In the end, the only standard is results.
Manzanita Notes #2

Drive With Ed

Learning how to drive is practically a rite of passage for teenagers. But becoming a good driver takes more than just learning the rules of the road. That's where Driver Ed can help. We worked with ODOT's Transportation Safety division and created this slideshow website to show just a few good reasons to enroll your soon-to-be-driving teen in an ODOT-approved driver education course.

Slow Down, Leadfoot

There's something about knowing that the Grim Reaper is watching you that makes you want to drive a little slower. At least that's the thinking behind this new billboard we created for ODOT’s Transportation Safety division. When the board first appeared along the city's main arterials, it grabbed the attention of the local news media and reaped additional exposure for our client. The Grim Reaper character is also featured in a 60-second radio PSA that reinforces the safety message.

None for the Road

Nowadays, you don’t have to blow .08 to get a DUII. Over the counter drugs and prescription medications can lead to impaired driving, too. Our challenge from ODOT’s Transportation Safety division was to drive that message home in a big way. So in this 30-second PSA, handmade costumes, snappy dialogue and a classic 1970 Cadillac DeVille combine to remind drivers that alcohol and drugs have no business behind the steering wheel.

New Look for a Northwest Landmark

The Portland Expo Center has been a local landmark since 1921, and has become the primary destination of consumer trade shows and public events since first opening its doors. Recently, the Metro Exposition-Recreation Commission, which operates the facility, enlisted Gard to undertake a complete overhaul of the Expo's brand image. Our Discovery Process ultimately led to the following redesign. The new logo projects a clean, modern look that reflects the facility's recent improvements. Together, the interaction of the modular shapes and use of a vibrant color palette express connectivity, flexibility and excitement - all key attributes of the Expo Center itself.

Staying Afloat

Here's our recipe for a safety message that breaks through the clutter: Take equal parts water and sun, add a catchy tune reminiscent of a 70s disco hit and, whatever you do, don't forget the life jacket. For our latest Oregon State Marine Board radio PSA, we worked with local musicians to prove that safety can still be a lot of fun. The message: no matter how you play, play it safe on the water.

Staying Afloat :60 Radio.

The First Step to Pedestrian Safety

In our work for the Transportation Safety Division of ODOT over the years, we're often encouraging drivers to choose the right behaviors. This time, we're talking, or singing rather, to pedestrians. Together with local musicians, we created a catchy "how-to" spot with a retro feel harkening back to the Andrews Sisters. So join in, and do "The Safety Step."

Safety Step :60 Radio.

The OHSU Effect

When people think of OHSU, they usually think of healthcare, teaching or research. We wanted to show what happens when all of it comes together. We call it the OHSU Effect.
This powerful combination leads to breakthroughs, cures and life-changing advancements. It improves healthcare, here and around the world. It leads to new jobs and new businesses,
and makes life better for people all across Oregon. The first ad tells the story of how one girl's life was saved by the work at OHSU. More unexpectedly, the second ad in the series shows how the OHSU Effect reaches small businesses and creates and preserves jobs around Oregon. Click here to see the TV spot and other OHSU Effect ads in the series.

Once Upon a Time

Our longtime client, O'Loughlin Trade Shows, made a spectacular Northwest Flower & Garden Show even better in 2011 by adding an enchanting storybook theme for the gardens. We created transit, print and web ads, along with this animated TV spot to attract families and gardeners of all levels. Despite a surprise snow storm, the 2011 show posted strong attendance, record exhibitor participation and a major increase in “room night” stays by out-of-town visitors during its five-day run at the Washington State Convention Center, February 23-27.

The OHSU Effect

OHSU is a widely recognized leader in caring for Oregonians’ health and wellbeing. It’s also a key contributor to the region’s economic health. By drawing investment to Oregon, creating jobs, inciting innovation and discovery, and spurring new businesses, OHSU is adding billions of dollars to our economy each year. Click the image below to view a recently created print ad describing the “OHSU Effect.”

Community Connections

As part of our long relationship with Schnitzer Steel, a global leader in metals recycling, we created the 2010 Our Community Connection brochure. This full-color 16-page brochure illustrates Schnitzer Steel’s tradition of philanthropy and highlights how the company and its employees are giving back to the communities in which they work and live. Download and read the brochure by clicking below.

