Advertising Section

October 12, 2006

Ashley Judd at Kohl's

Photo: Actress Ashley Judd was at the new Kohl's Department Store in Jersey City, N.J., to sign autographs for fans as part of the store's month-long grand opening celebration. The new store features Kohl's updated store design, which enhances customer comfort and convenience through innovative features such as spacious fitting rooms with lounge areas. Judd is the face of the American Beauty skincare and cosmetics sold exclusively at Kohl's.

Edited & Posted by Editor | 9:22 PM | Link to this Post

October 10, 2006

Celebrating 90 Years of the Coca-Cola Contour Bottle

2006 marks the 90th anniversary of the Coca-Cola contour bottle. A treasured hallmark, the contour bottle has achieved iconic status since its creation in 1916.

For many years, the contour bottle was the recognizable face of Coca-Cola, appearing in advertising campaigns that were designed to build the emotional connections that consumers have with the brand. Through these campaigns and indeed, through the evolution of the package itself, the life and times of the Coca-Cola contour bottle have often reflected the changing world that we live in.

Ninety years after its creation, the contour bottle remains a symbol of innovation, instantly differentiating the world's best known soft drink from all other products.

Widely recognized as a pioneering example of package-driven branding, the contour bottle is one of the few packages to ever receive a trademark from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, helping to make Coca-Cola one of the most famous brands in the world today. Even today, the contour bottle plays a key role in the Company's advertising.

Over the years, the Company has leveraged the equity established in the contour bottle to help advance innovation in the Coke brand. All Coca-Cola trademark brands released globally - from Diet Coke (1982) to Coke Blak (2006) - are proudly packaged in contour bottles.

The contour bottle continues to inspire creativity with today's leading designers. In 2005, Coca-Cola partnered with five of the world's top design firms to develop the Coca-Cola M5 collection of contour aluminium bottles, targeting young trendsetters.

"The contour goes to the very root of what makes Coca-Cola special," explains Phil Mooney, director of Archives, The Coca-Cola Company. "It creates a unique visual identity for the brand that is, arguably, as cherished as the beverage itself."

Over the years the contour bottle has carved out a career beyond simple refreshment. In the movie "The Gods Must Be Crazy," a tribe of Bushmen assume that the Coca-Cola contour bottle is a message from heaven, resulting in total pandemonium. The contour bottle also has appeared alongside Hollywood stars in movies such as "A Walk on the Moon," "Behind Enemy Lines" and "Catch Me if You Can."

The art world also has embraced the appeal of the contour bottle. Making art out of daily life, Andy Warhol's "Green Coca-Cola Bottles" confirmed the contour bottle's place in pop culture history. Other artists, including Howard Finster, Tom Wesselmann, Ulrich Walter and Carlos Vergar have featured the contour bottle in their masterpieces.

Originally designed to hold 6.5-ounces of Coca-Cola, the contour bottle has become bigger than life in some parts of the country. A 38-foot folk art contour bottle made of batting helmets, gloves, bats and baseballs sits above the left field fence at Atlanta's Turner Field; in Las Vegas, a four-story bottle marks the entrance to the Coca-Cola store; and in New York, a 30-ton, 40-foot, sculptural, interactive sign often featuring the familiar contour shape welcomes visitors to Times Square.

Advertising for the contour bottle has reflected the changing times. For the last five decades, the original contour bottle has been the most prominently used package in television advertising for Coca-Cola around the world. From connecting the bottle with Santa Claus to recent spots showing 'The Coke Side of Life(TM),' the ads feature the proprietary bottle as a part of a story line, stirring emotions within consumers and reminding them why they love Coke.

Over the years, the Company has leveraged the equity established in the contour bottle to help advance innovation in the Coke brand. All Coca-Cola trademark brands released globally - from Diet Coke (1982) to Coke Blak (2006) - are proudly packaged in contour bottles.

"We have taken one of the iconic pieces of our business and translated it into modern packaging," said Eugenio Mendez, global group brand manager, Coca- Cola Franchise. "It is remarkable and inspiring to think that our legacy of unique packaging lives on today because of something created 90 years ago."

