NP Strategy grows team, expanding 3 offices
July 1, 2021
NP Strategy Grows Team, Expanding 3 Offices; New hires to support growing client base in North & South Carolina NP Strategy (NPS+), a strategic communications firm providing crisis, media…
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South Carolina Public Radio celebrates launch of redesigned website
June 28, 2021
South Carolina Public Radio (SC Public Radio) today announced the launch of its revamped website — southcarolinapublicradio.org. Redesigned to better meet the needs of all South Carolinians, the new site builds on…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: marketing-and-communications, non-profit, on-the-move
How to write letters to your prospects
June 25, 2021
By Jerry Bellune Jane Ellen Murray bubbled over with advertising ideas. After she was graduated from college, she landed a menial job at an ad agency where she loved working.…
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Anna Kate Twitty joins Flock and Rally as director of communications
June 24, 2021
Flock and Rally, a full-service, women-owned communications and marketing agency based in Columbia, South Carolina, has hired Anna Kate Twitty to serve as its new director of communications. In this…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: marketing-and-communications, on-the-move
Marketing Minute: Communicating Effectively to Diverse Audiences
June 21, 2021
Marketing Minute with Valentina Rojas, NP Strategy With an increasingly diverse nation, your audience is likely to speak various languages or have differing backgrounds. This week’s video shares tips on…
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Is there a perfect logo?
June 19, 2021
By Ken Gasque Yes, there is a perfect logo. It’s my favorite logo, and it’s most commonly found in the South.* It’s abstract. It’s simple. It’s bold. It’s symmetrical.…
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The #1 secret of sale success
June 17, 2021
By Jerry Bellune Our friend John Carlton has noticed something disturbing about people lately. What is it? Nobody asks good questions when they meet new people. Most folks don’t…
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Riggs Partners names new partner
June 16, 2021
Riggs Partners, a creative marketing consultancy headquartered in Columbia, SC, announces the addition of Michael Powelson as a partner in the firm. He becomes the sixth partner in the firm’s…
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NP Strategy wins Palmetto Communications Awards
June 14, 2021
The Buzz Podcast & Diversity Efforts with the Charleston Forum are Honored NP Strategy (NPS+), a strategic communications firm providing crisis, media and public relations assistance across the Carolinas, won…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: marketing-and-communications, media, on-the-move
Savvy sellers build strong networks
June 10, 2021
By Jerry Bellune Many of us learned the hard lessons about selling door to door. Beauty aids, Girl Scout cookies, garden seeds, household products, magazines, you name it. It…
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Chernoff Newman’s Catherine Ramirez graduates from Leadership Columbia
June 9, 2021
Chernoff Newman, an integrated marketing communications agency, announced Catherine Ramirez’s recent graduation from the Columbia Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership Columbia program. Catherine Ramirez is a social media and public relations…
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What Makes Good Storytelling in a Video?
June 7, 2021
By Michelle Legaspi NP Strategy Since the invention of cameras, communicating through video remains a go-to method to tell stories, entertain or share a message. Now, with short attention…
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Chumps – not champs – cold call
June 6, 2021
By Jerry Bellune Merrill Lynch has finally come to its senses. Since 1945, the giant wealth management company made its new hires cold call. It’s like Navy SEAL training…
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The secret is in your smile
June 6, 2021
By Jerry Bellune Greg Wych named his successful dental practice “The Art of Dentistry.” You may not think of dentistry as an art. Isn’t it about straightening, drilling and…
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Flock and Rally selected by NSF’s new Engineering Research Visioning Alliance for communications services
June 5, 2021
The women-owned creative agency Flock and Rally was selected to serve as the communications partner for the National Science Foundation (NSF) Directorate for Engineering’s new organization, the Engineering Research Visioning…
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Quackenbush Architects + Planners announces new intern architect
June 1, 2021
Quackenbush Architects + Planners announced and welcomes Juan Contreras to the Q+ team as a new intern architect. Contreras, who grew up in St. Matthews and recently graduated with a…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: architecture, business-services, construction, education, employment, marketing-and-communications, on-the-move, social-scene
Chernoff Newman adds to media and finance teams
June 1, 2021
Chernoff Newman, a Columbia-based integrated communications company, has recently expanded its core team to include new hires Becky Elam and Santana McIntosh. “We are delighted to welcome Becky and Santana…
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AFP Central Carolina Chapter program topics support nonprofits through the pandemic
May 26, 2021
The Association of Fundraising Professionals of Central Carolina is halfway through their program year offering nonprofits professional support and resources amid the pandemic. These programs add tremendous value to the…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: business-services, chamber, conversations, marketing-and-communications, non-profit, on-the-move, philanthropy
Marketing Minute Video: Thought Leadership
May 24, 2021
Marketing Minute with Tina Emerson, NP Strategy If speaking engagements are important to your business development strategy, you may be more successful if you share the spotlight with other…
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They won’t tell you about your brand.
