PRESS ROOM

Posted 11/17/2008

Colle+McVoy Wins Big At The Show

Agency awarded gold, silver, bronze and merit awards

MINNEAPOLIS, Nov. 17, 2008 – Colle+McVoy won 50 awards at The Show, the annual advertising industry awards sponsored by the Advertising Federation of Minnesota. The agency won two gold awards, five silver honors, 23 bronze and 20 merit awards.

“The Show represents the best advertising in Minnesota and we’re proud to be a part of this exceptionally creative community,” said Christine Fruechte, President and CEO, Colle+McVoy.

Colle+McVoy was awarded for creative work for Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation, Erbert & Gerbert’s, Rhymesayers Entertainment, Minnesota State Lottery and more.

The Show is a widely recognized standard of excellence in the advertising industry. The awards honor the best work in advertising, design and interactive, as well as student work.

Posted 10/16/2008

Colle+McVoy Creates Dreamy New Animated Lottery Spots

Stop-motion animation allows millionaire daydreams to come to life

MINNEAPOLIS, Oct. 16, 2008 – Daydreams are allowed to get of hand, but sometimes they humorously go too far, as depicted in a new Colle+McVoy television campaign breaking Oct. 20 for the Minnesota State Lottery’s Millionaire Raffle game.

To generate excitement and inspire players to dream about what they’d do with $1 million, three stop-motion, hand-animated 30-second spots simulate someone doodling a fantasy on the back of a lottery ticket after a voiceover asks “What would you do with a million dollars?” Each time, the daydream goes a bit too far and the dreamer needs to pull back on the fantasy. But the dreamer controls the destiny.

“The Minnesota Millionaire Raffle is unique in that ticket holders get weeks or even months to think about what they might do with a $1 million,” said Dave Keepper, Colle+McVoy group creative director. “Creatively we went in this direction by allowing the Raffle ticket to be the hero and become a canvas for people to dream a little, or a lot.”

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Posted 10/10/2008

Colle+McVoy and New Holland Win Coveted Awards At Business Advertising Show

MINNEAPOLIS, Oct. 10, 2008 – Colle+McVoy and New Holland Agriculture won first place in their category and were awarded first runner up to the grand prize at last week’s 2008 Creative Excellence in Business Advertising Awards (CEBA) in New York. The award show, hosted by American Business Media, honors creative excellence in the best business-to-business media advertising campaigns in the US.

“We are honored to have received this highly coveted award again this year,” said Christine Fruechte, president & CEO, Colle+McVoy. This year’s CEBA entry for the New Holland ad, When Machines Take over the World, positions New Holland as the brand of the future with cutting edge technologies and won first place in the category Two-page Spreads and Larger. In 2007, Colle+McVoy and New Holland won the Grand CEBA at the event.

“We are proud to have received this recognition from our peers in the advertising industry,” said Dawn Fox, communications manager, New Holland. “We see the benefits of this intrusive creative work everyday – in our customers’ eyes, our retail environments and ultimately in the sales results.”

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Posted 10/01/2008

New Colle+McVoy Lottery Campaign Makes The Fun Last Longer

Minnesota State Lottery launches new longer-playing game during record-breaking period for Lottery sales

MINNEAPOLIS, Oct. 1, 2008 – To launch a new longer-playing game for the Minnesota State Lottery (MSL), Colle+McVoy created three television spots that humorously draw out the fun of playing.

The 30-second spots attract attention to the excitement of the new Print-N-Play game by taking a light-hearted look at game players as they experience the thrill of winning. Viewers see three different characters express their jubilant emotions in super slow motion, while a classical music score, reminiscent of triumphant film scores from the likes of Rocky and Chariots of Fire, builds on the excitement in an overly dramatic way. The tagline “Make The Excitement Last Longer” drives home the message.

“Everyone knows what it feels like to win and they can imagine what it’s like to win big,” said Dave Keepper, Colle+McVoy group creative director. “The spots focus on the thrill of this emotion and then drag it out to encourage people to play the longer game.”

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Posted 10/01/2008

Colle+McVoy And The Minnesota State Lottery Win Best of Batch Award

MINNEAPOLIS, October 1, 2008 – Colle+McVoy and the Minnesota State Lottery (MSL) walked away with the “Best of the Batch” award at the 2008 North American Association of State and Provincial Lotteries (NASPL) annual conference in Philadelphia on September 27th. The team also won three categories and was a finalist in 14 categories at the event, which recognizes the best of advertising, communications and promotional programs.

