FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Atlanta GA – Jan 20, 2012  –AIS Media, Inc. CEO, Thomas Harpointner, today moderated an executive marketing panel, “Marketing Trends of the Future” at the Printing and Imaging Association of Georgia (PIAG)” headquarters. Panelists included:

• Ellen Lewis, Chief Creative Officer, IBM Interactive Atlanta
• Louis Sawyer, Chief Strategy Officer, Brummer
• Sanarr McLaughlin, Performance Marketing Manager fo Web & Interactive, Intercontinental Hotels Group
• Ed Farley, SVP Marketing & Corporate Communications, Unisource Worldwide
• Sue Friesen, Marketing Director, Broadspire (a Crawford company)

“It was a privilege to moderate this distinguished panel of marketing experts and lead the discussion on such a highly relevant topic”, said Thomas Harpointner. “The future of marketing consists of deeply integrated digital and traditional channels and we look forward to our continued relationship with the PIAG and its members.”

About AIS Media
Founded in 1997, AIS Media (http://www.aismedia.com) is an award-winning digital marketing and creative agency specializing in performance-driven digital strategy, design, execution and management. AIS Media’s competencies include design, application development, search marketing, email marketing, social media and mobile marketing.

Which digital marketing trends are poised to make the greatest impact in 2012? 

This is the “MUST-ATTEND” presentation for any digital marketing professional, executive or educator. As founder and CEO of AIS Media, Inc., Thomas’ insights stem from over 15 years of experience working with leading companies, global brands, governments and organizations.. Thomas’ digital marketing strategies and tactics have been real-world field-tested and proven to produce measurable performance and ROI for companies of all sizes. Thomas’ unique high-energy, hands-on presentation style is known to deliver actionable insights and immediate value in an entertaining format.

NOTE: Bringing your smartphone and/or tablet PC is encouraged to get the most out of this interactive presentation.

Seating is limited. Register: http://bit.ly/AvWUiA

Share your opinion.

Tell me what you think is the TOP digital marketing trend in 2012. Post your opinion in the comment box below and get mentioned in my Jan 19th presentation (be sure to include your twitter handle).

Cyber Monday 2011 is on track to be the single highest online shopping day in history with 83% of consumers saying they prefer shopping online over visiting crowded stores during Black Friday and Cyber Monday.

Holiday online spending is projected to reach $37.6 billion, reaching $37.6 billion online. That’s a 15% increase from 2010, according to comScore Inc. In contrast, brick and mortar retail sales are expected to increase a mere 2.6%.

In 2011, 48% of all retail sales are either online purchases or Web-influenced purchases. More than $1.1 trillion in retail sales could be attributed to “web-influenced” purchases (offline retail sales influenced by online research).

The stakes for retailers are high. Many will generate between 20 and 40 percent of their annual revenue during the next six weeks.

Read the full original story titled: Top 12 Black Friday & Cyber Monday Marketing Tactics for Retailers in 2011.

The banking industry is in a state of crisis. With industry profits down over 50%, banks face a strong headwind from new regulation and an ailing economy. A fundamental restructuring of operations and marketing is required to improve performance.

Fortunately, this crisis comes at a time consumers are eager to embrace digital self-service platforms, providing a clear path and window of opportunity to reduce expenses while simultaneously enhancing the customer experience.

A new survey by the American Bankers Association (ABA) shows a dramatic increase in preference for Internet Banking over all other delivery channels among a majority of adults: 62% in 2011 vs. 36% in 2010.

“These survey results hammer home the point that retail banking has changed for good,” said Nessa Feddis, ABA senior counsel and retail banking expert. “They tell us for the first time that customers of all age groups prefer the speed and convenience of conducting their banking transactions on the Internet to visiting their local branch or ATM. They also tell us that customers trust the accuracy and security of online banking,” she added.

Banks now have a clear path and window of opportunity to reduce expenses while simultaneously enhancing the customer experience.

