There are times when marketing a destination is simply an act of capturing the excitement surrounding a small happening. Durham is a very tech savvy place with over 95% of households accessing the internet on a regular basis. People here like technology, the internet, and many of the information delivery conveniences provided by such a level of interconnectivity.
Sometimes things on the internet are just plain cool, too, like Google Earth. They are made more so when they are updated, as happened recently. Local blog Endangered Durham had a post about the update recently, and it prompted a reader to post about Google Earth's timeline feature. Using this tool, it is possible to see Durham all the way back to 1993.
Watching this place change can be nostalgic, but also exciting to see how it has grown and changed for the better. Durham is a place where great things happen.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Feature in Full - The Carolina Theatre
Originally opened in 1926 as the Durham Auditorium, The Carolina Theatre is one of Durham’s most historic performing arts venues. Friday, October 1, marks the kick-off of their 16th season billed as the “2010-2011 Star Series.”
“This is one of the biggest and broadest seasons ever,” states The Carolina Theatre’s President and CEO, Bob Nocek.
Acts include Mike Birbiglia (November 6), Betty Buckley – Broadway by Request (November 20), The Max Weinberg Big Band (February 4), Harlem Gospel Choir (February 12) and Cirque Mechanics Boom Town (February 15,16). The Star Series runs through May 14. Click here to see all the performers in the Star Series and to get ticket information.
The performers in the Star Series will take the stage in Fletcher Hall, but the theater has a variety of different venues to feature both on stage performances and movies, as well as space for meetings and receptions.
Fletcher Hall, the 1,016 seat main auditorium, was restored to its 1926 décor in the mid-1990s, and is the only downtown building designed in the Beaux Arts style. The 30-foot by 64-foot stage has stage-level dressing rooms that can accommodate 54 performers and the backstage walls have been signed by the likes of Alison Krauss, Herbie Hancock, Tony Randall, Tim McGraw and Faith Hill, as well as others.
The two cinemas, one seating 276 people and the other seating 76 people, operate year-round. The Chaplin Retrospective which begins tonight is representative of the types of new and innovative film programming initiated to complement the more tradition “art house” cinema programming. Carolina Theatre is also well known as a venue for film festivals hosting the NC Gay and Lesbian Film Festival, Escapism Film Festival, Nevermore Film Festival and Retrofantasma Film Series, to name a few.
The final three venues in the theater provide great space for meetings and receptions of all types. The Connie Moses Ballroom features tall windows and grand chandeliers for formal events; while, the Upper Balcony Lobby with subdued lighting is a peaceful space for special events. The Kirby Lobby, located at the main entrance to the theater, is also another great space for personal or corporate events.
The Carolina Theatre of Durham, Inc., which is the non-profit organization managing the city-owned Carolina Theatre, epitomizes many of Durham’s core strengths including creativity and enrichment, as well as being open, welcoming and genuine. They are an important piece of the fabric of Durham where presenting authentic, indigenous cultural experiences are as valued as saving historic architecture.
As one of Durham’s 12 performance halls, The Carolina Theatre offers great entertainment, a historic atmosphere, and unique space for any group.
“This is one of the biggest and broadest seasons ever,” states The Carolina Theatre’s President and CEO, Bob Nocek.
Acts include Mike Birbiglia (November 6), Betty Buckley – Broadway by Request (November 20), The Max Weinberg Big Band (February 4), Harlem Gospel Choir (February 12) and Cirque Mechanics Boom Town (February 15,16). The Star Series runs through May 14. Click here to see all the performers in the Star Series and to get ticket information.
The performers in the Star Series will take the stage in Fletcher Hall, but the theater has a variety of different venues to feature both on stage performances and movies, as well as space for meetings and receptions.
Fletcher Hall, the 1,016 seat main auditorium, was restored to its 1926 décor in the mid-1990s, and is the only downtown building designed in the Beaux Arts style. The 30-foot by 64-foot stage has stage-level dressing rooms that can accommodate 54 performers and the backstage walls have been signed by the likes of Alison Krauss, Herbie Hancock, Tony Randall, Tim McGraw and Faith Hill, as well as others.
The two cinemas, one seating 276 people and the other seating 76 people, operate year-round. The Chaplin Retrospective which begins tonight is representative of the types of new and innovative film programming initiated to complement the more tradition “art house” cinema programming. Carolina Theatre is also well known as a venue for film festivals hosting the NC Gay and Lesbian Film Festival, Escapism Film Festival, Nevermore Film Festival and Retrofantasma Film Series, to name a few.
The final three venues in the theater provide great space for meetings and receptions of all types. The Connie Moses Ballroom features tall windows and grand chandeliers for formal events; while, the Upper Balcony Lobby with subdued lighting is a peaceful space for special events. The Kirby Lobby, located at the main entrance to the theater, is also another great space for personal or corporate events.
The Carolina Theatre of Durham, Inc., which is the non-profit organization managing the city-owned Carolina Theatre, epitomizes many of Durham’s core strengths including creativity and enrichment, as well as being open, welcoming and genuine. They are an important piece of the fabric of Durham where presenting authentic, indigenous cultural experiences are as valued as saving historic architecture.
As one of Durham’s 12 performance halls, The Carolina Theatre offers great entertainment, a historic atmosphere, and unique space for any group.
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Carter's Visit To Be Rescheduled
The official word from The Regulator Bookshop is that President Jimmy Carter's appearance there will be postponed due to his illness. He will remain in Cleveland tonight. Visit http://www.regulatorbookshop.com/ for more information.
Carter fell ill after an appearance earlier today and was taken for care in Cleveland. The Regulator's website will be updated when more information is available.
Carter fell ill after an appearance earlier today and was taken for care in Cleveland. The Regulator's website will be updated when more information is available.
