Wednesday, December 31, 2008

A new site for Blue 541

Our friends at Blue 541 in Coeur d'Alene have updated their agency website. It's a nice showcase of their previous work, as well as their interactive capabilities.

Oh yeah, and they've got a cat too.

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Monday, December 29, 2008

Broken Barker Bash


The Broken Barker Bash, which was originally scheduled back in November, has officially been rescheduled, and by all accounts is proceeding as planned.

From the organizers at Wirestone:

You're invited to a fantastic celebration of life!

Jeff Barker, a dear friend, gifted designer, and all-around great guy, was involved in a near-fatal motorcycle accident on October 2, 2008. Please join Wirestone and friends as we toast Jeff's new lease on life with a great night of music, a silent auction and tons of fun.
Details about the event are as follows:

Date: Friday, January 23rd, 2009
Time: 7:00 pm
Location: The Linen Building, 1402 W. Grove St, Boise, ID
Cost: $10

For tickets or more information, call Brie at Wirestone: 208-343-2868.

Tickets can also be ordered online.

The music begins at 8:00, featuring performances by:
Bill Coffey & Ned Evett
Travis Ward & Hillfolk Noir
Soft Gong
DJs from the Vinyl Preservation Society

All proceeds from the Broken Barker Bash and silent auction will help to pay Jeff's medical and recovery expenses.

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Sunday, December 28, 2008

Job Opening: Web Developer

Zeta Interactive in Boise has an opening for a Web Developer:

In this role you will:
Be hands-on developing and implementing web content and design
Work collaboratively with our creative department and the programming team and take ideas and creative designs to fully working HTML/CSS templates
Manage production and site maintenance
Build sites with CSS only layouts, semantic HTML as well as utilizing JavaScript and AJAX
Experience of SEO issues and CMS environments would be an advantage
Provide advice and guidance best practices in web technologies and emerging trends
Full details can be found here.
(Courtesy of craigslist)

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Wednesday, December 24, 2008

Happy Holidays

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to everyone who reads the Idaho Ad Agencies blog from time to time. I hope you're able to enjoy a little time off during the holiday season.


In the mean time, here are a few holiday sites that have crossed my desk recently:

Blue 541

Davies Rourke

Drake Cooper

and, and oldie-but-a-goodie from our friends at Sullivan Higdon & Sink in Kansas City.

I'm sure there are others - feel free to add links to them in the comments.

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Friday, December 19, 2008

DIRECTV Taking Shots at DISH Network

Yesterday the news broke that the contract between DISH Network and Fisher Communications expired at midnight on Wednesday the 17th, and no new agreement has been reached yet.

Today, DIRECTV was running radio spots playing off of the fact that DISH Network was no longer broadcasting the local CBS station (in this case KBCI), which meant no CSI, Survivor, NFL Sunday Football, etc. It wouldn't surprise me if similar spots are currently running in other markets where Fisher has stations, such as Lewiston, Idaho Falls, Portland, Seattle, Eugene, and others.

With the exception of Portland and Seattle (ABC), all of Fisher's television markets are CBS affiliates, which likely made production of two spots relatively easy -- the version I heard was generic enough that it could be used in all CBS-related markets.

So let's look at the situation:

  1. You've got DISH subscribers, many of whom are upset about losing a local channel.
  2. Those subscribers are accustomed to paying a monthly fee for the satellite television service, so no objections to overcome regarding the service or costs (assuming comparable cost).
  3. To those customers (and others aware of the situation), DIRECTV offers what appears to be a viable alternative to appease those who are upset, and have moved quickly enough that they may be able to sway customers into a decision based, in part, on frustration and emotion.
Will be very interesting to see how this all plays out. Credit does have to go do DIRECTV for moving quickly and taking advantage of the situation/opportunity. Timely and effective, to say the least.

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Thursday, December 18, 2008

Restore America Poster Design Competition

The American Civil Liberties Union is presenting the Restore America Poster Design Competition, which is open to all designers across the country:

The ACLU (National) is challenging designers to “design a poster that depicts the transformation of America into a country that holds its leaders accountable; that strives to restore eroded civil liberties; that works to change policies that are unconstitutional.”

