Will Your Brand Commemorate September 11?

If you were alive on September 11, 2001, your life was forever changed by the events in New York City, at the Pentagon, and in rural Pennsylvania. Terrorism arrived in the United States - and the country would never be the same.

This September marks the 24th anniversary of that tragedy, and while war and terrorism still exist, we will always remember the people who perished on that September morning. And we will always celebrate the first responders who rushed into harm's way.

In those first few days after September 11, 2001, brands added an American flag to their homepages with messages of condolences. Since social media did not exist like it does today, there were no Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram posts that gained hundreds of thousands of comments, likes, or retweets. But today is different. Social media has provided opportunities for everyone's voices to be heard.

On September 11, 2012, President Barack Obama proclaimed the date as Patriot Day and National Day of Service and Remembrance. U.S. government buildings flew their American flags at half-staff, and Americans were urged to perform a day of service to make a positive difference in their communities.

2025 marks the 18th year that Malibu's Pepperdine University will showcase the annual Waves of Flags, a display of 2,977 full-size flags. There are 2,887 American flags for each American life lost and 90 international flags representing the home countries of those from abroad who died.

And no one can forget Budweiser's ad featuring the iconic Clydesdales that aired only once - during the 2002 Super Bowl. "The horses pay tribute to the memory of the fallen of September 11th with an unforgettable, breath-taking bow. Many have never forgotten the commercial that never aired again...[Budweiser] had to get approval from members of Congress, the ad community, and from New York Mayor Rudy Guiliani."

While some in the marketing arena think it best for brands to remain silent on September 11, consumers look to brands to make an emotional connection. This is because when a connection is made, often long-term loyalty happens. 

On this very important day in American history, people tend to remember the brands that speak out. So, will your brand speak out to commemorate September 11?

Image Credit: White Castle via Twitter (posted 9/11/2014).

Watch Budweiser's ad here: https://youtu.be/J3eQmzw6n3k

Marketing News of the Week: Pumpkin Fatigue, Laptops from Uber Eats, and More

During the last week, there were news stories that reflected advertising, brand identity, brand storytelling, brand communications, brand experiences, brand messaging, brand partnerships, personal branding, product packaging, promotions, rebranding, sports advertising, and more.

THE ATLANTA JOURNAL-CONSTITUTION ANNOUNCES END OF PRINT EDITION

ABC News reported, "The Atlanta Journal-Constitution will stop providing a print edition at the end of the year and go completely digital, marking a dramatic change for a storied newspaper that was founded in 1868. The decision will make Atlanta the largest U.S. metro area without a printed daily newspaper, although some smaller metro Atlanta newspapers continue printing."

Publisher Andrew Morse explained, "The fact is, many more people engage with our digital platforms and products today than with our print edition, and that shift is only accelerating. We will begin the new year as a fully digital organization, committed, as always, to being the most essential and engaging news source for the people of Atlanta, Georgia, and the South."

TIME FOR "THROW A PUFFIN OFF A CLIFF" SEASON

Yes, you read that correctly! As reported by IFLScience, "In Iceland, as summer draws to a close, locals give baby puffins a helping hand as they leave their burrows for the first time and attempt to find the ocean. It's a long-held tradition in the Westman Islands, where puffins nest in large numbers. The island cluster is home to the largest puffin colony in the world with around 830,000 breeding pairs - approximately 20 percent of the global population - arriving each spring/summer to mate and lay their eggs.

As nights begin, puffin chicks (known as pufflings) start to flee the nest, embarking on an often-treacherous journey to the sea. The baby birds are guided by the light of the moon, but tend to be drawn by the bright city lights, and instead, head inland. Their wings are too weak to take off again, so they can end up stranded on the island, where they make easy prey for local predators.

To set them back on the right course, the people of Iceland will intervene. There are designated rescue teams and hundreds of volunteers who scour the nearby towns and villages each night, scoop up hapless pufflings, take them home, and gently throw them off a cliff the next morning. Rescuers can scoop up as many as 10 pufflings a night during the peak. Once in the air, the pufflings know how to handle the rest."

According to Kyana Sue Powers, "The pufflings are brought to the south side of the Island. The location can be found on Google Maps as "Beautiful Puffin and Shore View." The cliffs and air are dotted with hundreds of adult puffins, and families can be found releasing their puffins one by one into the wild."

COST TO ENTER THE UNITED STATES

As reported by CNN Travel, "Visitors to the US from some of the nation’s closest allies will soon be required to pay higher fees outlined in the Trump administration’s “One Big Beautiful Bill.” Specifically, a hike to the fees associated with the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), which processes travel applications from residents of more than 40 countries that are part of the Visa Waiver Program. Those countries include the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Israel, and most of Europe, as well as a handful of countries in other regions, including Qatar in the Middle East. Prior to the passage of President Trump’s signature legislation, applicants to the ESTA system, as it’s known, paid $21. Now that mandatory fee will nearly double on September 30 to $40.

Travel to the US from abroad is in a major slump. As CNN’s Natasha Chen reported, many Canadians and other international visitors to the US are staying away. The World Travel and Tourism Council projected in May that the US will lose $12.5 billion in international visitor spending in 2025. It was the only country out of 184 economies analyzed by the Council, a global tourism advocacy organization, that will see a decline this year."

Talk about the decline in brand equity for the USA brand.

"PUMPKIN FATIGUE"

As reported by Restaurant Business, "There’s no doubt fans eagerly welcome the return of pumpkin spice latte. It’s since been joined by pumpkin cold brew, bubble tea, chai, Americano, mocha, and even pumpkin cold foam. If a coffee chain or beverage concept doesn’t offer one or more pumpkin drinks this time of year, they could easily lose business to a competitor. Smoothies, concretes, thick shakes, and other sippable or spoonable treats also make sense as pumpkin vehicles. So do ice cream, baked goods, and desserts. All pair well with pumpkin and the sweet spices associated with it: cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. 

But has the trend gone too far when pumpkin spice chicken wings and pumpkin bagels with pumpkin cream cheese hit the menu? There is evidence that consumers are starting to suffer from pumpkin fatigue. New research from Rubix Foods, a flavor and functional ingredient company, indicates that 47 percent of consumers say pumpkin is overrated, and 25 percent are completely over it (especially Gen Xers and Boomers). That said, pumpkin remains one of the most recognized and craved seasonal flavors, with 15 percent saying it’s actually underrated."

In addition, on the advertising front, "Some chains are taking advantage of that dichotomy by detouring into other flavors and marketing their nonconformity. In a tongue-in-cheek PSA, Sonic is calling on customers to “Save a pumpkin, sip a salted caramel toffee iced coffee.” It’s all part of Sonic’s humorous campaign to promote its new Salted Caramel Toffee Iced Coffee and Salted Caramel Croissant Bites — the Oklahoma City-based chain’s seasonal beverage and snack. On a more serious note, Sonic plans to donate $15,000 to Agricity’s Pumpkins for the People to support the program’s mission to rescue edible pumpkins and reduce food waste."

"Tropical Smoothie Cafe is also taking a stance against pumpkin, debuting an Apple Pie Paradise Smoothie with Biscoff Cookies as “a fresh, bold alternative to pumpkin.” The smoothie is a blend of apples, cinnamon, nonfat yogurt, banana, and coconut, topped with Biscoff cookie crumble."

"And Starbucks, the coffee cafe that started it all, is reaching beyond the pumpkin patch this year. Of course, there are the expected pumpkin-forward coffee drinks and even a Pumpkin Spice Whiskey at Reserve Roasteries. But pecan is the 2025 flavor sidekick, spotlighted in a new Pecan Oatmilk Cortado and the returning Pecan Crunch Oatmilk Latte."

And let's not forget that at Starbucks, there's also a new "Tiramisu Latte," featuring Starbucks Reserve Espresso, rich dark chocolate, and steamed milk - topped with a decadent layer of tiramisu cold foam and a dusting of dark chocolate mocha powder. Apparently, this new latte will be part of the permanent menu. 

