What’s the first thing any of us wants to do when we discover something new to love? Share it with others. A great new restaurant, a phenomenal movie…you want to tell everyone you know (and, let’s face it, take some credit for sharing the benefits). That was the inspiration behind a site we created with First Source Federal Credit Union, a client for whom we love to spread the love: we want to recommend it to our friends.

It sounds like a shameless plug, but visit them and you quickly see how much nicer they are than your old bank. Sure, they have all the standard services, accounts, etc., but they’re polite, they treat you well, and you walk out thinking you just had coffee with an old friend. Yes, you can even grab a coffee while you’re there. What’s not to love?

So we set up SwitchToFirst.org, a page that makes it easy for people looking to bag their old bank and open accounts where the terms don’t keep changing on a daily basis. The banks give us enough reasons to switch, so why wait? We like to vote with our feet.

First Source has told us that 32 people have already made it to the site to start their switch to First. Sounds like good ideas spread quickly.

You’re not reading this blog, because it doesn’t exist. That’s right—I’m not writing a blog this week, in honor of Labor Day, a national day of rest (why they call a day of rest “Labor Day” is another story). Anyway, I’m celebrating by NOT writing this blog. So you are not reading this, and you’re going to have a great, relaxing, short week (or at least a long weekend) without any of my jabber. Thanks for not reading this. Have fun.

Why can’t more of my assignments take me to Key West? I’m sure you’ve all asked yourselves the same thing. Turns out we found a great project for the agency that combined a few of my favorite things: beer, beaches and sun, all at the Key West Brewfest. It’s a fun way to celebrate the seasonal change, and a phenomenal place to do it.

We put together a website and advertising for the event (see one of the ads we created for them below), and they’ve been getting a ton of great press. Go ahead and Google it and see what comes up; I’ll wait. Key West has always been one of my favorite destinations, so it’s the perfect place to sample great beer and support one of America’s distinctive communities. Did you really need an excuse? Check out the website we put together for the folks at the southernmost tip of the lower 48. What better way to spend Labor Day weekend?

And then there’s diversity of the homegrown variety, like the Nole Brothers. When they do Italian, they do it uniquely, and probably better than anyone (ever been to Café CaNole? Ancora? That’s them.) So we were salivating when they said they were bringing an authentic French Brasserie and Patisserie to the table (sorry—couldn’t resist) and wanted to collaborate with us on the branding. Ever been to a European café? Great comfort food, phenomenal desserts, and best of all, conversation (and a few bottles of wine) with friends. OK, I just described Simmer, the Noles’ latest restaurant in New Hartford (behind Cavallo’s, next to American Fitness). Right down to the unbelievable desserts, sold next door in the Patisserie.

We worked closely with Jason and Dean to create a name and brand that reflected their vision. The result is a warm and inviting atmosphere, inside and out. But don’t take my word for it— check it out for yourself and experience a little bit of Old Europe, right here in the Mohawk Valley. We’ll be in line right behind you.

Joe Romanelli interviews Jack O’Trade, the strong, silent type of marketing icon we created (and who now has a life of his own) for local home improvement center JAY-K. Jack has generated a lot of buzz on his way to becoming a local celebrity, and now he’s back in a big way to help launch a JAY-K contest.

We’ve hidden him on their new website in selected department photos. Lucky website visitors can get an instant 20% off coupon for anything in the store, and chances for a $100 JAY-K gift card or the Grand Prize, a Caribbean cruise for 2.

Jack’s helping highlight some of the new website’s features, like improved navigational tools, faster access to product information, an enhanced “Find Area Pros” section for pairing JAY-K customers with local contractors, and regularly updated news, tips and information for homeowners and contractors.

Check Jack out on JAY-K’s website.