“Marc Smirnoff and I are excited about partnering with CJRW to help us expand The Oxford American brand,” said Sabin.  Smirnoff is the editor and founder of the 17-year old magazine.  “CJRW is the industry leader and they have the depth of staff and in-house resources to help us continue our expansion plans throughout the South and with key markets in the U.S.”

CJRW will assist The OA in executing a fully integrated brand communications program to further position The OA as the leader in featuring the very best in Southern writing while documenting the complexity and vitality of the American South.  The marketing program will extend the brand through digital and new media applications, and will include a redesign of The OA Web site, along with The OA partnership events throughout the South.

In making the announcement, David Martin, CEO of the 47-year old agency, said he looks forward to supporting The OA in all of their branding and marketing initiatives.  “It’s extremely exciting to be able to work on such an outstanding brand.  The Oxford American not only represents great Southern writing, it also represents the best of Southern culture.  We have every confidence our efforts will significantly enhance their overall business objectives.”

About The Oxford American
The Oxford American magazine is published by The Oxford American Literary Project, a 501(c)(3) non-profit charitable organization dedicated to promoting literacy and exploring Southern culture through creative endeavor.  Billed as “The Southern Magazine of Good Writing,” and “The New Yorker of the South,” The Oxford American has won two National Magazine Awards and other high honors since it began publication in 1992.  Its pages have featured original work by William Faulkner, Eudora Welty, Walker Percy, James Agee, John Grisham, John Updike, Roy Blount, Susan Sontag, Steve Martin, Charles Portis, William F. Buckley, Carson McCullers, William Eggleston, Zora Neale Hurston, and many other distinguished authors and artists, while also discovering and launching the most promising writers in the region.  The New York Times recently stated that The Oxford American “may be the liveliest literary magazine in America.”
More information at: OxfordAmerican.org

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The Oxford American To Partner With CJRW

Burson-Marsteller, a leading global public relations and communications consultancy, and Cranford Johnson Robinson Woods (CJRW), one of the largest independent communications firms in the Southwest, have entered into an affiliate agreement.  CJRW is currently Burson-Marsteller’s only U.S.-based affiliate.

Through this relationship, CJRW clients will have access to Burson-Marsteller’s global services and professional staff.  In turn, Burson-Marsteller will expand its presence in the Mid-South and Southwest regions of the U.S. through CJRW’s client base and relationships in Arkansas and surrounding states.

“We look forward to providing expanded services for our clients through this affiliation with Burson-Marsteller,” said David Martin, CJRW’s chief executive officer.  “Burson-Marsteller is the pre-eminent public relations firm in the world, and we are proud to be affiliated with such a prestigious organization.”

Burson-Marsteller has formed a limited number of affiliate partnerships around the world.  An affiliate partnership allows for collaboration through the sharing of knowledge and methodologies as well as additional training and networking. Affiliate partners work closely with a Burson-Marsteller regional chief executive officer yet remain independently owned.

Burson-Marsteller is a global public relations and communications firm that has proven to be an industry leader in digital communications, public policy and public relations.

“Along with our offices in Austin, Dallas, and Houston,” said Mark Penn, worldwide CEO of Burson-Marsteller, “this new affiliate relationship with CJRW helps cement our presence in the Southwest and Mid-South markets and provides our clients with an even larger reach in these key U.S. markets.”

About Burson-Marsteller:
Burson-Marsteller, established in 1953, is a leading global public relations and communications firm.  It provides clients with strategic thinking and program execution across a full range of public relations, public affairs, advertising, and web-related services. The firm’s seamless worldwide network consists of 71 offices and 58 affiliate offices, together operating in 83 countries across six continents. Burson-Marsteller is a part of Young & Rubicam Brands, a subsidiary of WPP (NASDAQ: WPPGY), one of the world’s leading communications services networks.

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CJRW and Burson-Marsteller Sign Affiliate Agreement

Cranford was nominated based on his many years of professional success in the advertising industry as founder of Cranford Johnson Robinson Woods, as well as his outstanding volunteer efforts in Arkansas and with the President¹s Advisory Council on the Arts.  He was officially selected as an inductee by his peers during the American Advertising Federation Tenth District Convention this past April.

Other than Cranford, only two others were from outside of Texas:  Ray Ackerman, Ackerman McQueen and Lowe Runkle, Lowe Runkle Company.  Ackerman and Runkle are both from Oklahoma City.  The other recipients were Sam Bloom, The Bloom Companies (Dallas); Roger Enricio, Pepsico and Dreamworks (Dallas); Morris Hite, Tracy-Locke (Dallas); David Keith, Cargill Associates (Houston); Fred Korge, Savage Design (Houston); Earl Littman, POP Broadcasting (Houston); Stanley Marcus, Neiman Marcus (Dallas); Stan Richards, The Richards Group (Dallas) and Liener Temerlin, Temerlin Consulting (Dallas).

