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MEMPHIS, Tenn. – inferno, a full-service advertising, marketing, design and public relations firm, has announced the addition of Kenny Wilson as Web Developer. He will report to David Zachry, Interactive Manager at inferno.
"Kenny's experience as a web programmer, as well as his extensive collection of technical skills, make him a valuable addition to the team," said Zachry. "We are thrilled to have him on board and look forward to continuing to serve our clients' increasing needs in the interactive space."
As Web Developer, Wilson is responsible for front end and back end development projects, including websites, emails, web applications and more. He will also work closely with the creative and interactive teams to ensure quality of design and development for both client and agency projects.
Wilson earned an associate's degree in applied science in multimedia from ITT Technical Institute in Cordova, Tenn., where he graduated Valedictorian. Prior to joining inferno, Wilson worked as a Web Developer for Signature Advertising & Marketing Solutions in Memphis, Tenn.
inferno is a leading full-service agency, serving clients in a variety of industry sectors including healthcare, relocation, logistics, retail, banking, agriculture, nonprofit and entertainment. Headquartered in Memphis with a satellite office in Kalamazoo, Mich., inferno has become the strongest mid-size provider of business-to-business and consumer marketing solutions, offering experience in advertising, brand development, graphic design, interactive, public relations, social media and strategic planning.
inferno Celebrates A Million for the Mid-South
In addition to celebrating 15 successful years in business, we reached a significant milestone with our community service initiative Fuelanthropic. Since our inception in 1999, inferno and its employees have contributed more than 10,000 hours of community service, which equates to more than $1 million in time and service donated to area nonprofits.
To commemorate this milestone, Shelby County Mayor Mark Luttrell, Jr., and City of Memphis Mayor A C Wharton, Jr., proclaimed September 25, 2014 as Fuelanthropic Day. That same day, inferno partners and employees gathered with clients and our nonprofit partners for A Million for the Mid-South celebration. Mayor Wharton and Mayor Luttrell's Deputy Chief Administrative Officer, Kim Hackney, were there to present the proclamations.
"We're certainly proud of our work for area nonprofit organizations as an agency, but we are truly humbled by the investment made by our employees to give back on their own," said Tim Sellers, Agency Partner at inferno. "We have our clients to thank for equipping us with the resources to make this work."
With these resources inferno Partners are able to provide all employees with a week of paid civic time to volunteer for the causes they value most.
To learn more about Fuelanthropic, our employees' civic work and our nonprofit partners, visit our new website http://fuelanthropic.com/.
inferno Promotes McLaughlin and Adds Stavropoulos to Account Service Team
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — inferno, a full-service advertising, marketing, design and public relations firm, has promoted Joe McLaughlin to Account Executive and appointed Alexis Stavropoulos as Account Coordinator. McLaughlin and Stavropoulos will report to Colleen Radish, Account Manager, and Dan O'Brien, Agency Partner.
"Joe continues to provide excellent service to our clients," said O'Brien. "He exemplifies our core values here at inferno, and we're excited for the future opportunities his new role will provide. We are also pleased to have Alexis join the agency. Her solid background adds strength to an already robust account service team, enabling everyone to serve our growing list of clients more effectively."
McLaughlin joined the agency in 2012 and most recently served as an Account Coordinator. In his new role, McLaughlin is responsible for the daily contact between inferno and client accounts, as well as interaction with agency departments. This includes coordination of creative, media, public relations, interactive and production issues on behalf of his clients.
As an Account Coordinator, Stavropoulos is responsible for assisting the Account Executives and Account Managers on various projects as needed. In addition, she will assist in the development of marketing communications plans and creative planning sessions, as well as obtaining research for any and all aspects of a client's business as required in strategic planning. Prior to her role at inferno, Stavropoulos completed the Social Media Academy, an online course teaching how to better market a business through various social media platforms.
Stavropoulos earned her bachelors degree from Mississippi State University, where she majored in marketing. While enrolled, Stavropoulos participated in numerous organizations on and off campus, including serving as an active member of Phi Mu Sorority for four years.
inferno is a leading full-service agency, serving clients in a variety of industry sectors including healthcare, relocation, logistics, retail, banking, agriculture, nonprofit and entertainment. Headquartered in Memphis with satellite offices in Jonesboro, Ark. and Kalamazoo, Mich., inferno has become the strongest mid-size provider of business-to-business and consumer marketing solutions, offering experience in advertising, brand development, graphic design, interactive, public relations, social media and strategic planning.
New look for Memphis Fashion Week
inferno Announces Changes Within Public Relations Department
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — inferno, a full-service advertising, marketing, design and public relations firm, has promoted Isabelle Blais to Public Relations Account Executive and appointed Kyle Monteverde as Public Relations Account Coordinator. Blais and Monteverde will report to Beth Wilson, Public Relations Manager, and Dan O'Brien, Agency Partner.
"Isabelle continues to thrive within the PR team," said O'Brien. "She is well respected by her peers and coworkers, and goes above and beyond to ensure the success of our clients. Additionally, Kyle brings a strong work ethic and tremendous energy to inferno. His talents complement those of the existing team and allow us to serve our growing list of clients even more effectively."
Blais joined the agency in 2012 and most recently served as a Public Relations Account Coordinator. In her new role, Blais is responsible for assisting the team in the development of releases and contributed content, media monitoring efforts, social media management and providing event support for a variety of agency clients. She will also assist with new business efforts.
As Public Relations Account Coordinator, Monteverde will provide support to the public relations team, expand current media lists, assist in developing content for clients, review and capture all key coverage, and aid in coordination and planning for client special events. In addition, Monteverde is charged with assisting in social media efforts for clients and the agency, as well as researching new business opportunities. Prior to his role at inferno, Monteverde worked as a public relations intern for the City of Auburn as well as the Germantown Education Foundation.
Monteverde earned his bachelors degree from Auburn University, where he majored in public relations. Throughout his time at Auburn, Monteverde served and participated in numerous organizations on and off campus, including his role as a Young Life team leader at a local high school.
inferno is a leading full-service agency, serving clients in a variety of industry sectors including healthcare, relocation, logistics, retail, banking, agriculture, nonprofit and entertainment. Headquartered in Memphis with satellite offices in Jonesboro, Ark. and Kalamazoo, Mich., inferno has become the strongest mid-size provider of business-to-business and consumer marketing solutions, offering experience in advertising, brand development, graphic design, interactive, public relations, social media and strategic planning.
inferno Celebrates A Million for the Mid-South
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — inferno, a full-service advertising, marketing, design and public relations firm, is celebrating a significant milestone in addition to a successful 15 years. Since the agency's inception in 1999, inferno and its employees have contributed more than 10,000 hours, which equates to over $1 million in time and service to area nonprofits with its Fuelanthropic platform.
"We're certainly proud of our work for area nonprofit organizations as an agency, but we are truly humbled by the investment made by our employees to give back on their own," said Tim Sellers, Agency Partner at inferno. "We have our clients to thank for equipping us with the resources to make this work. We're grateful to be able to provide the time, allowing employees to support programs that are meaningful to them personally. It's a unique and powerful way to celebrate the successful relationships we have with our clients."
At the core of inferno is the burning desire to help others, and to empower one another along the way. This is what the agency calls Fuelanthropic. In addition to vacation and personal time, Agency Partners encourage each employee to use up to one-week of paid community service/civic time for work outside the agency. A few organizations that have benefited from the program over the years include Hope House, The Exchange Club Family Center, the Humane Society of Memphis and Shelby County, BRIDGES, Habitat for Humanity, March of Dimes, Le Bonheur Children's Hospital, Shelby Farms Park, American Cancer Society and Youth Villages.
To commemorate this milestone and thank clients for empowering them to make a difference, the agency is hosting an event on Thursday, September 25 to celebrate A Million for the Mid-South: A Fuelanthropic Initiative. Shelby County Mayor Mark Luttrell and City of Memphis Mayor A C Wharton, both of whom will be in attendance, have proclaimed September 25, 2014 as Fuelanthropic Day.
In addition to Fuelanthropic Day, inferno held two half days of service leading up to the celebration. The first event took place on July 25 at Hope House, during which agency employees helped to clean the facility, provided lawn maintenance and gardening, and entertained the children. The second day of service took place on August 22, at which inferno employees assisted the Humane Society of Memphis and Shelby Countyin setting up for their Paw Prints Party at Woodland Hills.
"Being Fuelanthropic is part of our culture," said Dan O'Brien, Agency Partner. "This is not a one-time event; it's simply who we are. Fueled by our clients' success, A Million for the Mid-South serves as a recommitment to our core purpose of making a difference in the community."
inferno is a leading full-service agency, serving clients in a variety of industry sectors including healthcare, relocation, logistics, retail, banking, agriculture, nonprofit and entertainment. Headquartered in Memphis with satellite offices in Jonesboro, Ark. and Kalamazoo, Mich., inferno has become the strongest mid-size provider of business-to-business and consumer marketing solutions, offering experience in advertising, brand development, graphic design, interactive, public relations, social media and strategic planning.
Philanthropy is a dish best served cold.
In the past month, the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge has taken the Internet by storm. Everyone is getting involved to help strikeout ALS (AKA Lou Gehrig's Disease), from celebrities to fictional characters. So how does it work?
The rules:
- Get challenged.
- You must accept the challenge by filming yourself pouring a bucket of ice water on your head OR you must donate $100 to the ALS Association.
- However, even if you accept the challenge, you must donate any dollar amount less than $100. You can donate at [URL].
- Challenge as many people as you want because it's for a great cause.
At inferno, we're fueled by philanthropy, and we're always up for making fools out of ourselves for a good cause. So when our fellow agency, Oden, challenged us, we didn't freeze in our tracks, we froze on our heads. And we donated, too. Watch our chilling video below.
inferno Announces Personnel Changes Within Creative Team
MEMPHIS, Tenn. – inferno, a full-service advertising, marketing, design and public relations firm, has announced the promotion of Derrick Alston to Art Director, Brandon Davis to Copywriter and Amy Lind to Senior Art Director. Alston and Lind will report to Linda Corti, Associate Creative Director, and Michael Overton, Creative Director and Partner at inferno, while Davis will report solely to Overton.
"Derrick, Amy and Brandon have been outstanding members of the creative team since the day they joined the agency," said Overton. "They have consistently demonstrated their ability to grow in their respective positions, and we look forward to their continued success on behalf of our clients."
In their new roles, Alston and Lind will work closely with the account and creative teams to ensure client campaigns, including print advertising, promotional materials, collateral and other marketing-related pieces, are effective and unique while adhering to brand standards. Alston joined inferno in May 2012 as a graphic design intern, and a month later he was hired as Junior Art Director. Lind started her career at inferno in 2009 as a graphic design intern, and most recently served as Art Director.
As Copywriter, Davis is responsible for understanding the nuances of the creative strategy and working with art directors to develop creative concepts. His role involves developing copy for various tactical executions from print and trade show environments, to online and video. Specifically, Davis is now charged with greater autonomy, more involvement with clients and an expanded range of projects. Davis joined inferno as Junior Copywriter in January 2013.
inferno is a leading full-service agency, serving clients in a variety of industry sectors including healthcare, relocation, logistics, retail, banking, agriculture, nonprofit and entertainment. Headquartered in Memphis with satellite offices in Jonesboro, Ark. and Kalamazoo, Mich., inferno has become the strongest mid-size provider of business-to-business and consumer marketing solutions, offering experience in advertising, brand development, graphic design, interactive, public relations, social media and strategic planning.
inferno Adds Casey Kennedy as Junior Art Director
MEMPHIS, Tenn. – inferno, a full-service advertising, marketing, design and public relations firm, has announced the addition of Casey Kennedy as Junior Art Director. This appointment allows for further growth of the agency's creative department. He will report to Linda Corti, Associate Creative Director, and Michael Overton, Creative Director and Agency Partner at inferno.
"Casey's strong technical background in design complements the existing talents of our department," said Overton. "We are thrilled to add Casey to our team and look forward to continuing to provide industry-leading creative solutions to our clients."
As one of inferno's Junior Art Directors, Kennedy will work closely with the account and creative teams to ensure client campaigns, including print advertising, promotional materials, collateral and other marketing-related pieces are effective and unique while adhering to brand standards.
Kennedy earned his bachelor's degree in graphic design from the University of Memphis, where he graduated with Cum Laude honors. Prior to joining inferno, Kennedy worked at a civil engineering firm, where he served as a computer-aided design (CAD) technician and draftsman for nine years.
inferno is a leading full-service agency, serving clients in a variety of industry sectors including healthcare, relocation, logistics, retail, banking, agriculture, nonprofit and entertainment. Headquartered in Memphis with satellite offices in Jonesboro, Ark. and Kalamazoo, Mich., inferno has become the strongest mid-size provider of business-to-business and consumer marketing solutions, offering experience in advertising, brand development, graphic design, interactive, public relations, social media and strategic planning.
Rebranded Jack Binion's Steak gets prime exposure with Taste & Tell
After a $10 million renovation that included rebranding Jack Binion's Steak, Horseshoe Tunica wanted the restaurant's grand opening to go off without a hitch. To generate positive buzz in advance of the July 16 opening, inferno organized a private Taste & Tell. The exclusive, invitation-only event attracted more than 25 influential food bloggers, writers, and critics.
Public Relations Manager Beth Wilson and her team created and distributed invitations, collected RSVPs, directed attendees to the appropriate area, and coordinated interviews with key executives. PR Account Coordinator and in-agency photographer Isabelle Blais captured the excitement with photos.
The team also urged attendees to use event hashtags, as the purpose was to taste…and tell: #JackBinionsSteak, #HorseshoeVIP and #HorseshoeRocks.
While the event is still generating exposure, early results include the following blog posts with Mississippi Business Journal Blog, Memphis Flyer: Hungry Memphis, Tunica CVB Blog, Memphis Maverick, KP Fusion, and Storify.
So if you're ready to dine like a high roller, check out Jack Binion's Steak inside Horseshoe Tunica.
5 Ways to Leverage Social Media – Part 3: LinkedIn
- Encourage employees to add a link to your company page in their email signatures.
- Add a Follow button to your website.
- Sponsor content, as you would "boost" a post on Facebook: https://www.linkedin.com/ads/
- Participate in relevant groups. Aside from paying for ads, this is one of the easiest ways to generate awareness on LinkedIn.
inferno gets called up to the big leagues
Twice a year, inferno takes a day to recap our latest work and look forward to the good things ahead. Then we all get together for an agency-wide activity, giving us a chance to unwind and take a break from our day-to-day duties.
