Amanda Member Profile Questions

1. How long have you been a member of OFA?
   On and off for 10 years. But, mostly on.

2. Why did you become a member of OFA?
   When I was in college, I participated on a team that entered the National Student Advertising Competition (NSAC). OFA members came and watched us practice before Districts and they helped support us when we went to Nationals. I will never forget OFA's support of our "team" during that time. It was a great experience.

3. What is your favorite member benefit?
   I enjoy the networking opportunities.

4. If you were a candy, what kind would you be?
   Almond Joy - because sometimes I feel like a nut!

5. If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you live?
   Right here in Omaha - unless my family moves - then I'll move with them.

6. If you became a multi-millionaire overnight, what would you buy?
   A new car. I'm not sure what kind - but my car is in its final year.

7. What is the first thing you think of when you wake up in the morning?
   I wonder why my dog (an 80 lb black lab/husky mix) is laying on top of me and how I can get around her without waking my husband up. I'm never successful.

8. What do you like most about your job?
   I enjoy most everything about my job - I tried a different path for awhile, but I missed media buying too much. I think it is in my blood.
9. What are some of the different jobs that you have had in your life?
   I've been a waitress at Applebee's, a telemarketer at Marriott, Greyhound and Cabela's, a hostess at Old Country Buffett and Lone Star, a cashier at Nebraska Furniture Mart, a communications intern at National Indemnity Company, a sales person at Limited Express and The Jones Store. And, I made super fantastic Arby's Regular Roast Beef sandwiches when I was in the Marketing department at an Arby's Franchisee (this was usually during new store openings, but when they got busy, I was kicked out of the back line - it always hurt my feelings). There are more jobs - but I think I'll stop now. Oh wait! I also worked down at the Douglas County Election Commission checking to see if people who had voted were dead - as far as I could tell - they were all still alive and kicking.

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The Power of Cause Branding

Presenter: Jennifer Cawley
When:
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
11:30 AM - 1:30 PM
Where:
Regency Park Lodge
909 S. 107th Avenue
Omaha, NE 68144
Cost:
OFA Members $25
General Public $30

Bio:
Jennifer Cawley has more than ten years experience guiding some of the most successful cause campaigns in the U.S. She has directed work for the March of Dimes, Lee Jeans, Susan G. Komen for the Cure, the Breast Cancer 3-Day, and L'Oreal. She is an expert in cause branding best practices as well as progressive new media applications related to cause branding's specific consumer outreach.

The Power of Cause Branding:
Corporate social responsibility seems to be the buzzword of the 21st century. Companies are realizing that it's essential they use their power for good. In fact, consumers are demanding they do. And while a brand's commitment to their community is ideal, executives are also under pressure to maintain a healthy bottom line in a competitive business environment. Research shows that when a brand partners with a cause in a meaningful way, consumers will become more loyal, drive positive sales and have a higher brand affinity. Jennifer Cawley, Account Director at Barkley and part of the agency's Cause Branding Team, will share tactical advice on how to execute a successful cause platform, as well as share new research on how moms in particular feel about cause branding

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Building Lovable Brands

Presenter: Bob Thacker
When:
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
11:30 AM - 1:30 PM
Where:
Regency Park Lodge
909 S. 107th Avenue
Omaha, NE 68144
Cost:
OFA Members $25
General Public $30

Building Brands on a Budget:

Bob will demonstrate how building lovable brands, often without big budgets, is truly possible. In adverse times it's an even greater challenge to find the true opportunities, but Bub has shown that it's not impossible. In fact, his mantra, "Don't make ads, make news!" has even greater meaning than ever before.

Bio:

Bob Thacker is Senior Vice President of Marketing/Advertising and joined OfficeMax in late 2005, bringing a strong background in marketing and brand development. Early successes with OfficeMax include standout creative campaigns such as "Save Money On Ink" tattoo creative, "ElfYourself", a viral marketing phenomenon, "Schooled", a reality back-to-school television show, and "The World's Largest Rubberband Ball" national media event.

Bob may be best known, however, as the man who brought Michael Graves to Target.  As Vice President of Marketing for Target Corporation (1989-98) Bob was responsible for launching the Target brand in new markets including New York, Chicago, Washington D.C. and Philadelphia, where Target advertising achieved tremendous reception.  Bob's work with Michael Graves Design Group started the wave of new partnerships with other companies and properties which were marketed exclusively at Target, and brought Target to a new level of consumer loyalty and national recognition as one of the hottest brands in American retailing.

