Draftfcb Press Releases

DRAFTFCB SA LINKED TO TOP BRAND PERFORMANCE

Wed, 01 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Savanna, Vodacom, Old Mutual, Koo, Toyota, Energade and Santam – what do these brands have in common? Aside from the fact that they were named number 1 or 2 in their markets in the Sunday Times Top Brand Awards this weekend (Sunday August 29), they all rely on a Draftfcb South Africa agency to assist with their marketing and advertising initiatives. Savanna and Santam are long-standing clients of Draftfcb Cape Town, which is a separate business to Draftfcb Johannesburg. This agency handles Vodacom, Toyota and Old Mutual. Savanna, Vodacom, Koo and Old Mutual took 1st place in their respective consumer categories in the survey; ciders, network providers, tinned foods and long-term insurance, while Toyota, Energade and Santam notched up very respectable 2nd places in theirs; consumer cars, consumer energy/sports drinks and business-to-business short-term insurance. Vodacom also took 2nd place in the consumer community upliftment category and 5th in the consumer Green Brand category while Old Mutual made a second appearance in the 4th spot in the business-to-business long-term insurance category. Commenting on these brands’ performance in the awards, Draftfcb South Africa Group CEO, John Dixon, said: “The agencies in our network may operate as independent, standalone businesses but they do share the same vision – and that is to build South Africa’s most loved brands. “Building brands that are genuinely respected and admired in the South African marketplace is all about creating effective communication that wins the hearts and minds of South African consumers. Our collective clients’ performance in the Sunday Times Top Brand Awards have again demonstrated beyond doubt we're getting this right, and are sure our clients appreciate that the work we do for them adds real value to their businesses,” he said. Dixon added that clients’ contribution to the success of their brands had not gone unnoticed either: Vodacom’s Enzo Scarcella and Toyota’s Pieter Klerck were awarded joint 3rd in the inaugural ‘Marketing Personality of the Year’ award. “While agencies can contribute much in terms of creative and strategic direction to a brand’s success, it takes a bold and knowledgeable client to make the right decisions at the end of the day. Enzo and Pieter are proving amongst the best marketing brains in South Africa and we are thrilled that their influence has been recognized in this way,” said Dixon. About Draftfcb Draftfcb is the first holistic, global marketing communications agency to operate against a single P&L, with a network that spans 92 countries and employs more than 9,200 people. The agency is driven by The 6.5 Seconds That MatterSM, an operating system that recognizes the brief period of time marketers have to capture consumers’ attention and motivate them to act. With nearly 140 years of combined expertise, Draftfcb has roots in both consumer advertising and behavioral, data-driven direct marketing. It firmly believes there is no way to separate creativity from accountability, which it refers to as Return on IdeasSM. The agency is part of the Interpublic Group of Companies (NYSE:IPG). For more information, visit www.draftfcb.com.

