Mad Men Creator Coming to Fort Worth and You Could Win Tickets

Fan AAF-Fort Worth on Facebook and follow us on Twitter for a chance to win tickets to An Evening With A Mad Man, featuring Matthew Weiner, the creator and executive producer of AMC’s award-winning drama series Mad Men, on January 14, 2010, at the Casa Mañana in Fort Worth. Tickets range in price from $35 to $85 and can be purchased now at www.madmenfortworth.com.

Prior to Mad Men, which is set in the ruthlessly-competitive world of Madison Avenue advertising executives of the 1960s, Weiner was executive producer and writer on The Sopranos, HBO’s critically acclaimed drama series. The show garnered him an Emmy nomination with co-writer Terence Winter. Weiner’s credits also include a 2007 Writers Guild Award (TV) and a 2005 PGA Golden Laurel Award, as well as stints working on various television series such as The Naked Truth, Becker, and Andy Richter Controls the Universe.

AAF-Fort Worth’s centennial celebration will begin at 6:30 pm with a cocktail reception complete with complimentary hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar. The program will start at 7:30 with a brief historical perspective of AAF-Fort Worth, and then Matthew Weiner will take the stage to detail the development of Mad Men and its characters.

“It’s not often you turn 100 so we wanted to do something truly special,” said Jason Parker, AAF-Fort Worth president. “Considering our organization focuses on advertising, we thought Matthew Weiner would be the perfect person to help us celebrate.”

We would like to thank our generous sponsors of AAF-Fort Worth's 100th Anniversary Celebration:

The Ashton Depot

Charter Cable

Chesapeake Energy

Citadel Radio (Platinum 96.7, WBAP News Talk 820, The big 96.3 KSCS)

ClearChannel Outdoor

Concussion High Impact Communications

GCG Marketing

Rosa's Cafe

Star-Telegram

Time Warner Cable

Balcom's Lead Developer Pitches Winning Website Concept at Dallas Startup Weekend

Pickyplates.com, a social recipe site designed and programmed in a single weekend, scoops up $1000 prize

Balcom Agency’s John Robinson and his team won first place and the $1,000 top prize at Dallas Startup Weekend for a website they designed and programmed in a single weekend: PickyPlates.com.

Startup Weekend is a collaboration event for web developers, business managers, startup enthusiasts and more. The challenge is to build a website—from idea to launch—in just 54 hours. Robinson’s friend, Jake Good, lead developer at drop.io, convinced him to attend the Dallas Startup Weekend in late November.

Balcom’s lead interactive developer since April, Robinson presented his idea for PickyPlates.com, a social recipe service that allows users to search for recipes with ingredients they like—while automatically filtering out recipes with ingredients they don’t like. Despite being his first time at the conference, Robinson’s pitch was the favorite, with nearly three times as many votes as the second leading concept.

Collaborators lined up to support the project, and the PickyPlates.com team was born. Over one weekend, Robinson and his team, Jake Good, Greg Pierce and Matt Smith, both developers; and Michael Smith and Joey Pomerenke, both marketing; completed concept, design, coding and launch—and walked home with $1,000 cash for first prize. The prototype for PickyPlates.com is online now.

Prior to working at Balcom, Robinson was the web master for the Amon Carter museum for more than five years. He took the job with the Fort Worth ad agency after seeing the opening posted on Twitter. Robinson’s extensive knowledge of open source platforms like Drupal and Ruby on Rails (which his team used to build PickyPlates.com) has been invaluable in Balcom’s development of a wide range of new websites, for everything from retail to non-profit.

Startup Weekend was founded in 2007 by Andrew Hyde, and is now run by Mark Nager and Clint Nelson at their Global Headquarters in Seattle, WA. The weekend conference focuses on learning by creating.

Blanchard Schaefer Advertising & Public Relations Named a Finalist for 2009 DPAC Award for Best Digital Direct Response

Lead generation campaign combined public relations and direct marketing

Blanchard Schaefer, a strategic advertising & public relations firm, has been named a finalist for the 2009 DPAC Awards (Digital Publishing & Advertising Awards) in the Best Digital Direct Response category. The 15-year-old agency developed a multi-faceted lead generation campaign on behalf of ATC Logistics & Electronics (ATCLE) that featured highly targeted outreach supported by educational content to secure leads for business development activities.

“Aligning powerful advertising and public relations strategy with our client’s business goals is the ultimate charge of our agency,” said Ken Schaefer, president of Blanchard Schaefer. “We are absolutely thrilled to be considered for this award, especially among such respected peers and established brands. This lead generation campaign aligned direct prospect outreach with audience-focused content, which represents an evolution of advertising and public relations. The successful initiative embodies a true hybrid of our craft, and is an indication of what the future holds for combining direct interaction with actionable information that help companies generate new business.”

The competition analyzed strategy, execution and results to select nominees. Blanchard Schaefer submitted a five-part campaign that was executed over the course of one-year, targeting decision-makers with unique educational content including white papers and case studies, as well as a special report and webinar. Advertising support for each initiative consisted of an integrated strategy that leveraged various digital vehicles including email blasts, eNewsletters and direct outreach to industry prospects. Over the course of a multi-phase campaign, leads generated by the agency’s efforts grew approximately 347 percent.

Finalists for the DPAC Awards include a wide range of well-known international and national brands in a variety of categories. For a complete list, visit: http://www.dpacawards.com/Finalists/

2009 BELL HELICOPTER ARMED FORCES BOWL FEATURES TOP-RANKED PASS OFFENSE, DEFENSE SCHOOLS

The 2009 Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl will pit the top passing team in the country against the school with the best defense against the pass as this year’s New Year’s Eve game will feature a rematch between the University of Houston and the United States Air Force Academy at Amon G. Carter Stadium.

For only the seventh-time in the history of collegiate football bowl competition, two schools will face each other in back-to-back post-season games as the “pass first” 10-3 Cougars of Houston (ranked 25th in the USA Today poll this week and 27th in the AP rankings) meet the 7-5 “pass defensive first” Falcons of Air Force in the seventh annual Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl here December 31 for the 11 a.m. (CST) game at Amon G. Carter Stadium to be aired live on ESPN.

