We’re Changing Our Name!
These past few weeks I’ve watched IHOP‘s new marketing campaign with amusement. For those who have been out-of-the-loop or hiding under a rock this week, International House of Pancakes decided to change its name (temporarily) to IHOb — International House of Burgers.
Is it madness or genius? Will this campaign go down as one of the all-time greats or will this be the biggest blunder since New Coke?
Based on reaction this week, I think it’s been a marketing win but a branding fail. People have emotional attachments to brands, and when you change them, you have to do so cautiously. We’ve worked with many companies through the years, some of whom need we needed to re-brand. It’s important work and we don’t take it lightly.
However, in light of recent events, we are branching out beyond branding, marketing, and PR, and we will now start selling burgers.
May I introduce you to Madison+Burger? #BoldBurgersWin
Monday, June 11 – Stripping Down for Cancer Awareness
On Monday, we had a lot to celebrate from the weekend. On Saturday, more than 650 participants of all ages donned capes, boxer briefs, and other wacky ensembles for the 6th Annual Boxer Brief 5K to support Hitting Cancer Below The Belt (HCB2). Held at Stony Point Fashion Park, this year’s race raised more than $50,000 for colorectal cancer awareness. HCB2 is an amazing client and we were so happy we could help make it a success!
More than 650 people participated in HCB2’s Boxer Brief 5K this year.
Tuesday, June 12 – Visitors from the Valley
On Tuesday, we hosted our friends Nikoo, Saam, and Babak Bakhtiar from CrossKeys Vineyards for a strategy session at M+M HQ. They have a lot of great things and really fun events planned over the next year at their 125-acre estate vineyard near Harrisonburg. If you are looking for some tasty new ideas for a summer road trip, check ’em out.
We recently built a new landing page to promote CrossKeys’ wedding packages.
If you are looking for an absolutely beautiful place to say “I do,” check it out.
Wednesday, June 13 – Hello Camp Hanover!
Sometimes I really envy my co-workers. On Wednesday, while I was at my Roundtable Meeting for the Virginia Council of CEOs, VP of Brand Strategy Kara Forbis and Client Services Coordinator Haleigh Lager got to go to camp.
They had a kickoff meeting with Doug Walters, executive director for Camp Hanover, to start planning a marketing strategy for future summer camp sessions at the 600-acre outdoor retreat center on the outskirts of Mechanicsville. They got to tour the whole camp and Kara came back to office grinning from ear to ear because she got to pet goats. #SoJealous
Thursday, June 14 – Thinking About Fishing
On Thursday, I was having trouble focusing on pretty much anything. This weekend, I’m taking my son Jack on an epic Father’s Day overland adventure to Portsmouth Island, N.C. and I am so excited. It will take a five-hour drive to Atlantic, N.C. and a one-hour ferry ride after that to get my Jeep, a.k.a. “The Beast,” to the island. Due to the complete lack of amenities and the difficulty of getting there, the island is an almost untouched nature-lovers’ dream, but we have to bring everything with us. I’ve been planning and packing for two weeks and I absolutely can’t wait! #ManTime
Calendar!
USA 100 Presented by WhosYourDriver.org
Virginia Motor Speedway
Saturday, June 16
Looking for a high-octane family adventure this Father’s Day weekend? Take dad to Jamaica…well, Jamaica, Va. This weekend, our friends from DRIVE SMART Virginia will be spreading the good word about safe and sober driving at Virginia Motor Speedway. If you’ve never been to a dirt track race before, I highly suggest you check it out. Two nuggets of advice, though — 1. Cover your drink/food at all times. 2. Don’t wear white. Trust me.
Popsicle Party
Springdale Independent Living at Lucy Corr
Tuesday, June 19
Come celebrate one of the L-O-N-G-E-S-T days of the year with your friends at Springdale at Lucy Corr. Music, fun, door prizes and free popsicles from King of Pops.
Plus, take a tour and learn about our sales incentives for spacious, maintenance-free apartments and cottages, specially designed for active, independent living.
July Media Mixer
Morton’s The Steakhouse
Wednesday, July 18
Join the Madison+Main-iacs and friends on for our July Media Mixer! There will be delicious cocktails, yummy appetizers, and a door prize! Join us for a night of networking where the business world and the creative community can mix and mingle! Stay tuned to future Weekly Reports for more details and RSVP links.
Friday, June 15 – Gone Fishing
[A note from Communications Manager Kent Brockwell] Howdy folks. Dave’s not here at the moment. As mentioned above, and based on a suggestion by yours truly, he’s currently marooned on an uninhabited, unforgiving barrier island in N.C.
While I’m sure he’s packed enough food, bait, beer, and more beer to survive the weekend, I think I forgot to tell him about the bugs. See, Portsmouth Island is a wonderful place to explore during nine months of the year. However, during the summer months, the mosquitos on P.I. are the size of dinner plates and the green flies will literally take a pound of flesh…per bite.
Either way, if the blood transfusions and skin grafts go as planned, Dave should be back on Monday. Possibly Tuesday. Have a great weekend, y’all. #Pray4DaveAndJack
Actual photo of Portsmouth Island during the summer. Good luck, Dave.