CHANEL Launches Premiere Makeup Studio Offering Hands On, Interactive Environment
CHANEL has launched its first ever Makeup Studio in the U.S. at Bloomingdale's South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa, California. This over 500 square foot Makeup Studio is designed to offer upscale consumers an interactive and innovative beauty experience in a contemporary environment.
"The new CHANEL Makeup Studio has been developed to showcase the strength of our colour business, and offer customers a hands-on, interactive environment to experience Chanel makeup, skincare and fragrance in a new way," says Christine Dagousset, Executive Vice President, CHANEL Fragrance & Beauté.
The Studio has been designed as a destination for discerning consumers seeking limited and best-selling shade selections imported from across the globe, and distinctively highlights traditional fragrance, makeup, and skincare products. To complement this unique environment, customers will also be serviced by a team of full-time makeup artists, and have the opportunity to participate in ongoing special events like International Makeup Artist appearances from Paris.
Distinctive areas within the Studio are dedicated to "World Makeup Imports" and a visually powerful oversized "Eyes, Face, Lips" Makeup Wall. The space includes innovative design details such as the signature "Miroir Lumiere" light box mirror at each makeup station, utilizing modifiable light technology exclusive to CHANEL to mimic natural light from day to evening in Spring, Summer and Winter seasons. A jumbo plasma screen will play the Nicole Kidman and Keira Knightly fragrance films as well as videos from the Makeup Studio in Paris, while an LED ticker will continually stream upcoming events in the Studio.
Mister Money Awarded Patent For Its Self-Service Kiosks
Mister Money (www.mistermoney.com) has received a patent on its automated process for cash advance and payday loans, according to Doug Will, President & CFO for Mister Money. Alternative Financial Solutions (AFS) -- a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mister Money -- developed the first cash advance loan transactional kiosk in 1999. Since then, Mister Money's AFS kiosks have processed thousands of cash advance and payday loans in grocery and convenience stores, casinos, check cashing establishments and credit unions.
"Like the time-saving kiosks favored by today's air travelers, our user-friendly, self-service loan kiosks are popular with cash advance customers," said Will. "Our automated kiosks give customers quick, convenient and accurate transactions."
In addition to improved customer service, Will maintains that AFS kiosks save lending companies money by reducing the need for additional employees. Mister Money stands ready to help other payday lenders implement a kiosk and automated cash advance loan transaction program. AFS kiosks and loan processing software are available for purchase and licensing.
Bristol Farms Displays Low-Mercury Seafood
Bristol Farms, an industry-leading Southern California specialty and fresh grocery chain, is now selling Safe Harbor certified seafood exclusively in all of its 15 Southern California stores and its San Francisco store. Safe Harbor seafood is certified to be lower in mercury than government standards through testing conducted by Micro Analytical Systems, Inc. (MASI), San Rafael, Calif., developer of the world's first rapid, large-scale mercury-testing process for seafood.
"We are committed to providing our customers with the highest quality foods and Safe Harbor certified seafood testing allows us to demonstrate that commitment by being the first retailer in Southern California to offer certified low-mercury seafood," said Kevin Davis, Bristol Farms' President and CEO. "Our customers are extremely knowledgeable about the food they purchase, and we expect Safe Harbor certified seafood to address concerns some may have about mercury levels in fish and seafood."
Nickelodeon & Marriott Enter Into Global Partnership To Create Branded Hotel Experience
Marriott International, Nickelodeon and Miller Global Properties, LLC, an international real estate investment and development company, have formed an agreement to co-develop a breakthrough new lodging resort brand and concept for travelers seeking fun and adventure, "Nickelodeon Resorts by Marriott," with 20 potential hotels expected to be under construction by 2020.
The first "Nickelodeon Resorts by Marriott" property is expected to be a 650-room resort at Liberty Station in San Diego, which will incorporate a 100,000 square-foot water park and activity deck complex featuring a variety of pools and interactive attractions. Designed by Gensler, the well-known international architectural firm, the resort is expected to break ground in January 2008 and open in early 2010. Other potential resort locations being considered for development include major family-oriented destinations in the U.S., Caribbean and Mexican resort areas, the UK and Europe, Asia, Australia and the Middle East.
