Month: September 2012

RomanticAsheville.com features The Swag

Posted by Erin Freeman – September 24, 2012

The Swag, an upscale retreat in Waynesville, N.C., was recently featured by RomanticAsheville.com as part of its “OVER THE mountainTOP” getaway series.  The series, which highlights “favorite and the most fabulous rooms, suites and cabins in and near Asheville, N.C.,” showcased The Swag’s “Woodshed” cabin.

Originally used as the tool shed for the builder of the inn, the Woodshed has been transformed, expanded twice and recently renovated and provides guests with “rustic elegance and luxury at its finest,” according to the article.

The Woodshed features a wood-burning stone fireplace, copper soaking tub, steam shower, wood sauna, private back porch and outdoor shower.

Follow in the link to view the article in its entirety:  http://www.romanticasheville.com/swag.htm

The recognition from RomanticAsheville.com adds to the host of others including top nods from Departures, Condé Nast Traveler and National Geographic Traveler.

For more information on additional rooms and cabins at The Swag and to plan the perfect getaway, visit www.theswag.com.

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Media Contact:
Erin Freeman, Ackermann PR
Phone: (865) 584-0550
efreeman@ackermannpr.com

WonderWorks Pigeon Forge’s newest iconic attraction, Wonders of Flight, opens to the public

Posted by Erin Freeman – September 24, 2012

PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. – After being delayed due to a national helium shortage, WonderWorks’ Pigeon Forge’s newest iconic attraction, Wonders of Flight, opened to the public on Friday, Sept. 21.

Guests to the Great Smoky Mountains are now able to view the area in a completely new way – from up to 400 feet in the air – all while letting their imaginations soar to exciting heights with Wonders of Flight.

Different from any other Pigeon Forge attraction, guests board a gondola beneath the giant blue and green helium-filled balloon located on a landing platform situated behind WonderWorks. The 72-foot diameter balloon holds up to 30 guests in the gondola at one time.

One of only two attractions of its kind in the Southeast, the Wonders of Flight balloon (the Aero30NG) was manufactured in France by Aerophile, the world leader in tethered gas balloons. The Southeast’s other tethered balloon is located at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Fla., while others are featured in some of the world’s biggest amusement parks including China’s Oct East Amusement Park and France’s Disneyland or in world-famous cities such as Berlin, Istanbul and Paris.

According to Jérôme Giacomoni, Aerophile President, the open air gondola allows guests to experience the sensation of being on a flying balcony. “The ascents, by day or night, provide guests with an unmatched, 360-degree panoramic view of the Smoky Mountains,” said Giacomoni. “In one single gaze, the entire breathtaking view can be seen from exceptional heights including a unique opportunity to enjoy the beauty of the fall leaves.”

Giacomoni explains that the Wonders of Flight balloon is environmentally friendly and totally silent thanks to its permanently inflated helium envelope and a hydro-electric winch. “The system consumes no more energy than an elevator and is completely noiseless,” says Giacomoni.

According to Ed Shaffer, general manager of WonderWorks, Wonders of Flight provides guests with a unique and affordable experience at a rate of $15.99 (plus tax) for adults and $9.99 (plus tax) for children ages 12 and under. Children 36-inches and under are admitted for free.

The 10 minute flight experience is offered daily, with daytime and evening hours, weather permitting.

Additionally, Wonders of Flight is an ideal attraction for groups, weddings and adventurers of all ages. “Especially those couples looking for an intimate and truly one-of-a-kind wedding should consider Wonders of Flight as it creates a romantic, storybook setting overlooking the picturesque Great Smoky Mountains,” said Shaffer.

For more information, visit www.wondersofflight.com or call (865) 868-1800.

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The WonderWorks attraction is an “amusement park for the mind,” combining education and entertainment in more than 100 hands-on exhibits that will spark the imagination and stimulate the mind. Visitors to the attraction will enjoy a variety of experiences including being blown away by 65 mile per hour hurricane-force winds, maneuvering the controls of a NASA spacecraft to land the shuttle, lying on a bed of 3,500 nails, piloting a fighter jet, designing and riding a 360-degree virtual roller coaster, climbing a 50 foot tall ropes challenge course, competing in a game of lazer tag and much more.

To learn more about WonderWorks, visit www.wonderworksonline.com or call (865) 868-1800.

