Consumers Energy Engages Campbell Ewald for Customer Engagement Initiative

Warren, MI (PRWEB) December 20, 2011

Consumers Energy, one of the nations largest electric and natural gas utilities, has engaged Campbell Ewald to provide marketing and communications expertise for the companys customer engagement initiative.

We selected Campbell Ewald based on its strategic strengths, creativity and collaborative approach to increasing customer awareness and understanding of our brand, said Pramada Reddy, Consumers Energys executive director of strategy communications.

“With our 125-year history, we have a huge commitment to Michigan and the 6.8 million people we serve. We will work closely with Campbell Ewald to develop and implement marketing and advertising strategies designed to build a closer relationship with our customers and communicate the full value of the products and services we provide.”

Campbell Ewalds first task will be to assess customer attitudes and perception of the full breadth of products and services that Consumers Energy provides. The overall goal of the marketing communications efforts will be to raise brand perception and understanding of the products and services provided to the utilitys customers in Michigan. First work is expected to break in fall 2012.

We are proud to add Consumers Energy to our portfolio of clients that provide such vital services to families and businesses in Michigan, said Bill Ludwig, chairman and CEO of Campbell Ewald. We look forward to developing strategies and work that will elevate the recognition of what the company offers customers and what it does for communities throughout the state of Michigan.

About Consumers Energy

Consumers Energy, the principal subsidiary of CMS Energy, provides natural gas and electricity to nearly 6.8 million of Michigans 10 million residents in all 68 Lower Peninsula counties.

About Campbell Ewald

Campbell Ewald is a collaborative marketing communications agency that provides clients game-changing solutions. As one of the nations largest communications brands, Campbell Ewald is made up of a collective of thought leaders with innovative capabilities both traditional and specialized, including advertising; insights and solutions planning; integrated content strategy and development; social, relationship, retail and experiential marketing; interactive/digital; and strategic media planning and buying.

Campbell Ewald has offices in Detroit, Los Angeles, San Antonio, Miami and Washington, D.C. A part of the Interpublic Group of Companies, Campbell Ewald partners with a score of national brands, including Alltel Wireless, Carrier, Chicken of the Sea, General Motors, Ghirardelli, Kaiser Permanente, LA INC., Olympic Paints and Stains, OnStar, USAA, the United States Navy, and the United States Postal Service.

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USBedBugs.com and Safer Pest Control Project Partner to Educate Consumers on Bed Bug Protection and Prevention


Northbrook, IL (Vocus/PRWEB) December 14, 2010

USBedBugs.com, the leading provider of pesticide-free bed bug prevention and protection products, is proud to sponsor Safer Pest Control Project as an IPM Hero in its mission to stop bed bugs in their tracks by using integrated pest management. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a proven method of pest control that emphasizes simple, inexpensive prevention practices that cause the least harm to people and the environment. IPM focuses on eliminating the cause of pests by minimizing access to food, water, and hiding places. We are dedicated to helping Safer Pest Control Project educate the community on how to deal with bed bugs using pesticide-free solutions said Adam Greenberg, President of USBedBugs.com. Dealing with bed bugs can be a life altering event and many people think that using pesticides will eliminate the problem. However, pesticides are generally not effective and can even make the problem worse while also creating a toxic living environment.

Bed bugs have made a comeback in the last 10 years and these tiny little creatures do not discriminate. They can be found anywhere from five star hotels, movie theaters, department stores and even libraries. Most experts say that international travel is the culprit. Bed bugs have been hitching a ride in luggage or clothing of travelers and causing havoc on everyone that they meet. With the resurgence of bed bug infestations comes the need to educate people about bed bugs and give people the tools and knowledge to help them fight and win the battle in a safe and cost effective manner. Knowing what a bed bug looks like and detecting a bed bug problem early are very important to the speed and success of any treatment method, said Rachel Rosenberg, Executive Director of Safer Pest Control Project, a nonprofit organization located in Chicago. Here at SPCP we are working diligently to spread the word about the reappearance of bed bugs and how to eliminate the pests by using an IPM approach. We are extremely grateful for the support and collaboration of companies like USBedBugs.com.

