The News from North Star

North Star Business Developer Leads Alamance

Tue, 15 May 2012 11:11:30 -0400

BURLINGTON, NC (May 15, 2012)- Once a month, Micah Fox is nowhere to be found at North Star. He’s not introducing North Star's website development services to local business leaders. He’s not meeting with a potential branding client. He’s not even presenting North Star’s marketing services at one of his weekly networking groups.

No, if you’re looking for Micah that day, you’ll find him leading Alamance.

Every third Thursday a month, Micah gathers with approximately 25 other participants from diverse public, private and civic sectors of Alamance County for Leadership Alamance, a nine-month, educational program sponsored by the Alamance County Chamber of Commerce.

Why Leadership Alamance?

We caught up with Micah for some Q&A about his decision to apply for and participate in the program:

Q: Why did you decide to apply for the program?

A: I had been hearing from so many former participants about the program and how much they had learned about Alamance County from it. I thought the community education, leadership instruction and the opportunity to hear directly from community leaders would be invaluable.

Q: What are the benefits of the program for you and for North Star?

A: This program is incredibly important for small businesses. To have the chance to spend one day a month for the last 9-10 months with 25 other business people in the community builds and strengthens relationships, opens up conversations and gives us a shared purpose in the community. We’re all there to meet one another, yes, but we’re also there to become better contributors to the social and economic fabric of Alamance County.

Q: What does a typical Thursday at Leadership Alamance look like?

A: Each month, my classmates and I spend a day getting to know about a different area of our community. It’s very hands-on; we participate in on-site visits, hear from community leaders and other special speakers, and take part in a variety of demonstrations. Some of the topics we covered included,

> History
> Agriculture
> Government
> Economic Development and Media
> Health and Human Services
> Education
> Public Safety
> Recreation
> Law Enforcement

Q: What’s your most valuable take-away from the program?

A: I have lived in Alamance County for more than 20 years, and this program has taught me so much about our community that I never knew before. It’s too easy to take all the behind-the-scenes work in our community for granted. There are so many organizations and individuals who have poured their lives into our County's infrastructure and development so that people like me can live, raise a family, work, receive an education, invest in lifelong friendships and feel safe on the streets. I've gained a much deeper appreciation and pride for the community where I've lived almost my whole life.

About Leadership Alamance

Leadership Alamance is a community leadership development program offered annually through the Alamance County Chamber of Commerce. Although activities vary from year to year, the program is designed to develop group leadership skills, encourage residents to become community trustees, increase awareness of local resources, and heighten understanding of the challenges facing Alamance County.

Participation in the program is selective. According to information provided on the Leadership Alamance web page (www.alamancechamber.com/leadership-alamance/), students must “display leadership potential and express commitment to learn and effect change in the community. Participants must have full support of their employers or sponsoring organizations.”

In addition to the monthly meetings from September to May, students participate in a two-day retreat during the fall. The course also involves a series of assignments developed by the steering committee and a project determined by classmates.

To find out more about the Alamance County Chamber of Commerce’s leadership development initiatives, visit www.alamancechamber.com.

About North Star Marketing

Based in Burlington, North Carolina, North Star Marketing is a full-service marketing strategy and creative services firm, providing branding, website development, print collateral design, advertising, public relations and online marketing to businesses, non-profits and schools. For more information about our integrated-communications services, please contact us at 336-229-6610.

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North Star Develops New Brand for Burlington Insurance Company

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 14:24:26 -0400

BURLINGTON, NC (April 27, 2012) - North Star Marketing has given a well-known Burlington, N.C.-based insurance company a new name, logo design and tagline. The former Professional Insurance Consultants is now Encore Insurance Advisors. Owner Karen Lilly unveiled the new brand on April 1, 2012.

Time for a Change

When Karen bought the firm from former owner Peter Lowrey in 2008, she wanted to continue the company's commitment to personal service and high-quality, reputable insurance products. She also wanted to put her imprint on the firm.

After growing her company during the recent recession, Karen decided it was finally time for a change and that a new name, logo design and tagline could only increase her firm's market muscle.

North Star at Work

Karen knew her new brand needed to fit the company, so she hired North Star's branding development team to capture her remarkable product:

> Principal Marketing Consultant Andy Lynch developed name concepts focused on Karen's goal of creating long-time customers and friends instead of offering a "one and done" product.
> NSM's design team created a series of logo concepts based on the name, capturing the vitality and strength of this local business.
> Tagline development finished the branding process. Copywriter Elizabeth Travers built 7-10 concepts upon the name, product and logo, highlighting the Encore value.