For our summer agency day, the partners asked everyone to report to work at 6:30 — but the event itself was shrouded in mystery. It wasn't until we loaded onto a charter bus that we discovered we were headed to Busch Stadium for a Cardinals game.
On the bus, "Danimal" O'Brien presented a custom inferno jersey to each employee, complete with his or her nickname on the back. Donning our game gear, we started the day off right with snacks and drinks.
Next, it was time for the partners to give the semi-annual "Above and Beyond" awards. These awards (and an extra day off) go to employees who have been nominated by their peers for consistently giving 110% at the office. Congratulations to the four recipients: Isabelle Blais, Brandon Davis, Cristina Jucan, and Liza Routh.
Four hours later, we arrived in St. Louis and headed straight for the ballpark food. Once we claimed our spot in the shade, some of us mingled near the bars while others cheered on the Cards, foam fingers and all.
In the end, the Cardinals suffered defeat. But that didn't keep us from having a ball on our St. Louis excursion. On the way home, the inferno bus stopped at Lambert's Café, "Home of the Throwed Rolls," to celebrate our big Agency Day win.
Thanks to Partners Dan, Tim, and Michael for knocking this Agency Day out of the park.
Make sure to check out our Facebook page to see our rowdy, game-day photos.
inferno Celebrates Mid-Year Accomplishments with Agency Day
MEMPHIS, Tenn. – inferno, a full-service advertising, marketing, design and public relations firm, recently celebrated the completion of a successful six months with its bi-annual Agency Day. During these events, inferno employees come together to review the agency's latest work as well as enjoy a meal and special activity.
"We are proud of the hard work and effort put forth by our team and the many successes achieved for our clients over the past six months," said Dan O'Brien, Agency Partner at inferno. "It's been a busy first half of the year, and we wanted to show our employees how much we appreciate their dedication to both our clients and the agency."
The inferno team arrived at the office at 6:30 a.m., and then boarded a charter bus to St. Louis for a Cardinals baseball game. On the way to Busch Stadium, O'Brien presented each employee with a custom inferno jersey, complete with his or her nickname on the back.
As with each Agency Day, "Above and Beyond" awards were also given out. These awards, combined with an extra day off, are presented to employees who were nominated by their peers for consistently giving 110% at the office. The four recipients were Isabelle Blais, PR Account Coordinator; Brandon Davis, Copywriter; Cristina Jucan, Art Director; and Liza Routh, Account Executive.
After the game, the inferno team was treated to dinner at Lambert's Café in Sikeston, Mo. The following week, agency partners brought employees together once again to review mid-year financials, as well as creative projects completed thus far.
"We feel it's important to maintain transparency and ensure employees are aware of each department's role in the great work we produce for our clients," said Tim Sellers, Agency Partner at inferno. "Our client base and project load continue to expand, thanks to the tremendous work of our growing team. We look forward to another strong report come our year-end Agency Day."
inferno is a leading full-service agency, serving clients in a variety of industry sectors including healthcare, relocation, logistics, retail, banking, agriculture, nonprofit and entertainment. Headquartered in Memphis with satellite offices in Jonesboro, Ark. and Kalamazoo, Mich., inferno has become the strongest mid-size provider of business-to-business and consumer marketing solutions, offering experience in advertising, brand development, graphic design, interactive, public relations, social media and strategic planning.
Leveraging Social Media for your Business (Part 2 of 5) – Google+
Let's address the elephant in the room with Google+: Is anyone even using it?
The social networking site hasn't garnered the following of Facebook, and it receives much less buzz than Twitter or Pinterest. The New York Times even went so far as to call Google+ a "ghost town." But for marketers, a recent Forrester report shows that it's not just a viable social media asset — it's one of the most critical.
Just take a look at these statistics on Google+ engagement1:
- 500 million users and growing
- 350 million daily, active users
- 70% of brands have a presence on Google+
- 41% of online B2C and 39% of B2B marketers/companies use Google+ to source new business
And since Google+ is key to any great social media plan, we're offering a few tips to help you get the most from this underrated resource:
SEO: Your Golden Ticket
The first thing you want to consider when creating your Google+ business page is search engine optimization. Whenever you post content, always ensure that you're including relevant and top-searched keywords within your industry.
Keep your page information simple.
Focusing on SEO doesn't mean stuffing your page title with keywords. Your tagline may benefit from one or two important keywords, but the page title should simply be your company name.
Post. Post. Post.
To fully maximize your SEO potential, you'll want to post (at least) 2-3 times per week. However, don't post just to post. Updates should provide value to your followers. Otherwise, what's the point?
Share the love.
Constantly producing your own content can be exhausting. Instead, try mixing up original content with links and commentary on other posts. Linking also builds trust with the Google search engine. Be sure to include a short, targeted description of what you're linking to. And don't forget to share posts within your circles.
Take credit for your posts
Google Authorship is fairly new—and often overlooked. It allows Google to recognize the author of content and greatly boosts SEO. Utilizing this tool can help people easily find your content, and again, help improve your Google ranking.
If you're looking to build your social media presence, we can help. Contact inferno to help your brand put its best virtual foot forward.
And if you're looking for more social media tips, check out Part 1 (Twitter) of our social media series.
Urban advertising: Taking it to the people
During a whirlwind trip to Berlin, Prague, London, and Dubai, Public Relations Manager Beth Wilson took notice of urban advertising tactics. These days, new materials and printing capabilities give advertisers more options for reaching consumers, who mainly walk, cycle, or use public transport, in densely populated areas.
In Prague, an advertisement for Alexandria, a vacation travel company, transforms four floors of a building into an eye-catching billboard. The fabric provides a solid-looking image from the street. Inside the building, people still enjoy full light and an unobstructed view. This tactic also takes advantage of large-format printing technology, which has become more accessible and affordable.
"This type of advertising may provide a solution in areas where traditional signage opportunities are highly regulated or in short supply," says Beth.
In this subway station, commuters provide a captive audience coming and going. Even riders who missed their morning coffee can't miss the bold advertising between the escalators. Cling materials that stick on, stay in place, yet can be remove easily, or printed panels that can pop in and out, make this type of advertising feasible. With government and transportation organizations scrambling for revenue, Beth says you can expect public transit to offer more advertising opportunities.
"You see more of these creative approaches to urban advertising in Europe, where densely populated cities have heavy pedestrian traffic," explains Beth. "In the U.S. they're more common in cities like New York, Boston, and Chicago. With this type of advertising it's important to frequently refresh the imagery and the message. Without frequent change, the advertisement becomes part of the daily commuter experience, and consumers block it out."
Leveraging Social Media for Your Business (Part 1 of 5) - Twitter
For brands today, getting ahead means getting social. This means moving past the idea of "great headline/great layout" and finding genuine ways to connect with an audience that can offer direct feedback. In this series, we'll offer helpful tips for communicating in different social channels.
In the first installment, we're focusing on Twitter. If you're looking to promote your brand's content, connect with key opinion leaders and gain new leads, Twitter is the place to start. Here are five ways to leverage your brand's Twitter account (all in 140 characters or less):
#1: Create an Inviting Profile
Make your pics and bio worth looking at. Does your profile encourage interaction? Be sure it connects with readers and fits your brand.
#2: Include Visual Content
People love pictures. Use photos and videos often to boost follower engagement.
#3: Be Succinct
Keep it short to make it memorable. Tweets under 100 characters perform better than long ones.
#4: Engage Your Audience
Start a conversation. Ask questions that make sense for your brand. When followers answer, say thank you. It's engaging (and polite).
#5: Build Relationships
Retweet. Favorite. Reply. And show some love to those who do the same for you.
Stay tuned for part two of five, which will cover the advantages of using Google+ for your business.
New ad touts kid-centric services from Campbell Clinic
Many people don't realize that Campbell Clinic Orthopaedics has a team of specialists dedicated to providing orthopaedic care specifically for kids. In fact, Le Bonheur Children's Hospital chose Campbell Clinic as its orthopaedic partner. To spread the word that Campbell Clinic is great with kids, the inferno team created print ads focused on pediatrics. We also developed a targeted media plan to make sure the ads were placed where moms would see them.
5 ways to boost workplace harmony
- Deliberate design. Half-walls and a wide-open workspace facilitate the free-flow of ideas by breaking down barriers and preventing employees from cocooning in their comfort zones.
- Location. Location. Location. Strategically arranging desks by department fosters positive relationships between those of us who work together most often. Plus, it makes office pranks a lot easier.
- inferno quality time. We all spend time together at work of course, but every now and then it's refreshing to get together over a beer instead of a brief. Internal events such as Howl-o-ween or Soup-er bowl provide us with much-needed opportunities to get to know — and trust — each other.
- Communication. When collaborating on a project, knowing who's doing what is crucial. Before we leave the huddle, we make sure everyone knows exactly which part of the game plan they are responsible for. Extra questions and answers now can prevent a potential blowout later.
- Constructive criticism. Learn to give it and take it. Developing the ability to process others' opinions without taking them personally helps us grow as people and coworkers. The same goes for dishing it out: don't get personal. Provide useful insight that your coworker can use to his or her advantage.
We partied like it was 1890. Oink
During the Memphis in May International Festival 2014, we found the perfect way to mix our love of BBQ, historic architecture, and clients. inferno hosted a happy hour during BBQ Fest, one of Memphis in May's most anticipated events, and invited our clients to enjoy some pre-festival fun.
We held the saucy event at Tennessee Brewery Untapped. This pop-up beer garden and food truck experience will be "last call" for the Tennessee Brewery structure built in 1890. It's right next door to inferno and just a short walk from BBQ Fest. The historic structure inspired our creative for the event.
Clients received an invitation resembling a 40 oz. beer inside a brown paper bag. The bottle included an illustration of the brewery, a map of the area, and a call to "Party like it's 1890." Additional creative included signage, table decorations, VIP pins for attendees, and a koozie with a "legendary" tagline.
We were delighted that so many clients braved rain showers and mud to enjoy locally crafted beers and gourmet tacos with us. Take a look at our creative, and visit our Facebook page for more action shots from the event.
inferno joins FedEx for arts and crafts at Le Bonheur
Last year, inferno joined a team from FedEx to visit Le Bonheur Children's Hospital and spread some springtime cheer. We delivered toys, balloons, and snacks to the children and their families. And because it was the 40th anniversary of FedEx, we brought 40 of each item.
Everyone enjoyed the trip so much that we returned this year. With art supplies and lollipops in hand, we made our way to the hospital for a crafty afternoon. Because Mother's Day was just around the corner, we made kits with instructions and all the supplies the kids needed to turn lollipops into miniature flower bouquets for their moms.
We're hoping to make these visits with FedEx a yearly tradition. Check out the above photos from our most recent visit.
Developing a PR Strategy that Goes the Distance
When it comes to PR, everything comes down to strategy. Setting goals, staying flexible, and putting in the hard work it takes to succeed — all of these are key to building a PR presence for the record books. And according to Beth Wilson, PR Manager and marathon runner, developing that winning strategy is a lot like training for a marathon. Here are a few tips from Beth on how PR (personal record) training can play into your PR (public relations) best practices.
- Assess and strategize. Training for a marathon doesn't happen overnight.To succeed, you need to set reasonable goals and stick to them. In PR, putting these objectives in writing is critical to planning activities and evaluating performance.
- Think ahead. Planning event-to-event isn't the way to go — you need to begin with the end in mind. That's why it's important to plan as much as a year in advance and give yourself time to flesh out ideas as they approach.
- Work hard up front. Every mile counts in training. No one starts out running 26.2 miles, and your company (or client) shouldn't try to take off without the proper legwork. Research is the key here — take a long, hard look at what works, and be diligent about incorporating that information into your strategy.
- Be quick on your feet. Anything can happen on race day. And in public relations, every day is race day. Bad publicity happens, so maintaining a strong crisis communication plan is crucial.
The same dedication Beth shows on the course is what makes her an asset to the inferno team. According to her, focus and commitment are the key differentiators in successful PR strategies:
"The lessons I've learned training for marathons give me peace of mind in completing daily tasks. While PR plans are always subject to change, hard work and solid goals help me stay focused on providing the best strategies for our clients."
If you're ready to go the distance, let us know . inferno can help get your PR strategy in shape.
Savvy Sustainability: inferno burns green
As Sustainability Month winds down in Memphis, things are just heating up at inferno, where we celebrate sustainability 12 months a year. Art Director Cristina Jucan has a passion for environmentally responsible design and is campaigning to start compost collection at the office. Beth Wilson, our PR Manager, is an avid recycler and board member of the U.S. Green Building Council – Memphis Regional Chapter.
Account Executive Liza Routh is our reigning sustainability champion. inferno started recycling a few years ago, and Liza took on the collecting responsibility in 2012, with the help of Anne Dugan, Traffic Manager. Liza calculates that we fill a 50-gallon bag after just two weeks.
"I collect the recycling every two weeks and actually bring it home with me to recycle with my personal stash," said Liza. "Recycling is easy and important. It saves money, it saves energy, and it preserves natural resources. Overseeing the recycling at inferno gives everyone the chance to be 'green,' and it feels good knowing that people are participating."
Going green is going great here at inferno. Check out our inferno recycle reminders hand-crafted by our own Anne Dugan.
inferno Expands Account Service Team
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — inferno, a full-service advertising, marketing, design and public relations firm, announced the addition of Tara Meier as Account Executive and Anna Yarbro as Account Coordinator. Meier reports to Colleen Radish, Account Manager, and Yarbro reports to Lindsey Woodard, Account Manager.
"Providing unparalleled service to our clients is a cornerstone of our brand promise at inferno," said Dan O'Brien, Agency Partner at inferno. "Both Tara and Anna bring experience, professionalism and a passion for service that will fit right in with our account team."
In Meier's role as Account Executive, she's charged with the daily contact between inferno and client accounts, as well as interaction with agency departments. This includes coordination of creative, media, public relations, interactive and production issues on behalf of the client. Previously, Meier spent three years in Australia where she held two positions at marketing agencies. Upon her return to the U.S., she served as the Director of Marketing for the Butler County Visitors Bureau in West Chester, OH. Meier attended University of Cincinnati where she earned her Bachelor of Arts in Communication, followed by a Master of Science in Business Administration – Marketing.
