The article written by Pam Moore provides helpful insight for adapting to the new timeline profile.

Here is what to focus on:

• A cover photo, the cover photo is the first thing people will see and it makes a dynamic change to the page.  Cover photos give you the opportunity to brand your page and yourself. In the article she covers what Facebook will not allow in the cover photo – you need to make sure it is about your brand and not about selling or downloading your product or services.
• The next biggest change is also that the fan gating (having fans see a welcome/landing page if they have not liked your page) landing pages are gone . Businesses are able to use a unique URL that can link to your website and the article provides a good example. In this way you can still direct users to your landing page but will now be an app and will show up in the new app section of your page.
• The app section of the page is improved some; you have ability to edit the order of your apps and can create custom thumbnails for each app (not including photos and likes).
• The milestones feature is also a nice addition because it will allow any business to tell the history of their business. This allows each business to put in important dates, like grand openings, founding, big deals or anything else that has greatly affected the company.

Facebook timeline for business is really trying to help businesses tell their story and connect with consumers. You have the ability to customize your page to your business’s brand.

Sizes to keep in mind when updating your timeline:

• Cover photo: 851 x 315
• Profile picture: 180 x 180
• Thumbnail image for apps: 111 x 74
• Highlighted & milestone images: 843 x 403
• Images within wall posts display as 404 x 404

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!

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!

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.

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!

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!

Prime Advertising & Design is proud to have been chosen as Polar’s agency of record. We’re excited to be designing and programming Polar’s new websites using our Element Z Content Management System. Prime will also focus on updating Polar’s logo, marketing materials and developing a comprehensive marketing strategy which includes a variety of advertising options.

Times are good at Polar – the company recently added over 600 employees, and it’s been mentioned as a business success story in national publications such as The Wall Street Journal.

The Prime team was recently on-site for an educational tour at Polar’s main manufacturing facility in Opole, Minnesota with Tim Kelly, who directs marketing for Polar. All of us were impressed with the scope of the operation and the company’s innovative approach to manufacturing tank trailers.

Tim pointed out that Polar stands out above its competitors because each tank trailer is customized to each client’s specifications. Parts are custom-made as well – yet another factor that reduces costs and increases efficiency.

Whether their tanks are carrying grain, milk, fuel or chemicals, Polar has established a superior reputation throughout North America for its great customer service as well as the quality of its products. The whole Prime team is excited to be working with Polar for the long haul!

For this reason, Prime gladly volunteered, for the 11th year in a row, to be a Gold Leaf Sponsor for this year’s Maple Grove Days. In addition to publishing the Official Maple Grove Days Event Guide, Prime sponsored many of the leading events, such as the Pierre Bottineau Parade, the art fair, and the fireworks display. Also, partnered with Excel Promo, Prime provided and donated over 800 t-shirts to Maple Grove Community Organization, those volunteering at the events, and those participating in the Rice Lake Classic 5-K Run.

Maple Grove Days is an opportunity for the community of Maple Grove to put its best foot forward, and as ever, the city didn’t disappoint! During the events, we at Prime made our presence known, not only with our neon-orange shirts and frisbees in the Parade, but with our friendly and fun attitude at the Business Expo. At the Business Expo, Prime got the opportunity to interact with Maple Grove’s involved community members, as well as the chance to give back to the community that has given us so much. To do so, Prime offered up a drawing so those attending the Business Expo had the opportunity to win some great local prizes!

We held the drawing, and here are the results:

Winning a $25 gift-card to Malone’s Bar and Grill was Sharla D.. Natalie B. and Stephanie K. each won a $20 gift-card to Broadway Pizza. There were three lucky-winners of $25 Sawatdee Thai Restaurant gift-cards: Jennifer W., Audrey J., and Sandy T. Congratulations to our winners, and a big thank-you to all who participated!

The drawing at the Business Expo was such a success, we plan to kick-off a monthly drawing! From our community base at MyPrimeGuide.com, we will draw a name every month, and that lucky person will win some great local prizes! So, if you’re interested to win gift-cards to the hottest restaurants in Maple Grove, go to MyPrimeGuide.com, provide your email/zip code, and respond to Prime’s confirmation email. It’s that easy! You can also “Like” MyPrimeGuide.com on facebook to view updates on the site’s launch. Then you’ll be well on your way to enjoying the best that the community of Maple Grove and Prime Advertising has to offer!

This is Maple Grove’s largest event and it is a big undertaking! Deb Syhre, the President of Maple Grove Community Organization, sent us a list of what it takes to make Maple Grove Days successful…

• 46+ events
• 25+ entertainment groups
• 23+ organizations
• 130 business in the Business Expo
• 104 units in the parade
• 115 sponsors
• 48+ business vendors
• 11+ locations
• 300+ volunteers

WOW! This is HUGE! To add to that list of numbers, we are proud to say we have 130+ local area businesses that participated in the Official Maple Grove Days Event Guide. There are lots of great coupons and offers that residents look forward to every year. Plus you can find out all the event details!

The main events include:

• Business Expo
• Fireworks
• Bed Races
• Art Fair on Main Street
• Classic Car Show
• Garden Tours
• Rice Lake Classic
• Parade
• Live Entertainment and much more!

New this year, we are excited that the event guide is available with a searchable flipper technology on MyPrimeGuide.com.

This year, Prime will be participating in the parade on Thursday night and the Business Expo at the Maple Grove Community Center on Saturday. Hope to see you during Maple Grove Days!

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!