The News from North Star

President of Coble Trench Safety Dies in Plane Accident

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 15:16:46 -0500

GREENSBORO, NC -- Tom Coble, founder and president of Greensboro, NC-based Coble Trench Safety (CTS), died in a plane crash January 20, 2012, shortly after takeoff from a regional airport in Rainbow City, AL.

Traveling alone, Coble was flying his L-39 Albatross fighter jet back to Burlington, NC. His plane, a Czechoslovakian experimental class aircraft, had undergone routine service and maintenance in Gadsen, AL. Less than a minute after takeoff, the plane caught fire and came down in a wooded, marshy area approximately two miles from the airport. Authorities are investigating the accident; the cause has not yet been determined.

Coble was 58 years old. With more than 42 years of flying experience, he was a well-experienced pilot who owned multiple planes and was happiest when in the cockpit. He often joked with friends and family that he stayed in business to support his flying habit.

In 2002, he founded Coble Trench Safety, a regional firm specializing in the rental and sales of trench and traffic safety equipment, as well as OSHA-compliant training classes. CTS has 11 branches from Baltimore, MD, to Knoxville, TN, to Atlanta, GA.

Prior to founding CTS, Coble established and grew Coble Cranes & Equipment/Coble Rents, a Greensboro, NC-based firm he sold in 1999 to a publicly traded company.

Coble's natural entrepreneurial bent was evident early in his career. After graduating from Liberty University, he became the executive pilot for the late Rev. Jerry Falwell, former president of Liberty University. While waiting for Falwell to finish speaking engagements, Coble would work the phones at regional airports, calling local construction firms to see if they were interested in buying or selling equipment. His sideline interest soon turned into a full-scale brokerage. Conflicted by a desire to be in ministry and business, his mind was set at ease by a piece of timely advice from Rev. Falwell: "Tom, God needs businessmen just like he needs pastors." Emboldened and freed by that advice, Coble went into business full time and launched what was to be a truly remarkable career.

Coble developed a philosophy of business that was firmly grounded in his faith. Among his heroes were R.G. LeTourneau, Art DeMoss and Stanley Tam, men whose beliefs and generosity were unashamedly intertwined with the companies they operated. When asked about his personal success in business, Coble would often reply, "Business is simple. Faith and hard work go hand-in-hand. You pray as if everything depends on God, and you work as if everything depends on you. "

Among numerous other honors, Coble received the 2011 Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award, given in recognition of his leadership at Coble Trench Safety in the Carolinas and beyond. Coble's quick wit, positive attitude, unstoppable drive and solid faith made him a force in his industry.

Despite the business success that would distinguish a lesser man, those who knew Tom will remember him for a higher purpose. Coble leveraged his natural affinity for business to fund numerous ministries and charities on the local, regional, national and international levels. One of his greatest delights was personally signing checks each month for the outreaches and efforts he supported. Coble was particularly interested in helping young people grow into motivated Christian leaders, a conviction that caused him to be involved in Alamance County's Young Life chapter.

A solid and unapologetic Christian, Coble attended Harvest Baptist Church in Burlington and led Alamance County's Coalition of Concerned Christians. Among other charitable contributions, Coble personally paid for a radio tower in South America to open a new region for the Bible Broadcasting Network. In every check his company issued, Coble made sure a Gospel tract was tucked in to prompt the recipients to consider where they would spend eternity.

Coble is survived by his wife, Debby Coble; parents, PJ and Donna Coble; son, Matt Coble; future daughter-in-law, Ning Yang Gu; daughter, Misty Hedspeth; son-in-law, Matt Hedspeth; and grandchildren: Ryan, Peter and Rosemary.

Effective immediately, Matt Coble, Tom Coble's son, will assume the role of president of Coble Trench Safety. Brett Sondergard will continue to serve as Vice President of Sales. Despite its considerable loss, Coble Trench Safety will continue to grow and serve customers across the Southeast.

"The employees of Coble Trench Safety have lost a remarkable leader," said Steve Barnhardt, CTS Regional Manager. "Tom was a man of conviction, faith and integrity. He will be greatly missed."

