Sperry Top-Sider and New York Yacht Club Event

Last Tuesday evening, CerconeBrown&Co. rounded up over 70 members of top, national press on behalf of Sperry to join us at the New York Yacht Club Manhattan Clubhouse and celebrate the organizations’ new partnership.  Press attendance ran the gamut in variety, from music television VJs to fashion and lifestyle press, all gathered to learn more about the new partnership and see the beautiful NYYC West 44th Street Clubhouse.     

Media, Sperry executives and NYYC club members gave off an aura of excitement around this September’s inaugural Invitational Cup (where Sperry will serve as official footwear sponsor of the race).  Famed sailor, Gary Jobson, who also commentates for ESPN, presented the guests with a riveting video of Swan 42s racing, a preview of what is to come during the September Invitational Cup.  Enthusiasm around the race from all sides of the media was impressive! 

The evening was complete with delicious appetizers and sailing-inspired cocktails for all to enjoy and no one left without a Sperry goodie bag.  While this event celebrated the kickoff of the Sperry and NYYC partnership, there will be many more exciting events leading up to the Invitational Cup this September 15-19.  Taking place off the coast of Newport on the same waters that have hosted the America’s Cup, it’s hard to not want to be a part of this.

Stay tuned for more built up to come on Sperry and the New York Yacht Club, including the race turnout for the Invitational Cup this Fall!

Boston PR Firm’s “Green House” Debunks Myths of Sustainable Living

Cercone Brown & Co. Launches the First Annual Green House Marketing Program To Bring Awareness to Sustainable Living

When it comes to constructing or converting a home for “green living”, the common perception is that it’s expensive, inconvenient, and only for those who can afford the luxury of being eco-friendly.

However, one Boston PR agency, Cercone Brown & Co., aims to debunk these green stereotypes through a new program, the Green House. This May, just outside Burlington, Vt., Cercone Brown & Co. will immerse a Who’s Who of traditional and interactive press into a completely green-living environment.

The Green House is entirely eco-friendly, from energy efficiency and independence to the smallest details in its furnishings, fabrics and food. However, guests living this completely sustainable lifestyle will find the experience — from accommodations to travel to entertainment — not only affordable, but unexpectedly comfortable and convenient.

“The purpose of the Green House isn’t to try to convert folks to completely green living, but rather demonstrate that there are many often ingenious products and approaches that can make a big difference in the health of the planet and your finances,” said Emily McCavanagh, new business director, Cercone Brown & Co.

The House is expected to host 20 top consumer, green and business editors.  While there, editors won’t just look, they’ll be encouraged to touch, taste and test brands in a living laboratory of the latest ecologically inspired products.  Activities will include test-driving the new Honda Insight hybrid, taste-testing Green Mountain Coffee, and jogging in New Balance’s latest Earth-friendly shoes. Editors will also give back to their home-away-from-home by participating in a community service garden project to aid local families in need.

While PR teams from each company are encouraged to attend, the Green House honors a strict “no pitch” zone, instead endorsing genuine interactions with editors. This system ensures that Green House attendees have the best products of 2009/2010 at their disposal; no boundaries, no time constraints, no distractions.

The Green House: Vermont Living for the 21st Century
The Cercone Brown & Co. Green House is a “net zero” home, meaning it is intended to produce as much energy as it uses over the course of the year. Environmental features include geo-thermal heating, radiant concrete floors, triple pane windows, super insulated walls and roofs, active PV solar panels and significant south facing glass, which provides solar gain and great views down the valley.

Owned by the Vermont Building Resources and the Russell Family Farm, the Green House is certified by the Vermont Builds Green (VBS) program. The house is located on a 24-acre farm parcel with 14 acres set aside for continued farming.

The Green House concept is an outgrowth of Cercone Brown’s successful Summer House/Winter House programs (now in the fourth year) hosted in Nantucket, Mass. and Park City, Utah, respectively. Participating companies have included such leading brands as Subaru, Oakley, Vineyard Vines, Wente Vineyards, Baskin-Robbins, Zone Perfect, Seventh Generation, Nordic Track and many more.  For information on attending or exhibiting in any of Cercone Brown & Co’s Houses, contact Noelle Guerin at 617-248-0680 x21 or nguerin@cerconebrown.com.

