Summer Camp with Camp Fire USA

The adventure your kids desire ... the break you and your budget need!

Rising gas prices and the insane cost of plane tickets make going on a vacation seem like something most people will just dream about this year. And with summer vacation in full swing the kids, and you, might be going a little stir crazy.

We know something that won't break the bank and will make everyone happy! Summer camp.

With Camp Fire USA Central Ohio Council you can attend a day camp or a resident camp.

Camp Otonwe Day Camp at Highbanks Metro Parks is a full day adventure for kids from 1st grade through 8th grade filled with hiking, fishing and enjoying the great outdoors.

Camp Wyandot Resident Camp in Hocking Hills has been hosting campers for 80 years. Campers can enjoy swimming, horseback riding, canoeing and archery.

Camps run through mid-August and they still have room for campers at both camps.

Register Now or call phone (614) 481-8227.

A Critique: Ohio Credit Union League Campaign

The Ohio Credit Union League's awareness campaign ("The difference, YOU) is a clear attempt to reach out to a younger audience.  The fun, simple website is professional but not boring and does not overload the viewer with information.  Just "who we are and why you should care" - a great place to introduce a college student or busy professional to the world of credit unions, but not bore them to death with financial jargon.  The commercials follow the same style- with Bob the Credit Union guy, a smiley dude you can trust, telling everyone he runs into about how Ohio's Credit Unions are all about the members (you).  I think the message will be well received by the intended audience, especially with a simultaneous PR push on the local level.  You have to be pretty creative to make the topic of Credit Unions fun and interesting!   

Weather Intoxication

Last night we were supposed to get some storms so I went on-line to see the forecast. When I went to the weather.com home page I noticed it was sponsored by Baileys Shiver.

Then when I clicked on my community to get my "pinpoint forecast" I saw we were under a Severe Thunderstorm Watch which was sponsored by Jose Cuervo. So it makes me wonder, if we were under a Tornado Warning would that be sponsored by Bacardi 151 Rum?

Huh? Trying to find the correlation. . . maybe people are so scared by the recent severe weather that they need to tip back a few for relaxation. Or maybe the people at the weather channel are just a bunch of partiers.

Peace Out Jingle Houses!

An article in Adweek discusses how popular and up & coming musicians are shutting out jingle houses with so many advertisers paying for new and popular music. The title "Jingle Houses Compete Against Coldplay" caught my attention, as Coldplay is my favorite band. (Sidenote: they are performing right now on the Today Show as I write). I think the Apple's itunes "Viva La Vida" advertisement is a clear example of a successful marketing partnership but mostly because it makes sense. Apple and Coldplay share a common young adult audience who are interested in music and technology. On the other hand, I could see the rejection that could happen when a talented artist takes a licensing deal for something like constipation medication (clearly for the $).

The article also mentions how advertisements are able to expose new artists in a way they never would have reached before. I strongly support this, as my itunes library has expanded due to this phenomena. My personal example of discovering a new fave while watching tv: last year's zune commercial featuring Rogue Wave. Thank you zune advertising firm! I am so glad I caught this commercial, with my laptop in front of me ready to download this amazing track. I am guessing that is exactly what they had hoped would happen.

Any thoughts from the public... sellouts? great strategy for exposure? favorite bands discovered on tv?

Burrito Marketing

Yesterday evening Chipotle gave out free burritos from 5p-8p. We passed two locations and the lines basically went around the building a couple times. Looking at the patrons in line we'd say the average age was 22. Chipotle is burrito generous to this demographic in many other unique ways as well:

• Dress like a burrito - get a free one
  
• Wear a Chipotle t-shirt to a restaurant - get a free burrito
  
• Stop in on Homecoming or Prom night and young women wearing gowns get a free burrito
  
• They even give away free burritos on a new restaurants opening day

A smart target marketing ploy by the makers of Mexican deliciousness. Get them in the door, feed them good free food, and they become your advertisers. Chipotle uses their product in return for word of mouth marketing. This is not only cheaper than buying big billboards or radio ads, but this is a sure fire way to grab the attention of their target market.



Little expense, big buzz, really smart. Great, now I'm hungry!

How to Reach the Hippie Market

It can be tough to reach "hippies" when marketing a product or service.  These unconventional, young liberals reject the norm and ignore advertising.  They don't want their thoughts controlled like the rest of society so how do we reach them?!  

