Debbie Laskey's Blog

Welcome to Debbie Laskey's insights and commentary about BRANDING, MARKETING, LEADERSHIP, SOCIAL MEDIA, EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT, and CUSTOMER EXPERIENCES. Debbie has worked in high-tech, the Consumer Marketing Department at Disneyland Paris in France, nonprofits, and insurance. Expertise includes strategic planning, brand development, marketing plans and audits, competitive positioning, websites, communications, public relations, employee engagement, customer experiences, and social media marketing.

Friday, February 28, 2025

Marketing News of the Month - February 2025

During the month of February, there were news stories that reflected advertising, brand experiences, brand identity, brand naming, brand storytelling, co-branding, communications, personal branding, pricing, product packaging, sub-brands, and more.

SUPER BOWL ADVERTISING

Which ad stood out to you? Were the big game's ads worth 8 million dollars for 30 seconds of your time? While there was no ad similar to Apple's 1984 ad; no ad that was as memorable as Budweiser's post-9/11 ad from 2002 with the kneeling Clydesdales; no animated Coca Cola polar bears; and no Tweet clever enough to rival Oreo's "dunking in the dark" from 2013's "Blackout Bowl" at the Superdome in New Orleans; five ads were memorable for me and included:

HELLMANN'S: Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan reprised their roles from the film "When Harry Met Sally" for a famous scene at Katz's Deli in New York City. This time, Meg Ryan needed some mayonnaise. This was a surprise ad, and for those of us who fondly remember the film, the scene was hard to forget.
WEATHER TECH: Four female senior citizens took to the open road with the "Born to Be Wild" song in the background. This was a geriatric version reminiscent of the film "Thelma and Louise."
NOVARTIS: The ad began by focusing on women's breasts, but as it went on, the emphasis changed. According to AdWeek's Bill Bradley, "Novartis put a spotlight on breast cancer awareness with the help of Hailee Steinfeld, breast-cancer survivor Wanda Sykes, cheerleaders, partygoers, and everyday women living their lives. The ad was a healthcare promo with a twist, showing breasts in all forms and fashions along with a message to pay attention to them when it matters the most. According to the ad, more than 6 million women watching the Super Bowl may be diagnosed with breast cancer, but websites like YourAttentionPlease.com are there to help with screenings and potentially life-saving information."
DOVE: This ad spoke volumes. According to Just Jared, "The personal care product's 2025 Super Bowl Commercial shows a little girl running down the sidewalk and brings an important message about how girls in sports are treated: At 3, these legs are unstoppable. At 14, she'll think they're unbearable. 1 in 2 girls who quit sports are criticized for their body type...Let's change the way we talk to our girls. #KeepHerConfident."
COORS LIGHT: This ad's theme was the sluggishness of Mondays, and especially the Monday after the Super Bowl. As a result, the beer changed its name to "Mondays Light."

SUPER BOWL VIEWERSHIP

According to CNN, "Despite a blowout of a game, the Super Bowl registered record ratings for the second year in a row, according to final numbers released two days after the game. Sunday's game on Fox, which saw the Kansas City Chiefs lose to the Philadelphia Eagles, averaged a record-setting 127.7 million viewers across all platforms, encompassing broadcast TV, streaming, and apps. That marks a 3 percent increase over last year's record-breaking game on CBS and Paramount+. Fox said the game peaked in the second quarter between 8pm and 8:15pm ET when 137.7 million people were tuned into the game.

The Super Bowl's massive viewership makes it all the more valuable to advertisers trying to reach a mass market. Some companies dished out $8 million to secure a 30-second spot during the big game. The record ratings shows that the NFL is still a magnet for viewers, despite the regular season ratings slightly falling 2 percent for the year. Football games still regularly out-rate anything else on TV during the year, with streaming services wanting a piece of the action. For the first time, Netflix aired a slate of games on Christmas day 2024. NBC and Peacock will air Super Bowl LX (60) in Santa Clara, California on February 8 — two days after the Winter Olympics begin also airing on the same network."

NFL'S FASHION EDITOR

Yes, you read that correctly. The NFL has a position called FASHION EDITOR. According to The New York Times, "Kyle Smith started his job last fall with a directive to use fashion and style to reach new audiences through the NFL's media platforms. He works with athletes to create and share content — photos or videos of them showcasing their off-duty style at events like men's fashion week — and helps players and teams build relationships with traditional fashion media brands like GQ and Vogue. At Super Bowl LIX, he was part of a team covering what players and other notable attendees wore to the game during a new red-carpet segment. While the NBA, NHL, MLB, and MLS have also been focusing more attention on athletes' style as the industries of fashion and sports have become more intertwined, those leagues have yet to underscore that focus by creating a job with the word "fashion" in its title."

According to Ian Trombetta, the NFL's senior vice president of social, influencer, and content marketing, "Smith's role is that of a consultant for players, and then ultimately the league, in terms of how we're showing up in different moments."

GULF OF AMERICA DAY

President Trump declared February 9 as "Gulf of America Day." With his official proclamation, Trump called upon public officials and all the people of the United States to observe the day with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities.

GULF OF AMERICA, FORMERLY GULF OF MEXICO

A Presidential Executive Order entitled "Restoring Names That Honor American Greatness" signed on January 20th became official.

According to CBS News, Google reported that, "Although people accessing Google Maps from inside the U.S. will see the name Gulf of America, users in Mexico will continue to see the basin's earlier title. Maps users everywhere else in the world will see both names. The names you see in the Maps app are based on your country location, which is determined by information from your phone's operating system (e.g., iOS and Android), including your SIM, network, and locale. If you're using Google Maps on the web, the names are based on the region you select in your Search settings or your device's location, if you haven't selected one."

On a related matter, according to The Telegraph (the UK News website of the year for 2024), Britain will not recognize or refer to Trump's name for the Gulf of Mexico.

MEXICO RESPONDS TO GULF OF AMERICA

Following Trump's Executive Order, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum wrote to Google, arguing that the U.S. did not have the right to unilaterally rename the Gulf. Google responded to President Sheinbaum's letter, saying that they intended to comply with Trump's order and expressed willingness to meet with the Mexican government to discuss the issue further. According to NPR, "In a press briefing on February 10th, President Sheinbaum announced that her administration would wait for a response from Google before taking additional steps. She said, "If not, we will proceed to court. If a country wants to change the designation of something in the sea, it would only apply up to 12 nautical miles. It cannot apply to the rest, in this case, the Gulf of Mexico. This is what we explained in detail to Google."

NPR's Rachel Treisman reported that part of Sheinbaum's argument against the name change is based on the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. This convention states that a country's territorial sovereignty only extends 12 nautical miles from its coastline.

ASSOCIATED PRESS (AP) AND THE WHITE HOUSE

According to the AP, "The White House blocked an Associated Press reporter from an event in the Oval Office on February 11, after demanding the news agency alter its style on the Gulf of Mexico, which President Trump ordered renamed the Gulf of America. The reporter, whom the AP would not identify, tried to enter the White House event as usual Tuesday afternoon and was turned away. Later, a second AP reporter was barred from a late-evening event in the White House's Diplomatic Reception Room. The highly unusual ban, which Trump administration officials had threatened earlier Tuesday unless the AP changed the style on the Gulf, could have constitutional free-speech implications."

Julie Pace, AP's senior vice president and executive editor, called the administration's move unacceptable. She said in a statement, "It is alarming that the Trump administration would punish AP for its independent journalism. Limiting our access to the Oval Office based on the content of AP's speech not only severely impedes the public's access to independent news, it plainly violates the First Amendment."

TIMES CHANGE AT THE WHITE HOUSE

According to PBS, "The White House is breaking with a century of tradition in which a pool of independently chosen news organizations covers the president's movements and events when full press access isn't possible either due to space or security constraints. The White House says it's trying to make the pool more inclusive. The White House Correspondents' Association said in a statement that: "This tears at the independence of a free press. In a free country, leaders must not be able to choose their own press corps."”

As of late-February, the outlets that have been kicked out by the White House include the Associated Press, Huffington Post, and Reuters.

