N&R Plagiarism

GREENSBORO, NC -- Although they've seemed to avoid it for a little while, the News & Record has resorted, yet again, to publishing the writings of others, word for word, under the byline of News & Record "staff reports." (Previously)

The News & Record did not "report" this. They, like a bunch of others, received the press release from the City of Greensboro. Then they copied it, pasted it and claimed it as their own—and they didn't fact check it, as is evident by them repeating an error of fact that appeared in the press release but that would have been discovered by the most cursory of fact checking.

Here's the "report" as it appeared on the News & Record. The highlighted portions were copied word-for-word from the press release.   
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Vickeé Armstrong new general manager of Greensboro ABC

Staff Reports

GREENSBORO — Vickeé Armstrong has been appointed the new general manager of the Greensboro's Alcohol Beverage Control (ABC) Board, according to a news release from the city.

Armstrong is a seasoned senior executive with over 25 years of diverse experience in all sectors of commercial property operations, retail/mixed-use management and development, the release states.

During her career, Armstrong has spearheaded the grand opening of the Mall at Stonecrest, a 1200-acre mixed-use district near Atlanta; was a regional director for Tanger Outlet Centers; general manager at Oak Hollow Mall; and district general manager/development officer with the Virgin Islands Port Authority at Crown Bay Center, a deep water cruise ship port in St. Thomas, Virgin Islands, the release states.

While with the Virgin Islands Port Authority, she improved occupancy from 60 to 100 percent, and initiated a $200 million joint venture development project, while launching numerous other economic impact models throughout the territory, the release states.

ABC Board Members cited Armstrong’s diverse and extensive retail experience, senior level management skills, and familiarity with North Carolina’s ABC industry as important factors in their decision to offer her the position.

Armstong [LOL! They even copied a spelling error.] is a multi international MAXI winner, International SASI winner, a recipient of letters of commendation from both the President of the United States and the Department of the Army for marketing/public relations and support of military personnel and their families during Operation Desert Storm. She holds three ICSC, (International Council of Shopping Centers) designations -- CRX, (Senior Certified Retail Executive) CSM (Senior Certified Shopping Center Manager) CMD (Senior Certified Marketing Director).

She is a graduate of the University of Maryland, attended the International Theological Center in Atlanta, and the John Wesley School of Management in High Point, NC (now Laurel University).

Armstrong assumed her new role on September 29, 2014.

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Here is the original sent by the City of Greensboro:

Vickee’ Armstrong Tapped as General Manager of Greensboro ABC Board

GREENSBORO, NC (October 9, 2014) -- The City of Greensboro Alcohol Beverage Control (ABC) Board has appointed Vickeé Armstrong, CRX, CSM, CMD as its new general manager. Armstrong is a seasoned senior executive with over 25 years of diverse experience in all sectors of commercial property operations, retail/mixed-use management and development.

During her career, Armstrong has spearheaded the grand opening of the Mall at Stonecrest, a 1200 acre mixed use district near Atlanta, GA, was a regional director for Tanger Outlet Centers, general manager at Oak Hollow Mall, and district general manager/development officer with the Virgin Islands Port Authority at Crown Bay Center, a deep water cruise ship port in St. Thomas, Virgin Islands. While with the Virgin Islands Port Authority, she improved occupancy from 60 to 100 percent, and initiated a $200 million joint venture development project, while launching numerous other economic impact models throughout the territory.

ABC Board Members cited Armstrong’s diverse and extensive retail experience, senior level management skills, and familiarity with North Carolina’s ABC industry as important factors in their decision to offer her the position. The Board conducted a lengthy public search and interview process for the general manager position.

Armstong is a multi international MAXI winner, International SASI winner, a recipient of letters of commendation from both the President of the United States and the Department of the Army for marketing/public relations and support of military personnel and their families during Operation Desert Storm. She holds three ICSC, (International Council of Shopping Centers) designations -- CRX, (Senior Certified Retail Executive) CSM (Senior Certified Shopping Center Manager) CMD (Senior Certified Marketing Director). She is a graduate of the University of Maryland, attended the International Theological Center in Atlanta, and the John Wesley School of Management in High Point, NC (now Laurel University). Armstrong assumed her new role on September 29, 2014.