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Client News

Winters Company Plumbing & Heating Offers Home Comfort Analysis to Homeowners

March 3, 2010 //  by admin

Winters Company Plumbing & Heating, providers of plumbing and home services to thousands of residents throughout eastern Massachusetts, is offering a complimentary Home Comfort Analysis to homeowners.

With today’s advanced technologies, homeowners can obtain savings of up to 40 percent on their heating bills with the unsurpassed quality and comfort of an energy-efficient furnace. Winters Company will provide a free Home Comfort Analysis of systems to homeowners who have furnaces more than 10 years old. Known as the “home comfort engineers”, Winters Company provides the new heating system and rebate forms and walks the homeowner through the entire process.

Along with the Home Comfort Analysis, homeowners may opt to have a new digital Energy Star compliant thermostat installed and programmed for $19 (after a $25 rebate). An Energy Star compliant thermostat saves up to 10 percent off heating and cooling costs.

“The average lifespan of a home heating system is 15 years. When it’s time for a new system, we recommend models with the highest possible HSPF (Heating Seasonal Performance Factor). The higher the number, the more efficient the system and the more money saved. Tax credits are another incentive for upgrading a heating system. With the 2009 Federal Stimulus Package, homeowners can get tax credits on the purchase of new energy-efficient systems through December of 2010,” noted Tim Flynn, the company’s president.

To schedule a complimentary Home Comfort Analysis or for more information, contact Winters Company at (617) 484-2121.

About Winters Company Plumbing & Heating

Since 1994, Winters Company Plumbing & Heating has specialized in providing home services of plumbing, heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC), and kitchen and bath remodeling projects to thousands of homeowners throughout Eastern Massachusetts.

Winters Company is the largest residential plumbing company in the state, with 20 trucks on the road and a full staff of licensed and insured plumbers and technicians. In addition to 24 hour service and lifetime guarantees on many of their services, Winters Company has standardized their services, which ensures that every customer receives the same high quality workmanship delivered in the same professional and courteous manner.

Winters Company has been honored with a number of awards over the years including the Local Torch Award for Excellence from the Better Business Bureau and Angie’s List Super Service Award. Winters Company is headquartered in Cambridge, MA. For more information, call (617) 484-2121 or visit the website at www.wintersplumbing.com.

Winters Company Plumbing & Heating Offers Home Comfort Analysis to HomeownersRead More

Category: Client NewsTag: energy efficient, heating, home comfort, home comfort engineers, home services, HVAC, plumbing, residential plumbing, Tax credit, Tim Flynn, Winters Company, Winters Company Plumbing & Heating

Oh baby, what a bicycle seat…Topeak’s Baby Seat II offers superior safety and ease of use.

March 2, 2010 //  by admin

NORTH ATTLEBORO, MASS…

When it comes to taking your child out for a ride on your bicycle, you always want to err on the side of caution. With many child bicycle seats, however, you can spend more time setting up and adjusting the seat—and then removing it—than time out on the road. And even then you’re not always certain of how safe the seat is. Topeak’s newest child seat, BabySeat™ II, installs and removes in seconds, while offering a six-point harness for the utmost in child safety.

Baby Seat II’s other safety features include a new wrap around seat design with integrated roll bar that creates a cocoon of protection. In addition, BabySeat II features a  suspension system between the seat and the rack that helps isolate children from bumps and jolts—and that creates a more pleasurable ride for grownups and kids.

“When it comes to taking your child out for a ride, your number one priority is their safety,” said Neal Todrys, president of Todson, Inc, Topeak’s U.S. distributor.

“To that end, the BabySeat II has passed the most stringent European and Japanese safety standards,”

The BabySeat II includes a tubular aluminum rack, which is disc brake compatible, and features fast and easy BabySeat removal. That makes transitioning from a bike ride with your child to running a few errands an activity that literally takes seconds.

Adds Todrys, “Like a number of Topeak’s products, the BabySeat II works with Topeak’s quick trac system. So, removing the seat and snapping on Topeak’s Trolley Tote, wire baskets or any other bags takes a matter of seconds, too.”

