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This is a bit of a belated announcement but it’s about time we update everyone on how excited we are about our new partnership with WyattZier, LLC and their spirit brand 44 North Vodka!
44 North is a brand that DC is very passionate about because of its Idaho roots, the quality of the product and the great people behind the brand. It’s also a very exciting challenge for us to work on a national spirit brand that’s located in our own back yard.
As far as what we’ve been in the kitchen cooking up…you’ll have to hold your breath a bit longer. As a matter of fact why don’t you grab a 44 North and soda or maybe a Doc Holiday to kill the time. Keep you posted on when we expect to roll the new work out.
Cheers,
DRA
A recent survey of corporate communicators indicates that 49 percent believe that press releases are still "as useful as ever" and are not likely to go away soon.
Even so, the 49 percent figure reveals that the old tried-and-true press release device is diminishing in value in the eyes of media professionals. Journalists and bloggers who work in the social media sphere frequently are finding other ways to get the big story.
PR professionals who participated in the poll, conducted by Ragan Communications and PollStream, attributed the decline in the value of press releases to the growth in the use of social media (Facebook, YouTube, twitter, Digg, etc.) and the decline of newspapers and magazines.
The downward trend in the value of press releases has been felt here at Drake Cooper as well. We don't use them as much as we used to. As Joanne Taylor, our PR Director, notes in the PR section of Drake Cooper's web site, "to be effective, we have to work harder" than just issuing a press release. She's right.
We still find that when we have solid news to report, a press release can be an effective device. But to reach the media and bloggers in the social media sphere, we often post a social media news release (SMR) on PitchEngine, a very effective tool for spreading news online. The SMR should include photos, web links and video -- more interactive content that readers expect to see online these days. All of that is part of the extra effort.
In lieu of press releases, we often send out an individual story pitch to editors, a pitch that is customized to the audience and focus of their publication. A story pitch is usually just a couple of sentences to give the "elevator" pitch to an editor that fits his or her notoriously short attention span.
We also are producing more videos for clients to tell stories to the news media. The videos often have more lasting value, and they can be posted on a client's web site and shared on YouTube, Facebook, etc., adding to the number of people who view them by many fold.
So in a way, the poll of corporate PR folks was not necessarily new "news," but it is interesting to watch the trends in the rapidly changing world of public relations. If anything, some corporations have undermined the value of press releases by sending out shamelessly promotional material or glossing over trouble spots. This can undercut their credibility and the believability of press releases in general. We do everything we can do counsel against that type of practice.
Perhaps most telling, even corporate communicators put more trust in information gleaned from the social media than from press releases, according to the poll. Information on corporate web sites was thought to be the least reliable.
- SS
The other day we received a wonderful package from a group of students at Horizon Elementary in Boise. The package was a collection of "thank you" cards from a class who had a field trip at Drake Cooper a few weeks ago.
Talk about creativity! Every card had a unique design and personalized message. Some even had pop-up elements on the inside of the cards while others had crazy folds and shapes. The package made our day.
To all the students, thank you for stopping by and spending time with us. It was a welcomed break... even though you thought I was "112 years old..." Let that be a lesson to you kids on what a career in advertising can do!
Drake Cooper was featured in the October issue of Photo District News, noting our use of original photography . The article was titled "West of Madison Avenue" and featured six smaller agencies across the country who were known for using compelling original photography in print campaigns. Using the images from Northstar Cycle Courier shoot to illustrate, the article focuses on the creative team's flexibility, attention to detail and desire to create authentic feelings with photography. Nice.
The Drake Cooper interactive team continues to receive national accolades for their outstanding work. Most recently, the Idaho Scenic Byways website was recognized at the annual National Transportation Public Affairs Workshop (NTPAW) as the "Nation’s Best Website."
The award was given by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials and it recognizes Idaho Scenic Byways for its well-designed, interactive website which provides a comprehensive way for travelers to view Idaho’s scenic byways in great visual detail.
With Google Maps integration, site visitors can click and choose any desired byway to find information on areas of interest, lodging, events and attractions unique to each byway. Scenic photography is used to help tell the story, with each byway having it’s own photo album. Travelers can use the site to order a free scenic byway guide, link to a national byways web site, or even send a cool e-postcard from the Idaho byway of their choice.
The Idaho Scenic Byways web site is the result of collaboration between the Idaho Transportation Department, Idaho Division of Tourism Development, and Drake Cooper, all of which make up the collaborate in Idaho Scenic Byways’ marketing efforts. The site was designed and developed to promote awareness of the beauty and diversity of Idaho’s scenic byways.
The NTPAW was held in Nashville last month. The award is based on quality, intelligence and creativity, and is peer-judged. Nice work DC interactive!
Drake Cooper loves celebrating break-through creative work. We get involved in our local and regional shows, join our clients' industry award events, and participate nationally whenever we can. And we've been fortunate to win a time or two along the way. So it was very exciting to us when John Drake, our Director of Campaign Planning & Business Development, was asked to help judge the San Diego ADDY awards this year. Joined by representatives from Portland's Ziba Design and WONGDOODY/LA, John helped judge a wide collection of work performed by San Diego firms throughout 2007. Winners will be unveiled at the San Diego ADDY Creative Show on April 4th.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
DC teams up with 44 North Vodka
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This is a bit of a belated announcement but it’s about time we update everyone on how excited we are about our new partnership with WyattZier, LLC and their spirit brand 44 North Vodka!
44 North is a brand that DC is very passionate about because of its Idaho roots, the quality of the product and the great people behind the brand. It’s also a very exciting challenge for us to work on a national spirit brand that’s located in our own back yard.
As far as what we’ve been in the kitchen cooking up…you’ll have to hold your breath a bit longer. As a matter of fact why don’t you grab a 44 North and soda or maybe a Doc Holiday to kill the time. Keep you posted on when we expect to roll the new work out.