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North Star Launches New Website for Alamance County Convention and Visitors Bureau

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 15:59:55 -0500

North Star announces the development and launch of Alamance County Convention and Visitors Bureau's newly designed website.

Easy to Use, Much to Discover

The new ACCVB site has plenty to explore.

The new home page uses a variety of specifically designed, functional spaces to allow significant amounts of content to flow through the site, making it useful and informative for visitors. Some features include:

> real-time Twitter information
> rotating images featuring the beauties of Alamance County
> an interactive Visitor's Guide
> Events and News menus with current, fresh content

A directory, "Explore Alamance," provides a "best of" list for dining, entertainment, accommodations, shopping, sports and recreation, attractions, activities and meeting spaces. Without touching Google, a user can get a complete understanding of all that Alamance County has to offer.

The site also includes relocation information to help new residents become acquainted with all that Alamance County has to offer.

Clearing the Technical Jungle

North Star developed the new ACCVB site on a WordPress platform, one of the most user-friendly CMS (content management system) available.

WordPress allows users to manage their own content, make updates in real time (with no lag from an outsourced company), and update SEO as needs change, all with no previous technical training necessary.

All North Star websites since late 2010 (more than 50) have been built on this platform, and all of them incorporate what is considered industry "best practice" for ease of website navigation and content management: top-level navigation, rotating images, home page features, news and events, multi-media capability, and the list goes on.

Check out ACCVB's new site and Explore Alamance!

Imagine the Possibilities

For more information about converting your site to WordPress, contact North Star (336.229.6610). Our web development services put the steering wheel in your hands, allowing you to access, control and update content without any prior web development expertise. We also provide support, hosting, and domain name registration.

Anticipating the Mobile Website Trend

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 16:50:55 -0500

The statistics speak volumes about growing smartphone usage:

> More U.S. adults own a smartphone than have a degree.
> Nine in 10 smartphone owners use their phones as Internet portals.
> 78% of those users do so every day.
> One third - 35% - of all Americans own a smartphone.
> Two-thirds of them sleep with their smartphone next to the bed.
(All statistics: according to research by the Pew Internet and American Life Project - http://pewinternet.org)

Small businesses take note.

Mobile web usage is becoming the new norm in internet searches and e-commerce. Is your website mobile friendly? Have you considered streamlining the information on your site for an easily navigable site that can be read on the fly? The business benefits are clear - when a site is easy for a consumer to use, traffic and business increase.

North Star has recently completed mobile websites for the C12 Group and Saint Stephen's Episcopal School (Bradenton, Florida). These sites are not a complete repackaging of site information or brand. Instead mobile sites condense and streamline content from primary sites and are built to fit smartphone screens. The mobile sites target busy users who often surf the web on the fly, conduct business from a cell phone, or catch up on news and other reading while they're on the move. View the websites from your smartphone by going to www.c12group.com and www.saintstephens.org.

On a mobile site, primary content is easy to see, fonts are large enough to read, and content is short enough to deliver the essentials. Users may be encouraged to visit a primary site to complete interest forms, but otherwise a mobile site delivers a comprehensive, convenient user experience from beginning to end.

With comprehensive mobile website development, including design, programming and content writing or editing, North Star can help your small business, school or organization get a better handle on your mobile website strategy.

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North Star Launches New Website for Mebane Business Association

Thu, 22 Dec 2011 12:33:52 -0500

BURLINGTON, NC -- Mebane Business Association’s (MBA) new website went live on December 5, 2011, just in time for their annual Holiday Luncheon two days later. MBA leadership presented the new website to more than 80 people at the luncheon.

North Star designers and programmers worked closely with MBA member Cheryl Ray, of Sports Endeavors, Inc., to customize the site design, features and content, focusing on an easily navigable member directory.

To maintain consistency across the site pages and the directory, North Star graphic designer Shawn Magee suggested a series of rotating images showcasing photography of local Mebane businesses who are also members of the association. This seamless integration of functionality and visual interest is a hallmark of Magee’s design and demonstrates an experienced understanding of how design affects website use.