As Account Coordinator, Yarbro is responsible for assisting the Account Executives and Account Managers as needed. Specifically, Yarbro will assist in the development of marketing communications plans and creative planning sessions, as well as obtaining research for any and all aspects of a client's business as required in strategic planning. After graduating from the University of Tennessee in Journalism and Electronic Media – Cinema Studies, Yarbro worked for a Memphis advertising agency where she assisted in all departments of the agency.
inferno is a leading full-service agency, serving clients in a variety of industry sectors including healthcare, relocation, logistics, retail, banking, agriculture, nonprofit and entertainment. Headquartered in Memphis with satellite offices in Jonesboro, Ark. and Kalamazoo, Mich., inferno has become the strongest mid-size provider of business-to-business and consumer marketing solutions, offering experience in advertising, brand development, graphic design, interactive, public relations, social media and strategic planning.
Eclectic Eye supports a week of fashion-forward fun
In its third year, Memphis Fashion Week had more attendees and more participating businesses than ever. And you could spot inferno client Eclectic Eye among the sponsors for the second year in a row. As a family-owned, Memphis-based business, this fashion-fueled, local event is just their style.
Our PR specialists worked with the Eclectic Eye account team to coordinate the week's events. Eclectic Eye provided eyewear for the Preview Party and the weekend runway shows. They also held an open house at their Midtown boutique, and by the end of the week, attendees couldn't get enough of the store's fashionable frames.
To promote the events, inferno designed a print ad and created a gift card given to each VIP ticket holder. We also raised awareness with stylish social media posts. Check out our handiwork.
inferno continues its hot streak from 2013
inferno has been burning up the awards scene in the last year. We've been recognized for producing high quality videos, eye-catching logos, and strong brand identities.
While we measure ourselves by our client's success, industry recognition is icing on the cake. Across the board, our clients trust us and are willing to step outside their comfort zones — that's how we're able to produce award-winning work.
In 2013 and the first quarter of 2014, we were recognized for work with:
- Campbell Clinic Orthopaedics
- Children's Museum of Memphis
- Emory Healthcare
- FedEx
- FedEx St. Jude Classic
- Fullen Dock and Warehouse
- Memphis Jewish Home & Rehab
- Stanley + Woodard Law Firm
Netting us the following awards:
5 Gold & 1 Silver ADDYs (2014 ADDY Awards – Memphis)
1 Silver & 1 Bronze ADDY (2014 ADDY Awards – Northeast Arkansas)
2 Gold Awards (AVA Digital Awards)
1 Gold & 10 Silver Awards (Davey Awards)
2 Platinum & 4 Gold Awards (MarCom Awards)
1 Bronze Telly (Telly Awards)
2 Awards of Excellence (Videographer Awards)
3 Gold & 5 Silver Awards (Communicator Awards)
2 Silver ADDYs (2013 ADDY Awards - Memphis)
Keep checking the Work section of our blog to get your first look at our next award-winning pieces. We have some great things in store for 2014.
Email Engagement: Improve Your Click-through Rates
So you've nailed your subject line, hit your customer with the information, and now you need them to act. Simple, right? Just throw in a button that says, "Go now."
Except it's not that simple.
The call-to-action (CTA) is the last step, but it's also arguably the most important (and tricky). You have just a few words to connect with your audience one last time, and crafting the right message can make or break your email.
Our first goal for clients is to get results. After crafting thousands of emails, conducting research, and receiving feedback from our clients and email vendors, we've discovered what makes a CTA click-friendly. And we've found that the key to crafting a successful CTA is balance:
Be very clear about what you want your audience to do
"Make your dreams soar"is vague about where the link takes the customer.
Add enough creativity to avoid sounding generic.
Who knew "Submit" was bad? Phrases like "Go now" and "Learn more" don't reinforce the message and may discourage interaction. If you're bored by the content of your CTA, your reader will be, too.
Here are a few steps you can take to give your readers that extra push.
- Add urgency. "Now" or "while there's still time" can be the difference between your reader clicking through or saving the email for later (read: never looking at it again).
- Personalization helps: "you" and "your" involve your reader in the message. 'Me' and 'my' work even better.
- Consider placement. A CTA near the first paragraph of copy may draw enough attention that you can convince your audience to act without going too deep into the messaging.
- Don't neglect your pre-headers. Pre-header CTAs, in many cases, get more clicks. If nothing else, you're giving the reader an additional chance to interact.
Some good CTA options:
Claim your spot in the webinar
Apply my discount now
Make an appointment for my lawn
Always keep the end goal in mind. Content is important, but it's there to support your call-to-action.
inferno continues to work for Hope
If you keep up with our blog posts, you've probably noticed our extreme competitive spirit. It's a rare month at inferno when we aren't in the middle of a cooking competition or a canine costume contest. But the burning desire to best our coworkers isn't the only thing that drives us.
At inferno, we believe every day is an opportunity to make a difference in our community, and one way we give back is through our agency beneficiary. Every other year we vote to decide which organization our internal events will support.
We just closed the polls for 2014, and we're excited to announce that we chose to continue our existing relationship with Hope House for two more years.
Hope House, which has been our beneficiary since 2012, is a Memphis-based organization devoted to helping children and families affected by HIV and AIDS. For the past two years, we've supported their work through fundraising, donating supplies, participating in events, and sponsoring families.
Since 2012, we've raised more than $3,000 and donated more than 150 items for Hope House. We're thrilled to keep adding to those totals.
For more information on Hope House and the amazing work they do, visit http://www.hopehousememphis.org/
inferno provides Fullen Dock with tools of the tradeshows
Tradeshows are a big investment. To get the best possible returns, you need a booth and marketing materials that will get your company noticed. That's why the folks at Fullen Dock & Warehouse enlisted inferno. After we added a bold style to their new website last year, they knew we could put their company front and center.
We used full-bleed photography and bold headline claims to align the look of the booth and marketing materials with the website. And also we oversaw sourcing and production to ensure they received a great-looking, durable booth on time and on budget.
Take a look below to see how we got the job done.
Eclectic Eye ups its Insta-game with Midtown giveaway
When Eclectic Eye wanted to increase its Instagram following, we suggested creating some buzz with a stylin' prize package giveaway. The package included everything you'd need for a night out in Midtown: two Malco movie passes and a $100 gift card to The Second Line, not to mention a $600 voucher to Eclectic Eye.
We created the below image, which Instagram users could re-gram for a chance to win. To enter the contest, users simply had to follow @eclecticeyememphis, tag them in the repost and use the #stylininmemphis hashtag. To maximize participation, the contest ran for eight days during the store's popular Annual Sale. Once the contest closed, one lucky winner was selected at random.
We monitored hashtag usage throughout the contest. By the end, Eclectic Eye had more than doubled their number of followers. Plus, they now have an awesome hashtag to use in future posts.
If you're an eyewear enthusiast, keep an eye on @eclecticeyememphis for fashion forward fun. #stylininmemphis
inferno Appoints Beth Wilson As Public Relations Manager
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — inferno, a full-service advertising, marketing, design and public relations firm, announced the addition of Beth Wilson as PR Manager. After working as the Website Content Editor for Varsity Brands, Wilson developed and led the marketing department for Mahaffey Tent and Party Rentals and Mahaffey Fabric Structures. She brings a strong background in public relations, business development and strategic planning to the inferno PR team. Wilson will report to Dan O'Brien, Agency Partner.
"Beth is a great addition to inferno, and we're excited to have her on the team," said O'Brien. "She is a natural leader, and brings both great ideas and a passion for her craft to the agency."
In her role as PR Manager, Wilson will oversee the public relations team, develop content, manage press relations and supervise event coordination and planning for agency clients. Additionally, Wilson will direct social media efforts for both clients and the agency, as well as provide strategic direction for new business opportunities.
Wilson earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Memphis in 2004, where she majored in Journalism with a PR emphasis. She is currently pursuing an Executive MBA at her alma mater. Throughout her career, Wilson has been an active member of the community and various associations, including holding a board position with the Memphis Regional Chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council and membership in the Memphis Runners Track Club.
inferno is a leading full-service agency, serving clients in a variety of industry sectors including healthcare, relocation, logistics, retail, banking, agriculture, nonprofit and entertainment. Headquartered in Memphis with satellite offices in Jonesboro, Ark. and Kalamazoo, Mich., inferno has become the strongest mid-size provider of business-to-business and consumer marketing solutions, offering experience in advertising, brand development, graphic design, interactive, public relations, social media and strategic planning.
6 trend insights from our seasoned marketing pros
One of our favorite things about marketing is constant change: no two days are alike in the inferno offices. It's a matter of occupational survival to stay on top of what grabs customers' attention – the how and the why. So, we love finding articles like this one.
Of course, nobody really knows whether "retargeting" will rule or if content will be king, but here are our thoughts on which of these will hit the mark and which will fall flat.
- Content marketing will reign supreme. Demonstrate your brand promise through content, rather than shouting it through paid media channels. This will create deeper brand relationships. Don't get us wrong – there is always a place for paid media, but the strategy must complement your content.
- The mobile ship has sailed. Don't panic. It is vital for your brand to have a mobile-optimized website, and mobile-friendly content is absolutely necessary. While it doesn't need to be as robust as the desktop version, it must be updated regularly. But if you're just starting to utilize mobile, you're late to the party; most companies realized, and acted upon, this trend a couple of years ago.
- Less is more. The article referenced above hit the nail on the head. Humans can – and do – produce more content than ever before. For this reason, a counter-culture move is essential. If you can create advertising that is both simpler and more meaningful to the customer, then you're onto something.
- Don't put all your social media eggs in one basket. Channels like Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram have been huge assets for marketers. However, it's worth noting that these have been popular for a while, meaning we may be on the cusp of newer, trendier channels. And while we're on the subject of social media…
- Decentralized social media means more complex strategies. Marketers must move to media where the demographics match their strategy. Have a concept that offers a revolutionary approach through Instagram or Pinterest? If your audience isn't plugged into that channel, it's worthless.
- If you shoot it, they will come. People love video content – just look at the success of YouTube. According to its statistics site, more than 1 billion unique users visit YouTube and over 6 billion hours of video are watched each month. Video has proven time and time again to increase engagement numbers, and studies have shown video as a primary decision channel, even for B2B purposes.
inferno helps give Stanley + Woodard a voice
The attorneys at Stanley + Woodard, an Arkansas-based law firm, are well versed in helping people be heard in legal disputes. But when they needed to establish a brand, inferno stepped in to help them find their own voice.
First, we looked at what the attorneys value: providing expert legal assistance to people who truly need it, such as victims of nursing home abuse. Then, we established a brand that communicated that desire to help. And, we infused it with the confident, professional attitude that is their hallmark.
Stanley + Woodard now has a clean, user-friendly website, branded materials, and a new tagline (Respect. Results. Relief.). These work together to help them grow their practice. And people are taking notice: our branding efforts for Stanley + Woodard were recognized at the Northeast Arkansas ADDY awards, a silver ADDY for the Stanley + Woodard stationery package and a bronze ADDY for the logo.
See how inferno helped this new brand find a voice:
Pay Per Connection: Why Technology Will Never Trump a Solid Idea
When a cool, new channel emerges, brands salivate to be the first to benefit from that innovation. This recent article from Mashable probably has many advertisers chomping at the bit.
With a new patent, Google Glass now owns technology that can literally put your ad right in front of your target customer's face. As the article puts it:
"Dubbed 'pay-per-gaze,' [Google Glass] would charge advertisers for the number of times someone literally looked at their ad. The concept is buried pages deep in a patent for a 'gaze tracking technique ... implemented with a head-mounted gaze-tracking device that communicates with a server.'"
While Google Glass is certainly a technology to keep your eye on, it won't revolutionize advertising. Here's why:
At its core, great advertising is built on creative ideas that resonate with a consumer because of a current need or want. The medium doesn't change that — so if you're not meeting those needs, throwing your ad in front of your audience (no matter how cool it seems) isn't going to help your business.
The last "advertising revolution" was social media. And even today, advertisers are learning that social media wasn't so much a New Dawn in advertising, but another tool in the belt. Building a successful social media presence requires hard work and an in-depth knowledge of your audience — like any traditional form of marketing.
Before falling prey to "magpie syndrome" and chasing the bright, shiny object – or in this case the trendy, sparkly device – consider these advertising fundamentals:
Be Appropriate
Will your target customers even use Google Glass? If you're selling hip replacements, they probably won't. Meet them where they are – don't use the technology for the sake of it.
Understand your customers' mindset. Any tactics (Google Glass, email, print, or anything else) should use a concept that evokes a need or desire.
Research how your customers use the technology. You'll want to communicate in a way that feels natural. Intruding where you're not invited is a quick way to lose customers.
Before applying an emerging technology, make sure the user experience serves and strengthens your overall concept.
So, if we're using retinal contractions to communicate with consumers 20 years from now, the team at inferno will still be following the same strategies that we know work today – and delivering solid ideas that ignite a burning desire in our clients' customers.
inferno Receives Recognition from the American Advertising Federation
MEMPHIS, Tenn. – inferno, a full-service advertising, marketing, design and public relations firm, took home five Gold ADDY Awards and one Silver ADDY Award from the American Advertising Federation (AAF) Memphis Chapter's 2014 ADDY Awards. Additionally, inferno was awarded with a Silver and Bronze ADDY Award from the American Advertising Federation of Northeast Arkansas for its work with Stanley + Woodard Law Firm, located in Jonesboro, Arkansas.
inferno's winning work, including award levels, categories and specific projects were:
· Gold ADDY – Advertising Industry Self-Promotion – Cards, Invitations or Announcements – "Nice Rack"
· Gold ADDY – Advertising Industry Self-Promotion – Cards, Invitations or Announcements – "Rub Your Meat"
· Gold ADDY – Advertising Industry Self-Promotion – Cards, Invitations or Announcements – "I Love A Big Butt"
· Gold ADDY – Advertising Industry Self-Promotion – Cards, Invitations or Announcements – "Rub It Good"
· Gold ADDY – Advertising Industry Self-Promotion – Single Medium Campaign – "Sloppy Hour Bib Invitations"
· Silver ADDY – Publication Design (Magazine of Book) – Book Design – The Spirit of St. Joseph's for Emory Healthcare
· Silver ADDY – Collateral Material – Stationary Package – Stanley + Woodard Law Firm
· Bronze ADDY – Elements of Advertising – Logo – Stanley + Woodard Law Firm
"I'm extremely proud of my team for the quality of work we've produced over the years," said Michael Overton, Creative Director and Agency Partner at inferno. "These awards are not only a testament to the creative talent we have working at inferno, but also to our outstanding clients who empower us to do great work."