May 24, 2021
By Ken Gasque Your brand is their experience. It exists in the mind of your customer. When the experience is good, they may tell a friend, but they won’t tell…
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Ashley Hunter launches second SC business venture; Grand opening of State & Frink – June 3rd
May 20, 2021
The owner of South Carolina public relations and digital consulting firm, MPA Strategies, is launching her second business venture in the Midlands. Ashley Hunter, a former lobbyist and political strategist,…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: business-services, hospitality, local-industry, marketing-and-communications, media, non-profit, on-the-move, the-arts
Flock and Rally earns five Mercury Awards of Excellence
May 16, 2021
Creative agency earns awards for integrated communications, community relations, etc. Flock and Rally, the women-owned integrated communications and marketing firm, was honored with five 2020 Mercury Awards of Excellence for…
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Flock and Rally earns five Mercury Awards of Excellence
May 13, 2021
Creative agency earns awards for integrated communications, community relations, etc. Flock and Rally, the women-owned integrated communications and marketing firm, was honored with five 2020 Mercury Awards of Excellence for…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: marketing-and-communications, on-the-move
Marketing Minute Video: Asking for Feedback
May 10, 2021
Marketing Minute with Matthew Gallagher, NP Strategy Asking clients for feedback can be scary if you’re not sure how they will respond. As business professionals, we may assume if a client…
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Find their needs and fill them
May 5, 2021
By Jerry Bellune One of our favorite cities, Charleston, SC, has an inaffordable housing problem. The average cost of a 1-bedroom apartment is $1,223 a month. That may compare…
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Sara Anders joins Flock and Rally as director of advertising
May 5, 2021
Sara Anders has been hired as the director of advertising at Flock and Rally, the full-service, women-owned communications and marketing agency based in Columbia, South Carolina. Anders will create strategic…
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Chernoff Newman honored for public relations work during COVID-19
May 3, 2021
The South Carolina Chapter of Public Relations Society of America (SCPRSA) awarded Chernoff Newman with four Mercury Award of Merits during the 2020 Mercury Awards on Thursday, April 29, 2021.…
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Celebrate National Travel and Tourism Week with Experience Columbia SC
April 30, 2021
In recognition of U.S. Travel Association’s National Travel and Tourism Week, the annual event championing the important role travel and tourism play in local communities and economies, Experience Columbia SC…
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How to win prospects’ trust
April 29, 2021
By Jerry Bellune Successful negotiation will get you what you want if you give prospects what they need, says Walker McKay of No BS Sales. You have equal stature with…
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Experience Columbia SC launches first history tourism trail
April 27, 2021
Reconstructed: A Journey Through the Reconstruction Era Trail Offers New Perspective Experience Columbia SC launched the destination’s first history-centered tourism trail. Reconstructed: A Journey Through the Reconstruction Era in Columbia,…
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Marketing Minute Video: Communicating Your Expertise
April 26, 2021
Marketing Minute with Catherine Dingler, NP Strategy Whether you’re an entrepreneur working hard to build your brand or a business owner with tough competition, mastering your work won’t help…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc, laurenscountybuzz Category: advice, marketing-and-communications, non-profit, on-the-move
Columbia Design League host fundraiser honoring the Kentucky Derby
April 23, 2021Derby by Design takes over Boyd Plaza on May 1 Columbia Museum of Art affinity group the Columbia Design League (CDL) hosts its first in-person event since the beginning of…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: conversations, marketing-and-communications, media, non-profit, on-the-move, philanthropy, social-scene, the-arts
Become a creative contrarian
April 21, 2021
By Jerry Bellune What do Judy Wald, JD Powers and Fred Segal have in common? These 3 highly successful entrepreneurs were contrarians. Contrarians are creative thinkers who turn accepted…
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MPA Strategies adds Accomplished communications professional to growing team
April 17, 2021
MPA Strategies, a statewide public relations and marketing agency, welcomes proven public relations professional Shawn Skillman to its team as Chief Marketing Officer. Skillman will serve as the creative and…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: business-services, marketing-and-communications, media, on-the-move