"A reporter from Axios, a digital publication famous for its extreme commitment to BREVITY, is instead serving as the print pooler. There is also only one wire service in the pool instead of the typical three, while spots were handed to Newsmax and The Blaze, two right-wing outlets.”

New York Times Chief White House Correspondent Peter Baker wrote on Twitter/X, "Every president of both parties going back generations subscribed to the principle that a president doesn't pick the press corps that is allowed in the room to ask him questions."

THE TUSH PUSH

What's in a name? Here's a funny one. According to the Bleacher Report, "Troy Vincent, the NFL's executive VP of football operations, told reporters on February 24th, that an "unnamed team" proposed a ban of the famed "Tush Push" quarterback sneak. The Green Bay Packers leading the charge to ban the Tush Push shouldn't come as a major surprise, given their vocal dislike of the play. While the play has become a popular topic of conversation in the past few seasons, namely given the success of the Philadelphia Eagles in running it, the NFL did not ban the Tush Push last off-season, and neither the Competition Committee nor any teams made a proposal to eliminate it at that time.”

END OF AN ERA AT NBC

Lester Holt, the face of NBC's Nightly News broadcast for the last ten years, announced on February 24th that he would be retiring from that role at the peacock network during the summer of 2025. He added that he would continue to lead NBC's Dateline program.

According to YahooNews, "Holt's decision to leave NBC Nightly News reflects his desire to explore new opportunities within NBC News. At Dateline, he plans to expand his role, crafting in-depth hours on topics he is passionate about. His tenure at NBC Nightly News has been marked by groundbreaking interviews and extensive coverage of major events. He has interviewed world leaders and former presidents. Moreover, Holt's departure from NBS Nightly News is part of a trend of high-profile exits in the TV news industry. Recently, veteran journalists such as Chuck Todd and Andrea Mitchell from NBC and Norah O'Donnell from CBS stepped away from their roles, as the industry navigates economic pressures and the rise of streaming platforms."

PRICE OF CHOCOLATE

According to CNN, "The price of cocoa hit a record high of $12,646 per metric ton in December. Years of bad weather in the key cocoa-producing region of West Africa and the cocoa swollen shoot virus disease have hampered production. In the last two years, the cost of manufacturing chocolate has increased by more than 167 percent, according to the Producer Price Index. (So) it will be harder to find sweet deals on chocolate this Valentine's Day." According to David Branch, the sector manager at Wells Fargo Agri-Food Institute, "This Valentine's Day, expect prices for chocolate treats to increase around 10-20 percent over last year as the price of cocoa has more than doubled since the beginning of 2024."

In its 2024 report, Swiss chocolatier Lindt said it was a "challenging year characterized by record-high cocoa costs, substantial price increases, and weakened consumer sentiment."

Hershey's said it buys cocoa nearly a year in advance, so the cost at the store this Valentine's Day won't reflect today's cocoa prices. According to a Hershey's statement, "We continue to collaborate with our retail partners to ensure we offer a variety of products that meet the right occasions and price points for our consumers."

NYC'S CONGESTION PRICING

The New York Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) Board voted in November 2024 to pass the congestion pricing plan in New York City, setting the base toll at $9 through 2027, which went into effect in January. However, on February 19, President Trump moved to halt the controversial toll plan. The president and CEO of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority said that the mass transit agency filed papers in federal court to keep the program in place. New York Governor Kathy Hochul said in support of the MTA, "We are a nation of laws, not ruled by a king...We'll see you in court."

PRICE OF EGGS

Due to the bird flu, the cost of eggs has increased. Some supermarkets cannot stock enough eggs on their shelves. Some stores, such as, Costco, have instituted a purchase limit. And, some buyers have crossed the border into Mexico to purchase eggs, which then becomes illegal activity because it's against the law to transport eggs into the United States. And, some restaurants, if they even serve egg dishes, are charging a surcharge due to the supply shortage.

MLB'S ROBOT UMPIRES

A computerized system that calls balls and strikes began testing during Major League Baseball's spring training exhibition games in mid-February after four years of experimentation in the minor leagues. According to AP News, "Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred is an advocate of the Automated Ball-Strike (ABS) System, which potentially as early as 2026 could be used to aid MLB home plate umpires, but not replace them. Stadiums are outfitted with cameras that track each pitch and judge whether it crossed home plate within the strike zone. In early testing, umpires wore ear buds and would hear "ball" or "strike," then relay that to players and fans with traditional hand signals. The challenge system adds a wrinkle. During spring training, human umps will call every pitch, but each team will have the ability to challenge two calls per game, with no additions for extra innings. A team retains its challenge if successful, similar to the regulations for big league teams with video reviews."

According to Popular Science, "If there's one thing baseball fans are averse to, it's change. Over the MLB's 149-year history, alterations to the game's rules, like lowering the pitcher's mound (1968) or introducing instant replay challenges (2014) came only after years of heated debate between reformers and purists. Maybe the most contentious issue ever to divide these two camps is whether or not to replace notoriously inaccurate human home plate umpires with less fallible machines. Though that was once largely considered out of the bounds of possibility, MLB games officiated by so-called "robot umpires" are now closer to reality than ever before...Though a hybrid umpire system won't make its way to regular season major league games in 2025, player and fan reactions during this crucial trial period could determine whether or not it becomes a regular staple in games. Ready or not, robot umpires are here."

DAD TV

Have you heard the term DAD TV? Yes, it's a thing. According to Huffington Post, "Over the past year, the term DAD TV has cropped up as a sub-genre to define the kinds of shows that husbands and wives tend to watch together. Crime shows or action-packed procedurals may be considered the original version of this genre. Not just because dads watched them but because your dad (or husband) was more likely to be next to you on the couch when you did. DAD TV hasn't engrained its way into our cultural lexicon in the same way as the long-used and ubiquitous genre titles like rom-com, thriller, or drama.

As streaming has expanded, it's incorporated elements from successful network shows that are designed to appeal to male viewers and have large audiences. Think shows with a middle-aged male protagonist who is good at his job and works within a formulaic storytelling arc to solve a problem or defeat a bad actor who is endangering a core societal institution. The goal isn't to remake the world, instead, it's to fix a broken piece within it while telling a story that's easy to follow and enjoyable to consume."

Some of the shows that fall into this category include: Prime Video’s "Reacher;" Netflix’s "The Night Agent" and "The Lincoln Lawyer;" and Paramount+'s "Yellowstone."

According to Fergus Navaratnam-Blair, a research director at National Research Group (NRG), "If there's a consistent theme in DAD TV at the moment, it's the idea of having to re-evaluate and reassess notions of masculinity to fit in with a fast-changing world. That's likely reflective of the experiences of many dads themselves; they're finding themselves somewhat adrift from contemporary youth culture, and are having to figure out how to reconcile their own understanding of masculinity with the contemporary values of the world that their kids are growing up in."

BOOK BLURBS

Recently, book publisher Simon & Schuster announced that it would no longer require its authors to obtain blurbs for their books. Blurbing is the process wherein writers beg one another for nice words for the covers of their new books. The term originated in 1907 with a fictional character, Belinda Blurb, who shouted praise on the cover of the humorist Gelett Burgess's "Are You a Bromide?" Here's the rub: sometimes, the people whose names appear next to the blurbs don't actually read the books, and sometimes a publisher writes the blurb and signs a famous author's name to the blurb. There are very few writers who can get away without any praise on their newest books. Instead, authors such as Stephen King, John Grisham, and James Patterson feature large photos of their faces on the back covers of their new books.

THE FUTURE OF JAMES BOND

For decades, the James Bond franchise was protected by sibling producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson, however, they have yielded creative control and intellectual property rights to Amazon MGM Studios. Wilson explained in a statement, "With my 007 career spanning nearly 60 incredible years, I am stepping back from producing the James Bond films to focus on art and charitable projects. Therefore, Barbara and I agree, it is time for our trusted partner, Amazon MGM Studios, to lead James Bond into the future." According to Entertainment Weekly, "Amazon taking over the reins could mean a major shake-up is in store for 007. The transition could mean changes, such as expanding the saga beyond film, or casting an actor who's not of British or Commonwealth heritage."