The MSL/Colle+McVoy team won the “Best of the Batch” award for its “Hook, Lund & Sinker Ice Chest” campaign. This marks the first time the MSL has won this prominent award. The “Hook, Lund & Sinker Ice Chest” program also won in the category of Print Advertising: Retailer Signage/Merchandising. Other winning campaigns include the “Welcome to Fabulous Vegas-ota Tour,” which won the Special Events Promotion category, and the “Running of the Elvises” entry, which took top honors in the category of Potpourri Promotion.

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Posted 08/26/2008

Colle+McVoy Expands Creative Talent

Agency Announces Four Additions to Creative Group

MINNEAPOLIS, August 26, 2008 – Minneapolis-based advertising agency Colle+McVoy announces four additions to its creative department.

Derek Till has joined the agency as senior art director. Till has more than six years of experience in the industry working on brands such as the Minnesota Wild, Detroit Pistons, University of Minnesota, Nike, Bauer, PBS, Cub Foods, SUPERVALU, the Minnesota Twins and Blue Cross Blue Shield. At Colle+McVoy, Till is assigned to the Minnesota State Lottery, Purina, Free Arts Minnesota, New Holland, Johnson & Johnson, Groovy Girls and Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation (RBFF) accounts.

Anna Giacomini has been hired as Colle+McVoy’s newest senior designer. Giacomini brings more than twenty years of graphic design experience, including work for American Express Financial Advisors, General Mills, Hormel Foods, Starkey Hearing and Park Nicollet. She will be working on Johnson & Johnson, The Vision Care Institute™ (TVCI), CHS, and IBA.

Posted 08/07/2008

Innovative Online And In-center Experience Takes Teens Back In Time For Back To School

Taubman Centers “Yearbook Yourself” Campaign Launches During Back-To-School Retail Period

MINNEAPOLIS, August 6, 2008 – To drive more teens and their parents into its malls for back-to-school shopping, Taubman Centers is taking them back in time. The national mall owner and operator partnered with Colle+McVoy to create an innovative online and in-center experience that allows teens to see what they might have looked like when their parents were in school, all while catching up on current back-to-school fashions.

The campaign features a new website, www.YearbookYourself.com, which launched this week and allows visitors to upload their photos and morph their faces onto yearbook photos spanning five decades. They can easily move from the 1950s through the 1990s and see themselves with the hair and fashion styles of the times while listening to music inspired by that era. Simultaneously, they can learn about the fashion styles and trends of the eras and which stores, found at Taubman Centers, carry today’s hottest back-to-school fashion and styles.

“We wanted to offer teens and their parents a fun and unique online experience that allows them to interact with our brand and talk about our stores,” said David Goldberg, Taubman, vice president, marketing and sponsorship. “The back-to-school shopping season is one of the most important times of the year for our retailers, so it was our goal to show how they are forward thinking when it comes to current trends and fashions.”

The site also features "homeroom" pages that allow visitors to save their favorite yearbook photo to a page and then invite friends to post their photos as well. Once invited friends post their photos, a virtual yearbook page is created. Shared links allow friends to view each others’ homeroom pages. They can also save, print, email or post their yearbook photo creation to a webpage or social network site.

“Teens can have a lot of fun with the site and technology, as well as connect in ways that are intuitive to them,” said Mike Fetrow, executive creative director, Colle+McVoy. “But it was essential for the site to also highlight current back-to-school trends and Taubman retailers to encourage teens and their parents to visit a store they might not otherwise visit while shopping for school.”

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Posted 07/18/2008

Colle+McVoy Continues Winning Streak with PERC Victory

Named lead agency after highly competitive search

MINNEAPOLIS, July 18, 2008 – Colle+McVoy continues its streak of new business wins after being named lead agency for the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC). The PERC win is significant for the agency, which was officially selected by PERC’s board of directors on Thursday, July 17, after competing in an extensive and highly selective process against other award-winning creative agencies.

“The Colle+McVoy team came in with a direct and enthusiastic effort that helped them rise to the top,” said Roy Willis, President and CEO, PERC. “And their strategic and creative approach to address our specific marketing goals was on target. We look forward to aligning our teams to reach these goals.”

“We are thrilled by the challenge and responsibility PERC has presented us,” said Christine Fruechte, President and CEO, Colle+McVoy. “We look forward to promoting the use of propane and expanding public awareness of its many uses and environmental advantages. The assignment will take full advantage of the incredibly talented and integrated team we’ve built over the last few years, as well as our exceptional ideas, which continue to attract more and more attention.”

Colle+McVoy will provide strategic marketing support to PERC’s various programs from the beginning of the research and development process through to the broader consumer and trade marketing efforts. The assignment includes creative, interactive, public relations, relationship marketing and contact planning for both consumer and business-to-business activities. Creative is expected to launch in 2009. The campaign budget has not been finalized.