About Cercone Brown & Co.
Located in Boston, Massachusetts, Cercone Brown & Co. (CBC) provides branding, advertising, public relations and promotions services to companies in a range of industries. Founded in 2001, the company has worked with leading brands that include adidas, GMAC Insurance, Hasbro, Nantucket Nectars, Orvis, Cognos, Sperry Top-Sider, K2, The Timberland Company, Vibram and ZOOTS. For more information, visit www.cerconebrown.com.

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Cercone Brown & Company Completes Another Successful Winter House

So far, 2009 has been quite a year. I think we are all feeling a bit challenged in our various areas of business. It is times like these that is seems quite a privilege to enjoy your chosen profession. No role or responsibility at Cercone Brown & Company brings me more joy than Winter and Summer House.

This year marked the completion of the third annual Cercone Brown & Company Winter House. This is the second year the program was hosted in the Penthouse of The Canyons in Park City (www.thecanyons.com). Dare I say, it went off without a hitch. Despite the constantly changing economic landscape, we had a profitable program and what’s more, we had a great turn-out of enthusiastic media. More often than not, you hear horror stories about the diva shenanigans of the media. I have had the joy of experiencing the opposite. Winter House is a media relations program that encourages editors to get down and dirty and try product in the most natural way. The media has become more like friends than collegues and we are constantly hearing that Summer and Winter House feel more like a vacation with your nearest and dearest than a work trip.

From snowshoeing in Kahtoolas (www.kahtoola.com) to test-driving Subarus (www.subaru.com) the media was psyched to be immersed in a comprehensive but, let’s face it, fun program. This year, everyone needs a brief escape to do their job in a fun way.

Thank goodness Summer House is only two months away.

Study Shows San Francisco is America’s Least Wasteful City

From Rain Barrels and Recycling to Walking and Buying Second-Hand Clothes,
“The Nalgene Least Wasteful City Study” Puts Top 25 Metros Under Scrutiny for Wasteful Behavior

With thrift and conservation on the minds of many Americans, a new study put the spotlight on wasteful behavior in our nation’s cities. “The Nalgene Least Wasteful City Study” ranked 23 waste-focused habits of urban Americans, from recycling, to using public transportation, to shutting off the lights when leaving the room.  When the results were tallied, San Francisco earned the title of America’s Least Wasteful City, while Atlanta ranked last in the study.

Other cities at the top of the least wasteful list are New York (2), Portland, OR (3) and Seattle (4). In addition to Atlanta, Dallas (24), Indianapolis (23), Houston (22) and St. Louis (21) were in the bottom five of those surveyed. Individuals can visit www.leastwastefulcities.com  for complete rankings or to the take the survey themselves.

Surprisingly, in trying economic times, frugality isn’t the leading factor motivating Americans to change wasteful ways.  In fact, over half surveyed (57 percent) cited “that it is our responsibility to ensure the health of our planet for future generations” as the motivation for changing behavior, followed by “it makes financial sense” (22 percent).

The study was commissioned by Nalgene, the leading manufacturer of reusable water bottles, as part of its FilterForGood campaign, an ongoing partnership with Brita to encourage less wasteful behavior.

“This study highlights habits that our society has adopted out of convenience, but on a whole can have a huge impact on the sustainability of the planet,” said Eric Hansen, Sr. Business Manager, Nalgene-Outdoor. “Clearly, some cities are ahead of others when it comes to changing our approach to wastefulness in our actions big and small, but there’s room for all to improve.”

The study questioned 3,750 individuals living in the top 25 largest U.S. cities, gauging behavior on waste, sustainability, shopping, transportation and more. The results were weighted to give more credit to behaviors that had immediate and significant impact on the planet (e.g., driving less, recycling or reducing trash) to small habits that are more indicative of a mindset and non-wasteful approach to life (e.g., reusing containers, limiting shower time or saving wrapping paper and ribbons).