Friday, September 24, 2010
Visitors Guide Advertising Still Available, Great New Options Also Offered
With the absolute profusion of online advertising opportunities available to businesses these days, good old-fashioned print advertising seems to have taken a back seat in the minds of some businesses as an effective means to get messages into the hands of interested potential customers. Truth be told, both are critical in successful marketing.
The Durham Convention & Visitors Bureau (DCVB) offers numerous opportunities for local businesses and organizations to put messages in front of some of the 6 million plus visitors to Durham each year. One of the most visible and recognized publications is the Official Durham Visitors Guide. There are 150,000 copies printed and distributed each year. The guide is also reproduced online with links to sponsors websites...providing a double bang for the buck. Additionally, DCVB offers online opportunities on its various web platforms and sites.
"DCVB has not only expanded its inventory of online space to reach highly-targeted visitors and newcomers, it has also developed several new offerings in traditional outlets, as well," said Shelly Green, President and CEO. "DCVB provides an effective means for local businesses to connect with visitors needing goods and services," she added.
Industry professionals agree that great marketing requires multiple theaters of operation. "We tend to think first about online and social media, but then add to it whatever else makes the most sense...and usually that means print and/or broadcast," according to Don Pausback, principal of Pausback Advertising in Durham. Pausback Advertising has recommended to several of its clients inclusion in the Official Durham Visitors Guide as part of an overall strategy of reaching the lucrative visitor market.
Not advertising to save money is akin to stopping a clock to save time as the old saying goes. Well-targeted advertising is--and always will be--an excellent move. Electronic, print or otherwise, a well-produced advertisement in front of the proper audience in the right medium is almost always going to be effective.
Opportunities still exist for the upcoming 2011 edition of the guide, the most informative guide with the largest distribution of any other visitor publication produced in Durham. Others guides are profit-making vehicles for outside publishers and are not sanctioned by DCVB.. Click here for additional information.
The Durham Convention & Visitors Bureau (DCVB) offers numerous opportunities for local businesses and organizations to put messages in front of some of the 6 million plus visitors to Durham each year. One of the most visible and recognized publications is the Official Durham Visitors Guide. There are 150,000 copies printed and distributed each year. The guide is also reproduced online with links to sponsors websites...providing a double bang for the buck. Additionally, DCVB offers online opportunities on its various web platforms and sites.
"DCVB has not only expanded its inventory of online space to reach highly-targeted visitors and newcomers, it has also developed several new offerings in traditional outlets, as well," said Shelly Green, President and CEO. "DCVB provides an effective means for local businesses to connect with visitors needing goods and services," she added.
Industry professionals agree that great marketing requires multiple theaters of operation. "We tend to think first about online and social media, but then add to it whatever else makes the most sense...and usually that means print and/or broadcast," according to Don Pausback, principal of Pausback Advertising in Durham. Pausback Advertising has recommended to several of its clients inclusion in the Official Durham Visitors Guide as part of an overall strategy of reaching the lucrative visitor market.
Not advertising to save money is akin to stopping a clock to save time as the old saying goes. Well-targeted advertising is--and always will be--an excellent move. Electronic, print or otherwise, a well-produced advertisement in front of the proper audience in the right medium is almost always going to be effective.
Opportunities still exist for the upcoming 2011 edition of the guide, the most informative guide with the largest distribution of any other visitor publication produced in Durham. Others guides are profit-making vehicles for outside publishers and are not sanctioned by DCVB.. Click here for additional information.
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Durham Named One of the Nation’s 100 Best Communities for Young People by America’s Promise Alliance and ING
Durham is one of only four communities in the state selected by America’s Promise – The Alliance for Youth as one of the 100 Best Communities for Young People for its outstanding, innovative efforts that benefit children and youth.
The 100 Best Communities for Young People recognizes and celebrates extraordinary community-wide efforts to improve the well-being of youth and end the nation’s dropout crisis. Around 350 communities in all 50 states and the District of Columbia took part in the competition.
City of Durham and County of Durham Joint News Release
For Immediate Release: September 21, 2010
For Details, Contact:
Deborah Craig-Ray
Assistant County Manager, County of Durham
(919) 560-0002
Amy Blalock
Sr. Public Affairs Specialist, City of Durham
(919) 560-4123, ext. 11253
Durham Named One of the Nation’s 100 Best Communities for Young People by America’s Promise Alliance and ING
Competition Recognizes Communities Taking Action to Help Reduce Local Dropout Rates and Create Brighter Futures for Young People
Durham, N.C.—The efforts of Durham civic and community leaders were honored today when America’s Promise Alliance (the Alliance), the nation’s largest partnership organization dedicated to youth and children, announced the city had been named a winner of the Alliance’s 100 Best Communities for Young People (100 Best) competition presented by ING, a global financial services company and leading provider of retirement plans and programs for teachers. Its 2010 recognition marks the second win for Durham in the competition.
The 100 Best designation recognizes those communities that make youth a priority by implementing programs that help keep children in school and prepare them for college and the 21st century workforce. The competition is open to all communities that make children and youth a priority, including small towns, large cities, counties and school districts. In addition to enhancing local educational opportunities, most winning communities have taken steps to facilitate improved access to health care for its young people, encourage youth civic engagement and supply developmental resources that create better places for young people to live and grow. The entire 2010 list of 100 Best Communities for Young People and their accomplishments can be found at www.americaspromise.org/100Best.
“Through its innovative and far-reaching programs, Durham is taking bold and effective steps to help their young people graduate and lead healthy, productive lives,” said Marguerite W. Kondracke, America’s Promise Alliance president and CEO. “Durham serves as an example to inspire and educate other communities across the nation to tackle the challenges facing their city and children and to implement initiatives that give them the essential resources they need to succeed in life.”