The winner will receive a $500 cash prize, and will have their design featured as part of the ACLU’s national campaign. Additionally, the ACLU intends to hold an event in Washington DC in January featuring the top designs.
Entries are due by Sunday, January 4, 2009. Full details about the competition are available on the ACLU's Restore America website.

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Wednesday, December 17, 2008

REMINDER: Coffee Morning

Just a reminder that the December Coffee Morning will be this Friday, December 19th at Java Downtown - 6th & Main in Boise.

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Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Headline Roundup for December 16th



Context, not Content, Is King - via Adweek

Media and Marketing's Top Innovations of 2008 - via Mediaweek

The Big Squeeze: How agencies can fight back in the world of online media - via Adweek

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Job Openings in Southwestern Idaho

Here are a handful of jobs that were recently found on the Boise Craigslist:

Graphic Designer Independent Contractor: looking for a graphic designer for a start up Media company specializing in web page development, virtual tour, and DVD/video productions for the entrepreneur, small business, and organization. KRZ Productions LLC.

Graphic Designer Needed: We need graphic design support for several long-term web projects. This is a contract only position, so only experienced professionals who have clips need apply. We're located in Meridian but could work with anyone statewide, as long as you have the experience and professionalism. Anonymous Listing.

Writer needed for advertising/marketing copy: We need a qualified writer who can edit our advertising copy and feel comfortable with the web. Anonymous Listing.

More details about each of the positions are available by following the respective links.

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Friday, December 12, 2008

Headline Roundup for December 12th

Trendspotter Sees Return To Heartland, Less Greed - via MediaPost

3 Minute Ad Age, December 12, 2008: Return to the Golden Age of Cigarette Advertising - via Ad Age (video)

Bottom Falls Out Of The Ad Market, Literally - via MediaPost

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December Coffee Morning

Yes, there will be a Coffee Morning this month. It's going to be on Friday, December 19th - same Bat-time, same Bat-channel. Or, in English:

Location: Java - 6th & Idaho, Boise, ID
Date: Friday, December 19th
Time: 7:30(ish) AM - 9:30(ish) AM

As usual, anyone and everyone is welcome. Topics of discussion vary from month to month, but there never seems to be a shortage.

Oh, and if you'd like to RSVP for it, you can do so here.

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Wednesday, December 10, 2008

The Balancing Act that is Running an Agency

The Ad Age Small Agency Diary should be required reading for anyone in the agency world here in Idaho. Because let's face it - every agency in the state is a small agency. No sense in mincing words there.

A recent piece from Phil Johnson on running an agency helps illustrate why:

A strange truth about the agency business is that it's very difficult to define productivity. An hour on Twitter may lead to a breakthrough idea. Half a day storyboarding a concept may yield nothing useful. These contradictions have led me to conclude that creative agencies operate in two parallel universes. One universe is made up of billable hours and completion of tasks mapped out on a schedule. The other universe looks more like a chaotic playground where people's actions don't seem to add up to anything productive. I've concluded that the art of running an agency is learning how to inhabit both worlds at the same time.
Take the time to read the entire piece: Running an Agency Means Living in Parallel Universes

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Tuesday, December 09, 2008

Monday, December 08, 2008

Saturday, December 06, 2008

Job Opening: Business Development Director

Seen recently on the Boise Craigslist:

We are a full service graphic design and marketing agency looking for the right individual to continue our growth. We need a self motivated, organized and personable individual. Job responsibilities would include: sales, networking, proposal drafting, vendor relations and client management.

Services to be sold are:
Print design, websites, media purchasing, direct mail, marketing research, signage, vehicle graphics, etc.

We are not looking for a designer, we need someone to acquire new accounts and manage them. Experience in the industry is definitely a plus, but not necessary.
Full details about the position can be found here.

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Friday, December 05, 2008

Upcoming Event - Boise Adobe Users and Graphic Design Group

The Boise Adobe Users and Graphic Design Group will be holding their next meetup on Thursday, December 18th.