Cheers,
DRA
Labels: 44 North Vodka, Drake Cooper, food and beverage
Friday, November 20, 2009
Leadership in Public Relations - PRSA/PRSSA National Conference 2009
I recently had the amazing opportunity of attending the PRSSA (Public Relations Student Society of America) National Conference in San Diego, CA. The conference was a great place for students to connect with other students and professionals in the industry, as well as to get a better feel for where public relations is at and where it is going. There were many workshops that I attended, but I am going to focus on two of my personal favorites from the event.
The first workshop, "A View From the Top: How to stand out as a young professional" was lead by Ron Culp and Kevin Saghy from Ketchum PR. This was a very valuable presentation because it gave both an upper and lower management view of young professionals coming into the field of public relations. They posed four main questions and then gave the responses they received from both upper and lower management, across many different agencies and corporations.
The four questions they asked were:
1. How can young talent stand out in your organization?
2. What example comes to mind of a young professional who advanced quickly in your organization, and why have they done so well?
3. How can/have employees hurt themselves by trying to raise their profile?
4. If you could anonymously say one sentence to your junior staff, what would it be?
There were many responses and quotes given for each question, so I will briefly go over the most common and relevant responses.
1. How can young talent stand out in your organization?
Senior Management - They show initiative, and they are a team player.
Junior Staff - They go the extra mile, and they show a positive attitude.
2. What example comes to mind of a young professional who advanced quickly in your organization, and why have they done so well?
Senior Management - They know the business, they show quality work, engage us with intelligent ideas, and they go the extra mile.
Junior Staff - Quality work, they present smart ideas, they work hard and they are willing to explore new learning opportunities.
3. How can/have employees hurt themselves by trying to raise their profile?
Senior Management - They should not seek credit all of the time, or follow own agenda instead of the agenda of the team.
Junior Staff - Don't throw co-workers under the bus, and don't skip the tactical work. The ones who succeed are the ones who do not have a sense of entitlement.
4. If you could anonymously say one sentence to your junior staff, what would it be?
Senior Management - What are you doing to prepare yourself for the next level? There is not a bad idea in a brainstorming session.
Junior Staff - Become known for your willingness to take on the most challenging, difficult assignments no matter how big or boring. Be the 3 C's: current, curious, and creative!
I feel they addressed a lot of the prominent questions a young professional has when going from college into the professional world. I also had the opportunity to stay after the seminar with a few other students to hang out and talk with Kevin and Ron for about 40 minutes. This was where the real insights came out, and allowed for some great one on one discussion about how the industry is evolving and where they feel it is going from here.
The other event I am going to talk about was the speech given at the PRSA National Conference by Arianna Huffington of the Huffington Post (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/)Arianna was a great speaker, and had some great insights on the industry. The most important piece of information she shared I felt was how drama is a necessary component in the news and in public relations. This is the driving force behind passion, and getting people to care about what you have to say.
Arianna Huffington speaking at the PRSA National Conference in San Diego, CA
Overall, I would say this was an amazing conference where I had the opportunity to meet a number of students and professionals in the field and get some great insight on how Public Relations is changing. Since the day I started at Drake Cooper, I have witnessed a passion and desire to always be ahead of the game by everyone in the agency. This conference strengthened my view on how important this fact is not only for young professionals going into the field, but for professionals already in the public relations field, and in any field for that matter. It is this drive that sets apart the amazing crew at Drake Cooper, and I am very blessed to be apart of it all.
Sean Winnett
The first workshop, "A View From the Top: How to stand out as a young professional" was lead by Ron Culp and Kevin Saghy from Ketchum PR. This was a very valuable presentation because it gave both an upper and lower management view of young professionals coming into the field of public relations. They posed four main questions and then gave the responses they received from both upper and lower management, across many different agencies and corporations.
The four questions they asked were:
1. How can young talent stand out in your organization?
2. What example comes to mind of a young professional who advanced quickly in your organization, and why have they done so well?
3. How can/have employees hurt themselves by trying to raise their profile?
4. If you could anonymously say one sentence to your junior staff, what would it be?
There were many responses and quotes given for each question, so I will briefly go over the most common and relevant responses.
1. How can young talent stand out in your organization?
Senior Management - They show initiative, and they are a team player.
Junior Staff - They go the extra mile, and they show a positive attitude.
2. What example comes to mind of a young professional who advanced quickly in your organization, and why have they done so well?
Senior Management - They know the business, they show quality work, engage us with intelligent ideas, and they go the extra mile.
Junior Staff - Quality work, they present smart ideas, they work hard and they are willing to explore new learning opportunities.
3. How can/have employees hurt themselves by trying to raise their profile?
Senior Management - They should not seek credit all of the time, or follow own agenda instead of the agenda of the team.
Junior Staff - Don't throw co-workers under the bus, and don't skip the tactical work. The ones who succeed are the ones who do not have a sense of entitlement.
4. If you could anonymously say one sentence to your junior staff, what would it be?
Senior Management - What are you doing to prepare yourself for the next level? There is not a bad idea in a brainstorming session.
Junior Staff - Become known for your willingness to take on the most challenging, difficult assignments no matter how big or boring. Be the 3 C's: current, curious, and creative!
I feel they addressed a lot of the prominent questions a young professional has when going from college into the professional world. I also had the opportunity to stay after the seminar with a few other students to hang out and talk with Kevin and Ron for about 40 minutes. This was where the real insights came out, and allowed for some great one on one discussion about how the industry is evolving and where they feel it is going from here.
The other event I am going to talk about was the speech given at the PRSA National Conference by Arianna Huffington of the Huffington Post (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/)Arianna was a great speaker, and had some great insights on the industry. The most important piece of information she shared I felt was how drama is a necessary component in the news and in public relations. This is the driving force behind passion, and getting people to care about what you have to say.