Light in weight (6.9 lbs), BabySeat II is molded from sturdy, engineering grade plastic and can hold a child up to 48 pounds—larger than your average pre-schooler. With dimensions of 23” x 15 ½” x 30 ½” and adjustable foot rests with straps, the BabySeat II can also safely accommodate most of the taller pre-schoolers as well.

“When cycling is your passion, it’s difficult to just put it aside once you start a family. With the BabySeat II, you really don’t have to,” said Todrys. “With the BabySeat II, you can safely introduce your child to cycling without the fuss. It really is the best of both worlds for cycling families.”

World Class Sports Accessories

Todson, Inc., the exclusive importer for Topeak for the U.S., is committed to providing the best in sports accessories to consumers around the globe.  Over the past 16 years, Topeak has risen to become the top cycling accessories brand in the world. 

In addition to Topeak cycling accessories, Todson is the distributor of renowned OnGuard line, the toughest line of power sport, bike and gear security products in the world.  The OnGuard line is available only through authorized dealers. Recognized for their legendary anti-drill and pick-proof M-Cylinder mechanism and flat key lock system, OnGuard’s locks, whether key or combination lock, are tested, approved and certified to guard bikes or power sport vehicles the world over.  OnGuard is the leading lock brand in Europe, in particular, Amsterdam, the bike theft capital of the world. 

Todson has successfully marketed recreational goods for more than 50 years. Now in its third generation of family ownership, Todson specializes in strategic sales and marketing, distribution, brand management and e-commerce. For more information about Topeak cycling accessories and OnGuard Locks, visit www.Todson.com or contact Todson at (800) 213-4561.  The company is located at 73 N. Washington Street, N. Attleboro, Mass.

Oh baby, what a bicycle seat…Topeak’s Baby Seat II offers superior safety and ease of use.Read More

Category: Client NewsTag: child seat, Todson, Topeak

Baby Boomers across the South Shore urged to Learn More About Long Term Care Planning Now

March 2, 2010 //  by admin

Did you know that approximately 70 percent of people over the age of 65 need some form of long term support services? Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), a non-profit Aging Services Access Point (ASAP) located in Brockton, is supporting the Executive Office of Elder Affairs’ (EOEA) campaign “Embrace Your Future” to raise awareness about the importance of long term care planning.

Anyone between 45 and 60 years old who is interested in more information about planning for retirement and long term care should contact OCES at (508) 584-1561 to request a brochure.

The “Embrace Your Future” campaign is targeting the people born between 1946 and 1964 and encouraging them to take steps now to plan for their future needs. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ National Clearinghouse for Long Term Care Information, planning for future long term care needs is important for a number of reasons:

  • Expense – Long term care services are often much more expensive than people think. Care often exceeds what the average person can pay using their income and other resources. You may not meet the eligibility requirements for federal or state assistance. Medicare, disability insurance and health insurance do not pay for long term care services.

  • Financial and emotional stress – The financial and emotional burden of your care will rest solely on your family members unless you plan ahead. Remember, your assets may not be enough to cover the costs of your care.

  • More care choices – By planning ahead, you will have more choices as to how your long term support needs will be met as well as where you wish to receive that care – for many, the desire is to remain at home for as long as possible.

“When you are healthy and active, there is often no sense of urgency with regard to planning for long term care because the potential needs seem so far into the future. But, planning ahead is the best way to ensure that your future needs will be met and that you will have the resources to pay for those needs. Long term care costs are rising and the government will not have the funds to support them. We strongly encourage anyone between 45 and 60 to contact us for more information,” explained Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director of OCES.

The best way to begin planning is by taking the first step to obtain more information. Contact OCES at (508) 584-1561 to request that an “Embrace Your Future” brochure be mailed to you at no charge. Or, visit www.800ageinfo.com or www.longtermcare.gov/campaign/ma for more information.

About OCES
Incorporated in 1974, Old Colony Elder Services is one of 27 private, non-profit Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. 

