The North Carolina 100 - 100 word stories & 100 second videos on topics of intrigue

Influencer Marketing Rising in Popularity

Consider influencer marketing when planning your next marketing campaign.

The rise of ad-blockers and increase in cord-cutting are changing how companies deliver content. The clutter alone can be mind-numbing, so PR and marketing agencies have begun to leverage influencer marketing.

According to the Association of National Advertisers, influencer marketing and content marketing will be the fastest-growing brand activation channels for the next three years. Recent research shows that 70 percent of consumers want to learn about products through content as opposed to traditional ad methods.

When you are planning your next marketing campaign, evaluate the ROI of these two tactics, as they are proven winners.

— Chuck Norman, APR, S&A Communications

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Events

Introducing the SAS Junior Championship

Competitive Junior Golf comes To Cary

The SAS Championship, part of the PGA Tour’s Champions Tour, has announced the addition of a competitive youth golf tournament.

The inaugural SAS Junior Championship is slated for Thursday, August 10 at Prestonwood Country Club. Developed in partnership with the Triangle Youth Golf Association (TYGA), it will be open to 105 junior golfers, both male and female, ages 12 – 18 (as of August 10, 2017). All participants must reside in either Wake County or an adjacent county (including Durham, Chatham, Johnston, Franklin, Granville, Harnett or Nash County).

Registration for the SAS Junior Championship is now open at www.tygajuniorgolf.org

— Mike Trainor, S&A Communications

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travel

Escape to This Captivating Coastline

Take in the salty air and cruise down the beach in your Jeep.

Love the beach? If you have yet to explore the beaches of Currituck County’s Outer Banks, here are a few ideas for your getaway there.

The northern Outer Banks beaches of Currituck County include several distinct beach and vacation rental communities, each with something special to offer visitors.

Take your four-wheel-drive vehicle for a cruise along the coastline, or watch the famous herd of Spanish Mustangs roam freely here as they have for generations.

The beaches are quiet, clean and peaceful, yet still close enough to the area’s attractions, restaurants and activities to keep the whole family entertained.

— S tuart Chamberlain, Currituck Outer Banks Travel & Tourism

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Food

Summer Dining Series: Sunset Terrace

The gorgeous view of the Blue Ridge Mountains at Sunset Terrace (Photo courtesy of Sunset Terrace)

There is no place like the Sunset Terrace at The Omni Grove Park Inn that can capture this stunning view. The outdoor restaurant provides guests with an unforgettable dining experience while overlooking the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Stop in and enjoy an inspired lunch or a relaxed dinner featuring the finest hand-cut steaks, premier chops and fresh seafood. Using ingredients from local farmers, the chefs and staff work hard to create a memorable experience.

The Sunset Terrace is located on Macon Avenue in Asheville, and is a seasonal restaurant open during the spring, summer and fall months. Reservations are recommended.

— Leah Brown, S&A Communications

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Philanthropy

Rock Concert Benefits Hope for Haiti

Hope for Haiti Foundation’s Sponsor-A-Child program will ensure sustainable access to the basic needs of food, education and medical care. (Photo courtesy of Hope for Haiti Foundation)

Enjoy a night under the stars with rock and roll, and food and drinks while supporting a great cause. The eighth annual Rock Your World concert with Eddie Money on August 12 at Cary’s Booth Amphitheater (#RYWRaleigh) benefits the Hope for Haiti Foundation, dedicated to helping make an impact on individual Haitians, empowering them to change their own nation.

Founded in 1999, the Hope for Haiti Foundation is incorporated in NC, with volunteers in NC and Haiti.

Purchase benefit concert tickets and help the cause in other ways such as:

• Sponsoring a child

• Donating supplies

• Making a financial contribution

• Volunteering

— Deneen Bloom, S&A Communications

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Events

Celebrate the Arts in Brevard

Artists gather at the annual Fine Arts and Crafts Showcase in Brevard. (Image courtesy of Transylvania Tourism/visitwaterfalls.com)

As if the lovely Transylvania County countryside wasn’t a big enough draw, Brevard’s Arts & Culture Celebration 2017 will feature more than 90 arts-related activities from June 23 to July 4.