SUBWAY ART PROMOTION

As reported by Nation's Restaurant News, "To celebrate the brand's 60th anniversary, Subway is giving away a piece of sandwich shop history — the artwork that once adorned the walls of its restaurants. The limited-time giveaway is open through September 4. To enter, Instagram users can comment directly on the brand's official Subway account post. Winners will be picked on the basis of comments."

KRAFT HEINZ TO SPLIT

As reported by NPR, "Hot dogs go to the left; ketchup to the right. That's Kraft Heinz, one of the world's largest food conglomerates, splitting into two companies. The breakup comes a decade after its messy megamerger, orchestrated by billionaire investor Warren Buffett and considered one of his notable missteps. In recent weeks, both Kraft Heinz and Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway took multibillion-dollar impairment charges reflecting the declining value of the food giant. Kraft Heinz spent years slicing its costs, while rivals invested in new ideas to keep up with changing consumer tastes. Budget-conscious shoppers have been buying more store-brand packaged foods, while people willing to spend extra often reach for fresher alternatives to processed products. Now, Kraft Heinz executives hope the sum of two parts will prove greater than the whole. 

Kraft Heinz tried to refresh its food offerings and address families' growing health concerns. It cut the sugar level in its Capri Sun juices and made mac and cheese with natural food coloring. Last year, after reports about Lunchables' sodium and heavy metals content, the company stopped offering the snack packs for school-lunch programs. It is now removing artificial food dyes from all U.S. products. But years of high inflation have shoppers at Walmart, Costco, and supermarket chains increasingly choosing private-label packaged foods, including in categories where brand names long enjoyed high loyalty."

After the split, the first company will keep some of the fastest-growing categories, such as sauces and condiments, and will carry brands Heinz, Philadelphia, and Kraft Mac & Cheese. The second company will include the slower-growing grocery business, including brands such as Oscar Mayer, Maxwell House, Capri Sun, and Lunchables. Current CEO Carlos Abrams-Rivera will remain with the second company.

MUSIC AT VATICAN CITY

As reported by EWTN Vatican, "Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli and American songwriter Pharrell Williams will direct a concert featuring musicians John Legend, Teddy Swims, Jelly Roll, Karol G, BamBam, and Angelique Kidjo in St. Peter’s Square on September 13. The concert, which will be free and open to the public, will also include a drone light show and talks on themes including peace, justice, food, freedom, and humanity. Cardinal Mauro Gambetti, president of the Fratelli Tutti Foundation and archpriest of St. Peter’s Basilica, said organizers tried to broaden the international scope with the choice of music artists."

THE SOUND OF MUSIC CELEBRATES 60 YEARS

As reported by ABC7, "The Rodgers & Hammerstein classic is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year with a newly restored and remastered version of the beloved movie courtesy of the Walt Disney Film Restoration team. The film will be re-released in theaters in 4K from September 12-September 17 in more than 1,000 cities across the country and around the world beginning September 20. Additionally, there will be a North American Stage Tour of "The Sound of Music," making its way to 80 cities nationwide.

TREATONOMICS TREND

"Treatonomics" (also referred to as "little treat culture") describes our current era of economic uncertainty. The trend has taken off with consumers, according to NBC News, who are buying a small treat that's easier to afford, rather than a large purchase such as furniture or a car. Studies show that these pick-me-ups can cause our brains to release "happy hormones" such as dopamine, serotonin, and endorphins.

BEST BUY AND UBER EATS - A NEW PARTNERSHIP

Announced by Uber on September 2, "We announce a new partnership with Best Buy that brings consumer electronics from more than 800 stores to the Uber Eats platform. Starting today, Best Buy customers can tap to order a wide range of electronics, appliances, and tech essentials on Uber Eats for delivery right to their doorsteps. From headphones and chargers to laptops, gaming gear, and small appliances, Best Buy customers will now enjoy the convenience of on-demand delivery or scheduled drop-offs, all within the Uber Eats app. To celebrate the launch, Uber Eats is offering $20 off Best Buy orders of $60 or more using the code BESTBUY10. Uber One members will continue to enjoy $0 delivery fees on eligible orders and other exclusive savings."

According to Hashim Amin, Head of Grocery & Retail for North America at Uber, "Consumers today expect everything from groceries to gadgets to arrive at their doorsteps quickly and reliably. With this partnership, Uber Eats and Best Buy are making it easier than ever for customers to access the latest technology, whether it’s a necessity or something fun. We’re thrilled to help bring Best Buy’s trusted assortment into the on-demand economy."

DEATH OF GEORGE RAVELING

A force in the basketball world died on September 1 - but his footprint (no pun intended) has ripples in the marketing, advertising, and personal branding arenas.

According to the Basketball Hall of Fame, "The fingerprint George Raveling has left on the game of basketball spreads far and wide. From his playing days at Villanova, to coaching stints as far west as USC, to executive positions with Nike that sent him around the globe, Raveling has touched the game at every level. As a player, Raveling loved to mix it up under the boards and he regularly led his team in rebounding. As a coach, he brought that same toughness to teams at Washington State, USC, and the University of Iowa. In 1984 and again in 1988, he served as an assistant coach on the medal-winning Olympic teams coached by Bob Knight and John Thompson. He broke away from coaching in 1994, but stayed close to the game working as a broadcaster for Fox Sports and CBS. Soon another door opened for George, as Nike named him Director of Grassroots Basketball and later Director of International Basketball. Raveling’s work has taken him to key positions on the boards of the NABC, the NCAA, USA Basketball, and Nike, Inc."

According to The New York Times, "He joined Nike in 1996, first as director of grass roots basketball, then as director of international basketball. He played a key role in signing Michael Jordan, a move that helped invigorate the Nike brand. Raveling was close to Jordan after coaching him in the Olympics, and began lobbying him to join Nike. But Jordan was an Adidas fan. In the end, Nike won Jordan over by planning a new idea: a signature shoe for him known as the Air Jordan." And the worlds of sports advertising, product design, and personal branding were never the same!

Michael Jordan said, "I signed with Nike because of George, and without him, there would be no Air Jordan."

LA AIRPORT SIGNAGE

As reported by the LA Times, "The giant “LAX” sign that has welcomed travelers to Los Angeles International Airport for the last 25 years is temporarily coming down to make way for major roadway projects. Crews began taking down the 32-foot-tall sign on September 4, starting with the “X,” as part of an upcoming reconfiguration of the surrounding roads. Reconstruction will include pedestrian enhancements, improved signage and more direct access to airport economy parking on a 4.4-mile-stretch of reconfigured roadway, according to Los Angeles World Airports. The project is expected to remove hundreds of vehicles from Sepulveda Boulevard traffic at any given time once it is completed...The three-dimensional sign was installed as part of an $80-million facelift of the airport’s main entrance ahead of the Democratic National Convention in 2000, and at the time, it was LAX’s first major beautification project since the 1984 Olympics, with an aim of it becoming as much a symbol of Los Angeles as the Hollywood sign."

Michael Christensen, chief airport development officer for Los Angeles World Airports, said the reconstruction project is a significant milestone for LAX as the airport authority works to improve efficiency and accessibility leading up to the World Cup in 2026 and the Summer Olympics in 2028.

POWER OF ONE WORD

According to an opinion piece on CNN.com, political reporter Ron Brownstein wrote that "One word captures the most important division among Democrats." He wrote that the word was "distraction" because every time President Trump does something that causes people to shake their heads, it causes a distraction. Case in point, how can legislators in Congress focus on important issues, when each day, Trump makes a crazy statement, for example, eliminating mail-in ballots?

However, according to Celinda Lake, a veteran Democratic pollster, "Describing Trump's actions as a "distraction" is absolutely wrong. I think it misses completely where Democrats are at."

And back to Brownstein, "The conflict over the word "distraction," is, of course, a proxy for the much larger debate over which messages Democrats should emphasize as they work to rebuild the party's tattered image and shape their campaigns for 2026."

