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Innova Ideas & Services is a flexible alternative to the traditional advertising agency business model. With Innova as your partner, you can get the marketing assistance you want, to the scale you need. 

Innova has played a role as a value-added resource ever since we first opened our doors in 1998. Our goal was to offer affordable creative solutions to complement the print and production capabilities of our sister company, Sigler Printing.

Innova is a part of Sigler Companies, which offers end-to-end creative, production and distribution services. We have 3 locations in Iowa and work with clients worldwide.

At Innova Ideas & Services, we are driven to create great work with our clients’ goals in mind, whatever they may be. More traffic. More buzz. More sales.

But if we can make it cool? That’s where it gets fun for us – and powerful for you. People remember you better. People like you more.

Over the years, we’ve created award-winning, results-yielding advertising, from posters and billboards to websites and newsletters. Our inspiration takes many forms, as you can see from our samples above.

To add your name to our portfolio of great work, please contact us.

Considering creativity as a career? Innova Ideas & Services is a fun, fast-paced work environment where fresh ideas are always welcome.

It’s a team-oriented atmosphere that puts a unique spin on the traditional advertising agency.

We take pride in producing great work. We also believe strongly in integrity, dedication, professionalism and positive behavior. Our mission: To be the most competitive communication and marketing company in the United States by creating a culture that motivates and cares for our people, and serves our customers with passion.

Sound like the place for you? You may be the right person for us.

Check for current job opportunities to the right.

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We’re gathering up the great campaigns, important events, funny videos, useful tools and random stuff that catches our attention. Here are some of the coolest finds for the week, in no particular order…

You want handy? Check out www.typetester.org. It’s a great tool for any web designers out there, whether your sites are professional or personal. Typetester allows you to do side-by-side comparisons of 3 different sets of screen type, using the exact same sample copy. You can also fiddle with size, leading, color, decoration and more. Compare typefaces. Contrast styles. Kick the tires. Test drive your site content before you design it.

Innova expert to share Latino perspective on cycling at community planning and advocacy conference.

DES MOINES, Iowa, January 26, 2010 – Nannette Rodríguez, Director of Hispanic Marketing for Innova Ideas & Services, will be a featured presenter at the 2010 Iowa Bicycle Summit at 1 p.m. Saturday, January 30, at Hy-Vee Hall.

Rodríguez will speak on Latinos and their relationship with the bicycle. Her presentation, "A Latino Perspective on Cycling: Beyond Transportation," will offer attendees a real portrait of the Hispanic cyclist in America, an exploration of the cultural reasons that make for cycling's reality within this demographic and how to reach out to this population in our community.

Rodríguez brings a unique perspective to the Iowa Bicycle Summit. Born in Puerto Rico, Rodríguez is no stranger to BMX, road and a little mountain biking, and has experienced firsthand the contrasts between being a cyclist in Latin America versus the United States. An Iowa resident since 1996, Rodríguez is also an active member of the Iowa Bicycle Coalition and orchestrated a partnership to launch "Another Way to Roll" – a T-shirt designed to raise funds for the Iowa Bicycling Coalition. The T-shirt is part of the "Greater Than Goods" collection – a fundraising apparel movement and online store created by Sigler Companies.

The 2010 Iowa Bicycle Summit is presented by the Iowa Bicycle Coalition, the state's largest bicycling advocacy group. The Coalition works to educate and build partnerships to establish safe and enjoyable bicycle transportation and recreation networks throughout Iowa.

The Summit will offer best practices in bicycle advocacy and community building education, and will feature 20 speakers presenting a variety of topics including: bicycle facility design innovations, safe routes to school successes, bike safety, new marketing ideas for cycling and "Ride Right," a safe practices series closely aligned with RAGBRAI, Iowa's premier bicycling event.

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About Innova
Innova Ideas & Services is one of Iowa's top marketing and creative services agencies in number of employees and earnings. With offices in Des Moines and Ames, Innova provides strategic marketing, public relations, graphic design, Web design, copywriting and event management. Innova's clients cross the nation and virtually all business sectors, including education, finance, health care, manufacturing and not-for-profit organizations. Additional information is available at www.innovaideasandservices.com.

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CONTACT

During their transition from affiliation with a large financial group to their own shop, Marrs was concerned their clients would lose trust. They sought a quick, seamless transition and a new brand to express their experience in wealth management for high-end clients. Innova developed the Marrs logo and built their brand through a distinct color palette on stationery and other collateral. A brand standards guide was developed to protect Marrs’ new brand at its onset.

AMES, Iowa, Feb. 16, 2011 – BlueMailCentral, a Dutch-based Web-to-print network with an international presence in 32 countries, has selected Sigler Companies as its exclusive service provider in the United States. BlueMailCentral lets individuals and companies print and deliver documents worldwide for a flat fee, saving up to 88 percent versus the traditional effort and time involved with printing, assembling and applying postage.

The addition of Sigler Companies as a BlueMailCentral network provider means that the Iowa-based company will now print and mail online requests received from more than 30 countries. BlueMailCentral simplifies the process by printing and delivering the documents as close to the destination as possible.

“For example, we’re receiving Web-to-print requests coming from Venezuela to mail documents to the United States,” said Jeff Oleson, business solutions analyst at Sigler. “Through BlueMailCentral, they can print documents from their personal computers in Venezuela directly to our presses here in Iowa. Sigler then prints and sends their document via the USPS [U.S. Postal Service] to the final U.S. destination. It’s quicker and bypasses international post, saving postage costs, fulfillment and delivery time. The process also reduces the environmental impact of global postal delivery.”

“We selected Sigler Companies because of their range of complementary services, their location, but above all, the relationship we’ve established,” said Colin de Vries, owner and founder of BlueMailCentral. “Even though Sigler’s processes weren’t identical to ours, they worked to adapt and fit their workflow to service BlueMailCentral’s customers – not every print company can do that.”

As a Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified printer, Sigler could also ensure that all BlueMailCentral’s Web-to-print requests were printed following the FSC chain to meet the standards set for responsible forest use, management and sustainability. This includes paper with 10 percent recycled content.

“We’ve been quick to recognize that print is not dying; it’s changing,” said Sigler Companies President Beth Cross. “Sigler’s involvement as the U.S. BlueMailCentral provider is a solid partnership that required investing in the latest technology and training to oversee BlueMailCentral’s fulfillment in America.”

Sigler completed the first BlueMailCentral print request on Jan. 24 and is now printing on a daily basis.

About BlueMailCentral
BlueMailCentral is a Dutch company specializing in international hybrid mail. Customers can send their documents in a digital form to BlueMailCentral’s server from any application. Documents are then sent to the designated country for printing and delivery by the local mail service. This can be done using BlueMailCentral’s software or Application Programmable Interface (API). All documents are encrypted before being uploaded to BlueMailCentral’s server. All printing locations have top-of-the-line equipment and have all the necessary safety measures in place to ensure the contents of documents are never disclosed. BlueMailCentral’s network includes printing locations in 32 countries worldwide, with many more currently being negotiated, taking the total to 70.

About Sigler Companies
Sigler Companies is the parent company of Innova Ideas & Services, a creative services agency with offices in Des Moines and Ames, Iowa; Sigler Printing, a premier printing and production house; and Signify, a branded apparel and merchandise business. Sigler Companies was founded in Ames in 1958 as Sigler Printing. In its 52-year history, the company has continued to expand its capabilities, and currently offers clients across the United States a comprehensive marketing communications solution of creative services, printing and promotions. Sigler Companies is privately held. Additional information is available at www.siglercompanies.com.

CONTACT:
Scott Stuart, Sigler Companies
515-697-7226
scott.stuart@sigler.com
www.siglercompanies.com

To meet growing demand, we are adding a marketing strategist to our downtown Des Moines office. The marketing strategist will:

• Pro-actively bring new ideas, concepts and projects to the client for consideration
• Guide strategic marketing efforts, focusing on long-range needs and objectives
• Keep pulse on the industry, fostering innovative ideas to push the business forward
• Conduct or supervise additional research, as appropriate
• Facilitate strategic planning, actively engaging both the client and account team
• Build relationships internally and externally
• Coordinate implementation, with the assistance of the account team
• Work toward measurable success, providing timely analysis and reporting

Requirements:

• Minimum of 3-5 years professional experience in strategic marketing
• Background in agriculture or technology industry
• Mobile marketing, social media and media planning experience
• Bachelor’s degree in marketing or related field

Location:
Des Moines, Iowa

Send résumé to:
Human Resources – Sigler Companies
3100 South Riverside, Ames, IA 50010
hr@sigler.com

AMES, Iowa, February 15, 2011 – Sigler Companies has streamlined its production capabilities by merging data-mining technology with variable data printing. This capability allows Sigler to produce and deliver personalized communications exactly when and where customers need them. Sigler’s investment in GMC Software Technology’s PrintNet Enterprise Solution offers its customers a combination of transactional and promotional marketing through printed materials.

PrintNet enables Sigler’s presses to create individualized printed materials containing sequenced and non-sequenced data, Universal Product Codes (UPC), Quick Response (QR) codes and other variable data based on identifiers in a database.

The software investment will allow Sigler’s equipment to process upwards of 1.5 million variable data records in about 10 minutes and can export native output files to allow Sigler to partner with other GMC PrintNet vendors on grand-scale projects.

“This investment represents a quantum leap for our production capabilities,” said Jeff Oleson, Business Solutions Analyst for Sigler Companies. “From a capacity standpoint, PrintNet magnifies our output exponentially through the use of state-of-the-art inhouse variable data technology. Additionally, the capacity to add modules for automation, web-based controls and other utilities are available to help us expand,” added Oleson.

Sigler Companies’ investment in PrintNet also included the training of a six-person team to implement and manage the technology through the company’s production workflow. The software is considered the global standard in personalized communications.

“We selected PrintNet because it allows us to integrate transpromotional and multi-channel customer communications,” said Beth Cross, President of Sigler Companies. “As it stands, companies wanting to design and print a direct mail piece with variable QR codes, a Personalized Universal Resource Locator (PURL) and a unique numerical sequence all in one, may have to work with multiple vendors to get it produced. PrintNet allows us to generate, manage and print large, multi-part variable data runs in a single stream.”

About Sigler Companies – A Global Approach to Marketing Communications
Sigler Companies is the parent company of Innova Ideas & Services, a creative services agency with offices in Des Moines and Ames, Iowa; Sigler Printing, a premier printing and production house; and Signify, a branded apparel and merchandise business. Sigler Companies was founded in Ames in 1958 as Sigler Printing. In its 53-year history, the company has continued to expand its capabilities, and currently offers clients across the United States a comprehensive marketing communications solution of creative services, printing and promotions. Sigler Companies is privately held. Additional information is available at www.siglercompanies.com.

CONTACT:
Scott Stuart, Sigler Companies
515-697-7226
scott.stuart@sigler.com
www.siglercompanies.com

Developed exclusively for formal recruitment, Innova’s Campus Director software is the smart way to simplify recruiting. The online solution allows colleges and universities to manage fees, schedule events, send invites, complete bid-matching and more – all from a single secure source. Campus Director offers everything needed to manage recruitment easily and affordably.

