News

  • Small businesses learn about social media at conference

    (September 6, 2011)

    When she shut down her bricks and mortar clothing stores years ago to sell online, some in the Midlands thought Barbara Rackes was taking a pretty risky step. Today, she's one of about 300 attendees at a social media conference called SocialCrush. Read More

  • Barbara Rackes Awarded the 2010 TWIN Award

    (November 18, 2010)

    Barbara Rackes was awarded with the 2010 TWIN Award in the Entrepreneur category. This award is a distinguished honor presented to women whose outstanding achievements mark them as leaders and role models in business and in the community. Since the inception of the TWIN Awards in 1980, over 480 businesswomen have been honored who have made outstanding contributions to their professions and/or community. Read More

  • Benjamin Delivers Good News Via Email

    (October 25, 2010)

    Mayor Steve Benjamin offered the best news Columbians have had in some time - a positive bottom line for the first fiscal quarter of 2010-11. Using TheRackesGroup email messaging services as a primary delivery tool, the Mayor's Office was quick to let citizens know that deliberate steps to address past financial problems of the City were being addressed aggressively. Read More

  • Barbara Rackes Appointed to Mayoral Transition Team

    (May 25, 2010)

    Columbia Mayor-elect Steve Benjamin Monday appointed four people known in business and activist circles to study key city issues and provide a report by July 1, the day after he takes office. Benjamin introduced the four co-chairs of his transition team at City Hall. Read More

  • Skirt Magazine Features Barbara Rackes

    (November 1, 2009)

    Until Barbara worked on a campaign and witnessed "the intrusive nature of media into the personal lives of candidates," her "life plan" was to run for office. In fact, political aspirations were the reason she went to law school. Uncertain of her next move, Barbara left Capital Hill, moved back to SC and opened clothing stores. Then, in 1996, Barbara took her business online. Read More

  • Representative Smith Upgrades Online Presence

    (April 7, 2009)

    James Smith understands the power of the Internet. He served in the House via proxy while on active duty in Afghanistan for nearly a year. His communications - voice, image, text - were through Internet-enabled devices.

    It's only natural that he should recognize the value of offering substantially upgraded to his constituents upon his return. Read More

  • Mayor Coble Distributes Annual Address Electronically

    (February 5, 2009)

    In an effort to ensure that citizens of the Capitol city were fully-informed of the City's activities, Mayor Bob Coble distributed his 2009 State of the City address to thousands electronically. The 30-minute address outlined the accomplishments of city government during 2008 together with the goals and challenges facing the Midlands for 2009.

    The City intends to continue the practice of cost-effective, broad communication with city residents over the coming year. Read More

  • Alliance For Women Redesigns Site To Match Focus

    (January 16, 2009)

    The Alliance for Women kicked off the new year with a reorganized and bolder website. Through the use of online surveys and core audience feedback, the Alliance refined its mission to focus on economic autonomy, health and well-being and political participation by women. As the coordinator of women's initiatives across the state, the Alliance chose to add a self-submitting calendar with online event registration and columns from well-respected women while retaining a talent bank of women interested in serving on boards and commissions.

    Combined with the launch, the Alliance adopted an aggressive schedule of electronic messaging intended to cost-effectively increase the information available to more than 20,000 women across the state. Read More

  • Gergel Wins City Council Race

    (January 1, 2009)

    Effective use of Internet supports victory Dr. Belinda Gergel, community activist and retired professor, won the District 3 seat on Columbia City Council being vacated by 20-year veteran Anne Sinclair. Gergel received nearly 70% of the vote and won every single precinct against a well-funded challenger. Read More

  • History Calendar Honorees Named

    (October 6, 2008)

    The calendar is a who's who of leaders in business, the arts, religion, communication, education, entertainment and other fields. An event on Tuesday, October 7th at the Koger Center will unveil the South Carolinians who comprise the 2009 Calendar. The Tuesday night program and reception will focus not only on the 2009 nominees but on the five from the original 1990 calendar who still are living - basketball star Alex English, astronaut Charles Bolton, U.S. District Judge Matthew Perry, retired lawmaker Alma Byrd and civil rights activist Jesse Jackson. Read More

  • Department Of Education Launches Choice Database

    (July 17, 2008)

