tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9429475714512161212011-04-21T22:53:40.329+03:00megaonoreply@blogger.comBlogger1161100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-942947571451216121.post-70160103171592131602009-03-03T12:08:00.000+02:002009-03-03T15:08:37.811+02:00 <p>Sees 43 Percent Revenue Growth & More Than 33 Percent Traffic Growth</p> <p></p> <p>JERSEY CITY, N.J., March 3 /PRNewswire/ -- Marketing Technology Solutions (MTS), a performance-based, interactive marketing company that specializes in connecting health and pharmaceutical brands with engaged, health-conscious consumers, today announced strong growth during 2008, along with significant traffic growth for its flagship consumer health information site QualityHealth.com. The Company has used the down turn in the economy as an opportunity to enhance its technology infrastructure and staff with top industry talent highlighted with the hires of Ken Kantor previously at IAC as VP of Consumer Marketing and Linda Evans previously of AOL Health as Managing Editor.</p> <p></p> <p>MTS saw total year revenue grow by 43 percent in 2008. This growth was driven primarily by an 82 percent client renewal rate, as well as, the addition of 2.7M registered QualityHealth.com members. "2008 results confirmed the strength of our performance based model for our advertisers and customized content for our QualityHealth.com members," said Helene Monat, CEO, Marketing Technology Solutions. "Advertisers looking for greater efficiencies and ROI effectiveness in their DTC spending selected our products for better targeted advertising and retention. Health seeking consumers that are looking for more relevant ways to manage and maintain a healthy lifestyle visit QualityHealth.com for information and valuable offers targeted specifically to them."</p> <p></p> <p>According to comScore, Inc., the global leader of measurement in the digital world, QualityHealth.com ended 2008 with approximately 5.1 million unique visitors per month. "This ranks QualityHealth.com as the seventh most visited ad-supported health site on the Web, and its growth rate was twice that of the overall online Health channel," said Peter Burch, SVP Sales & Marketing, Marketing Technology Solutions. "Furthermore, MTS invested over $1 million on its December 2008 migration to Terremark Worldwide, a leading global provider of managed IT infrastructure solutions, providing QualityHealth.com with significant security, speed, and scale enhancements to support our record growth in traffic."</p> <p></p> <p>Along with tailored health advice, savings and community, QualityHealth.com also offers users high-quality healthcare information from its original content, as well as, content from Reuters and A.D.A.M. Reuters news content supplies up-to-the-minute articles on health topics from its writers around the world. A.D.A.M. provides proprietary educational offerings, including in-depth, illustrated reports; chronic-condition care guides; health-risk assessments; decision-assist tools. This content adds to the broad archive of information visitors to QualityHealth.com will find as a result of their searches and personal profiles.</p> <p></p> <p>About Marketing Technology Solutions</p> <p>Marketing Technology Solutions (MTS) is a media and technology company specializing in servicing health consumers and advertisers through proprietary algorithms that personalize health content based on a unique Healthographics(TM) consumer profile. MTS specializes in connecting clients' brands with health-conscious consumers through data-driven patient education, targeted customer acquisition, syndicated research, and permission-based interactive marketing. For more information, please visit mtscorp.com.</p> <p></p> <pre> For media & investors: Peter Burch SVP, Sales & Marketing Tel: 732.491.8043 burch@mtscorp.com </pre> <p></p> <noindex><p>[Via <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.prnewswire.com" target="_blank">http://www.prnewswire.com</a>]</p></noindex> <ul> <li><a href="http://proinsurancenews.blogspot.com/2009/03/ask-crucial-questions-about-your.html#comment-form">Ask Crucial Questions About Your Provider Before Buying Travel Insurance</a></li> <li><a href="http://artprnews.blogspot.com/2009/03/american-art-helping-students-picture.html#comment-form">American Art Helping Students Picture America's History</a></li> </ul><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/942947571451216121-7016010317159213160?l=advertisingmedianews.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>megaonoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-942947571451216121.post-17614071575380513882009-03-03T11:00:00.000+02:002009-03-03T14:14:19.046+02:00 <p>Program rollout marks first season that rooftop properties will leverage resources to create promotional opportunities on large scale.</p> <p></p> <p>CHICAGO, March 3 /PRNewswire/ -- Just in time for the Chicago Cubs' April 13 home opener, a group of famed Wrigleyville Rooftops have announced that they will come together to collectively leverage their properties to offer leading marketers unique, large-scaled promotional opportunities during the 2009 baseball season. Branded as "The Wrigleyville Rooftops," the initial rollout of the program includes five premiere rooftop venues, including famed Murphy's Rooftop and Beyond The Ivy.</p> <p></p> <p>Since the 1980's the now sixteen rooftops that line the horizon above Wrigley Field's bleachers have become an increasingly popular part of experiencing game day in Chicago. Research has shown that the typical Rooftop ticket holder represents a highly sought after consumer demographic with 32 percent more likely to earn over $150k annually and 89% having at least 4 years of college.</p> <p></p> <p>The Wrigleyville Rooftops marketing program was conceived and is being led by Gravitas Marketing, the sponsorships and events unit of Schafer Condon Carter (SCC), one of Chicago's fastest growing integrated marketing agencies.</p> <p></p> <p>"The Wrigleyville Rooftops represent one of the most targeted and valuable opportunities for brands who are looking to create a deep experiential brand connection with consumers," says Jim Kenyon at Gravitas Marketing. "This program represents the first time marketers have the opportunity to own and leverage The Wrigleyville Rooftop experience on such a meaningful scale."</p> <p></p> <p>Gravitas Marketing has plans to expand the program by enrolling additional Rooftops in advance of and throughout the 2009 season. A recent pre-season marketing effort leveraging the collective properties during the NHL Winter Classic on New Year's Day was a great success. Plans are also underway to provide promotional opportunities to marketers this summer during the Elton John & Billy Joel concerts scheduled for July 16 and July 21.</p> <p></p> <p>For more information about the sponsorship opportunities, marketers can contact Gravitas Marketing's Jim Kenyon at 312-464-1666 or go to www.thewrigleyvillerooftops.com.</p> <p></p> <p>About Gravitas Marketing</p> <p>Gravitas Marketing is the sponsorships and events unit of Schafer Condon Carter. Founded in 2006, the agency specializes in designing and implementing unique brand-driven sponsorship programs for leading brands. Gravitas Marketing's clients include Culver's Restaurants, the Citizens' Utility Board, Ellio's Pizza, Terlato Wines, and Clearly Canadian. For more information, visit www.gravitasmarketing.com.</p> <p></p> <p>Schafer Condon Carter is a leading privately held, integrated services marketing agency with a proven history of producing results-focused programs. SCC has experienced nineteen consecutive years of steady growth of agency billings and revenue and an expanding client roster including: Brunswick Corp., General Mills, McCain Foods, ConAgra, Solo Cup and National Cattlemen's Beef Association. SCC, established in 1989, is based in Chicago and its wholly owned network includes SCC|Grossman Public Relations, SCC|New Media and Gravitas Marketing. The agency employs more than 70 people. To learn more about SCC, visit www.sccadv.com.</p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <noindex><p>[Via <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.prnewswire.com" target="_blank">http://www.prnewswire.com</a>]</p></noindex> <ul> <li><a href="http://psychologyarts.blogspot.com/2009/03/pitt-study-finds-children-of-bipolar.html#comment-form">Pitt Study Finds Children Of Bipolar Parents Have Increased Risk Of Psychiatric Disorders</a></li> <li><a href="http://p2businessretail.blogspot.com/2009/03/executive-essentials-adds-new-montblanc.html#comment-form">Executive Essentials Adds New Montblanc Pens to Montblanc Pens Collection and Now Features Pen Engraving</a></li> </ul><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/942947571451216121-1761407157538051388?l=advertisingmedianews.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>megaonoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-942947571451216121.post-21115387701257949352009-03-03T05:01:00.000+02:002009-03-03T07:59:55.262+02:00 <p>ReputationCheck Gives Everyone an Easy Way to Gauge Which Companies to Trust With Real-Time Embeddable Reputation Rankings</p> <p></p> <p>SAN FRANCISCO, March 3 /PRNewswire/ -- Vanno, the online social evaluation platform that captures trends in gossip, news, opinion and personal insight about companies and brands and converts them into a Company Reputation Index, today introduces ReputationCheck. </p> <p></p> <p>ReputationCheck is an easy way to discern which companies you can trust based on their rank within Vanno's Company Reputation Index. The Index currently follows the reputations of more than 5,800 companies worldwide in over 50 business categories. With ReputationCheck's tools everyone - not only investors and management, but customers, employees, communities, and concerned citizens - can hold companies accountable and encourage greater transparency. Business owners and company representatives can also use ReputationCheck to monitor how their companies are perceived in real-time.</p> <p></p> <p>ReputationCheck displays a company's reputation rank and compares that rank to the best and worst companies relative to customer and employee satisfaction, community involvement, the environment, patriotism and social responsibility, which in turn encompass important issues like job satisfaction, customer service, product safety and origin, human rights, corporate governance, charitable giving, diversity, sustainability and clean energy. ReputationCheck is available at www.vanno.com/reputationcheck and can easily be integrated into any blog or website.</p> <p></p> <p>"A company's reputation extends beyond its financial results to include how it treats its customers, employees, communities, the environment and society in general. These stakeholders need a forum where they can engage in a meaningful dialogue that actually impacts companies in a measurable way. Vanno is that community," said Nick DiGiacomo, co-founder of Vanno. "And with the release of ReputationCheck, we're making Vanno's real-time rankings available free to bloggers and websites everywhere." </p> <p></p> <p>At Vanno, anyone can participate in a civil dialogue about companies and their reputations by submitting stories about their personal experiences and news articles they've read, and by voting or commenting. Using mathematical techniques that have found wide acceptance in spam filtering and fraud detection, Vanno converts the community dialogue into a powerful and accurate real-time Index of company reputation. Registered Vanno users can see all rankings and reputation scores, as well as all stories, votes, and comments. While a number of sites are available for consumers to vent about companies, submit stories or do research, Vanno is the only one that uses proven science to convert user generated content into measurable scores that impact company reputations.</p> <p></p> <p>About Vanno</p> <p>Vanno (www.vanno.com) is an online social evaluation platform that captures trends in gossip, news, opinion and personal insight about companies and brands and converts them into a Company Reputation Index. Designed to turn a brighter light on the behavior of the companies that inhabit our lives, Vanno gives customers, employees, communities, business owners and concerned citizens a forum to engage in civil dialogue. Vanno was founded in 2007 and launched its public beta in October 2008. Vanno is headquartered in San Francisco, CA, and was founded by Nick DiGiacomo and Landon Clark.</p> <p></p> <p></p> <noindex><p>[Via <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.prnewswire.com" target="_blank">http://www.prnewswire.com</a>]</p></noindex> <ul> <li><a href="http://p4myfin.blogspot.com/2009/03/advisers-owned-trust-company-receives.html#comment-form">Advisers-Owned Trust Company Receives OK to Launch</a></li> <li><a href="http://politicsvideosyt.blogspot.com/2009/03/let-get-some-reality-check-in-our.html#comment-form">Let's get some reality check in our stimulus</a></li> </ul><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/942947571451216121-2111538770125794935?l=advertisingmedianews.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>megaonoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-942947571451216121.post-9186575771915240902009-03-02T23:09:00.000+02:002009-03-03T04:22:19.042+02:00 <p>AUSTIN, Texas, March 2 /PRNewswire/ -- The Direct Response Academy is introducing the first course on infomercial marketing to the U.S. Hispanic consumer. Hispanic DRTV Marketing will be held on March 24 & 25 in Austin, Texas.</p> <p></p> <p>"This new program is very timely," says Greg Sarnow, Academy CEO. "Marketers are being challenged today to introduce their brands to the Hispanic market using infomercial television advertising. But first, they need to understand the distinct differences in approach to this sector."</p> <p></p> <p>Attendees at the Austin course will explore the nuances of marketing to the Hispanic consumer and the tactical differences in approach to Hispanic marketing vs. general marketing. Challenges like the vendors needed for Hispanic DRTV, how to solve the issue of COD, and the truth about credit cards in marketing to Hispanics will be thoroughly evaluated.</p> <p></p> <p>The Hispanic DRTV Marketing course is built on the curriculum of the Academy's cornerstone program, DRTV Management Boot Camp, which covers the full spectrum of an infomercial campaign. Participants will learn to: </p> <p></p> <p> </p><ul><li>Determine if a product is feasible for a Hispanic infomercial campaign</li> <li>Build a compelling product offer</li> <li>Choose the best creative approach and production format for a Hispanic program</li> <li>Build a sound financial model</li> <li>Analyze media placement results</li> <li>Maximize effectiveness of telemarketing and product fulfillment vendors</li> <li>Integrate web sales with a DRTV campaign</li> <li>Brand DRTV products for sale at the retail level</li> </ul><p></p> <p></p> <p>An added bonus is that the course dovetails with Austin's annual SXSW festival. Information on the festival can be found at http://sxsw.com/.</p> <p></p> <p>Hispanic DRTV Marketing will be held in Austin, Texas on March 24th and 25th. For more information, contact Mark Warren at courses@directresponseacademy.com, or call (512) 301-5900. Visit: www.DirectResponseAcademy.com/courses-hispanic-drtv-marketing.html</p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>The Direct Response Academy in Austin, Texas is the only educational company dedicated to teaching the best practices of direct response television marketing. The Academy offers on-site and public training, infomercial campaign management, and consulting services for companies and individuals who are launching or managing DRTV campaigns.</p> <p></p> <pre> CONTACT: Patricia Mellody 512-301-5900 pat@directresponseacademy.com </pre> <p></p> <p>Available Topic Expert(s): For information on the listed expert(s), click</p> <p>appropriate link.</p> <p>https://profnet.prnewswire.com/Subscriber/ExpertProfile.aspx?ei=67583</p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <noindex><p>[Via <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.prnewswire.com" target="_blank">http://www.prnewswire.com</a>]</p></noindex> <ul> <li><a href="http://p1businesscorporationsblog.blogspot.com/2009/03/cosmocom-launches-cosmohealth-and.html#comment-form">CosmoCom Launches CosmoHealth and CosmoHealth ProActive</a></li> <li><a href="http://p2businessrealestate.blogspot.com/2009/03/new-section-on-sextant-properties.html#comment-form">New Section on Sextant Properties Entitled "Living in France"</a></li> </ul><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/942947571451216121-918657577191524090?l=advertisingmedianews.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>megaonoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-942947571451216121.post-23535477182152774092009-03-02T11:00:00.000+02:002009-03-02T14:12:38.207+02:00 <p>- Fifth Edition of Lominger's FYI For Your Improvement(TM) Introduces New Research-Based Content to Identify Leadership Development Needs -</p> <p></p> <p>LOS ANGELES, March 2 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The Korn/Ferry Institute today announced that Lominger, a Korn/Ferry company, has released the fifth edition of its popular FYI For Your Improvement book series. The FYI For Your Improvement(TM) books offer a set of easy-to-use development and coaching tools for executives looking to cultivate their leadership skills. Korn/Ferry International (NYSE: KFY) is a premier global provider of talent management solutions. </p> <p></p> <p>(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20060808/LATU082LOGO)</p> <p></p> <p>The fifth edition introduces new content that makes it even easier to identify development needs and create targeted development plans. The book is a result of more than 50 years of research and experience and provides easy-to-follow chapters and tips for lifelong improvement in leadership.</p> <p></p> <p>"We are excited to offer the fifth edition of FYI as the latest product in our book series," said Kim Ruyle, vice president of product development for Korn/Ferry International. "The step-by-step guide to development planning and sample development plans featured in the book are beneficial for anyone from line managers and corporate supervisors to career coaches and mentors, while the leadership competencies really offer a common language for leadership and development."</p> <p></p> <p>Notable additions to FYI's fifth edition include:</p> <p></p> <p> </p><ul><li>Remedy questions written as diagnostic questions and action statements so it is easy to identify a development need and transfer a remedy directly onto the development plan. </li> <li>Develop-in-place assignments added to competencies, stallers and stoppers, and global focus areas that allow individuals to develop without having to change jobs. </li> <li>Developmental difficulty ratings that show how difficult it would be for a typical professional person to develop any of the 67 competencies as well as the average skill rating of the general population for each competency. </li> <li>Development planning templates that lets learners organize their plan on an easy-to-use two-page template. </li> <li>Updated suggested reading lists, new quotes and an easy-to-use index that helps learners and coaches look up common development themes or development needs.</li> </ul><p></p> <p></p> <p>FYI's fifth edition also follows the series theme with a deep-dive look at the 67 Leadership Competencies developed by Lominger, in addition to providing an overview of 19 Career Stallers and Stoppers and 7 Global Focus Areas. </p> <p></p> <p>For more information or to order a copy of the latest edition of FYI For Your Improvement, please visit http://www.lominger.com/fyi.php. A sample chapter is also available at http://view.vcab.com/showvcab.aspx?vcabID=cnlSpepcSeepcg. </p> <p></p> <p>About The Korn/Ferry Institute</p> <p>The Korn/Ferry Institute was founded to serve as a premier global voice on a range of talent management and leadership issues. The Institute commissions, originates and publishes groundbreaking research utilizing Korn/Ferry's unparalleled expertise in executive recruitment and talent development combined with its preeminent behavioral research library. The Institute is dedicated to improving the state of global human capital for businesses of all sizes around the world.</p> <p></p> <p>About Lominger</p> <p>Founded in 1991 by Robert W. Eichinger, Ph.D. and Michael M. Lombardo, Ed.D., Lominger produces a suite of competency-based leadership development resources for individuals, teams, and organizations. In August 2006, Lominger joined the Korn/Ferry International family of companies.</p> <p></p> <p>About Korn/Ferry International</p> <p>Korn/Ferry International (NYSE: KFY), with more than 90 offices in 40 countries, is a premier global provider of talent management solutions. Based in Los Angeles, the firm delivers an array of solutions that help clients to identify, deploy, develop, retain and reward their talent. For more information on the Korn/Ferry International family of companies, visit www.kornferry.com. </p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <noindex><p>[Via <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.prnewswire.com" target="_blank">http://www.prnewswire.com</a>]</p></noindex> <ul> <li><a href="http://multimediaandinternet.blogspot.com/2009/03/new-sms-tool-underscores-importance-of.html#comment-form">New SMS Tool Underscores Importance of Mobile Technology to Global Development Agenda</a></li> <li><a href="http://financialservicesinpo.blogspot.com/2009/03/100-funding-clark.html#comment-form">100 % FUNDING (CLARK)</a></li> </ul><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/942947571451216121-2353547718215277409?l=advertisingmedianews.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>megaonoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-942947571451216121.post-15700415321398143272009-03-02T10:20:00.000+02:002009-03-02T13:17:54.696+02:00 <p>Michigan Ad Agency Signs On with Brand Building, Lead Generation Firm</p> <p></p> <p>CINCINNATI, March 2 /PRNewswire/ -- Does your advertising agency know the main traits clients seek when hiring an agency? Michigan based advertising agency Michael Flora Associates (MFA) does - and will now act upon that information after forging a strategic marketing partnership with agency branding and lead generation firm Reardon Smith Whittaker (RSW), giving them a clear and distinctive competitive advantage. </p> <p></p> <p>According to MFA president Tom Brzezina, his agency is focused on the growth and success of their existing clients, which often times means the branding, promotions and lead generation of the firm itself take a backseat. "Like most other agencies, we are the classic case of the cobbler's children having no shoes. Our focus and our energies remain diligently on our clients, and we are proud of our work and our organic growth. But, it's time to look at our future growth from a fresh perspective. Through RSW, we can do that without sacrificing a moment of focus on the core objectives of our own clientele." </p> <p></p> <p>RSW's managing director Mark Sneider lauded Brzezina for his forward thinking decision to focus on the core competencies of the agency, while enabling RSW to assist in driving not only more leads, but the right leads. "All clients aren't right for all agencies," Sneider says. "When you look at the RSW 2009 Client's Perspective Report, it is filled with information on specifically what clients are looking for from their agencies and we look forward to bringing that expertise, focus and firepower to bear for the competitive edge of our clients, including MFA. </p> <p></p> <p>"So often, I see agencies with no differentiating quality between themselves and other groups because their focus is solely on their clients - which is good, but an agency must be in business to do business," Sneider added. His agency represents dozens of creative and advertising firms across the United States and Canada. </p> <p></p> <p>About MFA </p> <p></p> <p>With offices in Troy, Michigan, Michael Flora Associates is a full service, internationally award winning advertising agency. More information can be accessed at www.michaelflora.com or by calling 248.643.6431. </p> <p></p> <p>About RSW </p> <p></p> <p>Reardon Smith Whittaker is a lead generation and business development consultancy that operates like a virtual new business development group. More information can be accessed at: www.rswus.com or by calling 513.559.3101. Sneider can be contacted at mark@rswus.com. </p> <p></p> <p></p> <noindex><p>[Via <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.prnewswire.com" target="_blank">http://www.prnewswire.com</a>]</p></noindex> <ul> <li><a href="http://p2businessstocks.blogspot.com/2009/03/aastra-reports-record-revenues.html#comment-form">Aastra Reports Record Revenues</a></li> <li><a href="http://publishinginformationservices.blogspot.com/2009/03/newsweek-cover-radical-islam-is-fact-of.html#comment-form">NEWSWEEK Cover: Radical Islam Is A Fact Of Life. How To Live With It.</a></li> </ul><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/942947571451216121-1570041532139814327?l=advertisingmedianews.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>megaonoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-942947571451216121.post-28064525285257991562009-03-02T08:17:00.000+02:002009-03-02T11:10:32.849+02:00 <p> LONDON, March 2 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Pearson, the international media company, today announced its 2008 preliminary results.</p> <p> In a video interview, Marjorie Scardino, CEO, and Robin Freestone, CFO, discuss the company's strong performance in 2008. They look at the results and outlook in detail, and break down the opportunity for Pearson in its different businesses including Pearson Education, Penguin Group and the Financial Times Group.</p> <p> In addition to the interviews there will also be a live analyst presentation at 09:00GMT.</p> <p> The interview, transcript and live presentation are available on http://w3.cantos.com/pearson.</p> <p> It's free to view. All you need to do is register at http://www.cantos.com. Cantos.com, the online financial broadcaster, features in-depth interviews, documentaries and webcasts with senior company executives. If you would like to contact us, please email enquiries@cantos.com or phone +44(0)207-936-1333.</p> <noindex><p>[Via <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.prnewswire.com" target="_blank">http://www.prnewswire.com</a>]</p></noindex> <ul> <li><a href="http://p1businesscorporationsblog.blogspot.com/2009/03/free-and-open-source-software-to-be-at.html#comment-form">Free and Open Source Software to be at the Heart of Russian IT Development Strategy</a></li> <li><a href="http://politicsvideosyt.blogspot.com/2009/03/manoj-kumar.html#comment-form">manoj kumar</a></li> </ul><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/942947571451216121-2806452528525799156?l=advertisingmedianews.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>megaonoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-942947571451216121.post-25196259458651475322009-03-02T03:00:00.000+02:002009-03-02T06:02:07.260+02:00 <p>NEW YORK, March 1 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Omnicom Group Inc. (NYSE: OMC), one of the world's leading advertising and marketing services groups, is launching through its agencies an executive training program on digital marketing in partnership with Fudan University in Shanghai. The program, digital:works, is geared to help agencies and brand marketers train their staff to gain professional digital marketing skills. The course is designed, managed and run by Omnicom agencies and Fudan University's School of Journalism.</p> <p></p> <p>Omnicom Group has a long track record of leadership in the digital space in China and around the world, and its agencies' digital teams deliver award-winning digital solutions for a wide range of clients. Omnicom Group ranks number one in the world for digital marketing and media services revenues according to Advertising Age.</p> <p></p> <p>Fudan University, located in Shanghai, is one of China's most prestigious universities and is ranked among the top three institutions of advanced learning in the country. Its School of Journalism is noted for producing many of the leading professionals in the Chinese journalism and communications industry.</p> <p></p> <p>The combination of Omnicom agencies' years of broad practical experience in digital marketing and the Fudan University School of Journalism's research on the impact of new media technology on market and marketing communications make digital:works a unique and invaluable experience for executives of any organization seeking to build their understanding and capabilities in digital marketing.</p> <p></p> <p>The digital:works program is appropriate for anyone aiming to learn about digital marketing in China to improve their contribution to either a marketer or agency organization. The program is divided into three modules: an introduction to the Internet, including an overview of China's new media history; in-depth training on digital marketing tactics; and finally a perspective on the way the Internet and digital marketing are changing the business and communications industry.</p> <p></p> <p>Classes will be taught by senior digital professionals with practical in-depth experience from Omnicom agencies as well as professors and scholars from Fudan University and other leading Chinese universities, and top-level executives from marketers. Participants will receive a Professional Training Certificate from Fudan University upon successful completion of the program.</p> <p></p> <p>"As the online audience grows and digital becomes an increasingly larger part of marketing plans, it is essential for clients and agencies in China to become fluent in new media," commented Serge Dumont, Omnicom Senior Vice President and President Asia Pacific. "Omnicom is known for its commitment to professional development and education. Through conversations with Fudan, we saw the opportunity to create a very innovative executive training program that leverages Omnicom agencies' unparalleled digital expertise and Fudan's academic excellence to help marketing professionals understand the evolving media and marketing landscape," he added.</p> <p></p> <p>Professor Yu Zhenwei, the Secretary of the Party Committee of the Journalism College, Fudan University, commented, "New media is becoming the key communication tool for Chinese consumers; they use it to exchange their viewpoints on issues, brands and products. We believe the Chinese digital marketing industry will greatly benefit through this training program."</p> <p></p> <p>"All agencies and clients should look to digital marketing as essential to their success today and in the future," said Jason Kuperman, Vice President, Omnicom Asia Pacific Digital Development. "This program is a unique opportunity for marketing communications executives to benefit from Omnicom Group's extensive experience in digital marketing and Fudan's School of Journalism's expertise in the impact of new media technology on marketing communications," he added.</p> <p></p> <p>For further information on digital:works, please visit www.digitalworkschina.com.</p> <p></p> <p>About Omnicom Group Inc. </p> <p>Omnicom Group Inc. (NYSE: OMC) is a leading global marketing and communications company. Omnicom's branded networks and numerous specialty firms provide advertising, strategic media planning and buying, digital and interactive marketing, direct and promotional marketing, public relations and other specialty communications services to over 5,000 clients in more than 100 countries.</p> <p></p> <p>For further information on Omnicom and its brands, please visit www.omnicomgroup.com.</p> <p></p> <p>About the Fudan University School of Journalism</p> <p>Fudan University's School of Journalism was founded in 1929 and is China's oldest Chinese journalism and communications institution. Since its establishment, Fudan University has trained nearly 10,000 undergraduate and graduate degree students, many of whom have become pillars of Chinese journalism and communications. Because of its contribution to the profession, the college has been called "the cradle of journalists."</p> <p></p> <p></p> <noindex><p>[Via <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.prnewswire.com" target="_blank">http://www.prnewswire.com</a>]</p></noindex> <ul> <li><a href="http://newsfinwu.blogspot.com/2009/03/boosting-business-confidence.html#comment-form">Boosting Business Confidence</a></li> <li><a href="http://p1businessfinanceblog.blogspot.com/2009/03/merchant-card-services-announces.html#comment-form">Merchant Card Services Announces Strategic Partnership with PCI Compliance Provider ControlScan</a></li> </ul><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/942947571451216121-2519625945865147532?l=advertisingmedianews.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>megaonoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-942947571451216121.post-3740860069122490002009-02-28T18:05:00.000+02:002009-02-28T21:07:01.152+02:00 <p>FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., Feb. 28 /PRNewswire/ -- Totally free, personalized fundraising consulting is now available for all Florida nonprofits 24/7 at www.fundraisershotline.com.</p> <p></p> <p>"Florida nonprofit fundraisers may ask anything they want - like How can I find donors? or How can I get my board to give more and to ask others to give? It's absolutely one-on-one attention. They won't be getting boilerplate answers," says Dr. Stephen L. Goldstein, creator of the hotline and president of The Nonprofit Institute, Educational Marketing Services in Fort Lauderdale.</p> <p></p> <p>"Nonprofits always have a hard time raising money. But many are really struggling in today's bad economy, especially in Florida. They need immediate professional advice tailored to their specific needs. But most nonprofits cannot afford to hire an expert to give them quick answers to their pressing questions. So, www.fundraisershotline.com gives them personal access to an experienced professional to be their sounding-board to increase their fundraising success," Goldstein adds.</p> <p></p> <p>That's what's so unique about the hotline. It's quick, efficient, direct --and free, of course. Getting answers from the hotline is simple. Go to www.fundraisershotline.com, fill out the short user form, ask a question, then send it to Dr. Goldstein. There is absolutely no cost or obligation. Every question is answered personally and within 24 hours. </p> <p></p> <p>Columnist, author, consultant, TV and radio personality, and workshop leader - Dr. Stephen L. Goldstein is a nationally recognized marketing, communications, and fundraising executive, as well as a trends analyst and forecaster. For more than 30 years, he has developed strategies for nonprofit success. </p> <p></p> <p>Dr. Goldstein is now the co-producer and host of "The Forum for Nonprofits," which airs on WNN & WSBR and may be heard 24/7 at www.forumfornonprofits.com. He was the producer and host of "Fundraising Success," a weekly radio program on WXEL, 90.7FM/National Public Radio and still available at any time from anywhere in the world at www.wxelpodcasts.org. </p> <p></p> <p>Dr. Goldstein's "Fundraising Guru" columns have appeared in The South Florida Sun-Sentinel and have been a regular feature of the Scripps papers on Florida's Treasure Coast. He is the author of the bestseller, 30 Days to Successful Fundraising.</p> <p></p> <p>Goldstein is also the developer of "Fundraising Briefing Books," the basis for the workshops and tailored consulting programs he offers nationwide. </p> <p></p> <pre> Media contact: Stephen Goldstern 954-772-4455 trendsman@aol.com </pre> <p></p> <noindex><p>[Via <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.prnewswire.com" target="_blank">http://www.prnewswire.com</a>]</p></noindex> <ul> <li><a href="http://payforinsurance.blogspot.com/2009/02/triad-guaranty-inc-reports-fourth.html#comment-form">Triad Guaranty Inc. Reports Fourth Quarter and Year End Results</a></li> <li><a href="http://businessconsumerresearch.blogspot.com/2009/02/branding-firm-goldstein-group-offers.html#comment-form">Branding Firm The Goldstein Group Offers a New Brand of Seduction</a></li> <li><a href="http://politicsvideosyt.blogspot.com/2009/02/incredibles-4.html#comment-form">The Incredibles 4</a></li> </ul><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/942947571451216121-374086006912249000?l=advertisingmedianews.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>megaonoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-942947571451216121.post-36636927587475137942009-02-27T13:00:00.000+02:002009-02-27T16:12:10.293+02:00 <p>Viper Mailer Updates apply intelligence and provide a simplified client interface with three-step quick send, sender-proofing protection and take action undelivered message management.</p> <p></p> <p>PALM SPRINGS, Calif., Feb. 27 /PRNewswire/ -- Viper Mailer releases three advanced features that are well-timed for the current economy, equipped with an ease-of-use client interface to simplify the process for businesses utilizing email-message-sending campaigns. </p> <p></p> <p>Recognizing that businesses, organizations and membership groups are looking to apply email marketing for the first time, yet are scaling back on personnel and reducing expenses, Viper Mailer realizes the need of their clients to get offerings out to customers and members.</p> <p></p> <p>Viper Mailer developed three ease-of-use client software additions, providing an intelligent and simplified build-and-send component as well as a test and proofing protection feature to prevent client-sending errors. Viper Mailer has also added undeliverable message contact bounce back management features. </p> <p></p> <p>New Feature Benefits Expanded Below</p> <p></p> <p>Patrick E. Lara, Chief Technology Officer (CTO) for Viper Logic, explains that the current function of email marketing was in need of intelligence and simplification. In reviewing competing suppliers of email marketing services, the contact management, message-build process, send and tracking system, and through listening to Viper Mailer client feedback, the entire process was a burden and making the use of email marketing services a real task to accomplish. The Viper Mailer system now offers an email marketing service with simplicity in mind. </p> <p></p> <p>In addition to applying features, the Viper Mailer system offers clients and visitors to the site an Education and Training Center that shares the most comprehensive email marketing educational tips, techniques and training that, when followed, provide the best email campaign results.</p> <p></p> <p>About Viper Logic:</p> <p></p> <p>Viper Logic Corp., founded in May 1993, is a software engineering and development company. As a software company in 2005, Viper Logic created Viper Mailer, a customer retention, call to action and business growth concept via a web-based automated software service made possible through our Advanced Technology Engineering team's methodology.</p> <p></p> <p>Feature Benefits Expanded: http://www.vipermailer.com/news/press_release_02262009.aspx </p> <p></p> <pre> Contact: Lance Conway, Public Relations Viper Logic Corp. 760-320-1414 ext. 710 lconway@vipermailer.com http://www.ViperMailer.com </pre> <p></p> <p>This release was issued through eReleases(TM). For more information, visit http://www.ereleases.com.</p> <p></p> <noindex><p>[Via <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.prnewswire.com" target="_blank">http://www.prnewswire.com</a>]</p></noindex> <ul> <li><a href="http://bizzzart.blogspot.com/2009/02/888com-now-accepts-paypal.html#comment-form">888.com Now Accepts PayPal</a></li> <li><a href="http://musicprnews.blogspot.com/2009/02/video-model-bar-refaeli-and-madden.html#comment-form">Video: Model Bar Refaeli and the Madden Brothers Fuel the Future of Fashion at Walk the Walk</a></li> <li><a href="http://bizhab.blogspot.com/2009/02/history-of-pos-equipment-posted-by-nutt.html#comment-form">History of POS Equipment Posted By : A Nutt</a></li> </ul><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/942947571451216121-3663692758747513794?l=advertisingmedianews.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>megaonoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-942947571451216121.post-39185386991547538452009-02-27T10:00:00.000+02:002009-02-27T13:12:13.762+02:00 <p> SHANGHAI, Feb. 27 /PRNewswire-Asia-FirstCall/ -- Acorn International, Inc. ("Acorn") (NYSE: ATV), a leading integrated multi-platform marketing company in China, will release its financial results for the fourth quarter and fiscal year ended December 31, 2008 before the market opens on Monday, March 9, 2009. A copy of the earnings release will be available on the company's website at http://www.chinadrtv.com .</p> <p> Acorn's management has scheduled a conference call at 8:00 a.m. ET on March 9, 2009 (8:00 p.m. Beijing Time) to discuss the Company's perspective on the results and answer questions. You may access the live interactive call via:</p> <pre> -- +1 866 549 1292 (U.S. Toll Free) -- +800 701 1223 (China Toll Free) -- +852 3005 2050 (International) -- Passcode: ATV </pre> <p> Please dial-in approximately 10 minutes in advance to facilitate an on-time start.</p> <p> A replay will be available for approximately two weeks after the call and may be accessed via:</p> <p> -- +852 3005 2020 (International)</p> <p> -- Passcode: 136511#</p> <p> A live and archived webcast of the call will be available on the Company's website at http://www.chinadrtv.com .</p> <p> About Acorn</p> <p> Acorn International (NYSE: 'ATV') is a leading integrated multi-platform marketing company in China, operating China's largest TV direct sales business in terms of revenues and TV air time and a nationwide off-TV distribution network. Acorn's TV direct sales platform consists of airtime purchased from both national and local channels. In addition to marketing and selling through its TV direct sales programs and its off-TV nationwide distribution network, Acorn also offers consumer products and services through catalogs, an outbound telemarketing center and an e-commerce website. Leveraging its integrated multiple sales and marketing platforms, Acorn has built a proven track record of developing and selling proprietary-branded consumer products, as well as products and services from established third parties.</p> <pre> For further information, please contact: Acorn International Chen Fu, Director of Investor Relations Tel: +86-21-5151-8888 x2228 Email: ir@chinadrtv.com PRChina Jane Liu Tel: +852-2522-1838 Email: jliu@prchina.com.hk Henry Chik Tel: +852-2522-1368 Email: hchik@prchina.com.hk </pre> <noindex><p>[Via <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.prnewswire.com" target="_blank">http://www.prnewswire.com</a>]</p></noindex> <ul> <li><a href="http://p2businesstravelblog.blogspot.com/2009/02/medibank-to-assist-stranded-travelers.html#comment-form">Medibank to Assist Stranded Travelers</a></li> <li><a href="http://p2businessmarkets.blogspot.com/2009/02/mycupcoffee-provides-everything-coffee.html#comment-form">MyCupCoffee Provides Everything Coffee Drinkers Need to Have a Complete And Quality Refreshment Program, at Home or at the Office</a></li> <li><a href="http://multimediaandinternet.blogspot.com/2009/02/national-hispanic-blog-pioneer-sets-up.html#comment-form">National Hispanic Blog Pioneer Sets Up Austin Portal to Report on Latino Leadership in Community, Business and Education</a></li> </ul><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/942947571451216121-3918538699154753845?l=advertisingmedianews.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>megaonoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-942947571451216121.post-49156926813757376982009-02-26T23:19:00.000+02:002009-02-27T02:39:56.655+02:00 <p>Award-Winning Work Moves Onto the Regional ADDY(R) Competition</p> <p></p> <p>NEW YORK, Feb. 26 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- 'mktg,' (Nasdaq: CMKG) a leader in alternative media and marketing services, won three ADDY(R) Awards at Cincinnati's regional competition which took place on February 7th at Paul Brown Stadium. 'mktg' won a Gold ADDY for their online campaign representing Starkist/Vocalpoint.com "Tunavision," and two Silver ADDY'S for their online campaigns representing Ford Sync/Vocalpoint.com "Get Street Smart with Sync," and "Find Your Edge with Ford."</p> <p></p> <p>Vocalpoint, a subsidiary of Proctor & Gamble, is an online social media network created for moms to discuss exclusive information on the newest products and ways to use old favorites. Through newsletters, products in the mail, and online surveys, women talk candidly online and share their opinions with other women to help determine what types of products Vocalpoint will send out in the future. The online social media network enables women to help the people they care about by sharing information to make their lives easier. </p> <p></p> <p>The Cincinnati Advertising Club's annual ADDY(R) competition honors the best and the brightest in the advertising world. The award-winning work moves on to the regional ADDY competition, with the hope of advancing to the national adjudication.</p> <p></p> <p>"We are honored to be recognized by our peers and to win these prestigious awards," says Tim Engle, Vice President of Creative for 'mktg'. "These awards are a reflection of our commitment to providing clients with integrated marketing solutions that create effective consumer conversations by leveraging the power of alternative media and marketing channels." </p> <p></p> <p>"Working with innovative clients such as Starkist and Ford made the creative process exceptional - as demonstrated in the work," commented Gary DeJesus, Chief Marketing Officer of Procter & Gamble owned Vocalpoint.</p> <p></p> <p>'mktg' is a new agency breed in the sphere of marketing services companies that was launched in July 2008. The firm is organized to capitalize on increased client spending in experiential marketing, digital marketing and retail promotions and the need for more effective and efficient integrated marketing programs. </p> <p></p> <p> </p><ul><li>In a recent Promo magazine survey 79.6% of marketers expect their event budgets to either increase or stay the same in 2009. *</li> </ul><p></p> <p> </p><ul><li>According to e-Marketer.com, retail promotions increased from 6% to 29% of the overall marketing budget for consumer products companies.**</li> </ul><p></p> <p> </p><ul><li>According to eMarketer, digital-banner ads, e-mail, online video, podcasts and webcasts will be the least affected by budget cuts in 2009 and social network advertising will increase 3.6% in 2009. ***</li> </ul><p></p> <p></p> <p>About 'mktg'</p> <p></p> <p>'mktg' (Nasdaq: CMKG) is an alternative media and marketing services company headquartered in New York with full service offices in San Francisco, Chicago, Cincinnati and Toronto and over 40 field activation offices in the U.S. The company currently serves a variety of the world's most recognizable brands, including Diageo, P&G, Nintendo, Pepsi, Nike, Apple, Coty, Scottrade, SAP, Bayer and Google/YouTube. The company's services include experiential marketing, digital marketing, retail promotions and strategic research and planning. The firm's programs help its clients profitably connect with consumers and create networks of brand advocates to generate brand awareness and higher sales for its customers. For more information, please visit www.mktg.com.</p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>* Source: promomagazine.com</p> <p>** Source: eMarketer.com</p> <p>***Source: eMarketer.com</p> <p></p> <noindex><p>[Via <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.prnewswire.com" target="_blank">http://www.prnewswire.com</a>]</p></noindex> <ul> <li><a href="http://krizisinpolicy.blogspot.com/2009/02/coalition-to-protect-senior-care.html#comment-form">Coalition to Protect Senior Care Praises Bipartisan House Effort to Protect Seniors' Nursing Home Care, LTC Workforce</a></li> <li><a href="http://p4kapusta.blogspot.com/2009/02/hanover-capital-mortgage-holdings.html#comment-form">Hanover Capital Mortgage Holdings Announces NYSE Alternext Further Extension of Plan to Cure Non-Compliance With Certain Continued Listing Standards by Milestone Date</a></li> <li><a href="http://p2businessstartups.blogspot.com/2009/02/rotobrush-announces-new-energy.html#comment-form">Rotobrush Announces New Energy Efficiency Solutions Offering</a></li> </ul><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/942947571451216121-4915692681375737698?l=advertisingmedianews.