Nissan Sponsors 2012 National Advertising Student Competition

Over the last 38 years, nearly 150,000 future advertising professionals across the nation have jump-started their careers through the American Advertising Federation’s (AAF’s) National Student Advertising Competition (NSAC), which provides college students with the hands-on, practical experience necessary to be competitive in the industry. And at the same time, 38 blue chip companies – one each year to sponsor the program – have had the unique benefit of getting the marketing insights of thousands of college students, trained in the art and science of advertising, and organized into teams that act as advertising agencies to focus their energies on their sponsor’s brand. The AAF today proudly announces that Nissan Americas will be the sponsor of the 39th annual NSAC.

The competition requires AAF college chapter members to develop a 32-page marketing campaign and 20-minute presentation in response to a case study co-authored by Nissan Americas and the AAF Academic Division. The case study will focus on the Nissan brand as it relates to multicultural audiences, expanding upon Nissan's innovation theme. 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 AAF’s National Conference, the annual ADMERICA!, to be held in 2012 in Austin, Texas from June 2-5.

Year after 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.

“Nissan is extremely proud to support the creative minds of the National Student Advertising Competition,” said Jon Brancheau, vice president, Marketing, Nissan North America. “We are excited to see how the students can help Nissan deliver even more innovation to our communication platform.”

The AAF has 15 districts with over 200 college chapters represented. Last year, 148 AAF college chapters competed at the district level, and it is anticipated that that number will increase in 2012.

“The automotive sector is incredibly dynamic, and Nissan is an exciting and innovative brand in that sector, and so I know our students are going to be thrilled to learn that Nissan is the 2011-2012 NSAC sponsor. I am confident our partnership with Nissan will be a true testament to the quality of work our AAF college students can produce. Most of all, I thank Nissan for believing in and supporting the future of the advertising industry by providing our college students the kind of hands-on training these students cannot get anywhere else. We look forward to working with the Nissan Team,” said AAF president and CEO James Edmund Datri.

Nissan Americas will not only sponsor the NSAC this year, but will also host the 2011 AAF Student Conference in Washington, D.C. on October 27-28. 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/education.

BALCOM AGENCY HIRED TO REDESIGN WEBSITE FOR THE MODERN ART MUSEUM OF FORT WORTH

Balcom Agency, an award-winning advertising, interactive and public relations firm, has been chosen to redesign www.themodern.org , the website for The Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth. The Modern, located in Fort Worth’s cultural district, maintains a vast collection of modern and contemporary art—including works by Pablo Picasso, Jackson Pollock and Andy Warhol—and serves as host to several traveling exhibitions each year. The Modern made its decision after a nationwide review of multiple agencies.
 
As part of the redesign, Balcom will support The Modern’s mission to promote a welcoming environment for public appreciation of post-World War II art. The website will display the beauty of permanent and loaned collections, as well as highlight the architecture of the museum and its surrounding grounds. In addition to revamping the site’s navigation, the team plans a new calendar system to promote and communicate contemporary art exhibits and community events.
 
“While The Modern is praised worldwide as a premier cultural institution, it is also a favorite destination of our B team,” said Stuart Balcom, principal of Balcom Agency. “Supporting The Modern in its quest to improve its online presence and digital footprint will be a productive, and fun, endeavor for us.”
 
Planning for the website project has already begun, with a fall launch of the site planned.

Kearley Announces the Addition of Sara Neal to Team

Fort Worth based Kearley & Company, Inc., announced the addition of Sara Neal to the team as assistant copywriter.

“Sara is a skilled writer and has demonstrated a comprehensive understanding of how to contribute to our clients’ successes,” said Elisa Rode, agency president. “We are thrilled to have her as part of our team.”

In addition to her duties as copywriter, Neal will assist with some of the account management.

Neal started as an intern at Kearley 18 months ago and moved into a part time position while she was finishing her degree. She said she has enjoyed her time at Kearley, and is excited to continue working with the team.

“I’ve enjoyed learning from and working with everyone at Kearley. Everyone here has taken the time to mentor me on different projects, and I am so grateful,” Neal said. “The fact that I get to keep working here is just icing on the cake, I couldn’t be happier.”

In May, Neal graduated Cum Laude from Texas Christian University with a Bachelor of Arts in Writing, and minors in both Spanish and news/editorial journalism.

About Kearley & Company, Inc.:
In business since 1981, Kearley and Company, Inc., is a full-service advertising and consulting firm based in Fort Worth, Texas. The firm offers strategic and creative services for a variety of industry sectors in large and small markets across the country. The firm specializes in credit union industry marketing and retail merchandising—which accounts for roughly 75 percent of the agency’s client base.

GCG MARKETING WELCOMES CRYSTAL CARDWELL TO ACCOUNT SERVICES TEAM

Fort Worth-based GCG Marketing announces the addition of Crystal Cardwell as account executive. In this role, Cardwell will manage and promote client-agency relationships by overseeing campaign development and monitoring account processes. She will also play a key role in spearheading the agency’s business development initiatives.