The result is a coherent, consistent expression of what Karen and her staff do best: meet crucial customer needs in a way that keeps them coming back.

In a statement to North Star for the brand unveiling, Karen said, "We realized our brand could be an incredible asset for our agency. We wanted it to connect with our customers, employees and business partners and to send the message that we are committed to first-rate service. Insurance isn't just a business about making money. It's about helping people when they need it most."

For more information about Encore Insurance Advisors, visit their website at www.encoreinsuranceadvisors.com.

About North Star Marketing

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North Star Completes Website Redesign for the North Carolina Christian School Association

Fri, 13 Apr 2012 07:53:15 -0400

BURLINGTON, NC (April 12, 2012) - North Star Marketing / Encompass Web Systems recently completed a website redesign for the North Carolina Christian School Association. This marks NCCSA’s third website with North Star, developed under our school-focused Encompass Web Systems brand, over the course of a prosperous, eight-year business relationship.

Started in June 2011 and launched in March 2012, the refreshed NCCSA website features a vibrant, clean design integrated with the WordPress content management system and updated to meet current best-practice for website code, navigation and functionality. NCCSA has also contracted North Star / Encompass to develop a mobile version of their new site for smartphone-friendly viewing.

Features and Special Site Functions:

> Custom Blog: North Star / Encompass designed and programmed a custom blog layout for the new NCCSA site. The blog features a custom sidebar with categories and archive information, while allowing for subscription through FeedBurner, a Google service, and comment moderation through Disqus, a common WordPress blog plugin.

> Google Maps Integration: The member directory implements Google Mapping for each member school listed. Users can see the school’s location in context and easily map directions to the school from wherever they are.

> Searchable School Database: Much like the member directory on the previous NCCSA site, the new site features a database searchable by school name, city or zip code.

> iPad-Friendly Viewing: The WordPress content management system generates rotating images on the home page without Flash, which is not viewable on iPads and iPhones.

The North Carolina Christian School Association is a service organization that exists to provide member schools in North Carolina programs, services and products to improve school quality, staff and curriculum. To view their new site, visit www.nccsa.org.

Based in Burlington, North Carolina, North Star Marketing is a full-service marketing strategy and creative services firm, providing branding, website development, print collateral design, advertising, public relations and online marketing to businesses, non-profits and schools. For more information about our integrated-communications services, please contact us at 336-229-6610.

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North Star Provides Public Relations Support for Noble Academy's Campus Expansion

Fri, 13 Apr 2012 08:15:36 -0400

BURLINGTON, NC (February 23, 2012) - North Star’s journey with Noble Academy - a K-12 private school in Greensboro, N.C., focusing on students with learning differences - started in September 2009, when the school’s leadership approached North Star to reshape their brand. The project was originally intended to be a simple refresh of the existing brand. It morphed into a name change, a logo change, brand standardization and website development.

And the school didn’t stop there. Building on the momentum of their new name, brand and mascot, Noble Academy decided to move forward with a much-anticipated campus expansion project.

Upon completion of the brand new, state-of-the-art campus in January 2012, Noble Academy leaders returned to North Star with a new project: public relations coordination, consultation and direction for the upcoming ribbon cutting and official opening of the expanded facilities.

Having steered Noble Academy through the branding and web development process, we were thrilled to partner with them for the official opening of their new facilities.

NSM provided extensive public relations support for the ribbon cutting and official opening, including:

> Strategy and consultation

> Invitation writing and distribution

> Communication and follow-up with invited dignitaries

> Media list and invitation list development

> Media coordination

> Event photography

> Press release development and distribution

NSM spearheaded Noble Academy’s media campaign, beginning with public relations consulting for key board members and event planners. We coordinated and developed a clear strategy for disseminating information among various media contacts and for communicating with area dignitaries.

As part of event preparation, NSM developed content for the official invitation, issued to an exclusive list of leaders in the Greensboro area. North Star Client Services manager Summer Harpold distributed the invitation, fielded responses and followed up with invitees.

North Star photographer Rob McDorman captured the ribbon cutting events and activities, from the speakers - Greensboro Chamber of Commerce President Deborah Hooper and Noble Academy Board Chair Linda Hale - to the actual cutting of the ribbon and official opening of the school with Laura Blackburn, Head of School, and this year’s senior class.

