Friday, November 4, 2011

The Best Part of Waking Up is My Shiny, New Twitter Feed

We at Calzone think it's important to read. We read news, industry blogs and publications, non-fiction, fiction, and silly books and just about anything we can get our hands on. Staying current within the marketing, advertising, and public relations industry is essential, but to really stay in front of the crowd, it's important for our industry professionals to come up for air to see what else is going on in the world.

More often than not, I'll be browsing Mashable.com and find an article that describes something I'm currently trying to implement with a client. Or I'll read Austin's PR Soup and come across something I was thinking about while drifting into sleep the night before.

My favorite way to consume news (preferably in the mornings when I'm still under the covers): Twitter. Boom, boom, BAM! Just follow the firms, people, publications and websites you think put out legitimate content, and it's right there waiting for you! Life is so much easier with a smartphone.

Here are a few sites I keep up with:
The Independent, a local paper I can't seem to get enough of.
PR News Online, a site that covers a wide array of topics I'm interested in.
Advertising Age, which offers really great quality material.
The Daily What, to keep up on the latest memes, viral content, and other assorted stories.
Off Track Planet, a really fun, unconventional travel magazine that often pushes the envelope.
National Public Radio; do I really have to justify this one? Unparalleled quality and entertainment. An all-around trusted and respected source.
Last but not least, when I'm in the mood to listen, I tune my radio to 88.7 FM KRVS, Lafayette's local public radio station. (You can even listen online!)

All I know: I'd feel pretty lost without the knowledge I gain each day by reading and learning.

Friday, October 28, 2011

Calzone welcomes new clients to the firm.

We welcomed Triad Response Group and Rand McNally to our client roster this week.

Both are a good fit for Calzone with its expertise in emergency services and travel sectors.

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Academy of Interactive Entertainment Brings New Workforce Opportunity to Petroleum Industry

Graduates of the Academy of Interactive Entertainment Offer Valued Skills for Model and Analysis

(Lafayette, La.) - The Academy of Interactive Entertainment's (AIE) new campus in Lafayette, Louisiana brings a new opportunity of advancement to the Gulf Coast petroleum industry. Graduates of AIE are skilled in visualizing geo-spatial data, spatial representations of real-world objects and generating business intelligence from data visualization, making them vital in an advanced approach to quickly understanding business implications and opportunities through in-house software development and analysis.

According to Dr. Chris Erhardt, Head of Schools in the United States for AIE, their graduates can accomplish a multitude of tasks useful to the petroleum industry. They can work with analysts to assess the impact of projects, examine numerous implementation options and estimate resource requirements, quickly identify cost reduction and business process improvement opportunities, develop in-house quick-decision dashboards to forecast and project business implications or opportunities and create simulations to show economic trends in oil and gas and what can effect oil prices. AIE graduates can also develop in-house 3D data modeling and visualization as a tool for improving communication and simulating complex geological and petrophysical structures and processes.

Data visualization in the petroleum industry can aid in detection of unauthorized intrusion into pipeline right-of-ways and in meeting the pipeline Safety Act of 1992 requirements of identifying facilities in sensitive and high-density populations areas, maintaining maps and records of the identified information, and providing the information to those state and federal officials who request it. (Source: http://www.epa.gov/oem/docs/oil/fss/fss06/roper_1.pdf)

With an AIE graduate, instead of spending millions on initial software, required training, maintenance and a trained analyst to operate it, companies can have purpose-built tools for analysts and real-time dashboards, using in-house software and in-house data.

The skills AIE graduates can provide to the petroleum industry include the ability to monitor potential waste implications and environmental risks, determine optimum facility placement or resource location, track well log editing, residual velocity analysis, and amplitude-versus-offset analysis, as well as share 3D views, animations, and analyses with stakeholders and decision-makers.

Founded in 1996, AIE is a two-year training college that offers courses in game art, design, and programming as well as film and 3D design and visual effects. While many graduates are advancing into the gaming industry workforce, many are seeking careers in other fields, such as medical simulations, educational tools, and petroleum industry solutions.

For more information about the Academy of Interactive Entertainment, visit the website at www.theAIE.us or contact Dr. Chris Erhardt at 206.428.6350 or by email at chrise@aie.edu.au. Prospective students interested in the Lafayette campus can call 337.476.1565.

Academy of Interactive Entertainment Q & A.

Dr Christopher Erhardt, The Head of School at The Academy of Interactive Entertainment (AIE), is hosting an information session to be able to answer all your questions about what our college will be offering starting in January at the LITE Center, Lafayette.
 
Please Join Dr Chris at  Cafe' Vermilionville, October 28, 2011
From 6:00 ~ 7:30pm , at 1304 W Pinhook Rd, Lafayette, LA 70503-2906 , # (337) 237-0100.
 
Make your RSVP by emailing : madeleinee@aie.edu.au or call 337-476-1565.
 
We are looking forward to meeting you there.

Thursday, October 6, 2011

Calzone Named to Emergency Preparedness Panel at United States Eventing Association Annual Convention.

(Lafayette, La.) - Julie Calzone, Equine Alert founder and owner, has been chosen to speak on a panel about emergency preparedness for equestrian related facilities at the United States Eventing Association convention in Nashville, Tennessee in early December.

Eventing could be termed an "equestrian triathlon." It involves working with a horse both on the flat and over fences. The three phases are: dressage, endurance (or cross-country), and show jumping. Over the centuries it has developed from the test of the ideal military charger. Eventing has now evolved into an exciting sport attracting interest from all levels of sports enthusiasts, from weekend hobby riders to professional international stars.

The USEA membership represents some of the top equestrian athletes who compete world wide at Olympic, World Cup and Championship events.

"We are here to assist equestrian facilities in the U.S. with safety and security systems," said Calzone. "Equine Alert has scaled its operations to provide complete training, monitoring and protocol systems for emergencies and security at equestrian related businesses nationally."

The company has partnered with Acadian Monitoring Services, Safety Management Systems and Convergint Technologies to provide full-scale development, installation and monitoring of security, fire, video and audio systems for facilities that house horses.

The partners were carefully selected because of their foundation in emergency and safety management. Equine Alert designs and installs systems to meet whatever a horse facility needs, especially with the increased codes and permit requirements. Whether it is a foal watch camera or a completely integrated system of sprinklers, fire/security/video monitoring, Equine Alert is equipped to do it all.

Equine Alert is based in the Gulf Coast region of the United States and is taking advantage of decades of expertise in the energy sector. The company has also begun a relationship with Knight Security, which covers the state of Texas.

Julie Calzone began her career as a rock and roll promoter and successfully transformed a one-person advertising design shop (Calzone) into a full-service advertising, marketing and public relations firm with a wide range of local, regional and national clients. With a Bachelor of Science from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, New York and a Master of Science in Personnel from St. Bonaventure University, she definitely has the background along with a “can do” attitude. 

Julie is an amateur horse owner, rider and breeder of European sport horses. 



Over the past four years she has combined her passion for horses with entrepreneurship to found two more companies that serve the equestrian market. Equine Motorcoach™ manufacturers all-in-one motorized RV and horse transport vehicles. The company recently cornered the market on a towable horse transport that is branded Equine Carriage™.



Her most recent venture, Equine Alert, has been in research and development for two years. Her vision was to create a business that leveraged technology to increase the safety and security at horse farms, veterinary clinics, equestrian facilities and show grounds. Equine Alert scaled its operations to provide complete training, monitoring and protocol systems for emergencies and security at equestrian-related businesses nationally.