Arianna Huffington speaking at the PRSA National Conference in San Diego, CA
Overall, I would say this was an amazing conference where I had the opportunity to meet a number of students and professionals in the field and get some great insight on how Public Relations is changing. Since the day I started at Drake Cooper, I have witnessed a passion and desire to always be ahead of the game by everyone in the agency. This conference strengthened my view on how important this fact is not only for young professionals going into the field, but for professionals already in the public relations field, and in any field for that matter. It is this drive that sets apart the amazing crew at Drake Cooper, and I am very blessed to be apart of it all.
Sean Winnett
Labels: Arianna Huffington, Drake Cooper, National Conference, PRSA, PRSSA, Public Relations
Monday, November 16, 2009
Press Releases still have some value, according to corporate PR wonks
A recent survey of corporate communicators indicates that 49 percent believe that press releases are still "as useful as ever" and are not likely to go away soon.
Even so, the 49 percent figure reveals that the old tried-and-true press release device is diminishing in value in the eyes of media professionals. Journalists and bloggers who work in the social media sphere frequently are finding other ways to get the big story.
PR professionals who participated in the poll, conducted by Ragan Communications and PollStream, attributed the decline in the value of press releases to the growth in the use of social media (Facebook, YouTube, twitter, Digg, etc.) and the decline of newspapers and magazines.
The downward trend in the value of press releases has been felt here at Drake Cooper as well. We don't use them as much as we used to. As Joanne Taylor, our PR Director, notes in the PR section of Drake Cooper's web site, "to be effective, we have to work harder" than just issuing a press release. She's right.
We still find that when we have solid news to report, a press release can be an effective device. But to reach the media and bloggers in the social media sphere, we often post a social media news release (SMR) on PitchEngine, a very effective tool for spreading news online. The SMR should include photos, web links and video -- more interactive content that readers expect to see online these days. All of that is part of the extra effort.
In lieu of press releases, we often send out an individual story pitch to editors, a pitch that is customized to the audience and focus of their publication. A story pitch is usually just a couple of sentences to give the "elevator" pitch to an editor that fits his or her notoriously short attention span.
We also are producing more videos for clients to tell stories to the news media. The videos often have more lasting value, and they can be posted on a client's web site and shared on YouTube, Facebook, etc., adding to the number of people who view them by many fold.
So in a way, the poll of corporate PR folks was not necessarily new "news," but it is interesting to watch the trends in the rapidly changing world of public relations. If anything, some corporations have undermined the value of press releases by sending out shamelessly promotional material or glossing over trouble spots. This can undercut their credibility and the believability of press releases in general. We do everything we can do counsel against that type of practice.
Perhaps most telling, even corporate communicators put more trust in information gleaned from the social media than from press releases, according to the poll. Information on corporate web sites was thought to be the least reliable.
- SS
Labels: Drake Cooper, media promotion, press release, Social media, social media news release
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
DC after Dark
Twice a week from 6-9pm in a remote classroom on the campus of Boise State and sometimes in a familiar conference room, with orange globe lights located in Idaho's coolest ad place-space a group of 16 students and 1 DC peep (posing as an adjunct professor) engage in studiously creative and curiously compelling conversations sponsored by all things caffeinated, sugar dipped, and hand clicked. (how's that for a run on sentence?)
For your viewing pleasure: Deliciously flavored eye candy from a recently completed project: "Collateral Damage." Created by 16 of Boise's newest soon to be finest design-alists.
Note: Art 203 is the first, in a series of design classes, that are part of the Graphic Design curriculum at BSU.
For your viewing pleasure: Deliciously flavored eye candy from a recently completed project: "Collateral Damage." Created by 16 of Boise's newest soon to be finest design-alists.
Note: Art 203 is the first, in a series of design classes, that are part of the Graphic Design curriculum at BSU.
Labels: Drake Cooper
Friday, April 24, 2009
Drake Cooper wins 20 Rockies, on its way to National ADDY Awards with five
Drake Cooper walked (ok, we skipped) away from the Idaho Advertising Federation annual Rockies Awards with nine Gold Rockies, ten Silver and the prestigious Best of Show award. We share these awards with our clients The United Dairymen of Idaho, Idaho Lottery, Jensen Jewelers, CBH Homes and the Idaho Division of Tourism.
As is custom, the nine Gold Rockies and Best of Show award were submitted to the American Advertising Federation Regional ADDY Awards. Of those 10 submissions, Drake Cooper received five Silver ADDY Awards and five Gold. The Golds now continue to the National ADDY Awards, to be held May 8-9 in Washington D.C. Please keep your fingers crossed for us!
To view and/or comment on Drake Cooper’s award-winning work, please see our Facebook page located here.
To view and/or comment on Drake Cooper’s award-winning work, please see our Facebook page located here.
Labels: creativity, Drake Cooper
Monday, March 16, 2009
A Very Nice Thank You
The other day we received a wonderful package from a group of students at Horizon Elementary in Boise. The package was a collection of "thank you" cards from a class who had a field trip at Drake Cooper a few weeks ago.Talk about creativity! Every card had a unique design and personalized message. Some even had pop-up elements on the inside of the cards while others had crazy folds and shapes. The package made our day.
To all the students, thank you for stopping by and spending time with us. It was a welcomed break... even though you thought I was "112 years old..." Let that be a lesson to you kids on what a career in advertising can do!
Labels: Drake Cooper
Sunday, March 1, 2009
keep it in perspective...
