Month: May 2009

Wilderness Names Bridges Director of Marketing

Posted by Ryan Willis – May 28, 2009

Sevierville, Tenn. – After joining the Wilderness at the Smokies team less than a year ago as Group Sales Manager, Kim Bridges has recently been named Director of Marketing for the full-service waterpark resort in Sevierville.

Her new role will include the management and execution of the waterpark resort’s marketing initiatives, including oversight of all advertising and public relations programs.  Bridges also serves as the resort’s official spokesperson. 

Possessing more than 15 years of corporate sales and marketing management experience, prior to joining Wilderness, Bridges was involved in sales/marketing and operations management with attractions in the Pigeon Forge area, including the Dollywood Company and the Smith Theater.

Wilderness at the Smokies, located minutes from Interstate 40 and situated in the scenic foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, is establishing a new standard for family vacations to East Tennessee.  Phase I of the resort opened in June 2008 with a 234-room hotel and outdoor waterpark.  The Wild WaterDome Indoor Waterpark opened in December 2008 and the resort has just unveiled its Lake Wilderness Outdoor Waterpark which features an Adventure River and a 10,000 square foot Wave Pool. 

The developers of Wilderness at the Smokies Resort are the owners of Wilderness Hotel & Golf Resort – America’s Largest Waterpark Resort in Wisconsin Dells.  For more information on the resort or for reservations, visit www.wildernessatthesmokies.com or call 1-800-867-WILD (9453). 

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Media contact:
Ryan Willis, Ackermann PR
865-584-0550
rwillis@ackermannpr.com

Guests Invited to Jump in the Lake at Wilderness

Posted by Ryan Willis – May 28, 2009

 

Lake Wilderness in Sevierville, TN

Lake Wilderness in Sevierville, TN

Sevierville, Tenn. – As summer approaches and temperatures begin to rise, guests at the Wilderness at the Smokies Resort in Sevierville can now navigate the rapids, ride the waves or simply relax in a private poolside cabana – all features of Wilderness at the Smokies’ newest waterpark attraction.  Lake Wilderness, the newest phase of the full-service waterpark resort, is now open to those staying at the resort.

Wilderness guests can grab a tube and jump in the Lake Wilderness 12,000-square-foot Wave Pool – where waves within the pool can crest as high as five feet.  Also winding around the outdoor waterpark is Cataloochee Creek, a nearly 1,000 foot rapid-moving river with water spray features located along its path.

“We have been extremely pleased with the acceptance and success we have received with the recent opening of the Wild Waterdome Indoor Waterpark, and are excited to further enhance our guests’ experience with the opening of Lake Wilderness,” says David McGregor, general manager of Wilderness at the Smokies “With another exciting attraction now in place, we feel as though we have one of the premier indoor/outdoor waterpark resorts in the country.”

The ten private poolside cabanas situated around Lake Wilderness are available for guests to rent, with each cabana featuring shelter from the sun, cabana-style lounge chairs, a flat panel television and a personal cabana host.  An outdoor bar and grill is also located within the outdoor waterpark to help satisfy those afternoon cravings.

With the opening of the Lake Wilderness Outdoor Waterpark, the Wilderness at the Smokies Resort boasts two outdoor waterparks and the 60,000 sq. ft. Wild WaterDome Indoor Waterpark, making it the largest resort of its kind in the southeast.

Wilderness at the Smokies, located minutes from Interstate 40 and situated in the scenic foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, is establishing a new standard for family vacations to East Tennessee.  Phase I of the resort opened in June 2008 with a 234-room hotel and outdoor waterpark.  The Wild WaterDome Indoor Waterpark opened in December 2008 and the resort has just unveiled its Lake Wilderness Outdoor Waterpark which features an Adventure River and a 12,000 square foot Wave Pool. 

The developers of Wilderness at the Smokies Resort are the owners of Wilderness Hotel & Golf Resort – America’s Largest Waterpark Resort in Wisconsin Dells.  For more information on the resort or for reservations, visit www.wildernessatthesmokies.com or call 1-800-867-WILD (9453). 

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Media contact:      
Ryan Willis, Ackermann PR
865-584-0550
rwillis@ackermannpr.com

New Invisible Fence Brand Collar Lighter Than Ever

Posted by Amelia Daniels – May 27, 2009

Knoxville, TN - Invisible Fence Brand announces the launch of the new MicroLite Computer Collar in an effort to keep more pets, no matter how small they may be, safe at home.  For more than 35 years, Invisible Fence Brand has provided pet owners trusted technology and proven training procedures.  “It’s all about peace of mind,” says Willie Wallace, IFB’s Vice President of Product Development.  “And the MicroLite Computer Collar is going to give that gift to owners of dogs of any size as well as cats.”

