Calypso Communications Chosen to Promote 2010 Urban Rappelling Fundraiser Xtreme Descent
Calypso Communications (www.calypsocom.com), a full-service strategic marketing, corporate communications, and business development consultancy, was recently selected by the Daniel Webster Council of the Boy Scouts of America to help coordinate, publicize, and promote the second annual Xtreme Descent, an exciting adventure-based fundraising event for New Hampshire scouting. Calypso will provide expert services including public and media relations, Web development and design, social media strategies, and creative consultation for the urban rappelling challenge. Last year Calypso helped Xtreme Descent raise $50,000 to support the Daniel Webster Council.
“With the success of Xtreme Descent in 2009, Calypso was the obvious choice to take this year’s event to the next level,” said Joe Wiltrout, Director of Finance Services for the Daniel Webster Council. “We look forward to continuing the collaboration now and in the future.”
Highly sought for its comprehensive knowledge and in-depth experience with organizations at all levels of development across numerous industries, Calypso’s tailored approach and boutique focus have made it the agency of choice for diverse non-profit organizations.
With goals to secure 100 participants and raise $100,000, 2010’s Xtreme Descent offers a new twist: participants will have the opportunity to rappel down the 24-story Brady Sullivan building, one of the state’s tallest, during the day or at night. A variety of family-friendly activities, including food and games, also will be available. The event will be held on September 24 and 25 in the Brady Sullivan Plaza at 1000 Elm Street in Manchester, New Hampshire.
For more information, please contact Greg Osborn, marketing and public relations director for the Daniel Webster Council of the Boy Scouts of America, at greg.osborn@scouting.org or 603-625-6431 ext. 108.
“Clark & Claire” Wins Big at “Best Of” 48-Hour Film Project
“Clark & Claire” (www.clarkandclaire.com), an original film by Carry On Productions, was recently honored with three awards at the 48-Hour Film Project’s “Best Of” screening. A short Western film about a cowboy who makes a major life change, “Clark & Claire” won awards for Best Acting, Best Cinematography, and Best Musical Score in addition to the Audience Award, which it landed at the premiere showing in June. The production company was founded by Jay Childs of JBC Communications and Mike Teixeira of Calypso Communications.
The 48-Hour Film Project is a two-day challenge during which teams are required to create an original four-to-seven minute film with only a few guidelines and a movie genre. All teams were required to integrate a specific character (Dr. Clark or Claire Larson), a plastic surgeon, a box, and the expression, “I need to tell you something.” Just fifteen minutes before the start of the competition, representatives from each of the 26 participating teams chose genres in a blind selection. Carry On Productions picked the “Western and/or musical” category. The production company sourced local talent including Calypso Communications’ Samantha Hoy who plays the role of “Claire.”
“There were so many great films entered in the New Hampshire 48-Hour Film Project this year, we’re thrilled “Clark & Claire” stood out,” said Mike Teixeira, Calypso Communications’ creative director and co-founder of Carry On Productions. “I’m very proud of our team’s hard work and dedication to the project.”
The 48-Hour Film Project was first established in 2001 and gives filmmakers a great opportunity to work as a team and think outside of the box in order to achieve an exceptional final product in a short amount of time. The Best Film winner of the 2010 New Hampshire competition, “Welcome to Where You Are,” will compete at the national competition. For more information about the project, visit www.48hourfilm.com.
Note: Photos are available on Flickr here.
Seacoast Creatives’ “Clark & Claire” in the Running for the New Hampshire 48 Hour Film Project’s “Best of City” Award
Carry On Productions, a joint effort by Calypso Communications’ (www.calypsocom.com) creative director Mike Teixeira and JBC Communications’ (www.jbccom.com) founder Jay Childs, today announces its short film “Clark & Claire” is among the top 12 selected for the Second Annual New Hampshire 48 Hour Film Project (48HFP) “Best Of” screening on Wednesday, July 28, 2010, at the Red River Theater (www.redrivertheaters.org) in Concord. The film, a light-hearted Western about a cowboy trying to find himself, has already received this year’s Audience Award for its group at the premiere showing; the “Best Of” winner could move on to compete for the national title of 48 Hour Film of the Year. The 48HFP is a fast-paced filmmaking competition that challenges local production teams to write, shoot, edit, and score a short film in just two days.