J.W. "Bill" Marriott, Jr., Chairman and CEO of Marriott International, said, "Besides being a great new family destination, we believe that 'Nickelodeon Resorts by Marriott' will attract younger adults, the young-at-heart, and meeting travelers, especially people who travel on business with their families. As younger boomers and Gen X'ers enter prime child-rearing years, their clear preference for seamlessly mixing business with leisure and family fun will mesh perfectly with the 'Nickelodeon Resorts by Marriott' concept."
A signature component to each resort will be a wide variety of attractions ranging from state-of-the-art pools and water features to live entertainment programs featuring popular costumed Nickelodeon characters like Dora the Explorer and SpongeBob SquarePants. "Studio Nick," a main stage theater space equipped with state-of-the-art lighting, sound and video will anchor the resorts' live entertainment programs. Studio Nick's innovative design will allow the resort to concurrently stage several different full-scale live productions for resort guests, and will also provide an unparalleled platform for daytime meeting events. In addition to a variety of restaurant options, the "NickToons Café" will provide a casual and friendly environment, the ideal setting for daily "character" breakfasts as well as special evenings. Buffet options and simple menu items will also be available, as well as a bustling "grab & go" area hosting chain food vendors offering a variety of meal choices, including healthy food options. Retail offerings will be a key element of the guest experience, with Nick-themed retail items available that are exclusive to the resort, as well as a "Nick Pix" photo studio and Nick.com Cyberzone, where kids and families can safely surf Nick.com and Nickjr.com content online, and view resort-specific information.
Embassy Suites Introduces Two New Build-A-Bear Workshop Sleep Over Packs
Families with kids traveling with their Build-A-Bear Workshop stuffed animals this summer will now have more vacation accessories for their favorite furry friends when they reserve the Build-A-Bear Workshop Sleep Over Pack at participating Embassy Suites Hotels. Guests who book the promotion will receive one of two new Build-A-Bear Workshop-themed items at check-in featuring what a traveling bear might need for a night away from home.
Kids will have fun pampering their stuffed animal friends with the Build-A-Bear Workshop Sleep Over pack that includes a bear-sized Embassy Suites terry robe or Embassy Suites draw-string pajama pants and t-shirt; Embassy Suites slippers; a shower kit with shower cap, plush soap and lotion; and a $5 Bear Buck$® gift card to use at Build-A-Bear Workshop, all in a cool carryall. "As a leader in family travel, Embassy Suites has always been focused on providing precisely what families, kids and now - bears -- need while on vacation," said John Lee, vice president of brand marketing and communications, Embassy Suites.
In addition to the Sleep Over Packs, Embassy Suites is the official hotel partner of the Build-A-Bear Workshop® Find-A-Bear® ID program. Embassy Suites is working with Build-A-Bear Workshop to reunite furry friends left behind in any Embassy Suites Hotel. "Embassy Suites Hotels, like Build-A-Bear Workshop, provides outstanding Guest experiences and caters to families' travel needs. We look forward to reaching new Guests with the Sleep Over Packs and sharing our interactive experience with kids and families on summer vacation," said Maxine Clark, founder and CEO of Build-A-Bear Workshop. "Children often travel with their stuffed animals and sometimes they become separated. Embassy Suites participation in our Find-A-Bear® ID program will help us bring together kids and their lost furry friends."
City Of Austin To Get First 5-Star Rated Green Development In U.S.
The city of Austin will soon be home to a state-of-the art residential community which will be, upon completion, the first 5-star rated green development in the United States. Fiore (Web site) www.fioregreen.com
will provide Austin buyers with contemporary, environmentally sensitive new homes built with the conservation of energy and natural resources in mind.
Fiore has been designed to maximize opportunities for open space living, thereby enhancing residents' experience of community life. The development will also feature a unique destination within the neighborhood: a community-shared, 40-foot-wide, pedestrian lane and park around which all of the homes have been designed. The park features a community garden, playground, hike and bike trails and a hammock court. With six different design choices and in sizes ranging from 1,400 to 2,400 square feet, Fiore homes will be available in both single story and, in order to accommodate changes in the ground's topography, multi-level models. Other unique components of the community include: Single-family dwellings built to the highest green living standards; Climate integration, with homes oriented for proper solar shading, maximum natural light, deep overhangs, outdoor fireplaces and shaded patios; and Garage outlets to accommodate PHEVs (plug-in hybrids) and other green vehicles.
