“We are excited about opening our doors as one of the East Coast’s (and country’s) great destination golf clubs,” says Ballyhack’s Jonathan Ireland.  “Combining a world-class links golf course of this caliber with southern charm and exceptional service, Ballyhack is certainly a place for those who seek a great golf experience.  As a national club, we are enthusiastic about working with FLOURISH to help bring Ballyhack into the spotlight.”

Jamie Prince, founder of FLOURISH, explains, “Ballyhack is a very special place and has a distinctive appeal that someone who is passionate about golf will immediately ‘get’. The course architecture and quality are incredibly impressive, and with only 300 memberships available, Members will always have the sense that it is truly their golf course. For people who lead very busy lives, time is the greatest commodity they have, so to be able to fly in and never worry about a tee time is meeting that market. Particularly when you’re playing a course that’s so scenic and so dramatic. For avid golfers, this is what it’s all about.”

Hole 8 at Ballyhack Golf Club (Roanoke, VA)

A masterpiece of one of golf’s most influential industry veterans, Bill Kubly, and the foremost emerging leader in golf design, Lester George, Ballyhack is a pure golf experience for lovers of the game. Ballyhack’s 18-hole layout plays off the dramatic topography of century-old Virginian farmland and features 50- to 70-foot elevation changes, fairways as wide as 150 yards and expansive green complexes. This truly innovative design couples big, bold holes with the heritage of an Old World links course to create standard-setting architecture and ambiance players will remember long after the last putt.

Ballyhack sets on 370 acres and includes a 11,500 square foot clubhouse that will be completed this fall, a collection of well-appointed golf cottages, and a limited number of residence home sites averaging one acre and priced between $170,000 and $255,000.

For more information on Ballyhack, visit www.ballyhackgolfclub.com or call (540) 427-1395.

Greenville, S.C. – Today Carolina Ballet Theatre tapped The Skyline Group, FLOURISH Integrated Communications and Avery Smith Communications as the Company’s new promotional partners for the upcoming 2010-2011 season. All Upstate-based firms, The Skyline Group will be responsible for CBT’s branding efforts as well as all advertising, both traditional and electronic, while FLOURISH Integrated Communications and Avery Smith Communications will be responsible for public and media relations. 

“I am thrilled with the creativity our new team of promotional partners. Their collective experience will ‘raise the barre’ and allow CBT even greater exposure to our existing and potential audience of members and patrons,” stated Laura Hobbs, Executive Director of Carolina Ballet Theatre.

The Skyline Group (formerly Skyline Post) is a full service marketing and communications agency headquartered in Greenville, SC. Founded in 2004 as a video creative and production studio, The Skyline Group has evolved to serve the needs of their growing list of clients. With a wealth of in-house disciplines and insight, The Skyline Group specializes in assisting clients looking to launch a new product, service or idea. Learn more by contacting Randall Owens at 864.271.0024 or randall@theskylinegroup.net.

Founded in 2009 by Jamie Prince, FLOURISH specializes in providing an integrated suite of strategic communications solutions designed to reach and impact largely affluent, niche customer bases. FLOURISH’s practice, which draws on the expertise of professionals across the country through a virtual agency format, serves locally-, regionally- and nationally-based clients. Jamie Prince may be reached at (864) 979-0715 or by email at jamie@startflourishing.com.

Avery Smith Communications, an independent agency founded by Anne Smith, provides personalized communications strategies to clients large and small.  Blending an expertise in corporate communications with a passion for finding just the right thing to say to the right audience, Avery Smith Communications offers media relations, event management, copywriting, social media and grassroots marketing services.  Anne Smith may be reached at (864) 360-3176 or by email at averysmithcomm@gmail.com.

About CBT

Founded in 1972, Carolina Ballet Theatre is Greenville’s only professional resident dance company, featuring nine full-time dancers, three dance trainees, an all-volunteer Guild, 3,500 patrons, and an entire community of supporters. For more than 35 years, CBT has significantly contributed to Greenville’s vibrant arts and culture through exercising its mission to promote and expand the art of dance to all parts of the Greenville community. Under the artistic direction of Hernan Justo and his wife, internationally-acclaimed dancer Anita Pacylowski-Justo, as well as through the commitment of CBT’s many volunteers and patrons, the company has evolved into a professional powerhouse that draws dancers and honors from around the world. Learn more about CBT by calling (864) 421-0940 or visiting www.carolinaballet.org.

