Client Spotlight: Eclipse Studio

Eclipse Studio knows what it takes to be picture-perfect, and, when it comes to photography, there’s really not much Eclipse can’t do.

A full-service photography studio in Columbus, Eclipse was the first of three photography companies launched by Jeff and Sandy Burt. The Burts now have two additional photography companies under the same roof as Eclipse: Solar Photography and Page One.

Founded in 1994, Eclipse specializes in commercial, advertising and industrial photography. The studio frequently does shoots for Limited Brands, and its impressive client list also includes Port Columbus Airport, Heritage and Bed, Bath & Beyond. Images shot by Eclipse have been featured in advertising featured in publications such as InStyle, Elle and Women’s Wear Daily.

In 2001, Solar was launched to focus on digital imaging, as well as on mounting, laminating and environmental graphics, such as retail advertising imaging and tradeshow signage. Formed in 2007, Page One is the newest addition to the Eclipse family and concentrates on the production business, offering services such as retouching, color management and image design.

All three companies operate out of a dynamic 28,000 square foot facility in Gahanna that, until now, has been one of Columbus’ best-kept secrets. Inside this otherwise ordinary-looking building is 6,500-foot space for shooting and everything from a wet studio to a naturally-lit full kitchen. Advanced digital technologies allow a staff of seasoned photographers to easily shoot both in-studio and on-location.

No need to travel to New York or L.A. anymore—Eclipse has everything for a high-end photo shoot right here in Columbus. But don’t just take our thousand words for it, the photos will speak for themselves. To view portfolios of past work and to learn more about Eclipse, visit www.eclipse-studio.com.

‘Tis the season

The holiday season rolls around every year, bringing friends and family together. It is a time to count our blessings, share what we are thankful for and appreciate all those special people in our lives. At Marketing Works, the holidays are always a time for reflection about what’s most important to us – our relationships with our colleagues, clients and partners.

From our personal lives to the office, relationships are essential part of our lives. There is one movie that perfectly illustrates of the power and beauty of relationships – It’s a Wonderful Life. George Bailey, played by Hollywood icon Jimmy Stewart, came to realize by the end of the film that it wasn’t money that made him a success in life but the value he put on relationships.

How very true that is! At Marketing Works, we believe that relationships are the conduit of our success. We take great pride in the strong relationships have built and sustained over the years with each other and with our clients and partners. In addition, it is very rewarding for us to help connect our clients and partners to relationships that help them meet their objectives.

So, take a moment to reflect upon all the great relationships you have in your life. Reach out to those individuals and let them know how much you appreciate them. As for those relationships that need a little TLC, promise yourself that you’ll work harder on them at in the new year.

From each of us at Marketing Works, thank you for being such an important part of our lives! We look forward to continuing to grow our relationships with each of you in the coming year!

Happy Holidays!

Welcome Hana Schrand Bieliauskas!

A very special welcome to Hana Schrand Bieliauskas, who joins Marketing Works today as an account coordinator! Hana, an Ohio University alum, has experience working in the agency and non-profit worlds in Columbus and Washington, DC. She will leverage her talents and skills in public affairs, media relations, writing and social media to help Marketing Works clients achieve their objectives!

A few nuggets about Hana!

- Actively volunteers with Komen for the Cure Columbus on the Communications Committee and Nationwide Children’s Hospital

- Majored in magazine journalism at Ohio University

- Enjoys running, spending time with friends, watching movies and reading

- Wanted to author children’s books when she was very young

Welcome Hana! We are glad to have you as part of the team!

Congratulations to Finance Fund!

We are proud to announce that Finance Fund has received $50 million in New Markets Tax Credit funding from the U.S. Department of Treasury! A long-time Marketing Works client, Finance Fund is a statewide organization that connects Ohio’s distressed urban and rural communities to funding resources that create and sustain jobs and improve quality of life.

