The Harris Partners

Robbie Perkins Announces Bid for Mayor of Greensboro

2011-05-31T12:11:00.000-04:00

Today, Robbie Perkins announced his candidacy for Mayor of Greensboro.

The Harris Partners will be handling all aspects of his campaign - campaign management, strategic counsel, press/media relations, creative development, and social media.

We have managed the last two campaigns for Robbie when he ran for City Council at large, and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. As we posted last year, we also were involved in Judge Lindsay Davis' successful reelection campaign for Superior Court Judge.

Robbie will be an excellent Mayor! To learn more, visit www.robbieperkins.com.

ACC Hall of Champions Opens

2011-03-15T12:01:00.000-04:00

The new ACC Hall of Champions has opened in Greensboro.

Located at the Greensboro Coliseum Complex near the Special Events Center, the Hall of Champions features kiosks for each of the twelve ACC member schools. There are fabulous interactive exhibits that couture the history and success of sports in the ACC.

I was honored to be asked to attend the ribbon cutting and opening Gala.

When you're next in Greensboro, this is a must stop!

The Harris Partners Receives NC HUB Certification

2011-02-22T11:51:00.000-05:00

The Harris Partners has just been certified as a HUB (Historically Underutilized Businesses) firm with the Statewide Uniform Certification (SWUC) Program.

This program was developed for the purposes of streamlining the certification of minority and women-owned businesses and creating a centralized HUB and minority/women business database. This database is used by local and state entities for HUB participation and reporting purposes. In order to be considered for participation in new business pitches, many prospective clients require this certification.

In order to receive our certification, we had to submit several client recommendations. We were so pleased that our clients didn't hesitate to support us in this effort!

This required a lot of work, but it was well worth it!

Photo Shoot at Tryon Palace

2010-11-20T15:59:00.005-05:00

So many of my posts this year have been about our work at Tryon Palace - work of which we are extremely proud.

Our positioning for Tryon Palace was approved in April, the creative campaign was chosen in June, so now it was time for the photography shoot. We spent three days last week in New Bern - one of my favorite new places, by the way. We really enjoyed the process and met some great folks along the way. I'm attaching a couple of photos from "behind the scenes".

We expect the print ads to begin running in February 2011.

Charles Aris, Inc. is New Client

2010-11-15T11:41:00.000-05:00

I am very pleased to announce that Charles Aris, Inc., a multinational executive search firm, is our newest client.

Based in Greensboro, NC, Charles Aris, Inc. is known for its strategic and professional approach to searches for its clients. With over 20 search professionals, the company has completed searches in 37 states and 12 countries around the world in a broad range of disciplines.

The company was founded over 40 years ago by Mitch Oakley, who is Chairman of the company. He has just promoted Chad Oakley to be President and COO of the firm. We'll be handling all of their public relations and media relations work, in addition to establishing Chad as a national speaker in the areas of retaining and recruiting talent.

Welcome Charles Aris, Inc. to The Harris Partners!

Topping Off Ceremony for New Cancer Center at Duke

2010-11-12T12:48:00.001-05:00

I wrote this time a year ago that we had broken ground at Duke for the new Comprehensive Cancer Center building.

Well, I attended the topping off ceremony last week where the last beam is hoisted into place, along with an evergreen tree to keep "evil spirits" away. We all got to sign the beam before it was lifted away, and I also signed my parents' names and my brother's. They would be so proud to see how far we've come.

It was thrilling, to say the least, to watch that beam be put into place. I've attached a picture here. Look closely, and you can see the white beam and the tree!

The building will be finished in 2012!

Miracles Do Happen!

2010-11-08T15:50:00.001-05:00

If you've ever wondered about this, you can stop now!

I wrote a little over a year ago about my dear friend, Dr. Neil Spector, who is an oncologist at Duke. After battling cardiomyopathy for 12 years as a result of Lyme disease, he received a heart transplant in July 2009.

I'm pleased to report that Neil is back at work and thriving! I had lunch with him a couple of weeks ago, and was so grateful to be able to spend some time with him and reflect over the last 16 months. He's writing a book about his experiences over the last 12 years, and I made him promise I'd get one of the first ones - autographed!

