Month: September 2009

Rhyne joins Ackermann PR Digital Communications division

Posted by Erin Freeman – September 29, 2009

Knoxville, Tenn – Ackermann PR announced that Shane Rhyne has been hired as the company’s Digital Communications Associate. Rhyne brings a background in print, broadcast, and digital media to the company’s expanding services in digital and social media.

“Adding Shane to our staff allows us to continue building on our established leadership in developing innovative branding and marketing opportunities for our clients,” said President and CEO Cathy Ackermann.

The Ackermann PR digital and social media division has represented a rapidly growing segment of the firm’s work during the past quarter. In recent months, Ackermann has added a significant number of new clients, representing a wide variety of industry sectors, including tourism, hospitality, entertainment, sports, healthcare, manufacturing, and nonprofit.

“Shane’s marketing and media background made him the ideal choice as we made plans to expand the division,” said Katie Allison Granju, Social Media Director for Ackermann PR. “Shane is well known in Tennessee’s blogging community for his work on successful social media initiatives, and we are pleased to be able to offer his talents on behalf of our clients.”

Rhyne is a steering committee member of the Knoxville Social Media Association and an active community blogger. He has worked previously as the public relations and marketing director of the East Tennessee Historical Society, and as an online community manager with the E.W. Scripps’ branded social network for pet enthusiasts. In addition, he has worked as a radio news journalist and station manager, and as a freelance writer for magazines and newspapers, as well as on a project with the late Pulitzer Prize-winning author Alex Haley to document the author’s childhood.

Rhyne is a native of Clinton, Tennessee, and studied journalism and broadcasting at the University of Memphis and the University of Tennessee-Knoxville. He lives in Knoxville with his wife, Ruth Sapp.

Ackermann PR is a full-service, integrated marketing communications firm providing strategic public relations and marketing. It is headquartered in Knoxville, Tennessee, and serves clients across the United States.

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Media Contact
Katie Allison Granju
(865) 584-0550
kgranju@ackermannpr.com

Cellular Sales Verizon Wireless brings free talk time to U.S. troops with Cell Phones for Soldiers

Posted by Erin Freeman – September 28, 2009

 

A Cell Phones for Soldiers drop box inside a Cellular Sales Verizon Wireless store

A Cell Phones for Soldiers drop box inside a Cellular Sales Verizon Wireless store

Knoxville, Tenn. – Cellular Sales, the nation’s largest Verizon Wireless retailer, has joined forces with Cell Phones for Soldiers at many of its stores in Georgia, Florida and South Carolina.  Cell Phones for Soldiers is a nationwide nonprofit group that distributes free telephone calling cards to U.S. troops serving overseas.

Brian Snyder, regional manager for Cellular Sales, said, “We are excited to be able to give back to the soldiers that serve this country.  With so many troops in this area, we believe we can make a positive impact by partnering with Cell Phones for Soldiers.”

Cell Phones for Soldiers turned old cell phones into more than 12 million minutes of prepaid calling cards for U.S. service men and women in 2008.  To do so, Cell Phones for Soldiers collected approximately 50,000 cell phones each month through a network of more than 3,000 collection sites across the country.

The phones are sent to a company that pays Cell Phones for Soldiers for each donated phone.  Every phone donated to Cell Phones for Soldiers generates about an hour of talk time for a soldier abroad.  Americans replace an estimated 130 million cell phones each year. 

Cell Phones for Soldiers was founded in 2004 by teenagers Robbie and Brittany Bergquist from Norwell, Mass.  Between them, the two teens had a total of $21 to start the organization.  Since that time, the organization has raised $2 million in donations and distributed more than 500,000 prepaid calling cards to soldiers serving overseas.

“Cell Phones for Soldiers started as a small way to show our family’s appreciation for the men and women who have sacrificed the day-to-day contact with their own families to serve in the U.S. armed forces,” said the teens’ father, Bob Bergquist.  “Over the past few years, we have been overwhelmed by the generosity of others – but we have also seen the need to support our troops continue to grow as more troops are sent overseas for longer assignments.”

