2009 News In Review. What a Year It Has Been!

It was a year of extraordinary news and change. What will you remember from 2009? We selected a few of our favorites...

The inauguration of President Barack Obama
Balloon Boy's dad goes to jail for 90 days
The Economy, (here's to seeing marked improvement in 2010)
The war in Afghanistan and Iraq continues, (our thoughts and appreciation go out to our heroes overseas)
Healthcare Reform
Swine Flu sweeps the nation and world
Auto dealers fly luxury private jets to Washington, DC to ask for bailout monies
The sad passing of Michael Jackson, Ted Kennedy, Patrick Swayze (and others we loved or couldn’t help but follow in the news).
Mackenzie Phillips’ writes a shocking tell-all exposé
Tiger Woods admits to “transgressions”, (gets dropped by AT&T and likely wife Elin)
Wall Street bonuses continue
Twitter explodes (and many celebrities drop Twitter)
The White House party crashers
Levi Johnston poses for Playgirl
Snuggies became popular (aren’t these the same as a backwards robe?)
Hugh Hefner welcomes new blondes into his abode. (How old is he?)
The miracle landing on Hudson Bay, all 155 passengers survive.

...and if you seek a few laughs, click below for some more humorous headlines in 2009! http://www.buzzfeed.com/mjs538/the-50-funniest-headlines-of-2009

It's been a tremendous year at d+g. We've worked extraordinarily hard to sustain and grow along with our clients. We celebrated the birth of baby Sofia in May (to mom Rebecca at d+g), we celebrated the marriage of Anna Lopez in December. We welcomed Kristian Weis, Lauren Perrella, Olsen Almeida and Samantha Aberle to our exceptional d+g team.

On behalf of everyone at d+g, we wish you a healthy, happy and very prosperous New Year. We have exciting plans as we delve further into the interactive and social media frontier. The best is yet to come!

Kristian Weis Spearheads d+g's Newest Endeavors in Multi-Media and Socio-Viral Marketing

Joining the d+g Communications team in October 2009, Kristian Weis has rapidly made an exciting impact in the design studios of the agency.

Kristian possesses a rare trio of talents: being innovative in design and proficient in advanced programming as well as being exceptionally creative in writing. (Of course, there are likely more talents that we have yet to discover).

In tune with the d+g philosophy of always exploring new frontiers in media, design and the creative process; Kristian will help navigate clients through what promises to be an exhilarating 2010!

Kentridge Exhibition Debuts at Norton Museum of Art On November 7th

William Kentridge: Five Themes on view at the Norton Museum of Art November 7, 2009 through January 17, 2010 offers a comprehensive survey of this renowned contemporary South African artist’s work – including animated films, drawings, prints, theater models, sculptures and books. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to experience the work of one of the most significant artists of our time.

Click the image to view the television spot. Be sure to visit the Norton for this extraordinary exhibition.

d+g Communications Welcomes Dr. Michael Sohl

The agency welcomed our newest creative client, Dr. Michael Sohl of the Nile Aesthetic Institute for branding and advertising campaign development. With excellent credentials and a well earned reputation, d+g looks forward to contributing to the growth of his practice.

We invite you to view the new branding here or tour our entire website to experience the full breadth of creativity at d+g!

2009 District Addy Winners - d+g Communications Earns Five Awards

This spring, d+g earned more design and branding awards than any other agency including the prestigioius Judge's Choice Award for the 150 Worth campaign.

Last week, the District Award winners were announced in which d+g Communications again rose to the occasion earning five awards including:

Gold Addy - 150 Worth "Worth Landing"
Gold Addy - 150 Worth "Worth Discovering"
Gold Addy - 150 Worth "See Worthy"
Silver Addy - d+g Holiday e-card (if you didn't receive this, you MUST email us your contact information. We seek to inspire and entertain at the holidays - its a reflection of our most cutting edge abilities at d+g)
Silver Addy - 150 Worth branding ads

Awards are always a moment to celebrate at d+g. Design that stirs commotion and generates results is our ultimate goal. We hope you will give us a ring next time you seek a new bold, dynamic campaign that will give your business a worthwhile boost.

Rachel Tribble Recipient "Visual Design Award" at Atlanta International Gift & Home Furnishings Market

During the July 2009 Atlanta International Gift & Home Furnishings Market, Rachel Tribble was designated a Visual Display Award winner. The display was applauded for 'a commitment to merchandising excellence'.

