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How Eversmiles discovered the power of knowing its audience

By Crystal Taylor, May 1, 2012

Eversmiles logoEversmiles, formerly known as Duluth Pediatric Dentistry, provides primary and acute dental care for children.

As they prepared to move their practice from a location near downtown Duluth to a new building in Hermantown, Minnesota, the dentists at Duluth Pediatric Dentistry saw an opportunity to rethink their marketing strategy to increase the company’s growth.

That’s where we came in.

The problem

The doctors told us that although they had been running a successful practice for 10 years, they were experiencing barriers in growth because of misconceptions about pediatric dentistry. With very few pediatric dentists in the community, many people didn’t understand the value of taking children to see a pediatric dentist, as opposed to a general, or family, dentist.

With this in mind, our Duluth office, WestmorelandFlint, partnered with Duluth Pediatric Dentistry to educate and change perceptions about the lifelong value and importance of pediatric dental care. Many parents take their children to pediatricians, and the doctors at Duluth Pediatric Dentistry wanted to be viewed as the pediatricians of dental care.

The work

In developing a communication strategy, our challenge was to show that the practice understands kids without losing sight of the fact that adults make the decisions. The concept had to be positive and kid-focused, yet sophisticated and smart enough to appeal to parents.

Our team started by brainstorming with the dentists to come up with a name that fit their mission. We landed on Eversmiles, and moved forward with a comprehensive marketing package—a logo, stationary, business cards, a direct mail piece, appointment reminder cards and magnets—that was classy, yet fun and energetic. Check it out below.

business package

Eversmiles business package 2

Appointment card front and back:

Eversmiles appointment card front

Eversmiles appointment card back2

Direct mail front and back:

Eversmiles direct mail front

Eversmiles direct mail back 2

One of the key creative concepts involved using laughing to engage the audience. When people read jokes on Eversmiles advertising, they smile and become part of the Eversmiles brand. Here’s a print ad that was featured in several local magazines:

Eversmiles joke ad

Picture one of these magnets on your fridge:

Eversmiles magnet

Eversmiles magnet 2

Makes you smile, right? :-)

We also created a new website that supports the practice’s focus on kids and grownups working together to achieve good hygiene. The site has a kid-friendly page that includes a downloadable coloring sheet, teeth-cleaning tips and fun facts, as well as a section with resources just for parents.Eversmiles website

Results

In taking the time to truly understand the company’s mission and philosophy, we were able to show how Eversmiles makes going to the dentist a positive experience for both kids and parents.

Since Eversmiles implemented the communications plan and moved to its new location, the company has seen a more than 34 percent increase in patients – kids who, thanks to Eversmiles, are on their way to happy, healthy smiles that will last a lifetime.

Posted in Flint Communications, Flint Direct, Flint Group, Flint Interactive, HatlingFlint, SimmonsFlint, WestmorelandFlint | Comments

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Finally, portable Johns meet their mate: Say, Hi, Jean!

By Holly Olson, April 17, 2012

The Lakes Community Health Center is a nonprofit that provides primary health care services in Northwestern Wisconsin.

The Lakes came to Flint Group’s Duluth office, WestmorelandFlint, for help creating a public service hand-washing campaign at two large community gatherings in its service area: the Iron River Blueberry Festival and the Bayfield County Fair.

handwashing station
Hand-washing station

Since fairs (especially those featuring animals) are known to be breeding grounds for germs and bacteria, The Lakes planned to have hand-washing stations at both events. Our task was to get people to use them.

The concept

Brainstorming for the campaign began like any other creative session – spitballing all things potty-related. We didn’t like our number-two pitch (tee-hee), so we went with our first idea.

We have all sorts of names for bathrooms, right? You’ve got the latrine, toilet, throne, lavatory, privy, loo and, of course, the John. Our thinking was, “If a port-a-potty can have a name, why not give these hand-washing stations an identity, too?”

Let me introduce you to Jean. Say, “Hi, Jean!”

