Press Releases - Campbell Ewald Los Angeles - Adforum.com

Zane Benefits Publishes New Information on Insurance Agents’ Role in Marketplaces

2013-05-17 23:10:05

Today, Zane Benefits, Inc. published a new information on insurance agents’ role in Marketplaces. Zane Benefits, which provides comprehensive and flexible alternatives to traditional employer sponsored health benefits, is the leader in health care reform, defined contribution and health reimbursement arrangements.

According to Zane Benefits’ website, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) recently released a much-anticipated statement and Q&A on the role of agents, brokers, and web-brokers in the health insurance Marketplaces.

According to HHS, individuals and small businesses who access health insurance coverage through their state Marketplace will be able to receive assistance in a variety of ways, including in-person, online, and phone support. The statement provides more information about how agents will register with the Marketplaces, assist consumers in applying for plans and receive commissions.

This statement relates mostly to the states defaulting to a federally-facilitated Marketplace (26 states at time of writing) or a state-federal partnership Marketplace (7 states). The 18 states planning for a state-based Marketplace are defining their own regulations and procedures.
Role of Agents in Health Insurance Marketplaces

According to Zane Benefits’ website and the HHS, agents and brokers (including web-brokers) will play a role in educating consumers about Marketplaces and insurance affordability programs, and will help consumers receive eligibility determinations, compare plans, and enroll in coverage. HHS anticipates that in addition to assisting individuals, agents and brokers will play a "critical role in helping qualified employers and employees enroll in coverage through the Small Business Health Options Programs (SHOPs)."

The release specified that agents and brokers intending to work with consumers in federally-facilitated and state-partnership Marketplaces will be able to enroll consumers in two ways: through an issuer’s website or
through the Marketplace's website.

Either way the registered agent’s or broker’s identifying information will be passed along to the appropriate issuer to facilitate the issuer’s payment to the agent or broker for each enrollment transaction.

Agent Registration with the Health Insurance Marketplace

According to Zane Benefits’ website and the HHS, for the federally-facilitated or partnership Marketplaces, all agents and brokers must register with CMS so that they may assist qualified individuals for individual Marketplace coverage.

CMS expects that an online registration process will begin in the summer of 2013, prior to open enrollment in October 2013. The registration process will require the agent or broker to:

- Confirm identity by answering a number of simple questions online.

- Complete a Marketplace-specific online training course.

- Agree to comply with federal and state laws, rules, standards and policies, including those related to privacy and security policies, as a condition of working with consumers in the Marketplace.

Once registered, the agent or broker will receive a unique Marketplace user ID. This unique identifier, along with the agent’s or broker’s national producer number (NPN), will be used in issuing compensation from the issuer to the agent or broker.

Enrolling Consumers in the Health Insurance Marketplace via Issuers Website

According to Zane Benefits’ website and HHS, many agents and brokers already use issuer websites to assist consumers, and will be able to continue using issuer websites to work with consumers in the federally-facilitated Marketplaces. This issuer-based "pathway" will be available to agents and brokers who are assisting individual consumers starting in the fall of 2013.

HHS says "An agent or broker initiates this pathway by logging on to the issuer’s website. Once the consumer determines that he or she would like to apply for coverage through the federally-facilitated Marketplace, the agent or broker will be securely redirected from the issuer’s agent website to the Marketplace website to complete the eligibility application, using his or her federally-facilitated Marketplace user ID to access the Marketplace website. The agent or broker will be prompted to enter his or her federally-facilitated Marketplace user ID and NPN as part of the eligibility application."

Click here to read full article.

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About Zane Benefits
Zane Benefits was founded in 2006 to provide a revolutionized SaaS (Software-as-a-Service) administration platform ("ZaneHRA") for Health Reimbursement Arrangements (HRAs) and defined contribution health care. The flagship software provides a 100% paperless administration experience to employers and insurance professionals that want to offer better health benefits without a traditional group health insurance plan at lower costs. For more information about ZaneHRA, visit http://www.zanebenefits.com.

Zane Benefits Publishes New Information on Vermont Health Insurance Exchange

2013-05-17 19:30:00

Today, Zane Benefits, Inc. published a new information on the Vermont Health Insurance Exchange. Zane Benefits, which provides comprehensive and flexible alternatives to traditional employer sponsored health benefits, is the leader in health care reform, defined contribution and health reimbursement arrangements.

According to Zane Benefits’ website, starting in 2014 as part of health care reform, health insurance coverage for individuals and small businesses will become available through new state health insurance exchanges. Most importantly, the key tax credits (e.g. the small business healthcare tax credits) and tax subsidies (e.g. individual health premium subsidies) will only be available for coverage purchased through their state health insurance exchanges.

Under health care reform, there will be an exchange (also called "marketplaces") in every state. All states have three options for setting up a state health insurance exchange for 2014: build a state-based exchange, enter into a state-federal partnership exchange, or default to a federally-facilitated exchange.

Vermont plans to offer a state-based exchange that will open October 1, 2013 (for coverage starting January 1, 2014) under the name "Vermont Health Connect."

Vermont Health Insurance Exchange

According to Zane Benefits’ website, the Vermont Health Insurance Exchange will be a marketplace where Vermont individuals, families and small businesses can compare health plans and select a plan that fits their needs and budget. All plans offered through Vermont Health Insurance Exchange will by Qualified Health Plans (QHPs), meeting federal guidelines. According to Vermont Health Connect, the Exchange website will have easy-to-understand, side-by-side comparisons of plan’s costs and benefits.

The Vermont Health Insurance Exchange will also provide information on tax credits and public programs. The Exchange will provide assistance to residents selecting a health plan or using the website by phone or in person.

The Vermont SHOP exchange will be available for small businesses with 50 or fewer employees starting in 2014. In 2016, small businesses with 100 or fewer employees will be able to offer coverage for their employees through Vermont's SHOP Exchange.

According to healthcare.gov, 44,105 or 8% of Vermont’s non-elderly residents are uninsured, of whom 37,179 (84% of these) may qualify for either tax credits to purchase coverage in the Marketplace or for Medicaid if Vermont participates in the Medicaid expansion. Vermont currently supports Medicaid expansion.

History of Vermont Health Insurance Exchange

According to Zane Benefits’ website, Vermont is approaching the health care reform differently than many other states. On May 26, 2011, Governor Peter Shumlin signed into law HB 202, a state health reform law that puts the state on a path toward establishing a single-payer health care system. As an interim step, the law created the Vermont Health Benefit Exchange to meet the requirements of federal health reform.

The state plans to offer a state-based exchange as part of federal health reform, and in 2017 the state plans to apply for a federal Waiver for State Innovation to transition to Green Mountain Care, the new public-private single-payer system that will provide coverage for all state residents. In May 2012, the Governor signed additional health system reform legislation further defining the role and duties of the Green Mountain Care Board and the Exchange (HB 559).

On January 3, 2013, Vermont received conditional approval from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish a state-based exchange.

Plans Available Through the Vermont Health Insurance Exchange

According to Zane Benefits’ website, Vermont has released preliminary premium rates on their website. The rates, which are subject to regulatory review, will range from $1,700 for premium family coverage to $745 for catastrophic coverage. For a single person, rates will range from $600 for premium coverage to $265 for catastrophic coverage. These rates do not take into account the premium tax credits that will be available to most individuals and families

Click here to read full article.

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About Zane Benefits
Zane Benefits was founded in 2006 to provide a revolutionized SaaS (Software-as-a-Service) administration platform ("ZaneHRA") for Health Reimbursement Arrangements (HRAs) and defined contribution health care. The flagship software provides a 100% paperless administration experience to employers and insurance professionals that want to offer better health benefits without a traditional group health insurance plan at lower costs. For more information about ZaneHRA, visit http://www.zanebenefits.com.

SWA Group Projects Win 15 Design Awards From AAA 5-Diamond and American Society of Landscape Architects

2013-05-17 18:59:31

SAUSALITO, CA (May 17, 2013) – SWA Group, one of world’s leading landscape architecture, planning and urban design firms, announced today 15 projects being honored with regional and international awards.

SWA studio teams in Houston and Dallas walked away with an impressive 13 awards from the Texas chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects. In the “Design Constructed” category of completed work, SWA was honored for Dallas-Ft Worth area projects Deloitte University, Tarrant County College, and Victory Park and for Houston’s new Rosemont Bridge over Buffalo Bayou. In the category of “Design-Unrealized”, Tangshan Fangshan National Geology Park, Sanya Haitang Bay Resort, Sino-Singapore Nanjing Eco-Tech Island, Nanjing AVIC Science and Technology Center, Yuan Dang Lake, and Old River Park were award winners. “Planning & Analysis” winners were Airline Market Mile and Coastal Resilience from the Houston office, and the Dallas team was honored with the “Classic” award for the heralded Mexico resort, Las Ventanas.

Las Ventanas and another SWA-designed resort in the Baja peninsula, Capella Pedregal, were named in the prestigious AAA 5 Diamond Awards, one of the highest-regarded awards in the travel and resort industry. Of the many luxury properties in Cabo San Lucas area, only these two received the 5 Diamond award this year -- both also SWA designs. Capella Pedregal rests at the confluence of desert mountains and the Sea of Cortez, offering guests a design that celebrates both Mexican architecture and garden heritage mixed with modern design. Las Ventanas al Paraiso explores the drama of the harsh desert climate, with design strategies that allow for a low-density site plan to preserve site features and provide every unit with a panoramic view to the horizon.

SWA Group (www.swagroup.com), established in 1957, is an international landscape architecture, planning and urban design firm with offices in Los Angeles, Laguna Beach, CA, Sausalito, CA, San Francisco, Dallas, Houston and Shanghai. Since its inception, SWA Group has worked in over 60 countries, and its projects have garnered more than 700 awards.

Real Estate Expert, Carin Nguyen, Named as One of America’s PremierExperts®

2013-05-17 14:50:14

Carin Nguyen has recently been named as one of America’s PremierExperts® in recognition of her success and knowledge as an real estate expert.

Orlando, Fla. – May 13, 2013 –Carin Nguyen has recently been acknowledged by America’s PremierExperts® as one of the leading experts in her field. America’s PremierExperts® recognizes leading experts, across a wide array of industries, who are willing to provide information and education to consumers as a public service.

Carin Nguyen takes the business of real estate very seriously and she has the track record to prove it. She is the team leader of The Carin Nguyen Team, which holds the prestigious title and ranking of the #1 Real Estate Team in AZ and #2 in the US for sides as awarded by the Wall Street Journal. Carin is an Arizona native and fully understands the complexities and changing landscape of the Arizona market. A rich resume built with a tireless commitment to her clients, undeniable proven past success create the recipe for complete customer satisfaction.

America’s PremierExperts® LLC is an organization that honors an exclusive group of celebrity experts who are dedicated to spreading knowledge and awareness in their field of expertise and making significant contributions to their industry and the marketplace as a whole. America’s PremierExperts®, was launched by Nick Nanton, Esq., and J.W. Dicks, Esq., the world’s leading experts on business growth through personal branding, and authors of the best-selling book, “Celebrity Branding You®.”

For more information on Carin Nguyen, visit www.SoldByCarin.com.

For more information about America’s PremierExperts® please visit http://www.AmericasPremierExperts.com.

About America’s PremierExperts® LLC:

America’s PremierExperts® is an organization that recognizes business experts for their willingness to promote free expert content in their field of expertise to consumers and journalists alike, while offering business owners, entrepreneurs, professional speakers, authors, professionals and corporate CEOs exclusive, invitation-only, opportunities for further exposure and growth in the marketplace. JW Dicks, Esq. and Nick Nanton, Esq., top agents to celebrity experts around the world, founded America’s PremierExperts® to honor entrepreneurs, CEOs, authors, professional speakers and businesspeople who are dedicated to spreading knowledge and awareness in their field of expertise and making significant contributions to their industry and the marketplace as a whole.

WILEY X®, INC. SPONSORING “TOP-SHOT” CHAMPION DUSTIN ELLERMANN

2013-05-17 14:11:27

Premium performance eyewear innovator Wiley X, Inc. has announced a sponsorship agreement with Dustin Ellermann, a Texas-born competitive shooter who has captured the imagination of people across the country — and not just with his superior marksmanship.

Ellermann’s recent accomplishments include taking the Grand Prize on the History Channel’s top-rated program “Top Shot”, where leading competitive shooters from around the world showcase their skills in a series of extreme marksmanship challenges. His performance on the show — particularly impressive given that he is largely self-taught — captured the attention of fellow competitors, viewers, and even traditional media outlets nationwide. “Dustin may be the best shooter we’ve ever had,” is how “Top Shot” host Colby Donaldson summed up Ellermann’s run through the show’s third season. It was a sentiment echoed by many of the viewers of the show, who quickly became fans of Dustin’s and expressed their admiration for him throughout the season.

Those who interact with Ellermann come away just as impressed with the 28-year-old’s character. In addition to competing on the national stage, Ellermann is Director of Camp His Way, a summer Christian kids camp and year-around retreat facility. Combining his love for working with youth and passion for shooting, Ellermann will host several weekend Youth Marksmanship Camps at the facility. These events in the fall will focus on safety, marksmanship skills and becoming men and women of character — along with having plenty of fun. Ellermann is also actively involved in speaking at churches, men’s groups and youth events to share his faith, zest for life and inspirational story. A true family man, Ellermann and his wife have three children and serve as foster parents,
as well.

“Dustin isn’t just a winner, he’s a person of character and a great role model for America’s young men and women,” said Wiley X Co-Owner Myles Freeman, Jr. “His is an inspiring story, having no formal training — and through hard work and dedication — competing with and beating some of the best trained shooters in the world. When you combine this accomplishment with his work to positively influence the lives of youngsters through his camps, it’s no surprise that Wiley X is proud to be associated with Dustin and to support his efforts,” added Freeman.

Wiley X is a leading manufacturer of protective eyewear products for shooting sports, hunting and tactical/military use. Wiley X is the only premium sunglass brand with the ANSI Z87.1 High Velocity and High Mass Impact Safety rating on every pair of glasses it makes. In addition, certain Wiley X shooting models — including its popular Changeable Series models with interchangeable lenses — meet the latest GL-PD 10-12 MCEP standard (which supersedes the MIL-PRF-31013 Ballistic Standard) for combat protective eyewear. Even though they may never compete on television to be America’s “Top Shot,” every shooting and hunting enthusiast can benefit from the same advanced vision protection as Dustin Ellermann.

For more information about Wiley X’s sponsorship of Dustin Ellermann, or the company’s extensive line of premium protective eyewear for shooting, hunting and all outdoor activities, visit Wiley X, Inc. at 7800 Patterson Pass Road, Livermore, CA 94550 • Telephone: (800) 776-7842 • Or visit online at www.wileyx.com.

Zane Benefits Publishes New Information on Health Insurance Navigators

2013-04-21 03:30:00

Today, Zane Benefits, Inc. published new information on Health Insurance Navigators. Zane Benefits, which provides comprehensive and flexible alternatives to traditional employer sponsored health benefits, is the leader in defined contribution and health reimbursement arrangements.

According to Zane Benefits’ website, on April 9, 2013, the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released a Funding Opportunity Announcement for health insurance marketplace navigators. The release came one week after the HHS released proposed rules for navigators. Eligible self-employed individuals and private and public entities can apply to serve as Navigators in the 33 states with a Federally-facilitated or State-Federal Partnership health insurance marketplace. CMS anticipates that each state will be awarded at least two grants.

Federal Navigator Funding Opportunity Summary

According to Zane Benefits’ website, the navigators, which CMS envisions as individuals and entities that will provide consumers with unbiased information about exchanges, health insurance plans, qualified health plans, and public programs including Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program, are a brand-new role in the healthcare industry.

The CMS announcement states that applicants must be “self-employed individuals and private and public entities" and lists several eligible groups including trade, industry and professional associations, chambers of commerce, unions, licensed insurance agents and brokers, state or local human services agencies, etc. As with other releases, CMS notes that during their term as navigators, individuals and entities are not permitted to receive any direct or indirect consideration from a health insurance issuer connected to the enrollment of individuals into Qualified Health Plans (QHPs) or non-QHPs.

Ineligible entities include health insurance issuers, subsidiaries of health insurance issuers, associations that include members of, or lobbies on behalf of, the insurance industry, or recipients of any direct or indirect consideration from any health insurance issuer in connection with the enrollment of any individuals or employees in a QHP or non-QHP.

CMS anticipates that each state will be awarded at least two grants, one of which will go to a well-established non-profit. Amounts will vary by state population with the largest award expected to go to Texas. The awarded grants will initially provide funding for one year. CMS will train the navigators, but navigators must also comply with state licensing or certification requirements.

Federal Navigator Funding Opportunity - Amounts of Grants

According to Zane Benefits’ website, the funding opportunity provides up to $54 million in total funding. Grants will range from $600,000 to $8.1 million based on the number of uninsured lawfully residing residents in the state. Thirteen states will receive the minimum funding level of $600,000 while Florida and Texas will receive a large portion of the funding at $5.8 and $8.1 million respectively. A list of states with the number of uninsured residents can be found in the application.

Federal Navigator Funding Application

According to Zane Benefits’ website, those who are interested in applying for navigator funds must submit a letter of intent by May 1 with the final application due may June 7. Grant award recipients are expected to be announced by August 15, coinciding with the launch of navigator training and the certification process.

As we've discussed previously, it is important to note that health insurance agents and brokers do not need to become navigators to assist their clients with exchange-based coverage. It appears that in many states, agents and brokers will be able to work with their clients and then receive compensation through the health insurance carriers just as they do today. However, final rules have yet to be released for the federally-facilitated marketplace.

