Author:

Amelia Daniels

No Summer Vacation for Social Media

Posted by Amelia Daniels – June 13, 2011

Knoxville, Tenn. – Summer vacation is usually a time to relax, unwind and maybe even unplug from those digital devices that have become extra appendages to many.  But social media is increasingly becoming intertwined with family vacations.

Whether you find yourself mobile uploading photos of your adventures to Facebook or “checking-in” at various stops along your drive down I-75, you may have an excuse the next time your spouse politely asks you to put down your iPhone and join in the family fun.  Social media tools can actually enhance your vacation, but finding a balance is key.

Ackermann’s Digital Strategies Manager, Shane Rhyne says, “Living Social and Groupon, for example, can save your family money when you take advantage of special offers on restaurants, shopping and lodging.”  The social media community on FourSquare offers valuable tips about tourist attractions.  “We’re seeing that with the Titanic Museum Attraction in Pigeon Forge,” says Rick Laney, Ackermann PR Vice-President.  More than 300 people checked-in to the attraction in the first year since the grand opening.

One vacationer, Bri-Anne S. enjoyed her experience at the Titanic Museum Attraction and was particularly impressed with the iceburg exhibit that allows visitors to feel the temperature on that fateful night.  Bri-Anne S. checked-in to the museum on FourSquare and offered this tip, “Make sure you don’t go in flipflops and shorts!  It’s cold in there anyway, but when you get to the 30 something degree room and then stick your hand in the 28 degree water, it’s really cold!”  Dollywood and Wilderness at the Smokies are also popular “check-in” destinations on FourSquare.

Popular travel websites like TripAdvisor.com are now teaming up with Facebook to further connect users to their friends.  “Soliciting travel advice from friends in your online networks can be extremely helpful,” says Rhyne.  Even government agencies are using social networks to provide information on road conditions and detours via Twitter.

Rhyne warns that the “always on, always connected” mentality may contradict with your family’s vacation.  “Finding the balance between the two, especially when you’re on vacation, will make for a happier experience,” says Rhyne.  “Or at least that’s what my wife Ruth tells me between my Twitpic uploads of our beach trip.”

For a full recap of Shane’s social media tips to use for your summer vacation, visit the Ackermann Experience.

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

Majority of East Tennessee CEOs Are Engaged in Social Media

Posted by Amelia Daniels – June 6, 2011

Knoxville, Tenn.  – How social is your company?  The answer may be found within your CEO’s level of activity with social media tools like Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.  

In a recent survey of more than 300 business leaders in East Tennessee, Ackermann PR found that the scales are tipping toward social media with a majority of CEOs – 61% –using social media for personal use.  Contrast that statistic with numerous sets of data from 2010 that show less than half of CEOs were using social media to engage with the public and other stakeholders. 

“We suspected that businesses in East Tennessee were moving beyond the experimental stage with social media,” said Cathy Ackermann, President and CEO of Ackermann PR.  “And while that’s what the results show, many CEOs are still trying to figure out how it fits in with their overall marketing and communications mix.”

Some of the survey’s key findings include:

  • 46% of respondents are using social media primarily for branding and awareness
  • Facebook is the most popular, with 54% of respondents using Facebook
  • 39% of respondents say these social media activities have had minimal impact on their businesses so far while 27% said impact has been small but noticeable 
  • 40% indicated they are not sure about how to track or measure their social media activities

Ackermann says one of the most significant hurdles that businesses are encountering is employee training and participation.  “The survey showed some concern on the part of CEOs regarding the allocation of resources to social media activities.”

These same issues were raised at the recent Social Slam event, held in Knoxville in April.  Ackermann’s Digital Strategies Manager, Shane Rhyne who participated in Social Slam says, “Upper level participation was a common theme of Social Slam presentations. The businesses reaping the best rewards from social media were also those businesses where the CEO and other senior level leadership had taken an active role in participating in social media.”

The companies whose CEOs are engaged in social media are often more likely to be using social media for business purposes.  “We can help CEOs find the right balance for their company, whether they’re personally involved with social media or not.  Because there is one thing we know – using social media strategically can greatly enhance a company’s bottom line,” says Ackermann.