The ADDY Awards honors creative excellence in the advertising market and is hosted locally by the Memphis (AAFMemphis.org) and Northeast Arkansas (AAFNEA.org) Chapters of the American Advertising Federation. The program is the industry's largest and most representative competition, with 60,000 entries submitted annually through a national network of 210 ad clubs and 210 college chapters.
inferno is a leading full-service agency, serving clients in a variety of industry sectors including healthcare, relocation, logistics, retail, banking, agriculture, nonprofit and entertainment. Headquartered in Memphis with satellite offices in Jonesboro, Ark. and Kalamazoo, Mich., inferno has become the strongest mid-size provider of business-to-business and consumer marketing solutions, offering experience in advertising, brand development, graphic design, interactive, public relations, social media and strategic planning.
The Exchange Club Family Center opens the door to a new year
At The Exchange Club Family Center, the annual report is more than just an opportunity to present financials. It's an opportunity to reiterate the Center's mission: to break the cycle of child abuse and neglect by replacing abusive, violent behavior with effective parenting skills.
The theme of the annual report, "Opening doors to a better future," uses bright, colorful door imagery to represent the new opportunities and hope the Center provides to the families it serves. Images of keyholes symbolize the possibilities the Center unlocks for our community every day.
The report's copy uses door-related language to complement the visuals. In addition, it highlights the "keys" to the Center's success including donors, staff members, and volunteers.
For more information on The Exchange Club Family Center, visit exchangeclub.net.
inferno sends the Memphis ad community to camp.
Late-night bonfires. Tests of skill. Bear sightings.
These aren't phrases you'd usually connect with the ad industry. Unless you attended Camp Addywanna, that is.
This year, inferno was asked to provide the creative concept and event planning for the local American Advertising Awards (better known as the ADDYs). Since creativity and having fun are at the heart of our industry, we decided to channel our inner awkward pre-teens and theme the event around summer camp.
inferno campers kicked off the creative with a singing, traveling troupe (complete with a bear) who delivered posters and sang our camp song to neighboring agencies. Over the next few months, agencies received emails encouraging them to create cabin signs, earn badges for survival in the industry, and submit their work for the "campetition."
On February 22, campers from across the Mid-South strapped on their canteens, laced up their boots, and gathered at Teton Trek in the Memphis Zoo as our creative campaign culminated in one memorable night. Guests shared friendship bracelets and munched on hot dogs and s'mores, while the camp counselor led everyone through the award ceremony.
And like those memorable summers from our childhoods, the campers at inferno will always look back fondly at the year we survived Camp Addywanna. Travel down memory lane with us and take a look at the creative from the ADDY campaign.
inferno staffers go above and beyond
Twice a year, we recognize inferno employees who exceed expectations and reach a performance level that can only be described as outstanding. Our "Above and Beyond" award goes to the staff member(s) who have shown exceptional dedication to our agency's work.
The most recent awards went to Derrick Alston and Joe McLaughlin, who were nominated by their peers. Whether it's clients, concepts, or conference calls, you can be sure Derrick and Joe will give 110%.
"Above and Beyond" winners receive an extra vacation day and a good-looking award. Congratulations, guys!
Seahawks, Broncos, and Soup
As the Broncos and the Seahawks prepared to face each other in the biggest game of the year, the inferno office filled up with the sweet smell of a different type of rivalry: chili vs. gumbo.
That's right. We hauled in the crockpots and whipped out the ladles for our second annual Souper Bowl on the Friday before the big game. Nine of our top soup-chefs cooked up mouthwatering concoctions in hopes of winning the coveted Souper Bowl trophy, designed by our own Michael Overton.
As you can imagine, judging so many savory soups takes time. While we waited to hear which soup earned the hardware, we watched some hilarious, in-house parodies of iconic commercials from Super Bowls past.
When it was all over, Robert Barnett won the day with his delicious Short-Rib & French Onion Soup. Tied for second place were Brandon Davis's Cheeseburger Soup and Ryan Knoll's OMAHOT! OMAHOT! Chili.
Congratulations to all the winners. Bring the heat again next year, and Souper Bowl III is sure to get spicy.
If you're a Super Bowl commercial connoisseur, check out our creative team's parodies of your favorite spots here.
inferno Appoints Jackson Knight as Junior Copywriter
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — inferno, a full-service advertising, marketing, design, and public relations firm, today announced the addition of Jackson Knight as Junior Copywriter to its award-winning creative team. Knight reports to Trish McLaughlin, Senior Copywriter.
"Throughout his internship, Jackson proved to be a great addition to our copywriting department. And, just as importantly, Jackson fit right into our culture. We're excited to have him officially join the inferno team," said Michael Overton, Creative Director and Agency Partner at inferno.
As Junior Copywriter, Jackson is responsible for writing, revising and editing copy as directed by staff in the creative and account departments, as well as demonstrating knowledge and proper application of the brand standards and brand voices of clients in all projects.
Previously, Knight worked as an intern on inferno's creative team for 3 months. He attended Washington and Lee University, where he majored in Psychology. While enrolled in university, Knight spent a summer studying abroad at Universidad Internacional Menendez Pelayo in Sevilla, Spain. Additionally, Knight was a member of Phi Delta Theta Fraternity throughout his college career where he served as Secretary for two years, and as Philanthropy Chair for one year.
inferno is a leading full-service agency, serving clients in a variety of industry sectors including healthcare, relocation, logistics, retail, banking, agriculture, nonprofit and entertainment. Headquartered in Memphis with satellite offices in Jonesboro, Ark. and Kalamazoo, Mich., inferno has become the strongest mid-size provider of business-to-business and consumer marketing solutions, offering experience in advertising, brand development, graphic design, interactive, public relations, social media and strategic planning.
Paragon earns many happy returns with birthday cards
Paragon National Bank has built its brand by providing outstanding, personal service to its customers. Eight years ago, the folks at Paragon wanted to show their customers how much they value them, both as account holders and as people. So, we created a card for the bank to send to customers on their birthdays.
The quirky finished product was such a hit that our signature inferno wit has added flair to the Paragon birthday card ever since. Over the years, one thing has become clear: shameless wordplay is our wheelhouse.
Take a look at the birthday cheer we've helped Paragon spread for the past eight years.
Agency Day: celebration with a side of sauce
At inferno, we love the holiday season just as much as the next agency, but we have something extra to look forward to when winter arrives: our end-of-year Agency Day.
The day launched with a presentation from the partners recapping financials, creative, public relations, and milestones from the past six months. We also learned that "Playing with Fire" team Badger Force's performance in the penny wars was enough to pull ahead and win the year.
After business, it was time for food and fun. So, we wheeled our whiteboard over to Central BBQ for a saucy game of Pictionary. The "Playing with Fire" teams were able to earn their first points for the 2014 competition. (Pyronauts are in the lead.)
Partner Dan O'Brien also presented his legendary Legacy Awards. The highly anticipated annual ritual involves comparing each inferno team member to an obscure historical figure. No employee is safe from the sharp O'Brien wit.
The 2nd Annual Tacky Holiday Sweater Competition topped off the fun. Employees faced the applause-o-meter to vie for most-horrible-holiday-garb honors. Congratulations to Lyle Wardlaw who dethroned reigning champ Amy Lind and proved that her eye for festive fashion is truly unmatched.
Thanks to Dan, Tim, and Michael for another great Agency Day and an even better year.
inferno harnesses competitive spirit to benefit Hope House
Despite the recent drop in temperature, inferno's final "Playing with Fire" competition of the year got heated. But when it was over, we had a lot more than trash talk to show for it. For the second year in a row, our holiday competition raised enough money to fulfill the Christmas wishes of three Hope House families affected by HIV.
This year we waged a weeklong penny war. We dubbed the event "Gold, Frankin-cents, and Myrrh." Each "Playing with Fire" team had a donation box. The catch? Bills, checks and pennies added toward your point total while silver coins counted against it. That way, you could stick it to the competition by flooding your rivals' boxes with quarters, dimes, and nickels.
By week's end, we raised more than $1,300. That weekend, we hit the stores to buy everything on the families' wish lists. Our shopping carts were full of everything from roller skates to kitchen supplies. Then Monday, we visited Hope House to drop off our gifts and spread some holiday cheer.
Happy holidays from everyone here at inferno, and make sure to stay tuned for the announcement of this year's "Playing with Fire" champion.
inferno Marks National Philanthropy Day With Fuelanthropic Event
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — inferno, a full-service advertising, marketing, design and public relations firm, celebrated National Philanthropy Day on November 15 with a lunch event to recognize employees for their volunteer contributions within the community. The event featured guest speaker Brandon Bland from BRIDGES, USA and acknowledged the 77% increase of staff participation in the agency's Fuelanthropic program, which gives staff members a week of paid time off to support charitable organizations of their choosing.
"We're extremely pleased to see a large number of employees taking part in our Fuelanthropic program this year to help the communities where they live," said Tim Sellers, Agency Partner at inferno. "So far this year, our agency employees have dedicated more than 475 hours of civic time to serving the community."
Sellers kicked off the lunch event with a presentation on the history and mission of Fuelanthropic, noting that this year marked a significant increase in the number of employees who used their civic time. He then introduced Bland, who explained his work with BRIDGES' ClimBRIDGES program and spoke about the various ways inferno employees could get involved.
Afterward, inferno employees Anne Dugan and Joe McLaughlin reflected on how they individually used their civic time in 2013. Dugan volunteered during the Indie Memphis Film Festival, while McLaughlin has provided assistance at St. Mary's Catholic Church Soup Kitchen, BRIDGES and the FedEx St. Jude Classic.
At the end of the event, all of the agency's 2013 Fuelanthropic members were recognized, including Rebecca Bolding, Linda Corti, Dugan, Beverly Hendrichovsky, Doretha Jones, Amy Lind, McLaughlin, Ashley Merchant, Dan O'Brien, Michael Overton, Colleen Radish, Liza Routh, Lyle Wardlaw, Lindsey Woodard and David Zachry.
inferno is a leading full-service agency, serving clients in a variety of industry sectors including healthcare, relocation, logistics, retail, banking, agriculture, nonprofit and entertainment. Headquartered in Memphis with satellite offices in Jonesboro, Ark. and Kalamazoo, Mich., inferno has become the strongest mid-size provider of business-to-business and consumer marketing solutions, offering experience in advertising, brand development, graphic design, interactive, public relations, social media and strategic planning
Woodland Presbyterian School grows their brand with inferno
Any good brand needs a solid foundation — a basic set of strengths and principles that remain firm, even as the company changes and grows. Woodland Presbyterian School takes the same approach to education. When they approached us to help them define their brand, we were more than happy to help.
Woodland provides a warm, family-like atmosphere that allows teachers to build a strong foundation for students based on their individual learning styles. That approach helps students prepare for success beyond their formative years. And it helped us determine the focal point for their brand.
We developed a new tagline for the school: Success Grows Here. This line perfectly communicates Woodland's mission, while the "Grows Here" construction provides flexibility to deliver different messaging. We used that construction to highlight different aspects of Woodland in a series of print ads and posters for the school.
In each piece, we focused on real Woodland students and teachers, hoping to bring a bit of their school's familial feel to the campaign.
Needless to say, we're excited about how Woodland's brand has grown in the last few months. Take a look and see what else grows at Woodland.
Fuelanthropic catches fire
On National Philanthropy Day, we held a Lunch 'n Learn to recognize our newest members of Fuelanthropic, a program that gives inferno employees up to one week of paid leave to work in the community.
This year, inferno Partner Tim Sellers noticed a trend: more employees are taking advantage of their civic leave than have done so in the past. To celebrate, we wheeled in some tacos, chowed down, and listened to our co-workers talk about the awesome work they've been doing.
Anne Dugan took us behind the scenes of her work with the Indie Memphis Film Festival, and Joe McLaughlin described his work with St. Mary's Catholic Church Soup Kitchen, the FedEx St. Jude Classic, and BRIDGES.
Additionally, special guest Brandon Bland from BRIDGES, USA spoke to us about his work with that organization and explained the many ways to get involved there. After the presentations, we recognized the 17 people who have been using their civic time so far this year.
We're stoked that Fuelanthropic has been catching fire recently. Everyone keep up the good work!
inferno Acknowledged by the 2013 International Davey Awards
MEMPHIS, Tenn. – inferno, a full-service advertising, marketing, design, and public relations firm, received 11 Davey Awards in the organization's 2013 competition. The Davey Awards is an international creative awards competition focused exclusively on honoring outstanding creative work from the best small firms worldwide.
inferno's winning work, including the award levels, categories and specific client projects were:
· Gold Award – Magazine Ad – "Campbell Clinic Best" – for Campbell Clinic
· Silver Award – Documentary – "Darn Good Yarn" – for FedEx
· Silver Award – Documentary – "Catullo Prime Meats" – for FedEx
· Silver Award – Magazine Ad – "Getting Smaller" – for inferno
· Silver Award – Business to Consumer – "Come Play 2013" Print – for FedEx St. Jude Classic
· Silver Award – Invitations/Cards – "Come Play 2013" Invitation – for FedEx St. Jude Classic
· Silver Award – Logos – "Rio Carnaval" Logo – for Children's Museum of Memphis
· Silver Award – Specialty Item – "Thinking Cup" – for inferno
· Silver Award – Business to Consumer – "Campbell Clinic Integrated" – for Campbell Clinic
· Silver Award – Transit – "Find Your Center" – for Memphis Jewish Community Center
· Silver Awards – Specialty Item/Other – "Sloppy Hour" Invitation – for inferno
"The strong strategic relationships we build with our clients allow us to better define their marketing needs and produce work that elicits a response from their customer," said Michael Overton, Creative Director and Agency Partner at inferno. "It's a great feeling to have the work that's helping our clients recognized by an international competition that seeks the most creative projects from the best small agencies in the world."
This year's competition received nearly 4,000 entries from across the US and around the world. The Davey Awards is sanctioned and judged by the International Academy of the Visual Arts, an invitation-only body consisting of top-tier professionals from a "Who's Who" of acclaimed media, advertising, and marketing firms. Please visit www.daveyawards.com for more information.
inferno is a leading full-service agency, serving clients in a variety of industry sectors including healthcare, relocation, logistics, retail, banking, agriculture, nonprofit and entertainment. Headquartered in Memphis with satellite offices in Jonesboro, Ark. and Kalamazoo, Mich., inferno has become the strongest mid-size provider of business-to-business and consumer marketing solutions, offering experience in advertising, brand development, graphic design, interactive, public relations, social media and strategic planning.