Click here to read full article.

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About Zane Benefits
Zane Benefits was founded in 2006 to provide a revolutionized SaaS (Software-as-a-Service) administration platform ("ZaneHRA") for Health Reimbursement Arrangements (HRAs) and defined contribution health care. The flagship software provides a 100% paperless administration experience to employers and insurance professionals that want to offer better health benefits without a traditional group health insurance plan at lower costs. For more information about ZaneHRA, visit http://www.zanebenefits.com.

Zane Benefits Publishes New Guide on Kentucky Health Insurance Exchange

2013-04-20 00:01:00

Today, Zane Benefits, Inc. published a new guide on Kentucky Health Insurance Exchange. Zane Benefits, which provides comprehensive and flexible alternatives to traditional employer sponsored health benefits, is the leader in defined contribution and health reimbursement arrangements.

According to Zane Benefits’ website, starting in 2014, as part of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), health insurance coverage for individuals and small businesses will become available through new state health insurance exchanges. All states have three options for setting up a state health insurance exchange for 2014: Build a state-based exchange, enter into a state-federal partnership exchange, or default to a federally-facilitated exchange

Kentucky plans to offer a state-based exchange called Kentucky Health Benefit Exchange. The Exchange will open in October 2013, for coverage starting January 1, 2013.

Kentucky Health Benefit Exchange

According to Zane Benefits’ website, The Kentucky Health Benefit Exchange will operate as an online marketplace where individual Kentuckians and employees of small businesses can comparison shop for health insurance based on cost, benefits and quality. The Exchange will also allow individuals and businesses to apply for premium subsidies and tax credits, and learn if they are eligible for public coverage under Medicaid or the Kentucky Children's Health Insurance Program (KCHIP). Initially, the small business marketplace (SHOP) will be for employers with 50 or less employees.

Approximately 640,000 Kentuckians are uninsured (approximately 15% of the population).

Kentucky Health Insurance Exchange - How was it Formed?

According to Zane Benefits’ website, on July 17, 2012, Governor Steven L. Beshear issued Executive Order 587 establishing the Kentucky Health Benefit Exchange after the Supreme Court ruled to uphold the Affordable Care Act (ACA). The Executive Order establishes the Office of the Kentucky Health Benefit Exchange “within the Cabinet for Health and Family Services.” On December 14, 2012, Kentucky received conditional approval from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish a state-based exchange.

Kentucky Health Insurance Exchange - Role of Insurance Professionals

According to Zane Benefits’ website, formal information has not yet been released on the role of agents and brokers with the Exchange. However, it is expected that producers will be allowed to sell policies offered through the Kentucky Health Insurance Exchange, and receive commissions directly from the carrier. It is also expected that producers will need to register, attend training and be certified to sell policies offered on the Exchange.

Kentucky Health Insurance Exchange - Role of Navigators

According to Zane Benefits’ website, under the ACA a Navigator program is required to provide educational materials and assistance to individuals and small businesses accessing the new online health insurance marketplace. Kentucky is currently developing a Navigator program in accordance with federal requirements. According to the Exchange website, Navigators will play a large role with outreach efforts in all 120 counties.

Click here to read full article.

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About Zane Benefits
Zane Benefits was founded in 2006 to provide a revolutionized SaaS (Software-as-a-Service) administration platform ("ZaneHRA") for Health Reimbursement Arrangements (HRAs) and defined contribution health care. The flagship software provides a 100% paperless administration experience to employers and insurance professionals that want to offer better health benefits without a traditional group health insurance plan at lower costs. For more information about ZaneHRA, visit http://www.zanebenefits.com.

Finance Expert, Jim Byrd, Signs Publishing Deal With CelebrityPress For New Book, “Victory”

2013-04-19 10:11:43

Jim Byrd will team with CelebrityPress, a leading book publishing company, and several leading experts from around the world to release the book, “Victory”

Orlando, Fla. – March 4, 2013 – Jim Byrd has joined America’s leading experts, along with best-selling author and speaker, Tom Hopkins, to co-author the forthcoming book titled, “Victory: The World's Leading Experts Reveal Their Secrets for Winning in Health, Wealth, & Success in the New Economy.” Nick Nanton, Esq., along with business partner, JW Dicks, Esq., recently signed a publishing deal with each of these authors to contribute their expertise to the book, which will be released under their CelebrityPress imprint.

Jim Byrd is a fee based Investment Advisor Representative and owner of Safe Harbor Financial Services. A fee based advisor is paid to provide non-biased options on products, strategies and tax solutions.

Throughout his career, Jim won numerous management awards and other various awards such as: Leader's Conference, President's Conference as well as industry honors including Top of the Table Million Dollar Round Table and Court of the Table. Jim has also held a number of positions with civic organizations including: President of Airport Metro Kiwanis, President of Mobile Association of Life Underwriters, President of General Agents and Managers Association, Chairman of the Board and Ambassador of the Year for the Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce. Safe Harbor Financial also has the honor of winning the Small Business of the Year award for 2012. Jim is heard on WABF and Talk FM radio and seen on Fox 10/Studio 10 Dollars and Sense.

“Victory” will feature the components in common that these CelebrityExperts® display, and are the basic tenets of success – including discipline, planning and perseverance. The one item that ties them all together is their ability to spread their ideas to their audience/clients. In the same way that the best unboxed mousetrap never caught a mouse, the best ideas unreleased remain ideas. So, allow these CelebrityExperts® to guide, coach and encourage you to attain that VICTORY you dream about and deserve. The royalties from this project will be given to Entrepreneur’s International Foundation, a not for profit organization dedicated to creating unique launch campaigns to raise money and awareness for charitable causes. The book is expected to be published in June 2013.

For more information please visit www.safeharfin.com

About Celebrity Press™:

Celebrity Press™ is a business book publisher that publishes books from thought leaders around the world. Celebrity Press™ specializes in helping its authors grow their businesses through book publishing. Celebrity Press™ has published books alongside Brian Tracy, Dr. Ivan Misner, Ron Legrand, Mari Smith, Kelly O’Neil, Alexis Martin Neely and many of the biggest experts across diverse fields.

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Contact:
Lindsey Showalter
Dicks and Nanton Celebrity Branding Agency®
800-980-1626
lshowalter@dnagency.com

Junior Achievement and FGCU present CEO Academy

2013-04-19 10:11:00

Entrepreneurial teens can discover what it takes to become a successful business leader at CEO Academy, an exclusive one-week summer camp. Presented by Junior Achievement of Southwest Florida in partnership with the Lutgert College of Business at Florida Gulf Coast University, CEO Academy will take place at the Lutgert College of Business June 10-14. Applications for the camp are now being accepted until May 1, 2013.

Open to rising high school juniors and seniors from Collier, Lee and Charlotte counties, CEO Academy teaches students the basics of starting and operating a successful business. With the guidance of experienced local business leaders, entrepreneurs and FGCU professors, students work in project teams to develop a unique business concept and comprehensive business plan.

Through local support, Junior Achievement of Southwest Florida is pleased to announce that $1000 college scholarships will be awarded to each of the students on the winning team for the business plan competition that is held at the conclusion of the camp. The judging panel will consist of past Junior Achievement Laureates, who themselves are exceptional entrepreneurs and have been recognized for making a significant contribution to the economic development of Southwest Florida while adhering to high moral and ethical principles. This opportunity provides students with invaluable knowledge and experience from successful business leaders and entrepreneurs, an excellent addition to a college application and the chance to participate in future Junior Achievement events.

Interested students may apply by contacting their school guidance counselor or the Junior Achievement office at 239-225-2590. There is a $100 application fee, which is fully refundable if the student is not selected. The deadline for applications to the Junior Achievement office is May 1, 2013.

Please find application details at: http://www.jaswfl.org/classroom. Camp hours are Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Friday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Junior Achievement is the world's largest organization dedicated to inspiring and preparing young people to succeed in a global economy. Through a dedicated volunteer network, Junior Achievement of Southwest Florida Inc. provides in-school and after-school programs for students in Collier, Lee and Charlotte counties that focus on three key content areas: work readiness, entrepreneurship and financial literacy. Today, 122 individual area operations reach more than 4 million students in the U.S., with an additional 5 million students served by operations in 120 other countries worldwide. For more information about Junior Achievement of Southwest Florida, contact Anne Frazier at 239-225-2590 or info@jaswfl.org. Our website is www.JASWFL.org.

Deb Cheslow Signs Publishing Deal With CelebrityPress For New Book, “New Rules of Success”

2013-04-19 10:05:47

Deb Cheslow will team with CelebrityPress, a leading book publishing company, and several leading experts from around the world to release the book, “New Rules of Success”

Orlando, Fla. – April 12th, 2013 – Deb Cheslow has joined a select group of the world’s leading experts to co-write the forthcoming book titled, “New Rules of Success: The World's Leading Experts Reveal Their Top Secrets to Help You Achieve Optimal Health, Wealth and Lifestyle.” Nick Nanton, Esq., along with business partner, JW Dicks, Esq., recently signed a publishing deal with each of these authors to contribute their expertise to the book, which will be released under their CelebrityPress imprint.

Deb Cheslow is a two-time best-selling author, speaker, corporate trainer, and peak performance strategist who has spent her entire life defying the odds to achieve goals that should not have been possible from any logical viewpoint. The media regularly seeks her out for her perspective on achieving breakaway success in business and in life. Deb has been seen on NBC, ABC, CBS and FOX affiliates, as well as in Newsweek, Reuters, The Boston Globe, The Miami Herald, Yahoo Finance and MarketWatch.com, among many others.

Famous for her no-nonsense, results-oriented style, Deb is known for asking the question, “Where would your life be if every time you said ‘I Should…,’ you actually DID?” She shares a systemized strategy for achieving success beyond your wildest dreams that is based upon four foundational pillars – discipline, accountability, standards and systems. Deb teaches a process for looking fear in the face and then acting in spite of that fear.

She has lived a remarkably courageous life and now views it as her mission to share the strategies she has used (and continues to use) to create incredible success in her own personal and professional life with individuals, teams, organizations and companies so they can do the same.

The forthcoming book will showcase a group of experts who illustrate the success that can be found in the new economy. They each illustrate their success with accomplishments that give them the authority and credibility to act as guide, tutor or mentor. While the principles they highlight remain constant, their methodology required them to adapt to the New Economy. The royalties from this project will be given to Entrepreneur’s International Foundation, a not for profit organization dedicated to creating unique launch campaigns to raise money and awareness for charitable causes. The book is expected to be published in August 2013.

About Celebrity Press™:

Celebrity Press™ is a business book publisher that publishes books from thought leaders around the world. Celebrity Press™ specializes in helping its authors grow their businesses through book publishing. Celebrity Press™ has published books alongside Brian Tracy, Dr. Ivan Misner, Ron Legrand, Mari Smith, Kelly O’Neil, Alexis Martin Neely and many of the biggest experts across diverse fields.

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Contact:
Lindsey Showalter
Dicks and Nanton Celebrity Branding Agency®
800-980-1626
lshowalter@dnagency.com

SIX EARLY EDUCATORS HONORED AS 2013 PRESCHOOL TEACHER OF THE YEAR WINNERS

2013-04-04 17:46:00

LOS ANGELES – Six early childhood educators will be honored as the Los Angeles County Preschool Teacher of the Year Award winners. Selected from a large pool of nominated teachers throughout Los Angeles County, the awards honor outstanding teachers in each of the county’s five Supervisorial districts, who go above and beyond the call of duty to prepare their students for kindergarten and beyond. The winners will be recognized during an evening celebration at the Globe Theatre in Universal Studios Hollywood on Thursday, April 4, 2013.

The winners are Beatriz Sackett at John Tracy Clinic in Los Angeles; May Webster at Whelan State Preschool in Lennox; Christine Morrison at Stanley Mosk Elementary in Winnetka; Antonio Garza, Jr., at Los Molinos Elementary in Hacienda Heights; Juana M. Guzmán at All Season's Children's Learning Center in Arcadia; and Jennifer Weisbart at Burbank Elementary in Pasadena.

Los Angeles Universal Preschool (LAUP) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide access to quality preschool education to the children of Los Angeles County. LAUP has been honoring exceptional preschool teachers through these awards for six years. The recognition includes a $2,000 prize for each winner through the Elizabeth Lowe/Bob Weekley Award for Excellence in Preschool Teaching.

“These winners are a talented group of educators and are truly the unsung heroes in the field of early education,” said Celia C. Ayala, chief executive officer of LAUP. “All six make an extraordinary impact on each child that crosses their path, and devote their energy to help bring out the best in each preschooler. Because of their individual and collective experiences, thousands of children are thriving today and better prepared for their futures.”

LAUP will also present Los Angeles County Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky with the Elizabeth Hamilton Lowe Child Advocacy Award for his commitment and dedication to the development of young children. News Anchor Ellen Levya of KABC-TV Channel 7 will serve as Master of Ceremonies. Visit www.laup.net for event information.

About LAUP: Los Angeles Universal Preschool (LAUP) is a non-profit network of more than 300 preschool sites, established to fund a free or low-cost, quality preschool education to the children of Los Angeles County in order to better prepare four-year-olds to succeed in school. LAUP has raised the level of quality preschool programs throughout the county by advancing teacher training, enriching curricula and offering a safe and nurturing environment for more than 60,000 preschoolers since 2005. LAUP is funded in part by First 5 LA. www.laup.net.

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SIX EDUCATORS HONORED AS 2013 PRESCHOOL TEACHER OF THE YEAR AWARD WINNERS!

2013-04-04 17:44:00

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The New Expresso HD Bike Makes its Public Debut to Rave Collegiate Reviews at NIRSA in Las Vegas

2013-04-04 16:39:29

Sunnyvale, California – April 4, 2013 – Last month, Interactive Fitness introduced the new Expresso HD Bike at the National Intramural-Recreational Sports Association (NIRSA) Annual Conference & Recreational Sports Exposition in Las Vegas, and it received rave reviews from college recreation leaders, including from attendees who competed in the NIRSA Interactive Cycling Challenge.

Gaining fans at dozens of colleges across the nation, the Expresso Bike from Interactive Fitness is an exciting new way to engage students and members. Additional information about the Expresso Bike from Interactive Fitness is available by going to the Interactive Fitness college website.

In Las Vegas, as an example of the kind of engaging community competitions available on the Interactive platform, the NIRSA Interactive Cycling Challenge featured eight men and eight women from colleges and universities across the nation, representing their schools in a single-elimination, bracketed cycling challenge. In the women’s competition, Allison Yarrow from Millersville University won the title with Ali Casqueiro from Oregon State finishing second, Danielle Caldwell from Oregon State finishing third, and Emily Charnowsi from Boston College finishing fourth.

Casqueiro is the Membership Coordinator in the Department of Recreational Sports at Oregon State University. “I signed up to compete on the new Expresso HD Bike at NIRSA in Las Vegas to be part of something active and engaging in my first visit to NIRSA. I had never seen the Expresso HD Bike before, but as an avid cycler and as a cycling instructor, I was curious,” said Casqueiro. “After my first ride on the Expresso HD Bike I was definitely hooked! The opportunity to ride against others, the whole interactive part, it was so different for me. Sometimes training for cycling can be a lonely sport; you need to visualize in your mind what a course might look like, with the Expresso Bike you don’t need to visualize, it’s all there for you. The courses were great, and varied, definitely challenging. That last ride we had I was exhausted. A whole different workout every time I was on the Expresso Bike. I’ve seen bikes like this before, but never rode on one. It was a really fun experience, I enjoyed the competition and the camaraderie, the virtual completion ability gives you the competitive spirit in a virtual setting that is refreshing and unique.”

In the men’s competition, Matt Stancel from the University of Iowa took first place and won the $300 prize, with Reed Phinisey from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln finishing second, Jared Utterback from Montclair State third, and Steve DiPaolo from Stanford University fourth.

DiPaolo is the Director of Marketing and Senior Coordinator of Rec Facilities in the Physical Education, Recreation and Wellness division of the Stanford University Athletic Department. “I had my first chance to ride the new Expresso HD Bike at NIRSA in Las Vegas. Overall, I was very impressed. When I’m working out normally I have a hard time psyching myself up, like on a spin bike or a stationary bike. The Expresso Bike makes the experience much more enjoyable,” DiPaolo said. “I thought the new Expresso Bike was quite comfortable, as a cardio bike it offers a seamless experience. The only cycling I usually do is a spin class, but with the Expresso Bike there is so much to learn, so many options, and all of them are easy to learn, easy to control. It was an enjoyable experience. We rode over three different courses, one was a 2.5 mile course, the next a five mile course, the last day, a one mile time trial. The graphics were great, compared to other bikes I’ve seen it’s like night and day. The Virtual Competition is sure a great differentiator – I think for a student or staff – giving them an additional incentive to compete on this bike. It creates an added element of excitement and interest. The two choices, competing with a friend or competing against your previous rides is impressive. I would definitely recommend the new Expresso HD Bike to anyone interested in bringing the experience of Virtual Competition in a state-of-the-art bike that encourages your riders and members.”

