Creative Online Weekly <br> September 26, 2011

Week of September 26, 2011

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Patina Floor Design Stores Offer Technology-Driven Experiences
To realize its vision of bringing high-end home design directly to the consumer, Acme Brick partnered with digital technology company [wire] stone to create three unique, technology-driven, in-store experiences that revolutionize the way customers shop for flooring in its new Patina Floor Design Stores.
Judy Hunter, CFO, Acme Brick, said, “One of our goals with Patina was to empower consumers by utilizing modern technology to create advanced visualization tools that take the guesswork out of a design project-allowing customers to confidently select a new surface for their home.”
The showroom incorporates high-resolution, touch-screen displays, driven by software experiences created by [wire] stone, and featured in three visualization centers: The World of Patina touch-screen experience enables customers to find products, learn more about their characteristics, locate them in the store, and view hundreds of room scenes for inspiration. The Floor Creator table provides customers with a 6 by 3 foot area to select and view their tile pattern, color, layout and grout color-it is even able to display the natural tile variation across a large surface area and within a
room scene. A separate kitchen vignette contains a built-in, 65-inch, high-resolution display with an interactive Backsplash Gallery that allows customers to visualize more than 50 different backsplash designs and inspirational design boards. Customers control the experience using a separate touch display. This virtual showroom supports Patina's customer service, arming its sales associates with powerful tools to guide customers through the broad array of options, help them identify preferences and facilitate a purchase. (Web site) www.wirestone.com

Lord of the Rings Extended Edition Featured On Endcap Displays
Warner Home Video has released The Lord of the Rings The Motion Picture Trilogy: Extended Edition on Blu-ray in a 15-disc collection. The set boasts more than 26 hours of additional content, highlighted by the rare behind-the-scenes documentaries created by Costa Botes, the filmmaker given unprecedented access to the set of each production by Lord of the Rings Director, Peter Jackson. The Lord of the Rings The Motion Picture Trilogy: Extended Edition is featured on endcap displays in Best Buy stores.

First 'Smart' Grocery Stores Launch In D.C. Metro Area; TV And Marketers Sign On
Automated Media Services, Inc. (AMS) has launched 3GTV Networks™ in nine Bloom grocery stores in the Washington D.C. DMA, a first-of-a-kind media platform bringing power and communications throughout the retail store. For years, marketers have sought ways to continue their conversations with shoppers into the store aisles, but have been limited by a lack of infrastructure to support in-store video and digital communications. Over the past 10 years, AMS researched solutions to this challenge, resulting in the development of 3GTV Networks™, the first system to make the retail store a plannable media destination. The company not only achieved the goal of extending television into the grocery store, but also launched the first and only in-store digital communications backbone supporting digital messaging at the shelf-edge, 2-way communications, shopper tracking and measurement tools, and a range of future activity anticipated by current consumer behaviors.
"We are poised for what may arguably be one of the industry's most critical transformations as cloud-computing finally takes its place in the physical store," said Bob Wolinsky, AMS Chairman and CEO. "Now, with the development of 3GTV™, we are transforming the way marketers connect with shoppers, enabling them to extend their campaigns to the store and capitalize on the long-awaited retail communications revolution." (Web site) www.automated-media.com

The Clubhouse Indoor Golf & Lounge Opens As The First And Only Indoor Country Club In The Quad Cities
The Clubhouse Indoor Golf & Lounge (The Clubhouse) celebrated its grand opening in Bettendorf, Iowa recently. Founders Chris Larson and AJ Paul played in a winter golf league at a friend's home using a PGA TOUR Golf Simulator and it was there that the idea for The Clubhouse was born. "We wanted to offer the entire community the same type of entertainment and golf destination we had," said Larson, Ownership Partner of The Clubhouse and World Top 100 Clubfitter since 2008.
The Clubhouse features four widescreen PGA TOUR Simulators by aboutGolf, as well as a full bar, comfortable lounge and pro shop. Patrons can participate in nightly and weekly closest-to-the-pin contests to win prizes such as a custom fit KZG wedge. The 7,700 square-foot facility provides an opportunity for game improvement with its PGA TOUR Simulators, aG Balance weight transfer analysis system, clinics and lessons, club repair shop and custom fittings.
"Our mission is to use our technology to promote golf participation in all regions and enable substantive learning for golfers," said Chuck Faust, President and COO of aboutGolf. "As such we are pleased to be part of increasing the accessibility of golf to residents in the Quad Cities with the opening of The Clubhouse."

Yougetitback Provides Recovery Solution To Best Buy Customers
Locked & Found, a mobile product protection and recovery program from Yougetitback, is now available as a part of the Geek Squad Black Tie Protection Program in all Best Buy and Best Buy Mobile specialty stores across the U.S. Yougetitback provides customers with greater security for important data coupled with a sophisticated, market-proven device recovery program.
"In today's consumer electronics market, value is not simply defined as getting the best price, but also having a strong in-store experience and a quality post-purchase relationship," said Paul Prendergast, co-founder, Yougetitback. "Locked & Found provides consumers with an experience that reflects the value customers place on their mobile products. The benefits of this program include increased data security coupled with a greater likelihood of recovery of lost or stolen devices."
In Locked & Found, Yougetitback provides Best Buy with a solution, which includes a dedicated recovery team and specialized software to better protect data and devices from loss or theft. The service secures the data by locking the device remotely and attempting to locate the device and facilitate its return. Key features include Remote and Automatic Locking, SIM Change Locking, SMS Locking (use any cell phone to text your lock code to the missing device), Device Scream, Location Mapping, Theft Deterrent and Recovery Encouragement.