Sponsored by the Transylvania Community Arts Council, the event’s diverse offerings include everything from a gallery walk, arts and crafts showcase, and open mic night for writers, to music jams, street dances and theatrical performances.

Foodies can enjoy brewery and food tours, Waterfalls ‘n Wine, or Cruise then Booze Paddles. It all ends with a street festival, pet show, patriotic concert and fireworks display on the Fourth of July.

— Glenn Gillen, APR, S&A Communications

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Business

Coaching in Healthcare

Coaching has the power to reawaken the human spirit at work.

The complex and changing nature of healthcare makes professional development and growth a necessity and a challenge. Coaching may be the key to helping healthcare professionals navigate this tricky terrain and become curious, courageous and energized in their pursuit of better care for patients.

In this issue of TD at Work, healthcare and coaching professionals DJ Mitsch, Mark Greenawald and Cindi Ackrill explore how coaching can help medical personnel reframe their thinking to prevent burnout while achieving greater success in their work.

“Coaching in Healthcare” includes:

• Sample coaching questions

• Coaching journey map

• Descriptions of coaching types

• A self-coaching exercise

— DJ Mitsch, Pyramid Resource Group

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History

Not to Be Pitied

Doc Watson (Photo courtesy of State Archives of North Carolina)

Art was like most children born in 1923 – active and inquisitive. That is until he was three and an eye infection left him blind. He could’ve pitied himself, but his parents encouraged him to rise above his disability.

He found solace in music when he received a harmonica as a Christmas present when he was five and a banjo when 11. He taught himself to play, often traveling from Deep Gap to nearby Boone to perform on street corners with his guitar.

And play he did. His flat-picking style earned him national acclaim.

You know him as Doc Watson.

— Ron Smith, S&A Communications

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beer

Just Opened: Bold Missy Brewery

Each craft beer is named after a bold woman or man in history. (Photo courtesy of Bold Missy Brewery's Facebook page)

A brand new and bold brewery has opened its doors in Charlotte, and it’s unlike any brewery you’ve ever encountered.

All of the fresh and authentic craft beers at Bold Missy Brewery recognize a bold woman or man in history, such as the “Solo Flight” American Brown Ale named after the aviation pioneer and author Amelia Earhart, or the “Rocket Ride” India Pale Ale named after Sally Ride, physicist, educator, astronaut, and first American woman in space.

They also serve snacks, mini flatbreads, and dressed-up gourmet dogs to pair with their six craft beers on draft (more coming soon).

— Leah Brown, S&A Communications

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Wellness

How to Eat by the Latest Trends When Traveling

Stick to healthy traveling eating habits for a happier lifestyle.

What’s the number one mistake a business traveler makes on the road? Eating like they’re on vacation! No matter your nutrition plan, you can still follow your menu during the difficult challenge of travel by creating an 80/20 rule.

The majority of the time, stick to your chosen diet and 20 percent of the time cut yourself some slack given your available options. Try apps like Find Me Gluten Free, Happy Cow and Paleo Digest to keep you on track.

You’ll be happier and healthier knowing you have options and a plan to survive the Business Travel Pound Packing.

— Marcey Rader, Marcey Rader Coaching, LLC, Work Well. Play More! Institute

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Business

Tukek to Bring Jobs to Winston-Salem

The group behind Tukek has been active in the sectors of textile and chemistry since the year 1980.

Turkish textile company Tukek Holding Inc. is pledging to create 260 jobs in Winston-Salem. The company is asking $125,000 from the city over seven years for its startup, HPFabrics Inc.

HPFabrics will seek to replace Microfibres Inc. after it filed for bankruptcy recently. Tukek plans to make raw and finished fabrics for domestic and international customers. The estimated average salary for local jobs is $30,310 plus benefits.

This estimate is below the county average, but Assistant City Manager Derwick Paige isn’t bothered. “While no one can predict the future, they clearly have the expertise to be successful,” he assures.

— Ty Myatt, S&A Communications

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Health

Deskercise and What You Should Do to Get on Board

Research suggests workday inactivity could detrimentally affect the long-term health of working professionals.

