1999 Profiles Of Local Marketing, Media and Communications Professionals

Howard County is fortunate to have an abundance of excellent marketing, media and communications specialists who are in the business of helping you increase yours.

In this issue of The Business Monthly we highlight some of those talented experts and allow them to profile themselves as part of their advertising opportunity.

Please note that for the purposes of this month's focus section, we have listed each specialist under only one category even though, multi-talented as they are, they may fit under two, three or four. Be sure to check related topics if you are looking for a particular service.

Marketing & Public Relations

Columbia Creative Services

After more than 20 years in newspaper publishing, design studios and advertising agencies, former Patuxent Publishing Company executive art director Esen Paradiso packaged her experience and creative energy, along with her copywriter-creative director husband, Ralph, to establish an award-winning graphic design and corporate communication studio, Columbia Creative Services.

“It’s gratifying to have a business in Howard County, where our clients refer their clients to us. We’ve recently relocated to our expanded studio in Long Reach, and we’re still growing, mostly by word-of-mouth and through the quality of our talented associates: award-winning writers, illustrators, photographers, video producers and marketing and public relations experts. We’re able to provide a full range of services at very competitive prices,” says Paradiso, “such as high-quality, cost-effective logo design and corporate image packages, newsletters, brochures, cable TV spots, table-top displays and marketing and promotional campaigns. No gimmicks or excuses É just an eclectic approach to problem-solving.”

Contact Esen Paradiso/Columbia Creative Services at 410-730-9933 or by e-mail: creative@erols.com.

Hammer Marketing, Inc.

Hammer Marketing, Inc. is a promotional merchandise company providing effective, creative, direct advertising on useful and attractive wares. This merchandise can be given as a thank you, a trade show traffic builder, or perhaps a direct mail piece.

Categories can be separated into: Recognition Awards: plaques, lapel pins; Presentation Materials: binders, folders; Wearables: shirts, hats; Business Gifts: padfolios, desk accessories; Calendars: small, large, stock or custom.

Our strong points are product knowledge, successful case histories and keeping in mind the client's financial resources. Our client base ranges from the small single proprietorship to the large corporation, and includes associations, insurance agents, government agencies, small businesses, banks and educational institutions.

Look for our ad in the Business Consultants directory in the first section. Call 1-888-240-3304 or visit our web site at http://www.hammermkt.com to find out more about our products.

Tom Bury is the president of Hammer Marketing with over 15 years experience in the promotional merchandise business.

HMI Communications

HMI Communications specializes in strategic marketing communications and public relations campaigns for the information technology, health care and manufacturing industries. The company integrates Web/Internet/direct mail promotion with national/local media promotion. HMI media campaigns have appeared in publications ranging from Inc. Magazine, Wall Street Journal, EETimes, to the Columbia Flier.

“PR is the art of managing perceptions,” explains founder Sarah Pick. “We develop a highly-inclusive communications plan that focuses not only on the media, but also on our clients’ sales force, partners, prospects, customers, investors, and industry analysts. We use a wide range of strategic communication tools to develop top-of-mind presence for our clients in their priority markets.”

Services include: new product and service positioning; online media and analyst tours; press materials; seminar program promotion; social and cause marketing. HMI Communications is located at 10440 Little Patuxent Pkwy., Suite 900, Columbia, MD 21044. For more information, please call Sarah Pick or Cathy Donohue at 410-531-0750 or e-mail: sarahpick@aol.com or ddon@erols.com.

IMPACT Marketing & Public Relations, Inc.

Not all marketing companies are equal. Many “marketing consultants” have no degrees in marketing, no business achievement awards, and certainly don’t teach marketing.

At IMPACT Marketing & Public Relations, the team of talented professionals is led by award-winning marketing veteran Carolyn West Price. With a BBA, MBA and 10+ years of marketing teaching experience, Carolyn contributes a strategic yet practical perspective.

At IMPACT, we believe that if an organization is a “well kept secret” or tries a little of this, a little of that, it is nearly impossible to reach objectives. Working within your budget, IMPACT makes you visible and credible by incorporating the tools of public relations, promotions, client relations, advertising, direct selling, and collateral. IMPACT’s integrated approach lets you stretch your budget, while still making your target markets say, “you’re everywhere.”