Previous bowl games with back-to-back match-ups were the Cotton (1970-1971, Notre Dame and Texas; 1993-1994, Notre Dame and Texas A&M), Rose (1973-1974-1995, USC and Ohio State), Orange (1990-1991, Notre Dame and Colorado; 1993-1994, Florida State and Nebraska) and the Outback (2001-2002, South Carolina and Ohio State). Three of the previous six match-ups featured splits with Notre Dame (Texas A&M), Florida State and South Carolina completing two-game sweeps.

“We are excited about our match up that brings the nation’s top passing team in Houston to Amon G. Carter Stadium to play an Air Force team that has the country’s best pass defense,” said Brant B. Ringler, the executive director of the Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl. “The game also presents two contrasting styles of offensive football as Air Force continues to feature one of the best rushing attacks in the country. It will be a very attractive matchup for the fans.”

With the second-best scoring offense in the nation among the 120 Football Bowl Subdivision schools with 43.9 points a game, Houston will be seeking to duplicate its 34-28 win over the Falcons in the 2008 Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl. The Cougars compiled 415 total yards against the Falcons last New Year’s Eve to even the series between the two schools at 1-1.

The ESPN Regional Television (ERT) owned-and-operated event will feature Houston’s top-ranked offensive (581.2 yards per game) and passing attack (450.0) against an Air Force defense that is listed first in pass defense (148.1), third in turnover margin (1.42 per game), ninth in scoring defense (15.3) and 10th in total defense (284.8).

On the other side of the ball, Air Force ranks fourth in the nation in rushing offense (273.6) and Houston is 112th in rushing defense (213.1). The Falcons offense in 2009 compiled 355.9 total yards and 28.3 points a game. The Falcons did score 28 points in last year’s Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl while accumulating 352 total yards.

The past two Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowls have featured record crowds as the 2007 game between Air Force and Cal attracted 40,905 fans while Houston’s win over the Falcons last New Year’s Eve was witnessed by 41,127 in-house fans at the sold out 44,358-seat Amon G. Carter Stadium. Prior to 2007, the best attendance mark was for the inaugural game in 2003 when Boise State defeated TCU 34-31 before 38,028 fans.

Houston second-year coach Kevin Sumlin has utilized the talents of Case Keenum to help lead the Cougars to a 10-3 record this season. Keenum has passed for 5,449 yards by completing 71 percent of his attempts for 43 touchdowns. A junior from Abilene, Texas, Keenum has passed for 12,728 yards and 101 touchdowns in his career.

With three-straight winning seasons under third-year coach Troy Calhoun, the 7-5 Falcons are led offensively by running backs Jared Tew (66.4 yards rushing a game) and Asher Clark (61.3). Air Force also has one of the nation’s top placekickers in Erik Soderberg, who is tied for seventh nationally in field goals made per game (1.7).


With a combined 17 wins, six of the two school’s eight losses were by a touchdown or less. All three of the Houston setbacks were in league play, including a 38-32 setback at East Carolina Saturday in the Conference USA championship game where Keenum passes for 527 yards and five touchdowns. The Cougars opened 2009 with back-to-back wins over Big 12 Conference schools Oklahoma State (46-35 at Stillwater) and Texas Tech (29-28 at home).

Four of the five Air Force defeats were by a touchdown or less with two setbacks in overtime. Three of the Falcon losses were to MWC schools (TCU, BYU and Utah) ranked among the top 25 teams in last week’s Bowl Championship Series (BCS) standings. The fourth and fifth setbacks were to bowl-bound Minnesota of the Big Ten Conference and to independent Navy in overtime.

The 2009 Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl will be the 20th post-season game for both schools as each owns an 8-10-1 record bowl record. Houston will be playing in its sixth bowl in the last seven seasons while Air Force will be appearing in the post-season for the third-straight year after being absent the previous four seasons.

The Cougars, who snapped an eight-game bowl losing streak by defeating Air Force last New Year’s Eve, will be making their 13th appearance in a bowl game played in the state of Texas. Houston, who also competed in the 2005 Fort Worth Bowl with a 42-13 setback to Kansas, is 5-6-1 in Texas bowls while Air Force is 1-2-1, including a 42-36 setback to Cal in the 2007 Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl.

This year’s New Year’s Eve contest will be the third meeting between the two schools. Air Force won the initial meeting between the two teams in 2008 with a 31-28 victory over the Cougars as the September 13 game was moved from Houston to SMU’s Ford Stadium due to Hurricane Ike. Houston evened the series mark 110 days later as running backs Bryce Beall and Jared Tew were named the most valuable players for the Cougars and Falcons, respectively.

Both Houston (33-15) and Air Force (30-11) have had success against teams from Conference USA and the Mountain West, respectively. In bowl games between the two conferences, Conference USA leads 7-5 with Houston playing in the last two post-season meetings, including a 20-13 setback to TCU at the 2007 Texas Bowl.

Ticket prices for the Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl are $50 for sideline seats, $40 for upper deck seats and $20 for end-zone tickets. Military veterans receive half off any $50 or $40 seat and active-duty personnel get in free via the Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl corporate military ticket underwriting program. A portion of local ticket sales will go to designated military charities (USO & Children of Fallen Soldiers Relief Fund). Tickets for this year’s game can be obtained by calling the Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl office at 817/810-0012, or by going to the Web site for more information at www.ArmedForcesBowl.com.

Don't Miss The Deadline

This Friday, December 11, is the early deadline for the 2010 Fort Worth ADDYs. If you think your work is ADDY worthy, visit www.whosyouraddy.com to submit your entry details. Once you've submitted the entry details online, you can turn in your physical entries at Branch-Smith Printing, located at 120 Saint Louis Avenue in Fort Worth, from 1 pm to 5 pm this Friday.

