Posted by True North on Thu, Dec 15, 2011 @ 01:35 PM
We're thrilled to announce that we've partnered with Stratton Mountain Resort in Vermont for our next Media Retreat - scheduled for March 30-April 1, 2012.
The premier media event is for brands that are looking for key netwoking opportunities with large circulation New York based media.
True North’s editor events provide the ultimate product placement and brand awareness 
platform to showcase products with key, large circulation general industry editors as well as some select producers.
Media will arrive from New York on March 30 and companies will have opportunities to ski with members of the media, present their line, attend private receptions with them and enjoy dinner and drinks to wind down each day.
In the past these events have served as strong networking events that have led to placements in media ranging from Oprah Magazine and The Today Show to Fox and Friends, MTV, Newsweek and Maxim.
Participating brands have ranged from winter accesory and apparel companies to car manufactuers who wanted to talk about their outdoor image. Skin Care Companies, Apparel Companies, Home Furnishing brands as well as lifestyle brands have all secrured placements from these events in the past.
"It's not often that you have an opportunitiy to have members of the media try your product in a real life setting while you're talking with them about the benefits your procut provides," said Mark Tedeschi, president of True North.
The event is limited to only 10 corporate partners to ensure better networking opportunities for everyone in attendance. Representatives from each company in attendance will have an opportunity to present their product during a formal presentation.
To learn more about this event contact laurie@truenorthpr.com or karen@truenorthpr.com
Posted by True North on Tue, Nov 08, 2011 @ 06:44 AM
True North is excited to announce a partnership with DirecSource, a global leader in sourcing and manufacturing, which means that we can also help our clients produce their products.
DirecSource, which specializes in sourcing and manufacturing products in a wide
range of catagories has its strongest roots in sports, fitness, outdoor and team sports as well as lifestyle products ranging from bags to outerwear. DirecSource boasts experience in the catagory of Mother, Infant and Toddler - developing everything from strollers to bottles.
"What makes DirecSource unique is that they don't own their own factories but they have relationships with hundreads of factories throughout Asia which means they aren't married to one factory and can objectively match brands with the proper factory," said Mark Tedeschi, President of True North Brand Group, Inc.
DirecSource also makes a wide range of promotional items for brands looking to load up on items for upcoming events, sales meetings or even customized bags for retail.
"Having just returned from seeing their Asian operation first hand what I found most impressive was the level of personal service that is afforded to each client as DirecSource personnel make daily visits to factories so they can oversee each project ensuring that their are no issues on the production line," said Tedeschi.
True North is excited to offer product production services in addition to helping our partners with their branding, brand awareness and public relations work, we can now also help our clients develop their products or save money on their existing manufacturing line.
Posted by True North on Mon, Nov 07, 2011 @ 10:35 AM
On November 2nd, True North Brand Group launched the Grand Opening for Scoop NYC’s newest store at 177 Newbury Street in Boston.
The event included a press preview and VIP launch party for the 16th Scoop store, and first New England location. Guests enjoyed cocktails from Kettle One and hors d'oeuvres from Summer Shack, with a percentage of proceeds from the evening donated to the Jett Foundation.
Local hosts Ashley Bernon, Jonathan Soroff, Lisa Pierpont, Seth Greenberg and Shayna Seymour helped to make the event an amazing night for everyone in attendance.
Guests left with bags filled with gifts from Exhale Spa, Finale desserts, Fresh Cosmetics, Lush, Pinkberry, Bliss Spa, Stil Studio, Wicked Good Cupcakes and Boston Magazine.
Contact Anne McNally (anne@truenorthpr.com) if you are interested in having True North help you with your next party.
Posted by Mark Tedeschi on Thu, Aug 04, 2011 @ 10:13 AM
Congrats to one of our clients, SodaStream, which held a productive meetings in Canada today with Bill Blaikie, the Conservation Minister of Manitoba, to commend Manitoba’s efforts to protect the environment and eliminate the use of plastic bottles. The new policy bans the use of provincial funds to buy single-use bottled water in plastic containers with less than one litre of water when tap water that is safe for drinking is reasonably accessible.