Research by the Mayo Clinic suggests inactivity at your desk job could be slowly killing you. Here are some insider tips to easily increase your activity around the office:

• Get a stationary bike. You can score a stationary bike that fits under your desk on Amazon for as little as $26.

• Stand up. Decrease your risk of obesity, diabetes and heart disease by spending part of your day standing.

• Take the stairs. Take advantage of a few minutes of exercise.

• Go for a walk. Instead of emailing your co-worker, make the short trek down the hall to their office.

– Kelly Hughes, The Oklahoma 100

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travel

Fingerprint, Facial Scanners at the Airport?

Passengers may soon be able to board flights using their fingerprints. (Photo courtesy of Delta Air Lines)

In 2004, the International Air Transport Association began pushing airlines to issue electronic tickets. Prior to that, most passengers received their tickets through the mail from a travel agent or from an airline ticket office.

Soon we may not even need electronic tickets or scans on our smartphones. Delta is testing a pilot program at Reagan National Airport for SkyMiles members to use their fingerprints to check bags and board their flight.

JetBlue is testing facial recognition technology that uses images verified through the US Customs and Border Protection database to allow passengers to board flights from Boston to Aruba.

– Jan Schroder, Girl on the Go

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Pets

Have a Safe Summer With Your Pets

Avoid walking your dog in the middle of the day. Concrete pavements and blacktop surfaces heat up quickly in the sun and can burn your pet's paws.

The summer activities we love can cause our pets stress, or even pose a danger to them.

Keep your pets safe with these summer safety tips:

– Remind guests not to feed your pets. Picnic staples like alcohol, chicken wings and desserts can be dangerous to pets, and the artificial sweetener “xylitol” in sugar-free foods can be deadly.

– Only use sunscreen or insect repellent on your pets if the label says it’s safe for animals.

– Keep pets home during firework displays. Create an area where they feel safe and comfortable. Distract them with ambient noise from a TV or radio.

– Brent Bardell, SPCA Tampa Bay

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The NC Guy

Stronger Brand Engagement Relies on Real People

New research finds that sharing consumers’ positive stories can be an effective digital marketing strategy.

For more than a century, public relations professionals have been storytellers creating masterful narratives to bring stakeholders closer to brands.

Research shows that, from childhood, information is more easily recalled and increases engagement when delivered as a story. PR is so closely tied to digital marketing in today’s marketing landscape that the two rely on one another for the greatest level of engagement. Brands that use consumer-based stories in social and digital campaigns are creating more meaningful relationships with the audiences on which their success depends.

Shaping brand attitudes in digital marketing relies on PR to connect more meaningfully.

– Chuck Norman, APR, S&A Communications

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Events

Inaugural RDC Marathon Announces Major Sponsorships

Be a part of Durham's first-ever marathon and half marathon this fall.

FS Series announced the initial sponsor list for the RDC Marathon and Half Marathon November 12 at The Streets at Southpoint.

The Durham Sports Commission joined as title sponsor. Other sponsors include Fleet Feet Sports, Sprouts Farmers Market, lululemon, S&A Communications, Bull Durham Beer Co., and Raleigh Brewing Co.

“We are proud to help see the fruition of Durham’s first-ever marathon. Runners tend to spend more money in communities, as well as look for destinations that are different and exciting. I know Durham will showcase itself well in both aspects,” said Ashleigh Bachert, executive director, Durham Sports Commission.

– Jason Biggs, FS Series

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Events

Fireworks on the 4th

Celebrate America's birthday on the Outer Banks.

What are your plans for the Fourth of July? Currituck Outer Banks Travel and Tourism is sponsoring the 25^th Annual Festival of Fireworks at Historic Corolla Park in Corolla, North Carolina. The event starts at noon and ends at 9PM after a spectacular fireworks display that begins at dusk on the northern Outer Banks.

Enjoy activities for the whole family, including cornhole tournaments, watermelon-eating contests, food vendors and children’s games. Live music by the Tidewater Drive Band will begin at 5PM.

Admission and parking are free. Call 252-435-2947 or visit our website for more details.