If you just can't make the early deadline, you'll have another chance to drop off your physical entries on January 8, 2010.

FORT WORTH MUSEUM OF SCIENCE AND HISTORY HIRES BALCOM AGENCY FOR GRAND OPENING CAMPAIGN

Fort Worth Museum of Science and History chose the Balcom Agency for an array of creative services for the grand opening of its new facility. The agency created TV and radio spots as well as billboard and internet ads for the museum.

“We’re proud to be a partner with such an important cultural institution in Fort Worth at this historic time,” said Stuart Balcom, president of the Balcom Agency. “Engaging this remarkable museum for its grand reopening is quite an honor.”

The museum recently reopened with a new facility designed by internationally acclaimed architectural firm Legorreta + Legorreta. The new building will help meet the need to accommodate crowds of more than 800,000 guests a year and showcase the latest in technology and science.

UNITED WAY SELECTS BALCOM AGENCY AS AGENCY OF RECORD

The United Way of Tarrant County has selected the Balcom Agency as its agency of record for creative and public relations services. The non-profit organization has a new strategic plan for 2009-2012, which includes restructuring the way it communicates with investors and financial partners. The plan aims to provide safe and healthy communities for all Tarrant County children, individuals and families. The United Way emphasizes forming effective partnerships with other organizations and strategically raising and investing resources. By focusing on needs in education, income and health, the United Way is working to make a measurable impact on all lives in our diverse communities.

MAD MEN CREATOR COMES TO FORT WORTH

AAF-Fort Worth Celebrates 100 Years with Matthew Weiner

To honor 100 years of civic duty, the American Advertising Federation – Fort Worth (AAF-Fort Worth) is hosting An Evening With A Mad Man, featuring Matthew Weiner, the creator and executive producer of AMC’s award-winning drama series Mad Men, on January 14, 2010, at the Casa Mañana in Fort Worth. Tickets range in price from $35 to $85 and can be purchased now at www.madmenfortworth.com.

Prior to Mad Men, which is set in the ruthlessly-competitive world of Madison Avenue advertising executives of the 1960s, Weiner was executive producer and writer on The Sopranos, HBO’s critically acclaimed drama series. The show garnered him an Emmy nomination with co-writer Terence Winter. Weiner’s credits also include a 2007 Writers Guild Award (TV) and a 2005 PGA Golden Laurel Award, as well as stints working on various television series such as The Naked Truth, Becker, and Andy Richter Controls the Universe.

AAF-Fort Worth’s centennial celebration will begin at 6:30 pm with a cocktail reception complete with complimentary hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar. The program will start at 7:30 with a brief historical perspective of AAF-Fort Worth, and then Matthew Weiner will take the stage to detail the development of Mad Men and its characters.

“It’s not often you turn 100 so we wanted to do something truly special,” said Jason Parker, AAF-Fort Worth president. “Considering our organization focuses on advertising, we thought Matthew Weiner would be the perfect person to help us celebrate.”

About AAF-Fort Worth

AAF-Fort Worth is a 100-year-strong organization and is the city’s oldest civic group. The purpose of the organization is to provide a forum for advertising professionals — elevating standards and practices in advertising through peer review programs and through continuing training and education initiatives. The group is also dedicated to serving the Fort Worth community, and participates in numerous civic activities. Additional information at aaf-fortworth.org

The club hosts lunch meetings on the third Wednesday of each month at Joe T. Garcia’s and is part of the American Advertising Federation – a national network of ad clubs and advertisers representing more than 40,000 advertising professionals located in communities across the country.

Blanchard Schaefer Advertising & Public Relations Earns Five NEDA 2009 National Channel Marketing Awards

Agency recognized in consecutive years for campaign and ad development

Blanchard Schaefer, a strategic advertising & public relations firm, has earned five national 2009 Channel Marketing Awards from the National Electronic Distribution Association (NEDA), including one platinum and four gold honors. The awards stemmed from the agency’s work with TTI, Inc., a specialty distributor of passive, interconnect and discrete components for consumer electronic manufacturing. This marks the second consecutive year that the 15-year-old agency has won multiple national awards for their work.

“Doing great work and delivering results for clients are not mutually exclusive,” said Ken Schaefer, president of Blanchard Schaefer. “When we are recognized for our efforts while making our clients successful, it is twice as satisfying. Our team has been dedicated to conceptualizing, designing and executing engaging campaigns that have allowed TTI to capture market share in a highly competitive industry. We very much appreciate the opportunity they’ve given us to flex our strategic and creative muscle to define their brand.”

Blanchard Schaefer was responsible for strategic development and creative execution, as well as media planning and placement for each of the award-winning initiatives. Categories and campaigns included:

Platinum-Level Award:
Integrated Marketing – “Stan” Campaign

Gold-Level Awards:
Image Advertising-Complete Campaign – “Stan”
Image Advertising – “Stan On-Time”
Image Advertising – “Transportation”
Industry Advocacy – “Supplier Excellence Award” ad

About NEDA
NEDA is a not-for-profit trade association representing distributors of electronic components and their manufacturer-suppliers. Dedicated to the enhancement of the distributor-manufacturer relationship. NEDA represents companies involved in the distribution of electronic components and parts, computer and computer peripheral components and test, measurement and control equipment and their manufacturer-suppliers.

About TTI
Headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas, TTI, Inc. is a specialty distributor of passive, interconnect and discrete components. TTI is the distributor of choice for industrial and consumer electronic manufacturers worldwide. TTI’s extensive product line includes: resistors, capacitors, connectors, potentiometers, trimmers, magnetics, circuit protection, filters, electromechanical and discrete semiconductor devices. TTI is recognized as the industry’s leader in service and quality and provides a broad array of supply chain services to its customer base. TTI employs 2,000 with more than 50 locations throughout North America, Europe and Asia. For more information about TTI, visit www.ttiinc.com.

