Sevierville, Tenn.

Packages include everything from photography classes to whitewater rafting to shopping and even getting complete makeovers.  Along with a variety of activities, each package includes a stay at one of Sevierville’s best hotels.

“Thanks to our location, we are able to offer a wide variety of unique and enjoyable experiences in one place that you would typically only be able to enjoy by traveling to multiple destinations,” said Amanda Marr, Sevierville Chamber of Commerce marketing director.  “We give the ladies the opportunity to go ziplining and tour the Smoky Mountains via helicopter one day and then enjoy shopping and a personal style makeover the next.”

The following packages are available along with the option to create a customized getaway:

• Different Point of View – helicopter tour, safari, photography class
• High Flying Adventure – ziplining, helicopter tour, Lumberjack Feud show
• Beat the Heat – whitewater rafting, river tubing
• Back to Nature – Ripley’s Aquarium, photography class, safari
• Be a Kid Again – NASCAR Speedpark, minor league baseball game, WonderWorks
• Shopping Safari – Cirque De Chine show, personal makeover/shopping, safari
• Laughter is the Best Medicine – Comedy Barn Theater, miniature golf

More detailed information on these packages can be found at www.officialgirlfriendsgetaway.com.

Along with the introduction of these girlfriends’ getaway packages, the Sevierville Chamber of Commerce is also releasing a series of webisodes featuring last year’s Great Girlfriends’ Getaway contest winners and the experience and the activities they shared during their trip.  These webisodes will be released every week via fb.com/Sevierville and on www.OfficialGirlfriendsGetaway.com.

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If you would like more information or to schedule an interview, please contact Ryan Willis at (865) 584-0550 or rwillis@ackermannpr.com.

WHO: East Tennessee Medical Group

WHAT: Community Awareness Day

WHEN: May 19^th 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

Asheville, N.C. –

Tickets sales begin in May.  For more information and a schedule of on-sale dates, visit www.biltmore.com/concerts

The full Biltmore Concert Series line-up is:

• Steve Miller Band, Aug. 9 on the South Terrace
• Peter Frampton, Aug.11 on the South Terrace
• KC and the Sunshine Band and Village People, Aug. 18 on the South Terrace
• Alison Krauss and Union Station featuring Jerry Douglas, Aug.24 on the South Terrace
• Chris Tomlin, Aug. 25 on the South Terraces
• Foreigner, Sept. 1 on the South Terrace
• The Lettermen, Sept. 28 at Diana at Biltmore
• David Cassidy in Concert, Oct. 5 at Diana at Biltmore
• Mary Wilson of the Supremes, Oct. 12 at Diana at Biltmore
• Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers, Oct. 19 at Diana at Biltmore

A variety of ticket, dining and accommodations packages are available for all of the concerts.  Tickets do not include or require estate admission. Performers and dates are subject to change. Biltmore Twelve-Month Passholders receive a discount on general admission and reserved seating. For more information or to purchase tickets visit www.biltmore.com/concerts, or call 866-336-1255.

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

Biltmore brings it with miles of rolling hills, stunning mountain views, babbling streams, farm yards and even live music by big-name performers on starry summer nights. Not to mention the 250-room Biltmore House, George Vanderbilt’s dream home that he lived in more than 100 years ago.

Biltmore’s slate of outdoor activities and tours guarantees to keep adventurous families on the go. And with kids 16 and younger admitted free all summer, (and free for dads on Father’s Day, June 17), the prospect of stomping around on the grounds of America’s Largest Home is a winner.

Seeing the estate on foot will certainly satisfy curiosities, but taking it in from a bike, on the back of a horse, while floating down a lazy river, or even on a Segway boosts the experience to a new level. Or, try your luck at fly fishing, sporting clays and behind the wheel of a Land Rover (our Land Rover school offers courses for adults AND kids!).

For a more relaxed pace, Biltmore’s summer gardens offer many picnicking spots near tropical palms, thousands of roses, giant sunflowers and colorful lily pads and koi in the Italian Garden pools.

Summer nights heat up with the 16^th annual Biltmore Concert Series when it kicks off Aug. 9. The diverse line-up includes the Steve Miller Band; Peter Frampton; Alison Krauss and Union Station featuring Jerry Douglas; Foreigner; KC and the Sunshine Band and more.

And new this year for history buffs: “The Vanderbilts at Home and Abroad.” This exhibition divulges details and tidbits about the Vanderbilt family and the lives they led in residence at Biltmore House and on their world travels. Objects from the family’s personal archives are on display – some for the first time – and help tell the story of their lives on the estate.

