Programs
Since 1998, The Avenue has demonstrated its commitment to education (K-12) through Partners in Education programs. These programs provide unique opportunities for each of The Avenue properties to distinguish itself within the market while fostering strong community relations. Partners are defined at the local level and programs are developed to meet the specific needs of the trade area.
Ongoing initiatives include Teacher Appreciation Gift Bags, Teacher of the Year, charitable shopping events and holiday performances. Past property-specific program highlights include:
- Inspired by the TLC show What Not to Wear, high school fashion marketing students and The Avenue worked together to award two deserving teachers a $1,000 makeover package
- More than 40 teachers self-nominated themselves and two teachers were selected to win a $1,000 makeover package, including wardrobe, hair, makeup and other prizes sponsored in part by Van Michael Salon, LensCrafters, Chico's, Talbots and Aerosoles.
- Editorial coverage for THE STYLE upGRADE was included on the front cover of the Marietta Daily Journal, a full page article in the national trade publication Jones Report and featured articles in Cobb Life Magazine, East Cobber and other publications.
The Avenue Winner Before and After
Best Buy Marketing Internship
- Best Buy and The Avenue partnered with a local university to give students an opportunity at a Marketing Internship.
- Students of a marketing class participated in a semester long project of inventing a marketing plan for the Murfreesboro location of Best Buy. The marketing plan was based on market segments, demographically and geographically.
- Not only did the students learn the real world experience of marketing, they also presented their marketing plans to professionals around the community, including The Avenue Marketing Manager.
The Avenue Walk Off
- Models campaigned for votes and competed for prizes while representing their favorite retailers on the runway.
- Event resulted in increased retail sales, Atlanta Marketer of the Year (AMY) Award Winner – American Marketing Association, MAXI Finalist – International Council of Shopping Centers, Marketing Awards for Excellence (MAX) Finalist – Georgia State University and Atlanta Business Chronicle
Art for the eARTh
- Students created artwork from recyclable materials and shoppers voted for their favorite on display at The Avenue.
- 400 recycle bins were provided to schools in need. The recycling initiatives generated $20,000 in public relations value for The Avenue and its non-profit partners, and The Avenue’s A-List and Facebook fan base rose significantly. The project was featured as an outstanding green initiative in the 2008 Annual Review for Keep America Beautiful, Inc.
- Leading up to Earth Day, shoppers at The Avenue voted for their favorite piece of student art on display at the Barnes & Noble storefront windows by recycling plastic bottles on-site - each recycled plastic bottle counted as one vote. A total of 1,323 plastic bottle votes were cast.
Art Exhibits
- The Avenue partnered with MTSU Department of Art to host a juried Art Show in the lobby of the Office Suites at The Avenue.
- Over 30 pieces of student artwork were displayed in the lobby of the office suites as part of a juried art show at The Avenue for shoppers, friends and family to enjoy.
- Local restaurants offered tastes of their finest cuisines with proceeds benefiting the musical programs at local high schools.
- Between the five annual events held onsite at various properties, this program has raised more than event raised more than $100,000 to directly support band and orchestra programs at local high schools.
- The Avenue’s marketing team worked side by side with more than 100 students from five high schools to design interactive marketing campaigns. The students presented their campaigns before a panel of industry professionals with the top group from each school advancing to the finals.
- The finalists worked with The Avenue’s media and public relations agencies to perfect their campaigns prior to presenting at the corporate office.
- The winners received prizes and the DECA programs were awarded grants, courtesy of The Avenue.
- The Avenue supported children in need of basic items for back-to-school by organizing a drive for school supplies and providing entertainment and activities to those who participate.
- The Avenue teamed five high school art classes with a local artist to create large-scale mosaic panels representing Aesop’s fables. The panels are permanently displayed at The Avenue's children’s park.
- The artwork brings to life The Avenue’s commitment to literacy and education. Reading, storytelling, acting and art programs are held in the children’s park regularly.
