1.18.2010 – MEA Digital Receives Platinum at The 2010 Pixie Awards™

San Diego, CA – January 18, 2010 – MEA Digital (http://www.meadigital.com/) recently received platinum at The 2010 Pixie Awards™ (http://www.pixieawards.com/) in the Excellence in Motion Graphics category for a self-promotional reel, which showcases the agency’s creative work. The judging panel, made up of professionals in the animation, motion graphics, and effects industries, believed the piece displayed an “excellent variety of techniques” and that it was “well conceived and executed.”

John Hartman, President of MEA Digital, said of the announcement, “Between the unique scoring system and various categories, the Pixie represents a different breed of award show and to receive platinum is a genuine honor. It’s particularly special because the reel we submitted is a reflection of our own brand. Bringing the statuette back to our San Diego office is the perfect way to ring in the New Year.”

Founded by the American Pixel Academy (APA), The Pixie Awards™ honors outstanding creativity in animation, motion graphics, and effects. Entries are judged on standards of excellence, rather than against each other, and rated on a 10-point scale. Those submissions earning a score of nine or higher qualify for a Platinum Pixie. Those scoring between seven and 8.9 qualify for a Gold Pixie. MEA Digital’s submission, which can be viewed on YouTube as well as the homepage of the agency’s website, earned a 9.6.

About MEA Digital

MEA Digital is an analytics-focused agency with offices in San Diego and New York City. We help our clients bridge the gap between branding and performance marketing by optimizing their media mix, creative positioning, and budgets across strategically appropriate channels. As a result, we're able to connect what's meaningful to their customers with what's profitable for their businesses.

12.18.2009 – MEA Digital Honored as Finalist at the 2009 DPAC Awards

San Diego, CA – December 17, 2009 – MEA Digital (www.meadigital.com) was recently honored as a finalist in the Best Product Launch category at the 2009 Digital Publishing & Advertising (DPAC) Awards (http://www.dpacawards.com) for its work on Oakley's Citizens of Powder campaign (http://awards.meaclients.com/sammys/oakley_cop). The award is just one in a long line of creative accolades the full-service agency has received this year.

"Each award is a unique and special honor," said John Hartman, President of MEA Digital. "Year after year, we're humbled by the outstanding work our entries are held up against and the esteemed judging panels that select the winners. The DPAC Awards is no different. It was a privilege to be nominated and an even greater achievement to be named a finalist."

Presented by DM2, publisher of digiday:DAILY and host of DPAC4, the DPAC Awards honors overall excellence and breakthrough achievement in Digital Publishing and Advertising. The world-renowned organization is made up of hundreds of leading social media and marketing experts, journalists, insiders, marketers, publishers, and social technology visionaries, some of whom served as judges for this year’s show. To read about the panel, visit
http://www.dpacawards.com/judging.

About MEA Digital

MEA Digital is an analytics-focused agency with offices in San Diego and New York City. We help our clients bridge the gap between branding and performance marketing by optimizing their media mix, creative positioning, and budgets across strategically appropriate channels. As a result, we're able to connect what's meaningful to their customers with what's profitable for their businesses.

9.22.2009 – MEA Digital Wins for Best Social Promotion at the 2009 SAMMY Awards

San Diego, CA – September 22, 2009 – MEA Digital (www.meadigital.com) was recognized for overall excellence and breakthrough achievement in social advertising, media, and marketing at this year's SAMMY Awards in New York City (www.sammyawards.com), winning the Best Social Promotion (Product Launch) category for its work on Oakley's Citizens of Powder campaign. The interactive agency was also a finalist in the Best Social App category for an application designed to promote Oakley's AFA product lines.

"Our industry is in the midst of a social media revolution and the SAMMY Awards is simply a sign of the times," said John Hartman, President of MEA Digital. "From Facebook to Twitter and beyond, marketers have an obligation to come up with new and smarter ways to connect with their audiences. The SAMMY's spotlight those that are embracing the revolution and honor the creative ideas that are helping brands blend into these increasingly popular networks."

The SAMMY's are presented annually by DM2, publisher of digiday:DAILY and host of digiday:SOCIAL. The world-renowned organization is made up of hundreds of leading social media and marketing experts, journalists, insiders, marketers, publishers, and social technology visionaries, some of whom served as judges. To read about the panel, visit www.sammyawards.com/judging.

About MEA Digital

MEA Digital is an analytics-focused agency with offices in San Diego and New York City. We help our clients bridge the gap between branding and performance marketing by optimizing their media mix, creative positioning, and budgets across strategically appropriate channels. As a result, we're able to connect what's meaningful to their customers with what's profitable for their businesses.

8.17.2009 – MEA Digital Joining "Twestival" in San Francisco

San Diego, CA – August 17, 2009 – MEA Digital (www.meadigital.com) announced today that President John Hartman is set to attend "Twestival" Local (www.twestivalsf.com) in San Francisco. Inspired by the popularity of "Twestival" Global, "Twestival" Local brings together thousands of contemporaries in more than 180 cities around the world to discuss the future of social media as well as raise money for local charities. The synchronized social media event, which is coordinated by Twitter users, will take place between September 10th and 13th, 2009. "Twestival" San Francisco is scheduled for September 11th and will support Operation Smile.

"As social media platforms evolve and transform the marketing landscape, our job is to ensure our clients continue implementing new technologies in order to seamlessly connect with their customer base and maximize ROI," said Hartman. "'Twestival' is a sure sign of things to come, making it a must-attend event for agencies looking to take advantage of emerging platforms. Not to mention support a worthy cause."

More than 4.5 million people worldwide use Twitter currently, which explains why "Twestival," in only its second year, has garnered major media attention. In fact, thousands of social media professionals across the globe are spreading the word about the fundraiser via blogging, vlogging, Digging, tweeting, and more. According to Twestival.com, the event was born out of the idea that if cities were able to collaborate on an international scale, but work from a local level, it could have a spectacular impact both within the industry and philanthropically.

About MEA Digital

MEA Digital is an analytics-focused agency with offices in San Diego and New York City. We help our clients bridge the gap between branding and performance marketing by optimizing their media mix, creative positioning, and budgets across strategically appropriate channels. As a result, we're able to connect what's meaningful to their customers with what's profitable for their businesses.

6.15.2009 – MEA Digital Wins People’s Choice at the American Marketer of the Year (AMY) Awards

San Diego, CA – June 15, 2009 – MEA Digital (http://www.meadigital.com), a top 50 interactive agency, was honored for creative excellence at the 2009 San Diego American Marketer of the Year (AMY) Awards. The full-service boutique earned the People’s Choice Award for Emblem (http://awards08.meaclients.com/cannes/gb/), an online advertising campaign designed to boost awareness of a new apparel line from Oakley and pro snowboarder Gretchen Bleiler, as well as an honorable mention for a revamped Odyssey Golf website (http://www.odysseygolf.com). 

“It’s always a special honor to be recognized,” said John Hartman, President of MEA Digital. “But, the greatest form of flattery is the People’s Choice Award. While most entries are held up against the highest standards by select group of judges, this particular category is ultimately based on public opinion. I can’t think of a better reason to celebrate than when our peers, within the industry and beyond, laud our ideas.”