This is the organization’s fifth round of New Markets funding and a 150% increase over the award it received in 2008. Finance Fund has previously received $75 million in New Markets Tax Credits, which it has leveraged to spark $212.2 million in funding – resulting in an investment in 26 projects.

The impact this funding has on all Ohioans is truly remarkable – leading to creation of more than 1,249 full-time jobs, 1,467 construction jobs, safe child care for 536 children and 431 units of for-sale housing.

Learn more about Finance Fund at www.financefund.org/blog! And, follow them on Twitter at @financefund.

Open Position: Public Relations Manager

Marketing Works is hiring! Description: Seeking an experienced account manager specializing in business-to-business strategic communications to implement integrated campaigns for multiple clients. Ideal candidates are self-motivated, passionate and relationship-oriented. Prior experience should include media relations, strong copywriting capabilities, marketing communications, and management of client relationships. Experience with new media and technology industry a plus.

Requirements: Qualified candidates will have a minimum of 5 years of practical business-to-business public relations experience, preferably in an agency in environment, and a degree in public relations, communications, journalism or a related field.

To Apply: Please e-mail a resume and cover letter to info@marketing-works.net

Marketing Works is an equal opportunity employer.

Contact Email: info@marketing-works.net

What’s next in social media?

For many companies, tweeting has become an everyday occurrence and Facebook updates always seem to be on the ‘to do’ list. The evolution of social media has happened so fast, for many professionals, there is barely enough time to keep up. Networking has evolved to include social media tools, as people tweet about the latest marketing trends, blog about company’s latest success stories and share videos on Facebook and YouTube.

 

 This is all evidence the train of social media is not slowing down anytime soon. Now that social media has become the norm for most companies, where is the social media train heading next?

 
For many companies, 2009 was the year for social media to connect to their customers and key audiences.

As people continue to seek the human connection beyond the posts on their profiles, 2010 will be a crucial time for companies to use social media. In 2010 companies will use social media not only to inform but reach their clients. Social media gives companies a chance to build their client relations, more than just informing them on upcoming events and trends.

 

2010 will also be a year for companies to use social media as their marketing guru.  

Considering the growing number of people using some form of social media, it only makes sense to direct advertising to where your clients are. Social media provides a chance to promote your company without breaking the bank. Whether it is blogging about an upcoming event your company is having or tweeting about a new business venture, social media offers a great outlet to market your brand.

 

Social media has several possibilities in 2010, where will social media take your company? It is up to you!

Happy Columbus Day!

Being from Columbus, Ohio, we are especially proud today to celebrate Columbus Day. This day is a federal holiday, celebrating Christopher Columbus’ exploration of the “New World.” It is celebrated throughout the world, in Europe and Latin America as well as the United States.

As we take a few moments today to reflect on Columbus’ journey across the Atlantic, we are reminded of the daily risks and new strides we can all take. How can we explore new places in our careers, families and communities? How will people, businesses and government be changed tomorrow because of our work today?

Brand YOU: Building and maintaining your personal brand

Brenda Stier-Anstine spoke on the topic of personal branding at today’s Hilliard Chamber of Commerce event. The very well attended lunch drew 80+ local business people from the area, who were all eager to learn more about the topcic. If you’d like a copy of the presentation, please e-mail Amy Polkovitch at polkovitcha@marketing-works.net.

DOD Considering Ban on Twitter, Facebook, Other Social Media Sites

A recent article in Defense Daily reported on how the Department of Defense is considering a ban on social networking sites for security reasons. The armed forces had reluctantly begun considering the use of social media , with the Army using MySpace for recruiting purposes. The potential ban is still being debated by officials.

Another recent article written by blogger David Coursey at PCWorld posed the question, “Should companies follow the marines and ban social media sites?” As companies are figuring out the nuances of how to use social media effectively without hindering productivity, this and other questions will continue to play an important role in the debate. What are your thoughts?

Learn more about Marketing Works!

Watch Sandy Fekete and Brenda Stier-Anstine share their thoughts on getting results for our clients in this short, but informative video.