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Ad Wars 2009

Show off your trivia knowledge at OFA's annual trivia challenge. This year's event will take place at Fox & Hound on Thursday, April 16 at 6:30.  Sign up today to vie for bragging rights and the much-coveted traveling helmet trophy! Cost per team is $150 (6-10 people).  To register, sign up your Team Captain on the registration page of the OFA web site. Then contact Teri Hamburger at 561-6625 or Teri@novia.net to let her know the identities of the rest of your team. You can pay by credit card on-line or send Teri a check. Individuals are also welcome. We'll find you a team! Cost per person is $25 for OFA members and $30 for non-members. If you would like to sign up, please contact Teri.

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Smart Spending. Big Profits.

OFA's Small Business Event

Who: OFA in cooperation with the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce is inviting advertising, media and independent design/copywriting/consulting professionals to participate in the third annual Smart Spending. Big Profits event.

What: Smart Spending.Big Profits. is a morning of roundtable presentations and discussions by local marketing experts. Small business participants choose the topics to attend based on their own business needs. Afterwards, they can browse a vendor trade show to speak one-on-one with media/independent experts who will help gather information and set actionable goals.

When:
Friday, May 1, 2009 7:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
7:30 - 8:00 Registration & Continental Breakfast
8:00 - 8:30 Introduction
8:45 - 9 Roundtable #1
9 - 9:30 Vendor Trade Show
9:30 - 10:15 Roundtable #2
10:15 - 11 Break
11 - 11:45 Roundtable #3
11:45 - 12:30 Vendor Trade Show

Where: Omaha Chamber of Commerce, 1301 Harney Street

Why: To provide small businesses with the information that they need to increase the overall return on their marketing investments. This will be the third year for the Smart Spending. Big Profits. seminar.

Roundtable Topics:

1.       Grass Roots Marketing
2.       Web Site Development
3.       The Importance of Branding
4.       Public Relations
5.       Interactive Advertising
6.       Non-traditional Advertising
7.       How to Create a Marketing Plan
8.       How to Generate Sales Leads
9.       Building Customer Loyalty
10.     Establishing Partnerships 

Cost:
$40 for small business owners

Register online at www.omahaadclub.org

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Grape & Grain

Mark your calendar to attend the annual OFA Grape & Grain event. This is a key fundraiser for your OFA club, as well as a great social event.  If you have media packages you'd like to donate for the auction, please contact Teri, teri@novia.net. The festivities take place on May 14 from 5:30 to 7:30 at Granite City.  Join your friends and co-workers to sample Granite City's own brews, as well as a variety of wine.  Appetizers will also be served.  Tickets are $25 per person or $40 per couple.  Don't forget, a couple can be any two people, so take this opportunity to bring a co-worker or invite someone new to experience a fun-filled OFA event.  The event will also feature a special auction with a variety of media packages, advertising-related services and other fun items.  Monies raised go to support the efforts of OFA.  We are currently seeking items to include in the auction, so if your business would be willing to donate, please contact Teri.

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2009-2010 OFA Board Members

If you are interested on serving on next year's OFA Board, please email Teri Hamburger at teri@novia.net or Jane Shinn at jshinn@maids.com.

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Need a Position Filled? 
Have a summer internship program you would like to post?

OFA offers our job posting service at no charge to current members. Non-members may also post available jobs to our website for a monthly fee of $25. If you're currently a member and want to post a position, e-mail us at teri@novia.net.  We'll get the position posted as soon as possible. If you're not currently a member and want to post a job to this site, simply call Teri at (402) 561-6625. She'll get you the information needed to post your position. Payment must be received prior to posting.

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Make It New

This June, the collective advertising and marketing community will gather in the nation's capital for the American Advertising Federation's premier event, the AAF National Conference 2009: Make It New. The conference will be held June 4-6 at the Crystal Gateway Marriott in Arlington, Va., overlooking Washington, D.C.

Make It Official

Online registration is now available! Register by April 15 to save up to $200! Click here!

Make It Click

Check out the new AAF National Conference Web site! Visit www.aaf.org/conference!