REBRANDING OF DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

As reported by NPR, "President Trump signed an executive order on September 5 to give the Department of Defense a new name: the Department of War. Speaking from the Oval Office, Trump said the rebranding reflected a new tone for the country and its military. A White House fact sheet explains that under the executive order, the name "Department of War" will serve as a "secondary title" for the Department of Defense. According to the fact sheet, the order will also authorize Defense Department officials to substitute the word "war" into their titles. For example, the Secretary of Defense could use the title Secretary of War. President Trump had previously signaled that a change was in the works. During an appearance in the Oval Office last month, Trump said that War Department "just sounded to me better."

Trump does not have the authority to change the department's name without congressional action. The legal name was established by Congress in 1949, when it renamed the newly unified military service branches under a new "Department of Defense" following World War II. Almost from the country's founding, the army was overseen by the War Department, but the sprawling agency took on its current name following an act of Congress in 1949. At the time, the change marked the culmination of an effort by President Harry Truman to unify the Air Force, Army, and Navy under the umbrella of a single department."

TIME FOR A CHANGE AT VOGUE

As reported by the BBC, "Chloe Malle will become the top editor at American Vogue after Dame Anna Wintour stepped aside as editor-in-chief, the publication announced on September 1. Malle's appointment marks a new era for the magazine, considered one of the most influential and glamorous fashion publications. Malle, 39, the daughter of actress Candice Bergen and French film director Louis Malle, grew up splitting her time between Paris and Los Angeles until her father died when she was 10 years old. In a previous job, she covered real estate for the New York Observer. Her next gig as a freelance writer led her to Vogue, where she began a full-time position as the social editor in 2011, aged 25. She rose through the ranks of the organization and later became the editor of Vogue.com, while also hosting a podcast for the magazine called The Run Through...It is unclear exactly when the transition from Dame Anna to Malle as chief of the magazine will be, but 75-year-old Dame Anna is not completely leaving the picture. Dame Anna previously told the New York Times she would not be moving offices - and that her pottery collection would therefore be staying put as well."

END OF WINDOWS 10

As reported by MSN, "Windows 10 users have a little over a month until Microsoft pulls the plug on the operating system on October 14. A public interest group (PIRG) petitioned the company to reconsider its decision, claiming it would lead to the single biggest jump in e-waste ever. An estimated 400 million PCs are still running Windows 10 despite this imminent end-of-support. However, Windows 11 is slowly gaining traction and broad adoption as it recently surpassed Windows 10 as the most dominant desktop operating system." If you don't want to upgrade your OS and are willing to pay, Microsoft will offer security updates for one year for consumers at a cost of $30.

DEMOCRATIC PARTY'S UNPOPULAR LANGUAGE

As reported by Politico, "Nearly 10 months after the 2024 elections, and the Democratic party is still embroiled in self-recriminations over where they’re talking, what they’re talking about and, now, the actual words they’re using. Or, more precisely: which words they shouldn’t utter. In a new memo, shared with POLITICO, the center-left think tank Third Way is circulating a list of 45 words and phrases they want Democrats to avoid using, alleging that the terms put 'a wall between us and everyday people of all races, religions, and ethnicities.'"

According to Lanae Erickson, Third Way’s senior vice president, "The Democratic Party brand is toxic across the country at this point with way too many people — enough that there’s no way for us to win a governing majority without changing that. Part of the problem was that we were using words that literally no normal people used — [and] that we were sticking to messages that were so overly scripted that they basically sounded like nothing."

Here's the list of words and phrases that fall into six categories:

THERAPY-SPEAK:

*Privilege

*Violence (as in “environmental violence”)

*Dialoguing

*Othering

*Triggering

*Microaggression/assault/invalidation

*Progressive stack

*Centering

*Safe space

*Holding space

*Body shaming

SEMINAR ROOM LANGUAGE:

*Subverting norms

*Systems of oppression

*Critical theory

*Cultural appropriation

*Postmodernism

*Overton Window

*Heuristic

*Existential threat to (climate, the planet, democracy, the economy)

ORGANIZER JARGON:

*Radical transparency

*Small ‘d’ democracy

*Barriers to participation

*Stakeholders

*The unhoused

*Food insecurity

*Housing insecurity

*Person who immigrated

GENDER/ORIENTATION CORRECTNESS:

*Birthing person/inseminated person

*Pregnant people

*Chest feeding

*Cisgender

*Deadnaming

*Heteronormative

*Patriarchy

*LGBTQIA+

THE SHIFTING LANGUAGE OF RACIAL CONSTRUCTS:

*Latinx

*BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color)

*Allyship

*Intersectionality

*Minoritized communities

EXPLAINING AWAY CRIME:

*Justice-involved

*Carceration

*Incarcerated people

*Involuntary confinement

THE END OF MAIL-IN BALLOTS?

Can President Trump eliminate mail-in ballots, as he announced on social media? According to Northeastern University, "While Presidents can advocate for election changes, experts note that the Constitution and U.S. law gives states the authority to decide how ballots are cast. According to Northeastern University law professor Jeremy Paul, "To eliminate mail-in ballots nationwide, Congress would have to pass legislation on the issue, something that seems unlikely. There's not sufficient support to have a nationwide elimination of mail-in ballots."

NATIONAL SERVICE DOG MONTH

According to the American Human Society, "During National Service Dog Month (September), we raise awareness and show appreciation for the extraordinary work service dogs do every day for the people in their care. Service dogs are specially trained to perform specific tasks for people with disabilities as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act. They can be trained to retrieve objects, assist with balance, or assist those with psychiatric disabilities. They also serve our nation’s wounded warriors suffering from conditions including Post-Traumatic Stress and Traumatic Brain Injury. These special pups exemplify the amazing healing power of the human-animal bond."

If you want to find out more about the amazing work that service dogs do, check out one of my favorite nonprofits, Canine Companions - celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. (Visit the nonprofit's website at www.canine.org.)

What other recent marketing buzz caught your attention? Since there's always something happening that impacts marketing, read #DebbieLaskeysBlog for the scoop!

Image Credits: Subway and The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

Read Publisher Morse's full letter to readers of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution:

https://www.ajc.com/opinion/2025/08/a-new-chapter-for-the-ajc/

Marketing News of the Week: Advertising, Brand Collabs, Politics, and More

During the past week, there were news stories that reflected advertising, brand experiences, brand identity, brand storytelling, co-branding sometimes called brand collaborations or "brand collabs" for short, crisis communications, customer experience marketing, personal branding, product pricing, and more. 

KAMALA HARRIS NEWS

On July 29, former Vice President and Presidential candidate Kamala Harris announced that she would NOT be running for Governor of California. This announcement opened up the race for countless other candidates on both sides of the aisle. According to The19thNews, "The Democrats already in the race include Lt. Governor Eleni Kounalakis; Secretary of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond; Xavier Becerra, who led the Department of Health and Human Services under President Joe Biden; former Rep. Katie Porter; Toni Atkins, who served as both California Senate president pro tempore and California House speaker; former State Comptroller Betty Yee; and former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa. In California, candidates compete in all-party primary elections, and the top two finishers, regardless of party affiliation, advance to the general election."

In Harris' July 29 announcement, she wrote, "For now, my leadership — and public service — will not be in elected office. I look forward to getting back out and listening to the American people, helping elect Democrats across the nation who will fight fearlessly, and sharing more details in the months ahead about my own plans.”

Then, the next day, on July 30, Harris announced that she had written a book about her 2024 presidential campaign, entitled "107 Days," available on September 23rd. She said in a video shared on social media, "It was intense, high stakes and deeply personal for me and for so many of you. Since leaving office, I've spent a lot of time reflecting on those days, talking with my team, my family, my friends, and pulling my thoughts together. In essence, writing a journal that is this book, "107 Days." With candor and reflection, I've written a behind-the-scenes account of that journey. I believe there's value in sharing what I saw, what I learned, and what I know it will take to move forward."