Jeff Reynolds and Ron Baker of Rizen Creative will be the guest speaker at this meetup, and will touch on the process of translating what the client thinks they want into what will actually work.

There will also be a portfolio presentation by a local artist / designer, and a short technology spotlight.

Here are all the details you could possibly want (well, maybe not all of them):

Date: December 18
Time: 6:30 pm
Location: Boise Public Library!, 715 S. Capitol Blvd, Boise ID

RSVPs should be directed to the group's Meetup event page.

UPDATE: Both Jeff Reynolds and Ron Baker will be speaking to the group. Inadvertently left Ron off the first time around.

UPDATE: The correct time for this event is 6:30 pm, not 6:00 pm as originally listed.

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Thursday, December 04, 2008

An Idaho Radio News Update

Back in October, Don decided that it was time to close up shop over at Idaho Radio News.

It didn't last long.

He's back at it again, still cranking out regular updates on the ins and outs of the radio world around the state. I'm pretty sure he's got the same disease I do - this whole blogging habit's a hard one to break!

For what it's worth, I say a much-belated "welcome back Don."

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Headline Roundup for December 4th

Kraft Takes Stove Top To The Streets, Bus Shelters - via MediaPost

Study Finds Online, Trade Shows Dominate B-to-B Spending - via MediaPost

The Metric behind the Slogan - via Strategy + Business

'Several Cities' Could Have No Daily Paper As Soon As 2010, Credit Rater Says - via Editor & Publisher

Specific Media: Display Ads Lift Searches - via MediaPost

Yes, I missed one yesterday. Sorry about that. I am curious to hear what people think of these Headline Roundup posts. Useful? Not? Interesting? Comment away.

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Wednesday, December 03, 2008

Latest BAF Podcast Now Available

The latest episode of the Three Courses + Cake Rewind, the Boise Advertising Federation podcast, is now available.

This episode features the presentation given by Hank Blank, of Hank Blank Inc. on October 23rd. Full details about the episode, the podcast, and how to download or subscribe are available on the Three Courses + Cake website.

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Call for Entries: CLIO Awards 2009

Entries are now being accepted for the 2009 CLIO Awards.

This marks the 50th anniversary of the CLIO Awards, and this year's Festival will be held in Las Vegas, Nevada. From the CLIO website:

We've seen a lot over the past 50 years. But what we really want to see is what the next 50 years hold. So, in the spirit of looking ahead, we're moving west. More specifically, Las Vegas. And we're not stopping there. We're adding new categories, new award shows and a renewed pledge to honor only the most innovative and original thinking. You can help by answering one simple question. What have you done that hasn't been done?
Think your work has got what it takes to win in this competition? Take your best shot, but be sure to enter by January 23, 2009 February 13, 2009.

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Tuesday, December 02, 2008

Headline Roundup for December 2nd

Most Mobile Users Carry Phone 'At All Times' - via MarketingVOX

New Broadcast Shows Fail To Deliver - via MediaPost

Tricks of the Trade: Bartering for Ads - via Adweek

Closing the Marketing Credibility Gap - via MarketingProfs

Q3 Radio Revenue Slides 9% Despite Off-Air Gains, Political Spend - via MediaBuyerPlanner

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Job Openings in Eastern Idaho

The following job openings were found during a quick spin through the Eastern Idaho Craigslist:

Project Manager for Website Service Firm: Located in Idaho Falls, a "fast-growing website service business based in Idaho Falls is seeking a qualified individual to fill a project manager position."

Web Developer & Designer: also located in Idaho Falls, "Our Graphic Design department is seeking an experienced Graphic Designer/Web Developer to join a local Video & Graphics House."

More details about each of these positions can be found by following the respective links.