Sigler Companies Earns Recycling Excellence Award for Third Consecutive Year

AMES, Iowa, March 3, 2009 – For a third straight year, Sigler Companies has received the Recycling Excellence Award from Mid-America Recycling Co., Des Moines, Iowa.

Sigler, composed of Sigler Printing and branded-apparel business Signify Promotions plus creative-services agency Innova Ideas & Services, was cited for its collection of more than 980 tons of recyclable material in 2008.

The honor builds on similar efforts in 2006 and 2007, and brings the total amount of recycled material to more than 2,550 tons over the three-year stretch. Sigler Companies president Beth Cross believes the award is representative of the organization's commitment to the environment.

"We've worked hard to positively impact the environment," Cross said. "We sincerely thank Mid-America Recycling for recognizing our efforts in recycling. The credit for this award also goes to our co-workers who are passionate about initiating and supporting our company's environmental programs."

Sigler Companies’ 2008 efforts are equivalent to the following resource conservation:  

• Nearly 16,500 trees
• More than 6.75 million gallons of water
• More than 58,000 pounds of air pollution
• Nearly 4 million kilowatt hours of electricity
• Nearly 3,200 cubic yards of landfill space

Sigler Companies has established itself as a green printer through certification with the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI). Other green printing practices include concentric printing, a revolutionary technology that uses 25 percent to 35 percent less ink than the traditional printing process, and adoption of inks free of volatile organic compounds (known as no-VOC or VOC-free inks). Offices throughout Sigler Companies have also taken energy and water conservation steps to help minimize the impact on the environment.

Employees have led the charge for green initiatives by forming the Sigler Companies Green Committee more than a year ago. The group researches and provides guidance on best practices, in addition to sending out weekly tips electronically to help co-workers easily take eco-friendly steps at work and home. The group will continue to work to make changes throughout the company on a continually broader scale.

"We're proud of the progress we've made with our recycling and green programs," Cross said. "We look forward to meeting the challenge of continually reducing our impact on the environment."

About Sigler Companies
Sigler Companies is the parent company of Innova Ideas & Services, a creative services agency with offices in Des Moines and Ames, Iowa; Sigler Printing, a premier printing and production house; and Signify Promotions, an apparel and promotions business. Sigler Companies was founded in Ames in 1958 as Sigler Printing. In its 50-year history, the company has continued to expand its capabilities, and currently offers clients across the United States an end-to-end solution of creative services, printing and promotions. Sigler Companies is privately held. Additional information is available at www.siglercompanies.com.

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CONTACT

According to a recent Wall Street Journal article, not surprisingly, small businesses are starting to embrace social media more and more:

Last year, social-media adoption by businesses with fewer than 100 employees doubled to 24% from 12%, says a survey released in January of 2,000 U.S. entrepreneurs from the University of Maryland's Smith School of Business and Network Solutions LLC, a Web-services provider in Herndon, Va.

Just because its adoption is on the rise, does that mean social media is right for small businesses? I say that depends on where your customers are. Start with some simple searches to get a feel for where conversations are happening.

A good place to start is setting up alerts through Google or Socialmention.com. Take some time to simply track where the conversation is coming from. Evaluate the tone of the conversations. Are there opportunities for you to contribute, by adding a comment on a blog post or responding to a tweet? Do you see a need for more content or insight from your own blog?

Sometimes people see Twitter and Facebook as massive sites that only large retail corporations with resources can benefit from. When you take a closer look, you see that it’s all in how you use these sites.

As a small business, you probably don’t need to speak to the millions of people on Twitter. You are looking for the thousands or just the few hundreds that may be interested in your product or service. Twitter is what you make of it - you only need to follow the people that matter to your business and hopefully they follow you back and then, voila…you’ve just created your own "twittersphere." Now you just need to spend time getting to know these people and understanding how you can add value to the conversation. (I guarantee you it’s not by sending links to your website 8 times a day.)

You can use a similar strategy with Facebook. Find the people that care about your brand and build a Facebook Page for those people. Target them with ads, provide useful, fun content and get them sharing your page through their social actions (i.e., Jenny commented on a picture on your site, it shows up on her profile and lists in her news feed to her friends).

More to the point, find out where your audience is. Perhaps the best place to speak to them is within a niche network on Ning, where like-minded people discuss specific topics. For example, you could find a group of people supporting autism research or people passionate about skydiving.

Maybe your audience would enjoy seeing videos of your product in use and YouTube makes sense. Perhaps your customers would thrive on earning discounts from checking in through Foursquare. It could be that your customers are looking for specific product scenarios that could be demonstrated on your blog. Or maybe they just want to download your most recent consulting presentation from Slideshare.

With many small businesses, one person may be handling all the marketing or maybe an owner is trying to juggle sales, marketing, accounting and HR all at once. This is where time-management and careful use of resources becomes critical. Utilize tools like Hootsuite, Tweetdeck or simply put an egg-timer on your desk and give yourself 45 minutes in the morning and afternoon to work on your social media presence.

Think of it like this… if you treat social media interactions like you are having a face-to-face conversation with one of your customers, you can’t really go wrong. You just need to find out where they are so you can initiate that conversation in the first place.

~ Nicole, Senior Marketing Strategist

IT/Web Developer

Innova Ideas & Services, a premier marketing and creative services agency under the umbrella of Sigler Companies, is seeking an experienced IT/Web Developer for our Ames office. Must be organized with good time management skills, and have the ability to work well under pressure and handle multiple deadlines simultaneously.

IT/Web Developer

• Program and maintain websites, develop internet applications, perform database administration and integrate sites with back-end applications.
• Write custom scripts to accommodate client needs.
• Professionally trained in, or has ample actual experience working with various scripting languages.
• Strategic problem solver, comfortable with taking direction and ability to work with a variety of people on deadline- and budget-based projects.

Education and Experience:

Bachelors degree in Computer Science, MIS or Computer Engineering with at least one year of hands-on experience in Web development and database development; or an Associates degree in Computer Programming and equivalent experience; or three or more years of solid, hands-on experience in Web development and database development.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

• Understanding of Windows Operating Systems
• Must be proficient in CSS, JavaScript, HTML, PHP
• Proficiency with database driven development and SQL
• Experienced in .NET programming languages of C# and/or Visual Basic
• Some experience with Perl
• Some proficiency in Office applications, especially Excel as it relates to data manipulation
• Some experience using Visual Studio
• Some knowledge of IIS and Apache web server administration
• Some experience performing simple administrative tasks on Linux and/or Windows servers
• Understand fundamentals of web software and applications
• Understanding of how web servers and web clients interact
• Some experience with at least one content management system
• Must be self-directed yet work well with a team
• Must possess strong problem solving skills: ability to break down complex projects, think outside the box and be solutions-oriented
• Ability to prioritize, manage multiple tasks, be accurate, organized and have keen attention to detail
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing

Submit resume to:
HR Manager - Sigler Companies
3100 South Riverside Drive
Ames, IA 50010
hr@sigler.com

We just launched our latest Sigler Companies 13-month calendar for 2010-2011. If you weren't one of the lucky ones to receive our calendar - or want to relive the experience from the comfort of your electronic devices - have we got a treat for you!

You can now download the April design for your desktop or your cellphone! Download from the options below:

Computer Wallpaper (1680x1050)

Download

Cellphone Wallpaper (Vertical)

Download

Cellphone Wallpaper (Horizontal)

Download

P.S. Our theme for this year's calendar was "Redefining" - so look for a twist on common industry terms with each month's design!

So you’ve spent all this money developing a kick-ass website, optimized for search engines and oozing with well-distributed keywords. But where is the ROI? Who is looking at it? Better yet, what kind of conversions are you creating?

Your customer’s search habits are evolving. The way they find you is changing. Take a minute to look at all the possible ways a visitor might locate your website.

One of the key things to keep in mind is what your social presence looks like. Do you have well-developed social profiles that engage your customers and prospects and encourage them to dig deeper, conveniently by leading back to your website?

From an updated content standpoint, have you created blog posts or developed white papers that would add value to a customer relationship, draw them further into your site and keep them coming back?

Don’t forget some of the more traditional tactics to drive traffic. A 2009 study from IProspect indicated that nearly 40% of online purchases are still influenced by an offline channel. In the study, participants were asked what prompted them to search online for a particular company, product, service or slogan. The results were:

• Television advertisement: 44%
• Word of Mouth: 41%
• Magazine/Newspaper Advertisement: 35%
• Radio: 23%
• Billboard: 13%

The key takeaway here is to thoroughly examine ALL channels and develop a truly integrated marketing strategy. Go beyond search engine optimization, but use the same sensibilities - relevant content, frequent updates and that all-important lead back to your URL. Your website and your budget will thank you.

~Nicole, Senior Marketing Strategist

1. Big Omaha. A stellar event brought big names in innovation, entrepreneurship and social media to the Midwest. (And for once, it wasn't Chicago or Minneapolis.) Innova sent a group of our coworkers to the Big Omaha event to rub elbows with Internet superstars like Tony Hsieh (Zappos CEO), Dennis Crowley (founder of foursquare) and Gary Vaynerchuck (Wine Library). Our gang returned inspired, motivated and slightly more proficient in the running man! More on that in a post coming later this week...

2. Square. Speaking of entrepreneurs…thanks to Square, now ANYONE can have a business that accepts credit card payments. All you need is a phone! (Android or iPhone, that is.) It even has a built-in loyalty program that can send the merchant customized notifications based on repeat business. This is something many small businesses could use, as a recent report shows that of the 30 million businesses in the U.S. with under $100k in revenue, only 6 million accept credit cards. Read more on Square…

3. Small to Big Business Forum. The Greater Des Moines Partnership hosted the Small to Big Business Forum on May 11. The forum is a roundtable, round-robin event held every year to help facilitate business-to-business networking. Participants have the opportunity to meet with representatives from Aviva USA, Bankers Trust, Bridgestone, Des Moines University, Des Moines Water Works, Marsh, Pioneer, Prairie Meadows, The Principal Financial Group, Wells Fargo and Polk County. Each participant gets a chance to share information about their company and the products and services they provide.

Our very own Tyler Koontz, Account Executive, attended the event. This is what he had to say: “Some walked away with a better idea of where they stand as a business and what steps they need to take in order to fully take advantage of these types of networking events. I think if someone is truly wanting to network, having an event where people use minglesticks would be a great advantage!”

4. Des Moines Egotist. Last week marked the launch of the Des Moines Egotist, a site that “serves up news on design, advertising and other creative resources to the Iowa advertising community.” The Des Moines Egotist is part of a larger network that started in Denver and now includes San Francisco, Salt Lake City, St. Louis and Des Moines. You may be wondering what Des Moines did to deserve such an awesome new resource. According to the site, it's “[b]ecause we believe Des Moines could be the next Mecca of creativity. It just doesn’t know it yet.” We look forward to the challenge!

