Krista, our VP of marketing and PR strategizes with Lollipop on how to ensure the success of the MedExpress grand opening event.

Last week my dream came true, I made it on the Today Show. And I didn’t even have to go to New York! For all of you avid Today show viewers like myself, you are well aware that Al Roker made a trip around the US last week searching for the next Today show couple for Today Throws a Wedding. One of my best friends lives in Miami and after making a life size wedding cake sign with mine and Russell’s picture on it, she was ready for Al when he made his stop. Not only was the poster featured in numerous commercial breaks, but Liz also got an interview with Al! View the “Meet Some Miami Couples” video.

Many young girls dream of their wedding day. They envision the perfect dress, flowers and venue. I, on the other hand, always dreamed of getting married on the Today Show. It has been my dream since watching Sunny and Chris get married in NYC. Although I may not be choosen as a finalist (I am still hopeful!), I can at least say I finally made an appearance on one of my favorite shows. It was the best day ever. All of my my friends and family who saw the show, called us. Now I know why celebrities love the spotlight. Fame is addictive! Next up- American Idol.

Working on the fund-raising event for Carolina Autism was so rewarding. I had the opportunity to help with everything from hand delivering invitations to setting up the evening of. This was definitely the highlight of my internship with Trio. Here are some pictures from the event.

So as we all know, the CNN/YouTube Democratic debate was held in Charleston this past Monday and I had the great pleasure of meeting John and Elizabeth Edwards while they were in town. Well I didn’t really meet the Senator but I did shake his hand. I did however meet Mrs. Edwards. As PR chair for the Lowcountry Affiliate of the Susan G. Komen for the Cure I worked with the Edwards campaign office (which they were great) to set up an opportunity for some of our survivors to present her with a banner (signed by hundreds of survivors) and a bouquet of pink roses. Lucy Spears also gave Mrs. Edwards a Komen lapel pin which I noticed later that evening Mrs. Edwards was proudly wearing during her post-debate interview with CNN. We only got about five minutes of her time but she was so gracious and it was really cool to be able to hug her and let her know that A LOT of people are behind her.

BTW - the lapel pin that Senator Edwards is wearing is a tribute to his son, Wade. It was Wade’s Outward Bound pin. My heart goes out to them. I know their son is so proud of his parents.

This past weekend Trio Solutions Inc. had the privilege of working with MedExpress Clinics on opening their first retail health care clinic. A fairly new concept within the health care industry, retail health care is an approach that is more consumer-focused and here’s the magic word, affordable! MedExpress opened their first clinic in Evans, Georgia, a suburb of Augusta. It is their hope that the concept will take off in Evans and they will be able to expand across the Southeast.

Their facility isn’t an urgent care facility and it’s not meant to replace a relationship with a primary care provider. The purpose is to complement the health care continuum and open up an opportunity for individuals with little or no insurance. Pricing is known before you step foot in the door and you are sure to be seen quickly.

Trio Solutions Inc. specializes in health care and has been excited to be involved with a new approach to a seriously injured industry. Because MedExpress is a new business we were able to help with everything from logo design to advertising to a Web site, allowing every member of our team an opportunity to get involved.

We wish MedExpress much success and have enjoyed working with such a great group of people.

Check out this story that ran in the Augusta Chronicle on July 13, 2007.

Last month, Jessica Munday (or Jessica Sr. as we refer to her) and I had the opportunity to participate in the Komen Community Challenge. Susan G. Komen for the Cure is taking this tour to 24 cities across the United States and Columbia, South Carolina just happened to be one of them. The Community Challenge is Komen’s grassroots effort to “close the gap”. When we arrived at the Governor’s Mansion, the sea of pink certainly made an impression. There was definitely unity and we were all there to “close the gap.” But I found myself wondering what that gap was and walking onto the grounds of the Governor’s mansion, this phrase meant very little to me. As I left there that day, I understood just how powerful those three words are and why so much needs to be done.

I won’t even begin to comment on our health care system. That would be a never ending entry! And I am a firm believer that talk is cheap. That’s why this event left such an impressions on me. I was educated on an issue that is difficult for all of us to understand, health insurance. Through my involvement with Komen, I have had the privilege of meeting many survivors. The one thing that I am constantly reminded of is that cancer doesn’t care who you are, what you do, or how much money you have. That is why I am proud to be a part of Komen’s efforts to “close the gap” in access to quality health care, research and information. We should all feel empowered by Komen’s efforts. They are going directly to the source, our elected leaders, to tell them that it’s wrong for a 25-year-old woman to be denied mammogram coverage. It’s wrong to deny life-saving care to a woman, or anyone, because of their financial situation. And from my participation in this event it’s clear to me they aren’t just talking about it, they’re doing something.

It was a privilege to be among so many dedicated and out-spoken women (and gentlemen). I look forward to continuing my involvement with Komen and helping to close the gap. And like Komen said, this wasn’t no tea party. Great job Komen!

I have never understood how an entire industry could get away with completely ignoring and now firing their current clients. It amazes me that you can be a customer of the same wireless provider for years and it means a hill of beans. You can go in to upgrade your account or change phones with one coveat - sign another two year contract! BUT if I had not given them my business for years and not have spent thousands of dollars with them and just walked in off the street I would be handed whatever I want. But screw their current clients. No bonus minutes for being loyal. No discount for being a customer for five years. No customer appreciation party. Hey there’s a novel idea. How about once a year the wireless providers open their stores and provider free appetizers, beer and wine with some live entertainment and thank us for dealing with all the crap we have to deal with as wireless customers?

Well it looks like instead of managing their brand or striving for customer loyalty they are now “firing” their clients because some of us have demands that are unrealistic. Hmmm. I would love to know what those 1000 Sprint customers were asking for. Perhaps they were driven to insanity because of the countless hours they spent on the phone with customer (un)support trying to get someone to help them figure out the ridiculous charges on their bill. Heck, by time you finally speak to a human who speaks the same language as you do you’re cross-eyed and ready to reach through the phone.

Oh wait. It gets worst. While writing this post, I figured I would google “Sprint” under Google News and the story gets worst. Some of the customers that Sprint has fired are U.S. soldiers serving in Iraq. Well guess what Sprint? My contract is fulfilled and I’m getting ready to fire you! Thanks for nothing. I’m now officially a new customer to some other carrier and let’s see what they are willing to give me. Anyone have any recommendations for a new carrier? Is there actually one out there that provides good service and appreciates more than just the next sale?