On the PRSA Idaho blog David Compton mentioned that I promised to post a blog a few weeks ago and went to Lake Tahoe to play with my kids instead. I'm repeating my response here:
This brings up a good discussion point and a chance to articulate something I have been thinking about for a few weeks. While I get the value of social media, preach its relevance, and engage in it on several levels, you'll notice that I am not a frequent contributor. I chime in once or twice every couple of days and try to keep my comments meaningful. If I wanted to chit chat, I'd call you on the phone or ask you to meet me for coffee. If I wanted to share antedotes about my life or a day in my life, I'd share them with those closest to me--my family and long-time pals. I don't need Facebook or twitter, LinkedIn, Flickr or any other platform to connect with them and, God forbid, I sit at a computer and communicate with people I hardly know instead of walking into the next room and getting in a good snuggle from one of my kids or even my dog. Also, don't you just want to get outside? With all the online banter going on among those in social media circles, I question whether many of these people are living or just talking about it. I'm sure I'm going to catch hell for this post and there will be several comments/arguments to what I've said. I get that but I won't have time to respond to many of them because my eight-year-old has just asked me for the third time if I could sit down with her at the piano and help her learn a new song...I can't think of a better way to end the night and wouldn't trade the time we spend together for 500 Facebook friends.
Labels: Drake Cooper
Monday, January 12, 2009
NW Energy Innovation Summit inspires discussion on alternative energy development
When Amory Lovins penned the ground-breaking book Soft Energy Paths many years ago, I figured it would be a while before America’s commitment to finite energy sources such as oil and gas, coal and nuclear would wane. Someday, I figured, the powers that be and the marketplace would gravitate toward alternative and renewable energy.
But I had no idea it would take sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo long.
Finally, after Americans got soaked by the big oil companies last summer when Exxon Mobil and others made record profits from $4-per-gallon gasoline, people are starting to look at alternative energy sources in a new and big way, not to mention hybrid and electric cars.
Idaho has embraced a goal of becoming 25 percent energy independent by 2025, more large-scale renewable energy projects are pending in this state than ever before, and Idaho Power Co.’s big push in the future is to save energy through improved energy-efficient building practices, tighter insulation and conservation. Idaho ranks No. 5 in the nation in terms of renewable energy development potential.
It is against this backdrop that Boise entrepreneur Mark Rivers organized the Northwest Energy Innovation Summit, which began today in Boise. Mr. Rivers has lined up a bevy of Idaho, regional and national authorities, including Woodrow Clark II, Senior Fellow at the Milken Institute and co-recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize (2007) on climate change, Bill Jayne, regional director of GE Power and Water, Dr. David Hill, deputy director of INL and Catherine Wolfram, co-executive director of the Center for Energy and Environmental Innovation at Cal-Berkeley. The list goes on.
In some respects, Idaho has been on the forefront of alternative energy development given its history. Arco was the first U.S. city powered by atomic power, Idaho Power developed its power base on our mighty Snake River with scores of hydroelectric power projects, and INL continues to be a key national R&D lab for tech transfer projects. Idaho is No. 1 in the nation for patents filed per capita – our thirst for business innovation continues to be strong.
Some key ingredients moving forward will be whether the Idaho Legislature, the Obama administration and Congress provide new financial incentives for alternative energy development. Clearly, we need political leadership on this issue and a host of financial incentives for the private sector to jump in with both feet.
We also need to do a much better job of publicizing the alternative/renewable energy projects that already have been developed, and sharing this information with the general public and business community. This is an area where Drake Cooper expects to leverage its skill set to assist in what could become a major area of economic growth in Idaho and the Northwest. One speaker said we are poised on the edge of the "Third Industrial Revolution."
Thanks to Mark Rivers for getting the ball rolling. Let’s hope that the produces a great buzz and human energy to get this movement going in a big way in Idaho. - Steve Stuebner
But I had no idea it would take sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo long.
Finally, after Americans got soaked by the big oil companies last summer when Exxon Mobil and others made record profits from $4-per-gallon gasoline, people are starting to look at alternative energy sources in a new and big way, not to mention hybrid and electric cars.
Idaho has embraced a goal of becoming 25 percent energy independent by 2025, more large-scale renewable energy projects are pending in this state than ever before, and Idaho Power Co.’s big push in the future is to save energy through improved energy-efficient building practices, tighter insulation and conservation. Idaho ranks No. 5 in the nation in terms of renewable energy development potential.
It is against this backdrop that Boise entrepreneur Mark Rivers organized the Northwest Energy Innovation Summit, which began today in Boise. Mr. Rivers has lined up a bevy of Idaho, regional and national authorities, including Woodrow Clark II, Senior Fellow at the Milken Institute and co-recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize (2007) on climate change, Bill Jayne, regional director of GE Power and Water, Dr. David Hill, deputy director of INL and Catherine Wolfram, co-executive director of the Center for Energy and Environmental Innovation at Cal-Berkeley. The list goes on.
In some respects, Idaho has been on the forefront of alternative energy development given its history. Arco was the first U.S. city powered by atomic power, Idaho Power developed its power base on our mighty Snake River with scores of hydroelectric power projects, and INL continues to be a key national R&D lab for tech transfer projects. Idaho is No. 1 in the nation for patents filed per capita – our thirst for business innovation continues to be strong.
Some key ingredients moving forward will be whether the Idaho Legislature, the Obama administration and Congress provide new financial incentives for alternative energy development. Clearly, we need political leadership on this issue and a host of financial incentives for the private sector to jump in with both feet.
We also need to do a much better job of publicizing the alternative/renewable energy projects that already have been developed, and sharing this information with the general public and business community. This is an area where Drake Cooper expects to leverage its skill set to assist in what could become a major area of economic growth in Idaho and the Northwest. One speaker said we are poised on the edge of the "Third Industrial Revolution."
