Good Economic News!
Here are just a few of the positive economic announcements that have come my way in recent weeks:
In Botetourt County, Virginia, Arkay Packaging Corporation, a maker of folding cartons, will expand its facility and create 25 new jobs.
In Gaston County, North Carolina, Daimler Trucks North America will sharply increase production at its facility in Mount Holly and hire 700 people. Congratulations to Brand Acceleration client Gaston County Economic Development Commission. Great job!
Frontier Communications, a telecommunications service provider, has announced plans to move its headquarters to Allen, Texas and create 300 new jobs.
In Mooresville, Indiana, Equipment Technologies, a farm equipment manufacturer, will expand and create 60 new jobs.
VCI-SC Inc. a metal working firm, has announced plans to open a new facility in Pickens County, South Carolina, creating 50 new jobs.
Motorola Solutions, a communications and software provider, plans to add 400 new jobs in Chicago, Illinois.
Emerson Ecologics, LLC, a provider of nutritional supplements, will open a distribution center in Chesterfield County, Virginia and create 60 new jobs.
In Columbus, Indiana, auto industry supplier, Cummins, Inc. plans to expand and add 600 new jobs.
LeCreuset, a maker of cookware, has announced plans to expand its facility in Hampton County, South Carolina, creating 25 new jobs.
Chrysler Group, LLC has announced plans to invest $114 million in equipment and hire 268 people at its plant in Trenton, Michigan.
RockTenn, a maker of corrugated and consumer packaging, plans to expand its operation in McDowell County, North Carolina and add 124 new jobs.
American College of Education has announced plans to move its main campus to Indianapolis, Indiana and hire 40 people.
Maramont Corporation, a food products company, plans to move 132 jobs to a facility in Pennsylvania.
In Lafourche Parish, Louisiana, startup firm Freedom Well Services, an oilfield-services provider, will open a new operation and create 50 new jobs.
Parts manufacturer NetShape Technologies has announced plans to consolidate operations in Campellsburg, Indiana, creating 63 new jobs.
In Hampton County, South Carolina, Elliott Sawmilling Company, Inc. plans to expand its operation and create 15 new jobs.
Architectural Components Group, Inc. a wood wall and ceiling manufacturer, has announced plans to expand its operation in Marshfield, Missouri, creating 70 new jobs.
In Bedford, Indiana, General Motors will expand its manufacturing operation and create 91 new jobs. Congratulations to Mayor Shawna Girgis.
In Ponchatoula, Louisiana, Elevating Boats LLC, plans to expand its operation and create 39 new jobs.
Presto Products Company, a maker of private label food and disposer bags, plans to expand its operation in Halifax County, Virginia and create 22 new jobs.
Sempra Energy will open a new solar power facility in Arizona, creating 300 construction jobs.
Toyota Motor Manufacturing has announced plans to return its Princeton, Indiana manufacturing plant to full production, adding 40 workers.
In Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania, Palram, a maker of thermoplastic sheets, plans to expand and hire 40 people.
In Ontario, Ohio, Calisolar, Inc. plans to open a solar silicon plant and create 1,100 new jobs.
Spartan Motors, Inc., a supplier to the auto/vehicle industry, will relocate its recreational vehicle chassis manufacturing operation to Wakarusa, Indiana and hire 60 people.
In Chesterfield, County, Virginia, Shoosmith Brothers landfill has announced plans for a new recycling center that will hire 30 people.
EU Manufacturing, a supplier of oilfield service equipment, plans to open a new manufacturing plant in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma and create 150 new jobs.
In Elkhart, Indiana, Lippert Components Manufacturing, Inc., a maker of aluminum extrusions, will open a manufacturing plant and hire 180 people.
TOTAL JOBS ANNOUNCEMENTS: 5,034
We receive numerous announcements each week that announce that several jobs have been “retained or created.” While retention is important, we will not use announcements that fail to define exactly how many jobs were retained and how many were created. We want specifics.
If you have jobs announcements, please send them my way. jim@brandaccel.com
Brand Acceleration is a full-service advertising, brand management and public relations firm operating from Indianapolis, Indiana and Charlotte, North Carolina. The agency’s focus is on economic development, architecture/engineering/construction and real estate.
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Saturday, June 18, 2011
The Brand Known as America
What is it that makes this nation so great?