Phinisey is the Graduate Assistant for Strength Training and Conditioning and a Personal Training Supervisor in the Campus Recreation department at University of Nebraska-Lincoln. “I had never ridden an Expresso Bike before, but I was informed of the competition prior to the conference and I was interested in what this equipment had to offer,” said Phinisey. “Once competing and experiencing the equipment at varying intensities I was very impressed with its practicality. With being an avid cyclist I was mostly fascinated with the organic feel of the rides corresponding to courses we rode and it’s response to the manual shifting features. The Expresso Bike was un-like any other stationary bike I had ever ridden before as the bike has features that most stationary bikes don’t have, being the shifting capabilities and clip-in features. I would consider it the closest transparency to actually being outside and riding on a road or competitive bicycle. The experience was riveting to say the least, the features of this bike truly captured what it is like to ride outdoors whether that is competitively or just for recreation. The virtual competition with other colleges and other riders is great! It gives us recreational professionals an opportunity to offer some truly special programming to our student populations. I feel this type of equipment is on the cutting edge of fitness technology and with the ever-growing interest in the virtual aspect it is definitely a piece of equipment to consider for purchasing.”

Well beyond a stationary bike, the Expresso Bike from Interactive Fitness is the one product that does it all. It enables riders to experience full virtual reality, as they ride through over 40 different “worlds,” ranging from a one-mile speed course to a 20-mile mountain climb. And it replaces “cardio isolation” by keeping the riders “social” -- every Expresso Bike is connected via the Internet, enabling riders to share their rides, and compete “virtually” with riders in other locations around the country, instantly. The Expresso Bike features state-of-the-art electronics and features designed to stimulate the mind as well as the body, and enable riders in one location to virtually race against another rider or group of riders in another location. These “Virtual Races” are stored and remembered, tracking progress automatically as the rider becomes stronger and healthier.

For additional information on the Expresso Bike from Interactive Fitness, visit the Interactive Fitness college website.

GEICO and Good Sports Unite To Assist the Boys and Girls Club of Brockton

2013-04-04 15:22:17

April 3, 2013 (Brockton, MA) – Good Sports, a national nonprofit organization, and GEICO teamed up to support the sports program at the Boys and Girls Club of Brockton by providing them with a variety of sports equipment, including basketballs, soccer balls and flag football equipment. Most importantly, the program will receive basketball uniforms for the boys’ travel team.

“Activities like team sports can help students learn about teamwork, commitment, character, time management and sportsmanship,” said Rick Hoagland, GEICO regional vice president. “Students need proper uniforms and equipment to learn these lessons, and we’re pleased to partner with Good Sports to help support the sports program at the Boys and Girls Club of Brockton.”

As the Boys and Girls Club of Brockton’s Athletic Director, Mario Lamarre explains, “This donation is giving us more hope. Even with the best staff in the world, it is difficult to run effective programming without proper equipment. With this donation, we will be able to run numerous activities on a nightly basis, and that will help us enhance our reach to even more of these youth in the Brockton Community.”

The donation is part of an ongoing community partnership between Good Sports and GEICO that will help bring new equipment and resources to youth sports organizations in Massachusetts throughout 2013.

“Our goal is to ensure all kids have the opportunity to engage in sports and fitness and all the benefits that go along with those opportunities. We are excited to partner with GEICO to make this donation to the Boys and Girls Club of Brockton as we believe this donation will give more kids a chance to participate,” said Christy Keswick, chief operating officer at Good Sports.

About GEICO

GEICO (Government Employees Insurance Company) is a member of the Berkshire Hathaway family of companies and is the third-largest private passenger auto insurance company in the United States. GEICO provides millions of auto insurance quotes to U.S. drivers annually. The company is pleased to serve more than 11 million private passenger customers and insures more than 18 million vehicles (auto & cycle).
GEICO’s online service center helps policyholders take care of policy sales, policy changes, claims reporting and to print insurance ID cards.
GEICO also provides insurance quotes on motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), travel trailers and motorhomes (RVs). Coverage for boats, life, homes and apartments is written by non-affiliated insurance companies and is secured through the GEICO Insurance Agency, Commercial auto insurance and personal umbrella protection are also available.
For more information, go to www.geico.com.

About Good Sports

Good Sports helps to lay the foundation for healthy, active lifestyles by providing athletic equipment, footwear, and apparel to disadvantaged young people nationwide. By partnering with sporting goods manufacturers, Good Sports is able to get the necessary equipment into the hands of the kids that need it most, giving them a chance to get in the game. Since 2003, Good Sports has provided over $6 million worth of equipment to nearly 750 youth programs, impacting more than 400,000 kids. For more information on how you can support Good Sports, please visit www.goodsports.org.

MMA Steps Out of the Cage and Into the Bedroom in New Novel, EXTREME LOVE

2013-04-04 14:12:00

Fort Collins, CO-- Releasing April 30, 2013 from Entangled Select, EXTREME LOVE is poised to be the next breakout novel in women's fiction and resonates with a message of emotional rebirth. Readers who love Lori Foster's best-selling series about MMA fighters will adore Abby Niles' new spin on the hot heroes of this sport—and the spunky women who fall for them.

After winning a lifelong battle of the bulge, life turns topsy-turvy for the book’s heroine, Caitlyn Moore. Ultimately, she learns to accept her new body and wardrobe, and finds true love in the process. "My own personal journey was the inspiration for EXTREME LOVE," explains Niles. "I lost 80 pounds. It was extremely hard for me to let go of a mind-frame I'd spent a lifetime with. I'd look in the mirror and there was a smaller version of me looking back, but I still saw every insecurity staring back at me." Niles took this premise and crafted the authentic and relatable Caitlyn, a heroine readers will root for.

Women everywhere struggle with weight loss. A central message in EXTREME LOVE encourages women to find an exercise they love—working out doesn't have to be miserable."It doesn't matter what it is: Zumba, step, combat, running...whatever sweat-inducing activity that makes you smile while you are doing it...find it. Everything else will click after that," says Niles.

Why MMA? It's a hot genre twist that makes a great backdrop for a book. "I adore and respect the sport. These men truly are warriors in their own right and when mega-hottie and extreme fighter, Dante Jones, came to life in my mind, I couldn't think of a better way to entertain readers," Niles adds.

About the book:

EXTREME LOVE by Abby Niles, Contemporary Romance, 293 pages, Print ISBN:978-1-62061-246-0, ePub ISBN:978-1-62061-247-7, from Entangled Select.

About the author:

Abby Niles has always loved to read. After having twins and becoming a stay-at-home mom, she started doodling stories to keep her sanity. She didn’t plan for writing to become an obsession, but it did. Today, she juggles a day job, two rambunctious children, and writing.

She's a huge fan of the UFC and Georges “Rush” St. Pierre and is always anticipating his next fight, where he'll defend his title. She also loves Zumba, and refuses to admit she looks more like Animal doing his Muppet flail than a sensual Latin dancer.

Twitter: @abbyniles

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/abbynilesauthor

Author location:

North Carolina

BUD LIGHT BIG AIR FRIDAYS START IN SNOWMASS FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 8

2013-02-12 16:55:11

Aspen/Snowmass, Colo. February 6, 2013 – Once again Aspen/Snowmass will host Bud Light Big Air Fridays on Fanny Hill in Snowmass Friday, February 8, and 15 and March 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29 and April 5 from 2:00-2:45 p.m. The competition will be hosted at Buttermilk on February 22 in conjunction with the Aspen/Snowmass Freeskiing Open.

Spectators will witness a variety of high-flying antics displayed by the best new school fliers in the area, as skiers and snowboarders launch from the big air jump on Fanny Hill. Practice is from 1:00-1:45 p.m. followed by the official competition from 2:00-2:45 p.m. Don’t miss the Little Air competition, inviting kids of all ages to come out and compete for giveaways on a mini-jump just after Big Air Fridays. Bud Light Big Air Fridays runs every Friday from February 8 through April 5 at 2 p.m. Stick around Snowmass after the competition for plenty of food and drink specials in Base Village

“We are really excited to bring back Bud Light Big Air Fridays for its eleventh year," said Cat Leonitis, Event Marketing, Aspen Skiing Company. “It's great to see the progression of the event and the caliber of riding we see each week."

The competition is a forty-five minute jam session beginning at 2 p.m. Judges choose four skiers and four snowboarders from the jam session to continue on to the finals. Judges will choose the athletes based on over-all impression. The finalists will have one jump and then be placed according to best-trick.

Registration is open to the public from 1:00 - 1:45 p.m. on the day of the event and the entry fee is $20. Registration is at a tent on Fanny Hill at the base of the big air jump. All competitors are required to wear a helmet and complete a waiver (if you are under 18 years old you must have a parent or guardian complete the waiver). Must be at least 13 years old to compete.

Schedule of Events for the Bud Light Big Air Fridays
1:00 p.m. - 1:45 p.m. Competitor registration at the registration tent on Fanny Hill
1:00 p.m. - 1:45 p.m. Course is open for practice to registered competitors with bibs
2:00 p.m. - 2:45 p.m. Bud Light Big Air Jam Session Competition on Fanny Hill
2:45 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. Bud Light Big Air Finals
3:00 p.m. - 3:15 p.m. Little Air Competition

Thanks to our sponsors Bud Light, Helly Hansen, Audi, Coca-Cola, The Town of Snowmass Village, GoPro, Clif Bar, American Express, GNC, The Aspen Times, Smith, Frias, and D&E Ski and Snowboard Shop.

Photos: http://www.flickr.com/photos/aspensnowmass/sets/72157632702171941/

Aspen Skiing Company operates the four mountains in the Aspen/Snowmass area - Snowmass, Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands and Buttermilk - as well as the award-winning Ski & Snowboard Schools of Aspen/Snowmass. The area offers unparalleled nightlife and off-slope activities as well. Aspen/Snowmass is accessible by two of the most convenient airports in the mountains – Aspen/Pitkin County Airport (ASE) (3 miles from Aspen) and Eagle County Airport (EGE) (70 miles from Aspen). For more information on Aspen Skiing Company, please call 800-525-6200 or 970-925-1220, or visit the company’s website at www.aspensnowmass.com.
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Major restoration begins at South Pass City

2013-02-12 16:49:54

The J. J. Marin Stamp Mill has had a complex life! All 10 tons of it arrived in South Pass City in 1868, just as the first South Pass City gold rush was hitting its peak. Hauled in by horse & wagon the mill was first set along Willow Creek.
This huge machine crushed gold-bearing ore under steel stamps. A continuous flow of water pushed finely crushed ore, out from under the stamps & onto mercury-coated copper tables located below the machine. The free gold would stick to the mercury & be collected later.

As the first bust settled in, the mill was sold & moved to the other end of South Pass City. Then it was moved again, & again, & again. All in all, the mill has had five homes in the South Pass area. This summer it will return to its 1896 location. SPC received a grant from the Wyoming Cultural Trust Fund to move & restore the mill as part of the Flood & Hindle Mining Trail. This 1.6 mile trail will interpret early mining features at South Pass City.

This January as the wind & snow blew at South Pass City the State Parks Central Construction Office in Shoshoni was busy milling the huge timbers that will support the J.J. Marin Stamp Mill, its ore bins, & copper tables. The structure will be built off site & moved into placed this summer.

Follow us on Facebook for more information.

Hydroponically Grown Ravinia School Lettuce Featured at Prairie Grass Cafe in Northbrook

2013-02-12 16:21:25

Chicago North Shore restaurant, Prairie Grass Cafe (601 Skokie Blvd.; Northbrook, IL.; 847-205-4433) has partnered with Ravinia School students by featuring their hydroponically grown lettuce on the menu. Each week the members of the Green Growers Club along with program head, third grade teacher Dennis Brosseau, deliver a shipment of freshly harvested green butter lettuce to Prairie Grass Cafe chefs Sarah Stegner and George Bumbaris. The lettuce is featured as the special Ravinia School Salad that is served with blue cheese dressing, apple slices and warm croutons ($9.50).

"The lettuce is delicious and the children have been a joy to work with. It's rewarding to see their energy and enthusiasm. Supporting this in-school project is foundational in what we hope to achieve at Prairie Grass Cafe. Our country's future is dependent on the health and education of our children. Our partnership with Ravinia Elementary School hits to the heart of how business and community can work together to empower our children. Everyone benefits. I strongly believe that having a food curriculum in school is paramount. The kids get to see where food comes from beginning to end and each step of the way. It changes the way they think and ultimately educates them in making smarter food choices," said Sarah Stegner.

"The experience has been wonderful!" remarked Brosseau. "Sarah, George, and Dan [Sviland, general manager of Prairie Grass Cafe] have embraced the opportunity to feature our product. We deliver it by 4:15 p.m. each Friday, and it sells out by Sunday. My family and friends have eaten the salad at the Cafe and it is wonderful like all of their food."

The Green Growers Club operates in two sessions; from September to April they focus on the hydroponically grown lettuce. Thirty-five students are involved in the program, divided into five teams. The school's greenhouse contains seven growing tables where students plant the lettuce on a staggered basis, ensuring a crop harvest each week. Every Monday additional plants are germinated. By 4 p.m. Friday, 24 to 36 heads of lettuce are ready to be harvested and sold to Prairie Grass Café as well as teachers, the Highland Park Board of Education, and to other buyers.

In April for the spring session, the club switches its focus to soil plants. Students in grades kindergarten through second grade plant dwarf sunflower plants. By May the students have an opportunity to present those plants as Mother's Day gifts. The third grade students will plant and nurture upwards of 600 zinnia and cockscomb celosia plants to sell at the upcoming Third Grade Plant Sale in early June. Several hundred of these plants can be found throughout the school, beautifying the grounds. Students also grow medium sized tomato plants and basil pots to sell. The Green Growers Club follows the students throughout their time at Ravinia, and when the students are ready to move on to another school they are gifted with a potted basil plant.

The program was started by now retired teacher, Paul Grant, "My friend... now retired, started growing basil hydroponically in his classroom many years ago. I apprenticed with a table in my classroom, too. In 1999 he approached the Parent Teacher Organization about building a greenhouse for the students to use. After a conscientious fund raising effort by the parents and staff, the greenhouse was built in 2000. The Green Growers Club grew basil, Paul's baby, for many years. When he retired, I took over and lettuce became our main cash crop, along with the annual, June Third Grade Plant Sale," said Brosseau.

About Hydroponics
Hydroponics is a controlled system, used as an alternative to growing plants in soil. The process yields a consistent quality product with little or no trouble from the natural elements such as insects, pests and weather. The entire process produces a tasty and nutritious plant.

About Ravinia School
Ravinia School is located at 763 Dean Avenue, Highland Park, IL on Chicago's North Shore. The school currently serves more than 300 kindergarteners through fifth grade students. Ravinia now has 20 classrooms and 8 additional instructional areas including a greenhouse. More information can be found by calling (224) 765-3700 or by visiting www.edline.net/pages/Ravinia_ES.

About Prairie Grass Cafe
Prairie Grass Cafe (601 Skokie Blvd.; Northbrook, IL; 847-205-4433) supports Chicago's Green City Market and local sustainable farms, selecting the freshest ingredients to reflect the season. Prairie Grass Cafe currently serves lunch Monday - Friday 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and dinner Monday through Sunday. Dinner is served Tuesday - Thursday from 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 5 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., and Monday and Sunday 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Prairie Grass Cafe also serves breakfast Saturdays 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Sundays 9:30 p.m. to 2 p.m. Light fare is available in the bar Monday through Friday 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. For more information or to make a reservation, please call (847) 205-4433 or visit www.prairiegrasscafe.com.

Zane Benefits Publishes New Information on Stand-alone HRAs and Health Insurance Premiums

2013-02-12 15:30:00

Today, Zane Benefits, Inc. published new information on Stand-alone HRAs and Health Insurance Premiums. Zane Benefits, which provides comprehensive and flexible alternatives to traditional employer sponsored health benefits, is the leader in defined contribution and health reimbursement arrangements.

According to Zane Benefits’ website, over the last 2 weeks, we have received several inquiries regarding PHS Act Section 2711 annual limit requirements and how it affects the future of stand-alone Health Reimbursement Arrangements (HRAs). This article outlines a special exemption from the 2711 rules for most stand-alone HRAs that reimburse health insurance premiums.

What Is an HRA?

According to Zane Benefits’ website, Health Reimbursement Arrangements are employer-funded medical expense reimbursement plans that reimburse employees up to a set dollar amount for medical expenses (defined in Code section 213(d)) per year. The IRS determines the rules and regulations for HRAs. Generally, HRAs must comply with Sections 105 and 106 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.

What Expenses Are Eligible For Reimbursement From an HRA?

According to Zane Benefits’ website, HRAs can reimburse employees for medical care expenses as defined by IRS Section 213(d), which include amounts paid for:

(A) the diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease,
(B) transportation costs to receive medical care described in (A),
(C) qualified long-term care services as defined in section 7702B (c), or
(D) insurance.

What Is Section 2711?

According to Zane Benefits’ website, Section 2711 of the PHS Act, as added by the Affordable Care Act, generally prohibits group health plans from imposing lifetime or annual limits on the dollar value of essential health benefits.

On June 28th, 2010, the federal government issued the following regulations for Section 2711:

"§ 2590.715-2711

No lifetime or annual limits.

(a) Prohibition—

(1) Lifetime limits. Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, a group health plan, or a health insurance issuer offering group health insurance coverage, may not establish any lifetime limit on the dollar amount of benefits for any individual.

(2) Annual limits— (i) General rule. Except as provided in paragraphs (a)(2)(ii), (b), and (d) of this section, a group health plan, or a health insurance issuer offering group health insurance coverage, may not establish any annual limit on the dollar amount of benefits for any individual.

(ii) Exception for health flexible spending arrangements. A health flexible spending arrangement (as defined in section 106(c)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code) is not subject to the requirement in paragraph (a)(2)(i) of this section.

Click here to read full article.