To notify the local media about the ribbon cutting and opening, North Star copywriter Elizabeth Travers developed and distributed a press release to various media contacts and outlets. The press release was picked up in several articles and news spots, including a spot on WFMY in Greensboro and an article in Greensboro / Winston-Salem-based magazine The Business Journal.

North Star Principal Andy Lynch attended both the ribbon cutting and the January 26 Grand Opening Gala, an evening celebration for families, donors and friends.

“We congratulate Noble Academy students, faculty and staff on this remarkable achievement,” said Lynch. “The construction and opening of their new facilities launches a new phase of academic excellence. Their future is definitely bright, and we thank Noble Academy for the opportunity to be a part of such a memorable beginning.”

Noble Academy is an independent, K-12 school for students with learning differences. With a welcoming, open environment, the school offers small classes and specially trained teachers. Noble Academy is committed to both the remediation of areas of weakness and the celebration of areas of strength.

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North Star Launches New Website for Coordinated Events

Fri, 16 Mar 2012 16:27:13 -0400

BURLINGTON, NC (March 16, 2012)- The talented planners at Coordinated Events know how to throw a party. Well...a wedding, to be precise. Together, Susan Marie Cook and Summer Harpold have been organizing events for Triad-area brides since 2007.

In a highly competitive market like event planning, a clear online marketing strategy makes the difference between busy and bored. But when Susan Marie and Summer assessed the business potential of their three year old website, they decided it needed a refresh - not just for looks and style, but for functionality and versatility.

They came to North Star for a newly designed website built on WordPress - a web platform that puts content updating tools into the hands of non-technical users, and includes several popular features to keep websites dynamic and up-to-date.

"Our new website design contains large rotating images on the home page where we can showcase the various weddings and events we have coordinated," said Susan Marie. "We also love that the blog is built in, so everyone can have access to everything they need or want to know about Coordinated Events. One stop shopping!"

After several months of coordination and consultation, Susan Marie and Summer walked away with a fresh website design that reflects the polish and professionalism they bring to every job, as well as the ability to keep the content current and relevant at the same pace as their business needs.

"The new website reflects our desire to have a close working relationship with each of our clients and that each wedding or event is unique," said Susan Marie. "It shows our classic, yet contemporary, style while highlighting the different clients and weddings that we have worked with over the years."

North Star Marketing provided a wide range of web development services for Coordinated Events:

> Website planning and consultation
> Graphic design and layout
> HTML/CSS programming
> Integration of the content management system on the WordPress platform
> Website maintenance training
> Monthly hosting and technical support

Based in Burlington, North Carolina, North Star Marketing is a full-service marketing strategy and creative services firm, providing branding, website development, print collateral design, advertising, public relations, online marketing and lead generation for businesses, non-profits and schools. For more information about our integrated-communications services, please contact us at 336-229-6610.

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North Star Principal Andy Lynch Remembers Tom Coble

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 13:33:51 -0500

Reflections on the Passing of Tom Coble, My Mentor and Friend

January 23, 2012

Since founding North Star Marketing in January of 2000, I've learned a great deal about life and business from a handful of men and women God has placed in my path to show me the way. They each have their own unique styles, their own signature approaches to management, business growth, people development, etc. These folks comprise a short list of personal heroes, many of whom blend their faith and business acumen to create companies that, while not on the Fortune 500, stand tall among their peers. Their influence in my life has been nothing short of providential.

On this list was (and always will be) Tom Coble, one of my all-time favorites. Few others have had such a profound impact on my life and business career as Tom. That's why I wept when I got the call at 2:30 a.m. last Saturday morning, informing me that he had died in a plane crash just a few hours earlier.

My friend, a man who had lived a truly remarkable life, a big life full of determination, accomplishment and generosity...was gone. And all I could do was weep and pray for his family.

Over the last 10 years, my little firm has provided marketing and public relations support for Coble Trench Safety, the company Tom founded in 2002. I still remember my first meeting with him in 2001 to discuss his plans for CTS. He was nearly done with his non-compete (three years earlier he had sold Coble Cranes & Equipment/Coble Rents to a publicly traded company). I was just a kid, short on business experience, but long on ideas, and, for whatever reason, he took a chance on me. "I think I've got one more business up my sleeve," he said. "Have you ever heard of trench safety? It's real big on the west coast, but nobody's doing it over here."

And so, Tom began to tell me about trench safety. In short, his plan involved renting and selling the equipment used to shore up excavation sites where dirt can cave in on utility and construction workers. He told me to think about it and come back to him with some ideas on how to promote his new business.