Survey Says: Environmental Efforts Need to be Easy and Convenient … and Save Money
Results show that with the exception of recycling (the 5th top least wasteful behavior), urban Americans are more readily embracing small, everyday habits to cut waste: (1= Never; 10 = Always/Without Fail):

Save leftover food/meals to eat again 8.58
Shut off lights when not in the room 8.48
Turn off water when brushing teeth 7.22
Use energy efficient light bulbs 7.16
Recycle glass/metal/plastics on a regular basis 6.87

The study also suggests that convenience is trumping prudence when it comes to significant wasteful behavior including transportation and personal conservation efforts (average score, 1= Never; 10 = Always/Without Fail):

Avoiding drying clothes in an electric or gas clothes dryer 2.05
Use a rain barrel 2.13
Compost my fruit and vegetable scraps 3.15
Take public transportation 3.37
Drive my car for trips that are less than two miles from home 3.73

CITY HIGHLIGHTS

  • San Francisco led the way in many categories, and was best overall at recycling, reusing wrapping paper, turning off the water to brush teeth and not using cars for short trips from home.
  • Less is Best in the West. San Francisco, Portland and Seattle are among the top four in practicing least wasteful behaviors.
  • NYC’s Surprising Hot Commodity, Rain Water. New York, coming in as the second least wasteful city in the U.S., is the only east coast city to rank in the top seven. They rank number one at collecting rain fall by using a rain barrel and taking public transportation. Los Angeles comes in second for using a rain barrel.
  • Second-Hand Style Doesn’t Work in Beantown. Not many Bostonians are wearing second-hand outfits or sitting on used couches these days. Boston comes in last at buying second-hand, followed by New Yorkers. Portland is the best at second-hand shopping.
  • The Heartland Loves Local Libraries. Clevelanders love their local libraries, coming in number one for borrowing books from the library.
  • Hot Enough for Ya? Miami is the worst at avoiding the purchase of bottled water.
  • Last Night’s Noshes Loved in Sugar Land. Houston loves leftovers, coming in as the best at saving leftovers to eat again. However, their neighbors in Dallas are not so great at saving leftovers

HOW AMERICANS PLAN TO CHANGE THEIR LEAST WASTEFUL WAYS THIS YEAR:
Sixty-three percent of respondents said they are already living a somewhat eco-friendly lifestyle; while 85 percent plan on being more environmentally conscious in the next year.

  • Electric Shock: Two-thirds (65 percent) will shut the lights off when not in the room and 65 percent will use energy efficient light bulbs
  • Around the House: More than half (56 percent) will recycle more and turn off the water when brushing their teeth (both 56 percent), while 57 percent will save leftover food to eat again
  • At the Market: More than one-third (38 percent) will avoid using bottled water, opting instead for reusable containers. Half (56 percent) plan on using reusable grocery bags
  • Walk the Line: One-third plan to forgo the car for trips less than two miles from home

For information on how to rate your own least wasteful behavior and to find out how your city can make a small change towards a big difference by adopting reusable water bottles in place of disposable, single serve bottled water, visit www.leastwastefulcities.com and www.filterforgood.com.

About Nalgene Outdoor
Nalgene Outdoor Products is based in Rochester, New York. Founded in 1949 as a manufacturer of the first plastic pipette holder, the company soon expanded its product line to include state-of-the-art polyethylene labware under the NALGENE brand.  By the 1970s, outdoor enthusiasts had discovered the taste and odor-resistant, leakproof and rugged properties of NALGENE’s large selection of plastic containers. In response to this emerging demand, the NALGENE Consumer Products Division was formed. For more information, contact NALGENE Consumer Products or visit our website at HYPERLINK “http://www.nalgene-outdoor.com/”www.nalgene-outdoor.com.

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Media Relations Succees: Nalgene Featured in MSN’s “Made In America” Feature

 

MSN featured Nalgene as a way to buy American

MSN featured Nalgene as a way to buy American

One of the most pleasing things that can happen to a PR agency is when a high-level journalist covers a client.  What makes it better is when that coverage parrots the top-line messages you’ve been pushing for some time, and they didn’t even talk to you directly.  

 

This happened today when MSN featured water-bottle manufacturer, Nalgene, in the feature 10 Ways You Can Still Buy American.  In the article, they not only hit all the major high points on BPA-free bottles and the company’s heritage in the outdoors, the writer referred to the bottle as “the symbol of hip environmentalists” and went on to mention the whole range of product.

This is a vote of confidence for laying out a clear, AUTHENTIC, messaging strategy, then making sure you execute in all media relations efforts, search engine optimization (SEO) PR, in store, online, etc.  After a while, the aggregate mesage takes hold and you will be noticed for who you really are.

The recognition couldn’t happen to a nicer group.  Nalgene (in my opinion) is a company that always does the right thing, even when it’s not the easiest thing.  And isn’t that really American after all?