5. ARTCRANK. Dubbed as a "poster show for bike people," ARTCRANK rolled into Des Moines 2 weeks ago. Opening night was packed, with bike and art enthusiasts forming a line out the door and around the corner, all waiting to see bike-inspired artwork from a number of local artists (including designers from Innova and Sigler Companies as well as other area agencies). The show ends on May 29, so there's still time to check out all the posters - and even make a purchase which will benefit the Des Moines Bike Collective - at the Instinct Gallery in downtown Des Moines.

We’re gathering up campaigns, events, videos, tools and random stuff that catches our attention. Here are some of the coolest finds from the last couple of weeks, in order of typing convenience…

1. Target's "LOST" Ads. Target rewarded LOST fans last Sunday with a 3-part ad series that paid homage to the show. Smoke monster crashing your campsite? Pick up a smoke detector at your local Target. Wreck your keyboard entering the numbers 4, 8, 15, 16, 23 & 42 over and over again? They've got a replacement for you. Chasing down a wild boar? Hey, guess who has 99-cent bottles of BBQ sauce. Smart stuff, and LOST fans noticed.

2. Market Day. Looking for a different kind of shopping experience? Check out Des Moines' Market Day. Held once a month, Market Day is a chance for people to browse and buy original creations made by local artists and crafters. According to the Market Day website, the spirit of the event is "arts festival meets bohemian garage sale." From vintage clothing to restored furniture to handmade books, there's something for everyone. Tomorrow marks the first Market Day of the season.

3. Art & Copy Streaming on Netflix. Can't wait for the new season of Mad Men to get your advertising fix? Netflix subscribers can now instantly watch the advertising film Art & Copy. Stream it on your computer, hook your laptop up to your TV or even watch it via the Wii. Heck, add Helvetica to your instant queue for a creative movie marathon. Pop some corn, get inspired.

4. Star Wars Art. Check out these Star Wars-inspired prints from artist James Hance. Who couldn't use a painting of Ewoks playing poker on their wall? Or Cary Grant running from a tie fighter, in a scene straight out of North by Northwest? Or a homeless stormtrooper? Or Princess Leia as the Mona Lisa? File under irrelevant but fun.

5. Stanley Steemer Ads. Yes, the new Nike soccer ad is magnificent. No surprises there. However, what’s got us all fired up lately is the new Stanley Steemer campaign by Young & Laramore in Indianapolis. They reinvented Stanley Steemer without changing their core identity: a big yellow van comes to your house to clean. However, they've reinforced their value proposition with humor and somehow managed to make themselves seem modern, despite using the same old logo and a vintage jingle. You can watch a sample spot below - you can check out the rest at Stanley Steemer's YouTube channel.

We're a big believer in worthwhile work, and we also understand some of our best hours aren't the billable kind. This month, we enjoyed another opportunity to make just such an impact outside the office.

A group of folks from Innova and other Sigler Companies locations spent a day in late July helping out at the Ronald McDonald House of Des Moines.

The Ronald McDonald House offers a friendly place for families to stay while their children are being treated at area hospitals. The goal is to provide a safe haven for much-needed sleep, meals, laundry and relaxation during stressful times. With such a worthy cause, we decided it would be nice to provide a little relief for their staff as well.

Our crew donated several boxes and a couple coolers full of much-needed supplies, from paper towels to canned goods. Then they rolled up their sleeves to help out around the facility. From yard work to house cleaning, it was a day full of doing good where it was needed most.

You can get involved too! Visit the Ronald McDonald House of Des Moines' website for more information on how you can volunteer.

You can find more photos on the Sigler Companies Facebook Page.

Check out the latest design from our Sigler Companies 13-month calendar for 2010-2011. If you weren't one of the lucky ones to receive a printed calendar - or want to relive the experience from the comfort of your electronic devices - here's your chance.

You can now get the June design for your computer or your cellphone! Download from the options below:

Computer Wallpaper (1680x1050)

Download

Cellphone Wallpaper (Vertical)

Download

Cellphone Wallpaper (Horizontal)

Download

P.S. Our theme for this year's calendar was "Redefining" - so look for a twist on common industry terms with each month's design!

With each "Top 5 Finds" blog, we gather up the latest campaigns, events, videos, tools and random stuff that catches our attention. Here are some of the coolest finds from the last couple of weeks, in no particular order…

1. Adidas Star Wars Cantina Scene. World Cup fever brought out David Beckham, Snoop Dogg, Daft Punk, Noel Gallagher and other guest stars for a 2-minute clip sponsored by Adidas that re-imagined a scene from Star Wars with a soccer vibe. It includes one exchange between Beckham and Greedo, who tries to convince the soccer celeb to play for Jabba's team. Beckham looks slightly more pleased to hear this than he did after witnessing a botched save-turned-goal by the USA in the opening round World Cup match against heavily favored England.

2. Stella Artois's "Up There" Video. Beermaker Stella Artois not only commissioned 20'x50' building artwork of scenes capturing the perfect pour, they caught it all on breathtaking video. The mini-documentary "Up There" featured beautiful storytelling on the dying art of hand-painting on skyscrapers. While others are pioneering so-called "breakthroughs" like the scented billboard, there's still room for well-crafted, iconic advertising against a big city skyline. (Special thanks to a fan who shared this with us on the Innova Facebook Page!)

3. Mobile Loaves & Fishes' "I Am Here" Campaign. Sometimes it all comes together, as was the case with this campaign to fight homelessness from non-profit Mobile Loaves & Fishes. Combining mobile marketing (text message donations), social media (Twitter, video sharing), traditional advertising (though literally putting a homeless man on a billboard could hardly be considered traditional) and PR, the effort went literally above and way beyond what a normal PSA could accomplish. Initial goals have been reached, and the wave of awareness is still creating ripples in the form of donations and volunteering.

4. Sprint "Firsts" Ad. The arms race for 4G has started, and Sprint is the first one out of the gate with the EVO phone from HTC. They've marked the occasion with this dramatic :30-second spot of domino effects. Enjoy.

5. Principal Charity Classic. The Champions Tour kicked off June with its annual stop in Iowa. The Principal Charity Classic is a great event for Iowa, and an even better one for Innova, apparently. First, account executive Justin Leonard hit a hole in one. Then, his team finished first in the Thursday Pro-Am. (Of course, the most important thing is actually that the Principal Charity Classic has raised $1.7 million for over the last 3 years for children's charities in Iowa.)

DES MOINES, Iowa, June 10, 2010 – Nannette Rodríguez, Director of Hispanic Marketing for Innova Ideas & Services, will be a featured presenter at the 14th Annual Hispanic Marketing Midwest Conference on June 16 at the Saint Paul RiverCentre, St. Paul, Minn.

Rodríguez will present an overview of available tools and what’s next in social media as it relates to Hispanic consumers. Her presentation, “What’s Next in Hispanic Social Networks – Mergers, Features and ROI,” will offer attendees a primer on how social media can help brands leverage customer communications, brand exposure, website traffic and brand SEO. This fact-filled presentation will sort through popular and emerging social media channels, provide paths toward achieving ROI for brands and offer realistic applications for the Latino market.

Rodríguez shares center stage with Dolores Kunda, president and CEO of Lápiz of Chicago; Martin Cerda, research director for Encuesta, Inc. of Miami; Jim Legg, executive vice president of client services for The San José Group of Chicago; Carlos García, president and CEO of García Research Associates of Burbank, Calif.; and David Kristal, CEO of Augeo Affinity Marketing of St. Paul, Minn.

As Director of Hispanic Marketing, Rodríguez is responsible for identifying opportunities and developing strategies for one of the fastest-growing demographics in the U.S. Beth Cross, President of Innova Ideas & Services, said “Nannette has proven time and again to have a rich understanding of the unique needs of the Hispanic consumer. Her experience and insight have helped put Innova at the forefront of the industry, especially in terms of multicultural marketing.”

U.S. Hispanic buying power is expected to top $1.2 trillion in 2011, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. The Hispanic Marketing Midwest Conference is the region’s premier gathering of Hispanic marketing experts. By showcasing proven ways to build brands in our nation’s Hispanic economy, conference organizers promise attendees will leave with information, strategies and proven techniques to help reach U.S. Hispanic consumers.

The 14th Annual Hispanic Marketing Midwest Conference is presented by Aguilar Productions, a St. Paul-based production company focused on U.S. multicultural markets. Aguilar Productions produces conferences, seminars, workshops and special events targeting the Hispanic, Asian-American, African-American, Emerging African and LGBT markets.

###

About Innova
Innova Ideas & Services is one of Iowa’s top marketing and creative services agencies in number of employees and earnings. With offices in Des Moines and Ames, Innova provides strategic marketing, public relations, graphic design, Web design, copywriting and event management. Innova’s clients cross the nation and virtually all business sectors, including education, finance, health care, manufacturing and not-for-profit organizations. Additional information is available at www.innovaideasandservices.com.

CONTACT:
Scott Stuart
515.697.7226
scott.stuart@sigler.com
www.innovaideasandservices.com

Central Iowa Shelter & Services is a Des Moines organization which serves the area's homeless population by providing a nondenominational shelter for our community. Aside from offering beds and showers to those in need, Central Iowa Shelter & Services also serves 3 meals a day at no charge.

Innova's Des Moines office wanted to get involved. Chase Ruzek, Nicole Torstenson, Susie Jones and Susan Hatten (pictured below, from l to r) recently rolled up their sleeves over their own lunch break to dish out a few meals for those who need it most.

We discovered Central Iowa Shelter & Services provides more than 200 lunch meals a day, relying heavily on food donations to make this happen. The organization is constantly looking for new groups of volunteers to serve a meal, and it's safe to say we'll be back!

If you are interested in volunteering or providing food, please email Central Iowa Shelter & Services Executive Director Tony Timm. A little help will go a long way!

With each "Top 5 Finds" blog, we gather up the latest campaigns, events, videos, tools and random stuff that catches our attention. Here is a special Fourth of July edition inspired (mostly) by events surrounding last week's holiday festivities…

1. 80/35 Music Festival. The third year for the Des Moines music festival once again proved that Iowa can rock with the best of 'em. This year's 80/35 festival featured indie rock headliners Spoon and Modest Mouse, as well as supporting acts and side stages filled with up-and-comers from all music genres. Even a little rain - ok, a LOT of rain at some moments - didn't dampen the spirits on Sunday. The event was also a cross-promotional paradise. Kum & Go got people in stores with ticket giveaways, integrating Twitter and Foursquare. Pearl Vodka gave away VIP tickets through photo tagging on Facebook. Olde Main pushed people toward their product, giving away tickets in a mystery 6-pack. Oh, and did we mention the giant bird walking around the festival grounds for Avoid the Stork? (No, he wasn't just there to see Yo La Tengo.)

2. Dodge Challenger "Freedom" Commercial. George Washington taking on the British in a super-charged Dodge Challenger? Yessss! Dodge takes liberties with American history in a patriotic number launched just in time for Independence Day. Check out the 60-second version of the spot below.

