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Titanic Museum Attraction to host first annual Titanic Authors’ Week April 1-7 in Pigeon Forge

Posted by Erin Freeman – April 1, 2013

Pigeon Forge, Tenn. – For the first time, 10 celebrated authors of Titanic historical books and novels will make their public appearances together on Monday, April 1 through Sunday, April 7 from 10am – 5pm at the Titanic Museum Attraction’s First annual Titanic Authors’ Week in Pigeon Forge, Tenn., announces Titanic Museum Attraction’s co-owner, Mary Kellogg-Joslyn.

There have been hundreds of Titanic books written about the legendary ship – books written from every possible perspective. Now, all Titanic fans and followers will have the opportunity to meet and interact with authors of many of these remarkable books during this unprecedented, six day book signing event.

This, free book signing fair will be held outside in the parking lot of the museum attraction. Each author will have his or her own tented reception area where visitors can engage him or her in their favorite subject – Titanic. Photos with the authors can be taken during book signings. Titanic books purchased at the fair, will entitle the buyer to discounted admittance to the Titanic Museum Attraction, where this year, they’ll Discover the Children of Titanic, an amazing new gallery dedicated entirely to Titanic’s smallest heroes.

“We know that Titanic books are the biggest selling items in our gift shop. Grown-ups and children alike are drawn to them. Perhaps, because the written word can stir emotion and imagination unlike anything else,” says Kellogg-Joslyn. “Each book, in its own way, is a chronicle of faith, heroism, sacrifice and survival. They line the shelves of libraries and private homes around the world, and we’re proud to be one of the largest repositories of Titanic books, anywhere. So, bookmark the date, Monday, April 1 through Sunday, April 7, and plan to join us. I hope you do.”

Additional information about Authors’ Week and other special events at the Titanic Museum Attraction can be found online at www.titanicattraction.com. Tickets are not required for the book signing fair, but are needed for tours of the attraction. The Titanic Museum Attraction opens daily at 9 a.m. in Pigeon Forge. Reservations for museum tours are strongly suggested since many days sell out entirely. Passengers may purchase tickets online at www.titanicattraction.com or by phone at (800) 381-7670.

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

Local developers, business leaders and government officials ceremoniously break ground on University Commons

Posted by Ryan Willis – March 7, 2013

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Today, during an event organized by local developers, CHM, LLC, and attended by Knoxville business leaders and government officials, including Knoxville Mayor Madeline Rogero, ground was broken in preparation for the building of University Commons, Knoxville’s first urban, vertical retail complex.

University Commons, a distinctive multi-story urban shopping and dining development located on the former Fulton Bellows site, will cover 12+ acres, with 211,000 square feet of retail space and parking.  Anchored by nationally recognized brands, Walmart and Publix, on property adjacent to the University of Tennessee, 40,000 more square feet will be dedicated to smaller retailers and service providers once the project is completed.

According to Mike McGuffin, a partner with CHM, LLC, the uniquely designed, urban retail complex will fill a grocery and retail void in the downtown and University areas, including providing grocery/supermarket services in what is considered a federally designated “food desert.”

“Residents in downtown and nearby neighborhoods along Alcoa Highway and Kingston Pike will all benefit from the convenience University Commons will provide, as will University of Tennessee students,” said Mayor Rogero. “And the whole city will benefit from the redevelopment of this former industrial property.”

Brian Hooper, vice president of real estate for Walmart, echoed Mayor Rogero’s sentiment.  “We are excited about the opportunity to bring added convenience to the downtown and University of Tennessee area of Knoxville,” said Hooper.

Knoxville & Knox County Officials join CHM partners Budd Cullom, Jim Harrison and Mike McGuffin at groundbreaking for University Commons

McGuffin projects that University Commons will have an approximate economic impact of $226 million on the Knoxville community and create more than 1,500 jobs. “We believe University Commons will be an excellent example on how public and private partnerships can create viable, economically sound projects for a community while enhancing the quality of life for its residents,” said McGuffin.

According to CHM, LLC partner, Jim Harrison, University Commons transforms a once non-productive real estate brownfield into a developmental asset while anchoring several other major public and private development efforts in the area including the Cumberland Avenue Corridor Project.  “Together, University Commons and the Cumberland Avenue Corridor Project will change a semi-suburban area, often used as a pass-through, into a safe and attractive urban district for the community,” said Harrison.

