Here is the latest free web seminar from our innovation series which is taking place on Wednesday, September 16 from 2:00-3:00pm EDT. It is being led by Bob Langert, Vice President of Corporate Social Responsibility, McDonald’s. Here’s a brief description of the web seminar:

Learn from Bob Langert, Vice President of Corporate Social Responsibility about McDonald’s eco-innovation journey, specifically highlighting their current focus on sustainable supply chain management practices. Bob delivers:

• Lessons learned from various NGO/academic collaborations
• Experiences with what has worked and not worked
• Tips about communicating internally and externally

Bob joined McDonald’s in 1983, with management positions in logistics and packaging purchasing in the 80s; and responsibilities for environment, energy management, animal welfare, Ronald McDonald Children’s Charities, emerging issues’ management, and, most recently, social responsibility in the 90’s through today. His current responsibilities with McDonald’s include:

• Social responsibility efforts, including McDonald’s social responsibility reporting
• Global environmental management systems and issues
• Global supply chain issues (e.g., sustainable agriculture, biotechnology, animal agricultural and animal welfare programs)
• Issues management
• Part of McDonald’s “Balanced, Active Lifestyles” team

Register here: http://bit.ly/KtqCm

Mention priority code M2190W1BLOG

This blog post on the NY Times highlights research conducted by comScore which shows that only 11 percent of Twitter users are between the ages of 12 to17. The success of Twitter has instead been driven by a more elder group. Another example that the use of social media has grown within an older age group is Forrester’s latest report which shows that social networking by people aged 35 to 54 grew 60 percent in the last year.

This goes to show you that teens are using these technologies, but they are more fickle and don’t tend to stick to one type of network. Just like how they helped grow MySpace and Friendster, but then soon moved over to Facebook. Marketers will have to understand this concept fully before trying to reach teens on Twitter.

In the New York Times, they look at how Anheuser-Busch may be crossing the line this fall season by advertising and promoting university color themed beer cans near universities all around the nation.  The FTC believes that this is a way to promote drinking to those under age, and has strongly encouraged Anheuser-Busch to halt their current campaign.

In addition to the FTC speaking out, many universities have too.   University of Michigan, University of Colorado, Oklahoma State University, Texas A&M University, and Boston College are among the schools that fear that the colored beer cans may convey the idea that the schools OK underaged drinking.

Read the full article here.

Many college sports fans are starting to see their team’s colors emblazoned across Anheuser-Busch’s beer cans–and this has the FTC worried. The Wall Street Journal reports that, Janet Evans, a senior FTC attorney who oversees alcohol advertising, says the federal agency has “grave concern” that the campaign could encourage underage and binge drinking on college campuses. Dozens of schools have protested the promotion, with some threatening legal action over trademark issues.

Should Anheuser-Busch pull the plug on its themed cans?

Is it possible to save the planet by paving it?
Can a good box help feed a growing population?
Will prescription drug packages make patients healthier?

Discover the answers in three revealing case studies that demonstrate proven strategies for “making money and doing good.” Bruce Thomas will talk about MWV’s sustainable innovations such as Evotherm (a warm-paving product that reduces air emissions), Shellpak (an adherence package for prescription drugs), and fresh produce packaging (designed to increase agricultural exports from Brazil).

In the course of these case studies, Thomas will shed light on the growing opportunity for innovators to provide sustainable solutions that meet the economic, social and environmental challenges of governments and consumers in emerging markets – as well as here at home.

Learn more as Bruce shares first-hand experiences that will show you how to:
• Design sustainable products specifically for emerging markets
• Determine which products “play well” in other countries
• Talk to government leaders and get them to listen
• Address the burning needs of consumers around the world

About the speaker
Bruce Thomas, Senior Vice President, Global Market Strategy and Emerging Markets, MWV Corporation

Bruce Thomas, is a leading voice on the challenges and opportunities associated with business development in emerging markets. In his role as chief strategist for MWV’s global market development, he leads several initiatives aimed at delivering profitable growth through innovation and expansion in key emerging markets such as China, India and Eastern Europe.

Date: Thu, Oct 8, 2009 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM EDT
Register Here: https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/596457225
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In a recent article at Web CPA, they point out that now is not the time to quit marketing.  In fact, it’s just the opposite.  It’s time to increase your marketing efforts.  While you’re loosing companies and patrons business due to the economic fall out, market your products and services to bring more in.  There are always people seeking your product or service.  It’s also a good time to try new marketing channels such as the internet or reaching out to new markets.

Read Gary Shamis’ full view on ramping up your marketing here.

Restaurants looking to make extra money during this tight economy should not rule out marketing heavily to families and kids. According to Restaurants and Institutions Mag, a Chicago-based research firm NPD Group recently reported that the average guest party with children is more than twice as large as grownups-only parties, pushing check averages up nearly $8.

Deals, discounts and value meals are more important than ever for encouraging families to go out to eat. R&I’s 2009 New American Diner Study found that among respondents who feel restaurants should be more family-friendly, 58% would like to see them offer more discounts and value-based options. A number of operators, including Spartanburg, S.C.-based Denny’s, invite kids to eat free on certain days when parents purchase an entrée.

Thinking about marketing to this segment, what would be the most beneficial to your brand? In-restuaurant marketing? Special discounts?

Seth explains in this post on his blog that it can be quite hard for companies to explain the long tale to their customers and prospects. The story for each company can change from year to year, month to month, and even day to day. Outside factors like environmental changes and market regulations can easy change and have an impact on your company’s tale. Businesses must be able to share this part of the tale to its customers. Is your company effectively doing that?

Seth Godin’s Blog 

In a recent article at THR Technology, they look at how the major television networks are turning to digital platforms to give their new shows a boost come this fall.  NBC, ABC, and Fox are looking to Twitter to generate a word-of-mouth buzz to promote the new fall lineup.  Word of mouth marketing is evolving and by targeting specific groups of viewers, but each viewing group has different methods through which the networks target them through social media efforts.  However, according to the networks, the best promotions comes from on air commericals on their networks.

Read the full article here.

According to MediaPost.com, Latin music and lifestyle publisher Batanga has launched an ad network with a combined reach of roughly 15 million unique visitors. 

According to a new eMarketer report, in 2009, the number of U.S. Hispanics online is estimated to grow by 7.9%, exceeding 22 million users. Time spent online is also growing rapidly, with data showing that U.S. Hispanics are spending over 26 hours online per month — a 12.5% year-over-year rise.

The launch of the network comes on the heels of the company’s recent implementation of new targeting technology, which allows marketers to target contextually and behaviorally in both Spanish and English, as well as automatically analyze Web pages across its network in both languages to locate relevant content.

Brand partners including Verizon, Sears and Sprint have already begun testing the new technology.

Will we see a continued boom with the Latin market? What other sectors are embracing the Latin community?