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About Zane Benefits

Zane Benefits was founded in 2006 to provide a revolutionized SaaS (Software-as-a-Service) administration platform ("ZaneHRA") for Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRAs) and defined contribution healthcare. The flagship software provides a 100% paperless administration experience to employers and insurance professionals that want to offer better health benefits without a traditional group health insurance plan at lower costs. For more information about ZaneHRA, visit http://www.zanebenefits.com.

Quarles & Brady’s Roger Ferland to Receive Distinguished Alumnus Award from Lewis & Clark College

2013-02-12 15:16:30

The national law firm of Quarles & Brady LLP announced that Roger K. Ferland, head of the firm's Phoenix office Environmental and Natural Resources Law Group, will receive the 2012 Distinguished Alumnus Award from Lewis & Clark College.

Each year, the national Board of Alumni chooses an alumnus from a pool of nominations submitted by other alumni, faculty, and staff to receive the Lewis & Clark Distinguished Alumnus Award. The award is bestowed upon one individual that the board considers to have rendered superior performance and service in their chosen field or community, while continuing to reflect values of their alma mater in their career and service. Ferland is receiving the award for his renowned career in environmental policy and natural resource law, as well as his volunteer work with veterans in his community. He was nominated by Jean Ward, professor of Communication and Ferland's former debate coach. He will receive the award at the Alumni Honors Banquet on February 23, 2013 in Portland, Oregon.

“I am thrilled to have been chosen as the recipient of such an award, especially from a what I am sure was an incredible group of candidates,” said Ferland. “To be honored for doing work that I enjoy and feel so strongly about is a true blessing and journey that I plan on continuing to embark on for some time.”

Ferland has practiced in the areas of environmental and natural resources law in both the public and private sector since 1975. He serves as Chairman of the Board of Audubon Arizona and is Co-chair of the Audubon Science and Policy Committee. He has been an adjunct professor of environmental law at Arizona State University College of Law, and is listed in Chambers USA® (the only Arizona Environmental attorney with Chambers’ highest “Star” ranking). Ferland was the first recipient of the Michael J. Brophy Distinguished Service Award presented by the State Bar of Arizona's Environment and Natural Resources Section. He received his law degree, with distinction, from Duke University School of Law and his bachelor’s degree, magna cum laude, from Lewis & Clark College.

About Lewis & Clark Board of Alumni
The Board of Alumni is the governing body of the Alumni Association. Their basic charge is to strengthen ties between and among alumni and the College. Through strategic planning, the Board oversees and advises the College on programs to benefit alumni, and on ways that alumni can serve the College.

About Quarles & Brady LLP
Quarles & Brady LLP is a full-service law firm with more than 400 attorneys practicing from offices in Phoenix and Tucson, Ariz.; Naples and Tampa, Fla.; Chicago, Ill; Madison and Milwaukee, Wis.; Washington, D.C.; and Shanghai, China. The firm provides an array of legal services to corporate and individual clients, which range from small entrepreneurial businesses to Fortune 100 companies. Additional information about the firm may be found at www.quarles.com, and on Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook.

MotorCity Casino Hotel Launches New Outdoor Campaign Brand Look

2012-12-04 10:30:00

Warren, Michigan (December 4, 2012) –– Clever new MotorCity Casino Hotel billboards are popping up all over metro Detroit with an updated look and new messaging –– at MotorCity, you can enjoy a variety of luxurious amenities, from restaurants and live entertainment at Sound Board to gaming and the hotel and spa, all in one place.

Created by Campbell Ewald, the new outdoor billboards juxtapose words and pictures to show the contrast and breadth of everything you can do at MotorCity Casino Hotel. For example, one of the boards shows images of a guest enjoying a concert at Sound Board and dice being rolled at a casino table next to the words “Rock. Roll.” Another board shows an image of different wines and a photo of a roulette table with the words “Red & White. Black & Red.” Other boards have messages like:

“Get amped up. And rubbed down.”
“Ante up. Mellow out.”
“Turn it up. Sleep it off.”

Jenny Holaday, senior vice president of operations at MotorCity Casino Hotel, said, “MotorCity has the widest variety of entertainment options for guests that are unmatched in the area. We want to drive that message in a fun, creative way to entice consumers to visit the one place in Detroit to escape for the best-in-class amenities all under one roof.”

“The fresh, colorful new look for the boards is built around a compelling and entertaining way to entice consumers to visit,” said Mark Simon, chief creative officer of Campbell Ewald, “and the juxtaposition of words helps to inform consumers on all the great things in store for them at MotorCity Casino Hotel.”

The outdoor boards will run in the metro Detroit area through spring 2013.

About MotorCity Casino Hotel
Located on Grand River Avenue at the Lodge Freeway (M-10), MotorCity Casino Hotel is owned by Marian Ilitch and is the only locally-owned and operated casino in Detroit. The entertainment complex is comprised of an expansive gaming space including a smoke-free gaming area and an award-winning 400-room ultra-comfortable and high tech hotel with a luxury spa and fitness center. MotorCity Casino Hotel offers several unique dining options including Iridescence, an award winning fine dining restaurant, Little Caesars, the Assembly Line buffet, the Lodge Diner, Pit Stop and the Grand River Deli. Other amenities include Sound Board, an intimate live performance venue, and over 67,000 square feet of function and banquet space. For more information about MotorCity Casino Hotel, or to make a reservation, visit www.MotorCityCasino.com or call 1-866-STAY-MCC.

About Campbell Ewald
Campbell Ewald is a collaborative marketing communications company that provides clients game-changing solutions. As one of the nation’s largest communications brands, Campbell Ewald is made up of a collective of thought leaders with innovative capabilities both traditional and specialized, including advertising; insights and solutions planning; integrated content strategy and development; social, relationship, retail and experiential marketing; interactive/digital; and strategic media planning and buying.

Campbell Ewald has offices in Detroit, Los Angeles, San Antonio, Miami and Washington, D.C. A part of The Interpublic Group of Companies (NYSE:IPG), CE partners with a score of national and regional brands, including Alltel Wireless, Carrier, Chicken of the Sea, Consumers Energy, General Motors, Ghirardelli, Kaiser Permanente, Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board, Olympic Paints and Stains, OnStar, USAA, and the United States Navy.

Alltel’s Chad Is Pitted Against Verizon To Sell Santa A Phone

2012-11-12 05:00:00

Warren, Michigan (November 12, 2012) –– Santa needs a new cell phone this Christmas so he’s interviewing providers for the best service plan and Alltel is ready to answer the call with a better offer than Verizon. Created by Campbell Ewald, this new, humorous Season of Savings holiday work features Chad the Alltel Guy pitching the Alltel Wireless service plan against Verizon in a meeting with Santa.

“As consumers begin their holiday shopping they’re looking for dependable products and services that offer a great value,” said Lesa Handly, chief marketing officer for Alltel Wireless. “The new work is a fun, attention grabbing way to tell consumers that with Alltel they can get everything they need for the holidays and save hundreds of dollars each year.”

Mark Simon, chief creative officer at Campbell Ewald, said, “Santa needs to stay connected, especially at the holidays, so we considered how Santa might go about making a selection on a cell provider and came up with The Interview. Just like everyone else, Santa is looking for the best product at the lowest price and finds it with Alltel.”

Alltel backs up their best value plans with their new money-saving offers called Bluepons -- special featured items and discounts on products and services throughout the holiday season. Bluepons will change weekly from November 9 – December 25, 2012.

The new campaign began airing November 9, and features TV, radio and online banners and will run in the Savannah, GA; Greenville-Spartanburg, SC; Lima, OH; Paducah, KY; Augusta, GA; Toledo, OH; and Columbia, SC markets.

About Alltel Wireless
Allied Wireless Communications Corporation (AWCC), doing business as Alltel Wireless, is a wireless telecommunications provider serving customers in six states. Headquartered in Little Rock, AR., AWCC is a subsidiary of Atlantic Tele-Network, Inc. (NASDAQ: ATNI). For more information, please visit http://alltelwireless.com or http://awcc.com.

About Campbell Ewald
Campbell Ewald is a collaborative marketing communications company that provides clients game-changing solutions. As one of the nation’s largest communications brands, Campbell Ewald is made up of a collective of thought leaders with innovative capabilities both traditional and specialized, including advertising; insights and solutions planning; integrated content strategy and development; social, relationship, retail and experiential marketing; interactive/digital; and strategic media planning and buying.

Campbell Ewald has offices in Detroit, Los Angeles, San Antonio, Miami and Washington, D.C. A part of The Interpublic Group of Companies (NYSE:IPG), CE partners with a score of national and regional brands, including Alltel Wireless, Carrier, Chicken of the Sea, Consumers Energy, General Motors, Ghirardelli, Kaiser Permanente, Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board, Olympic Paints and Stains, OnStar, USAA, and the United States Navy.

Yolles Joins Campbell Ewald as Chief Marketing Officer

2012-08-09 03:31:08

Warren, Michigan (August 9, 2012) –– Marketing communications firm Campbell Ewald has announced that Barbara Yolles will join the agency as Chief Marketing Officer. The announcement was made today by Bill Ludwig, chairman and CEO of Campbell Ewald.

“I am pleased to add Barbara to this new role and the Campbell Ewald team,” Ludwig said. “Her experience in developing game-changing solutions to build and grow agency business, along with her innovative tactics and industry relationships, will bring a fresh and complementary perspective to our efforts to further grow the Campbell Ewald brand.”

In this position, Yolles will be responsible for developing market and business development plans and implementing winning strategies to drive growth for the agency. She will also oversee the marketing and communications efforts.

“I’m thrilled to be joining such an amazing agency to help accelerate their vision of success through new and organic growth,” Yolles said. “I’ve been most impressed by the people, passion and drive to fearlessly innovate.”

Yolles joins Campbell Ewald most recently from McCann Erickson where she was Chief Growth Officer of North America. There she led the business development efforts of nine McCann offices and was instrumental in repositioning the agency among key growth prospects. Prior to McCann, Barbara was EVP, Group Managing Director at Kirshenbaum Bond Senecal & Partners leading integrated marketing initiatives for agency clients including Vanguard and TJX Corporation. Previously, she held positions with Doner, McDonald’s Corporation, Hair Cuttery, and Ally & Gargano.

She attended the University of Michigan and received her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Maryland. Yolles currently resides in Birmingham, Michigan.

About Campbell Ewald
Campbell Ewald is a collaborative marketing communications company that provides clients game-changing solutions. As one of the nation’s largest communications brands, Campbell Ewald is made up of a collective of thought leaders with innovative capabilities both traditional and specialized, including advertising; insights and solutions planning; integrated content strategy and development; social, relationship, retail and experiential marketing; interactive/digital; and strategic media planning and buying.

Campbell Ewald has offices in Detroit, Los Angeles, San Antonio, Miami and Washington, D.C. A part of The Interpublic Group of Companies (NYSE:IPG), CE partners with a score of national and regional brands, including Alltel Wireless, Carrier, Chicken of the Sea, Consumers Energy, General Motors, Ghirardelli, Kaiser Permanente, Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board, Olympic Paints and Stains, OnStar, USAA, the United States Navy and the United States Postal Service. Please visit us on www.c-e.com, Facebook and Twitter.

Campbell Ewald’s Kaiser Permanente Thrive Campaign Focuses on the Benefits of High-Quality Health Care

2012-07-26 20:00:00

Los Angeles, California –– July 27, 2012 –– Campbell Ewald, a marketing communications company, has created a new ad campaign for Kaiser Permanente that reflects their commitment to providing an integrated health care delivery system to further enhance the quality of their member’s health. One spot, entitled “Small Stuff,” from the TV portion of the campaign will debut during the Opening Ceremony of the 2012 Summer Olympic Games. A second commercial, entitled “Patient Info” will run during the Olympic Games.

As part of the overall Thrive campaign positioning –– which in the past has focused on prevention, wellness and “thriving” at every stage in life –– the new work differentiates Kaiser Permanente from other health care providers by defining the role the organization plays as a health advocate and highlights Kaiser Permanente’s expertise and high-quality health care.

Mark Simon, chief creative officer for Campbell Ewald, said, “The Thrive campaign has always been about Kaiser Permanente’s focus on helping their members be happy and healthy at every stage of life. The new work extends that message to communicate the amazing quality of care they provide."

The marketing and advertising solutions in this campaign include TV, radio and online advertising and will run in select media markets in California, Hawaii, Oregon, Colorado, Georgia, Ohio, Maryland, Virginia and the District of Columbia. “Small Stuff” breaks tonight in the Opening Ceremony of the 2012 Summer Olympic Games in the San Francisco, Sacramento/Stockton/Modesto, Fresno, LA, San Diego, Hawaii, Portland, Denver, Colorado Springs/Pueblo, Atlanta, Cleveland and Washington DC markets.

About Campbell Ewald
Campbell Ewald is a collaborative marketing communications company that provides clients game-changing solutions. As one of the nation’s largest communications brands, Campbell Ewald is made up of a collective of thought leaders with innovative capabilities both traditional and specialized, including advertising; insights and solutions planning; integrated content strategy and development; social, relationship, retail and experiential marketing; interactive/digital; and strategic media planning and buying.

Campbell Ewald has offices in Detroit, Los Angeles, San Antonio, Miami and Washington, D.C. A part of The Interpublic Group of Companies (NYSE:IPG), CE partners with a score of national and regional brands, including Alltel Wireless, Carrier, Chicken of the Sea, Consumers Energy, General Motors, Ghirardelli, Kaiser Permanente, Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board, Olympic Paints and Stains, OnStar, USAA, the United States Navy and the United States Postal Service. Please visit us on www.c-e.com, Facebook and Twitter.

Campbell Ewald Expands Rapidly Growing LA Office

2012-07-17 01:51:17

Los Angeles, CA — July 18, 2012 — Campbell Ewald, a marketing and communications agency, announced the addition of two key employees to its expanding team to serve its existing client roster as well as help grow its West Coast presence. Jim DiPiazza will join as the new Executive Creative Director and Ruth Amir has joined as Director, Solutions Planning. Managing Director Angela Zepeda, Campbell Ewald Los Angeles, made the announcement.

“Our Los Angeles office has experienced tremendous growth and success in the past year,” said Zepeda. “Both Jim and Ruth bring a wealth of experience to the team and a passion for inspired strategic and creative thinking that will serve our current clients well and help continue to increase our client base on the West Coast.” DiPiazza and Amir will be responsible for the work on the Agency’s West Coast accounts including Kaiser Permanente, Chicken of the Sea, Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board, Ghirardelli and McKesson.

Previously, DiPiazza was Executive Creative Director at Swirl Integrated Marketing in San Francisco overseeing clients that included eBay, Microsoft Store, Torani, Cost Plus World Market, and Western Athletic Clubs. Prior to that, he was with Deutsch Los Angeles where he worked on the well-known Volkswagen “Punch Dub” campaign; David&Goliath, where he created Kia’s first fully integrated campaign and led other key award-winning work for Universal Studios Hollywood and Bacardi, including the memorable “Bacardi & Cola” campaign. A writer by trade, Jim has also held creative positions at McCann (NY), Foote Cone & Belding (San Francisco), Citron Haligman Bedecarre (San Francisco) and Lambesis (San Diego). Over the years he has worked on several high-profile accounts including Mike’s Hard Lemonade, MasterCard, MTV, Sega Dreamcast, Tequila Cazadores, Charles David and Airwalk. DiPiazza studied at San Jose State.

Mark Simon, Campbell Ewald’s chief creative officer, said, “Given the recent growth of our Los Angeles office, we wanted to bring in the right creative leadership to build upon the groundbreaking work we’ve already established for our clients, while looking to grow our West Coast presence. Jim has the experience and passion to do just that.”

Prior to joining Campbell Ewald, Amir was Chief Marketing Officer at Siltanen & Partners Advertising, helping to grow the agency and develop strategies for new clients like Coldwell Banker. Her experience also includes Group Head Planning Director at TBWA\Chiat\Day, where she worked on the Nissan Motor Corporation account and Mars Petcare Pedigree Brand; Managing Partner/Director of New Business and Planning at David&Goliath, where she worked with a team that grew the agency’s client base 40% in less than five years while overseeing the account planning department; and National Advertising Manager at Nissan Motor Corporation. She has won 10 Effie Awards, including two grand and seven gold. Amir holds a bachelor’s degree in cultural history from UCLA.

About Campbell Ewald
Campbell Ewald is a collaborative marketing communications company that provides clients game-changing solutions. As one of the nation’s largest communications brands, Campbell Ewald is made up of a collective of thought leaders with innovative capabilities both traditional and specialized, including advertising; insights and solutions planning; integrated content strategy and development; social, relationship, retail and experiential marketing; interactive/digital; and strategic media planning and buying.

Campbell Ewald has offices in Detroit, Los Angeles, San Antonio, Miami and Washington, D.C. A part of The Interpublic Group of Companies (NYSE:IPG), CE partners with a score of national and regional brands, including Alltel Wireless, Carrier, Chicken of the Sea, Consumers Energy, General Motors, Ghirardelli, Kaiser Permanente, Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board, Olympic Paints and Stains, OnStar, USAA, the United States Navy and the United States Postal Service. Please visit us on www.c-e.com, Facebook and Twitter.

Award Winning Fatherhood Ads Are Re-released in time for Father’s Day

2012-06-15 02:23:18

Warren, Michigan –– “Cheerleader,” the award winning television public service announcement (PSA) that reminds viewers to “Take time to be a dad today,” will be re-distributed nationally by the Ad Council on June 14, 2012, along with several other Fatherhood PSA’s in time for Father’s Day.

