Martin Buchanan, executive creative director and managing partner at Trone, recently served on the exclusive judging panel for the finals of the 2008 John Caples International Awards. Now in its 31st year, this international advertising contest awards the best in direct and interactive marketing. With international chairs in 53 countries, the annual awards go to individuals comprising teams that have created the most brilliant advertising solutions to real-time marketing problems.  On average over 1,000 creative entries are received from more than 30 countries for the annual Caples Awards.

HIGH POINT, N.C., March 30, 2009— Trone^® had a strong showing at the recent ADDY^® award competition conducted by the American Advertising Federation (AAF) Triad chapter. The full-service marketing and communications agency was recognized with 11 awards; five gold, four silver and two Judges’ Choice awards.

Trone received gold for the ORAL ATP web banner designed for The Greenies Company. The South Carolina Pathways team was honored with gold for the “Where Do You See Yourself?” poster campaign and two silvers for the “Update Your Dreams” campaign. For its work with Syngenta, gold was awarded to the “Concert Toilet Paper” direct mailer and the Primo MAXX internet commercial, while two silvers were garnered for the “Taking Conditions Personally” print campaign. In addition, Trone was honored with a gold distinction in the self-promotion category for its mom segmentation purse. Trone took two of the top Judges’ Choice awards as well with gold awarded for both the ORAL ATP web banner and the “Where Do You See Yourself?” poster.

“This is another example of our team striving to connect the target, brand and environment,” said Martin Buchanan, executive creative director and managing partner at Trone. “These awards show our depth and creativity across a wide variety of industries and our overall ability to reach our clients’ business objectives.”

Trone’s creative work will now be judged in the AAF district ADDY competition which includes other winners from the Carolinas and Virginia.

DM News asked Martin Buchanan to review three creative campaigns. To read Martin’s insights, click here.

The Council of PR Firms’ weekly publication – The Firm Voice – spotlights Trone and how we leverage insights to connect with clients and prospective agency partners. Click here to see Will Spivey’s comments.

American Banker magazine reached out to Trone’s Will Spivey for his thoughts on marketing efforts by banking leaders in today’s troubled economy.

“If much of the information is coming from ‘unsanctioned’ means, then the company should rethink its strategy,” said Will Spivey, a managing partner at Trone Inc., a marketing and communications firm in High Point, N.C. “So much of the communication depends on the corporate culture. It also comes down to the personalities involved. Jamie Dimon has always tried to maintain a higher profile than Ken Lewis.”

Mr. Spivey said efforts by JPMorgan Chase, B of A, and others can gain traction, though getting them to pay off may take some time and near-flawless execution. “Strategic marketing communication can shape behavior,” he said. “It can be successful, but it takes a lot longer to build a brand than to tarnish a brand. It is an investment.”

 Subscribe to American Banker and read the entire article here.

Doug Barton was recently asked to participate in a panel discussion on marketing your firm during a stormy economy. The interview was published in The Firm Voice, the weekly newsletter distributed by The Council of Public Relations Firms. Read more here.

Pets are still a priority despite the economy.  Recently, the results from a survey fielded by Trone’s Brand Connections Panel served as the basis for a nationally syndicated article. Click here to see more.

PRWeek recently highlighted Trone’s work on the Greenies Pill Pockets campaign. The campaign was deemed as a, “testiment to the the business value PR can have when applied smartly to increase awareness of a product that offers a real solution to a consumer problem.”  Click here to see more

Employees at Trone, Inc., a full-service brand connections firm, are embracing the holiday season by spearheading a company-wide initiative to collect holiday gifts for children in the Piedmont whose families are in need. Trone employees donated nearly 100 gifts to the 20th annual WGHP-TV FOX8 Gifts for Kids campaign.

The “price for admission” for each employee to this year’s Trone holiday party, was donating at least one toy to the Gifts for Kids campaign. Everything from toy cars, dolls, stuffed animals, board games and sporting goods were brought in and donated.

“Trone believes in contributing to the communities where we call home,” said Will Spivey, managing partner at Trone. “Collecting gifts for those in need is a truly rewarding experience and a great way for all of us to give back.”

Holiday gifts will be collected at FOX8 studios through December 16, 2008.