Thanks to Mark Rivers for getting the ball rolling. Let’s hope that the produces a great buzz and human energy to get this movement going in a big way in Idaho. - Steve Stuebner
Labels: alternative energy, Boise, Drake Cooper, innovation, renewable energy
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Learning Lab Dreams Big with Drake Cooper
The Learning Lab, a literacy and basic skills center for adults and families in the Treasure Valley, has been selected as the first recipient of the Drake Cooper Dream Big Program. The new annual program bequests a local non-profit with Drake Cooper services including brand development, marketing and public relations for the selected organization.
Learning Lab’s objective is to strengthen today’s community and workforce through training and education. Their students receive instruction in basic skills including mathematics, reading, writing, spelling and GED preparation. Learning Lab provides classes for adult basic skills, family literacy for adults and their children, ages 2 months to 6 years old, and English Language Learners.
“We are very excited to be working with Learning Lab this year,” said Jamie Cooper, Drake Cooper CEO. “Often times poor literacy skills contribute to generational poverty and social problems like crime and juvenile delinquency. Through our partnership with the Learning Lab in 2009, our goal is to enhance awareness of this important organization and ultimately to increase literacy in our community.”
From its conception in 1991, Learning Lab has been a leading force in the fight against illiteracy, and there has always been a waiting list for services. Learning Lab has a staff of 13, mostly part time teachers, and nearly 80 volunteer tutors. If you’d like to volunteer your time, or to make a charitable contribution, please contact Ann Heilman at (208) 344-1335.
About Learning Lab
As the Treasure Valley’s leading nonprofit family literacy and basic skills center, the Learning Lab creates opportunities through education and fulfills its mission of enhancing the literacy skills of undereducated families and adults. Since 1991, the Learning Lab has served hundreds of families from Boise and surrounding communities, helping them achieve their dreams of breaking the generational cycle of illiteracy and leaving poverty behind. All Learning Lab students bring the positive impacts of their increased literacy with them into their families, their jobs, and our community. For more information, please visit www.learninglabinc.org
Learning Lab’s objective is to strengthen today’s community and workforce through training and education. Their students receive instruction in basic skills including mathematics, reading, writing, spelling and GED preparation. Learning Lab provides classes for adult basic skills, family literacy for adults and their children, ages 2 months to 6 years old, and English Language Learners.
“We are very excited to be working with Learning Lab this year,” said Jamie Cooper, Drake Cooper CEO. “Often times poor literacy skills contribute to generational poverty and social problems like crime and juvenile delinquency. Through our partnership with the Learning Lab in 2009, our goal is to enhance awareness of this important organization and ultimately to increase literacy in our community.”
From its conception in 1991, Learning Lab has been a leading force in the fight against illiteracy, and there has always been a waiting list for services. Learning Lab has a staff of 13, mostly part time teachers, and nearly 80 volunteer tutors. If you’d like to volunteer your time, or to make a charitable contribution, please contact Ann Heilman at (208) 344-1335.
About Learning Lab
As the Treasure Valley’s leading nonprofit family literacy and basic skills center, the Learning Lab creates opportunities through education and fulfills its mission of enhancing the literacy skills of undereducated families and adults. Since 1991, the Learning Lab has served hundreds of families from Boise and surrounding communities, helping them achieve their dreams of breaking the generational cycle of illiteracy and leaving poverty behind. All Learning Lab students bring the positive impacts of their increased literacy with them into their families, their jobs, and our community. For more information, please visit www.learninglabinc.org
Labels: Drake Cooper, Dream Big, Pro bono
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Happy Hollah Days
Monday, December 15, 2008
New published works by Drake Cooper employees
Drake Cooper employs many fine individuals who, in addition to exceeding client expectations daily, pursue a number of a diverse hobbies and interests outside of work. Two of those stellar employees have recently published two very different (but equally awesome) products.
Assistant Art Director Cale Cathey has an amazing talent for design and illustration, particularly hand-drawn illustrations. He recently illustrated an entire children's book published by the Boise State Bookstore Press. The book, entitled “Buster Becomes a Bronco,” is a light-hearted fictional history of how the Boise State mascot came into existence. You can order it here. Congrats Cale, on your foray into children's literature!
Referred to as a “local celebrity” by reporters, Public Relations Account Manager Steve Stuebner recently added to his collection of existing work with the production of Boise’s first-ever road cycling guide. The map and guide is printed on water and tear-proof paper and the cover features a shot of Idaho’s golden girl, Kristin Armstrong. It gives detailed information on 30-plus rides in the Treasure Valley and surrounding areas including difficulty, distance, travel time (both race pace and recreational pace), start/finish location and directions. The map is Steve’s seventh trail guide. Find out more about Steve and order his publications at his website, www.stevestuebner.com. Nice job, Stuebner.
Assistant Art Director Cale Cathey has an amazing talent for design and illustration, particularly hand-drawn illustrations. He recently illustrated an entire children's book published by the Boise State Bookstore Press. The book, entitled “Buster Becomes a Bronco,” is a light-hearted fictional history of how the Boise State mascot came into existence. You can order it here. Congrats Cale, on your foray into children's literature!
Referred to as a “local celebrity” by reporters, Public Relations Account Manager Steve Stuebner recently added to his collection of existing work with the production of Boise’s first-ever road cycling guide. The map and guide is printed on water and tear-proof paper and the cover features a shot of Idaho’s golden girl, Kristin Armstrong. It gives detailed information on 30-plus rides in the Treasure Valley and surrounding areas including difficulty, distance, travel time (both race pace and recreational pace), start/finish location and directions. The map is Steve’s seventh trail guide. Find out more about Steve and order his publications at his website, www.stevestuebner.com. Nice job, Stuebner.Labels: Drake Cooper, Drake Cooper employees
Monday, November 10, 2008
Drake Cooper featured in Photo District News magazine
Drake Cooper was featured in the October issue of Photo District News, noting our use of original photography . The article was titled "West of Madison Avenue" and featured six smaller agencies across the country who were known for using compelling original photography in print campaigns. Using the images from Northstar Cycle Courier shoot to illustrate, the article focuses on the creative team's flexibility, attention to detail and desire to create authentic feelings with photography. Nice.
