Stampede Billboards Win Gold for Karo
May 2008
At the 2008 Marketing Awards held May 1st in Toronto, Karo Group received a Gold for its Calgary Stampede “Rides” outdoor campaign.
The creative, featured on prominent billboards around Calgary, depicted the “rider’s-eye view” of thrilling Midway rides. The campaign, which was timed to lead up to the 10-day festival in 2007, won the Out of Home category.
The primary goals of the Marketing Awards are to promote the value of great advertising creative to Canadian advertisers, and demonstrate that world-quality creative is being produced right here in Canada.
Such memorable and relevant work as the Calgary Stampede campaign is definitely not a one-person job, so very special thanks go to all at Karo who played a role in this achievement!
Karo Group Wins Best Of Show At 2008 Anvil Awards
April 2008
The 2008 Anvil Awards Gala is a celebration of the best work produced in Calgary for Marketing and Communications from January to December 2007. This year, the Anvils were stronger than ever. The number of entries continues to grow, the categories are streamlined and more competitive, the caliber of judges brought in are world-class, and this year, the gala was a sold out event, Friday, April 25th.
Karo Group was awarded Anvils for the following categories:
Best of Show - Alberta Securities Commission, “The Cheque”
TV Single over $50,000 – Alberta Securities Commission, “The Cheque”
Out-of-Home - The Calgary Stampede, “Mega Drop Elevator”
Public Service Print – HomeFront, “Romance Novel”
Best Illustration – HomeFront, “Romance Novel”
Merits in the following categories:
TV Single over $50,000 – The Calgary Stampede, “Fireworks”
TV Series – The Calgary Stampede, “Rodeo/ Fireworks”
Outdoor Single - The Calgary Stampede, “Rides”
Karo Helps Turn Trash into Treasure
March 2008
Newalta, Canada’s leading industrial waste management and environmental service company, wanted to change people’s perception of waste management. They wanted people to start thinking of waste as a valuable resource instead of something to discard— or to find ways to eliminate it entirely. Environmental regulations are constantly evolving, and Newalta is committed to staying on top of changes and helping their clients to do the same. They asked Karo to help them reposition their company in the market, while engineering a change in perception about waste across the industry.Karo expressed Newalta’s new brand position in an Annual Report, which was accompanied by a redesigned website and a video offering an interactive “Newalta story.” The website and video were launched in March 2008. Newalta’s reaction? “Karo completely understands us, and as a result they made it easy for us to explain to our clients and to the general public how we’re redefining the concept of waste.”
Architecture Meets Fashion
March 2008
Lara Presber got her first hammer from her dad when she was only eight years old and her first sewing machine from her mom when she was 10. Little wonder that Lara grew up to be an architect and fashion designer (and integral part of Calgary Karo’s Environments department). Lara’s second collection – for Fall 2008 - has been chosen as one of the four finalists in Toronto Fashion Incubator's New Labels competition. Lara’s story made it to the front page of the Calgary Herald Real Life section recently. Read it here...KARO Gets Green Light for City Park Signs
March 2008
Karo Group was awarded the Hastings Park Master Sign Plan by the City of Vancouver. We will create a comprehensive sign plan to assist visitor wayfinding over the long-term future development of Hastings Park. Our plan will balance a mix of commercial and community uses and maximize green space and fair activities.
Hastings Park, comprising 162 acres (66 hectares), is Vancouver’s second largest. In its first half-century the park featured green space, fairgrounds, and a horse track. A restoration plan was approved in 1997, and in 2004 Vancouver City directed staff to develop the plan further, and this is where Karo comes in. Our sign plan will be address the site’s many features and intended changes, including the PNE Fairgrounds, Hastings Racecourse, PlayLand, the Pacific Coliseum, the Sanctuary and other park green space.
Karo Helps Vancouver-and Olympics-Find the Way
March 2008
Karo Group–Vancouver has been awarded a major new assignment for the City of Vancouver—a citywide wayfinding and signage strategy. This will make it easier for people to navigate their way to Vancouver’s many attractions, and is even more necessary as the City prepares to welcome tens of thousands of visitors to the 2010 Winter Olympics.
Karo has a Misíon in Mexico
March 2008
We at Karo Group are pleased to announce that we have been engaged by Misión La Serena and Gravity Destination Properties to create the marketing campaign for the luxury resort in Los Cabos, Mexico, called Misión La Serena.Misión La Serena offers 75 two and three-bedroom residences on pristine beachfront within the master planned development of Puerto Los Cabos on the Baja California peninsula. It is close to a new marina, two golf courses, an international airport and the charming Spanish colonial town of San José.