Well, we know where to find them on June 27th, 28th, & 29th... Comfest!

Community Festival is free non-corporate urban music and arts festival at Goodale Park near downtown Columbus.  These event goers do not want to see paper wasted on flyers or corporate advertisements on the stages while listening to local bands.  But with so many young people gathered in one place, it is a great time to get some exposure for your brand.   

Some unique marketing ideas for a unique audience:

• Temporary tattoos- there is often a lot of skin shown at the festival, could be a great place to "expose" your brand.
• Beach balls- sneak your logo on them and toss them into a crowd.
• Dog toys- there are typically tons of muts running around the park, put your logo on a toy and it might make its way into a bohemian home.

Seems like the perfect market for a kickball league- maybe we will see a few red rubber balls with the gokickball logo bouncing around all weekend.  

OSU's Official Coffee is Crimson not Scarlet

Ohio State University has named Columbus, Ohio owned CrimsonCup Coffee as the official coffee of OSU. CrimsonCup will be served at the cafe in the new Thompson Library when it opens in 2009, as well as the Science and Engineering Laboratory, the OSU MarketPlace on Neil and the new Warner Library and Student Center on the Newark campus. This is all a part of the OSU's Eat Global, Buy Local campaign. OSU works to do as much as they can with local industry to support the Ohio economy.

So does it taste good? They proclaim it's the world's best coffee. Can't wait to try it. What we like about this coffee without even taking one sip yet . . .

It's values. CrimsonCup believes in leaving people feeling better. They are community focused and very philanthropic helping groups like Junior Achievement, Coffee Kids, and the United States Military. By browsing their web site looks like they have a great sense of humor too!

Sounds like a great brand all around and OSU made the right decision to partner with this local company. Can't wait to have our first cup of the perfectly roasted bean!

Return of the Pink Panther

It looks like the animated character, Pink Panther, is making his return to TV. This time though it's not in an animated short like those in the 60's and 70's. This time he is pushing products - pink products from Owens Corning insulation to Sweet and Low artificial sweetener.

Why would they tag their brands of today to the pink panther from years ago? Because they are both pink? Possibly. But most likely it's because these brands are using nostalgic advertising. The demographic targeted for both of these products is the baby boomers. Pink Panther was very popular when they were younger.

Advertisers are playing on their emotions urging consumers to "remember how good things used to be." With the growing concern and uncertainty of the economy don't be surprised if marketers and advertisers start using nostalgia to encourage consumers to return to the past in hopes they will appeal to their emotions in return for a product purchase.

Wonder how long it will be before the Victoria Secret's Pink Line starts sporting the pink panther on their products?

I Guess Banner Ads Should Only Be Flown From Planes

Looks like the Gen Y group (13-25 year olds) are not too keen on web banner ads. Most never click on them and the few who do only do it once or twice a month. So what's acceptable for this very important target demographic?

Widgets. These social applications are "fun" and "useful". Looks like advertisers need to get more creative to capture this group.

We created our widgets at widgetbox. Check them out. You can subscribe at columbus imPRessions widget site or bemeelounge widget site.

You can also find fun widget games - a new one each week - at www.bemeelounge.com.

Pink Lemonade Brigade

Today at the Little League baseball field I came across a lemonade stand all decked out with signs and pink balloons. At first I thought it was just a couple kids trying to make a buck on a hot day at the ballpark. But when I looked closer I realized that it was actually the Pink Lemonade Brigade.

This one-day event held today united children all across America to raise funds for a variety of charities. Crayons All Natural Beverage Company supplied the first 1,000 child registrants with a free lemonade stand and 120 cans of its popular all natural Tickled Pink Lemonade.

Very smart company because everyone wins. All funds raised are donated to the child's charity of choice, the child learns responsibility and philanthropy and the company gets a ton of PR awareness in a very unique way.

Check out this Bellevue, Washington company's website to learn more about this really cool company and their products.

Pieces of Flair

Do you have a Facebook account? We do and we love the new pieces of flair application. This application is at no cost to you. Just rack up credits for creating or sending flair to your friends. Create a board to show your personality through buttons. We just started our board this week. The image on the left is our board with some of our favorite things.

We even created a columbus imPRessions flair. You can get it our flair by using the browser keyword marketing, finding the flair and click add. You can also send it to your friends to rack up credits for yourself.

Happy Flairing!

