Urban Enterprises

Urban Enterprises was very excited to see that Atlanta was named the MOST frugal city in the U.S. for the fourth straight year according to Coupons.com.  This is good for our business as it clearly shows that Atlanta residents love a good deal. 

Urban Enterprises offers two great services for Restaurants and Events to promote themselves and drive traffic via our Office Buildings Distribution and Community Board Posting services by hand distributing coupons, offers, and promo materials to potential consumers.  Our services are great marketing tools to expand your brand and bring awareness to your restaurant or event.

According to household savings expert Jeanette Pavini of Coupons.com “305 billion coupons were distributed in the U.S. in 2012, giving consumers more than $450 billion in potential savings. That’s more than the gross national product of most countries.”   During 2012 Urban Enterprises hand distributed 1 million coupons in Metro Atlanta, Athens (GA), Birmingham (AL), Huntsville (AL), Nashville (TN), Memphis (TN) and Charlotte (N.C.).  Our clients saw an average redemption rate between 5%-12% per distribution. 

If you or someone you know needs help driving traffic to their restaurant or event please have them contact Urban Enterprises at 404-249-4264.
~Starr

Last week I had the pleasant and unexpected invitation to see "Flashdance: The Musical". The only knowledge I had of this show was that it existed. I was thrilled with the lively performances, familiar (and new) music, technical surprises, and upbeat performances. I was able to attend opening night and immediately recommended a viewing to all my friends on social media. I love to attend a show or movie having no preconceived notions as to what I'm seeing. I had seen the movie on which it was based (eons ago), and my memory of the exact plot was foggy at best. It was an enthralling and audience-friendly event, especially for this child of the 80s. What added to my excitement was the announcement of the 2013/2014 season by Broadway in Atlanta. I've never been a season ticket holder, but I was never more convinced to become one. Every musical on the billing is a must-see!

The new season will kick-off in November with "Ghost: The Musical". I have friends who have seen this production when it opened on the West End in London and recently in New York. They all gave it strong recommendations. I had hoped for a song based on Whoopi's famous line "Molly, you in danger girl". No dice, but I hear the music that is presented is terrific. Next on this impressive list is "The Book of Mormon", the controversial, but endearing hit musical that swept the Tony's in 2011. I'm most excited about this musical. I have heard the soundtrack and seen clips of performances, now I'll have an opportunity to see this production in its entirety. "Once" the musical will open in March. If you have never heard of this production, it is based on an independent movie that won a Best Original Song Academy Award for the track "Falling Slowly." The transition of this show to a musical seems an easy fit, as the story itself is about a songwriter, and is filled with irish-folk/contemporary music. I was an instant fan of this movie, and from what I've seen, the musical looks to be not only an impressive show, but serves well as a highlight for multi-faceted, multitalented musicians. "The Lion King" will make its way to the Fox in April, a first for the venue. "The Lion King" has toured through Atlanta before, but was seemingly too big in scale to fit in the theater. I will be interested to see how this show will transition into the space. This is another show that I have always wanted to see, but have just never had the opportunity. Later in April will see "American Idiot," with music from the Album by Green Day as the basis for this modern musical. The last entry for this upcoming season is the classic Andrew Lloyd Weber musical "Evita".

The most invigorating aspect of this new Broadway in Atlanta season is the diversity of the shows that are to be offered. There are classics, contemporary classics, and edgier productions that provide a well rounded package. It seems the folks at Broadway in Atlanta, as well as other touring companies, are doing a great job at bringing the best of Broadway to Peachtree Street and the Fabulous Fox Theatre! We love working with Broadway in Atlanta, providing poster distribution services to promote their shows all across Metro Atlanta. ~Brad

Tune in on December 19th to A2Zen.fm and you may hear a familiar voice! Urban Enterprises’ very own Shayne Walsey recently did an interview for the radio program, “The Better You Project”. This program highlights business leaders and entrepreneurs in the Atlanta area while asking thought provoking questions like: “Over the course of your journey, what qualities have you found in yourself that you may or may not be surprised about that made you a “better” you?” and “Knowing what you know now, what advice would you give someone who was ready to take the plunge or make that jump towards becoming a “better” person by following their passions in life?”

The hosts of the program, Susan McMullen and Eric Holtzclaw, both have their own businesses outside of the radio program. Susan offers Business Consulting, Public Speaking courses and workshops for both. Eric, founder/CEO of User Insight, has founded multiple successful start-up companies, including one of the first profitable Internet enterprises, and implementation of over 30 consumer oriented and internal use products and services worldwide.