Safeco Launches Teensurance Technology To Get Young Drivers Off To Good Start
Safeco has launched Teensurance(TM) powered by Safeco, which bundles an entire suite of technology and services designed to create a safer environment for young drivers, while offering new levels of comfort for parents. Using a GPS-based device, the Safety Beacon, and online tools to reinforce good driving habits, Teensurance gives parents tangible assurance about their teen's driving behavior by delivering real-time notifications. Safeco customers with auto insurance policies can register for Teensurance and access a secure Web portal with materials and services to help them establish a safe driving plan with their teen. Safeco will offer subscribers access to Teensurance's online services and roadside assistance for a limited-time introductory price of $14.99 a month, which includes installation of the Safety Beacon into the teen's car.
Ecoist And Coca-Cola Form Partnership To Promote Eco-Friendly Living And Launch New Line Of Handbags Made From Repurposed Coca-Cola Bottle Labels
Ecoist (Web site) www.ecoist.com
the eco-fashion accessories company, has launched a line of handbags made from misprinted or discontinued Coca-Cola bottle labels. The partnership will leverage the Coca- Cola brand and the growing concern of Global Warming to spread the message of sustainability and pursue Ecoist's mission to turn consumers into "Ecoists", individuals that live a modern, eco-minded lifestyle. As part of the partnership, a tree will be planted for every single handbag sold.
"We are very excited to be working with Ecoist. They are the idealpartners for Coke's continuous involvement with environmental initiatives.We have made great strides in reducing our waste output from our bottlingplants or label manufacturing facilities, and we are constantly seekingways to further reduce our environmental footprint. This partnership allowsus to repurpose materials. Best of all, we are helping to create greaterawareness on environmentally and socially responsible consumption. We wantto inspire others to act," says Kelli Sogar, Merchandise Manager, WorldwideLicensing and Retail Operations of The Coca-Cola Company.
Michelin To Introduce Its First Retail Location, Michelin On Main
Michelin plans to introduce its first retail location in North America:
Michelin on Main at RiverPlace, in downtown Greenville, South Carolina. Headquartered in Greenville, Michelin North America designs, manufactures and sells tires for every type of vehicle and is now extending its brand beyond tires with a diverse range of lifestyle products including lines of industrial, casual and performance footwear featuring the same quality, performance and innovation synonymous with its tires.
"As the conceptual drawings of Michelin on Main illustrate, this 2,600-square-foot space will be characterized by high-energy, high-tech and highly interactive features," said Jeff Jacobs, director of Michelin identity merchandise and project leader for Michelin on Main.
Greenville, SC-based architect Neal Prince + Partners will plan and design the multi-use space and Greenville, SC-based York Constructors will complete the construction for Michelin on Main at RiverPlace. The opening is slated for late summer 2007.
Six Flags And Starburst Form Strategic Marketing Alliance
Six Flags and Starburst, a Masterfoods USA brand, have formed a strategic relationship under which Starburst will be the title sponsor of Six Flags' Thursday Night Concert Series and will receive other marketing opportunities within Six Flags theme and waterparks.
The Starburst Thursday Night Summer Concert Series will run each Thursday night through August 9th, and will feature leading recording artists with major appeal, including Ne-Yo, Cheyenne, Gym Class Heroes, Cartel, The Jonas Brothers, Jojo and Ryan Cabrera. Six Flags will create a special Starburst VIP seating section for each concert, available to a limited number of guests who purchase Starburst Fruit Chews in the park that day. Starburst and Six Flags will also team up to offer a national sweepstakes promotion featuring a grand prize trip for four to the Six Flags concert of the winner's choice.
"The Starburst brand is emblematic of our fan appeal that directly parallels our strategy for the concert series," said Mike Antinoro, Six Flags Executive Vice President of Entertainment and Marketing. "By sponsoring the Thursday Night Summer Concert Series, Starburst will gain terrific exposure with their ideal audience."
