IMAGE AWARDS “GO FOR GOLD”

The Competition

Why is this important to you?

You are guaranteed to work with a group of dedicated professionals when you choose any of our members!

For more details on the winning entries please read below. Otherwise ask your consultant about how to make your marketing initiatives an Image Award winner this year!

Category: Best Embroidery
Our goal with this organization was to create a logo specific to their club that would be easily recognized when attending skating events as well as to complement the only existing logo which is imprinted in their ice rink. They wanted a logo which would stand out amongst other competitors and enable the skating community to easily recognize their club. The impeccable detail of this embroidered image and added creative touches provides an unmistakeable visual image and logo recognition. Our end result was a fabulous jacket in a vivid colour with an eye catching team logo on the back.

Category: Best Embroidery
The details in the embroidery were very sharp and creative. A flat embroidery was used along with a micro twill design to achieve the super fine twill weave in the fabric of the cap. Challenges involved were placing the front logo directly centered in front of the hat and peak, and also the logo on back had to be centered over opening. Diamonds on cross had to be red to match with red thread color used. We had to make sure every little detail stood out on its own to give the hat the added creative.

Category: Best Embroidery
Imagine connecting the four major convention venues in Calgary into one imprint. That’s what we were able to do with our client. The total stitch count on this artwork is 68,241 stitches! Each piece took 137 minutes to produce! We were working with unlined men’s and ladies Fleece Vests, Fleece Blankets and six panel Cotton Ball Caps. All materials required attention to registration, thread tension and placement for the embroidery to show properly on each product. The visual impact of this embroidery was truly brought out by the choice of colours that were selected by our creative team.

Category: Best Eco Solution
Objective: To reduce our carbon footprint by enticing staff to form an earth committee and come up with great ideas to help preserve our planet and reduce operating costs.
Strategy & Execution: Our staff was sent e-flyers and posters showcasing 3 rewards for coming up with ideas to preserve our planet and reduce our overall operating costs. Rewards included a day off work paid, movie passes and pizza lunches.
Results: Many ideas were implemented reducing energy consumption and waste. Operational costs were reduced by more than $5,000 per year.

Category: Best In Green
Objective: To provide a variety of promotional products that would show the company’s commitment to environmental sustainability.
Strategy & Execution:The seedlings and tree in a box was chosen for the uniqueness, perceived value and “wow” factor. The trees also demonstrate a lifelong commitment to the environment in their community. The re-usable bags have such a strong environmental message that is sustained well beyond the event they were used for.
Results:The initial order for the seedlings we doubled the anticipated quantity. The grocery tote is one of their top ten program items!

Category: Business To Business
Objective: Above all, this had to be a gift that would please everyone, and one that the client would be comfortable handing out as a gift.
Strategy & Execution: The "comfort" basket had a popcorn bowl as its base, holding a towel, a canister of Pringles, M&M’s, Gummies and two packages of microwave popcorn. All together, it represented an evening of "television and tranquility" for distributors.
Results: The client was pleasantly surprised by the number of e mails received thanking them for the gift and commenting on its originality.

Category:Catalogue Programs
Objective: To launch an online promotional merchandise store which will improve work flow for our client and streamline the product purchasing process.
Strategy & Execution:We launched with shopping cart stress toys branded with a message to visit the Store. Employees visit the online store, create a log in and start shopping within minutes. All orders receive an automatic email confirmation and shipping details once their order has left our warehouse.
Results: Of 2000 employees, there were already 1340 hits to the online store within 48 hours of launch date.

Category: Service & Recognition
Objective: The objective was to elevate the status of child care workers in Alberta from a “baby sitters” status to a professional career class.
Strategy & Execution:Our strategy was to publicly honor child care workers for their skilled, trained practice in the development of children’s learning and to procure nominations by parents, child care owners and operators. Nominees were recognized with a special lapel pin, finalists received prestigious awards at a public function.
Results: Nominations received increased by 28% over 2008. 250 people attended the 2009 Gala at maximum capacity with a waiting list of 50 people.

Category: Service & Recognition
Objective: The idea was to create excitement among the employees around the company’s six principles for success, which they are expected to incorporate into their daily practices.
Strategy & Execution: Employees nominated colleagues who they thought best applied the six corporate principles. An aluminium sports bottle was used as a teaser to launch the program. Posters were created to generate awareness and frequent emails were sent to stimulate participation. Selections were made by secret vote and a big celebration/awards luncheon was planned.
Results: From some 4,000 employees, there were 600 nominations submitted, generating a new sense of teamwork and passion in a unionized work environment, which is a task not easy to accomplish.