Extend your visit with an overnight stay at the Inn on Biltmore Estate and take advantage of special deals, including our Three Nights for the Price of Two offer on select dates this summer.

Detailed information on Biltmore’s special summer offerings can be found at www.biltmore.com.

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

Chattanooga

A progressive event, Chattanooga Bridgefest begins at 9 a.m. in AT&T Field – Lookouts Stadium with an Opening Ceremony. Next, at 10 a.m., hundreds of Girl Scouts and their families and friends will walk across Walnut Street Bridge during a symbolic bridging ceremony. Finally, the Girl Scouts will then enjoy a party in Coolidge Park until 2 p.m.

The party in Coolidge Park will feature a family-friendly day full of concessions, inflatables, face painting, games, music and crafts.

But the day doesn’t end at 2 p.m.! The Chattanoooga Lookouts will host Girl Scouts and their families and friends at 7:15 p.m. on June 2 for “2012 Girl Scout Night,” and the group will then sleepover on the field after the game.

Bridgefest and the Chattanooga Lookouts “Girl Scout Night” are both open to the public, regardless of any current or past involvement with Girl Scouts. All members of the community are welcome to come join in a day full of family-friendly fun for all ages.

“The Girl Scouts organization turned 100 years old on March 12, and since then, we’ve hosted numerous events to keep the momentum going,” said Booth Kammann, CEO of Girl Scout Council of the Southern Appalachians. “Bridgefest is the perfect way for our girls to symbolically ‘bridge’ into the second century of Girl Scouting. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for them.”

Pre-registration for Bridgefest is requested and is available online at http://www.girlscoutcsa.org/events/226.  Tickets are $10 in advance or $15 at the gate. Children ages four and under will be admitted free. Pre-registration for “Girl Scout Night” at AT&T Field is requested online at http://www.girlscoutcsa.org/events/358. There are numerous packages to choose from. All events are open to the public.

The event is sponsored in part by First Tennessee, UNUM, Wells Fargo, News Channel 9 and Sunny 92.3.

The media is invited to attend. If you are interested in setting up interviews and/or attending the event, please contact Sarah Pope at spope@ackermannpr.com or (865) 584-0550 (office).

Visit www.GirlScoutcsa.org to learn more about this event and the 100^th Anniversary of Girl Scouting.

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

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

Knoxville, Tenn.

Under the distributor agreement, Power Systems will exclusively market and distribute Les Mills products to fitness clubs and chains, college, university and high school athletic departments, professional personal trainers and fitness and sports training enthusiasts throughout the United States.

“Power Systems is extremely proud that a world leader like Les Mills has selected our company as its partner in the United States,” said Julie Pauletto, President of Power Systems.  “This new distributor agreement is one of several growth initiatives currently underway at Power Systems.”

Commenting on the distributor agreement was Vaughan Schwass, CEO of Enterprises at Les Mills.  “We selected Power Systems as our exclusive U.S. distributor because it has an outstanding reputation, high-quality products and great customer service. The U.S. is a key focus area for us, so we are pleased to have the expertise of industry-leading Power Systems managing the distribution of our equipment in this key region.”

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About Power Systems: Power Systems is the fitness and sports accessory equipment industry leader committed to making a real difference in the health, fitness and performance needs of people at every level of experience. Since its founding in 1986, Power Systems has been recognized for its standards in customer service, product selection and on-time delivery. The company is headquartered in Knoxville, Tennessee. For additional information about Power Systems, visit their website at www.power-systems.com.

About Les Mills International: Les Mills International is the creator of 10 global group fitness programs, including BODYPUMP™ (weights), BODYCOMBAT™ (martial arts) and RPM™ (indoor cycling). Millions of participants every week build their fitness in a LES MILLS™ class, with 90,000 certified instructors teaching LES MILLS™ programs in 14,000 clubs around the world. From its base in Auckland, New Zealand, Les Mills International renews each exercise-to-music program every three months. For more information on Les Mills, visit www.lesmills.com.

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

Oak Ridge

Owned by Joel and Linda Townsend, the Greater Growth operation will be completely free of herbicides and pesticides qualifying it for USDA Organic Certification. According to the USDA, organic farming has been one of the fastest growing segments of United States agriculture for more than a decade with a recent average year to year increase of 15 percent.