Meet Jean

“Hi, Jean” turned The Lakes’ hand-washing stations into a fun personality that appealed to all ages, advertised the health center, and playfully incorporated the purpose of washing your hands – hygiene.

The creative

We created signs for both inside and outside the port-a-potty doors, signs at the hand-washing stations, and Hi, Jean!-branded stickers and hand wipes. Below is a picture of all the materials together, followed by a couple pictures of the actual hand-washing stations.Hi, Jean campaign

Hand-washing station

Mom with son at hand-washing station

In addition to signage at the port-a-potties and hand-washing stations, we also created directional posters featuring imagery that corresponded with specific locations and events at both fairs. The following signs were hung:

… at the Blueberry festival pie tables:

girl with blue tongue

… near the food booths (there are two – let’s be honest, isn’t that what fairs are all about?):

senior with cotton candy

teen eating apple

… in the petting zoo area

kid with animal

… in the ride area

boy by ride

… by the carnival games:

Duck

Hi, Jean has only just begun

The client also wanted the campaign to be reusable, so our print coordinator found advanced printing materials that are made to last,including NeverTear Polyester Paper and Photo-Tex.

It’s a good thing the campaign was designed to be used over and over, because The Lakes has already contacted me to start talking about Hi, Jean! phase 2. I know I speak for my whole team when I say we’re all looking forward to spending more time with Jean and John this summer.

Posted in Flint Communications, Flint Direct, Flint Group, Flint Interactive, HatlingFlint, SimmonsFlint, WestmorelandFlint | Comments

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How Ken Zakovich discovered the origin of tweeting – in his own backyard

By Ericka Olin, April 13, 2012

Meet Captain Ken.

Ken ZakovichHis real title is creative director, but he prefers Captain Ken. We all think it’s his attempt at revenge for always being picked last on the playground. (Better late then never, right?)

As creative director at WestmorelandFlint, Ken Zakovich leads the creative team and oversees the quality of work that comes out of our Duluth office. You might remember reading about him and his Flint Group colleague whose logo designs were selected for publication in Logo Lounge Volume 7.

Birding is a verb.

Just about every other weekend, Ken and his 12-year-old son Bridger strap on their hiking boots, gather their binoculars and – with cameras as ammo – the two outdoorsmen go birding. Personally, I think it’s a bit odd that you can just “verb” an animal. At this rate, I wouldn’t be surprised if soon we hear about people going deering, chipmunking or mongoosing.

But all grammar aside, Ken and Bridger are birders. Their father-son ritual involves romping in the woods looking for, and taking pictures of, birds. I’ve included a few pictures of his birding adventures he share with me.

Ken and Bridger out exploring a Sax Zim Bog, a nationally known Northern Minnesota bird-watching preserve where you can see more than 240 species of our feathred friends.

Ken and Bridger out exploring a Sax Zim Bog, a nationally known Northern Minnesota bird-watching preserve where you can see more than 240 species of birds.

Bridger poses with his camera at Pattison State Park in northern Wisconsin.

Bridger poses with his camera at Pattison State Park in northern Wisconsin.

Bridger takes photos while his sister, Evia, shoots video at Canal Park in Duluth.

Bridger takes photos while his sister, Evia, shoots video at Canal Park in Duluth.

Ken showed me the website he and Bridger started to share their birding photos, TweetandChirp.com. He also told me about Bridger’s personal birding blog – pretty impressive for a 12-year-old, eh?

Ken says bird photography – an activity he describes as “lovable, educational and intoxicating” – has given him and Bridger a deeper understanding of the area where they live, its feathered inhabitants and the beauty that surrounds them.

“We are so fortunate to live here,” said Ken. “I hope these experiences last Bridger his entire life.”

Bridger holds a bird he found in his backyard.

Bridger holds a bird he found in the family's backyard.

A born birder

When I asked Ken where his passion for birding comes from, he told me about a book he read when he was a kid.

“My mom had an old field guide of birds, and she would mark which birds visited our feeder. As my own children started to grow, and their fascination with the birds at the feeders increased, it was only natural that we would take to the trails and go to where the birds are – to see the birds on their terms,” Ken said.