3. Dr Pepper Made with Real Sugar. The soft drink brand that proudly touts its 23 flavors has added real sugar to the mix in honor of its 125th anniversary. The "Dublin Dr Pepper" has been available in limited areas for a while now, but last weekend the soft drink began rolling out its real sugar recipe nationwide. Added bonus: Ever since we started a grass-roots movement for adding Dr Pepper to our breakroom on Innova's Facebook page, the machine has been the hotspot of the office. Soon we'll be able to say our ideas are made with real sugar.

4. Foursquare Turns 1 Million. The last week of June was a historic one for the location-based social game, as it reached 1 million check-ins for the first time. Then there was the news of a $20 million investment. Plus, they just went over 2 million users. That made for a HUGE month in the Foursquare world. It's all evidence that Foursquare isn't going away any time soon. (AND they haven't even been on Oprah yet.)

5. Ford Fiesta TV Ads. Ford is promoting the American return of the Fiesta with a lively new television campaign. The spots are beautifully choreographed, allowing the city to do the selling. Who needs titles, when you can have umbrella-spinning unicyclists, skydivers and passersby do it for you? Check out the first of the new spots below.

Check out the latest design from our Sigler Companies calendar. This month's word: Bounce!

Now you can put a little "bounce" on your desktop or cellphone with this sweet game of jacks. (Does anyone play jacks anymore? No? Well then consider this a collector's item - download it to keep the tradition alive!)

Download from the options below:

Computer Wallpaper (1680x1050)

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Cellphone Wallpaper (Vertical)

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Cellphone Wallpaper (Horizontal)

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P.S. Our theme for this year's calendar was "Redefining" - so look for a twist on common industry terms with each month's design!

Web Designer I

Entry-level, sure, but it’s entry into a fun, fast-paced, dynamic environment with a company that really cares about its people. That’s Innova Ideas & Services, central Iowa’s leading creative services firm, whose culture is like no other agency’s. We’re seeking an enthusiastic, highly creative entry-level Web Designer to work in our Ames office.

Here’s what you need:

• AA, BA or BFA degree in graphic design or related field
• 1-3 years experience in web design and web production.
• Solid knowledge of HTML, CSS , Flash, Illustrator, Photoshop, Dreamweaver (Ability to code a site in HTML and CSS without use of Dreamweaver, a plus)
• Working knowledge of JQuery, JavaScript, ActionScript, PHP, SQL, AfterEffects and sound editing a plus
• Literacy in a PC environment required
• Ability to work as part of a team: sharing ideas, accepting design direction, developing solutions that align with clients’ marketing objectives
• Ability to work creatively within clients’ brand guidelines, established budgets and time constraints
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and projects under tight deadlines
• Strong attention to detail
• Natural inquisitiveness: take initiative in problem solving as it applies to daily work and implement solutions
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to effectively communicate with a wide range of individuals, both orally and in writing

Here’s what you’ll do:

• Design and develop highly creative, cleanly coded websites and online stores that provide a superior user experience
• Make edits to existing websites
• Design web banners, e-newsletters, mobile marketing campaigns and Flash presentations
• Interact with clients via email, phone and in person

If you’re a positive, energetic person with an inspiring portfolio, send a cover a letter, resume, samples of work and three references to:

HR Manager – The Sigler Companies
3100 South Riverside
Ames, IA 50010
hr@sigler.com

AMES, Iowa, December 8, 2008 – Sigler Companies has won a 2008 Premier Print Award in the category of Environmentally Sound Materials from the Printing Industries of America/Graphic Arts Technical Foundation of Sewickley, Pa.

Billed by the PIA/GATF as the graphic arts industry's largest and most prestigious worldwide printing competition, the Premier Print Awards recognizes those responsible for the creation and production of outstanding print communications. Sigler Companies won a 2008 Certificate of Merit for its Ninth Annual Calendar, "Fifty Years of Redefining Excellence."

Competing against more than 4,200 entries from printing and graphic arts firms around the world, the judges selected Sigler's 50th-anniversary calendar for the award that honors technical excellence in the Environmentally Sound Materials category. Only 21 percent of total entries in this year's competition won an award.

The Sigler Companies Calendar for 2008-2009 is a free-standing desktop tent printed on Forest Stewardship Council Mixed Sources paper. Papers made with FSC-certified mixed sources contain FSC-certified virgin fiber along with FSC-controlled fiber and/or post-consumer content.

Products such as Sigler's award-winning calendar bearing the "FSC Mixed Sources" label support the development of responsible forest management worldwide. The wood comes from FSC-certified well-managed forests, company controlled sources and/or recycled material. Company controlled sources are controlled, in accordance with FSC standards, to exclude illegally harvested timber, forests where high conservation values are threatened, genetically modified organisms and violation of people's civil and traditional rights.

Sigler Companies holds certification as a "green" printer from the FSC as well as the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI). Sigler has been accorded MasterPrinter status by the International Digital Enterprise Alliance (IDEAlliance®), and employs the concentric printing process, a revolutionary technology that uses 25 percent to 35 percent less ink than traditional printing.

For the first time in nine years, Sigler's creative team designed its annual calendar with months back-to-back to save paper on the collateral piece that is mailed to existing and prospective clients.

"While we pride ourselves on the attention and care we give every project at Sigler, it is especially gratifying to be recognized by the Premier Print Awards for the technical excellence of our 50th anniversary calendar," said Sigler Companies President Beth Cross. "Being singled out in the category of Environmentally Sound Materials is further validation of our companywide commitment to printing green."

Michael Makin, president and CEO of PIA/GATF, said: "Each year, the field of entries brings impressive work from some of the best printers in the world. Only a small number of companies receive any award. The craftsmanship and hard work of Sigler Companies enabled them to produce an award-winning piece in the face of some very stiff competition."

Sigler representatives received the award at the 2008 Premier Print Awards Gala on Oct. 26 in Chicago during Graph Expo® 2008. Graph Expo is an annual trade show for graphic design, digital prepress, printing, publishing and converting technology.

About Sigler Companies
Sigler Companies is the parent company of Innova Ideas & Services, a creative services agency with offices in Des Moines and Ames, Iowa; Sigler Printing, a premier printing and production house; and Signify Promotions, an apparel and promotions business. Sigler Companies was founded in Ames in 1958 as Sigler Printing. In its 50-year history, the company has continued to expand its capabilities, and currently offers clients across the United States an end-to-end solution of creative services, printing and promotions. Sigler Companies is privately held. Additional information is available at www.siglercompanies.com.

About PIA/GATF
With headquarters in Sewickley, Pa., PIA/GATF is the world's largest graphic arts trade association, representing an industry with more than 1.2 million employees. It serves the interests of more than 12,000 member companies. PIA/GATF, along with its affiliates, delivers products and services that enhance the growth, efficiency and profitability of its members and the industry through advocacy, education, research and technical information. For more information about the Premier Print Awards, contact Sara Welsh at 412.259.1705.

Check out the latest design from our Sigler Companies calendar. This month's we're focusing on the printing term "creep."

You can see below that it's chock-full of spidery goodness, just in time for Halloween. (Sorry to any arachnophobes out there. You may want to leave this page right now.) For those of you still here, enjoy increased productivity from your computer or mobile device with these extra 8 arms to help you!

Download from the options below:

Computer Wallpaper (1680x1050)

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Cellphone Wallpaper (Vertical)

Download

Cellphone Wallpaper (Horizontal)

Download

P.S. Our theme for this year's calendar was "Redefining" - so look for a twist on common industry terms with each month's design!

AMES, Iowa, October 26, 2010 – Sigler Companies is proud to announce the following individuals have joined as employees of its various business units:

• Megan Koontz, Account Manager – Innova Ideas & Services, Des Moines, Iowa
• Jennifer White, Project Manager – Innova Ideas & Services, Ames, Iowa
• Tami Bulman, Program Support Coordinator – Sigler Companies, Ames, Iowa

Sigler Companies is proud to announce the promotion of Dawn Budd to Vice President of Innova Ideas & Services of Ames and Des Moines. Budd served Innova as Senior Director of Creative Services & Technology prior to this promotion.

###

About Sigler Companies
Sigler Companies is the parent company of Innova Ideas & Services, a creative services agency with offices in Des Moines and Ames, Iowa; Sigler Printing, a premier printing and production house; and Signify, a branded apparel and merchandise business. Sigler Companies was founded in Ames in 1958 as Sigler Printing. In its 52-year history, the company has continued to expand its capabilities, and currently offers clients across the United States a comprehensive marketing communications solution of creative services, printing and promotions. Sigler Companies is privately held. Additional information is available at www.siglercompanies.com.

CONTACT:
Nannette Rodríguez, Sigler Companies
515-697-7221
nannette.rodriguez@sigler.com

On this day 4 years ago, we lost a man very close to all of us here at Innova: founder, creative director, vice president and teammate Steve Cohen.

Without Steve, we wouldn't even be here today. Innova Ideas & Services was originally, well, his idea. It was one of his greatest acts of persuasion - convincing the owner of a printing company to open a fledgling ad agency 12 years ago - but it worked. And he continued to bring this incredible ability into every client meeting and brainstorm session for many years to follow.

Steve was a man whose mind never stopped, although you could always tell where he had stopped. Coffee cups, keys, BlackBerry, all would all be left around the building at random locations (often the bathroom). You couldn't blame him, though. Who has time for keeping track of these "things" when the next big idea could be right around the corner?!

Steve was insatiable for knowledge and an indomitable creative spirit. He learned Japanese for one of our first international clients. He'd break into "Jesus Christ Superstar" on business trips (which is even funnier knowing he grew up in Jewish household). He was a non-stop hobbyist who took frequent flights of fancy and you were thankful when he invited you to follow along.

Although Steve was Innova's founder, he was actually much more than that. He was a dear friend, larger than life personality, an industry advocate, our daily inspiration and a father figure to many of us who were just getting started.

He'd challenge you. He'd cajole you. He'd get the best work out of you, by whatever means possible. And when he approved of something you did, it meant more than any award you could earn in this industry.

We carry his torch with us today, helping causes that were close to his heart. An insatiable reader, we named our resource library after him. Passionate for helping people, we stage a food drive every year at this time in his honor. Always "on" creatively, we continue to seek out the kind of fresh, original ideas that would make Steve proud.

Sadly, the only thing that could stop him is also the same thing that took him from all of us. On Nov. 16, 2006, Steve Cohen passed away suddenly in his country home.

We would say you're probably still breaking barriers or breaking into song, wherever you are Steve - but we know you're still here at Innova, as well as with your family, friends and probably everyone you ever encountered.

Thanks for all that you gave us.

In the interest of being green and keeping glass out of landfills, we've whipped up a virtual swear jar on our conference room whiteboard. Each time you let a swear word slip, you have to draw a coin with your initials on it and add it to the pile.

So next time you're at a meeting and find yourself saying, "&@%$, Innova, that's a great idea!", you know what to do. (Also, if you look closely, you can see who some of the real sailors are in our workplace.)

