Author:

Amelia Daniels

$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.

Harmony Adoptions Hosts 3rd Annual Chillin’ for Children

Posted by Amelia Daniels – February 19, 2010

 

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Maryville, Tenn.  -  More than 50 adoption advocates will brave the chilly waters of the Little River in Blount County as they bring awareness to the hundreds of children waiting to be adopted in Tennessee.  This is the third year that Harmony Adoptions, one of the state’s leading adoption agencies, is hosting Chillin’ for Children to be held Friday, Feb. 19 at 3 p.m.

Dressed up in themed costumes, groups of people who are all connected to adoption in some way will jump into freezing cold water while being judged on creativity and style.  Pam Wolf, CEO of Harmony Adoptions, says, “By raising some eyebrows, we’re raising awareness for adoption as we take the plunge together.”  Blount County Mayor Jerry Cunningham and City of Knoxville Mayor will be on hand.  Mayor Haslam will deliver the pre-plunge address.

As much as Chillin’ for Children raises awareness for the 400+ children currently in state custody, this event also strengthens the partnerships of the agencies that work together to find permanent homes for these foster children.  Harmony Adoptions Community Development Director, Jim Norwood says, “As adoption advocates, we come together as colleagues sharing our success stories and challenges, but after this event, we leave as friends.”  Norwood says that spirit of togetherness makes a difference when a child’s future is in their collective hands. 

Brian Buuck of Oak Ridge is jumping for the first time. “Depending on how bad the frost bite is, it may be my last,” kids Buuck.  Adoption is close to Buuck’s heart, as someone who worked in a foster care program and whose sister adopted her son, Alex.  Buuck is now the COO of Ridgeview Mental Health.  “The discomfort of a few seconds in the ice cold water fails in comparison to what children without a home experience.”

The following agencies are joining Harmony Adoptions for Chillin’ for Children this year:  The Department of Children’s Services (DCS), Camelot Care Centers, Health Connect, Helen Ross McNabb Center, Holston Homes for Children, Omni Visions, Ridgeview Mental Health, Tennessee Alliance for Children and Families and Youth Villages.

The Blount County Rescue Squad will be on hand to assist if needed.  Starbucks in Maryville will provide hot chocolate and coffee and Anderson Rental will supply a generator and heaters.  The community is invited to attend Chillin’ for Children.  For participant information, contact Jim Norwood at jnorwood@harmony.cc.

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MEDIA CONTACT:       
Amelia Daniels                                 
adaniels@ackermannpr.com     
Ackermann PR                                           
(865) 365-5847

Special Valentine’s Menu at Ruby Tuesday Offers Three Chances at Love

Posted by Amelia Daniels – February 3, 2010

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Maryville, TN  – Although Valentine’s Day is on a Sunday this year, Ruby Tuesday will be “sharing the love” all weekend long. On February 12th, 13th and 14th, guests at Ruby’s can enjoy a special Valentine’s Dinner for Two that begins with a shared appetizer, includes two entrées, and ends with a romantic shareable dessert – all for only $19.99 per person.

After beginning with a craveable, generous-enough-for-two appetizer of Thai Phoon Shrimp, Spinach Artichoke Dip, Beef Queso Dip, or Southwestern Spring Rolls, guests can choose their main course from 18 premium entrées. Featured choices include any seared-to-perfection steak, a full rack of Ruby’s famous fork-tender ribs, the ever popular Chesapeake Catch and New Orleans Seafood, Asian Glazed Salmon, Salmon Florentine, or any premium lobster entrée. Lobster dinners include Lobster Tails, Lobster Carbonara, Steak & Lobster Tail, Lobster New Orleans and the amazing Steak & Lobster Mac and Cheese.

“This Valentine’s-weekend offer includes so many of our premium specialty dishes, couples can enjoy the ones they love along with the great value of the dinner-for-two special,” says Kimberly Grant, Ruby Tuesday’s Executive Vice President. “Why not treat your sweetheart to lobster this year in addition to flowers and chocolates?” she suggests.

Grant says of the bountiful seafood selection: “We unveiled some fabulous new dishes on our new menu a few months ago, and we can assure our guests they won’t find a higher-quality lobster or seafood dish for a better value than at Ruby Tuesday.” 

By ordering the Valentine’s Dinner for Two for $19.99 per person, couples can enjoy a bottle of their favorite wine or a Ruby Relaxer or Cosmopolitan cocktail with their savings. Ruby Tuesday recently introduced a premium cocktail menu that offers countless choices of $5 margaritas, martinis, mojitos, and classic cocktails, all prepared with premium brands such as Bacardi, Beefeater, Smirnoff, and Sauza.

And just in time for this lover’s holiday, Ruby Tuesday will be adding an authentic Italian Tiramisu to its already luscious line-up of dessert offerings. It’s made with mascarpone cheese and lady fingers soaked in rum and coffee liqueur. Other shareable dessert choices for Valentine’s Day are a moist Italian Cream Cake, rich and creamy New York Cheesecake, or a warm Double Chocolate Cake. “What better way to end a romantic meal than by sharing a slice of heaven with the one you love?” asks Grant. 

Ruby Tuesday is one of the few casual dining restaurants to offer online reservations. As an added convenience and a great way to avoid the wait, especially on the popular holiday weekend, make your reservation in advance by visiting www.RubyTuesday.com.

More information about the Valentine’s Dinner for Two special can also be found on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/RubyTuesday.

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 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.  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.

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Ruby Tuesday Recognized on Cover of Cheers Magazine

Posted by Amelia Daniels – January 14, 2010

Cheers CoverMaryville, TN – Ruby Tuesday has been recognized by Cheers magazine for something its customers have known for a while: it has the best overall beverage program.

Cheers, the leading beverage publication devoted to full-service restaurants, bars, and hotels, is awarding Ruby Tuesday its top honor for “Best Chain Overall Beverage Program.” “We are honored that Ruby Tuesday has been recognized by Cheers as the best overall among chain operators across the nation, and are proud of our team’s never-ending commitment to quality, freshness, variety, and value,” says Andy Scoggins, Vice President of Culinary and Beverage for Ruby Tuesday, Inc. 

The Cheers industry award program is open to all full-service chain restaurants nationwide, and beverage programs are evaluated based on creativity, originality, staff training, and overall impact on profitability. Scoggins adds, “Ruby Tuesday is dedicated to serving premium, high-quality beverages made with the freshest ingredients and providing them to our guests at a compelling value.”

At a time when most companies are cutting corners, Ruby Tuesday has made it a priority to enhance the quality of its drinks by using fresh ingredients, all-natural fruit juices, and premium brands such as Bacardi and Beefeater for well liquors. “And that’s not even the best part,” says Scoggins. “Recent upgrades to quality were made without reducing portions or raising prices. For example, we are proud to offer a variety of specialty, hard-to-find craft beers that are not common in other casual dining restaurants and feature a true 16-ounce pint glass, not a smaller look-alike version.”

Ruby Tuesday recently revolutionized bar business by actually reducing the price of many premium cocktails with the introduction of the ‘all day, every day, $5 premium cocktail’ program. There are hundreds of cocktails from which to choose, from premium well and specialty cocktails to signature sangrias, all for only $5.00.

Ruby Tuesday’s award-winning beverage program compliments the company’s marketing approach and in-restaurant promotions which include happy hour specials at the bar, seasonal and limited-time menu offerings, in addition to a new weekend brunch program. Moreover, all beverage upgrades have been supported with an aggressive retraining program for every bartender in the company. Program enhancements have resulted in an overall increase in sales of beer, wine, spirits and alcohol-free drinks. Ruby Tuesday will accept the award at the 2010 Cheers Beverage Excellence Awards Conference to be held January 25-26 in Miami, Florida.

For more information about Ruby Tuesday and our premium beverage program, please visit us at www.rubytuesday.com or on Facebook at www.facebook/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 13 foreign countries. As of September 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 (NYSE: RT).  

 

Source: Ruby Tuesday, Inc.

International Franchisees Have Appetite for Ruby Tuesday

Posted by Amelia Daniels – November 16, 2009

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MARYVILLE, TN – Casual-dining restaurant leader Ruby Tuesday, Inc. has announced new international franchise agreements for the development of its flagship brand in the Middle East and the United Kingdom. The company has also granted franchise rights for Wok Hay, an Asian-focused casual dining concept, in the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago and Chile.

“Ruby Tuesday’s international growth continues at a steady and reliable pace,” said Mark Ingram, President of Global PartnerShips, the company that manages Ruby Tuesday’s international and domestic franchise development. “We are excited to add new development territories to an existing franchise, sign an agreement for the first Ruby Tuesday in the U.K., and launch international franchising for Wok Hay. This growth proves there continues to be a high level of confidence in the brand and its performance,” he added.

Development rights for three new Ruby Tuesdays in the eastern territories of Saudi Arabia have been granted to an affiliate of Daliya Al-Wataniya for General Trading and Contracting W.L.L., the current franchisee for the countries of Bahrain, Oman, Jordan, and Lebanon, and six additional restaurants will be developed in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi by Bin Hendi Hospitality, the franchisee that now has the rights to open 18 Ruby Tuesday restaurants in all seven Emirate nations over the next five years.

And for the first time in the company’s 37-year history, a Ruby Tuesday will open in the United Kingdom when development begins on the first phase of a franchise for Wales and Southwest England that will allow for five restaurant openings in four-and-a-half years.

This year also marks the beginning of international franchise development of Wok Hay, the company’s pan-Asian concept. There are two Wok Hays currently open, both in the Knoxville, Tennessee area where Ruby Tuesday was founded and has its headquarters.

“Wok Hay offers fresh and affordable menu choices with plenty of flavor.  We are excited to be working with these franchisees to demonstrate the potential of the concept,” said Ingram.

Wok Hays will be opened in Trinidad and Tobago by Derek and Roger Chin, current Ruby Tuesday franchisees in those countries, and in Chile by Carlos Musiet, who is also a franchisee of Ruby Tuesday restaurants in South America.

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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 September 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 (NYSE: RT).

For more information regarding franchise opportunities, please visit www.rubytuesday.com or call (865) 379-5739.

Ruby Tuesday Unveils Fresh Tastes on New Menu

Posted by Amelia Daniels – November 9, 2009

RT_Unstacked_Red&Black.187CMaryville, TN  – When it comes to offering new choices and tantalizing flavors, Ruby Tuesday is once again emerging as a trendsetter. This month, the popular casual dining restaurant chain debuts a new menu, with more than 27 brand new items, including an expanded selection of quesadillas, entrée salads, and lobster entrées, as well as classic favorites like Ruby Minis, handcrafted burgers and fork-tender ribs. The company says its new menu is a reflection of the changing preferences of Ruby Tuesday’s customers and clearly displays its commitment to quality, freshness, variety, and value. Sandy Beall, the founder and CEO of Ruby Tuesday, says “We’re excited about the new bold flavors on this menu and believe our guests will love them as much as they love their old favorites.”

One of the biggest changes to Ruby Tuesday’s menu is the wide variety of seafood entrees. Among the more than 14 premium seafood selections, one of the most popular items has been the New Orleans Seafood. “We are proud to offer flavorful dishes, prepared to the highest standards,” says Peter Glander, Ruby Tuesday’s executive chef. Glander says he expects guests will be drawn to new additions to the menu, like Salmon Florentine and Lobster Carbonara, as well as the value-priced Steak and Lobster entrée. “What sets Ruby Tuesday apart is the quality of our seafood,” says Glander. “For example, we only use North Atlantic lobster tails and premium jumbo lump crab meat.”

New Orleans Lobster Cutout“Ruby Tuesday has made it a priority to use fresh ingredients in a variety of dishes, like our fresh, never-frozen burgers and all-natural fresh chicken, all offered at great value,” says Kimberly Grant, Ruby Tuesday’s Executive Vice President. She points out that Ruby Tuesday is also one of the world’s largest buyers of jumbo lump crab meat. “Our guests are able to enjoy a premium crab cake entrée at an affordable price.”

One of the longest running values at Ruby Tuesday has been its Fresh Garden Bar, a signature since the founding of the brand. It remains on the new menu, but for people who want a salad as their entrée, there are now more choices. The fresh, new offerings include the Asian Salmon Spinach Salad, Sante Fe Chicken Salad, Avocado Shrimp Salad, and the Southwestern Beef Salad.

Beall says the company has been passionate about great food and gracious hospitality since he founded Ruby Tuesday in 1972. “Our commitment to freshness and quality has remained constant. The new menu has evolved through the years and is clearly a departure from the not-always-fresh food still common at typical bar and grill restaurants.”

All of the new menu changes are a continuation of Ruby Tuesday’s “Fresh Taste, Fresh Place” brand transformation. In 2007, the company rolled out a remodeling program nationwide that transformed the interior and exterior of the restaurant buildings. “Our updated look, feel, and menu offerings are all important parts of our determination to consistently provide a high-quality, casual dining experience that our guests will enjoy and remember,” says Beall.

The new menu is now available in all of the restaurants across the U.S., and a complete list of items is available online at www.RubyTuesday.com.

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

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 September 1, 2009, the company owned and operated 670 Ruby Tuesday restaurants, while domestic and international franchisees (including Hawaii) operated 171 and 55 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 (NYSE:  RT). 

Source: Ruby Tuesday, Inc.

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

Posted by Amelia Daniels – 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

Harmony Adoptions Selects Ackermann PR as Agency of Record

Posted by Amelia Daniels – 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.

Resurrection Names Executive Director

Posted by Amelia Daniels – September 4, 2009

LogoGatlinburg, TN – The south’s premier event for Christian youth, Resurrection, announced the creation of a new position today, naming an executive director.  For the first time in the organization’s 25-year history, Resurrection will be led by executive director, Jason Roe.  More than 12,500 teens ascend on Gatlinburg for Resurrection each year.  Held at the Gatlinburg Convention Center, it is an evangelistic experience for youths aged 13 – 19 and their adult mentors. 

Roe, who will manage the ministry, attended Resurrection as a youth.  “I know first hand what Resurrection can do for a young person.  I was 11 years old when I went to my first Resurrection and it changed my life.”  Roe is now an evangelist and as executive director, he will work to expand Resurrection beyond the two weekend-long events. “When I see a teen bring a friend to Resurrection and maybe that friend has never been to church, that friend gets to experience worship in a fresh and exciting way,” says Roe.  “What an introduction to the Gospel!” 

Resurrection was formed in 1985 by three youth pastors, Don Thomas, Hugh Kilgore and Steve Blakemore. Their goal was simple. They wanted to facilitate the Christian experience for young people in a new way. Less than a year later, the first Resurrection was held at the Park Vista Hotel in Gatlinburg. It grew from several hundred to more than 12,000 in 25 years.  “It’s time that we take this incredible ministry to the next level and spread the Gospel to more and more youth,” says Blakemore. 

JasonResurrection

Roe speaks to youth at Resurrection 2009 in Gatlinburg, TN. Roe served as the emcee.

As for what the next 25 years hold, Roe says he is excited about the possibilities.  “We are moving towards a year-round ministry, which means Resurrection will be a resource for youth group leaders and the teens as well.”  Roe would also like to have Resurrection-sponsored mission trips for youth who live in impoverished communities where those resources are currently not available.  “Imagine taking a 14-year-old out of his rural county to a place like Haiti and expose him to other cultures, those less fortunate and ultimately the power of Christ,” says Roe.

While many of the youth groups that currently attend Resurrection are from East Tennessee, some travel more than 500 miles to be apart of the ministry.  They are responsible for their own accommodations; most of the groups stay in local hotels and cabins in the Gatlinburg area.  “You know, we’re always concerned about the cost, but we’re confident in the youth and their home churches.  They raise money to pay for their trip here,” says Thomas.  Tickets to Resurrection are
$35.00 per person in advance and $45.00 at the door.                                                                          

This year, nationally-renowned speaker and author, Justin Lookadoo will deliver the message at each session of Resurrection.  “Justin Lookadoo is one of those guys you just can’t forget,” says Roe.  “He’s 6’7’’ and has spiky hair, but above all, he can connect with the youth.”  The musical guest at Resurrection 2010 is Kristian Stanfill, one of this generation’s most compelling singer/songwriters. 

For more information about Resurrection, visit the website www.resurrectionyouth.com. 

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

 

For Second Year, Oak Ridge Staffing Firm, RecruitWise Makes Inc. 5000 List

Posted by Amelia Daniels – August 27, 2009

RecruitWiseLogoOak Ridge, TN – Inc. magazine ranked RecruitWise No. 2738 on its third annual Inc. 5000, an exclusive ranking of the nation’s fastest-growing private companies.  The list represents the most comprehensive look at the most important segment of the economy – America’s independent-minded entrepreneurs.  The Oak Ridge-based company, RecruitWise, provides technology recruiting and staffing services in Tennessee. 

“We’re honored to be on this year’s list again,” says Glenn Zahn, RecruitWise founder and CEO.  Zahn admits he was surprised to have jumped more than 1200 spots from No. 4013, the rank his firm received last year.  “There’s a good possibility many of those companies either didn’t survive the recession or have leveled off.” 

Zahn credits the growth in 2008 to his staff’s flexibility.  “We didn’t stand still when the economy started to worsen,” says Zahn.  RecruitWise, a company that focused exclusively on IT placements, expanded its capabilities and worked with executive placements as well.  RecruitWise is similar to other companies on the Inc. 5000 list in that way.  According to Inc. magazine, despite the ongoing recession, aggregate revenue among the 5,000 featured companies actually increased to $214 billion, up $29 billion from last year, with a median three-year growth rate of 126 percent.

Inc5000 logoEven though unemployment has risen significantly in 2009, the need for the company’s services is on the rise, according to Zahn.  “One out of every ten people is unemployed in Tennessee, which means there’s an influx of candidates but fewer jobs.  It can be a nightmare for the average human resource department that gets flooded with unqualified applicants.” 

RecruitWise offers qualified candidates for its clients who need to find ‘the right fit.’  “When a company works with RecruitWise, there are no piles of resumes or unqualified online applicants to trudge through,” says Zahn.  “We qualify and guide our candidates through the hiring process; drastically cutting the total time and effort to hire.”

Complete results of the Inc. 5000, including company profiles and an interactive database that can be sorted by industry, region, and other criteria, can be found at www.Inc.com.  More information about RecruitWise can be found at www.RecruitWise.jobs. 

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

About RecruitWise
RecruitWise provides information technology recruiting and staffing services.  RecruitWise not only survived the .com bubble burst in 2000 and 2001, the company experienced phenomenal growth during that time. RecruitWise has been on the Business TN Fast 50 list and was the first recruiting firm in the Southeast to earn the Accredited Firm credential from the National Association of Personnel Services.