Now he's turning his attention to starting the Inflammatory Breast Cancer Clinic at Duke. A terrible disease. How grateful we all are for his vision - and good health!

Election Day 2010

2010-11-03T12:45:00.000-04:00

I am very pleased and proud to say that our candidate, Judge Lindsay R. Davis, Jr., was re-elected to the Superior Court, representing Guilford County.

I love politics, and really enjoy representing candidates that are worthy of holding public office. Judge Davis is that kind of individual.

We need more like him!

The North Carolina History Center Opens

2010-10-22T12:40:00.001-04:00

After 10 years of planning and hard work, the North Carolina History Center opened at Tryon Palace in New Bern yesterday.

We attended the grand opening, and it was spectacular to say the least. I told the Executive Director that despite our having been involved with this project for a year now, I could not have imagined how truly magnificent it is.

The evening concluded with fireworks over the Trent River. A perfect conclusion to a very memorable evening.

New Office for The Chordoma Foundation

2010-10-06T12:35:00.002-04:00

I am very pleased to announce that The Chordoma Foundation has officially moved its office to Durham, where it can be closer to the wonderful research being done to cure this terrible disease.

My dear friend, Josh Sommer, who is also the Executive Director, hosted an open house in the lobby of his new facility, and lots of folks came to share in the excitement. Josh continues to be healthy, and is really doing significant work in this area. I am so honored to be his friend, and prous that The Harris Partners serves as marketing consultants to him.

September in Chicago

2010-09-24T12:24:00.001-04:00

What a wonderful time to be in Chicago! Warm days, bright sunshine, and the Casual Furnishings Industry market!

All of the manufacturers and retailers were very positive about this market. All signs of optimism about the economy. So it was a very positive and uplifting time together.

The 51st annual Apollo Awards dinner and presentation was held in the Field Museum, and it was spectacular! Imagine having dinner with the 100 year-old elephants and Sue, the famous dinosaur. I've included pictures, so see for yourself. Oh, the Apollo Awards logo is one we designed for last year's 50th anniversary celebration.

Finally a Full Real Estate Broker

2010-08-25T12:19:00.000-04:00

I took the last of my post-licensing courses today and passed with flying colors!

All this means is that I am no longer a provisional broker, and I don't have to work under the supervision of someone else. However, since this is not something I do full-time, I am sure that I will still want to have someone review my deals and contracts!

Just picked up my second listing for a warehouse in High Point.

Casual Furnishings Industry Pre-Market in Chicago

2010-07-16T12:11:00.000-04:00

One of my favorite events is the Casual Furnishings Industry pre-market at the Merchandise Mart in Chicago. I've been working with their trade association, the International Casual Furnishings Association (ICFA) for three years now, and I'm starting to really feel a part of this industry.

This was a quick trip to video those who will speak on behalf of this year's Lifetime Achivement Award winners. Absolutely wonderful people!

And we'll be back in September for the Market itself!

New Creative Look for Tryon Palace

2010-06-02T12:05:00.001-04:00

Yesterday, we presented five different campaigns for the launch of Tryon Palace's new strategic positioning. Each included ideas for print ads, outdoor, promotional ideas, social media, and website applications.

The good news is that there was a lot to like! After much discussion, we all agreed on one approach for moving forward. I wish I could include a sample here, but I'm going to keep it a secret until we have final work to show! Coming soon!

Commission Meeting at Tryon Palace

2010-05-01T11:50:00.006-04:00

We've just returned from a very successful presentation to the Tryon Palace Commission in New Bern!

After three months of hard strategic work, our recommendation for the new positioning of Tryon Palace was unanimously approved! We couldn't be more proud!

We also recommended a new logotype and mark for Tryon Palace. The mark is based on an emblem on the the actual gate in front of the Governor's Palace. Take a look at the top of this post!

Now we start creative development!

Concrete Express Expands

2010-04-25T13:03:00.002-04:00

Last May, I wrote about my client, Concrete Express, starting up in this market.

I'm pleased to tell you that the company is going so well, and they have expanded into the Winston-Salem and High Point markets. We've been working with them on some public relations and media efforts, and they are really paying off.

Keep watching for their trucks!