OCES offers a number of programs to serve seniors, individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers such as Family Caregiver; Adult Family Care; Supportive Housing; Nutrition; Money Management; Protective Services; Home Care and more.

OCES offers these programs in the towns of Abington, Avon, Bridgewater, Brockton, Carver, Duxbury, East Bridgewater, Easton, Halifax, Hanover, Hanson, Kingston, Lakeville, Marshfield, Middleboro, Pembroke, Plymouth, Plympton, Rockland, Stoughton, Wareham, West Bridgewater and Whitman. 

The organization’s mission is to provide services that support the dignity and independence of elders by helping them maximize their quality of life; live safely and in good health; and, prevent unnecessary or premature institutionalization. 

In 2009, OCES was honored with the Metro-South Chamber of Commerce’s “Economic Impact Award”. The agency has 140 employees.  For more information call (508) 584-1561 or visit the website at www.oldcolonyelderservices.org.



Baby Boomers across the South Shore urged to Learn More About Long Term Care Planning NowRead More

Category: Client NewsTag: Aging Services Access Point, ASAP, baby boomer, Diana DiGiorgi, Economic Impact Award, elder, Embrace Your Future, long term care planning, Meals on Wheels, Metro-South Chamber of Commerce, OCES, Old Colony Elder Services, senior

Community Bankers Association of Ohio selects IMAC to run customer appreciation program offering for Ohio community banks.

March 1, 2010 //  by admin

RANDOLPH, MASSACHUSETTS and COLUMBUS, OHIO…

Randolph, Massachusetts-based International Marketing and Administration Company (IMAC) was recently selected by the Community Bankers Association of Ohio (CBAO) to offer customer appreciation programs to the association’s community bank members.

IMAC works with a number of top rated, A++ AM Best insurance carriers to develop effective customer appreciation programs designed specifically for financial institutions. These innovative customer appreciation programs not only build customer loyalty, but reward participating institutions with recurring fee income while costing them nothing to implement.

“We’re extremely excited about the opportunity to work with CBAO and its member banks,” said Eddie Klayman, President of IMAC. “We have a long track record of running successful customer appreciation programs for everyone from banks to mortgage companies. We look forward to continuing that success with CBAO.”

Founded in 1974, CBAO is organized to establish and maintain an informed network of independent community banks in the state of Ohio. CBAO offers its members:

  • Representation of the community banking industry in the state of Ohio to state and federal governmental officials, the press and the public;
  • Promotion, presentation and advancement of education to officers, directors and other personnel of independent community banks in pursuit of high ethical standards and superior business practices in banking operations; and
  • Research and development of opportunities where members can benefit from the pooling of financial and human resources in order to gain economic and competitive advantage.

“We’re very excited about 2010 and one of the reasons is our partnership with IMAC,” said Robert L. Palmer, President and CEO of CBAO. “Making these types of customer appreciation programs available to our members helps level the playing field a bit in competing with larger, regional and national banks.”

A sampling of the programs offered by IMAC includes “thank you” AD&D, life insurance, and customized direct marketing plans. For complete information on IMAC’s customer appreciation programs and programs for financial institutions, visit www.imaco.com. For more about CBAO, visit www.cbao.com.

About IMAC

Founded in 1994, IMAC was the brain trust of insurance company executives with many years experience in mass marketed coverage. IMAC specializes in mass marketed insurance products but provides alternative enrollment options as well such as internet and phone enrollments. IMAC provides brokers, financial institutions and associations with effective insurance programs to offer their clients, customers and members. For more information on IMAC and its programs, visit www.imaco.com or call 781- 963-2269.

About CBAO

Community Bankers Association of Ohio (CBAO) exclusively represents community bank and thrift institutions in Ohio who serve their communities through 1,370 locations and 16,390 employees, with more than $65 billion in assets, $52 billion in insured deposits and over $47 billion in net loans.