– Stuart Chamberlain, Currituck Outer Banks Travel and Tourism

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the arts

Outdoor Drama Honors Cherokee Heritage

"Unto These Hills" tells the story of the Cherokee people. (Photo credit: EBCI-DMO)

North Carolina is the birthplace of the American Outdoor Drama. One of the most enthralling is “Unto These Hills” staged at the Mountainside Theatre in Cherokee.

The epic play tells the story of the Cherokee people from 1780 to the 20th century. Facing hardships, betrayal and disappointments, the Cherokees cling to their heritage and pride.

“Unto These Hills” has been seen by more than 6 million people since 1950. In 2015 it received a TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence. This year the show runs June 3 to August 19. More information and a short video are at http://bit.ly/1nLdA97.

– Glenn Gillen, APR, S&A Communications

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Business News

Lidl Grocer Comes to NC

Five Lidl grocery stores will soon be opening across North Carolina. (Image courtesy of Vytautas Kielaitis/Shutterstock.com)

German grocery retailer Lidl has more than 10,000 stores worldwide, and now they are coming to North Carolina. On June 15, five 20,000-square-foot Lidl stores will open in Greenville, Rocky Mount, Sanford, Kinston and Winston-Salem.

The grand-opening celebrations last four days and include the first 100 customers to arrive at each store having a chance to win up to $100 in Lidl gift cards.

Additional stores are planned for Wilson and Wake Forest.

Lidl’s motto is “high quality at low prices, delivered with outstanding customer service,” and shoppers describe it as similar to Aldi.

– Deneen Bloom, S&A Communications

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charity

NC Charity Receiving National Attention

A NC surfing charity will be featured on the Oprah Winfrey Network.

A Wrightsville Beach charity is garnering national attention for its unique approach to empowering children with special needs.

Indo Jax Surf Charities offers surfing classes and camps to medically fragile, special-needs and disadvantaged children. Founded in 2006, it was developed from a belief that “the ocean has profound healing properties and can build self-esteem in children with special needs.” Currently, more than a dozen free camps are offered annually.

In addition to several newspaper and magazine articles, Indo Jax Surf Charities will be the subject of a one-hour special on the Oprah Winfrey Network in August 2017.

– Mike Trainor, S&A Communications

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Business

How Much Should You Spend on Marketing?

Consider several factors when developing your marketing budget.

How much is enough? How much is too much? The answer is … it depends. In my recent blog, I outline the four key things to consider when first developing your marketing budget:

• Industry research and norms. What is typical for your vertical?

• Goals. What are you trying to accomplish?

• Scope. What is needed to effectively reach your target market?

• Implementation. Do you have the in-house expertise or will you need to engage marketing professionals?

There is a lot to consider in developing a marketing budget, determining your marketing strategy, and implementing an effective marketing plan. Need help? Let’s talk.

– Deneen Bloom, The North Carolina 100

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restaurants

Summer Dining Series: Persimmons Waterfront Restaurant

Persimmons waterfront dining area (Photo courtesy of Persimmons Restaurant)

Located on the shores of the Neuse River in New Bern, Persimmons, a locally owned waterfront restaurant, offers three unique dining experiences. You can choose to dine in the downstairs great room, private upstairs room or the outdoor waterfront area.

The menu items are inspired by modern cuisine made from locally sourced ingredients by its award-winning chef.

As with Persimmons’ local and sustainable menu ingredients, the building was designed to be environmentally friendly as well. The heating, air conditioning and lighting systems are energy-efficient, and the building, host stand and tables were made with recycled or reclaimed materials.

– Leah Brown, The North Carolina 100

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Business

NC Jobless Rate Lowest in 10 years

In the past year, NC's labor force has grown by 99,603 people.

North Carolina’s jobless rate dropped to 4.7 percent in April, the lowest since 2007.

The data, issued by the NC Department of Commerce, shows that NC’s jobless rate fell from 5 percent last year, but increased to 5.3 percent in January before its decline.

NC State University economist Michael Walden told the New & Observer, “The state’s jobless rate fell largely because the labor force shrunk by 5,209 people. The labor force includes workers and job seekers, and a reduction of the pool will reduce the jobless rate even though a shrinking labor force is regarded as unhealthy.”