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Posted 06/06/2008

Colle+McVoy Viral Videos Thrill Would-Be Anglers

Master Casters Videos Launch Today on New Take Me Fishing™ Web site

MINNEAPOLIS, June 6, 2008 – A new series of viral videos launching online today casts fishing in a whole new light, hoping to lure more people to the sport.

Featuring amazing casting feats by three expert anglers, the “Master Casters” videos developed by Minneapolis-based ad agency Colle+McVoy can be seen on http://www.TakeMeFishing.org or http://www.MasterCasters.org. Seven different videos show sport legends Gary Hain, Chuck Devereaux and Aaron McAlexander performing awe-inspiring tricks rarely seen before, like casting a line to crack an egg 50 yards away, hitting clay pigeons in mid-air and casting a line into a net a mile away.

“The videos depict a fun and exciting side of fishing and boating that many people haven’t seen before,” said Mike Fetrow, Colle+McVoy executive creative director. “The tricks contain the kind of surprise and entertainment value that today’s consumer seeks out on the Internet. The videos also show the passion that anglers have for the sport and encourage people to pick up a rod and reel themselves.”

“We’re proud to launch the Master Casters videos this week on TakeMeFishing.org,” said RBFF president and CEO Frank Peterson. “We hope these amazing casting tricks will help draw newcomers into the sport and to our newly re-designed Web site, where anglers of all ages and experience levels can learn, plan and equip themselves with everything they need to go boating and fishing.”

The viral videos will be featured in online advertising and in a commercial running on ESPN television. They are part of an integrated Take Me Fishing campaign Colle+McVoy developed for the Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation (RBFF). The campaign, which reaches anglers of all ages and experience levels and encourages them to boat and fish, extends through all brand elements, including a new logo, print advertising, consumer event display system, grassroots program and Web site.

Posted 06/06/2008

Colle+McVoy Lures Fishing Enthusiasts

Take Me Fishing™ Brand Is Overhauled and Web Site is Re-Launched

MINNEAPOLIS, June 6, 2008 – It’s easy to tug at the heartstrings of fishing enthusiasts, but you can’t always reel them in to fish. Or so the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation (RBFF) found out after learning that its most recognizable brand - TakeMeFishing.org – was appealing with its sentimental and meaningful images, but it wasn’t inspiring people to boat or fish more.

As a result, RBFF teamed up with Minneapolis-based ad agency Colle+McVoy to overhaul the brand and launch an integrated marketing campaign that reaches anglers of all ages and experience levels and encourages them to boat and fish. The campaign extends through all brand elements, including a new logo, print work, consumer event display system, grassroots program and Web site, which is the centerpiece of the campaign. All points-of-contact ultimately direct consumers to http://www.TakeMeFishing.org.

“Our new site has become the most comprehensive boating and fishing Web site nationwide,” said Frank Peterson, president and CEO of RBFF. “Like never before, we have made it easier for people to renew a fishing license, research boats, find the best fishing spot or pick up a rod for the first time. We’ve tried to answer any boating or fishing question someone might have, whether they’re a seasoned angler or novice.”

TakeMeFishing.org re-launched in May, but new viral videos appear on the site today and a new social networking component launches in July. Featuring more than 2,500 pages of content, the site includes a comprehensive “Fishopedia” resource of fishing –related information, a database of more than 12,000 boating and fishing locations across the U.S., pages devoted to kids, and state pages that provide the most accurate localized information available.

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Posted 05/15/2008

Colle+McVoy Creates An Innovative Website

PaintItGold.com Lets Users Graffiti the Web

MINNEAPOLIS, May 15, 2008 – When the underground hip-hop duo Atmosphere wanted to involve their fans in the release of their new album, they partnered with Minneapolis ad agency Colle+McVoy to create a site that reflects the group’s unconventional and grassroots approach to connecting with fans.

The site, www.PaintThatSh**Gold.com (or http://www.PaintItGold.com), allows fans to hear tracks from the much-anticipated album When Life Gives You Lemons, You Paint That Sh** Gold while they “tag” any website on the Internet. From http://www.WhiteHouse.com to http://www.Google.com, no site is safe.

“We arm Atmosphere fans with virtual tools so they can make their mark across the Web, which is now a giant canvas at their disposal,” said Mike Fetrow, Colle+McVoy executive creative director. “It also enables fans to interact with Atmosphere and their music in a truly relevant way. This gives the group an edge during an uncertain time in the music industry.”

While the site launched last week, a beta version was leaked to a select group of fans, helping the album gain immediate traction. Its debut at number five on Billboard’s Top 200 List and at the top of the iTunes hip-hop chart marks a new high for Atmosphere and their label.