No Catchy Title - Just Support the Red Cross

The “red cross” is a protective emblem for medical personnel, equipment, and facilities.

With the devastating weather in the Midwest from flooding and tornadoes, the Red Cross is in desperate need for donations to help the victims.

Today in Columbus WCHM Channel 4 is holding a day long fundraiser for this worthy cause. 4's Army is partnering with the American Red Cross of Central Ohio to activate Central U.S. Storm Relief from 6 a.m. through 6:30 p.m. with a CALL 4 dedicated to collect monetary donations for the depleted Disaster Relief Fund of the American Red Cross. This collection will directly assist relief efforts in seven states from Kansas to West Virginia. Simply call (614) 821-4444 to make your pledge or donate online at the American Red Cross of Greater Columbus website.



According to charity navigator, a reputable rating site, American Red Cross is a 4-star charity, the site's highest ranking. 94% of monies raised goes to programming!! As a donor you can feel confident that your money is going to a good cause.

Ads at the Big Screen

Have you gone to the movies to see one of summer's big blockbusters yet? Did you notice all the consumer ads during your night out? Be on the lookout, advertisers are beginning to invade the theatre like some alien in a horror movie.

Not only will the big screen show more commercials before the movie, but now you will start seeing more brands popping up in the theatre lobby, auditorium and concession stands. Expect to see brands from categories that include automotive, broadcast/cable, packaged goods, insurance, and retail stores. Apparently, using off-screen ads in concert with on-screen ads creates a very memorable ROI, or so they say (whoever they are).

The next time you get a popcorn at your favorite flick don't be surprised if the Crest toothpaste logo is brightly displayed on the bag. After all, you need their product to help get the kernels out of your teeth.

Jack Johnson

I am doing my typical pre-concert cramming where I listen to an artist all day and do a some google searches. It causes me to become giddy with anticipation- a familiar feeling that brings back memories of when I used to go to concerts all summer long. Tonight it's Jack Johnson at Blossom in Cleveland and I am so pumped. I am looking forward to a relaxing evening taking in the chill, simple music from the surfer/ film maker/ master of mellow. I have a feeling this is something that I am meant to experience right now during a bit of a confusing time in life. I am no Denise Richards, but sometimes Its Complicated! But I am excited to be reminded by Jack tonight that it doesn't have to be complicated.

Anyway, before I start hitting the pipe and writing my own lyrics on a marketing blog, I will get to my point... um....hmmm....well, I like the Jack Johnson brand? I knew I could make that fit somehow. His music, his style and his way of life are always consistent with his public image. But more importantly, its something we can all learn from.

Don't worry another tree-hugging, deep and confusing post will follow after the concert.

Get Your Smokey On!

After 64 years of being the mascot of forest fire prevention, Smokey the Bear gets a makeover. Smokey made his come back with a new look and voice to appeal to a younger audience.

This new campaign includes an intervention message, urging young adults to practice fire safety habits and to step in when others act carelessly. To reach and engage the younger target audience the campaign will use new social media strategies.

Smokey's web site also received a makeover. The site includes information on fire prevention tips, and visitors can also take a pledge practicing fire safety.

During the past 10 years, an average of 6.5 million acres of land in the U.S. was burned each year by wildfires. We sure hope Smokey will make everyone a little smarter when it comes to forest fires.

New Layout

We just updated our site. Hope you enjoy the new layout. We'll still have the same great content for you to enjoy!

Converse Turns 100

Happy 100th Birthday Converse Shoes. Willard Scott's should be giving you a shout out on the Today Show!

These shoes and this brand started out as a basketball sneaker but quickly became a hit with various other social groups from sports stars, rocker and pop culture figures over the years. Teens today are still in love with these shoes. How has the kick remained the coolest and one of the most desired shoes all these years?

Perhaps it's because the brand is solid and wicked smart. While the sneaker style has relatively stayed the same, it has paired itself with social and pop culture groups becoming an icon. Rockers from the Ramones, to the Beach Boys, to Avril Lavigne have sported these kicks. They have been seen on the feet of actors from TV shows Happy Days, Punky Brewster, and Heros, to movies like Rocky and West Side Story. A listers Ellen Degeneres, Natalie Portman, Elijah Wood and Ellen Page also have these sneaks in their closets.

