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.

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