He recently took a wood media storage cabinet he built for Bridger and decoupaged it with pages from the field guide that ignited his passion for birding.

Ken's decoupage

He’s also replaced the asphalt shingles of his family’s house with bird feathers he’s collected over the years.

Okay, okay; that last part isn’t true. But he does pursue his hobby with fervor.

“I’ve told my wife to speak up when I become ‘the crazy bird man.’ Then it’s probably time to try something new,” said Ken.

Which came first, the birding or the design?

It’s a toss-up, but one thing’s for certain – Ken’s passion for birding and his love of design go hand in hand. In fact, Ken says the two pursuits fuel each other.

“The people I know and the things I learn at work support my passions outside of work. In the same respect, the experiences and barrier-free creativity outside of work provide new avenues and balanced directions for when I’m at work,” he said.

Ken’s motto for life – whether it’s birding, designing (i.e., hatching ideas) or, heck, even eating Mexican food – is that it’s good to jump in.

He said, “What’s more important, is your willingness to start and learn as you go.”

Sharing his adventures

“We have so much free stuff available to us and more people should use and support these areas so they always remain around and protected for everyone to enjoy,” said Ken.

Ken compiled a list of some great state- and government-funded places that he and Bridger visit most often. Check out the list below and go on a birding adventure of your own!

Amnicon Falls State Park

Boulder Lake Management Area

Canal Park

Canosia State Wildlife Management Area

Gooseberry Falls

Hartley Nature Center

Hawk Ridge Bird Observatory

Indian Point Park Campground

Jay Cooke State Park

Kawishiwi River Campground

Morgan Park Mudflats

Sax-Zim Bog

Scenic Highway 61

Sherburne Wildlife Refuge

Western Waterfront Trail

Wisconsin Point

Get to know a Flintster: Q + A with Ken!

What’s your dream job?
My dream job is being an electrician. It is similar to what I do now, in the sense of taking risks, however, if you make a mistake your life truly is in jeopardy.

Which job would you not want to have?
Shoveling sled dog poop at Beland’s Border Lakes Wilderness Canoe Trips in Ely, Minn.

What was your first job?
Shoveling sled dog poop.

What did it teach you?
Not to ever shovel sled dog poop.

What is one thing you’d be willing to practice for an hour a day?
Guitar – I am on and off practicing, and I would love to dedicate time. I’ve relearned the chords about eight times now.

What’s the best advice you ever got?
Just jump in – sometimes I think too much.

What sound do you love?
Bike tires on gravel in early spring, birds singing in early morning, and firing up a table saw.

What scent do you love?
Dead leaves. If they made an aromatic candle of dead leaves, I would buy it. But that sounds like a fire hazard.

Posted in Flint Communications, Flint Direct, Flint Group, Flint Interactive, HatlingFlint, SimmonsFlint, WestmorelandFlint | Comments

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Get to know that woman salsa-ing her way to the fax machine

By Ericka Olin, March 30, 2012

When Crystal Taylor joined our team at WestmorelandFlint last December, most of us knew her only as the master choreographer who organized the acclaimed flash mob at the Greater Downtown Council’s 2011 sidewalk days.

But ever since she danced her way into our Duluth office, Crystal has been inspiring us Flintsters with her philanthropic PR goals, fundraising finesse, upbeat attitude and, of course, her mad dance skills.

Fundraising and philanthropyCrystal Taylor

As a project manager and public relations specialist at WestmorelandFlint, Crystal helps our clients with media coordination, public relations and strategic planning. She brings to our team a strong passion for, and background in, fundraising for nonprofits.

In talking with Crystal, I learned about her history of directing area fundraising efforts. She’s lived in the Duluth-Superior area all her life, and she told me about her leadership in a variety of community projects, including Extreme Makeover Home Edition project in Wisconsin, a variety of fundraising events for Arc Northand and, most recently, the Enger Park Restoration Project.

“I’ve always taken pride in working with the community,” said Crystal. “It’s important to me to give back in any way I can, so PR and fundraising are a perfect niche for me.”