Safer Pest Control Projects mission is to reduce the impact of pesticides on human health and the environment.. SPCP offers site assessments, workshops, technical assistance and expert speakers to help educate the community on integrated pest management. The Fourth Annual Lady Bug Bash, held in October 2010, was a great success and honored the Evanston Environmental Board for the successful passage of sustainable pest control and pesticide reduction policy. The event also featured Ms Ladybug-a singing the Bed Bug Bop. This light hearted song introduces basic IPM concepts in a witty manner song and addresses the frustration and complexity of a good solution.

About USBedBugs.com

At USBedBugs.com, our mission is to improve the quality of life for those dealing with bed bugs and to prevent further spread of bed bugs throughout the United States while minimizing use of harmful pesticides.

Founded in 2006, USBedBugs.com is a division of NorthShore Care Supply, an online medical supply retailer. Beginning with selling mattress encasements, the company received numerous inquiries from people desperately looking for other products to detect and prevent bed bugs. As the bed bug infestation in the U.S. has grown rapidly, the company has become the leader in products for dealing with bed bugs in homes, hotels, apartment buildings, colleges and any facility where people sleep. The USBedBugs.com website is now a fast growing marketplace featuring a wide selection of pesticide-free bed bug prevention and protection products. For more information, visit http://www.usbedbugs.com.

About Safer Pest Control Project

Safer Pest Control Project is a non-profit organization dedicated to reducing the health risks and environmental impacts of pesticides and promoting safer alternatives in Illinois. SPCP has been helping communities create healthier, pesticide free schools, homes, and outdoor spaces for 16 years. For more information on Safer Pest Control Project please visit http://www.spcpweb.org.

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Authorized Repair Service Would Like To Tell Customers About 10 New Cutting Edge Advancements In Appliances, That Will Change The Way Consumers Look At Appliances


Dallas, TX. (PRWEB) June 14, 2012

Here are 10 new cutting edge advancements in appliance technology that consumers should know about before shopping for the next appliance. Many appliance repair companies have technicians that have not been trained to repair these new appliances. Authorized Appliance Service technicians are trained to repair all of the latest appliances.

Technology keeps leading to advancement in the Appliance industry. Everyday new appliance are developed that challenge current conceptions of what an appliance is, and how it functions. Here are ten appliances that are changing the way consumers look at traditional appliances

Steam assist ovens utilize steam in the cooking process to produce better tasting food and faster cook times. Because steam is used to cook, usually with convection heating, steam assist ovens reduce almost all need for basting, misting, and water bathing. These ovens are also fully computerized, and electronically monitor the amount of steam used based on the dish type the consumer enters in on the keypad. Truth is these appliances practically cook dinner for the consumer.

Induction cooktops generate electromagnetic fields to heat up pots and pans rather than the cooktop itself. Sounds hard to believe, but the consumer can literally boil a pot of water on a burner and then set a hand on it moments later without experiencing any ill effects. Add to that the fact that induction cooking is up to twice as efficient as natural gas or traditional electric heating elements, and it’s easy to see why this futuristic cooking method is catching on fast.

Microwave drawers are under counter microwaves that electronically slide out like a drawer rather than requiring the consumer to open the door. The benefits of these units include saving space, blending the microwave seamlessly into existing cabinet design, easier microwave access, and more kid-friendly operation.

Dishwasher drawers operate on the same principle as microwave drawers. Instead of a clumsy looking traditional dishwasher, you can install dishwasher drawers fitted with existing custom cabinetry. The drawers look like any other drawer in the kitchen, but pull out to reveal a functional dishwasher instead!

Oven Refrigerator might sound like a typo the editor missed, but it’s an actual product that is taking the kitchen appliance industry by storm. These ovens refrigerate food during the day while the consumer is at work, oven Refrigerators then convert to an oven at a pre-set time so dinner is ready for the consumer to eat when as soon as the car pulls into the driveway. These units are perfect for today’s hard working professionals and busy families.