With all the shopping, traveling, cleaning, cooking and caroling of the holiday season, it's easy to get fa-la-la-lethargic by the time the actual big day arrives. Well, we're here to help. (Or at least entertain.)

We've created a handy Holiday Survival Guide on how to avoid getting caught up in the stress of the season. Check out fun tips and diagrams for conquering all the winter blahs, from snowfall to mall, and keep your holiday spirit going strong!

We won a few ADDYs. In fact, we're responsible for this year's creative as well. Our people were plenty busy outside the office as well: Designers were selected for Des Moines' first-ever Artcrank show Copywriters won fiction contests Event planner earned a ribbon in the Iowa State Fair Ronald McDonald House Jolly Holiday Lights

2010 was pretty great. Can't wait to see what 2011 brings!

Bring a little bit of January to your background with the latest wallpaper inspired by this year's Sigler Companies calendar. As you can see from the snowman's telling top hat, January's theme is "pick-and-pack."

Pick-and-pack deals with inventory, fulfillment and matching merchandise to the individual order — kind of like what our friend the snowman is facing here. Am I the kind of guy who can pull off the party shades? Are boots too formal for this occasion? Will people judge me if I smoke my cigar? Decisions, decisions, decisions...

Download from the options below:

Computer Wallpaper (1680x1050)

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Cellphone Wallpaper (Vertical)

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Cellphone Wallpaper (Horizontal)

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P.S. Our theme for this year's calendar was "Redefining" - so look for a twist on common industry terms with each month's design!

This summer I’ll be attending my first gay wedding. Two of my friends have decided that regardless of whether our Iowa Supreme Court amendment is challenged, they’re going to begin planning their special day. For now my friends want to keep things fairly secret, but I’m one of the first people they’ve told, so I felt humbled and thought it would be nice to buy a greeting card congratulating them on their engagement.

My trip to Target to purchase this card coincided with purchasing a gift for another couple (yes, I am a complete social butterfly!). I made my way to the customer service area and entered the name of the bride and groom into the wedding registry kiosk. While I waited, some great illustrations of brides and grooms floated around the screen. A few seconds later, the printout of the registry appeared and I was on my way. I marveled at how swift the process was.

However, picking out a card for the newly engaged same-sex couple proved to be a challenge. All of the engagement cards showed a bride and groom...or a heterosexual couple’s hands...or some sort of traditional bride/groom wedding imagery.

I decided to look under the “Congratulations” section, but was disappointed here as well. All the cards were about landing a job or about being a “winner.” Great sentiments, but not at all fitting. I settled for a nondescript engagement card that, although not nearly as personal, was at least accurate in its message.

The cards and the electronic kiosk got me thinking about the opportunity many retailers are missing. Hallmark diversified its card line in 2008 with same-sex engagement and wedding cards. Macy’s has featured full-page, gay-oriented wedding registry ads in major daily newspapers like the San Francisco Chronicle and the Los Angeles Times.

These retailers simply took advantage of their geographic footprint and existing products and systems and modified them to become more inclusive.

Will they face critics? Yes. Will protests and boycotts happen? Perhaps. But these companies didn't choose to diversify their products because they’re making a political statement. They did it because it makes sound business sense.

- Nannette, Director of Hispanic Marketing

Fulfillment Technician

JOB DESCRIPTION
Job Purpose:
To support Account Executives and clients by fulfilling orders in an accurate and efficient manner and bringing every job to a successful completion.

Job Information: 53-7064.00

Job Location: Ames, IA 50010

Hours/Week: 40 per week, 8 am to 5 pm with occasional weekend work

Other Information:
Every team member of the Sigler Companies is expected to perform their basic duties in accordance and guided by our company values of professionalism, integrity, dedication and positive behavior.

Tasks

• Document jobs/work orders in Hagen system
• Process jobs promptly and monitor progress to ensure they meet scheduled dates
• Identify and locate the items required for each shipment order
• Load materials and products into package processing area and equipment
• Measure, weigh, and count products and materials
• Remove completed or defective products or materials
• Assemble. line, and pad cartons and containers
• Prepare skids and cartons for scheduled shipments including labeling and documentation
• Examine and inspect containers, materials, and products to ensure that packing specifications are met
• Seal containers or materials using glues, fasteners, and hand tools
• Check and maintain address and shipping document accuracy, proper labeling
• Process jobs using UPS-FedEx Machine System
• Record order information, and tracking information on specified forms and records
• Record any information needed for inventory control purposes
• Clean containers, materials, supplies, and maintain work areas
• Assist in loading and unloading trucks
• Operate a forklift, crane, truck and electric dolly when needed
• Adhere to safety regulations and quality standards
• Adheres to company SCORE values and applies them to daily work
• Performs other duties as requested

Work Context
Requires repetitive movement, Requires using hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools or controls, Requires walking and running, Requires standing, Requires face-to-face discussions with individuals or teams, Requires contact with others (face-to-face, by telephone, or otherwise), Includes exposure to sounds and noise levels that are distracting or uncomfortable, Requires meeting strict deadlines, Requires work with others in a group or team, Job tasks are performed in close physical proximity to other people, Requires working indoors in environmentally controlled conditions

Work Activities

• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
• Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
• Judging the Qualities of Things, Services, or People
• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
• Getting Information
• Packaging goods for shipment or storage
• Moving and lifting heavy objects
• Sorting materials or products
• Cleaning rooms or work areas
• Wrapping products
• Loading or unloading material into machinery
• Loading, unloading, or stacking containers, materials, or products

QUALIFICATIONS
Education: High School/G.E.D

SKILLS

Basic Skills

• Active Learning
• Active Listening
• Monitoring
• Reading Comprehension
• Speaking

Social Skills

• Service Orientation
• Social Perceptiveness

Technical Skills

• Troubleshooting

Systems Skills

• Systems Evaluation

Resource Management Skills

• Time Management

Desktop Computer Skills

• Word Processing

TOOLS

• Box sealing tape dispensers
• Pistol grip tape dispensers
• Form or fill or seal machinery
• Bagging machines
• Staple guns
• Carton closing staplers
• Staplers
• Strapping dispenser
• Combination polypropylene strapping tools
• Stretch wrap dispensers
• Forklift
• Electric dolly

Technology

• Hagen order tracking software
• Data base user interface and query software
• Data entry software
• Inventory management software
• Inventory tracking software

Specific Tools & Technology

• UPS and FedEx software

BENEFITS

• 401k
• Dental Insurance
• Health Insurance
• Holidays
• PTO

About Our Organization: Sigler Printing has been providing a complete range of printing services to individuals, businesses and organizations nationwide for 50 years. Sigler’s expertise includes graphic design for print production, electronic prepress, one- to eight-color presses, variable data printing, complete post-press capabilities of cutting, bindery, shrink-wrapping and more. Sigler’s capabilities also include a USPS postal station as well as shipping, warehousing and fulfillment. Sigler is Iowa’s first printer to achieve FSC/SFI and Master Printer status.

If you’re a positive, energetic person and a team player, please send a cover letter and resume or apply in person to:

HR Manager – The Sigler Companies
3100 South Riverside
Ames, IA 50010
hr@sigler.com

DES MOINES, Iowa, Feb. 22, 2011 – Innova Ideas & Services won four ADDY® Awards on Saturday at the annual ceremony recognizing and rewarding creative excellence in advertising.

Innova also served as the agency of record for the second year in a row: creating and producing all of the promotional materials for the event and the call for entries that preceded it. This year’s ADDY theme from Innova was “The Dog & Pony Show.”

The American Advertising Federation (AAF) of Des Moines hosts the annual competition to honor the best creative marketing and advertising work Central Iowa has to offer. The ADDY Awards typically receive more than 300 entries, and serve as a gateway to regional and national AAF competitions. Categories include direct marketing, interactive media, self-promotion and more. For more information, visit: www.aafdsm.com.

Innova received four Gold ADDY Awards for the following client work:

• AAF of Des Moines – 2009 ADDY Awards Marketing Campaign
  Category: Advertising for the Arts and Sciences
• Sigler Companies – Sigler Companies Dodgeball Campaign
  Category: Advertising Industry Self Promotion
• Sigler Companies – Sigler Companies Dodgeball Campaign Website
  Category: Interactive Media
• West Central Cooperative – West Central Annual Report
  Category: Collateral Material

“We are so proud to be associated with the American Advertising Federation on all fronts – as members as well as the agency of record for the past two years of the local ADDYs,” said Beth Cross, president of Sigler Companies. “To also be recognized by our peers with ADDY awards is icing on the cake and a great honor for all of us at Innova.”

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About Sigler Companies – A Global Approach to Marketing Communications
Sigler Companies is a family of businesses with divisions in marketing, public relations, creative services, printing, and branded apparel and merchandise. The divisions include Innova Ideas & Services, a creative services agency with offices in Des Moines and Ames, Iowa; Sigler Printing, a premier printing and production house; Signify Apparel & Merchandise, a branded apparel and merchandise business; and Sigler on Main, an Ames boutique selling specialty apparel and merchandise. Sigler Companies was founded in Ames in 1958 as Sigler Printing. In its 53-year history, the company has continued to expand its capabilities to serve clients worldwide. The company’s forte is its successful integration of traditional marketing like print and mail with new methods like emerging media and mobile marketing. Sigler Companies is privately held. Additional information is available at www.siglercompanies.com.

CONTACT:
Trevor Funk, Sigler Companies
515-697-7213
trevor.funk@sigler.com

From rubber stamps in a basement to social media tools streaming across the globe, Sigler Companies has come a looooong way since 1958. How can you fit over 50 years of history into a 6-minute video? You can't, really, but we gave it our best shot.

Check out the Sigler Companies' historical walkthrough below. You'll get some perspective to the origins and evolution of both our production and our creative sides. See how we grew. How we got to where we are today. How we're continuing to pursue our mission to become the best communication and marketing company in the United States.

Sigler Companies History Timeline from Sigler Companies on Vimeo.

Welcome to our special blog series on the South by Southwest Interactive conference. We put an iPad in the hands of one of our copywriters traveling to the event in the hopes that he will use it for good, and not for a new form of disc golf. Let's see what happens together...

Our first night in Austin gave us a chance to explore the city before sessions started. In just that first night out on 6th Street playing shuffleboard, you could tell SXSW brings together a great gathering of people from all walks of life (not including the bat that found it's way into the bar) - but it also serves as a true example of a customer base in general. They're all here for different reasons, from different backgrounds, with different expectations, but they flocked to the brand for its core offering. In this case, information, collaboration and connection.

Highlights from Friday's panels:

• Even people from Google still use PowerPoint for presentations.
• People forget things - like a Mac-to-VGA converter cable - regardless of how technologically advanced a conference.
• Agencies need to find balance between creative, development and UX.
• Today's Don Draper would not only tweet, he'd know how to build on the Twitter API.
• Those people that can speak tech will find more success in the modern agency.
• Those agencies that listen to tech will find success in the marketplace.
• Farmers are a lot more mobile and data-driven than most people think.
• There's currently a hole in the animal version of electronic health (e-health) documentation. (Developers - get on it, get rich!)