Need a one-time project É or want the benefits of outsourcing to a marketing department for as little as two hours a month? Make an impact with IMPACT. 410-461-9398.

Jean Moon & Associates

In its three-year history, Jean Moon & Associates has attracted a broad mix of clients interested in high level business development consultation and communications services such as public relations, creative services, advertising, events.

Having spent over two decades managing a fast-growing community newspaper publishing company, Moon is noted for her business, marketing and business development acumen. A community activist with a history of leadership in local and regional non-profits, Moon has deep roots and a wide network of contacts.

Jean Moon & Associates specializes in comprehensive corporate communications programs for a wide variety of organizations and companies. The firm has been involved in a range of assignments where a communications program has been a key ingredient in achieving business objectives: re-establishing corporate reputation and credibility, entering a new market, launching a new product, merging with a larger entity.

Jean Moon & Associates includes award-winning designers, nationally recognized photographers, published writers, media buyers and event planners. For further information, call 410-730-0316, or send e-mail to jeanmoon@home.com.

Jessie Newburn & Associates

Jessie Newburn is a “guerilla marketer,” creating innovative solutions for small businesses to make big profits through targeted marketing and effective public relations.

She is also a corporate “Cyrano de Bergerac,” finding the right words for the right situations by helping people process through ideas and articulate their vision in proposals, award applications and marketing material.

Getting your message out: that’s what she does. Providing internal and external newsletters; initiating and developing projects; conducting extensive research, interviewing and project exploration; and project management are other areas of expertise she brings to her clients.

Health and wellness, financial services, retail, and home improvement businesses are some of the business sectors she serves, as well as nonprofit organizations.

Marketing Outsource Associates, Inc.

Why waste money marketing to prospects that only have the potential to be marginal or unprofitable clients? The 80-20 rule states that 20 percent of your clients will provide 80 percent of your business. Marketing Outsource Associates will analyze those profitable 20 percent, profile them, and find you more, similar prospects. We then assist you in scheduling a calendar of contacts, so that you are in front of your prospects on a regular basis. When they are ready to buy, they will think of you!

If you are too busy, our staff will handle the marketing details. We will coordinate the design of your materials, set up your prospect database, send out your mailers and report to you regarding follow-up.

Gloria Berthold is president of Marketing Outsource Associates, Inc. and an instructor at George Washington University. Her workshops on business and marketing are presented through the Chamber of Commerce, the Business Resource Center and other business organizations. She may be reached at 410-579-1346.

Marketing Partners

Let’s face it. When it’s time to juggle budget numbers, marketing and advertising programs get as much respect as Rodney Dangerfield, even in today’s thriving economy.

Marketing Partners, your business-to-business marketing specialists, offers practical, affordable, targeted marketing solutions that produce quick, measurable results. We understand that balancing resources and marketing can be difficult. That’s why we provide an array of marketing-related services tailored to meet your particular needs and goals.

One Marketing Partner’s solution helped a computer software training company triple class sizes and realize a 50 percent growth in profits. The client had an existing marketing newsletter program, but wasn’t certain it was productive. Marketing Partners devised a tracking and incremental distribution plan to measure results and rewrote the copy to better target its audience.

To see how Marketing Partners can help you build your business, visit our web site (www.mpus.com) or call Dave Fitton at 410-309-9686. Effective marketing, done cost-effectively. That’s the Marketing Partners way.

Marketing Solutions Unlimited

Marketing Solutions Unlimited is a full-service graphic design, marketing and editorial services firm specializing in designing logos and creating brochures, newsletters and annual reports.

Marketing Solutions Unlimited knows that looking good isn’t a luxury — it’s a necessity. We also know that clients don’t fall from the sky — you have to find them. That’s what we do best. We’ve been helping businesses find clients for over 13 years. Marketing is all about promoting yourself, from logo and letterhead design to paid advertising and everything in between. MSU has a proven track record to help companies eliminate costly mistakes and put their name in all the right places.