Sperry Top-Sider Goes Against the Grain in Tough Economy

Looking around these days, and you can’t help think that the deepening recession is in part due to fear. People are cutting back, as are companies, because they fear the worst.  In some respects, it’s a self-fulfilling cycle.

But as I pointed out in the fall in my eBook Simplinomics, the forces at play here will reckon permanent behavioral changes in the American consumer. One is thrift, and its main byproduct, savings.

Last year, the national savings rate hit 1.7%; historically low, but much higher than recent years where collectively we lived well beyond our means. Increased savings is good for the long-term, but exacerbates economic hardships in the short term.  It’s what “the experts” are calling the Paradox of Thrift.

Some say that the savings rate may peak at 6% next year. And I’m here to say, this change will be permanent.  American’s will be a tougher sell moving forward.

So what’s the answer? Innovate products and features that drive against real problems.

Read more

CBC Client, Sabertec, Featured at National Press Club

This week, we arranged for our client Sabertec, developers of a tailpipe emissions reduction device called “Blade,” to Speak at National Press Club’s prestigious ‘Newsmaker’ Series in Washington, DC. Called “Addressing America’s Air Quality Crisis,” we surrounded Sabertec CEO Bill O’Brien with other experts that complemented his message, including President of Clean Air Watch, Frank O’Donnell; and “A Civil Action” plaintiff attorney, Jan R. Schlichtmann.

Bill did a great job taking the press through an in-depth look at personal vehicle reduction technologies, including proven benefits shown in rigorous laboratory testing. He also provided specific insight on the potential environmental impact of widespread adoption of these technologies. 

CBC has used the influence of the forum on several occasions.  It’s a powerful way to position people and organizations squarely into the national spotlight as credible voices on the issues covered daily in the press.  Of course, it’s not easy to get into the series, and certainly not every business makes sense for it. But when you do get in, it’s worth it.

CBC client Bill O'Brien, CEO of Sabertec, at the National Press Club "Newsmakers" Conference. He's flanked by Frank O'Donnell, president, Clean Air Watch; and plaintiff attorney Jan Schlichtmann, made famous by the book and movie “A Civil Action.”

 

Welcome to Our New Site

You’d think as communications experts, we’d be right on top of it for our own site. But like the cobbler’s children with no shoes, we’ve been way too busy … until now. Today we launch a website that we feel gives you a good look into our work, philosophy, agency structure, etc. Some of the highlights are our campaigns for Quiksilver, GMAC Insurance, Nalgene, Royal Robbins, Sperry Top-Sider and Cognos. And with this new CBC blog, we can keep it fresh with lots of news, including our new New York office and staff expansions. In fact, one piece of news today is that Len has completed a new eBook “Simplinomics” available for download immediately. The intention of this eBook is to help simplify the often confusing macro-economic, environmental and social forces swirling around business and marketing professionals today, and to provide immediate, actionable insights on the communications landscape that will help business and marketing planning for 2009 and beyond. He’s been expanding on the concepts in this book at his blog www.eco-optimism.org, and plans to publish follow ups, eventually in a full-blown hardcopy. For now, take a look around and give us your thoughts. This site was created by our partner agency, Overdrive Interactive, the same folks that handle Harley Davidson, LoJack, John Hancock and many other great brands. They are without a doubt the smartest interactive guys around, and they’re a breeze to work with. In fact, we use them for many of our social media and online campaigns. As always, thanks for reading!

CBC Announces Third Annual Winter House

Experiential Media Relations Event Showcasing Top Outdoor Brands to Be Held Jan. 17 – 31, 2009, in Park City, Utah

BOSTON (December 3, 2008) – CerconeBrownCurtis (CBC) announced today that its third annual Winter House program will be held in the Penthouse of The Canyons Resort in Park City, Utah, from January 17 – 31, 2009, during the Sundance Film Festival and Outdoor Retailer Winter Market.  Although CBC’s fourth annual Winter House is still more than a month away, editors have been vying for a spot since September.

Hosted again in scenic Park City, Utah, the successful experiential marketing program has become a hot spot for editors looking for the latest in consumer and lifestyle products.  Designed to immerse editors in the culture of lifestyle brands, the Winter House program provides a uniquely true-to-life brand experience by allowing editors to test products in the environment for which they were intended.

From snowshoeing and skiing to wine tasting and fine dining, Winter House (and Summer House, its sister program on Nantucket) takes editors away from the office to an outdoor setting that provides an authentic environment to experience selected products and allows them to build a greater connection to the brands.