She serves on the Louisiana Juvenile Justice Advisory Board and dedicates time to the horse program at Angola Prison in Louisiana. She organizes their public horse auctions, which reaps monetary and behavioral rewards for Louisiana Prison Enterprises and the trustees. Her ad agency serves a variety of equestrian clientele.


Friday, September 30, 2011

Living a Life's Motto.

Julie Calzone is talking here. A motto I live by is "Trust God. Clean House. Help Others." It is inspired by a painted sign I found at Festival International de Louisiane (a Festival I helped found). That I found the sign at an event that I have poured by heart, soul and resources into was not lost on me.

Someone once told me that you can try to deflect what's going to happen to you, but you are going to end up where you are supposed to be. That's the story of my life and career. I go down a path and watch doors shut and people exit. I learn from it. I know that it's about trusting the process, cleaning out whatever you need to (or it gets done for you) and helping others even when you don't feel like you can or want to.

It's much too long story for this blog, but one of my horses led me to some people who led me to Angola Prison that led me to their horse program. I learned that redemption comes in many forms and that everyone is redeemable - everyone. Warden Burl Cain had a dream that his horses would make excellent show horses - jumpers, dressage horses and great sport and recreation horses. He and the public system just couldn't find a way to do it and keep within the confines of the state bid process. But, it was exactly what I knew how to do and it is done. And, now it's time for the second annual sale. Making a vision a reality.

The 2011 Angola Prison Horse Sale is set for October 15, 2011. Some of the finest horses bred and raised at Angola Prison will be offered for sale.

Monday, September 26, 2011

“Boxing: Louisiana's Forgotten Sport" Has A Local Connection

Media Advisory

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

Event Contact:
Jay Owen
(337) 234-5600

“Boxing: Louisiana's Forgotten Sport" Has A Local Connection
Book Launch for Don Landry’s Chronicle of Louisiana’s High School and College Boxing History

(Lafayette, La.) - A book launch is set for Wednesday, September 28 for Don Landry's book "Boxing: Louisiana's Forgotten Sport." This book chronicles Louisiana's rich high school and college boxing history up until 1958. High school and college boxing was one of the most prominent sports on any campus at that time. In many cases it was the number one sport or second only to football. By the end of the 50's it had all but disappeared from the schools. Don is a former Nicholls State basketball coach and athletic director. He is recognized as the founder of the Louisiana Association of Basketball Coaches and went on to become the commissioner of the Southland and Sunshine State Conferences. He was the Texas Rangers’ Director of Special Projects and was responsible for planning Nolan Ryan’s retirement activities and the opening of the Ballpark in Arlington.

Local residents and siblings, CeCe Stuller and Jay Owen, are hosting the event because of their father, Coach J.T. Owen, was the head boxing team coach at LSU from 1946 to 1956, and coached the 1949 National Championship team and some of the greatest boxers of that era. He went on to coach the 1952 Olympic Boxing Team in Helsinki, Finland that was one of the greatest US teams ever fielded and produced such greats as future Heavyweight Champion of the world Floyd Patterson.

WHAT: Book launch for Don Landry and Boxing: Louisiana's Forgotten Sport

WHEN: Wednesday, September 28, 2011
6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

WHERE: a la Carte Restaurant
301 Heymann Boulevard, Lafayette, LA 70503.

The public is invited. For more information or to RSVP call (337) 234-5600.


###

Saturday, September 24, 2011

Big Changes to Facebook: A New Future for Social Apps

At Facebook’s yearly “f8” event y, Facebook Founder Mark Zuckerberg announced dramatic platform changes for the world’s largest social network. Zuckerberg’s keynote at the company’s developer conference has brought news of hugely influential updates in the past, and yesterday’s unveiling ranks near the top in terms of significance. These new features promise to markedly transform both the aesthetics and functionality of the site, as well as its relationship with marketers and content partners.

https://f8.facebook.com/

“Timeline”- A new feature that preserves and highlights important events in users’ lives, as captured on Facebook. This “digital scrapbook” will allow users to scroll back chronologically through all the photos, posts, and life events they have shared since joining.
Updated “Open Graph”- Facebook’s move to become the online hub for all of its users’ activities. Zuckerberg declared Facebook’s intention to be the social platform of the web, hosting third-party apps that allow users to consume and discover content without leaving Facebook.com. He announced partnerships with an impressive list of businesses, including Netflix, Hulu, the Washington Post, and the music-streaming service Spotify.

Other recent changes to Facebook include “Friend Lists” to ease privacy and selectivity of sharing (reminiscent of Google+’s “circles”), a “Subscribe button” to allow one-way, asymmetric relationships (reminiscent of Twitter “follows”), and “Ticker,” a real-time stream of all friends’ activities. These past several days have been truly historic for the social network and highlight two interesting themes to consider moving forward.

(1) Facebook’s “Platform Play” and Increased Competition with Apple
A major driver of the success of the iPhone and iPad has been the thriving app marketplace. Each new App created for Apple’s operating system that delights a user makes the experience of owning an iPhone a little bit better—and Apple doesn’t have to pay those developers a dime upfront. Apple effectively outsources much of its software R&D and risk-taking at zero cost, and then it takes 30% of all sales of those apps through its closed-wall app store. It is a beautiful business model.

The cycle then builds on itself. Apple earned a huge lead over its competitors in terms of smartphone (now tablet) market share while fostering a prolific App ecosystem. Consumers see all the wonderful apps their friends can download for $.99 (or free) and decide to buy an iPhone. Future app developers see all the adopters of iOS and choose to develop for that platform because they want the largest potential market for their products. The cycle repeats. The power of positive externalities is clear.

Enter Facebook. Facebook already has a user base of 800 million, dwarfing Apple’s. By positioning itself as a platform for social apps, and not merely a website that directs traffic to other domains, Facebook creates a similar “walled-garden” scenario. Apple monetizes the value of its platform through sales of connected devices and hardware; Facebook monetizes indirectly through advertising. The more of your online time (and data) that goes to Facebook, the more advertising revenue increases for the social giant.

(2) Continued Google Rivalry for Content Discovery Online
While the Facebook-Apple competition is only now emerging, much has been written of Facebook’s challenge to Google’s supremacy as the discovery engine of the web. Google helps people find content through an algorithm-driven search engine that gauges the quality and relevance of websites largely by the number of hyperlinks directed to those pages. Facebook, on the other hand, harnesses peer recommendations and knowledge to answer questions. If hyperlinks were the currency of the web during the reign of Google, social connections may be supplanting them with the ascent of Facebook.

Facebook’s new features revolve partly on the notion of removing the friction involved in sharing content. If a user listens to a song through a Facebook-hosted app, for example, her friends can be notified automatically, without her having to click “like” every few minutes. Every time someone discovers a new song, movies, game, news articles, or website through Facebook instead of a Google search, Google loses the opportunity to generate a related set of ads, the lifeblood of the business. Google is clearly taking this risk seriously, with its investment in Google+ ample and incorporation of social signals into search as ample proof.

The struggle between Facebook, Google, and Apple will be a fascinating drama to follow in the coming months and years.

