semaphore | esources |August/September 2008

August/September 2008

Features

Palmetto Power newsletter celebrates 20 years

Not many agencies can say they have produced the same publication for the same client for two decades. Semaphore is pleased to have worked with the South Carolina Power Team, formerly known as the Palmetto Economic Development Corporation, for that length of time.

Comprised of Santee Cooper, the state’s electric generating and water utility, and 20 electric distribution cooperatives, the South Carolina Power Team is the state’s largest supplier of electric power to industry and the only statewide power system. The Power Team supports South Carolina’s efforts to recruit companies to the state.

The Power Team’s newsletter, Palmetto Power, is Semaphore’s oldest continuous publication. The free, bi-monthly newsletter has a circulation of over 5,000. It is mailed to electric cooperative personnel, economic developers, and industrial and distribution prospects and customers.

	First Palmetto Power, Spring, 1989
	Palmetto Power, May/June, 2008

According to Andrew Folks, director of business relations for the Power Team, each issue features stories on one or more of the following: “a major economic development location or expansion; a new addition to an economic development office somewhere in South Carolina; articles on major recognitions of the South Carolina Power Team. An industrial park, site or building we are trying to fill is featured in every issue.”

Roc Jackson, Semaphore’s creative director, designed Palmetto Power and has worked on it for most of its history. “The publication is always a six-page tri-fold, with a strong templated design,” said Jackson. This gives the newsletter a consistent look from issue to issue. For example, page 5 always promotes an available industrial park, spec building, etc. The publication’s background is a neutral color. The masthead has changed little over the years. A logo appears on the left, and across the top is a colorful scene representative of the season. “The layout is based on the colors of the issue,” Jackson said.

Recent issues of Palmetto Power are available online at www.SCpowerteam.com.

Semaphore designs Seibels Garden signs

In late fall of 2007, Historic Columbia Foundation requested Semaphore to assist with the design of interpretive signage for the newly restored Seibels Garden. The signs feature the branded colors of Historic Columbia: dark charcoal, peach and pewter.

They contain archival images and illustrations as well as text that is designed to give the viewer an historical perspective of the Seibels Garden. Included are signs placed in the Rose Garden as well as the Native Plant Bed. Besides signs that feature general garden history there are some that include structural history as well, such as those placed near the Seibels House entry as well as the Kitchen House dependency.

While these sign images are beautiful on your computer screen, check them out in their natural setting for the full effect! For more information, visit http://www.historiccolumbia.org/gardens/seibelsgarden.html

Semaphore News

Semaphore resumes regular office hours

The agency has returned to regular office hours after ending its summer work schedule Aug. 15. Semaphore’s office hours are 8:15 a.m. to 5:15 p.m, Monday through Friday. Agency holidays for the remainder of the year are:

Sept. 1: Labor Day
Oct: 13: Columbus Day
Nov. 27-28: Thanksgiving Break
Dec. 22-26: Christmas Break

Semaphore presents to Georgia co-op group

On July 16, Semaphore’s Cynthia Gilliam and Kathy Shuler made a presentation at the Georgia Marketing, Member Services and Communications Association meeting. Their presentation was titled “Cooperation in Design and Communications.” The pair discussed the collaborative marketing concept of “Da Group” and showcased several of Da Group’s campaigns.

Da Group is comprised of 12 of South Carolina’s 20 electric cooperatives, plus Georgia’s Coastal Electric Cooperative. These co-ops joined forces to create professional, results-focused, consistent marketing materials. Da Group has three objectives: cost savings; consistent marketing messages throughout South Carolina; and collective wisdom.

The group meets regularly, keeps minutes, and has an established pricing structure which distributes costs among the group. The entire group also benefits from individual members’ ideas and expertise. Because of Da Group’s efforts, tremendous consumer reach is achieved and a consistent marketing message is spread throughout South Carolina.

After Semaphore’s presentation, several Georgia co-ops expressed interest in starting their own version of Da Group.

Cobb joins staff as director of client services

G. Thomas Cobb has joined the Semaphore Inc. staff as director of client services. In his role at Semaphore, Cobb will be responsible for account management and new business development.

Cobb comes to the agency from the medical devices and technology industry, where he worked for more than 20 years. Most recently, he was a senior consultant with Device Associates of Columbia, S.C. He consulted with start-up medical device companies and developed sales strategies.

Prior to that, he was director of sales and marketing for the United States for Tutogen Medical of Alachua, Florida. There he expanded the product line and grew the sales force.

“We are pleased to welcome Tom to the staff,” said Semaphore president Cynthia Gilliam. “He has a proven track record of achieving sales and marketing results. His experience will be an asset to the agency and our clients.”

Cobb holds a bachelor’s degree in business management from Limestone College. He is married to the former Nancy Wickenberg. They have two adult children and reside in Forest Acres. Cobb is senior warden at St. Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church in Columbia.