The Southwest Advertising Hall of Fame is a creation of the Tenth District of the American Advertising Federation, encompassing Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma and Texas.  The mission of the Southwest Advertising Hall of Fame is to honor men and women from our region who have distinguished themselves in their careers, who have contributed to the betterment of advertising and its reputation, and who have made volunteer efforts outside the workplace.
More information about the Southwest Advertising Hall of Fame and the Tenth District of the American Advertising Federation can be found at www.aaf10.org.

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Cranford Enters Regional Advertising Hall Of Fame

“Scott has a tremendous amount of retail, consumer product and agency experience,” said David Martin, CJRW’s CEO, “He will lead our team to produce effective marketing strategies for Tyson Foods and all of our Northwest Arkansas clients.  He will join a talented staff of creative, account service and media professionals.” 

Caldwell has 10 years of experience in the communications industry, working with MARS Advertising, Malone Advertising and Blackwood Martin/CJRW (now CJRW NW).  While at MARS Advertising, he led the agency’s retainer work with the Clorox, Campbell’s, Pepperidge Farm, Abbott Nutrition, GlaxoSmithKline, NBA Apparel, Cott Beverages and Alberto Culver accounts.  With Malone Advertising, he started the Walmart team and built its client base to include Kimberly-Clark, Pfizer, Nestle, Revlon and Bayer accounts.  During his tenure at Blackwood Martin/CJRW, he managed national consumer sales promotions for Tyson Foods.

“CJRW has a fantastic reputation in Northwest Arkansas,” said Caldwell, “and I’m looking forward to this opportunity to rejoin the team and expand the agency’s presence in the state and region.”

A graduate of Hendrix College in Conway, Caldwell has served on numerous boards in the area, including the SIFE Business Advisory Board at the University of Arkansas Walton College of Business, Rebuilding Together of Northwest Arkansas, and Habitat for Humanity of Fayetteville.

About Cranford Johnson Robinson Woods

Founded in 1961, CJRW is headquartered in Little Rock, Arkansas, with offices in Dallas and Northwest Arkansas (Springdale, AR).  The agency also owns Jones Productions, one of the region’s leading film and video commercial production facilities.  The agency has more than 100 employees and an estimated $84 million in capitalized billings.  For more information:  http://www.cjrw.com.

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Caldwell To Lead CJRW’s Northwest Office

Adams has used her shopper and customer marketing expertise with clients such as Tyson Foods, Inc., Procter & Gamble, General Mills, Rubbermaid, Sam’s Club and Wal-Mart.  She has over 9 years experience leading and implementing consumer package goods initiatives for these clients.

Adams joined CJRW in September 2006 as account services supervisor.  As director of account services, Adams will lead the agency’s account services team with account planning, advertising strategy development, new business growth and client relationships.  Adams graduated from Arkansas State University with a bachelor of science degree in journalism with an emphasis in public relations.

Lockwood has created work that includes consumer Web sites, national television ads and business-to-business collateral for clients ranging from oil companies to wire shelving manufacturers, with particular expertise in the food and beverage industry.  He has developed memorable communications for clients including Pillsbury, Campbell’s, Tyson and Kraft, and has won awards in broadcast advertising for retail restaurant chains and alcoholic beverage marketers.  Lockwood has more than a decade of experience in copywriting and creative direction.  He graduated with a degree in advertising from the Missouri School of Journalism at the University of Missouri – Columbia. 

As creative director, Lockwood will be responsible for providing strategic and conceptual leadership for the creative team at CJRW’s northwest Arkansas office.  He will provide direction on copy and design for existing clients and will contribute to new business development.

Founded in 1961, CJRW has offices in Dallas, Little Rock and northwest Arkansas.  The agency also owns Jones Productions, one of the region’s leading film and video commercial production facilities.  The agency has more than 100 employees and an estimated $80 million in capitalized billings.  For more information, visit www.cjrw.com.

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CJRW Northwest Promotes Adams, Hires Lockwood

DALLAS (February 14, 2008) – In its ongoing objective to make a profound impact in the United States, Pollo Campero, the largest Latin American chicken restaurant chain, announced today that Cranford Johnson Robinson Woods (CJRW) has been named the advertising agency of record.

“We are pleased to work with CJRW because they are leaders in their field,” said Rodolfo Jimenez, EVP, business development for Campero USA. “More importantly, they are passionate about the Campero brand. It shows in the quality of their work.”

CJRW will assist Campero USA and its franchisees in executing a fully integrated brand communications program to position Pollo Campero effectively in the U.S. Quick Serve Marketplace. “CJRW has a proven track record of developing retail brand building communications for national clients including Trane, Tyson Foods and Wilsons Leather. Their capabilities are exceptional and we are excited about the partnership” said Todd Deckert, director of sales and marketing for Campero USA. The agency will also aid Campero’s new unit development program with marketing support for more than 25 restaurant openings planned for 2008.