This policy does, however, include an exception when safe drinking water is not available. Manitoba is the second Canadian province, after Nova Scotia, to take action on controlling the proliferation of plastic bottles and on promoting public water systems.
Blaikie made the announcement on June 7th, making clear that the government wants to demonstrate leadership when it comes to environmental sustainability.
"We believe by taking this step we are leading by example and encouraging Manitobans to move away from using single-use bottled water," said Blaikie. "This also acknowledges the importance of Manitoba Sustainable Development Procurement Guidelines that clearly states purchases must be based on careful consideration of the good's impact on the environment.”
Over the past five years, the government has spent an estimated $700,000 on the purchase of bottled water. This new policy immediately won the praise of ecologists, stating that the production, transportation, and recycling of single-use water bottles wastes energy and produces unnecessary carbon emissions.
Efforts have been made to promote tap water and restrict the purchase and sales of bottled water by two provinces, eighty-five municipalities, thirteen campuses, and seven school boards nation-wide, who have passed similar resolutions.
SodaStream Canada, which is based in Winnipeg, Manitoba, shares in Manitoba’s desire to have a positive impact on the environment and to create a world free from bottles and cans. SodaStream Canada is prepared to help take this initiative one step further by donating carbonation machines to provincial offices within Manitoba. Each SodaStream reusable carbonating bottle is estimated to save the environment from 2,000 bottles and cans each year.
By using water straight from the tap to create healthy carbonated, flavoured beverages, SodaStream Canada is making traditional store-bought beverage bottles obsolete. This results in less plastic manufactured, less plastic waste in our landfills, and less fuel burned as a result of the need to transport all of these bottled and canned beverages.
Thanks to the implementation of Manitoba’s new policy, in addition to efforts by dedicated communities striving to better the world for our children, the tide has turned for the bottled water industry.
About SodaStream
SodaStream Canada manufactures home beverage carbonation systems, which enable consumers to easily instantly transform ordinary tap water into carbonated soft drinks and sparkling water. SodaStream soda makers offer a highly differentiated and innovative solution to consumers of bottled and canned carbonated soft drinks and sparkling water. Their products promote health and wellness and are environmentally friendly, cost effective, customizable and fun to use.
In addition, their products offer convenience by eliminating the need to carry bottles home from the supermarket, to store these bottles at home and to regularly dispose of the empty bottles. There is estimated to be approximately 4 million consumers who are regularly creating carbonated beverages using the SodaStream system. SodaStream products are available in more than 40,000 retail stores, in 39 countries around the world.
Posted by Mark Tedeschi on Mon, Aug 01, 2011 @ 02:15 PM
Gleicher Manufacturing Enjoys Record Growth in the Electronics Market
Ability to Deliver Quickly with Superior Product has Fueled 100 Percent Growth
SCOTCH PLAINS, NJ. – (July 28, 2011) Gleicher Manufacturing (www.gleicher.com) is quickly becoming a leading supplier to the electronics market. The company has expanded its reach with an aggresive marketing outreach campaign, which includes a HubSpot inbound marketing platform, that has been spearheaded by True North.
By providing unique custom solutions of light industrial materials and electronic grade adhesives, Gleicher has posted nearly 100 percent growth over the past two years.
Based on relationships that have been developed over the past 60 years, Gleicher provides its customers access to new product technologies. Combined with its advanced processing capabilities, Gleicher is able to offer a wide range of customized solutions for the electronics market.
“We are dedicated to providing our customers with complete solutions,” said Doug Sanderson, Gleicher’s vice president. “We focus our efforts on working closely with our clients to help improve product design and meet stringent manufacturing goals.”
What makes Gleicher unique is the company’s approach to work within its customers' existing operation to not only identify the best possible products for a particular job, but also the most functionally adaptable to the environment that exist.
Through the customization of innovative products and technologies, Gleicher has become an industry leading resource for reliable solutions.
Sanderson attributes the company’s recent growth surge to the company’s ability to provide unique solutions reliably and on-time. Gleicher specializes in everything from application development support, material sourcing and customization.
