Friday, December 18, 2009

Monday, December 14, 2009

The Official Hot Sauce For The Louisiana Thoroughbred Breeders Association.









Thanks to our friends at Bruce Foods, we were able to create a private label brand hot sauce using our favorite hot sauce - Louisiana Hot Sauce. Louisiana horse racing is hot and so is our official hot sauce.

Sunday, December 6, 2009

Saturday, December 5, 2009

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

'Twas the days before Christmas, when all through Shop River Ranch

Lots of people were shopping and having a blast!

The merchants and businesses stocked their stores with care,

In hopes that Santa’s elves soon would be there;

The children were getting ready to nestle all snug in their beds,

While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads;

And mothers, fathers, families and friends were all out to stop,

at River Ranch where there are so many shops.

When out at Shop River Ranch there arose such a clatter,

they all sprang from their cars to see what was the matter.

Away to the shops they flew like a flash,

Opened the doors and bought up all of the holiday stash.

When, what to their wondering eyes should appear,

A whole lot of shop owners so lively and quick,

They knew in a moment it must be the right pick.

With the cars full of toys, and Santa, too.

A bundle of joys they had found for quite a few,

They spoke not a word, but went straight to their work,

And filled all the stockings; wrapped all of the gifts,

And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.

But we heard them exclaim, as they drove out of sight,

"Happy Christmas to all, and to all Shop River Ranch."

Saturday, November 21, 2009

Spa Ahhhhhhhh! Holiday Gifts.

Check out the menu of fabulous gifts.


Credits: Calzone/Brian C. Miller Richard. Original music score by "Trio Del Ri" Philip Gould, Fawn Roy, & Chris Roy. Starring Paloma Reyes, Hunter Burke, Jean Denis, Tiffany Richard, Ryan, associate and wardrobe from JoS. A. Bank Clothier.


LAspecs commercial. Calzone/Brian C. Richard. Original music score by Phillip Gould & company. Starring Paloma Reyes, Hunter Burke, Jean Davis, Tiffany Richard, Ryan, associate and wardrobe from JoS. A. Bank Clothier.

Friday, November 13, 2009

Click on the image to enlarge it and see the brand building for LA Specs begin.

Wednesday, November 4, 2009



Spa Mizan owner, Ginger Louiviere, moved her day spa into a new 8,500 square foot facility earlier this year. She designed and created a spa that has something for everyone. She also created a spa that we would all have to fly to find somewhere else in the world. Now, it's right here in Lafayette.

RedHawk Energy Corporation

Our clients are doing amazing things!

RedHawk Energy Acquires Xxtreme Group for $66.0 Million.

Monday, November 2, 2009

Shop River Ranch!

Our favorite place to shop is at all the shops are River Ranch in Lafayette, Louisiana. This traditional neighborhood is one of the shining examples of how progressive this city in the heart of Cajun Country really is.

Our job is to fulfill the mission of the Merchants Association. These days everything starts with a website. Check the shops out at Shop River Ranch.

Mission Statement:

The mission of the River Ranch Merchants Association is to enhance the Village of River Ranch as the premier center for retail, entertainment and professional businesses in Lafayette, Acadiana and the State of Louisiana at large.

The Association seeks to harness the power of our combined resources and talents to create and promote events that create excitement within the Village and benefit the River Ranch Business community. The Association focuses its financial resources on its media and public relations efforts meanwhile seeking to fund its events through outside sponsorships.

Thursday, October 29, 2009

Happy Anniversary Charley Gs.



Besides being one of our favorite restaurants, Calzone created the Charley Gs logo and brand when it opened. We remember the discuss about incorporated the "Since 1985" in the logo. We all agreed that it would be cool to know how long the restaurant had been around in the future. It also said "we will be here - no matter what!"

Monday, October 19, 2009

DVD Packaging for Louisiana Thoroughbred Breeders Association.

It's now on its way to key targets to promote this successful incentive program.



Wednesday, October 14, 2009




We just completed another branding assignment for another world-class rider, Robert O. Costello. The assignment included creating brands for the rider and his successful equestrian operation. Check out the website!

Robert was fortunate from the start to grow up fox hunting and showing in the horse crazy town of Hamilton, Massachusetts. After seeing his first Ledyard International Three-Day Event, his attention was quickly drawn to the ultimate equestrian sport of Eventing. Throughout the 1970’s and 80’s Hamilton was headquarters for Jack LeGoff and the USET Three Day Event squad. This proved very influential as Robert knew from an early age that representing his country internationally would be his goal.

