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At Semaphore, we can't help but look forward to this time of year. Though holiday spending may have left each of us poor - the year is rich with promise. The promise of starting over, of leaving mistakes and bad habits behind. We can applaud some things done well, bid farewell to some old stand-bys, and maybe get a "do-over" for mistakes made. We tuck in our shirts, take a deep breath and embrace the first quarter and a new year of esources, Semaphore's insider's guide to advertising and public relations!

business beat
Semaphore's Best and Worst Ads of 2005
We had so much fun with this last year that we decided to do it again this January. Once again, Semaphore's creative team gives their personal selections for the best and worst ads of 2005.

money matters
Burgers and the Ad Biz: Why Bigger is Not Always the Best
And so, in a hungry and roundabout way, we offer up that when it comes to doing business - no matter if it's hamburger stands or advertising agencies - bigger is not always better.

in the web
Podcasting
A new word, based on relatively new technology, has been quietly creeping into our everyday lexicon - podcasting. What is it and how does it affect you?

Kid Power Drives New Power Team Campaign
Semaphore created a new ad campaign for the Palmetto Economic Development Commission (PEDC) to be used in various national and international economic development publications this spring. Along with an "all purpose" generic ad, the "power" series feature South Carolina's automotive, biotech and distribution capabilities.

Featuring children, the series positions South Carolina as a place for growth and development (for both businesses and families). The ads all play on the word "power" while utilizing props that symbolize their targeted audiences. For example, the automotive ad depicts a young, determined boy in a classic toy car ("Power Steering") while the biotech ad shows a child focused on a laptop ("Power Sources"). More will be included in the series this spring.

Bank of York Highlights Individual Programs and Services
Semaphore continues its relationship with the Bank of York, recently completing new print and outdoor ads for the Upstate bank. With these latest efforts, the Bank of York is highlighting its popular residential lot loan program and one of its most valued services - fast answers on loan applications. By reminding potential and existing customers of its individual programs and services, the Bank of York continues its measured and steady growth in the financial marketplace.

SCSU Website Reviewed
Semaphore and Metromark Market Research, Inc. partnered in research and review of the South Carolina State University (SCSU) website. Agency staff reviewed the functionality and marketing appeal of the site. Metromark conducted focus group research where high school and college students utilized the site during a group session. Their actions and comments were recorded. Three focused reports from the studies were prepared and shared with SCSU.

The Traveling Frog
Look for the green tree frog of South Carolina's Green Power program at a trade show or festival near you! The popular design by Semaphore's Kathy Shuler is the focal point of a new display used by Santee Cooper and the state's electric cooperatives. The state-of-the-art display will be used to educate more people about the opportunity to use electricity generated by landfill gases.

Presidents Day Observed
Semaphore will be closed February 20, in honor of the Presidents Day federal and state holiday.

esources archive
Read previous articles and more

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Semaphore News

	Kid Power Drives New Power Team Campaign
	Bank of York Highlights Individual Programs and Services
	SCSU Website Reviewed
	The Traveling Frog
	Presidents Day Observed

Got a few grudges you'd like to get rid of in the new year?
Blow it up with the Plaza!

The historic Carolina Plaza is being imploded on February 5, 2006 to make way for the new Arnold School of Public Health and USC's Innovista. Do you have a photo of an ex spouse, the one who "done you wrong," a dear John letter, or other documents you would like to have blown to bits with the Plaza? If so, please send them by February 2, 2006, to Lucy Hollingsworth, Arnold School of Public Health, 800 Sumter Street, Columbia, SC 29208, along with a check made out to the USC Educational Foundation for $20.00. Sorry, for safety reasons the items must be paper only.

We salute Entertainment Weekly's best new pop phrase of the year, which has also been a favorite of our creative staff: Jump the Couch

According to its brand-new definition in the Historical Dictionary of American Slang, the term means "strange or frenetic behavior." That's all thanks to Tom Cruise's jumping on the couch on Oprah to proclaim his love for Katie Holmes. Semaphore's Broadcast Director Robbie Robertson explains that Cruise's "jump" is an ironic twist to a TV programming term, "jump the shark." It was coined when Happy Day's writers had Fonzie jump a shark on water skis to save the shows sagging ratings.

Semaphore is a premier full-service advertising, marketing, branding, public relations and Internet development firm.

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