Good Economic News - April 24, 2012

Good Economic News

Here are just a few of the recent jobs announcements that have crossed my desk in recent weeks.

New Belgium Brewing, maker of Fat Tire Amber Ale, will build a new brewery in Asheville, North Carolina, creating 154 new jobs.

Abbot Nutrition Manufacturing will create its new home in Miami County, Ohio, adding 241 new jobs.

PWC Accounting has announced plans to add 12,000 new positions companywide.

Pioneer Hi-Bred International, a producer of plant genetics (seeds), will expand its operation in Johnston, Iowa, creating 100 new jobs.

Serco, a travel and hospitality company, will expand its operation in Campbellsville, Kentucky, creating 125 new jobs.

Michelin North America, a maker of earthmover tires, will expand its operation in Anderson and Lexington Counties in South Carolina, creating 500 new jobs.

BRP, a maker of motorized recreational vehicles, will expand its operation in Mitchell County, North Carolina, adding 70 new jobs.

Auto parts supplier Seung Chang Airtek, Inc., has opened a new facility in Aubern, Alabama and will add 50 new employees.

Lafarge North America, a manufacturer of cement, aggregate and concrete, will move its headquarters to Chicago, Illinois, creating 90 new jobs.

Ritz Instrument Transformers will expand its operation in Hart County, Georgia and hire 50 people.

Deere and Company, a maker of John Deere crawler products, will expand its operation in Dubuque, Iowa, creating 125 new jobs.

DRC Industries, a packaing materials supplier, will expand its operation in Carroll County, Kentucky, adding 25 new jobs.

In Guilford County, North Carolina, Stanley Furniture, Inc. will expand and add 42 new employees.

In Hendricks County, Indiana, steel producer Steel Dynamics will expand and add 50 new employees.

Diversified Plastics, Inc., a maker of material handling products, will expand its manufacturing facility and create 15 new jobs.

Weeks & Leo Company, a supplier of products for pharmacies, will expand its operation in Clive, Iowa and create 18 new jobs.

In Opelika, Alabama, Mando America Corporation, a maker of brake and steering products, will expand and create 30 new jobs.

Mobile Track Solutions, LLC, will expand its facility in Elkader, Iowa, creating 20 new jobs.

SMC Corporation of America, a pneumatic technology developer, will expand its headquarters in Noblesville, Indiana, adding 150 new jobs.

In York County, South Carolina, Ross Stores, Inc. will open a new distribution and warehousing facility, creating 600 new jobs.

In Macomb, Illinois, NTN-Bower Corporation, a manufacturer of bearings, will expand and create 80 new jobs.

Duke Sandwich Productions, a maker of food products, will locate a new production facility in Anderson County, South Carolina, creating 45 new jobs.

Google, the popular search engine, plans to hire 700 people in sales and engineering positions companywide.

Mansfield-King, a maker and distributor of personal care products, will expand its headquarters in Indianapolis, Indiana, creating 144 new jobs.

In Wayne County, North Carolina, Joseph T. Ryerson & Son, Inc., a processor of metals, will expand and add 44 new jobs.

Westfield Insurance plans to add over 100 new jobs, mostly in Ohio.

Geneseo Communications, a telecommunications firm, will open a new data center in Bettendorf, Iowa, creating 13 new jobs.

Oceaneering International, Inc., a maker of remotely operated vehicles, will expand and create 200 new jobs in Morgan City, Louisiana.

Carter’s, Inc., a marketer of baby and young children’s apparel, will open a new distribution center in Braselton, Georgia, creating 600 new jobs.

In Edmonson County, Kentucky, Taggart Solar, LLC, a maker of Solar Panels, will locate a new manufacturing facility, creating 30 new jobs.

Ionic Technologies, Inc., a provider of heat treating and coating services, will expand its operation in Greenville County, South Carolina, creating 13 new jobs.

In Franklin, Kentucky, Vermont Thread Gage, LLC, a maker of fixed-limit gages, will expand and hire 15 people.

In Ankeny, Iowa, The Toro Company, a provider of lawn maintenance products, will open a new distribution facility and create 26 new jobs.

In West Lafayette, Indiana, Automotive Robotics Indiana Labs, Inc., a provider of electronics, engineering, design and manufacturing services, will locate a new facility  and create 30 new jobs.