Edited & Posted by Editor | 7:18 AM | Link to this Post

October 4, 2006

The Home Depot To Offer Free 100,000 Energy-Efficient Light Bulbs To California Residents

Gift Will Save $4.8 Million in Energy Costs in Honor of Change a Light, Change the World Day.

ATLANTA, Oct. 4 -- The Home Depot(R), the world's largest home improvement retailer, announced today that the Company is helping California residents save an estimated $4.8 million in energy costs with an unprecedented energy-efficient light bulb giveaway. On Oct. 4, The Home Depot will give a total of 100,000 n:vision compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) to California residents who visit select The Home Depot stores. In partnership with lighting innovator TCP, Inc., the light bulb giveaway is in celebration of the ENERGY STAR(R) national Change a Light, Change the World Day.

To receive a free light bulb, residents must visit one of the 158 The Home Depot stores participating and sign the ENERGY STAR Change a Light pledge, indicating they will replace one standard incandescent light bulb with an energy-efficient CFL. In addition to the free light bulb, Californians also will receive a special $4 coupon that can be used for purchasing a variety of multi-pack CFLs. Participating California stores will give away n:vision bulbs on a first come, first serve basis while supplies last.

The Home Depot(R) is the world's largest home improvement specialty retailer, with 2,088 retail stores in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, 10 Canadian provinces and Mexico.

Edited & Posted by Editor | 7:44 PM | Link to this Post

September 28, 2006

House of Taylor - White Diamonds Fragrance

The Fragrance Dreams are Made of.

Celebrating 15 Years of Luxury, Elegance and Style.

NEW YORK, Sept. 27 -- Fifteen years ago, Elizabeth Taylor introduced White Diamonds and a legend was born. Like Elizabeth Taylor, White Diamonds was a star from the very beginning. Immediately popular with women and the men who love them, White Diamonds has since become a fragrance icon and consistently ranks among the top-selling fragrances every year.

Elizabeth Taylor, a fascinating and multi-faceted woman, has always and famously been enthralled by the brilliance of a perfect diamond. In 1991 she created White Diamonds to capture the sparkle and allure of her favorite jewel.

15th Anniversary Limited Edition: Specially designed to celebrate the 15th anniversary of White Diamonds, this limited edition golden bottle with Elizabeth Taylor's signature and Swarovski(R) crystal-adorned cap is the ultimate keepsake for the woman who adores White Diamonds. Beautifully showcased in an elegant black flocked box with shimmering gold ribbon and a sparkling Swarovski(R) crystal-adorned pin to wear and enjoy.

Edited & Posted by Editor | 9:06 AM | Link to this Post

September 27, 2006

Pay By Touch Welcomes Its Three Millionth Enrollee

Chicagoan Becomes Three Millionth Consumer To Adopt Today's Most Popular and Secure Biometric Payment System.

Photo: Mary Rodriguez is celebrated as Pay By Touch's three millionth member, after signing up at a Jewel-Osco grocery store located in Chicago, Ill., at Wrigley Field. To commemorate the milestone, Pay By Touch will deposit $1,000 in Rodriguez' new Pay By Touch digital wallet, which can be accessed with the touch of a finger at more than 200 stores in the Chicagoland area.

SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. 27 -- Pay By Touch, the leader in integrated biometric authentication, personalized marketing and payment solutions has achieved a major milestone with the enrollment of three million members. The Pay By Touch biometric payment system is quickly gaining traction with consumers who find it more secure, faster and easier to use than traditional payment systems.

Major retailers nationwide have implemented Pay By Touch in their stores to improve customer service, speed up the checkout line and reduce risks associated with fraud.

The Pay By Touch system uses a simple finger scan to authorize an electronic withdrawal from a customer's existing checking account. Each fingerprint is unique, which helps prevent fraud or identity theft, and since there is nothing to carry, there is nothing to be lost or stolen.

A one time enrollment in the secure program takes only a few minutes to complete online or in person at participating stores. Members can link both their checking accounts and their merchant loyalty membership cards to the Pay By Touch system. Once enrolled, Pay By Touch members are able to use the Pay By Touch system at any participating store.

