Steve’s breakdown: If they are going to spend all this effort to relaunch this brand, you’d think they’d put at least a few bucks of marketing behinds these 250 products – No?
WOONSOCKET, RI: CVS/pharmacy is making some changes to its Gold Emblem food product line, including enhanced ingredients and new flavors, the re [...]
Posts in category Region: New England USA
CVS relaunches Gold Emblem brand
Steve’s breakdown: If they are going to spend all this effort to relaunch this brand, you’d think they’d put at least a few bucks of marketing behinds these 250 products – No?
WOONSOCKET, RI: CVS/pharmacy is making some changes to its Gold Emblem food product line, including enhanced ingredients and new flavors, the re [...]
Cape Air takes off with new CEO
Steve’s breakdown: On March 18th, Cape Air will have the only female airline president in North America. We suspect she’ll be making her mark on this airline right out of the gate.
HYANNIS, MA: Cape Air‘s Board of Directors announced the appointment of Linda Markham as President and Chief Administrative Officer (CEO) effective on [...]
Staples looks to consolidate account: RFP Issued
Steve’s breakdown: We suspect the Office Depot/Max merger is going to throw a wrench into the works but make sure your agency creds are over at SRI anyway. They are handling the pitch.
FRAMINGHAM, MA: Staples has circulated a request for proposals in an effort to consolidate all of the company’s communications efforts, sources sai [...]
503-unit Nashua Street Residences approved
Steve’s breakdown: As far as we can see, there are no marketing materials for this property as of yet.
BOSTON, MA: The Boston Redevelopment Authority board has approved plans for a 503-unit apartment tower by the TD Garden and Tip O’Neill federal building.
AvalonBay Communities’ 38-story Nashua Street Residences project includes a two-s [...]
CVS prescribes new Chief Digital Officer
Steve’s breakdown: The new guy is from Staples and reports to the Executive Vice President and Chief Health Care Strategy and Marketing Officer.
WOONSOCKET, RI: CVS Caremark announced today the appointment of Brian Tilzer to the position of Senior Vice President, Chief Digital Officer. Tilzer will develop and lead teams driving CVS Care [...]
Connecticut Lottery in Review
Steve’s breakdown: The due date is March 15th and the RFP is here => Request for Proposal.
Contact: Janice Beckner, CPPB
Associate Fiscal Administrative Officer
Phone: 860-713-2789
Fax: 860-713-2794
Email: janice.beckner@ctlottery.org
ROCKY HILL, CT: The Connecticut Lottery is accepting Proposals from qualified advertising and market [...]
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 [...]
New CMO is what the Dr. ordered at Interleukin
Steve’s breakdown: Interleukin Genetics really wants to go mainstream. I don’t know why it hasn’t happened but maybe you can get them there with the new guy.
WALTHAM, MA: Interleukin Genetics, Inc. (OTCQB: ILIU) today announced the appointment of Scott Snyder as Chief Marketing Officer. In this role, Scott will spearhead th [...]
John Hancock Funds gets new marketing head
Steve’s breakdown: For any of my Margeotes|Fertitta + Partners ex-co-workers, Karen is an ex-Putnam client so you’re welcome. For the rest of you guys, she’s an ex-Hill Holiday exec so she knows what she’s doing.
BOSTON, MA: John Hancock Funds said that it has hired Karen A. McCafferty as Senior Vice President and head [...]
Gun stocks are down: PR will be needed
Steve’s breakdown: Say what you want about gun control but the market has already spoken. Gun stocks are down and if new laws go through, they will go down furthur. We suspect these companies are going to have to do some damage control and will need representation.
SPRINGFIELD, MA & SOUTHPORT, CT: Markets are surging right now with [...]
Leukemia drug Iclusig gets approved: Possible PR lead
Steve’s breakdown: With a drug costing more than $100K/year wholesale, our prediction is this drug needs more PR than is does advertising.
CAMBRIDGE, MA: First there was Gleevec, the wonder cancer drug. Then came the sons of Gleevec. Now there is the grandson of Gleevec.
The Food and Drug Administration on Friday approved another Gleeve [...]