Karo’s campaign will include branding, advertising, web site, presentation centres and print collateral..
Boys and Girls Club of Calgary and Vancouver’s Potluck Café Society are first recipients of Karo Kaus
February 2008
The employee led program – Karo Kaus - will use the donated time and expertise to develop design strategy and multidisciplinary creative to help the organizations better achieve their goals.
“We know how to help our clients strengthen their brand experiences and be more competitive and we want to help these organizations do the same thing” says Leah Vanderhorst, a member of the employee committee that selected the Potluck in Vancouver.
“We are thrilled to have Karo help us share our story and better market the Potluck Café Society” says Heather O’Hara, Executive Director of the Potluck; a self sustaining enterprise that provides meals, employment programs and community kitchen programs in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside. Karo will help attract new clients, secure corporate partnerships and promote fundraising initiatives such as the Soup Project, which aims to sell gourmet soup to businesses and their employees to generate revenue.
The Boys and Girls Club of Calgary provides safe, supportive places and activities for disadvantaged young people to experience life enhancing skills. It’s opening an Arts and Recreation Centre and Karo will develop a strategy and creative which will attract donors and local artists to volunteer.
Cheryl Doherty, the Executive Director of the Boys and Girls Club says “We can’t wait to get started working with Karo. The centre will help 6,000 young people a year; exposing them to caring adults, boundaries and expectations and constructive use of time.” Studies show that young people who engage in the arts are less likely to drop out of school, use drugs or alcohol or get arrested.
Karo Kaus is led entirely by the people who work at Karo. Each of the 75 employees was involved and committees in each Calgary and Vancouver reviewed 71 proposals before selecting the two winners of the creative services grant.
“I couldn’t be more proud of our team for coming up with Karo Kaus” says the president of Karo, Chris Bedford. “The not-for-profit landscape is as competitive as any private sector industry, with organizations on tight budgets vying for limited donation dollars and community volunteer capacity. We want to help out by doing what we do best; creating meaningful brand experiences.”
Karo believes passionately in supporting employee initiatives and activities; one of the reasons it was ranked fifth in Canadian Business magazine’s 2007 “Best Workplaces in Canada.”
Karo’s Motorcycle Exhibit is Design Gold
February 2008
On February 13, 2008, Karo Group won an IDI GOLD Award of Excellence at the annual Interior Designers Institute of British Columbia Awards for its work on the Deeley Motorcycle Exhibition.
Trev Deeley Motorcycles (“TDM”) wanted to integrate its priceless collection of motorcycles into its dealership. After consulting with the former director of Public Programs at the Royal B.C. Museum, TDM hired Karo to create an experiential visitor environment for its new, 10,000 sq.ft. Deeley Motorcycle Exhibition.
Karo’s design showcased TDM’s new identity as well as exhibit graphics, display millwork and feature areas. It allows TDM to construct themed exhibits from its extensive and expanding gallery of motorcycles and one-of-a kind objects from around the world.
Most importantly, Karo’s design allows maximum flexibility for revolving exhibitions while supporting a strong permanent brand and presence for the Exhibition venue itself. Flexibility is crucial as the collection is rotated not only annually, but also daily for different events hosted in the space for groups large and small. Karo answered the design challenge with a fun, interactive space that is easy to maintain. Compared to TDM’s former Richmond location there has been a significant increase in both interest and visitation—leading to a benefit for TDM’s sales, showroom and service areas.
“Not only has Karo’s exhibition design supported the dealership and allowed the Harley aficionado to engage with the legacy of the brand, it allows both diehard fans and newbies to be drawn into the power of the Harley-Davidson experience. It has also become a tourist destination attraction in itself with a visitor increase of 800%.” Brent Cooke, Exhibition Manger, Harley-Davidson Canada
Karo’s design for the Deeley Motorcycle Exhibition also placed in the category of "Institutional and Educational" projects, defined as "places of assembly occupancy such as schools, universities, daycare centres, museums, theatres, public art galleries, public auditoriums, airports, places of worship, courthouses, correctional and recreational facilities." Karo’s entry was judged against several other public institutions for this award, including schools, a library and a film centre. That Karo stood out among myriad others in this category was indeed an honour.
Karo Group President Chris Bedford to speak at DMI conference in Paris
February 2008
Let’s face it, we all love a great story, which is why we flock to buy books, watch movies, and attend theatre. We love to hear stories of great personal achievements, companies, and brands. Storytelling is perhaps the oldest form of communication and cultural identification. The same cornerstones of a brilliant story are found in brilliant design, which is why design as a creative process is ideally suited to link brand stories in a unifying way. Chris Bedford will explore how organizations can use design thinking to uncover their story and learn how to tell it in a compelling manner through all consumer touch points.