Media Contact:
Erin Freeman, Ackermann PR
Phone: (865) 584-0550
efreeman@ackermannpr.com

East Tennessee Medical Group Wins Impact Award at Blount Partnership Award Event

Posted by Lisa Hood Skinner – September 20, 2012

Representatives of East Tennessee Medical Group pose with their recent award from the Blount Partnership Group.

Ackermann PR’s SVP Lisa Hood Skinner celebrates with leaders of East Tennessee Medical Group. Left to right: Skinner; Ron German, ETMG CEO; Sherry Reagan, ETMG HR Director and James Milhollin, M.D., ETMG President.

KNOXVILLE, Tenn.- Congratulations to East Tennessee Medical Group (ETMG), the 2012 recipient of the Impact Award for Blount County community involvement and service. The award was given at the Blount Chamber Partnership Business Excellence Awards event, held on September 20 at the Clayton Center for the Arts. Dr. James Milhollin, president of ETMG; Ron German, CEO; and Sherry Reagan, HR Director, accepted the award on behalf of the organization.

East Tennessee Medical Group was among 13 businesses to receive awards for business excellence. In selecting the Impact Award winner, the judging committee determined that ETMG had the most impressive involvement within Blount County through its participation in multiple local service programs and contributions to non-profits, civic organizations, and other groups. ETMG’s employees are known for their deep involvement in community activities, from bone marrow drives to bicycle rallies to United Way fundraisers.

East Tennessee Medical Group is a 45-provider multi-specialty medical group in Alcoa, serving Blount County for over 15 years. For the fourth consecutive year, ETMG has been recognized as the #1 Healthcare Facility in Blount County by The Daily Times Readers’ Choice Awards. For more information, call 984-ETMG (3864) or visit its website at www.etmg.net.

SMC Knoxville program explores Knoxville-area small business social media habits

Posted by Erin Freeman – September 14, 2012

Knoxville, Tenn. – Social Media Club Knoxville (SMC Knoxville) is launching a new speaker series, “Local Talent,” focusing on the social media savvy minds who call Knoxville home. The series will begin on September 20, 2012, with a panel discussion featuring local small business leaders offering insight into lessons they’ve learned as they adopt social media in their marketing and communication habits. The series will be held at Calhoun’s on the River in downtown Knoxville with networking at 6 pm, followed by the presentation at 7 pm. Admission is free.

A recent study by business media publisher The Business Journals found that 80% of small business owners and top executives now say they use social media to some degree, with 57% using the tools as part of their overall marketing strategy. Today’s small business leaders seeking to connect with their existing and potential customers, increase visibility and stretch their promotions budget are continuing to turn to social media as a viable option. But, social media solutions are not one-size-fits-all. The SMC Knoxville panel discussion will explore past successes and obstacles that local businesses have experienced.

The panel discussion will be moderated by Shane Rhyne, digital strategies manager for Ackermann PR. Panelists will include Kathleen Atkins, owner of JoPhoto; Josh Cantrell, marketing coordinator of Claris Networks; and Suzy Trotta, a realtor for Coldwell Banker Wallace and Wallace.

“Each panelist brings a different perspective and set of experiences to how they’ve used social media within their business building strategies,” said Rhyne. “These three have worked as solo practitioners, husband-and-wife business partners, and with start-up tech enterprises. They can deliver great examples how they have succeeded and stumbled along the way so that others can benefit from that knowledge.”

Atkins is one-half of the Knoxville-based, husband-and-wife photography team JoPhoto. She and her husband have used social media to build their business’ brand identity and better reach their target markets. As marketing director for Knoxville-based Claris Networks, Cantrell has managed a strategy to keep the local B2B cloud computing provider at the top of Google search rankings and fostered a community of online advocates for the business through social media. Trotta, an agent for the West Town office of Coldwell Banker Wallace & Wallace has converted her blogging skills into lead generation and positioned herself as a local media expert resource on the Knoxville real estate market. As digital strategy manager for Ackermann PR, Rhyne works daily assisting area small businesses in developing their digital marketing and communications skills.

