Coats for Kids

We all know how dangerously cold Wisconsin Winters can be. Especially for the less fortunate who are unable to properly clothe themselves.

Celtic is proud to say that one of its client partners - Bucyrus International - is a sponsor in the annual "Coats for Kids" drive. The charitable drive is being spearheaded by Fox 6's Vince Condella and other Milwaukee businesses. And the best part is we can all get involved and help.

How? Round up your new or slightly used coats, hats and mittens ... and give Celtic a call at 262.789.7630 ext. 132, and ask for Marc, or by email at marcb@celticinc.com. before Oct. 16th.

We'll do the leg work by coming out and picking up your items. Or if you're in the neighborhood and want to drop them off at the agency, click here for directions.

The United Way of Greater Milwaukee will also welcome collections at its site at 225 West Vine Street.

Thank you for your support!

UPS -- Delivering More than Packages?

Looks like UPS is testing a program where they'll start delivering product samples and coupons to select customers. Brilliant idea. Although, it could wear on people in time. I hope that they're planning to build-in some type of permission asset. Regardless, it will be interesting to see if this program rolls out nationwide. Kudos for thinking big, UPS.

(via MediaPost)

Good news for good news

Here's a refreshing story. The Bay Area News Project, based out of San Francisco is the latest in a new trend of non-profit, online-only content news startups popping up around the country.

The project will cover "civic and community news" while operating as a non-profit entity, supported by public donations.

The article details how newspapers seem to be in irreversible decline and their scaled back newsrooms have less journalists and resources to dedicate to local news. Enter non-profit news sites to fill the void.

What's refreshing is that these news sites are not being started by bored collegians looking for something to do in their free time. In Texas, the award-winning editor of Texas Monthly, Evan Smith, is leaving the publication to launch Texas Tribune, a non-profit, non-partisan public media organization set to launch later this year.

Beyond non-profit news sites being launched across the country, there is also a non-profit, nationwide community service provided by a network of volunteer PR and media professionals called "I Should Be In The News". The sites' sole mission is to share the stories of the public, focusing on schools, local heroes, groups that have done great things, etc.

Call it good news for good news.

Twitter -- Still Rolling

I've heard a lot of chatter lately from folks predicting a quick death for Twitter. But, they've got 100 million new reasons to stick around for a while. This article from today's NY Times is worth a read.

LIVESTRONG Fitness Equipment

One of our long-time fitness clients (Johnson Health Tech North America) is launching a brand new line of LIVESTRONG-branded fitness equipment this fall at Dick's Sporting Goods. Celtic's PR team is handling the launch of the new product line. We're conducting media relations activites to generate editorial coverage in consumer magazines, newspapers, Web sites and TV outlets nationwide. We're also partnering with media outlets to do product giveaways, sweepstakes and other promotions. If you're interested in partnering with LIVESTRONG, give us a call. Let's put something together!

Nike "Alter Ego"

GREAT new spot for Nike promoting its new line of Pro Combat protective wear. The thirty-second spot, which has been airing during NFL games, has everything. Captivating videography...suspense and intrigue....creepy music and a phenomical payoff when it's revealed that the protective padding has actually become one with Adrian Peterson.

New Film

A bunch of us from the agency are going to see Art & Copy, a new documentary that explores some of the most influential creative minds in the advertising industry. The film includes interviews from ad legends like George Lois, Mary Wells, Dan Wieden, Lee Clow and Hal Riney.

Look for our review of the film next Wednesday!

Economic News

Here is some recent economic news worth reading....

Holiday Shopping Season Doesn't Look Merry

Leading Economic Indicators Rise in August

FedEx, Cisco, Office Depot Cautious on Economy

Late Night Television

Lost in the hype of everything NBC is doing with its late night (and prime time) lineup the past few months, emerges news from CBS. It is prepared to re-ink Craig Ferguson, host of "The Late Late Show" through the 2011-'12 season.

Between Conan O'Brien taking over "The Tonight Show" three months ago and Jay Leno's prime time premiere last night, it's easy to see why the spotlight has not been focused on the CBS talk shows. But don't tell that to CBS or Ferguson, "The Late Late Show" is up 9 percent in viewers thus far in 2009.

While NBC continues to do the moving and shaking, CBS has been business as usual and that appears to be a good thing for the network.

Who's The Boss?

As I was sitting on my couch watching the Packers/Bears game (good win, by the way), I noticed an ad for General Motors featuring the new Chairman of the company, Ed Whitacre. The ad was the first push in the "May The Best Car Win" campaign and features Mr. Whitacre's position as the new chairman and the new promotion - if the car isn't for you, return it within 60 days.



I'm sure the promotion has a lot of fine print, but what puzzled me was the usage of the new Chairman...as his delivery was, in my opinion, less than spectacular. Surfing around on my computer, I noticed this article in AdAge:

Ten Things to Think Hard About Before Featuring the Chairman in Advertising

To me, AdAge nails it. Here are some of their points that really resonate in GM's situation:

-It may look like a Hail Mary pass, a desperation attempt. GM has to convey stability and a drive to move forward. This could look like a last resort.
-It doesn't seem very realistic that the chairman of one of the largest car companies in the world would be discussing new cars with "the people" and courting possible buyers - so why bother showing it?
-Authenticity: If your leader doesn't really bring the goods from a personality standpoint, why not focus on an assembly line worker with 30 years of experience with the company? Sure beats this guy's couple months of experience.

Anyway - kudos to AdAge for a well-written, thoughtful analysis. What are your thoughts?

Top 10 TV Spots

Here's a list of the "Top 10 TV Spots" from the folks at Spike TV. All the classics are on there, including: Mean Joe Green, Talking Frogs, Where's the Beef, Apple 1984 and more.

September 11

September 11 - eight years have passed since the 2001 terrorist attacks. The details of that day are as crystal clear as if it were yesterday - yet it seems like such a long time ago.

We continue to keep the victims and their families in our thoughts and prayers.

God Bless America.

Beatlemania!

Beatlemania is back! The Beatles have just released a remastered edition of all their works, as well as their very own version of the popular game Rock Band. In this massive media release, fans young and old can enjoy the mastery and mystique that the Beatles contributed to popular music.

In other news, there is at lease one Celtic employee that's blasting Sgt. Pepper right now.

What's your favorite Beatles song?