Day 1 (Friday) was also filled with walking. Lots of walking. Some of which was due to my poor map management. But hey, it did lead me to the state capitol building. And sometimes a few happy accidents lead to something great - as I hope that's what I'll hear in tomorrow's "Mistakes I Made Building Netflix for iPhone" session.

It's also interesting to see all these folks who are usually found behind screen names are connecting on another layer - in person. With a joke. With a toast. With a waiting line. It's proof that the social media and interactive realm are still very much based on the original concepts of those words. Act online as you would in real life and everything will be fine.

Random other stuff: Saved a pedi cab from falling into traffic. Prevented another one from taking out someone's taillight. Had a shrimp corn dog. Took too long to finish this blog post.

~Corey Johnson (@heycoreyj)

Welcome to our special blog series on the South by Southwest Interactive conference. Give a copywriter a SXSW badge and an iPad and watch 'em go...

A day after seeing a handful of celebrities - and my tweet up on the board! - at the foursquare party, it was time to see some celebs from the interactive world. Artist of the . Blogger from Daring Fireball.

Snippets from the Sunday fun:

• Learned that some of the industry's foremost writers compose in stripped down programs, like BBEdit and Notepad. (I approve. Write first, format later.)
• Heard from the hilarious Matthew Inman, the man behind webcomic The Oatmeal. Probably his best advice: If you want something to go viral, leave yourself out of it.
• Listened as director Robert Rodriguez shared secrets from the set (read as: green screen) of Sin City.
• Met - and was fed by - the good people of GroupMe at their righteous grilled cheese stand.

Got to see a couple of my creative heroes. Proud to say this was the day I earned badge.

~Corey Johnson (@heycoreyj)

Our April theme from the annual Sigler Companies calendar has busted loose from the printed page and is now on the lam, ready for download to your computer or cellphone. This month's word — breakout — is normally followed by sirens and barking dogs, but you see it used today at conferences and seminars across the country in reference to "breakout sessions" which focus in on specific topics.

Aid and abet by downloading from the following options:

Computer Wallpaper (1680x1050)

Download

Cellphone Wallpaper (Vertical)

Download

Cellphone Wallpaper (Horizontal)

Download

P.S. Our theme for this year's calendar was "Redefining" - so look for a twist on common industry terms with each month's design!

DES MOINES, Iowa, May 2, 2011 – Innova Ideas & Services has added social media expert Christine Stineman as Senior Digital Strategist to the company’s robust strategic marketing and public relations department.

Stineman brings 15 years of communication experience, including consulting work with Fortune 500 firms such as Microsoft Corp. and AT&T Inc. Stineman’s award-winning work includes serving as National Social Media Director for the Pickens Plan domestic energy initiative led by the energy mogul, T. Boone Pickens. She is the founder of Tribe Effect LLC, a social media and strategic communications firm in West Des Moines that Stineman will continue to operate in addition to her duties at Innova. Stineman also contributes to the Des Moines Business Record’s IowaBiz blog on social media and digital trends for business.

Innova will utilize Stineman’s experience to create strategic social media solutions for its clients. She has served as a consultant for Innova and will now be joining the company, working primarily out of Innova’s Des Moines office.

Beth Cross, president of Sigler Companies, Innova’s parent company, said, “As more and more clients are integrating social media into their marketing efforts, we are pleased to add Chris to answer the increasing demand. Her expertise and experience, specifically in social media, are a great complement to the talents of our strategic marketing, public relations and creative services teams.”

Stineman said, “Having worked with Innova as a consultant, I quickly recognized the talent and dedication the staff brings to each project. I am excited to formally join the talented Innova staff and contribute to the expansion of their social media and digital marketing capabilities.”

About Innova/Sigler Companies – A Global Approach to Marketing Communications
Sigler Companies is a family of businesses with divisions in marketing, public relations, creative services, printing, and branded apparel and merchandise. The divisions include Innova Ideas & Services, a creative services agency with offices in Des Moines and Ames, Iowa; Sigler Printing, a premier printing and production house; Signify Apparel & Merchandise, a branded apparel and merchandise business; and Sigler on Main, an Ames boutique selling specialty apparel and merchandise. Sigler Companies was founded in Ames in 1958 as Sigler Printing. In its 53-year history, the company has continued to expand its capabilities to serve clients worldwide. The company’s forte is its successful integration of traditional marketing like print and mail with new methods like emerging media and mobile marketing. Sigler Companies is privately held. Additional information is available at www.siglercompanies.com.

###

CONTACT:
Trevor Funk, Sigler Companies
515-697-7213
trevor.funk[at]sigler.com
www.siglercompanies.com

DES MOINES, Iowa, May 11, 2011 – Innova Ideas & Services recently was honored by two philanthropic organizations for charitable contributions by the agency and one of its executives.

Variety – The Children’s Charity recognized Susan Hatten, Innova’s Senior Business Development Executive, with a Presidential Citation at the 2011 Variety World Conference on April 28 in Chicago. Variety International also presented Innova the 2011 Corporate Award at a dinner reception April 29.

Separately, the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Iowa presented Innova a Big Dipper Award at the charity’s Des Moines gala May 6 at the Prairie Meadows Conference Center in Altoona.

• Hatten was one of only five individuals worldwide awarded a Presidential Citation by Variety International. Variety Club of Iowa nominated her as an “unsung hero” who quickly has become a “go-to” person for Variety volunteers. Hatten serves as a board member, volunteer, fundraiser, recruiter and leader for Young Variety, the membership group for 20- and 30-somethings.
• Innova received the Variety International Corporate Award for its in-kind donation of marketing, advertising, creative and communication services to support U.S. Variety’s national mobility initiative, Variety Kids on the Go! The mobility program provides bikes, helmets and locks to children who have never owned their own bike; specialized bikes for children with special needs; wheelchairs; and Variety Vans. Innova collaborated with Variety executives to design a customizable marketing platform for U.S. chapters to use locally, and is providing social media marketing, training and monitoring.
• Innova was presented the state Make-A-Wish Foundation award for seven years of donated branding, marketing and publicity services for Jolly Holiday Lights, a family charitable tradition that benefits the Foundation. The Big Dipper Award is presented for securing the highest dollar value of corporate sponsorship for Make-A-Wish. Innova each year develops a new look and marketing materials for the attraction, and works with media outlets to secure in-kind promotional spots and news coverage.

“We have been very fortunate to be honored recently,” said Beth Cross, president of Sigler Companies, Innova’s parent company. “Charitable contributions are Innova’s way of living our corporate values of positivity and worthwhile work. It’s humbling to receive these awards on top of the rich rewards we gain from supporting programs that help children overcome challenges and reach their life potential.”

###

About Innova/Sigler Companies – A Global Approach to Marketing Communications
Sigler Companies is a family of businesses with divisions in marketing, public relations, creative services, printing, and branded apparel and merchandise. The divisions include Innova Ideas & Services, a creative services agency with offices in Des Moines and Ames, Iowa; Sigler Printing, a premier printing and production house; Signify Apparel & Merchandise, a branded apparel and merchandise business; and Sigler on Main, an Ames boutique selling specialty apparel and merchandise. Sigler Companies was founded in Ames in 1958 as Sigler Printing. In its 53-year history, the company has continued to expand its capabilities to serve clients worldwide. The company’s forte is its successful integration of traditional marketing like print and mail with new methods like emerging media and mobile marketing. Sigler Companies is privately held. Additional information is available at www.siglercompanies.com.

About Variety – The Children’s Charity
Variety − The Children’s Charity is a nonprofit corporation dedicated to promoting and protecting the health and well-being of children around the world. Through our network of 43 Tents (or Chapters) in 13 countries, Variety reaches into communities across the globe to offer financial assistance and services to children and organizations that serve children with special needs. The local Chapter supports children’s organizations throughout Iowa that benefit underprivileged, at-risk and special needs children. Through fundraisers and its annual telethon, the children’s charity has raised more than $70 million since its Iowa inception more than 60 years ago. To learn more about this organization, please visit www.varietyiowa.com.

About The Make-A-Wish Foundation
The Make-A-Wish Foundation grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy. It is the largest wish-granting charity in the nation, with 64 chapters throughout the United States and its territories. Since the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Iowa was founded in 1987, more than 2,000 children in Iowa with life-threatening medical conditions have received a wish. For more information about the Make-A-Wish Foundation, or to inquire about referring a child or volunteer opportunities, call the Iowa chapter at 800-797-WISH or visit http://www.iowa.wish.org.

CONTACT:
Scott Stuart, Sigler Companies
515-697-7226
scott.stuart@sigler.com
http://www.siglercompanies.com

Senior Web Programmer – PHP Developer – Drupal Developer

About Innova Ideas and Services, a Sigler Company:
Innova, a leading strategic marketing and creative agency in Central Iowa, is seeking an experienced Senior Web Developer, with strengths in PHP and Drupal development, for a full-time position in our Ames, Iowa office. We are a small, tight-knit team that works hard and has a great time doing it. You will be working on high-visibility, high-impact web applications that will be used by major companies from across the nation and all over the world.

Minimum Required Skills:
High proficiency in PHP, MySQL, Drupal 6+, JavaScript, .NET, SQL, C#, Visual Basic, Java, HTML, CSS, Apache, IIS, Linux and Windows OS

What you need for this position:

• 4+ years experience building large-scale web sites, relational databases and applications
• 4+ years PHP development
• 2+ years .NET development
• Advanced experience with Drupal architecture, best practices, coding standards and module development
• Experience with MySQL and SQL database administration, development & tuning
• Experience with third-party applications/tools and integration
• Experience with Linux systems administration
• Knowledge of web application security
• Working knowledge of Web servers (Apache, IIS)
• Experience with source/version control systems

Responsibilities:
Solution Development and Delivery

• Creates efficient and logical databases
• Designs and codes superior technical solutions
• Easily recognizes system deficiencies and implements effective solutions

Project Execution

• Assists in estimating programming time
• Executes project work plans
• Manages resources within budget and project schedule
• Consistently delivers high-quality services to clients

Communication & Leadership

• Communicates successfully with a wide range of people with varying degrees of technical knowledge
• Provides consultative expertise to clients and peers in other departments
• Actively collaborates with team members on projects
• Has demonstrated leadership qualities in past roles
• Proactively mentors those with less experience through informal channels

Education
Candidate should have at least a BS in Computer Science or a related field – but candidates who show significant depth of knowledge and experience are encouraged to apply.

If you’re a positive, solutions-oriented team player, please send a cover letter and resume by 6/17/11, to:
HR Manager – The Sigler Companies
3100 South Riverside
Ames, IA 50010
hr@sigler.com

Learn more about our company at www.siglercompanies.com.

