The Print Advertising Blog: November 2004

Tuesday, November 16, 2004

BMW Gets Into the Holiday Spirit

BMW, looking to spur year-end sales, will be pushing a new holiday focused advertising campaign. Tag lined "It's time for some holiday magic," the new campaign features a multi-media platform that includes television, radio and print. The campaign was designed by Publicis Groupe of New York and will be picked-up nationally. Spending levels were not disclosed. This campaign was also featured in Adweek.

France Makes Pitch for U.S. Business

The French government is putting test to the saying, "all's fair in love and war" with a new ad campaign designed to lure American investors back to France. The campaign, created by Ogilvy & Mather Worldwide of Paris, hopes to
appeal to the "pragmatic" investor and business opportunist who is not so easily swayed by the partisan jargon of politicos. The goal is one of education... helping prudent investors realize that France is the "savvy investor's
place to do business." Print ads are planned for publications like The Wall Street Journal, Havard Business Review and Time Global Business. They are written in a Socratic Q&A format that is intended spur open-minded thinking among readers. More information about this campaign can be obtained at the NY Times (login is required), and by accessing the campaign press release or by visiting The New France web site.

Washington Wine Commission Uncorks New Branding Campaign

SEATTLE, The Washington Wine Commission (WWC) this month launches a new branding campaign under the tagline, Washington State -- the Perfect Climate for Wine. The new campaign is designed to increase consumer awareness, drive sales for Washington State's world class wines and promote tourism throughout the state's wine country. As the nation's second-largest wine producer, the Washington wine industry contributes $2.4 billion to the state economy annually, supports more than 11,000 jobs and provides more than $73 million in tax and licensing related fees to fund state programs. ...The new campaign, designed by Edelman, will integrate WWC's existing promotional programs and introduce new elements including a logo and tagline, advertising, events marketing and public relations to educate consumers about Washington's ideal viticultural landscape and award-winning wines. "Regional branding is an important element to help wine enthusiasts develop an understanding of the global wine world," said Jane Baxter Lynn, Washington Wine Commission executive director. "Wine expresses a sense of place, and our goal is to educate consumers and help them clearly identify Washington wines." The logo, a colorful rendering of the sun rising above a grapevine, and the campaign tagline, Washington State -- The Perfect Climate for Wine, reflect Washington's perfect latitude, geography, sunny weather and business climate for producing world-class wine grapes. ...The initial series of print advertisements is currently running in Washington State markets. The ads take widely-held perceptions of Washington's wine industry and turn them upside down with a tone and manner that is light and engaging. Using a tongue-in-cheek approach, the ads blur the lines of distinction between France and Washington State to convey that Washington wines are on par with the best wine making regions in the world. Like the French countryside, the ads convey that Washington Wine Country offers an ideal environment for enjoying a glass of wine. For more information about Washington wines, touring, and tasting opportunities, visit www.washingtonwine.org or see this press release.

The Weiss Group, Inc. Joins PrintAdvertising.com’s Publishers’ Representative Directory

PrintAdvertising.com would like to welcome The Weiss Group, Inc. as the newest member to the Publishers’ Representative Directory. The Weiss Group,Inc is a media rep firm representing 36 titles. 17 are single state rural electrics, 3 are farm bureaus, 6 titles are regional farm newspapers, 8 are national publications – The Weiss Group has something to offer advertisers in all 52 states. The Weiss Group’s niche demographics include Older (50+) adults, Stable (93% homeowners), Men & Women (50/50) rural residents (C&D county). The Weiss Group’s advertisers range from one publication to multiple publication media buyers. With over 40 years experience in the print advertising and media sales business, The Weiss Group takes pride in its personal attention, reputation, and successes. The Weiss Group was established in 1992 with a single publication title. To learn more about The Weiss Group visit... http://printadvertising.com/pubrep_WeissGrp.html
The Weiss Group joined the PrintAdvertising.com Publishers’ Representative Directory as a way to gain valuable exposure to new prospective publishing clients as well as to increase the visibility of their current staple of publications. The PrintAdvertising.com Publishers’ Representative Directory is a valuable resource to advertisers, publishers and publishers’ representatives.