“Before we started filming “Clark & Claire,” most of our team members had never even met, let alone worked together,” said Childs. “It was amazing how quickly we gelled and a true testament to the Project’s mission to bring filmmakers together in new and unique ways.”
Armed with the “Western and/or musical” genre, Carry On Productions convened a variety of actors, singers, writers, and others to begin laying out the details for “Clark & Claire.” Samantha Hoy, Calypso Communications’ media relations associate originally recruited to support the production team behind the scenes makes her on screen debut as Claire. Hoy also provided the ranch, horse, and costumes essential to the film’s story line.
Twenty-six teams participated in the N.H. edition of this year’s 48HFP. Minutes before the start of competition, teams selected a genre and were given three required elements: each four-to-seven minute film had to incorporate Dr. Clark or Claire Larson, a plastic surgeon, the phrase, “I need to tell you something,” and a box. These and a 48-hour timeframe were the only guidelines, giving teams the creative freedom that produced a diverse selection of films. For more information on the 48 Hour Film Project, established in 2001 to emphasize creativity and teamwork among filmmakers, please visit www.48hourfilm.com.
The Music Hall Selects Calypso Communications to Advance Corporate Partner Initiatives
Calypso Communications (www.calypsocom.com), a full-service strategic marketing, corporate communications, and business development consultancy, recently renewed its partnership with The Music Hall (www.themusichall.org), a landmark Victorian theater in Portsmouth, to generate excitement and value for the historic theater’s Corporate Partnership Program. For the fifth consecutive year, Calypso will provide expert marketing, public and media relations, and strategic counsel services to help the nationally recognized theater create meaningful and mutually valuable relationships with its many corporate partners.
“We’ve enjoyed a long and successful partnership with Calypso,” said Mary Horigan, Director of Corporate and Foundation Giving for The Music Hall. “The firm’s expertise in business to business communications and public relations helps us to build our base of corporate partners that we rely on to sustain operations and provides these businesses with increased community presence, visibility, and leadership opportunities through positive brand association.”
Widely recognized for its breadth of knowledge and experience with organizations at all levels of development across numerous industries, Calypso’s tailored approach and boutique focus have made it the agency of choice for a wide range of non profit organizations around the globe.
The Music Hall is a longstanding New England landmark, enriching the community with diverse and relevant programs that entertain more than 100,000 patrons annually. The theater has hosted appearances by acclaimed authors Stephen King, Dan Brown, Jodi Picoult, and Greg Mortenson as well as the Met @ The Music Hall series, broadcasting live, high-definition performances from the world-renowned New York City opera house. The theater also hosts fundraisers and other events to benefit more than 40 local nonprofit organizations.
“We’re thrilled to continue working with The Music Hall,” said Angela Carter, Chief Financial Officer for Calypso. “The theater not only enriches the Seacoast but also offers the region the diverse cultural experiences of a large urban area with the comfort of a small coastal community.”
Pecha Kucha Night Returns to Portsmouth Gas Light Co. on Thursday, June 24
Pecha Kucha Night will return to Portsmouth on Thursday, June 24, 2010 at 7 p.m. in the third floor night club of the Portsmouth Gas Light Co. at 64 Market Street. The event, sponsored by Calypso Communications (www.calypsocom.com), will bring together some of the area’s most inspired minds to share valuable insights on a variety of topics in a unique 6 minute and 40 second format.
Pecha Kucha’s distinct presentation style allows speakers 20 PowerPoint slides and 20 seconds of commentary per slide, encouraging a concise approach to sharing the topic of his or her choice that effectively engages the audience. Speakers at the upcoming event include writer and photographer Stephanie Cornell, Sheesley Production & Talent founder Bob Sheesley, illustrator and graphic designer Abbie Halpin, Lightfin Studios founder DJ Haskins, and Heartwood Media president and creative director Chris Conroy, among others.
The brainchild of Astrid Klein and Mark Dytham of Klein Dytham Architecture in Tokyo, Pecha Kucha originated in 2003 as a platform for young designers to meet, network, and display their work to the public. It has since evolved, emerging as an intersection of creative and business mindshare popular worldwide: nearly 300 cities across the globe host more than 60 PK Nights every month.
