Community Relations

If you visit Lowes.com, you will be overwhelmed with how many organizations they are involved in, from environmental to educational, Lowes is really trying to do its part in the world.

One of their own programs, the Lowes Charitale and Educational Foundation focuses on getting their employees involved in community and education projects by grants, donations, and home renovations.

Since Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans in 2005, Lowes Charitable and Educational Foundation contributed 650,000 to New Orleans Fire Department to rebuild and fix up the damaged fire stations. They have been involved in so many building and remodeling projects for those in need.

Lowes' partnership with Habitat for Humanity in 2003 is still strong, and since then Lowes has donated millions of dollars and volunteer hours to remodeling and rebuilding homes throughout the country.

When visiting the Habitat for Humanity website: http://www.habitat.org/wb/partnerships/wb_lowes.aspx you will find a lot of information about how Lowes has really aided Habitat in its goal to provide homes for the unfortunate. Lowes is also involved with Women Build, which is a a group of women who work with Habitat each year.

“Lowe’s involvement with Women Build is much more than a financial arrangement – it is a reflection of our commitment to address the nationwide issue of substandard housing,” said Larry Stone, chairman of the Lowe’s Charitable and Educational Foundation. “We are helping to build homes everyone can take pride in--our employees, the volunteers, the partner families and the communities.”

This relates to the company's line of business because being a home improvment company, it shows off Lowes ability to reliably remodel, rebuild, and create homes. When people see how Lowes is using its resources and employees to help people who can't afford a home, or to victims of natural disasters whos homes have been destroyed, they will think of Lowes when they want to remodel their own homes. Not only does it promote Lowes' supplies and resources, it also enhances the company's reputation. By associating themselves with big organizations such as Habitat for Humanity, Lowes is putting themselves out there for a larger audience to take notice. When natural disasters, such as hurricanes, destroys homes, and Lowes is there to the rescue, people will see that Lowes isn't just another money hungry corporation. They are donating their own time and their own money to help everyday people. Even though Lowes is a company that is only successful if it is making a steady cash flow, they give something back to the community. Inevitably, we are helping each other.

The next time you need to fix up your old pad, where are you going to go for the supplies, services, and other resources? You are going to want to go to a place where they actually want to help you, where they don't just look at you as another customer with money to spend. Lowes recognizes a certain need in a customer, and utilizes their own resources for the common GOOD. Now THAT sounds GOOD to me!!!

Good reputation???

To learn more about the organizations and Lowes' partnerships visit:

http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=pg&p=AboutLowes/SRR/major_partnerships.html&ln=cstln6

LET'S BUILD SOMETHING TOGETHER

The most successful corporations have brand names that are well known in the public eye.


What comes to mind when you see a a red and white bull's-eye?


TARGET immediately pops into your head, along with images, thoughts, and ideas that Target has worked towards associating themselves with.

Lowes is a great example of a company who has utilzed good Integrated Communication. They created enterprise value through a powerful brand identity, developed a shared vision, and encouraged people to act.
When you visit the Lowes web site, you will find so many different services, such as how-to-videos, buying guides, build and grow clinicals, interactive design tools, installation services, as well as countless community service inolvement as well as non-profit organization partnerships.


I believe that Lowe's is trying to convey the message that their company is community based, focuses on the satisfaction of each customer, and works to improving our world one project at a time. The phrase directly under their logo says it all: "LET'S BUILD SOMETHING TOGETHER." I believe that this line refers to whatever their customers dream of building, as well as building a better community for those in need.

Lowe's has been partnered with programs and non-profit organizations doing volunteer work and raising donations for Toolbox for Education, a grant providing financial tools to improve children's schools, Habitat for Humanity, and American Red Cross. By associating themselves with organizations and natural relief recovery programs, they are making customers feel good about supporting their company by buying their products. If Lowe's puting some of their time and money toward the better good of our communities, and people are aware of their efforts, then they will want to choose Lowe's for home construction supplies as opposed to Home Depot.

