American Red Cross Month

March 5th, 2010 by wtam

America celebrates Red Cross month every March. This year we at Synergy Production Group have decided to jump in and feature our long time client and friends.

Since it’s founding in 1881 by visionary leader Clara Barton, the American Red Cross has been the nation’s premier emergency response organization. As part of a worldwide movement that offers neutral humanitarian care to the victims of war, the American Red Cross distinguishes itself by also aiding victims of devastating natural disasters. Today, in addition to domestic disaster relief, the American Red Cross offers compassionate services in five other areas:

* Community services that help the needy
* Support and comfort for military members and their families
* Collecting, processing and distributing lifesaving blood and blood products
* Educational programs that promote health and safety
* International relief and development programs.

Synergy Production Group is proud to not only support the American Red Cross ideologically but also in practice. We have the privilege of producing the Nashville Area Chapter’s annual Life Saver breakfast this month on March 23rd. We will updating our blogg weekly with Red Cross news as well as some features on the event.
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Help Haiti Live

March 2nd, 2010 by wtam

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This past Saturday, February 27th, Synergy Production Group was proud to be a part of something bigger than ourselves. Standing backstage at the mother church of country music with two radios clipped to my shirt, I and 2300 others listened intently to the perfection of a Alison Krauss and Union Station with Jerry Douglas in tow. Mat Kearney, Dave Barnes, Matt Wertz, Jars of Clay, Jon Foreman, NEEDTOBREATHE, and Big Kenny also graced the Ryman stage with their presences. What is more impressive yet, is the reason so many multi-platinum selling, Grammy decorated artists sang this past Saturday non other than hope. Hope for people of Haiti that morn the loss of their loved ones in a devastating earthquake less than two months ago. Compassion International with the leadership of Shaun Groves managed to get all of these artists to donate their time in hopes that others would donate their dollars to a people who have nothing left. Synergy Production Group is proud to have aided in producing such an incredible evening of giving. It you so desire to give you can do so here: www.helphaitilive.com.

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Synergy Produces Two Sold Out Jeremy Camp Shows with WAYFM and World Vision!

February 15th, 2010 by wtam

On January 22nd in West Palm Beach and February 12th in Louisville, Synergy Production Group had the privilege of producing 2 sold out shows in conjunction with WAYFM Media Group and World Vision. The Speaking Louder than before tour included Jeremy Camp, The Afters, Chasen, and Jason Gray. The jury is still out on the final total, but this incredible outfit of bands sponsored at least 500 children in third world. In addition, the Louisville show included a brave young man’s marriage proposal during intermission! Synergy Production Group is proud to have played a vital part in these amazing musical evenings with a socially conscious heart.

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Watch this.

February 14th, 2010 by jzebell

Help Haiti February 27th – HelpHaitiLive.com from Compassion International on Vimeo.

Call to action and to rebuild

February 10th, 2010 by jzebell

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We have all been moved in the past month with the images we have seen from Haiti.  Much of it is unthinkable and the quantity of life loss is hard to process.   Over the past month, many of us have seen the benefit events and then text messaging campaigns to benefit the people of Haiti.  A lot has been done and a lot of money raised, so if you have given, thank you.  100’s of millions of dollars have been given so we should be good right?

Think again.  We spend 1.1 billion on a football stadium for the Dallas Cowboys here in the US and the people of Haiti need to rebuild much of their country.  It will take more than what has already been given.  In the beginning the focus is on disaster relief.  The media coverage fades when it moves beyond disaster and sensational stories and into the reality of re-building.   Here is your chance to change that.

In partnership with Compassion International and some amazing partners, Synergy is working to produce a simulcast event on February 27 that will take place in Nashville and Los Angeles.  Many artists have come out to support this event.  Compassion has been in Haiti for 42 years and will be there to rebuild.  Visit the website HelpHaitiLive for more information and mark your calendars for February 27th at 7pm CST to watch an amazing live event.

The story doesn’t end when the media coverage does.  The rebuilding process is extensive.  We can give more and we encourage you to support this event and the efforts of Compassion International.

re:create 2010 Conference

February 9th, 2010 by jzebell

We are working with the re:create conference this week in Franklin.  It started last night with an intimate musical evening at Pucketts with Amy Grant, and today artists such as Matt Maher, Audrey Assad, and  One Sonic Society etc.  We will be blogging all week.

Synergy Produces Two Jeremy Camp Shows with WAYFM This Month!

January 7th, 2010 by wtam

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WAY-FM and World Vision Produce Speaking Louder Than Before Tour with Jeremy Camp and featuring The Afters and Chasen

(Colorado Springs, CO) WAY-FM and World Vision announce a national tour featuring Jeremy Camp, The Afters, Chasen, with special guest Jason Gray.
The tour will kick off January 20 in Charleston, SC and will travel to a total of 8
WAY-FM radio markets, finishing up in Louisville, KY on February 12.

Steve Quant, Director of Media Acquisition for World Vision stated, “I’m always amazed at the generosity of God’s people. Audiences in these eight cities will not only enjoy a night of powerful music, but will also fuel World Vision’s efforts by forever changing lives of children all over the globe.”

The tour is a component of the partnership between the two organizations that began last summer. Lloyd Parker, WAY-FM Chief Operating Officer noted, “The tour was designed to bring the outstanding ministry of World Vision to the local station level. Working with key WAY-FM artists like Jeremy Camp and also The Afters will give a great evening of music to our listeners.”