Sanderson said one unique feature Gleicher offers that has led to recent growth is its extensive inventory of raw materials that the company keeps on hand enabling Gleicher to react quickly and provide material samples and prototypes within 24 hours for most projects.
Gleicher Manufacturing has been a leader in the converting marketplace for the past 60 years and works hand-in-hand with leading manufacturers of pressure sensitive tapes, adhesives and fastening systems (including 3M™, VELCRO® USA, St. Gobain, Avery Dennison, YKK, Scapa, Griswold Rubber, and many more. Gleicher specializes in laminating, die cutting and fabricating hook and loop products, flexible fasteners, pressure sensitive tapes, specialty adhesive films, bumpers, protective products, electrical and medical specialties materials and more. To learn more please visit www.gleicher.com
Posted by True North on Mon, Aug 01, 2011 @ 01:25 PM
R. MURPHY COMPANY FEATURES HUNTING AND FISHING COLLECTION FOR MYRIAD RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES
160-Year-Old Leading Maker of Knives Highlights Precision Design
for both Commercial and Consumer Use
AYER, MA. (July 25, 2011) - R. Murphy Company, Inc., maker of premier knives for a wide range of applications knives for both the consumer and industrial markets, is currently featuring its hunting and fishing collection for outdoor enthusiasts. Recognized as an industry leader in the hunting and fishing categories, R. Murphy provides unsurpassed quality and diversity in these niches.
From now through August 31, 2011, R. Murphy invites you to take advantage of a 10% discount off the retail price on any of the products listed here . Just click on the link, shop the R. Murphy site then enter “HUNT” in the Coupon Code at checkout.
The anchor of the collection is the “Hunter”, a five-inch blade of non-rusting, high carbon steel, is designed with the precise curvature required for skinning and features a rosewood handle with non-corroding rivets. The “Sportsman” - a piece constructed with a very stiff and rugged high carbon blade, notched thumb guard and rosewood handle with brass rivets - is specifically designed for sticking and skinning and is available in both four- and five-inch blade lengths.
The “Skinner”, another excellent hunting piece, features a 12 gauge, four-inch blade constructed of 1095 high carbon steel and a richly grained oiled zebrawood handle. Also included in this line is The “Pathfinder”, a five-inch knife that tackles many tasks in both hunting and camping environments. This is an extremely high quality general purpose blade of stiff high carbon steel with a brass-riveted walnut handle.
For both the amateur and commercial fishermen, R. Murphy offers the “Fisherman” – a five-inch 13 gauge blade of high carbon steel with full tang - perfect for filleting and skinning - as well as a serrated back for scaling. The “Fisherman” is finished with a rosewood handle and three nickel-plated rivets. The “Fisherman’s Pal” is a multi-faceted knife designed for both camping and fishing needs. The 4.25 inch 15 gauge blade is of high carbon stainless steel with serrations for scaling and skinning and features a bubinga wood handle.
All knives in the collection include an appropriately-sized top grain riveted leather sheath.
“We’re tremendously pleased with our hunting and fishing collection – a number of pieces in the line are designed to address very specific tasks in the field while others are a bit more multi-faceted for those who combine hunting, fishing and other outdoor recreational activities,” said Mark Furman, president of R. Murphy Co., Inc. “These knives address both commercial and consumer needs and we’re delighted to include a very high quality leather sheath for safety with each piece.”
Every R. Murphy knife is made according to a ten-step hands-on manufacturing process. Multiple quality control inspections ensure the sharpest, most durable blade possible. R. Murphy’s 160 year, made-in-America history has yielded tremendous product knowledge and manufacturing diversity, enabling the company to select and test appropriate metals, woods and plastics for a wide range of applications. R. Murphy’s “Stay Sharp” professional knives are designed for long-lasting use, unparalleled utility and appearance.