Labels: Drake Cooper
Thursday, October 2, 2008
"Nation's Best Website." No, Really.
The Drake Cooper interactive team continues to receive national accolades for their outstanding work. Most recently, the Idaho Scenic Byways website was recognized at the annual National Transportation Public Affairs Workshop (NTPAW) as the "Nation’s Best Website."
The award was given by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials and it recognizes Idaho Scenic Byways for its well-designed, interactive website which provides a comprehensive way for travelers to view Idaho’s scenic byways in great visual detail.
With Google Maps integration, site visitors can click and choose any desired byway to find information on areas of interest, lodging, events and attractions unique to each byway. Scenic photography is used to help tell the story, with each byway having it’s own photo album. Travelers can use the site to order a free scenic byway guide, link to a national byways web site, or even send a cool e-postcard from the Idaho byway of their choice.
The Idaho Scenic Byways web site is the result of collaboration between the Idaho Transportation Department, Idaho Division of Tourism Development, and Drake Cooper, all of which make up the collaborate in Idaho Scenic Byways’ marketing efforts. The site was designed and developed to promote awareness of the beauty and diversity of Idaho’s scenic byways.
The NTPAW was held in Nashville last month. The award is based on quality, intelligence and creativity, and is peer-judged. Nice work DC interactive!
Labels: Drake Cooper, Web
Thursday, August 14, 2008
We're Hiring Again...
Drake Cooper is looking for a Media Specialist Extraordinaire! If you love all things Media, from negotiating rates to reconciling discrepancies, from research to analysis, from GRPs to CPPs to HUT/PUT/PUR you might be the one for us! We’d love to add a savvy guy or gal who knows all there is to know about new forms of media, dreams at night of Excel spreadsheets and gets a kick out of statistics to our progressive, fun-loving, wii-playing, peace-spreading, sagacious ad shop. Bowling trophies and/or secret bird-calling talents aren’t required, but certainly help. And please, the telephone is so 80’s. This is the 21st! Emails only! Please send your resume and cover letter to hvogt@drakecooper.com. Must possess a four-year college degree and a couple years experience in media planning and buying. All the usual benefits apply.
Labels: Drake Cooper
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Recent Employee Additions
Matt Stevens joins the interactive team as designer bringing skills in design, video production and motion graphics. Recently, Matt was the Creative Director for the Idaho Steelheads and Boise Burn and ran his own design firm; Complement Studio. Prior to that Matt worked for Action Sports Media, the creative agency for the Portland Trailblazers.
Dylan Amundson joins the Account team as a Project Manager. Dylan's recent brand experience includes working on Harley-Davidson, Subaru, and Jack's Links while working for Carmichael Lynch in Minneapolis.
Dylan Amundson joins the Account team as a Project Manager. Dylan's recent brand experience includes working on Harley-Davidson, Subaru, and Jack's Links while working for Carmichael Lynch in Minneapolis.
Labels: Drake Cooper
Friday, May 23, 2008
Wanted. Help.
Drake Cooper, the most modest, creative, selfless, savvy, well-respected, real, well-rounded, winner of Most Likely to Succeed award needs a like minded account guru that can light the world on fire, cure bad diseases, save children from things, create global cooling, make peace with rivaling tribes, bring smiles and results through advertising and marketing, with particular emphasis on understanding account strategy, online and new media, AND a desire and ability to lead major accounts, who will appreciate and respect said person such that an inner peace will engulf this person to such a point that all will be good and in harmony with the universe creating personal as well as client bliss...should apply to Drake Cooper right away for the position of Account Manager, as long as said person has notable experience, drive, gumption, gallons of passion, golden references, aka –"extreme skills", in marketing strategy, leadership, account management, AND is well versed in all things that are a-changin’ in the advertising agency world, including but not limited to, social marketing, new media and account planning and is a progressive thinker, do-er, and a lover not a fighter type. Pay commensurate with desire. Don’t hesitate. Get. Going. Now. The usual benefits apply. www.drakecooper.com / hvogt@drakecooper.com
Labels: Drake Cooper
Monday, May 5, 2008
When I was 6, Abe Lincoln made cameos in my dreams.
DC Report on Magnet Creative Conf. in Chicago.
Drake Cooper affiliate agency network, Magnet Global, recently assembled at the Hard Rock in Chicago, hosting creative leaders from the Martin Agency, Cramer Kresselt, and The Concept Farm; and Drake Cooper was in attendance.
This year’s theme, ‘The Craft of Creative’ kicked-off with The Martin Agency’s Bob Meagher, enlightening Magnet agency creatives with very cool insight on his work on the Geico account. Bob shared the gorey details of shooting the ubiquitous ‘but I do have good news...’ spot series and the ‘paid celebrity interpreter’ campaigns to boot -- including some sweet backstory on shooting with Burt Bacharach, Little Richard, and managing the artistic demands of Miss Butterworth.
Next, Bill Hallgren of Cramer-Kresselt featured a case-study on launching the Rozerum sleep-aid brand on the shoulders of Abraham Lincoln, a talking beaver, and random scuba diver dude. Rozerum’s “Your Dreams Miss You” campaign is a perfect case study on how bold, weird, and oddly familiar (see title) creative truly gives clients more bang for their buck -- being outspent 2-to-1 by pharma competitors and, ultimately, netting a higher brand ranking and exceeding sales goals for Rozerum.
Our final guest slots featured Jesse Coane and Rich Browd, both affiliated with The Concept Farm in New York. One a director/editor cutting his teeth with ESPN sports and BMW motorcycle; the other a renaissance artist leading branding and merchandising for MTV, along with any other creative muse which strikes his fancy. Here, the great takeaway for those in attendance was the completely open landscape for the next generation of creatives and the many paths available to anyone with a creative itch (Browd developed his own line of women’s underwear in the 8th grade).