President Becky Mangus, named one of Maryland’s Top 100 Women, also speaks to organizations and businesses on successful marketing strategies, effective networking, working a trade show booth and starting a business. Call Marketing Solutions Unlimited at 410-719-8609 for more information.

Marriner Marketing Communications

Marriner Marketing Communications is one of the largest marketing communications companies in Howard County, and among the largest in the Baltimore-Washington metro region. Founded in 1989 by Randy Marriner, the company specializes in communications for clients in the food, financial, health care and technology industries. Prominent national advertisers such as ARAMARK Refreshment Services, McCormick Spice and Sweetheart Cup depend on Marriner to create breakthrough advertising in all media, as well as collateral materials, direct mail, and electronic media. Marriner also counts as valued clients major local and regional advertisers including Allfirst Financial, Inc., the ARK Funds, Patuxent Medical Group and the Waverly Woods planned use development in Howard County.

“We are strategic marketing partners,” explains Randy Marriner. “We make sure that our clients’ brands have a clear voice, a unique and distinctive voice, and that that voice is heard.”

For more information, call Randy Marriner or Tighe Merkert at 410-715-1500.

The Pomerantz Agency

The Pomerantz Agency specializes in high-energy, result-producing marketing and public relations for technology companies. We make the vision you have for your company’s success a reality by providing the right mix of contacts, designers, writers and other specialists to distinguish your company in the marketplace. The more crowded your industry, the more we can help you stand out from the crowd. Whether you are a government contractor, a force in the commercial arena, or both, we offer strategies that will increase your market share, open new markets, or position you to form key strategic alliances. Name the challenge: enhancing a name or identity, making a splash at trade shows, being seen in the right publications — we’ll get you where you want to go. For a free consultation, call us at 410-216-9447. Visit our web site at http://www.pomagency.com.

Pro Displays Limited

Pro Displays works as your image architect. We can facilitate your trade show marketing efforts by becoming an active, supportive member of your company at the level you need. At the same time, we provide long-term commitment to your success. By helping you create the visual impact that attracts both attention and clients, we can help you to achieve your goals. Our exhibits save you both time and money. Substantial savings are recognized in freight, drayage, installation, dismantling, refurbishing and storage when you invest in our lightweight portable and modular exhibits.

Located in the BWI Business District, Pro Displays offers a wide range of display options from well over a dozen national brands. Nobody knows more about trade shows than the professionals at Pro Displays, Ltd. Call us at 410-768-2146 for more information regarding trade show displays, graphics and rentals.

Snelling Creative Staffing

Snelling Creative Staffing is a division of Snelling Personnel Services, which has been recruiting and placing top talent in the Columbia area for over 10 years.

Unemployment in the local area is at a record low. This requires all companies to become more creative in how they do recruiting. It is especially important when it comes to filling positions within communications and marketing. These are the people who will develop the image of your company and influence how the public perceives your organization. This can have a serious impact on the bottom line.

Snelling Creative Staffing is constantly revising its recruiting plan to take full advantage of the latest technology. The web has become a major player in how companies find talent. A single post on the web can draw in interested candidates. Candidates can be evaluated for their style and abilities in order to make the right match.

Call Snelling Creative Staffing at 410-312-7850.

Graphic Design

Dever Designs

Dever Designs is a full service graphic design studio located in the heart of Laurel. We have been in the business of providing quality design solutions for our clients over the past 14 years. Our studio offers a complete range of design services including annual reports, logos, publications, corporate identities, posters, magazines, packaging and exhibit design. We focus on creating effective, client-responsive graphics that communicate your message. Our strength in handling difficult typographic problems combined with our illustrative capabilities and strong graphic style makes us particularly well-suited to this task. Clients include national trade associations, corporations, educational institutions and museums. We pride ourselves on excellent customer service, from concept to printed piece.

Holly Hagen is Marketing Director for Dever Designs and can be reached at 301-776-2812 or e-mail: deverdesigns@atxmail.com to discuss your current graphic design needs.

Meyer Design

Meyer Design specializes in successful, creative visual solutions to the communication challenges of both large and small businesses. The design firm serves clients in the high technology marketplace as well as a wide variety of other industries, helping them to generate leads, improve their image, and win clients.