So I started working on a list of taglines.

At our next meeting, I rattled off several potential slogans for Coble Trench Safety. We had a few that would work, but there just wasn't a clear winner. After about 30 minutes, I had one left - one that I hadn't even planned to mention. But, realizing we weren't getting anywhere, I decided to step into the danger: "What about this one, Tom? ‘Life's a ditch. Brace yourself.'"

He paused, looked up...and started laughing. And shortly after, he called his attorney and trademarked it.

And so my relationship with Tom turned from former sixth-grade Sunday School teacher to business client. On the spot, he hired my little firm to develop the Coble Trench Safety brand (and when I say, "little firm," I do mean little - the entire North Star Marketing team consisted of yours truly and Rob McDorman, a talented designer who came aboard shortly before this meeting).

And Rob nailed it. He designed a strong red diamond bordered in black safety tape. Since 2002, the CTS logo has been reproduced countless times and stands tall along the I-85/40 corridor in Greensboro in front of the CTS home office. It's the brand that marks each of Tom's 11 CTS branches, from Atlanta to Baltimore.

Over the last decade, I've witnessed first-hand Tom's considerable business intellect in action. Simply put, he had a unique gift for making money. But the money was not the point. It was a means to an end. While Tom was many things to many people - a husband, a father, an employer, a customer, a donor, a pilot - he was first a Christian. And that fact was quickly evident to anyone who spent even a few minutes around him.

Of course, Tom would be the first to tell you he had his faults and would love to have some "do-overs," but the consistent pattern of his life was generosity, drive, purpose and action. He made others better. He lived what he believed.

Tom's deep convictions, grounded in his daily habit of reading a chapter a day from Proverbs, caused him to use his remarkable business talents to support numerous ministries and causes. He once told me, "I believe that if God gives you the gift of generosity, he also gives you the gift of making money." And give he did.

A year or so ago, I wrote a commencement speech for Tom to deliver to Liberty University's business school. On the morning of the talk, I loaded up with him and his family into his beloved King Air 200, and we took off for Lynchburg, VA. Later that day he stood in front of more than 100 college students and talked about the importance of setting God-sized goals. "Little thinkers are big stinkers," Tom said. He shared that one of his business goals was to give $100,000 per month to ministries. And, with a smile, he said he was well his way.

Now, that may come across as horn-tooting to some, but Tom didn't say things like this to earn a "wow" from the audience. In fact, he really didn't care a whole lot about what people thought of him. Rather, he wanted to challenge those students not to put limitations on what God can do through them.

I could write several more paragraphs filled with reasons why I admired Tom Coble, but I think you get the idea.

Over the weekend following Tom's death, it was both my hard duty and personal privilege to manage press communications for the company and family. As I wrote the press release and discussed the particulars of Tom's passing with members of the media, it in many ways felt like just another CTS project - fast-paced, quick turnaround, lots of people involved. But as the deadlines for the evening news approached and my cell phone stopped ringing, I re-read the press release I had drafted earlier in the day. And then it hit me.

I hadn't interviewed Tom for the story. No brief phone call, in which he would say, "Just make it sound good. See if you can put some lipstick on this pig." There was no quote from him. I would never again enjoy the banter that made Tom such a fun person to be around. I had gone deep-sea fishing with him. I had sat on hold during numerous cell phone conversations with him. And I had flown with him in the very jet that claimed his life. Those days were done. And again, I wept.

But a second thought came to mind. Tom and I were more than business acquaintances. We were brothers. You see, like Tom, I am a Christian, too. Tom is in heaven (and I can guarantee if there are cell phones in heaven, Tom has an unlimited plan). I will see him again. But he'd be the first to tell you heaven isn't primarily about renewing old friendships, although that will certainly be part of the joy. It's about Jesus Christ, Tom's Savior and mine. If Tom were still with us, he'd want you to know that life isn't about how big your business grows, how many planes, boats or houses you own, or whose number you've got stored in your cell phone.

It's about being ready for your final landing. Tom was ready. Are you?

President of Coble Trench Safety Dies in Plane Accident

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 15:16:46 -0500

GREENSBORO, NC -- Tom Coble, founder and president of Greensboro, NC-based Coble Trench Safety (CTS), died in a plane crash January 20, 2012, shortly after takeoff from a regional airport in Rainbow City, AL.

