Wilmore, KY – February 12, 2008, at 10:25 am

###

Wilmore, KY – December 4, 2007, at 1:22 pm

Summary

The Account Planner works with the client, the Creative Director (CD) and Design Manager (DM). The Account Planner is responsible for interpreting the business goals of our clients and creating a strategic marketing plan that includes a list of practical, actionable and measurable strategies. The CD will then translate these strategies into effective communication tools.

Candidates must possess experience and expertise in traditional and emerging media development. The depth of the position demands senior qualification developed over a minimum of eight years of related marketing and planning.

Background/Education

• Has at least 8 years experience working in marketing and/or strategic services organizations.
• Has an undergraduate degree in areas of study such as History, American Studies, Political Science, Anthropology/Sociology, Journalism, Psychology, Marketing or Communications; an MBA is a plus.
• Demonstrates a broad knowledge and depth of experience in marketing plans for print, web, interactive and video production.
• Has experience conducting and applying qualitative research.
• Is familiar with interpreting and applying quantitative research.
• Has knowledge of segmentation, analytics, and media research tools.
• Preferably has practical experience in working with or for social sector organizations.

Core Competencies

• Can discern the customer insight and "human truth" from research data.
• Has passion and empathy for the consumer's perspective.
• Is an avid follower of how marketing is evolving to meet the needs of the ever more powerful consumer.
• Will challenge the team to uncover "what's in it for the customer."
• Can identify key audience insights from existing client data and translate them into a relevant marketing plan.
• Can expertly apply the company's Action Plan Marketing approach.
• Can both see the big picture and execute on a detailed level.
• Has an inspirational, compelling personality and way of working.
• Is able to quickly gain the trust of clients and internal team members at all levels.

Specific Responsibilities

• Follows guidelines and analyzes factual information to produce within changing circumstances.
• Informs and advises the CD and DM on the status of marketing strategies.
• Develops intelligent marketing strategies for digital media that are appropriate for the brand's personality.
• Is able to offer conceptual direction with practical and actionable steps for implementation.
• Is able to work on multiple projects with diverse needs.
• Remains current on industry trends and technology.
• Adheres to schedules and budgets.
• Makes best/prudent use of agency resources to solve client requests.
• Is responsible and accountable for meeting departmental strategic goals and objectives.
• Meets established deadlines or provides reasonable notice to the CD/Coordinator of special circumstances requiring deadline extension.

###

Wilmore, KY – November 28, 2007, at 3:25 pm

Summary

The Creative Director (CD) is responsible for the overall supervision of the agency’s creative product. Taking the strategic marketing plan, the CD will interpret it into a set of practical, actionable, and measurable creative directives. This role leads the creative department in ensuring integration and synergy of the visual identity across all deliverables. The CD serves as a liaison between the creative department, the client, and the design manager (DM). The CD is responsible to lead the creative department to deliver effective design strategies that meet business objectives by remaining on time and on budget. The CD also works closely with management to identify opportunities for savings and efficiency and works with them to institute best practices across the department. Finally, the CD provides direct supervision, feedback, and mentoring to the creative staff. The right candidate for this role is someone who will understand, embrace, and communicate the corporate mission and values.

Background/Education

• Eight or more years of experience and advanced leadership, communication and project management skills within marketing and design environments.
• An undergraduate degree in design; an MFA is desired.
• A broad knowledge and experience in creative direction for print, web, interactive and video production.
• A compelling design philosophy.
• Practical experience in working with social sector organizations is desired.
• Experience as a Creative Director or Assistant CD at an agency level is preferred.
  