Pay By Touch (www.paybytouch.com) is wowing the world one touch at a time as the leader in biometric authentication, personalized marketing and payment solutions.

Edited & Posted by Editor | 2:11 PM | Link to this Post

September 25, 2006

HEINZ FAMILY FOUNDATION: 2006 HEINZ AWARD RECIPIENT

PHOTO: Dr. Paul Anastas, the "father of green chemistry" and recipient of the 2006 Heinz Award in the Environment category, with his dog Raven near their home in Alexandria, VA. Other recipients of the 12th Annual Heinz Awards include: James Nachtwey, Arts and Humanities; Dr. William Thomas, Human Condition; Bruce Katz, Public Policy; Dr. Leroy Hood, Technology, the Economy and Employment and Elma Holder, Chairman's Medal.

Edited & Posted by Editor | 3:27 PM | Link to this Post

September 22, 2006

Goodyear Name the Blimp Contest Winner

Spirit of Innovation.

High School Teacher and Family Take Off With Goodyear Blimp.

Ohio Resident Receives Ultimate Prize: Use of a Goodyear Blimp For a Day.

Photo: Matthew and Kristi Harrelson, with daughters Kaitlin and Kendra. Harrelson won the Goodyear Name the Blimp contest with his entry, Spirit of Innovation.

AKRON, Ohio, Sept. 21, 2006 -- Things were a little different today at Goodyear's Wingfoot Lake Airship Hangar as Hudson High School Chemistry Teacher Matthew Harrelson assumed command of the iconic dirigible as his Grand Prize for winning Goodyear's "Name the Blimp" contest. Harrelson, a Uniontown, Ohio resident, submitted the name -- Spirit of Innovation -- which was officially selected the winner of the contest based upon a nationwide vote by the American public and a panel of Goodyear judges.

Harrelson returned with his wife and two daughters to the Goodyear Airship Hangar where on June 21st, he and his family had front row seats to the gala Christening event that featured the unveiling of the name he submitted. Matthew, his wife and two daughters directed the blimp's travels for the day, which included a flight over their house; his children's schools; one-hour sightseeing flights for his extended family and friends; and a special night- time excursion for himself and his wife to fly some encouraging messages over a Hudson High School football game and see the local sights.

Goodyear is the world's largest tire company. The company manufactures tires, engineered rubber products and chemicals in more than 90 facilities in 28 countries around the world.

|GlobalGiants.Com|

Edited & Posted by Editor | 1:57 PM | Link to this Post

September 21, 2006

LONG LIVE INDIVIDUALITY AT GAP

Gap 'T-Shirt Shop' Ad Campaign featuring cast of celebrities including Jeremy Piven, Mia Farrow, Aaron Eckhart, Natasha Bedingfield and Common.

SAN FRANCISCO – Gap is celebrating its heritage in self-expression and individuality with its second fall advertising campaign entitled “T-Shirt Shop.” The campaign, which focuses on T-shirts, features a diverse ensemble of actors, musicians, and style makers including Jeremy Piven, Mia Farrow, Aaron Eckhart, Natasha Bedingfield, Common, Eva Herzigova, Pete Wentz, Lou Doillon, Paula Patton, Kristen Stewart, Brice Marden and Yvonne Force.

Gap’s latest campaign of the season is comprised of black and white print ads shot by acclaimed photographers Inez van Lamsweerde and Vinoodh Matadin. Each shot features a celebrity wearing their favorite Gap T in a way that expresses their individual style. From a laid back image of actor Aaron Eckhart sporting a baseball T, to an animated shot of musician Pete Wentz (Fall Out Boy) rocking out as he tears off his striped T, the images convey the personality and energy of each celebrity. To reinforce the message of individuality, the campaign is tagged with the message ‘long live individuality’ and each campaign image has a corresponding tagline – such as your expression, your spirit, your attitude – capturing the emotion of the shot.

Gap Inc. is one of the world's largest specialty retailers, with more than 3,000 stores. Gap operates four of the most recognized apparel brands in the world — Gap, Banana Republic, Old Navy and Forth & Towne.

