Steve’s breakdown: The new Kraft includes brands: A.1., Capri Sun, Cheez Whiz, Cool Whip, Cracker Barrel, Deluxe, Gevalia, Jell-O, Kool-Aid, Kraft, Oscar Mayer Lunchables, Maxwell House, Miracle Whip, Oscar Mayer, Philadelphia, Planters, Polly-O, Stove Top and Velveeta
GLENVIEW, IL: Kraft Foods Group Inc. (KRFT) has named its beverages [...]
Posts in category Region: Mid-West USA
1st CMO at Kraft Foods Group
Steve’s breakdown: The new Kraft includes brands: A.1., Capri Sun, Cheez Whiz, Cool Whip, Cracker Barrel, Deluxe, Gevalia, Jell-O, Kool-Aid, Kraft, Oscar Mayer Lunchables, Maxwell House, Miracle Whip, Oscar Mayer, Philadelphia, Planters, Polly-O, Stove Top and Velveeta
GLENVIEW, IL: Kraft Foods Group Inc. (KRFT) has named its beverages [...]
Three type 2 diabetes drugs get approval at Takeda
Steve’s breakdown: These type 2 diabetes drugs, NESINA, OSENI & KAZANO, will probably get pretty decent sized ad budgets considering millions of people are affected.
DEERFIELD, IL: Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited (Takeda) and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Takeda Pharmaceuticals U.S.A., Inc. today announced that the United State [...]
Cadillac & Chevy get new Ad Directors
Steve’s breakdown: There’s been a lot of movement over at GMs marketing. Are either of these brands going to change up agencies? If we were to pick one, it would be Caddy.
WARREN & DETROIT, MI: General Motors has appointed a new director of advertising for the Cadillac brand.
Craig Bierley will succeed Molly Peck, who is movi [...]
Trouble in Paradise? Accounts won one year ago this week
Steve’s breakdown: It’s Wednesday and that means our weekly instalment of Trouble in Paradise where we list the accounts won this week last year. The idea being most agency-client relationships will break within a year if they are meant to break.
EVERYWHERE USA: So here are the accounts won one year ago this week. The chart shows the client, [...]
Peer Foods buys Emge Brands
Steve’s breakdown: The Emge 100 year old brand is on dozens of trusted meats, cheeses and breads. They also own the Hill Billy brand and both deserve a marketing boost after this acquisition.
CHICAGO, IL: Peer Foods Group, Inc. announced today it has acquired Emge Foods, LLC, a historic Indiana-based meat company specializing in retail- [...]
Trouble in Paradise? Accounts won one year ago this week
Steve’s breakdown: It’s Wednesday and that means our weekly instalment of Trouble in Paradise where we list the accounts won this week last year. The idea being most agency-client relationships will break within a year if they are meant to break.
EVERYWHERE USA: So here are the accounts won one year ago this week. The chart shows the client, [...]
Coming to America: Alfa Romeo
Steve’s breakdown: My Italian-American family has been waiting for a long time for Alfa to come back to America! There has been no word on an agency-of-record but they are going to need one so hit the phones.
BTW: Last May we reported Fiat + Mazda = New Roadsters including Alfas.
AUBURN HILLS, MI: The Alfa Romeo 4C, a lightweight, rear- [...]
Account review prediction: Luxco buys a bunch of brands from Beam
Steve’s breakdown: Brands affected included Calvert, Bellows, Wolfschmidt vodka, Dark Eyes vodka, Canada House Canadian, and Tempo Triple Sec. The ads on the left are from the 60s.
We think Luxco will have to review its marketing for all their brands now so give them a call.
ST LOUIS, MO: Beam Inc., which makes Jim Beam and Maker’ [...]
Walgreens prescribes $240 million media review
Steve’s breakdown: R3:JLB is handling this review so make sure up-to-speed with those folks.
DEARFIELD, IL: For the first time in a decade, national pharmacy chain Walgreens is launching a formal review for its $240 million media-planning and -buying account.
“The reason we are inviting agencies for a review is that it has been 1 [...]
Kao is looking for the A team for Media
Steve’s breakdown: Joanne Davis Consulting has sent out the RFI on this account but they has not decided who is pitching. That might be just enough for you to get in there. Hopefully Joanne already has your stuff in-house.
CINCINNATI, OH: Kao USA, the subsidiary of Japanese personal-care manufacturer Kao Corporation, is looking for a ne [...]