Simon & Schuster CEO Jonathan Karp praised Harris as "a singular American leader," and added that the book "captures the drama of running for president better than just about anything I've read. It's one of the best works of political non-fiction we've ever published."

According to Glynda Carr, president of Higher Heights for America, which works to elect Black women and has supported Harris' numerous political campaigns, "Part of Harris' ability to run, win, and govern from a local level all the way up to executive office is because she has been very strategic about how she navigates her elected leadership."

Donna Brazile, Democratic strategist who served as former Vice President Al Gore's campaign manager when he ran for president in 2000, said, "In the modern vice presidency, these individuals don't go into obscurity; they continue their public life, whether it's academia, the public sector, public speaking, serving in advisory capacities for corporations or nonprofits, launching their own personal advocacy, writing a memoir, or returning to public office. There are so many gaps the former vice president can fill, so many roles she can play whether it's as a private citizen or a public official. This is just one of the many decisions she will make over the course of her lifetime."

KRISPY KREME AND CROCS

According to Krispy Kreme, "Step into the spotlight and walk like you're the hottest item on the menu with the Krispy Kreme x Crocs collaboration — where bold style meets irresistible flavor. To celebrate the launch of the limited-edition Krispy Kreme Crocs Classic Clog shoes, this specialty doughnut dozen brings the same playful energy and iconic flair. This collaboration is more than just a treat — it's a delicious statement from two icons who know how to bring the heat."

According to a Krispy Kreme press release: "In what might be THE colossal collab of the year, Krispy Kreme and Crocs announced the introduction of limited-edition Krispy Kreme x Crocs Classic Clogs. Comfort meets crave in Krispy Kreme Crocs Classic Clog, inspired by iconic Original Glazed and other Krispy Kreme doughnuts. More than a year in the making, comfort meets crave in this icon for an icon collaboration of two true global originals – Krispy Kreme's Original Glazed Doughnut and Crocs' Classic Clog. Hot now and being served beginning August 5 in adult sizes at Crocs stores, crocs.com, and select channels, the Krispy Kreme x Crocs Classic Clogs' design features a fresh out-of-the-glazer treatment, along with oversized Jibbitz charms of the Original Glazed doughnut and Krispy Kreme Hot Light. The Clogs also include two interchangeable toe caps – chocolate and strawberry icing with sprinkles – that you can swap out depending on your favorite flavor, and the Clogs' pivoting heel strap features the Krispy Kreme logo. Krispy Kreme is also offering guests who come in wearing their Crocs on August 9th a free Original Glazed Doughnut."

Alison Holder, Krispy Kreme Chief Brand and Product Officer, said, "It's been so much fun working with Crocs to create what might be the sweetest Classic Clogs yet. Fans of both of our brands expect the unexpected, and this collab certainly is next-level."

Terence Reilly, Crocs, Inc. Chief Brand Officer, said, "At Crocs, we've always believed in comfort you can customize, and now, with Krispy Kreme, we're serving up style that's glazed with personality and sprinkled with style. Because when it comes to self-expression, we 'doughnut' hold back."

P.F. CHANG'S AND "FREAKIER FRIDAY"

Coming to movie theaters on August 8 will be the continuation of the movie "Freaky Friday" that starred Lindsay Lohan and Jamie Lee Curtis in 2003. This movie called FREAKIER FRIDAY features those two returning stars and others from the original movie. Restaurant P.F. Chang's joined in the freaky fun with its collaboration. Check out the items inspired by the movie:

* Introducing the new Color Changing Refreshers: Flavor-packed drinks that bring the fun and the unexpected to your night out. The Switcheroo Refresher blends mango and orange lemonade in a vibrant, citrusy mix that shifts shades before your eyes. Or try the Crystal Ball, a sparkling combination of desert pear, lemonade, Sprite, and club soda that's as mystical as it is refreshing.

* House Dinner Specials bring bold flavor and a little Freaky Friday flair to your plate. Choose from fan favorites like House of Chang's Spicy Chicken, served with white rice and a fresh house side salad, or the "You're Not My Mother" Mongolian Beef, paired with a comforting cup of egg drop soup.

* Make Good Choices Specials let you build your perfect plate without sacrificing flavor or fun. Start with your choice of a fresh salad, savory soup, or crispy egg or spring roll, then pick your base: white rice, brown rice, fried rice, or lo mein. Top it off with one of 12 delicious entrées, including classics like Orange Chicken and Mongolian Beef, or new favorites like Korean Fried Chicken and Teriyaki Beef.

* End your Freakier Friday feast on a magically sweet note with our all-new Pink Slip Ube Cheesecake. This dreamy dessert layers creamy ube — made from real purple sweet potatoes — over rich vanilla cheesecake, finished with a strawberry-vanilla sauce, a sprinkle of edible pink glitter, and freeze-dried dragon fruit for a little extra flair.

SCHWARZKOPF AND "FREAKIER FRIDAY"

As reported by American Salon, "In a first for the hair-care giant, Schwarzkopf is partnering with Walt Disney Studios to become the official hair brand of "Freakier Friday," the much-anticipated sequel to 2003's "Freaky Friday." As a tie-in with the film's body-switching plot, Schwarzkopf has launched a "Switch Your Story" campaign featuring hair color transformations. The brand will also share professional salon formulas and at-home shade suggestions inspired by the bold hair colors in "Freakier Friday." This movie collaboration makes sense, because earlier this year, Schwarzkopf named Lohan, who is starring in the sequel, its newest Brand Ambassador."

Teresa Cordova, head of Schwarzkopf Masterbrand U.S., said, "The movie "Freakier Friday" reminds us how powerful it can be to switch things up, and at Schwarzkopf, we believe that every hair color change marks the start of a new chapter in your story."

OREO AND REESE'S

As reported by CNN, "Oreo, owned by Mondelez International, and Reese's, part of the Hershey Company, are introducing two new treats that combine flavors from both snacks. Team ups between rival companies are rare, and this marks a notable alliance following Mondelez's failed takeover attempt of Hershey last year. But both companies could use a boost as consumer demand for indulgent food has been trending lower for some time. The first creation is a Reese's Oreo Cup, which replaces the typical chocolate on a Reese's cup for Oreo's milk chocolate and white creme. It's then filled with peanut butter and Oreo cookie crumbs. This treat hits US shelves in September with presale beginning August 18 on Hershey's website. On the Oreo side, the brand is re-releasing a version of a 2014 cookie that used Reese's peanut butter with Oreo cookie crumbs in the filling. The Oreo Reese's cookies roll out in September while supplies last, then returning permanently in January 2026. A presale begins August 18 on Oreo's website."

CHEESECAKE FACTORY AND PRICING

Known as a brand with large food portions and dozens of choices of cheesecake, the casual-dining chain is introducing two new menu categories: bowls and bites ranging in price from under $10 to $16. The six bowls include a Teriyaki Salmon Bowl, Orange Cauliflower Bowl, and the Peruvian Chicken Bowl, while the eight bites include New Orleans Cajun Shrimp and Chicken and Biscuits. CFO Matthew Clark told Restaurant Business, "When we look at what we're doing from a value perspective and pricing, we're driving significant value for the consumer."

On an unrelated note, according to Restaurant Business, "The chain continues to see promising results from its loyalty program, Cheesecake Rewards. After testing blanket offers for all members, the company has begun tailoring its rewards to individual users."

While the new pricing model may not be successful, the customization of its rewards program certainly is, because "The redemption rate has increased from 1 percent to 4 percent using the more targeted strategy."