Built in rotisserie ovens that are just what it sounds like. Instead of taking up valuable counter space with that rotisserie cooker, consumers can have a built in rotisserie installed much like a more traditional oven. Imagine cooking everything from mouthwatering chicken to tender roasts without the hassle of dragging that bulky rotisserie cooker out of the pantry. It’s almost too good to be true.

Lift ovens have cavities that drop down like an elevator lift, rather than requiring a consumer to open a door and place food inside. Set whatever it is that is being cooked on the lowered tray, push a button, and the entire setup raises into the oven and starts cooking. These are convenient additions for any homeowner, but they are especially useful for the elderly and those with disabilities, since lift ovens eliminate the need to bend over and place dishes in, or remove them, from a traditional oven.

Computerized refrigerators come with an actual computer and screen built right into the main door. The consumer can access the internet, bring up stored recipes, and even check e-mail while preparing dinner!

Water stations are kitchen islands outfitted with multiple sinks (usually in a circular fashion) so that the consumer and a handful of friends can prep dinner in each other’s company. With these handy additions, there’s no need to miss out on socializing just because there is no time to get dinner together before guests arrived!

Kitchen entertainment centers are transforming the time cooks spend in the kitchen. Kitchen entertainment centers come with a full range of radio receivers, television consoles, and CD and DVD players. Kitchen entertainment centers can be installed on the wall, as under counter models, or as under cabinet additions. Any way you cut it, these all-in-one units change cooking from an isolated endeavor to a multi-media experience!

Talk to a kitchen designer, kitchen remodeler, or general contractor about installing any of these products to make the most of a new kitchen design. Doing so will add convenience, sophistication, and wonder to any new kitchen remodel! Once the consumer purchases one of these cutting edge appliances, the next thing to concern themselves with is finding an appliance repair company that has technicians trained to repair these technologically advanced appliances, Dallas Appliance Repair technicians are trained in all the latest advances in appliance technology. When in need of appliance repair in the Dallas area remember to call Dallas Appliance Repair or visit the website at http://www.dallasappliancerepair.biz







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HomeSecurityCompanies.net Launches to Assist Consumers in Choosing a Home Security System


(PRWEB) June 13, 2012

HomeSecurityCompanies.net, a third party home security review site, launches to assist consumers in finding the most viable and dependable home security systems.

HomeSecurityCompanies.net provides home security company reviews for consumers looking to increase the safety of their homes. According to the FBI a home is 82.5 times more likely to be burglarized without a home security system installed. Taking this into mind as well as the annual home invasion rate of over 3 million households a year, Homesecuritycompanies.net provides multiple point reviews on different companys security systems.

The easy to use reviews show at a glance how each company is rated by an out of 10 rating system. More in depth points are available including cost basis, years in business, customer base, accreditation and more. Each company that is reviewed has a website that is linked to on HomeSecurityCompanies.net for additional information as well as a phone number to call in the case of immediate questions.

The website also offers additional information for consumers about security systems in addition to their home security company reviews. According to the site the cost of security systems can vary depending on coverage, size of house and kinds of security installed. The average 1200 square foot home can cost around 500 dollars to install a system and monthly costs vary. The two options for consumers to choose from are either leasing or buying a system outright from the security provider. HomeSecurityCompanies.net provides an overview of the pros and cons of each of these while recommending the outright purchase of a system if at all possible.

For those considering an addition of a home security system HomeSecurityCompanies.net suggests that consumers speak to their insurance agent about possible reduced rates when using a home security system. Additionally, they suggest making the purchase in ample time before it needs to be installed because installation time varies with the size of home and complexity of the security system. For more information and home security company reviews their website is located at http://www.homesecuritycompanies.net

About the Company:

HomeSecurityCompanies.net is an independent third party reviewing website of various home security merchants and installers. They offer additional information regarding installation, efficacy of different systems, costs of those systems and more. New information is added to the website periodically as well as additional company reviews.