    Choice within public schools is a keystone in Superintendent of Education Jim Rex's vision for public education. As the focus on choice parental choice grew, the burden on the South Carolina Department of Education (SCDE) to inform parents about those choices also increased. Read More

  • Governor's School Celebrates 20th Anniversary

    (July 17, 2008)

    The South Carolina Governor's School for Science and Mathematics (SCGSSM) celebrates its 20th anniversary with a series of activities. The April groundbreaking on new campus construction kicked off the year-long festivities, followed by the first ever reunion of all graduating classes in September. Read More

  • Southeastern Institute For Women In Politics Launches With February Event

    (July 15, 2008)

    The political gender gap in South Carolina is striking. Our state ranks 50th in the U.S. - LAST in women elected to public office. Now, women's organizations are uniting to change all that. The Southeastern Institute for Women in Politics, or SEIWIP, kicked off with a very successful training event in February, 2008, keynoted by Governor Ruth Ann Minner of Delaware. Read More

  • Rex Wins Post In Tight Election

    (November 14, 2006)

    When Jim Rex first considered the notion of entering the race for State Superintendent of Education in late 2005, he was unknown outside academic circles. Read More

  • No Excuse South Carolina!

    (November 13, 2006)

    Using its full-featured Call to Action module, TRG successfully delivered in excess of 4,000 communications between grassroots supporters and members of the SC Senate considering stronger seat belt legislation, resulting in positive action on the measure. Read More

  • Gubenatorial Candidate Changes Campaign Strategies

    (May 23, 1600)

    When Tommy Moore brought on a new management team, one of the first things they did was seek professional help to replace an ungainly web presence. Read More

  • Choose Children First Pushes To Table Bad Voucher Bill

    (March 12, 2006)

    Opponents to Gov. Mark Sanford's plan to give tax credits to parents who send their children to private schools died for the year when the House voted to table the legislation. Read More

  • Barber Launches 2006 Campaign Online

    (December 31, 2005)

    Robert Barber, James Island businessman, is taking his vision of common sense solutions to the streets of South Carolina. Read More

  • Voucher Opponents ask TRG help for Online Advocacy Services

    (March 16, 2005)

    Business, civic and non-profit organizations coming together to oppose the Put Parents in Charge school voucher legislation have hired TheRackesGroup to build its grassroots platform and manage messaging to constituents. Read More

  • Inez Tenenbaum Campaign Hires RackesGroup to Build Online Strategy

    (October 1, 2004)

    TheRackesGroup, LLC will be handling all internet development and marketing for Inez Tenenbaum's 2004 race for the U. S. Senate. Read More

  • RackesGroup Builds Kerry Presidential Primary E-Card Application

    (February 5, 2004)

    Beginning with the South Carolina Democratic Primary in February, 2004, TheRackesGroup offered online Kerry supporters a selection of electronic postcards--e-cards--which could be forwarded to friends and associates with a personalized greeting. Read More

  • Dancing the Art Task Force Taps TheRackesGroup for Internet Services

    (July 14, 2003)

    The management task force for Off the Wall, onto the Stage, a unique commingling of the arts, based on the paintings of artist and South Carolina native, Jonathan Green, has engaged TheRackesGroup's services. Read More

  • RackesGroup Signs Contract with BellSouth for Diversity Application

    (May 30, 2003)

    BellSouth has chosen The Rackes Group, an internet strategy and marketing firm with offices in Columbia, SC, to manage the online version of their calendar honoring successful African Americans with South Carolina roots. Read More

  • Rex Enters Race for Superintendent of Education

    (August 11, 2000)

    Having spent most of his adult life making a difference for the children, families, schools, and communities of South Carolina as a high school English teacher, football coach, and higher education leader, Rex is poised to take his leadership to the Office of State Superintendent of Education on a platform of innovation, competitiveness, and common sense solutions to the challenges our public schools face. Read More

  • RackesGroup Launches Campaigns Against Unsafe Highways

    (August 11, 2000)

    The South Carolina Transportation Council, in collaboration with its communications agency, Chernoff-Newman, has asked TheRackesGroup (TRG) to help it build recognition of the State's deteriorating road conditions. Read More

  • RackesGroup to Build Visibility for DeFelice

    (August 11, 2000)

    Called "persuasive" and "creative" by The State and other endorsing media, Emile DeFelice, an organic pig farmer, built a campaign around resonating theme "Put Your State on Your Plate." Read More