“University Commons and the Cumberland Avenue Corridor Project are great complements to each other,” echoed Budd Cullom, the third member of the Knoxville-based CHM, LLC development team.

According to the developers, Walmart and Publix are slated to open during the summer of 2014.

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Media Contact:
Ryan Willis
rwillis@ackermannpr.com
(865) 584-0550

ORNL FCU announces expansion at Northshore Town Center – 33rd branch to be built

Posted by Erin Freeman – February 13, 2013

Oak Ridge, Tenn. – On the heels of a monumental year of growth that included a 15 percent increase in its consumer loan portfolio and a more than 12 percent growth in all loans, including mortgage, consumer and business, ORNL Federal Credit Union (FCU), East Tennessee’s largest credit union, today announced it has entered into an agreement to purchase land with the intention of opening a new full service branch in 2014. To be located in Northshore Town Center, the new branch – ORNL FCU’s 33rd branch – will provide a full suite of services and greater convenience to ORNL FCU’s membership of approximately 157,000.

“We are very pleased to be making this expansion announcement as it will allow us the opportunity to better serve and bring increased value to our members,” said Chris Johnson, President and CEO. “We have a very dedicated staff and board of directors who have worked hard to make this expansion a reality, and since we are member-owned, our focus is on delivering solutions to our members, rather than making money for stockholders.”

According to Johnson, in the past 13 years ORNL FCU has tripled its assets – from $450 million to $1.43 billion – and more than doubled its membership. Over the past 10 years, it expanded to serving 16 East Tennessee counties, a demographic region with a little more than one million in population. Additionally, because of its size, ORNL FCU has been able to grow through offering services to peers. In 2006, the credit union created a service organization, called CU Community, which provides mortgage services to other credit unions.

For more information on ORNL FCU, visit www.ORNLFCU.com.

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ORNL Federal Credit Union is a not-for-profit financial cooperative locally owned and operated by its members for the benefit of all who belong. Established in 1948 with 10 founding members, ORNL Federal Credit Union’s assets have grown to over $1.43 billion and membership has grown to over 157,000. Open to all businesses and anyone who lives, works, worships, or attends school in the 16 counties of Central East Tennessee, ORNL Federal Credit Union currently serves members in 32 branches located throughout Anderson, Blount, Campbell, Hamblen, Knox, Loudon, Monroe, Roane, Sevier and Union counties.


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

Here Comes Santa Claus….Thousands of Them

Posted by Ryan Willis – December 3, 2012

Sevierville, Tenn. – Following the very successful inaugural event in 2011, the Santa Hustle is returning to the Wilderness at the Smokies resort on Sunday, Dec. 9, 2012 at 8 a.m.  This year’s event promises to bring even more Santa beards and hats to the parkway, with nearly 3,000 participants expected, doubling the size of last year’s race.

The Santa Hustle is a half marathon and 5k run/walk with participants in the holiday-themed race receiving a free Santa hat, beard and a customized shirt to wear while competing.  It is a part of the fast-growing Santa Hustle series, that continues to expand and will travel to seven different locations around the country this winter.

“The Santa Hustle is such a fun and unique event for our guests and the surrounding community,” said Steve Cruz, General Manager of Wilderness at the Smokies. “It’s going to be quite a scene with thousands of Santas running down the parkway with the Smoky Mountains in the background – we are really looking forward to this year’s event.”

If the Santa beards and hats aren’t enough to get participants in the holiday spirit, the race course will be lined with candy and cookie stations while holiday music fills the air.  Also, following the race, everyone can enjoy a large after party at Wilderness with more music, food and drinks.

This year’s race charity is Toys for Tots.  Participants are asked to bring an unwrapped toy to donate on race day for underprivileged children.  U.S. Marines will be on hand to collect these toys.

“Last year was a fantastic start for us here in East Tennessee, and we fully expect this year’s event to be even better, with many more participants,” said Adrenaline Sports Management event director Heather Frayn. “Not only are we excited to be back in the Great Smoky Mountains, but we are also delighted to be helping out Toys for Tots during the holiday season.”