Trouble in Paradise? Accounts won one year ago this week
Steve’s breakdown: It’s Wednesday and that means our weekly instalment of Trouble in Paradise where we list the accounts won this week last year. The idea being most agency-client relationships will break within a year if they are meant to break.
EVERYWHERE USA: So here are the accounts won one year ago this week. The chart shows the client, [...]
WellPoint checks in new CMO
Steve’s breakdown: In June we reported that WellPoint bought 1-800-CONTACTS and that should be a brand to keep on eye on in addition to Amerigroup which they also just purchased.
INDIANAPOLIS, IN: WellPoint, Inc. (NYS: WLP) announced today that Patrick Blair has been named senior vice president and chief marketing officer. In this role, [...]
Wheel chair companies merge
Steve’s breakdown: We happen to know they will not announce the name of this new merged company for a couple of months. Let that be a hint to get in there and take over the entire account.
HAZELWOOD, MI & RCOKY HILL, CT: ATG Rehab (ATG) and United Seating & Mobility (USM) announced today a merger of equals. The combination bring [...]
Steel Vine Investments banks on new CMO
Steve’s breakdown: Small hedge fund invests in new CMO with Goldman and Merrill experience. Sounds encouraging . . .
CHICAGO, IL: Hedge fund Steel Vine Investments has hired a top marketer to sell its wares to high net-worth and institutional investors.
Jason Beaird was named a partner and director of marketing at the Nashville, Tenn.-b [...]
Prediction: Skippy & Spam Sandwich?
Steve’s breakdown: Hopefully you were ready for this back in October with the headline “Unilever puts the “For Sale” sign up for Skippy“. We think this is a great buy and suspect they will breathe some new life into marketing.
AUSTIN, MN: Hormel Foods apparently has a hankering for a peanut butter and bacon sandwich. The com [...]
Trouble in Paradise? Accounts won one year ago this week
Steve’s breakdown: It’s Wednesday and that means our weekly instalment of Trouble in Paradise where we list the accounts won this week last year. The idea being most agency-client relationships will break within a year if they are meant to break.
EVERYWHERE USA: So here are the accounts won one year ago this week. The chart shows the client, [...]
Buffet getting ready for brand turn around
Steve’s breakdown: It’s been since April 2010 that Buffets has been in review and it looks like they are looking to give it another go.
EAGAN, MN: Buffets, Inc. has appointed seasoned restaurant executive Philip Friedman and highly accomplished marketing executive F. Warren Ellish to its Board of Directors, thereby completing the [...]
Trouble in Paradise? Accounts won one year ago this week
Steve’s breakdown: It’s Wednesday and that means our weekly instalment of Trouble in Paradise where we list the accounts won this week last year. The idea being most agency-client relationships will break within a year if they are meant to break.
EVERYWHERE USA: So here are the accounts won one year ago this week. The chart shows the client, [...]
Account Review Prediction: 3 gun brands are up for sale
Steve’s breakdown: I know we talked about this yesterday when we reported “Gun stocks are down: PR will be needed” but the story moves forward.
Three brands owned by Cerberus Capital Management are up for sale. They include: Bushmaster in Madison, NC, DPMS in St. Cloud, MN, and Remington Arms also in Madison, NC.
MADISON, NC [...]
Post Sandy: Boat manufactures should go for market share
Steve’s breakdown: Jim Cramer of CNBC reports that 65,000 boats were destroyed or damaged because of Superstorm Sandy. And before the storm even got here, the average age of a yacht had gone from 15 to 21 years old. Now Cramer has made Brunswick a “Buy” pick. Watch the video here.
What we are trying to do here is talk you in [...]
Caribou Coffee gets bagged by new owner
Steve’s breakdown: New owners are usually good or bad for advertising. Be ready either way. FYI: Caribou, founded in 1992, had 610 coffeehouses, including 202 franchised locations, in 22 states, the District of Columbia, and ten international markets, as of Sept. 30.
MINNEAPOLIS, MN: A German holding company is buying Caribou Coffee (C [...]
Large portion of $300 million in review at Abbott
Steve’s breakdown: We smelled something going on at Abbott on the 12th when we reported ”Abbott with two film projects in review”
ABBOTT PARK, IL: Health-care giant Abbott Laboratories has begun a review for a large portion of its nearly $300 million media business.
The review comes as Abbott Labs prepares to split into two [...]