THE FUTURE OF KFC

According to Food & Wine, "KFC is making a major change that's ruffling plenty of feathers. In February, the fast food company formerly known as Kentucky Fried Chicken announced it's doing the unthinkable: Leaving Kentucky. At least its corporate headquarters is. KFC's history traces back to 1930 in North Corbin, Kentucky, where Harland Sanders first started serving fried chicken at his cafe, Sanders' Cafe."

Yum! Brands, KFC's parent company, told investors it plans to move approximately 100 employees from its current corporate headquarters in Louisville, Kentucky, to Plano, Texas. There, it will join another Yum! Brands fast food chain, Pizza Hut. KFC said this move was "a strategic decision to foster greater collaboration among brands and employees." Does this mean that the brand will change its name to TEXAS Fried Chicken or TFC?

DEMOCRATS' BRAND

According to Politico, "Senator Mark Warner has a blunt assessment of the Democratic Party's struggles in the wake of its crushing losses in the last election. He said, "I think the Democrats' brand is really bad, and I think this was an election (2024's Presidential election) based on culture, and the Democrats' kind of failure to connect on a cultural basis with a wide swath of Americans is hugely problematic. I think the majority of the party realizes that the ideological purity of some of the groups is a recipe for disaster and that candidly the attack on over-the-top wokeism was a valid attack." In addition, he said that President Trump has a "reinforcing social media army. That's extraordinary, and Democrats have got a lot to learn from that."

WANT TO HIRE JOE BIDEN?

Former President Joe Biden signed with Hollywood talent agency Creative Artists Agency (CAA) two weeks after leaving the White House. He was previously a CAA client in the years between his tenures as Vice President and President. During that time, he published his memoir and launched a nationwide book tour that sold more than 85,000 tickets nationwide. Former President Barack Obama is also a client of CAA.

NEW NAME FOR BOY SCOUTS

While announced in May 2024, on February 8, 2025, the Boy Scouts officially became Scouting America. The change became effective on this date to celebrate the organization's 115th birthday. The name change reflects the organization's commitment to welcoming and providing a safe environment for all youth. The announcement also serves to celebrate the fifth anniversary of welcoming girls into the organization's programs. Currently, Scouting America serves 176,234 girls and young women across all programs including more than 6,000 who have earned the esteemed Eagle Scout status. The name change is a result of years of scandals, and the organization filed for bankruptcy in 2020 to handle the flood of sexual abuse lawsuits. Will the name change be enough to improve the brand's image?

GREENLAND'S NEW NAME?

A Georgia representative introduced a bill that would authorize President Trump to purchase Greenland and then rename the autonomous Danish territory as "Red, White, and Blueland." Danish officials have repeatedly insisted that Greenland is not for sale.

COUNTERFEIT FOREVER STAMPS

During February, Customs and Border Protection agents in Chicago seized nearly 162,000 counterfeit U.S. Forever stamps. According to NPR, "The stamps, shipped from China, were spread over eight different shipments, and had they been real, would have been worth over $118,000. The government agency says there has been an uptick in fraudulent stamps, especially around holidays like Valentine's Day. And officials say the fakes have gotten better. Authentic stamps are produced by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing in the United States. According to the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the most frequently encountered counterfeit stamp is the flag stamp."

SHERYL CROW'S TESLA

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Sheryl Crow shared a post on Instagram featuring a video of her waving goodbye to her Tesla as it was shipped off. In the caption, she cited Tesla's affiliation to Elon Musk, who she refers to as President Musk. She explained, "My parents always said...you are who you hang out with. There comes a time when you have to decide who you are willing to align with. So long Tesla."

According to KTLA5, "As of late, the world's wealthiest man has taken a role in the White House as a special government employee. Musk has worked closely with President Trump and is the head of the Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE, officially a temporary contracted office designed to cut costs and tackle the national debt. Musk and Trump have made several appearances together in the weeks since the president returned to office. In fact, Musk spoke to reporters in the Oval Office while a quiet Trump sat at the Resolute Desk, leading to some critics of the new administration to joke about who the real president is. Evidently, Crow aligns herself with that group. As part of her Instagram post, Crow said she would donate money to National Public Radio, as publicly-funded media outlets have come under attack by Trump and Congressional Republicans."

DENALI VERSUS MOUNT MCKINLEY

Following another one of President Trump's Executive Orders from his first day in office on January 20 to rename North America's highest mountain as Mount McKinley in Alaska, Senator Lisa Murkowski rolled out legislation on February 13 to formally rename the mountain by its Indigenous name, Denali, countering Trump's Executive Order. Whiplash, anyone?

According to Politico, "The bill would require the Alaska mountain to be referred to as Denali in any laws, maps, regulations, documents, papers, or other U.S. records." According to Murkowski, "In Alaska, it's Denali...This isn't a political issue. Alaskans from every walk of life have long been advocating for this mountain to be recognized by its true name."

COCA-COLA'S MILK

According to WBALTV, "Launched in 2012, Fairlife — originally founded as a joint venture between Coca-Cola and wholesale dairy producer Select Milk Producers — used whimsical, minimalistic packaging that fit with the influx of niche almond, protein, and even pistachio milks, outperforming large-container beverages in the dairy aisle. In 2020, Coca-Cola fully acquired Fairlife for an initial $980 million — an acquisition that has far exceeded the soda giant's expectations due in part to social media popularity in the health and wellness space. While Americans face higher food prices and a pullback in their spending, they're still drawn to Fairlife's ultra-filtered system that draws out lactose and sugar but doubles the protein. In 2022, Coca-Cola announced that Fairlife's sales surpassed $1 billion."

And now, Fairlife has far outpaced expectations, and a new production facility is being built in New York. According to an analyst for finance firm Jeffries, "Dairy has been tricky for Coke to get into. Nothing will ever be as important as a Coke trademark, but this is a nice contributor to growth."

SUBWAY AND OREO

Milk's favorite cookie (the Oreo) was used as the flavor inspiration for Subway's newest footlong cookie. According to Paul Fabre, a Subway executive, "Subway worked closely with Oreo to create something that fans of both brands are going to love – the perfect blend of our popular double chocolate cookie with the delicious and delicate crunch of their signature chocolate cookie and cream filling. Oreo shares our passion for quality ingredients and maximum flavor, making them the ideal partner for Subway's first Footlong Cookie collaboration."

PENNY FOR YOUR THOUGHTS?

In another surprising move by President Trump, he has instructed the Treasury Secretary to halt the production of pennies. He said that the United States has minted pennies that cost more than two cents for too long.

According to CNN, "According to the latest annual report from the US Mint, each penny cost 3.7 cents to make, including the 3 cents for production costs, and 0.7 cents per coin for administrative and distribution costs. But each nickel costs 13.8 cents, with 11 cents of production costs and 2.8 cents of administrative and distribution costs. These figures are for the government's fiscal year, which ends in September. And there's a problem with Trump's plan: Phasing out the penny could result in needing to make more nickels, and the US Treasury Department loses far more money on every nickel than it does on every penny...The US Treasury stopped making the dollar coin for general circulation in 2011 due to lack of demand. But to stop the use of pennies already in circulation would take an act of Congress. And that would require the federal government to buy back the already-issued pennies."

"Without the penny, the volume of nickels in circulation would have to rise to fill the gap in small-value transactions. Far from saving money, eliminating the penny shifts and amplifies the financial burden," explained American for Common Cents, a pro-penny group funded primarily by Artazn, the company that has the contract to provide the blanks used to make pennies.

PLASTIC STRAWS

Another decision announced by the White House indicated that President Trump would un-do a Biden-era plan to phase out plastic straws by 2027. According to Politico, "The squabble over straws and other single-use plastics is a microcosm of a larger debate over whether the federal government should mitigate greenhouse gas emissions. Over 90 percent of plastic is derived from fossil fuels that, when combusted, release large amounts of carbon dioxide and fuel climate change, according to an 83-page report issued by the Biden administration that called for stronger regulations on plastics manufacturing."