The San Diego AMYs, sponsored by the local chapter of the American Marketing Association (AMA), recognize and reward those individuals in the community who have successfully connected businesses with customers. Each year, a panel of esteemed marketing and communication professionals selects winners based on effectiveness, quality, style, and execution.

The AMA is the largest marketing association in North America, founded for individuals and organizations involved in the practice, teaching, and study of marketing worldwide. It is also the go-to source for resources, training, and professional networking. In fact, members are connected to nearly 40,000 experienced marketers, including leading academics, researchers, and practitioners.

About MEA Digital

MEA Digital is an analytics-focused agency with offices in San Diego and New York City. We help our clients bridge the gap between branding and performance marketing by optimizing their media mix, creative positioning, and budgets across strategically appropriate channels. As a result, we're able to connect what's meaningful to their customers with what's profitable for their businesses.

6.10.2009 – MEA Digital’s Media Director, Tamara Bousquet, Elected to Ad Club Board

San Diego, CA – June 10, 2009 – MEA Digital’s (http://www.meadigital.com) Media Director, Tamara Bousquet, has been elected to serve on San Diego Ad Club’s Board of Directors (http://www.sandiegoadclub.com/). She joins a premier roster of accomplished professionals, including Steve Biebel of Cox Media, Jeremy Diumstra of MJD Interactive, Mary Peczeli of Clients & Profits, Alex Phillips of Medicis Communications, and Frank Rogozienski of Frank Rogozienski Photography. Together, they’ll focus on providing more valuable programming, educational seminars, and various networking opportunities locally.

Founded in 1911, the San Diego Ad Club is part of the American Advertising Federation (AAF) and exists to serve agencies, clients, media, suppliers, and aspiring professionals alike by enhancing the visibility and supporting the growth of the advertising community. It is also the city’s oldest business association, bringing the entire industry together at major events year after year.

“It’s a special honor to be recognized by such a longstanding, prestigious organization,” said Tamara in response to the news. “I’m anxious to begin my term as a member of the Board, particularly in these tough economic times, tackling the challenges that lie ahead with the help of the full board.”

Tamara has nearly 13 years of integrated planning experience, managing brands like Apple, Hewlett Packard, UPS, Xerox, Accenture, Universal Pictures, and Nestle. Prior to joining MEA Digital, she managed the worldwide digital assignment for Apple at OMD, helping the most popular fruit on the planet establish an indomitable presence on the web with a series of elegant and first-ever executions. Nowadays, Tamara focuses her attention on integrated media strategies, business development, as well as agency improvement and growth.

About MEA Digital

MEA Digital is an analytics-focused agency with offices in San Diego and New York City. We help our clients bridge the gap between branding and performance marketing by optimizing their media mix, creative positioning, and budgets across strategically appropriate channels. As a result, we're able to connect what's meaningful to their customers with what's profitable for their businesses.

5.22.2009 – MEA Digital Media Director, Tamara Bousquet, Set to Speak at San Diego Ad Club's Top Events

San Diego, CA - May 22, 2009 - MEA Digital Media Director, Tamara Bousquet, is set to speak at two of San Diego Ad Club's (http://www.sandiegoadclub.com/) top events in the coming months. She will bring her online media expertise to a panel at the Integrated Media Planning conference and be a featured speaker at Interactive Day San Diego.

The Integrated Media Planning conference takes place on May 29th. Alongside Nigel Benjamin of Lambesis and Marilee Brusachetti of Jack in the Box, Tamara will address media fragmentation - TV, radio, print, online display, out-of-home, search, social media, mobile and more - and the challenges marketers face when attempting to create an effective tactical mix that reaches captive audiences. Sean Monzet of NBC Local Media will act as moderator.

On June 18th, the San Diego Ad Club will host Interactive Day San Diego, a can't-miss event for online marketing professionals in Southern California (http://www.interactivedaysandiego.com/index.php). Tamara will join top thought leaders for a series of panels and workshops that cover online media best practices. During Session Five, she'll take center stage to discuss the art of media planning.

"I'm looking forward to participating in both of these great events," said Tamara. "The content will drive energetic and lively discussions on how we can better leverage marketing dollars to drive branding and performance success."

Tamara has 12+ years of integrated planning experience, managing brands like Apple, Hewlett Packard, UPS, Xerox, Accenture, Universal Pictures, and Nestle. Prior to joining MEA Digital, she managed the worldwide digital assignment for Apple at OMD, helping the most popular fruit on the planet establish an indomitable presence on the web with a series of elegant and first-ever executions. Nowadays, Tamara focuses her attention on integrated media strategies, business development, as well as agency improvement and growth.

About MEA Digital

MEA Digital is an analytics-focused agency with offices in San Diego and New York City. We help our clients bridge the gap between branding and performance marketing by optimizing their media mix, creative positioning, and budgets across strategically appropriate channels. As a result, we're able to connect what's meaningful to their customers with what's profitable for their businesses.

1.28.2009 – 2009 Success Strategies for Marketing During a Recession

The beginning of the year is a good time to analyze and adjust marketing strategies for the coming months. Given the economic news we’re all reading about, this year is especially important. MEA Digital would like to share some insights that may help you in your planning and we look forward to discussing them further with you.

While budgets may certainly become tighter, all experts agree that it’s critical to keep building your brand message, deepening relationships with existing customers and generating new leads – even more so in a downturn. From the mainstream press such as Business Week to the academic press such as Knowledge @ Wharton to the blogosphere such as TechCrunch, the consensus is that a downturn brings as many opportunities as it does challenges. Now is the time to put the pressure on competitors, look internally to evolve eCRM and build more efficient channels for the future.

In an effort to help you maximize these opportunities, MEA Digital has compiled the following list of key recommendations:

Search Engine Optimization (SEO) – It may seem like an easy line item to cut in the budget, but the investment in search rankings has a large ROI and will take months, if not years, to gain back if you lose them. SEO is a great opportunity to put the squeeze on competitors that may be distracted.

Social Media Influencers – Now is a great time to reassess who may be your top online influencers (e.g., social networks, affiliates, blogs, PR, etc) and reinforce relationships with these entities. MEA Digital is rolling out new software and service offerings in 2009 to help our clients identify top online brand influencers and making recommendations on how to build those relationships through social media.

Paid Search (PPC/SEM) – All experts agree that paid search will remain an efficient and effective way to reach customers. In 2009, paid search efforts should not only focus on customers in the “low funnel,” but also customers in the “high funnel” research phase of the buying process.

eCRM – Evolving customer databases to allow for greater segmentation and one-on-one communication is commonly delayed and replaced with the easier “shotgun” approaches during an economic downturn. Instead, get serious about advanced targeting and messaging. Building and monetizing your email list will lead to high ROI.

Display/Banners – There’s a buzz about whether display will be effective in 2009. The short answer is that banners will bring ROI if used correctly. First, publisher inventory continues to expand significantly, which is driving down the cost to traffic banners. You can buy very efficient inventory and use it to announce new product launches or target new customer segments. Second, consumer-buying cycles will be longer in 2009. Using cookies to “retarget” site visitors will increase your conversions. Finally, multiple studies confirm that display banners provide “lift” to PPC/SEM and SEO campaigns by directing new leads into the sales consideration funnel.