Dancing her way through life

When I asked Crystal what her greatest passion is outside of work and fundraising, she didn’t hesitate a second.

Crystal belly dancing“Dancing—I love the chance to express myself through movement and interpretation of music,” Crystal said. “Dancing energizes my mind, challenges my body and renews my spirit. It allows me to open my mind and expand my creativity by letting new ideas flow.”

I was surprised to learn that Crystal began taking dance classes when she was just 3 years old, an age when most tots are still focused on holding a crayon or successfully steering a spoonful of mac ‘n cheese into their mouths.

A few years later, Crystal took her dancing to ice with figure skating, which was her main sport for 17 years.

“Figure skating inspired me with a love and passion for performance,” said Crystal. “As I got older, I wanted to keep competing and performing, but I needed a sport that was easier on my body.”

Her search for a less-intense form of dance led her to belly and salsa dancing. She currently performs with the Jewels Bellydancers and a salsa team at Over The Top Dance Studio. She showed me lots of pictures of her and her fellow dancemates in elaborate dance outfits.

Crystal (bottom left) and her belly dancing group.

Crystal (bottom left) and her belly dancing group.

Crystal (top left) with her salsa team.

Crystal (top left) with her salsa team.

Crystal also told me about her involvement with Cheer America, a cheerleading and dance program for children ages 4 to 16. She’s been Duluth’s head Cheer America coach for more than 13 years now.

“Coaching cheer is so much more than just teaching cheerleading; it’s about building young peoples self-esteem, teaching them to work as a team and encouraging exercise that is fun,” she said.

Crystal also uses her social media and PR skills to manage the Cheer America Facebook page.

Crystal (far left) and her cheer students.

Crystal teaches more than 100 cheer students.

Between cheerleading, belly dancing and salsa dancing, Crystal is out dancing about three to five nights per week. Her groups perform at community events, as well as at a variety of local venues, including Teatro Zuccone, Weber Hall at the University of Minnesota Duluth and The Play Ground.

In addition to performing locally, Crystal’s salsa group danced at the 2012 International Chicago Salsa Congress in Chicago, Ill., and she is excited to share that her belly dancing group will be making an appearance at the 2012 Annual Guild of Oriental Dance Show in Minneapolis, Minn.

Though Crystal keeps her dancing at work to a minimum (we’ve only caught her salsa-ing her way over to the fax machine a couple times), her energetic personality, passion for life, and love of the community are felt, admired and embraced by everyone at Flint.

Get to know a Flintster: Q + A with Crystal!

What’s your dream job?
To be a professional international performing artist.

Which job would you not want to have?
Scooping up dog poop or picking up garbage.

What was your first job?
Figure skating coach at 16 years old.

What did it teach you?
Discipline, great work ethic, the desire to help others achieve their goals and the power of teaching—having the opportunity to watch others grow from what I taught them.

What is one thing you’d be willing to practice for an hour a day?
More dance!

What’s the best advice you ever got?
Be confident in my talents and strengths and not to worry about what others think.

What sound do you love?
The crisp sound of a figure skating edge cutting into the ice, and the sound of tokens jingling on a belly dance token scarf.

What scent do you love?
Perfume from Victoria’s Secret.

Posted in Flint Communications, Flint Direct, Flint Group, Flint Interactive, HatlingFlint, SimmonsFlint, WestmorelandFlint | Comments

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Is your business using Facebook? Here’s why you should be.

By Libby Hall, March 20, 2012

In Nielsen’s State of the Media: 2011 Consumer Usage Report, I learned that 29% of all pages a person views online are Facebook pages. With so many people spending so much time on this social media outlet, companies are turning to Facebook as a valuable tool for both gaining new customers and engaging loyal ones.

At Flint Group, we’ve been working with many of our clients to harness the power of Facebook, from traditional ads to interactive contests and check-in deals. We’d like to share some highlights from the last few months.

SunButter Facebook ads

SunButter is a sunflower seed spread—a great nut-free alternative to peanut butter. Flint Communications has been working with SunButter to create Facebook ads since 2009, and we’ve seen great success with a recent campaign featuring multiple ads geared toward specific audiences.

