Author:

Sarah Pope

Veteran and his pet to share freedom, independence

Posted by Sarah Pope – July 18, 2011

(ELBERT, Colo.) – America recently celebrated its glorious Independence Day, so enjoying freedom is fresh on our minds. And no one deserves freedom more than those who have sacrificed so much by serving our country – our veterans.

Homes for our Troops, an organization committed to helping those who have served our country overseas and returned home with serious injuries, presented a home to Army Sergeant Jeffrey Adams and family of Elbert, Colorado on June 25, 2011.

Adams, who lost both of his legs due to injuries suffered while deployed to Afghanistan in August 2009, will enjoy freedom in his specially adapted home – built just for him and his family.

Sgt. Jeffrey Adams is holding the leash of his Dalmatian, Cortana. Tom Berger, owner of Invisible Fence by Lytnin, is petting Cortana.

To show Sgt. Adams further appreciation, Invisible Fence® Brand by Lytnin, Inc. held an event on Wednesday, July 13 to celebrate its donation of an electronic containment system for the family’s Dalmatian, Cortana. The event included the donation presentation and a training session for the electronic containment system.

“We really can’t express our gratitude enough for what Jeffrey has done for Americans,” said Sherry Berger, owner of Invisible Fence® Brand by Lytnin, Inc. “But we hope that installing the Invisible Fence will make things just a bit easier for Jeffrey, and help him enjoy life with Cortana even more.”

Adams is looking forward to marrying his fiancée, Shelley Targett, and enjoying a new life together in the home. Adams’ daughter, Jewel, will also live in the new home with the couple.

“Shelley, Jewel and I are forever grateful for what Invisible Fence has done for us. Cortana is a part of the family and recent events haven’t changed that,” said Adams. “Now Cortana will have the ability to run and play as much as she wants in the yard, and we won’t have to worry about her leaving. Anything to make our lives easier is greatly appreciated.”

To learn more about Invisible Fence Brand, visit www.invisiblefence.com. To learn more about Sgt. Jeffrey Adams, visit http://www.homesforourtroops.org/site/PageServer?pagename=JeffreyAdams.

For more information about the Adams donation, contact Sherry Berger at (719) 471-9292 or lytnin@invisiblefence.com.

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Invisible Fence® Brand pet containment and avoidance systems are produced by Radio Systems Corporation and have a 99.5% success rating, according to Invisible Fence® Brand. For more information, visit www.invisiblefence.com.

Media Contact:
Sarah Malak
(865) 584-0550
smalak@ackermannpr.com

Cellular Sales opens five new stores

Posted by Sarah Pope – June 29, 2011

Interior of a Cellular Sales store

Knoxville, Tenn. – Cellular Sales, a premium Verizon retailer, has opened five new stores nationwide in the past few weeks. The new stores opened in Baton Rouge, La., Southport, N.C., Graham, Texas, North Palm Beach, Fla. and Charlotte, N.C.

Currently, Cellular Sales has more than 400 stores across the United States. Sales consultants for the company earn an average of more than $51,000 per year.

Cellular Sales is an 18-year-old privately held company founded and headquartered in Knoxville, Tenn.  For the past three years, Inc. Magazine has named Cellular Sales one of the nation’s fastest growing retail companies in the country.

For more information about the new Cellular Sales stores, visit www.CellularSales.com. For more information on joining the company, visit www.JoinCellularSales.com.

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Media Contact:
Sarah Malak
(865) 584-0550
smalak@ackermannpr.com

Former Tennessee Governor Don Sundquist joins BioPet Vet Lab Board of Directors

Posted by Sarah Pope – June 28, 2011

Knoxville, Tenn. – BioPet Vet Lab, a biotechnology company specializing in canine genetic testing, is pleased to announce that former Tennessee Governor Don Sundquist has joined its Board of Directors.

BioPet, a Knoxville, Tenn., based company, has recently launched their franchise program for PooPrints™, a product designed to promote responsible pet ownership and address one of the world’s growing environmental problems.  Governor Sundquist’s experience in dealing with the government will be a great plus to BioPet Vet Lab as they move forward with the PooPrints™ franchise program.

