Pierce Mattie Public Relations New York

Dr. Oz is Making Online "House Calls"

2012-03-31T22:00:09Z

The Emmy Award-winning, critically acclaimed and nationally syndicated "The Dr. Oz Show" announced the world wide release of "House Calls," (www.DoctorOz.com/HouseCalls) an innovative online experience that allows users to send personalized videos to friends and family from Dr. Oz himself!

Users can select from a list of common health and wellness topics, messages of encouragement or well wishes. From the common cold, to weight loss support and even birthdays, Dr. Oz's personalized video message will be sent to the recipient's email or Facebook inbox. Users can also select from more than 1,000 names and over 25 topics to customize each video, which Dr. Oz delivers in a seamless fashion, for each recipient. Users are then given a checklist, unique to their topic, from Dr. Oz as a handy takeaway.

Additionally, television affiliates that carry "The Dr. Oz Show" will be able to embed the "House Calls" experience into their station's website to offer to local viewers.

"The connection between people is one of the most important things to maintain for our health – I often tell people to set aside time to call friends and loved ones as part of their overall well being," said Dr. Oz. "Now, not only can you send them a nice note, but each 'House Call' contains some useful tips presented in a fun and engaging way."

]]> While this is a great tool for fans of "The Dr. Oz Show," it's also a way to amplify the Dr. Oz brand. "The Dr. Oz Show," which facilitates the national conversation on health, was the #1 syndicated talk show in the key demographic (women 25-54) for the week of January 9th. "The Dr. Oz Show" is often the sole information provider many people receive about their health daily. "House Calls" extends this communication directly via e-mail, with more than 25 topics that cover common health issues including workplace stress, post-operative care, colds, flu and fever, smoking cessation, and weight loss. Upbeat wishes for birthdays, anniversaries and new babies are also part of the selections. To try out "House Calls" go to www.DoctorOz.com/HouseCalls. "House Calls" interfaces with Facebook, via Facebook Connect, and is easy to share via Twitter and Google+.

Sofitel Luxury Hotels Hosts Photo Exhibit Celebrating Brigitte Bardot

2012-02-02T23:07:14Z

Highlighting its French roots and esteem for international cinema, Sofitel Luxury Hotels is proud to present "BB Forever - Brigitte Bardot, The Legend," a traveling photo exhibit venerating the legendary French actress, singer, and model, Brigitte Bardot. Showcasing 30 exclusive photographs of Brigitte Bardot's rise to fame, the exhibit will launch February 21, 2012 during Oscar Week at the Sofitel Los Angeles and continue to Sofitel properties in Chicago, Washington DC, and New York throughout 2012.

This will mark the first time an exhibit featuring the international icon will appear in North America. The exhibit, which was designed in collaboration with Henry-Jean Servat, a famed French journalist and author, retraces the life of French icon Brigitte Bardot with an exclusive selection of photos, following her extraordinary cinematographic experience from teenage dreamer to modern day star. Through never-before-seen snapshots, visitors can admire the different facets of the actress, who throughout her career distinguished herself through her beauty, spontaneity and carefree spirit and whose personality led her to be regarded not only as a legend and sex symbol, but also as the embodiment of women's liberation. In 2012, the French actress will also be honored at an event at the legendary Grauman's Chinese Theater in Los Angeles.

]]> Sofitel has also created a special collector's edition catalogue for the exhibit that includes rare photos, accompanied by commentary and anecdotes by Henry-Jean Servat, as well as an editorial by the legend herself - Brigitte Bardot.

After its departure from Los Angeles, BB Forever - Brigitte Bardot, The Legend will move to the Windy City and run during the spring months from April 19th to June 7th at the stylish Sofitel Chicago Water Tower. Following Chicago, the tour will continue to Sofitel Washington DC Lafayette Square from June 21st to September 13th and culminate fittingly at the center of international culture at the Sofitel New York from September 26th to December 31st. The exhibit will be open to all hotel guests and visitors.

Luxury PR: Pierce Mattie's Hair Care Client Credited in Vogue Cover

2012-02-01T15:57:34Z

Pierce Mattie PR Client Alfaparf Milano Hair Care was credited in the cover of Vogue Magazine. If you’re working on a hair care story be sure to give our Pierce Mattie beauty PR team a call at 212-243-1431 or follow us on Twitter @PierceMattiePR and FaceBook.