Tryon Palace Update

2010-03-31T13:00:00.000-04:00

We had our final presentation of Phases I and II to the Marketing Committee today, and it could not have gone better! Our recommendations were accepted unanimously, and then later on by the Executive Committee.

We have enjoyed every minute of this project and so proud of the work we've done. We'll present to the Tryon Palace Commission at the end of April, and then start on creative development. Stay tuned!

Re-Elect Judge Lindsay Davis

2010-02-15T12:25:00.000-05:00

You know how much I love political campaigns. I'm pleased to announce that my long-time dear friend Lindsay Davis is running for re-election to the NC Superior Court from District 18. He's asked me to help him with his marketing.

Lindsay is one of the most highly regarded judges in the state. He's exactly the kind of person that we need on the bench.

He's put together a wonderful campaign team, and I'm so honored to be part of it.

Tryon Palace - Biggest Win Yet!

2009-11-13T12:10:00.001-05:00

The Harris Partners is pleased to announce that Tryon Palace in New Bern, NC has selected us for their major rebranding effort, including the launch of the new NC History Center, scheduled for August 2010.

This is just the kind of project we like - getting in on the ground floor and starting to rebuild. This project will include three phases. The first will be a strategic analysis of the attraction, its target audience, and competition. The second will focus on the new strategic positioning for Tryon Palace, and the third will be the creative execution of that positioning. We can hardly wait to get started!

The competition for this assignment was fierce. There were six companies in the running, with three finalists selected. And we got the great news today that we won! Smart thinking won out over bricks and mortar!

Breaking Ground on a New Cancer Center at Duke

2009-11-07T16:15:00.001-05:00

I've just returned from the groundbreaking for the new $700 million Cancer Center building at Duke. What a wonderful celebration! And what a building! This will make such a difference in the lives of our patients and families. The building should be completed in 2011.

We combined the meetings of both of the Cancer Center boards to help celebrate the groundbreaking. I so enjoy these meetings, as well as seeing wonderful friends.

You may remember my posting in July about my friend, Dr. Neil Spector, regarding his heart transplant. I saw Neil for the first time since his surgery at this meeting, and he really looks wonderful. Everyone was trilled to see him, and I think that was the best medicine he could have. He's back at work now, and trying to get back into his old routine slowly but surely. What a miracle!

Election Night!

2009-11-04T16:25:00.000-05:00

Last night was election night here, and I was the campaign manager for my long-time friend Robbie Perkins. He was running for re-election to the Greensboro City Council at large.

Needless to say, he won! I'll take some of the credit, but Robbie is really just what this community needs in terms of leadership. This will mark his 15th year serving on Council, and his accomplishments are well-known and recognized. I'm very proud of him!

We both really enjoy campaigning, so it's been an especially fun three months for us. We'll have to see what 2011 brings!

A New Client!

2009-10-01T16:08:00.000-04:00

I'm very proud to announce that Hanes Lineberry Funeral Home is joining the roster of fine clients with whom The Harris Partners is privileged to work. I have known the Lineberry family all of my life, so it's especially an honor to have your friends want to do business with you.

I'm going to keep the details of the assignment secret for now until we go public! So stay tuned!

We're really looking forward to this partnership!

Another Successful Market

2009-09-25T16:01:00.000-04:00

I've just returned from Chicago where the Casual Furnishings industry hosted its annual market at the Merchandise Mart. The market was viewed as a great success! Especially great news, in light of the economy!

Our wonderful client, the International Casual Furnishings Association, hosted its annual Apollo Awards dinner on the night before the market closed, and it was held in the refurbished Union Station. I hadn't been in that building since I lived in Chicago, and the renovation was breathtaking. The dinner was a great success, and the two videos we produced for the Lifetime Achievement Award winners were very favourably received. I love this project and will be looking forward to 2010!

Rankin King Farm Opens

2009-08-26T14:25:00.002-04:00

Beacon Management's newest project opened today! Rankin King Farm was dedicated at a wonderful reception this afternoon.

I am very proud of my client and friend, George Carr, CEO of Beacon Management. George has a 30+ year career in real estate with particular emphasis in the areas of managing, developing and financing low and moderate income apartment communities. Utilizing a wide range of financing techniques, he has developed over $125 million of affordable rental housing.
These communities include conventional housing, mixed income and tax credit properties, substantially rehabilitated historic and non-historic properties and other affordable housing communities developed and assisted under a variety of city, state, and federal programs.

