By Internet Marketing Experts
The Insults Live Wallpaper, an interactive and customizable live wallpaper that insults you on your Android mobile phone
May 24, 2012 (Ann Arbor, MI): Tabus Nine Computing (www.tabusnine.com), a mobile application developer for the Android operating system, has announced a new live wallpaper for Android devices. The live wallpaper, the Insults Live Wallpaper, draws from a large database of insults, both modern insults and Shakespearean, to undermine your self-esteem.
“The Insults Live Wallpaper was distributed for free with ad support,” said Austin Mueller and Ben Oztalay, co-owners of Tabus Nine, “The wallpaper features four different display modes, which each allow the user to customize the style in which they are insulted”.
The main Display Mode, “Drifting”, displays the insult in the color of your choice, while the last few words of the insult float by in the background for emphasis.
The other three Display Modes feature customization of text size and font. The Display Mode “Normal” displays the insult in your choice of color. The Display Mode “Flashing” displays the insult in randomly flashing colors. Lastly, the Display Mode “Obnoxious” displays the insult in flashing colors while randomly capitalizing the letters.
If the user enables interaction by touch, a new insult will be picked from the database and displayed where the screen was touched. However, the placement of the insult is fixed in the “Drifting” Display Mode. Otherwise, a new insult will be waiting for the user whenever the Live Wallpaper can’t be seen.
“It’s definitely meant to be a funny wallpaper,” the developers were sure to clarify, “We have no intentions of personally insulting our users, and all of the insults are clean. We haven’t seen anything else like it out there, so we thought we would put it together in a way that looks good, then offer it to our users for free.”
The Insults Live Wallpaper can be downloaded for free from Google Play here or visit LiveWallPapers.org.
About Tabus Nine
Tabus Nine Computing was founded in 2011 to create Android applications, as well as perform artificial intelligence research by Austin Mueller and Ben Oztalay. Both company founders are Computer Science and Engineering majors at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Michigan. You can connect with them through various social communities at:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/TabusNineComputing
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/TabusNine
Google+: https://plus.google.com/b/111130699011280790755/
By Internet Marketing Experts
Students walk away with over $21,000 in scholarships and awards
TROY, MI, May 21, 2012 – The Detroit Auto Dealers Association (DADA) hosted the annual Courageous Persuaders Awards Celebration, at which high school students who took a stand against underage drinking won $21,250 in scholarships and awards. The event, which took place on Tuesday, May 15 at the Auburn Hills Marriott Centerpoint in Auburn Hills, Mich. was hosted by renowned Detroit television personality Huel Perkins, anchor at WJBK FOX2.
The DADA is the primary sponsor and administrator of the Courageous Persuaders program, which is facilitated through the DADA Education Foundation. “In my second year of participation in this event, I continue to be amazed and inspired by these talented young people,” said Bob Shuman, DADA President. “They are certainly making a difference with this program, and it’s clear that they will continue to make a difference as they continue through life.”
The competition, now in its 12th year, encourages high school students to create 30-second television commercials warning middle school students about the dangers of drinking alcohol. The contest drew 1,026 participants who submitted 627 video entries, which included thousands of students from schools throughout the U.S. and beyond.
Two new awards were added this year, the Michelin Award, sponsored by Michelin, and the State Farm Fan Favorite Award from State Farm, selected by Courageous Persuaders fans from the Courageous Persuaders YouTube site. The winner was selected from among the 60 finalists, and the prize is awarded to the school where the video originated. The videos were viewed over 100,000 times.
Student scholarships and award winners:
- Grand Prize, $3,000 – “Chloe and Kole’s Car Adventure” by Chelsea and Camryn Washington, Washington Home School, Southfield, Mich.
- First Place, $1,500 – “New Product Infomercial – NO” by Grant Ogden, Eisenhower High School, Shelby Township, Mich.
- Second Place, $1,000 – “Real Fun” by Robert Marrocco, Eisenhower High School, Shelby Township, Mich.
- Third Place, $500 – “is it Really Worth It” by Tess Tuckerman, Lenawee ISD TECH Center, Adrian, Mich.
