Morgan Stanley launches Women Financial Advisors Forum

Morgan Stanley Smith Barney just launched the Women Financial Advisors Forum (WFAF) http://womenfaforum.morganstanleysmithbarney.com, a blog for women interested in becoming financial advisors at Morgan Stanley Smith Barney. This online site showcases the opportunities, challenges and advantages of a financial advisor career for women. It was developed to offer women financial advisors an opportunity to share insights and ideas about the work they do, the clients they advise, and the work-life balance they seek, and to be a useful source of information for women considering a career as a financial advisor. “We are very pleased to launch the Women Financial Advisors Forum,” said Andy Saperstein, head of Wealth Management. “We are committed to making Morgan Stanley Smith Barney the firm of choice for the world’s best financial advisors, and this initiative is part of our efforts to cast a wide net for talent and support women in their careers and professional development.” The site is designed to engage readers on a path from being a visitor to the site to becoming a potential candidate for hire. It seeks to stimulate an online conversation by encouraging participation and providing a forum for questions and concerns. Information about the job requirements of a financial advisor, how to apply, career development, and a Frequently Asked Question (FAQ) section are also included.

Lifetime Digital, Merscom unveil new casual game, Create-A-Mall

Lifetime Digital, Roiworld.com and Merscom have unveiled their newest release designed for the fast-growing casual gaming market with Create-A-Mall, now available for download at the Lifetime Digital sites Roiworld.com and myLifetime.com. In Create-A-Mall, players assume the role of Kelly, a rising star in a mall development company. As Kelly, players are challenged to become world-class mall developers by filling their venues with enticing stores for customers in six different cities throughout the world. Each store that a player builds provides a daily income that can be used to hire workers, or to purchase materials in order to build more stores or entertainment locations, and add other enhancements to the malls. Players can additionally choose to upgrade their retail outlets to attract more customers, which also earns them additional income. Create-A-Mall is the first game where players have the opportunity to use the money they have earned to buy jewelry, clothing or office decorations. Additionally, users have the chance to earn shopping credits for their stores at each level, provided they have met the level’s goal. “Create-A-Mall is a new addition to the fastest growing casual game genre–’building simulation,’” said Lloyd Melnick, chief customer officer at Merscom. “Given the high production values of the game, coupled with a theme that really resonates with our audience, we believe this game will establish a very strong position in the market.” Create-A-Mall marks the second game release in the partnership between Merscom and Roiworld.com. Their first, the iPhone game Fashion Fix, which captured the creative spirit of Roiworld.com’s popular dress-up games, quickly earned “What’s Hot” status on iPhone within weeks of its April 2009 release and currently has a rating of four stars from users. “Create-A-Mall is a vibrant extension for our online dress-up community, which brings together millions of women from around the world,” said Kris Soumas, who heads up both Roiworld.com and Lifetime Game Studios. “In this new game, women are empowered to not only dress up as an avatar, but to also develop a virtual retail empire.”

Candies, Kohls partner with Britney Spears for fall ad campaign

Iconix Brand Group, Inc. recently announced it will continue its partnership with Britney Spears for its Candie’s brand, which is exclusively sold at Kohl’s Department Stores.  Spears will appear in Candie’s fall 2009 television, print, online and in-store advertising campaign. Spears recently appeared in the junior brand’s spring print and online marketing campaign, which launched with a full size, limited edition, pull-out poster.  Leveraging its partnership with the international mega-star, Candie’s outfitted Spears for her new music video, “Radar” and will use footage from the music video for its fall television commercial. The music video features Candie’s apparel, footwear, jewelry and accessories available exclusively at Kohl’s Department Stores. The television commercial will debut later this summer and the print campaign will premiere in September issues of fashion, entertainment and lifestyle magazines.  Dari Marder, chief marketing officer, Iconix stated, “After the overwhelming excitement surrounding Britney’s spring Candie’s campaign, we decided to make our fall campaign even bigger and better. In addition, to our new television commercial, Britney’s fans will also get to see her rock her Candie’s outfits in her new ‘Radar’ video. Britney chose the looks from our new collection that she felt best represented her style.”  Julie Gardner, Kohl’s executive vice president and chief marketing officer, stated, “We are very excited that Britney Spears will continue to appear in the fall 2009 Candie’s Only at Kohl’s advertising campaign. After a successful launch in spring, we know Spears has a strong connection with our young shoppers who want great style at exceptional value.”  The campaign will be heavily integrated into Kohl’s fall 2009 marketing vehicles, including national broadcast, outdoor billboards, circulars, in-store graphics, online, direct mail and email blasts.

