Friday, August 22, 2008

All Terrain Named to Inc. 5000



Chicago Firm Celebrates 10th Anniversary with a Rank of 717 on List of America’s 5,000 Fastest-Growing Private Companies

Number 35 on List of Top 100 Businesses in Chicago Region
Number 54 on List of Top Advertising & Marketing Companies


NEW YORK, August 20, 2008 – All Terrain, a national integrated marketing agency based in Chicago, was ranked today as No. 717 on Inc. Magazine’s annual ranking of the 5,000 fastest-growing private companies in the country. The list is the most comprehensive look at the most important segment of the economy – America’s independent-minded entrepreneurs. Taken as a whole, these companies represent the backbone of the U.S. economy.

“Our second annual Inc. 5000 continues the most ambitious project in business journalism,” said Inc. 5000 Project Manager Jim Melloan. “The Inc. 5000 gives an unrivalled portrait of young, underreported companies across all industries doing fascinating things with cutting-edge business models, as well as older companies that are still showing impressive growth.”

The magazine also ranked All Terrain as the 35th fastest growing private company in the Chicago area and the 54th fastest growing advertising/marketing company in the U.S. (as measured by Inc. Magazine). All Terrain experienced a growth of 478.5% during a 3-year period ending December 31, 2007.

Earlier this summer All Terrain was also named to the Promo 100 list of the country’s largest promotional agencies by Promo Magazine. All Terrain was listed as the 3rd fastest growing promotional agency on the Promo 100. All Terrain has also launched a new section of their website - http://allterrain.net/casestudies/ - featuring successful client case studies.

“We are honored to be part of the Inc. 5000,” said Sarah Eck-Thompson, co-president of All Terrain. “We have grown into new markets and new services through client referrals and expanded client assignments. In September we will celebrate our 10th anniversary, and for ten years we have delivered cost-effective, integrated, measurable results for our clients. The Inc. 5000 ranking is validation of our approach and a great way to celebrate our accelerating growth.”

“Lots of agencies can help with word-of-mouth, digital, advertising or PR strategies,” said Brook Jay, co-president of All Terrain, “but when was the last time you actually felt good about a brand interaction? People gravitate to experiences that are relevant to their lives and aspirations. All Terrain has grown because we know how to break through the clutter and speak to people authentically where they live, breathe and buy."

About All Terrain
All Terrain is a full-service integrated marketing communications agency that personalizes and connects brands with relevant consumers across a full spectrum of formats. Born as an events and experiential agency, All Terrain has evolved into a full-service agency offering experiential marketing, lifestyle and entertainment branding as well as creative/advertising, integrated digital and public relations services. All Terrain clients include major brands such as General Motors, Underwriters Laboratories, Anheuser-Busch, Red Bull, Tribune Company, Cirque du Soleil and Diageo as well as regional and emerging brands. All Terrain is headquartered in Chicago. For more information and successful case studies, visit http://allterrain.net/casestudies/ or call (312) 421-7672.

About Inc. 5000
The 5000 companies that made the list reported aggregate revenue of $185 billion and median three-year growth of 147 percent. Most important, the 2008 Inc. 5000 companies were engines of job growth, having created more than 826,033 jobs since those companies were founded. Complete results of the Inc. 5000, including company profiles and a list of the fastest-growing companies that can be sorted by industry and region can be found at www.inc5000.com.

Friday, August 1, 2008

Kilo Kai Rum Expands Into Missouri -“Take No Prisoners” Attitude Available Statewide Starting August 1



  • Starting Friday, August 1, 2008, Missourians will finally have a chance to taste the hot new rum that people across the river in Illinois have been enjoying since last October. Fast growing Chicago-based Kilo Kai Rum announced today it will expand the acclaimed spiced rum into Missouri starting in August. As the rum rolls out statewide, consumers can visit http://www.kilokai.com/ for a list of bars, nightclubs, as well as grocery and liquor stores where they can buy Kilo Kai.