AMERICAN EAGLE AD BACKLASH

As reported by AP, "U.S. fashion retailer American Eagle Outfitters wanted to make a splash with its new advertising campaign starring 27-year-old actress Sydney Sweeney. Titled "Sydney Sweeney has great jeans," the campaign sparked a debate about race, Western beauty standards, and the backlash to "woke" American politics and culture. Most of the negative reception focused on videos that used the word "genes" instead of "jeans" when discussing the blonde-haired, blue-eyed actress known for her two HBO series. Some critics saw the wordplay as a nod, either unintentional or deliberate, to eugenics, a discredited theory that held humanity could be improved through selective breeding for certain traits...Eugenics gained popularity in early 20th century America, and Nazi Germany embraced it to carry out Adolf Hitler's plan for an Aryan master race."

Some marketers observe a shift in advertising since President Trump returned to office and moved to abolish all federal DEI programs and policies.

Jazmin Burrell, founder of brand consulting agency Lizzie Della Creative Strategies, remarked that she has seen more ads that prominently feature white models, "[Unfortunately,] I can see us going back to a world where diversity is not the standard expectation in advertising."

Marcus Collins, an assistant professor of marketing at the University of Michigan's Ross School of Business, said, "The criticism could have been avoided if the ads showed models of various races making the "genes" pun. You can either say this was ignorance, laziness, or intentional. Either one of the three isn't good."

Shalini Shankar, a cultural and linguistic anthropologist at Northwestern University in Illinois, said she had problems with American Eagle's "genes" versus "jeans" because it exacerbates a limited concept of beauty, "American Eagle wants to rebrand itself for a particular kind of white privileged American."

Miles Worthington, founder and CEO of marketing and creative agency WORTHI, said, "They were probably thinking that this is going to be their moment. But this [buzz] is doing the opposite and deeply distorting their brand. It's so clear that they didn't have anybody in the room that poked and prodded at this ad. I would bet all the dollars in the world that it was a very white, very privileged room [full of] people who didn't ask the right questions."

As reported in Marketing Brew, Seth Horowitz, president of Horowitz Agency, a marketing services group, said, "I'm particularly interested to see how American Eagle's campaign impacts its other brand, Aerie, which was built on body positivity and inclusion."

A final note, American Eagle defended the ad on Instagram in an attempt to stop the criticism: "[The] Sydney Sweeney Has Great Jeans" [campaign] is and always was about the jeans. Her jeans. Her story. We'll continue to celebrate how everyone wears their AE jeans with confidence, their way. Great jeans look good on everyone."

Who will want to wear AE jeans now?

CPB ANNOUNCEMENT

On August 1st, The Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) announced that it will begin an orderly wind-down of its "operations following the passage of a federal rescissions package and the release of the Senate Appropriations Committee's FY 2026 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies (Labor-H) appropriations bill, which excludes funding for CPB for the first time in more than five decades. For nearly 60 years, CPB has carried out its Congressional mission to build and sustain a trusted public media system that informs, educates, and serves communities across the country. Through partnerships with local stations and producers, CPB has supported educational content, locally relevant journalism, emergency communications, cultural programming, and essential services for Americans in every community."

CPB President and CEO Patricia Harrison said, "Despite the extraordinary efforts of millions of Americans who called, wrote, and petitioned Congress to preserve federal funding for CPB, we now face the difficult reality of closing our operations. CPB remains committed to fulfilling its fiduciary responsibilities and supporting our partners through this transition with transparency and care. Public media has been one of the most trusted institutions in American life, providing educational opportunity, emergency alerts, civil discourse, and cultural connection to every corner of the country. We are deeply grateful to our partners across the system for their resilience, leadership, and unwavering dedication to serving the American people."

TRUMP'S WHITE HOUSE LEGACY

As reported by CNN, "President Donald Trump has been envisioning a new ballroom on the White House campus for a decade and a half. His dream is about to become a reality. Construction will begin in September on a $200 million, 90,000-square-foot ballroom, fulfilling a 15-year ambition by the president to construct an event space on the White House grounds that expands the building's entertaining capacity — but also resembles the gilded spaces of his private clubs. Renderings depict a vast space with gold and crystal chandeliers, gilded Corinthian columns, a coffered ceiling with gold inlays, gold floor lamps, and a checkered marble floor. Three walls of arched windows look out over the White House's south grounds — including a massive new flagpole that was another of Trump's additions to the historic compound. The gold-and-white style closely mimics the Louis XIV-style main event room at Mar-a-Lago, Trump's estate in Palm Beach. The new ballroom — which will maintain the theme and architectural heritage of the neoclassical executive mansion — will have a seated capacity of 650 people, more than three times the space in the East Room, currently the largest event space in the White House."

A July 31st post indicated that the project would be "fully funded by President Trump and other private donors — not taxpayers."

Doesn't it seem ironic that CPB is ending, but a White House ballroom designed by Trump is in the planning - and soon-to-be construction - stages?

STARBUCKS NEWS

CEO Brian Niccol announced this past week that, "Starbucks will be doing away with its pickup-only store model in 2026. We found this format to be overly transactional and lacking the warmth and human connection that defines our brand."

According to USA Today, "Introduced in New York in 2019, "Starbucks Pick Up" was designed to simplify coffee runs. Customers would place mobile orders, pick them up, and move on with their day. The pick-up only stores encouraged customers to order via their mobile app and wasn't meant to be a place to linger, like a traditional location with seating. Although some have a small indoor area, others have only pick-up windows. Approximately 80 to 90 Starbucks "Pick Up" stores in more than 20 states will be impacted, with some locations facing permanent closure while others will be converted into traditional coffeehouses at a later date." 

SMITHSONIAN AND TRUMP'S TWO IMPEACHMENTS

According to NPR, "The Smithsonian's National Museum of American History in Washington, D.C., has removed references to President Trump's two first-term impeachments from an exhibit. The Smithsonian said the references will be restored once the exhibit is updated, but did not provide a timeline. The exhibit, entitled "The American Presidency: A Glorious Burden" includes reference to the impeachments of Presidents Andrew Johnson and Bill Clinton and the Watergate scandal that engulfed President Richard Nixon, who resigned rather than face certain impeachment. A temporary label was added in 2021 to include President Trump's impeachments in 2019 and again in 2021, just days before the end of his first term. But the reference to Trump's impeachments was removed last month. The Smithsonian said in a statement to NPR that after a recent review of the museum's "legacy content," it was decided to pull the reference to Trump's impeachments – which were placed on the exhibit in September 2021 – pending a more substantial overhaul of the exhibit."

VIRGIN AIRLINES AND CUSTOMER EXPERIENCES

As reported by Marketing Week, "Former global CMO of design agency AKQA Sam Kelly will step into the role of Chief Experience Officer at Virgin Group (the brand's first in this new role) to lead brand and marketing, while focusing on customer experience. Virgin continues to expand and innovate - and prioritize customer experience.

An interesting note about Virgin's website, every time you visit a page (or refresh a page), a different quote from Richard Branson appears. Here are three of my favorites:

"Finding the spotlight isn't about standing in it. There's so much to be gained from working with people who support each other to achieve great things."

"Don't ever let anyone prevent you from dreaming. Imagination is one of our greatest gifts."

"If your eyes are fixed on the rear-view mirror, you'll miss that important turn coming up."

What other recent marketing buzz caught your attention? Since there's always something happening that impacts marketing, read #DebbieLaskeysBlog for the scoop!

Image Credits: Krispy Kreme, PF Chang's Amazon, and Oreo.

Travel back through history:

What is public media?

https://cpb.org/aboutpb/what-public-media

Read about Eugenics:

https://www.genome.gov/about-genomics/fact-sheets/Eugenics-and-Scientific-Racism

Read about Racial Hygiene in the German context:

https://encyclopedia.ushmm.org/content/en/article/eugenics

Check out the book BRANDSPLAINING:

"In Brandsplaining, Jane Cunningham and Philippa Roberts expose the monumental gap that exists between the women that appear in the media around us and the women we really are. Their research reveals how our experiences, wants and needs - in all forms - are ignored and misrepresented by an industry that fails to understand us."

https://www.amazon.com/Brandsplaining-Why-Marketing-Still-Sexist/dp/0241456002

Best Social Media Post of the Month of July

How many social media posts do you recall? Do some go viral because they are for charity, like the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge? Or do some go viral because they happened at the right moment in time, like the Oreo tweet when the lights went out at the 2013 Super Bowl? Or do some go viral and become memorable simply because they're funny?