About Blanchard Schaefer Advertising & Public Relations
Blanchard Schaefer Advertising & Public Relations, an award-winning strategic marketing services firm, offers a full array of advertising and public relations expertise and services with a focus in the healthcare, supply chain and logistics, health and beauty, multi-location/franchise, and technology verticals. Its client-tailored strategic marketing services include proficiency and innovation in research, identity/collateral development, branding, creative, media placement, news generation/dissemination, media relations and trade show and speaking engagement coordination. Based in Arlington, Texas, Blanchard Schaefer serves clients across the United States. For more information, visit www.bsapr.com.

TWO LOCAL ADVERTISING AGENCIES SEE THE GLASS AS HALF FULL

Merger To Unite Talent And Capabilities, Make A Splash In Local Advertising Industry

What happens when two optimistic entrepreneurs seize the opportunity to combine forces at a time when others see their glass as half empty?

The result is a glass spilling over with advertising talent and savoir-faire, the runoff of which will quench the needs of organizations both locally and abroad.

Today, two such glasses coalesced as Craig Lloyd, President of Glint Advertising & Design, and Trent Starnes, CEO of Caffeinated Studio, announced that the two creative shops are merging under the Glint name effective January 1.

“Combining the talent of both agencies will provide a greater range of services and allow us to provide strategies that offer greater value and ROI for our clients,” Lloyd said.

The expansion will allow Glint to employ more local talent, and to provide an enhanced arsenal of advertising capabilities to promote growth in businesses located in and around Fort Worth. As of January 1, the number of employees working at Glint will have doubled.

Both Lloyd and Starnes hope to add to Fort Worth’s growing reputation as a major creative center. In the past Fort Worth has been overshadowed by Dallas, which is home to some of the nation’s most recognized names in advertising.

“Fort Worth is rapidly establishing itself as a major hub for creative advertising and marketing,” Lloyd said. “I think a lot of that has to do with the innovation that smaller agencies bring to the table. When you’re not working with $100 million marketing budgets you have to be able to break the mold and be innovative, while still being conscious of expenses.”

The pair also explained that the resilience of the local economy has been a major contributing factor in their decision to bring the two agencies together. Glint’s goal is to continue to help businesses grow, and to support the Fort Worth economy.

“Craig and I recognized the unique opportunity to combine Glint’s award winning advertising with Caffeinated Studio’s edgy interactive approach during a time when many agencies and creative markets are perceived to be in decline,” Starnes said. “I know there are great things on the horizon for the businesses we serve.”

The bottom line for area businesses: Glint is growing its capabilities in order to top off the glass of every company feeling half empty. The agency is looking to serve a wide variety of clients of all sizes, across all industries.

For more information about Glint Advertising & Design, or the merger, contact Ryan Cormier at 817.616.0320, or visit www.glintadv.com.

Blanchard Schaefer Advertising and Public Relations is looking for two high-performance AEs

Have you heard more than once that you’re a stellar Account Executive? Have you mastered the art of project management so well that you’re looking for that next level of challenge in your career? Do you have a passion for building client relationships AND their businesses? Do the words “challenge” “strategy” “opportunity” and “creative brief” make your heart race at the possibilities? Can you see both a big picture and its details? Do you play nicely with teams and excel on your own? Are you relentless about learning and growth? Can you prove that you’ve made a difference in your work? Do people matter to you?

At Blanchard Schaefer Advertising & Public Relations we’re serious about excellence and passionate about our people. We’re growing and a few of our fantastic accounts need an experienced Account Executive to take ownership and lead them to even greater success. We’re seeking two AE’s, one with B2B experience, particularly in the technology, electronics and/or software sectors and another who can bring consumer based retail account experience, specializing in high frequency/high volume transactional environments, to the mix. Experience with Travel and Leisure category a big plus.

Character counts so if you answered “yes” to our questions honestly and have the right experience, we’d like to learn more about you.

Candidates for consideration will have a minimum of 4 years of experience, including solid agency background, outstanding comprehension of all facets of marketing communications, including account planning, media, creative, interactive, social marketing and account management. Please send us your resume and credentials (and be specific about which position fits you best) to jobs@bsapr.com (link http://www.bsapr.com/jobs.asp)

CONCUSSION BRINGS HOME THE GOLD

Concussion High Impact Communications has received acclaim from the International Academy of the Visual Arts (IAVA) and the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) for the agency’s creative excellence in web design.

“I am honored that Concussion has been recognized by these prestigious organizations,” said Douglas Cox, interactive director at Concussion. “I am extremely proud to see our work consistently being considered among the best not only in Fort Worth, but also in the world.”

IAVA awarded Concussion three W₃ Gold Awards, two in the “Real Estate” category for their work on Twin Creeks Golf Community and Hillwood Residential, and one in the “Strange and Unusual” category, for ItsTimeToConfess.com, the 2008 Fort Worth ADDYÒ Awards’ microsite. Concussion also took home a W₃ Silver Award for KonamiPodium.com, a flash-driven microsite promoting Konami Gaming’s latest innovation.

The W₃ is sanctioned and judged by the International Academy of the Visual Arts, an invitation-only body consisting of top-tier professionals from a “Who’s Who” of acclaimed media, interactive, advertising and marketing firms. IAVA members include executives from organizations such as Conde Nast, Coach, Disney, The Ellen Degeneres Show, Estee Lauder, Fry Hammond Barr, HBO, Monster.com, MTV, Polo Ralph Lauren, Sotheby’s Institute of Art, Victoria’s Secret, Wired, Yahoo! and many others. For more information regarding the W₃ Awards, please visit www.w3award.com.

APTA awarded The T (The Fort Worth Transportation Authority) the first place AdWheel award in the “Electronic Category” for The-T.com, their new website designed by Concussion. The website was unveiled in June and features new functionalities to help visitors quickly find the information they need without devoting too much time to searching.

Each year, APTA honors members’ marketing and communications efforts with the AdWheel Awards. Awards are presented in four main media categories: print, electronic, campaigns, and special events. For more information on APTA and the AdWheel awards, visit www.apta.com.