BHP Billiton, a petroleum industry company, will hire 600 people companywide.

Baxter International plans to locate a new bio-pharmaceutical manufacturing facility in Atlanta, Georgia, adding 1,500 new employees.

In Iowa City, Iowa, Alpla, Inc., a maker of plastic packaging products, will expand and create 37 new jobs.

Grace Plastics, a plastics recycler, will locate a new facility in Greenville County, South Carolina, creating 16 new jobs.

Behnke Enterprises, a maker of agricultural and industrial trailers, will expand its operation and create 25 new jobs in Farley, Iowa.

Accuride Corporation, a supplier of commercial vehicle products, will expand its production capacity in Kershaw County, South Carolina, creating 25 new jobs.

Total Jobs Announcements: 18,698

Jim Walton

CEO

Brand Acceleration, Inc.

Branding // Marketing Communications // Public Relations

Indianapolis, Indiana

Phone: 317.536.6255

Fax: 317.222.1425

Cell: 317.523.7380

jim@brandaccel.com

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Brand Acceleration is a full-service marketing communications, brand management and public relations firm with a focus on economic development, architecture, engineering and construction.

You Don’t Decide What Your Brand Reputation Will Be

You Don’t Decide What Your Brand Reputation Will Be

Others will do that for you

As a veteran in the marketing communications and public relations industry, there’s one immutable lesson I’ve learned over all others. Others will decide your brand reputation. That’s because a brand doesn’t reside in a logo, slogan or even a web site. It’s an emotional thing that resides between the ears of the audience. They choose what they believe. Period! The phrase “Perception is Reality” is no more important than in the brand management business. The perception by others is the reality we must face.

“We need a new brand!”

Every once in a while, someone will call me and say, “We need a new brand.” I’ve been in the business long enough to know that this nearly always means they want a new logo. In our business, a brand and a reputation are one and the same, so my instinctive thought is, “You want a new reputation?” This is not easily accomplished. A bad reputation cannot be repaired by simply applying a new logo. It’ll still be the same bad company or community, only prettier.

Who determines your name?

At Brand Acceleration, we work with numerous clients with very long names. Architects, engineers and construction companies are notorious for using the names of every principal owner, making it very difficult to say and even harder to remember. Inevitably, their clients will shorten it for them, using only the first name or two. Jones, Smith, Brown and Applegate Architects, Inc. quickly becomes Jones-Smith or simply Jones Group. Worse yet, the company may become JSB&A, leading to the question; “What does it stand for?”

Government agencies, such as our economic development clients, are just as guilty. Washington County Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Commission is far too much for anyone to remember. Can you imagine how someone might answer the phone? While it certainly sounds like a government agency, it is terrible for marketing. That’s where companies like mine come in. We often are challenged with the development of shorter, more appealing names.

As mentioned above, clients and audiences will often change a long name for you. For example, Federal Express Corporation, the overnight package carrier, learned that its name was far too long and didn’t roll off the tongue easily when customers began to abbreviate it to the much simpler FedEx. Apparently, someone at Federal Express got the message, because the company eventually rebranded itself accordingly. Its trucks, planes, packages and advertising all feature the FedEx logo. Other examples of this include UPS, Chevy, Coke, Pepsi, and countless others with long names. Merrill Lynch, long before its acquisition by Bank of America, was once known as Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith.

Others will decide

While you may be able to influence opinions about your brand by delivering outstanding quality and service, your customers and audiences will always reserve the right to believe what they want. That’s why our team is so passionate about understanding audiences and beginning all marketing communications efforts with them in mind. Whatever we do, if we want it to be believable, must begin with them.

I’d love to hear your opinion. Please feel free to share it below.  

Jim Walton

CEO

Brand Acceleration, Inc.

Branding // Marketing Communications // Public Relations

Indianapolis, Indiana

Phone: 317.536.6255

Fax: 317.222.1425

Cell: 317.523.7380

jim@brandaccel.com

Brand Acceleration Web Site

LinkedIn

Twitter

Facebook

Google+

YouTube

Vimeo

BrandCoach Blog

Brand Acceleration is a full-service marketing communications, brand management and public relations firm with a focus on economic development, architecture, engineering and construction.

Good Economic News - April 3, 2012

Good Economic News

Here are just a few of the recent jobs announcements that have crossed my desk in recent weeks.