INTRODUCING IONNA'S RECHARGERIES

In mid-February, Ionna announced its transition from its public beta phase to full-scale national release. The group marked the milestone with the opening of an Ionna-branded "Rechargery" located in Apex, North Carolina. The Apex facility, which has the appearance of a vintage fueling center, is one example of the type of charging sites that Ionna plans to roll out as part of its national initiative. The company is committed to establishing over 1,000 live charging bays by the end of 2025, and more than 30,000 EV charging bays by 2030. While competitors focus primarily on metro areas, Ionna is building its network near major highways and underserved rural areas, thus making long-distance travel feasible with an electric vehicle. Its partners include Sheetz, BMW, General Motors, Honda, Kia, Mercedes-Benz, Stellantis, and Toyota.

With its "Rechargeries," Ionna is reimagining the charging experience and taking a fun approach. It aims to make the time spent charging a vehicle worthwhile for the driver. Instead of bare-bones chargers often found in parking lots, Ionna's stations will include shaded canopies, restrooms, and comfortable waiting areas. Even the brand's website offers a vintage color scheme, graphics, and fonts similar to a 1970's road trip. In addition, Ionna's Rechargeries will offer food options and a lounge-like atmosphere. Some locations will feature Amazon's "Just Walk Out" technology, which will allow customers to grab snacks and drinks without checking out using a register. This streamlined approach will make the customer experience quick and hassle-free.

What other recent marketing news caught your attention? Since there's always something happening that impacts marketing, read #DebbieLaskeysBlog for the scoop! And, during March, get ready for the 97th annual Oscars plus Women's History Month.

Image Credits: Google Maps.

Read my post featuring my Ad Analysis from Super Bowl LIX (February 10, 2025):

https://www.debbielaskeysblog.com/2025/02/monday-morning-quarterbacking-ads-from.html

Read my post about fun wagers surrounding Super Bowl LIX (59) (February 9, 2025):

https://www.debbielaskeysblog.com/2025/02/super-bowl-lix-is-hours-away.html

Read NRG's study entitled, Hero Complex, the role of the entertainment industry in tackling America's masculinity crisis (October 2024):

https://downloads.ctfassets.net/4ivt4uy3jinr/5LUM726GRke9RRn2ikkFX6/5fb7efc8b586754e2583faf01908c94d/NRG_Hero_Complex_Playbook_October_2025.pdf

Learn more about Ionna's RECHARGERIES:

https://www.ionna.com/rechargeries/

Wednesday, February 26, 2025

Don't Forget that Timeless Marketing Mantra: Don't Judge a Book by Its Cover

If you're a bibliophile like me, do you wonder how publishers chose a book's cover design? Are there photographs or drawings on the cover? Are there bright colors on the cover? Is the cover clearly targeting a specific audience?

Book covers are important because they can influence reading choices; convey information such as a book's genre; generate interest and entice readers to learn more about a book; set the tone for the reading experience and create an emotional connection with a reader; stand out from the competition (other books); and be a marketing tool that helps sell a book.

According to Tim Kreider's article, "The Decline and Fall of the Book Cover" in The New York Times, "The main principles of design - in books, appliances, cars, clothing, everything - are: (1) Your product must be bold and eye-catching and conspicuously different from everyone else's, but (2) Not too much!"

According to Clare Thorp, "Covers can be a swift way to signal genre, but the good ones do more than that. They give face to a book's personality. They're what will make you pick it up in the first place, then keep it on your shelf to remind you what it meant to you."

According to Marielle Segarra in an article entitled, "Why It's OK to Judge a Book by Its Cover" from NPR, "I am the queen of judge a book by its cover. The reason you can [do that] is because there is a lot of effort and marketing that goes into making covers that tell you what's in the book, what kind of person it's for and what to expect. When you start to look at the books that you've loved in your life, you might notice some trends. When I look at my bookshelves, I have the most black books and the most red books, but I don't have a lot of green books. Whatever they're doing with the marketing for green books, not for me. I don't know if you should use a cover to pick a book 100 percent of the time. I have read books with gorgeous covers that I did not like. I have also read books that had embarrassing covers that I loved. But if you're at a bookstore trying to decide which of the three or four books to buy, pick what speaks to you and jumps out at you."

As I picked up a recent book to read, I wondered about this topic because there were many different covers based on the country where it was sold. The book is LESSONS IN CHEMISTRY by Bonnie Garmus. And if you've already read the book or watched the Apple+ television series, then you know what all the buzz is about. The simple plot line is this, "In the 1950's, Elizabeth Zott's dream of being a scientist is challenged by a society that says women belong in the domestic sphere; she accepts a job on a TV cooking show and sets out to teach a nation of housewives way more than recipes."

But back to this post's topic, the book's covers. According to The New York Times, "The United States edition, with its bubble gum pink cover bearing a stylized woman's face peering over a pair of cat-eye sunglasses, reads as overtly feminine, a light beach read for a day off. One can, of course, read any number of things at the beach. But some readers, at least, have been surprised to open it and find the story of Zott, a brilliant woman whose fetching chignon is secured by a No. 2 pencil also intended to ward off sexual assaults."

James Daunt, Barnes & Noble's Chief Executive Officer, explained, "Aiming the novel at a female readership is a bit pigeonholing, ultimately, the book has dominated the cover. And whether because of the cover or in spite of it, sales have been off the charts."

The covers in other countries paint a different picture: primary colors in Britain, sober in Germany, and surreal in Estonia.

Based on the letters the author received, LESSONS IN CHEMISTRY struck a chord with a wide range of readers, although the American cover might have scared off men. Garmus recalled talking to an all-male book club whose members were initially dissuaded by the cover's palette. According to Garmus, "The book is not anti-men, it's anti-sexism."

And according to Garmus when asked if she was furious about the pink chick-lit cover, "All I can say is, the publisher did let me have input, and I told them I thought it looked like chick-lit (nothing against chick-lit, but this book isn't that). Still, publishers have a lot of experience knowing what an audience will respond to, and they thought this was the best way. They've been great to work with; we just didn't see eye-to-eye on this. You can Google other covers from other nations and see if you think anyone else got a little closer. I think Germany and the UK both did a nice job."

According to The Publishing Post, "The US and UK cover designs, whilst both striking, are also quite different. The UK Cover is separated into four bright block squares, reminiscent of the periodic table, and can also be found under the hardcover jacket. The word "In" is stylized to look like the element Indium on the periodic table, providing another clear nod to chemistry, while a woman wearing a dress and heels is holding a television set. The screen shows a woman wearing a lab coat using a chemistry set, depicting Elizabeth’s job as a television cooking host during which she incorporates chemistry, her true love. By contrast, the US edition is pink with a woman's face peering over cat-eye sunglasses. This cartoon style design is especially popular for the romance genre. Whilst there is a love interest, this book is not a romance. In the US cover, the more light-hearted design contrasts with the contents as the book incorporates very serious themes such as sexual assault. However, there is still a nod to chemistry: a chemistry set is reflected in Elizabeth's glasses indicating that chemistry is constantly on her mind. The number two pencil which secures her hair references a pivotal scene and makes the character appear studious. Overall, the UK cover more accurately matches the book's tone but both are eye-catching."

In addition, here are two other books whose covers presented questions about content and target audiences:

AMERICAN DIRT by Jeanine Cummins featured blue birds, similar to traditional Mexican Talavera tiles, that were surrounded by barbed wire. Birds are symbols of peace, freedom, and hope - while the barbed wire kept people away from those things. The protagonist was on a journey to be free, like the birds, as she tried to escape her version of barbed wire.

THE LONELY HEARTS BOOK CLUB by Lucy Gilmore featured the illustration of a woman with bold colorful lines intended to be books. At its core, the book celebrated the power of friendship, the magic of books, and the unexpected joy found in unlikely connections, and while some men may think that the cover only appealed to women, there is no doubt that the cover's colors conveyed joy.

Have you read LESSONS IN CHEMISTRY? Did the cover entice you to read the book?

Since marketing is such an integral part of book publishing, what can your brand learn from this analysis to improve your brand storytelling?

Thursday, February 20, 2025

Tips to Celebrate #NationalLeadershipDay!

Today, February 20, is National Leadership Day. According to National Day website, "The aim of National Leadership Day is to instill the values of leadership in each one of us. A good leader not only leads but inspires those around him/her/they to be the best versions of themselves. Anyone can be a leader — you just have to show up and encourage others to do the same...We know that an organization is only as good as its leaders, which means that having empathetic and just leaders at the top, who lead by example, creates an environment in which everyone is inspired to be their best."

