JCPenney Sponsors 2011 National Advertising Student Competition

Nearly 150,000 advertising professionals across the nation have jump-started their careers through the American Advertising Federation (AAF) National Student Advertising Competition (NSAC). This year JCPenney will be the 38th sponsor of NSAC. For almost forty years, this competition has provided college students the hands-on, practical experience necessary to be competitive in this industry.

“After competing in the NSAC competition for four consecutive years, I can honestly say that it was the single-most beneficial activity I have ever taken part in during my entire educational career. NSAC is more than merely an advertising competition. It offers us a way to practically and organically learn methods of collaboration, management, problem solving, and critical thinking. It streamlines our creative process. It develops us into leaders. Learning in the classroom is, obviously, a necessity, but it is the conjunction of an extracurricular medium that allows us to gain an experiential knowledge of what we are learning and to begin to understand exactly how powerful implementing these tools can be.” – Andreas Robichaux, Chapman University NSAC team member, 2010 National Champion.

The competition requires college chapter members to develop a 32-page marketing campaign and 20 minute presentation in response to a case study co-authored by JCPenney and AAF Academic Committee. Each student team will first participate at the district level and then winning teams will advance to the national level. Student teams will pitch their campaign to a judging panel selected by the sponsor during the National Conference held in San Diego, June 2-4, 2011. Year over year, the quality of work and level of creativity surpasses the previous year and sponsors have been known to implement the ideas generated by these impressive, high-caliber student teams.

“JCPenney is thrilled to be the 2011 National Advertising Student Competition sponsor. We are eager to see what ‘Big IdeaS’ will emerge from some of the most talented student advertising minds today.” – Mike Boylson, Executive Vice President, Chief Marketing Officer, JCPenney Company.

AAF currently has 15 districts and over 200 college chapters. Last year 147 college chapters competed at the district level and it is anticipated that the number will increase in 2011.

“We are proud to have JCPenney as our sponsor this year and look forward to another successful partnership. Corporate support such as this enables AAF college chapter members to participate in a stimulating learning opportunity. NSAC provides the real-world perspective that students need as they embark on a career in the advertising industry.” – James Edmund Datri, AAF President and CEO.

JCPenney will not only sponsor NSAC this year but will also host the 2010 AAF Student Conference in Dallas, Texas on October 21-22. This event connects students with a variety of professional development opportunities and encourages them to meet and network with industry leaders and AAF alumni.

To learn more about how to start an AAF college chapter and participate in the NSAC, please visit www.aaf.org/college .

About JCPenney Company, Inc.
JCPenney is one of America’s leading retailers, operating throughout the US and Puerto Rico. It carries the largest apparel and home furnishing sites on the Internet, jcp.com, and the nation’s largest general merchandise catalog business. Across their integrated enterprise, JCPenney offers a wide array of national, private and exclusive brands which reflect the Company’s commitment to providing customers with style and quality at compelling prices. For more information, visit the JCPenney, Inc. website at www.JCPenney.net .

About the American Advertising Federation
The American Advertising Federation (AAF), headquartered in Washington, D.C., acts as the "Unifying Voice for Advertising." The AAF is the oldest national advertising trade association, representing 40,000 professionals in the advertising industry. The AAF has a national network of 200 ad clubs located in ad communities across the country. Through its 214 college chapters, the AAF provides 7,500 advertising students with real-world case studies and recruitment connections to corporate America. The AAF also has nearly 100 blue-chip corporate members that are advertisers, agencies and media companies, comprising the nation's leading brands and corporations. For more information, visit the AAF's Web site at www.aaf.org .

Skyline DFW Exhibits & Graphics Joins Inc. 5000 as One of America’s Fastest Growing Companies

Dallas/Fort Worth Exhibit Company Earns Ranking with 57% Percent Growth Rate in Spite of 20% Industry Decline

Inc. Magazine today named Skyline DFW Exhibits & Graphics to its annual ranking of the 5000 fastest-growing companies in the country based on revenue growth. The annual ranking shines the spotlight on these companies that make up an important segment of the economy.

Skyline DFW has defied the odds since opening its doors shortly after 9/11/2001 and has experienced double digit top-line revenue growth every year since, including the 57% increase between 2006 and 2009 that enabled the company to qualify for the 2010 Inc. Magazine 5000. The International Association of Exhibitions and Events reports a 20% decline in the Net Square Feet of exhibit space at trade shows since 2006. Yet, even in the midst of the recession and cutbacks in corporate trade show and convention budgets, Skyline DFW continues to experience substantial growth, expanding its operations in 2008 from 12,000 to 37,000 square feet and hiring many new employees.