After graduating from the University of Massachusetts with a Mass Communications major and a Music Performance minor, Robert ventured into the horse business full-time with long time friend and supporter Leila Clay. Robert and Leila started C&C Sporthorse, Inc. in 1990 and soon moved the business from Hamilton to its current location at Tanglewood Farm in Southern Pines, NC.

Horses owned early on by Leila, such as Rufus, Simon Rattle and Class Action, laid the groundwork for Robert having the privilege of being asked to ride Deirdre Pirie’s equine star Chevalier. “Charlie” is the horse that would ultimately take him to the Sydney Olympic Games in 2000. In addition to an 8th place finish there, this partnership also produced top placings at Fair Hill, Rolex Kentucky and Burghley (UK).

In 2003 Robert once again represented the USA, this time winning team gold at the Pan American Games aboard Leila’s UK beautiful grey import Dalliance. Robert and Dalliance went on to future successes at Fair Hill, Rolex and Burghley.

Robert is still actively competing at the international level. His current brightest prospect is Dustin. After a strong showing at the Jersey Fresh CCI** in May of ’09 they have their sights set on Fair Hill International CCI*** this coming October. When not riding and coaching, Robert enjoys tennis and skiing. He also is heavily involved in the governance of the sport, most notably serving on the USEF Board of Directors and as Chairman of the USEF Eventing High Performance Committee. He is also on the Board of the newly formed Professional Riders Organization and is vice-chairman of the USEA Professional Horseman’s Council. He previously sat on the boards of the USEA, USET and was Chairman of the USEF Active Riders Committee from 2001-2008.

Thursday, October 8, 2009

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Ide Filly, Kafwain Colt Share Day 1 Sale Topper Honors

Tensas Idea (Hip #99), a filly by Ide out of the Dehere mare Xylophone brought $55,000 for consignor Elysian Bloodstock in day one of the Breeders Sale Company of Louisiana, Inc. two day yearling sale. She is a full sister to Tensas Yucatan, a multiple stakes winner of $432,877 from 3 to 5 (2009), and a half-sister to stakes placed winners Tensas Phone Call and Tensas Palmyra. The filly was purchased by Roger G. Smith.

Main Man Lee (Hip #122) also sold for $55,000. The colt by Kafwain, out of the Seeking The Gold mare, Another Zone was consigned by Clear Creek Stud, agent. Coming from an impressive family, the colt is half brother to stakes winner Half Mine, and stakes placed winners First Lieutenant and Cointreau. The colt was purchased by Triple R Stable.

Following closely behind the sale toppers, Hip #126, a filly by Leestown out of the Forest Wildcat mare, Art of Illusion sold for $50,000 to Herb Lambert. Consigned by 4M Ranch, agent, the filly is half-sister to stakes winner My Spanx.

The sale continues Tuesday, September 29 at 10:00 a.m.



Tensas Idea

Hip #99, filly by Ide-Xylophone



Main Mann Lee

Hip #122, colt by Kafwain-Another Zone

Thursday, September 17, 2009

2009 Breeders Sales Company of Louisiana Annual Yearling Slated for September 28 & 29

For Immediate Release

Media Contact:
Julie Calzone
(337) 235 -2924 Ext 18
jcalzone@calzone.com

Breeders Sales Company Contact:
Tom Early
(800) 772-1195
tom@louisianabred.com

2009 Breeders Sales Company of Louisiana Annual Yearling
Slated for September 28 & 29
Louisiana Thoroughbred Yearling Sale Expanded to Two Days Due To Overwhelming Number Of Consignments

(New Orleans, La.) – September 16, 2009 – Due to overwhelming support for its annual yearling sale, the Breeders Sales Company of Louisiana extended the event to a two-day sale.

The Breeders Sales Company of Louisiana Annual Yearling Sale is set September 28, 2009 and September 29, 2009. The sale will be held at the Ike Hamilton Expo Center in West Monroe, Louisiana. Two hundred twenty one yearlings will be sold on the Monday the 28th with two hundred twenty to follow on Tuesday the 29th. Last year the sales company reported 62% increase in overall revenue and a 46% average price increase over the 2007 sale. "We believe that the success of last year's sale and our breeders' incentive program contributed to the large number of yearlings being entered in our sale," said Tom Early, CEO for the Louisiana Thoroughbred Breeders Association and sales coordinator for the Breeders Sales Company of Louisiana.