Category:Safety
Objective: To build awareness for the (Fire Retardant) FR Safety Clothing program, increase sales and address a need for sizing information.
Strategy & Execution:We felt it was time to send out a survey to all customers out in the field to find out what we could do to capture more of the purchases. We sent a follow up mailer piece with sizing themed items.
Results:We sent out the mailers in August 2008 and by the end of September 2008 sales were up 13% which was an increase over September 2007.

Category: Professional Dealer
Objective: To create a two step marketing campaign for our client that would bring awareness to the new investment product offered by their company.
Strategy & Execution: We created a two phase distribution. We supplied the new product printed information as well as a novelty item which would help represent their new product. The first phase 500 puzzles were distributed to the client, while the second phase distributed over 600 novelty sunflowers.
Results:An increased awareness of this product was achieved.

Category: Internal For A Client
Objective: To highlight the company’s core values and use them as a means to inspire and motivate the team that would result in a more positive, happy work environment.
Strategy & Execution: The promotional product selected was custom imprinted poker chips ~ chosen because of their size – small yet heavy, simple transfer ability, colourfulness and fun utility. A total of 10 custom poker chips were created highlighting 10 unique core values of the organization. When an employee notices a peer living a company value, they give the poker chip that corresponds to that value.
Results: The employee engagement scores have gone up 10% since the infusion of the poker chips. Every year the goal is to exceed the scores gained from the previous year!

Category: Internal For A Client
Objective: To provide a method of keeping the awareness of our client’s 25th Anniversary with each of the employees throughout the year and highlighted on a monthly basis.
Strategy & Execution: The product was a personalized desk calendar for its uniqueness and the 12 month presence of covering the year long celebration to all employees across Canada. The calendars were distributed by our client’s internal distribution process.
Results: The calendars were a huge success. Additional orders were received.

Category: Internal for a Client
Objective:To increase company morale by educating employees on their core values and measuring it by the increase of awareness.
Strategy & Execution: We launched an 18 week campaign which revealed each core value at 3 week intervals. Each culture ambassador wore coloured t-shirts at each launch and handed out light up key chains, card swipe guards, silicone bracelets, buttons and t-shirts. The campaign wrapped up with a completely customized ball cap.
Results:We designed and distributed surveys. We received 160 responses proving an 85% increase in employee's knowledge of core values.

Category: Internal for a client, Intuit.
Objective: To provide a desktop item for every employee, promoting a new company initiative of unity and celebration with the opening of the United Kingdom Office.
Strategy & Execution: They were able to display their message of One Business, One Strategy, One Team on a puzzle piece mouse pad that was chosen because it wouldn’t matter what country you live in, or how old you were, or if you were male or female, because it catered to all demographics, as well as supported the client’s theme of unity.
Results: Over 75% of existing employees still use the mouse pad as a desktop item, and they intend to reorder this item when opening new offices in other countries.

Category:Internal for Yourself, Metromedia.
Objective: To education, motivate and reward employees who exemplify our core values.
Strategy & Execution: Every employee earns a custom designed plaque with their first medallion. The program allows employees to choose their own rewards up to pre-determined dollar values. As employees demonstrate core values, they are nominated to earn additional medallions. A brochure is given to every new employee and all medallions are awarded at our monthly company meetings.
Results: : Over 46 metromedals were awarded in the first six months of the program as a result of 119 nominations. Our survey proved that knowledge of our core values increased by 65%!

Category: Internal for Yourself, Immediate Sales Agency.
Objective: The objective was to create a new online business/social program to promote best practices and share successes both personal and professional within the BrandAlliance.
Strategy & Execution: The target audience was all staff within the BrandAlliance. People were targeted with a customized invitation to visit the lounge and fill in their profiles, as well as join pre-setup groups which targeted their own area of expertise in the company. In total 150 people were targeted.
Results: 95% of staff completed profiles, and have made special mention to how great they find the lounge and its ability to bring us closer together.

Category: Internal for Yourself, Metromedia.
Objective:To build awareness and help employees take ownership in various programs and benefits for their health and our environment resulting in increased morale and attendance.
Strategy & Execution:Our voluntary committee came together to plan activities and programs which would promote, motivate and educate our employees on safety, health and the environment. We launched the programs with pedometers, bike lights, mangoes, tote bags and several information sheets on the initiatives.
Results: As a result our employee attendance went up 20% and over 55% of staff took advantage of programs offered.