In a new monthly series on my blog - appearing during the first week of each month - I am sharing the best social media post of the preceding month. The choice may appear on Twitter/X, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, Bluesky, LinkedIn, YouTube, etc.

According to Google, "The best social media post of the month is typically one that effectively combines high engagement with relevance to current events, holidays, or trending topics, while also aligning with your brand identity and authentically connecting with your audience; this could include a thought-provoking question, a relatable story, a visually appealing image, a timely meme, or a behind-the-scenes look, depending on your platform and target demographic."

Without further ado, the post that earns my recognition as the best social media post of the month from July 2025 was shared on July 3rd, 2025, by the Encyclopaedia Britannica, the world's oldest continuously published encyclopedia brand, on Twitter/X.

The post read:

"Today, BBQ can mean different things depending on your location:

Carolinas = tomato or vinegar-based sauces, pork

Texas = tomato-based sauces, beef

Kansas City = molasses/tomato-based sauces, more variety (burnt ends/sausages)

Memphis = sauces or dry rub, pork (ribs/pulled)"

With the Fourth of July weekend and festivities on all Americans' minds, this informative post centered on BBQ - and especially how styles differ. The post aligned perfectly with a type of food consumed by many on Independence Day while simultaneously showcasing the facts and storytelling that have made the Encyclopaedia Britannica brand famous since 1768.

Brands that can align their products or services to an event, holiday, or trending news that everyone is talking about have the potential to be memorable. And Encyclopaedia Britannica definitely succeeded in my book!

What brand do you think will stand out during August, and why?

SHARE THIS: Brands that can align their products or services with an event, holiday, or trending news that everyone is talking about have the potential to be memorable. ~@DebbieLaskeyMBA #DebbieLaskeysBlog #SocialMediaTip

Image Credit: Encyclopaedia Britannica via Twitter/X.

Best Social Media Post of the Month for June 2025

How many social media posts do you recall? Do some go viral because they are for charity, like the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge? Or do some go viral because they happened at the right moment in time, like the Oreo tweet when the lights went out at the 2013 Super Bowl? Or do some go viral and become memorable simply because they're funny?

In a new monthly series on my blog - appearing during the first week of each month - I am sharing the best social media post of the preceding month. The choice may appear on Twitter/X, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, Bluesky, LinkedIn, YouTube, etc.

According to Google, "The best social media post of the month is typically one that effectively combines high engagement with relevance to current events, holidays, or trending topics, while also aligning with your brand identity and authentically connecting with your audience; this could include a thought-provoking question, a relatable story, a visually appealing image, a timely meme, or a behind-the-scenes look, depending on your platform and target demographic."

Without further ado, the post that earns my recognition as the best social media post of the month from June 2025 was shared on Twitter/X on June 4th, 2025, by the Broadway musical (and traveling musical) sensation CATS!

June 4th was HUG YOUR CAT DAY, so this was an especially timely post that featured two actors from the show dressed as cats in a warm embrace. For fans of the musical and for cat fans around the world, this was a memorable and purrfect post to commemorate the day.

Brands that can align their products or services with an event, holiday, or trending news that everyone is talking about have the potential to be memorable. And CATS THE MUSICAL definitely succeeded in my book!

What brand do you think will stand out during July, and why?

SHARE THIS: Did your brand recognize #HugYourCatDay with a purrfect post? @CatsMusical did! Meow! #DebbieLaskeysBlog #BrandStorytelling #BrandExperience

Image Credit: CATS THE MUSICAL via Twitter/X.

Best Social Media Post of the Month for May 2025

How many social media posts do you recall? Do some go viral because they are for charity, like the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge? Or do some go viral because they happened at the right moment in time, like the Oreo tweet when the lights went out at the 2013 Super Bowl? Or do some go viral and become memorable simply because they're funny?

In a new monthly series on my blog - appearing during the first week of each month - I am sharing the best social media post of the preceding month. The choice may appear on Twitter/X, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, Bluesky, LinkedIn, YouTube, etc.

According to Google, "The best social media post of the month is typically one that effectively combines high engagement with relevance to current events, holidays, or trending topics, while also aligning with your brand identity and authentically connecting with your audience; this could include a thought-provoking question, a relatable story, a visually appealing image, a timely meme, or a behind-the-scenes look, depending on your platform and target demographic."

Without further ado, the post that earns my recognition as the best social media post of the month from May 2025 was shared on May 8th, 2025, by the encyclopedia brand Encyclopaedia Britannica on Twitter/X (and also on Instagram). Since the smoke atop St. Peter's Square at the Vatican was white, the eyes of the world were on the balcony of St. Peter's Square awaiting news of a new Pope.

So, Encyclopaedia Britannica, everyone's favorite encyclopedia, posted, "Get ready to update your Pope Facts, everyone." The image included Official Titles, Most Common Papal Names, Number of Popes Made Saints, Longest and Shortest Reigns, and more. This was definitely an interesting way to align the brand with the news of the moment. And then, the brand quickly updated its post's image with details regarding the new Pope in a few categories.

Brands that can align their products or services to an event, holiday, or trending news that everyone is talking about have the potential to be memorable. And Encyclopaedia Britannica definitely succeeded in my book!

What brand do you think will stand out during June, and why?

Image Credit: Encyclopaedia Britannica via Twitter/X.

Best Social Media Post of the Month for April 2025

How many social media posts do you recall? Do some go viral because they are for charity, like the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge? Or do some go viral because they happened at the right moment in time, like the Oreo tweet when the lights went out at the 2013 Super Bowl? Or do some go viral and become memorable simply because they're funny?

In a new monthly series on my blog - appearing during the first week of each month - I am sharing the best social media post of the preceding month. The choice may appear on Twitter/X, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, Bluesky, LinkedIn, YouTube, etc.

According to Google, "The best social media post of the month is typically one that effectively combines high engagement with relevance to current events, holidays, or trending topics, while also aligning with your brand identity and authentically connecting with your audience; this could include a thought-provoking question, a relatable story, a visually appealing image, a timely meme, or a behind-the-scenes look, depending on your platform and target demographic."

Without further ado, the post that earns my recognition as the best social media post of the month from April 2025 was shared on April 1st, 2025, by the dictionary brand Merriam-Webster on Twitter/X, Facebook, and Instagram. While April 1st is also known as April Fools' Day, some brands change their recognizable colors, competitive positioning, or some other form of brand marketing to stand out on that day. In this case, Merriam-Webster added some humor to the world of social media by promoting a new version of its best-selling dictionary: "Merriam-Webster's ALL CAPS, For People Who Are Mad." On Twitter/X, the following description accompanied the image: "PERFECT FOR SOCIAL MEDIA USERS!"

Brands that can align their products or services to an event or holiday that everyone is talking about have the potential to be memorable.

What brand do you think will stand out during May, and why?

Image Credit: Merriam-Webster via Twitter/X and Instagram.

Marketing News of the Month: The People's Pope, Egg Roll Sponsorship, and More

During the past month, there were news stories that reflected brand identity, brand storytelling, corporate sponsorship, logo design, personal branding, pricing, and more.

DEATH OF POPE FRANCIS

Known as the "People's Pope," Pope Francis died at the age of 88 on April 21st, also known as Easter Monday in Vatican City.

According to Aidan Moir, Assistant Professor, Department of Communication, Media, and Film, at the University of Windsor in The Conversation, "From papal selfies to the viral generative AI images featuring a stylish puffer jacket, Pope Francis became a prominent popular culture figure during his papacy. News media called him the "People's Pope," branding that also circulated online on social media to turn Pope Francis into an icon who symbolized the progressive ideals of 2010's popular culture. His 2013 election was significant for many reasons, including the fact that he became the first Jesuit and first pope from Latin America. His acension to the papacy represented an attempt by the Catholic Church to rebrand itself through Francis' "progressive" public image. 