Panelists will discuss their experiences and answer questions from the audience. Social Media Club Knoxville is open to anyone with an interest in developing or sharing their skills in social media for a business or personal use. The free series will continue every other month, leading up to April’s Social Slam, the organization’s annual business conference spotlighting some of the best-known social media practitioners in the nation. For additional information about SMC Knoxville, the Local Talent series and Social Slam, visit the organization’s website at www.smcknox.com.

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About Social Media Club Knoxville: Founded in Spring 2009, Social Media Club Knoxville in a non-profit, volunteer-based professional organization for Knoxvillians using social media and those seeking to learn. Our mission is to build a community both online and off that provides a platform for members to learn, share ideas and network.

Media Contact:

Shane Rhyne, Ackermann PR

(865) 584-0550, srhyne@ackermannpr.com

Crown MoneyLife Coaching provides personal financial coaching to individuals and families

Posted by Erin Freeman – September 11, 2012

CrownKnoxville, Tenn. – Financial strain and growing personal and national debt have a stranglehold on Americans in a sluggish economy that has now crawled 43 months with higher than 8 percent unemployment. But what if our depressed personal finances are not just a function of the economy, but also a function of a crisis of education? Crown Financial Ministries this week is launching a new and improved MoneyLife Coaching Program that begins with a little old fashioned schooling.

“Today in America 36 states require some financial education before a student can graduate from high school – and that is a good beginning. But most people have never been taught how to handle their finances. Generations are struggling without the right tools,” said Crown Financial Ministries President Robert Dickie III. “Crown wants to fill the Financial Education Gap that exists in the lives of so many Americans.”

Earlier this year, USA Today examined the financial literacy of young people in particular – and found a serious problem.

Reporter Hadley Malcome wrote: “The Treasury Department and Department of Education have teamed the past three years to assess financial literacy in U.S. high schools, and the results haven’t been pretty: the average score of almost 76,900 students in 2010 was 70%. Last year’s testing of about 84,000 students and this year’s of about 80,000 students were both a point lower: 69%.”

“We can’t expect people with zero financial skills to make insightful choices,” said Dickie. “But MoneyLife can help.”

MoneyLife education begins with an intricately designed series of assessments that includes a Money Life Indicator that measures financial health, an on-line test that can be taken as often as desired to “take the temperature” of your financial health and ensure you are on-course. More than 10 years of experience with MoneyLife and more than 35 years in financial counseling has uncovered an interesting truth: this kind of training can really help couples.

“One of the things we’ve learned when working with couples is that money stress usually begins with conflicting views on how to make a decision,” said Dickie, who noted that more than 25 percent of people surveyed recently by Yahoo! and Fitness magazine reported that they fought most over money. That is more frequently than about chores (13 percent), kids (8 percent), sex (8 percent) or even the infamous in-laws (8 percent).

“We’ve seen that a plan like ours helps people find common ground over what is a very stressful topic: family spending,” said Dickie.

Rather than a cookie-cutter formula, MoneyLife is personal, strategic and tailored to fit the needs of each individual or family. For a one-time fee of $49.95, people will first go through a personal and financial assessment to get a plan created for them alone. Also available: easy to understand materials and personal education.

But Crown does not leave people alone in the process. While the assessments and materials come with a slight cost, financial counselors will meet privately, on-line or in person, for 5 free sessions so that everyone can ask their most difficult questions of people who are giving their time and knowhow to help. And it is all confidential.

“Real people don’t have one-size-fits-all problems or solutions, and too many so-called financial experts push a single solution or formula for everyone,” noted Dickie.

To learn more MoneyLife, visit www.crown.org.

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About Crown: Crown, a non-profit, helps people and businesses integrate their values into business practices, debt reduction, and financial decision-making. For more than 35 years, Crown has been offering economic analysis and advice based on timeless truths. Theirs is a strong, international grassroots organization with offices in the U.S. and overseas. Crown experts work one on one with individuals and business leaders, as well as through workshops and seminars, teaching people how to build on a strong foundation that includes the business principles and practices found in the Bible. It is well known for its cutting edge materials first developed by its founder, the late Larry Burkett.  For more information, go to www.crown.org or call 800-722-1976.

Media Contact:

To schedule an interview with a Crown specialist or to talk with people and experts whose lives have been changed through these tools, e-mail media@crown.org.

Media may also contact Sandra Heinig (sheinig@ackermannpr.com) or Shane Rhyne (srhyne@ackermannpr.com), 865-584-0550, for additional information.

