Career Coffee enhances self-promotion for WNC communications professionals

ASHEVILLE, N.C. – Communications professionals are invited to grow their careers through networking as the Public Relations Association of Western North Carolina initiates a Career Coffee on Tuesday, April 13, at 5:30 p.m. at Starbuck’s Coffee on Hendersonville Road. The free event repeats second Tuesdays monthly – though members may choose to indulge in a latte while honing their self-promotions strategies in the company of their peers.

“As base salaries and bonuses for public relations and media communications jobs in Western North Carolina decreased in 2009, and layoffs continue in the corporate sector, it becomes increasingly important to offer support for professionals who seek positions or who wish to grow their careers,” says Brian Jennings, the PRAWNC board member who spearheaded the informal event.

The Career Coffee is an informal opportunity for members of PRAWNC to meet to share information and job leads, test new self-promotions strategies, and find support for the challenges of the emerging economy in the face of rapid, wide-spread changes in the communications industry, says Sherri L. McLendon, PRAWNC president. “It’s a new era, and we need to ‘wake up and smell the coffee’.”

“Our organization offers a level of knowledge and expertise necessary to grow sustainable economy. As a storehouse of some of the nation’s best talent, we consider it a valuable benefit to members to have a network of this caliber in place. It’s not enough to simply attract top talent. We want to keep that talent happy, supported, and employed in Western North Carolina,” says McLendon.

Many seeking positions or growth may choose to re-specialize in a health care, consumer, or high tech/social media fields, which continued to hire in 2009, according to The Official PR Salary and Bonus Report (2010). The report, which was synopsized last week by Public Relations Society of America in a press release on March 26, found that average base salaries for corporate communications jobs decreased 11.3% in 2009, while PR agency base salaries decreased 10.6%. Both sub-sectors enjoyed an increase of 2.7% and 2.9% respectively in 2008. Additionally, health care costs rose for most employees.

March luncheon: Full integration of the Internet into broad communications strategies

Justin Wight, senior partner with TerraNova Strategies, LLC, will share insights on fully integrating the internet into broad communications strategies at the Public Relations Association of Western North Carolina luncheon Thursday, March 25, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. at Asheville Chamber of Commerce. Members $15; Non-members $25.

RSVP to finance@prawnc.org.

PRAWNC debuts new member benefits, luncheon location

Public Relations Association of Western North Carolina closes the first quarter of 2010 with an annual membership drive ending March 31, highlighting improved member benefits and an anticipated change to its luncheon location.

"This year emerges as an exciting, energetic moment in the chronology of public relations and our organization," says Sherri L. McLendon, president. "Popular, scintillating topics, unprecedented networking strategies, social media integration, and the need for adaptive expertise have driven the PRAWNC board of directors to increase member benefits with an eye to best practice and a competitive edge."

New benefits for membership card holders include full access to PRAWNC's 2010 membership in the Asheville Chamber of Commerce. "We felt strongly our national quality talent pool deserves recognition in Asheville and throughout this region," says McLendon. For this reason, the board of directors made the decision to move quarterly luncheons to the chamber location, where PRAWNC will host speakers and conduct its regular business.

Improved member benefits include a range of "after-five" and evening events at a range of innovative venues, first in December 2009, at the Wine Studios of Asheville, and in February at the French Broad Chocolate Lounge. "The response from our members to the semi-structured networking opportunity we provide remains exciting; we've seen a 35% increase in attendance at events since December," says McLendon.

Continued and extended benefits include reduced fees for luncheons and events (including the prestigious Best of the Mountains awards entries and ceremony), unsurpassed 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, and support for students and job seekers.

Currently, membership is $50 for practicing members, and $25 for student members. To become a member, one fills out a membership form (emailed as a link to current and prospective members) and chooses a preferred payment option. Thanks to electronic data submission, membership is almost instant. For more information or to join, industry professionals are encouraged to visit www.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 www.prawnc.org/.

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

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