In the past, CBC, a full-service public relations and advertising agency based in Boston, has worked hard to build the Winter House program by recruiting editors from prestigious publications like Shape, Sports Illustrated, CNN and numerous others.  This year, however, word-of-mouth testimonials from former Winter House and Summer House guests made the recruitment process almost unnecessary; as early as September a waiting list of editors had already formed.

“The quality of editors we have secured and continue to work with are forming solid relationships with the brands represented in the Winter House,” said Noelle Guerin, program director.  “The program has provided a great opportunity to not only position product in a positive light but leave a lasting impression on editors that results in extensive media coverage. And, we are thrilled that they keep coming back for more year after year.”

While the Winter House is now closed to editors, it will remain open to companies looking to reserve a spot for their brand until January 10.  For more information or to secure a spot in the 2009 Winter House, contact Noelle Guerin at 617-248-0680, ext. 10, or via email at nguerin@cerconebrown.com.

About CerconeBrownCurtis?

CerconeBrownCurtis (CBC) is a full-service marketing agency that exists to make things happen and deliver results for its clients. Based in Boston with an office in New York, CBC provides brand consulting, public relations, online & social media, advertising, events & promotions, and social responsibility services to clients ranging from start-ups to billion dollar companies. Founded in 2001, the agency works with leading brands that include adidas, GMAC Insurance, Sperry Top-Sider, Nalgene, Hasbro, Quiksilver, Nantucket Nectars, Orvis, Cognos, K2 Sports, Royal Robbins, The Timberland Company and Vibram. For more information, visit www.cerconebrown.com.

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CerconeBrownCurtis Opens New York City Office

Boston PR Firm Expands, Announces Formation of Lifestyle, Social Media, Events, News Management and Social Responsibility Groups

BOSTON (Oct. 20, 2008) — CerconeBrownCurtis, a Boston-based public relations and marketing firm, will now call New York City home as well. The firm opened its new Seventh Avenue office to better reach the city’s lifestyle and business on behalf of its growing clients.

The expansion is coupled with the creation of its new approach to servicing its diverse PR client base, which ranges from Hasbro and Quiksilver to and GMAC Insurance and environmental technology innovators Sabertec.

“Our job is to turn the word ‘campaign’ from a noun to a verb, often deploying brand ideas in non-traditional channels,” said firm partner Len Cercone.  “In terms of PR, we blend traditional media relations with social media, blog relations, events, retail promotions and many other tactics.  This approach calls for cohesive, dedicated teams with specific skill that can work for all clients as needed.”

The new operational units are:

Social Media Task Force: Headed by former IBM Consulting executive Robin Pifer, this group takes campaigns digital, leveraging the grassroots groundswell of Facebook, blogs, YouTube, video sharing and all the other swirling elements of online communications.

Lifestyle Media: headed by Noelle Guerin, this team specializes in product publicity in high-level print and broadcast media. They also run our Winter and Summer House programs in Park City and Nantucket, respectively.

Brand Activation: Led by former Disney events pro Robin Whalen, these group get it done when the brand needs to break out in the real world.  At the moment, they’re running a Hasbro mobile tour and field marketing program, as well as an exciting inner-city grassroots program for Olivia’s Organics.

Corporate Social Responsibility: Just like it sounds, this group focuses on cause-related and green initiatives. The group is run by Caroline Budney, who holds a degree in environmental science. Capabilities include not only digital and traditional marketing, but also terrific depth in research and polling.

News Management: For business media and working newsrooms, CBC created this group headed by Anne Houseman. With two former journalists on staff, these pros know what it takes to make the news, from local broadcast to the business pages of the Wall Street Journal.

The company has also recently launched a blog designed to help businesses navigate the changing economic, environmental on social landscape, with practical how-to advice and insights.  For more information, visit www.eco-optimism.org.

About CerconeBrownCurtis

Founded in 2001, CerconeBrownCurtis provides a variety of services to companies from all walks of life. The company has worked with leading brands that include adidas, Hasbro Inc., GMAC Insurance, Nantucket Nectars, Orvis, Cognos, Sperry Top-Sider, K2, The Timberland Company, Vibram and ZOOTS. For more information, visit www.cerconebrown.com.