In making the announcement, David Martin, CEO of the agency, said he looks forward to supporting Campero USA in all of their branding and marketing initiatives.  “It’s extremely exciting to be able to work on such an
outstanding brand. We have every confidence our efforts will significantly
enhance their business.”

Campero USA recently initiated an aggressive expansion plan, developed a relationship with Wal-Mart Stores and announced an exciting new grilled chicken line product launch. CJRW was chosen because of its knowledge and experience in marketing, branding and advertising.

“As we continue to grow, it is imperative to have advocates who understand the Campero attitude,” said Roberto Denegri, president and COO for Campero USA. “CJRW offers strategic solutions and imaginative, results-oriented tactics. That’s exactly what we need.”

Pollo Campero, the largest Latin American chicken restaurant chain, is expanding aggressively in the U.S. by continuing to serve the best chicken in the world. The company’s mission is to conquer the heart and palate of its guests with flavorful food, an exceptional experience and uncompromising quality. With more than 270 stores worldwide and 38 so far in the United States, Pollo Campero is adding new franchisees regularly.  For more information, visit www.campero.com.

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Campero USA Selects CJRW to Market Brand

“The Book of Lists” is an annual publication of Arkansas Business and included with their last issue before Christmas. The 15th edition of this valuable tool for businesses across the state is sponsored by Cranford Johnson Robinson Woods (#1 on the list of advertising agencies, see page 49). In addition to rankings of Arkansas’ top enterprises—from “Accounting Firms” to “Trucking Companies”—the book also includes a 16 page insert promoting CJRW, “Arkansas’ Agency of Record.” If you would like an extra copy please contact us at info@cjrw.com.

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Top of the Lists

CJRW hosted a birthday bash for B98’s Morning Rush recently at our Little Rock studios helping the station give away several great gifts to their listeners including gift certificates from our clients such as: The Peabody Little Rock, Cajun’s Wharf, Copper Grill, Capers, The Container Store, Magic Springs, Oaklawn and many more. Our interactive team arranged for the event to be simulcast live over the internet.

CJRW’s CEO David Martin coined the phrase “The Morning Rush” last year for the launch of the station’s new morning radio show.  In celebration of the show’s first birthday, we offered to host them at our studios.  Other great names/brands that CJRW has helped launch over the years include AmeriCorps, Entergy, Alltel, Acxiom, The Natural State and the Clinton Presidential Center.

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Morning Rush

An independent organization of professionals seeking to improve America’s health through communications, the NPHIC singled out 13 ADH entires for top awards, a total of 25% of all awards given. CJRW created and implemented 8 of these award-winning campaigns with our partners at the Department of Health.

First Place Awards were given to: Teen Prevention Advertising; Teen Prevention Radio Campaign; and Feature Placement Program. A Second Place Award was also given to Teen Prevention Advertising. And Third Place Awards were given to: Tobacco Prevention in Arkansas Progress Report; SOS E-Newsletter; Stamp Out Smoking Banners in School Program; and “The Big Pitch” Drama Program.

Here is one of the award-winning Teen Prevention TV ads:

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National Health Professionals Agree: CJRW is Tops

“I was raised by an advertising executive and began my career in advertising immediately after graduating from college,” said Cranford. “However, this is the most exciting career opportunity for me both personally and professionally as I begin a new career at CJRW 46 years to the day that my father founded this agency.”

Cranford attended the University of Pennsylvania and later graduated magna cum laude from the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville with a degree in Economics. He immediately began his advertising career in Los Angeles, CA, working on the Toyota account at Saatchi & Saatchi. Cranford then spent nine years with TBWA/Chiat/Day where he crafted creative campaigns for some of America’s best-known brands like Sony Playstation, Energizer Batteries, Nissan and Quaker State Motor Oil.

His work has appeared in such prestigious award shows as the Cannes International Advertising Festival, the One Show, the London International Awards, the Obies, the Radio Mercury Awards, Creativity Magazine’s Advertising Annual, Archive, the AAAA O’Toole Awards and many national Addy Awards.

In welcoming Jay to the agency, David Martin, CJRW’s chief executive officer said, “CJRW has a long and rich history of developing communications programs that connect and have impact with a given market. However, this industry is changing as rapidly as I’ve ever seen it. With Jay leading our creative talent, we intend to continue to create and deliver effective communications and marketing programs that bring success to our clients. Whether it’s a product, service or an idea, Jay’s work has been recognized among the best in the world.”

Cranford noted, “This has always been a fast-paced, deadline-sensitive, ever-changing business that requires the strategic and collective efforts of the right people and resources. CJRW has assembled the full complement of communications resources and experienced people that are required to remain the region’s leader for the foreseeable future. I have been a fan of the talented staff at CJRW and I look forward to joining them soon.”

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Jay Cranford Joins CJRW as Vice President and Creative Director