Category:Professional Consumer, Town of Devon.
Objective: To create an advertising campaign that encouraged local support and provide a commemorative gift that complemented the client’s theme “Christmas in the Park”.
Strategy & Execution:The client chose an ornament which would allow the artwork of a winning advertising contestant to be showcased and sold as a collector item.
Results:The Christmas Ornaments were sold out in 3 weeks, and an order for 4 times as many was placed for 2008.

Category: Multiple Audiences
Objective: The objective was to promote and reinforce the company’s brand. More precisely, the message “we deliver young people” had to be communicated, which was the advertising campaign and positioning line.
Strategy & Execution:We had to find a product that linked the company’s young, creative image and the message “we deliver young people”. A small delivery truck was chosen. The reps, disguised as delivery people, brought the promotional trucks to their clients, as a way of further reinforcing the advertising message.
Results: Client reaction was excellent, and the small truck was kept by a good number of clients, serving as an ongoing reminder of the promotional message as well as the company.

Category: Not for Profit, Little Warriors.
Objective:To provide awareness to the public about child sexual abuse.
Strategy & Execution:We created a one of a kind doll to support victims of child abuse, as well as an item that could help fundraise money towards a sexual abuse prevention training program.
Results: Over $100,000 was generated from donations, and the organization is just getting started.

Category: Safety
Objective: To implement a Fraud and other losses prevention program for our client called fraud and other sinister acts (F.A.S.). The objective was to obtain an 80% enrolment rate, or 400 people.
Strategy & Execution: Featuring the slogan “Green light for prevention”, tubes of sunscreen were given out as a teaser. Stress indicator cards and posters were distributed at the launch of the campaign. For the Forum, we produced straps, binders, detanglers, CDs, pads of paper and pens with green lights.
Results: 550 people participated in the F.A.S. Prevention Forum, representing 20% more than the intended goal.

Category: Service and Recognition
Objective: Our client, a pharmaceutical company, wanted to reward the team of researchers who successfully developed a new molecule.
Strategy & Execution: The object chosen had to represent the molecule, so we chose a piece of crystal and engraved in it a 3-dimensional model of the famous molecule. As the intent was also to reward the research team, it was felt that the value of the crystal made this a high-end gift as well.
Results: The research team was very proud to see their molecule engraved in a piece of crystal; it was displayed proudly in their office.

Category: Service and Recognition, Zebra Child Protection Services.
Objective:To reward volunteers for their outstanding support, utilizing the golf course venue as a theme to incorporate into the product.
Strategy & Execution: We chose a laser engraved rosewood hole in one keepsake box with a zebra print golf ball enclosed. A hole in one is a highly coveted achievement for a golfer, and this product allowed the client to express how appreciative they were to their volunteers and maintain the theme.
Results: The volunteers were acknowledged with a gift with a high perceived value. These gifts were very well received.

Category: Premiums and Incentives, National Home Warranty.
Objective: To select unique items that would support the Paris theme the client had selected, and create excitement and incentive to drive sales.
Strategy & Execution: 20 different items were chosen to be distributed bi-weekly throughout the year.
Results: Halfway through this promotion, our client reached 80% of their target!

Category: Self Promotion, BrandAlliance.
Objective:To officially launch the Brand Management Alliance as a united group of promotional marketing professionals
Strategy & Execution: Each member of the Brand Management Alliance from 5 different cities wore a customized shirt that had 4 stimulating visuals, showcasing 4 different imprinting abilities at the Toronto Trade show in January of 2008, and proceeded to wear them at various tradeshows and events throughout the year to symbolize the unity of our alliance.
Results: We are now recognized as a legitimate group of companies, and we successfully acquired Copilote as another valuable contributor to our Alliance.

Category: Business to Business
Objective: The objective of the promotion was to book presentations with Chief Information Officers of Fortune 500 companies in Canada.
Strategy & Execution: Three dimensional mailers with customized decals were used to “grab’ the attention of the CIO’s. The mailers contained Energy Bars, Energy Drinks and an Oxygen Energy Shots.
Results: The client was able to secure 7 “High Stakes“ meeting opportunities out of 38 mailers and realized an 18% success rate.

Category: Business to Business
Objective: To present our client’s 2008-2009 television programming line-up.
Strategy & Execution: Under the umbrella theme “a la carte”, an Internet invitation featured a black chalkboard with a bistro menu. Before the event, guests received a card that had to be validated at each of 4 booths. Booth hosts wore aprons to reinforce the bistro theme. A home bar service was given as a gift to guests.
Results: In order to receive their gifts, guests had to present a card stamped from their 4 booth visits. This made for a memorable launch that distinguished our client from other television stations.