KEEP FLYING CAMPAIGN GUINNESS WORLD RECORD ATTEMPT ON TRACK

Tue, 24 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

South Africa’s youngest Guinness World Record attempt, to fly 90 000 South African flags in one venue at one time, is on track thanks to a capacity crowd at the Springbok-All Blacks Tri-Nations clash yesterday (Saturday August 21) at FNB Stadium in Soweto. The Keep Flying initiative – together with initiator Draftfcb South Africa, Vodacom, the International Marketing Council of South Africa, Lead SA & SuperSport – had lodged the attempt with Guinness World Records, the ultimate authority on record-breaking achievement. They must now supply photographic proof, which Guinness will audit before making its pronouncement. This proof will be provided by the Vodacom Fan Cam, a high definition camera with 360° picture-taking and geo-tagging capabilities, which not only took photographs of the record setting attempt at half-time, but focused on fans throughout the match. All the photographs recorded by the Vodacom Fan Cam have been posted to www.player23.co.za as well as http://www.keepflying.co.za so that those who attended the game to support the Bokke and Keep Flying can locate themselves in the photograph, tag it and upload it to Facebook and the like. The Keep Flying initiative was launched as a way of encouraging all South Africans to retain the sense of unity and achievement they’d felt during the Soccer World Cup. Since then, numerous companies and individuals have committed to maintaining positive about the country’s future, and working to make a difference. Primedia’s Lead SA campaign is one of the most high profile, and highly commendable, examples. This record setting attempt is its swan song. Commenting on the record attempt, Draftfcb South Africa CEO, John Dixon said: “As a sports fan, the privilege of watching the world’s best soccer players grace our pitches in the biggest tournament in the world was an opportunity of a lifetime. I don’t have words to describe what that month of soccer meant to me as a football nut. “However, it was not FIFA or the Local Organizing Committee that made me burst with pride. The true stars of the World Cup were the South African people. Everywhere they went our football guests were greeted with the biggest smiles in the world. It was the policemen, the stadium volunteers, the waiters and the pump attendants were our biggest asset. “Talk to anyone who visited our country during that month and the first thing they’ll mention is the indefatigable spirit of the ordinary South African. Our unbridled joy in sharing the miracle of the Rainbow Nation with the rest of the world will be the World Cup’s most enduring image. “And yesterday at FNB Stadium, my heart once again ached as a capacity crowd of 94 000-plus demonstrated that – despite what the cynics predicted – South Africa had not fallen prey to the depression that has plagued past host nation. As one, we showed that our ‘gees’ endures. “Our Bokke may have lost on the field after a hard fought battle, but South Africa as a nation was once again the winning team, regardless of the outcome of our World Record attempt. Keep Flying may be over as a kick start campaign, but it lives on in the initiatives started by ordinary South Africans everywhere intent on ensuring that their country becomes the best it can be.” Added Vodacom Managing Executive: Marketing, Enzo Scarcella: “A proudly South African company, Vodacom was thrilled to be part of the record setting attempt. But we also recognize that this was the start – not the end – of a journey we all need to take together. By working together as a nation, as we did so well during the World Cup, we will take this wonderful country of ours to new heights. Yesterday at FNB Stadium, we proved just that.” About Draftfcb Draftfcb is the first holistic, global marketing communications agency to operate against a single P&L, with a network that spans 92 countries and employs more than 9,200 people. The agency is driven by The 6.5 Seconds That MatterSM, an operating system that recognizes the brief period of time marketers have to capture consumers’ attention and motivate them to act. With nearly 140 years of combined expertise, Draftfcb has roots in both consumer advertising and behavioral, data-driven direct marketing. It firmly believes there is no way to separate creativity from accountability, which it refers to as Return on IdeasSM. The agency is part of the Interpublic Group of Companies (NYSE:IPG). For more information, visit www.draftfcb.com.