In addition to the extensive member directory, the new MBA website allows site administrators to update current features, news and events and to maintain control of all the content on their own schedule and according their needs. The WordPress platform North Star provides with its web design and programming services puts the user in the driver’s seat, while also offering hosting and support.

MBA is a non-profit community organization organized to support local businesses by providing networking opportunities and community events that enhance life for Mebane’s citizens. To see their new website, or for more information, visit www.mbamebane.com.

North Star Marketing is an integrated marketing-communication firm that provides marketing consultation, branding, website development, advertising, public relations, and creative services. North Star is based in Burlington, North Carolina, and serves small businesses, non-profits and schools across the United States.

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North Star Provides Marketing, Web Design and Public Relations Services for New Leaf Society

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 17:36:50 -0500

North Star Provides Marketing, Web Design and Public Relations Services for New Leaf Society

BURLINGTON, NC -- North Star Marketing opens a new marketing campaign for New Leaf Society, an Alamance County-based, privately-funded, not-for-profit organization that implements landscaping beautification projects along public roads.

The campaign aims to increase interest and awareness among prospective members and in the community, raise funds for the organization, increase media coverage, and provide marketing consultation and support.

Marketing initiatives for New Leaf Society include:

Donor program development
Website enhancements
Strategic planning and communications calendar
Event planning
Design and content writing services
Photography services
Project management and support services

Founded in 2007, the New Leaf Society has been engaged in numerous beautification projects across the county, including a public art display at the Boone Station Drive roundabout, Burlington City Park enhancements, two phases of greenspace enhancement in downtown Burlington, and provision of a hardscape element at exit 140 on Interstate 40.

The marketing initiative will begin with a press release about their beautification efforts on Fountain Place in Historic Burlington.

New Leaf Society is a non-profit organization in Burlington focused on enhancing the quality of life in Alamance County through unique beautification projects in high-traffic areas. To learn more about their mission and accomplishments, visit their website (www.newleafsociety.org).

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North Star Launches New Website for Jet-Hot

Thu, 20 Oct 2011 14:34:02 -0400

October 20, 2011 -- Burlington, NC -- North Star Marketing-Communications, a full-service marketing and website development firm in Burlington, NC, launched a new website for Jet-Hot, High Performance Coatings (Jet-Hot) on October 12.

NSMC provided consulting, brand standardization, website design, content writing, programming and content management system integration. NSMC also partnered with marketing consultant Geoff McCarty to re-brand the 30-year-old, recently consolidated company. McCarty is a marketing vet with more than 23 years' experience in design, marketing and consulting across several markets, including automotive retail.

North Star designer Shawn Magee’s new logo highlighted three concepts developed in a series of focus groups: Performance, Protection, Polish. The focus groups, conducted by North Star Principal Andy Lynch, mined Jet-Hot employees, customers and leadership for perceptions, opinions, values or beliefs associated with the Jet-Hot name and company. Open group discussions around the Jet-Hot brand unearthed key insights to the Jet-Hot value: What are the core benefits of our product? How do those core benefits affect who we are?

With the look of the new Jet-Hot logo, Magee captured the three pillars of Jet-Hot coatings:

Performance -- The new Jet-Hot logo moves. The visual momentum of the swoosh graphic and the right-leaning company name fits the end product: Jet-Hot coatings reduce friction on motor components and increase engine performance. It also demonstrates that Jet-Hot is moving forward as a business, growing in aftermarket demands and commercial applications.
Protection -- The logo font’s width supports an established and growing company whose products stand up to the test of time. In fact, Jet-Hot coatings protect parts so well from heat and corrosion that they can even extend the life of neighboring components.
Polish -- The sans serif font used in the Jet-Hot logo keeps the company image basic, modern and clean. And for a company known for its “Jet-Hot shine,” a little polish on its image communicates Jet-Hot’s commitment to perfecting high-performing coatings that look good too.

Re-branding a company is a complex process, full of moving parts. For Magee, the task of developing Jet-Hot’s visual voice came easily because of Geoff McCarty. "The Jet-Hot branding process was well thought out and organized thanks to Geoff” said Magee. “We collaborated to produce a final logo that fit with the end product and appealed to the clientele of Jet-Hot.”