Meyer Design creates dynamic marketing and communication tools which set clients apart from their competition, producing measurable results. These eye-catching tools include brochures, corporate identity systems, product slicks, flat and dimensional direct mail, posters, web graphics, signage, product packaging, newsletters, pocket folders, event marketing, tradeshow booths, collateral systems, advertising, promotional items, presentations, publication graphics and more! Karen Meyer, the company’s Creative Director, takes personal interest that each client receives attentive, enthusiastic service with effective professional solutions for their business success, and follows up over time to monitor the results.

Call Karen at 410-884-4104 or fax: 561-594-0192 to discuss how Meyer Design can help your business.

Professional Presentations

Professional Presentations is a consulting firm that helps clients produce outstanding presentations. The client knows what they want to present, yet they often do not have the time to design the presentation that will put their best foot forward. Specializing in PowerPoint presentations and creating manuals, brochures or flyers, Professional Presentations will do everything from helping you organize your thoughts to designing the presentation. We take care of creating the presentation piece, and the executive takes care of making the presentation.

After working with corporate executives for the last 10 years, proprietor Janet Dimond recognizes that executives need to focus on the many tasks they are responsible for, rather than the details that creating a dynamic presentation require. This service can help executives by providing technical expertise, quick delivery time, one-on-one consultation and great presentations.

For more information, please contact Janet Dimond at Professional Presentations at 410-579-1853 or janetpresents@home.com.

The Quinn Design Group

The Quinn Design Group is an Ellicott City-based graphic design firm with a truly unique approach to marketing. Although firmly rooted in traditional marketing principles, their work is innovative and highly conceptual. The kind of marketing that never gets lost in the crowd.

This team of award-winning designers begin with a careful review of a company’s previously successful and unsuccessful marketing attempts. They define a precise target market and develop an innovative strategy on how to appeal to that market.

The firm’s full digital platform allows it to provide state-of-the-art capabilities and quick turnaround. In addition to design services, the company also offers copywriting, illustration and photography services.

The bottom line is: “Does The Quinn Design Group’s approach work?” Over ten years of success stories for local, regional, national and international clients can answer that question as a resounding “YES!”

The Quinn Design Group, 8173 Main Street, 2nd floor, Ellicott City, MD 21043, voice 401-750-2138, fax 410-750-2185, http://www.cqdesign.com.

Watermark Communications

What is a watermark? Webster says it is ``to impress a given design on paper.'' It is from this definition that we draw our name. Our company provides creative design for all forms of print media from corporate identity packages to annual reports. We provide creative design coupled with unmatched client service for brochures, catalogs, direct mail advertising, media ads and a print management service. We will work with you to reach your targeted audience while addressing your product or service.

John Crovo, president, brings to the company years of experience as vice president of marketing and sales for two major companies. Kelley DuBois, creative director, has a degree in advertising design as well as experience in all areas of design and marketing. This combination of abilities enables Watermark Communications to offer our clients a wide range of possibilities. The number of repeat clients that come back for our services measures our success.

John or Kelley can be reached at 410-792-9447 or via e-mail at wtrmrk@erols.com.

Communications

Conectiv Communications, Inc.

Formed when Delmarva Power & Light Company and Atlantic Energy merged, Conectiv Communications is the new choice in telecommunications providers to mid-Atlantic business and residential customers in Maryland, Delaware, southeastern Pennsylvania and southern New Jersey. The company delivers high-speed voice and data services over its 700-mile digital fiber optic network, with 24-hour customer service. With their new “4-State Rate,” business customers pay as low as 5 cents/minute for all toll calls across the 4-state region. Conectiv Communications’ product portfolio includes local dial-tone, long distance, toll-free and international calling; Centrex; Internet services; high-speed data services, including Frame Relay and ISDN; Enhanced Calling Features, such as Voice Mail, Call Forwarding and Caller ID; and calling cards. A 50-person sales force provides consultative services to businesses. For a no-cost, no-obligation consultation and analysis of your company’s telecommunications needs, call Kurt Brunell in the Columbia office at 410-309-4393, or the main Business Customer Service Center at 1-888-855-1900.