“ORNL FCU is proud to support community and economic development in this way as Greater Growth will not only create agricultural jobs, but it is also an organic and green business that will highlight our region as being a key player in the creation of a highly desirable product in an expanding industry,” explained Chris Johnson, ORNL FCU President/CEO.  “Greater Growth’s ‘locally grown’ initiative is supported by the presence of major grocery chains and specialty stores in our area who are emphasizing, more than ever, the sale of organic and locally grown farm products.”

According to the Townsends, the operation also will utilize the local restaurant industry as an additional source of sales and will utilize solar paneling to generate much of its electricity as well as gathering rain water for use within its system.

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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 billion and membership has grown to over 150,000.  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. For more information about ORNL Federal Credit Union, visit www.ornlfcu.com.

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

Knoxville

The MoneyLife workshop is ideal for church, ministry and business leaders who would like to learn more about how Crown provides a sound financial ministry to help participants be better stewards to their community through personal financial management, business management and career guidance. The workshop will be held on Knoxville’s Market Square at Café 4 from 8:30 am to Noon on Wednesday, May 9. Registration for the workshop is $39 and includes a full breakfast and materials.

For additional information about the workshop, visit https://events.crown.org/FINDEVENTS.aspx?eventid=312. For additional information about Crown and its full service of financial ministries visit the organization’s website at www.crown.org.

Sevierville, Tenn. –

“We continue to have a great year and are honored to be recognized on each of these lists,” said Steve Cruz, General Manager of Wilderness at the Smokies.  “These awards and accolades are a direct result of people recognizing what we are able to provide – under one roof – a fun, affordable, family-friendly destination.”

In addition to the top 10 listing by Away.com, Wilderness was recognized by Southern Living last summer in its list of the “South’s Best Pools.”  Other recognitions include being named to the “Top 10 Best Indoor Waterpark Resorts in the U.S.” by TotsandTravel.com and being listed as a “Top Waterpark Resort” in Aquatics International’s “It List” from 2011.

“Building on this momentum, we will soon introduce our guests to a new attraction that will take their experience in our waterpark to a completely new level,” added Cruz.

The Wild Vortex, a 66-foot tall, AquaLoop™ slide will change the resort’s skyline and will be the southeast’s only near-vertical, translucent, looping waterslide.  This 7-second thrill ride features a trap door and a 39-foot vertical free fall drop, with riders reaching speeds of up to 40 mph before entering the looping element of the slide.  It is scheduled to open on June 1, 2012.

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 featuring the southeast’s only Surf Rider, and a newly opened family entertainment park featuring a number of ‘dry’ activities like laser tag, a climbing wall and miniature bowling, Wilderness at the Smokies has something for all age groups. For more information about the resort, call toll-free 877-325-9453 or visit www.WildernessAtTheSmokies.com.

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

This year’s ‘Gift of Hope’ award will be presented to Moll and Charlie Anderson. The award was created to honor Emmet P. “Buck” and Linda Vaughn for the many years of outstanding dedication, inspiration and hope they have provided to the members of Boys & Girls Clubs.

“Creativity, entrepreneurial spirit and determination define Moll and Charlie Anderson. Through their generosity and enduring support of Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley, they ensure the young people we serve gain life-changing experiences and opportunities that ignite great futures,” said Lisa Hurst, President and CEO of BGCTNV. “We are delighted to honor Moll and Charlie with the 2012 Gift of Hope Award.”

Hallerin Hilton Hill will serve as the Master of Ceremonies for the event.

New this year at this luncheon will be a performance by up-and-coming country star and former Halls/Powell Boys & Girls Club member Greylan James. Additionally, an “Ignite Greatness” Club Member Panel will take place, in which four current or past Boys & Girls Club members will participate in a Q&A with Hallerin Hilton Hill about their experiences with BGCTNV.

The ‘Gift of Hope’ luncheon is open to the public, but reservations are required. There is no cost, but a donation is suggested. Contact Sarah Pope at (865) 584-0550 or spope@ackermannpr.com for interviews and/or more information.

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About Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley
Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley offers programs that increase academic success, encourage healthy lifestyles and develop good citizenship and character among youth.  The organization currently serves 5,000 of our area youth, ages 5 to 17 years, throughout the Tennessee Valley region. The organization also provides 338,000 USDA hot meals and snacks annually for members free of charge. The Clubs see as many as 1,120 youth walk through the doors on any given day in the 15 locations in Knox, Blount, Loudon and Northern Anderson Counties. The organization employs more than 280 trained, professional, caring staff and welcomes more than 1,200 volunteers annually.

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