Growing Client Portfolio Demands Expanded Team of Strategic Thinkers

Washington, DC - Christine Delucchi, Owner, Delucchi Plus, a strategic marketing communications firm specializing in the real estate, travel and resort, retail and financial services industries, announces today the appointment of Aimee Rohr as Media Buyer. Ms. Rohr’s responsibilities will include the management of all research, planning, and placement for online, print, broadcast and outdoor media. In addition, Ms. Rohr will work with clients to propose most efficient advertising methods to create the highest return on investment while meeting budget objectives.

Ms. Rohr joins Delucchi Plus from Merkley + Partners in Jacksonville, FL where she was the primary media contact for the Mercedes Benz Southern Region account. Ms. Rohr was responsible for developing regional media plans and budgets to meet the objectives, strategies and tactics as set forth by the client, in additional to coordinating all production schedules and assistance in regional events and marketing outreach.

Previous to Merkley + Partners, Ms. Rohr worked with Affiliated Media Group in Jacksonville, FL as their Media Planner/Buyer where she had the opportunity to research and develop full service media plans that included print, radio and TV for a variety of clients. Additional experience includes a position as Media Planner / Buyer for Malone Advertising.

“We are pleased to welcome Aimee as she brings considerable experience, talent and energy to our team,” stated Christine Delucchi. “Aimee’s knowledge as a seasoned media buyer will be an enormous asset to our firm, clients and media partners.” Ms. Rohr holds a Bachelor of Science in Marketing and Sales Management from the University of Akron.

About Delucchi+: Delucchi+ is a full-service strategic marketing communications firm that has over 20 years’ experience working with local, national, and international clients in real estate, travel and resort, retail, and financial services industries. The company has been involved in green marketing for over 10 years and is currently marketing multiple green commercial, residential, and mixed-use developments throughout the United States. Services include branding, advertising, new media, market research, and public relations. For more information visit www.delucchiplus.com or call (202) 349-4000.

Follow Delucchi+ on LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter.

Washington, DC - Christine Delucchi, Owner, Delucchi Plus, a strategic marketing communications firm specializing in the real estate, travel and resort, retail and financial services industries, announces today the appointment of Kim Hart as Director of Production and Operations. In this role, Ms. Hart will oversees the firm’s traditional creative services including workflow, scheduling and employee retention.  In additional, Kim will direct vendor negotiations, project estimating and budgets.

Ms. Hart has more than 20 years of agency experience in the area of agency production, print and traffic management.  Prior to joining Delucchi Plus, Ms. Hart served as a Production Manager for Two West, a marketing firm for retail and consumer brands. In this position, Ms. Hart managed all elements of the print process.  Prior to this position, Ms. Hart was a Print Manager for Bernstein Rein where she purchased over $2M annually in printing for this national $500M agency.  Additional career experience includes senior level positions with Hickerson Wahaus, RTN, MMG Worldwide, RDW Group and Chaffee & Partners.

“We are dedicated to providing our clients the highest level of traditional creative services. Kim’s vast production and operations experience is an ideal addition to our management team. I am confident our clients, vendors and staff will greatly benefit from Kim’s leadership,” stated Christine Delucchi.

About Delucchi+: Delucchi+ is a full-service strategic marketing communications firm that has over 20 years’ experience working with local, national, and international clients in real estate, travel and resort, retail, and financial services industries. The company has been involved in green marketing for over 10 years and is currently marketing multiple green commercial, residential, and mixed-use developments throughout the United States. Services include branding, advertising, new media, market research, and public relations. For more information visit www.delucchiplus.com or call (202) 349-4000.

Follow Delucchi+ on LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter.

A confused crossword puzzle. A psychedelic postage stamp. A bar code on drugs. - CNN

If this was jeopardy, our answer would be, “What are QR codes?”

