Author:

Sarah Malak

AT&T donates $105,000 to Boys & Girls Clubs throughout Tennessee

Posted by Sarah Malak – August 10, 2010

(L to R) State Representative Ryan Haynes; State Representative Harry Brooks; Boys & Girls Club of Halls/Powell Executive Director Josh Yarbrough; State Representative Bill Dunn; Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley President/CEO John D. Lee; Boys & Girls Club of Halls/Powell Advisory Board Chairman Wally Welch; AT&T Tennessee Regional Director of External Affairs Alan Hill

Knoxville, Tenn., - Today, AT&T* announced a $105,000 corporate contribution to Boys & Girls Clubs in Tennessee to support Project Learn in 21 clubs across the state. Project Learn features a program that provides supplemental learning activities to strengthen developmental skills.

Each of the selected clubs will receive $5,000 to support Project Learn. In Knoxville, the Boys & Girls Club of Halls/Powell was chosen to receive $5,000 for the Project Learn program. The Eagleton Boys & Girls Club in Maryville will also receive $5,000.
 
Project Learn reinforces and enhances the skills and knowledge young people learn at school through “high-yield” learning activities, including leisure reading, writing activities, homework help and games that develop and strengthen cognitive skills.
 
Gregg Morton, State President, AT&T Tennessee presented the donation to Boys & Girls Clubs officials during a ceremony at the Halls/Powell Boys & Girls Club in Knoxville today. “Working with the Boys & Girls Clubs in Tennessee through programs like Project Learn emphasizes our commitment to helping educate our youth and better prepare them for the future,” said Morton. “These children are tomorrow’s leaders. AT&T recognizes this and invests in Project Learn in order to provide them with the skills needed to succeed in tomorrow’s workforce. We applaud our state leaders for creating an environment that encourages business investment in educational initiatives.”
 
“Boys & Girls Clubs in Tennessee is grateful to AT&T for contributing to Project Learn,” said Bob Schrader, president of Boys & Girls Clubs in Tennessee. “The overall benefits through the education and training these children receive in this program are a direct return on investment for the state’s business community.”
 
The following Boys & Girls Clubs will each receive a contribution from AT&T:
·         Highland Park Club, Chattanooga
·         Benton Club, Benton
·         James Tucker Club, Cleveland
·         Madisonville Club, Madisonville
·         Maury County Club, Columbia
·         Smyrna Club, Smyrna
·         East Club, Jackson
·         Brownsville Club, Brownsville
·         Northwest TN Club, Union City
·         Ira Samelson Jr. Club, Memphis
·         Hickory Hill Club, Memphis
·         Goodwill Club, Memphis
·         Andrew Jackson Club, Nashville
·         Fairview Club, Fairview
·         Morristown/Hamblen County Club, Morristown
·         Pigeon Forge Club, Pigeon Forge
·         Eagleton Club, Maryville
·         Halls/Powell Club, Knoxville
·         Tennessee Club, Bristol
·         Johnson City Club, Johnson City
·         Riverview Club, Kingsport
 
“AT&T and Boys & Girls Clubs in Tennessee are setting a great example of what can be accomplished through partnerships between corporations and nonprofit organizations,” said State Representative Harry Brooks, chairman of the House Education Committee. “Identifying the relationship between business investment and educational initiatives directly benefits Tennessee’s children and workforce.”
 
“It is so important to invest in programs like Project Learn,” said Lisa Hurst, executive director of Boys & Girls Clubs in Tennessee. “AT&T’s contribution to the program shows its commitment to providing educational opportunities for our state’s children. We applaud our state leaders,

(L to R) Alan Hill, AT&T Tennessee Regional Director of External Affairs; Gregg Morton, AT&T State President; State Representative Ryan Haynes; State Representative Harry Brooks; State Representative Bill Dunn; members of the Boys & Girls Clubs

including Lt. Gov. Ron Ramsey, House Speaker Kent Williams, Senate Education Chair Delores Gresham and House Education Chair Harry Brooks for their attention and support to education initiatives like this.”

“AT&T’s commitment to education is something we need more companies throughout the state to follow,” said Lt. Governor Ron Ramsey. “AT&T’s investment in programs like Project Learn will strengthen Tennessee’s future economy and workforce.”
 
“Education goes so much further than the classroom,” said House Speaker Kent Williams. “AT&T’s investment in programs like Project Learn exemplifies its commitment to furthering education in Tennessee.”
 
