Elevate Next

The June issue of Elevated News is out! 🎈

This month, we're talking about why rising gas prices are a strategic PR decision for small businesses — and why staying silent is the wrong move.

Plus: art highlights from Tennessee, to the Emerald Coast; Dog-Harmony's therapy dogs bringing literacy to life in Okaloosa and Walton County libraries; community events worth marking on your calendar; and JC's Gourmet's très chic new French egg salad recipe making its Seaside debut this summer.

Read the full issue here: https://www.elevate-next.com/elevated-news/news-to-elevate-your-summer

⛽ Gas prices are up 44% year-over-year — and most small businesses are making the same mistake: saying nothing.

When customers notice price increases without explanation, it generates brand distrust.

The businesses that will come out of this stronger are the ones communicating openly right now — about what's driving the increase, what they're doing to offset it, and why their customers' loyalty matters.

We broke down exactly how to do that in our latest article: https://www.elevate-next.com/blog/rising-gas-prices-are-a-marketing-problem-too

PRESS RELEASE: This summer, Dog-Harmony's Paws and Pages program is bringing animal-assisted children's literacy sessions to four public libraries in Okaloosa and Walton Counties — and the science backs it up.

Research identifies four conditions children need to make real literacy gains: self-efficacy, motivation, a sense of reading as a social activity, and a calm environment. Therapy dogs are non-judgmental, social animals whose calm presence naturally reduces stress and anxiety, making reading a fun activity.

"Paws and Pages is about more than just books — it's about the connection between the child and the dog that opens the door to a lifelong love of reading," said Nancy Bown, founder of Dog-Harmony. "We see children who were once hesitant to read aloud suddenly blossom when they have a dog by their side."

Families can sign up now for reading sessions on a rotating monthly basis at libraries in Niceville, Fort Walton Beach, Crestview, and Freeport. Registration is through each individual library.

Read the full press release: https://mailchi.mp/elevate-next/dog-harmony-animal-assisted-childrens-literacy-library-programs