» Rick Laney

Rick Laney

Rick Laney is a husband and father raising three freaks in East Tennessee. I write brilliant, witty and insightful entries every day on this blog that make your life better … but sometimes they are invisible. When not being a husband and dad, Rick writes and works as a marketing and public relations professional.

JCPenney gets schooled for not listening to the customer

No Responses »

May 042013

In 2011, in an effort to give JCPenney a cooler, more youthful image, the centurion department store hired former Apple executive Ron Johnson as its CEO. Johnson did away with coupons and discounts—both hallmarks of the old JCPenney—and came up with the now infamous “store-within-a-store” plan. Instead of welcoming in a younger generation of shoppers, Johnson alienated JCPenney’s most loyal customers, resulting in a whopping net loss of $985 million in 2012.

Now, Johnson is toast (as in “fired”) and JCPenney is apologizing loudly for the sin of ignoring the marketplace and not listening to customers. In a recent article, Lucia Davis writes:

In addition to a new advertising spot, which is running on the retailer’s social media channels and will have a brief national television run this week, the JCPenney communications team is going to some lengths in letting customers know that the Johnson era has ended. Coupons are back. The company is no longer referring to itself in the press as “JCP,” the abbreviated brand ID coined by Johnson. Sales will be a huge part of luring back customers, not only with good deals, but also by demonstrating the brand is truly reverting back to the JCPenney of old that thrifty core customers loved. Whether or not these customers are gone for good remains to be seen, but one thing is for sure—JCPenney took away a valuable lesson: “We learned a very simple thing, to listen to you.”

Read the entire article here and watch the JCPenney “we’re so sorry” television commercial here.

The Oak Ridger writes about large Protomet Corporation expansion

No Responses »

Apr 052013

A great story appeared in The Oak Ridger about Protomet Corporation‘s planned expansion. Once approved by City Council next Monday, Protomet will move forward with an expansion that will pour millions of dollars into the local economy and create more than 30 new jobs. The Oak Ridger’s Beverly Majors writes:

The Oak Ridge Industrial Development Board approved a payment-in-lieu-of-taxes schedule for the expansion of Protomet Corp., but now the issue must go to the City Council for approval.

Protomet spokesman Rick Laney, a marketing and communications expert, said the IDB voted unanimously to approve the PILOT — which, if approved by the Oak Ridge City Council, will allow the company to expand its facility and add to its employee base.

“Protomet qualified for a five-year, 50 percent abatement on the new part,” said IDB Chairman David Wilson. “They requested a five-year abatement at 100 percent for the new part, and we approved that.”

Wilson said IDB’s only authorized under its matrix to approve at 50 percent, so the board passed a resolution to recommend City Council approve the 100 percent abatement plan.

“Protomet pays about $38,000 in taxes on the existing facility and that won’t change,” Wilson said.

The manufacturing, engineering and technology corporation is located at 1010 Larson Drive in the Bethel Valley Industrial Park. The new expansion would add 21,500 square feet to the current 15,360 square-foot facility, nearly tripling its size.

Laney said the PILOT approval was also announced at a news conference at the facility on Tuesday. He and Protomet president & owner Jeff Bohanan gave an overview of the company’s history at the news conference and said the expansion is “Phase II” of the company’s goal.

“We’re now entering Phase II and again partnering with the city of Oak Ridge,” Laney said. “We’ll meet with the Council in about two weeks.”

Read the compete story in The Oak Ridger here.

New money and new jobs coming to Oak Ridge thanks to Protomet Corporation

No Responses »

Apr 052013

Protomet Corporation announced it is more than doubling the size of its facilities, investing $6 million dollars in the local economy, buying new equipment and adding at least 30 new jobs at its Oak Ridge headquarters. Protomet plans to move into the expanded facility before year-end.

Protomet provides high precision production manufacturing for clients in a variety of markets including automotive, homeland security, medical and marine. Protomet partners with company resident engineers to (re)design parts for the manufacturing process that target the reduction of component cost by 10 to 75 percent. Because of the markets it serves, some particularly hard hit by economic conditions over the past five years, Protomet’s growth is an indication that some of those markets are making a turnaround.

Here’s what WATE (ABC) News in Knoxville reported:

Erik Ainge speaks at Copper Cellar Family of Restaurants Management Meeting in Gatlinburg

No Responses »

Apr 052013

Erik Ainge, host of the Erik Ainge Show on Tennessee Sports Radio, was the special guest speaker at the Copper Cellar Family of Restaurants Management Meeting in Gatlinburg, Tenn. this week. Ainge talked to the management team about motivation, teamwork and leading by example.

The presentation by Ainge, a former quarterback for the Tennessee Volunteers and the New York Jets, was well-received by the group who enthusiastically participated in a Q&A session following his talk.

The Copper Cellar Group operates 17 locations in Knoxville, Nashville, Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, Maryville and Lenoir City and includes the Copper Cellar, Calhoun’s, Chesapeake’s, Cherokee Grill Steakhouse and Smoky Mountain Brewery restaurants.

Ainge was 17-5 as a starter at University of Tennessee. As a senior in 2007, he passed for 3,522 yards and 31 touchdowns with just 10 interceptions. Despite throwing 513 passes his senior year, he was only sacked three times. He completed 62.6 percent of his passes and had a 135.48 QB rating. He set a number of school records during his time with the Vols, including a stellar senior season in 2007 in which he set marks for touchdown passes in a game (seven, against Kentucky in a 52-50 win), completions and attempts (325 and 519), and had the second-best season for yardage with 3,522, finishing only behind Peyton Manning’s 3,819 in his senior season.

Ainge’s show continues to grow in popularity and currently reaches approximately 100,000 Vol fans daily on the radio, online and on a free app for iPhone and Android. He is a sought-after speaker and regularly presents at business and community functions.

Protomet expansion in Oak Ridge draws national attention

No Responses »

Apr 022013

Protomet President Jeff Bohanan announces expansion to the media.

Since making the Protomet expansion announcement last week, the Oak Ridge-based manufacturing, technology and engineering company has received considerable local, state and national attention.

Protomet announced it is more than doubling the size of its facilities, investing $6 million dollars in the local economy, buying new equipment and adding at least 30 new jobs at its Oak Ridge headquarters. Protomet plans to move into the expanded facility before year-end.

The Knoxville News Sentinel reported “Boating rebound helping spur Protomet growth, president says” and said:

A rebounding East Tennessee boat-making industry is one of several factors that led to his decision to more than double the size of his Oak Ridge facility, Protomet Corp. President Jeff Bohanan said.

The acquisition of a Blount County firm that did the finishing touches on his precision-made metal products used by the automotive and marine industries is another reason for the expansion.

Bohanan on Tuesday formally announced his expansion plans and led the media on a tour of his current 15,360-square-foot plant in Bethel Valley Industrial Park.

WBIR (NBC) television news reported:

Up to three dozen new jobs are coming to Oak Ridge.

Protomet Corporation announced Tuesday that it is expanding and will add about 30 to 35 new jobs.

The manufacturing company makes high precision parts for the automobile, boating and homeland security industries.

WATE (ABC) television reported:

People in Oak Ridge got some good economic news Tuesday, as a local business is expanding and adding 30 new jobs.

Protomet Corporation, a manufacturing company, will fill those positions over the next three years.

Currently, 45 employees work for Protomet, making the dozens of metal components they provide for automotive, military, security, and marine companies.

They also provide engineering, consulting and design.

Protomet also makes its own line of mirrors for boats, called PTMEdge Watersports.

The company’s products have become so sought after recently, they’re now bursting at the seams of their current building in Oak Ridge.

They’re expanding to keep up with the demand, and that means new jobs right here at home.

Nationally, Boating Industry News reported:

A successful manufacturing, technology and engineering company based in Oak Ridge, Tenn. – Protomet Corporation (parent company to PTM Edge) – is expanding, and it’s a good sign for many East Tennessee companies and workers.

Since 2005, Protomet has experienced a 500 percent increase in sales and now has its own proprietary line of products marketed under the PTMEdge Watersports brand that makes and markets boating mirrors and wakeboard tower components for boats of all kinds.

The 21,500 square foot addition to Protomet will begin by June of this year and is expected to be finished by Dec. 31. Hiring for the new positions will begin immediately. For more information, visit http://www.protomet.com.

Steven Pearl, like his father Bruce Pearl, is making a big splash as a sports broadcaster

No Responses »

Apr 012013

Steven Pearl talking to Bruce Pearl

Basketball has always been in the Pearl family’s blood. Bruce Pearl completely rejuvenated a stagnant men’s basketball program at the University of Tennessee – the first coach to lead the Volunteers to a national #1 ranking. His son, Steven Pearl, was a standout basketball player for the University of Tennessee. Now, both Bruce and Steven are sharing their knowledge and insight with sports fans as professional broadcasters.

Steven Pearl recently joined the All-Star lineup for Tennessee’s fastest-growing radio network – Tennessee Sports Radio. The Steven Pearl Show airs on Saturday’s from 10 a.m. until noon on WVLZ 1180 AM, streaming online at www.TNSportsRadio.com and on Tennessee Sports Radio’s free app for iPhone and Android phones (which is currently used by nearly 40,000 people).

Pearl, a University of Tennessee men’s basketball player from 2007 to 2011, is the son of former UT Basketball Coach Bruce Pearl and Kim Shrigley. While Bruce is now sharing his basketball insight with a national audience on ESPN, Steven will bring his unique understanding of the game and unparalleled intensity to Vol Nation across the country via Tennessee Sports Radio. Always entertaining, Steven Pearl hopes to give Tennessee Sports Radio listeners a unique perspective from a recent former player – and have some fun at the same time.

Steven broadcasting with Matt Veigl on Tennessee Sports Radio

Pearl said, “I’m excited about this opportunity. Tennessee Sports Radio is raising the bar on what people expect from sports radio. The days of dry and boring analysis of stats are gone. People want their information from someone with experience – someone who has been there – and they want to be entertained.

“The Steven Pearl Show on Tennessee Sports Radio will offer unique insight into all sports, but particularly basketball. This is going to be a great time for me and the listeners.”

Tennessee Sports Radio broadcasts to virtually all of East Tennessee from the Calhoun’s Studios in Knoxville. With the launch of Tennessee Sports Radio’s groundbreaking and proprietary sports radio app for iPhone and Android (used by 38,000 people), the network’s shows now serve “Vol Nation” across the United States and around the world – and its growing audience throughout the country is responding enthusiastically.

Tennessee Sports Radio’s hosts are news breakers and newsmakers who know what they’re talking about – and they keep the show edgy, thought-provoking and entertaining. Tennessee fans also stay digitally connected with Tennessee Sports Radio day and night through social media including Facebook and our popular Twitter feed (which is now officially the most-followed sports media source in Knoxville) and the network’s website. Its audience is passionate, connected and highly interactive – and they love Tennessee Sports Radio and listen to it daily.

Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort and Spa takes expansion news and indoor waterpark information to Chattanooga

No Responses »

Apr 012013

(L to R) Chris Brown of Westgate and Rick Laney tell Newschannel 9 (ABC) television’s Don Welch about the Westgate Resort expansion.

Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort and Spa was featured on both Newschannel 9 (ABC) television and WRCB (NBC) Television in Chattanooga recently. Both stations wanted their viewers to know about how the biggest resort in the Smokies is getting even bigger with its latest expansion – which is set to open this spring.

Millions of people drive past its entrance every summer, but never know it is there – and that is completely intentional. Nestled on a forested mountainside, Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort & Spa gives visitors the things they come to the mountains for; breathtaking panoramic mountain views, peace, quiet, relaxation, luxurious rooms, fine dining and every conceivable amenity for the whole family.