Through increased fundraising efforts, the Bergquist family hopes to raise more than $9 million in the next five years to fund new programs including providing video phones with prepaid service to allow soldiers abroad to see their families on a regular basis.

Cellular Sales, the nation’s largest retailer of Verizon Wireless, is a 15-year old privately held company headquartered in Knoxville, Tenn.  The company currently operates throughout the United States.  By year end, Cellular Sales – which attributes its rapid growth to unparalleled customer service – will open 50 new stores, bringing the company’s total number of locations to over 300.  For the past two years, Inc. magazine named Cellular Sales one of the nation’s fastest growing companies on its “Inc. 5,000” list. 

According to Dane Scism, founder and CEO of Cellular Sales, the company is evaluating the Georgia, Florida and South Carolina area sponsorship of Cell of Phones for Soldiers and may eventually roll the program out at all of the company’s stores throughout the United States.

For more information about Cellular Sales and the Cell Phones for Soldiers program, or to find a Cellular Sales used cell phone drop-off location near you, visit the company’s web site at www.cellularsales.com.

UPDATE:  Watch a great story about the Cellular Sales Verizon Wireless program from NBC’s WTLV in Jacksonville, Fla.

Media Contact
Rick Laney
(865) 584-0550
rlaney@ackermannpr.com

85 Riders Will Ride 433 Miles Across Tennessee To Raise Awareness for Adoption

Posted by admin – September 24, 2009

a journey home 09Maryville, Tenn. – More than 400 children in Tennessee are in state custody right now, waiting to be adopted; more than half of those are teenagers.  That is the reason 85 riders, each one connected to adoption in some way, are traveling 433.7 miles across the state of Tennessee over a five-day period to raise awareness of adoption.  In its 5th year, the Adoption Tour is a collaboration of adoption organizations, including The Department of Children Services, Harmony Adoptions, Youth Villages and others.

The Adoption Tour officially begins in Johnson City on Monday, October 5th at 7:00 a.m.  As riders and support crew make their way from Johnson City to Nashville, they will be stopping along the way for celebrations in Alcoa, Cleveland, Chattanooga and Columbia to honor adoptive families, pledge their support to those who have adopted and commit themselves to helping those children who still need a permanent home.  “That’s the theme for this year’s tour – A Journey Home,” says tour director, Jesse O’Hatnick, who rode in 2007.  “These riders know first-hand what adoption truly means and they’re looking for a way to show their commitment and share their stories.”  In all, there are nine celebrations through out the tour route, with the largest crowd expected in Nashville as the cyclists hit mile marker 433.  

The Galewski family of Dyersburg, Tenn. has four riders in this year’s Adoption Tour.  The family’s patriarch, Greg, with two of his sons, James and Paul, and daughter, Jordon will be pedaling together and sharing their inspirational story.  Greg and his wife, Cindy have four biological children and four adopted children.  “I rode for the first time in 2005 to celebrate our fourth adoption.  Each year it gets bigger and bigger,” says Galewski.  “I’m just amazed by the reception we receive in each city.”  The Galewsi’s story is one of many.

The tour itself is physically challenging, with more than half of the ride completed in the first two days.  “In triathlons, you have what’s called a century ride. The bicyclists in the Adoption Tour will complete one of those on Monday and another one on Tuesday,” says O’Hatnick.  “Fortunately, we help our riders train for this in the months leading up to the tour.”

As much as the ride is about the children awaiting their “forever families” and the awareness of adoption in general, the Adoption Tour promotes cooperation between the multiple agencies who work to find homes for displaced children in Tennessee year round.  There are 18 riders from the Department of Children Services and 27 from the various adoption providers.  Pam Wolf, the CEO of Harmony Adoptions says, “Anyone who is considering adoption should know about the incredible resources that are available to them.  It’s not something you will have to do alone – support is available to Tennessee families after the adoption is finalized.” 

With all of the hills and valleys, twists and turns, and seemingly endless days of the Adoption Tour, organizers say the parallel to an adopted child’s journey is intentional.  “When we ride into Nashville’s Bicentennial Park on that last day, we will be thinking about those children who are still waiting, still hoping.  It will be bittersweet,” says rider Zan Schriver, one of the tour’s founders who has ridden every year.