    Business Facts
    • Kilo Kai launched in October of 2007 in Illinois by Apostrophe Brands. Kilo Kai is the sole product of Apostrophe Brands.
    • Several of the owners of Apostrophe Brands were part of the team that created Effen Vodka.
    • Kilo Kai is already available in Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota and Nevada.
    • On August 1, Kilo Kai will also expand into Michigan, Missouri, California, Arizona and Indiana.
    • Glazer Midwest, located in St. Charles is the Missouri distributor.

    Product Attributes
    • Kilo Kai is distilled on the island of Curacao, off the coast of Venezuela, by a third generation master distiller from a recipe developed in cooperation with Apostrophe Brands.
    • Kilo Kai’s complex flavor includes essences of vanilla, cinnamon, anise, banana, cherry, nutmeg, and orange. It is 70 proof (35% alcohol by volume).
    • Recipes online at http://www.kilokai.com/ illustrate its ability to be enjoyed straight up or on the rocks, in a traditional rum and cola, or as a mixed tropical or martini-style drink.
    • The iconic Kilo Kai logo was designed by famed product design firm Turner-Duckworth (London/San Francisco).
    • Kilo Kai is sold in 750 ml bottles at a suggested retail price of $19.99.

    Quotes
    Brad Trayser, President of Apostrophe Brands
    • “Kilo Kai is the perfect rum for aficionados and novices alike because its complexity and unique blend of flavors allows it to be mixed in a favorite cocktail or enjoyed straight up.”
    • “Kilo Kai’s growth has come primarily from word of mouth. Most people hear about Kilo Kai Rum mostly through bartenders, musicians, waiters, and others connected to nightlife, culture, and hospitality.”
    • “Kilo Kai is the rum you drink when you have decided that taste is more important.”

    Reviews – “They Like Us … They Really Like Us”
    • Chris Null, Drinkhacker.com: “A” rating - “spiced the way rum ought to be … Kilo Kai was much smoother, with a creamy texture and a clear flavor of honey and cinnamon.”
    • Bill Jones, PunkBands.com: “I now have a great new choice when buying rum. (Compared to other brands) Kilo Kai tastes a hell of a lot better on its own.”
    • Theresa Carter, NBC5.com / TheLocalTourist.com: “Kilo Kai has convinced me to switch (rums) … because it tastes good.”
    • Julie Lawrence, OnMilwaukee.com: Kilo Kai was “smoother … this is a rum I’d actually consider drinking on the rocks.”
    • Kevin Kosar, AlcoholReviews.com: “4 out of 5 stars”
    • Mancow Muller, The Mancow [Radio] Show: “I love Kilo Kai!”

Links, Social Marketing Websites
Myspace.com
KiloKai.com
Recipes

Keywords
Rum, spiced rum, Kilo Kai, Curacao, rum and cola, cocktails, Brad Trayser, Apostrophe Brands, smooth, take no prisoners, Chicago, Missouri, taste, Leanez Family

About Kilo Kai
Created by three generations of master rum distillers in Curacao, Kilo Kai is a spiced rum blended with the unique flavors and scents of the Caribbean. The complexity arises in the flavors of anise, vanilla, banana, cherry, nutmeg and orange peels. Crafted with 1-year-old and 3-year-old rums, Kilo Kai is the perfect rum for aficionados and novices alike because its complexity and unique blend of flavors allows it to be mixed in a favorite cocktail or enjoyed straight. The innovative package design features real skateboard tape on the bottle and is complete with Kilo Kai’s iconic logo. To learn more about Kilo Kai’s “Take No Prisoners” attitude, visit http://www.kilokai.com/. Please enjoy Kilo Kai responsibly.



