The summary of experience you’ll read in the trade news goes something like this; Stoltz Marketing Group (SMG) brings on Mike Gibson, a marketing and client services veteran to bring new solutions and service levels to its customers. Over the last 25 years, Mike enjoyed fairly equal tenures with Qwest Communications, MicronPC and Wirestone, LLC., bringing leadership and new performance levels in a broad range of business competencies including product and project management, business development, marketing and client services. In the 7 years before joining SMG, Mike successfully managed some of the most challenging projects and clients Fortune 100 companies can offer, including Microsoft, Intel, IBM and HP, among others.

And yes, he has outside interests as well. A true Idahoan at heart, Mike likes to spend his time backpacking around its mountains, rafting and fly fishing its rivers, and mountain biking its trails. Recreation aside, Mike’s passions are his family and his work (a.k.a. "The Mistress").

We’re okay with being known as ‘The Mistress’. And we’re thrilled he’s part of our team.

At Stoltz Marketing Group, we work with a variety of nonprofits. Not for the recognition, but because it’s a good thing to do. But that doesn’t mean that we’re opposed to a little recognition from time to time.

Recently, the Idaho chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals named SMG the Outstanding Media/Marketing Firm of 2009, citing our work for Big Brother Big Sisters of Southwest Idaho, Idaho Rivers United and Big Brothers Big Sisters of America. Learn more about the award and all of this year’s winners here.

Thanks to Susan G. Komen for the Cure's Hilarie Engle for the nomination.

The Saint Alphonsus Festival of Trees has been a Treasure Valley holiday tradition—and important hospital fundraiser—for the past 26 years. This year, the Saint Alphonsus Foundation selected SMG to help drive up attendance for the event, held this past November at the Boise Centre.

Conceived by Terri Martin, the “Celebritrees” campaign was a spoof on America's celebrity-driven culture. Working with a modest budget, we created an integrated campaign including social media, billboards, television and direct mail.

And by all accounts, the campaign, and the Festival, was a success. By the numbers, attendance was up 10% for the Festival, and Gala ticket sales and Fashion Show ticket sales were up 9% each. Records were broken for both Gala raffle ticket and Fashion Show ticket sales as well, and Gala centerpieces sold out. People also became Fans on Facebook, and as always, the trees were the stars of the show.

Even though this year’s event has passed, take a moment to become a fan and get a jump on next year’s event.