arcas brand lounge

GMS takes flight

2011-12-27T10:22:00.006-06:00

Recently, Arcas Advertising collaborated with the GMS client team for the launch of a new GMS Travelstar® Travel Insurance advertising campaign—a re-energized initiative to target the snowbird traveller market for the upcoming winter vacation and southern climate destination season. The campaign utilized the structure of the GMS logo as the basis for effective branding visuals and messaging for the GMS TravelStar product in various advertising mediums, including: television, print, outdoor, online and direct mail. Click the links below to view the TV ads.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=3lYYdbtxG6U

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1PSsifoA7hs&feature=player_embedded

2011-10-28T22:24:00.006-06:00

If you are what you eat, make it Fresh & Sweet

Once again, we talking food. It just might be the favourite topic of ours as we not only do we like to eat at fine establishments, we also like to promote and even do work for some. And in this case, we showcasing some recent outdoor our team created for Regina's Fresh & Sweet.

We won't tell you much about this hidden little gem – we'll sit back and let the ads hopefully do the talking.

2011-06-09T23:13:00.006-06:00

Online work that shines through the clutter

Obviously the internet isn't going anywhere any time soon. With more and more clients moving their traditional media budgets to online vehicles and social media buys, the Arcas team too has expanded its services to accomodate the digital age of advertising. Please check out this quick sampling of some online banner ads that the ad agency team has done for a variety of clients. So click back and enjoy.

2011-06-08T21:06:00.003-06:00

Mending broken paws. Filling hungry tummies.

Healing broken hearts.

The Regina Humane Society’s 'Friends for Life' Lottery is a chance to help improve the well being of animals in our community. Arcas is proud to be part of this fundraising effort by providing strategic, creative and lettershop services.

All proceeds from the lottery will stay in our community to help animals in need – and you could be the lucky winner of the $10,000 grand prize!

For more information on how to help save lives, mend broken paws and provide second chances for animals, please visit www.reginahumanesociety.ca today.

2011-05-22T17:35:00.002-06:00

Arcas strategists to speak at national credit union
marketing event

Returning for a third straight year as title sponsors at the 2011 MACU Strategic Marketing Conference & AIME Gala’s MACU Masters competition – an event that challenges credit union marketers to donate their best creative and marketing performances for not-for-profit organizations – Arcas is also proud to note that two of their senior strategists are slated as guest speakers at this annual credit union event, located this year in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

Dean Gagne, Chief Research and Strategy Officer and Mike Woroniak, Chief Creative Officer, will be presenting on brand positioning: defining how a brand doesn’t definitively exist in a company, organization or even a marketing department – but rather how it exists in the minds of consumers. Dean and Mike will also be discussing how research and creative work together for creating the best possible outcomes for a brand’s marketing and advertising objectives.

Other speakers at the conference include Arlene Dickinson, of Dragon’s Den fame, among others.

MACU – the Marketing Association for Credit Unions – is a non-profit organization supporting and enhancing the professional development of credit union marketers through education, networking and recognition. Please visit http://macu.ca/ for more information.

2011-04-07T17:01:00.003-06:00

NEW ARCAS WORK: Regina Humane Society Dog Jog Poster

Each year hundreds of animal lovers and their dogs gather in Wascana Park to raise funds for the care and protection of less fortunate animals. Arcas is proud to be part of this fun and exciting annual event – celebrating its twentieth year!

No dog? No problem! Round up a group of two-legged friends, dress like a dog, walk an invisible dog or just come and watch the fun!

This year's 20th anniversary event will take place Sunday, May 1, 2011 in Wascana Park. Registration opens at 12:00 pm and the walk begins at 1:00 pm.

For more information, please visit http://www.reginahumanesociety.ca/

2011-03-03T08:56:00.004-06:00

Impeccable service credentials highlights addition to growing agency team.

Mike Woroniak, Chief Creative Officer & Managing Partner, Arcas Advertising, is pleased to announce the addition of Joanne Shivak to the Arcas ad agency team. As Account Director, Joanne brings a 10+ year record of dedicated, industry-reknowned client service – bolstered
with senior level account director experience on accounts such as SaskTel, SGI, Cornwall Centre, DirectWest and SaskPower. Joanne’s resumé also includes key media planning experience and insights, extremely proficient budgeting and production management skills, as well as a successful background in corporate photography. A complete service-centric package, Joanne’s added dedication and passion for the ad industry business is a significant asset in the Arcas integrated offering.

