Event Shows There Is More To Raleigh Than Commerce

The SPARKcon festival in downtown Raleigh this past weekend sought to send a pulse of culture through Raleigh. What were they seeking to resuscitate? The culture in a city that has consistently been rated a great place to live based on its widespread job opportunities and solid public school system.

Raleigh citizens may have started to wonder if long days at the office have caused Raleigh to become a humdrum city based on professional progress, but not cultural progress. Sparkcon brought music, bike-riding, craft vendors, artwork, an outdoor movie screening and more to downtown Raleigh. This festival is a testament that culture is still alive and well in Raleigh. It serves as proof that a city’s merit is measured in far more than business interest and standardized test scores.

As downtown Raleigh develops at a rapid rate, festivals like Sparkcon ensure that downtown Raleigh’s history and culture are not drowned out by commercialization.  The Livable Streets Strategic Plan for downtown Raleigh has reforms meant to better what downtown already has by projects like a Fayetteville Street Renaissance.  Sparkcon, however, is funded purely by grass-roots and organizers are adamant that it is not an economic development stunt.

Nonetheless, Raleigh business owners were certainly glad to host SPARKcon.  To business owners and prospective Raleigh industry, culture isn’t about having a good time after work.  It greatly affects their bottom line.  In 2000, the Downtown Raleigh Alliance began investigating the formation of business improvement districts(BIDs).  BIDs are funding mechanisms that give revenue to improve existing municipal services. These services include marketing downtown and visitor outreach.  BIDs do impose a compulsory levy on businesses, but provide security that the business’s surrounding area will be maintained and enhanced.  Undoubtedly, the value of a business’s assets depends on their surroundings.  And showing a city’s citizens that you care as much about their streets as they do? That’s just good public relations.

Do you need a public relations firm in Raleigh?  In the Triangle?  Visit the MMI Associates Web site to find out more.  Any questions?  Give me, Patty, a call at (919) 233-6600.

Related Links

Raleigh Round Up

SPARKcon

Merger With Citigroup Leaves Questions For Many

For more and more of us, the economy’s dire straits are hitting close to home. Charlotte-based Wachovia Corp. is the latest victim, and locals are reeling from the news.

How does a city so dependent on its banking prowess cope with the news that Wachovia will sell its banking operations to New York-based Citigroup? There are 20,000 Wachovia employees in the Charlotte metro region, and it’s likely that none of them found much reassurance in the company’s statements this morning.

The bank’s sudden drop has raised concerns among many Charlotte residents that the city’s economy is poorly diversified. This is probably true. The city has an infrastructure in place to lure in businesses, so it’s not all doom-and-gloom.

Here’s a thought: Should Mayor Pat McCrory take a cue from Republican presidential nominee John McCain this week and temporarily suspend his gubernatorial campaign in order to dispel fears in the Queen City? He likely will face higher unemployment figures and a souring housing market. McCain’s poll numbers proved underwhelming, but such a move might have a stronger impact in the race for the Governor’s mansion.

Do you want great PR?  Visit the MMI Associates Web site to find out more.  Any questions?  Give me, Patty, a call at (919) 233-6600. 

CEO of BB&T Blasts $700 Billion Bailout

John Allison, CEO of BB&T, recently spoke out against the $700 billion bailout plan that is expected to make its way through Congress this week.  Allison cited several problems with the bailout in a letter to Congress last week.

In his letter, Allison pointed out that the government should be spending the money to buy homes, not securities backed by mortgages.  He also questions how the government plans to value real estate assets.  If the government overpays for the assets it will be hurting taxpayers; if the government underpays it will be hurting the real estate market.  Allison’s final complaint was that the U.S. Treasury and investment banks Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley are so interdependent that the Treasury cannot objectively assess the implications of the bailout plan.

BB&T, although hurt from the economic and real estate crisis, has continued to turn a profit.  BB&T did not invest heavily in sub-prime lending.  The Winston-Salem based company is preparing for the departure of John Allison, who will be retiring at the end of the year.

Looking for a public relations firm in Raleigh?  In North Carolina?  Please see the MMI Associates website for more information.  Any questions?  Please give me, Patty, a call at 919-233-6600.