Our goal was to help SunButter increase its fan base and spread awareness of its products to moms, school administrators, those with nut allergies, and people who eat special diets where SunButter fits in, such as gluten-free or paleo. Here’s a sample of the creative work:SunButter Facebook Ads

Some of the ads link to the “like” tab of SunButter’s Facebook page, while others go directly to the SunButter products page, the SunButter schools page, a Facebook landing page about paleo eating or the SunButter blog.

The ads were displayed about 1.7  million times from January 23 to February 12. During this period, 2,900 people clicked on one of the ads, and SunButter gained more than 1,700 likes—that’s almost a 30 percent increase in less than a month! (They’re trying not to let it go to their heads.)

The Facebook ads have allowed SunButter to interact with customers and prospects, sharing recipes, nutritional information and other product news. SunButter is quick to admit the Facebook conversations and customer input have provided valuable insights and helped steer the company’s operations and other communications.

maurices Facebook contest

maurices is a long-time WestmorelandFlint client. The young women’s fashion retailer came to us on a Monday morning, asking if we could help them launch a contest on the maurices Facebook page. “Sure, sounds fun,” we thought. Then came the caveat—it had to launch that Thursday, as in 3 days from the time we first heard of the project. How’s that for a wake-up call on Monday morning?

Up for the challenge, our social media team got to work, setting up the contest using Wildfire, a social media marketing platform that specializes in user-friendly promotion techniques.

The contest was part of maurices Hometown Sound, a band search for the best up-and-coming artist in the country. maurices partnered with Evanescence, its newest Hometown Sound partner artist, to give away a weekend filled with maurices shopping and VIP access to the band’s hometown concert in Little Rock, Ark. We named the contest maurices + Evanescence rock ‘n shop weekend.

The contest instructions were simple: users were required to “like” maurices and then tell us and show us what maurices outfit they would wear to an Evanescence concert. maurices announced the contest on their Facebook page on January 12.maurices Facebook contest announcement

Our digital strategists also generated Facebook and Twitter posts for the band to post on the Evanescence Facebook page, encouraging their fans to “like” maurices and enter the contest.maurices Facebook contest announcement 2

In the five days the promotion ran, maurices received more than 1,200 entries and gained more than 8,700 fans.

Duluth International Airport Facebook contest

You know the song, “Make new friends but keep the old?” Well, the same goes for Facebook friends. It’s easy to get caught up in getting more fans and lose sight of the ones we already have.

When the Duluth International Airport came to WestmorelandFlint for help in advertising new travel routes, we helped create a Facebook contest to spark engagement with their existing fan base.

The contest theme was “Choose your own adventure,” where entrants chose a destination (Florida or Arizona) and then showed and told us what they would do in that destination if they won the tickets.Duluth Airport Facebook contest

The contest ran from January 9 to February 10, during which time we received over 400 submissions—representing nearly 20 percent of he airport’s Facebook fan base. Three winners won tickets on Allegiant to the destination of their choice.

The contest not only announced the new routes in an interactive way, it also engaged the airport’s fans and gave them a reason to stay connected with the airport’s Facebook page.

West Acres Black Friday check-in deal

According to Nielsen’s State of the Media: 2011 Consumer Usage Report, 37 percent of social media users access social media from their mobile phone. Another Nielsen Report revealed that Facebook is the second most popular website visited by smartphone users (second only to Google).

With so many people using their mobile phone to access social media, and Facebook in particular, Flint Communications partnered with West Acres to help the Fargo, N.D., shopping center attract customers at midnight on Black Friday.

The promotion premise was simple: shoppers were invited to use Facebook check-in deals to check in to West Acres starting at 11:30 p.m. on November 24, 2011. The first 100 people to check in on their smartphone would receive a $20 mall card.

We advertised the promotion with signage in West Acres, a newspaper insert, an announcement on West Acres website, and Facebook updates. Here’s a look at the insert that appeared in Fargo’s newspaper, The Forum, on Thanksgiving Day.