Make It Outspoken

New Speakers Confirmed!
Frank Cooper, Chief Marketing Officer, Sparkling Beverages, Pepsi-Cola North America Beverages
Sean Finnegan, President/Chief Digital Officer, Starcom MediaVest Group
Marc Fleishhacker, Managing Director, Senior Partner, Ogilvy Consulting
Chad Germann, President/CEO, Red Circle Agency
Jon Gieselman, Senior Vice President, Advertising & Public Relations, DIRECTV
Tony Hobley, Senior Vice President, Client Services, RAPP
Carla Michelotti, Executive Vice President/General Counsel & Director of Government Affairs, Leo Burnett Worldwide
John Osborn, President & CEO, BBDO New York
Steve Pacheco, Managing Director, Advertising, FedEx
Ryan Schinman, CEO/President, Platinum Rye Entertainment
Tiffany R. Warren, Chief Diversity Officer, Omnicom Group Inc.

See the full speaker list here and keep checking back for updates!

Make It Here

Many airlines are offering heavily discounted fares on flights to all three of the airports in the Washington metropolitan area. Save money on transportation to the conference by booking your flight now. Visit our conference flights page to learn more about traveling to the Crystal Gateway Marriott and to find your flight!

Make It Social

Tell your friends you're coming to conference by RSVPing to the AAF National Conference 2009 on Facebook!

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Ad World News

Anderson Partners Promotes Ahl to Vice President and Director of Client Services

Anderson Partners announced today the promotion of Deb Ahl as vice president and director of client services.

Ahl will be responsible for the account service and media departments. She will also continue to lead the agency's work for long-time clients like Methodist Health System, ConAgra Foods and Godfather's Pizza.

"Anderson Partners is committed to increasing our value to the clients we serve," said Mark Hughes, president of Anderson Partners. "Deb's promotion is just one example of our continued focus on our clients' success."

Ahl originally joined Anderson Partners in 1996 and was appointed director of account service in 2007. Previously, Ahl held account management and brand development positions with advertising agencies in Omaha and Kansas City.

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Anderson Partners Names New Media Director

Rachel McKenna

Anderson Partners is pleased to announce the hiring of Rachel McKenna as media director. McKenna will lead the agency's media department and will manage media buying and planning, and media strategy for clients, such as Methodist Health System, Precision Foods and Hauptman, O'Brien, Wolf & Lathrop, P.C.

McKenna has more than 10 years of media experience, both nationally and in the Omaha market. She has worked for several agencies and many accounts in a wide variety of industries. Her expertise in media planning, negotiations, team management and analysis will be a great asset for Anderson Partners' local, regional and national clients.

"Landing a strategic, passionate executive like Rachel-who has extensive experience working in our industry and a proven track record of success-is a huge win for Anderson Partners and our clients," said Deb Ahl, vice president and director of client services. "Her experience creating innovative, efficient and relevant media connections between leading brands and their target audiences represents a significant addition to our agency."

Anderson Partners is a full-service advertising, public relations and marketing agency in Omaha, Neb., which serves local, regional and national clients.

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Swanson Russell Receives Best of NAMA Awards

Competing against leading agencies in the central United States, Swanson Russell won 10 awards at the regional Best of NAMA awards banquet held Jan. 8 in Kansas City, Mo.

The National Agri-Marketing Association (NAMA) is the nation's largest association for professionals in marketing and agribusiness. NAMA awards honor the best in agricultural communications. First place and merit award winners are eligible for national awards consideration.

Swanson Russell took home four first place awards in advertising, marketing and self- promotion campaign categories for Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health (www.intervet.com), Purina Mills (www.purinamills.com) and work for the agency itself.

Six merit awards were received in advertising, marketing and catalog categories for Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health, Purina Mills, Meridian Animal Health (www.meridiananimalhealth.com), NC+ Hybrids (www.nc-plus.com) and Reinke Manufacturing (www.reinke.com).

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Swanson Russell Announces Promotion, Hire in Interactive Department

Ella Wirtz

Swanson Russell has promoted Heather Schulte to interactive designer and hired Ella Wirtz as interactive project manager in its Lincoln office.

In Schulte's new position, she works on design aspects of various interactive marketing projects including Web sites and Flash applications. She previously served as an associate interactive designer at Swanson Russell for the past two years.

Schulte is a native of Audubon, Iowa, and previously worked as a graphic designer at MeyerPolleck Advertising and Public Relations in Quincy, Ill. She has an associate degree from The Creative Center in Omaha.

Schulte serves as a co-chair of the marketing committee for the Lux Center for the Arts, volunteers her interactive talents for the Kent Bellows Foundation in Omaha, and helps college and high school students with professional skills such as job shadowing, portfolio reviews and mock interviews.