Stretchy Shapes Bands

STRETCHY SHAPES HIRES FLOURISH
FOR NATIONAL MEDIA RELATIONS EXPOSURE

Greenville, S.C. – Stretchy Shapes – the highest quality, highest trending animal bracelets on the market among kids ages six and up – has hired FLOURISH to couple the company’s wildly successful sales with greater awareness through targeted, national media relations.

Founder of Stretchy Shapes, April Mraz, (affectionately referred to as Design Diva of the company), comments, “We know how great our products are, our fans know how great our products are, and now, with FLOURISH, even the President will know how great our products are. We couldn’t have named a better partner.”

Cherie Stine, Sales Chick for the company, adds “The excitement at FLOURISH really tipped the scales. They GET our product. They GET our mission. We are super excited!”
Jamie Prince, founder of FLOURISH, remarks, “Stretchy Shapes, and April and Cherie, have great stories to tell. I find myself lying awake at night thinking about the next great pack, as if I were on the product side. They are consumed by the craze, and we are, too!”

Stretchy Shapes are sold in select, higher-end retailers and children’s shops across the United States, including America’s own Smithsonian gift shop, and internationally.

All Stretchy Shapes are custom designed and produced from original molds created by Stretchy Shapes’ own team of designers. Many of Stretchy Shapes’ competitors make bands using “open molds” – molds that already exist. (It’s why you can get a yellow duck from so many places!) Stretchy Shapes are wholly unique, using only molds that they design, manufacture, and own. And, they protect their uniqueness (and seal in their high trading value) by submitting them to the United States Patent and Trademark Office.

Unlike other bands, Stretchy Shapes are kid tested and approved. Stretchies are known for their durability (particularly important for avid traders). They listen to their fans A LOT and are always on the lookout for the next great idea.

Stretchy Shapes is the trend leader for innovations.  Current bands incorporate innovations that include tie-dyed, deliciously scented, metallic, confetti and glow-in-the-dark bracelets.

To learn more about Stretchy Shapes, visit www.stretchyshapes.com. For a list of stores near you that sell Stretchy Shapes, click here.

Blue Ridge Parkway (photo credit: National Park Service)

I recently had the honor of spending some time with Susan Mills, Executive Director of FRIENDS of the Blue Ridge Parkway, a 22-year-old non-profit organization whose mission is to help preserve, promote and enhance the outstanding natural beauty, ecological vitality and cultural distinctiveness of the Blue Ridge Parkway. America’s No. 1 Scenic Drive, the Parkway stretches from Virginia to North Carolina and weaves its way through some of the most scenic and precious landscape our country has to offer. In 2009, FRIENDS and its 8,000 members from around the world provided more than $1.3 million of service tot he Blue Ridge Parkway, through its Viewshed Restoration Program, Volunteers in Parks (VIP) Program, Junior Ranger (Youth VIP) Program and dozens more initiatives.

Through my conversations with Susan and FRIENDS board member Ben Geer Keys (a gem of a man), I found myself being drawn into helping FRIENDS… well, gain more friends! So, last week, I was informed that I’ve been elected to serve a three-year term on FRIENDS’ board of directors. And so I get to be a part of an incredible mission carried forth by a wonderful champion of our environment. This year, the Blue Ridge Parkway celebrates its 75th Anniversary. An annual individual membership to FRIENDS is $25, and a family membership is only $50. Won’t you join me in becoming a friend of FRIENDS today?

(For you companies out there looking for ways to align with meaningful projects promoting environmental stewardship, please contact me or reach out to FRIENDS. They have some super 75thAnniversary Parkway events scheduled this year that may well be the perfect place to gain some exposure. )

Here’s to all forms of friend-making!

If I had to boil down what I’ve learned in my first six months launching FLOURISH, I’d say the discoveries (shockingly simple ones, you’ll agree) really revolve not around skill set, but around character and service.