Nexans, a provider of cable products, will open a new manufacturing plant in Berkley County, South Carolina, creating 200 new jobs.

In Dublan, Georgia, vehicle supplier Dinex Group will open a new manufacturing plant, creating 250 new jobs.

In Franklin, New Hampshire, Watts Water Technologies, a maker of valves, will expand its operation and create 100 new jobs.

Amazon.com, Inc. has confirmed that it will open a new distribution center in Jeffersonville, Indiana, creating 1,050 new jobs.

Intercontinental Hotels Group will hire 1,355 people company-wide.

In Auburn, Alabama, Si02 Medical Products will open a new facility and create 300 new jobs.

TEIJIN Advanced Composites America, Inc., a developer of automotive parts, will open a new facility in Auburn Hills, Michigan, creating 25 new jobs.

In Wake County, North Carolina, Aerocrine, Inc., a medical technology company, will locate its North American headquarters and hire 45 people.

Genport SRL, a developer of electric generators and batteries, has located its North American headquarters in Tippecanoe County, Indiana, creating 20 new jobs. Congrats to economic developers Joe Seaman and Jody Hamilton of Greater Lafayette Commerce.

Prudential Financial, a financial services and insurance provider, will build a new office tower in Neward, New Jersey, creating 400 new jobs.

CirrusMio, Inc., a software company, will open a new operation in Lexington, Kentucky, creating 10 new jobs.

Busche Enterprise Division, a CNC machining firm, will expand its operation in Albion, Indiana, creating 120 new jobs.

Ameridial, Inc., a provider of contact center services, will expand its operation in Rutherford County, North Carolina, creating 195 new jobs.

In Kalamazoo, Michigan, Hark Orchids, LP, an orchid propagation company, will establish a new facility and hire 80 people.

CISCO Systems, a computer products company, will hire 3,000 people company-wide.

In Bloomington, Indiana, Employment Plus, Inc., a staffing company, will expand its headquarters and add 307 new jobs.

In St. Augustine, Florida, 2G CENERGY Power Systems Technologies will open a new facility, creating 125 new jobs.

Spaulding Clinical Research, a tester of cardiac care safety equipment, will open a new operation in West Bend, Wisconsin, creating 183 new jobs.

Leggett and Platt, Inc., a maker of engineered components, will expand its operation in Porter County, Indiana, creating 30 new jobs.

Rolled Alloys, a provider of specialty alloys, will locate a new facility in Chester County, South Carolina, creating 24 new jobs.

In Farmington Hills, Michigan, Panasonic Automotive Systems Company of America, a maker of automotive products, will expand a create 60 new jobs.

In Rowan County, North Carolina, pharmaceutical maker Ei, Inc. will expand and add 119 new employees. Congrats to economic developer Robert Van Geons.

Starbucks Coffee Company plans to open a manufacturing facility in Augusta, Georgia, creating 140 new jobs.

In Colbert County, Alabama, Navistar International Corporation will begin producing its LoadStar work vehicle, creating an undisclosed number of new jobs.

enVista, LLC, a supply chain consulting services company, will expand its headquarters in Hamilton County, Indiana, creating 96 new jobs.

In Mexico, Missouri, Spartan Light Metal Products, a provider of die casting services, will expand and add 42 new employees.

PyraMax Ceramics, a maker of ceramic pellet, will invest in a manufacturing facility in Wrens, Georgia, adding 60 new jobs.

In Noblesville, Indiana, Helmer, Inc., a maker of laboratory equipment, will expand and add 46 new jobs.

Concentra, a provider of health care services, will add 651 jobs company-wide.

Tognum AG, a propulsion and power solutions provider, will expand its operation in Aiken County, South Carolina, creating 20 new jobs. Congrats to economic developer Will Williams.

CHEP USA, a pallet and container pooling provider, will open a new headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia, adding 173 new employees.

In Jasper County, South Carolina, LowCountry Biomass LLC, a recycler of wood residues, will expand and create 26 new jobs.

In Allen County, Indiana, automotive supplier Android Industries will locate a new facility and add 57 new employees.

The Walt Disney Company is starting an initiative to hire, train and support up to 1,000 returning veterans.

Brown-Forman Corporation, a provider of wine and spirits, will add 89 new jobs in Waynesboro, Tennessee.

