New Client Win for DNA and Kerns

DNA Advertising and Kerns Brand Marketing, working in partnership, were recently named as the agency of record for Spine Idaho & Associated Physicians.

Spine Idaho & Associated Physicians is affiliated with Skyline Surgery Center, Idaho Medical Imaging, Rehab Authority and Idaho Pain Group. The 16,000 sq ft facility housing their operations is located in Pocatello, Idaho.

DNA and Kerns will provide branding, advertising, media and public relations services for the organization.

The New Boise Agency Suspense is Over

A little over a week ago, NewBoiseAgency first appeared on the scene, with a full page ad in the Idaho Business Review, a Twitter profile and a teaser website. The folks behind the scenes started following, and actively engaged with many within the marketing and advertising community on Twitter – myself included.

Central to their campaign was the reveal of the merger of two Boise advertising agencies.

Today, that reveal is complete.

Davies Rourke and Marketing Media Group have joined forces to create DaviesMoore.


From their official announcement:

Two Boise based advertising agencies Marketing Media Group (MMG) and Davies Rourke announced Tuesday that the two companies will join forces to form DaviesMoore.

“We are all excited about this union as it will not only benefit both agencies, but it also greatly benefits our clients because they get both years of experience and wisdom combined with an abundance of energy, talent and fresh ideas,” said Edward Moore, president of DaviesMoore. “On the surface, there’s a contradiction because we are a truly diverse group of people with differing perspectives, yet it’s clear that we have a common goal: to provide the best marketing recommendations and solutions possible to generate positive results for our clients in a time when they need a positive return on their investment more than ever.”

DaviesMoore, who can now claim to be both the newest and oldest advertising agency in the state of Idaho, draws on the history of Davies Rourke, which was originally founded by Ken Davies as Givens-Davies Advertising in 1953, and then incorporated as Davies & Rourke Advertising in 1973. It also harnesses the momentum that MMG has gained over the past 11 years. MMG, founded in 1998, has grown from an original staff of three and a shared office space with the Idaho Steelheads to their current size and a client roster that includes sport entertainment, recreational, retail, higher education, packaged goods and more.

DaviesMoore will service the existing client rosters of both Davies Rourke and MMG. The combined offices will be located in what is now the former MMG office space, at 6th and Bannock in downtown Boise.

To Edward Moore, Jeff Nielsen and the entire staff of DaviesMoore, congratulations on the merger, the week-long launch anticipation, and what will certainly be a long and successful tenure in the business.

Playing the Guessing Game

That's been the activity-of-the-week in the Treasure Valley, in parts of the marketing and advertising world at least.

Why, you ask?

Because everyone wants to know who "New Boise Agency" is.

Let's rewind just a bit.

On Monday March 2nd, a full page ad was published in the Idaho Business Review, teasing the launch of a New Boise Agency, with the question of "What happens when creativity and experience join forces?" and directed readers to the NewBoiseAgency.com website.

At the same time, the New Boise Agency Twitter profile was created, and they began following those in the marketing world in and around Boise. They also integrated their Twitter updates into the teaser website, and have been regularly updating it throughout the past week.

So, the question remains -- just who is this New Boise Agency?

I have my hunches, as I'm sure you do, but I'm going to keep it to myself for the time being. The clock is ticking on this new organization, as they've made their intention to launch on March 10th very public.

In the mean time, I'll be watching closely.

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

New Client for Wirestone

Health & Disability Advocates (HDA) has selected Wirestone, including their office in Boise, as their lead agency following a competitive review, according to Adweek and other media outlets.

HDA is national nonprofit organization leading a group of state health and human service agencies to develop a campaign about the benefits of hiring people with disabilities.

Wirestone was selected over seven other agencies in the pitch for the HDA business, which will include branding the new national initiative, as well as developing and executing its entire integrated marketing strategy that is expected to include print and broadcast advertising.

Congratulations Wirestone.

Technorati tags: health & disability advocates, wirestone, adweek

Jacksons Food Stores Selects New Agency

After a competitive review, Jacksons Food Stores has selected The Agency Creative Network as their Agency of Record, responsible for all marketing, advertising and public relations related activities. The Agency Creative Network was chosen over Stoltz Marketing Group, Oliver Russell, and CLM. The account had previously been held by CLM.

The change of agencies represents a dramatic shift for Jacksons Food Stores, and is a significant win for The Agency Creative Network. The account was a long-time CLM account, and had been with the shop since its days as WRC Advertising. Jacksons is Idaho's 6th largest privately held corporation, and operates in Idaho, Nevada, Washington and Oregon.

