Media and Marketing Mix

ESW Partners/Chicago debuts 10th anniversary video

2009-11-06T21:14:15Z

Some ad agencies merely pop open a few bottles of bubbly to celebrate their 10th anniversary. ESW Partners/Chicago was considerably more ambitious. Late last month, to celebrate their 10th year in business, the folks at ESW debuted part one of a two-part video documentary called "10 Years Ahead."

ESW rounded up no fewer than 25 "opinion leaders" (yes, we were one of them) to record their thoughts about the future of the advertising industry. We have seen part one and enjoyed hearing what a really diverse cross-section of people in the business had to say on the topic. Part two of the ESW video project will, we are told, be posted soon at www.10yearsahead.com. For part two, viewers will be asked to join in the conversation with their thoughts about the advertising business10 years down the road.

Jim Signorelli, needless to say, is happy his agency has survived to see its 10th anniversary. "Ten years ago we were three people whose assets were a desktop computer and a dream," said Signorelli, adding "it's surreal to think that today we are on the Inc. magazine list of the 500 fastest-growing independent companies in the United States."

William Byrne joins Euro RSCG/Chicago PR department

2009-11-06T00:13:59Z

William Byrne has joined Euro RSCG/Chicago as manager of corporate communications. Byrne most recently served as manager of public relations and corporate communications at Classic Residence by Hyatt. In his newly-created position at Euro RSCG, Byrne will report to Euro RSCG Chief Communications Officer Eric Edge.
Byrne will work closely with the Euro RSCG Chicago leadership team to develop new communications programs, both for the agency's employees and its various external audiences. "(Byrne's) passion for communications, specifically its role in the digital and social media space, will be wonderful as we promote the agency's unique thought leadership," added Edge. Byrne received his Bachelor of Arts in communications from DePaul University. He also is part of the Second City Training Center in Chicago.

Clear Channel Radio Chicago forms Urban Network sales unit

2009-11-04T21:53:40Z

Clear Channel Radio Chicago has formed what it calling a "one-stop shop" for advertisers to capitalize on the buying and listening power of the African-American consumer. Effective Nov. 6, the Clear Channel Chicago Urban Network will coordinate ad sales on three Clear Channel outlets -- WGCI-FM (107.5); WVAZ-FM (102.7) and WGRB-AM (1390). "Each station targets and influences a different segment of the population," said Earl Jones, president and market manager of Clear Channel Radio Chicago. Together, the three stations reach more than 1.2 million African-Americans weekly.

Advertisers who purchase the Clear Channel Chicago Urban Network will receive a cross-platform of marketing opportunities, including radio, digital and events. "Clear Channel is more than radio -- we are a media and entertainment company," explained Jones. Darlene Park will be general sales manager for the Urban Network, and Derrick Brown will assume the role of director of urban programming for the three urban properties.

Wirestone/Chicago wins A.C. Moore Arts & Crafts digital account

2009-11-04T17:48:03Z

A.C. Moore Arts & Crafts Inc., a specialty retailer headquartered in Berlin, N.J., has tapped Wirestone/Chicago as their digital agency of record. This is a new relationship with no prior agency, and billings were not disclosed. Wirestone's first efforts for A.C. Moore will break later this month and will include the launch of the company's first social media platform called "The Common Thread." The agency also will be working on connecting with crafters through the digital channels by providing ideas and inspiration, A.C. Moore deals, exclusive product information and project ideas generated both from the company and the crafting community.

Jeep campaign from Global Hue hits a new low in advertising

2009-11-03T21:02:47Z

Ghastly. Unspeakably bad. Pompous. Empty. These are but a few of the descriptives that coursed through our mind as we watched what may be a new low in the world of consumer advertising, namely a new TV commercial for Jeep from Global Hue in Southfield, Mi., called "Time."

Even as the bar for acceptable advertising has dropped lower and lower in recent years, not much out there rises above the merely acceptable. But rarely have we come across a spot as bad as "Time," part of a new campaign with the tagline "I live. I ride. I am. Jeep." The campaign is to be formally unveiled Wednesday during a seven-hour presentation by Sergio Marchionne, the new CEO of the Chrysler Group and the reigning CEO of Fiat.

Marchionne and his underlings reportedly will talk tomorrow about their grand plan for turning around the Chrysler company and breathing new life into the beleaguered Detroit auto industry -- new life funded in large part with bailout money from our federal government.