KEEPFLYING CAMPAIGN IN GUINNESS WORLD ATTEMPT

Thu, 19 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The KeepFlying initiative – together with initiator Draftfcb South Africa, Vodacom,the International Marketing Council of South Africa, Lead SA & SuperSport –will attempt to set a new world record at the Springbok-All Blacks Trinationsclash on Saturday August 21 at FNB Stadium in Soweto. The record attempt –90 000 South African flags in one venue at one time – has been lodged withGuinness World Records, the ultimate authority on record-breaking achievement. The Vodacom Fan Cam, ahigh definition camera with 360° picture-taking and geo-tagging capabilities,will provide the photographs required by Guinness so that that organization canaudit the record setting attempt. FNB Stadium formallySoccer City, host to the first and final matches of the 2010 FIFA World Cup inthe country, has a capacity just short of 84 500, excluding its 99 suites, sorecord attempt organizers are urging everyone who attends the rugby match tobring along more than one flag. Said Draftfcb SouthAfrica Group CEO, John Dixon: “Whenwe launched Keep Flying as a way ofencouraging all South Africans to retain the sense of unity and achievementwe’d felt during the Soccer World Cup, we knew we wanted the campaign toculminate with a memorable event. “Initially, we thoughtwe’d organize a minute of noise for Africa – acrazy 60 seconds filled with vuvuzelas blaring, car hooters hooting, drumsdrumming, voices shouting – but that seemed so transient. “Instead, we looked forsomething that could be documented, verified and carved in stone – a lastingmemorial to our nation’s flag and what it symbolized for us all during theWorld Cup. Setting a world record just seemed the appropriate thing to do. “We looked to Vodacom,SuperSport, the International Marketing Council of South Africa and Lead SA –Primedia’s awesome campaign that truly embraces the spirit behind Keep Flying – to help us plan andprepare for the attempt. “And now we’re calling onall South Africans going to support the Springboks on Saturday at FNB Stadiumto show as much ‘gees’ as they did during the World Cup. Two hands means twoflags; what could be simpler!” Added Vodacom ManagingExecutive: Marketing, Enzo Scarcella: “Vodacom is a proud supporter of South Africa’ssporting teams. It’s a proud supporter of South African supporters. But most ofall, Vodacom is a proud supporter of South Africa. “We’re delighted to be apart of this record setting attempt ... and to be able to use Vodacomtechnology to record it for both auditing and bragging purposes. That’s right,in addition to sending Guinness our geo-cam photographs for verification, we’llpost them to our media partners’ web sites – 702, Highveld, SuperSport – sothat those who attend the game can locate themselves on the pic, tag it andupload it to Facebook and the like. What a wonderful way to support yourcountry, and what a great way to prove you were there!” Highveld, 702 andSuperSport will begin broadcasting details of how spectators can prepare for Saturday’srecord attempt today (Wednesday). It is likely that the official attemptphotography will take place at half time. “Logistics being whatthey are at games of this stature, it is likely that the record attempt willtake place at half time,” said Dixon.“Of course, our team will be back in the dressing room preparing for the secondhalf of the game but imagine what a rev they’ll get knowing that 90 000South African flags are waving for them in that stadium. Once again, come on South Africa,get your flags out.” About Draftfcb Draftfcb is the first holistic, globalmarketing communications agency to operate against a single P&L, with anetwork that spans 92 countries and employs more than 9,200 people. Theagency is driven by The 6.5 Seconds That MatterSM, an operatingsystem that recognizes the brief period of time marketers have to captureconsumers’ attention and motivate them to act. With nearly 140 years ofcombined expertise, Draftfcb has roots in both consumer advertising andbehavioral, data-driven direct marketing. It firmly believes there is noway to separate creativity from accountability, which it refers to as Return onIdeasSM. The agency is part of the Interpublic Group of Companies(NYSE:IPG). For more information, visit www.draftfcb.com.