Websites & Analytics – In addition to great content and SEO, 2009 will be the year of web analytics. Whether you are using Google Analytics, Omniture, or Coremetrics, now is the time to finish all your “wish list” capabilities, so that you know exactly where your conversions are coming from. MEA Digital recommends working together to update monthly dashboards and “attribution models” to use for the year and a testing calendar to improve learning.

Creative & Messaging – Messaging updates that reconnect with consumer mindsets are critical. Studies are already showing results for messaging that effectively focuses on value. But, instead of using neon lights to flash the words “sale,” communicate how your product will bring lasting benefits in smarter, more provocative ways. Smart marketers are also gathering fresh primary research from customers, and how they may be thinking differently in this changed economy.

Mobile – Opportunities for mobile depend on the brand and the business model. The most significant change of 2008 was the iPhone, which is an increasingly important technology platform. Launching an offering that serves a functional purpose and is aligned with your brand brings great potential. Mobile browsing and transacting is growing; smart marketers need to stay up-to-date on these constantly evolving consumer devices.

The list above contains many of MEA Digital’s key recommendations for 2009 and reflects conservative budget frameworks. In addition, many of the recommendations involve infrastructure capabilities and reinvesting in high ROI opportunities. We look forward to working with everyone and will continue to share information about what is working well in this economy throughout the year.

5.7.2009 – MEA Digital Named Top Agency in 2009 by BtoB Magazine

San Diego, CA – May 7, 2009 – MEA Digital (http://www.meadigital.com) has been named one of BtoB’s Top Agencies in 2009 for the third year in a row thanks to their work with clients like SAVO Group, Vistage, and Mitsubishi Digital Electronics of America. The list was published in the April issue of BtoB Magazine and spotlighted a number of other well-known shops, including Ogilvy, DDB, Traction, and Digitas to name a few.

“It is a special honor to be recognized year after year by such a renowned publication,” said Michael Chaney, CEO of MEA Digital. “The coveted list spans the gamut of large, medium, small, and interactive agencies, turning the limelight on the select few that orchestrated the most challenging, inventive, and effective campaigns.”

With more than 45,000 subscribers, BtoB Magazine is widely known for delivering timely editorial on all disciplines of business-to-business marketing to executives. Most readers, according to the monthly publication from Crain Communications, are very involved in developing winning integrated business strategies, uncovering new products that will optimize their sales and marketing efforts, and finding the most effective ways to take their company to the next level.

“Every name on BtoB’s Top Agencies list is a pioneer, constantly reinventing and revolutionizing business-to-business marketing. Like our fellow honorees, MEA Digital will work to continue that trend for years to come.”

About MEA Digital

MEA Digital is an analytics-focused agency with offices in San Diego and New York City. We help our clients bridge the gap between branding and performance marketing by optimizing their media mix, creative positioning, and budgets across strategically appropriate channels. As a result, we're able to connect what's meaningful to their customers with what's profitable for their businesses.

4.21.2009 – MEA Digital Selected as Official Honoree at the 13th Annual Webby Awards

San Diego, CA – April 21, 2009 – MEA Digital (http://www.meadigital.com), a top 50 interactive agency, has been selected as an Official Honoree at the 13th annual Webby Awards in the Rich Media Advertising (Business-to-Consumer) category for their work on Emblem (http://awards08.meaclients.com/oakley.php). The banner, created to boost awareness of a winter clothing line designed by Oakley with snowboarder Gretchen Bleiler, allowed users to create their own custom emblem, download it, and share it with their friends.

Established in 1996, the Webby Awards is the leading international awards show honoring excellence on the internet, including websites, online film and video, interactive advertising, and mobile marketing. In fact, it has been hailed as the "Internet's highest honor" by the New York Times. Winners are selected by the International Academy of Digital Arts & Sciences, a global organization whose 550 members include Web experts, business figures, luminaries, visionaries, and creative celebrities such as David Bowie, Harvey Weinstein, Arianna Huffington, Matt Groening, Internet inventor Vinton Cerf, Twitter co-founder Biz Stone, Virgin Group Chairman Richard Branson, and R/GA Chairman and CEO Bob Greenberg to name a few. Former winners include Amazon.com, iTunes, Google, FedEx, The New York Times, NPR, Flickr, ESPN, Comedy Central, and more.

“The Webby’s represent the upper echelon of award shows,” said MEA Digital CEO Michael Chaney. “Each year, the Academy recognizes only the best and brightest. In fact, of the nearly 10,000 entries submitted in 2009, fewer than 15% were distinguished as an Official Honoree. To be included in this elite group is a special privilege and a testament to our agency’s creative capabilities.”

About MEA Digital

MEA Digital is an analytics-focused agency with offices in San Diego and New York City. We help our clients bridge the gap between branding and performance marketing by optimizing their media mix, creative positioning, and budgets across strategically appropriate channels. As a result, we're able to connect what's meaningful to their customers with what's profitable for their businesses.

4.8.2009 – MEA Digital Named Agency of Record for Vistage International

San Diego, CA – April 8, 2009 – MEA Digital (http://www.meadigital.com) a top 50 interactive marketing strategy and services firm, has been named the Agency of Record for Vistage International (http://www.vistage.com), the world's leading chief executive organization, dedicated to improving the lives of CEOs and helping their businesses outperform the competition. In the coming months, MEA Digital will augment Vistage's online marketing strategy by providing strategic guidance, media planning, and creative services to help solidify the company as the category leader.

"We're currently finalizing a fully-integrated media campaign that will broaden Vistage's reach, improve brand recognition, and increase the number of CEOs applying for membership as well as ex-CEOs applying for business coaching positions," said John Hartman, President of MEA Digital. "In the meantime, we've launched an interim campaign that has generated significantly more leads than projected at a cost-per-lead 22% less than projected."

Vistage fulfills the needs of CEOs through a unique system that was developed more than 50 years ago and has been enhanced by recent technological advancements, including an online gateway that connects members to nearly 14,500 business leaders worldwide. Vistage members also tap into a network of nearly 700 expert resource speakers and participate in interactive workshops and webinars that provide free training for members' staff. The core component of membership, however, is the peer group advisory board meeting. Each month, CEOs gather in a trusted and confidential setting, where they tackle their toughest challenges, develop innovative business strategies from diverse perspectives, and strengthen their overall leadership to create new opportunities.

"In 2008, more than 1,800 CEOs joined Vistage to focus on solving their short-term needs while preparing for the future so they can emerge even stronger," said Ruby Randall, President and Chief Operating Officer of Vistage. "We offer real solutions proven to help members figure out what to do and then getting them to do it in order to improve bottom-line results. We're confident MEA Digital's thought leadership and actionable insights will go a long way in helping even more CEOs learn about the ROI of Vistage membership."

About MEA Digital

MEA Digital is an analytics-focused agency with offices in San Diego and New York City. We help our clients bridge the gap between branding and performance marketing by optimizing their media mix, creative positioning, and budgets across strategically appropriate channels. As a result, we're able to connect what's meaningful to their customers with what's profitable for their businesses.