Conference details: http://www.dmi.org/dmi/html/conference/europe08/conference.htm
Karo Reels In An Online Fishing Licence System
November 2007
Freshwater fishing licences have long been sold in paper format from outdoor shops. The BC Ministry of Environment, Fish & Wildlife decided it was time to make these licences more accessible. Karo was asked to develop a system that allowed fishing enthusiasts to buy their licences online.
Karo devised a user-friendly, simple system where a licence could be ordered, paid for and printed from the user’s personal computer. The system provides a digital copy of the licence to avoid having to repurchase a lost licence. Once the angler’s account is set up, licence renewals are quick and easy and the angler can also add family members under their account. As well, the angler’s personal info can be easily accessed by a ranger via a QR barcode that is generated electronically when the licence is issued. The long-term benefits for the client entail an ability to learn more about angler preferences (now that this information is gathered electronically) and an increased impact on fishing tourism in BC.
With the “soft launch” of the web site at the start of September 2007, and without much media coverage surrounding the system, the numbers were surprising–over 1,000 anglers registered and over $11,000 of purchases took place by the end of September. Most anglers appeared to be from outside BC. Many European purchases took place from as far away as Romania and Rome.
Karo Races Away with “Best of Show”
November 2007
Karo Group has just added five new awards to its stable of excellence. We entered our Horse Racing Alberta campaign into the Canadian Agricultural Marketing Awards that took place in mid-November, 2007.
Karo was in competition with top agencies including Ad Farm and BBDO, the latter of which entered its Milk Campaign, well known across Canada. We came away with an Excellence in Television Series and Merits in Billboard Single, Billboard Series and Product Sales–Direct Marketing/Direct Response.
Leading these other wins was our “Best in Show” for the Consumer Direct Category. This victory is a tribute to the Karo tradition of design excellence that arises from creative liberty, market experience and energetic teamwork.
Karo Helps WVCC Find Its Way
November 2007
The Vancouver office of Karo Group is very pleased to announce that it has been awarded the Wayfinding and Signage contract for West Vancouver’s new Community Centre Project. This is Karo Group’s first project with Hughes Condon Marler Architects and their project manager, Basil Davis.
In our proposal and subsequent interview about this project, we stressed that we are wayfinding strategists, not merely sign designers. We also expressed excitement in the many opportunities to create an assured visitor experience. We like to think this made the difference in our proposal, not the fact that we also had Vancouver’s mayor to our offices for tea!
Karo will apparently also get a separate contract for the community centre’s main tenant: The Vancouver Coastal Health Unit. We would like to express our thanks to all who worked hard to make this proposal a success, and look forward to transforming Karo’s design ethic into another exceptional human environment.
Karo’s Stampede Campaign Wins Brass Ring
November 2007
The Calgary Stampede 2007 10-day campaign has brought Karo more awards—this time internationally.
The IAAPA (International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions) Brass Ring Awards is an annual competition recognizing excellence in marketing for amusement facilities worldwide. On Monday, November 12th in Orlando, Florida, it was announced that the Calgary Stampede won in five of the ten categories presented in their division—the most wins in any division. The categories were:
- Integrated Marketing Campaign—the campaign as a whole (TV, radio, direct mail, guerrilla, print)
- Outdoor Signage
- Media Kit
- PR Campaign
- Web Site
The most exciting win for Karo is certainly the Integrated Marketing category. It is a new category this year and was created with the intent to show the creative use of media and breadth of work included in an agency’s campaign.
The international competition consisted of a vast variety of American parks, most notably the Six Flags amusement parks and the San Diego Zoo, as well as parks from Mexico, Germany, Norway, Singapore and Hong Kong.
Karo Group named one of Canada’s Top Agencies
November 2007
For immediate release November 02, 2007: Western Canada's only interdisciplinary creative agency, Karo Group has been named one of Marketing Magazine's top ten agencies in Canada. Karo was the only agency west of Toronto to make the list.
The magazine selected ‘Canada's Top Agencies 2007' based on three criteria: strategic/creative innovation, financial success and leadership. Karo was chosen, in part, because if its unique business model that focuses on customer experiences, and the agency's substantial growth (35%) over the last 12 months.
"Karo was founded on the principle that we will succeed only if our clients and employees are happy, and our business model grew out of that" says Karo's president, Chris Bedford. "In the last year, we've substantially increased revenue, rapidly grown our client list and fostered an amazing culture and work environment."