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Monday, December 01, 2008

Headline Roundup for December 1st

The Minority Report - via Adweek

Ad Nauseam: Repetition of TV Spots Risks Driving Consumers Away - via Ad Age

Banks Fight Poor Image With Direct Mail Pieces - via MediaPost

Newspaper Online Ads Drop for Second Straight Quarter, NAA Says - via Bloomberg

A Look Ahead At Hispanic Media - via Multichannel

Post-Recession: Big Rebound for Digital, Internet - via MediaPost

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Murie Design Group featured in Idaho Business Review

Boise's Murie Design Group was featured in the December 1st edition of the Idaho Business Review.

A little bit about Murie, from the article:

Founded in 1989, Murie Design Group currently has 19 employees, including some contract workers, and provides design services for Web sites, industrial products, print, packaging, trade shows, direct mail, ad brochures, data sheets, promotionals, and nonprofits on a pro bono basis at the owner’s discretion.
The entire piece can be found on the IBR's website.

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REMINDER: Idaho Press Club Event

Just a quick reminder that the Idaho Press Club's event - Hacks and Flacks in Transition is coming up this Thursday, December 4th.

RSVPs should be directed to idpc@mingspring.com or 208-389-2879.

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Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Headline Roundup for November 26th

Epsilon: Marketing Execs Aren't Sold on Social Nets - via Adweek

Radio’s Revenue Falls Even as Audience Grows - via New York Times

Riding Obama’s Coattails, Making a Buck Along the Way - via New York Times

Paper or pixels? Craigslist founder Craig Newmark shares with Times editors his view of journalism’s future in the digital age - via Los Angeles Times

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REMINDER: Rockies Redesign Contest Entries

Just a quick reminder that submissions for the Boise Advertising Federation's Rockies Redesign are due by Monday December 1st at 5:00 pm.

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Upcoming BAF/AIGA Event - Three Ounces + Ice: An Evening with Patrick Coyne

The Boise Advertising Federation and AIGA Idaho are co-sponsoring an event featuring Patrick Coyne, Owner and Editor of Communication Arts.

Among the topics on the schedule, Patrick will discuss the history and philosophy of the magazine, and how CA's annual competitions in Interactive, Illustration, Photography, Graphic Design and Advertising are chosen.

Details for the event are as follows:

Date: Thursday, December 11th
Time: Social Hour: 5:00 pm, Speaker Presentation: 6:00 pm
Location: The Boise Depot, 2603 W. Eastover Terrace
Cost: BAF/AIGA Members: $20 - includes one drink ticket and hor's d'oeuvres, Non-Members: $28 - or free admission by becoming a member

RSVPs should be directed to Greg Giersch, or call 208-336-7511

Space is limited.

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Headline Roundup

Here's a few of yesterday's headlines:

Direct Marketing to Comprise 53% of '09 Ad Spend - via MarketingVOX

ConAgra's Parkay Tub Is Talking Again - via MediaPost

Making The Case For Brand Building Through Hyper-Targeting - commentary via MediaPost

Local Ads: Falling Revs, Media Peril - via MediaPost

BBDO Refills with Starbucks - via Brandweek

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Monday, November 24, 2008

The 6 and the 9 shall remain apart

Okay, it's a bad joke and a horribly inappropriate title, but then again, when have I been known to be politically correct...

A couple of weeks ago, Don broke the news on Idaho Radio News that KNIN will not become a part of Journal Broadcast Group:

The Federal Communications Commission turned down Banks Broadcasting’s request to declare KNIN as a “failing station.” This makes Journal Broadcast Group’s bid to buy the station and combine it with KIVI Channel 6 impossible. For that matter, it means KNIN won’t be merged into any other Boise TV station for the time being, either.
IRN provides much more detail about the FCC's decision.

So what does it mean for agency folks? In a nutshell, it is, and is going to be business as usual for now. If you're in the local media buying business, you'll still have to buy KNIN apart from other stations. If you use local television stations for broadcast production, you've still got the same number of resources available to you.

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New Hire at Scott Peyron

Scott Peyron & Associates has added Deanna Ward to their staff as Practice Group Leader.

Deanna was previously with Hewlett Packard, serving most recently as Northwest Public Affairs Manager. She has also worked for the likes of Maxtor Corporation and Blackburn Design / Bell Sports.

Congratulations Deanna.