Water Safety Day Makes a Splash at Wilderness at the Smokies

Posted by Ryan Willis – September 11, 2012

Sevierville, Tenn. – Over the weekend, hundreds of kids and families participated in “Splash-Tacular: Water Safety Day” at Wilderness at the Smokies resort.  The event, sponsored by Food City Kid’s Club and Wilderness at the Smokies, was FREE and taught kids about water safety and provided them with a fun-filled day at the water park.

“Not only are we committed to the safety of our guests while they are enjoying our water attractions, but through events like this, we are able to provide them with water safety tips and information that will keep them and their families safe for years to come,” said Steve Cruz, General Manager of Wilderness at the Smokies.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), every day, about ten people die from unintentional drowning.  Of these ten, two are children aged 14 or younger.  Drowning ranks fifth among the leading causes of unintentional injury death in the United States.

“These numbers are staggering and we are hopeful through the Splash-Tacular event, kids and adults alike will be more aware and recognize the dangers associated with water, even in a fun and relaxed setting,” added Cruz.

In addition to water safety classes, other activities and performances were provided throughout the day from other area attractions, including Ripley’s Aquarium, WonderWorks, Titanic Museum Attraction, Dixie Stampede, among many others.  Participants were also served breakfast and lunch and enjoyed a variety of games, including complimentary miniature golf.

Wilderness at the Smokies, located minutes from Interstate 40 and situated in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, is one of the area’s only year-round vacation destinations.  With a 36-hole championship golf course, two outdoor waterparks, an indoor waterpark with a wave pool and the Southeast’s only Surf Rider, hot tubs, and countless waterslides and attractions, Wilderness at the Smokies has something for all age groups.  It is adjacent to a 200,000 square-foot conference, convention and event center known for hosting the areas largest conferences, athletic events and trade shows.

The resort is owned by Patrick Helland, Pete Helland, Jr., Tim Lucke and Tom Lucke (who also own Wilderness Territory Waterpark Resort in Wisconsin).  Steve Cruz is the General Manager of Wilderness at the Smokies.  For more information about Wilderness at the Smokies, call toll-free 877-325-9453 or visit www.WildernessAtTheSmokies.com

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Editors:  High resolution photos are available upon request.  For interviews or more information, contact Ryan Willis at (865) 584-0550.

Wonders of Flight to open to the public on Sept. 21

Posted by Erin Freeman – September 10, 2012

PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. – After being delayed due to a national helium shortage, officials with WonderWorks announced today that helium has been acquired and Wonders of Flight, its newest iconic attraction, is scheduled to open to the public on Friday, Sept. 21.

The Wonders of Flight balloon is scheduled to be inflated on either Thursday, Sept. 13 or Friday, Sept. 14, weather permitting, in preparation of the grand opening.

Attraction details:

Guests to the Great Smoky Mountains will be able to view the area in a completely new way – from up to 400 feet in the air – all while letting their imaginations soar to exciting heights with Wonders of Flight.

Different from any other Pigeon Forge attraction, guests will board a gondola beneath the giant blue and green helium-filled balloon located on a landing platform situated behind WonderWorks. The 72-foot diameter balloon will hold up to 30 guests in the gondola at one time.

One of only two attractions of its kind in the Southeast, the Wonders of Flight balloon (the Aero30NG) was manufactured in France by Aerophile, the world leader in tethered gas balloons. The Southeast’s other tethered balloon is located at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Fla., while others are featured in some of the world’s biggest amusement parks including China’s Oct East Amusement Park and France’s Disneyland or in world-famous cities such as Berlin, Istanbul and Paris.

According to Jérôme Giacomoni, Aerophile President, the open air gondola will allow guests to experience the sensation of being on a flying balcony. “The ascents, by day or night, provide guests with an unmatched, 360-degree panoramic view of the Smoky Mountains,” said Giacomoni. “In one single gaze, the entire breathtaking view can be seen from exceptional heights including a unique opportunity to enjoy the beauty of the fall leaves.”

Giacomoni explains that the Wonders of Flight balloon is environmentally friendly and totally silent thanks to its permanently inflated helium envelope and a hydro-electric winch. “The system consumes no more energy than an elevator and is completely noiseless,” says Giacomoni.

