Ackley Business Consulting is a business located in the Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota area. Roger Ackley steps your business through a visioning process, leading your business to a shared vision. Roger Ackley’s BI career of nearly 3 decades has given him a background and expertise to transform large corporations. When Roger retired, he still had a passion for teaching the visioning process. After starting his own business, Roger came to Prime Advertising & Design, to design and produce his marketing materials. Roger envisioned something contemporary and streamlined.

One of the first things Prime needed to do for Ackley Business Consulting was to help with a business name and logo design. Because Ackley Business Consulting was a new business, we began by checking into domain names. Once we had purchased www.AckleyBusinessConsulting.com, Prime’s designers were able to start and designed a variety of logo selections for Roger to review. With the logo and business name selected, Prime Advertising designed and printed the Ackley Business Consulting stationary package. A stationary package helps give your business an identity and includes professional design and printing of the key pieces to get your business started: business cards, letterhead, envelope, fax transmittal, Thank You card and Microsoft Word document set to compose business correspondence.

Once the Ackley Business Consulting foundational pieces were completed, Prime’s attention turned to website development. Roger wanted to offer his clients information about his business, while keeping a streamlined look and feel. The new site uses Web 2.0 technology, allowing for a wider design and screen display. Prime also interlinked Ackley’s web pages, helping to create the highest level of search engine optimization. To keep prospective clients updated on Ackley Business Consulting and on relatable news, Prime has incorporated a blog that is designed with the look and feel of the website.

Real-life, action shots are great for any business to have. Using one’s own images helps create credibility and trust to prospective clients. Prime Advertising performed a professional photo shoot, with Roger Ackley performing a live facilitation. With all of the great images taken, it was hard to choose which photos to use!

Ackley Business Consulting is taking off and Roger needed print materials to mail, email and leave behind after meetings. Along with a sharp-looking pocket folder, Ackley Business Consulting has a sturdy brochure. Each piece was carefully planned out to keep the Ackley Business Consulting brand consistent. Now, when Roger speaks and/or meets with business owners, he has all of the marketing materials that needs.

Roger likes to keep his facilitations lively. He is the kind of speaker that will keep your teams attention, giving you the results you desire. Roger is a true expert in the field and we’re all glad he came to Prime Advertising & Design to begin his journey with Ackley Business Consulting.

If you’re in the need of Business Consulting, please visit Ackley Business Consulting, and tell him, Prime sent you!

Filed under: advertising, blogging, branding, Business Cards, design, direct mail, email marketing, interactivity, logo design, marketing, photos, print, promotion, resources, RSS, seo, Signage and Banners, teamwork, web design | No Comments »

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Kothrade Sewer, Septic, and Excavating has been providing expert advice and services for the Northwest Suburban area since 1994. Working on both residential and commercial projects, Kothrade offers a variety of services such as excavating, sewer and water, certification, septic pumping, and much more. Priding themselves on being a local company, Kothrade goes above and beyond the call of duty by being available 24/7 to solve the emergency needs of their clients.

In response to their own marketing needs, Kothrade turned to Prime Advertising & Design, for a little maintenance of their own.

The first step of Kothrade’s maintenance was an updated logo design. The new logo is an attention-grabber.  The bright red and balanced design conveys Kothrade’s rough-and-ready attitude. Kothrade is ready to get down to business, and now, so is their logo.

After redesigning the logo, Prime Advertising turned our attention upon Kothrade’s website. Prime cleaned up the site, making all of the services Kothrade offers much more accessible.

The new website is modern and clean, showing off Kothrade’s technology and commitment to helping their customers.  Also, using the Element Z content management service, Kothrade will now be able to manage and update their website with any new services they have to offer their clients.

Prime Advertising set up a blog for Kothrade, so that they can update clients with the latest and greatest information about their company. Also, with the blog, they can post current industry information. The blog feeds directly into facebook and twitter, allowing Kothrade to utilize social media in order to further their marketing reach and search engine optimization.

Kothrade has always had the physical tools to meet their customers’ needs; now, with their new logo, blog, and website, Kothrade has added more valuable devices to their tool-belt. Kothrade is better-able to reach out into the communities they serve and to communicate effectively with their clients. Kothrade’s new website says, “The Experience and Equipment to Get the Work Done Right.”—a standard Kothrade holds themselves to, now mirrored by their professional appearance and website.

