Creative Online Weekly <br> October 4, 2010

Week of October 4, 2010

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Gateway Newstands Co-Branded With Public Mobile Phones
Gateway Newstands retail locations are being co-branded with Public Mobile and will start selling Public Mobile Phones.
Public Mobile signs and/or kiosks will begin opening in Gateway locations in Toronto and Montreal.
Combined with the 66 Public Mobile stores that are already open in Toronto and Montreal, Public Mobile will have in excess of 200 retail locations exclusively dedicated to selling Public Mobile phones in Toronto and Montreal.
“Gateway is the perfect partner. They're everywhere we want to be. Public Mobile wants to make it easy and convenient for customers to own a cell phone. What could be more convenient than making your payment, or buying a new phone on your subway ride home?” said Public Mobile CEO, Alek Krstajic. “We’ve aligned ourselves with Public Mobile because they understand the importance of providing simple and affordable service,” said Michael Aychental, CEO of Gateway Newstands.

IdeaPaint Displays Dry-Erase Paint At Lowe’s Stores
IdeaPaint, creator of high-performance dry-erase paint solutions, has placed its "HOME" product on display at select Lowe's stores. IdeaPaint’s dry-erase paint products transform smooth surfaces into borderless, durable, dry-erase canvases.
“Our retail launch with Lowe’s for our ‘HOME’ dry-erase paint is the culmination of years of work spent spreading the word for IdeaPaint - painting the walls of everyone who would let us,” said Jeff Avallon, co-founder of IdeaPaint.
“Lowe’s commitment to delivering innovative products is exemplified by our new relationship with IdeaPaint. The product brings our customers an innovative paint solution to their home’s organization and décor,” said Bill Fields, Lowe's Vice President, Merchandising. “The product’s ease of use and durability allows kids of all ages to express their creativity in not only the children's rooms but also in the home office, kitchen and beyond.” ((Web site) www.ideapaint.com

New WD TV Live Plus HD Media Player On Display
WD®, a world leader in external storage solutions, has introduced the WD TV® Live Plus HD media player, which makes it easy for Netflix® members to instantly watch thousands of TV episodes and movies on the biggest screen in their home -- their HD television set. The new Netflix interface enables members to browse and add movies to their instant Queue on the Netflix Website right from their TV.
"While Netflix can be found on an increasing number of products such as Internet TVs, Blu-ray Players, video game consoles, and other stand-alone devices, the WD TV Live Plus HD media player is unique as it allows digital media buffs to access and play all of their own personal HD media stored anywhere on their network or USB drives. At the same time they can easily stream Netflix, Pandora, YouTube and other Internet favorites to their HDTV," said Dale Pistilli, vice president of marketing for WD's branded products group. The WD TV Live Plus HD media player is on display now at select retailers. (Web site) www.wdc.com

'Who Do You Know Who's Gold'n Good' Video Contest And Sweepstakes Launches
To create community involvement and drive charitable giving, Gold'n Plump® Chicken has launched its "Who Do You Know Who's Gold'n Good Video Contest and Sweepstakes" whereby Gold'n Plump Chicken is asking everyone to nominate individuals, organizations or communities who deserve a little recognition or in other words, who they feel are Gold'n Good. The promotion was created for Gold'n Plump by BARD Advertising.
Prizes include:1st Prize: $10,000 to charity of choice, $2,000 to the person who enters and $3,000 to the nominee; 2nd Prize: $5,000 to charity of choice, $1,000 to the person who enters and $1,500 to the nominee and 3rd Prize: $2,500 to charity of choice. To drive Gold'n Plump Chicken sales and traffic to goldnplump.com to view the uploaded videos, BARD layered the program with a sweepstakes where consumers have the opportunity to win one of the following grand prizes: Kitchen Appliance Makeover Package, Home Electronics Makeover Package or Food Lover's Vacation Package (ARV $10,000).
"Who Do You Know Who's Gold'n Good Video Contest and Sweepstakes" runs through August 31st and is promoted in-store, with on-pack stickers attached to select packages of Gold'n Plump Chicken. Each sticker contains information about the contest and sweepstakes. Danglers and header cards will be placed in the poultry section of the meat department to introduce the event and stimulate sales at point of purchase.

Fazoli's Launches 'Return to Real Food' Campaign
Fazoli's, America's largest quick service Italian chain, is putting a modern twist on a simpler time with its new marketing strategy. Created by Brokaw, Inc., the overriding message of the campaign is that despite time crunches, a family deserves to enjoy a tasty, balanced meal together. The campaign promotes Fazoli's new Ultimate Meatball Smasher Submarinos, priced at $4.99 with drink.
"The campaign celebrates family - Fazoli's style, and differentiates Fazoli's from its competitors," said Cathy Hull, Fazoli's chief marketing officer. "We believe oven-baked, freshly prepared Italian dishes made from flavorful ingredients are a much better alternative to typical fried fast food."
The 240-unit chain recently overhauled its menu, setting the stage for the new brand strategy. Items such as Tortellini Robusto, Rigatoni Romano and Grilled Chicken Artichoke Salad are prepared fresh in-house. Despite the higher quality of Fazoli's food, its prices are comparable to other quick service chains. The "Return to Real Food" campaign also includes television and radio advertising and will be extended to local restaurant marketing, and outdoor and digital advertising. (Web site) www.fazolis.com