“The Breeders Sales Company of Louisiana is in existence to provide the breeders of Louisiana a viable and professionally operated venue to sell the horses they breed,” said Early. “We are seeing a good response from prospective buyers already. We are hopeful that this will translate into good sales prices for our breeders.”

Only horses sold in this sale are eligible for the Bayou State Bonus. Any accredited Louisiana bred yearling that passes through the sales ring this year and goes on to win a series of races will receive a bonus of $100,000 in earnings. The races for fillies are the Louisiana Champions Day Lassie, the Crescent City Oaks and the Elge Rasberry. The races for the colts and geldings are the Louisiana Champions Day Juvenile, the Crescent City Derby and the A.L. Erwin. The purses for the Elge Rasberry and A.L. “Red” Erwin have been set at $150,000 for sales graduates.

Takin' The Bullet, a 2006 colt that was sold in the Breeders Sales Company of Louisiana Annual Mixed Sale 2007, won the 2009 A.L. “Red” Erwin for owner, Heiligbrodt Racing Stable on September 5, 2009 at Louisiana Downs. They bought the colt for $23,000 in 2007. Takin’ The Bullet was bred by Southern Equine, LLC. The winner’s share of the purse was $90,000.

The Louisiana Thoroughbred Breeders Association incentive program is one of the richest in the country. Three races per day are offered for accredited Louisiana breds at each track each day in Louisiana. 22% Breeders' Awards are paid to accredited Louisiana breds finishing first, second or third in any race in Louisiana. 22% Breeders' Awards are paid to accredited Louisiana breds finishing first, second or third in any stakes race outside of Louisiana. World Wide Breeders Awards are paid to accredited Louisiana breds finishing first, second or third in any race outside of Louisiana.

To receive a catalog, please contact the Breeders Sales Company of Louisiana at 800-772-1195 or click here to download a copy of the catalog.

###

Saturday, August 29, 2009

Another International Equestrian Added to Roster



Robert Costello

Robert was fortunate from the start to grow up fox hunting and showing in the horse crazy town of Hamilton, Massachusetts. After seeing his first Ledyard International Three-Day Event, his attention was quickly drawn to the ultimate equestrian sport of Eventing. Throughout the 1970’s and 80’s Hamilton was headquarters for Jack LeGoff and the USET Three Day Event squad. This proved very influential as Robert knew from an early age that representing his country internationally would be his goal.

After graduating from the University of Massachusetts with a Mass Communications major and a Music Performance minor, Robert ventured into the horse business full-time with long time friend and supporter Leila Clay. Robert and Leila started C&C Sporthorse, Inc. in 1990 and soon moved the business from Hamilton to its current location at Tanglewood Farm in Southern Pines, NC.

Horses owned early on by Leila, such as Rufus, Simon Rattle and Class Action, laid the groundwork for Robert having the privilege of being asked to ride Deirdre Pirie’s equine star Chevalier. “Charlie” is the horse that would ultimately take him to the Sydney Olympic Games in 2000. In addition to an 8th place finish there, this partnership also produced top placings at Fair Hill, Rolex Kentucky and Burghley (UK).

In 2003 Robert once again represented the USA, this time winning team gold at the Pan American Games aboard Leila’s UK beautiful grey import Dalliance. Robert and Dalliance went on to future successes at Fair Hill, Rolex and Burghley.

Robert is still actively competing at the international level. His current brightest prospect is Dustin. After a strong showing at the Jersey Fresh CCI** in May of ’09 they have their sights set on Fair Hill International CCI*** this coming October. (cont’d) When not riding and coaching, Robert enjoys tennis and skiing. He also is heavily involved in the governance of the sport, most notably serving on the USEF Board of Directors and as Chairman of the USEF Eventing High Performance Committee. He is also on the Board of the newly formed Professional Riders Organization (link) and is vice-chairman of the USEA Professional Horseman’s Council. He previously sat on the boards of the USEA, USET and was Chairman of the USEF Active Riders Committee from 2001-2008.

Thursday, August 27, 2009

Faudree and Mosing’s Pawlow On The Way To The United Kingdom



(Maurice, LA and Hoffman, NC – August 26, 2009 - Will Faudree and Pawlow who were named to the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) high performance eventing training list earlier this year are preparing to leave for an international competition in the United Kingdom. Coach Mark Phillips and team members visited the pair while they were competing at a spring Jersey Fresh event.