George has developed several properties with significant historical roots in the communities in which they are located. Rankin King Farm is one of them. He preserved the original house on the property and turned it into a community center for the residents. It's just beautiful and so exciting to see the new residents' pride in where they live.

The Harris Partners helped position this new property and sourced items that were given to residents and guests at the opening. For a rendering of this new property, see our News and Events Image Gallery.

Neil's Healing Heart

2009-07-26T10:45:00.002-04:00

Those of you who know me or visit my website know about my support for the Duke Comprehensive Cancer Center. In fact, it is my passion.

Over the years, I have gotten to know, and have become very close to so many wonderful people there - patients, nurses, volunteers, physicians - to say they are a remarkable lot would be an understatement.

One physician I am so very proud to call my dear friend is Dr. Neil Spector. Neil and I are the same age, and we graduated from college the same year - he from UNC and me from Duke. So I always like to tease him about that. He's good at giving it back to me as well!

We have known for some time that Neil's heart has been weak as a result of an illness many years ago. His condition has been especially weakening for the past several months. Well, I got a phone call from a mutual friend on Monday afternoon, telling me that Neil had just completed heart transplant surgery! I had no idea he was in such dire circumstances, and to be honest, was kind of glad I wasn't privy to the events of last weekend leading up to this decision!

The great news is that Neil is doing wonderfully well! He was out of Intensive Care within 48 hours, and is walking about 2 miles each day around the halls! A true miracle! I have a feeling that he will be impossible to reign in once he's out of the hospital and back at work!

We are all so grateful for his return to good health and are thinking so much about the selfless decision his donor's family made that has allowed us to have Neil healthy again. God bless them.

Chicago in July!

2009-07-17T10:33:00.000-04:00

We just got back from three wonderful days in Chicago, where we filmed the interviews for the ICFA's Lifetime Achievement Awards.

As I mentioned in previous post, this has become a project that we all look forward to every year. We have met so many amazing people, and this year was no exception. We reviewed the footage last week and editing all of these great interviews down to two 5-minute tribute videos is going to be challenge! There is so much to work with!

Thees videos will be shown in Chicago on September 23 at Union Station as a part of the ICFA's 50th Annual Apollo Awards. Last year (2008) was the first year we had produced these videos, and the morning after the presentation, a reporter came up to me and asked if my company had produced the videos shown the previous evening. When I replied that, yes, we had, he said "On a scale of one to ten, last year's (2007) videos were a 4. This year, they were a 12!" We obviously were so proud and felt just great!

We're looking forward to participating again this year!

Lifetime Achievement Awards for ICFA

2009-06-05T12:13:00.002-04:00

We've been working with the International Casual Furnishings Association (ICFA) for a little over a year now. They are wonderful clients and have so many interesting projects.

ICFA is a trade association that represents manufacturers and retailer of outdoor furniture. What a great industry! And with more people staying home and traveling less, we find that they are investing more in their homes and furnishings.

Last year, we produced and filmed two videos that honored the Lifetime Achievement Award recipients at the Casual Industry's annual dinner in September in Chicago. We were so pleased with the results and were excited to be asked to produce and film the videos for this year's recipients. We traveled to Hickory and High Point earlier this week to begin filming, and we'll finish up in Chicago next month.

We have met such wonderful people through this organization and are looking to this year's awards!

Concrete Express

2009-05-27T12:04:00.001-04:00

I was approached in December by a long-time friend who was starting a business and asked for my help. His concept is new to this market and very interesting.

The company is named Concrete Express, and specializes in delivering small loads of concrete to sites that larger trucks would not be able to access. The mixer is small, and the truck is very maneuverable.

We created their corporate identity (see Image Gallery: News and Events gallery on our website) and developed a launch plan for them. They are experiencing great success already! Read more about them at http://www.concreteexp.com/.

A New Real Estate Broker

2009-04-08T11:59:00.000-04:00

Today, I sat for my NC Real Estate exam and passed!

As I've said before, I'm glad I did this, and am also glad to be finished!

This will allow me to not only market my NAIPT clients' business more effectively, but will also allow me to be involved with some interesting projects with which I would not have been able to be involved had I not gotten my licence. That's exciting!

