All posts by Kerry Burke

Me Too. Transgender Equality. Black Lives Matter. These are just some of the many news headlines we read about that impact our daily relationships. In today’s ever-changing work and social environments, what can communicators do to stay current and be mindful of all audience demographics?

Join us Wednesday, June 19 for an in-depth panel discussion with some of Nashville’s most well-respected diversity and inclusion experts as they share their insights on what communicators can do to create a positive and welcoming environment for their brands.

Panelists 

Joe Woolley
CEO, Nashville LGBT Chamber

Joyce Searcy
Director of Community Relations, Belmont University

Jade Sampson
Director of Talent Acquisition, AMSURG

Moderator:
Genma Holmes
Owner/Holmes Pest Control and CEO at GSH Consulting

Event information:

Location

Waller Law
511 Union Street, Suite 2700 
Nashville, TN 37219 

Schedule

11:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. – Networking
12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. – Panel Discussion and lunch

Details

This discussion will include:

• Understanding how current diversity + inclusion topics can impact your brand
• How to “break the glass ceiling” and support trailblazers within your industry and the community
• Crafting brand messaging that is organic and welcoming to all audiences
• Integrating diversity + inclusion strategies to building teams, training employees, and empowering leaders

Parking / transportation 

• Ride share options: Uber / Lyft 
• Waller Law Parking Garage on Union Street (58 visitors spots) — validated by Waller Law. 
• Open Lot (as part of the Waller Law building) on 6^th Avenue
• Valet at the Hermitage Hotel – $13 up to 2 hours, $18 over 2 hours.
• Parking garages at the Library or McKenzie Methodist Church (one block away) 

Reserve your spot!

Register today – We can’t wait to see you there! 

Thank you to our sponsor!

Special thanks to our June 2019 luncheon sponsor: Holmes Pest Control.

Since its founding in 1997, Thistle Farms has become one of the region’s fastest growing nonprofit social enterprises dedicated to helping women survivors recover and heal from prostitution, trafficking, and addiction. From providing a two-year residential program and medical services to offering on-the-job training and employment opportunities, Thistle Farms has empowered hundreds of women to overcome their past adversities through the most powerful force in the world: love. 

Join us Wednesday, May 15, for an in-depth conversation with Thistle Farms CEO Hal Cato, as he shares his insights on one of Nashville’s unique and beloved nonprofits.

Event information:

Schedule:

11:30am-12pm – Networking
12:00pm-1pm – Panel Discussion and lunch

Location:

The Cafe at Thistle Farms 
5122 Charlotte Avenue
Nashville, TN 37209

About the event: 

This interactive presentation will include an overview of:

• Thistle Farms’ recent brand refresh
• Evolution of Thistle Farms’ business model and financial structure 
• Understanding nonprofit audiences 
• Brand messaging and authenticity 

About our presenter: 
Hal Cato, CEO, Thistle Farms 

Thistle Farms’ fearless leader since 2015, Hal embraces the ever-changing nature of his day-to-day role as CEO. Whether leading a board meeting, weighing in on product development, getting to know the new women at one of the residences, or driving the mission in any number of ways, Hal keeps his eyes on the end goal: healing and employing survivors. Hal is uniquely qualified to address both the mission and the business of Thistle Farms given this extensive experience in the nonprofit and private sector, which includes founding Hands On Nashville, The Youth Opportunity Center, The Bright Horizons Foundation for Children, Zeumo, as well as serving as CEO for the Oasis Center from 2001-2011. Hal has been recognized as “Nashvillian of the Year” by the Nashville Scene and “Best in Business – Nonprofit Sector” by the Nashville Business Journal. 

Reserve your spot! 

Register today – we look forward to seeing you! 

On a continuous basis, IABC Nashville spotlights its diverse members through a Q & A feature. We are pleased to showcase new IABC member Bailey Cairnduff, Implementation Specialist at HCA Healthcare. 

What is your current position? How long have you been in this role?

I am currently an Implementation Specialist at HCA and I have been in this role since April, 2018.

How did you get started in this business?