Together with the tour’s sponsors, the Tennessee Department of Children Services in partnership with Harmony Adoptions, Youth Villages, Agape, Catholic Charities, Camelot Care Centers, Inc., Helen Ross McNabb, Cumberland Hall, OMNI Visions, TVA, TN Alliance for Children & Families, and Health Connect of America, the first celebration for the Adoption Tour will begin on the eve of the tour, Sunday, October 4th, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Winged Deer Park in Johnson City.  The public is invited to attend.

“We have more riders than ever before, and a completely new route.  I think all of this will make for the best Adoption Tour yet,” says O’Hatnick.  “What we need now is the public to know about us and the sacrifice these riders are making in the name of adoption.”  For more information on the Adoption Tour, go to www.adoptiontour.org or follow the riders on Twitter @adoptiontour.  

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

A Perfect Time to Think About a Reverse Mortgage

Posted by Ryan Willis – September 22, 2009

Sevierville, Tenn – Many people are suffering with the current consevierbanklogodition of the economy, and this includes the country’s senior citizens.  Seniors are struggling to finance living expenses, home improvements and even health care.  Sevier County Bank will provide an option to these seniors that they may have not thought about, a Reverse Mortgage. 

On Wednesday, September 30 and Wednesday, October 28, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Sid Parrott, a Reverse Mortgage specialist, will be available to Sevier County Bank customers at the Main Branch to discuss this Reverse Mortgage option.  Parrott is a Reverse Mortgage specialist with Mortgage South, a Chattanooga-based mortgage company responsible for closing the first Reverse Mortgage in Tennessee. 

“We are always looking for new and different ways to help our customers, especially during these difficult times,” says R. B. Summitt II, Sevier County Bank President.  “Reverse Mortgages are a valid option and can really help our senior citizen customers who may want to use their home’s equity to improve or maintain their overall lifestyle.” 

A Reverse Mortgage is only available to older homeowners (62+), enabling them to convert the equity in their home to cash so they may finance other immediate expenses.  This allows them to maintain or improve their standard of living without taking on a monthly mortgage payment.  With a Reverse Mortgage, payments are made by the lender to the borrower, rather than monthly repayments by the borrower to the lender. 

Reverse Mortgages are different from a home equity loan or line of credit, which many banks and thrifts offer.  They are limited to borrowers 62 years or older who own their home free and clear of debt or nearly so, and the home is free of tax liens.  Additionally, seniors are not required to meet income or credit requirements to qualify for a Reverse Mortgage. 

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For more information about the Sevier County Bank Reverse Mortgage Program, please visit our website at www.SevierCountyBank.com.

Media Contact:
Ryan Willis
(865) 584-0550
rwillis@ackermannpr.com

 

Watch any NCAA or NFL football game in the “Wilderness”

Posted by Erin Freeman – September 21, 2009

Wilderness017Sevierville, Tenn. – Wilderness at the Smokies resort in Sevierville, Tenn. now has ESPN “Game Plan” and “NFL Sunday Ticket” with coverage of every NCAA and NFL football game on Saturday and Sunday in the Hidden Trail Restaurant at Stonehill Lodge.  The restaurant, which is open to the public, is next to the Sevierville Events Center at Bridgemont.

While enjoying their favorite games on the restaurant’s eight flat-screen, high-definition televisions, football fans also have access to an all-you-can-eat pizza and wings buffet for just $10.  “There are very few places you can go in this area to watch any game from any part of the country,” said David Hayes, director of food and beverage for Wilderness at the Smokies resort.  “People love it.  Some of our guests come and stay for one game – others come and stay all afternoon and into the evening.”

Wilderness at the Smokies, located minutes from Interstate 40 and situated in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, is establishing a new standard for family vacations to East Tennessee.  With two outdoor waterparks, a 60,000 square-foot indoor waterpark with a wave pool and surf rider, hot tubs, and countless waterslides and attractions, Wilderness at the Smokies has something for all age groups.  For more information, visit www.WildernessAtTheSmokies.com.