Michele Kessler, vice president marketing, Masterfoods USA, said, "The Starburst Thursday Night Summer Concert Series provides a unique platform to reach our fans and promote the summer season to enjoy Starburst with friends and family at the park and beyond."
Dunkin' Donuts & SoBe Join Forces To Market SoBe Energy Coolatta
Dunkin' Donuts has introduced the SoBe Energy Coolatta(R), a cherry citrus-flavored beverage designed to provide refreshment and refuel the active, on-the-go consumer. The SoBe Energy Coolatta marks a new relationship between Dunkin' Donuts and SoBe Beverages.
According to the NPD Group, both the frozen fruit and energy categories are growing rapidly -- up five percent and more than 20 percent respectively as of March 2007. The new SoBe Energy Coolatta was created to meet the increasing demand in these categories by delivering the ultimate refreshing beverage.
"Dunkin' Donuts is committed to developing innovative, on-trend menu choices that address the latest trends and needs of our customers," said Robert Rodriguez, Dunkin' Donuts brand president. "Our new partnership with SoBe is a perfect fit for the Dunkin' Donuts customer, who is always on the go and looking for a fast way to refuel -- the SoBe Energy Coolatta provides a unique blast of flavor that is a 'cool' way to make the most of your summer."
Customers can get an additional pick-me-up by entering for a chance to win $10,000 and other instant prizes in the national SoBe Energy Coolatta "Rip It Up" sweepstakes, located at (Web site) www.coolatta.com
Avis Introduces 'Avis Chauffeur Drive' Service
Avis Rent A Car System, LLC has introduced a new premium service called "Avis Chauffeur Drive" through which Avis customers can rent a car and hire a professional driver at the same time.
Avis Chauffeur Drive is the product of a new alliance between Avis andWeDriveU, Inc. WeDriveU provides fully insured and certified chauffeurs whoprovide professional driving services to customers using the customer'svehicle. Now, customers enrolled in Avis Preferred or other Avis loyaltyprograms will be able to rent a WeDriveU chauffeur to operate the Avisvehicle of the customer's choice, adding a new level of convenience andproductivity to both business and leisure travel.
"Avis Preferred members can now let a locally-based professional driverworry about traffic, directions, parking and the bags, and the customer cansit back and relax if they're on vacation, or make the most of theirbusiness travel time to get their work done," said Michael Caron, vicepresident of product and program development for Avis Budget Group, parentof Avis. "And using Avis Chauffeur Drive can also cost less than hiring asedan from a limousine service, so it saves the customer money, too."
ShowHouse By Moen Debuts Hands-Free Electronic Faucet For Homeowners
The luxury brand ShowHouse® by Moen® unveiled its first hands-free electronic faucet designed exclusively for the powder room. Modern in design, Destiny™ marries a minimalist look with the benefits of touchless activation. Available in a cool, Chrome finish, the new Destiny faucet features a distinctly styled spout that produces a clear, sheeting flow of water that coordinates with the faucet's unique look. Infrared sensors detect motion to start and stop the flow of water, ensuring it runs only when needed. In addition, because it does not have handles, Destiny offers a hygienic solution in limiting the spread of germs and bacteria to the next user.
"In the past, hands-free technology was designed primarily for commercial restrooms in restaurants, airports and other public areas," said Patti LaPorte, ShowHouse by Moen Brand Manager. "With Destiny, we are able to give homeowners the benefits of an electronic faucet, with the distinctive styling to match their home décor."
New English Leather Black Targets New Generation Of Strong Men
English Leather Black, specifically designed for a new generation of strong, confident men, has been introduced by Dana Classic Fragrances. Bold and distinctive, English Leather Black is the first new scent from one of America's best known classic men's fragrances, English Leather.
"English Leather Black is a young, exciting scent that expands the heritage of English Leather into the 21st century," said Barbara Eden, Vice President of Marketing, Dana Classic Fragrances. "On trend, yet reasonably priced, it is the ultimate fragrance of masculinity and style." English Leather Black is available at major drugstores, mid-priced department stores, and mass-market retailers.
