Santa Ana-based DGWB Advertising and Communications plans to make a big play in online marketing with a recent acquisition.
The Orange County shop bought Santa Ana-based Argus Interactive, which handles search engine marketing and Web design and development, for an undisclosed amount.
The move was a “natural next step for DGWB” since online marketing is big, said DGWB managing partner Mandi Dossin.
Industry spending in search engine marketing is up more than 62% from 2005, she said.
“With all the recent activity in digital marketing, especially surrounding search engine marketing, it made a lot of sense for us to jump into this area with both feet,” Dossin said.
Argus, which was founded in 2002, offers paid search strategy and management, search engine optimization and Web analytics consulting.
The shop, which has 10 workers, will relocate to DGWB’s offices.
DGWB will have a total of 100 workers following the buy.
Chris Diede, Argus’ president and founder, said his shop worked with DGWB on a number of projects and the two meshed.
“They have always been people we felt we would relate to,” Diede said.
Argus most recently helped DGWB revamp its company Web site.
“We realized our combined talents would help solidify our mutual desire to nurture customer relationships through one-on-one communications,” Diede said.
The move also will likely help DGWB bring in more business and expand work with current clients, which include Hilton Garden Inn, Children’s Hospital of Orange County and Newport Beach-based Wienerschnitzel, owned by Galardi Group Inc.
New Chief at Trend
Los Alamitos-based Trend Offset Printing, the biggest printer in OC, has a new chief executive.
Warren Dow, former chief operating officer, was promoted to the top spot. He also is president.
He replaces Anthony Lienau, who is chairman of the board.
“I have worked closely with Warren over the past two years preparing him for this role,” Lienau said in a statement.
Dow, who reports to Lienau, joined Trend as chief operating officer two years ago. Previously, he was chief operating officer at Southwest Offset Printing.
Trend, which started in 1986, has about 1,100 workers, including 563 in OC.
The company prints magazines, weekly newspapers, including the Business Journal, catalogs and advertising material at its plants here, in Texas and in Florida.
Trend plans to grow by investing in technology and workers, Dow said in a previous interview.
The company, which expects some $265 million in sales for 2007, has made big investments during the past year or so in manufacturing equipment and presses.
The company’s Florida plant is expected to get a new press and bindery machine later this year.
Trend also continues to improve operations to battle industry challenges, including the rising costs of fuel, insurance and labor.
Sale in the Works
Last week, I gave a glimpse on some accounts that Irvine-based Mice DisplayWorks picked up.
Since, I’ve gotten another update on the company, which makes trade show booths and other displays.
The shop said it’s been business as usual as its London parent, Mice Group PLC, which had some financial woes, shops around for a buyer for the unit and its sibling, MarketCraft.
DisplayWorks and MarketCraft are “currently reviewing finalists that have submitted to purchase the companies,” said spokeswoman Jessica Neuman.
DisplayWorks has some 124 workers in Irvine.
Since March, the company has brought on 40 customers, Neuman said.
That includes Playboy Enterprises Inc. and Mann Packing Co.
Greek Fest
Irvine-based Morgan Marketing & Public Relations LLC continues to nab more business.
The shop recently was tapped by St. Paul’s Greek Orthodox Church to promote its 29th annual Greek Festival, which is slated for Sept. 21-23 at the Irvine church.
Morgan Marketing will handle media relations, local marketing and special event support.
Last year, the shop moved to bigger digs in Irvine after bringing in several clients and hiring a few workers.
Girls Rule
Lake Forest-based Sole Technology Inc. is trying to get more eyes on its growing etnies girls clothing line.
The maker of skateboarding shoes and clothes recently sent out an e-mail blast promoting a holiday collection for etnies girls.
The line continues to expand and includes pants, tops, jackets, accessories and shoes.
Like other clothing companies in surf and skate, etnies has added more of a fashion feel to the garb, which includes argyle prints in pink, blue and mint green.
MyPrint Goes Beautiful
Irvine-based MyPrint Corp. just picked up a client.
The company was tapped by Beautiful Brands International, which wants to use MyPrint’s marketing software for its Tulsa, Okla.-based Camille’s Sidewalk Caf & #233; restaurants.
MyPrint will help the chain customize and order marketing materials and print information for training and human resources through its online program.
MyPrint’s growing technology division has helped bring in more business.
The company is getting ready to move its eTools LLC unit to a bigger space in Irvine.