FCC Collision becomes Certified Female Friendly auto body group

FCC Collision Centers of Milpitas and Mountain View, CA are pleased to announce they have completed AskPatty.com’s Certified Female Friendly training and is now Milpitas’ and Mountain View’s first Certified Female Friendly auto body group. To achieve certified status, their personnel completed 25 hours of training on how to better meet the expectations of the woman consumer.  “Up until now, like many automotive businesses, we thought the obvious goal was to ensure that women were treated the same as men. Through the AskPatty program, we’ve learned that treating women the same as men does not necessarily yield the ideal experience for women. This may not sound profound, but with an increased awareness of what elements women seek in a positive auto body repair experience, our collision centers are better prepared to meet and exceed the expectations of our female customers” stated Adam Piper, Owner of FCC Collision Centers.  Along with the certification, FCC Collision Centers has enhanced its website to cater more to women, thereby reinforcing their commitment to the Ask Patty Program. This latest design integrates seamlessly to effectively deliver online information and services to female consumers. The new website can easily be found and accessed utilizing the Certified Female Friendly web icon on the existing FCC Collision Centers website. FCC Collision Centers’ Female Friendly site is an extension of the main site, with many of the same features simply presented in a more appealing and inviting format for the female audience.  “Women are not the same as men, and they do not base their consumer decisions in the same way as men. Business Week reports that women make over 80 percent of the buying decisions in U.S. households today. In effect, they have become nearly every family’s chief purchasing officer,” says Jody DeVere, president and CEO of AskPatty.com “Businesses that do not change their approach to communicate more effectively with women will get left behind and leave themselves open to being over-taken by their competitors.”

ELLE.com provides more than fashion advice by adding online Boutiques

Women with a passion for fashionable lifestyles have consistently turned to ELLE.com for information on the latest trends and insights on well-known as well as up-and-coming designers and now these women have the opportunity to shop private sale Boutiques of their favorite designers. Hachette Filipacchi Media U.S. (HFM U.S.), publishers of ELLE.com, have announced that it has formed a strategic partnership with Rue La La, a leading private sale website. The partnership will allow ELLE.com visitors and email subscribers to have access to discounted merchandise and services as well as to “Editor Picks” Boutiques. The Rue La La co-branded Boutiques complement the designers and lifestyle content featured on ELLE.com. Through the partnership with Rue La La, ELLE.com visitors will now be able to directly access these brands in a new and exciting way. “ELLE.com users love to shop online,” says Anna Pezik, executive editor of ELLE.com. “Through our editor-selected Rue La La private sales, we are connecting our audience with the designers she loves, keeping her style chic and modern.” “Rue La La has revolutionized how consumers are shopping online,” said Ben Fischman, CEO Retail Convergence, parent company of Rue La La. “We are excited about this partnership and the opportunity to bring together ELLE.com’s recognized editorial leadership with the most innovative ecommerce business model. ELLE.com’s visitors are the first to recognize fashion and shopping trends and through this partnership they will continue to stay one step ahead by accessing their favorite designers and lifestyle brands in the newest and most exciting shopping experience.”

Dairy Queen set to celebrate girl and adult Girl Scouts

Dairy Queen® will celebrate 3.4 million girl and adult Girl Scouts for their commitment to community service and leadership during the Second Annual DQ® Girl Scout Appreciation Week, July 20 – 26. Hosted by participating Dairy Queen and DQ Grill & Chill® locations nationwide, local Girl Scout groups will have the opportunity to develop their business and leadership skills at Dairy Queen locations by taking behind-the-scenes tours, receiving entrepreneurial tips from Dairy Queen owners and operators about how to run a successful business, and learning about the product development process. Girl Scout councils also may use the opportunity to encourage both girls and adults to register and renew as members and volunteers during this week. As part of its partnership with Girl Scouts of the USA, Dairy Queen commemorates DQ Girl Scout Appreciation Week with the debut of the Girl Scouts Tagalongs® Peanut Butter Patties Blizzard® Flavor Treat, the featured Blizzard of the Month for July. Last summer, Dairy Queen introduced the Girl Scouts Thin Mint Cookie Blizzard, which was the most popular limited time Blizzard ever offered, selling more than 10 million.

Frito-Lay is asking women to “Inspire Us”

Since launching this spring, Frito-Lay’s “Only in a Women’s World” multimedia campaign has humorously addressed those “that’s so true moments” which women relate to by chronicling the adventures of four animated friends – Anna, Cheryl, Nikki and Maya. Now Frito-Lay is asking women to “Inspire Us” by submitting their own funny stories online for a chance to have their story made into an animated “Only in a Woman’s World” webisode. “Women tell us they love and relate to the stories we depict in the ‘Only in a Woman’s World campaign,’ said Becky Frankiewicz, vice president, portfolio marketing, Frito-Lay North America. “But we know it’s in a woman’s nature to share. So, now we are giving our fans the opportunity to share experiences that entertain and unite us in the spirit of sisterhood.” “Inspire Us” contest participants may submit up to five funny stories to www.awomansworld.com/#/InspireUs, now through August 17, 2009. The winning story will be made into an animated webisode that will premiere this November. In addition, the winner will receive a “girl’s weekend” to New York to watch the recording of their webisode. The “Only in a Woman’s World” multi-media campaign explores what’s top of mind with women through light-hearted, comical videos, comic strips and interactive online games and shareable e-cards. Through its multimedia campaign, Frito-Lay has rolled out a portfolio of products developed specifically with women in mind. These include SmartFood popcorn clusters, which give women the indulgent flavors they love and also fiber and calcium – nutrients they often don’t get enough of. New Baked! Lay’s Southwestern Ranch potato crisps and Flat Earth Spicy Salsa baked veggie crisps both use innovative technology to bake spices or dried vegetables into each crisp, which delivers great flavor without increasing fat content. For those women who love Frito-Lay’s most popular brands, Fritos corn chips will now join the list of products available in 100-calorie packages. Like many snacks in Frito-Lay’s portfolio, SmartFood popcorn clusters, Flat Earth baked veggie crisps, Baked! Lay’s potato crisps and 100-calorie packs come in the convenience of portion controlled packs.