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>megaonoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-942947571451216121.post-37186888160937638782009-02-26T12:00:00.000+02:002009-02-26T15:13:58.401+02:00 <p> FUZHOU, China, Feb. 26 /PRNewswire-Asia-FirstCall/ -- China Yida Holding, Co. (OTC Bulletin Board: CYID) ("the Company" or "China Yida"), one of China's leading comprehensive tourism and media management companies, recently announced that its wholly-owned subsidiary, Fuzhou Fuyu Advertise, LLC ("FETV") has entered into a Cooperation Agreement (the "Agreement") with the Railway Media Center ("RMC") in order to achieve their cooperation in television program broadcast on trains. Pursuant to the Agreement, the Company obtains the exclusive production right of the television program titled "Journey through China on the Train" and advertisement management right for a term of six years. The Company will be responsible for planning, filming, producing, and advertising, and RMC will be responsible for broadcasting the Journey Program on its national railway television program network. During the first three years, the Company is obligated to pay RMC in a sum of 300,000 RMB, and during the remaining three years, the Company will pay RMC 350,000 RMB. The Company is entitled to the remaining income arising from the operation of the Journey Program.</p> <p> RMC Initiates Cooperation with China Yida Successfully Lands on a National Media Platform</p> <p> RMC engages in filming and producing television and audio programs on behalf of the Chinese Ministry of Railway. Their television program broadcast network covers all the large and medium cities in every province and the surrounding areas of the railway operated by 18 Railway Bureaus. Their television program broadcasted on trains will cover all the high-speed motor train units, and seven Tibet train lines. Passengers on long trips hope to enjoy relaxing programs related to travel and also obtain travel tips. Due to the lack of professionals, railroad television programs have been of low quality, failing to meet the needs of the public. Therefore, the Ministry of Railway is in urgent need to resolve this problem.</p> <p> FETV is a leading comprehensive tourism and media management company with successful practical experience, professional and competitive media management team, extensive customer and social network. In consideration of the Company's qualifications, RMC initiated negotiation with the Company to explore cooperation opportunities. After their initial meeting, the Company promptly planned and produced the Journey Program. The Ministry of Railway highly evaluated the Journey Program, acknowledging that the Journey Program represents the style and quality of railway television program they have been contemplating for a long time but failed to produce. Active and relaxing, the Journey Program hosts present tourist information and various tourism destinations around the country in humorous and joyful style.</p> <p> The Journey Program comprises four 20-minute episodes, namely "Landscapes Appreciation," Photography and Traveling," "Traveling on the Way," and "Travel Tips." Each segment can be sold and operated independently. 15'' commercials can be inserted into each segment break eight times. These commercials as part of the Journey Program will be broadcasted to passengers traveling on Tibet train lines and high-speed motor train units daily on a rolling basis, and the national railway television broadcast network weekly on a rolling basis.</p> <p> Significant Impact on China Yida's Successful Business Expansion Model</p> <p> The cooperation between the Company and RMC involves three major television broadcast platforms, consisting of the Tibet train lines, motor train units, and national railway television network, covering all the major cities (Beijing, Tianjin, Shanghai, Nanjing, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Jinan, Qingdao and etc.), seven train lines into Tibet, millions of traveling population, approximately 2,600,000 households, 10,400,000 residents in the surrounding areas of railway. Most importantly, in an enclosed train car, the Journey Program will easily obtain passengers' attention. Further, passengers on the Tibet train lines and motor train units having high consumption ability and potential are always the targeted advertising population of various industries, such as travel, automobile, real estate, communication, apparel, accessories and luxury commodities. Therefore, the Journey Program has tremendous market penetration ability and operation potential.</p> <p> Dr. Chen Minhua, Chairman of the Company, happily stated that this project would significantly propel China Yida's media management expansion and multi-dimensional operation.</p> <p> Firstly, the Chinese Ministry of Railways highly recognized the Company's "Tourism-Media" development strategy business model that will be well accepted and reproduced nationally, which can potentially enhance the Company's reputation in the national media industry.</p> <p> Secondly, the project also brings significant economic benefit. The Company relies on its own professional expertise and leading position in tourism and media industry. Therefore, with low operation costs, the Company can generate significant economic benefits.</p> <p> Thirdly, the project has significant operational growth potential. The aggregate mileage of China's railway system is approximately 77,083.8 kilometers, with its length ranked as the first in Asia and the third in the world. As the main artery of China's economic growth, the railway is the main transportation vehicle for Chinese people. According to the statistics of the Ministry of Railways, the railway carried 1,700,000,000 passengers in 2007. In 2010, the railway will carry 2,000,000,000 passengers annually and this number will reach 4,000,000,000 in 2020. The average time that each passenger spends on train is about 15 hours. Therefore, the railway television media will become a new media industry. Pursuant to the Agreement, the Journey Program will be broadcast in the same manner on all newly installed train television network after the effective date of this Agreement. As a result, such project will bring good prospect for Chinese's future management development.</p> <p> Fourthly, this project will build a new promotion platform for the tourism destinations operated by the Company, not only reducing its operation cost, but also promoting the brand names of these destinations. At the same time, China Yida's large number of travel advertisement clients will become potential partners in its development of travel industry.</p> <p> In general, this Agreement demonstrates the successful development of China Yida's unique business model, and strengthens our leading position in China's tourism and media management.</p> <pre> For more information, please contact: George Wung CFO China YIDA Holding Co. Tel: +1-626-379-2019 Email: G.wung@yidacn.net </pre> <noindex><p>[Via <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.prnewswire.com" target="_blank">http://www.prnewswire.com</a>]</p></noindex> <ul> <li><a href="http://p3bogateyu.blogspot.com/2009/02/masan-group-chooses-fortinet-to-secure.html#comment-form">MASAN Group Chooses Fortinet to Secure Entire WAN Infrastructure</a></li> <li><a href="http://multimediaandinternet.blogspot.com/2009/02/netdimensions-takes-user-experience-to.html#comment-form">NetDimensions Takes User Experience to the Next Level with Latest EKP Release</a></li> <li><a href="http://p1businesscorporationsblog.blogspot.com/2009/02/21st-equity-homes-secures-multi-million.html#comment-form">21st Equity Homes Secures Multi Million Metric Tons Global Cement Supply Direct Mandate</a></li> </ul><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/942947571451216121-3718688816093763878?l=advertisingmedianews.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>megaonoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-942947571451216121.post-70148310848088102982009-02-26T11:03:00.000+02:002009-02-26T14:08:36.167+02:00 <pre> MOSCOW, February 26 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- - Consolidated Revenues up 36% Year-on-Year to $640.2 Million - Adjusted OIBDA(1)(2) up 27% Year-on-Year to $280.2 Million - Adjusted net Income(1) up 30% Year-on-Year to $176.1 Million - Adjusted Earnings per Share(1) up 29% Year-on-Year to $1.11 CTC Media, Inc. ("CTC Media" or "the Company") (NASDAQ: CTCM), the leading independent media company in Russia, today announced its unaudited consolidated financial results for the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2008. Three Months Year Ended December 31, Ended December (US$ 000's 2007 2008 Change 2007 2008 Change except per share data) Total operating revenues $161,704 $187,348 15.9% $472,056 $640,171 35.6% Total operating expenses (before impairment charge) (3) (76,863) (94,636) 23.1% (278,995) (373,307) 33.8% Adjusted OIBDA (1)(2) 92,752 96,537 4.1% 220,422 280,243 27.1% Adjusted OIBDA margin (1)(2) 57.4% 51.5% (5.9%) 46.7% 43.8% (2.9%) Non-cash intangible asset impairment charge - 232,683 - 232,683 Reported OIBDA(2) 92,752 (136,146) (246.8%) 220,422 47,560 (78.4%) Reported OIBDA margin (2) 57.4% (72.7%)(130.1%) 46.7% 7.4% (39.3%) Adjusted net income (1) 59,699 64,635 8.3% 135,913 176,133 29.6% Adjusted diluted earnings per share (1) $0.38 $0.41 7.9% $0.86 $1.11 29.1% Reported net income 59,699 (89,044) (249.2%) 135,913 22,454 (83.5%) Reported diluted earnings per share $0.38 $(0.57) (250.0%) $0.86 $0.14 (83.7%) (1) All adjusted numbers are non-GAAP financial measures reported before the effect of an impairment of intangible assets relating to DTV our Group in Russia, Channel 31 in Kazakhstan and broadcasting group in Moldova. Please see the accompanying financial tables at the end of this release for a reconciliation of adjusted OIBDA to OIBDA, adjusted net income to GAAP reported net income and adjusted diluted earnings per share to GAAP reported earnings per share. (2) OIBDA is defined as operating income before depreciation and amortization (exclusive of amortization of programming rights and sublicensing rights). OIBDA margin is defined as OIBDA divided by total operating revenues. Both OIBDA and OIBDA margin are non-GAAP financial measures. Please see the accompanying financial tables at the end of this release for a reconciliation of OIBDA to operating income and OIBDA margin to operating income margin. (3) Total operating expenses (before impairment charge) is a non-GAAP financial measure that excludes an impairment of intangible assets charge relating to our DTV Group in Russia, Channel 31 in Kazakhstan and broadcasting group in Moldova. Please see the accompanying financial tables at the end of this release for a reconciliation of total operating expenses (before impairment charge) to GAAP total operating expenses. Full Year Financial Highlights - Consolidated revenues up 35.6% year-on-year to $640.2 million - Adjusted OIBDA up 27.1% year-on-year to $280.2 million, with an adjusted OIBDA margin of 43.8% - Adjusted net income up 29.6% year-on-year to $176.1 million - Adjusted fully diluted earnings per share up 29.1% year-on-year to $1.11 - $232.7 million aggregate non-cash charge arising from impairment of intangible assets of DTV Group in Russia, Channel 31 in Kazakhstan and broadcasting group in Moldova Full Year Operating Highlights - Average combined 4+ audience share in Russia up year-on-year from 11% in 2007 to 13% in 2008 - Year-on-year increase in year-end technical penetration of CTC, Domashny and DTV networks to 87.5% (from 87.4%), 71.0% (from 64.8%), and 61.0% (from 54.4%), respectively - Acquisition of DTV Group Russia for $395 million in April 2008 - Acquisition of Channel 31 in Kazakhstan for $65 million in February 2008 and successful re-launch in CTC format in April 2008 - Acquisition of 51% of Teledixi SRL and Muzic Ramil SRL broadcasting group in Moldova for $4 million in October 2008 - Integration of Costafilm and Soho Media production companies and development of in-house content production - Securing of $135 million syndicated loan facility in June 2008 </pre> <p> Anton Kudryashov, Chief Executive Officer of CTC Media, commented:</p> <p> "2008 was another year of high sales and profit growth for CTC Media, as well as a year in which we substantially expanded the group's operations. Sales were up 36% year-on-year, adjusted OIBDA was up 27%, and we achieved a 44% margin, all of which is in-line with the guidance that we provided in October. Executing on our strategic development plan, we have expanded from a Russian business with two networks to an international company with three complementary networks in Russia and new broadcasting operations in Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Moldova, while also adding significant content production capabilities through the integration of Costafilm and Soho Media. We have also continued to successfully invest in our core programming schedules, which has resulted in further audience and market share gains for our networks."</p> <p> "The operating environment deteriorated in the second half of the year due to the financial crisis and wider economic slowdown that has affected all markets. Advertising markets are being particularly impacted by this deterioration. Television is however continuing to increase its share of total advertising spend and CTC Media is more strongly positioned among its peers than ever. In light of the changed market conditions, we have acted to adjust our cost base by reducing expenditure and investment levels across the board. We are actively engaged in negotiations with the domestic and international content producers in order to reduce the forward cost but maintain the quality of the programming that we broadcast. Furthermore, we were in a net cash position at the end of the year, with most of our cash held in dollars."</p> <pre> Operating Review Three Months Year Ended December 31, Ended December 31, (US$ 000's ) 2007 2008 Change 2007 2008 Change Operating revenues: CTC Network $104,211 $115,547 10.9% $321,030 $412,614 28.5% Domashny Network 13,750 19,166 39.4% 39,077 64,142 64.1% DTV Network n/a 13,463 n/a n/a 35,868 n/a CTC Station Group 37,381 27,669 (26.0%) 95,315 95,033 (0.3%) Domashny Station Group 6,362 4,655 (26.8%) 16,634 16,003 (3.8%) DTV Station Group n/a 1,734 n/a n/a 5,069 n/a CIS Group n/a 4,950 n/a n/a 10,930 n/a Production Group n/a 164 n/a n/a 512 n/a Total operating revenues $161,704 $187,348 15.9% $472,056 $640,171 35.6% </pre> <p> CTC Media's total operating revenues grew by 15.9% year-on-year to $187.3 (from $161.7) million in the fourth quarter and by 35.6% to $640.2 (from $472.1) million for the full year. The increase reflected the continued growth of the Russian television advertising market and higher advertising prices, which were partly driven by a decrease in the amount of advertising permitted to be broadcast under Russian law from January 1, 2008. The results were also impacted by the consolidation of DTV Group in Russia, CIS Group and Production Group which added a combined total of $20.3 million of operating revenues in the fourth quarter and $52.4 million for the full year.</p> <p> The value of the Russian ruble began to materially depreciate against the US dollar in August 2008. Because advertising is primarily placed in rubles in Russia and the Company's reporting currency is the US dollar, this exchange rate movement negatively impacted the Company's reported year-on-year advertising revenue growth in the fourth quarter by approximately 9%. However, the full year impact of this exchange rate movement was marginally positive and accounted for approximately 2% of the year-on-year advertising revenue growth.</p> <p> The year-on-year development in advertising revenues for the Television Station Groups, when compared with Networks, was adversely impacted by a decrease in the relative amount of advertising sold by the Company's owned and operated stations. This was due to the increase in advertising rates and the resulting shift by advertisers of their advertising budgets to national rather than local campaigns. Television Station Group revenues in 2008 were also adversely impacted by a higher effective commission rate paid to Video International (15% in 2008 versus 4% in 2007).</p> <pre> Share of Viewing in Target Demographics Average Audience Shares (%) Q4 2007 Q3 2008 Q4 2008 FY 2007 FY 2008 CTC Network (all 6-54) 11.6 12.0 12.3 11.3 11.8 Domashny Network (females 25-60) 2.5 2.8 2.8 2.4 2.8 DTV Network (all 18+) 1.7 1.8 1.9 1.8 1.8 Channel 31 (all 6-54) 6.6 16.6 16.6 n/a 13.4 </pre> <p> CTC, Domashny, DTV and Channel 31 all demonstrated year-on-year target audience share growth in the fourth quarter, which was primarily driven by the success of the fall season schedules, as well as increased technical penetration for the Domashny and DTV Networks. The prime-time audience share drivers on the flagship CTC Network were the Daddy's Girls sitcom and Ranetki series, both of which were produced in-house by Costafilm. Domashny's prime- time audience share was boosted by re-runs of the CTC hit show Born Not Pretty and a foreign crime investigation series, while DTV featured ratings winners including Silent Witness, CSI and Marital Fiction (Brachnoe Chtivo).</p> <p> DTV is being repositioned in 2009 to focus on 25-54 year-old female and male viewers, with a programming concept based around the crime investigative genre, which will include quality foreign series and movies as well as locally produced content.</p> <p> The audience measurement system in Russia was modified effective January 1, 2009 following an updated census that demonstrated changes in the demographic profile of Russia's population. The census showed that the relative percentage of children, particularly teenagers, in the overall population has decreased due to a significant decline in the birth rate between 1990 and 1995. The Company currently expects that this modification in the audience measurement system may decrease CTC Network's target audience share by up to 0.7 percentage points.</p> <p> The following table sets forth the Company's consolidated operating expenses for the fourth quarter and full year 2008 before the asset impairment charge referred to above:</p> <pre> Three Months Year Ended December 31, Ended December 31, (US$ 000's) 2007 2008 Change 2007 2008 Change Operating expenses (before impairment charge): Direct operating expenses $5,193 $9,753 87.8% $18,794 $33,727 79.5% Selling, general and administrative expenses 16,288 23,404 43.7% 69,680 97,201 39.5% Amortization of programming rights 44,979 56,328 25.2% 153,531 220,557 43.7% Amortization of sublicensing rights 2,492 1,326 (46.8%) 9,629 8,443 (12.3%) Depreciation and amortization 7,911 3,825 (51.6%) 27,361 13,379 (51.1%) Total operating expenses (before impairment charge) $76,863 $94,636 23.1% $278,995 $373,307 33.8% </pre> <p> Underlying or organic consolidated operating expenses increased by 7.3% year-on-year to $82.5 (from $76.9) million in the fourth quarter and by 17.6% to $328.1 (from $279.0) million for the full year, when excluding DTV Group, CIS Group and Production Group companies, which were acquired and consolidated in 2008. These newly acquired businesses added $12.1 million to fourth quarter 2008 total operating expenses and $45.2 million for the full year.</p> <p> The year-on-year increase in direct operating expenses primarily reflected the consolidation of DTV Group from April 2008 (adding $1.8 million in the fourth quarter and $5.9 million for the full year) and CIS Group from March 2008 (adding $0.7 million in the fourth quarter and $1.9 million for the full year), as well as wage inflation and the greater scale of the Company. The year-on-year increase in the fourth quarter also reflected higher transmission and maintenance costs at the Domashny and CTC owned-and-operated stations, as well as a $1.1 million provision by CTC Network relating to prepayments for certain programming rights.</p> <p> The year-on-year increase in selling, general and administrative expenses was again primarily due to the consolidation of DTV Group (adding $2.2 million in the fourth quarter and $6.1 million for the full year), CIS Group (adding $1.8 million in the fourth quarter and $5.9 million for the full year), and the Costafilm and Soho Media production companies (adding $0.5 million in the fourth quarter and $3.7 million for the full year). Salaries and benefits rose in line with inflation and the increase in overall headcount, while expenses related to the Company's stock-based compensation scheme increased year-on-year to $4.0 (from $3.4) million in the fourth quarter and $15.2 (from $13.0) million for the full year principally due to issuing new stock options during the year.</p> <p> Programming expenses increased year-on-year as a percentage of total revenues to 30.1% (from 27.8%) in the fourth quarter and 34.5% (from 32.5%) for the full year. The growth reflected higher programming costs at CTC and Domashny for foreign movies and Russian-produced series and shows, as well as the impact of the consolidation of DTV Group (adding $4.0 million in the fourth quarter and $11.2 million for the full year) and CIS Group (adding $1.9 million in the fourth quarter and $4.9 million for the full year). The results also included the impact of the change in amortization policy for Russian produced series with twenty or more episodes with effect from the second quarter of 2008, which increased the cost base by $2 million in the fourth quarter and by $9 million for the full year. Programming impairment charges increased year-on-year to $4.9 (from $2.6) million in the fourth quarter and $16.6 (from $5.7) million for the full year following a revision of forward revenue expectations from certain programming rights due to the current economic uncertainty (an effect of about $2.7 million) and due to the underperformance of three Russian series launched in the first half of 2008.</p> <p> Depreciation and amortization charges were reduced year-on-year due to a change in the way in which the Company accounts for its broadcasting licenses. As of January 1, 2008, CTC Media no longer amortizes the cost of its broadcasting licenses over five years but treats them as intangible assets with an indefinite life that are subject to annual impairment tests.</p> <p> Following the latest annual asset impairment test around the financial year end, the Company has recognized an aggregate $232.7 million non-cash charge for the impairment of the Company's intangible assets, of which $95.6 million relates to DTV Group in Russia, $132.9 million relates to Channel 31 in Kazakhstan and $4.2 million relates to the broadcasting group in Moldova. The impairment charge relates to broadcasting licenses and trademarks at DTV Group, to broadcasting licenses and goodwill at Channel 31 and to the broadcasting license at our broadcasting group in Moldova. The impairment reflects changes in the market conditions and outlook from those that prevailed when the assets were acquired.</p> <p> Consolidated OIBDA, when adjusted to exclude the abovementioned impairment charge, increased by 4.1% year-on-year to $96.5 (from $92.8) million in the fourth quarter and by 27.1% to $280.2 (from $220.4) million for the full year. The adjusted consolidated OIBDA margin declined year-on year to 51.5% (from 57.4%) in the fourth quarter and to 43.8% (from 46.7%) for the full year.</p> <p> Consolidated operating income, again when adjusted to exclude the impairment charge, was up 9.3% year-on-year to $92.7 (from $84.8) million in the fourth quarter, and by 38.2% to $266.9 (from $193.1) million for the full year.</p> <p> The Company reported foreign currency exchange rate losses of $17.1 million in the quarter and $28.9 million for the full year due to the impact of the weakening of the Russian ruble on the Company's US dollar denominated liabilities.</p> <p> The Company reported net interest expenses of $2.0 million in the quarter and $3.2 million for the full year, compared to net interest income of $3.7 million and $11.0 million for the respective periods in 2007. The development reflected the increase in borrowing levels in 2008 following the arrangement and full utilization of a $135 million term credit facility in June 2008.</p> <p> Income before tax, when adjusted to exclude the impairment charge, of $74.3 (2007: $86.3) million in the quarter and $237.1 (2007: $204.9) million for the full year. Adjusted income tax expense amounted to $1.7 (2007: $24.1) million in the quarter and $50.2 (2007: $63.2) million for the full year. The lower adjusted effective tax rate of 2% (2007: 28%) in the fourth quarter and 21% (2007: 31%) for the full year primarily reflected the impact of the decrease in the statutory income tax rates in Russia (from 24% to 20%) and Kazakhstan (from 30% to 20%) from the beginning of 2009 on the Company's deferred taxes assets and liabilities, which resulted in the recognition of a $19.0 million income tax benefit in the fourth quarter.</p> <p> Consolidated net income, when adjusted to exclude the impact of the impairment charge, was up 8.3% year-on-year to $64.6 (from $59.7) million in the fourth quarter and up 29.6% to $176.1 (from $135.9) million for the full year. Adjusted fully diluted earnings per share increased year-on-year to $0.41 (from $0.38) in the fourth quarter and to $1.11 (from $0.86) for the full year.</p> <p> Cash Flow</p> <p> The Company's net cash flow from operations increased by 18.0% year-on- year to $185.9 (from $158.0) million in 2008.</p> <p> CTC Media spent $409.0 (2007: $34.8) million on the acquisition of businesses during the year, which primarily included the acquisitions of DTV Group and Channel 31 Group. Capital expenditure amounted to $10.1 (2007: $5.6) million, which was equivalent to 1.6% of total operating revenues.</p> <p> Cash flow from financing activities amounted to $20.6 (2007: $0.7) million for the full year and included a net change in borrowings of $24.8 million, which primarily reflected the drawing down of the $135 million term credit facility in June 2008. The $110.2 million of cash flow from financing activities comprised the $65.4 million repayment of indebtedness owing from the DTV Group to MTG in connection with the Company's acquisition of DTV Group as well as the scheduled repayment of $33.8 million of the new loan facility in the fourth quarter and $11.0 million prepayment in the third quarter of 2008.</p> <p> The Company's cash and cash equivalents therefore declined by $209.0 million during 2008 to $98.1 million at the end of the year.</p> <p> Borrowings</p> <p> The Company's total borrowings amounted to $90.6 (2007: $0.2) million at the end of the reporting period. The Company had a net cash position, which is defined as interest bearing liabilities less cash and cash equivalents, of $7.5 (2007: $306.9) million at the end of the year, which compared to a net debt position of $70.3 million at the end of the third quarter of 2008.</p> <p> 2009 Guidance</p> <p> The Company previously provided full year US dollar revenue and OIBDA margin guidance on a quarterly basis. In light of the aforementioned deterioration in the operating environment due to the financial crisis and wider economic slowdown that has affected all markets, and the significant depreciation of the Russian ruble operating currency against the US dollar reporting currency, the Company is not currently providing formal guidance for 2009. This policy will continue to be reviewed on a regular basis moving forward in the context of market conditions and outlook, as well as the performance of the Company.</p> <p> Conference Call</p> <p> The Company will also host a conference call to discuss its fourth quarter and full year 2008 financial results today, Thursday, February 26, 2009, at 9:00 a.m. ET, (5:00 p.m.Moscow time, 2:00 p.m.London time). To access the conference call, please dial +1-718-247-0886 (US/International) or +44(0)20-7806-1955 (UK/International). The pass code for the call is 3916418. A live webcast of the conference call will also be available via the investor relations section of the Company's corporate web site - http://www.ctcmedia.ru/investors. The webcast will also be archived on the Company's web site for two weeks.</p> <p> Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures</p> <p> To supplement its consolidated financial statements, which are prepared and presented in accordance with US GAAP, the Company uses the following non-GAAP financial measures: OIBDA (on a consolidated and segment basis), adjusted OIBDA (on a consolidated and segment basis), total operating expenses (before impairment charge), adjusted operating income, adjusted net income before tax, adjusted income tax expense, adjusted net income and adjusted diluted earnings per share. The presentation of this financial information is not intended to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for, or superior to, financial information prepared and presented in accordance with GAAP. For more information on these non-GAAP financial measures, please see the accompanying financial tables included at the end of this release.</p> <p> The Company uses these non-GAAP financial measures for financial and operational decision making and as a means to evaluate period-to-period comparisons. The Company believes that these non-GAAP financial measures provide meaningful supplemental information regarding its performance and liquidity by excluding certain expenses that may not be indicative of its recurring core business operating results, meaning its operating performance excluding certain non-cash charges. These metrics are used by management to further its understanding of the Company's operating performance in the ordinary, ongoing and customary course of operations. The Company also believes that these metrics provide investors and equity analysts with a useful basis for analyzing operating performance against historical data and the results of comparable companies.</p> <p> OIBDA and OIBDA margin. OIBDA is defined as operating income before depreciation and amortization (exclusive of amortization of programming rights and sublicensing rights). OIBDA margin is defined as OIBDA divided by total operating revenues. The most directly comparable GAAP measures to the non-GAAP measures of OIBDA and OIBDA margin are operating income and operating income margin, respectively. Unlike operating income, OIBDA excludes depreciation and amortization, other than amortization of programming rights and sublicensing rights. The purchase of programming rights is the Company's most significant expenditure that enables it to generate revenues and OIBDA includes the impact of the amortization of these rights. Expenditures for capital items such as property, plant and equipment have a materially less significant impact on the Company's ability to generate revenues. For this reason, the Company excludes the related depreciation expense for these items from OIBDA. Moreover, a significant portion of its intangible assets were acquired in business acquisitions. The amortization of intangible assets is therefore also excluded from OIBDA.</p> <p> Adjusted financial measures. As described above, in the fourth quarter of 2008, CTC Media recognized an aggregate $232.7 million non-cash charge for impairment of certain intangible assets acquired in connection with three acquisitions made in 2008. CTC Media uses adjusted OIBDA (on a consolidated and segment basis), total operating expenses (before impairment charge), adjusted operating income, adjusted net income before tax, adjusted income tax expense, adjusted net income and adjusted diluted earnings per share, each of which has been adjusted to exclude this impairment charge, so as to permit management to assess the operational performance of the business for the fourth quarter and full year 2008 as compared to prior periods and to create comparable results for future reporting periods.</p> <p> About CTC Media, Inc.</p> <p> CTC Media is a leading independent media company in Russia. It owns and operates the CTC television network, with its signal carried by more than 350 affiliate stations, including 20 owned-and-operated stations; the Domashny television network, with its signal carried by over 250 affiliate stations, including 12 owned-and-operated stations; and the DTV television network, with its signal carried by affiliate stations including four owned-and-operated stations. CTC Media owns two TV content production companies, Costafilm and Soho Media, and operates Channel 31 in Kazakhstan and TV companies in Uzbekistan and Moldova. The company's common stock is traded on The NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol "CTCM". For more information on CTC Media, please visit http://www.ctcmedia.ru.</p> <p> Caution Concerning Forward Looking Statements</p> <p> Certain statements in this press release that are not based on historical information are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements, which include, among other things, the impact the current unfavorable macroeconomic outlook in Russia may have on the size of the Russian television advertising market in 2009 and the split of advertising sales between the national and local markets, and the impact that the recent change in the Russian advertising measurement system may have on the future audience share of CTC Network, reflect the Company's current expectations concerning future results and events. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of CTC Media to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. The potential risks and uncertainties that could cause actual future results to differ from those expressed by forward-looking statements include, among others, continued depreciation of the value of the Russian ruble compared to the US dollar, changes in the size of the Russian television advertising market, particularly in light of the current economic instability in Russia and globally; the Company's ability to deliver audience share, particularly in primetime, to its advertisers; free-to-air television remaining a significant advertising forum in Russia; the Company's reliance on a single television advertising sales house for substantially all of its revenues; and restrictions on foreign involvement in the Russian television business. These and other risks are described in the "Risk Factors" section of CTC Media's quarterly report on Form 10-Q filed with the SEC on October 31, 2008. Other unknown or unpredictable factors could have material adverse effects on CTC Media's future results, performance or achievements. In light of these risks, uncertainties, assumptions and factors, the forward-looking events discussed herein may not occur. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. CTC Media does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements because of new information, future events or otherwise.</p> <pre> CTC MEDIA, INC, AND SUBSIDIARIES UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (in thousands of US dollars, except share and per share data) Three months ended Year ended December 31, December 31, 2007 2008 2007 2008 REVENUES: Advertising $ 156,649 $ 183,091 $ 452,669 $ 623,336 Sublicensing 4,350 3,415 17,006 14,016 Other revenue 705 842 2,381 2,819 Total operating revenues 161,704 187,348 472,056 640,171 EXPENSES: Direct operating expenses (exclusive of amortization of programming rights and sublicensing rights, shown below, exclusive of depreciation and amortization of $24,652 and $10,030 in 2007 and 2008, respectively; and inclusive of stock-based compensation of $665 and $852 in 2007 and 2008, respectively) (5,193) (9,753) (18,794) (33,727) Selling, general and administrative (exclusive of depreciation and amortization of $2,709 and $3,350 in 2007 and 2008, respectively; and inclusive of stock based compensation of $13,029 and $15,231 in 2007 and 2008, respectively) (16,288) (23,404) (69,680) (97,201) Amortization of programming rights (44,979) (56,328) (153,531) (220,557) Amortization of sublicensing rights (2,492) (1,326) (9,629) (8,443) Depreciation and amortization (exclusive of amortization of programming rights and sublicensing rights) (7,911) (3,825) (27,361) (13,379) Impairment loss - (232,683) - (232,683) Total operating expenses $ (76,863) $ (327,319) $(278,995) $(605,990) OPERATING INCOME (LOSS) 84,841 (139,971) 193,061 34,181 FOREIGN CURRENCY GAINS (LOSSES) 126 (17,089) 151 (28,861) INTEREST INCOME 3,684 966 11,002 6,221 INTEREST EXPENSE (1) (2,926) (3) (9,434) GAINS ON SALE OF BUSINESSES - - 747 - OTHER NON-OPERATING INCOME (LOSSES), net 320 156 1,168 776 EQUITY IN INCOME OF INVESTEE COMPANIES (2,692) 447 (1,195) 1,511 Income (loss) before income tax and minority interest 86,278 (158,417) 204,931 4,394 INCOME TAX (EXPENSE) BENEFIT (24,147) 28,678 (63,176) (19,874) INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO MINORITY INTEREST (2,432) 40,695 (5,842) 37,934 NET INCOME (LOSS) $ 59,699 $ (89,004) $ 135,913 $22,454 Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders $ 59,699 $ (89,004) $ 135,913 $22,454 Net income per share attributable to common stockholders - basic $ 0.39 $ (0.59) $ 0.90 $0.15 Net income per share attributable to common stockholders - diluted $ 0.38 $ (0.57) $ 0.86 $0.14 Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic 151,956,598 152,155,213 151,731,780 152,146,559 Weighted average common shares outstanding - diluted 158,603,987 156,987,869 158,311,967 158,187,922 CTC MEDIA, INC, AND SUBSIDIARIES UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (in thousands of US dollars) Year ended December 31, 2007 2008 CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: Net income 135,913 22,454 Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: Deferred tax expense (benefit) (14,699) (66,142) Depreciation and amortization 27,361 13,379 Amortization of programming rights 153,351 220,557 Amortization of sublicensing rights 9,629 8,443 Stock based compensation expense 13,694 16,083 Gain on disposal of property and equipment (662) - Gain on sale of businesses (747) - Equity in (income) loss of unconsolidated investees 1,195 (1,511) Income attributable to minority interest 5,842 (37,934) Foreign currency (gains) losses (151) 28,861 Impairment loss - 232,683 Changes in operating assets and liabilities: Trade accounts receivable 124 (26,692) Prepayments 3,025 (14,366) Other assets 2,330 8,503 Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 2,049 863 Deferred revenue (3,537) 4,033 Other liabilities 2,161 20,983 Dividends received from equity investees 2,427 1,421 Acquisition of programming and sublicensing rights (176,802) (245,684) Net cash provided by operating activities 158,023 185,937 CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: Acquisitions of property and equipment (5,076) (4,804) Acquisitions of intangibles (564) (5,261) Acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired (34,833) (408,967) Proceeds from sale of businesses, net of cash disposed 827 - Proceeds from sale of property and equipment 2,055 - Other - - Net cash used in investing activities (37,591) (419,032) CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: Proceeds from exercise of stock options 6,582 1,849 Proceeds from loans - 135,000 Repayments of loans - (110,193) (Increase) decrease in restricted cash (60) (30) Dividends paid to minority interest (5,789) (6,031) Net cash provided by financing activities 733 20,595 EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH AND CASH 9,366 3,482 EQUIVALENTS Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 130,531 (209,018) CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD 176,542 307,073 CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD 307,073 98,055 SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION: Interest paid - 16,508 Income tax paid 75,296 93,159 CTC MEDIA, INC, AND SUBSIDIARIES UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (in thousands of US dollars, except share and per share data) December 31, 2007 2008 ASSETS CURRENT ASSETS: Cash and cash equivalents $307,073 $98,055 Trade accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts (2007-$435; 2008-$1,355) (including accounts receivable from related parties: 2007-$2,138; 2008-$832) 11,690 33,670 Taxes reclaimable 4,843 8,171 Prepayments (including prepayments to related parties: 2007-$1,990; 2008 - $518) 35,128 29,005 Programming rights, net 63,023 71,976 Deferred tax assets 12,938 14,166 Other current assets 3,342 7,720 TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS 438,037 262,763 RESTRICTED CASH 180 210 PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, net 24,768 22,722 INTANGIBLE ASSETS, net: Broadcasting licenses 74,254 166,173 Cable network connections 77 25,205 Trade names 6,828 17,587 Network affiliation agreements 1,333 9,214 Other intangible assets 724 1,244 Net intangible assets 83,216 219,423 GOODWILL 78,674 223,027 PROGRAMMING RIGHTS, net 36,161 48,031 SUBLICENSING RIGHTS, net 2,591 1,221 INVESTMENTS IN AND ADVANCES TO INVESTEES 6,557 5,311 PREPAYMENTS 12,026 6,238 DEFERRED TAX ASSETS 11,326 15,154 OTHER NON-CURRENT ASSETS 1,144 2,729 TOTAL ASSETS $694,680 $806,829 LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY CURRENT LIABILITIES: Accounts payable (including accounts payable to related parties: 2007-$516; 2008-$55) 25,846 41,025 Accrued liabilities 4,653 41,573 Taxes payable 14,507 30,154 Short-term loans and interest accrued - 62,165 Deferred revenue 11,866 14,683 Deferred tax liabilities 1,350 2,778 TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES 58,222 192,378 LONG TERM LOANS 224 28,438 DEFERRED TAX LIABILITIES 21,160 38,943 MINORITY INTEREST 3,182 2,481 COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Note 16) - - STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY: Common stock: $0.01 par value; shares authorized 175,772,173; shares issued and outstanding 2007-152,124,096; 2008-152,155,213) 1,521 1,522 Additional paid-in capital 348,752 365,362 Retained earnings 209,867 232,321 Accumulated other comprehensive income 51,752 (54,616) TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY 611,892 544,589 TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY $694,680 $806,829 CTC MEDIA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES UNAUDITED SEGMENT FINANCIAL INFORMATION (in thousands of US dollars) Three months ended December 31, 2007 Operating revenue from Operating Depreciation external Intersegment income/ and customers revenue (loss) amortization CTC Network $104,211 $207 $60,281 $(254) Domashny Network 13,750 - 3,749 (166) DTV Network - - - - CTC Television Station Group 37,381 - 27,770 (3,026) Domashny Television Station Group 6,362 399 233 (3,934) DTV Television Station Group - - - - CIS Group - - - - Production Group - - - - Corporate Office - - (7,192) (531) Business segment results $161,704 $606 $84,841 $(7,911) Eliminations and other - (606) - - Consolidated results $161,704 $- $84,841 $(7,911) Continued.... OIBDA adjusted for Impairment impairment Capital loss OIBDA loss expenditures CTC Network $- $60,535 $60,535 $(396) Domashny Network - 3,915 3,915 (121) DTV Network - - - - CTC Television Station Group - 30,796 30,796 (405) Domashny Television Station Group - 4,167 4,167 (703) DTV Television Station Group - - - - CIS Group - - - - Production Group - - - - Corporate Office - (6,661) (6,661) (67) Business segment results $- $92,752 $92,752 $(1,692) Eliminations and other - - - - Consolidated results $- $92,752 $92,752 $(1,692) Three months ended December 31, 2008 Operating revenue from Operating Depreciation external Intersegment income/ and customers revenue (loss) amortization CTC Network $115,547 $435 $63,615 $(211) Domashny Network 19,166 4 7,998 (147) DTV Network 13,463 8 (2,462) (1,435) CTC Television Station Group 27,669 340 20,418 (516) Domashny Television Station Group 4,655 254 1,732 (578) DTV Television Station Group 1,734 145 (88,056) (601) CIS Group 4,950 - (136,816) (258) Production Group 164 25,007 5,049 (8) Corporate Office - - (8,935) (71) Business segment results $187,348 $26,193 $(137,457) $(3,825) Eliminations and other - (26,193) (2,514) - Consolidated results $187,348 $- $(139,971) $(3,825) Continued.... OIBDA adjusted for Impairment impairment Capital CTC Network loss OIBDA loss expenditures Domashny Network $- $63,826 $63,826 $(140) DTV Network - 8,145 8,145 (79) CTC Television Station Group (7,743) (1,027) 6,716 (108) Domashny Television Station Group - 20,934 20,934 (277) DTV Television Station Group - 2,310 2,310 (106) CIS Group (87,889) (87,455) 434 (114) Production Group (137,051) (136,558) 493 (375) Corporate Office - 5,057 5,057 - Business segment results - (8,864) 8,864) (98) Eliminations and other $(232,683) $(133,632) $99,051 $(1,297) Consolidated results - (2,514) (2,514) - $(232,683) $(136,146) $96,537 $(1,297) (Continued on the next page) CTC MEDIA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES UNAUDITED SEGMENT FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Continued) (in thousands of US dollars) Year ended December 31, 2007 Operating revenue from Operating Depreciation external Intersegment income/ and customers revenue (loss) amortization CTC Network $321,030 $487 $166,249 $(1,002) Domashny Network 39,077 - 5,349 (631) DTV Network - - - - CTC Television Station Group 95,315 992 56,966 (9,243) Domashny Television Station Group 16,634 837 (7,977) (14,380) DTV Television Station Group - - - - CIS Group - - - - Production Group - - - - Corporate Office - - (27,526) (2,105) Business segment results $472,056 $2,316 $193,061 $(27,361) Eliminations and other - (2,316) - - Consolidated results $472,056 $- $193,061 $(27,361) Continued.... CTC Network OIBDA adjusted for Impairment impairment Capital loss OIBDA loss expenditures Domashny Network $- $167,251 $167,251 $(973) DTV Network - 5,980 5,980 (231) CTC Television Station Group - - - - Domashny Television Station Group - 66,209 66,209 (2,048) DTV Television Station Group - 6,403 6,403 (2,027) CIS Group - - - - Production Group - - - - Corporate Office - - - - Business segment results - (25,421) (25,421) (361) Eliminations and other $- $220,422 $220,422 $(5,640) Consolidated results - - - - $- $220,422 $220,422 $(5,640) Year ended December 31, 2008 Operating revenue from Operating Depreciation external Intersegment income/ and customers revenue (loss) amortization CTC Network $412,614 $4,516 $207,382 $(963) Domashny Network 64,142 13 18,868 (656) DTV Network 35,868 16 7,286 (2,332) CTC Television Station Group 95,033 1,704 60,384 (2,106) Domashny Television Station Group 16,003 1,069 2,552 (2,538) DTV Television Station Group 5,069 368 (89,811) (2,330) CIS Group 10,930 - (139,712) (880) Production Group 512 47,103 5,302 (52) Corporate Office - - (34,824) (1,522) Business segment results $640,171 $54,789 $37,427 $(13,379) Eliminations and other - (54,789) (3,246) - Consolidated results $640,171 $- $34,181 $(13,379) Continued.... OIBDA adjusted for Impairment impairment Capital loss OIBDA loss expenditures CTC Network $- $208,345 $208,345 $(1,021) Domashny Network - 19,524 19,524 (163) DTV Network (7,743) 9,618 17,361 (515) CTC Television Station Group - 62,490 62,490 (4,966) Domashny Television Station Group - 5,090 5,090 (2,133) DTV Television Station Group (87,889) (87,481) 408 (145) CIS Group (137,051) (138,832) (1,781) (594) Production Group - 5,354 5,354 - Corporate Office - (33,302) (33,302) (528) Business segment results $(232,683) $50,806 $283,489 $(10,065) Eliminations and other - (3,246) (3,246) - Consolidated results $(232,683) $47,560 $280,243 $(10,065) CTC MEDIA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES RECONCILIATION OF CONSOLIDATED OIBDA TO CONSOLIDATED OPERATING INCOME Three months ended Year ended December 31, December 31, 2007 2008 2007 2008 (in thousands of US dollars) OIBDA $92,752 $(136,146) $220,422 $47,560 Depreciation and amortization (exclusive of amortization of programming rights and sublicensing rights) (7,911) (3,825) (27,361) (13,379) Operating income $84,841 $(139,971) $193,061 $34,181 CTC MEDIA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES RECONCILIATION OF CONSOLIDATED OIBDA MARGIN TO CONSOLIDATED OPERATING INCOME MARGIN Three months ended Year ended December 31, December 31, 2007 2008 2007 2008 OIBDA margin 57.4% (72.7%) 46.7% 7.4% Depreciation and amortization (exclusive of amortization of programming rights and sublicensing rights) as a percentage of total operating revenues (4.9%) (2.0%) (5.8%) (2.1%) Operating income margin 52.5% (74.7%) 40.9% 5.3% CTC MEDIA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES RECONCILIATION OF CONSOLIDATED ADJUSTED OIBDA AND OTHER ADJUSTED FINANCIAL MEASURES TO CONSOLIDATED OIBDA AND OTHER CORRESPONDING CONSOLIDATED GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES, RESPECTIVELY Income Before Income Total Tax and (US$ 000's except per share Operating Operating Minority data) OIBDA Expenses Income Interest Three Months ended December 31, 2008 Adjusted non-US GAAP results $96,537 $(94,636) $92,712 $74,266 Impact of non-cash intangible asset impairment charge (232,683) (232,683) (232,683) (232,683) Results as reported (under US GAAP, except for OIBDA which is a non-GAAP financial measure) (136,146) (327,319) (139,971) (158,417) Year ended December 31, 2008 Adjusted non-US GAAP results $280,243 $(373,307) $266,864 $237,077 Impact of non-cash intangible asset impairment charge (232,683) (232,683) (232,683) (232,683) Results as reported (under US GAAP, except for OIBDA which is a non-US GAAP financial measure) 47,560 (605,990) 34,181 4,394 Continued.... Income Diluted (US$ 000's except per share Tax Minority Net Earnings data) Expense Interest Income per share Three Months ended December 31, 2008 Adjusted non-US GAAP results $(1,653) $(7,978) $64,675 $0.41 Impact of non-cash intangible asset impairment charge 30,331 48,673 (153,679) (0.98) Results as reported (under US GAAP, except for OIBDA which is a non-GAAP financial measure) 28,678 40,695 (89,004) (0.57) Year ended December 31, 2008 Adjusted non-US GAAP results $(50,205) $(10,739) $176,133 $1.11 Impact of non-cash intangible asset impairment charge 30,331 48,673 (153,679) (0.97) Results as reported (under US GAAP, except for OIBDA which is a non-US GAAP financial measure) (19,874) 37,934 22,454 0.14 CTC MEDIA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES RECONCILIATION OF ADJUSTED SEGMENT OIBDA TO SEGMENT OIBDA Three Months Ended December 31, 2008 Impact of non-cash intangible asset impairment (US$ 000's) Adjusted OIBDA charge OIBDA CTC Network $63,826 - $63,826 Domashny Network $8,145 - $8,145 DTV Network $6,716 $(7,743) $(1,027) CTC Television Station Group $20,934 - $20,934 Domashny Television Station Group $2,310 - $2,310 DTV Television Station Group $434 $(87,889) $(87,455) CIS Group $493 $(137,051) $(136,558) Production Group $5,057 - $5,057 Corporate $(8,864) - $(8,864) Business Segment Results $99,051 $(232,683) $(133,632) Eliminations and Other $(2,514) - $(2,514) Consolidated Results $96,537 $(232,683) $(136,146) Year Ended December 31, 2008 Impact of non-cash intangible asset impairment (US$ 000's) Adjusted OIBDA charge OIBDA CTC Network $208,345 - $208,345 Domashny Network $19,524 - $19,524 DTV Network $17,361 $(7,743) $9,618 CTC Television Station Group $62,490 - $62,490 Domashny Television Station Group $5,090 - $5,090 DTV Television Station Group $408 $(87,889) $(87,481) CIS Group $(1,781) $(137,051) $(138,832) Production Group $5,354 - $5,354 Corporate $(33,302) - $(33,302) Business Segment Result $283,489 $(232,683) $50,806 Eliminations and Other $(3,246) - $(3,246) Consolidated Results $280,243 $(232,683) $47,560 CTC MEDIA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES RECONCILIATION OF SEGMENT OIBDA TO SEGMENT OPERATING INCOME Three Months Ended December 31, 2008 Depreciation and amortization (exclusive of amortization of OIBDA programming rights Operating income and sublicensing (US$ 000's) rights) CTC Network $63,826 $(211) $63,615 Domashny Network $8,145 $(147) $7,998 DTV Network $(1,027) $(1,435) $(2,462) CTC Television Station Group $20,934 $(516) $20,418 Domashny Television Station Group $2,310 $(578) $1,732 DTV Television Station Group $(87,455) $(601) $(88,056) CIS Group $(136,558) $(258) $(136,816) Production Group $5,057 $(8) $5,049 Corporate $(8,864) $(71) $(8,935) Business Segment Results $(133,632) $(3,825) $(137,457) Eliminations and Other $(2,514) - $(2,514) Consolidated Results $(136,146) $(3,825) $(139,971) Year Ended December 31, 2008 Depreciation and amortization (exclusive of amortization of OIBDA programming rights Operating income and sublicensing (US$ 000's) rights) CTC Network $208,345 $(963) $207,382 Domashny Network $19,524 $(656) $18,868 DTV Network $9,618 $(2,332) $7,286 CTC Television Station Group $62,490 $(2,106) $60,384 Domashny Television Station Group $5,090 $(2,538) $2,552 DTV Television Station Group $(87,481) $(2,330) $(89,811) CIS Group $(138,832) $(880) $(139,712) Production Group $5,354 $(52) $5,302 Corporate $(33,302) $(1,522) $(34,824) Business Segment Results $50,806 $(13,379) $37,427 Eliminations and Other $(3,246) - $(3,246) Consolidated Results $47,560 $(13,379) $34,181 For further information, please visithttp://www.ctcmedia.ru or contact: CTC Media, Inc. Investor Relations Ekaterina Ostrova or Ekaterina Tsukanova Tel: +7-495-783-3650 ir@ctcmedia.ru Media Relations Angelika Larionova Tel: +7-495-785-6333 pr@ctcmedia.ru </pre> <noindex><p>[Via <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.prnewswire.com" target="_blank">http://www.prnewswire.com</a>]</p></noindex> <ul> <li><a href="http://p3financial.blogspot.com/2009/02/small-business-worker-classification.html#comment-form">Small Business Worker Classification: Independent Contractor or Employee?