With the rapid growth and adoption of smart phones, (naturally) comes new technology and platforms for mobile engagement. Cue QR (or Quick Response) codes. Since they’re inception in 1994 in Japan, QR codes have been used by the Japanese for years, and have become prolific in the uber-tech-savvy culture. How they work is quite simple, they’re easy to generate, and if used with the right platform, you can measure results and update the QR Code’s destination with the click of a button. The bottom line is, QR codes are giving marketers a way to bring print advertising to life with a strong call to action. The best part? The devices we need to use this technology,  in most cases, are always at the ready.

When a user scans the QR code using a free, easily downloadable app on their smart phone, they’re directed to, well, wherever you take them - a website, a virtual tour of a real-estate property, an online coupon, anything. QR codes are filling the disconnect that once existed between print and online mediums. These black and white boxes are popping up at bus stops, in magazines, and even on billboards in Times Square. The appeal, for both marketers and consumers, lays in the never-ending quest to make our lives easier and to get our information quicker. According to Matthias Galica, CEO of ShareSquare, a QR code platform:

“Imagine you see a poster of your favorite artist’s upcoming concert,” Galica said. “Usually, you would have to go home to look them up. But QR codes work as paper-based hyperlinks that can lead you to music videos, the site for MP3 downloads, and even purchase tickets right there.”

According to a February survey of U.S. smartphone users by MGH, a Baltimore social-media marketing company, 32% of respondents said they have scanned a QR code. Of those, 53% said they used the code to get a coupon or discount - and 72% said they were more likely to remember an advertisement with a QR code.

Use caution if you plan on tackling this technology, QR code campaigns can (and have) gone awry, so it’s important to keep in mind the following when implementing QR codes in print advertising:

1. Direct the user somewhere of value - don’t use a QR code as your Facebook avatar that directs users to… your Facebook profile
2. QR code design is finicky, the border should not be clipped
3. Keep the print background white, or a very light shade that will not interfere with the QR code’s readability
4. Ensure the code appears in the correct dimensions and size relative to the anticipated angle and distance from user
5. Keep in mind reflections and shadows can interfere with an app’s ability to scan the QR code, so don’t slap QR codes on menus in a dim restaurant
6. Lastly, and most importantly, always always test the QR code before committing to print

Our verdict? QR codes are not a passing fad; they’re versatile, simple, and  riding the wave of the smart phone boom. We’ve used them successfully for clients, and for ourselves. What do you think about this new mobile medium?

Delucchi+ is a full-service strategic communications firm that has over 20 years’ experience working with real estate clients. Provides branding, advertising, new media, market research, and public relations.   Our digital partner, Blue Bug Digital, provides cutting edge digital marketing innovation through social, mobile, and web marketing tactics.

Ad Agency Receives Three Property Management Association “Marketing and Advertising Excellence” Awards

WASHINGTON, DC–(Marketwire - December 14, 2010) -  Christine Delucchi, Owner of Delucchi Plus (www.delucchiplus.com), a strategic marketing communications firm, and Blue Bug Digital (www.bluebugdigital.com), an innovative digital and social media marketing agency, both specializing in the real estate, travel and resort, retail and financial services industries, announces today that its client, The JBG Companies, won three marketing awards for North Bethesda Market (www.northbethesdamarket.com) at this year’s Property Management Association (PMA) Marketing and Advertising Excellence (MAE) Awards ceremony (www.pma-dc.org) held Thursday, December 9, 2010. Awards include:

First Place

• Category: Website - North Bethesda Market
• Category: Print Ads - North Bethesda Market

Honorable Mention

• Category: Single Property Campaign - North Bethesda Market

“We are extremely honored to have our work recognized by the Property Management Association,” said Christine L. Delucchi. “I am proud that our team of highly-creative and dedicated professionals consistently provide the most innovative ideas and strategies to our clients in both traditional and digital marketing services.”