In addition to website development for Jet-Hot, North Star continues to provide a variety of services, including print collateral, the design and production of a truck wrap, and a series of three articles on Jet-Hot for IronWorks Magazine.

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North Star Creates New Brand for Pegram-West

Fri, 14 Oct 2011 09:53:51 -0400

GREENSBORO, NC -- Greensboro builder supply company Pegram-West, a long-time industry standard in the Piedmont area, got a 25th anniversary present from an unlikely place. North Star Marketing-Communications wrapped up a new brand package and delivered it just in time.

Referred by Corbin Sapp of IVARS, Inc., Pegram-West chose North Star Marketing-Communications to create their new brand. While starter businesses regularly depend on brand development, Pegram-West’s business legacy of 25 years in stable, competitive markets did not keep it from seeking out a standardized “voice” for itself in the visual marketplace.

North Star steered the production process, from initial planning and concept stages to final delivery of the brand identity kit. At the end of the day, Pegram-West took home a 25th anniversary logo and designs for business cards, letterhead and envelopes.

North Star graphic designer Shawn Magee worked with Pegram-West through the design conceptualization and production process. Magee, a seven-year North Star veteran, found a challenge in keeping the logo design clean while still portraying the company accurately. The new brand communicates Pegram-West’s longevity, he said, by maintaining that balance. “The wood grain,” said Magee, “also helps the viewer associate the company with its product.”

North Star Marketing-Communications is a full service web, print and design firm in Burlington, North Carolina. For more information, contact us at 336.229.6610.

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The Beach Boys to Perform at Benefit Concert for the Terri Schiavo Life & Hope Network

Thu, 31 Mar 2011 16:11:39 -0400

ST. PETERSBURG, FL -- North Star Marketing-Communications has launched a pro-bono website for the Terri Schiavo Life and Hope Network, promoting a benefit concert commemorating the anniversary of Terri's passing.

The Life & Hope concert will feature American music icons The Beach Boys and the classic vocal group The Lettermen. To learn more about the concert, please visit www.LifeandHopeConcert.org, or visit the Terri Schindler Schiavo Foundation website: www.TerrisFight.org.

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North Star Launches Website for Global Strategic

Thu, 13 Jan 2011 15:13:13 -0500

Burlington, NC - North Star Marketing-Communications, a full-service marketing marketing and website development firm in Burlington, NC, has launched a new site for Global Strategic. Global Strategic is a Phillippines based company, but also has an office in Bay Shore, New York.

NSMC provided consulting, brand standardization, website design, programming, social media integration, content management system integration, and web maintenance training.

Global Strategic provides outsourcing solutions to businesses the world over. Managed by Business Process Outsourcing professionals from the United States, Global Strategic prides themselves on their ability to fully understand the environments in which their clients operate. This understanding and depth of knowledge, has helped them to attain a level of service rarely found in the outsourcing industry.

Visit the new site at www.globalstrategic.com.

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NSMC Creates New Website for Granville County

Thu, 11 Nov 2010 11:29:19 -0500

North Star Marketing-Communications has launched a new website for Granville County, focusing on their "Safe Routes to School" program.

View the new site here: http://www.granvillesaferoutes.org/.

The site features information for parents, students and teachers concerning approved, well-marked walking and biking paths throughout the county. Visitors can view the content in both English and Spanish.

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North Star Launches Website for Westside Ob-Gyn

Wed, 27 Oct 2010 14:23:58 -0400

Burlington, NC - North Star Marketing-Communications, a full-service marketing marketing and website development firm in Burlington, NC, has launched a new site for Westside Ob-Gyn. Westside has two locations, one in Burlington behind Alamance Regional Medical Center, and the other in Mebane, behind Blue Ribbon Diner on Mebane Oaks Road.

NSMC provided consulting, website design, programming, social media integration, content management system integration, web maintenance training, and photography.

Westside Ob-Gyn Center, P.A., offers an array of extended obstetrical and gynecological services including adult and adolescent gynecology, routine and high-risk obstetrics, minimally invasive surgical procedures, infertility counseling and treatment.

