news
January 2012
Dan Burkee hired as Public Relations Director.
We're pleased to announce the hiring of Dan Burkee as Public Relations Director. Dan has handled national, regional and local business in the B2B and B2C arenas. He's a strong writer, planner and strategist whose work has been honored by the Business Marketing Association. He has experience in in both public relations and account service at Bader Rutter & Associates, Todd Robert Murphy and LePoidevin Marketing. He also has nonprofit experience, (as executive director of Old World Wisconsin Foundation), association experience (for the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology) and corporate marketing & business development (at Park Bank and LandAmerica). Dan will work closely with STIR's clients who are in need of public relations. Outside of work, Dan sings in the Heart of Harmony, a men's acapella chorus, and serves on its board as vice president of marketing & public relations.
December 2011
Lori Lanza hired as Media Manager.
We're pleased to announce the hiring of Lori Lanza as Media Manager. Lori has researched, planned, placed and trafficked traditional and nontraditional media for national and local clients. She has worked for a number of agencies and companies including Versant, Batteries Plus and Creative Suit & Tighe. Her experience includes working on accounts within the transportation, retail, tourism, and financial industries. Her former clients include Milwaukee County Transit System, Shopko, Batteries Plus, Miller Visitor Center, and Bank Mutual. Lori will work closely with STIR's clients and all their media needs. Outside of work Lori is an avid Packers and Brewers fan and also practices yoga.
November 2011
STIR recently launched a new site for Agnesian HealthCare.
After years of serving as a beacon for their organization it was time for Agnesian HealthCare's site to be replaced with a brand new site. Part of a rebranding effort for Agnesian HealthCare included a website redesign. We strategically designed the site to be more aesthetically pleasing to the eyes. Additional navigation organization was implemented including a more streamlined physician search as well as many other innovative new features.
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STIR Launches new mobile site for Visit Savannah.
For the first time in history visitors in Savannah, Georgia will be able to access a mobile site, created and designed by STIR, that will help guide them through the city to ensure that they get the most out of their stay. Savannah, Georgia is a national tourist destination. Visit Savannah assigned us to develop a mobile site that would give visitors instant access to information on restaurants, museums and everything else Savannah has to offer.
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October 2011
Lee Tse hired as Senior Art Director
We're pleased to announce the hiring of Lee Tse as Senior Art Director. Lee comes from a strong background in design with a degree from Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design and over 16 years of professional experience as a creative and art director. Lee has worked with major clients such as Harley-Davidson, Kohl's Department Stores, Brady Corporation, Valpak, Milwaukee County Zoo, and many other well-established names. Lee's work includes co-founding his own advertising agency, project and team management, as well as brand building. "Lee's work has strong branding messages alongside creative, unique, one-of-a-kind designs. As the new Senior Art Director, Lee will be focusing on work for clients such as InControl Medical, Cousins Subs, and many other existing clienteles here at STIR. We are pleased to have Lee join us here at STIR, he is a great addition to our team," said STIR's Partner/Executive Creative Director, Bill Kresse.
September 2011
Karin Oliver-Kreft hired as Account Supervisor
We're pleased to announce the hiring of Karin Oliver-Kreft as Account Supervisor. Karin began her marketing career at Doner Advertising in Detroit, working on national clients such as Blockbuster Video, Helzberg Diamonds, PETsMART, PNC Bank, and Six Flags. Since then Karin has worked at a number of other agencies including People To My Site where she oversaw strategy and development for traditional and interactive marketing clients. Outside of work, Karin was the lead singer of international recording artists, His Name Is Alive. She is happily married, and spends her time touring apple orchards, cooking, learning about Japanese pop-culture, writing fiction, and updating her blog.
August 2011
STIR posters featured in Communication Arts
A poster campaign STIR created for the Jalapeño Eating Contest sponsored by the Wisconsin State Fair was featured in the highly respected Communication Arts portfolio section.
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July 2011
Cousins Subs has appointed STIR as agency of record for advertising and promotions
As Cousins Subs approaches their 40th anniversary they called upon STIR to help reinvigorate their brand. "STIR will be our agency of record, working with us on all advertising strategies and creative, media production and purchasing media on behalf of our coops." Christine Specht, President & Chief Operating Officer said, "We will be working closely with STIR to ensure that our strategic initiatives are fully aligned with the execution of our brand positioning and advertising. It will be a great opportunity for the future. This isn't business as usual!"
May 2011
InControl Medical chooses STIR to launch new national product
InControl Medical is launching a breakthrough new device to treat female incontinence. STIR will launch a fully integrated campaign including a website, print advertising, collateral materials, social media and an extensive public relations campaign.
April 2011
STIR adds Visit Savannah to its roster
STIR has been assigned by Visit Savannah to promote tourism for Savannah, Georgia, which is a historical, outstanding national destination. STIR will begin their journey by developing a mobile site. "This is a extremely exciting project for us and it further enhances our tourism credentials in the areas of mobile and destination marketing." Brian Bennett said.
January 2011
STIR ad featured in Graphis 100 Best in Advertising
An ad STIR created for Urban Motorworx was selected by prestigious international publication Graphis for its 100 Best in Advertising 2011 edition. View Work
December 2010
STIR helps the Wisconsin State Fair win gold
STIR’s 2010 summer campaign for the Wisconsin State Fair has earned multiple first-place awards and numerous other awards at the Competitive Exhibits and Communications Awards during the annual International Association of Fairs and Expositions conference in Las Vegas. “Marketers often express frustration over the ability to have a collaborative partnership that melds in-house and agency creative groups. The Wisconsin State Fair allowed us to do what we do best – provide them with engaging creative, all while working closely with their in-house talent. As a result, the client has a campaign that is recognized as the best in the nation - all on a very modest budget.” Brian Bennett said.
November 2010
George W. in the house
One of our favorite charities to work on is Teen Challenge, Milwaukee. They help transform the lives of those battling with drug addiction. Recently, they needed to raise some big dollars. The solution was to bring in a heavyweight. President George W. Bush accepted our invitation and spoke at the 2010 Teen Challenge Fund Raiser. Nearly 3,000 people attended including enough press to generate over $2 million in media. STIR managed the media and the Secret Service. Or did they manage us?
October 2010
Your visits to STIR now come with a view
After eight years in the Blatz Building, STIR pulled up stakes and moved to the top floor of the Germania Building, one of the few older, more historic structures in Milwaukee. The space was fully reconfigured for us and has a beautiful view of the city. Please, stop by and pay us a visit. We have a fully stocked bar.
September 2010
STIR ad featured in Communication Arts
An ad campaign STIR created for Sonora Hunting Association was featured in the highly respected Communication Arts online portfolio section.
August 2010
Pete Rathkamp hired to head up Digital Strategy
We’re pleased to announce the hiring of Pete Rathkamp as Director of Digital Strategy. Pete is a tremendously talented individual with impeccable credentials in the digital environment. He is already deeply involved in the development of three major web sites and is leading the charge on many other elements including presentations and online research.
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