Kayak put’s $38 million in review
Steve’s breakdown: I think it’s ridiculous that the spot featured here was banned by the ASA. They ruled that the ad’s “treatment of a serious and delicate medical procedure could be seen as flippant”. Wimps!
Anyway, this is a perfect opportunity for a US shop to go international.
NORWALK, CT: Kayak, the online travel [...]
MassMutual hires specialist for Asian-Indian marketing
Steve’s breakdown: This is good news for everyone. Just like we said back in Feb of 2011, any time a marketer segments its consumers, it means more accounts to go around.
SPRINGFIELD, MA: In the wake of U.S. Census data that the Asian-Indian population is among the fastest growing in the United States, Nimesh Trivedi has been appointed [...]
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, [...]
New Green Mountain CEO has mandate for marketing
Steve’s breakdown: When a new CEO gets announced and the stock goes up 6% because financial guys say, among other things, he has a better grasp of marketing, we take notice.
Plus the competition is getting fierce so expect an advertising review.
WATERBURY, VT: The stock price of Green Mountain Coffee Roasters Inc. (NASDAQ:GMCR) surged [...]
Aloft hotels puts PR in review via Twitter
Steve’s breakdown: Not too long ago I was consulting at RDA International and even though they don’t talk about it much, they are the AOR for Aloft. Getting acquainted with their work might help once you decide to pitch.
STANFORD, CT: PR agencies looking for new business could find an opportunity in a strange place: Twitter.
Starw [...]
Gaydar: That’s right, Gaydar in Review
Steve’s breakdown: Gotta love this brand name! Anyway, I think with the right attitude, the right agency can get in this review.
GLASTONBURY, CT: Qsoft Consulting, the operator of GaydarRadio, is looking to appoint an integrated agency ahead of an advertising campaign for its Gaydar-branded dating websites.
The company has approached ag [...]
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, [...]
Harman turns up CMO search
Steve’s breakdown: There a lot of great brands at Harman and I know many agencies put these guys on their “hit list.” So here’s your chance to get in on the ground floor of this account.
Here’s the CMO job description:
STAMFORD, CT: HARMAN is the parent company behind an array of legendary brands that includes H [...]
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, [...]
Bought: InTown Suites finds a new home
Steve’s breakdown: 18,000 rooms in 21 states could be a nice regional account. It all depends on Starwood which has not decided whether to rebrand the chain.
GREENWICH, CT: Starwood Capital Group bought the InTown Suites extended-stay hotel chain on Monday for US$735 million, including US$617 million in existing debt.
Starwood Capital G [...]
Account review prediction: Charter Communications
Steve’s breakdown: In April we reported “It’s going to hit the Fan: EVP of Marketing of Cablevision moves to Charter”
Add that to the stolen CEO & CIO and that they’ve moved to Stamford and it equals a new adventure for the three amigos from Cablevision. And why wouldn’t they review advertising?
STAMFORD, CT [...]
South Boston Waterfront development without an agency?
Steve’s breakdown: This is a pretty big deal with high profile elements. Go to the “source” of this news for more details.
BOSTON, MA: Pier 4 is a mixed-use project on the South Boston Waterfront that will include approximately 1 million square feet of hotel, residential, office, retail and civic uses on approximately 9.5 ac [...]
FashionPlaytes tries on new CMO to reach more tweens
Steve’s breakdown: The TV creative that was just uploaded to their YouTube channel last month looks like they pulled some tired “Toy Guy” out of retirement to have’em create a spot. Please save these folks!
BEVERLY, MA: FashionPlaytes (www.fashionplaytes.com), the retail industry’s first engagement-driven commer [...]
Genesee & Wyoming buys RailAmerica
Steve’s breakdown: I love the railroads. I’ve either lived on top of one, like I did on 8th Avenue in Manhattan, or live by one, like I do here in beautiful downtown Asbury Park.
This news is about the consolidation of publicly held Rail Roads. Winning an account like this is another way to go international very quickly.
GREENWIC [...]
iRobot Acquires Evolution Robotics
Steve’s breakdown: We’ve got some robot consolidation going on here. And now the new company will be the market leader and we all love representing market leaders!!