faceVsion Displays Its HD Products At Fry’s
faceVsion Technology, Fremont, CA, a manufacturer of premium HD video communication products , has broken into the U.S. retail channel with its TouchCam N1 and FVexpress Combo video call/chat products, now on display at Fry’s Electronics, which operates 34 stores in Northern/Southern California, Texas, Idaho, Illinois, Georgia, Arizona, Oregon, Indiana, Nevada, and Washington.
To support the rollout of faceVsion products at Fry’s, customers could buy one faceVsion TouchCam N1 and get another free instantly during the introductory period.
faceVsion’s lineup of HD VideoCams are the only currently available video communications products that offer genuine 720p HD video streaming over the Internet and feature advanced hardware H.264 video encoding and a host of other features to deliver a stunning HD experience. (Web site) www.facevsion.com

Mariott And Nickelodeon Launch Family Travel Promotion This Summer
Marriott International and Nickelodeon are launching the family travel promotion Nickelodeon Your Stay, available at nearly 2,000 participating hotels across seven Marriott brands this summer. During the promotional period, kids staying at any of the almost 2,000 participating Marriott locations offering this program will receive a free bracelet with an online code (url) to an exclusive SpongeBob SquarePants branded game on Nick.com; a book full of activities such as mazes and brain teasers; and Nickelodeon activity placemats during meal times. Additionally, parents can upgrade their experience by booking a Nickelodeon Your Stay package. At Courtyard, Fairfield Inn & Suites, Residence Inn, TownePlace Suites and SpringHill Suites hotels, the items ($10 if purchased at the front desk) will include a SpongeBob SquarePants activity bag, a brightly colored splash ball, Nickelodeon sun glasses and a 3-D "build-your-own SpongeBob" craft. At Marriott and JW Marriott hotels, the Nickelodeon Your Stay promotion costs $20 if purchased at the front desk, and also includes a SpongeBob pillowcase and a travel-themed SpongeBob storybook at turndown.
"This is a very exciting family travel promotion and by working with Nickelodeon we hope to provide a memorable and delightful stay experience for kids," said Peggy Fang Roe, Marriott's vice president of brand management. "After extensive research with families, we have designed this promotion with simple touches to make travel a little easier for parents and more fun for kids."
"The 'Nickelodeon Your Stay' promotion allows kids to experience the Nick brand through entertaining and practical premiums," said Stuart Rosenstein, Senior Vice President, Nickelodeon Recreation. "Marriott brands are great vacation destinations for families and this new promotion will help kids extend their experience with Nick-themed items they can take home."

GOT MILK? Brings TV Spots To Life In CA Through Its Mootopian Oasis Experiential Campaign
The California Milk Processor Board (CMPB), the creator of GOT MILK? and its new campaign 'Mootopia,' will host experiential lounges, the Mootopian Oasis, throughout the summer where visitors can learn firsthand about the health and beauty benefits of milk.
"People, especially Californians, aspire to look and feel the best that they can," said Steve James, CMPB executive director. "Our Mootopia campaign allows consumers to learn that by drinking milk, they can help their bodies create strong bones, muscles, teeth, hair and nails. We want Californians to feel pampered and experience the benefits of milk in a whole new way," says James. The Mootopian Oasis will consist of hair and manicure stations, an arm wrestling post to conduct strength competitions and a milk bar where visitors can enjoy smoothies as well as receive free t-shirts and other swag items courtesy of GOT MILK?

Otarian Launches Carbon Karma Card
Otarian, a new boutique fast-casual restaurant chain in New York and the first global chain to carbon footprint all of its menu items to international standards, has launched the Carbon Karma Card. Every time a diner enjoys a tasty Otarian meal as compared to the meat alternative, they'll rack up "Carbon Karma credits" - rewards for helping save the planet one Otarian meal at a time.
The Carbon Karma Card helps Otarian diners better understand the environmental impact of their food choices in a highly measurable and quantifiable way. The Otarian loyalty card rewards customers with loyalty Carbon Karma credits every time they make a purchase based on the carbon footprint saving they accrued that meal. As their credits accrue, they will have the ability to redeem them for a voucher on the Otarian website at www.Otarian.com. Customers can then use their voucher in exchange for a free product the next time they visit an Otarian restaurant. Otarian, which recently gained American Vegetarian Association Recommended status, is also launching a series of carbon saving combo meals, which will allow consumers to not only reduce their carbon impact but also reduce the impact on their wallets. For example, when customers purchase any veggie burger or tacos with a ChocO Treat and a small beverage, they will save an average of $1.64 and 1.6kg of carbon. In addition, when Carbon Karma cardholders buy an Otarian combo meal, they will earn an extra 4 to 16% of the credits needed to bring them closer to a free product. (Web site) www.otarian.com

Nickelodeon Offers Nickelodeon Fit Exclusively For Wii™
2K Play and Nickelodeon are planning to introduce Nickelodeon® Fit, a landmark youth fitness product designed exclusively for the Wii™ system. Scheduled for release this fall, Nickelodeon Fit provides a new way for kids to stay physically active as they exercise and engage with their favorite characters Dora, Diego, Kai-lan and The Backyardigans, all together in a video game for the first time. Developed in collaboration with physical education and exercise science expert Dr. Jackie Goodway, Nickelodeon Fit features 30 exercise games targeting cardiovascular activity, core muscles, upper and lower body strength, balance, motor skill development and foot and hand-eye coordination. Using either the Wii Remote™ or the Wii Balance Board™ accessory, kids embark in an imaginative array of physically challenging activities: they can jump rope with the Backyardigans, go river rafting with Diego, leap over hurdles with Kai-lan, pogo stick with Dora and even participate in a stamina-building relay race featuring all of the game's characters.