Core Competencies

• Professional, polished, and patient.
• Highly creative problem-solver, with ability to conceptualize.
• Impeccable communication and interpersonal skills.
• Able to see the big picture while paying attention to the smallest details.
• Able to work on multiple projects with diverse needs.
• Makes strategic decisions based on analysis, experience, and judgment.
• Is able to translate client business objectives into design solutions and leads the development of those solutions from conception to completion.
• Is able to analyze available information for the purpose of coordinating efforts and planning and implementing projects.
• Performs strategic account planning with senior management.
• Is able to articulate, present, and sell ideas—both externally and internally.
• Is capable of building, leading, and directing a multi-disciplinary creative team comprised of art directors, designers, interactive authors, copywriters, programmers, video producers and freelancers.
• Continually seeks to improve and build upon departmental methods, problem-solving models and best practices.
• Is able to distinguish and find a balance between creative expression and financial reality.
• Understands financial management along with profit and loss accountabilities.
• Supports and leads human resource initiatives with a focus on performance management and recruitment.
• Promotes a culture of excellence and accountability through:
• Creative discipline excellence
• Operational excellence
• Social Sector research
  

Specific Responsibilities

• Develops and delivers innovative proposals to capture both account growth and new business opportunities.
• Participates in kickoff meetings with DMs, Coordinator, and Planner to craft initial strategies.
• Proactively manages the success of production scope, schedules and budgets with Coordinator and Senior Art Director.
• Anticipates workload requirements with Coordinator input.
• Works closely with DMs as a liaison to the creative department, and helps the creative department sell their best marketing solutions to both the DM and the client.
• Manages outside sources (freelancers, image libraries, etc.) as appropriate for a particular area of expertise or work overflow.
• Supervises full-time creative department producers, organizing the department’s day-to-day operations by working directly with the Coordinator to schedule creative/production jobs.
• Monitors employee efficiency and effectiveness and intercedes when there is an issue.
• Directs work to assure on-schedule delivery for client review, with acute attention to detail.
• Works in concert with the Coordinator selecting vendors for jobs, and is involved with the creative team in signing off final deliverables and press proofs.
• Confirms client review and delivery schedules with the Coordinator.
• Builds our clients' business through positive ROI.
• Is responsible and accountable for meeting departmental strategic goals and objectives.
• Assists delivering by selling recommendations back to client.
• Administers departmental budget.
• Develops, monitors and modifies the creative department staffing strategies and plans, including:
• Team composition.
• Team performance, skills, training and mentoring.
• Developing, implementing and monitoring quality standards across all creative department artifacts and deliverables.
• Plans and implements employee professional development.
• Assists in recruiting, screening, orienting, training, reviewing, promoting, disciplining, and dismissing creative staff.
• Conducts bi-annual reviews of creative staff, reporting outcomes to the President.
• Is responsible for the overall quality of work produced by the creative department.
• Maintains creativity level of agency's output in relation to overall budget.
• Plans agency's own marketing support tools.
• Represents the agency at creative, professional, and civic functions.

###

Wilmore, KY – November 13, 2007, at 4:02 pm

###

Wilmore, KY – November 7, 2007, at 1:09 pm

Cre8tive Group’s president shares insights on managing creative personnel at national design conference.

Chad Crouch, President of Cre8tive Group, led two roundtable discussions at the Mind Your Own Business conference on November 2-3 at Lowes Coronda Bay Resort in San Diego, CA. Crouch’s session was titled “From Hiring to Firing: The Life of Creative Personnel Management.”

Mind Your Own Business is specifically created for agency principals and hosted by ReCourses Inc. and HOW magazine. The event brings about 400 agency executives from across the nation and the goal is to create a think tank environment where principals can swap strategies, best practices and lessons learned with each other and the industry’s foremost consultants.

Crouch was among the expert speakers as was David C. Baker, President of ReCourses, Inc.; Glenn Baldwin, Principal of ForesterBaldwin; Emily Ruth Cohen, an independent consultant with 20+ years of experience; Deborah Dawton, CEO of the UK’s Design Business Association; Brent Hodgins, Partner and Director of Client Services at Mirren Business Development; Ron McMillan, a best-selling author, veteran speaker and business-consulting specialist; and Tim Williams, founder of Ignition Consulting Group, a leading consultancy devoted to helping firms create and capture more value.

