MMG's Work for University of Idaho Awarded

Marketing Media Group's Legacy of Leading campaign for the University of Idaho was recognized recently by the Council for Advancement and Support of Education. The agency, along with the University, received two Gold Medal CASE Awards at this year's CASE District VIII Conference, held February 18 - 20 in Seattle.

Specifically, MMG and U of I were honored in the Video and Multimedia category (Advertising Spots and Public Service Announcements) for their 60-second television spot titled, “I am more than the University of Idaho,” and also in the Web Site category (Web Site Special Feature) for the university’s innovative degree finder.

North by Northwest handled production of the television, and c308 Marketing developed the website.

The 60-second spot was primarily used at recruiting and alumni events and was part of a television campaign that featured three other 30-second commercials that ran in the Boise and Spokane markets. The Degree Finder Web Site is an addition to the university’s revamped Web Site and features a user-friendly method of matching prospective students’ interests with multiple degree options.



Congratulations to MMG, University of Idaho, and everyone else involved in this campaign. If you'd like to learn more about how it all came to be, MMG also has a Case Study of the entire process available on their website.

Technorati tags: marketing media group, mmg, university of idaho, uofi, council for advancement and support of education, case awards, north by northwest, c308 marketing

Headline Roundup for February 24th

Guess Which Medium Is as Effective as Ever: TV - via Ad Age

Brands Adjust Marketing Strategies For Recession Mind-Set - via Hartford Courant

It's Not Newspapers in Peril; It's Their Owners - via Ad Age

Why Spock Needs Kirk - via Adweek

Miserable Economy Makes For Happier Customers - via MediaPost

Technorati tags: ad age, hartford courant, adweek, mediapost

REMINDER: February BAF Luncheon

Just a quick reminder that the February Boise Advertising Federation's Three Courses + Cake Luncheon is coming up this Thursday, February 26th.

Be sure to RSVP by email to Greg Giersch, or by telephone at 208-336-7511.

(Note: also corrected the date in the Upcoming Events sidebar list)

Technorati tags: boise advertising federation, three courses + cake, greg giersch

Radio is Taking a Beating

Idaho Radio News has the coverage, but in a nutshell:

Layoffs of part-timers and salary cuts at Peak Broadcasting
Tough 4th quarter for Journal Broadcast Group
Lite FM running on a very light staff

Not the most pleasant of news in the broadcast world these days.

Technorati tags: idaho radio news, peak broadcasting, journal broadcast group, lite fm

Upcoming BAF Event: Three Courses + Cake Luncheon

By now you've already saved the date, but here are a few more details about the Boise Advertising Federation's upcoming Three Courses + Cake luncheon, featuring Alan Wolk.

Date: Thursday, February 26th
Time: 11:30 am - 1:00 pm
Location: The Linen Building, 1402 W. Grove St., Boise ID
Cost:
- Members: $18
- Non-Members: $25

RSVPs should be directed to Greg Giersch via email, or by telephone to 208-336-7511.

Technorati tags: boise advertising federation, alan wolk, the linen building, greg giersch

REMINDER: Rockie Awards Late Entries Deadline

One final reminder that the extended deadline, with associated late fees of course, for the 2009 Rockie Awards is coming up this Wednesday, February 18th.

If you're still on the fence as to whether or not to submit your work for this year's awards show, you have until the 18th to make up your mind.

Technorati tags: 2009 rockie awards

Side Door Media is No More

It is now known as Balihoo Creative.

During a recent spin around agency websites, I noticed that all links formerly associated with Side Door Media are now directed to Balihoo Creative. No announcement from the company or official word on the change (that I'm aware of, at least), but it has happened nevertheless.

For those who may not be familiar, Side Door Media grew out of Balihoo, by offering a full set of agency services to those who needed more than just the media planning and buying capabilities that Balihoo offered. By all accounts they've stayed consistently busy since then, so perhaps this is an effort to more closely align their services with, and support, the Balihoo brand.

Anyone else have more information? Feel free to comment away.

UPDATE: Dave Yasuda, General Manager of Balihoo Creative, left a comment providing more context (and some good-natured sarcasm aimed my direction) about the name change.

Technorati tags: side door media, balihoo creative, balihoo

February Coffee Morning

Well, January came and went without a Coffee Morning making the calendar. So what do you say we try not to let that happen again in February?

With that in mind, the February edition of Coffee Morning is scheduled for this coming Friday, February 20th.

Details are as follows:

Date: Friday, February 20th
Time: 7:30 am - 9:30 am (you're welcome to show up any time in between)
Location: Java Downtown, 6th & Idaho, Boise ID

For those needing a refresher, Coffee Morning is a loosely organized event that gives folks (in this case) in the marketing and advertising industry a chance to get together and chat about whatever topics may come up. There is no formal agenda, no planned speakers or presentations. Just a chance to get together and chat.

Any questions - feel free to send them along.

