Accounts on the Move
Monday, January 19, 2015
  • Filip Technologies
    Child's Play Communications
    Child's Play Communications was tapped by Filip Technologies to support the launch of its FiLIP2 next generation wearable phone, smart locator and watch for kids ages 4-11. The agency will handle media relations targeted to parents as well as blogger management. FiLIP 2 allows parents to call, text and locate their child from their mobile device. "Child's Play Communications is an expert at reaching moms and dads -- our target market," said Sten Kirkbak, founder and CCO of Filip Technologies. "We are excited to benefit from the knowledge and relationships they have built within this segment as we grow the FiLIP brand."
  • Golden Corral
    The VIA Agency
    Following a review that began in August, The VIA Agency was named creative agency of record for Golden Corral. The family-style restaurant chain has more than 500 locations across the United States. "We are excited to have VIA as our creative partner," said Chris Kuehn, CMO of Golden Corral. "Their genuine enthusiasm for our brand, coupled with unparalleled strategic insights and creative thinking, set them apart during this very competitive review process." Golden Corral spent $55.7 million on measured media in 2013 and $42.4 million between January and September of 2014, per Kantar Media. "Golden Corral has a real point of difference in the buffet format and is a true value for consumers," said Leeann Leahy, President of The VIA Agency. "The VIA Agency's job is to create advertising that is as unique as the brand itself, and that's an exciting challenge." Additional VIA Agency clients include Unilever, Samsung, Welch's, Friendly's, Romano's Macaroni Grill and People's United Bank.
  • Johnsonville
    Droga5
    After a seven-week creative agency review, Johnsonville Sausage has awarded Droga5 its U.S.-based creative account. The agency bested Crispin Porter + Bogusky, Fallon and incumbent Cramer-Krasselt, which handled the account since 2008, for the win. The review was managed by Avidan Strategies of New York. "It's been Johnsonville's process every few years to review the creative partners it uses to support the various advertising and marketing work for Johnsonville," said Fabian Pereira, vice president at Johnsonville. "Going through this process helps ensure we have the best thinking, resources and creativity to help Johnsonville continue to grow faster than the market. Johnsonville has been successful in its creative relationship with C-K over the last six years, and we appreciate the good work they've done in building awareness and engagement for our brand nationwide." Droga5 will handle strategy, creative, digital/social marketing and branded infotainment. Work will launch in the first quarter of 2015. Johnsonville spent $31.9 million on measured media in 2013 and $11.6 million from January to September of 2014, according to Kantar Media.
  • American Cancer Society
    DDB Chicago

    Omnicom Group's DDB Chicago was named creative and digital agency for the American Cancer Society, following a review. "We have an immense amount of pride to be working for the American Cancer Society," said Paul Gunning, CEO of DDB Chicago. "This is a cause that's very personal for many of us, which makes us all the more passionate about working with such a worthy organization. We believe a strategically sound proposition and a brilliant, break-through campaign will engage more people and also enable more donations to help beat this terrible disease." Added Daniela Campari, SVP of Marketing at the American Cancer Society: "We were particularly impressed with how personally attached DDB Chicago was to the Society mission throughout the process; we believe their considerable capabilities and their sentiment will be reflected in the work they produce, and will help ACS raise more funds to help us achieve our mission of saving and improving more lives in the fight against Cancer." The American Cancer Society spent nearly $28 million on measured media in 2013, according to Kantar.

  • Carowinds
    Eric Mower + Associates
    Carowinds, a 398-acre amusement park in Charlotte, North Carolina, hired Eric Mower + Associates to support the Spring 2015 launch of Fury 325, the world's tallest and fastest giga coaster, along with other park improvements. The agency will create and execute a public relations campaign that includes earned media, social media and guerilla marketing elements. "When selecting an agency partner, we were searching for a team of professionals who had a strong understanding and background in public and media relations. It was also imperative that they possessed an extensive travel and tourism background," said John Taylor, director of marketing at Carowinds.