Friday, September 2, 2011

Engagement Is The (Not So) Secret Ingredient

Let's talk about a couple of facts. Consumers don't like being told what they want. Consumers also don't like being spoken at. That's because they're people who want to have a say in what they consume and feel engaged in the process of creating and using their products. Don't deny it. You love being able to ask your favorite cereal maker, cruise line or hotel a question on Facebook and have an answer waiting for you the next time you log in. Honestly, those companies love it, too. Engagement via social media let's them help you have a better experience.

We took notice of this and chose to engage all our fans in this year's EatLafayette campaign. We shared our personal experiences and had many conversations on Facebook. After taking into consideration what many of our fans reacted to, we decided to try something new - Follow the Louisiana Hot Sauce Bottle.

First thing's first: The 12-foot tall hot sauce bottle. That thing is HUGE! There's absolutely no way to miss it. One of our sponsors, Bruce Foods, was very excited to be part of such a fun promotion that highlighted a few of our fantastic restaurants.

Here's how it all went down: a couple times a week toward the end of the campaign, the 12-foot tall Louisiana Hot Sauce Bottle traveled to one of its favorite restaurants. Everywhere it went, the amazing deals followed. One day there was a $5.95 shrimp poboy from Olde Tyme, another day there were $.99 hot dogs with award-winning chili from Ton's in Broussard, another day Gator Cove offered a free cup of shrimp gumbo with a purchase of $10 or more, and the list goes on.

A lot of people showed up and many of our restaurants who weren't involved yet wanted to be. The restaurants the Louisiana Hot Sauce Bottle visited received a large number of visitors and many happy customers cashed in on fantastic deals with full bellies. Win-win.

We were able to successfully pull off this promotion because we listened to the customers; interested diners wanted deals and great food. We decided to give them both, plus a dash of fun with a huge hot sauce bottle.

Making the news.

Equine Motorcoach™ U.S. manufacturing launch...RV Daily Report.

Thursday, September 1, 2011

What A Good Move.

THERE’S A NEW “POOR BOY” IN TOWN!

(Lafayette and New Iberia, La.) - Richard Hurst is taking on his grandfather’s legacy one “snowball” at a time. Starting with a snowball stand in 1932 in Lafayette until today with two full-service restaurants, one in Lafayette, and one in New Iberia, the Hurst family has prospered in the Acadiana area. The beginning – a hand-pushed snowball wagon and $1.30 investment in sugar and flavoring in the middle of the Depression with an enterprising country boy from Youngsville named Hulo Landry. Originally a baker by trade, Hulo developed an allergy to flour and by necessity became an entrepreneur.

From snowballs to hamburgers to famed “Poor Boy” sandwiches, Hulo’s business expanded and prospered. With input from his wife, Eugenia, and relatives and friends, the menu grew to include seafood and steaks.

In 1939, he moved to a beautiful site overlooking the Vermilion Bayou at Pinhook Bridge. Then disaster struck. Many believed that the devastating flood of 1940, which swamped the restaurant, ruining building and equipment, would mean the end of “Poor Boy’s”, but three months later found Hulo Landry back in business. In 1946, he opened the first completely air-conditioned restaurant in Lafayette and enjoyed continuous success until his death in 1958. Still Poor Boy’s Riverside Inn endured.

Upon his death in 1958, his son-in-law and only daughter, Larry and Kathlyn Hurst, took over the management of Poor Boy’s Riverside Inn, and prospered on the same premise that brought success and respect from the community to Hulo - quality in food and perfection in service.

In 1977, Poor Boy’s Riverside Inn moved to its present site where the Hursts began to groom two of their four children to manage the restaurant. In 1985, under the guidance and watchful eye of their parents, Richard and Elaine took over the operation of the restaurant. Richard and Elaine made an outstanding brother/sister team, and along with their loyal staff continued the family tradition of consistent quality in food and service.

In 1988, Richard and Elaine opened their second restaurant, Little River Inn. Now located in the old Trappey’s building at 833 East Main in New Iberia, the dining area looks out on the old Trappey Oak estimated to have been planted in 1630. Richard supervised the kitchen while his wife, Lori, managed the front of the house operations.

Now the year 2011, Elaine is going to follow the footsteps of her father, Larry, and retire early and Richard is going to follow the footsteps of his mother, Kathlyn, and keep the family tradition going forever! Making this the second time Richard has bought the restaurant in one form or another, he and his wife, Lori, plan to live up to Hulo’s dream, and as a dynamic husband/wife team will continue the Hurst family tradition.

Both locations have seen Acadiana grow and prosper. If windows and doors could talk, what tales they could tell! Birthday celebrations, business deals, proposals, reunions, parties of all kinds have taken place at both of our locations. Couples who held their wedding receptions here return again and again to celebrate their anniversaries with us. And now Richard and Lori are looking forward to more stories to fill the pages with.

The Hursts would like to thank you for the opportunity of serving you and Richard and Lori hope that in their food and service you find a bit of the love and intense pride that has gone into the creation of Little River Inn and Poor Boy’s Riverside Inn!


Wednesday, August 24, 2011

Get A Game Plan For A Hurricane Or Any Potential Disaster

It's that time of year again. Hurricane season. Are you ready? One of our newest clients, SkyNet Data Solutions, provides business computing solutions in preparation for hurricane season.

This region has learned that preparation is key to minimize losses, residentially and commercially. The digital age has created a whole new level of disaster protocol to ensure that valuable data, files and revenue-producing computer-based business is not permanently lost or damaged. Providing services like off-site backup, co-location, cloud computing, and virtualization of machines, SkyNet Data Solutions can help clients with their seamless, hassle-free options to keep their businesses in operation even if they have to evacuate offices.

The services offered by SkyNet provide clients with peace of mind. Off-site backup allows clients to house their information in SkyNet's facility while cloud computing allows clients to seamlessly access their information off site. Co-location and virtualization allow clients to have not only physical machines protected in SkyNet's facility, but also their virtual machines, created for off-site back-up. These services protect the client from virtual or physical disaster, such as destroyed equipment and lost data.

SkyNet also provides a service in which SkyNet technicians can visit a client's office to retrieve data machines, safely store them in SkyNet's facility, and bring them back to the client in case of a natural disaster such as a hurricane, all without the client losing access to their information.

SkyNet Data Solutions (Skynet) is based in Lafayette, Louisiana. For more information about Skynet Data Solution's services, call Josh Reed at (337) 232-2525, or email Jreed@SkynetDataSolutions.com.

Tuesday, August 2, 2011

Calzone & Associates Producing First-Class Websites as Strategic Marketing Tools

A website is an essential tool in a complete branding package for any company, large or small. A web presence with relevant information and a thoughtful, intuitive design is a crucial element in marketing a business in the 21st century. Calzone & Associates is producing websites as strategic marketing tools for businesses, catering each creation to the individual business’ needs and goals.

Calzone takes a website from the initial research phase and creates a design that is consistent with and strengthens the company’s brand. An easy to use content management system is utilized to allow for easy updating and core organization of the website. Web development and updates are all handled in-house. Once a website is complete, Calzone initiates Search Engine Optimization strategies and implements a marketing approach to push web visitors to the new website. These strategies include traditional media advertising, social media marketing, e-newsletter marketing and more.

Below are examples of Calzone’s most recent websites that have been completed for clients.