A New Kind of Beauty by Phillip Toledano

2012-02-01T01:56:34Z

The vanguard of beauty has been presented. Author Phillip Tolendo raises many questions regarding with the evolution of beauty in his published work, A New Kind of Beauty. The book addresses a number of remarkable wonderings when formulating the “new” definition of physical beauty and what its constituents are.

What is beautiful? What does beauty mean? Is beauty timeless? Is it defined by history or has it changed over the decades? Has it been redefined with plastic surgery? If we choose to create our own faces by way of altercation through cosmetic practices, what is it we are attempting to achieve?

Toledano presents a few fascinating inquiries himself: “When we re-make ourselves, are we revealing our true character, or are we stripping away our very identity? Perhaps we are creating a new kind of beauty. An amalgam of surgery, art, and popular culture?”

Truthfully, these particular propositions have never risen in my own mind. Yet, it is exceedingly worthy of note. I cannot even fathom and interpret my own analysis on such a topic considering its many dimensions and multifaceted existence. However, I can say that the image of what is classically beautiful has evolved into something more revolutionary and modernized…just as architecture has. From naturally curvy pin-up girl to stick-thin Victoria’s Secret model with breast enhancement surgery.

What are your thoughts? Has beauty been redefined to this day with surgeries and pop culture? Or is beauty timeless? Let us know @PierceMattiePR.

Papa John's Twitter PR Tips

2012-01-30T13:39:17Z

A few weeks ago at a Papa John's store in New York, a woman was issued a receipt that contained a racial slur directed at her. Later that evening Minhee Cho posted a photo of the receipt on Twitter and sent a tweet to Papa John's. The story was picked up nationally and the photo now has over 213,000 views. We have to ask ourselves, in today’s marketplace, how does this keep happening?

Although things like this should never happen, when they do they provide a valuable lesson from a public relations standpoint. Papa John's promptly issued an apology on their website and several social media outlets. They said that they were “extremely concerned” about the incident and the matter went against company values. The public was then informed that they had taken care of the problem by firing the employee that issued the receipt. Papa John's recognized the problem, said it was against policy, said how they were going to fix the problem and apologized. That should be enough right? The answer is maybe.

]]> In this situation many people weren’t satisfied with the response from Papa John's. Some said it was just a generic apology and not sincere. What can be learned from this? Well, for one, a single post on various social media sites apologizing probably isn’t going to be enough. When something like this happens people are looking for a believable effort that you are really sorry and not just pushing it under the rug. The Facebook post from January 7 turned into a complaint board for Papa John's. There were 984 comments on the post, but none of them came the pizza-maker themselves. They missed an opportunity to talk with their customers and show that they were really listening. Always keep an open dialogue even if it is uncomfortable.

Papa John's did what they should have done and did take care of the problem. Unfortunately, what a company thinks is sufficient and what the public believes is sufficient may not be the same thing. Going the extra mile is probably the safest bet in most cases. What do you think? Tweet us your thoughts @PierceMattiePR.

Pierce Mattie Green Organic Beauty PR Client Featured in Whole Living Magazine

2012-01-27T17:25:30Z

Pierce Mattie PR Client John Masters Organics was featured in Whole Living Magazine. If you’re working on a beauty story be sure to give our Pierce Mattie beauty PR team a call at 212-243-1431 or follow us on Twitter @PierceMattiePR and FaceBook.

Meredith Completes Acquistion of FamilyFun Magazine from Disney Publishing Worldwide

2012-01-26T21:27:36Z

Meredith Corporation has completed its acquisition of FamilyFun from Disney Publishing Worldwide. The acquisition includes the highly popular magazine – with an audience of 6 million and rate base of 2.1 million – and its related assets, including its special interest publications, as well as the Toy Hopper and other digital magazine applications.

"We are delighted to bring the FamilyFun brand to market as part of our expanding media portfolio," says Meredith National Media Group President Tom Harty. "This acquisition significantly enhances our leadership and reach among women in both the parenthood and food spaces."

FamilyFun targets moms with a special focus on family activities such as cooking, crafts, celebrations and travel. FamilyFun will report to Carey Witmer, President of the Meredith Parents Network. The March 2012 issue of FamilyFun will be the first issue published by Meredith.

