Tag Archives: economic development

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Small Business Video Awards

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Small Business Animation Video from Robert Payne on Vimeo.

My approach to videos has generally been – don’t listen to us, listen to them. And I still believe in that strategy. There is much power in hearing (and seeing) a credible and experienced individual explain how they were positively impacted by a solution of some kind. This type of visual storytelling can of course be supported by animation and infographics if needed.

However, in the case of this small business video I felt that a different approach was needed. Why? Because there are more than 700,000 incorporated businesses in Georgia and 99% of those are considered to be “small businesses.” It could be an aerospace company that makes drones for NASA or a microbrewery. The sheer breadth of industry sectors is staggering.

A pure animation approach with a narrator works in this case because it allows the viewer to get drawn in by the story and whimsy while still conveying some very specific information. What types of businesses they actually run becomes less important.

Others must agree because it recently received a few accolades.

  • 2014 MarCom Awards: Gold Award in the Government Subcategory of Film & Video
  • 2015 AVA Awards – Video for the Web/Government (Gold)
  • 2014 Summit Emerging Media Awards: Leader Award (Bronze)
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Site Visits and Video Interviews

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King's Hawaiian
Photo credit: Samantha Young

It has been quite a week with a tour of Lockheed Martin’s facility, an interview with the CEO of Mercedes, and a video shoot at King’s Hawaiian.

Above is a video interview with John Linehan, EVP of King’s Hawaiian – great guy and very knowledgable about food processing and business strategy. Note the two camera angles. Generally I like to have someone else ask my questions, so that I can listen carefully and correct or redo as needed. Should wrap up the finished product in a couple of weeks.

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IEDC Award for New Media

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2014 IEDC Awards Ribbon goldGrowing the life science industry in Georgia has been one of the economic development endeavors I have been working on in recent time. After extensive research and planning, a multi-channel marketing campaign was launched that targets very specific sectors within the life science industry:

  • Cold Chain
  • Fill Finish
  • Hematology and Immunology
  • HIT
  • Medical Devices

The usual suspects of digital marketing, print advertising, events and tradeshows and public relations were employed to generate new leads.

I also utilized social media in the form of a Health IQ quiz that was designed to be fun, informative and interactive. It generated some great results and figured it was worth submitting for the International Economic Development Awards. I am pleased to say that the campaign was awarded Gold in the category of New Media in a population greater than 500,000.

You can learn more about the life science campaign by visiting Georgia.org/LifeSciences.

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Georgia’s Creative Economy

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It is nearly impossible to move about Atlanta, or the majority of the state for that matter, without bumping into some aspect of Georgia’s creative economy. I’m not just talking about the High Museum, or the lesser known Michael C Carlos Museum on Emory’s campus, but everything from film to animation to street art and beyond.

This creative industry generates more than $29 billion of annual business revenue according to a 2012 study by South Arts, and it does not appear to be slowing down.

“From cutting-edge street art to community-inspired and public-transport projects, the arts scene in Atlanta is thriving.”

The Guardian: “Top 10 galleries, art attractions and events in Atlanta”

“Home to a number of significant cultural venues, Atlanta is a hotspot for contemporary art of all mediums and a fascinating destination in the heart of Georgia.”

The Culture Trip: “Atlanta’s 10 Best Contemporary Art Galleries: Profiling Georgia’s Culture”

“Where one might expect to see San Francisco or New York City at the top of this list, Atlanta was a little surprising; but when considering it ranked in the top 15 in all five of our categories, it was certainly deserved.”


MyLife.com: “The 10 Best Cities to be an Artist”

To make matters better, the USA Today ranked Atlanta’s Castleberry Hill as one of the top 10 city art districts.

Take a gander at the above links and them come have a look around. If you want to know more about the economic impact of art in Georgia visit the Georgia Council for the Arts website.

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Annual Reports

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Annual_Report

Year_in_Review

FY2013

FY2012

If you have ever worked on a year in review or annual report then you know what it takes to encapsulate many months and multiple departments in a digestible format that is both creative and informative. It is no small task, and you more than likely took to Google in search of “award-winning annual reports” for creative inspiration.

After developing a strategy, outline and gathering all of the images and information needed to craft a completed piece, you’ll be left with one more challenge – the cover messaging and design.