The big idea is to shop small November 30
We're a small business. Many of our clients and South Main neighbors are small businesses, too. That's why we have a warm spot in our hearts for Small Business Saturday—the shop small event of the year. It's November 30, and all of us at inferno intend to do our part to support small locally owned businesses. We hope you'll join us.
If you're out and about that day, you may bump into us. We'll probably be browsing the comics at Maggie's Pharm, trying on Santa suits at The Fun Shop, or checking out the Christmas tree bling at Dan West Garden Center.
Our fashionistas might be compiling their wish lists at The Ivory Closet or The Attic. And, of course, they'll be scoping out the chic, handmade frames at Eclectic Eye*.
inferno's foodies might indulge at the new Phillip Ashley Chocolates, get stuffed at the Little Cafe Eclectic, order a make-your-own quesadilla at Young Avenue Deli. And the bakers and crafters will hunt for Christmas inspiration at Mary Carter Decorating Center and Yarniverse.
A couple of us will be working off that turkey dinner at Fitness Kickboxing or Josh Henderson's Boot Camp at NBS Fitness.
If you own a small business, this day can give you a big boost. According to a 2012 Consumer Insights Survey, shoppers spent $5.5 billion at small businesses during this event last year. To take advantage of it this month, check out these stories and ideas we helped to put together for the Small Business Center at fedex.com*.
*FedEx and Eclectic Eye are clients of inferno.
A Howl-o-ween whodunit
inferno's annual Halloween celebration continues to be an office favorite. This year's event had all the familiar features of previous Howl-o-weens including dogs in the office, a canine costume contest, and donations to the Humane Society of Memphis and Shelby County.
However, this year's party involved one element that was a Howl-o-ween first: murder.
The Howl-o-ween creative team put together a murder mystery game based on Clue, but they replaced the game's original suspects and weapons with dog-related content. Professor Plum became Professor Pug, the rope became the leash, and so on. Each area of the inferno office became a different room on the board.
The investigation began on the Monday before Halloween. Clues were released daily via a detective's blog, and eager inferno sleuths began to sniff out the suspect. While all of the hounds had motive, only one had access to the weapon and the room at the opportune moment.
After careful deliberation, many of our staffers were able to deduce that Mrs. Weimaraner had committed the crime with the chewed-up shoe in the main conference room.
Everyone had a great time playing along with the Howl-o-ween Whodunit, and once again, inferno Halloween was a hit. Congratulations to Skylar (pet of Liza Routh), who won the costume contest with his portrayal of Uncle Si from Duck Dynasty.
After Howl-o-ween inferno folks visited the Humane Society to deliver treats and enjoy the adoptable pets' tricks. Check out these photos of the event and our trip to the Humane Society. If you want to see the murder mystery creative, go to howl-o-ween.blogspot.com
inferno helps FedEx Express® Freight go hog-wild
FedEx Express Freight always delivers on speed — and we kept that in mind while promoting their latest sweepstakes.
FedEx Express Freight is offering their customers the chance to earn multiple entries to win a 2014 Harley-Davidson® Fat Boy® by utilizing their express freight services. And extra speed pays off for customers — they earn more entries for choosing faster FedEx Express Freight services. Through a series of emails, web banners, and a landing page on fedex.com, we're encouraging customers to add speed to their freight (and their ride) by going hog-wild with FedEx Express Freight.
See how we showed FedEx Express Freight customers the beauty of open skies and open roads.
inferno partner goes the distance
When Dan O'Brien sets a goal, you can be sure he'll reach it. His most recent ambition? Run the 2013 ING New York City Marathon.
As the race drew near, Dan's physical training was complete, but we wanted to send him off to the Big Apple well prepared to punch out those 26.2 miles. So on his last day in the office before the big race, we brought in a variety of dishes to "carb" his appetite. We ate everything from banana bread to jalapeño egg casserole, and by the end of the day, Dan was pumped up and ready to go.
He finished the race in great time at 4:13:35. However, Dan will have you know that his half-marathon time was 1:51:23. Maybe if he had finished that last helping of French toast bread pudding, he could have kept up that pace.
Either way, we're proud to have a partner who's willing to go the extra mile (or 26). Way to go Dan!
inferno Recognized by 2013 MarCom Awards
MEMPHIS, Tenn. – inferno, a full-service advertising, marketing, design, and public relations firm, was recognized with six MarCom Awards in the organization's 2013 competition. The MarCom Awards is an international creative competition that recognizes outstanding achievement by marketing and communications professionals.
inferno's winning work, including the award levels, categories and specific client projects were:
· Platinum Award – Web Video/YouTube Video – "Darn Good Yarn" – for FedEx
· Platinum Award – Design (Print)/Invitation –Rio Carnaval Invitation – for Children's Museum of Memphis
· Gold Award – Web Video/YouTube Video – "Catullo Prime Meats" – for FedEx
· Gold Award – Ads/Magazine – FedEx 40th Anniversary Ad – for inferno
· Gold Award – Marketing/Promotion/Materials/Invitation – "Sloppy Hour" Invitation – for inferno
· Gold Award – Ads/Advertising Campaign – "World Best" Campaign – for Campbell Clinic
"It's an honor for our team to be recognized by an organization that judges outstanding creative work from around the world," said Michael Overton, Creative Director and Agency Partner at inferno.
MarCom Platinum Award winners are recognized for their excellence in terms of quality, creativity and resourcefulness and Gold Award winners for exceeding the high standards of the industry norm. About 19 percent of participants were Platinum Winners, while approximately 22 percent won the Gold Award.
The MarCom Awards is a creative competition for any individual or company involved in the concept, writing and design of print, visual, audio and web materials and programs. Entries come from corporate marketing and communications departments, advertising agencies, PR firms, design shops, production companies and freelancers. The competition is administered and judged by the Association of Marketing and Communications Professionals. Judges are industry professionals who look for companies and individuals whose talent exceeds a high standard of excellence and whose work serves as a benchmark for the industry. There were over 6,500 entries from throughout the United States and several foreign countries in this year's competition.
inferno is a leading full-service agency, serving clients in a variety of industry sectors including healthcare, relocation, logistics, retail, banking, agriculture, nonprofit and entertainment. Headquartered in Memphis with satellite offices in Jonesboro, Ark. and Kalamazoo, Mich., inferno has become the strongest mid-size provider of business-to-business and consumer marketing solutions, offering experience in advertising, brand development, graphic design, interactive, public relations, social media and strategic planning.
inferno cooks up creative for a good cause
For the sixth year in a row, inferno served as the pro-bono agency for the March of Dimes Signature Chefs Auction. The event marked the 75th anniversary of the March of Dimes, an organization committed to increasing research and awareness of infant health threats. All proceeds went to the March of Dimes Memphis Division.
inferno's creative for the event included posters, a program booklet, and tasting menus. Once the marketing materials were complete, infernites could relax and enjoy the experience.
The evening began with beer, wine and hors d'oeuvres, during which guests could participate in a silent auction. Items included bikes, Grizzlies gear, and artwork by local artists.
After the silent auction, it was time to see what Memphis' top chefs cooked for the cause. Guests indulged in the region's finest culinary creations as they prepared their palates for what came next: the live auction. Bidders went head-to-head, competing for luxurious vacations and mouthwatering dining experiences.
While it's true that some inferno employees lost heated bidding wars, year after year inferno enjoys adding sizzle to this great event and supporting such an amazing organization. This year, the event raised $195,065.33.
Candy Collectors outnumber Scaredy-Cats
At inferno, we noticed distinct differences in how our team members approached Halloween. Some turned it into a five-day costume extravaganza while others cowered in the corner hoping for November.
In honor of Halloween diversity, we created a nine-question quiz so folks could find out where they fall on the hair-raising holiday spectrum.
After sending out 559 emails, here's what we learned.
It turns out that most people are in it for the candy:
- 40% of our quiz takers were Candy Collectors.
- 23% were Pumpkin-Headed Pranksters who preferred causing trouble to causing cavities.
- Fear Fanatics made up a frightening 19% of our respondents.
- Last and least were the Scaredy-Cats at 18%. (We're surprised they weren't afraid to take the quiz.)
We hope everyone had a great Halloween, no matter how you celebrated!
If you missed the quiz, you can still take it.
Combining a responsive philosophy with a responsive design for ReTrans
After helping ReTrans brand their services, our next step was to refresh their website.
ReTrans built its success on relationships and responsiveness. Rather than generating a lot of content that the user would have to navigate, we wanted a navigational approach that started "listening" to site visitors from the moment they arrived at the home page.
To create these "listening" pathways, we had to put ourselves in the visitors' shoes and consider their thought processes: "What brought me to this site? What's frustrating about my current logistics solution? What's motivating me to seek information?"
After we understood the needs and emotions driving site visitors, we created questions to tap into those feelings. As visitors respond to each question, links take them to content that's most relevant to their needs.
Regardless of the path the user follows, contact information is front and center on each page.
From a design standpoint, we updated the site's look and feel.
We also executed the site with responsive design, making it easier to navigate and read on any size device — phone, tablet, or desktop.
See how we're taking a business known for their responsiveness and translating that to the web. Check out the ReTrans site here.
"You've Gotta See This!": Five tips for creating view-worthy videos
According to YouTube, 100 hours of video is uploaded to the site every minute. That doesn't include Vimeo and other video sites.
If you're producing a video, and don't have the budget for paid advertising, this begs a pretty big question — how will your video ever get noticed?
We can help. At inferno, we're constantly honing our video chops, producing everything from instructional videos and international corporate videos, to product launches and video tours. Even our television commercials compete for online attention.
These productions have garnered success in terms of page views, media coverage, industry awards, and happy clients.
Consider these tips for your next production:
- Quality counts – Consumers gravitate toward higher quality productions. Even the best creative ideas will flop if they're not properly communicated.
- Tell one, simple story – Resist the temptation to shoehorn multiple messages into your video. It frustrates the viewer, wasting time and money.
- Be prepared – Know your equipment. Study different filming techniques. Don't restrict your videos to one style.
- If you don't know, find someone who does – Not everyone has the time to become an expert. Find a production partner with talent. A good eye goes a long way.
- Give your videos support – Before production, make sure your video message is consistent with current print or digital advertising. After production, encourage followers and employees to share your video, add it to the company website, and include a link to the video in customer emails.
Take a look below for some examples of inferno's success in video from the past year.
Tipton-Rosemark Academy
Campbell Clinic
FedEx St. Jude Classic
Windmill Rice
inferno Donates More Than $1,000 to Hope House
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — inferno, a full-service advertising, marketing, design and public relations firm, supported Hope House by attending the nonprofit's annual fundraising event, the Hopes and Dreams Luncheon, on October 16. Several of inferno's employees made individual contributions to Hope House and the agency matched these donations, bringing the total amount donated to more than $1,000. Hope House, located in Midtown Memphis, exists to improve the quality of life of HIV-impacted children and their families by addressing their educational, social, psychological and health needs.
"We're proud to support Hope House as our nonprofit beneficiary for the second consecutive year," said Dan O'Brien, Partner at inferno. "Throughout the year, we host several agency events that benefit Hope House. This luncheon was another way for us to support our 2013 nonprofit beneficiary and we are excited to help the nonprofit's families during the upcoming holiday season."
The luncheon, which is the nonprofit's largest fundraiser of the year, began with an overview of the organization's mission and followed with children from Hope House's preschool program passing out candy and performing a small concert. Following, an HIV-positive mother took the stage and described how Hope House has assisted her family through daycare, Christmas gifts, financial training, career resources and personal care groups. After lunch, inferno employees made individual pledges to Hope House, which inferno matched.
Hope House opened in 1995 and is the only facility in the State of Tennessee designed to meet the unique needs of HIV-impacted children. It is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). To learn more about Hope House, please visit www.hopehousememphis.org.
inferno is a leading full-service agency, serving clients in a variety of industry sectors including healthcare, relocation, logistics, retail, banking, agriculture, nonprofit and entertainment. Headquartered in Memphis with satellite offices in Jonesboro, Ark. and Kalamazoo, Mich., inferno has become the strongest mid-size provider of business-to-business and consumer marketing solutions, offering experience in advertising, brand development, graphic design, interactive, public relations, social media and strategic planning.
inferno keeps hopes and dreams alive
At inferno we are proud to support Hope House and its efforts with HIV-affected families. Continuing the almost two-year relationship, several of us attended the nonprofit's annual Hopes and Dreams Luncheon.
Children from the Hope House preschool program passed out candy and performed a mini concert. The tiny tykes belted out "All the Leaves Are Falling Down" and "Bingo."
One client recounted how Hope House assisted her family and their struggle with HIV by providing free daycare, Christmas gifts, financial training and career resources.
After lunch, we all made personal pledges of support, which the inferno partners matched. At the event, inferno raised more than $1,000 for Hope House.
We are incredibly grateful for the care and support Hope House provides to families who face stigma and hardship. Hearing those stories was a humbling, inspiring experience, and as an agency, we're thrilled to continue to support such a great organization.
inferno does some driving for United Way
For the past three years, inferno staff members have enjoyed volunteering at the annual Marketing vs. IT golf tournament that FedEx hosts to benefit the United Way. This year, our game plan was to get to know our FedEx clients better, so we teed up several opportunities at the Memphis National Golf Club event.
What's a golf tournament without free beer and food? inferno sponsored the event's snack and beverage efforts. In addition to purchasing supplies, Partner Dan O'Brien and Account Executives Liza Routh and Rebecca Bolding served as snack ambassadors. They took turns driving the snack cart and handing out food and drinks to the players.
Meanwhile, Partners Michael Overton and Tim Sellers teamed up with Joe McLaughlin, Account Coordinator, and inferno client Scott Melton for the four-person scramble. The team's entry fee benefited the United Way.
Despite an early morning downpour, our snack providers had a great time meeting folks and our tournament team scored an impressive 11-under.
Thanks to FedEx for putting on such a fun event every year for a great cause. Check out the pictures of our volunteers below.
inferno fuels community with philanthropy
One of the best things about working for inferno is something we like to call Fuelanthropic. Every year, each employee gets one week of paid civic leave to make a positive impact in the community.
We checked in with a couple of our fuelanthropists to see how they've been making a difference.
So far, Account Coordinator Joe McLaughlin has used 25 of his civic hours to work with three different organizations. In June, he volunteered at the FedEx St. Jude Classic where he was the 14th hole Grand Marshall.
