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Design 446 President, Tom Villane discussed the importance of innovative ideas and the impact that technology has had on the marketing industry. “Clearly, the future of cost-effective marketing will be electronically driven,” explained Villane.

One example discussed in the story was Design 446’s use of interactive sales office kiosks. “We have developed and easy-to-use-and-navigate software application specifically for new home builder sales offices that allows potential buyers to take instant in-home virtual tours,” Villane explained.  “They choose the model most appealing and the salesperson takes it from there. This is a major innovation and we have installed these kiosks in approximately 30 sales offices within the last two or three years.”

“The market is more challenging and the bar has been raised for creativity in our company and in the industry. We must always adapt to ensure that maximum traffic is generated, even with shrinking budgets,” Villane said.

Design 446 Honored with National Award
December 2008: Design 446, recently earned a Silver Award for Best Marketing Promotion at the 2009 National Sales & Marketing Awards, presented by the NAHB, for the company’s “The Grass is Greener at Design 446” promotion. Design 446 is now a finalist for a Gold Award which will be presented at this year’s convention in Las Vegas, Nevada.

“It’s an honor to be recognized by our peers, especially on a national level,” said Tom Villane, President of Design 446. “This specific promotion combines several of our capabilities and we are very proud to have been acknowledged.”

The “Grass is Greener” promotion consisted of print invitations, E-mail blasts and an open house-style event consisting of personal tours of the Design 446 facility and giveaways all reflecting the “Grass is Greener” theme.

“The invitations were a big hit with our guests,” explained Villane. “They were designed with an Astroturf backing. We received a lot of favorable feedback from those invited.”

Design 446 Earns Two Creativity Awards
October 2008: Design 446 garnered two honors for Consumer Website at the 37th Annual Creativity Awards. The company’s electronic marketing team, lead by Creative Director, Brian Stern, was recognized for their work on both the JP Barry Hospitality’s Oyster Point Hotel website and Eastman Companies’ Livingston Town Center website. Both of these websites were included in the Creativity 37 Design Annual, published by Harper Collins.

“I am very proud of the electronic marketing team,” said Design 446 President, Tom Villane. “These two sites are representative of the talent, fresh ideas and capabilities of our web design department.”

“We endeavored to design both sites in a matter that is visually pleasing, easily navigated and user-friendly,” explained Stern. “While our primary objective is always to meet our clients’ needs, it is very satisfying to be acknowledged by our peers.”

A volunteer panel of advertising and design professionals, promoting the tradition and respect that makes receiving an award a significant experience, judge the Creativity Annual Awards. Categories range from magazine photography to consumer websites, logos, and trademarks.