The Work: Change the Conversation (Case Studies)

LAGCOE: Regional tradeshow goes international

Founded in 1955, this biannual oil and gas tradeshow has grown to become the 2nd largest in the United States.

Natchez, Mississippi: Small town that time forgot

The city that time forgot.  Without a major interstate running through it, Natchez had not developed like so many other towns.  This disadvantage became an opportunity to build a whole new business in this town of Southern culture, grace, and beauty.

Acadia Parish Tourism Commission: Collection of small towns along I-10 in Louisiana

Building a campaign around the lifestyle and the promise of slowing down to smell the jambalaya. This series of print ads and direct mail pieces highlighted the beauty of the area, the recipes of the food and the joie de vivre of the people.

First Bank and Trust: Regional Financial Institution

Beyond marketing, Russo developed a brand plan that positively impacted First Bank's bottom line, as well as leverage their status as the "Official Banking Partner of the New Orleans Saints." The "First Bank Fred" campaign, along with consistent brand messaging across a diverse range of collateral pieces throughout the year, helped establish First Bank and Trust as a trusted partner in the business economy, resulting in end of year totals showing an increase of $109 million dollars – a 22% increase of assets.

Downtown Lafayette: Central Business, Arts and Entertainment District for Lafayette, LA

Following the launch of the "I Am Downtown" campaign, Downtown Lafayette once again became part of the conversation - inspiring an ownership and pride within Lafayette's growing creative class. Sales at its signature annual event, Downtown Alive, increased 46%, and corporate sponsorships increased 33% – resulting in a significant revenue surplus for the year. In addition, during a deep recession, retailers reported that the 4Q of 2008 was one of their strongest in years.

Oncologics, Inc.: Regional Gulf Coast Cancer Treatment Facility

As OncoLogics’ agency of record for over 4 years, the Russo Group helped brand OncoLogics as a leader in cancer treatment throughout the state and beyond. Through trade publications, national public relations efforts and a community based branding campaign, OncoLogics continued to grow both in size, capabilities and superior staff. Their most recent acquisition was theTomoTherapy Hi-Art System, making them one of only a handful of cancer treatment facilities in the world to utilize such technology.

Louisiana HonorAir: Organization dedicated to flying WWII Veterans to see their Memorial

The efforts of Louisiana HonorAir have resulted in 17 flights that have transported almost 1,800 Veterans to our nation’s capital - each funded by Louisiana residents and businesses. Over $1.7 Million was raised, largely through private donors in the amounts of $25 and $50. The biggest reward for us came with the knowledge that we were able to assist with such a worthy cause.

Fly Lafayette: Branding campaign developed for Lafayette Regional Airport

With companies concerned about safety and the delays that often occur on the interstate while travelling to the next closest airport, a multi-media campaign aimed directly at the top 500 businesses in the area communicated the message – “It’s Time Acadiana, Fly Lafayette”. The campaign was launched with a standing room only press conference, that in many ways was a successful result of its own. The earned media helped to change the conversation with the target audience, as well as deliver the new message that it was indeed time to fly Lafayette.

Lafayette Convention and Visitors Commission: Meet Lafayette Branding Initiative

Lafayette's location in the middle of state and at the crossroads of I-10 and I-49 made it conveniently accessible and centrally located for most of the state. After chronicling the assets of the community and identifying the emotional connection that would drive consumer action, the campaign focused on statewide groups and associations that needed a central place to meet. The goal now, was to re-introduce Lafayette to the rest of the world.