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.…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: covid-19, marketing-and-communications, on-the-move
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…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: hospitality, marketing-and-communications, on-the-move
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…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: advice, business-services, marketing-and-communications
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,…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: hospitality, marketing-and-communications, on-the-move
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…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: advice, marketing-and-communications
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…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: advice, marketing-and-communications, on-the-move
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…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: advice, marketing-and-communications
‘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…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: marketing-and-communications, non-profit, on-the-move, social-scene
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…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: advice, marketing-and-communications
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.
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: advice, marketing-and-communications, on-the-move
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…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: advice, marketing-and-communications
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…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: advice, marketing-and-communications
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…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: advice, marketing-and-communications
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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Retain your loyal customers for life
March 4, 2021
By Jerry Bellune When loyal customers’ friends ask who they use for what you offer, they not only mention your name but tell them about something special you did for…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: advice, marketing-and-communications
Effectively Increasing Your Engagement on Social Media
March 2, 2021
By Joshua Simelton Strategic Communications Specialist, NP Strategy For companies with an online presence, there are several ways of executing a successful social media strategy. In this article, we’re going…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: advice, marketing-and-communications
What is your most important branding tool?
March 1, 2021
By Ken Gasque Your logo, if you do it right. However, your logo is not a brand, but there is no brand without a logo. The Starbucks logo is…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: advice, business-services, marketing-and-communications, on-the-move
Avoid becoming a public disgrace
February 24, 2021
By Jerry Bellune Every business owner, manager, entrepreneur or politician should learn a critical lesson from NY Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s cover-up of his fatal nursing home blunder. By sending…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: advice, marketing-and-communications
Your abominable No-Man
February 17, 2021
By Jerry Bellune When it comes big bucks CEOs, you could not pick a pair more different than Angelo Mozilo and Warren Buffett. Angelo founded Countrywide Financial, a giant…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: advice, marketing-and-communications
Nancye Bailey earns Certified Association Executive credential
February 16, 2021
ASAE has announced that Nancye Bailey, President of NDB Association & Event Management, has earned the Certified Association Executive (CAE®) designation. The CAE is the highest professional credential in the…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: banking-and-finance, business-services, chamber, financial-advisors, hospitality, marketing-and-communications, media, non-profit, on-the-move, philanthropy
A lifetime of lessons in stakeholder management
February 15, 2021
By Amanda Loveday NP Strategy I recently celebrated five years at NP Strategy. Since I began as the first full-time employee, we’ve built an incredible group of 25 individuals…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: advice, marketing-and-communications
AFP Central Carolina Chapter welcomes 2021 Board Members
February 14, 2021
The Association of Fundraising Professionals of Central Carolina recently announced the 2021 Board Member slate as well as three new members Elizabeth Blake Dudek, Latasha Taste, and Mimi Slade. The…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: marketing-and-communications, on-the-move, philanthropy
Maddie Hilliard joins Flock and Rally as project coordinator
February 10, 2021
Maddie Hilliard has been hired as a project coordinator at Flock and Rally, the full-service, women-owned communications and marketing agency based in Columbia, South Carolina. Since joining the firm as…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: employment, marketing-and-communications, on-the-move
Mission Lexington announces LRAH #Eracehunger event – April 15-18
February 10, 2021
Mission Lexington announced information for this year’s Race Against Hunger Event. Due to Covid restrictions, this year’s event will be a self-paced race event. It will take place from April…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: marketing-and-communications, on-the-move
Colliers unveils new visual identity
February 9, 2021
Colliers launches brand refresh built to “own the blue” for years to come Charleston/Columbia/Greenville/Spartanburg, SC – Colliers (NASDAQ and TSX: CIGI) announces the launch of a new visual identity as…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: commercial-real-estate, marketing-and-communications, on-the-move
A Conversation with Teresa Coles, The Responsible Brand Toolkit
February 9, 2021
One thing we know from 2020 is that there is a rising tide of consciousness in our society today, resulting in the very real need for businesses to lead with…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: marketing-and-communications, podcast
How to attract your Ideal Customers
February 4, 2021
By Jerry Bellune Knowing your Ideal Customer is critical to attracting and retaining them. Our friend Bill Edmonds advises you to narrow your research to better understanding of your…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: advice, marketing-and-communications, on-the-move
The Value of Going the Extra Mile
February 2, 2021
By Michelle Legaspi NP Strategy For businesses, success can look like many things: bottom-line revenue; year-over-year growth, etc. Though, not all success is as easily defined as a metric…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: advice, marketing-and-communications, on-the-move
Gain new customers without costs
January 27, 2021
By Jerry Bellune Russell Brunson started his 1st business while in college. Now he owns 3 online businesses and probably will start several more. That’s what entrepreneurs do. Russell…
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Push Digital announces launch of new strategy agency Laurens Group
January 26, 2021
Push Digital pivots to media and advertising; Announces new hires, staff promotions Charleston, SC — Wesley Donehue, founder and CEO of Push Digital, announces the launch of Laurens Group—a strategic…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz Category: marketing-and-communications, on-the-move
Statewide public relations firm relocates to the City of Cayce
January 26, 2021
MPA Strategies, a statewide public relations firm, has opened a new office at 2025 State Street in the City of Cayce. The firm, founded in 2011, offers clients a wide…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: business-services, conversations, economic-development, local-industry, marketing-and-communications, media, on-the-move
What we can learn from Walt Disney
January 20, 2021
By Jerry Bellune When you think of being visionary, compare your vision with Walt Disney’s vision for Disneyland 65 years ago: “Physically, Disneyland is to be a small world…
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Using SEO to Improve your Website Strategy
January 19, 2021
By Jill Baker NP Strategy Search engine optimization (SEO) is the process of increasing both the quantity and quality of traffic to your website through search engines. SEO impacts…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: advice, marketing-and-communications
Leave no money on the table
January 13, 2021
By Jerry Bellune Whatever happened to Joyce who used to do business with us? No, she didn’t die. She just quit doing business with us. Why? Did we do…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: advice, marketing-and-communications
AllSouth Federal Credit Union now serves Orangeburg County
January 12, 2021
AllSouth Federal Credit Union announced the expansion of their field of membership to include Orangeburg County. AllSouth now proudly serves nine counties in the Midlands area to include Calhoun, Fairfield,…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: banking-and-finance, business-services, marketing-and-communications, on-the-move
3 success strategies for 2021
January 6, 2021
By Jerry Bellune Business owners and managers who survived and thrived in 2020, says our friend Ruth King, used these 3 simple strategies: 1. They paid close attention to…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: advice, marketing-and-communications
New Year New Plan: How to Use Social Media Insights for updated 2021 Content
January 5, 2021
By Jasmine Spencer NP Strategy It’s easy to get complacent when planning your social media content calendar, especially when many events have shifted or been cancelled due to COVID-19.…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: advice, marketing-and-communications
Take care of your dollars in 2021
January 4, 2021
By Jerry Bellune A business broker friend congratulated us on our financial management during the 2020 pandemic. He said we did not lose near as much money as many…
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Early Christmas gift – make it their idea
December 23, 2020
By Jerry Bellune When our friend Mac Toole was serving as a SC lawmaker, he had a wise strategy. He would set out to convince one of the top…
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Looking Back to Plan Ahead: Preparing for Success in 2021
December 22, 2020
By Jesica Johnson Mackey NP Strategy Like most people, I’m looking forward to closing the book on 2020. While this year has been full of challenges, disappoints, and fear,…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc, laurenscountybuzz Category: advice, marketing-and-communications
