AAF - Cleveland - old blog

Logo Evolution

Here's an interesting site found by Linda at my office.

It shows how many corporate logos have changed over the years. You can see in the Microsoft example just how much more sophisticated it has become. Although, back when floppy disks were floppy the old iterations might've been considered sophisticated.

Econo-Score with Street Cred

“Got City Game, Cleveland” is the brain child of T.L. Champion and Barb Oney.

Here's the concept:

Four teams must figure out “puzzlers” and reach select city-destinations in a race against the clock. The program will release with 12-episodes over 6 weeks from April – May 2009. Four teams compete to win – and they don’t win until the final website visitor-vote is made.  An 8-week radio/web/streaming campaign will drive first visits. Social-networking and amazing prizing will drive increased and repeat visits.

The grand prize is free residence in a downtown condo for a year. And visitors who vote get entered into a drawing to receive a free college scholarship.

Here’s the sked:

February 2009 – Contestant Search for “Got City Game, Cleveland” (eight people will be chosen – for four teams of two)

April 2009 – The 12-hour videotaped event through streets, alleys, theaters, museums, restaurants, college campuses and more

April/May 2009 – “Got City Game, Cleveland” airs on WebTV with a 6-week program. 

If you're interested in a sponsoring, investing or donating, drop T.L. or Barb a line.

September Luncheon

The AAF-Cleveland 2008-09 Program Year is upon us. The first luncheon is on Wednesday, September 17 @ 11:30 am @ Windows on the River.

Our speaker will be Matt Kraner, Chief Marketing Officer of The Plain Dealer. He will discuss how a daily newspaper plans on overcoming the obstacles ahead.

Click here for tickets.

Rip Ruhlman

Richard "Rip" Ruhlman passed away on August 9. Rip was a member of our Hall of Fame and known to many in our industry.

I was lucky enough to work with Rip during the last two years of his 40-year career at Liggett. He was an amazing writer with a ravenous curiosity. I encourage you to visit the virtual memorial on his son's blog. Many have posted warm memories of this incredible man.

Stephanie Tubbs Jones

I was saddened by the news of the death of Stephanie Tubbs Jones.

A few months ago AAF-Cleveland and representatives from the AAAA had a meeting with the Congresswoman. I was privileged to be a part of that delegation.

Our AAF lobbyist, James Davidson, arranged the meeting in part to remind Tubbs Jones that Cleveland had a vibrant advertising community and many depend upon our industry for their livelihood. We wanted to make sure we were heard should Congress consider any legislation to hamper our business.

I got a kick out of the idea of me meeting with a lobbyist and a member of Congress. I was a part of "the political machine." That said, I was also a bit nervous. I was the youngest person in the room and never took much of an interest in politics - and as a result never paid much attention to civics lessons. So there was a risk that I'd slip up and call her "senator" and be taken out of the room by secret service in a headlock. My fears were quickly dissolved as the jovial congresswoman entered the room. She was genuinely interested in us and our stories. She wanted to hear why advertising was important to Northeast Ohio. I told her that it was one of the industries that helped keep and attract young, creative minds to our region. We all left the meeting energized by her spirit.

She will be missed.

Here's hoping

Here's some nice work done by Wyse Advertising for Medical Mutual. It's a great line that sums up Cleveland's hopes for this year's Browns season and speaks to our unofficial city motto.

Kudos to copywriter Phil Sipos and art director Dan Fauver for creating an ad that people want to post on their walls.

If you've got some work you're proud of, send it to me.

If only we could buy wins in bulk

I was at Sam's Club this morning and was surprised that you can buy Indians tickets the same place you can get a 5-gallon bucket of salsa. Interesting placement.

Also there seems to be a typo on the display. One side says "Indians" and the other "Indian."

In your Facebook

Join the Official AAF-Cleveland Facebook Fan Club. It's social. It's networking. It's oh so 2.0.

CC says newspaper advertising is not dead

If you somehow missed it, Milwaukee Brewer pitcher CC Sabathia took out a rather substantial ad in the PD yesterday. This ad was front page news and even got an article on the front page of the sports section. Then it was mentioned during the Indians radio broadcast on WTAM. Talk about media impressions!

I wonder if Casey Blake has a "thank you" viral video in the works?

Pro-Peterson Agenda

I'm in the final throes of my presidency. And as I'm getting married on May 10, I've seen my final luncheon at the helm of our fine organization. With Rick's retirement, we are losing one of our club's most valued and beloved assets. Now is the time for increased efforts from our volunteer corp.

But fear not, the club will be in good hands under the guidance (and iron fist) of Mike Peterson. I am personally endorsing his candidacy for president of AAF-Cleveland. I've even gone one step further in creating yard signs for the Peterson camp. The first one (Download mike.pdf) is for those of you who believe in him whole-heartedly. The second (Download antimark.pdf) is aimed at those who don't necessarily agree with his politics but recognize that change is needed.