Today with Patty

My Trip to the White House

by Patty

If you had told me several months ago that I would be meeting President Obama I would have thought you were crazy. But sure enough this week I was given an amazing opportunity to meet with the President—and as if that wasn’t enough of a treat, I was a guest in the White House.

This all began when debates on the issue of healthcare and Obama’s current plan to reform the U.S. Healthcare System swept the nation. ABC News decided to film a nationally televised special conversation with the President on the topic titled “Questions for the President: Prescription for America” mediated by Charles Gibson and Diane Sawyer. ABC News handpicked those invited – they wanted a wide variety of opinions on the issue and I along with good friend and fellow woman business leader Lisa Piniero were both chosen to attend. So we packed our bags and headed for the hill.

Listening to President Obama speak, I realized he was one of the most charismatic people I had ever met. When he talks to you it is like you are the only one in the room. Now, it just wouldn’t be me if I didn’t get a little bossy, even if he was the President. So that is just what I did. I laughed, went up to him and shook his hand, and told him to come over and talk to the people in the cheap seats!

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Lisa Piniero, I know that none of this would have been possible without her. Lisa is the president of Technical Services, Inc., an electrical training and recruiting firm, and founder of WOmen @ Work, a nonprofit that encourages young women to get involved with traditionally male dominated fields. She is a very successful woman with a very successful business and it is because of this that this wasn’t Lisa’s first encounter with the President.

Lisa was awarded the Small Business Award last month from the President and he remembered her. Lisa was given the chance to introduce the President to her father which was very special for her. President Obama bragged on Lisa to her dad telling him what a successful daughter he had which I am sure made him very proud.

The only part of the evening where I was even slightly disappointed was when I was not able to ask Obama my question—I was next in line when the show ended! However, I didn’t stay disappointed for long. Diane Sawyer actually apologized to me that I didn’t get to ask my question. I was in awe of her and she was even more beautiful in person than on television.

I believe the program and broadcast was a success and a lot of important information and ideas were discussed. This was a great idea on the part of ABC News and very beneficial to get different opinions from around the country on an issue that affects us all. This trip was incredible and it was truly an honor to attend.

Comment [1] | 06/26/09

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Today with Patty

Letterman's Apology Came Too Late

by Patty

Gov. Sarah Palin has been the butt of every comedian’s jokes over the past year since she was chosen as Sen. John McCain’s running mate for vice president. From referring to her “slutty flight attendant” style to her comment on seeing Russia from her house, she has caused a media heyday. Just when the jokes began to subside, David Letterman brought her back into the spotlight.

“One awkward moment for Sarah Palin at the Yankee game,” Letterman said on the Late Show, “during the seventh inning, her daughter was knocked up by Alex Rodriguez.” Unbeknownst to this CBS funnyman, the daughter who accompanied Palin on her trip to New York was 14-year-old Willow, not 18-year-old Bristol, the unwed mother of Palin’s first grandchild. Even Letterman called his remarks ugly and unpleasant. But his half-hearted sarcastic apology two days later did not smooth things over.

Another week later, Letterman released a more eloquent, sincere-sounding apology. “I told a joke that was beyond flawed, and my intent is completely meaningless compared to the perception. And since it was a joke I told, I feel that I need to do the right thing here and apologize for having told that joke. It’s not your fault that it was misunderstood, it’s my fault. So I would like to apologize, especially to the two daughters involved, Bristol and Willlow, and also the governor and her family and everybody else who was outraged by the joke. I’m sorry about it, and I’ll try to do better in the future.”

To me, that means “I’m really sorry that you all took what I said out of context and that the media took advantage of this to make me look bad.” From a PR standpoint, in order for a public apology to be successful, you must take full responsibility for your actions and be honestly remorseful.

Here at MMI, our crisis management slogan is, “Tell it all, tell it fast and tell the truth.” This was obviously a crisis situation for the Late Show as negative media attention swirled and one of its sponsors withdrew its support. Timing is everything and by any public relations standard, the apology was over-the-top late. As any type of professional, a PR specialist or comedian, you must be handle these touchy situations genuinely and effectively to gain any type of authentic relationship.