West Acres Facebook check-in deal newspaper ad

The 100 mall cards were claimed in just 3 minutes! Check out the scene below.

West Acres Facebook check in deal people in line

The Facebook check-in deal gave mall shoppers incentive to start their Black Friday shopping at West Acres, rather than a competitor. The shopping center broke their record of Black Friday shoppers by about 4,000, topping out around 80,000.

Merchants were thrilled with the around 7 percent increase in mall traffic, and they were also pleased that West Acres was experimenting with and investing in new technology, like Facebook check-in deals, to support their tenants. In sum, Black Friday 2011 at West Acres consisted of both happy shoppers, and happy merchants.

Facebook for business: What about you?

What about your business? What questions do you have about using Facebook to generate awareness, sales, or loyalty? Ask me in the comments!

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The secrets of achieving work-family balance, Stauber-Style.

By Ericka Olin, February 17, 2012

Meet Jessica Stauber—PR whiz. Marketing maven. Superhero mom.

As WestmorelandFlint vice president of client services and Jessica Stauber headshotdirector of public relations, Jessica guides our Duluth office and helps our clients shine by providing strategic marketing direction. From developing communications and PR plans to media pitches and crisis communications strategies, Jessica is an integral force in Flint Group’s operations.

Outside of work, Jessica has a whole other group to manage.

Family first

A mother of four, Jessica’s greatest passion is for her family.

Both Jessica and her husband, Bill, are from families with six children. Knowing how special siblings are, the couple wanted to give their children that same gift of companionship.

Their children include Willy (12), Isabelle (10), Joe (6) and Sarah (4). The Stauber clan keeps busy with a variety of activities, including hockey, swimming and baseball. Bill also coaches both Willy’s and Joe’s hockey teams.

“Several nights a week we’re going to three different practices or games. It’s definitely busy, but it’s great,” says Jessica.

In order to juggle everyone’s schedules, the Staubers have a giant calendar in their kitchen that has all activities on it.

“It gets pretty full, but we’re disciplined about making sure we check it daily and that helps ensure everyone gets where they need to be,” says Jessica.

Photo courtesy of Lynnette’s Portrait Design: http://www.lynnettesportraitdesign.com/

Photo courtesy of Lynnette’s Portrait Design: http://www.lynnettesportraitdesign.com/

Together time

With such a busy schedule, Jessica has learned to cherish the time she has with her whole family together. “The nights where nobody has any afterschool activity or event are special,” she says.

Though it doesn’t happen very often, one of her favorite things to do with her family is go on vacation.

“Being able to get away from home (cleaning/washing clothes) and activities (no hockey to go to, no evening meetings to attend) and truly relax and see the sights, is a true gift,” says Jessica, adding that one of her favorite vacations was to the Black Hills a few years back.

The Staubers also connect through a shared passion for hockey. Three years ago, Bill built a 32’ by 56’ ice rink next to their house, giving the family backyard access to what many drive miles for.

“It’s great having it so accessible and great that the kids can skate as much as they want, without always having to run them over to the community club,” says Jessica.

But it’s not just for the kids, explains Jessica. The rink is a place where the entire family can unwind and enjoy their oh-so-precious time together.

Source: Lynnette’s Portrait Design, http://www.lynnettesportraitdesign.com/

Photo courtesy of Lynnette’s Portrait Design, http://www.lynnettesportraitdesign.com/

Me time

Amid the mayhem of work and family, Jessica stresses the importance of “me time.” For her, this means meeting with friends every morning at 5:15 to do a 30-minute workout video.

“The routine helps build a little muscle, get my blood moving and release some stress. I think it’s important for all working moms to try to find some time for themselves,” she says.

As a seasoned full-time mom and Flint employee, Jessica offers these words of wisdom: “Cherish moments, but don’t give in to society’s intense pressure to ‘cherish every moment when your children are young because they grow so fast.’” She says a recent Huffington Post blog post, Don’t Carpe Diem, captures this sentiment well.

Get to know a Flintster: Q + A with Jessica!