Edited & Posted by Editor | 10:09 AM | Link to this Post

September 20, 2006

Longines New Ambassadress of Elegance

Longines Ambassadress of Elegance: Ingeborga Dapkunaite

Longines Ambassadress of Elegance Ingeborga Dapkunaite arriving at the Real Club de Polo de Barcelona.

Edited & Posted by Editor | 10:44 AM | Link to this Post

September 17, 2006

The New York Times Launches Brand Campaign

Campaign Created In-House with Emphasis on the Depth of NYT Journalism.

THESE TIMES DEMAND THE TIMES.

The New York Times has announced its new branding campaign, "These Times Demand The Times", focusing on the high-quality journalism produced by the Times reporters in print and online.

The campaign will launch to coincide with the new fall television season. A 30- and 60- second TV commercial will illustrate, in reverse, the unfolding story of how news is reported, beginning with the finished paper in the reader's hands and working backwards to the reporter on the ground. The spots can be viewed at TheseTimesDemandTheTimes.com, a microsite specially created for the campaign. Other ads will highlight the path of several reporters, editors and columnists with vignettes of their personal stories and how they work as journalists. A special 24-page insert in the paper as well as radio, video and banners online, and targeted marketing on Yahoo! will also convey the message.

The campaign launch includes high-profile TV spots that are planned to air during the "Today Show," "Good Morning America," "20/20" and "Nightline," and during season premieres of "Lost," "The Office," "Boston Legal," "Grey's Anatomy," and "Law and Order." Sixty-second radio spots will air on local radio. There will be online banners posted at NYTimes.com, IHT.com and About.com, and extensive positioning in the trades including a four-page consecutive insertion in AdAge.

"In these incredibly exciting, technologically fast-paced times, consumers and advertisers more than ever are searching for a trusted brand that reports the news with authority, accuracy and clarity," said Alyse Myers, senior vice president and chief marketing officer, The New York Times Media Group. "Our new campaign speaks directly to these issues: these times absolutely demand The Times."

Edited & Posted by Editor | 2:08 PM | Link to this Post

September 16, 2006

Montblanc Presents Katherine Jenkins as International Brand Ambassador

Montblanc has appointed opera star Katherine Jenkins as one of its international brand ambassadors. In her new role, Katherine will feature in Montblanc's advertising campaign and will perform at the opening of the new Montblanc boutiques in Tokyo and London. Subscribing to the brand's commitment to arts and culture, Montblanc will also be sponsoring Katherine's UK tour later in the year and will support her international development.

Montblanc has identified Katherine Jenkins' astounding talent and youthful beauty. Her individual style and personal values mirror the cornerstones of the Montblanc brand. As Montblanc's women's collections are young and flourishing, Katherine, herself a young rising star has been chosen by the brand to be a face for Montblanc watches, leather, fine jewellery and writing instruments.

Katherine Jenkins has already established herself as one of the biggest names in classical music with her albums Premiere, Second Nature and Living a Dream, which made her the fastest selling classical artist ever. It seems no major event is complete without an appearance by the Welsh singer. She has performed at Live8 and has won two consecutive awards for best album at the Classic Brits.

2006 marks the 100th anniversary of the international luxury brand: Montblanc. It is today a diversified luxury goods company offering writing instruments, timepieces, leather, jewellery, eyewear and fragrance.

Edited & Posted by Editor | 7:53 AM | Link to this Post

September 15, 2006

Lucky Race Fan Earns Spot as Honorary Grand Marshal for the Bank of America 500 at Lowe's Motor Speedway

Bank of America to provide fans with greater access to the sport and to personal banking with inaugural race sponsorship.

Past champions of the October race to be honored during pre-race program.

Racing fan and Columbus, North Carolina resident Mickey Jackson, and five-year-old son, Kalob, earned the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to deliver the 'gentlemen, start your engines' command live at this year's Bank of America 500. Bank of America today announced Mickey as the winner of the Bank of America 500 Honorary Grand Marshal contest, a consumer promotion supporting the company's title sponsorship of the October 14 race at Lowe's Motor Speedway.