Media Contact
Rick Laney
(865) 584-0550
rlaney@ackermannpr.com

Revolutionary Clayton i-house Arrives in Atlanta Area

Posted by Ryan Willis – September 21, 2009

Atlanta, Georgia – The new, Energy Star™ rated i-house from Clayton Homes has arrived in the Atlanta area and can now be viewed, toured and purchased at Clayton Homes of Jonesboro.  The model i-house – one of only a few nationwide – was built at Clayton’s Bean Station facility just north of Knoxville.  

The eco-friendly Clayton i-house, which is now available for purchase,Clayton-i House 4 launched nationally at the Berkshire-Hathaway Shareholders Meeting in Omaha, Neb. on May 2, 2009 when Warren Buffett showed the i-house to attendees.  Since that time, the i-house has been featured on numerous national cable television news shows and in newspapers and magazines across the country. 

The i-house is Energy Star™ rated, which means the home is at least 30 percent more energy efficient according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).  Although home buyers are likely to first notice the stylish design, cutting-edge color combinations and modern furnishings, the i-house also features solar panels, a rain water catchment system, high-end “low e” windows, a tankless water heater, low-flow faucets, easily renewable bamboo flooring and many other energy saving items. 

“The i-house will change the way people look at our products and housing in general,” said Kevin Clayton, CEO of Clayton Homes.  “We build these homes in a controlled environment away from the weather, so there’s a huge quality benefit simply because of how we build a home.  We also have far less scrap in our building process than a traditional home, so there are tremendous cost savings we pass along to the homebuyer.” 

Built with an exterior of cement board and architectural metal, the home’s most distinctive feature is the V-shaped roof over the primary living space that includes the i-house’s rainwater catchment system and solar panels. The primary living area includes a kitchen, bathroom and bedroom, and a deck connects it to a separate living area that features a bedroom or den, a full bath and a roof-top patio.

Clayton Homes says the i-house’s energy costs are less than $70 a month, but that figure drops to less than one dollar per day when the optional solar panel system is installed.

The i-house is consistent with the overall environmental focus at Clayton Homes, which is in the process of obtaining LEED certification – the national benchmark for eco-friendly design – at its Tennessee headquarters.  Clayton has cut energy costs at its offices by 28 percent over the last two years, and has already started implementing many of the “green” features of the i-house into its traditional homes.

Although the i-house is expected to be a popular primary residence, it is also drawing considerable interest from people who wish to have a second home or vacation home because of its affordability, unique design and energy efficiency.  The $8,000 first-time homebuyer’s tax credit, is expected to attract many first-time homebuyers, many of whom will be drawn to the modern design and energy efficiency of the i-house. More information is available at http://claytonihouse.com. 

Clayton, the nation’s largest homebuilder, has built 1.5 million homes since 1934.  Clayton homes are precision-built in 35 state-of-the-art, climate-controlled facilities strategically located throughout the United States.  

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About Clayton Homes:  A Berkshire-Hathaway Company, Clayton Homes is a national, vertically integrated housing company. Through its family of brands, Clayton Homes builds, sells, finances, leases, and insures a full spectrum of affordable housing and is the nation’s leader in housing.  Visit Clayton Homes at www.claytonhomes.com. 

The i-house can be viewed, toured and purchased at Clayton Homes of Jonesboro, 8500 Tara Blvd, Jonesboro, GA.  Contact Derrick Black at (770) 478-9942 for more information.

Media Contact:
Ryan Willis
(865) 584-0550
rwillis@ackermannpr.com

Baseball, LLC teams with Cal Ripken, Jr.’s company to consider local multi-million dollar baseball and softball complex

Posted by Erin Freeman – September 17, 2009

Ripken Design Logo    Maryville, Tenn. – Sept. 16, 2009 – Baseball, LLC, a group of East Tennessee investors that recently purchased Cherokee Athletic and Cherokee Baseball and Softball Academy, has hired Ripken Design of Aberdeen, Md. to evaluate the feasibility of constructing a local multi-million dollar world-class baseball and softball complex as a national and regional draw.