The PSA’s, some developed as early as 2008, were created with the mission to inspire and educate fathers on how to be a good Dad. The National Responsible Fatherhood Clearinghouse campaign set a record for donated media, was featured twice on the popular talk show The View, garnered numerous hits on YouTube and earned the personal participation of President Obama.

For more information, see the Ad Council multimedia press release.

About Campbell Ewald
Campbell Ewald is a collaborative marketing communications company that provides clients game-changing solutions. As one of the nation’s largest communications brands, Campbell Ewald is made up of a collective of thought leaders with innovative capabilities both traditional and specialized, including advertising; insights and solutions planning; integrated content strategy and development; social, relationship, retail and experiential marketing; interactive/digital; and strategic media planning and buying.

CE has offices in Detroit, Los Angeles, San Antonio, Miami and Washington, D.C. A part of The Interpublic Group of Companies (NYSE:IPG), CE partners with a score of national and regional brands, including Alltel Wireless, Carrier, Chicken of the Sea, Consumers Energy, General Motors, Ghirardelli, Kaiser Permanente, LA INC., Olympic Paints and Stains, OnStar, USAA, the United States Navy and the United States Postal Service. Please visit us on www.c-e.com, Facebook and Twitter.

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Alltel Takes On Verizon Wireless With Best Savings and Value in New TV Work

2012-06-08 03:19:52

Warren, Michigan — (June 8, 2012) Alltel Wireless has announced it will break a series of entertaining, humorous TV commercials to unveil the items that former Verizon Wireless customers have purchased with money saved by switching to Alltel.

In the first of a series of TV spots, Chad — the character viewers have come to know as the face of Alltel — meets up with a Verizon Wireless representative who shows off the new 40" katana samurai sword he could afford to purchase after switching to Alltel. While the Verizon representative humorously demonstrates his newfound samurai technique and expresses thanks to Chad for saving him so much money compared to his Verizon plan, Chad wryly pretends that one of the samurai moves cuts off his hand and the two scream in horror. Once Chad reveals he was just kidding about the hand, the Verizon rep is annoyed and wields another samurai move, abruptly replying, “Hatchet chop.” The voiceover then says, “Switch to Alltel. Save hundreds. It’s really that simple.”

“The wireless market is extremely competitive, and we need to continuously differentiate ourselves from our competitors,” said Lesa Handly, chief marketing officer for Alltel Wireless. “Our creative team continues to elevate our brand and drive subscriber growth by clearly positioning Alltel as the hometown provider of the best savings and value in wireless.”

Campbell Ewald Chief Creative Officer Mark Simon said, “For this campaign, we created work that would cleverly reinforce the strategy of leveraging the amazing savings subscribers can obtain by switching to Alltel with a message that would resonate and engage with consumers in a fun, memorable way. Our comedic approach expresses just how big these savings really are while reinforcing the brand’s value promise.”

“Samurai” is the first in a series of TV spots that will begin airing June 8, 2012 in the Savannah, Ga.; Greenville-Spartanburg, S.C.; Lima, Ohio; Paducah, Ky.; Augusta, Ga.; and Columbia, S.C. markets.

About Alltel Wireless
Allied Wireless Communications Corporation (AWCC), doing business as Alltel Wireless, is a wireless telecommunications provider serving customers in six states. Headquartered in Little Rock, AR., AWCC is a subsidiary of Atlantic Tele-Network, Inc. (NASDAQ: ATNI). For more information, please visit http://alltelwireless.com or http://awcc.com.

About Campbell Ewald
Campbell Ewald is a collaborative marketing communications company that provides clients game-changing solutions. As one of the nation’s largest communications brands, Campbell Ewald is made up of a collective of thought leaders with innovative capabilities both traditional and specialized, including advertising; insights and solutions planning; integrated content strategy and development; social, relationship, retail and experiential marketing; interactive/digital; and strategic media planning and buying.

CE has offices in Detroit, Los Angeles, San Antonio, Miami and Washington, D.C. A part of The Interpublic Group of Companies (NYSE:IPG), CE partners with a score of national and regional brands, including Alltel Wireless, Carrier, Chicken of the Sea, Consumers Energy, General Motors, Ghirardelli, Kaiser Permanente, LA INC., Olympic Paints and Stains, OnStar, USAA, the United States Navy and the United States Postal Service. Please visit us on www.c-e.com, Facebook and Twitter.

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Campbell Ewald To Speak Alongside Kaiser Permanente On Connecting With Women To Create A Movement For A Brand

2012-04-23 08:29:13

Detroit, MI — Campbell Ewald, a marketing and communications company, has announced that Los Angeles Managing Director, Angela Zepeda, will speak with Kaiser Permanente’s Lisa Ryan at the 8th Annual M2W: Marketing To Women Conference in Chicago, April 24–25. Zepeda will address how Campbell Ewald has elevated the thinking behind the basic fundamentals of marketing to women and applied these fundamentals to major brands and communications to drive deep engagement. Ryan will then explain how that process helped drive new thinking for the Kaiser Permanente brand.

Campbell Ewald has also applied this approach to brands such as Ghirardelli Chocolate, Chicken of the Sea, the U.S. Navy and others to create a unique communication approach that has moved women from apathy to loyalty for those brands. Zepeda will highlight a few case studies demonstrating the use of this thought process and its results.

“Throughout the years, Campbell Ewald’s Women to Women practice has tapped into the insights that connect women to brands and elevated that thinking to create marketing strategies that build a path to purchase,” said Zepeda. “Kaiser Permanente’s Thrive campaign is an example of the tremendous success experienced from emotionally connecting with a female target to change the focus of conversation surrounding a brand.”

M2W is a two-day conference featuring a series of general sessions, keynote speakers, workshops and roundtable discussions. The conference features the best speakers and the brightest minds, with real-world track records and the ability to show you how to successfully market your brand to today’s woman.

M2W will be held April 24–25 at the Chicago Cultural Center. For more information and complete conference schedule, go to www.m2w.biz.

About Campbell Ewald
Campbell Ewald is a collaborative marketing communications company that provides clients game-changing solutions. As one of the nation’s largest communications brands, Campbell Ewald is made up of a collective of thought leaders with innovative capabilities both traditional and specialized, including advertising; insights and solutions planning; integrated content strategy and development; social, relationship, retail and experiential marketing; interactive/digital; and strategic media planning and buying.

Campbell Ewald has offices in Detroit, Los Angeles, San Antonio, Miami and Washington, D.C. A part of The Interpublic Group of Companies (NYSE:IPG), CE partners with a score of national and regional brands, including Alltel Wireless, Carrier, Chicken of the Sea, Consumers Energy, General Motors, Ghirardelli, Kaiser Permanente, LA INC., Olympic Paints and Stains, OnStar, USAA, the United States Navy and the United States Postal Service. Please visit us on www.c-e.com, Facebook and Twitter.

About M2W
M2W® is presented by Global Sponsor: Chicago Sister Cities International; Associate Sponsors: Fleishman-Hillard, Hearst Magazines, Carmichael Lynch, Carmichael Lynch Spong, Campbell Ewald, PMP, General Growth Properties, Tropicana, GolinHarris, The Hunter-Miller Group, GfK Roper Consulting NA, WebMD, Yahoo!; Workshop Sponsors: YWomen, Anthem!, SheSpeaks, CraveBox, Social Media Link, The Gate Worldwide, Royal Kingdom PR Agency; Showcase Sponsors: Carolina Pad, BlogHer, Sonos, and Trek Women; Video Content Resource: Snippies; Media Sponsor: Today’s Chicago Woman; Special Event Sponsor: The God Box Project. This Year, M2W® Proudly Supports: Habitat for Humanity.

For complete conference schedule and information visit: www.m2w.biz or call 860.724.2649 x11. M2W® is produced by PME® Enterprises LLC, 912 Silas Deane Highway, Suite 101, Wethersfield, CT 06109.

Campbell Ewald Announces New Digital Leader

2012-03-18 19:00:00

Warren, MI — March 19, 2012 — Campbell Ewald, a marketing and communications agency, announced the hire of Ken Burbary as chief digital officer. The announcement was made today by Bill Ludwig, chairman and CEO of Campbell Ewald.

“Campbell Ewald has had a long history in digital leadership, including being among the first full-service agencies to have a social media practice,” said Ludwig. “The addition of Ken’s expertise will play a key role in keeping the Agency on the leading edge of digital marketing capabilities and emerging media technologies that help deliver game-changing digital solutions that build and grow our clients’ business.”

In this position, Burbary will drive strategic thinking and ideation; guide development and application of new media tools and technology to gain consumer insights; and integrate talent, technology and capabilities to optimize the use of digital channels to create game-changing solutions that build and grow Campbell Ewald clients’ business. He will also contribute significantly to new business and organic growth.

Burbary said, “I look forward to bringing my experience across digital marketing and advertising channels to complement the agency’s accomplished digital team and further drive innovative ideation and activation for Campbell Ewald’s clients.”

Burbary brings more than 18 years of experience in all areas of digital marketing with a strong expertise in digital strategy, social media, analytics, mobile marketing, website and web application development, and technology operations. Prior to rejoining Campbell Ewald, Burbary was vice president, group director, strategy and analysis at Digitas. His past experience also includes director, digital strategy and social media, advisory services at Ernst & Young and senior vice president, chief technology officer — client operations at Campbell Ewald.

About Campbell Ewald

Campbell Ewald is a collaborative marketing communications company that provides clients game-changing solutions. As one of the nation’s largest communications brands, Campbell Ewald is made up of a collective of thought leaders with innovative capabilities both traditional and specialized, including advertising; insights and solutions planning; integrated content strategy and development; social, relationship, retail and experiential marketing; interactive/digital; and strategic media planning and buying.

Campbell Ewald has offices in Detroit, Los Angeles, San Antonio, Miami and Washington, D.C. A part of The Interpublic Group of Companies (NYSE:IPG), CE partners with a score of national and regional brands, including Alltel Wireless, Carrier, Chicken of the Sea, Consumers Energy, General Motors, Ghirardelli, Kaiser Permanente, LA INC., Olympic Paints and Stains, OnStar, USAA, the United States Navy and the United States Postal Service. Please visit us on www.c-e.com, Facebook and Twitter.

Campbell Ewald Named a Recipient of USAA’s Strategic Supplier Excellence Award for Second Consecutive Year

2012-01-25 18:00:00

San Antonio, TX – USAA, a financial services provider for military members and their families, has recently honored Campbell Ewald for the second consecutive year as a recipient of their 2011 Strategic Supplier Excellence Award. USAA created this award in 2010 as a way to honor its suppliers who have been critical to the organization’s success. Campbell Ewald received the award in the Innovation category for their ability to achieve business objectives.

The agency’s assignment was to develop and launch a brand awareness campaign that was designed to raise awareness of USAA among 61 million Americans and their families who may be eligible for USAA membership based on their military service, or that of their parent’s.

“Campbell Ewald’s overall work on the Breakthrough Awareness media campaign was innovative and insightful from concept to execution,” said Roger Adams, chief marketing officer at USAA. “Their ability to tap into the ‘fabric and DNA’ of USAA helped make the campaign a tremendous success with veterans and their families by increasing their awareness of USAA.”

In 2010, Campbell Ewald also received USAA’s Innovation award for work that helped increase USAA’s brand awareness.

“Receiving USAA’s Innovation award for the second consecutive year is an astounding tribute to the quality of work we are doing to help USAA grow their brand,” said Jim Palmer, Chief Client Officer from Campbell Ewald. “Our client’s recognition of our contributions and our ability to assist them in achieving their mission is the highest honor we can receive.”

About USAA

USAA provides insurance and other financial services to 8.4 million members of the U.S. military and their families. Known for its legendary commitment to its members, USAA is consistently recognized for outstanding service, employee well-being and financial strength. USAA membership is open to all who are serving or have honorably served our nation in the U.S. military – and their families. For more information about USAA, or to learn more about membership, visit USAA.com.

About Campbell Ewald

Campbell Ewald is a collaborative marketing communications agency that provides clients game-changing solutions. As one of the nation’s largest communications brands, Campbell Ewald is made up of a collective of thought leaders with innovative capabilities both traditional and specialized, including advertising; insights and solutions planning; integrated content strategy and development; social, relationship, retail and experiential marketing; interactive/digital; and strategic media planning and buying.

Campbell Ewald has offices in Detroit, Los Angeles, San Antonio, Miami and Washington, D.C. A part of the Interpublic Group of Companies (NYSE:IPG), Campbell Ewald partners with a score of national brands, including Alltel Wireless, Carrier, Chicken of the Sea, General Motors, Ghirardelli, Kaiser Permanente, LA INC., Olympic Paints and Stains, OnStar, USAA, the United States Navy, and the United States Postal Service.

Consumers Energy Engages Campbell Ewald for Customer Engagement Initiative

2011-12-20 01:30:02

Warren, MI — December 20, 2011 — Consumers Energy, one of the nation’s largest electric and natural gas utilities, has engaged Campbell Ewald to provide marketing and communications expertise for the company’s customer engagement initiative.

“We selected Campbell Ewald based on its strategic strengths, creativity and collaborative approach to increasing customer awareness and understanding of our brand,” said Pramada Reddy, Consumers Energy’s executive director of strategy communications.

"With our 125-year history, we have a huge commitment to Michigan and the 6.8 million people we serve. We will work closely with Campbell Ewald to develop and implement marketing and advertising strategies designed to build a closer relationship with our customers and communicate the full value of the products and services we provide."

Campbell Ewald’s first task will be to assess customer attitudes and perception of the full breadth of products and services that Consumers Energy provides. The overall goal of the marketing communications efforts will be to raise brand perception and understanding of the products and services provided to the utility’s customers in Michigan. First work is expected to break in fall 2012.

“We are proud to add Consumers Energy to our portfolio of clients that provide such vital services to families and businesses in Michigan,” said Bill Ludwig, chairman and CEO of Campbell Ewald. “We look forward to developing strategies and work that will elevate the recognition of what the company offers customers and what it does for communities throughout the state of Michigan.”

About Consumers Energy
Consumers Energy, the principal subsidiary of CMS Energy (NYSE: CMS), provides natural gas and electricity to nearly 6.8 million of Michigan’s 10 million residents in all 68 Lower Peninsula counties.

About Campbell Ewald
Campbell Ewald is a collaborative marketing communications agency that provides clients game-changing solutions. As one of the nation’s largest communications brands, Campbell Ewald is made up of a collective of thought leaders with innovative capabilities both traditional and specialized, including advertising; insights and solutions planning; integrated content strategy and development; social, relationship, retail and experiential marketing; interactive/digital; and strategic media planning and buying.

Campbell Ewald Finds Santa in Northeast Detroit

2011-12-19 08:29:23

Detroit’s very own Santa Claus, Myron Benford, has been spreading holiday cheer to less-fortunate children for the past 44-years on his “sleigh” created out of a 1992 Dodge Caravan. This year, Campbell Ewald helped Santa by filling his sleigh with toys and first aid kits as well as featuring his amazing act of kindness in our annual holiday card. See the story at webelieve.c-e.com.

About Campbell Ewald

Campbell Ewald has offices in Detroit, Los Angeles, San Antonio, Miami and Washington, D.C. A part of The Interpublic Group of Companies (NYSE:IPG), Campbell Ewald partners with a score of national brands, including Alltel Wireless, Carrier, Chicken of the Sea, General Motors, Ghirardelli, Kaiser Permanente, LA INC., Olympic Paints and Stains, OnStar, USAA, the United States Navy, and the United States Postal Service.

USA.gov Simplifies the Complex in New Ad Campaign Created by Campbell Ewald

2011-12-08 03:53:33

Warren, MI — December 8, 2011 — USA.gov, the U.S. government’s official web portal is launching a new PSA campaign that communicates to consumers the depth and breadth of useful information on the USA.gov website. The work, created by marketing communications company Campbell Ewald, leverages a unique, creative perspective to help readers conceptualize the relevancy of the information and how it can be applied in everyday situations.

“Whether you’re signing up for Social Security, applying for student aid, dealing with a consumer problem or a thousand other things you can think of, we created USA.gov to be the one place you can trust to connect you with the information you need from the government to help you navigate daily life,” said Bev Godwin, Director of the U.S. General Services Administration’s Federal Citizen Information Center, home of USA.gov.

An infographic ad which will run in print and out-of-home features a large magnifying glass exclaiming “We’ve got the stuff you’ve been searching for all your life” and communicates the diverse sections of USA.gov in a manageable and easy-to-read web like format. Readers are directed to USA.gov and its social media channels to experience and engage with a multitude of government information.

The campaign also includes an innovative online banner that delivers the top four most-searched topics in real time on USA.gov. Powered by the actual search tool on the USA.gov website, the banner brings USA.gov to the reader in a fresh, interactive way.

“We’re creating a streamlined message as it relates to the breadth and depth of the information USA.gov provides and the services it offers,” said Mark Simon, chief creative officer of Campbell Ewald. “The work is highly integrated and purposeful, communicating to a broad audience a simple message: USA.gov gives you relevant and trustworthy government information when and where you need it.”

Print PSAs will run nationally in MNI’s network of magazines, such as Sports Illustrated, TIME, The Week, Parents and Forbes. Online banners will run on ten online media networks nationally, and out-of-home will run in Chicago and Washington, D.C. Previously aired TV and radio will support the new campaign elements.

Campbell Ewald has been USA.gov's agency of record since 2003.

About USA.gov

As the U.S. government's official web portal, USA.gov makes it easy to get information from the government online or by mobile device. Search by topic or keyword; browse FAQs, email or webchat to connect with government information, benefits and services. It serves as the catalyst for a growing electronic government, helping people get the information they need when, where and how they want to receive it. USA.gov is managed by the Federal Citizen Information Center, part of the U.S. General Services Administration’s Office of Citizen Services and Innovative Technologies.