The MicroLite collar is 30% smaller and lighter than traditional containment collars, weighing in at only one ounce.  “It breaks the mold.  No more bulky, drab looking training collars,” says Wallace.   The MicroLite Computer Collar will also appeal to your pet’s individual style with a variety of sleek, colorful MicroSkinz and collar designs perfect for even the most sophisticated pet. 

Invisible Fence Brand collars, including the MicroLite, alert pets with a warning tone when he or she approaches the edge of the safe area. Invisible Fence Brand pairs the technology with pet training; the protocols that help the pet obey this signal and stay in the yard.

According to the American Kennel Club, the popularity of small dogs and cats has steadily risen over the past decade. “That’s just one of the trends we’re seeing when it comes to pet ownership,” says Wallace.  “We also know that pets are truly members of the family now and their parents want to keep them safe, healthy and happy.” 

Not all pets are the same, nor is the property they call home. “That’s why we offer the various collars and take great care to customize each solution to meet the specific needs of each pet and their family,” says Wallace. 

Unlike traditional fencing, Invisible Fence Brand systems can also section off a pool, garden or other landscaping while maintaining the beauty and integrity of your property. An Invisible Fence boundary goes practically anywhere – through hilly rocky terrain, wooded areas or even under water – all at a fraction of the cost of traditional fencing.

The systems are not just for outside.  Invisible Fence Brand In-Home Solutions are popular for pets and the MicroLite Computer Collar is compatible with that system as well. 

“Our indoor units make certain rooms or areas off limits to their pets,” says Wallace. “Many people like to make sure their pet won’t come into the dining room while entertaining…or they may have another room they want pet-free. Our systems can easily make that possible, says Wallace.”

Research and development of new, innovative, and better products remains one of Invisible Fence Brand’s key focuses and core competencies. The MicroLite Computer Collar is now available for purchase.  Find a local Invisible Fence Brand dealer, by visiting the company’s website at www.InvisibleFence.com, or by calling 1-800-578-DOGS (3647).

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About Invisible Fence
Invisible Fence Brand is the original electronic fence containment system sold nationwide by professional dealers who offer custom installation and certified Perfect Start Pet Training to create an environment of safety and freedom for pets. For more information, visit www.InvisibleFence.com

Marvin R. Beard, M.D., Named One of East Tennessee’s “Top Docs”

Posted by Amelia Daniels – May 27, 2009

Alcoa, TN - Marvin R. Beard, M.D., a founding member of East Tennessee Medical Group (ETMG), has been named one of East Tennessee’s leading rheumatologists in Cityview Magazine’s “Top Docs 2009″ feature report. He is one of two Blount County physicians to be featured in the publication and is one of ten recommended rheumatologists.

Cityview Magazine annually releases its “Top Docs” report in which area physicians are polled regarding specialists.  Ron German, CEO of ETMG, said the multispecialty physician group is honored to have such a gifted physician in our organization. “For more than 15 years, Dr. Beard has devoted his time to improving the quality of life for ETMG’s patients. Patients admire him because he is knowledgeable, compassionate and relatable. These are all impressiv qualities in a physician,” German said. 

Beard is a graduate of the University of Tennessee, College of Medicine in Memphis. He served his internship and residency in rheumatology at Baptist Memorial Hospital in Memphis and Emory University in Atlanta, GA. He also completed his rheumatology fellowship at Emory University in Atlanta. He is board certified with the American Board of Internal Medicine and is a Fellow of the American College of Rheumatology. He is a member of the American Medical Association and the Tennessee Medical Association.

East Tennessee Medical Group, located at 266 Joule Street, Alcoa, is Blount County’s most comprehensive physicians’ organization, with more than 50 physicians and allied health professionals, supported by state of the art technology and staff. 

ETMG is also the recipient of the 2008 TECHMED award for its use of innovative electronic medical records and patient care technology. For more information, call 984-ETMG or visit its website at www.etmg.net.

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Middle Tennessee Builder Gets Creative In Down Economy

Posted by Amelia Daniels – May 18, 2009

Hendersonville, TN - In a down economy, price matters more than ever.  With no end to the current housing slump in sight, Middle Tennessee’s premier builder of custom homes, Hughes-Edwards Builders (HEB) knew it had to increase its purchasing power to stay viable.  That is why HEB pursued membership in the prestigious organization, Custom Builders USA (CB/USA).

Their alliance with CB/USA will lower their costs for materials, which they say could save buyers from 5 percent to 8 percent. Hughes-Edwards Builders is a member of the first CB/USA group to form in Tennessee. Nationwide, there are CB/USA affiliates in 15 cities.

Custom Builders USA was started in 2004 by builders in Northern Virginia and has grown to more than 425 builders and $1.9 billion in material and labor spending last year.

“For our customers in Tennessee, the savings can add up,” says Gene Hughes, co-founder of Hughes-Edwards. “Take for example, a $2 million dollar home.  That’s more than $125,000 that buyer is going save because of our involvement with CB/USA.”  Hughes says the timing of this alliance could not be more perfect. “With the housing market the way it is right now, every dollar counts.”