Coteau Grove Farm
www.coteaugrovefarms.com

Coteau Grove Farms is a breeder of top-quality thoroughbred race horses located on 180 acres of rolling hills in Sunset, Louisiana. Coteau Grove Farms was founded in 2008 by Keith and Ginger Myers. The Myers have a love of horses and established their thoroughbred racing operation. Louisiana's breeding and racing incentive program rewards excellence. The Myers founded their operation to create top quality breeding and race horses to compete in Louisiana and nationally.

The Coteau Grove Farms website features an online catalog of the horses for the Racing, Breeding, and Sales programs at the farm. The website also functions as a platform for visitors to interact through social media and e-newsletter marketing.

Baronne Veterinary Clinic
www.bvcequine.com

Baronne Veterinary Clinic, located in Sunset, Louisiana, is an equine medical and surgical facility that offers call services to local farms, training centers, and racetracks. The equine associates specialize in treatment of the equine athlete, pleasure horse, and breeding stock. Baronne Veterinary Clinic utilizes new technologies and the latest medical and therapeutic treatments for the benefits of its equine patients. The Clinic offers wellness and rehabilitation methodologies that keep the equine athlete healthy for competition and pleasure. Veterinarians focus on client education because they believe that the horse owner is an integral part of the process.

The new Baronne Veterinary Clinic website provides the visitor with information about the services and Veterinarians at the clinic. Ask the Veterinarian gives the Veterinarians a place to post information that is relevant for client education. Visitors can also access online forms to facilitate quicker care for their horses. The site also features an extensive Frequently Asked Questions section about Health and Maintenance for horses, Breeding, and Disease Prevention, among other topics. Visitors can also sign up for the e-newsletter or connect with social media.

Maximum Performance
www.maximumperformancestore.com

The Maximum Performance product line contains supplement products designed for horses of all ages. From muscle development and enhanced training ability to prevention of OCD and arthritis production, Maximum Performance will benefit a horse's entire athletic career.

The Maximum Performance website is an e-commerce platform to sell the line of equine dietary supplements. The online shopping cart makes it easy for the visitor to view and purchase the products. The site also features testimonials about the products and a source for education about caring for a horse’s bone, joint and muscle health. An electronic newsletter and social media links allow for marketing the website.

Café Vermilionville
www.cafev.com

Cafe Vermilionville sits majestically on one and one-half acres in the heart of Lafayette's Oil Center, only minutes from any corner of this capital of French Acadiana. Established in 1981, the Café's place in culinary lore has long been secured by an impressive list of awards for creative excellence.

Calzone redesigned the website for Café Vermilionville as a way to preserve its’ history and elegance, but bringing it into the next era of fine dining establishments. The new website features the menus and wine list for the restaurant, as well as a platform to share information regarding special events like weddings, rehearsal dinners or banquet functions, including a photo gallery. Links to sign up for the e-newsletter and social networking pages provide interactive elements for web visitors.

EatLafayette
www.eatlafayette.com

EatLafayette is a celebration of the restaurants that make the Acadiana culture so appetizing.
The six-week campaign gives locally-owned restaurants the opportunity to showcase their cuisine. The campaign features an extensive media buy, social networking, and an interactive website that highlights each participating restaurant’s information, videos, and specials.

This year’s new EatLafayette website gives each participating restaurant its own page to display information like hours, a description or their website, links to their special, website, Facebook, and Twitter pages, videos, a downloadable PDF of its menu, and social sharing. Restaurants are easily organized into categories, which makes the site more interactive and intuitive. The campaign is heavily based on social networking, so links to these networks are prominently displayed, including a feed from Twitter. Newsletter signup helps grow the database of marketable website visitors. The website also features a downloadable map of participating restaurants and a page to showcase the sponsors of the campaign.

Plastic Surgery Associates
www.psassoc.com

All physicians at Plastic Surgery Associates are board-certified (American Board of Plastic Surgery) in plastic and reconstructive surgery and bring more than 100 years of experience to their practice in Plastic, Reconstructive, and Cosmetic Surgery. They offer a complete array of services from non-surgical fillers and chemical peels to facelifts, scar revisions and liposuction. Precise Spa of Acadiana is the non-surgical medical spa of Plastic Surgery Associates.

The new Plastic Surgery Associates website features profiles on each of the doctors, a full menu of services, an extensive Frequently Asked Questions section, before and after gallery and a means of contacting the doctors directly through the website. The new website also includes an e-commerce component for selling the skin care products and gift cards from Precise Spa. The website also functions as a platform for visitors to interact through social media and e-newsletter marketing.

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

Café Vermilionville Gets A Virtual Facelift

The new cafev.com.
Recently we've revamped the look of the website for one of Lafayette's most celebrated restaurants, Café Vermilionville. The new site makes the menu and wine lists more easily readable as well as allows those interested in booking parties, receptions and weddings to view photos of the facility and past events held at the restaurant. Brightening up the color palette gave the site a completely different, fresh look and breathes new life into the memories that have been created at the restaurant over the years.

A long standing Lafayette tradition, Café Vermilionville has been open since 1981 and is still serving some of the finest cuisine our city has to offer. Visit the new site at www.cafev.com.
Brands usually start with some kind of logo that is a reflection of its identity. Here are some of ours - LOGOS.

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Coteau Grove Farms


When a successful businessman and woman combine what they know with what they love, another success is to be expected.

Coteau Grove Farms is a breeder of top-quality thoroughbred race horses located on 180 acres of rolling hills in Sunset, Louisiana.

Coteau Grove Farms was founded in 2008 by Keith and Ginger Myers. The Myers have a love of horses and established their thoroughbred racing operation. Louisiana's breeding and racing incentive program rewards excellence. The Myers founded their operation to create top quality breeding and race horses to compete in Louisiana and nationally.

Calzone created and developed Coteau Grove Farms website. The firm has over 20 years of experience in the horse industry, especially the thoroughbred horse breeding and racing industry. The firm is one of only a handful of agencies with that level of experience and expertise.

Thursday, July 7, 2011

The Importance of Brand Consistency

What is a “brand”?


Ok, before we start we had better define a “brand” more fully. In simplistic terms a brand is a proposition – a message such as “we deliver quality sports wear”. There may also be sub messages and values which associate with that message but they all revolve around the same idea. How this message is communicated is often termed “branding” and one of the most important aspects of communicating a brand visually and subconsciously, is consistency.

What is brand consistency?


Brand consistency is where a business attempts to communicate messages in a way which doesn’t detract or wander away from the core brand proposition. For example, a single logo is always used in a similar way on all marketing materials, a single typeface is used with particular guidelines on typography, consistent color ranges are applied and similar design styles, so that everything visual is inter-linked and has a link back to that core brand proposition. Every piece of marketing material is like a member of the same family, supporting and even looking similar to all the other members in the family. The brand has it’s own unique “look” which enables a consumer to recognize it as belonging to that brand proposition and distinguish it from competing brands. This visual “look” often evolves slowly over time but the core message of all successful brands never really changes.

Take for example, Apple computers. Since their brand’s conception, their brand proposition was to supply advanced, quality, great looking, high performing computers. This message has never changed although the way they have communicated this over the years has, as they have kept up with modern design standards. This has led to consumer recognition and then trust and loyalty from their customers.
We would like to mention that branding is not just about applying a logo in a consistent manner, and having the right Pantone colors. It is about ensuring that all the messaging of all communications materials is pulling in the same direction. That it all “looks” consistent. Even the way the copy is written should be considered in the light of the brand messaging, the way the website is coded and the quality of paper used in printed materials – all of these points should be consistent because of they are not, it will cause consumers to loose trust in the brand and it’s messaging.