All three Eventing High Performance Training Lists were updated following the spring competition season. Faudree and Pawlow were placed on the list to compete at the Blenheim Horse Trials in the United Kingdom.

Faudree and Pawlow fly out to the United Kingdom on August 31. Once there they will have eight days to prepare for the Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials September 10 –13. Ernie's owner, Jennifer Mosing, is attending the event as well.

Will Faudree is based in Hoffman, North Carolina at his Gavilan Farm. Pawlow is a 10-year old Irish Thoroughbred gelding and is owned by Jennifer Mosing. Mosing and her family own Sterling Silver Stables in Maurice, Louisiana. This is Mosing’s first sponsorship in the equestrian world although she and her family have sponsored top-bred dogs through their Nottoway Kennels.

“It’s an exciting time for us,” said Will Faudree. “This horse is so amazing and he is just beginning to show us what he has to give. He’s an incredible athlete and we are both so lucky that Jennifer came into our lives.”

The pair did their first advanced horse trial in late February and moved up quickly to the 3-star level with the selectors taking a look at them in early May. The pair has been competitive at the advanced level throughout the competition season.

Blenheim Palace is the host venue for one of the best three-day horse trial events in the world. Attracting top international competitors and their up and coming horses who compete against one another in the three phases of dressage, cross country and show jumping, this event offers great days with much to see and do including a wide range of attractions and displays, fabulous shopping and of course the chance to get close to the best sportsmen and women from this sport in the world–with a new class for 2009 aimed at those horses who are being targeted at London 2012 the equine Olympian stars of the future too.

Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials was awarded the opportunity to run a CIC3* competition alongside its established CCI3* event. “With the CIC cross country Sunday morning this will give spectators the opportunity to enjoy cross country on two days,” said Event Director Mandy Hervieu “as well as offering more riders and horses the opportunity to compete at this prestigious venue.”

The class will be positioned as an opportunity to spot the stars of the future and is very likely to be a target for those aiming for 2012 as it is similar to the CCI3*, but of less difficulty with a slightly shorter cross country course and not such a tight optimum time target.

Many riders will be keen to ride the anticlockwise course at Blenheim designed by Eric Winter but as yet never ridden, due to the cancellation of last year’s event due to adverse weather. Both the CCI 3*and CIC3* will incorporate some of the feature fences such as the lake crossings, dew pond and famous ‘Blenheim Flyer’ fence.
This new competition provides a much-awaited end of season target for the owners of talented young horses and will undoubtedly be an excellent showcase for those tipped for future success.

Faudree and Mosing teamed up earlier this year when Mosing purchased Pawlow, who they affectionately call Ernie P. Mosing. Mosing’s children ride and train with Faudree.

About Will Faudree
Will Faudree was born on October 4, 1981 in Midland Texas. He grew up on a cattle ranch, learning to ride at a very young age. When he was about thirteen he became interested in eventing, and started to compete. After graduating high school, Will moved to Pennsylvania to ride and train with Phillip Dutton. In 2003 Will set out on his own and moved to Southern Pines, North Carolina with his dog, Kemper, where Gavilan Farm is currently based. Will also competed in the Pan American Games that year. The team won a gold medal. The following year, Will was named the traveling reserve for the Athens Olympic Team. Unfortunately when Will returned home from the games, he found his house and barn had been struck by lightning and burnt down. Luckily no horses were on the property at the time, but the damage was too great. Will had to find a new farm and replace almost all of his personal belongings as well as his horse equipment. With the help of Will's family and close friends, Will was able to put things back together and moved into his current house and barn in January of 2005.

With the continued support of friends and family, Will's career as an Equestrian continues to grow. He represented the United States once again by riding on the US team at the 2006 World Equestrian Games in Aachen, Germany, and continues riding for the U.S. Team in future international competitions.

Sunday, August 16, 2009

EatLafayette Campaign Reaches All Time Highs!

The EatLafayette campaign that focused on driving traffic to Lafayette Parish, Louisiana, locally-owned restaurants drove over 1,000,000 hits to its website, created hundreds of friends on Facebook and developed its YouTube channel with dine-arounds by Regent Broadcasting personalities.

Cox Media successfully implemented the first-ever text to win and promotional campaign for the fifth annual event.