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CerconeBrownCurtis Expands Staff

BOSTON (Oct. 6, 2008) — CerconeBrownCurtis, a Boston-based advertising and public relations firm, today announced the addition of several members to its team. The new hires will provide essential support to the firms growing roster of clients, including GMAC Insurance, Hasbro, Inc., and Olivia’s Organics.

“In 2008, we’ve experienced more than 25-percent growth,” said CBC Partner Erika Brown. “Much of this comes from clients that want to add non-traditional communications and social media outreach to their marketing mix. It was imperative that we bring on people with the right skills to help.”

Recent new team members include:

  • Libba Cox, assistant account executive: Growing up on an organic farm has prepared this Colby graduate well for work in CBC’s Consumer Social Responsibility group.  Libba will be working on Nalgene’s “Refill Not Landfill” campaign, as well as Sabertec’s auto emissions control technology.
  • Melissa Kenyon, assistant account executive: Melissa joins as part of the Brand Activation Team, servicing Olivia’s Organics and new business development.
  • Meghan Gargan, assistant account executive:  A recent graduate of Northeastern University’s School of Journalism, Meghan is a published reporter, with her work appearing in The Boston Globe, The News-Observer (Raleigh, NC), among others.
  • Katie Stiffer, account executive: A former world-class ski racer, Katie brings to CBC an understanding of culture-driven marketing.  She supports campaigns for GMAC Insurance, including its annual GMAC Insurance National Drivers Test, as well as the grassroots driven Gardens of Goodness effort on behalf of Olivia’s Organics.
  

About CerconeBrownCurtis?

Founded in 2001, CerconeBrownCurtis provides a variety of services to companies from all walks of life. The company has worked with leading brands that include adidas, Hasbro Inc., GMAC Insurance, Nantucket Nectars, Orvis, Cognos, Sperry Top-Sider, K2, The Timberland Company, Vibram and ZOOTS. For more information, visit www.cerconebrown.com.

Olivia’s Organics Picks Cercone Brown & Co. From the Bunch

Boston PR firm becomes agency of record for organic produce company, Olivia’s Organics

BOSTON, MA. (Sept. 17, 2008)- After several successful collaborations, the dynamic duo of Olivia’s Organics and Cercone Brown & Co. is making their partnership official. The Boston-based public relations and advertising firm will become Olivia’s Organics’ agency of record, handling the company’s charitable outreach promotions and brand development.

“We have had great success with Cercone Brown & Co. over the years, from their promotional work on numerous Olivia’s Organics charity events to the introduction of our new Crunch Bunch line,” said Mark DeMichaelis, president, Olivia’s Organics. “We’re confident that our new partnership will only translate into more future successes.”

And Cercone Brown & Co. is not about to waste any time. This year, they will help Olivia’s Organics implement an ongoing charitable outreach project called Gardens of Goodness. The program will be launched in Roxbury, Massachusetts, where Olivia’s will work with local children to turn vacant inner-city greenhouses into flourishing, edible gardens.

About Cercone Brown & Co.
Located in Boston, Massachusetts, Cercone Brown & Co. (CBC) provides branding, advertising, public relations and promotions services to companies in a range of industries. Founded in 2001, the company has worked with leading brands that include adidas, GMAC Insurance, Hasbro, Nantucket Nectars, Orvis, Cognos, Sperry Top-Sider, K2, The Timberland Company, Vibram and ZOOTS. For more information, visit www.cerconebrown.com.

About State Garden, Inc. & Olivia’s Organicstm
Founded in 1938, State Garden is a vested member of the New England Produce Industry. Family owned and operated since its inception, State Garden has become one of the leading independent regional processors of celery hearts and tender leaf items. In 2006, the company enhanced its service offerings by expanding into the organic market with a new salad line known as OLIVIA’S ORGANICSTM. The mission of OLIVIA’S ORGANICSTM is three-fold: to encourage healthy eating by offering all-natural, organic salads; to aide the local community through the work of the OLIVIA’S ORGANICSTM CHARITABLE FOUNDATION; and to protect the environment by endorsing earth-friendly farming techniques. For more information, please visit http://www.oliviasorganics.org.

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Cercone Brown & Co. turns up the heat for Hasbro

Boston PR agency helps Hasbro Inc. roll out its newest brand, NITRO XRCTM

BOSTON, MA. (Sept. 17, 2008)- Hasbro Inc., (NYSE: HAS) the world’s second largest toy-maker, has hired Cercone Brown & Co. to launch its exciting and innovative new brand. The PR agency will provide non-traditional brand development and promotional outreach as Hasbro introduces NITRO XRCTM, its new line of nitro fueled extreme radio-controlled cars.