For example, imagine you were thinking of purchasing an expensive, high performance car. You see a TV advertisement for a car dealer near you. You look at their website but it doesn’t seem to look the same as the TV advert. When you go there the sales man gave you a flimsy, poorly designed, black and white, photocopied brochure – again this doesn’t fit in with the web-site design, the TV advertisement and the message they had communicated to you. This would immediately make you think – hang on, if this car is worth £100,000 then why cannot they afford to produce quality marketing materials? Am I even in the right place? Maybe this product is not what it seems?! And you may even be put off from the purchase because something didn’t sit right – because the brand proposition was not communicated in the right way, or in a consistent way – and that’s why brand consistency is so important.


Why bother with brand consistency?


Brand consistency has one massive advantage – recognition. With recognition comes familiarity. With familiarity comes trust and confidence. Also, if done correctly, consistency brings clarity and purpose which consumers buy into. They can become loyal. As people we don’t really like “new’ – and it has been widely reported that before a consumer purchases a product, on average, they need to be exposed to a brand 17 times. 17 times is an awful lot and so it’s essential that when a potential customer comes across a “brand message” they know straight away which brand is communicating to them. This can only be done by consistency. If consistency is not applied, and the message and design not defined then it is possible for a consumer to mistake one brand with a competing brand which could then mean they associate the impression with another company. This means a business potentially looses customers, and may even help it’s competitors if a consistent “look” and tone is not achieved.

The issue is that brand consistency often takes many years to master before it really starts working for you. This means you need to think long term – and start as you mean to go on. Leading brands are normally leading because they have had many years of consistency behind them and they have had a long term goal for their branding which has been consistent. The trick is to have in place a clear idea of your brand and then the right people in place to guard it.

Gastronomy Economy

The Independent
By Anna Purdy

A 7-year-old campaign to get Lafayette residents out of their homes and into locally owned restaurants is expanding its reach. And our waistlines. By Anna Purdy

In 2004, Charlie Goodson of Charley G’s was talking to a few other restaurateurs about how to drum up more business in the often slacking summer months. Summer is historically tough for the service industry — if it’s a “college town” the seasonal exodus siphons patrons and cash, and in most any town people are either going on vacation or saving money to do so, cutting into the restaurants’ bottom line.

“Myself and others restaurateurs were trying to come up with a summer program,” recalls Goodson. “It’s an awareness campaign to make people think about local restaurants. If these mom-and-pop places go away, there goes our identity.”

With a mind focused on local and locally owned and operated restaurants, Goodson spoke to Gerald Breaux of the Lafayette Convention & Visitors Commission. A meeting with Julie Calzone of Calzone & Associates, a marketing and advertising agency, soon followed. Over coffee the trio generated a plan to bring together and promote the vital and varied restaurants in Lafayette, educating locals and tourists alike about the many places a good meal can be had from every nook and cranny and cuisine being offered. EatLafayette was born.

Since its inception, Calzone has been heading up the marketing for EatLafayette. All advertising, social media marketing, promotions, website and collateral materials run through her company. “The media create a nearly $200,000 impact because they give us 2- or 3-to-1 matches on our buys, endless on-air promotion and visibility we couldn’t afford to pay for. They are simply amazing. We don’t ever see that in any other market we work in as an agency,” Calzone says.

Put simply, EatLafayette allows restaurants to pay a nominal fee and be part of a major marketing and promotional push. While the yearly kickoff soiree and campaign are every summer (this year’s promotion ends Aug. 15), EatLafayette’s website is up year-round and allows easy access and research for locals and travelers to see what is being offered by every sort of restaurant, from mom-and-pop diners to the white linen set.

It began seven years ago with 18 restaurants. During this year’s kickoff party held at Acadiana Center for the Arts on June 20, there were 57 restaurants represented as well as local brewery LA-31 offering complimentary brew.

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This summer’s launch party filled the AcA’s James D. Moncus Theater to capacity. Each restaurant had one or two offerings, a veritable edible square of
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goodies from around Acadiana — from bagels to gumbo, from seafood crepes to ribs, to sushi and bread pudding was up for the tasting. If you left hungry it was surely your own fault, despite having to wade through the starving throng.

This year seemed noticeably fuller, and it was: “We expanded it [in 2010] to allow Acadiana restaurants who were members of the Lafayette Convention & Visitors Commission to participate,” says Calzone. In other words, if a restaurant is locally owned and located not just in Lafayette proper but the larger Acadiana region and it becomes a member of LCVC, joining EatLafayette is an option. According to Goodson, well beyond half of the tickets printed and given out to sponsors, restaurants and others were used, making this year a huge success.

EatLafayette’s marketing campaign is through television, print and social media. The website highlights a different member restaurant every day. Not sure what you’re in the mood to nosh on today? Just scroll through the list of restaurants and check out the map to easily find what your palate craves. The site lists restaurants running dining specials unique to the campaign. All you have to do is mention EatLafayette when ordering to receive the special. You can also sign up for a Caribbean cruise at any of the restaurants.

“This year’s event was different,” continues Calzone, “because we really upped our game for the kickoff event in many ways. First, the AcA — it was a win-win. We brought them a demographic they didn’t ordinarily see. We had a spectacular venue. Most importantly, it opened up the event to a broader market — you didn’t have to be a chamber of commerce member to attend. It’s been at River Oaks and the Petroleum Club — great venues who did a lot to help us get going. The event was tied to the chamber’s Business After Hours. That was a super way to market the businesses for a kickoff event.”

This year Event Rental and Event Staffing designed the event around a new title sponsor ­— the Fly Lafayette Club. The Fly Lafayette Club allows users to sign up for free online and then are sent a card. Every time you fly through Lafayette Regional Airport all you have to do is swipe your card through at one of the kiosks and you enter to win monthly prizes, from free meals to merchandise. Calzone says this encourages not only locals but those who frequently travel to Lafayette to seek out local places to eat.

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But EatLafayette is more than a campaign to generate dollars for the food service industry. According to Calzone, EatLafayette’s reach extends cover4beyond the regional to the national. It heightens awareness of a culture that is unique — our cuisine is just one aspect people should know more about. Our food is a gateway drug, so to speak, for getting addicted to Acadiana. The music, the people and the burgeoning technological advances are piquing the interest of companies from around the globe.

This year’s Restaurant Business’ Restaurant Growth Index Report has Lafayette beating New Orleans to the dinner line: Lafayette came in at 17 in the nation with New Orleans trailing six places behind, and Lafayette residents also spend more money on dining out, per capita, than our crescent-shaped down the road. These numbers are a great reason restaurateurs like our area and a very great reason for EatLafayette to not only continue but to thrive and expand.

“Without the Lafayette Convention & Visitors Commission who started the campaign, it would not be what it is,” adds Calzone. “Their sponsorship, their team and their commitment lend expertise, credibility, relationships, creativity, resources and so many things that the level of this campaign has reached would not be possible without them. They are critical to its success. They help us bring in the sponsors we have today, and that number and their financial support has grown tremendously.”

This push for national coverage is making a lot of people and companies want to pull up to our proverbial table. Luckily, we always have room for more. And there are always seconds.

Thursday, June 23, 2011

The Best Just Keep Getting Better.

Congratulations to Spa Mizan for being named the Best Day Spa in Acadiana.