Team Warfighter Sports

Our public relations team recently helped The Standard publicize their sponsorship of the first-ever team of disabled military veterans to participate in Oregon’s iconic Hood to Coast relay race. The Warfighter Sports team was the biggest news story at Hood to Coast in 2010, earning coverage on KPTV, KGW, KOIN, The Oregonian, KXL and KINK. Click the image below to view KGW's inspiring interview with several team members.

All Eyes on Safety

Sometimes local motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians need a little encouragement to share the road. But none of us wants to be told what to do. So we took a lighter approach and created these transit posters reminding drivers to keep their eyes – no matter how many they may have – out for some of our most vulnerable travelers. They're part of our "Share the Road" messages for Transportation Safety – ODOT. Keep your eyes out for more.

Teen Safety Message Gets Added Bite

Our creative team recently developed this billboard for ODOT’s Transportation Safety Division. The concept builds on the popularity of vampire themes among teens, reminding them to buckle up. The billboard generated such a stir that local TV station KOIN 6 featured it in a short news story. Click the image to view the story.

First & Main Unveiled

Since the groundbreaking event in September 2007, we’ve worked side-by-side with Shorenstein Properties on branding, a website, PR and special events for Portland’s newest office tower, the LEED-certified First & Main. Earlier this month, our PR team led local media on tours of the newly completed building, leading to coverage such as this Oregonian article. Click the link below to read the story.

Read the story at OregonLive.com.

Launching a Brand

Huron Consulting Group, one of the nation's leading business consulting groups, recently combined their healthcare practices under one unified brand, Wellspring+Stockamp – the premier provider of performance improvement solutions for hospitals and health systems. Working with their team in Chicago and Portland, we helped with nearly every aspect of the brand launch, including messages, brand design, collateral and this national print ad.

Recent Awards
May 5, 2010

We're pleased to be recognized for our recent work in television, radio, print and outdoor. These awards underscore our commitment to producing high-quality work that contributes to our clients' success.

Summit Creative Awards

WorldFest Houston

Be Ready. Be Buckled.
April 14, 2010

This recently completed television spot for ODOT’s Transportation Safety Division illustrates the dangers of driving without a safety belt on rural roads, reminding drivers to pay attention and buckle up. The message: Out here things can happen. Be ready. Be buckled. Watch the spot by clicking the image below.

Media Relations
April 07, 2010

Our PR team helps clients showcase expertise and thought leadership by building relationships with local and national media. This front-page article in The Oregonian is an example of the results.

When The Oregonian needed a legal perspective, they turned to local attorney Mitchell Baker of Fisher & Phillips, the national labor and employment law firm. Since 2006, we've worked with Fisher & Phillips' Portland office on media relations and PR. Click the image below to read the article.

Showcasing Sustainability
March 08, 2010

We’re proud to have worked with Schnitzer Steel — a global leader in metals recycling — on branding, corporate communications and public relations. We recently developed the 2010 Sustainability Brochure, which illustrates their considerable commitment to sustainable practices. This collection of stories describes programs to care for the environment, partnerships with communities and businesses, new technologies that save energy and Schnitzer Steel’s role in the federal Cash for Clunkers program. Download and read the brochure by clicking the image below.

Friends of Trees
February 18, 2010

Friends of Trees is a Portland-based non-profit working to green the urban landscape. Our PR team recently worked with local media to encourage sweethearts to volunteer or give Friends of Trees Gift Trees for Valentine’s Day. As a result, Friends of Trees Gift Trees and Valentine’s weekend plantings were featured by KPTV’s program Better Portland and OregonLive’s popular PDX Green blog. The story made a splash on Twitter where it was posted by dozens of Twitterers and local reporters. Gift Tree orders increased and the Valentine's events were a hit. Click below to read the PDX Green blog.

Read the blog at OregonLive.com.

Membership Means More
January 15, 2010

A dead car battery can be a monster hassle. AAA’s battery service provides a mobile, convenient testing and jump-start service to get members going again. “Frankenstein,” a radio spot we recently produced for AAA Oregon/Idaho, brings this concept to life. It also reinforces the themeline "membership means more," which we developed for AAA in 2001 to express the many benefits of membership.

AAA - Frankenstein :60 radio.