As we approach the Independence Day holiday, my mind turns to the proud history of this great nation. A few days ago, I was attending a conference and several of us were discussing the problems of the world in an after-hours gab session. As is often the case, the conversation turned to politics, a very uncomfortable situation. Politics is a topic I try to avoid, except in the company of very good friends. At one point though, one of the guys turned to me and said, “Jim, you’re the Brand Coach, what does America’s brand represent?” Keeping in mind that America’s brand resides in the minds and hearts of people around the world, here is what I told him.
America’s greatness is with her people
When our Founding Fathers framed our government, they had the brilliant foresight to craft documents that put the people in charge, not elected officials. People around the world have long admired the fact that our liberties make us great. What we stand for is freedom and it is our people that keep us free.
Freedom and liberty versus tyranny
Think about it. We’re free to live where we want, do what we want, speak out against the government and become whatever we choose. Compared to other nations, America is the model they desire to follow. Sadly, many of those nations are ruled by ruthless dictators and oppressive regimes, many on the brink of collapse, mostly because the people are fed up and seek the freedoms we enjoy every day. Just turn on the news. People are fighting back. They want to be free. Any time a government grabs too much power and the citizens lose freedoms, tyranny ensues and people fight back.
Courage, hard work, risk and reward
For more than 235 years, our country has grown, prospered, and become a great example of freedom because of the courage and hard work of our people. Often at great personal risk, Americans have fought wars, started businesses, grown great communities, and freed the oppressed.
Working in the areas of construction, real estate, and economic development, I’m proud to say I know some very hard working people who take great risks, build things, and create countless jobs that fuel our economy. Plus, they do it on their own. Businesses often fail and a few become great successes that inspire others to do the same. It’s a wonderful model that allows people to accomplish great things.
A valuable lesson not to be forgotten
America’s history is full of powerful life lessons. Please be sure to use this Independence Day holiday to teach your children and grandchildren about our proud heritage and the price paid for the life we live in America. Remind them of their obligation to pass the lessons on.
Independence Day is much more than a day for family picnics. It’s a solemn day of remembrance and thanksgiving. If, like me, you like a good history book, two of my favorites are The Five Thousand Year Leap and Lives of the Signers of the Declaration of Independence. Each carries lessons about the important events and people who made this nation what it is today. I’m sure you’ll enjoy them.
It’s also a time when I enjoy this video of Red Skelton teaching the words and meaning of the Pledge of Allegiance. Watch, enjoy, share and have a great Independence Day.
God bless you and God Bless America.
Jim Walton
jim@brandaccel.com
Brand Acceleration is a full-service advertising, brand management and public relations firm operating from Indianapolis, Indiana and Charlotte, North Carolina. The agency’s focus is on economic development, architecture/engineering/construction and real estate.
What is it that makes this nation so great?
As we approach the Independence Day holiday, my mind turns to the proud history of this great nation. A few days ago, I was attending a conference and several of us were discussing the problems of the world in an after-hours gab session. As is often the case, the conversation turned to politics, a very uncomfortable situation. Politics is a topic I try to avoid, except in the company of very good friends. At one point though, one of the guys turned to me and said, “Jim, you’re the Brand Coach, what does America’s brand represent?” Keeping in mind that America’s brand resides in the minds and hearts of people around the world, here is what I told him.
America’s greatness is with her people
When our Founding Fathers framed our government, they had the brilliant foresight to craft documents that put the people in charge, not elected officials. People around the world have long admired the fact that our liberties make us great. What we stand for is freedom and it is our people that keep us free.
Freedom and liberty versus tyranny
Think about it. We’re free to live where we want, do what we want, speak out against the government and become whatever we choose. Compared to other nations, America is the model they desire to follow. Sadly, many of those nations are ruled by ruthless dictators and oppressive regimes, many on the brink of collapse, mostly because the people are fed up and seek the freedoms we enjoy every day. Just turn on the news. People are fighting back. They want to be free. Any time a government grabs too much power and the citizens lose freedoms, tyranny ensues and people fight back.
Courage, hard work, risk and reward
For more than 235 years, our country has grown, prospered, and become a great example of freedom because of the courage and hard work of our people. Often at great personal risk, Americans have fought wars, started businesses, grown great communities, and freed the oppressed.
Working in the areas of construction, real estate, and economic development, I’m proud to say I know some very hard working people who take great risks, build things, and create countless jobs that fuel our economy. Plus, they do it on their own. Businesses often fail and a few become great successes that inspire others to do the same. It’s a wonderful model that allows people to accomplish great things.
A valuable lesson not to be forgotten
America’s history is full of powerful life lessons. Please be sure to use this Independence Day holiday to teach your children and grandchildren about our proud heritage and the price paid for the life we live in America. Remind them of their obligation to pass the lessons on.