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Media Contact
Shane Rhyne
(865) 584-0550
srhyne@ackermannpr.com

Council of PR Firms Features Ackermann PR

Posted by Amelia Daniels – May 31, 2011

Knoxville, Tenn. – The Council of PR Firms is highlighting some of industry’s best work in the field of public relations, and Ackermann PR’s launch of The Titanic Museum Attraction in Pigeon Forge is featured.

The Council of PR Firms is comprised of more than 100 of America’s leading public relations firms.  They represent the premier global, mid-size, regional and specialty agencies across every discipline and practice area.  Ackermann PR has been a member of the council since 2001.

Ackermann PR’s case study, now featured on the Council’s website, profiles the firm’s work on behalf of The Titanic Museum Attraction.  Ackermann PR managed all aspects of public relations for the grand opening and launch.  “We were tasked with creating a message consistent with the museum’s philosophy of honoring and respecting those who were on board the Titanic by keeping their stories alive, while building buzz, excitement and enthusiasm to ultimately drive visitors to the attraction,” says Rick Laney, Ackermann PR Vice-President. 

The grand opening of the Titanic Museum Attraction was attended by 20,000 people. Local print and television coverage stretched from Asheville, NC to Baton Rouge, LA and included all major Tennessee, North Carolina, Georgia, Kentucky and South Carolina cities. Nationally, the grand opening was covered in USA Today, ABC News, Live with Regis and Kelly, and the Travel Channel.

In the year since the grand opening, television crews from all over the Southeast have visited the museum, along with national network morning shows, Channel Four (a national television network in the U.K.), Southern Living Magazine, National Geographic Television, Travel + Leisure Magazine, and two additional visits from the
Travel Channel.

For more of Ackermann PR’s case studies, visit the firm’s website, www.ackermannpr.com. 

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

Bradley County Girl Scout Troop Helps Victims of Deadly Tornadoes

Posted by Amelia Daniels – May 9, 2011

Cleveland, Tenn.  – Soon after the deadly tornadoes ripped through Bradley County in East Tennessee, the Girl Scouts of Troop 40243 rolled up the sleeves of their iconic green uniforms and asked what they could do to help their neighbors.

Several tornadoes, including one of Tennessee’s most powerful recorded by the National Weather Service, struck in their backyard.  The EF4 tornado with winds at a top speed of 190 mph touched down near the Hamilton County/Bradley County line in Collegedale near Cleveland, Tennessee.  With more than 600 homes damaged or destroyed, Bradley County is facing a long road to recovery.

Troop 40243 Leader, Melissa Warner said, “The scope of the disaster is unlike anything I’ve ever seen and most definitely unlike anything my girls have ever witnessed.”  Since so many cell phone towers were down as a result of the storms, Warner had a difficult time accounting for the members of her troop, but she eventually received word that all had survived and all of their homes were still standing. 

The home of Warner’s fellow Girl Scout Troop Leader, Kindra Chaney, was not so fortunate. “I couldn’t reach Kindra by phone, so I drove over there and when I pulled up the three other women in the driveway were Girl Scout leaders…it gave me chills,” said Warner.  Members of Troop 40002, led by Stacey Ridgell, volunteered to help get Chaney settled in a temporary apartment while Warner’s troop headed to a nearby disaster relief center. 

“The girls had their own experiences surviving the storms, but once we realized we were all okay, we could refocus our energy on something positive which was helping others,” said Warner.

At the disaster relief center, the girls accepted and sorted donations that came pouring in from community members.  The girls, who range in age from 8 – 11, also met with victims of the tornadoes when they came to pick up donations.  “A car would pull in and the girls would ask the family what they needed, whether it was detergent or dog food,” said Warner.  The mother of two said she doesn’t know how many people they helped, but there was a constant stream of vehicles throughout the day.

“What the troops in Brantley County did in the aftermath of these horrific storms exemplifies what being a Girl Scout truly is,” said Booth Kammann, CEO of the Girl Scout Council of the Southern Appalachians.  “Their compassion was on display.  We’re proud of all of our Girl Scouts who saw the need in their community and helped in any way that they could.”