– Leah Brown, The North Carolina 100

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History

History of the Indian Woods Reservation

A map of Bertie County showing the boundaries of the Indian Woods reservation (Photo courtesy of North Carolina maps)

Eastern North Carolina was once like the wild, wild west.

In the early 1700s, the Tuscarora Indians were divided into two factions: the Northern Tuscarora, led by Chief Tom Blunt, and the Southern Tuscarora, led by Chief Hancock. When the European settlers came, they stole land, brought disease and even enslaved people.

The Southern Tuscarora rebelled by launching the Tuscarora War. Settlers fought back and were aided by Indian enemies of Chief Hancock, including the Northern Tuscarora. Chief Hancock was defeated in Greene County.

For his help, Chief Blunt was given 53,000 acres near Bertie. This became Indian Woods.

– Ron Smith, APR, S&A Communications

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Entrepreneurs

Charlotte Entrepreneur Launches Fund for African-American Entrepreneurs

Charlotte entrepreneur Sherrill Dorsey (Photo courtesy of Jon Strayhorn, MAC330)

A Charlotte entrepreneur has established a $100,000 microloan fund for African-American entrepreneurs. The goal is promoting diversity in the local technology industry.

Sherrell Dorsey, a journalist and the founder of popular technology newsletter ThePLUG, collaborated with The Carolina Small Business Development Fund to create the initiative. It will offer capital and business services to black entrepreneurs, as well as counseling and technical assistance. Applications may be submitted here.

“We are proud to take a leading role in expanding entrepreneurship and startup principles within our city’s most overlooked and under-resourced founders and communities,” Dorsey said in a statement.

– Mike Trainor, S&A Communications

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technology

Best Apps to Enjoy the Summer

Be safe, travel and have fun with help from apps this summer!

Summer is almost here: That means kids out of school, vacations and fun in the sun. Here is an overview of four great apps for summertime:

Stay safe in the sun. UVLens lets you know when it’s okay to be in the sun and even when to reapply sunscreen.
Grill Time is complete with a timer, grilling guide and flip reminder for perfect backyard BBQs.
Ditch the tourist route. Experience places like a local with the Musement travel app.
Point your phone to the sky and Sky Guide adjusts your viewing direction to identify stars, planets and constellations

Happy summer!

– Deneen Bloom, S&A Communications

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public relations

SEO and PR: One in the Same

Combining PR and SEO is essential in today's connected and digital world.

PR and SEO go hand-in-hand – or they should. Optimized, quality content? Links? Keywords? Branding? All are essential to both PR and SEO.

Instead of only focusing on website numbers or only focusing on storytelling, make everything easier and better by always thinking of PR with SEO in mind and vice versa. When you’re creating content, be sure to create it with shareability in mind. Include links and keywords to further boost your SEO.

Integrating SEO into all things public relations will drive website traffic and Google rankings all while helping to accomplish your public relations goals as well.

– Haley Barton, The Atlanta 100

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travel

Travel Mindfully and Sustainably

Buy locally and be respectful of local customs.

As the travel season is just around the corner and the travellers and the tourists are mapping out their routes and holidays, it is important to know how to leave behind a positive impact.

With the increase in demand for travel, it is essential to be mindful while travelling. Sustainable or green tourism merely means maintaining not only the environment but also the local culture, traditions, heritage, local businesses, and the destinations’ resources.

Here are a few tips to travel green: buy locally made products, give back, honor the local customs, be respectful, and leave as little trace as possible.

– Waad Kibeda, The Dubai 100

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Energy

Cooling Your House Without Breaking the Bank

Your home's air conditioning system can account for more than half of your monthly energy bill.

Keeping your home cool this summer doesn’t have to come with an outrageous energy bill. Here are three ways to cut costs without sacrificing comfort:

– Landscape strategically. Low-lying shrubs that keep the ground cool and strategically planted trees that shade your home can reduce energy use by 25%.

– Buy a programmable thermostat. This will allow you to program your AC to automatically adjust the temperature when no one is home and cool it down before someone returns.

– Upgrade your windows. Energy-efficient dual-pane windows keep cool air in and hot air out, making less work for your AC.

— Steve Seeger, Lennar Homes

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