Menu Close

Tag: Marketing

Better Know a Sponsor: AdSpark

Ignite Charlotte 0 Comments

Charlotte web entrepreneur Matt McGlothlin founded AdSpark Promos in late 2010.  The company sells promotional products such as koozies, hats, pens, t-shirts, and any other product on which you can place a logo.

AdSpark has been a proud Ignite Charlotte sponsor since the third event. Matt says, “The event meshes nicely with our community-based philosophy. We like that the event opens minds and opens doors for people.” McGlothlin also loves the entrepreneurial spirit that surrounds the event. “Facilities such as Packard Place and Lightbulb Coworking are bringing local entrepreneurs into the spotlight. We like to think of our business as a startup because there is nothing quite like AdSpark out there.”

So what makes AdSpark different from other promotional product companies? They strive to use local screen printers and local suppliers as much as possible, helping to support other Charlotte business owners. Discounts are provided on any eco-friendly product ordered, and a portion of the proceeds of every order are donated to the client’s non-profit of choice. This is the essence of McGlothlin’s community-based philosophy.

AdSpark always seems to enlighten us with some of the neat gadgets on which they place the Ignite Charlotte logo: flash drive bracelets, laser pointer pens, and portable mini-mice for your netbook!

Welcome back AdSpark and thank you for your sponsorship support of Ignite Charlotte 5!

Written by: Josie (@JosieMazz), Ignite Charlotte 5 Volunteer

Read more →

Better Know a Sponsor: Ephricon

Ignite Charlotte 0 Comments

Ephricon Web Marketing was founded in Baltimore, MD in 2003, but moved to the Charlotte area in January 2009. Located in the heart of Baxter Village in Fort Mill, Ephricon is an internet marketing agency that specializes in helping businesses generate inbound leads and sales through their web presence. Rather than focusing on banner ads and unsolicited e-mails, Ephricon helps to position its clients as subject matter experts with a website that is a worthwhile resource. They then leverage SEO, PPC, social media, and content marketing to help build awareness and provide their clients with a higher profile.

Ephricon President Jon Payne says that they are constantly looking to improve everything about their business and themselves. “Ignite Charlotte really reflects that spirit with fresh ideas, open sharing, and a community approach to continual improvement.” Payne adds that “Ignite Charlotte really reflects our company’s ideals.”

Jon has been pleasantly surprised by the friendliness of the Charlotte business community. In the internet marketing space, freelancers and companies that might compete for business openly share ideas and help each other. “It’s a real community feel and I appreciate the vibe and the relationships we’ve made,” says Payne. Ephricon sees Ignite Charlotte as an opportunity to help keep the community open and welcoming.

Ephricon also sponsors the Search Exchange conference here in Charlotte, as well as the Search Engine Marketing Association of Charlotte. In the past, they’ve also been a sponsor of BarCamp and WordCamp. Jon says that he’d love to participate in and hopefully sponsor an event like TedX or any event that creates a local think tank and open-sharing of information on how businesses can participate and help improve the value of content in the web sphere, rather than interrupt it with advertising.

We’re pleased to have Ephricon as an Ignite Charlotte 5 sponsor!

Written by: Josie (@JosieMazz), Ignite Charlotte 5 Volunteer

Read more →