Visit the new site at www.westsideobgyn.com.

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North Star Launches Website for Duke Cru

Tue, 03 Aug 2010 10:45:11 -0400

Durham, NC - North Star Marketing-Communications, a full-service marketing marketing and website development firm in Burlington, NC, has launched a new site for Duke University Campus Crusade for Christ.

NSMC provided consulting, website design, programming, social media integration, content management system integration and web maintenance training.

“Cru” is short for Campus Crusade for Christ, an inter-denominational Christian ministry that has been at Duke for over 40 years. The ministry exists to help students connect with Jesus Christ and with each other during their time in college.

Visit the new site at www.dukecru.com.

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North Star Launches Website for Lincoln Charter School of Denver, NC

Fri, 23 Jul 2010 16:54:32 -0400

DENVER, NC - North Star Marketing-Communications, a full-service marketing marketing and website development firm in Burlington, NC, has launched a new website for Lincoln Charter School of Denver, NC.

NSMC provided consulting, brand development, custom photography, website design, programming, social media integration, content management system integration and web maintenance training.

Lincoln Charter School is a tuition-free public school serving Lincoln, Catawba, Gaston, Iredell, Mecklenburg and surrounding counties. It obtained its charter in 1997 and has three campus locations in Lincoln County.

Visit the new site at www.lincolncharter.org.

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North Star Launches Website for Signature Flooring out of Mebane, NC

Wed, 21 Jul 2010 16:58:25 -0400

MEBANE, NC - North Star Marketing-Communications, a full-service marketing marketing and website development firm in Burlington, NC, has launched a new website for Signature Flooring of Mebane.

NSMC provided consulting, custom photography, website design, programming, content management system integration and web maintenance training.

Signature Flooring is locally owned by Charles Harding and Todd Anthony. They provide carpet, area rugs, hardwood, tile, laminate, vinyl, and granite countertops to residential and commercial customers across North Carolina.

View the new site at www.signatureflooringinc.com.

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North Star Launches Website for Kraska Center for Cosmetic and General Dentistry

Mon, 15 Feb 2010 07:21:37 -0500

GREENSBORO, NC - North Star Marketing-Communications, a full-service marketing marketing and website development firm in Burlington, NC, has launched a new website for the Kraska Center for Cosmetic and General Dentistry.

NSMC delivered custom photography, content planning, design, content management system integration and web maintenance training.

Dr. Jan Kraska is the only cosmetic dentist in the Triad certified by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentists.

View the new site at http://www.kraska.com.

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NSMC Develops Brand for Town Table

Mon, 15 Feb 2010 07:32:04 -0500

ELON, NC -- North Star Marketing-Communications has developed a new logo for Town Table, a new restaurant by Chris Russell opening this Spring.

The new concept is opening Spring 2010 on the Elon University campus, featuring a French bistro theme.

NSMC has created four other branding schemes for Russell's other restaurants, including B's Bistro and Microlounge, Benjamin's Seafood Room and B. Christopher's, the original concept in the Russell Restaurant Group.

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Randy Travis and Collin Raye to Perform at Benefit Concert for the Terri Schindler Schiavo Foundation

Mon, 15 Feb 2010 07:37:50 -0500

ST. PETERSBURG, FL -- North Star Marketing-Communications has launched a pro-bono website for the the Terri Schindler Schiavo Foundation, promoting a benefit concert commemorating the five year anniversary of Terri's passing.

The Life & Hope concert will feature country music stars Randy Travis and Collin Raye. To learn more about the concert, please visit www.LifeandHopeConcert.org, or visit the Terri Schindler Schiavo Foundation website: www.TerrisFight.org.

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NSMC Launches New Website for Greater Piedmont Teen Challenge of Greensboro, NC

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 22:20:38 -0500

GREENSBORO, NC - North Star Marketing-Communications, a marketing consulting and creative services firm based in Burlington, NC, has launched a new web presence for Greater Piedmont Teen Challenge.

GPTC provides a faith-based assistance program for men ages 18-40 with substance abuse challenges.

NSMC provided website planning, graphic design, custom photography, content management system integration and on-line donations.