]]> Meredith is already a leader in the parenthood space with brands such as Parents and American Baby. The addition of FamilyFun increases Meredith's share of parenthood category magazine advertising revenues to nearly 60 percent, according to Publishers Information Bureau data. It also adds another attractive demographic of young female consumers to Meredith's database.

Financial terms of the acquisition were not disclosed, and it will not have a material effect on Meredith's 2012 financial performance.

Beauty Social Media: NEW Hair Care App

2012-01-26T03:35:22Z

“So what were you thinking about doing today?” These are the dreaded words you hear every time we sit down in the chair at the salon. You scoured images of hair colors, hair trends, and hairstyles for hours online only to sit down in the chair without the faintest idea of what you want to do. You often walk in with the intention of leaving with a new look, but because you have no idea what that new look looks like you end up leaving with your roots touched up, a trim, and a nice treatment to give you that soft and shiny look. Sounding familiar?

Well Aveda has come out with a new (and free!) iPhone app to help solve this problem: My Aveda Style. Download their app and you’re taken to the menu that consists of find styles, hair advisor, find Aveda near you, see our style in action, upload a style, and live chat.

1. Find Styles: Now you can show your stylist exactly what you want from your phone and you only have to go to one place to find your new look. You can search by hair cut (short/mid-length, long, waves/curls, and men’s) or by hair color (black, brown, blonde, and red) to find the perfect style. There are some great pictures and ideas posted by Aveda stylists and by other Aveda app users.

]]> 2. Hair Advisor: Take a short survey and Aveda will recommend a product that will allow you to improve the condition of your hair and get the style you want.

3. See Our Style in Action: This section is full of video “how-to’s” including adding texture to your hair, getting the tousled look, creating smooth and straight hair, and using some of the Aveda products to achieve the best results.

4. Upload a Style: This section allows you to upload a style to the app for other users to see. Who knows, someone may love your hair and want the same cut and color!

Then you can also find the nearest Aveda hair salon and live chat with an Aveda specialist. Check out the new app and leave your next salon appointment with that new look you’ve been craving. What is a style you’ve been dying to try? Let us know @PierceMattiePR

Year of the Dragon: Lunar New Year Celebrated on Commemorative Forever Stamp

2012-01-24T21:23:27Z

Commemorating the Lunar New Year, the United States Postal Service issued a new Forever Stamp featuring a dragon, the fifth of 12 animals associated with the Chinese lunar calendar.

This colorful stamp is the latest collectible in the Postal Service's Celebrating Lunar New Year series, which began in 2008 with the Year of the Rat. The Year of the Dragon begins today and ends Feb. 9, 2013. The stamp goes on sale today at Post Offices nationwide, online at usps.com and by phone at 800-782-6724.

"The Postal Service is proud to celebrate the Lunar New Year with the issuance of this magnificent Forever Stamp," said USPS Vice President of Sales Cliff Rucker, who dedicated the stamp. "Dragons are regarded as magical or divine, welcome symbols of renewed hope for the future. With this new stamp, we hope that the year will bring the best to all of us, no matter what sign we were born under."

As one of the most diverse employers in America, "the Postal Service is extremely proud of our inclusive environment, an environment that respects the uniqueness of every individual and encourages the contributions of people from different cultures, backgrounds, experiences and perspectives," said Rucker. Nearly 40 percent of the Postal Service's employees are minorities, and of those, nearly 9 percent are Asian American or Pacific Islander.

"Diversity is one of our greatest strengths as an employer, and that diversity embraces a wide range of traditions, including celebrations like Lunar New Year," said Rucker.

Among the distinguished guest speakers joining Rucker to dedicate the stamp were San Francisco Mayor Edwin Lee; Organization of Chinese Americans President Clifford Yee; Board of Supervisors President David Chiu; and Organization of Chinese Americans Past President Claudine Cheng. Other key participants were Tony Fong, president, Chinese Chamber of Commerce; Thomas Ng, presiding president, Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association; and Geoffrey Palermo, managing director, Hilton Financial District.

]]> Customers may view the Year of the Dragon Forever Stamp as well as many of this year's other stamps on Facebook at facebook.com/USPSStamps, through Twitter @USPSstamps or on the website Beyond the Perf at beyondtheperf.com/2012-preview. Beyond the Perf is the Postal Service's online site for background on upcoming stamp subjects, first-day-of-issue events and other philatelic news.