1. Stay humble in your successes and grow through your failures.
2. Always thank people.
3. Follow up.

Many of you who keep track of FLOURISH know that I was chosen to participate in Furman University’s Connections: Women Leaders of the Upstate program. Our group is comprised of about 40 women from all walks of life, business and community. At our last meeting, our guest speaker was an expert in women’s leadership who teaches at a nearby college. The data she presented to us was pretty flooring. Among other things, Harvard Business Review published a study recently that argued that women leaders choose not to compete like male leaders do. They involved many men and women senior-level managers in a room, gave them a challenge, and said, “Okay, each of you will get $1 for every answer you get right.” Plenty of women came out winning the most money at their tables. Then the rules of the game were changed. “Now,” they said, “whoever gets the most answers right wins the whole pot.” They played again, and again, plenty of women came out on top. Finally, the organizers challenged the women and gave them a choice of which way they’d rather play the game. In unbelievable numbers, the women leaders chose to allow everyone to earn money based on his/her merit. When the organizers asked the men to choose which format they wanted, in overwhelming numbers, the male leaders chose to compete for the prize.

What does this all mean? The “people in the room” are clearly both successful and knowledgable. To me, it means that women and men may simply lead differently. This should come as no surprise to any of us who’ve had the opportunity to work with both a male and female, which I have. The knack is understanding the differences among you and building the chemistry in your team – or between your business and your clients – that allow the differences to work in everyone’s favor.

I see a lot of myself in those women playing the game. It’s tough playing the game sometimes, but when I have a choice, I do hope that I’ll know the times when competition is necessary and choose that route. I also hope I’ll embrace the choice to help all boats rise. At the end of the day, if you’re willing to step out of your comfort zone and allow yourself to remain open to growing, the growth will find you, I assure you. And you’ll be better for it.

• Rick Erwin (Owner, Rick Erwin’s West End Grille) and CBT’s Lara Koffskey
• Kimberly Kelly (Host, WSPA Channel 7’s “Your Carolina” and “Scene On 7”) and CBT’s Peter Base
• Jacob Mann (Realtor, Coldwell Banker Caine) and CBT’s Anina Harris
• Paul Savas (Executive/Artistic Director of The Warehouse Theatre) and CBT’s Josha Spigner
• Myra Ruiz (Reporter, WYFF Channel 4) and CBT’s Matt Harvey
• Amy Ryberg Doyle (Greenville City Council) and CBT’s Sam Chester
• Bob Howard (President, Greenville Technical College Foundation) and CBT’s Erica Wesselman
• Tajh Boyd (Clemson University football player) and CBT’s Francesca Genovoese

Our goal is to raise $50,000 for CBT – it’s aggressive, but we are excited to rise to the occasion! What better motivation do we have than to know that the funds raised by Emerald Evening will go toward worthy endeavors like integrating the arts more heavily in public schools through the SmartArts program or giving free tickets to The Nutcracker to thousands of students who might never get the opportunity to experience that iconic holiday tradition?

Consider coming alongside us to support the arts in Greenville. You can do so for as little as $10 through the “Ballots for Ballet” vote drive. Through April 15th, you can vote for the couple you would most like to win Emerald Evening’s “Dancing With The Stars” dance-off on Carolina Ballet Theatre’s web site. Just click on this link - each vote is $10. You’ll choose the CBT dancer’s name from the drop-down menu and pay securely through PayPal. It’s as simple as that. If one out of every 30 people in the Upstate vote, CBT will have met its goal! The couple with the most votes wins! So VOTE NOW and spread the word to your friends!

We are also so fortunate to have the following sponsors for Emerald Evening: 10Best, Waddell & Reed, SC Technology and Aviation Center, TALK Magazine, Metromont Corporation, Hampden Clothing, FLOURISH Integrated Communications (us!), Sharon Kay Glickman Associates, and The Green Room. Sponorship opportunities from $500 to $5,000 are available under March 3rd, as are opportunities to serve as a Host of Emerald Evening. Host tickets are $100/each and allow your name to be printed on the invitation that will be mailed to more than 3,500 of Greenville’s most distinguished families and patrons of the arts. Hosts also receive special access to a “TALKeasy” VIP speakeasy experience preceding the event, sponsored by TALK Magazine. General admission tickets to Emerald Evening are also available at $75/each. All tickets can be ordered through CBT’s web site by clicking here.

Greenville, S.C. – FLOURISH Integrated Communications announced today that it has aligned as a business development consultant with National Strategies, LLC (d/b/a NSI), an Atlanta, Ga.-based privately held marketing communications firm.