An Incredible Day

2009-03-27T11:44:00.002-04:00

This has truly been one of the most incredible days of my life.

Today was my last meeting as Chair of the Citizen's Advisory Committee (CAC) at the Duke Comprehensive Cancer Center. I've been chair for 4 years, as was my dad in the late 1980's and early 1990's.

This group is the oldest volunteer board at the Cancer enter. We're the grassroots arm of the Cancer Center, and our mission is to be ambassadors for Duke and raise awareness of the wonderful things happening at Duke in the fight against cancer.

I was honored by the things that were said about me and my contributions to Duke at this meeting. It truly has been my honor and privilege to have been associated with this incredible group of people. And I will continue to stay on as a member of the CAC in the years to come!

They gave me a beautiful Duke Medicine chair with an engraved plaque on the back that I have in my study. It will be one of my treasures.

We've made such great progress in our quest to find effective therapies that will make the fear of a cancer diagnosis a thing of the past. It's awe-inspiring to hear of the research being done and care being given by these physicians at Duke. Read more at http://cancer.duke.edu.

March Madness

2009-03-19T11:21:00.000-04:00

I think March is my favorite month of the year. As a Duke basketball fanatic, March is right in the thick of things as far as basketball around here goes.

I've been involved with the ACC Women's Basketball Tournament here for 10 years, and it's one of my favorite events. The women can really play!

It's been a great opportunity to be involved with the marketing of this tournament. When we first started 10 years ago, we had to convince folks that this would actually be an exciting sports event worth watching. Now, we have sell-out crowds in the Greensboro Coliseum! Mission accomplished!

One of the reasons for our success is a partnership we began 10 years ago with Friends for an Earlier Breast Cancer Test, a local grassroots organization that raises awareness and money to support research aimed at discovering a test that will detect breast cancer early. This organization is fabulous and has been wonderfully successful with their efforts. It's an honor to have been associated with them. You can read more about them at www.earlier.org.

The NCAA Men's Regional Tournament began here today, and I had breakfast with my dear friend Bob Harris (no relation!), who is the voice of the Duke Blue Devils. I've known Bob for more years than either of us cares to count, and he is truly a legend not only at Duke but within the ACC and national sporting world. He told me this morning that he's writing a book that is due to be published in the fall of 2009. It will have an audio CD as part of the book, with some of his most famous conversations over the years. Watch for more on this at www.voiceofthebluedevils.com.

And today is my birthday! What a wonderful way to celebrate than to be with dear friends and watching Duke basketball!

I Passed!

2009-02-27T11:16:00.002-05:00

Well, I got my real estate exam results back today, and I passed the course! Whew! I did not want to have to take that class again, which is what I would have had to do if I hadn't passed the first time.

My NAIPT clients are thrilled with the news!

So now it's on to the NC State exam. I think I'll take a few weeks off before I tackle that one, so I've scheduled it for April 8.

Exam Time

2009-02-11T11:09:00.001-05:00

I told you I'd keep you up to date on my progress in real estate school.

Getting back in the habit of studying has been the most interesting part. Boy, am I out of practice! I find myself studying every night and every weekend.

But I am learning a lot and have lots of new ideas to share with my NAIPT client as a result of the course. So it's been well worth it.

Final exam is February 25th. I have to pass this class exam in order to sit for the NC State exam. I figure I've gone this far, so I might as well get my broker's license!

Back to the books....

A Big Birthday

2009-02-02T10:21:00.003-05:00

One of the things I've read recently in the trade press is, despite the downturn in the economy, people will still spend money on their pets. It seems to be a recession-proof category! It is estimated that US pet owners spent approximately $36 billion on their pets last year, quite an increase from 1994 when annual pet expenditures in the US were $17 billion.

And I'm certainly doing my part to contribute to that figure!

My miniature chocolate brown poodle, McKenzie turned 10 years old yesterday. He is the love of my life, to put it mildly. And we are so lucky that he's in perfect health. So, I thought a celebration was in order for him. And everyone needs an excuse to party in the middle of winter, right?