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About Us
The Girl Scout Council of the Southern Appalachians has more than 20,000 girl and adult members stretching from North Georgia to Southwest Virginia. Service centers are located in Chattanooga, Knoxville and Johnson City. Our mission is to build girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place. The council offers financial assistance to ensure that every girl who wants to be a Girl Scout has the opportunity to join this vibrant organization.

Three New Board Members Join Girl Scout Council of the Southern Appalachians

Posted by Amelia Daniels – May 6, 2011

From lef to right: Janice Gilliam, Jeremy Floyd, and Cecilia Petersen

Knoxville, Tenn. – During its annual meeting this past weekend, the Girl Scout Council of the Southern Appalachians welcomed three new board members: Cecilia Petersen and Jeremy Floyd, both of Knoxville, Tennessee and Janice Gilliam of Blountville, Tennessee. 

“We are proud to bring these dynamic and energetic professionals on board,” said Booth Kammann, CEO of the Girl Scout Council of the Southern Appalachians. “Each one has a unique background that will add to the depth of our already impressive board of directors.” 

The Girl Scout Council of the Southern Appalachians has more than 20,000 girl and adult members stretching from North Georgia to Southwest Virginia.  The council’s board members are spread throughout the region.

New member, Cecilia Petersen is the CFO/COO of RIVR Media and serves the United Way and Mental Health Association of East Tennessee in a volunteer capacity.  “Cecilia brings an expertise in financial and operational management which are crucial to the success of a non-profit organization like ours,” said Kammann.

As a partner at BlueGill Creative, Jeremy Floyd brings experience in information technology, social media, and marketing.  Floyd also has a real estate affiliate broker license, as well as his law license in Tennessee.

Janice Gilliam is the President of Northeast State Community College.  She has an extensive resume of community involvement as a volunteer of her time and talents.  Kammann says, “Janice offers a great perspective with her current role in education, as well as student/adult development and leadership.”

Girl Scouting builds girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place.  The support and dedication of volunteers are essential to the strength of the Girl Scouts.

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About Us
The Girl Scout Council of the Southern Appalachians has more than 20,000 girl and adult members stretching from North Georgia to Southwest Virginia. Service centers are located in Chattanooga, Knoxville and Johnson City. Our mission is to build girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place. The council offers financial assistance to ensure that every girl who wants to be a Girl Scout has the opportunity to join this vibrant organization.

Media Contact
Amelia Daniels
Senior Account Executive
Ackermann PR
(865) 584-0550
adaniels@ackermannpr.com

Girl Scout Summer Resident Camp Registration Now Open

Posted by Amelia Daniels – March 31, 2011

Knoxville, Tenn. –  We may just be a few weeks into Spring, but it’s not too early to be thinking about Summer, and specifically what your kids will be doing when school is out of session.  If swimming, hiking, crafting and canoeing sound like fun, then Camp Tanasi is the ideal summer getaway for your daughter.

The Girl Scout Council of the Southern Appalachians is now accepting registrations for its popular resident camp at Camp Tanasi in Andersonville, Tennessee.  After a two-year hiatus, overnight adventures for girls ranging in ages from 6 – 17 are returning to Camp Tanasi this summer. “We have completely revamped the program offering,” says Becky Cavender, Camp Director.  “While we have traditional activities like crafts and kayaking, we’ve added new activities like yoga and the culinary arts.”  Camp Tanasi is situated on 461 forested acres bordering Norris Lake.

For four weeks in June and July, campers will explore all that Camp Tanasi has to offer, as well as make new friends and memories for life.  Through 3-day and 6-day overnight adventures, Camp Tanasi fulfills the Girl Scout Mission of building girls of courage, confidence and character.  “We have more options for rising 4th – 8th graders than ever before,” says Cavender.  The Girl Scouts are also offering special adventure camps focused on horseback riding and backpacking for girls in 6th grade and up.

The CEO of the Girl Scout Council of the Southern Appalachians, Booth Kammann is excited about the Summer Resident Camp at Camp Tanasi; she says it’s a wise investment in the future.  “Camp Tanasi provides a safe, all-girl environment, where campers can try new things, have new adventures and can simply be themselves.”