Category: Best Imprint-Embroidery
Objective:To promote the national ride to work day at our client's work place and build company morale.
Strategy & Execution:: Naturally, a riding jacket would be the best way to promote the event and encourage riders to feel team camaraderie. A lined denim jacket was adorned with a customized full back embroidery featuring a motorcycle rider in the foreground and a map of our clients pipelines in the background.
Results:Our client was speechless when they saw the quality of the embroidery and attention to detail. In fact, additional jackets were ordered as result and over 100 riders came out for the event in Calgary alone!

Category: Best Imprint-Embroidery
Objective: We were to reproduce a picture of our client’s bird to be used as their new logo with realistic representation using embroidery.
Strategy & Execution: We spent considerable time redrawing the photo into shades which could be well represented using embroidery. The intricacy of the design was a challenge to embroider, especially incorporating the real feather and it turned out fantastic.
Results: Our clients were ecstatic when they saw the final product and feel that it truly made the reproduction lifelike.

Category: Internal for a Client, Intuit.
Objective: To create a commemorative, unique product for a successful team building workshop – a recognition piece promoting “one business, one strategy, one team”.
Strategy & Execution: We wanted to use a “memorable, functional, fun and unique” item that was able to show 18 imprinted names as well as team messages. We used a desktop puzzle piece that was both functional and attractive.
Results: Recognition is how they continue to maintain low employee turnover and praise in their employee retention.

Category: Internal for a Client, Agrium.
Objective: To honour our client’s employees attending the National Sales Conference with a memorable gift which tied into the theme “Waves of Change, Oceans of Opportunities”.
Strategy & Execution: The product selected was an art piece with free moving sand and water between two panes of glass framed with solid wood. The cool, refreshing blend of green, blue and black were perfect. The client’s logo and their conference slogan were tastefully engraved on the wooden frame.
Results: A survey proved that 90% of the attendees were pleased with the gift and felt energized about coming out again.

Category: Internal for Yourself, Creative Concepts.
Objective: Our objective was to gain 50 new clients that have a mid-high range budget for annual promotional spending (over $50,000 per year).
Strategy & Execution: We wanted our consultants to go beyond their comfort level, by making more cold calls, creating more spec samples, and meeting with new clients. This encouraged feedback from peers, encouraging team members to gain confidence and close deals. Points were awarded for each accomplishment for an award at the end of the challenge.
Results: We have acquired 203 new clients and increased our sales by over 118% from 2006.

Category: Internal for Yourself, Creative Concepts.
Objective: To reward dedicated staff, and entice new staff to stay!
Strategy & Execution: We wanted our employees to utilize a gift that they actually wanted, something different than what they sell on a day to day basis. We used a CSI Appreciation gift box that had a note of appreciation, a pin, and a monetary award to apply towards; Travel, an Investment, or a Health Membership.
Results: There was 100% redemption within 2 weeks of the program launch, and excited employees anticipating their upcoming milestones.

Category: Multiple Audiences, Intuit.
Objective: To develop a cohesive merchandising plan for the Client to market their brands that supports their marketing strategy and maximizes revenue opportunities from the license.
Strategy & Execution: Execution during year one consisted of the following: 1. Re-visit identification and logo and propose re-design. 2. Develop and produce a complete apparel and accessories collection. 3. Promote the Client’s Mission Statement. 4. Test and increase sales through every potential channel, on-site sales, internet sales, retail sales.
Results: At the Rogers Cup in Montreal, sales increased more than 65% from last year and the per capita increase was 60%.

Category: Service and Recognition, Alberta Children’s Services.
Objective: The goal of the recognition program was to foster a work environment that encourages and promotes employees to make a difference on an individual or a team.
Strategy & Execution: A user friendly website was created for employee redemption gifts as well as it allowed the client to make various changes to their award programs, product selection and new ideas ensuring that the clients’ ideas had no limitations.
Results: All employees who selected their gift were happy with their options with a 100% redemption rate. Two other government departments wanted a program of their own.

Category: Self Promotion, Creative Concepts.
Objective: To “wow” our clients with a gift that would remind them of our creative and innovative abilities, and to boost holiday sales by 15%.
Strategy & Execution: We hired a professional artist to etch 72 pumpkins with our clients logos incorporated with Halloween graphics. The pumpkins were not carved completely through to maintain longevity on a perishable item.
Results: Our Holiday sales were up 140%! So much buzz was created that we have had repeat requests for this year.