2011-02-27T14:00:00.006-06:00

Adding 3D-like realism to a washroom advertising experience

A recent social marketing ad campaign launch by Arcas for Saskatchewan In Motion enjoyed a memorable twist on its restaurant & club washroom advertising component of the media buy. One of the three creative executions implemented for the campaign received a 3D-like enhancement to its original graphic imagery - replacing the photographed skipping rope and computer mice juxtapositions with actual skipping ropes and computer mice 3D objects. Housed in a plexiglass/plastic enclosure, the real objects have helped draw added attention to the campaign's message of the growing physical inactivity in our society's children, largely due to increasing screen time spent with various entertainment, communication and informational technologies like computers, video games and mobile devices.

2011-02-27T11:34:00.005-06:00

Strategic name development anchors logo design

New work from Arcas Advertising: name & logo/identity development for Enoverra – a western Canadian-based company that provides environmental waste and water management solutions to the oil and gas sector. Arcas naming development strategists focussed and collaborated with the client group on a name direction that encompassed the industry's need for innovative and unique services in areas of oil recovery - and proactive environmental recovery techniques. Enoverra prevailed as the final chosen name - translating the fusion of 'eno' and 'verra' to a finished name composition and definition of 'one who sees'. The subsequent logo development helps portray the company as delivering focussed energy category solutions as its core strength.

2011-02-21T17:38:00.009-06:00

Social marketing campaign under way

for inactive children

Saskatchewan In Motion recently chose Arcas Advertising as their new

agency of record in the fall of 2010. The agency team and client immediately began collaborating on a new social marketing campaign to help increase the awareness of the high levels physical inactivity amongst Saskatchewan children. Aimed at parents, the ads highlight the ongoing effect of compounded 'screen time' with devices like video games, computers and television.

The campaign consists of television, social media, print, various

out-of-home and radio advertising placements.

For more information, visit http://www.saskatchewaninmotion.ca/ or find them on Facebook.

2011-01-28T11:51:00.003-06:00

A glance at some Arcas Advertising logos & identities from the past year or so...

Being the visual face of any company or organization, a well-designed logo can establish what the company does and/or how the brand portrays themselves to audiences and stakeholders.

2011-01-27T21:07:00.005-06:00

Brand building with products & services

Here is a great (and entertaining) example of a brand building philosophy the team at Arcas believes in – building the brand through great products and services. TLC (an acronym for The Learning Channel) is an American cable TV network which carries a variety of reality-based and informational programming. A runaway success, the channel delivers top-notch entertainment/shows daily, without anyone caring what their logo is or stands for – or whether their brand personality statement defines them as 'a golden retriever that listens to Coldplay'. This channel has elevated itself beyond the lexicon of brandspeak – building its valuable brand esteem on a consistently amazing and successful lineup of quality programming. With shows like 'Say Yes to the Dress', 'What Not to Wear', 'The Little Couple', 'Sister Wives', 'Hoarding: Buried Alive' and 'LA Ink', the TLC brand connects with a wide and varied group of audiences – consistently delivering new, innovative programming to keep television viewers coming back each and every night! And while television isn't quite yet dead, it is indeed going through a delivery channel transition. But the delivery of relevant and entertaining content for the viewer will always be the factor for a successful business and brand model in the 'TV' programming category. And the folks at TLC seemingly have this down pat.

2010-12-26T08:04:00.004-06:00

More brand-building brain food faves
Generating client brand problem-solves takes effort and that effort often requires brain fuel. Needless to say, the folks at the Arcas Group have their favourite fuel stops to replenish and nourish those very minds that keep our ideas rolling. Here is an additional list of just a few more of our mandatory re-fuelling stations and what they offer as some of Regina's best eats. Please check out a previous Brand Lounge post for other venues that will appease your tastes. Bon appetit!

