solutions as our guest speaker for the March quarterly membership luncheon on Friday, March 25, 2011. The program is "Cooperative Marketing Strategies."

How do you create strategic, cooperative programs allowing partners to make the most of their advertising budgets? By bringing collective resources to the same table, you not only foster a spirit of mutual cooperation and purpose, but you also discover more effective and focused strategies to develop your brand. Learn how to expand viable partnerships for enhancing and expanding your brand while maximizing media efficiencies.

About the Speaker

Marilyn Ball, owner of 12Twelve Collaborative Marketing Solutions, is a leading expert in creating partnerships through cooperative marketing strategies.

Marilyn's extensive experience in media and public relations campaign development supports her ability to guide clients in the most efficient use of marketing funds, yet it is her keen instinct and vision that business leaders recognize as her most valuable asset.

Not only does she demonstrate an impressive record of creativity and problem solving, it is her gift to motivate and inspire that makes her a sought after strategist and mentor.

Public Relations Association of Western North Carolina hosts Marilyn Ball and "Cooperative Marketing Strategies," at the Public Relations Association of Western North Carolina quarterly luncheon from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Friday, March 25, at Asheville Chamber of Commerce. Members $15; Non-members $25. For more information or to RSVP, go to http://www.prawnc.org/, or email finance@prawnc.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 hosts "A Time of Thanksgiving" at the Wine Studio of Asheville

Share and celebrate Thanksgiving with the Public Relations Association of Western North Carolina at the after­hours event, "A Time of Thanksgiving" at the Wine Studios of Asheville Monday, November 15, from 6 – 8 p.m.

Friends and colleagues will be greeted at the door with a glass of bubbly, then will sample four quality holiday wines hand­picked by Jessica Gulano, certified wine specialist and proprietor of the Wine Studio of Asheville.

"The array will showcase two whites and two reds," Gulano says. "I'm always thrilled to showcase excellent holiday wines, particularly so for the Public Relations Association of Western North Carolina."

Accompanying the wines will be turkey rolls, baked brie with cranberry chutney, and a pumpkin sweet.

"My heart overflows with gratitude for the exceptional year PRAWNC has enjoyed. I can think of no better way to celebrate the official opening of the holiday season than among friends," says Sherri L. McLendon, president.

The event is PRAWNC's second annual tasting.

Public Relations Association of Western North Carolina hosts "A Time of Thanksgiving" at the Wine Studios of Asheville, Monday, November 15, from 6 – 8 p.m., the cost is $15 for members and guests and includes drinks and hors d'oevres. The Wine Studio of Asheville is located at 169 Charlotte Street. For more information or to RSVP, email finance@prawnc.org.

PRAWNC Announces "Best of the Mountains 2010" Winners

Prestigious awards competition, ceremony honors top performing public relations, marketing and communications teams in Western North Carolina

The Public Relations Association of Western North Carolina annual awards program, "Best of the Mountains," recognizes excellence in public relations and marketing communications in Western North Carolina.

And when the winners are declared, top performers get the recognition they deserve in an audience of their peers and colleagues.

Competing entries must have taken place between Sept. 1, 2009, and Aug. 31, 2010.

This year, approximately 50 entries competed for awards in 15 categories. Winners were honored during an awards dinner at Pack's Tavern on Thursday, Oct. 21 from 6-8 p.m.

"This year, we chose to keep the results of the judging secret until the very last minute," says Sherri L. McLendon, president. "Raising the level of anticipation among those who entered made for an exciting evening."

Among the honorees were:

1. Pardee Hospital, Advertising Campaign-Complete campaign, Pardee Orthopedic Center of Excellence (One Step Starts the Adventure)
2. Buncombe County, Advertising Campaign-Outdoor, Did you know-Green
3. Cassel Caywood Love, Advertising Campaign-Print/Direct Mail, Trauma Print
4. CarePartners Health Services, Advertising Campaign-TV, The Way Back
5. Summit Marketing Group, Brand/Marketing Campaign, Camp Tech-Head
6. United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County, Multi-Media Communication, Virtual Kickoff
7. Write Away, Inc., Online Marketing-Social Media, Action Pursuit Games video, web and FaceBook
8. UNC Asheville, Public Relations Campaign, Student Recruitment
9. UNC Asheville, Public Relations Writing, NASCAR Press Release
10. Buncombe County , Public Service/Advocacy-Campaign, Christmas in July
11. Pardee Hospital Foundation, Publications-Brochures, Orthopedics Brochure
12. Western Carolina University, Publications-Magazines, The Magazine of Western Carolina University
13. Pardee, Special Event, Hike to Health
14. Synergy Point, Online Marketing-Websites, The Upcountry
15. UNC Asheville, Online Marketing-Websites, Website Redesign

"The organization's goal remains to celebrate and gain recognition for the work of public relations, marketing, and design professionals in our region," McLendon says. "We have an amazing array of talent in this market. Its visibility and superior quality is a healthy economic indicator."

"Best of the Mountains 2010" to be announced Oct. 21

Accept this invitation to the event of the year!

Results kept secret until the final hour!

Has your team's excellence been recognized?

RSVP Now! For Best of the Mountains 2010.

The 2010 Best of the Mountains awards ceremony honors our region's top performers with the recognition they deserve in an audience of their peers and colleagues. Winners will be honored during an awards dinner at Pack's Tavern on Thursday, Oct. 21 from 6-8 p.m.

Could one of them be you? Absolutely! "Count me in."

"This year, we chose to keep the results of the judging secret until the very last minute," says Sherri L. McLendon, president. "Raising the level of anticipation among those who entered will make for an exciting evening."

The Public Relations Association of Western North Carolina annual awards program recognizes excellence in public relations and marketing communications in Western North Carolina. Competing entries must have taken place between Sept. 1, 2009, and Aug. 31, 2010.

Emcee Tammy Jones of WOXL will provide commentary during the recognitions. Regrettably unable to attend last year's ceremony, she brings her trademark zany wit and experience in radio and print news to the podium.

Professional organizations or teams who wish to reserve group seating should get their request in immediately, says McLendon.

RSVP Now! For Best of the Mountains 2010.

"The organization's goal remains to celebrate and gain recognition for the work of public relations, marketing, and design professionals in our region," McLendon says. "We have an amazing array of talent in this market. Its visibility is a healthy economic indicator."

The Public Relations Association of Western North Carolina hosts "Best of the Mountains 2010" at Pack's Tavern in downtown Asheville, with catering provided by the Century Room, on Thursday, Oct. 21, with an opening reception at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $35 for members and guests, and includes seating, food and a celebratory glass of sparkling wine. Members may choose to purchase additional drink tickets for use at the bar. RSVP to finance@prawnc.org by Friday, Oct. 15 to make reservations.