Camp Tanasi has a swimming pool, climbing tower, challenge course, rappelling wall, dock for canoeing, kayaking, paddle boating and water skiing, hiking trails, backcountry camping, archery, a craft cabin, and more.

The Girl Scout Council of the Southern Appalachians is hosting an Open House at Camp Tanasi on Saturday, April 2nd, as well as a series of Parent Nights in Chattanooga, Johnson City and Knoxville over the next several weeks.

The Open House will be held on Saturday, April 2nd from 2 p.m – 5 p.m. at Camp Tanasi.  Parents and guardians interested in sending their daughters to summer camp at Camp Tanasi are invited to tour the camp, meet the camp director and camp counselors.  Parents are encouraged to call Becky Cavender at (800) 474-1912 ext 209 or email her at rcavender@girlscoutcsa.org.

The Resident Camp Parent Night schedule is as follows:  Johnson City on Thursday, March 31st, Chattanooga on April 14th, and Knoxville on April 28th.  Each session will be held at the local Girl Scout Service Center from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.

All information about the Resident Camp Program, including dates, registration form, financial aid application, even a readiness quiz, is available in the Tanasi Camp Catalog, which is found online at www.girlscoutcsa.org or can be requested by calling (800) 474-1912.

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Media Contact
Amelia Daniels
adaniels@ackermannpr.com
(865) 365-5847

About Us
The Girl Scout Council of the Southern Appalachians has 21,000 girl and adult members stretching from North Georgia to Southwest Virginia. Service centers are located in Chattanooga, Knoxville, and Johnson City. Our mission is to build girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place. The council offers financial assistance to ensure that every girl who wants to be a Girl Scout has the opportunity to join this vibrant organization.

Girl Scout Cookie Distribution Impresses UT Logistics Expert

Posted by Amelia Daniels – February 21, 2011

Knoxville, Tenn.  — Stacked to the ceiling of a West Knoxville warehouse, hundreds of palettes of Girl Scout Cookies were ready to be sorted and distributed to Girl Scout Troops throughout the region on Monday. 

“We’ve been looking forward to the arrival of these cookies for months now,” says Booth Kammann, CEO of the Girl Scout Council of the Southern Appalachians.  “The Girl Scout Cookie Program accounts for more than half of our operating budget, so this is a critical step.”

Associate Professor of Logistics at the University of Tennessee, Dr. Mary Holcomb, Ph.D. visited the warehouse to observe the process, as volunteers began to sort and distribute hundreds of thousands of boxes of cookies. 

“It’s phenomenal how much product they run through the warehouse in such a short amount of time,” says Dr. Holcomb.  “There was clearly an enormous amount of planning leading up to today.”  Kammann estimates that on Monday alone 12,000 cases, which equates to 144,000 boxes, will be distributed to the greater Knoxville area, with even more cases scheduled to be distributed the following day.

Photo Courtesy of Daniel Andrews

Dr. Holcomb points to the Girl Scouts color-coded system as a key component of the program’s success.  “It’s visually-driven, making the process of sorting the cookies very accurate and highly efficient.” 

As the cars, vans and SUVs, lined up outside the warehouse, staff and volunteers worked side by side.  “We know we have a lot of work to do in a short amount of time, but we’re happy to do it,” says Kammann.  The Girl Scout Troops in the Southern Appalachians Council benefit directly from the cookie sales; proceeds range from $0.55 per box to $0.75 per box, estimates Kammann.  Girls set goals and determine how these proceeds are used, including support of troop activities and community service projects.

Similar distribution centers are bustling with activity in Chattanooga and the Tri-Cities this week.  Between all locations, volunteers will distribute more than 1 million boxes of cookies this week. 

In 2010, the Girl Scout Council of the Southern Appalachians sold more than 1.6 million boxes of Girl Scout Cookies.  A total of 9,235 Girl Scouts participated last year, but Kammann says the process would not be possible without adult volunteers.  “This is a logistical feat and we greatly appreciate our volunteers who make it happen.”  Dr. Holcomb agrees, “The concerted effort of these well-trained volunteers is extremely valuable to the process.” 