In addition, special sponsored awards were presented to the following:
- Lindsey Renee Cianciolo Family Memorial Scholarship $3,000 – two $1,500 Michigan based scholarship winners: “Be Very Afraid” by Adam Atallah, Adam Bialeki, Utica Center for Science and Industry, Sterling Heights, Mich., and “You Choose Your Future” by Anna Dodd, Nicole Trudeau, Jake Tholen, Casey Haggerty, Howell High School, Howell, Mich.
- DADA Award, $2,000 – contributed by the Detroit Auto Dealers Association: “Stay Alive” by Marissa Hastings, Forest Hills Eastern High School, Ada, Mich.
- Michelin Award, $2,000 – “Some Things Can’t Be Changed” by Blake Grigsby, Neuqua Valley High School, Naperville, Ill.
- Adcraft Club of Detroit Award, $2,000 – presented to the commercial that conveyed factual information about the dangers of alcohol use in the most persuasive and creative manner: “There Are No Second Chances” by Daniel Cooper, West Bloomfield High School, West Bloomfield, Mich.
- State Farm Award, $1,000 – chosen based on the commercial’s effectiveness on the dangers and consequences of underage drinking and automobile usage: “Numbers” by Ashley Bartreau, Lake Orion High School, Lake Orion, Mich.
- College for Creative Studies Award, a $250 Award and a portfolio or reel review – “Hands” by Nikita Mungarwadi, Clarenceville High School, Livonia, Mich.
- Wall Street Journal Award, $2,000 – chosen by the Wall Street Journal staff from among the most persuasive commercials, as judged by middle school students: “Regret” by Dylan Malburg, Forest Hills Northern High School, Grand Rapids, Mich.
- Wall Street Journal Courageous Leader Award – presented to a special teacher for his or her extraordinary contribution to the Courageous Persuaders program: John Bain of Union City High School, Union City, Mich.
- State Farm Fan Favorite Award, $2,500 to the winning school – “Regret” from Forest Hills Northern High School, Grand Rapids, Mich.
The Courageous Persuaders program was created in 2000 by retired Oakland County District Judge Michael A. Martone and John Barczyk, a local McCann-Erickson advertising executive (retired). In 2007, the DADA became the primary sponsor and administrator of the Courageous Persuaders program through its DADA Education Foundation. This year’s entries continued to be strong, drawing from 41 states, Armed Forces Africa, Armed Forces Pacific and two Canadian Provinces, demonstrating the continued interest in the program.
In addition to the scholarship, the grand prize-winning student receives the opportunity to participate in a professional editing session to make the video broadcast ready. The commercial will be broadcast on the Courageous Persuaders Web site, on television, and will be televised in branches of the Michigan Secretary of State’s Office. For information, and to view the winning videos, go to http://www.courageouspersuaders.com .
About the DADA Education Foundation
The mission of the DADA Education Foundation is to promote excellence in education through quality programs and leadership.
About Detroit Auto Dealers Association (DADA)
The DADA was founded in 1907 by 17 local car dealers, and has grown to more than 220 member car and truck dealers who donate their time and resources to a host of community activities. Currently, the DADA members collectively employ more than 16,500 people. Many members participate in the NAIAS, LLC, which is responsible for the production of the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS). To find out more about Detroit Auto Dealers Association, visit www.dada.org. To find out more about the NAIAS, visit www.naias.com.
Contact: Sandy Herp, Tel: (248) 283-5138, sherp@dada.org
Source: The Detroit Auto Dealers Association
Distributed by: Smartfinds Internet Marketing
By kristan
Detroit, MI, 18 May 2012 – Soave Enterprises once again recognizes the growth and initiative of their industrial services company MPS Group. Unlike the sporting world, the industrial services industry just doesn’t have the vocabulary to describe the one-two-three punch of signing a trio of new clients. Soave Enterprises’ affiliate MPS Group is now pleased to provide Total Waste Management services to Comau, Walker International Transportation, LLC and Dawn Food Products, Inc.
“In the last few months, MPS Group has jumped forward with its stated goal of diversifying our customer base,” explains Business Development Manager Heather Cataldo. “In all three cases, MPS Group focuses on our core competencies and then passes the resultant savings on our clients.”