For winning the contest, Mickey earns the title of "Honorary Grand Marshal" of the Bank of America 500 and the opportunity to deliver the race- start command, a VIP experience on race day for him and a guest, including pit passes, seats in Bank of America's newly created, exclusive fan section in the fourth turn terrace at Lowe's that provides access to a private food court, food and beverage vouchers - and a gift pack of Bank of America 500 racing merchandise.

"Never in my life did I think I would have the chance to start a NASCAR race under the lights at Lowe's Motor Speedway," said Mickey Jackson, a carpenter from Columbus, NC. "Standing before thousands of passionate fans and an even larger national television audience to start the Bank of America 500 is any racing fan's dream come true."

Bank of America is one of the world's largest financial institutions, serving individual consumers, small and middle market businesses and large corporations with a full range of banking, investing, asset management and other financial and risk-management products and services.

Edited & Posted by Editor | 5:33 AM | Link to this Post

September 14, 2006

Chevy - Year in Country Music : Calendar 2007

Gretchen Wilson, who was nominated this week for "Female Vocalist of the Year" for the 40th annual Country Music Association (CMA) Awards, is pictured in the 3rd annual "Chevy - Year in Country Music" calendar, available this October. Wilson is pictured with the all-new Chevy Silverado, coming this fall. This is the first released image from the 2007 "Chevy - Year in Country Music" calendar.

Edited & Posted by Editor | 8:39 AM | Link to this Post

September 13, 2006

Motorola Announces Title Sponsorship of Danica Patrick's Andretti Green IndyCar

Three-Year Deal Brings Together the World's Leading Wireless Communication Company, Most Famous Female Driver and the Indy Racing League's Winningest Teams.

Motorola, Inc. (NYSE:MOT) and Andretti Green Racing (AGR) today announced the company's title sponsorship of Danica Patrick's IndyCar for the 2007 IndyCar Series season. Motorola will serve as the major sponsor on Patrick's #7 car, while continuing to provide critical two-way communication solutions for all four Andretti Green teams. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Patrick, who rose to prominence in 2005 by becoming the first woman to lead the Indianapolis 500, went on to win rookie of the year honors. She has become a global superstar, transcending open-wheel racing with her rare combination of talent and style. A native of Roscoe, Illinois, Patrick will drive a jet-black Motorola/AGR IndyCar with blue accents inspired by the company's signature design elements found in their iconic handsets and Bluetooth(R) wireless technology.

In addition to Motorola's major sponsorship, Team Motorola will also include sponsorship backing from XM Satellite Radio, Argent Mortgage, Go Daddy.com and AirTran Airways.

Motorola is known around the world for innovation and leadership in wireless and broadband communications.

Edited & Posted by Editor | 10:39 AM | Link to this Post

September 12, 2006

Fortunoff Announces Petra Nemcova, Supermodel and Activist, as their New Fresh Face

Fortunoff, the 84-year-old iconic brand has announced supermodel and humanitarian, Petra Nemcova, as their new face. She is the first personality associated with the brand since Lauren Bacall served as Fortunoff's spokesperson twenty six years ago. Petra, known for her beauty as well as her compassion and charitable endeavors, will serve as the face of Fortunoff's regional advertising campaign and their Fall and Holiday Jewelry catalogs, reaching over two million consumers in the USA. The latest images of Petra's campaign have recently been unveiled in the windows of Fortunoff's flagship Fifth Avenue location. This new imagery is in keeping with Fortunoff's desire to appeal to a new consumer, by introducing Fortunoff in a more fashionable, more youthful manner.

In addition to serving as the face of Fortunoff, Petra will take on the role as designer for the very first time. She collaborated with the jewelry design team to create a new collection called the "Petra for Fortunoff Collection," available this holiday season in all Fortunoff retail locations, as well as online. Fortunoff is widely known for its vast selection of classic and chic jewelry at accessible prices. In keeping with this philosophy, the "Petra for Fortunoff Collection" incorporates pieces in gold, sterling silver, and pieces with diamonds and gemstones that retail from $125 to $5,000. This collection is derivative of Petra's keen eye for design and unique sense of personal style. A portion of proceeds from select items will benefit the Happy Hearts Fund, Petra's personal charity of choice she founded in 2005. The Happy Hearts Fund provides aid to children in need who have suffered loss or hardship as a result of natural, economic or health related disasters.

