Cars Etc Inc's automotive expertise is a product of our sustained interest in industry trends and characteristics. We are privileged to share the latest news, promotions and events with you and hope the information will enhance your shopping experience. As you know, there are many new cars from which to choose, and we believe an informed customer is the best customer.
Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Cars Etc Receives 2009 Best of Knoxville Award
U.S. Commerce Association's Award Plaque Honors the Achievement
WASHINGTON D.C., June 8, 2009 -- Cars Etc has been selected for the 2009 Best of Knoxville Award in the Used Automobiles category by the U.S. Commerce Association (USCA).
The USCA "Best of Local Business" Award Program recognizes outstanding local businesses throughout the country. Each year, the USCA identifies companies that they believe have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category. These are local companies that enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and community.
Various sources of information were gathered and analyzed to choose the winners in each category. The 2009 USCA Award Program focused on quality, not quantity. Winners are determined based on the information gathered both internally by the USCA and data provided by third parties.
About U.S. Commerce Association (USCA)
U.S. Commerce Association (USCA) is a Washington D.C. based organization funded by local businesses operating in towns, large and small, across America. The purpose of USCA is to promote local business through public relations, marketing and advertising.
The USCA was established to recognize the best of local businesses in their community. Our organization works exclusively with local business owners, trade groups, professional associations, chambers of commerce and other business advertising and marketing groups. Our mission is to be an advocate for small and medium size businesses and business entrepreneurs across America.
SOURCE: U.S. Commerce Association
CONTACT:
U.S. Commerce Association
Email: PublicRelations@us-ca.org
URL: http://www.us-ca.org
Here is the post recently written by Carly Harrington with knoxnews.com.
Every day more and more businesses jump on the social media bandwagon touting their services and products.
They've taken the leap, joining Facebook or Twitter, all in the name of brand building.
Some use it as a friendly reminder that they exist - "Be sure and check us out."
Others promote daily specials or discounts.
Then there are those who give stuff away.
From free lunches to event and venue tickets, some businesses are going all out to win over fans and followers.
"It's real impressive. We've had a great response," said David Hensley of Cars Etc...Inc, an independent used-car dealer in the Halls community that just gave away a pair of race tickets to the Bristol Motor Speedway.
On Aug. 30, the family-owned business will be giving away two sets of tickets to the University of Tennessee's home opener against Western Kentucky.
It plans to give away tickets to every home game of the season.
To enter, you just have to become a fan on Facebook (Facebook.com/carsetcfans).
You can get additional entries into the drawing by answering a question of the day. To date, Cars Etc. has more than 1,200 fans and growing.
For Cars Etc., social media has been a successful way for it to connect with its customers, Hensley said.
"In the long term, I think it will be beneficial," he said. "We're not doing it for instant gratification. We know we have to grind at it, stay with it and hope the reward is coming."
Jason's Deli (Twitter.com/JasonsDeliKnox) has been trying to give something away every week, whether it's a free sandwich or a coffee mug.
"It makes a lot of sense. I think people who follow us already have a familiarity with us," said Gary Bogosian, district catering manager for the eatery off Cedar Bluff.
The Twitter giveaways, he added, have a multiplier effect.
When a follower retweets they're a winner, then all of their followers see it too, he said.
Bogosian started twittering for Knoxville's Jason's Deli at the encouragement of family and friends and has since been convinced it works.
"I've gotten sucked in really hard," he said.
Two to three times a week, Buddy's Bar-b-q (Twitter.com/BuddysBBQ) tweets a two-part trivia question. Participants can win Buddy's gift certificates or tickets to such venues as a Smokies baseball game, the Ripley's Aquarium or Regal Entertainment Group movie theater.
"People have gone nuts over it," said Jay Davis, Buddy's sales and marketing coordinator. "All I've got to do is put Buddy's Twitter Trivia and I've got people listening. Our Web site lights up."
Davis, whose background is in radio, started the giveaways about three months ago as a way to grab people's attention.
The response, from mothers and businesspeople to high school and college students, has been overwhelming, he said.
"I am absolutely sold on social media," Davis said.
Business writer and The Bottom Line columnist Carly Harrington may be reached at 865-342-6317 or harrington@knoxvillebiz.com. Follow me on Twitter at www.twitter.com/knoxgirl75.