Wednesday, July 16, 2008

Chicago Machine Major League Lacrosse Team Sports Style


Need another reason to watch the Chicago Machine Major League Team? Go to ABC 7 News Chicago and see the video - Watch the Chicago Machine strut their style.

http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=resources&id=6268032


Tuesday, July 15, 2008

Chicago Machine Teams with Cartridge World Chicago for eWaste Recycling Event




The Chicago Machine, in partnership with the 30 area Cartridge World stores, is hosting a recycling event for computers, monitors, cell phones, printers, phones, ink and laser cartridges and more. The goal is to encourage consumers to reuse, refill and recycle electronics and cartridges. Chicago Surplus Computer will be on hand to haul away and responsibly recycle all e-waste products dropped off. Those participating in this unique e-waste program will receive discount admission to that day’s Chicago Machine Lacrosse game and a coupon for a free inkjet cartridge refill.

WHEN:

Sunday, July 20, 2008, 12:30 pm – 3:30 pm

WHERE:

Toyota Park, 7000 S. Harlem Avenue, Bridgeview, IL 60455

WHY:

Electronic waste accounts for 70 percent of the overall toxic waste that is currently in landfills;

• In 2005 alone almost two million tons of e-waste ended up in landfills;

• In addition to valuable metals like aluminum, electronics often contain hazardous materials like lead and mercury;

• It does not take much lead or mercury to contaminate an area’s soil or water supply;

• It takes at least 450 years for one ink cartridge to break down in a landfill, allowing harmful materials to seep into the earth;• Some components made of industrial grade plastics will take over one thousand years to decompose;

• Seventy percent of cartridges used worldwide are thrown out;

• It’s estimated that there are over 500 million used cell phones ready for disposal now;

• Cell phone batteries were originally composed of nickel and cadmium (Ni-Cd batteries);

• Cadmium is linked as a human carcinogen that causes lung and liver damage;

• Mercury is contained in computer circuit boards, which also include lead and cadmium;

• With the fact that the FCC is going to require all televisions to run a digital signal by February 19, 2009, we could see a lot of lead from older TV’s (cathode ray tubes – CRT) heading for landfills.

About the Chicago Machine

The Chicago Machine is Chicago’s outdoor professional men’s lacrosse team, members of the Western Conference of Major League Lacrosse (MLL). Now in their third season, the Chicago Machine plays at TOYOTA PARK, 15 minutes southwest of downtown Chicago. Led by head coach John Combs, the team has top players from nationally ranked college programs such as Notre Dame, Cornell, UMass, Virginia, Johns Hopkins, Navy and Syracuse. Season tickets and individual game tickets are now available. To receive score and team news updates, text “Machine” to 28546.


About Cartridge World Chicago

Cartridge World provides consumers and businesses with an alternative to save money and reduce the impact of millions of cartridges thrown away into landfills each year. Most Cartridge World cartridges are refilled or re-manufactured locally, the most environmentally friendly way to utilize empty printer cartridges. The Chicagoland area is home to 30 of the company’s over 1,600 stores worldwide. It uses only the highest quality imaging supplies, and is the leader in the refilling and re-manufacturing of empty printer cartridges. Each store refills cartridges for most home and small business printers, including fax, printer, copier, postage and multi-function, by all major brands, including HP, Dell, Canon, Lexmark and Epson. Cartridge World stores also stock a wide assortment of brand name cartridges and offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Cartridge World is a proud member of the Environmental Protection Agency Waste Wise program.

Thursday, July 10, 2008

Wednesday, July 2, 2008

Three Chicago Machine Players Named Major League Lacrosse All-Stars






Kevin Leveille, Mike Gabel and Steven Brooks will play in July 17 MLL All-Star

Chicago, IL – Three players from the Chicago Machine pro lacrosse team – Kevin Leveille (#19, Attack), Mike Gabel (#9, Goalie) and Steven Brooks (#10, Midfield) - have been selected to play in the seventh annual Major League Lacrosse All-Star Game. Announced today by David Gross, commissioner of Major League Lacrosse (MLL), the All-Stars were selected by the League's head coaches, general managers and players. For a full roster of MLL All-Stars, visit http://www.majorleaguelacrosse.com/.