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Sunday, November 23, 2008

Job Opening - Public Relations

Recently found on the Boise Craigslist:

Junior public relations position. Drive, energy and commitment to succeed more important than direct PR experience. Will train. College degree, writing skills required.

Full details about the position can be found here.

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Thursday, November 20, 2008

No Coffee Morning This Month

Alas, the month of November will come and go without a Coffee Morning (well, at least not one that has been scheduled through here).

Given the schedule of the past few months, this month's Coffee Morning would have fallen either this Friday or next Friday. And since there isn't anything scheduled for this week, and next week will be the day after Thanksgiving, November is just shot.

So, what should we do? Try and schedule something on a Friday morning early in December? A different day of the week? I'm all ears. Leave your thoughts and suggestions in the comments.

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New Hire at Noot Group

Noot Group in Boise has a new Creative Director.

Ray Fesenmaier has joined the agency as Vice President/Creative Director. He comes to the shop from the Minneapolis area, and has previously worked with agencies such as Carmichael Lynch, Martin Williams and Campbell Mithun. Fesenmaier’s experience includes work for brands such as Harley-Davidson, Target, Sears Optical, Polaris Industries, 3M, US Bank, American Standard and Timberland.

Congratulations Ray, and welcome to the area.

Update: Corrected typo in last name.

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Wednesday, November 19, 2008

The Giving Season Begins

Yesterday, Joanne Taylor of Drake Cooper posted this message as a challenge on Twitter:

challenging you guys to help round up 40 turkeys! Bring a frozen turkey to Drake Cooper this Friday am and we will take them to the foodbank
Helping out the Idaho Food Bank is a worthwhile cause, so I'll bite. If you'd like to get involved, here's what you need to do:
  1. Take a frozen turkey to Drake Cooper's office, at 416 S. 8th St. in Boise on the morning of Friday, November 21st.
  2. Enjoy the coffee and donuts that they're providing as an incentive.
Their goal is 40 turkeys, but I think this crowd can do better. 50? 60? 100? Who knows. For those of you who have wanted to see the new Drake Cooper office space, here's a chance to do it.

And, for those who are outside of the Boise area, or can't make it on Friday, you can still get involved (although you'll miss out on the Friday morning treats). Just order one online by the 20th and have it delivered to them.

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Monday, November 17, 2008

Upcoming Idaho Press Club Event - Hacks and Flacks in Transition

The Idaho Press Club has a new event on the calendar: Hacks and Flacks in Transition

From the IPC website:

As newsrooms are shrinking, journalists are busier than ever. And as mainstream media migrates online, a reporter’s day-to-day work is transformed. Gain insight from our news experts on how to work with the media and pitch stories in this new era of news. Hear first-hand about the changing dynamics of the news industry their potential impacts on the working relationship between journalists and PR practitioners.
The panel discussion will be moderated by Marc Johnson, President of Gallatin Public Affairs in Boise, and will include panelists from the Associated Press, Idaho Statesman, Boise Weekly, KTVB and NPR.

Here are the specifics for the event:
Date: Thursday, December 4th
Time: 6:00 pm
Location: The Water Cooler, 1401 W. Idaho St, Boise ID
Cost: $8.00 members and students, $12.00 non-members

RSVPs should be directed to idpc@mindspring.com or 208-389-2879.

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Leave Your Mark on the Rockies

Well, not the mountains. The awards.

The Boise Advertising Federation is looking to redesign the Rockie Awards, and they've opened up the design competition to anyone who's willing to take a swing at it.

There are a few guidelines:

  • Both Gold and Silver Rockies must be designed. On average, the BAF gives out 15 Golds and 115 Silvers each year.
  • Awards must be able to be sourced and reproduced annually with relative ease.
  • Each Rockies award given out is personalized with: agency name, client, category, year and "Idaho Advertising Federation". Please consider this in all designs.
  • Cost to produce each award must be under $20. Please consider this when recommending materials.
You can submit as many designs as you'd like, and submissions should be sent, in PDF format, to Robbin Gibson.