Petra Nemcova is a Czech born model and tsunami survivor. Since her introduction to modeling, Nemcova has worked with some of the industry's most prominent photographers, such as Mario Testino, Gilles Bensimon, Patric Demarchelier. Her sultry looks have been featured in major magazines including Vogue, Vanity Fair, Elle, Harper's Bazaar and has appeared in advertising campaigns for high-profile brands such as La Perla, Clarins, and Max Factor, among others.

Fortunoff, a New York legend since 1922 has propelled itself from its roots in Brooklyn through stores in New York and New Jersey to the World Wide Web. Fortunoff provides customers with necessities and niceties such as fine jewelry and watches, antique jewelry and everything for the home.

Edited & Posted by Editor | 11:27 AM | Link to this Post

September 10, 2006

THE ONE MILLIONTH VISITOR TO THE APPLE STORE ON FIFTH AVE

Elizabeth Rodriguez receives prizes for being the one millionth visitor to the Apple Store Fifth Avenue on September 9, 2006. The store opened on May 19, 2006 and quickly became Apple's highest volume store with customers visiting around the clock. Rodriguez received a prize package including a MacBook, iPod, iPod Hi-Fi and an Apple ProCare membership for personal training and other special services.

Edited & Posted by Editor | 10:42 AM | Link to this Post

September 1, 2006

COCA-COLA & APPLE TEAM UP ON MAJOR MUSIC PROMOTIONS IN EUROPE

Promotion Includes Give Away of 70 Million Songs from the iTunes Music Store in the UK & Thousands of iPods in Germany.

Coca-Cola and Apple have announced a music partnership in Europe that includes major promotions in the UK and Germany and the launch of a new Coke branded music website across Europe, including the GB, Germany, Austria and Switzerland. As part of the promotion, Coke and Apple will be giving away 70 million free songs from the iTunes Music Store in the UK and thousands of iPods in Germany.

The new www.Coca-Cola.com/music website is a Coke branded music destination that features iTunes integration throughout. It will provide fans with links to music and information focused on giving fresh talent new exposure. In the UK, Germany, Austria and Switzerland, unsigned artists will have a venue to upload songs and get broad exposure on the site through artist highlights, European podcasts available on iTunes, and invitations to play at Coke sponsored European festivals.

"We're excited to announce this partnership with Apple," said Dominique Reiniche, president of Coca-Cola European Union Group. "Together we are creating a unique and exciting platform that gives young people a voice and allows them to refresh their music experience every day."

"iTunes has sold more than 200 million songs in Europe with 150 million songs sold in just the past year," said Eddy Cue, Apple's vice president of iTunes. "We're thrilled to work with Coca-Cola to expand the reach of iTunes and bring more great music to European fans."

In the UK, 70 million song codes will be in promotional packs of Coca-Cola and Diet Coke, which will be redeemable for a free song from the iTunes Music Store. Through www.Coca-Cola.com/music, participants will be able to access iTunes and redeem their codes. Participants enter the code found on the Coca-Cola promotional label and choose any 79 pence single song from iTunes' vast catalogue of over three million songs. The Coca-Cola iTunes promotion will run for six weeks, with a 5 song limit per person.

In September, Coke will be giving away an iPod and 50 songs from iTunes every hour for 8 weeks in Germany at (www.coca-cola.de). Coke customers there will be able to exchange their Coke Fridge loyalty coins into free songs from iTunes. Promotions in additional countries across Europe will be rolling out in the coming months.

With Apple's legendary ease of use, pioneering features such as integrated video and podcasting support, iMix playlist sharing, seamless integration with iPod and groundbreaking personal use rights, the iTunes Music Store is the best way for Mac and PC users to legally discover, purchase and download music and videos online. The iTunes Music Store features a selection of over 2,500 music videos, Pixar short films, and more than three million songs from the major music companies and over 1,000 independent labels.