</a></li> <li><a href="http://musicprnews.blogspot.com/2009/02/manilow-begins-fifth-year-headlining-at.html#comment-form">Manilow Begins Fifth Year Headlining at Las Vegas Hilton</a></li> <li><a href="http://businesspublicrelations.blogspot.com/2009/02/prweb-named-finalist-in-siia-2009-codie.html#comment-form">PRWeb Named Finalist in SIIA's 2009 CODiE Awards</a></li> </ul><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/942947571451216121-7014831084808810298?l=advertisingmedianews.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>megaonoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-942947571451216121.post-88597898662847178732009-02-25T23:25:00.000+02:002009-02-26T02:21:13.406+02:00 <p>NEW YORK, Feb. 25 /PRNewswire/ -- Glidden Paint announced today that it has selected DDB New York as its marketing partner in the U.S. for a full-scale brand relaunch. </p> <p></p> <p>"Glidden has long been associated with innovation and understanding the end user. Working with the innovative team at DDB will be critical as we look to grow our business and lead in the category," said Rob Horton, Vice President of Marketing for AkzoNobel Paints U.S. "DDB brought us terrific nontraditional ideas that will generate awareness of Glidden's dramatic new products and drive brand insistence in the larger retail home improvement stores."</p> <p></p> <p>DDB will be a partner in everything from package design and in-store displays to television and online ideas in assisting with the brand reinvention. DDB New York is working in partnership with ETCETERA, a DDB company in Amsterdam. ETCETERA has worked for Glidden's parent company AkzoNobel for 15 years.</p> <p></p> <p>"We are thrilled to call Glidden our partner and to start working with them on this exciting and important endeavor to help this 100-year-old brand find a new voice and greater relevance in its field," said Peter Hempel, President and CEO of DDB New York.</p> <p></p> <p>About DDB </p> <p></p> <p>DDB Worldwide Communications Group Inc (www.ddb.com) is the largest consolidated advertising and marketing services global network in the world, according to Advertising Age. DDB also has been frequently ranked as the most awarded agency network in the world by Creativity magazine and The Gunn Report, among others. With more than 200 offices in over </p> <p></p> <p>90 countries, the DDB Group believes that creativity is the most powerful force in business, building enduring and powerful brand experiences that create TalkValue,(TM) influence social communities and drive results. DDB Worldwide is part of Omnicom Group Inc. (NYSE: OMC). </p> <p></p> <p></p> <p> </p> <p></p> <p></p> <noindex><p>[Via <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.prnewswire.com" target="_blank">http://www.prnewswire.com</a>]</p></noindex> <ul> <li><a href="http://p4mymoney.blogspot.com/2009/02/business-owners-say-obama-should-reduce.html#comment-form">Business Owners Say Obama Should Reduce Small Business Taxes and Free Up Lending</a></li> <li><a href="http://intbizzn.blogspot.com/2009/02/know-more-about-home-business.html#comment-form">Know More About Home Business Opportunities Posted By : Bibi Olubunmi Apampa</a></li> <li><a href="http://payforinsurance.blogspot.com/2009/02/employers-holdings-inc-reports-fourth.html#comment-form">Employers Holdings, Inc. Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2008 Earnings, Extends Stock Repurchase Program and Announces Dividend</a></li> </ul><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/942947571451216121-8859789866284717873?l=advertisingmedianews.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>megaonoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-942947571451216121.post-25301058868351576072009-02-25T03:41:00.000+02:002009-02-25T07:01:31.914+02:00 <p>Release: Thursday March 12, 20097:30 a.m. (ET)</p> <p></p> <p>Conference Call: Thursday March 12, 200910:00 a.m. (ET)</p> <p></p> <p>CARY, N.C., Feb. 24 /PRNewswire/ -- R.H. Donnelley Corporation (RHDC), one of the nation's leading Yellow Pages and online local commercial search companies, will announce fourth quarter and full year 2008 results on Thursday March 12 at approximately 7:30 a.m. (ET), which will be posted on the company's Web site at www.rhd.com. The company invites its investors and other interested parties to participate in a conference call at 10:00 a.m. (ET) on the same day to hear commentary regarding its results. David C. Swanson, chairman and CEO, and Steven M. Blondy, executive vice president and CFO, will host the call.</p> <p></p> <p>(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20060731/NYM044LOGO)</p> <p></p> <p>Individuals within the United States can access the call by dialing 888-387-9606 - others should dial 517-645-6055. The pass code for the call is "RHD". In order to ensure a prompt start time, please dial into the call by 9:50 a.m. (ET). A replay of the conference call can be accessed from within the United States by dialing 866-382-4784 and internationally by dialing 203-369-0363. There is no pass code for the replay, which will be available through March 26, 2009. In addition, a live Web cast will be available on RHD's Web site at www.rhd.com, and an archived version will be available for up to one year.</p> <p></p> <p>Helping Local Businesses Reach More Customers</p> <p>R.H. Donnelley's interactive offerings are essential to its Triple Play(TM) solution suite -- an integrated set of products and services that efficiently and effectively extend the marketing reach of local businesses. Spanning multiple media platforms -- print Yellow Pages directories, DexKnows.com(TM) search site and the major search engines (e.g., Yahoo!(R) and Google(R)) via the Company's Dex Search Network(TM) -- Triple Play delivers the advertisements of local businesses to a wider set of ready-to-buy consumers.</p> <p></p> <p>About R.H. Donnelley</p> <p>R.H. Donnelley connects businesses and consumers through its portfolio of print and interactive marketing solutions. Small- and medium-sized businesses look to R.H. Donnelley's experienced team of marketing consultants to help them grow their companies and drive sales leads. Consumers depend on the Company's reliable, local business content to deliver the most relevant search results when they are seeking local goods and services. For more information, visit www.rhd.com and DexKnows.com.</p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <noindex><p>[Via <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.prnewswire.com" target="_blank">http://www.prnewswire.com</a>]</p></noindex> <ul> <li><a href="http://artprnews.blogspot.com/2009/02/boston-university-college-of-fine-arts.html#comment-form">Boston University College of Fine Arts Presents InCite 2009: Art Never Backs Down</a></li> <li><a href="http://multimediaandinternet.blogspot.com/2009/02/edisonlearning-to-convene-education.html#comment-form">EdisonLearning to Convene Education Scholars For English Language Learners Curriculum Design, Citing Data from Latino Equity Report</a></li> <li><a href="http://provitelstvo.blogspot.com/2009/02/walter-reed-first-military-hospital-to.html#comment-form">Walter Reed First Military Hospital to Use Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation to Treat Depression</a></li> </ul><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/942947571451216121-2530105886835157607?l=advertisingmedianews.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>megaonoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-942947571451216121.post-44438472599382509232009-02-24T23:59:00.000+02:002009-02-25T03:05:54.621+02:00 <p>New AW900xTP and AW5800xTP solutions can significantly reduce expensive installation costs and eliminate monthly wireless service fees.</p> <p></p> <p>HUNTSVILLE, Ala., Feb. 24 /PRNewswire/ -- This week at the 2009 Digital Signage Expo Conference in Las Vegas AvaLAN Wireless Systems, Inc. announced the new AW900xTP and the new AW5800xTP ultra long range wireless Ethernet solutions. The new products combine a unique set of features that make them ideal to deliver content to outdoor digital signs. No other company can match the price-performance characteristics of AvaLAN's products. An AvaLAN radio pair can bridge a 30 mile distance without sacrificing bandwidth, security or performance. The AW900xTP and AW5800xTP products enable Ethernet connectivity for fringe IP devices, including digital signage media players or digital billboard surveillance cameras. AvaLAN products are an ideal replacement for installations where WiFi systems are under-performing or failing completely due to insufficient range, excessive interference or unsatisfactory reliability.</p> <p></p> <p>(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090224/AQTU556LOGO)</p> <p></p> <p>"AvaLAN is now offering an innovative way to reduce installation costs of outdoor digital signage systems," said Matt Nelson, CEO and President of AvaLAN Wireless. "The New AW900xTP and AW5800xTP products offer outdoor digital signage customers a great way to improve their ROI by reducing installation costs and eliminating expensive monthly wireless network costs."</p> <p></p> <p>Outdoor digital signage has a proven ability to generate more revenue through better utilization of the same physical space. The outdoor digital signage industry is continuing to grow at an accelerated pace. AvaLAN Wireless Systems provide ultra long range industrial wireless internet connectivity for outdoor digital signage. AvaLAN has over 20,000 industrial wireless devices deployed that enable Ethernet device connectivity at the edge of the Internet. Most outdoor digital signage utilizes local advertising content. If the source is within 40 miles of the digital billboard, this local content can be wirelessly serviced through a "closed" industrial wireless network instead of an expensive cellular type network. Typical 3G or cellular data services can range from $30 to $50 per sign each month. A company that manages a digital signage network of 100 signs could save over $60,000 per year by using an AvaLAN Wireless network. AvaLAN's wireless solutions can save installation costs in outdoor digital signage by significantly reducing the cost of connecting to digital signage located across paved parking lots. AvaLAN has offered wireless digital signage connectivity through OEM partnerships and is now offering similar solutions under the "AvaLAN" brand. AvaLAN anticipates new growth coming from the digital signage market and through solving customer's needs with reliable and robust wireless solutions.</p> <p></p> <p>About AvaLAN Wireless Systems, Inc.</p> <p>AvaLAN Wireless ("AvaLAN") is an industry leader in the ultra long range industrial wireless Ethernet market. To date, the Company has manufactured and delivered over 20,000 of its radios to the networking, surveillance, digital signage, robotics, and access control markets. AvaLAN offers robust and reliable solutions for both non line-of-sight 900 MHz and line-of-site 5.8 GHz wireless Ethernet bridge technology at the network's edge. AvaLAN Wireless Systems Inc. is headquartered near Huntsville, Alabama and can be contacted at 866-533-6216, by email at info@avalanwireless.com, or by visiting www.avalanwireless.com.</p> <p></p> <p>2004 -- 2009 AvaLAN Wireless Systems Incorporated. All rights reserved. AvaLAN Wireless and the AvaLAN Wireless logo are registered trademarks of AvaLAN Wireless Systems Incorporated. All other trademarks are property of their respective owners.</p> <p></p> <p></p> <noindex><p>[Via <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.prnewswire.com" target="_blank">http://www.prnewswire.com</a>]</p></noindex> <ul> <li><a href="http://prooffering.blogspot.com/2009/02/manulife-financial-corporation.html#comment-form">Manulife Financial Corporation announces Preferred Share issue</a></li> <li><a href="http://proinsurancenews.blogspot.com/2009/02/healthcare-liaison-graduates-nation.html#comment-form">Healthcare Liaison Graduates Nation's First Credentialed Private Healthcare Advocates - Graduates are Pioneers in Emerging Profession</a></li> <li><a href="http://magazinesonlinenews.blogspot.com/2009/02/solos-endoscopy-inc-breast-endoscopy.html#comment-form">Solos Endoscopy, Inc.'s Breast Endoscopy System Featured in January Issue of Outpatient Surgery Magazine</a></li> </ul><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/942947571451216121-4443847259938250923?l=advertisingmedianews.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>megaonoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-942947571451216121.post-37417449397121020482009-02-24T22:50:00.000+02:002009-02-25T02:21:33.740+02:00 <p>TEMPE, Ariz., Feb. 24 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Limelight Networks, Inc. (Nasdaq: LLNW) Chief Executive Officer Jeff Lunsford will present at the Goldman Sachs Technology and Internet Conference taking place 26-27 February 2009 in San Francisco.</p> <p></p> <p>Mr. Lunsford's presentation will begin at approximately 11:00am Pacific Standard Time, U.S.A., on Thursday, 26 February 2009. Investors may listen to the live webcast of the presentation through the company's website at www.llnw.com . </p> <p></p> <p>About Limelight Networks, Inc.</p> <p></p> <p>Limelight Networks, Inc. (Nasdaq: LLNW) is a content delivery partner enabling the next wave of Internet business and entertainment. More than 1300 Internet, entertainment, software, and technology brands trust our robust, scalable platform to monetize their digital assets by delivering a brilliant online experience to their global audience. Our architecture bypasses the busy public Internet using a dedicated optical network that interconnects thousands of servers and delivers massive files at the speed of light - directly to the access networks that consumers use every day. Our proven network and passion for service provides our customers confidence that every object in their library will be delivered to every user, every time. Read our blog at http://blog.llnw.com or visit http://www.limelightnetworks.com for more information.</p> <p></p> <p>Copyright (C) 2009 Limelight Networks, Inc. All rights reserved. All product or service names are the property of their respective owners</p> <p></p> <p></p> <noindex><p>[Via <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.prnewswire.com" target="_blank">http://www.prnewswire.com</a>]</p></noindex> <ul> <li><a href="http://businessdirectmarketing.blogspot.com/2009/02/jp-marketing-sees-auto-dealers-making.html#comment-form">JP Marketing Sees Auto Dealers Making Major Shifts of Ad Spends into Online Advertising</a></li> <li><a href="http://businessnetworkmarketing.blogspot.com/2009/02/career-fair-being-held-at-del-mar.html#comment-form">Career Fair Being Held at Del Mar Hilton for Persons Seeking Financial Opportunities in These Economic Times</a></li> <li><a href="http://financingagreements.blogspot.com/2009/02/metro-funding-closes-1650000-loan.html#comment-form">Metro Funding Closes a $1,650,000 Loan</a></li> </ul><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/942947571451216121-3741744939712102048?l=advertisingmedianews.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>megaonoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-942947571451216121.post-85167221547776148492009-02-24T13:10:00.000+02:002009-02-24T16:14:20.342+02:00 <p>SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif., Feb. 24 /PRNewswire/ -- Competitive Edge announced today they will be representing Pasea LLC in a breakthrough golf DVD titled "Phil Mickelson: Secrets of the Short Game." The one-year agreement gives Competitive Edge's retail division exclusive rights to market the DVD series to golf retailers and websites, as well as green-grass shops. The two-disc DVD program and booklet discuss Phil's putting, chipping, sand and flop shot techniques and strategies that have made Phil's short game legendary. A national TV campaign will launch on Golf Channel the week of the Masters.</p> <p></p> <p>With Phil's win this past weekend at the Northern Trust Open, he has now logged 35 career wins, ranking second among active players and is 13th on the all-time wins list. He has finished second or third on the money list eight times including seven of the last nine seasons. He has finished in the top 10 at eight of the last nine Masters Tournaments, including wins in 2004 and 2006. He is the only U.S. player to appear in all seven Presidents Cups and the last seven Ryder Cups. </p> <p></p> <p>The DVD series and TV commercial were produced and directed by Terry Jastrow, a seven-time Emmy award winner whose credits include Producer/Director of six previous Olympic Opening Ceremonies, Super Bowl XIX, 68 Golf Majors and events ranging from an Indianapolis 500 and Kentucky Derby. Mr. Jastrow is married to actress Anne Archer and has two sons and is a member of the Texas State Golf Hall of Fame.</p> <p></p> <p>For more information on Competitive Edge, visit http://www.compedgemedia.com. If you are a retailer/website interested in selling Phil's DVD, please call (805)788-0685 and ask for Greg Parks, or e-mail him at greg@compedgemedia.com.</p> <p></p> <p>This release was issued through eReleases(TM). For more information, visit http://www.ereleases.com. </p> <p></p> <p></p> <noindex><p>[Via <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.prnewswire.com" target="_blank">http://www.prnewswire.com</a>]</p></noindex> <ul> <li><a href="http://p1businessinsurance.blogspot.com/2009/02/rsd-folders-50-for-zos-delivers.html#comment-form">RSD Folders 5.0 for z/OS Delivers Breakthrough Productivity for Enterprise Information Governance</a></li> <li><a href="http://p2businesspublications.blogspot.com/2009/02/global-sources-introduces-e-magazines.html#comment-form">Global Sources Introduces e-Magazines</a></li> <li><a href="http://businessentrepreneursblog.blogspot.com/2009/02/how-economic-recession-is-affecting.html#comment-form">How the Economic Recession is Affecting Professional Home Cleaning Companies</a></li> </ul><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/942947571451216121-8516722154777614849?l=advertisingmedianews.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>megaonoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-942947571451216121.post-80607108595000783412009-02-24T00:00:00.000+02:002009-02-24T03:07:34.973+02:00 <p>Porter Novelli Announces Initiative to Transform PR Industry Through Open Innovation</p> <p></p> <p>NEW YORK, Feb. 23 /PRNewswire/ -- In a move that breaks with tradition, global public relations agency Porter Novelli today announced a brand-new initiative to collaborate with the startups who are creating the interactive technology and services of the future. PN Digital Labs launches today at Ignite NYC, the New York City chapter of O'Reilly Media's series of tech culture social events. </p> <p></p> <p>The mantra of PN Digital Labs is to identify, empower and partner with best-in-class digital startups and companies. In the spirit of entrepreneurship and open innovation, PN Digital Labs will foster collaboration -- by delivering best-in-class digital strategy and products to Porter Novelli clients and exposing startups to Porter Novell's top-tier client base. PN Digital Labs aims to facilitate breakthrough innovations within Porter Novelli's service and product offerings on behalf of its clients. </p> <p></p> <p>"Some of the most pioneering technologies were created via collaboration, and that is what we hope to encourage with PN Digital Labs," said Brad McCormick, Executive Vice President of U.S. Digital at Porter Novelli. "We seek to create synergy between Porter Novelli's strategic approach and our partners' technical brilliance. We believe this cross-pollination will help us deliver the most effective and innovative digital programs for our clients, and help our partners hone their own products."</p> <p></p> <p>Tonight at Ignite NYC, PN Digital Labs will be revealed to New York City's growing entrepreneurial technology community, comprising venture capitalists, futurists, innovators and more. </p> <p></p> <p>Startups may submit offerings to pndigitallabs.com for the chance to become part of PN Digital Labs. Companies will compete to present to Porter Novelli's digital and client teams with the aim of collaborating on future campaigns and creating products for Porter Novelli clients. </p> <p></p> <p>"At Porter Novelli, we will continue to expose our clients to best-in-class innovations, building on our legacy of technology leadership," said Michel Ramah, Partner, Director of Strategic Planning at Porter Novelli.</p> <p></p> <p>About Porter Novelli</p> <p>Porter Novelli was founded in Washington, D.C., in 1972 and is a part of Omnicom Group Inc. (NYSE: OMC) (omnicomgroup.com). With 100 offices in 60 countries, we take a 360-degree view of clients' businesses to build powerful communications programs that resonate with critical stakeholders. Our reputation is built on our foundation in strategic planning and insights generation and our ability to adopt a media-neutral approach. We ensure our clients achieve Intelligent Influence, systematically mapping the most effective interactions, making them happen and measuring the outcome. Many minds. Singular results.</p> <p></p> <noindex><p>[Via <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.prnewswire.com" target="_blank">http://www.prnewswire.com</a>]</p></noindex> <ul> <li><a href="http://radiopr.blogspot.com/2009/02/sirius-xm-radio-broadcasts-first.html#comment-form">SIRIUS XM Radio Broadcasts First Interview With Archbishop Timothy Dolan and Edward Cardinal Egan Exclusively on The Catholic Channel</a></li> <li><a href="http://p1businessbooks.blogspot.com/2009/02/father-james-martin-to-appear-on.html#comment-form">Father James Martin to Appear on The Colbert Report</a></li> <li><a href="http://p4finansialblog.blogspot.com/2009/02/north-star-resource-group-named-one-of.html#comment-form">North Star Resource Group Named One of Best Places to Work for Recent Grads; Continues Recruiting and Hiring Focus in 2009</a></li> </ul><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/942947571451216121-8060710859500078341?l=advertisingmedianews.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>megaonoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-942947571451216121.post-70293441789862880672009-02-23T23:24:00.000+02:002009-02-24T02:20:21.450+02:00 <p>NEW YORK, Feb. 23 /PRNewswire/ -- MAXIMUM ENTERTAINMENT - a New York based boutique commercial advertising production company - is celebrating an Oscar(R) win for one of its directors, James Marsh. Marsh received the Academy Award on Sunday for best documentary for his film "Man on Wire."</p> <p></p> <p>*(PHOTO 72dpi: Send2Press.com/mediaboom/09-0223-JamesMarsh_72dpi.jpg)</p> <p></p> <p>*(Photo Caption: Director James Marsh, Maximum Entertainment.)</p> <p></p> <p>The film is a partly dramatized re-telling of an outrageous plot by a group of French artists to rig a high wire between the Twin Towers for aerialist Philippe Petit to perform on in 1974.</p> <p></p> <p>Marsh was not the only one of Maximum's directors to receive Oscar nominations. Fellow Academy Award nominee and Maximum Entertainment director Gus Van Sant received an Oscar nod for his directing of the movie "Milk" - which won a best actor award for Sean Penn.</p> <p></p> <p>Maximum Entertainment is a collective of filmmakers started by renowned cinematographer Harris Savides and 20-year veteran producers Jim Czarnecki and Maria Gallagher. With a combined experience not only in commercial production but also in the worlds of feature film, documentaries, TV, and marketing and branding, Maximum Entertainment is about bringing a fresh perspective to commercials, TV and new media projects.</p> <p></p> <p>Czarnecki and Gallagher were elated over the two Academy Award nominations and in particular over the Oscar win by James Marsh: "Because of his background in both documentary and feature films, we see James's strengths as a film-maker as being able to combine these two worlds; making spots that are both stylistic and authentic."</p> <p></p> <p>"He is able to get strong performances from real people and realistic performances from actors, and with the added plus of being a writer/director and expert researcher, he is a natural for developing long form projects that could be the basis for a series of 30 sec spots. Now that he is available again after finishing his current film, Nineteen-Eighty, we're looking forward to working with him on commercials in the upcoming months."</p> <p></p> <p>For more information, visit: http://www.maxentfilms.com/</p> <p></p> <p>All trademarks acknowledged.</p> <p></p> <p>This release was issued on behalf of the above organization by Send2Press(R), a unit of Neotrope(R). http://www.Send2Press.com</p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <noindex><p>[Via <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.prnewswire.com" target="_blank">http://www.prnewswire.com</a>]</p></noindex> <ul> <li><a href="http://businessdirectmarketing.blogspot.com/2009/02/steve-gaskin-promoted-to-principal-of.html#comment-form">Steve Gaskin Promoted to Principal of Applied Marketing Science</a></li> <li><a href="http://p4finansialblog.blogspot.com/2009/02/ford-puts-dent-in-auto-insurance-costs.html#comment-form">Ford Puts a Dent in Auto Insurance Costs by Making Vehicles More Damage Resistant and Cheaper to Fix</a></li> <li><a href="http://p1businessbooks.blogspot.com/2009/02/challenge-of-engaging-and-motivating.html#comment-form">The Challenge of Engaging and Motivating Employees in A Tough Economy: New eBook Details How to Drive Revenue by Keeping People Engaged</a></li> </ul><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/942947571451216121-7029344178986288067?l=advertisingmedianews.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>megaonoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-942947571451216121.post-70994976266475014642009-02-23T14:20:00.000+02:002009-02-23T17:15:35.104+02:00 <p>Online Community Includes Dynamic Media Updates, Expert Articles, Media Interviews and More</p> <p></p> <p>CHICAGO, Feb. 23 /PRNewswire/ -- Cision, the leading provider of media research, distribution, monitoring and analysis services to the public relations industry and other communicators, today launched a new and enhanced version of its Cision Navigator (http://navigator.cision.com) website. </p> <p></p> <p>Cision Navigator, an online community for public relations professionals, now includes expert articles on communications trends and best practices, plus insightful journalist interviews and new outlet profiles, along with its highly popular public RSS feeds providing streaming updates on moves and changes in thousands of media outlets.</p> <p></p> <p>"The new Cision Navigator site is a superior online destination for PR professionals striving to improve their day-to-day business performance and overall career trajectory," said Ruth McFarland, Cision's Senior Vice President of Research. "It's both a crucial entry point for Cision customers to our value-added media intelligence research and services, and a go-to online community for all communicators."</p> <p></p> <p>Based on Bacon's Media Database, the most comprehensive media research resource in North America - updated 18,000 times each day - Cision Navigator's constantly refreshed content features free RSS feeds that update editorial changes in special interest communities, including health care, technology, lifestyle, and business and finance. </p> <p></p> <p>Cision Navigator was originally a newsletter alerting Cision customers to beat changes at editorial outlets covered by the Bacon's Media Database. Its new mission is to establish an open online community that combines the daily media updates with articles, white papers and blog posts from Cision thought leaders, research staff and outside industry experts; social media links and research; new outlet information; media "spotlights" on influential journalists; and an enhanced operating platform. </p> <p></p> <p>The new Cision Navigator's Web 2.0 functionality will enable subscribers to customize site content to suit their preferences, rate articles, and create a community that improves online dialogue among Cision, PR professionals, and the media.</p> <p></p> <p>Cision Navigator's full range of content is available free to users who submit a simple online registration form. It's integrated with the Cision North America web sites, providing easy access to other popular Cision destinations, including Cision Blog. The new Cision Navigator features a complete re-design and is based on next-generation content management system technology. </p> <p></p> <p>About Cision AB</p> <p>Cision AB (www.cision.com) is a global industry leader in business and communication intelligence. The firm provides media research, distribution, monitoring and communication evaluation, as well as target group identification and distribution of information for PR and IR purposes. Cision AB has annual revenue of SEK 1.9 billion, and has around 2,700 employees in Canada, China, Finland, Germany, Hong Kong, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Singapore, Sweden, Lithuania, United Kingdom, and the United States. </p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <noindex><p>[Via <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.prnewswire.com" target="_blank">http://www.prnewswire.com</a>]</p></noindex> <ul> <li><a href="http://businessentrepreneursblog.blogspot.com/2009/02/ron-conway-iconic-silicon-valley-based.html#comment-form">Ron Conway, Iconic Silicon Valley-based Angel IT Investor, Identifies Cloud Computing on IdeasProject.com as the Most Disruptive Technology at Work Today</a></li> <li><a href="http://womeninbusinessblog.blogspot.com/2009/02/new-women-community-resource-website.html#comment-form">New Women's Community Resource Website Focuses on Empowerment & Healing; 2bempowered.com Encourages Women & Youth to Share Their Experiences & Awareness</a></li> <li><a href="http://p2businessretail.blogspot.com/2009/02/two-success-stories-become-one-as.html#comment-form">Two Success Stories Become One as Associated Pharmacies, Inc. and United Drugs Announce their Proposed Corporate Merger</a></li> </ul><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/942947571451216121-7099497626647501464?l=advertisingmedianews.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>megaonoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-942947571451216121.post-55592952061216381952009-02-23T13:00:00.000+02:002009-02-23T16:17:05.491+02:00 <p> </p> <p></p> <p>Dog Fancy(R) Magazine Named Best All-Breed Magazine</p> <p></p> <p>IRVINE, Calif., Feb. 23 /PRNewswire/ -- BowTie, Inc., the world's largest publisher of pet and animal magazines and websites, was honored with 28 nominations and nine Maxwell Awards at the annual Dog Writers Association of America (DWAA) writing competition awards ceremony and banquet on February 8, 2009 in New York, N.Y.</p> <p></p> <p>Dog Fancy, the world's most widely read dog magazine, was named the best All-Breed magazine, taking home the coveted Maxwell Award, DWAA's editorial excellence award.</p> <p></p> <p>"We are very pleased to have been selected Best All-Breed Magazine by DWAA," said Dog Fancy editor Susan Chaney. "It takes an entire crew of people to make Dog Fancy the magazine that it is. Credit for this honor goes to each and every member of that crew."</p> <p></p> <p>The following BowTie magazines also received the DWAA Maxwell Award:</p> <p> </p><ul><li>Magazine, Yearbook/Annual/Special Publication: Dogs USA 2008 </li> <li>Magazine, Feature in a Single-Breed Magazine: Susan McCullough, "You Don't Know Shih Tzu" (Shih Tzu Puppies/Popular Dogs Series) </li> <li>Magazine Feature in a Yearbook/Annual/Special Publication: Sandy Robins, "No Bullies Here" (Bully Breeds/Popular Dogs Series) </li> <li>Magazine, Article on Training and/or Behavior: Jacque Lynn Schultz, "Potty Particulars" (Dachshund Puppies/Popular Dogs Series) </li> <li>Magazine, Subject-Related Series: Meredith Wargo, "Kids Can Do It" (Dogs for Kids) </li> <li>Morris Animal Foundation Advances in Canine Veterinary Medicine Award: Matthew Schenker, "Healthy Integration" (Dog World) </li> <li>WCFO Excellence in Canine Freestyle Media Award: Kim Campbell Thornton, "Dancing With the Dog Stars" (Dog World)</li> </ul><p></p> <p></p> <p>Additionally, BowTie Press, a division of BowTie, was honored for one of their books. Best in Show, written by Bo Bengtson, won for Best General Reference Book.</p> <p></p> <p>For more information or to schedule an interview with an editor, contact Lisa MacDonald, marketing director, at 949-855-8822, x 3345.</p> <p></p> <p>About BowTie, Inc.</p> <p>BowTie, Inc. is the leader in special interest pet magazines, trade magazines, books and websites dedicated to pet-loving consumers, pet-supply retailers, veterinarians, breeders and pet professionals worldwide. Divisions of BowTie, Inc. include BowTie Magazines, BowTie Press, BowTie News, Thoroughbred Times Company, Global Distribution Services and www.AnimalNetwork.com.</p> <p></p> <p> </p> <p></p> <noindex><p>[Via <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.prnewswire.com" target="_blank">http://www.prnewswire.com</a>]</p></noindex> <ul> <li><a href="http://financialblg.blogspot.com/2009/02/oridion-receives-fda-510k-clearance-for.html#comment-form">Oridion Receives FDA 510(k) Clearance for Capnostream(TM)20 Monitor With Integrated Pulmonary Index(TM)</a></li> <li><a href="http://businessse.blogspot.com/2009/02/weatherproof-lights-arlington-40.html#comment-form">WEATHERPROOF LIGHTS (Arlington) $40</a></li> <li><a href="http://womeninbusinessblog.blogspot.com/2009/02/telecommuting-employment-expert-sara.html#comment-form">Telecommuting Employment Expert, Sara Sutton Fell, Appears on CNN to Discuss Part Time Jobs and Alternative Jobs</a></li> </ul><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/942947571451216121-5559295206121638195?l=advertisingmedianews.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>megaonoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-942947571451216121.post-39252708508668094122009-02-23T11:00:00.000+02:002009-02-23T14:11:34.750+02:00 <p>WEST PALM BEACH, Fla., Feb. 23 /PRNewswire/ -- The Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties announced today it has retained NewsMark Public Relations for strategic communications counsel on a number of civic engagement leadership projects.</p> <p></p> <p>The Foundation, which has granted more than $74 million to nonprofit organizations in the community and $4.5 million in scholarships to over 1,200 students since its inception, is developing the first-ever "Digital Public Square" to empower civic engagement across the county. New community resources sponsored by the Community Foundation are also being prepared for publication on the new digital platform that will combine the power of web 2.0 tools and a growing number of nonprofit partnerships to deliver critical community information.</p> <p></p> <p>"NewsMark Public Relations presented us with an impressive record of success and a very clear understanding of our work in addressing issues critical to quality of life in Palm Beach County," said Leslie Lilly, President and CEO of the Community Foundation.</p> <p></p> <p>"We're pleased to be selected by the Community Foundation to work with its top notch management and communications team to implement a strategic program that underlines the enormous potential of these projects to inspire civic engagement throughout the county," said NewsMark CEO Mark Hopkinson.</p> <p></p> <p>Funds from a two-year civic initiatives leadership grant from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation are being used to develop the "Digital Public Square" project. The Knight Foundation is encouraging community foundations nationwide to pursue similar leadership initiatives.</p> <p></p> <p>About the Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties</p> <p>Since 1972, The Community Foundation has granted over $4.5 million in scholarships to over 1,200 students and $74 million to nonprofit organizations in the community. The Foundation accepts contributions in support of community initiatives, special projects and permanent endowment. Income from endowment is used to make grants and award scholarships primarily in Palm Beach and Martin counties. To learn more, please visit www.yourcommunityfoundation.org.</p> <p></p> <p>About the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation </p> <p>The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation invests in journalism excellence worldwide and in the vitality of U.S. communities where the Knight brothers owned newspapers. Since 1950, the foundation has granted more than $400 million to advance quality journalism and freedom of expression. Knight Foundation focuses on projects with the potential to create transformational change. For more, visit www.knightfoundation.org.</p> <p></p> <p>About NewsMark Public Relations</p> <p>NewsMark Public Relations www.NewsMarkPR.com and www.NewsMarkPublicRelations.com is a full-service PR agency founded by Mark Hopkinson, a former US media strategist for the British government and BBC trained journalist. The firm specializes in corporate, personal and political image building with an emphasis on influential media placements and strategic communications.</p> <p></p> <pre> CONTACT: Kate Parmelee Director of Communications and Marketing Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties (561) 659-6800 ext. 121/kparmelee@cfpbmc.org Mark Hopkinson NewsMark Public Relations (561) 852-5767 </pre> <p></p> <noindex><p>[Via <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.prnewswire.com" target="_blank">http://www.prnewswire.com</a>]</p></noindex> <ul> <li><a href="http://p1businesscorporationsblog.blogspot.com/2009/02/risesmart-offers-free-job-search-help.html#comment-form">RiseSmart Offers Free Job Search Help to Victims of Wall Street Layoffs</a></li> <li><a href="http://publishinginformationservices.blogspot.com/2009/02/newsweek-media-lead-sheetmarch-2-2009.html#comment-form">NEWSWEEK: Media Lead Sheet/March 2, 2009 Issue (on newsstands Monday, February 23)</a></li> <li><a href="http://intbizzn.blogspot.com/2009/02/translating-your-website-is-critical.html#comment-form">Translating your website is critical? speak more than one language and get more customers.. Posted By : lyricarticles</a></li> </ul><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/942947571451216121-3925270850866809412?l=advertisingmedianews.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>megaonoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-942947571451216121.post-19450623732302668422009-02-23T06:36:00.000+02:002009-02-23T10:04:08.108+02:00 <p>LOS ANGELES, Feb. 23 /PRNewswire/ -- Platinum jewelry ruled the red carpet at the "81st Academy Awards" and after-parties around the city. Jewelry and style expert Michael O'Connor - who helped celebrities find the perfect baubles for tonight's festivities - notes that classic elegance is back. "Movie stars are foregoing over-the-top bling and instead selecting one or two statement pieces of classic Platinum jewelry that stand the test of time." Drop and stud earrings, ornate cuff bracelets, hair brooches and statement necklaces set in Platinum were the most popular choices of the evening. Platinum is the most favored metal on the red carpet because it's naturally white, so it maximizes the brilliance of gemstones.</p> <p></p> <p>Following is a list of Platinum baubles that celebrities wore on the red carpet and at parties (retail prices are provided when available):</p> <p></p> <p> </p><ul><li>Penelope Cruz - Platinum necklace with 69 carats of diamonds by Chopard.</li> <li>Kate Winslet - Platinum cluster earrings with 28 carats of diamonds by Chopard.</li> <li>Vanessa Hudgens - Platinum earrings with vintage coral and diamond drops by Cathy Waterman.</li> <li>Miley Cyrus- Platinum and diamond earrings and ring by Neil Lane ($500,000 total).</li> <li>Natalie Portman - Platinum and diamond hair combs, Platinum stud earrings, Platinum cuff bracelet and stackable rings by Kwiat.</li> <li>Diane Lane - Darkened Platinum and diamond necklace, bracelet, earrings and ring by Neil Lane ($250,000 total).</li> <li>Evan Rachel Wood - Darkened Platinum and diamond chandelier earrings, bracelet and ring by Neil Lane ($275,000 total).</li> <li>Tina Fey - Platinum ring by Fred Leighton.</li> <li>Sharon Stone - Platinum bracelets, rings and earrings by Damiani ($400,000 total).</li> <li>Viola Davis - Platinum earrings, brooch, bracelets and ring by Fred Leighton.</li> <li>Melissa Leo - Platinum earrings, bracelets and ring by Fred Leighton.</li> <li>Heidi Klum - Blackened Platinum earrings and bracelets by Lorraine Schwartz ($900,000 total).</li> <li>Dustin Lance Black - Platinum cufflinks by Beaudry ($20,000).</li> <li>Chris Dickens (Winner for Achievement in Film Editing Slumdog Millionaire) - Platinum tie accent by CliQ ($2,000) and cufflinks by Neil Lane($3,000).</li> <li>Chris Dicken's wife - Platinum earrings by Gumuchian ($18,000).</li> <li>Leslie Mann - Platinum and diamond lariat, and earrings by Cathy Waterman.</li> <li>Sophia Milos - Platinum earrings by Damiani ($265,000).</li> <li>Sally Bell - Platinum earrings, bracelet and rings by Fred Leighton.</li> <li>Ryoko Hirosue - Platinum necklace and earrings by Van Cleef & Arpels.</li> <li>Victoria Beckham (Elton John Party) - Platinum and diamond brooches or choker worn in her hair, Platinum and diamond stud earrings by Neil Lane. </li> <li>Madonna and her date Jesus (Vanity Fair Party and her private party) - Platinum and diamond look by Neil Lane (worth multi-millions of dollars).</li> <li>Eva Longoria Parker (Elton John Party) - Platinum and diamond lapel brooch, Platinum rings, and Platinum stud earrings by Neil Lane.</li> <li>Salma Hayek (Vanity Fair Party) - Darkened Platinum and diamond chandelier earrings by Neil Lane.</li> <li>Kate Walsh(Vanity Fair Party) - Platinum and black diamond earrings, bracelet and ring by Neil Lane.</li> <li>Vinessa Shaw - Platinum earrings, ring and bracelet by Kwiat.</li> <li>Christine Taylor- Platinum bracelets and earrings by Neil Lane.</li> <li>Rachel Griffiths (Vanity Fair Party) - Platinum and diamond bangles and earrings by Neil Lane.</li> <li>Tichina Arnold - Platinum bracelet, earrings, ring and necklace from the Calderoni collection by Damiani ($120,000 total).</li> <li>Sasha Ponti - Platinum pendant, ring, necklace, bracelet and ring by Damiani ($190,000 total).</li> <li>Kate Ledger - Platinum stud earrings, rings, and bracelets by Fred Leighton.</li> <li>Danielle Panabaker - Platinum earrings, ring and bracelet by Kwiat.</li> <li>Debora Lee Furness- Platinum earrings and bracelet by Fred Leighton.</li> <li>Ellen Kuras - Platinum bracelets, earrings, chain and ring by Neil Lane.</li> <li>Josh Brolin - Platinum cufflinks and shirt studs by Kwiat.</li> <li>Tony Parker (Elton John Party) - Platinum cufflinks by Neil Lane.</li> <li>John Legend - Platinum cufflinks by Neil Lane.</li> <li>Chris Rock - Platinum stud earrings by Neil Lane.</li> <li>Chris Harrison - Platinum and diamond watch by Jacob & Co. ($250,000).</li> <li>Billy Bush- Platinum watch by Franck Muller ($200,000).</li> <li>Billy Bush's wife - Platinum earrings by Erica Courtney($24,000).</li> <li>John Shanley - Platinum watch by Franck Muller ($43,800), and Platinum cufflinks by Beaudry ($16,000).</li> <li>Erin Ecklund (John Shanley's date) - Platinum earrings and cuff bracelet by Chad Allison ($34,000 total).</li> <li>Thom Floutz - Platinum cufflinks and ring by Jacob & Co. ($100,000 total).</li> <li>Jeanne Floutz (Thom Floutz's wife) - Platinum necklace with diamonds and pearls and a Platinum bracelet by Gumuchian ($100,000 total).</li> <li>John Nelson - Platinum cufflinks and lapel pin by Neil Lane ($12,000 total), and a Platinum watch by Franck Muller ($43,800).</li> <li>Mike Elizalde - Platinum cufflinks and tie accent by CliQ ($12,000 total).</li> <li>Mary Elizalde (Mike Elizalde's wife) - Platinum earrings by Erica Courtney($30,000).</li> <li>Steve Gold - Platinum tie accent by CliQ ($2,000).</li> <li>Lara Spencer - Platinum bracelets and earrings by Jacob & Co. (over $2 million total).</li> <li>Nancy O'Dell - Platinum and diamond earrings by Tom Rucker($35,000).</li> <li>Nikki Boyer - Platinum earrings and ring with pink spinel and diamonds by Peter Norman ($32,000 total).</li> <li>Adrianna Costa - Platinum earrings by Jacob & Co. ($420,000), and Platinum ring by Michael M. ($40,000).</li> <li>Terri Seymour(Elton John Party) - Platinum and diamond look by Neil Lane.</li> <li>Jill Simonian - Platinum cuffs and earrings by Chad Allison ($87,000 total).</li> <li>Michelle Tuzee - Platinum bracelets, ring and earrings by Neil Lane.</li> <li>Lauren Sanchez - Platinum earrings and rings by Neil Lane.</li> <li>Cat Sadler - Platinum earrings, rings and bangles by Neil Lane.</li> <li>Anya Sarre - Platinum chain and ring by Neil Lane.</li> <li>Yvonne Reyes - Platinum necklace by Damiani ($86,000).</li> <li>Anne Sweeney - Platinum bracelet by Alan Friedman($100,000) and earrings by Jacob & Co. ($200,000).</li> </ul><p></p> <p></p> <p>Platinum is prized for its Pure, Rare and Eternal qualities:</p> <p></p> <p>PURE: Platinum's high level of purity (generally 90%-95% pure) endows it with both a natural white luster, allowing the true radiance of a diamond or gemstone to shine; and hypoallergenic qualities that prove ideal for sensitive skin.</p> <p>Only the purest platinum jewelry will bear a stamp reading "PLATINUM", "PLAT", "Pt 950", or "Pt 900", signifying the jewelry is 90% to 95% pure platinum.</p> <p></p> <p>RARE: Platinum is 30 times more rare than gold.</p> <p></p> <p>ETERNAL: Platinum will hold a diamond or gemstone securely, now and for always.</p> <p></p> <p>About Platinum Guild International USA</p> <p>Platinum Guild International, the marketing arm for the worldwide Platinum jewelry industry, is dedicated to promoting Platinum and its, pure, rare and eternal qualities to the consumer and the jewelry trade. PGI has offices in each of the world's major jewelry markets, providing information, assistance and education on all aspects of Platinum jewelry.