To view the award-winning websites, visit www.TwinCreeks.com, www.HillwoodResidential.com, www.ItsTimeToConfess.com, www.KonamiPodium.com and www.The-T.com.

Join AAF-FW For a Holiday Honky Tonk at Billy Bob's

Join AAF-Fort Worth for a Holiday Honky Tonk party at Billy Bob’s Texas’ Guitar Bar featuring a live band, free line dance lessons, hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar with happy hour specials.

This boot-scootin’ party also will include a raffle of great items to help raise money for advertising education sponsorships, a program that supports students through the National Student Advertising Competition and Scholarships. For more information, please visit www.adclubfw.org.

To donate items for the raffle, please contact Allyson Cross at cross@gcgadvertising.com or call 817-332-4600.

WHEN - Thursday, December 3rd, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

WHERE – Billy Bob’s Texas
2520 Rodeo Plaza, Fort Worth, TX 76164

FEES - $5.00 per person

REGISTER NOW

Sponsored by: The Store Decor Company, Clear Channel and BlueRock Marketing

GCG MARKETING RECEIVES SECOND NATIONAL HEALTHCARE AWARD FOR CHILDREN’S CANCER AWARENESS CAMPAIGN

Fort Worth-based agency recognized again for its work for the Children’s Neuroblastoma Cancer Foundation

GCG Marketing today announces its award of Best Corporate Advertisement/Campaign at the 2009 Medical Marketing & Media Awards honoring the agency’s development of an awareness campaign for the Children’s Neuroblastoma Cancer Foundation.

The campaign featured gripping headlines alongside haunting photographs of children living with neuroblastoma, taken by Fort Worth’s Geno Loro Jr. The award is the second national healthcare honor GCG has received for the campaign this year, following a Manny award for Best Philanthropic Campaign by Med Ad News, and the campaign also garnered local and district ADDY® awards from the American Advertising Federation. Earlier this year, GCG was named one of the top 75 healthcare marketing agencies by Medical Marketing & Media magazine.

“The continued recognition we’ve received for our work on the CNCF campaign is a true honor,” said Neil Foster, GCG Marketing president. “Neuroblastoma is an awful disease in need of greater awareness, and we’re hopeful that both the campaign and these awards help facilitate the discussion of funding for research options.”

In the photo, GCG Art Director Kris Copeland, accepts the MM&M award on the agency’s behalf in New York City on October 29, 2009.

Blanchard Schaefer Advertising & Public Relations Featured in Fort Worth Business Press Top 100 Private Companies List

Agency enjoys strongest year ever adding new clients and team members

The Fort Worth Business Press has named Blanchard Schaefer to the Fifth Annual “Top 100 Private Companies” list. The 15-year-old, award-winning strategic marketing services firm is featured among leading Tarrant County businesses based on annual sales and number of employees.

“As a small company, it is both rewarding and exciting to see that our team’s hard work has been acknowledged, particularly in a challenging economy,” said Ken Schaefer, president at BSAPR. “Our outstanding personnel are the real differentiator for BSAPR. We strongly believe in establishing a nurturing corporate culture and a stimulating work environment so we can deliver exceptional results to our clients. The agency’s success can be directly attributed to the effort of each individual for a common goal.”

The Top 100 recognition is the culmination of recent agency growth in terms of personnel and clients. BSAPR has added senior- and junior-level employees, in both the account service and creative departments, to support new and existing clients, as well as a variety of project-based initiatives.

New clients include the Arlington Convention & Visitors Bureau, Escalante Golf, and Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf. Non-profits were also added, such as Grace Flight of America, a medical flight charity organization, and the Lone Star Film Society, organizers of the annual Lone Star International Film Festival in Fort Worth.

“It has truly been a whirlwind year that has required an even stronger level of commitment from the entire BSAPR team,” added Schaefer. “Fortunately, there are always bright spots in challenging times. A down market provides the ability to recruit from an incredibly deep talent pool, which is a distinct advantage for our agency. This has allowed us to better serve our current clients, and provides the capacity to pursue new business opportunities so we can continue to grow. This in exciting time and we look forward to a bright future.”

CONCUSSION NAMED AMONG TOP 100 PLACES TO WORK IN DFW

The Dallas Morning News has named Concussion High Impact Communications as one of the “Top 100 Places To Work 2009.” Placing 74^th out of a total 100 companies, Concussion ranked among the top small companies to work for, with 60 employees.

“We are particularly proud of this award,” said Allen Wallach, CEO and partner of Concussion. “This recognition is because of our employees and without our cadre of like-minded zealots, we wouldn’t be known for producing communications that peg the Richter scale.”

Concussion, a full-service advertising agency based in Fort Worth, is owned and operated by partners Allen Wallach and Andrew Yanez. Wallach and Yanez started Concussion in 2001 and continue operating the agency on the principles of nimbleness, collaboration, creativity and client access to agency decision makers.

“These D-FW companies - large, medium and small - are as good as it gets when it comes to creating workplace environments that nurture and respect employees, and, in the process, make those employees proud to be there,” said columnist Cheryl Hall, lead writer for the Top 100 project.

Employees, not the Dallas Morning News, chose the top workplaces. More than 33,000 employees from all different office settings were given surveys to grade their company’s performance regarding 22 statements. Their responses were compiled, weighted and ranked by the Dallas Morning News’ research partner, Workplace Dynamics LLC.

The winning companies were honored at a luncheon hosted by the Dallas Morning News on Thursday, October 29. A complete list of winners will be published in the November 8^th edition of the publication as well as on www.dallasnews.com.

Click HERE for peek inside Concussion!

Using the Digital Environment to Promote and Sell Your Products and Services

The Dallas/Fort Worth American Marketing Association will host Small/Medium Business SIG - Digital Marketing Matrix - Utilizing the digital environment to promote and sell your products and services on Tuesday, November 3, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Speaker:

Kemp Hoop, enovation group

Where:

Pappasito's Cantina

2704 West Freeway

Fort Worth, TX 76102

Lunch will be provided

Details:

It is a known fact that the business environment is rapidly changing and marketers must find creative ways to reach their audiences. The digital marketing matrix uses innovative tools to target a specific audience while reducing costs and creating a greater return on investment.