Hughes-Edwards Builders is one of a dozen other builders in the region chosen for the exclusive program.  The Nashville group is very selective, and Hughes-Edwards submitted referrals, recommendations and solid financials along with the other members. 

Hughes-Edwards’ beginnings date back to 1977, when the patriarch of the family, Gene Hughes, set out to build his own home in Hendersonville, TN. In 1997, Hughes partnered with his son-in-law, Bryan Edwards and formed this unique partnership.  Edwards says, “It’s truly a family affair at HEB. My brother-in-laws, Mike Hughes and Chris Hughes joined the company in 2001.” 

“Right now, our customers are expecting significant decreases in costs across the board, and this is one way for us to meet those expectations,” says Edwards.  Custom Builders USA prides itself on finding the best of the best, which benefits vendors too.  Edwards says that is one of the benefits about being affiliated with such a prestigious group. “Vendors will want to work with us, because they know the caliber is high and they will tell you, getting paid in this economy has become a problem for many of them.”

CB/USA selects two or three top vendors for each type of product needed from lumber to windows, to make sure they are getting top quality materials. “It will allow us to do what we do best,” says Hughes, “and that’s build beautiful homes.”

Edwards agrees and says, “The team at Hughes-Edwards Builders is proud of this latest accomplishment, but ultimately our customers are the ones who are going to benefit from our alliance with CB/USA.” 

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Media Contact:
Amelia Daniels
(865) 584-0550
adaniels@ackermannpr.com

About Hughes-Edwards
Hughes-Edwards is a Certified Builder with the Home Builders Association of Middle Tennessee. The association is committed to excellence and Hughes-Edwards exemplifies this standard.  Hughes-Edwards is also a member of the association, Green Building Council in Middle Tennessee.

Nationally, Hughes-Edwards Builders is a member of Southern Living’s Custom Builder Program and has been recognized for its efforts in green building. Bryan Edwards is a Certified Green Professional (CGP). HEB incorporates green building principles into homes construction, without driving up the costs.

About Custom Builders USA
CB/USA has built the industry’s strongest network of custom and independent builders, an elite group that represents over 4,000 annual housing starts and $3.1 billion in annual sales. Through its use of powerful business systems, superior knowledge, and consistent communications, CB/USA leverages its network’s power in the marketplace to deliver consistently competitive pricing, improved levels of service and rebate income to members.

Rare Vintage Hollywood Memorabilia On Auction Block

Posted by Amelia Daniels – May 18, 2009

Los Angeles, CA - Marilyn Monroe once said, “Hollywood is a place where they’ll pay you a thousand dollars for a kiss and fifty cents for your soul.”  Well, hundreds of thousands of dollars are expected to be paid for rare Hollywood memorabilia, like James Dean’s iconic white t-shirt that he wore in “Rebel Without a Cause” and Steve McQueen’s shotgun from “The Magnificent Seven.”
The vintage items are a part of Nate D. Sanders, Inc.’s spring auction, which ends Friday, May 29th.  “We’re excited to have several items worn by James Dean in his movies.  “Rebel Without a Cause” cemented his reputation as a cultural icon,” says the company’s founder and CEO, Nate Sanders.  “As a direct result of that movie, t-shirt sales soared in 1955.” Dean is one of the most popular stars in the history of American cinema.  Sanders expects the t-shirt and other clothing items worn by Dean to fetch more than $50,000. 

Other items in the spring auction include costumes from John Wayne and Barbara Streisand, and the shotgun Steve McQueen used in “The Magnificent Seven,” which premiered in 1960. There are 125 items in this high-end auction.

For the past 30 years, Sanders has been one of the industry’s most respected experts and dealers.  A collector since the late 1970s, Sanders was already widely known in collectors’ circles when he opened his auction business in Los Angeles in 1990.  Today, he conducts six major auctions every year drawing bidders, collectors and investors from around the world.

While he expects the vintage memorabilia to do very well, Sanders says, “the props from present day movies are popular too.”  For example, the sword used during the Holy Grail scene in “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade” could go for more than $25,000.  Other items on the auction block include costumes from the Oscar-winning movies, “Forrest Gump” and “Braveheart.”

Sanders’ Brentwood-based business charges “zero percent” consignment rates while most auction companies charge 10 to 20 percent rates for consigned items.  He is always interested in buying unique items and collections.  To learn more about Nate Sanders, Inc. and to see a complete listing of items from the spring auction, go to www.NateDSanders.com.  

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Media Contact:
Amelia Daniels
(865) 584-0550
adaniels@ackermannpr.com

Editors:  High resolution photos of the rare and unique items being auctioned are available upon request.  Also, Nate Sanders is available for interviews, call (865) 584-0550 to schedule.