TBI Integrated Marketing Communications Agency

NEWS

Denver, CO (June 5, 2009) - Hoping to stand out as a leader in enviromental law, Gary Levin & Associates, PC turned to TBI, for a helping hand. The result? A complete brand overhaul. The brand’s logo serves as the first visible marker of change, showcasing the close collaboration between Gary Levin & Associates and the natural surrounding of the Rocky Mountains. The website offers a crisp, clean, highly-functional interaction with the new brand. www.levinlawpc.com

Michigan Auto Dealership Taps into TBI
Gateway Ford, Southwestern Michigan's premier Ford dealership tapped TBI to develop a "world class" dealership web presence with complete "real time" inventory management control. "TBI designed a custom web site, not a cookie cutter template like the other dealerships are using, said Mark Vanlue, Sales Manager for Gateway Ford. "TBI had our inventory online fast, and our internet sales now contribute to 25% of our monthly sales volume". Visit: gogatewayford.com

TBI selected as creative agency for The Glenn Bill Group
Indianapolis, IN September 2008 – TBI confirmed it has been selected as the lead agency for creation and development for all interactive design and marketing for The Glenn Bill Group with the roll-out of a new web environment launching this fall. “This is a fantastic win for TBI, and we are extremely excited to work with The Glenn Bill Group. "The more we got to know The Glenn Bill Group during the review process, the more we were impressed," said Mike Habig, creative director for TBI.

The Glenn Bill Group operates Century 21Sheetz in Indianapolis, IN and has sold over 150 houses ranking their group 7th in the nation in homes sold. The Glenn Bill Group also operates GB Unlimited, a real estate seminar service called Source of Sales (SOS) where they present training seminars and sales meetings to dynamic companies across the country.

TBI and Patagonia on Good Dirt Radio
With the globe in the throes of unprecedented environmental degradation, a one-percent solution seems almost frivolous. Unless you're One Percent for the Planet, an alliance established by Patagonia founders Yvon and Malinda Chouinard and Blue Ribbon Flies owner Craig Matthews. With their business travels placing them front and center as witnesses to barren tracts of land, dying reefs and stagnant waters, One Percent's founders devised a ridiculously simple plan: pledge at least one percent of their annual net sales to the protection and restoration of the environment. Tune in to find out how this program benefits many environmental groups and the planet. Listen Here: http://www.gooddirtradio.org/story_archives/story.php?storyID=19

HOW TO GREEN YOUR WORK
-10 Steps to a greener Work Environment

1. More work, less energy
For many people, a computer is the central tool at work. Optimizing the energy settings for computers and other devices can be more than a modest energy saver. Set computers to energy-saving settings and make sure to shut them down when you leave for the day (“standby” settings will continue to draw power even when not in use). By plugging hardware into a power strip with an on/off switch (or a smart power strip), the whole desktop setup can be turned off at once (make sure to power down inkjet printers before killing the power—they need to seal their cartridges). Printers, scanners, and other peripherals that are only used occasionally can be unplugged until they’re needed. And of course, turn off lights in spaces that are unoccupied.

2. Digitize
It does seem a bit strange that in the “digital age” we still consume enormous amounts of mashed up, bleached tree pulp, most of which gets used once or twice and then tossed or recycled. The greenest paper is no paper at all, so keep things digital and dematerialized whenever possible. The more you do online, the less you need paper. Keep files on computers instead of in file cabinets (this also makes it easier to make offsite backup copies or take them with you when you move to a new office). Review documents onscreen rather than printing them out. Send emails instead of paper letters. New software like Greenprint helps eliminate blank pages from documents before printing and can also convert to PDF for paperless document sharing.

3. Don’t be a paper pusher
When buying printer paper, look for recycled paper with a high percentage of post-consumer content and the minimum of chlorine bleaching. Even recycled paper gobbles up a great deal of energy, water, and chemical resources in its processing (toxic pulp slurry is the paper recycling industry’s dirty secret). When using the real stuff, print on both sides of the page when appropriate and use misprints as notepaper. Try to choose printers and photocopiers that do double-sided printing. If your office ships packages, reuse boxes and use shredded waste paper as packing material.

4. Greening the commute
American workers spend an average of 47 hours per year commuting through rush hour traffic. This adds up to 3.7 billion hours and 23 billion gallons of gas wasted in traffic each year. We can ease some of this strain by carpooling, taking public transit, biking, walking, or a creative combination thereof. If there’s no good way to phase out your car, consider getting a hybrid, electric vehicle, motorcycle, scooter, or using a car sharing service. Some employers are even giving a bonus to bike and carpool commuters and special perks to hybrid drivers. For those who think bike riding is for kids and tattooed couriers, consider a high-tech folding bike or an electrically assisted one.

