The 2012 Florida Citrus Show is just around the corner. Taking place at the Havert L. Fenn Center in Ft. Pierce, Fl, the show runs from January 25 – 26. The Florida Citrus Show is considered to be the premier show for citrus growers and packers. And, show goers will have the opportunity to learn about the latest information on production trends and grove management practices. In addition, the show will offer sessions on produce marketing tips as well as insect and disease management.

Photo courtesy of www.citrusshow.com

Indoor and outdoor exhibits will allow attendees to experience new and exciting products, equipment and service innovations. A number of educational seminars will take place throughout the show’s duration, such as a long-range outlook on the citrus industry; citrus health management; as well as challenges and opportunities in the agriculture industry.

This year’s Florida Citrus Show, organized by Florida Grower magazine, University of Florida’s Institute of Food & Agricultural Sciences and the Indian River Citrus League, is sure to have a positive outlook. If you’re attending the event, and want to learn more, visit the Florida Citrus Show’s website at www.citrusshow.com.

Our client, Terra Nova Nurseries, was recently featured in the November / December issue of Indiana Gardening magazine. The article featured a selection of heuchera plants that were chosen to complement Snow Fountains, a weeping cherry tree. Our team worked with the writer to help secure this media coverage for Terra Nova Nurseries, and it’s just one example of many.

At ECPR, one of our goals is to actively communicate, establish and secure media relations for our clients. This includes byline articles, feature stories, press releases, brand / product mentions, photo shoots, radio and television interviews, media tours and much more. Our company thrives on gaining brand recognition for our clients, through regional, national and international media outlets and channels. With our specialty being the home, garden and design industries, ECPR has, over the years, established strong relationships with media members in these specific fields. Thus, our knowledge, in combination with our large database of editors, writers, publishers, bloggers, social media contacts, etc, ensures our clients we are supremely qualified to effectively help market products and brands to their customers or clients.

To view the thumbnails of the feature article in Indiana Gardening magazine, see below. Click on each image to enlarge it. Also, please feel free to visit our website at www.eberlycollardpr.com to learn more about our traditional public relations services as well as our social media services.

NOTE: To read the full article, follow these easy steps:
1. Select (left-click) each image one at a time; the image will appear somewhat larger on your screen.
2. Right-click on the image.
3. Last, select “View Image,” and you will be able to zoom in by clicking on the image with the magnifying glass.

Have you noticed that Twitter recently revamped its website, making it easier for new users to navigate their way through the site? The previous, rudimentary design layout now features a sleek design, and makes for easy use. Each profile now presents a “Facebook” style timeline, which includes recent tweets and accessible information such as followers, images, lists, and favorite pages.

The “Home” page provides all the old features, with a few new and improved updates. For example, each tweet in the news feed can now be opened, allowing you to view the intimate details of the tweet, including those who have re-tweeted the post. Also, at the top left corner, users will see two more new features, the @Connect and #Discover tabs. The @Connect tab allows users to view all interactions, mentions, follows for an account. Thus, making it easier to communicate with and follow new and existing users. The #Discover tab enables users to view trending Twitter topics in a whole new way, based on a user’s connections, location and language.

So why the redesign? ECPR has its own take on why Twitter revamped its social networking site. The new Twitter seems to look a lot like Facebook’s Timeline. And, with other social media channels, such as LinkedIn, becoming more popular, Twitter’s redesign comes at the right time. The new design seems to entice users to “tweet” from Twitter, rather than from third-party sites like HootSuite. In addition, the new design could be related to a user’s eye movements. Twitter designers may have strategically placed items in locations where users focus their attention the most, including the top left of a page, as well as photos within tweets (which are now viewable directly in the news feed). Also, along with the new features, Twitter has launched “brand pages” for companies who are advertisers. In creating these “brand pages,” Twitter is making an effort to increase revenue through advertisers.

What do you think of the new Twitter; is it more user-friendly, or simply a way for Twitter to increase profits from advertisers? Please post your comments below, we would be happy to learn your thoughts on the new Twitter.

Poinsettias are a national phenomenon during the holiday season, but the history of these plants is not commonly known by consumers. In this blog post, the ECPR team will uncover the history of Poinsettias. Given the fact we have written about and publicized thousands of plants over the years, we thought a look at the story behind Poinsettias would be quite appropriate for our blog. We hope our friends and fans find the history of these holiday plants as fascinating as we do!

Poinsettias originate from the most southern regions of Mexico and Central America. Ancient Aztecs first discovered the plant species blooming in tropical highlands one winter, and named it Cuetlaxochitl, which means “flower that grows in residues or soil,” in the Aztec language of Nahuatl. Originally, the red leaves of Poinsettias were used to dye clothing and produce a form of cosmetics, while the milky-white sap was used to help reduce fever temperatures.

Photo courtesy of Foxcrawl.com

Poinsettias were first thought to be associated with Christmas back in 16th century Mexico. It is believed that a young girl, too poor to afford a gift for the celebration of Christ’s birthday, gathered weeds from the side of the road and placed them in front of her church altar. The crimson blossoms sprouted from the weeds into beautiful poinsettias. Later, during the 17th century, Franciscan priests, who resided near Taxco, located in the Mexican state of Guerrero, were said to have used full blooming Poinsettias as part of the nativity precession. The star-shaped leaf pattern is thought to have symbolized the Star of Bethlehem, and the red leaves were said to represent the blood sacrifice though the crucifixion of Jesus.