Also in 2007, Karo was ranked fifth in Canadian Business magazine's "Best Workplaces in Canada." Karo was the only creative firm in the top ten.
"We are proud of the awards we've garnered this year," Bedford says. "They help show that our strategy to break away from the pack and develop our own integrated model to serve our clients is working."
Karo uses design strategy to create successful, integrated and focused customer brand experiences for a wide variety of clients including Trev Deeley Motorcycles, Calgary Stampede, Simon Fraser University, ATB Financial, Concord Pacific, Syncrude, P.I. Financial, Shaw, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, Enbridge, Vancouver Aquarium, Ivanhoe Cambridge, ENMAX, Alberta Securities Commission, Mountain Equipment Coop, First Calgary Savings and OpenRoad Auto Group. Karo’s reach also extends beyond the Canadian market, including the U.S., Mexico, China and Argentina.
Marketing Magazine will honour Karo and the other shops named as Canada's Top Agencies 2007' at the second annual Marque Awards Nov. 29 in Toronto.
For more information, please contact Chris Bedford in Calgary at (403)266-4094 or Warren Baxter in Vancouver at (604) 255-6100 or visit our Contact Us page.
Karo employees to develop meaningful brand experiences for not-for-profits.
November 2007
For immediate release November 5, 2007: Western Canada’s only interdisciplinary creative agency, Karo Group, is offering the opportunity of $100,000 in pro bono work to help two community groups better achieve their goals through meaningful brand experiences.
Karo uses design strategy to create successful, integrated and focused customer brand experiences for a wide variety of clients, include ATB Financial, Calgary Stampede, Simon Fraser University, Syncrude, Enbridge, Ivanhoe Cambridge, Shaw, ENMAX, NovAtel, P.I. Financial, TransAlta, Concord Pacific, Alberta Securities Commission and First Calgary Savings.
“The not-for-profit landscape is as competitive as any private sector industry, with organizations on tight budgets vying for limited donation dollars and community volunteer capacity,” says Karo President, Chris Bedford. “We want to help out.”
Karo will apply $50,000 worth of design strategy and multidisciplinary creative to each of two not-for-profit organizations, one in Calgary and one in Vancouver. “We want to help two organizations develop meaningful brand experiences for their stakeholders and clients, which in turn will take them to the next level of attracting public support,” Bedford says.
Registered not-for-profits interested in receiving an application package can contact Karo at charity@karo.com. An employee committee will create a short list and then employees from each office will vote on which two organizations will receive the $50,000 in Karo employee time.
The head of the Calgary committee and dedicated volunteer with Canadian Humanitarian, Kerry Worth, says “We’re thrilled to help charities develop a competitive edge the same way we help clients succeed in business.” Natalie Clark, who is heading up the project in Vancouver, says “We are all really looking forward to this opportunity to help a worthy organization garner more support through a meaningful brand.”
This is the latest Karo initiative for giving back to the community. Every year, Karo provides more than $250,000 in pro bono work to groups such as CANstruction, CKUA, Climate Central, Habitat for Humanity, Ronald McDonald House, One Yellow Rabbit Theatre Company and Brain Injury Group. Karo also provides time off to employees involved in volunteer pursuits and it will match an employee’s donation to a not-for-profit up to $500.
Karo succeeds because it respects its employees, clients and the community.
Revitalizing the Library Experience
June 2007
In conjunction with lead consultant OpenRoad Communcations, Karo has been awarded a major project to redesign the Vancouver Public Library web site. "It is a privilege to be involved with a cornerstone of our community in learning and literacy.", says Anson Lee, Director of Customer Experience Strategy. "With rapidly evolving and emergent internet technologies, understanding patron expectations is key to success." The project is underway with user research and concerning both online and physical branch usage.
Karo and Rocky Mountain Soap Company: a natural fit
May 2007
Karo is excited to announce that it has joined forces with the Rocky Mountain Soap Company to create a strong brand for the Canmore-based natural soap manufacturer, the first step in building a long-standing business relationship. They have five retail stores in Canmore, Banff, Edmonton, and Calgary, as well as a thriving wholesale business.
Cam Baty of Rocky Mountain Soap says that some of his company's best-selling products, including Pumpkin Patch soap, have resulted from listening to their customers and using 100% natural ingredients to transform customer suggestions into desirable natural products.
"Our plan is to grow to 30 stores across Canada in the next five years. We chose to partner with Karo to help us get there by first better defining our brand and then helping us roll out an inspiring and consistent brand experience across our stores, our website and our marketing communications.”