Technorati tags: coffee morning, java

Headline Roundup for February 12th

Lamar Testing Solar-Powered Digital Billboards - via Mediaweek

Local TV Stations Face a Fuzzy Future - via The Wall Street Journal

Marketers Report Further Budget Cuts - via Adweek

Event Marketing Makes Gains - via Adweek

Technorati tags: mediaweek, wall street journal, adweek

Strong Man, Strong Kids, and Funny Valentine's

For the second year in a row, the folks at Oliver Russell are putting on their "My Funny Valentine" promotion on Friday, February 13th.

The event grew out of questions that the agency has gotten over the 'I LOVE YOU' strong man mural on the side of their building. Last year, they invited the public to have a Polaroid photo taken for Valentine's Day.

This year, they're asking a $5 donation with each picture, which will go to the YMCA Strong Kids program. Oliver Russell will match the donations, up to the first $1,000.

If you feel so inclined, go get your picture taken on the 13th (Friday the 13th jokes aside, of course) and help support the YMCA.

Technorati tags: oliver russell, my funny valentine, ymca

Save the Date: BAF Luncheon Featuring Guest Speaker Alan Wolk

The next edition of the Three Courses + Cake luncheon series from the Boise Advertising Federation is scheduled for Thursday, February 26th.

The guest speaker at this event will be Alan Wolk. Alan is a Social Media Strategist and Creative Director through his Toad Stool Consultancy. Prior to stepping out on his own, Alan spent the better part of the past two decades at shops such as Anderson & Lembke, AtmosphereBBDO, Frankfurt Balkind, Ogilvy, JWT and most recently DraftFCB.

He has written for Adweek, has been featured on several marketing-related sites such as AgencySpy, AdPulp, and MarketingProfs. Alan regularly publishes The Toad Stool Blog, and is active on Twitter.

More details about this event will be available from the BAF soon, but be sure to get this on your calendar right away. It's not one to be missed.

Technorati tags: boise advertising federation, alan wolk, toad stool consultancy, adweek, agencyspy, adpulp, marketingprofs, toad stool blog, twitter

Blue541 Work Hits Communication Arts

Recently, Blue541's work for The Resort Boat Shop in Coeur d'Alene was featured on the Communication Arts website.

From the Communication Arts feature:

When local ad agency BLUE541 launched a newsprint ad campaign, it seemed fitting to illustrate the fine art aspect of boat-building. With inspirational imagery, and copy to match, the ad touches an emotional chord for the faithful devotees who eat, sleep and breathe for wood boats and water.

Congratulations to the folks up at Blue541 for the recognition.

Technorati tags: blue541, the resort boat shop, communication arts

SOVRN Creative Featured in Idaho Business Review

SOVRN Creative in Boise, whom you may remember from an introduction on the Idaho Ad Agencies blog back in October, was featured in this week's Idaho Business Review.

An excerpt from the article:

SOVRN (pronounced “sovereign”) specializes in advertising, corporate consulting and planning, direct marketing, environmental design, merchandising, motion graphics, product packaging, video production and Web site development. Its three principals – Brian Cottier, Philip McLain and Joe Rice – are all in their 30s and have years of experience in the field.

The article also goes on to mention, among other things, SOVRN's recent work on behalf of the Special Olympics World Winter Games, as well as the principals' history, and how the firm came to be.

Technorati tags: sovrn creative, idaho ad agencies, idaho business review, special olympics world winter games

REMINDER: AIGA Event - Von Glitschka, Illustrative Designer

Just a reminder that AIGA Idaho's upcoming event featuring Von Glitschka, Illustrative Designer, is coming up this Thursday, February 12th.

Technorati tags: aiga idaho, von glitschka

Headline Roundup for February 9th

Women drive movie ticket sales - via Los Angeles Times

Despite Cancellations, Most TV Dollars Stay Put - via MediaPost

Billboard or Blight? - via Mediaweek

Is There a Silver Lining for Start-Up Shops? - via Adweek

Egg Board Tells True Tales - via Adweek

Technorati tags: los angeles times, mediapost, mediaweek, adweek

REMINDER: PRSA Event - Effective News Pitching Practices

Just a reminder that the PRSA Idaho event: Effective News Pitching Practices is coming up this Wednesday, February 11th.

Technorati tags: prsa idaho

Upcoming PRSA Event - Effective News Pitching Practices

NOTE CHANGE OF VENUE BELOW

The Idaho Chapter of PRSA is focusing their programs during the early parts of 2009 on collaboration and information sharing, especially in terms of creating more dialogue among its members, and tapping into local resources.

Their upcoming event on February 11th reflects that focus. From the event's description:

Bring your sense of humor and war stories to this meeting where we’ll share pitching methods and techniques, successes and failures. During this session we will:

• Learn how to develop finesse in:
  
  • Phone pitching
    
  • Email pitching
    
  • Micro/speed pitching
    
  • Approach (by target)
• Practice live pitching
  
• Share our lists of top 5 things to avoid when pitching
  
• Bring examples of effective pitches and pitch results

Details are as follows:

Date: Wednesday, February 11th
Time: 11:45 am - 1:00 pm
Location: The WaterCooler, 14th & Idaho, Boise
Cost:
- Members: $8
- Non-Members: $10
- Cost includes lunch

RSVPs should be sent to Robbie Johnson via email or telephone at 208.387.6228 by Monday, February 9th.

