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!

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.

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!

AWC hired Prime Advertising & Design to streamline their marketing, making it more effective, which included an updated logo, website redesign, blog, e-mail marketing and creating new print ads for the Official Community Resource & Residents’ Guides and City Newsletters.

Prime started with the logo redesign, once that was complete, Prime’s attention turned to their website. AWC offer a wealth of educational information and their previous website navigation was difficult to follow and did not reflect their unique facility that sets Animal Wellness Center apart from other pet hospitals.

Creating a beautiful design and building the website on the Element Z Content  Management System was essential, allowing for easy updates to the website, blog and their email marketing program. AWC needed the ability to keep their clients informed on events, news topics and specials that change regularly. Prime also streamlined AWC’s client communication by programming the blog to feed directly into their website and Facebook page, allowing for one update to reach people in multiple ways!

By making the process of client communication significantly easier and more streamlined, AWC can focus their attention on what they do best, offering advanced veterinary care with a personal touch!

The food had to have a Halloween theme and was voted on for the most creative. Leave it to the imaginative minds of Prime to have a severed head spewing green chicken salad, alligator eyeballs, compost salad and green ice skulls floating in the punch. The winner was pretty clear once the votes were counted – the green chicken salad handwiches. Congrats Rob and Julie!

Participation was down a little with the costumes this year, but the best costume award was still given out. The award went to Ben who dressed up as our Vice President Nathan. Unfortunately our VP was not in the office today to get a side-by-side comparison!

Everyone at Prime would like to wish you a safe and Happy Halloween!

[View with PicLens]

[View with PicLens]

First, Marilyn was recognized for her end of tenure with the board, and her two years of service (2009 and 2010) to the Chamber.  Marilyn has helped make a variety of Chamber events hugely successful.  The Chamber Golf Tournament, the Anoka Riverfest and Craft Fair, and the Annual Chamber Gala are just a few of the events that Marilyn’s enthusiasm and energy have helped to shape and prosper.

Second, which was a surprise to Marilyn; the Chamber awarded her an additional and highly prestigious award – the President’s Award for Outstanding Volunteer Service.  Marilyn earned the President’s Award because she so strongly embodies what the Chamber values in volunteerism – service with character.  Marilyn does not just give her time; she gives 100% of her spirit, heart and energy to everything she touches.  Service is not just a catch phrase for Marilyn; it’s a way of life.  We thank the Chamber for their award, and we give a huge shout out to Marilyn for being such a wonderful example of volunteerism at its prime!

Prime Advertising is proud to have played a part in this year’s USA Cup. Working directly with one of our clients, CL!X Sports Photography, official photographer of the USA Cup.  CL!X came to Prime looking to update the theme of this year’s USA Cup photo merchandise for the teams and players.

Prime’s graphic design team created a fresh new look for a variety of products available to the players of the tournament.  Prime designed three new photo and poster background options for teams and individuals, sure to excite any soccer enthusiast.

The hot new item this year is the Personalized Trader Ticket. The Trader Ticket is customized with each player’s photo as well as personal information – team name, jersey number, country, etc. This option offers a fun and unique way for youth from around the globe to trade tickets amongst themselves and remember their USA Cup experience.  Prime also helped design a customizable soccer ball, which is sure to be a hit. Who wouldn’t want a soccer ball with their very own photo on it?

With these new designs, we have armed CL!X with products that are sure to grab the attention of these young athletes. Prime greatly appreciates the opportunity to offer our assistance on this project and we congratulate CL!X on being chosen for such an exclusive event!

[View with PicLens]

Cory from Stellar Keys and Remotes has been a vendor at the event before, but this year he wanted to take his display to the next step. Prime Advertising worked with Cory to help add more items to make his display larger, which included two more custom canopies, four additional custom table covers and some new items. Prime designed two new flying banner displays and new inserts for Stellar’s sidewalk sign. As a part of the new design, Prime introduced “Chip” for the first time!  Chip is an illustrated mascot that will help Stellar Keys promote its services.

For additional promotional items, Prime helped Stellar Keys with giveaway items. Prime updated the design on the brightly colored lanyards and calendar magnets.

With the larger display and increased visibility, Stellar Keys increased its sales by 40% over last year!

Hope to see you at the “Back to the 50’s” next year!

[View with PicLens]

We encourage everyone who either lives or works in Maple Grove to get involved, regardless of your training or photographic experience. Photos must have been taken in Maple Grove in 2006 or later and can feature any part of the community in one of the four seasons.

[View with PicLens]

Submit your favorite photos in the following categories:

* Great People (people talking, working, learning, playing, living, volunteering—e.g., kids in the backyard, birthday parties, shopping, eating out, working in the garden, students getting on the school bus, neighbors talking in front of their home).

* Great Community (events/activities—sports, community celebrations, plays—e.g. National Night Out block parties, Maple Grove Days events, farmers market, concerts, baseball/soccer game).

* Great Outdoors (parks, landscapes, plants, animals, sunsets, weather).

Photos received by April 30, 2010 will be reviewed, and there will be a 1st, 2nd and 3rd prize awarded in each of the three categories. First-prize winners will receive $100 each, 2nd place $50 each, and 3rd Place $25 each. Winners in each category will receive their prize and certificate of appreciation at a Maple Grove City Council meeting.

Winning entries will be published in the Summer 2010 City of Maple Grove newsletter (designed and published by Prime) – all photos submitted also will be online at www.myprimeguide.com. In addition, as many submissions as possible will be displayed at the Government Center for public viewing Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. from early April through May.

The City of Maple Grove is proud to partner with Prime in sponsoring the contest. Photos submitted may be used on city websites as well as in area-wide publications such as city newsletters, Parks and Recreation brochures, and Prime’s Official Community Resource & Residents’ Guide among others.

Please share your photographic skills and snapshots of your community! For detailed rules, entry form, and additional information visit www.MyPrimeGuide.com/photos, the City of Maple Grove website, call 763-494-6002, or pick up a photography contest packet at the Maple Grove Government Center, 12800 Arbor Lakes Parkway.

Keep in mind, when the contest is over, the city is still looking for good Maple Grove photos for use in city publications, on the city website, and in other promotional items. If you would like to donate the type of photos outlined above to be used for City of Maple Grove publicity purposes, you may submit them to admindept@ci.maple-grove.mn.us. Your contributions are appreciated!