</p> <p></p> <p>For more information on Platinum, please visit www.preciousplatinum.com </p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <noindex><p>[Via <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.prnewswire.com" target="_blank">http://www.prnewswire.com</a>]</p></noindex> <ul> <li><a href="http://lohipravit.blogspot.com/2009/02/over-million-us-jobs-locked-away-in.html#comment-form">Over a Million U.S. Jobs Locked Away in 'Off-Limits' Offshore Resources</a></li> <li><a href="http://p2businessstartups.blogspot.com/2009/02/bt-tradespace-reveals-uk-smes-sell.html#comment-form">BT Tradespace reveals UK SMEs sell themselves short on internet shopping bonanza</a></li> <li><a href="http://politicsvideosyt.blogspot.com/2009/02/una-eternidad-aico-saquito-y-sus.html#comment-form">Una Eternidad - Ñico Saquito y sus Guarachero De Oriente</a></li> </ul><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/942947571451216121-1945062373230266842?l=advertisingmedianews.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>megaonoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-942947571451216121.post-74389991397893188322009-02-20T15:19:00.000+02:002009-02-20T18:13:43.124+02:00 <p>WASHINGTON, Feb. 20 /PRNewswire/ -- Merrick Towle Communications, the largest independent full-service integrated communications agency in the Washington, D.C. area, today announced that it has been selected to create branding and marketing campaigns for three West Coast apartment properties being developed by Essex Property Trust, Inc., headquartered in Palo Alto, Calif.</p> <p></p> <p>In making the announcement, Glenn Towle, chief operating officer and partner, said: "We have been working with Essex Property Trust since 2007 with campaigns for its Belmont Station apartment property in Los Angeles and also for an apartment property, The Grand, in Oakland. The expansion of our client relationship to now include assignments for three additional properties is especially rewarding."</p> <p></p> <p>The agency will be developing comprehensive brand identity, print, Web and signage programs for the following properties:</p> <p></p> <p> </p><ul><li>Studio 40-41, a 149-unit mid-rise apartment property in Studio City, Calif. scheduled for occupancy in April, 2009;</li> <li>Joule, a high-rise eco-friendly apartment property currently under construction in the Capitol Hill area of Seattle, Wash., and;</li> <li>Cielo, an apartment property in Chatsworth, Calif. that will begin leasing in late spring 2009.</li> </ul><p></p> <p>"We've been impressed with Merrick Towle's professionalism, expertise and creativity," said Darcey Forbes, Essex Property Trust's director of marketing and communications. "We look forward to continued success working with them on our new projects."</p> <p></p> <p>Billings for the new branding and marketing assignments have not been determined.</p> <p></p> <p>About Essex Property Trust</p> <p>Essex Property Trust, Inc., headquartered in Palo Alto, Calif., and traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: ESS), is a fully integrated real estate investment trust (REIT) that acquires, develops, redevelops and manages multifamily apartment communities in select West Coast locations. Founded in 1971, Essex currently has ownership interests in 134 apartment communities in Southern California, San Francisco Bay Area and the Seattle metropolitan area. For additional information, visit www.essexpropertytrust.com.</p> <p></p> <p>About Merrick Towle Communications</p> <p>Merrick Towle Communications, founded in 1985, is the largest independent full-service communications agency in the metropolitan Washington, D.C., region. MTC provides a broad range of award-winning traditional and digital communications services and expertise to a national and regional client base in industry segments such as commercial and residential real estate development, property management, energy, and engineering. For more information, visit www.merricktowle.com.</p> <p></p> <noindex><p>[Via <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.prnewswire.com" target="_blank">http://www.prnewswire.com</a>]</p></noindex> <ul> <li><a href="http://businessadvertisingmarketing.blogspot.com/2009/02/fifth-annual-newcomm-forum-to-be-held.html#comment-form">Fifth Annual NewComm Forum To Be Held in San Francisco April 27-29, 2009</a></li> <li><a href="http://p3onbabki.blogspot.com/2009/02/angel-acquisition-corp-announces.html#comment-form">Angel Acquisition Corp. Announces Shareholder Update</a></li> <li><a href="http://p4inmoney.blogspot.com/2009/02/fannie-mae-redemption_20.html#comment-form">Fannie Mae Redemption</a></li> </ul><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/942947571451216121-7438999139789318832?l=advertisingmedianews.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>megaonoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-942947571451216121.post-74534431469376469222009-02-20T14:00:00.000+02:002009-02-20T17:05:44.338+02:00 <p>BOZEMAN, Mont., Feb. 20 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- RightNow(R) Technologies (Nasdaq: RNOW), a leading provider of on demand CRM software solutions, today announced that it will be presenting at the following conferences: </p> <p></p> <p> </p><ul><li>Pacific Crest 4th Annual On-Demand Conference in San Francisco, CA on Thursday, February 26, 2009 at 1:30 p.m. PT</li> </ul><p></p> <p> </p><ul><li>30th Annual Raymond James Institutional Investor Conference in Orlando, FL on Monday, March 9, 2009 at 9:15am ET</li> </ul><p></p> <p></p> <p>Webcasts of all presentations will be available on the company's investor relations website at http://investor.rightnow.com/events.cfm</p> <p></p> <p>About RightNow Technologies</p> <p>RightNow (NASDAQ: RNOW) delivers the high-impact technology solutions and services organizations need to cost-efficiently deliver a consistently superior customer experience across their frontline service, sales and marketing touch-points. Approximately 1,900 corporations and government agencies worldwide depend on RightNow to achieve their strategic objectives and better meet the needs of those they serve. RightNow is headquartered in Bozeman, Montana. For more information, please visit www.rightnow.com. </p> <p></p> <p>RightNow is a registered trademark of RightNow Technologies, Inc. NASDAQ is a registered trademark of The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC. </p> <p></p> <p>FRNOW</p> <p></p> <pre> Investor Relations Contacts: The Blueshirt Group Todd Friedman, Stacie Bosinoff (415) 217-7722 todd@blueshirtgroup.com stacie@blueshirtgroup.com </pre> <p></p> <p></p> <noindex><p>[Via <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.prnewswire.com" target="_blank">http://www.prnewswire.com</a>]</p></noindex> <ul> <li><a href="http://insurancedashboard.blogspot.com/2009/02/hms-holdings-corp-announces-q4-and-full.html#comment-form">HMS Holdings Corp. Announces Q4 and Full Year 2008 Results and Management Transition; Raises 2009 EPS Guidance to $1.00</a></li> <li><a href="http://p1businesshumanresources.blogspot.com/2009/02/vocus-announces-plans-to-grow-workforce.html#comment-form">Vocus Announces Plans to Grow Workforce up to 20 Percent in 2009</a></li> <li><a href="http://p4cleanmoeny.blogspot.com/2009/02/hms-holdings-corp-announces-q4-and-full.html#comment-form">HMS Holdings Corp. Announces Q4 and Full Year 2008 Results and Management Transition; Raises 2009 EPS Guidance to $1.00</a></li> </ul><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/942947571451216121-7453443146937646922?l=advertisingmedianews.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>megaonoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-942947571451216121.post-234205396208352822009-02-20T13:00:00.000+02:002009-02-20T16:07:59.879+02:00 <p>Strategic Partnership Combines 'Create Once, Play Anywhere' In-Stream Video Ad Formats with High-Quality Audiences and Inventory, Detailed Reporting and Engagement Metrics</p> <p></p> <p>ATLANTA and NEW YORK, Feb. 20 /PRNewswire/ -- EyeWonder Inc., an innovator in interactive digital advertising technologies and services, today announced a strategic partnership with Collective Media, a leading online advertising network and technology provider, to offer brand advertisers a comprehensive solution for accessing quality inventory and extending the reach of their interactive in-stream video campaigns.</p> <p></p> <p>Through the relationship, EyeWonder will pair its pioneering in-stream technology and service solutions with Collective Media's leading display advertising network. The partnership offers clients an end-to-end in-stream advertising solution from purchasing of premium video ad inventory to delivery of interactive ad formats and reporting of comprehensive in-stream ad metrics.</p> <p></p> <p>"This partnership creates a tremendous opportunity for brand advertisers, providing them with access to a massive inventory of quality video content from the most trusted online publishers as well as a more efficient technology platform for serving in-stream ads," said Jerome FitzGibbons, Executive Vice President of Collective Media. "The ability to 'create once, play anywhere' offered by EyeWonder's end-to-end in-stream solution is a benefit for both advertisers and publishers, eliminating frustrations at both ends of the value chain. The solution provides instant ad network scale without compromise."</p> <p></p> <p>"In our efforts to standardize the in-stream advertising landscape, we were driven to find a high-quality solution to serve our clients' needs and to partner with a company that offered our clients quality ad inventory and industry expertise--we found that with Collective Media," said Michael Griffin, Executive Vice President of Marketing and Strategic Development at EyeWonder. "Together, we are creating a new way to increase quality inventory of in-stream ads on publishing sites as an important extension of our leading in-page video advertising production, delivery and management solutions."</p> <p></p> <p>By integrating EyeWonder's in-stream advertising solutions and services with Collective Media's network reach and capabilities, publishers can deliver any interactive in-stream ad format, including interactive overlays, from any third-party rich media provider after a one-time integration with the site's video player platform. As a result, brand advertisers and their agencies gain the ability to create one ad using the AdWonder creation and reporting platform that can run across multiple players--saving time on creative and moving ads to market more quickly. Advertisers also benefit from EyeWonder's reporting features, which work in tandem with those of Collective Media to highlight important campaign interaction and engagement performance data, essential to measuring higher ROI.</p> <p></p> <p>EyeWonder's open-standard Universal In-Stream Framework (UIF) works with any ad-serving provider and supports players built in Adobe(R) Flash(R), Microsoft(R) Silverlight(TM) and Akamai's Media Framework. The UIF also supports the IAB Video Ad Serving Template (VAST) guidelines created to meet the need for standardization in the digital video advertising industry. Ultimately, standardization across publishing sites will lead to better monetization opportunities of video content with in-stream ad placements.</p> <p></p> <p>About EyeWonder, Inc. </p> <p>EyeWonder, Inc. is the pioneering interactive digital advertising provider, extending the reach of online rich media and interactive video ads to digital device displays. Through its superior technology, products and services, EyeWonder empowers advertisers, advertising agencies and content publishers with the ability to create, build, deliver, track and optimize interactive advertising campaigns proven to drive industry-leading results. Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.A., EyeWonder, Inc. has domestic offices in New York, Chicago, San Francisco, Dallas, Los Angeles and Detroit. International offices are located in the United Kingdom, Ireland, the Netherlands, Germany, Spain and Australia. For more information on the company's interactive digital advertising solutions or its global office network, please visit http://www.eyewonder.com. </p> <p></p> <p>About Collective Media</p> <p>Collective Media's media and technology solutions serve online publishers, agencies and advertisers. Collective's product suite includes the Collective Network(TM), the largest premium display advertising network, the Directive Network(TM), the only transparent performance advertising network, AMP, its proprietary ad network management platform and Personifi(TM), the leading semantic content classification and audience targeting solution. Founded in 2005, Collective Media is a member of the Network Advertising Initiative (NAI) and is headquartered in New York City with offices in Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Detroit, Los Angeles and San Francisco. Visit Collective Media at www.collective.com.</p> <pre> Contacts: Amanda Schroeder Veronica Mathieson EyeWonder, Inc. Collective Media Phone: 678-891-6050 Phone: 646-442-7566 aschroeder@eyewonder.com mathieson@collective.com Melissa Connerton CooperKatz & Co. Phone: 917-595-3039 mconnerton@cooperkatz.com </pre> <p></p> <noindex><p>[Via <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.prnewswire.com" target="_blank">http://www.prnewswire.com</a>]</p></noindex> <ul> <li><a href="http://businessse.blogspot.com/2009/02/metal-fabrication-aluminum-boats-we.html#comment-form">Metal fabrication, aluminum boats, we make anything (White Rock, BC) $1</a></li> <li><a href="http://p1businessfinanceblog.blogspot.com/2009/02/new-meetings-menus-at-budget-friendly.html#comment-form">New Meetings Menus at Budget-Friendly Prices; Same Award-Winning Quality</a></li> <li><a href="http://p1businesscorporationsblog.blogspot.com/2009/02/new-meetings-menus-at-budget-friendly.html#comment-form">New Meetings Menus at Budget-Friendly Prices; Same Award-Winning Quality</a></li> </ul><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/942947571451216121-23420539620835282?l=advertisingmedianews.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>megaonoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-942947571451216121.post-61198217101184411562009-02-20T08:10:00.000+02:002009-02-20T11:05:41.658+02:00 <p> LOD, Israel, February 20 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- FutureIT Inc. (FITI.OB), a leading provider of software solutions for the automated and effective management of Microsoft SQL servers, today announced its preliminary financial results for the fourth quarter of 2008.</p> <p> Based on unaudited fourth quarter 2008 financial information, FutureIT expects to report revenue of approximately $130,000 in the quarter ended December 31, 2008, compared to approximately $122,000 for the same period in 2007. This is primarily as a result of increased sales in Israel. Estimated revenue for 2008 is $624,000, compared to $232,000 for fiscal 2007.</p> <p> "Although the global economic crisis impacted our revenue during the fourth quarter, we are pleased by the increase in sales over fiscal 2007," said Shmuel Bachar, chairman and CEO of the company. "FutureIT's results for 2008 reflect the fundamental strength of our business model," continued Bachar. "Our performance benefited from the strategies we've implemented during the past six months, demonstrating EZManage SQL's potential and value in today's market, while we have continued keeping a close watch on expenses and on the bottom line."</p> <p> Mr. Michael Shtarkman, Director of National Sales said "The Israeli market continues to respond very positively to EZManage SQL and shows strong indicators of additional growth in 2009. During the past year the number of licenses sold has more than doubled from 360 licenses sold in 2007 to 724 licenses sold in 2008. Sales to major Israeli customers like Excellence Nessuah, the Herzliya Interdisciplinary Center, McCann Erickson, and R.H. Electronics, all entities with stringent requirements and who performed extensive due diligence, are important milestones for FutureIT", says Shtarkman. He continued, "FutureIT's new disaster recovery plan, or DRP, provides a disaster recovery solution based on automatic backup and restore, and allows the user to perform an automatic and continuous database copy between different servers. The inclusion of the DRP in the backup and restore module makes it particularly attractive to companies that did not previously have a disaster recovery plan, and will allow them to save considerable expense in the event of an actual disaster."</p> <p> About FutureIT</p> <p> FutureIT is engaged in the development, marketing, sale and support of software products that provide easy-to-use comprehensive database management, backup and monitoring solutions for both small and medium sized enterprises, or SMEs, and larger enterprises, running different Microsoft Structured Query Language, or SQL servers, versions 2000, 2005 and 2008, as well as Microsoft SQL Server Desktop Engine, or MSDE and SQL Express.</p> <p> Safe Harbor Statement</p> <p> This press release contains forward-looking statements as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Certain statements contained in this press release are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable federal securities laws, including, without limitation, anything relating or referring to future financial results and plans for future business development activities, and are thus prospective. Forward-looking statements are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties some of which cannot be predicted or quantified based on current expectations. Such risks and uncertainties include, without limitation, the risks and uncertainties set forth from time to time in reports filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to have been correct. Consequently, future events and actual results could differ materially from those set forth in, contemplated by, or underlying the forward-looking statements contained herein. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly release updates to these forward-looking statements made to reflect new events or circumstances after the date hereof. Neither the Company nor its agents assume responsibility for the accuracy and completeness of the forward-looking statements.</p> <pre> Contacts: FutureIT, Inc., CEO, Shmuel Bachar, +972-8-925-8070, Shmuelb@futureitsoft.com . Marketing, PR and IR Manager, Sherry Kagan Segal, +972-8-925-8156, sherryks@futureitsoft.com . </pre> <noindex><p>[Via <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.prnewswire.com" target="_blank">http://www.prnewswire.com</a>]</p></noindex> <ul> <li><a href="http://newmarket1ng.blogspot.com/2009/02/what-top-loan-originators-marketing-to.html#comment-form">What top loan originators marketing to real estate agents don't expose to you Posted By : Jeffrey Nelson</a></li> <li><a href="http://bizhab.blogspot.com/2009/02/getting-your-customers-over-internet.html#comment-form">Getting Your Customers Over The Internet Posted By : Rick Tobiaz</a></li> <li><a href="http://coolmarkets.blogspot.com/2009/02/mlm-recruiting-stop-buying-dead-beat.html#comment-form">MLM Recruiting - Stop Buying Dead Beat Leads Posted By : Khai NG</a></li> </ul><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/942947571451216121-6119821710118441156?l=advertisingmedianews.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>megaonoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-942947571451216121.post-44300284966917459752009-02-19T23:39:00.000+02:002009-02-20T03:01:19.987+02:00 <p>Lexus debuts third generation RX with new reinvention campaign</p> <p></p> <p>TORRANCE, Calif., Feb. 19 /PRNewswire/ -- Lexus celebrates the vehicles that invented an entire category with the launch of the next generation RX 350 and RX 450h, the first hybrid luxury sport utility vehicle. The RX 350, which is available now, and the RX 450h, which will arrive mid-summer, boast new amenities and technology designed with the driver in mind. To highlight the features, Lexus has created a marketing campaign that features broadcast, print and online advertising elements. As part of the broadcast component of the new campaign, the 2010 Lexus RX 450h hybrid will be featured in connection with Conan O'Brien's debut at the helm of "The Tonight Show."</p> <p></p> <p>"When Lexus first debuted the RX, we created an automobile that met a much-overlooked consumer need, resulting in the creation of an entirely new class of vehicles," said Dave Nordstrom, vice president of marketing for Lexus. "The next generation RX takes our passion for innovation to an entirely new level. More than ever before, this car is designed with the driver in mind -- from the intuitive interior to the wide angle side view mirror with camera to reduce blind spots."</p> <p></p> <p>The launch advertising campaign showcases the benefits of the RX while demonstrating how it was engineered around the driver. The television campaign, which debuted on Feb. 16, features three spots, titled "City," "Assembled," and "Intersection." In each of the three (commercials), consumers see the world transformed, or reinvented, in a dramatic way around a defining set of features in the new RX. </p> <p></p> <p>The theme of reinvention is continued in national print ads, with each of four ads drawing the reader's attention to how the new RX is reinventing different aspects of the driver's life. Lexus is extending its television audience reach online through ad pods airing on the websites for ABC, NBC, CBS, FOX, HULU and VEOH. The six :30 driver-inspired online ads are meant to evoke viewer interest through humor featuring the RX's amenities.</p> <p></p> <p>In addition to the advertising campaign, Lexus will debut dealership audio tours. Consumers will have the opportunity to call 1-877-843-7910, to receive a guided audio tour that highlights the vehicle's features. Dealers will also be hosting RX premiere parties nationwide. Invited guests will be treated to Lexus hospitality and an up-close look at the newly redesigned RX. </p> <p></p> <p>The 2010 RX 350 all-wheel and front-wheel drive vehicles have base MSRPs of $38,200 and $36,800, respectively, and are now available at dealerships. Pricing for the 2010 RX 450h will be announced this summer. MSRP does not include a delivery, processing and handling fee of $825. For additional information, visit www.Lexus.com/ALLNEWRX.</p> <p></p> <p>To view the new Lexus 2010 RX television commercials on YouTube, visit: </p> <p>www.youtube.com/watch?v=UUZeM2u7B5w&feature=channel_page</p> <p>www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mwm5MSlInHQ&feature=channel_page</p> <p>www.youtube.com/watch?v=lGCfoz8GvlU&feature=channel_page</p> <p></p> <p>To view the NBC/Conan information, visit: www.nbc.com/the-tonight-show-experience/timeline/lexus</p> <p></p> <p>About Lexus</p> <p>Lexus is celebrating its 20th Anniversary in the United States. Since its debut in 1989, Lexus has earned a reputation for offering high-quality luxury vehicles and providing benchmark customer service. Lexus now has 226 dealers and has been the top-selling luxury automaker in the U.S. for nine years in a row. Lexus is also committed to the environment and is the leader in luxury hybrid vehicles. Currently, Lexus has three low-emission luxury hybrids available, with a new HS 250h luxury sedan coming this summer. Through its innovative technology and outstanding customer service, Lexus is dedicated to exceeding its customers' expectations. </p> <p></p> <p></p> <noindex><p>[Via <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.prnewswire.com" target="_blank">http://www.prnewswire.com</a>]</p></noindex> <ul> <li><a href="http://financialservicesinpo.blogspot.com/2009/02/service-in-acctgpayrollqbookstax.html#comment-form">Service in Acctg/Payroll/Qbooks/Tax (Portland, OR)</a></li> <li><a href="http://p4finansialblog.blogspot.com/2009/02/pacific-state-bancorp-reports-fourth.html#comment-form">Pacific State Bancorp Reports Fourth Quarter Financial Results</a></li> <li><a href="http://publicrelationsandsales.blogspot.com/2009/02/sales-letter-works-only-when-you-have.html#comment-form">Sales letter works only when you have a product to sell and an offer to make. Posted By : Vikrant Sharma</a></li> </ul><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/942947571451216121-4430028496691745975?l=advertisingmedianews.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>megaonoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-942947571451216121.post-774363963354253392009-02-19T11:00:00.000+02:002009-02-19T14:09:49.407+02:00 <p>Largest Video Ad Network to Solidify Its Leadership Position with Accelerated Product Development and International Expansion</p> <p></p> <p>NEW YORK, Feb. 19 /PRNewswire/ -- Tremor Media, the leading online video advertising network and technology provider, today announced it has closed an $18 million round of series C funding. The investment will enable the company to further build its premier video ad network and increase investments in advanced video technologies including Acudeo, the market-leading video ad monetization platform.</p> <p></p> <p>(LOGO: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20060925/NYM183LOGO )</p> <p></p> <p>This latest round of funding further validates Tremor Media's strategy to focus on aggressively penetrating the $70 billion television advertising market and accelerating the shift of TV advertising budgets into online video. To help facilitate the translation between offline and online media buying, the company recently announced a partnership with comScore (http://www.tremormedia.com/about-us/news-room/press-releases/february-6-2009/) to provide GRPs for web video, similar to the GRP measurement for traditional TV.</p> <p></p> <p>Meritech Capital Partners led the funding round along with participation from Tremor Media's existing investors. Previous funding included investments from Canaan Partners, Masthead Venture Partners, and European Founders Fund. The series C round of funding follows Tremor Media's third consecutive year of triple-digit revenue growth. According to comScore's Video Metrix, the company has also grown its video ad network to the 4th largest streaming aggregator behind only YouTube, MySpace, and Yahoo!</p> <p></p> <p>The additional capital will allow Tremor Media to accelerate product development, grow the Acudeo install base, and further expand the footprint of its video network. The company will also continue its international expansion under the leadership of Christian Baudis, former head of Google Germany who was hired in September 2008.</p> <p></p> <p>"Tremor Media has proven itself to be an innovator in the video advertising marketplace, and has developed highly successful solutions to address the video industry's most challenging pain points," said Mike Gordon, Managing Director of Meritech Capital Partners, who will join Tremor Media's board of directors. "As leaders in the high-growth area of online video, Tremor Media represents an ideal late-stage capital investment with enormous opportunity for growth."</p> <p></p> <p>"This round enables us to expand our ground-breaking video advertising solutions and to further differentiate ourselves in the online video ad market," said Jason Glickman, CEO, Tremor Media. "The support from Meritech, Canaan, and our other investors ensures that we'll be able to aggressively execute on our strategy and strengthen our leadership position during this challenging economic environment."</p> <p></p> <p>"Since our initial investment in Tremor in 2006, the company has exceeded all of the goals that we have set for it and has built an experienced, world-class management team," said Warren Lee, Venture Partner, Canaan Partners. "We're excited to continue supporting Tremor Media as they grow to meet the global demand for online video marketing solutions."</p> <p></p> <pre> Contact: Corey Kronengold ckronengold@tremormedia.com (646) 278 - 7417 </pre> <p></p> <noindex><p>[Via <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.prnewswire.com" target="_blank">http://www.prnewswire.com</a>]</p></noindex> <ul> <li><a href="http://womeninbusinessblog.blogspot.com/2009/02/cilantro-animation-studios-awarded.html#comment-form">Cilantro Animation Studios Awarded Minority Business Enterprise Certificate</a></li> <li><a href="http://financialservicesinpo.blogspot.com/2009/02/save-money-get-your-credit-cleaned-up.html#comment-form">Save Money - Get Your Credit Cleaned-Up! (Portland Area)</a></li> <li><a href="http://intbizzn.blogspot.com/2009/02/smartphones-to-connect-with-smart.html#comment-form">Smartphones to connect with smart people Posted By : Mohammed</a></li> </ul><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/942947571451216121-77436396335425339?l=advertisingmedianews.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>megaonoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-942947571451216121.post-31410429926513166252009-02-19T03:28:00.000+02:002009-02-19T07:00:13.692+02:00 <p>Supports corporations who rely on business aviation to succeed</p> <p></p> <p>WICHITA, Kan., Feb. 18 /PRNewswire/ -- Many of America's most successful companies are under fire for owning business aircraft. They still need to fly and Hawker Beechcraft Corporation (HBC) is here to help. In its latest advertising campaign, HBC reaches out to corporations who are under intense pressure to divest their business aircraft. </p> <p></p> <p>(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20070322/HBLOGO )</p> <p></p> <p>(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090218/NE72816)</p> <p></p> <p>"Many in the media and some politicians have misrepresented business aircraft as a symbol of excess instead of an increasingly necessary business tool," said Charles Mayer, vice president of Marketing at HBC. "This negative stereotype is damaging the ability of American corporations to compete globally and, at the same time, jeopardizing thousands of American aviation jobs." </p> <p></p> <p>"Frankly, we are puzzled by this approach given the importance of aviation to the American economy," Mayer said. "It not only represents more than 5.5 percent of total GDP, but is an industry that America dominates globally. It is time to embrace our strongest industries, not destroy them."</p> <p></p> <p>In the first of a series of advertisements, HBC pens an open letter to Starbucks sharing support for the company's business aircraft needs via the headline, "Dear Starbucks, You Still Need To Fly. We're Here To Help."</p> <p></p> <p>"Starbucks is a uniquely American success story with thousands of locations in more than 40 countries," Mayer said. "Like most successful corporations, Starbucks relies on business aircraft to manage and grow its business worldwide. We are here to help them fly even more efficiently than before by showing them how to right-size their flight department."</p> <p></p> <p>For example, like larger, much costlier aircraft, the new Hawker 4000 is ideally suited to intercontinental flights. With its industry-first composite construction that is lighter and stronger than aluminum, and its ability to carry eight passengers in stand-up, stretch-out comfort, the Hawker 4000 does most of what many corporations' bigger jets do, but at half the price. </p> <p></p> <p>"By right-sizing their fleet to the revolutionary Hawker 4000, Starbucks would give up almost nothing in capability, but gain a dramatic increase in efficiency - something the media, politicians and even their shareholders will appreciate," Mayer said.</p> <p></p> <p>HBC's advertising campaign will break on Feb. 19 in national business publications including the Wall Street Journal, Investors Business Daily, Financial Times and others. </p> <p></p> <p>Hawker Beechcraft Corporation is a world-leading manufacturer of business, special mission and trainer aircraft - designing, marketing and supporting aviation products and services for businesses, governments and individuals worldwide. The company's headquarters and major facilities are located in Wichita, Kan., with operations in Salina, Kan.; Little Rock, Ark.; Chester, England, U.K.; and Chihuahua, Mexico. The company leads the industry with the largest number of factory-owned service centers and a global network of more than 100 factory-owned and authorized service centers. For more information, visit www.hawkerbeechcraft.com. </p> <p></p> <p>This release may contain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, including statements that address activities, events or developments that we or our management intend, expect, project, believe or anticipate will or may occur in the future are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on management's assumptions and assessments in light of past experience and trends, current conditions, expected future developments and other relevant factors. They are not guarantees of future performance, and actual results may differ significantly from those envisaged by our forward-looking statements. Among the factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described or implied in the forward-looking statements are general business and economic conditions, production delays resulting from lack of regulatory certifications and other factors, competition in our existing and future markets, lack of market acceptance of our products and services, the substantial leverage and debt service resulting from our indebtedness, loss or retirement of key executives and other risks disclosed in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.</p> <p></p> <noindex><p>[Via <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.prnewswire.com" target="_blank">http://www.prnewswire.com</a>]</p></noindex> <ul> <li><a href="http://psychologyarts.blogspot.com/2009/02/don-forget-side-effects-when-erasing.html#comment-form">Don't Forget The Side Effects When Erasing Memories, UK</a></li> <li><a href="http://realgovnews.blogspot.com/2009/02/environmental-community-releases-budget.html#comment-form">Environmental Community Releases 'Green Budget'</a></li> <li><a href="http://psychologyarts.blogspot.com/2009/02/medical-care-other-services-have.html#comment-form">Medical Care, Other Services Have Improved For Immigrant Children</a></li> </ul><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/942947571451216121-3141042992651316625?l=advertisingmedianews.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>megaonoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-942947571451216121.post-21687956413917529032009-02-18T23:03:00.000+02:002009-02-19T02:18:22.949+02:00 <p> </p> <p>NEW YORK, Feb. 18 /PRNewswire/ -- What are CMO priorities for 2009? This question is answered in a new survey of CMOs and senior marketers developed by Verse Group, an independent brand consulting and design firm, in partnership with JupiterResearch (now Forrester Research).</p> <p></p> <p>The current economic crisis has forced marketers to review their priorities and find more effective approaches to branding. According to the survey, two major themes have emerged: one, the need for greater accountability; and two, the need for a better method to manage brands across multiple platforms. </p> <p></p> <p>The following are the top 5 priorities that CMOs and senior marketers have for 2009:</p> <p> </p><ol><li>Achieving measurable ROI on marketing efforts.</li> <li>Developing marketing programs that integrate online and traditional media.</li> <li>Translating brand experience across different touchpoints.</li> <li>Cutting marketing budgets without cutting performance.</li> <li>Optimizing portfolio of brands.</li> </ol><p></p> <p>The study goes on to show that meeting these priorities is nearly impossible with standard brand positioning methods. "Brand positioning is broken. Marketers need a new method of branding that is more accountable, flexible and integrated," said Randall Ringer, Verse Group co-founder. </p> <p></p> <p>"Marketers need a breakthrough method based on a strong narrative with engaging metaphors," said Michael Thibodeau, Verse Group co-founder. </p> <p></p> <p>To learn more about CMO Priorities in 2009, please go to www.versegroup.com</p> <p></p> <p>Verse Group(R) is the independent brand consulting and design firm. Narrative Branding(R) is our breakthrough method for creating and managing brands. Our multinational clients include: Samsung, Marriott International, Coldwell Banker, R.H. Donnelley, LexisNexis, Inverness Medical Innovations, NXP Semiconductors and Colgate-Palmolive.</p> <p></p> <pre> Contact: Randall Ringer Office: 212-979-7500 Mobile: 646-326-6983 Email: rringer@versegroup.com www.versegroup.com </pre> <p></p> <div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/942947571451216121-2168795641391752903?l=advertisingmedianews.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>megaonoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-942947571451216121.post-48958915930081816642009-02-18T05:01:00.000+02:002009-02-18T08:17:03.078+02:00 <p>BEIJING, Feb. 18 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- China Mass Media International Advertising Corp. (NYSE: CMM), a leading independent television advertising company in China, today announced that it will release its unaudited financial results for the fourth quarter and full year 2008 before the market opens on February 24, 2009. Management will host a conference call to discuss the results at 8:00 am Eastern Standard Time (9:00 pmBeijing time) on the same day. </p> <p></p> <p>Conference Call</p> <p></p> <p>Mr. Wang Sheng Cheng, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Eric Cheung, Chief Financial Officer, and Ms. Julie Sun, Vice President of Corporate Development, will discuss the results and take questions following the prepared remarks. </p> <p></p> <p>The dial-in details for the live conference call are as follows: </p> <p> - U.S. Toll Free Number: +1 866 761 0748</p> <p> - International dial-in number: +1 617 614 2706</p> <p> - China Toll Free Number: +10 800 130 0399</p> <p> - Hong Kong Toll Free Number: + 800 96 3844</p> <p> Passcode: CMM</p> <p></p> <p>A live webcast of the conference call will be available on the investor relations section of the Company's website at: http://www.chinammia.com.</p> <p></p> <p>A telephone replay of the call will be available for seven days after the conclusion of the conference call. The dial-in details for the replay are as follows: </p> <p> - U.S. Toll Free Number: +1 888 286 8010</p> <p> - International dial-in number: +1 617 801 6888</p> <p> Passcode: 21500418</p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>About China Mass Media</p> <p></p> <p>As a leading TV advertising company in China, MMIA provides a full range of advertising services, including advertising agency services, creative production services, public service announcements sponsorship services, and other value added services. MMIA currently offers more than 500 minutes of advertising time slots on CCTV 1,2,4,E and F, the largest television network in China. MMIA has also been the exclusive advertising agent of the most popular and highest rating TV program, Chinese New Year Gala, since its incorporation. Since 2003, MMIA has produced over 200 advertisements and has won a number of the most prestigious awards in China.</p> <p>http://www.chinammia.com</p> <p></p> <pre> For further information, contact: China Mass Media International Advertising Corp. Julie Sun V.P. Corporate Development 6/F, Tower B, Corporate Square, 35 Finance Street Xicheng District Beijing, 100032 P. R. China Tel: 86 10 8809 1050 E-mail: IR@chinammia.com Christensen Tip Fleming Tel: 852 2117 0861 E-mail: tfleming@ChristensenIR.com Roger Hu Tel: 852 2117 0861 E-mail: rhu@ChristensenIR.com </pre> <p></p> <p></p> <div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/942947571451216121-4895891593008181664?l=advertisingmedianews.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>megaonoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-942947571451216121.post-20929850643551777592009-02-18T01:08:00.000+02:002009-02-18T04:03:30.504+02:00 <p>From The Washington Post's "The Fix" Blog</p> <p></p> <p>WASHINGTON, Feb. 17 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The following is an excerpt from The Washington Post's "The Fix" Blog by Chris Cillizza, and is being released today by the Republican National Committee:</p> <p></p> <p>(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080519/RNCLOGO)</p> <p></p> <p>"The Republican National Committee is going up on television with ads in support of New York state Assemblyman Jim Tedisco in his special election bid in the state's 20th district, an early sign that newly elected chairman Michael Steele plans to wade into downballot races to reassert the party's competitiveness across the country and in the northeast in particular.</p> <p> </p> <p>"The ad, which was produced by Tedisco's campaign but funded -- to the tune of roughly $80,000 -- by the RNC, will be on Albany broadcast television, which reaches 80 percent of the district's voters, starting this evening.</p> <p> </p> <p>"'The Republican Party will no longer ignore the Northeast,'" pledged Steele. 'Our conservative principles are applicable to every county and corner of this country.'</p> <p> </p> <p>"Steele has fertile ground in which to work in this his first special election race since winning the RNC chairmanship last month.</p> <p> </p> <p>"The 20th district has roughly 70,000 more registered Republican than Democrats although it had been represented by Rep. Kirsten Gillibrand (D) before she was named by Gov. David Paterson as Hillary Clinton's replacement in the Senate. While President Obama carried the district by three points in 2008, it went for George W. Bush by eight and seven points in 2004 and 2000, respectively."</p> <p> </p> <p>To View The Entire Article, Please Visit: http://voices.washingtonpost.com/thefix/2009/02/rnc_goes_on_air_in_ny-20_speci.html </p> <p> </p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/942947571451216121-2092985064355177759?l=advertisingmedianews.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>megaonoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-942947571451216121.post-54425110584624673672009-02-17T23:16:00.000+02:002009-02-18T02:21:13.331+02:00 <p>NEW YORK, Feb. 17 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ - MDC Partners Inc. will present at the Jefferies Fifth Annual Internet & Medial Conference at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in New York, New York on Wednesday, February 25, 2009. Chief Financial Officer, David Doft, will present at 10:50 a.m. Eastern Time (ET).</p> <p></p> <p>About MDC Partners</p> <p></p> <p>MDC Partners is a leading provider of marketing communications services to clients in North America, Europe and Latin America. Through its partnership of entrepreneurial firms it provides advertising, specialized communications and consulting services to leading brands. MDC Partners' philosophy emphasizes the utilization of strategy and creativity to drive growth for its clients. "MDC Partners is the Place Where Great Talent Lives". MDC Partners Class A shares are publicly traded on the NASDAQ under the symbol "MDCA" and on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol "MDZ.A".</p> <p></p> <p>This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Such forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties which may cause the actual results or objectives to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, among other things, the Company's financial performance; changes in the competitive environment; adverse changes in the economy; ability to maintain long-term relationships with customers; financing requirements; and other factors set forth in the Company's Form 10-K for its fiscal year ended December 31, 2007 and subsequent SEC filings.</p> <p></p> <div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/942947571451216121-5442511058462467367?l=advertisingmedianews.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>megaonoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-942947571451216121.post-59818160812534934012009-02-17T10:00:00.000+02:002009-02-17T13:37:27.338+02:00 <p>Company Launches Monthly 'Blue Book Market Report' Examining Weekly Value Trends, Site Traffic, Consumer Shopping</p> <p></p> <p>IRVINE, Calif., Feb. 17 /PRNewswire/ -- Kelley Blue Book, www.kbb.com, the leading provider of new- and used-car information, today reports an overall increase in recent wholesale market values, as reported in the company's new monthly Blue Book Market Report. </p> <p></p> <p>The all-new monthly Blue Book Market Report will examine new- and used-car data, residual values and consumer trending. In addition, Kelley Blue Book industry experts Eric Ibara, director of residual value consulting, and Juan Flores, director of vehicle valuation, will provide commentary in the publication. The first Blue Book Market Report will be distributed via email on Tuesday, February 17, 2009, and also will be posted each month to Kelley Blue Book's Media Center at www.kbb.com/media. </p> <p></p> <p>Throughout January 2009, Kelley Blue Book's vehicle valuation experts have witnessed climbing values in the truck and SUV segments. Values typically strengthen within these segments during the beginning of the year; however, the recent increase was higher than expected. A portion of the boost can be attributed to significantly depressed values experienced through mid- to late-2008 and decreasing fuel prices, both of which helped stabilize these segments. Kelley Blue Book expects a return to standard seasonal valuation behavior during the first quarter of 2009, although continued fluctuations in key factors may prevent this return to normalcy.</p> <p></p> <p>Performance within each of the vehicle segments was mixed. Domestic vehicles started the year with gains in the full-size and compact segments, and only a 1.4 percent decline in mid-size vehicles. This indicates returning demand for the domestic brands, which largely was absent leading up to the new year. Contrary to historical trends, import car segments were some of the worst performers in January 2009, falling between 1.5 percent and 2.7 percent for mid-size and full-size vehicles, respectively. </p> <p></p> <p>The Blue Book Market Report will further explore the state of the automotive industry by analyzing Kelley Blue Book Wholesale Values, which are produced on a weekly basis from actual transaction data with economical and regional factors applied. The report also will discuss developments in residual values, and how the market influences these percentages in a variety of segments. Furthermore, the newsletter will include data from both Eco Watch(TM) and Market Watch(R) studies conducted by Kelley Blue Book Marketing Research. Eco Watch tracks in-market new-car shoppers' opinions on fuel prices, alternative fuel-related technologies, environmental issues and vehicle consideration, while Market Watch measures new-car shopper behavior on kbb.com, capturing interest in specific vehicles. </p> <p></p> <p>"Our intent at Kelley Blue Book is to provide timely insight through our monthly Market Report into what our industry experts are seeing in the marketplace," said Eric Ibara, director of residual value consulting for Kelley Blue Book. "We look forward to regularly sharing a snapshot of what is occurring with new, used and residual values. We will also examine consumer trends and provide projections for where the market is heading, based on Kelley Blue Book's more than 80 years of valuation expertise."</p> <p></p> <p>If you would like to subscribe to the monthly Blue Book Market Report, please email pr@kbb.com. For more information on Kelley Blue Book, please visit www.kbb.com/media. </p> <p></p> <p>About Kelley Blue Book (www.kbb.com) </p> <p>Since 1926, Kelley Blue Book, The Trusted Resource(R), has provided vehicle buyers and sellers with the new and used vehicle information they need to accomplish their goals with confidence. The company's top-rated Web site, www.kbb.com, provides the most up-to-date pricing and values, including the New Car Blue Book(R) Value, which reveals what people actually are paying for new cars. The company also reports vehicle pricing and values via products and services, including software products and the famous Blue Book(R) Official Guide. According to the C.A. Walker Research Solutions, Inc. - 2008 Spring Automotive Web Site Usefulness Study, kbb.com is the most useful automotive information Web site among new and used vehicle shoppers, and half of online vehicle shoppers visit kbb.com. Kbb.com is a leading provider of new car prices, car reviews and news, used car blue book values, auto classifieds and car dealer locations. No other medium reaches more in-market vehicle shoppers than kbb.com. </p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/942947571451216121-5981816081253493401?l=advertisingmedianews.