The U.S. automotive aftermarket industry grew retail sales by 2.5% in 2018, according to The NPD Group. Not surprising. As we keep our vehicles longer, we need replacement auto parts to keep them fit for service and road ready.

Last evening in New York City, Thread Marketing Group was awarded the prestigious 2019 Silver Anvil Award by the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA), the nation’s largest community for public relations professionals. Thread is thrilled to take home this award on behalf of all those who contributed, sponsored and supported the firm’s work with Toledo Jeep Fest, an annual community event that celebrates Toledo as the HOME of the Jeep. Thread has handled Toledo Jeep Fest’s public relations initiatives since its inception in 2016.

We are pleased to announce the addition of Kevin P. Mullan, Vice President, New Business Development to the Thread team.

As Mental Health Awareness month reaches its end, we need to find a way to continue this conversation and make the workplace environment a positive and healthy place.  Let’s face it, there is stigma surrounding mental health because it can be a tricky topic to discuss at work.

Amazon owns a Top 3 spot on nearly every current consumer survey related to customer service, technology and innovation, brand trust and just plain, old fashion company growth.

Data from the Center for Workplace Mental Health indicates that employees with depression miss an average of 31.4 workdays each year and lost another 27.9 workdays to nonproductive time, costing employers an estimated $44 billion annually.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. In a world that is increasingly opening to – and understanding those with – mental health issues, it’s no surprise that Mental Health Awareness Month is now a firmer fixture on calendars and in organizations around the U.S.

Thread Marketing Group was recently named a 2019 Silver Anvil Award finalist by the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA), the nation’s largest community for public relations professionals. Thread is being recognized for the firm’s work with Toledo Jeep Fest, an annual community event that celebrates Toledo as the HOME of the Jeep and the all-American workforce that has made it all possible for eight decades. Thread has handled Toledo Jeep Fest’s public relations initiatives since its inception in 2016.

Just a few years ago, brand activation was a phrase most of us had never heard. But as the era of “engagement” dawned in marketing, brand activation became an essential part of any professional’s toolkit.

The equation was simple: replace impressions with experiences to create a stronger relationship and deeper loyalty between the consumer and the brand. In its truest sense, brand activation is the art of driving consumer action through brand interaction. The key aim of brand activation marketing campaigns is to get consumers to act. It’s about bringing brands to life via experiences and forming long-term emotional connections. 

If you are a nonprofit organization, here are three important marketing trends you should include in your 2019 planning.

1. The Revival of Email

As the reach on social media channels like Facebook declines through stricter algorithms and policies, nonprofits should ramp up email communications.  By 2021, 7.7 billion email accounts are expected worldwide.  Smartphone users check emails 81% of the time on their device.  And with 59% of email opens occurring on mobile, you need to ensure any landing page click thru’s are mobile optimized as well.