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Iconix Named to OTA 2012 Online Trust Honor Roll – Recognized for Best Practices in Security and Privacy to Protect Consumers and Increase Online Trust

San Jose, CA (PRWEB) June 08, 2012

ICONIX, Inc., the industry leader in visual email solutions, announced today that it has been named to the Online Trust Alliance (OTA) 2012 Honor Roll, based on a composite trust score of security and privacy measures at hundreds of online sites. Designed to recognize leadership, the Honor Roll distinguishes Iconix as a North Star to inspire others. Of the companies evaluated by the non-profit, member-based OTA, less than 30% made the grade.

As part of the 2012 study, released June 6, 2012, OTA analyzed the adoption of key security and privacy initiatives, providing benchmark reporting and comparisons between key industry sectors including leading internet retailers, FDIC Top 100 Banks, and social networking sites. Other companies recognized by OTA include financial institutions such as Bank of America, PayPal and Wells Fargo, social networks such as Twitter and Zynga, online retailers such as Amazon.com, Apple, Buy.com, Costco and Walmart, and technology providers such as Microsoft and Symantec.

Todays businesses are stewards of ever-increasing amounts of users personal and sensitive data that necessitate the implementation of privacy and security best practices, said Craig Spiezle, executive director and president, Online Trust Alliance. Being a member of the 2012 OTA Online Trust Honor Roll means ICONIX has demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment towards online safety, to enhancing the vitality of the internet, and, most importantly, to consumer trust.

From the inception of ICONIX our focus has been to increase trust in online interaction, especially in email, said Jeff Wilbur, vice-president of marketing at ICONIX. We are proud to be recognized by OTA for the 2012 Online Trust Honor Roll, and we are committed to ongoing efforts to implement and promote technologies that will continue to improve users safety online.

The 2012 report examined over 1,200 domains and privacy policies, approximately 3,600 web pages and over 500 million emails. In addition, public records were analyzed for recent data breach incidents and settlements with the FTC.

The focus of the OTA Online Trust Honor Roll is to:

1. Recognize exemplary efforts of leading companies toward data and user protection, as security & privacy efforts, and highlight them as “North Stars.” Organizations on the Honor Roll manage data via security best practices while having transparent privacy practices.

2. Demonstrate OTA’s commitment towards providing prescriptive advice, tools and resources to businesses to enhance the security and privacy of the internet.

3. Underscore the importance of focusing on security and privacy holistically, and that individual security and privacy initiatives cannot be pursued in isolation.

4. Provide benchmark scoring, using the Online Trust Index (OTI) and reported data attributes, for companies to evaluate their own sites, for businesses to use in evaluating partners, and for consumers to consider when interacting or doing business online.

Since 2010, the OTA Online Trust Honor Roll has recognized organizations that follow best practices in data security and privacy. In previous years, the study was named the OTA Online Safety Honor Roll and Scorecard Honor Roll. Recipients have risen from 8 percent of sites analyzed in 2010, to 25 percent in 2011, to nearly 30 percent in 2012.

ICONIX provides the Iconix Truemark

Payday-loans-australia.org Helps Consumers Decide Whether to Use a Payday Loan to Update Their Electronics


Sydney, Australia (PRWEB UK) 15 May 2012

A new commentary by payday-loans-australia.org, a website for short-term cash solutions, operated by Green Spiral Media, helps people determine whether to apply for a payday loan when they need cash to update their electronics. Since cash loans are quick and easy to get, people sometimes get them to make unnecessary electronic purchases.

Nowadays people often find it hard to keep up with the advancement of technologies and for that reason, sometimes apply for payday loans with the purpose of purchasing the newest electronic gadget without actually needing it. The payday-loans-australia.org article therefore aims to help consumers determine when to update their electronics with the help of a cash loan and when getting a payday loan will only put an unnecessary pressure on their budget.

Payday-loans-australia.org notes in its commentary that replacing an old appliance when it is on the verge of breaking down is usually a good idea; in this case, the consumer can choose when to apply for a payday loan with regards to his or her personal financial situation instead of being forced to get a payday loan when the appliance in question actually breaks down. As for electronic gadgets such as smartphones and laptops, payday-loans-australia.org advises consumers to consider what it is that they would need the gadget for.

The commentary then goes on to explore the relationship between payday loans and discounts on electronics. Since a lot of stores nowadays are offering deals on electronics, consumers sometimes apply for cash loans to take advantage of the discounts in question. In its article, payday-loans-australia.org advises consumers to calculate the cost for the payday loan and compare it with the discount of the electronic appliance that they want to buy. Naturally, applying for a payday loan would be a good idea when the discount is big enough as compared to the payday loan interest.

The convenience of cash loans is the main reason why people use them to buy new electronic gadgets. Nevertheless, sometimes getting a payday loan is a good idea whereas in other cases the purchase simply cannot justify the expenses related to paying the loan back.

To read the full article, or to get more information about short-term cash solutions, go to payday-loans-australia.org.

About Green Spiral Media

Green Spiral Media is a company operating a few leading information websites for payday loans. Those websites work with a selection of payday loan providers so as to offer convenient cash loan solutions to those in need. In addition, Green Spiral Media works to keep its customers informed about the most recent developments, trends and news in the field of short-term financing.







Infographic: Power of the Extra Dollar – Credit Card Debt Continues to Decline As More Consumers Take Control of Their Finances


Los Angeles, CA (PRWEB) April 10, 2012

Nobody wants to pay more than they have to. But paying even just an extra dollar on credit card bills can save money in the long run as illustrated in CreditDonkey.com new educational infographic.

Infographic: http://www.creditdonkey.com/extra-dollar.html

Following the financial meltdown of 2008, many Americans have learned to better manage their money, launching credit card repayment plans that have helped reduce U.S. consumer debt.

Unfortunately, much of that reduction can be attributed to credit card companies charging-off bad debt, says Charles Tran, founder of credit card comparison and education site CreditDonkey.com, which today published a new infographic entitled The Power of the Extra Dollar.

While its encouraging to see more people handle credit cards wisely, Americas total credit card debt is nearly $ 795 billion, and the average credit-card-holding household owes $ 14,718, said Tran. Thats why the infographic includes very blunt math on the cost of plastic, as well as tips to reduce debt and improve your credit score.

The first thing the nations 156 million cardholders should know, says Tran, is that they should always pay more than the monthly minimum. If a cardholder paid only the monthly minimum on a balance of $ 14,718, for example, it would take 31 years to repay the loan (assuming a 13.04% APR), and cost the cardholder $ 16,772 in total interest. By putting $ 300 a month toward the same balance, however, the cardholder would reduce repayment time to 6 years and save $ 10,347 in interest.

Visit CreditDonkey.com to view full infographic on The Power of the Extra Dollar.

To keep debt under control and improve your credit score, Tran recommended that consumers:

Keep debt to less than 30% of their total credit limit.

Maintain a long credit history by not closing credit card accounts. Instead, simply refrain from using the unwanted cards.

Never pay bills late or allow them to be referred to collection agencies.

Closely monitor their credit scores. It takes a long time to build good credit, but one negative mark can quickly reduce the credit score.

At the very least, people need to carefully track their income and expenses, Tran added. Too many people charge things to their credit cards, and then forget about the charges until the bill arrives.

Consumers can visit CreditDonkey.com to compare low interest credit cards with rewards. CreditDonkey.com publishes reviews, deals and tips to help consumers make informed credit decisions. They can search, compare and apply online, finding the best credit cards for their individual needs.

InsuranceCalculator.net Partners with Insurance Companies in North Carolina to Help Consumers Save Money on Insurance Quotes


(PRWEB) May 26, 2012

Residents in North Carolina can now use InsuranceCalculator.net to obtain insurance quotes instantly online. InsuranceCalculator.net works with the top auto, home, health, life, business, and travel insurance companies in North Carolina to help consumers save money on insurance.