NEW CAMPAIGN STRESSES TOYOTA COROLLA ‘FAN CLUB’ APPEAL

Tue, 17 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

A new campaign for the new Toyota Corolla devised by Draftfcb Johannesburg and comprising a television commercial as well as cinema and print advertising stresses the passenger vehicle’s ‘fan club’ appeal. With over 1-million Corollas sold in South Africa, the Corolla ‘fan club’ is a big – and loyal – one, according to the company’s Senior Manager: Marketing Communications Planning and Advertising, Pieter Klerck. “For so many people, the Toyota Corolla is part of the South African landscape, an integral component of generations of South Africans’ lives. When launching the new Corolla, we wanted to highlight the appeal of the brand, as well as reassure owners that they belong to a group of people – an informal group though it may be – who have identified and aligned themselves with an iconic brand offering a feeling of refinement and value for money.” The agency’s response was to call in Buddy, the brindle Boxer that has been part of Toyota’s advertising for nearly a year now, and to create a scenario for him that touches on togetherness and timelessness while retaining the down-to-earth appeal of the Toyota Corolla that has always found favor with its fans. Shot at night, the 30 second ad shows Buddy in the spotlight outside his owner’s garage alongside the brand new Corolla. There’s an orchestra warming up in the background and Buddy, much like the master of ceremonies at a formal theatre, announces the evening’s performance – the Blue Danube by Strauss. After he has barked the opening chords, he is joined by the neighborhood dogs because they, too, and their owners, are fans of the Corolla. Together, they deliver a rendition of the Strauss classic before the ad finishes with the pay-off line to reinforce the critical reason why they are all fans of the car: ‘The new Toyota Corolla: a feeling of refinement’. “The over-riding take-out with this advertisement is that a Corolla ‘fan’ is never alone, but belongs to a large group of like-minded people, and can take reassurance from that,” explained executive creative director, James Cloete. “This was achieved by bringing in Buddy’s pack of friends to help him out. “At the same time, the advertisement loses none of the humor and appeal that Buddy has brought to the brand – he’s not a very good ‘singer’ and uses humor to cover up this little short-coming. We think it will, in time, join the Corolla as a local classic!” About Draftfcb Draftfcb is the first holistic, global marketing communications agency to operate against a single P&L, with a network that spans 92 countries and employs more than 9,200 people. The agency is driven by The 6.5 Seconds That MatterSM, an operating system that recognizes the brief period of time marketers have to capture consumers’ attention and motivate them to act. With nearly 140 years of combined expertise, Draftfcb has roots in both consumer advertising and behavioral, data-driven direct marketing. It firmly believes there is no way to separate creativity from accountability, which it refers to as Return on IdeasSM. The agency is part of the Interpublic Group of Companies (NYSE:IPG). For more information, visit www.draftfcb.com.

U.S. CENSUS BUREAU’S INTEGRATED MARKETING PROGRAM LED BY DRAFTFCB NEW YORK CONTRIBUTES TO $1.6 BILLION BUDGET SURPLUS

Tue, 10 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Having achieved its goal of a 72% mail-back participation rate, coupled with strong cooperation by non-respondents with Census workers during door-to-door follow-up visits, today the U.S. Census bureau reported a budget surplus of $1.6 billion to be returned to the government. According to media reports to date, these results in part stemmed from Census awareness being at an all-time high, citing the efforts of an extended team of 14 core marketing communications agencies for their strong support. Led by Draftfcb New York, the extended Team Census also included: Draftfcb Puerto Rico (for people residing in Puerto Rico only); IW Group (Asian Audiences); GlobalHue (Black audiences, i.e. African, Caribbean); GlobalHue Latino (Hispanic – including Portuguese); d’exposito (Hispanic); G&G (American Indian, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander audiences); Allied (Russian, Polish, Arabic, Armenian, Iranian, Ukrainian); Plum (Greek Audience); Scholastic (Census In Schools Program); MarCom Group (recruitment advertising); Jack Morton (Events/Portrait of America Road Tour); Weber Shandwick (public relations); and Initiative (select media buying). Under the guidance of Draftfcb New York, the 2010 Census campaign marked the first time the Census Bureau activated a fully integrated program, which targeted every individual living in the U.S. and its territories. The campaign combined advertising, public relations, events, sponsorships, social media and partnerships to achieve its objectives. The high response rate and budget surplus are strong indicators of its effectiveness. “It was stated early on that for each percentage point increase in mail response, the cost of conducting the census could decrease by $85 Million,” said Jeff Tarakajian, Draftfcb group management director and leader of all multi-agency advertising efforts for Team Census. “U.S. Census reaching this impressive landmark is proof of the effectiveness of our highly strategic and creative – not to mention incredibly multi-faceted – marketing program.” About Draftfcb Draftfcb is the first global, behavior-based, holistic marketing communications organization to operate against a single P&L. In delivering its clients a high Return on IdeasSM, the agency is driven by The 6.5 Seconds That MatterSM, a creative expression recognizing the brief period of time marketers have to capture consumers’ attention and motivate them to act. With nearly 140 years of combined expertise, Draftfcb has roots in both consumer advertising and behavioral, data-driven direct marketing and firmly believes there is no way to separate creativity from accountability. Part of the Interpublic Group of Companies (NYSE:IPG), the Draftfcb network spans 96 countries with more than 9,500 employees. The agency’s corporate leadership team includes Howard Draft, executive chairman; Laurence Boschetto, CEO and president; Jonathan Harries, vice chairman and global chief creative officer; and Neil Miller, chief financial officer. For more information, visit www.draftfcb.com.