About Campbell Ewald

LA INC. Names Campbell Ewald Agency of Record

2011-11-29 03:29:15

Los Angeles, CA – LA INC., a nonprofit organization with the mission to promote tourism to Los Angeles, has named Campbell Ewald (CE) as their agency of record. Chief Marketing Officer of LA INC., Don Skeoch, made the announcement.

“Campbell Ewald’s ability to develop creative solutions to complex business decisions with proven marketing strategies will play a key role in strengthening the marketing efforts for Los Angeles tourism,” said Skeoch. “The Agency’s successful client track record with campaigns such as ‘Thrive” for Kaiser Permanente led us to our decision.”

Campbell Ewald will be responsible for the strategy, creative development, media planning/buying and execution of the first-ever global branding and advertising campaign for Los Angeles tourism. The campaign’s goal is to increase the amount of both business and leisure travel to Los Angeles, and will target U.S. markets as well as business planners and travel agents in key markets such as the U.K., Canada, Australia, Japan and China as well as emerging international markets.

“Los Angeles is a world-class city that has so much to offer travelers,” said Campbell Ewald Managing Director, Angela Zepeda. “We look forward to building the Los Angeles tourism brand and making this City a premier travel destination.” The first campaign is planned to launch in second quarter 2012.

About LA INC.

LA INC., a private, nonprofit 501(c)(6) business association, is the driving force behind marketing Los Angeles as a destination for leisure travelers as well as meetings and conventions. Los Angeles is among the nation's top visitor destinations, attracting more than 25 million annual visitors. Los Angeles is one of the world's most popular travel destinations, ranking as the second most visited city in the U.S. for international travelers, and among the top five most visited cities by residents of the United States.

About Campbell Ewald

Campbell Ewald has offices in Detroit, Los Angeles, San Antonio, Miami and Washington, D.C. A part of the Interpublic Group of Companies (NYSE:IPG), Campbell Ewald partners with a score of national brands, including Alltel Wireless, Carrier, Chicken of the Sea, General Motors, Ghirardelli, Kaiser Permanente, Olympic Paints and Stains, OnStar, USAA, the United States Environmental Protection Agency, the United States Mint, the United States Navy, and the United States Postal Service.

Campbell Ewald Launches CE CITY — Creative Initiative for Detroit Youth

2011-11-23 07:24:21

Warren, MI — Campbell Ewald (CE) is celebrating its centennial anniversary by creating CE CITY — Creatively Inspiring Talented Youth. The agency is donating time and talent with an initiative that underscores its historical commitment to giving back to the community by supporting the next generation of creative talent. CE CITY consists of the CE CITY Panel; CE CITY Workshop at the College for Creative Studies; the Mac Shack, a Mac computer lab at YouthVille Detroit; and an annual scholarship to attend the College for Creative Studies.

“The vibrant, talented youth of Detroit are the future of the creative industry,” said Bill Ludwig, chairman and CEO of Campbell Ewald. “CE CITY will ignite, build and support this new generation by providing awareness and educational opportunities as well as tools, mentoring and hands-on learning to further develop their creative talents.”

Campbell Ewald has partnered with two Detroit organizations — the College for Creative Studies (CCS) and YouthVille Detroit — who share the same passion to cultivate and nurture future creative talent.

The CE CITY Panel — a symposium for high school students to learn about the educational and career opportunities in creative-related fields, such as advertising, will kick off the CE CITY initiative on November 29, 2011. WDIV-TV’s meteorologist Andrew Humphrey will moderate the event, and panelists will share insights about experiences as well as answer questions.

The event will take place at the A. Alfred Taubman Center for Design Education, General Motors Auditorium at CCS, 460 West Baltimore, Detroit, MI 48202. Doors will open at 4:30 p.m., with the panel discussion beginning at 5 p.m. and concluding with a reception to allow students to network with the panelists.

The CE CITY Workshop will take place at CCS during their 2012 winter semester. Campbell Ewald and CCS will provide high school students with hands-on learning opportunities and mentoring as they develop creative solutions addressing real marketing challenges. Applications for the Workshop will be available in February.

CE CITY Scholarship — an annual scholarship for one talented student to attend CCS will be available through the generous support of Campbell Ewald.

“Partnering with Campbell Ewald allows us to bridge the gap between education and real-life experience,” said Mark Zapico, associate professor and chair of the advertising department, College for Creative Studies. “Our collaborative efforts will allow us to foster student development on a deeper level.”

Campbell Ewald and its employees will also fund the Mac Shack, a Mac lab at YouthVille Detroit that will provide tools for students to explore creative talent in digital media arts. YouthVille Detroit is an after-school “safe space” for 11-to-19 year-olds.

“The resources and commitment Campbell Ewald has donated supports our mission of developing today’s youth and helping shape Detroit’s future,” said Judith Jackson, president and CEO of YouthVille. “The new Mac Shack will allow our students to further explore their creative talents in ways that would not have been possible before.”

For more information, please visit CE CITY's Facebook page.

About Campbell Ewald

Campbell Ewald has offices in Detroit, Los Angeles, San Antonio, Miami and Washington, D.C. A part of the Interpublic Group of Companies (NYSE:IPG), Campbell Ewald partners with a score of national brands, including Alltel Wireless, Carrier, Chicken of the Sea, General Motors, Ghirardelli, Kaiser Permanente, Olympic Paints and Stains, OnStar, USAA, the United States Environmental Protection Agency, the United States Mint, the United States Navy, and the United States Postal Service.

About the College for Creative Studies

The College for Creative Studies, one of the nation’s leading art education institutions, provides a dynamic learning environment where students explore issues of art and design, while preparing for careers in the professional world. In addition, we offer non-credit courses in the visual arts through our Continuing Education programs and provide opportunities for youth through Community Arts Partnerships.

About YouthVille Detroit

YouthVille Detroit is a non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing the lives of youth and fostering positive youth development in Detroit and surrounding communities. Founded in 1999 as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, YouthVille Detroit’s mission is to benefit youth by facilitating effective partnerships. In 2005, YouthVille Detroit opened a 75,000 square-foot building in Detroit’s New Center area. Since then, the organization has served over 7,500 youth ages 11-19.

YouthVille Detroit provides safe space, broad opportunities and support, and structured activities so young people can learn new skills, develop positive peer relationships and interact with caring adults. Programming is offered during out-of-school hours within the core areas of educational enrichment and career development; leadership development and community service; digital media arts and technology; cultural arts; and prevention and healthy life skills. Activities include homework assistance, college prep, television and video production, fashion design, graphic design, ceramics, broadcast journalism, fitness, robotics and more. The organization serves about 200 metro Detroit area youth on a daily basis.

New Navy TV Commercial Gives Viewers a Powerful Image of Navy’s Impact

2011-11-17 05:03:16

San Diego, CA — The U.S. Navy has a new TV spot titled “100%,” created by Campbell Ewald, to introduce the deterrence tenet of Navy’s Maritime Strategy. This tenet focuses on Navy’s forward deployment and force readiness while showing Navy’s relevance across the globe by sharing some memorable facts including how a large percentage of the world’s population and trade is impacted by water.

“Deterring aggression is part of what we do as America’s Navy,” said Commander Brent Phillips, Director of Marketing and Advertising for Navy Recruiting Command. “This latest commercial helps us share this important mission with those we serve.”

The new :30 spot begins with a shot of a wide expanse of sea seen from above as supers begin to move in and out of the scene, that say: 70% of the earth is covered in water; 80% of people live near water; 90% of all trade travels by water. These visuals are followed by one of a U.S. Navy aircraft carrier entering the frame as it eclipses the last super. Its massive presence fills the entire frame. As it passes by, the viewer sees the unbelievable length of this great ship along with the arsenal and sailors around the flight deck. It finally clears leaving a wake behind as another super appears on the screen with the words: 100% on Watch. A voice-over then says “America’s Navy. A Global Force For Good.”

Navy’s Maritime Strategy is comprised of six tenets — power projection, humanitarian assistance/disaster response, deterrence, forward presence, maritime security and sea control. Together, these tenets define America’s Navy as A Global Force For Good. The spot created by Campbell Ewald introducing the Maritime Strategy is entitled “The Calling,” and was released in 2009. It describes the men and women who answer the Navy’s call. The first two tenets depicted — Power Projection and Humanitarian Assistance — were represented through two separate :30 commercials – “Power” and “Until”.

“The strategy behind the work shows the role Navy plays not only in deterring aggression, but how relevant the Navy is to our daily lives. It makes viewers think twice about the impact the Navy has on their safety, and way of life, every day,” said Mark Simon, chief creative officer from Campbell Ewald.

The spot ran exclusively during the inaugural Carrier Classic event that took place on November 11, 2011. The Carrier Classic was the NCAA men’s basketball season opener played between the Michigan State University Spartans and the University of North Carolina Tar Heels. The game was played at Naval Base Coronado aboard the USS Carl Vinson, a Navy aircraft carrier that was constructed to have a regulation-size basketball court and seating. The game, won by North Carolina 67-55, was ESPN’s highest-rated game since 2006.

Campbell Ewald has been the U.S. Navy's agency of record since 2000.

About The United States Navy

America’s Navy is very much a global force for good, on station around the world and around the clock, deterring aggression, keeping the sea lanes open for free trade, and, when necessary, projecting power.

The Navy is ideally suited for today’s challenges, because the Navy is fast and flexible. It can go anywhere on the ocean on short notice, and can do all of its work from the water:

Navy ships and submarines can shoot at targets and knock out enemy missiles far inland – from the water.
Navy planes fly about half of the aerial combat missions in Afghanistan. They don’t need airstrips on the ground. They take off from aircraft carriers – from the water.
Navy SEAL teams can carry out special operations worldwide – from the water.
In a humanitarian crisis like a tsunami or an earthquake, the Navy can deliver huge amounts of supplies and provide hospital-quality medical care – from the water.

About Campbell Ewald

Campbell Ewald has offices in Detroit, Los Angeles, San Antonio, Miami and Washington, D.C. A part of the Interpublic Group of Companies (NYSE:IPG), Campbell Ewald partners with a score of national brands, including Alltel Wireless, Carrier, Chicken of the Sea, General Motors, Ghirardelli, Kaiser Permanente, Olympic Paints and Stains, OnStar, USAA, the United States Environmental Protection Agency, the United States Mint, the United States Navy, and the United States Postal Service.

Campbell Ewald’s Campaign for USAA Brings New Meaning to Hometown Heroes

2011-11-14 06:49:16

San Antonio, TX — This weekend USAA kicked off a new campaign, created by Campbell Ewald, to salute our military heroes. The TV spot, "Speech," features legendary NFL Hall of Fame coach Vince Lombardi’s heroic speech, “What It Takes to Be Number One.” The riveting speech invokes a sense of confidence, national pride and emotion, as it is set against historic and present day imagery of our brave servicemen and servicewomen of the U.S. Military.

Football in America is a proud tradition passed down from generation to generation, not unlike membership eligibility with USAA which allows servicemen and servicewomen to share their legacy benefits with sons, daughters, from one generation to the next. The new work displays the heroism and dedication of American servicemen and servicewomen while portraying the USAA values of service, loyalty, honesty and integrity.

“USAA has a long-standing history of supporting the values and legacy of our military,” said Mark Simon, chief creative officer of Campbell Ewald. “The new creative work evokes a meaningful sense of pride as a fan of the ultimate home team, all the men and women who serve our country.”

The campaign also includes TV, FSI, direct mail, in-stadium, banner advertising, rich media and mobile and broke on Sunday, November 13.

Campbell Ewald has been USAA's agency of record since 2009.

Campbell Ewald has offices in Detroit, Los Angeles, San Antonio, Miami and Washington, D.C. A part of The Interpublic Group of Companies (NYSE:IPG), Campbell Ewald partners with a score of national brands, including Alltel Wireless, Carrier, Chicken of the Sea, General Motors, Ghirardelli, Kaiser Permanente, Olympic Paints and Stains, OnStar, USAA, the United States Environmental Protection Agency, the United States Mint, the United States Navy, and the United States Postal Service.

Ghirardelli’s Peppermint Bark SQUARES™ Back in Time for a “Holiday Rendezvous”

2011-11-14 06:07:43

Los Angeles, CA — The Ghirardelli Chocolate Company is bringing back Peppermint Bark SQUARES™ chocolate just in time for the holiday season with a new TV spot, “Disappear,” created by Campbell Ewald. The spot focuses on the blissful moment a woman experiences as her busy and hectic life is delightfully interrupted by a holiday chocolate square.

“Ghirardelli Peppermint Bark SQUARES® chocolate provides a special moment of appreciation and very unique flavor that is only available in limited quantities during the holiday season,” said Mona Maher, vice president of marketing for Ghirardelli. “Our goal is to invite women to step back from the chaos and just enjoy a special moment with the seasonal Ghirardelli Peppermint Bark flavor that only comes around during the holidays.”

The spot features the square itself — a combination of intense, slow-melting milk chocolate on the bottom and a layer of white chocolate that is sprinkled with refreshing festive peppermint. Ghirardelli Peppermint Bark SQUARES® chocolate perfectly combines rich ingredients and intense Ghirardelli chocolate wrapped in a lustrous package.

“Women lead very busy lives, especially around the holidays,” said Mark Simon, chief creative officer of Campbell Ewald. “The new work celebrates that brief, cherished intermission amidst a crazed day and builds upon our existing campaign for Ghirardelli SQUARES® chocolate.”

The TV spot will run nationally on network television alongside the previously released Ghirardelli “Rendezvous” spot, and digital elements will run on MarthaStewart.com, Hulu.com, Target.com, Walmart.com and other various online ad networks. The campaign breaks on November 14, 2011.

Campbell Ewald has been Ghirardelli's agency of record since 2006.

About The Ghirardelli Chocolate Company
The Ghirardelli Chocolate Company is a manufacturer and marketer of premium chocolate products. Incorporated in 1852, Ghirardelli has an incredibly rich American history. As the country’s longest continuously operating chocolate manufacturer, Ghirardelli has established its position as America’s Premium Chocolate Company with more than 150 years of chocolate making experience. Ghirardelli’s product line includes its signature SQUARES™ chocolate, Intense Dark™ chocolate, and other premium chocolate confections, baking chocolate and beverages. These items are sold through select specialty stores, grocery stores, drug stores, mass merchandisers and department stores. In addition, Ghirardelli sells a line of premium chocolate, syrups and drinks for the Food Service channel. Ghirardelli currently owns and operates 16 retail stores in six states, including the original Soda Fountain & Chocolate Shop located in San Francisco’s historic Ghirardelli Square. For more information about Ghirardelli, visit www.ghirardelli.com.

Campbell Ewald has offices in Detroit, Los Angeles, San Antonio, Miami and Washington, D.C. A part of The Interpublic Group of Companies (NYSE:IPG), Campbell Ewald partners with a score of national brands, including Alltel Wireless, Carrier, Chicken of the Sea, General Motors, Ghirardelli, Kaiser Permanente, Olympic Paints and Stains, OnStar, USAA, the United States Environmental Protection Agency, the United States Mint, the United States Navy, and the United States Postal Service.

Event Marketer Magazine Recognizes Campbell Ewald as One of Top 100 Experiential Marketing Agencies

2011-09-28 04:41:32

Warren, Michigan — Campbell Ewald has been named one of the top experiential marketing agencies in Event Marketer’s Annual “It List.” The “It List” highlights the industry’s top 100 event agencies in the nation and covers strategic work that has exceeded expectations in a variety of ways.

Event Marketer sites Campbell Ewald’s mobile tours and guerilla marketing capabilities as standouts in their experiential portfolio. The publication also applauded CE by stating, “taking high-tech to the next level with its Navy Simulator Tour featuring a 12-passenger ride and video experience. (Their) smart iPad-based backend data tool helps recruiters connect with potential targets.”

“We are honored to be recognized for the success our work brings to our clients’ business,” said Denis Mohr, CE Experiential Marketing Director. “Our experiential marketing team brings brands to life with innovative concepts, strategic development and logical precision and we are appreciative of the industry recognition.”

See more on Campbell Ewald's experiential marketing capabilities.

About Campbell Ewald
Campbell Ewald is a collaborative marketing communications company that provides clients game-changing solutions. As one of the nation’s largest communications brands, Campbell Ewald is made up of a collective of thought leaders with innovative capabilities both traditional and specialized, including advertising; insights and solutions planning; integrated content strategy and development; social, relationship, retail and experiential marketing; interactive/digital; and strategic media planning and buying.

Campbell Ewald has offices in Detroit, Los Angeles, San Antonio, Miami and Washington, D.C. A part of The Interpublic Group of Companies (NYSE:IPG), Campbell Ewald partners with a score of national brands, including Alltel Wireless, Carrier, Chicken of the Sea, General Motors, Ghirardelli, Kaiser Permanente, Olympic Paints and Stains, OnStar, USAA, the United States Environmental Protection Agency, the United States Mint, the United States Navy and the United States Postal Service.

New Kaiser Permanente Ads Encourage Consumers to Find Their ‘Reason, Partner and Thing’

2011-09-13 08:50:45

Kaiser Permanente has launched a new advertising campaign to help consumers achieve mind, body and spirit by putting the tools to do so in their hands. Created by marketing communications company Campbell Ewald, the work is based on research that found the key to sticking with an exercise regimen is motivation, and that occurs when consumers activate three components, finding the reason, partner and activities that move them to a healthier lifestyle.