5. Green sleeves
You might be amazed how sharp work clothes from thrift stores can look. If you buy new, get clothes made with organic or recycled fibers. Avoid clothes that need to be dry cleaned, and if they so demand it, seek out your local “green” dry cleaner.

6. Work from home
Instant messaging, video conferencing, and other innovative workflow tools make effective telecommuting a reality. If you can telecommute, hold phone conferences, take online classes, or otherwise work from home, give it a try. It'll save you the time you would have spent on the trip as well as sparing the air. As a bonus, you get to work in your pajamas. Telecommuting works for 44 million Americans (not to mention the TBI staff). Also, consider the possibility of working four ten-hour days instead of five eight-hour days (a consolidated workweek), cutting the energy and time spent on commuting by 20% and giving you some lovely three-day weekends.

7. Use green materials
Some paper use can't be avoided, so use recycled paper and envelopes that have been processed and colored using eco-friendly methods. Pens and pencils can also be made of recycled materials, and refillable pens and markers are preferable to disposable ones. Use biodegradable soaps and recycled paper or cloth towels in the bathroom and kitchen, and provide biodegradable cleaners for the custodial staff. Buy in bulk so that shipping and packaging waste are reduced, and reuse the shipping boxes. Recycling printer cartridges is often free, and recycled replacements are cheaper than new ones.

8. Redesign the workspace
Greening the space in which you work has almost limitless possibilities. Start with good furniture, good lighting, and good air. Furniture can be manufactured from recycled materials as well as recyclable. Herman-Miller and Steelcase are two groundbreaking companies that have adopted the Cradle-to-Cradle protocol for many of their office chairs. Incandescent bulbs can be replaced with compact fluorescents and there is an ever-growing selection of high-end LED desk lamps that use miniscule amounts of energy (see How to Green Your Lighting). Not only is natural daylight a free source of lighting for the office, it has been proven to improve worker productivity and satisfaction (as well as boost sales in retail settings). Workspace air quality is also crucial. Good ventilation and low-VOC paints and materials (such as furniture and carpet) will keep employees healthy.

9. Lunch time
Bringing lunch to work in reusable containers is likely the greenest (and healthiest) way to eat at work. Getting delivery and takeout almost inevitably ends with a miniature mountain of packaging waste. But if you do order delivery, join coworkers in placing a large order (more efficient than many separate ones). Also, bring in a reusable plate, utensils, and napkins. If you do go out for lunch, try biking or walking instead of driving.

10. Get others in on the act
Share these tips with your colleagues. Ask your boss to purchase carbon offsets for corporate travel by car and plane. Arrange an office carpool or group bike commute. Trade shifts and job duties so that you can work four long days instead of five short ones. Ask the office manager to get fair trade coffee for the break room and make sure everyone has a small recycling bin so that recycling is just as easy as throwing paper away. Ask everyone to bring in a mug or glass from home and keep some handy for visitors so that you reduce or eliminate use of paper cups.

At TBI, we are committed to continually improving our business practices to do what's best for our company, our clients and our planet.

TBI heads product design and packaging for Flowers International
TBI was tapped to design the branding and packaging for the new line of Flowers International skin care products.
" The skin care market is highly competitive and dominated by confusing "scientific" claims and counter claims," said Mike Habig, creative director for TBI. "Flowers wanted to drive brand recognition by keeping the communication simple and to the point. The packaging also needed to present a more upscale look to successfully appeal to women in their twenties and thirties willing to pay a premium price for their skin care".

TBI created a packaging concept that is alluring, dynamic and refined. "The minimal look and feel of the packaging, delivered in the use of an appealing color palette, compliments our brand," said Susie Hatton, cheif operating officer for Flowers International. "The use of screens and consistent typography gives the line premium appeal". A new brand guideline provides a more feminine and earth friendly feel. The new facial skin care brand has taken Flowers International from an efficacious treatment and turned it into an efficacious treat.

Flowers International is an all natural, organic skin care company located in Santa Monica, California.Flowersorganics.net

TBI heads product design/development for Real Earth Products Inc.
TBI design staff developed the naming, branding and package design for
Real Earth Products Inc. The Real Earth name evokes products made from this earth and integrates seamlessly within the portfolio. The brand statement "Use wherever you are" covers the broad spectrum of skin care products available to the consumer. The consistent use of the earth's image provides a unifying element for all products in the line. The minimal look and feel of the packaging, complements the companies philosophy of "earth friendly" and eco-conscience. The result is a visual style that is vibrant, tactile, and elegant.