Karo Helps Olympic Village Find its Way
May 2007
Karo is delighted to learn that we have been selected to be the wayfinding consultant for the nine-block private land portion of the South East False Creek Community Development and Olympic Village, a world-class Vancouver waterfront that will define the city’s future. The project is being termed "Canada's sustainable urban village" and at the time of purchase by Millenium Developments was the highest price paid for a similar sized development parcel in the entire country.
Karo will be creating wayfinding and sign standards for the "Millennium Water" development, a mixed use community made up of 1,100 LEED silver standard residential units in eight buildings.
The "Millennium Water" development represents cutting edge environmentally friendly technology some of which are unique on the planet. Water will be recycled, heating and cooling costs will be reduced and parts of the community will be the first in BC to generate as much energy as they use. This area also includes commercial space, a LEED gold standard community centre, and the historic Salt Building. Prior to being made available to the public, the residences will serve as the Olympic Village for athletes competing in the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver.
Bordeaux selects Karo as strategic brand partner for holistic real estate project
May 2007
Calgary based land developers Bordeaux Developments Corporation has selected Karo to assist with their strategic brand positioning and marketing of a proposed new 1,750 acre multi-use development in Springbank.
Holistically planned this new development will be a diverse lake community complete with a 5 star lifestyle centre, a variety of housing, a retirement community. An intimate village area will be the jewel of the community where people of all ages will want to gather. The area comprises of cultural venues, local retail, restaurants, and a school. Critical to Harmony’s design philosophy is the inclusion of a business campus designed for a work / live balance. The development will be unlike any other in the Calgary area and will set the bar very high from an overall design, land use, environmental sensitivity and development perspective.
"This community will be a superior place to live, work, learn and play" says Birol Fisekci, Bordeaux's President & CEO. "The development of Harmony is inspired by superior design principles and we're excited to work with Karo to bring that brand position to the market."
Karo expands interactive team by acquiring Maverik Creative
May 2007
For Immediate Release May 1: Karo is pleased to announce the creative might of Maverik Creative is joining Karo’s interactive team, effective immediately.
Founded in 2004, Maverik’s six person team has been transforming ideas into interaction for a growing roster of clients including; Borland Software Corporation, Savvion and San Francisco based agency.com (for its clients including Del Monte, Kumho Tires and Miller Lite).
Maverik co-founders, Scott Lawrence and Jason Trufyn, are pleased to be able to offer their clients the full spectrum of agency services. “We get to jump in with a best-in-class company which allows us to help our clients get a broader perspective.” Lawrence says. “It’s icing on the cake that Karo has just been named the 5th best place in the country to work.”
“The Maverik team joining our ranks increases our interactive weight by about 30 per cent; substantially expanding our depth, talent and experience” says Chris Bedford, the President of Karo. “They also bring solid client relationships in California and we’re looking forward to further developing opportunities in that market.”
Karo helps enable their clients’ brands with strategy and execution in communications design, interactive/web design and environmental/interior design.
Karo was just ranked the 5th best place to work in Canada by Canadian Business Magazine’s 2007 “Best Workplaces in Canada.”
Karo Group Inc. is Western Canada’s largest interdisciplinary brand and design consulting firm with over 70 staff in offices in Calgary and Vancouver. Clients include Bosa Properties, ATB Financial, Concord Pacific, Enmax, Fairmont Hotels, Shaw Communications, Simon Fraser University, Enbridge, First Calgary Savings, Syncrude Canada, Teekay Shipping and Calgary Stampede.
For more information, please contact Chris Bedford, President of Karo at 403.266.4094 or
chris@karo.com.
Karo launches web site to help end homelessness
April 2007
Early in 2007, a group of 24 corporate, community and government leaders in Calgary came together committed to developing a ten year plan to end the growing homelessness problem in the city. There are more than 3,400 people homeless in Calgary - a 32% increase since 2004. Karo has developed the brand, identity and website for the committee and you can learn more about the plan and how to get involved at http://www.endinghomelessness.ca. The committee will deliver its plan by the summer 2008.
Karo Design among the top 5 places to work in Canada
April 2007
For Immediate Release April 23: Karo Design has been deemed one of the best places to work in the country. Western Canada’s only interdisciplinary design shop, with offices in Calgary and Vancouver, has been ranked 5th in Canadian Business magazine’s 2007 “Best Workplaces in Canada.” It’s the only design firm in the top ten.
Karo creates competitive advantage for brands with strategy and execution in communications design, interactive/web design and environmental/interior design.