Belkin Introduces Four Conserve Products
To help people reduce their carbon footprint and lower their electricity bills, Belkin has added four new products to its Conserve line of energy-saving accessories: the Conserve Insight, Conserve Socket™, Conserve Valet™, and Conserve Smart AV™. Belkin's new Conserve products aim to empower people to make better decisions around their energy usage. With its easy-to-read display, the Conserve Insight energy-use monitor helps you monitor your energy use by showing how much devices really cost-in watts, dollars, and carbon dioxide. The Conserve Smart AV auto-off surge protector detects when your TV is turned on or off, and shuts down power to connected components-like video game consoles, DVD players, and home theater equipment-so that no energy is wasted when the TV is not turned on. The Conserve Valet smart charging station is a convenient place to charge all of your mobile devices, and it also helps save energy by shutting off automatically when the devices are fully charged. The Conserve Valet charges up to four devices such as cell phones, music players, and handheld video games, and it also reduces cable clutter. The Conserve Socket power timer automatically shuts off power after a time interval you select. This helps save energy and makes a home safer by timing the power to devices such as curling irons, fans, and space heaters. These four products join the Conserve Switch™ and the Conserve Surge, which enable energy conservation by reducing standby power in homes and offices. (Web site) www.belkin.com

Disney Launches Original 'Toy Story 3' Read-Along Application For iPad
On the heels of the success and industry recognition for its innovative format with the "Toy Story," "Toy Story 2," and "The Princess and the Frog" read-along applications, Disney Publishing Worldwide is offering "Toy Story 3" read-along app on the Apple iPad. Children can join Woody, Buzz, their pals, and a crew of new toys on the adventure of a lifetime in this fully interactive reading experience packed with eye-popping 3D effects, exciting games, sing-along tunes, multi-touch surprises, puzzles, and coloring pages. Children can hear the story read aloud, record their own narration, or explore at their own pace.
"We are thrilled to expand our library of fully interactive read-along iPad apps with yet another blockbuster title," said Yves Saada, Vice President, Digital Media, Disney Publishing Worldwide. "The read-along apps are a unique combination of Disney stories, fun activities and cutting edge technology, making these apps the first of their kind for children."

Finesse ReVitality Offers New Anti-Aging Hair Care Line
Targeting women over 35, Finesse ReVitality is a new hair care line that features a breakthrough formula that borrows from the proven efficacy of anti-aging skin care. Enhanced with a rejuvenating complex of collagen, CoQ10 and antioxidants, ReVitality dramatically improves strength and softness of hair after just one use. Serving an expanded audience from core Finesse products, which continue to provide everyday value for the whole family, Finesse ReVitality is available in drug stores and supermarkets nationwide.

Lenovo Offers Its First 3D Laptop
Lenovo's IdeaPad Y560d, the company's first multimedia laptop with a 3D display, is now available to consumers. The Y560d features the TriDef® 3D technology solution, which includes a 3D screen, software and glasses 1, so users can experience the unique sensation of visual immersion within their favorite movies, pictures and games. The 15.6-inch Y560d 3D-enabled multimedia laptop, with its High-Def 16:9 widescreen and polarizer glasses, provides the optimal 3-dimensional experience when combined with compatible 3D movies and games.
Dion Weisler, vice president, business operations, Lenovo, said, "While 3D technology has been around for ages, it has not been readily accessible to consumers within the home. Lenovo is helping bridge this gap by delivering consumers a 3D experience on a familiar PC platform that can be viewed and enjoyed when and where they want."

Nintendo Introduces 3DS For Glasses-Free 3D Gaming
Nintendo has unveiled a new and even more immersive gaming experience: Nintendo 3DS™, a portable system that lets people view games in 3D, without the need for special glasses. Nintendo also announced a substantial list of upcoming games for Nintendo 3DS. "The additional dimension of depth in 3D makes it easier for players to judge distances while giving developers a new tool to create games and experiences that play with both height and depth," said Nintendo video game designer Shigeru Miyamoto, who pioneered the fully rendered 3D video game world with Super Mario 64™. Nintendo 3DS comes with a 3.53-inch top screen and a 3.02-inch bottom touch screen. It has three cameras - one inner and two outer - to deliver the 3D effect and take 3D pictures. It includes a motion sensor, a gyro sensor and even a Slide Pad that allows 360-degree analog input.

Real Sangria White Introduced To U.S. Market
Real Sangria, producers of Real Sangria Red, the number one imported sangria from Spain in the U.S., has introduced Real Sangria White to the U.S. market. Real Sangria White is a wonderful blend of natural citrus fruit flavors and fine Spanish white wine. "For centuries, sangria has been one of the traditional drinks in Spain and it is steadily becoming one of the most fashionable in the U.S. People are entertaining more and more at home and a pitcher of sangria is now a must have item for home gatherings," said Ricardo Febres of Shaw-Ross International Importers, importer of Real Sangria. Real Sangria White will be distributed in most major grocery chains throughout the U.S.

Schlage's New SecureKey™ High-Security Door Locks Help Homeowners Rekey Locks In Two Easy Steps
Homeowners can now rekey Schlage's new SecureKey™ locks and deadbolts in a matter of seconds without removing the lock from the door. Unlike traditional pin-and-tumbler locks, which must be removed from the door and disassembled for rekeying, SecureKey locks and deadbolts, which are available at retailers nationwide, employ a new high-security design that makes rekeying quick and simple without compromising security. Rekeying Schlage SecureKey deadbolts and locks is a simple two-step procedure that does not require any extra tools. Reset Kits with two brass keys and one Reset Key (all with the same key cut) will be available for a suggested retail price of $5.99.
"The great thing about SecureKey is that in addition to providing convenience and greater security for homeowners it saves time and money since no special skills or tools are required to rekey a lock," said John Evans, Vice President, Marketing and Product Management, Residential Solutions for Ingersoll Rand, the parent company of Schlage.

Playstation®Move Motion Controller To Hit Worldwide Market
Sony Computer Entertainment will release PlayStation®Move motion controller for the PlayStation®3 (PS3™) system this September. PlayStation®Move navigation controller, one-handed controller to be used along with the motion controller for intuitive navigation of in-game characters and objects, will also become available. SCE Worldwide Studios will release more than 20 titles that are either dedicated to or supported with the PlayStation Move platform. Furthermore, SCE also will release two PlayStation Move controller peripherals, "PlayStation Move®Charging Station" and "PlayStation®Move shooting attachment," that will help further enhancing the PlayStation Move experience.

Tea Forte Launches Single Steeps For The Perfect Cup
Tea Forte continues to expand its distinctive art of tea to the consumer with the introduction of SINGLE STEEPS™…the perfect measure for the perfect cup. The easy to use, pre-portioned pouches are a convenient and simple way to prepare and enjoy the perfect cup of premium loose leaf tea. SINGLE STEEPS are USDA Certified Organic, with a suggested retail price of $12, and are available in a 15 count sampler offering of Tea Forte's most popular varietals. Three eco-pouches each of: Chamomile Citron Naturally Caffeine-Free Herb Tea, Earl Grey Black Tea, Green Mango Peach Tea, Forte Breakfast Black Tea and Ginger Lemongrass Naturally Caffeine-Free Herb Tea.

Toshiba Satellite 3D-Ready Laptop Brings New Dimension To Entertainment
Toshiba's Digital Products Division (DPD), a division of Toshiba America Information Systems, has introduced its first 3D-ready laptop for the U.S. market. The Satellite® A665 3D Edition laptop features a 15.6-inch diagonal TruBrite® widescreen LCD display1 with LED backlighting and a 120Hz refresh rate. NVIDIA® 3D Vision™ software and hardware technologies2 drive the stereoscopic 3D experience, delivering out-of-the-box compatibility with hundreds of PC games, as well as videos and photos. Equipped with a rewriteable Blu-ray Disc™ drive3, the A665 is also ready to support content playback in the Blu-ray 3D format as it becomes available in the marketplace4.
"With this active shutter 3D technology, we are able to provide consumers with dynamic, high-quality stereoscopic images right from the laptop screen," said Carl Pinto, vice president of product development, Toshiba America Information Systems, Inc., Digital Products Division. "We designed this system to support functionality that will become available in new drivers and software enhancements, so early adopters of 3D technology will be able to take advantage of new capabilities such as the ability to play Blu-ray 3D content and more."

VTech Launches V.Reader Delivering Cutting-Edge Technology That Makes Reading Easy And Fun
VTech, creator of the electronic learning products category, has launched V.Reader, the world's first animated e-book system for children. V.Reader was designed to engage kids in an interactive reading experience, offer hours of play value, and help combat the dreaded "summer brain drain."
"We understand that parents are looking for ways to merge learning and fun during the summer and VTech is excited to offer the V.Reader, which does exactly that," said Tom McClure, director of marketing, VTech Electronics North America, LLC. "Parents can trust this cutting-edge product to aid in their children's development while proving how learning can be fun too."

Boulder Canyon Introduces Totally Natural Line
Boulder Canyon™ Natural Foods continues to build its better-for-you snack portfolio by expanding its Totally Natural line of kettle-cooked potato chips to add four new flavors, including 60% Reduced Sodium, No Salt Added, 40% Reduced Fat and Olive Oil varieties. The chips will appear in select grocery stores nationwide starting this June. All Boulder Canyon snacks are 100% all-natural and cooked in sunflower, safflower or olive oils that are low in saturated fat and rich in essential fatty acids. The snacks feature only natural seasonings and contain no artificial flavors, colors or preservatives. In addition, the new Totally Natural varieties feature 33-100% fewer milligrams (mg) of sodium than the average potato chip without compromising the great taste and texture consumers expect from.

Hanesbrands Reshapes Traditional Bra Sizing In Its Hanes And Barely There Brands
Hanesbrands is rolling out its latest intimate apparel innovation - proprietary shape-to-fit bra technology - under its Hanes and Barely There brands. The innovative new system, called Smart Sizes, uses patented construction that molds to the shape of the wearer and allows five shape-to-fit bra sizes to replace 16 traditional cup-and-band sizes, resulting in easier shopping, a custom fit and superior comfort. Hanesbrands, one of the world's leading innovators in intimate apparel, is using the Smart Sizes patented technology in new Hanes and Barely There bra collections launching across department store, mid-tier and mass-merchant retailers this summer.
"The launch of Smart Sizes is great news for women whose No. 1 complaint when shopping for bras is that they can never find a size that is comfortable for them," said Christy Respess-Jones, vice president/general manager of intimate apparel for Hanesbrands. "With a streamlined sizing configuration, retailers can now display more bras in each size and carry more colors per size so the customer can easily and quickly find what she needs and make her purchase."

Archerfish Solo Interactive Video Monitoring And Recording System Debuts
The new Archerfish Solo Interactive Video Monitoring and Recording System features built-in Homeland Security technology to monitor your home or business more effectively than motion detection systems. Solo understands what it sees so users don't have to watch hours of video. Users just tell it what to look for - expected events, unanticipated intrusions, or just the odd things that can happen when they're not around - and Solo notifies them with a video message to their mobile or email. It's perfect for the user who wants to combine the power of Homeland Security technology with the convenience of 802.11 wireless.

Disney Unveils Cutting Edge TRON-Inspired Toys And Electronics Line
Disney Consumer Products has unveiled a first look at its unprecedented fall line-up of TRON: Legacy inspired electronics and toys, including the first-ever action figures to feature impulse light projection technology. Walt Disney Picture's TRON: Legacy, starring actors Jeff Bridges, Garrett Hedlund and Olivia Wilde, will take audiences on a thrilling action-packed adventure in a unique virtual world. Disney Digital 3D™ and IMAX® 3D. "TRON: Legacy is a cutting-edge film with a unique futuristic feel, and we wanted to create products with new technology and high-end design that live up to what you will see on screen," said Chris Heatherly, VP of toys and electronics, Disney Consumer Products. "This is not a typical movie line. We're working exclusively with trailblazers who normally do not do movie merchandise, but they believed so passionately in TRON that they jumped at the chance to help us make great products."

Plantronics Debuts GameCom 777 Surround Sound PC Headset For Immersive Gaming Experience
Plantronics® is offering a new version of the GameCom® 777 Gaming Headset with virtual 7.1 surround sound enabled by Dolby® Headphone and Dolby® ProLogic® IIx technologies, which combines immersive surround sound and Plantronics' design excellence to deliver an unmatched sound and voice experience for PC gamers. In addition to its surround sound capabilities, the GameCom 777 headset was engineered with numerous functional and ergonomic wearing benefits including an open-ear design that keeps users connected to the game and their surroundings.
"When it comes to headsets, the gaming community demands extreme audio precision and comfort for continuous wearing," explained Matt Miller, Senior Director, Entertainment Products. "We've reunited with Dolby to bring players virtual 7.1 surround sound for a more convincing gaming experience and leveraged our heritage in ergonomic headset design to alleviate discomfort that comes with extended headphone use."

PROBAR® Adds Cherry And Lemon To Fruition™ Line
PROBAR, the maker of delicious, sustainably produced, whole foods meal-replacement bars, has added Cherry and Lemon varieties to their fruition line of flavorful snack bars made with organic ingredients and electrifying fruit flavors. Each 160 calorie fruition bar is made from organic ingredients, is low in sugar, weighs in at an easy-to-carry 1.7 ounces and includes two servings of fruit, organic rolled oats and nutrient-rich black and white chia seeds. Just in time for summer, these new PROBAR flavors can be found in retail stores nationwide, including REI, Whole Foods, The Vitamin Shoppe, local health food stores, coffee shops, and outdoor sports and bike shops.

The Vitamin Shoppe Offers New Solixir® Botanical Beverages
Solixir Botanical Beverages - awaken, restore, and relax - are now available at The Vitamin Shoppe stores nationwide. Solixir offers consumers three choices: Awaken (Orange Mate): Good before a workout or a meeting, thanks to natural invigorating botanicals; Restore (Pomegranate Ginger): Excellent anytime of the day and great after a workout, due to its revitalizing botanicals; and Relax (Blackberry Chamomile): Drink before bedtime or after a stressful day. To provide people with the benefits of botanicals, master herbalist Amanda McQuade Crawford and sports nutritionist Dr. Susan Kleiner developed Solixir without adding sugar or sweeteners and there is also less than 60 calories in each 12 ounce can.

Vistakon® Launches 1-Day Acuvue®
VISTAKON®, Division of Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc., has received clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to market narafilcon B, the first and only silicone hydrogel daily disposable lens in the United States. The company will market it under the name 1-DAY ACUVUE® TruEye™ Brand Contact Lenses and the product will be available in the offices of eye care professionals throughout the United States beginning this month.

Estée Lauder Names Beth DiNardo To Lead Marketing Team For Smashbox Beauty Cosmetics
The Estée Lauder Companies has acquired Smashbox Beauty Cosmetics naming Beth DiNardo as Global General Manager of the brand. DiNardo will work closely with Budd Taylor, current President of Smashbox and Dean Factor, co-founder and CEO. DiNardo has been an executive at The Estée Lauder Companies for the past 13 years and most recently served as Senior Vice President - General Manager, Darphin North America.

Pep Boys Promotes Scott Webb And William Shull To EVPs
The Pep Boys - Manny, Moe & Jack, a leading automotive aftermarket service and retail chain, has promoted Scott Webb to Executive Vice President - Merchandising & Marketing and William Shull to Executive Vice President - Stores. President & CEO Michael Odell, said, "Scott and Bill's leadership was instrumental in achieving our 'Back in Black' profitability commitment in 2009; working together, they are leading us toward our 'Get to Great' goal for 2010."

Marketing-industry Veteran Walter Haug Joins Rug Doctor As V.P. Of Marketing
Walter Haug, an industry veteran with nearly 20 years of consumer goods marketing experience, joined Rug Doctor as the company's new vice president of marketing. Haug will be responsible for continuing to expand and market Rug Doctor's line of carpet cleaning products, on both the rental and retail front, while growing brand awareness and creating new marketplace opportunities. reviously, in nearly a decade with Warner Lambert and Reckitt-Benckiser, Haug led multi-functional teams to deliver record sales increases for Lysol, Easy-Off, Glass Plus, Mop & Glo, Neosporin and Benadryl brands.

Art Smith Named Chief Marketing Officer At Union Bank
Union Bank, N.A. has named veteran marketing executive Arthur (Art) Smith Chief Marketing Officer. As the company's top marketing officer, Smith will have executive oversight of all retail, commercial and wealth management marketing activities. Prior to joining Union Bank, Smith was senior vice president and head of Global Brand Marketing at Wachovia Corporation.

WONDER! Hires Mary Drolet As Chief Marketing and Merchandising Officer
WONDER!, the first-of-its-kind children's retailer set to open in early 2011, has appointed retail industry expert, Mary Drolet, to Chief Marketing and Merchandising Officer. In her role as WONDER! Chief Marketing and Merchandising Officer, Drolet will be responsible for overseeing marketing, merchandising and WONDER!'s in-store customer experience. Drolet previously founded and served as CEO of Club Libby Lu, an experiential tween apparel retailer acquired by Saks in 2004.

Estée Lauder Companies Appoints Caroline Geerlings President Of Tom Ford Beauty
The Estée Lauder Companies has appointed Caroline Geerlings President, Tom Ford Beauty and New Business. In this position, she will be responsible for the overall strategic direction, global development, management and growth of the brand. Geerlings brings nearly 25 years of global experience in the cosmetics industry, including leadership roles at MoAoC Cosmetics and Christian Dior Perfumes. Most recently, she held the role of Senior Vice President, General Manager, Prescriptives Worldwide.

Inventure Foods Names Rick Suchenski SVP Of Sales And Marketing
Inventure Foods, a leading specialty snack food marketer and manufacturer, has appointed Rick Suchenski as Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing. Suchenski, a 30-year industry veteran, joins Inventure Foods after serving as General Manager for the RTD Beverage Division at Sunny Delight Beverages Co. Prior to that, Suchenski served as President and COO of The Republic of Tea.

Plastic Graphic Adds Three Sales Execs.
Plastic Graphic Company, a 40-year-old family-owned plastic printer, specializing in the printing and production of plastic cards and other printed plastics, has added three sales executives. Nick DiMuro, Janet Thompson and Louis Darby bring many years of sales and marketing experience to Plastic Graphic and will assist in the growth of the company.

Intercept Corporation Introduces P.R.O. Kiosks
Intercept Corporation's new "P.R.O. Kiosks" are the solution when portable kiosks are required in several locations for product rollout promotions. Special heavy duty corrugated panels with mottled white finish outside and kraft inside, produce one tough kiosk. There is room for plenty of product logos and branding on the base and the overhead sign holder holds .018" to .060" thick media. Easy to assemble they fold into a surprisingly strong and durable stand. Set-up size is 36" high by 32" wide by 23" deep. Kiosks provide under countertop storage space. Overhead sign clearance from floor to bottom of sign holder is approximately 6'-4". Shipped flat these units can be shipped to retailers and set-up for promotions. Have the base pre-printed and overhead sign included so they can be ready to use right out of the box. Units can be recycled making them environmentally friendly. For more information, contact Intercept Corporation, 2517 Business Hwy. 371 South Brainerd, MN 56401; (Tel) 218-828-8177 or visit; (Web site) www.kwikstand.com

RBM Technologies Introduces In-Store Visual Merchandising Management Solutions
RBM Technologies, a leader in complete in-store visual merchandising management solutions for retailers, announced a new product offering to help retailers optimize store-level SKU execution, ensuring the right products are in the right place and on the right fixtures at the right time. SKUter™ enables retailers to automate their merchandising plans with the unique specifications of each individual store. Retailers can specify where a product should be placed within a store's available fixtures and in relation to current or planned sales campaign presentations. It also gives store managers a quick and easy way to understand and to report execution and compliance back to headquarters. Retailers invest millions of dollars in assortment and space planning, yet there is no simple way to ensure their plans get executed properly and cost-effectively. RBM's SKUter helps retailers determine the exact in-store placement for a product or family of products. It helps retailers substantially cut the costs of merchandising execution by providing headquarters and store managers with an accurate picture of what products and accessories are needed for each individual store - minimizing the tremendous waste retailers experience from inaccurate ordering. SKUter allows retailers to customize the placement of products based on the unique fixtures of their store and also allows for easy grouping of certain products together based on categories or SKUs. For more information about RBM Technologies, call (800) 532-2468, email info@rbmtechnologies.com or visit; (Web site) www.rbmtechnologies.com