Event Takeaways:

• Learn how to create an interactive digital business network and succeed in the new and changing marketplace
• Determine the value of using PURLs to communicate and gather information
• Applying customer data to a variable data print direct campaign

RSVP:

Register by Monday, November 2, 10 p.m.

Pricing:

Member

$20 if registered before November 2

$30 if registered after November 2

Non-Member

$30 if registered before November 2

$40 if registered after November 2

Student Member

$20 if registered before November 2

Event Contact:

Tom Dennis

Tom@BrandExtract.com

REGISTER NOW

NEXT LUNCHEON: THE EVOLUTION OF THE SONIC "2 GUYS" CAMPAIGN

Speaker: Pat Piper, Vice President/Group Creative Director at Barkley Evergreen & Partners, Kansas City, MO
November 18, 2009

The Sonic “2 Guys” campaign set a new standard in advertising – throw everything out and go with something new. The suits at Sonic wanted the admen to emphasize how quirky menu items such as corndogs, tater tots, pancakes on a stick and cherry limeades made Sonic better than the kings of the drive-thru: McDonald's, Burger King and Wendy's.

The campaign was supposed to last just four months, from September 2003 to the beginning of a new campaign in January 2004. Five years later, the campaign is still going and has become a pop-culture phenomenon. The commercials have given the quirky drive-in an identity and made Sonic as recognizable as McDonald's, Burger King and Wendy's. Friends quote the commercials to each other. Fanatics post parodies of the spots on YouTube. Haters write angry letters to Sonic and rip the spots on the Internet.

Pat Piper is an ad prodigy. At the age of three, he wrote his first direct mail piece with a bounce back coupon. At six, he completed his first tri-fold brochure for a local bank. From there, it was point of purchase, annual reports and ads. At twelve, he successfully wrote and directed his own commercial. He was also producer and worked the craft services table. Soon enough, Pat was becoming a local ad star, coming up with catchy jingles and slogans. Unfortunately, his father wanted him to become a professional whittler, making pipes and keepsake hobo clowns to adorn shelves. But Pat wouldn’t have it. When Pat’s father bought him a whittling kit, Pat hocked it for a down payment on a Mac classic where he could spend his nights writing long copy ads that no one would read.

Despite his Father’s misgivings, Pat began his advertising career in Omaha, Nebraska, working for a couple advertising agencies as a writer. But Pat had his eyes on the bright lights and the wide-open spaces of Kansas City. There he worked with Muller & Company for a few years before settling at Barkley. Over the past ten years, Pat has written for everything from Banks to Burgers winning awards with fancy names like Mercury, Clios, Cannes, One Show and Communications Arts. He is currently a Vice President/Group Creative Director at Barkley.

WHEN - Wednesday, November 18^th , 11:45 AM - 1:00 PM

WHERE - Joe T. Garcia's "La Puertita"
2201 N. Commerce St. Fort Worth, TX 76164

FEES - Member - $20.00; Non-Member - $35.00; Student - $15.00

WARREN DOUGLAS SUCCESSES REFLECTED IN RECENT STAFF PROMOTIONS

Warren Douglas Creative Brand Marketing today announced the promotion of several staff members:

David Elizalde is the firm’s newly appointed Associate Creative Director. Elizalde, who holds a BA and MBA from Texas Christian University, first came to Warren Douglas in September 2002 as an intern, and was then hired as a Graphic Designer.

Bryce Burton has been promoted to the position of Art Director. A former in-house designer for Pier 1 Imports, Burton joined the Warren Douglas team in 2007 as Senior Graphic Artist. He has a BFA in Design Communication from Texas Tech University.

Lauren Gourley will serve as the firm’s first fully dedicated Manager of Social Media, specializing in the increasing client work relating to the many online social media and data platforms available. Gourley began her tenure with Warren Douglas in 2006 as an Assistant Marketing Manager, and holds a Bachelor’s of Music from Oklahoma City University.

“David, Bryce and Lauren are all uniquely talented assets to our team,” said Doug Briley, Warren Douglas CEO. “Their individual gifts and perspectives have each proven to be the winning ingredient on various projects, and I know they will continue to foster creative and engaging work through their new roles.”

Blanchard Schaefer Advertising & Public Relations Announces Megan Martinez as Senior Designer

Strategic marketing services firm deepens creative talent pool

Blanchard Schaefer has strengthened its team with a new senior designer. The 15-year-old, award-winning advertising & public relations firm has added Megan Martinez, to support both new and existing clients as the agency continues unprecedented growth. She brings extensive experience in both traditional and electronic design for a variety of mediums.

“Adding a designer with the caliber of Megan’s ability helps to improve the agency’s overall creative product,” said Ken Schaefer, president of Blanchard Schaefer. “We literally reviewed hundreds of applicants for this position, and it was clear that her acumen for creativity and expressiveness was a perfect complement for our overall goals. Her outstanding abilities will be a major asset as our firm continues to grow.”

Through the course of almost a decade, Martinez has developed a well-rounded background in design from a corporate and boutique perspective. She previously served as the in-house senior graphic designer for the Dallas Market Center, the world’s most complete wholesale marketplace. Martinez also operated her own design firm, after beginning her career as a graphic designer with the Pavestone Company, a concrete product manufacturer.

She holds a bachelor’s of fine arts degree with an emphasis in graphic design from Texas State University. Martinez is an active volunteer, donating her time to community initiatives including the Trinity River Audubon Center as well as a variety of environmental charitable organizations.

NIX A VALUED NEW HIRE

The leadership at Warren Douglas Creative Brand Marketing is proud to announce the addition of well-known Fort Worth marketing maven, Susan Nix. She joins the firm this month as Vice President of Business Development.