The drawing for the Caribbean Cruise is Friday, August 21, at 9:30 a.m. on KTDY radio.

Wednesday, July 29, 2009

EatLafayette campaign website approaching 500,000 hits in July.

We are having a blast marketing the campaign through our media partners, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and our blog!  Thank you to all of our connections and friends!

Our restaurants are filling up this summer with EatLafayette fans. There's a lot of good eating going on in Lafayette Parish these days. Thank you!

How many restaurants you've been to since June 22? Regent Broadcasting has posted over 26 dine-around videos on YouTube and they're still counting.

Get off of the coach and off of the computer and into one of 44 fabulous locally-owned restaurants. Do some face time with your friends and family. You will be amazed at the connections you will make. The restaurants and their staffs are waiting to create an amazing experience for you.
2009 Breeders Sales Company of Louisiana Sales Catalog Available Online


(New Orleans, La.) – July 29, 2009- The sales catalog for the two-day yearling sale for the Breeders Sales Company of Louisiana is available online.The Breeders Sales Company of Louisiana extended the sale from a one day to a two day sales due to overwhelming support for its yearling sale.

The Breeders Sales Company of Louisiana Annual Yearling Sale will now be held on the original date of September 28, 2009 as well as September 29, 2009. The sale will be held at the Ike Hamilton Expo Center in West Monroe, Louisiana. Two hundred twenty one yearlings will be sold on the Monday the 28th with two hundred twenty to follow on Tuesday the 29th. Last year the sales company reported 62% increase in overall revenue and a 46% average price increase over the 2007 sale. "We believe that the success of last year's sale and our breeders' incentive program contributed to the large number of yearlings being entered in our sale," said sales director Tom Early.

Only horses sold in this sale are eligible for the Bayou State Bonus. Any accredited Louisiana bred yearling that passes through the sales ring this year and goes on to win a series of races will receive a bonus of $100,000 in earnings. The races for fillies are the Louisiana Champions Day Lassie, the Crescent City Oaks and the Elge Rasberry. The races for the colts and geldings are the Louisiana Champions Day Juvenile, the Crescent City Derby and the A.L. Erwin. The purses for the Elge Rasberry and A.L. Erwin have been set at $150,000 for sales graduates.

To be added to the mailing list for a catalog please contact the Breeders Sales Company of Louisiana at 800-772-1195.

Friday, June 26, 2009

Debbie Ray, Bernie and the fabulous waiter, Eddie. Blue Dog Cafe.



Calzone create a viral video campaign to promote EatLafayette. All part of a comprehensive media and experiential process to drive customers to dine in locally-owned restaurants in Lafayette, Louisiana.

Thursday, June 25, 2009

Mission Exceeded.

Louisiana Thoroughbred Yearling Sale Expanded to Two Days Due To Overwhelming Number Of Consignments

(New Orleans, La.) - It appears that the Louisiana thoroughbred business is continuing to grow despite hard economic times. The Breeders Sales Company of Louisiana announced today that due to overwhelming support for its yearling sale, the event would be extended to a two-day sale.

“The Breeders Sales Company of Louisiana is in existence to provide the breeders of Louisiana a viable and professionally operated venue to sell the horses they breed,” said Tom Early, CEO for the Louisiana Thoroughbred Breeders Association and sales coordinator for The Breeders Sales Company of Louisiana. “After numerous discussions we determined that limiting the number of yearlings sold would be detrimental to our cause.”

The Breeders Sales Company of Louisiana Annual Yearling Sale will now be held on the original date of September 28, 2009 as well as September 29, 2009. The sale will be held at the Ike Hamilton Center in West Monroe, Louisiana. Once the total number of entrants is determined the sale then will be split equally between the days.

Last year the sales company reported 62% increase in overall revenue and a 46% average price increase over the 2007 sale. “We believe that the success of last year’s sale and our breeders’ incentive program are contributing to the large number of yearlings being entered in our sale,” said Early.

Tuesday, June 23, 2009

Calzone Makes the News Happen.

PENINSULA GAMING AGREES TO ACQUIRE AMELIA BELLE CASINO - June 22, 2009 - This news needed to hit Louisiana and national media quickly. Calzone is the long time PR firm for Evangeline Downs Racetrack & Casino in Opelousas, Louisiana. When its parent company needed the news out, the time between the call and the deployment to the media was less than an hour. Within 90 minutes the CBS affiliate was conducting an interview and what followed through other media outlets was a consistent message of that revealed a thoughtful acquisition and a good economic news story.