According to Ed Shaffer, general manager of WonderWorks, Wonders of Flight will provide guests with a unique and affordable experience at a special opening rate of $15.99 (plus tax) for adults and $9.99 (plus tax) for children ages 12 and under. Children 36-inches and under will be admitted for free. The 10 minute flight experience is offered daily, with daytime and evening hours, weather permitting. Additionally, Wonders of Flight is an ideal attraction for groups, weddings and adventurers of all ages. “Especially those couples looking for an intimate and truly one-of-a-kind wedding should consider Wonders of Flight as it creates a romantic, storybook setting overlooking the picturesque Great Smoky Mountains,” said Shaffer.

For more information, visit www.wondersofflight.com or call (865) 868-1800.

The WonderWorks attraction is an “amusement park for the mind,” combining education and entertainment in more than 100 hands-on exhibits that will spark the imagination and stimulate the mind. Visitors to the attraction will enjoy a variety of experiences including being blown away by 65 mile per hour hurricane-force winds, maneuvering the controls of a NASA spacecraft to land the shuttle, lying on a bed of 3,500 nails, piloting a fighter jet, designing and riding a 360-degree virtual roller coaster, climbing a 50 foot tall ropes challenge course, competing in a game of lazer tag and much more.

To learn more about WonderWorks and the new Wonders of Flight attraction, visit www.wonderworksonline.com or call (865) 868-1800.

WonderWorks is open every day from 9 a.m. to midnight and also operates in Orlando, Fla., Panama City, Fla. and Myrtle Beach, S.C.

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Media Contact:
Erin Freeman, Ackermann PR
Phone: (865) 584-0550
efreeman@ackermannpr.com

The History Channel Club features Biltmore

Posted by Erin Freeman – September 7, 2012

ASHEVILLE, N.C. – The History Channel Club recently featured Biltmore, an Ackermann PR client, as a “great escape” on its website.

The article, written by freelance writer Rick Hodson, highlighted original owner George Vanderbilt’s vision of and history behind the property now known as a National Historic Landmark and America’s largest home.

Click here to view the article in its entirety.

For more information or to plan your visit to the Biltmore, visit www.biltmore.com.

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Media Contact:
Erin Freeman, Ackermann PR
Phone: (865) 584-0550
efreeman@ackermannpr.com

Unemployment numbers point to hard choices ahead, says Crown President

Posted by Erin Freeman – September 7, 2012

CrownKNOXVILLE (TN) – Crown Financial Ministries President Robert Dickie III on Friday said that the new unemployment numbers out “are unambiguous proof that a depressed workforce is still suffering, and America is headed toward hard choices.”

“The important number to look at today is the labor participation rate,” said Dickie. “So many people have stopped looking for work – 368,000 dropped out last month – that a tepid 8.1 percent is the new rate based on the fact that the government counts only those stalwart people who are still trying to get a job.

“But here is the irony: If the same number of people today were in the workforce trying to find a job as there were in 2008, the unemployment rate would be close to 11 %, according to financial analysts. Today’s statistical gymnastics do not mask the harsh realities that people face. For every person who has given up looking for a job, there is a hurting family that has not gone away, even if they no longer ‘count’ on government labor roles.”

Crown offers a number of tools to help people become free of debt with a plan for stable prosperity, including CareerDirect®, which equips people to determine their strengths to get the education and jobs that will sustain them.

“It is time to stop looking to government for solutions and take back the responsibility to find a way through truly harsh economic realities,” said Dickie. “Without new jobs providing tax revenue for government, even Uncle Sam won’t be able to help. The resourcefulness of the American people is the solution to this crisis of joblessness, high national and personal debt and stagnant growth.”

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About Crown: Crown, a non-profit, helps people and businesses integrate their values into business practices, debt reduction, and financial decision-making. For more than 35 years, Crown has been offering economic analysis and advice based on timeless truths. Theirs is a strong, international grassroots organization with offices in the U.S. and overseas. Crown experts work one on one with individuals and business leaders, as well as through workshops and seminars, teaching people how to build on a strong foundation that includes the business principles and practices found in the Bible. It is well known for its cutting edge materials first developed by its founder, the late Larry Burkett.  For more information, go to www.crown.org or call 800-722-1976

Media Contact:

Sandra Heinig, Ackermann PR

(865) 584-0550, sheinig@ackermannpr.com