Durham was named one of the nation’s 100 Best because of the community’s focus on accountability. Durham is not afraid to conduct city evaluations to determine what works best for its young people. Significant reports are demonstrating that Durham’s accountability is demonstrating results — more children are enrolled in high quality childcare, child abuse and neglect has decreased, and the dropout rate has also decreased in the last few years. The award-winning System of Care program is the cornerstone of Durham’s accountability. System of Care brings public agencies, families, health organizations and the government together to provide support networks for at-risk youth. System of Care programs are evaluated regularly, and Durham public agencies report frequently on the wellbeing of the city’s young people. Durham abides by the belief that “what gets measured gets done.”
Mentorship programs are also vital to Durham’s commitment to its young people. In 2005, Durham Public Schools partnered with area universities and foundations, businesses and community leaders to launch a year-round youth enrichment program known as Student U. Each year, 200 students participate in Student U which pairs college undergraduates with middle and high school students for tutoring and mentorship. After two years, all mentees increased their readings scores, 93 percent increased math scores, and 95 percent planned to go to college – a significant improvement from the former 70 percent. In addition to Student U, Big Brothers Big Sisters in Durham provides mentors to 350 area youth and Durham Companions links mature, caring adults to 70 at-risk youth.
Durham Board of County Commissioners’ Vice Chairman Ellen W. Reckhow said, “We are very proud to be recognized by America’s Promise Alliance for our efforts to improve the lives of our young people. Through the East Durham Children’s Initiative (EDCI), we will also be working with America’s Promise Alliance as a new Grad Nation Community, focusing on seeing that every child graduates from high school ready for college and the 21st Century workforce.”
“For Durham to be recognized for a second time is truly an honor and I hope our innovative programs can be inspiring for other communities to adopt and implement,” said City of Durham Mayor William V. “Bill” Bell. “Our community has worked collaboratively for quite some time to help our young people lead productive lives. From our many different programs and services, such as our recently opened Durham Teen Center, we feel we’re making a significant impact and we are thrilled to be recognized for our hard work at the national level.”
On September 21, 2010, Durham and the other winners spanning 37 states were recognized at a ceremony in front of the Washington Monument on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. Each of the winning communities was formally recognized with a designation on a map of the U.S., illustrating the geographic and demographic diversity of the winning 100 communities. In addition to the 100 Best distinction, Durham and the other top communities will receive two road signs identifying the city as one of 100 Best, as well as a trophy to be presented to local officials later this year.
Alliance Chair Alma Powell and President and CEO Marguerite W. Kondracke revealed the list of winners during the national celebration. They were joined by Rhonda Mims, president of the ING Foundation and senior vice president, ING’s Office of Corporate Responsibility and Multicultural Affairs and Twilight’s Kellan Lutz, who both share a passion for the development of young people.
“ING is committed to children’s education and to the advancement of education initiatives that prepare them for successful futures,” said Mims. ”Our support for 100 Best demonstrates our goal of honoring communities like Durham that produce real, measurable results for improving the lives of young people.”
The competition is one element of the Alliance’s Grad Nation campaign, a 10-year initiative to mobilize all Americans to take action in their communities to end the high school dropout crisis and prepare young people for college and the 21st century workforce. More than 7,000 students drop out each school day in the U.S., resulting in 1.3 million young people a year. To help decrease these numbers, the Alliance is more committed than ever to recognizing communities – regardless of size, location or history – that are taking real action to help more young people stay in school and graduate on time.
“100 Best is an essential building block of an inspiring national movement that gives everyone a chance to ensure every young person graduates,” said Powell. “These winning communities refuse to let the challenges they face be the determining factor in the lives of their children and youth. Instead, they are helping to build an infrastructure of assertive, successful and dynamic young people that are the future of this country.”
About 100 Best
First held in 2005, 100 Best honors communities large and small, rural and urban, that are making progress to help young people achieve their potential, which includes earning a high school diploma, securing a good job, and playing an active, productive role in America’s economic vitality. This year, more than 350 communities in 50 states registered online for the 100 Best distinction at www.americaspromise.org/100best.
Being a 100 Best community not only demonstrates commitment to local young people; the award fosters local pride, bolsters economic development and shines the spotlight on the people and programs that are building better communities. The competition also facilitates the sharing of best practices among communities nationwide regarding education, access to health care, reading score improvement, youth service and pre-school enrollment, among many other areas.
About America’s Promise Alliance
America’s Promise Alliance is the nation’s largest partnership organization dedicated to improving the lives of children and youth. Through the collective power of our partner network, we raise awareness, support communities and engage in nonpartisan advocacy to ensure that young people receive more of the fundamental resources they need to graduate high school prepared for college, work and life. Building on the legacy of our Founding Chairman General Colin Powell, the Alliance believes the success of our young people is grounded in the Five Promises—caring adults; safe places; a healthy start; an effective education; and opportunities to help others. For more information about America’s Promise Alliance, visit www.americaspromise.org.
The 100 Best Communities for Young People recognizes and celebrates extraordinary community-wide efforts to improve the well-being of youth and end the nation’s dropout crisis. Around 350 communities in all 50 states and the District of Columbia took part in the competition.Participating in the lengthy application project was the City of Durham, Durham County, Durham Convention & Visitors Bureau, Durham's Partnership for Children, Durham Public Schools, Greater Durham Chamber of Commerce and MDC Inc.
For details about the honor, see the release below.
City of Durham and County of Durham Joint News Release
For Immediate Release: September 21, 2010
For Details, Contact:
Deborah Craig-Ray
Assistant County Manager, County of Durham
(919) 560-0002
Amy Blalock
Sr. Public Affairs Specialist, City of Durham
(919) 560-4123, ext. 11253
Durham Named One of the Nation’s 100 Best Communities for Young People by America’s Promise Alliance and ING
Competition Recognizes Communities Taking Action to Help Reduce Local Dropout Rates and Create Brighter Futures for Young People
Durham, N.C.—The efforts of Durham civic and community leaders were honored today when America’s Promise Alliance (the Alliance), the nation’s largest partnership organization dedicated to youth and children, announced the city had been named a winner of the Alliance’s 100 Best Communities for Young People (100 Best) competition presented by ING, a global financial services company and leading provider of retirement plans and programs for teachers. Its 2010 recognition marks the second win for Durham in the competition.