Governor Sundquist served as governor of Tennessee from 1995 to 2003.  He also served as US representative from 1982 to 1994.  Presently he is a Partner at Sundquist Anthony LLC, Director at Howard Baker Center for Public Policy – University of Tennessee, Advisory Board Member at ICCF (International Conservation Caucus Foundation), and Governors Board of Director, among several other board appointments.  In addition, he remains active in his consulting firm in Washington, DC.

Over the past 30 years, the canine population in the United States has doubled to more than 78 million pets.  Records show that up to 40% of dog owners do not pick up the droppings, creating an increasingly negative environmental impact.  Consumer Reports survey in 2010 has shown that the nuisance from this is now ranked no.6 on their list of “America’s Top Gripes,” right below unreliable internet service.  The greater impact, however, occurs when the droppings wash into lakes, rivers, and streams, bringing a host of bacteria with them.  Because of this, the EPA now ranks the pollution problem in the same health category as toxic chemicals and oil entering the water supply.

Eric Mayer, Director of Franchise Development at BioPet, states that the EPA lists pet waste management at the top of their guidelines for Pollution Prevention/Good Housekeeping for Municipal Operations, and that there have been several reports recently of lakes and rivers closing from ground seepage.  He further states the general public does not understand the very real health and environmental risks that dog waste poses.  As an example, each dog dropping carries approximately 3 billion fecal coliform bacteria including Salmonella and E.coli.  Exposure to these microbes not only causes fish kills, but can also transfer from dog-to-dog, and dog-to-human.

BioPet views PooPrints™ as the responsible answer to solving these environmental and health problems.  Government regulation related to pet waste management will soon be implemented on a large scale, as many cities and towns currently have these ordinances on the books.

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About BioPet Vet Lab:  BioPet Vet Lab is an animal DNA testing laboratory located in Knoxville, Tennessee. BioPet’s research and development group explores genetic science in order to offer new tests that can be used to improve the healthcare and quality of life for our beloved pets. For additional information about BioPet Vet Lab, visit their website at www.biopetvetlab.com.

Media Contact:
Jeff Hooper
Ackermann PR                                     
(865) 584-0550
jhooper@ackermannpr.com

Thome named Director of Operations of Cellular Sales

Posted by Sarah Pope – June 21, 2011

Thome

Knoxville, Tenn. – Cellular Sales announced that James “JT” Thome has been named Director of Operations. Thome brings nearly 15 years of experience in information technology and executive-level management to the company. In addition to his work with software engineering, e-commerce and logistics, Thome will also be called upon for his experience in business development and marketing.

“We’re glad to welcome JT to Cellular Sales,” said Dane Scism, founder and CEO. “His background and skills are exactly what our company needs to prime our infrastructure for continued growth and success.”

Prior to joining Cellular Sales, Thome was Chief Operating Officer of Textbooks.com, the nation’s leading online retailer of new and used textbooks. Under Thome’s leadership, sales grew nearly 70 percent in one year.

Thome has also held high-level positions with Jewelry Television in Knoxville, Tenn., WebMD and AT&T.

“I’m excited to be back in Knoxville and working for Cellular Sales,” said Thome. “It is a fantastic company that’s growing by leaps and bounds, and I’m proud to be a part of their team.”

Thome graduated with a bachelor’s degree in computer science from the United States Military Academy at West Point. He also holds an MBA from Emory University. He resides in Knoxville.

About Cellular Sales
Cellular Sales, the nation’s largest Verizon premium wireless retailer, is an 18-year-old privately held company founded and headquartered in Knoxville, Tenn. The company operates more than 400 stores across the United States. For the past three years, Inc. Magazine has named Cellular Sales one of the nation’s fastest growing retail companies in the country. For more information about Cellular Sales, visit www.CellularSales.com.

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Media Contact:
Sarah Malak
(865) 584-0550
smalak@ackermannpr.com

Hearing and Speech Foundation Announces New Board of Directors

Posted by Sarah Pope – June 7, 2011

Alan Boeckmann, new chairman of the board of Hearing and Speech Foundation

Knoxville, Tenn. – The Hearing & Speech Foundation (HSF) announced today that it has appointed a new board of directors. Alan Boeckmann has been named chairman of the board. He is the recently retired CEO and still Chairman of the Board of Fluor Corporation.