I have always had an interest in communications, along with events. My Bachelor’s Degree is in Hospitality Management, with an emphasis in Event Management, and a minor in General Business. I also have a Master’s Degree in Communications. 

What makes your business/organization stand out?

HCA is one of the largest hospital corporations in the world and patient care is the focus of the organization. Serving patients and giving them the highest possible quality of service is something to take pride in. HCA also has a family-oriented culture, which I truly appreciate and I am thankful to be a part of the organization. 

What lesson(s) have you learned along the way that you believe has made you a better communications professional?

I do not work in a communications-specific role currently. However, I do have many aspects of communications intertwined into my role and I have been able to learn some lessons along the way. I have made it a part of my goals this year to improve my ability to choose which avenue of communications is necessary for certain conversations (e-mail, text, Skype, phone call) and what would be the most timely option best suited for the group involved. 

What makes an effective communications leader?

Effective leaders, in any profession, should be approachable, trustworthy, and proficient listeners. Being able to make team members feel comfortable to express their ideas in a comfortable setting will create the most effective results from the employees. Communications leaders need to have a sense of trust between themselves and the employees, because if an employee knows they are trusted, they will have the ability to work without any barriers and feel comfortable expressing their thoughts.  Another important trait a communications leader should have is the ability to give and receive constructive feedback. Being able to discuss how to make improvements is a key factor in any profession.

If you could describe yourself in three (3) words, what would they be?

Hard-working, authentic, trustworthy

Tell us something about yourself that people would be surprised to learn.

I was a member of the Women’s Basketball Team at Grand Valley State University.

What prompted you to join IABC?  How did you hear about us?

Mollye Dietrich is a colleague of mine, who told me about IABC. My membership is going to be included as a part of my professional development this year.  I am going to attend as many sessions as I can, in order to learn more about communications and network as much as possible.

What three (3) things are you most excited to gain from IABC Nashville?

Networking, ideas on content development, and improving my overall grasp on the communications industry. 

From Broadway to Bellevue and everywhere in between, Nashville has become one of the top destinations in our country for commerce, leisure, and creativity.

What are the factors that have made Nashville the “It City” in America over the past few years, and how can we tell that story to our audiences to elevate our local brands? 

Join us Wednesday, April 17 for an in-depth panel discussion with some of Nashville’s most well-respected communicators as they share their insights on how to maximize our city’s unique attributes to benefit your brand.

Panelists

Heather Middleton
Vice President of Public Relations
Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp.

Dawn Cornelius
Vice President of Marketing & Communications
Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce

Ashley Bright
Vice President
Nashville Downtown Partnership

Moderator:
Nekasha Pratt, PMP
Director of Marketing
Tennessee Department of Tourist Development

Event schedule:

11:30am-12pm – Networking
12:00pm-1pm – Panel Discussion and lunch

This lively discussion will include:

• Understanding current audiences visiting and relocating to our area
• Highlighting Nashville’s unique attributes
• How to maximize our city’s resources for your brand

Parking / transportation information 

• Ride share options: Uber / Lyft 
• Waller Law Parking Garage on Union Street (58 visitors spots) — validated by Waller Law. 
• Open Lot (as part of the Waller Law building) on 6^th Avenue
• Valet at the Hermitage Hotel – $13 up to 2 hours, $18 over 2 hours.
• Parking garages at the Library or McKenzie Methodist Church (one block away) 

Reserve your spot!

Register today – We can’t wait to see you there! 

Spread some springtime cheer and attend IABC Nashville’s April networking mixer, hosted by our dear friends at Concept Technology and in partnership with redpepper and Craft Content Nashville! 

Join communications professionals from Middle Tennessee and Southern Kentucky as we celebrate Nashville Content Week over tasty libations, delicious bites, and engaging conversation. 

Where:
Concept Technology
1009 3rd Ave N #200 
Nashville, Tennessee 37201

When:
Thursday, April 11, 2019
5:00 pm – 7:00 pm 

Reserve your spot! 

Members are FREE and non-members are $10 to attend! Prepay only. Registration will not be taken at the door. 

IABC is the only place to connect with communicators globally.