Cheers to a Happy &mdash and Safe &mdash Holiday
December 7, 2009

As the holiday party season heats up, it’s important to remember to celebrate responsibly. This new public awareness television spot for the Oregon Department of Transportation features a host of festive friends who remind you to enjoy yourself over the holidays — but please, don’t drink and drive.

Strengthening Oregon's Recycling Infrastructure
October 29, 2009

Oregonians recycle millions of plastic bottles each year. ORPET, a coalition of private investors and the Oregon Beverage Recycling Cooperative, is building a state-of-the-art, green-designed facility to process these bottles locally – instead of shipping them overseas. This will create local jobs and reduce carbon emissions. Our public relations team recently secured stories about the ORPET project. To read some examples of the coverage, click the links below.

The Oregonian

Portland Business Journal

South County Spotlight

Recycling Today

Brian Gard Presents at Environmental Crimes & Penalties Seminar
October 9, 2009

On October 6, Brian joined a group of panelists at the Environmental Crimes and Penalties Continuing Legal Education (CLE) seminar in Seattle, Washington. Presenting jointly with Tom Lindley of Perkins Cole LLP, he focused on how to respond to and manage a crisis communications situation caused by media inquiries, law enforcement or regulatory actions. This is Brian's third CLE seminar. The firm works regularly with major law firms in the region on litigation-related matters.

Green From the Inside Out
September 30, 2009

First & Main is a 16-story office tower developed by Shorenstein Properties. It's also one of the region’s greenest Class A office buildings. When it opens in early 2010, First & Main will be Portland’s first multi-tenant LEED Platinum certified green building.

We've been proud to help Shorenstein with everything from the groundbreaking event, to branding, to the First & Main website. The newest marketing piece, the First & Main brochure, reflects the sleek design, warm interior colors and high-end finishes that characterize the building. Click the image below to view the PDF.

Supporting the Community
September 16, 2009

In the spirit of supporting the nonprofits that support our community, The Standard recently convened more than 80 nonprofit organizations in Pioneer Courthouse Square for their third annual, and largest ever, Volunteer Expo. Our public relations team worked with media such as the Portland Business Journal, The Oregonian and KGW-TV to secure coverage surrounding the event, including the Portland Business Journal story below.

Fishing for Energy
August 17, 2009

Fishing for Energy is a partnership between Schnitzer Steel, The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Covanta Energy, and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation. The program helps coastal communities dispose of environmentally destructive abandoned fishing gear, separating the recyclables and converting the remainder to energy. In support of the program's introduction in Oregon, our public relations team secured feature stories on OPB Radio and KGW-TV.

Listen to radio coverage.

Media Outreach
July 31, 2009

Gard Communications is working with ODOT's Transportation Safety Division to encourage Oregon drivers to "slow down." This article, which appeared on the front page of The Oregonian, was the result of a state-wide media outreach campaign by our public relations team.

Shaping the Debate
July 15, 2009

Regence is helping lead the discussion around health care reform, both locally and nationally. Gard provides strategic communications consulting to help Regence reach policymakers and opinion leaders. This series of ads on the op-ed page of The Oregonian delivers a highly valued readership, helping to shape the debate.

Media Outreach
June 19, 2009

Gard Communications is working with the Oregon State Marine Board to protect our waterways by spreading the word about destructive invasive species. This article, which appeared on the front page of The Oregonian's lifestyle section, was a direct result of a targeted media outreach campaign by our public relations team.

Recent Awards
June 4, 2009

We're pleased to be recognized for our recent work in television, radio, print and viral media. These awards underscore our commitment to producing high-quality work that contributes to our clients' success.

AAPC Pollie Awards

Summit Awards

  • Silver - "Tour Guide" radio - AAA Oregon/Idaho
  • Silver - “Transforming the Health Care System” brochure - Regence
  • Bronze - "Sharing Solutions for Good Health" print campaign - Northwest Health Foundation

Telly Awards

WorldFest Houston

Caring About Customers
May 20, 2009

Today, more and more families are concerned about keeping up with expenses in a difficult economy. Our recent print ads and radio spots show how Avista Utilities -- and their customer care specialists -- give energy customers in Washington and Idaho the power to manage their bills with more payment options.