About R. Murphy Company: Based in Ayer, Massachusetts, R. Murphy Company, is 160 year-old leading manufacturer of a diverse range of hand-crafted specialty knives used for food preparation, fishing/shellfishing, hunting, boating, outdoor activities, carving, construction and myriad industrial applications. R. Murphy’s history has yielded tremendous product knowledge and manufacturing diversity, allowing the company to produce superior and competitively-priced “Stay Sharp” knives to their selective customers
Posted by True North on Thu, Jul 07, 2011 @ 11:17 AM
R. MURPHY COMPANY LAUNCHES NEW LINE OF SHELLFISH KNIVES
160-Year-Old Leading Maker of Knives Expands Product Offerings
for Commercial and Consumer Markets
AYER, MA. (July 7, 2011) - R. Murphy Company, Inc., maker of premier knives for a wide range of applications, including commercial- and consumer-grade shellfish, fishing, hunting, boating and myriad industrial markets, is introducing a new line of shellfish knives.
Recognized as industry leaders in this market segment, R. Murphy shellfish knives are unsurpassed in quality and diversity. The blades are constructed from high carbon stainless steel and are uniformly hardened and taper ground. Many styles are offered for various bivalve shell forms to meet the needs of consumers throughout the United States and beyond, a fact illustrated by the eight unique oyster knives, two scallop knives and three clam knives included in the collection.
The new line also features food-grade polypropylene "Murphy Green" plastic handles - most of which are curved and ergonomically designed - to ensure safety and comfort. All are suitable for the professional fisherman as well as for use in commercial and residential environments.
“With the launch of our new line of shellfish knives, R. Murphy continues to build upon our century-old success in this market,” said Mark Furman, president of R. Murphy Co., Inc. “These knives address both commercial and residential needs, and are specifically designed to meet the diverse requirements within various regions of the country.”
Each R. Murphy knife is made according to a ten-step hands-on manufacturing process. Multiple quality control inspections ensure the sharpest, most durable blade possible. “Others that produce knives at higher production volumes are unable to match the attention to detail that can be found in R. Murphy knives,” said Furman.
R. Murphy’s 160 year, made-in-America history has yielded tremendous product knowledge and manufacturing diversity, enabling the company to select and test appropriate metals, woods and plastics for a wide range of applications. R. Murphy’s “Stay Sharp” professional knives are designed for long-lasting use, unparalleled utility and appearance.
About R. Murphy Company: Based in Ayer, Massachusetts, R. Murphy Company, is 160 year-old leading manufacturer of a diverse range of hand-crafted specialty knives used for food preparation, fishing/shellfishing, hunting, boating, outdoor activities, carving, construction and myriad industrial applications. R. Murphy’s history has yielded tremendous product knowledge and manufacturing diversity, allowing the company to produce superior and competitively-priced “Stay Sharp” knives to their selective customers.
Posted by Mark Tedeschi on Tue, Jun 28, 2011 @ 02:19 PM
True North’s recently launched a custom cause marketing campaign for All Terrain Skin Care on HubSpot - and the results have been exceptional with over 6,000 page views and a score of 167 on the Customer Happiness Index ( Hubspot’s target CHI for customers is 80).
But wait - what’s CHI?
CHI reflects the long-term viability and awesomeness of a customer's marketing programs. Companies with CHI scores above 80 will consistently generate much larger increases in traffic and leads month over month than customers with lower CHI scores.
A high CHI reflects:
- Above average tool adoption
- Above average, correct, frequent, quality usage of Hubspot
- Overall success with inbound marketing
- Month-over-month increases in key metrics (e.g., traffic, leads, subscribers, etc.)
- Quality coordination of Hubspot software integrated with other marketing systems.
- Conversion rate. For example, Hubspot’s landing page conversion rate is about 7% - All Terrain is seeing 40.26%, 23.23%, 16.94% which is outstanding
In one month’s time, All Terrain saw 24,064 page visits, 19,880 from direct traffic, 2,284 from social media, 1,830 from referrals, and 70 from organic search.
Posted by Mark Tedeschi on Tue, Jun 21, 2011 @ 03:00 PM
Marker and Völkl, a leader in ski binding technology since the 1950s, is launching their new 2011-2012 gear and performance wear collection, demonstrating great changes. This marks the largest crop of product innovations from Völkl in several years. This collection unveils a completely new series of frontside/all-Mountain skis as well as new models in the Big Mountain and All Mountain freeskiing segments.
