Special Request: Support for the Special Olympics World Winter Games

This morning I received an email from the folks at Balihoo that I felt was worth passing along:

All,

I’m sending you this email as a fellow business colleague to ask for your support for the Special Olympics World Winter Games being held in Idaho this week.

The 2009 World Games still needs to raise money to support these phenomenal athletes, and I believe the Idaho business community can help. The World Games challenged Balihoo to find a way to help. Our idea: offer a Winter Games Commemorative Shadow Box for businesses that donate $500 or more to the games. Each shadow box will contain one of the original, hand-knitted blue and white scarves, which have been prominently featured in the news. These scarves were handmade by volunteers across the country and sent to Boise for the games.

Every limited edition, numbered shadow box will also contain a letter from one of the volunteer knitters and a personalized “thank you” to your business. We think they are perfect to hang in your office as a long-term reminder of your company’s support for these games and their legacy on our community.

You can go to the following website to learn more and make your pledge: http://www.soiscarf.com./.

I know times are tough and we’re all feeling a squeeze right now, so asking for a $500 pledge from a fellow business certainly comes with a bit of apprehension. However, this is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Idaho and a similarly unparalleled opportunity for the Idaho business community to show its strength and commitment to the greater good. The shadow boxes will be available only until February 13th.

Finally, please forward this email to other Idaho business leaders who you think can help!

Thanks

And as a reminder, the Games begin February 7th, and run through February 13th.

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New Client for Wirestone

Health & Disability Advocates (HDA) has selected Wirestone, including their office in Boise, as their lead agency following a competitive review, according to Adweek and other media outlets.

HDA is national nonprofit organization leading a group of state health and human service agencies to develop a campaign about the benefits of hiring people with disabilities.

Wirestone was selected over seven other agencies in the pitch for the HDA business, which will include branding the new national initiative, as well as developing and executing its entire integrated marketing strategy that is expected to include print and broadcast advertising.

Congratulations Wirestone.

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Jacksons Food Stores Selects New Agency

After a competitive review, Jacksons Food Stores has selected The Agency Creative Network as their Agency of Record, responsible for all marketing, advertising and public relations related activities. The Agency Creative Network was chosen over Stoltz Marketing Group, Oliver Russell, and CLM. The account had previously been held by CLM.

The change of agencies represents a dramatic shift for Jacksons Food Stores, and is a significant win for The Agency Creative Network. The account was a long-time CLM account, and had been with the shop since its days as WRC Advertising. Jacksons is Idaho’s 6th largest privately held corporation, and operates in Idaho, Nevada, Washington and Oregon.

The Agency Creative Network, founded and led by Jane Perlaky, describes itself as an “open network model.” It utilizes talent throughout the area, and assembles teams tailored to individual client needs. Said one member of the team involved in the Jacksons business, this “…shows that clients see the value in smart strategy and creativity, no matter how it comes together.”

Congratulations to The Agency Creative Network on a hard-earned win.

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Cuts at CLM

Recently, word reached the Idaho Ad Agencies blog that CLM (formerly Closed Loop Marketing & Advertising) went through a round of layoffs, cutting 25 % of their staff.

At first glance, that number seems drastic. Put in context, they’ve cut 4 from what had been a staff of 16. The agency’s People section of their website reflects the reduced headcount as well.

This type of news is never what anyone likes to hear, but is reflective, even at the local level, of larger trends that are taking place in the marketing and advertising industry as a whole.

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A new site for Blue 541

Our friends at Blue 541 in Coeur d’Alene have updated their agency website. It’s a nice showcase of their previous work, as well as their interactive capabilities.

Oh yeah, and they’ve got a cat too.

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