Technorati tags: prsa idaho, drake cooper, robbie johnson

REMINDER: Rockie Awards Deadline

Unless you're fond of paying late fees, entries for the 2009 Rockie Awards are due by Sunday, February 8th.

Late entries will be accepted through February 18th, however they are subject to an additional fee (don't say I didn't try to warn you).

Technorati tags: rockie awards

Headline Roundup for February 5th

Reward Program Members Are Brand Champions - via Adweek

Big Screen: Study Touts Cinema Ad Effectiveness - via MediaPost

Study: Ads make watching TV more pleasurable - via The Live Feed
and, as a follow up:
Q&A: C’mon, do ads REALLY make TV more fun? - via The Live Feed

Denny's Grand Slam Giveaway a Hit With 2 Million Diners - via Ad Age

Technorati tags: adweek, mediapost, the live feed, ad age

Upcoming AIGA Event - Von Glitschka, Illustrative Designer

AIGA Idaho has yet another event on tap, and this looks to be a good one. Von Glitschka, Illustrative Designer with Glitschka Studios, will be presenting to the group on Thursday, February 12th.

From the event's description:

Have you ever thought of a unique concept, but then wasn't sure you could pull it off because it required a good amount of illustrative work and frankly speaking that intimidated you? Or your budget was such that you couldn't hire it out either? So, instead you just pursued another design direction? Von's "Illustrative Design" presentation will walk you through systematic illustrative design methods you'll be able to integrate into your own creative process. In the end you'll be better equipped to pursue those design ideas that require an illustrative touch far more effectively, thus expanding your overall creative potential and skill set as a graphic designer.

Here's the skinny, for those interested in attending:

Date: Thursday, February 12th
Time: 6:00 pm
Location: Beside Bardenay, 612 Grove St, Boise
Cost:
- AIGA Members: $10
- Non-Members: $20
- Students: $7
- Ticket price includes admission, drink ticket and appetizers

Samples of Von Glitschka's work are available at either glitschka.com or vonster.com.

If you have any questions about this event, or would like more information, contact the folks at AIGA Idaho.

Technorati tags: aiga idaho, von glitschka, glitschka studios, beside bardenay

Headline Roundup for February 4th

A New Dimension - via Adweek

Baked Into Buildings' DNA - via Mediaweek

The Age of Discovery - via Adweek

Vanity 800 Numbers More Memorable than URLs - via MarketingVOX

Technorati tags: adweek, mediaweek, marketingvox

Special Request: Support for the Special Olympics World Winter Games

This morning I received an email from the folks at Balihoo that I felt was worth passing along:

All,

I’m sending you this email as a fellow business colleague to ask for your support for the Special Olympics World Winter Games being held in Idaho this week.

The 2009 World Games still needs to raise money to support these phenomenal athletes, and I believe the Idaho business community can help. The World Games challenged Balihoo to find a way to help. Our idea: offer a Winter Games Commemorative Shadow Box for businesses that donate $500 or more to the games. Each shadow box will contain one of the original, hand-knitted blue and white scarves, which have been prominently featured in the news. These scarves were handmade by volunteers across the country and sent to Boise for the games.

Every limited edition, numbered shadow box will also contain a letter from one of the volunteer knitters and a personalized “thank you” to your business. We think they are perfect to hang in your office as a long-term reminder of your company’s support for these games and their legacy on our community.

You can go to the following website to learn more and make your pledge: http://www.soiscarf.com./.

I know times are tough and we’re all feeling a squeeze right now, so asking for a $500 pledge from a fellow business certainly comes with a bit of apprehension. However, this is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Idaho and a similarly unparalleled opportunity for the Idaho business community to show its strength and commitment to the greater good. The shadow boxes will be available only until February 13th.

Finally, please forward this email to other Idaho business leaders who you think can help!

Thanks

And as a reminder, the Games begin February 7th, and run through February 13th.

Technorati tags: special olympics, 2009 world winter games, balihoo

Headline Roundup for February 3rd

Agency Clients Slash Budgets 20% or More, Digital Only Bright Spot - via MarketingVOX

Reverse Trends: 6 Ways To Improve Broadcast TV - via MediaPost

The Economics of Giving It Away - via The Wall Street Journal

Is Community Service the New Green? - via Brandweek

Technorati tags: marketingvox, mediapost, wall street journal, brandweek

Headline Roundup for February 2nd

Slightly delayed - originally scheduled to post on Friday, January 30th

Coke Finally Removes "Classic" From Its Label - via The Consumerist

NADA: Dealers Need To Polish Image - via MediaPost

Pledge Your Allegiance to Accountability - via Adweek

You Can Look -- But Don't Touch - via ScienceDaily

Diet Coke Brings Back 'Just for the Taste of It' - via Brandweek

Technorati tags: the consumerist, mediapost, adweek, sciencedaily, brandweek