The Market's independent panel of judges reviewed every booth on the show floor stating, "you were the one that stood out - above the rest!". The judges looked for visual design showcasing product in an artistic and eye-catching dipslay. The booth was rewarded for creative effort including use of space, product display and placement, signage, flooring and lighting.

Congratulations Rachel. To learn more about this extraordinary artist, visit http://www.racheltribble.com/.

d+g Communications Welcomes Dr. Lee Plastic Surgery and Laser Center

It's been a month of new beginnings at d+g Communications Group as we proudly welcome Dr. Lee, an esteemed plastic surgeon and successful practice with offices in Port St. Lucie and Jupiter, Florida.

Dr. Lee of Lee Plastic Surgery and Laser Center is highly credentialed, a leader in his profession. We invite you to visit back as the evolution begins... d+g's contemporary graphic and web design has always been a success formula for businesses in South Florida and beyond. When coupled with our captivating public relations and promotions, the result is beneficial exposure and appreciable business growth.

We look forward to what the future will bring...

d+g Communications Recognized in South Florida Business Journal as 19th Largest Agency

The South Florida Business Journal researches and ranks numerous businesses throughout the marketplace as the most noteworthy, largest, and longest standing in their profession. d+g Communications Group was proudly recognized in the July 7, 2009 edition as the 19th largest agency in South Florida.

As the recent economic times have been trying for every
business in every industry, d+g has fortunate to
remain strong, expand and grow thanks to the
agency's dynamic team.

Together, d+g presents a broad experience with award-winning creative designers in graphic and web disciplines, (who swept the Addys in the spring 09); in addition to an award-earning marketing team of former TV hosts and producers, publishers, media promotions & event planners, journalists and social marketing specialists, (recognized by the PRSA and GCPRC).

"We have always carefully chosen our team as the agency and times evolve; we are specialists who together can provide a diverse range of marketing services." We’re driven... to create the uncommon, to deliver performance, to surpass the expected and make a statement that stirs action.

It takes hard work and long hours. Our efforts have paid off as noted in the South Florida Business Journal's "Largest Advertising Agencies" list.

This economy has impacted everyone in various ways. We're steadfastly committed to our team, our future and most of all, our clients. Today and always, the d+g team is simply relentless in providing quantifiable results that grow businesses.

d+g Proudly Aligns with Rachel Tribble Fine Art

d+g's vast experience in fine art and culture will be put to work as the design and marketing agency for renowned artist, Rachel Tribble and her retail line the BellFlower Collection.

Tribble is a highly collected artist with works shown in galleries and private residences throughout the United States. Her accomplished career hit a new pinnacle when she earned the coveted honor to work with Disney on the The Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival.

An artist with a vision, Tribble's most recent endeavor is the successful launch of the BellFlower collection - a line that has beautifully marryed her naturally-inspired art with stationery, collectibles, tiles and accessories.

d+g has already created a brand logo for the BellFlower collection, there's much more to come. Best sure to keep abreast of the latest works and events for Rachel Tribble and the BellFlower collection, visit Facebook or http://www.racheltribble.com/.

d+g Welcomes Newest Addition

Sofia Sara joined the d+g team as our youngest member. She was born on May 7th to Rebecca Trento, our very own [and uber fabulous] accounts manager.

Rebecca plays an integral role in the every day happenings and operations here at d+g. She is missed but will be back this summer. For now, please join us in congratulating Rebecca and her husband Omar on their newest arrival.

d+g's Aris Albaitis and Joey Amato Guest Speakers at Gold Coast PR Council Luncheon

On Tuesday, April 21st, the Gold Coast Public Relations Council welcomes panelists, Joey Amato and Aris Albaitis of d+g Communications Group; Shana Overhulser of Page One Graphics and Ibrey Woodall of TEKgroup International.

The topic of discussion? Social media and the internet, a hot topic in everyone's conversation. Social media has taken on an entirely new realm - beyond the desktop or laptop computer, thanks to advanced cell phone techonology social media follows us everywhere. Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, Digg, MySpace to Fark... dozens of social media sites and blogs have redefined communications on 'the net'.