Independence Day is much more than a day for family picnics. It’s a solemn day of remembrance and thanksgiving. If, like me, you like a good history book, two of my favorites are The Five Thousand Year Leap and Lives of the Signers of the Declaration of Independence. Each carries lessons about the important events and people who made this nation what it is today. I’m sure you’ll enjoy them.
It’s also a time when I enjoy this video of Red Skelton teaching the words and meaning of the Pledge of Allegiance. Watch, enjoy, share and have a great Independence Day.
God bless you and God Bless America.
Jim Walton
jim@brandaccel.com
Brand Acceleration is a full-service advertising, brand management and public relations firm operating from Indianapolis, Indiana and Charlotte, North Carolina. The agency’s focus is on economic development, architecture/engineering/construction and real estate.
Saturday, June 4, 2011
Good Economic News!
Here are just a few of the positive economic announcements that have come my way in recent weeks:
CARBO Ceramics, a maker of products used by oil production companies, has announced plans to expand its operation in Iberia Parish, Louisiana and add 40 new jobs.
Reliance Worldwide, a manufacturer of controls, is locating its headquarters in Vinnings, Georgia, creating 150 new jobs.
In Indianapolis, Indiana, appraisal management firm StreetLinks Lender Solutions, has announced plans to expand and create 150 new jobs.
Meaningful Use Technologies LLC and Arcron Systems, Inc. will each establish its headquarters in Newport, Kentucky, creating 20 new jobs.
Technimark, a provider of plastic injection molding services, will expand its operation in Randolph County, North Carolina, adding 30 jobs.
In Tuscaloosa, Alabama, Power and Rubber Supply, Inc. plans to expand and add 15 new jobs.
Mitsubishi Nuclear Energy Systems, Inc. has announced plans to locate an engineering center in Charlotte, North Carolina, creating 135 new jobs.
Allied Payment Network, Inc., a startup software developer, has announced plans to expand its facility in Ft. Wayne, Indiana, adding 29 new jobs.
In Madisonville, Kentucky, Clark Associates, a provider to the foodservice industry, will locate a distribution center and add 95 new jobs.
Lenovo, a provider of computer services, plans to expand its operation in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina and add 300 employees.
In Ft. Wayne, Indiana, General Mills plans to open a new distribution center and hire 65 new employees.
BitRaider, a digital media company, plans to locate its operation in Baton Rouge, Louisiana and create 22 new jobs.
In Greenville County, South Carolina, CertusBank will locate its corporate headquarters and create 350 new jobs.
We receive numerous announcements each week that announce that several jobs have been “retained or created.” While retention is important, we will not use announcements that fail to define exactly how many jobs were retained and how many were created. We want specifics.
If you have jobs announcements, please send them my way. jim@brandaccel.com
Here are just a few of the positive economic announcements that have come my way in recent weeks:
CARBO Ceramics, a maker of products used by oil production companies, has announced plans to expand its operation in Iberia Parish, Louisiana and add 40 new jobs.
Reliance Worldwide, a manufacturer of controls, is locating its headquarters in Vinnings, Georgia, creating 150 new jobs.
In Indianapolis, Indiana, appraisal management firm StreetLinks Lender Solutions, has announced plans to expand and create 150 new jobs.
Meaningful Use Technologies LLC and Arcron Systems, Inc. will each establish its headquarters in Newport, Kentucky, creating 20 new jobs.
Technimark, a provider of plastic injection molding services, will expand its operation in Randolph County, North Carolina, adding 30 jobs.
In Tuscaloosa, Alabama, Power and Rubber Supply, Inc. plans to expand and add 15 new jobs.
Mitsubishi Nuclear Energy Systems, Inc. has announced plans to locate an engineering center in Charlotte, North Carolina, creating 135 new jobs.
Allied Payment Network, Inc., a startup software developer, has announced plans to expand its facility in Ft. Wayne, Indiana, adding 29 new jobs.
In Madisonville, Kentucky, Clark Associates, a provider to the foodservice industry, will locate a distribution center and add 95 new jobs.
Lenovo, a provider of computer services, plans to expand its operation in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina and add 300 employees.
In Ft. Wayne, Indiana, General Mills plans to open a new distribution center and hire 65 new employees.
BitRaider, a digital media company, plans to locate its operation in Baton Rouge, Louisiana and create 22 new jobs.
In Greenville County, South Carolina, CertusBank will locate its corporate headquarters and create 350 new jobs.