About Real Earth Products.
Real Earth Products™ are a radically different line of natural organic skin care remedies. Real Earth is a skin care line that is truly pure, right down to the 100% organically grown flowers, herbs and essential oils used in our products. Real Earth Protection products are a powerful combination of 100% organic flowers, herbs minerals, and antioxidants that deliver the best hydration and protection for your skin. There are no artificial fragrances, only aromatherapeudic blends of essential oils. Real Earth took its vision of organics one step further by eliminating the chemical preservatives found in most claimed organic products. All products are handmade and exclusively Manufactured for Real Earth Products by Flowers International LLC.On the web at: realearthpoducts.com

TBI developes branding / package design for new bottled water line
TBI design staff developed the naming, branding and package design for three new bottled water lines for Utah based IdeaShere/Twin Labs. TBI's challenge was to design and develop three new lines targeted to three different consumer groups. The solution also needed to help expand the brand’s appeal by positioning it as an high-end yet affordable water that could compete with national branded waters and soda beverages. TBI was asked to create a visual identity and package design that would communicate the health benefits of IdeaShere water and reinforce the brand’s ethos and personality.

Idea Sphere Inc. headquarted in American Forks Utah is a provider of high-quality, ready-for-sale natural and organic vitamins, nutrients and other earth-friendly products. They produce over 200 nutrition products including tablets, capsules, powder drink mixes, nutritional snacks and bars. Idea Sphere provides end-to-end product formulation, manufacturing, logistics, warehousing, marketing, sales, and fulfillment services.

TBI Announces Inventory Management Solutions
Keeping Automotive dealership inventory up to date can be a full-time job without the proper tools. TBI makes inventory management quick and easy with TBI dbAuto integration, easy-to-use with the ability to add/delete photos with ease. The TBI dbAuto web site and Online Vehicle Inventory Solution is a comprehensive system that enables you the dealer to do more of what you do best — sell vehicles. At the same time, we have taken your customers into consideration and avoided the temptation to "over-design" the site by bogging it down with a lot of distracting and unnecessary features. The end result is a sleek, cohesive dealer web site with just the right balance of form and function.

Complete Control and Management of Online Vehicle Inventory From Any Remote Location
TBI dbAuto is built on a web-based platform which means you can access your Dealer Web Site Control Panel from any computer with Internet access no matter where you are. The advantage of a system like this affords you the ability to have control to make changes on the fly, with the freedom of not having to be at your lot. Simply login to your dealer site control Panel, and you are ready to update your virtual showroom anytime, anywhere! Contact TBI for more information.

TBI develops e-commerce solution for Michigan non-profit
ScripCents of Kalamazoo Michigan scripcents.com which serves non-profit organizations and major US retailers through innovative scrip fundraising programs turned to the experts at TBI to design and develop a web based product catalog in which site users can select and purchase products listed either via the search functionality or by browsing merchant categories. TBI programmers developed a sophisticated shopping cart function, sales tax and shipping cost integration, and security all tailored to meet the needs of both individual and coordinator shoppers. Intuitive and easy-to-use, this new site minimizes the abandon rate and maximizes customer sales. http://www.scrippro.com

Tbi raises awareness for DATA and The ONE Campaign
In an effort to raise local awareness to a global issue, Tbi and its clients are joining together to learn about the global AIDS and poverty crisis and work together in an effort to raise awareness in the communities in which we live and work. Tbi designers will add the DATA / ONE logo and website information to all participating clients advertising campaigns, print and interactive programs.

About DATA data.org
DATA aims to raise awareness about, and spark response to the crises swamping Africa: unpayable Debts, uncontrolled spread of AIDS, and unfair Trade rules which keep Africans poor. DATA is part of a rising tide of action by people like you to beat back these crises. The organization was founded in 2002 by Bono, the lead singer of U2, along with Bobby Shriver and activists from the Jubilee 2000 Drop the Debt campaign. At the core of DATA's mission is a view that these issues are not about charity, but about equality and justice.

About ONE one.org
ONE is a new effort by Americans to rally Americans – ONE by ONE – to fight the emergency of global AIDS and extreme poverty. ONE is students and ministers, punk rockers and NASCAR moms, Americans of all beliefs and every walk of life, united as ONE to help make poverty history. ONE believes that allocating an additional ONE percent of the U.S. budget toward providing basic needs like health, education, clean water and food would transform the futures and hopes of an entire generation in the world's poorest countries. ONE also calls for debt cancellation, trade reform and anti–corruption measures in a comprehensive package to help Africa and the poorest nations beat AIDS and extreme poverty.

Your Community
Your school, your office, your community group... anywhere people can come together, hear about the crisis in Africa, and work together to make a difference.

Your Faith
Will You Help Your Neighbor?
It's up to YOU to make the call and help fight AIDS and poverty in Africa. Make your VOICE heard.

Your Role
Get Involved —It Matters
are YOU ready to make a difference now?