As a result, social media has changed the entire journalism and media model. Seconds are reduced to nano-seconds to post breaking news and information. Proliferation and immediacy of the message has been redefined.

a) Journalists themselves communicate beyond their media through social sites and blogs.

b) Television anchors and media personalities refer to social media in order to reach new and broader audiences.

c) Information is now generated by anyone with internet access, known as "consumer news". Posted articles by journalists are vulnerable to consumer comments which can run the gamut from intelligent contributions to inappropriate bias.

d) PR professionals are faced with an explosion of opportunity and challenge. Today there are innumerable avenues in which to promote their client's message. There is also more risk due to consumer postings of video, photos and text that can bring a company to it's knees.

e) Corporations and agencies should be prepared for rapid response to media requests with online newsrooms and proper pr tools (company overviews, releases, fact sheets, photos, video). Immediacy is key.

Preparation, response, reliability, accessibility: together they are the essentials to generate the best coverage and reduce misinformation for clients in this lightening speed alternate world ... the internet.

[Speaking of the internet, look for me on Facebook and LinkedIn. Join the conversation. And count the days until the new d+g website unveiling...]

Sharon Patterson

d+g Communications Group presents Joey Amato, Celebrity Bartender

d+g's Communication Group's very own, Joey Amato participated in the Celebrity Bartending event benefiting Young Friends of the Norton Museum of Art.

The event was held on Wednesday, April 1st at Clematis Social in West Palm Beach and featured Joey along with several other well known professionals from throughout the region to serve up cocktails for a great cause.

Joey's newly acquired cocktail skills included the basic vodka cranberry or rum and coke earning major tips with the crowd and for the YF organization.

For more pictures and more events, please visit www.norton.org

Frank Holmes of Ocean View Windows & Doors earns South Florida Business Leader Recognition

At the Entrepreneur of the Year awards dinner on March 30th, 2009 at the Downtown Miami Hilton, Frank Holmes of Ocean View Windows & Doors will be recognized and honored as a finalist for Entrepreneur of the Year. The awards ceremony and honor is being presented by Business Leader magazine.

To learn more, please visit the website or the current issue of Business Leader magazine.http://www.southflorida.businessleader.com/

As a family owned and operated company, the Ocean View reputation has been built upon core values of professional service, quality products and relentless reliability. Today Ocean View Windows & Doors is one of the largest full service window, door & shutter distributors in South Florida. Frank Holmes has a proven model of success even in this tough economic climate, and that is precisely why he is successul even in a period of attrition. Only an entrepreneur of this caliber can make a small business grow to these heights!

Keep Ocean View in mind for renovation, hurricane preparedness and for all your window and door needs. http://www.oceanviewwindows.com/ (and make note of their great logo - another exceptional creation by d+g!)

d+g Communications Group Honored with 9 Awards in the First Quarter of 2009

The creative left brains at d+g rocked the 2009 Addy awards on March 7th winning 9 awards overall including the coveted Judge’s Choice award for the 150 Worth magazine campaign. Overall, d+g earned seven awards for 150 Worth within the categories of judge’s choice, full page magazine/color, and photography/digital enhancement.
In addition, d+g received two silver awards for the agency’s holiday e-card – showcasing the agency’s ongoing evolution in design techniques. The e-card is a brilliant portrayal of the agency’s creative ability, designed with intricate 3D animation, special effects and photo illustration.

palmbeach3 - A Renowned Celebration of Contempoary Art

As seen in magazines, newspaper, online and as you drive along Okeechobee Blvd in downtown West Palm Beach, thousands descended upon the Palm Beach County Convention Center to attend PalmBeach3 – the world’s leading contemporary art fair. The award-winning campaign designed by d+g presented bold colors with subliminal artistic elements reflective of the tri-faceted exhibition – photography, art and furnishings.

In the Biz

StoreTech+Co. has aligned with d+g for comprehensive brand development, design and marketing services. A well established name and forward thinking company, StoreTech+Co. is poised for expansion. A refined name, a new logo and tagline are only the beginning of what will be a multi-level print, vehicular, online and event driven marketing program developed by the agency. Storetech+Co. has earned a reputation in working with clients including Gap, Banana Republic, Old Navy, Marriott, Diane VonFursetnberg, Maui Nix and many other nationally recognized retailers, restaurants, hotels and companies.