This special report outlines our top 5 recommended actions for banks to take to improve overall performance, grow their customer base and increase customer lifetime value (CLV).

(C) AIS Media, Inc. 2011

• Immediate actions banks can take right now to profit from industry disruption.
• How a bank can simultaneously drive profits and enhance the customer experience.
• 28% of customers leave banks due to this one  reason (it’s not due to higher fees).
• The top factors that affect customer decisions as they shop for a new bank.
• How to implement an effective cross-channel marketing program
• The growth in mobile; what’s expected in 2012 and beyond?

Get instant access to AIS Media’s free 10-page report here

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ATLANTA, GEORGIA – September 28, 2011 – Award-winning digital agency AIS Media, Inc. today announced that its CEO, Thomas Harpointner, has been tapped to speak at the International Concrete Polishing & Staining Conference “ICPSC” in Atlanta on the topic of digital and social media marketing.

“It will be my pleasure to share some key digital and social media marketing insights with ICPSC members”, said Thomas Harpointner, AIS Media CEO. “A growing number of brands and businesses today are aiming to leverage digital and social media marketing channels as a more cost-effective and efficient way to build brand awareness, engage customers and drive revenue growth. I look forward to sharing some practical and easy to implement tips which have been proven to produce fast, measurable results.”

“We’re excited to have Thomas Harpointner speak”, said Michael Sawick, COO of ICPSC. “Thomas Harpointner comes highly recommended. Having met with him in person, I’m confident that he will bring some exciting and fresh perspectives to the conference and provide our and attendees with valuable insights on how to effectively leverage digital marketing to drive business growth.”

About The ICPSC
The International Concrete Polishing and Staining Conference has been established by an independent group of concrete polishing contractors. Together, we bring over 50 years of combined business, construction and polishing experience to the organization. Our sole purpose is to offer our industry venues in which to learn techniques and procedures as well as show the latest industry technology. We also wish to encourage discussion of issues and ideas.

About AIS Media
Since 1997, AIS Media has developed digital marketing and business solutions. AIS Media’s capabilities include award-winning website design, application development, social media, email, search and mobile marketing. AIS Media’s clients are leading companies, brands, governments and organizations. For its thought leadership, AIS Media has been quoted and featured in the global press and news media. For details, visit: http://www.aismedia.com

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Atlanta, Georgia – August 16, 2011 – AIS Media, Inc. announces it has been selected by Lanier Partners of North Georgia, Inc., a Georgia non-profit organization, to serve as the organization’s official digital marketing agency and help promote the August 26 – 27 “2011 Castaways Poker Run” event. Proceeds will benefit the Children of Fallen Soldiers Relief Fund and Camp Sunshine.

“On behalf of the entire team at AIS Media, we’re thrilled to team up with Lanier Partners to promote the 2011 Castaways Poker Run event”, said AIS Media CEO, Thomas Harpointner. “I feel that social media and social good truly go hand-in-hand. My team and I look forward to leveraging our digital marketing expertise to help make the 2011 Castaways Poker Run the most successful event yet.”

“AIS Media came to us highly recommended to our organization”, said Rea Williams, Lanier Partners of North Georgia Director. “We’re excited to have AIS Media’s energy and digital marketing expertise at our disposal this year. Thomas Harpointner’s personal passion for our organization is much appreciated.”

AIS Media will design, execute and manage an integrated social media marketing strategy that supports the organizations efforts of attracting sponsors, volunteers, attendees and press and media coverage.