“AT&T should be commended for its efforts and contributions to educational opportunities for Tennessee’s children,” said Senate Education Chair Delores Gresham. “Project Learn is one example of a program that is making a difference in Tennessee.”
 
Project Learn emphasizes collaborations between Boys & Girls Clubs staff, parents and school personnel, and focuses on the skills young people develop both at the Boys & Girls Clubs and in the home. Based on Dr. Reginald Clark’s research, Project Learn incorporates fun, but academically beneficial activities that increase overall academic performance. Formally evaluated by Columbia University, Project Learn has been proven to significantly boost the academic performances of Club members.
 
“Tennessee has made great strides in recent months toward strengthening its education efforts, and our state’s business leaders are playing a key role,” said Commissioner Tim Webb of the Tennessee Department of Education. “We are all in this fight together, and AT&T recognizes that partnering with local community organizations is important to the success of our education initiatives.”                                                                   
 
*AT&T products and services are provided or offered by subsidiaries and affiliates of AT&T Inc. under the AT&T brand and not by AT&T Inc.
 
About Philanthropy at AT&T
AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) is committed to advancing education, strengthening communities and improving lives. Through its philanthropic initiatives and partnerships, AT&T has a long history of supporting projects that create learning opportunities; promote academic and economic achievement; and address community needs. In 2009, nearly $155 million was contributed through corporate-, employee- and AT&T Foundation-giving programs.
 
About AT&T
AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) is a premier communications holding company. Its subsidiaries and affiliates, AT&T operating companies, are the providers of AT&T services in the United States and around the world. Among their offerings are the world’s most advanced IP-based business communications services, the nation’s fastest 3G network and the best wireless coverage worldwide, and the nation’s leading high speed Internet access and voice services. In domestic markets, AT&T is known for the directory publishing and advertising sales leadership of its Yellow Pages and YELLOWPAGES.COM organizations, and the AT&T brand is licensed to innovators in such fields as communications equipment. As part of their three-screen integration strategy, AT&T operating companies are expanding their TV entertainment offerings. In 2009, AT&T again ranked No. 1 in the telecommunications industry on FORTUNE®magazine’s list of the World’s Most Admired Companies. Additional information about AT&T Inc. and the products and services provided by AT&T subsidiaries and affiliates is available at http://www.att.com.
 
© 2010 AT&T Intellectual Property. All rights reserved. AT&T, the AT&T logo and all other marks contained herein are trademarks of AT&T Intellectual Property and/or AT&T affiliated companies.

Cellular Sales Verizon Wireless expanding in Florida and New York

Posted by Sarah Malak – July 19, 2010

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Cellular Sales, the nation’s largest retailer of Verizon Wireless, is expanding in Florida and New York. The new Cellular Sales stores opened at 10720 US Hwy 441 in Leesburg, Fla. and 160 Dolson Avenue in Middletown, N.Y. last week.

Cellular Sales is a 17-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 operate more than 350 locations throughout the country.  For the past two years, Inc. Magazine has named Cellular Sales one of the nation’s fastest growing privately held companies. This year, the company was in the Top 100 for retailers.

For more information about the new Cellular Sales Verizon Wireless stores, visit the company’s web site at www.cellularsales.com or call Chris Keen at (321) 246-6206 or Jeff Currey at (407) 340-3306 in Leesburg, Fla. or Luke Fletcher at (704) 796-6939 or Tim Blackburn at (315) 729-4125 in Middletown, N.Y.

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Media contact:
Rick Laney, Ackermann PR
(865) 584-0550
RLaney@AckermannPR.com

Charleston, S.C. area football wish granted at Cellular Sales Grand Opening event

Posted by Sarah Malak – July 15, 2010

Left to right: Jim Martin (Cellular Sales), Russell Smith (Make-A-Wish Foundation of South Carolina, President and CEO), Tyler Pratt (Wish child), Kayley Pratt (sister of Wish child), Donna Pratt (mother of Wish child), Tim Pratt (father of Wish child), Mike Baker (Cellular Sales), Ari Mendlovitz (Cellular Sales).

Mount Pleasant, S.C. – Tyler, a 13-year-old boy from Summerville, S.C. who is suffering from Osteosarcoma, arrived by limousine with his family at the Grand Opening of the new Cellular Sales Verizon Premium Wireless store in Mount Pleasant, S.C. on Tuesday, July 13 to hear that his one wish will be granted: to attend Ohio State University’s (OSU) 2010 season bowl game.