“We always try to involve our fans with our music as much as possible,” said Sean Daley “Slug” of Atmosphere.

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Posted 04/18/2008

Colle+McVoy Named Best of Show at Best of NAMA National Awards Competition

Work for New Holland North America wins Best of Show; agency receives most first-place awards for multiple client campaigns

MINNEAPOLIS (April 18, 2008) – The National Agri-Marketing Association (NAMA) awarded Best of Show, 13 first-place awards, and multiple merit awards and finalist mentions to Colle+McVoy and the agency’s clients during the April 16 national 2008 Best of NAMA awards ceremony in Kansas City. This is the second consecutive year Colle+McVoy has earned Best of Show honors in national NAMA competition.

The Best of NAMA program recognizes excellence in advertising, public relations and digital communications in agribusiness and related industries. Finalists are forwarded from regional competitions throughout the country, with only two finalists entering national competition in each category.

“We are thrilled to be recognized for work done on behalf of so many of our clients and in so many categories,” said Christine Fruechte, Colle+McVoy CEO. “Every year, the bar is set significantly higher in this dynamic business category. We are fortunate to have clients who are leaders in their segments and who strive to deliver effective communications programs. We are proud of the work we do, collaborating with our agribusiness and companion animal clients.”

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Posted 04/11/2008

Colle+McVoy Partner Exponent Public Relations Is Best in Show for the Second Straight Year

MINNEAPOLIS (March 28, 2008) – For attracting the attention of sub sandwich lovers using an integrated marketing campaign, Exponent Public Relations received Best in Show for the second year in a row from the Minnesota chapter of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA). The award was presented on behalf of Erbert & Gerbert’s Subs & Clubs during the 30th Annual Minnesota PRSA Classics Awards. The agency garnered a total of 11 awards in crisis communications, media relations, blogs, writing and marketing categories.

“For two years running, Exponent has received the highest honor the local public relations community has to give,” said Riff Yeager, Exponent Public Relations’ managing director. “And the credit goes not only to our traditional public relations expertise, but also to the integrated marketing approach that defines this agency.”

The PRSA Classics Awards recognize the best in the public relations field and are divided into categories representing the best tactical executions and the best in entire programs.
In addition to the Best in Show, Exponent was honored for the following work for six clients, including Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Minnesota State Lottery and Nestlé Purina.

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Posted 04/11/2008

Colle+McVoy Work Recognized As Finalists in Two 2008 Effie Award Categories

MINNEAPOLIS (March 7, 2008) — The Effie Awards Competition has named Colle+McVoy a finalist in two categories for the second consecutive year. The Effie Awards are among the advertising industry’s most recognized and most competitive national awards competitions. The awards program honors creative ideas that achieve results and are grounded in clearly defined strategies. The agency’s work on behalf of Nestlé Purina Veterinary Diets is a finalist in the Pet Care category while work on behalf of Case IH is a finalist in the Agricultural/Industrial/Building category.

“We are proud of our work on behalf of these recognized brands and honored to be partnering with clients who have made such an impressive impact in their respective industries,” said Christine Fruechte, President and CEO at Colle+McVoy.

The 2008 Effie final round of judging will be held March 12 – 13. Gold, silver and bronze winners will be recognized this June in New York City.  A year ago, Colle+McVoy was awarded a Gold Effie in the Agriculture/Industrial/Building category on behalf of New Holland and a Silver Effie in the David vs. Goliath category on behalf of the August Schell Brewing Company. The agency has garnered an impressive 114 awards during the past year, receiving national recognition in media outlets such as “CNN Headline News,” The New York Times, SCREEN magazine and more.

Posted 04/01/2008

Colle+McVoy Awarded New Business In First Quarter

MINNEAPOLIS, April 2008 – Colle+McVoy began 2008 on a high note. The agency was awarded several new business accounts that will take full advantage of its expertise in the consumer products, health & wellness and entertainment industries.

Aveda Corporation has teamed up with Colle+McVoy to design and build a promotional microsite to launch in the Fall and is intended to drive awareness and trial of Aveda Men’s product line.

iMainGo, a consumer electronics company specializing in portable, high-quality sound systems, tapped Colle+McVoy to conduct consumer research and develop a new brand identity system and new packaging for a holiday retail push in major retail department stores, including Target, Virgin Mega Stores and Radio Shack.

Minneapolis-based independent record label Rhymesayers Entertainment has partnered with Colle+McVoy to create an online experience for fans of its underground hip-hop duo Atmosphere and the much-anticipated release of their newest album. The site is expected to launch in May.