The deadline for submissions is December 1st.

Yes, this information originally came out in an email from the Boise Advertising Federation, but for those who may not have gotten the email or are not subscribed, it's worth repeating here.

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Friday, November 14, 2008

Communication Arts Coverage for Local Work

Oliver Russell's work on the Hitchcock Building in downtown Boise is currently featured on the Communication Arts website.



The building, home of The Record Exchange, the Neurolux and The Edge, previously had a mural of assorted Alfred Hitchcock movies through the years, but now features a design based entirely on The Birds.

The mural was designed by Toby Robin, with direction from Russ Stoddard, and Fred Choate painting the mural on the building itself.

And of course there's the obligatory promotional item that comes along with this sort of news: Customers who visit The Record Exchange today (November 14th) and mention that they saw the building mural on the Communication Arts website will receive 20% off their purchase.

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Wednesday, November 12, 2008

The Final Results: Think Pink's Concert for the Cure

For those of you who may have missed it, Think Pink's Concert for the Cure was this past Saturday. By all accounts, the concert was well attended, and a great time was had by all.

When it was all said and done, through ticket sales, sales of their signature Save the Boobs t-shirts and raffles of donated prizes, the event raised $4,000, which will be given to the Susan G. Komen foundation.

One touching moment during the concert that was passed along: "Pat Crozier and Nick Mcdowell from local band Smooth Old Fashioned High played a dedication song, Somewhere Over the Rainbow, that showcased the tribute wall which was a rotating slideshow of people who have battled all types of cancer."

Credit goes to the founders of Think Pink Inc, as well as the Boise Advertising Federation, for promoting this concert as their public service project for the year.

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Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Upcoming PRSA Event - Protecting Your Organization and Reputation Through the Truth

Now that's a mouthful of a title, no doubt.

Apologies for the late notice on this one, but I imagine most who would be going to this event have already heard about it. Regardless, I'd be remiss if I didn't at least mention it here.

The PRSA Idaho Chapter's next event. titled Protecting Your Organization and Reputation Through the Truth is scheduled for Monday, November 17th. The event will feature Jeff Julian, APR, Chair and CEO, PRSA National Chapter. From a recent email notice:

Please join PRSA National Chapter President Jeff Julian as he guides us through a discussion about some very real and sensitive challenges related to getting to and then telling the truth.
During this session we will explore:

The pitfalls of becoming a blind spokesperson (someone who simply delivers information)
How to discover the truth
Go to more than one source
Ask the right questions
How to get others to the truth
Clients and management
How to protect the truth
Recovery from relaying false information as a result of being wrongly informed
What to do when important information has been omitted
How to find common ground between PR and legal depts. through negotiation


Details about the event are as follows:
Date: Monday, November 17th
Time: 11:45am - 1:15pm
Location: Owyhee Plaza Hotel, 1109 Main St, Boise

RSVP by November 12th to Robbie Johnson via email or by telephone at 208-387-6228.

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UPDATE - The Broken Barker Benefit

I just got word from the Wirestone folks that the Broken Barker Benefit has been postponed, and will not be happening this Friday, as originally planned. It seems that there was a setback in his recovery, so they've decided to push it back.

At this point, I know that a decision will be made later this week, and as soon as I have more, you'll know as well.

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Monday, November 10, 2008

Job Opening: Web Developer/Designer

Craigslist in Eastern Idaho has an anonymous post from a Video & Graphics House for a Graphic Designer / Web Developer in Idaho Falls.

The qualified candidate should have "extensive knowledge and experience with Adobe Creative Suite workflow, XHTML, CSS, and PHP with MySQL support are required. Proven experience in Actionscript, Javascript, J2EE, RoR and AJAX are a definite plus. Motion Graphics and Print experience would not be frowned upon."

Full details about this position can be found here.

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Thursday, November 06, 2008

New Hire at Drake Cooper

That seems to be a familiar headline on the Idaho Ad Agencies blog, but once again, Drake Cooper in Boise is growing.

Their most recent addition is Mona Teffeteller as a Brand Manager. She will work primary with the United Dairymen of Idaho account, and has previous experience in consumer food and beverage brand management.