Invitations were mailed, and 50 of McKenzie's closest friends (two-legged variety) arrived last night to celebrate him at a buffet dinner at our home - catered, of course. No detail was overlooked, and the event concluded with everyone receiving a party favor to take home - individually bagged M&M's (tied with a red ribbon), personalized with McKenzie's picture on every one.

I wasn't kidding when I said I'm contributing to that $36 billion annual expenditure!

Real Estate School

2009-01-22T10:07:00.004-05:00

I've always been known for learning my clients' businesses as well as they do - or at least trying to!

Well, the folks at NAI Piedmont Triad came to me last fall with an idea. They thought it would be a good idea for me to enroll in Real Estate school so that I could better understand their business. That's something that I must admit I'd never thought of before! But it makes sense!

So I enrolled in the Dan Mohr Real Estate School last week. It's a six-week intensive course - 12 hours each week. So far so good! The coursework is interesting and will require some studying to stay current. It's been a long time since I've had to study, not to mention run a business at the same time. But I do think it will help me be a better partner to my NAIPT clients, and that's the objective!

I'll keep you posted as to my progress!

A New Year

2009-01-04T09:57:00.003-05:00

Happy New Year!

After 2008, we need one, don't we?

I always look forward to a new year and am optimistic about its possibilities. Why not! What do we have to lose from having a positive attitude?

I'm encouraging my clients to adopt the same attitude. I believe that it makes others want to be around you and want to do businbess with you. And it certainly makes you feel better!

So here's to 2009! May it bring all the good things you wish for!

NAI Piedmont Triad Sees Opportunity in Tough Economic Times

2008-11-22T11:48:00.001-05:00

In a down economy, many companies feel that they just can't invest in marketing. In fact, this is exactly the time to do so!

I have been working with NAI Piedmont Triad, the Triad's largest independent commercial real estate firm, for two years now. We helped them last year launch their new name and organization. They are doing exactly what I wish all companies would do at this time and that is find creative and effective ways to stay in front of their clients. They have been very receptive to our advice and I am confident that when the economy turns around, they will reap the benefits of the investment they are making now in marketing themselves. Read more about them at http://www.naipt.com/.

Fighting to Find a Cure at the Duke Comprehensive Cancer Center

2008-10-03T11:34:00.000-04:00

For the last three years, I've been honored to chair the Citizen's Advisory Council (CAC) at the Duke Comprehensive Cancer Center (DCCC). This is the oldest volunteer Board at the Cancer Center, and my father chaired it in the late 1980's. My brother died of leukemia in 1983 at the age of twenty-five, and fighting back against this dreadful disease has really become my family's mission. So I'm especially honored to be involved with this organization. Our commitment to the DCCC is why The Harris Partners makes a contribution each year in honor of each of our clients and partners.

Our fall meeting was today, and I always come back from these meetings with such hope that we will be able to turn cancer into a chronic disease one day. Already, such progress has been made and those at Duke who lead this fight are truly heroes.

Today, my great friend, Josh Sommer, spoke to our group. Josh was diagnosed in 2006 with chordoma, a rare from of bone cancer. He was a freshman at Duke at the time. Following successful surgery, he and his mother founded The Chordoma Foundation. In just two years, their accomplishments have been nothing short of amazing. You can read more about Josh and his great work at http://www.chordomafoundation.org/.

International Casual Furnishings Association is Launched!

2008-09-22T11:11:00.002-04:00

I just got back from a week in Chicago where I attended the International Casual Furniture and Accessories Mart in the Merchandise Mart. This is the world's largest trade show where manufacturers and retailers see what's new in the outdoor furniture industry.

I've been working with the International Casual Furnishings Association (ICFA), which is the trade association whose goal is to create a community of professionals dedicated to supporting and enhancing members’ ability to succeed in today’s global market. The ICFA is a new organization, formed in January 2008, which encompasses both manufacturers and retailers in the outdoor industry. Its predecessor, the Summer and Casual Furnishings Manufacturers Association (SCFMA) only represented manufacturers.

So for the first time, the ICFA established a strong presence at this market and initiated a new membership drive, encouraging those in the industry to join this new inclusive group. Despite the difficult economic situation, the market was successful, and the ICFA is well on its way toward growing and promoting the use of outdoor furnishings worldwide.

Check out the trade show booth we designed in the Image Gallery.