While Girl Scouts are beginning to fill pre-orders this week, booth sales of Girl Scout Cookies begin on Saturday, February 25.  For a list of booth locations in our region, you can visit the council’s website at www.girlscoutcsa.org.   

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About Us
The Girl Scout Council of the Southern Appalachians has 21,000 girl and adult members stretching from North Georgia to Southwest Virginia. Service centers are located in Chattanooga, Knoxville, and Johnson City. Our mission is to build girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place. The council offers financial assistance to ensure that every girl who wants to be a Girl Scout has the opportunity to join this vibrant organization.

Healthy Options Highlighted on New Ruby Tuesday Menu

Posted by Amelia Daniels – August 26, 2010

Maryville, Tenn. — Ruby Tuesday is making it easier to eat healthy while dining out, with the addition of lunch salads, more seafood, and new choices on the Fresh Garden Bar.  In addition, a new “Fit & Trim” symbol appears next to items on the menu that have 700 or fewer calories.

Ruby Tuesday founder and CEO, Sandy Beall, says, “We’re giving our guests more options and making it easier for them to identify healthier choices with the inclusion of the Fit & Trim symbol.  We’ve added new selections while keeping our focus on fresh ingredients and bold flavors.

“These are great tasting dishes,” says Peter Glander, Ruby Tuesday’s Executive Chef, “with absolutely no compromise on flavor.”  He cites the Herb-Crusted Tilapia, one of the restaurants’ most popular seafood dishes, as an example.  The tender, mild fish is crusted with panko garlic bread crumbs and topped with lemon-butter sauce. It is served with fresh, steamed broccoli and white cheddar mashed potatoe, and has less than 700 calories.  A total of 16 entrees on the new menu are designated Fit & Trim.

“The new menu offers even more variety,” says Kimberly Grant, Ruby Tuesday’s Executive Vice President.   “For example, our guests are free to choose which two side items they would like with any entrée selection.”  And the number of side dishes is growing, with healthy additions that include fresh grilled green beans and fresh grilled asparagus. To make the selection process even easier, the choices are divided into three categories. “We have our Classics, our new Fit & Trim sides, and our Premium sides – a group that includes a new baked macaroni-and-cheese,” says Grant.

For the lunch crowd, Ruby Tuesday has added a Petite Lunch Salad offering.  Smaller portions of the Grilled Salmon Salad, the Carolina Chicken Salad, and others are available until 4:00 p.m.  “The Petite Lunch Salad is perfect if you’re on the go or looking for something lighter,” says Glander.  Ruby Tuesday’s signature Fresh Garden Bar also now has more variety with the addition of pepperoncini, banana peppers, sun dried tomatoes, cauliflower, apples, and green olives.

Ruby Tuesday recently began serving complimentary fresh-baked Garlic Cheese Biscuits to all guests. “Our delicious biscuits are a savory, yet sweet accompaniment to the meal.  They are made from scratch and baked fresh throughout the day so they’re delivered to the table piping hot,” says Glander.  One final addition to the menu is the growing list of premium wines that includes Cellar No. 8, Gnarly Head, Bonterra, Coppola, and Rodney Strong, among others.

“Ruby Tuesday guests now have the freedom to choose, and not just their sides.  They can create their own Baby-Back Rib Platter with Louisiana fried shrimp or chicken wings, or they can add lobster tails or Lobster Mac-n-Cheese to their steak entrée for just $5 more,” says Beall.  The CEO says he is confident guests are going to like the new menu, based on feedback from the test markets.  “It’s clearly a departure from the not-always-fresh food that is still common at typical bar-and-grill restaurants,” says Beall.

All of the new menu changes are a continuation of Ruby Tuesday’s “Fresh Taste, Fresh Place” brand transformation.  In 2005, the company began a reimaging initiative that included a focus on fresher food and gracious hospitality and concluded with the creation of a contemporary new look for its restaurants. The updated look, feel, and menu offerings are all important components of Ruby Tuesday’s mission to consistently provide a high-quality, casual dining experience with compelling value that guests will enjoy and remember.