About Vistage International

Vistage International (http://www.vistage.com) and its affiliates are in 16 countries with nearly 14,500 members. For over 50 years, Vistage has been dedicated to increasing the effectiveness and enhancing the lives of chief executives worldwide. Headquartered in the United States, Vistage has operations in the United Kingdom, Ireland, China, Mexico, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Malaysia, Singapore and the Netherlands. Vistage affiliates, known as TEC, are located in Australia, Canada, Germany, New Zealand and South Africa.

4.6.2009 – MEA Digital Unveils Revamped SAVO Website

San Diego, CA – April 6, 2009 – MEA Digital (http://www.meadigital.com), a top 50 interactive marketing strategy and services firm, recently unveiled a revamped website for SAVO (http://www.savogroup.com), a leading provider of collaborative Sales Enablement solutions. Enlisted to develop an effective targeted messaging solution, the agency concentrated on in-depth demographic research and message analysis to drive the redesign. Additionally, MEA Digital evaluated SAVO’s custom-built CMS, coded website changes, and ensured data was accurately integrated into Eloqua and Salesforce.

“The new SAVO website is a product of sound strategic thinking and account planning,” said John Hartman, President of MEA Digital. “It also illustrates the value of close, ongoing collaboration between agency and client throughout the creative process. From conceptualizing to development, we made sure the lines of communication were open every step of the way.”

Founded in 1999, SAVO combines proven sales and marketing best practices with award-winning technology to create on-demand, collaborative software that connects employees with the best sales materials, tools, insights, and expertise to help them work more efficiently. That knowledge is then delivered to sellers when they need it most, enabling more effective sales conversations.

“SAVO is a pioneer in providing Sales Enablement to companies all over the world,” said Leigh Segall, SAVO’s VP of Marketing. “Our product gives users access to the information they need in seconds, and it’s totally customizable, which ultimately helps drive more sales and grow a company’s bottom line. As a top 50 B-to-B agency, and with their commitment to transparency throughout the creative process, MEA Digital is quickly transforming this project into a success story.”

About MEA Digital

MEA Digital is an analytics-focused agency with offices in San Diego and New York City. We help our clients bridge the gap between branding and performance marketing by optimizing their media mix, creative positioning, and budgets across strategically appropriate channels. As a result, we're able to connect what's meaningful to their customers with what's profitable for their businesses.

About SAVO

SAVO is the industry's leading provider of Sales Enablement solutions, which maximize a sales organization's ability to communicate value and differentiation in clear, consistent, and compelling ways. SAVO's award-winning, on-demand application combines proven sales and marketing best practices to address all aspects of the Sales Enablement challenge – spanning people, process, content, and technology. SAVO's on-demand application and services have been developed and refined through long-standing relationships with companies such as Morgan Stanley, CareerBuilder.com, Acxiom, ADP, AmerisourceBergen, AutoTrader.com, Citigroup, GE, and FedEx Kinkos. The combination of real-world client experience, an innovative consulting approach and award-winning technology uniquely positions SAVO to deliver practical solutions to enable the entire sales organization. For more information, visit http://www.savogroup.com

4.1.2009 – MEA & MEA Digital Honored for Excellence in Creativity at the 2009 San Diego ADDY Awards

San Diego, CA – April 1, 2009 – MEA (http://www.measd.com) and MEA Digital (http://www.meadigital.com) were honored for excellence in creativity at the 2009 San Diego ADDY Awards. The integrated agency received a silver for their work on Oh Yeah, an online advertising campaign for Oakley, as well as three bronzes, one for a Top-Flite Golf Company TV spot starring Kenny Mayne, the second for the Top-Flite Golf Company website (http://www.topflite.com), and the last for Emblem, another online advertising campaign for Oakley.

“Each year, the creative bar is raised to new heights,” said Michael Chaney, CEO of MEA Digital. “2009 was no exception. Our work was held up against the highest standards of excellence by a judging panel composed of distinguished advertising executives and creative professionals, many of them former winners on the national level.”

The San Diego Advertising Club, a member of the American Advertising Federation (AAF), puts on the local ADDY Awards Show annually. As in the past, the San Diego chapter presented awards in a variety professional advertising and graphic design categories, including sales promotion, collateral materials, direct marketing, out-of-home advertising, non-traditional advertising, consumer or trade publications, newspaper, interactive media, radio, television (including cinema), mixed media, advertising for the arts and sciences, public service, self-promotion, and elements of advertising.

“The ADDYs is the only awards program administered by the advertising industry for the advertising industry,” added Chaney. “So, while we strive to produce creative that inspires consumers, it is a special honor when our industry peers find a little inspiration of their own.”

About MEA Digital

MEA Digital is an analytics-focused agency with offices in San Diego and New York City. We help our clients bridge the gap between branding and performance marketing by optimizing their media mix, creative positioning, and budgets across strategically appropriate channels. As a result, we're able to connect what's meaningful to their customers with what's profitable for their businesses.

About MEA

Taking a media agnostic approach to creative brand marketing, Matthews | Evans | Albertazzi (MEA) provides its clients with smart, uncommon marketing ideas designed to build their businesses.  MEA creates integrated marketing communications programs in advertising, design, digital/interactive, and direct marketing for leading brands like Callaway, Odyssey, Practical Law, Top-Flite Golf Company, SpeedPlay, and others.  For more information, visit http://www.measd.com.

2.17.2009 – MEA Digital Client, Oakley, Boasts a 19 Percent Increase in Online Holiday Campaign Revenue

San Diego, CA – February 17, 2009 – MEA Digital (http://www.meadigital.com) today announced that despite the recession, longtime client Oakley posted a 19 percent year-over-year increase in holiday revenue from its online marketing campaigns.

“By implementing an integrated and coordinated mix of advanced online marketing tactics, MEA Digital was able to help Oakley sustain growth during what was now clearly the most difficult holiday market in decades,” said John Hartman, president of MEA Digital. “As the marketplace becomes increasingly unpredictable, the agency has been able to exploit the online medium and identify cost-effective methods to communicate and influence its core audiences.”

MEA Digital’s tactics in 2008 included expanding Oakley’s search engine marketing keyword portfolio, implementing aggressive bidding strategies and optimizing traffic from organic searches. Additionally, the agency expanded Oakley’s affiliate program to include seasonal partners, promotions and performance incentives. MEA Digital also launched brand awareness and social marketing campaigns on behalf of Oakley.

“In 2009, we’ll take what we’ve learned and implement additional tactics to create an even more effective marketing mix,” added Hartman. “Further expansion and improvement of paid search efforts, retargeting capabilities, analytics segmentation, landing page optimization, recruitment of new affiliates and customer retention are all planned. Our singular goal is to keep Oakley moving forward as the competition falls behind in this tough economic climate.”

About MEA Digital

MEA Digital is an analytics-focused agency with offices in San Diego and New York City. We help our clients bridge the gap between branding and performance marketing by optimizing their media mix, creative positioning, and budgets across strategically appropriate channels. As a result, we're able to connect what's meaningful to their customers with what's profitable for their businesses.

About Oakley, Inc.