While constructing a positive brand identity, Lowes has also constructed a shared vision and encouraged people to take action. This is done through effective communication, involvement, and organization. Lowe's Heros gives local employees, nonprofit representatives, and community individuals the opportunity to team up and volunteer their time to improving local problems and needs. They give their attention to fire safety, senior safety, child safety and general home safety, while really "improving our community"

In order to enhance Lowe's image of being a wholesome, wellrounded, community oriented corporation that is building for a better community, Lowe's has been involved in campaigns such as "racing for relief." Lowe's has partnered with the American Red Cross, and developed this campaing, in which Lowe's Lowe's pledges a certain cash amount per lap that car racer Jimmy Johnson completes. In the Allstate 400 at the Brickyard this past July, Lowe's paid $48 per lap completed for both races and $4,800 for either race if Johnson finished in first place. The money raised went toward Red Cross to help provide food, supplies, and other aid to flood and tornado victims. They raised $12,480 during that one race.

Lowe's is a great place to go to when remodeling homes--and just look what they have done for families who have entirely lost their homes? They have developed partnerships with great nonprofit organizations, tried to get as many employees and community individuals involved, and acts as a good example for people to help building toward a better future.

"LET'S BUILD SOMETHING TOGETHER!"

Media Relations

Lowes has announced that they are donating $1 million to the American Red Cross for their disaster relief efforts.

People who have been negatively affected by 2008 hurricanes, like Hurivane Ike, may not even have a house to go home to anymore. Lowes has acknowledged this unforunate reality for victims of such natural disasters, and wants to make a difference.

Throughout the country, Lowes stores are now official donation sites for the American Red Cross 2008 Relief efforts. In order to help the American Red Cross provide food and shelter to families who have been affected by hurricanes, Lowes is matching each customer's donations up to $250,000!!

This is a powerful announcement for Lowes, especially during a time when many people's lives have been altered by hurricanes. It is important for this company to make this action known across the country, especially from a Public Relations perspective. When looking on the Lowes website, I found a link that took me to a page about this new annoncement. It included links to how-to videos that provided services preparing people future disasters, such as, building a hurricane shelter, creating a weather checklist etc...

The question is, are people aware of Lowes efforts? Are they using efficient Public Relations techniques to publicize this announcement?

Personally, I had no idea that Lowes was aiding the American Red Cross' hurrican relief efforts, until I looked on their website.

But what about people who don't visit the Lowes website on a regular basis?
(eh hem...Like they should...)
Not everyone is a crazy Lowes fan like me!! =)

When I searched online about Lowes' announcement, a few hits did show up online, such as, Marketwatch.com, redcross.com, msn.com, prnewswire.com, pressconnects.com, and yahoo.com. This shows that Lowes was successful at getting their story out there and publicizing.

When I saw that msn.com had an article on this announcement, I thought that this was wise PR, because so many people visit msn.com, and so many people have an email accound with msn.com. This means that the story will have a good chance at having a lot of exposure to the public.

It is clear that good Public Relations techniques are being utilized for this company, however there are a few things that I would have done differently. I would have suggested making it more known to the public by creating pamphlets including information about Lowes efforts upon each Lowes purchase when you visit a store. Perhaps suggest sending information cards in the mail to customers, telling them that they can help out families in need by simply visiting Lowes.

If you would like to join Lowe’s hurricane relief efforts, you may visit any Lowe’s store to make a donation, call 1-800-REDCROSS or visit www.redcross.org.

"Second isn't a bad thing..."

For all you racing fans out there, this just in...Jimmy Johnson tied in second during this weekends Race 1 of the Chase for the NASCAR Spring Cup!!

Team Lowe's must be PROUD! Jimmy led the most laps of ANY driver at New Hampshire Motor Speedway in his Lowe's Impala SS! But a las =(, on lap 288 of 300, racer Greg Biffle passes him up.

Prior to this Jimmy was a 2-time reigning champion!..quite the talented Lowe's driver...and not too bad to look at either ;)

In reference to the race Jimmy said "I'm very proud of the team and the day that we had...Victory Lane would've been great for this race team and all of our employee owners, but second isn't a bad thing, either."

Don't worry Jimmy, we still have faith in you!!

Race 2 of the Chase will is going to be held at the Dover International Speedway on Sunday, Sept. 21

Brilliant PR technique goin on here. I mean associating your company's name with racing? What can be better! Fast cars, good looking gentlement ;)...Lowe's must have a lot of fans

VISIT THE WEBSITE TO SEE JIMMY INTERVIEWED

http://www.lowesracing.com/

Lowe's is ALL about the NEW MEDIA

HI BLOGGERS!