All in all a most excellent gathering with DC’s fellow Magnet creatives, including great discussion, the sharing of ideas, and even a little friendly competition -- where DC won one of three awards for our new Northstar Cycle Courier campaign. Our thanks to Magnet for providing such a cool and stimulating forum for creatives. Looking forward to next year.
Drake Cooper affiliate agency network, Magnet Global, recently assembled at the Hard Rock in Chicago, hosting creative leaders from the Martin Agency, Cramer Kresselt, and The Concept Farm; and Drake Cooper was in attendance.
This year’s theme, ‘The Craft of Creative’ kicked-off with The Martin Agency’s Bob Meagher, enlightening Magnet agency creatives with very cool insight on his work on the Geico account. Bob shared the gorey details of shooting the ubiquitous ‘but I do have good news...’ spot series and the ‘paid celebrity interpreter’ campaigns to boot -- including some sweet backstory on shooting with Burt Bacharach, Little Richard, and managing the artistic demands of Miss Butterworth.
Next, Bill Hallgren of Cramer-Kresselt featured a case-study on launching the Rozerum sleep-aid brand on the shoulders of Abraham Lincoln, a talking beaver, and random scuba diver dude. Rozerum’s “Your Dreams Miss You” campaign is a perfect case study on how bold, weird, and oddly familiar (see title) creative truly gives clients more bang for their buck -- being outspent 2-to-1 by pharma competitors and, ultimately, netting a higher brand ranking and exceeding sales goals for Rozerum.
Our final guest slots featured Jesse Coane and Rich Browd, both affiliated with The Concept Farm in New York. One a director/editor cutting his teeth with ESPN sports and BMW motorcycle; the other a renaissance artist leading branding and merchandising for MTV, along with any other creative muse which strikes his fancy. Here, the great takeaway for those in attendance was the completely open landscape for the next generation of creatives and the many paths available to anyone with a creative itch (Browd developed his own line of women’s underwear in the 8th grade).
All in all a most excellent gathering with DC’s fellow Magnet creatives, including great discussion, the sharing of ideas, and even a little friendly competition -- where DC won one of three awards for our new Northstar Cycle Courier campaign. Our thanks to Magnet for providing such a cool and stimulating forum for creatives. Looking forward to next year.
Labels: Drake Cooper, Marketing
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Award Season
Every industry enjoys acknowledgment, and advertising is no different. This season, Drake Cooper is happy to report that the agency took home 37 Rockies at the state ad industry award show. Among the total were 5 Golds and 22 Silvers.
We share these awards with the following DC clients: the Idaho Lottery, Home Federal Bank, the Idaho Travel Council, Jensen Jewelers, Zoo Boise, the Idaho Department of Health & Welfare, Vertical Corp., the Idaho Department of Commerce, the City of Boise and S1.
We also want to congratulate cross town agency Noot Group on taking home "Best of Show" honors for Meriwether Ranch in the Sales Promotion category. Very nicely done.
Idaho shops also did well in the 5-State Northwest ADDY awards, the American Advertising Federation's annual award show series. For our part Drake Cooper took home Gold ADDYs on behalf of the Idaho Travel Council in the Consumer Trade Pub category and on behalf of the Idaho Department of Health & Welfare in the Public Service category. DC Silver NW ADDYs were won on behalf of Home Federal Bank in the Mixed Media (Cross Platform) and Newspaper categories.
A complete listing of the AAF's NW ADDY winners can be downloaded here. Congratulations to all the award accomplishments so far this season...
We also want to congratulate cross town agency Noot Group on taking home "Best of Show" honors for Meriwether Ranch in the Sales Promotion category. Very nicely done.
Idaho shops also did well in the 5-State Northwest ADDY awards, the American Advertising Federation's annual award show series. For our part Drake Cooper took home Gold ADDYs on behalf of the Idaho Travel Council in the Consumer Trade Pub category and on behalf of the Idaho Department of Health & Welfare in the Public Service category. DC Silver NW ADDYs were won on behalf of Home Federal Bank in the Mixed Media (Cross Platform) and Newspaper categories.
A complete listing of the AAF's NW ADDY winners can be downloaded here. Congratulations to all the award accomplishments so far this season...
Labels: Advertising, Advertising Awards, Drake Cooper
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Judging the San Diego ADDY Awards
Drake Cooper loves celebrating break-through creative work. We get involved in our local and regional shows, join our clients' industry award events, and participate nationally whenever we can. And we've been fortunate to win a time or two along the way. So it was very exciting to us when John Drake, our Director of Campaign Planning & Business Development, was asked to help judge the San Diego ADDY awards this year. Joined by representatives from Portland's Ziba Design and WONGDOODY/LA, John helped judge a wide collection of work performed by San Diego firms throughout 2007. Winners will be unveiled at the San Diego ADDY Creative Show on April 4th.
Labels: Drake Cooper, Marketing
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Welcome to Drake Cooper
Hi and welcome to Drake Cooper, our brand new 30-year-old agency. Drake Cooper, formerly es/drake, formerly Elgin Syferd Drake, formerly WR Drake and Company, was founded by Bill Drake in 1978 right across the street from our new location in BoDo here in Boise.
In short, we are an agency on the move. Taking that great 30 year legacy and all the good karma from that, we are questioning everything that isn’t bolted down. Well, we question that stuff too. Why? Because to be in our business is to embrace change. To do it the way it has always been done doesn’t work. We have to constantly look for new and better ways of LEADING our clients in creative ways -- to help them be more efficient and more successful in communicating with (not at) their target market. To be their trusted advisors and to produce work that is impactful and gets results they can take to the bank. The market demands that of any agency in 2008, and we don’t want to be just any old agency. We want to be the best. Plus, I agree with Jack Welch’s thinking - the best time to change is before you have to.