Tyler and his family arrived at the Grand Opening of the new Cellular Sales Verizon Premium Wireless store, located at 905 Johnnie Dodds Boulevard in Mount Pleasant, at approximately 11 a.m. where Ari Mendlovitz, Mike Baker and Jim Martin of Cellular Sales presented the Make-A-Wish Foundation® of South Carolina with a check in the amount of $10,000 for Tyler’s wish.

Tyler was also presented with OSU gear to take with him on his trip, including a jersey with his favorite player’s number. Billy Swails, Mayor of Mount Pleasant, also attended the wish granting event with Tyler and his family and wished them a great time on their trip.

“We can’t tell you enough how thankful we are for everything that Make-A-Wish has done for us and for Cellular Sales and Verizon making Tyler’s wish come true,” said Donna Pratt, Tyler’s mother. “It’s been a long and tough journey but Tyler is doing well right now with only six more treatments to go. The kindness and generosity we have felt from everyone has just overwhelmed us.”

Cold Stone Creamery, which is a national corporate sponsor of the Make-A-Wish Foundation®,  was also present at the wish granting, providing free ice cream cups and coupons. The company will participate in the world’s largest ice cream social at the end of September to benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation®, along with every other Cold Stone store in the country.

Cellular Sales, Verizon Premium Wireless Retailer, partnered with Make-A-Wish earlier this summer to help make wishes come true all over the state of South Carolina and in North Carolina. With 32 locations across both states, Cellular Sales decided to give its customers a chance to make a difference as well. Starting at the end of July, each store will sell blue Make-A-Wish bracelets for $5 each, and will also promote a new campaign called “Text-A-Wish.” Customers may text the keyword SCWISH to 90999 in South Carolina or WISH to 27722 in North Carolina to make a one-time donation of $5 to help grant a wish for a deserving child in their local area.

For more information about Cellular Sales’ partnership with the Make-A-Wish Foundation® of South Carolina or North Carolina, call Mike Baker at (910) 409-3222 or Ari Mendlovitz at (843) 696-5556.

The Make-A-Wish Foundation® grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy. The South Carolina chapter grants over 130 wishes each year and has never turned down a medically qualified South Carolina child for a wish. For more information on the Make-A-Wish Foundation® please call 864-250-0702 or visit www.sc.wish.org.

Cellular Sales is a 17-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 operate more than 350 locations throughout the country.  For the past two years, Inc. Magazine has named Cellular Sales one of the nation’s fastest growing privately held companies. This year, the company was in the Top 100 for retailers.

For more information about Cellular Sales, visit www.cellularsales.com.

Media Contact:
Rick Laney
Ackermann PR
(865) 584-0550
RLaney@AckermannPR.com

Arant named Executive Vice President at SmartBank

Posted by Sarah Malak – July 8, 2010

Knoxville, Tenn. – SmartBank announced that Bill Arant has been named Executive Vice President. Arant brings nearly 50 years of banking experience to the organization.

“Having Bill come to work with us is a true honor,” said Billy Carroll, President and CEO. “His experience and expertise will give SmartBank a substantial advantage in the East Tennessee area.”

“I truly admire the integrity, experience and reputation of SmartBank’s management and board, so I’m thrilled to be a part of the team,” said Arant. “SmartBank will continue to excel in the Greater Knoxville area primarily because of the extreme dedication and determination of the bank’s management and board.”

Most recently, Arant served as the Executive Vice President, Corporate Banking Strategy and Development, at SunTrust Bank. He also served as a managing partner of Venture Alliance and was a founder, President and CEO, and later became Chairman of the Board of First National Bank of Knoxville.

Bill Arant

Throughout his career, Arant has held leadership roles with the American Bankers Association and served as President of the Greater Knoxville Chamber of Commerce. Additionally, he has served in leadership positions with many community organizations, including Knoxville Symphony Society, Leadership Knoxville, Tennessee’s Resource Valley, Knoxville Jazz Orchestra, Greater Knoxville United Way Campaign (1986 Chairman), Chairman of the Knoxville Zoo, Chairman of the University of Tennessee Chancellor’s Associates and Chairman of Tennessee Technology Development Authority.

Arant received a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Duke University, where he played basketball and baseball. He also attended Stonier Graduate School of Banking at Rutgers University. He resides in Knoxville with his wife, Barbara. They have two children and two grandchildren.

Founded in 2007, SmartBank has more than $290 million in assets and currently serves customers in four bank locations: Sevierville, Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg and Knoxville. For more about SmartBank, visit www.SmartBank.net.

More photos available upon request.