Community Bankers Association of Ohio selects IMAC to run customer appreciation program offering for Ohio community banks.Read More

Category: Client NewsTag: CBAO, customer appreciation programs for banks, IMAC

Scandex Announces New Podiatry Division

March 1, 2010 //  by admin

Scandex, LLC, one of the largest providers of Swedish ergonomic chairs and stools in the U.S. and Canada, has recently launched a new Podiatry Division to cater to the unique seating requirements of podiatrists and their office staff.

 

Scandex is the top of the mind choice for podiatrists the world over, Podiatrists who require a chair (for themselves as well as their staff) with superb back/lumbar support to help minimize lower back problems and reduce the potential for musculoskeletal disorders turn to Scandex.

Scandex Swedish ergonomic chairs and stools are designed for proper seating so the lumbar area is supported and the spine maintains the proper “S” position. The most popular seating for podiatrists are the Bruno Ergonomic Office Chair, Series 300 and the Björn Ergonomic Saddle Stool, Series 400/600. Both automatically seat a podiatrist in a correct posture. The Bjorn Saddle Stool also positions a podiatrist nearer to the patient which reduces overall strain on the back, shoulders and neck muscles. The Björn Ergonomic Saddle Stool, Series 400/600 is recommended if space is tight. Arm supports are available options of each of these models.


“A poor body position is largely responsible for the ill effects of prolonged sitting. Poor body positions can also originate from job design that requires employees to sit uninterrupted for longer than one hour. The duration of sitting, along with the shape of the body in a sitting position is the most critical risk factor,” explained Sven Emilsson, Director of Sales at Scandex.


He continued, “Podiatrists understand this very well and the demand for our Swedish ergonomic seating has increased significantly so much so that we have developed a new division to cater to their specific needs.”


Podiatrists Can “Build” their own Ergonomic Chair

Scandex recently launched the second generation of their website, http://www.scandex.us which provides podiatrists and their office staff with a Selection Guide that provides guidelines for utilization of Scandex’s Swedish ergonomic chairs and stools in various settings. Individual sections on the website for types of arm supports, upholstery, cleaning and care allow podiatrist to “build” their own chair to preference. Podiatrists may also take advantage of Scandex special “Rent-A-Chair” option.


To speak with a Chiropractic Division sales representative contact 1-888-245-1367 or visit www.Scandex.us.

 

Scandex – A Uniquely Different Way of Sitting

Scandex, LLC is one of the nation’s largest providers of Swedish ergonomic chairs and stools. Renowned for their Bruno Swedish Ergonomic Office Chair and Björn Swedish Ergonomic Saddle Stool, the company provides equestrian style seating that is designed to eliminate positions of poor posture. For more than a decade, Scandex has been improving the seated posture of dentists, assistants, hygienists, doctors, podiatrists, veterinary professionals, business professionals, seniors and others.


Scandex is headquartered in Newton, MA. For more information, contact 1-888-245-1367 or visit their website at www.Scandex.us.

Scandex Announces New Podiatry DivisionRead More

Category: Client NewsTag: Björn Ergonomic Saddle Stool, Bruno Ergonomic Office Chair, Bruno Swedish Ergonomic Office Chair, equestrian style seating, ergonomic saddle stool, ergonomic seating, medical office seating, medical office supplies, podiatrist, podiatry, Scandex, seating, Swedish ergonomic office chair, swedish saddle stool

Nourishing a paralympic dream. Commonwealth Tank announces its support of the American Amputee Hockey Association.

February 28, 2010 //  by admin

WAKEFIELD, MA…

Commonwealth Tank of Wakefield, MA is proud to announce its support of the American Amputee Hockey Association, helping the Association progress toward their goal of reaching the 2010 World Amputee Hockey Championships in Montreal from April 27 – May 2, where they will go for the gold.

Project Manager Dan Hoag of Commonwealth Tank, a longtime supporter of the AAHA, convinced Commonwealth Tank to become a corporate donor to AAHA this year. “It’s truly inspiring to watch these guys play hockey at the level they do,” said Hoag. “In particular, it offers many disabled veterans an opportunity to compete in a way they never thought they could.”