We receive numerous announcements each week that announce that several jobs have been “retained or created.” While retention is important, we will not use announcements that fail to define exactly how many jobs were retained and how many were created. We want specifics.
If you have jobs announcements, please send them my way. jim@brandaccel.com
Stop Wasting your Money on the Wrong Tools
Do it right or go home
You know how sometimes we’ll buy the cheap knock-off version of something, thinking that we’re saving money? Then, after we realize our mistake, we go out and buy the better and more expensive version that we should have bought in the first place. That happened to me last week when I bought a no-name, inexpensive roll of silver/gray tape. Today, it’s in the bottom of a trash bag.
The same thing is true in the marketing communications business. A company or community in need of a new web site or brochure shops around for a bargain. Sometimes, they even send out an RFP, firing up some competition in hopes of getting the lowest price.
We got a great deal!
In the marcom business, there are bargains at every turn. There’s the kid with a shiny new Macintosh computer who has an eye for design. He has no understanding of the principles of design but he’s willing to do the work for a fraction of a professional firm. There’s also the “web designer” who didn’t go to design school but knows how to use the latest software and how to find a web template. He also knows about all of the really cool web apps that serve no purpose but make people say “wow!”
The problem is that neither of these wannabes knows the first thing about marketing strategy or message development. They work real cheap, though!
Poorly written RFP’s
I see countless RFP’s (Request for Proposal) that are so poorly written that it’s often hard to know exactly what the sender wants. Don’t get me wrong; I appreciate the opportunity to submit a proposal, but many RFP’s are written by a purchasing agent or novice who has no idea how to specify the work. Simply put, their vision is unclear, their expectations are undefined, and they don’t know what they are asking for.
A couple of years ago, I received a call from an economic developer who was clearly upset and was hoping I could help her out of a very difficult situation. She was understandably fearful that she was going to lose her job. She had just taken delivery of her county’s new web site and was shocked at what she received.
It was a beautiful design. Unfortunately, her RFP had asked for someone to design a new web site and failed to specify the numerous other critical parts, such as message strategy, copywriting, and programming. What she received was a beautifully designed template with no copy, photography, or programming. Ouch!
Think this is an isolated incident that couldn’t happen today? Wrong! Just last month, I received an RFP for the design of a new city web site. The RFP included three pages of guidelines about the city’s purchasing procedures. It also included one very short paragraph about the web “design,” and another section about how to submit the anticipated proposal. There was no mention of the target audience, who would write the copy, the programming needs, or the host server platform. These are all key things a professional marketing communications provider would need to know.
How do you think their new web site is going to work out? Do you think they’re going to end up with the right tool for the job? It’s doubtful.
Cool clothes, work clothes, and quality tools
When I was a child, I was often jealous of the cool kids who wore the popular clothing brands. My parents had different ideas, though. They could not have cared less about the label on the back side of my jeans. They cared only about buying clothes that would wear well and last a long time. Of course, they always bought me shoes and clothes that were about two sizes too large. They had to last, you know.
As I matured and experienced life, I learned a lot about buying quality, especially when it came to clothing and tools. Since my company works in the construction industry, I spend a lot of time on construction sites. It’s a very cool part of my business and I just love it. It’s a great place to learn about quality and workmanship. Construction workers are passionate people. They take great pride in hard work, doing the work right, and having the right tools. The good ones refuse to cut corners. Their attitude is to do the work right, with the right tools, or go home. Their clothes and boots are made by companies like Carhartt and Red Wing. Their tools bear names like Dewalt and Milwaukee. They know these brands stand for something and are a good investment for their hard-earned money.
Reliable marketing communications tools
As marketers, your tools are important, too. Web sites, brochures, ads, and even your business cards had better be done right. They are often the first things your prospective customers see. There’s no room for cheap knockoffs, here. The competition is tough so you’d better be just as tough. To be anything less is unacceptable. If your inexpensive bargains don’t grow your brand and help you close deals, you’re wasting your money.
When I started Brand Acceleration, I swore to myself that we would strive to create the best marketing tools in the business. We work only in three industries; AEC (architecture, engineering, construction), economic development, and real estate. When we produce work for our clients, we bring a depth of knowledge and counsel that they can’t find elsewhere. We’re part of their team and just as passionate about growing their business as we are our own.
We’re not the cheapest provider of marketing tools. We don’t want to be. But, we do darn good work, creating tools that work hard. If that appeals to you, then we should talk.