Völkl is introducing a completely new series called RTM, Ride the Mountain. These RTMs include new models from top to bottom and characterize a complete re-focus from Völkl’s engineering group that changes the game. In addition, Völkl’s new Attiva, Rocker for Women, is a freeskiing collection. In the upcoming season, Völkl has added new rocker designs to more women’s skis. The tip rocker of the new Aura provides an early rise tip and a classic camber profile that provides easy, smooth turn entry regardless of the conditions. Moreover, Völkl’s Bio-Logic technology remains at the forefront, improving performance while reducing stress on the skier’s knees.
Völkl implements their functional high-tech, smart ideas, and refined look as the guiding principle for not only their skis and snowboards, but for their performance wear as well. Völkl demonstrates premium winter sports fashion that fulfills the highest demands of active athletes.
The new line is divided into clearly defined groups focused around two major themes: “Alpine” and “Freestyle”. Highlights of the 2011-2012 season collection include the premier of the Perfect Fitting System, a ground breaking system as the first manufacturer to employ a sizing system for their winter garments. Völkl’s performance-driven apparel is a result of their commitment to go above and beyond to improve their products.
Today, June 21st and tomorrow, June 22nd, Mark Tedeschi of True North Brand Group, Brad Bunker, vice president of apparel at Völkl, and Geoff Curtis, vice president of marketing, are meeting with members of the media in NYC to promote Völkl’s new performance apparel line. Notable press include Vogue, Shape, Fitness, Self, Popular Mechanics, and Maxim.
Posted by Mark Tedeschi on Mon, Jun 13, 2011 @ 11:02 AM
R. MURPHY COMPANY LAUNCHES NEW LINE OF SPECIALTY FOOD PROCESSING KNIVES
160-Year-Old Leading Maker of Knives Expands Product Offerings
for Commercial and Consumer Markets
AYER, MA. (June 13, 2011) - R. Murphy Company, Inc., maker of premier knives for a wide range of applications, including commercial- and consumer-grade food preparation, fishing, hunting, boating, shellfish and myriad industrial markets, is introducing a new line of specialized food processing and produce knives.
The new collection is comprised of four products, each featuring hand-honed blades ranging from three to six inches in length and ergonomic, food-grade polypropylene plastic handles, providing both comfort and safety. Three of the four blades are available in both stainless steel and high carbon steel; the fourth is available exclusively in stainless steel. The array of choices of blade size and material is specifically designed to meet a wide range of needs in both industrial and consumer environments.
“These knives are exceptional tools for trimming, cutting and chopping fruits and vegetables in various environments including residential kitchens, food-processing plants and produce plants. At the commercial level, the knives are particularly well-suited to take on a wide range of tasks," said Mark Furman, president of R. Murphy Co., Inc.
Each R. Murphy knife is made according to a ten-step hands-on manufacturing process. Multiple quality control inspections ensure the sharpest, most durable blade possible. “Others that produce knives at higher production volumes are unable to match the attention to detail that can be found in R. Murphy knives,” said Furman.
R. Murphy’s 160 year, made-in-America history has yielded tremendous product knowledge and manufacturing diversity, enabling the company to select and test appropriate metals, woods and plastics for a wide range of applications. R. Murphy’s “Stay Sharp” professional knives are designed for long-lasting use, unparalleled utility and appearance.
About R. Murphy Company: Based in Ayer, Massachusetts, R. Murphy Company, is 160 year-old leading manufacturer of a diverse range of hand-crafted specialty knives used for food preparation, fishing/shellfishing, hunting, boating, outdoor activities, carving, construction and myriad industrial applications. R. Murphy’s history has yielded tremendous product knowledge and manufacturing diversity, allowing the company to produce superior and competively-priced “Stay Sharp” knives to their selective customers.
CONTACT
Tabitha Teller
True North Brand Group, Inc.
781-740-4050
tabitha@truenorthpr.com