COCA COLA INDIA APPOINTS LODESTAR UM AS MEDIA AOR; AC SIZE UPWARDS OF RS 200 CRORE

Sat, 07 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Coca Cola India, which initiated a review of its media duties last month, has decided on its media AoR. In the wake of a multi-agency pitch, the business has been awarded to Lodestar UM. The development breaks the 11-year old relation that Coca Cola had with Madison Media. Industry sources peg the business upwards of Rs 200 crore. The other agencies vying for the business included Starcom Worldwide, Carat, TME and the incumbent Madison Media. Starcom Worldwide, UM and Carat work on the Coca Cola media business in various international markets. When contacted, Coca Cola India spokesperson said, “Coca-Cola India as part of a global process has been looking at opportunities to optimize its marketing capabilities. As part of this process, the company conducted an evaluation of leading media agencies to provide integrated communication planning, media execution, strategic analysis and media tracking capabilities for its entire portfolio of beverages. This had become all the more necessary with the rapidly evolving media landscape in the country. While all agencies participating in the review process illustrated strong skills, Lodestar Universal McCann showed the highest potential and has been awarded the media account for Coca-Cola India. We are very excited about this partnership and are confident that Lodestar Universal McCann will add value to our business. ” There are currently no changes in Coca Cola India’s creative partners.

DRAFTFCB LAUNCHES KRAFT FOODS’ MINI OREO SNACK PACKS

Fri, 06 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Draftfcb London has signed a campaign to support Kraft Foods’ official UK launch of new Mini Oreo Snack Packs. The launch of Oreo biscuits in the UK has been really successful with great results: 1/4 UK households purchased the Oreo biscuit in a 12 month period, with a repeat purchase rate of 57%. (Source: AC Nielsen Panel MAT 14th of July 2010) Draftfcb London developed the creative idea, “Oreo’s little brother”, which portrays Mini Oreo with the same simple joyful tone of its sibling but with a cheeky mini attitude. As shown in the TVCs, the playful, brotherly relationship between the two is emphasised and aims to fulfill the childlike delight of a classic Oreo – but in mini. Mark Fiddes, executive creative director of Draftfcb, said, “The best way we can dramatise ‘same but smaller’ is to look at family relationships. The character of the mischievous little brother for Mini Oreo fits perfectly.” The campaign targets mums with kids aged between 6 and 12 who already buy Oreos and understand the moments of childlike delight and family togetherness that an Oreo treat can bring. The new portable snack pack aims to connect with these mums who are seeking small moments of family connection and delight with their children anytime, anywhere - not just in the home with a classic Oreo and a glass of milk. “Draftfcb has had a proven record of success working with the Oreo brand for many years”, said Doris Kaefer, Oreo Brand Manager. “We’re excited about the campaign to launch Mini Oreo Snack Packs, Kraft Foods’ new addition to the Oreo biscuit family.” The campaign, set to launch on August 7th with two 10-second TVC spots, also involves retail activity and an online game. About Draftfcb Draftfcb is the first holistic, global marketing communications agency to operate against a single P&L. The agency is driven by The 6.5 Seconds That MatterSM, an operating system that recognizes the brief period of time marketers have to capture consumers’ attention and motivate them to act. With nearly 140 years of combined expertise, Draftfcb has roots in consumer advertising, shopper marketing and behavioral, data-driven direct marketing. It firmly believes there is no way to separate creativity from accountability, which it refers to as Return on IdeasSM. Draftfcb employs 120+ multi-discipline professionals in London with clients including GM, SC Johnson, NIVEA, Kraft, Post Office, and The Dorchester Collection, as well as our newer clients that include Boeing, COI-CWDC, Bausch+Lomb and TD Waterhouse. Part of the Interpublic Group of Companies (NYSE:IPG), the Draftfcb network spans 92 countries with more than 9,200 employees. The London agency’s leadership team includes Kate Howe, president; Mark Fiddes, executive creative director; Mark Young, CFO and COO; and Simon Calvert, global chief planning officer. For more information, visit www.draftfcb.com.