The Agency Creative Network, founded and led by Jane Perlaky, describes itself as an “open network model.” It utilizes talent throughout the area, and assembles teams tailored to individual client needs. Said one member of the team involved in the Jacksons business, this “…shows that clients see the value in smart strategy and creativity, no matter how it comes together.”

Congratulations to The Agency Creative Network on a hard-earned win.

Technorati tags: jacksons food stores, the agency creative network, stoltz marketing group, oliver russell, clm, wrc advertising, jane perlaky

Cuts at CLM

Recently, word reached the Idaho Ad Agencies blog that CLM (formerly Closed Loop Marketing & Advertising) went through a round of layoffs, cutting 25 % of their staff.

At first glance, that number seems drastic. Put in context, they've cut 4 from what had been a staff of 16. The agency's People section of their website reflects the reduced headcount as well.

This type of news is never what anyone likes to hear, but is reflective, even at the local level, of larger trends that are taking place in the marketing and advertising industry as a whole.

Technorati tags: idaho ad agencies, clm

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.

Technorati tags: blue 541

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.

Technorati tags: carew co, ryan lascano, noot group, the art institute of california - orange county

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.

Technorati tags: oliver russell, russ stoddard

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.

Technorati tags: mitchell palmer, hollis welsh, muse building, home federal bank, pro-team, squareconnect, famefifteen

An Introduction to SOVRN Creative

SOVRN Creative is one of the latest new shops to open their doors in the Treasure Valley. The company was founded by Brian Cottier, Philip McLain, and Joe Rice.

The three founders had previously worked together while at Wirestone. Joe and Brian had been with Wirestone since the beginning, and prior to that were among the earliest members of Mediaphex Production Company. Prior to his time at Wirestone, Phil had worked for Stoltz Marketing Group, as well as Creative Source.

From their website

SOVRN was founded with three basic principles. The first is to pursue business relationships that are healthy and honest, and that benefit all participants. The next is to ensure that each project succeeds through the application of our knowledge and expertise and the delivery of appropriate solutions for the intended audience. Finally, we want to work with organizations that have the courage to stand apart, and see the value in great creative and effective marketing.

In the first few months that their doors have been open, SORVN has already had an opportunity to work with a number of clients, including the Special Olympics World Winter Games and Z Factor Sports, among others.

The original announcement of their launch is available here. Having known all three of the founders for many years, I look forward to seeing great things from SOVRN Creative.

Technorati tags: sovrn creative, brian cottier, philip mclain, joe rice, wirestone, mediaphex production company, stoltz marketing group, creative source, special olympics world winter games, z factor sports

Carew Co is on the Move

Carew Co. has picked up shop and moved their office.

Not too far, mind you. They've moved from the 3rd floor of The Eagles Building at 6th and Idaho down to a larger space in the lower level of that same building.

(Is it possible to play the theme song to The Jeffersons backwards? Would that be appropriate here? Sorry, couldn't resist...)

Congratulations to the Carew Co. crew.

Technorati tags: carew co, eagles building, the jeffersons

Recognition for Peppershock Media Productions

Peppershock Media Productions will be recognized, along with a number of other local businesses, by the Better Business Bureau and KeyBank during the 2008 Integrity Counts! Celebration.

More on the Integrity Counts! program from the BBB website:

Integrity Counts! is a recognition program established by the Board of Directors of the Better Business Bureau, serving Southwest Idaho and Eastern Oregon, to honor local firms whose business operation and related activities demonstrate a commitment to integrity and ethical business practices.

Congratulations to Peppershock, and all of this year's honorees.

Technorati tags: peppershock media productions, better business bureau, keybank, 2008 integrity counts celebration

New Clients for Davies Rourke

Davies Rourke in Boise recently announced two new client wins:

AREVA Inc, which is "an international company that specializes in technological solutions for carbon dioxide-free power generation and electricity transmission. The company’s U.S. headquarters is in Bethesda, Maryland."

For AREVA, Davies Rourke will produce marketing collateral materials for AREVA’s multi-billion dollar Eagle Rock uranium enrichment facility planned for construction in Bonneville County, Idaho.

Additionally, Davies Rourke has been selected by Port of Subs "to provide strategic marketing and media placement services for franchisee- and company-owned restaurants in southwestern Idaho."

Congratulations to the folks at Davies Rourke on the new client wins.

Technorati tags: davies rourke, areva, port of subs

Fuel 3 Adds Another Station

Okay, so maybe the title's a little too corny, but what else can you do when the imagery splashed throughout Fuel3 Advertising's website are of gas pumps...