Related Links

President Bush Pushes the Bailout

John Allison Slams Bailout Plan (Triangle Business Journal)

On October 7 from 6 – 9 p.m. at Broad Street Cafe, you can meet the 30 Threads bloggers at the Bull City Blogger Bash.  If you haven’t started reading 30 Threads, you should.  Rounding up the best of the Triangle blogosphere and media, the site offers a daily does of what’s hip and happening all on one page. 

At the event, 30 Threads creators Ginny Skalski and Wayne Sutton will reveal how you can become a guest blogger on the stie.  You don’t want to miss this opportunity to learn how to be a part of the 30 Threads buzz.  After all, truly great public relations creates a buzz. 

Speaking of great public relations, Skalski and Sutton are masterminds.  Good social media sites incorporate user interaction.  What better way to boost virtual interaction than to sponsor real life interaction.  The event promises to generate more interest in the site and more user participation.

Do you want great PR?  Visit the MMI Associates Web site to find out more.  Any questions?  Give me, Patty, a call at (919) 233-6600. 

Sport silences critics with exciting end-of-season play

Baseball, once the unmatched American Pastime, has faced scrutiny in recent times; in today’s fast-paced society, it seems few have time for a lazy afternoon at the ballpark. Attendance and revenues have been off-pace, and opportunities like Barry Bonds’ throttling of Major League Baseball home run records have been squandered by steroid-infused controversies like that of Roger Clemens (and, again, Barry Bonds).

But as many have pointed out, if this season’s division races are any indication of the postseason to follow, baseball is stronger than ever.

Baseball’s strongest selling point has always been the game day experience, rife with Dollar Dog Nights and plenty of player-fan interaction. But the MLB has an ace up its sleeve this year in the quality of baseball being played.

The Tampa Bay Rays have been nothing short of electric this year. (The Triangle benefits here; our Durham Bulls are the Rays’ Triple-A affiliate. Go Bulls!) The NL East race between rivals Philadelphia and New York has captivated the East Coast. And surely the Chicago White Sox-Minnesota Twins battle — still being fought! — will net some attention.

It’s easy to market yourself when you clearly offer a great product. The MLB boasts the best players in the world, from all corners of the globe; no other international league even comes close. The “World Series” isn’t a misnomer.

(While we’re at it: What will it take for professional baseball in Raleigh to finally become a reality?)

In need of a public relations boost around the Triangle? Visit the MMI Associates website for more information. Any questions? Give me, Patty, a call at 919-233-6600.

Triangle hopes to avoid future dry spells

The Triangle is free of a drought that has plagued the area since May 1, 2007, according to The News and Observer. The U.S. Drought Monitor (who knew?) now shows normal, albeit “abnormally dry” conditions across Wake, Johnston and Durham counties. Orange and Chatham counties currently are faring slightly better.

According to the report, in 2008 the Triangle has seen double the typical year-to-date rainfall. That’s a good sign, as is the news that below-ground water sources are being replenished in addition to their above-ground counterparts.

Given the drought’s severity, it will be interesting to follow responses from area governments about implementing safeguards against future rain scarcities. It’s easy to forget just how bad our drought was now that it has passed.

Municipalities and counties might be well served to take charge and work toward securing water supply deals ahead of the next one. It would give local government some much-needed popularity capital. With all the global warming hubbub these days, the next drought can’t be too far off.

In need of a public relations boost around the Triangle? Visit the MMI Associates website for more information. Any questions? Give me, Patty, a call at 919-233-6600.

President Bush addressed the nation last night in an attempt to drum up support for the proposed $700 billion (with a “b”) bailout of Wall St and the financial institutions.  While there is almost unanimous agreement that something must be done Republicans and Democrats alike have balked at the large price tag that comes with few restrictions.

“Just because God created the world in seven days doesn’t mean we have to pass this bill in seven days”

- Rep. Joe Barton, R-Texas.

“We’ve come to this point after eight years of President Bush waging a war on fiscal responsibility.”

- Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev.

“It’s a terrible plan, but I haven’t heard anything better.”

