http://www.dvl.com/index.php/site/news Great people. Great work. Great results. en jonathan.carpenter@dvl.com Copyright 2010 2010-03-08T22:40:46+00:00 http://www.dvl.com/site/news/dye_van_mol_lawrence_announces_promotion_new_hire1/ http://www.dvl.com/site/news/dye_van_mol_lawrence_announces_promotion_new_hire1/#When:22:14:15Z NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Feb. 18, 2010) – Dye, Van Mol & Lawrence (DVL) recently promoted Michael Graham to account service associate and hired Charnell Thomas as receptionist. Graham previously served as an intern for account services. During his time at DVL, Graham has assisted on several accounts including the Franklin American Mortgage Music City Bowl, Johnston & Murphy and the Metro Nashville Emergency Communications District (9-1-1) Board. Prior to joining DVL, he interned for Scripps Networks and the University of Tennessee Athletic Department with the Lady Vols basketball team. He received his Bachelor of Science in public relations with a minor in business from the University of Tennessee. Thomas joins DVL from Santa Monica, Calif., where she served as the receptionist for Dimensional Fund Advisors. She previously worked as the personal assistant to Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York, where she provided direct support to the Duchess and her family. She has extensive experience interfacing with a variety of clients while managing complex company projects. News 2010-02-18T22:14:15+00:00 http://www.dvl.com/site/news/dye_van_mol_lawrence_wins_top_honors_with_jack_daniels_for_the_2009_beverag/ http://www.dvl.com/site/news/dye_van_mol_lawrence_wins_top_honors_with_jack_daniels_for_the_2009_beverag/#When:19:14:05Z NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Dye, Van Mol & Lawrence (DVL) was awarded five first place titles as part of the 2009 Beverage Dynamic Awards for its outstanding work on the Jack Daniel’s brand. DVL and Jack Daniel’s took top honors in “PR Single Event” for the 2008 Jack Daniel’s World Championship Invitational Barbecue, “PR Campaign” for Toast to the Troops, “Special Video” for the Jack Daniel’s visitor center video and “Press Release” for the Jack Daniel’s Inaugural Barrel. DVL also tied for first in the “Direct Mail” category for the Jack Daniel’s Squire calendar. “It’s a privilege to work with great clients that allow you to do award-winning work,” said Mark Day, a senior vice president at DVL and leader of the Jack Daniel’s account. “We treasure our long-standing relationship with Jack Daniel’s and look forward to continuing to raise the bar as we help them meet their communications objectives.” The Beverage Dynamic Awards are held every year to recognize a broad array of innovative beverage alcohol suppliers and their representative agencies by highlighting the specific efforts that distinguish them as a unique brand. For more information about the Beverage Dynamics Awards, visit www.bevinfogroup.com. News 2010-01-20T19:14:05+00:00 http://www.dvl.com/site/news/franklin_american_mortgage_company_named_title_sponsor_of_2010-2013_music_c/ http://www.dvl.com/site/news/franklin_american_mortgage_company_named_title_sponsor_of_2010-2013_music_c/#When:15:27:54Z NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Music City Bowl representatives announced today that Franklin American Mortgage Company will serve as the title sponsor of the Bowl beginning in 2010 through the 2013 event. “At Franklin American Mortgage Company, we are excited to increase our partnership with the Music City Bowl as the title sponsor,” said Dan Crockett, President and CEO of FAMC.  “As one of the fastest growing mortgage companies in the nation, the Music City Bowl allows us to further brand ourselves to our thousands of industry partners and customers across the country.  The Bowl also has a tremendous impact in the Nashville community, and we are proud to participate in the many events which comprise the Music City Bowl.” “Over the past several years, Franklin American Mortgage Company has been a great partner to the Bowl, and we’re excited about moving that partnership to the next level,” said Christine Karbowiak, Bowl Chair.  “FAMC’s sponsorship of our annual charity golf tournament and Coaches Luncheon has played a vital role in the success of the Bowl.  The addition of this title sponsorship rounds out our relationship with the great company and is a great fit for the Bowl.  On behalf of the Bowl, I’d like to thank Dan Crockett and Franklin American Mortgage for their continued support.” “We are very fortunate to have Franklin American Mortgage stepping into the title sponsorship role with the Bowl,” said Scott Ramsey, President and CEO of the Bowl.  “Gaylord Hotels has been an exemplary title sponsor and we are grateful for the invaluable contributions they have made to the Bowl as our title sponsor over the past eight years.  