Representatives of Ripken Design visited Blount County a second time last week and met with Baseball, LLC representatives to discuss the project.  Baseball, LLC has been talking with Ripken Design – baseball legend Cal Ripken, Jr.’s firm specializing in the design and management of amateur and professional sports facilities – for the past six months.  Ripken Design was officially hired by Baseball LLC at the beginning of August to conduct the feasibility study, which will be finished by the end of this month. 

Ripken Design personnel meet with Doug Bochtler (right) of Baseball, LLC

Ripken Design personnel meet with Doug Bochtler (right) of Baseball, LLC

If the feasibility study shows that a baseball and softball complex makes sense for East Tennessee, Baseball, LLC is prepared to move forward quickly with obtaining land and beginning the project.  Groundbreaking for Phase One of the complex, which includes seven or eight fields, could begin as early as next year.

Because of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the McGhee Tyson Airport, easy access to major interstates and an already-established tourism base, East Tennessee is a great location for a baseball and softball tournament and training facility according to Baseball, LLC.  Early indications are that the Ripken Design feasibility study supports Baseball, LLC’s beliefs.

“These facilities typically bring in families – not just the players,” said Jeff Eiseman, Vice President of Ripken Design. “These families usually come in to play baseball or softball and stay in the community for the whole weekend or longer.  They stay at hotels, eat at restaurants and go out and do the same things typical vacationers do.  They spend a considerable amount of money while they’re in town.”

“With a shift towards family travel in youth sports tourism, a complex must have a great location, great operations, and great amenities in and around the facilities in order to be successful.  The Smoky Mountains, Pigeon Forge, and the Knoxville area are very conducive to the type of family travel and entertainment necessary for a destination complex.”

Cal Ripken, Jr.

Cal Ripken, Jr.

“After meeting with Baseball, LLC and examining their current operations, we have no doubt that they have the ability to properly operate a facility” Eiseman continued.  “With two out of the three necessities met, we are now completing the due diligence to see if the location is the right fit for such a complex.  If the study finds favorable participation numbers in the area, we believe the proposed facility could be a huge success, not only for Baseball, LLC but also for the growth of the game of baseball as well as the quality of life for the surrounding community.”

Baseball complexes similar to the one Baseball, LLC wants to develop can draw as many as 2,500 people for a single three-day tournament, and most complexes have 30 to 40 tournaments each year.  A complex in this area with these types of fields could operate from February through November, extending the tournament season for teams from northern climates.  Early estimates indicate that Baseball, LLC’s complex could generate $19 million to $25.5 million for the local economy every year.

Other Ripken Design sports complexes are successfully operating in cities including Myrtle Beach, S.C., Aberdeen, Md. And Baton Rouge, La.

Former Major League Baseball player Doug Bochtler, spokesman for Baseball, LLC and one of its investors, says that a world-class complex could be a huge economic boost and a significant tourism draw for the entire region.

“Ripken projects are known for their park-like settings, ample use of green space and country club-like appearance,” Bochtler said.  “Communities are standing in line waiting for sports complexes like the one we want to do here.  Ripken Design helps groups like Baseball, LLC build beautiful facilities that contribute to the local economy and provide family and youth-oriented fun.  It’s a win for everyone.”

The Baseball, LLC group says it is only considering areas where the baseball and softball complex would compliment or enhance the existing surroundings and fit into the community’s existing development and growth plans. 

A sample of a Ripken Design baseball and softball complex

A sample of a Ripken Design baseball and softball complex

“This area is perfect for a world-class sports facility,” Bochtler said.  “We have an initial goal of providing an unparalleled training facility for youth who will call this complex home for their various teams.  This will be a state-of-the-art indoor and outdoor training operation with strength and conditioning, nutrition, video training and one-on-one and team coaching from former college and professional players, coaches and scouts.  The playing fields will be second-to-none.

“The new facility will also provide the opportunity for league competition during the week and tournament play on weekends.  This gives athletes a consistent training and playing schedule that greatly enhances and reinforces the skills they learn in their individual training sessions.”