Traveling alone, Coble was flying his L-39 Albatross fighter jet back to Burlington, NC. His plane, a Czechoslovakian experimental class aircraft, had undergone routine service and maintenance in Gadsen, AL. Less than a minute after takeoff, the plane caught fire and came down in a wooded, marshy area approximately two miles from the airport. Authorities are investigating the accident; the cause has not yet been determined.

Coble was 58 years old. With more than 42 years of flying experience, he was a well-experienced pilot who owned multiple planes and was happiest when in the cockpit. He often joked with friends and family that he stayed in business to support his flying habit.

In 2002, he founded Coble Trench Safety, a regional firm specializing in the rental and sales of trench and traffic safety equipment, as well as OSHA-compliant training classes. CTS has 11 branches from Baltimore, MD, to Knoxville, TN, to Atlanta, GA.

Prior to founding CTS, Coble established and grew Coble Cranes & Equipment/Coble Rents, a Greensboro, NC-based firm he sold in 1999 to a publicly traded company.

Coble's natural entrepreneurial bent was evident early in his career. After graduating from Liberty University, he became the executive pilot for the late Rev. Jerry Falwell, former president of Liberty University. While waiting for Falwell to finish speaking engagements, Coble would work the phones at regional airports, calling local construction firms to see if they were interested in buying or selling equipment. His sideline interest soon turned into a full-scale brokerage. Conflicted by a desire to be in ministry and business, his mind was set at ease by a piece of timely advice from Rev. Falwell: "Tom, God needs businessmen just like he needs pastors." Emboldened and freed by that advice, Coble went into business full time and launched what was to be a truly remarkable career.

Coble developed a philosophy of business that was firmly grounded in his faith. Among his heroes were R.G. LeTourneau, Art DeMoss and Stanley Tam, men whose beliefs and generosity were unashamedly intertwined with the companies they operated. When asked about his personal success in business, Coble would often reply, "Business is simple. Faith and hard work go hand-in-hand. You pray as if everything depends on God, and you work as if everything depends on you. "

Among numerous other honors, Coble received the 2011 Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award, given in recognition of his leadership at Coble Trench Safety in the Carolinas and beyond. Coble's quick wit, positive attitude, unstoppable drive and solid faith made him a force in his industry.

Despite the business success that would distinguish a lesser man, those who knew Tom will remember him for a higher purpose. Coble leveraged his natural affinity for business to fund numerous ministries and charities on the local, regional, national and international levels. One of his greatest delights was personally signing checks each month for the outreaches and efforts he supported. Coble was particularly interested in helping young people grow into motivated Christian leaders, a conviction that caused him to be involved in Alamance County's Young Life chapter.

A solid and unapologetic Christian, Coble attended Harvest Baptist Church in Burlington and led Alamance County's Coalition of Concerned Christians. Among other charitable contributions, Coble personally paid for a radio tower in South America to open a new region for the Bible Broadcasting Network. In every check his company issued, Coble made sure a Gospel tract was tucked in to prompt the recipients to consider where they would spend eternity.

Coble is survived by his wife, Debby Coble; parents, PJ and Donna Coble; son, Matt Coble; future daughter-in-law, Ning Yang Gu; daughter, Misty Hedspeth; son-in-law, Matt Hedspeth; and grandchildren: Ryan, Peter and Rosemary.

Effective immediately, Matt Coble, Tom Coble's son, will assume the role of president of Coble Trench Safety. Brett Sondergard will continue to serve as Vice President of Sales. Despite its considerable loss, Coble Trench Safety will continue to grow and serve customers across the Southeast.

"The employees of Coble Trench Safety have lost a remarkable leader," said Steve Barnhardt, CTS Regional Manager. "Tom was a man of conviction, faith and integrity. He will be greatly missed."

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North Star Launches New Website for Alamance County Convention and Visitors Bureau

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 15:59:55 -0500

Burlington, NC (January 20, 2012) - North Star announces the development and launch of Alamance County Convention and Visitors Bureau's newly designed website.

Easy to Use, Much to Discover

The new ACCVB site has plenty to explore.

The new home page uses a variety of specifically designed, functional spaces to allow significant amounts of content to flow through the site, making it useful and informative for visitors. Some features include:

> real-time Twitter information
> rotating images featuring the beauties of Alamance County
> an interactive Visitor's Guide
> Events and News menus with current, fresh content

A directory, "Explore Alamance," provides a "best of" list for dining, entertainment, accommodations, shopping, sports and recreation, attractions, activities and meeting spaces. Without touching Google, a user can get a complete understanding of all that Alamance County has to offer.