About the Castaway Poker Run Events
The event sets sail on Friday, August 26, 2011 with the Castaways Poker Run Captain’s Party. A $25 donation gets attendees an entire night of great food, drinks, live music, and fabulous prizes. In addition, entertainment includes the inaugural Miss Castaways Swimsuit Pageant. To register for the Castaways Poker Run Captain’s Party visit: https://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=161200363954384 (registered boat captains attend free)

PRIZES
$1,500 – 1^st
$700 – 2^nd
$500 – 3^rd
$200 – 4^th
$100 – 5th

On Saturday, August 27, 2011, the Castaways Poker Run Competition (register at http://lanierpartners.org/store/index.php?crn=220) sets sail. This is not a race or timed event. The Poker Run Competition is about laughter, a fun day for you, your family and crew and giving to the kids. Boats of all shapes and sizes are welcome (except house boats). Crews are encouraged to dress up in their best pirate costumes and decorate their boats. Winners will receive a trophy and cash prizes.

PRIZES
1st Place: $2,000 Best Hand
2nd Place: $500 Second Best Hand
3rd Place: $250 Third Best Hand
4th Place: $100 Worst Hand
5th Place: $250 Blind Draw Hand

For event details, visit the official Facebook page: www.facebook.com/CastawaysPokerRun or www.LanierPartners.org

About AIS Media
AIS Media (http://www.aismedia.com) is an award-winning creative digital marketing agency that designs, executes and manages performance-driven digital and social media marketing programs. Clients are leading companies, governments, organizations and brands.

About Lanier Partners of North Georgia, Inc.
Lanier Partners of North Georgia, Inc. (www.lanierpartners.org) is a non-profit corporation dedicated to helping families in need throughout the Atlanta area. Lanier Partners of North Georgia, Inc. is classified by the Internal Revenue Services as exempt under IRC Section 501(c) and as a public charity under IRC Section 509.

Atlanta GA – March 21, 2011 – AIS Media announced today that CEO, Thomas Harpointner will co-present on Tuesday March 22 at 1:00 p.m. (EST), at a webinar titled: “Social Media: How Insurers Can Strengthen Sales, Improve Member Health and Avoid Privacy Risks.”

Joining Harpointner will be Lynde O’Brien, Director of Social Media Marketing at Health Care Service Corporation (HCSC), the largest customer-owned health insurer in the United States and fourth largest health plan operator in the nation, and co-presenter Kelly Kimberland, director of social marketing at Pennsylvania-based UPMC Health Plan, Inc.

“I’m honored and look forward to the opportunity to share my digital and social media marketing insight on this very timely and relevant topic”, says Thomas Harpointner, AIS Media CEO. “Social media offers health insurers a fantastic opportunity to increase brand awareness, engage customers, increase loyalty and ignite advocacy. Recognizing that the ability to measure social media’s impact and return on investment (ROI) are top objectives, it’s my goal to provide a clear business case for social media and explore both qualitative and quantitative methods of measuring ROI.

The webinar will cover the following topics:

• Why does traditional marketing on its own produce limited results?
• How can social media co-exist with more traditional marketing efforts?
• Where to start with your social media marketing integration?
• Who should do the facebooktweeterlinkedinblogging? Who should monitor customer feedback?
• What’s the best way to determine a return on investment with Social Marketing? And what sort of ROI should insurers expect?
• Which social media outlets are most effective? And which are a waste of time?
• Why might YouTube videos be the most effective way to reach and educate brokers and agents?
• Why do insurers and TPAs (third party administrators) need to build an online awareness among members?
• How can blogs be used to improve member health? And who should do the blogging?
• What can be done to ensure your efforts — including comments made by members and visitors — don’t improperly disclose PHI and violate HIPAA?

The webinar is produced by Atlantic Information Systems’ Health Plan Week and moderated by its managing editor, Steve Davis. The webinar is designed for:

• Health plan sales and marketing executives, product development managers, chief operating officers, compliance directors and market researchers, public affairs staff and customer service leaders
• Insurance agents and brokers
• Third-party administrators
• Pharmaceutical company executives and marketers
• Provider group CEOs, administrators and directors of managed care contracting

Click here, for more information and to register for the webinar “Social Media: How Insurers Can Strengthen Sales, Improve Member Health and Avoid Privacy Risks.”

