Aker Ink PR & Marketing, a full-service agency helping companies increase brand awareness, enhance thought leadership and generate leads, has hired industry veteran and expert digital strategist Lauren Garstecki as managing director. In addition to overseeing account teams and developing creative, results-driven marketing programs, Garstecki will help to scale the firm’s … [More]
Partnership to Funnel More Opportunities to Web Designers and Developers
According to Upwork, website design and development as well as graphic design are among the most in-demand services on its work marketplace. In an effort to increase work opportunities for web designers and developers, GoDaddy announced it will join the new Upwork Partners program as the first web presence partner. The Upwork Partners program includes Upwork Partner … [More]
Two Leaders Promoted at Valley Agency and Its Parent Co.
The Harkey Group, a Phoenix-based holding company of consumer-centric, performance-focused, and creatively-inspired agencies, names key leadership promotions to fuel its commitment to innovation and growth. Meagan Jackman, a seasoned professional with more than 20 years in the PR and marketing industry, has been elevated to The Harkey Group’s president. She previously served … [More]
54% of Consumers Fear Lack of Human Touch: SMBs Tackle AI Integration to Preserve Humanness
2023 saw over 4,600 retail store closures in the U.S., up 80% from 2022. With more than 81% of the entire U.S. population shopping online and 14% of SMBs fearing that their technology is outdated, they must prioritize their e-commerce approach and leverage AI technology strategically. 20% of businesses have incorporated AI because of evolving customer expectations. Although … [More]
Global Tech Innovator Taps Local Agency to Drive Expansion
Founded in 2018, Flux is a leading global provider of decentralized cloud services, which is the next-generation computational network providing critical, high-availability infrastructure for the new web. Companies in a multitude of industries and sectors turn to Flux for applicational excellence, Web3 services and inter-computing needs. Kiterocket, a local PR-forward, … [More]
Shamrock Farms Announces Partnership with Arizona Diamondbacks
Shamrock Farms announced its partnership with the Arizona Diamondbacks, including serving as the presenting sponsor of the Arizona All-Stars. The Arizona All-Stars program invites all local youth baseball and softball leagues to get in on the D-backs action with discounted tickets, fundraising opportunities and pre-game parading around the warning track. … [More]
Heavy Hitter Joins Agency as Non-Compete Expires
ON Advertising announced that Matt Owens, the dynamic former co-founder and owner of OH Partners, is now one of the owners of ON Advertising. Matt brings more than 30 years of experience in marketing and advertising. In fact, Matt was born and raised in the advertising industry and he is a second generation agency owner. Matt’s father owned and ran Owens & Associates in … [More]
Sprouts Continues Commitment to Women’s Athletics with Eight Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) Deals
Sprouts Farmers Market will continue its long-term commitment to women’s athletics by announcing eight new individual Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) deals with female athletes from schools in Sprouts communities across the country. To date, Sprouts has executed more than 150 female athlete deals through NIL partnerships, solidifying its position as a key supporter of women’s … [More]
Forget QR Codes: Discover the 5 Reasons Why Brands Are Shifting to Dynamic QR Codes
Think QR codes belong in the tech graveyard? Think Again! The digital world is buzzing over the dynamic QR revolution started by QR Code KIT, and here's why you should, too. Dive into the heart of controversy where the old meets the new in a clash of digital titans. As the dust settles on the battleground of innovation, dynamic QR codes emerge as the undisputed champions of … [More]
Valley Sports Team Renews Partnership with Valley Metro
Phoenix Rising FC fans can once again use their tickets as Valley Metro Rail fare when travelling to the 38th St/Washington station on matchdays, the defending USL Champions announced today. The club will partner with Valley Metro for the second consecutive season after it saw the ridership at the 38th St/Washington soar 45% on gamedays. Access from Phoenix Rising Stadium to … [More]
AI Pitfalls in Branding
I’m sure by now you have heard all the rage about AI (Artificial Intelligence) and how people are using it to optimize their businesses. While we at Blaze love to embrace new trends, we also know that using AI presents both opportunities and challenges. That’s why we want to bring you some insights into the pitfalls and solutions of leveraging AI in your branding and marketing … [More]
Agency Launches New Fundraising Consulting Service to Empower Nonprofit Success
The McRae Agency, a leading full-service public relations firm based in Scottsdale, Ariz., proudly announces the launch of a new fundraising consultancy services program. Geared towards supporting the nonprofit community in the Valley and beyond, this initiative aims to equip organizations with essential tools and strategies to achieve fundraising goals. Leading this new … [More]
Woman-Led Agency Marks 19th Year with Expansion
The James Agency, Scottsdale’s woman-led, insights-first marketing agency, will mark its 19th anniversary in March by celebrating a successful 2023 and start to 2024. 2023 was a banner year for the data-driven agency, including signing new clients, expanding its office footprint by 4,100 square-feet, hiring key team members, as well as appointing internal promotions that … [More]
Chandler-Based Ad Agency Recognized by Ad Age for Outstanding Workplace Culture
Commit Agency proudly announces its exceptional achievement of securing the third position in the Western United States—and eighth nationally—in Ad Age's Best Places to Work 2024, ranking among companies from across the country with fewer than 200 employees. Commit Agency is the only Arizona-based company to receive this accolade from Ad Age, one of the largest and most … [More]
Phoenix-Based Marketing and Communications Agency Rebrands
Agital, the national marketing agency challenging the status quo to deliver measurable business results to business leaders, announced today the rebrand of Highnoon. A Phoenix-based integrated marketing, brand, and communications agency, Highnoon has officially integrated its services, team members, and data platform into Agital, with Highnoon Co-Founder and President Scott … [More]
Year-End Scorecard of B2B Marketing Effectiveness
Research results on finding, winning and growing key customer accounts
“The rapid disruption of marketing technologies and strategies over the last few quarters have impacted every conversation about lead generation and a robust sales funnel. The digitization of enterprises that followed the pandemic has completely changed the way that companies and markets work. “This digital focus has been forcing us to adopt newer tools and tactics for an … [More]
Local Pizza Entertainment Centers Launch ‘The Fun Is Baked In’ Campaign from New Marketing Agency
Peter Piper Pizza, whose high-quality pizza and entertainment centers have brought families together for food and fun for over 50 years, named Citrus Advertising as the new agency of record, for brand, creative and media services. "We selected Citrus Advertising based on their years of experience in the restaurant industry building brands, developing bold and innovative … [More]
Marketing Agency Secures School District for Groundbreaking Marketing Campaign
O.H. Partners, a Phoenix-based marketing agency renowned for its innovative and award-winning campaigns, has been awarded a contract by Mesa Public Schools for a comprehensive marketing campaign and brand refresh. O.H. Partners, known for its work with major brands locally such as Gila River Resorts & Casinos, City of Phoenix and Arizona Lottery, was selected by Mesa … [More]