DRAFTFCB SHIMONI FINKELSTEIN BARKI HAS WON A GOLD EFFIE AWARD

Thu, 05 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Draftfcb Shimoni Finkelstein Barki has won a Gold Effie Award for the campaign the agency created for Gindi Holdings, an Israeli property development company. At the Effie Awards gala ceremony in Tel Aviv, Draftfcb was awarded the Gold Effie in the Non-Consumable Commodities category for its successful ‘Sarona’ campaign, a real estate project that sold 106 apartments worth $100 million in 48 hours and a total of 89 percent of the available units over six weeks. The agency developed an aggressive marketing campaign within 72 hours of Gindi Holdings winning a prestigious bid for the real estate project. The agency initiated a national media blitz aimed only at the client’s competitors from thethree buying groups who had just lost out on the bid, offering them first choice to purchase a luxury apartment at a special rate for a limited time. The strategy was intended to persuade the target audience to reconsider purchasing an apartment in the project as a second chance to win back what they had just lost. The campaign was not only successful in selling 89 percent of the project over a six-week period, but it also received over $1.5 million worth of free media exposure. The Effie Award acknowledged the campaign’s bold marketing strategy and originality leading to its enormous success. About Draftfcb Draftfcb is the first global, behavior-based, holistic marketing communications organization to operate against a single P&L. In delivering its clients a high Return on IdeasSM, the agency is driven by The 6.5 Seconds That MatterSM, an operating system that recognizes the brief period of time marketers have to capture consumers’ attention and motivate them to act. With nearly 140 years of combined expertise, Draftfcb has roots in both consumer advertising and behavioral, data-driven direct marketing and firmly believes there is no way to separate creativity from accountability. Part of the Interpublic Group of Companies (NYSE:IPG), the Draftfcb network spans 92 countries with more than 9,200 employees. The agency’s corporate leadership team includes Howard Draft, executive chairman; Laurence Boschetto, CEO and president; Jonathan Harries, vice chairman and global chief creative officer; and Neil Miller, chief financial officer. For more information, visit www.draftfcb.com.

DRAFTFCB STRENGTHENS MOBILE OFFERING, PARTNERS WITH INDUSTRY LEADER VELTI TO INCREASE CAPABILITIES
Agency to Utilize Velti mGage™ To Deliver Innovative, Holistic Mobile Solutions