But if this new Jeep campaign -- as vacuous as it is -- is any indication of how Marchionne and his crew hope to make Jeep a better, more in-demand brand, then there's big trouble ahead. We've looked at "Time" several times now, and it's absolutely impossible to comprehend what the message is supposed to be. Somewhere hidden inside the impenetrable voiceover copy there seems to be a statement trying to come out about what kind of people will appreciate the Jeep brand. But the spot is so busy trying to be clever and important and impactful that the point of it is totally buried - leaving us with what is basically 30 seconds of slickly-edited visual and verbal gibberish. And that vapid tagline is surely one of the worst ever conceived.

After watching "Time," one is invariably forced to wonder who could be foolish -- or dim-witted -- enough to green-light drivel like this? We can only point the finger of blame at Marchionne and hope he quickly comes to his senses.

Lew's view: F-

DraftFCB/Chicago lands Del Monte promotions work

2009-11-03T16:01:01Z

DraftFCB/Chicago has been named consumer promotions and shopper marketing agency of record for Del Monte Foods' entire portfolio of pet products brands, including Meow Mix, Kibbles 'n Bits, 9 Lives, Milk-Bone and Pup-Peroni. In addition, Catapult Action Biased Marketing will be the consumer promotions and shopper marketing agency of record Del Monte Foods' entire portfolio of consumer products brands, including Del Monte College Inn, Contadina and S&W. "These new agencies will serve as strategic thought partners -- working with Del Monte Foods brand teams to develop and execute programs that resonate with consumers and customers," said Bill Pearce, senior vice-president and chief marketing officer for Del Monte Foods.

Eli's Cheesecake to team with "Banana Shpeel"

2009-11-02T23:30:11Z

Trust us when we say Chicago's Eli's Cheesecake company knows a marketing opportunity when the company sees one. And the city's most famous cheesecake operation clearly sees one in hooking up with the world premiere engagement of Cirque du Soleil's new vaudeville spectacle "Banana Shpeel," debuting at the Chicago Theatre on Nov. 19, and running through Jan. 3, 2010. To celebrate the occasion, Eli's has developed, appropriately enough, a new banana cheesecake flavor that it will introduce at the theater and sell in the form of a "banana dipper," a chocolate-coated piece of cheesecake on a stick. For those unable to make it to the theater, Eli's plans to make the cheesecake available for sale in a limited number of retail outlets. The dippers and the banana cheesecakes also will be available online at elischeesecake.com, and at Eli's Cheesecake World, 6701 Forest Preserve Dr.

Joe Gersh to head ad sales for three Clear Channel Radio Chicago outlets

2009-11-02T22:51:40Z

Effective Nov. 11, 2009, Joe Gersh will become general sales manager for three Clear Channel Chicago radio outlets: WLIT-FM (93.9), WKSC-FM (103.5) and Mega 95.5 (formerly WNUA-FM). Most recently, Gersh served as the director of business development at NRS Media in Atlanta, Ga. NRS Media is a Sydney, Australia-based media sales training and consulting company currently working with 174 local TV/cable, radio and newspaper media outlets in the United States. "Joe brings a wealth of experience with an extensive background in media sales management, advertising and marketing," said Matt Scarano, director of sales for Chicago Channel Radio Chicago.

Chicago Blackhawks ratings continue growth on Comcast SportsNet

2009-11-02T22:39:49Z

No surprise here. Chicago Blackhawks ratings continue to improve on Comcast SportsNet Chicago, where the resurgent hockey team's games are broadcast live. CSNC's Blackhawks ratings averaged a 1.6 rating in October, a 60 percent increase on the 1.0 average in October a year ago. And compared to the 0.4 rating in October, 2007, the current October, 2009, ratings number represents a 300 percent increase. With a 2.7 rating, the Blackhawks' October 14th game against Vancouver delivered the highest-ever regular season rating for a televised game.

Euro RSCG/Chicago lands Learning Curve Brands

2009-11-02T22:31:22Z

Learning Curve Brands, a wholly-owned subsidiary of RC2 Corp., has retained Euro RSCG/Chicago as agency of record for its mom, infant and toddler business, following a review. Euro RSCG's first effort will be development of an integrated ad campaign for the company's The First Years brand, which will introduce a line of infant nursing, sleep and care products in 2010. "We're delighted to be working with a brand that plays a critical role in the lives of families across the country," said Jamie King, president of Euro RSCG/Chicago, adding "we look forward to helping this brand realize its full emotional and economic value."

Tom Hudson from "First Business" headed to "Nightly Business Report"

2009-10-28T17:04:17Z

Tom Hudson, co-anchor and managing editor of First Business Network's nationally-syndicated "First Business" is leaving the program after an eight-year stint to take a job with PBS' longstanding "Nightly Business Report." First Business Network is a subsidiary of Chicago-based Weigel Broadcasting. "First Business" is seen locally on Weigel's WCIU-Channel 26.