We look forward to a similar relationship with Franklin American Mortgage, as they are a highly respected and growing company who will be an ideal title sponsor, committed to the ongoing success of the Bowl for Middle Tennessee.” Franklin American Mortgage Company also serves as title sponsor of the Franklin American Mortgage Charity Cup, an annual charitable golf tournament featuring administrators, influential donors and celebrity alumnae of the ACC and SEC that serves as the Bowl’s primary charitable fundraising mechanism; and as the title sponsor of the Coaches Luncheon, one of the marquee Bowl week events. The 2009 Bowl game was played on Sunday, Dec. 27 at 7:30 p.m. CST and featured Clemson University and the University of Kentucky. News 2010-01-05T15:27:54+00:00 http://www.dvl.com/site/news/score_initiative_report/ http://www.dvl.com/site/news/score_initiative_report/#When:21:44:14Z Senator Bill Frist’s effort to reform education in Tennessee was born out of a great need. Looking at the landscape of public education, Tennessee’s schools were behind almost all other states in the Southeast.  Sen. Frist wanted to develop a plan that would prepare every high school graduate in the state for college or a career. The result was the State Collaborative On Reforming Education—Tennessee SCORE. After several months went by and several small mountains of research, statistics and recommendations appeared, DVL gave them legs with an interim annual report, and later, the final report for 2009, SCORE’s “A Roadmap to Success.” The interim report served as “the state of education in Tennessee.” The amassed research showed facts and figures on every school in the state. Information like average test scores, public funding and teacher training painted a picture showing which direction the state’s education is headed. But knowing the status of education wasn’t the goal - to reform education, there had to be a plan of attack. So the second report outlined SCORE’s ambitious plan for creating positive change for an underachieving state. Tennessee SCORE wants the state to be among the top in the Southeast and the nation in only five years, and the recommended first phase won’t require any additional funds. It’s a plan that has raised the eyebrows of media across the state, but more importantly, the public is talking about reforming education. Like SCORE, DVL’s hopes for our home state’s education system are high, and we’re glad to have played a part in this important collaboration. News 2009-12-08T21:44:14+00:00 http://www.dvl.com/site/news/van_mol_wins_career_achievement_award/ http://www.dvl.com/site/news/van_mol_wins_career_achievement_award/#When:16:51:53Z “This is a team award for everyone at DVL,” said Van Mol. “You can’t win an award like this without the great work and support of the people around you.” As DVL’s CEO, Van Mol is still very involved in day-to-day operations. Van Mol says that he still enjoys the work, and the group he does it with. “DVL is an exciting place for youth and experience alike. This is a great time in our agency’s history and it is a lot of fun—and a lot of hard work—every day. That’s the way I like it.” News 2009-11-13T16:51:53+00:00 http://www.dvl.com/site/news/camp_jackfinding_out_whats_inside/ http://www.dvl.com/site/news/camp_jackfinding_out_whats_inside/#When:16:34:00Z Jack Daniel’s is more than whiskey. It’s more than what is actually in the bottle. It’s a brand filled and flowing with stories, which shared among consumers have helped make Jack Daniel’s an internationally renowned name. Understanding Jack Daniel’s as a brand requires more than a typical training session. That’s why when Brown-Forman, Jack Daniel’s parent company, needs to educate employees or agency representatives about the many nuances of the brand, they send them to Lynchburg, Tenn. for Camp Jack. DVL partner, creative director and Jack Daniel’s brand historian Nelson Eddy worked with Brown-Forman to design Camp Jack in 2006 as a unique, three day brand training experience. Brown-Forman selects 12 to 15 camp attendees to be immersed in the people, the place, the process and the rich Jack Daniel’s tradition. DVL coordinates every logistic for Camp Jack, from organizing the itineraries to producing the award-winning collateral materials that are distributed to campers. Whether working hands-on as apprentices at America’s oldest registered distillery or hiking through the woods to Jack’s original still site, campers drink deeply from the brand tradition that has made Jack Daniel’s more than whiskey. News 2009-09-17T16:34:00+00:00 http://www.dvl.com/site/news/dvl_creates_national_awareness_for_autovantage/ http://www.dvl.com/site/news/dvl_creates_national_awareness_for_autovantage/#When:16:31:00Z One of the most challenging public relations tasks is to create positive awareness on a national scale. So when AutoVantage wanted to generate awareness and enhance their brand, DVL took their message to the masses. DVL created a strategic framework and a solid plan to implement the fourth annual “In the Driver’s Seat AutoVantage Road Rage Survey.” The survey asks residents in the 25 largest American cities about their observations of rude drivers and their habits. Due to the follow up and pitch efforts of DVL, Reuters broke the results of the 2009 survey, which was subsequently covered by MSNBC, US News & World Report, Fox News, ABC News, CBS News and others, including several international media outlets. Stories ran in papers across the country, including a front-page mention in USA Today. The 2009 survey resulted in millions of media impressions for AutoVantage. In the survey, New York was named the worst city for road rage. Locally produced and nationally recognized outlets like NBC’s “Today Show,” the New York Post and the New York Daily News