Boeckmann’s introduction to the Hearing and Speech Foundation, which was created to bring the gift of sound to those affected by severe and profound hearing loss, came about after a childhood fever left his son with profound hearing loss. His son received excellent care and went on to lead a nearly normal life, so Boeckmann has devoted his life to giving the hearing impaired the gift of sound.

“The Hearing and Speech Foundation has always been successful in East Tennessee, but forming a national board will allow us to reach a broader audience and further the organization’s efforts,” said Boeckmann. “The benefits of our initiatives will, in return, allow for an even greater level of care and treatment locally.”

“The endeavors and accomplishments of the Hearing and Speech Foundation have grown tremendously since the organization’s founding in 1981. Now we’re taking the foundation to the next level by forming a strong board of key players who can serve as national ambassadors for this important work,” said John Berry, owner of Blount Hearing and Speech Services and co-founder and CEO of HSF.

The Hearing and Speech Foundation’s new board of directors with titles is as follows:

  • Alan Boeckmann, Board Chairman
    Boeckmann is the recently retired CEO and still Chairman of the Board of Fluor Corporation.
  • John S. Berry, Board Member
    Berry is the owner of Blount Hearing and Speech Services and co-founder and CEO of the Hearing and Speech Foundation. He is a world-renowned expert in the application of the Verbal Tonal method of treatment for the hearing impaired.
  • Roma Y. Renfro, Treasurer
    Renfro is a former teacher for the deaf.
  • Cathy Ackermann, Board Member
    Ackermann is the president and CEO of Ackermann PR.
  • Dr. Gerald W. Gibson, Board Member
    President Emeritus Dr. Gerald W. Gibson served as president of Maryville College from 1993 to 2010.
  • Dr. Joseph E. Johnson, Board Member
    President Emeritus Dr. Joseph E. Johnson was president of the University of Tennessee from 1991 to 1999.
  • Avis A. Phillips, Board Member
    Phillips is founder, owner and president of Avisco, Inc. Mrs. Phillips and her husband, Ted Phillips, also own Phillips and Jordan.

For more information about the Hearing and Speech Foundation and its new board of directors, contact Sarah Malak at (865) 584-0550 or smalak@ackermannpr.com.

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About the Hearing and Speech Foundation
The Hearing and Speech Foundation was created to bring the gift of sound to those affected by severe and profound hearing loss. Since 1981, the foundation has served not only as a patient care center, but as a leader in the research and treatment of hearing impairment. By focusing on cutting-edge, research-based techniques, the Hearing and Speech Foundation works to bring a positive change to the traditional treatment options for the hearing impaired. For more information about the Hearing and Speech Foundation, visit www.HSFWeb.org.

Media Contact:
Sarah Malak
(865) 584-0550
smalak@ackermannpr.com  

Nominations Now Being Accepted for 2011 Anderson County Hall of Fame Induction

Posted by Sarah Pope – June 6, 2011

Hallerin Hilton Hill

Lake City, Tenn. – Do you know someone who deserves to be recognized for his or her service to the local community, or who simply demonstrates excellence in his or her field?  Now in its fifth year, the Anderson County Hall of Fame acknowledges individuals in the local community during an annual dinner and induction ceremony.  Proceeds from the event will benefit the Boys & Girls Club of North Anderson County.

Inductees, who must be a resident of, work in, or have been born in Anderson County, are selected in the categories of Business Leader, Athlete, Elected Official, Community Volunteer, Military, Lifetime Achievement, Coach/Youth Mentor, and K-12 Educator. The deadline to submit nominations is June 30, 2011.

This year’s Hall of Fame Dinner and Induction Ceremony will take place on October 6, 2011 at the First Baptist Church of Clinton, located at 225 North Main Street. Hallerin Hilton Hill of NewsTalk 98.7 FM in Knoxville is the featured speaker.

