Irvine-based Capita Technologies landed more work from a big client.
The shop said it recently was awarded a $12.5 million contract from the Los Angeles County treasurer and tax collector department to develop software to help manage records and other documents.
Capita, which offers online marketing and software, said its software will replace the county’s old program used for case, financial and asset management.
The software also is set to be used by other county departments, including the department of mental health and the office of the public guardian, Capita said.
Charles Granville, Capita’s chief executive, said the software will “increase efficiency and accuracy” for the Los Angeles County treasurer and help with several activities, including the investigation and location of heirs and the collection and management of financial assets.
The shop has been developing Web-based programs for Los Angeles County since 2000 for a range of things, including criminal management, DNA tracking and probation case management.
Capita recently hired Mission Viejo-based Integrity Public Relations Inc. to get its name out.
Printers See Slowing
Advertising shops aren’t the only ones watching clients closely to see if they’ll pull back on spending in this slow economy.
Printers are too.
“People aren’t spending as much on advertising as they were in the past,” said David Melin, president of Tustin-based Meridian Graphics.
“People are holding back and seeing what’s going to happen before they spend money on promotional” materials, Melin said.
The result: Some budgets are being slashed. And other companies are holding their spending, but can’t get as many ad pieces printed because printing costs are on the rise, Melin said.
Meridian has seen a 100% increase in fuel prices and a 10% increase in paper prices during the past few years, Melin said. Postage also is up.
“The same dollars are going out but they’re getting less pieces in return for that,” Melin said.
“They’re trying to get a little bit creative” by going with less expensive paper, he said.
Building Buzz
Steve O’Leary is hoping the new book he co-authored helps bring some business to his advertising shop.
The founder of Newport Beach-based O’Leary and Partners has been promoting his book, “Building Buzz to Beat the Big Boys,” which he wrote with Kim Sheehan.
The move is expected to “aid us in our new business efforts,” O’Leary said.
“Clients today are looking for new approaches to building their business,” he said.
There’s going to be a bigger focus on word of mouth advertising, particularly during a recession, O’Leary said.
“Consumers will be placing an even higher priority on the advice of their friends during this recession,” O’Leary said. “We are helping our clients deepen their relationships with their customer base in store and online.”
It’s not always an easy job though.
O’Leary said that “typically advertising budgets are cut during a recession,” which is “the opposite of what is needed.”
“A recession is the perfect time to gain market share by either maintaining spending or even increasing spending,” O’Leary said. “We are helping our clients look for ways to maximize their spending both in traditional media as well as new media such as online advertising and relationship marketing programs.”
Bits and Pieces:
Irvine-based Morgan Marketing and Public Relations LLC recently promoted Jennifer Steinhart to assistant account executive to help on campaigns for several clients, including Panda Restaurant Group Inc., It’s A Grind Coffee House, Mimi’s Cafe and Wildfish Seafood Grille Aliso Viejo-based Ryka signed on talk show host Kelly Ripa to promote the brand. The company, which makes athletic shoes and clothes for women, is playing up Ripa in its advertising campaign. Ripa is also designing a fitness-inspired line of shoes, which launches in October. Ryka is owned by Aliso Viejo-based American Sporting Goods Inc. Newport Beach-based Madeline Zuckerman Public Relations & Marketing Inc. was tapped by the Philharmonic Society of Orange County to handle pre- and post-event public relations for its fundraising gala slated for May 31 at The Island Hotel Newport Beach Irvine’s Atomic Curve got some kudos for a business-to-business creative branding campaign it recently created for client Super Access Insurance Services. The work included print and Web ads Irvine-based advertising shop RiechesBaird hired Heidi Garlichs as brand manager. Previously, she was account executive at L & A; Marketing and Advertising in Irvine.