1) The Mondo Burger & Poutine at Boccado’s – or their amazing Spicy Chile & Lime PEI Mussels. This east Regina establishment just keeps getting better and better with new twists on their hot sheet specials, as well as always delivering on their main menu classics.

2) Schnitzel? The German Club for lunch has no competition here. Served with scrumptious fries, gravy and vegetables, you can also cook your own steak or burger on their indoor grille. But plan nothing for the rest of the afternoon at work – you’ll need and appreciate the warm glow of post-chow snooze.

3) Butter chicken and pakoras reign triumphant at Spices of Punjab, as well as at Flavours of India. Both restaurants offer tempting lunch buffets and mesmerizing dinner dishes of Indian food that keeps the food lovin’ heart a-pumpin’ and the brain synapses a-jumpin’.

4) The breakfast ‘Squarito’ is the bomb downtown at Fresh & Sweet. This little diner/bakery also gets you going with cupcakes, gelato and other edibles, like unique sandwich creations and combinations.

5) Wa Sun. Almond deep fried shrimp? Szechuan peanut sauce chicken? Crispy ginger beef? Lemon chicken? Salmon fried in garlic and black bean sauce? For knockout Chinese food, try this little known Regina institution. Great service and impeccably clean.

Hired!

2010-10-24T09:33:00.001-06:00

Chief Creative Officer, Mike Woroniak, is pleased to announce the addition of Art Director Natalie Pitts to the ad agency team.

Natalie is a Medicine Hat College graduate as well as a past student of the University of Regina Fine Arts program. Her 9+ years as a design professional in the advertising and design industry has seen her accomplish many successful projects and campaigns for various clients. Natalie’s portfolio of work includes clients such as Saskatchewan Health, Access Communications, Hospitals of Regina Foundation, Enterprise Saskatchewan and Crime Stoppers Regina.

Cats n' Dogs: Regina Humane Society Golf Fundraiser Posters

2010-10-20T16:40:00.002-06:00

The Arcas Advertising team is proud to once again be part of this wonderful event and to also have donated the poster concept & design that helps promote this annual tournament. This year's concept features 2 posters - to capture the 'golfing essence' of the two main benefactors of the Humane Society's tireless efforts (although, in the end, it us adopting pet lovers who probably derive the most benefit from our unconditionally-loving feline and canine friends).

Please plan to make the golf tournament part of your 2011 plans by entering a team or by sponsoring a portion of the event. For more information, call the Regina Humane Society at 306.543.6363, ext. 221.

2010-07-30T13:46:00.004-06:00

Best logo ever?

Recently, five leading magazine publishers pitched in on a multimillion-dollar ad campaign touting the "power of print."

The campaign makes the awareness case that magazines still remain an effective advertising medium in the age of the Internet - because of the depth and lasting quality of print content.

Being avid magazine fans and dedicated consumers of their content already - be it in print or online - it was the resulting campaign logo that caught our team's eye - including our vote for it as one the best logos we have seen executed in a long time.

Composed of individual letters from various publication mastheads, the logo is a superb representation of a collective effort of many varying organizations and brands - all coming together in unison as a brand unto itself.

2010-07-29T08:05:00.007-06:00

Random acts of kindness: simply a brand principle all of its own

Lovely Loot is a heartwarming initiative started by 2 Saskatoon women, Kelly and Heather, who felt the need to spread goodwill in their world by engaging themselves - and then ideally their audiences - with random acts of kindness. Targeting all people from all walks of life in their community, they describe their efforts simply as, "Random acts of kindness are infectious, and tough to resist the desire to pass on the kindness that has been passed on to you."

From drawing temporary & colourful chalk 'welcome mats' in front of business doorways to providing best wishes to students at exam time by hanging notes on their bicycles at bike racks, Lovely Loot is engaging citizens in unique ways and getting the attention of many. Recently featured on CBC Radio, Heather and Kelly are demonstrating how simple, heartfelt and innovative thinking can make a difference in a person's day, and maybe even their lives.

Our warmest best wishes and kudos go out to these innovative women and their amazing ideas. Visit their blogsite to find out more about their efforts. http://lovelyloot.blogspot.com

2010-06-24T21:27:00.006-06:00

New logo & identity work from the Arcas Advertising team

Free Spirit Adventure Tours is a Regina-based company that provides unique and custom biking and/or hiking tours across Canada - for groups big and small.