BEDFORD, MA: iRobot Corp. (NASDAQ: IRBT), a leader in delivering robotic technology-based solutions, today announced it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire [...]
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- [...]
Over 60 Honda Dealers Seek an Ad Agency for TriHonda Dealers
Steve’s breakdown: It’s been almost 30 years since this group was around last. You’re going to need a good amount of patience to pitch this but $40 million is nothing to sneeze at.
Just for fun we’re featuring an ad from the 80′s when these guys were still together.
TRI-CITY AREA, NY, NJ, CT: There are over 60 H [...]
Wyman’s of Maine issues RFP for PR & Advertising
Steve’s breakdown: These folks actually contacted me directly about this review weeks ago. I didn’t want to step on their toes but makes me think we will be getting into Ad Agency Search Consulting very soon. Stay tuned. There is an RFP for this one with David Swardlick at: dswardlick@swardlick.com
TOPSFIELD, ME: Wyman’s of [...]
Filene is coming out of the Basement
Steve’s breakdown: Coming out of bankruptcy is not easy but this was a beloved brand and I suspect there might even be some pent-up demand. Secondly, they will not be able to pull it off without advertising so go check it out.
BOSTON, MA & NEW YORK, NY: The owner of the former Filene’s Basement chain plans to emerge from bankruptcy [...]
Solar consolidation: Draker & Solar Power Technologies are One
Steve’s breakdown: We know how hard agencies are trying to get green accounts and we’re here to help. Draker will be the brand going forward and we suspect they will be ramping up their advertising efforts.
BURLINGTON, VT: Draker and Solar Power Technologies, Inc. (SPTI) jointly announce that they have successfully merged, effecti [...]
Majority stake in Back to Nature brand sold by Kraft to Brywood
Steve’s breakdown: Last year we reported Kraft Foods Plans To Split Into 2 Companies and told folks that there would be a shake out. Well, that’s exactly what this is. And check out all those brands the new Back to Nature owners have!
GREENWICH, CT: Kraft Foods Inc. said on Tuesday it would sell a majority stake in its Back to Nat [...]
Wikoda sheds light on marketing with new CMO
Steve’s breakdown: Letting there be light on the north side of the house just got easier. Their new product, the sunflower, is going global and would be a great way for you to do the same thing.
WEST CONCORD, MA: Since they introduced their first product, the Sunflower Home Heliostat, six months ago, Wikoda has expanded their business [...]
ZipCar zips through a CMO: Next!
Steve’s breakdown: You got to love it when a company knows time’s time to cut the cord. And like we’ve always said, if you help them find the next CMO, you’ll have a very good chance of being the next AOR.
CAMBRIDGE, MA: Zipcar Inc‘s chief marketing officer is leaving the company, at a time when the U.S. car-sha [...]
Care.com gets a house call of $50 mil!
Steve’s breakdown: Another great idea that should take off. And with $50 million in the bank, marketing has to be taken care of.
WALTHAM, MA: Care.com Inc., a Waltham company that aims to connect families with caregivers, said Tuesday that it has raised $50 million in new funding, the largest amount it has generated since being founded [...]
Digital Public Library of America seeks agency to build portal
Steve’s breakdown: They seek “a skilled interactive agency to design and develop a website to facilitate the creative discovery, sharing, and use of multimedia library materials among the general public.”
RFP: DPLA Front End Design and Implementation:
RFP (.doc)
RFP (PDF)
CAMBRIDGE, MA: The Digital Public Library of Americ [...]
Lots of new folks at GE including one CMO
Steve’s breakdown: Not for nothin’ and I don’t like to gloat but . . . I bought GE when it was $9! Now I didn’t say I bought a boat load but still.
Anyway, the big change here is the new CMO at GE Healthcare.
FAIRFIELD, CT: GE today announces the appointment of six new company officers. GE currently has 203 officers gl [...]
2 in 1: Bangor International Airport ad & PR reviews take flight, separately
Steve’s breakdown: These RFPs are very straight forward which is always a breath of fresh air. Here are the links: Advertising Review & Public Relations Review. They are both due the 29th of August.