Now as this brand turns 100 they are taking it to the next level. If they couldn't get any cooler, Converse is celebrating their milestone with a hip ad campaign - becoming Indie cool. Converse will turn 'The Drive Thru,' a new song featuring the Strokes' Julian Casablancas, Pharrell Williams and indie songstress Santogold, into a TV campaign, with all three artists in clips from the song's music video.

You can give the catchy tune a listen and download it for free at the Converse web site. While you're there you can design you own kicks too. Told you it was a cool brand.

Camp Fire USA Article in the Columbus Dispatch

Today our PR efforts for Camp Fire USA landed a heartwarming story of its 80th celebration milestone and what camping means to alumni in the Columbus Dispatch.

Click here to check it out.

Live Work Play Columbus

The Columbus Chamber created a really cool site for relocation resources and to discover why Columbus is the best of everything - http://www.liveworkplaycolumbus.com/. The information in the site is great - very informative.

While the content in the site is great, the actual web site itself needs more definition, more identity. Even though they do admit that the site is still growing and more "things" will be added every day there are a couple quick changes we'd suggest they make.

1. The menu bar is hidden under the screen fold - should be moved up for easier and clearer navigation.
2. There is no visual interest to give it an identity - a logo or image should be created. Maybe there is one but we did not see it anywhere on the site.
3. The site needs to be clear and unique to what it is and where it is. When we googled live work play Columbus images we got an image for Columbus, INDIANA - live, work, play. Very similar and could be confusing in cyber world.
4. Most importantly, the site needs to create a strong brand.

The site is "selling" Columbus, Ohio and the benefits of living, working and playing here. This makes Columbus the brand and it needs to be strong. Using a mixture of attributes, tangible and intangible creating value and influence will build brand strength.

This site must use the value of Columbus to create an on-line experience so intriguing it will influence people to visit the site as they decide to relocate here, as well as influence residents who already live here to frequently visit this site to learn more about our fine city.

Creating a unique identity and more definition to the site will draw people to the site. Then visitors will read the great content. Appeal to the masses with strong brand and watch the visitor count soar.

Camelot Cellars- one of our new C-bus Faves!

Last week the columbus imPRessions team made our way to an event organized by Columbus Young Professionals at Camelot Cellars Winery in the Short North (near downtown Columbus). We went with the intention of networking (and succeeded) but ended up having an incredible time tasting different wines, making wine and learning about wine decantering.

The winery made an imPRession on us because it was a great location, a cute store, and a very unique experience. For some people, these types of wine events can be intimidating, but Chuck and Mary, the owners would not allow that to happen. It is clear that they want everyone to have fun at their store because they have done a great job building this part of their brand. A networking event such as the CYP Wine Tasting is a great start to creating awareness. Can't wait to see what's next!

GEE Ohio State University

Should THE Ohio State University change its name to GEE Ohio State University?

E. Gordon Gee - University President, Leader, Visionary, Rock Star. The University loves him, the State loves him, the students and alumni love him.

Gordon Gee is great for the OSU brand! Why? He is smart, a CEO, philosopher, is charismatic, a salesman, educator, is witty, a politician and lawyer. But more than that, he knows how to appeal to everyone and is touchable. So touchable he enjoys fun time with the students, like in February when the students played "Wii with Gee" during a video game competition. Gee brings the OSU brand to life.

Gee stands behind OSU and believes it starts with him. His goals over the next few years are many, but what stood out to us was his goal to change the image of Ohio State University making it the "University of the American Dream". He wants to create an image of Ohio State as the "single-minded university with worldwide reach" rather than an array of academic courses.

If anyone can do it, Gee can. And when he does, he can add brand strategist and brand marketing to his list of descriptive adjectives. Or, he can contact columbus imPRessions for assistance - we'd be happy to help! :)

Pizza Sports Bar Hut?

Happy 50th Birthday Pizza Hut. For over 50 years you have gathered many around the good stuff and given us hot, delicious pizzas.

However, just like any mid-life crisis this 50 year old wants something else, something more. Pizza Hut restaurants across the country will be changing and updating its look. The red-roofed restaurant will start looking like sports bars with local sport memorabilia and flat screen TVs. They have also created a new menu to include wings and pasta and Pizza Hut Italian Bistros are popping up in various cities across the country.

Fearing the brand is becoming "dated" they took advantage of this crisis, I mean milestone to differentiate from all the other pizza shops.