About AIS Media
Founded in 1997, AIS Media (http://www.aismedia.com) is an award-winning digital engagement agency that connects businesses and brands with customers through innovative digital & social media marketing that dramatically increases brand awareness, drives sales and increases customer loyalty. AIS Media’s competencies include digital and social media strategy, creative design, search, email and social media marketing. AIS Media delivers its services directly and through its network of independent consultants and agency partners throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico.

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Webinar: “Social Media: How Insurers Can Strengthen Sales, Improve Member Health and Avoid Privacy Risks”

*Update! Registration is coming to a close, however we have two webinar seats to give away (each seat valued at $299). The first two people to direct message @aismedia on Twitter, will each receive complementary entry to the webinar.

Atlantic Information Systems Webinar: Tuesday, March 22, 2011, 1:00pm-2:00pm EST.

Summary:

The longer a health insurer goes without a robust social networking presence, the more it risks losing its marketing edge to the competition. But jump into the electronic world without the right safeguards in place, and an insurer can quickly run afoul of HIPAA privacy rules. While most health insurers are beginning to use social media for drug compliance and care management, few understand its potential…or the hidden risks. And the sector as a whole is light-years behind other industries at a time when consumers value electronic interaction over standard ads and other types of marketing outreach. But what sort of ROI should insurers expect from social marketing efforts? And how do they determine which social media outlets are most effective — and which are a waste of time?

Sponsored by Atlantic Information Services, Inc. (AIS Media, Inc. is not affiliated with Atlantic Information Systems, AIS Health or AIS Report)

Companies that choose not to invest in social media are giving their competitors an opportunity to appear more in touch with technology and with the needs of consumers. With 90% of Americans walking around with a mobile phone in their pocket, text messages and social networking sites have become among the quickest, cheapest and most efficient ways for health insurers to reach members on drug adherence and other care management issues. But before they open the electronic flood gates, insurers must ensure that they (or their members) have proper safeguards in place to secure protected health information and comply with HIPAA. Insurers must also determine how to disseminate medical advice and monitor comments made by members and visitors.

Multiple electronic touch points will not only help employers and consumers make more informed coverage decisions, but also help reinforce purchase decisions. And social media outlets could become critical tools for insurers to help improve the health of their members.

Join our panel on March 22 for 60 minutes of practical tips for using social media and avoiding potential privacy pitfalls. The presentations will be followed by 30 minutes devoted to your individual questions. You’ll get answers to these and other questions that will ensure health insurers, employers, third-party administrators and brokers get the most out of social media outlets:

• How can social media co-exist with more traditional marketing efforts? Why will traditional marketing on its own produce limited results?
• What’s the best way to determine a return on investment? And what sort of ROI should insurers expect?
• Why might YouTube videos be the most effective way to reach and educate brokers and agents?
• Which social media outlets are most effective? And which are a waste of time?
• Why do insurers and TPAs need to build an online awareness among members?
• How can blogs be used to improve member health? And who should do the blogging?
• What can be done to ensure your efforts — including comments made by members and visitors — don’t improperly disclose PHI and violate HIPAA?

Team-Wide Training at Its Best (and most cost- and time-efficient): Gather your management team on March 22 for one low single-participant price. And photocopy for each of them as many copies of our printed materials as you need. Managers throughout your organization will learn about how to get the most out of your social media efforts and identify and avoid privacy traps.

Speakers:

LYNDE O’BRIEN is senior manager of eDeployment/marketing communications at Health Care Service Corp. (HCSC), the nation’s fourth largest health plan operator. She launched the social media initiative for Blue Cross and Blue Shield plans in Illinois, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas at the end of 2008 when few people within the company were certain that a conservative health insurance company should “engage.” Ms. O’Brien directs HCSC’s cross-functional social media effort including content strategy, security and legal approvals and ongoing response and escalation processes. Much of her recent focus has been on building reputation management capabilities and online crisis mitigation planning.