• Website copy was written for SEO and site was built in Drupal for full client administrative access
• Flash animation in the banner, homepage and contact form
• The homepage features Live Chat for immediate customer feedback
• Google AdWords Pay-Per-Click campaign was developed and is monitored daily by strategist based on the established budget and goals set with client
• Social media outlets like LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook are integrated to enhance marketing efforts
• Client’s blog feed is integrated on the website and is fed through Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn
• Developed a yearly marketing campaign that integrated direct mail, email blasts and e-newsletters
• We provide ongoing social media and website strategic consulting

Music unites. Music inspires. Music eats up your bandwidth.

Now there's a new way to enjoy all the benefits online music has to offer: Turntable.fm.

Turntable's premise is simple: you have up to 5 DJs at a time, taking turns playing tracks from a vast library (everything from "Werewolves of London" to "Howlin' for You" and Harry Nilsson to Wolf Parade), as well as your own uploads. You hit 'Awesome' or 'Lame' during songs to add or subtract DJ points. Use those DJ points to get new avatars and earn serious cred in the room.

What makes Turntable different from other popular streaming music sites like Pandora and Grooveshark is the real-time social aspect. You're in a room with friends and strangers, all playing off each other to see who can get the most heads bobbing. Plus, with the chat feature people can call out requests, come up with new theme challenges or talk about the next "big thing."

And, just as blogs serve as the voice of your company, Turntable can serve as your soundtrack. Invite folks to join your room, show 'em what kind of vibe you have at your workplace (or space). Twitter HQ, Foursquare and Zynga all have rooms on the site, and Silicon Prairie highlighted a few local examples in a recent story on Iowa startups hosting their own Turntable rooms.

Though it's still in private beta (you need to know someone on Facebook who's on it to get in), it's easy to see potential in Turntable.fm — assuming things stay on the up and up with the RIAA. In fact, they just recently added "Buy" links to songs, so there's affiliate money to be had.

• Advertising is definitely a possibility. The time on site numbers have to be incredible.
• Plus, major players like Starbucks and Target - companies who have partnered with artists for exclusive releases in the past - can take their eclectic mix straight to streaming to add a sonic side to their brand.
• Game developers have already used a live Sir Mix-a-Lot room to promote their latest venture. Is it only a matter of time before there are sponsored rooms and golden tickets to get in? ("See what Artist X is spinning for the next 2 hours.")
• And, who knows what those DJ points could also get you in the future?

It's fun. It's a breath of fresh air. And it's incredibly addictive. In fact, I composed half this blog while spinning in the 3 Guys from Iowa room. Stop by and jam with us some time.

Great Scott! It appears today's advertisers are taking a cue from Doc Brown and going back in time to promote their products. Well, kind of.

In the world of marketing, we are always coming up with new and interesting ways to bring attention to our customers’ products. Whether it’s paying somebody to tattoo a logo on their body or providing stay-at-home moms with a free advertising-wrapped car, I’m not often surprised with the latest and greatest (strangest?) means of advertising. This includes product placement in the entertainment industry. In 2011, you’d be hard-pressed to find a scene at the movie theater that doesn’t have some sort of advertising going on.

Now, thanks to product-placement company SeamBI, TV shows from years past are able to sell promo spots by digitally altering syndicated episodes with new products and brands. It may have been shot in 2006, but we can advertise like it’s 2011. EW.com goes into detail about SeamBI and how they are running ads for new movies like Bad Teacher and Zookeeper in old episodes of How I Met Your Mother.

I distinctly remember when I became aware of product placement in the entertainment industry. Before that day, I was a naïve 12-year-old farm kid whose only access to movies was when I spent the night at my cousin’s house watching Wayne's World (they actually lived in a town with a video rental store). After Wayne and Garth presented it to me in a manner that any fool could comprehend, I began seeing it every time I watched a movie. After awhile, it started to be one of the main things I would look for when going to the theater. I would even pick products out of the TV shows I watched, much to the annoyance of my parents and siblings.

The question I immediately asked myself after reading the EW article was, “How long until movies start cashing in with this new technology?” Imagine the possibilities–Rick Blaine sitting at his bar in Casablanca, demanding Sam to “Play it!” as he polishes off a nice tall glass of Jim Beam Red Stag; Dorothy trying to get back to Kansas as she follows the LIVESTRONG yellow brick road donning her ruby red Skechers; or even Charles Foster Kane as he calls out for “Rosebud,” a treasured Burton Vapor snowboard from his childhood.

What do you think about shows altering original works with these product placements? Would it be different if they started altering old movies? What’s the next leap in product placement?

- Ben Carstens, Senior Copywriter

Ultimate Nursing Services (UNSI), a specialist in in-home health care and private-duty nursing services, partnered with Innova to build a new website which would serve 2 purposes: raise awareness among potential clients and attract prospective job seekers.

The re-designed site features a new homepage with clear paths for visitors to follow, based on their needs. There is a rotating news feature on the homepage to help keep content fresh. The site also features an employee-only area with company newsletters, surveys and referral forms, as well as a link to order company apparel - an especially useful tool from a human resources perspective, since the companies’ network of nurses is so decentralized and located throughout the Midwest.

Back-end admin features allow UNSI to add/edit job openings, news items and employee-focused content. Innova programmers also developed an online application form which allows users to search, review and apply for a job without ever leaving the site. Innova was responsible for the copywriting, design, development and programming for both sites.

Comparing the same 6-month periods from January to June year-over-year, the new version of the site saw a 20% increase in traffic, nearly tripled in total number of pageviews and more than doubled in pages per visit. The site also doubled in visits from organic search.

Innova also worked with UNSI to create & produce direct mail, radio and newspaper advertising. After a variable data mailing in January 2011, the Ultimate Nursing site saw a spike in traffic over the previous month:

• 70% increase in visits
• 80% increase in pageviews
• 1 minute more average time on site

Our friends at Signify Pink have been up to something! They're launching a new line of scrapbooking supplies and DIY patterns called "Glimpses" at the Craft & Hobby Association Tradeshow in Illinois this week.

Getting enough handmade samples ready for the event required about 2 weeks of non-stop, hand-crafted creativity from our team (as well as a few recruits in the form of friends and family members). But early reports are that these fun, festive new looks are already turning a lot of heads at the show.

Check out pics of samples and the booth below:

5 ideas for stumped copywriters

Ever been stumped when trying to come up with the perfect word or phrase to finish off that pesky tagline? Have a product that needs a name and you’re fresh out of ideas with a deadline looming large? Are these the dumbest questions ever and is this possibly the most cliché way to start a blog?

That’s what I thought.

If you’re like me, when you first receive assignments like these, you go straight to the notepad and start scribbling out ideas until your brain is empty. I’ll even sketch some awesome stick figures with some giving me the thumbs up, just a little affirmation that I’m doing one helluva job. But, spider webs of words and excessive back patting don’t always send me down the path to creative euphoria.

Sometimes I need a little help from my friends.

The following are some of my favorite places to break out of a stumped situation, and maybe they’ll help you find the inspiration and direction you need as well:

1. Thesaurus.com
   Any thesaurus will work (even the one that is built into your Microsoft Word doc), I just use this one because my head is already packed full of genius and it’s easiest to remember. I know, it’s obvious, but sometimes it really is the best way to find another word to say what you want. Can’t find quite the right word in your search? Grab a few from the list of synonyms and search for their synonyms… and their synonyms’ synonyms and so on, and so on…
2. Press Releases
   They aren't always the most thrilling read, but a client’s press releases are a solid bet when looking for something to finish off a tagline. Here is where you find what is top-of-mind and important to the company. The words and phrases they use to describe their products, services, employees, awards, etc., give you a good idea where their heads are at and what they like. I’ve also found press releases from related industry associations, regulatory bodies and even competitors helpful as well.

3. Facebook and other social sites
   Checking out the links and user comments on the Facebook pages of your client, industry associations and competitors will give you several, sometimes hilarious, things to work with. Your friends are also a good source. Looking for information on dairy cattle? Doesn’t your buddy, Steve, from high school work at a dairy? Maybe he has interesting connections on his fb page. Maybe he only uses it to tend to his herd on Farm Town. You never know. Twitter is a great place to find links to related news stories and sites as well. You can even check out people’s followers to get ideas for accounts to check. Find out what CEOs and upper management folks are reading and thinking without stalking and night vision goggles.

4. Flickr
   Many times I’ll search Flickr for ideas. Sometimes the photos will spark an idea, other times a comment will inspire me. If not, at least I get to check out some cool photos while I’m there. I also like to scan Google Images and click on the photos that stand out and follow them back to the source.

5. BrainyQuote.com
   I love rifling through quotes here to find words that connect to my subject or to inspire myself to pen something quote-worthy. Also, some of the most random quotes come up and it’s good for a laugh. Example – when recently searching for tagline ideas tied to the word “speed”, it gave me this quote: “I would never do something like Speed 2 again.” – Jason Patric. Poor Jason, we all could have told you that was a bad idea. I mean, even Keanu saw it coming. Enough said.

Have any sites or ideas that help you get over the hump? Want to share them with a fellow writer? How about a favorite Jason Patric quote?

- Ben Carstens, Senior Copywriter

AMES, Iowa – Sigler Companies is pleased to announce its Glimpses team will be exhibiting at The Collins Group Fall 2011 Education and Trade Show at the Sheraton Houston Brookhollow Hotel, October 14-17 in Houston, Texas.

While at the show, the team will proudly exhibit the extensive Glimpses paper crafting collections, including the popular Fight Like a Girl collection that supports breast cancer awareness, and the military-themed Pages of Honor collection. At the show, the team will also introduce their new Spring Fling collection, which features fanciful spring-related papers and embellishments designed with the unique flair crafters have quickly come to love from Glimpses.

Taking a hands-on approach, the Glimpses team will demonstrate the whimsical Project Inspirations, such as the Serendipity Seeker, that offer crafters unique ways to showcase their creativity. They’ll also host a Spring Fling dinner party class, where they will be using the new Spring Fling papers to create a variety of fun projects, including Tisket Tasket Baskets, Sipsational Bottle Labels and Candycopia Chair Baskets. Attendees will learn how to make these crafts – then take them home as a show keepsake.

CONTACT:
Jessica Bormann, Marketing Strategist
P. 515.697.7221
jessica.bormann@sigler.com
www.signifypink.com

As a copywriter, I used to be a traditionalist, scribbling everything down on pad and paper first, then filling out body copy clacking away on a keyboard later. Ever since I switched to the iPhone, however, I've seen the light...the soft, glowing light of a retina display.

With the iPhone comes an endless array of delicious apps to download — yes, some of which even help me do my job. Granted, I'll still jot down the occasional inspiration for a headline or tagline in the iOS default Notes program, but here are a few of the tools that I like to use when I need a little more oomph.

Tumblr, Twitter, WordPress, etc. (Free)
Micro-blogging on your favorite platform is a great way to keep the words flowing — work-related or not. I like to have all the options at my disposal, since I never know when I may have to ghost write for my clients and they all have a different preference. (If you pressed me though, I'd probably say Tumblr is my personal favorite. Plus, depending on who you follow, the Tumblr dashboard is great to cycle through when you need a creative kickstart.)
 