Tour Itinerary:

January 20 Charleston, SC
January 22 West Palm Beach, FL
January 28 Wichita, KS
January 29 Denver, CO
February 5 Ft Myers, FL
February 6 Tallahassee, FL
February 11 Huntsville, AL
February 12 Louisville, KY

Markets served by WMG include Denver, CO; Nashville, TN; West Palm Beach/Ft. Lauderdale, FL; Huntsville, AL; Louisville, KY; Colorado Springs, CO; Charleston, SC and Wichita, KS with additional cities and affiliates listed on www.wayfm.com

World Vision is a Christian humanitarian organization dedicated to working with children, families and their communities worldwide to reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice. www.worldvision.org

2010 – Will it launch worldwide change?

January 6th, 2010 by jzebell

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Welcome to 2010.  It seems like only yesterday that I was standing on the pier in Philadelphia blowing confetti cannons for the beginning of the millennium.   Looking back over the past decade we have all learned a lot.  We have learned that technology will move on with or without us.  We have learned what TIVO is, Facebook, Twitter, and that 1000’s of songs can now fit into our pocket as opposed to those oversized CD storage cases that took up an entire seat in your car.   The gloom and doom of Y2K did not come although America was rocked with 9/11 and all of the turmoil that has come after that.  1o years into the new millennium our world is different than I imagined.

We can go on and on about the surface developments but one of the things that I have seen that encourages me the most is on a grass roots level.  This generation is having a profound impact on the world as a whole.  There has emerged an understanding that it is right to help those around you and those across the world.   Everyone does this their own way, whether it be with cash or with service.  Volunteerism and charitable giving have seemed to become more of a part of this generation.  Through all of the ipods, laptops, TV’s, big houses, etc has this generation realized that we are very blessed with more than we need?  Just this past week over 560,00.00 was given to charities in a 2 days span by college kids using a variety of avenues from standard means to text messaging.    That is amazing and to be modeled by my generation as we set the pace for those that come after us.   I challenge you to think beyond you.

2010 promises to be an interesting year for Synergy.  These developments within the culture fit with our mission to serve organizations.  In the next 30-45 days we will be announcing some more new developments that we hope will continue to allow us to use our skills to connect entertainment and sports to cause and events.  For your viewing pleasure, take a look at our big project that kicks off in 5 months.  It is the Hoops of Hope All Stars Tour.  You can find us on facebook as well.   If you live in any of these 12 cities consider that with one day you can change the lives of generations across the world.   Happy 2010 to all of you.

Success is in the message

December 7th, 2009 by jzebell

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In tough economic times fundraising is a challenge.  In 2009, many non-profits have been challenged to meet their fundraising goals.  Some organizations have abandoned their fundraising efforts out of fear.  However, there are countless articles and research that strongly encourage non-profits to press on.  In many ways now is the time to raise your voice and maximize your brand.   In a recent article, a leading CEO of a health organization can be quoted as saying,  “After that gala, I’ve closed on several major gifts. Once I had 800 people there, it wasn’t just about cocktails and dancing. I had to seize the opportunity to do some serious messaging.”

In November, Synergy Production Group produced a benefit event in Nashville for The Mental Health Association of Middle Tennessee.  From the beginning, we knew that times would be tough this fall and we chose to focus the organization and their messaging.  This began at the theme and ran all the way through the invitations, short films, website, and post event marketing.   We developed a theme that captured the focus and was personalized to the honorees.  We created short films and marketing pieces that had a shelf life beyond the event, and finally we created a website that would carry the message to family and friends of those not in attendance.   Visit, www.thelostlyrics.com to learn more about the Mental Health Association of Middle Tennessee.

At Synergy Production Group, we believe that a holistic approach to events is essential.  Developing themes, expanding your brand awareness, and executing your event flawlessly is all part of our small details, BIG Results approach.  Contact us at info@synergyprg.com to learn more about what we can do for you.

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Shared Intelligence

December 2nd, 2009 by jzebell

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Often times in reading, I come across blogs from other companies or leaders that inspire me to write my views. However, in this case, I came across a great blog from a former CEO and I thought rather than me try and expound, I would just put the entire blog here for you to read as well.

All Credit to http://www.hlworkshop.com

“Dick, they hate you.”
“Who hates me?”
“The people who work for you hate you.”

That was a tough day. Someone decided to tell me the truth about how I was doing in my first position as a boss. It was the day I learned that boss is a four letter word. It was the day that I learned that controlling is not leading. It was the day I learned that leadership is a job, not a position. It was the day I began to transition from “me” to “we.” It was one of the hardest days of my life, but one of the most important.

Have you had a day like that? Do you know if you are a boss or a leader?

If “authority” is a word you use a lot—you’re a boss.

If you believe people work for you, not the organization—you’re a boss.

If you control and approve every action and decision—you’re a boss.

If you believe you have all the answers—you’re a boss.

If you love policies and rules rather than principles and values—you’re a boss.

If those same policies and rules don’t apply to you—you’re a boss.

If the best and brightest don’t stay long—you’re a boss.

If everything comes to a standstill when you’re gone—you’re a boss.

If you use budgets as a hammer—you’re a boss.

Don’t trust yourself to answer these questions objectively. Ask someone. If you are as fortunate as I was, they will tell you the truth about yourself. It may hurt, but you need to know because, “Boss is a four letter word.”

Many of us our leaders in some capacity or another.  Take this and dwell on it and think how this may impact your day to day lives.

More news coming from Synergy this week.