Articles and White Papers

Azure was recently approached to comment on use of Twitter, the 140 character mini-blogging communication vehicle, as a potentially serious marketing communications tool, versus a mere social media phenomena.

Observations on Twitter use made by Azure President Dane Miller included:

“Behind the hype, inclusion of Twitter as a key element within a larger social media marketing strategy provides a method for fulfilling serious and valuable communication goals for companies of all sizes.”

“Central to social media marketing tactics is need for cultivating a more direct, personalized connection with buying audiences, along with ability to quickly gather focus group-like insights to fine tune proffered offerings well before mass distribution.”

The article will run in the print and web versions of the Dallas Morning News sometime in May.

The main Twitter website can be found at http://www.twitter.com/

To follow Dane’s daily Twitter posts, look him up: @AzureMarcommTX

Dallas-based Communications Agency presented to Texas state Senate, House and Governor as leader in Texas small business community

Dallas, Texas (April 20, 2008) – Dallas-based marketing and design firm Azure Marketing Communications has been singled out for acknowledgement as an exemplary Texas small business during the statewide “SBDC Day” to be staged on April 20, 2009 in the rotunda at the state capital in Austin.

The “SBDC Day” event is to bring together exemplary small businesses from across the state of Texas, and promote awareness of the SBA-supported small business development centers who have aided these companies to grow by providing educational and counseling support in critical business development areas such as legal matters, financial planning, insurance needs, marketing, and more.

Azure was selected by the Collin Small Business Development Center (www.ccccd.edu/sbdc/) to represent North Texas because of their track record of success via the counseling delivered by the Collin SBDC. Azure was simultaneously acknowledged for their willingness to give back to the community by volunteering to educate other area small business owners in key areas of marketing plan development and deployment.

Azure President Dane D. Miller delivered a lecture recently on marketing plan development to over 30 Collin County entrepreneurs as part of the Collin County SBDC’s educational program for small business entitled “Locally Grown”.

Azure was also the Collin SBDC’s 2009 nominee for “Small Business of the Year”, part of a nationwide awards program the SBA stages annually.

In her nomination letter submitted to the U.S. SBA Director’s office in Fort Worth, TX, Collin SBDC Director Marta Frye noted “Azure is a dynamic design and marketing firm that delivers all types of highly customized marketing tools. In just 7 years they have built up their client base into a solid mix of entrepreneurial start-up firms to highly visible Fortune 500 companies across the U.S.”

Ms. Frey went on to add “Azure’s increased growth despite the current economic situation, and the Azure team’s exceptional products and services are the reasons why we believe they are best suited for the 2009 Small Business of the Year Award.”

“Azure is honored to be recognized by the Collin SBDC,” says Dane Miller, president of Azure Marketing Communications. “We have greatly benefited from wealth of educational opportunities and counseling support we have received via the SBDC’s staff and counselors. This education has been at the center of Azure’s retooled efforts in seeking new clients while running our company much more efficiently. As a marketing and design firm, the current economic slow-down would have been far more formidable to survive had we not had the day-to-day operational intelligence we were able to employ learned via the SBDC.”

Dallas-based Azure Marketing Communications wins 2008 Kindness to Animals Media Award

DALLAS — Operation Kindness, the oldest and largest no-kill shelter in North Texas, has presented its 2008 Kindness to Animals Media Award to Azure Marketing Communications. The award was presented at the shelter’s annual Canines, Cats & Cabernet fundraising event, which was held on November 9. This prestigious honor is given to a communications organization that makes a significant contribution to Operation Kindness by lending its time and talent to support various fundraising events throughout the year.

“Our events at Operation Kindness were much more successful this year, and that success can be directly attributed to the creative and tireless efforts of Azure Marketing Communications,” says Sherwin Daryani, Executive Director of Operation Kindness. “Thanks to their marketing and web development work, we have been able to significantly increase awareness of animal welfare issues in North Texas.”

Azure was the creative force behind all public service announcements and marketing campaigns for the Shelter’s Dog Day Afternoon and Canines, Cats & Cabernet events. In addition, Azure was responsible for the redesign and development of the Operation Kindness website, as well as microsites for all of the 2008 fundraising events.

“Azure is honored to be recognized for our service to Operation Kindness,” says Dane Miller, president of Azure Marketing Communications. “But more importantly, we’re thrilled to play a role in helping thousands of homeless and unwanted animals in our area. Everyone at Azure is truly passionate about the mission and goals of Operation Kindness, and we’re pleased to provide as many pro bono hours as it takes to make a difference.”

Azure Marketing Communications Nominated for “2009 SBA Small Business of the Year” for North Texas

December, 2008 – Azure Marketing Communications, Inc. has been nominated by the Collin County Small Business Development Center for the National Small Business of the Year award.

In her nomination letter submitted to the U.S. SBA Director’s office in Fort Worth, TX, Collin County SBDC Director Marta Frye noted “Azure is a dynamic design and marketing firm that delivers all types of highly customized marketing tools. In just 7 years they have built up their client base into a solid mix of entrepreneurial start-up firms to highly visible Fortune 500 companies across the U.S.”

Ms. Frey went on to add, “Azure’s increased growth despite the current economic situation, and the Azure team’s exceptional products and services, are the reasons why we believe they are best suited for the 2009 Small Business of the Year Award.”

The 2009 Award nomination submitted by the Collin County SBDC will be considered first regionally for North Texas, then for the entire state. Winners at the state level are then automatically compared for national honors.

About the Collin County Small Business Development Center
The Collin SBDC is a partnership between the U.S. Small Business Administration, the State of Texas, and Collin County Community College District. Through this partnership, one-on-one, confidential consulting is provided at no charge, as well as workshops and seminars on topics that are essential to business success. The Collin SBDC promotes small business success by providing management education. We assist small businesses in creating jobs and economic growth by utilizing the elements of quality counseling and training, community involvement, and the leveraging of resources.

About Azure Marketing Communications
Azure Marketing Communications is an innovative graphic design and marketing firm, delivering cost-effective traditional and e-marketing tools. Azure specializes in world-class branding, print design, web site development, e-marketing vehicles, sales events, and comprehensive public relations support. Azure places special emphasis on flexibility by working with businesses of all sizes, from motivated entrepreneurial start-up firms, to highly visible Fortune 500 companies across the U.S., in Europe, and in China.