For us, the jury is still out on this one. Not quite sure if they should just leave a good thing alone or if this brand identity change is the added shot needed to push the company to the next level and onto bigger and better things.

At least this chain doesn't slam Lebron James and the Cavs.

Charities Sit Idol As They Await Funds

Almost two months later and the benefitting charities of American Idol's televised mega fundraiser Idol Gives Back still haven't seen the funds or know how much they are getting. No sweat, they (Children's Defense Fund, The Children's Health Fund, The Global Fund, Make It Right, Malaria No More and Save the Children) know they will eventually receive cash. On the downside they will never know who donated the cash so that they can follow-up for further development.

But for this situation is that so bad? The exposure was incredible. Their name and brand was seen by millions of viewers acting as the greatest introduction to many who might have never heard of the organization before. Since the show and the awareness opportunity interest has spiked for all of the charities. As long as the charities track and act on the new found interest they should acquire new donors on their own.

When the funds have been divided they will be distributed by the newly-created Idol Gives Back Foundation.

Press Release: Camp Wyandot's 80th Celebration!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - May 29, 2008

CONTACT:  Amy Boyd, CEO, Camp Fire USA, Central Ohio Council

                      614.481.8227

                      

MEMORIES BEING MADE IN NATURE FOR 80 YEARS

Old Friends Discuss Fond 

Memories from Camp Wyandot 

Even though the photograph is from almost seventy years ago, it causes a flood of emotion and memories for Ally Morrow (left) and Grace Simpson (right).  The picture was taken at Camp Wyandot in Hocking Hills in the early 1940s and the two local women still cherish the carefree times they spent at camp. 

Seventy-six-year-old Grace recalls that Camp Wyandot had an impact on her life when her family moved to the Beechwold (Clintonvile) area from their Missouri home at the age of ten.  She struggled with leaving her animals and friends behind but found a second home in nature at camp where she made countless friends. She even became a camp counselor and club leader for hundreds of children in central Ohio. Grace now lives on the east side of Columbus and is still involved in Camp Fire USA, the non-profit organization who holds Camp Wyandot and other programs with the goal of reuniting children and nature. She is the past President of the board and currently serves as an honorary lifetime board member.  Her children and grandchildren have continued the tradition of making incredible memories at Camp Wyandot.  

Ally, who grew up in Clintonville and now resides in Delaware, is still involved in the organization’s fundraising luncheons at the age of eighty-three.  She still vividly remembers the tears in her eyes when she was voted camper of the week in 1936.  She loved crafts and being outdoors, and continued as a camp counselor which lead to her to a career as the Executive Director of the Central Ohio Council in the 1950's. 

Both Grace and Ally feel it is important for kids to get outdoors, experience nature and be a part of camp.   They feel fortunate to be a part of an organization that impacted their lives in such a positive way and hope that children continue to have similar experiences. 

Camp Wyandot is holding their 80^th celebration on June 7^th from 10 am – 5 pm at Camp Wyandot.  The public is welcome to come, enjoy nature and join in the celebration with crafts, hiking, swimming, lunch and an alumni celebration!  Also, summer camp enrollment is open!  Visit www.centralohiocampfire.org or call 614.481.8227 for more information.

About Camp Fire USA  

Camp Fire USA is a not-for-profit organization that builds caring confident youth and future leaders by reuniting children with nature. The organization is gearing up to celebrate their 100^th anniversary and the Central Ohio Council’s goal is to bring 10,000 kids to the woods by 2010, Camp Fire’s centennial year.  The Central Ohio council has been serving our community for 85 years.  Last year more than 2,000 children were served locally.  Camp Fire USA’s Central Ohio council was cited in Richard Louv’s book Last Child in the Woods, under suggestions for transforming our communities. The book discusses the crisis of “plugged-in kids” and the impact on our children’s behavior and development.  For more information visit www.centralohiocampfire.org or call 614.481.8227

About columbus imPRessions:  With over 15 years combined experience in the marketing and PR industry, columbus imPRessions is a Columbus, Ohio based a la carte marketing communication business filled with vigor, fervor, and humor.  Visit us at www.columbusimpressions.com

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Kmart Short Stories

So last night I was watching House Hunters on HGTV. Yes I do love to try and pick which house they will end up buying - I try not to pick the "Whang" (pronounced Wong) house. Only those who watch the show will appreciate my weak attempt at humor.