- Rep. Tom Davis, R-Va.

The Bush administration certainly has a tough sell but there is a consensus that something must be done.  What exactly that “something” entails will be the topic of much discussion this weekend as Congress tries to push the plan through with minimal partisan politics.  What do you think about the proposed $700 billion plan?  The quotes above come from the front page of the News and Observer.

Do you need a public relations firm in Raleigh?  In the Triangle?  Please see the MMI Associates website for more information.  Any questions?  Give me, Patty, a call at 919-233-6600.

N.C. State Football Coach Tom O’Brien Not Impressed with USF Defense

Coach Tom O’Brien has caught some flak over some statements made last week concerning the merits of the USF Bull’s defense.  O’Brien was asked if any N.C. State coaches had visited USF to learn about the envied USF spread defense.  He responded by mentioning the Sun Bowl blowout where USF lost 56 – 21 to Oregon.

The USF defensive coordinator replied by saying, “He’s right.  We’re not gurus.  On the other hand, we try to handle things professionally and not say anything … with class, not saying anything about anyone else’s coaching staff.  He can say what he wants to.  The other thing, I forget what bowl game they were in.  That’s all I’ve got to say.”

O’Brien was more abundant in his praise of USF during this week’s news conference praising both their quarterback and their defense.  Only Saturday will tell if O’Brien’s ill-advised comments of last week will give USF extra motivation but it is never a good idea to goad a bull.  This story and quote was found at the News and Observer website.

Are you looking for a public relations firm in Raleigh?  In North Carolina?  MMI Associates is a full-service public relations firm located in Raleigh.  Please see the MMI Associates website for more information.  Any questions?  Give me, Patty, a call at 919-233-6600.

Carolina Hurricanes Kickoff Preseason 9/24

The Carolina Hurricanes kickoff the preseason tonight night in the RBC Center against the Washington Capitals.  The puck starts moving at 7 pm and tickets start at $25.  See the Carolina Hurricanes website for more info.

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O.A.R. with Matt Wertz at Cary’s Booth Amphitheatre 9/26

O.A.R. and Matt Wertz are playing at the Booth Amphitheatre in Cary.  Tickets start at $29.50 for lawn seats.  Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the show begins at 7:30 pm.  Check out the Koka Booth Amphitheatre website for more information.

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N.C. State Wolfpack to take on the USF Bulls 9/27

The Wolfpack are set to take on the University of South Florida Bulls, this Saturday, at 7:30 pm.  They will be playing without their starting quarterback, Russell Wilson, who is out indefinitely.  Tickets start at $43.  For more information go to the Wolfpack sports website.

Local Mall Bans Unsupervised Youth on Friday and Saturday Evenings

Is the Triangle Town Center’s new mall security measure treading on dangerous ground? Possibly.

The local mall, in the wake of a near riot in July that forced the mall to be evacuated, will enact a ban starting Oct. 3 on unsupervised youths under 18 on Friday and Saturday nights after 5 p.m. The brawl, between rival gang members and other teens, magnified mall officials’ concerns about the “youth gone wild.”
According to the Triangle Business Journal, mall security will conduct identification checks starting at 5 p.m. each night as part of the new Youth Escort Policy. Unsupervised minor? Time to leave – and if you don’t, mall officials say they might prosecute trespassers. In addition, mall employees under 18 must go straight to and from their place of employment.

Triangle Town Center General Manager Jack Love and staff have worked to allow teens to voice their concerns, according to The News and Observer, going so far as setting up a monthly teen committee and meeting with leaders from all walks of the community. But the same article cites a generally negative response.

It’s a Catch-22: make your mall safer and the sizable teen target market will defect to other area outlets, but cave to youth demands and risk a mall that resembles the Wild West.
Mall officials are right to make the community hub safe for shopping. But might the administration be well served to grab the public’s attention wherever possible in order to make people comfortable with the direction the mall has taken? Customer retention requires a proactive attitude, and for many kids, the Mall (that’s a capital M) is sacred ground.

Do you want your message to be heard around Raleigh or beyond? Visit the MMI Associates Web site for more information. Any questions? Give me, Patty, a call at 919-233-6600.