Oakley, Inc. (http://www.oakley.com) is a sport and lifestyle brand, driven to ignite the imagination through the fusion of art and science. Building on its legacy of innovative, market-leading optical technology, the company manufactures and distributes high performance sunglasses, prescription lenses and frames, goggles, apparel, footwear, and accessories.  The essence of the brand is communicated through hundreds of professional and amateur athletes who depend on Oakley products to provide them with the very best while they redefine what is physically possible.

1.20.2009 – MEA Digital Tapped as U.S. Interactive Agency of Record for Practical Law Company

San Diego, CA – January 20, 2009 – MEA Digital (http://www.meadigital.com), a top 50 interactive marketing strategy and services firm, has been tapped as the U.S. Interactive Agency of Record for Practical Law Company (PLC) (http://us.practicallaw.com), a leading provider of practical know-how for business lawyers. MEA Digital will handle all online creative and media duties for PLC, which recently launched in the U.S.

Since its inception in 1990, PLC has been the preeminent provider of transactional analysis, legal know-how and market intelligence for lawyers in the U.K. The company works closely with the world’s leading law firms and in-house law departments to provide innovative, practical solutions to the legal industry. Now available in both the U.S. and the U.K., PLC’s resources include up-to-date practice notes, or “how-to” guides on key areas of law and practice, standard documents and clauses with detailed drafting and negotiating guidance, practical legal updates and a tool to compare and analyze public deal documents and securities filings – all developed by a team of experienced lawyers with significant transactional experience from the world's leading law firms and legal departments.

“Now this internationally-renowned company is bringing its services to the U.S.,” said Michael Chaney, CEO of MEA. “Our job is to roll out the red carpet and shout from the rooftops that U.S. business lawyers can now save time and work smarter, which is especially important in our current economic climate.”

“PLC was designed with the busy transactional lawyer in mind by providing reliable, easy-to-administer online services that help lawyers spend less time getting up to speed, and more time delivering true value to their clients,” said Jeroen Plink, CEO of PLC U.S.  “Our team welcomes MEA as our interactive partner, especially as PLC continues to expand its global reach and roll out its services and practical online solutions here in the U.S.”

MEA Digital plans to introduce PLC with a unique campaign titled “We Get It”, featuring an integrated online campaign and a new US-focused website. Chaney noted that the combined efforts would work to differentiate PLC in an extremely competitive category and position the company’s solutions as a must-have for law firms and legal departments looking to be more efficient, more effective and more valuable to clients.

About MEA Digital

MEA Digital is an analytics-focused agency with offices in San Diego and New York City. We help our clients bridge the gap between branding and performance marketing by optimizing their media mix, creative positioning, and budgets across strategically appropriate channels. As a result, we're able to connect what's meaningful to their customers with what's profitable for their businesses.

About Practical Law Company

Practical Law Company is a leading provider of practical know-how for business lawyers.  Started in the UK in 1990, Practical Law Company's clients include approximately 95% of the UK's Legal 500, 70 of the AmLaw 100 firms and over 1,700 legal departments worldwide.  PLC's on-line resources are created and maintained by lawyers formerly with leading law firms and legal departments to help attorneys practice more efficiently and effectively.  To learn more, please visit our website at http://us.practicallaw.com.

6.17.2008 – MEA Digital Honored by Communication Arts

San Diego, CA – June 17, 2008 – MEA Digital (http://www.meadigital.com), a top 50 interactive marketing strategy and services firm, was honored today by Communication Arts for their work on Citizens of Powder – a microsite created to promote an exclusive line of Oakley snow goggles that were designed by the brand’s A-list athletes for fanatical snowboarders and skiers, appropriately named the Signature Series. Citizens of Powder will be featured as the Webpick of the Day for June 17th on the Communication Arts website (http://www.commarts.com/Webpicks.aspx).

“This agency was founded on ideas that effectively bridge the gap between brands and consumers,” said Michael Chaney, CEO of MEA Digital. “Our focus on developing strategically-driven creative paid off today in the form of one of the highest honors an agency can receive – CA is second to none.”
           
Founded in 1959, Communication Arts is the premier source of inspiration for graphic designers, art directors, design firms, corporate design departments, advertising agencies, interactive designers, illustrators and photographers – everyone involved in visual communication. Whether in print or online, CA's editorials, feature articles and the annual competitions it sponsors provide new ideas and information, while promoting the highest professional standards for the field. Now in its 50th year, CA continues to showcase the current best – from industry veterans to tomorrow's innovators – in design, advertising, illustration, photography and interactive media. Webpicks features outstanding examples of web design selected based on a combination of superior aesthetics, technical expertise, functionality and overall site experience.

“MEA Digital will continue to partner with clients who, like us, strive to produce the best creative ideas and communicate with customers via the most effective channels.” added Chaney.  “We ultimately want to become a very familiar name on Communication Arts.”

About MEA Digital

MEA Digital is an analytics-focused agency with offices in San Diego and New York City. We help our clients bridge the gap between branding and performance marketing by optimizing their media mix, creative positioning, and budgets across strategically appropriate channels. As a result, we're able to connect what's meaningful to their customers with what's profitable for their businesses.

4.22.2008 – MEA Digital Named Top Agency in 2008 by BtoB Magazine

San Diego, CA – April 22, 2008 – MEA Digital, a top 50 interactive marketing strategy and services firm, announced today that the agency has been named one of BtoB’s Top Agencies in 2008 for the second year in a row. The list was published in the April 7th issue of BtoB Magazine and spotlighted a number of agency powerhouses, with Digitas, Tocquigny and IQ Interactive topping the Interactive Marketing list.

MEA Digital CEO, Michael Chaney said of the news, “To be recognized by such a reputable publication with such exclusive company is quite an honor. Every agency on BtoB’s Top Agencies list is a pioneer, constantly reinventing and revolutionizing business-to-business marketing. Like our fellow honorees, MEA Digital will work to continue that trend for years to come.”

BtoB Magazine is widely known for delivering news, analysis and information to marketing executives focused on charting their company’s course through the ever-changing business-to-business landscape. Most readers, according to the publication, are very involved in creating business strategies, uncovering new products that will optimize their sales and marketing efforts, and finding the best and most effective ways to take their company to the next level. BtoB is published monthly by Crain Communications Inc for more than 45,000 subscribers.

About MEA Digital

MEA Digital is an analytics-focused agency with offices in San Diego and New York City. We help our clients bridge the gap between branding and performance marketing by optimizing their media mix, creative positioning, and budgets across strategically appropriate channels. As a result, we're able to connect what's meaningful to their customers with what's profitable for their businesses.

4.8.2008 – MEA Digital Recognized at 2008 San Diego Addy's Creative Show

San Diego, CA – April 8, 2008 – MEA Digital (http://www.meadigital.com), a top 50 interactive marketing strategy and services firm, was recognized on Friday, April 4th at the 2008 San Diego Addy's Creative Show. The agency received two silver awards, one for their work on the Odyssey Black Series microsite (http://www.odysseybalckseries.com) and another for an Oakley Square O rich media banner, as well as a bronze award for an Oakley campaign called Citizens of Powder (http://www.oakley.com/citizensofpowder), which included a microsite, flash and rich media banners, and emails.

