Saturday evening, Dec. 7th, was the Silver Sage (Idaho Chapter) Porsche Club of America’s annual Christmas Party and Charity Auction. This year’s charity was the Women’s & Children’s Alliance (WCA). Ernie’s wife, Mary, is President of the Board for the WCA, along with a variety of Porsche club members organized both a silent and a live auction on behalf of the WCA. The Christmas Party was held at Chandler’s Restaurant in Boise and was attended by over 80 SSPCAers. Ernie Monroe, our VP of Creative Services and Mark Prusynski, both former Presidents of the Club, were the auctioneers. Along with great food, outstanding service from Rex Chandler and his entire crew, everyone had a great time and generously opened their wallets to the tune of approximately $7,500 for the WCA. Additionally, many members brought Christmas gifts for a pre-selected WCA family of seven.

Over this past year, the SSPCA will have raised over $8,500 for the WCA.

Merry Christmas!

No, we’re not going to talk about creative awards.

Instead, DaviesMoore is proud of our ability and confidence to say “no” to our own big budget production concepts when it contradicts strategy - even if it’s hilarious. It’s sometimes hard to scrap a great idea, but sometimes we believe it’s the right thing to do.

Why? Because our first responsibility is to our clients and their ROI. Here are a few ways we do it:

1. Utilize existing campaign and/or brand elements - Not only does this create consistency; it saves time and money (clients love that).
2. Understand what influences human behavior - Each instance is different, but we feel we know how to communicate in a way that creates action. In most cases, that means we’re helping our clients sell stuff.
3. Live the strategy - During all phases of the campaign, the strategy is primary. Never abandon strategy no matter how funny or entertaining the concept. Always ask, “Will it work?” We are faithful to marketing strategy no matter how sexy the creative.
4. Never fall in love with your own creative - Maybe there’s a better way to say it or do it. Even when we think we’ve nailed an execution, we keep going. We always try to remain open to feedback (internal and external). Remember #3.
5. Always strive to be both brilliantly creative and strategically effective - It’s not always possible due to a variety of factors, but we sure get excited when it does. It’s what we live for around here. We love funny ads, as long as they work.

Learn more about our approach to strategic planning and production.

DaviesMoore is proud to belatedly announce the hiring of a new media buyer, JJ O’Dell.

He’s a Vandal. `Nough said.

But just in case you’d like to learn more about JJ, check out his bio.

New Big Jackpots Coming to Idaho

Boise - Idahoans may get the chance to play another multi-million dollar jackpot game this winter. The Idaho State Lottery Commission announced this morning that Mega Millions with Megaplier, the nation’s other big jackpot, multi-state draw game could have tickets available for sale in the Gem State by as early as January 31, 2010.

Tuesday morning, the five-member Idaho State Lottery Commission unanimously approved offering Mega Millions with Megaplier tickets in Idaho. Powerball with PowerPlay, Idaho’s other big jackpot game, will also continue to be sold in Idaho. Pending final agreements and approval between the Mega Millions consortium and the Multi-State Lottery Association (the group that operates Powerball), Idaho could begin selling both games on January 31, 2010.

“Adding Mega Millions with Megaplier to our product lineup means our players will now have the chance to play for two, “always big” multi-million jackpots, four times a week,” said Idaho Lottery Director Jeff Anderson.

Mega Millions with Megaplier, with Tuesday and Friday night draws, will join the Wednesday and Saturday night draw games of Powerball with PowerPlay, Hot Lotto Sizzler, and Wild Card in the Idaho Lottery line-up. The Idaho Lottery will also continue to offer daily games Idaho Pick3 and Double Play Daily.

“This game addition is a win for Idaho,” added Anderson. “It’s a win for our players who enjoy big jackpot games; it’s a win for Idaho businesses who offer Lottery products; and it’s a win for the Idaho Lottery’s primary beneficiaries - public schools and the permanent building fund. Both will realize an increase in dividends from the game.”

While there will be added excitement for more opportunities to play for more frequent big jackpots with the addition of Mega Millions with Megaplier, the Idaho Lottery urges players to play responsibly.

Idaho is one of 33 United States jurisdictions that currently participate in Powerball. Mega Millions (megamillions.com) is the other large, multi-state multi-million dollar game that is currently played in twelve jurisdictions in the United States. Just like Powerball with PowerPlay, tickets cost $1 and players select five white balls from 1 to 56 and one “Mega Ball” from 1 to 46. Mega Millions jackpots begin at $12 million and grow until the jackpot is won. The Idaho version of Mega Millions will feature a “Megaplier” which will multiply non-jackpot winnings.

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DaviesMoore is hard at work developing the Mega Millions launch that will work within the “Draw Games, we’ve got your numbers” campaign (television, radio, billboards, digital boards and banner ads) we launched this fall. Stay tuned …

In addition to his daily responsibilities at DaviesMoore, Jory is also a fantastic photographer. He has been hired as a set photographer on several films to date. His latest was on the set of “The Dry Land,” starring America Ferrera, Wilmer Valderrama, Ethan Suplee, June Diane Raphael and Melissa Leo. The film was recently accepted into the Dramatic Competition at Sundance. Previously, Jory worked on “Trudell” and “Frozen River,” both of which were also accepted into Sundance. Congratulations, Jory! Keep up the good work.

Throughout the month of December, Jason’s art will be featured at the Flying M in downtown Boise. His collection is comprised of the personal projects he’s worked on over the past year, most of which was created for indie rock bands or for concert promotion. Art and prints are for sale. Be sure to grab a coffee and check it out.