Cardwell joins GCG following a position as client services manager for Studios 121, where she directed marketing initiatives, event coordination and business development. A graduate of The School for Film and TV in New York, she has also worked in Hollywood producing and promoting independent movies for Perles Films. Cardwell currently serves as a board member of the American Advertising Federation – Fort Worth.

“Crystal’s unique skill set perfectly complements our client services team,” said Neil Foster, GCG president. “Her background in video production and knowledge of diverse media types will allow us to better serve our clients, and that’s always our main goal.”
About GCG

Fort Worth, Texas-based GCG Marketing is a full-service marketing firm providing strategy and consultation, along with advertising and public relations services, to clients in the healthcare, corporate, consumer and business-to-business arenas since 1973. For more information, visit www.gcgmarketing.com or read the GCG blog at www.gcgideas.com. 


Drew Myers Named J.O. Director of Business Development & Administration

J.O, a Fort Worth-based full-service marketing agency, announced today that Drew Myers has been named Director of Business Development & Administration.

In this position, Myers will lead business development efforts to increase J.O.’s client and project base. He will set forth goals and milestones for the company and it’s employees to ultimately increase profits and productivity of the company.

Myers’ background includes extensive experience in marketing, public relations, and business-to-business sales, which makes him an ideal fit. His familiarity with the industry and networking skills will support J.O.’s efforts to build long-term relationships with current and prospective clients. Myers’ abilities supervising and leading staff through the years aligns with his new responsibilities of establishing an efficient work flow and positive environment.

“We are excited to bring Drew on board to help manage our growing base of clients and projects,” said Jennifer Henderson, J.O. president. “We love his creativity, his involvement in the community and especially his energetic ‘can-win’ spirit.”

About J.O.
J.O. 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, J.O. has grown to include eight staff members, three paid interns, two business partners and an impressive client base. J.O.’s mission is two-fold, to deliver great work and build long-lasting relationships with each client. J.O. 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.

AAF-FW announces big wins at recent convention.

The American Advertising Federation's (AAF’s) 10th District hosted the Governor’s Ball - a gala and awards banquet on Saturday, April 16, 2011, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma – which convened AAF chapters from Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Arkansas.

AAF-Fort Worth competed and won club achievement awards at the district level for 6 of the 8 possible categories including wins for Education, Communications, Membership, Public Service, Government Relations and Programs.

It’ was also announced at the gala that AAF-FW won three awards for club achievement at the national level including a 3rd Place for Government Relations and 1st Place for Education and a 1st place for Membership.

The evening concluded with AAF-FW being awarded Small Club of the Year for the 10th District.

In addition, a special honor was awarded to long-time AAF-FW member and former club President and past District Governor, and current AAF-Central Region Chair Susan Cook. Cook was awarded the District 10 Sterling Service Award.

AAF-Fort Worth Announces winners from AAF District 10 ADDY competition

The American Advertising Federation's 10th District ADDY® awards show was held on Friday, April 15, 2011, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma with D10 ADDY winners announced at that time.

During the awards gala, 23 awards were given to agencies, designers, and students from Fort Worth. Two professional golds were awarded to AAF-FW members - one to Concussion and one to Williamson-Dickies. Three student golds were awarded – two to David Heflin of the University of North Texas and one to Diana Tran of UTA.

Click here for the complete list of ADDY winners from Fort Worth and the entire AAF D-10.

More about the ADDY Awards:
The ADDY Awards are the advertising industry's largest and most representative competition, recognizing creative excellence and the very best advertising worldwide. Sponsored by the American Advertising Federation (AAF), the ADDY Awards represent the true creative spirit of advertising by recognizing all forms of advertising, from all types of media, created by all sizes and types of entrants, from anywhere in the world. This worldwide competition draws over 60,000 total entries annually.

Surviving & Thriving in the Fundraising Jungle: How to Build a Plan that Gets Results and Won’t Drive You Crazy

Tuesday, April 26, 9:00 – 11:30 AM - Registration begins at 8:30 AM

Held at La Mancha Business Center, Building 3, 3120 Merida St., Fort Worth 76109

It’s a jungle out there. And those who learn how to successfully fundraise in a tough and changing environment win the game.

You need a plan. A strategy that will allow you to reach your goals and keep your team organized. Fundraising is marketing with an “ask” – so what you need is a killer marketing plan.

This presentation will focus on how to build a marketing plan for your organization’s fundraising. You’ll learn how the principles of marketing are the same as those for fundraising and how to build an effective plan with concrete goals, strategies and tactics. You’ll learn how to bring cash to your door and increase donor engagement at every contact point, thereby creating a perpetual circle of donation and influence.

Additionally, in today’s diverse world, it’s more important than ever to learn how to do multicultural fundraising – how to raise funds from people and groups that may be very different from you and your organization. The 2010 Census reveals just how diverse our communities are, and in order to be effective at fundraising, you need to embrace this diversity and make it work for you.

PRESENTER: KELLY McDONALD

Kelly McDonald is a marketing and advertising expert with more than 25 years of experience working with companies and brands of every size. She has been featured on CNBC, in BusinessWeek, on CNNMoney.com and on Sirius/XM Radio.