Moreover, it's a day to acknowledge those who inspire, guide, and motivate others toward achieving collective goals. By celebrating this important day, we honor those who have made significant contributions and inspire others to step up and lead with purpose and dedication.

Therefore, since last summer, I shared a review of the book entitled Jumpstart Your Workplace Culture, today is a great day to again welcome leadership expert and author Eric Stone to my blog as we discuss and promote leadership. Highlights of our conversation follow a brief introduction.

Eric D. Stone is a dynamic leader whose passion for business fueled a remarkable 26-year career at Enterprise Holdings, where he rose to become one of the most celebrated Regional Vice Presidents in the company’s history. Leveraging his expertise in cultivating high-performance cultures, Eric authored the award-winning book Jumpstart Your Workplace Culture, which has inspired leaders around the world. As an international speaker, Eric captivates audiences with practical strategies and real-world insights, empowering organizations to drive engagement and achieve exceptional results. Through his company, Clear Path Ventures, he provides hands-on consulting to help leaders and teams develop tailored engagement strategies that foster transformation and measurable growth.

QUESTION: How do you think leaders should address last November's Presidential election results, since workplace culture and collaboration/teamwork could be and were impacted?

(Read the related post here:

https://katherinespinney.com/silence-is-not-the-answer/)

ERIC STONE: Presidential elections often bring heightened emotions, differing opinions, and anxieties that can impact workplace culture and collaboration. While there's no one-size-fits-all solution, leaders should anchor their response in the organization's core values, ensuring clarity and stability during uncertain times.

Regular touchpoints, such as one-on-ones, team meetings, pulse surveys, and town halls, create opportunities to engage with employees, address concerns, and foster dialogue, helping to mitigate polarization and promote mutual respect. Additionally, investing in training for managers on how to handle sensitive topics with empathy and professionalism is crucial. Equipped with the right tools, managers can navigate difficult conversations in a way that fosters respect, trust, and collaboration, preventing conflict and maintaining a positive, high-performing workplace culture.

QUESTION: In an article by Barbara McQuade in TIME Magazine, she wrote, "The real danger when a leader traffics in half-truths and conflicting claims is that people don't know what to believe." Instead of looking at leaders' actions, let's flip the script. How can employees keep their leaders honest?

(Read the referenced article here:

https://time.com/7173492/second-trump-term-misinformation-essay/)

ERIC STONE: To keep leaders honest, employees must be proactive and intentional in their approach. First, employees should be observant and identify inconsistencies in messages or plans, raising questions that prompt leaders to clarify their positions. This can be done respectfully and with a focus on company values, emphasizing the importance of honesty and integrity. Employees should use data, facts, and examples to support their points, creating a foundation for productive discussions. It’s also essential for employees to collaborate with peers, uniting in a shared commitment to transparency and ethical behavior. Lastly, employees should leverage formal channels, such as feedback mechanisms or employee forums, to escalate concerns when necessary, demonstrating a commitment to maintaining the organization's values and ensuring that trust remains intact.

QUESTION: Erika Andersen wrote in a Forbes article, “This is the first time in history that four distinct generations are together in the workplace: Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z." What are some insights or advice to help everyone work together successfully?

(Read the referenced article here:

https://www.forbes.com/sites/erikaandersen/2015/05/06/what-planet-are-you-from-5-ways-to-get-along-with-people-who-arent-like-you/)

ERIC STONE: With up to five generations now in the workplace and ongoing debates about flexibility — whether in-person, remote, or hybrid — the topic of building successful teams has never been more relevant. To bridge generational divides and create a cohesive team, it's essential to focus on five key factors of employee engagement:

(1) A strong relationship with your manager. Understanding individual motivations and tailoring your approach ensures trust and mutual respect thrive in a diverse environment.

(2) Clear communication of expectations and goals. There should be no confusion among your people about their role or what's expected of them, regardless of their background.

(3) The right materials, equipment, and information to achieve desired outcomes. Teams should have the resources, data, technology, and training to get the job done at a high level.

(4) A manager who encourages personal and professional growth. Your goal is to coach and mentor individual contributors to reach their potential inside and outside the organization.

(5) A system in which top performance is recognized. You consistently call out and reward excellence, incentivizing people to give their very best.

(Note: For more details about the five factors, check out my videos on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ericdstone1)

QUESTION: Some people believe that leadership is only possible with a title, however, there are many ways to be a leader. Please share some.

ERIC STONE: Embrace the mentality of "act as if," where leadership comes from the impact you make - not the title you hold. One way to demonstrate this is through becoming a Culture Carrier — excelling at your job, taking initiative, and consistently raising the bar. When you embody the values and standards of your organization, you inspire others to do the same. You can also focus on Jumpstarting Others by taking time to help colleagues achieve their goals and advance their careers. Whether through mentoring, collaboration, or offering guidance, you build trust and nurture a team-oriented, growth-focused environment. Finally, Sharpen Your Brand by proactively developing the specific skills you want to strengthen. Seek out people with expertise you admire and align yourself with aspirational brands to stay ahead in your field and motivate others to pursue their own growth.

Monday, February 17, 2025

Tips to Celebrate Random Acts of Kindness Day

Did you know that there's a day that celebrates kindness? Random Acts of Kindness Day celebrates and encourages random acts of kindness and the pay it forward mentality.

According to ThereIsADayForThat.com, "The day is meant to cultivate feelings of kindness toward others and brighten up their day. Every act is significant, no matter how big or small. Random Act of Kindness Day was first established in 1995 by the nonprofit Random Acts of Kindness Foundation. It first originated in Denver, Colorado and in 2004, spread to New Zealand. The idea and celebration continued to spread and is officially celebrated on February 17th in the United States."

Here are some brands that stand out for their dedication to kindness and improving communities both near and far:

TOM'S SHOES

According to the company's website, "Since the beginning of TOMS, you and our Impact Partners have had a positive impact on over 105,000,000 lives — and we're far from finished. In 2006, TOMS founder Blake Mycoskie pioneered the One for One model — giving away one pair of shoes for every pair sold, supporting larger health, education, and community development programs through strategic partnerships. Today we give 33 percent of profits for grassroots good. When you wear TOMS, you Wear Good."

KINDNESS TIP: If your brand is a product, can you implement a buy one item-donate one item initiative?

BOMBAS SOCKS

According to the company's website, "When our customers make a purchase, they spark a donation, helping to keep our Giving Partner Organizations stocked up with plenty of socks, underwear, and t-shirts to distribute to those who need them. As of May 30, 2024, we're at 143,193,087 products donated and 123,255,184 products distributed. These totals will be updated annually. Milestone numbers featured in marketing materials may lag behind the current number as they were produced at a moment in time."

KINDNESS TIP: Can your brand partner with other organizations to distribute donated products?

DAWN

According to the company's website, "We go above and beyond what is required to share helpful information about the Dawn products that deliver the effective and sustainable clean you expect for your home and family. Here's everything you need to know about our soap ingredients, what they do, and how they reflect our commitment to you, your family, and our community...Tough on grease and oil, gentle enough for wildlife: For nearly 50 years, Dawn has worked with wildlife rescue experts to protect and care for aquatic wildlife. Our iconic ducklings have become a symbol of our effectiveness as the better grease getter and our dedication to creating a cleaner world for birds and marine mammals alike."

Since 1978, Dawn has worked with bird and marine mammal experts through countless efforts. Here is a recap of the brand's impact:

* 200+ rescue missions using Dawn

* 50,000+ bottles donated

* 150,000+ birds and marine mammals cleaned

KINDNESS TIP: Can your brand partner with environmentally-conscious organizations to support wildlife conservation, climate change awareness, and/or recycling?

DOVE

The brand has an impressive mission: "Redefining beauty, and keeping women and girls confident, one initiative at a time." Dove launched a self-esteem project in 2024: a resolution for women to let go of unrealistic beauty standards and define beauty on one's own terms.

Dove has also launched other inspiring initiatives:

(1) Dove invited fans to help end race-based hair discrimination.