Pre-race packet pick-up will only be available at the Wilderness at the Smokies on Saturday, Dec. 8 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Participants must pick up their packets at this time or have a friend pick it up for them.  For more information about the race, please visit www.santahustlesmokies.com or call toll-free 877-325-9453.

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

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Media Contact:
Ryan Willis
(865) 584-0550
rwillis@ackermannpr.com

RomanticAsheville.com features The Swag

Posted by Erin Freeman – September 24, 2012

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A preview of Outdoor KnoxFest

Posted by Erin Freeman – July 9, 2012

KNOXVILLE – Outdoor KnoxFest, a three-day Urban Adventure packed with events and activities for the avid adventurer, weekend warrior, novice outdoor enthusiast and anyone who loves to get out and play, is scheduled for August 24-26, 2012.

WBIR-TV recently interviewed Carol Evans, executive director of the Legacy Parks Foundation, during its “Newsmakers” segment so that she could highlight the festival’s events.

The event benefits Legacy Parks Foundation, a Knoxville-based non-profit working to expand and promote outdoor recreational venues and opportunities throughout East Tennessee.

For more information on or to register for Outdoor KnoxFest, visit www.outdoorknoxville.com.

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

Girl Scouts 100th Anniversary Chattanooga Bridgefest a success!

Posted by admin – June 25, 2012

Chattanooga, Tenn. – On Saturday, June 2, 2012, hundreds of Girl Scouts from the Southern Appalachians region celebrated the 100th Anniversary of Girl Scouting in downtown Chattanooga.
 
The event, Chattanooga Bridgefest, began with an Opening Ceremony in AT&T Field – Lookouts Stadium at 9 a.m. Next, at 10 a.m., hundreds of Girl Scouts and their families participated in a symbolic bridging ceremony across Walnut Street Bridge. Finally, the crowd enjoyed a party in Coolidge Park until 2 p.m.

See below for a gallery of photos from the day! 

For more information on the Girl Scouts 100th Anniversary and the Girl Scout Council of the Southern Appalachians, visit www.GirlScoutcsa.org.

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

Opening Ceremony in AT&T Field - Lookouts Stadium

 

Crowd at Opening Ceremony - AT&T Field - Lookouts Stadium

 

Chattanooga Lookouts Mascot Loouise poses with Girl Scouts

 

Chattanooga Lookouts mascot Loouise poses with Girl Scouts holding 100th Anniversary banner

 

Opening Ceremony emcee, News Channel 9's Sarah Jennings poses with Girl Scouts

 

 

 

Hundreds of Girl Scouts and their families participate in a symbolic bridging ceremony into the second century of Girl Scouting

 

Girl Scouts enjoy the festivities in Coolidge Park

 

Girl Scouts lead the dance to the 100th Anniversary song, "Ignite" by Melinda Caroll

 

A favorite activity of Girl Scouts - dancing!

 

More dancing in Coolidge Park

 

Zumba instructors lead a dance in Coolidge Park

 

Stiltwalker Carrie McQueen entertains Girl Scouts in Coolidge Park

 

Girl Scout Council of the Southern Appalachians CEO Booth Kammann gives a little temporary cheek art to a Girl Scout

 

Limbo!

 

 

 

A troop takes a break in Coolidge Park

Wilderness at the Smokies Resort Brings G-Force Thrills to Waterslide Fun

Posted by Ryan Willis – June 7, 2012

Sevierville, Tenn. – The newest waterslide to debut at Wilderness at the Smokies Resort appeals to a certain type of thrill seeker, perhaps one who has wondered what it might be like to be a drop of water inside a water pistol. The Wild Vortex features a trap door launching pad and a gravity-powered loop-the-loop experience at 2.5 g (g-force) and has adrenaline-hungry visitors lining up for a waterslide experience unlike any other ever seen in the Smokies or the Southeast.

Standing 66-foot tall, the slide is the only near-vertical, translucent, looping waterslide in the Southeast.  Riders of the Wild Vortex will enter the capsule at the top of the ride, standing vertically over a trap door.  Once the trap door is released, the rider accelerates into a 39-foot vertical free fall drop generating maximum g-force (2.5 g in less than two seconds) before reaching the inclined loop element.  The entire ride is over within seven seconds.

