………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. A research group out of Cornell University has created really interesting poster of the top 200 pharmaceutical drug names by retail sales. The poster not only ranks each name, but also shows its chemical structure. The research group is call Njardarson Group. It is made up of visiting scientists, post-doctoral fellows, graduate students, undergraduate […]
Continue ReadingStore Brands Steal More Shoppers
April 21, 2009
Every weekend I head to the grocery store to replenish the pantry. Lately, I have noticed that fewer and fewer brand names are making their way into my cart. I filled five reusable shopping bags and spent more than $100 this week, but I can count on one hand the number of brands I brought […]
Continue ReadingCreative Naming Fights for Freedom from Censors
April 13, 2009
In our daily quest to create names that are strategically on-target AND available for trademark, our verbal branding team employs the full range of symbolism, metaphors and illusions. With that, we are always on the look-out for new and creative word and letter usages. One fairly new naming trend uses letter strings to make a […]
Continue ReadingGreen Beer to Save the World
March 17, 2009
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. This week, green dye and food coloring fly off the shelf to “vertify” everything from frosting to the Chicago River itself. Green beer is a popular St. Patrick’s Day libation, but some brewers are taking a different turn and working to be green all year long. This time we mean eco-friendly green. Breweries are […]
Continue ReadingBest Brand Strategy
March 16, 2009
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. A great brand strategy is akin to a broken record: Say one thing over and over. This consistency of message across brand touch points is what sets a brand apart from its competition and captures mindshare. Delivering on that message establishes ownership of a category and drives brand loyalty. One brand has been unwavering […]
Continue ReadingWelcome the Ox
February 06, 2009
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. January 26th marks the beginning of the Chinese New Year. 2009 is the Year of the Ox, which predicts prosperity through fortitude and hard work. The Ox provides a much-welcomed turn of fortune. As we bid farewell to the Year of the Rat, we look back and can recognize uncanny truths in the 2008 […]
Continue ReadingSuperbowl brands: Hyundai
January 30, 2009
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. Company: Hyundai Motor America Career Highlights: A rookie in the SuperBowl lineup, Hyundai took the field last year to unveil its Genesis luxury sedan. During two spots, the Genesis is compared to luxury brands like Mercedes, BWM and Lexus. The commercial touts the Genesis as more spacious than the BMW 7-Series, but priced like […]
Continue ReadingQueen’s Feast – Charlotte Restaurant Week
January 22, 2009
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. It’s that delicious time of year, when you can sample some of Charlotte’s best restaurants without spending all your Christmas cash. For one, scrumptious week you can indulge with a 3-course, prix fixe dinner menu for only $30 per person (not including tax and gratuity). Check here for a list of participating restaurants. Reservations, […]
Continue ReadingDig In to Democracy
January 21, 2009
The Inauguration Day watch party at Addison Whitney was a deliciously bipartisan event. Our Star Spangled potluck included: Obamaretto Cookies Veggies and Diplomacy (AKA “New Crew”dités) Oh Say Can You Bean Dip Recession Proof Twinkies Red, White, and Blueberry Cake Pop and Circumstance Red, White and Blue Apple Pie Supreme Courtellini Salad Stars, Stripes and […]
Continue ReadingBranding Bowl Games: Orange Bowl
January 05, 2009
The FedEx Orange Bowl, played on New Year’s Day, is the second oldest college bowl game. It was created in hopes of drawing tourists back to Miami after the 1926 hurricane and the 1929 stock market crash. The name seems like an obvious choice, as Florida is the largest producer of oranges in the U.S., […]
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