Welcome Samantha and Courtney
A warm welcome to the PR and Social Media department’s newest Account Coordinators — Samantha Stanyon and Courtney Williams.
In their new roles, these Peace College alumna will be helping with media and blogger relations, event management, tradeshow coordination, press materials and blog writing, and social media efforts.
Sam is not a newcomer to the agency; she interned with us in the Fall of 2011. While in college, Sam was a new business development intern at Nextaff and did some event planning work on campus. Bright, determined and resourceful, Sam graduated with a BA in Communications Studies and a concentration in PR.
A May 2011 graduate with a Communications degree, Courtney completed five internships while in college. She interned at Largemouth Communications, National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Walt Disney World, Burning Oak Studios, and Rick Rountree Communications. Courtney comes to us with some great media relations and writing experience, and an eagerness to learn more about what the agency has to offer.
We are glad to have them on board!
Relevantor Content Platform Headlines the Internet Summit
I came across an intriguing article about a new content platform three weeks ago. Relevantor is a content optimization solution that promises to increase conversions and visitor engagement by delivering relevant and appropriate content to every visitor on your website. More »
RPRS Honors HM&P with Five Awards
We recently came home with five awards from the Raleigh Public Relations Society’s (RPRS) annual Sir Walter Raleigh Awards banquet. The agency was recognized for its successful implementation of strategic public relations, social media and event planning on behalf of Butterball, LLC, BASF Plant Science’s NutriDense® Silage brand, and Precise® Pet Products.
What we won:
- Silver Award in the public relations writing category for the organization and distribution of Butterball’s 2010 Holiday Donations announcement. The donations announcement helped to increase the client’s visibility throughout the holiday season.
- Honorable Mention in the organizational identity and promotion category for the agency’s leadership and support of the Precise Holistic Complete product launch.
- Honorable Mention in the special events category for the coordination of Butterball’s Millionth Bird Events, celebrating the production of the millionth whole bird produced at two facilities and using that milestone to honor a local veteran.
- Honorable Mention in social media for the promotion and outreach efforts of the NutriDense Silage Web Moo.0 Contest.
- Honorable Mention in the audio/visual presentation category for the Precise Pets Products Brand “American Ingenuity” video.
Congratulations to all the folks who participated in these efforts and for continuing to provide clients with great work! Check out the release on the Sir Walter Raleigh Awards.
Weekly Wrap Up #4
1. Is the iPhone 5 release date just around the corner?
After months of speculation the rumor mills are turning again but this time more credibility seems to loom as an actual date has been set for the highly anticipated iPhone 5 launch. Could it be Tuesday, October 4? According to sources close to the situation, this date has been reserved for Apple’s next big “media event”. While Apple remains silent, per usual, on all accounts regarding a new iPhone launch, these latest details seem to allude to an impending launch. Are you planning on upgrading to the iPhone 5 whenever it’s finally available?
2. Facebook put a Facebook in the upper right of your Facebook so you can Facebook while you Facebook – And now, how to get rid of the annoying new feature…
In its latest set of upgrades, Facebook has rolled out a feature resembling a “Ticker” update box at the top right of the News Feed. The Ticker essentially functions like a Twitter stream, allowing users to see short, real-time updates from those they subscribe to, as well as from friends. Unfortunately, the new feature was not well received as hostile tweets started flying once the public learned of the updates. Notably, the free Chrome extension Facebook Ticker Remover completely does away with the Ticker. If you’re one of the many users annoyed by this update, find out how to remove the Ticker at The Next Web.
3. We’re #1!
According to Bloomberg Businessweek, Raleigh, N.C. ranks as America’s best city in the U.S. when it comes to offering a wealth of culture, entertainment, good schools, low crime and plenty of green space. In addition to our 867 restaurants, 110 bars and 51 museums, our city was commended on its “cultural graces” in anchoring three major universities, pro sports teams, Research Triangle Park and a thriving social scene. Learn more reasons why Raleigh was ranked number one as America’s best city at Bloomberg Businessweek.
4. What to do with the Company Follow feature on LinkedIn
Want to know the inside scoop on your favorite companies and their latest updates? You can with the “Company Follow” feature on LinkedIn. Not only does this feature serve as a feed for status and business updates it also serves as a tool to monitor competition for brands and customers. With up-to-date info at the click of a button you can also use this feature as a hiring tool by keeping in touch with employees through open communication.
5. Do you feel like you’re getting duped into spending more at the grocery store on items you don’t need?
Unfortunately, you probably are. Not only have grocery stores been doing this for a while (putting milk and meats at the very back of the store so customers must walk through the entire store to get to necessity items likely picking up non-necessities on the way) but some stores in particular have become even more crafty in their approach to encourage you to buy more. At the forefront of this issue is Whole Foods, a market chain priding itself on selling the highest quality, freshest, and most environmentally sound produce. Learn more about Whole Foods’ multiple deceiving strategies throughout their stores.
Image Credit – BellaBim
15 years! – Congrats Laura Gross
Congratulations to Laura Gross. She is celebrating 15 years with the agency.
As the PR and Event Services Manager, Laura specializes in planning and coordinating special events such as tradeshows and gatherings for clients and the agency. She also supports the public relations and social media teams with crucial monitoring efforts and project management assistance.
Laura cares about the people who work here and is committed to the clients we service. She is a wonderful part of the Howard, Merrell & Partners family.
There is more information in the press release.
RPRS Luncheon: Carolina Hurricanes Talks Media Relations
A few days ago I had the opportunity to attend the March Raleigh Public Relations Society (RPRS) Luncheon featuring a presentation from Mike Sundheim, director of media relations for the Carolina Hurricanes. He is responsible for the promotion of the team and its players in the local and nation media, and serves as the Hurricanes’ primary media contact and spokesperson.
Mike discussed what it was like working to make the NHL All-star Weekend held in Raleigh this past January, a success, and his experiences dealing with the media before, during and after the event.
He mentioned both the good and the bad of dealing with such a huge event. More »
AIGA Studio Tour: A look around
Before the crowd got too hoppin’ at our open house last night (part of the AIGA Studio Tour), we were able to take a quick 360 degree snapshot of our front lobby. Take a look, and enjoy the live music from Mr. Eric “E-Train” Manning. We wish he could play in our lobby every day!
AIGA Studio Open House: Come in, we’re open
Last night we had the privelidge of opening our doors to the public as part of the AIGA Studio Open House (Raleigh & Cary edition). Amidst live music, food and refreshments, we were able to meet and mingle with friends old and new and show off our space and our work. Here are just a few snapshots from the night:
Welcome – Anna Agnew, Account Executive
Anna has joined us as an Account Executive in the PR department. She has a deep background in grassroots marketing as well as solid PR experience.
Before joining us, Anna worked at Burson-Marsteller Brands in DC, the US Department of State – Office of the Deputy Secretary of State, and twice for the Republican National Committee (DC and NH).
What a great addition to the team — Welcome Anna!
Jeffrey L. Cohen to Speak at Internet Summit in Raleigh
Social Media Marketing Manager, Jeffrey L. Cohen will speak at Internet Summit in Raleigh, N.C. on Nov.17, 2010. The 3rd Annual Internet Summit will showcase and promote forward thinking on topics that range from Internet economy to web-oriented technologies.
As part of the social media-focused pre-conference intensive track, Cohen will present a session entitled, “Making the tools work for you — Part I — blogging, widgets, wikis, podcasts and online videos.” The session will address the key ingredients for success when utilizing popular social media tools by reviewing a variety of examples from companies large and small.
To learn more, click here.