Nix comes to Warren Douglas from Casa Manana, Inc. where she served as Director of Corporate Sponsorships. During her tenure with Casa, she negotiated the largest sponsorship for the Children’s Theatre in their 50 year children’s community history.

One of the Metroplex’s original e-commerce pioneers, since 1996 Nix has co-founded several Internet marketing ventures. She has promoted the online presence and relationships for renowned companies such as Travelocity, Pier 1, Starwood Resorts, Dillard’s, and other Fortune 500 brands. Immediately prior to her position with Casa, Nix held the position of Senior VP of Business Development with Rassai Interactive.

Nix has also brought her expertise and energy to a number of local community events, including being named the first Chairman of Marketing/Promotions for the Colonial PGA Tournament Committee, a seven-year member of the Executive Committee for ESPN’s Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl, and as an Event Chair for Easter Seals and the Chisholm Trail Red Cross. She was also one of only 13 Tarrant County women selected to found the local Women’s Leadership Society for the United Way.

“We’re so pleased to have Susan’s highly-respected expertise and reputation as an addition to our firm,” said Doug Briley, Warren Douglas CEO. “Her combination of hands-on executive experience with e-commerce, civic and corporate marketing campaigns is unparalleled, but it is her genuine passion for her work and commitment to positive relationship-building that make her a priceless team member.”

Tom Joyner, Southwest Airlines and an Engaged Consumer Base:

A study of the fundamentals of forming a culturally relevant strategic business partnership that is mutually beneficial for broadcasters and advertisers

Join us on Wednesday, October 21 for a special diversity and inclusion edition of AAF's From the Source Web Seminar Series. This special From the Source is brought to you by the American Advertising Federation and the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB).

Wednesday, October 21, 2009, 1:00 p.m. CST REGISTER NOW

Tom Joyner, Southwest Airlines and an Engaged Consumer Base

Presented by:

Oscar Joyner, COO/President


Reach Media Inc./Tom Joyner Morning Show


Raquel Daniels, Sr. Account Director, African American Marketing


Camelot Communications

Reach Media Inc./Tom Joyner Morning Show COO/President Oscar Joyner and Camelot Communications, Sr. Account Director, African American Marketing Raquel Daniels discuss the essentials that have lead to a long standing culturally relevant strategic partnership between the Tom Joyner Morning Show and Southwest Airlines. The Web seminar will focus on:

• The mutual value generated by the relationship of industry innovators, Joyner, southwest Airlines and their media agency Camelot Communications
• Identifying the development of the partnership
• The objectives to reach the African American consumer in relevant environment; measure of success; and ideas that have expanded the business for both parties

The presentation will identify groundbreaking ideas, cross-platform & grassroots marketing centered on a strong radio show, a changing business marketplace and mutual respect within a partnership. Learn about the resources you have, the relationship a client/agency thrives on and delivering value to the audience as a desired consumer.

GCG MARKETING WELCOMES KALYN BALDWIN AS COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COORDINATOR

Fort Worth-based GCG Marketing announces the addition of Kalyn Baldwin as community development coordinator. In this role, Baldwin will support new business development through community outreach initiatives, along with monitoring and launching social media strategies.

“Kalyn has a solid understanding of social media and the ways it can be leveraged for marketing initiatives,” said GCG president Neil Foster. “We saw this potential in her as an intern, and we couldn’t be more pleased to bring her on as an employee.”

Prior to joining GCG as an intern in September 2008, Baldwin held an internship at Starr Tincup. A Nebraska native, Baldwin is currently a senior at Texas Christian University, where she serves as president of the TCU Ad Association.

Blanchard Schaefer Hires Alexander Pierce as Junior Art Director

Blanchard Schaefer Advertising & Public Relations (BSAPR), an award-winning strategic marketing services firm, has named Alexander Pierce as junior art director. His work will focus on the agency’s roster of local, regional and national consumer and business-to-business clients.

“Developing emerging talent has always been a priority for our agency,” said Ken Schaefer, president of BSAPR. “With his unique style and diverse background, Alex brings the kind of ability to our team that we’ll be able to nurture while he produces thought-provoking concepts. His excitement and enthusiasm is extremely refreshing, and will be an immediate benefit to our clients.”

A 2009 cum laude graduate of the University of Texas at Arlington with a bachelor’s degree of fine arts in visual communication, Pierce is experienced in a variety of formats including print, identity and web design. He earned a first place American Design Award in 2008, and was a published student winner in the 2008 Creativity Awards Annual.

Pierce was also a member of the Alpha Chi Honor Society and served as president of the Organization of Visual Communicators.

About Blanchard Schaefer Advertising & Public Relations
Blanchard Schaefer Advertising & Public Relations, an award-winning strategic marketing services firm, offers a full array of advertising and public relations expertise and services with a focus in the healthcare, supply chain and logistics, health and beauty, multi-location/franchise, and technology verticals. Its client-tailored strategic marketing services include proficiency and innovation in research, identity/collateral development, branding, creative, media placement, news generation/dissemination, media relations and trade show and speaking engagement coordination. Based in Arlington, Texas, Blanchard Schaefer serves clients across the United States. For more information, visit www.bsapr.com <http://www.bsapr.com> .

Assembling Forces

By Glint Advertising

We understand that partnering with businesses that share our passion and commitment to clients and our industry can help us both become uniquely positioned to secure better opportunities. Jointly, with expanded capabilities, a greater market reach, and diversity in skill sets, we can provide a broader and deeper range of advertising and marketing solutions to meet clients’ needs and increase profits. Not to mention the opportunities that only larger firms can leverage.

Certainly how we begin our dialogue will be dependent on mindset and the business model of any interested company who sees potential in such an alignment. We feel it is worth a conversation between Glint and anyone who believes in this approach to see if there are benefits to joining forces.

If you are, or know of a company or group of individuals that might be interested in coming out of this economy with a stronger presence in the advertising industry, perhaps it’s worth a discussion on how we might work together to do just that. We're ready to ignite a change in the way we race to gain market share. Call me directly, Craig Lloyd, President of Glint, at 817-616-0320 if you would like to discuss our future.