DASANI Plus Enhanced Water Beverages Introduced
DASANI has launched DASANI Plus™ vitamin-enhanced flavored water beverages. The line, with zero calories per serving, comes in three varieties: Refresh + Revive: Kiwi Strawberry Flavor has 10% of the reference daily intake (RDI) per serving of Vitamins B3, B6 and B12. Cleanse + Restore: Pomegranate Blackberry Flavor contains 10% of the RDI per serving of Vitamins E, B3, B6 and B12, plus 1 gram of fiber. Defend + Protect: Orange Tangerine Flavor provides 10% of the RDI per serving of Vitamin E and Zinc.
"The time was right to build on the success of the DASANI brand and its great taste promise, and to create the fresh-tasting enhanced water DASANI Plus," said Gloria Garrett, Coca-Cola North America Vice President, Hydration. "DASANI enhanced water beverages are a real 'Plus' for consumers seeking great taste, zero calories, and added nutrients."
DASANI Plus will be supported throughout 2007 with a fully integrated marketing program that includes consumer sampling programs, Web/interactive communications, radio and point-of-purchase displays.
Kingsford Branded Lighters Created For Effective Lighting Of Charcoal Briquettes
The Kingsford Products Company recently signed an exclusive licensing agreement with Beacon Power, to create and sell a line of Kingsford Premium Grilling Lighters designed for the most effective lighting of Kingsford charcoal briquettes. These new products will sport elegant, contemporary styling and an abundance of features that include: extended length, jumbo fuel cell, comfortable textured handle, reliable adjustable flame, visible fuel supply, handy storage oval and a patented child resistant safety lock.
"We believe this is a natural extension of the brand and one which will help ensure Kingsford consumers have the most enjoyable grilling experience possible," said Steve Silberblatt, Vice President New Business Development and Licensing for The Clorox Company, which owns Kingsford.
New ECLIPSE AVN2210p Is First All-In-One In-Dash Navigation System With iPod, CD, MP3 & WMA Capabilities
The newest product in ECLIPSE's Audio Video Navigation suite of products, the AVN2210p, creates a new in-dash, portable navigation category that combines superior sound quality with TomTom's premier portable navigation device offering an all-in-one solution for audiophile consumers. Mike Odle, VP of sales for ECLIPSE, said, "In developing the AVN2210p, we aimed at fulfilling the consumer demand for a high-performance system that can access all the popular music sources today, as well as provide the best possible portable navigation available on the market. As the premier brand for portable navigation, TomTom is the ideal partner for us to co-develop this distinctive new product that marks another ECLIPSE first in the industry."
USSTC Offers New Cope Line Of Premium Moist Smokeless Tobacco
U.S. Smokeless Tobacco Company will introduce a new line of premium moist smokeless tobacco products designed to make the company's core brand, Copenhagen, more approachable for adult smokers. Available at retail beginning September 17, the new Cope(R) line will feature smooth, natural tobacco tastes in three long cut varieties: Smooth Hickory, Whiskey Blend Flavor and Straight. According to Company research, the introduction of the Cope line comes at a time when the moist smokeless tobacco category is experiencing tremendous growth rates of more than 6% annually, making it one of the fastest growing consumer packaged goods categories at retail.
The Cope launch will be supported by national advertising campaigns in adult-oriented magazines, adult sampling programs, direct mail, eye-catching point-of-sale materials, 15-can pre-packed promotional displays and an age- verified (Web site) www.FreshCope.com
Red Guitar Launches Dry Rose From Navarra
Red Guitar has launched its "Old Vine" Rosé 2006, an exciting addition to the dynamic Red Guitar brand, which complements the already successful launch of Red Guitar "Old Vine" Tempranillo Garnacha from the Navarra region of Northern Spain. The Red Guitar "Old Vine" Rosé 2006 will be available nationally with a suggested retail price of $11.99.
"Navarra is the preeminent region for sexy dry rosé," said Rebecca Stead, Marketing Manager for Cellar Door. "Fresh and fruity, yet robust in character, Red Guitar 'Old Vine' Rosé captures what we love about Spain. It brings the style and excitement of Spain to life: the passion of Pamplona and the art of living well."