Tier 1 supplier Comau is a division of Fiat which now owns Chrysler Group, LLC. Senior Project Manager Dennis Romanski travels to eight different locations to assist with Comau’s first objective – assisting with their World Class Manufacturing audit.
“We are proud to report that MPS Group’s efforts have helped the client advance to a Two-Point rating with regards to the Environmental Pillar,” notes Cataldo. “As with all client partnerships, their goals become our goals.”
At Walker International Transportation, LLC, the logistics company’s work in international and domestic repacking of production parts destined for the plant floor results in a significant amount of cardboard, wood pallets and plastics to properly manage.
“Our environmentally sound methods at Soave Enterprises recycle everything possible,” states Cataldo. “We leverage our established vendor pricing to get the most competitive value possible for the waste streams.”
Dawn Food Products, Inc., offers MPS Group the greatest test of its system-based processes–with notable outcomes already measured at the Louisville plant’s pilot program. The company supplies dry and wet ingredients and finished baked goods to businesses throughout the world. Soave Enterprises employees and Dawn are continuously learning from each other. Total Waste Managers carefully apply the corporate template generated through 15 years of experience in Total Waste Management to standardize waste and recycling activities.
Cataldo reports, “Simple changes produced speedy results. Working in the food industry, some requirements are different, but it’s still manufacturing. The principles remain the same.”
About Soave Enterprises
Anthony Soave is committed to developing diversified growth within the Soave Enterprises family of businesses and these new clients and partnership are further actualizations of that vision.
Soave Enterprises is a diversified management and investment company founded by Detroit businessman Anthony Soave that provides strategic planning, financial and other management resources to its affiliated business ventures in the real estate, automotive retailing, beer distribution, scrap metal, industrial services and transportation industries, among others. For more information on Tony Soave and Soave Enterprises, please visit http://www.soave.com.
Soave Enterprises
3400 E Lafayette
Detroit, MI 48207
313-567-7000
http://www.soave.com
By kristan
Brambleton, VA, 18 May 2012 – Soave Enterprises and Brambleton are supporting the 2012 Ringing in Hope Walk, Run, and Fun on Memorial Day. Held at the Brambleton Town Center in Louden County, VA, the run is a memorial event to honor the country’s troops.
“This is a great opportunity for Brambleton residents and Soave Enterprises employees to salute our troops and raise money to support the brave men and women who protect our country,” says Brambleton’s Director of Marketing Kim Adams.
The Ringing in Hope run/walk event will be held Monday May 28th, 2012. The event kicks off at 8:30 am and includes a 10K race, 5K race, and 1K walk. The 10K and 5K race are both USATF certified courses and runners will receive a Chronotrack D tag to accurately record official times. Racers can compete individually in the 5K and 10K or as a team for the 10K.
The 10K teams are required to have a minimum of 5 members each and must submit their team entry online or by mail by May 20 to be eligible. Scoring for the teams will be cross country style, and 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place trophies will be presented to the winning teams.
Individual participants will also receive official times and will be eligible for age and gender awards given out in 10 year increments. Each runner and walker will receive a Ringing in Hope cotton t-shirt and can participate in drawings and giveaways at the end of the event. All participants will also receive bells to ring in honor of Memorial Day.
Participants can register for the event ahead of time by visiting www.ringinginhope.com or race-day registration will begin on site at 7am on Memorial Day.
About Soave Enterprises
Since he founded Soave Enterprises years ago, Anthony Soave has always been committed to fostering an environment of awareness, ownership, and generosity within each of his diverse companies. Anthony Soave encourages Soave Enterprises employees to take an innovative approach to supporting programs and initiatives around them so the company can continually improve their impact upon the local community.
Soave Enterprises is a diversified management and investment company founded by Detroit businessman Anthony Soave that provides strategic planning, financial and other management resources to its affiliated business ventures in the real estate, automotive retailing, beer distribution, scrap metal, industrial services and transportation industries, among others. For more information on Tony Soave and Soave Enterprises, please visit http://www.soave.com.