Trouble in Paradise? Accounts won one year ago this week
Steve’s breakdown: It’s Wednesday and that means our weekly instalment of Trouble in Paradise where we list the accounts won this week last year. The idea being most agency-client relationships will break within a year if they are meant to break.
EVERYWHERE USA: So here are the accounts won one year ago this week. The chart shows the client, [...]
This is not a lead: Payless ad account in review
Steve’s breakdown: Every so often we have to remind our members not only what we report but what we don’t. We do not send you off to an ad account review with finalists. And that’s what this is. Now back to your regularly scheduled leads . . .
TOPEKA, KS: Payless ShoeSource is meeting with agencies about its creative busine [...]
Trouble in Paradise? Accounts won one year ago this week
Steve’s breakdown: It’s Wednesday and that means our weekly instalment of Trouble in Paradise where we list the accounts won this week last year. The idea being most agency-client relationships will break within a year if they are meant to break.
EVERYWHERE USA: So here are the accounts won one year ago this week. The chart shows the client, [...]
Does Baxter’s $4 billion purchase signal review?
Steve’s breakdown: This account has been with the same agency since 1998 and this big purchase could be just the thing to rattle it into review.
DEERFIELD, IL: Healthcare products maker Baxter International Inc. said on Tuesday that it would buy privately held Swedish dialysis product company Gambro AB for about $4 billion to expand its [...]
5-Hour Energy video project
Steve’s breakdown: This is 5-Hour Energy’s 2nd time doing this so you know they are serious! The deadline is January 13th, 2013. Get there brief here.
FARMINGTON HILLS, MI: Oh heck yes! 5-Hour Energy is BACK! They were so blown away by the results from their first assignment that they sent the videos they purchased straight to TV [...]
Universal Lubricants slips in new CMO
Steve’s breakdown: How can we resist publishing about a company named Universal Lubricants. Plus they do good work! Anyway, the new guy seems not to stick around in one place too long so this could be an easy quick-strike account.
WICHITA, KS: Universal Lubricants, a leader in sustainable energy solutions, today announced the appointme [...]
SpringCM jumps on new CMO
Steve’s breakdown: I literally laughed out loud when I saw this video and how SpringCM can help move a creative project to the finish line. Which makes me think the new guy’s job is going to be that much harder and he’ll need your help.
CHICAGO, IL: SpringCM, the leader in Content Cloud Services for the enterprise, announce [...]
What’s up ConAgra’s sleeve?
Steve’s breakdown: They are not talking about what the real plan is with the Ralcorp acquisition. Not only do we think this move is a competition killer, it could be a new way to launch a number of new brands. And that means new advertising accounts might be in play.
OMAHA, NE: Private-label foods have hit a “glass ceiling,” [...]
Kohl’s $1 billion media review
Steve’s breakdown: This is a fickle client. In fact, I was involved in the strategy review while advising at Berlin Cameron United last year. Now I’m hearing no one might have been tapped.
MENOMONEE FALLS, WI: Kohl’s has put its media account into review.
The retailer is seeking an agency to handle all media, according to e [...]
Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield needs Recess Guru
Steve’s breakdown: They want to create a character named the “Recess Guru” to encourage people to exercise more. Whether it’s a good idea or not, it could be a pretty funny project. Here’s the deets:
Go to brief here:
Deadline: January 11, 2013
INDIANAPOLIS, IN: We’d all like to exercise more, but with th [...]
Content Project: Miller 64
Steve’s breakdown: Here’s something festive to think about during the holiday. BEER!
Get the brief:
Deadline: December 16, 2012
MILWAUKEE, WI: We are looking to generate new content for two exciting campaign initiatives to help Miller64 get 2013 off to a fresh start! It’s up to you to choose which of the two creative optio [...]
CEO #3 at Marsh Supermarkets
Steve’s breakdown: These folks have had 3 CEOs since April of 2011. Do you think there’s a little pressure on the new guy to perform? We think so and some good old fashion retail marketing is what you should pitch.
FISHERS, IN: The parent company of Marsh Supermarkets has picked a new CEO to lead the locally based grocery chain.
[...]
Vacation Rental Managers Association opens the door to PR pitch
Steve’s breakdown: There’s an RFP out there now but just in case, give Shelly Pfenniger, director of communication a call.
INDIANAPOLIS, IN: The Vacation Rental Managers Association is reviewing its PR account with a closed RFP process as the trade group wraps a branding initiative early next year.
MMGY Global is the incumbent and [...]