The Friends of the Museum is an organization that works closely with the Royal Saskatchewan Museum to support, develop and market initiatives that help promote the museum and its offerings to the community & tourism industry.

Haiti Village Health is a small, Canadian doctor-led clinic in the earthquake-stricken country. Established in 2006, the clinic and its volunteers provide free medical and health care services to the country's citizens in several hard-to-access outlying areas.

2010-06-06T21:24:00.004-06:00

Brand smallness makes big brand noise

Here is a unique testament to the old adage, ‘less is more’. The Smoking Lily is a small retail, B.C.-made fashion and accessory brand that has a couple of locations – with one of the extreme low overhead variety. The Johnson Street location in beautiful Victoria is a mere, closet-like 11 x 4 feet of floor size . So tiny is this unique offering, only 2 shoppers can be within the four walls – and not without literally being on top of each other. Clothing is displayed way up on the 2-storey high interior wall and a clerk sits on a small chair behind the one entrance door.

Despite being small almost beyond comprehension, the size of the store has generated much positive PR and exposure for the brand. And more than a curiosity, the small outlet indeed offers much-celebrated fashion for many locals, curious visitors and tourists – demonstrating that the best advertising is still a great product or service. As an online magazine recently noted, “The space may be small, but the clothes and accessories are larger than life.” (granvilleonline.com)

Check out the Smoking Lily brand @ www.smokinglily.com

Arcas returns as MACU Masters 2010 Host & Presenting Sponsor

2010-05-31T17:04:00.004-06:00

In late May and early June, the Arcas Group will once again be honoured to be the MACU Masters Host & Presenting Sponsor for the Marketing Association for Credit Unions’ Strategic Marketing Conference and AIME Awards Gala Dinner “MACU Masters Competition” in Victoria, B.C.

The MACU Masters competition is an event that challenges credit union marketers to give their best creative and marketing performances over an eight hour period, resulting in completed and comprehensive marketing, advertising & media campaigns for 2 pre-selected not-for-profit organizations.

Having participated last year as the sponsor for the event in Quebec City, Arcas Chief Creative Officer Mike Woroniak noted, “The event is a tremendous testament to the credit union marketing industry and their commitment to the communities at large across Canada. We are very proud to be a sponsor and look forward to helping the event be
a major success yet again.”

With a client roster that includes 6 credit unions located in western Canada from Saskatchewan to B.C., the Arcas Group brings a depth of industry knowledge and talents to assist credit union brands in helping solve their brand marketing needs through such offerings as brand value proposition, brand research, brand identity and brand communications.

I'M ON A HORSE

2010-05-19T19:47:00.000-06:00

Old Spice.

For dads, grandfathers....wives? daughters?

Aimed obviously at women, (who do most of the bodywash purchases in the household) Wieden+Kennedy has taken "aspirational" to the levels of parody with their Old Spice "manmercial" launched at the Superbowl. 10 million hits on youtube so far. And of course the soon to be iconic punchline: "I'm on a horse."

Here it is for your amusement:

And for those of you who are into such things.....here is an interview with the writer and art director of the ad and a blow by blow of how they did it.

2010-05-14T13:54:00.000-06:00

Dish soap’s Unique Selling Proposition (USP)
extends beyond the sink

For a winning dish detergent formula that makes cleaning stuck-on food easier than ever, Dawn is a brand many household product consumers turn to everyday. In an interesting extension of product usage, the detergent has fortuitously evolved over the years into an added-value success story with the removal of oil from birds and wildlife affected by accidental spills.

With the current oil pollution and environmental situation happening off the coastline of the southern U.S., Dawn is once again positioned for a unique role in helping save wildlife from the spill's harmful effects. For 30 years, wildlife rescuers have been using Dawn dishwashing liquid to gently remove oil and help wildlife return to their normal health. Animal rescue organizations choose Dawn because it removes the greasy oil—while being gentle on delicate feathers and skin.