You can learn more about us by following our social media discussions on the links provided below. Or, go to our website at www.glintadv.com to read about our approach to advertising and business.

Ready to Learn More about Interactive/Social Marketing?

Take the mystery out of going from offline to online with area interactive marketing experts. Join us for a day-long workshop organizes by AAF-Fort Worth. Attend large group sessions on social media, user experience and paid search. Or, visit smaller workshops on media planning and buying and designing for the web. Be sure to join us for lunch and our roundtable discussion with the experts.

WHEN:

Friday, October 16, 2009

9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

WHERE:

International Plaza Building

4055 International Plaza (near the intersection of Hulen and I-20)

Fort Worth, TX 76109

RSVP

Wednesday, October 15, 2009

FEE

EVENT SUMMARY

EVENT AGENDA

Red Productions on the Cowboys’ Jumbotron

Little did they know, the one hundred thousand people that filled Cowboys Stadium Sunday not only got to be a part of the first game in the new stadium, but also the debut of a Red Productions video on the largest screen in the world. Through a charitable partnership with Happy Hill Farm Academy, Red Productions has built a repertoire of high impact videos featuring the Dallas Cowboys.

Three season opener videos debuted at the Flowserve Dallas Cowboys Kickoff Luncheon on September 3rd before being showcased on the massive 60-yard screens in the new stadium. Sam Parnell, editor for Red Productions, had the opportunity to be at the game to see the video on the jumbotron. “It was really exciting to see our work up on that giant screen. Fellow Cowboys fans surrounded me, and they were all screaming, counting down with the video and taking pictures of the screen. It was pretty surreal,” said Parnell.

This milestone came exactly one year to the date after a Red Productions commercial screened on one of the largest venues in Times Square – the NASDAQ Tower. The Dallas Regional Chamber’s Technology Business Council was in NYC to preside over a NASDAQ Closing Bell Ceremony and their 30-second spot was played during the last hour of the market.

To see the videos you can visit the Cowboys Portfolio on our website at http://www.redproductions.com/portfolio/cowboys.

To read the press release from last year’s Times Square debut, you can click here, http://www.redproductions.com/news/article/27.

IT'S THAT TIME OF YEAR!

ADDY^® Afterhours
October 7, 2009

Time to start thinking about the Addy’s again and we know just the thing to get you in that frame of mind…ADDY Afterhours

Join us for drinks and appetizers at:

The Vault – Tower Room

525 Taylor Street

Fort Worth, 76102

Wed., October 7, 2009

6:00-7:30 p.m.

We’ll feature the winners reel from the 2009 National ADDY® Awards on the flat screens to get you thinking about your submissions for the 2010 Fort Worth ADDYs. Early submission is in December!

All of that thinking requires sustenance, so we’ll provide appetizers and The Vault is offering Happy Hour priced drinks.

FEES - Member - $17.00; Non-Member - $20.00

REGISTER NOW

Ads That Shouldn't Have Run

Could the ads you create for your clients cost you money? Imagine, a meeting with a lawyer that won't cost you money! It could, however, save you money, clients, headaches and visits from attorneys.

Jim Astrachan of Astrachan Gunst Thomas presents an informative and entertaining program that educates advertising and marketing professionals on the legal dangers of advertising.

WHEN - Wednesday, October 21st, 11:45 AM - 1:00 PM

WHERE - Joe T. Garcia's "La Puertita"
2201 N. Commerce St. Fort Worth, TX 76164

FEES - Member - $20.00; Non-Member - $35.00; Student - $15.00

REGISTER NOW

Change of Plans Part II

Due to the weather, the volleyball tournament scheduled for tomorrow has been re-scheduled for October 10. You can register for the October 10 tournament by clicking here.

Change of Plans for Saturday

Due to unforeseen circumstances, the Reunion Party planned for this Saturday at 8 p.m. has been canceled. We apologize for any inconvenience and, if you have already registered, your monies will refunded. Please stay tuned for our other upcoming event announcements.

The volleyball tournament is still taking place and you can register by clicking here. Your participation is key to providing an education for advertising students. We look forward to seeing you on the court this Saturday!

Super Ad Swag!

Visit Café Press for some Super Ad Swag – ringer tees, trucker hats and even something for the kiddos. Order yours today!

WARREN DOUGLAS POWERS UP FIRST-EVER NATIONAL TV SPOTS FOR ALLIED ELECTRONICS

Warren Douglas Creative Brand Marketing has released a media preview of the first of two national television commercials for Allied Electronics Inc. The :30 and :15 second efforts are set to begin airing nationwide next week, and are the company’s first-ever TV spots.

The preview is available for viewing by members of the media at the following link: http://www.warrendouglas.com/alliedtv.html

“Allied approached us with a very simple request,” said Steve Hanthorn, Warren Douglas’ Creative Director, “They wanted to shake up their industry by entering an arena rarely trafficked by electronic component suppliers: television. Of course we were very happy to oblige.”

The first commercial, entitled “The Engineers,” features two electrical engineers locked in a debate over which is better, the more “old school” Allied catalog or the immediate-response Allied website. When they’re unable to reach a consensus agreeably, things are settled in an unexpectedly humorous way.

“Allied’s primary consumer targets are smart, savvy professionals who aren’t easily impressed. We needed to grab them with something they could relate to, but was also uniquely amusing. We believe these ads accomplish just that,” said Hanthorn.

Allied Electronics’ Marketing Director Elisa Weber expressed the company’s appreciation for the final product: “We couldn’t be more pleased with how the spots from Warren Douglas have turned out – I can honestly say they’ve exceeded our wildest expectations.

“We can’t wait to see how our industry reacts … we think they’ll be pleasantly surprised!”

Fort Worth’s Red Productions was tapped for filming, editing and posting duties on the project, with Greg Beauchamp handling director’s chores and studio owner Red Sanders acting as producer.