Thu, 05 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Recognizing the increased importance of the mobile channel to reach consumers, Draftfcb has partnered with Velti, a leader in mobile marketing and advertising technology solutions, to provide the agency and its clients a full range of in-house mobile services and capabilities. The agency will use Velti mGage in the development and execution of campaigns, including SMS, mobile Web, mobile media planning and buying and proprietary measurement. “With this partnership, we believe Draftfcb Chicago will be the first fully integrated agency to provide a complete in-house mobile offering,” said Patrick Moorhead, VP, director of mobile platforms at Draftfcb Chicago. “Working with Velti mGage, we’ll be able to deliver world-class mobile capabilities and campaigns to our clients from within the same teams and strategic approaches we are already employing for them.” The non-exclusive relationship will enable Draftfcb to integrate Velti’s technology suite into its existing digital production and strategic services in an efficient, cost- effective manner. “Digital is quickly becoming a critical core competency for us as we continue to deploy truly integrated marketing solutions for our clients,” said Mark Modesto, president of Draftfcb North America. “This new relationship and the capabilities it brings us in the mobile space are an important piece of achieving our digital vision.” Agencies announce partnerships all the time,” said Chris Miller, EVP, group management director, digital at Draftfcb Chicago. “The difference here is two-fold: the intention and the long-range implication. First, we’re making an investment in mobile by choosing to standardize on a platform and with a partner we believe will allow us to move from mostly working with a portfolio of partners and vendors, to managing and growing our business in mobile. Second, we’re putting a stake in the ground that mobile is a big part of our future, and this partner and platform demonstrate how we plan to capitalize on it.” Founded in 2000, Velti works with more than 450 brands, agencies and mobile operators in more than 35 countries. In 2009, more than 2,000 mobile campaigns were executed using the company’s platform. “Draftfcb Chicago is breaking ground with their commitment to mobile and we are gratified to be their partner of choice,” said Alex Moukas, CEO at Velti. “There’s no question that marketers are shifting spend from traditional, hard-to-measure media to mobile, and Draftfcb is in the vanguard of agencies supporting this trend. With Velti mGage, they can create campaigns for their clients that are completely integrated and fully measurable.” In keeping with Draftfcb’s approach to deliver holistic campaigns that reach consumers at the point(s) that matter to them, all agency employees will be responsible for the development and execution of mobile elements of a campaign. “Mobile should no longer be treated as a vertical, stand-alone channel. Rather, it can be horizontal throughout the entire ecosystem of a campaign and, as a result, it is the responsibility of the entire agency, not just one designated team, to make sure it is part of the integrated solution,” said Moorhead. “Copywriters will write copy for print, direct mail, and now, mobile SMS and mobile Web experiences; art directors will conceptualize the visual elements for a campaign not only for TV and print but for the mobile screen as well; and producers will produce entire campaigns executing the mobile components using this toolkit.” Draftfcb Chicago currently works with clients such as Kmart, Brown-Forman (el Jimador), MilkPEP, Coors Light and Hilton Hotels (Hampton Inn) in the mobile space. The agency’s first work using the Velti mGage platform will debut later this month. About Draftfcb Draftfcb is the first holistic, global marketing communications agency to operate against a single P&L, with a network that spans 92 countries and employs more than 9,200 people. The agency is driven by The 6.5 Seconds That MatterSM, an operating system that recognizes the brief period of time marketers have to capture consumers’ attention and motivate them to act. With nearly 140 years of combined expertise, Draftfcb has roots in both consumer advertising and behavioral, data-driven direct marketing. It firmly believes there is no way to separate creativity from accountability, which it refers to as Return on IdeasSM. The agency is part of the Interpublic Group of Companies (NYSE:IPG). For more information, visit www.draftfcb.com. About Velti Velti is a leading global provider of mobile marketing and advertising technology and solutions that enable brands, advertising agencies, mobile operators and media to implement highly targeted, interactive and measurable campaigns by communicating with and engaging consumers via their mobile devices. Our technology platform, called Velti mGage™, allows customers to use mobile and traditional media to reach targeted consumers, engage the consumer through the mobile internet and applications, convert them into customers and continue to actively manage the relationship through the mobile channel. More than 450 leading brands, advertising agencies, mobile operators and media companies have used our platform to execute more than 2,000 mobile marketing and advertising campaigns globally in 2009, reaching consumers in more than 35 countries. Velti is a publicly-held corporation with 500 employees listed on London Stock Exchange’s AIM under the symbol VEL. For more information, visit www.velti.com.