(2) In partnership with the Rimba Collective, Dove is protecting and restoring 123,000 acres of rainforest, peatlands, and mangroves in Southeast Asia over the next five years – an area eight times the size of Manhattan.

(3) "At Dove Men+Care, we’re proud to have zero manufacturing waste going to landfill. Cardboard boxes transporting raw materials, for example, are sold to recycling companies to ensure they’re reused. As part of our commitment to help minimize waste and make all our plastic packaging reusable, recyclable or compostable by 2025, the bottles of our body, face and hair washes are recyclable and made with 100 percent recycled plastic in North America and Europe (where technically possible). This means less greenhouse gases are being produced, which of course is better for the environment. Dove Men+Care does not test on animals and is PETA Approved."

KINDNESS TIP: Can your brand re-imagine a concept (e.g., the vision of beauty) so that it better equips teenagers as they enter adulthood and helps them gain self-confidence?

KRISPY KREME DOUGHNUTS

Since 1955, the company has offered fundraising kits for organizations to sell boxes of doughnuts; Krispy Kreme would then split the proceeds with the organizations to raise funds for various causes. In 2014, Krispy Kreme released a $1,685 doughnut as part of fundraising efforts for The Children's Trust. It was covered with 24-karat gold and decorated with edible diamonds. The inside was made from Dom Pérignon champagne jelly.

KINDNESS TIP: Can your brand partner with nonprofit organizations to help with their fundraising initiatives?

NAOT

According to Reader's Digest, "Naot has long been a favorite for ethically minded shoppers, and that's thanks to what the company calls its "shoes of peace." The Naot factory is located in a small farming community in the northernmost part of Israel, where it's been handcrafting shoes since 1942. It employs people of every faith and ethnicity, and every pair of shoes is handmade through the joint craft of Israelis and Palestinians. As a socially active company, Naot donates thousands of pairs of shoes to battered women and homeless shelters throughout the United States and around the world every year. Shoes are handcrafted through sustainable methods; shoes feature vegetable-tanned leather and a cork footbed to minimize the environmental impact; and boxes are made of recycled materials."

According to the company's website, "Design your own Naot to Donate! Download our template to design your own Naot sandal, get creative! Post your design on social media using #NaotGivesBack (on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/naot.northamerica/) and we will donate a pair of shoes in your name!"

KINDNESS TIP: Can your brand donate products?

SASHKA CO. BRACELETS

According to the company's website, "Sashka Co. glass beaded bracelets are handcrafted with positive vibes by artisans in the Kathmandu Valley of Nepal. Each bracelet is carefully handmade bead by bead. Skill, passion, and some of the world's finest glass and sterling silver beads go into each one. Every Sashka Co. Bracelet comes with a lifetime guarantee and a perfect fit promise.

Sashka Co. partners with several organizations in Nepal that train and employ hundreds of artisans in rural communities. Our partners are focused on gender equality and empowering women. The women at the co-ops earn a living wage that exceeds the local minimum wage. Sashka Co. was founded in 2013 with an amazing team of seventeen artisans. Thanks to the support of Sashka Co. Bracelets customers, we now provide sustainable jobs to 450+ artisans in Nepal.

KINDNESS TIP: Can your brand make a difference in a part of the world where inequality exists?

If you're in charge of marketing initiatives for a brand, what can your organization do today for your employees or the community? And if you find yourself at Starbucks or your favorite coffee house, why not surprise the next customer and pay for their drink?

Tuesday, February 11, 2025

Inclusion Is an Opportunity!

While Twitter/X may be off some people's radar due to its ownership change in 2023, I continue to meet and be inspired by interesting thought leaders on that platform. I recently met Ruchika Malhotra, read her book about inclusion, and invited her to participate in a Q&A here on my blog. Highlights of our discussion follow a brief introduction, but first, today is an appropriate day to feature Ruchika.

That's because today is the International Day of Women and Girls in Science. According to Wikipedia, "The International Day of Women and Girls in Science is an annual observance adopted by the United Nations General Assembly to promote the full and equal access and participation of women and girls in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) fields. The United Nations General Assembly passed resolution 70/212 on 22 December 2015, which proclaimed the 11th day of February as the annual commemoration of the observance. A theme is selected annually to highlight a particular focus and area of discussion around a focus point for gender equality in science."

Rushika Malhotra, an award-winning inclusion strategist and speaker, is CEO and Founder of Candour, which works with organizations to create diverse teams and inclusive cultures. A former business journalist, she has reported from four countries and writes regularly on inclusive leadership for the Harvard Business Review. She was named to the Thinkers50 list, a global ranking described by the Financial Times as the "Oscars of management thinking."

QUESTION: What are three take-aways you hope all readers will have after reading your book? ("Inclusion on Purpose: An Intersectional Approach to Creating a Culture of Belonging at Work")

RUCHIKA MALHOTRA: Here are my three take-aways:

1. I really hope that managers, leaders, and employees at all levels take time to reflect on, learn, build awareness, get uncomfortable and only then take action towards creating a more inclusive workplace. Good intentions don't always lead to good outcomes.

2. I'd love for a key takeaway to be that we all have a role to play in creating an inclusive environment; it's not just HR or a CEO's job.

3. When I think about the biggest opportunity for meaningful change from an intersectional lens, it is to ensure that Black, Indigenous and other people of color are at the forefront of any major effort around creating culture and belonging.

QUESTION: Please briefly explain your "BRIDGE Framework."

RUCHIKA MALHOTRA: I believe inclusion is a mindset, it's not just hardwired in us, and it requires ongoing, intentional work.

To cultivate an inclusion mindset, you have to ground yourself in a growth mindset. Carol Dweck, author of "Mindset: The New Psychology of Success," has shown that success hinges on believing that you can learn and grow in the face of challenges. By contrast, a fixed mindset keeps us stuck and shying away from challenges, believing our talents are innate rather than developed through practice and perseverance.

Cultivating an inclusion mindset requires us to BRIDGE the gap between our good intentions and true impact. To do this, we must:

~Be ok with being uncomfortable.
~Reflect on what you don't know.
~Invite feedback.
~Don't get defensive.
~Grow from your mistakes.
~Expect that change takes time.

QUESTION: I will never forget one extreme example of online harassment detailed in your book. What actions can women take to stop these types of situations from happening?

(The example was this: The online social media platform Pinterest promoted slave plantations as wedding and event venues, and when an employee discovered that fact and told her manager, she was harassed, her performance was dinged, her pay was affected, and her personal info was posted online.)

RUCHIKA MALHOTRA: I believe that an ally is a verb, not a noun. It's not who you are, it's what you do. To practice allyship means asking: How do I plan to intervene when I see someone being harmed because of their identities? How does my privilege allow me to stand up for them?

In the example of Pinterest in my book, it would be going up to leaders at the organization and standing in solidarity with the woman of color who was harmed, demanding change, and especially, ensuring her pay and position were restored. Too many of us passively stand by thinking that just because we believe in justice in theory, we don't take action in practice to stand up for justice. That's precisely how we perpetuate injustice and harm.

Monday, February 10, 2025

Monday Morning Quarterbacking the Ads from Super Bowl LIX

What do you remember from Super Bowl Sunday? Did you sit on the edge of your seat and keep track of the touchdowns and field goals? Did you know at the outset that the Philadelphia Eagles would be the victor? Or, did you eagerly await the ads? For marketers and many others, we tend to keep one eye on the game because we really want to see (and talk about) the ads.

According to USA Today, "For one day a year, people can't wait to cozy up on the couch and watch commercials during the Super Bowl. For some, it's a nice sideshow to the big game. For others, it's the main event. In a world where everything is an ad, we do our best to escape them, unless it's the Super Bowl. Companies spend a fortune for just 30 seconds of our time, hoping to capture a market. With diminished attention spans and countless things competing for them, the Super Bowl offers an opportunity to speak to consumers when they are more focused. It might just be the one day a year where the public isn't buried in their phones, channel-surfing, or doing a variety of other things at once."

For Super Bowl 1 in 1967, a 30-second Super Bowl ad cost $37,500 - and with inflation, that is about $350,000 in 2025 dollars. For Super Bowl 59, that same 30-second ad cost $8 million, according to USA Today's AdMeter, up from $7 million last year.