"Avista" :60 radio.

The Way to Go
May 1, 2009

Each year, through our long-standing partnership with the Oregon Department of Transportation, we produce billboards, bus transit, radio, television spots and more with one goal: to encourage drivers, bicyclists and pedestrians to stay safe on the road. Our campaigns have made a positive impact in Oregon – and beyond. In fact, a sampling of our recent work for ODOT will be displayed by the Governors Highway Safety Association at its Washington D.C. headquarters.

Take a look at some billboards, bus ads and posters from our current campaign.

Spotlighting Legal Expertise
April 24, 2009

Fisher & Phillips is one of the oldest and largest firms in the nation, specializing in labor and employment law. We recently worked with the media to introduce the firm's Portland office as an expert on law-related issues. Here is an example.

Read the article at OregonLive.com.

Membership Means More
April 16, 2009

This recently completed television spot is a friendly reminder that becoming a AAA member means more than dependable roadside assistance. Just by showing their cards, AAA members in Oregon and Idaho can save on shopping, insurance, travel and more.

Starting a conversation
April 2, 2009

As energy prices rise, so do energy bills — that's not surprising. What is surprising is when a company takes the time to listen to concerns and offer explanations. This is the first ad in a series for Avista Corp., an energy company that serves more than 300,000 electric customers in the Northwest. The ad is designed to engage Avista customers in a new conversation about their concerns, and provide answers to their questions.

Sharing perspectives on health care
March 20, 2009

Fixing Oregon's ailing health care system will not be easy. That's why OHSU is working to find solutions by engaging our community in a discussion of critical health care issues. This is the first in a series of opinion-leader ads, designed to educate and spark conversation about health care reform.

Recycle At Work program
March 13, 2009

The Recycle at Work program is helping to keep Oregon clean and green by giving businesses everyday ways to cut waste and save resources. To help encourage business recycling, we recently launched a new awareness campaign, featuring a radio spot and a completely retooled Recycle at Work website (www.RecycleAtWork.com). Filled with helpful information on starting a recycling program, the website also features eCards, downloadable posters and motivational videos — which we also created.

Regence and Health Care Reform
March 5, 2009

A good public conversation about health care is essential -- but it doesn't have to be dull. To help Regence deliver its messages on health care reform, we created a pocket-size booklet with large, engaging graphics and memorable facts. The booklet, "Transforming the Health Care System," is designed for policymakers, thought-leaders and others interested in health care. There's an online version, also. Both are part of Regence's commitment to help create a better health care system for everyone.

See inside the booklet.

Recycle At Work
February 6, 2009

Businesses across the Portland metro area are turning their workplaces into green spaces with the help of the Recycle At Work program. To encourage businesses to participate in this program, we created a comprehensive campaign for Metro and local county and city governments. This is one in a series of three videos, filled with recycling tips, success stories from local businesses and a helpful new friend — The Box.

Membership Means More
January 22, 2009

In the roadside assistance arena, everybody wants a piece of the action. But no one can match AAA. This spot — one of three we recently completed — shows how AAA stacks up against competition.

"Matchup" :60 radio.

Oregon Seed Council
January 14, 2009

Oregon’s 1,500 grass seed farmers produce the finest grass seed in the world. They also employ more than 10,000 Oregonians and drive more than $1.35 million in annual economic activity – which is vital to Oregon’s economy, particularly now.

We’ve been working with the Oregon Seed Council for the past several months to help tell their story. With the legislative session under way, we’ve launched a new website and prepared a legislative background packet. This past week, we placed an op-ed piece about grass seed farming in The Oregonian.

Learn more about the vital contributions of Oregon’s grass seed farmers at www.oregonseedcouncil.org.

A New Crossing
January 9, 2009

Recently, the Columbia River Crossing Coalition has been in the news — from the New York Times to the Portland Mercury. The Coalition is a group of business, labor and community leaders building support for the new I-5 Crossing across the Columbia River. Gard Communications was retained in September to develop and manage the Coalition, and Brian Gard is serving as its Co-Executive Director, along with Bill Fromhold, the recently retired Washington state representative from Vancouver.

The recent media coverage is a sign that we are done with the organizational phase of the Coalition, and beginning to actively promote the new Columbia River Crossing. Learn more at www.crossingcoalition.com.

