Every Receipt has a Story: Walmart and the Oscars

Last night, Walmart sponsored the Academy Awards, but with a creative twist. In the spirit of Hollywood film making, Walmart challenged 3 award winning directors to create a one minute video based solely off of a Walmart receipt of these random items:

Bananas.
Batteries.
Paper towels.
Scooter.
Wrapping paper.
Video baby monitor.

This is how Antoine Fuqua, director of Southpaw, Olympus has Fallen, and The Equalizer, depicted the receipt, titled The Gift. 

Marc Forster, director of World War Z, Quantum of Solace, and The Kite Runner used the same receipt to create his short film called Lost and Found.

The third short film, Bananas Town, was directed by both Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg, both known for The Interview and This is the End.

Walmart used the Oscars to convey the idea that "Every receipt has a story," and this story is unique to each individual consumer. Each receipt you stuff into your pocket after picking up your groceries has the potential for an amazing story... the story of your life.

Which one was your favorite?

Athens Chick-fil-a, I Love You

Three words. Three little words. Say them and I'm yours.

"Let's get Chick-fil-a."

Chick-fil-a fast food restaurants are famous for their chicken sandwich, their hilarious cows, and their impeccable customer service. With fresh cut flowers on the tables and servers waiting on the edge of their seat to refill your lemonade, you truly feel like it really is their pleasure to serve you.

The two main Chick-fil-a franchises of the Athens, Georgia area have certainly lived up to this reputation of customer service. They have also gone above and beyond to cater (pun intended) specifically to the University of Georgia students offering a wide variety of specials and events, and they channel their social media presence to promote an ever-loyal customer base.

A Thursday in Athens isn't simply a Thursday. Thursday is College Night at Chick-fil-a where you get a free entree or dessert with your student ID when you purchase a meal.

When the Atlanta Falcons were on the way to the Super Bowl, Athens Chick-fil-a had a deal every single day leading up to the big game. They embraced the hype of the community and brought in a substantial amount of business standing behind the beloved team.

Athens CFA also recently dropped a short media graphic announcing the arrival of a food truck that will be released this upcoming Thursday at a big event with games and prizes. In the event, the Athens franchise boasts that this food truck will be the first of its kind, and they are gaining traction for this event with their social media promotions.

CFA also hosts a wide variety of events. In the fall, there is a big, week-long fundraising contest known as Chick-fil-Anthropy where the restaurant hosts a variety of contests in which UGA philanthropy organizations participate, and the philanthropy with the most points at the end of the week receives $1,000 toward their particular cause. One of the contests involved liking your particular philanthropy's photo on the Athens Chick-fil-a instagram giving their social media presence a significant boost all while supporting the charitable organizations of the University of Georgia. This event drew in large amounts of college students throughout the week entire week and positive exposure for the franchise as well.

From college nights, to food trucks, to daily freebies, to community outreach, to huge events and sponsorships, Athens Chick-fil-a knows what it means to be a part of not only a college town but also an entire community. And for that, it's my pleasure to give them my business. 

Home Sweet Home: SunTust Park

Today marks the beginning of most wonderful time of the year. Pitchers and catchers have reported to spring training. The wait is over. It's baseball season.

Last year marked the final season that the Braves would play in Turner Field, their home stadium since 1997, before moving to their brand new SunTrust Park currently under construction for the 2017 season and beyond. This new stadium is located approximately 15 miles north of Turner Field, but the Braves are moving up in more ways than just geographically.

The Braves finished their 2016 season strong with manager Brian Snitker leading the team of both veterans and new, young talent and building momentum that will carry into the new season at SunTrust Park. The Braves' marketing strategy has been centered around embracing these new changes in players, coaches, and ballpark, trusting the rebuilding process, and having hope for the season to come. SunTrust Park offers Braves Country a glimpse into the future, and this future is indeed very bright.

SunTrust Park is promoted not just as a ballpark, but a home for the team and all the faithful Braves Country. It is a place where fans far and wide can come be a part of the legacy, the new era of Braves baseball. Their website includes a countdown to the home opener and live webcam of the construction of the stadium allowing fans to physically watch the construction of the Braves' journey home.

The team has also continued to highlight those who grew up Braves fans who have then gone on to play for their team, their home including Tyler Flowers, Dansby Swanson, recently acquired second baseman, Brandon Phillips, and other up and coming prospects. These players reinforce the message that this season is all about coming home for players and fans alike.

Welcome home Braves Country, welcome home. 

Tide Won the Super Bowl

Having grown up in the Atlanta area and living in Georgia my entire life, watching the Super Bowl this past Sunday hurt. A lot. I suppose I'll just leave it at that.

The Super Bowl is not only important to the world of football fans, but also the world of marketers. The best, most expensive commercials are aired for a massive audience, and it's important to leave a lasting and positive impression on such a large audience. No pressure, right?

Tide used Fox Sports TV Analyst, Terry Bradshaw, to create one of the best marketing strategies in the Super Bowl I have ever seen. Just minutes before halftime, Bradshaw sat down to discuss the game and upcoming reports. Terry Bradshaw had a huge stain right on the front of his shirt... during the Super Bowl. Everyone saw it, and #BradshawStain began trending on twitter.

It wasn't until a few minutes later, in the midst of the social media frenzy, that Tide dropped their full length commercial showing Bradshaw noticing the stain and making a hilarious mad dash out of the stadium to fix his shirt before his halftime report. Tide pods plus Downy saved the day. 

Some Twitter users were disappointed that they fell for the sneaky ad, others appreciated Tide's successful strategy creating Bradshaw's faux pas, causing a buzz, and solving it with a humorous commercial promoting their product.

Even Avocados from Mexico, another brand promoted in the Super Bowl, embraced Tide's commercial and created this tweet to promote their avocados using the #BradshawStain hashtag. 

If only Tide could wash away the outcome of that game.