According to Aimee Picchi, "Super Bowl ads command a premium because the game is typically the most-watched media event of the year. That gives brands a chance to reach more consumers at one time than anywhere else, and many companies use the opportunity to trot out new products or introduce a new slogan. There's another reason why brands are so willing to pay up: About 3 in 4 people say they are actually excited to watch the ads during the Super Bowl. Families and friends typically watch the game together, and often talk about the spots as well as the game itself — a discussion that can carry over at work the next day."

Jura Liaukonyte, marketing professor at Cornell University's SC Johnson College of Business explained further, "This shared experience can amplify the emotional resonance of advertisements, making them more memorable and effective. When viewers watch the Super Bowl, they are not just passive recipients of content — they are engaged in a communal event."

This quote from Landor Associates is timeless and worth repeating: "Here are three tips to help you, your dad, or even your football-crazed grandma decide which brands scored a touchdown with their commercials: Is the ad on-brand? Will you remember the brand tomorrow? And, does the ad speak to the times?"

An interesting note about the Super Bowl and branding. Ever wonder why the logos include Roman numerals? According to CBS Sports, "For nearly 60 years, the Super Bowl has become a central part of American culture well beyond the sphere of pro football. And for many, the Super Bowl also prompts the need to touch up on a certain other piece of culture that always re-enters the collective conscience around Super Bowl time.

The Super Bowl is one of the select few mainstream events still using Roman numerals, a system that has largely been forgotten. Although the numeral system of Ancient Rome began to fall out of use in favor of Arabic numerals around the 14th century, there are still a few instances in which Roman numerals are commonly used: on clock faces, to identify lineages -- particularly for royalty and other important figures -- and to denote each edition of the Super Bowl.

The use of Roman numerals for each Super Bowl dates back to the fifth Super Bowl, with the league adopting the use of the system to avoid confusion over the year the game is associated with. The Super Bowl is always played in the year following a chronologically recorded season, so while this Super Bowl is being played in 2025, the game itself will determine the champion of the 2024 NFL season.

In addition, the idea to use Roman numerals for the Super Bowl is also credited to Kansas City Chiefs founder Lamar Hunt, who believed their use would add an element of grandeur to the NFL's biggest game. Hunt, of course, is credited with coining the term "Super Bowl," and his Chiefs are competing to become the first team in NFL history to win three Super Bowls in a row."

While there was no ad similar to Apple's 1984 ad; no ad that was as memorable as Budweiser's post-9/11 ad from 2002 with the kneeling Clydesdales; no animated Coca Cola polar bears; and no Tweet clever enough to rival Oreo's "dunking in the dark" from 2013's "Blackout Bowl" at the Superdome in New Orleans; some ads did stand out to me, and without further ado, here they are:

HELLMANN'S: Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan reprised their roles from the film "When Harry Met Sally" for a famous scene at Katz's Deli in New York City. This time, Meg Ryan needed some mayonnaise. This was a surprise ad, and for those of us who remember the film, the scene was hard to forget.

WEATHER TECH: Four female senior citizens took to the open road with the music in the background, "Born to Be Wild." This was a geriatric version of "Thelma and Louise."

NOVARTIS: The ad began by focusing on women's breasts, but as it went on, the emphasis changed. According to AdWeek's Bill Bradley, "Novartis put a spotlight on breast cancer awareness with the help of Hailee Steinfeld, breast-cancer survivor Wanda Sykes, cheerleaders, partygoers, and everyday women living their lives. The ad was a healthcare promo with a twist, showing breasts in all forms and fashions along with a message to pay attention to them when it matters the most. According to the ad, more than 6 million women watching the Super Bowl may be diagnosed with breast cancer, but websites like YourAttentionPlease.com are there to help with screenings and potentially life-saving information."

NIKE: The ad was entitled, "So Win," and was the first time since 1998 that a Nike commercial aired during the Super Bowl. According to Austin Curtright of USA Today, "Women’s sport isn't the future, it's right now. We're seeing it in packed arenas, in TV ratings, in the way people are showing up for the game like never before. Commanding attention isn't about being the loudest in the room. It's about making sure that when you step up, everyone takes notice. Women's sports have seen a stark rise in popularity in recent years, which each of the athletes featured in the commercial have played a role in. Nike is appearing to step up its commitment to women's sports."

BUDWEISER: Whenever the Clydesdale horses appear in an ad, the ad tugs at the heartstrings. This ad was no exception. A young foal returned a lost keg of beer and proved he was just as talented as the adult horses.

COORS LIGHT: This ad's theme was the sluggishness of Mondays, and as a result, the beer changed its name to "Mondays Light."

MOUNTAIN DEW: Singer Seal became a seal and sang that he didn't have hands to hold the beverage.

LAY'S: A young girl planted a potato and watched it grow, eventually becoming a potato that would become Lay's potato chips.

DOVE: This ad spoke volumes. According to Just Jared, "The personal care product brand’s 2025 Super Bowl Commercial shows a little girl running down the sidewalk and brings an important message about how girls in sports are treated. "At 3, these legs are unstoppable. At 14, she'll think they're unbearable. 1 in 2 girls who quit sports are criticized for their body type...Let's change the way we talk to our girls. #KeepHerConfident."

During the game, while sharing posts on Twitter/X, some brands stood out with their posts, such as, Encyclopaedia Britannica, Jet Blue, Library of Congress, Best Friends, Avocados from Mexico, Minions, Samsung Mobile US, and LAY'S. If you missed their posts, check them out.

According to Google, "Wicked: For Good was not featured in a trailer during the 2025 Super Bowl. Universal chose not to preview the sequel to the Oscar-nominated musical. Wicked: For Good is scheduled for release in theaters on November 21, 2025. The movie continues the story of Elphaba and Glinda from where the first part left off. The sequel centers on the consequences of their decisions and further developments in the world of Oz. Universal likely didn't need to advertise Wicked: For Good as early or to as large an audience as other movies because of the excitement surrounding the first movie and its Academy Award nominations...Other movies featured in trailers during the 2025 Super Bowl included: Jurassic World Rebirth, Mission: Impossible — The Final Reckoning, and How to Train Your Dragon."

A few timeless words from Jacques de Cock, a faculty member at the London School of Marketing: "The Super Bowl is a phenomenon unsurpassed in the world. It is one of the few national social events, which is also why social media traffic during the game is so high...What is also remarkable is that advertising is not viewed as something to skip but is seen by 77 percent of viewers as part of the entertainment, and therefore, more watched and engaged with than any other television advertising during the year."

Today, the official countdown begins for Super Bowl 60, scheduled for February 8, 2026, at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California - home of the San Francisco 49ers. This will be the third Super Bowl to be held in the San Francisco Bay Area and the second to be hosted by Levi's Stadium. Will we see an ad or two that will go down as the best of all time? We'll have to wait and see.

Image credit: ABC6 Action News.

To read any of my previous Super Bowl ad review posts (I've been writing them annually since 2012), search #DebbieLaskeysBlog using the term "super" to access all the links.

Sunday, February 9, 2025

Super Bowl LIX Is Hours Away

Today is the day all football fans - and marketing experts - look forward to each year. For the two best teams, the season championship is on the line. But for brands that spend between seven and eight million dollars for a 15 or 30 seconds ad, it's easily the best day of the year for a brand to become as talked about as Oscar winners. Since the game is just hours away, let's draw our attention to some other fun stories surrounding today's event.

MUSEUM WAGERS

According to NPR, "Directors of the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art in Kansas City and the Philadelphia Museum of Art will each put a master work from their respective collections on the line. A shortlist of masterworks that could be up for loan will be revealed once curators huddle to consider the potential spoils of victory...When the Eagles lost to the Chiefs in 2023, the Philadelphia Museum of Art loaned the 1875 painting "Sailing," by Thomas Eakins, which was on display at the Nelson-Atkins for two months.

Philadelphia museum officials announced the latest edition of the wager in what has become known as #MuseumBowl2025 will showcase two paintings by 19th century French artist Edouard Manet, considered by many to be an elder statesman of the Impressionist movement. If the Eagles hoist the Lombardi Trophy on Sunday, the Nelson-Atkins will send the 1871 work "The Croquet Party" to Philadelphia on loan."