Soave Enterprises
3400 E Lafayette
Detroit, MI 48207
313-567-7000
http://www.soave.com
By kristan
Santa Ana, California, 15 May, 2012 – Commonwealth Audi will be celebrating the opening of their all-new world-class facility located in Santa Ana, California in June. Invited guests will be treated to entertainment, refreshments, and speaking guests include Senior Executives from Audi of America and Penske Automotive including Roger Penske.
“We are very excited to present our all-new dealership to the Audi fans of Orange County,” says Commonwealth Audi General Manager Matt Crandall. “This has been a great collaboration for both Audi of America and Penske Automotive, and everyone at Commonwealth Audi is proud to be able to provide an even better car buying and Audi service experience to southern California.”
The cocktail event will be held the first week of June. Guests will be invited to participate in an all-access tour of the new dealership and can enjoy regional cuisine and live music throughout the night. A ribbon cutting ceremony will take place with Senior Executives from Audi of America and comments will be made from Penske Automotive Owner Roger Penske.
Since 1989 the Commonwealth Audi family has provided Orange County with a friendly and familiar car buying experience that resonates far beyond the dealership. In January of 2010 Roger Penske and the Penske Automotive Group acquired Commonwealth Audi coupling the two in a partnership that dominates the automotive industry with happy Audi customers.
“Our staff of automotive professionals takes pride in representing the Audi brand and is well versed in the innovative design, advanced technology, and superior performance that the brand represents,” says Crandall. “We are thrilled to be able to bring a higher level of service to Orange County.”
About Commonwealth Audi
Commonwealth Audi of Santa Ana has been serving Orange County for over twenty years, offering a friendly and familiar car buying experience. Commonwealth Audi of Santa Ana is a proud member of the Penske Automotive Group and is dedicated to providing experienced, friendly, personal sales and service assistance. As the premier Audi dealership in Orange County, California, Commonwealth Audi makes purchasing a car fun and easy.
Commonwealth Audi
1425 Auto Mall Drive
Santa Ana, CA 92705
(714) 973-7766
http://www.commonwealthaudiofsantaana.com
By kristan
Santa Ana, California May 13, 2012 – Commonwealth Audi and Commonwealth Volkswagen will be hosting a 3-Day Garage Sale event next weekend where customers can take advantage of special pricing available on hundreds of Audi and Volkswagen models.
“This is an unprecedented event for our dealerships,” says Commonwealth Audi General Manager Matt Crandall. “We will have the largest selection of inventory ever at the best prices of the year so it is definitely a great time to shop.”
Audi and Volkswagen will both offer hundreds of new and pre-owned vehicles at special low pricing that must be cleared from inventory. Deals will be available on all models including the award-winning “2012 Car of the Year” Volkswagen Passat, the eco-friendly Volkswagen TDI line-up, and popular new Audi models including the award-winning Audi A4 and Audi A6. Customers can also shop the vast inventory of certified pre-owned vehicles from Audi and Volkswagen or other pre-owned vehicles.
All trade in vehicles will be welcome at the event. Special appraisers will be on location to get customers the maximum trade-in value.
The event kicks off Friday May 18th and runs through Sunday May 20th. Customers are encouraged to call ahead to set an appointment for the event, and walk-in customers are also welcome. Commonwealth Audi and Commonwealth Volkswagen are located in Santa Ana, California off Auto Mall Drive.
“We encourage customers to stop by early to gain access to the best inventory and pricing,” says Commonwealth Volkswagen General Manager Mike Westbrook. “Whether you are looking for a 2012 Volkswagen Jetta or Passat, or are searching for a great pre-owned Volkswagen, there has never been a better time to buy.”
About Commonwealth Cars
Commonwealth Audi and Commonwealth Volkswagen serve Orange County drivers by offering friendly, experienced, and personalized sales and service assistance. Commonwealth Audi and Commonwealth Volkswagen of Santa Ana are also proud members of the Penske Automotive Group and are dedicated to providing award-winning service. As the premier Audi and Volkswagen dealerships in Orange County, California, Commonwealth Cars makes purchasing a car fun and easy. Visitors can stop by to test drive their favorite Audi or VW car or browse the vast inventory of new and pre-owned vehicles online. So whether you are looking to purchase a vehicle, need parts or service, or would like information about the latest Audi and Volkswagen products and innovations, we guarantee a friendly face is waiting to assist you.