Evernote (Free)
Evernote has about everything you could need in a note-taking app. Format text, add photos and tag notes for archiving to tackle almost any writing project you might have. Plus, whether you're conducting interviews or attending seminars, you can record the speaker while you also take notes freehand. (Even records in the background while power's off or other apps are running. Just remember to hit 'Save' before you start bouncing around with other notes. I lost a couple of great talks from SXSW last year. Bummer.)
 

Inspiro ($2.99)
Brainstorming by yourself? Check out Inspiro. It's an idea generator that allows you to string together unexpected combinations of adjectives, adverbs, nouns and verbs. Come across one you like, that has potential? You can save those key phrases for use in later projects. The great thing about Inspiro is that it brings you truly dynamic words and captivating imagery, such as "happy pecs," "imaginary airports," "buttery grouphugs on tiny tables" and the like. The next great tagline could be waiting!
 

Wikipanion (Free)
The greatest research tool this side of Google. When I need to know about R-values or orthotics, all I have to do is enter it into the search field and Wikipanion pulls up Wikipedia pages in an iPhone-friendly format. Boom - instant expertise. (Well, instant working knowledge at the very least.)
 

Words With Friends (Free / $2.99)
Okay, so it's not a productivity tool by any means. But when it comes to language, Words With Friends does keep your mind sharp and your vocabulary verbose. You may even be able to sneak something you see played into that newsletter article you're writing. (Although I don't envision ever fitting words like "XI" or "QAT" into copy any time soon.)
 

Honorable mentions include: WriteChain or WriMoDemon (haven't started using these yet, but they sound like great reminders for keeping you on task and meeting writing milestones); iCloud or Dropbox (essential for storing files & sharing across devices) and This American Life (simply storytelling at its finest). What are your favorite apps for writing — and inspiration about writing — while you're on the go?

Also, if design is more your thing, be sure check out Patrick's list of for iPad apps for graphic designers.

~Corey J., Ass't Director of Copywriting/Digital Media Writer

An official Red Ryder carbine-action two-hundred-shot range model air rifle. What more could a kid ask for? Especially if it’s the 1940s and your idea of a swell time is listening to Little Orphan Annie – interspersed with Ovaltine commercials – on the grand ol’ radio.

Of course, if A Christmas Story would have been set in the decade in which I grew up (the illustrious 1980s), Ralphie wouldn’t have been pining over a Red Ryder brand BB gun. He would have spent his days dreaming of a bright orange Nintendo Entertainment System-branded Zapper light gun so he could take out animated ducks and practice virtual target shooting. Sure, he wouldn’t have felt the wind in his hair, but he wouldn’t have run the risk of shooting his eye out, either. It’s a toss-up, really.

And chances are, instead of drinking Ovaltine, Ralphie would have been sipping the sweet chocolate, strawberry and vanilla nectars of Nestle Quik (Nesquik, to you youngsters out there). After all, listening to boring Ovaltine commercials on the radio is nothing compared to watching flashy Nickelodeon on a console TV and seeing a cartoon rabbit touting the thick, chocolatey taste of Nestle Quik. Who needs Ovaltine when a bunny that obviously knows his chocolate-flavored drinks is telling you Nestle Quik should be your thirst quencher of choice?

Nearly 30 years later, A Christmas Story is still going strong – even if its meager box office earnings didn't suggest future success. But thanks to a strong, cult-like following and TNT's “24 Hours of A Christmas Story,” the movie has become a behemoth of a holiday franchise.

Would it have been as successful set in another decade? Would Ralphie finding an NES Zapper hidden in the corner been as memorable? I’m guessing not as much. Plus, we wouldn’t have heard the magical line, “Those icicles have been known to kill people!” — because, as aforementioned, with the Zapper, Ralphie wouldn’t have been in danger of shooting his eye out.

This holiday season, enjoy your time with family and friends gathered near – and be sure to watch out for those icicles. They’ve been known to kill people, you know.

- Shae C.

As an Innova family member (by actual DNA, even), I’ve had a unique view of the company over the years. It's been fun watching the company grow, and every time I come back it seems something new and exciting is happening. I once again find myself here at Innova, spending the next month helping out in the copywriting department. It's been interesting to get an inside view of a company I’d primarily only known from a few tales around the dinner table. This blog gives me a chance to share some of the things I've seen "behind the curtain"...

Innova Ideas & Services started with a singular vision, a do-whatever-it-takes mentality and a group of motivated employees. Quite literally, though, it started with the destruction of a building in downtown Ames, Iowa.

A little over 11 years ago I walked into an old hardware store armed with a sledgehammer, axe and sawzall. My job: tear the building apart, demolish its interior. Over the course of a couple weeks that is exactly what I did. Alongside 2 high school buddies, we ripped the building to shreds…and we enjoyed it.

In 1999, Innova was a fledgling company looking to expand into new digs that would complement their vision and aspirations. Of course, it still had to have a serious creative vibe. It was then that Sigler Printing and Publishing, Innova’s parent company at the time, purchased the 304 Main Street location — formerly Carr Hardware — to house its startup marketing and ad agency.

The goal of the remodel was to create a modern office feel, while retaining the building’s historic look and integrity. Tour Innova today and little touches of the past still shine through: the tin ceiling is intact, original wood floors were brought back to life, and the upstairs offices are in their initial configuration, with refurbished doors and trim.

Shortly after Innova settled into their new home, I moved away. Since then, I've been back only a handful of times but each time Innova seems to have taken on a new life. While some familiar faces are still there, new ones are added all the time. While the building gets rearranged and renovated, its tenant goes through its own evolution.

As I pushed through Innova’s front door the other day I was taken aback by its newest incarnation, Sigler on Main. Where a receptionist once sat, a retail store now lives. Sigler on Main is Sigler Companies' apparel outlet for Signify Apparel & Merchandise, a full-fledged Main Street shop selling their unique brand of Iowa collegiate clothing and fundraising merchandise.

Much like how I helped transform Innova all those years ago, the company continues to update their vision to redefine and rebuild in an ever-changing global economy. Sledgehammers and sawzalls are no longer necessary. Innova’s tools for the future are a mix of Iowa ingenuity and savvy business decisions, combined with progressive thinking and non-stop concepting. Clients have noticed, too — whether located right here in the company's backyard in Ames and Des Moines, in New York City or across the globe.

Stay tuned for the next big idea as Innova continues to push the envelope for their community and clients.

- Andrew Cross

Customer Service Representative

Sigler Companies is currently seeking a Customer Service Representative for our Sigler Printing location.

Customer Service Representatives work with internal and external customers, both in person and via the telephone, to provide estimates and order information, and prepare jobs for production. Must be detail-oriented with good communication skills and the ability to multi-task.

Sigler Printing is part of Sigler Companies – an equal opportunity employer offering competitive wages and benefit packages.

Learn more at www.siglercompanies.com
Send résumé to:
HR Manager – The Sigler Companies
3100 S. Riverside
Ames, Iowa 50010
hr@sigler.com

Temporary Part-Time Help Wanted

Sigler Companies is seeking temporary employees to work 8 am – 5 pm, Monday through Friday, March 12 – March 30. Pay is $7.75 per hour. Must sign up for 4-hour shifts.

Please email: hr@sigler.com or call 515-663-6564.

AMES, Iowa, April 2, 2012 – For the sixth consecutive year, Sigler Companies has been recognized by Greenstar Recycling for the company’s “outstanding achievement in recycling.”

The 2011 recycling results include 780 total tons, 718 tons of which were fiber; the equivalent of 2,726 metric tons of carbon dioxide. This year’s figures bring the company’s total to nearly 7,000 tons of recycled material over the past six years.

“We’re so pleased that, as part of our everyday workflow process, we are able to easily recycle materials and help protect our environment,” said Beth Cross, president of Sigler Companies. “This award belongs to the entire staff of Sigler Companies who remains passionate about the environment and committed to continuing our recycling efforts over the years.”

According to Greenstar, Sigler Companies’ 2011 recycling efforts are equivalent to:

• Removing 499 cars from the nation’s roads
• Saving 309,388 gallons of gasoline and 14 railway cars of coal
• Saving 1,135,713 cylinders of propane used for home barbeques
• Preserving 2,729 cubic yards of landfill space
• Saving 12,214 trees from being cut down

Sigler Companies has established itself as a green company through certification with the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI). Other green printing practices include concentric printing, a technology that uses 25 to 35 percent less ink than the traditional printing process, and adoption of inks free of volatile organic compounds (known as no-VOC or VOC-free inks). Co-workers throughout Sigler Companies’ multiple locations also take steps to help minimize energy consumption.

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About Sigler Companies – A Global Approach to Marketing Communications
Sigler Companies is a family of businesses with divisions in marketing, public relations, creative services, printing, and branded apparel and merchandise. The business units are: Innova Ideas & Services, a creative services agency; Sigler Printing, a premier printing and production house; Signify Apparel & Merchandise, an apparel and promotions business; and Sigler on Main, an Ames boutique selling specialty apparel and merchandise. Sigler Companies was founded in Ames in 1958 as Sigler Printing. Today, the company’s forté is its successful integration of traditional marketing, like print and mail, with new methods, like emerging media and mobile marketing. Through a continual investment in technology, improvements in workflow and upgrades in internal systems, Sigler Companies provides comprehensive digital and interactive creative, marketing, print, apparel and merchandise solutions to clients across the United States and internationally seeking online stores and other online marketing and sales tools. Sigler Companies is privately held. Additional information is available at www.siglercompanies.com.

CONTACT:
Scott Stuart
515.697.7226
scott.stuart@sigler.com
www.siglercompanies.com

The new name. Charity work. Metta World Peace, formerly known . This is a man who's put time into helping mental illness. Then one elbow came crashing down.

Rebrand, meet relapse.

Not only that, he's hurting the LA Lakers' image as a whole. This is a team whose reputation also suffered a black eye after Andrew Bynum in last year's NBA Playoffs.

It would be like BP doing all their work to clean up the gulf and making reparations to the lives they affected, and 2 years later, they run a tanker ashore.

Sure, The Avengers broke box office records. But there was something else people have been buzzing about the last couple weeks — the new Sigler Companies calendar!

Just received my updated copy of the @SiglerCompanies annual calendar. My office decor is complete.

— Ali (@alimd11) May 2, 2012

I'm really digging my new social media calendar from @innovaideas. Thanks!!

— Laurie DePhillips (@Ldephill) May 3, 2012

Each year, we put together a desk calendar for our partners. Sure, it's got the months and days on it, but it's more like a year-long piece of art for your office. And, it's a great opportunity for us to color outside the lines of a creative brief for a little while.

This year's theme is "Let's Get Digital." Taking a cue from Sigler Companies' work with tech startups, we made this calendar all about the apps and social media sites that connect us, entertain us, distract us and drain our batteries.

The calendars feature pages handcrafted by Innova's creative team: illustrations from our graphic designers and words from our copywriters. Oh, and hey, they're also printed in-house at our sister company, Sigler Printing.

Check out some of the sample pages from this year's calendar below.