ZOO WAGERS

According to NPR, "When the 49ers lost the Super Bowl in 2020, the San Francisco Zoo had to name one of their goats after Patrick Mahomes. The last time the Eagles lost, an iconic elephant statue at the Philadelphia Zoo, the first nation's first zoo, had to wear a "Chiefs Kingdom" banner.

This year, the Kansas City Zoo is raising the stakes with a challenge rolled into a bet on Instagram. The caption read, "How about the winning team donates $50 PER POINT that their team scores to a Saving Animals From Extinction (SAFE) program of their choice?" The winning proceeds will be put toward conservation programs."

LIBRARY WAGERS

The Kansas City Public Library and the Free Library of Philadelphia created a friendly, literary competition in honor of the big game.

"We wanted to do a love competition, especially since it's February and also Valentine's Day month. We wanted to kick off something to show some love for the library. We're asking community members to share something they love about their local library in a Library Love Competition," said Juli Lancaster, Kansas City Library digital content specialist.

The last time the Eagles lost, President and Director of the Free Library of Philadelphia Kelly Richards hosted a special Chiefs-themed story time where he read "Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day."

MAYOR WAGERS

Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas and Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle L. Parker announced their wager: Lucas will send along Gates BBQ, while Parker is wagering cheesesteaks.

GOVERNOR WAGERS

Cheesesteaks are also on the line — along with some Miller's Twist pretzels — for Kansas Governor Laura Kelly and Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe, who put in their bets with Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro.

PUBLIC SCHOOL WAGERS

According to NPR, "Kansas City Public School's Pitcher Elementary has cleaned up during the playoffs, winning challenges against a Houston school ahead of the Divisional Round game against the Texans, and a Buffalo school ahead of the AFC title game. Now, Pitcher Elementary has created a Super Bowl challenge from Dr. Jennifer Collier, Superintendent of the Kansas City Public Schools, against The School District of Philadelphia: If the Chiefs win: Philly students and staff will wear red and gold to school and send some goodies from Philadelphia. If the Eagles win: KCPS students and staff will wear green and white to school and send treats to Philadelphia."

KANSAS CITY & PHILADELPHIA ANIMAL ADOPTION NEWS

According to NPR, "Stray cats and dogs at the Great Plains SPCA will be purring and wagging their tails if the Chiefs win on Sunday. The local animal adoption agency is collaborating with PAWS Philadelphia Animal Welfare Society in the Shelter Showdown, where shelters compete to see who can rally the most support from their communities. So far, more than $105,000 has been donated to the Shelter Showdown to care for animals in need — more than $45,000 of it in Kansas City and more than $38,000 in Philadelphia."

MEDIA WAGERS

Philadelphia's NPR station WHYY and Kansas City's KCUR also made a wager: If the Chiefs win, the Philadelphia station will send KCUR a basket of Philly food — soft pretzels, Goldenberg's Peanut Chews, and more. If the Eagles win, KCUR will send WHYY some KC barbecue. Bets between the local NPR stations in each Super Bowl city have become a tradition.

PUPPY BOWL XXI

Airing on Animal Planet on Super Bowl Sunday, Puppy Bowl XXI will feature Team Ruff versus Team Fluff as adorable adoptable puppies play their version of football and attempt to win the Lombarky Trophy.

GREAT AMERICAN RESCUE BOWL

Formerly known as The Kitten Bowl and previously broadcast on the Hallmark Channel, Great American Family grabbed the event in 2022. This third annual event will be broadcast in partnership with the North Shore Animal League America, the world's largest no-kill rescue and adoption organization based out of Port Washington, New York. The televised event will be a cat and dog filled gridiron featuring pets looking for their fur-ever homes. According to Parade, "Between the turnovers and touchdowns, the special features heartwarming stories of pet lives saved through fostering. The goal of the show is to raise awareness of pet adoption and reveal the beautiful pets available in shelters in everyone's neighborhood."

GATORADE SHOWER

While there are a myriad of bets surrounding the Super Bowl such as which team scores first, which team gets a field goal first, which team gets a touchdown first, score at the end of each quarter, score at half time, and final score, there is one ridiculous bet that stands out: the Gatorade color for the end-of-game Gatorade shower on the winning coach. The tradition began in 1984 when nose tackle Jim Burt doused New York Giants coach Bill Parcells with a cooler of Gatorade. Two years later, after the NY Giants won Super Bowl XXI, linebacker Harry Carson snuck up behind Parcells and doused him with another Gatorade shower.

According to ESPN, "Splashing the winning Super Bowl coach with Gatorade has become more than a fun tradition. Guessing the color has become a prop bet that generates more than $1 million, although the wager is accepted only in New Jersey, West Virginia, and Illinois, as well as offshore books. The NFL isn't thrilled with the gimmick bet, per a league source, because of the potential for corruption with someone finding out the color ahead of time. But that won't stop a player or players from the Kansas City Chiefs or the Philadelphia Eagles from splashing the drink on their coach in a postgame celebration Sunday. By the way, purple is the current favorite at ESPN."

Jeff Kearney, head of global sports marketing at Gatorade, explained, "It turned into this thing that today, regardless of level of play - youth, high school, college, pro, international, you name it - a big moment, a seminal moment is oftentimes christened with that Gatorade shower."

And in case you're wondering, the most popular colors for Gatorade showers at the Super Bowl are orange, blue, and clear. The least popular color is blue, which has only been used four times since 1985. And red Gatorade has not been dumped on a Super Bowl-winning coach in over 25 years.

PHRASES IN END ZONES

For the first time in four years, the NFL will remove the phrase "End Racism" from the end zones of the Super Bowl game and replace with two messages, "Choose Love" and "It Takes All of Us." According to NFL spokesperson Brian McCarthy, "The Super Bowl is often a snapshot in time, and the NFL is in a unique position to capture and lift the imagination of the country. "Choose Love" is appropriate to use as our country has endured in recent weeks wildfires in southern California, the terrorist attack here in New Orleans, the plane and helicopter crash near our nation's capital, and the plane crash in Philadelphia...The NFL began adding phrases to the field in 2020, as part of the "Inspire Change" initiative launched in 2018. Inspire Change is the NFL's social justice initiative, aimed at reducing barriers to opportunity, particularly in communities of color, and showcasing how the NFL family is working together to create positive change."

FOOD NEWS

Some food brands have special deals for Super Bowl Sunday:

(1) Buffalo Wild Wings will continuing its Super Bowl Sunday tradition for the seventh year in a row. If the Super Bowl enters overtime, customers nationwide will receive six boneless wings for free on Monday, February 24, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.

(2) Krispy Kreme is offering special football-themed doughnuts, available at stores and for pickup or delivery. Each "Big Game Dozen" has six glazed doughnuts and six football-shaped cream-filled doughnuts, dipped in chocolate icing with white icing football laces. Also today, get an Original Glazed dozen for only $2 when purchasing any dozen (or 16-count minis).

(3) Dunkin': Start Super Bowl Sunday off with the new DunKings $6 Meal Deal, which comes with a Sausage, Egg and Cheese Sandwich, Hash Browns and a medium Hot (14 ounces) or Iced Coffee (24 ounces). Midday, you can get revved up with the Sabrina Carpenter-inspired Brown Sugar Shakin’ Espresso; medium size for $3 after 12 p.m.

(4) During the Super Bowl, Chipotle will be sharing text-to-claim codes for the following events: when an extra point is kicked; when the team on offense scores a 2-point conversion; when the team on offense converts on a fourth-down play; and when any other event that takes place during the game which Chipotle determines is an "extra" event.

(5) Firehouse Subs: Keep an eye on the sandwich chain's Instagram account, where it posts Names of the Day. If your name is listed, you get a BOGO deal on any sub. Just show a valid photo ID in-store or redeem through the Firehouse Subs app or website.

What will we be talking about after the Super Bowl? Which brand will win the Brand Bowl, also known as the Ad Bowl? Will you be following and commenting on the ads in real time on Twitter/X, as in years past? Will you use Bluesky or Threads instead? Will the ads out score the big game? Tune in tomorrow morning for MY annual Monday morning quarterbacking about the ads.

Image Credits: Instagram.