“It’s a simple formula” says Chris Bedford, the Calgary-based president of Karo. “Karo is successful only as long as our employees and our clients are happy."
This kind of philosophy has helped Karo recruit and retain some of the best and brightest creative talent in western Canada. The Vancouver office is thriving amidst the lower mainland’s hot job market. In Calgary, Canada’s most competitive job market, Karo has just hired 15 people and completed a major expansion to its space.
“Before we even started drawing up plans, we asked people what they wanted in the new space” says Bedford. “We wanted to make sure we got it right and supported their needs, so we just asked them.”
Bedford and other managers at Karo practice MBWA (Management by Walking Around), creating an informal and effective working environment. “Even our clients visiting our office suggest that our environment is infectious and fun.” says Bedford. “We’re thrilled to have this award affirming that Karo is a great place to work.”
The workplace ranking appears in the April 23rd issue of Canadian Business magazine, which is available on newsstands and online.
The list of “Best Workplaces in Canada” is compiled for Canadian Business magazine by Great Place to Work® Institute Canada. It’s based on two criteria: two-thirds of the score comes from a 57-statement survey completed by a random selection of employees plus open-ended comments about their organization; one-third of the score comes from an in-depth review of the organization’s culture, HR policies and procedures. This provides crucial data relative to the five trust-building dimensions of a great place to work®: credibility, respect, fairness, pride, and camaraderie. More than 20,000 employees participated in the 2007 survey.
Karo Group Inc. is Western Canada’s largest interdisciplinary brand and design consulting firm with over 70 staff in offices in Calgary and Vancouver. Clients include Bosa Properties, ATB Financial, Concord Pacific, Enmax, Fairmont Hotels, Shaw Communications, Simon Fraser University, First Calgary Savings, Syncrude Canada, Teekay Shipping and Calgary Stampede.
For more information, please contact Chris Bedford, President of Karo at 403.266.4094 or chris@karo.com
Karo expands Calgary Stampede relationship
February 2007
The Calgary Stampede - one of the most recognized brands in Canada – has expanded its working relationship with Karo to include advertising and brand communications.
It’s an exciting time to be working together. The Stampede has just introduced a new masterbrand, including visual identity, and it’s committed to integrating that Brand across all parts of its increasingly diverse, year-round activities, services and facilities.
“The Calgary Stampede has grown into one of the most recognized brands in the world but our research shows a lot of Calgarians don’t know that we’re busy with events outside the ten days in July” says the Vice-President of Marketing and External Relations, Laurie Schild. “We want to change that and we’re looking forward to working with Karo to make it happen.”
Previously, Karo had created a wayfinding and signage program for the Stampede.
The Calgary Stampede is a volunteer-supported, not-for-profit community organization that preserves and promotes western heritage and values.
Karo Wins Contract with Large US Resort Developer
December 2006
Karo has become engaged with major US resort developer, Star Resorts, to lead a marketing campaign for the Mount Superior Residence Club at Snowbird Ski and Summer Resort in Utah. In the first phase of the project, Karo will create a logo for the resort, carry out an email blast campaign, and develop a teaser website. The second phase of the campaign will include designing the presentation centre and a high-end brochure.Karo to Launch BlueCircle Insurance Web site
December 2006
Karo has been evolving the brand for BlueCircle Insurance, a Calgary-based brokerage firm that markets a range of personal and commercial insurance, mortgage, and financial products to the Alberta consumer. BlueCircle and Karo are now collaborating on a new web site for the firm. The objective of the soon-to-be launched website is to take BlueCircle to a new level of visual design that more accurately reflects the company’s unique image.Karo Launches University of Calgary Web sites
December 2006
Over the Fall, Karo launched various websites for the University for Calgary including a site for the Research Services Office, the International Centre, and a website for the Vice-President of the Research and International Centre. In addition, Karo worked on developing a new interactive look for the Career Centre at the Haskayne School of Business. Ultimately, Karo has helped redirect the numerous stakeholders that use these websites in a more efficient and organized manner. Karo is also currently working on developing a website for the University of Calgary Financial Services department, which should be launched in Winter 2007.SFU Business School Enrolls Karo
December 2006
The Faculty of Business at Simon Fraser University (SFU) has selected Karo to provide strategic consulting services in managing the branding for its undergraduate and graduate programs. Ultimately, Karo will provide strategic direction to guide and influence the Faculty’s print and web communications. Much of the brand messaging for the Segal Graduate School of Business will be focused around its new building located in the heart of Vancouver’s financial district.Karo receives IIDA Award
November 2006
