>Obligation and Right.

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We are closing in on the November ’08 elections and it is an understatement to say it is business as usual. We are facing the most significant election of modern times. With our financial future and our basic way of life being challenged this is when all of us must step forward and make voting decisions.

Our federal election is surely on all of our minds and whether we own our own business, work for a large or small company we know times are being tested. For some of us this is a new experience and for many just another in our lifetimes. I am sure if we all work together we can make the turn for a brighter and more profitable future, but not without some hard choices and a new dedication to see it through.

Don’t forget about our local issues either. State, county and city issues are just as important. Grass roots efforts are the catalyst for many national changes. Consider these initiatives when voting.

I urge all of us to study all our federal, state and local issues very carefully and vote from your heart. As Americans we are extremely lucky to have an open system by which we can change or strengthen our lives. I was always taught that it is not just an obligation and right to vote but a privilege we should not take lightly. President Lyndon Johnson said, “The vote is the most powerful instrument ever devised by man for breaking down injustice and destroying the terrible walls which imprison men because they are different from other men.”

Together we can make a difference in our lives by keep our communities and country strong. Thank you to all of our members that continue support and volunteer for our chamber.

Bruce Felber

>Fonts on Highway Signs

>We all love playing with different typefaces – they make us understand the document or ad better… is it serious, playful, cheerful, dramatic, old school, fancy, etc?

Designers could spend hours making sure the type is just perfect, meaning that it sets the tone, is readable and even desirable. But have you ever thought about how typefaces are used on public signs?

In a recent report on WKYC, a new font will be used on signs around northeast Ohio’s highways! Why? They are trying to make the signs easier to read, resulting in hopefully less accidents.

Now if only the new signs could be legible and seen in winter!!

~ Michelle Hirsh, Felber & Felber Marketing

>Advertising Icon Dies

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House Peters Jr., otherwise known as “Mr. Clean,” died yesterday at the age of 92 years old.

“Mr. Clean, Mr. Clean…” was a great jingle, one lasting for fifty years. And who says advertising doesn’t work?

May he rest in peace.

~ Michelle Hirsh, Felber & Felber Marketing

>Streetsboro Chamber Community Showcase Sept. 27th

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It is that time of year again when the Streetsboro Area Chamber of Commerce will present their annual Community Showcase. This event is “free to the public” and will feature Business Booths, Craft booths, Taste of Streetsboro and Entertainment.

This year it will be held at the Middle School and runs from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. Come network and see what Streetsboro has to offer. I will be at the chamber booth so stop and say hello.

For more information call the chamber office at 330-626-4769.

Bruce

>Tweet, tweet, twittering, twit twit… TWITTER!

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After months of hearing about Twitter, I finally did it. I signed up for Twitter. You can following me here: http://twitter.com/hirsh

So, how does this social media fit in with marketing? It helps you create and keep your personal or professional brand top-of-mind. Companies can get a glimpse into their target audience. One can never do enough research!

Thanks to the Social Media Club of Cleveland, I actually have people following me! I attended the first meeting this morning. Thanks everyone who made me feel welcome.

There is so much out there to learn… I promise to keep our blog followers updated on how social media can be used, etc. More to come!

~ Michelle Hirsh, Felber & Felber Marketing

>Promotional Consultant Academy – Update

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The first two days here in Boston has been very full. We have made 6 presentations to the class (or companies as we call them) and I find them to be extremely engaging. The topics range from understanding and setting strong outcomes to the creative process. They are all working on the case study and defining their presentations that will be heard in the morning. Even as I speak our judge is flying in from Colorado.

I have said this before, “you learn so much when you teach others.” This process will be handed off to our second team in Ft. Worth Texas next week.

Special thanks to my team: Joe, Mike, and Kip.

Bruce

>Promotional Consultant Academy and Learning Lab

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Welcome readers. I am currently in Boston to start the three-day exciting Promotional Consultant Academy and Learning Lab as part of the Felber & Felber commitment to reach out and improve ourselves and the industries we serve.

This is my second Learning Lab where I will meet with industry professionals and be part of an on-going initiative to raise the professionalism of the promotional marketing industry. As an industry instructor I will engage with other marketing professionals from around the US.

I will report during the week on the outcomes. For more info go to www.PPAI.org.

Bruce

>Scholarships for Advertising & Marketing College Students

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Attention Ohio college students: The American Advertising Federation-Cleveland is accepting applications for their annual scholarship program.

To be eligible, a student must:
• Be an Ohio resident qualifying for in-state tuition at an Ohio college or university
• Be pursuing a bachelor’s degree with a communications/marketing-related major (advertising, marketing, graphic design, photography, public relations, market research, illustration, web design, etc.)
• Carry a full course-load and hold a current minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher (4.0 scale)
• Currently be in his/her senior or junior year (graduating between 2009 and 2010)

Applications are due no later than Friday, October 17, 2008. See application for more details.

If you are a professor at an Ohio college or university, please help spread the word by hanging posters in your classrooms and making announcements and send e-newsletters.

Thanks!

~ Michelle Hirsh, Felber & Felber Marketing

>Microsoft Campaign Update – Jerry Canned?

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As reported by the NY Times, it seems as though the stint with Jerry Seinfeld and Bill Gates is over. Was that meant to happen or did they pull it after the poor reviews? According to this article, this was Microsoft’s plan all along… create buzz for a few weeks then begin the “real ad campaign.” What a campaign it will be!

We all love the Apple commercials with the PC and MAC guys going head-to-head. So after years of watching those two, Microsoft is retaliating. It’s attack time. A similar looking PC guy will be on camera with regular Vista users. Hmmm, remember how much trouble the Alltel spoof caused?

I believe the spots should start airing by next week. More to come!

~ Michelle Hirsh, Felber & Felber Marketing

>Word of Day: Share of Voice

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Word of the Day: Share of Voice (SOV)

What does it mean? This is the percentage of a particular brand or company’s total advertising volume in that product category. The higher the percentage, the larger voice you have in the product’s marketplace.

Why is this important? In a Recession, its important to keep your SOV as high as possible. Continuing to advertise when your competitors are cutting their budgets gives you the opportunity to keep and develop new customers. This keeps you top of mind when the recession is over… giving you the advantage in the marketplace.