New Line of Men's Casual Footwear Inspired by New Michelin Primacy MXV4 Tire
On the heels of successful North American launches of its line of industrial work boots, Michelin has introduced an all-new casual footwear line inspired by the new Michelin Primacy(TM)MXV4(R) touring tire. In extending its brand beyond tires, Michelin aims to bring the quality, performance and innovation synonymous with its tires to a diverse range of lifestyle products, including lines of industrial, casual and performance footwear. The MXV4 footwear line features two outsoles, inspired by the tire tread sculpture of the same name, and full- grain premium leather uppers in a variety of different styles with colors to suit the most fashion-forward lifestyles.
Federated Names Sachse To Lead Macy's Mktg. & Online Business
Federated Department Stores has named Peter Sachse, Chairman and CEO of macys.com, to assume the additional role as the company's Chief Marketing Officer and President of Macy's Corporate Marketing. Sachse was the company's first Chief Marketing Officer in June 2003, when he became President of the Macy's Corporate Marketing division. He was named to the newly created position of Chairman of macys.com in April 2006.
"By combining the leadership of our marketing and online functions under Peter Sachse, we will be able to more effectively leverage the company's fast-growing online presence as we continue to build Macy's as a national brand through a broad range of marketing tools, including Internet advertising," said Terry Lundgren, Federated's Chairman, President and CEO.
Dunkin' Donuts Appoints Frances Allen Brand Mktg. Officer
Dunkin' Donuts has appointed Frances Allen (Britchford) as Brand Marketing Officer. As the brand's senior-most marketing executive, she will be responsible for the development and execution of Dunkin' Donuts' marketing strategies and initiatives, advertising and new product launches. She joins Dunkin' Donuts from Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications, where she held the position of Vice President of Marketing. Prior to Sony Ericsson, Ms. Allen was at PepsiCo where she served in a number of leadership marketing roles. At Frito-Lay, a division of PepsiCo, she served as Director of International Advertising, spearheading the successful launch of the Lays, Doritos and Cheetos brands into new global markets.
Marvel Names Alan Fine EVP & CMO of Marvel Characters
Marvel Entertainment has appointed Alan Fine to the newly created position of Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer of Marvel Characters, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Marvel Entertainment. Fine, who joined Marvel in 1996, will retain his current title of Chief Executive Officer of Marvel's publishing and toy divisions. Fine's new position reflects Marvel's renewed emphasis on further developing its brand name and marketing its vast library of characters across current and emerging platforms.
Toyota Announces Mktg. Executive Changes
Toyota Motor Sales recently announced the following marketing organizational changes: Randy Pflughaupt, vice president, distribution operations, is appointed vice president of marketing, replacing Jim Farley who was recently appointed group vice president and general manager of the Lexus Division.
Nancy Davies, vice president, retail market development, is appointed vice president of North American planning. Ernest Bastien, vice president, vehicle operations group, is appointed vice president, retail market development, replacing Nancy Davies. Tim Morrison, general manager of the Boston region, is appointed to the newly created position of corporate manager, marketing, car/van. Doug Murtha, corporate manager, product planning, is appointed to the newly created position of corporate manager, marketing operations. Brian Smith, corporate manager, truck, is appointed corporate manager, marketing, truck/SUV. Ed Laukes, general manager of the New York region, was recently appointed to the newly created position of corporate manager marketing, motorsports.
J& J Snack Foods Names Melchiorre EVP & CMO
J & J Snack Foods has appointed Vincent Melchiorre as Executive Vice President. He will also assume the role of Chief Marketing Officer, replacing Michael Karaban, who had previously announced his retirement. Melchiorre was most recently Senior Vice President of Weston Foods USA. Prior to that, he was Senior Vice President of Sales and Chief Marketing Officer for the Tasty Baking Company.
Wendy's Launches Taste Tour And 'Build Wendy's New Burger' Contest
Wendy's is celebrating with a major 25-city, North American taste tour, a create-a-burger contest and a host of companion interactive activities designed for consumers who seek the ultimate hamburger experience. It is the first time that Wendy's has initiated a multi-city taste tour and promotional effort of this size and scope.
Through August 15, consumers can visit (Web site) www.ThisIsMyBurger.com
to create their own custom hamburger in the "Build Wendy's New Burger" contest. In addition, computer kiosks will be provided at the tour stops, where people can enter the contest. Consumers will vote for the winner, who will receive $25,000 and potentially have his or her burger added to Wendy's menu. Nine runners-up will receive hamburgers for a year.