“The leaders recognized by the Anderson County Hall of Fame exemplify the traits that Boys & Girls Clubs instill in young people, ensuring great futures for our youth and our community,” said John D. Lee, President and CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley. “This is an excellent event for the organization to be involved with.”

For more information about the Fifth Annual Anderson County Hall of Fame Dinner and Induction Ceremony, including ticket prices and nomination instructions, call (865) 426-4711 or visit www.AndersonCountyHallofFame.com.

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About Boys & Girls Club of North Anderson County
The Boys & Girls Club of North Anderson County, a member of Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley (BGCTNV), began providing services to children in 2005. The Club now serves more than 250 youth annually. BGCTNV offers programs that increase academic success, encourage healthy lifestyles and develop productive citizens among youth and teens. Along with providing educational support and leadership opportunities, Clubs empower youth to support and influence their Club and community, sustain meaningful relationships with others, develop a positive self-image, participate in the democratic process and respect their own and others’ cultural identities. There are 16 Club locations in Knox, Blount, Loudon and Northern Anderson Counties.

Media Contact:
Sarah Malak
(865) 584-0550
smalak@ackermannpr.com

Marathon-crashing dog inspires big donation

Posted by Sarah Pope – May 31, 2011

(FULTON, Md.) – Dozer, a 3-year-old goldendoodle from Fulton, Maryland, recently made headlines when he joined more than 2,000 runners in the Maryland Half Marathon on May 15.

That day, Dozer tagged along with his owners, Roseanna and Greg Dorset, to visit Roseanna’s brother’s home, which has an installed Invisible Fence Brand containment system. Because of a power outage, the system had temporarily gone down. It just so happened that at the same time, participants in the Maryland Half Marathon were running in front of the home – and Dozer just had to join in.

Dozer’s owners had no idea that he had joined the race around mile 5 of the 13.1-mile race – but they found out later when Dozer earned a medal for crossing the finish line – and caused quite a commotion when race organizers realized he was running alone.

The owner of Invisible Fence Brand of Maryland heard Dozer’s story, and was motivated to make a $1,000 donation to Dozer’s webpage on the race website, which is raising funds for the University of Maryland Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Cancer Center.

“We are so happy that Dozer was safe and unharmed after leaving the yard. The purpose of Invisible Fence systems is to protect pets, and that’s always our number one priority,” said Deborah Smith, owner of Invisible Fence Brand of Maryland.

“Dozer is a hero. Not only did he complete a long run that was no doubt challenging, but he is now inspiring people all over America to give money to cancer research,” said Smith. “To date, he has raised over $10,000! That’s quite a feat for a dog that was simply out enjoying a run!”

Invisible Fence Brand of Maryland has also provided Roseanna’s brother, Rocco Panza, with a battery backup for his Invisible Fence system to ensure the system continues to work in the event of a power outage. To learn more about Invisible Fence Brand and its charitable efforts, visit www.InvisibleFence.com.

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Invisible Fence® Brand pet containment and avoidance systems are produced by Radio Systems Corporation and have a 99.5% success rating, according to Invisible Fence® Brand. For more information, visit www.invisiblefence.com.

Media Contact:
Jeff Hooper
(865) 584-0550
jhooper@ackermannpr.com

Cellular Sales opens four new stores

Posted by Sarah Pope – May 25, 2011

Knoxville, Tenn. – Cellular Sales, the nation’s largest Verizon premium wireless retailer, has opened four new stores nationwide in the past two weeks. The new stores opened in Inverness, Fla., Chattanooga, Tenn., Rochester, N.Y. and Floresville, Texas.

Currently, Cellular Sales has more than 400 stores across the United States. Sales consultants for the company earn an average of more than $51,000 per year.

Cellular Sales is an 18-year-old privately held company founded and headquartered in Knoxville, Tenn.  For the past three years, Inc. Magazine has named Cellular Sales one of the nation’s fastest growing retail companies in the country.

For more information about the new Cellular Sales stores, visit www.CellularSales.com. For more information on joining the company, visit www.JoinCellularSales.com.