IMAGE-Ineering

I am a member of the Professional Association of RŽsumŽ Writers and am a Certified Professional RŽsumŽ Writer (CPRW). Having graphic design credentials from Catonsville Community College, the meticulous layout I create for your rŽsumŽ attracts the reader even before he reads your message. After over seven years experience elsewhere, I formed IMAGE-Ineering to service job search and business professionals.

Using my creative versatility, I create rŽsumŽs, business biographies, business profiles and business achievement profiles. All tasks are performed in-house. Budgets and deadlines are adhered to religiously.

Give me the opportunity to listen to your needs and show how I have met similar challenges for past clients. My portfolio will give convincing testimony of my capability to do quality work with minimal impact on your bottom line.

Stephen Caruso is president of IMAGE-Ineering, an Ellicott City rŽsumŽ business. He may reached at 410-531-1285 or via e-mail: steve.image-ineering@erols.com.

Lietzau Communications

Just when you thought you had everything under control, your boss demands one more task. If that entails writing a report, article, newsletter or other business communication, freelance writers are invaluable.

Identify a writer in advance so you'll know who to call quickly. There's nothing worse than trying to find someone at the last minute who works well with you and your team. Try him or her out on non-emergency tasks and find the best writer for you.

I'm a local writer/editor who fulfills the communications needs of companies from national corporations to local, one-person operations. I've devoted the last decade to freelance work, after more than 15 years in the corporate world. With a B.A. in Communications and several writing awards, I'm well equipped to help your business.

Writing seminars: On-site writing instruction is offered, tailored to your company requirements. Seminars and workshops are designed specifically for your employees.

Joy Lietzau is the owner of Lietzau Communications, based in Ellicott City. She may be reached at 410-750-3186.

R & R Associates, Inc.

Bob Russell started R & R Associates, Inc. in 1981 with Paul Rhetts as a mail house and brochure design firm. The mailing house idea soon was abandoned and the principals (with Barbe Awalt) created “Columbia, The Next America” game (Columbia’s “Monopoly” rip-off). They produced 2,000 copies, sold 1,000 and broke even. Rhetts purchased the remaining inventory for his shares in the company, leaving Russell the sole owner.

Russell now publishes a national financial newsletter (Financial Insights¨), used by stockbrokers, registered investment advisors and financial planners as a marketing tool to send to their clients. He also has become a sought-after ghost writer for financial planners and provides public relations services to local companies and business people. R & R Associates, Inc. also provides design and editorial services, including logo and corporate identity work, brochures, newsletters, and fliers.

Desktop design, prepress coordination, printing and delivery: on-time, accurate and reasonable. Bob Russell, R & R Associates, Inc., 301-596-6175; fax 410-997-1487; brussell@r-r.com; and http://www.r-r.com.

RightInsight, Inc.

RightInsight, Inc. helps businesses and organizations grow and become more successful through strategic organizational communications. RightInsight focuses on three main areas: public relations, communications media, and business anniversary celebrations. “We partner with our clients,” said RightInsight President Angela G. Long, “to creatively and effectively develop and communicate appropriate messages, regardless of the media.”

RightInsight provides a range of public relations services, including the writing and production of newsletters, annual reports, brochures, presentation and orientation packets, and specialty publications.

RightInsight also offers a range of communications media services, including video production, web site communications, CD-ROMs, computerized slide and multimedia presentations and video news releases.

A specialty focus in business anniversary celebrations adds a unique dimension to the company’s services. A business anniversary, which occurs only once every five, ten, or twenty-five years, is a company’s opportunity to increase the visibility of its products and services, actions and initiatives.

For further information about RightInsight, Inc., call 410-203-2286.

Translingua, Inc.