“The Wild Vortex provides our guests with the opportunity to witness and experience one of the most extreme thrill rides in any water or amusement park in the country,” said Steve Cruz, General Manager of Wilderness at the Smokies.  “It has been an extremely busy year for us as this opening marks the launch of our second major expansion of the year.”

In March, the resort opened Adventure Forest family entertainment park, a ‘dry’ indoor park that has doubled the resort’s indoor park offerings.  It features a three-story ropes course, multi-level enclosed laser tag arena, mini-bowling, black-light mini-golf, more than 100 arcade games, a ‘Laser Maze,’ a 23-foot climbing wall, special birthday party rooms, another restaurant and lounge, plus other attractions and activities that do not involve water.

Cruz added, “We look forward to continuing to expand and providing our guests with a new and enhanced experience each time they choose to vacation with us.”

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

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

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Digital images of Wilderness at the Smokies are available to all media.  Contact Ryan Willis at (865) 584-0550 for more information.


Community Awareness Day, Saturday May 19th at ETMG

Posted by Lisa Hood Skinner – May 17, 2012

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. -

WHO: East Tennessee Medical Group

WHAT: Community Awareness Day

WHEN: May 19th 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.

WHERE: ETMG Parking Lot

WHY: To support Relay for Life, a community event to help find a cure for cancer.

ACTIVITIES INCLUDE: Kids Bike Safety Rodeo from 10am-2pm with food, vendors ranging from crafts to cosmetics to tools, and $5 car wash available for all!

CONTACT INFO: Bobbie Santos at 789-5162, bobbiesantos1@gmail.com or Donna Bragg at 806-0818, dbriscoe3@gmail.com

Showcase weekend for sport of lacrosse in Knoxville

Posted by Ryan Willis – February 24, 2012

Knoxville, Tenn. – Football. Basketball. Hockey. Soccer.  If these four sports were thrown in a blender and mixed together, the result would be one of the country’s fastest growing sports – lacrosse.  Typically a sport that has been more popular in the North, lacrosse is quickly becoming a popular option across the South, including the Knoxville area, which will play host to a showcase weekend for the sport, February 24-27. 

The weekend will include match-ups on the high school level featuring Farragut, Webb School of Knoxville and Father Ryan (Nashville).  On the collegiate level, the University of Tennessee men’s lacrosse team will take on Virginia Tech and Alabama, while Knoxville will also host its first-ever NCAA lacrosse game on Monday, February 27, featuring Birmingham-Southern and Adrian College.  The full schedule is listed below. 

“This is such an exciting weekend for all of us in the lacrosse community because we get the opportunity to spotlight a sport that continues to grow and expand in the Knoxville area,” said Matt Synowiez, Head Coach, UT Men’s Lacrosse and director of the Smoky Mountain Lacrosse Club. “We hope the community takes this opportunity to come out and watch a game, and see just how skilled these athletes are and how much fun this game is to watch and play.” 

The sport of lacrosse continues to grow in Knoxville at the youth level, through Knox Youth Sports programs and the Smoky Mountain Lacrosse Club (SMLC).  Knox Youth Sports caters to those interested at the “beginners” level, while SMLC offers summer leagues for middle and high school aged students.  The SMLC will feature two travel teams this summer, coached by the UT lacrosse staff, and geared toward developing players to play at the collegiate level.

The SMLC also founded a men’s summer lacrosse league with participants ranging in age from late teens to late 50’s.  This league has grown from 50 members the first summer to more than 100 participants last summer. 

“We expect this weekend’s events to continue to fuel the growth of the sport at all levels in East Tennessee,” added Synowiez. 

Lacrosse Weekend Showcase Schedule

Friday, February 24
University of Tennessee vs. Virginia Tech – 7:30 p.m. (UT Intramural Fields)

Father Ryan (Nashville) vs. Farragut – 7:00 p.m. (Farragut – Johnny Long Training Academy) 

Saturday, February 25
Father Ryan vs. Webb – 2:00 p.m. (Webb)

Virginia Tech vs. Alabama – 2:00 p.m. (UT Intramural Fields)

Sunday, February 26
University of Tennessee vs. Alabama – 12:00 p.m. (UT Intramural Fields) 

Monday, February 27
Birmingham-Southern vs. Adrian College – 12:30 p.m. (UT Intramural Fields)

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