Congratulations Mona.

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Tuesday, November 04, 2008

Upcoming Event - The Broken Barker Benefit

Well, I'm horribly late to the game with this one, but still...

As some of you may know, Jeff Barker, a designer at Wirestone in Boise, was critically injured in a motorcycle accident caused by a suspected drunk driver trying to evade police. While the news media reported the injuries as non life-threatening, they were serious nonetheless. Here's a quick rundown:

  • Broken Scapula
  • Broken Collar Bone
  • Broken Mandible
  • Several teeth were damaged
  • 10 Broken Ribs and punctured lung
  • 3 broken vertebrae
  • Extensive abrasions and bruising
The folks at Wirestone have been organizing a benefit party to help pay expenses that were not covered by insurance, but more importantly to celebrate the fact that Jeff is alive. And as such, the Broken Barker Benefit was born.

While the details are still sketchy, the date has been confirmed: November 14th.

As soon as I know more, I'll share those details here.

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Vote

Today's the day.

Regardless of which candidates you support, or what your opinion is on any number of ballot measures, today is the day when all of the talk, promises and rhetoric fades away, and you get to take action.

However you choose to do so, and whichever candidates you choose to do it for:

Vote.

Monday, November 03, 2008

REMINDER: Concert for the Cure

This is your friendly reminder that Think Pink's Concert for the Cure is coming up this Saturday, November 8th.

The doors open at 7:00pm and the concert kicks off at 8:00pm at the Visual Arts Collective.

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Wednesday, October 29, 2008

On Finding and Hiring the Right People

It's no secret that I think Bart Cleveland of McKee Wallwork Cleveland is one of the best writers contributing to the Ad Age Small Agency Diary.

His most recent piece is another winner:
Hiring the Right People Is a No-Brainer (Finding Them Is Like Brain Surgery)

A sample from the article:

Time allows you to get to know someone. Time reveals someone's subtle characteristics. Not just negatives, but positives too. I've hired people who I at first believed weren't really the right fit, but over time, I discovered the real person behind the first impression. You must be willing to take your time if you want a staff whose sum is greater than its parts.
Take the time to read the entire thing. As always, it's full of Bart's practical wisdom and a common sense that is too often overlooked.

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Job Opening - Wordpress Coder / Designer

From the Boise Craigslist:

A local online marketing firm is looking for a wordpress professional who is proficient in coding and designing for clients using wordpress to develop their websites and blogs.
The "online marketing firm" is not identified, but full details about the position can be found here.

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Monday, October 27, 2008

New Hire at Carew Co

Following on the heels of their recent move into a larger office space, Carew Co. has added to their staff.

Ryan Lascano has joined the shop as a Graphic Designer. Ryan was previously with Noot Group in Boise, and will be working in both online and print environments at Carew Co. Ryan is a graduate of The Art Institute of California - Orange County.

Congratulations Ryan.

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Wednesday, October 22, 2008

REMINDER: Coffee Morning

It'll be here before you know it...

This month's Coffee Morning is scheduled for this Friday, October 24th, at Java on 6th and Main in Boise starting at (or around) 7:30 am.

See you there.

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Taking Action in an Uncertain Environment

There’s no way around it. The waters of today’s business environment are murky at best. You name it, it’s in turmoil – financial markets, housing markets, the list goes on and on. And yes, that impact is felt even here in Idaho.

Call it what you may – a slowdown, an economic downturn, or even the dreaded ‘r’ word that is recession – we’re in it. It affects agencies, their business, and their clients. Like it or not, that is the reality in which we live.

And facing up to that reality will make it that much easier to get through.

Oliver Russell found themselves in that very position. As an agency owner, this is the third recession that Russ Stoddard has been through, and in his own words, “I learned a few things from the first two and am trying to apply those lessons as best I can, sooner rather than later.”