Karo received an honourable mention in the category of Design in Concept at the International Interior Design Association (IIDA) Awards, held late October in Seattle. The award was given for Karo’s work at the Royal Tyrrell Museum in Drumheller, Alberta. This project was a collaborative effort between the Karo Calgary and Vancouver offices, highlighting the synergy within the Karo team.Karo to Enhance Communications for Fekete
November 2006
Calgary-based Fekete Associates Inc. has engaged Karo to help optimize the company’s external communications. Fekete provides integrated reservoir management services and software to the oil and gas industry worldwide. Karo will be working on advertisements, direct mail and collateral pieces for the company.Karo Launches Wingenback Website
November 2006
Karo has received positive feedback following the launch of a new website for Wingenback - Canada’s largest manufacturer of ATM enclosures. The site’s user-friendly interface and new product database will improve the customer experience during the information search and purchase decision phases. Karo will soon be adding a customer catalog to complete the website and eventually make it a self-serve tool.Karo Launches SEARCH Canada Website
November 2006
Karo developed a new website for SEARCH Canada, a non-profit organization that works to bridge the gap between theoretical research and practice in the health care sector. Karo’s goal with the new interactive design was to develop a content management system that would allow the organization to perform easy updates and to enlarge SEARCH Canada’s web presence in a timely and cost-effective manner.Newalta names Karo its Brand Champion
October 2006
Newalta, Canada's leading industrial waste management and environmental services company, has selected Karo as its brand ambassador for its national communication activities. This role involves designing print-based communication pieces including the company's annual report and employee newsletter. Karo will also manage the creative aspects of Newalta's future web phase-ins, including an e-tools site for its marketing collateral.Karo Calgary Celebrates 30
October 2006
Karo Calgary recently celebrated its 30th year in business by treating clients to a night with the Nylons at the Grand Theatre. It was a celebration like no other as the Karo crew mingled and partied with clients to the entertaining sounds of the live band. Karo would like to thank all its valued guests for attending and being a part of this major milestone event.Shaw Facilities Managed by Karo’s Infrared
October 2006
Shaw Communications is now using Karo's proprietary web-based Project Management system to manage its facilities projects including renovations and new builds. The Infrared tool allows Shaw to manage budgets, timelines and track internal time to projects. The tool also features a project collaboration extranet that centralizes and archives all project communication.Karo to Steward Alberta Securities Commission Brand
October 2006
Karo has been awarded a contract by the Alberta Securities Commission (ASC) to establish the organization's overall brand and investor education strategy. In addition, Karo will be in charge of redesigning internal and external communication tools including ASC's website and its annual report, as well as raising awareness of the organization's investor education programs.Karo heads to Shanghai
August 2006
Through Karo's involvement with the Design Management Institute (DMI), Chris Bedford has been invited to speak at the Shanghai Design Biennial (SDB). The conference, which is held every two years, brings together international design experts to exchange design concepts, share design experiences, and create business opportunities. The invitation is the result of Karo's growing international recognition as an opinion leader in the field of design and the contribution that design thinking has on business strategy. Chris will be speaking on how effective Environmental Design adds value to the customer experience.
Calgary Herald features Karo's latest Projects and Events
August 2006
Karo was featured in the Calgary Herald on Friday August 25, 2006 for several of its latest projects including the newly awarded project to design the interiors of the lieutenant-governor's 8,000-square foot home. The article, written by the Herald's David Parker, also touched on some of the new and exciting things happening at Karo such as the invitation given to President Chris Bedford to speak on Environmental Design at the Shanghai Design Biennial in September. Read the article
Wingenback to Expand Global Reach through the Web
July 2006
Karo has been awarded a contract to provide interactive design services to Wingenback - Canada's largest manufacturer of ATM enclosures. Specifically, Karo will help the customer-service-driven manufacturer use its website as a tool to expand global reach and grow market share. This will entail creating an engaging online presence that communicates Wingenback's expertise in manufacturing products from kiosks to ATM enclosures and security equipment, and in providing moving, storage, and relocation and installation services.Karo Launches Stakeholder-Focused Website for Syncrude
June 2006
Syncrude asked Karo to design an informative, user-friendly website that reflected the company's socially responsible and stakeholder-oriented values. Karo developed a custom-designed content management system (CMS) that allows Syncrude to make "real-time" web page updates. This enables rapid communication of time-sensitive information to the community. In addition, through the use of a subtle color palette, flash animation and friendlier photography, Karo created a website for which Syncrude has already received positive feedback from various end users.Can We Pick Your SalesBrain?
