New West Co-produces Film about Kentucky’s Resurgent Wine Industry
“Vintage Kentucky: The Vine to Wine Experience” chronicles Kentucky’s wine industry, from its status as a national leader in the 1800’s to its demise as a result of Prohibition, to its current reemergence. The 30-minute documentary, co-produced by New West in cooperation with the Kentucky Grape and Wine Council and the Kentucky Department of Agriculture, is airing on KET, Kentucky’s statewide PBS affiliate (dates and times of airings are available at www.ket.org).
Few people know that Kentucky was home to the nation’s first commercial vineyard when in 1798 the Marquis de Lafayette’s winemaker, Jean-Jacques Dufour, planted what he called the “First Vineyard” on 600 acres in what is nowJessamine County. By the late 1800’s Kentucky had become the country’s third largest grape and wine producer. The industry was wiped out by Prohibition and didn’t begin its resurrection until 1976, when Kentucky lawmakers passed a bill allowing wineries to operate. Today there are more than 50 wineries and an estimated 500 acres dedicated to the growing of grapes.
“Vintage Kentucky: The Vine to Wine Experience” is the culmination of a year’s worth of work. After the Kentucky Grape and Wine Council and the Kentucky Department of Agriculture commissioned the production, filming began in August, 2008 and was completed by the end of July, 2009. Ten of the state’s wineries are featured as are vineyard owners and winemakers. Scientists and wine industry experts from the University of Kentucky, who have helpedKentucky farmers make the transition to growing grapes, also appear in the film.
“Kentucky has a fascinating history and strong tradition of making wine, but it’s largely unknown,” said Kim Butterweck, a Senior Account Manager at New West and a co-producer of the documentary. “We’re hopeful this film will raise awareness and spur greater interest in the state’s wine industry.”
Already, the industry’s resurgence is having an impact on state tourism. Fueled by consumer interest in “agritourism” and the support of local farmers and businesses, visitation at Kentucky’s wineries continues to grow and wineries now offer a wide variety of experiences – from wine tastings and concerts, to theme dinners, art shows and family friendly events.
New West Develops Web Site to Promote Kentucky’s Growing Wine Industry
Wine lovers can find their favorite Kentucky wineries and learn about the Commonwealth’s rich grape and wine heritage on the enhanced Kentucky Wine Web site.
The site, www.kentuckywine.com, features an interactive winery and vineyard map and detailed listings on each of Kentucky’s wineries as well as information about Kentucky wine’s history, accolades, news and events. The Kentucky Grape and Wine Council, with support from the Kentucky Department of Agriculture, recently launched the enhanced site, which was conceived, designed and developed by New West.
A video series on the site, “Vintage Kentucky Tastings,” highlights all aspects of the Kentucky wine experience – from soil to grape, from grapes to wine, from bottle to palate and from palate to experience. The video series is derived from footage captured for the 30-minute documentary “Vintage Kentucky: The Vine to Wine Experience,” which is currently airing on KET, Kentucky’s statewide PBS affiliate.
New West Achieves GSA Certification
New West has become the first and only full-service public relations, advertising and marketing firm in the state of Kentucky to achieve a General Services Administration (GSA) certification. Earning certification from the GSA means that federal government agencies can now contract directly with New West for services.
To become the state’s only GSA-certified firm in its field, New West successfully navigated a detailed review and approval process. GSA thoroughly inspected New West’s processes, practices and financials and surveyed a minimum of 20 customers for feedback on quality of work, reliability, responsiveness and professionalism of staff. It is a process that took a little over a year to complete.
New West President Tom Howell says the firm is extremely pleased to have earned the certification. “Even though this was a lengthy process, we’re honored to have achieved this distinction. GSA prides itself on working with high quality yet cost-effective service providers. We’re looking forward to working with those federal agencies that can benefit from what we have to offer.”
The GSA program establishes long-term government-wide contracts with commercial firms to provide access to over 11 million commercial supplies (products) and services that can be ordered directly from GSA Schedule contractors or through the GSA Advantage!® online shopping and ordering system.
The specific services New West can provide under the GSA certification include – Advertising (SIN-541 1); Public Relations (SIN-541 2); Web Based Marketing (SIN 541 3); Market Research and Analysis (SIN 541 4); Video/Film Production (SIN 541 4B); Exhibit Design and Implementation Services (SIN 541 4C); Conference, Events and Tradeshow Planning Services (541 4D); Commercial Art and Graphic Design Services (SIN 541 4F).
New West Wins For Kentucky At 35th Annual Louie(Addy®) Awards Competition
The results of the local Louie (Addy®) awards advertising competition gives Louisville agency New West and the state of Kentucky reason to celebrate. New West won three Gold Addy awards and one Silver Addy award for work performed on behalf of the Kentucky Tourism, Arts & Heritage Cabinet.
The agency was recognized for three individual magazine ads and for its print campaign (click on thumbnails below to view artwork) to build awareness of the Lincoln Bicentennial celebration in Kentucky.
“We are honored to have our creative work chosen for this prestigious awards program,” said Becky Simpson, agency President and CEO. “We look forward to going on to compete at the regional level of this competition.”
The Louie (Addy®) Awards, sponsored by the Advertising Federation of Louisville, is a 35-year old competition that receives approximately 700 entries each year from companies throughout the greater Louisville area. The competition annually showcases the best work of local advertising agencies, corporate advertising groups, production companies, television stations, printers, illustrators, photographers and student competitions.
New West Wins Contract with Transit Authority of River City
New West, one of the region’s largest full-service public relations, marketing and advertising firms, has been retained as agency of record to assist TARC in its marketing communications efforts.
New West will be providing counsel to TARC within the areas of advertising, public relations, Web-related services and internal communications.
“New West has proven to be a tremendous asset to our overall marketing efforts in the past,” said Barry Barker, Executive Director of TARC. “They will be a terrific partner for us and I’m eager to collaborate with them for another 3 years.”
“We’re thrilled about being selected as TARC’s agency of record,” said Becky Simpson, New West CEO. “We will be working with TARC to increase public awareness of the safety and affordability of TARC’s service as well as its positive impact on the environment,” Simpson added.
New West Renews Contract with Louisville Airport Authority, Adds Four Seasons Hospice & Palliative Care to Client Roster
New West, one of the region’s largest full service public relations, marketing and advertising firms, has been retained for a second three-year contract as agency of record for advertising and creative services for the Louisville Regional Airport Authority. The agency won the business in a multi-agency selection process. It has also been hired to manage the rebranding effort for North Carolina-based Four Seasons Hospice & Palliative Care.
New West will be assisting the airport with advertising and promotional efforts, media buying, creative services and Web site related marketing. New West was first hired as agency of record in 2005 and was instrumental in the launch of the airport’s “Air Travel Made Easy,” campaign featuring an animated airplane character.
North Carolina-based Hospice & Palliative Care has hired New West as its advertising and marketing counsel to assist with research and positioning, brand development and creative development in support of Four Seasons’ upcoming capital campaign.
The award of the Four Seasons work comes on the heels of New West’s recent rebranding efforts for Hosparus, the local hospice organization, formerly known as The Alliance of Community Hospices & Palliative Care Services.
“We’re thrilled about our contract renewal with the Louisville Regional Airport Authority and look forward to another three years of great collaboration with our valued partners there,” said Becky Simpson, New West CEO. “The Four Seasons hospice work is a natural extension of the successful model we’ve helped create for Hosparus here in Louisville,” added Simpson.
New West Makes Key Moves
New West, one of the region’s largest full service public relations, marketing and advertising firms, is growing the roles of two key executives to better serve clients and the agency.
Tom Kokai takes over as Chief Operating Officer and expands his duties to include the supervision of all staff and oversight of account service management, in addition to his role as Creative Director.
Joe Lilly becomes Executive Vice President will take an expanded role in new business development. He will assume an even greater role as PR strategist on all accounts —current clients and new business.
Tom Howell ’s title will change to Principal/President and Becky Simpson’s title will remain Principal/CEO.
According to Becky Simpson, Principal/CEO of New West, the new organizational structure will help the agency to be more efficient, add client services, market more effectively and provide room for growth for others in the organization as the firm continues to grow.
Tom Kokai has over 25 years of experience in advertising from both the creative and the account supervision side for a wide range of clients including travel, tourism, attractions, entertainment, healthcare, financial, consumer and business-to-business products. Prior to joining New West in 1998, he worked at Doe-Anderson as a Vice President/Account Supervisor.
“Tom is well respected for his skills as a keen strategist, a talented writer and creative supervisor,” said Becky Simpson, CEO of New West. “In his new role we will tap into his broad experience managing people and accounts.”
Joe Lilly brings to New West more than 25 years of experience in communications, broadcast journalism, legislative affairs and marketing. Prior to joining New West in 1998, Lilly served as press secretary to Kentucky Governor Brereton C. Jones, communications director for the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development and executive producer at WAVE-TV News in Louisville.
New West Promotes Employees
New West, one of the region’s largest full service public relations, marketing and advertising firms, is pleased to announce promotions of two employees.
Ellen Stubbs was promoted to senior account executive. Stubbs started with New West in June 2006 and has considerable experience in public relations, corporate communications, advertising, and special events. Currently, Stubbs’ accounts include state clients such as Kentucky State Police, the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development and Brightside, Louisville’s anti-litter agency.
Stubbs has a background in the non-profit sector, working for nearly three years as the marketing manager at Bridgepointe Services and Goodwill Industries where she managed marketing and public relations for three human services divisions as well as development programs and all retail services for 11 regional Goodwill Stores.
Mary Walter Yandell was promoted to art director. Yandell started with New West in 1995 and has worked for a number of clients including San Diego International Airport, Louisville International Airport, Women 4 Women, The Community Foundation of Louisville and Gallatin Steel, as well as a Southern California fire prevention program. Previously, Yandell worked at the University of Louisville.
“Ellen and Mary have been exceptional employees of New West,” said Becky Simpson, New West CEO. “Both bring a great amount of talent to our clients, and we’re proud to see them advance in the agency.”