The site also includes relocation information to help new residents become acquainted with all that Alamance County has to offer.

Clearing the Technical Jungle

North Star developed the new ACCVB site on a WordPress platform, one of the most user-friendly CMS (content management system) available.

WordPress allows users to manage their own content, make updates in real time (with no lag from an outsourced company), and update SEO as needs change, all with no previous technical training necessary.

All North Star websites since late 2010 (more than 50) have been built on this platform, and all of them incorporate what is considered industry "best practice" for ease of website navigation and content management: top-level navigation, rotating images, home page features, news and events, multi-media capability, and the list goes on.

Check out ACCVB's new site and Explore Alamance!

Imagine the Possibilities

For more information about converting your site to WordPress, contact North Star (336.229.6610). Our web development services put the steering wheel in your hands, allowing you to access, control and update content without any prior web development expertise. We also provide support, hosting, and domain name registration.

Anticipating the Mobile Website Trend

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 16:50:55 -0500

The statistics speak volumes about growing smartphone usage:

> More U.S. adults own a smartphone than have a degree.
> Nine in 10 smartphone owners use their phones as Internet portals.
> 78% of those users do so every day.
> One third - 35% - of all Americans own a smartphone.
> Two-thirds of them sleep with their smartphone next to the bed.
(All statistics: according to research by the Pew Internet and American Life Project - http://pewinternet.org)

Small businesses take note.

Mobile web usage is becoming the new norm in internet searches and e-commerce. Is your website mobile friendly? Have you considered streamlining the information on your site for an easily navigable site that can be read on the fly? The business benefits are clear - when a site is easy for a consumer to use, traffic and business increase.

North Star has recently completed mobile websites for the C12 Group and Saint Stephen's Episcopal School (Bradenton, Florida). These sites are not a complete repackaging of site information or brand. Instead mobile sites condense and streamline content from primary sites and are built to fit smartphone screens. The mobile sites target busy users who often surf the web on the fly, conduct business from a cell phone, or catch up on news and other reading while they're on the move. View the websites from your smartphone by going to www.c12group.com and www.saintstephens.org.

On a mobile site, primary content is easy to see, fonts are large enough to read, and content is short enough to deliver the essentials. Users may be encouraged to visit a primary site to complete interest forms, but otherwise a mobile site delivers a comprehensive, convenient user experience from beginning to end.

With comprehensive mobile website development, including design, programming and content writing or editing, North Star can help your small business, school or organization get a better handle on your mobile website strategy.

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North Star Launches New Website for Mebane Business Association

Thu, 22 Dec 2011 12:33:52 -0500

BURLINGTON, NC (December 22, 2011) - Mebane Business Association’s (MBA) new website went live on December 5, 2011, just in time for their annual Holiday Luncheon two days later. MBA leadership presented the new website to more than 80 people at the luncheon.

North Star designers and programmers worked closely with MBA member Cheryl Ray, of Sports Endeavors, Inc., to customize the site design, features and content, focusing on an easily navigable member directory.

To maintain consistency across the site pages and the directory, North Star graphic designer Shawn Magee suggested a series of rotating images showcasing photography of local Mebane businesses who are also members of the association. This seamless integration of functionality and visual interest is a hallmark of Magee’s design and demonstrates an experienced understanding of how design affects website use.

In addition to the extensive member directory, the new MBA website allows site administrators to update current features, news and events and to maintain control of all the content on their own schedule and according their needs. The WordPress platform North Star provides with its web design and programming services puts the user in the driver’s seat, while also offering hosting and support.

MBA is a non-profit community organization organized to support local businesses by providing networking opportunities and community events that enhance life for Mebane’s citizens. To see their new website, or for more information, visit www.mbamebane.com.

North Star Marketing is an integrated marketing-communication firm that provides marketing consultation, branding, website development, advertising, public relations, and creative services. North Star is based in Burlington, North Carolina, and serves small businesses, non-profits and schools across the United States.

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North Star Provides Marketing, Web Design and Public Relations Services for New Leaf Society

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 17:36:50 -0500

North Star Provides Marketing, Web Design and Public Relations Services for New Leaf Society

BURLINGTON, NC -- North Star Marketing opens a new marketing campaign for New Leaf Society, an Alamance County-based, privately-funded, not-for-profit organization that implements landscaping beautification projects along public roads.

The campaign aims to increase interest and awareness among prospective members and in the community, raise funds for the organization, increase media coverage, and provide marketing consultation and support.

