July 29th, 2010
Old Spice Guy
When BCA’s Scott Morrell chatted with a handful of business leaders last week, he explained how fusing traditional and social media methods can deliver the best marketing results. TV, radio or print ads can send viewers online to interact directly with brands. Old Spice used TV commercials and a fast-growing viral campaign to re-brand Old Spice. The effort resoundingly reinforced this winning strategy – Old Spice sales DOUBLED for the month. Check out how they did it. And learn how to implement your own traditional/social media fusion strategy by e-mailing Scott at smorrell@barnettcox.com.
July 29th, 2010
Avila Beach
The Economic Vitality Corporation has all kinds of interesting news about local companies. We loved the sound of this one: Penny Revolution™ Inc., based in SLO. This start-up company uses material from recycled plastic milk cartons to manufacture patented, reusable coin banks called Toggle Tubes ®. No more counting coins – just load, snap the ends and cash in … Talk about hands-on fun for the Leadership SLO class: a recent session on healthcare issues included a fun opportunity to try out the “DaVinci” surgical robot at Sierra Vista. This new darling of local surgeons is being used on procedures from hysterectomies to lung surgery. Note the leadership classmates never got near a real body … The Compact Gallery is just that – an intriguing space showcasing interesting art. Check it out at 1166 Higuera Street, open Wednesdays through Saturdays, noon to 6 … It’s a perfect time of year to get outside and pedal around our spectacular nooks and crannies. RRM Design Group’s current newsletter offers an easy guide to great bike rides. … And speaking of gorgeous scenery, enjoy a view of Avila Beach as seen recently through the eyes and artistry of BCA Creative Director Isaac Horton.
July 29th, 2010
Eight companies with big dreams and solid business plans will make a case for investor funding at an inaugural event produced by SLO Seed Ventures and Cal Poly’s Innovation Quest. The hopefuls present Friday, July 30, from 9:30 a.m. to noon at Cal Poly’s Orfalea College of Business … Drowning in e-mails? Grab a Mission Community Services Corporation life vest on Aug. 6, when ORGANIZE coach Erin Hoffman offers a brown bag session on managing that pesky inbox. RSVP to info@mcscorp.org (hmmm…they must have e-mail under control) or by phone to 595-1357 … Grade Potential Tutoring, a tutoring service founded by then-Cal Poly student (and now owner) Dave Serwirtz, knows something about making the grade. The SLO and Santa Barbara offices of Grade Potential were joined last week by a third location, this one in San Diego. We give Dave an A for ambition and drive.
July 29th, 2010
The Thoma chiefs and leaders: Pearl & Bud (front) and sons Ed and Bill (back).
Thoma Electric Company has earned many accolades over the years for impeccable electric design and construction, generous community support and for being one great company. It’s nice to see the news spread over three counties as it did this week when Pacific Coast Business Times selected Thoma Electric to receive the Spirit of Small Business Award in San Luis Obispo County. Congratulations to the Thoma team, especially present day chiefs Bill and Ed, and the company’s dedicated founders, parents Bud and Pearl Thoma … Congratulations to first time grandpa, Wade McKinney, Atascadero CAO whose gorgeous granddaughter Hannah was the centerpiece of a recent five-generation photo. Son Jay, and daughter-in-law Courtney, are the proud parents. Wade is happy to share photos.
July 29th, 2010
You remember we bade fond farewell to Kristin Savage, our designer who moved to SF recently. Well, this is one young woman who won’t be convinced there’s a tough economy out there. She found a great new position with a fun PR firm before the moving van even unloaded. We like to think it was that great work she did at BCA that made her so attractive to Bite Communications. Bravo, Kristin.
We note with sadness the recent passing of two wonderful women, each of whom left a deep imprint on our community and especially on college education: Lois Martinez and Sandee Ogren. We extend condolences on the loss and appreciation for their giving spirits.
July 16th, 2010
While plugging your tweets and posts into your marketing efforts, don’t abandon your tried and true traditional methods of marketing. Join Scott Morrell of BCA at the Collaboration “Biz Ed” lunch noon-1p.m. on Friday, July 23 as he explains the excitement and success of new and traditional media fusion. It promises to be a fun, informative and stimulating conversation. Blackberrys optional. Reservations required.
Categories — Events
July 16th, 2010
We talked about Project Surf Camp in our last FYI, and today we can report the fabulous news that the group was named on the NBC Today Show as one of only three runners up in “Pepsi Refresh Project.” Top winner of a $100,000 grant was the Gulf Bay Area Food Bank. But here’s the best part: the runners up got more than just kudos – each of the three received a surprise grant of $50,000, enough to keep the local surf project in the water and serving 500 campers for two more seasons. Special kudos to Nate Ditmore of Morro Bay Surf Company and his wife, Jolie (Central Coast Pathology), dedicated Surf Camp volunteers … Even if you don’t fully understand what they do, you have to be impressed by Digital West Network’s relentless push for excellence. Tim Williams’ internet hosting company has made a huge upgrade to its internet backbone and transit system, now offering 100 times more volume and speed than was previously available.