Spa Mizan offers a gathering place for family, friends, brides and grooms. With 8,500 sq.ft. of luxurious spa facilities, Spa Mizan is designed for the ultimate in beauty, relaxation and pampering body care services, each carefully conceived and meticulously thought out to reflect our mission in creating extraordinary spa experiences.

The atmosphere and vibe is a little different. It's old Hollywood glam.



7 Chics provides women with fun, glam

Written by
Amanda McElfresh
The Advertiser, Lafayette, LA

WANT TO GO?

7 Chics is located at 201 Settlers Trace Blvd., Suite 3003. For more information, visit 7chics.com or call (337) 704-2632.

A new boutique shop in River Ranch is offering customers more than just a selection of clothing.

"The atmosphere and vibe is a little different. It's old Hollywood glam," 7 Chics owner Francine Richard said. "It's about the treatment you're getting."

Patrons are treated to soft drinks, wine and mimosas each day, and the shop also provides hair-styling and makeup services to all customers. Appointments are needed on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays, but walk-ins are welcome on other days.

"We'll stay as late as you need to stay. Nobody's going to rush you out the door," Richard said.

The concept for 7 Chics came to Richard after a group of her close friends helped her through some hard times, in part by joining her for impromptu house parties that included dressing up, hair and makeup, and heading out for a night on the town. Thinking that a store might be able to offer the same kind of relaxed and fun atmosphere, Richard decided to strike out into the business world.

It took a little thinking to come up with the name, but Richard said she always wanted to use the title to pay tribute to her close-knit group.

"I always called them 'chickie' or 'chick,' and it came out to six people. I didn't like the number six, and then I realized we had a seventh because I didn't even count myself," Richard said. "It came out perfect."

Richard said she's also focused on offering items at various price points and a range of clothes that appeal to different age groups. In addition, several gift items including candles, aprons and wine glasses are available.

"I've got 18-year-olds and people my mom's age who shop in my store," she said. "It's going to cater a little more to people in their late 20s to 40s, but we have something for everybody."

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

EatLafayette. Fly Lafayette.



What a night! What an effort! What an amazing event to watch materialize into everything we all envisioned and more. Based on the ticket drop (yes, we retrieved and counted them), we estimate 800-900 people attended the event. Thank you to our sponsors, Townsquare Media, Event Rental, Event Staffing, LCVC, Bon Temps and the AcA. Your generosity, passion and presence is what made it a success. A special thanks to Calzone staff, their creativity and diligence made all the pieces come together magnificently. (And, yes. I remember giving you all July 1st off!)

It's time to EatLafayette!

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

Web Developer Job Opening

Job starts immediately. Please forward resume and portfolio to patrick@calzone.com

Responsible for the layout, visual appearance, and usability of the client’s website.

Responsibilities:
• Design and maintain websites and web portals and ensure that they are visually effective and easy to access.
• Write web pages using codes such as HTML, XHTML, CSS, Javascript, PHP, PHP List, etc.
• Produce designs that will be attractive to the target users, has a logical navigation system, and has all the features required.
• Fix problems encountered in the functioning of websites.

Qualifications/Experience:
• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, MIS, or related experience.
• Strong skills in MySQL.
• Experience with computer graphic packages such as Dreamweaver, Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, etc...
• Experience with Joomla and Drupal.
• Experience with eCommerce solutions.
• Knowledge of Flash, XML-based web applications, SEO and programming language and other web development languages and technologies.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Strong attention to detail.

Tuesday, June 7, 2011

Can't Fence Them In.

Customers and vendors just got this email from Buckley Fence, one of our clients. They are seeing tremendous growth as a result of direct sales, SEO for their website and an eNews campaign. They developed and manufacture a terrific product. Imagine getting an order for 1/2 mile of fencing at a time.
-------------------------------------------

Please take note of our new address below effective June 1, 2011. Our web address, email, phone and fax numbers all remain the same. Just our office location has changed. We once again moved to a larger facility which will hopefully be our office and warehouse location for a very long time!

As always, feel free to contact me if you have any questions. Please forward this email to any others that may need to be informed of our new address.

Thank you!

Patty

Please note our new address:

Patty Buckley
Buckley Fence, LLC
6613 W. Mill Road
Milwaukee, WI 53218

Monday, May 30, 2011

Our clientsa are winners.

Here are a few horses that ran over the weekend and use Maximum Performance Products--May 30, 2011

Bret Calhoun - Uses Maximum Performance Original Formula

Horse - Grandacious won the $75,000 Cinemine Stakes on May 30th at Lone Star Park in Dallas, Texas

Horse - Beat The Blues ran second in the $100,000 Grade 2 Winning Colors Stakes at Churchill Downs on May 30th

Larry Kopycinski - Uses Both Maximum Performance Original formula and Joint Matrix

Horse- Heza Devil Man won the $40,000 Louisiana Purchase Stakes at Delta Downs on May 28th in near track record time with a speed index of 103!

Darryl Soileau - Uses OCD Matrix Formula

Horse- JLS Mr. Bigtime- Won the $134,000 Delta Downs Derby with a speed index of 102. He is now on his way to New Mexico train for the All-American Derby.

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

New Websites Created and Launched by Calzone.

Calzone was hired to created to highly specialized websites.Baronne Veterinary Clinic is a medical and surgical equine facility located in Sunset, Louisiana. The practice works throughout Southwest Louisiana and the New Orleans area. The veterinarians tend to the top sport and race horses in Louisiana.

Baronne Veterinary Clinic utilizes new technologies and the latest medical and therapeutic treatments for the benefits of its equine patients. The Clinic offers wellness and rehabilitation methodologies that keep the equine athlete healthy for competition and pleasure. Veterinarians focus on client education because they believe that the horse owner is an integral part of the process.

The Maximum Performance product line contains products for designed for horses of all ages. From muscle development and enhanced training ability to prevention of OCD and arthritis production, Maximum Performance will benefit your horse's entire athletic career. The Maximum Performance line of products contains only pure bio-active pharmaceutical grade ingredients and none of the cheap additives and fillers that manufacturers lace their products with to bring their cost down.

These highly bio-active nutrients are seen in many products on the market but rarely in their therapeutic doses.

Monday, May 9, 2011

Congratulations to Si Brown.

Bruce Foods Corp. President Appointed to the Grocery Manufacturers Association Board of Directors

NEW IBERIA, La., Feb. 17, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Bruce Foods Corporation announces the appointment of company president, J.S. "Si" Brown III to the Grocery Manufacturers Association Board of Directors. Since 1908, the Grocery Manufacturers Association has helped guide and inspire the consumer packaged goods industry in the US and abroad. GMA serves as the voice of this industry which brings nutritious, affordable, and high quality foods to Americans and to the world. The association and its member companies are committed to meeting the needs of consumers through product innovation, responsible business practices and effective public policy solutions developed though a genuine partnership with policymakers and other stakeholders.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110217/DA49907)

The Grocery Manufacturers Association helps its members produce safe products through a strong and ongoing commitment to scientific research, testing and evaluation and to providing consumers with the products, tools and information they need to achieve a healthy diet and an active lifestyle.

The GMA Board of Directors is comprised of leaders of its member organizations and is actively involved in shaping GMA's priorities and policy. GMA's members contribute heavily to the association through involvement in issue-specific councils, committees and working groups. "I am deeply honored to serve the Grocery Manufacturers of America at a higher level," said Si Brown. "This is an organization that has been so important to our company and been so effective for the food industry that I am humbled to have been chosen."

