Showing posts with label Asheville. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Asheville. Show all posts

Tuesday, August 3, 2010

The Best of the Mountains Awards Breakfast

Do you plan to enter a top performing project for a "Best of the Mountains 2010" award?

Gain a competitive edge on your competition by joining past and current top award winners in a breakfast round table discussion at Buncombe County Government Television offices on Thursday, August 12, from 7:30-9 a.m.

But get your RSVP in early to finance@prawnc.org. The training room reserved is currently limited to 24 seats offered on a first come, first served basis. And this year's submission guidelines are scheduled to be released August 10, just prior to this member event.

Public Relations Association of Western North Carolina members will share the experiences and best practices capturing top recognitions in our area's most prestigious communications awards competition. Sharing the perspectives and lessons they've learned are Jill Yarnall with UNC-Asheville; Judy Rhew Davidson and Kathy Hughes with Buncombe County Government; Rick Prudhomme with Pardee Hospital, and Brenda Murphree with Clear Point Marketing.

By special arrangement, Jennifer Perez with Park Ridge Hospital, will speak regarding the finer points of the PRAWNC rules and judging standards. All shareholders in the roundtable discussion will enjoy a loose structure, with a small number of guided questions for the round-table participants. Then, the floor will be opened to member questions and information sharing.

At the breakfast networking event, PRAWNC members and colleagues and newcomers will enjoy City Bakery's fresh-baked bagels with cream cheese, jam, and butter and pastries. Featured are the Biltmore Avenue establishment's famous cheddar scallion biscuits with butter and jam, followed by assorted fresh fruit, juice and coffee.

The Public Relations Association of Western North Carolina hosts "The Best of the Mountains Awards Breakfast" at Buncombe County Government Television in the training room at 199 College Street, downtown Asheville. The cost is $10 for members, $15 for non-members, and includes City Bakery baked goods, fruit, and beverage. Metered parking is available on the street, or attendees may park in the County Parking Garage located between Carolina First Bank and Bank of America for $1 per hour.

For more information or to RSVP, visit prawnc.org, or email finance@prawnc.org.

Thursday, June 3, 2010

Public Relations Pros "AskAsheville@sociability" with Gary Charles

Effectively communicating in social media requires one key element, according to Gary Charles of G Social Media, which assists businesses and missions increase exposure, extend audiences, and make connections.

What’s the key? Sociability.

Known for his effective, aggressive tactics and internet successes, including the popular local blog, “AskAsheville,”and a Twitter feed that never sleeps, Charles will share insights with members of Public Relations Association of Western North Carolina in a program “Effectively Using Social Media to Build a Following” Friday, June 25, from 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. at Asheville Chamber of Commerce.

A 15-year veteran of Internet marketing, he brings to bear experience including website optimization, email and newsletter communications, social networking, and now, social media. A self-taught social media guru, Charles is thought to be light years ahead of traditional education in his work with new media and communications, thanks to systematic trial and error.

“We watched and experimented with just about any new form of social media that came out and weighed the possibilities,” he says of his method.

“The number 1 rule I have made for myself is to ‘Be Sociable,’” he says. “You cannot effectively communicate in social media without this key element. I show people and businesses how to be sociable online and then maybe even blend it into their real life experiences,” he says.

And being social works wonders for Western North Carolina businesses.

“Money is not my motive,” he explains. “I thrive knowing that social media is working for my clients. I try to make it as painless and profitable as possible.”

Public Relations Association of Western North Carolina hosts Gary Charles and “Effectively Using Social Media to Build a Following,” at the Public Relations Association of Western North Carolina quarterly luncheon from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Friday, June 25, at Asheville Chamber of Commerce. Members $15; Non-members $25. For more information or to RSVP, email finance@prawnc.org.

Sunday, May 9, 2010

Public relations pros take a break, enjoy a different kind of 'pitch' with Asheville's Tourists

If you're tired of being asked to "play ball" in the business world, here's a great opportunity watch the show with Public Relations Association of Western North Carolina.

Continuing its efforts to offer communications professionals highly entertaining, effective networking opportunities, PRAWNC has come through yet again with the second annual "Take Me Out to the Ballgame: an Afternoon with the Asheville Tourists." Members and guests alike are invited to yell at the ump, cheer the action and enjoy a hotdog or pizza as the Asheville Tourists take on the Kannapolis Intimidators Sunday, May 23, at 2 p.m.

In addition to catching the action, attendees will be able to learn the history behind the Tourists, one of professional baseball's most storied clubs, from Chris Smith, assistant general manager and Tourist historian.