Prime Advertising was able to dig a little deeper into Kothrade, and in the end, unearthed for them a bright, new image. As Kothrade proves every day—a little maintenance can go a long way!

Filed under: advertising, blogging, branding, content management system, design, facebook, local search, logo design, marketing, prime clients, prime news, promotion, resources, RSS, search, seo, small business, social networking, technology, web design | No Comments »

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Trying to find a job as a new designer after graduation is a battle that no one really wants to face.  Everyone tells you not to worry because something will happen and without fail everything will fall right into place when you least expect it.  Not really what you want to hear when you’re sick of being beat by someone with more experience, but for my internship at Prime it couldn’t have been more true. 

I’ve worked in the restaurant industry for quite some time and never thought it would land me an opportunity in design.  One slow weekday I was assigned to work at a networking event to tend to an appetizer buffet and supply cocktails to a group of working professionals.  I honestly wasn’t thrilled about it because I wasn’t allowed to have other tables and I knew it wasn’t going to be very profitable.  I made the most of the situation and seeing that it was a networking event started listening in on conversations thinking that maybe something might strike my interest.  I overheard Penny say something about Prime Advertising.  Growing up in Maple Grove, I had researched the company and knew it was a place I was interested in.  I bid my time and finally decided to introduce myself.  I knew I would feel a bit awkward, but really what did I have to lose?  I casually mentioned that I may be a waitress, but I was also a recently graduated fantastic designer.  I inquired about any job openings, internships, or just the opportunity to take a tour of the company.  We swapped information, and though I was proud of myself for saying something, I never expected anything would happen.

So here I am.  Actually, since my internship is coming to a close I suppose I should say “so there I was.”  I started my internship as I expect most people do, like a duck on the water.  On the surface I appeared to be calm and confident, but those feet were turning fast underneath wondering if people would like me, how everything was going to work, if I’d be successful, hoping I wouldn’t have to do any lame “internship” work.  Luckily, my internship has been far from lame.  I technically was part of the web department, but I had the opportunity to taste a little piece of everything. 

I had the opportunity to work on a variety of projects from creating banner ads for the new myprimeguide.com, working on header images for websites, email marketing, and seeing how Prime’s content management system (Element z) worked in the web department.  In print I had a taste of the newsletters and worked with multiple clients in logo development.  I even got to sneak in photography work ranging from taking pictures at the Maple Grove Days parade, staging portfolio images, to a 3 location photo shoot for Galaxy Auto.  Overall, what I liked most about my time at Prime is that I rarely felt like an intern.  I didn’t have all menial tasks; instead I worked with clients and had independence.  For something unexpected, it turned out better than I would have planned.

Let’s see, if I was reading a blog about an unexpected intern, I would probably expect some good cliché or gooey heart-felt advice—the kind that makes you roll your eyes a bit.  So here you go.  Don’t be afraid to ask questions.  Not only is that how I ended up here, but that’s really the whole point of your internship.  You’re not expected to know everything yet.  Think of it as a perk, you’re surrounded by people who have more experience and know the tricks and secrets of the industry, and since you’re the intern their basically expected to let you in on everything.  I also found that in many circumstances whoever was helping me discovered something new or rethought the process of how they were doing things in the first place.  I believe that would be called a win-win situation.  

Here’s a good one to follow; make mistakes.  Everyone knows that information sticks a lot better when something goes wrong than when it works perfectly the first time.  On the same note; be prepared for the unexpected, and run with it, and while you’re at it take any opportunities to show your hidden talents.  My internship had nothing to do with photography, but because I had all my camera equipment with me and offered to take some product shots, I ended up doing random photography projects and two involved photo shoots on my own.

I’m sure I could think of more tidbits of advice, but I’m sure you already know them, and they would be far better served if you went out to seek them on your own.  So for now we’ll just say that I’ve put in my two cents.  In the end, I have learned a wealth of information and gained experience in areas that can’t be taught in school.  I’m very grateful to everyone at Prime who has helped me along the way and sparked the energy to help my career along.  I have truly enjoyed working with the staff and hope to keep connected with Prime in the future.  I am very thankful for the opportunity and glad that someone gave me the chance to start collecting my piece of “real-world” experience.

Filed under: advertising, community events, content management system, design, email marketing, Internship, logo design, marketing, MyPrimeGuide.com, photos, prime clients, teamwork, Uncategorized, web design | No Comments »

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I have spent the last year working at Prime Advertising & Design. First, as an intern and later as an Executive Assistant. I have gained valuable insight into the world of business, insights that aren’t often taught in the classroom.