“Twelve years managing creatives has equipped me with a multitude of success stories and lessons learned,” said Crouch. “I hope the insights I share are helpful, and of course I always welcome an opportunity to transfer knowledge with other agency principals.”

About Cre8tive Group
Cre8tive Group is a full-service marketing and communications firm based in Wilmore, KY. We work with socially aware, ethically responsible organizations to build strong connections with your audience. Our strategies draw on the best marketing practices from both the business and nonprofit worlds to address the critical challenges of improving the human condition. Intentionally limiting our engagements to only 8 partnerships at one time, we communicate the soul of your message with clarity and conviction. Learn more about our company at www.cre8tivegroup.com

###

Wilmore, KY – October 15, 2007, at 1:09 pm

###

Wilmore, KY – April 13, 2007, at 2:17 pm

A commitment to authenticity and a narrowing focus

“Care-full” communication has always been on the tips of Cre8tive Group tongues. With a history of documentaries in India, hurricane assistance in the Gulf and public sector clients, Cre8tive Group continues to refine its corporate mission. Unique in the industry, only serving eight clients is a statement of quality over quantity for Cre8tive. With these foundational changes in place, Cre8tive Group has updated its website. This new website elevates those eight stories.

The web redesign project was prompted by President and CEO, Chad Crouch, speaking to a group of University of Oxford MBA students about bringing their means to a place of meaning in the world and attending the Skoll World Forum for social entrepreneurs in March 2007.

Crouch says, “Look for more changes to come from our website over the next few months. We’re committed to authenticity as an organization and we want our website to reflect that. We not only want to elevate our clients, but we want to be seen as a resource for others in the social sector.”

The new website reflects a refinement in target audience. Cre8tive Group is focusing on telling eight stories that empower the business of common good. Those stories will come from cause-driven corporations, social entrepreneurs, and innovative non-profits.

When asked about the new direction, Creative Director Kyle Schroeder says “The continuing pursuit of best practice communication is still a driver. It is just that now the social marketing variable and a desire for measurable social impact are a bigger part of the equation. We want to continue to deliver thought leadership and outstanding communication programs in arenas where there is great cause for good.”

Looking to the immediate future, Crouch responded, “The decision to focus on the social sector has provided us with significant momentum. We were happy to be the recipient of nine ADDY awards as a testament to our talent. As we move forward, we will continue in a posture of learning and partnership within this sector. After the Skoll World Forum, we will be attending the Cause Marketing Forum in New York City in May.”

About Cre8tive Group

We are cause communicators. We work with social sector organizations that struggle with cause awareness and stakeholder commitment. Combining marketing best practices from cause-driven corporations, social entrepreneurs and innovative non-profits, we tell eight stories that empower the business of common good. Learn more at www.cre8tivegroup.com

###

Wilmore, KY – April 6, 2007, at 1:10 pm

Cre8tive Group President and CEO, Chad Crouch, was featured in the April 6th edition of Business Lexington, the premiere bi-weekly magazine focused on business issues, regional development and leadership profiles in the Central Kentucky area.

Read the full article at http://www.bizlex.com/story.php?id=489

About Cre8tive Group
At Cre8tive Group, we are cause communicators. We work with social sector organizations that struggle with awareness and stakeholder commitment. Combining marketing best practices from cause-driven corporations, social entrepreneurs and innovative non-profits, we tell eight stories that empower the business of common good. Learn more at www.cre8tivegroup.com

###

Wilmore, KY – March 26, 2007, at 1:10 pm

Cre8tive Group welcomes Brittney Edwards and Clark Howard to the roles of Onsite Design Manager and Graphic Designer, respectively.

Brittney Edwards returns to Lexington after working as a Territory Marketing Coordinator for Alltech, based in Virginia Beach. Working out of Harrisonburg, Virginia, her role with Alltech included developing and executing the regional marketing plans, organizing regional events, providing customer marketing support, and managing the advertising and PR efforts. Brittney attended the University of Kentucky for both her undergrad and graduate degrees, is a member of the Lexington Young Professional Association, and is currently responsible for managing design projects ranging from product launch support to event marketing and direct marketing campaigns.