Mr. Brown has been president and CEO of Bruce Foods since 1973 and is currently serving as Chairman of the Board of Advisors of the John Folse Culinary Institute at Nichols State University and is a member of the Board of Pennington Research Foundation, Baton Rouge Louisiana, the Advisory Council of Louisiana Ports and Waterways and is a Vice President of the Evangeline Area Council Boy Scouts of America. Mr. Brown has a long history of expertise in International Business and has served on numerous National and Statewide committees. He has served three terms as Chairman of the Louisiana Export Council operating under the auspices of the US Department of Commerce, Washington DC and was appointed in 1986 by US Secretary of Commerce, Malcolm Baldridge to serve as a member of the Industry Sector Advisory Committee on US Trade Policy Matters, Washington DC and reappointed to serve two additional terms under Commerce Secretaries Verity and Mosbacher. He has also served as a member of the Agricultural Technical Advisory Committee for Processed Foods, US Department of Agriculture, Washington DC and as the Honorary Council General of Brazil for Louisiana.

For Additional Information,


Please contact Virginia Brown or


Joah Butler @ 337-365-8101


or virginia@brucefoods.com

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

FuzziBunz® Modern Cloth Diapers Inventor Tereson Dupuy to Host Earth Day Event in Palmer Park, New Orleans, LA

Media Advisory

FuzziBunz Contact:
Tereson Dupuy
tereson@fuzzibunz.com

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

(New Orleans, La.) – On April 23, 2011, parents around the world will unite for a common cause, to set the Guinness World Record™ for most cloth diapers changed simultaneously. The Great Cloth Diaper Change℠ initiative encourages families to make the switch to cloth diapers for environmental, financial, and health benefits. Cloth diapers reduce waste for families with children in diapers by more than 50%.

Tereson Dupuy, Inventor of FuzziBunz® reusable cloth diapers, will host a Great Cloth Diaper Change℠ event in Palmer Park. The event will be co-sponsored by Zuka Baby on Magazine Street. Families are invited to participate in this record-setting event. FuzziBunz® commemorative Earth Day diapers will be handed out to the first 50 participants who don’t have a cloth diaper.

Who: Tereson Dupuy, Inventor of FuzziBunz® reusable cloth diapers
“The Mother of the Modern Cloth Diaper”
Zuka Baby – Natural Parenting Boutique
Parents and babies participating in The Great Cloth Diaper Change℠

What: The Great Cloth Diaper Change℠ is an effort to celebrate Earth Day and to set the record for the most cloth diapers changed simultaneously.

When: Saturday, April 23, 2011
Registration – 11:00 a.m.
Diaper Change – 11:30 a.m.
Where: Palmer Park
New Orleans, Louisiana
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Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Equine Veterninary Practice Launches Website.

We created and produced a new website for Baronne Veterinary Clinic.

Baronne Veterinary Clinic (BVC), located in Sunset, Louisiana, is an all equine medical and surgical facility that also offers ambulatory services to local farms, training centers, and racetracks. The twelve Equine associates specialize in treatment of the equine athlete, pleasure horse, broodmare, and foals. The practice has served the community for over twenty years and has expanded its reach to service Evangeline Downs Racetrack Casino Hotel (Opelousas, LA), Delta Downs Racetrack Casino Hotel (Vinton, LA), Louisiana Downs (Bossier City, LA), and The Fair Grounds (New Orleans LA).

From Arthroscopic surgery to Stem Cell therapy, there are a multitude of services offered to meet your horses needs. With today's new technologies, the therapeutic opportunities for your horse are endless. The Baronne Veterinary Clinic team is available to discuss the medical aspects of your horse with you. The team focuses on client education and also offers chiropractic and acupuncture treatment modalities.

Baronne Veterinary Clinic has the latest diagnotic and laboratory equipment to assess the health of your horses. Veterinarians use these test results to develop appropriate treatment programs to help your horse return to maximum performance and a healthy life.

The veterinary team is known by their clients to be highly skilled and compassionate. The team knows that horses are often not only part of a business, but become part of the family.

Thursday, April 7, 2011

It's a 'Good for the skin' Online Shopping Cart!

We've launched the online shopping cart for Plastic Surgery Associates/Precise Spa of Acadiana. Customers can now browse and buy their cleansers, creams, serums, toners, sun care products, and exfoliators from PSA, but from the comfort of their home. Plus, they can enjoy free shipping on all products! Gift certificates for products, spa procedures like chemical peels or facial injections, or cosmetic surgical procedures can also be purchased from the online store. Check it out:

http://www.psassoc.com/online-store

Evangeline Downs Press Conference a Success for our client!

National coverage gained through the public relations efforts and a press conference organized by the Calzone crew.

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/horses/2011-04-06-3193839682_x.htm

Wednesday, March 23, 2011



Hollywood Chic opening in May. The party will start there.

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

File Sharing in the Cloud - it sure does make our lives easier!

The latest e-newsletter from Abacus Data Exchange talks about how we've adopted their cloud computing system to streamline our work flow process.

http://calzone.com/newsMessage?id=1163

Tuesday, March 8, 2011



Management executives on Mardi Gras. Oh yeah...we have fun.

Monday, March 7, 2011

Happy Mardi Gras from Calzone!

Wishing everyone a safe and festive Mardi Gras! With our offices are located in the heart of Downtown Lafayette, we are all very excited to celebrate this great Louisiana tradition of parades, food and revelry.

Monday, February 28, 2011

East Meets Best - Calzone snags 2 Addy's for television spots!

Saturday night, the Calzone crew attended the 2011 AAF Addy Awards at City Club in River Ranch. We wined and dined and mingled with the best of the best in the advertising business in Lafayette.

We are excited to say that our team picked up a Silver Addy Award for Local :30 Television Commercial for the Plastic Surgery Associates 'Under the Sheets' spot.



And we are especially proud of our Gold AddyAward for Local :30 Television Commercial for Kiki.


Thursday, February 24, 2011

A Genuine Sense of Specialness

Todd Zimmerman is an established interior designer in Lafayette, LA with clients both locally and across the U.S. He has a well-rounded background and education in design, and his experience with high end design firms as well as an independent designer has allowed him to cater to a multitude of clients. His work includes both commercial and residential spaces of all sizes. Todd considers his best asset to be his ability "to match the individual or individuals with the most effective, and prosperous environment that is aesthetically pleasing and comfortable." Todd's education, experience and constant exploration of new design styles allows him to accommodate the tastes of many clients. His work is specific to the client.

Todd came to us recently looking to re-brand his company in hopes of shaking his contemporary image and becoming more approachable to potential clients. The first step in this process to change the name of his company from 'Todd Zimmerman Interiors' to simply 'Design By Todd.' The new logo (pictured above) communicates style, creativity and comfort on a professional level. The theme that has emerged from Todd's work process is 'A genuine sense of specialness.' In using an actual wax seal on his collateral materials, every piece of branded material that passes from Todd's hands to his clients will embody that specialness. The next steps in this process will include e-newsletter marketing, a new website, seminars, social networking, direct mail pieces and new signage for his 606 Lee Avenue location.

Sunday, February 20, 2011

Friday, February 18, 2011


Birthdays are just so freakin' fantastic at Calzone.