Working at Prime Advertising gives high school or college students an edge in a competitive business world.

As a recent high school graduate, I am preparing to leave Prime Advertising to attend the University of Minnesota. At the U, I will continue to study business at the Carlson School of Management. However, even as I move on and continue my education, I will never forget or undervalue the real-world instruction I received while at Prime Advertising & Design. I can never thank Prime enough for giving me such a learning opportunity.

Working at Prime Advertising has given me a valuable edge by providing real-world experience.

In a competitive job economy students need all the real-world experience they can get. Over the past 15 months, Prime has hired and worked with 6 interns—students from varying backgrounds and education levels, all with a core interest in business and marketing. These interns have been trained to produce high-quality work while establishing themselves as working professionals.

My position at Prime was entry-level. Most days, I worked to maintain the many filing systems I helped to develop. By holding such a position, I was able to build my career, literally from the ground up. Having been an intern, I learned all the humility that comes from being the most inexperienced person in the office. Through that, I learned the importance of asking questions and absorbing direction. Every day with Prime is a learning day—a chance to learn a new set of skills or to learn how to behave in an office setting.

With an open mindset, interns at Prime Advertising have been able to learn a variety of skills. In addition to offering multiple forms of marketing and advertising, Prime offers experience in business skills such as: sales, accounting and human resources. Personally, I have been able to hone my management and Human Resource skills. Not only have I developed important organizational skills, but I have also learned the recruitment and interview process by getting the opportunity to hire two of Prime’s interns.

Learning and growing at Prime Advertising has been one of the greatest opportunities of my life. It has changed me, shaped and molded me into a business professional.  As I leave the company, I know that the lessons Prime has taught me will never leave me.

If you are a high school or college student and are interested in business, please have them email Penny Monse at penny@primeadvertising.com for more information about available internships at Prime!

Filed under: advertising, Internship, marketing, office, teamwork | No Comments »

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Prime Advertising & Design, the City of Maple Grove and National Camera Exchange sponsored the Official Maple Grove Moments Photography Contest.

The response was very enthusiastic to our call for photo entries,  we are so appreciative of all who shared their talents!

All entries are on display through mid-September at the Government Center for public viewing.  Three photographers were recognized in each category with each 1st place receiving $100; 2nd place $50; and 3rd place $25.  In addition, this year a Youth category was added.  Four photographers under 18 were selected to each receive a $25 award for sharing their skill.

All photos submitted are available for viewing on www.myprimeguide.com/photos.  Make sure to check out the photographic skill that abounds in our community!

Going Together

1st Place Winner:  “Bubble Boy” by Suzanne Olson

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2nd Place Winner: “Laundry is Starting to Get Interesting” by Neill Johnson

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3rd Place Winner:  “Plunge Into Summer” by Diane Schaefer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Going Strong

1st Place Winner:   “Rally ‘Round the Flag Boys” by Rich Moll

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2nd Place Winner:  “Grand Slam Celebration” by Pamela Baker

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3rd Place Winner: “The Town Green….In Green” by Dean Scheidler

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Going Natural

1st Place Winner:  “Winter Branch” by Pat Aldritt

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2nd Place Winner: “Purple Flora” by Rob Gray

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3rd Place Winner: “Elm Creek into Spring” by Blair Luedke

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Going Wild

1st Place Winner:   “Brutus the Bulldog” by Peter Haag

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2nd Place Winner: “A Perfect Perch” by Jen Auseth

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3rd Place Winner: “Baby Deer” by Bijoy Anose

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Youth Recognition

“Maple Grove’s Lights in the Sky” by Alec Andrzejek

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“Backyard Frog” by Erin Linder

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“Swing into the Future with a Smile on Your Face” Morgan Pfaff

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“Ice Engulfs a Newly Formed Pine Tree Sprig” by Morgan Schoo

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

These photographers were presented with their prize and certificate of appreciation at the August 15th City Council meeting.  Don’t be surprised to see these and other entries in future newsletters, City of Maple Grove and Prime Advertising & Design websites, and area-wide publications.  The contest will return in 2012, so keep those shutters clicking!

Filed under: community events, MyPrimeGuide.com, photos, prime clients, prime news, print, Uncategorized | No Comments »

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