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>megaonoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-942947571451216121.post-25925024843681402192009-02-17T09:00:00.000+02:002009-02-17T12:34:03.736+02:00 <p>LONDON, Feb. 17 /PRNewswire/ -- The programme for the forthcoming Events 2012 & Beyond conference has been announced, and includes sessions on Managing Expectations, Sponsors, Media, Corporate Hospitality and Supply Chain. Breakfast Television Presenter, Bill Turnbull, has also been announced as the conference anchor. </p> <p></p> <p>In addition to speakers from Visit London, VisitBritain and the LDA, other conference speakers include Dan Ritterband -- director of marketing to Boris Johnson, Barrie Howard -- VP global sponsorship, Visa International, Daryl Jelinek -- general manager -- London 2012 Olympics, Coca Cola, Jeroen De Roever -- manager international sports strategy, ATP, Mark England -- director of Olympic operations, British Olympic Association, David Stubbs -- head of sustainability, LOCOG, Mike Mulvey -- chief executive, London Business Network, Paul Bush -- CEO, Event Scotland and David Magilano --marketing director, England 2018. </p> <p></p> <p>David Sharpe, Head of the Events 2012 Development Group said: "This is a hugely impressive line up of speakers and will deliver exactly what we promised the industry; practical advice on what to expect from the games and how to maximise the opportunities that they present." </p> <p></p> <p>Events 2012 & Beyond takes place on the first day of International Confex, Tuesday 24th February 2009, at the Earls Court Conference Centre, London. Delegates can register for places now by visiting http://www.events2012andbeyond.com </p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/942947571451216121-2592502484368140219?l=advertisingmedianews.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>megaonoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-942947571451216121.post-30758504239018020582009-02-16T22:46:00.000+02:002009-02-17T02:16:27.027+02:00 <p>CINCINNATI, Feb. 16 /PRNewswire/ -- For those of you who are now looking to start active prospecting for the first time...the approach that you use today should mirror the approach you use long-term. There is no magic bullet that is going to save the day and bring prospects in any faster. </p> <p></p> <p>Pushing out postcards or quirky mailers isn't the ticket. Sending out hundreds of emails with a "pound my chest and look at me" message isn't going to attract a sole. With hundreds, if not thousands of other agencies trying to do the same thing, what are the chances that any of this is going to bust through? Not high. </p> <p></p> <p>Prospecting takes time and requires smart, relevant outreach to make potential clients want to take a look. They need to know you're going to bring fresh, new thinking to the table to help them out of a situation that they are hand-tied trying to get themselves out of.</p> <p></p> <p>A few case studies highlight the success in using this value-added approach to prospecting:</p> <p>A smaller agency (in Michigan) hired us about six months ago - coming to us in a rather tough situation. They had lost one of their major clients (representing about 1/2 of their business) and needed work to fill the gap. In the early months of our relationship, they lost another major piece of business that nearly sank them. Rather than getting highly irrational and pushing us to do things that we knew wouldn't work, they stayed the course. We pushed out our relevant messaging, engaging prospects to better understand what their pain points were, bridged these issues back to work our client had successfully completed in the same space and used the reasons to believe why we could do it better to convince them we could bring new thinking and better ideas to the table. We also pushed the client to stay with the prospects after the initial meetings, adding value by re-connecting with news that might be of interest/value to the prospect - all intended to keep the agency's name in front of the potential client. This agency currently finds themselves with two new clients that hold the potential of replacing not all, but a good chunk of their work lost. They also have a major meeting slated with one of the state's top service providers and are in an AOR RFP for a health care entity in the state. </p> <p></p> <p>We have been working with this mid-size agency out of Nebraska for a little over three years now...and our approach is all about reinforcing the expert position that this agency possesses in the space that it plays - and importantly, how that expert insight can be of value to the prospect we are reaching out to. The collateral supports the positioning, the insights and issues we discuss with prospects supports the positioning, the "Best Practices" series we've created reinforces it. Just like a brand, we've built up awareness over time; prospects get to know and appreciate the value that "we" (our agency client) bring to the table - so in the end, when we hit them when their aperture is open wide enough, we win the day. This client has converted on average, two top tier clients a year using this approach.</p> <p></p> <p>And then there was the client who fired us for winning a major re-branding assignment from one of the country's largest grocery retailers (they couldn't handle any more work after the win). This assignment required more customization than most programs as the conversations with prospects involved more of an intellectual conversation about brand awareness/brand equity challenges. Finding the pain points, and suggesting that this small agency had the wherewithal to bring new thinking/approaches to bear required solid preparation prior to each call. With most programs, we will search news/insights about prospects prior to the outreach so we can dialogue on a higher level. Here, the approach required us to bring ideas and suggestions to the table to help the prospect see (right out of the block) how we could be of value to them. We counseled this client all the way into the pitch, suggesting that they be bold in how they approached the client challenge. The agency didn't like where the prospect was wanting agencies to direct their thinking, so we suggested they step out and say so - but at the same time offer new ideas and solutions. It won the day...and lost us their business! </p> <p></p> <p>So tough times or not...</p> <p></p> <p>Make your outreach relevant to your prospects</p> <p>Don't just call and pound your chest - shouting how great you are - or simply saying you do it all. Look at any agency website - think most look a lot alike?! Don't make your approach a one-size-fits-all program. Look up news about the prospect, use that news to talk about their world and how you have dealt with similar issues. Study their site and think about how you can lob ideas into the prospect's world. Give them some meat. Give them a reason to want to meet with you. Give yourself more of a license to penetrate. Because you know in good times or bad, your prospects are asking themselves "WIFM" (what's in it for me). They aren't going to just open the door to anyone. They need to understand the value they'll gain from meeting with you.</p> <p></p> <p>Make sure your message is clearly defined and differentiated</p> <p>In the world of RSW prospecting, we look to help agencies define their unique RTBs (reasons-to-believe) a prospect should believe what the agency is going to do is more likely to get them to a better place. We look for unique sources of insights, levels of expertise in sectors, unique processes, etc. to formulate a story that can be used when reaching out to prospects. Take the step back and ask yourself these questions. Your differentiating points are not: "we are more strategic," "you'll only work with the principals," "we aren't just about the creative; we are more about your business." These are costs of entry. All agencies need to deliver these things - and all agencies say they do.</p> <p></p> <p>Make certain your target list is fresh and focused</p> <p>With marketing tenure already low prior to our economic collapse, it's likely those marketers that were present yesterday may not be there tomorrow. Working with lists that are cleaned every 150 days is a risky and potentially wasteful proposition, particularly when time and money is short. Prior to an effort against any agency program, call and clean each contact on each list to ensure all information is correct and the prospect is sitting in the title you most desire to pursue. Hire a co-op or intern to make the calls. It will pay out ten-fold in the end.</p> <p></p> <p>Your site needs to sell for you</p> <p>Prospects need to be able to find your site. Prospects need to easily navigate your site. Prospects don't care as much about "Philosophy" as they do about relevance to their world and seeing the successes and your work. They need to understand you get it. And please...don't use flash! If you use flash, not only are you going to have a tough time being "SEO'd," you're also going to make it harder for your new business manager to prospect. Flash doesn't enable a prospect to link directly to a specific place on your site, which can be frustrating and very unproductive. We have often worked with clients to create separate landing pages to house work, other materials that more easily can be used within the context of the prospecting effort.</p> <p></p> <p>Keep it on-going...don't stop when times are good (because they'll be bad again)</p> <p>If the billions being thrown at our economy start turning things back around and you start feeling a little full again, don't stop your outreach. Would you tell your client it's ok to advertise one year and then take the next year off?</p> <p></p> <p>And finally, don't stop the push after the first meeting!</p> <p>Just because you had a great first meeting or call with a prospect doesn't mean the job is done. They're highly unlikely to simply roll over and start writing checks. They have a million and one things on their plates and you need to stay on their radar as much after the meeting as you did in trying to get the meeting.</p> <p></p> <p>So remember, if things are tough, don't panic. Take measured steps, lay out a well thought through plan, and think about your prospects' needs, not your own.</p> <p></p> <p>We at RSW use this same approach when we reach out to you. We have been at it for close to four years. Close to 90% of our business has come in from agencies like yours calling or emailing us in response to our value-added outreach.</p> <p></p> <p>Your prospects will see your value. Your equity will build, and the pipelines will fill.</p> <p></p> <p>What do they say? "Build it and they will come!" </p> <p></p> <p>True for ballparks. </p> <p></p> <p>True for brands. </p> <p></p> <p>Also true for agencies.</p> <p></p> <p>About RSW</p> <p></p> <p>Reardon Smith Whittaker is an agency that helps other agencies build pipelines of qualified new business opportunities and more effectively position themselves in the marketplace. More information can be accessed at: www.rsw.us or by calling 513.559.3101. Sneider can be contacted at mark@rswus.com.</p> <p></p> <div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/942947571451216121-3075850423901802058?l=advertisingmedianews.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>megaonoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-942947571451216121.post-64096071601164747342009-02-16T09:00:00.000+02:002009-02-16T12:13:14.550+02:00 <p> PARIS, February 16 /PRNewswire/ --</p> <p> - Unique Web-Based Solution Enables Interactive Campaigns Using SMS, MMS and Mobile Internet</p> <p> Netsize, a leading mobile commerce and communications enabler, today announced the availability of mMarketing, its new web-based solution for managing mobile marketing campaigns.</p> <p> "With Netsize mMarketing anyone can launch mobile campaigns in three easy steps: import your contacts from your favorite contact manager, create the message, and schedule the campaign," said Stephane Roder, Group Marketing Director, Netsize. "Ease of use has been our guiding principle developing this solution. From managing your lists and campaigns, to statistics and searching data, user friendliness is central."</p> <p> Netsize mMarketing supports multiple media, including SMS, MMS, and Mobile Internet (WAP). Interactive marketing campaigns are simple to create as mMarketing supports the receipt of SMS responses.</p> <p> During campaign execution, administrators remain in full control. They have a real-time view on progress and can suspend, resume and abort campaigns at any time. Campaign reports provide details on effective campaign reach and responses, including reply word statistics.</p> <p> Netsize mMarketing is fully compliant with national messaging rules and regulations, and codes of conduct.</p> <p> Netsize is demonstrating Netsize mMarketing at the GSMA Mobile World Congress, Barcelona, 16-19 February 2009. The Netsize booth is located in Hall 2, stand 2 B57.</p> <p> ABOUT NETSIZE</p> <p> Netsize is a leading mobile communications and commerce enabler. Netsize solutions include Mobile Messaging, with SMS and MMS delivery in 200 countries; Mobile Payment through operator-based billing (Premium SMS, MMS, & WAP) in 23 countries; and Mobile Content Management platforms with publishing & editing tools to manage messaging services and mobile Internet portals. Netsize manages more than 60 million mobile transactions per month for 800 customers worldwide, including Fortune 500 companies. With 200 employees in 10 offices worldwide, Netsize provides both robust technical infrastructure and marketing expertise to support this successful deployment on a global scale.</p> <p> For more information about Netsize please visit http://www.netsize.com</p> <div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/942947571451216121-6409607160116474734?l=advertisingmedianews.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>megaonoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-942947571451216121.post-40348802759428359702009-02-16T06:13:00.000+02:002009-02-16T09:04:35.394+02:00 <p> LONDON, February 16 /PRNewswire/ -- Kreab Group and Gavin Anderson & Company announced today that they have formed one of the world's leading specialist financial, corporate and public affairs communications consulting firms.</p> <p> The merger brings together two strongly complementary businesses into a single company with the strength, scale and global reach to deliver significant benefits to clients. Kreab Gavin Anderson will have over 350 professionals of 40 nationalities serving more than 500 clients in 25 countries. This talent and expertise will enhance Kreab Gavin Anderson's ability to meet the growing demands of clients in a globalized and increasingly competitive world.</p> <p> Kreab and Gavin Anderson have independently been leaders in the fields of financial and corporate communications and public affairs for many years. The strategic rationale of the merger is that Gavin Anderson and Kreab strengthen each other in the financial and corporate communications and public affairs practices and round out each firm's geographical expansion goals.</p> <p> Providing expertise across these practice areas in the world's major financial and political centers is increasingly important to clients confronting evolving government and market regulatory regimes across the world.</p> <p> Both companies have been growing strongly over the past few years. The combination represents a step change in business size and geographical spread, providing a foundation for even greater growth in the future in the existing major financial and political centres around the world and in developing markets, particularly in Asia, India and the Middle East.</p> <p> Magnora AB and Omnicom Group Inc. are the parent companies and majority owners of Kreab and Gavin Anderson respectively. The new firm will be majority owned by Magnora and Omnicom.</p> <p> Peje Emilsson, Chairman of Magnora and Kreab will become the Executive Chairman of Kreab Gavin Anderson while Richard Constant, Chairman & CEO of Gavin Anderson will be the President & CEO. Charlotte Erkhammar, President & CEO of Kreab will be Executive Vice President & Deputy CEO of the new firm and Gene Golembeski, CFO and COO of Gavin Anderson will be the new Group's Chief Financial Officer.</p> <p> Richard Constant, President & CEO of Kreab Gavin Anderson, commenting on the merger, said:</p> <p> "This merger fulfils a mutual and long-held ambition to combine our strengths for the benefit of our clients. The balance and complementary fit between our financial communications, public affairs and corporate communications practices, together with the breadth of our international network means that our new firm has an even stronger talent base from which to deliver outstanding results for clients."</p> <p> Charlotte Erkhammar, Executive Vice President & Deputy CEO of the combined firm, said:</p> <p> "This is a merger of equals, bringing together a team with unparalleled expertise. We know each other well. We have similar values and cultures, and we have a joint understanding of this business. We will continue to have the backing of our long-term shareholders. We will benefit from the commitment of Magnora, a major privately-owned Group with over 40 years of experience in the industry, the reach and strength of Omnicom, a global leader in advertising and marketing communications, and the direct involvement of key employees through the Partnership."</p> <p> Peje Emilsson, Chairman of Magnora and Executive Chairman of Kreab Gavin Anderson, and Dale Adams, President of DAS, a Division of Omnicom Group Inc., and Vice Chairman of the new firm, said:</p> <p> "Today we have created a new competitive force in this industry. The combined talent and experience of Kreab Gavin Anderson can only be matched by few. We can provide our clients with outstanding communications advice and solutions on a worldwide basis. Leveraging all these strengths in one company has extraordinary potential and it creates a platform for tremendous growth in the future."</p> <p> Notes to editors</p> <p> Kreab Gavin Anderson (http://www.kreabgavinanderson.com) is a leading worldwide specialist financial, corporate and public affairs communications firm, with over 350 professionals of 40 nationalities serving more than 500 clients in 25 countries. Kreab Gavin Anderson's consultants advise on issues of strategic importance to business and political leaders, helping clients to solve complex communications challenges, often in critical situations.</p> <p> Operating in the world's key business centers, the company is represented in Abu Dhabi, Barcelona, Beijing, Brussels, Canberra, Copenhagen, Dubai, Frankfurt, Helsinki, Hong Kong, Jakarta, Jeddah, Lisbon, London, Madrid, Melbourne, Milan, New York, Oslo, Paris, Riyadh, São Paolo, Seoul, Singapore, Stockholm, Sydney, Taipei, Tokyo, and Washington DC.</p> <p> For further information, please see the company's website http://www.kreabgavinanderson.com, or contact:</p> <pre> Peje Emilsson Executive Chairman +46-705-11-44-65 Richard Constant President & CEO +44-20-7554-1404 Charlotte Erkhammar Executive Vice President & Deputy CEO +46-70-674-56-22 </pre> <div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/942947571451216121-4034880275942835970?l=advertisingmedianews.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>megaonoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-942947571451216121.post-3391868723632668012009-02-15T23:05:00.000+02:002009-02-16T02:11:44.115+02:00 <p>UK operator task force announces results of Mobile Media Metrics feasibility study</p> <p></p> <p>BARCELONA, Spain, Feb. 15 /PRNewswire/ -- The GSMA and a task force comprising Telefonica, Vodafone, Orange, T-Mobile International and 3, today unveiled the results of a feasibility study examining mobile audience metrics that will enable media and advertising agencies, brands and publishers to deliver better mobile advertising campaigns. The study, part of the GSMA's Mobile Media Metrics programme, has created a measurement process for mobile browsing that respects the privacy of mobile users and provides rich planning information for the media and advertising communities.</p> <p></p> <p>"Access to transparent measurement is essential in establishing mobile as a legitimate advertising medium. This programme will help take the guesswork out of mobile for brands, publishers and agencies," said Rob Conway, CEO and Board Member of the GSMA. "For the first time, the advertising community has access to real, aggregated mobile audience data, which offers insight into the most popular sites, ranked by number of visitors, page impressions, time and duration of visits. This will enable better planning of marketing campaigns, and in turn, will accelerate sales of mobile advertising inventory."</p> <p></p> <p>Top Sites</p> <p>The results of the study, based on a sample of anonymised data from UK mobile operators, reveal that operator sites continue to command the largest audiences, with 68% of UK mobile users visiting operator portals. Google is the top off-portal destination and Facebook is the top mobile site by time spent browsing, with other social networking sites featuring strongly. In addition to the top sites, a total of 167,648 mobile Internet sites have been measured during the feasibility study.</p> <p></p> <pre> Top Mobile Sites vs. Top Internet Sites, December 2008 UK Mobile Phone Users (sample of UK Operators) and UK Internet Users* Top 10 Mobile Sites Top 10 PC Internet Sites 1 Mobile Operator Sites Google Sites 2 Google Sites Microsoft Sites 3 Facebook.com Yahoo! Sites 4 Yahoo! Sites Facebook.com 5 BBC Sites EBay 6 Apple Inc. Sites BBC Sites 7 Microsoft Sites AOL (inc. Bebo) 8 Sony Online (inc. Sony Ericsson) Amazon Sites 9 Nokia Ask Network 10 AOL (inc. Bebo) Wikimedia Foundation Sites </pre> <p></p> <p>Source: GSMA Mobile Media Metrics; comScore Media Metrix (PC data)</p> <p></p> <p>User Behaviour</p> <p>The output of the GSMA's Mobile Media Metrics programme will allow brands, publishers and agencies access to rich, aggregated user behaviour data, enabling comparison with other media. For example, mobile users accessing Facebook spend an average of 24 minutes per day on the site, similar to the 27.5 minutes spent by PC users. Mobile users on Facebook averaged 3.3 visits per day versus 2.3 visits per day by PC users. </p> <p></p> <p>Mobile is used consistently throughout the whole day, but the early morning (7-10am) is the key day part for mobile, accounting for 22% of total mobile minutes browsed, compared with only 11% of total minutes browsed by PC Internet users in the same day part. Mobile can therefore act as an extension to media such as the Internet and TV, while it reinforces other early morning media, such as radio and newspapers.</p> <p></p> <p>Demographics</p> <p>The real value comes in the combination of aggregated site popularity and user behaviour data with independently collected demographic information, which enables more effective targeting of campaigns. Mobile is confirmed as a strong youth medium with 48 per cent of users between 18-34 years old, compared to 40 per cent for the fixed Internet and 29 per cent for the TV audience (source: BMRB's TGI). Mobile is also more skewed towards men, who represent 63 per cent of total users compared with 53 per cent for the fixed Internet. </p> <p></p> <p>"The mobile phone has the potential to offer relevant, personalised advertising on a level that has largely been unattainable until now," said Conway. "This potential can only be achieved if mobile is part of a sophisticated, integrated approach to advertising. The rich data delivered through this programme will enable advertisers to create truly comprehensive, cross-platform media plan and campaigns."</p> <p></p> <p>In the feasibility study, the GSMA worked with comScore as its measurement partner and ABC Electronic its media audit partner, as well as key industry stakeholders including JICWEBS and its member associations. The next phase of the programme will see the commercial launch of an audited mobile measurement service, expected in the second half of 2009. The GSMA will establish three further working groups, one each for advertisers, media and advertising agencies, and publishers. These working groups will confirm the measurement and reporting needs of the media industry, gather support for the proposed measures as a 'common currency' for mobile audience measurement, and establish how best to integrate this valuable information into existing cross-media business processes and tools.</p> <p></p> <p>Supporting quotes:</p> <p></p> <p>"Establishing a common system for mobile advertising will make it as easy for advertisers to run campaigns on mobiles as it is across traditional media such as television and radio. This marks a significant step forward in driving the credibility of mobile advertising," said Tanya Field, Director - Mobile Data Group, Telefonica S.A.</p> <p></p> <p>"Mobile Media Metrics is vital to the development of Mobile Advertising industry," said Frank Boulben, Director Commercial Strategy at Vodafone Group. "The GSMA has supported a solution which can be deployed by mobile operators in virtually every country and is based on ongoing collaboration with the leading advertisers and advertising agencies."</p> <p> </p> <p>"Mobile advertising is an innovative channel with solid future potential in terms of reach, targeting and message relevance. One of the key building blocks for the successful take-up of mobile advertising is a standardised measurement system for mobile media audiences allowing advertisers to make informed decisions on the ROI of their campaigns. The GSMA initiative will play a vital role in bringing all the necessary elements together to ensure an effective mobile audience measurement process is put in place," said Ingo Schneider, Vice President Multimedia, T-Mobile International.</p> <p></p> <p>"We're now in an era of less hype and more reality when it comes to mobile advertising. This Mobile Media Metrics initiative is a big step forward in making mobile advertising simpler to plan, buy, execute and measure. It will provide a clearer picture of the usage of mobile as a medium for the advertising industry and as brands invest more in mobile, it will help us to pass on even greater benefits to customers, such as choice, quality and ad-funded services," said Steve Heald, Sales Director, Partner Channels, Orange UK. </p> <p></p> <p>"Network operators have long sought the independent verification which will allow them to monetise mobile Internet usage on their networks. Media buyers have also been excited about mobile for years, but have never had access to the independent statistics to justify large ad spend; hopefully Mobile Media Metrics will change all this. 3 is very excited about the opportunity provided by this initiative and we look forward to helping media buyers generate a higher ROI through the use of mobile advertising," said Neil Andrews, Head of Portal Advertising at 3 UK. </p> <p></p> <p>"Robust audience data is vital to the success of any medium, and Mobile Media Metrics represents a huge step forward for the industry. Once media planners start using the research to justify mobile advertising on schedules, we can expect to see the medium grow with well targeted cross-network campaigns" said Guy Philippson, CEO of IAB UK.</p> <p></p> <p>"ABCe is looking forward to working with the mobile industry to progress and ultimately deliver mobile measurement to the standards agreed by JICWEBS (The Joint Industry Committee for Web Standards in the UK and Ireland). Media planners, owners and buyers require trusted and transparent data to justify driving media budgets to mobile," said Richard Foan, MD of ABC Electronic.</p> <p></p> <p>About the GSMA</p> <p>The GSMA represents the interests of the worldwide mobile communications industry. Spanning 219 countries, the GSMA unites more than 750 of the world's mobile operators, as well as 200 companies in the broader mobile ecosystem, including handset makers, software companies, equipment providers, Internet companies, and media and entertainment organisations. The GSMA is focused on innovating, incubating and creating new opportunities for its membership, all with the end goal of driving the growth of the mobile communications industry. For more information, please visit: www.gsmworld.com.</p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/942947571451216121-339186872363266801?l=advertisingmedianews.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>megaonoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-942947571451216121.post-18070142718240779882009-02-15T21:42:00.000+02:002009-02-16T01:02:01.229+02:00 <p>World's Worst Commute Contest Offers One Lucky Driver the Ultimate Chauffeur - The Three-Time Defending NASCAR Champion </p> <p></p> <p>HOUSTON, Feb. 15 /PRNewswire/ -- To draw attention to the launch of its new brand positioning, Quaker State will today kick off a campaign to identify The World's Worst Commute. The winner of the video-submission contest will receive a once in a lifetime ride to work with a very special chauffeur: Jimmie Johnson, only the second driver in NASCAR history to win three consecutive Sprint Cup Series championships.</p> <p></p> <p>To enter the contest, motorists log onto www.QuakerState.com and submit at 30- to 60-second video highlighting why they think they have the "world's worst commute", whether it be a route riddled with car-sized potholes or a trip that takes them through continuous construction. Videos will be subjected first to peer voting; then, the most popular videos will be viewed by a panel of judges from Quaker State management and the Hendrick Motorsports staff, including Johnson himself.</p> <p></p> <p>"Not everyone's idea of everyday driving is as severe as mine," said Johnson. "The Hendrick Motorsports team has been relying on Quaker State technology for the past 12 years. Season after season we are provided durable racing motor oils needed to protect our engines, helping us to garner an astounding 126 race victories, and an even more impressive seven Cup championships."</p> <p></p> <p>The average American spends more than 100 hours a year commuting to and from work, according to the recent U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey. With the commute time being only a fraction of the time many motorists spend driving, it is important to protect a vehicle from friction-related wear and help it continue to run at optimal performance under any driving condition.</p> <p></p> <p>"To meet our consumers' needs during these times when they are trying to keep their vehicles longer, Quaker State offers a line-up of value-led motor oils that deliver outstanding wear protection," said Luis Guimaraes, general manager, Americas, Shell Lubricants. "The World's Worst Commute campaign can help drivers connect the importance of protecting their investment to the stresses of their everyday drive."</p> <p></p> <p>Consumers can enter to win the ultimate ride to work by going to QuakerState.com and entering the details of their everyday commute on video from Feb. 15 to May 31, 2009. Peer voting will continue until June 15, 2009, and the finalists' videos will be judged by the panel in June. The grand prize winner will receive a ride to work with Jimmie at the wheel, as well as a trip for two to the Bank of America 500 in Charlotte, North Carolina on October 17, 2009. </p> <p></p> <p>For more information on the full line-up of Quaker State durable motor oils, or to enter the World's Worst Commute contest and see a full listing of the contest's rules and details, visit www.QuakerState.com.</p> <p></p> <p>About Quaker State</p> <p></p> <p>Quaker State brand products are manufactured by Shell Lubricants. The term 'Shell Lubricants' collectively refers to the companies of Royal Dutch Shell plc that are engaged in the lubricants business. Shell Lubricants companies lead the lubricants industry, supplying 13% of global lubricants volume.(a) The companies manufacture and blend products for use in applications ranging from consumer motor oil and food processing oils to heavy industrial lubricants and commercial transport oils. The Shell Lubricants portfolio of top-quality brands includes Pennzoil(R), Quaker State(R), FormulaShell(R), Shell TELLUS(R), Shell CASSIDA(R), Shell RIMULA(R), Shell ROTELLA(R) T, Shell SPIRAX(R), a portfolio of leading car care brands and Jiffy Lube(R) lubrication services.</p> <p></p> <p>(a) Kline & Company, "Competitive Intelligence for the Global Lubricants Industry, 2007 - 2017."</p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/942947571451216121-1807014271824077988?l=advertisingmedianews.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>megaonoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-942947571451216121.post-65838715512826973342009-02-13T23:55:00.000+02:002009-02-14T02:57:25.913+02:00 <p>DALLAS, Feb. 13 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- New Century Equity Holdings Corp. (OTC Bulletin Board: NCEH) announced today that New Century's acquisition of Wilhelmina International and its affiliates closed today. Effective today, New Century's name will be changed to Wilhelmina International, Inc. </p> <p></p> <p>"We are delighted to close this acquisition," said New Century's Chairman and acting Chief Executive Officer, Mark E. Schwarz. "As the new owners of one of the premiere names in model management, we can now direct our focus singularly on building on this strong franchise and reputation and pursuing a number of exciting growth opportunities."</p> <p></p> <p>New Century expects to provide an update next week regarding a change in its ticker symbol.</p> <p></p> <p>Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements: Information in this press release that involves the expectations, plans, intentions or strategies of New Century Equity Holdings Corp. ("New Century") regarding the future are forward-looking statements that are not facts and involve a number of risks and uncertainties. In this release, they are identified by references to dates after the date of this release and words such as "will," "remains," "to be," "plans," "believes," "may," "expects," "intends," and similar expressions. Factors that could cause New Century's actual future results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements set forth in this release include, but are not limited to, the timing and successful completion of the acquisition of Wilhelmina International, Ltd. and its affiliated companies (the "Wilhelmina Companies"), New Century's success in integrating the operations of the Wilhelmina Companies in a timely manner, or at all, and New Century's ability to realize the anticipated benefits of the transaction to the extent, or in the timeframe, anticipated. Other such factors include any additional risk factors identified in New Century's definitive proxy statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 22, 2008. The forward-looking statements in this release are based upon information available to New Century as of the date of this release, and New Century assumes no obligation to update any such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements believed to be true when made may ultimately prove to be incorrect. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, some of which are beyond our control and may cause actual results to differ materially from our current expectations.</p> <p></p> <div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/942947571451216121-6583871551282697334?l=advertisingmedianews.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>megaonoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-942947571451216121.post-69281820526894247712009-02-13T14:00:00.000+02:002009-02-13T17:10:10.672+02:00 <p>NEW YORK, Feb. 13 /PRNewswire/ -- American Media, Inc. (AMI) and Integrity Multimedia Company today announced that Adam Gordon has been named Chief Revenue Officer for Radar Online LLC. He will be responsible for online advertising sales for the new Radar web site, set to launch in March. Mr. Gordon will begin his duties immediately and report to AMI Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, David Pecker.</p> <p></p> <p>"Adam's success in the digital marketplace speaks for itself," said Mr. Pecker. "We fully expect Radaronline.com to quickly become the #1 site for celebrity news and pop culture and Adam has the right client contacts and marketing skills to capitalize on that."</p> <p></p> <p>In his career, Mr. Gordon has personally generated over $70 million in digital revenues, serving in high-level sales management positions for a number of prominent organizations including most recently as the Chief Revenue Officer for World/Now. He previously served as Vice President of Interactive Sales & Marketing at Thomson Corporation, Vice President, National Sales at Internet Broadcasting, and Vice President, Ad Sales for About.com. </p> <p></p> <p>"I am excited by the opportunity at Radaronline.com," said Mr. Gordon. "The marketplace responds to new advertising opportunities that offer creative ways to reach their target consumers. I firmly believe that Radar's blend of timely celebrity news coupled with a focus on pop culture will deliver the traffic needed to drive significant revenue within a year."</p> <p></p> <p>Mr. Gordon is a graduate of the University of Maryland.</p> <p></p> <p>Radar Online LLC</p> <p>Radar Online LLC is a joint venture between American Media, Inc. and Integrity Multimedia Company. </p> <p> </p> <div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/942947571451216121-6928182052689424771?l=advertisingmedianews.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>megaonoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-942947571451216121.post-34344446820657107162009-02-13T12:30:00.000+02:002009-02-13T16:27:06.811+02:00 <p>ST. LOUIS, Feb. 13 /PRNewswire/ -- Second Street Media Solutions announced today that it is sponsoring a free Webinar for local media management to learn how they can profit from the exponential growth of online contests and promotions.</p> <p></p> <p>Called "Online Promotions to Triple by 2012 - Are You Ready to Profit?" the Webinar will be held on Feb. 24 at 1 p.m. CST and is co-hosted by local advertising expert Borrell Associates.</p> <p></p> <p>While traditional forms of interactive advertising such as banner ads are experiencing significant declines, online promotions and contests are booming with local advertisers and their advertising dollars.</p> <p></p> <p>"Online contests are the silver lining in local advertising today - the story local media have been looking for," said Borrell Associates Senior VP Peter Conti. "Because online contests are drawing readers to interact with and embrace media sites, they are a critical and fast-growing tool for generating online ad dollars today." </p> <p></p> <p>To participate in the Feb. 24 Webinar, and learn how to leverage contesting to grow your ad profits, reserve your Webinar seat at:</p> <p>https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/164881361</p> <p></p> <p>About Second Street Media Solutions:</p> <p></p> <p>Through the UPICKEM Custom Contest Engine, Second Street Media Solutions provides revenue-generating and audience-building contesting software to hundreds of the nation's largest media companies, promotions agencies and corporations. For more information, visit www.secondstreetmedia.com/upickemhome.aspx</p> <p></p> <p>About Borrell Associates: </p> <p></p> <p>Borrell Associates is the leading provider of local advertising research, data and strategic analysis. Borrell serves hundreds of media companies with detailed market advertising reports including WebAudit(TM), Local Ad $pending(TM) (LA$R(TM)) and custom reports for the U.S., Canadian and U.K. markets. For more information, please visit www.borrellassociates.com.</p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/942947571451216121-3434444682065710716?l=advertisingmedianews.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>megaonoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-942947571451216121.post-45606001929766947252009-02-13T11:45:00.000+02:002009-02-13T15:33:39.828+02:00 <p> BEIJING, Feb. 13 /PRNewswire-Asia/ -- VisionChina Media Inc. (Nasdaq: VISN), one of China's largest mass transportation mobile television advertising networks, today announced that it will report its financial results for the fourth quarter and fiscal year ended December 31, 2008, after the U.S. markets close on March 2, 2009. VisionChina's management will hold an earnings conference call at 7:00 PM U.S. Eastern Daylight Time on March 2, 2009 (8:00 AM Beijing/Hong Kong Time on March 3, 2009).</p> <pre> Dial-in details for the earnings conference call are as follows: US Toll Free: +1-866-272-9941 Hong Kong: +852-3002-1672 International: +1-617-213-8895 Passcode for all regions: VisionChina Earnings Call </pre> <p> A replay of the conference call may be accessed by phone at the following numbers until March 31, 2009.</p> <pre> US Toll Free: +1-888-286-8010 International: +1-617-801-6888 Passcode: 54938147 </pre> <p> Additionally, a live and archived webcast of this conference call will be available on the Investor Relations section of VisionChina's website at http://www.visionchina.cn .</p> <p> About VisionChina Media Inc.</p> <p> VisionChina Media Inc. (Nasdaq: VISN) operates an out-of-home advertising network on mass transportation systems, including buses and subways that reach over 26 million viewers each day in China, according to CTR Market Research. As of September 30, 2008, VisionChina's advertising network included over 62,250 digital television displays on mass transportation systems in 17 of China's economically prosperous cities, including Beijing, Guangzhou, Shanghai and Shenzhen. VisionChina Media has the ability to deliver real-time, location-specific broadcasting, including news, stock quotes, weather and traffic reports and other entertainment programming. For more information, please visit http://www.visionchina.cn .</p> <pre> For investor and media inquiries, please contact: In China: Mrs. Helen Plummer Investor Relations Officer, VisionChina Media, Inc. Tel: +86-10-8418-7475 Email: helen.plummer@visionchina.cn Mr. Derek Mitchell Ogilvy Financial, Beijing Tel: +86-10-8520-6284 Email: derek.mitchell@ogilvy.com In the United States: Ms. Jessica Barist Cohen Ogilvy Financial, New York Tel: +1-646-460-9989 Email: jessica.cohen@ogilvy.com For media inquiries, please contact: Ms. Ceren Wende Ogilvy Financial, Beijing Tel: +86-10-8520-6514 Email: ceren.wende@ogilvy.com </pre> <div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/942947571451216121-4560600192976694725?l=advertisingmedianews.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>megaonoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-942947571451216121.post-6398018889912860302009-02-13T09:00:00.000+02:002009-02-13T12:34:48.389+02:00 <p> LONDON, February 13 /PRNewswire/ -- Celltick, the pioneer of mobile idle screen marketing solutions, is pleased to announce its appointment by media agency Initiative to promote Coca Cola's ad campaigns in Thailand and to drive young adults in the 15-24 year old age bracket to its promotional activities.</p> <p> Celltick's LiveScreen Media platform was put to the test in a recent Coca Cola exclusive music festival - "Coke Zaah". The campaign targeted the desirable but hard-to-reach young adult audience in a fun and engaging way to build hype and excitement around the launch event in Central World, Bangkok, which boasted exclusive performances from local Thai bands such as Titanium, Modern Dog and Potato. Messages delivered to the idle screen of target users' mobile phones promoted the time and location of the event as well as including a 'free gift' call to action.</p> <p> Messages were broadcast to users' mobile phones through mLIVE!, an exclusive service powered by Celltick's LiveScreen(R) Media Technology and designed to bring Active Content Discovery to subscribers of leading Thai mobile network operator AIS. By combining cell broadcast technology with relevant subscriber information, services like mLIVE! allow operators to cost-effectively deliver revenue-generating opportunities in a user-friendly, targeted fashion. With mLIVE! Operators can deliver segmented content, rich media and advertising to a virtually unlimited number of users.</p> <p> During the campaign which ran for five days, users were given the opportunity to download exclusive vouchers which could be redeemed simply by flashing the SMS message at the festival. The overwhelming response to the campaign significantly exceeded the target of 15,000 SMS voucher downloads from an estimated 650,000 viewers in Central Bangkok</p> <p> Weerapong Tengprathip, managing director on the Coke business from Initiative adds: "The mLIVE! service allowed us to deliver personalised advertising that was both engaging and interactive, increasing the positive response from users and helping drive a successful launch event for the new drink."</p> <p> Mr. Prattna Leelapanang, Assistant Vice President - Value Added Service, AIS Says: "The Coca Cola campaign demonstrates how mLIVE! can be used to target users in a non-intrusive and response-driven fashion, using a media popular amongst the target age group. We look forward to working with other brands to reach their audiences in a similar fashion. In mLIVE! Celltick has created a viable and effective mobile marketing tool that helps us drive up mobile internet traffic and subscriber usage of value-added services."</p> <p> Stephen Dunford, CEO of Celltick, comments: "For a company like Coca Cola, mLIVE! Powered by LiveScreen Media offers a unique opportunity to reach a mass audience on a personal scale, in a direct and non-intrusive fashion. This move from one of the world's best known brands demonstrates that intelligent, targeted mobile marketing has now come of age as a valuable tool in the marketer's portfolio."</p> <p> About Celltick (http://www.celltick.com )</p> <p> Celltick Technologies Ltd., the pioneer of Active Mobile Marketing, has introduced a new medium into the mobile space. Its flagship product, LiveScreen(TM) Media, allows content providers and advertisers to broadcast targeted content and marketing messages to millions of mobile idle screens, turning them into a network of interactive billboards, creating a strong revenue stream for operators.</p> <p> Celltick cooperates with mobile operators to turn the mobile screen into a powerful revenue driver. The company has close relations with all network infrastructure companies, major SIM vendors, leading handset manufacturers and industry standard organisations, as well as global content providers and media agents.</p> <p> Founded in 2000 and privately owned, Celltick is headquartered in the UK with offices in Israel, Russia, Singapore, India, Thailand and Brazil.</p> <p> About Initiative (http://www.initiative.com)</p> <p> Initiative is a media marketing and digital company.</p> <p> Defined by outstanding entrepreneurial talent, Initiative is a dynamic and flexible worldwide network, deeply connected to the people, cultures and communities we serve.</p> <p> As one of the world's leading media strategy, planning and activation companies - with over thirty years of experience, and a network spanning six continents, with 91 offices in 70 countries, Initiative helps grow brands and build businesses.</p> <p> About AIS (http://www.ais.co.th)</p> <p> Advanced Info Service Public Company Limited (AIS), a subsidiary of Shin Corporation PCL., is the established leader in Thailand's wireless communications industry after more than 15 years of services with its market share more than 50%.</p> <p> To date, AIS service network covers 795 districts (amphur) throughout Thailand, plus international roaming across in six continents. AIS continues to integrate the latest in advanced technology and deliver more than just voice communication, with GPRS and EDGE technology.</p> <p> AIS strongly believe that wireless communications bring changes to the way Thai people live their life, regardless of who they are and what they do. With endless communications possibilities, the quality of life is better.</p> <pre> Celltick Press Contact: Samantha Talpir Tel. +972526947154 Email: press@celltick.com </pre> <div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/942947571451216121-639801888991286030?l=advertisingmedianews.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>megaonoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-942947571451216121.post-31965737694161129322009-02-13T00:56:00.000+02:002009-02-13T04:16:37.405+02:00 <p>ATLANTA, Feb. 12 /PRNewswire/ -- One year out from the beginning of the 2010 Winter Olympics in British Columbia, Around the Rings has launched its first online edition of The Ultimate Insider's Guide: </p> <p></p> <p>http://www.aroundtherings.com/Vancouver/VancouverGuide.aspx</p> <p></p> <p>Content will be free to all users for the first 30 days. </p> <p></p> <p>The guide includes contact details for businesses and organizations with a stake in next year's Games. These range from the IOC to worldwide sponsors to government offices, along with restaurant and entertainment recommendations. </p> <p></p> <p>"Previous editions were always printed a few days before the Opening Ceremony so that the journalists and high-level visitors who used them had the most current information possible," said ATR editor Ed Hula. "This time, we wanted to make the information available for a longer period. Instead of a shelf-life of just a few weeks, this content will be available for one full year. It will be updated through March 2010, when the Paralympics conclude. "</p> <p></p> <p>The guide is divided into six chapters: Vancouver Games, Olympia, Business, Media, Government and Fun, Food and Nightlife. </p> <p></p> <p>Vancouver Games will include executives and media contacts; Olympia will include IOC contacts as well as upcoming host cities, while Fun, Food and Nightlife features restaurants and other attractions that have been personally reviewed by ATR staff. </p> <p></p> <p>Vancouver-area businesses can still be a part of the Vancouver Insider's Guide. Listings are free. Submissions should include business name; contact person; telephone; website; description of the business. Send to Vancouver@aroundtherings.com.