A donor brochure designed by the Balcom Agency for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Fort Worth has emerged as a winner in one of the world’s most prestigious juried competitions for creativity in graphic design.
Titled “What Are the Odds?,” the brochure will be published in the November 2008 Communication Arts Design Annual, the showcase publication for the 49th annual Communication Arts design competition.
Balcom’s senior design director, Cassie Kruemcke, created the brochure as a provocative set of stories about real teens who defied the odds and turned their lives around thanks to their involvement in the Boys & Girls Clubs. For example, the opening “story” shows a kitchen knife on a stark black background, and the wording “10 Bad Decisions Led to Alex’s Involvement with Gangs.” Open the flap and you see the knife again, but this time next to a smiling Alex as a sous chef, standing in a commercial kitchen with the new message: “1 Good Decision Changed Everything.”
The brochure is being used for the Boys & Girls Clubs’ capital campaign for a new club facility in Fort Worth. “It is an honor that Cassie and the agency’s work is being recognized as among the best in visual communications in the world,” said Stuart Balcom, agency president. “More importantly, we’ve designed a brochure that’s highly effective -- helping raise money for an organization that helps so many disadvantaged kids in North Texas.”
Monday, October 27, 2008
Concussion Work Gains Global Recognition
Two creative designs developed by Concussion, a full-service advertising, marketing and public relations firm, here, will be published in prestigious design trade journals.
A logo for the National Cowgirl Museum & Hall of Fame will be included in LogoLounge 5 and a Christmas card developed for Clampitt Paper Company will be featured in PRINT’s Regional Design Annual 2008.
“It is extremely gratifying to know that our work is not only considered some of the best in Fort Worth, but also in the world,” said Andrew Yanez, chief creative officer and partner at Concussion. “This is further proof of the high caliber of creative work being produced right here in Fort Worth.”
According to Bill Gardner, founder of LogoLounge, “…there were 33,000 logos submitted for consideration and the caliber of work was exceptional. Each judge reviewed thousands of logos from around the world. The final collection is not only an excellent point-in-time examination; it is full to the brim with inspiration, higher thinking, and craftsmanship.”
Rockport Publishers will release LogoLounge 5 in early Summer 2009. The goal of this book, its predecessors, and the Web site is to continue feeding minds, inspiring creativity and further developing a sense of community among designers and peers around the globe.
The results of PRINT’s annual competition for the best work in the United States will be showcased in late fall when the Regional Design Annual 2008 hits the stands. Creative designs selected where among more than 20,000 entries from almost every state.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
American Advertising Federation Announces First-Ever Southwest Advertising Hall of Fame Luncheon
On Tuesday, November 11, the AAF's 10th District will honor the inaugural class of The Southwest Advertising Hall of Fame. The event is hosted by the Dallas Advertising League and AAF - 10th District and will be held at 11:00 a.m. at CityPlace in Dallas. To honor inductees, James E. Datri, incoming President of AAF, Washington D.C., will make his first appearance at the local level.
The first inductees to the Hall of Fame are:
Sam Bloom, Roger Enrico, Morris Hite, Stanley Marcus, and Liener Temerlin are men from our region who have already achieved membership in the national Advertising Hall of Fame, hosted by the AAF.
The mission of the Southwest Advertising Hall of Fame is to honor men and women from our region who have distinguished themselves in their careers, who have contributed to the betterment of advertising and its reputation, and who have made volunteer efforts outside the workplace. Nominees are not required to be members of an AAF club and may represent all disciplines within the advertising industry.
For more information or to RSVP for the event, click here.