KELLY KIMBERLAND is director of social marketing at Pennsylvania-based UPMC Health Plan, Inc. She is responsible for the launch, development and implementation of online social marketing programs and campaigns for the various business units through UPMC Insurance Services division. Ms. Kimberland also is responsible for leading a multi-functional team of marketing, product design and information technology experts in the development of the UPMC Health Plan’s use of mobile applications. She has more than 14 years of experience in external relations, branding, integrated marketing communications, strategic planning and crisis communications. Prior to joining UPMC Health Plan, she served as public relations manager and spokesperson for the Carnegie Mellon Software Engineering Institute, a $120 million software engineering research and development center.

THOMAS HARPOINTNER is president and CEO of digital marketing firm, AIS Media, Inc. (not affiliated with AIS, Inc.). Mr. Harpointner is a seasoned business executive with more than 20 years of sales, marketing, and management experience. He’s a speaker, author, business strategist and successful entrepreneur. Under his leadership, the company has emerged as a recognized leader in its field, serving hundreds business clients worldwide ranging from small retailers to FORTUNE 500 corporations. Thomas Harpointner was recently featured in the AIS Report discussing the insurer’s use of social media. Harpointner’s company conducted the Insurance Customer Interactive Media Usage Survey which was most recently featured in Berkshire Hathaway’s GenRe Disability Factbook for 2011.

Moderator:

Steve Davis, the managing editor of AIS’s Health Plan Week

A concluding 30-minute Q&A session will give you a chance to get answers to your questions on how to get the most out of your social media efforts and identify and avoid HIPAA privacy traps.

Designed Especially For:

• Health plan sales and marketing executives, product development managers, chief operating officers, compliance directors and market researchers, public affairs staff and customer service leaders
• Insurance agents and brokers
• Third-party administrators
• Pharmaceutical company executives and marketers
• Provider group CEOs, administrators and directors of managed care contracting

How the Webinar Works:

WHAT IS A WEBINAR?
All you need to access our Webinar is a phone line and access to the Internet – no downloads are required. Our Webinars allow you to view the speakers’ presentations on the Web as a slideshow, while listening to the audio presentation on the phone. The presentation is followed by a 30-minute Q&A with the speaker(s). You can invite all your colleagues to gather in a conference room with one computer and a speakerphone to share the experience.

1. For your convenience, you will receive a copy of the Printed Materials in PDF format by e-mail prior to the Webinar. These materials will include the same presentation you will view online during the Webinar.
2. Listen to the Webinar as you follow along with your Printed Materials. You will be able to view the presentation online as you listen on the phone.
3. The final segment of the Webinar will let you ask questions and get answers from the speakers.

Written Materials

Listeners will also receive practical written information to supplement information covered by the Webinar speakers. A copyright release in the Printed Materials will permit you to make photocopies for each person listening to the Webinar and/or the On-Demand Recording.

Resources:

• “AIS Report on Blue Cross and Blue Shield Plans” (full story)
• Insurance Customer Interactive Media Usage 2010 Survey Results (survey results)
• AIS Media Digital Marketing Research Featured in Berkshire Hathaway’s GenRe Disability Factbook for 2011 (full story)
• 10 Killer Social Media Pitfalls Businesses Must Avoid (blog post)
• Snafus That Can Sink Your Social Media Marketing Plans (blog post)

Strax Rejuvenation® is changing the face of cosmetic surgery – making feeling and looking your personal best is no longer a luxury reserved exclusively for the wealthy. With multiple locations, 16 Board Certified Surgeons, over 300 years of combined experience, and over 30,000 successful procedures performed since 2004, Strax proudly offers the widest range of cosmetic procedures at the most reasonable rates.

“Our team is thrilled to serve as Strax Rejuvenation’s digital agency of record”, said Thomas Harpointner, AIS Media CEO. “Strax Rejuvenation is a true visionary, industry leader and clearly recognizes the business value of embracing digital, social media and email marketing channels. We look forward to an exciting year and helping Strax Rejuvenation expand its brand and drive measurable business growth.”