Joe also volunteers at St. Mary's Catholic Church Soup Kitchen to help prepare and hand out food to people who are homeless. And every two weeks, he spends his Friday at the BRIDGES rock-climbing wall, where he supervises the climbers and shows the ropes to anyone who wants to learn.
inferno Bookkeeper Beverly Hendrichovsky has also been hard at work. Donating 22.5 of her hours to the Desoto Central High School Band Boosters, she uses her time to make alterations to the band uniforms for the current marching season.
After seeing how much her own children have enjoyed participating in band, Beverly wants to make sure these high school students have everything they need to continue doing what they love (and look good while doing it).
Both Joe and Beverly plan to continue helping these organizations, and inferno thanks them for their great work.
To infinity, above and beyond!
Congratulations to Account Manager Colleen Radish and Account Executive Ryan Knoll, the most recent recipients of inferno's "Above and Beyond" award!
This biannual award goes to the staff member(s) who have exceeded the already high performance threshold at inferno, and demonstrated extraordinary dedication to our clients and our causes. Colleen and Ryan each received multiple peer nominations, and Ryan made inferno history by becoming the first ever two-time winner of the award.
The winners each received a beautiful award and an extra vacation day. They certainly deserve it. Way to go, guys!
inferno draws mice into a revolt for Labfinity
It's not every day you get to draw a parallel between cutting edge computer software and the poor colony management of King George. But when we were recently asked to create a flyer promoting Labfinity Colony Manager, that's exactly what we did.
Labfinity Colony Manager provides an organized system for researchers to log and manage research data. Because mice are the most common research animals, we tied in that aspect of their world with the colonial period, using original illustrations to bring some life to the A-mouse-ican Revolution. (Sorry, we couldn't resist.)
In fact, our clients at Labfinity loved our work so much that they extended a one-poster run into two so they could include another of our concepts. Take a look below to see how we're helping them liberate disorganized research labs everywhere.
Eclectic Eye supports Central Gardens in style
All eyes were on Central Gardens as more than 1,400 people turned out for the historic Memphis neighborhood's 37th Annual Home & Garden Tour. Participants began their tour with the program guide, which detailed the history, homes and gardens.
Eclectic Eye owners and founders Dr. Michael and Robbie Johnson Weinberg, were eager to sponsor the event. They opened their first boutique on Cooper Street in 2002, and feel a strong connection to Central Gardens.
The sponsorship package included a program ad, so Eclectic Eye asked inferno to create an ad celebrating that connection.
To underscore the garden theme, inferno paired the headline "Style is always in bloom" with an elegant black and white photo. The ad's contemporary look and feel reinforces our client's fierce commitment to fashion-forward eyewear.
And at the bottom of the ad, we included all of the fashion-forward brands you can browse on your next visit to Eclectic Eye. Feast your eyes on the ad below.
Time flies for inferno intern
Searching for an entry-level copywriting position at an ad agency, I expected to have to prove my writing skills.
However, I didn't expect each job I applied for to share a common qualification: must have one year of experience. How am I supposed to gain experience when I can't get an entry-level position, because I don't have any experience?
Enter inferno.
My two-month internship has felt like a year of experience. It's certainly not coffee and copies. While I did make a copy once, the internship has been focused on me. The folks at inferno want me to learn.
They've treated my work just like any other employee's, and their constructive criticism has definitely improved my writing. I've worked on real projects, generating the copy for posters, animated web graphics, and video scripts.
Plus, attending office meetings has given me a taste of every side of the industry. In meetings, you get the opportunity to pick up new lingo and find out where the project goes before and after it leaves your desk.
Watching others who do their jobs well doesn't hurt the learning process either.
Once my internship is complete, I'll have a few key things I didn't have going into it:
- A portfolio of actual work
- A much better understanding of how an agency works
- A much better understanding of how a dishwasher works (don't ask)
- New contacts who have already been so helpful
Itching for an intern experience? Apply for an internship at creativeinferno.com/contact-us
inferno gets it done for Fullen Dock
inferno has worked for years to help establish Fullen Dock & Warehouse as the go-to dock for unloading cargo in Memphis. Last year, we refreshed their brand with an impactful ad campaign that used full-bleed photography and tough, direct language.
They loved our work, and recently asked us to bring that same look and feel to their website. But the redesign wasn't just to establish a stronger brand — we needed to ensure the site felt modern and visitors could easily navigate their many services.
Friendly Competition Gets Our Creative Juices Flowing
inferno Adds Web Developer to Interactive Team
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — inferno, a full-service advertising, marketing, design, and public relations firm, today announced the appointment of Kathleen Sarkady as Web Developer. She will report to David Zachry, Interactive Manager and Dan O'Brien, Agency Partner.
"We're thrilled to add Kathleen to our team," said Zachry. "Her strong background in user experience, planning and design complements our department's existing talents and she'll help us approach projects from a new and unique perspective."
As one of inferno's Web Developers, Sarkady is responsible for the front-end and back-end development of the agency's interactive projects, including websites, emails and web applications. She'll also work closely with inferno's creative team on project planning and design.
Prior to joining inferno, Sarkady worked as a web designer and social media coordinator for Michigan State University's (MSU) College of Arts and Letters, where she worked with programmers, graphic designers and communication managers to brand the college online. Previously, she served as an IT service management intern, a web and multimedia intern and a web design assistant at the university. Recently, Sarkady earned her bachelor's degree from MSU in professional writing with a focus on digital and technical writing, as well as an IT Infrastructure Library Foundation Certificate.
inferno is a leading full-service agency, serving clients in a variety of industry sectors including healthcare, relocation, logistics, retail, banking, agriculture, nonprofit and entertainment. Headquartered in Memphis with satellite offices in Jonesboro, Ark. and Kalamazoo, Mich., inferno has become the strongest mid-size provider of business-to-business and consumer marketing solutions, offering experience in advertising, brand development, graphic design, interactive, public relations, social media and strategic planning.
Drink up inferno's refreshing small business video for FedEx
Central Defense looks out for Le Bonheur families
inferno's Poultry Pregame kicks off football season
inferno Work Receives International Recognition
MEMPHIS, Tenn. – inferno, a full-service advertising, marketing, design, and public relations firm, announced that it won eight 2013 Communicator Awards, two 2013 Videographer Awards and one 2013 Telly Award. Specifically, the awards were given to the following projects:
Communicator Awards
· Award of Excellence – Corporate Identity: Logo – Tradewind Group
· Award of Excellence – Print Advertising: Advertising Campaign – Memphis Jewish Home & Rehab
· Award of Excellence – Websites: Shopping – Stash
· Award of Distinction – Corporate Identity: Logo – Memphis Jewish Home & Rehab
· Award of Distinction – Corporate Identity: Logo – Jonesboro Roofing
· Award of Distinction – Corporate Identity: Logo – Memphis Jewish Community Center
· Award of Distinction – Print Advertising: Advertising Campaign – Fullen Dock and Warehouse
· Award of Distinction – Websites: Health Care Services – Memphis Jewish Home & Rehab
Videographer Awards
· Award of Excellence – Documentary – Darn Good Yarn – FedEx
· Award of Excellence – Documentary – Catullo Prime Meats – FedEx
Telly Awards
· Bronze Telly – Branded Content: Business-to-Business – Darn Good Yarn – FedEx
"We're honored to be recognized by competitions of such stature like the Communicator, Telly and Videographer Awards," said Michael Overton, Creative Director and Agency Partner at inferno. "We wouldn't have the chance to create this kind of award-winning work without our outstanding clients, so we're always thankful to them for allowing us to produce some truly great work."
The Communicator Awards are judged by the International Academy of the Visual Arts, a 600+ member organization of leading professionals from various disciplines of the visual arts dedicated to embracing progress and the evolving nature of tradition and interactive media. The 2013 Communicator Awards received over 6000 entries from ad agencies, interactive agencies, production firms, in-house creative professionals, graphic designers, design firms, and public relations firms.
The Videographer Awards is an international awards program directed by the Association of Marketing and Communication Professionalsto honor individuals and companies in the video production field. Entrants include video production companies, advertising and public relations firms, corporate communication departments, cable and broadcast television operations, government agencies and schools, independent producers and wedding and special event producers. This year, there were over 1,500 entries from throughout the United States and several other countries.
The Telly Awards is the premier award honoring the finest film and video productions, groundbreaking web commercials, videos and films, and outstanding local, regional and cable TV commercials and programs. Entries come from ad agencies, production companies, TV stations, cable companies, interactive agencies and corporations around the world. Judges are all members of the Silver Telly Council and evaluate entries to recognize distinction in creative work. There were over 12,000 entries from all 50 states and five continents in this year's competition.
inferno is a leading full-service agency, serving clients in a variety of industry sectors including healthcare, relocation, logistics, retail, banking, agriculture, nonprofit and entertainment. Headquartered in Memphis with satellite offices in Jonesboro, Ark. and Kalamazoo, Mich., inferno has become the strongest mid-size provider of business-to-business and consumer marketing solutions, offering experience in advertising, brand development, graphic design, interactive, public relations, social media and strategic planning.
inferno employees burn to give back
inferno gives each employee up to a week of paid civic leave each year to make a difference in their communities. We call it Fuelanthropic. Let's see what two of our fuelanthropists have been up to.
In June, inferno Account Coordinator Kacie Ross used some of her civic leave to help out on the fairway at the FedEx St. Jude Classic. It was the perfect complement to her paid gig, which includes coordinating the tournament's marketing campaign.
Kacie worked at the Sunday@Southwind event, which serves as the kickoff event for tournament week. She assisted the tournament director and office staff with opening day activities.
If you're interested in volunteering for the event next year, Kacie says it's easy to plug in and very worthwhile.
"The people are great, the event is awesome, and it's always rewarding to benefit the kids at St. Jude," says Kacie.
Kacie isn't the only member of our account staff making an impact on her community.
Account Manager Lindsey Woodard divides her civic time between St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and the Northeast Arkansas Humane Society (NEAHS).
Lindsey donates her expertise to the St. Jude Super Bowl S'travaganza. For the past six years, she has helped to organize the event's silent auction. Lindsey's shoes would be hard to fill — each auction has raked in more proceeds for St. Jude than the previous year.
This fuelanthropist also chairs the annual auction for NEAHS. As the NEAHS' largest fundraiser of the year, auction proceeds are critical to the shelter's operations.
Thanks to Kacie and Lindsey for donating their time and talents to such great causes!
inferno creates signage that's easy on the eyes
The eyewear architects at Eclectic Eye asked inferno to refresh their logo.
Right away, we set out to create something that would make their competitors green with envy.
Revamped logo in hand, we were asked to come up with some fresh ways to incorporate the design into Eclectic Eye's two retail locations.
We knew we wanted to use the logo's eye-catching green in a way that was simple yet bold. Our goal was to create memorable signage attuned to our client's modern aesthetic.
First, we conducted a site survey to check sight lines and determine locations.
Then, we oversaw the fabrication of the refreshed logo as LED-illuminated reverse channel letters. We also specified an LED-illuminated black square atop a prominent base, which was painted the logo's signature green.
Feel free to feast your eyes on our handiwork when driving by Eclectic Eye's Midtown and Collierville locations.
inferno helps Tipton-Rosemark Academy highlight brighter futures
What sets a school apart isn't just test scores or football wins — like any brand, it's the school's identity that makes a difference. The staff at Tipton-Rosemark Academy called on inferno to help them nail down their identity and build their brand. It didn't take us long to see what makes them such a great school.
Rather than just helping students progress year to year, Tipton-Rosemark Academy aims to help students build a solid foundation for the rest of their lives. This focus drove their new tagline, "Bound for college. Prepared for life," and set the tone for the rest of our work.
We developed a new admissions packet and redesigned their website to align with their new brand, tying in benefits such as one-to-one access to technology, high college acceptance rates, and low teacher-student ratios. In order to help prospective students and parents get to know the campus from home, we also produced a video tour that will be accessible from the website.
Tipton-Rosemark Academy is doing great work to help students develop skills for beyond high school. Take a look at some of our work to see how we've brought that dedication front and center.
Central Defense presents funds for 100 campers
When inferno's PR team learned about the great work that Central Defense Security was doing to support the Memphis community, we had to get the word out.
For the second year in a row, CDS launched a fundraiser supporting the Memphis Parks and Neighborhoods' Summer Day Camp program. The security firm raised enough money to send 100 Memphis area kids to summer camp for free as well as hire five new summer camp employees.
The inferno PR team coordinated the onsite media presence at an event during which CDS presented the mayor with an oversized check designed by our creative team. We made sure people heard about our client's philanthropy, which was featured on both WREG and FOX13.
A big thanks to CDS for their generosity. Check out the links below for a peek at the presentation.
Our Romanian fireball's international adventure
For the past year, inferno has benefited from the hot talent of our Romanian art director, Cristina Jucan. When Cristina needed to renew her visa, she first needed a new passport from the Romanian embassy in Washington, D.C. Then she had to travel to Romania for her visa.
Knowing that we would miss her for weeks, we did what we do best. We produced great creative and threw a party. It was an all-American, propaganda-style send-off. You can check out the party's creative below.
For three weeks, Cristina waded through the bureaucracy of two different countries. But in between, she reconnected with her roots. She watched her grandmothers weave on looms, bake bread in brick ovens, and prepare Romanian delicacies. And, at the end of it all, she clutched a new visa.
We're excited to have her home, recharged and ready to jet back to work. Welcome back, Cristina.
inferno helps FedEx put its best freight forward
In 2012, FedEx Trade Networks tasked inferno with creating a campaign to raise awareness of their global freight capabilities and services. inferno created a brand-driven Freight Forward campaign that included digital ads, banners, airport signage, and landing pages. The campaign successfully launched in English-speaking and select international markets.
The next step was to go global. Earlier this year, inferno redeveloped the campaign for five different languages in six new markets. Tactics ranged from magazine ads to digital banners in Amsterdam, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, and Shanghai.
We set out to increase global awareness, and we definitely turned some heads. FedEx Trade Networks won three Quest for Quality awards for their service in Logistics Management magazine.
Agency Day: BBQ, Beer, and Bowling.
On July 26, we celebrated our mid-year Agency Day. Twice a year, inferno employees put down our laptops, sharpies, and job jackets to relax and have some fun as an agency.
We kicked off the festivities with a mid-year review at our office. Then, we boarded a bus and made our way to the Central BBQ location on Summer Ave. The beer and wine flowed as we spent some time talking about things that didn't involve font size or time sheets.
