Public Relations

This month’s installment of “yes, we do that” shows how advertising can take some surprising forms.

Editorial Note: This marks the start of a new feature where we post a taste of the work we’ve been doing. We’re calling this section the “Creative Sampler.” Every month, we’ll highlight a few sweet bites of creative. Check back next month, because like a box of chocolates, you never know what you’re gonna get.

Mobile and Merchandising

PM recently developed the brand identity and all of the supporting elements for KPI & JCI & Astec Mobile Screens’ Road Connection campaign.

By “supporting elements,” we mean a truck wrap, a website/blog and tradeshow signage — as well as a huge variety of event giveaway items, from t-shirts to temporary tattoos. The campaign also has a presence on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Flickr.

So far, the campaign has resulted in more than 2,000 letters to Congress from 39 states, more than 2,400 Facebook fans, more than 283 Twitter followers and 28 official sponsors. Our mobile journalist has also logged more than 14,000 miles traveling to trade shows, state association meetings and dealerships.

You can read more about this grassroots, nonpartisan campaign to promote long-term infrastructure funding here.

iPad Apps

Our clients at Honeywell Performance Materials and Technology are also taking paper sales tools to the next level. We just finished developing two new contractor apps, which are now in the iTunes App Store.

Since R-22 refrigerants are being phased out, contractors are looking for viable alternatives. The Honeywell R-22 Retrofit product selection tool makes it easy to compare up to three retrofit products based on several factors. The app can also calculate the amount of refrigerant needed for the job.

The second app gives HVAC contractors an electronic option for the paper “slide rule” pressure-temperature (PT) chart they typically carry. The Honeywell PT Chart app helps contractors select a refrigerant and calculate a variety of data points they need to perform tasks in the field.

We’re currently in the process of developing iPhone and Android versions of both apps. Stay tuned!

With Congress getting ready to head into session on Jan. 24, The Road Connection – a nine-month campaign highlighting the need for increased infrastructure funding – is heading out on the open road.

In the driver’s seat are Curt Peterka and Andrew Gillman who will be traveling cross-country to trade shows, state association meetings, dealerships and everywhere in between to garner support and educate the public on the necessity of passing the reauthorization bill. (It’s only 844 days overdue.)

Over the past few months, we here at PM have had the opportunity to work with the leading sponsor (and brainchild) of this cause-worthy campaign – KPI-JCI & Astec Mobile Screens.

As part of this campaign, we’ve created a microsite where you can contact Congress (hint, hint), nominate a worst road (another hint) and see where the truck is heading next. Check it out at www.theroadconnection.org.

Along with the microsite, we’ve illustrated and designed all elements including the truck wrap, promotional items and much more!

Here are some photos of the truck visiting the PM office and at our kickoff event at AED Summit/CONDEX Jan. 19-20 in Washington, D.C.

Curt Peterka (left), Advertising Manager at Kolberg Pioneer, Inc., and Andrew Gillman, Public Relations, Performance Marketing (a.k.a. The Mobile Journalist). These are the guys in the truck, so wave when you see them.

All set up at the AED Summit Kickoff Event – Washington, D.C.

From left: Curt Peterka, Christian Klein (AED Vice President of Government Affairs and Washington Counsel), Lisa Carson (Marketing Manager, KPI-JCI & Astec Mobile Screens) and Andrew Gillman (PM Mobile Journalist)

Iowa is best known as the state that feeds the world, and we’re certainly proud of all the Iowa corn, beans, pork and beef that fill bellies on every continent. But we’re also proud of the other reputation that Iowa is gaining — as the place where ideas, technology and hard work merge.

That reputation took another big leap forward with Thinc Iowa, an inspirational gathering bringing startups and established corporations together to find a common ground, share ideas, and learn ways to help each other grow.

The inaugural Thinc Iowa event, presented by Silicon Prairie News, was held October 20-21 in Des Moines, and Performance Marketing was involved in nearly every facet. From the logo to the website to the programs to the venue graphics and displays, we were pleased to see our ideas come to life. Even more, we were pleased to have several PMers on hand to watch the event become an unqualified success — so much so that both PM and Shift have signed on to help out again in 2012.

Above photo by Anna Jones | Art of Photography and Ikonix Studio.

Ben Silbermann of Pinterest

Photo by Anna Jones | Art of Photography and Ikonix Studio.

Photo by Anna Jones | Art of Photography and Ikonix Studio.

Photo by Anna Jones | Art of Photography and Ikonix Studio.

Photo by Anna Jones | Art of Photography and Ikonix Studio.