For the latest word on our award-winning projects, publicity, and client milestones, check here often!
Stride featured on front page of Champlain Business Journal
January 2012
If you haven't picked up a copy of this month's Champlain Business Journal yet, you're missing out on some trade secrets from local marketing firms — including Stride. Gracing the cover of the current edition are our very own Terri Parent and Catherine McIntyre.
The article discusses the importance of choosing the right name and branding for your business, as reporter Sara Widness writes, "a name, and how it's perceived, can make or break a business." Widness interviewed Terri and Catherine, along with several other local marketing professionals and newly renamed businesses who shared their experiences and insights on naming and branding.
Pick up a copy today or feel free to read the article, "The name game — Marketing experts offer tips for business monikers" online!
Blue Paddle breaks Jump On It sales record
December 2011
A round of applause goes out to the Blue Paddle Bistro in South Hero, VT. Its November 30th promotion on WCAX's 'Jump on It' deal-of-the-day program set a record as Jump on It's most successful single day restaurant promotion ever. With its offer of a $40 gift certificate for $20, the Paddle sold 1,865 units in a 24-hour period across the program's Vermont and northern New York regions.
How did they do it? Owner Mandy Hotchkiss set out to break new ground by actively 'promoting the promotion'. She worked with Stride to develop a brief email marketing campaign targeted to the Paddle's large customer base, encouraging customers to sign up for Jump on It's daily email program prior to the November 30th deal and purchase gift certificates as holiday gifts. It was followed up with a reminder the day before the deal, and assisted by social media to extend the reach of the message. All in all, it was a fast and inexpensive way to draw new business during a traditionally slow time of year.
Mandy worked with Senior Designer Dave Barron to develop the design and message of the email marketing promotion.
Stride launches web site for Green Mountain Florist Supply
November 2011
Stride Creative Group is delighted to announce its web site redesign for Green Mountain Florist Supply, Vermont's largest provider of wholesale cut flowers and floral supplies.
With locations in South Burlington and Middlesex, the company — also known as GMFSI — serves the needs of florists and floral designers throughout Vermont and in many locations in New York and New Hampshire as well. One visit to the new site and it's easy to see how GMFSI had developed such a loyal customer following. By striving to give their customers the best possible service, advice, and floral inspirations, owners Tom and Kim Jennings often opted to increase the site's page count and enhance its functionality instead of looking for ways to cut corners.
The GMFSI site was truly a team effort at Stride. Web developer Kathy Erickson played a critical role in the planning, development, and training phases, working closely with owner Terri Parent, who oversaw the project and developed the site's architecture and content. Senior Designer Terry Fallon designed the site's look and feel with its home page and interior page templates, Dave Barron assisted with technical details and PHP programming, and owner Catherine McIntyre provided hosting consultation, SEO, and ongoing technical support.
The web site was debuted in late Fall 2011 to coincide with GMFSI's Fall Open House, featuring celebrity floral expert J Schwanke. It has received glowing reviews by existing and potential new customers alike.
You can visit the new Green Mountain Florist Supply web site at: www.gmfsi.com
Stride launches web site for New York caterer
September 2011
Stride Creative Group is delighted to announce its launch of a new web site for The Good Table, an upscale corporate foodservice company in Purchase, New York.
Serving quality-conscious businesses and commercial office complexes in Westchester County, NY and Fairfield County, Connecticut, The Good Table places a high value on exceptional food made from fresh, local ingredients. Owner Barbara Moore distinguishes her company through its strong ties to small family farms and community-supported agriculture. Through numerous corporate cafés and a thriving catering service, she and Executive Chef Keith Taplin create extraordinary menus that have made The Good Table a sought-after foodservice provider among the corporate elite.
Stride began its work for The Good Table with a brand assessment, followed by improvements to the company's logo, visual elements, and voice. Owner Terri Parent worked closely with copywriter Gail Jokerst to develop the web site's content, creating a brand personality, messaging strategy, and SEO plan. Senior Designer Dave Barron developed the design, photography direction, downloadable menus and programming for the web site. Initial reviews of The Good Table's web presence have been overwhelmingly positive.
Dave Barron continues to assist The Good Table with additional marketing needs, including menu design, signage, and staff uniforms.
The Good Table's web site can be found at www.thegoodtable.com
Stride's web site for "Fat Bikes" gives near-instant ROI
Spring 2011
FatBikes.com, a winter cycling e-commerce site based in Anchorage, Alaska, confirmed that it had recouped its investment in its new web presence — developed by Stride Creative Group — just one month after its launch.