Please visit the Dawn website @ www.dawn-dish.com - or the International Bird Rescue Research Center (IBRRC) @ www.ibrrc.org/index.html - for more information. To watch an informative video on how Dawn became the environmental oil spill cleanup product-of-choice for wildlife, go to http://www.ibrrc.org/gulf-oil-spill-frequently-asked-questions-2010.html

2010-05-06T16:30:00.000-06:00

JEANNE MCKECHNEY | Account Director & Media Planner/Buyer

Experienced in both the project management and media planning disciplines, Jeanne brings Arcas clients the benefit of hybrid competencies in her dual role as Account Director and Media Planner/Buyer at the agency. Jeanne’s background has seen her deliver outstanding service & results for clients such as General Motors, Cathay Pacific Airways, Saskatchewan Workers’ Compensation Board, the Regina Symphony Orchestra, Cornerstone Credit Union, City of Regina, TCU Financial Group and Skills Canada. Jeanne majored in both Marketing and Psychology at the University of Saskatchewan and has worked in key agency roles in both the Vancouver & Regina markets. Arcas Chief Creative Officer and Managing Partner, Mike Woroniak, highlights Jeannne as easily one of the best account people he has ever had the pleasure of working with in the ad agency business in the last 21 years.

2010-05-06T15:53:00.000-06:00

NEW WORK: Juxtaposed icons come together to communicate quick loan service

Prairie Centre Credit Union's Quick & Easy Express Loan Service is not only lending rate-competitive, but also delivers zippety-fast loan processing - allowing members to be on their way to purchasing boats, trailers, deck furniture and ATVs all that much sooner this summer.

Arcas Advertising helped to create the campaign, which included print advertising, radio, online banner ads and in-branch point-of-sale. The campaign is highlighted by a "stickshift rubber approval stamp icon", designed to communicate the benefit of speed the loan service offers.

2010-05-02T18:42:00.000-06:00

NEW WORK: customer experience program logo lights it up for credit union

To help rollout a new, internal program created to enhance and build upon established customer service excellence at Cornerstone Credit Union, the Arcas team was recently engaged to create a name and logo that communicated idea-genreation from the credit union's internal employee teams.

A "larger-than-life" green lightbulb - juxtaposed with an image of a friendly staff person - adds memorable vitality and visual essence to the program's ongoing objective of having staff invited to contribute their ideas to the credit union's ongoing, everyday member and customer-service innovations.

2010-04-30T16:19:00.000-06:00

Arcas welcomes Shauna Stanley to the Research Team

Dean Gagne, Chief Research & Strategy Officer, Arcas Group, is pleased to announce the addition of Shauna Stanley to the research and consulting team as Manager of Research.

With more than a decade of experience as a senior market researcher, Shauna joins to the firm with extensive experience in assessing issues and implementing both secondary and primary research methodologies – as well as providing sound client consulting advice.

Shauna’s career has seen her contribute to the development and implementation of research and communications projects for many key economic sectors, including: agriculture (policy and practices), financial services (day-to-day banking, lending, savings, investing and financial planning), oil and gas, mining, tourism, environment, healthcare, education (secondary and post-secondary), government services, insurance services, real estate and retail.

Shauna also serves in the community through various organizations including a current role as Co-Chair for the 2010 Rick Hansen Wheels in Motion event.

2010-03-27T15:33:00.000-06:00

Gap charges back with revamped denim offerings and denim recycling promotion

The Gap just may be back. Recently having re-energized their denim lineup with new styles and fashion direction, the once-iconic retail fashion chain also just completed an innovative denim recycling promotion across all their locations. Denim seekers were offered to bring in any old pair of jeans - battered n' tattered, it didn't matter - to receive a 30% discount off the purchase of a new pair from the Gap's exciting new lineup. Almost true good to be true - and only perhaps a challenge for those of us who still treasure our favourite ragged & faded pairs (and cannot part with them, no matter the savings.)

2010-03-13T09:43:00.000-06:00

A strategic brand-building brain always needs fuel

Generating client brand problem-solves takes effort and that effort often requires brain fuel. Needless to say, the folks at the Arcas Group have their favourite fuel stops to replenish and nourish those very minds that keep our ideas rolling. Here is a list of just a few of our mandatory re-fuelling stations and what they offer as some of Regina's best eats. Bon appetit!