Trouble in Paradise? Accounts won one year ago this week
Steve’s breakdown: It’s Wednesday and that means our weekly instalment of Trouble in Paradise where we list the accounts won this week last year. The idea being most agency-client relationships will break within a year if they are meant to break.
EVERYWHERE USA: So here are the accounts won one year ago this week. The chart shows the client, [...]
PR review for Downtown St. Louis
Steve’s breakdown: They are saying firms must email interest in submitting a proposal by Nov. 9 but I think you might be able to get in there with the right sugar. Proposals are not due until Dec. 21. View the RFP here.
ST. LOUIS, MO: The redevelopment and investment agency for downtown St. Louis is asking for PR proposals to shape and [...]
Prevacid looking for great ideas for TV
Steve’s breakdown: This brand is with Takeda Pharmaceuticals, “A wholly owned U.S. subsidiary of Japan’s largest pharmaceutical company” so getting your foot in the door will be big.
The deadline is December 3rd, 2012 and the brief is right here.
DEARFIELD, IL: For those people that suffer from it, frequent heartburn c [...]
OH! Lottery screams for PR shop
Steve’s breakdown: We got a contract consolidation going on here so the account will be twice the jackpot!
COLUMBUS, OH: The Ohio Lottery Commission is looking for an agency that is capable of performing both earned and paid media services to promote the organization.
The winning firm will be required to execute an annual marketing and [...]
Trouble in Paradise? Accounts won one year ago this week
Steve’s breakdown: It’s Wednesday and that means our weekly instalment of Trouble in Paradise where we list the accounts won this week last year. The idea being most agency-client relationships will break within a year if they are meant to break.
EVERYWHERE USA: So here are the accounts won one year ago this week. The chart shows the client, [...]
OfficeMax moving a bit to the digital side with new CMO
Steve’s breakdown: The new guys’ job includes “brand management and evolution of the company’s traditional marketing vehicles to new media including digital and social.”
Did you hear that digital agencies???
CHICAGO, IL: OfficeMax(®) Incorporated (NYSE:OMX), a leader in office and facility supplies, technology a [...]
Trouble in Paradise? Accounts won one year ago this week
Steve’s breakdown: It’s Wednesday and that means our weekly instalment of Trouble in Paradise where we list the accounts won this week last year. The idea being most agency-client relationships will break within a year if they are meant to break.
EVERYWHERE USA: So here are the accounts won one year ago this week. The chart shows the client, [...]
Pearle Vision on the lookout for creative shop
Steve’s breakdown: Pile and Co. is handling this pitch so I hope you have your credentials over there. And if you don’t, did it sooner than later so you don’t miss out on their next review.
MASON, OH: Pearle Vision may have its sights on a new agency. The Luxottica Group unit is reaching out to shops to serve as the lead c [...]
Plink plucks itself a CMO
Steve’s breakdown: We have a bit of a coming together of old pals here. Which could mean they are almost ready to pull the trigger on some real marketing here.
DENVER, CO: Plink, the venture-backed developer of online loyalty programs, said today that it has named Marc Marin as Chief Marketing Officer. Marin was previously at PurePlay, [...]
American Greetings invites agencies to pitch
Steve’s breakdown: This is a double pitch. Media and creative are up for grabs.
BTW: I was on the pitch team when J. Walter Thompson won this account back in 1986. I was, like, 3 years old at the time
BROOKLYN, OH: Cardmaker American Greetings is reaching out to agencies for creative and media services.
The move comes after Element 79 l [...]
Lincoln makeover continues: opens design center
Steve’s breakdown: Both Lincoln & Cadillac are doing makeovers. And both are taking it seriously so look for opportunities here and there.
Quote of the article: ”Our ambition is not to be No. 1,” said Jim Farley, head of global sales and marketing. “We’d rather have a few people love us than everybody like us [...]
Revolution Dancewear starts auditions for new CMO
Steve’s breakdown: They are doing a lot of videos here and could probably use some social media help in addition to good-old-fashion advertising.
The job description is below which includes this line: The new CMO’s “primary responsibilities include development, communication and promotion of brand identity, positioning and [...]
Famous Dave’s hires ex-Dunkin’ Donuts and KFC CMO as its CEO
Steve’s breakdown: This kind of management switching doesn’t happen often which makes us think there’s more changes to come. And judging by there advertising, a marketing review would be in order.
MINNETONKA, MN: Famous Dave’s of America announced Monday that one of its board members will become chief executive while [...]