The 100 Best designation recognizes those communities that make youth a priority by implementing programs that help keep children in school and prepare them for college and the 21st century workforce. The competition is open to all communities that make children and youth a priority, including small towns, large cities, counties and school districts. In addition to enhancing local educational opportunities, most winning communities have taken steps to facilitate improved access to health care for its young people, encourage youth civic engagement and supply developmental resources that create better places for young people to live and grow. The entire 2010 list of 100 Best Communities for Young People and their accomplishments can be found at www.americaspromise.org/100Best.
“Through its innovative and far-reaching programs, Durham is taking bold and effective steps to help their young people graduate and lead healthy, productive lives,” said Marguerite W. Kondracke, America’s Promise Alliance president and CEO. “Durham serves as an example to inspire and educate other communities across the nation to tackle the challenges facing their city and children and to implement initiatives that give them the essential resources they need to succeed in life.”
Durham was named one of the nation’s 100 Best because of the community’s focus on accountability. Durham is not afraid to conduct city evaluations to determine what works best for its young people. Significant reports are demonstrating that Durham’s accountability is demonstrating results — more children are enrolled in high quality childcare, child abuse and neglect has decreased, and the dropout rate has also decreased in the last few years. The award-winning System of Care program is the cornerstone of Durham’s accountability. System of Care brings public agencies, families, health organizations and the government together to provide support networks for at-risk youth. System of Care programs are evaluated regularly, and Durham public agencies report frequently on the wellbeing of the city’s young people. Durham abides by the belief that “what gets measured gets done.”
Mentorship programs are also vital to Durham’s commitment to its young people. In 2005, Durham Public Schools partnered with area universities and foundations, businesses and community leaders to launch a year-round youth enrichment program known as Student U. Each year, 200 students participate in Student U which pairs college undergraduates with middle and high school students for tutoring and mentorship. After two years, all mentees increased their readings scores, 93 percent increased math scores, and 95 percent planned to go to college – a significant improvement from the former 70 percent. In addition to Student U, Big Brothers Big Sisters in Durham provides mentors to 350 area youth and Durham Companions links mature, caring adults to 70 at-risk youth.
Durham Board of County Commissioners’ Vice Chairman Ellen W. Reckhow said, “We are very proud to be recognized by America’s Promise Alliance for our efforts to improve the lives of our young people. Through the East Durham Children’s Initiative (EDCI), we will also be working with America’s Promise Alliance as a new Grad Nation Community, focusing on seeing that every child graduates from high school ready for college and the 21st Century workforce.”
“For Durham to be recognized for a second time is truly an honor and I hope our innovative programs can be inspiring for other communities to adopt and implement,” said City of Durham Mayor William V. “Bill” Bell. “Our community has worked collaboratively for quite some time to help our young people lead productive lives. From our many different programs and services, such as our recently opened Durham Teen Center, we feel we’re making a significant impact and we are thrilled to be recognized for our hard work at the national level.”
On September 21, 2010, Durham and the other winners spanning 37 states were recognized at a ceremony in front of the Washington Monument on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. Each of the winning communities was formally recognized with a designation on a map of the U.S., illustrating the geographic and demographic diversity of the winning 100 communities. In addition to the 100 Best distinction, Durham and the other top communities will receive two road signs identifying the city as one of 100 Best, as well as a trophy to be presented to local officials later this year.
Alliance Chair Alma Powell and President and CEO Marguerite W. Kondracke revealed the list of winners during the national celebration. They were joined by Rhonda Mims, president of the ING Foundation and senior vice president, ING’s Office of Corporate Responsibility and Multicultural Affairs and Twilight’s Kellan Lutz, who both share a passion for the development of young people.
“ING is committed to children’s education and to the advancement of education initiatives that prepare them for successful futures,” said Mims. ”Our support for 100 Best demonstrates our goal of honoring communities like Durham that produce real, measurable results for improving the lives of young people.”
The competition is one element of the Alliance’s Grad Nation campaign, a 10-year initiative to mobilize all Americans to take action in their communities to end the high school dropout crisis and prepare young people for college and the 21st century workforce. More than 7,000 students drop out each school day in the U.S., resulting in 1.3 million young people a year. To help decrease these numbers, the Alliance is more committed than ever to recognizing communities – regardless of size, location or history – that are taking real action to help more young people stay in school and graduate on time.
“100 Best is an essential building block of an inspiring national movement that gives everyone a chance to ensure every young person graduates,” said Powell. “These winning communities refuse to let the challenges they face be the determining factor in the lives of their children and youth. Instead, they are helping to build an infrastructure of assertive, successful and dynamic young people that are the future of this country.”
About 100 Best
First held in 2005, 100 Best honors communities large and small, rural and urban, that are making progress to help young people achieve their potential, which includes earning a high school diploma, securing a good job, and playing an active, productive role in America’s economic vitality. This year, more than 350 communities in 50 states registered online for the 100 Best distinction at www.americaspromise.org/100best.
Being a 100 Best community not only demonstrates commitment to local young people; the award fosters local pride, bolsters economic development and shines the spotlight on the people and programs that are building better communities. The competition also facilitates the sharing of best practices among communities nationwide regarding education, access to health care, reading score improvement, youth service and pre-school enrollment, among many other areas.
About America’s Promise Alliance
America’s Promise Alliance is the nation’s largest partnership organization dedicated to improving the lives of children and youth. Through the collective power of our partner network, we raise awareness, support communities and engage in nonpartisan advocacy to ensure that young people receive more of the fundamental resources they need to graduate high school prepared for college, work and life. Building on the legacy of our Founding Chairman General Colin Powell, the Alliance believes the success of our young people is grounded in the Five Promises—caring adults; safe places; a healthy start; an effective education; and opportunities to help others. For more information about America’s Promise Alliance, visit www.americaspromise.org.