Commonwealth Audi
1425 Auto Mall Drive
Santa Ana, CA 92705
(714) 973-7766
http://www.commonwealthaudiofsantaana.com
Commonwealth Volkswagen
1450 Auto Mall Drive
Santa Ana, CA 92705
(888) 653-6458
http://www.orangecountyvolkswagen.com
http://www.commonwealthusedcars.com
By Internet Marketing Experts
Google has posted 53 changes that effect search results to help improve and increase the quality of the websites, local listings in the search results. What is amazing about the implemented algorithm changes is that they are on the heels of two Panda updates that happened over a week and a Penguin update (I feel like I’m at the zoo!).
In case you’re wondering what these zoo animals are all about.
- Penguin Algorithm Update is about catching people who spam Google’s search results or purposely do things to rank better that are against Google’s publisher’s guidelines.
- Panda Algorithm Update(s) are about targeting low quality website’s attempting to get ranked.
Many of these changes were implemented later in April and we will not know the complete effects on rankings and search engine optimization until we interpret measurement tools like Google Analytics, Google Webmaster Tools, Internet Metrics, and Search Engine Ranking Position (SERP) reports for Keywords.
Here are the highlights of these changes. We encourage you to read through the full list of changes at Google’s official search blog.
http://insidesearch.blogspot.com/2012/05/search-quality-highlights-53-changes.html
Base Index and Index Tier
- Perhaps the biggest news is that Google has increased the size of its base index — the collection of web pages and documents it can show as search results — by 15 percent along with adding a new index tier, which Google comments, “We keep our index in tiers where different documents are indexed at different rates depending on how relevant they are likely to be to users.”
How Web Pages are Ranked and Search Results
- Improvements to how search terms are scored in ranking.
- Keyword stuffing classifier improvement related to web pages that keep finding innovative ways of stuffing keywords.
- More authoritative search results based on the relevancy of content on a web page.
- More domain diversity, which means less results from the same domain name.
Geographic Local Search Updates
These types of algorithm changes don’t happen without a change for local search results, which have been appearing before national results for the past few years.
- Improvements to local navigational searches, which Google state “we are more likely to rank the local navigational homepages in the top position, even in cases where the navigational page does not mention the location.”
The issue here goes back to businesses with local presence (meaning all businesses since all business is local) are not doing a good job engaging in Geographic Web Marketing. This includes both national companies with multiple locations.
Instead of the company determining under what circumstances their website or local listing will show, Google is going to attempt to make that decision for the business. This cannot be a very good change in the long run for businesses. Rather they need to engage in local web marketing.
- Country identification for web pages. This change extends the granularity to the page level for sites that host user generated content (e.g. social communities and forums), meaning that some pages on a particular site can be considered relevant to Germany, while others might be considered relevant to Italy.
Some Miscellaneous Updates
- Three changes implements related to freshness — fresh results and freshness signals, and one that ignores fresh content if it’s deemed low quality.
- A change that Google says will help it show more informative/concise titles in its search results. This could have an impact on the per page optimization work on your web pages.
- Improvements in how Google uses previous search activity to determine your intent as you continue to search.
Certainly if you read through the entire list of changes and then also walk through the zoo to learn more about Penguins and Pandas, you will feel a bit overwhelmed.
The interpretation of multiple data points and the effects they will have on a business is something that is part of the marketing process performed by a professional web marketing agency. This is about interpreting the information, determining the analysis of the results and implementing changes to the strategy
Article Contact
Melih Oztalay, CEO
Smartfinds Internet Marketing
Direct: (248) 568.2241
melih@smartfindsmarketing.com
330 East Maple Road #503, Birmingham, MI 48009
http://www.smartfindsmarketing.com
http://www.smartfindsgeographicmarketing.com
By Internet Marketing Experts
Free Webinar will present proactive approaches to managing Customer Ratings and Reviews
May 7, 2012 (Birmingham, MI/Houston, TX): Melih Oztalay, CEO of Smartfinds Internet Marketing (http://www.smartfindsgeographicmarketing.com) and Paul Segreto, CEO of franchisEssentials (http://www.FMDpro.com), will present a webinar discussing Customer Ratings and Review Management for businesses. Interested parties can register at https://www3.gotomeeting.com/register/875579678 for the May 22, 2012 one hour free webinar.