AP, Business Week, Forbes and a plethora of media in the Gulf Coast region picked up the story. The acquisition creates a synergy of two very compatible properties. The best news is that no jobs were lost.

Click here to see the whole news story.

Thursday, June 18, 2009

Calzone along with its electronic media partner, Cox Media, developed the latest in social media connections for the EatLafayette campaign. Check out the spot!


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Thursday, June 4, 2009

Top Louisiana honors set to be announced

Louisiana Thoroughbred Breeders Association Annual Awards Event Set For Saturday at Evangeline Downs

(New Orleans, LA) - The Louisiana Thoroughbred Breeders Association will present its annual awards event at Evangeline Downs Racetrack & Casino this Saturday, June 6, 2009. The Annual Membership Meeting honors the association's top breeders and Louisiana-bred thoroughbred horses.

Some of the award winners were announced earlier this year, but the Overall Horse of the Year Award is being kept under wraps until Saturday.

The Stallion of Year is based on the amount of monies earned by his (Louisiana-bred) offspring during 2008. The 2008 Stallion of the Year is Leestown, with his progeny earning $2,495,892.

The Breeder of the Year is based on the amount of Breeders Awards earned in 2008. For the seventh time in a row, the Breeder of the Year is Foxwood Plantation Ltd., (Bill Boorhem) with earnings of $325,037.99.

The remaining Horse of the Year awards are based on votes cast from the nearly 1,500 Louisiana Thoroughbred Breeders Association members.

Two-year Old Filly
Morning Memory

Two-year Old Colt or Gelding
Foreign Production


Three-year Old Filly
Superior Storm

Three-year Old Colt or Gelding
Ide like A Double

Four-year Old & UP Filly or Mare
Coach Mike

Four-year Old & Up Male
Autobeacat

The Louisiana Thoroughbred Breeders Association evolved from a small group of horsemen who united in 1961 when only 142 Thoroughbred foals were registered in the state. Since that time, the Thoroughbred industry in Louisiana has grown to become one of the state's top industries.

Through the efforts of the LTBA and the implementation of the breeding incentive program, Louisiana-breds have flourished. The foal crop has been on a steady incline that will saw more than 2500 foals born in Louisiana in 2008. Increased purses at the state's racetracks and an increase in better quality horses have resulted in higher prices for horses and have given rise to increased interest in racing and breeding horses in Louisiana. The 2008 Breeders Sales Company of Louisiana Yearling Sales reported the only yearling sale in the country that was up compared to last year's sale.

Louisiana's racing and breeding industry plays an important role in the state's economic well-being and contributes a significant source of state revenue. The combined impact of both racing and breeding and their related industries generates nearly $930 million annually and employs nearly 9,000 people.

For more information about the Louisiana Thoroughbred Breeders Association go to: www.louisianabred.com.



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Thursday, April 30, 2009

Lots going on at the firm these days. This economy is fueling the growth at Calzone. We find that corporate leaders are "all in" their businesses again and looking for top talent to advise and lead them in all areas of their businesses. Some are renewed relationships and others are new ones that have been quietly discussing options with us for a while.

We're all in and we're turning things around for our clients and ourselves.

Tuesday, April 7, 2009

Inaugural Turf Race At Evangeline Downs Set For Opening Day

(Opelousas, La.) – The 2009 thoroughbred racing season kicks off tomorrow night, April 8, at Evangeline Downs Racetrack & Casino. With 89 days of racing, the meet runs Wednesdays through Mondays with a post time of 6:20 p.m.

When the racetrack at Evangeline Downs Racetrack & Casino moved to Opelousas, Louisiana from Carencro, Louisiana, in November 2004, it opened with a one-mile dirt oval. Already underway were plans to add a turf track, the first for Acadiana. Hurricane Gustav forced last year’s debut to be cancelled, but it is ready for its opening night debut.

The turf course is named the “David A. Yount Turf “ in honor of former director of racing David A. Yount. The third race will be the first turf race run and it will also honor David A. Yount. Named David Yount Memorial, the race will have a purse of $30,000 for Accredited Louisiana-bred maidens. The one and one sixteenth mile race is for three, four and five year old horses that have not started for less than $25,000.