# # #
Friday, September 17, 2010
Media Coverage Doesn't Just Happen
As Durham's official marketing agency, the Durham Convention and Visitors Bureau does a lot of work behind the scenes that many never see. In it's 21st year of operation, the work of the organization directly affects the local economy by getting potential visitors to consider Durham as a destination for a leisure visit, meeting or convention, sporting event or film location. It uses all manners of outreach to promote Durham.
One specific, and very effective method utilized, is media relations, whereby DCVB pitches stories about Durham to media outlets. One such pitch was made in March, and the resulting article in Cooking Light, largely about Durham, is the result.
Once a pitch is made the direction of the story might fall out of the Bureau's hands, but DCVB helps with everything from identifying potential interviewees, providing photography and fact-checking stories upon completion. Having a strong command and inventory of the destination, brand, community image and unique sense of place is how DCVB ensures that stories about Durham get consideration in national and global publications.
Great publicity doesn't happen by accident, it comes from somewhere. This time, it came from the official marketing agency of the place where great things happen.
One specific, and very effective method utilized, is media relations, whereby DCVB pitches stories about Durham to media outlets. One such pitch was made in March, and the resulting article in Cooking Light, largely about Durham, is the result.
Once a pitch is made the direction of the story might fall out of the Bureau's hands, but DCVB helps with everything from identifying potential interviewees, providing photography and fact-checking stories upon completion. Having a strong command and inventory of the destination, brand, community image and unique sense of place is how DCVB ensures that stories about Durham get consideration in national and global publications.
Great publicity doesn't happen by accident, it comes from somewhere. This time, it came from the official marketing agency of the place where great things happen.
The Latest Iteration of Being a Startup Hub
Durham has always been a hub for startups...even before 1865 when Washington Duke came home after the Civil War and started in the tobacco business. Seems to have worked out for him since with that modest start, Durham proceeded to lead the industrial revolution in the south with both tobacco and textile empires thriving here for the century to follow.
Now, in some of the very same buildings that housed those former manufacturing giants, Durham is again expressing its entrepreneurial nature as a massive influx of creative and business minded people come here to get their ideas off the ground.
The last several years have seen the startup landscape flourish in Durham, and the future is looking more lush every day. With the recent opening of Bull City Forward as an incubator for social enterprises, and the impending opening of American Underground as a similar environment for tech companies, Durham is fast-tracking its growth in this direction. Click here for a recent article on the subject. Even the local blog Bull City Rising now has an editorial series devoted to this subject and a new correspondent focused on this beat.
"To call it exciting is an understatement. We've always been a technology and innovation hub--after all RTP started here in 1959--but now we're seeing opportunities for small operations to call Durham home in a new way," said Shelly Green, President and CEO of the Durham Convention and Visitors Bureau. "The fact is that more than 80% of relocating executives come to Durham as visitors first and then decide to move here. We're now seeing the natural evolution of that with a previous generation setting the stage for newcomers to get their concepts off the ground here. Durham is a place where great things happen, and we're hoping these businesses will stay in Durham," she added.
BCF and AU are only part of the picture. There is a startup subculture in Durham, a place that often wins accolades for various aspects of its population. See a searchable database of those here. A new website, http://www.downtowndurhamstartups.com/, sponsored by shoeboxed.com, is a great clearing house for information on new businesses getting underway in Durham, but also in the surrounding area. Their blog can be seen here.
Pursuant to being attractive to a younger demographic, Durham has an exciting dining scene with more than three dozen nationally celebrated restaurants, bakeries and food trucks for near round the clock options. There is even a website devoted entirely to coffee shops and bakeries that rates them based on various criteria. There is also a fare-free bus, The Bull City Connector, that services downtown Durham as some immediately adjacent parts of town including Duke and North Carolina Central Universities.
A visit to the official website for Durham's marketing agency sums up the current culture pretty well, "Durham is a colorful, creative, and entrepreneurial community and is the proud home of Research Triangle Park, Duke and North Carolina Central universities." Sounds like startup mecca.
Now, in some of the very same buildings that housed those former manufacturing giants, Durham is again expressing its entrepreneurial nature as a massive influx of creative and business minded people come here to get their ideas off the ground.
The last several years have seen the startup landscape flourish in Durham, and the future is looking more lush every day. With the recent opening of Bull City Forward as an incubator for social enterprises, and the impending opening of American Underground as a similar environment for tech companies, Durham is fast-tracking its growth in this direction. Click here for a recent article on the subject. Even the local blog Bull City Rising now has an editorial series devoted to this subject and a new correspondent focused on this beat.
"To call it exciting is an understatement. We've always been a technology and innovation hub--after all RTP started here in 1959--but now we're seeing opportunities for small operations to call Durham home in a new way," said Shelly Green, President and CEO of the Durham Convention and Visitors Bureau. "The fact is that more than 80% of relocating executives come to Durham as visitors first and then decide to move here. We're now seeing the natural evolution of that with a previous generation setting the stage for newcomers to get their concepts off the ground here. Durham is a place where great things happen, and we're hoping these businesses will stay in Durham," she added.
BCF and AU are only part of the picture. There is a startup subculture in Durham, a place that often wins accolades for various aspects of its population. See a searchable database of those here. A new website, http://www.downtowndurhamstartups.com/, sponsored by shoeboxed.com, is a great clearing house for information on new businesses getting underway in Durham, but also in the surrounding area. Their blog can be seen here.
Pursuant to being attractive to a younger demographic, Durham has an exciting dining scene with more than three dozen nationally celebrated restaurants, bakeries and food trucks for near round the clock options. There is even a website devoted entirely to coffee shops and bakeries that rates them based on various criteria. There is also a fare-free bus, The Bull City Connector, that services downtown Durham as some immediately adjacent parts of town including Duke and North Carolina Central Universities.