Translingua is one of the largest language communications companies in the $1.5B translation industry. Translingua has built a reputation for on-time, on-budget projects by delivering quality localized materials to marketing communication companies in the Mid-Atlantic region. The localization of marketing materials and audio/video productions is a specialized field that requires not only the use of native speakers of a language, but language experts with experience writing advertising copy. Founded in 1984 by Dr. Mary O’Neill and Klaus Schopmeier, Translingua is delighted to count among its clients The Campbell Group, Gray, Kirk & Vansant and GR8. Translingua also has developed relationships with local production studios, allowing us to provide our clients with turnkey video production projects.

Translingua is located off of 175 in Overlook Center. Contact Kim Cima or Fotini Limes at 410-730-9700 or log on to our web site at: http://www.translingua.com.

TypeIt, Inc.

Founded in 1992, TypeIt, Inc. is a desktop publishing company that helps businesses look perfect on paper. Image is important, and TypeIt, Inc. supports each customer’s image as a business dedicated to quality and detail.

Located in Columbia, the company markets exclusively to the business community. Its customer base extends as far south as North Carolina and as far west as Colorado.

At TypeIt, Inc., our business is to fuss over the details of your documents. Emphasis is placed on technical and grammatical accuracy, consistency, attractiveness and professional appearance. We want you to look good, because image is important and because we hate ugly documents.

TypeIt, Inc. offers diverse services, including design/layout of: proposals, business plans, directories, manuals, forms, contracts, courtroom presentation documents, fliers and newsletters. Additional services include tape transcription, proofreading and correction of existing documents.

For a professional image on paper, call Joan Waclawski at 410-772-0339 or e-mail us at typeitinc@aol.com.

Photograph & Video

Colorworks, Inc.

Need professional product photography for advertising and marketing? Feel that efforts to promote your products should be simplified so you can concentrate on running your business? Think a color catalog would be a useful tool for sales growth? Colorworks, Inc. is the simple solution.

Colorworks has been fulfilling the photography, advertising, and printing requirements of businesses since 1986. Our in-house capabilities include photography, page layout and typesetting, digital imaging, ad prep and print production.

Of particular interest are our pre-priced packages for the production of sales sheets, catalogs, and postcard products. Quite simply, they represent the most cost-effective source for photography and printing available.

We are successful when our clients are successful. We strive to achieve the most satisfactory results within budgetary constraints. Committed to flexibility for success, Colorworks takes pride in working seamlessly with design services, ad agencies, and printers to fulfill customer needs. Call Douglas Hanewinckel at 301-490-7909 for samples and price guidelines, or visit us at http://www.gocolorworks.com.

James Ferry Photography

James Ferry has been photographing Columbia and its people for 28 years. He has photographed interiors and exteriors of award winning homes and commercial buildings. He has also photographed a wide variety of products for advertising.

But if you had to name his real specialty, it would be making photographs of people. Whether for a brochure, a newsletter, a newspaper ad, a publicity release or a family portrait, he captures the right look for the specific use. When photographing people, he first analyzes their facial structure to choose the best angles and the lighting patterns that will be most complimentary. Then he helps the subject relax, so as to have a natural, attractive expression.

The photographs that James Ferry produces for his clients show that he excels at these skills. His studio has a large white on white posing area that is great for casual feeling photographs of individuals and groups of up to 30 people.

James Ferry can be reached at 410-730-5981, fax 410-964-1527, or e-mail jferry@clark.net.

ROAR Audio & Music

“Since day one, we’ve relentlessly pursued a goal: perfect sound. Not just technically perfect, but emotionally powerful. We’ll never achieve perfection. We’ll never stop trying. It’s actually a lot of fun!”

That’s the first paragraph of our brochure and it is as true today as it was when we started more than 20 years ago. We have another goal, too.

ROAR produces and records audio for Broadcast, Computer Based Training, Video and Film, the Web and for demonstration and commercial release. We also compose and produce really good music.

Yes, we have won some awards, but the greater reward is the privilege of working with talented people — some from big companies, some from small. They honor ROAR by coming in as clients and coming back as friends — happy and confident that their vision is complete. That was our other goal.

For more information, please contact Steven Rosch at 410-281-1480 or steve@roar.com.

Stolen 2 Productions, Inc.

Stolen 2 Productions, Inc. has been around for eight years and you may wonder, what exactly does Stolen 2 do?

Here’s a quick breakdown: