Year: 2009

By Josh Sommers Posted: December 18, 2009 Turn on one of the network television channels and you’re likely to see one of Gov. David Paterson’s latest commercials. A political TV campaign in December is a rarity. But Paterson, heading a state government in financial ruin during the worst recession in a generation, wears his incumbency … Continue reading “Focus on Marketing: Paterson’s media blitz addresses uphill battle”

By Josh Sommers December 11, 2009 You don’t have to be a public-relations expert to figure out that Tiger Woods needs to learn a lot about crisis management. One of Nike’s first campaigns about Woods featured children running up a hill with golf bags and taking their first swings. Each of them said, “I’m Tiger … Continue reading “Focus on Marketing: Tiger could’ve learned a lesson from Letterman”

Goshen, N.Y. – December 10, 2009 – Focus Media, a prominent Hudson Valley-based advertising and public relations agency, was recently announced winner of three 2009 Telly Awards for its expertise in the production and direction of television commercials for two major clients. Focus Media received Telly Awards for Best Entertainment Commercial and Best Tourism Commercial … Continue reading “FOCUS MEDIA LANDS THREE TELLY AWARDS FOR OUTSTANDING TV ADS”

Ads must say what you sell By Josh Sommers, December 04, 2009 It never fails. You see a print, outdoor or online ad for a company, review it a couple of times, and still can’t figure out what the company does or sells. That’s bad, and usually a waste of a company’s marketing resources. While … Continue reading “Keep Advertising to the point.”

At the 23rd Partnership Annual Event President and CEO Maureen Halahan reviewed 2009 corporate attractions and expansions in Orange County and reported on important business retention efforts.  Presented the Quality of Life Award, The Food Bank of the Hudson Valley.  The Golden Shovel Award from the Alliance for Balanced Growth went to First Columbia, LLC.  … Continue reading “Focus Media Sponsors Orange County Partnership Annual Event”

Posted: November 23, 2009 HARRIS — J.P. McGuirk of Newburgh has joined the senior management team at Catskill Regional Medical Center as director of marketing and public relations. McGuirk oversees all of the hospital’s marketing and public relations functions. He also will manage all of Catskill Regional’s community outreach programs. tclark@th-record.com Focus Media is a … Continue reading “Catskill Regional appoints McGurk to head marketing.”

Hudson Valley wedding destination adds a 40-room Victorian-style inn. November 20, 2009 – Slate Hill, N.Y. – The Stack Family, along with many area dignitaries, today broke ground on the new $7 million Inn at Catlin Gardens. The Inn at Catlin Gardens, slated to open in Spring 2010, compliments the beauty and elegance of the … Continue reading “Catlin Gardens Inn Breaks Ground”

by Josh Sommers Posted: November 20, 2009 I’ve run my share of media campaigns for political candidates. Campaigns are not easy, and sometimes, no matter how hard you work, winning is almost impossible when running against a popular incumbent or better funded-opponent. The odds were no doubt stacked against Democrat Glenn Kroll in this year’s … Continue reading “All press not necessarily good press in campaign.”

Goshen, N.Y. – November 4, 2009 – Focus Media, Inc., a prominent Hudson Valley-based public relations and marketing firm, has been named advertising agency of record for SUNY Orange.  As agency of record, Focus Media will now serve as SUNY Orange’s strategic partner and marketing counsel handling advertising creative, media planning and direct marketing.   SUNY … Continue reading “SUNY Orange Selects Focus Media as Advertising Agency of Record”

By Josh Sommers Posted: October 30, 2009 Outdoor media, such as roadway billboards and signs at public places like shopping centers, can be a good fit for some advertisers. The key to success with outdoor is to know when it’s a good use of your resources and making your message count. As I frequently discuss … Continue reading “Choose outdoor ads wisely”

Held Wednesday at Tech City in the Town of Ulster, experts from across the Tri-State region brought the latest news and challenges in the quickly changing green building field. Panelist and Focus Media client Pete Berman of the Ruby Group outlined institutional roadblocks from the banking and appraisal communities that may be slowing the use … Continue reading “The Hudson Valley Green Real Estate Development Conference”

Drive through the Hudson Valley’s small city and suburban neighborhoods this week, and you won’t see porches and entryways decorated for Halloween. Just three years ago here Halloween decorations were everywhere. Now with consumer confidence low, Halloween fun’s been scared right out of us. So businesses need to be prepared to patiently listen to the … Continue reading “How to check consumer confidence? Look for Halloween decorations!”

“It’s a stimulus package for jobs” according to the Chairman of the Orange County Industrial Development Agency. James Petro beamed this morning at the Orange County Business Accelerator’s unveiling at Stewart Airport in New Windsor. He praised all involved for their vision and for quick action in getting the brand new building up and ready … Continue reading “Orange County Business Accelerator Now Open”

By George Spohr Times Herald-Record Posted: October 27, 2009 – With the hometown Yankees headed to the World Series, there are a variety of ways for businesses to capitalize on the excitement. “Building stronger relationships with existing and potential clients is a key way to grow your company, and one way to do that is … Continue reading “Strategist says: Use Series to build business bonds”

By Josh Sommers Posted: October 23, 2009 I hear it all the time when meeting with potential clients: An advertising campaign was launched and it didn’t work. Instead of it being a weakness in their strategy or an issue with their product, advertisers often blame the medium they selected. Blanket conclusions are drawn from these … Continue reading “Focus on Marketing: The right media makes success more likely”

By FRITZ MAYER, River Reporter ROCK HILL, NY — The new chairman of the board of the Sullivan County Partnership for Economic Development was formally introduced to the membership on October 8 at a packed event with more than 200 guests at the Lodge at Rock Hill. Josh Sommers, the president and CEO of Focus … Continue reading “New Partnership Board President challenges grassroot NIMBYs”