A visit to the official website for Durham's marketing agency sums up the current culture pretty well, "Durham is a colorful, creative, and entrepreneurial community and is the proud home of Research Triangle Park, Duke and North Carolina Central universities." Sounds like startup mecca.
Thursday, September 16, 2010
DPS - Listening and Learning
A hallmark of a great community is knowing both what is great about it and what could use some work. The folks at Durham Public Schools feel the same way, apparently. They are reaching out to the community to collect feed back that they think will be useful as they create their new strategic plan.
Dubbed the Listening and Learning Tour, they will conduct four public town hall-style meetings from 6:30 to 8:00 PM. The four meetings are scheduled as follows:
Dubbed the Listening and Learning Tour, they will conduct four public town hall-style meetings from 6:30 to 8:00 PM. The four meetings are scheduled as follows:
- Monday, September 20, Hayti Heritage Center
- Wednesday, September 22, Little River Community Center
- Tuesday, September 28, Southwest Elementary School
- Tuesday, October 5, Spring Valley Elementary School
Community members will be asked for input on the following questions:
- What should become the standard in Durham Public Schools within the next ten years?
- Of those things, what should we have accomplished in three years?
- What is your role in accomplishing our goals?
- What is going well?
- What needs improvement?
- What innovative ideas can we implement in Durham Public Schools?
Contact the Office of Public Affairs, Durham Public Schools at 919-560-2000, or online at http://www.dpsnc.net/.
The Crimson Tide Brings its Green
Yes, the national champions Alabama Crimson Tide Football team is beginning its descent on Durham. And it's a beautiful sight.
Not only will the home town Duke Blue Devils (who beat the 'Tide in 1944) bring their A game to the field at Wallace Wade Saturday afternoon, but the Crimson Tide fans will bring with them significant visitor economic impact.
Duke added about 4,000 extra seats to the for spectators for this upcoming game which speaks to the fact that 'Bama fans travel. The economic impact from this game in Durham this weekend is $5.9 million -extremely high for a weekend event. Some of the reasons include much higher percentage of overnight visitors than most events, longer stays - particularly from the Alabama folks, and of course, ticket prices. No tickets are available through Duke Athletic's ticket office for this game, according to the Duke Box Office.
Hotel rooms around Duke and 15/501 are sold out. There are still rooms available in S.E. Durham in and around Research Triangle Park which provide direct and easy access to Wallace Wade Stadium.
Parking around town might be a touch challenging so use this map to see where spectators can park for the game or where to avoid if the game is not on Saturday's agenda. Local businesses will likely see a major influx of visitors in the early evening when the game lets out so residents should make plans accordingly for any dining or entertainment plans they might have.
Sure, the Devils have an uphill battle on the field, but let us not forget that sports are a game and in any game there are chances...remember ASU in Michigan a few years back?... so there's a chance that the Blue Devils may make the Crimson Tide a little red in the face. One thing not left to chance is that Durham will be a touch more green as the Tide subsides, and for that thanks go to Alabama.
Not only will the home town Duke Blue Devils (who beat the 'Tide in 1944) bring their A game to the field at Wallace Wade Saturday afternoon, but the Crimson Tide fans will bring with them significant visitor economic impact.
Duke added about 4,000 extra seats to the for spectators for this upcoming game which speaks to the fact that 'Bama fans travel. The economic impact from this game in Durham this weekend is $5.9 million -extremely high for a weekend event. Some of the reasons include much higher percentage of overnight visitors than most events, longer stays - particularly from the Alabama folks, and of course, ticket prices. No tickets are available through Duke Athletic's ticket office for this game, according to the Duke Box Office.
Hotel rooms around Duke and 15/501 are sold out. There are still rooms available in S.E. Durham in and around Research Triangle Park which provide direct and easy access to Wallace Wade Stadium.
Parking around town might be a touch challenging so use this map to see where spectators can park for the game or where to avoid if the game is not on Saturday's agenda. Local businesses will likely see a major influx of visitors in the early evening when the game lets out so residents should make plans accordingly for any dining or entertainment plans they might have.
Sure, the Devils have an uphill battle on the field, but let us not forget that sports are a game and in any game there are chances...remember ASU in Michigan a few years back?... so there's a chance that the Blue Devils may make the Crimson Tide a little red in the face. One thing not left to chance is that Durham will be a touch more green as the Tide subsides, and for that thanks go to Alabama.
The British Are Coming!
Just a quick heads up from our friends at American Tobacco:
MEMBERS OF BRITISH PARLIAMENT TO TOUR AMERICAN TOBACCO WITH REP. DAVID PRICE, FRIDAY, 1-3 PM
(DURHAM) -- Two members of British Parliament will tour American Tobacco on Friday with Rep. David Price, exploring what has fast become a hub for innovative organizations of all types. The tour will include the American Underground, a recently unveiled hub for entrepreneurs set to open in October.
The MPs are Ian Murray and Dr. Roberta Blackman-Woods, who represents the UK's own City of Durham in Parliament. The two are in America as part of the International Visitor Leadership Program sponsored by the US Department of State.
First stop will be lunch at around 1pm at Tobacco Road Sports Cafe overlooking the Durham Bulls Athletic Park. The tour will start at around 2pm. Media interested in checking in on what the MPs are learning from the Bull City should contact Greg Behr at 919.272.5621 or Billy Warden at 919.412.0630.
MEMBERS OF BRITISH PARLIAMENT TO TOUR AMERICAN TOBACCO WITH REP. DAVID PRICE, FRIDAY, 1-3 PM
(DURHAM) -- Two members of British Parliament will tour American Tobacco on Friday with Rep. David Price, exploring what has fast become a hub for innovative organizations of all types. The tour will include the American Underground, a recently unveiled hub for entrepreneurs set to open in October.
The MPs are Ian Murray and Dr. Roberta Blackman-Woods, who represents the UK's own City of Durham in Parliament. The two are in America as part of the International Visitor Leadership Program sponsored by the US Department of State.