“It's a special honor to be acknowledged at the Addy's,” said Michael Chaney, CEO of MEA Digital. “Each of these awards is testament to the blood, sweat, and tears our entire staff invests to produce strategically-driven creative that speaks to consumers and industry peers alike.”

The Addy's show is held annually by the San Diego Advertising Club, who this year presented 120 awards for excellence in 15 professional advertising and graphic design categories to 38 advertising and marketing companies. Categories included sales promotion, collateral materials, direct marketing, out-of-home advertising, non-traditional advertising, consumer or trade publications, newspaper, interactive media, radio, television (including cinema), mixed media, advertising for the arts and sciences, public service, self-promotion and elements of advertising.

“The judging panel of the Addy's is composed of distinguished advertising executives and creative professionals from San Diego, many of them former winners on the national level,” added Chaney. “Each entry is held up against the highest standards of excellence and to be recognized is an accomplishment that all the winners should be proud of.”

About MEA Digital

MEA Digital is an analytics-focused agency with offices in San Diego and New York City. We help our clients bridge the gap between branding and performance marketing by optimizing their media mix, creative positioning, and budgets across strategically appropriate channels. As a result, we're able to connect what's meaningful to their customers with what's profitable for their businesses.

4.1.2008 – MEA Digital Names Board Member Michael Chaney as New Chief Executive Officer

San Diego, CA - April 1, 2008 - MEA Digital (www.meadigital.com), a top 50 interactive marketing strategy and services firm, announced today that long-time board member Michael Chaney will replace co-founder David Herscott as Chief Executive Officer. The news comes after Herscott's decision to leave MEA Digital to head the ecommerce division of Advanta, a leading provider of small business credit cards, and one of MEA Digital's largest clients. In his expanded role, Chaney will spend a majority of his time managing key clients and spearheading new business development.

“We believe that Advanta will undoubtedly benefit from David's experience exploiting the digital medium for marketing value,” said Chaney of the announcement. “For MEA Digital, this should only strengthen the client-agency relationship and, more importantly, have minimal impact on day-to-day operations. The smooth transition will be a product of an experienced, hardworking staff and a long list of overachieving clients.”

Chaney brings more than two decades of experience as an integrated marketing communications strategist to MEA Digital, much of it from Madison Avenue and Silicon Valley. Early in his career, he worked for some of New York's largest ad agencies, including Ayer, Della Femina, MVBMS Euro RSCG and AF&G, managing clients like Proctor & Gamble, A&W Soft Drinks, Ramada Hotels, and the Advertising Council. In 1994 Michael co-founded US Interactive, a leading Internet professional services company that he helped transform from a six-person shop to a 1,000-person, NASDAQ-traded firm with clients such as IBM, Toshiba, American Express, Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, and Lexus.

“MEA Digital delivers the uncommon ideas that big brands expect and lesser-known brands need,” continued Chaney. “It's that kind of thinking that has led to significant growth over the past two years. My hope is that the industry experience I bring as the new CEO will simply help to ensure that 2008 and years to come are just as productive and profitable for employees and clients alike.”

Chaney earned a Bachelor of Science in Advertising from Virginia Commonwealth University as well as a Certificate in Investment Management in 2002 from the Wharton School of Business. He also established and endowed the first Merit Scholarship at the VCU Brand Center.

About MEA Digital

MEA Digital is an analytics-focused agency with offices in San Diego and New York City. We help our clients bridge the gap between branding and performance marketing by optimizing their media mix, creative positioning, and budgets across strategically appropriate channels. As a result, we're able to connect what's meaningful to their customers with what's profitable for their businesses.

11.27.07 – MEA Digital President David Herscott Set to Speak at Digital Media Measurement & Pricing Summit

San Diego, CA - November 27, 2007 - MEA Digital (www.meadigital.com), a top 50 interactive marketing strategy and services firm, announced today that David Herscott is scheduled to speak at the Digital Media Measurement & Pricing Summit in late January, 2008. With Bryan Moffet, Sponsorship Operations Manager of NPR Digital Media, and Susan Bratton, CEO of Personal Life Media, David will help examine the effectiveness and efficiency of podcast advertising.

Designed as a one-stop-shop for industry senior executives looking for the latest solutions in tracking, measuring, and pricing, the Digital Media Measurement & Pricing Summit welcomes a variety of attendees ranging from national consumer brand companies to ad agencies and interactive strategy firms to digital ad networks. Presentation topics typically include user-generated content, social networking, search engine marketing (SEM), mobile marketing, and many more. This year the two-day summit will feature case studies spotlighting JCPenney, Discovery Channel, Hilton Hotels, and Coca-Cola.

"Major conferences like the Digital Media Measurement & Pricing Summit are essential to staying up to date on constantly evolving industry practices as well as building new relationships within the business," said David. "I look forward to MEA Digital benefiting from all the discussions on emerging digital media platforms and how we will be able to leverage them for clients to produce more successful campaigns in the coming year."

The Digital Media Measurement & Pricing Summit will be held on January 22^nd and 23^rd at Bridgewaters in Manhattan, New York. The Podcasting: Metric & Pricing discussion is scheduled for Day Two at 3:45pm.

About MEA Digital

MEA Digital is an analytics-focused agency with offices in San Diego and New York City. We help our clients bridge the gap between branding and performance marketing by optimizing their media mix, creative positioning, and budgets across strategically appropriate channels. As a result, we're able to connect what's meaningful to their customers with what's profitable for their businesses.

7.24.07 – MEA Digital Names John Hartman Vice President of Strategy

San Diego, CA - July 24, 2007 - MEA Digital (www.meadigital.com), a top 50 interactive marketing strategy and services firm, announced today that the agency has named John Hartman Vice President of Strategy. In this role, Hartman will lead the agency's strategic planning and measurement and analytics disciplines.

Most recently, John was the Vice President of Professional Services at Kintera, a CRM provider to the non-profit sector. Prior to Kintera, John was a manager at Accenture (formerly Andersen Consulting) working in their change management practice with such clients as Merrill Lynch and State Farm Insurance.

David Herscott, President of MEA Digital, said, "During his short tenure here, John has already provided valuable insights to a number of our clients. We believe that John's contribution to our clients' businesses over time will be profound and far reaching."

Herscott added, "As MEA Digital continues to grow we are committed to hiring professionals that share our passion for marketing and this medium. John is one of a number of key hires that we have made in recent months to ensure that we provide our clients with the highest level of strategic thinking."

About MEA Digital

MEA Digital is an analytics-focused agency with offices in San Diego and New York City. We help our clients bridge the gap between branding and performance marketing by optimizing their media mix, creative positioning, and budgets across strategically appropriate channels. As a result, we're able to connect what's meaningful to their customers with what's profitable for their businesses.

5.15.07 – MEA Digital Named Top Agency in 2007 by BtoB

San Diego, CA - May 15, 2007 - MEA Digital (www.meadigital.com), an interactive marketing strategy and services firm, announced today that the agency had been named one of BtoB's Top Agencies in 2007. The list was published in the April 2nd issue of BtoB Magazine and featured a number of interactive marketing powerhouses such as Modem Media, Digitas, and Carat Fusion.