See the finished product here: Greater Piedmont Teen Challenge

NSMC Client Janet Ward Black Receives Distinguished Service Award from NC State Bar

Sat, 23 Jan 2010 10:26:58 -0500

We are delighted to share news of our clients who make an impact within their profession. NSMC has had the privilege of consulting with Greensboro attorney Janet Ward Black for several years. The press release below discusses an award she received from the NC State Bar.

GREENSBORO, NC - Greensboro attorney and former president of the NC Bar Association Janet Ward Black received the NC State Bar's Distinguished Service Award on January 21, 2010, acknowledging her exemplary service to the legal profession.

Nominees were selected by their peers and evaluated on their commitment to principles and goals stated in the preamble to the Bar's Rules of Professional Conduct. Some of the criteria for consideration include:

- the extension of the public's understanding of and confidence in the rule of law and the legal profession,
- the devotion of professional time and resources to provide civic leadership to ensure equal access to our system of justice.

During her term as president of the NC Bar Association, Black created the "4ALL" campaign, which supports the provision of free legal services for those in need. One aspect of the campaign created the first state-wide "Ask a Lawyer" Day in North Carolina in 2008. In its first year, more than 1,000 North Carolina lawyer volunteers answered toll-free calls and gave legal advice for free to citizens across the state who called. This volunteer effort was the largest in the NCBA's 108 year history. More than 6,500 North Carolinians received free legal help that day.

The 4ALL program was so successful in North Carolina that it has been replicated in other states, as well as two provinces in Canada.

Black was the fourth woman president of the 16,000 member NC Bar Association since its inception in 1899. She also was the third woman president of the 4,000 member NC Trial Lawyers Association. She is only the second lawyer in history to serve as president of both organizations.

Black is a frequent lawyer educator and motivational speaker. She is a Trustee Emeritus of Hood Theological Seminary in Salisbury and has served on many non-profit boards, including the Presbyterian Counseling Center and the Women's Resource Center of Greensboro. She has served on more than ten international mission trips with Mercy Mission Teams, Habitat for Humanity and, most recently, International Cooperating Ministries, to India and China. www.icm.org. Black is a graduate of Davidson College and Duke Law School.

The staff of Ward Black Law, a personal injury and workers' compensation law firm in Greensboro, NC, are also very active in community service.

Friday, March 5, 2010, will be the third annual "Ask a Lawyer" Day in North Carolina during which North Carolinians can call a toll-free number and speak to a volunteer lawyer anonymously and for free. For more information, go to www.4allnc.org or www.ncbar.org.

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Contact: Ronda Holloway, Firm Administrator
Tel: 336.333.2244
Email: rholloway@wardblacklaw.com

www.WardBlackLaw.com

NSMC Creates New Website for Payroll Solutions, a Triad-Based, Outsourced Payroll Provider

Sat, 05 Dec 2009 10:56:15 -0500

HIGH POINT, NC--North Star Marketing-Communications has developed and launched a new website for Payroll Solutions, Inc. (www.payrollmadeeasy.com), an outsourced payroll provider serving High Point, Winston-Salem, Greensboro, Burlington, Durham and Raleigh.

Payroll Solutions provides the same services as the national providers, but without many of the additional fees. Their web-based access portal makes processing payroll efficient and intuitive for their clients.

About the Site Build

Nearly 80% of all web projects NSMC builds are "do-overs," re-development of existing sites. This project falls squarely into that category. Payroll Solutions' prior site had run its course, due in large part to outdated branding and an inflexible content management process.

NSMC consulted with the client to evaluate the desired functionality and marketing messages. Payroll Solutions uses a branded Mini Cooper for local client service, and NSMC recommended a photo shoot featuring this unique marketing tool. NSMC Creative Director Rob McDorman conducted the photo shoot and built several rotating images for the front page of the site, featuring the key marketing messages.

The new PayrollMadeEasy.com has a flexible, real-time content management system (NSMC's Encompass CMS), which makes it easy for the client to update the site on-demand.

NSMC built the site in conjunction with Clark Morgan of Vessel Media Group.

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