BUBBA Burger® Opens First Original BUBBA Burger Grill® Restaurant Location In Jacksonville, FL
BUBBA burger® has opened its first Original BUBBA burger Grill® restaurant in Jacksonville, FL, making this the first restaurant opening for the Original BUBBA burger brand. The BUBBA burger Grill restaurants have been created to serve individuals and families who already love BUBBA burger as well as introduce the brand to new fans, according to the Company. The opening of its first location is a key milestone in the growth of the BUBBA burger brand and the company plans to expand BUBBA burger Grill to new markets.
Original BUBBA burger Grill® is a fast casual restaurant chain featuring a menu centered around all varieties of the premium BUBBA burger® - or BUBBAs. Guests of Original BUBBA burger Grill® create their own unique BUBBA by selecting from a wide variety of options including their choice of BUBBA burger® variety, buns, toppings and cheeses. Additional menu options include a mini BUBBA dawg platter and BUBBA sides such as fresh cut fries, fried pickles, fried green beans, sweet potato fries, BUBBA chips and BUBBA bacon dippers. Following the chain's initial four units in Jacksonville, FL, Original BUBBA burger Grill® plans to grow across the country with traditional restaurant locations as well as food courts, airport locations, college campuses and sporting venues.

Office Depot Offers Free Guaranteed Buyback® Plan With Back-To-School Computer Purchase
Office Depot has formed a partnership with TechForward, the first provider of Guaranteed Buyback plans, to give away a "Free" Guaranteed Buyback Plan to all customers who purchase a computer or tablet PC along with a Performance Protection Plan or Tech Depot Services offering. The offer will run from June 26 through September 10, 2011 just in time for the busy back-to-school shopping season.
Through this free offer, Office Depot will help customers buying computers and tablet PCs during the back-to-school shopping season be ready to upgrade when new technology comes out in the future. Office Depot's Guaranteed Buyback plan enables a fast, simple and eco-friendly trade-in that offers up to 50 percent of the customer's original retail purchase price in the form of an Office Depot gift card that can be used for future purchases.
"Office Depot's new Guaranteed Buyback plan allows our customers to buy a brand new computer or tablet PC today with the confidence that they can get value out of the product when they are ready to upgrade in the future," said Randy Wick, Vice President of Technology Merchandising for Office Depot. "As one of the largest retailers of notebook and tablet PCs, we are dedicated to providing our customers with the best possible shopping experience from start to finish."

Alexander Keith's Introduces Three New Brews To The U.S.
Alexander Keith's has launched three new brews in the U.S.: Nova Scotia Style Lager, Nova Scotia Style Pale Ale and Nova Scotia Style Brown Ale. The three new Alexander Keith's brews are perfect for the adventure-seeking beer lover. Though new to the United States, the heritage of Alexander Keith's traces back nearly two hundred years to its brewery in Nova Scotia, founded in 1820 by Scottish native Alexander Keith. After completing his brewer's apprenticeship and emigrating from Scotland to "New Scotland" (Nova Scotia), Keith created what is now one of the oldest beer brands in North America. The Nova Scotia brewery is still in operation today under the leadership of its brewmaster emeritus Graham Kendall.
"Alexander Keith's brands continue to be brewed under the guiding principles of our founder and the strong sense of adventure found in the people of Nova Scotia," said brewmaster emeritus Graham Kendall. "The brewery and its brewmasters have been certified under our strict certification program, showing our unwavering commitment to our heritage."

American Greetings Introduces justWink
justWink, a new greeting card line from American Greetings, offers something exciting and unexpected in the greeting card aisle, and connects cards with the mobile world for the first time with a free greeting app for iPhone and Android users. Shuffling seamlessly between witty, funny, charming, sassy and sweet; justWink offers a new way of thinking about greeting cards. "justWink offers something exciting and unexpected in the greeting card aisle, pairing the sweet, the absurd, the risqué, and the downright hilarious all side-by-side for our shoppers to enjoy," said Kelly Ricker, executive director of product development. "It's a whole new greeting card collection that reflects how people speak today."
Additionally, justWink is introducing a brand-new digital experience that connects paper cards with the mobile world. iPhone and Android users just scan the QR code on the back of each paper card to download the free justWink app and connect with more than 100 additional designs, all offering awesome personalization options and the opportunity to send via email or Facebook.

New ScreenCast WiDi From Belkin Introduced
Belkin has launched its ScreenCast TV Adapter for Intel® Wireless Display (WiDi) laptops so users can wirelessly transfer personal or online content from any WiDi-enabled laptop to any HDTV with an available HDMI® port. ScreenCast delivers full-HD 1080p resolution and Dolby® Digital 5.1 surround sound for a true home theater experience directly from a laptop. ScreenCast eliminates the need to crowd around a small laptop screen to share photos, stream HD videos, or watch Blu-ray movies with friends and family. ScreenCast uses dual-band wireless and HDMI technology, guaranteeing the best picture and sound quality for streaming HD movies. WiDi technology also enables a second display for Intel® Wireless Display-ready computers, so users can work or surf the Internet on their laptop and TV at the same time.

New 1.25 Liter Coca-Cola Package Rolls Out For Brand's 125th Anniversary Celebration
A new 1.25 liter package, featuring Coca-Cola's signature contour shape, is being rolled out, just in time for the celebration of the 125th anniversary of Coca-Cola. The new package is hitting store shelves across the southeast, with additional rollouts planned across the U.S. this summer. The perfect take-home size for smaller households, the 1.25-liter bottle, which will be available for less than $1.00, extends the growing stable of Coca-Cola packages, provides people with yet another option when it comes to take-home beverages for sharing, and complements the current 2-liter package.