If you have evern been to the Lowe's website than you will know what I'm talking about when I say that Lowe's is definitely keeping up with the times.

You don't even have to go to your local Lowe's store or turn on the TV to get instructions about fixing up your pad. There are many How-to Videos right on the Lowe's website. Lowe's even has its webisodes online called "Creative Ideas for Home and Garden!"

Lowe's How-To Videos Home Improvement Videos Instructional Help Videos





And if you don't like spending too much time on the computer, you can turn on your radio and tune in with Mac Jurko, and Harry on ESPN Radio 1000. Each week they talk about different Do-It-Yourself home projects.




Okay, now I for one nevery thought I would actually spend more than an hour on a home improvement company's website, but if you fellow bloggers have ever grown up with an addiction to the computer game SIMS, then you have GOT to check out the Lowe's Pergo online eShowroom!! You get to pick your room, the wall color, kitchen cabinet, and floor. It's actually a pretty good time =) So to all you future interior decorators, Lowe's is the place to go


http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=frameSet&url=www.pergo.com/images/flash/eshowroom/getLoweseshowroom.asp

Personally, I think that Lowe's is doing a great job using New Media. Their website is chalk full of webisodes, how-to-videos, podcasts, visual designers, featured promotions, weekly ads, top RSS feeds listed, online or telephone questions. Lowes.com also offers installation services and talks you through the process.

One thing that I couldn't find on the Lowe's website, however was a virtual tour. But this almost seems uncessecary what with a ll the visual designers and how-to videos. If I were Public Relations professional, the only thing I would change about the website is its layout. It is a little difficult to find some of the special links. For istance, you have to really search to find the "Wood Policy," which explains how Lowe's is protecting the planet by not purchasing lumber from endangered forests. It took me a while to find information on a description of Lowe's community service as well. It isn't a possibility however, and after I got familiar with the website, this became much easier.

Despite all that, you would be surprised at how much New Media is on this website! Check it out!

Introducing Lowe's Blogger

Hey Bloggers!

WELCOME to my Blog about the Home Improvement Company Lowe's!

* Basically I was blown away when I visited Lowe's website and feel the need to share Lowe's accomplishments.
Lowe's isn't just making your neighborhood pretty, there is some depth to this well known company. They have been dedicated to improving homes for 60 years and during this time they have found a way to really make a name for themselves, which is blog worthy in my book!

* This company is all about providing people with tools, materials, and services for any hand craft, project, installment, or home improvement. But Lowe's hasn't just limited itself to providing its public with basic home improvement products and services, there are so many other dimensions to it. Lowe's maintains it's positive reputation by maintaining relationships with communities everywhere.

* I was actually overwhelmed with how many different projects and organizations Lowe's is involved with such as Toolbox For Education, Habitat for Humanity, and American Red Cross.
* I bet that you had NO idea that since 2006, Lowe’s has contributed over $3 million to aid conservation efforts such as waterway cleanups and maintaining ecosystems. Not only do they supply people with quality tools and appliances for building a better home, they supply information about building an efficient home. I was so impressed to come across tips on how to save energy, water, and even money while searching on the Lowe's website. Hear that? A corporation that actually gives you tips on how you can save money!

* For a company that utilizes a lot of natural resources and energy, they are full heartily concerned with maintaining and protecting the environment. They are really minimizing any drawbacks that may result from an industry that destroys forests for construction, by implementing a wood procurement policy in which they phase out the use of wood products from endangered forests.

* And that's not even a sample of some of the interesting facts I found out about while searching on their website! Personally, I think that Lowe's involvement with the environment and community is so smart, not just for the globe, but for their own interest as well. What better way to built a positive reputation! I can't think of one person who wouldn't want to buy from a company that gives so much back to the world. WATCH OUT competitor companies! You have a lot of smooth PR and wise business choices to compete with =)

CHECK IT OUT for yourselves bloggers! Just go to www.lowes.com and click on About Lowe's at the bottom of their website. Look around in their Community section and you won't be disappointed! In fact, you'll probably be there for a while....trust me.

**Oh, and if you just so happen to need to redo your living room, then you went to the right website.