The first inductees to the Hall of Fame are:
- Ray Ackerman, Ackerman-McQueen, Oklahoma City
- Sam Bloom, The Bloom Agency (Now Publicis), Dallas
- Wayne Cranford, Cranford Johnson Robinson Woods, Little Rock
- Roger Enrico, PepsiCo, DreamWorks SKG, Dallas
- David B. Keith, Past Chairman, American Advertising Federation
- Fred J. Korge, Baxter & Korge, Savage Design, Houston
- Earl Littman, Goodwin, Dannenbaum, Littman & Wingfield, P.O.P. Broadcasting, Houston
- Morris Hite, Tracy-Locke, Dallas
- Stanley Marcus, Neiman Marcus, Dallas
- Stan Richards, The Richards Group, Dallas
- Lowe Runkle, Lowe Runkle Company, Oklahoma City
- Liener Temerlin, Temerlin McClain, Temerlin Consulting, Dallas
Sam Bloom, Roger Enrico, Morris Hite, Stanley Marcus, and Liener Temerlin are men from our region who have already achieved membership in the national Advertising Hall of Fame, hosted by the AAF.
The mission of the Southwest Advertising Hall of Fame is to honor men and women from our region who have distinguished themselves in their careers, who have contributed to the betterment of advertising and its reputation, and who have made volunteer efforts outside the workplace. Nominees are not required to be members of an AAF club and may represent all disciplines within the advertising industry.
For more information or to RSVP for the event, click here.
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Legislative News to You
Legislative Committee Chairman - Casandra Brown
Florida Supreme Court Removes Tax Swap Proposal From Ballot
The Florida Supreme Court has ruled that a proposed "tax swap" constitutional amendment must be removed from the November ballot because of misleading language. Amendment 5 would have cut the property tax by an average of 25 percent—an estimated $9 billion in 2011—and would have directed the legislature to seek new ways to offset the revenue. The amendment suggested the possibility of raising the sales tax and eliminating existing sales tax exemptions, including advertising. Polling data indicated that the amendment was far from reaching the 60 percent approval rate it would have needed to pass. AAF Fourth District lobbyist Jack Hebert and the Florida advertising federations played an instrumental role in educating the public and lawmakers as to the potential harmful economic consequences had the amendment been approved.
CPSC Bill Signed Into Law
On August 31, President Bush signed the Consumer Products Safety Commission Reform Act into law. H.R. 4040 was ultimately approved without the requirement that onerous cautionary statements be included in many advertisements for children's products. The enacted law requires a cautionary statement in advertisements only when the ad provides a direct means to purchase the toy—such as Internet or catalog advertising. Opponents argued that the proposed commercial speech requirements would likely violate the First Amendment guarantees of commercial free speech and that warning language on packaging is appropriate and sufficient.
Senate Aging Committee Holds Medical Device DTC Advertising Hearing
At a Senate Special Committee on Aging hearing on direct-to-consumer advertising of medical devices, Sen. Herb Kohl, D-Wis., who chairs the committee, suggested the need for an advertising moratorium on new medical devices. The hearing was heavily stacked with surgeons and opponents of advertising. The panelists appeared primarily concerned that surgeons will be pressured by patients who have seen ads to perform unnecessary procedures to install stents and other devices. The only other senator to attend the hearing, Ken Salazar, D-Colo., asked witnesses whether the advertising should be banned. The First Amendment implications of such a proposal were only briefly mentioned in passing. Witnesses from the FDA and the medical device manufacturers association discussed the "underutilization" of many devices but did not discuss the role of advertising in educating patients and encouraging them to talk with their physicians. According to Chairman Kohl, no legislation has been introduced or is under consideration. The AAF will work to educate members of the committee about the impact advertising can have and the First Amendment implications of restricting advertising.
Identity Theft Bill Heads to President
The House and Senate have approved provisions of the Identity Theft Enforcement and Restitution Act as part of H.R. 5938. As passed, the bill will provide law enforcement agencies with new resources for investigating and prosecuting online crime, including cyber extortion, use of malicious spyware, key logging and identity theft. Moreover, the bill allows identity theft victims to seek restitution. Rather than target new technologies, the legislation appropriately provides improved law enforcement tools for targeting criminals and fighting crime. The bill now heads to the White House for the president's signature.