Skyline DFW’s leadership team attributes this growth to a forward thinking mentality and a real commitment to providing unmatched customer service. Management’s foresight led the company to expand beyond sales of display exhibits and graphics, to complete turn-key trade show and event solutions, including trade show logistics, exhibit rentals, project management, installation and dismantle, exhibit storage and exhibitor training. And Skyline DFW’s service mantra has paid off with phenomenal customer loyalty and referrals.

“We are honored to join the ranks of the Inc. 5000,” stated Jeff Meisner, President of Skyline DFW Exhibits & Graphics. “Even as the recession threatened budgets, we have experienced record revenues and are extremely thankful to our loyal customers and employees who have made this possible.”

Skyline DFW customer American Airlines backs up the company’s formula for success. “As great as the Skyline product is, the people at Skyline DFW make all the difference. From coming up with ideas about how the exhibit should look, to working out all the logistics of getting it where it needs to be, the Skyline DFW team has been great to work with every step of the way,” said Susie Williams of American Airlines.

Skyline DFW is on track for a repeat performance in 2011 to nab a spot on the Inc. 5000 list again. “This year is shaping up to be another record year for us. And through it all, we’ll maintain the hallmark of our brand, exceptional customer service,” noted Jeff Meade, company Vice President.

Inc. 5000 Methodology

The 2010 Inc. 5000 is ranked according to percentage revenue growth from 20006 through 2009. To qualify, companies must have been founded and generating revenue by March 31, 2006. Additionally, they have to be U.S.-based, privately held, for profit and independent (not a subsidiary of another company). Revenue must have been at least $100,000 in 2006 and $2,000,000 in 2009.


About Skyline DFW Exhibits & Graphics

Located in the Dallas/Fort Worth metro area, Skyline DFW Exhibits & Graphics enhances customer’s branding, product, messaging, marketing, ROI and overall company performance through the design, creation and delivery of innovative exhibit display products and turnkey services. Customers include: American Airlines, American Eurocopter, Eurocopter, Interstate Batteries, Metro Aviation, and Wilsonart International.

Join Us For a FREE Four Day Weekend Show

It will be a night of laughs at Four Day Weekend in Sundance Square on Friday, August 6. We'll enjoy an entertaining show and a cash bar. Tickets are FREE for AAF-Fort Worth members and friends (limit of two guests per member). Attendees must be at least 18 years of age.

RSVP by August 5, 2010. There is limited availability so RSVP now to reserve your seat!

JODesign Growing, Adding New Staff and Clients

JODesign, a Fort Worth-based full-service marketing agency, announced today that the company has doubled in size, and continues to grow as a well-rounded company. JODesign offers innovative marketing, advertising and public relations services.

JODesign’s new staff members include public relations assistants Leslie Wimmer and Audrey Taubert. Wimmer brings experience to JODesign from her background as a newspaper reporter in Fort Worth. Wimmer has reported on a broad variety of topics, but has most recently spent more than two years focusing on banking and finance issues in Tarrant County. Taubert, a recent graduate of Texas A&M University in College Station, brings a fresh and innovative perspective to JODesign. While earning her degree, Taubert took on various leadership roles at her university, and worked with the City of College Station’s Public Communications Department polishing her public relations and media skills.

JODesign has experienced a tremendous amount of growth and success since its launch in 1998. And despite difficult economic conditions, the company has gained eight new clients so far in 2010. Each new client provides JODesign with more opportunities to develop unique products and provide personalized services to help businesses grow.

“It’s amazing to see how much we’ve been able to accomplish in just the last year, and we couldn’t have done it without our client partnerships,” said Jennifer Henderson, JODesign president. “When I opened the business several years ago, it was as a two-man shop. I never dreamed that without a true sales force we’d make it this long and grow so fast. It is exciting to bring on some extra talent to help manage our growing client base.”

With a current staff of eight employees, three interns, and a client base growing every year, JODesign continues to exceed its goals despite a tough economic environment. JODesign has been a consistent example of a thriving business, capable of delivering outstanding results to every client.

About JODesign
JODesign is an award-winning advertising, design, marketing and public relations agency with fresh ideas, solid concepts and proven results. Founded in 1998 by Jennifer Henderson, JODesign has grown to eight staff members, three paid internships, two business partners and an impressive client base. JODesign’s mission is two-fold, to deliver great work and build long-lasting relationships with each client. JODesign transforms its creative thinking and innovative ideas into a product that meets the objectives, deadlines and budgets of each project, specializing in strategic planning, marketing, public relations, branding and web design. For more information please call 817-335-0100 or visit www.jodesign.com.