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.

Kelly Jensen, the first winner in our iPod Nano Giveaway, stopped in to 1st Draft, our pub & studio, to collect her prize, give us a few minutes of her time, and talk briefly with our own Ryan Miller about her recent Boilermaker run. She’ll be kicking her training up a notch for next year’s race with her new iPod and Nike+. Kelly’s the first of four winners this year, so you’ll have 3 more chances to win! Enter now for the Fall drawing by joining our email list, following us on Twitter, or “Liking” us on Facebook. We’ll choose the next winner at random from all our online friends, so connect with us today using the buttons below.

How can you win? If you’re currently on or join our email list, follow us on Twitter, or “Like” us on Facebook, you’re in the running! We’ll choose a winner at random from all our online friends, once each quarter throughout the year. That’s it! So make yourself a promise, get out there to run, and connect with us today using the buttons below.

Look at that man. Now back to me. Now back at that man. Now back to me. Sadly, he isn’t me.

But I love his work, and his agency’s approach to marketing. Isaiah Mustafa, Old Spice and the Wieden + Kennedy team have made a manly, magical work. They found their moment, and they seized it. They’re milking it for all it’s worth. And it’s not a cow. Admire. Swan dive! into great marketing, great creative work, and the power of social media. I’m on a plane. Read more >