Then, we made our way to Andy B.'s bowling alley in Bartlett for a little fun on the lanes. inferno reserved lanes in the cosmic bowling lounge. Employees enjoyed the VIP experience with club music, refreshments, and plush leather sofas. Experienced bowlers knocked down strikes and spares while others kicked back on the sofas or danced along with music videos.
As you can see from the pictures, everyone involved enjoyed the chance to let loose and just have a great time. Thanks to Dan, Tim, and Michael for making it all possible.
We're refreshed, ready to create some game-changing results for our clients, and ready for the next agency day. We can't wait to see what our team will accomplish in the second half of 2013.
Venture Gear and inferno venture into new online territory
inferno recently partnered with Pyramex Safety Products to support their Venture Gear brand of eyewear and hearing protection. We helped them build their website from the ground up, creating a user-friendly experience that responds to browser size and mobile devices. The site is designed to combine the bold look of the Venture Gear brand with the active lifestyles of the customers they serve.
Take a look at the Venture Gear website and see how we've helped them bring a spirit of adventure and excitement to their online presence.
Experience the adventure at venturegear.com.
Forget coffee runs. inferno interns taste the real world.
Coming into their internships, Merritt and Catherine agreed they were nervous, but they soon found out that inferno employees make it easy to join their "club." For the past two and a half months, they've gone from being advertising newbies to mini-employees attending and participating in agency meetings and working on real projects.
As they reflect on how their experience went, they agreed that these 10 lessons were most valuable.
- We don't know everything. We wanted to know everything right off the bat and discovered that we don't. Learning is why we're here.
- Don't be a scaredy-cat. Ask for help. The inferno folks are eager coaches.
- Constructive criticism is our friend. Feedback, good or bad, makes our work better.
- Do the homework. Most projects and clients are unfamiliar, so we had to do research. We didn't realize how helpful research was until this internship (sorry, teachers).
- Hollywood has it wrong. Contrary to movie stereotypes, an internship isn't coffee runs and making copies. We worked on new projects, attended meetings, and collaborated with employees.
- Practice makes…better. Last semester a guest speaker for a graphic design class opened his presentation with, "As of now, all of you are terrible designers." Not very uplifting. But it is SO true. It's amazing how tight deadlines can be great teachers.
- Little fish, big pond. In the real world, we're little fish in an ocean of talent. Someone always knows more. If we're wrapped up in our own talent, we won't have room to grow.
- Interns have good ideas, too. Every idea is worth sharing. Even mediocre ideas can spark better ones.
- We are lucky. Our internships focused on benefitting us. inferno really wanted to help us learn the business.
- Finding our interests. We got an in-depth look at the ad industry. Everything we take away will be invaluable as we make decisions after graduation.
Want to put your talents to work in one of the best ad agencies in Memphis? Apply for an internship at www.creativeinferno.com/contact-us.
Catherine Stukenborg and Merritt La Foe are summer interns in the creative department. They attend Mississippi State University.
inferno employees help fuel community at AAF Memphis
As an agency, we're proud to have a hardworking, creative staff across the board. It's easy to see that talent in-house, but we're always excited to see our employees making a strong impact in our community.
In AAF Memphis, the local chapter of the American Advertising Federation, the quality of our team shines through Liza Routh and Mickey Woodham. Both Liza and Mickey bring enthusiasm and energy to their roles as leaders in AAF Memphis.
Liza currently serves on the Board of Directors as the Programs Chair. She helps coordinate social events and speakers for the monthly luncheons.
Mickey, an AAF Memphis member for 35 years, has served as president, vice president, member of the Board of Directors, and chair of numerous committees. She currently mentors new members and helps them move into leadership roles.
Here are Liza's and Mickey's Top 5 reasons to get involved in AAF Memphis:
- The people. You'll meet industry pros, build a strong local network, and make new friends.
- The skills. AAF Memphis leadership roles help you learn to work with a team and manage resources and projects.
- The knowledge. AAF Memphis hosts monthly luncheons where speakers offer insight on everything from industry history to tips on improving the quality of your creative.
- The parties. It's not all business. The leaders at AAF Memphis (including Liza and Mickey) work hard to create an environment where members can let loose.
- The people. Seriously. AAF Memphis is an invaluable networking resource for navigating the local ad scene.
But don't just take their word for it. Find out more and get involved with AAF Memphis at aafmemphis.org.
Thanks to Liza and Mickey for all your hard work. And thanks to our other AAF members, Ryan Knoll and Colleen Radish, for furthering our commitment to the local advertising community.
inferno helps FedEx fire up Shop Small campaign
When FedEx geared up to promote the notion of shopping small, they retained inferno for help getting the word out. FedEx gave away $1 million in $25 gift cards bearing the "Shop Small" message to increase awareness of November 24th as Small Business Saturday®.
To support this effort, inferno created a campaign of online ads, emails and social media postings that invited consumers to register to receive one of the 40,000 gift cards being given away. The "Shop Small" communications encouraged recipients to use their cards at locally-owned businesses on Small Business Saturday.
The results are in and Small Business Saturday is getting big. Based on the Small Business Saturday Consumer Insights survey conducted by Redshift Research between November 24th and November 26th, 2012, U.S. consumers who were aware of Small Business Saturday spent a total of $5.5 billion with independent merchants on Small Business Saturday.
Also of note:
Elected officials in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. championed Small Business Saturday
More than 3.2 million Facebook users have "liked" the Small Business Saturday page on Facebook and more than 213,000 Tweets were sent in support of Small Business Saturday in November
inferno designs annual report to fight child abuse and neglect
The mission of The Exchange Club Family Center is to break the cycle of child abuse and neglect by replacing abusive and violent behavior with effective parenting skills. Dan O'Brien recently completed his two-year term as president of the Center's Board of Directors since 2011. The agency has had the privilege of donating the design, copy and production expertise for the Center's annual report for nine years.
The 2011-2012 The Exchange Club Family Center Annual Report is now available. The theme "Mending Families, Strengthening Communities," highlights the Center's life-saving work. Its compact, horizontal format with rounded corners is user-friendly, eliminating annual report "formality."
A challenge in creating the report is communicating the Center's mission and its staff's passion while protecting the privacy of the many families that rely on the Center's services.
Rather than showing a family on the cover, the front features a Teddy Bear with an adhesive bandage. This signifies the Center's ability to "mend" families.
The interior pages feature vibrant, colorful collages that conjure up images of children. Bikes, toys, dolls and wagons combine with fabric related images to communicate the Center's child-focused work.
The report's copy focuses on the cycle of abuse and neglect and how the Center's amazing staff and 23 programs help to break that cycle and restore hundreds of Memphis area families. It shares information from several perspectives, such as the President, a staff member, a volunteer, and a grateful parent.
The Annual Report also includes a donor envelope, making it easy for the reader to get excited about the Center's work and give.
For more information visit www.exchangeclub.net.
The most party-centered, Memphis-loving, something-for-everyone campaign inferno developed this year
We also pushed the experiential marketing envelope – or golf bag – with a high-impact street team recruited, trained, and directed by the PR pros at inferno. Team members drove an SUV wrapped with the "Come Play" message and handed out FedEx St. Jude Classic beads, sunglasses, koozies, and visors at Memphis Brewfest, South Main Trolley Night, Swanky's Cinco de Mayo celebration, and several other key events. The team took their promotions online as well by leveraging social media and using the hashtags #ComePlay2013 and #BirdieBrigade. This allowed us to promote future onsite events and stay current with what people were saying about the tournament.
We were excited to help drive this year's tournament campaign. Thanks to the FedEx St. Jude Classic for being such a great client and providing us with the opportunity to do some truly creative work.
inferno helps your light shine worldwide: 8 tips for working remotely
- Communicate. Communicate. Communicate. This is something you need to do with any client, but it's especially important when distance is a factor.
- Get your gear in order. There are tons of tools to help you connect to a location that's anywhere in the world, but you can't communicate if your technology is out of commission.
- Be proactive. Since communication is a little harder, schedule meetings and deadlines well in advance so you're aware of your clients' needs.
- Get some face time. Whether that means traveling to meet the client, flying them in to see your office, or Skyping, smiles and eye contact put you – and the client – at ease.
- Revisit the job description. There are some aspects of the job that just don't work as well out of the office, so modify the employee's job description to make responsibilities clear.
- Work out your system. Remote employees may need more scheduling flexibility, but their availability needs to be clear to everyone. It doesn't hurt for them to have a consistent workspace or to clock in and out on the same schedule as the rest of the office.
- Keep them connected. While they may not be in the office, remote employees are still a part of the family. Keeping them in the loop on company emails and office changes can help morale. But it's cruel to tell them there are cookies in the kitchen, when they are three states away.
- Bring them in. Remote employees need to visit home base once in awhile. This keeps them involved with new coworkers and gives them time to address anything that can't be done through email or by phone.
Sometimes it's hard to see past what's happening in the office – let alone outside your city. But handled efficiently, remote clients and employees can become their own sort of creative fuel, pushing everyone in the agency toward fresh thinking and greater problem solving.
If you need more advice about working remotely with employees, or if you're a business looking for a creative spark that your city just isn't offering, get in touch with us at creativeinferno.com/contact-us.
inferno hosts bite-size burger battle for Hope House
Intense philanthropic competitions among the inferno "Playing with Fire" teams have become increasingly heated, with many employees still wincing from the outcome of the winter's Souper Bowl.
For the summer showdown, the big idea was to encourage inferno employees to think small — a slider competition.
To fire up the chefs, the slider creative team distributed to employees shrink ray guns and invitations to shrink the burger.
Employees also discovered clusters of tiny cutout graphics posted at locations around the office. These miniaturized Fatheads featured bite-size slider characters and quotes in six-point type. The writing was so small that readers needed a magnifying glass, which was provided at each location.
The slider characters' quotes included, "Does this patty make my buns look big?" and "Why did the tiny burger cross the road? To get to the other slide."
Upon closer examination, it became clear that the inferno partners, Dan O'Brien, Michael Overton, and Tim Sellers, had slider alter egos.
To make sure inferno employees never forget the tiny burgers and their witticisms, Michael Overton added a webpage to the inferno website to display the creative work with a link to Hope House, the nonprofit inferno has supported since 2012.
The clever creative work stoked employees, inspiring unforgettable sliders. From the toasted mac & cheese sliders with tomato/bacon/beer jam topping, to the buffalo chicken salad sliders with crunchy coleslaw, the competition was tight.
When the smoke cleared, the inferno employee who truly brought the heat was Liza Routh. Her Cheesy-Stuffed Meatball Slider won the Golden Shrink Ray Award.
Trish McLaughlin earned second place for her Flank Steak Slider. Kacie Ross slid into third place with her Hamburger, Sausage, and Velveeta Slider.
"Kacie was smart to go with the three major food groups," said O'Brien.
Playing with Fire events benefit Hope House by raising funds and much-needed items to support the educational, social, psychological, and health needs of HIV-infected children and their families.
To view the slider webpage, visit creativeinferno.com/slidercookoff.
Below you'll find Liza's winning slider recipe.
Cheesy-Stuffed Meatball Sliders
Makes about 30 meatballs
4 lbs. lean ground beef
2 eggs
4 tablespoons olive oil
1 1/2 cups Romano cheese
8 garlic cloves, minced
4 teaspoons dried basil
4 teaspoons dried parsley
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pepper
2/3 cup Panko Bread Crumbs
8 ounces mozzarella cheese, cut into cubes + more for topping
6 cups of your favorite pasta sauce
30 slider buns (or dinner rolls), toasted
Basil for garnish/topping
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
In a large bowl, place ground beef, egg, oil, cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic, salt, pepper, basil, and parsley. To combine, mix a few times gently with your hands. Don't overmix – it will result in tough meatballs! Spray a large baking dish with non-stick spray and add 4 cups of pasta sauce (split into two pans, if needed – 2 cups each). Roll beef mixture into golf ball-size meatballs (about 3 tablespoons of beef per meatball), and press a cube of mozzarella in the middle. Seal the beef around the cheese and set the meatball in the sauce. Once all meatballs have been added, sprinkle additional cheese and breadcrumbs over the top. Bake for 30 minutes or until meatballs are cooked through. (If using two pans, cook separately for 30 minutes each.) Serve with additional sauce, if desired, the slider buns, and a few slabs of mozzarella for topping.
inferno helps new brand get a strong start
Bill Stanley and Jared Woodard, two Arkansas attorneys, recently started a law firm. They wanted a strong brand identity that would communicate their experience, commitment to community and passion for their alma mater Arkansas State University.
They also wanted their brand to reference their nursing home litigation and personal injury expertise.
inferno developed a logo and tagline to provide a foundation for that brand.
The Stanley + Woodard Law Firm logo incorporates Arkansas State University colors and modern typography for a bold, professional look. The '+' element also evokes imagery of a medical cross, which might resonate with prospective clients.
The tagline, "Respect. Results. Relief." uses simple yet powerful language to communicate the firm's caring personal service and its focus on results. The benefit to the client is relief.
Were we successful? You be the judge.
inferno brands Campbell Clinic as official orthopaedics provider for mid-south moms
Campbell Clinic is recognized around the world as the leading authority in the field of orthopaedics. Its more than 40 orthopaedic specialists collectively author Campbell's Operative Orthopaedics, the definitive reference for more than 1,800 orthopaedic procedures.
Despite Campbell Clinic's global recognition, many Memphians aren't aware that the world's best orthopaedic specialists are right here in town.
Campbell Clinic asked inferno to help the clinic continue to position itself as offering world-class specialists. Because women most often drive health care decisions, the campaign needed to resonate with women. Secondarily, Campbell Clinic wanted to get more mileage out of its role as the official sports medicine providers for the Memphis Grizzlies, Redbirds and Tigers.
inferno created a multi-pronged marketing campaign to promote Campbell Clinic as the official orthopaedic provider for families across the region. The campaign includes outdoor boards, radio spots, print ads and television spots. All the components wrap in the message that people, especially moms, are choosing the "world's best" for their teams.
inferno helps FedEx turn 40
When FedEx tapped inferno for its 40th anniversary campaign, we were tickled purple. We saw the milestone less as a celebration of the past and more a celebration of the company's ability to effect global change.
With that in mind, we developed a 40th anniversary campaign that thanked FedEx team members for their service to FedEx and promoted service projects in their local communities.
The campaign centered on the FedEx Global Month of Service. During April, a community grant-centered contest encouraged team members get involved with local charities. Team members uploaded project photos to a webpage and 40 winners received $1,000 grants for their chosen charities.