KRYLON Unveils Dual Paint And Primer
Krylon®, the nation's leading spray paint manufacturer, introduces Dual™ Paint and Primer, an innovative new product that primes the surface for adhesion, durability and coverage, while delivering a Krylon-quality finish, all with one can, one step. This latest Krylon offering does more than just make the task of painting easier, it also makes obtaining remarkable results that much simpler. Dual Paint and Primer increases the performance of the paint and provides superior protection. Denise Patterson, Krylon product manager, said, "Consumers can now achieve a superior finish that lasts like it was primed, without the additional step they typically don't want to undertake."

Moen's New Flat Rainshower Brings Spa-Like Luxury To Home
The new Flat Rainshower from Moen® provides the ultimate at-home spa experience. Featuring an oversized eight-inch spray face, a surprisingly slender profile and Moen Immersion® showering technology, the Flat Rainshower is the perfect combination of style and substance. The Flat Rainshower comes in both Standard and Eco-Performance models providing the consumer with two sleek, high-performance options. The new Rainshower features Fibonacci-inspired, spiral-shaped nozzle patterns to provide full-body coverage that envelops the user in invigorating water sprays, no matter what the setting.

Magellan Introduces Wireless Back-Up Camera For RoadMate Safety Series GPS Units
Magellan GPS has launched a Back-Up Camera companion product for its RoadMate® safety series car navigation units that will help drivers reverse and park more safely. The Magellan Wireless Back-Up Camera attaches to the vehicle's rear license plate and transmits images directly to the expansive 7" high resolution screen of a RoadMate 1700 or RoadMate 9055 GPS device. When the car is put into reverse, the GPS navigator will switch from map to rear-view mode, enabling drivers to view what is below the rear window.
"The Magellan Wireless Back-Up Camera adds a substantial level of safety and security to your drive. Back-Up Cameras have proven to be useful devices in helping drivers get a more complete picture of what's behind them - such as small children or pets in the driveway - and helping them back into narrow, parallel parking spots. Combined with the confidence that a navigation device provides, the RoadMate with Back-Up Camera help you leave, arrive and park safely," said Mike Wagner, Senior Director, Product Marketing for Magellan GPS.

Springer Mountain Farms Introduces Paula Deen Chicken Products
Popular Food Network personality Paula Deen has partnered with Springer Mountain Farms to produce and package her branded line of chicken products. Deen selected Springer Mountain Farms as a partner, in large part, because the Baldwin, GA-based company adheres to strict growing and feeding procedures that allow their chickens to mature in healthy, clean conditions. Paula Deen chicken by Springer Mountain Farms will be sold in numerous grocery store chains across the country. The fresh chicken products will complement existing lines of Paula Deen prepared and frozen foods and condiments. Product packaging and point-of-purchase materials featuring Paula Deen Springer Mountain Farms chicken will roll out to supermarkets.

Oscar Mayer Offers New Sandwich Combinations
The Oscar Mayer brand is encouraging consumers to break out of their routine and try one of the new Oscar Mayer Sandwich Combinations. With a fresh tasting deli sandwich, crunchy side like Wheat Thins Crackers and sweet dessert such as Jell-O Sugar Free Mousse Temptation, this new lunchtime option delivers a diverse range of flavors and textures in a convenient package that's perfect for the professional on the go. To keep lunchtime interesting, Oscar Mayer Sandwich Combinations are available in three varieties: Oven Roasted Turkey & Sharp Cheddar, southwestern Style Chicken & Sharp Cheddar, and Honey Ham & Swiss Cheese.
"We're always looking for ways to meet our consumers' evolving taste preferences while also delivering products that are convenient for their on-the-go lifestyle," said Joe Fragnito, Senior Director of Marketing at Kraft Foods. "We're excited to introduce Oscar Mayer Sandwich Combinations to give consumers a new lunchtime option that's quick, easy and also offers a diverse range of tastes and textures-from fresh tasting to crunchy to sweet-in one convenient package."

Launch Of Planters Peanut Butter Targets Adults With Snacking Ideas
Planters, America's leading snack nut brand, is encouraging adults to think outside the lunchbox with the launch of Planters Peanut Butter in Creamy and Crunchy varieties. Americans haven't outgrown their peanut butter. In fact, peanut butter consumption is on the rise growing at a rate of five to six percent per year. And while most peanut butters are marketed to families with kids, surprisingly, adults comprise two-thirds of peanut butter consumption in the United States.
"As the reigning nut experts for more than 100 years, peanut butter is a natural extension for Planters," said Triona Schmelter, Senior Director of Enhancers, Kraft Foods. "It's no secret that our fans have been asking for peanut butter from their favorite peanut brand. Those peanut butter lovers now have a delicious snack from Planters that can help fuel their active lifestyles." Planters Peanut Butter in Creamy and Crunchy is available in the peanut butter aisle nationwide.

Samsung Launches First LCD Refrigerator With Apps
Samsung Electronics is launching its LCD Refrigerator with apps. This first-of-its-kind refrigerator is a huge advancement over the daily clutter - schedules, calendars and recipes - that now covers consumers' refrigerators. Samsung's refrigerator includes apps and features that are highly relevant and make sense for today's busy families, including: Recipes from Epicurious; Easy-to-use organizational tools, via Google Calendar, to keep track of all of the activities of the house; A convenient notepad application; personalized music with Pandora®; Picasa Web Albums; Weatherbug and AP News.
"Our strategy is to enable consumers to be more connected and organized through any screen, and we've accomplished that with tablets, laptops, smart phones and TVs," said Tim Baxter, President of the Consumer Business Division, Samsung Electronics America. "Now, Samsung is extending that connectivity into the kitchen. The LCD Refrigerator with apps meets a need to help make people's lives easier and more convenient."