Amputee Hockey is played the same way as amateur ice hockey, except the athletes are missing one or more of their upper or lower extremities. Competing with other amputees helps to increase self-esteem through participation in a fast-paced, exciting sport on a “level playing field”, the hockey rink. The AAHA’s motto is “put your disability on ice,” encouraging amputees and other athletes to look beyond impairment and disability toward participation performance in a competitive team sport.

Although Standing (Amputee) Hockey is not yet a Winter Paralympic Sport the AAHA is leading an international effort to change that for future paralympic games. This year’s 2010 Paralympic Games will be played in Vancouver, following the Winter Olympic Games. Currently Sledge Hockey is a designated Paralympic sport

The American Amputee Hockey Association (AAHA) is a non-profit sports organization founded in 2000 to develop opportunities for amputee and other disabled athletes to learn and play competitive hockey. The AAHA is a member of the Disabled Hockey Section of USA Hockey and is working to promote a fun and safe environment for the growth of hockey in the United States. The AAHA provides numerous activities throughout the year for athletes of all ages and disabilities.

About Commonwealth Tank

Commonwealth Tank, founded in 1994 and located at 84 New Salem Street in Wakefield, MA, specializes in the removal and installation of above and underground storage tanks and site remediation, including. emergency spill response, site assessment, laboratory analysis, excavation, and site closure.

Commonwealth Tank’s services are available Monday through Saturday, with emergency service available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Commonwealth Tank’s service area includes most areas of Massachusetts, southern New Hampshire, and Maine. For further information please visit www.commtank.com or call 1-800-628-8260.

Nourishing a paralympic dream. Commonwealth Tank announces its support of the American Amputee Hockey Association.Read More

Category: Client NewsTag: oil tank removal and installation, site remediation

Van Syckle top business coach franchise owner for Winfree Business Growth Advisors

February 24, 2010 //  by admin

LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY AND HAMPTON ROADS, VIRGINIA…

Winfree Business Growth Advisors, a business coaching franchise, recently named Owen Van Syckle, owner of its Hampton Roads, Virginia business coaching franchise, as “Franchisee of the Year”.

Located across the United States, Winfree Business Growth Advisors coaching franchises help sales professionals and small business owners maximize growth potential and take their respective businesses to a higher level through cutting-edge sales coaching, business coaching, sales training and seminars. Van Syckle, a business coaching franchise owner since 2007, received this honor based on a number of variables, including growth of his territory in Hampton Roads, Virginia.

“Owen epitomizes what we seek in owners of our business coaching franchises,” said Dr. Keith Winfree, founder of Winfree Business Growth Advisors. “He brings a combination of energy and know-how to the table that draws new clients and inspires existing ones. The bottom line is he and his clients get results.”

A resident of Norfolk, Virginia, Van Syckle received a bachelor of arts degree in history and political science from Trevecca Nazarene University. Prior to becoming a Winfree Business Growth Advisor, he worked as a sales manager for Headgear LLC before running his own consulting business, Prominent Business Development.

“Winfree’s different than any other sales training programs out there,” said Van Syckle. “It’s not only what we teach, but how we teach it and then stand behind it by guaranteeing results for a fixed fee. That made me want to be a franchise owner. Frankly, it’s why our clients are successful because we literally put our money where our mouth is.”

If you would like to work with Mr. Van Syckle you can contact him at http://www.hamptonroads.winfree.org or 757-237-5222.

About Winfree Business Growth Advisors

Located across the United States, Winfree Business Growth Advisors coaching franchises help sales professionals and small business owners maximize growth potential and take their respective businesses to a higher level through cutting-edge sales coaching, business coaching, sales training, and seminars featuring Winfree’s signature Black Belt System™–a Five Phases and 12 elements covering everything from initial marketing efforts to customer retention.

Winfree Business Growth Advisors currently runs coaching franchises in California (San Francisco and Los Angeles), Illinois, Kentucky (Louisville), Massachusetts (Boston), New York (Manhattan), Texas (Dallas-Fort Worth) and Virginia (Hampton Roads) as well as in Canada (Winnipeg, Manitoba).

For more information on Winfree’s programs or franchise opportunities and available an Area Development territories, please go to www.winfree.org or contact Dr. Keith Winfree at (800) 616-9260.

If you would like to work with Mr. Van Syckle you can contact him at http://www.hamptonroads.winfree.org or 757-237-5222.

 

 

Van Syckle top business coach franchise owner for Winfree Business Growth AdvisorsRead More

Category: Client News, Franchise NewsTag: Area Developer, Business Coach Franchise, franchise opportunity, sales training

An “A” for their efforts… DirectBuy of Tinley Park earns an “A” grade from the Better Business Bureau

February 23, 2010 //  by admin

CHICAGO, GURNEE, HOFFMAN ESTATES, NAPERVILLE, TINLEY PARK, IL …

DirectBuy Clubs across North America have a well-earned reputation for saving members thousands of dollars in creating the homes of their dreams. Their reputation for providing service to members is quickly catching up. Case in point, DirectBuy of Tinley Park receiving an “A” grade from the Better Business Bureau.

Accredited by the Better Business Bureau since 2004, DirectBuy of Tinley Park, located at 18400 South 76th Avenue in Tinley Park, Illinois, earned their “A” grade based on 19 criteria, ranging from years in business to complaints received and resolved, to other service-oriented factors. Each criterion has a certain number of points associated with it, with a perfect score being 90 out of a possible 90 points. DirectBuy of Tinley Park’s “A” grade represents 85 out of a possible 90 points.

“We talk a lot about how much money members can save with DirectBuy Club and that is true, you can save a lot, but that can only take you so far,” said I.J. Sell, owner of DirectBuy of Tinley Park. “What helps us retain and attract members more than anything is that they save money and are treated well. That’s the real draw to DirectBuy Club. The ‘A’grade from the BBB is gratifying because it means on the whole, we are doing right by our members.”

For more than 38 years, DirectBuy Clubs have offered members the opportunity to enjoy enormous savings on home furnishings, home improvement items, entertainment and outdoor products, flooring, and accessories by purchasing from more than 700 brand-name manufacturers or their authorized suppliers. In addition to DirectBuy of Tinley Park, located at 1864 High Grove Lane, Suite 124 in Naperville, Illinois, DirectBuy has several convenient locations in greater Chicago (Chicago, Gurnee, Hoffman Estates, and Naperville).

For more information on a DirectBuy Club membership, you can visit http://www.directbuycares.com.

About DirectBuy Club

Since 1971, DirectBuy Club has helped hundreds of thousands of families enjoy a better quality of life, enabling them to buy directly from more than 700 manufacturers or their authorized suppliers. Buying direct makes members’ hard-earned money go much further, while having the selection and choice not available at any retail store. Access to confidential prices, local suppliers, and unparalleled selection helps make members’ dream projects a reality. The DirectBuy Clubs serving the greater Chicago area are part of more than 160 locations throughout North America.

Consumers interested in becoming members may obtain a Visitor’s Pass to attend an Open House by visiting http://www.directbuycares.com. 

Locations of the DirectBuy clubs serving greater Chicago area: DirectBuy of Hoffman Estates, 2200 Stonington Ave Ste. 150, Hoffman Estates, IL; DirectBuy of Chicago North, 6325 North Avondale Ste. 110, Chicago, IL; DirectBuy of DuPage County, 1864 High Grove Lane Ste. 124, Naperville, IL; DirectBuy of Lake County, 3900 Washington Street, Gurnee, IL; and DirectBuy of Tinley Park, 18400 S. 76th Avenue Ste. B, Tinley Park, IL.

To learn more about the superior value and benefits of a DirectBuy Club membership, visit www.directbuycares.com.

 

An “A” for their efforts… DirectBuy of Tinley Park earns an “A” grade from the Better Business BureauRead More

Category: Client News, Franchise NewsTag: DirectBuy of Tinley Park, home furnishing, home improvement

Cause-Related Marketing – Doing the Right Thing and Taking a Bow for It

February 23, 2010 //  by admin

(Reprinted from the Massachusetts CPA Society newsletter “SumNews”.)