Clearr Corp. Offers Vantage LED Backlit Display
domestically by Clearr Corporation, is the brightest LED backlit display on the market. Not only does it offer the traditional benefits of energy efficiency and increased life expectancy of typical LED backlit displays, but it also rivals traditional fluorescent backlit displays in brightness. In addition to the Vantage®, Clearr introduced the PlaneLight™ panel, which consists of its proprietary light-guide panel, edgelit with color-correct LED's. The panel has all the same benefits of the Vantage®, but it can easily be incorporated into custom displays and is available in both standard and curved configurations. For more information, contact Clearr Corporation, 6325 Sandburg Road, Minneapolis, MN 55427;(Tel) 800-548-3269, 763-398-5400, (Fax) 763-398-0134, (E-mail) rlester@clearr.net, (Web site) www.clearrcorp.com

Sir Richard Branson unveiled Virgin Gaming
Sir Richard Branson, Founder of the Virgin Group, unveiled Virgin Gaming, an online destination for competitive console gamers at the recently held Electronic Entertainment Expo. In true Virgin style, Branson followed up the Virgin Gaming launch announcement by pulling up to the Electronic Entertainment Expo in a fully armored truck with $1-million in cash in hand. His message was clear - over the next 12 months Virgin Gaming will run a series of tournaments with cash payouts totaling $1-million. Gamers were invited to experience Virgin Gaming first-hand at the Virgin Gaming booth during E3. (Web site) www.virgingaming.com

SapientNitro Creates Smile-Activated Ice Cream Vending Machine For Unilever
SapientNitro has unveiled to the global advertising community the world's first smile-activated vending machine - an ice cream truck for the digital age - for Unilever, the world's biggest ice cream manufacturer of such diverse brands such as Wall's, Ben & Jerry's, Good Humor, Breyers and Klondike. This ice cream vending machine is an industry-leading innovative brand experience and part of Unilever's new ice cream mission to encourage people everywhere to share life's small moments of happiness. "We're really excited about the possibility this new technology holds for Unilever. It offers a revolutionary new way for consumers to buy ice cream and, simultaneously, a revolutionary brand experience," said Ian Maskell, Global Brand Development Director for Wall's at Unilever.
Here is how it works: An entertaining "attractor screen" playfully immerses a passerby into the world of augmented reality. Once drawn closer to the machine, the person is prompted for a big smile and the 'smile-o-meter' measures his or her grin. A photo is then taken and with permission uploaded onto Facebook. The consumer can pick out his or her free ice cream by using the touch-screen interface on the vending machine. To create this groundbreaking experience, creative technologists at SapientNitro harnessed the power of the latest technology across a number of realms, including facial recognition, 3G and Facebook. Designed in a lab by specialist teams intent on creating a machine unlike any other, the unique features of the smile-activated vending machine include: Groundbreaking facial recognition technology to track if a person is smiling; Intricate technology that captures and measures a person's smile - the smile-o-meter - to let a person know how happy he or she is; 3G technology to enable uploading and sharing of smiles via social media with the user's permission. SapientNitro also developed the graphic language, interface design and the unique animation style for the vending machine. Samsung was the screen provider and Sanden Vendo supplied the vending machine. The smile-activated ice cream vending machine will roll out into high-traffic consumer locations like shopping malls across the globe over the next 18 months. (Web site) www.sapientnitro.com

Skinny Water Joins Brad Paisley's H2O Tour As Co-Sponsor Of 'Water World Plaza'
Skinny Nutritional Corp., maker of Skinny Water® and a leader in the zero-calorie enhanced water category, is co-sponsoring the "Water World Plaza" of the "Brad Paisley H2O Tour," taking place in amphitheaters and arenas across the U.S. and abroad. As such, Skinny Nutritional intends to sponsor a series of national and local retail, media and sweepstakes promotions at Target Stores nationally and participating regional retailers around Paisley's H2O Tour, and Skinny shall be on-site as an official co-sponsor of the "Water World Plaza," a central area to the H2O Tour. During the tour, fans on-site and online shall be invited to sample product and "Show Your Skinny," for a chance to win signed artist memorabilia, "Meet & Greets" with Brad Paisley, and to receive seat upgrades, courtesy of Skinny Water throughout the tour. This relationship was created based upon the success, personality and image of Brad Paisley, and the natural play-on-words of his current activity -- a hot current single titled "Water" and the new tour called the H2O Tour.

BMO Looks To Future With Soccer Marketing Strategy
BMO Financial Group is launching a nationwide marketing campaign that puts a spotlight on the future of Canadian soccer. From June to August, branch and billboard advertising will feature eight Canadian youth soccer players with aspirations to play for the 2022 and 2023 Canadian National teams.
"We want to show Canadians that we are dedicated to soccer, not only this summer, but well into the future," said Sandy Bourne, Vice-President, Advertising, Sponsorship, Events and Merchandising, BMO Financial Group.
BMO is exploring new ways to share with customers, their love of soccer. Twenty nine branches will reflect the country most representative of their customers. This will include branches in Toronto neighborhoods, such as Little Italy and Danforth, prominently displaying the flags of Italy and Greece. This innovative approach to reach soccer fans will take a further step next month, with the unveiling of a new interactive digital marketing feature in downtown Toronto.
Peter Montopoli, General Secretary of the Canadian Soccer Association, said, "BMO has been a valuable partner for the Canadian Soccer Association in our collective efforts to encourage Canadian youth to participate in the beautiful game. We share the goal of developing these players along a path of lifelong participation in the sport, and for some, providing an opportunity to represent our country." (Web site) www4.bmo.com