DRAFTFCB CHICAGO LAUDED FOR EXCELLENCE IN WORKPLACE FLEXIBILITY
The agency’s 4th workplace honor in 2010; 11th since 2006

Thu, 05 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Draftfcb Chicago was honored today as a recipient of the 2010 Alfred P. Sloan Award for Business Excellence in Workplace Flexibility in the greater Chicago area. Awarded by the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce and the When Work Works national partners -- Families and Work Institute, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Institute for a Competitive Workforce and the Twiga Foundation – the recognition celebrates employers that are successfully using flexibility as part of an effective workplace strategy while helping employees meet their responsibilities on and off the job. As a recipient of the Sloan Award, Draftfcb Chicago ranks in the top 20 percent of employers nationally in terms of its programs, policies and culture for creating an effective and flexible workplace. More than 700 employers nationwide applied, representing organizations of all size and industry. “We are an organization that takes great pride in our people,” said Robin Rosen, director of human resources for Draftfcb Chicago. “Our success begins with our employees, and our many flexible workplace options are but one way we ensure our team is fresh, engaged and bringing their best creativity to work everyday.” Participating companies took part in a rigorous evaluation process that analyzed employer programs against national data from the Families and Work Institute’s National Study of Employers, coupled with anonymous employee surveys on their access to flexible work options. This is the agency’s fourth workplace honor this year, and eleventh such award since 2006. Earlier this week, Draftfcb Chicago was selected as one of the "101 Best and Brightest Companies to Work For" in the Chicagoland area by The National Association for Business Resources (NABR) for the fifth straight year. About Draftfcb Draftfcb is the first holistic, global marketing communications agency to operate against a single P&L, with a network that spans 92 countries and employs more than 9,200 people. The agency is driven by The 6.5 Seconds That MatterSM, an operating system that recognizes the brief period of time marketers have to capture consumers’ attention and motivate them to act. With nearly 140 years of combined expertise, Draftfcb has roots in both consumer advertising and behavioral, data-driven direct marketing. It firmly believes there is no way to separate creativity from accountability, which it refers to as Return on IdeasSM. The agency is part of the Interpublic Group of Companies (NYSE:IPG). For more information, visit www.draftfcb.com.

Draftfcb Press Releases

DRAFTFCB SA LINKED TO TOP BRAND PERFORMANCE

KEEP FLYING CAMPAIGN GUINNESS WORLD RECORD ATTEMPT ON TRACK

KEEPFLYING CAMPAIGN IN GUINNESS WORLD ATTEMPT

NEW CAMPAIGN STRESSES TOYOTA COROLLA ‘FAN CLUB’ APPEAL

U.S. CENSUS BUREAU’S INTEGRATED MARKETING PROGRAM LED BY DRAFTFCB NEW YORK CONTRIBUTES TO $1.6 BILLION BUDGET SURPLUS

COCA COLA INDIA APPOINTS LODESTAR UM AS MEDIA AOR; AC SIZE UPWARDS OF RS 200 CRORE

DRAFTFCB LAUNCHES KRAFT FOODS’ MINI OREO SNACK PACKS

DRAFTFCB SHIMONI FINKELSTEIN BARKI HAS WON A GOLD EFFIE AWARD

DRAFTFCB STRENGTHENS MOBILE OFFERING, PARTNERS WITH INDUSTRY LEADER VELTI TO INCREASE CAPABILITIESAgency to Utilize Velti mGage™ To Deliver Innovative, Holistic Mobile Solutions

DRAFTFCB CHICAGO LAUDED FOR EXCELLENCE IN WORKPLACE FLEXIBILITYThe agency’s 4th workplace honor in 2010; 11th since 2006

DRAFTFCB STRENGTHENS MOBILE OFFERING, PARTNERS WITH INDUSTRY LEADER VELTI TO INCREASE CAPABILITIES
Agency to Utilize Velti mGage™ To Deliver Innovative, Holistic Mobile Solutions

DRAFTFCB CHICAGO LAUDED FOR EXCELLENCE IN WORKPLACE FLEXIBILITY
The agency’s 4th workplace honor in 2010; 11th since 2006