Ian Rowden, Wendy's Chief Marketing Officer, said, "This hamburger initiative - combining the tour, contest and on-line push - is an important milestone for Wendy's from a strategic standpoint. It will give thousands of consumers the opportunity to more deeply interact with our brand and personalize their Wendy's experience. This effort is designed to support Wendy's new 'That's Right'™ advertising campaign by accentuating in an entertaining, engaging way the things that make Wendy's fresh beef hamburgers better."
P.O.S. Supports Launch Of nFinanSe Reloadable Cards At 10,000 Retailers
nFinanSe Inc. has signed an agreement to provide nFinanSe™ Discover® Network Reloadable General Spend and Gift Cards to Emida Technologies, a leader in the global prepayment and value transfer market.
According to nFinanSe's Senior Vice President of Sales, Jerry Uffner, "Our cards are instantly issued so that customers can use them immediately, are less expensive than other association prepaid cards and come with our 'Free...of course!' Customer Service."
Luis A. Paz, Emida's Vice President of Business Development, said, "These new Discover® Network card offerings target the core consumer segment of our US retail network with attractive, bilingual designs (English and Spanish) and, above all, compelling value."
Emida is scheduled to offer the nFinanSe Reloadable General Spend and Gift Cards with retail packaging and point-of-purchase marketing materials in English and Spanish to their approximately 10,000 retail affiliates nationwide. nFinanSe owns and operates the nFinanSe Network as a standardized, national network of stored value and prepaid card cash load stations located throughout the United States.
Sprite Yard Mobile Marketing Breakthrough Launched
The Coca-Cola Company is redefining the relationship between consumers and their sparkling beverages with the launch of the Sprite Yard, a real-time digital "on-the-go" community that provides social connections and downloadable content via their mobile phone anytime, anywhere. The Sprite Yard creates an entertaining social experience beyond the value of traditional online destinations by providing consumers constant mobile, social and brand connectivity through mobile devices such as cell phones and personal digital assistants (PDAs).
"Sprite is the first beverage brand to enable a mobile experience combining such a rich combination of features and functions," said Mark Greatrex, Senior Vice President, Marketing Communications and Insights, The Coca-Cola Company. "The Sprite Yard provides an efficient, sustainable and fresh marketing platform that reflects changing consumer demands and significantly personalizes the relationship between consumers and Sprite."
Members of this new "community-to-go" have access to a host of functions they can share with their network of friends. Users build their community by inviting and being accepted by other Yard users as their friends. This allows them to share photos through the Pix gallery, showcase a snapshot of their activities in the Planner, post pictures and discussions on Scribbles, and send short mobile messages - Shouts, to individuals or groups. The Sprite Yard will also feature exclusive downloadable content - from visitones (visual ringtones that combine music with visuals) to mobisodes (animated shorts) - that can only be unlocked through a PIN found under the cap of every 20 oz. Sprite bottle, providing a fresh, engaging experience with each purchase.
"We know that when it comes to reaching teens, mobile is the medium. This program will enable us to connect with teens by putting Sprite both in their hand and in their phone," adds Denis Sison, Sprite Global Brand Director, The Coca-Cola Company. "We can provide them 'instant gratification' through ever-changing content and the ability to immediately receive new information and entertainment."
Access 360 Names Paruszewski V.P. Of Network Sales
Access 360 Media, a leading in-store entertainment network targeting the young adult consumer, has named Tony Paruszewski to the position of Vice President of Network Sales. Paruszewski will be responsible for advertising sales in the West and Southwest region. Most recently he was Director of Regional Sales at Premier Retail Networks (PRN), the largest in-store television network.
H.B. Stubbs Assigned Chrysler Contract
H.B. Stubbs Companies, headquartered in Warren, MI, has been awarded the Chrysler Group contract for program management in support of all "A and B" level auto shows across the United States. DaimlerChrysler auto shows require seamless integration of branding for Dodge, Chrysler and Jeep, event planning, staging and project management. In addition to auto shows, HBSC was awarded three Track Events; Jeep 101 Course and Dodge SRT Washington D.C. and Cleveland, and Jeep 101 Course in Miami.