Media Contact: 
Sarah Malak 
Ackermann PR
(865) 584-0550
SMalak@AckermannPR.com

Cellular Sales Verizon Wireless Expanding in Clark, Kentucky

Posted by Sarah Malak – July 6, 2010

Clark, Ky. – Cellular Sales, the nation’s largest retailer of Verizon Wireless, is expanding in Clark, Ky. The new Cellular Sales store opened at 1515 W. Lexington Avenue in Clark last week.

Cellular Sales is a 17-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 operate more than 350 locations throughout the country.  For the past two years, Inc. Magazine has named Cellular Sales one of the nation’s fastest growing privately held companies. This year, the company was in the Top 100 for retailers.

For more information about the new Cellular Sales Verizon Wireless store, visit the company’s web site at www.cellularsales.com or call RC Scheinler at (502) 396-4117 or Joe Burns at (502) 396-4100.


Media contact:
Rick Laney
(865) 584-0550

Cellular Sales Verizon Wireless Expanding in Front Royal, Va.

Posted by Sarah Malak – June 29, 2010

Front Royal, Va.  – Cellular Sales, the nation’s largest retailer of Verizon Wireless, is expanding in Front Royal, Va. The new Cellular Sales store opened at 1411 N. Shenandoah Avenue in Front Royal, Va. last week.

Cellular Sales is a 17-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 operate more than 350 locations throughout the country.  For the past two years, Inc. Magazine has named Cellular Sales one of the nation’s fastest growing privately held companies. This year, the company was in the Top 100 for retailers.

For more information about the new Cellular Sales Verizon Wireless store, visit the company’s web site at www.cellularsales.com or call Rick Alberg at (804) 363-9200 or Jay Vaiksnoras at (804) 363-9300.

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Media Contact:
Rick Laney
Ackermann PR
RLaney@AckermannPR.com
(865) 584-0550

Two East Tennessee dental practices announce merger

Posted by Sarah Malak – June 29, 2010

Knoxville, Tenn. – One of Knoxville’s leading dentists is joining forces with one of Maryville’s leading dentists, creating the only East Tennessee practice with two members of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.

Dr. Ruth E. Bailey of Knoxville welcomes Dr. Nadim Jubran into her Bearden area practice.  Dr. Jubran will spend three days each week in the Knoxville office and practice two days each week in his Maryville office, Nadim Jubran Dentistry.

“Dr. Jubran and I are very similar in our patient practices. We work well together and I’m confident that he will be a great asset to our team,” said Dr. Bailey.

“This is a great opportunity to become a partner in an outstanding practice. Dr. Bailey has a great practice and we will complement each other very nicely,” said Dr. Jubran.

Dr. Bailey is very well known in the dental community. She has just taken over as head of the Tennessee Board of Dentistry, after having been appointed to the Board by Governor Bredesen. The Board makes sure those who practice as dentists, dental hygienists or dental assistants within this state are qualified. Each must get a license from the Board.

Dr. Bailey has been providing dental care for more than 25 years. She specializes in many areas, from cosmetic and whitening to complex restorative procedures, as well as general dental care. In addition to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, Dr. Bailey is also a fellow in both the American and International College of Dentists, a member of the American Dental Association, and the Academy of Laser Dentistry. Her office is located at 6001 Walden Drive in Knoxville.

Dr. Jubran’s specializes in cosmetic, implant, family and reconstructive dentistry. He has been in practice for 23 years. He is also a member of the American Dental Association, the Tennessee Dental Association, the 2nd District Dental Society, the Pierre Fauchard Academy, East Tennessee Academy of Practice Administration and Fellow, International College of Dentists.

For more information on Dr. Bailey, D.D.S., visit www.RuthBaileyDDS.com/. For more information on Dr. Jubran, D.D.S., visit www.MaryvilleCosmeticDentist.com.

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Media Contact:
Mike Cohen
(865) 584-0550
MCohen@AckermannPR.com

Cellular Sales Verizon Wireless Expanding in St. Joseph, Mo.

Posted by Sarah Malak – June 22, 2010

St. Joseph, Mo. – Cellular Sales, the nation’s largest retailer of Verizon Wireless, is expanding in St. Joseph, Mo. The new Cellular Sales store opened at 904 N. Belt Highway in St. Joseph last week.

Cellular Sales is a 17-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 operate more than 350 locations throughout the country.  For the past two years, Inc. Magazine has named Cellular Sales one of the nation’s fastest growing privately held companies. This year, the company was in the Top 100 for retailers.