Wirtz is responsible for day-to-day management of interactive projects, including Web site development, online advertising, e-mail marketing and search engine marketing. She helps ensure that all projects are on time, on budget and meet the agency's standards.

A native of Lincoln, Wirtz was a risk operations project manager at PayPal in Omaha and manager of Web site development at aijalon in Lincoln. She holds a Master of Business Administration degree and a Bachelor of Science degree in computer science and mathematics, both from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

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Swanson Russell is Named Agency of Record for Jacobsen

Jacobsen has chosen Swanson Russell as its marketing communications agency of record.

Jacobsen, a company owned by Textron and based in Charlotte, N.C., manufactures high-end mowers and utility vehicles for golf courses, sports fields and grounds maintenance. Jacobsen mowers are known for their quality of cut. Jacobsen (www.jacobsen.com) also manufactures the Cushman Turf-Truckster, the dominant heavy-duty work vehicle in the golf industry. Other Jacobsen products include sprayers, dethatchers, aerators and infield groomers.

Another Swanson Russell client, E-Z-GO, is a Textron company as well. E-Z-GO manufactures golf cars and utility vehicles.

Swanson Russell will initially provide advertising, media planning, strategic planning and counsel, and direct marketing services for Jacobsen.

"We look forward to helping Jacobsen and its high-quality turf care equipment connect with customers and other key audiences," said Dave Hansen, Swanson Russell's executive vice president and managing director. "Like Jacobsen, we have deep roots in the turf industry which will make for a strong, productive relationship with this great company."

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Swanson Russell Hires Two in Interactive Department

Swanson Russell has hired Chris Johnson and Corey Birkmann in the Lincoln office's interactive department.

Chris Johnson

Corey Birkmann

Johnson is an interactive designer for client Web sites and digital ads. He previously worked as a Web designer/developer at Corporate 3 Design and multimedia artist at Leopard Inc., both located in Omaha. A native of Crofton, Neb., Johnson has a Bachelor of Arts degree in graphic design/interactive media from Dana College in Blair, Neb.

Birkmann is a front end developer, responsible for checking the integrity and quality of digital ads and Web sites, and for researching interactive trends and implementing new technology. The Lincoln native previously worked at the minnow PROJECT in Lincoln as lead Web designer/developer. Birkmann is a graduate of Southeast Community College.

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ANDERSON PARTNERS HIRES INTERACTIVE STRATEGIST

Chris McCain

Anderson Partners, Inc. announced today the hiring of Chris McCain as interactive strategist. McCain will be responsible for the successful management of interactive strategies and initiatives for clients, including Web site development, search engine optimization, online advertising, viral campaigns and e-mail marketing programs.

"We have expanded our services with the creation of a department dedicated solely to interactive marketing," said Dan Hatfield, creative director at Anderson Partners. "The department has helped meet the growing demand for digital marketing initiatives for our clients, such as Methodist Health System, First National Bank and Westin Foods."

Prior to joining Anderson Partners, McCain worked at two Omaha-based advertising agencies as the creative director and the director of interactive services. In his career, he has helped clients develop brands, spearheaded national consumer campaigns, directed viral marketing programs and advised numerous companies on how to best package their company or products. McCain has over 14 years of experience with a variety of industries, including arts/entertainment, nonprofit, financial services and technology.

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SCORR Marketing Hires Business Development Representative

Mark McGowan, a long-time Grand Island business and community leader, has joined SCORR Marketing, a Nebraska-based strategic marketing agency. Mark will lead SCORR's business development efforts with a concentrated effort throughout the state of Nebraska, as well as within the international drug development/health care industries.

Prior to joining SCORR, Mark was a senior professional healthcare consultant for Pfizer, Inc. He gained over nineteen years of territory sales management experience and managed a highly successful territory with sales and promotion of blockbuster pharmaceutical products. Mark accomplished several achievements and awards during his tenure with Pfizer. In addition, he is currently the Grand Island Central Catholic Foundation Board President. Mark earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in biological science from Doane College in Crete, Nebraska.

"I am thrilled to have Mark join SCORR Marketing," stated SCORR President, Cinda Orr. "His sales experience is truly impressive and I know that he will be an excellent asset to our company as we continue to grow throughout this economic time."

"SCORR Marketing is an excellent fit for my sales background and public involvement in the tri-city area," stated Mark McGowan. "I am looking forward to working with such a fast growing, progressive company."