Between segments they ran a series of advertisements for KMart. These ads caught my attention because they were actual short stories and each one ended with - "to be continued". Because the short stories were on HGTV they were of course about home improvement and decorating. I love home improvement and decorating so I found these short stories very interesting. This one was about a mom's 40th birthday and how their patio needed a makeover. So, for her birthday they surprised her not only with a patio makeover but a surprise party as well. They split this up into three different segments and in the end the mom was obviously pleasantly surprised.

In between each segment I was looking forward to seeing what would come next. I felt like I was watching a design show within a design show. Wait a minute, I was actually excited and anticipating seeing a commercial. Wow, crazy. Then to take my craziness even further, I tried to Google the ad series but came up with nothing. In this Internet age I was very surprised I couldn't find a thing on this - not even at the Kmart, HGTV House Hunters or DraftFCB (which I believe is their agency) web sites. Go figure.

Anyway, major points goes to their ad agency who bundled this passion, target and niche marketing package into an interesting ad series. It had my attention and made me want to spruce up my backyard deck area for summer celebrating!

Non-Profit On-line Fundraising

This deal just in . . .

Just a few days ago it was announced that Blackbaud bought popular non-profit on-line CMS system Kintera for just a mere $46 million dollars!

Apparently Kintera was struggling. We saw it. We went from great customer service to just about no customer service in the last two years. Maybe that's because every year they laid off more and more employees.

What does this mean for non-profits? Hopefully this will be nothing but positive. The buyout should not change the service and Blackbaud will continue to offer a full range of solutions to meet nonprofits’ needs with Raiser’s Edge. Kintera’s “Friends Asking Friends” on-line team fundraising should stay in tact for organizations that use these programs to grow their base of supporters.

The greatest part of this whole IT talk (I know I'm dorkulating) . . .

If non-profits have Raiser's Edge as their database, on-line fundraising with friends asking friends should be transparent and now they should be able to capture ALL donors without housing two seperate databases. I know that's music to some non-profit's ears.

I must sign off, I just dropped my pocket protector and my pens fell all over the floor. just kidding. :)

Finding Freedom at Work- TIME website

This article, which discusses an approach to work called "ROWE" (Results-Only Work Environment) caught our attention for several reasons.   Anyone who has worked in a traditional office environment has experienced the unfair practices, pointless meetings, and overall inefficiency that comes with the enforced 9 to 5 mentality.  The article sums it up well in the following sentence.  Work is not a place you go; it's something you do.

That is why hiring a consultant can be effective and efficient.  Example:  You need help marketing your upcoming anniversary event with new materials, PR help, social marketing, and an overall call to action.  Milestones don't happen every day, so it's worth the cost to get an expert involved in the campaign.  Once you have your objective and goals in place, it's simple. Explain your needs, negotiate a price, and every aspect of the project gets done.  It's your choice how much you want to be involved - from brainstorming, updates, meetings or simply focusing on the results.  No worries about HR issues, power struggles, wasted time online, vacation and sick time, or useless meetings.  Not only does the campaign succeed but this way of thinking saves the entire company valuable time.  

It is inspiring to hear about these two women and their vision coming to fruition at a large company like Best Buy.  Hopefully this flexible and fair approach will continue to catch on. 

Virtually Branding Is Reality

Virtual gifts - small icons that you can give to other Facebook members to be displayed on their pages in the “wall” section as well as a new gift area.

Making its debut in February, Facebook members could send friends a virtual gift "while supplies last". Gifts can be sent to friends for $1.00.

Corporate brands are now getting into the virtual gift game and they often pay the cost of the gift because the reality is, it is paying off big for their brands.

Take Ben and Jerry's ice cream for example . . .

Ben & Jerry's recently supported its annual "Free Cone Day" with a summer treat. A month prior to the April 29 event, Ben & Jerry's created a Facebook virtual ice cream cone with the company's logo on it. All 250,000 cones were gone in 11 hours. As a result, the company doubled its offering. That amount was depleted by 2 a.m. the next morning. They gave away 500,000 virtual cones, and in real life, gave away about a million.

This word of mouth marketing campaign was a winner because people trust their friends. If they are going to send a virtual cone then the real thing must be great too.

A new option for social marketing as other corporate brands like Sunkist and Paramount Pictures are following suit with a virtual orange soda and virtual Indiana Jones fedora.

If anyone would like to send columbus imPRessions a virtual gift visit our Facebook page.