Wendy’s Makeover
Steve’s breakdown: Last March we reported: Wendy’s not fooling around: Steals Procter & Gamble exec as CMO and we predicted an account review. This new logo backs that up so make that call.
COLUMBUS, OH: Behold the new Wendy's Company logo in all it’s pigtailed glory. The fast food chain is not just modernizing its look but gi [...]
Major growth CMO sits down at Green Mill Restaurants
Steve’s breakdown: The new CMO’s last resturant went from 48 to 750 location and that’s proabably what they are looking for here. Which means an ad review is-a-comin’.
WARNING: Their CEO, Paul Dzubner, stared in their last campaign. “Just sayin”
ST. PAUL, MN: St. Paul, Minn.-based Green Mill Restaurants LL [...]
Account review prediction out of Detroit: Cadillac shifts to higher gear
Steve’s breakdown: We’ve got new models, a bolder philosophy and name plate brand chief coming to Caddy. With all of that, we are predicting an ad review this winter for one or more major markets. Start your engines ladies & gentlemen.
DETROIT, MI: General Motors Co. plans to remake its luxury Cadillac brand with a possible n [...]
Jim Beam and Belvedere Vodka talking to shops
Steve’s breakdown: We were still working on the Belvedere account not much more than a year ago at Berlin Cameron. These people move around a lot so be aware.
Anyway, they are saying these two brands are in review but no one is formally confirming. Time to check it out.
Speaking of Beam, we had predicted the Pinnacle account would go in [...]
UnitedHealth Group to expand into Brazil
Steve’s breakdown: So many of our suscribers want to expand in the growing marketing place of South America. Well, here’s a whoper for ya.
MINNETONKA, MN: UnitedHealth Group Inc. will spend about $4.9 billion to buy a majority stake in Brazilian health benefits and care provider Amil Participacoes SA, as the largest U.S. health i [...]
The new Kraft needs to make up for undermarketing
Steve’s breakdown: Last year we predicted the Kraft grocery business would go into review once it was finalized. And now that the stock has been listed, analysts are saying their brands have been undermarketed. That’s Your Second Cue!
And to get you started, take a look at Jell-O.
NORTHFIELD, IL: Kraft’s North American groce [...]
Super Splash USA jumps right into marketing review
Steve’s breakdown: We’re going to see a lot of summer tourism accounts coming up in review. So if there’s one near you, you might want to check into it. Here’s one in Missouri. The RFP is due October 26th. Here the document.
RAYTOWN, MO: The Raytown Parks and Recreation Department desires to enter into a contract for t [...]
Savored bought by Groupon
Steve’s breakdown: Lord knows the financial community has been talking about Groupon for months now. It’s like they are all waiting to pounce but are looking for a sign. Is this the sign? Probably not but putting some marketing muscle behind this brand will surely help.
CHICAGO, IL: Groupon (http://www.groupon.com) (NASDAQ: GRPN) [...]
Gillette digital: In review
Steve’s breakdown: This account has been at BBDO forever so we don’t expect much to change except new ideas in the digital media plan. Either way, it’s a huge account and should be pursued.
CINCINNATI, OH: Procter & Gamble Co. has launched a review for its North American Gillette men’s shaving, deodorant and body- [...]
Bayer HealthCare to acquire animal health business
Steve’s breakdown: Bayer has gone to the dogs on this purchase. It will enable Bayer HealthCare to expand companion animal and food animal product lines in the United States.
SHAWNEE, KS & JERUSALEM: Bayer HealthCare LLC and Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. (NYSE: TEVA) announced today that they have signed an agreement in which [...]
Shopping center giant get’s new CMO
Steve’s breakdown: DDR is an owner and manager of 459 value-oriented shopping centers representing 117 million square feet in 39 states, Puerto Rico and Brazil.
BEACHWOOD, OH: DDR Corp. (NYSE: DDR) today announced the appointment of Martin McGreevy as senior vice president and chief marketing officer. In his role Mr. McGreevy will be re [...]
Mopar parts turns 75 without an ad agency . . .
Steve’s breakdown: It’s a rare moment when a 75 year old brand gets a new lease on life. And it’s a cool & global one at that! Look into it.
AUBURN HILLS, MI: Happy birthday, Mopar.
Chrysler Group LLC’s iconic aftermarket parts division turns 75 today. But it doesn’t just belong to Chrysler anymore.
Since Ita [...]