“We had everything lined up for us on the turf track,” said Steve Darbonne, director of racing operations. “We had the right contractor and team of people who built it.” Le Talley Ho of St. Martinville, headed by Pat Talley, handled the physical construction. Their place on the team was not new since Le Talley Ho was instrumental in the reconstruction of the dirt racetrack in 2005. Top track consultant, Dennis Moore, was retained on the project as well.

Evangeline Downs’ turf track is a 7/8 mile oval with a chute to run distances of 1 1/16 to 1 1/8 miles. It is 80 feet wide and planted with Tiff 419 Bermuda grass. Ten inches of special blended sand mixed with sport grids was used as the growing medium.

“Le Talley Ho was already experienced with our racetrack, the base and existing infrastructure,” said Darbonne. “The base for the turf track and dirt track are almost identical. When you put them with Matt Yount, our track expert, it helped put everything in our favor.”

"This is another big milestone in the construction of Evangeline Downs build-out," said Darbonne. “The turf track puts us in the a league with major racetracks and will bring more top horses to our program.”

The actual construction of the turf track was completed in 2008. The grass sod was in for three months before the first horse galloped on it on August 23, 2008. “Everything went very well with that first workout,” said Yount. “The response was good from the riders and the horses galloped well.

There are some features that are unique to Evangeline Downs’ turf track. The portable inside rail that helps set the distance for the races is designed to move in 10-foot intervals. There are electronic eyes at the different intervals that give it the capability of timing the races set at exact distances. Turf race lengths are usually mentioned as “about” lengths because the rails are not set at exact distances.

Evangeline Downs Racetrack & Casino was the first new facility of its kind in the United States to be built from the ground up. The land acquisition package was completed in the fall of 2002 and the first shovel of dirt was turned over in February 2003.

The Evangeline Downs project was completed in two phases. Phase one included the Casino that opened on December 19, 2003 with slot machines and several dining and entertainment venues. The Phase Two construction included a one-mile dirt track and stables for 1,000 horses. The Racetrack has grandstand and clubhouse seating for 1,450 patrons and apron and patio space for an additional 3,000 patrons.

Tuesday, March 31, 2009

World Cup Rider Website Launched


In the words of Will Faudree - "we are so excited" about the new website we created and produced for him. Will is a top international competitor who represents the United States at the highest level of three day eventing events.

"We are so excited" about being a part of Will Faudree's career.

Monday, March 23, 2009

Equestrian Practice Flourishes at Calzone Firm

Conventional and New Media Marketing Tools Grow Business for Clients and Firm

(Lafayette, La.) – What began as a life long passion is fueling growth at a Louisiana-based firm. “When you combine everything you know with everything you love, business just shows up,” said Julie Calzone, owner and CEO of Calzone Advertising & Public Relations.

The long time equestrienne, Julie Calzone, has had a life-long passion for horses. Two of the businesses she owns in addition to her advertising and public relations company are rooted in the horse industry.

Calzone Sporthorse is centered on breeding, training and showing top-quality performance horses in dressage, jumping and thoroughbred horse racing. Equine Motorcoach that she co-owns with Tom and Carolyn Stinnett of Louisville, Kentucky, manufactures luxury RVs that also transport horses.

“Owning those businesses helped refine our firm’s skills in marketing equestrian-related businesses,” said Calzone. “The experience that we have is what is attracting clients to us. Our presence in the market has also exposed us to a larger potential client base.”

The firm creates brand, collateral materials (everything from business cards to stall guards), web sites, eMarketing campaigns, ads, events and new media marketing to attract customers, sponsors and build revenue for its clients.

Recent additions to Calzone’s stable of equestrian clients are:


Louisiana Thoroughbred Breeders Association, a statewide thoroughbred race horse breeding and incentive organization with home offices in New Orleans, Louisiana

Sterling Silver Stables, a world-class facility with family values based in Maurice, Louisiana
Honeybrook Farm, training and sport horse breeding facility in Hockley, Texas
Red Sky Ranch, a family equestrian facility in Broussard, Louisiana
Will Faudree, U. S. World Games and top three-day event competitor Gavilan Farm, owned by Will Faudree and located in Hoffman, NC

“Our mission is to create extraordinary and exceptional products to create great wealth for our clients in their lives and business,” said Calzone. “I am always amazed at the tactical and creative solutions that the team here brings to the table. They help this firm achieve its mission.”

Calzone also continues to service its client base in entertainment, recreation, economic development, real estate, energy and other niche markets.