Clark Howard comes to Cre8tive with three years of Fortune 500 graphic design experience. Howard grew up in Campbellsville, Ky and graduated with degrees in Graphic Design and Telecommunications from the University of Kentucky. Clark enjoys baseball, life on the farm and was recently married. He is currently responsible for the creative execution of marketing programs for one of Cre8tive Group's largest clients.

About Cre8tive Group
At Cre8tive Group, we are cause communicators. We work with social sector organizations that struggle with awareness and stakeholder commitment. Combining marketing best practices from cause-driven corporations, social entrepreneurs and innovative non-profits, we tell eight stories that empower the business of common good. Learn more at www.cre8tivegroup.com

###

Wilmore, KY – March 2, 2007, at 1:10 pm

Cre8tive Group CEO and President, Chad Crouch, was recognized by the Lexington Young Professional Association (LYPA) as a Rising Star. Along with seven other award winners, Crouch was honored with a reception held at Malone's Banquet on March 1, 2007. For the last five years, LYPA has organized the reception to showcase the impact young professionals have on the Lexington area. It is the biggest LYPA event of the year. This year's class also included Andy Barr, David Boggs, Kristen Goble, Lee Greer, Sarah Hawkins, Heather Taylor, and Sara Warner.

Nominees are selected based on their achievement in vision, leadership, innovation, impact, community involvement, contribution and growth. "What a unique honor", says Crouch. "I appreciate the holistic mindset with which the LYPA award was created. This award honors the 'double bottom line' return of profit and common good. It is my continual goal to improve profitability and address critical human issues at the same time. I am proud to associate my company with social entrepreneurs who practice the idea of 'doing well by doing good'. They share a commitment to pioneering innovations that reshape society and benefit humanity. They are solutions-minded business people that aren't afraid to tackle and resolve some of the world's greatest problems. This is the vision of Cre8tive Group as well."

Crouch was nominated by Cre8tive Group Design Manager, Suzanne Sowards-Hamm. In her submission form, Sowards-Hamm says that Crouch's responsibilities and achievements are "proof positive of his dedication to professional development and community involvement. He willingly sacrifices his personal time in order to continually use the talents and skills he possesses for the good of the bigger picture."

About Cre8tive Group
At Cre8tive Group, we are cause communicators. We work with social sector organizations that struggle with cause awareness and stakeholder commitment. Combining marketing best practices from cause-driven corporations, social entrepreneurs and innovative non-profits, we tell eight stories that empower the business of common good. Learn more at www.cre8tivegroup.com

About Lexington Young Professional Association (LYPA)
LYPA was founded in July 2000 by four young professionals in Lexington. Their mission was to create an organization that provided emphasis on personal, civic and professional development for local professionals between the ages of 21 and 40. Since this time, LYPA has grown into an organization of over 400 young professionals in Lexington and the surrounding area. LYPA grooms the next generation of community leaders while improving the quality of life in the city of Lexington. Learn more at www.lypa.org

###

Wilmore, KY – February 28, 2007, at 1:11 pm

Lexington area CEO will present marketing best practices and trends to an international group of Executive MBA students during social enterprise business summit at the University of Oxford.

Chad Crouch, CEO and President of Cre8tive Group Inc., was invited to speak before students enrolled in the Oxford Executive MBA program at the Saïd Business School on March 26. Crouch will speak to social entrepreneurs, a growing segment of the global economy, on why social marketing can be considered pure marketing. "Cre8tive Group mirrors a lot of what's happening in the world today", says Crouch. "In late 2006, we looked back on eleven years of successful business, and found that all of our efforts centered on helping organizations communicate and differentiate. Some were product or service announcements, other times fund raising, awareness, or general marketing campaigns. Whatever the case, it always came down to a discussion of value. Was it worth the attention being drawn to it?" Social entrepreneurs, innovative non-profits and cause-driven corporations are leveraging that understanding while improving profitability and addressing critical human issues at the same time."