Unlike traditional marketing communication firms, NSI has built a nationwide network of over 2,000 consultants in every state capitol and every major city and county across the country. These top consultants provide NSI’s clients with on-the-ground relationships, real-time insight, and an exceptional understanding of the dynamics and inner workings of various vertical markets. This unique structure allows NSI to offer its clients best-in-class service without the overhead and constraints of traditional firms.

FLOURISH Integrated Communications will work alongside NSI to identify potential contacts, participate in the formulation of marketing strategies, and for select NSI clients, serve them via integrated communications strategy and execution.

Greenville, S.C. – Founder of FLOURISH Integrated Communications, Jamie Prince, was selected today to the 2010 class of Connections: Women Leaders of the Upstate, a premier leadership program for seasoned and emergent professional women sponsored by Furman University.

In its twelfth year, Connections: Women Leaders of the Upstate is designed for women of all ages who have either already demonstrated leadership abilities or who have been identified as possessing potential for leadership.  Furman University sponsors this premier leadership development program to bring women together to connect, take control of their careers, become stronger leaders and make significant contributions to their communities.  Governed by an advisory board and selected from nominations, the class is limited in size, so the networking potential is powerful.

Connections alumni include women who represent many facets of leadership – from community volunteerism to professional roles in a variety of businesses and industry.  They are a diverse group by age, race and interest, but all share a common theme, demonstrating the many ways in which women lead in their communities.

Connections meets at Furman University in the new Younts Conference Center beginning with an evening orientation and kickoff presentation; features a luncheon/lecture/discussion series on issues confronting women in leadership and concludes with the graduation dinner and keynote speaker.  We anchor the program each year with two classes featuring women who teach us about “The Power of Presence” (how to be effectively seen and heard) and “Status of Women” (where the power is).  Other speakers have included a panel of elected officials, local ministers, our superintendent of schools, and prominent business and community leaders—all women who have shared their successes and struggles while challenging us to the next level.

Furman University is a selective, independent, coeducational liberal arts college of 2,600 students located at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains on a 750-acre campus in Greenville, S.C. Furman provides a distinctive undergraduate education encompassing the humanities, fine arts, social sciences, mathematics and the natural sciences, and selected professional disciplines. Furman emphasizes engaged learning, a problem-solving, project-oriented and research-based educational philosophy that encourages students to put into practice the theories and methods learned from texts or lectures. The university is committed to the education of the whole person. For more information, see www.furman.edu.Furmff

Greenville, S.C. – Today FLOURISH Integrated Communications announces that it will be the public relations agency of record for Scotch Hall Preserve, a new 900-acre waterfront residential golf community located in N.C.’s Inner Banks. Scotch Hall Preserve is being developed and managed by  Greenville, S.C.-based IMI, and will be formally introduced to the market in January 2010.

IMI specializes in the sales, marketing and management of luxury resort real estate in the most desired destinations throughout the U.S., Mexico and the Caribbean. Since 1990, IMI has introduced thousands of clients to opportunities for real estate and ownership in some of the greatest places in North America, from beachfronts to mountaintops to towering penthouses in the city. For more information about the company and its offerings, visit IMI’s Web site at www.imiliving.com.

Emergence in social media
Emerging into the world of blogs, tweets and posts can be daunting for anyone but I feel particularly so for the small business owner, who’s wearing many hats but continually focused on generating more exposure. Social media’s great for that, and with discipline, you can be on Facebook, Twitter and the like, and still have a life. Now more than ever before, it’s important to be accessible to those we serve, in a multitude of ways and always authentically. At FLOURISH, we’re making a concerted effort in 2010 to get smart about social media – it’s an everchanging landscape of opportunities (and pitfalls), and we’ll be investing in growing our knowledge base this year in ways that bring value to our clients and their bottom lines.

An Emerging Company
FLOURISH was featured in this month’s Greenville Business Magazine, in the Emerging Companies section. Thanks to editor Kristi Keenan as well as contributing writer Katrina Daniel for such a great write-up and, in particular, for mentioning some of my clients and the good work they’re doing!

Natural and National emergence
A final note on emerging: It’s already February. Spring will be upon us in a month, Greenvillians. Take heart! We are quickly ridding ourselves of Old Man Winter and, with fresh blooms seen on bradford pears by early March, a wish that our country will emerge with fresh growth. And speaking of growth, I must put a shout out this morning to TALK Magazine - congratulations on celebrating your 5th Anniversary. In times like this, I say that’s worth toasting!