Which job would you not want to have?
Anything monotonous or where every day is the same.

What was your first job?
Working at the Hayward Bakery & Cheese Shop in Hayward, Wisc.

What did it teach you?
I learned how to decorate cakes. It comes in handy when making my kids’ birthday cakes.

What is one thing you’d be willing to practice for an hour a day?
Reading. I’m really good at reading so I don’t really need to practice, but I’d love to do more of it. With four children, it’s hard to find quiet time to read.

What’s the best advice you ever got?
Do well your first semester of college. (I know, random.)

What sound do you love?
Most any type of music.

What scent do you love?
Pine trees.

Intrigued by the fast and furious life of the Staubers? Read more about Jessica and her family in an article in Moms and Dads Today Magazine.

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Frost. Sprinkle. Eat. Tweet. Repeat.

By Cole Thompson, February 14, 2012

Every year, Flint Group delivers a sweet something to our clients on Valentine’s Day. We approached this year’s Valentine’s with a sentiment similar to a Sandra Bullock romantic-comedy—not overly mushy, but undeniably fun and sweet.

Frost. Sprinkle. Eat. Tweet. Repeat.

Sharing the Love

We love our clients and the work we do for them every day. We get to think creatively and build solutions that help them succeed. That got us thinking: what better way to show our appreciation than to give them a chance to create something of their own?

With hearts in mind, we moved forward with a decorate-your-own-cookie idea, combining our love for clients with our passion for creating. Today, friends of Flint will enjoy the thrill of building their own creative masterpieces, with the added benefit of devouring them.

frosting and sprinkles

And here’s the icing on the cookie—everyone can share their fun and peruse the gallery on our Twitter feed and Facebook page. Your mouth may begin watering, now.

_MG_4364

Like any thoughtful Valentine’s Day gift, the important thing was to show our appreciation. Through all the fun and sugar, hopefully our clients get the message: we love helping their companies shine.

XOXO cookie

But hey, it’s Valentine’s Day—what are you doing reading a blog? Go tell somebody you love them. Your wife or husband, maybe your dog. Or, if you’re not romantically linked to any people or canines, find the courage to say “hi” to someone new. Either way, get out there and love every minute of it.

Happy Valentine’s Day from Flint.

P.S. That red string on your finger is for the flowers. Don’t forget them.

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Look for us in LogoLounge Volume 7

By Ken Zakovich, February 7, 2012

In the past 18 months, graphic designers from over 100 countries around the world submitted 36,000 logos to be considered for LogoLounge Volume 7, the world’s largest-selling logo design series. Two logos from our Duluth office, WestmorelandFlint, were among the 2,000 designs selected for publication.

For many designers, LogoLounge is the ultimate web resource for the latest and greatest logo and identity work. As creative director at WestmorelandFlint, my team and I often use the site for inspiration and reference.

Users submit logos and, in turn, can view thousands of designs from the world’s leading agencies, as well as up-and-coming trendsetters. You can think of it as an online inspirational gallery for powerful and thought-provoking design.

The projects in the LogoLounge book series are selected by an international panel of eight judges based on quality, timeliness, relevance, and inspirational nature.

One of the logos selected was for Education Minnesota, the leading advocate for public education in Minnesota. The union asked Flint to design a logo for I Raise My Hand, a public awareness campaign aimed at uniting Minnesotans to support and improve the state’s strong education system. Here’s what I came up with:

I Raise My Hand logo

The logo was used throughout the multimedia campaign, which consisted of television, online and print advertisements, as well as direct marketing, the I Raise My Hand microsite and the I Raise My Hand Facebook page.

I Raise my Hand ad

The other logo selected was for Lakeshore, a senior housing facility and long-time client of WestmorelandFlint. They wanted a logo to celebrate the successes of employees who have reached milestones in their positions, as well as residents who have made great strides in their recovery process—to tell them, “Way to Go!” Here’s what designer Matthew Olin came up with:Way to Go logoThe logo was used as little signs of motivation on note cards, mugs, emails and buttons.

