Irvine-based Toshiba America Information Systems Inc. has hired West Hollywood’s Goodness Mfg. to handle advertising for its laptop computers and TVs and other consumer electronics.
The independent advertising agency added the account after a review of agencies on both coasts by Toshiba, which ended a three-year relationship with Irvine digital ad shop Wunderman Southern California.
Wunderman, part of Britain’s WPP PLC, landed the Toshiba account in 2007 and declined to participate in the review.
The laptop unit of Japan’s Toshiba Corp. has been growing marketing to include print, TV, movie theater spots and heavy online advertising.
The account review came on the heels of the consolidation of Toshiba’s TV and laptops units into a single division in July. The consolidation saw the Irvine laptop unit join operations with Wayne, N.J.-based Toshiba America Consumer Products LLC, which makes TVs, Blu-ray players and other consumer electronics.
The combined Toshiba unit is believed to spend about $25 million annually on advertising, excluding online, according to Nielsen Co.
Publisher Gets Grind Networks
Florida’s Source Interlink Cos. has acquired El Segundo-based Grind Networks, operator of action sports websites including GrindTV.com, Newschoolers.com, Motocross.com, Ridemonkey.com, Snowboarder.com, Skateboard.com and others.
The video websites are set to be added to Source’s San Clemente-based Action Sports & Recreation Group, which puts out Surfer, Skateboarder, Powder and other magazines.
Financial terms weren’t disclosed on the deal, which closed earlier last month.
Grind Networks moved a portion of its operations to Aliso Viejo in early 2009 to be closer to the apparel companies that advertise on its websites.
A majority of Grind Network’s Aliso Viejo operations will be moving to Source’s San Clemente office early next year.
Former Grind Networks chief executive Erik Hawkins will continue to oversee the new group’s digital sales and marketing.
Norb Garrett, senior vice president and group publisher for the Action Sports & Recreation Group, will oversee the integration of Grind Networks into Source’s operations.
Drinking Game
Drinking martinis is just part of the job at the Mission Viejo headquarters of Marketeam Inc.
“We have a little bar on the second floor of our office,” said Glenn Schmitt, president of Marketeam. “We have draft beer and full bartending capabilities. It’s better than most of the dive bars I have hung out in.”
The marketing agency does sales promotion for food and beverage clients, often hosting recipe and drink development in what the company refers to as the MixLab.
The agency recently was behind the design of the new eco-friendly beverage menu at Wyndham Worldwide Corp.’s hotels in North America and the Caribbean.
“We host a lot of tastings and work on beverage development for our clients rather than whipping it together in the client’s kitchen,” said Brad Horner, corporate mixologist.
The company specializes in menu development, drink promotions and other marketing to target restaurant and hotel guests to spend more money at the bar.
Marketeam recently added Harrah’s Entertainment Inc. as a client. Others include Walt Disney Co.’s Disney Theme Parks and Resorts, Hyatt Hotels Corp., California Pizza Kitchen Inc. and Chili’s Inc.
Echo Media, Others Expand
Tustin-based Echo Media Group has joined other local public relations firms in growing after the downturn forced many shops to cut back.
The public relations firm brought on Rebecca Markarian as vice president to lead the agency’s social media division.
Markarian previously held positions at Irvine-based Buddy Group and Costa Mesa-based ASG Renaissance.
Echo Media joins the rank of other agencies that in the past six months have made key hires in hopes of growing their business as the economy recovers.
Tustin-based HKA Inc. Public Relations recently brought on Kevin Twer as senior vice president.
Twer will play a key management role in the operations and expansion of the firm, according to Hilary Kaye, founder and president. He previously held management roles at Irvine-based PainePR and at the Irvine office of New York-based Hill & Knowlton Inc.
Irvine-based Brower, Miller & Cole recently brought on Chaz Abbott as president. Abbott, former vice president of Santa Monica-based Zeno Group, will lead day-to-day operations at the firm.
Newport Beach-based Integrated MarketingWorks brought on Megan Moss as an account executive making her the third hire for the firm in 2010.
Moss initially worked for the Newport Beach office of Southfield, Mich.-based Doner Co. handling Irvine-based Mazda North American Operations duties.
