d.trio: The Year in Review

by Victoria Hoshal

WORK
2011 was digital at d.trio!  The demand for our digital services increased significantly – from website and micro-site development, landing pages and banner ads to email campaigns and online videos.

Our clients expanded their focus on integrated, multi-channel initiatives, as we saw across the marketing services industry. There were few stand-alone direct mail campaigns. Most clients used one or more additional customer engagement tactics, primarily email. This challenge of managing multiple channels and media is a top priority for most marketers. Read more from d.trio’s recent presentation to the Minnesota Retailers Association (read our B2B and B2C tips).

As bank marketers, d.trio could clearly see the effects of the economy and the changing financial regulations facing our clients. A return to card marketing, especially prepaid cards, was prominent. We also observed credit card activity increase as debit card reward programs were eliminated. Read more in this issue (Bank Marketing Trends for 2012).

Lastly, d.trio diversified its client base in higher education and the non-profit sector. We expanded our relationship with the University of Minnesota and welcomed Concordia University – St. Paul and the University of Wisconsin-Stout as new clients. We worked with the City of Belle Plaine to bring a new logo and branding to life. d.trio also partnered with Opportunity Services to help them promote their important work of assisting adults with developmental disabilities.

Throughout 2011, d.trio was challenged, inspired and rewarded with terrific clients and projects.

TALENT +4
An infusion of new talent took place at dtrio in 2011. The account team gained two Senior Account Executives with diverse experiences and complementary skills. Our first newbie, Julie Genung, has over a decade of project management know-how from agencies like Ogilvy & Mather and Wunderman and Fallon.  Julie’s calm demeanor and marketing insight are a great addition to our team.

Arriving next on the AE scene was Jordan Bainer who combines a bent for “big picture” strategy with attention to detail. Jordan’s experience base includes both higher education (think Bryn Mawr College and the University of Cincinnati) and consumer brands such as Proctor & Gamble, Jim Beam and Samsung.

Holly Jacobsen, Graphic Production Manager, joined us in May. Holly’s background encompasses over 15 years experience in graphic design, commercial art and prepress production.  Holly is that rare blend of creative and technical talents. She builds production-efficient works of art with ease and enthusiasm.

Since April Victoria Hoshal been charged with bringing in new clients and business to d.trio. As a direct marketer, entrepreneur and former business owner, Victoria brings over 25 years of real-world marketing experience and savvy to the process of developing clients and relationships. Her categories of expertise include higher education and B2C retail.

AWARDS – ALWAYS APPRECIATED!
Awards are icing on the cake. This year we had our cake with triple frosting!  d.trio won Best In Show and TWO Gold Awards at the 2011 MDMA (@MidwestDMA) ARC Awards with Turf Wars. Turf Wars was a unique client-engagement campaign that increased our Facebook  Interactions by 833% and Likes by 900%. On the d.trio website, Turf Wars generated a 1225% increase in site visits and an 802% increase in unique visitors. No typos….these are authentic three and four digit increases!