With a superstar staff that includes Bochtler, who played Major League Baseball for San Diego, Detroit, Los Angeles and Kansas City, and Maryville native Sarah Fekete Bailey, who shattered softball records at the University of Tennessee and went on to play professional fast-pitch softball for the Philadelphia Force, training and instruction will also play a big role in the new complex.  Athletes currently travel from all over Tennessee to Cherokee Academy for training.

Ripken Design says it will submit its feasibility study to Baseball, LLC by Oct. 1, 2009.

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Update:  Read more about this story at The Daily Times and watch the report at WATE-TV.  Also, read about additional coverage from WBAL Sports Radio in Baltimore, Maryland.

Media Contact
Rick Laney
(865) 584-0550
rlaney@ackermannpr.com

Harmony Adoptions Selects Ackermann PR as Agency of Record

Posted by admin – September 16, 2009

a journey home 09Knoxville, Tenn. -  In advance of the Adoption Tour, a 433.7 mile bike ride across the state of Tennessee, Harmony Adoptions has hired Ackermann PR for media relations and marketing communications support.  Based in Maryville, Harmony Adoptions is an adoption agency that provides support and education for families.  Their mission is to share life, love and joy through adoption. 

Nearly 400 children in Tennessee are in state custody right now, waiting to be adopted.  Harmony Adoptions sponsors a variety of programs, from those concerning recruitment of adoptive parents to ones supporting families who have already adopted. 

The Adoption Tour, scheduled for the second week in October, is by far the largest event sponsored by Harmony Adoptions.  Eighty-five riders, each one connected to adoption in some way, will ride 433.7  miles, from Johnson City to Nashville to promote adoption awareness. 

In its 5th year, the Adoption Tour is a collaboration of organizations including Harmony Adoptions, Tennessee Department of Children Services, Youth Villages, and many others.  The tour officially begins on Monday, October 5th at 7:00 a.m. in Johnson City.  As riders and support crew make their way from Johnson City to Nashville, they will be stopping along the way for celebrations in Blount County, Cleveland, Chattanooga, and Columbia to honor adoptive families, pledge their support to those who have adopted and commit themselves to helping those children who still need a permanent home.

In all, there are nine celebrations throughout the tour route , with the largest crowd expected in Nashville as the cyclists hit mile marker 433 in Bicentennial Park.  For more information on the Adoption Tour, visit www.adoptiontour.com or follow the riders on Twitter @adoptiontour.

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

About Ackermann PR
Ackermann PR is a full-service, integrated marketing and communications firm in Knoxville, Tenn., providing strategic public relations, proactive and responsive service, and exceptional value.  Services include branding, media relations and training, public affairs, crisis communications, digital media strategies, graphic design and market research.  For more information, visit our website at www.ackermannpr.com.

Ackermann PR will launch the Titanic

Posted by Erin Freeman – September 15, 2009

Titanic Branson

Knoxville, Tenn. — Something exciting is about to set sail in Pigeon Forge, Tenn. and Ackermann PR is going to help launch it.  The new $25 million Titanic Museum Attraction has hired Ackermann PR of Knoxville to provide strategy and manage its public and media relations activities.

Thanks to owners John Joslyn and Mary Kellogg-Joslyn, the great Titanic story lives on. A towering symbol of hope and courage is literally being recreated in all its splendor at 2134 Parkway in Pigeon Forge.  The 30,000-square foot ship-shaped structure is already visible next to the Black Bear Jamboree.  The only other permanent Titanic Museum Attraction is located in Branson, Mo. and is also owned by the Joslyns.  Since opening in 2006, more than 1.6 million visitors have toured the museum.

“I had the privilege of touring the Titanic Museum in Branson,” said Cathy Ackermann, founder and president of Ackermann PR.  “It is an incredible, first-class museum unlike anything else we have here in East Tennessee.  I felt as if I truly got to know some of the passengers and what their experience was like on board the Titanic.”