Baseball fans enjoy the spectacle of the game. All-American pastimes include people-watching, sampling ballpark fare, talking with fellow fans, and - as crazy as it sounds - actually watching the game. Sherri L. McLendon, PRAWNC president, admits to a fascination with pitching styles.

"No two pitches and no two pitchers are alike," she says. "It's a difference those of us who 'pitch' for a living really appreciate. We get the psychology of the game."

Brian Jennings, the PRAWNC board member organizing the event, recalls a two-decades past conversation with a former Tourist owner who said, "I don't promote baseball; I promote entertainment where a baseball game is being played."

The concept was not only years ahead of its time, but remains a nugget of knowledge PR professionals may choose to embrace in our own "fields" of expertise, says Jennings.

The Public Relations Association of Western North Carolina hosts "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" at historic McCormick Field, Sunday, May 23, at 2 p.m. The cost is $15 for members and guests, $13 for children ages 12-3, and free under age 3. Ticket includes game admission, food, drink and an official Asheville Tourist souvenir. McCormick Field is located at 30 Buchanan Place Asheville, NC 28801. RSVP by Monday, May 17, to finance@prawnc.org/

Friday, April 9, 2010

PRAWNC hosts “A Toast to Spring” at Battery Park Book Exchange & Champagne Bar

ASHEVILLE, N.C. – Raise a glass in “A Toast to Spring” with Public Relations Association of Western North Carolina as at its after-hours event at Battery Park Book Exchange & Champagne Bar on Thursday, April 22, from 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.

PRAWNC members and their guests will enjoy the opportunity to browse the exceptional collection of books, participate in semi-structured networking activities, and enjoy a white, red, and sparkling
wine plus a selection of meats and cheeses as they mark the welcome arrival of spring.

This year, PRAWNC members have much to celebrate. “Our members are excited, and the enthusiasm continues to grow,” says Sherri L. McLendon, president. “We are metaphorically planting the seeds for a healthy, sustainable Western North Carolina communications sector. We’ve got fertile ground for leading the industry in innovation and creativity in the profession. Just watch us grow!”

“The incredible buzz and upward trend-setting image of PRAWNC this year has been precedent setting,” says Rachel Miller, PRAWNC vice president. “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.”

Public Relations Association of Western North Carolina hosts “A Toast to Spring” at from 5 p.m. – 7 p.m., at Battery Park Book Exchange & Champagne Bar on Thursday, April 22. The cost is $15 for members and guests and includes drinks and hors d’oevres. Battery Park Book Exchange & Champagne Bar is located at 1 Battle Square, Asheville. For more information or to RSVP, visit http://www.prawnc.org/, or email finance@prawnc.org.

Monday, January 25, 2010

PRAWNC hosts "Sweet Success" at The French Broad Chocolate Lounge

What do public relations and chocolate have in common? The sweet taste of success, of course.

Join the Public Relations Association of Western North Carolina at The French Broad Chocolate Lounge, Thursday, Feb. 11, at 5:30 p.m., and share your passion for all things PR with others.

“There’s an old proverb from Spain that says ‘Las cosas claras y el chocolate espresso,’" says Sherri McLendon, president of PRAWNC.

“Loosely translated, it suggests ideas should be clear and chocolate full-bodied. To me, it suggests the heart of public relations practice – to plan and execute tactics and strategies clearly, with the results fully realized.”

At the after-hours networking event, PRAWNC members, guests, and newcomers will sample three handcrafted artisanal chocolates chosen by chocolatier Jael Rattigan: pots de crème, salted honey caramel, and coconut macaroon with a chocolate ganache kiss. Complementary locally roasted French press coffee will accompany the treats.

Guests may also order signature liquid truffle hot sipping chocolates, local draught beer, small-production wines, organic loose-leaf teas, and gift chocolates at the counter.

Semi-structured networking activities ensure that all comers walk away with real connections to others who celebrate and appreciate all things public relations, says Rachel Miller, vice president of PRAWNC. “After all, isn’t success sweeter when it’s mutual and covered in chocolate?”

The Public Relations Association of Western North Carolina hosts “Sweet Success” at The French Broad Chocolate Lounge, Asheville, Thursday, Feb. 11, at 5:30 p.m., the cost is $12 for members and guests and includes chocolates and French press coffee. The French Broad Chocolate Lounge is located at 10 South Lexington Ave. For more information or to RSVP, contact Rachel Miller at rachel@mountainbizworks.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.