First stop will be lunch at around 1pm at Tobacco Road Sports Cafe overlooking the Durham Bulls Athletic Park. The tour will start at around 2pm. Media interested in checking in on what the MPs are learning from the Bull City should contact Greg Behr at 919.272.5621 or Billy Warden at 919.412.0630.
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Lets. Go. Bulls.
Even the unitiated sports fan has to love the Durham Bulls. Let's face it, aside from having a world-class stadium in an awesome downtown setting in which they play world-class baseball, they are also the subject of the number one sports movie of all time.
And now they are in the play offs. Again.
The league champion will be crowned in Durham this weekend - what day depends on who wins each game. Read that another way and it says "GO ROOT FOR THE BULLS TOMORROW" but the Durham News Service is not a place for yelling. Sure, 'Bama and the Crimson Tide is coming to Duke for some football, and frankly that's all the more reason to head on out the The Durham Bulls Athletic Park and let the Bulls know that the hometown fans are behind them 100%.
Besides, how sweet would it be to have a (nother) championship in the place where great things happen?
And now they are in the play offs. Again.
The league champion will be crowned in Durham this weekend - what day depends on who wins each game. Read that another way and it says "GO ROOT FOR THE BULLS TOMORROW" but the Durham News Service is not a place for yelling. Sure, 'Bama and the Crimson Tide is coming to Duke for some football, and frankly that's all the more reason to head on out the The Durham Bulls Athletic Park and let the Bulls know that the hometown fans are behind them 100%.
Besides, how sweet would it be to have a (nother) championship in the place where great things happen?
Monday, September 13, 2010
Launch of the Durham News Service Website
Welcome to the launch of the Durham News Service website. It’s an amalgamation of all the stories and features readers have become accustomed to seeing, but in a different format.
The old format? Well, the problem is, news doesn’t happen once a week…it happens constantly throughout the day, every day. As news happens, DCVB will now post it to the Durham News Service Website. Readers will be able to choose the sections they want to receive in “real time” (immediately after a post occurs), in a daily digest, or once a week.
There are some brand new features on the site including a staff blog and a section where you can read clippings about Durham from local and national media. Additionally, you can access the Durham, NC Facebook page, Twitter feed, community calendar, and other Durham blogs.
A weekly “push” email will still be sent to readers for the next several months, but ideally, readers will take action and either make the site a homepage on their Internet browser, or subscribe to RSS Feeds.
DCVB has been working on this new concept to deliver news for about eight months. We’re really proud of the result, but also see some changes we want to make in version 2.0. Give it a test run…and tell us what you think. http://www.durhamnewsservice.com/
There are some brand new features on the site including a staff blog and a section where you can read clippings about Durham from local and national media. Additionally, you can access the Durham, NC Facebook page, Twitter feed, community calendar, and other Durham blogs.
A weekly “push” email will still be sent to readers for the next several months, but ideally, readers will take action and either make the site a homepage on their Internet browser, or subscribe to RSS Feeds.
DCVB has been working on this new concept to deliver news for about eight months. We’re really proud of the result, but also see some changes we want to make in version 2.0. Give it a test run…and tell us what you think. http://www.durhamnewsservice.com/
Outdoors in the Bull City This Weekend
The weather forecast for Durham this weekend is mostly clear with lows in the mid 60's and high's in the 80's. A perfect time to get out and enjoy some outdoor events held in the Bull City this weekend.
To start with, the 37th Annual CenterFest Arts Festival is taking over the Central Park District of Downtown Durham this weekend, September 18 from 10am-6pm and September 19 from noon-6pm. More than 27 performing arts groups featuring 200 performers will provide entertainment from three stages as festival goers browse the works of 124 juried visual artists representing 11 states.
The original artist’s works include handcrafted work in clay, drawing, fibers, glass, painting, photography, printmaking, wood, jewelry, mixed media, and sculpture.
Admission to the event is free, with a suggested donation of $4.00 at the gate. Visit the Durham Arts Council website for more information.
Live music aficionados also have a choice of four outdoor concerts this weekend:
Friday, 9/17/10 at CCB Plaza, 6:00 p.m.
Mixed Water Featuring Veeda (R&B/Old Skool)
Durham Parks & Rec 3rd Friday Concert Series
http://www.durhamnc.gov/departments/parks/ccb_plaza_music.cfm
Friday, 9/17/10 at Amican Tobacco Campus Ampitheatre
Paul Brown and the Mostly Mountain Boys
WUNC's Back Porch Music on the Lawn Concert Series
http://www.fox50.com/dpp/community/Music_on_the_Lawn
Saturday, 9/18/10 at Cinema Circle Stage, The Streets at Southpoint
Delta Ray (Indie/Rock)
Music on Main summer Concert Series
http://www.streetsatsouthpoint.com/dining-entertainment/music-on-main-summer-concert-series
Sunday, 9/19/10 at Durham Central Park, Downtown Durham
Pat 'Mother Blues' Cohen (Jazz, Blues, R&B)
Warehouse Blues Concert Series
http://www.streetsatsouthpoint.com/dining-entertainment/music-on-main-summer-concert-series
Visit the Official Durham Event Calendar to see more than 4,000 events happening in Durham.
To start with, the 37th Annual CenterFest Arts Festival is taking over the Central Park District of Downtown Durham this weekend, September 18 from 10am-6pm and September 19 from noon-6pm. More than 27 performing arts groups featuring 200 performers will provide entertainment from three stages as festival goers browse the works of 124 juried visual artists representing 11 states.
Admission to the event is free, with a suggested donation of $4.00 at the gate. Visit the Durham Arts Council website for more information.
Live music aficionados also have a choice of four outdoor concerts this weekend:
Friday, 9/17/10 at CCB Plaza, 6:00 p.m.