</p> <p></p> <p>The guide will be available free of charge to all Web site visitors for the first 30 days. After that, some information will be available only to ATR subscribers or will be available for purchase. </p> <p></p> <p>The Vancouver Games run Feb. 12-28, 2010. The Paralympics are March 12-21. </p> <p></p> <p>AroundTheRings.com is the only publication devoted to providing original, on-the-scene reporting about the $5 billion dollar business of the Olympic Movement. With headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia, Editor Ed Hula's staff includes correspondents around the globe.</p> <p></p> <p>For a two-week trial subscription of Around the Rings, contact Kathy Kuzcka via email at: kathy@aroundtherings.com or by phone at +1 404.874.1603 ext. 104</p> <p></p> <p>Your best source of news about the Olympics is http://www.AroundTheRings.com, since 1992.</p> <p></p> <pre> Contact: Trista McGlamery Assistant Editor (404) 874-1603 ext. 105 trista@aroundtherings.com </pre> <p></p> <p></p> <div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/942947571451216121-3196573769416112932?l=advertisingmedianews.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>megaonoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-942947571451216121.post-72539640649692441272009-02-12T08:30:00.000+02:002009-02-12T12:15:20.043+02:00 <p>LONDON, Feb. 12 /PRNewswire/ -- European marketing executives have rated global economic downturn as the top primary environmental factor impacting their marketing strategies coming into the New Year. However, there will still be opportunities to support growth if the focus is on new markets and innovation.</p> <p></p> <p>(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20081117/FSLOGO)</p> <p></p> <p>These observations stem from a survey conducted by Frost & Sullivan's Growth Team Membership(TM) division to better understand the business environment and key issues facing European marketing executives.</p> <p></p> <p>Factors in current business environment impacting Marketing </p> <p>Primary Factors: An overwhelming majority of respondents (44%) selected global economic downturn as their primary concern. This is not surprising considering the turbulent economic climate. Product/service innovation, decreasing customer demand, and emerging global markets came in second with a three-way tie of 8%. </p> <p></p> <p>Secondary Factors: Product/service innovation (19%) was rated as the top secondary factor affecting marketing strategies. Companies will have to develop innovative products and original marketing strategies in order to surmount current economic slump. Intensifying competition and decreasing customer demand were also of great concern, with ratings of 14% and 11%, respectively. </p> <p></p> <p>Impact of the Top Factors: Of the top five business environment factors selected by the respondents, three (global economic downturn, decreasing customer demand, and intensifying competition) were judged to have a predominantly negative impact on marketing strategies. In contrast, the remaining two (product/service innovation and emerging global markets) were considered to have a primarily positive effect.</p> <p></p> <p>Key Marketing Issues</p> <p>The most important issues involved in the development of 2009 marketing strategies were justifying the ROI on marketing budgets and evaluating and prioritising innovation investments. Both of these observations were ranked by 29% of the respondents. </p> <p></p> <p>Improving sales and marketing integration came in a close second with 26%, which was followed by identifying new adjacent market opportunities, and enhancing the pace of new product and service innovations, which both received a 24% rating.</p> <p></p> <p>Marketing Function Effectiveness</p> <p>A majority of executives (47%) regard their marketing function's effectiveness as "Fair," while 45% rate the function's effectiveness as "Good." The remaining 8% are split evenly at the two ends of the spectrum; 4% believe that their marketing function's effectiveness is exceptional, while the other 4% regard it as poor. </p> <p></p> <p>"The data indicates that, while economic times are tough, there continues to be opportunities for marketing to support growth through new market identification and improving innovation," says the Director of the Growth Team Membership(TM), Keith O'Brien. </p> <p></p> <p>Respondent Demographics </p> <p>The survey respondents were director level or above marketing executives from companies with revenues of euro 70 million or more.</p> <p></p> <p>The majority of respondents, 83%, are employed by a B2B company, 15% by a B2B and B2C hybrid, and the remaining 2% by a B2C company. Fifty-three percent of these executives work for a private company, whereas 43% work in the public sector. Fifty-five percent of companies surveyed bring in revenues of euro 700 million or more. </p> <p></p> <p>The list of participating companies spans across numerous industries; the largest percentage is attributed to the healthcare and life science industry (29%), closely followed by the automotive and transportation industry (27%) and the energy and power systems industry (23%). Executives from the electronics and security, information and communication technologies and aerospace and defence industries also participated. </p> <p></p> <p>Frost & Sullivan's Growth Team Membership(TM) is an annual subscription programme that supports individual members of a CEO's executive team in achieving the company's top-line growth objectives. Team membership includes career-focused events, implementation-orientated best practices research and targeted services. If you would like more information on Growth Team Membership(TM) or have any questions regarding the survey, please contact Chiara Carella, Corporate Communications, at chiara.carella@frost.com. </p> <p></p> <p>GIL 2009: Europe</p> <p>Frost & Sullivan has expanded its flagship Global Congress on Corporate Growth - GIL Global - into several major cities around the world including London. For the first time ever in Europe, Frost & Sullivan will be hosting the Growth, Innovation and Leadership Congress 'GIL 2009: Europe' on 19-20 May, at the Sofitel St James in London. GIL Global is the industry's only event designed to support senior executives in their efforts to achieve sustainable, top-line growth. To register, obtain a programme agenda, explore sponsorship opportunities, or attend as a member of the media for 'GIL 2009: Europe', please contact Chiara Carella, Head of Corporate Communications for Frost & Sullivan in Europe, at chiara.carella@frost.com. One-on-One interviews with Frost & Sullivan senior growth consultants are also being scheduled. For more information you can also visit www.frost.com/giluk </p> <p></p> <p>About us</p> <p>Frost & Sullivan, the Growth Partnership Company, enables clients to accelerate growth and achieve best in class positions in growth, innovation and leadership. The company's Growth Partnership Service provides the CEO and the CEO's Growth Team with disciplined research and best practice models to drive the generation, evaluation and implementation of powerful growth strategies. Frost & Sullivan leverages over 45 years of experience in partnering with Global 1000 companies, emerging businesses and the investment community from 31 offices on six continents. To join our Growth Partnership, please visit http://www.frost.com .</p> <p></p> <pre> Contact: Chiara Carella Corporate Communications P: 0044 (0) 207 3438314 E: chiara.carella@frost.com http://www.frost.com </pre> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/942947571451216121-7253964064969244127?l=advertisingmedianews.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>megaonoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-942947571451216121.post-74493049495940124802009-02-12T02:00:00.000+02:002009-02-12T05:06:23.729+02:00 <p>Company highlights sensible alternative for today's business travel</p> <p></p> <p>WICHITA, Kan., Feb. 11 /PRNewswire/ -- If the three Detroit CEOs had arrived in Washington in the Beechcraft King Air 350, they might have received a warmer reception from their legislative hosts. Hawker Beechcraft Corporation's (HBC) latest advertising campaign addresses the recent political and media frenzy surrounding business aviation with a sensible alternative that will win over even the staunchest critic - the King Air 350 - the world's greenest and highly efficient aircraft. </p> <p></p> <p>(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20070322/HBLOGO )</p> <p></p> <p>(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090211/70979 )</p> <p></p> <p>The aviation industry came under scrutiny when the Detroit CEOs testified before Congress and the focus shifted to their use of large business jets to travel to Washington. In comparison to the Gulfstream one of the CEOs was spotted in, the King Air 350 would have arrived in D.C. roughly 15 minutes later, yet saved approximately 220 gallons of fuel and thousands of dollars in operating costs. </p> <p></p> <p>"We are having a little fun with the Detroit CEOs in this advertisement," said Charles Mayer, vice president of Marketing. "More importantly, this is an opportunity to show a sensible way for this type of business travel and the value of the aircraft manufacturing industry. Our industry not only offers valuable business tools that dramatically increase efficiency, it also contributes $150 billion annually to the U.S. economy and employs more than one million Americans." </p> <p></p> <p>With best-in-class fuel efficiency and a lower operating cost per seat-mile than any light jet, the King Air 350 is one of the greenest aircraft in the sky. It also boasts the largest cabin in its category, designed for comfort and flexibility. Combine this with Beechcraft value, quality and reliability, and the King Air 350 is clearly the best deal in town - all good news to the folks in D.C. and to companies looking for a way to travel efficiently and economically. </p> <p></p> <p>Hawker Beechcraft Corporation is a world-leading manufacturer of business, special mission and trainer aircraft - designing, marketing and supporting aviation products and services for businesses, governments and individuals worldwide. The company's headquarters and major facilities are located in Wichita, Kan., with operations in Salina, Kan.; Little Rock, Ark.; Chester, England, U.K.; and Chihuahua, Mexico. The company leads the industry with the largest number of factory-owned service centers and a global network of more than 100 factory-owned and authorized service centers. For more information, visit www.hawkerbeechcraft.com. </p> <p></p> <p>This release may contain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, including statements that address activities, events or developments that we or our management intend, expect, project, believe or anticipate will or may occur in the future are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on management's assumptions and assessments in light of past experience and trends, current conditions, expected future developments and other relevant factors. They are not guarantees of future performance, and actual results may differ significantly from those envisaged by our forward-looking statements. Among the factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described or implied in the forward-looking statements are general business and economic conditions, production delays resulting from lack of regulatory certifications and other factors, competition in our existing and future markets, lack of market acceptance of our products and services, the substantial leverage and debt service resulting from our indebtedness, loss or retirement of key executives and other risks disclosed in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.</p> <p></p> <div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/942947571451216121-7449304949594012480?l=advertisingmedianews.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>megaonoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-942947571451216121.post-16997812895709012672009-02-12T00:13:00.000+02:002009-02-12T03:10:09.459+02:00 <p>MARLTON, N.J., Feb. 11 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Virtua Health has responded to the public regarding legal action brought today by Cooper University Hospital. A Camden County Superior Court judge ordered Virtua to stop its Top Doc advertising campaign in response to Cooper's claims that Virtua's Top Doc advertising statements are fraudulent. Cooper also sent an e-mail to a vast mailing list with a number of false claims. </p> <p></p> <p>"Virtua has always had the highest ethical standards and we are dedicated to holding firm to the values of our mission," said Richard P. Miller, President and CEO of Virtua Health. "We want the public to understand that all of Cooper's claims against Virtua are false and we want the public to have the correct information." </p> <p></p> <p>For many years, Cooper has claimed, unchallenged, that they had the "most Top Docs" in the region with nothing more official than the endorsement of a TV personality to back up their claims. </p> <p></p> <p>During the summer of 2008, Virtua recognized a trend in higher numbers of Virtua Top Doctors than the number of doctors claimed by Cooper. Significant time was spent documenting the number of doctors from all publications with Top Doc listings, and the doctors on Virtua's medical staffs were clearly in the lead. Virtua recognized that at some point, they needed to challenge Cooper's claim. Rather than relying on Virtua's own research, Virtua directed its ad agency to contract with an independent research firm to verify its findings which they posted on sjtopdocs.org. Following that verification, Virtua went public with its findings. </p> <p></p> <p>According to Miller, Cooper is an organization that receives a considerable amount of taxpayer dollars in the form of charity care. "The cost of such frivolous suits is a poor use of public healthcare dollars, especially in these difficult economic times," he said. </p> <p></p> <p>Virtua Health is a comprehensive healthcare system headquartered in Marlton, NJ. Its mission is to deliver a world-class patient experience through its programs of excellence in cancer treatment, cardiology, orthopaedics, women's health, pediatrics, surgery, neuroscience and wellness. A non-profit organization, Virtua employs 7,900 clinical and administrative personnel, and approximately 1,800 physicians serve as medical staff members. Virtua has distinguished itself as one of the first Six Sigma organizations in healthcare, as an early adopter of clinical and digital technologies, and for its innovative partnerships with nationally renowned organizations such as GE Healthcare, Fox Chase Cancer Center and A.I. duPont Hospital for Children. It has been honored twice with the New Jersey Governor's award for Clinical Excellence (Bronze in 2005; Silver in 2006) and recognized with the Leadership Award for Outstanding Achievement by Voluntary Hospitals of America. Virtua has been honored as the #1 Best Employer in the Delaware Valley by the Philadelphia Business Journal three years in a row and is the recipient of the 2006/2007 and 2007/2008 Consumer Choice Awards by National Research Corporation. For more information, visit our website at www.virtua.org or call 1-888-VIRTUA-3 (1-888-847-8823).</p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/942947571451216121-1699781289570901267?l=advertisingmedianews.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>megaonoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-942947571451216121.post-81316650863044555202009-02-11T22:28:00.000+02:002009-02-12T02:10:32.959+02:00 <p> MOORESVILLE, N.C., Feb. 11 /PRNewswire/ -- Gary Baker, a retired Nashville, Tennessee tax attorney and CPA announced today that he has entered into an agreement to sell the company he founded in 1985, to the executive officers of Sports & Promotions, Inc. (S&P) and H.E.B., LLC, a Ft. Worth, Texas investment company. The on-site owners and management team with a combined 60 years in Motorsports are Bruce B. Barker, President and Chief Executive Officer; Jeannine Dubreuil, Vice President and Chief Financial Officer; and Lisa Hawkins, Vice President and Senior Account Executive. Mr. Baker continues to co-own Baker-Curb Racing in the NASCAR Nationwide Series.</p> <p> "We would like to thank Gary Baker for affording us this tremendous opportunity," said Barker. "When our long-term president, Kirby Boone, left for Stewart-Haas Racing in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series in August of last year, Jeannine, Lisa and myself challenged ourselves to leverage our collective experience and expertise for the betterment of S&P, our clients and our employees. Gary Baker shares our vision and supports us now just as he has for the past twenty-five years. We will always be grateful to him for all he has done for us in the past and for our future."</p> <p> The three S&P officers have a combined sixty years of experience at the company. Barker joined S&P in 1993 and created a mobile exhibit management model that increased by sixty percent the number of exhibits with two-thirds less staff. He also developed and executed the Tide Sports retail activation and exhibit program, managed Tide's NASCAR licensing program, developed and executed the Mr. Clean AutoDry Carwash product launch retail activation and SEMA trade show display program, and the IAMS/Wal-Mart Veterinary Appreciation Days mobile exhibit program. Barker was Vice President and Chief Operating Officer prior to becoming President and CEO in August 2008.</p> <p> Dubreuil joined S&P in 1987 as Financial Director and became Chief Financial Officer in 1993. She developed and implemented systems and practices for client program pricing, operational accounting and reporting, purchase orders, risk management and all Human Resources employment practices. Dubreuil also managed client programs for Folgers, Secret, Kodak, Mac Tools, and AC Delco. She is also a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER(TM), now serving as Vice President and CFO.</p> <p> Hawkins joined S&P in 1990 as Account Manager for Ultra Slim Fast, Ralston-Purina, and Tide's sponsorship of the SCCA/Trans-Am Series. Her most notable achievement was the management of Tide's NASCAR program. Under Hawkins' direction beginning in 1992, the innovative program became the benchmark in retail activation using sports as the platform, staying within budget and achieving payout return on investment during its entire run, ending fourteen years later in 2006. Hawkins also created and executed programs for Luv's and new product initiative, Bounty Super Duty Shop Towel. She became Vice President and Senior Account Executive in 2005.</p> <p> "Ever since NASCAR came to Ft. Worth, we have been seeking an entry into the sport," said Scott A. Haire, Managing Partner in H.E.B., LLC. "Oddly enough, we first saw S&P and Bruce Barker in action at an Event just last year at the Kentucky Derby ... S&P did an outstanding job of planning and managing the event for their client's Kentucky Derby weekend event. We are excited to be involved with this talented group of S&P officers and their staff."</p> <p> About Sports & Promotions, Inc.</p> <p> Sports & Promotions, Inc. is committed to being the leader in the development and execution of sports and event marketing platforms. S&P's foundation is built on twenty-five years of experience in providing highly successful marketing programs for Fortune 500 companies such as Weyerhaeuser, Lowe's Home Improvement, Whirlpool, Exxon-Mobil, and Procter & Gamble mega- brands Folgers (acquired by the J.M. Smucker Company in 2008), Tide, Luvs, Secret, Bounty and Old Spice. S&P is headquartered in Mooresville, NC. For more information, visit www.sportsandpromotions.com .</p> <div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/942947571451216121-8131665086304455520?l=advertisingmedianews.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>megaonoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-942947571451216121.post-63167546094181110362009-02-11T14:10:00.000+02:002009-02-11T17:16:30.619+02:00 <p>FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich., Feb. 11 /PRNewswire/ -- U.S. consumers, mired in economic uncertainty and fear, have been slicing retail spending. According to new Morpace Omnibus survey information, the specter of continued cutbacks looms ominously on the horizon.</p> <p></p> <p>Asked how current economic conditions have impacted their shopping the past three months, 58 percent of consumers said they have "spent less" overall. "That shows no improvement yet from last fall's levels," said Kirsten Denyes, Vice President, Morpace Retail Services.</p> <p></p> <p>"Meanwhile, looking ahead to the next three months, there's a widespread consumer intention to spend less," Denyes added. "Consumers are delaying major purchases and making money saving changes in shopping behavior. Eighty percent say they are now 'focusing more on what they need rather than what they want.' It's a significant trend." </p> <p></p> <p>As worst case examples, 56 percent of those who shop for big ticket items like home furnishings, appliances and electronics expect to spend less the next three months. Sixty-three percent of jewelry shoppers say they will reduce spending, as will 56 percent of toy buyers.</p> <p></p> <p>It doesn't stop there, says Denyes. Other categories where upwards of half of all buyers expect to reduce spending include tools, sports equipment, leisure clothing, work clothing, shoes and movie and music entertainment. </p> <p></p> <p>"Overall, the hardest hit retail category may be upscale department stores such as Neiman Marcus and Nordstrom where 61 percent of patrons expect to spend less," Denyes reported. "But many others including department stores, electronics stores and home improvement retailers also will certainly feel continued consumer cutbacks." </p> <p></p> <p>Survey interviews were completed in late January with 1,010 consumers selected from an Internet panel of adults aged 18 and over. The sample reflects the demographic profile of the U.S. population. </p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>About Morpace Inc.</p> <p>Morpace is a full-service survey research and consulting organization specializing in automotive, financial services, health care, retail and technology. Morpace has global expertise in providing innovative proprietary solutions to clients in four core areas: market definition and segmentation; product development and pricing; brand and image positioning; and customer satisfaction and loyalty.</p> <p></p> <p>Established in 1941, Morpace Inc., an ISO 9001:2000 certified organization, is one of the largest privately held marketing research firms in the United States. Headquartered in Farmington Hills, Michigan the company has offices in Irvine, California; New York City; and London, England.</p> <p></p> <p>Visit www.morpace.com for more information.</p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/942947571451216121-6316754609418111036?l=advertisingmedianews.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>megaonoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-942947571451216121.post-54732297994474672552009-02-11T13:00:00.000+02:002009-02-11T16:11:29.959+02:00 <p>America's Leader in Outdoor TV Kicks off Campaign with $250,000 Advertising Grant and Offers NMMA Members Exclusive Discounted Ad Rates to Reach Target Audiences</p> <p></p> <p>TEMECULA, Calif., Feb. 11 /PRNewswire/ -- Outdoor Channel, America's Leader in Outdoor TV, announced today an innovative agreement with National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) to promote the benefits of the boating lifestyle while supporting the marine industry. The network will jumpstart the campaign with a $250,000 grant of television and online advertising for the recreational boating industry's "Discover Boating" program.</p> <p></p> <p>Outdoor Channel will begin the initiative at NMMA's Miami International Boat Show and Strictly Sail on Feb. 12-16, offering NMMA members an exclusive discount on television and online advertising. For every ad purchased in 2009 by a NMMA member with a budget of $50,000 or more, Outdoor Channel will provide the member with a 100 percent match in free advertising.</p> <p></p> <p>The network will also donate ten percent of the value of the member's advertising purchase toward the industry's "Discover Boating" advertising campaign. As a result, NMMA members purchasing advertising with Outdoor Channel will be able to double their advertising buy while helping to further "Discover Boating" advertising.</p> <p></p> <p>"This is an innovative program designed to support the marine industry in this current economic climate," said Greg Harrigan, SVP of Advertising Sales at Outdoor Channel. "We offer NMMA and its members an ideal vehicle to reach their target audience at a discounted rate with the value-added bonus of raising awareness of the benefits of boating to support the industry as a whole."</p> <p></p> <p>NMMA is the leading association representing the recreational boating industry. NMMA member companies produce more than 80 percent of the boats, engines, trailers, accessories and gear used by boaters in North America. The association is dedicated to industry growth through programs in public policy, market research and data, product quality assurance and marketing communications.</p> <p></p> <p>In addition to producing the annual Miami International Boat Show, NMMA manages the industry's "Discover Boating" public awareness campaign which supports the recreational marine industry by promoting boating's benefits, affordability and accessibility. More information is available at www.discoverboating.com. </p> <p></p> <p>About Outdoor Channel</p> <p>Outdoor Channel is America's Leader in Outdoor TV, offering programming that captures the excitement of hunting, fishing, shooting, off-road motorsports, adventure and the Western lifestyle. The network can be viewed on multiple platforms including high definition, video-on-demand, as well as on a dynamic new website. Outdoor Channel is a wholly owned subsidiary of Outdoor Channel Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: OUTD). For more information about Outdoor Channel, please visit www.outdoorchannel.com. </p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/942947571451216121-5473229799447467255?l=advertisingmedianews.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>megaonoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-942947571451216121.post-14250654657580882942009-02-11T12:40:00.000+02:002009-02-11T16:11:47.938+02:00 <p>ATLANTA, Feb. 11 /PRNewswire/ -- Applied Answers, Inc., developer of FileGenius(R), announced today they would donate resources to support FileTransferIsGreen.org (http://www.filetransferisgreen.org), a media outlet that is dedicated to raising awareness for virtual, online file transfer as a green initiative.</p> <p></p> <p>FileGenius(R) represents significant green benefits for businesses, eliminating non-recyclable containers and packaging materials, as well as costly fuel-consuming ground and air transportation. Founder and President, Keith Bumgarner, said, "Businesses worldwide are looking for alternatives to physical delivery of their documents, plans, and other files. In addition to the obvious security issues, they are driven by excessive costs, as well as their own environmental consciousness. When you start looking for ways to green your business there is little else I can think of that compares to digital file transfer."</p> <p></p> <p>Mr. Bumgarner went on to say their primary reason for backing http://www.filetransferisgreen.org is because file transfer is virtually ignored as a major green initiative. "If you Google file transfer and green you'll come up with less than five or six relevant articles or mentions of file transfer and green initiatives. File transfer doesn't make it into About.com's '10 Ways to Green Your Business,' nor FastCompany.com's '50 Ways to Green Your Business.' We don't understand this, so http://www.filetransferisgreen.org will be fighting what we consider one of the biggest oversights in the green movement.</p> <p></p> <p>"The positive impact of using FileGenius(R) is huge. It's also more efficient than other so-called green initiatives costing business owners and stockholders millions of dollars while delivering marginal impact. When businesses look at reducing their carbon footprint there's a lot of 'bang for your buck' with virtual technology. The cost is less than $4/day while you significantly shorten your billing cycle, forego costly overnight delivery expenses, eliminate the increasing costs and burdens associated with FTP and email attachments, and significantly aid the environment. All this, for the ridiculous price of one cup of coffee, makes virtual file transfer a slam-dunk for any organization." </p> <p></p> <p>Mr. Bumgarner challenged every responsible business to take a hard look at this.</p> <p></p> <p>FileGenius(R) is a web-based file transfer and exchange solution, compatible with Windows, Mac OS X, and all major web browsers. Offering unmatched ease-of-use as well as enterprise-level security and incredible value, FileGenius(R) is the business-preferred alternative to FTP and email-based file transfers.</p> <p></p> <p>Download INFO kit: http://www.appliedanswers.com/FileGenius_InfoKit.zip</p> <p></p> <p>About Applied Answers, Inc.</p> <p></p> <p>Combining unmatched talents and decades of hands-on experience, Applied Answers, Inc. develops solutions for business that enhance the environment, and the bottom line. For more information, visit http://www.appliedanswers.com.</p> <p></p> <p>Contact: Diane Miller, Applied Answers, Inc., 888.753.2245, ext. 707, media@appliedanswers.com</p> <p></p> <p>This release was issued through eReleases(TM). For more information, visit http://www.ereleases.com. </p> <p></p> <div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/942947571451216121-1425065465758088294?l=advertisingmedianews.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>megaonoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-942947571451216121.post-57415290676329722852009-02-11T10:00:00.000+02:002009-02-11T13:24:47.871+02:00 <p>Kbb.com's Editors Choose This Year's Romantic Cars</p> <p></p> <p>IRVINE, Calif., Feb. 11 /PRNewswire/ -- Kelley Blue Bookwww.kbb.com, the leading provider of new- and used-vehicle information, today announces 10 Romantic Rides for 2009. With cars and romance being a time-proven pairing, and the Valentine's Day holiday weekend fast approaching, the kbb.com editors compiled a list of various new cars inspiring romance that are ripe to play prominently in the memories of tomorrow.</p> <p></p> <p>"So many people have romantic feelings tied to cars, whether it is the thought of what a car represents at a certain time in a person's life, an activity they are passionate about, or perhaps the memory of a long drive with a special someone," said Jack R. Nerad, executive editorial director and executive market analyst for Kelley Blue Book and kbb.com. "When compiling the 10 Romantic Rides list, we shot our Cupid's arrows in a variety of directions, targeting vehicles suitable for the romantic maneuvering of a wide cross-section of the populace. Some will seek romance in a small, fuel-efficient hybrid while others might have a similar experience in a high-performance sports car, but with Valentine's Day upon us, love is in the air...and on the road."</p> <p></p> <p>A Sample of Kbb.com's 10 Romantic Rides for 2009, Including Editorial Comments</p> <p></p> <p>2009 smart fortwo</p> <p>"Makes it feel like you're driving one of those electric carts on an island honeymoon."</p> <p></p> <p>2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata</p> <p>"You, your loved-one and the car that made us love sports car driving all over again - we can't think of anything more romantic than an hour's drive on a twisty two-lane in an MX-5...well, maybe one thing."</p> <p></p> <p>2009 Chevy Corvette</p> <p>"The Chevy Corvette is among the most revered performance cars in history. And still the unofficial car of the mid-life crisis."</p> <p></p> <p>2009 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon</p> <p>"Planning a romantic getaway? You can't get any farther away than you can in Jeep's most rugged Wrangler."</p> <p></p> <p>2009 Lotus Elise SC</p> <p>"The Elise's narrow passenger cabin is great for those couples who can't keep their hands, arms and legs off each other."</p> <p></p> <p>To see the full list of top 10 Romantic Rides, visit the full story on kbb.com here: www.kbb.com/10romanticridesfor2009.</p> <p></p> <p>About Kelley Blue Book (www.kbb.com) </p> <p>Since 1926, Kelley Blue Book, The Trusted Resource(R), has provided vehicle buyers and sellers with the new and used vehicle information they need to accomplish their goals with confidence. The company's top-rated Web site, www.kbb.com, provides the most up-to-date pricing and values, including the New Car Blue Book(R) Value, which reveals what people actually are paying for new cars. The company also reports vehicle pricing and values via products and services, including software products and the famous Blue Book(R) Official Guide. According to the C.A. Walker Research Solutions, Inc. - 2008 Spring Automotive Web Site Usefulness Study, kbb.com is the most useful automotive information Web site among new and used vehicle shoppers, and half of online vehicle shoppers visit kbb.com. Kbb.com is a leading provider of new car prices, car reviews and news, used car blue book values, auto classifieds and car dealer locations. No other medium reaches more in-market vehicle shoppers than kbb.com.</p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/942947571451216121-5741529067632972285?l=advertisingmedianews.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>megaonoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-942947571451216121.post-79376086364015951542009-02-11T06:00:00.000+02:002009-02-11T09:09:01.852+02:00 <pre> PARIS, February 11 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- - Revenue EUR 4,704 million +0.7% Excluding exchange rate impact (1) 4,953 million +6.0% - Organic growth +3.8% - Operating margin EUR 785 million +0.8% Excluding exchange rate impact (1) 830 million +6.5% - Operating margin rate 16.7% - Net income (Groupe share) EUR 447 million - Free cash flow EUR 639 million +4.0% Excluding exchange rate impact (1) 654 million +6.0% - Diluted Headline(2) EPS EUR 2.22 +5.0% - Net debt to equity ratio 0.29 - Dividend (3) EUR 0.60 (1) 2008 at 2007 exchange rate (2) Before amortization of intangibles arising on acquisitions, impairment and real estate disposal (3) Subject to approval at Shareholders' Meeting on 9 June 2009 </pre> <p> Maurice Levy, Chairman and CEO of Publicis Groupe, states:</p> <p> "2008 will remain in all memories as the one of the deepest systemic crisis of the financial world. We will leave to the economists and historians to explain it. Today we are confronted with the very first global crisis affecting all economies in various ways. Some sectors, financial, real-estate or the automotive industry have already been severely damaged. However a credit-crunch could very negatively impact other sectors of the economy.</p> <p> This year has also been the year of the American elections, the Olympic Games and the European football cup which traditionally guarantee an excellent year for the advertising industry. But our industry has not been immune to the crisis with a negative fourth quarter.</p> <p> In this extremely difficult environment, Publicis Groupe has achieved good results, and I thank very warmly all our teams throughout the world, who have successfully been able to provide our clients with creative, efficient and effective solutions.</p> <p> A series of good figures testify to the relevance of our strategic choices that bear promises for the future: 3.8% organic growth for the year, although it slowed in the fourth quarter, continuation of the operating margin at its record level, 16.7%, strong cash generation and new business worth more than five billion dollars, which again put us at number one in the world.</p> <p> A fundamental factor in our success has been the Groupe's expectation concerning the change, particularly in emerging economies, and the accelerated development of digital communication. These choices are now decisive in the existing environment and are core to the Publicis Groupe offer already recognized as one of the most attractive.</p> <p> Mature economies going into recession, the first signs of a slowdown in emerging economies, the change in social issues with serious unemployment, and the change in consumption habits, have defined the configuration in which we all will have to evolve, forced to adapt quickly.</p> <p> To this effect, the permanent optimisation of our organisations and our structures, along the lines with the creation of VivaKi, the rigorous management of our costs and the ongoing debt reduction and simplification of our balance sheet, give us solidity and significant resources to face 2009, one of the most difficult years that the world has had to endure for decades.</p> <p> Our agility and spirit of innovation have enabled us to continuously adapt our organizations and structures. Everybody's objective, starting with the management, the Management Board and the P12, is to come out of this crisis stronger and more robust. We are entering 2009 with great serenity and serious-minded, ready to provide our clients with the most innovative, the most creative and the most effective solutions. This is the year to win market share and consolidate our margins."</p> <p> Maurice Levy, Chairman and CEO, presented the financial statements and management report for 2008 to the Supervisory Board of Publicis Groupe at its meeting chaired by Elisabeth Badinter on 10 February 2009.</p> <pre> Key figures in EUR million, except for 2008 2007 Variation percentages and per-share data 2006/2007 (in euros) Revenue 4,704 4,671 +0.7% Operating margin before depreciation and amortization 889 888 +0.1% As % of revenue 18.9% 19.0% - Operating margin 785 779 +0.8% As % of revenue 16.7% 16.7% - Operating income 751 746 +0.7% Net income attributable to Publicis Groupe 447 452 -1.1% Earnings per share 2.21 2.18 Diluted earnings per share 2.12 2.02 Dividend per share 0.60 0.60 Balance sheet data 31/12/2008 31/12/2007 Total assets 11,860 12,244 Shareholders' Equity 2,320 2,198 </pre> <p> A dividend of EUR 0.60 per share will be submitted for the approval of shareholders, at the General Meeting to be held on 9 June 2009.</p> <p> It will be paid as of 6 July 2009.</p> <p> Analysis of the Key Figures</p> <p> 2008 Revenue</p> <p> Consolidated revenues for 2008 amounted to EUR 4,704 million compared with EUR 4,671 million in 2007, up 0.7%, or 6.0% excluding exchange rate fluctuations (with a 2008 revenue at 2007 exchange rate).</p> <p> Organic growth was 3.8%, the last quarter having been markedly more difficult. The growth of the digital business continues to contribute to good growth pretty much everywhere in the world, and very clearly in the United States and Western Europe. The digital business in 2008 represents 19% of total revenue, compared with 15% in 2007, in line with our goal as leader of the strong-growth segments to earn 25% of our revenue from digital at the end of 2010. Similarly, the revenues originating in extremely high-growth countries in emerging economies represent 22.9% of the Groupe's total revenue in 2008, compared with 21.3% for 2007, thus confirming the intention of Publicis Groupe to have 25% of its revenue coming from these regions by 2010.</p> <p> 2008 consolidated revenue was distributed as follows (including Digital activities): 38% of revenue coming from advertising, 26% from media, 36% from the Specialized Agencies and Marketing Services (SAMS).</p> <pre> Geographical distribution of revenues for 2008: For 2008, the geographical distribution of revenue is as follows: (EUR million) Revenue Growth 2008 2007 2008 vs 2007 Organic Europe 1,805 1,799 0.3% 1.3% North America 2,008 2,016 -0.4% 4.4% Asia-Pacific 519 502 3.3% 5.0% Latin America 238 237 0.7% 6.5% Africa and Middle 134 117 14.6% 21.8% East Total 4,704 4,671 0.7% 3.8% </pre> <p> All the regions contribute positively to the Groupe's organic growth for 2008. Europe is positive thanks to a very good performance by France due in large measure to the numerous budget gains of Publicis Conseil. Central and Eastern Europe, Northern Europe, Italy remain at balance, the United Kingdom, Germany and Spain being in negative territory. North America, with organic growth at +4.4%, benefits particularly from the dynamism of the digital business and media, even though a slowdown is observed during the last quarter. The Asia-Pacific region is extremely contrasted depending on the country, China and India respectively posting organic growth of 12.8% and 17.4% that offset the declines in growth observed in Japan and Korea particularly. Latin America benefits from the strong growth of Venezuela, Argentina and from good growth in Brazil.</p> <p> The combined organic growth of the greater China region, Russia, India and Brazil is 14.2% for 2008.</p> <p> Should the 2008 revenue be accounted for in US dollars, it would amount to 6,900 million dollars or a 7.9% growth. In GBP, this same revenue would be 3,733 million pounds.</p> <p> 2008 Fourth Quarter Revenue</p> <p> Consolidated revenue for the fourth quarter was 1,373 million euro, up 5.5% compared with revenue of 1,301 million for the equivalent period of 2007.</p> <p> Organic growth was 1.1% in the last quarter. Although positive, this growth - down compared with the previous quarters - reflects the decline of the real economy in several sectors and various regions of the world. It is, however, of note that high growth continues in the media and digital businesses, and in many countries of the emerging economies.</p> <pre> Geographical distribution of Q4 revenue In Q4 2008, the geographical distribution of revenue is as follows: (EUR million) Revenue Growth 4th quarter 4th quarter 2008 vs 2007 Organic 2008 2007 Europe 521 535 -2.6% -1.8% North America 585 521 12.3% 1.8% Asia-Pacific 152 142 6.3% -1.1% Latin America 65 67 -3.3% 2.8% Africa and Middle 50 36 42.2% 36.7% East Total 1,373 1,301 5.5% 1.1% </pre> <p> The Groupe's revenue growth in the fourth quarter is clearly stalling, with the exception of the Africa and Middle East region. Continued strong growth in China does not for this quarter offset the slowdown in the other countries of the Asia-Pacific region. While France still grew, Europe overall is suffering as a result of the continued decline of Southern Europe. North America enjoys positive growth, due to the buoyancy of the digital businesses.</p> <p> Operating margin</p> <p> The operating margin before depreciation of 889 million euro in 2008 remains stable by comparison with the figure of 888 million achieved in 2007.</p> <p> Currency exchange effects on the 2008 operating margin have a negative impact of 46 million (2007 at 2008 rates).</p> <p> The operating margin rate for 2008 comes to 16.7%. The ongoing efforts to control costs for the entire Groupe made it possible to absorb both the costs of integrating the various acquisitions and the accelerated deployment of the digital activities throughout the world.</p> <p> The optimization of various on-going costs and capex allowed the Groupe to secure its margin.</p> <p> Net income</p> <p> The Groupe's net financial expense amounted to 79 million euros, income tax charge is 196 million, group share of income from equity-accounted companies is 2 million and minority interest 31 million. Net income attributable to Publicis Groupe amounted to 447 million euros compared to 452 million in 2007.</p> <p> Free Cash Flow (excluding changes in working capital requirement)</p> <p> The Groupe's free cash Flow, excluding changes in working capital requirement, increased by 4% over the previous year to reach an amount of 639 million due to the high level of EBITDA (18.9%).</p> <p> Net Debt</p> <p> The net financial debt - well down - declined from 837 million euro at 31 December, 2007 to 676 million at 31 December, 2008 thanks to a high free cash flow (651 million), and is taken as being after 174 million of share buybacks (net of disposals). Note is made that the Groupe's debt is not subject to any covenant.</p> <p> The Groupe's average net debt at 31 December, 2008 is also significantly lower, amounting to 1,102 million euro versus 1,207 million on 31 December, 2007.</p> <p> It is important to note that cash and available lines of credit comes to 2,798 million euro (2,533 million considering exclusively committed facilities) despite the Oceane 2008 bond repayment.</p> <p> Shareholders' Equity</p> <p> Total equity, including minorities, rose from 2,225 million at 31 December, 2007 2,350 million as at 31 December 2008.</p> <p> The net debt / equity ratio thus declined from 0.38 as at 31 December, 2007 to 0.29 as at 31 December, 2008.</p> <p> Groupe Life in 2008</p> <p> Awards/Creativity</p> <p> Publicis Groupe has been ranked Number 1 in the Gunn Report since 2004 for the best creative performance.</p> <p> This distinction is a recognition of the creative qualities of the teams in Publicis Groupe agencies over the years - talents that are all the more precious in a digital world where quality of content takes on increasing significance.</p> <p> This creative quality is also reflected in many other awards and industry rankings during the year.</p> <p> On the creative side, Publicis Groupe ranked second at the 55th edition of the International Advertising Festival of Cannes with 101 Lions, and won a Grand Prix in Film (Gadbury-Gorilla).</p> <p> At the Clio Awards, the Groupe won second place in 2008 with notably a "Grand Prix Innovative Media", five Television/Movie and Digital "Golds", making a total of 51 Clios.</p> <p> Publicis Groupe came second in "The One Show" with 81 prizes.</p> <p> Same recognition of the creative quality of Publicis Groupe at the 2008 Effie Awards, which reward the campaigns that are the most creative and the most effective.</p> <p> New Business 2008 was again fertile in budget gains with $ 6.9 billion of budgets conquered, i.e., a net budget of 5 billion USD in the year, placing Publicis Groupe at first spot worldwide. (Nomura-ex Lehman- ranking)</p> <p> Campaigns that will be remembered include: L'Oreal, Bank of America, Emirates, Schering Plough, Cadbury for media; Lunesta, Samsung, Sony Bravia, Guinness, Miller Chill for the agencies.</p> <p> External Growth</p> <p> In line with its strategy of focusing development in the two strong growth sectors, digital communication and emerging markets, and thus supplementing its networks of specialist agencies throughout the world, Publicis Groupe has pursued an active policy of external growth throughout the year.</p> <p> Acquisitions in digital</p> <p> Emporio Asia, a digital marketing agencybased in Shanghai, become Emporio Asia Leo Burnett,</p> <p> Portfolio, a digital marketing services agency in Korea,</p> <p> PBJS, the leading agency in the United States in digital marketing and strategic communication,</p> <p> Performics Search Marketing Business, the leader of marketing search, based in Chicago and present in San Francisco, New York, London, Hamburg, Sydney, Singapore and Beijing, Tribal, one of the premier independent digital agencies in Brazil.</p> <p> Moreover, in March 2008 Publicis Groupe began a new phase in the international deployment of the Digitas network: Solutions, a specialist of the Groupe in services marketing in India and Singapore, took the name of Solutions I Digitas, thus uniting the expertise in services marketing of Solutions on the Indian market and the international digital expertise of Digitas.</p> <p> In June, creation of Saatchi & Saatchi Energy Source Integrated Interactive Solutions that unites the world-wide advertising network of Saatchi & Saatchi and the Chinese leader of interactive solutions Energy Source. Named Saatchi & Saatchi Energy Source Integrated Interactive solutions, the new entity specialising in integrated digital solutions, customer-relationship centred marketing and public relations is based in Shanghai and Guangzhou.</p> <p> In June 2008, Publicis Groupe announced the launch of VivaKi, a new strategic initiative designed to significantly improve the performance of advertisers' marketing investments as well as boost Publicis Groupe's gains in market share in the context of rapidly expanding digital markets. At the same time, the Groupe created, in the framework of the VivaKi Nerve Center, a new technology platform, the largest network "of audience on demand" reliant on the technologies of Microsoft, Google, and Yahoo! Platform A offering the advertisers the possibility of reaching audiences that are defined with precision everywhere in the world, in a single campaign and on multiple networks.