By Steve Dubin, PR Works

eting

Last year, Americans generously donated

over $150 billion to charities. Eighty percent

of that total came from individuals, the

rest from companies and foundations.

While the total reflects an increase of 7.3 percent

over the prior year, the number of individual

donors is in fact shrinking, as is government

funding for many programs. This double

whammy is forcing charities to “sell” themselves.

Welcome to the increasingly popular

world of cause-related marketing.

Once you’ve been in business for a while, it’s

a good bet that at some point you may have

considered using cause-related marketing, or

that some local, regional or national organization

has approached you. Cause-related marketing

is an alliance between a company and

a selected charity through which the business

gives a few cents of the purchase price or

a share of the profits to a specified charity.

Among the better-known national companies

that have used cause-related marketing are

American Express, Coca-Cola and Ben &

Jerry’s.

A more cynical reader might ask the businessperson

involved in cause-related marketing:

Are you trying to sell products or services, or

are you trying to support a worthwhile cause?

The answer should be both.

Why, of all professions, would accounting

firms care? One is that community work

energizes your staff and allows them to connect

on a different level. Two, outreach

helps build and enhance your firm’s “brand.”

Three, nonprofit efforts can allow you to rub

elbows with potential clients. Most nonprofits

have well-connected board members who

could be your next star client. Four, all things

being equal, clients would prefer to work

with the good guys.

Consumers like these types of arrangements

between companies and charities because they

can help others while shopping for things

they would have purchased anyway. After all,

it makes you feel good to know you are helping

to save baby seals just by buying a certain

brand of toothpaste.

Some marketing experts argue that the product

and the cause should have some connection.

For example, for several years the

makers of Arthritis Pain Formula donated a

percentage of their profits to The Arthritis

Foundation. The charity even got to put its

name and logo on millions of bottles of the

over-the-counter painkiller. The charity got

lots of “free” publicity while the manufacturer

sold more medicine.

Last year, Ben & Jerry’s Homemade joined

forces with Yahoo! Inc. in “Lids for Kids,”

pledging ten cents for every yogurt lid mailed

in to linking schools to the Internet. As with

most such promotions, the sponsors set a

cap. With this campaign the cap was set at

$100,000.

Some promotions have little connection between

the cause and sponsoring company’s

product or service. It was American Express,

you may recall, that popularized the idea of

cause-related marketing with its 1983 project

to help restore the Statue of Liberty. Maybe

you even used your American Express card a

few extra times, so you could proudly boast

that you helped preserve the famed lady.

American Express also reaped immeasurable

positive publicity during its “Charge Against

Hunger” campaign, which ran the last three

holiday seasons with a $5 million annual cap

(Well, even for mega-companies, you have

to draw the line on charity somewhere!)

Some promotions border on good taste.

The Society for the Preservation of History

promises to pay “a portion of the proceeds”

from the sale of each $199 “Queen of Hearts”

Princess Diana Doll to the Princess of Wales

Memorial Fund. How many would you like?

If there’s a charity you’d like to support

through cause-related marketing — which

might help boost sales or polish your company’s

image at the same time, contact the organization’s

marketing or development director

and explore the possibilities. If done correctly,

the campaign can be a major win-win proposition

for both parties.

Well, gotta go. I think I’ll get my tires

changed at the place that supports the Olympic

Team and have a cup of coffee at the

place that buys books for inner city schools.

Steve Dubin is president of PR Works, which is

based in Kingston, MA, and serves clients nationally.

The firm offers a wide expanse of public

relations services including strategic PR planning,

news releases, feature story development,

media placement, media coaching, newsletters,

case studies, grand opening management,

product and service launch management, press

tours, and press conference management.

For more information, please visit

PRWorkZone.com.

Cause-Related Marketing – Doing the Right Thing and Taking a Bow for ItRead More

Category: Client NewsTag: Cause-related marketing, non-profit, PR

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