Take a look at how we helped FedEx communicate their appreciation for the people who continue to make the company a success. And visit 40yearsofservice.com to see some of the impact FedEx team members had on their communities.
Our contribution didn't stop there. We also developed a web banner for fedex.com, thanking customers for their support of the company in the last 40 years.
And finally, we joined in on the celebration. inferno designed an ad that ran in the "FedEx at 40" edition of Memphis Magazine, congratulating FedEx on their years of service, and we were even able to help participate with one of the teams that served Le Bonheur Children's Hospital.
Navigating the logistics of brand expansion
Streamlining communications to make effective contact can be a challenge. When ReTrans, a Memphis based logistics company approached us to help penetrate a niche category, we knew we could help them navigate the tricky road of reaching new markets.
Working with ReTrans we focused on the key factor that sets them apart: industry expertise.
ReTrans has significant experience moving finicky confectionary and snack products from the manufacturer to the retailer. Their specialized expertise is demonstrated in their ability to design and manage logistic solutions that preserve product integrity, achieve retailer compliance and help their food customers cost-effectively expand into new markets.
We helped ReTrans package those specialized services and create a sub-brand we named and launched as Reach. Reach, Optimized logistics for brands on the grow, represents the niche logistics service ReTrans provides to food manufacturers looking to expand distribution or optimize existing distribution.
Initial brand implementation has included the development of targeted sales collateral and sales promotion materials.
With our help, ReTrans is reaching a wider customer base and successfully maneuvering the path of brand expansion.
Paragon National Bank Gets Neighborly Over Coffee
When your middle name is "National", sometimes it's hard for people to think of you as the bank next door that's committed to growing local businesses. That's exactly the case for Paragon National Bank.
Paragon National Bank wanted a direct mail piece to reach out to business owners and warm them up to the bank's local business focus. Rather than mailing out thousands at once, they wanted to send out a few every week and follow each contact with a personal phone call inviting the business owner to the bank for a conversation.
This personal, neighborly approach inspired inferno's creative. The direct mail piece features coffee imagery on the exterior inviting the business owners to "perk up" their business with a special blend.
The interior is printed with coffee-scented ink, so business owners can smell the opportunity brewing when they open the perforated panel. Inside is an invitation to come into the bank and share a cup of coffee with a friendly, business-banking expert.
As an added incentive, business owners who come in for a friendly chat receive a $25 gift card to a locally owned coffee shop, underscoring the bank's commitment to helping local businesses grow.
inferno burns up the lanes at Admix bowling event
In our spare time, infernites like to strike up a little competition. That's exactly what we did at the latest AAF Memphis Admix event at Billy Hardwick's All Star Lanes. We brought two teams to the event and mingled with some of the city's brightest media and advertising professionals. Some participants were serious alley cats, while others were just there for pizza, beer, and laughs.
But we're no turkeys at inferno. One of our teams dominated the lanes, winning the trophy for best team score. And if that weren't enough, Joe showed off some hot moves (including a killer handstand) to nab the "Best Victory Dance" trophy.
Thanks to the Memphis AAF for hosting such a fun event, and thanks to the other participants for making the night memorable. If you missed out on the fun, check out the Admix website to see photos and find out about future events.
Visit Admix here.
Congratulations to our winning team for showing that inferno can bring the heat in bowling as well as advertising.
inferno Hosts Fuelanthropic Lunch and Learn Event
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — inferno, a full-service advertising, marketing, design and public relations firm, held an event to recognize staff participation in the agency's Fuelanthropic program, which gives employees paid time off each year to support efforts in the community. Since the program's inception, inferno has contributed more than 8,500 hours of service. The event featured Craig Locke of Hope House, inferno's 2013 nonprofit beneficiary, and focused on staff members who are using their Fuelanthropic time to make a difference in and around Memphis.
"The Fuelanthropic program provides our employees with the chance to make a difference in our community through service year round," said Tim Sellers, Agency Partner at inferno. "We truly believe our Fuelanthropic program sets us apart from other agencies and we are proud to have the resources that allow us to continue this program."
The event opened with a presentation from Sellers, who outlined the Fuelanthropic program's history and mission, and then introduced Craig Locke. Director of Development for Hope House, Locke explained the organization's mission within the Memphis community, as well as spoke about the various programs and volunteer positions offered by the organization.
Afterward, inferno employees Liza Routh and Lindsey Woodard showcased how they individually devote their Fuelanthropic time to support the community through the American Advertising Federation of Memphis, Le Bonheur Children's Hospital, Northeast Arkansas Humane Society and the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
In addition, inferno inducted Linda Corti and David Zachry as 2013 Fuelanthropic members. With the help of all Fuelanthropic members, the agency has dedicated more than 100 hours of civic time to serving the community so far this year.
inferno is a leading full-service agency, serving clients in a variety of industry sectors including healthcare, relocation, logistics, retail, banking, agriculture, nonprofit and entertainment. Headquartered in Memphis with satellite offices in Jonesboro, Ark. and Kalamazoo, Mich., inferno has become the strongest mid-size provider of business-to-business and consumer marketing solutions, offering experience in advertising, brand development, graphic design, interactive, public relations, social media and strategic planning.
Seeds of change bear fruit for Family Center
The mission of the Exchange Club Family Center is to break the cycle of child abuse and neglect by replacing abusive and violent behavior with effective parenting skills. inferno's partnership with the Center is longstanding and multifaceted.
inferno Partner Dan O'Brien has served as president of the Center's Board of Directors since 2011. By extension, many inferno employees are involved in projects on the Center's behalf. These projects have included designing, copywriting and overseeing production of The Exchange Club Family Center Annual Report and developing the invitation for the Annual Hands of Hope Auction Party, the Center's largest fundraiser.
The theme of this year's auction party invitation was "Seeds of Change." In addition to original illustration, the invitation included floral shapes cut out of paper imbedded with viable seeds. Planted in a pot or flowerbed, the paper could actually sprout flowers.
The inferno public relations team also spread the word by writing news and calendar releases about the upcoming event and distributing them to media outlets and bloggers.
Interest blossomed with more than 600 people attending the event. Dan provided the opening remarks and was honored to introduce the evening's featured speaker, the Honorable Mayor AC Wharton. Several inferno employees and friends supported the cause by sponsoring tables and bidding on auction items.
The inferno public relations team also coordinated media coverage at the event.
The Hands of Hope Auction Party featured more than 250 auction items and raised $137,000 to support the Center's various programs.
Eclectic Chic
Like art, fashion is in the eye of the beholder. At the intersection of visual acuity and style is inferno client Eclectic Eye.
So there was little doubt Eclectic Eye should be a Memphis Fashion Week sponsor, but the question remained which sponsorship opportunity was the best fit.
inferno public relations specialists and the Eclectic Eye account team assessed the options and made a recommendation. They also asked Memphis Fashion Week organizers to feature eyeglass and sunglass frames from Eclectic Eye's gallery during the weekend events.
To leverage the exposure, the inferno creative department created a special Eclectic Eye ad for the Memphis Fashion Week program and a highly coveted $100 gift certificate for inclusion in the VIP swag bags.
The ad and gift certificate helped drive attendees from Memphis Fashion Week to an l.a. Eyeworks Trunk Show at Eclectic Eye's Cooper Street location.
inferno also created and distributed an eblast to Eclectic Eye's loyal customers, inviting them to join the fun. Social media updates helped spread the word.
An inferno public relations specialist also captured attendees' photos.
Serving lunch. Serving families affected by HIV.
inferno recently welcomed Craig Locke, Director of Development at Hope House, as the speaker at our 2nd Fuelanthropic Lunch and Learn event. Fuelanthropic is the community service initiative for inferno, encouraging each of our employees to serve a part of the community they're passionate about.
Craig talked to inferno employees about Hope House, a Memphis-based organization that assists children and families affected by HIV and AIDS. Hope House was the employee-chosen company charity for 2012, and we decided to continue sponsoring Hope House in 2013 through fundraising, donating supplies, participating in events, and sponsoring families.
In addition to speaking about Hope House's mission, Craig encouraged us to get involved through the Buddy program at Hope House and other events throughout the year. You can find out more about Hope House at hopehousememphis.org.
The Fuelanthropic Lunch and Learn is our chance to recognize new Fuelanthropic members and give employees a chance to share stories about how they're using their time in the community. And, of course, enjoy a meal together.
In addition to Craig's presentation, our own Lindsey Woodard and Liza Routh shared how they've been making a difference in their adopted organizations. Our employees have really been going above and beyond for the last few years. And this year, we've already logged over 100 hours of service, making it clear that 2013 will be another great year of service for inferno.
Way to go, everyone! Thanks for all of your efforts and community involvement.
To learn more about the heart of inferno, visit fuelanthropic.com.
inferno offers a tumbler to fuel creativity
There's nothing worse than staring at a blank page or screen, waiting for inspiration. That's why we combined inferno's creative expertise with our love for food to offer some of our clients a refreshing take on creativity:
The inferno Thinking Cup
We asked our employees what sparks their creative ideas — and they provided several awesome suggestions. Then, we placed each of these suggestions on an insert inside an inferno tumbler. Now, the next time our clients are up late, sipping coffee, and looking for that next big idea, they'll have somewhere to turn for a little extra creative juice.
And our clients weren't the only ones who enjoyed our drink-and-think solution. The Thinking Cup was awarded a silver Addy.
infernites blaze a trail for a good cause
After selecting Hope House as our local beneficiary in 2012, we loved the work they were doing so much that inferno chose to continue our support for Hope House through 2013.
That's why we participated in the Help for Hope 5k as silver sponsors on March 22. But monetary support wasn't enough — several employees jumped at the chance to run for a good cause.
The cold, rainy Memphis day hadn't been enough to douse the spirit of hundreds of Memphians who came out for the fun run and 5k to support Hope House and their work with children and families impacted by HIV/AIDS.
inferno's own Rebecca Bolding, hot off her Souper Bowl win at one of our last events, placed first in her age group during the 5k. Congrats on another win, Becca! And thanks to the other infernites who gave their time to run for a great cause:
Liza Routh
Kacie Ross
Teri Hanners
Joe McLaughlin
Ryan Knoll
Michael Overton
Anne Dugan
After the event, inferno employees met at Movie & Pizza Co. to cool down and relax.
We enjoyed being able to further support Hope House, and we look forward to helping spread a little more hope to our city with Hope House throughout the year.
inferno team members honored as shining lights with Fuelanthropic event
One of the greatest things about inferno is our team's passion for service. Fuelanthropic, the agency program aimed at fueling community involvement and empowering employees to serve, has donated 8,523 civic hours since the agency's inception in 1999.
In 2012 alone, inferno employees racked up 725 volunteer hours.
inferno hosted a special dinner February 21 at South of Beale to honor agency members who contributed service hours in 2012. The festivities included an original cocktail designed for Fuelanthropic, called Fuel's Gold.
Joining the fun were representatives from organizations served last year, including the American Cancer Society, Hope House, AAF Memphis, and the New Ballet Ensemble.
Thanks to the following inferno employees for bringing the same creativity and spirit to their volunteer work as they do to each of our clients. We can't wait to see what they'll do next year!
Ashley Burton
Teri Hanners
Amy Lind
Dan O'Brien
Michael Overton
Colleen Radish
Liza Routh
Lindsey Woodard
Mickey Woodham
To keep up with future Fuelanthropic events, check out our blog, Facebook, and Twitter.
Marketing to women: Eschew the stereotypes
Since International Women's Day falls in March, it seems appropriate for us to examine our industry and consider if the marketing messages we convey are in step with today's women.
Yes, we need to care, because more than $4.3 trillion a year in domestic spending is attributed to women. Another reason to care is that women who experience satisfying customer service are five to ten times more likely to relay that experience than a man. And there's a flip side: brain imaging research shows that negative feelings resonate longer in women than in men.
So how is marketing directed at women missing the mark? If you look at a study conducted by Womankind LLC in July 2011, the answer is typecasting.
Womankind surveyed 217 women between ages 18 and 78. The survey assessed the roles with which women identified themselves. Then researchers compared those roles to the ones depicted in advertising.
What emerged was a clear disconnect between how women consumers view themselves and how advertisers portray women.
For example, advertising often paints a portrait of the woman who is "the dieter," "the housekeeper, " or the "happy shopper." Not one of the women surveyed selected either "the dieter" or "the housekeeper" as one of her most important identities. Only five percent of the women surveyed indicated shopping among their top five identities.
To win the hearts and minds of today's women, marketing must respect that women are multi-dimensional and show them in roles that reflect how they see themselves.
So if all women are different and want to see messages that reflect how they see themselves, how do you accomplish that with finite resources?
The answer is to develop messaging that keeps the most common self-identifiers in mind. Of nearly all the women surveyed, 95% self-identified with "friend." Of these, 51% said the friendship role (which included "friend," "best friend," "companion," and "confidante") was one of the most important.
While the role was most commonly self-identified across all respondents, not one woman surveyed felt marketers addressed this role.
Outside of "friend," the other roles most widely viewed as very important were "mother," "sister," "optimist," "independent," "wife," "traveler," "foodie," and "daughter."
The survey revealed that women see themselves as a manager. More than four-fifths (83.8%) saw themselves as independent, and 79.7% saw themselves as multi-taskers. The survey also showed that nearly seven out of ten women saw themselves as planners (68.2%) or organizers (67.2%).
In short, the vast majority of women saw themselves as busy, in control, and responsible in their time and tasks. But very little advertising concurs with that insight; instead, ads depict women as overwhelmed or ineffective.
So before you launch that next campaign to reach women, think of them as friends and capable CEOs, rather than dieters, housekeepers, and shopping fanatics.
inferno updates Eclectic Eye's look
To recognize this 10-year milestone, Eclectic Eye founders and owners Dr. Michael and Robbie Johnson Weinberg wanted a sleek and contemporary update for their logo. They also wanted an online presence that wouldn't require frequent content updates.
As a result, inferno created a cleaner, bolder version of their Eclectic Eye logo. Changes include dropping "The" from the name, removing the square brackets, using two colors in the eye, adding a dark grey, and simplifying the shape of the eye.
For a web presence, inferno created a page with the updated brand that included only the most important information, eliminating web maintenance issues.
Eclectic Eye shares time-sensitive information, such as events and special promotions, through Facebook and Twitter pages, which now sport the updated logo.
Other updates included a new email template and an ad.