“This new, engaging work elevates the brand message from health advocacy to health activation to motivate consumers while continuing to convey Kaiser Permanente’s commitment to the total health of its members and the communities they serve,” said Christine Paige, senior vice president of Brand Marketing at Kaiser Permanente. “Improving one’s health is highly personalized and Kaiser Permanente wants to provide the tools and resources to not only help people get started but stay with their health and wellness programs.”

The new work taps into the human truth that we put off until tomorrow what we should do today and provides the next logical step toward achieving a healthy lifestyle of activation. For example, in “Find Your Thing,” the light-hearted spot features a well-intentioned health “newbie” as she endures a trial and error process of finding the exercise that fits her best. To see the work, click here.

“People have enough information on how to live well. What they need is the motivation to take the first step. This campaign provides a real and honest approach to help them get started,” said Mark Simon, chief creative officer of Campbell Ewald. “The evolution of the message was the next step in helping the consumer unlock the motivation that gets them on the path to better health, while still maintaining the brand personality.” The campaign continues to use the Kaiser Permanente “Thrive” tagline, introduced in 2004.

The integrated campaign launched across media channels in regional markets on September 12, with television ads airing in spot markets on shows such as Dancing with the Stars, Glee, Grey’s Anatomy, Modern Family and Private Practice. Print ads will run in regional editions of Better Homes & Gardens, Cooking Light, Sunset, Time, Newsweek, and National Geographic among others. Web ads will appear on sites such as foodnetwork.com, meredith.com, aol.com, gsn.com and tasteofhome.com. Mobile ads will appear on sites such as pandora.com, mapmyfitness.com, and graystripe.com. Print ads will appear in regional editions of publications such as Time and Newsweek. The campaign also features vibrant and engaging out-of-home placements that include bus wraps, billboards and food trucks. An array of eight radio spots that further engage listeners in fun and thought-provoking ways about the components of motivation will also run throughout the Kaiser Permanente footprint.

Campbell Ewald has been Kaiser Permanente's advertising agency of record since 2003.

About Campbell Ewald
Campbell Ewald is a collaborative marketing communications company that provides clients game-changing solutions. As one of the nation’s largest communications brands, Campbell Ewald is made up of a collective of thought leaders with innovative capabilities both traditional and specialized, including advertising; insights and solutions planning; integrated content strategy and development; social, relationship, retail and experiential marketing; interactive/digital; and strategic media planning and buying.

Campbell Ewald has offices in Detroit, Los Angeles, San Antonio, Miami and Washington, D.C. A part of The Interpublic Group of Companies (NYSE:IPG), Campbell Ewald partners with a score of national brands, including Alltel Wireless, Carrier, Chicken of the Sea, General Motors, Ghirardelli, Kaiser Permanente, Olympic Paints and Stains, OnStar, USAA, the United States Environmental Protection Agency, the United States Mint, the United States Navy, and the United States Postal Service.

About Kaiser Permanente
Kaiser Permanente is committed to helping shape the future of health care. We are recognized as one of America’s leading health care providers and not-for-profit health plans. Founded in 1945, our mission is to provide high-quality, affordable health care services and to improve the health of our members and the communities we serve. We currently serve 8.8 million members in nine states and the District of Columbia. Care for members and patients is focused on their total health and guided by their personal physicians, specialists and team of caregivers. Our expert and caring medical teams are empowered and supported by industry-leading technology advances and tools for health promotion, disease prevention, state-of-the art care delivery and world-class chronic disease management. Kaiser Permanente is dedicated to care innovations, clinical research, health education and the support of community health.

UMHS Launches Ad Campaign for New University of Michigan C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital

2011-09-06 06:04:54

University of Michigan Health System (UMHS) launched a new campaign to announce the opening of the C. S. Mott Children’s Hospital. Created by marketing communications company Campbell Ewald, the campaign drives consumers online to view 12 new in-depth videos that focus on patients featured in the campaign and their experience with UMHS doctors and staff. From Jake who was born with portions of his tibia missing and has been fitted with over nine different prosthetic legs to Ariana who is living and breathing with an expandable, titanium rib — these heartwarming videos take viewers through a timeline of touching accounts of patients’ procedures, recovery and triumphs.

“This new, engaging campaign provides the consumer a window into the patient lives and stories of the incredible care they received that is the hallmark of doctors and staff at the University of Michigan Health System,” said UMHS Director of Marketing Dave Brudon. “Their dedication, skill and compassion are improving lives today, while their innovations are paving the way to better treatments and cures for tomorrow. That’s really the message the campaign captures and drives home.”

As part of the overall “Michigan Difference” creative, the campaign features the iconic and inspiring music of the University of Michigan’s fight song alongside impactful imagery to showcase new faces and stories that portray the Michigan Difference. The work –– which includes TV, radio, print and online videos –– describes the relationships and partnerships that grow between patients, doctors and staff at C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital, while capturing moments within stories and bringing them to life. At the end of the TV spots, viewers are invited to visit mottchildren.org to view the online videos and discover more about the new C. S. Mott Children’s Hospital. A new Mott Children’s Hospital logo, also created by CE, is revealed and features a child’s wooden block with the iconic University of Michigan “M” letter on the front in maize and blue.

Mark Simon, chief creative officer of Campbell Ewald said, “We developed the campaign, and in particular the videos, to take a more personal, in-depth look at the impact the entire hospital has had on the lives of these patients and their families. The stories of these ‘little victors’ and the people who dedicate their lives to helping them is what ‘Hail to the Victors’ is all about.”

The television spots and online videos will debut on September 3 during the first University of Michigan home football game vs. Western Michigan University that begins at 3:30 p.m. on ABC-TV. Radio and print, which highlights the newly designed hospital and its features, will break on September 5, with TV also running locally on primetime cable and network programming. Campbell Ewald has been advertising agency of record for University of Michigan Health System since 2005.

About Campbell Ewald
CE (Campbell Ewald) is a collaborative marketing communications company that provides clients game-changing solutions. As one of the nation’s largest communications brands, CE is made up of a collective of thought leaders with innovative capabilities both traditional and specialized, including advertising; insights and solutions planning; integrated content strategy and development; social, relationship, retail and experiential marketing; interactive/digital; and strategic media planning and buying.

CE has offices in Detroit, Los Angeles, San Antonio, Miami and Washington, D.C. A part of The Interpublic Group of Companies (NYSE:IPG), CE partners with a score of national brands, including Alltel Wireless, Carrier, Chicken of the Sea, General Motors, Ghirardelli, Kaiser Permanente, Olympic Paints and Stains, OnStar, USAA, the United States Environmental Protection Agency, the United States Mint, the United States Navy and the United States Postal Service.

About C. S. Mott Children’s Hospital
The University of Michigan C. S. Mott Children’s Hospital is consistently ranked as one of the best hospitals in the country. It was nationally ranked in all ten pediatric specialties in the U.S. News Media Group’s 2011 edition of “America’s Best Children’s Hospitals” including third in the country for heart and heart surgery. In November, the hospital moves to a new 1.1 million square feet, $754 million state-of-the-art facility that will be home to cutting-edge specialty services for newborns, children and women.

New OnStar FMV Campaign Goes Out-of-the-Box

2011-08-01 04:23:22

The newly launched OnStar FMV (For My Vehicle) product –– the first out-of-the-box application of OnStar’s automotive safety and connectivity services –– is now the focus of a new marketing campaign designed to help more consumers understand the dynamic capabilities behind the trusted OnStar service now available to over 90 million older vehicles. Created by marketing communications company Campbell Ewald (CE), the campaign “Power of the Box” invites viewers to enter the safer world inside the OnStar FMV box to experience the connectivity of the OnStar “blue button.” This campaign marks the first time OnStar has used mobile online media in their marketing, and the first time in this category that one technology platform is being used to deliver a single social media experience across paid and earned channels simultaneously.

OnStar FMV is a replacement rearview mirror that features OnStar’s core services such as Automatic Crash Response, Turn-by-Turn Navigation, Hands-Free Calling, Stolen Vehicle Location Assistance, Emergency Services and Roadside Assistance and is available at consumer electronics stores such as Best Buy.

“The campaign is a multimedia experience that connects consumers to OnStar FMV and communicates a whole new world of safety and connectivity that is now available to be added to millions of vehicles currently on the road,” said Sam Mancuso, chief marketing officer of OnStar. “The rich media platform allows us to educate and inform consumers about the features and benefits of the OnStar FMV product while allowing them to engage in real-time multi-channel conversations, all through the OnStar FMV brand channel.”

To provide the consumer with this innovative, real-time social/digital experience, thismoment, a leading SaaS technology company has applied a single platform to allow consumer conversations about OnStar FMV to be aggregated from Facebook and YouTube. These conversations will be delivered to the OnStar FMV brand channel and across Apple and Android mobile devices so that consumers in this single, interactive brand channel can learn more about FMV from each other.

The art direction of the overall campaign creative takes the audience into an unfolding world inside of the box where an OnStar Advisor quickly addresses every challenge. Viewers get a deeper dive into the world inside the OnStar FMV box with CGI rotating cars and flipping locations. Life-size boxes were created to match the dimensions of online banners with firemen, police and other professionals “living” inside the box. For example, a fireman or policeman may communicate safety while a gas station attendant or waiter may communicate Turn-by-Turn Navigation. A :30 television spot along with banner ads, digital, website, mobile and fully integrated online media are all part of this campaign to lead the consumer to a unique experience and an education about OnStar FMV.

The TV campaign will launch August 1, and will run on key prime time network and cable programming shows such as The Bachelor, Shark Tank, Same Name, So You Think You Can Dance, and more. The award-winning OnStar “Real Calls” radio spots will also continue to air, reminding listeners of the everyday impact OnStar has on people’s lives.

“Our mission was to create the world of OnStar inside of the box to engage a new, broader spectrum of consumers at key touch points in their lives to educate them on the power of the blue button –– to which they now can purchase and have installed in their car,” said Bill Ludwig, chairman and CEO of Campbell Ewald. “We believe this rich brand experience will capture the attention of the consumer, ignite conversations and connect more people with the OnStar brand.”

CE collaborated with The Mill, an award-winning creator of seamless visual effects, to create the world inside the box for both broadcast and digital and media by artfully bringing together live action and animation. CE also partnered with thismoment, using their Distributed Engagement Channel (DEC) platform to design an environment to foster a deeper, more meaningful relationship between the OnStar brand and consumers.

About OnStar
OnStar, a wholly owned subsidiary of General Motors (NYSE: GM), is the leading provider of connected safety and security solutions, value-added mobility services and advanced information technology. Currently available on more than 40 MY 2011 GM models, OnStar soon will be available for installation on most other vehicles already on the road through local electronics retailers, including Best Buy. The OnStar Mobile App is a recipient of the 2011 Edison Award for Best New Product in the Remote Driving Aids segment and OnStar Stolen Vehicle Slowdown is a recipient of the 2010 Edison Award for Best New Product in the Technology segment. OnStar safely connects its more than six million subscribers, in the U.S., Canada and China, in ways never thought possible. More information about OnStar can be found at www.onstar.com.

About Campbell Ewald
Campbell Ewald (CE) is a collaborative marketing communications company that provides clients game-changing solutions. As one of the nation’s largest communications brands, CE is made up of a collective of thought leaders with innovative capabilities both traditional and specialized, including advertising; insights and solutions planning; integrated content strategy and development; social, relationship, retail and experiential marketing; interactive/digital; and strategic media planning and buying.

CE has offices in Detroit, Los Angeles, San Antonio, Miami and Washington, D.C. A part of The Interpublic Group of Companies (NYSE:IPG), CE partners with a score of national brands, including Alltel Wireless, Carrier, Chicken of the Sea, General Motors, Ghirardelli, Kaiser Permanente, Olympic Paints and Stains, OnStar, USAA, the United States Environmental Protection Agency, the United States Mint, the United States Navy and the United States Postal Service.

Launched on Father’s Day, New National PSAs Promote Fun and Affordable Ways to be an Involved Father

2011-06-22 02:47:37

“The smallest moments can have the biggest impact on a child’s life. Take time to be a dad today.” That’s the campaign message of new public service advertisements (PSAs) that launched as part of a nationwide recognition of Father’s Day. Campbell Ewald (CE) created the PSA’s pro bono as part of a long standing, 15 year effort to encourage fathers to be more involved in their children’s lives.

The campaign is an effort between the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) Administration for Children and Families, Office of Family Assistance and the Ad Council to show fathers the unique and irreplaceable role they play in their children’s lives.

The PSAs have featured different segments of the population and the various challenges fathers face. This year’s campaign includes new TV, radio, outdoor and Web PSA’s that include Hispanic fathers and Military dads, and the small, yet precious moments they share with their children. For example, in one PSA an unforgettable reunion between a military father and his daughter is captured when he surprises her in her classroom.

According to the National Responsible Fatherhood Clearinghouse (NRFC), children who live without their biological fathers are on average at least two to three times more likely to experience educational, health, emotional and behavioral problems, to be victims of child abuse and to engage in criminal behavior than their peers who live with their married, biological (or adoptive) parents. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, an estimated 24 million children (34%) in the U.S. live apart from their fathers.

Whether they live together or just see each other occasionally, research shows kids benefit greatly when their fathers are actively involved in their lives. The Responsible Fatherhood campaign urges fathers to be proactive and not wait for their children to ask them to read them a book, play a game, or sit down together for a meal —but take the lead. Spending time with a child can energize the relationship and create a stronger bond between a father and child.

“This Sunday we celebrate fathers nationwide, including those men who are serving in the military.” said Peggy Conlon, president and CEO of the Ad Council. “By launching this campaign in advance of Father’s Day, we strongly believe these touching PSAs will inspire fathers throughout the year to take the time to be involved in their children’s lives.”

“We are proud to further the conversation our work ignited years ago about the irreplaceable role fathers play in their children’s lives,” said Bill Ludwig, chairman and CEO of Campbell Ewald. “We hope to inspire and engage fathers through the relevant and heartwarming messages while enhancing the quality of life of their children.”

The U.S. Census reports that 34% (slightly higher than the national average) of Hispanic children live in father-absent homes; while more than 1.8 million children of military dads suffer from the unique stresses of military life. New Spanish television, radio and outdoor PSAs were developed in collaboration with the Hispanic Communications Network.

All of the PSAs direct fathers to visit the campaign website, www.fatherhood.gov, or to call 1-877-4DAD411 for fatherhood programs, resources and a series of downloadable “Take Time Tips” that are fun and budget friendly, including:

Create small moments that bring big rewards – Go for a walk, read a story, cook dinner, play a video game or board game, color a picture, or do a crossword puzzle with your child. These everyday activities are easy, affordable and can spark conversation, laughter and lasting memories.

Be a digital dad – Send your child a text message for no reason at all, other than to say, “I love you,” or “Great job on the test.”

Come and get it – Eat meals with your children. Breakfast, lunch and dinner create an opportunity to give your child your full attention. It’s a time to share news about your lives, have discussions and make plans for your family.

To date, the campaign has received nearly $123 million in donated media across television, radio, outdoor, print and digital. Per the Ad Council’s model, the PSAs will run and air in advertising time and space that is donated by the media.

About Campbell Ewald
CE is a collaborative marketing communications company that provides clients game-changing solutions. As one of the nation’s largest communications brands, CE is made up of a collective of thought leaders with innovative capabilities both traditional and specialized, including advertising; insights and solutions planning; integrated content strategy and development; social, relationship, retail and experiential marketing; interactive/digital; and strategic media planning and buying.

CE has offices in Detroit, Los Angeles, San Antonio, Miami and Washington, D.C. A part of The Interpublic Group of Companies (NYSE:IPG), CE partners with a score of national brands, including Alltel Wireless, Carrier, Chicken of the Sea, General Motors, Ghirardelli, Kaiser Permanente, Olympic Paints and Stains, OnStar, USAA, the United States Environmental Protection Agency, the United States Mint, the United States Navy and the United States Postal Service.

About U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’
Through HHS, the federal government supports responsible fatherhood in diverse ways. Because engaged fathers strengthen families and contribute to healthy outcomes for children, many HHS programs integrate support for fathers. These include Head Start, Child Support programs, and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families. HHS also supports programs that focus on responsible fatherhood, such as the Promoting Responsible Fatherhood grant program administered by the Office of Family Assistance.

About National Responsible Fatherhood Clearinghouse
The National Responsible Fatherhood Clearinghouse (NRFC) is funded by the Administration for Children and Families' Office of Family Assistance's (OFA) efforts to assist States and communities in promoting and supporting Responsible Fatherhood. Primarily a tool for professionals operating Responsible Fatherhood programs, the NRFC provides access to print and electronic publications, timely information on fatherhood issues, and targeted resources that support OFA-funded Responsible Fatherhood grantees. The NRFC Website also provides essential information for other audiences interested in fatherhood issues. The address for the NRFC website is www.fatherhood.gov.

About The Advertising Council
The Ad Council is a non-profit organization with a rich history of marshalling volunteer talent from the advertising and media industries to deliver critical messages to the American public. Having produced literally thousands of PSA campaigns addressing the most pressing social issues of the day, the Ad Council has effected, and continues to effect, tremendous positive change by raising awareness, inspiring action, and saving lives. The Ad Council-Central Region office serves the Detroit media market and is located in Warren, MI. To learn more about the Ad Council and its campaigns, visit www.adcouncil.org.