Posted 02/26/2008

Fruechte Named CEO At Colle+McVoy

She Becomes the First Female CEO at a Major Twin Cities Advertising Agency

MINNEAPOLIS (February 26, 2008) — Colle+McVoy today announced that Christine Fruechte has been promoted to Chief Executive Officer for one of the region’s most prominent advertising agencies.

“Christine’s accomplishments as president of Colle+McVoy over a relatively short period of time are remarkable,” said Miles Nadal, chairman and chief executive officer of MDC Partners, Colle+McVoy’s parent company. “She has built tremendous momentum for the agency with great new business growth, nationally recognized creative work and some of the best talent in the United States.” 

The promotion and new title come after nearly four years of strategic leadership at the agency. Fruechte became president of Colle+McVoy in 2006 after serving as director of client services. Under her leadership, Colle+McVoy has experienced enormous growth and recognition.

Agency growth is at a seven-year high with each of the agency’s top ten clients achieving record-setting results in 2007. In addition to tenured client relationships, Colle+McVoy has welcomed an impressive list of new clients, including Johnson & Johnson, Aveda, Manhattan Toy, Erbert & Gerbert’s and the Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation as well as DuPont, Bellisio Foods, the PGA of America and Wolfgang Puck Catering through Exponent, Colle+McVoy’s public relations division.

This growth and momentum has led to the addition of more than 60 new employees at the agency. Many of these hires were in Colle+McVoy’s Interactive group whose billings have more than doubled.

“I’m incredibly proud of the world-class caliber of our creative product and the clear results that we have delivered to our clients. That, more than anything, has driven our growth and is key to our ongoing success,” Fruechte said.

In the last year, Colle+McVoy’s work has been featured in numerous national media outlets such as CNN Headline News, ESPN and The New York Times. The advertising industry has also taken notice with national recognition, including coveted EFFIEs, the Grand CEBA, AdWeek Buzz Award, Silver Anvil, AIGA and Best of Show at NAMA among others. Colle+McVoy and Exponent also dominated locally with Best of Show at The Show and PRSA Classics.

Posted 01/21/2008

Colle+McVoy Continues Top Talent Hires

Agency Announces Additions in Three Disciplines

MINNEAPOLIS (January 21, 2008) – Award-winning advertising agency Colle+McVoy, Inc., today announced three additions to its Creative, Digital and Account Management groups.

Todd Zerger has been hired as Interactive Associate Creative Director. He joins the agency from Periscope, where he worked onprojects for national consumer brands like Red Bull and Arctic Cat.
“Todd is an amazingly gifted individual,” said Mike Fetrow, executive creative director for Colle+McVoy. “We are excited about the many ways in which Todd’s talents will be infused into the work at Colle+McVoy.”

Metin Sozen is the newest member of the Creative group and will perform duties as an Art Director. Sozen received his education at Bilkent University in Turkey and the New York Institute of Technology. Prior to joining Colle+McVoy, Sozen was employed at BBDO where he worked on SPAM, Allsteel and Famous Dave’s barbeque restaurants.
“Metin brings a unique global creative perspective to the agency,” explained Mike Fetrow, executive creative director for Colle+McVoy. “We’re looking forward to the innovative ideas and creative work that he produces and inspires in the group.”
 
Adam Kmiec is the newest member of the Digital group, and will perform duties as Interactive Account Director. Kmiec joins Colle+McVoy from ConAgra foods where he was responsible for the interactive market planning of more than 30 national brands.
“Adam brings a wealth of experience with national brands to the agency,” said Patty Henderson, director of the Colle+McVoy Digital group. “As our clients’ multi-media needs become increasingly important, having Adam on the team will provide great value.”
 
Stacy Janicki has joined the Account Management group as Account Services Director.
“We are thrilled to welcome Stacy to the agency,” said Tom Lindell, director of Account Management at Colle+McVoy.” Stacy has deep knowledge and experience in the consumer marketing and branding space, which adds further depth to our team.”
Prior to joining the agency, Janicki worked for Campbell Mithun and Martin Williams on a number of national consumer brands such as Microsoft Corporation, General Mills, Anheuser-Busch, Gold’n Plump and ConAgra Foods.

Posted 01/11/2008

Colle+Mcvoy Takes Best Of Show times two at Region III NAMA Awards

Ad Agency Garners Two Best in Show and 24 Awards at Midwest NAMA

MINNEAPOLIS (January 11, 2008) — Colle+McVoy won two Best of Show and an impressive 24 awards during the National Agri-Marketing Association (NAMA) Region III Best of NAMA Awards. Award-winning work included campaigns for New Holland North America, CHS, CROPLAN GENETICS, AgriSolutions and Novartis Animal Health.