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Media contact:
Sarah Malak
(865) 584-0550
smalak@ackermannpr.com

Cellular Sales, the nation’s largest Verizon Wireless retailer, announces major expansion in South Texas

Posted by Sarah Pope – May 17, 2011

Cellular Sales store interior

Knoxville, Tenn. – May 17, 2011 – Cellular Sales, the nation’s largest Verizon premium wireless retailer, announced today that it is expanding in South Texas.  The company will invest a total of more than $1.05 million and open 10 new stores in the region by the end of 2011, with five stores opening in the next four months.

Approximately 40 sales representatives are needed to service the new South Texas Cellular Sales stores opening in the next four months. An additional 38 sales positions will be created when five more stores open between September and December 2011. Sales representatives for Cellular Sales earn more than $51,000 annually on average.

The cities/towns where the new stores are opening are listed below, plus the address, opening date, investment and number of sales positions created for each store:

  • City: Floresville, Texas
    Address: 935 10th Street, Floresville, Texas 78114
    Open Date: May 14, 2011
    Investment in Store: $150,000
    Sales Positions Created: 7
  • City: Georgetown, Texas
    Address: 3304 Williams Drive, Georgetown, Texas 78328
    Open Date: June 20, 2011
    Investment in Store: $200,000
    Sales Positions Created: 7
  • City: Lockhart, Texas
    Address: 1712 S. Colorado, Lockhart, Texas 78644
    Open Date: June 24, 2011
    Investment in Store: $240,000
    Sales Positions Created: 7
  • City: Harker Heights, Texas
    Address: 701 Indian Trail, Harker Heights, Texas 76548
    Open Date: August 31, 2011
    Investment in Store: $280,000
    Sales Positions Created: 12
  • City: Pleasanton, Texas
    Address: 2140 W. Oaklawn, Pleasanton, TX 78064
    Open Date: September 9, 2011
    Investment in Store: $180,000
    Sales Positions Created: 7

“Cellular Sales is expanding in South Texas because of our ultimate goal to achieve the best wireless customer experience in the industry,” said Ty Rankin, Regional Director of Cellular Sales. “This excellent experience is the product of intense sales representative training and a special emphasis on making and keeping our customers happy.”

“We love our customers. One of Cellular Sales’ philosophies is to turn our customers into dedicated fans who don’t want to do business anywhere else,” said Cellular Sales Regional Director Bay Willingham. “We promise to

Cellular Sales Store Exterior

carry that philosophy into all of our new South Texas locations.”

Currently, Cellular Sales operates approximately 400 stores across the United States.

“As a company, we have grown by about 30 percent every year.  Our expansion in South Texas is not a one-time event.  We have every intention to continue this pattern in South Texas and in all of our markets,” said Willingham.

Cellular Sales is an 18-year-old privately held company founded and headquartered in Knoxville, Tenn.  For the past three years, Inc. Magazine has named Cellular Sales one of the nation’s fastest growing retail companies in the country.

For more information about Cellular Sales’ South Texas expansion, contact Blake Andrews, South Texas Recruiting Coordinator, at (210) 823-1755 or blake.andrews@cellularsales.com or visit the company’s web site at www.cellularsales.com. Job seekers should visit www.JoinCellularSales.com to schedule an interview.

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

Cellular Sales opens five new stores in five states

Posted by Sarah Pope – May 13, 2011

Knoxville, Tenn. – Cellular Sales, the nation’s largest Verizon premium wireless retailer, has opened five new stores nationwide in the past two weeks. The new stores opened in Havre de Grace, Md., Grovetown, Ga., Hope Mills, N.C., Lapalco, La. and White Settlement, Texas, and a store in Clinton, Tenn. has relocated.

Currently, Cellular Sales has nearly 400 stores across the United States. Sales consultants for the company earn an average of more than $51,000 per year.

Cellular Sales is an 18-year-old privately held company founded and headquartered in Knoxville, Tenn.  For the past three years, Inc. Magazine has named Cellular Sales one of the nation’s fastest growing retail companies in the country.

For more information about the new Cellular Sales stores, visit www.CellularSales.com. For more information on joining the company, visit www.JoinCellularSales.com.

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Media Contact:
Sarah Malak, Ackermann PR
(865) 584-0550
smalak@ackermannpr.com