Marketing initiatives for New Leaf Society include:

Donor program development
Website enhancements
Strategic planning and communications calendar
Event planning
Design and content writing services
Photography services
Project management and support services

Founded in 2007, the New Leaf Society has been engaged in numerous beautification projects across the county, including a public art display at the Boone Station Drive roundabout, Burlington City Park enhancements, two phases of greenspace enhancement in downtown Burlington, and provision of a hardscape element at exit 140 on Interstate 40.

The marketing initiative will begin with a press release about their beautification efforts on Fountain Place in Historic Burlington.

New Leaf Society is a non-profit organization in Burlington focused on enhancing the quality of life in Alamance County through unique beautification projects in high-traffic areas. To learn more about their mission and accomplishments, visit their website (www.newleafsociety.org).

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North Star Launches New Website for Jet-Hot

Thu, 20 Oct 2011 14:34:02 -0400

BURLINGTON, NC (October 20, 2011) - North Star Marketing, a full-service marketing and website development firm in Burlington, N.C., launched a new website for Jet-Hot, High Performance Coatings (Jet-Hot) on October 12.

NSM provided consulting, brand standardization, website design, content writing, programming and content management system integration. NSM also partnered with marketing consultant Geoff McCarty to re-brand the 30-year-old, recently consolidated company. McCarty is a marketing vet with more than 23 years' experience in design, marketing and consulting across several markets, including automotive retail.

North Star designer Shawn Magee’s new logo highlighted three concepts developed in a series of focus groups: Performance, Protection, Polish. The focus groups, conducted by North Star Principal Andy Lynch, mined Jet-Hot employees, customers and leadership for perceptions, opinions, values or beliefs associated with the Jet-Hot name and company. Open group discussions around the Jet-Hot brand unearthed key insights to the Jet-Hot value: What are the core benefits of our product? How do those core benefits affect who we are?

With the look of the new Jet-Hot logo, Magee captured the three pillars of Jet-Hot coatings:

> Performance -- The new Jet-Hot logo moves. The visual momentum of the swoosh graphic and the right-leaning company name fits the end product: Jet-Hot coatings reduce friction on motor components and increase engine performance. It also demonstrates that Jet-Hot is moving forward as a business, growing in aftermarket demands and commercial applications.

> Protection -- The logo font’s width supports an established and growing company whose products stand up to the test of time. In fact, Jet-Hot coatings protect parts so well from heat and corrosion that they can even extend the life of neighboring components.

> Polish -- The sans serif font used in the Jet-Hot logo keeps the company image basic, modern and clean. And for a company known for its “Jet-Hot shine,” a little polish on its image communicates Jet-Hot’s commitment to perfecting high-performing coatings that look good too.

Re-branding a company is a complex process, full of moving parts. For Magee, the task of developing Jet-Hot’s visual voice came easily because of Geoff McCarty. "The Jet-Hot branding process was well thought out and organized thanks to Geoff” said Magee. “We collaborated to produce a final logo that fit with the end product and appealed to the clientele of Jet-Hot.”

In addition to website development for Jet-Hot, North Star continues to provide a variety of services, including print collateral, the design and production of a truck wrap, and a series of three articles on Jet-Hot for IronWorks Magazine.

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North Star Creates New Brand for Pegram-West

Fri, 14 Oct 2011 09:53:51 -0400

BURLINGTON, NC (October 14, 2011) - Greensboro-based builder supply company Pegram-West, a long-time industry standard in the Piedmont area, got a 25th anniversary present from an unlikely place. North Star Marketing-Communications wrapped up a new brand package and delivered it just in time.

Referred by Corbin Sapp of IVARS, Inc., Pegram-West chose North Star Marketing-Communications to create their new brand. While starter businesses regularly depend on brand development, Pegram-West’s business legacy of 25 years in stable, competitive markets did not keep it from seeking out a standardized “voice” for itself in the visual marketplace.

North Star steered the production process, from initial planning and concept stages to final delivery of the brand identity kit. At the end of the day, Pegram-West took home a 25th anniversary logo and designs for business cards, letterhead and envelopes.

North Star graphic designer Shawn Magee worked with Pegram-West through the design conceptualization and production process. Magee, a seven-year North Star veteran, found a challenge in keeping the logo design clean while still portraying the company accurately. The new brand communicates Pegram-West’s longevity, he said, by maintaining that balance. “The wood grain,” said Magee, “also helps the viewer associate the company with its product.”