“We are proud of these campaigns and the opportunity to partner with innovative leaders in the agribusiness industry,” said Christine Fruechte, Colle+McVoy’s president.

“This region has some of the toughest competition in the category,” said Phil Johnson, Colle+McVoy’s chief operating officer and 2007 NAMA Marketer of the Year. “We are humbled and honored to receive recognition from the National Agri-Marketing Association.”

All first-place and merit winners may advance to the national NAMA awards ceremony, with the winners being announced on Wednesday, April 16, 2008 in Kansas City.

The Best of NAMA Awards are the agribusiness industry’s leading awards program, covering advertising and public relations. The National Agri-Marketing Association serves the food and fiber industry, focusing on members’ professional development by providing access to solutions and opportunities in agribusiness.

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Posted 12/15/2007

Colle+McVoy Helps Kids Heal Through Art

Advertising Agency Launches Unique Web site with Non-profit Partner

MINNEAPOLIS (December 15, 2007) – Colle+McVoy has launched a web site that allows users to create their own designs on a popular miniature Qee figurine, while also learning about programs that help abused and at-risk children heal through art.

“We believe children and adults can benefit from the healing affects of art,” said Christine Fruechte, president of Colle+McVoy. “It is powerful to see how the creative imaginations of children come to life, build self esteem, and have a profound impact on our staff.”

“When I worked with these children, I had no idea how much they would touch my heart,” said Katy Viehman, account executive at Colle+McVoy. “Being able to spend time with these amazing young artists was very special to me.”

“The generosity and creativity shown by Colle+McVoy has been overwhelming,” said Michelle Silverman, executive director of Free Arts Minnesota. “This most recent effort brightened the day for thousands of children living in very tough situations. This project has taken on a life of its own ever since.”

To view some of these truly amazing pieces of art and to create your very own Qee online, log onto http://www.artisagift.com.

Posted 11/12/2007

Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation hooks Colle+McVoy!

Agency named advertising agency of record

MINNEAPOLIS (November 12, 2007) — Colle+McVoy has been named agency of record for the national Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation’s account.  Colle+McVoy was selected from more than 25 companies in a highly competitive and extensive agency search.

“We were not only looking for an agency with recreational and enthusiast brand experience, but a partner that would provide us with innovative ideas to increase participation in recreational boating and fishing,” said Frank Peterson, president and CEO of Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation. “Colle+McVoy presented an excellent proposal and outstanding creative plan.”

“We are thrilled to partner with such a tremendous organization,” said Colle+McVoy’s President Christine Fruechte. “We look forward to accelerating participation in two of life’s greatest pleasures, boating and fishing, as well as promoting environmental preservation.”

The Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation (RBFF)  http://www.rbff.org  is a nonprofit organization established in 1998 to increase participation in recreational angling and boating. RBFF helps people discover, share and protect the legacy of boating and fishing through national outreach programs including the Take Me Fishing™ campaign  and  Anglers’ Legacy .

Posted 10/25/2007

PGA tees it up to Colle McVoy’s PR division, Exponent

Agency awarded 2009 PGA Championship marketing campaign

MINNEAPOLIS (Oct. 25, 2007)—The PGA of America and Hazeltine National Golf Club has selected Exponent to provide public relations and related services for the 2009 PGA Championship. One of the four major professional golf tournaments for men, it will be hosted by Hazeltine National Golf Club in Chaska, Minn., August 10-16, 2009.  This marks the second PGA Championship where Exponent has provided public relations services.

“We were looking for a public relations agency that could take the Championship to the next level in this market utilizing traditional and non-traditional communication vehicles,” said Michael Belot, 2009 PGA Championship tournament director.  “Exponent clearly demonstrated their category experience, creativity and commitment to make the 2009 PGA Championship our most successful one yet.”

“Exponent delivered great results in 2002,” said Patrick Hunt, 2009 PGA Championship Executive Committee member and partner of Hunt Adkins Advertising Agency. “Already, their sports expertise has helped the Championship to get off to an unprecedented start.”

“We could not be happier the PGA saw value in our sports marketing experience and we’re thrilled to be partnering with such a prestigious organization again,” said Riff Yeager, Exponent’s managing director. “Our goal is to saturate this region and generate excitement and awareness, elevating the PGA Championship’s stature as a premier global sporting event.”

About the 2009 PGA Championship

The 2009 PGA Championship will be played August 10-16, 2009, at the Hazeltine National Golf Club in Chaska, Minnesota. The PGA Championship features the strongest field in golf and is considered one of the largest sporting events in the world.  Since 1916, golf’s best professionals have been competing for the PGA Championship’s coveted Wanamaker Trophy; including past champions Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, Vijay Singh, Davis Love III, Jack Nicklaus, Sam Snead, Gene Sarazen, Ben Hogan and Walter Hagen.