Of the distinction, David Herscott, the President of MEA Digital said, "It is an honor to be recognized by such a reputable publication and listed among some of the most recognizable names in the business. Every agency on this list is at the forefront of the industry, constantly reinventing and revolutionizing business-to-business marketing. MEA Digital will look to continue that trend in 2007."

BtoB Magazine is widely known for delivering news, analysis and information to marketing executives focused on charting their company's course through the ever-changing business-to-business landscape. Most readers, according to BtoB, are very involved in creating business strategies, uncovering new products that will optimize their sales and marketing efforts, and finding the best and most effective ways to take their company to the next level.

Herscott added, "My hope is that, as one of BtoB's Top Agencies in 2007, we will be recognized on an industry-wide scale and have the opportunity to infuse our ideas – strategic, design, and media alike – into the marketing plans of every single client."

About BtoB

BtoB, the magazine for marketing strategists, delivers timely editorial on all disciplines of business-to-business marketing. Published monthly by Crain Communications Inc, BtoB provides more than 45,000 subscribers with the information and analysis they need to develop a winning integrated marketing strategy for their companies.

BtoB also publishes Media Business, the magazine for business publishing executives. Because it's the only publication focused exclusively on business-to-business publishing, more than 5,000 industry leaders subscribe to Media Business for the latest trends and insightful analysis.

About MEA Digital

MEA Digital is an analytics-focused agency with offices in San Diego and New York City. We help our clients bridge the gap between branding and performance marketing by optimizing their media mix, creative positioning, and budgets across strategically appropriate channels. As a result, we're able to connect what's meaningful to their customers with what's profitable for their businesses.

3.8.07 – MEA Digital Takes Home Bronze at 28th Annual Telly Awards

San Diego, CA - March 2007 - At this year's 28th Annual Telly Awards, MEA Digital (www.meadigital.com), an interactive marketing strategy and services firm, was awarded a bronze statuette recognizing their work on a product demonstration for longtime client Kyocera Wireless, a worldwide manufacturer of innovative cell phones, camera phones, PC cards, cell phone accessories, software and more. It was the second Telly for the interactive agency in as many years and can be found at: http://iteachu.kyocera-wireless.com.

MEA Digital President, David Herscott, reflected on the achievement saying, "We are so proud of this award, especially having been recognized two years in a row, last year for our work with Toshiba Notebooks. Admittedly, this statuette seems to shine a little brighter because of our three-year partnership with Kyocera. It is not only a symbol of effective strategy and standout creativity; it also represents the real value of fostering a quality relationship between client and agency."

Founded in 1978, the Telly Awards is a premier award show honoring outstanding local, regional, and cable TV commercials and programs, as well as the finest video and film productions and work created for the Web. The Telly Awards annually showcases the best work of the most respected advertising agencies, production companies, television stations, cable operators, and corporate video departments around the world. It is a widely known and highly respected national and international competition, receiving over 13,000 entries annually from all 50 states and many foreign countries.

The judging panel of the 2007 Telly Awards, like years past, was composed of distinguished advertising, production, and other creative professionals - all of them past winners. While entries do not compete with one other, they are held up against the highest standards of excellence, with less than one-fourth of applicants receiving bronze and only one out of ten receiving silver.

About MEA Digital

MEA Digital is an analytics-focused agency with offices in San Diego and New York City. We help our clients bridge the gap between branding and performance marketing by optimizing their media mix, creative positioning, and budgets across strategically appropriate channels. As a result, we're able to connect what's meaningful to their customers with what's profitable for their businesses.

1.22.07 – MEA Digital Selected as Interactive Agency of Record for The Marika Group, Inc

San Diego, CA - January 2007 - MEA Digital (www.meadigital.com), an interactive marketing strategy and services firm, today announced that The Marika Group, Inc., which designs and produces the latest women's fitness and active wear, recently selected it as their interactive agency of record.

Lucy Diaz, Director of Marketing at Marika®, said, "Our brand was established during the aerobics boom in early 1980s and quickly became a frontrunner in the active wear market. The same women who fell in love with Marika® 25 years ago still wear us today, but we want her daughters and friends to love us too! We've tapped MEA Digital to further establish our brand with a more visible presence online, reach a broader demographic, and do it all without alienating the women who made Marika® what it is today."

For MEA Digital, successfully reintroducing Marika® and their product lines - Marika, Shiva Shakti, and Balance Collection - to the marketplace begins with exhaustive strategic online planning, followed by website design and development, ecommerce implementation, and ROI modeling. These tactics as well as Search Engine Optimization, Search Engine Marketing, and an affiliate program, according to MEA Digital President David Herscott, will go a long way in growing Marika's direct business and act as a springboard for future marketing initiatives.

"Our mission is to put Marika® on a pedestal in a rapidly expanding market," added Herscott. "By matching their brand's credibility with our marketing capabilities, the potential of this partnership is limitless."

About MEA Digital

MEA Digital is an analytics-focused agency with offices in San Diego and New York City. We help our clients bridge the gap between branding and performance marketing by optimizing their media mix, creative positioning, and budgets across strategically appropriate channels. As a result, we're able to connect what's meaningful to their customers with what's profitable for their businesses.

About The Marika Group, Inc.

Since 1982, Marika® has maintained a formidable position in the women's fitness apparel industry by consistently producing stylish and functional active wear, augmented by a solid foundation of basic fitness merchandise. With a unique combination of brands, The Marika Group Inc. continues to market its apparel to a wide distribution. The brand is currently sold in department stores, sporting good chains, specialty stores, gyms, yoga studios, spas, and catalogs throughout the United States.

Within the last four years, the company has become one of the leading manufacturers in the alternative fitness market with its Balance and Shiva Shakti Collections. The Balance Collection has become the Marika Groups' fastest growing brand, carving out a unique niche in the industry, as a contemporary line appealing to women who look to combine yoga with traditional forms of fitness. The Shiva Shakti Collection, designed for the core yoga enthusiast, incorporates eco-friendly fabrications and expert design consultation from Shiva Rea, one of the world's leading vinyasa flow yoga instructors. Marika®, the company's core fitness brand includes multi-sport and lifestyle driven active wear.

After 25 years, The Marika Group Inc., based in San Diego, continues to inspire women to live a healthy, balanced, active life. For more information, visit www.marika.com.

1.15.07 – MEA Digital Launches Redesigned Website for Freedom Writers
Foundation in Wake of Blockbuster Movie Release

San Diego, CA - January 2007 - MEA Digital (www.meadigital.com), an interactive marketing strategy and services firm, today announced the launch of FreedomWritersFoundation.org, a website dedicated to promoting acceptance and innovative teaching methods in classrooms across the country. The launch coincides with the release of the major motion picture Freedom Writers, starring Hillary Swank, which tells the true story of heroism, humanity, and triumph on the big screen.

"This redesign was unique in that our strategy had very little to do with traditional marketing goals such as re-branding or increasing sales," said David Herscott, President of MEA Digital. "Our main objective was to inspire. From design to imagery to copy this website had to be authentic. When the Broadway lights dim it will be the single destination where users can read about the heartwarming story of the Freedom Writers and how Erin Gruwell's teaching methods can impact a school and community for the better."