</p> <p> Other acquisitions</p> <p> At the start of 2008, Publicis Groupe acquired:</p> <p> Act Now, a pioneer in sustainable development consulting based in San Francisco and that joined the Saatchi&Saatchi network.</p> <p> La Vie est Belle, in Paris, an agency whose range of services relies on advertising, public relations, promotional events and online communication, which was purchased in February 2008, joined Paname to create Publicis Full Player.</p> <p> In July of last year, the Groupe purchased Kekst and Company Incorporated, the leading agency in strategic and financial consulting, based in New York. In December 2008, Publicis Groupe announced the acquisition of W&K Communications, a specialist in advertising, promotion, television production and the space purchasing, based in China with offices in Beijing and Guangzhou. W&K joins the Great China network of Leo Burnett and takes the name Leo Burnett W&K Beijing Advertising Co.</p> <p> Corporate Governance</p> <p> The AFEP-MEDEF recommendations</p> <p> At its 2 December 2008 meeting, the Supervisory Board of Publicis Groupe SA examined the AFEP-MEDEF recommendations released on 6 October 2008 on the compensation of board members and officers of listed companies.</p> <p> It considers that these recommendations are in line with the tenor of the Groupe's corporate governance and notes that the existing commitments with respect to the members of the Executive Board are already in accordance with these recommendations.</p> <p> Pursuant to the law of 3 July 2008 transposing the European Community directive 2006/46/EC published on 14 June 2006, the Publicis Groupe declared that the AFEP-MEDEF code amended in this way is the one to which it will refer for the drafting of the report specified in Article L.225-68 of the French commercial code as of financial year 2008.</p> <p> 2009</p> <p> Recent events</p> <p> - Innovations</p> <p> At the start of this year Starcom unveiled a new initiative, in the framework of VivaKi, to develop a new format of video advertising that could become the new standard of the online advertising world. This initiative, dubbed "The Pool," will enjoy the collaboration of the largest suppliers of online video (AOL, Broadband Enterprises, CBS, Discovery, Hulu, Microsoft and Yahoo!). The advertisers participating in this project include Applebee's, Capital One, Nestle, Purina as well as some others, all clients of the agencies of Publicis Groupe.</p> <pre> This innovative project fits perfectly with the objectives of VivaKi: - access to open standards - open to all forms of collaboration with media owners and our clients - benefits from the scale effect in order to create standards for our clients that consider the consumer more - a global potential that can be extended to any new digital channel. </pre> <p> Just six months after the acquisition of Performics from Google, VivaKi is launching the brand on the French market. Attached to VivaKi Nerve Center, VivaKi's center of digital expertise, Performics offers a range of services focussed on marketing to performance by uniting the expertise of three entities that are recognised as leaders in their fields: iBase, Webformance and Click2Sales.</p> <p> Finance</p> <p> January 19, 2009 Publicis Groupe bought back 12.7% of the original amount of Oceane 2018 bonds for an amount of 95 million euro (Oceane Publicis Groupe SA 2018-2.75%-FR0000180127) or 2.241.811 bonds at EUR 42.3585 per bond. A similar operation could be realised for all bond holders soon at equivalent conditions.</p> <p> New Business</p> <p> Publicis Groupe had a successful start to the year, winning several new budgets. These budgets include the media budget of CMCC (China Mobile), renewing its confidence in ZenithOptimedia, and Carrefour's global budget.</p> <p> Outlook</p> <p> With the intensification of the financial sector's problems over the last months of 2008, the economic crisis changed its dimension. Until the third quarter, the mature economies were operating in an environment of low growth, though the conviction remained that there was a possibility that the United States was "uncoupled" from the rest of world and that the real economy would slow down but would remain comparatively immune to the financial crisis.</p> <p> After the bankruptcy of Lehman Brothers and given the state of quasi-bankruptcy of many large financial institutions, the crisis suddenly changed its scope, to affect nearly all the sectors of activity and an increasing number of countries. This is the first worldwide economical crisis and its effects are as yet unforeseeable.</p> <p> In a difficult environment with global economy growth of 2.5% in 2008, down significantly from the previous year, Publicis Groupe attains practically all its objectives, closing the year with very good performance, including gains of new budgets, organic growth, operating margin, and free cash flow growing again, and enters the year 2009 with a solid balance sheet, sizeable liquidity and a flexible and adaptable structure.</p> <p> 2009 will be very difficult, with an estimate of global GDP growth of 0.9%. The most recent forecasts (ZenithOptimedia) report negative growth worldwide in advertising expenditure of 1.8%. By region, only the emerging economies are currently expected to grow significantly by comparison with 2008: Brazil +10%, China +8.8%, but United States should decline by 6.3%, Japan by 5.7%, Spain by 8%, Germany by 5.1%, while UK and France would experience a decrease of 4% and 1.9% respectively. However, it is important to stress that the estimates continue to be reviewed downwards on a regular basis.</p> <p> In this environment marked by the entry into recession of various Western economies and by an expected slowdown in the growth of the emerging economies, Publicis Groupe intends more than ever to take advantage of its many assets. First of all, the Groupe has shown its ability to control its costs, as illustrated by the steady increase over the years in operating margin. This thorough work is independent from the fluctuations of the economy and is supplemented by great flexibility in the organization that enables it to adapt quickly. The strategy undertaken of growing digital business and expanding activities into strong-growth regions that is beginning to bear fruit, should, at least partially, offset the decline in certain activities or regions, on the understanding that the emerging economies are still growing despite everything and that online advertising expenditures will continue to post an increase close to or higher than 10%.</p> <p> The fact that Publicis Groupe has won new budgets in recent years is testimony to the energy and attractiveness of the Groupe.</p> <p> Faced with the many challenges of the next few quarters, Publicis Groupe remains confident, buoyed by its fine recent operating performance, a solid balance sheet, a very flexible organisation and teams who are highly committed to the Groupe's clients. About Publicis Groupe Publicis Groupe [Euronext Paris: FR0000130577] is the world's fourth largest communications group. In addition, it is ranked as the world's second largest media counsel and buying group, and is a global leader in digital and healthcare communications. With activities spanning 104 countries on five continents, the Groupe employs approximately 45,000 professionals. The Groupe offers local and international clients a complete range of communication services, from advertising through three autonomous global advertising networks, Leo Burnett, Publicis, Saatchi & Saatchi and two multi-hub networks, Fallon and 49%-owned Bartle Bogle Hegarty; to media consultancy and buying, through two worldwide networks, Starcom MediaVest Group and ZenithOptimedia; interactive and digital marketing led by Digitas; Specialized Agencies and Marketing Services offering healthcare communications, corporate and financial communications, sustainability communications, shopper marketing, public relations, CRM and direct marketing, event and sports marketing, and multicultural communications.</p> <pre> Web Site:http://www.publicisgroupe.com Appendix New Business 2008 5 billion USD (net) Leo Burnett:</pre> <p> AC Delco (United States), Allstate Direct (United States), Alpina (Colombia), Ambev (Brazil), Aviva Insurance (Taiwan), AXA (Spain), AXN - Sony (Italy), Audi (Russia), BI (Brazil), Baltimor (Russia), Bell Canada (Canada), Borges & Almeida (Venezuela), Bosch Siemens (Czech Republic), CAMIL (Brazil), Carlsberg (Israel), Carrefour Telecom (Taiwan), Caterpillar (China), China Mobile (Greater China), Clear Blue Easy (Italy), COI Department of Work and Pensions (United-Kingdom), Coca Cola Company (Russia and United-Kingdom), Coke (United States), Comcast (United States), Comitato Moda (Italy), Confitecol (Latin America), Credit Mutual (France), Dean Foods: Silk Soy Brand (United States), DeVry (United States), Don Q. Limon (United States), Eidos - software game (United-Kingdom), Exclusive Resorts (United States), Ferrero Rocher (China), Ferreti Group (Italy), Fox (Dubai), Fundagao Energy (Brazil), GMR Sports Pvt Ltd (India), Govt of Ontario (Canada), Harrah's Promotions (United States), Hasbro (Mexico), Heineken (Hong-Kong), HP (Malaysia), Home Retail Group (United-Kingdom), Homebase (United-Kingdom), Hongguo (China), IKEA (Poland and Czech Republic), Ind. Alimenticas Corralito (Venezuela), ING Direct (Italy, France and Malaysia), Intesa (Italy), ISPA (United States), John Middleton Tobacco (United States), Johnnie Walker (Venezuela), Karsten (Brazil), Kellogg's - Special K (Germany), Kuwait Telecom Company (Kuwait), Leumi Card (Israel), Mars (Dubai, United Arab Emirates), Mayfair (Morocco), Mazola (United States), McDonald's (United-Kingdom), Mercedes (Portugal), Metlife (Mexico), Mobicom Telco (Hong Kong), Mont Blanc (Italy), MSD (Korea), Night Fever (France), Norumbi Shopping (Brazil), Novartis (Korea), Oracle (Italy), P&G Clearblue (Italy), P&G - Dash (Germany), P&G Digital (Columbia), PAAT (Australia), Pfizer (Italy), Phoenix (Israel), Purina Retail (United States), Q House Real Estate (Thailand), Rossi (Brazil), SAB Miller (United-Kingdom), SAMS Club (Brazil), Samsung - B2C (Global), Samsung USA (United States), Sanofi Aventis - Allegra (Japan), Saudi Telecom (Kuwait), Sberbank (Russia), Sino Diamond Outlander (Taiwan), Sobeys (Canada), Staples (Spain), Suzuki (Guatemala), Tesco (Poland and Czech Republic), Thalys (France), Tommy's Children's Charity (United-Kingdom), Trip (Brazil), Veinsa - Mitsubishi (Latin America), Waitrose (France), Walgreens Hispanic (United States)</p> <p> Publicis:</p> <p> Alcatel Lucent (United-Kingdom), ATP Tennis (United-Kingdom), AXA (France, New Zealand), Beam Global Spirits (United States), BNP (Belgium), British Council (United-Kingdom), Bundesministerium fur Bildung und Forschung (Germany), Carfax (Germany), Citi (United-Kingdom), Citibank (Brazil), COI EWDC EYPS (United-Kingdom), Comunidad de Madrid (Spain), Constellation Europe - Kumala (United-Kingdom), EasyJet (United-Kingdom), Elections Canada (Canada), Fortis (France, Belgium), General Mills (United States), Groupe SEB (United States), HP (Europe and Middle East), Homeaway (United States), Investitionsbank Berlin (Germany), L'Oreal (United States), LG Electronics (Italy), Life Technologies (United States), Lion Nathan (Australia), Manpower (France), Migros Aare (Switzerland), Nestle (Mexico), New World (China), Orange (France), P&G (Brazill, United States), Paypal (United States), Pernod Ricard (Glenlivet) (France), PMU (France), Qantas (Australia), Sandisk (United States), Sanofi-Aventis (Germany), Sara Lee (United States), SCA Paper (Austria), Servicemaster (United States), Shell Oil Germany (Germany), Slendertone (United-Kingdom), Stock (Italy), Swiss Air Lines (Switzerland), Swiss International Airlines (Switzerland), T-Mobile (United States), Tata Steel (United-Kingdom), Telefonica (Brazil), Theater Bonn (Germany), Trugreen (United States), Two Way Gaming Ltd (United-Kingdom) , Virgin (Australia), Yoplait (France)</p> <p> Saatchi & Saatchi:</p> <p> Alpitour travel agency (Italy), Amplifon (Italy), APACS (United-Kingdom), Appleton Estates (Canada), ArcelorMittal (United-Kingdom), Asia Five Nations (Hong Kong), Atlantis/Kerzner Group (United-Kingdom, United Arab Emirates), Australia - Dept of the Prime Minister & Cabinet (Australia), AXA (United-Kingdom), Banca Fideuram (Intesa S. Paolo Group) (Italy), Cadbury (Multiregional - SSF Group), Comedy Central TV Chanel (Italy), Continental Airlines (United Kingdom), Energy Policy and Planning Office (OPPO) (Thailande), Flybaboo (Switzerland), Fresh Retail Ventures/Jamie Oliver (United-Kingdom), GDF Suez (France/Global), General Mills/ Pillsbury Intenational (United Kingdom), Guinness - 250th Anniversary Celebrations (United-Kingdom), JTI (Russia), Kerzner Group (United-Kingdom & United Arab Emirates), Kroger (Canada), Merck Serono (Switzerland/global excluding US), Miller Chill (United States), Mondadori (Italy), MTS (j/v between Sistema/MTS and Shyam Telelink) (India), Oesterreichisches Verkehrsbuero (Austria), ParalympicsGB (United-Kingdom), Pillsbury - Green Giant Soup (United-Kingdom) , Pinko - Skelanimals (Italy), Sanyo Electronics (New Zealand), Senior's Money (Canada), Shenzhen Mobile (China), Singapour Navy (Singapore), MengNiu (China), Videocon (India), Volvo (Germany), Wal-Mart (United States), WellPoint (United States)</p> <p> Starcom MediaVest Group:</p> <p> Anton Sport (Norway), Avon Cosmetics (Colombia), Bank of America (United States), Bauer (United-Kingdom), BBS (Norway), Borusan Automotiv (Turkey), Cadbury (France and Turkey), CasinoLugano (Italy), City (Greece), Coca-Cola (Asia Pacific), Eko (Greece), Emirates (Global), E-on (Italy), Europcar (United-Kingdom), Evyap (Turkey), Farmatodo (Colombia), FEO (Singapore), GE-Money (Russia, Poland, Czech and Romania), Genting Resorts World (Malaysia), Heineken (Czech Republic and United Kingdom), Honda (Portugal), IKEA (Greece), Inbev (Romania), IMP (Italy), Inps (Italy), Korasides (Greece), KRKA (Poland), Kuwait National Airways (Kuwait), M-Video (Russia), McCormick (France and United-Kingdom), Media Prima (Malaysia), Nakheel (United Arab Emirates), NZ Post (New Zealand), Panrico (Portugal), Regione Piemonte (Italy), Samsung (Global), Sberbank (Russia), Snasco (United Arab Emirates), Snieszka (Romania), Soraya (Poland), Strauss (Romania), TUI (Poland), Unibet (Sweden), Unibrew (Poland), Visit Britain (Netherlands), Wisconsin Milk (United States), Wyeth (Mexico)</p> <p> ZenithOptimedia:</p> <p> 2XL (United Arab Emirates), Aerogal (Ecuador), Al Barari (United Arab Emirates), Al Majid Motors (United Arab Emirates), Ali & Sons (United Arab Emirates), Alpha Bank (Romania), AMVIX (Greece), Aspial-Lee Hwa (Singapore), Aston Martin (United-Kingdom), AXA (New Zealand), Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts Pte Ltd (Singapore), Barclay's (Spain), Berker Mama (Turkey), Betek (Turkey), Bob-Mobile (Greece), Bratz (Spain), Butlins (United Kingdom), Cadbury Wedel (Poland), Campofrio (Spain), Cargill (India), Carrefour Online (Spain), Changan Suzuki (China), Chateau d'Ax (Belgium), Chicco (Spain), Clarks (China), Collective Brands, Inc. (United States), Contender Entertainment Group (United-Kingdom), Control (Spain), DASK (Turkey), Darden Restaurants (United States), Dexia (Slovakia), Discovery (India), Disneyland Resorts Paris (International), Dogus Tea (Turkey), Dopod (Greater China), Dominos Pizza (Turkey), Dubai Investments (United Arab Emirates), EDB (Global), Emaar / King Abdulah Economic City (Saudi Arabia), Emperador Distillery (Philippines), Euroko Insurance (Turkey), European Lease Fund (Poland), Evyap (Turkey), FHB (Hungary), Galata Town (Turkey), Godfrey's (Australia), Goldas (Turkey), Guangzhou Mobile (China), Handelsblatt (Germany), Haribo (Spain), Harrah's Entertainment (United-States), HDFC Asset Management (India), Hertz (International), Honda (United Arab Emirates), Hyundai (China), Inbev (China), James Boags (Australia), Jazeera Children's Channel (United Arab Emirates), Kervan (Turkey), Kiler (Turkey), Kilim (Turkey), Kuveyt Turk (Turkey), Lamoiyan, Inc. (Philippines), Lievitalia (Italy), Lila Kagit (Turkey), L'Oreal - Media Buying (France), LVMH (India), Marks & Spencer (China), Masvision (Spain), Mavi Jeans (Turkey), MCYS (Singapore), Mega Brands (United-Kingdom), Mail Today (India), Mentholatum (China), Ministere de l'Agriculture (Poland), Ministerul Mediului (Romania), MOT (India), Multiopticas (Spain), O2 Digital (United-Kingdom), Omega (China), Opfermann (Germany), Panasonic (United Arab Emirates), Orkla Foods (Romania), Panasonic (New Zealand), Pertamina Pas (Indonesia), PGA (Greece), Pin An Insurance (China), Poltronesofa (Italy), Posta Romana (Romania), Qijing Mobile (China), RATP (France), Rawdah Poultry (Saudi Arabia), RCA (Belgium), Schering Plough (United-Kingdom), Sirvent S.A. (Spain), Swarovski (Europe), Swarovski Special Store (China), Synutra (China), Tadiran Carrier (Israel), Telepizza (Spain), Typhoo (United-Kingdom) , Texwood Jeans (China), Ubisoft (United States), Viajes Iberia (Spain), W. Jordans (United Kingdom), Wagner (Belgium), Warner Music Group (United-Kingdom), Wirtschaftswoche (Germany), WWF (United-Kingdom), Wyeth (China), YSL Beaute (Global), Zhuhai Mobile (China)</p> <p> Publicis Healthcare Communications Group (PHCG):</p> <p> AstraZeneca / Recentin - Saatchi & Saatchi Healthcare Innovations (United States), AstraZeneca / Zactima - Saatchi & Saatchi Healthcare Innovations (United States), AstraZeneca / ZD4054 - Saatchi & Saatchi Healthcare Innovations (United States), Auxilium/Testim - Medicus (United States), Biovail - PSS (United States), Eisai/Epilepsy Franchise - Saatchi & Saatchi Healthcare London (United-Kingdom), GTx/Acadopene -- Medicus (United States), Pierre Fabre/Javlor -- BOZ (France), Pfizer/Diversified Products - Arista (United States), Solvay/Zolip (United States), Sanofi-Aventis/Multag - Saatchi & Saatchi Consumer Health and Wellness (United States), UCB/brivaracetam - Medicus (United States), Wyeth/Enbrel - Arista (United States)</p> <p> Publicis Public Relations and Corporate Communications Group (PRCC):</p> <p> AXA (France, The Netherlands), Bouygues (France), Bureau Veritas (France), Caisse des Depots (France), EBSCO (United States), EU-China (Europe / China), GDF SUEZ (France), Groupama (France), Jardiland (France), Michelin (France), Ministere de l'Ecologie, de l'Energie, du Developpement Durable et de l'Amenagement du Territoire - Direction regionale Ile de France (France), Ministere de l'Economie, de l'Industrie et de l'Emploi (France), Moer Dijk Region (The Netherlands), Morgan (France), Rio Tinto (Europe), Saison Culturelle Europeenne (France), National Office of Family Allocations (France), Wyeth (United States)</p> <p> Digitas:</p> <p> AstraZeneca's Crestor & Pulmicort (United States), AOL (United States), CDiscount (France), Comcast (United States), Cultura (France), Disney Nature (France), Disponis - Societe Generale (France), E-TF1 (France), Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd (India), HomeAway (United States), Kooples (France), Legrand (France), Liberation (France), Mars - Starburst (United States), Nouvelle Frontiere (France), P&G - Crest (United States), Quick (France), Shire's Lialda (United States),Total (France), Vin-Malin (France)</p> <p> Fallon:</p> <p> BoConcept (Asia), Boston Market (United States), Cheestrings ATL and Cheestrings Digital (United Kingdom), DeLonghi (Asia), Diagio (Japan), Diners Club (Asia), Kerry Foods (United Kingdom), Herman Miller (Asia), Rock Corps (United Kingdom), Sony Playstation (Sony Japan), Old Parr Scotch (Diageo Moet Hennessy) (Asia), Orange Gold Sony Computer Entertainment - Playstation 3 (Japan), Spots (United Kingdom),</p> <pre> Kaplan Thaler Group: Lunesta (United States), DRTV (United States) Definitions Operating margin rate: operating margin as a percentage of revenues Average net debt: 12-months average of average net debt of each month</pre> <p> Free cash flow: cash flow from operations after net capital expenditure excluding acquisitions</p> <p> Net New Business: this figure does not result from financial reporting, but is based on an estimate of annualised advertising media spending on new business, net of losses, from new and existing clients</p> <p> For further information, thanks to visit our website :</p> <p> http://www.finance.publicisgroupe.com</p> <div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/942947571451216121-7937608636401595154?l=advertisingmedianews.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>megaonoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-942947571451216121.post-62886159163663323212009-02-10T02:01:00.000+02:002009-02-10T05:07:07.030+02:00 <p> LOS ANGELES, Feb. 9 /PRNewswire/ -- Azteca America announced today that it is consolidating its national network newscast into a binational newscast from the studio of its sister network Azteca 7 and the FIA team, based in the Azteca news center in Mexico City.</p> <p> FIA, the news gathering team of TV Azteca, has unmatched reporting capacity in Latin America. The service has correspondents in all 32 Mexican states and throughout Latin America to support U.S. coverage.</p> <p> "The move is an efficient way to continue offering the quality information that our audiences expect from us," said Adrian Steckel, CEO of Azteca America.</p> <p> The network continues to explore opportunities with several key partners to further bolster overall news coverage and present cost-effective local news in Los Angeles, which has been suspended for the moment.</p> <p> The programming changes are part of efforts that include extended sports coverage, including exclusive boxing and UFC mixed martial arts events to support the network's unmatched Mexican soccer broadcasts. The network also features new entertainment shows such as "El Show de Niurka," as well as top- quality novelas and a newly launched inspirational single-episode series called "Milagro de los Santos."</p> <p> "We have a renewed focus on attracting new viewers to Azteca America," said Alberto Santini, Executive Vice President of Programming and Production. "Our goal is more programming for better television, as we continue to consolidate our position as the best option of Spanish-language television in the United States. Ratings results in recent weeks have yielded historic figures and we're well on our way to this goal."</p> <p> About Azteca America</p> <p> Azteca America is the alternative choice in broadcast television for Spanish speaking families residing in the United States. As the fastest- growing Spanish-language network, Azteca America operates in 66 markets nationwide. Azteca America can also be seen on DIRECTV Mas Channel 441 (AZA 441) and DISH Network Channel 825. Wholly owned by Mexican broadcaster TV Azteca, S.A. de C.V., Azteca America has access to the best programming from TV Azteca's three national networks, including a library with over 200,000 hours of original programming and news from local bureaus in 32 Mexican states. The network complements Mexican programming with an innovative line-up of shows from international producers and distributors to ensure the finest programming for Spanish-speaking viewers and unique advertising solutions for partners seeking to reach the most dynamic market in the country.</p> <div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/942947571451216121-6288615916366332321?l=advertisingmedianews.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>megaonoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-942947571451216121.post-52726133777594500532009-02-10T00:32:00.000+02:002009-02-10T04:11:42.864+02:00 <p>LOS ANGELES, Feb. 9 /PRNewswire/ -- http://www.openpitch.com/ Quick, what year is it? An ad agency just tripled the size of its creative department. At the same time, an established client, in a mature business, has an in-house marketing department doing the same. Both are attracting award-winning creatives with deep top-10-agency experience. The promise? An opportunity to land a solid day-rate and never have to endure a staff meeting or even press the flesh with a client. In return, both Agency and Client receive stellar work at maximum cost-efficiency.</p> <p></p> <p>Given current headlines, it seems the question shouldn't be what year, but what planet. Yet, it's happening right now, through industry startup OpenPitch. OpenPitch is an online creative exchange, connecting Agencies and Brands with award-winning Creatives. It's an option so practical and obvious for ad bizzers, it just might fall in the categories of "This could be huge" and "Damn it, why didn't I think of that?"</p> <p></p> <p>"It's always a Catch-22, especially in times like these," notes Ron Cicero CEO and Co-Founder of OpenPitch.com. "Agencies of all sizes need to land new business, but it's tough to take an already overworked staff and put them on pitch work. Both projects can suffer. OpenPitch allows agencies to not only grow a creative department on demand, but also mold it based on the pitch at hand. The site effectively breaks down the financial and geographical barriers to top creative talent."</p> <p></p> <p>The web application at OpenPitch allows clients to post an advertising project either publicly or in total confidence. The OpenPitch creative community is then notified, or individual talent asked to pitch privately. Creatives are compensated based on the selection of their winning pitch, or with a typical day-rate, or both. With all projects, pitches AND solutions are kept completely confidential and the transfer of IP rights is systemized.</p> <p></p> <p>This process should appeal to agencies looking for more brain power, clients looking to supplement their current agency relationships, or progressive brands requiring high-level creative, but lacking the volume of work to justify employing a full-service agency. This is especially true for companies looking to cross borders, and in need of a one-time, international creative department, whether they are based in the US, or are looking to break in to the US market.</p> <p></p> <p>Such a timely approach may never have developed if the founders, Ron Cicero and Brad Townend didn't have such deep advertising experience. Cicero, a spot and interactive producer, and Townend, a Creative Director and Interactive Designer, have fifteen-plus years of experience in advertising, working with an enviable list of clients such as Apple, Microsoft, NFL, Comcast, Toyota, Puma, and Range Rover, with agencies including BBDO,TBWA/Chiat Day, McCann, Publicis, Saatchi & Saatchi, and more.</p> <p></p> <p>"Like any agency, we realize the quality of talent is key," Townend says, "so we have been selective in our invitations, mixing it up between established CD's and promising new talent from multiple disciplines." The site now features teams of Cannes Lion and Clio Award-winning creatives from almost a dozen countries. Artists come from leading agencies such as TBWA Chiat Day, Strawberry Frog, Goodby Silverstein & Partners, 180 Amsterdam, and McCann Erickson, with a combined portfolio of work for Nike, Heineken, Coca Cola, MTV, Bud Lite, BMW, and others.</p> <p></p> <p>It's easy to see why the site, which launched in Beta a little over two months ago, has already attracted a healthy mix of advertisers and artists. Among the firm's initial clients is a high-profile manufacturer seeking a creative solution for their latest product launch. "The project details are still under wraps," notes Cicero, "but I can say despite a tight time frame - the project came in on December 15, with submissions closing on Christmas Eve - the client found the solution they were looking for - and met their deadline."</p> <p></p> <p>"We've seen the industry from all sides," says Cicero, "and we're always amazed that the industry largely responsible for the explosion of the Internet, has never really utilized it to evolve one of their core business processes: the creative pitch." Townend, who has done creative work for diverse brands such as Ed Hardy and Smith MicroSystems, adds, "It's important that both sides win, meaning agencies and clients can harvest many, many more solutions, while creatives are not 'crowdsourced' out of a living."</p> <p></p> <p>"Anyone who has worked in this business awhile will tell you that collaboration is the heart and soul of successful advertising," Townend concludes. "We're just taking the Long Tail and applying it to the ad industry."</p> <p></p> <p></p> <div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/942947571451216121-5272613377759450053?l=advertisingmedianews.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>megaonoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-942947571451216121.post-13604667420084916952009-02-09T22:45:00.000+02:002009-02-10T02:12:59.492+02:00 <p>NEW YORK, Feb. 9 /PRNewswire/ -- 5W Public Relations, a Top 25 independent PR agency announced today the addition of Dr. Kent Holtorf, founder of the Holtorf Medical Group and the Yan Center for Corrective & Cosmetic Surgery, headed by Dr. Yan Trokel to its diverse roster of clientele. Both medical centers have tasked 5WPR to proactively direct and implement their public relations programs.</p> <p></p> <p>"We are delighted that Dr. Kent Holtorf and the Yan Center have selected 5W PR as their agency of record," said Ronn Torossian, President and CEO of 5W Public Relations. "The health and wellness arena is a sector that we continue to witness growth in, and we are confident we will take both of these brands to the next level."</p> <p></p> <p>About Dr. Kent Holtorf & The Holtorf Medical Group</p> <p></p> <p>Kent Holtorf, M.D. is the Medical Director of the Holtorf Medical Group, Inc. Center for Hormone Imbalance, Hypothyroidism and Fatigue. With centers located in Los Angeles and San Francisco, Dr. Holtorf and his staff are experts in natural bioidentical hormone replacement and optimization for women and men, as well as chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, adrenal insufficiency, thyroid dysfunction and complex endocrine dysfunction. www.HoltorfMed.com</p> <p></p> <p>About The Yan Center for Corrective & Cosmetic Surgery </p> <p></p> <p>The YAN Center for Corrective & Cosmetic Surgery represents the leading edge in cosmetic and reconstructive facial surgery, body contouring, and cosmetic laser skin treatments that Restore, Rejuvenate and Enhance the natural and best features of each individual. Each client is thoroughly assessed by our specialized team of Cosmetic, Plastic, and Maxillofacial Surgeons in a comfortable, elegant, and discreet setting. Through this comprehensive and customized approach, we combine the art of personalized beauty with precise science and apply the most advance techniques in the cosmetic industry. As a result, our clients receive the highest level of service and achieve their individual desired goals with minimal recovery time.www.ylift.com/yancenter.html</p> <p></p> <p>About 5W Public Relations </p> <p></p> <p>5W Public Relations (www.5wpr.com), named to the INC. 500 list in 2007 is known for implementing creative and customized media programs designed for the maximal realization of its client's specific business goals and objectives. With headquarters in New York and an office in Los Angeles, 5WPR, offers public relations support to clients in diverse areas that range from technology, corporate and consumer affairs, as well as crisis communications, to entertainment and event management. The firm's energetic, fast-paced and focused culture led one of the industry's foremost trade magazines to describe 5W PR as "aggressive in a way that clearly resonates with clients looking for a firm staffed with type A-plus personalities, a BS-free approach, and results from Day One."</p> <p></p> <pre> Contact: Christine Garabedian 212.999.5585 cgarabedian@5wpr.com </pre> <p></p> <div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/942947571451216121-1360466742008491695?l=advertisingmedianews.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>megaonoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-942947571451216121.post-91107667277867106822009-02-09T13:00:00.000+02:002009-02-09T16:26:15.325+02:00 <p>Agency Continues to Reward Employees with New Roles, Responsibilities </p> <p></p> <p>ATLANTA, Feb. 9 /PRNewswire/ -- Fletcher Martin, an integrated marketing communications agency, today announced the promotion of Russell Rice to Senior Vice President, Media Planning Director. </p> <p></p> <p>Rice joined Fletcher Martin in 1997 and has worked on numerous clients crafting strategic media plans for each. </p> <p></p> <p>In his new role as Senior Vice President, Media Planning Director, Rice will oversee media strategy and research capabilities for the agency. His extensive background in the area of media planning and his devotion to the agency over the last decade led to this recent promotion. </p> <p></p> <p>"I've worked with Russell for 11 years and his hard work, media expertise and strategic vision never cease to amaze me," said agency president and CEO, Andy Fletcher. "He is a student of our industry and leader in our agency". </p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>About Fletcher Martin</p> <p>Fletcher Martin is an integrated marketing communications agency owned by the executive management of the agency and MDC Partners, Inc., one of the world's leading marketing communications firms. Founded in 1979, Fletcher Martin helps clients disrupt their category or industry by providing insights and context to drive and change business. This disruptive change is led by the agency's unique specialty consulting capability. Compensation is performance-based, and plans are executed through advertising, interactive, direct marketing and public relations services. For more information, visit www.fletchermartin.com</p> <p></p> <p></p> <div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/942947571451216121-9110766727786710682?l=advertisingmedianews.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>megaonoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-942947571451216121.post-90598432947282414202009-02-09T12:05:00.000+02:002009-02-09T15:18:24.093+02:00 <p>Boulder Public & Investor Relations agency new to O'Dwyer's tech PR ranking</p> <p></p> <p>BOULDER, Colo., Feb. 9 /PRNewswire/ -- Catapult PR-IR, a leading strategic public and investor relations firm specializing in high-tech markets, was ranked among the top 75 high-tech PR firms 2008 by O'Dwyer's PR Report (http://www.odwyerpr.com). O'Dwyer's provides the latest news and information about PR firms and professionals, the media, corporations, legal issues, jobs and technology. Each year, O'Dwyer's ranks public relations firms nationally based on their annual net fees. Catapult ranked on the national technology list for the first time this year. </p> <p></p> <p>"We're pleased to be ranked nationally this year by O'Dwyer's PR Report, and continue to top the Colorado tech list," said Terri Douglas, co-founder and principal of Catapult PR-IR. "This publication's audited numbers exclude media buys and other items that can sometimes inflate the way a firm performs in some rankings. So, the rankings are credible and reflective of the firm's performance."</p> <p></p> <p>"Catapult's technology focus continues to attract clients seeking increased visibility in that arena," she said. Catapult PR-IR is dedicated to technology clients ranging from start-ups to Fortune 500 companies located in the U.S. and abroad, including Canada, India and Australia. </p> <p></p> <p>About Catapult PR-IR</p> <p>Catapult PR-IR provides strategic public relations and investor relations services exclusively for technology companies. Catapult helps its clients establish new market positions that are shared by only an elite few within their industry. The firm has won numerous awards, including PRSA's Gold Pick Award, Holmes Report's "Best Agency to Work For" award and the Boulder County Business Report's Mercury 100 Fastest Growing Companies Award. Catapult's client roster includes Atmail, Aztek Networks, Danube Technologies, FreeWave Technologies, JNBridge, Micromentis and SolutionsIQ. For more information on Catapult, call 303-581-7760 or visit the company's Web site at http://www.catapultpr-ir.com</p> <p></p> <pre> Contact: Terri Douglas Catapult PR-IR 303-581-7760, ext. 18 tdouglas@catapultpr-ir.com </pre> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/942947571451216121-9059843294728241420?l=advertisingmedianews.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>megaonoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-942947571451216121.post-25058044907340886842009-02-09T10:33:00.000+02:002009-02-09T14:20:28.624+02:00 <p>GLENDALE, Calif., Feb. 9 /PRNewswire/ -- Internationally known Latin rapper Down A.K.A. Kilo has signed on with Eugenia Wright A.K.A. Kleopatra Girl, President of ISA Public Relations, a Glendale, California based boutique PR firm that has handled many top recording artists including legendary crooner Pat Boone, R&B singer Marques Houston, R&B vocalist UNE, Music Producer Chris Stokes and TUG (The Ultimate Group record label). List of clients past and present (www.isapublicrelations.com)</p> <p></p> <p>"This is an exciting time for Down, a proud Mexican-American who is charting new territories not only in the Hip Hop music world, with his soon to be released single 'Cholo Skate,' but also in the film industry. Down will take on the challenge as executive producer of 'Lean Like a Cholo' based on his smash single of the same title that became a catch phrase in Latino communities across the nation. We are very excited to present Down's new projects to a global audience spotlighting his achievements so others may be inspired by his monumental accomplishments. We are proud to be trustees of his legacy." </p> <p></p> <p>Eugenia Wright, Pres. of ISA PR</p> <p></p> <p>For further information on Down A.K.A. Kilo, record label Cholo Enterprises and Lean Like a Cholo, the film contact: Eugenia Wright @ ISA Public Relations kleopatragirl117@hotmail.com or eugeniawright@isapublicrelations.com 818.552.9459 or 818.908.4657</p> <p></p> <p>About ISA Public Relations: </p> <p>Former actress Eugenia Wright turned publicist, who boasts 20 years experience as a PR expert, founded ISA PR www.isapublicrelations.com. Recently the EURweb Media Awards nominated ISA PR "Most Outstanding Public Relations Agency." Eugenia states, "Our goal at ISA Public Relations is to illuminate our clients great achievements under a beam of light for the world to recognize and appreciate now and for posterity. We understand the importance of our clients' monumental accomplishments and know that their success stories will one day inspire the next generation to greatness. We also salute them for knowing that the greatest investment is the one they make in themselves." Nominated "Most Outstanding Agency" by EURweb.com 2008.</p> <p></p> <p>Media Affiliations: Entertainment Contributor to Lee Bailey'sEURweb.com, "Kleopatra Girl's Ringside Report" www.eurweb.com; DV8 Mag http://www.deve8magazine.com/ ; CelebrityExtraTV.com; English Gal blog http://www.englishgalmedia.blogspot.com/; Crunk Weekly and Fashion Meets Music </p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/942947571451216121-2505804490734088684?l=advertisingmedianews.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>megaonoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-942947571451216121.post-24663577782769676582009-02-09T10:32:00.000+02:002009-02-09T14:20:40.672+02:00 <p>WOODLAND HILLS, Calif., Feb. 9 /PRNewswire/ -- Mota Motors Inc., has engaged JMPR Public Relations to assist with public relations services and media relations initiatives for Mota.com - the company's comprehensive online service that enables private party Buyers and Sellers of used vehicles to come together in a safe, simple, and efficient network. </p> <p></p> <p>JMPR will work closely with Mota and its partners to promote on-line peer-to-peer vehicle sales (FSBO - for sale by owner) through the company's convenient and information rich site, Mota.com. JMPR will leverage Mota's "fair and square" philosophy to alter some of the common and often correct perceptions of private party vehicle sales through an industry-wide initiative to restore legitimacy and validation to used car transitions. </p> <p></p> <p>"Given the current economic climate, more people will be buying used cars this year," said President of JMPR, Joseph Molina. "Consumers taking to the online marketplace are looking for a fair, secure and easy way to buy and sell their vehicles."</p> <p></p> <p>JMPR (www.jmprpublicrelations.com) is based in Woodland Hills and was founded in 1977. Its clients, covering a wide variety of automotive, motorcycle and lifestyle industries, include Airstream Trailers, Amelia Island Concours d' Elegance, Boyd Gaming, Bugatti Automobiles, Bentley Motors, Cirrus Design, Ducati North America, Galpin Motors, Heacock Classic, and Meguiar's, Inc.</p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/942947571451216121-2466357778276967658?l=advertisingmedianews.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>megaonoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-942947571451216121.post-8079895390197122302009-02-09T10:00:00.000+02:002009-02-09T13:23:48.737+02:00 <p>Agency's Consumer Tech Roots Deliver, Yielding Widespread Coverage and Tripling Sales Forecasts In Under a Week</p> <p></p> <p>PRINCETON, N.J., Feb. 9 /PRNewswire/ -- Resound Marketing, an integrated marketing and PR agency focused on helping clients "make some noise," today announced that it was selected to promote the US availability of MIMO Monitors, a line of 7-inch, USB-powered secondary computer displays, at www.MimoMonitors.com. The initial campaign kicked off last week with a targeted outreach to the online technology and gaming media and parallel social media effort, generating buzz that drove tens of thousands of users to the Mimo Monitors site within days, and led to an immediate sellout of initial stock. With the warehouse freshly restocked, Resound will continue the media push throughout the month, reaching out to key tech, gaming, lifestyle, and other niche press contacts.</p> <p></p> <p>At just 1.3 lbs, the MIMO Monitors offers a sleek, compact display for multi-taskers who run a number of applications simultaneously to declutter and maximize desktop space. They're perfect for instant messaging and email, frequently-used applications, spreadsheets and documents, streaming media, videoconferencing, design applications, and more. The MIMO UM-710 model features a pivoting monitor and 800x480 resolution; the UM-740 model adds a touchscreen, webcam, and microphone and audio capabilities. Both monitors are under $200 and include free shipping anywhere in the US at www.MimoMonitors.com.</p> <p></p> <p>"We don't think there's a computer user out there who won't see the value that these ultra-cool mini-displays provide," said Kevin McLaughlin, Co-Founder and Principal of Resound Marketing. "The verdict is in - some of the industry's top tech gurus have already given their blessing - and we're thrilled to be able to continue to broaden the program and generate additional visibility in the weeks to come."</p> <p></p> <p>About Resound Marketing</p> <p>Resound Marketing is an integrated marketing and PR agency focused on helping clients "make some noise(SM)" With an expert in-house team and qualified network of talented partners, Resound provides its clients with the full range of marketing and public relations services, customized to fit their exact needs and budgets. Core capabilities include marketing strategy, public relations, copywriting & collateral, events & speaking, and interactive promotion. For information, visit http://www.resoundmarketing.com.</p> <p></p> <p></p> <div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/942947571451216121-807989539019712230?l=advertisingmedianews.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>megaonoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-942947571451216121.post-29451651947723186132009-02-06T11:00:00.000+02:002009-02-06T14:22:26.456+02:00 <p>NEW YORK, Feb. 6 /PRNewswire/ -- Tremor Media, the leading online video advertising network and provider of the Acudeo Video Monetization Platform, today announced that it is employing comScore's Post Buy and Ad Effectiveness reports, providing enhanced campaign measurement and success metrics that are specifically designed to measure the unique power and properties of video advertising.</p> <p></p> <p>"Tremor Media is committed to offering the most advanced reporting to our clients to more clearly measure video campaign performance," said Jason Glickman, CEO, Tremor Media. "Understanding the unique properties of video ads and their impact on the consumer is critical to the success of the online video ad industry."</p> <p></p> <p>As part of the service, Tremor Media will offer post-campaign analytics that include online GRPs for all online video, which is calculated the same way as traditional TV GRPs and can be analyzed by campaign and demographic segment, as well as unique visitors, reach and frequency. comScore will also provide granular reports profiling the demographics of audiences that the campaign reached.</p> <p></p> <p>Additionally, as one of video's greatest strengths is the ability to drive brand engagement, Tremor Media will also offer comprehensive reporting of brand engagement metrics from comScore. Tremor Media will provide the branding impact of campaigns using weekly benchmarks and report on unique visitors, total pages consumed, and minutes spent on the advertiser's site or group of sites, as well as direct competitors. Tremor Media will also measure the increase in searches for the brand and any related brand messaging terms. This directly measured behavioral impact provides unparalleled insight into the effectiveness of the campaign and helps advertisers evaluate the efficacy of video advertising.</p> <p></p> <p>"The video post buy and ad effectiveness offerings provide the industry with the requisite currency to value online video advertising, through widely accepted metrics such as GRPs, all sourced from a person-level panel," said Anthony Psacharopoulos, SVP Media, comScore. "Tremor's initiatives will help advertisers and publishers monetize online video at a rate more commensurate with the rapid increase in online video viewership."</p> <p></p> <p>About Tremor Media</p> <p>Tremor Media is the leading online video advertising network providing advertisers with both in-banner and in-stream video advertising opportunities on over 1,400 top-tier publisher sites with more than 137 million unique visitors per month.</p> <p></p> <p>Tremor also offers the Acudeo Video Monetization Platform for publishers, a full suite of products and services to monetize streaming video and maximize ROI. Tremor's full service solutions offer the necessary tools for advertisers and publishers to utilize online video advertising as a powerful interactive medium. For more information visit: http://www.tremormedia.com</p> <p></p> <p>CONTACT: Corey Kronengold of Tremor Media, +1-646-278-7417, ckronengold@tremormedia.com</p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/942947571451216121-2945165194772318613?l=advertisingmedianews.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>megaonoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-942947571451216121.post-84543978625181087982009-02-06T05:01:00.000+02:002009-02-06T08:03:23.607+02:00 <p>Dearborn, Mich., Feb. 6 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Expect the unexpected from Lincoln during commercial breaks for the 51st Grammy(R) Awards, which air Sunday, at 8 p.m. EST on CBS as it debuts the winners from its "Project Rising Stars: Lincoln Video Music Challenge." </p> <p></p> <p>Lincoln and its creative agency, Y&R Team Detroit, created "Project Rising Stars" in collaboration with Gary Calamar -- renowned DJ and Grammy-nominated producer and music supervisor. The team selected 10 songs from some of the country's top emerging music artists and developed a music video-based competition in partnership with Filmaka, an online community for filmmakers and other artists, to create their own original content. </p> <p></p> <p>More than 300 submissions were received from hopeful writers and directors seeking to showcase their own creative videos featuring the all-new 2009 Lincoln MKS. The quality of work delivered from entrants throughout the country was so positive that Lincoln -- a co-sponsor of the show -- decided to air five 30-second trailers of the top original music videos during the Grammys rather than traditional vehicle ads. </p> <p></p> <p>"What we've learned from research is that the Lincoln MKS is attracting a new group of buyers that are tough to reach with traditional advertising. They're into technology, film and a wide array of music," said Thomais Zaremba, Lincoln Mercury Communications Manager. "This opportunity is a great way to create fresh content and put Lincoln in front of a new audience."</p> <p></p> <p>"Project Rising Stars: The Lincoln Music Video Challenge" was designed to showcase new talent, both in front of the camera and behind it.</p> <p></p> <p>"Our goal was to create a unique opportunity for undiscovered musical artists and directors and present it in a way that people watching the Grammys would enjoy and appreciate," she said. </p> <p></p> <p>"We provided Filmaka with the song options, a description of the Lincoln MKS' dynamic design and smart features and asked them to develop a creative treatment for a music video based on the song that best spoke to them," said Greg Braun, executive creative director, Y&R Team Detroit. "In the end, we were blown away by the submissions. The Filmaka community really jumped in with both feet." </p> <p></p> <p>Jason Haikara, who heads up Marketing and Publicity for Filmaka, says the competition provided an amazing opportunity for the Filmaka community and the musical artists. </p> <p></p> <p>"Not only is it a chance to work with a major automotive brand and top ad agency, but it's an opportunity for them to have their work seen and heard by millions of viewers," he said.