Friday, November 12, 2004

JoS. A. Bank Dresses Up New Branding Campaign

HAMPSTEAD, Md.--JoS. A. Bank Clothiers, Inc. a premier menswear retailer (Nasdaq National Market: "JOSB"), announces that it has launched a major national branding campaign. The marketing campaign's television and magazine advertisements emphasize JoS. A. Bank's reputation as a premiere designer, manufacturer and retailer of classic menswear, with a strong commitment to product quality and a dedication to outstanding customer service. The ads portray JoS. A. Bank as a brand that personifies the lifestyle and aspirations of the American businessman. "The branding campaign enables JoS. A. Bank to increase the recognition of its brand throughout America in support of our ongoing national store expansion strategy," commented R. Neal Black, Chief Merchandising Officer of JoS. A. Bank Clothiers, Inc.
The campaign includes nationwide exposure on cable news networks, including CNN, CNN Headline News, Fox News, CNBC and MSNBC, as well as in magazines that are oriented towards businessmen, such as Forbes, Fortune and Golf Digest. The television ads began to air Wednesday, November 3 and will continue through the Christmas shopping season. JoS. A. Bank Clothiers, Inc., established in 1905, is one of the nation's leading retailers of men's classically-styled tailored and casual clothing, sportswear, footwear and accessories. The Company sells its full product line through 255 stores in 37 states and the District of Columbia, a nationwide catalog and an e-commerce website that can be accessed at www.josbank.com. The Company is headquartered in Hampstead, MD, and its common stock is listed on the Nasdaq National Market under the symbol "JOSB". View press release.

Thursday, November 11, 2004

Ad Council and CureSearch Launch National PSA Campaign

The Advertising Council and CureSearch National Childhood Cancer Foundation have joined to announce the launch of a national, multi-media public service advertising (PSA) campaign designed to help children with cancer and their families receive the information, resources and support they need to conquer childhood cancer. Miss America 2005 Deidre Downs, who has been named the official national spokesperson for CureSearch National Childhood Cancer Foundation, will support the foundation's campaign as part of her year of service as Miss America 2005. ... Sponsored by CureSearch, the new campaign was developed in an effort to provide families with the resources that will help them improve the quality of their children's lives and secure the best chance for a cure. The campaign also aims to raise awareness that childhood cancer -- while growing in incidence -- is increasingly curable. Created pro bono by ad agency Y&R, the new PSAs direct parents, families, friends, and caregivers who provide comfort to children diagnosed with cancer to visit http://www.curesearch.org, CureSearch's new website and the only comprehensive, up-to-date information portal on childhood cancer. Designed by the brand strategy and interactive design firm Siegel & Gale, the site provides support, resources and clinical information, which is customized to patients, families and friends based on a child's age, diagnosis and treatment. ...The new television, radio and print PSAs poignantly feature the juxtaposition of life "before" and "after" a child is diagnosed with cancer. In one new television spot, a child asks, "Why do they call it a funnybone? Why can't penguins fly? Can we go to the moon on vacation?" Actress Jodie Foster then provides a voiceover, which says, "If you think it's tough answering these questions, imagine the ones you'll get if your child is diagnosed with cancer. CureSearch.org can help ... You're not as alone as you feel."
"When families are told their child has cancer, they often turn to the Internet for information about the disease and its treatment protocols," said Paul T. Burke, President and CEO of CureSearch National Childhood Cancer Foundation. "With the help of this PSA campaign, we are hopeful that families facing a childhood cancer diagnosis will become aware of http://www.curesearch.org, which is supported by the world's foremost childhood cancer experts, and use this resource as a companion on their journey with the disease." ...The radio and print ads similarly feature problems facing children and their parents when the diagnosis is cancer and communicate how CureSearch.org can help families cope with all aspects of the disease. To view the PSAs, visit http://www.adcouncil.org/campaigns/childhood_cancer_resource. ...Per the Ad Council model, the PSAs were distributed to more than 28,000 media outlets nationwide in October and will begin running and airing in advertising time and space that is donated by the media this month. ...Charity Navigator, America's largest independent charity evaluator recognizes CureSearch NCCF with four out of four stars for fiscal management. Ninety-four percent of CureSearch NCCF's total annual expenditures is dedicated to finding cures for children with cancer, six percent is used for fundraising and administration. CureSearch is a tax-exempt, 501(c)(3) public benefit charity. View press release.

