Media Contact
Cathy Hale
Accolades Public Relations
512.658.2709 (cell)
Cathy@AccoladesPR.com

New Era Portfolio selects Accolades Public Relations
-Fine art publisher taps PR firm to develop social media strategy to reach consumers online-

Austin, Texas, November 20, 2009 — Accolades PR, a results-oriented communications firm committed to progressive strategies in public relations and marketing, announced today that it has recently launched the social media presence for New Era Portfolio, an award winning fine art publisher and manufacturer that markets limited edition artwork nationally.

New Era Portfolio’s expertise in managing artists and forecasting style trends allow the company to deliver current, vital artwork to corporate and hospitality design arenas and a prestigious collection of retail clients.  New Era Portfolio’s technological platform, not only delivers fine custom artwork quickly, but also creates web-based solutions for blue chip retailers.

Joe Garcia, CEO and president, has led his company into Inc. 500 company status and is now guiding it through recessionary times. The skilled entrepreneur is innovating on multiple fronts in order to more directly meet the needs and interests of consumers.  With the convergence of media online and the advent of cost effective Web 2.0 technologies, Garcia envisioned an immediate opportunity to expand his business by selling directly to consumers online.

“Accolades Public Relations is one of the first communications firms in Austin to embrace social media strategies along with traditional PR,” comments Joe Garcia. “When I read of their expertise, I knew they would understand how to integrate our Facebook, blog, Twitter and LinkedIn sites for an effective social media presence.”

New Era Portfolio selected Accolades PR to assist the company in developing and executing a social media strategy that would help them to leverage their business accomplishments and news into online PR as well as social media content that would be of interest to their business relationships.  The communications firm was also tasked with mapping the communications appropriate for the firm’s four websites and associated social networking sites.

“An integrated communications strategy can be confusing to clients initially since there are so many unfamiliar moving parts – blogs, social networking sites, RSS feeds, widgets, etc. along with optimized PR and traditional media services,” comments Cynthia Baker, president and founder of Accolades Public Relations. “Understanding the client’s pre-existing business relationships and communities (and knowing where those groups are living online) is a crucial part of developing a solid social media strategy.”

Accolades PR has assisted New Era Portfolio to date in developing an active and ongoing presence online and by significantly growing their social networks. The public relations firm introduced New Era Portfolio to tools and systems that empower them to tap into online communities at will and to maintain conversations and networking through social media. At the same time, Accolades PR has handled the public relations efforts for the company.

“Clients count on us to have the answers, and we are pleased to be a PR 2.0 firm with the full set of the skills needed to gain client exposure on the Web,” states Baker. “The combination of PR skills and social media knowledge is key to getting reliable results.”

New Era Portfolio is an award-winning fine art publisher, offering, limited–edition artwork customizable to commercial or residential settings.  Commissioning top artists from around the nation, New Era’s extensive cache of artwork provides interior designers with Pantone color-coded fine art that can be customized and framed for specific needs. New Era is the innovative pioneer in the art world, providing full-service, integrated processes for publishing, printing, manufacturing and framing fine art. Besides commercial interior designers, the company also works extensively with the hospitality, retail, healthcare, television and cinema industries.

About Accolades Public Relations
Austin-based Accolades PR is a results-oriented communications firm committed to progressive strategies for public relations and marketing communications. The agency focuses on building and protecting its clients’ most valuable asset – their brand. With expertise in media relations, corporate communications, product launches and special events, the firm’s capabilities encompass a variety of practice areas.  As a team, Accolades PR delivers more than 50 years of experience in building media relationships and developing effective marketing campaigns. Accolades PR’s mission is to set the standard in what carefully executed public relations and communications strategies can do for sales, lead generation and the bottom line of ROI.

More information on the firm and its unique service offerings is available at www.AccoladesPR.com

Media Contact
Beth Ranson
Accolades Public Relations
cell (305-587-0266)
Beth@AccoladesPR.com

Accolades PR Delivers Successful Campaign to Interactive Austin 2009

Austin, Texas, April 29, 2009 — Accolades PR, a results-oriented communications firm committed to progressive strategies in public relations and marketing, announced today the completion of a very successful public relations and social media campaign for Interactive Austin 2009.

Interactive Austin 2009 took place on Monday, April 27th and delivered to attendees much needed insight during these economic times on how social media can enhance their business and marketing strategies and add to their bottom line. The Keynotes consisted of well-known Web 2.0 gurus Dion Hinchcliffe of Hinchcliffe and Company, Sam Lawrence formerly of Jive Software, and William Hurley (Whurley) of BMC Software.

In addition, the conference’s distinguished roster of area presenters from a wide spectrum of regional companies offered their industry expertise, updates and practical solutions to address the evolution and impact of social commerce on business productivity.

Supporting Austin organizations including the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce, the Austin Technology Council, the Austin Interactive Marketing Association, Booststrap Austin, Leadership Austin and door64 encourage local businesses to attend the event to better understand how to grow their business online.

“There was such a great energy at the conference as the Who’s Who of Social Media shared their knowledge and their strategies for building a successful business through Enterprise, blogging and other prominent social media tools,” states Accolades PR president and founder Cynthia Baker. “It is always exciting when amazing talent from companies and organizations such as Southwest Airlines, Cohn and Wolf, and BMC Software come together in one place to educate, share and network.”

Accolades PR put together a social media and public relations campaign that involved an online newsroom, Twittering, and open blog, as well as optimized press releases. The successful campaign brought not only extensive coverage to the event but assisted in attendance of around 250, nearly doubling last year’s conference attendance.

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About Accolades Public Relations

Austin-based Accolades PR is a results-oriented communications firm committed to progressive strategies for public relations and marketing communications. The agency focuses on building and protecting its clients’ most valuable asset – their brand. With expertise in media relations, corporate communications, product launches and special events, the firm’s capabilities encompass a variety of practice areas. As a team, Accolades PR delivers more than 45 years of experience in building media relationships and developing effective marketing campaigns. Accolades PR’s mission is to set the standard in what carefully executed public relations and communications strategies can do for sales, lead generation and the bottom line of ROI.

More information on the firm and its unique service offerings is available at www.AccoladesPR.com.

It was so exciting to review the names of the Austin American-Statesman’s Social Media Awards winners that were posted recently and to realize how many of those relationships spun out of the Austin Social Media Club. Many strong leaders like Connie Reece, Mike Chapman, Kami Huyse, Erika O’Grady, Joshua Baer and David Neff among others – frequent Social Media Club sharing their expertise.

Still I have to give a special congrats to Michael Chapman (@mikechapman) and Connie Reece (@conniereece)! We stood together in our vision for Austin’s social media club from the beginning.

Connie’s absolutely unflappable style, humor and courage to take on the most innovative ideas and technologies – motivates me to be an adventurer as well. And, her heart is so often there for others – helping one non-profit after another. The pink boa and the rosy attitude go hand- and-hand; Connie is a buoyant personality to enjoy and follow!

Mike Chapman is one of those genuinely upbeat guys that was made for the Web 2.0 world. He actually lives a life of collaboration – of freely sharing information so that all can benefit as a result. His honest personable manner brings results. He has assisted Accolades on public affairs projects, scoring a quote from a Mayor here and referrals from economic development boards there. Now we are rolling up our sleeves working together again on Interactive Austin 2009 – a great event where companies come together to discover ways to reinvent their business with Web 2.0 technologies and social media.

It is always great working with you, Connie and Mike! I hope there are many more opportunities in the future!