semaphore | esources | june/july 2006

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June/July 2006

Feature

case study
Clients Converge Media for Annual Reports

An annual report can be an annual bother or it can be seen as a way to extend your brand in new and interesting ways. If you mix it up a little (media formats, that is), the message can go farther and deliver more impact.

One co-op client was dismayed that while their report was beautifully designed and printed, members would read it once and throw it away. In order to get more shelf life out of their hard work, they decided to present their report as a short video documentary at the annual meeting and supplement the information using their members' magazine, Living in South Carolina.

The year's financials were printed in a page of the magazine, which goes to every one of their co-op members. Prior to the annual meeting of members, the co-op produced a video with local members and employees telling "the story" of the utility's accomplishments for the year.

Their plan: show the video to annual meeting attendees, distribute the financials through a proven magazine readership and use the video throughout the year as an educational and presentation tool.

Working Through The Web

Central Electric Cooperative connects power to the state's distribution cooperatives and each year, has the large task of reporting its accomplishments to a statewide network of board members. For the past two years, Central produced an interactive CD-ROM that is easy to navigate and allows the download of information. The CD-ROM featured a video presentation from the Board Chairman and the President and CEO.

This year, the CD-ROM became a web site with an expanded video component on the home page. For the same amount of effort, their message and information are accessible on-line. See www.cepci.org.

Many clients are adding a PDF of their annual report to the web sites. See www.yorkelectric.net.

Semaphore News

A Brand New SC State
We continue to work with SC State University on brand management as well as a new design of the SC State website and student recruitment materials.

The SC State web design is being conducted to support the evolving mission, vision and goals of the University. The website will also reflect the consistent modern brand that the university intends to introduce. It will provide an enhanced and consistent user experience with increased ease and flexibility of site management. And it will present a consistent marketing message to both current and prospective students as well as alumni and other SC State stakeholders.

Semaphore has also begun work on new undergraduate and graduate student recruitment materials to include new admissions materials and assorted collateral. With new photography and copy that accurately reflects an evolving campus as well as the University's international diversity, SC State will position itself in a new light to students, alumni and the community at-large.

Heffernan at Columbia Museum Exhibition
The Columbia Museum of Art invited Semaphore to design promotional materials for an exhibition featuring the work of artist Julie Heffernan as a pro-bono project. Semaphore created an invitation, poster, banner, rack card and advertisement to increase awareness and museum visitors. To create these materials Semaphore's Creative Director, Roc Jackson, drew on the palette and style of Heffernan's art. The posters have been popular collectibles since the exhibit opened in May. "Julie Heffernan: Everything That Rises" runs through July 30.

Semaphore Completes J. Marion Sims Literacy Review
Semaphore recently completed the J. Marion Sims Foundation Adult Literacy and Basic Skills Initiative Three Year Review piece. The 56-page document reported on the success of the Foundation's first targeted grant making initiative. In addition to statistical data, the review also featured photography and quotations from constituents that participate at various levels in the multiple programs of the initiative. An envelope with a look and feel matching the report's design was also created. The report is scheduled for release from the Foundation later this year.

SCIAD Seminars For Everyone with Design In Mind
Virginia Postrel, columnist and author of The Substance of Style: How the Rise of Aesthetic Value Is Remaking Commerce, Culture, and Consciousness, will speak on the substance of style at the South Carolina Institute of Art and Design (SCIAD) on August 23rd and 24th. To learn more, contact Esther Kramer at SCIAD at (803) 606-9435 or e-mail her at sciad@sc.rr.com. You may also request an event information brochure which was designed by Semaphore. The brochure features a detachable registration card for ease of use. We encourage you attend one of these events!

Agency Staffer Named Rotarian of the Year
Semaphore Associate Account Executive Andrew Folks was named Co-Rotarian of the Year by the Rotary Club of Five Points. A member of the Club since April of 2005, Folks received the award for his work throughout the Rotary year on the Club's weekly bulletin. He was the primary copywriter for that publication.

Semaphore Website Features Contact Form
The "Contact Us" page of the Semaphore website now features a contact form. Users may enter their contact information and a need/question/request online at http://www.semaphoreinc.com/contact/. If someone you know is searching for marketing or public relations assistance, ask them to visit us online at Semaphore. All information submitted through the contact form goes straight to a Semaphore staff member who will respond accordingly.

No vacation for interns!
Shawn Hagan recently joined us as an intern from USC Columbia's media arts department. Shawn is a rising senior, and while his specialty is the production of audio and video, Shawn has been helping with organization, client account tracking, graphic design, and discussion group analysis. Shawn's plans include working with major mainstream media in the audio, video, and web fields. Shawn hails from Dallas, Texas, and states that his favorite part of media design is the look of enjoyment on the audiences' faces.