6 in 10 consumers make their buying decisions based on the experiences from your customers who have posted their ratings about your business and their reviews about the experience they have with your staff, products and services.
In addition search engines are and will be basing their decision to rank a local business listing or website based on the star ratings, which are quantitative and make for a easy mathematical equation.
How does a business manage this very overwhelming problem when there are over 200+ websites and databases in geographic marketing for local business listings for consumers to post their ratings and reviews?
Smartfinds Internet Marketing (http://www.smartfindsgeographicmarketing.com), an Internet Marketing pioneer for more than 20 years and leader in web marketing including Geographic Web Marketing and Local Web Marketing, will present the issue and solutions by Melih Oztalay, CEO of SmartFinds Internet Marketing.
“As a web marketing agency working in an ever changing environment of web technologies and requirements, we have to find solutions that will support businesses not only in their search engine rankings, but also in their online reputation.” said Melih Oztalay, Smartfinds CEO.
franchisEssentials (http://www.FMDpro.com) CEO, Paul Segreto, and Founder at both the FranchisEssentials Media Group and FranSummit, brings unique perspective, entrepreneurial spirit and extensive industry experience to franchise management, marketing and development. For over twenty years he has exclusively served the franchise industry as consultant and coach, senior-level corporate executive, advocate, multi-unit franchisee and area developer.
“We have been experiencing growing concerns over customer ratings and reviews over the past 5 years, since they were first introduced to the internet community by franchise owners.” said Paul Segreto, franchisEssentials CEO.
The webinar event will be recorded and available for download after the event for all registrants. While we will have a focus on franchise owners, businesses in general are invited to learn more about the proactive approaches to managing customer ratings and reviews. The idea of passively waiting for customers to control your businesses online reputation is no longer an option.
You can register and learn more at https://www3.gotomeeting.com/register/875579678.
About Smartfinds Internet Marketing
The most critical element of SmartFinds Internet Marketing services is the creativity and imagination to apply the technological aspects of the digital marketplace to the marketing objectives of a particular business. Initial research provides SmartFinds the ability to develop a digital strategy that can be measured every step of the way to insure business growth and revenue generation. Some of SmartFinds’ clients have included ComForcare Home Care, Delphi, Flagstar Bank, Guardian Industries, McCann Erickson, Penske Automotive Group, Soave Enterprises, Wendy’s, Ziebart and others. You can learn more about SmartFinds at http://www.smartfindsmarketing.com and their Geographic Marketing website at http://www.smartfindsgeographicmarketing.com
About franchisEssentials
Dedicated to franchise success at all levels, franchisEssentials CEO, Paul Segreto consults with founders and franchise executives of start-up and emerging franchise concepts, current franchisees experiencing difficult challenges in their daily operations, and with independent small business owners discovering franchising as a business expansion strategy or income diversification plan.
Understanding the franchise sales process from lead generation through franchise award, and the importance of forming an interdependent relationship between franchisee and franchisor, Paul has successfully developed and executed marketing and development strategies for franchisors across a variety of franchise segments. As franchise candidates and consumers have become more sophisticated and technologically advanced, Paul has embraced social technology and social media marketing, and has identified both as essential to future franchise growth at all levels.
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By Internet Marketing Experts
Courageous Persuaders program announces new venue Noted TV Personality Huel Perkins to return as MC Voting for State Farm Fan Favorite Award Voting Deadline is May 1, 2012
TROY, Mich., May 1, 2012 – The Detroit Auto Dealers Association (DADA) Education Foundation announced today that tickets are available for the 2012 Courageous Persuaders Video Competition Awards Celebration. Bob Shuman, DADA president, made the announcement. Shuman also announced the new venue for the Celebration, which will be held on Tuesday, May 15, 2012 at the Marriott Centerpoint Hotel in Auburn Hills, Mich.
Tickets for the event, which is open to the public, are $20 for adults and $15 for 18 and under, and can be purchased via the Courageous Persuaders Web site, http://www.courageouspersuaders.com, or by calling the DADA at 248-643-0250. Noted Fox2 Detroit television personality Huel Perkins will serve as the Co-Master of Ceremonies again this year, along with Shuman. A number of Michigan notables and business executives will also be making award presentations, including Secretary of State Ruth Johnson.