Deca Financial Services, LLC a collection agency, will expand its headquarters in Fishers, Indiana and add 270 new employees.

Total Jobs Announcements: 10,418+

Jim Walton

CEO

Brand Acceleration, Inc.

Branding // Marketing Communications // Public Relations

Indianapolis, Indiana: 317.536.6255

Cell: 317.523.7380

jim@brandaccel.com

Brand Acceleration Web Site

LinkedIn

Twitter

FaceBook

Google+

Brand Acceleration is a full-service marketing communications, brand management and public relations firm with a focus on economic development, architecture, engineering and construction.

What, or Who, Inspires You?

What, or Who, Inspires You?
What makes you a better person?

It seems the older I get, the more emotional I get. Young men often have a very difficult time expressing themselves in deeply emotional ways, but now that I’m in my fifties, I’m much more likely to tear up in a sad movie or at the sight of a soldier returning home to his or her family.

Each of us, I believe, has something that impacts us deeply. Maybe it’s a life philosophy, a family member or someone else that inspires us to live in a certain way. I’m sure that with a bit of thought I could write a rather lengthy list, but here are just a few, in no particular order, that deeply inspire me:

My daughter

For the past six years, Colleen has suffered with debilitating back pain. Beginning when she was a sophomore in high school, she had to give up dance choir, the love of her life, due to her constant, agonizing pain. Over the years, she saw numerous doctors and underwent every imaginable test, therapy, treatment and medication, but nothing helped.

Recently, however, it was discovered that she had a severely herniated disc in her spine, causing much of the pain and numbness or shooting pain in her legs. In February, she underwent spinal surgery and now is in recovery and more physical therapy. Even though she still experiences back pain, we’re hopeful that we’re on the right path.

Watching her go through all of this has been very difficult, yet inspiring. Through high school and college, she painfully say through classes, school functions, class trips, two graduations, fraternity meetings and other activities while maintaining excellent grades. She’s been so strong and I’m extremely proud of her.

My father-in-law

Lloyd Thompson displayed a strength that has inspired me for many years. While he had strong opinions, he had an amazing ability to keep them to himself. I recall many passionate family discussions when opinions were flying about and Lloyd sat silent, taking it all in. Sure, he was willing to share his wisdom, but he always respected every person’s right to a differing opinion.

Lloyd is gone now, but I think of him often, finding inspiration in his ability to quietly allow others to disagree.

Our Armed Services personnel

There are few things more painful and inspiring than the sight of one of our wounded warriors, sometimes with missing limbs or brain injuries, returning home. The idea that these heroes so loved this country that they put themselves in harm’s way in order to protect us inspires me deeply.

It is for then and others like them that the American Flag flies on the front of my home every day. It’s not only my way of expressing my appreciation, but a personal reminder.

Risk-takers

I’ve always admired risk-takers, especially in business. When someone has an idea for a product or service, they often jump in, risking everything to make their dream come true. I find tremendous inspiration in their passion, confidence and bold passion to succeed.

I’ve started several businesses and have often found inspiration in such people as Jeff Bezos (Amazon), Steve Jobs (Apple), Fred Smith (FedEx), Ronald Reagan (former President of the United States), Sam Walton, (Wal-Mart) and Margaret Thatcher (former Prime Minister of England).

Honest, integrity and loyalty

To me, there are no more meaningful personal characteristics. While none of us can claim perfection, I work hard to live by a strict code of personal conduct of which I and my family can be proud. I seek out friends, employees, vendors and even clients with the same values.

Unfortunately, I occasionally encounter challenging people who are, let’s say, morally challenged. Some will lie, cheat or even hurt others to get ahead. Although I feel very sorry for them, there’s just no room for them in my life.

People who know me know that I am an extremely loyal person. Friends, clients and others know that I will do just about anything for them. Life is very short and I find serious inspiration in people of integrity.

Who, or what, inspires you?

I’d love to hear your stories, too. Share them below.  

Jim Walton

CEO

Brand Acceleration, Inc.

Branding // Marketing Communications // Public Relations

Indianapolis, Indiana: 317.536.6255

Cell: 317.523.7380

jim@brandaccel.com

Brand Acceleration Web Site

LinkedIn

Twitter

FaceBook

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Brand Acceleration is a full-service marketing communications, brand management and public relations firm with a focus on economic development, architecture, engineering and construction.