Already the largest resort in the entire Smoky Mountain Region, Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort and Spa is nearing completion on an additional four-story, multi-million dollar building with 72 new villas ranging in size from 300 square feet to 3,200 square feet five-bedroom villas. The expansion gives Westgate nearly 200 more available places to stay than its second-largest competitor. The resort is also home to the largest indoor waterpark in the Smokies.

Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort and Spa

While the Great Smoky Mountains have become the most visited national park in the nation with nearly 11 million annual visitors, guests often find that the surrounding resort towns are nothing like the actual park they came to see. At Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort & Spa, that serene mountain experience doesn’t end when you leave the park. All of the noise, traffic, neon signs and attractions fade in the distance as Westgate visitors turn onto its property and head up the mountainside. Just minutes from downtown Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, Westgate brings all of the majesty and serenity of the Smokies to its guests, who are literally staying in the mountains.

Even though Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort & Spa guests are just minutes away from all of the shows, attractions, restaurants, shopping and activities the Smoky Mountain Region has to offer, many find that the best way to experience the Smokies is to never leave the Westgate property. In addition to its world class spa, numerous restaurants and eateries, ice cream shop, unbelievable award-winning villas and outdoor pools and play areas, Westgate also has the largest indoor water park in all of East Tennessee, Wild Bear Falls.

Within a one-day drive of most of the Eastern United States, Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort offers a perfect weekend escape for your family in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains. For more information, visit www.WGSmokyMountains.com or call (877) 819-4028.

Watch the WRCB (NBC) interview below.

Protomet Corporation expansion is good indicator for many hard hit companies and workers

No Responses »

Mar 282013

A successful manufacturing, technology and engineering company based in Oak Ridge, Tenn. – Protomet Corporation – is expanding, and it’s a good sign for many East Tennessee companies and workers.

Jeff Bohanan announces Protomet expansion to local media.

“Five years ago, the marine and boating markets took a real hit,” said Jeff Bohanan, founder and president of Protomet. “Some boat manufacturers saw an 80 to 90 percent drop in sales. A large number of people lost their jobs after virtually every boat manufacturer cut back. That downturn was particularly tough on East Tennessee.

“We also work closely with the automotive industry which has struggled in recent years. The increased demand and growth we are experiencing at Protomet is a good sign for businesses in markets that have made it through the recession – things are picking up.”

This week, Protomet announced it is more than doubling the size of its facilities, investing $6 million dollars in the local economy, buying new equipment and adding at least 30 new jobs at its Oak Ridge headquarters. Protomet plans to move into the expanded facility before year-end.

Bohanan said, “East Tennessee has a long history of being an innovation center, and Protomet has a culture of innovation and LEAN manufacturing. We design innovation directly into our products and processes – and even package products in a way that better serves our customer’s needs. This has served to build strong strategic relationships.

“We have a strong relationship with East Tennessee, too. We’re committed to this community where our workers live and play. Our management team are long-time residents and we are excited to be adding to the local workforce, hiring and training more local talent. It’s an exciting time.”

Artist’s rendering of the new Protomet Corporation headquarters in Oak Ridge, Tennessee.

Athens can keep Nick Saban – Tennessee Sports Radio and Bradley Rotary have BUTCH JONES

No Responses »

Mar 252013

Butch Jones

When billboards started popping up all over East Tennessee featuring the University of Alabama logo and the smiling face of Alabama football coach Nick Saban, Vol Nation wasn’t happy. If callers to Tennessee Sports Radio – the fastest growing sports entertainment network in the Southeast – were any indication, Tennessee fans were ready to burn Athens, Tenn. to the ground.

But, rather than marching on the fine little city of Athens (north of Chattanooga), the Bradley Sunrise Rotary and Tennessee Sports Radio decided to do something far more productive; throw a big old-fashioned pep rally for Tennessee’s new head football coach Butch Jones in Cleveland, Tenn. (which is Athens’ next door neighbor). The “Cleveland Rocks Butch Jones” rally – FEATURING BUTCH JONES – will take place June 7 at Bradley Central High School and at least 2,000 people are expected to attend the event (the Athens event with Saban is expected to draw only half that number).