Carmelo Anthony Featured in New Nike Campaign

Anticipating a breakthrough season on the court and at retail, second-year NBA sensation Carmelo Anthony will star in a new integrated marketing campaign which will include advertising, online and retail executions from Jordan, a division of Nike, Inc., it was announced today. The new national television and print ads will break mid-November and mix humor and edge to convey that Anthony is not a typical superstar athlete. The ads also promote the launch of Anthony's first signature apparel collection along with the much anticipated basketball shoe, the Jordan Carmelo 1.5, which hits stores the day after Thanksgiving. ...Marking a bold move for the brand, national print advertising was created by Shepard Fairey, known as one of the most prolific street artists of his generation, who has produced memorable graphics -- most notably the Obey Giant images -- that have spread through urban centers all over the world. The animated yet edgy print ads splash bursts of Nuggets-inspired baby blue and gold on images of Anthony and his 1.5 sneaker. ..."This campaign effectively speaks to the essence and timelessness of the Jordan brand," said Roman Vega, brand manager for Jordan. "With Tommy (Davidson), we're bringing levity and humor; and by attracting Shepard (Fairey), we're being true to our city roots and commitment to innovation. All of these elements make for a campaign that sets the stage for the future -- and that future is embodied by the legacy of MJ and emergence of Carmelo, who is truly a rising force in the league. By utilizing him, we're able to contemporize the brand in an authentic way." ...For more information on Jordan, visit www.jumpman23.com or see press release details.

Mitsubishi Electric Uses Print to Feature Products

As announced this week by BtoBonline, Mitsubishi Electric & Electronics USA, Inc. has selected Perich + Partners to develop its new print advertising campaign. The campaign will highlight such Mitsubishi's electronic products as high-definition TV, automotive electronics and HVAC systems. The print campaign is planned for design and architectural publications. Spending and campaign dates were not provided.

The Fitness Experience Works for Stronger Brand

Brokaw this week announced that it has been named new advertising agency of record for The Fitness Experience, a major specialty fitness equipment retailer with locations across the Midwest. ...Brokaw will provide support to the retailer through creative development, media strategy, branding and promotion. The comprehensive marketing communications program will focus on growing sales and building The Fitness Experience brand. ...The new retail advertising campaign includes radio, print, direct mail and outdoor. ...The Fitness Experience opened its first store in 1986 to provide consumers with a no-pressure, educational environment in which to shop for quality home exercise equipment. Today, as one of the nation's largest independent specialty fitness equipment retailers, The Fitness Experience continues to deliver that unique experience at its 36 stores in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio and Wisconsin. For more information, log on to http://www.fitnessexperience.com/ .

Wednesday, November 10, 2004

PrintAdvertising.com Tests New Remnant Space Selling Service

PrintAdvertising.com has started testing a new service designed to help print media publishers quickly market and sell their unused “remnant” advertising space.

No matter how successful a publisher may be at selling advertising, there inevitably comes a time when unused magazine or newspaper space becomes available. Print media professionals refer to this as “Remnant Space.”

Remnant space, if not sold, represents an expense to publishers that, except for lack of opportunity, may have otherwise produced revenue. Consequently, publishers and their advertising sales staff will frequently discount remnant space to encourage a quick purchase by prospective advertisers.

PrintAdvertising.com is creating a virtual marketplace.

Remnant space, while a potential loss for publishers, often represents a real value for advertisers. The problem is that many times advertisers never hear about these opportunities, or if they do, it’s too late to take advantage of them. PrintAdvertising.com’s is working on a solution to this problem by creating a marketplace where publishers and advertisers, media buyers and publishers’ representatives can, in real-time, make remnant space opportunities available and allow marketers to capitalize on them. Such a marketplace offers time and monetary benefits that will immediately benefit the print media and advertising industry.

PrintAdvertising.com’s Remnant Space For Sales service is being tested for a limited time to determine system and user requirements as well as overall interest levels. During the test period this service will be offered free of charge to the first twenty-five publishers to sign up. A nominal fee for this service is planned upon completion of the test phase.

Those interested in learning more about PrintAdvertising.com’s Remanant Space For Sale service may visit the web page at … http://printadvertising.com/RemnantBids.html

Jak 3 Gets Ad Spend for the Holidays

Sony Computer EntertainmentAmerica Inc. announced today the launch of Jak 3(TM), the third and finalinstallment of the Jak and Daxter trilogy, created exclusively for thePlayStation(R)2 computer entertainment system. Developed by Naughty Dog Inc.,the company responsible for the award winning Jak and Daxter franchise and thehighly acclaimed, multi-million unit selling Crash Bandicoot(TM) series onPlayStation(R), Jak 3 takes Jak and Daxter on their ultimate adventure as theyuncover conspiracy, danger and ultimately the Precursors themselves. ...To support the mainstream appeal of Jak 3, a massive print advertisingcampaign, running through the holiday season, will reach more than 40 million readers through a vast variety of national consumer publications, including Entertainment Weekly, URB, Maxim, Stuff, Sync, Revolver, Rolling Stone,Thrasher, Transworld, Spin, Source, and many more. Targeted publications alsoinclude leading gaming magazines such as Electronic Gaming Monthly, TheOfficial U.S. PlayStation Magazine, GameNow, Game Informer, PSM, Game Pro,Tips and Tricks, PLAY, and PSE2. For more information visit us on the Web at http://www.us.playstation.com/ or see the press release .

EyeToy Encourages Players to Become One With the Game

Sony Computer EntertainmentAmerica Inc. announced today the release of EyeToy: AntiGrav(TM), the firstand only 3D character based EyeToy(TM) game that uses facial and bodyrecognition technology to control a character in futuristic hoverboardgameplay. Representing the next step in the evolution of the EyeToy technologyand physical and interactive gaming, EyeToy: AntiGrav is developed by HarmonixMusic Systems, Inc., the creators of Frequency(TM), Amplitude and KaraokeRevolution(TM). It also follows EyeToy(TM): Play, which sold more than4 million units worldwide since its release, and EyeToy(TM): Groove, whichenables players to dance in time with one of 28 licensed songs. ...EyeToy: AntiGrav will be available with the EyeToy USB camera for asuggested retail price of $49.99. To increase excitement and awareness for thetitle, a massive marketing campaign is in effect. To support EyeToy: AntiGrav, the print advertisements encourage readersto, "Put down the controller and become one with the game." The campaign willreach millions of readers nationwide through placements in a wide variety ofnational consumer, children and teen outlets, gaming, sports, and comicpublications. The print campaign will begin in November 2004 and continuethrough February 2005. Print ads will run in publications such as SI for Kids,Disney Adventures, National Geographic Kids, TransWorld Skateboarding,Snowboarder, Electronic Gaming Monthly, GMR, Official PlayStation Magazine, DCComics and Marvel Comics. For more information visit http://www.us.playstation.com or see the Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. press release.

Infiniti Targets African Americans with 'Infiniti in Black'

The month of November marks the official launch of Infiniti's, the luxury division of Nissan North America, Inc. (NNA), first-ever marketing campaign designed to speak directly to African Americans entitled, "Infiniti in Black." In this year-long campaign, Infiniti will bridge innovative design and contemporary culture through the voices of emerging talents. "Infiniti in Black" celebrates the African American innovator, aligning five Infiniti vehicles with distinct cultural art disciplines. Each two-month phase of the campaign will highlight a form of artistic expression that captures the personality of the featured Infiniti vehicle. During each phase, Infiniti will partner with a "modern African American innovator" -- an emerging talent whose vision represents the personality and attributes of its respective Infiniti model. The campaign kicks-off with "A Portrait in Black" featuring the G35 Coupe and acclaimed African American artist Kehinde Wiley. Infiniti partners with Wiley in the debut of his first museum exhibition, "Passing/Posing" at the Brooklyn Museum of Art. Wiley's exhibit will display a wide range of art from French Rococo to contemporary hip-hop culture. The multimedia campaign includes print, interactive and out-of-home. The print advertising for "Infiniti in Black" is a three-page ad unit that features three large blank canvases representing the walls found in a museum, art gallery or performance hall. This creative theme is carried throughout interactive and out-of-home. For the first phase, "A Portrait in Black," the right-hand page features a wall of words describing the essence of the vehicle and the artist. The next page showcases the artist beginning to create. The last page features the G35 coupe on display with the headline "A study in black by the G35 Coupe." The copy reads, "With an award-winning V6 engine, available sport-tuned suspension and standard visionary design, it's more than a work in progress, it's a movement." All creative for this campaign was designed by Nissan's transcultural agency TRUE, located in Playa del Rey, California. For more information visit Infiniti's web site at www.infinitinews.com or their corporate press release at http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/041105/55360_1.html

Nortel Says "This is the Way" in Brand Campaign

Delivering on its commitment to become a more marketing-led company today unleashed a global branding initiative with sweeping changes to the company's look, feel and voice based on the theme, "This is the Way. This is Nortel." The first deliverable of this initiative is a global ad campaign breaking today that provides tangible evidence Nortel is delivering communications capabilities that ignite and power global commerce while helping people solve the world's greatest challenges. "Today we're confirming that marketing is now a strategic asset for Nortel, vital to growing our market momentum by helping us reach customers and prospects about the value we can bring to the world's most critical communications," said Bill Owens, president and chief executive officer, Nortel. "Our solutions are a catalyst for addressing the most profound challenges facing businesses, consumers and societies." Nortel is taking an important step in changing the way it defines itself, moving the discussion from "the network" to what people "do with the network." The ad campaign tells the Nortel story of strength, confidence and security -- communications you can count on -- to CEOs, CFOs and CIOs, using major business and news media around the world. Also marking a shift, Nortel will advertise on television for the first time since 2001. ... With creative strategy and development by The Richards Group, an internationally renowned branding firm and Nortel's agency of record, the campaign comes with a new theme: "This is the Way. This is Nortel." ... The print advertising takes a direct approach to the same messages, showcasing all of the places Nortel can be found through simple and powerful copy: "This is the way 600 million people move around the planet. You'll find Nortel in every single one of the world's top 20 airlines."
About The Richards Group: The Richards Group, located in Dallas, is one of the largest independent branding agencies in the nation. Agency clients include the standard-setting brands of The Home Depot, Chick-fil-A, Hyundai, Red Lobster, Motel 6 and Fruit of the Loom. The Richards Group can be found at http://www.richards.com/. Excepts taken from Nortel 11/8/04 press release.

