Word. continues with an active client list throughout Central Virginia.  Mariners Landing Resort Community and Conference Center continues to thrive on Smith Mountain Lake even during these challenging economic times.  EastLake Business Association has also enjoyed a banner year, hosting a political debate for candidates for the 5th Congressional District Republican nomination, a successful Networking Social, and another solid Membership Drive. 

Earlier in 2010, (I will start talking about Word., in first person now) I embarked on an educational mission by enrolling in the Gerontology Program at Virginia Commonwealth University.  My objective is add human services to my marketing and public relations portfolio.  We are part of an aging population in a society that believes that the "warehousing" of our elderly in appropriate.  I do not believe this and as I learn more about the Gerontological field, I aim to ensure that our aging population is more physically fit, mentally healthy, and is able to stay out of senior "warehouses" for as long as possible.

In April 2010, I began working with the Director and Executive Producer to bring the documentary "Gen Silent" to Richmond both as part of my academic curriculum and as a means to start a dialogue about concerns the LGBT population has about aging and the current state of healthcare and healthcare-related services.  The documentary will premiere in Richmond on August 29th.

2009 Highlights...

In February, Word. Marketing assumed the Executive Director position with EastLake Business Association.  ELBA is a 200+ member non-profit organization that focuses on tourism and economic development initiatives throughout the greater Smith Mountain Lake region.  Since February, Word. Marketing has completed a successful membership drive, launched a new website (www.destinationsml.org), and continues to work with area leadership to increase awareness about Smith Mountain Lake business.

Throughout July and August, Word. Marketing organized a successful television campaign for Couples & Kids:  A Counseling Center for Families.  As a direct result of the campaign, Couples and Kids received a substantial increase in donations, web traffic, and office calls. (www.couplesandkids.com)

Word. Marketing's work to promote real estate sales on Smith Mountain Lake was featured in the nationally-distributed Crittenden Resort Report.

Word. Marketing continues involvement with FETCH, a non-profit organization raising funds and awareness about canine cancer. 

2008 Highlights...

Jay White has been nominated for a seat on the Virginia Chamber of Commerce.

Word. Marketing has been featured in the 2008 edition of Kleos International Magazine which spotlights excellence in Richmond area business and industry.  Please click here for a link to the article!

Word. Marketing produced, in conjunction with Sweetwater Entertainment Group, the Mariners Landing Summer Concert Series on Smith Mountain Lake.  The series featured Sara Evans, Blake Shelton, Grand Funk Railroad, Styx, Diamond Rio, Lonestar, and TobyMac.  The concert was a promotional success and enjoyed over 12,000 guests.

Word. Marketing was pleased to help market FETCH's first gala fundraiser, which raised over $30,000 to assist in education and awareness about canine cancer.

Word. opened its first satellite office on Smith Mountain Lake at 12263 Smith Mountain Lake Parkway and moved offices from West Main Street back to 4306 Augusta Avenue.

Word. continues to enjoy working with the Bedford Wine Trail to assist in marketing the 5 wonderful wineries in Bedford County.

In conjunction with Mariners Landing Resort Community and Craddock Oaks Golf and Lake Community, Word. traveled to Northern Virginia and New York to promote real estate sales on Smith Mountain Lake.

Word. hosted two informational wine receptions in Richmond and Charlottesville with the amazing Daniel Mahdavian of Refuel Consultants in Washington, DC.