“This year’s celebration promises to be the best yet,” said Shuman. “With our new venue, and tremendous support from our program sponsors and supporters, we hope to increase the visibility of this tragic problem that impacts our young people.”
Courageous Persuaders is a competition-based scholarship program that invites high school students to create a 30-second television commercial about the dangers of underage drinking. The commercials are targeted toward middle school-aged children, with the winning entries aired on television and via streaming video on http://www.courageouspersuaders.com. The Michigan Department of State, led by Secretary of State Ruth Johnson, will also show the winning commercials in select Michigan Secretary of State (SOS) branch offices.
This year, Courageous Persuaders will give away over $18,000 in scholarships and awards at the annual Academy Awards-style celebration. Additionally, State Farm, a long-time partner, will feature its driving simulator that gives participants the experience of driving drunk — an experience that will make them realize the real dangers involved in such activities. State Farm will also provide Community Gift Packs to attendees.
This is in addition to the “Fan Favorite” Award, which State Farm will present for the first time this year, along with its traditional scholarship award. State Farm officials encourage Courageous Persuaders fans to vote for their favorite video from among the 60 finalists.
To view and vote, simply go to http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLEA96C8B0EF3BAED5&feature=plcp , view the video, and vote at http://www.courageouspersuaders.com. Voting ends on May 1, 2012. The $2,500 Fan Favorite Award goes to the school of the winning video.
The Courageous Persuaders program was created in 2000 by retired Oakland County District Judge Michael A. Martone and John Barczyk, a local retired McCann-Erickson advertising executive. In 2007, the DADA became the primary sponsor and administrator of the Courageous Persuaders program through its DADA Education Foundation. This year, the competition drew 627 video submissions (1,026 student participants) from 41 states, along with Puerto Rico, Armed Forces Africa, Armed Forces Pacific, and the Canadian Provinces of Ontario and Saskatchewan.
Winning entries are eligible for the following scholarship awards:
- Grand Prize: $3,000
- First Place: $1,500
- Second Place: $1,000
- Third Place: $500
Additionally, special awards are also presented by Courageous Persuaders partners:
- Lindsey Renee Cianciolo Family Memorial Scholarship: $3,000 – two $1,500 Michigan-based scholarship winners
Detroit Auto Dealers Association (DADA) Award; $2,000
- Adcraft Club of Detroit Award: $2,000 – presented to the commercial that conveyed factual information about the dangers of alcohol use
- Wall Street Journal Award: $2,000 – chosen among the most persuasive commercials, as judged by middle school students
- State Farm: $1,000 – awarded to a Michigan-based entry on the dangers of drinking and driving
- College for Creative Studies Award: $250 – based on the creativity of the commercial
- Wall Street Journal Courageous Leader Award – presented to a special teacher for his or her extraordinary support of the Courageous Persuaders program
Winners are selected after several rounds of judging. A panel from the DADA views the entries and identifies the top 60 finalists during the first round. Those entries are then reviewed by students at middle schools, who complete questionnaires. Results of the questionnaires determine the winners.
To view the 2011winning commercials or for information about the competition, visit the Web site at http://www.CourageousPersuaders.com, or contact Sandy Herp at 248.283.5138 or sherp@dada.org.
About the DADA Education Foundation
The mission of the DADA Education Foundation is to promote excellence in education through quality programs and leadership.
About Detroit Auto Dealers Association (DADA)
The DADA was founded in 1907 by 17 local car dealers, and has grown to more than 220 member car and truck dealers who donate their time and resources to a host of community activities. Currently, the DADA members collectively employ more than 16,500 people. Many members participate in the NAIAS, LLC, which is responsible for the production of the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS). To find out more about Detroit Auto Dealers Association, visit www.dada.org. To find out more about the NAIAS, visit www.naias.com.
Contact: Sandy Herp, Tel: (248) 283-5138, sherp@dada.org
Source: The Detroit Auto Dealers Association
Distributed by: Smartfinds Internet Marketing
