North Carolina
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Controversy over a proposed Islamic cultural center and mosque in lower Manhattan has been escalating for more than four months. A recent poll reveals that the majority of New York residents agree that Constitutional rights allow for developers to build anywhere they choose, but building less than two blocks away from the site of the 9/11 terrorist attack is inappropriate.
comment | 08/27/2010
I have recently appeared on Fox Business several times to talk about Sen. Mary Landrieu’s Small Business Bill, which still is languishing on the Senate floor. While the bill claims to offer $30 billion fund for relief to small business, in reality the money will benefit the banks more than people like you and me. It is missing the mark.
2 comments | 08/13/2010
Toyota is finally stepping up. Not only has the brand released a new string of commercials to regain its image of stability and trustworthiness, but company officials are now also showing an increased interest in improving Toyota’s public image.
1 comment | 07/30/2010
Erin Brockovich – yes, THAT Erin Brockovich – recently taped a promotional announcement for one of our clients. To watch the video, and to read my impressions of Erin, click “Continue Reading.”
1 comment | 07/15/2010
I appeared on June 7 on WRAL to discuss the BP oil situation. To watch the video, click "Continue Reading." I'd love to hear your feedback!
1 comment | 06/08/2010
A recent survey measured the 100 largest U.S. metros by how many opportunities for “fun” they provide and ranked Raleigh at #72. Are you kidding me? This is one of those surveys whose results are so unbelievable, I really question its methodology.
7 comments | 05/10/2010
If you have never caught any of my appearances on Fox Business -- where I am a regular guest commentator on all things small business -- check out this clip.
4 comments | 04/14/2010
Unlike Tiger Woods, who I predict will make a comeback, John Edwards is probably toast. His scandal has been going on so long that it has taken on epic proportions. The final nail in his coffin is the GQ article on Rielle Hunter. Here’s a tip for you, Rielle: If you don’t want to be known as a homewrecker, don’t take your pants off during the photo shoot.
comment | 03/29/2010
In case you missed it, I appeared on ABC11 on March 15, 2010 discussing Rielle Hunter’s GQ article. To view it, select the video titled, “Rielle Hunter bares all in magazine video.”
1 comment | 03/16/2010
Gov. Bev Perdue has hired an outside group to conduct a financial appraisal of North Carolina's liquor system, including studying the option of privatizing sales. The latter sounds like a good idea to me. Face it – while the Alcohol Beverage Control Commission might have worked well regulating booze sales years ago, it now acts more like somebody creating a cushy job for himself.
6 comments | 03/08/2010
In case you missed it, check out this WRAL clip from Friday's evening broadcast, where I grade Tiger Woods' press conference. School is now in session!
comment | 02/23/2010
When your company is known for producing vehicles that move really fast without having to step on the accelerator and, oh, by the way, your accelerator now is known to stick as well, and you have defective brakes on some models, you have a PR crisis on your hand. This is what Toyota has been faced with recently, and it blew it. Toyota’s reputation has been considerably damaged by its bungling.
1 comment | 02/16/2010
I have some opinions about recent items that struck me as prime examples of good and bad public relations ...
comment | 02/01/2010
I applaud Gov. Bev Perdue for her recent announcement that North Carolina state government is the first in the nation to have a social media policy (links to PDF).
Beyond the policy itself, I particularly like the numerous Twitter accounts started for state offices – not just for the governor, but also everything from the N.C. State Fair to the N.C. Department of Commerce.
comment | 01/25/2010
A new year brings with it the annual duty for experts to offer their opinions on what to expect over the next 12 months. With the disclaimer up front that I am neither a member nor follower of the Psychic Friends Network, here are my best guesses for what to anticipate in terms of public relations.
comment | 01/11/2010
When I announced this year that I refused to participate in the recession, my staff agreed with that attitude. The result was a very productive 2009 for MMI. And no, it was not just from me gaining fame for wagging my finger at President Barack Obama at a town hall on health care reform – although that was a big moment personally.
2 comments | 12/23/2009
Unless you were thoroughly consumed with food and shopping this weekend, you probably heard about Tiger Woods crashing his car at his home in Orlando around 2:30 a.m. Friday, followed by allegations that prior to the accident he had fought with his wife about having an affair. In golf terms, bad PR like that is like hitting your ball into the lake.
comment | 11/30/2009
Why are Carolina Hurricanes fans such fair-weather fans? The Canes are Raleigh’s own hometown, national sports team. Sure, they are having kind of a hard time this season, but where’s the love?
comment | 11/20/2009
In case you wonder where I stand, let me make myself clear: I am all for health care reform. But I think we need the process to occur in little pieces, not in one fell swoop as being proposed by the Obama administration and other backers of the current bill.
comment | 11/16/2009
Richard Heene, the father of the child in the Colorado balloon event last week (otherwise know as the “Balloon Boy” incident), seems to think that “Any PR is good PR.” However, in this case, this statement could not be further from the truth. In his efforts to secure media attention, Heene’s actions have led to police investigations, potential federal and local charges, questions about his child’s welfare, and a large amount of time and money spent—not positive coverage by any means.
comment | 10/22/2009