Long time friend, President of the Lark Group and Oxford MBA candidate, Michael Sloane, asked Crouch to participate in the class. As a successful restaurateur, one may think Sloane has his hands full with five Ruby Tuesdays in the Lexington, Ky area and more than fifty Papa John's across Appalachia. "The restaurants are doing well and require my ongoing attention, but much like Cre8tive Group, I have a vision for delivering both social and economic returns", says Sloane. Drawn to the flexible schedule, international business mix and excellent networking opportunities, Sloane is planning to leverage his Oxford education to form a private equity firm focused on helping small businesses succeed in Appalachia.

Crouch and Sloane focus on profit leveraged to impact society. Following the MBA address, both are also attending the Skoll World Forum at the University of Oxford on March 27-29. Nearly 700 social entrepreneurs, thought leaders, corporate representatives, financiers, students and policy makers from more than 40 countries convene in Oxford to discuss positive systemic change for critical human issues.

The Skoll World Forum is the annual conference of the Skoll Foundation. Started by Jeffrey Skoll in 1999, its mission is "to advance systemic change to benefit communities around the world by investing in, connecting and celebrating social entrepreneurs" according to their website. The conference attracts power players from across the globe. In attendance last year was Robert Redford, Al Gore, Sir Ben Kingsley, and Muhammad Yunnus, a 2006 Nobel Peace Prize laureate.

Jeffrey Skoll was the President and first employee of eBay. At eBay, he developed the business plan that the company still follows today, creating entrepreneurial opportunities for individuals around the world. In 1998 he inspired the company to take an active role in philanthropy, pioneering creation of the eBay Foundation through the allocation of pre-IPO shares. This innovation sparked similar initiatives by other young companies in high-technology hubs across the United States.

Social entrepreneurs live by the mantra "doing well by doing good". They share a commitment to pioneering innovations that reshape society and benefit humanity. They are solutions-minded business people that aren't afraid to tackle - and resolve - some of the world's greatest problems.

About Cre8tive Group
At Cre8tive Group, we are cause communicators. We work with social sector organizations that struggle with awareness and stakeholder commitment. Combining marketing best practices from cause-driven corporations, social entrepreneurs and innovative non-profits, we tell eight stories that empower the business of common good. Learn more at www.cre8tivegroup.com

About the Skoll Foundation
The Skoll Foundation was created by Jeff Skoll in 1999 to pursue his vision of a world where all people, regardless of geography, background or economic status, enjoy and employ the full range of their talents and abilities. Skoll, who was the first employee and first President of eBay, believes that strategic investments in the right people can lead to lasting social change. Learn more at www.skollfoundation.org

###

Wilmore, KY – February 26, 2007, at 2:18 pm

With 3 Gold and 6 Silver awards, Cre8tive Group makes a splash at advertising awards.

The awards were presented at the Lexington Ad Club's annual ADDY® Awards ceremony held at the Marriott Griffin Gate Resort on February 24 in Lexington, Ky. Awards were presented in various advertising categories including direct marketing, self promotion, sales promotion, radio, television, interactive media and others. Each category produces Bronze, Silver and/or Gold awards. Cre8tive Group was recognized for creative excellence in the following categories:

• Gold ADDY® - Asbury College - Windows of Opportunity interactive media
• Gold ADDY® - Say No Casinos - Public Service multiple media campaign
• Gold ADDY® - Cre8tive Group - "You know 'it' when you see it" self-promotion
  
• Silver ADDY® - Lexmark - Distributed Fleet Management interactive sales promotion
• Silver ADDY® - Lexmark - Color is Powerful brochure
• Silver ADDY® - Lexmark - E-Series Expect More brochure
• Silver ADDY® - Coolspaces - Interactive media website
• Silver ADDY® - Lexmark - Distributed Fleet Management B2B regional/national campaign
• Silver ADDY® - Say No Casinos - Biggs Casino logo/elements of advertising

These awards represent the effort Cre8tive Group puts into each and every client engagement. Cre8tive Group CEO Chad Crouch says, "It's great to be recognized by our peers. It's even better to know that our work makes a difference for our clients. Even though this is an event for advertisers, it's really a reflection of the level of true partnership we enjoy with our eight clients. They give us the freedom to produce award-winning work because they know we understand their business. We are fortunate to work with visionary clients."