Starting in November, the first NITRO XRCTM(Extreme Radio Control) vehicles, the NITRO XRC RICOCHET and NITRO XRC REVOLUTION MT, will be sold exclusively in Phoenix-area WalmartTM stores and nationwide HobbyTown USATM locations.

Capable of achieving speeds up to three times faster than traditional battery-operated RC vehicles and equipped with nitro fuel-powered, internal combustion engines, NITRO XRCTM vehicles are expected to attract RC enthusiasts between ages 16 and 25, a demographic that represents a new opportunity for the company.

“Cercone Brown & Co. recognizes that when it comes to capturing the attention of the Gen Y demographic, the standard marketing techniques usually won’t fit the bill,” said Brian Goldner, COO of Hasbro.  “As a PR agency who has put a lot of time into understanding and implementing non-traditional media campaigns, Cercone Brown & Co. is excited to help Hasbro construct a promotional campaign that is as exciting and innovative as the product we’re launching.”

Currently underway is the NITRO XRCTM X Demon Tour, which will help Cercone Brown & Co. and Hasbro introduce the new line. Kicked off at this summer’s Warped Tour, this multi-level mobile campaign will help Hasbro establish the NITRO XRC as an exciting new part of the Phoenix action sports culture through interactive promotional events and social media outreach.

“With the launch of this product, we’re aiming to connect with Millenials-a demographic for whom trendiness holds more importance than any other age group,” said Goldner.
“Studies show, however, that this generation is more interested in what their friends find cool than what a traditional ad might tell them is. Thus, as a brand who is still new to the scene, NITRO XRC is leveraging already-established connections to the Gen-Y demographic by packaging our product in their unique culture trappings: action sports brands, alternative music, cool locations and identifiable figures.”

The X Demon Tour will feature interactive demos at more than 70 major events and locations throughout Phoenix. RC buffs can get a taste of the action at Arizona State University football games, the Arizona State Fair, and the ASA Action Sports Tour among other events, where Gen-Y run street teams will demonstrate the vehicles’ speed and stunt capabilities and allow spectators to try their hand.

NITRO XRC will also be partnering with Walmart to conduct storefront demos at Phoenix-area stores.

Additionally, Cercone Brown & Co. will help Hasbro reach Gen-Y’ers in the place that they are most likely to be found: social media sites.  Utilizing high-traffic sites like You Tube, Facebook, Digg.com and Flickr, the NITRO XRC website features shareable X Demon Tour dates and videos, as well as a blog lorded over by two on-the-scene street teamers.

“By raising awareness of NITRO XRC through the avenues that are most unique to this demographic-popular music, brands, social media sites, major local events-we are hoping to position our brand as a truly “can’t miss” visceral experience that leads from consumer trials to word-of-mouth brand infusion and, eventually, to sales,” said Leonard Cercone, partner, Cercone Brown & Co.

The X Demon Tour will run through the end of December.

About Cercone Brown & Co.

Located in Boston, Massachusetts, Cercone Brown & Co. (CBC) provides branding, public relations and promotions services to companies in a range of industries. Founded in 2001, the company has worked with leading brands that include adidas, GMAC Insurance, Hasbro, Nantucket Nectars, Orvis, Cognos, Sperry Top-Sider, K2, The Timberland Company, Vibram and ZOOTS. For more information, visit www.cerconebrown.com.

About Hasbro
Hasbro (NYSE: HAS) is a worldwide leader in children’s and family leisure time entertainment products and services, including the design, manufacture and marketing of games and toys ranging from traditional to high-tech.  Both internationally and in the U.S., its PLAYSKOOL, TONKA, MILTON BRADLEY, PARKER BROTHERS, TIGER and WIZARDS OF THE COAST brands and products provide the highest quality and most recognizable play experiences in the world.

Boston-Based PR Firm Chosen to Launch New Automotive Emissions Reduction Technology

Cercone Brown and Co. named agency of record for Austin, Texas’s Sabertec, an environmental technology company specializing in improving air quality and reducing greenhouse gases

BOSTON, MA. (Aug. 4, 2008)- Sabertec, an environmental technology company based in Austin, Texas, today names Cercone Brown & Co. as PR agency of record. The Boston-based PR firm will handle all media relations, digital communications, social media and event execution.