1) The Bee Bim Bob hot pot at Korea House - presented with a fried egg on top. This humble little restaurant is easily one of Regina's best-kept secrets.

2) Cinnamon buns? The Green Spot takes the podium - but only available Wednesday and Saturday mornings. Chewy and gooey. Buy 2 and share the other to wow a friend.

3) Take home a few rings of Oskar's Deli Meats and Sausage Haus chunky ham sausage today. Simply the best. Add sides of cheese, pickles and you enter kielbasa heaven.

4) Cakes, muffins etc at KoKo Patiserrie. Home of artisanal pastries, cakes and treats. And wow - just maybe the best chocolate mousse cake on the planet!

5) The breakfast menu Skillet Scramble at The Hideaway. Man-sized serving of scrambled eggs, potatoes, bacon and a cheese sauce that has no peers. Short nap may be required after consuming.

Silent movie genre makes a credit union comeback?

2010-03-09T08:47:00.001-06:00

This short (and intentionally silent) video example is one of a series of videowall Flash movies created for Cornerstone Credit Union by the Arcas team. These videos play in-branch on large flatscreens to help promote the credit union's ongoing products, programs and services to members who may be waiting in-line or awaiting an appointment time. This medium often complements other media activities that the credit union is placing in the marketplace.

RECENT WORK: RRSPs make gaining fun

2010-03-08T20:13:00.000-06:00

Some recent Arcas Advertising RRSP campaign work done for our client, Prairie Centre Credit Union, featured a new twist on an old nemesis for most of us - the bathroom weigh scale. Saving for one's retirement and measuring compounding interest gains is always a good thing. Our creative ad team gave the credit union's members a reason to believe in putting both feet forward on the RRSP front (and perhaps even on that old spinning wheel of numbers we all have come to fear.)

The integrated campaign featured print advertising, online Flash banners, in-branch posters and directmail.

A case for identity consistency in popular music

2010-03-05T13:10:00.000-06:00

Consistent identity application should very much be a key element in any brand's ongoing marketing and business objectives - even in the category of rock n' roll.

The distinctive logo for the band Chicago (designed by Nick Fasciano) has graced every album cover of the band's discography in one form or another - with well over 25+ albums & releases in various formats.

Over the decades of the band's existence, the logo has appeared in a variety of applications on their album covers: a chiselled woodcut, a Hershey chocolate bar partially unwrapped, engraved currency and, as well, the shape of a skyscraper culiminating in the logo as the entire rooftop. This iconic mark has stood the test of time and is an excellent example of consistent application of an identity - even over & through the course of the band's musical evolution from experimental jazz notions, to rock and onward to lite rock FM ballad hits.

From the Arcas bookshelf: David Aaker

2010-03-04T14:40:00.000-06:00

David A. Aaker is considered by many as the grandfather of brand strategy. He is currently a Vice Chairman of Prophet, a global brand/marketing consultancy, and has authored over 100 articles & 14 books on marketing and branding. His books have long been a resource for our group's senior advisors in helping clients and their brands navigate the stormy seas of their respective competitive categories. We highly recommend all of his writings for those who seek further insight to the world of branding.

Financial students offered unique tuition & employment program

2010-03-03T09:19:00.000-06:00

The ASP!RE program from Prairie Centre Credit Union is a unique scholarship and career start program that helps pay one student’s tuition and jump starts their career in the financial services sector with guaranteed employment. While continuing to attend school in their program of study, the student also completes work terms with the credit union during summer breaks, increasing their knowledge and job responsibilities while assisting credit union professionals & applying their academic skills. Upon completion of studies and graduation, the student gains employment at one the credit union’s branches for a term equal to that of their studies term – a terrific start to their financial services career journey!

Arcas Advertising assisted with several aspects of this successful program launch, delivering
a Strategic Communications Overview, the program’s name development, logo & identity design, collateral materials design and a presentation video.

For more information on the Asp!re program, please visit www.pccu.ca

Credit union promotes 'know when to say when' spending approach

2010-03-02T23:08:00.000-06:00

Al Ries and Jack Trout may have said it best when they noted brands & categories can benefit immensely by anchoring to what is already in the consumer's mind.