Forever stamps are always equal in value to the current First-Class Mail 1-ounce rate.

How to Order the First-Day-of-Issue Postmark, Year of the Dragon Forever Stamp
Customers have 60 days to obtain the first-day-of-issue postmark by mail. They may purchase new stamps at a local Post Office, at The Postal Store website at usps.com/shop or by calling 800-STAMP-24. They should affix the stamps to envelopes of their choice, address the envelopes (to themselves or others) and place them in larger envelopes addressed to:

Lunar New Year: Year of the Dragon Stamp
Postmaster
180 Steuart Street
San Francisco, CA 94105-9992

After applying the first-day-of-issue postmark, the Postal Service will return the envelopes by mail. There is no charge for the postmark. All orders must be postmarked by March 23, 2012.

How to Order First-Day Covers
The Postal Service also offers first-day covers for new stamp issues and Postal Service stationery items postmarked with the official first-day-of-issue cancellation. Each item has an individual catalog number and is offered in the quarterly USA Philatelic catalog. Customers may request a free catalog by calling 800-STAMP-24 or writing to:

Information Fulfillment
Dept. 6270
U.S. Postal Service
P.O. Box 219014
Kansas City, MO 64121-9014

Philatelic Products
There are 10 philatelic products available for this stamp issue:

576961, First-Day Cover, $.89.
576962, First-Day Cover Full Pane, $7.90.
576964, Cancelled Full Pane, $7.90.
576965, Digital Color Postmark, $1.60.
576984, Uncut Press Sheet, $48.60.
576991, Ceremony Program, $6.95.
576992, Stamp Deck Card, $.92.
576993, Stamp Deck Card w/Digital Color Postmark, $1.95.
576994, Notecards, $15.95.
576999, Cancellation Keepsake (DCP w/2 Panes), $12.95.

The Postal Service receives no tax dollars for operating expenses and relies on the sale of postage, products and services to fund its operations.

A self-supporting government enterprise, the U.S. Postal Service is the only delivery service that reaches every address in the nation, 151 million residences, businesses and Post Office Boxes. The Postal Service receives no tax dollars for operating expenses, and relies on the sale of postage, products and services to fund its operations. With 32,000 retail locations and the most frequently visited website in the federal government, usps.com, the Postal Service has annual revenue of more than $65 billion and delivers nearly 40 percent of the world's mail. If it were a private sector company, the U.S. Postal Service would rank 35th in the 2011 Fortune 500. Black Enterprise and Hispanic Business magazines ranked the Postal Service as a leader in workforce diversity. The Postal Service has been named the Most Trusted Government Agency six consecutive years and the sixth Most Trusted Business in the nation by the Ponemon Institute.

Follow USPS on Twitter @USPS_PR and at Facebook.com/usps.

Pierce Mattie PR Now Hiring: Senior Account Executive

2012-01-23T21:44:19Z

Job Description

Plan and execute client activities in a timely, efficient and high quality manner under the direction of an Account Director
Keep client programs on track and ensure all deadlines are met
Develop and edit written materials including press releases, online materials and general client correspondence
Execute media relations efforts including media list development, pitching and developing strong ongoing relationships with the media

Desired Skills & Experience

Minimum four years of professional experience required, agency experience preferred.
Strong written and verbal skills, confident style in communicating with clients, and a proven ability to effectively organize and manage multiple tasks
Solid client relationship and critical thinking skills
Strong understanding of public relations concepts, tactics and media relations.
Independence and autonomy with respect to their responsibilities and exhibit a deep understanding of the clients, accounts and industry
Strong editorial relationships in the beauty arena
Ability to work well with others in both team and independent environments, as well as motivate junior staff
Positive, professional, and flexible attitude that lends itself to quality client service

Send resume to: Sonya@PierceMattie.com

Bridal PR: Gorgeous Wedding Hairstyles by Eric Mayost

2012-01-23T21:26:15Z

When you think of dresses, flowers, cake, dancing, friends and family all together what comes to mind? Need a hint? It is custom that two people say the words “I do” before puckering up. A wedding of course! And with wedding season quickly approaching it is only appropriate that new helpful tips and advice are being put on the market to ensure a flawless day.