So change will happen. This past year, we have added some new key folks to the team. We have spent some time internally thinking about how to be more effective and efficient. We have spent some late nights working on some really fun and very integrated campaigns for our clients. And we have said good-bye to our old office of almost 20 years and embraced a new work space and way of working that is almost the polar opposite of what we had. This new place is open and light, with big fir beams, brick and steel. It is uncluttered and open. The work space fosters collaboration and communication. Two things that make it all work. It’s been a big year for this agency. I have watched it grow and watched people move it forward and grow with it. It couldn’t be a more fun and exciting time. And in the end, isn't that what it's about? We are having fun and I think the work shows it.
Welcome to our new-old agency and welcome to our site. We hope you enjoy it and have some fun too. And, hey, if you’re in the hood, swing in and say hi.
-Jamie
In short, we are an agency on the move. Taking that great 30 year legacy and all the good karma from that, we are questioning everything that isn’t bolted down. Well, we question that stuff too. Why? Because to be in our business is to embrace change. To do it the way it has always been done doesn’t work. We have to constantly look for new and better ways of LEADING our clients in creative ways -- to help them be more efficient and more successful in communicating with (not at) their target market. To be their trusted advisors and to produce work that is impactful and gets results they can take to the bank. The market demands that of any agency in 2008, and we don’t want to be just any old agency. We want to be the best. Plus, I agree with Jack Welch’s thinking - the best time to change is before you have to.
So change will happen. This past year, we have added some new key folks to the team. We have spent some time internally thinking about how to be more effective and efficient. We have spent some late nights working on some really fun and very integrated campaigns for our clients. And we have said good-bye to our old office of almost 20 years and embraced a new work space and way of working that is almost the polar opposite of what we had. This new place is open and light, with big fir beams, brick and steel. It is uncluttered and open. The work space fosters collaboration and communication. Two things that make it all work. It’s been a big year for this agency. I have watched it grow and watched people move it forward and grow with it. It couldn’t be a more fun and exciting time. And in the end, isn't that what it's about? We are having fun and I think the work shows it.
Welcome to our new-old agency and welcome to our site. We hope you enjoy it and have some fun too. And, hey, if you’re in the hood, swing in and say hi.
-Jamie
Labels: Drake Cooper
New Blood
Following our recent move from 9th and Jefferson to the Drake Cooper building in BoDo, we’ve added three more full-time employees to our thriving team of creative professionals.
Javier Barrera comes on board as a valuable (and much needed!) addition to the agency’s growing interactive team. Javier will be charged with providing support for both server and client-side coding. Prior to joining Drake Cooper, Javier worked with Rizen Creative as a web developer. His background includes experience in web development, interactive design and database management. Javier holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Idaho.
Lindsay Shumate has just joined Drake Cooper as an account coordinator after a successful run as an intern during the summer of 2007. Lindsay works closely with Drake Cooper’s account service team, assisting with client work for CBH Homes, Idaho Department of Agriculture/Idaho Preferred, and Hopkins Financial, to name a few. She received a bachelor’s degree in advertising with an emphasis in psychology from the University of Idaho.
Megan Godwin has joined Drake Cooper as the agency’s brand ambassador. As the first person clients see when they walk in the door, Megan is charged with helping to represent the face of the company. She also assists with media buying efforts, campaign research and coordination. Megan completed a successful internship with Drake Cooper in 2005 and is excited about being at the agency again. She has bachelor’s degrees in public relations and advertising from the University of Idaho.
Javier Barrera comes on board as a valuable (and much needed!) addition to the agency’s growing interactive team. Javier will be charged with providing support for both server and client-side coding. Prior to joining Drake Cooper, Javier worked with Rizen Creative as a web developer. His background includes experience in web development, interactive design and database management. Javier holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Idaho.
Lindsay Shumate has just joined Drake Cooper as an account coordinator after a successful run as an intern during the summer of 2007. Lindsay works closely with Drake Cooper’s account service team, assisting with client work for CBH Homes, Idaho Department of Agriculture/Idaho Preferred, and Hopkins Financial, to name a few. She received a bachelor’s degree in advertising with an emphasis in psychology from the University of Idaho.
Megan Godwin has joined Drake Cooper as the agency’s brand ambassador. As the first person clients see when they walk in the door, Megan is charged with helping to represent the face of the company. She also assists with media buying efforts, campaign research and coordination. Megan completed a successful internship with Drake Cooper in 2005 and is excited about being at the agency again. She has bachelor’s degrees in public relations and advertising from the University of Idaho.
Labels: Drake Cooper
Pro-Bo (yes)
We’re excited to announce the addition of wish granting to Drake Cooper’s list of client services. This year, Drake Cooper will begin accepting applications for our newly created Dream Big program. This program will provide a charitable, non-profit organization in the Treasure Valley with an integrated marketing communications campaign that will include valuable services such as market research, branding, public relations, creative strategy and design, and website design and development – all pro bono. The agency will also lend it’s collective hand to the cause and help to carry out the mission of the organization wherever possible.
Drake Cooper is looking for applicants who are truly passionate about their cause and working to make a difference in the community. Organizations must be fun to work with, progressive, invigorated and an IRS designated 501 © (3) organization. So go ahead, dream on. Then visit www.drakecooper.com/dreambig for more information and an application.
Drake Cooper is looking for applicants who are truly passionate about their cause and working to make a difference in the community. Organizations must be fun to work with, progressive, invigorated and an IRS designated 501 © (3) organization. So go ahead, dream on. Then visit www.drakecooper.com/dreambig for more information and an application.
Labels: Drake Cooper
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