“InsuranceCalculator.net has partnered with the top insurance companies in North Carolina to ensure consumers get the best rates possible,” Jason, CEO of InsuranceCalculator.net, explains. “We aim to help you get the best insurance coverage at the lowest cost, whether if you need auto, home, health, life, business, travel, or even pet insurance.”

According to US Census 2011 (http://www.census.gov), Residents in North Carolina need auto and home insurance. Every year, of every 100,000 homes in North Carolina, 3,447 households file property crime cases. For every 100,000 vehicles, 192 cars report stolen every year. InsuranceCalculator.net works with the major insurance providers in North Carolina and residents can combine both auto and home insurance for as little as $ 1,533.00 a year.

Obtaining insurance quotes online at InsuranceCalculator.net is free and quotes are provided in a matter of seconds. “There is absolutely nothing to lose to obtain insurance quotes with us. But if you don’t, you may miss out hundreds of dollars in savings,” said Jason.

InsuranceCalculator.net offers many types of insurance calculator to make sure consumers’ needs are covered. Applying for insurance quotes on InsuranceCalculator.net is the most efficient and easiest option to reduce the cost on insurance.







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IntelliQuote Proudly Embraces Social Media, Connecting with and Educating Consumers Nationwide


El Dorado Hills, CA (PRWEB) April 30, 2012

IntelliQuote, the nations leading online life insurance brokerage, is proud to announce the initial success of a social media outreach campaign designed to engage and empower consumers through life insurance education.

Established in 1997 IntelliQuote has been a rising star in the online life insurance arena ever since. Earning a reputation for providing world-class customer support and access to the most competitively priced policies on the market, IntelliQuote has quickly become the consumer choice for online life insurance sales and service. Offering instant online life insurance quotes from the industrys top providers, IntelliQuote is making it easier than ever before to buy life insurance online.

In early 2011, the IntelliQuote leadership team identified an opportunity to leverage social media in order to connect with and educate consumers about importance of life insurance coverage. After outlining a strategy to share their insight and expertise through leading social networking websites, IntelliQuote launched the initiative in January of last year. In a matter of weeks the success of the campaign was undeniable with consumer engagement far exceeding even the most aggressive of forecasts.

The launch of the IntelliQuote social media program is part of a growing trend in the life insurance industry for thought leaders and product experts to engage through social media. Figures released by the Life Insurance Marketing and Research Association (LIMRA) reveal that social media usage among life insurers was up by 30% in 2011. As more and more consumers and organizations embrace social media, this number is only expected to grow. In fact, LIMRA is forecasting another 18% growth in 2012.

In just one short year, Intelliquote has established a solid social media presence and connected with thousands of consumers through Facebook, Twitter and Linked-In. Today Intelliquote has more than 3,500 Followers on Twitter and upwards of 1,300 Likes on Facebook.

Were so excited to be at the forefront of this trend, said Gary Lardy, President and CEO of IntelliQuote. Were connecting with consumers on a level that wasnt possible until now. I cant wait to see what the future holds.

Just as they launched their social media efforts, IntelliQuote unveiled their latest branding effort which includes the IntelliQuote Superhero and the tagline Be Prepared for Life. Depicted as a young boy, the IntelliQuote Superhero was designed to represent the security and protection of life insurance coverage. The IntelliQuote creative team is leveraging the new branding initiative to remind consumers that life insurance is about more than death benefits, its about protecting the superheroes of tomorrow. This theme is consistent throughout the IntelliQuote social media strategy and has proven to play an important role in the success of the campaign.

With more plans underway to leverage social media and share insights through their corporate life insurance blog, the IntelliQuote leadership team is just getting started. Watch for more exciting news as they work to educate and empower the ever-expanding community of consumers who depend on IntelliQuote for their life insurance needs.

ABOUT INTELLIQUOTE

Headquartered in El Dorado Hills, California, Intelliquote is a highly respected innovator in the online life insurance industry. Offering instant online quotes, unrivaled customer service and access to the most competitive life insurance products on the market; IntelliQuote is the undisputed leader in the space. For more information about IntelliQuote visit http://www.intelliquote.com or call 1-800-963-6405.