She is also the author of “How to Market to People Not Like You: Know It or Blow It Rules for Reaching Diverse Customers”. The first 100 people to sign up for this event will receive a complimentary copy of this easy-to-read, easy-to-understand, step-by-step guide to growing your business. Kelly will also personally sign each book!

For more information about Kelly, please visit her website http://www.mcdonaldmarketing.com/

Cost: FIC member $35 per person if your ED/CEO attends
FIC member $45 per person
Nonmember $55

The first 100 people who sign up will receive a copy of Kelly’s new book, to be released 3/22/11, “How to Market to People Not Like You.” (This is a $25 value.)


To register, please visit the FIC website www.fic-ftw.org.

GCG MARKETING WELCOMES LINDSAY HENDON TO ACCOUNT SERVICES TEAM

Fort Worth-based GCG Marketing announces the addition of Lindsay Hendon as account executive. As a primary liaison between clients and the agency, Hendon will be responsible for promoting and managing agency relations with clients. This includes monitoring timely delivery of projects, providing team members with necessary resources for project completion and ensuring
client needs are met.

“Lindsay has exemplary marketing skills and solid experience in project management,” said Allyson Cross, account services director at GCG Marketing. “Simply put, she is proactive and diligent. I am delighted to have her join our team.”

Prior to joining GCG Marketing, Hendon was marketing consultant at Skyline DFW Exhibits & Events, where she provided consultation and direction to clients and spearheaded the company’s first-ever internship program. She graduated from Texas State University in 2007 with a degree in mass communication and is a board member of the American Advertising Federation –Fort Worth.

About GCG
Fort Worth, Texas-based GCG, is a full-service marketing firm providing strategy and consultation, along with advertising and public relations services, to clients in the healthcare, corporate, consumer and business-to-business arenas since 1973. For more information, visit www.gcgmarketing.com or read the GCG blog at www.gcgideas.com.

Texas Legislative Alert

BACKGROUND
HB1 (the House version of the state budget bill) was filled in mid-January, and includes a drastic proposed reduction to our industries’ crucial and successful incentive program. The Texas Moving Image Industry Incentive Program provides incentives for film, TV, commercials and video game production to be filmed in Texas.

The current incentives may be cut from $60 million to just $10 million during this legislative session under the cloud of a $27 billion state budget deficit.

RATIONALE AGAINST ANY CUT
Yet in the face of that, we have a great story to tell - our incentive program has generated over $610 million dollars in new in-state spending and has accounted for over 56,000 jobs for Texans. We strongly believe that cutting our program won't save Texas money, it'll cost us - both in terms of business and jobs. In fact, the Comptroller's Office recently released a study that found for every $117 in incentives granted, $1,000 in Texas production spending has been generated, reporting "Texas has proven to be successful." Our incentives are working, and putting Texans to work in Texas.

ACTION TO BE TAKEN
So what can you do? Now more than ever, we need your support. We call on all industry professionals working in film, television, commercials and video games across the state to let their state representatives know your opposition to the proposed cut in support of the Texas Moving Image Industry Incentive Program. If possible visit with you state representatives or at least write them, You can find your proper state representative at http://www.capitol.state.tx.us. Who Represents Me is on the bottom right of the home page.

The Texas Motion Picture Alliance will have Lobby Day on for Wednesday, March 9 at the Texas Capitol in Austin to discuss this subject with state representative. Please mark your calendars and join them in representing our industries. They will announce more details soon, as TXMPA Board members are hard at work with their advocacy firm Greenberg Traurig, LLP and Lawrence Collins to navigate this especially challenging, high-stakes legislative session.

Contacts:
-Frank Kopec, AAF Dallas Legislative Chair and Executive Director, frank@aafdallas.org, 972-488-8227
-Don Stokes, Texas Motion Picture Alliance President, 214-362-0162, dstokes@postasylum.com

The 2011 ADDY Photos are In!

Photos from the 2011 ADDY Gala are now posted on the AAF-FW Facebook page. Find us at AAF-Fort Worth and tag yourself for a chance to win two free tickets to the 2012 ADDY Gala.

And, stay tuned for information on where to get your ADDY Golds and order additional awards.

Become an Advertising Education Sponsor (AES)

Nineteen area colleges will be vying for the District 10 title in the AAF National Student Advertising Competition, April 13 - 15 in Oklahoma City. Last year's winner, Texas State, went on to place second nationally. In previous years, TCU, SMU, Texas State, UT Austin, Texas Tech, Houston and San Antonio College have all taken home national championships. Teams from AAF District 10 (Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana and Oklahoma) have won more national championships than any other district.

Become an Advertising Education Sponsor to help students.
Getting an AES membership will support District 10 schools in their efforts to win future National Advertising Competitions. They also support annual scholarships and add bright talent to this area's advertising industry. There are several levels of memberships available, including the $75 Bronze, $150 Silver, $300 Gold up to the $2,500 Business Level.

You can send your donations to:
AAF-Fort Worth
c/o AES Membership
3000 S. Hulen St., Suite 124, #218
Fort Worth, TX 76109

For more information, please contact Lindsay Hendon at lhendon@skylinedfw.com.