About Delucchi+:
Delucchi+ is a full-service strategic marketing communications firm that has over 20 years’ experience working with local, national, and international clients in real estate, travel and resort, retail, financial services, sustainability, health and wellness, and non-profit industries. The company has been involved in green marketing for over 10 years and is currently marketing multiple green commercial, residential, and mixed-use developments throughout the United States. Services include branding, advertising, new media, market research, and public relations. Follow Delucchi+ on LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter.

About Blue Bug Digital:
Blue Bug Digital is a digital communications firm providing a broad range of digital and interactive marketing services. Services include strategy, social marketing, internet marketing, email marketing, digital public relations & reputation management, website design & development, emerging technologies, and reporting & analytics. Follow Blue Bug Digital on LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter.

About Property Management Association (PMA):
The Property Management Association’s mission is to provide forums for professionals to exchange knowledge and practical education for the property management industry. The PMA is the largest real estate management association in the national capital area and represents more than 1000 real estate professionals who are responsible for an estimated 750,000 residential units and over 135 million square feet of commercial space. The PMA Marketing and Advertising Excellence Awards recognizes outstanding achievement of PMA members while providing practical education and networking opportunities. The MAE Awards program honors professionals involved in the marketing, promotion and management of multifamily, commercial and retail properties.

National Real Estate Marketing Firm Expands Business by 24% in 2010; New Office Space Provides Environmentally Friendly Room to Grow

WASHINGTON, DC–(Marketwire - November 22, 2010) - Christine Delucchi, Owner, Delucchi Plus (www.delucchiplus.com) a strategic marketing communications firm and Blue Bug Digital (www.bluebugdigital.com) an innovative digital and social media marketing agency both specializing in the real estate, travel and resort, retail and financial services industries, announces today that the companies have moved into a new 5,600 SF LEED-Platinum certified office to accommodate the expanded portfolio of clients and increase in staff and services. The new office is located at 2101 L St. NW, Suite 650, Washington, DC 20037.

“We are wrapping up 2010 with an impressive 24% increase in business and have hired a number of individuals who bring a wealth of experience to our team. As the company continues to grow, the move to a new space provides the opportunity for us to further develop as a leading provider of traditional and digital marketing services.” said Christine Delucchi. “We are particularly proud of the LEED-Platinum certification, embracing a greener, sustainable work environment, a value and way of life that is at the core of our company culture.”

To achieve LEED-Platinum designation, the space was designed as an open-space environment to maximize daylight and views. All materials used throughout the space are non-toxic to enhance air quality and eliminate toxicity. Environmentally friendly and energy saving materials used throughout the space include optimized energy performance lights, equipment and appliances, low-emitting paints, flooring system and construction materials. The new office will house 23 full-time employees who specialize in marketing, advertising, public relations, graphic design and social and digital marketing strategies.

About Delucchi+:
Delucchi+ is a full-service strategic marketing communications firm that has over 20 years’ experience working with local, national, and international clients in real estate, travel and resort, retail, financial services, sustainability, health and wellness, and non-profit industries. The company has been involved in green marketing for over 10 years and is currently marketing multiple green commercial, residential, and mixed-use developments throughout the United States. Services include branding, advertising, new media, market research, and public relations.

Follow Delucchi+ on LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter.

About Blue Bug Digital:
Blue Bug Digital is a digital communications firm providing a broad range of digital and interactive marketing services. Services include strategy, social marketing, internet marketing, email marketing, digital public relations & reputation management, website design & development, emerging technologies, and reporting & analytics.

Follow Blue Bug Digital on LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter.

Washington, D.C. (Monday, November 08, 2010) – Christine L. Delucchi, President of Delucchi+ (www.delucchiplus.com), an innovative, full-service, strategic marketing firm, located in Washington, D.C., announced today that Andrew Currin has joined the agency as an Account Coordinator. In this role, Andrew will work with the account services team managing the day-to-day internal processes including client management, assisting with presentations, facilitating advertising production and internal workflow, as well as supporting new business initiatives.