Placed in this position, and given the business outlook for the next six months to a year, it became apparent that cuts were necessary in order to reshape Oliver Russell to be successful for the long term. So, painful as it was, cuts were made. The end result, as Russ described, is that “we’ve got a creative team here that is now engaged with plenty of work. That wasn’t the case before the layoffs, and I didn’t see the economic environment changing for the better in a significant way.”

For those who were affected by the layoffs at Oliver Russell, the agency provided assistance to them where possible – from severance pay to job finding and assistance with the launch of new business ventures.

In the marketing and advertising community, this is certainly unpleasant news. And chances are, similar scenarios will play out elsewhere – both inside and beyond the borders of Idaho. Those who are in leadership or ownership positions in these agencies face some very tough decisions over the coming months. Those who are able to take action, however, rather than be paralyzed by fear, will have greater control over the future success of their respective agencies.

The eternal optimist, Russ signed off with a fitting conclusion to our exchange: “And for anyone out there in the ad/design/digital community who’s wondering, watch out – yeah, we’re alive, and we’re breathing fire.”

As for other agencies in and around Boise that are being called on by those who were impacted – take the meeting. They are all extremely talented people in their own right, and will be outstanding additions to any team.

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Monday, October 20, 2008

New Hire and Other Activity at Michell + Palmer

Mitchell + Palmer in Boise has quietly busy since opening their doors in April.

Among other things, they've done a little hiring: Hollis Welsh has joined the agency to "assist with project management, strategic research and development, copywriting, community and vendor relations, and account services support."

They've also moved their offices -- they're now in The Muse Building at 1317 W. Jefferson St.

On the client front, they're current client list includes the likes of Home Federal Bank, Pro-Team, SquareConnect and FameFifteen, among others.

Updated with correct URL for Home Federal.

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Sunday, October 19, 2008

Job Openings at Wirestone

Wirestone in Boise has a few job openings these days:

Junior Web Analyst
Java / Solutions Architect
.Net Technical Developer

Full details about each position can be found by clicking on the respective title.

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Wednesday, October 15, 2008

Think Pink: The Concert for the Cure

As some of you may have noticed, there is a new banner hanging on the upper right side of the Idaho Ad Agencies blog.

Think Pink - Because you know someone or know someone who knows someoneThink Pink's Concert for the Cure is a benefit concert to educate the community about breast cancer, and to raise funds for the Boise Affiliate of the Susan G. Komen for the Cure. The concert is scheduled for Saturday, November 8th, and full details are available below.

Think Pink Inc. was founded in October 2004 in Coeur d'Alene by Jen Henriksen, Crissie McDowell, Melanie Adams and Katie Shamberg, in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The Boise chapter of Think Pink was started in August 2008 by Lindzee Frei, Kate Holgate, Michelle Caster and Crissie McDowell. From Think Pink's Our Story:

Our goal is to educate our community about breast cancer and aid in the fight to find a cure in our lifetime through various fundraising activities. 100% of funds raised are directly donated to the Boise Affiliate of The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation and are used to provide research grants and uninsured women in our area with mammograms, an essential tool in early detection.
To date, Think Pink Inc. has raised nearly $40,000 through events and t-shirt sales. More details about Think Pink are available on the fact sheet from their website.

Now, about the concert:

Think Pink’s Concert for the Cure
WHERE: VAC Visual Arts Collective, 3638 Osage St., Garden City ID
DATE: November 8th
TIME: Doors open at 7 Music at 8
TICKETS: $20 ahead of time at http://www.visualartscollective.com/ $25 at the door ($20 at the door if wearing pink)
LINEUP: Dan Costello
Ned Evett and Bill Coffey
Smooth Old-Fashioned High

The Boise Advertising Federation has also selected this event as their public service event for the year.

Sponsorship opportunities are still available for this event at the Sapphire ($750) or Pearl ($500) levels, and anyone interested should contact the Think Pink chapter via email, or by telephone at 208.861.8097. They'll be able to provide more details about everything included in the individual sponsorship packages.

Finally, for anyone who would like to add the Concert for the Cure banner to their own website, here's a little snippet of code to help you along the way:



Special thanks to Stuart Walsh for the Flash banner.

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