Portsmouth’s PK Night is free and open to the public. Event organizers will be collecting donations on behalf of Architecture for Humanity, a group that supports construction development in Haiti. For more information please visit the Facebook event page here. Those interested in presenting at this or future events should contact Mike Teixeira at 603-431-0816 or visit www.calypsocom.com.
New England Fertilizer Company Partners with Calypso Communications for Brand Identity Revitalization
Calypso Communications (www.calypsocom.com), a strategic marketing, corporate communications, and business development consultancy, has been selected to provide comprehensive branding services to New England Fertilizer Company (NEFCO), a leading developer and operator of heat drying and pelletization facilities in the United States.
Calypso will create, design, and implement an integrated brand revitalization campaign for NEFCO as the company significantly expands its strategic business objectives. This campaign includes strategic development and design of a new logo, messaging, website, trade show booth, and collateral materials.
“As we approach two decades of operation, we are confident that the marketing expertise of Calypso Communications will help solidify our brand persona and introduce new areas of focus, thus helping us differentiate ourselves from the competition,” said NEFCO general manager Jim Sullivan.
NEFCO currently operates one of the world’s premier biosolids dewatering, drying, and granulation facilities in Quincy, Massachusetts, and has served Boston and 43 surrounding communities for the past 18 years. NEFCO also operates facilities in North Andover, Massachusetts; Shakopee, Minnesota; and West Palm Beach, Florida and is developing a new facility in Cumberland, Maryland.
“NEFCO is poised to become an industry leader in the next several years,” said Kevin Stickney, founder of Calypso Communications. “We are delighted to be working with such an innovative pioneer in the biosolids industry that is rapidly reshaping the way communities manage and renew their water and wastewater resources. NEFCO adds further depth to Calypso’s comprehensive, focused portfolio of alternative energy and technology clients.”
Energy Industry Insight and Experience Win Calypso Communications Contract with Unitil Corporation
Calypso Communications (www.calypsocom.com), a full-service strategic marketing, corporate communications, and business development consultancy, recently announced its strategic partnership with natural gas and electricity provider Unitil Corporation (www.unitil.com). Calypso was selected for its depth of experience in the power generation industry and extensive scope of expert services. The agency will provide ongoing communication strategies that include expert branding, public and media relations campaigns, Web development and design, and creative consultation. In addition, Calypso will support initiatives related to Unitil’s recent acquisition of Northern Utilities, Inc., an expansion that nearly doubled its service area to more than 167,000 business and residential customers throughout Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Maine.
“Calypso has an impressive track record crafting successful communications strategies for leaders in the energy and utilities field,” said Carol Valianti, Unitil’s vice president of communication and public affairs. “We’re thrilled to collaborate with such extensive experience and expertise as we continue to grow.”
Calypso’s insight and breadth of knowledge in the power and energy arenas have earned the agency national acclaim as an innovative industry leader. Highly sought after for its boutique focus and creative insight, it serves both national and international companies representing a full range of alternative and renewable energy, independent power, electric utility, energy venture capital, and environmental technology services. Calypso offers both start-ups and well established industry leaders top tier marketing, communications, and creative services including media relations strategies, business development support, and comprehensive employee, investor, and crisis communications programs for legislative, labor, and regulatory matters; technology and manufacturing sectors; and service sector businesses.
Unitil is dedicated to ensuring safe, reliable service to its customers and communities. The company’s trustworthy, hardworking employees combine leading innovation and practical technology that, when coupled with commitments to superior standards of business practice and the safe, reliable delivery of natural gas and electricity, create a sustainable, world class operation.
“Unitil is dedicated to improving the quality of life in the communities it serves,” said Kevin Stickney, founder of Calypso Communications. “We’re honored to support these core values and support Unitil’s ongoing development as the company grows.”
Calypso Communications Offers Crisis Management Tips to Energy Industry Professionals
Calypso Communications (www.calypsocom.com), a full-service strategic marketing, corporate communications, and business development consultancy, today presents crisis management recommendations to alternative and renewable energy generation and environmental technology professionals. Calypso, nationally recognized for its in-depth knowledge of the power industry, designed the tips to prepare energy experts and companies at all levels of development for a range of crises in this constantly evolving field.