Pantene partners with Ana de la Reguera for new U.S. Hispanic advertising campaign

Procter & Gamble’s Pantene Pro-V will collaborate with internationally-acclaimed Mexican actress, Ana de la Reguera to launch their new U.S. Hispanic advertising campaign. The national advertising campaign will appear in Hispanic magazines, TV stations and websites across the United States. Behind the scenes footage of De la Reguera’s TV shoot will also be available on Pantene’s Spanish website, www.pantene.com/espanol. Ana de la Reguera was voted one of the 50 Most Beautiful by People en Espanol magazine and is already one of the most recognized leading ladies in America. “Her stunning beauty, gorgeous hair and easy spirit make her an ideal addition to the Pantene family of spokesmodels,” adds Carolina Varela, brand manager for Pantene. The campaign featuring De la Reguera will focus on Pantene’s quality as recognized with recent awards by national prestigious magazines such as People en Espanol, Latina and InStyle. “We feel honored that Pantene has received more awards than leading salon brands*,” says Varela.

Motions® will have women ‘bonding over beauty’ during Essence Music Festival

Motions®, Soft & Beautiful® and Soft & Beautiful® Just for Me!™ have announced their sponsorship of the Bond Over Beauty suite being held in New Orleans during the country’s premiere African American music festival. The second-largest producer of hair care products for women of color in the world, the beauty suite promises to be the hottest party in town. Being held in the W Hotel New Orleans on July 3rd and 4th, the Bond Over Beauty experience will serve as an oasis for female concertgoers, a place to escape the hectic weekend festivities, while mingling with celebrities such as Keshia Knight Pulliam. Motions and Soft & Beautiful brand ambassadors will personally invite festival attendees to the exclusive Bond Over Beauty hospitality suite where they will indulge in beauty and fashion consultations, light hand and shoulder massages, photo opportunities with celebrity guest Keshia Knight Pulliam, group karaoke, games and prize giveaways. Led by acclaimed stylist James Harris, guests at the Bond Over Beauty suite will be treated to hair makeovers and product demonstrations with Motions and Soft & Beautiful styling products. HoneyMag.com fashion expert, Charles Wade will lead style consultations, and local makeup artist Crystal Burrell will provide touch-ups. The premiere destination for multi-cultural women ages 18-34 to receive fashion, beauty and lifestyle advice, the partnership with HoneyMag.com is sure to bring an “it factor” to the suite. There will also be daily giveaways that include Motions, Soft & Beautiful and Soft & Beautiful Just for Me! product gift baskets, retail and restaurant gift certificates and more.

OPI helps women through sales of Bubble Bath Nail Lacquer

Starting this month, purchasing that perfect shade of nail lacquer that makes you look great has an added bonus – it can also help women undergoing cancer treatment feel better. Look Good…Feel Better, a national public service program that helps women cope with appearance-related changes from cancer treatment, announced a partnership with OPI Products Inc. to honor both groups’ 20th anniversaries: OPI launched its nail lacquers 20 years ago, the same year Look Good…Feel Better conducted its first workshop. To mark this milestone, during July and August OPI will contribute a portion of the proceeds of every bottle of its Bubble Bath Nail Lacquer sold, with a minimum contribution of $25,000, to the Personal Care Products Council Foundation to benefit Look Good…Feel Better. The OPI Bubble Bath Nail Lacquer benefiting Look Good…Feel Better will be available in at least 10,000 participating salons and retail locations nationwide beginning this July. Point-of-purchase displays will provide more information about the Look Good…Feel Better program and where to find available workshops. “We are very excited to support such a worthwhile initiative for Look Good…Feel Better and be a part of this wonderful tradition of caring,” said Suzi Weiss Fischmann, EVP and Artistic Director, OPI Products Inc. “The partnership was a natural fit because OPI shares the common goal of helping women to look and feel beautiful.” OPI is a member of the Personal Care Products Council and is also a strong supporter of the Personal Care Products Council Foundation, whose dedicated mission is the Look Good…Feel Better program, the centerpiece of the global cosmetic and personal care products industry’s philanthropy. “We saw the celebration of these 20th anniversaries as an ideal opportunity to raise awareness and recognition for Look Good…Feel Better,” said Louanne Roark, Executive Director of the Personal Care Products Council Foundation and the Look Good…Feel Better program. “We are thrilled to have the support of OPI in this endeavor. The funds raised will help us reach even more women coping with the side effects of cancer treatment.”