Volunteers will be recognized in the following areas: Joe Cantalupo of Parsons Brinckerhoff for Infrastructure & Regional Development; David Reiter of Luminex Corporation for Government Relations; Tracey Nelson of Maven Marketing Solutions for Marketing & Communications; Mark Curry of Wells Fargo for Education & Talent Development; Ray Wolf of Green Integrated Services for Small Business; Michael Laing of Wells Fargo for Membership Ambassador; John Price of Vast.com for Global Technology Strategies; and Rob Hutton of D.R. Horton, for Economic Development.

http://www.austinchamber.com/the-chamber/publications/focus.php#Annual

We've all been taught that trust and reputation are important elements of branding. Today, though, trust is not simply a nice thing to have, but a critical strategic asset. Therefore, it makes sense to be specific about how and why it adds value. The drivers of brand value have changed over time, and there are three forces at play that have brought the issue of trust to the center stage:

1. If we look at company valuations, an increasing portion of a firm's value resides in intangibles. In The Brand Bubble, John Gerzema and Edward Lebar highlight the fact that in the 1950s, about 30% of firm value was intangible (at the high end); today it is closer to 62% globally.

Let's look at some of the components of intangible value. Gerzema and Lebar offer this construct:

Read Full article>>

We’re honored to work with them, and look forward to building their businesses!

Co-branding, combining two or more brands to form a new product or a strategic alliance, is often avoided by brand management as it’s thought to be too risky and requires that positive market gain – and profits – be shared. It does take some element of control out of your hands, as your brand’s reputation is then aligned with another’s, but I believe that in most cases, the benefits can far outweigh the risks, provided you choose your partner wisely and that the two brands have a natural relationship, readily apparent to the target market.  Co-branding can greatly reduce marketing costs and should be considered when your brand strategy calls for:

• Adhering specific attributes to your brand it does not currently have, but are attached to the co-brand
• Entering a new market, either territory or distribution outlet, where the co-brand already has recognition and/or equity

My kids’ choices? My daughter chose a non-profit and my son chose a university – Hook ‘em Horns!

Tracey Nelson, Principal & Co-Founder,

Maven Marketing Solutions

www.mavenmarketingsolutions.com

Starting your own business is challenging to say the least, but I'm blessed with two terrific business partners, I love my work, and know that with perserverance we will reach our goals. In the big scheme of things, I have to remember that it takes time to build a business and to be patient.  It's just difficult when you're working so hard and not moving forward as fast as you'd like. 

This manifesto remindes me to be grateful that I'm able to follow my passion for helping small businesses and non-profits through my love for marketing and PR, and that all good things will come in time.  This is MY life, and I'm proud to say that I am living the dream and wearing my passion.  Not many people can say that, especially in today's day in age. 

I hope this Manifesto finds you for a reason, and you'll print it out and post it on your refrigerator for a while like I did.  Sometimes you just need a  reminder to quit you're cry'n and get moving.  Life is short, so make the most of it.  And remember that you're not alone. 

Roppolo’s has been an icon of the downtown Austin entertainment district since 1988, serving fresh pizza made from authentic time-tested Sicilian recipes, using dough hand-tossed daily and the highest quality cheese, meats and fresh vegetables available. While expanding from one location to its current two stores and four mobile trailers to meet demand, Roppolo’s has carefully maintained the high quality of its product and the friendliness of its staff.  Recently, the main location at 316 E. Sixth Street, in the beautifully restored historical St. Charles building, added a spacious outdoor courtyard, with a 2nd floor deck and 3rd floor indoor dining room to accomodate customers‘ requests to host private parties, UT game events, company receptions and meetings at the source of their favorite pizza.

MMS::Maven Marketing Solutions will be working closely with founder Marc Roppolo to facilitate growth of his current business as well as lay plans for future expansion.  For additional information and locations, please visit www.roppolos.com

Old Pecan Street Festival 2011: MyFoxAUSTIN.com

Austin is home to lots of fun events, and the Pecan Street Festival is always a favorite. Shannon Sedwick joined KVUE news Sunday morning from Esther's Follies.

EDIBLE BREW

BLACK STAR RISING

By Andrea Bearce

How does an idealistic gang of mathematicians, physicists and chemists develop a loyal following of hardcore beer nerds? They offer them free beer, of course. Or they did, starting in 2006, when Steven Yarak dreamed up a plan to open the world’s first community-owned, member-managed brewpub—a dream now realized in Austin’s Black Star Co-op. 

Yarak began campaigning for the grassroots project by holding beer socials in his backyard. The informal gatherings, replete with an array of free beer samples, helped create a sense of community, and people slowly warmed to the idea of a one-time membership fee. Within a few years, Yarak and his team were hosting socials for more than 1,000 people and had raised more than $500,000 to begin construction on the Black Star brewpub. 

Full Article>>