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The Beach Boys to Perform at Benefit Concert for the Terri Schiavo Life & Hope Network

Thu, 31 Mar 2011 16:11:39 -0400

ST. PETERSBURG, FL -- North Star Marketing-Communications has launched a pro-bono website for the Terri Schiavo Life and Hope Network, promoting a benefit concert commemorating the anniversary of Terri's passing.

The Life & Hope concert will feature American music icons The Beach Boys and the classic vocal group The Lettermen. To learn more about the concert, please visit www.LifeandHopeConcert.org, or visit the Terri Schindler Schiavo Foundation website: www.TerrisFight.org.

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North Star Launches Website for Global Strategic

Thu, 13 Jan 2011 15:13:13 -0500

Burlington, NC - North Star Marketing-Communications, a full-service marketing marketing and website development firm in Burlington, NC, has launched a new site for Global Strategic. Global Strategic is a Phillippines based company, but also has an office in Bay Shore, New York.

NSMC provided consulting, brand standardization, website design, programming, social media integration, content management system integration, and web maintenance training.

Global Strategic provides outsourcing solutions to businesses the world over. Managed by Business Process Outsourcing professionals from the United States, Global Strategic prides themselves on their ability to fully understand the environments in which their clients operate. This understanding and depth of knowledge, has helped them to attain a level of service rarely found in the outsourcing industry.

Visit the new site at www.globalstrategic.com.

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NSMC Creates New Website for Granville County

Thu, 11 Nov 2010 11:29:19 -0500

North Star Marketing-Communications has launched a new website for Granville County, focusing on their "Safe Routes to School" program.

View the new site here: http://www.granvillesaferoutes.org/.

The site features information for parents, students and teachers concerning approved, well-marked walking and biking paths throughout the county. Visitors can view the content in both English and Spanish.

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North Star Launches Website for Westside Ob-Gyn

Wed, 27 Oct 2010 14:23:58 -0400

Burlington, NC - North Star Marketing-Communications, a full-service marketing marketing and website development firm in Burlington, NC, has launched a new site for Westside Ob-Gyn. Westside has two locations, one in Burlington behind Alamance Regional Medical Center, and the other in Mebane, behind Blue Ribbon Diner on Mebane Oaks Road.

NSMC provided consulting, website design, programming, social media integration, content management system integration, web maintenance training, and photography.

Westside Ob-Gyn Center, P.A., offers an array of extended obstetrical and gynecological services including adult and adolescent gynecology, routine and high-risk obstetrics, minimally invasive surgical procedures, infertility counseling and treatment.

Visit the new site at www.westsideobgyn.com.

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North Star Launches Website for Duke Cru

Tue, 03 Aug 2010 10:45:11 -0400

Durham, NC - North Star Marketing-Communications, a full-service marketing marketing and website development firm in Burlington, NC, has launched a new site for Duke University Campus Crusade for Christ.

NSMC provided consulting, website design, programming, social media integration, content management system integration and web maintenance training.

“Cru” is short for Campus Crusade for Christ, an inter-denominational Christian ministry that has been at Duke for over 40 years. The ministry exists to help students connect with Jesus Christ and with each other during their time in college.

Visit the new site at www.dukecru.com.

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North Star Launches Website for Lincoln Charter School of Denver, NC

Fri, 23 Jul 2010 16:54:32 -0400

DENVER, NC - North Star Marketing-Communications, a full-service marketing marketing and website development firm in Burlington, NC, has launched a new website for Lincoln Charter School of Denver, NC.

NSMC provided consulting, brand development, custom photography, website design, programming, social media integration, content management system integration and web maintenance training.

Lincoln Charter School is a tuition-free public school serving Lincoln, Catawba, Gaston, Iredell, Mecklenburg and surrounding counties. It obtained its charter in 1997 and has three campus locations in Lincoln County.

Visit the new site at www.lincolncharter.org.

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North Star Launches Website for Signature Flooring out of Mebane, NC

Wed, 21 Jul 2010 16:58:25 -0400

MEBANE, NC - North Star Marketing-Communications, a full-service marketing marketing and website development firm in Burlington, NC, has launched a new website for Signature Flooring of Mebane.

NSMC provided consulting, custom photography, website design, programming, content management system integration and web maintenance training.

Signature Flooring is locally owned by Charles Harding and Todd Anthony. They provide carpet, area rugs, hardwood, tile, laminate, vinyl, and granite countertops to residential and commercial customers across North Carolina.

View the new site at www.signatureflooringinc.com.

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