“The energy industry is ripe for crises that are not always limited to traditional fossil fuel power generation,” said Kevin Stickney, Calypso founder. “While many mistakenly avoid or deflect these situations, a crisis can be an unplanned opportunity to communicate key messages, strategic strengths, and corporate values.”
To ease communication efforts while handling a crisis, Stickney recommends establishing a management plan well ahead of a potential situation. Some basic tips include:
- Prepare in advance. A crisis is like a heart attack; the way you live beforehand is better protection than the way you respond afterwards. Do your homework, have a plan, designate a team… don’t wait for the tingling left arm.
- Respect perception. While a local labor issue, pollution infraction, or pricing change may strike you as insignificant, your customers, employees, and investors may think otherwise. A crisis is often based on a perception… and it’s seldom yours.
- Be early. Be honest. Be open. Designate someone to say something. Not always easy or intuitive for plant operators, it’s critical to be concerned, engaged, and responsive. That doesn’t mean you to need to have – or provide – any answers. Leave the disappearing act to pro golfers and politicians.
- Deliver your messages. For every question about what went wrong, there’s a corollary to what went right; without diminishing the importance of the event, get to these points quickly. Express concern and commitment – then move to the technologies, track record, policies, and people that define your firm’s usual standards and its typical success.
- Communicate in arrears. Break down what went wrong, who was impacted, why certain questions were asked, how issues were handled, and where improvements can be made. And make them. In advance. Most important, establish a culture of communicating, in the good times, with those who will need or want answers during any type of crisis.
Kevin Stickney has 30 years’ executive-level experience in managing complex public affairs issues involving waste-to-energy, environmental technology, and a range of other industries. He is an expert in national and international media relations strategies and comprehensive employee, investor, and marketing communications programs for legislative, labor, and regulatory matters; technology and manufacturing sectors; service sector businesses, and capital project business development. Stickney has provided consulting and crisis communications and media training services worldwide, from Europe, Asia, and Australia to North America including Mexico, Canada, and the United States.
“There are no real secrets to effective, efficient, and responsible crisis management, just a few truths,” said Stickney. “Crises will occur in your business, your stakeholders will be affected, and your company’s reputation will change as a result. Those who take the initiative to prepare are often those who emerge from a crisis unscathed.”
Calypso Communications & Strategic Carbon Initiative Advance Partnership, Funding Search
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Calypso Communications to Showcase Energy Industry Expertise at Premier All Renewable Energy Business Event
Agency Joins More Than 300 Energy and Environmental Technology Leaders at RETECH 2010
Calypso Communications, a full-service strategic marketing, corporate communications, and business development consultancy firm, today announces its participation in Renewable Energy Technology Conference & Exhibition 2010 (www.retech2010.com) in Washington DC on February 3 5. Calypso, the only marketing agency scheduled to attend, will join more than 300 leading renewable energy and environmental technology innovators to demonstrate its extensive experience and expertise creating successful communications strategies for leaders in the industry.
Calypso is nationally recognized for its work in energy and environmental technology, serving both start-ups and well established clients in national and international markets. The agency’s client roster for strategic marketing, investor relations, crisis management, and graphic design services represents a full range of alternate and renewable energy, independent power, electric utility, energy venture capital, and environmental technology demands worldwide. These clients include companies active in municipal waste-to-energy, clean coal, natural gas, nuclear, biodiesel, wind, solar, geothermal, biomass, ethanol, and cellulosic ethanol technologies and services; a diverse portfolio with several clients on-hand at this year’s convention.
“RETECH 2010 attendees represent the core community for our client communications work,” said Kevin Stickney, founder of Calypso. “Our expertise has proven critical to the steady growth of stakeholder support for renewable energy, successfully developing new business and expanding the bottom line for our clients. This success has earned Calypso recognition as a highly sought-after resource and the energy and environmental technology industry’s premier, full-service marketing consultancy.”
The Renewable Energy Technology Conference & Exhibition is a co-production of the American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) and TradeFair Group, an Access Intelligence company. RETECH 2010 brings together technology, business, finance, and policy committees across every sector of renewable energy, allowing industry leaders to discuss the finance, policy, and market challenges facing the industry in the year ahead. For more information please visit the conference website at www.retech2010.com.