Way to Go logo on mug

It’s an honor that our team’s logos have been selected among the top designs and designers we all look up to, and it’s exciting to create work that will inspire others as well.

Matthew and I feel honored that these particular identities were chosen. Both logos were for such great causes that it makes it makes their publication even more meaningful. It’s great to see such a beautifully executed, human-centered design recognized on a higher level.

The book will be published on July 1, 2012, but you can pre-order LogoLounge 7 online today.

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Flint balloon-bopper hones skills as volleyball coach and player

By Ericka Olin, January 20, 2012

If you follow Flint Group on Facebook, then you already know Mikaela Krenzen. Remember the balloon-bopping prodigy from the Minute to Win It competition at our Duluth office? Yep, that’s her. In case you missed it…

Keeping those balloons in the air all day keeps Mikaela pretty busy, but in her downtime, she also serves as a SEO/SEM strategist and project manager for Flint Interactive.

Mikaela Krenzen

Outside of the office, Mikaela puts her balloon-bopping skills to good use as a volleyball coach and competitive player.

A passion for volleyball

“Five years ago, a friend from WestmorelandFlint signed me up to coach club volleyball with her. I had never really seen myself as a coach before, but I jumped at the opportunity to stay active and meet new people,” says Mikaela. “That introduced me to a number of people in the volleyball community, which led to a three-year stint as a high school coach and the opportunity to play competitive adult volleyball in a number of different leagues.”

Mikaela, who played Division I volleyball at Iona College in New Rochelle, N.Y., says the most rewarding part of coaching is seeing the growth and improvement in the girls each season and over the years.

Mikaela's volleyball team

She says, “Watching them change and develop in certain skill areas really makes me feel like I’ve made a difference. There is no greater gratification than having one of my players turn to me during a game with a big smile on her face after a winning block or attack, both of us knowing that it is something we have been working hard on during practice.”

While their athletic achievement is significant, Mikaela also enjoys watching the girls interact with, and make new, friends. She makes an effort to organize off-court activities so her players can get to know each other without the added stress of competition.

“It’s very important to bring fun and enjoyment into the season, because that is what creates the moments that many of them will remember forever,” Mikaela says.

Mikaela's volleyball team: It's all about the fun factor

Off the court

Between coaching club volleyball from November to June and high school volleyball from August to November (not to mention the constant balloon bopping), Mikaela only has about a month and a half of downtime. So what does she do then?

“When I’m not coaching or playing volleyball, I enjoy a quiet night at home watching BRAVO TV on the couch. Sad, but true,” she says.

Mikaela admits her life gets pretty crazy, but she says the busyness actually works in her favor.

“I have to be very organized so that I know where I need to be each night of the week. That also keeps me very organized at work, which helps me more effectively manage projects and timelines.”

Maintaining high spirits

Whether she’s at work or on the court, one of Mikaela’s goals is to keep people happy.

“With volleyball, it’s making sure players and parents are getting the most out of their time and money by running valuable, educational practices,” she explains. “At work, it’s managing client expectations and relationships and ensuring our team delivers the best possible end product.”

As project manager for Flint Group, Mikaela is responsible for managing timelines and budgets and assigning duties to team members. In her role as SEO/SEM strategist, she manages paid search campaigns and creates strategy for search engine optimization—all while perfecting her balloon-bobbing techniques.

How does she do it? We’re still baffled.

Get to know a Flintster: Q + A with Mikaela!

What’s your dream job?
Wedding planner or owner of a clothing boutique.

Which job would you not want to have?
Hospice care—I am much too emotional for that.

What was your first job?
Receptionist at a hair salon.

What did it teach you?
Unfortunately, it taught me how to gossip—you wouldn’t believe how fast word travels in those places.

What is one thing you’d be willing to practice for an hour a day?
Sewing.

What’s the best advice you ever got?
To take the leap and move to New York. I was definitely homesick and there were times I wanted to leave, but looking back, I wouldn’t trade that experience. I met some amazing people, and it taught me how to stand on my own and be more independent.

What sound do you love?
Sneakers on the gym floor.

What scent do you love?
Cilantro.

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