</p> <p></p> <p>Though the way in which the Lincoln MKS was portrayed in the videos was significant, Zaremba says it was not the main factor used to determine which videos won the competition. "The primary driver of our decision was, 'Is it a cool music video? Does it have strong entertainment value? And will it engage the viewer?'" she explained.</p> <p></p> <p>With that said, Haikara says the filmmakers had a lot of fun figuring out how to incorporate the vehicle in the videos. </p> <p></p> <p>"They employed a variety of creative approaches," he said. "The MKS is a classy, high-tech vehicle, and many of the directors incorporated some of the technology -- like SYNC and the SecuriCode(TM) Keyless Entry system -- into the videos." </p> <p></p> <p>Following the Grammy show, viewers will be able to watch the five winning videos -- and several additional videos -- in their entirety at www.cbs.com/lincoln. Viewers also can learn more about the musical artists and filmmakers at www.filmaka.com/lincoln.</p> <p></p> <p>At the end of the day, Zaremba says "Project Rising Starts" follows an entirely fresh marketing campaign for MKS that represents a new way of communicating for Lincoln.</p> <p></p> <p>"It is yet another example of Lincoln doing something that no one would expect in a way that no one would expect," said Zaremba. "We're very proud of what the MKS is and what it stands for, and we believe that we're offering a relevant message on an amazing product." </p> <p></p> <p>Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F)</p> <p>Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 213,000 employees and about 90 plants worldwide, the company's wholly owned brands include Ford, Lincoln, Mercury and Volvo. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford's products, please visit www.ford.com.</p> <p></p> <p>Team Detroit</p> <p>Team Detroit brings together five of WPP's largest marketing and communications agencies in one central location, including JWT, Y&R, Wunderman, Ogilvy & Mather and Mindshare. Created in January, 2007, Team Detroit is structured to offer best-in-class talent and more effective marketing partnerships to its client base. For more information, please visit www.teamdetroit.com. </p> <p></p> <p>Filmaka</p> <p>Filmaka is an on-line global creative community and marketplace, committed to inspiring, celebrating and rewarding creativity and talent by providing professional opportunities for directors and writers from all around the world. For more information, please visit www.filmaka.com. </p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/942947571451216121-8454397862518108798?l=advertisingmedianews.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>megaonoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-942947571451216121.post-27324562409433575942009-02-06T00:44:00.000+02:002009-02-06T04:14:32.062+02:00 <p> </p> <p></p> <p>Well known industry leader Carole McKellar named to key executive post</p> <p></p> <p>SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., Feb. 5 /PRNewswire/ -- HelmsBriscoe, the global leader of independent site selection and RFP services for the expanding meetings business, announced the appointment of Carole McKellar to the position of Executive Director, HelmsBriscoe, UK and Ireland. Reporting to Bob Gilbert, Senior Vice President of HelmsBriscoe's International Division, Carole will be responsible for Associate and Business Development in her region.</p> <p></p> <p>Ian Quartermaine, Managing Director of HelmsBriscoe's International operation commented, "Carole comes to HelmsBriscoe with a wealth of experience in the MICE business. Many in the Industry already know Carole through her leadership in MPI: she was president of the UK Chapter in 2003/04 and is currently a Director of the International Board. She adds great strength to our global management team and will significantly impact our growth in the UK and Ireland." </p> <p></p> <p>Carole noted, "I am delighted to be joining the best in the industry. We have a strong team in the UK and Ireland and I am excited at the opportunity to make a difference and help grow HelmsBriscoe. The timing is perfect to demonstrate the unbeatable value that we offer. It's not every day one has the opportunity to join a company that booked over 3.5 million room nights generating over US$1 billion in total revenue. That's impressive."</p> <p></p> <p>Bob Gilbert, Senior Vice President of HelmsBriscoe's International Operation added that, "Carole created and managed a group of companies specialising in association management, venue search, event management and training/professional development. She has a particular interest in the development of people and organizations and, as part of her role within HelmsBriscoe's International Division; she will develop a global training and development plan for our team. She is clearly a 'people person', has a great sense of humor and her passion for education and measurable outcomes for meetings and events in our industry is well known. She will be a wonderful asset to our global team." </p> <p></p> <p>Carole, who lives in Macclesfield, just outside Manchester, England, has an Honours Degree in Archaeology; a Master of Arts Degree; the Diploma in Training Management awarded with distinction; and MPI's CMM certification. She is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Personnel & Development (Chartered FCIPD) in the UK and has been an active member of Meeting Professionals International (MPI) since 1999, holding a number of volunteer leadership positions: European Education Committee; Dean for the Global Certification in Meetings Management (CMM) for Europe; International Chair of the Professional Development Strategy Group 2004 - 2006.</p> <p></p> <p>About HelmsBriscoe </p> <p></p> <p>HelmsBriscoe is the global leader of independent site selection and RFP services for over 9,000 corporate, association and government clients that plan off-site meetings and conferences. HelmsBriscoe associates accelerate the decision making process for meeting planners by researching hotels and other meeting venues that match their clients' criteria, negotiating rates and concessions by leveraging its volume purchasing power, and facilitating the contracting process. Founded in 1992, HelmsBriscoe offers the industry's most respected network of procurement specialists, with 950 associates spanning over 40 countries. HelmsBriscoe combines its highly experienced global distribution with proprietary knowledge databases of 93,000 hotels containing more than five years of rate histories, the documented experiences and insights from its associates and clients, and a proprietary electronic RFP tool. For more information, visit www.HelmsBriscoe.com. </p> <p></p> <p></p> <div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/942947571451216121-2732456240943357594?l=advertisingmedianews.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>megaonoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-942947571451216121.post-7000062758743383232009-02-05T22:57:00.000+02:002009-02-06T02:19:54.083+02:00 <p>CAPE CORAL, Fla., Feb. 5 /PRNewswire/ -- Unlimited Priorities Corporation, a company specializing in support for organizations within the information industry, has been selected to provide marketing support services for AARP AgeLine, an online, bibliographic database focused on the subject of aging and middle-aged and older adults. </p> <p></p> <p>Founded in 1958, AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan membership organization helping people 50 and over improve the quality of their lives. With 40 million members and offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, AARP is the nation's largest membership organization for people over 50.</p> <p></p> <p>In an ongoing effort to deliver high value services to subscribers, AARP engaged Unlimited Priorities to update the look and feel of AARP AgeLine though a variety of internal and external service offerings. </p> <p></p> <p>Internal</p> <p></p> <p>Unlimited Priorities will review AgeLine's current internal work-flows and recommend areas where production, including abstracting and indexing processes, can be upgraded. Unlimited Priorities will help AgeLine improve its approach to, and interaction with, outside vendors including securing full-text rights and renegotiating existing contracts. AgeLine's current aggregator license agreement will be reviewed and expanded with a view to adding licensees and expanding current partnerships. Unlimited Priorities also will identify additional information aggregators and third party partnerships for wider distribution of AgeLine resources. A key component will be the creation of an updated Request for Proposals, and management of the interaction with vendors during the proposal process. </p> <p></p> <p>External</p> <p></p> <p>Unlimited Priorities will review the AgeLine website and provide suggestions regarding the updating of graphic materials and the creation of additional information for users, as applicable; design a new exhibit booth and display materials for use at conferences; create updated marketing essentials including folders, brochures and information sheets; originate advertising copy and layouts; update the PowerPoint(R) presentation; and create and distribute press releases on a timely basis.</p> <p></p> <p>Wendy Diliberti, Manager, Information Products, Research Information Center, AgeLine, discussed the reasons for working with Unlimited Priorities: "AARP management has encouraged AgeLine to update its image and broaden its capabilities. In looking to an outside agency to help us we selected Unlimited Priorities because of the wide array of services they offer and their previous experience and expertise in database management, upgrading internal workflows and information distribution." </p> <p></p> <p>Iris L. Hanney, Unlimited Priorities president, responded, "The one thing that is happening to every single person is that we are aging. This phenomenon is of most concern to the population served by AARP. We feel privileged to have been selected to help make this segment more aware of the information provided by AgeLine, and to support AgeLine in making its offerings more visible. Our broad experience with license agreements and vendor relationships will introduce efficiencies, and ultimately result in a wider array of information available to the public." </p> <p></p> <p>About AARP AgeLine</p> <p></p> <p>Produced by AARP, the AgeLine database addresses the social, psychological, economic, policy, and health care aspects of aging. It provides summaries of journal articles, books and chapters, research reports, dissertations, gray literature and educational videos from many publishers and organizations, including AARP. Links to full text or ordering options are included wherever possible. AgeLine can be searched by subject, author, title, journal name, year, etc., or browsed via ready-made searches on high-interest topics using AgeLine's Searches to Go.</p> <p></p> <p>About Unlimited Priorities Corporation</p> <p></p> <p>Unlimited Priorities is attuned to the management requirements of companies in the information industry. We provide executive level support services by utilizing a highly skilled group of professionals with abundant experience in sales, marketing, finance, operations, production, IT and training. Unlimited Priorities believes that sales and marketing effectiveness combined with operational excellence are the keys to successful market penetration and growth. By coordinating our talents with your team's knowledge and experience, we can help you build your business and attain your goals in an efficient and cost effective manner.</p> <p></p> <pre> Media Contact: Iris L. Hanney, 239-549-2384 Unlimited Priorities Corporation iris.hanney@unlimitedpriorities.com www.unlimitedpriorities.com </pre> <p></p> <div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/942947571451216121-700006275874338323?l=advertisingmedianews.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>megaonoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-942947571451216121.post-75469921020636368952009-02-05T16:56:00.000+02:002009-02-05T20:18:24.268+02:00 <p>- Agency Also Honored with Two Platinum, Three Gold, Four Silver and Two Bronze Awards for its Client Work -</p> <p></p> <p>NEW YORK, Feb. 5 /PRNewswire/ -- At the recent Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International's (HSMAI) 19th annual Adrian Awards Gala, global public relations firm Weber Shandwick's Travel & Lifestyle practice found itself in an unprecedented position winning "Best of Show" top honors twice, for two different public relations campaigns, thanks to a tie in overall voting. </p> <p></p> <p>Considered by many to be the premier awards event in the travel, hospitality and transportation industry, Weber Shandwick was honored for its outstanding work on the Singapore Airlines' A380 Launch and Holiday Inn Express' "Stay Smart America" Web site campaign.</p> <p></p> <p>With nearly 1,300 entries from around the globe and close to 1,000 industry leaders and innovators in attendance, Weber Shandwick was proud to take home nine additional HSMAI Awards for work conducted on behalf of the Canadian Tourism Commission, Hilton Head Island - Blufton Chamber of Commerce and the New Orleans Convention & Visitor's Bureau.</p> <p></p> <p>"It's like hitting a grand slam in the bottom of the ninth inning," said Rene A. Mack, president of Weber Shandwick's Travel & Lifestyle practice. "It's a privilege to be recognized for the work we've conducted on behalf of our clients, and there is a special thrill to learn that there was a tie for Best of Show and winning both. That does not happen everyday. It's an honor to share this with our clients." </p> <p></p> <p>This year's Weber Shandwick winning client campaigns are: </p> <p></p> <p>Platinum Awards</p> <p> </p><ul><li>New Opening/Launch -- Public Relations Campaign: Airlines -- Singapore Airlines Unveils the World's First A380</li> <li>Feature Placement -- Television -- Hotels: Holiday Inn Express' "Stay Smart America" </li> </ul><p></p> <p></p> <p>Gold Awards </p> <p> </p><ul><li>Feature Placement Print -- Consumer Newspaper: CVB/Destination for its feature in the Dallas Morning News on New Orleans</li> <li>New Opening/Launch -- Public Relations Campaign -- Airlines: Singapore Airlines Unveils the World's First A380</li> <li>Feature Placement -- Television -- Hotels: Holiday Inn Express' "Stay Smart America" </li> </ul><p></p> <p></p> <p>Silver Awards</p> <p> </p><ul><li>Marketing Program -- Consumer Hotel: Crowne Plaza Golf Invitational "A Meeting with Phil" campaign</li> <li>Feature Placement Print -- Consumer Newspaper: CVB/Destination feature on Hilton Head Island in the Bergen Record</li> <li>Feature Placement Print -- Trade Publication: CVB/Destination for feature on Hilton Head Island in American Spa</li> <li>Re-launch of Existing Product: CVB/Destination for New Orleans' streetcar campaign</li> </ul><p></p> <p></p> <p>Bronze Awards</p> <p> </p><ul><li>Feature Placement -- TV: CVB/Destination for KTLA segment on Canada</li> <li>Feature Placement -- Radio: CVB/Destination for radio row to support New Orleans' French Quarter Festival </li> </ul><p></p> <p></p> <p>About Weber Shandwick</p> <p>Weber Shandwick is a leading global public relations agency with offices in over 79 markets around the world. The firm's reputation is built on its deep commitment to client service, creativity, collaboration and harnessing the power of Advocates -- engaging stakeholders in new and creative ways to build brands and reputation. Weber Shandwick provides strategy and execution across world-class practices such as consumer marketing, healthcare, technology, public affairs, corporate/financial and crisis management. Its specialized services include digital/social media, advertising, market research, and corporate responsibility. Weber Shandwick received the highest client-satisfaction honors in the 2007 Agency Excellence Survey by PRWeek U.S., in 2008 won Large PR Firm of the Year (PR News U.S.), and in 2006 was named European Consultancy of the Year (The Holmes Report) and Network of the Year (Asia Pacific PR Awards). The firm also won the United Nations Grand Award for Outstanding Achievement in Public Relations for the past three years. Weber Shandwick is part of the Interpublic Group (NYSE: IPG). For more information, visit http://www.webershandwick.com/.</p> <p></p> <pre> Contact: Jennifer Norton Sara Joseph Weber Shandwick Weber Shandwick 212-445-8314 212-445-8155 jnorton@webershandwick.com sjoseph@webershandwick.com </pre> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/942947571451216121-7546992102063636895?l=advertisingmedianews.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>megaonoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-942947571451216121.post-39932885296700288382009-02-05T16:24:00.000+02:002009-02-05T19:19:23.368+02:00 <p>MCLEAN, Va., Feb. 5 /PRNewswire/ -- USA TODAY, official U.S. representative to the International Advertising Festival in Cannes, announces the kickoff of the 2009 Young Lions "Team USA" competitions. The 2009 Young Lions consists of the following four competitions: Cyber, Film (TV), Media and Print. </p> <p></p> <p>Four teams will be chosen to represent the U.S. and compete in the Young Lions competitions during the International Advertising Festival in Cannes. Twenty international teams will compete in the Film and Media competition. Thirty teams will compete in Cyber and Print. </p> <p></p> <p>Teams for the three creative competitions (Cyber, Film and Print) will consist of an art director and a copywriter. The team for the Media competition will consist of two media planning executives. All team members must be 28 years or younger (born after June 27, 1980); be an American citizen; and be an art director, copywriter, media planner, media buyer or media strategist. Teammates do not have to work at the same agency. Those at the assistant level are not eligible.</p> <p></p> <p>The 2009 Young Lions "Team USA" competitions will be limited to a total of 800 teams; comprised of 300 media teams, 300 print teams, 100 cyber teams and 100 film teams. Teams will be accepted in the order they register, starting on February 5, 2009. Teams may register online at medialounge.usatoday.com. Registration will close when these maximums have been reached or on February 25 at 5:30 p.m. EST, whichever occurs first. A project brief detailing each competition will be sent to registered teams on Friday, February 27. The deadline for completed work will be Tuesday, March 10. Judging will take place in late March and the winners will be announced no later than April 10.</p> <p></p> <p>Each winning team will be sent, all expenses paid, to compete as "Team USA" in the Young Lions program at the International Advertising Festival in Cannes. Festival dates are June 21 to June 27. Sponsors for the "Team USA" program include Atmosphere BBDO for Cyber; Pereira & O'Dell for Film; USA TODAY for Media. Special thanks to Creativity and Getty Images as well as the 2008 Cyber "Team USA", Chris Bailey, Ferro Boyd and Ted Wahlberg, who developed the 2009 promotional campaign in collaboration with Bagby & Co. and Bridges in Chicago.</p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>USA TODAY is the nation's top-selling newspaper. It is published via satellite at 34 locations in the USA and at four sites abroad. With a total average daily circulation of 2.3 million, USA TODAY is available worldwide. USA TODAY is published by Gannett Co., Inc. (NYSE: GCI). The USA TODAY brand also includes: USATODAY.com, an award-winning news and information Web site that is updated 24 hours per day; USA TODAY Sports Weekly, a magazine for enthusiasts of college and professional football and baseball; USA TODAY Mobile, offering up-to-the minute news and information on a variety of mobile platforms and devices; and USA TODAY LIVE, the television arm of the USA TODAY brand that brings the spirit and quality of the newspaper to television.</p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/942947571451216121-3993288529670028838?l=advertisingmedianews.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>megaonoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-942947571451216121.post-70220839901231404092009-02-05T15:07:00.000+02:002009-02-05T18:18:54.436+02:00 <p>DAMASCUS, Md., Feb. 5 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Syndication Inc. (Pink Sheets: SYNJ) reports that it has engaged in negotiations for the position of "Director of Marketing," to run the marketing campaign for the acquisition of and/or the start up process of the next Sy-Med unit. The job of the "Director of Marketing" will be to coordinate and develop the direct relationship between the Company and the local attorneys, doctors, hospitals, and businesses in the specific location of each decompression center. </p> <p></p> <p>Syndication also reports that the Board has engaged in talks with an organization related to the "Green Energy" sector. It speculates that it will soon add a new subsidiary that will position itself to take advantage of an industry that is expected to thrive on enhanced finance and growth under the Obama administration. "Further news is pending," says Brian Sorrentino, CEO of Syndication Inc.</p> <p></p> <p>This press release may contain forward-looking statements covered within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements relate to, among other things, plans and timing for the introduction or enhancement of our services and products, statements about future market conditions, supply and demand conditions, and other expectations, intentions and plans contained in this press release that are not historical fact and involve risks and uncertainties. Our expectations regarding future revenues depend upon our ability to develop and supply products, which we may not produce today and that meet defined specifications. When used in this press release, the words "plan," "expect," "believe," and similar expressions generally identify forward-looking statements. These statements reflect our current expectations. They are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, changes in technology and changes in pervasive markets. </p> <p></p> <p>New Contact Information: Syndication Inc., Brian Sorrentino, Phone # 888-422-5515</p> <p></p> <p>For all mail correspondence: PO Box 503, Damascus, MD 20872</p> <p></p> <div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/942947571451216121-7022083990123140409?l=advertisingmedianews.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>megaonoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-942947571451216121.post-5571048109655667952009-02-05T14:00:00.000+02:002009-02-05T17:16:36.903+02:00 <p>Media and advertising execs expect more than a quarter of media time and spending to move away from traditional channels, while mobile and social media advertising seen gaining steam </p> <p></p> <p>NEW YORK, Feb. 5 /PRNewswire/ -- Media and advertising professionals say the pullback of ad dollars and mobile devices becoming personal computers are the most disruptive forces in media today, according to a recent survey by KPMG LLP, the U.S. audit, tax and advisory firm. With media time and spending seen moving away from traditional channels, attention to social media and mobile consumption is expected to increase. </p> <p></p> <p>In polling more than 200 media, marketing and advertising executives, KPMG found that 49 percent of respondents indicated that the pullback of advertising dollars is the most disruptive force in media today, followed closely by mobile devices becoming personal computers (40 percent). KPMG conducted the survey in collaboration with AlwaysOn, the venture capital new media organization.</p> <p></p> <p>The KPMG survey also found that some 75 percent of executives predict that advertisers will move more than a quarter of media time and spending away from traditional channels in the next five years, while social networks and mobile marketing are expected to see increased activity. In fact, 47 percent of respondents indicate that the biggest lesson learned from President Obama's use of social media while campaigning is that social networks can powerfully grab mindshare in society at large. While the marketing and branding power of social networking is expected to be increasingly harnessed in the future, 61 percent of executives indicate that fewer than 30 percent of ad agencies have a plan in place to leverage the medium for their clients. </p> <p></p> <p>"The rapid evolution of new media channels, coupled with the economy's downward impact on marketing and advertising budgets, is creating opportunities for brand execs to develop a new formula in reaching consumers," said Brian Hughes, KPMG Partner based in Philadelphia and Co-Leader of the Venture Capital Practice. "These execs realize that they must properly blend all forms of media at their disposal, including the growing social media and mobile device platforms." </p> <p></p> <p>With regard to mobile marketing, KPMG found that 65 percent of executives say media companies currently adapt less than a quarter of their content for mobile consumption, while 27 percent believe the current content adaptation rate is between 26 and 50 percent. However, 87 percent of respondents say media companies will move more content for mobile consumption in the next two years. </p> <p></p> <p>The greatest marketing opportunity for mobile is location-based advertising, according to 48 percent of respondent to the KPMG survey. Games and video are also seen as opportunities, each receiving 14 percent of the vote. The majority of investment in mobile applications is expected to come from venture capital, and the monetization of those applications is expected to come by way of advertising. </p> <p></p> <p>"Social networking and mobile marketing are just two of the relatively new media forms to enter the marketing mix, but they are already showing just how integral they will be in the near future," continued KPMG's Hughes. "Not only will these new forms of media continue to see increased utilization by marketers and advertisers in the near future, but they will continue to capture increasing attention from the investment community."</p> <p></p> <p>About KPMG LLP </p> <p>KPMG LLP, the audit, tax and advisory firm (www.us.kpmg.com), is the U.S. member firm of KPMG International. KPMG International's member firms have 137,000 professionals, including more than 7,600 partners, in 144 countries.</p> <p></p> <pre> Contact: Manuel Goncalves KPMG LLP Tel: (201) 307-7735 mdgoncalves@kpmg.com </pre> <p></p> <p></p> <div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/942947571451216121-557104810965566795?l=advertisingmedianews.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>megaonoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-942947571451216121.post-31483296674947220152009-02-05T13:32:00.000+02:002009-02-05T17:16:54.720+02:00 <p> WINSTON SALEM, N.C., Feb. 5 /PRNewswire/ -- Help is on the way for businesses in the Triad. PRstore will host a grand opening celebration and after hours event on February 10 from 3-7 p.m. PRstore specializes in public relations and marketing solutions for small to medium size businesses. PRstore is located at the new Shoppes at St. George Square on Hanes Mall Blvd. beside Carmax.</p> <p> The Grand Opening Celebration will feature door prizes designed to help business owners increase business in the current economy. The grand prize winner will receive a Brandaid Brand Makeover, which includes a logo, business card, letterhead and envelope design. Second prize is dinner for two at Ombu restaurant.</p> <p> PRstore is a full service, affordable marketing firm targeting the public relations and marketing needs of small to medium sized businesses. The company provides businesses with a wide variety of marketing solutions and is uniquely positioned to help business owners prioritize how their marketing dollars should be spent. PRstore's marketing solutions include: logo design, web site development, search engine marketing, general public relations assistance, advertising product imprinting, marketing material development, etc.</p> <p> "PRstore is unique because we are the only marketing solutions center that serves the marketing needs of small to medium size businesses," said owner, David Phillips.</p> <p> The Triad PRstore is part of the national PRstore franchise. PRstore's retail units are supported by DesignCentral, a Charlotte-based staff of designers, copywriters, promotions specialists, web designers and printing coordinators who serve as the behind-the-scenes workforce for all PRstore locations. By centralizing their creative services, PRstore retail units can provide a quicker project turnaround and a more collaborative effort than has typically been available to small businesses.</p> <p> The Winston-Salem store joins more than 37 existing PRstore franchise units in 15 states stretching from New York to Hawaii. The emerging nationwide franchise network is forecasted to open more than 350 stores in all 50 states.</p> <p> "Our Grand Opening celebration will be the first of many events at PRstore," said Phillips. "We hope to help connect and educate business owners in the Triad."</p> <p> For more information about PRstore or the Grand Opening Celebration on February 10, please contact David Phillips or Mel Pearce at (336) 698-4444, dphillips@prstore.com.</p> <div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/942947571451216121-3148329667494722015?l=advertisingmedianews.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>megaonoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-942947571451216121.post-29724478108411333162009-02-05T13:00:00.000+02:002009-02-05T16:15:19.421+02:00 <p>DENVER, Feb. 5 /PRNewswire/ -- The Integer Group, one of the largest promotional and retail marketing agencies in the United States, has created a new position and promoted Lisa Deatherage, former Senior Vice President/Director of Marketing for Integer Corporate, to Chief Marketing Officer for Integer Denver.</p> <p></p> <p>(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090205/CG66893)</p> <p></p> <p>Deatherage has promoted Fortune 500 brands for over 15 years, 10 of those with the Omnicom Group, Integer's holding company. Her past retail experience includes HERSHEY's, Dean Foods, American Airlines, Campbell Soup Company, Nationwide, and GTE. Deatherage began her career with Procter & Gamble in their Grocery Retail Organization, handling all food/beverage, paper, and soap brands at retail.</p> <p></p> <p>"We felt that, in a competitive environment, an agency of our size should have someone totally dedicated to leading our efforts to grow and support our successful business. Lisa's marketing savvy and new-business experience has already resulted in the addition of industry-leading clients to the Integer roster," said Marc Ducnuigeen, President, Integer Denver.</p> <p></p> <p>Deatherage also sits on the Promotion Marketing Association (PMA) Shopper Marketing Center of Excellence and has been selected to be a 2009 REGGIE Awards judge.</p> <p></p> <p>About The Integer Group</p> <p>The Integer Group (www.integer.com) is one of America's largest promotional and retail marketing agencies and a key member of the TBWA Marketing Services portfolio. The Integer Group resides at the intersection of branding and selling and creates strategic marketing solutions for clients in categories that include beverage, packaged goods, telecommunications, fast food, home and shelter, and power sports. Join Integer in a conversation on shopping culture and brand strategy at http://www.shopperculture.com.</p> <p></p> <p>About TBWA</p> <p>TBWA Worldwide (www.tbwa.com) creates Disruptive ideas for global clients, including ABSOLUT, adidas, Apple, Beiersdorf, Henkel, Infiniti, Mars, McDonald's, Michelin, Nissan, Pernod Ricard, Pioneer, Samsonite, Standard Chartered Bank, Singapore Airlines, Sony PlayStation and Visa. TBWA is one of the fastest-growing Top-Five worldwide advertising agencies, and was named 2008 Global Agency of the Year by Advertising Age and Adweek magazines. TBWA has 267 offices in 77 countries, and approximately 12,000 employees worldwide.</p> <p></p> <p>About Omnicom</p> <p>Omnicom Group Inc. (NYSE: OMC) (www.omnicomgroup.com) is a leading global marketing and corporate communications company. Omnicom's branded networks and numerous specialty firms provide advertising, strategic media planning and buying, digital and interactive marketing, direct and promotional marketing, public relations, and other specialty communications services to over 5,000 clients in more than 100 countries.</p> <p></p> <p></p> <div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/942947571451216121-2972447810841133316?l=advertisingmedianews.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>megaonoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-942947571451216121.post-21951691607160976752009-02-04T23:30:00.000+02:002009-02-05T02:15:18.734+02:00 <p>KOS (TSX)</p> <p></p> <p>MONTREAL, Feb. 4 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ - Cossette Communication Group Inc. ("Cossette" or the "Company") recorded gross income of $57.9 million for the first quarter of fiscal 2009, ended December 31, 2008, down 2.3% from $59.3 million from the corresponding quarter of the previous fiscal year. Net earnings amounted to $1.6 million ($0.10 per share), compared to $3.4 million ($0.20 per share) in fiscal 2008.</p> <p>"Over the quarter, the economic slowdown experienced by most sectors did not spare our operations. Nevertheless, we continued to make every effort to consolidate business development. These efforts have borne fruit-particularly in Canada-and have enabled us, in light of current circumstances, to post relatively encouraging quarterly results in terms of revenue," said Claude Lessard, Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President.</p> <p>"Although operating profits were satisfactory in the United Kingdom and Canada, the recession made its presence felt more forcefully in the United States. However, I would stress that we have confidence in the potential of the American market. It is a market that continues to be one of our priorities as we support our people who, day in day out, deliver a spectacular product while meeting our clients' communications and business objectives," Mr. Lessard concluded.</p> <p>For the quarter, earnings from operations were $3.5 million, compared with $5.5 million in 2008. Cash flows from operating activities excluding the net change in non-cash working capital items amounted to $4.7 million, compared to $5.6 million last year.</p> <p>Management's Discussion and Analysis containing a full analysis of financial results is available on SEDAR (www.sedar.com).</p> <p></p> <p>Cossette Communication Group Inc. offers a full range of leading-edge communication services to clients of all sizes, including some of the most prestigious brands in the world. A customer-driven organization built around highly specialized business units, Cossette also offers Convergent CommunicationsTM, a unique working method that brings added value to the client by integrating various services offered by the Group, including strategic planning and research, advertising, media buying and channel planning, sales promotion, direct response, database and direct marketing, customer relationship management, interactive marketing and technology solutions, public relations, organizational communication and change management, sponsorship and alliance marketing, branding and design, ethnic marketing, business-to-business communications (B2B practices) and print and video production. Cossette has approximately 1,630 employees and offices in Quebec City, Montreal, Toronto, Vancouver, Halifax, New York, Irvine, Los Angeles, London, Moscow and Shanghai.</p> <p></p> <p>Forward-looking statements - This press release is not an offer of securities for sale. It may contain forward-looking statements concerning the Company's business, operations and strategies, including forward-looking statements within the meaning of section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 in the United States. The Company cautions that, by their nature, forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties and the Company's actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied in such statements, due to a variety of factors including downturns in general economic conditions and resulting changes in client business and marketing strategies, consolidation and globalisation of client brand strategies, the highly competitive nature of the communications industry, the greater resources available to much larger global agencies, low entry barriers for new competitors, dependence upon a limited number of clients contributing a significant percentage of income, inability to acquire new clients or new assignments from existing clients due to client policies prohibiting performance of similar services for competing products or companies, our ability to successfully integrate our acquired and to-be-acquired businesses and the retention of key management, creative and technical personnel. Reference should be made to the most recent annual Management's Discussion and Analysis for an in-depth description of major risk factors. The Company assumes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or any other reason, unless required by applicable laws. In the event the Company does update any forward-looking statements, no inference should be made that the Company will make additional updates with respect to that statement, related matters, or any other forward-looking statement.</p> <p></p> <p>Financial analysts are invited to participate in a conference call with management tomorrow February 5, 2009, at 2:00 p.m. The media and any stakeholders may attend the call in listening mode only. Please dial 514-861-1681 or 877-677-7769 (Canada & U.S.) or 00-800-6578-9898 (Global Toll Free). A replay will be available at 514-861-2272 or 800-408-3053, passcode 3279714# until February 21, 2009 and in the Investor Relations section of our website at www.cossette.com.</p> <p></p> <p>Appendix: Selected Financial Information</p> <p></p> <p></p> <pre> Cossette Communication Group Inc. Selected Financial Information (In thousands of Canadian dollars, except the number of shares and per share data) Results for the Three-month Periods ended December 31, 2008 and 2007 (unaudited) 2008 2007 Gross income 57,944 59,292 Operating expenses 54,487 53,804 Earnings from operations 3,457 5,488 Earnings before income taxes and non controlling interest 3,638 5,671 Earnings after income taxes 2,193 3,814 Non-controlling interest (626) (463) Net earnings 1,567 3,351 Cash flows from operations (before the net change in non-cash working capital items) 4,668 5,639 Net earnings per share Basic 0.10 0.20 Diluted 0.10 0.20 Weighted average number of shares outstanding ('000) Basic 15,827 16,621 Diluted 16,197 16,678 Balance sheet As at As at Dec. 31, Sept. 30, 2008 2008 (unaudited) (audited) Cash and cash equivalents 26,324 13,685 Current assets 217,986 225,201 Intangible assets 5,355 5,505 Goodwill 92,211 93,122 Total assets 340,349 348,356 Short-term borrowings, including bank overdraft - 37,649 Current portion of long-term debt 67 99 Balances of purchase price of subsidiaries (current portion) 14,197 14,566 Long-term debt 7,815 219 Balances of purchase price of subsidiaries 101 106 Shareholders' equity 135,843 134,212 </pre> <div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/942947571451216121-2195169160716097675?l=advertisingmedianews.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>megaonoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-942947571451216121.post-31750778161141248312009-02-04T12:00:00.000+02:002009-02-04T15:14:14.081+02:00 <p>Florida's Baby Boomers and Seniors Are Target Audiences for Unique Vision Correction Product</p> <p></p> <p>ALISO VIEJO, Calif., Feb. 4 /PRNewswire/ -- Bausch & Lomb, the global eye health company, announced today that a new advertising campaign has been launched in six Florida markets that will educate baby boomers and seniors about Crystalens(R), the nation's only FDA-approved accommodating intraocular lens (IOL). </p> <p></p> <p>Crystalens, which is a product of Bausch & Lomb, is the only FDA approved accommodating intraocular lens. Unlike the standard cataract replacement lenses, Crystalens not only eliminates the patient's cataract but also gives the patient full range of vision so that the patient can see near, far and everything in between. Many Crystalens patients hardly ever need their glasses or contacts again.</p> <p></p> <p>"This direct to consumer advertising campaign is showing great results in helping the +50 consumer understand that they can do something about their cataracts and their glasses with one surgery. The advertising encourages patients to talk to their ophthalmologist about whether they are candidates for Crystalens or to visit the Crystalens website (www.crystalens.com) to learn more about this exciting vision correction alternative," said Amy Jacobs, Director of Global Marketing for the Crystalens. </p> <p></p> <p>The advertising campaign will run in key Florida markets including Fort Myers/Naples, Jacksonville, Miami/Ft. Lauderdale, Tallahassee, Tampa/St. Petersburg and West Palm Beach. The campaign will use local television, radio and newspaper to target consumers who are 50 years old and older who are still major users of traditional mass media.</p> <p></p> <p>The advertising campaign, which has resumed its run in Dallas, Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina and St. Louis, generated a ten fold increase in traffic to the website, resulting in increased sales for Crystalens. </p> <p></p> <p>"We are very pleased that our company has invested in this direct to consumer campaign. Bad vision doesn't have to be part of getting older. The Crystalens allows cataract patients the opportunity not just to fix their eyesight, but to make it better," added Bausch & Lomb's Jacobs.</p> <p></p> <p>There are 3 million cataract surgeries every year. A cataract is a clouding on the normally clear lens in your eye. When it forms, the natural lens in the eye is replaced by an intraocular lens. The Crystalens not only fixes the patient's cataract, but it helps improve the patient's full range of vision. </p> <p></p> <p>Advertising research indicated that only a small fraction of people realize that not all intraocular lenses are the same. The research also indicated that a number of patients are willing to pay a little extra money in order to get the best vision. </p> <p></p> <p>"If you are planning to have cataract surgery, you should know about Crystalens. The advertising is designed to let Floridians know that they have a choice in vision correction that can help them improve their full range of vision," said Bausch & Lomb's Jacobs. </p> <p></p> <p>For more information about the Crystalens HD, go to www.crystalens.com or call toll free at 1-877-SEE BETTER.</p> <p></p> <p>About Bausch & Lomb</p> <p>Bausch & Lomb is the eye health company dedicated to perfecting vision and enhancing life for people around the world. Its core businesses include contact lenses and lens care products, ophthalmic surgical devices and instruments, and ophthalmic pharmaceuticals. The Bausch & Lomb name is one of the best-known and most respected healthcare brands in the world. Founded in 1853, the company is headquartered in Rochester, N.Y., and employs approximately 13,000 people worldwide. Its products are available in more than 100 countries. More information is available at www.bausch.com. </p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/942947571451216121-3175077816114124831?l=advertisingmedianews.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>megaonoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-942947571451216121.post-3271434260755612312009-02-04T11:00:00.000+02:002009-02-04T14:17:21.121+02:00 <p>INDIANAPOLIS, Feb. 4 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Emmis Publishing, a subsidiary of Emmis Communications Corporation (Nasdaq: EMMS), has announced that effective Tuesday, February 3, Chicago Magazine, owned by Tribune Company, will join the list of titles represented by Emmis Publishing's New York sales office.</p> <p></p> <p>"The roster of our shared advertisers continues to grow to the point where this makes great sense," said Ted Biedron, Publisher of Chicago. "Now one account executive can consult one client for multiple markets. It's very efficient." Chicago Magazine adds another major market to the group covering Atlanta, Los Angeles, Dallas, and Houston. </p> <p></p> <p>"In each of these markets, we help advertising partners reach their targets through our print product, on the web, and through community-related events," said Susie Love, Emmis Publishing's Executive Vice President/Director Sales and Marketing. "These titles deliver a compelling editorial environment, which results in the highest paid circulation in their areas."</p> <p></p> <p>Emmis titles represented in the New York office include Texas Monthly, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Orange Coast, Indianapolis Monthly, and Cincinnati.</p> <p></p> <p>Advertisers can call 1.212.986.7646 to contact Cindy Beesmer, President New York National Sales, Emmis Publishing.</p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>Emmis Communications - Great Media, Great People, Great Service(R)</p> <p>Emmis is an Indianapolis-based diversified media firm with radio broadcasting and magazine publishing operations. Emmis Publishing includes Los Angeles Magazine, Texas Monthly, Indianapolis Monthly, Orange Coast, Cincinnati Magazine, Atlanta Magazine and Country Sampler. In addition, Emmis owns 21 FM and 2 AM domestic radio stations serving the nation's largest markets of New York, Los Angeles and Chicago, as well as St. Louis, Austin, Indianapolis and Terre Haute, Ind. Emmis also owns a radio network, international radio stations, and an interactive business. </p> <p></p> <p>About Chicago magazine</p> <p>Chicago magazine, operated by Chicagoland Publishing Co., a subsidiary of Chicago Tribune Co., is the largest city monthly magazine in the nation. Its award-winning news and features, along with entertainment and dining listings, draw a circulation of more than 160,000. Chicago Tribune Co. also publishes the Chicago Tribune, flagship newspaper of Tribune Company.</p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/942947571451216121-327143426075561231?l=advertisingmedianews.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>megaonoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-942947571451216121.post-11287685000050668292009-02-04T10:00:00.000+02:002009-02-04T13:04:39.831+02:00 <p>Consumers Flock to 'the Trusted Resource(R)' for New Car Information</p> <p></p> <p>IRVINE, Calif., Feb. 4 /PRNewswire/ -- Kelley Blue Book, www.kbb.com, the leading provider of new and used car information, today reports a significant increase in new-car Web traffic for the Hyundai Genesis, Audi A6 and Toyota Venza following the airing of their respective new vehicle ads during Super Bowl XLIII, on Sunday, February 1.</p> <p></p> <p>The Hyundai Genesis experienced 82 percent more page views with the launch of its advertisements to promote the new vehicle. Audi's A6 commercial, featuring action star Jason Statham, attracted enough attention to drive traffic to Audi A6 pricing reports up 45 percent during the Super Bowl. In addition, traffic on kbb.com for Toyota's all-new Venza increased 13 percent. </p> <p></p> <p>"When it comes to new-vehicle information consumers go where they can get timely, accurate information, Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com to learn more information about the featured models," said Rick Wainschel, senior vice president of marketing and analytics for Kelley Blue Book. "Our Web traffic data shows the online effect today's vehicle commercials have on shoppers and where they go to find the latest new-vehicle information."</p> <p></p> <p>Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com hosts a variety of tools and features to support the new- and used-car shopping experience. With pricing, photos, reviews, and free dealer price quotes, consumers have the information they need to make an educated purchase decision. Furthermore, kbb.com provides access to vehicle highlights, local dealers and special offers and incentives. </p> <p></p> <p>About Kelley Blue Book (www.kbb.com) </p> <p>Since 1926, Kelley Blue Book, The Trusted Resource(R), has provided vehicle buyers and sellers with the new and used vehicle information they need to accomplish their goals with confidence. The company's top-rated Web site, www.kbb.com, provides the most up-to-date pricing and values, including the New Car Blue Book(R) Value, which reveals what people actually are paying for new cars. The company also reports vehicle pricing and values via products and services, including software products and the famous Blue