For more information about Ruby Tuesday, please visit the company website at www.rubytuesday.com or on Facebook at www.facebook/rubytuesday.

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About Ruby Tuesday

Ruby Tuesday, Inc. has company-owned and/or franchised Ruby Tuesday brand restaurants in 46 states, the District of Columbia, Guam, and 14 foreign countries. As of June 1, 2010, the company owned and operated 656 Ruby Tuesday restaurants, while domestic and international franchisees (including Hawaii and Guam) operated 165 and 58 restaurants, respectively. Ruby Tuesday, Inc. is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (Symbol: RT).

No. 22 Ruby Tuesday Dodge Finishes 7th at Darlington Raceway

Posted by Amelia Daniels – May 10, 2010

Darlington, SC  – Brad Keselowski, driver of the Penske Racing No. 22 Ruby Tuesday Dodge Charger in the NASCAR Nationwide Series, finished seventh in the Royal Purple 200 presented by O’Reilly Auto Parts at Darlington Raceway on Friday night. The result ends an eight-race streak of top-five finishes for the team.

Keselowski now leads the Nationwide Series driver point standings by 55 points over second-place contender Kyle Busch.

Keselowski began the day with a 2.5-hour practice session, in which he posted the fourth-fastest time as he lapped the 1.366-mile, egg-shaped oval in 28.437 seconds, or 172.930 miles per hour. He improved upon that time in the afternoon qualifying session, despite the increase in track temperatures from practice, as he lapped the oval in 28.049 seconds, or 175.322 miles per hour. The effort secured the third starting position for the Ruby Tuesday team.

The 147-lap race featured nine caution flags for a total of 42 laps. The first yellow flag fell early on lap two. Having a bigger picture in mind, Keselowski took it easy and let the race come to him in the early going. As a result he dropped back in the field by ten spots within the first 20 laps, but he settled into a nice rhythm and posted laps as fast as the race leader.

When the second caution flag of the race was displayed, Keselowski radioed that he was tight coming off the corners. Crew chief Paul Wolfe called his driver down pit road for two tires with air pressure adjustments on lap 26. As a result, the No. 22 Ruby Tuesday Dodge picked up six positions and Keselowski restarted the race on lap 31 in the fourth position.

By lap 50, Keselowski had raced his way into the second position. Despite a handling condition that had moved to loose, he was able to make large gains in time on the leader. However, another caution flag flew on lap 57, which kept Keselowski from assuming the lead. He remained inside the top-five in the running order for the next 70 laps, but was unable to mount another charge for the lead.

When the seventh caution flag of the evening flew on lap 121, Wolfe had to decide whether to leave Keselowski on the track in order to keep his third-place running position, or bring him down pit road for four fresh Goodyear radials and adjustments. The team opted to pit, in the hopes of giving Keselowski what he needed to pick up his third Nationwide Series victory in a row. However, many of the other competitors elected to take on two tires and, as a result, Keselowski restarted the race in the 12th position.

When the race resumed under the green flag on lap 129, it was evident that Keselowski had a car that could contend for a top-five finish as he was able to quickly pass several of the cars in front of him. However, the team ran out of laps as two more caution flags fell before the race came to a conclusion.

Keselowski was able to keep his Nationwide Series record of 77 consecutive races without a DNF (Did Not Finish) alive by taking the checkered flag. 

Penske Racing teammate Justin Allgaier finished 17th after a late-race incident.

“This is a place that I’ve run and never got a top 10, so I’m pretty pumped right now,” stated Keselowski. “The guys that we’re racing in points, the 18 and 33, were in front and behind us, so the points didn’t change much tonight. I’ll just chalk it up to a decent night. We probably could have gotten a third-place finish out of the race if we didn’t pit and take four tires. We made the move that we thought was our best shot to win the race and in the end, all those cautions just killed us.”

The No.22 Ruby Tuesday Dodge Charger team will move to the state of Delaware for the Helluva! Good 200 at Dover International Speedway. The race can be seen live on Saturday afternoon, May 15 on the ABC television network beginning at 2:00 p.m. EDT.  The event can also be heard live on MRN Radio, as well as Sirius Satellite Radio Channel 128.