Mixed Water Featuring Veeda (R&B/Old Skool)
Durham Parks & Rec 3rd Friday Concert Series
http://www.durhamnc.gov/departments/parks/ccb_plaza_music.cfm
Friday, 9/17/10 at Amican Tobacco Campus Ampitheatre
Paul Brown and the Mostly Mountain Boys
WUNC's Back Porch Music on the Lawn Concert Series
http://www.fox50.com/dpp/community/Music_on_the_Lawn
Saturday, 9/18/10 at Cinema Circle Stage, The Streets at Southpoint
Delta Ray (Indie/Rock)
Music on Main summer Concert Series
http://www.streetsatsouthpoint.com/dining-entertainment/music-on-main-summer-concert-series
Sunday, 9/19/10 at Durham Central Park, Downtown Durham
Pat 'Mother Blues' Cohen (Jazz, Blues, R&B)
Warehouse Blues Concert Series
http://www.streetsatsouthpoint.com/dining-entertainment/music-on-main-summer-concert-series
Visit the Official Durham Event Calendar to see more than 4,000 events happening in Durham.
Only Burger Finishes First!!
Durham's Only Burger appears to have finished first in a competition to determine America's Favorite Food Truck run by the Food Network. The popular vote ballot was open for ten days with voting concluding at midnight Friday, September 10th. At the close of the contest, the Durham-based company was in first place.
Before champagne corks start popping, the straight story is that while the local mobile burger operation (and soon to be bricks and mortar quick service purveyor) is listed in first place, the final ballots are being tallied. The official announcement will be made on Sunday at 9pm on the show, The Great Food Truck Race, on the Food Network. Frankly, it's just a nail biter until then for everyone who voted.
"The show of community engagement was really terrific," said Shelly Green, President and CEO of the Durham Convention and Visitors Bureau. "The way this message was carried through social media networks is a great comment on the interconnectivity of Durham as a community - it was really exciting to see," she said.
At least 95% of the households in Durham have access to the Internet, whether at home, through work, school or the public library, or through a mobile phone device. This level of "tech-savvyness" helped the message spread far and wide. Support for Only Burger came from around the country according to postings on the company's Facebook page. Even another local mobile food operator in the contest, Daisy Cakes, said they wanted their fans to vote for Only Burger.
And so, the waiting begins to find out which company really won...but for now, Durhamites know that Only Burger is at the top of list as far as food trucks are concerned.
Number One...Again!
Durham has landed in first place yet again. In the recently released ranking by Money Magazine, Durham is the best place in the country to retire. Yes, that's number one. For Durham residents and university students, that Durham is a great place to live is hardly news.
It probably comes as no surprise that more Durham visitors are age 55 and up than any other age category of visitors. This is one of the key target groups DCVB actively markets to for visitation.
Email marketing campaigns, advertising, story-generation in earned media and other marketing initiatives designed to highlight Durham's quality of life to those in or near retirement are currently underway.
This ranking is just one more egg to drop in the basket of reasons Durham is a great place to live, work, and retire. Citing quality of life, affordability, educational opportunities, and medical care, the article is brief but provides a nice compact window on a place where great things happen. It's nice to know that millions more can see that now.
It probably comes as no surprise that more Durham visitors are age 55 and up than any other age category of visitors. This is one of the key target groups DCVB actively markets to for visitation.
Email marketing campaigns, advertising, story-generation in earned media and other marketing initiatives designed to highlight Durham's quality of life to those in or near retirement are currently underway.
This ranking is just one more egg to drop in the basket of reasons Durham is a great place to live, work, and retire. Citing quality of life, affordability, educational opportunities, and medical care, the article is brief but provides a nice compact window on a place where great things happen. It's nice to know that millions more can see that now.
Friday, September 3, 2010
Only Burger is Number One…help keep them there.
OnlyBurger, Durham’s most famous food truck, is in a contest being run by the Food Network for a show on mobile food operators. Currently, the truck is first in a popular vote poll to win $10,000 and the opportunity to appear on the next season of The Great Food Truck Race.
Those who cast votes have a chance to win a trip to the Food Network New York City Wine & Food Festival. Voting continues until September 10, and each individual can cast up to 10 votes per day.
So, here’s the link. Go vote. OnlyBurger is competing against more than 270 trucks from around the country…and it’s in first place. Help keep them there. Vote for them today. Show America that Durham is a place where great things happen…and that we’re number one, again.
Those who cast votes have a chance to win a trip to the Food Network New York City Wine & Food Festival. Voting continues until September 10, and each individual can cast up to 10 votes per day.
So, here’s the link. Go vote. OnlyBurger is competing against more than 270 trucks from around the country…and it’s in first place. Help keep them there. Vote for them today. Show America that Durham is a place where great things happen…and that we’re number one, again.
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Durham Bulls Collect Awards
The International League today announced its postseason All-Star Team and Award Winners as selected by the circuit’s managers, coaches, media, and club representatives.
Durham slugger Dan Johnson was named the IL’s Most Valuable Player on the strength of his League-leading 30 home runs and 95 RBI.
Durham's heralded pitching prospect Jeremy Hellickson was named the IL’s Most Valuable Pitcher. Hellickson’s 2.45 ERA leads the circuit.
The Manager of the Year award goes to Charlie Montoyo also of the Durham Bulls. Montoyo’s Bulls have the League’s best record (84-52) and have already clinched their fourth straight IL South Division championship.
Durham is the first franchise to win at least three of the League’s four Special Awards since 1995.
Click here for the full release.
Durham slugger Dan Johnson was named the IL’s Most Valuable Player on the strength of his League-leading 30 home runs and 95 RBI.
Durham's heralded pitching prospect Jeremy Hellickson was named the IL’s Most Valuable Pitcher. Hellickson’s 2.45 ERA leads the circuit.
The Manager of the Year award goes to Charlie Montoyo also of the Durham Bulls. Montoyo’s Bulls have the League’s best record (84-52) and have already clinched their fourth straight IL South Division championship.
Durham is the first franchise to win at least three of the League’s four Special Awards since 1995.
Click here for the full release.