Prior to joining Delucchi+, Andrew was a Marketing Coordinator for The Winvale Group where he worked on digital marketing campaigns for public and private sector technology industry clients including Symantec, ADP, Thermo Scientific and MediaFunnel. Previous to this position, Andrew worked with the Washington Wizards as an Account Executive / Account Manager where he handled day-to-day sales and marketing projects and helped bolster ticket sales amongst businesses, groups and individuals.

“We are excited to welcome Andrew to the Delucchi+ team,” stated Christine L. Delucchi. “His drive and passion to provide exceptional client service and quality results is an asset to both the agency and its clients.”

Andrew is a Washington, D.C. resident and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Media Studies, as well as a Minor in History, from East Carolina University located in Greenville, South Carolina.

Delucchi+ is a full-service strategic marketing communications firm that has over 20 years’ experience working with local, national, and international clients in real estate, travel and resort, retail, financial services, sustainability, health and wellness, and non-profit industries. The company has been involved in green marketing for over 10 years and is currently marketing multiple green commercial, residential, and mixed-use developments throughout the United States. Services include branding, advertising, new media, market research and public relations. Follow up on Delucchi+ on LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter.

WASHINGTON, DC–(Marketwire - October 25, 2010) -  Christine L. Delucchi, President of Delucchi+ (www.delucchiplus.com), an innovative, full-service, strategic marketing firm, and Blue Bug Digital (www.bluebugdigital.com), a digital and interactive marketing services firm, located in Washington, D.C., announced today that Stephanie Orton Lynch has joined the agency as its new Director of Public Relations. In this role, Lynch will oversee and manage the traditional and social media public relations initiatives for the firm’s clientele, in addition to contributing to business development and agency growth.

Lynch brings more than 20+ years of marketing and public relations experience to Delucchi+ with a proven track record in piloting signature communication campaigns in the real estate/property management, commercial retail, and travel/hospitality/tourism industries. Lynch specializes in the tactical integration of all marketing and public relations elements for both traditional and digital media assets with a focus on strategic planning and consulting services in advertising, brand management, marketing communications, public relations and social media.

“We are extremely honored to have Stephanie join our team,” stated Christine L. Delucchi. “Her expertise in public relations, investor relations, crisis communications, community relations, co-branding, social media, reputation management, and events will allow us to take our current publicity services to the next level. This is an important investment for us at a time when our business is growing and earned media is critical to gaining more exposure for our clients.”

Prior to joining Delucchi+, Lynch was the Vice President of MJ Marketing, a marketing and public relations firm located in Bethesda, Maryland. In this position she was responsible for business development, client relations and management of multi-media marketing and public relations campaigns for some of the top leaders in the real estate industry including Simon Property Group, Taubman, and McCaffery Interests. Before joining MJ Marketing, Lynch worked as a Marketing Director for CarrAmerica and Hines directing marketing and property management for a mixed-use commercial property. In her position as Regional Marketing Director for Nordstrom, Lynch managed all aspects of print, catalog, radio and direct mail marketing including grand-opening campaigns for seven stores in the Washington, D.C. / Baltimore area.

Lynch is a Virginia resident and currently serves as Vice Chairman for the Board of Directors of Special Olympics Virginia. As a graduate of Brigham Young University, Lynch holds a Bachelor of Arts in Marketing and Communications.

Delucchi+ is a full-service strategic marketing communications firm that has over 20 years’ experience working with local, national, and international clients in real estate, travel and resort, retail, financial services, sustainability, health and wellness, and non-profit industries. The company has been involved in green marketing for over 10 years and is currently marketing multiple green commercial, residential, and mixed-use developments throughout the United States. Services include branding, advertising, new media, market research and public relations. Follow up on Delucchi+ on LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter.

Blue Bug Digital is a digital communications firm providing a broad range of digital and interactive marketing services. Services include strategy, social marketing, internet marketing, email marketing, digital PR & reputation management, website design & development, emerging technologies, and reporting & analytics. Follow Blue Bug Digital on LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter.

