I recently attended the AIA (American Institute of Architects) Convention in Atlanta, GA as part of our work for clients that manufacture building products and market to the architectural field. For those that didn’t have the opportunity to attend, I’ll share a few reflections on trends in the industry, Bill Clinton’s address, the Advertising Excellence Awards and other happenings at this big event.

Occasionally, some books capture our imagination and truly challenge us all to become better marketers. We came across five this year that we are sharing around the office. They each address the digital revolution in an easy-to-understand way, offering many useful ideas that you can put into action regardless of your industry.

Heinzeroth Marketing Group has received a national design award for its work on Culligan Water Filtration Cartridges packaging.

Sponsored by the North American Retail Hardware Association, the award competition honors brands that help hardware stores grow their market influence through better in-store merchandising and packaging. Culligan's refrigerator cartridge packaging received honorable mention and will be among winning entries spotlighted at the Packaging and Merchandising Awards Ceremony at the National Hardware Show May 6-8 in Las Vegas.

New packaging hits ACE shelves

Heinzeroth Marketing Group was chosen to redevelop Culligan’s retail packaging program for their line of DIY home filtration products. The goals of the packaging redesign were to engage the consumer, facilitate the product selection process, convert the consumer into a customer and ultimately increase turns at the store level. Culligan is a world leader in filtration systems and water treatment solutions for the residential, commercial and industrial markets.

Powerful networking tool not just for fun anymore

Pinterest exploded onto the scene this past year as both a popular social media site for consumers and as a powerful marketing tool for companies.

Data Unveils Effective Strategies for Retail Facebook Posts

In a very short timespan, social media has secured its role as a means of building trusting relationships with key audiences. Retailers have found social media tools such as Facebook particularly beneficial for driving traffic to store promotions or special events. It’s safe to say that all retailers are in agreement on this flourishing medium’s power to communicate and to motivate. But what they all don’t agree on is the frequency and the content of their postings. This article, distilled from a recent Buddy Media statistical report, discusses social media research findings such as “the best times for retailers to post” and “the most effective types of content.”

Quick Response (QR Codes)

Perhaps you’ve seen these strange pixilated thumbprints popping up everywhere recently. If not, you will. With the explosion of smart phone usage, QR codes (short for Quick Response Codes) are beginning to appear in print advertising, on signs, packages, collateral literature, POP displays, buses, business cards or on just about any form of media in which users might seek information.