Comment | 06/18/09

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Press Releases

Second Chance Pet Adoptions Seeks Auction Items

by MMI

RALEIGH, N.C. – Kristine Mayberry, president of Second Chance Pet Adoptions, has announced that the organization is seeking auction items for its ninth annual Auction for the Animals fundraiser, which will be held from 7 to 11 p.m. on Saturday, July 25 at Delightful Inspirations in Casper Park, located at 5511 Avent Ferry Road. WRAL-TV’s Mark Roberts will be the emcee for the event. Second Chance is accepting items for the event’s three different auctions – live, silent and chance. All proceeds for the auction will benefit the animal shelter. Last year the auction provided care for 500 rescue cats and dogs.

Auction item donations may be dropped off at the Adoption Center, located at 6003 Chapel Hill Road. For more information about auction item donations, e-mail Kristine Mayberry at kristinemayberry@gmail.com or call (919)454-5174. To learn additional information about the event, visit www.secondchancenc.org.

“It is the mission of Second Chance Pet Adoptions to rescue as many abandoned cats and dogs as possible,” said Mayberry. “The proceeds from the Auction for the Animals are able to provide care for so many lovable animals and we are so grateful to all who choose to help.”

About Second Chance Pet Adoptions:
Second Chance Pet Adoptions is a nonprofit animal rescue organization that has served homeless cats and dogs of the Triangle area of North Carolina since 1989. Second Chance’s mission is to rescue abandoned and stray cats and dogs, provide excellent care for each pet, and match each pet with the best home for its needs, in order to ensure a long lifetime of safety, love and companionship. Second Chance also encourages responsible pet ownership through education, advocacy, programs and services. Second Chance Pet Adoptions is the Triangle’s oldest no-kill animal shelter and rescue group for dogs and cats. For more information, call (919) 851-8404 or visit www.secondchancenc.org.

Comment | 06/17/09

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Press Releases

Triangle Business Journal Ranks MMI Associates, Inc. Fourth-Largest PR Firm In Area

by MMI

RALEIGH, N.C. – Patty Briguglio, president of MMI Associates, Inc., a Raleigh-based full-service public relations firm, has announced that the firm has been named the fourth-largest public relations firm for Triangle Business Journal’s list of 2009 top Public Relations Firms. MMI moved up one place after being ranked the fifth-largest public relations firm for the past two years. The Triangle Business Journal ranks the companies based on the number of public relations professionals working in the Triangle.

MMI has undertaken major initiatives during the past year, including a foray into new media and its public relations applications. The firm also has retained several notable new clients, including the Council for Entrepreneurial Development, Wake County Economic Development and Raleigh Regional Association of REALTORS®. Founded in Phoenix in 1994, MMI opened its Raleigh office in 2003. The firm employs 19 full-time public relations professionals.

“We are pleased to be recognized as a leading firm in the Triangle once again,” said Briguglio. “The ranking reflects our growth over the past year and our continuing dedication to our clients, both new and established.”

About MMI Associates, Inc.:
MMI Associates, Inc. is a full-service public relations firm offering a wide range of services to help clients achieve measurable results in brand awareness, name recognition, market penetration and crisis management. Established in 1994 in Phoenix, Arizona, this award-winning firm was named one of the top 10 public relations firms in the state. In North Carolina, the Triangle Business Journal’s Book of Lists has recognized MMI as one of the top five public relations firms in the Triangle. The firm has received numerous awards for its work and was awarded the Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce’s 2007 and 2008 Pinnacle Award for Steady Growth and Profitability, and was named a Best Place to Work by the Triangle Business Journal. For more information, please call (919) 233-6600 or visit the Web site at www.mmimarketing.com.

Comment | 06/17/09

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Press Releases

Crescent State Bank Named Among The Financial 100

by MMI

CARY, N.C. – Michael G. Carlton, president of Crescent State Bank, a wholly owned subsidiary of Crescent Financial Corporation (NASDAQ Global MarketSM), has announced that the bank has been named one of the state’s top financial institutions in “The Financial 100” listing in Business North Carolina magazine. Crescent Financial Corporation was ranked No. 27; rankings are based on revenue earned in 2008. Crescent State Bank is headquartered in Cary, N.C. with additional bank locations in Apex, Raleigh, Holly Springs, Clayton, Southern Pines, Pinehurst, Sanford, Knightdale, Wilmington and Garner.