Operated by Alaskan bike company Chain Reaction Cycles, FatBikes.com
is an early player on the snow riding scene — an industry that is quickly swelling with specialized gear, race events, and devoted fans. Its 9:ZERO:7 aluminum "fat bikes" are capable of using uber-wide 100mm rims and 4.5" tires and are designed to be ridden on the snow. In addition to fat bike frames, the site also features unique components, accessories, and clothing.
FatBikes.com was officially launched in January, 2011. By the following month, the company reported that its earnings from web sales had already exceeded the web design and development fees it had invested with Stride Creative Group. It's an extraordinary return on investment that's not only attributable to the high-quality products the company provides, but also to the web site's effective SEO, ease of use, clean design, and smooth checkout process.
Owner Catherine McIntyre created the look and feel of FatBikes.com, working closely with the client to develop its branding, site architecture and user experience. She collaborated with Kathy Erickson, who built the e-commerce site in the Yahoo! Store platform. They continue to monitor the site's Google rankings and make updates and modifications as needed.
Check out the site at www.fatbikes.com
More National Awards for Stride's Client – WowToyz
Parents' Choice Awards, Spring 2011
Specialty toy manufacturer WowToyz was recently honored with multiple Parents' Choice Awards in the Spring 2011 toy category for their Museum Quality Great Dinos and their Jr. Science Explorer Volcanic Eruption Kit. Established in 1978, Parents' Choice is the nation's oldest nonprofit guide to quality children's media and toys.
Stride's eye-catching and highly effective packaging makes these award-winning product lines especially appealing to parents and children.
Stride's work for CCTA wins national award
Federal Transit Administration, March 2011
In March, Chittenden County Transportation Authority (CCTA) received top honors by the Federal Transit Administration for its online system map, which Stride designed and developed. Named 2011 Best Transit Map Award in the category of "Best Coordination of Multiple Providers in a Web-Based Map" at the Northeast Passenger Transportation Conference in Hartford, Connecticut, it details CCTA's expansive services across the top half of Vermont, down to street level. Viewers are able to click through to individual section maps for an even closer look. The map is available on the CCTA web site.
Stride Creative moves to new spot
Champlain Business Journal, September 2010
Stride's recent move and business growth is featured in a full article in the September 2010 issue of Champlain Business Journal. Highlighting the diversity of our capabilities, professional backgrounds and lifestyles, it is an in-depth view of our business.
Stride's work for CCTA wins national first place award
American Public Transportation Association, August 2010
The Chittenden County Transportation Authority (CCTA) has recently been recognized with a First Place Award in the 2010 AdWheel Awards competition, hosted by the American Public Transportation Association (APTA), for its CCTA Smart Business Program advertising campaign. The campaign was conceived, written, and designed by Stride Creative Group, in collaboration with CCTA. The award will be presented during a special ceremony at APTA's annual meeting in San Antonio.
WowToyz products win notable national awards
Dr. Toy / Creative Child Magazine, August 2010
Creative Child Magazine and Dr. Toy have recognized four educational toys from WowToyz with awards in 2010. Stride Creative Group was the design firm to develop the branding and packaging designs for all four award-winning products.
Two of the products won a 2010 Toy of the Year Award for different categories from Creative Child Magazine. The WowToyz Classic Train Set, a 20-piece battery-operated train set, won in the Classic Toys category, and the Space Explorer Backpack Playset won in the Travel Playsets category. Stride created packaging designs for all five products within the Space Explorers product line.
Also recognized by Creative Child Magazine was the Alien Spy Voice Messenger, with a 2010 Seal of Excellence in the Novelty Products category.
Dr. Toy is an organization that has been awarding children's products with awards and seals of approval for nearly 20 years. This year, it recognized Li'l Chugs Wooden Trains by WowToyz with the 2010 Best Green Product award. Li'l Chugs trains are constructed of highly-renewable, natural rubberwood harvested from reforested forests. They meet all national safety standards and are a great value.
Congratulations to WowToyz on an impressive array of awards for 2010.
Some of our clients include:
lake champlain chocolates 
ccta / gmta fletcher allen wowtoyz dragonheart vermont darn tough dunkiel saunders
spruce mortgage howard center nordic barn burlington school district blue paddle bistro vermont mutual insurance group
the good table saint michael’s college vermont brownie company green mountain florist supply vermont gynecology