The MLL All-Star game will take place on Thursday, July 17, 2008 at 8:00 PM MT at Denver’s INVESCO Field at Mile High. For the second consecutive year, the game will match-up players from the Eastern Conference against their Western Conference counterparts. The game will be broadcast live on ESPN2.

About Kevin Leveille (Attack - 19)
Arguably one of the league’s best players, Chicago Machine attackman Kevin Leveille began his lacrosse career as a standout in high school in Albany, New York. Named a high school All American in lacrosse, he was a multi-sport athlete and was captain of both his high school lacrosse and hockey teams. During his four-year career at the University of Massachusetts/Amherst he finished 11th on the all-time UMass scoring list, was an All American, and was a finalist for the Tewaaraton Trophy, Lacrosse’s Heisman. He started his pro career with the Boston Cannons where he played until being traded to Chicago at the end of the 2005 season. This year he is Chicago’s top scorer, is 3rd in the league in points, 2nd in goals scored, and has a 42-game scoring streak dating back to 2004.

Kevin’s brother, Mike Leveille, joined the Chicago Machine this season and the two now play together on the same team. When not playing lacrosse, Kevin works as the upper Midwest Sales Manager for Warrior and Brine Sports. He’s a huge music fans and has 6,000 songs on his MP3 player. His favorite bands include Phish, Grateful Dead, and the Talking Heads. In addition, he plays the guitar and enjoys going to concerts and hockey games.

About Mike Gabel (Goalie - 9)
Goalie Mike Gabel is one of the original players of the Chicago Machine franchise, now in his 3rd pro year. Mike is having a break-out year in 2008, currently ranked 2nd in the league in save percentage and goals-allowed-average. Mike’s college career at Vermont was record-breaking. His save percentage was 11th best in the country in 2005 and he ended his career breaking Vermont school records for “goals-allowed-average” both in a season and in a career.

When not protecting the cage for the Chicago machine, Gabel stays very busy as the co-founder of True Lacrosse with teammate Jake Deane. At True Lacrosse, Gabel and Deane train high school and college athletes, preparing them for college and professional lacrosse careers.

About Steven Brooks (Midfielder - 10)
Libertyville, Illinois, native Steven Brooks is known to the world of lacrosse as a powerhouse, having most recently played for the 2008 NCAA National Champion lacrosse team at Syracuse University. He’s already making a name for himself, ranking in the top 25 in the MLL in points scored and in the top five of the 2008 Rookies. To be named to the All Star team in his rookie season is certainly a portent of great things to come.

Steven’s teammates and friends know him as “Brooksie,” a fun-loving, superstitious, and outgoing guy. His spirit, despite some personal tragedies in his life, has helped strengthen the team. Steven’s lacrosse stick has the initials of his mother who passed away while he was in high school. He continues that tradition with his Chicago Machine stick as well.

About the Chicago Machine
The Chicago Machine is Chicago’s outdoor professional men’s lacrosse team, members of the Western Conference of Major League Lacrosse (MLL). Now in their third season, the Chicago Machine plays at TOYOTA PARK, 15 minutes southwest of downtown Chicago. Led by head coach John Combs, the team has top players from nationally ranked college programs such as Notre Dame, Cornell, UMass, Virginia, Johns Hopkins, Navy and Syracuse.

The Chicago Machine play the Los Angeles Riptide at 3:30 pm on Sunday, July 6, 2008, at TOYOTA PARK in suburban Chicago. For game schedule, ticketing, team and player information, visit http://www.chicagomachine.com/. To receive score and team news updates, text “Machine” to 28546.












Media Contact: Kevin Boyer, (312) 588-3713, Kevin.Boyer@allterrain.net




Monday, June 16, 2008

Chicago Drinks: Kilo Kai at the Drawing Room


Chicago Drinks Video on YouTube features Kilo Kai at the Drawing Room in Chicago.