“When the Athens Chamber of Commerce called me to buy advertising on Tennessee Sports Radio to promote their Saban event, I just about fell out of my chair,” said Jason Bailey, owner and general manager of Tennessee Sports Radio. “There was no way on earth that I would have a Saban ad on my station. I was shocked to find out a few days later that I was the only one in town who shot them down. Their ads started popping up everywhere – in the newspaper, on other radio stations and on billboards all over the place – it’s pathetic.

“If they figured they can get 1,000 people to pay money to go see Saban, I knew we could get twice that many members of Vol Nation to come out to hear Butch Jones – and the Bradley Sunrise Rotary was the perfect group to make it happen. Better yet, the Saban money goes to the Athens Chamber of Commerce while the money raised by the Bradley Rotary from the Butch Jones event will go directly to charity. Every single penny will be given away.”

Former University of Tennessee quarterback Erik Ainge, host of The Erik Ainge Show on Tennessee Sports Radio, will emcee the event which also features special surprise guest appearances by other former notable University of Tennessee athletes, marching bands, cheerleaders and, of course, the keynote speech by Tennessee Head Coach Butch Jones.

“Jones represents the future of football at the University of Tennessee,” Ainge said. “And anyone who has spent time with Butch Jones knows that the future is in good hands. The competition with the Saban event in Athens is fun, but our Cleveland Rocks Butch Jones event is really about Vol Nation showing support for the home team. Those who attend our event will be blown away by Butch Jones.

“In the ‘battle of the speaking coaches,’ I know Butch Jones will win. I love the fact that we will have 2,000 fans supporting Coach Jones, and I feel even better knowing that all of the money we raise will go to charities like Habitat for Humanity, the American Cancer Society and the Salvation Army. This event will be awesome and fun, but it is doing something very important.”

Tennessee Sports Radio is also organizing a friendly competition between Knoxville and Chattanooga to see which community will show more love for Butch Jones and the University of Tennessee by purchasing the most tickets to the Cleveland Rocks Butch Jones rally. More details about that contest will be announced soon.

Tennessee Sports Radio and the Bradley Sunrise Rotary will begin promoting the Cleveland Rocks Butch Jones rally this week. More details will be released as the event gets closer. Tickets will be available at www.TNSportsRadio.com within the next two weeks.

CBS News turns to Erik Ainge for insight into the end of Derek Dooley and beginning of the Butch Jones era

No Responses »

Mar 232013

Erik Ainge

Once again, the national media has turned to legendary University of Tennessee quarterback Erik Ainge for insight into the coaching situation at the University of Tennessee. And, once again, Ainge provides his unique perspective in the informative (and humorous) way that only he can provide.

This week, CBS News turned to Ainge for perspective on a story called “With plenty of work ahead, Jones tackles makeover at Tennessee” by Bruce Feldman. In the report, Ainge says:

“No one expects a red carpet, but we do expect to be able to go watch spring practice. One time Dooley reached out to (me) to be his ‘spin doctor’ in the media. I sat in front of his office with his secretary and we talked for 45 minutes. I knew everybody over there better than he did. His dry cleaning wasn’t done properly, so he was making them re-starch his dry cleaning. And I just sat there for 45 minutes.

“He made it really hard. Tennessee fans are begging for you to give ‘em something to get excited about. It’s as much a part of the culture here in East Tennessee as anything. You have Dollywood and you have UT.

“He made it really hard even for the die-hards to get on board.”

Read the entire report from CBS News here.

A legendary Tennessee quarterback who later played for the NFL’s New York Jets, Ainge now has a devoted national following of passionate fans who tune in to his daily four-hour show on Tennessee Sports Radio. His entertaining, humorous, irreverent and always-accurate and insightful reporting has made Ainge’s show the fastest growing radio program in Tennessee. He currently has more than 33,000 Twitter followers who interact with him all day, his podcasts are downloaded 16,000 times every week, and his blog gets more than 29,000 unique weekly views. Nearly 40,000 phones are currently using the free Tennessee Sports Radio app to listen in and interact with his show.

Older Entries