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Historical Society Selected '07 Recipient 01/17/2007 The Horry County Historical Society has been selected as Marketing Strategies’ 2007 SparkStartSM recipient. Marketing Strategies, Inc., a local marketing and adverting agency introduced SparkStartSM two years ago in an effort to give something back to local organizations who give so much of their time and energy to others. The program coincided with the Agency’s 10-year anniversary. “By providing basic marketing assistance and public relations consultation, we are providing more than a donation, we are instilling the fundamentals to help non-profit organizations thrive for years to come,” said Denise Blackburn Gay, APR, the Agency’s President and CEO. “SparkStartSM recipients are chosen based on the needs and goals of the organization. We work with each group to transform their complex needs and issues into simple and powerful messages that will move others to action. Our goal is to educate and inspire great things for not only the organization, but for those who stand to benefit from the hard work of so many,” she continued. SparkStartSM grants can be used for a number of projects including logo design, brochures, rack cards and special fundraising events. Organizations specify the project which will be most beneficial to them. The Horry County Historical Society has chosen to use their grant to market the Bryan House, a beautiful 19th century home located in the heart of Conway. Preliminary plans include a brochure and several PR initiatives. “We’re delighted at our selection,” said HCHS President, Jeanne Sasser. “The Bryan House is a beautiful home and an asset to our entire community. Once the public is aware of what a wonderful place it really is, we envision it becoming a popular location for weddings, meetings and other special events. We simply have not had the funds or the expertise to market it properly.” Non-profit groups throughout Horry County with a 501-C-3 status (in hand or applied for) are eligible for a SparkStartSM grant. Applications are taken on-line from October 1 – December 31 of each year. Prior recipients have included the Humane Society of North Myrtle Beach and Waccamaw Youth Center. For more information on SparkStartSM, or to download an application, visit http://marketingstrategiesinc.com/sparkstart.