Hornall Anderson Delivers On New Microsoft Office
How do you create an engaging packaging experience that resonates with users across the globe? This was the challenge faced by brand design and interactive firm, Hornall Anderson, when they partnered with Microsoft, to design the global brand packaging for the newly launched Microsoft Office 2010 cohesive line of products. The team focused their creative lens on a universally accepted approach for engaging with the box, and the creation of an experience that wraps from front to back, emphasizing consumer recognition through familiar visual cues and color-coding leveraged with bundled Suite products.
"Hornall Anderson leveraged key insights and developed a perceptive design concept and execution that helps drive equity toward the Office brand with greater product differentiation, translating the new Office 2010 positioning into an intuitive and emotional, branded packaging experience," said Katie Jordan, Senior Product Manager at Microsoft Corporation. (Web site) www.hornallanderson.com

Cisco's Flip Video Teams With The Last Airbender New 3-D Adventure Film From Paramount Pictures And Nickelodeon Movies
Cisco®'s Flip Video™ has teamed up with one of this summer's hottest movies, M. Night Shyamalan's The Last Airbender, from Paramount Pictures and Nickelodeon Movies, based on the hit Nickelodeon series "Avatar: The Last Airbender."
Flip has launched a multi-faceted marketing campaign including the release of a limited edition series of custom-designed The Last Airbender Flip video cameras available in Flip MinoHD™ and SlideHD™ models. As part of Flip Video's marketing initiative around the upcoming movie, director M. Night Shyamalan used a Flip to shoot behind-the-scenes content that will only be available on the limited-edition "The Last Airbender" Flip video cameras. The nine custom-designed Flip series is available in a main The Last Airbender movie theme design and two different sets of four designs each - one set featuring the four main characters (Aang, Sokka, Prince Zuko and Katara) and one set with designs representing the four nations (air, water, earth and fire) using The Last Airbender movie artwork. These special Flip video cameras come pre-loaded with material from the production as well as an extended movie trailer.
"Teaming with The Last Airbender lets us take the power of video one step further by offering Flip users a unique and fun way to join in the excitement of a highly-anticipated summer movie event," said Jodi Lipe, director of marketing for Cisco's Consumer Products Group. "With a custom The Last Airbender Flip video camera, fans can proudly show their loyalty to a nation or character while they enjoy shooting their own videos this summer."
"Everybody wants a Flip! Now fans of The Last Airbender have a way to find out even more about the movie through special content we pre-loaded in the custom Flip video cameras," said LeeAnne Stables, executive vice president of worldwide marketing partnerships at Paramount Pictures. "Flip users will be astonished to see the scope of this epic action adventure film."

Burger King Teams With Kinect™ For Xbox 360® On A Game-Changing Holiday Promotion
Burger King Corp. has joined forces with Microsoft to support the launch of the highly-anticipated Kinect™ for Xbox 360®, where the gamer is the controller. Kinect for Xbox 360 brings games and entertainment to life in extraordinary new ways, no controller required.
Mike Kappitt, chief marketing officer, North America, Burger King Corp., said, "During this year's promotion, our guests can look forward to an even greater adventure that will stimulate the imaginations of gamers and entertainment-lovers of all shapes and sizes. While full details of the promotion are still top secret, we're proud to be the first and only brand in our industry to stand behind this pioneering experience that will forever change the way the world looks at entertainment."
"Xbox 360 gives you the entertainment you love with the people you care about no matter where you are," said Grover Holtzclaw, Director, Xbox U.S. Platform Marketing. "By making you the controller, Kinect for Xbox 360 is uniquely magical and instantly fun. We're excited to partner with the BURGER KING® brand to bring that magic to everyone this holiday season."

Carlson Marketing Launches Instant Rewards On Mobile Devices
Mobile gift certificates or mCerts, a new innovation from Carlson Marketing's Instant Rewards program, give loyalty marketers the ability to send digital gift certificates via mobile devices providing on-the-spot reward redemptions for their loyalty program members. mCerts can reach 97 percent of all mobile device users by using text messaging, mobile catalogs and scannable barcodes to connect customers with their loyalty programs and provide access to immediate reward redemption.
mCert technology is an extension of the digital certificate capability that powers email certificates, or eCerts, which provide real-time rewards and offers for loyalty program members. mCerts provide a valuable instant redemption channel for retailers, restaurants, travel companies, financial service companies and virtually any other vertical. This unification of online and mobile communication now provides companies with the ability to reach their most loyal customers with discounts, loyalty point credits, and monetary rewards instantly across channels.
"We have designed an approach that connects all stakeholders to loyalty programs via the mobile device," said Suzy Cox, vice president of Brand Loyalty at Carlson Marketing. "We've done this on a platform-agnostic basis. The market is flooded with loyalty solutions that need some kind of intermediary such as a social network or special application to be effective. But mCerts work without downloading apps, and without a social network. It builds a clear and immediate connection between the brand and its most valuable customers." (Web site) www.carlsonmarketing.com

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