Create loving messages for your customers
April 14, 2021
By Jerry Bellune Our friend Bill Edmonds checked into a hotel and found a message in his room. “Sure, life can be messy. That’s why I’m here. Don’t worry…
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Flock and Rally Marketing & Communications celebrates multiple staff promotions
April 13, 2021
Flock and Rally, the women-owned integrated communications and marketing agency based in Columbia, South Carolina, has announced the promotion of multiple team members — Ashley Cady Elsey, Hailey Covell, Mary…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: marketing-and-communications, on-the-move
Marketing Minute: Crisis Communication
April 12, 2021
Marketing Minute with Jean Cecil Frick, NP Strategy Communication isn’t always as simple as it sounds, especially if the information you’re sharing is sensitive, or even controversial. Knowing your audience…
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Ads that ring your cash register
April 8, 2021
By Jerry Bellune Bob Bly and I are direct response apostles. It’s the best way to advertise. Bob says if we embrace direct response ads in print and online, the…
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‘The Cheese Biscuit Queen’ launches cookbook and donates proceeds to MIRCI in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month.
April 5, 2021South Carolina native and longtime Midlands resident Mary Martha Greene will launch her much-anticipated cookbook, “The Cheese Biscuit Queen Tells All,” on May 3rd and will donate a portion of…
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Why ads should appeal to our emotions
March 31, 2021
By Jerry Bellune Consumers rarely buy on the facts. Even the most analytically minded. They buy with emotion and justify it with logic. Think about your last purchase, why…
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Webmaster/IT Intern
March 31, 2021This position will coordinate the web presence and graphic design needs of a creative arts school and agency. An interdisciplinary hub of training, management, marketing, scouting and recruitment and various…
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Monique Holland and Tia Ternberg join Chernoff Newman’s growing media team
March 31, 2021
Chernoff Newman, a Columbia-based marketing and advertising agency, continues to expand its media and analytics team with the most recent hires Monique Holland and Tia Ternberg. “We are thrilled to…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: employment, marketing-and-communications, on-the-move
Marketing Minute: Responding to Controversy in the Media
March 30, 2021
When damaging information about your organization is publicized, your credibility matters. NP Strategy’s Vice President Jean Cecil Frick shares tips on responding to controversy in the media.
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How to deal with difficult decisions
March 24, 2021
By Jerry Bellune All of us must make many decisions each day in business and in life. Most of them are relatively easy and we make them. Even if they…
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Who can you help today?
March 17, 2021
By Jerry Bellune A local banker and his wife were among the most successful couples in our town. Each morning, they prayed for guidance about who they might help…
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Studio Displays, Inc. establishing operations in Lancaster County
March 16, 2021
More than $7.1 million investment will create 43 new jobs Studio Displays, Inc., a custom exhibit manufacturer, today announced plans to establish operations in Lancaster County. The more than $7.1…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: economic-development, marketing-and-communications, on-the-move
Be Distinct or Become Extinct
March 15, 2021
By Ken Gasque Tom Peters said “distinct…or extinct” in his book The Brand You. He was talking about personal branding, but the same tactics apply to businesses. If your product/service…
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Become your customers’ best friend
March 11, 2021
By Jerry Bellune Tiffany Wright operates a small business bookkeeping service in our county. She believes in building a close, personal relationship with each client to better understand and…
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Flock and Rally wins Gold ADDY for The COMET’s Sarah Mae Flemming campaign
March 9, 2021
Flock and Rally, the women-owned integrated communications and marketing agency based in Columbia, South Carolina, earned two ADDY Awards from the American Advertising Federation (AAF) of the Midlands, including one…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: marketing-and-communications, on-the-move, transportation
Rickie Good named Director for the new Revolutionary War Visitor Center at Camden
March 8, 2021
Camden Archives and Museum Curator of Collections Rickie Good has been hired to serve as Director for one of the newest tourism attractions in the state – The Revolutionary War…
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