BANGOR ME: Scope of work for the ad account is as follows:
It is the City’s intent to select the best proposal for each focus area. The [...]
Mohegan Sun goes for another round with new CMO
Steve’s breakdown: That didn’t take long. Just last year we reported Mohegan Sun hires ex-Bacardi exec to be marketing chief. And last year’s chief seemed to rely heavily on party videos a la Bacardi so my guess is that they’ll go retail next.
MOHEGAN, CT: Brian Bork, most recently the chief marketing officer for the [...]
Prescribing PR: CVS Caremark account in review
Steve’s breakdown: They say RFPs have been sent out but if you have the juice to talk them into your pitch, jump on it!
WOONSOCKET, RI: Drugstore and benefits company CVS Caremark is reviewing its corporate PR account, attracting interest from several US agencies.
The Holmes Report understands that an RFP has already been issued, regard [...]
Friendly’s to go back to the old days: what about advertising?
Steve’s breakdown: We’ve been calling this one for a while and if you haven’t made contact with them, you should now because the winds of change are blowing! Our last report on these folks was: Finally: New CMO at Friendly’s
WILBRAHAM, MA: Friendly’sfuture is going to look a lot like its past – its distant past – according [...]
Yankee Candle lights it up with new CMO
Steve’s breakdown: Look for Yankee to get much more digitally centric with the new guy. I’d even go so far as to say, the digital account might go into review very soon.
SOUTH DEERFIELD, MA: The Yankee Candle Company, Inc., the world’s largest manufacturer of premium scented candles, today announced that Brad Wolansky has j [...]
Blu Homes builds with new VP of Marketing
Steve’s breakdown: The new marketing chief has a lot of tech experience so we suspect that’s where she’ll be refocusing their media buys. And they’ll probably need an agency to help with that.
SAN FRANCISCO, CA and WALTHAM, MA: California and Massachusetts-based green precision homebuilder Blu Homes (www.bluhomes.com) [...]
Mass Lotto bets on ad review
Steve’s breakdown: Massachusetts State Lottery Commission has put the big account in review and you can download the RFP here which is due August 15th. Our favorite part of the RFP is below!!
BRAINTREE, MA: Advertising should be consistent with the MSLC’s core values, mission and vision. The following stipulations apply to all MSLC adv [...]
Connecticut Brewers Guild is launched
Steve’s breakdown: Here’s the key line of this story: “The new non-profit organization will try to attract tourists, promote beer festivals and generally increase interest in local brews.”
I hear a baby crying . . . a new ad account was just born!
HARTFORD, CT: Beer drinkers seeking a locally made brew will get help fr [...]
Unreal Candy to launch in thousands of store: Will anyone know?
Steve’s breakdown: These folks look to be on their way distribution wise but what about messaging?
BOSTON, MA: Hub entrepreneur Michael Bronner, who previously launched blockbuster Boston startups Digitas and Upromise, has a new mission — taking the junk out of junk food.
“Our goal is to ‘unjunk’ the world,” said Bronner, whose new st [...]
Imperial Sugar gets bought
Steve’s breakdown: Accounts involved in this merger include the Imperial®, Dixie Crystals®, and Holly® brands. Now maybe they will revive their TV campaign. Check it out in the featured video. OMG, we were so sexist then.
SUGAR LAND, TX & WILTON, CT: Louis Dreyfus Commodities LLC and Imperial Sugar Company (NASDAQ: IPSU) (“Imperial [...]
New Hampshire Lottery creative looking for NEW ideas
Steve’s breakdown: Last year they just stole the campaign from the movie Ocean’s 11 and it didn’t work. Big surprise, right? Anyway, proposals are due in July 13th and you can download the RFP document here.
CONCORD, NH: Request for proposal for advertising services for the New Hampshire lottery commission.
The purpose of t [...]
Sam Adams goes for the hard stuff: Partnering with Berkshire Mountain to make whiskey
Steve’s breakdown: We all knew this was going to happen someday. Well here it is: Sam Whiskey! Managing the expectations of this brand will probably be the big job.
