http://www.kinston.com/news/local/parson-wins-pinnacle-of-achievement-award-1.148217/

The Kinston-Lenoir County Chamber of Commerce is excited to offer a trip through AAA to the Civil War battlefields of Pennsylvania and Virginia on October 23^rd – 26^th.  (Reservation Deadline is June 18) If you love Civil War history, come join us for this journey into the past which has a few extra special treats built in.  Great accommodations, most meals including dinner at the Dobbins House and a Confederate Richmond Diner along with sightseeing are included in this totally escorted motor coach tour which will begin in Kinston. “we know the critical role these locations played during the Civil War and are extremely pleased to offer this customized trip to history and Civil War enthusiasts.  This three night- four day trip is something you won’t want to miss.”
Visits will include:

• Gettysburg National Military Park,
• Gettysburg Visitor’s Center,
• Gettysburg Cyclorama,
• Eisenhower National Historic Site,
• Virginia State Capitol,
• Battle of the Crater,
• Pamplin Historical Park
• National Museum of the Civil War Soldier.

If you are interested please contact Rose Hardy, AAA Vacations, 704-L Plaza Blvd, Kinston, NC 28501, 252-523-7777, or rbhardy@mailaaa.com.

Home furnishing and cookware retailer Williams-Sonoma recently released its Summer 2013 catalog, which spotlights the company’s outdoor appliance selection. Even if you’re not in the market for a $14,000 outdoor pizza oven, you can’t help but be drawn to the catalog’s stunning photography, particularly the scrumptiously styled food shots that seem to pop right off the page.

But if you look closer, you’ll also find burger recipes and grilling tips and a how-to on infusing flavor into various types of meat. This is the kind of content that engages readers because it’s smart, entertaining, fun and beautiful – and most importantly, useful. And it says the same about the brand: Williams-Sonoma is smart, entertaining, fun and beautiful, and if you purchase its products, perhaps you’ll be perceived that way, too. Because as Journal’s President and Publisher Bob Schwartzman said, “They’re not just selling cookware; they’re selling a lifestyle.”

The 2013 Official North Carolina Travel Guide was redesigned to resemble a catalog with big, bold photography, brief headlines and copy blocks that are easily digested. In this case, the North Carolina Department of Tourism isn’t just selling the state’s attractions and accommodations; it’s selling the excitement, adventure and lasting memories of a North Carolina vacation.

Williams-Sonoma isn’t the only retailer using content marketing to build brand awareness and loyalty. Home improvement giant Lowe’s has loaded its website with home and gardening ideas, tips and DIY instructions to position itself as the authority in the home and garden sphere.

Journal uses the same content marketing techniques to build awareness and loyalty for our agribusiness clients. Tennessee Home & Farm magazine, for example, uses farm-to-table recipes and a gardening advice column to connect with the non-farming members of the Tennessee Farm Bureau, and the library of recipes, cooking tips and fun facts on farmflavor.com help state departments of agriculture build a larger consumer audience.

Check out how other companies are using content marketing and the lessons learned from their success.

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An effective communication strategy has to be able to cut through the clutter in a short amount of time. Infographics can help do that by reducing information overload into digestible, visual and compelling pieces.

The editors of Journal’s 17 statewide agriculture guides use infographics to communicate important agriculture facts, figures and technical processes to a consumer audience.

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 Tuesday, September 24, 2013     3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Vernon Park Mall on Vernon Ave. in Kinston, NC

Event Sponsor: Heart-Healthy Lenoir Project

The Kinston-Lenoir County Chamber of Commerce along with Lenoir County Cooperative Extension, Vernon Park Mall, Tourism Development Authority (VisitKinston), The Free Press, Lenoir County SPCA and Steve Hardy’s Original Beach Party proudly present the Living the Good Life Expo and Food Tasting. One of Kinston’s most popular events, the Expo will offer visitors an exciting array of things to see, do, and taste and provide a chance to learn about the services and products our local businesses have to offer!  Again this year we welcome PETS and THE GOOD LIFE.  This addition will surely be a crowd pleaser adding more interest and attendance. This is definitely one event you can’t afford to miss!

The Expo offers opportunities for local businesses, and chefs the chance to set up a booth and share with visitors what they’re all about. In just one afternoon, you will have the opportunity to market your products and services to hundreds of people. Last year the Expo brought in more than 2,500 visitors! The Tasting the Good Life Culinary Challenge is back again this year and allows regional chefs to showcase their edible artwork and creations. By purchasing a $5.00 bracelet, attendees will be able to sample delicious soups, entrees, appetizers, and desserts prepared for the Culinary Challenge. Again this year is the Heart Healthy Entrée category. Those sampling will cast their People’s Choice vote for their favorite dish. Food tasting will be open to the public beginning at 4 p.m.  Information on vendor participation can be found below.

This year’s Expo promises to be the “best ever” showcasing area businesses and organizations from throughout eastern North Carolina. And don’t forget the newest PETS and THE GOOD LIFE section offering new exhibitors, vendors and activities sure to please all. The 2013Living the Good Life Expo will take place on Tuesday, September 24 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., at Vernon Park Mall. The mall is conveniently located on Vernon Avenue in Kinston, North Carolina. Exhibitor and Culinary booths will be positioned throughout the mall.  An outdoor area will also be available for those vendors that need extra-large space. Prior to the event, The Free Press will publish a “Living the Good Life” section. The Expo will be promoted using radio, television and regional newspapers. So Live the Good Life and join us at Vernon Park Mall on September 24 for Living the Good Life Expo and Food Tasting!

For more information, call the Chamber at 252-527-1131 and ask for Jan Parson or email Jan at jparson@kinstonchamber.com

• General Vendor Details
• General Vendor Registration form  
• Culinary Challenge Details
• Culinary Challenge Registration form  

Thank you President’s Club members

Gold

Copy Pro Inc.

Lenoir Memorial Hospital

Silver

BB& T

Cherry Energy

Coastal Connections Marketing

Corporate Resources

Down East Protection Systems

Hughes Construction and Landscaping

Infinity Network Services

Wells Fargo

1. Find good content to model.

2. Choose the right platform for your content.
LinkedIn gives you the ability to share multiple types of content – from articles and infographics to videos and blog posts to white papers or entire presentations. Check out MediaWhiz.com’s list of content with the best ROI.

3. Take advantage of LinkedIn Slideshare ads.
Slideshare, “the world’s largest community for sharing presentations” has teamed with LinkedIn to offer businesses and organizations a new form of targeted content marketing. Read more here. Then check out a Small Business Guide to Slideshare.