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About Ruby Tuesday
Ruby Tuesday, Inc. has company-owned and/or franchise Ruby Tuesday brand restaurants in 46 states, the District of Columbia, Guam, and 13 foreign countries.  As of December 1, 2009, the company owned and operated 670 Ruby Tuesday restaurants, while domestic and international franchisees (including Hawaii) operated 171 and 55 restaurants, respectively. Ruby Tuesday, Inc. is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (Symbol: RT).

 For information about Ruby Tuesday, please visit the company website at www.rubytuesday.com or on Facebook at www.facebook/rubytuesday.

About Penske Racing
In 2010, Penske Racing will compete in the NASCAR Cup Series with former Cup Series champion Kurt Busch and the No. 2 Miller Lite Dodge, former three-time IndyCar Series champion Sam Hornish Jr. in the No. 77 Mobil 1 Dodge and Brad Keselowski in the No. 12 Penske Dodge. The team will also race in the Nationwide Series with Justin Allgaier, the 2009 series Rookie of the Year, in the No. 12 Verizon Wireless Dodge and multiple race-winner Keselowski driving the No. 22 Discount Tire and Ruby Tuesday Dodge. Competing in a variety of disciplines, cars owned and prepared by Penske Racing have produced more than 310 major race wins, over 370 pole positions and 22 national championships.

For more information about Penske Racing, please visit www.penskeracing.com.

$1,000,000 up for Grabs in Ruby Tuesday’s Million Dollar Bracket Challenge

Posted by Amelia Daniels – March 10, 2010

Maryville, Tenn. – Ruby Tuesday – with more than 800 casual dining restaurants across the U.S. – is giving guests and NCAA basketball fans alike a chance to win $1 million cash in its 2010 Million Dollar Bracket Challenge Sweepstakes. Guests can enter to win by completing their brackets on Ruby Tuesday’s Facebook page through a custom-built application created especially for its guests.

“Ruby Tuesday is the place to be for March Madness,” says Kimberly Grant, Ruby Tuesday’s Executive Vice-President. “Not only do you have the chance to win a million dollars, but you can meet up with friends at your local Ruby Tuesday to watch your favorite teams play in high-definition.” Ruby Tuesday recently installed new high-definition televisions in all its restaurants and, where DirecTV is available, restaurants will show all of the games with the NCAA Mega March Madness Package. During game days, all guests seated in the bar area can take advantage of $2 off any appetizer, one-of-a-kind $5 premium well cocktails, and an adventurous craft beer line-up.

Registration for the $1 million prize will begin on Sunday, March 14 at 10 p.m. and end at 9 a.m. EST on Thursday, March 18.  “If you miss out on the perfect bracket, not to worry,” says Grant, “this is not a single elimination contest, so you can still win great prizes.” As the tournament progresses, guests have several ways to win: the traditional overall million dollar bracket, round-by-round play and by inviting Facebook friends to enter. Participants who fill out their brackets before the start of each round are registered to win high-end consumer electronics including 46” Sony LCD TVs, Sony Home Theater Systems, digital cameras and much more.

There is a social media component to this sweepstakes as well.  “The more Facebook friends you recruit to enter, the more chances you have to win great prizes,” says Grant.  More information about the Million Dollar Bracket Challenge, including the official sweepstakes rules, can be found at Facebook.com/RubyTuesday.

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Media Contact
Amelia Daniels
Ackermann PR
(865) 584-0550

About Ruby Tuesday
Ruby Tuesday, Inc. has company-owned and/or franchise Ruby Tuesday brand restaurants in 46 states, the District of Columbia, Guam, and 14 foreign countries. As of March 2, 2010, the Company owned and operated 659 Ruby Tuesday restaurants, while domestic and international franchisees (including Hawaii) operated 168 and 57 restaurants, respectively. For more information on Ruby Tuesday, please visit the company website at www.RubyTuesday.com.  Ruby Tuesday, Inc. is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (Symbol:  RT).
Source: Ruby Tuesday, Inc.