The Standard Event
November 14, 2008

Gard Communications recently helped The Standard announce their partnership with Zipcar. The partnership will have a positive effect on our environment by offering a green, low-cost transportation option for employees. Our team helped The Standard plan and organize an event featuring Mayor-elect Sam Adams. We also coordinated media coverage. Despite competing news events from the Governor's office, we were able to secure top-billed coverage in local media, including the Portland Business Journal, KATU and KEX.

Listen to radio coverage.

Zoo Bond Measure Approved
November 5, 2008

Zoo experts and Portland metro voters agree ... it's time to protect the health and safety of zoo animals and make our zoo more sustainable. On November 4, the Oregon Zoo bond measure 26-96 was approved by nearly 60 percent. To educate voters on the need to support this important bond measure, Gard Communications created and produced a comprehensive advertising campaign, which included transit, print and TV.

We congratulate the volunteers of the Oregon Zoo 2008 campaign and Patricia McCaig, director of measure 26-96, for working to support the animals and our zoo.

Shorenstein Properties
October 29, 2008

Shorenstein Properties' Class A First & Main office building is still under construction, but the website about the new building is live. Gard Communications has enjoyed working on this project since the groundbreaking, and the website is just the latest element we've created. Viewers can check out renderings of the LEED platinum office tower and read about the various amenities it will offer tenants when it opens. It's found at www.firstandmainportland.com.

Perspectives on Public Health
October 22, 2008

The second ad in a campaign for Community Health Priorities — a collaboration of Northwest Health Foundation and the Oregon Department of Human Services — encourages Oregonians to create environments where making healthy choices is easy.

Vote Yes for the Zoo
October 1, 2008

We're proud to be doing the advertising asking Portland metro area voters for a "yes" vote for their zoo -- one of our true community treasures.

Transit

Portland Arts & Lectures 25th Anniversary
September 24, 2008

Literary Arts enriches the lives of Oregonians through language and literature. This year marks the 25th Anniversary of their lecture series, Portland Arts & Lectures. This poster was created to thank the sponsors, underwriters and contributors, and will be displayed throughout the season. Gard Communications has been a sponsor and underwriter of Literary Arts for more than fifteen years.

Wellpartner Media Coverage
September 17, 2008

Wellpartner is a nationally recognized provider of outsourced pharmacy distribution solutions and the nation's largest independent provider of contract pharmacy services for the federal 340B program. Our PR team helps Wellpartner secure ongoing media coverage as the company grows. This Portland Business Journal article is one example.

OHSU Image Campaign
September 10, 2008

OHSU is the only place in Oregon where so many brilliant minds come together to create new hope and new cures. Their work touches the lives of all kinds of Oregonians -- including sculptor Mary Lewis. This ad was prepared for the 2008 Women's Health Annual, a supplement to Portland Monthly.

Recent Awards
July 9, 2008

Public Relations Society of America (PRSA)

  • Spotlight Award - Portland International Auto Show - Event/Observance
  • Award of Excellence - Donate Life Northwest - Integrated Communications

Healthcare Marketing Awards

Telly Awards

WorldFest Houston

  • Platinum Remi - AAA Oregon/Idaho - “Windows&rdquo TV
  • Bronze Remi - Transportation Safety-ODOT - “Good Friends&rdquo TV PSA
  • Silver Remi - Oregon State Marine Board - “Cooler Surprise&rdquo TV PSA

Summit Creative Awards

Perspectives On Public Health
June 27, 2008

The goal of this new campaign for Northwest Health Foundation is to expand awareness of the true scope of public health. Community Health Priorities — a collaboration of Northwest Health Foundation and the Oregon Department of Human Services — encourages Oregonians to create environments where making healthy choices is easy. We created the first of series of ads and have initiated a comprehensive public relations program. A companion Web site, created by Blue Mouse Monkey, can be found at www.communityhealthpriorities.org.

Recent Awards
April 24, 2008

International Boating and Water Safety Summit

Oregon State Marine Board received the following awards in the 2008 International Boating and Water Safety Summit held in San Diego on April 16-19:

2008 Summit Creative Awards

New Chalkboard Campaign
April 14, 2008

Gard Communications launches a new print ad campaign for The Chalkboard Project.