About the PGA of America

The PGA of America is the world’s largest working sports organization comprising 28,000 men and women golf professionals who are the recognized experts in growing, teaching and managing the game of golf while serving millions of people throughout its 41 PGA Sections nationwide. Since its founding in 1916, The PGA of America has enhanced its leadership position in a $62 billion-a-year industry by growing the game of golf through its premier spectator events, world-class education and training programs, significant philanthropic outreach initiatives and award-winning golf promotions. Today’s PGA professional is the public’s link to the game, serving an essential role in the operation of golf facilities throughout the country.

About Exponent PR
 
Exponent Public Relations delivers smart, insight-driven campaigns that shake up the status quo and build share-of-voice leadership for its clients. Founded in 1980 as Colle+McVoy Public Relations, the award-winning public relations agency creates and sustains believers in its clients’ brands, including Buffets, Inc.; CHS Inc.; DuPont Crop Protection; Erbert & Gerbert’s Subs & Clubs; General Mills; Minnesota State Lottery; Nestlé Purina; North American Olive Oil Association; Novartis Animal Health; and Vistakon, a division of Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc. Exponent Public Relations is a Colle+McVoy partner and a member of the MDC Partners network.  For more information, visit http://www.exponentpr.com.

Posted 10/20/2007

Colle+McVoy Sweeps “The Show”

Capturing Best of Show, gold, silver, bronze and merit awards

MINNEAPOLIS (October 20, 2007) - Colle+McVoy earned top honors last night for its work for Wisconsin-based Erbert&Gerbert’s Subs, during "The Show," the annual advertising industry awards sponsored by the Advertising Federation of Minnesota. In addition to "Best of Show," Colle+McVoy was given 21 gold awards, 24 silver honors, 16 bronze and eight merit honors.

"The ‘Best of Show’ work is a great example of the creative approach that we look for to help our clients activate their brands," said executive creative director Mike Fetrow.  "This work is the type of work that Colle+McVoy is quickly becoming known for."

Among the creative work awarded: the August Schell Brewing Company out of home and multi-media campaign; the New Holland Tractor Company’s print and photography; The Minnesota Twins scratch banner tickets; Red Wing Shoe Company print, Nestlé Purina photography and Cenex television and more.

"We are humbled and proud to be recognized by our peers" said Christine Fruechte, president of Colle+McVoy. "This is not only a rewarding night for us and our clients, but it is also a tribute to the tremendous creative talent in Minneapolis."

The Show is a widely recognized standard of excellence in the advertising industry. The awards honor the year’s best work in advertising, design, interactive and student work.

Posted 10/12/2007

Colle+McVoy is creating more Buzz

Agency named ADWEEK MAGAZINES Buzz Awards Finalist

MINNEAPOLIS (October 12, 2007) — Adweek has named Colle+McVoy a finalist for the ADWEEK MAGAZINES Buzz Awards.  The Buzz Awards recognize excellence in the marketing industry’s best efforts to connect consumers with brands.  Colle+McVoy is a finalist in the special events category.

“A primary objective for many of our clients is to create an experience that gets people talking about a brand,” said Mike Fetrow, executive creative at Colle+McVoy.  “In this case, it was baking up a first-of-its-kind cake that would feed 72,000 Minnesota State Lottery winners at the Taste of Minnesota.”

The event reached more than 6.5 million people in Minnesota and across the nation, helping Scratch Games hit a four-year record high and increasing sales by 18 percent.

This is the second year in a row that ADWEEK MAGAZINES has nationally recognized Colle+McVoy for its guerilla marketing and grassroots event expertise.

Posted 10/09/2007

Colle+McVoy is 2007 CEBA Awards Winner

"Innovation" in New Holland North America Tractor Ads

MINNEAPOLIS (October 9, 2007) Colle+McVoy today announced it is the recipient of the 2007 Creative Excellence in Business (CEBA) Award for its New Holland North America "Innovation" campaign, which was presented at the 12th Annual Creative Excellence in Business Advertising Awards ceremony in New York City. The CEBA Awards honor outstanding business-to-business advertising in the communications industry with a $25,000 grand prize.

"We are honored to be recognized by our peers but also want to thank our client, New Holland, for embracing such a bold campaign. This work differentiates the New Holland brand and has had a tremendous impact on the dealer network and sales," said Christine Fruechte, president of Colle+McVoy.
 