Titanic Museum Attraction is a celebration of the ship, her passengers and crew.  Guests will get to know the passengers and crew in the galleries where over 400 priceless personal and private artifacts are on display. Each artifact has a unique story that relates directly to a passenger or crew member.

As guests enter the world of the Titanic, they will be given a passenger boarding ticket. On this ticket is the name of an actual Titanic passenger or crew member and the class they were traveling.  Guests will learn that individual’s story and, in the Titanic Memorial Room, they will find out the fate of their ticketed passenger.

During the approximately 90-minute self-guided tour, guests say they experience powerful emotions as they:

  • View hundreds of artifacts
  • Learn about the Titanic’s maiden voyage and the personal stories of its passengers
  • Walk the Grand Staircase
  • Touch the frozen surface of an “iceberg”
  • Listen to survivors’ stories as they sit in actual lifeboats
  • Feel the chill of that fateful “Starry Night”
  • Stand on the mighty ship’s bridge and hear the Captain’s commands
  • View life onboard, see a First Class Stateroom and a Third Class cabin
  • Explore world-class gallery rooms with rare historical artifacts
  • Try to send an SOS signal from the ship’s wireless communications room
  • View an exclusive exhibit of the only known interior and exterior Titanic photos

Visitors to the new Titanic Museum Attraction in Pigeon Forge can expect to see Titanic in a whole new light. Unlike traveling exhibits, Titanic in the Smokies is a permanent three-story museum attraction shaped like Titanic herself.  Titanic RenderingThe signature building will be built half-scale to the original Titanic and towers 100 feet above the Parkway.  The structure is anchored in water to create the illusion of the Titanic at sea.  Construction photos are updated weekly at www.TitanicPigeonForge.com.

For nearly 30 years, Ackermann PR has worked for some of the nation’s largest, most successful companies and organizations.  Based in Knoxville, Tenn., Ackermann PR is a full-service public relations and marketing firm providing strategic planning, research, marketing, account management, graphic design, media relations, crisis communications, writing, social networking and online/database management services.  Ackermann is ranked by PRWeek and the Council of PR Firms as one of the top 100 firms in the United States (one of only three in the state of Tennessee).

The new Titanic Museum is set to open next spring.  For more information, visit www.TitanicPigeonForge.com or www.AckermannPR.com.

Media Contact
Rick Laney
(865) 584-0550
rlaney@ackermannpr.com

Greenleaf 3D Expands to Atlanta

Posted by Ryan Willis – September 15, 2009

Greenleaf 3D LogoKnoxville, Tenn. – Greenleaf 3D, an Autodesk value-added reseller and design software specialist has recently expanded in to the Atlanta market.  The Greenleaf 3D team in Atlanta offers more than 30 years of experience in the industry and is lead by Matthew Sulhoff and AJ Bridwell. 

Matthew Sulhoff serves as the Application Specialist for Architectural Solutions.    He brings over 15 years of industry experience as a consultant focused on the integration of design and technology. With more than eight years of experience in design firms, Matthew possesses a greater understanding of the technology involved in building design, allowing for an extremely high level of production and efficiency. 

With more than 20 years of industry experience, AJ Bridwell is a former corporate CAD manager, a big picture thinker and has a very extensive technical background within the industry.  During his career, AJ served as a corporate CAD manager for several large AEC firms before becoming a nationally recognized CAD systems consultant.  Most recently, he implemented BIM “Building Information Modeling” solutions to clients on a global scale. 

“This is an exciting time for our company as we continue to grow, and being able to have a presence in the Atlanta market is especially gratifying,” said Greenleaf 3D vice president of development Susan Sykes.   “Both Matthew and AJ bring a tremendous amount of industry experience and know-how.  We expect great things from them as they lead our newly formed Atlanta team.” 

Greenleaf 3D is an Autodesk Value Added Reseller (VAR) that believes using technology wisely can accelerate innovation in architecture and engineering design, assist in accurately communicating design intent, and save time and money by reducing costly errors and omissions.  For more information, visit www.greenleaf3d.com. 

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Media Contact:
Ryan Willis
865-584-0550
rwillis@ackermannpr.com