Cre8tive Group's three Gold ADDY® awards will go on to compete in the American Advertising Federation's (AAF) 5th District competition and potentially to the AAF National Conference held in Louisville, Ky on June 7-9.

About Cre8tive Group

At Cre8tive Group, we are cause communicators. We work with social sector organizations that struggle with cause awareness and stakeholder commitment. Combining marketing best practices from socially responsible corporations, social entrepreneurs and innovative non-profits, we tell 8 stories that empower the business of common good. Learn more at www.cre8tivegroup.com

About Lexington Ad Club

The Lexington Advertising Club (LAC) is the Lexington, Kentucky chapter of the American Advertising Federation in the AAF 5th District. As the "Unifying Voice for Advertising," the American Advertising Federation (AAF), headquartered in Washington, D.C., is the trade association that represents 50,000 professionals in the advertising industry. AAF's 130 corporate members are advertisers, agencies and media companies that comprise the nation's leading brands and corporations. The American Advertising Federation protects and promotes the well-being of advertising. They accomplish this through a unique, nationally coordinated grassroots network of advertisers, agencies, media companies, local advertising clubs and college chapters.

###

Wilmore, KY – February 1, 2007, at 1:11 pm

Cre8tive Group recognized by popular graphic design industry resource, HOW Magazine, as one of the “Top 10” Web sites to visit in February.

HOW Magazine's Senior Editor of magazine and books, Megan Lane Patrick, contacted Cre8tive Group Thursday morning with flattering news for the local marketing communications firm.

"I just wanted to write and let you know that we at HOW Magazine were so taken with your site that we have listed it as one of our Web site's "Top 10" sites to see this month," read Patrick's email.

HOW Magazine is a trusted and recognized name in the graphic design community both nationally and internationally. The company publishes various books, a monthly magazine, holds annual conferences, and maintains an online presence.

Cre8tive Group was the only agency in Kentucky to be recognized. Beginning today, visitors to the HOW Magazine site, howdesign.com, will see Cre8tive Group recognized in the HOWLinks section. They can also see the list directly by typing www.howdesign.com/links/index.asp directly into the address bar of their internet browser.

About Cre8tive Group

At Cre8tive Group, we are Cause Communicators. We work with social sector organizations that struggle with cause awareness and stakeholder commitment. Combining marketing best practices from socially responsible corporations, social entrepreneurs and innovative non-profits, we tell 8 stories that empower the business of common good. Learn more at www.cre8tivegroup.com

###

Wilmore, KY – October 19, 2006, at 1:12 pm

Cre8tive Group hosts an Ingenuity Showcase at High Bridge Pavilion. Eight businesses were honored for outstanding ingenuity in their respective industries.

It was a cold, rainy night, but weather couldn’t detour a select list of guests from venturing out to High Bridge Pavilion in search of Cre8tive Group’s first Ingenuity Showcase. The warm glow of an awards party fully equipped with candle light, live bluegrass music, theatre, and decadent Kentucky delicacies greeted approximately 50 area business men and women. Hot mulled cider, live music, theatre, and plenty of comfort food kept everyone cozy.

Cre8tive Group’s 2006 Ingenuity Showcase honored 8 businesses for displaying outstanding industry foresight, cleverness, and/or originality during a partnership with Cre8tive Group. The 2006 honorees included: Asbury College, First Southern National Bank, KET, LCM Company, Lexmark, Lexington Christian Academy, The McGoodwin Company, and Prevention Research Institute.

“High Bridge Pavilion was a strategic location selection,” said Chad Crouch, owner of Cre8tive Group. “The history behind the bridge project and the physical structure standing today model what we strive for in client partnerships. The bridge exists because parties with clear business objectives sought partnership with an agency of builders whose skills and judgment they trusted in applying the right design strategies. The result is an engineering marvel. We look for partners who trust us to take their ingenious ideas and business objectives somewhere similar. This year, we showcased 8 who did just that.