BOSTON GREAT BARRINGTON, MA: You know what’s good? Samuel Adams beer. You know what’s better? Samuel Adams liquor. The local brewery today announced a partnership with Berks [...]
Camden National banks on new marketing head
Steve’s breakdown: There aren’t a ton of marketing account is Maine so if you’re up there, here’s a “must call.”
CAMDEN, ME: Greg Dufour, president and chief executive officer of Camden National Corporation, is pleased to announce that Jennifer Roper has joined Camden National as vice president and director [...]
What Happens Here campaign vet to enter Foxwoods
Steve’s breakdown: My spidey senses are tingling on this one. Why would you bring in a guy who was part of the most successful tourism/casino campaign ever and just have him “help” with a current campaign that, frankly, blows? The CMO’s days are numbered!
MASHANTUCKET, CT: Foxwoods Resort Casino has hired a veteran ad [...]
Casual Male Retail Group sizes up new CMO
Steve’s breakdown: Looks like the big responsibility for the new guy is the DestinationXL brand and that could mean the creation of a new ad account.
CANTON, MA: Casual Male Retail Group, Inc. , the largest retailer of big & tall men’s apparel and accessories, today announced that Derrick Walker has been appointed Senior Vice [...]
bcalm chills out with new Chief Marketing Officer
Steve’s breakdown: Harvard grad start-up company that began with a trip to South America to find peace, & balance ALERT!! Yah I know, we shouldn’t make fun of these folks but it’s so hard not to. Anyway, I smell investment money all over this one so expect a major marketing push that you should pitch.
Boston, MA: With gr [...]
Nike throws in the towel on Cole Hann & Umbro
Steve’s breakdown: Looks like Cole Haan and Umbro brands are getting cut loose by Nike. It might take a bit to find buyers but that doesn’t mean you can’t start getting cozy which their marketing departments.
SCARBOROUGH, ME & CHEADLE, UK: Nike is kicking its Cole Haan and Umbro brands to the curb.
The world’s largest a [...]
Talbots’ latest big sale & our account review prediction
Steve’s breakdown: This brand has had hard times over the years and a new owner could only help. Their latest spot is likable but there’s no sell. This is going into review . . .
HINGHAM, MA: The struggling women’s clothing chain Talbots is being taken private by Sycamore Partners for about $193.3 million in cash, an abrupt [...]
Yankee introduces Man Cave Candles: But are they really marketed right?
Steve’s breakdown: Gag-gift alert! Yankee Candle, the industry leader, has done it again. This time with man scents. Is this a lead? Judging by how they are marketing it, it should be so give them a call.
SOUTH DEERFIELD, MA: Yankee Candle Chief Executive Officer Harlan Kent is battling for men’s equality in the candle industry. Afte [...]
Take Two on Review: Vermont revises RFP for Lottery Account
Steve’s breakdown: There seems to be a trend of states going through the RFP process more than once for the same account. Back in March we reported Vermont Rolls the Dice on a New Ad Agency Search and now this. The revised RFP can be downloaded here and proposals are due June 4th.
BARRE, VT: The Vermont Lottery is seeking bids from qua [...]
The search for a CEO is over at Lycos
Steve’s breakdown: Lycos? That’s right – I said it. Lycos, whose ad from 1999 is above, has a new CEO. Talk about an uphill battle. He’ll need all the help he can get so give him a ring. Additional brands in this network of community and social sites include a games portal, Gamesville.com, a web hosting service, Tripo [...]
Western Connecticut State University brand strategy account in review
Steve’s breakdown: WCSU is seeking a full service, high quality, cost effective for branding and marketing. Proposals are due June 7. View the RFP here.
DANBURY, CT: Western Connecticut State University, a 6,400-student liberal arts institution in the Nutmeg State, is calling for agency help to create a brand marketing strategy.
The un [...]
Finally: New CMO at Friendly’s
Steve’s breakdown: We’ve been calling this one for some time but now it seems they have all the parts in place. As we mentioned last month, Pile + Company usually handles ad agency reviews for Friendly’s.
WILBRAHAM, MA: Anthony M. Lavely has joined Friendly’s Ice Cream, L.L.C. as executive vice-president and chief marketing [...]