Now Shock Top Fans Can 'Live Life Unfiltered' With New 12-Ounce Cans
Shock Top Belgian White will be available for the first time in aluminum cans. The bright, eye-catching orange can, with corresponding orange pull tab, will be sold nationwide in 12-packs of 12-ounce cans. Shock Top Belgian White is a Belgian-style unfiltered wheat ale, with a naturally cloudy and light golden color. Shock Top is brewed with orange, lemon and lime peels and coriander, giving it a refreshing, smooth taste and a citrusy aroma.
"Shock Top's popularity just continues to increase year after year with a 24% growth in 2010 alone, and with the growth in canned beer sales over the past several years, we're excited to bring the two together," said Andy Goeler, vice president of import, craft and specialty brands for Anheuser-Busch.

VIZIO Enters High Growth LED Lighting Industry
VIZIO, a leader in the LED LCD HDTV market, has strengthened its commitment towards improved energy efficiency by offering a new VIZIO High Efficiency LED Lighting Collection that will hit the market in late Q4, 2011. The company's eco-friendly line of High Efficiency LED bulbs are recyclable, do not contain mercury and boasts a glass-free design to prohibit shattering. With the longest lifespan of any source, including incandescent and CFL, VIZIO's LED light bulbs last up to twenty-five times longer than incandescent bulbs. The High Efficiency LED give off a warmer hue of light, reminiscent of a natural source, compared to many other LED options. Additionally, VIZIO High Efficiency LED lighting has tripled the lifespan of CFL bulbs, with up to 25,000 usage hours.

ActiveOne+ PAL Now Features Wireless Technology
ActiveCare, a leader in senior care technology, has completed its second generation PAL (Personal Assistance Link) handset, the ActiveOne+. The ActiveOne+ has enhanced GPS combined with cellular triangulation that allows ActiveCare's CareCenter to locate a member within several meters 24 hours per day, 7 days a week to better respond to any emergency condition. In addition, the ActiveOne+ has built-in receptors utilizing Bluetooth technologies to accommodate body worn devices that can communicate vital sign data to the Company's CareCenter. The ActiveOne+ now features wireless technology that make it possible to communicate with futuristic health or safety monitoring devices as they are developed by the Company.

Gold'n Plump® Seasoned Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast Fillets Introduced
Gold'n Plump® has introduced its line of Seasoned Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast Fillets. Ready-made for the grill and stovetop cooking, each fillet is vacuum-sealed and individually wrapped in single portion-sized packages for easy storage in the refrigerator and freezer. Available in four flavors for broad appetite appeal for the entire family, ingredients for the products are simple and natural, without the use of unwanted preservatives or phosphates. Product varieties include: Lemon Pepper, Original, Butter & Herb and Tomato Basil. Each 24-ounce package contains four, six-ounce breast fillets.

New Philips Fidelio SoundSphere Speakers Provide Exceptional Sound
The new Philips Fidelio SoundSphere Speakers with AirPlay™ allow users to wirelessly stream music so they can enjoy rich, clear, authentic sound throughout their entire home. Engineered with Philips' FullSound™ technology, Fidelio speakers restore quality MP3 music for a natural, deeper and wider sound impression. Compatible with iPod®, iPhone® or iPad®, Philips Fidelio Speakers with AirPlay come in a range of styles.

G-Technology™ Delivers G-CONNECT™ Wireless Storage For Apple® iPad® With Internet Access
G-Technology by Hitachi has introduced its G-CONNECT™ wireless storage solution, the first in a family of products providing instant, wireless storage and 802.11n WiFi Internet access for Apple iPad, iPhone® and many other mobile devices. The G-CONNECT solution provides on-the-go wireless access to content that's not already loaded on iOS devices, including favorite movies, music, books, photos and documents. No Internet connection is required. G-CONNECT provides access to five+ simultaneous devices, depending on the workload, and supports up to five SD or three HD video streams at once. When connected via Ethernet to a network, the G-CONNECT drive becomes your own personal cloud or WiFi Internet access point, allowing you to surf and stream content, wirelessly, at the same time. The G-Technology G-CONNECT wireless storage solution for iPads comes in a sleek white design and is available in the U.S. in July through Hitachi's authorized retail and distribution channels.

Post Introduces Pebbles Boulders Limited- Edition Stone Age Caramel Apple Cereal
Post Foods has introduced a new Pebbles limited-edition flavor, Boulders Stone Age Caramel Apple. Each serving of caramel boulders and apple dinosaur bones contains 16 grams of whole grains. This first flavor of Pebbles Boulders is currently available at supermarkets nationwide for a limited time, before it goes extinct. Post will continue to introduce more delicious limited-edition Boulders flavors throughout the year, and each new flavor will be as nutritious as Stone Age Caramel Apple.
"We're excited to add a new cereal line to the Pebbles family, with the goodness of whole grains and great new taste of caramel apple," said Tony Shurman, Director of Marketing. "New Pebbles Boulders brings even bigger Flintstone fun to the table each morning."

POPEYES Launches 'Louisiana Leaux' Better-For-You Alternatives Program
Popeyes® Louisiana Kitchen, a division of AFC Enterprises, has launched its Louisiana Leaux™ (pronounced "low") program of better-for-you menu alternatives. The new program sees the return of Popeyes' Naked Chicken Tenders to the menu, as well as the addition of two new lower calorie side items - green beans and apple sauce. The Louisiana Leaux program delivers the quality and flavor Popeyes' guests expect, while significantly reducing fat, calorie, and sodium content, in comparison with other menu items. It also introduces the new Get Up & Geaux™ (pronounced "go") Kids Meal to offer better-for-you eating options for children and their parents.
"We know how much people love Popeyes' authentic, Louisiana recipe-inspired menu," said Cheryl Bachelder, president and ceo. "As part of living a healthier lifestyle, we wanted to provide options for our guests that allow them the opportunity to eat at Popeyes even more often by offering flavorful, better-for-you alternatives."

Targus And Avery Offer Convenient Laptop Storage Solution
Targus® Inc. and Avery Office and Consumer Products, have partnered for Targus' new Laptop Lap Desk with Storage with Avery®PocketTabs™, a reusable adhesive-backed pocket with closure for documents and supplies with an index tab that allows users to easily identify the pocket in their notebook or journal.
"With an ever constant on-the-go lifestyle, busy professionals need products designed with convenience in mind," said Carolyn Perrier, vice president of accessories at Targus. "The combination of the Laptop Lap Desk with Storage with Avery PocketTabs offers an easy solution for keeping organized, ensuring you'll have the tools you need when you need them."

VBlast Ships Its Fresh Vitamin-Infused Water To Convenience Stores Across America
New VBlast Vitamin-Infused Water is shipping into convenience stores this summer. With a twist of the cap, fresh, flavorful vitamins flow into the water creating one of eight refreshing flavors of VBlast: Acai & Berry, Grape, Green Tea, Orange, Peach Tea, Pomegranate-Cherry, Strawberry Kiwi, and Wild Berry. When the vitamins under the cap unite with the crisp mountain spring water, the color changes and flavor bursts, while fresh vitamins permeate the water providing maximum vitamin effectiveness. A patented reservoir cap holds liquid vitamins separate from the water, and out of sunlight, until the consumer is ready to unleash them.
Richard Zakka, CEO of New York Spring Water, makers of VBlast, said, "We worked tirelessly to find a way to provide a great-tasting, vitamin-enhanced water that truly provides consumers with the vitamin boost they are seeking. We are honored that stores across America are choosing to add VBlast to their lineup beverages, enabling us to offer consumers nationwide a fresh way to hydrate."

Anheuser-Busch Names Paul Chibe To Lead U.S. Marketing
Anheuser-Busch has named Paul Chibe to lead its U.S. marketing division, responsible for its broad brand portfolio, which includes Bud Light and Budweiser. Chibe most recently was vice president and general manager of the U.S. Gum and Mints business unit at Wm. Wrigley Jr Co., where he worked in different marketing positions over 11 years. Before joining Wrigley, Chibe spent three years at Quaker Oats Co. and prior to that, he worked for six years at Leaf Inc., now part of the Hershey Co.

Hormel Foods Promotes Robert Samples To V.P., Sales & Marketing
Hormel Foods has promoted Robert Samples to vice president of sales and marketing at Farmer John (Vernon, Calif.). In his new role, Samples will be accountable for the retail and foodservice sales and marketing functions for Farmer John. With the formation of the consumer products sales division, Samples advanced to his current position as director of planning and support services and has been instrumental in the development of the company's category management team.

Vicky Free Named EVP Marketing For BET Networks
BET Networks, the leading provider of entertainment for the African-American audience and consumers of Black culture globally, has named industry veteran Vicky Free as the company's new Executive Vice President of Marketing. Free, who has most recently led strategic marketing efforts at Turner Broadcasting Systems, will be responsible for the marketing strategy and execution for BET, BET.com, BET mobile and CENTRIC.

EnQii & Minicom Form New Digital Signage
Company ComQi EnQi Holdings and Minicom Digital Signage (MDS) recently merged to become ComQi. The new Company will provide marketers and integrators with end-to-end digital signage solutions encompassing media distribution, network management, content management and proof-of-performance, while reducing capital and operational costs. These solutions are designed to be future-proofed, utilizing a cloud-based platform that offers the flexibility to accommodate both small and large installs.

Mutoh America Hires David Conrad As Marketing Manager
Mutoh, an industry leader in wide-format printers, has appointed David Conrad as Mutoh America's marketing manager. Conrad's experience with marketing and sales in the wide-format industry makes him perfect fit for his new position with Mutoh. Prior to his position with Mutoh, Conrad was the senior product manager for SEAL-Neschen. Conrad said of his appointment, "I hope to facilitate development and establish new partnerships that promote the Mutoh brand and help keep Mutoh at the top of the sign and graphics marketplace."(Web site) www.mutoh.com

Oryon Technologies, LLC Introduces ELASTOLITE™
Oryon Technologies, LLC is marketing ELASTOLITE™, innovative next-generation technology in electroluminescent lighting with applications for the display industry. Elastolite™ is a micro-thin, durable, malleable, crushable, washable, water resistant 11-layer film that can be sewn or glued to almost any basic material and functions in temperature ranges between 4 and 120 degrees Fahrenheit. The basic technology involves electrodes exciting a phosphorus layer that generates a bright illumination with no heat build-up. A nano particle silver thread connects to the power source which is usually an alkaline or rechargeable battery. Basic phosphorescent colors or adding film overlays allow unlimited colorations. For more information, visit (Web site) www.oryontech.com

Freeman Acquires Wheelhouse Solutions Champion
Freeman, leading provider of integrated solutions for face-to-face marketing, is acquiring Wheelhouse, an experiential marketing services firm comprised of three companies - Champion Exposition Services, George Fern Company and Immersa Marketing. The combination of these two companies will form the premier experiential marketing firm, operating under the Freeman name. Champion will be integrated into Freeman. Fern, a leading exposition services company, and Immersa, a leading experiential marketing agency, will operate as individual brands under Freeman. (Web site) www.freemanco.com

MRA Opens New State-of-The-Art Facility In Madison Heights, MI
MRA, a leader in experiential mobile marketing, has consolidated its three offices into a single location by moving into its state-of-the-art facility in Madison Heights, MI. The new office and fabrication facility is large enough to allow sales, marketing, account services, logistics, designers, outfitters, and even manufacturers to work synergistically under one roof. MRA has always been a "one-stop-shop" for their clients' experiential tour needs and has now made it a physical, "under-one-roof" reality. "We have worked hard to position MRA as a go to leader in the mobile experiential category. It's an opportunity of a lifetime that we believe will further enhance the already high level of service we provide our clients," said Harry Kurtz, Founder and President of MRA experiential tours & equipment. (Web site) www.gomra.com