In addition to honoring these elite 8, Ingenuity 2006 was a way for Cre8tive Group to treat all of their clients and friends to an evening of entertainment. Local actor, Michael Friedman, performed a historical dramatization of life as a bridge builder during the construction of High Bridge. Kentucky musicians Al White and Jake Krack filled the air with spirited Bluegrass string music. White, a multi-instrumentalist, also directs the Berea Bluegrass Band. Jake Krack, a recognized master of the fiddle, has been featured in high profile print and radio outlets such as The New York Times and famous radio show A Prairie Home Companion. Complimenting the music was tray upon tray of decadent Kentucky flavors prepared and served by caterer, James T. Brashear.

“You would be hard pressed to find food more comforting and truly indicative of the area than deep fried cheddar corn fritters, country ham biscuits, miniature hot browns, and bourbon balls”, said Suzanne Sowards-Hamm, Cre8tive Group Design Manager and the event’s coordinator. “Our clients are leaders in their industries, who constantly challenge us to build their objectives and ingenious ideas into actuality. This event was a sincere thank you to all of them for that opportunity.”

Ingenuity Showcase 2006 was Cre8tive Group’s inaugural event of this kind. Giving a preemptive glance toward events to follow, Crouch says,“Each year, we will search for new locations and themes that highlight the achievements of our clients. This year was one of notable ingenuity; next year may be one of successful development campaigns or technological advancement. We look forward to whatever our clients have in store and the opportunity to honor them again.”

About Cre8tive Group

At Cre8tive Group, we are Cause Communicators. We work with social sector organizations that struggle with cause awareness and stakeholder commitment. Combining marketing best practices from socially responsible corporations, social entrepreneurs and innovative non-profits, we tell 8 stories that empower the business of common good. Learn more at www.cre8tivegroup.com

###

Wilmore, KY – July 6, 2006, at 1:13 pm

Project to bolster local economic health takes launches with a slip of paper

Throughout July and August, Wilmore businesses will be handing out an additional slip of paper with their invoices, receipts, and deposit slips. The quaint town is known for its character, colleges, religious heritage, but hardly as a hub for commerce. Chad Crouch, owner of Cre8tive Group, a Wilmore-based marketing and creative services firm, hopes to change that a bit. Collaborating with Wilmore’s City Hall, Cre8tive Group pioneered an effort to design, print, and distribute 4x8 slips of local business marketing called “Things To Do Without Leaving Wilmore.” The slips highlight 46 local businesses grouped into categories such as banks, salons, restaurants, and retail. Flip the list over and a hypothetical to-do list outlines a day’s worth of errands and services that can all be accomplished without leaving Wilmore’s city limits.

“It is pretty amazing. You don’t realize you can really do all of this right in Wilmore,” says Teri Jarrard, a graphic designer at Cre8tive Group and Wilmore resident for more than eight years.

The topic of local business health hits home for Crouch, a two-time graduate of Asbury College. His company, Cre8tive Group, opened its doors in 1996 at 304 East Main Street in the restored structure that was once Wilmore’s local hardware store.

“I recognize that our community is seriously affected by the success or failure of local business,” said Crouch. “As a small business owner, I feel a responsibility to do what I can to help the process. Wilmore has many unique and competitive businesses. Hopefully these slips of paper will play a small part in reminding residents to shop locally and take advantage of the resources we have.”

“Things To Do Without Leaving Wilmore” slips can be found at 46 businesses in Wilmore as well as at City Hall.

About Cre8tive Group
At Cre8tive Group, we are Cause Communicators. We work with social sector organizations that struggle with cause awareness and stakeholder commitment. Combining marketing best practices from socially responsible corporations, social entrepreneurs and innovative non-profits, we tell 8 stories that empower the business of common good. Learn more at www.cre8tivegroup.com

###