About Hispanic Communications Network
Hispanic Communications Network - HCN - is the leading social & cause marketing communications firm targeting Latinos in the U.S. With over 27 years of experience, with an unrivaled network of more than 200 affiliated radio stations and nearly 100 newspapers, HCN serves Hispanics nationwide with vital information in Spanish on healthcare, higher education, financial literacy, homeownership, science, technology, immigration and the environment. We produce dynamic media campaigns that blend television, radio, print and online elements to open doors of opportunity for the nation’s largest minority group. HCN partners with organizations that share a commitment to strong communities.

Related News:
New Public Service Advertisements Inspire Fatherhood Involvement (Ad Council, 6/14/2011)

Adelantándose al Fin de Semana del Día del Padre, Nuevos Anuncios de Servicio Público Promueven la Diversión y las Formas Económicas de Ser un Padre Comprometido (Ad Council, 6/14/2011)

Tony Hopp to be Inducted into the 2011 Adcraft Club of Detroit's Hall of Fame

2011-06-21 05:26:00

Former Campbell Ewald (CE) Chairman & CEO Tony Hopp will be recognized for his distinguished contributions to the Detroit advertising community when he is inducted into the Adcraft Club of Detroit’s 2011 Hall of Fame on Wednesday, June 22.

Hopp devoted his career to CE and its clients. He joined the agency in 1968 as an assistant account executive and was named president in 1993. He later rose to vice chairman and chief operating officer in 1995, chief executive officer in 1996, and chairman in 1997.

“As chairman, Tony had the vision to diversify the Agency’s business by leveraging the capabilities CE had developed over the years,” said Bill Ludwig, current chairman and CEO of CE. “He built an inspired culture on one philosophy: focus on the quality of the work, and the rewards would follow.”

During his 13-year chairmanship, Hopp and his executive team led the Agency’s diversification and new business acquisition efforts that contributed to agency growth and account wins, including U.S. Navy, U.S. Postal Service, Kaiser Permanente, Alltel, OnStar, and USAA. Hopp also played an instrumental role in developing CE’s relationship with longtime client Chevrolet by leading the charge on several iconic campaigns, including “Like a Rock,” “An American Revolution,” and “Our Country, Our Truck.”

Hopp was CE’s seventh chairman and chief executive officer, serving from 1997 to 2009. He has served on the boards of the American Association of Advertising Agencies (past chairman), Michigan Advertising Industry Alliance, The Advertising Council, the American Advertising Federation, and the Adcraft Club of Detroit. He was also a founding member of the Detroit Leadership Committee of The Advertising Council, as well as a recipient of the Michigan State University's Distinguished Alumni Award.

Hopp will be honored at the June 22 Adcraft Club’s “Mad Men & Women of Detroit” event — a 60s style celebration of the advertising industry’s heritage. Hopp is one of eight inductees into the 2011 Adcraft Hall of Fame.

About CE
CE (Campbell Ewald) is a collaborative marketing communications company that provides clients game-changing solutions. As one of the nation’s largest communications brands, CE is made up of a collective of thought leaders with innovative capabilities both traditional and specialized, including advertising; insights and solutions planning; integrated content strategy and development; social, relationship, retail and experiential marketing; interactive/digital; and strategic media planning and buying.

CE has offices in Detroit, Los Angeles, San Antonio, Miami and Washington, D.C. A part of The Interpublic Group of Companies (NYSE:IPG), CE partners with a score of national brands, including Alltel Wireless, Carrier, Chicken of the Sea, General Motors, Ghirardelli, Kaiser Permanente, Olympic Paints and Stains, OnStar, USAA, the United States Environmental Protection Agency, the United States Mint, the United States Navy and the United States Postal Service.

Campbell Ewald Wins Effie Award for USPS Campaign

2011-06-08 03:28:19

The North American Effie Awards — which recognizes ideas that formulate the most effective marketing campaigns and a global symbol for marketing achievement — has honored Campbell Ewald’s work for the United States Postal Service (USPS) by awarding “A Simpler Way to Ship” holiday campaign with a Silver Effie Award. This is the second consecutive year Campbell-Ewald's work on behalf of USPS won the coveted award.

Behind the success of the campaign was consumer insight about holiday shipping and returns, which led to a game-changing idea that drove a new strategy for USPS during the six-week holiday shipping season. A new version of the highly successful “Simpler Way to Ship” campaign featuring Priority Mail Flat Rate Boxes was created. By penetrating the promotional noise of the holiday season and convincing consumers that shipping would be easier with Flat Rate Boxes, USPS was able to reinvent the holiday gift shipping and returns process for consumers by eliminating the hassle.

“The consumer insight not only led us to understand the perceived burden of shipping during and after the holidays, but also helped us to develop an easy-to-use solution for consumers,” said CE Managing Director Mark Bellissimo. “We recognized there was a simpler solution we could offer consumers by leveraging the well-known USPS Priority Mail Flat Rate Boxes into the holiday shipping challenge — ultimately changing the game for holiday shipping and leading to unparalleled results.”

The campaign launched in November 2009 and utilized TV, direct mail/email, cinema and online advertising to generate awareness.

About CE
CE (Campbell Ewald) is a collaborative marketing communications company that provides clients game-changing solutions. As one of the nation’s largest communications brands, CE is made up of a collective of thought leaders with innovative capabilities both traditional and specialized, including advertising; insights and solutions planning; integrated content strategy and development; social, relationship, retail and experiential marketing; interactive/digital; and strategic media planning and buying.

CE has offices in Detroit, Los Angeles, San Antonio, Miami and Washington, D.C. A part of The Interpublic Group of Companies (NYSE:IPG), CE partners with a score of national brands, including Alltel Wireless, Carrier, Chicken of the Sea, General Motors, Ghirardelli, Kaiser Permanente, Olympic Paints and Stains, OnStar, USAA, the United States Environmental Protection Agency, the United States Mint, the United States Navy and the United States Postal Service. Please visit us on www.c-e.com, Facebook and Twitter.

Campbell Ewald Wins 5 of 5 at the DMAD’s 2011 Target Awards

2011-05-25 09:43:35

For the 11th consecutive year, Campbell Ewald (CE) was recognized for excellence in direct marketing at last night’s Target Awards, presented by the Detroit Direct Marketing Association (DMAD). CE won five awards for its five entries — winning first place for the United States Postal Service "San Francisco Heart" campaign, United States Navy "Physician Workforce" direct mail, USAA "Win-Win" sweepstakes and USAA "Retirement" direct marketing campaign. CE was awarded second place for the Navy.com Website Redesign.

In addition, Janice Easton, CE’s Director of Strategic Analytics, was honored with the DMAD Lifetime Achievement Award. Easton, a 20-plus-year veteran of strategic CRM analytics, actively supports the industry by teaching a DMAD Education Series on statistical modeling, leading conference sessions on segmentation and loyalty programs, and sharing her expertise as an Echo Awards judge.

“We are honored that the creativity and effectiveness of our work has been recognized especially considering the tough competition we were up against,” said Bill Ludwig, CE’s chairman and CEO. “We also join the rest of the ad community in saluting our own team member, Janice Easton for her expertise, insight and contributions to the direct marketing industry.”

About CE
CE (Campbell Ewald) is a collaborative marketing communications company that provides clients game-changing solutions. As one of the nation’s largest communications brands, CE is made up of a collective of thought leaders with innovative capabilities both traditional and specialized, including advertising; insights and solutions planning; integrated content strategy and development; social, relationship, retail and experiential marketing; interactive/digital; and strategic media planning and buying.

CE has offices in Detroit, Los Angeles, San Antonio and Washington, D.C. A part of The Interpublic Group of Companies (NYSE:IPG), CE partners with a score of national brands, including Alltel Wireless, Carrier, Chicken of the Sea, General Motors, Ghirardelli, Kaiser Permanente, Olympic Paints and Stains, OnStar, USAA, the United States Environmental Protection Agency, the United States Mint, the United States Navy and the United States Postal Service.

Most Played Game on GSN.com Moves to Facebook

2011-04-29 05:29:52

The newly introduced Chicken of the Sea’s Undersea Treasure Match game has quickly become the most played game in GSN.com history amassing more than 4 million total plays and averaging approximately 150,000 plays per day. Branded and skinned by Campbell Ewald for Chicken of the Sea, the game is now also making a debut on Facebook via GSN’s Games Application, the largest gaming platform on Facebook.

The casino-esque Undersea Treasure Match game originally launched on GSN’s website March 9, 2011, is now on their Facebook game page. Similar to a slot-style video game, players click a button to cast up to nine fishing lines to match as many various undersea objects and Chicken of the Sea goodies as possible. When a player makes a successful match, they are awarded Mesmo tokens, which can be redeemed for additional game play. Undersea Treasure Match will be available on Facebook for a limited time and on GSN.com through August.

This game is part of the new Chicken of the Sea advertising and marketing campaign created by Campbell Ewald and introduced in March. This campaign also brought the iconic Chicken of the Sea Mermaid back to life in a series of online video and radio commercials.

About CE
CE {Campbell Ewald} is a collaborative marketing communications company that provides clients game-changing solutions. As one of the nation’s largest communications brands, CE is made up of a collective of thought leaders with innovative capabilities both traditional and specialized, including advertising; insights and solutions planning; integrated content strategy and development; social, relationship, retail and experiential marketing; interactive/digital; and strategic media planning and buying.

CE has offices in Detroit, Los Angeles and San Antonio, as well as service offices in Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Memphis, New York and Washington, D.C. A part of The Interpublic Group of Companies (NYSE:IPG), CE partners with a score of national brands, including Alltel Wireless, Carrier, Chicken of the Sea, General Motors, Ghirardelli, Kaiser Permanente, Olympic Paints and Stains, OnStar, USAA, the United States Environmental Protection Agency, the United States Mint, the United States Navy and the United States Postal Service. Please visit us on www.c-e.com, Facebook and Twitter.

CE Media Maven Received 2011 Genii Award

2011-04-07 09:18:34

LOS ANGELES, California – Linda Southern, director of local media buying at Campbell Ewald (CE), one of the nation’s largest marketing communications company, received the Excellence in Advertising award from the Alliance for Women in Media at the 54th Annual Genii Awards Gala on Wednesday, April 6. Southern was one of seven women honored at the evening event.

“Linda Southern was the clear choice to be the 2011 Excellence in Advertising Award recipient based on her stellar career in the industry, perspectives from both the client and agency sides of the business, and the outpouring of respect and accolades shared by her peers in the media industry,“ said Daria Linvill and Julie Kertes, co-presidents of The Alliance for Women in Media, Southern California Chapter. “Her strong work ethic, grace and passion for the industry exemplify the mission of our organization and spirit of the award.”

The annual Genii Awards celebrate the outstanding contributions of women in radio, television, film, new media and advertising. With over twenty years experience in advertising, Linda Southern is one of Southern California’s senior professionals in broadcast media. She has experience working on the client side with Fortune 500 companies such as Anheuser-Busch and Wherehouse Entertainment. She currently oversees more than $70 million in the local media buying operation for CE and is responsible for negotiating high-profile television and radio schedules for clients including Kaiser Permanente, Olympic Paints and Stains, the U.S. Postal Service and the U.S. Navy.

“Linda is a seasoned veteran in the industry whose talent and innovative thinking allow us to further push the envelope in advertising and media for our clients,” said Tom Talbert, group director of media services at CE. “She displays an outstanding degree of professionalism in the high-profile work she does.”

Southern has lived in Los Angeles with her husband for over 25 years. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in advertising with a minor in marketing from Michigan State University and has also completed work from Arizona State University in marketing and business.

About Alliance for Women in Media:
Alliance for Women in Media is a national, nonprofit organization that extends membership to qualified professionals in the electronic media and allied fields. Founded in 1951, our mission is to advance the impact of women in the media and allied fields by educating, advocating and acting as a resource to our members, the industry, and the public. The Southern California Chapter of Alliance for Women in Media offers local benefits to its members, including: Networking Events, Educational Programs, Community Outreach, Mentorship and a Scholarship Program. The chapter also holds the annual Genii Awards that celebrates the outstanding contributions of women in Radio, Television, Film, New Media and Advertising. Proceeds from the Genii Awards fund the AWM SoCal student scholarships.

About CE:
CE {Campbell Ewald} is a collaborative marketing communications company that provides clients game-changing solutions. As one of the nation’s largest communications brands, CE is made up of a collective of thought leaders with innovative capabilities, both traditional and specialized, including advertising; insights and solutions planning; integrated content strategy and development; social, relationship, retail and experiential marketing; interactive/digital; and strategic media planning and buying.

CE has offices in Detroit, Los Angeles and San Antonio, as well as service offices in Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Memphis, New York and Washington, D.C. A part of The Interpublic Group of Companies (NYSE:IPG), CE partners with a score of national brands, including Alltel Wireless, Carrier, Chicken of the Sea, General Motors, Ghirardelli, Kaiser Permanente, Olympic Paints and Stains, OnStar, USAA, the United States Environmental Protection Agency, the United States Mint, the United States Navy and the United States Postal Service.

Ghirardelli SQUARES™ Connects With Women to Enrich Their Busy Lives

2011-02-16 07:50:51

Los Angeles, CA – The Ghirardelli Chocolate Company has just launched “Rendezvous,” a new national TV spot created by CE (Campbell Ewald), for its largest and most successful product line – Ghirardelli SQUARES™ chocolates. The spot brings to life the rendezvous between the Ghirardelli Squares chocolates and a woman’s busy life by combining the imagery of rich chocolate and luscious caramel with uniquely composed storyline lyrics and music.

“Ghirardelli Chocolate is an American-rooted company with a rich history amongst premium chocolate brands,” said Angela Zepeda, managing director at Campbell Ewald. “We set out to create a spot that conveyed the experience only a Ghirardelli SQUARES™ can offer – a special reward for all that a woman does every day.” The spot, which began running Monday, January 31, 2011, will run nationally on network TV.

In “Rendezvous,” a woman rewards herself by enjoying a Ghirardelli SQUARES™ chocolate in her home overlooking the serenity of San Francisco. The spot’s tagline, Moment of Timeless Pleasure, alludes to that well-deserved respite, taking a moment out of your day to stop, reset and keep going.

“Working with Campbell Ewald was a collaborative process that began with extensive consumer research, new product positioning and, ultimately, the creation of ‘Rendezvous’,” said Mona Maher, Vice President of Marketing at Ghirardelli Chocolate Company. “Campbell Ewald met our challenge by developing a breakthrough, unique spot with incredible appetite-appeal that stays true to the Ghirardelli brand and heritage.”

The spot was filmed by world-renowned film director Michael Bindlechner, who has directed more than 300 commercials and has been awarded a Gold Lion at the Cannes Advertising Festival for his visionary food shots.

About The Ghirardelli Chocolate Company
The Ghirardelli Chocolate Company is a manufacturer and marketer of premium chocolate products. Incorporated in 1852, Ghirardelli has an incredibly rich American history. As the country’s longest continuously operating chocolate manufacturer, Ghirardelli has established its position as America’s Premium Chocolate Company with more than 150 years of chocolate making experience. Ghirardelli’s product line includes its signature SQUARES™ chocolate, Intense Dark™ chocolate, LUXE MILK™ chocolate, and other premium chocolate confections, baking chocolate and beverages. These items are sold through select specialty stores, grocery stores, drug stores, mass merchandisers and department stores. In addition, Ghirardelli sells a line of premium chocolate, syrups and drinks for the Food Service channel. Ghirardelli currently owns and operates 16 retail stores in six states, including the original Soda Fountain & Chocolate Shop located in San Francisco’s historic Ghirardelli Square. For more information about Ghirardelli, visit www.ghirardelli.com.

About CE
CE (Campbell Ewald) is one of the nation's largest advertising, direct and digital communications agencies, with offices in Detroit, Los Angeles, San Antonio, Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, New York, and Washington, D.C. A part of The Interpublic Group of Companies (NYSE:IPG), CE partners with a score of national brands, including Alltel Wireless, Carrier, Chicken of the Sea, General Motors, Ghirardelli, Kaiser Permanente, Olympic Paint and Stain, OnStar, USAA, the United States Environmental Protection Agency, the United States Mint, the United States Navy and the United States Postal Service.

Chicken of the Sea Names CE Agency of Record

2010-12-08 07:03:17

Warren, Michigan –December 7, 2010 – Chicken of the Sea®, nearly a century-old seafood category leader offering a variety of canned, pouched, and cupped tuna, salmon, and specialty seafood items, announced today that it has selected Campbell-Ewald (CE) as its agency of record. The announcement was made by John Sawyer, VP of Marketing and Sales for Chicken of the Sea.

“CE captured our attention with a strategic, fresh approach to reigniting our brand,” said Sawyer. “They understand how to capitalize on our heritage to effectively create an engaging brand experience.”

The account will be handled out of the Agency’s Los Angeles office and will include account, strategy, creative, production, and media planning and buying. First work will be comprised of radio, online video, digital and social media and will launch in spring 2011.

“Ask any Mermaid, Chicken of the Sea and the Mermaid are among the most well-loved brands and icons,” said CE Chairman and CEO Bill Ludwig. “We look forward to further growing this brand’s customer loyalty and market share.”

About CE
Campbell-Ewald is one of the nation's largest advertising and digital communications agencies, with more than 1,100 employees and offices in Detroit, Los Angeles, San Antonio, Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, New York, and Washington, D.C. A part of The Interpublic Group of Companies (NYSE:IPG), Campbell-Ewald partners with a score of national brands, including Alltel Wireless, ARAMARK, Buffalo Wild Wings, Carrier, Chevrolet, General Motors, Ghirardelli, Kaiser Permanente, Olympic Paints and Stains, OnStar, USAA, the United States Environmental Protection Agency, the United States Mint, the United States Navy and the United States Postal Service.