In 1828, Dr. Joel Roberts Poinsett, the first US Ambassador to Mexico, discovered the crimson-red plants while visiting the Taxco region. Enraptured by its beauty, Poinsett sent clippings of the plant back to his home in Charleston, SC. He then began propagating them in his greenhouses and sending samples to his friends. In 1833, German botanist, Wilenow gave the plant its botanical name of Euphorbia pulcherrima. It was in 1937 when the plant had been renamed to Poinsettia by William Hickling Prescott, wishing to honor Dr. Poinsett. Today, many professional growers cultivate Poinsettias, making them widely available to retailers and their consumers almost everywhere. Consider purchasing these beautiful plants this season for their gorgeous appeal as well as to support the growers who make them accessible.

The World of Concrete show is just around the corner. Set to take place at the Las Vegas Convention Center from January 24 – 27, 2012, the show is the industry’s only annual international event dedicated to commercial concrete and masonry construction suppliers. With more than 1,300 companies exhibiting at the show, approximately 50,000 attendees will be in search of the newest products and technologies on display. Industry professionals such as commercial contractors, concrete contractors, construction managers, designers and specifiers, general contractors, masonry contractors, residential contractors, precast/prestressed producers, architects, and more will be roaming the 50,000 square-foot showroom this year.

In addition to new product displays, a number of educational seminars, demonstrations, competitions and special events will take place throughout the duration of the show. Show goers will have the opportunity to learn how to lay concrete floors, repair concrete and measure performance and productivity as well as learn about how to use social media channels to customize marketing strategies. To view the full schedule of events and seminars taking place at this year’s show, click here.

The unlimited number of networking opportunities and educational experiences enables exhibitors and industry professionals to strengthen connections and capitalize on new trends for 2012. For those of you who are attending World of Concrete, visit the show’s website at www.worldofconcrete.com for detailed show information, travel and lodging suggestions and floor plans.

For those of you who don’t already know, The Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) has set to out to redefine the term “public relations.” The term, last updated in 1982, is significantly out-of-date. With new methods of communication and technology, public relations has evolved into more than just one-way communication. For starters, social media has become one of the most prominent tools in public relations and marketing. With channels such as Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, blogs and Flickr, companies have a way to interact and engage with consumers on a more “human” level. Thus, increasing brand personification, recognition and loyalty.

On November 21, 2011, PRSA began accepting definition suggestions from industry professionals, academics and students to help redefine public relations. For submission information, click here. Once the deadline closes (December 3, 2011), the top definitions will be chosen on December 5, and voting will begin.

In light of this opportunity to redefine the art of our profession, the ECPR team came up with our own definition as industry experts.

“Public relations is a series of strategic approaches, tactical campaigns, and disseminated messages purposed to build two-way communication that advances brand or corporate perception by key constituency groups.”

Friends and fans, tell us what public relations means to you. Do you agree with our definition? Please feel free to post your comments, ideas or questions below. We look forward to receiving constructive feedback. Also, stay tuned to our social media channels as we follow along on PRSA’s journey to redefine public relations.

Returning to Senoia, Georgia, for the second time, the 2012 Southern Living Idea House will be unlike any other. Why? Because instead of the house being built from the group up, the project is set to be a renovation of a historical farmhouse.

As some of you may already know, Senoia is home to classic movies and TV shows such as Driving Miss Daisy, Fried Green Tomatoes and, most recently, AMC’s hit series, The Walking Dead. But, more importantly, Senoia is gaining momentum by striving to be an eco-friendly community. With the town’s typical southern charm in combination with sustainability efforts, Senoia is proving to be a cozy place to settle down.

The 2012 Southern Living Idea House will be a revival of an early 19th century cottage-style farmhouse. Its makeover has been masterfully designed by the noted team of architects and place makers at Historical Concepts from the neighboring town of Peachtree City. Completing the team is John Bynum Custom Homes, Inc., one of the Atlanta area’s premier custom home builders, Senoia’s Historic Development Ventures, LLC, and nationally-recognized interior design firm, Tracery Interiors.

This farmhouse revival project is expected to draw as many as 40,000 visitors from across the country, and Southern Living is scheduled to feature it the August 2012 issue. The home will be open for tours from June to December 2012, Wednesday – Saturday, 11 AM – 5 PM and Sunday 1 – 5 PM. The Idea House will be closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.

Stay tuned as we uncover more details about the 2012 Southern Living Idea House via our social media channels.

No matter your level of expertise in interior design, industry professionals always need to be informed of the latest trends as well as research new and innovative ways to help clients reach interior design goals. Thus, the importance of interior design blogs has become increasingly more valuable to those in the industry. While there are many interior design blogs on the internet, the ECPR team has put together a list of five we believe you might find of interest. Each blog was selected because of its unique range of decorating tips, ideas, products, and more.