About Calzone
Calzone is a full-service advertising, marketing and public relations firm offering comprehensive and effective communications services. We create smart and innovative products and processes that get results. Our philosophy is based on the power of strong ideas. All of our work flows from this premise. We educate our clients to take the mystery out of the process.

Products: Advertising, public relations, media relations, media buying, websites, eMarketing, eCommunications, social media marketing, strategic planning and tactical initiatives.


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Saturday, March 21, 2009

New Website for Cafe V!



Last night we launched a new website for our fine dining client, Cafe Vermilionville. The restaurant is located in Lafayette, Louisiana and offers an amazing dining experience. It is also known for its spectacular special events.


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Thursday, March 19, 2009

OH What Fun it is to Create.



Oats & Hudson has over 20 years of experience in real estate closing. They came to us to create ads that broke through the clutter of conventional ads in real estate media channels. They allowed us to really do our job. Clients are the source of our inspiration.


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Monday, March 16, 2009

Calzone to the Rescue.

When a group of horse owners gathered together at the races, the idea of the Louisiana Horse Rescue Association was born. The mission of our group is to ensure that every horse has a loving home after they have finished racing and breeding.

Horses have wonderful temperaments and a willingness to please. They are extremely versatile and have the ability to perform various tasks requested of them. The beauty and disposition of the horse will bring so much joy to a new owner. From pulling a buggy, being a riding horse or even a pasture pet who simply loves to nuzzle, they will give the new owner great satisfaction and pleasure.

Our group never wants any horse to be unwanted or unloved. So please help us in our endeavor. Through education and hands on training we can teach these new owners to fully appreciate their horses.

No horse should go unwanted or unloved. The Louisiana Horse Rescue Association needs your support to help rescue horses from being slaughtered and abused.

That's why we are developing their website and marketing tools. Everyone knows the boss has a soft spot for horses.

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

You can't do if you aren't in it.

Twitter, Face Book, Blogs, eMarketing,...whatever! How can you do it for your clients if you don't do it for yourself.

We do both! We're on in all of the time. We don't use our clients' money and time to test new strategies. We test them on ourselves first. We promote using the technology at the office. Ours is a place where if you aren't on it, you can't do it.

We're on it. We can do it.

We're even shamelessly soliciting new business with it.

No wonder our clients just let us have our way with them and all of the social media.

We're hungry for them and for ourselves.

Thursday, March 5, 2009

Louisiana Bred!

This weekend we're rolling out a new web site for the Louisiana Thoroughbred Breeders Association. It only took four months to completely redesign and bring the current website up to today's standards. No more drop down menus (they had drop down and 'drop' up). There are pictures, videos, statistics and an easy client content management system.

Thanks to our technology partners, CBM Technology, the site should be flawless.

Not bad for a couple of Acadiana/Louisiana companies.

www.louisianabred.com

Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Louisiana Thoroughbred Breeders Association is a Louisiana Tradition.


A Louisiana Tradition. from Calzone on Vimeo.

Calzone along with Vidox of Lafayette, Louisiana is producing a series of electronic promotional pieces to showcase the most successful thoroughbred breeding program in the world. Check out where it all started.

Friday, February 6, 2009

Fine Dining Restaurant Taps Into Calzone eMarketing.

We have several clients that have been served by Calzone over the years. Some of them come to us from time to time for assistance when there are changes in the market or in their product. One that we serve is Cafe Vermilionville.

There was a new chef, Alex Patout, and a re-energized focus by the owner, Ken Veron. Conventional advertising methodology was just not working nor in the budget. Most locally-owned fine dining establishments do not have budgets that can compete with franchise operations.

Our knowledge of Cafe V is intimate. Our history and our life experiences are connected. We implemented a comprehensive PR campaign (get them in the media and invite the right media for a night of dining with the new chef and menu) and Calzone's custom eMarketing program. We connected Cafe V with its customers and the word spread quickly. Often times reservations were double the expectations.

It is important to note that none of our efforts would have been productive if the food and service were not "over the top." The dining experience far exceeded our creative and marketing program -- as it should.

Stay tuned for the new website and other fabulous events at Cafe V.



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Saturday, January 31, 2009


Our equestrian practice is growing. The most recent addition to our stable is Red Sky Ranch. Owned and operated by the Zepernick family in Louisiana, they specialize in dressage and hunter/jumper horses. They are another wonderful family whose mom and daughters are horse enthusiasts. The rest of the family comes along for the ride and it's a fun one.



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