Edited & Posted by Editor | 12:07 PM | Link to this Post

August 5, 2006

Spirit of Innovation Name Pleases Goodyear Chairman

Innovation a Critical Part of the Company Evolution.

Goodyear Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Bob Keegan said he could not have been more pleased with the name that Uniontown, Ohio, resident Matthew Harrelson suggested for the company’s newest airship . . . Spirit of Innovation.

"Innovation has been a critical part of our evolution as a company, from innovation of our new product offerings to innovation in everything we do," Keegan told an audience of several thousand people at the company’s airship base southeast of Akron. "The fact that the American public agreed with their votes is further proof that innovation is becoming synonymous with Goodyear."

In suggesting the name Spirit of Innovation, Harrelson, a chemistry teacher at Hudson High School, wins the use of the Goodyear blimp for a day as the grand prize of the company’s "Name the Blimp" contest.

The "Name the Blimp" contest kicked off on April 10th when the Company unveiled the new airship without a name, but bearing the world’s largest blank nametag. After receiving more than 21,000 unique name submissions, a panel of judges narrowed the list to ten finalists. America and a panel of Goodyear representatives then voted on the finalists.

Keegan said the airship’s new name, "would serve as a constant reminder" to all of the Goodyear associates of the importance of innovation to the future success of the company.

Goodyear’s blimp program began in 1925, when the Company built its first helium-filled public relations airship, the Pilgrim.

Goodyear and Innovation

Since Charles Goodyear first discovered the process for vulcanizing rubber in 1843 and opened the door for the broad use of rubber in consumer products, the name Goodyear has been synonymous with innovation. From the early days when Goodyear introduced the first tubeless automotive tire and the first American-made synthetic rubber tire, the company has been leading the industry in technological advancements and design innovations. In recent years, Goodyear has accelerated its release of innovative new products that feature relevant technologies and deliver real-life benefits to consumers.

The Goodyear Airship Program

In 1928, then-Chairman P.W. Litchfield began the tradition of naming its North American-based blimps after winners of the America's Cup yacht race. The tradition continued over most of the program's 80-year history, with just a few exceptions. A list of winners from past America's Cup races whose names Goodyear selected for its airship fleet includes: Stars & Stripes, Columbia, Ranger, Rainbow, Enterprise, Resolute, Reliance, Defender, Vigilant, Volunteer, Mayflower, Puritan, and America. Within the past 40 years, Goodyear has selected other non-Cup winner names to grace the sides of its blimps. Those names included Europa, Spirit of Akron, Spirit of Goodyear and Eagle.

|GlobalGiants.Com|

Edited & Posted by Editor | 6:23 PM | Link to this Post

August 1, 2006

COCA-COLA INVITES THE WORLD TO CREATE ON-LINE WITH - THE COKE SIDE OF LIFE

Coca-Cola.com brand site launched simultaneously in 26 countries and 6 languages.

Atlanta, July 28, 2006 - The Coca-Cola Company today announced it has re-launched www.coca-cola.com as its new Coca-Cola brand site. The site is based on the core creative idea of "The Coke Side of Life", the Company's new global marketing platform for brand Coca-Cola. It will invite visitors around the world to participate in the evolution of the brand's heritage. At the same time the Company's corporate website has changed its address to www.thecoca-colacompany.com. Under this site, users will continue to find corporate information, including company news, investor information, corporate responsibility efforts and career opportunities.

Launching the new Coca-Cola brand website continues the commitment of the Company to establish a multimedia platform for "The Coke Side of Life" campaign. "Throughout Coke's history, we have seen people use the brand, its icons and heritage as a creative source," said Marc Mathieu, senior vice president for Global Core Brands, The Coca-Cola Company. "In the 60's, it was Andy Warhol, today it's people all over the world on the internet developing their own interpretations of the brand. We believe the independent creative process is a vital part of our heritage. With this site we want to give a further opportunity for these imaginative minds to be part of our creative process."