We used that little piece of wisdom when applying some of the the alcohol industry's well-known "know when to say when" moderation messaging towards one of our financial client's holiday messaging.

With Christmas shopping spending continuing to seemingly soar with each passing year, Arcas Advertising creatively partnered with Prairie Centre Credit Union in communicating to their members to use a little more discretion during the holiday shopping season - by spending a little less to save a little more for the future.

The campaign is a continuation in the brand's Value Proposition work undertaken and created by Arcas Research & Consulting - which has led to the credit union's ongoing, successful brand positioning of helping to grow their customer's money.

New work from Arcas Advertising: logo design

2010-02-23T13:53:00.000-06:00

Every winter, credit unions across Saskatchewan recruit some of their "not so" finest athletes, and put together hockey teams to compete for the holy grail of credit union sporting accomplishments – Stanley’s Other Cup. This year one of our clients, Prairie Centre Credit Union, is pleased to announce they will be hosting this prestigious tournament.

The tournament will be played in Outlook, SK this year on March 19^th and 20^th.

Stanley’s Other Cup is a Saskatchewan Credit Union tradition. The tournament provides an opportunity for credit union employees from across Saskatchewan to get together and acquaint with old friends, meet some new ones, do a bit of business networking - and most importantly to have some fun.

Arcas is proud to have contributed to an ongoing Saskatchewan tradition with this logo design.

Regina Food Bank scores success with innovative Village Market

2010-02-23T08:29:00.000-06:00

It looks like the Regina Food Bank's Village Market is on pace to be a great success. Opened in January of this year, the grocery store market is a first-of-its-kind in North America. Low income individuals and families now have the opportunity to purchase food with dignity should they not choose to access the charitable food sources & hampers traditionally available at the food bank.

Arcas Advertising has been working as the food bank's official agency-of-record and helped in donating the design of the market's logo and signage - one of many ongoing projects the agency is assisting them with.

Visit the Regina Food Bank online @ reginafoodbank.ca

Unique offer: bartering steaks for stock

2010-02-21T13:11:00.000-06:00

Smith & Wollensky is one of America’s premier traditional steakhouses. They have created an innovative marketing offer that stands out in a category beseiged by brand parity. This offering very much reminds us of our very own "free stationery design" offer we launched in 2009 (www.arcas.com/ad-agency-no-charge)

No word yet on the results of the actual 'steak-for-stock barter', but we'll keep you posted. We do know the media coverage and word-of-mouth has been exceptional.

For more information on Smith & Wollensky,
visit their website @ www.smithandwollensky.com

Branding can often be in the details

2010-02-16T14:47:00.000-06:00

The Vancouver Olympics should be commended for the consistent, tasteful application of the blue and green colour palette throughout all the venues. The colours even graced the curling ice in smashing fashion - giving the rings an on-brand treatment (and to maybe to help offset the Norwegian men's John Daly-esque pants.)

Retro design scores with secondary logo branding strategy

2010-02-15T23:29:00.000-06:00

The recent advent of retro uniforms and vintage apparel in sports marketing has sparked the idea for the Arcas Group to incorporate a retro-meets-secondary logo for their own brand.

Looking to create brand appeal beyond the normal, usual array of corporate marketing and speciality logo-item giveaways for customers & employees, Arcas called upon a vintage style of design to complement their corporate identity - in creating a fun and highly approachable personality for their brand for various marketing efforts.

The trend in corporate giveaways has long been awash in a sea of ubiquitous golf shirts, notepads and water bottles. “The added element of a focussed design strategy can help differentiate a company from the usual pack”, noted Mike Woroniak, Arcas’ Chief Creative Officer. “This secondary logo for our company is derived from the successful merchandise marketing occurring in most professional sport categories and is a direct result of our ongoing & keen observations into other industries. How ideas from other sectors can help influence the ideas within our very own sector is a large component of our everyday thinking for our brand - and our clients.”

The Arcas retro logo strategy mirrors the observations of the group’s ad division and its ‘free stationery design’ offer - which was influenced by the automakers industry and ‘employee pricing’ initiatives that were deployed to support ongoing vehicle financing & pricing innovations and tactics.