Florida Supreme Court Removes Tax Swap Proposal From Ballot
The Florida Supreme Court has ruled that a proposed "tax swap" constitutional amendment must be removed from the November ballot because of misleading language. Amendment 5 would have cut the property tax by an average of 25 percent—an estimated $9 billion in 2011—and would have directed the legislature to seek new ways to offset the revenue. The amendment suggested the possibility of raising the sales tax and eliminating existing sales tax exemptions, including advertising. Polling data indicated that the amendment was far from reaching the 60 percent approval rate it would have needed to pass. AAF Fourth District lobbyist Jack Hebert and the Florida advertising federations played an instrumental role in educating the public and lawmakers as to the potential harmful economic consequences had the amendment been approved.
CPSC Bill Signed Into Law
On August 31, President Bush signed the Consumer Products Safety Commission Reform Act into law. H.R. 4040 was ultimately approved without the requirement that onerous cautionary statements be included in many advertisements for children's products. The enacted law requires a cautionary statement in advertisements only when the ad provides a direct means to purchase the toy—such as Internet or catalog advertising. Opponents argued that the proposed commercial speech requirements would likely violate the First Amendment guarantees of commercial free speech and that warning language on packaging is appropriate and sufficient.
Senate Aging Committee Holds Medical Device DTC Advertising Hearing
At a Senate Special Committee on Aging hearing on direct-to-consumer advertising of medical devices, Sen. Herb Kohl, D-Wis., who chairs the committee, suggested the need for an advertising moratorium on new medical devices. The hearing was heavily stacked with surgeons and opponents of advertising. The panelists appeared primarily concerned that surgeons will be pressured by patients who have seen ads to perform unnecessary procedures to install stents and other devices. The only other senator to attend the hearing, Ken Salazar, D-Colo., asked witnesses whether the advertising should be banned. The First Amendment implications of such a proposal were only briefly mentioned in passing. Witnesses from the FDA and the medical device manufacturers association discussed the "underutilization" of many devices but did not discuss the role of advertising in educating patients and encouraging them to talk with their physicians. According to Chairman Kohl, no legislation has been introduced or is under consideration. The AAF will work to educate members of the committee about the impact advertising can have and the First Amendment implications of restricting advertising.
Identity Theft Bill Heads to President
The House and Senate have approved provisions of the Identity Theft Enforcement and Restitution Act as part of H.R. 5938. As passed, the bill will provide law enforcement agencies with new resources for investigating and prosecuting online crime, including cyber extortion, use of malicious spyware, key logging and identity theft. Moreover, the bill allows identity theft victims to seek restitution. Rather than target new technologies, the legislation appropriately provides improved law enforcement tools for targeting criminals and fighting crime. The bill now heads to the White House for the president's signature.
Balcom Agency Takes Home Silver for Norman Regional Health System Ad Campaign
The Balcom Agency won three silver 2008 Aster Awards for an ad campaign created for Norman Regional Health System in Oklahoma. Winning entries included its urgent care and breast cancer television spots and orthopedic services radio spot.
Titled “Nothing to Sneeze at,” the television commercial created for Norman’s Urgent Care Centers features an animated girl who can’t stop sneezing. Tissues litter her desk and floor, and as a giant sneeze causes her to fly across the room, a narrator tells viewers that Norman’s Urgent Care Centers help “clear the way” to a fast recovery for flu season sufferers.
The second winning television spot, titled “Nurse Navigator,” visually and verbally conveys that those diagnosed with breast cancer are not alone, and at Norman Regional, a nurse navigator serves as educator, advocate and guide during the journey.
The award-winning radio spot, titled “Basketball,” opens with a basketball player crashing into the stands after scoring a goal. The narrator then tells listeners that everyone, athlete or not, can benefit from Norman’s latest technologies in orthopedic and rehabilitation services.
The Aster Awards is an elite competition recognizing the nation’s most talented marketing professionals for outstanding excellence in advertising.