Weddings are full of beautiful flowers, delicious food, and a night full of the best music and dance moves. Thankfully a photographer is there to capture all the best memories from the day. The photographer’s main focus is to capture the guests having a great time and to catch those beautiful newlywed moments between the new couple. With all these photographs being snapped everyone wants to look their best from heir head to their toes, especially the bridal party and the bride.

To help the bridal party and bride attain their gorgeous look for the day, and avoid one more expense at the salon, Gorgeous Wedding Hairstyles by Eric Mayost has recently been published. This book is full of beautiful pictures with step-by-step instructions for hairstyles that are easy for anyone to duplicate. From classic and elegant styles to more modern looks, Gorgeous Wedding Hairstyles has a look for every member of the bridal party to look their best on the special day.

What do you think will be the wedding hair trends this wedding season? Let us know @PierceMattiePR

Pierce Mattie Green Organic Beauty PR Client Featured in Prevention Magazine

2012-01-20T17:20:06Z

Pierce Mattie PR Client John Masters Organics was featured in Prevention Magazine. If you’re working on a beauty story be sure to give our Pierce Mattie beauty PR team a call at 212-243-1431 or follow us on Twitter @PierceMattiePR and FaceBook.

Asia's Retail Trends: Korea Craves Luxury Brands

2012-01-20T01:35:40Z

It seems there's more than just runway trends going on in Korea this season. A different kind of retail trend has emerged as a budding number of consumers are making their luxury brand purchases elsewhere…the European markets. The demand for luxury goods is up...but the desire to keep more cash en-pocket hasn't waivered.

Recent reports have illustrated how Koreans leaving the country to travel abroad are attempting to avoid the customs taxes on purchases over $1000 won by either coming back into the country doing one of three things: 1. Taking their chances that they won't be screened and not reporting the purchase; 2. Under-reporting the price paid; or 3. Completing custom forms in advance stating they already had the item purchased abroad when they left Korea.

For clarity and illustration, the infamous 2.55 quilted Channel bag we all have seen and salivated over sells for 6.07 million won ($6,700) in Korea, while correspondingly in the US and France its price sits at 4.85 million won and 4.71 million won (quite a substantial price difference.)

An increasing number of tourists would like to enjoy the immunity of tax exemption (wouldn’t we all?) Yet countless travelers attempt to evade paying taxes, resulting in numerous dishonest tricks, such as exchanging the item online to receive a higher refund or re-selling the item and making a profit.

Has this been an ongoing issue only coming to light now or is this trend new because of the economy? Let us know @PierceMattiePR.

Pierce Mattie PR's Top 5 Brand Communication Tips

2012-01-19T20:42:05Z

Happy Winter Everyone!

Recharging yourself and understanding where your brand fits into your overall communications in 2012 will help you clearly envision your goals for the coming year.

Here are 5 tips to work towards making this year a success.

1. LEARN from your consumer. By using your social media vehicles to gather information about your consumer, you can fast track the evolution of your brand, keeping it current and top-of-mind.

2. PARTICIPATE in the conversation. The communications mix has shifted from static to participatory. By engaging with your consumers on all levels in an authentic and transparent manner, you seamlessly integrate your brand into their lifestyle.

3. RETURN to your roots. Take a look at your original mission and vision statements and see if you are on track. Sometimes reinventing yourself is less important than taking your brand essence and framing it in a modern fresh way that resonates with consumers today.

4. SHOWCASE your brand where your consumer can see it. While traditional advertising previously was the mainstay of reaching your consumer, brands now need to be innovative to drive their message. Using creative delivery systems such as product integration and viral guerrilla marketing can breathe new life into your brand and engage the consumer in new ways.

5. REVIEW current chatter. Instead of being a silo, stay aware of trends and inflection points so that your brand can adapt to the changing landscape. By identifying emerging shifts, competitor positioning and consumer variations, you can have your brand fluidly respond the market, while remaining true to its core.

Be sure to stay updated with us at all times via our social media profiles:

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Pierce Mattie Beauty PR Client Featured in NewBeauty Magazine

2012-01-18T16:34:17Z

Pierce Mattie PR Client Revision Skin Care was featured in NewBeauty Magazine. If you’re working on a beauty story be sure to give our Pierce Mattie PR team a call at 212-243-1431 or follow us on Twitter @PierceMattiePR and FaceBook.