The winning ad, which ran in Farm Progress Group publications, features a picture of a tractor parked on a desert with the headline: "Perhaps more innovation than spreading manure deserves." New Holland North America, a company steeped in a history of more than 100 years which was also linked to the Ford Motor Company at one time, charged the creative teams at Colle+McVoy with strengthening the New Holland brand, increasing market share and improving dealer satisfaction with the New Holland brand image during a time of declining sales in the high-horsepower tractor market. The result was a fresh campaign and a unique look at advertising tractors.

Posted 09/28/2007

Listen For More Clicks At Colle+McVoy!

Agency Expands Digital Capabilities – Response To 60 Percent Growth In Revenue

MINNEAPOLIS (September 28, 2007) Colle+McVoy, Inc., today announced the addition of several people to the agency’s Digital Group. The additions continue to fuel the agency’s growth in the rapidly evolving digital interactive arena now at the forefront of client brand activation, strategic planning and creative offerings at the advertising agency. The growth has been fueled by increasing client needs as well as new business from Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc.; Manhattan Toy; Shock Doctor Inc.; Courage Center; and the University of Illinois Foundation to name a few.

“It is an amazing time to be a part of this digital evolution,” said Patty Henderson, director of Colle+McVoy’s Digital Group. “We are excited about not only what this new talent brings to the agency, but also what it means to our clients in terms of depth of digital innovations, resources and experiences.”

Tony Lintner is Colle+McVoy’s newest interactive associate creative director.  Lintner has led and contributed to Web site design and the concepting and art direction of many advertising campaigns for Microsoft, Target.com and Harley- Davidson.

Craig Pladson has been hired as a senior interactive strategist. Pladson has a broad range of consumer and professional interactive marketing experience. Prior to joining Colle+McVoy, Pladson worked for Digital River, Inc.; Target.com; Ameriprise Financial; and Fanball.com.

Jason Striegel joins the agency as technical lead on digital projects. Striegel brings extensive design, Web development and video streaming experience to the agency. Striegel previously spent several years at Fallon. He also founded his own interactive software development company, which specialized in creating custom content management systems.

Carlos Abler adds more than a decade of Web development to his role as an experience and content architect for Colle+McVoy. Abler’s eclectic background includes public speaking, broadcast radio and television, and forensic information design. His past employment includes projects with the Smithsonian and The History Channel.

Andrew Charon leads Colle+McVoy’s digital development efforts, focusing his experience with Flash software technology on digital projects. Charon joins the agency from Blue Earth Interactive, where he practiced multimedia development.

Braden Stadlman has assumed the role of interactive producer. With experience in live media and digital distribution technologies, Stadlman joins the agency from Live Nation, where he created interactive components and products for Universal Music Group and Napster.

Amanda Bastian was hired as a senior interactive producer and will concentrate on managing the production and execution of digital projects across teams at Colle+McVoy, as well as helping in the refinement of best practices. Bastian joins the agency from Wolfmotell, LTD.

Alix Johns joins Colle+McVoy as an interactive production specialist. Johns brings Web site, microsite and project management experience to the agency. Johns also has a background in digital photography, video streaming and interactive media. She recently worked with Fallon as an interactive production artist.

Pamela Brown will concentrate on managing the overall workload of the digital production team as well as specific digital projects at Colle+McVoy. Brown joins the agency from Target, where she was a creative specialist.

Posted 08/21/2007

What Happens In Vegas, Spreads To Minnesota?

Colle+McVoy Brings a Little Vegas to New Scratch Game for MN State Lottery Client

MINNEAPOLIS (August 21, 2007) Listen closely, and you may be hearing “Viva Minnesota!” soon. The advertising and marketing assignment from the Minnesota State Lottery was to design a creative and interesting way for Minnesotans to learn about its new Las Vegas-themed Scratch Game.

“Instead of talking about the experience, we wanted to bring the feeling of Las Vegas to the players,” said Colle+McVoy executive creative director Mike Fetrow.

And because the city of Las Vegas is home to world class stage entertainment, the team set out to find and audition Las Vegas professionals for the experiential marketing campaign which was to organize a Vegas-ota Tour that included: a magician, two Elvis impersonators and a quartet of showgirls. The road show took the traveling troupe of performers to Lottery retailers from Duluth to Rochester and everywhere in-between in a specially wrapped Vegas-ota 18-wheel tour bus.

“We wanted a lucky seven team,” said group creative director Dave Keepper. “It would have been easy to hire people locally, and that would have been a different experience. However, we wanted this campaign to say, if you are going to play a Las Vegas game, we want to replicate the experience and we want you to play the game with us.”

A map of the Vegas-ota tour, an Elvis impersonator training for the “Running of the Elvises” event, pictures and more can be found in a specially-designed microsite for the campaign at http://www.luckymn.com/vegasota.