Titled “Nothing to Sneeze at,” the television commercial created for Norman’s Urgent Care Centers features an animated girl who can’t stop sneezing. Tissues litter her desk and floor, and as a giant sneeze causes her to fly across the room, a narrator tells viewers that Norman’s Urgent Care Centers help “clear the way” to a fast recovery for flu season sufferers.
The second winning television spot, titled “Nurse Navigator,” visually and verbally conveys that those diagnosed with breast cancer are not alone, and at Norman Regional, a nurse navigator serves as educator, advocate and guide during the journey.
The award-winning radio spot, titled “Basketball,” opens with a basketball player crashing into the stands after scoring a goal. The narrator then tells listeners that everyone, athlete or not, can benefit from Norman’s latest technologies in orthopedic and rehabilitation services.
The Aster Awards is an elite competition recognizing the nation’s most talented marketing professionals for outstanding excellence in advertising.
Friday, October 3, 2008
Former Harrah’s Group Account Director to Lead Casino Marketing Group
Former Harrah’s advertising agency executive, John Kiker, has joined the staff of Fort Worth, Texas-based casino marketing firm, Concussion, it was announced today by Allen Wallach, president.
Mr. Kiker, who oversaw a staff of 50 on the $60 million Harrah’s casino business while at TracyLocke - Dallas, will assume a similar role directing a stable of regional casino accounts at the $23 million Concussion.
“John carries a big stick in the casino branding space. He’s been to the mountaintop on one of the world’s most respected and successful brands, which we intend to leverage to maximize success for our clients,” said Mr. Wallach.
According to Mr. Kiker, the chance to be a part of a fast-growing shop was hard to resist. “Concussion has become a niche leader in casino marketing. My national experience, coupled with their approach and track record of success, will give clients a formidable marketing arsenal,” he said.
While at Omnicom’s TracyLocke, Mr. Kiker managed the Harrah’s Entertainment account –– including national corporate branding, as well as marketing for 20 Harrah’s casino properties –– Total Rewards, the World Series of Poker, Grand Casino Biloxi and Showboat Casino.
Prior to TracyLocke, Mr. Kiker managed the AmeriStar Casinos account while at The Richards Group in Dallas, and worked on the Six Flags and Leapfrog educational toys accounts at Ackerman-McQueen.
A graduate of the University of Oklahoma, Mr. Kiker holds a bachelor’s degree in Public Relations with minors in Spanish, History and Business.
Mr. Kiker, who oversaw a staff of 50 on the $60 million Harrah’s casino business while at TracyLocke - Dallas, will assume a similar role directing a stable of regional casino accounts at the $23 million Concussion.
“John carries a big stick in the casino branding space. He’s been to the mountaintop on one of the world’s most respected and successful brands, which we intend to leverage to maximize success for our clients,” said Mr. Wallach.
According to Mr. Kiker, the chance to be a part of a fast-growing shop was hard to resist. “Concussion has become a niche leader in casino marketing. My national experience, coupled with their approach and track record of success, will give clients a formidable marketing arsenal,” he said.
While at Omnicom’s TracyLocke, Mr. Kiker managed the Harrah’s Entertainment account –– including national corporate branding, as well as marketing for 20 Harrah’s casino properties –– Total Rewards, the World Series of Poker, Grand Casino Biloxi and Showboat Casino.
Prior to TracyLocke, Mr. Kiker managed the AmeriStar Casinos account while at The Richards Group in Dallas, and worked on the Six Flags and Leapfrog educational toys accounts at Ackerman-McQueen.
A graduate of the University of Oklahoma, Mr. Kiker holds a bachelor’s degree in Public Relations with minors in Spanish, History and Business.
Balcom Agency Hires Parchman and Bond
Alan Parchman has joined the Balcom Agency as account director, bringing 28 years of professional sales experience to the agency. The Balcom Agency has also hired Kayla Bond as office manager.