7-Eleven® Brings Rocket Poppeteers Brand To Stores With Cool, Retro Products
Fans who want a real-life taste of 1970s small-town life as shown in Paramount Pictures' Super 8 can head to 7-Eleven® stores for Rocket Poppeteers frozen pops, special Slurpee® cups and delicious retro candies. Building on a brand featured in the movie, the Rocket Poppeteers bomb-style ice pop is red, white and blue and tri-flavored with cherry, lime and blue raspberry. The product is only available at participating 7-Eleven stores.
"The idea of Rocket Poppeteers appeals to the kid in all of us," said Jesus Delgado-Jenkins, 7-Eleven's senior vice president of merchandising, marketing and logistics. "Bringing a favorite treat of the film's young characters to our stores is an insider's nod to the movie and gives everyone a chance to enjoy one of the nostalgic delights".
"This 7-Eleven in-store program offering authentic Rocket Poppeteers products really extends the look and feel of the '70's era products seen in the film," said LeeAnne Stables, EVP of Worldwide Marketing Partnerships at Paramount Pictures. "And it's definitely a cool bonus connection for those savvy audience members who spotted it in the movie."

Blue Moon Brewing Offers Chance At Being 'Honorary Brewmaster For A Day'
Blue Moon Brewing Company, is welcoming the return of its Artfully Crafted, Blue Moon Honey Wheat Ale and will award legal aged beer drinkers with prizes through the end of August, including a grand-prize trip to the Sandlot brewery in Denver, Colorado. Blue Moon fans are encouraged to share their artfully crafted moments by uploading photos to the "Photo Crafter" tab on the brand's Facebook page, where the application will transform their photos into artfully crafted Blue Moon paintings. And by doing so, fans have the chance to enter to win daily prizes, as well as the grand prize of Honorary Brewmaster for a Day." The winner will collaborate with Blue Moon brewmasters Keith Villa and John Legnard, and create a beer based on their most memorable moments, as well as participate in an insider tour of the brewery.

BACARDI® And Live Nation Entertainment Debut 'Best Shared Live' Multi-Platform Marketing Program
BACARDI Rums and Live Nation Entertainment have debuted an innovative, multi-platform marketing campaign titled, "Best Shared Live." Taking the "BACARDI Together" campaign to new heights, the "Best Shared Live" program creates dynamic opportunities designed to bring people together to celebrate live music, friends and legendary BACARDI cocktails. "Best Shared Live" will leverage Live Nation Entertainment's unparalleled marketing distribution platforms including digital, mobile and social media properties (Ticketmaster.com and LiveNation.com) to reach millions of fans as they plan their summer concert experiences.
"BACARDI is an iconic spirits brand with a unique history and heritage that has always championed a spirit for life," said Toby Whitmoyer, vice president and category managing director, rums at Bacardi U.S.A., Inc. "Through the 'Best Shared Live' program, we will tap into Live Nation Entertainment's multi-faceted digital marketing platforms surrounding live music to bring people together and strengthen brand awareness among our target audiences."

Iconic A&W® Restaurants Kicks Off 'Rip To Ride' Promotion
A&W® Restaurants, launched the "Rip to Ride" promotion, the largest in the chain's history. The 92 year old restaurant brand, known for its famous A&W® Draft Root Beer and All American Food Menu, will offer customers an opportunity to win over $1.6 million in food prizes and another $100K in prizes which include eight Harley-Davidson® Sportster® Forty-Eight™ motorcycles.
Through August 20, A&W® customers who purchase an All American Combo Box, that includes a Papa Burger® Single, regular French Fries and a large soft drink, will get a chance to win one of thousands of instant prizes being offered with a game piece on the food package. During the length of promotion, many of the 850 Restaurants will hold "Bike Nights" at their A&W® Restaurants, a popular summer time event throughout the country. A&W® Restaurants will support the promotion with point of purchase materials at the restaurants.

Dole Kicks Off Cross-Country Tour In NYC; Traveling Fruit Stand Will Benefit Feeding America
Dole is taking its new Fruit Bowls® All Natural Fruit in 100% juice on a cross-country tour, making stops in 12 cities and giving consumers an opportunity to sample the new product and celebrate summer at a fun traveling Fruit Stand. Additionally, through its national partnership with Feeding America, the country's leading domestic hunger-relief organization, Dole aims to give 250,000 cups to families in need. The road trip will feature a custom-branded 53' vending trailer that transforms into a Fruit Stand complete with fruit bins, brightly colored canopies, and photo kiosks.

Robot Standees Promote Hand-Breaded Chicken Sandwich At Carl’s Jr. And Hardee’s
Carls Jr. and Hardee's restaurants have launched a Hand-Breaded Chicken Fillet Sandwich™. The sandwich is freshly prepared, battered and breaded by-hand in each and every restaurant throughout the day. To support the positioning “machines can't eat it, so machines shouldn’t make it,”" the brands' ad agency, Los Angeles-based David & Goliath, created a humorous 30-second TV spot, titled “Robot,” that depicts a dejected, life-size robot trying to indulge in a Hand-Breaded Chicken Fillet Sandwich without any luck because…he doesn't have a mouth. The "Robot" will also be appearing at Carl's Jr. and Hardee's restaurants. A 6-foot-tall cardboard standee replica of the character will be on display for guests to check-out and take photos with. (Web site) www.carlsjr.com