“We are honored to be recognized among the top 100 financial institutions in the state,” said Carlton. “Crescent State Bank has enjoyed great success in the last year including our expanded presence in the Raleigh market.”

About Crescent State Bank:
Crescent State Bank is a wholly owned subsidiary of Crescent Financial Corporation. The bank has total assets of $1.1 billion, deposits of $731.6 million, and net loans of $773.8 million as of March 31, 2009. The bank operates 15 full-service banking offices in the communities of Cary (2), Apex, Clayton, Garner, Holly Springs, Sanford, Southern Pines, Pinehurst, Raleigh (3), Knightdale and Wilmington (2), North Carolina. For more information, visit www.crescentstatebank.com.

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Information in this press release contains “forward-looking statements.” These statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially, including without limitation, the effects of future economic conditions, governmental fiscal and monetary policies, legislative and regulatory changes, the risks of changes in interest rates, and the effects of competition. Additional factors that could cause actual results to differ materially are discussed in Crescent Financial Corporation’s recent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including, but not limited to, its Annual Report on Form 10-K and its other periodic reports.

Comment | 06/17/09

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Press Releases

Saturn Of Raleigh And Saturn Of Cary To Participate In $4,500 “Cash For Clunkers” Program

by MMI

RALEIGH, N.C. – Saturn of Raleigh and Saturn of Cary are participating in the Customer Assistance to Recycle and Save program, a new program from the federal government that will help consumers pay for new, more fuel efficient cars or trucks from a participating dealer when they trade in a less fuel efficient vehicle. More commonly called “Cash for Clunkers,” the program will provide U.S. Government vouchers valued from $3,500 to $4,500 when consumers trade in eligible vehicles and purchase new ones before Nov. 1, 2009 that meet or exceed specified fuel economy improvement standards.

The government has defined a clunker as a drivable car made within the last 25 years, with a fuel economy rating of no more than 18 miles per gallon. The vehicles that consumers trade in are required to be destroyed. For more information about the “Cash for Clunkers” program, visit www.cars.gov.

Located at 5501 Capital Blvd., Saturn of Raleigh is a full-service car dealership that has been serving the Raleigh, N.C., area, including Wake Forest and Rocky Mount, since 1992. Saturn of Cary is located at 91 Mackenan Drive in Cary and has been serving the residents of Cary, Apex, Morrisville, Holly Springs and other surrounding communities since 1997. The sales departments at both locations are open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday.

“Cash for Clunkers is a great program that will help take old, inefficient vehicles off the road and replace them with new, more fuel-efficient cars,” said Bill Shotwell, general manager and owner of Saturn of Raleigh and Saturn of Cary. “Consumers should keep in mind that the window of time to participate in this program is only through November 1 or until the funds run out. Our team is happy to help the local community understand the details of the program and whether their cars qualify as clunkers in this program.”

About Saturn of Raleigh:
Saturn of Raleigh is a full-service car dealership that has been serving the Raleigh, N.C., area, including Wake Forest and Rocky Mount, since 1992. Located at 5501 Capital Blvd., Saturn of Raleigh offers a complete line of new and pre-owned cars and trucks, and the staff is committed to serving all automotive needs, from sales and finance to service and parts. Factory-trained technicians ensure that care and maintenance of vehicles remains a priority and Saturn of Raleigh has a state-of-the-art diagnostic and repair facility stocked with a large inventory of manufacturer certified part to serve all customer needs. For more information about Saturn of Raleigh, visit www.saturnofraleigh.com or call (877) 221-5402.

About Saturn of Cary:
Saturn of Cary is a full-service car dealership that has been serving the residents of Cary, Apex, Morrisville, Holly Springs and other surrounding communities since 1997. Located at 91 Mackenan Drive in Cary, Saturn of Cary offers a complete line of new and pre-owned inventory of cars and trucks. The dealership also has a parts department to ensure that Saturn drivers can easily order new parts or get their vehicles repaired. From sales and finance to service and parts, the staff at Saturn of Cary is committed to helping drivers with all of their automotive needs. For more information about Saturn of Cary, visit www.saturnofcary.com or call (866) 569-5673.

Comment | 06/17/09

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