Category: Self Promotion, Metromedia.
Objective: Our goal was to generate $100 000 in business from new clients in the first year, directly resulting from this campaign.
Strategy & Execution: We targeted 7 desired clients with a customDVD produced with client’s name and logo in the message. These were shipped in DVD players with a simple intriguing message to draw attention. Two weeks later, a follow up sound tube with an editorial on our company was mailed out.
Results: This promotion secured 3 clients and over $120,000 in sales from those 3 clients with orders still flowing in.

Category: Best Imprint-Etching, Laser Engraving, MC College.
Objective: The fine details in this logo made the objective of exceeding the customer’s expectations a very challenging one for this project.
Strategy & Execution: Our laser technicians had to control the intensity of the laser beam in order to create the fine lines that flow through the top part of the logo. In addition, due to the size of the text, extra care was necessary to avoid fill - this was particularly difficult in the cursive writing of the logo's tagline.
Results: The level of clarity in the logo was a hit with both the distributor and the end user. A repeat order is in process.

Category: Best Imprint-Embroidery.
Objective: Our client developed and designed a new logo using books in the shape of an Inukshuk to represent their theme, “Experience the Culture”.
Strategy & Execution: Along with promotional items; USB drives, pens, square retractable badges and Inukshuk awards, The new logo for “Experience the Culture” was embroidered on polar fleece vests for conference members to stand out at a conference in February. The intricacy of the logo was a challenge to embroider and it turned out fantastic!
Results: Our clients were ecstatic when they saw the final product and feel that it truly made their logo’s launch a success.

Category: Internal for a Client, Entrepreneurs Organization.
Objective: The objective of this promotion was to find a product that fulfilled the promise of the client’s brand, Entrepreneur Organization (EO). EO’s brand promise is to “engage leading entrepreneurs to learn and grow.” Therefore we used the idea of growing magic beans, which would reveal laser engraved inspirational words when the beans are planted and mature. This directly tied into the event because the words used in the beans represented the key notes of the motivational speaker at the event
Strategy & Execution: Through the use of a formal flash presentation - style invitation, as well as a unique potted bean promotional product sent out to every member in the city. The planted beans had customized motivational words grown into them. This directly tied into the event because it was a motivational speaker.
Results: Attendance went up 32.2% over the average, making this event the most successful event to date, with the highest attendance ever.

Category: Internal for Yourself, Creative Concepts.
Objective: Rewarding our dedicated staff for reaching annual sales targets in an “Amazing Race” themed competition, incorporated in a weekend getaway, was this event's sole purpose.
Strategy & Execution: Staff all matched in lime green Trimark Jackets and Debco backpacks with our “Amazing Race” Logo. By getting the staff excited in a serious competitive mindset, the promotion shared a similar urgency with the Amazing Race television show, causing downtown Banff to buzz with curiosity, wondering if we were involved in the actual “Amazing Race.”
Results: Results were measured in the positive morale of our staff and the fact that our turnover rate is almost 0%.

Category: Business to Business, Peace Hills Insurance.
Objective: The primary objective of our Treasure Chest Rewards Contest was to generate new business to achieve the projected growth targets of 8%.
Strategy & Execution: Every piece of new business gave the Broker an entry into the monthly prize box. The promotional products were used in conjunction with a selection of electronics for the monthly prizes. The grand prize is a trip to the Cook Islands. Promotional products: all high perceived value, functional, luxury items in the $100.00 range.
Results: New business growth has increased by approximately 50% compared to last year sales! Web-site hits 1450 since contest began!

Category: Self Promotion, Creative Concepts.
Objective: To create an act of giving thanks or an expression of gratitude to our existing and potential friends and customers.
Strategy & Execution: The distribution of our greeting/phone card was targeted to our clients as well as friends and/or potential customers. The mailing took place 7 days before thanksgiving, as it was crucial to stand out and recognize our client’s contribution as well as provide an opportunity for our company to be recognized during a holiday other than Christmas.
Results: The quotes requested for the phone card is 146, almost 20% of our mailings. Increase in sales was 120% from last year.

Category: Self Promotion, Creative Concepts.
Objective:To foster creativity in our company, create camaraderie among our sales team and design an advertising campaign that would rival any leading Advertising Agency.
Strategy & Execution: The target audience comprised of our clients and potential clients. We felt that it was pertinent for our existing clientele to know that we are and will continue to be the key players in the Promotional Advertising industry and for potential clients that would need our Strategic Branding capabilities.
Results: We experienced a 40% increase in sales during the month of the Apprentice Radio Advertisement and the month following the radio advertising. A 210% increase in hits on our website was also achieved and affirmed that our message was being heard.