First Avenger Movie Partnership Brings Captain America Menu Items, Collectibles And Prizes To Dunkin' Donuts And Baskin-Robbins
Dunkin' Brands, parent company of Dunkin' Donuts and Baskin-Robbins, has joined forces with Marvel® Studios to bring the excitement of Captain America: The First Avenger to Dunkin' Donuts and Baskin-Robbins restaurants. This is Dunkin' Donuts' first-ever partnership with a motion picture studio.
Leading up to the launch of blockbuster, Dunkin' Donuts and Baskin-Robbins have introduced special new Captain America-themed menu items, including a unique Coolatta® frozen beverage, a star-shaped donut, new ice cream flavors, sundaes and cakes, as well as a Dunkin' Donuts "Unlock the Lab" interactive microsite and a Baskin-Robbins Facebook promotion both featuring an instant win game and sweepstakes that give fans the chance to win great prizes.
John Costello, Chief Global Marketing & Innovation Officer at Dunkin' Brands, said, "We believe our partnership with Marvel Studios is ideal, as we not only combine our iconic brands with one of the most enduring and beloved action heroes, but we bring together the coolest movie of the summer and the destination for cool summer beverages and treats for millions of people."

Kimberly-Clark Teams Up With CheckPoints For Cars 2 Promotion
Kimberly-Clark is using CheckPoints’ mobile shopping app to drive shoppers into Walmart stores and engage them with its brands as part of an integrated promotion linked to Disney Pixar’s “Cars 2.” The mobile app makes it easy for shoppers to learn about the promotion featured on specially marked K-C products. When a shopper enters a Walmart location and “checks in” via the CheckPoints app, they are directed to find Kimberly-Clark products carrying Cars 2 promotional stickers, including Kleenex tissue, Pull-Ups training pants, Viva and Scott paper towels, Cottonelle bath tissue and Huggies diapers. After scanning the package barcode with their phones, shoppers learn of Cars 2 premium rewards.
The more Kimberly-Clark products shoppers buy the more credits they can redeem for Cars 2 items, such as die-cast Cars 2 vehicles or Cars 2 movie tickets. “Kimberly-Clark is using innovative marketing to engage shoppers with our brands and incentivize them to add more K-C products to their shopping baskets,” said Richard Moulton, Director, Shopper Marketing at Kimberly-Clark.

Starfruit Café Debuts Chicago's First 'Flat Belly' Food Truck
Starfruit Café, a subsidiary of Chicago-based Lifeway Foods, has unveiled a mobile food truck specially designed to deliver Chicagoans a delicious frozen kefir fix. The traveling treats, which will include their newest mango flavor, are packed with probiotic kefir (a "flat belly power food") and contain 22 calories and zero grams of fat per ounce. Hot on the heels of the food truck trend, the locations will be announced daily via Facebook and Twitter.
Lifeway Foods, President and CEO, Julie Smolyansky said, "We wanted to take advantage of the mobile food truck trend since it allows us to deliver our unique Starfruit product on the go. It's a great way to satiate our customers and also gives us the flexibility to get our tart and tangy frozen kefir into the hands of future Starfruit lovers throughout the city. It's the perfect way to help social network-savvy Chicagoans beat the heat this summer!" The show-stopping pink truck, which is adorned with bright images of fresh fruit and the famous frozen kefir swirl, will be making pit stops to cool down several of Chicago's hottest events. (Web site) www.starfruitcafe.com

NBA's Portland Trail Blazers Add Planar Video Walls To Enhance Arena Experience
Planar Systems has been selected by established NBA franchise, the Portland Trail Blazers, to install its Planar Clarity® Matrix™ LCD Video Wall System in the Rose Garden Arena to boost fan excitement, brand loyalty and sales of season tickets. Planar's Clarity Matrix video wall is prominently featured in the new Rip City United Headquarters on the main Rose Garden concourse. This area was designed as a special customer service location where the video wall will showcase different content to appeal to potential season ticket holders and provide existing ones with a variety of unique membership services. The 132 square-foot Clarity Matrix LCD video wall features information about exclusive events with players and alumni, highlights season ticket holder discounts, and provides high-resolution videos and images from Trail Blazers games. The nearby 30 square-foot Clarity Matrix Wall of Fame depicts life-sized images of players.
"We are excited to see organizations such as the Trail Blazers using video walls and other advanced multimedia technology to strengthen their brands, and build fan loyalty, as well as get full value from their large stockpiles of game footage and pictures," said Gerry Perkel, Planar Systems President & CEO. "If current trends are any indication, large LCD video walls like the Clarity Matrix at the Portland Rose Garden will soon be prevalent in sports arenas across the country." (Web site) www.planar.com

TableTop Media Expands Rollout Of Ziosk® Touchscreens To Chili's In St. Louis, Chicago And Central Illinois
TableTop Media has partnered with ERJ Dining and completed the first phase of deployment for its Ziosk touchscreen devices to 30 Chili's locations in St. Louis, Chicago and Central Illinois. TableTop Media is the creator of the Ziosk, the first digital promotion and pay-at-the-table device for the casual dining restaurant market. A Ziosk resides on each table and enables guests to see promotions, play games, watch movie trailers, sign up for e-clubs, order desserts, take surveys and pay on demand when they are ready to depart.
Jack Baum, TableTop Media CEO said, "We could not be more excited about partnering with ERJ Dining, one of the most respected franchisees in the nation. Together, we are changing the landscape of casual dining and bringing the digital age to the tabletops of brick and mortar establishments." ERJ is continuing with the second phase of deployment in August with plans to have the Ziosk in all 122 locations by the end of the third quarter of 2011. (Web site) www.tabletopmedia.com