widely featured the story and David Letterman’s monologue on “The Late Show” also included the survey results. Getting the attention of the national media is an exciting challenge. It takes more than an exciting story—it requires the help of a knowledgeable and experienced public relations partner. News 2009-09-16T16:31:00+00:00 http://www.dvl.com/site/news/jack_daniels_uso_toast_to_the_troops_event_to_be_held_at_bristol/ http://www.dvl.com/site/news/jack_daniels_uso_toast_to_the_troops_event_to_be_held_at_bristol/#When:21:55:00Z Operation USO Care Package Stuffing Party and Concert on Tap LYNCHBURG (pop. 361), Tenn. (August 17, 2009) – Tennessee National Guard service members and their spouses, members of the NASCAR community, USO volunteers and Jack Daniel’s employees will assemble 10,000 USO care packages at Earhart Campground East adjacent to Bristol Motor Speedway as part of the Jack Daniel’s/USO “Toast to the Troops” program. The event will be held prior to the Sharpie 500 race at Bristol on Aug. 22, and is the 11th stuffing party since Toast to the Troops was launched in 2005.  Through Toast to the Troops, Jack Daniel’s collects personal messages of support, or “toasts,” to include in USO care packages. Following the care package stuffing party, ten-year Army veteran and country music star Craig Morgan will perform a free concert for all volunteers and fans attending the race. “Since this program began, we’ve had the opportunity to see firsthand the great sacrifices that our friends serving in the military, as well as their spouses and families on the home front, make for our country,” said Tim Rutledge, Brand Director Americas for Jack Daniel’s. Rutledge said this “Toast” event would be very special since a majority of the volunteers would be members and spouses of the 278th Armored Cavalry Regiment of the Tennessee National Guard that is being redeployed to the Middle East later this year.  “We’re humbled and honored that these heroes will be joining us in Bristol, and we look forward to spending a wonderful day with them and recognizing their many contributions to our country,” he added. “It is a privilege to be a part of such a worthy event,” said Lt. Colonel James Blevins, Squadron Commander of the 278th.  “Our soldiers and families are looking forward to participating in ‘Toast to the Troops,’ knowing the care packages are being sent to our military brothers and sisters serving in harm’s way.” Citizens can go to http://www.jackdaniels.com  to fill out the special “toasts” that will be included in USO care packages for troops deploying to Afghanistan, Iraq and other overseas locations, as well as troops arriving and departing on rest and recuperation (R&R) flights.  The care packages, sponsored for $25 each, include approximately $75 worth of items requested by service members, such as prepaid international calling cards, toiletries, sunscreen, playing cards, disposable cameras and snacks. “We thank Jack Daniel’s for their continued support,” said Elaine Rogers, administrator of the Operation USO Care Package program.  “Since 2005, these events have been an excellent opportunity for local communities to demonstrate their support for our men and women in uniform and their families.”  Craig Morgan has been a part of every Jack Daniel’s/USO Toast to the Troops event and fulfilled a lifelong dream last September when he was invited to join the Grand Old Opry at a Toast event at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, where he was stationed from 1990-1992.  Morgan has entertained troops in Iraq and Afghanistan and is a recipient of the USO Merit Award, an honor shared by the late Bob Hope. “It has been an honor and privilege for me to perform for our military service members and their families, and the Toast to the Troops program is one way of letting them know how much we love, respect and appreciate everything they do for us,” said Morgan.  “Their sacrifices, both abroad and on the home front, cannot be measured, and we all owe them a tremendous debt of gratitude.” BNA Records recording artist Morgan has made a name for himself with massive radio airplay of his signature hits.  Morgan’s current album That’s Why features the hit single “Love Remembers” and his current single, “Bonfire.”  The new releases follow his Top 10 hit and fan-favorite, “International Harvester.”  Other Top 10 hits include “Little Bit of Life,” “Tough,” “Almost Home,” “Redneck Yacht Club,” and “That’s What I Love About Sunday” – which spent five weeks at No. 1 and was Billboard’s Most Played Country Song of the Year in 2005. Richard Childress, president and CEO of Richard Childress Racing, will be on hand to take part in the program. Childress owns and operates Richard Childress Racing and fields four Chevrolets in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, including the No. 07 Jack Daniel’s Impala SS driven by Casey Mears. “It’s an honor for RCR to be involved in the ‘Toast to the Troops’ program with Jack Daniel’s and the USO,” said Childress. “I’ve seen first-hand the efforts of the National Guard and other branches of the military in Iraq and I couldn’t be more proud to be an American knowing that those brave men and women are protecting us. The folks at Jack Daniel’s show their patriotism in so many ways and teaming up with the USO for the ‘Toast to the Troops’ program is the continuation of that great tradition.” Due to heightened security, individuals can no longer send letters and packages addressed to “Any Service Member.”  