Washington, D.C. (Friday, October 22, 2010) – Delucchi+ (www.delucchiplus.com), an innovative, full-service, strategic real estate marketing firm located in Washington, D.C., along with its digital division, Blue Bug Digital (www.bluebugdigital.com), won four marketing awards at this year’s Great American Living Awards (GALA) Ceremony held Thursday, October 21, 2010 at Waterford at Fair Oaks located in Fairfax, Virginia. Delucchi+ and Blue Bug Digital received honors in the following categories:

GALA Award:  Winner
•    Web Master Planned/Mixed-Use Community – Rhode Island Station (www.rhodeislandstation.com)
•    Website: Associate category – Blue Bug Digital (www.bluebugdigital.com)
•    Marketing Campaign to Promote a Green Home/Community –
The Blairs - EcoPads, The Tower Companies (www.blairsapartments.com)
Special recognition to Ryan Strohl, Art Director at Delucchi+ for the EcoPad logo, brand and campaign development.

GALA Award of Merit
•    Advertising Online Campaign – Brambleton (www.brambleton.com)

“GALA honors the stars of the new home industry,” stated Christine L. Delucchi. “We value the long-standing, successful partnerships with our clients and are proud to receive recognition for our passion and creativity as we continue to develop both impactful and award-winning marketing campaigns.”

Presented by the Washington Metropolitan Sales & Marketing Council (WMSMC), the Northern Virginia Building Industry Association (NVBIA), and the Maryland National Capital Building Industry Association (MNCBIA), The Great American Living Awards (GALA) honors excellence in new home architecture, interior design and sales and marketing. Originally separate ceremonies, the smart synergy of the MAME and Monument Awards are now the unified GALA event for New Home Builders, Developers, Architects, Salespeople, Marketers and Interior Designers. The MAME awards recognized the best in sales and marketing, ranging from top sales achievement to best marketing campaign, while the Monument Awards recognized excellence in building and design.

Delucchi+ is a full-service strategic marketing communications firm that has over 20 years’ experience working with local, national, and international clients in real estate, travel and resort, retail, financial services, sustainability, health and wellness, and non-profit industries. The company has been involved in green marketing for over 10 years and is currently marketing multiple green commercial, residential, and mixed-use developments throughout the United States. Services include branding, advertising, new media, market research, and public relations.

Blue Bug Digital is a digital communications firm providing a broad range of digital and interactive marketing services. Services include strategy, social marketing, internet marketing, email marketing, digital PR & reputation management, website design & development, emerging technologies, and reporting & Analytics.

For more information about Delucchi+ (www.delucchiplus.com) or Blue Bug Digital (www.bluebugdigital.com),  please contact Annette J. Picon, Media | Research Director, at 202.248.5852. Follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter.

WASHINGTON, DC–(Marketwire - October 12, 2010) -  Christine L. Delucchi, President of Blue Bug Digital (www.bluebugdigital.com), a digital and interactive marketing services firm located in Washington, D.C., announced today that Daniel Vickers has joined the agency as its new Director of Digital Strategy. In this role, Daniel will oversee and manage the digital strategy and emerging technologies for the firm’s clientele, in addition to contributing to business development and agency growth.

Daniel brings over 10+ years of digital and technology experience to Blue Bug Digital with a solid track record in developing digital strategies and technologically-savvy websites for clients in a vast array of industries including political, financial services, non-profit, international law, real estate, associations and international development.

Prior to joining Blue Bug Digital, Daniel was a Senior Interactive Marketing Strategist for the State Department Credit Union. In this position, he was responsible for creative direction and strategy for interactive assets across all interactive channels including websites, social networks, SEM/SEO, online advertising and digital signage. Before joining the State Department Credit Union, Daniel was an Interactive Strategist and Designer for MSHC Partners where he worked on the digital programs for the Democratic National Committee for the Obama Political Campaign, the Hillary Clinton Campaign, the American Cancer Society, MoveOn.org and Emilys List.