In the case of economic development, or in a for-profit organization, it takes a community of people to accomplish something of substance. This year I took that concept a bit further by incorporating an abstract pie chart with “You” comprising the largest share. This extends to businesses that grow the economy – partner organizations that help businesses relocate or expand in Georgia – and tax payers, employees and those that are just now considering Georgia as their next destination.

We are all Partners in Progress, right? Click the Year in Review covers above to learn more.

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10 Tips for Winning An RFP

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Having been on both the submission and judging side of marketing, advertising and public relations Request for Proposals – or RFPs – I have a little insight into winning the business.

A considerable amount of time, billable hours and money go into these submissions, and they are very competitive. It is imperative that you get it right.

But so many people get it wrong. I am consistently amazed when large, globally recognized, award-winning agencies fumble some basic fundamentals.

You want to win, right?

 

Here are a few tips:

  1. Never let a junior employee complete an RFP on your behalf. It does a disservice to your brand, and it is a complete waste of time.
  2. Before you begin the submission look very carefully at how the points are allocated. You will quickly ascertain what is most important.
  3. Read the question carefully and make sure your answer specifically addresses what is being asked. Put yourself in the position of the judge who is reviewing countless other submissions. Did you get all the points that you could, or did you give some up by being vague or not following directions?
  4. Be very specific. Do not answer a question with, we specialize in brand activation and storytelling. Instead, give me an example of how you elevated a client’s brand with a unique strategy that produced quantifiable results.
  5. Make it very easy for the judge to find your supporting materials.
  6. Be aware that your competitors are going to do whatever it takes to win. For example, don’t just mention doing a radio spot or video as one strategy. Actually put one together.
  7. Do your research and then show it.
  8. Bring a senior representative with you to the oral presentation.
  9. Stand up when you present.
  10. Leave the judges with your complete presentation.

And one bonus since we should always turn it up to 11. Be exceptionally strategic and creative. If you are not prepared to kick ass then pass.

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Georgia named No. 1 state in U.S. for business

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Today was an exciting day at the Georgia State Capitol where we announced that Georgia has been named No. 1 state in U.S. for business by Site Selection magazine. Governor Deal along with senior executives from Home Depot, UPS and Gulfstream were there to kick it off and lay out the reasons why the state is well positioned. Commonalities across speakers were workforce, logistics and infrastructure. Read the article here.

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Video Awards

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I’ve produced and directed a number of videos in the past year. It is always rewarding when hard work pays off in the form of a satisfied company and/or client. It is even more satisfying when there is an award attached to the project.

Silver Telly

Global Trade Video: Silver Telly (2013) from Robert Payne on Vimeo.

silver_tellyThis video required 3 separate shoots, scripting and infographic animation. The end result is a compelling story about diversifying risk and increasing profits through international trade. It is told from the perspective of the business owners. Blue Marble media shot and edited the piece.

Gold Hermes

Economic Development Video: Gold Hermes (2013) from Robert Payne on Vimeo.

Gold_HermesThis video is a culmination of interviews I conducted over the course of almost a year with many different brands in various industry sectors. It has been condensed down into a 2+ minute piece to convey Georgia’s economic development landscape. Blue Marble media shot and edited the piece.

I hope you enjoy watching them!

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ROI with a twist

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Delta_Sky_sm

For an upcoming Delta Sky issue I wanted to take a different approach to your typical B-to-B ad. For most metro Atlanta professionals there is more to Georgia than just ATL. On the weekends we are hitting the mountains, beaches, golf courses and soaking up that sweet southern charm and historical landmarks that no other state can replicate.

When a certain senior executive has a seat and pulls the Delta Sky from the front pocket for a flip, I hope this ad catches their attention for a moment or two and gives them pause. Should I relocate or expand to the state of Georgia? Quite clearly the answer is yes.

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International Trade

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One of my favorite aspects of working for the state of Georgia is to travel and visit the businesses that make our economy hum. The entrepreneurial spirit and the sheer volume of activity is astonishing.

It was a true pleasure working with these 3 companies to tell their story about how they have been able to increase their exports through assistance from the International Trade Team. Their sincerity is obvious.

Happy watching!