Casual Furnishings Industry Pre-Market in Chicago

One of my favorite events is the Casual Furnishings Industry pre-market at the Merchandise Mart in Chicago. I've been working with their trade association, the International Casual Furnishings Association (ICFA) for three years now, and I'm starting to really feel a part of this industry.

This was a quick trip to video those who will speak on behalf of this year's Lifetime Achivement Award winners. Absolutely wonderful people!

And we'll be back in September for the Market itself!

New Creative Look for Tryon Palace

Yesterday, we presented five different campaigns for the launch of Tryon Palace's new strategic positioning. Each included ideas for print ads, outdoor, promotional ideas, social media, and website applications.

The good news is that there was a lot to like! After much discussion, we all agreed on one approach for moving forward. I wish I could include a sample here, but I'm going to keep it a secret until we have final work to show! Coming soon!

Commission Meeting at Tryon Palace

We've just returned from a very successful presentation to the Tryon Palace Commission in New Bern!

After three months of hard strategic work, our recommendation for the new positioning of Tryon Palace was unanimously approved! We couldn't be more proud!

We also recommended a new logotype and mark for Tryon Palace. The mark is based on an emblem on the the actual gate in front of the Governor's Palace. Take a look at the top of this post!

Now we start creative development!

Concrete Express Expands

Last May, I wrote about my client, Concrete Express, starting up in this market.

I'm pleased to tell you that the company is going so well, and they have expanded into the Winston-Salem and High Point markets. We've been working with them on some public relations and media efforts, and they are really paying off.

Keep watching for their trucks!

Tryon Palace Update

We had our final presentation of Phases I and II to the Marketing Committee today, and it could not have gone better! Our recommendations were accepted unanimously, and then later on by the Executive Committee.

We have enjoyed every minute of this project and so proud of the work we've done. We'll present to the Tryon Palace Commission at the end of April, and then start on creative development. Stay tuned!

Re-Elect Judge Lindsay Davis

You know how much I love political campaigns. I'm pleased to announce that my long-time dear friend Lindsay Davis is running for re-election to the NC Superior Court from District 18. He's asked me to help him with his marketing.

Lindsay is one of the most highly regarded judges in the state. He's exactly the kind of person that we need on the bench.

He's put together a wonderful campaign team, and I'm so honored to be part of it.

Tryon Palace - Biggest Win Yet!

The Harris Partners is pleased to announce that Tryon Palace in New Bern, NC has selected us for their major rebranding effort, including the launch of the new NC History Center, scheduled for August 2010.

This is just the kind of project we like - getting in on the ground floor and starting to rebuild. This project will include three phases. The first will be a strategic analysis of the attraction, its target audience, and competition. The second will focus on the new strategic positioning for Tryon Palace, and the third will be the creative execution of that positioning. We can hardly wait to get started!

The competition for this assignment was fierce. There were six companies in the running, with three finalists selected. And we got the great news today that we won! Smart thinking won out over bricks and mortar!