Business

Boosting non-profits public relations

East Tennessee non-profit organizations can learn hands-on public relation strategies to boost their visibility, donor engagement and community support.

Ripley PR, an award-winning public relations agency in Maryville, will host AMPLIFY GOOD, a free, interactive workshop designed to help East Tennessee nonprofit organizations strengthen their brand, increase visibility and advance their mission, according to Casey Beaman, media relations specialist with Ripley PR.

The event will take place Tuesday, March 3, from 8:30 to 11:00 a.m. at the Blount County Public Library, 509 N. Cusick St. in Maryville.

“Many nonprofits are doing incredible work but don’t always have the time or training to share their story in a way that reaches the right audiences,” said Heather Ripley, Ripley PR founder/CEO. “AMPLIFY GOOD is our way of giving back to the East Tennessee community, sharing what we’ve learned so organizations can strengthen their messaging, build credibility and turn visibility into stronger donor support for their mission.”

“The workshop is open to area nonprofit organizations in East Tennessee that want to increase awareness and strengthen fundraising through strategic public relations,” he said.” Space is limited to 100 nonprofits, and advanced registration is required. Nonprofits interested in attending must apply by Friday, Feb. 20, as applications will be reviewed and accepted organizations will be notified in advance.”

“AMPLIFY GOOD will feature hands-on training led by Heather Ripley, founder and CEO of Ripley PR, along with senior members of the Ripley PR team,” Beaman said. “Attendees will gain direct access to award-winning PR expertise and learn practical strategies they can immediately apply to improve visibility and donor engagement.

“Backed by global recognition and industry awards, Ripley PR delivers proven media relations expertise to nonprofits and purpose-driven organizations,” he added.

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Women in leadership focus of upcoming Chamber series

Women who are leaders will highlight Farragut West Knox Chamber of Commerce’s upcoming 2026 Speaker Series, Women in Leadership: Balance | Self-Care | Resilience, which will take place from 4 to 5:30 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 18, at Embassy Suites, 9621 Parkside Drive.

Starting with casual networking over wine and charcuterie, it will be emceed by Amanda Hara, WVLT-TV anchor, and the panel for the event will feature Chrystal Armstrong Brown, president/CEO of United Way of Greater Knoxville; Tammy White, president/CEO of Leadership Knoxville; and Missy Wallen, Knoxville chairman of Pinnacle Financial Partners. The panel discussion will begin at 4:30 p.m.

While seating capacity is limited, flat-rate tickets are $25 each for members and non-members alike.

“We really wanted this to be open to the community,” she said. “And, even though it’s focused on women, the event is open to gentlemen.”

There is a discount option of two tickets for $40 for members and non-members. Reserved tables of eight can be purchased for $400 for members only.

Tickets are available at farragutchamber.com, and people need to register as soon as possible by Friday. Feb. 13.

Sponsorships by members also are available at $350, $500 and $1,000 levels. The presenting sponsor is Pinnacle Financial Partners, and the community sponsors are Main Event and Lapis Insurance.

Water Into Wine bistro & lounge is sponsoring wine and other beverages (an ID will be required to be served alcohol), and Euphoric Cheese Shop is sponsoring charcuterie.

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