The Operation USO Care Package program is the best way to send a message of encouragement directly to a service member and provide a touch of home.  The USO has distributed more than 1.5 million care packages since the program’s inception in 2003.  More information on the Operation USO Care Package program and other USO programs can be found at www.uso.org. News 2009-08-20T21:55:00+00:00 http://www.dvl.com/site/news/winners_selected_in_bridgestone_americas_safety_scholars_teen_driver_video_/ http://www.dvl.com/site/news/winners_selected_in_bridgestone_americas_safety_scholars_teen_driver_video_/#When:15:15:00Z More than 12,000 online votes determine grand prize winners; each receives $5,000 college scholarship and a set of tires. Taking their cue from an eclectic range of inspirations, including rap videos, emotional personal stories and important topical issues, students from across the country grabbed their video cameras and got behind the lens to produce creative and compelling messages to hopefully save lives.  Now, three of these talented teenagers have been awarded college scholarships for their efforts. Bridgestone Americas has announced the Grand Prize winners of its third annual Safety Scholars video contest, a national competition that is part of the company’s overall youth auto safety education efforts.  In the competition, Safety Scholars entrants, who are between 16 and 21 years old, created short videos about auto safety and, new for this year, how to be more environmentally conscious when using a vehicle.  A team of judges narrowed down the more than 800 videos to select the top 10 finalists for online judging.  More than 12,000 votes on www.safetyscholars.com  were tallied to determine the three Grand Prize winners, whose videos can be seen on the Web site. “For the past three years, Safety Scholars has proven to be one of the most effective ways for us to communicate our automotive safety message to teens,” said Christine Karbowiak, Executive Vice President, Community and Corporate Relations, Bridgestone Americas, Inc.  “These videos are so impactful.  Last year’s Safety Scholars’ videos were used as public service announcements, airing more than 9,000 times and reaching more than 53 million people.  This year we hope to reach even more viewers with the ultimate goal of making the roads safer for everyone.” Each of the three Grand Prize winners receives a $5,000 college scholarship and a set of Bridgestone-or Firestone-brand tires.  Additionally, the teens’ videos may be used on television stations nationwide as part of a public service announcement campaign.  These public service announcements are supported by Bridgestone Americas in cooperation with Driver’s Edge, a national non-profit organization which provides free classroom and behind-the-wheel defensive driving instruction for teens in cities across the United States. About the winners: Christopher Baugh, an 18-year-old from of Glen Allen, Va., created a humorous piece reminiscent of a typical hip-hop music video. Instead of boasting about flashy rims, hydraulics and nice cars, however, the rapper focuses on safety tips such as buckling seat belts and reading road signs.  Baugh is an incoming freshman at Syracuse University. Eric Dachman, an 18-year-old from Scottsdale, Ariz., and rising freshman at Arizona State, warns of texting while driving.  His video shows the windshield of a moving car, and as the driver sends more and more texts, it becomes covered with them, impairing his driving ability.  The video ends with the simple message:  “Use a designated texter.”  Juliana Hinojosa, a 19-year-old from San Antonio, Texas, is a sophomore at Texas State University. Her emotional video is inspired by her 22-year-old brother Ryan, who was killed in an auto accident at the hands of a drunk driver.  The video depicts various family members and friends who were impacted by Ryan’s death.  Hinojosa summarizes her message to other drivers with, “Don’t drive drunk…you never know who you’ll wind up hurting.” News 2009-08-18T15:15:00+00:00 http://www.dvl.com/site/news/dvl_wins_best_of_show/ http://www.dvl.com/site/news/dvl_wins_best_of_show/#When:16:03:01Z When DVL began sending Rescue Rex into schools, its only intention was for the friendly dinosaur to teach kids how and when to call 9-1-1. The program was a winner in classrooms, but now the Rescue Rex program has scored another win: it won Best of Show at the 2009 Nashville Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) Parthenon Awards. DVL works with the Emergency Communications District of Metropolitan Nashville (ECD) to educate callers of all ages on the right and wrong way to use 9-1-1 using a mix of public relations, influential radio and billboard advertising. The results tell the story.  9-1-1 call volume has decreased as have the non-emergency calls which hinder response to real emergencies. But the best result came when a young student called 9-1-1 and saved her mother’s life, thanks to a lesson she learned from Rescue Rex. Along with Best of Show – the highest award given by the Nashville PRSA – DVL won a total of 23 awards, including 10 Parthenons. News 2009-06-17T16:03:01+00:00