Thursday, February 17, 2011

The Social Database - That's What We're Talking About!

We all know that electronic newsletters and social media outlets like Facebook and Twitter are crucial elements in marketing a business these days. We at Calzone are always working to make these components flow together seamlessly so that our clients can get information to their customers efficiently.

One way we like to do this is with a Facebook application that allows Fans to sign-up for electronic newsletters directly from a Facebook Business Page. Facebook users interact with a Facebook Business Page as intimately as they would a website these days, so why wouldn't we give them the opportunity to ask for more information and communication with a brand? It builds contact database within the social community!

A simple Facebook app ties directly to the electronic newsletter manager, and can sort users who sign up through Facebook into their own list, so business owners know who is interacting with their brand via Facebook.

We absolutely love the connectivity of media and they way it helps to create stronger brands!

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

EatLafayette 2011 - Same Campaign. New Flavor.

Same campaign. New Flavor.
With EatLafayette entering it's 7th year, the campaign needed a bit of a face-lift. First in line, the website. Not only are we planning a new look and feel, but we're upgrading the functionality and content management as well as expanding a little.

This year, we're back with a fresh face and easier to navigate site with more information at your fingertips. This year, each restaurant that participates in EatLafayette will have their own page on the site. Their own home base for contact info, social networking links, website link, hours, menu, photos, video, etc. We're also introducing a specials icon, which will appear next to a restaurant's name and information throughout the site so that it's easy to tell by looking at the listings which restaurants are offering a money-saving special. The brochure gets a design update, too, but will still include all restaurant listings and the map in a convenient, compact size.

The 2011 EatLafayette campaign will run from June 20 - August 15, 2011.
Keep checking back for a brand new EatLafayette.com, coming soon with a new look and new participating restaurants!

Allons manger!

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

Local Surgeons to Attend National Symposium to Learn New Techniques in Cosmetic Surgery

(Lafayette, La.) - Dr. Louis Mes and Dr. Terry Cromwell of Plastic Surgery Associates in Lafayette, Louisiana will be attending the 45th Annual Baker Gordon Educational Symposium, February 10-12th, 2011, in Miami, Florida.

The focus of this year’s Baker Gordon Symposium is defining the transformational effects of volume addition in aesthetic (cosmetic) surgery – the alliance of surgical composition with structural enhancement. One of the topics to be discussed at this year’s symposium is advanced filler injection techniques, emphasizing which filler material, including fat, is best suited for specific regions of facial aging. Another name for these injections is the “liquid face lift”.

Dr. Mes and Dr. Cromwell will attend the symposium as part of their annual fulfillment of continuing medical education requirements to maintain their statuses as board-certified surgeons by The American Board of Plastic Surgery. This year’s Baker Gordon Symposium is jointly sponsored by The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery and The University of Miami Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine in cooperation with Mercy Hospital, Miami, Florida. The symposium is endorsed by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.

Plastic Surgery Associates is located at 1101 South College Road Suite 400, Lafayette, LA 70503. • Phone: (337) 233-5025 • (800) 950-9290 • www.psassoc.com
###

Friday, January 28, 2011

7 chics. That's all we're saying for now.

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

We are so excited to have signed Design By Todd. What an amazing creative and business match for both businesses.

Monday, January 24, 2011

Web developer/designer job opening

Job starts immediately. Please forward resume and portfolio to jeff@calzone.com

Responsible for the layout, visual appearance, and usability of the client’s website.

Responsibilities:
• Design and maintain websites and web portals and ensure that they are visually effective and easy to access.
• Write web pages using codes such as HTML, XHTML, CSS, Javascript, PHP, etc.
• Produce designs that will be attractive to the target users, has a logical navigation system, and has all the features required.
• Fix problems encountered in the functioning of websites.

Qualifications/Experience:
• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, MIS, or related experience.
• Strong skills in MS SQL Server 2005.
• Experience with computer graphic packages such as Dreamweaver, Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, etc...
• Experience with Joomla and Drupal
• Knowledge of Flash, XML-based web applications, SEO and programming language and other web development languages and technologies.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Strong attention to detail.

Friday, January 21, 2011

Getting Social.

There are lots of tools you can use to manage social media and social media marketing.

When you want more followers try TweetBig. Building community helps you communicate with more people who might be interested in what your brand is and what it has to offer. Make sure you have something relevant to say. Otherwise, just tweet as yourself.

Monday, January 17, 2011

Sometimes you just learn the things you need to learn from college friends. I was an on-air personality at WRPI FM radio throughout my college days. That experience connected me with musicians, engineers and guys who are still my friends. We share what we learn as we learn it. I find they are so ahead of the curve and am grateful that I'm able to keep up.

A 2009 technology, Sound Cloud, is the latest to come across the WRPI discussion group. We're playing with it and it's becoming a part of our media and marketing efforts.

Sunday, January 16, 2011

How many times are we as business professionals so engaged the process of applying our skills to all of our clients, that we neglect to apply them to our own businesses?

You've probably already had the same reasons (excuses) we did - too busy, not enough hours, need those billable hours and more. We're discovering that our productivity is increasing as we apply the very processes that have made our clients successful to our own firm. Simply, we are making time for it. My mother used to say, "you make time for the things that are really important to you - no exceptions."

What's happening is that the clients are gaining a larger benefit from our collective thinking and processes. We've created so much success for them already, we can't even imagine (or we can) how much more success we are going to create for them.

We are here to serve our clients. The better we serve ourselves, the better we will serve them.

Monday, January 10, 2011

Work from Anywhere with the Abacus Data Cloud

Mobility is the key to running a successful business these days. Having remote access to all of your business files allows you to continue your job even when you can’t be in the office. The Abacus Data Cloud offers a remote virtual private network connection so that you can stay productive during an illness, a natural disaster or emergency, while traveling or just when you prefer to work from the comfort of your home.
A simple installation on your home computer, either PC or Mac, will give you direct access to all files currently backed up on the Abacus Data Cloud. Changes made in real time from your personal computer will be available to those accessing files from office computers and vice versa.
Aside from giving better mobility and remote access to your business, The Abacus Data Cloud increases network uptime, and improves disaster prevention with reliable backups and server duplication. Abacus Data Exchange has developed an off-site Active Directory Domain and storage solution to provide better security, reliability and affordability to businesses. Abacus provides a local network attached storage device for ease of backing up files and data from the local workstations. Along with storage services, the local device also provides a routing solution for users to ensure maximum network capabilities. The features included with this device are firewalled security, web-browsing caching and intrusion detection.
If you want to learn more about all of the features of the Abacus Data Cloud and how it can help your business' productivity, visit the website www.abacuscloudcomputing.com or call 337.889.0202 to speak with us.
About Abacus Data Exchange
Abacus Marketing Resources, LLC has been in business since 2005 serving broadband solutions to local businesses. Inspired by Lafayette's commitment to deploying a full fiber network and excited by the opportunity to help businesses take greater advantage of online opportunities, Abacus made the bold decision to leverage leading-edge elastic computing to open the Abacus Data Exchange. Abacus Data Exchange was created as an alternative ‘green’ data center using hosted virtualized infrastructure-as-a-service. In February of 2010 Abacus advanced their services to provide public virtualized infrastructure-as-a-service; often referred to as ‘cloud computing’.
Abacus Data Exchange
110 Travis St., Lafayette, LA 70503
337.889.0202
www.abacuscloudcomputing.com