Brand Acceleration is a full-service advertising, brand management and public relations firm operating from Indianapolis, Indiana and Charlotte, North Carolina. The agency’s focus is on economic development, architecture/engineering/construction, and real estate.
Do it right or go home
You know how sometimes we’ll buy the cheap knock-off version of something, thinking that we’re saving money? Then, after we realize our mistake, we go out and buy the better and more expensive version that we should have bought in the first place. That happened to me last week when I bought a no-name, inexpensive roll of silver/gray tape. Today, it’s in the bottom of a trash bag.
The same thing is true in the marketing communications business. A company or community in need of a new web site or brochure shops around for a bargain. Sometimes, they even send out an RFP, firing up some competition in hopes of getting the lowest price.
We got a great deal!
In the marcom business, there are bargains at every turn. There’s the kid with a shiny new Macintosh computer who has an eye for design. He has no understanding of the principles of design but he’s willing to do the work for a fraction of a professional firm. There’s also the “web designer” who didn’t go to design school but knows how to use the latest software and how to find a web template. He also knows about all of the really cool web apps that serve no purpose but make people say “wow!”
The problem is that neither of these wannabes knows the first thing about marketing strategy or message development. They work real cheap, though!
Poorly written RFP’s
I see countless RFP’s (Request for Proposal) that are so poorly written that it’s often hard to know exactly what the sender wants. Don’t get me wrong; I appreciate the opportunity to submit a proposal, but many RFP’s are written by a purchasing agent or novice who has no idea how to specify the work. Simply put, their vision is unclear, their expectations are undefined, and they don’t know what they are asking for.
A couple of years ago, I received a call from an economic developer who was clearly upset and was hoping I could help her out of a very difficult situation. She was understandably fearful that she was going to lose her job. She had just taken delivery of her county’s new web site and was shocked at what she received.
It was a beautiful design. Unfortunately, her RFP had asked for someone to design a new web site and failed to specify the numerous other critical parts, such as message strategy, copywriting, and programming. What she received was a beautifully designed template with no copy, photography, or programming. Ouch!
Think this is an isolated incident that couldn’t happen today? Wrong! Just last month, I received an RFP for the design of a new city web site. The RFP included three pages of guidelines about the city’s purchasing procedures. It also included one very short paragraph about the web “design,” and another section about how to submit the anticipated proposal. There was no mention of the target audience, who would write the copy, the programming needs, or the host server platform. These are all key things a professional marketing communications provider would need to know.
How do you think their new web site is going to work out? Do you think they’re going to end up with the right tool for the job? It’s doubtful.
Cool clothes, work clothes, and quality tools
When I was a child, I was often jealous of the cool kids who wore the popular clothing brands. My parents had different ideas, though. They could not have cared less about the label on the back side of my jeans. They cared only about buying clothes that would wear well and last a long time. Of course, they always bought me shoes and clothes that were about two sizes too large. They had to last, you know.
As I matured and experienced life, I learned a lot about buying quality, especially when it came to clothing and tools. Since my company works in the construction industry, I spend a lot of time on construction sites. It’s a very cool part of my business and I just love it. It’s a great place to learn about quality and workmanship. Construction workers are passionate people. They take great pride in hard work, doing the work right, and having the right tools. The good ones refuse to cut corners. Their attitude is to do the work right, with the right tools, or go home. Their clothes and boots are made by companies like Carhartt and Red Wing. Their tools bear names like Dewalt and Milwaukee. They know these brands stand for something and are a good investment for their hard-earned money.
Reliable marketing communications tools
As marketers, your tools are important, too. Web sites, brochures, ads, and even your business cards had better be done right. They are often the first things your prospective customers see. There’s no room for cheap knockoffs, here. The competition is tough so you’d better be just as tough. To be anything less is unacceptable. If your inexpensive bargains don’t grow your brand and help you close deals, you’re wasting your money.
When I started Brand Acceleration, I swore to myself that we would strive to create the best marketing tools in the business. We work only in three industries; AEC (architecture, engineering, construction), economic development, and real estate. When we produce work for our clients, we bring a depth of knowledge and counsel that they can’t find elsewhere. We’re part of their team and just as passionate about growing their business as we are our own.
We’re not the cheapest provider of marketing tools. We don’t want to be. But, we do darn good work, creating tools that work hard. If that appeals to you, then we should talk.
Brand Acceleration is a full-service advertising, brand management and public relations firm operating from Indianapolis, Indiana and Charlotte, North Carolina. The agency’s focus is on economic development, architecture/engineering/construction, and real estate.
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