Asheville, N.C. – Celebrate global fusion in Asheville style with Public Relations Association of Western North Carolina at its after-hours event, "A Sample of Eclectic Asheville" at Ophelia's World Café on Wednesday, July 21, from 5:30-7 p.m.
PRAWNC members and their guests will enjoy the opportunity to sample a selection of hors d'oevres prepared under the direction of Chef Eric Jump. Jump, and Ophelia's, is known for the use of locally sourced ingredients from Asheville farmers, as well as the freshest boat seafood from the North Carolina coast.
The fare will include mini crab cakes, a Middle Eastern Mezza featuring hummus with pita and vegetables, spinach rolls with goat cheese, grilled chicken satay skewered with an Asian peanut sauce, and a distinctive tiered cheese and fruit sculpture.
"I'm always thrilled to showcase locally sourced foods at Ophelia's, particularly so for the Public Relations Association of Western North Carolina," says Jump. The restaurant's arrayed selection of beer, wine, and microbrews will be available to PRAWNC members on a cash basis.
Additionally, PRAWNC members choosing to follow the evening's networking and sampler selection with a meal can expect a selection of organic, grass fed, and vegetarian, vegan, or gluten free options.
"The incredible buzz and upward trend-setting image of PRAWNC this year has been precedent setting," says Amy Smialowicz Fowler, past-president and 2009 financial chairman. "This is our moment, as communications professionals, to do our part to enhance Western North Carolina's economic growth. What better way than by spotlighting local food with a global sensibility?"
Public Relations Association of Western North Carolina hosts "A Sample of Eclectic Asheville" at the Ophelia's World Café, Wednesday, July 21, from 5:30-7 p.m. The cost is $12 for members, and $15 for non-members and includes a non-alcoholic beverage and hors d'oevres. Ophelia's World Café is located at 15 Eagle Street. For more information or to RSVP, contact Amy Smialowicz Fowler at finance@prawnc.org. Last day to RSVP is Friday, July 16.
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
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.
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/
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.
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
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.
Saturday, March 20, 2010
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.
RSVP to finance@prawnc.org.
Thursday, March 11, 2010
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.
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.
"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.
#
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.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)