Concussion Receives Global Design Recognition
Concussion’s suite of logos and casino collateral designed for FireLake Grand Casino received a Branding 5 Gold award from Graphis and will be published in the Branding 5 book that will hit the stands in February of this year.
Concussion Dealt Pair of Casino Accounts
Concussion has been chosen as the agency of record for Route 66 Casino Hotel and Shooting Star Casino Hotel & Event Center.
For Route 66 Casino Hotel, an economic enterprise of the Pueblo of Laguna located in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Concussion will provide a full range of marketing services including integrated advertising, media planning and placement, promotional concepting and execution, direct mail development, and entertainment marketing.
“Concussion prides itself on ‘thinking outside the lobe’ and that philosophy really showed not only in their work, but also in the results they've produced for their clients,” said Skip Sayre, director of marketing for Laguna Development Corporation, operators of Route 66 Casino Hotel.
Shooting Star Casino Hotel & Event Center, located in Mahnomen, Minnesota, is an economic enterprise of the White Earth Nation. Concussion will provide a range of services to promote the property, including website design and development, advertising creative development, media planning and placement, and promotional development, among other services.
“After meeting with Concussion, it was clear that their mantra is indeed ‘A blow to conventional thinking’,” said Romyn Hanks, marketing director for Shooting Star Casino Hotel & Event Center. “Their impactful creative and sophisticated interactive capabilities will absolutely help position Shooting Star as the venue of choice for Northwestern Minnesota.”
Former Harrah’s Agency Exec Joins Concussion
John Kiker, former Group Account Director for Harrah’s Casinos’ agency TracyLocke – Dallas, has joined the staff at Concussion.
While at TracyLocke, John led a staff of 50 and produced more than 3,400 annual projects for the $60 million account, which included national branding for Harrah’s Entertainment, marketing for 20 Harrah’s properties, Total Rewards loyalty program, the World Series of Poker and Margaritaville Resort. John’s experience also includes work with AmeriStar Casinos and Six Flags theme parks, among others.
“John is a big stick in the casino branding space. His experience with the top brand in the casino industry will further Concussion’s mission to maximize results for our clients,” said Allen Wallach, agency CEO.
New hire adds Harrah’s experience to Concussion arsenal
Haley Benardino has joined the professional account services staff at Concussion as Senior Account Executive. Previously she was at TracyLocke Advertising in Dallas where she worked exclusively on Harrah’s Casino accounts.
“Haley is an engaging, highly-talented and motivated professional who adds impressive depth to our already experienced casino account team,” said Allen Wallach, agency CEO. “Her work with respected groups like Harrah’s and TracyLocke is sure to add value to our casino clients.”
Specifically, Haley led the strategic planning and implementation of advertising programs for Harrah’s properties in St. Louis, North Kansas City and Council Bluffs. Her experience also includes work for the Harrah’s Cherokee, Prairie Band and Joliet properties, as well. She is a native of Amarillo, TX and a graduate of Oklahoma State University.
Concussion CEO, Allen Wallach, selected as marketing seminar speaker at NIGA ‘08
Allen Wallach, ceo of Concussion, was selected to give a marketing certification seminar at the 2008 NIGA conference and trade show held in San Diego this past April. A recognized Native American gaming marketing expert, Wallach is a past speaker at NIGA, as well as G2E, the Class II & Bingo Show and Bingo World conferences.
This year’s seminar topic, entitled “The Good, The Bad & The Ugly: A Review of Native American Advertising,” gave attendees an in-depth look at advertising from across the country, analysis and knowledge for improving casino advertising at their own casinos.
“We take our role as communications advisors and counselors very seriously,” said Wallach. “We are honored to be chosen from among the top experts to speak at NIGA and do our sincere best to provide insight that is relevant, interesting and integral to helping tribal casinos to maximize revenue performance.”
To receive a complimentary Powerpoint version of the seminar, please contact Mr. Wallach at allwall@concussion.net.