Simon Malls Partners With Coca-Cola To Bring Mobile To Simon dTour Live Concert Series
Simon Malls has launched its 2011 Simon dTour Live, sponsored by Coca-Cola and Glee: "The Complete Second Season" onBlu-ray and DVD, in stores. DTour Live is is a series of mall performances this summer by two of today's hottest up-and-coming bands: We The Kings, and Forever The Sickest Kids.
New this year, Coca-Cola is inviting teens to participate in their new mobile SCVNGR program. At the Coca-Cola dTour booth, teens can learn how to use this smart phone app to play the SCVNGR game, get a free mini sleek can of Coca-Cola, and see how they can win prizes at Simon Malls.
"Simon dTour Live® is back and better than ever this year," said Cathi Weiner, senior vice president of Simon Brand Ventures. "This is another example of your favorite Simon mall offering free year-round entertainment designed to engage and entertain our shoppers of all ages." (Web site) www.simon.com

Modelo Especial Teams Up Soccer Star Clint Dempsey To Bring Fans A VIP Soccer Experience
Modelo Especial, one of the fastest growing import beer brands, has teamed up with Sports Illustrated and international soccer star Clint Dempsey to invite fans to enter Modelo Especial's VIP Soccer Sweepstakes, which will award five grand prize winners a trip for two to attend an international soccer match of their choosing.
Through July 31st, fans 21 and older can go to stores to find Modelo Especial displays for information on how to enter to win one of five trips to a regular season international soccer match including hotel, airfare and match tickets for two. At retail, shoppers who locate Modelo Especial displays can scan a unique QR code to unlock exclusive Sports Illustrated content about the top 11 soccer players in the world at www.SI.com/Shootout.
"Modelo Especial's VIP Soccer Sweepstakes combines a world-class beer with a world-class sport," said Jim Sabia, chief marketing officer of Crown Imports. "We are thrilled to offer Modelo Especial drinkers this unique opportunity as part of the brand's first-ever national promotion." (Web site) www.crownimportsllc.com.

Macy's Culinary Council Chefs Launch Cross-Country Food Truck Tour
Macy's has launched "Macy's Chefs A-Go-Go," a national food truck tour showcasing Macy's Culinary Council (MCC). Rolling into cities nationwide, Macy's first-ever food truck tour will feature a MCC chef at each stop, including Cat Cora, Todd English and Marcus Samuelsson, cooking his or her favorite summertime recipes and dishing them out free.
"We're thrilled to launch 'Macy's Chefs A-Go-Go' food truck tour," said Amy Kule, Macy's group vice president of national events and partnership marketing. "Our renowned team of culinary experts will hit the road from coast-to-coast, meeting fans, making great food and celebrating the return of summer. The MCC chefs are an invaluable resource, and the tour gives them the opportunity to meet with foodies and fans across the country while sharing their expert advice and recipe ideas."
Continuing through late summer, the Macy's-branded food truck will visit multiple cities during its nationwide tour including Miami, New York, Boston, Washington, D.C., Chicago, Seattle, Portland, San Francisco and Los Angeles. While the chef's dishes are free, guests can support a good cause by donating to Feeding America®, the nation's largest domestic hunger relief organization. For every $1 donated, Feeding America can help provide seven meals to those in need on behalf of local food banks.

HMSHost And Coca-Cola Launch Travel Sweepstakes To Benefit FEEDING AMERICA®
HMSHost and Coca-Cola have launched Travel Sweepstakes, giving consumers a chance to win a grand prize vacation including hotel accommodations to one of three destinations: Orlando, Fla.; Palm Springs, Calif., or Chicago, Ill. The destination is the winner's choice. At the end of the sweepstakes promotion, HMSHost will donate a portion of sales proceeds to Feeding America, the nation's leading domestic hunger relief charity. Each dollar HMSHost donates to Feeding America will help secure seven meals on behalf of local food banks.
"While entering for a chance to win a vacation is fun, we also want to use this opportunity to raise awareness of the importance of hunger relief for families in the U.S.," said Vince Modica, HMSHost's Senior Vice President of Restaurants, Marketing and Supply Chain. "Teaming up with our partner Coca-Cola is a great way to increase support for Feeding America's programs."
From now through September 15th, HMSHost's customers can use the free Microsoft Tag Reader on their smartphone to scan the Microsoft Tag found on 32 oz. cups of Coca-Cola at any of HMSHost's airport, motorway or mall food court locations. The Tag then takes the customer to a web page where he/she enters contact information. The promotion is also available in HMSHost's retail locations (newsstands and convenience stores) where in-store posters feature the Tag. (Web site) www.HMSHost.com

BDS Joins Forces With CIM
BDS Marketing has joined forces with Canadian-based Consumer Impact Marketing (CIM). With mutual goals of establishing a dominant presence in the U.S. and Canada respectively, the combined companies now offer an infrastructure of more than 600 full-time and 6,400 part-time employees who are focused on driving sales and building brand awareness. Both BDS and CIM expand their services as part of the partnership. Leveraging CIM's "Last 3 Feet" approach and BDS' "Sales Powered" strategy, both companies share a vision of delivering integrated sales and marketing solutions, grounded in insights and measurement. (Web site) www.BDSmktg.com.

American Express And foursquare Roll Out National Partnership, Delivering Exclusive Couponless Specials To Cardmembers Across The Country
American Express and foursquare have launched the national rollout of their partnership, which enables American Express® Cardmembers who link their foursquare profiles to their cards to "load" and seamlessly redeem merchant Specials without the need for coupons, special codes, or showing their mobile devices to cashiers. This unique functionality, powered by the American Express Smart Offer APIs, is the first time this technology has been used to allow cardmembers nationwide to take advantage of merchant Specials offered through foursquare in this easy and straightforward way. American Express and foursquare successfully piloted the Smart Offer APIs at South by Southwest in Austin, Texas.
"Our national launch with foursquare reflects our continued focus on digital innovation aimed at bringing value to cardmembers and merchants where they're already engaged and focused," said Ed Gilligan, Vice Chairman, American Express. (Web site) www.foursquare.com

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