In the coming months, according to Herscott, you can expect to see more rich content, additional resources for teachers, and maybe most impressive, Freedom Writers Central – an interactive hangout for kids where social networking will play a central role.

Inspired by Room 203, where the ideals of the Freedom Writers were born, Freedom Writers Central will be exclusive to students and allow them to interact with one another. "It has the potential to be something truly special," added Herscott. "They'll be able to discuss anything from the pangs of long homework assignments to dreams of a better life."

About MEA Digital

MEA Digital is an analytics-focused agency with offices in San Diego and New York City. We help our clients bridge the gap between branding and performance marketing by optimizing their media mix, creative positioning, and budgets across strategically appropriate channels. As a result, we're able to connect what's meaningful to their customers with what's profitable for their businesses.

About The Freedom Writers Foundation

Erin Gruwell and the Freedom Writers established the Freedom Writers Foundation in 1997. Since then, she has shared her teaching methods with educators in an effort to replicate the Freedom Writers' success in classrooms across the country. The Foundation has encouraged, inspired, and motivated thousands of teachers and students with the same methods Erin used with the Freedom Writers in Room 203. The Foundation trains teachers and provides scholarships for deserving students with a key metric as a clear indicator of success - the reduction of high school drop-out rates. This epidemic is recognized by government leaders, major foundations, and educational institutions. Using the Freedom Writers Method, the Foundation is actively addressing the situation with proven results in cities across the country. Erin's students graduated from high school and more students at schools throughout the country are graduating in higher numbers due to the innovative teaching methods taught at the Fr eedom Writers Institute. For more information about the Freedom Writers Foundation, visit www.freedomwritersfoundation.org.

12.07.06 – MEA Digital Selected as Omega Institute's Interactive
Agency of Record

San Diego, CA - December 2006 - MEA Digital (www.meadigital.com), a full-service interactive marketing strategy and services firm, today announced that the Omega Institute, the nation's premier center for holistic learning, recently selected them as their interactive agency of record.

Of the announcement MEA Digital President David Herscott said, "Obviously, we are elated with Omega's decision to join us. This venture, this partnership, is a long stride towards taking their brand and their mission global."

Initially, MEA Digital will work with Omega to complete a three-phase project intended to promote the Omega Brand and enhance online user experience. The project includes upgrading their current registration and search processes, redesigning their website, and implementing an easy-to-use content management system. MEA Digital plans to have all work completed by the end of the 2007 calendar year.

"In years past, Omega Institute has advertised through a robust catalog and direct mail," said Lance Hollander, Managing Director of MEA Digital. "But by modifying their online strategy, Omega's overall marketing strategy will evolve to better meet the needs of target demographics. For instance, we'll redesign their website to serve as the core of their offline efforts. Consequently, they will be more likely to meet short- and long-term goals."

Executive Director of the Omega Institute, Skip Backus, added, "As Omega celebrates its 30-year anniversary, we are thrilled to be utilizing technology to expand our reach around the world and create opportunities for hope and healing via the Internet."

About MEA Digital

MEA Digital is an analytics-focused agency with offices in San Diego and New York City. We help our clients bridge the gap between branding and performance marketing by optimizing their media mix, creative positioning, and budgets across strategically appropriate channels. As a result, we're able to connect what's meaningful to their customers with what's profitable for their businesses.

About Omega Institute

Since 1977 the Omega Institute has been a pioneer in providing innovative educational experiences that awaken the best in the human spirit, helping to create hope and healing for individuals and society. Their Rhinebeck campus is a peaceful oasis located in the magnificent Hudson Valley where over 12,000 people come every year to learn, find sanctuary, rejuvenate and have fun in a community of warm, caring people. To learn more or to order any of the institute's free catalogs describing its programs, please visit www.eomega.org or call 800-944-1001.

6.23.06 – MEA Wins at 27th Annual Telly Awards

At this year's 27th Annual Telly Awards, Matthews | Evans | Albertazzi (MEA), a fully integrated marketing strategy and services firm (measd.com), was awarded a bronze statuette recognizing their work on a campaign for Toshiba's Notebook Computer Division – a product demo of a 4-in-1 portable home entertainment center called Qosmio™.

Founded in 1978, the Telly Awards honor the most outstanding local, regional, and cable TV commercials and programs, as well as the finest video and film productions and work created for the Web, from the most respected advertising agencies, production companies, television stations, cable operators, and corporate video departments around the world. It is a widely known and highly respected national and international competition, receiving over 12,000 entries annually from all 50 states and many foreign countries.

Of the creative achievement, President David Herscott said, "We are proud of the creative work we produce at MEA, both online and off. We work tirelessly to ensure that everything we do is strategic as well as innovative and imaginative. This award is a compliment to the unwavering dedication by the MEA staff and the undeniable power of a single great idea."

About MEA Digital

MEA Digital is an analytics-focused agency with offices in San Diego and New York City. We help our clients bridge the gap between branding and performance marketing by optimizing their media mix, creative positioning, and budgets across strategically appropriate channels. As a result, we're able to connect what's meaningful to their customers with what's profitable for their businesses.

5.8.06 - MEA Digital Announces Redesign of the Centurion Boats Website – The Online Destination of Centurion's Championship Towboats

Matthews Evans Albertazzi (MEA) (www.measd.com), an integrated marketing strategy and services firm, in conjunction with their interactive division MEA Digital (www.meadigital.com), today announced the launch of the redesigned Centurion Boats website (www.centurionboats.com), the online destination of Centurion boats, manufactured by Fineline Industries, Inc. The new website dramatically provides water sports enthusiasts the chance to get to know the Centurion brand by digitally interacting with some of the most innovative, high-performance, championship towboats.

Of the redesign, MEA Digital President David Herscott said,  It would be an understatement to say our target demographic is passionate about water sports. That's why this redesign had to accurately portray Centurion's relentless dedication to building the most cutting edge towboats for wake boarders and water-skiers. Above all, the site had to be highly interactive and engaging. 

The new CenturionBoats.com offers a number of features that make good on that claim. Visitors can find everything from a Build a Boat option, called the Boat Configurator, to rich media, such as streaming video. They will also be able to shop exclusive Centurion gear and accessories, and meet the highly-touted Centurion Team – some of the best on-the-water athletes today.

Jim Matthews, CEO of MEA, said, "This is a perfect example of how the online channel can support offline marketing efforts. The "Indulge your Obsession" print campaign is driving significant traffic to the website and stimulating brand interaction. From there, the website is transforming the target audience into Centurion Boat loyalists. The entire campaign is a testament to the effectiveness of a sound, fully-integrated communications strategy."

About Fineline Industries, Inc.

Fineline Industries, Inc., manufacturer of Centurion world championship towboats, is headquartered in Merced, CA, and has two U.S. production factories, including North Carolina. Centurion prides itself on innovation and design that change the way people think about towboats. Go to www.centurionboats.com for more information.

About MEA Digital

MEA Digital is an analytics-focused agency with offices in San Diego and New York City. We help our clients bridge the gap between branding and performance marketing by optimizing their media mix, creative positioning, and budgets across strategically appropriate channels. As a result, we're able to connect what's meaningful to their customers with what's profitable for their businesses.