“Our companies are extremely likeminded In our belief that innovation will drive the environmental and economic change that will transform the United States and the world,,” said Bill O’Brien, CEO, Sabertec. “Their work on behalf of eco-driven-conscious brands like Nalgene and Olivia’s Organics gives us the confidence that this is a great fit for us.”

Sabertec is the maker of the Blade, a new technology that easily attaches to the tailpipe of a car, SUV, truck or hybrid to reduce vehicle air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions while increasing fuel economy.

Cercone Brown & Co. recently helped Sabertec launch a promotional event for the Blade called “Drive the Change,” in which celebrities, musicians and environmental activists spoke out about air pollution in Los Angeles and their choice to use the Blade.

“For us, choosing a PR agency was more than hiring someone to increase awareness about our company, it’s finding a partner to evangelize the important change we represent,” said O’Brien.

The company’s co-founder echoed O’Brien’s words of the synergies between the organizations.  “We share a strong eco-optimism, despite the seismic changes rocking the USA and the world,” said Cercone Brown & Co. Partner Len Cercone.  “The vision and hard work of innovators entrepreneurial companies like Sabertec will be the fuel that ushers in a new era of vast, lasting economic, environmental and social reform.”

About Cercone Brown & Co.
Located in Boston, Massachusetts, Cercone Brown & Co. (CBC) provides branding, advertising, public relations and promotions services to companies in a range of industries. Founded in 2001, the company has worked with leading brands that include adidas, GMAC Insurance, Hasbro, Nantucket Nectars, Orvis, Cognos, Sperry Top-Sider, K2, The Timberland Company, Vibram and ZOOTS. For more information, visit www.cerconebrown.com.

About Sabertec
Sabertec is an environmental technology company based in Austin, TX, specializing in the development of affordable air pollution and global warming solutions for diesel and gasoline applications.  www.sabertec.org.

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Boston-Based PR Firm Chosen to Launch New Automotive Emissions Reduction Technology

CerconeBrownCurtis named agency of record for Austin, Texas’s Sabertec, an environmental technology company specializing in improving air quality and reducing greenhouse gases

BOSTON, MA. (July 24, 2008)— Sabertec, an environmental technology company based in Austin, Texas, today names CerconeBrownCurtis as PR agency of record. The Boston-based firm will handle all media relations, digital communications, social media and event execution.

“Our companies are extremely likeminded In our belief that innovation will drive the environmental and economic change that will transform the United States and the world,,” said Bill O’Brien, CEO, Sabertec. “Their work on behalf of eco-driven-conscious brands like Nalgene and Olivia’s Organics gives us the confidence that this is a great fit for us.”

Sabertec is the maker of the Blade, a new technology that easily attaches to the tailpipe of a car, SUV, truck or hybrid to reduce vehicle air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions while increasing fuel economy. 

CerconeBrownCurtis recently helped Sabertec launch a promotional event for the Blade called “Drive the Change,” in which celebrities, musicians and environmental activists spoke out about air pollution in Los Angeles and their choice to use the Blade.

“For us, choosing a PR partner was more than hiring someone to increase awareness about our company, it’s finding a partner to evangelize the important change we represent,” said O’Brien.

The company’s co-founder echoed O’Brien’s words of the synergies between the organizations.  “We share a strong eco-optimism, despite the seismic changes rocking the USA and the world,” said CBC Partner Len Cercone.  “The vision and hard work of innovators entrepreneurial companies like Sabertec will be the fuel that ushers in a new era of vast, lasting economic, environmental and social reform.”

About CerconeBrownCurtis?

CerconeBrownCurtis (CBC) is a full-service marketing agency that exists to make things happen and deliver results for its clients. Based in Boston with an office in New York, CBC provides brand consulting, public relations, online & social media, advertising, events & promotions, and social responsibility services to clients ranging from start-ups to billion dollar companies. Founded in 2001, the agency works with leading brands that include adidas, GMAC Insurance, Sperry Top-Sider, Nalgene, Hasbro, Quiksilver, Nantucket Nectars, Orvis, Cognos, K2 Sports, Royal Robbins, The Timberland Company and Vibram. For more information, visit www.cerconebrown.com. 

About Sabertec

Sabertec is an environmental technology company based in Austin, TX, specializing in the development of affordable air pollution and global warming solutions for diesel and gasoline applications.  www.sabertec.org

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