But back to the actual story.

Fuel3 has opened an office in Portland, Oregon, to expand the reach of their headquarters in Boise. Now up to a staff of five, the Portland office was opened, and is managed, by Ryan Panitz. Ryan was formerly a reporter and morning anchor with KTVB in Boise, and is also working with the 2009 Special Olympics World Winter Games on Marketing & Strategic Relationships.

Fuel3's expansion into Portland was also mentioned briefly in this article on The Oregonian's website.

Congratulations to the folks over at Fuel3, and best of luck for continued success.

Technorati tags: fuel3 advertising, ryan panitz, ktvb, 2009 special olympics world winter games, the oregonian

Local PR Agencies Team Up on National Account

Although this news is a little late in coming, it is worth noting that Murphy Media Services and FusionSet were selected to develop and conduct a media outreach and publicity campaign for the National Diving Dog Tour.

The tour, which takes place across the country, including cities in New Jersey, Wisconsin, California, Tennessee, and Georgia, features dogs launching off a 40-foot stage into a 20,000-gallon pool.

As often as we may make mention of local clients who go out of market for their marketing communications needs, it is nice to see cases like this, where local firms are able to widen their reach and work on accounts that take them across the country, so to speak.

Congratulations to both Murphy Media Services and FusionSet.

Technorati tags: murphy media services, fusionset, national diving dog tour

Embracing Their Awkwardness

Over the past couple of years, I've regularly picked on, harassed, and generally tormented to folks over at Stoltz Marketing Group about their lack of updates to their website.

They finally got sick of me pestering them. Or not.

In all seriousness, though, the folks over at Stoltz Marketing Group have launched the latest and greatest version of the agency's website. In addition to the typical fodder -- capabilities, portfolio and such -- they've also shared some of their unique personality, and a lighter side of the agency with a few candid photos from the staff throughout the years.

You'll have to see the site to fully appreciate it.

Now you're on the hook though, folks. Gotta keep it updated.

Technorati tags: stoltz marketing group

The End of an Era

Today marks the end of an era in the marketing and advertising world here in Idaho, for this is the last day that you'll see Jeremy Chase as a member of the Drake Cooper staff.

Jeremy is packing up and heading to Salt Lake City, Utah, and is on to bigger and better things, as they say.

But before his takes one final bow at the end of the day, I wanted to take a moment, on behalf of the entire marketing and advertising industry in and around the State of Idaho, to say one simple thing:

Thank you Jeremy for all that you have done.

In a world where change happens at incredible speed, Jeremy has been a constant presence. He has been with Drake Cooper for well over a decade, and has helped to shepherd both clients and agency through the highs and lows that have come along with it. A true professional in every sense of the word, Jeremy has been a tremendous asset to the agency, and his departure will leave some very, very large shoes to fill.

I'm sure there will be many toasts made inside (and outside) the walls of Drake Cooper today, stories shared, and maybe even a tear or two shed. But let me take this opportunity to add my own thoughts...

Jeremy, you're a class act in every sense. You've been an excellent ambassador for your agency and this industry, and you will most certainly be missed.

Technorati tags: jeremy chase, drake cooper

Drake Cooper Loves Milk

And ice cream. And yogurt. And cheese. And on and on and on.

Yes, it's official. The United Dairymen of Idaho have selected Drake Cooper as their new agency partner.

After working with the same agency for the better part of the past 30 years, the United Dairymen of Idaho opened up the RFP to what seemed like the entire known advertising universe earlier this year. The list was then whittled down to four finalists, and Drake Cooper came out on top.

From the story in the Ag Weekly (yes, the Ag Weekly gets credit for being first with this story):

“We are excited to work with the Drake Cooper team to educate consumers about the benefits of dairy in a healthy diet,” said Deana Sessions, administrator for United Dairymen of Idaho, which manages the local dairy producer checkoff program.

“We wanted to partner with an agency that could bring fresh ideas to help make the change from being a production-driven industry to a more consumer-driven industry. We believe Drake Cooper can help us achieve that objective.”

Congratulations to the folks over at Drake Cooper, and to all who competed in the RFP process. While taken slightly out of context, this quote from Alicia Ritter on the PR Musings Weblog just seems appropriate:

I say to us all: Come out into the open. Show your wares. Compete hard. Congratulate the victor. Then, go home, beef up your strengths, and come out swinging like hell the next time. This is the attitude necessary to build a professional communications industry of which we can all be proud.

Technorati tags: united dairymen of idaho, drake cooper, alicia ritter, pr musings weblog