May 2006
San Francisco-based SalesBrain is an internationally-renowned, Neuromarketing leader that trains corporations such as General Electric, Stratex Networks and Genesys in marketing and sales. The company's website needed an update to keep pace with the organization's growing international client-base. By reinterpreting site content, extracting small visual stories from larger illustrations, and developing a consistent structure that linked related information, Karo created a website that is aligned with, and strengthens, the SalesBrain brand.
SFU's 40-year old brand gets a serious make-over!
May 2006
Karo's Director of Communications, Anson Lee, a former Simon Fraser University (SFU) graduate, is leading a project to bring a new look to the school. Anson is helping transform what Warren Gill, VP University Relations, described as “diverse and often confusing branding” into a consistent, unified and powerful brand. The new look will initially be implemented through business cards and newspaper and transit advertisements, and will eventually include updating the SFU website.A Beaute-ful New Site
May 2006
Make-up guru Beau Nelson's start-up firm, Beaute-Cosmetics, needed a web interface to convey the story behind its brand and also to operate as a marketing and sales tool to launch its new "luxe" beauty line. Karo responded by developing the Beaute brand, logo and website and an e-commerce engine to support online sales. The end result - Beaute has an online store that visually evokes the high-fashion runway and is easily maintained through simple administration screens.
Karo Recognized again for Environmental Design by Canadian Interiors
April 2006
The work of Karo's Environmental Design team has been showcased twice in the last six months by Canadian Interiors, Canada's national interior architecture and design magazine. The Fall 2005 issue featured the Shaw Tower in Vancouver for which Karo designed an energetic, interactive, and practical space that fosters a great working environment for both staff and clients.
More recently, the April 2006 issue included a piece on Karo's Calgary office, which has been designed to fit the workstyle of Karo's multi-disciplinary team.
The new Bernard Callebaut web site is launched!
December 2005
They are everywhere; look around you. Among your friends, your co-workers, even your family, undoubtedly you will find chocoholics! In Calgary and increasingly across Canada, into the US, and now even in Japan, the name on their lips is Bernard Callebaut. And the name on Bernard's lips is Karo.
The Chocolaterie Bernard Callebaut has been for years justly famous in Calgary as the maker of chocolates of pre-eminent quality. A web site was a crucial missing element in telling the Bernard Callebaut story. On the web the competition is broader than in Calgary, and we were directed to develop a site that would raise the bar beyond all competitive sites.
On December 1st the new Bernard Callebaut web site went live and sales have been exceeding expectations!
Credit Union Central of British Columbia
November 2005
Karo is hired by Credit Union Central of British Columbia, which sells a product that powers credit union web sites across Canada. They have launched a new product called Member Direct Integrated Services that combines online banking functions into a complete web-based solution that allows credit unions to manage and update their own content Karo is helping CUCBC to reposition the product and promote its adoption with Canadian credit unions.An Ancient but New Project
November 2005
Ever wondered what lurked in a swamp 300 million years ago? Or, what the world would look like if certain animal species had not become extinct? You can find the answers and learn much more on fossils and prehistoric life if you go to the Royal Tyrrell Museum in Drumheller, Alberta. Both Karo offices are involved in an exhibition project that will introduce visitors to dinosaurs and the world in which they lived.An Olympic Design
November 2005
As part of the Cannon Johnston Architecture team involved in the creation of an Olympic-calibre venue for speed skating, Karo Vancouver recently met with officials at the City of Richmond to review the close-to-final schematics for the Richmond Oval. The Oval will be the home of the speed skating competition for the 2010 Olympic Winter Games and then become a world-class multi-purpose centre of excellence for sports and wellness. Karo has been supporting the team with identity and visitor experience and will soon submit an overall strategy for wayfinding, signage and environmental graphics.Supporting a Winning Streak
October 2005
Karo Vancouver was invited to design a marketing program for Brasada Ranch, an 1,800-acre resort community located in Central, Oregon. Karo articulated the client's vision of a destination associated with wellness and well-being in a marketing program with the theme of Panoramic Living. The marketing program culminated in the on-site sales centre using a visual language that featured the big sky and natural colours and textures of the land. Both single launch events for each phase yielded exceptional results. A total of 201 luxury resort homes (100%) were sold in one weekend in June. The second phase of 57 ranch cabin homes also sold out (100%) in their subsequent first launch event in October.Karo wins the Alberta Economic Development
October 2005
This client manages 10 visitor information centres around Alberta. They have engaged Karo to develop a strategy to reinvent the customer experience in the information centres, motivating visitors to stay longer and do more in Alberta. This exciting new project will require the combined talents of Karo’s Environments, Communications, and Interactive teams.