For more information about the new Cellular Sales Verizon Wireless store, visit the company’s web site at www.cellularsales.com or call Beau Hammon at (816) 519-9156 or Jose Ordonez at (816) 206-0024.

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Media Contact:
Rick Laney, Ackermann PR
(865) 584-0550
RLaney@AckermannPR.com

Cellular Sales Verizon Wireless expands in Virginia, New York and Tennessee

Posted by Sarah Malak – June 16, 2010

Knoxville, Tenn. – Cellular Sales, the nation’s largest retailer of Verizon Wireless, is expanding in Virginia, New York and Tennessee.

The new stores opened at 4014 Electric Road in Roanoke, Va. and in Hudson Valley Mall, located at 1300 Ulster Avenue, in Kingston, N.Y. A new Cellular Sales store was also opened this week at 2820 Appalachian Highway in Jacksboro, Tenn., which is a relocation of a LaFollette, Tenn. store.

Cellular Sales is a 17-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 operate more than 350 locations throughout the country.  For the past two years, Inc. Magazine has named Cellular Sales one of the nation’s fastest growing privately held companies. This year, the company was in the Top 100 for retailers.

To reach the Roanoke, Va. store, call (540) 772-9545. To reach the Kingston, N.Y. location, call (845) 382-1122. To reach the Jacksboro, Tenn. location, call (423) 562-9798. For more information about the new Cellular Sales Verizon Wireless stores, visit the company’s web site at www.cellularsales.com.

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Media Contact:
Rick Laney
(865) 584-0550
RLaney@AckermannPR.com

PetSafe Downtown Dog Park opens to the public

Posted by Sarah Malak – June 15, 2010

Photo Courtesy of Jennie Huettel

Knoxville, Tenn. – The wait is over. The PetSafe Downtown Dog Park officially opened today to Knoxville dogs and their owners!

Today, during a ceremony at the PetSafe Downtown Dog Park, City of Knoxville Mayor Bill Haslam, Randy Boyd, President & CEO of Radio Systems Corporation and other distinguished guests announced the official opening of the park.

The PetSafe Downtown Dog Park is located at the intersection of Summit Hill Drive and Central Avenue in downtown Knoxville.

The park contains the following amenities for dogs and their owners to enjoy:

  • Separate small and large dog areas
  • Concrete plaza with benches
  • Plush landscaping
  • Crushed-stone trail

The addition of the PetSafe Downtown Dog Park is the fourth dog park in Knoxville. Other dog parks in Knoxville include Tommy Schumpert Park, the Victor Ashe Park and PetSafe Village.

“We’re very grateful to Randy Boyd and PetSafe for the generous gift that helped make this dog park possible,” Haslam said. “There were several other organizations involved in this project and it’s a great example of what can be accomplished when groups work together to make something good happen for our community.”

Photo Courtesy of Jennie Huettel

“This is a very exciting day for Knoxville. The number of downtown esidents is continually increasing, and it’s important that they have a place to bring their dogs to run, play and socialize,” said Randy Boyd, founder and CEO of Radio Systems Corporation, makers of PetSafe brands. “This park really increases the quality of life for the downtown residents who have dogs.”

The opening of the PetSafe Downtown Dog Park fits into the effort to make Knoxville and Knox County the Most Pet Friendly Community in America.  The effort consists of focusing on major expansion of pet activities and events, pet-focused tourism and more pet-friendly park acres and businesses and more. Numerous community leaders from City of Knoxville, Knox County, Young Williams Animal Center, the University of Tennessee, PetSafe, the Knoxville Area Chamber of Commerce and the Knoxville Tourism & Sports Corporation have been involved from the start of the movement, which kicked off in July 2009.

Photo Courtesy of City of Knoxville

For more information on the PetSafe Downtown Dog Park, visit http://www.cityofknoxville.org/recreation/dogparks.asp. For more information on the Most Pet Friendly Community initiative in Knoxville and Knox County, visit www.PetFriendliestCommunity.com.

About PetSafe®
Headquartered in Knoxville, Tennessee, PetSafe® is the industry leader in the management of pet behavior, offering pet training, containment, safety and lifestyle product solutions. PetSafe® introduced the first do-it-yourself electronic fence to the pet market in 1991 and the first wireless fence in 1998. PetSafe’s product line up includes: kennels and electronic underground fences; bark control systems; a selection of remote training products; pet doors; pet identification collars; heated wellness products; pet feeders and a growing line of lifestyle products. For more information about PetSafe®, visit: www.petsafe.net.

For more information:
Mike Cohen, Ackermann PR
865-584-0550
MCohen@AckermannPR.com