In his new position, Parchman will be managing existing accounts as well as pursuing new business opportunities for the agency. Before coming to Balcom, Parchman served as an account executive at WBAP Radio in Arlington for 27 years. Earlier in his career, he worked as an account executive at Taylor Communications in Lewisville. Parchman earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas at Austin.
In her new position, Bond will provide administrative support to employees. Bond received a bachelor’s degree in advertising and public relations from TCU, with a minor in music. While at TCU, she served as the media channel and planning director for the TCU Campaigns Team and band office assistant. She was also a member of TCU’s symphonic, marching and basketball bands.
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Legal administrators collecting supplies as Halo House drive for children begins
The Fort Worth Chapter of the Association of Legal Administrators is accepting donations until October 17 for its second annual HALO HOUSE, a project created by the HALO Society to assist Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) and the casework supervisors.
Donations assist children that have been abused and neglected and are going through the court process while parental rights are being determined. Many times, a relative is willing to give the children a safe, loving and permanent home. Some children return to their parents after a year-long process during which the parents must show stability and earn their children back to a “new” safe home. Donations also assist teenagers that are not adopted, that are in the foster system and have needs, but no parents or adults to stand up
for them and help them.
Donated items can be new or used and only non-perishable items. Ideal items include car seats, strollers, diapers, play pens, cradles, high chairs, baby bedding, blankets, comforters, towels and pillows. Gift cards to Target, Wal-Mart or other stores would allow advocates and supervisors to
purchase shoes, clothing and other specialized items for children of all ages. Toys and clothes are not needed.
Drop off sites are Cantey Hanger Plaza, 600 W. 6th Street, Suite 300, Fort Worth, and CASA, Mallick Tower at Summit Avenue, Suite 505, Fort Worth.
For more information, contact Vickie Daniel at (817) 878-2910 or by email at vdaniel@canteyhanger.com.
Donations assist children that have been abused and neglected and are going through the court process while parental rights are being determined. Many times, a relative is willing to give the children a safe, loving and permanent home. Some children return to their parents after a year-long process during which the parents must show stability and earn their children back to a “new” safe home. Donations also assist teenagers that are not adopted, that are in the foster system and have needs, but no parents or adults to stand up
for them and help them.
Donated items can be new or used and only non-perishable items. Ideal items include car seats, strollers, diapers, play pens, cradles, high chairs, baby bedding, blankets, comforters, towels and pillows. Gift cards to Target, Wal-Mart or other stores would allow advocates and supervisors to
purchase shoes, clothing and other specialized items for children of all ages. Toys and clothes are not needed.
Drop off sites are Cantey Hanger Plaza, 600 W. 6th Street, Suite 300, Fort Worth, and CASA, Mallick Tower at Summit Avenue, Suite 505, Fort Worth.
For more information, contact Vickie Daniel at (817) 878-2910 or by email at vdaniel@canteyhanger.com.
The Hondo Group Looks to Austin for Expansion Opportunities
The Hondo Group, a Fort Worth-based marketing communications company, announced today that Sam Monreal has joined their team as a Business Development associate. Monreal will be working to expand the Hondo Group's successful national and Texas operations into the Austin, Texas market. Monreal has more than a decade of experience in sales and marketing, having worked extensively in the financial world as a stockbroker and most recently as a loan officer specializing in residential and commercial real estate lending.
“We are ecstatic to have Sam as the newest member of our team. Austin is a target market for the continued growth of our company, especially in the areas of real estate development, agribusiness and green marketing,” said Lynn Balinas, president of The Hondo Group. “We are confident Sam’s expertise will introduce the Hondo Group's key marketing strategies to companies that will benefit from a long-term relationship with our agency.”
“We are ecstatic to have Sam as the newest member of our team. Austin is a target market for the continued growth of our company, especially in the areas of real estate development, agribusiness and green marketing,” said Lynn Balinas, president of The Hondo Group. “We are confident Sam’s expertise will introduce the Hondo Group's key marketing strategies to companies that will benefit from a long-term relationship with our agency.”
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