Friday, November 05, 2004

ADM Gets 'Resourceful by Nature'

Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) is launching a new tag line and advertising campaign. As announced today, the new campaign is designed to create a link between farmers, ADM and consumers. The campaign reinforces ADM's role as an essential link between farmers and consumers and helps viewers to follow the path from the farmers’ fields to the processing facility to the customer. Advertising runs under the tag line "Resourceful by Nature" and is scheduled to run on both print and broadcast media platforms. No spending levels were given. For more information visit the ADM web pages at http://www.admworld.com/eng/advertising.asp

PrintAdvertising.com: Helping Print Media Professionals Fill Positions and Find Jobs

Print media professionals now have a way to find qualified job candidates and advance their careers. PrintAdvertising.com has launched a new Help Wanted service designed to target professionals with experience specific to the print media and print advertising professions.

The new service specifically targets four key employment categories…

• Print Media Publishers
• Print Media Advertisers
• Print Media Buyers
• Print Media Advertising Sales Representatives

Creation of the PrintAdvertising.com Help Wanted listing grew from a steady demand for a more targeted, centralized approach to finding print media employees and jobs. The PrintAdvertising.com Help Wanted listing offers a focused appeal that cannot be matched by broad level employment listing services like Monster.com, HotJobs.com and CareerBuilders.com.

Positions appearing on PrintAdvertising.com’s Help Wanted site are organized into five easy to match categories. They are…
• Publishing
• Buyers & Planners
• Advertising Sales
• Miscellaneous
• Situations Wanted

The PrintAdvertising.com Help Wanted page fills a unique niche. Print media and print advertising professionals shouldn’t have to dig through line-after-line and page-after-page of unrelated job listings simply to advance their careers. Likewise, recruitment officers shouldn’t be asked to spend corporate dollars on position listings that come buried under a pile of unrelated posts. PrintAdvertising.com offers a better way.

To learn more about PrintAdvertising.com’s Help Wanted service visit the following url http://printadvertising.com/Helpwanted.html

Thursday, November 04, 2004

Toyota Gets Funny With 2005 Model Launch

Toyota is launching its 2005 model year Tacoma and Tundra pickups with a series of commercials that use humor to capture its viewer's attention. Created by Saatchi & Saatchi of Torrance, CA, the ads falls under the 'Moving Forward' tag line. Ads within the series highlight fictitious maladies or appeals for which one of Toyota's trucks provides a sensible solution. Spending levels for the campaign are estimated at around $100 million dollars and print, outdoor and cinema advertising.

UME Says 'I Love That Song' In New Campaign

Universal Music Enterprises is launching a two year advertising campaign designed draw attention to its classic album labels. The campaign is tagged "I Love That Song" and will launch with an 11-page addition to the December '04 issue of Rolling Stone Magazine. The multi-million dollar campaign is schedule to run through 2006 and will include print along with other platforms. More information on this campaign can be found at FMQB.

Intel and Microsoft Effort Brings 'Digital Joy'

It was announced today that Intel Corporation and Microsoft have joined forces to launch a new consumer marketing campaign highlighting the benefits of an "emerging digital lifestyle." The integrated campaign, which launches November 7, is titled "Digital Joy," and will show consumers how digitally integrated products are easy to use, increase our choices, provide advanced performance and help with everyday multitasking. The campaign involves television, print, cinema and online advertising, as well as "experience zones." Intel and Microsoft are also launching a new Web site, at www.digitaljoy.com, where consumers can learn more about sharing digital photos, staying up to date on favorite TV and radio programs, as well as digital entertainment technology. Special offers are also available on the Web site. Deutsch Inc., New York, created the television, print, online and cinema advertising. Specific spend amounts were not provided. Additional information about Intel is available at http://www.intel.com/pressroom/archive/releases/20041104corp.htm.

Marquis Jet Features New Print Campaign

Marquis Jet is launching an advertising campaign that aims to get new customers from the ranks of those who never knew they could afford to. In addition to the traditional market of corporate leaders, Marquis says there are many people who can afford to use their services but simply don't realize it. The print campaign was created by The Pere Partnership, an independent New York agency. Five ads are scheduled to run in publications like The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal and such luxury magazines as Departures. The campaign will spend between $3 - 5 million and run under the tag line "Make Hours Yours." Marquis has expressed a commitment to their marketing and branding campaign with promises of increased spending and additional advertising to come.

Wednesday, November 03, 2004

Newsweek and Time Prep Pages for Election Issues

Newsweek and Time have been working on the final touches to their Presidential Election editions. Newsweek announced that the magazine's election issue will feature special behind-the-scenes coverage of the 2004 presidential campaign in a 129 page edition that is scheduled to hit newsstands as soon as Thursday. The coverline reads "How He Did It: The Untold Story of an Epic Election." Time, though working on an election edition, has yet to release specific details. Both publications will use the election edition in replacement for their normal Monday publishing schedule. U.S. News & World Report will maintain its established schedule.

AIM Investments Features Employees in New Campaign

AIM Investments announced on Monday the launch of a new marketing and advertising campaign tagged "New Solutions Builder." The campaign will use both print and broadcast media and features AIM employees sharing "unscripted thoughts about the challenges of today's investing environment and how AIM can build quality solutions to help meet those challenges." The use of employees comes in contrast to the October announcement by TD Waterhouse of a new marketing campaign featuring Law & Order star Sam Waterson as the company's spokesperson. The AIM campaign was developed by The Richards Group of Dallas, TX. Mike Malone, Creative Group Head at The Richards Group said, "Actors reading scripts can't portray the kind of passion and honesty that comes straight from the heart of these AIM solutions builders." Gene Needles, President and CEO of AIM Distributors, AIM's retail marketing subsidiary said, "In developing this new advertising campaign, we firmly believed the best way to illustrate the resolve of our company was to have employees share their own thoughts about the markets and about AIM." Print ads are planned for such financial news publications as The Wall Street Journal and Barron's. Spending was not disclosed. Visit AIM investments for more information.

Tuesday, November 02, 2004

Diet Sierra Mist is Set Free in New Campaign

Diet Sierra Mist is getting a name change. In a push to help consumers identify the product as more than simply a diet drink its name is being changed to Sierra Mist Free. The new name reflects more accurately the fact that Sierra is sugar free, calorie free, carb and caffeine free. The new name and graphic will be hitting store shelves this week. The Sierra Mist Free relaunch will be supported with television, radio and print advertising beginning in November '04. Sierra Mist Free is a product of Pepsi-Cola North America. Steve Sears, VP of marketing said about the name change and marketing push, "We're giving people a better understanding of the benefits of Sierra Mist Free while also reengaging current diet consumers and attracting new people to the brand." Nutritional information for Sierra Mist Free can be located at the following link.

Fisher-Prince Reaches Out To Latino Parents

Toy maker Fisher-Price has launched a multi-media marketing campaign specifically directed toward Latino parents. The campaign is being executed by Market Vision of San Antonio, TX. It was launched on October 15 with television and radio and builds upon the Company's successful "Play. Laugh. Grow." campaign that was created by Y&R Advertising in New York. The campaign invites Hispanic families to... "Juega con ellos. Rie con Ellos. Crece con Ellos." Through a partnership with Meredith Corporation's American Baby Group, Fisher-Price is the sole sponsor of a new Spanish-language publication "Jugando a Crecer" (or "Playing to Grow"), which is being distributed this fall to over 1 million parents of newborns and infants through OB/GYN offices and hospital birthing units with high Hispanic birth rates. Fisher-Price also distributes the publication at Hispanic festivals where the Company sponsors its popular play area. The free, custom publication speaks to the importance of play in the early years of life, and offers tips on how to foster baby's developing cognitive and motor skills through play. It also provides helpful information about the stages of early childhood development, selecting toys and much more. Fisher-Price is a wholly owned subsidiary of Mattel, Inc., the worldwide leader in toy products, with $4.7 billion in sales worldwide. Mattel's best-selling brands are Barbie® HotWheels®, Fisher-Price® and American Girl®. Visit Mattel. For more information on this campaign visit the following link business wire.

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