As part of its launch, the content on the site will be driven by a series of bi-weekly and monthly challenges to consumers around the world, which will be posted on www.coca-cola.com. The goal of the site is to develop organically into a global user generated content portal with three key differentiators from other consumer marketing sites: First, visitors are given a theme/challenge to focus their creativity and are provided tools to develop their ideas; second, winners of the challenges are rewarded for their input, and; third, users gain access to a truly global community which is invited to judge their entries. These features will allow visitors to have a more inclusive role in the Company's creative process.

The Coca-Cola Company is the world's largest beverage company. Along with Coca-Cola, recognized as the world's most valuable brand, the Company markets four of the world's top five soft drink brands, including Diet Coke, Fanta and Sprite, and a wide range of other beverages, including diet and light soft drinks, waters, juices and juice drinks, teas, coffees and sports drinks.

Edited & Posted by Editor | 1:56 PM | Link to this Post

July 30, 2006

The BusinessWeek/Interbrand Annual Ranking of the 2006 Best Global Brands

Turnaround Performances from Nokia and Motorola.

(New York) July 28, 2006 – Leading global brand consultancy, Interbrand, has again teamed up with BusinessWeek to publish their annual ranking of the Best Global Brands by brand value. Now in its sixth year, the Best Global Brands report identifies the top 100 global brands that have managed to create and sustain strong performance in today’s competitive market.

“In the majority of cases, those who made the ranking are proactively managing their businesses through a brand lens. They have recognized that their brand should be the central organizing principle given the incredible value they represent,” said Jez Frampton, CEO of Interbrand. “The need to measure and manage brand performance continues to be a critical priority for senior management as evidenced by the incredible interest shown in this ranking.”

Brand values were determined using the method Interbrand pioneered nearly 20 years ago and has since used to value more than 4,000 brands. Brand value is calculated as the net present value of the earnings the brand is expected to generate and secure in the future for the time frame from July 1, 2005 to June 30, 2006. To be considered the brands must have a minimum brand value of US$2.7 billion, achieve about one third of their earnings outside of their home country, have publicly available marketing and financial data, and have a wider public profile beyond their direct customer base.

The ranking has produced many insights this year, chief among them, the turnaround performance of certain brands and some dramatic declines. “The results from this year’s ranking clearly demonstrate if brand owners do no positively and proactively manage their brand, the market will do it for them, leaving them in a vulnerable situation”, said Jeff Swystun, “Those who have turned around their performance or generally climbed in the ranking have employed specific strategies to leverage and grow the value of their brands.”

2006 Best Global Brands Highlights

Turnaround Performances
After year over year decline from 2000 to 2004, Nokia (#6) has regained its leadership position in the mobile telecom industry with growth in both the high and low ends of the market. Nokia’s scale has always made it competitive in the rapidly growing low priced segment, but a resurgence in design and a concentration on desirable features has meant that Nokia is now able to maintain its average selling price and reinvigorate its brand image with the high end consumer.

Likewise, Motorola (#69) has historically struggled in the high end of the market...until the Razr. A hero product, it has in recent years helped the brand maintain its solid number two position in the category.

Top Gainers
The top gainer with a brand value increase of 46%, Google (#24) creates growth under with the strategy of “do no evil” positioning itself at the opposite end of the spectrum from the more corporate Microsoft. Overall growth of Internet commerce has perpetuated consumers’ acceptance of purchasing goods and services online enabling eBay (#47) to skyrocket in value up 18% and the third highest gainer this year.

In the second spot with a value increase of 20%, Starbucks (#91) has found financial success by leveraging the brand with a premium fast food and extending its product offering into music and publishing.

Top Decliners
The growth of mass retailers has taken market share from traditional apparel brands such as Gap (#52). Losing the most brand value with a decline of -22%, Gap has been unable to clarify its brand image and with a less distinct positioning the brand has been less effective at selling clothing causing reduced long-term stability.

Ford (#30) continues to lose money on every car sold – and brand value year after year. Down -16% this year, Ford’s American heritage is an insufficient brand attribute to hold off growing competition from Japanese and German automakers.

Down -12% this year, Kodak (#70) has made valiant strides to catch up with the digital world, however the reality is that competition is fierce and profitability is thin compared to Kodak’s film business and thus the brand’s value continues to decline.

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Edited & Posted by Editor | 8:25 PM | Link to this Post