“We are pleased to welcome Daniel to the Blue Bug Digital team,” stated Christine L. Delucchi. “His vast knowledge in the digital arena, coupled with his passion for emerging technologies and social networks, will bolster the interactive goals of the firm’s clients as well as foster agency growth.”

Daniel is a Washington, D.C. resident and completed studies in Communications at Gannon University located in Erie, Pennsylvania and Florida Atlantic University located in Boca Raton, Florida.

Blue Bug Digital is a digital communications firm providing a broad range of digital and interactive marketing services. Services include Strategy, Social Marketing, Internet Marketing, Email Marketing, Digital PR & Reputation Management, Website Design & Development, Emerging Technologies, and Reporting & Analytics. For more information about Blue Bug Digital, visit www.BlueBugDigital.com or contact Annette Picon, Media Director, at 202.248.5852.

WASHINGTON, DC–(Marketwire - September 30, 2010) -  Christine L. Delucchi, President of Delucchi+ (www.delucchiplus.com), an innovative, full-service, strategic marketing communications firm located in Washington, D.C., announced today that Shay Carson Onorio has joined the agency as its new Vice President, Client Services. In this role, Shay will oversee the Delucchi+ and Blue Bug Digital client service teams, account service process, strategic direction, and development of both staff and client relationships.

Shay brings over 12 years of marketing and advertising agency management experience to Delucchi+ with a solid track record in developing integrated marketing communications programs for clients in a vast array of industries including commercial and residential real estate, sports and entertainment, travel and tourism, hospitality, technology, higher education, automotive and retail. Shay’s areas of expertise include strategic research, planning and implementation, account management, client relations, traditional marketing, internet marketing and public relations.

Prior to joining Delucchi+, Shay was the Director of Marketing for Hawks Cay Resort & Marina, a 60 acre, 4-diamond resort located in the Florida Keys. In this role, Shay was in charge of brand development, marketing initiatives and public relations activities to include advertising messaging, guest communication, the completion of a $500K experiential website, and the oversight of press trips and ongoing communication with national media. Before joining Hawks Cay Resort & Marina, Shay was the Director of Account Services for Williams Whittle located in Alexandria, Virginia. In this position, Shay managed the NVR account by leading a staff 7 and overseeing 35+ divisions with 55+ day-to-day contacts for Ryan Homes along the East Coast from New York to South Carolina. Additionally, she managed both national and regional marketing programs that included research, strategic planning, creative development, media planning and buying and budget and timeline management. Shay’s account experience includes NVR, Inc. (Ryan Homes, NVHomes and Fox Ridge Homes), Natelli Communities, Beazer Homes, American Service Center (Mercedes Benz), Chesapeake Bagel Bakery, WTOP, Gaylord Hotels, Five Guys Restaurants, and multiple planned communities and condominium projects in the Metropolitan D.C. region.

“I have known Shay professionally for over 10 years and am extremely excited to have her join the team,” stated Christine Delucchi. “I am quite confident she will be a welcomed asset to both our internal teams and our clients, and make a significant contribution to both the short and the long term growth of the agency.” Christine continued, “With agency growth over 20% already in 2010, it was time to make this investment and continue initiatives to diversify our client base, manage and grow the client service teams, attract high-caliber talent, and develop stronger agency process that ultimately results in better service and enhanced relationships with our clients.”

Shay is a Virginia resident and holds dual Bachelor’s degrees in Media Studies with Advertising concentration and Speech Communication with Public Relations concentration from Radford University.

Delucchi+ is a full-service strategic marketing communications firm that has over 20 years’ experience working with local, national, and international clients in real estate, travel and resort, retail, financial services, sustainability, health and wellness, and non-profit industries. The company has been involved in green marketing for over 10 years and is currently marketing multiple green commercial, residential, and mixed-use developments throughout the United States. Services include branding, advertising, new media, market research, and public relations. For more information about Delucchi+, go to www.delucchiplus.com or contact Annette J. Picon, Media | Research Director, at 202.248.5852.