Launched in 2004 by Grace Bonney, Design*Sponge attracts a diverse demographic of readers. Currently, over 75,000 people read the blog on a daily basis; this number excludes RSS readers, Twitter and Facebook followers. As a freelance writer for top publications such as Better Homes & Gardens, InStyle and Everyday with Rachael Ray as well as having been a contributing editor for several home magazines, Grace’s experience in the industry makes Design*Sponge a credible interior design blog. In addition to sharing “Before and After” design makeovers, DIY projects and home furnishing products, Design*Sponge’s unique “Sneak Peek” series steals the show. The series of blogs are dedicated to sharing interior design styles from all over the world. No matter your client’s design preferences, design professionals can read up on regional and international trends for tips and ideas.

Freshome

Freshome is an online blog dedicated to sharing and uncovering the latest products and trends in architecture and design. With a primary focus on design inspiration, Freshome aims to give ideas on how to create beautiful, organized and healthy living spaces. Launched in 2007, Freshome has since been the “go-to” place for architects and interior designers. Blog topics range from furniture products, kitchen spaces and bathroom décor to blog posts about bedrooms, living rooms and even apartment layout ideas. Freshome is easy to navigate and provides informative information for those who want to keep up with the ever-changing world of creative design.

Apartment Therapy

Apartment Therapy is another great interior design blog. With emphasis on providing readers with the necessary tools on how to create comfortable, calm living spaces, Apartment Therapy shares basic design tips for readers. In addition to a “homepage,” Apartment Therapy also caters to regional areas across the country, such as Boston, New York, Washington DC, Chicago, Los Angeles and San Francisco. Each individual location provides decorating insights home tours, store sales and events, as well as a daily “scavenger hunt.” Essentially, the “scavenger hunt” is a way for homeowners and design professionals to learn where the best places to shop for specific home furnishings and accessories in their area. Apartment Therapy’s blog approach to interior design is certainly unique and exciting.

PadStyle

PadStyle is a décor inspiration blog for homeowners and interior designers. On average, this site reaches between 40,000 – 50,000 readers a month and appeals to a wide range of age demographics. PadStyle shares information about how to decorate indoor and outdoor spaces. We included this in our top interior design blogs for its attention to detail and informative, easy-to-understand tips and ideas. Catering towards modern and traditional design styles, PadStyle offers readers design tips for living room, dining room, bedroom, patio spaces, kitchens, and more. Additionally, PadStyle features a “shop online” store that is broken down by living space. The online store enables homeowners and interior designers to shop hassle-free with secure online ordering.

decor8

decor8 was founded and launched in 2006 by Holly Becker, an American novelist, freelance journalist and interior design consultant, who currently resides in Germany. Her passion for interior design, coupled with her love of writing, enabled her to create a reliable blog about interior decorating. decor8 is updated daily throughout the week and features inside information from professional designers, home furnishing and accessory product reviews, store and home tours, and much more. In her blog posts, Holly covers an eclectic range of topics, including decorating ideas, tips for small business owners, travel, blogging and independent design. One notable feature of decor8, is that Holly and her team offer educational courses on how to create a successful, meaningful blog site, no matter your topic.

Friends and fans, we hope you found this post about top-level interior design blogs both helpful and educational. Not only are blogs useful tools to market products and / or services, but they also allow for a more personal approach to sharing information with your audience. At ECPR, we offer services to help companies in the home, garden and design industries to create meaningful, informative blogs. Thus, allowing for our client’s current and potential customers to learn about industry-related tips, trends, news, and more. For more information about our social media services, visit our website www.eberlycollardpr.com.

In recent years, Facebook has become a revolutionary marketing tool. Companies are interacting more with customers, clients and industry professionals as a means to increase sales and brand awareness. But, some companies and organizations are missing the mark by simply creating Facebook pages because their competitors do. In many of these cases, marketing managers leave their newly developed Facebook pages unattended – i.e., an attempted online conversation with no dialog. We advocate and assist clients in creating valuable content as opposed to just being on Facebook because everyone else is. By offering content with valuation, fans will come to think of a Facebook page as a go-to source of helpful insights. The likelihood of consumers or clients “liking” company pages is dependent on whether the posts featured on Facebook are relevant and interesting enough to follow and engage in.

Our team of social media experts are constantly researching new and interesting ways to effectively communicate though social media channels. Thus, allowing us tailor posts to our clients’ needs. For more information about our social media services for companies in the home, garden and design industries, please visit our website at www.eberlycollardpr.com.

The new addition to the Ultimate collection is proving to be one of the most innovative window designs on the market for builders, remodelers, architects, and homeowners. Most uniquely, the Ultimate Casement window features a revolutionary wash mode which allows the window to be cleaned on both sides, while standing indoors. In just three simple steps, homeowners can rotate the exterior glass, saving time, money and effort. In addition to the wash mode, the Ultimate Casement window offers commercial-grade hardware, to ensure the window operates smoothly and opens easily for high-quality performance. This new casement window is available in a variety of designs and sizes. The largest size is 40” wide and 92” tall or 36” wide and 96” tall, allowing for unobstructed views and maximum fresh air.