Hudson has been a fixture on "First Business" program since mid-2003. A search is currently underway for Hudson's successor. Hudson's co-anchor Beejal Patel will continue on with the show. "Tom Hudson is an exceptional broadcast journalist, and we wish him the best," said "First Business" Executive Producer Harvey Moshman, who hopes to have Hudson's replacement on board by the end of the year.

In recent years, the 30-minute "First Business" product had featured Hudson and Patel offering commentary from the floors of the Chicago Mercantile Exchange and Chicago Board of Trade, as well as the show's expanded studios in the west loop. The show first launched in 1989 as a production of the United States Chamber of Commerce in Washington, D.C., and it is now syndicated in 126 markets nationally. Over the years "First Business" has attracted various high-profile sponsors, including Sprint, Ameritrade and IBM.

WFLD-Channel 32 brings back Debbie Carpenter as sales chief

2009-10-27T14:56:57Z

Debbie Carpenter is returning to Fox-owned WFLD-Channel 32 and sibling station WPWR-Channel 50 as vice president and general sales manager, effective immediately. She will be responsible for all sales initiatives for the two stations and report to Michael Renda, general manager for the two stations.

Previously, Carpenter served as vice-president and general manager for both of the Fox-owned stations in Chicago from 2004 to 2006. Carpenter also served as vice-president and general sales manager of WFLD from 1994 to 2000. Renda said of Carpenter: "Her deep understanding of the market, combined with her proved record and entrepreneurial spirit, made her the ideal choice to lead our sales team."

Beam Global Spirits out at Energy BBDO/Chicago

2009-10-26T20:51:06Z

Energy BBDO/Chicago and Deerfield-based Beam Global Spirits & Wines have ended a six-year relationship. The parting of the ways comes as Energy BBDO was just releasing a new TV campaign for the Jim Beam brand with the tagline "Guys Never Change; Neither Do We." The departure of the Beam business from Energy BBDO also comes just a month after Kevin George, a former Unilever executive, was named Beam's new global chief marketing officer. George replaced Rory Finlay, who had been with Beam for three years. Over the past number of years, Beam Global Spirits has seen considerable churn in its executive suite, including the marketing department.

Despite Energy BBDO's award-winning work for the Beam bourbon and Canadian Club whiskey brands, the Beam company was prone to testing the relationship between client and agency. Sources say Beam quietly put the Beam and Canadian Club business into review almost a year ago, and Energy BBDO was forced to compete with Goodby Silverstein & Partners/San Francisco and Droga5/New York to hold on to the accounts. Energy BBDO prevailed in that review with the "Guys Never Change" work that is now hitting the air.

Sources say Energy BBDO had not budgeted much or any income from Beam for 2010, so massive layoffs are not expected as a result of the loss of the Beam account.

Euro RSCG/Chicago great place for Gen Y'ers new study says

2009-10-26T16:36:58Z

Euro RSCG/Chicago has been ranked No. 4 on the list of the top 50 Gen Y employers in Chicago in a new study released by Brill Street. The study, conducted over the past six months, explored areas such as compensation and benefits, employee perks, corporate social responsibility, advancement potential, training opportunities and the nature of the day-to-day work. Chicago employers whose workforces are comprised of at least 10 percent Gen Y employees were eligible for consideration in the study.

Brill Street, in its report, described Euro RSCG as a shop where "ideas flow freely, voices are heard, and Gen Y is valued." The study went on to say that Euro is a "leader in a highly creative industry and a great place to work." Responding to the study release, Euro RSCG Chief Communications Officer Eric Edge said the shop was "honored to have been the only ad agency to make the top 5 in this ranking."

Now if Euro could only win some big accounts for all those apparently happy Gen Y'ers!

Upshot acquires Emerge Digital

2009-10-26T16:22:44Z

Chicago-based Upshot has acquired long-time partner Emerge Digital, a Naperville-based interactive agency with expertise in Web design, online promotions, social media, mobile phone marketing and branded interactive games -- capabilities that Upshot hopes will make it a more competitive shop. Emerge has relocated to Upshot's headquarters at 350 N. Orleans in Chicago.

"Our acquisition of Emerge reflects our commitment to consumer engagement," said Brian Kristofek, Upshot's president and CEO. With the acquisition of Emerge, Upshot's client roster grows to include Consumer Reports, Cirque du Soleil, HBO, Harpo and Visa. Over the years, Upshot and Emerge have collaborated on various projects for clients such as Kraft Foods, MillerCoors and Aircell's GoGo Inflight Internet.

Growth in interactive is projected to outpace all other areas of marketing over the next few years.