Mark your calendars for December 19th!
~Jess

Urban Enterprises is thrilled to partner with Peachtree Center to sponsor The City of Atlanta Office of Cultural Affairs Public Art Program (OCA/ PAP) Elevate Art. Artists and art collaborators have been invited to apply for funding support to develop temporary public art projects throughout locations in central downtown Atlanta. OCA/PAP will present innovative projects for interior and exterior public spaces throughout downtown. Elevate Art seeks to stimulate awareness of the physical environment in Atlanta and interact meaningfully with audiences. Keep a look out for an exciting temporary art project to be placed on the exterior of one of the Peachtree Center towers and throughout downtown.  Peachtree Center is one of our favorite clients and uses us to manage their guest services program, Green Market and coupon distribution.  Find out more information here!  ~Jess

For the past two months, I have gotten a glimpse into one of the Atlanta Business Chronicle's Best Places to Work. For the third year in a row, Urban Enterprises has been honored to receive this prestigious nomination, building upon its previous recognition as the 9th Best Place to Work in Atlanta in 2011. Selected for their amazing work environment, and for being a company that thrives on creativity, Urban Enterprises has shown me that teamwork and a valued concept of cooperation can provide any company with the framework necessary for growth. Working among these women while in the office or staffing an event, they are always there with a friendly face and are ready to meet any challenge they may encounter. Congratulations ladies on this honor, and thank you for giving me a preview into the working world.

~Leanne

As most everyone knows in our office, I am the original "Mall Maven".  After not having been to Perimeter Mall for a little while,  my trip there today gave me a new insight about all the changes that have and will be happening there.  The number one shocker was seeing the demolition of the old Bloomingdale's store to make way for the new Von  Maur.  They are not only renovating, but they are rebuilding the store and it's hard to believe that the sign says they will be open for business in the fall.  One source said that they are working day and night to make this happen. I'm excited about the addition as  Perimeter Mall needs another "customer service" oriented, better merchandise  store to compliment their other great line up!  

Also, The Capital Grille will be reopening in the Wildfire space which will add an upscale option to the other outside restaurants that Perimeter sports.  Urban is doing a great Perimeter Mall  coupon program for the office and business community featuring food court coupons, Goldfish and Maagiano's offers and some  ones from some of the specialty stores.   If you work in the area you will probably be receiving these from our great Urban team in the months ahead.  I look forward to more visits to Perimeter this year and am excited to see new stores opening each time I visit.  You may want to check it out also!

~Jill

Having not visited the CNN Center for a long time, my visit today proved very interesting!  Everyone in Atlanta is very familiar with CNN on TV but I bet that there are many suburbanites that have never actually gone into the CNN center and seen the actual hub and birthplace of one entity that has helped put Atlanta on the map.  The Urban team is doing a coupon program for the food court at CNN...yes, they actually have a food court and I went there to sign up participants.  There are also two full service restaurants:  Dantanna's and McCormick & Schmick.    CNN center is surrounded by many government buildings and offices along Marietta Street, Forsyth and Northside Drive and these people need places to eat, why not come to CNN?

Also, there were many people taking the CNN tour which also includes the Cartoon Network.  This is something that we Atlantan's probably take for granted but it's high on the list of things to do for visitors  and groups that come to downtown.  So, why not consider checking it out one day when you're looking for something informative to do in your city.  Oh, and also if you work in those business areas that I mentioned, look for the Urban team to drop off some great food court coupons in May to your offices and buildings!

~Jill

One of the services that Urban Enterprises offers is Office Building Distribution of promotional materials for restaurants.  Urban Enterprises will work with the Restauranteur on the offer, graphics, and info on the promotional material, and distribute it to 3,000, 5,000, 10,000+ officer workers in the restaurant's trade area.  Over the years Urban Enterprises has learned what offers will get the office workers into the restaurants as well as what offers will get catering orders placed.  Since I am selling this service now it got me to thinking.....

What was the first coupon?  

Well to my surprise the first coupon was produced right here in Atlanta by 

Coca-Cola in 1887.  According to Wikepdia "In 1887, the Coca-Cola Company was incorporated in Atlanta with Asa Candler as one of the partners. He transformed Coca-Cola from an insignificant tonic" created by John Pemberton "into a profitable business by using innovative advertising techniques. The key to this growth was Candler's ingenious marketing including having the company's employees and sales representatives distribute complimentary coupons for Coca-Cola.  Coupons were mailed to potential customers and placed in magazines. The company gave soda fountains free syrup to cover the costs of the free drinks. It is estimated that between 1894 and 1913 one 

in nine Americans had received a free Coca-Cola, for a total of 8,500,000 

free drinks. By 1895 Candler announced to shareholders that Coca-Cola 

was served in every state in the United States."  Merriam-Webster states 

the origin of the word coupon is "French, from Old France, from couper, to cut.  

Coupons and deals have continued to help drive traffic to many businesses.  They have also evolved with Technology.  Urban Enterprises posts many of their distributed coupons on our other blog (H & S) for all to use.  Be sure to go sign up for the Hip and Savvy monthly email on the website to so you don't miss out on any great deals! 

If you know a restaurant looking to increase their business please have them contact Starr Cumming:  Email Starr or 404-388-7878 for a quote.  

~Starr