“While we have engaged AIS Media on numerous digital campaigns in the past years, Strax Rejuvenation is thrilled to consolidate our digital marketing efforts with one, singular agency that we know—from experience—to drive impactful business performance and measurable return on investment on our marketing dollars spent. With AIS Media at the helm, we’re confident that we will re-energize our traditional marketing efforts and move our brand to the next level of customer awareness,” said Albert Auer, Strax Rejuvenation VP of Operations.

About AIS Media
Founded in 1997, AIS Media (http://www.aismedia.com) is an award-winning digital agency specializing in performance-driven digital strategy, design, execution and management. AIS Media’s competencies include design, application development, search, email, social media and mobile marketing.

About Strax Rejuvenation
Strax Rejuvenation® (http://www.straxre.com) is the nation’s largest cosmetic surgery facility. With several locations in South Florida, Strax Rejuvenation offer patients privacy, easy access, a positive, supportive atmosphere and the confidence they need to help them achieve their personal aesthetic goals.

*AIS Media, Inc. is not affiliated with Atlantic Information Systems, AIS Health or AIS Report

The “AIS Report on Blue Cross and Blue Shield Plans” interviewed Thomas Harpointner, CEO of AIS Media Inc., on the increased use of social media by Blue Cross and Blue Shield in their marketing efforts to consumers.  Harpointner cautioned that the Blues plans overall, along with the rest of the health insurance sector, are still falling behind in the social media space at a time when consumers are starting to value exactly that kind of interaction over standard ads and other means of marketing outreach.

In the interview he discussed the Insurance Customer Interactive Media Usage 2010 Survey Results that AIS Media conducted. “One question asked, ‘If you received an offer in the postal mail, would you be more inclined to respond by phone or visit the website?’ And 59% said they’d prefer to visit the website.” This is an indication that traditional ads going out from carriers, agents and brokers may not be leveraging interactive marketing to the degree they should be. Facebook, Harpointner noted, now gets more traffic than Google. If Blues plans balk at embracing the future, he warns, smaller plans may outmaneuver them.

“A battleship is less nimble than a speedboat,” said Thomas Harpointner, CEO of AIS Media. “Bigger plans make a bigger impact over the long term, but a smaller plan can implement a social networking strategy more quickly. It doesn’t take much time to set up a Facebook page.” And while it’s never too late to get with the social media program, the longer Blues plans go without a robust social networking presence, the more they risk getting left behind — because “consumer sentiment against a lack of social media presence is going to be high. Companies that don’t invest in social media, are “giving their competitors an opportunity to jump in and say, ‘We understand your needs. This is a personal decision, and we’re more connected with you than the big guys.’”

Beyond setting up a Facebook page, Harpointner offers insight that helps businesses and brands maximize social media presence:

1. Use e-mail to deliver timely, personalized offers.

2. Get found where consumers are searching.

3. Leverage the viral power of social media.

4. Blog your way to increased sales.

5. Embrace cross-channel marketing.

Social Media Resources:

• “AIS Report on Blue Cross and Blue Shield Plans” (full story)
• Insurance Customer Interactive Media Usage 2010 Survey Results (survey results)
• AIS Media Digital Marketing Research Featured in Berkshire Hathaway’s GenRe Disability Factbook for 2011 (full story)
• 10 Killer Social Media Pitfalls Businesses Must Avoid (blog post)
• Snafus That Can Sink Your Social Media Marketing Plans (blog post)

About AIS Blue Report
Delivers timely news and insightful analysis of new products, market share, strategies, conversions, financing, profitability and strategic alliances of Blue Cross and Blue Shield plans, which are major players in every U.S. health insurance market. The 12-page monthly is published for plan managers and others who consider BCBS plans to be partners or competitors. A thoroughly objective publication, the newsletter is published independently by Atlantic Information Systems and is not affiliated with or sponsored, endorsed or approved by the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association or any of the independent Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies.