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Art at Adsoka

Creative Contributions

Adsoka Pairs Two Great Organizations

WhisperPhone donates product to the Literacy Center of Massachusetts

(December 1, 2008) Minneapolis—Adsoka client WhisperPhone recently donated adult WhisperPhones to the Literacy Volunteers of Quincy. This is just one more example of how Adsoka serves as a networking arm for our clients—making valuable connections.

“This type of activity is part of what makes Adsoka unique,” said Jason Inskeep, principal of Adsoka. “Our clients not only find value in what we provide, but also in what fellow clients offer.”

Adsoka works with WhisperPhone in ongoing marketing services, and Adsoka recently completed programming the Literacy Center of Massachusetts Web site.

Literacy Volunteers, part of the Thomas Crane Public Library, provides one-on-one tutoring for adults learning basic reading and writing skills in a supportive environment.

WhisperPhone is an educational tool for children and adults. When a user speaks, WhisperPhone collects, concentrates and conveys the user’s voice directly into the ear. The direct route from the mouth to the ear improves the signal-to-noise ratio so users can hear themselves more clearly. WhisperPhone works because learning has a strong auditory foundation. That’s why students learning to read “sound-it-out” and read aloud.

“We are delighted to be able to support this excellent resource with WhisperPhones,” said Steve Swain, vice president of business development at Harebrain, Inc. “Literacy centers like Literacy Volunteers of Massachusetts are vital.”

About Literacy Volunteers
Literacy Volunteers of Massachusetts-Quincy (LVM-Quincy), a program of the Thomas Crane Public Library, provides free, private, confidential and student-centered instruction in basic reading and writing to adults in order to help them fulfill their potential at home, at work and in the community. Learn more at http://www.thomascranelibrary.org/read/index.html.

About Harebrain, Inc.
Harebrain, Inc. manufactures WhisperPhone, an educational tool for children and adults. WhisperPhone is available for purchase online at http://www.WhisperPhone.com. WhisperPhone is an educational tool designed to improve reading scores and meet the standards of No Child Left Behind. This hands-free, acoustical voice-feedback headset helps learners hear phonemes, the sounds that compose words, more clearly. Phonemic awareness is a key predictor of literacy success, according to the National Reading Panel. It is hands free, reversible, lightweight and dishwasher safe. No batteries are required. It is made in the United States by Harebrain, Inc.

About Adsoka, Inc.
Minneapolis-based Adsoka is a full-service marketing, design and communications agency. Adsoka builds customer-centered print, in person and online marketing solutions that produce enhanced results. Adsoka serves business-to-business, retail and nonprofit clients. The agency's integrated skills include branding, advertising, copywriting and public relations. Learn more at http://www.ADSOKA.com.

Adsoka Launches New Park Square Theatre Logo

Redesign will appear in materials for the 2008-2009 season

(July 17, 2008) Minneapolis—Adsoka and Park Square Theatre of St. Paul recently launched the new Park Square Theatre branding, including a new logo, tagline and brand standards. Adsoka will also create a new Web site, advertisements, subscriber brochure, signage and more.

“We are all very excited about the new branding,” said Gretchen Westbrock, who led the design of the logo. “The logo’s defining characteristic is the logo mark, which symbolizes interaction, theatre seating and a stage. And the tagline, ‘Theatre for you. (yes you.)’ is a solid foundation for the voice of the brand.”

For more information on Park Square Theatre and to see their show lineup, visit parksquaretheatre.org.

Minneapolis-based Adsoka is a full-service marketing, design and communications agency. Adsoka builds customer-centered print, in person and online marketing solutions that produce enhanced results. Adsoka serves business-to-business, retail and nonprofit clients. The agency's integrated skills include branding, advertising, copywriting and public relations. Learn more at http://www.ADSOKA.com.

New Clients Join Adsoka

The St. Francis Regional Medical Center, Heartland Democracy and WiseLeader join the Adsoka client list

(July 10, 2008) Minneapolis—Adsoka welcomes three new clients: St. Francis Regional Medical Center, Heartland Democracy and Wiseleader.

Adsoka is conducting market research for Shakopee-based St. Francis Regional Medical Center. For more information, visit http://www.stfrancis-shakopee.com.

Adsoka is developing a logo and Web design for Heartland Democracy, an organization that will serve the existing community of progressive groups and the public to connect them with initiatives of interest. The Web site is expected to be live by the end of summer.

WiseLeader is a consultancy that works primarily with women leaders in large corporations. Adsoka is enhancing the logo and building a suite of tools that will market WiseLeader services. The new Web site is expected to be live early August.

“Each of these new clients is interested in expanding their customer connection–exactly the core strength of Adsoka,” said Jason Inskeep, principal at Adsoka.

Adsoka Launches Achieve Your Potential Newsletter for Jodi Davis

The monthly newsletter asks readers to reflect, plan

(July 9, 2008) Minneapolis—Author Jodi Davis and Adsoka have launched the monthly e-newsletter Achieve Your Potential, which discusses topics related to leadership and potential. The email spotlights a theme each month and asks the readers to reflect.

“Achieve Your Potential is really continuing the conversation that Jodi began in her book, The Promise of Potential,” said Jason Inskeep, principal of Adsoka. “It delivers insights, exercises and opportunities to reflect on experiences that shape who we are and plan for greater achievement.”

Try Achieve Your Potential for yourself by signing up on www.JodiDavis.com. Let Adsoka know what you think.

Adsoka Creates First Ever TakeAction Minnesota Annual Report

Adsoka also designed the TakeAction Minnesota logo in 2005

(June 2, 2008) Minneapolis—Adsoka was enlisted to create the first ever annual report for the nonprofit TakeAction Minnesota, which formed in 2006 with the merge of Progressive Minnesota and Minnesota Alliance for Progressive Action. The annual report is expected to be distributed in early August.

“This first annual report had to reflect the accomplishments of the past two years and explain the vision of TakeAction Minnesota,” said Jason Inskeep, principal of Adsoka. “This is a brand-building annual report. We are honored to have been selected for this project.”

Adsoka developed the TakeAction Minnesota logo in 2005.

The mission of TakeAction Minnesota is to unite the power of diverse individuals, communities and organizations in active grassroots democracy that builds social, racial and economic justice.

Adsoka Receives Horizon Interactive Award

Cabrini Partnership Web site recognized

(May 12, 2008) Minneapolis—Adsoka received a 2008 bronze Horizon Interactive Award in the public service/nonprofit category honoring their Web work for Cabrini Partnership. The 7th annual Horizon Interactive Awards was the most competitive to date with more than 1,000 entries from 20 countries.

Each submission was evaluated by an international panel of judges and a panel of end-users. Entries were judged on creativity/originality, overall appearance, user experience, communication of message, technical merit and effectiveness of solution. Other winning entrants include Xerox, Burger King, Land O’Lakes, Timex and Hershey’s.

“The Cabrini Partnership Web site needed an update to reflect the new branding. Adsoka helped to increase clarity and emotional appeal,” said Gretchen Westbrock, art director at Adsoka. “The technical elements—like adding the Adsoka Membership Manager tool—helps Cabrini Partnership reach out to their audience better.”

Cabrini Partnership is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide housing and services to support homeless adults with mental illness and chemical dependency to strengthen their lives, families and community. Cabrini Partnership is passionately involved in the initiative to end long-term homelessness in 10 years in Minnesota. To learn more, visit www.CabriniPartnership.org.

Minneapolis-based Adsoka is a full-service marketing, design and communications agency. Adsoka serves business-to-business, retail and nonprofit clients. The agency’s integrated skills include branding, advertising, copywriting and public relations. Adsoka has served over 130 clients including Breadsmith, the American Red Cross, Star Tribune and MindUniversity. Award-winning work includes the back to school campaign for the Mall of America and an awareness campaign for the American Red Cross. The Adsoka newsletter, 6x, offers insightful marketing tips bimonthly. Creative Contributions is the company giving program for donating billable work to nonprofit organizations. Adsoka means adding creative value. Learn more at www.ADSOKA.com.

Twin Cities Fine Arts Organization Launches THE INSIDER

Adsoka developed the arts newsletter

(May 1, 2008) Minneapolis—Twin Cities Fine Arts Organization, publisher of the Gallery Guide, has launched the e-newsletter The Insider, which tells people what’s going on in the arts each month. The email spotlights events and exhibits at area art galleries and includes photos of the art.

“The Insider is a really exciting initiative for TCFAO and its members,” said Maggie Swanson, editor of Adsoka. “Socialites, art lovers and artists will love it.”

Try The Insider for yourself and let Adsoka know what you think. To receive The Insider, visit http://www.twincitiesfinearts.org/signup.aspx.

Adsoka Welcomes New Clients

The Loft Literary Center and Park Square Theatre and Talon Lacrosse join the Adsoka client list

(April 30, 2008) Minneapolis—Adsoka welcomes three new clients including the The Loft Literary Center, Park Square Theatre and Talon Lacrosse.

Adsoka is developing branding with St. Paul-based Park Square Theatre. For more information and to see the diverse range of shows for their 2008-2009 season, visit www.parksquaretheatre.org.

The Loft Literary Center and Adsoka are working together on public relations efforts. The Loft is now the nation's largest and most comprehensive literary center, offering programs and services for readers and writers. www.loft.org.

Adsoka developed a new ad campaign for California-based Talon Lacrosse, manufacturer of high-quality lacrosse shafts.

Talon Lacrosse

Learn more at www.talonlacrosse.com.

“We’d like to extend a warm welcome to these new clients. The work we’ve done with them so far has already proven to be exciting and rewarding,” said Maggie Swanson, editor at Adsoka.

Park Square Theatre

PPL and Cabrini Partnership’s Van Cleve Development Wins Best in Real Estate

UrbanWorks-designed project won Business Journal award

(April 18, 2008) Minneapolis—The Van Cleve Development received a Best in Real Estate award from the Minneapolis St. Paul Business Journal in Multifamily Development/Redevelopment. The Van Cleve Development is the product of a partnership between two local nonprofit organizations, Project for Pride in Living (PPL) and Cabrini Partnership, who share a vision of creating new housing opportunities while positively impacting communities. PPL and Cabrini Partnership are Adsoka clients.

The article, written by Andrew Tellijohn, said, “Best in Real Estate judges were impressed with the overall redevelopment, especially how the Bunge landmark was maintained.”

“We are delighted that the Van Cleve Development has received such positive feedback from the community and through this award,” said Mary Morris, executive director at Cabrini Partnership.

The architecture firm for the Van Cleve Development is UrbanWorks (www.Urban-Works.com). To learn more about the Van Cleve Development, visit www.VanCleveDevelopment.com.

The mission of Cabrini Partnership is to provide housing and services to support homeless adults with mental illness and chemical dependency to strengthen their lives, families and community. For more information, visit www.CabriniPartnership.org.

PPL is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping lower-income families develop the tools they need to achieve self-sufficiency. Learn more at www.ppl-inc.org.

Adsoka Sponsors Normandale Community College Creative Writing Scholarship

Patsy Lea Core Scholarship Honors Writing Talent

(April 24, 2008) Minneapolis—Adsoka sponsored the Patsy Lea Core Creative Writing Scholarship, which awards first, second and third place winners in poetry and fiction writing. The award culminated with a ceremony and reading on April 23 at Normandale to honor the students’ work. The scholarship was created in memory of Patsy Lea Core, a Normandale student in the 1970s who was interested in fostering imagination and talent.

“Writing is an important part of what we do, so it was natural to support this scholarship in creative writing,” said Jason Inskeep, principal.

Kris Bigalk, an English department faculty member at Normandale, said of one scholarship recipient, “She saw the award as proof that she had finally turned a corner with her craft. She plans to make writing her career.”

Adsoka to Create Down Syndrome Guild Annual Report for Third Year
Adsoka also completed the Southside Family Charter School annual report

(March 12, 2008) Minneapolis—Spring of 2008 marks the third year Adsoka will create the Down Syndrome Guild of Greater Kansas City (DSG) annual report. Adsoka also recently completed the Southside Family Charter School (SFCS) annual report for the second consecutive year.

“This was a special year for DSG because they hosted the National Down Syndrome Congress Convention in Kansas City, and they were named national parent group of the year by the National Down Syndrome Congress,” said Jason Inskeep, principal of Adsoka. “And SFCS reported exceptionally positive results from staff and student surveys.”

Amy Allison, executive director of DSG, said, "The team at Adsoka consistently delivers a fresh perspective on our mission each year they create our annual report. They have gone above and beyond in connecting with our organization and bringing DSG to a higher level of professionalism through their attention to detail and design. With Adsoka's help, our publications and Web site are now award-winning resources families and professionals can look to with confidence."

Adsoka received a first place Philly Award honoring excellence in nonprofit communications for the 2005 DSG annual report and the DSG Web site.

Southside Family Charter School is a small, k-8 school whose mission is to meet the needs of a culturally and ethnically diverse population by engaging children in critical thinking and problem solving, involving children in political and social activism, encouraging creative expression, offering a wide range of electives and advocating for children and families. Founded in 1972, the school pairs fundamental academics with an award-winning social justice curriculum. For more information please visit the school’s Web site at www.southsidefamilyschool.org.

The mission of the Down Syndrome Guild of Greater Kansas City is to provide support and resources for individuals with Down syndrome and their families. DSG seeks to provide the entire community with information and education to broaden awareness and foster positive attitudes regarding people with Down syndrome. Learn more at www.kcDSG.org.

Adsoka Announces Updates to Art at Adsoka Gallery

(March 4, 2008) Minneapolis—Adsoka is delighted to announce updates to the Art at Adsoka gallery.

“We have brought in some new pieces by Becoskie and Olson,” said Jason Inskeep, principal. “And as of March 1, we’re featuring art by Marcia Haffmans and Andrea Miller.”

Adsoka has hosted work by Ray Becoskie and Bill O’Neill since September 2007 and work by Mary Olson and Nicholas Harper since early 2006. There is also a collaborative piece by Ray Becoskie and Caprice Glaser.

The Art at Adsoka gallery is open during normal business hours. Many of the pieces are available for sale, and prices range from $250 to $1,750. Original nine-by-twelve-inch drawings by Becoskie are available for $20. For more information, visit the Art at Adsoka page.

Adsoka Welcomes New Clients
Celarity, Forecast Public Art and Minnesota Public Interest Research Group join the Adsoka client roster

(March 3, 2008) Minneapolis—Adsoka welcomes three new clients including the creative staffing company Celarity and nonprofit organizations Forecast Public Art and Minnesota Public Interest Research Group (MPIRG).

Adsoka is working with Celarity to develop a direct mail campaign that reaches marketing departments in the region. For more information, visit www.celarity.com.

Forecast Public Art is an internationally known organization that works in public art. Their three focus areas include consulting, grant making and publishing the journal Public Art Review. Adsoka is working with Forecast on a strategic initiative around their 30-year anniversary. For more information, visit www.forecastpublicart.org.

MPIRG is a student-directed, nonpartisan organization that empowers and trains college students and engages the community to take action in the public interest throughout Minnesota. Adsoka is working with MPIRG to develop an improved Web presence before a large fundraising initiative. For more information, visit www.mpirg.org.

The Promise of Potential Book Launch Event a Success

(February 25, 2008) Minneapolis—Adsoka hosted the book release party for The Promise of Potential by Jodi Davis the evening of Friday, February 22. Approximately 80 people attended and enjoyed the Art at Adsoka gallery and music by Tommy Bruce. A portion of book and art proceeds of the evening was donated to WomenVenture.

The book The Promise of Potential offers useful strategies for gaining awareness, building a vision and sustaining commitment to action. Davis provides sage advice for organizations, teams and individuals to achieve their potential.

“The event centered on potential, the theme of Jodi Davis’ book,” said Gretchen Westbrock, art director at Adsoka.

Davis said of the evening, “It was a fantastic book launch. The Adsoka space was festive, fun and decorated in the most celebratory manner. Thank you for making it all possible.”

Adsoka has hosted numerous private and public corporate events for clients in their downtown office. If you would like Adsoka to support the marketing of and host your next event, contact us.

To learn more about Jodi Davis and to purchase The Promise of Potential, visit www.JodiDavis.com.

Adsoka Wins Bronze Quill Award of Merit for Cabrini Partnership Capital Campaign
The Bronze Quill is a statewide competition; the Silver and Gold Quill awards are regional and international, respectively.

(February 4, 2008) Minneapolis— Adsoka received a 2008 Bronze Quill Award of Merit in Communication Skills honoring their work for the Cabrini Partnership capital campaign, Leading the Way Home. More than $1,000,000 has been raised for this campaign so far. The April issue of Twin Cities Business magazine will feature the winning entries.

“Understanding the target audience and the best way to reach them made for a very successful, worthy campaign,” said a judge of Adsoka’s work.

Anne Russell of Cabrini Partnership said, “The Leading the Way Home campaign is our first capital campaign; a lot is at stake. Not only is it essential that we meet our campaign goal to support a critical expansion of our facilities and program, but we know this is a splendid opportunity to convey our message to long-time and new donors. From the initial concept through delivery of the printed piece, Adsoka lent its good counsel and creative design. The name of the campaign—which was Adsoka’s idea—captures what it is about and who we are. We’re proud to be the organization associated with this award.”

Each submission was evaluated by two IABC judges from different areas of the country. In order to win in the communications skills category, entrants must demonstrate “strategic alignment, creativity and measurable results.” For a list of winners, visit http://mn.iabc.com/?p=79.

“Our work with Cabrini Partnership has been rewarding,” said Maggie Swanson, editor at Adsoka. “They’re making great strides in supporting the plan to end homelessness in Minneapolis and Hennepin County by 2016.”

Cabrini Partnership is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide housing and services to support homeless adults with mental illness and chemical dependency to strengthen their lives, families and community. Cabrini Partnership is passionately involved in the initiative to end long-term homelessness by 2016 in Hennepin County. Learn more at www.CabriniPartnership.org.

The Minnesota Chapter of IABC brings together professionals who want to excel in the communications field. It provides lifelong learning opportunities by giving members the tools and information they need at any stage in their career. With more than 450 members, IABC Minnesota was named Large Chapter of the Year for 2006 by IABC. Minnesota is part of the larger, international, not-for-profit organization that serves 13,000 members worldwide. For more information, visit mn.iabc.com.

Online Data Collection Tool Available

(January 17, 2008) Minneapolis—To help clients, Adsoka developed Membership Manager, a tool that easily integrates into any Web site to accelerate the ability to collect, maintain and use customer and prospect data. The tool is designed to fit in with the look of your Web site. The tool offers a number of variations, but all start with the recognition that a quick to implement tool with highly portable data is best.

“This tool helps organizations of all sizes have a database that is ready to market to,” said Jason Inskeep, principal of Adsoka. “Membership Manager is an affordable option that can be incorporated onto nearly any site so you can start collecting data today.”

A majority of businesses are hard-pressed to accomplish the simple task of sending information to customers and prospects (either through print or email) because their databases are defunct and—ultimately—irrelevant. To determine whether your organization needs Membership Manager, consider the following questions:

1. Can you easily transfer client and prospect data into a format for communication?

2. Once you get client and prospect data into a format for sending, is it fresh (includes new data from the last month)?

3. Finally, is the database complete (with nearly every customer and prospect)?

The only acceptable answer to a marketing manager in charge of customer and prospect data is yes—data is accessible, fresh and complete.

Unlike many cumbersome data collection tools, Membership Manager is easy to use and affordable. No subscription fees apply.

See how Adsoka uses Membership Manager by signing up for premier access on www.adsoka.com. If you’d like to get set up with Membership Manager or see a full demonstration, contact us.

Adsoka Welcomes New Clients
The Dan Hollerman Group, Enleiten and Hannover LTD join the Adsoka client roster

(January 2, 2008) Minneapolis—Adsoka welcomes three new clients with the New Year: realty team The Dan Hollerman Group, financial compliance software company Enleiten and business financial consultant Hannover LTD. Adsoka has launched planning and marketing tactics to reach the goals of these clients in methods tailored to their brands.

“Our initial research and work with these clients has already led to positive outcomes,” said Jason Inskeep, principal at Adsoka. “We’re looking forward to getting further immersed in these brands.”

For more information, visit www.hollerman.com, www.enleiten.com and www.hannoverconsulting.com.