Pontiffs have always been subject to branding, making them unique subjects for public fascination and popular culture. Decisions about what shoes to wear and what papal name to take are acts of branding.

Pope Francis chose his papal name to align himself with Saint Francis of Assisi. He also chose to wear a simple white cassock for his first public appearance on the balcony at St. Peter's Basilica. Those decisions were branding strategies. Francis' use of social media brought the papacy into a new digital age. It provided him with a platform to build his brand in a manner similar to politicians. His embrace of technology made him appear "cool," leading to a decade of viral social media posts and memes. The first papal selfie, taken in 2013 with teenage pilgrims visiting the Vatican, went viral on Twitter (now X).

Iconic brands cannot act alone to maintain their cultural status. From the outset, news media were an integral part of building the Pope's image. Francis was TIME magazine's 2013 Person of the Year, and he also graced the cover of Rolling Stone. He was largely unknown around the world prior to becoming Pope. Media coverage played an important role in presenting his brand to global audiences as news reports suggested Francis' humility, compassion for the poor, and radical approach to the papacy would transform the Catholic Church. Just days after his election, The Washington Post labelled Francis "the People’s Pope." This title connected Francis to figures likes Princess Diana, a similar iconic figure known for challenging protocol and her progressive charity work, who was dubbed "the People's Princess."

Pope Francis developed an iconic brand that connected with the public during a decade defined by progressive ideals as legacy and social media worked together as co-authors in building his identity. Iconic brands can transform the institutions they represent. Pope Francis' image demonstrates how papal branding is no different than other forms of branding. It depends on different dynamics coming together at the right moment to form myths for public connection. Memes related to the movie CONCLAVE are already going viral on social media. The new pontiff will enter a different cultural landscape than Pope Francis, but the strategies for creating an iconic brand remain the same."

Everyone in the world will be waiting for the dark smoke to turn white emanating out of the Vatican - signifying that a new Pope has been chosen. The 2025 Papal Conclave is expected to begin May 7th and last between 15-20 days. According to Wikipedia, "Cardinals aged 80 years or older before the day the papacy fell vacant are ineligible to participate. As of April 21st, there are 252 cardinals, of whom 136 are under 80; and 108 (80 percent) of the potential electors were appointed as cardinals by Pope Francis...Although the conclave cardinals may elect any Catholic male who has been baptized, they have elected only a fellow elector cardinal since the 1389 Papal Conclave."

Where will the new Pope come from, and what name will he choose?

THE POSSIBILITY OF ITALIAN CITIZENSHIP

According to ETIAS.com, "Italy, long generous in offering citizenship by descent, has dramatically tightened the rules. As of April 2025, only those with an Italian parent or grandparent can now qualify for citizenship through ancestry. The shift marks a sharp reversal from decades of open eligibility that welcomed millions with more distant Italian roots, including great-grandchildren and beyond. The sudden decree blocked access for up to 80 million people worldwide who previously qualified. It immediately upended the hopes of thousands who had invested years, money, and energy into tracing their lineage. Many of those applications now sit in limbo. The reform follows years of mounting pressure on Italy's legal and bureaucratic systems. Municipal offices, courts, and consulates reported being overwhelmed by record volumes of citizenship claims...Until now, Italy's citizenship laws leaned heavily on "jus sanguinis," or right of blood. Anyone with proof of an ancestor alive after 1861 — the year Italy became a nation — could apply. That leniency set Italy apart from many European countries, where stricter documentation or language requirements often apply. Now, the government has drawn a line. Only those with direct links — parents or grandparents born in Italy — can use ancestry to become Italian. To reduce delays and prevent fraud, Italy will now handle all applications through a single federal system. Consulates abroad are out. In-person interviews are in. Every applicant must travel to Italy to complete the process, a move expected to reduce speculative filings. Dual nationals also face new responsibilities. To retain their status, they must stay engaged — renewing passports, paying taxes, and voting. A passport, officials said, cannot be a forgotten trophy."

Will this change affect Italy's brand on the world stage?

TRAVEL BRAND NEWS

According to CNN Travel, "To counteract overtourism, the city of Venice (Italy) is doubling its daytripper entry fees, and the city of Edinburgh (Scotland) will tax tourists for overnight stays. Spain has ended its golden visa program giving residency rights to foreign citizens. Visitors to the United Kingdom from the European Union now join those from 48 other countries who must now apply and pay a fee before travel. The Empire State Building in New York City introduced surge-pricing, where prices increase according to demand (something that Disneyland has done for years). And permit fees to climb Mount Everest (Nepal) are increasing by more than 35 percent, while climbing Mount Fuji (Japan) now requires a $27 entry fee to address overcrowding and environmental concerns - plus hikers must also complete a safety class and pass a test."

CALIFORNIA'S BOOMING ECONOMY

According to USA Today, "California Governor Gavin Newsom announced on April 23rd that California is now the fourth-largest economy in the world. With nominal gross domestic product of $4.1 trillion, the state now ranks behind only the overall U.S., China, and Germany, citing data from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA). Japan ranked fifth at $4.02 trillion. California has the largest share of manufacturing and agricultural production in the US. It is also home to leading technological innovation, the center of the world's entertainment industry and the country's two largest seaports."

According to the BBC, "The new data shows California's GDP is behind the U.S. at $29.18 trillion, China at $18.74 trillion, and Germany at $4.65 trillion. It also shows California's economy was the fastest growing among those countries. Japan's economy is under pressure because of its decreasing and aging population, which means its workforce is shrinking, and social care costs are ballooning."

Newsom said, "California isn't just keeping pace with the world – we're setting the pace. Our economy is thriving because we invest in people, prioritize sustainability, and believe in the power of innovation." He also said that President Donald Trump's tariffs were "reckless and threaten the state's progress. California's economy powers the nation, and it must be protected." Newsom also filed a lawsuit on behalf of the state in mid-April challenging the Trump administration’s tariff policies, arguing the trade moves would disproportionally impact California.

According to The Hill, "U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) Data showed that among states, Texas came in behind California, with a GDP of $2.7 trillion, and New York followed at $2.3 trillion."

NEW LOGO FOR ABC'S NIGHTLINE

According to Variety, since ABC's show is celebrating its 45th anniversary, "The show is bringing back an updated version of its old logo. Having gone with an all-lowercase "nightline" since 2017, a new take on the show's all-caps "NIGHTLINE" that had been in use between 1997 and 2017 will now be introduced. According to ABC News, the new logo honors its iconic legacy, blending elements from its original look with an updated, modern design."

NIGHTLINE actually had its start in November 1979 with the title, "The Iran Crisis: America Held Hostage," which analyzed the hostage crisis in Iran. March 24th marked the 45th anniversary of when the show was relaunched as "Nightline" and expanded to also focus on other topics.

NEW SPOKESBELL FOR HOTELS.COM

According to MarketingDive, "Hotels.com is putting a mascot front-and-center in its marketing once again, this time through what the platform bills as the first "spokesbell." The brand, previously known for ads featuring a Captain Obvious character played by actor Brandon Moynihan, is tweaking its approach with the puppeteered, cartoon-like Bellboy, who is meant to exude confidence while sharing travel hacks and savings learned from an upbringing in the hospitality industry. A major part of Bellboy's directive is educating people about tools available via the Hotels.com app, like a new price alert function that notifies users when a hotel they are watching drops its rates, that could help drive loyalty."

Bellboy, an anthropomorphic hotel desk bell standing about 18 inches tall, stars in a new campaign supporting a sale running through May 26th. The campaign, which includes a jingle, will appear on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, as well as on Hotels.com's website and app.

CALIFORNIA PIZZA KITCHEN CELEBRATION

According to KTLA, "In honor of its 40th anniversary, CPK is reintroducing select menu items from its past, chosen by guests, team members, executive chef Paul Pszybylski and company founders Rick Rosenfield and Larry Flax. The seasonal offerings will be available until mid-May and include: Rosemary Roasted Potato & Grilled Chicken Pizza, Chicken Milanese, Waldorf Chicken Salad, and Tortilla Spring Rolls. CPK's annual "Thank You Card" promotion is also back for the anniversary. The promotion offers a prize to every adult guest who dines in or orders takeout or delivery through May 11th. Prizes range from discounts on future meals to cash awards of up to $40,000. New this year, CPK is introducing a digital second-chance giveaway. By scanning a QR code on their "Thank You Card," guests can join CPK Rewards for an instant $5 bonus and a chance to win a five-day cruise. Guests can reveal their prizes at any full-service CPK location between March 2nd and June 8th." 

Who's ready for pizza?

WILL HOLLYWOOD BECOME ANOTHER DETROIT?

According to The Hollywood Reporter, "The specter of Los Angeles becoming another Detroit, a city built on a specific industry that became a shell of its former self when that business moved out, loomed over a compelling film and TV industry town hall (in mid-April) that tackled not only the calamitous drop in production in Hollywood and throughout California, but also the fight to get the state to increase its entertainment production tax incentive."

WHITE HOUSE EASTER EGG ROLL

Did you hear that the current resident in the White House asked for corporate sponsors for this year's Easter Egg Roll? Breaking with tradition (no surprise), according to NPR, "Major tech companies were among the corporate sponsors solicited for the annual Easter Egg Roll event held Monday, April 21st, on the South Lawn of the White House. This comes as billionaire tech executives have faced growing criticism for cozying up to the Trump administration...Listed among the sponsors were companies including YouTube, Amazon, and Meta (parent company of Facebook and Instagram)...In a statement, YouTube said its participation in the Easter Egg Roll "has become an annual tradition. Our goal is to provide an opportunity for kids to meet their favorite creators, and we look forward to having a presence once again this year." The annual event dates back to the presidency of Rutherford B. Hayes, according to the White House, and except for war and food shortages, has been a mainstay of Pennsylvania Avenue since 1878."

According to The Hill, "The White House traditionally partners with Harbinger, an outside production company, to fuel games and activities for families invited to join the yearly celebration. This year, the two entities solicited corporations to donate $75,000 to $200,000 in sponsorships with the promise of on-site branding and logo displays typically banned due to concerns of private gain spurred by taxpayer dollars. This year's tech sponsorships were also top donors to President Trump's inaugural fund. Their donations continue to be spotlighted as a potential avenue for CEO's to bypass the reins set by lawmakers in Washington. In addition to Amazon, Meta, YouTube, additional sponsors included The New York Stock Exchange, the Toy Association, International Fresh Produce Association, and the National Confectioners Association."

NEW CEO FOR JERSEY MIKE'S

Founded in 1956 as Mike's Subs with one location in Point Pleasant, New Jersey, Jersey Mike's has grown into a premier franchisor with more than 3,000 locations in the U.S. and Canada. The brand recently announced that Charlie Morrison, the former Wingstop chief executive, has been named as new CEO of Jersey Mike's, while founder Peter Cancro will remain chairman. Morrison will be only the second CEO in the company's 50-year history. According to Morrison, "Jersey Mike's is a unique brand with a rich history, loyal customer base, and authentic culture which Peter and his talented team have cultivated over the past five decades. I am honored to be entrusted with continuing this legacy and I could not be more excited to get to work with this incredible team and the owners who bring it to life every day. Together, we'll focus on continuing to accelerate growth across new and existing markets and identifying opportunities to invest in additional technological advancements and innovation, while remaining true to the exceptional quality, service, and community values that make Jersey Mike's so beloved nationwide."

According to WATTPoultry, "While at Wingstop, Morrison was responsible for leading the strategic direction of the company and its global operations. With Morrison at the helm, Wingstop grew from fewer than 500 stores to over 2,000 locations in more than 10 countries, while more than doubling average unit volumes and leading the company through one of the most successful initial public offerings in the history of the restaurant industry."

A NEW ERA FOR THE SMITHSONIAN 

An Executive Order was announced by the White House on March 27th that continues to make waves for its craziness:

"It is the policy of my Administration to restore Federal sites dedicated to history, including parks and museums, to solemn and uplifting public monuments that remind Americans of our extraordinary heritage, consistent progress toward becoming a more perfect Union, and unmatched record of advancing liberty, prosperity, and human flourishing. Museums in our Nation's capital should be places where individuals go to learn — not to be subjected to ideological indoctrination or divisive narratives that distort our shared history. To advance this policy, we will restore the Smithsonian Institution to its rightful place as a symbol of inspiration and American greatness - igniting the imagination of young minds, honoring the richness of American history and innovation, and instilling pride in the hearts of all Americans."

According to United Press International (UPI), "U.S. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries wants Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts to reject an executive order from President Donald Trump that seeks an end to the "influence of a divisive, race-centered ideology" at the Smithsonian. Roberts sits on the Smithsonian Institution's Board of Regents and serves as chancellor of the Smithsonian. The next board meeting of the Smithsonian, which includes Vice President JD Vance, is scheduled for June 9. 

Jeffries of California wrote to Chief Justice Roberts, "I write to express my strong opposition to President Trump's Proclamation issued on March 27th, which preposterously purports to restore 'truth and sanity to American history' by censoring 'improper ideology' at the Smithsonian Institution. It is imperative that you, along with your fellow Regents, continue the storied legacy of the Smithsonian that tells the American story honestly and completely. President Trump's proclamation, which seeks to whitewash our history, is cowardly and unpatriotic. It must fail. The Smithsonian attracts tens of millions of visitors a year and works with the finest subject matter experts in virtually every field."

Founded in 1846, the Smithsonian Institution includes 21 museums, 14 education and research centers, and the National Zoo. According to its website, it's the largest museum, education, and research complex in the world. The Smithsonian contains an estimated 157 million objects, works of art, and specimens in more than 2.7 million feet indoors in Washington, D.C. There are additional buildings in Maryland, New York, and Virginia.

RETAIL UNCERTAINTY AND TARIFFS

According to NPR, "The companies that make our food and home essentials are officially sounding alarms about what lies ahead for American shoppers. The largest consumer conglomerates are cutting their financial forecasts for the year, predicting lower sales and profits. This includes Pepsi (which also owns Frito-Lay and Quaker Oats), Kimberly-Clark (which makes Kleenex, Huggies, and Scott toilet paper), and Procter & Gamble (which makes Tide, Pampers, and Charmin). Kimberly-Clark estimates that the trade war will add $300 million in new costs for the company. Procter & Gamble warned it may raise prices to offset new expenses. Many consumer giants rely on China for packaging, materials, and other parts of their supply chain. Those who make products in the U.S. now face reciprocal tariffs on American goods imposed by foreign government in retaliation. Retail sales are a key element of the U.S. economy. And in the lead-up to tariffs, March actually saw a big jump in retail spending — driven by people purchasing cars and big-ticket items before any tariff-related price increases. Economists noted that a long stretch of low unemployment and rising incomes helped Americans keep shopping."

COCA-COLA AND BODYARMOR MAKEOVER

According to Yahoo Finance, "When Coca-Cola fully took control of BodyArmor in 2021 in a $5.6 billion deal, the company had the goal of it "becoming the #1 global sports drink," toppling PepsiCo's Gatorade from its top-selling position. About four years later, BodyArmor remains stuck behind rival Gatorade and sister brand Powerade. The drink is beset with several problems, including more competition, a muddled brand identity, and stagnating sales that forced its parent company to take a $760 million write-down of the brand. In mid-April, BodyArmor announced a rebirth with refreshed packaging, a tweaked logo, and its largest-ever advertising campaign. The splashy ads feature athletes such as NFL player Joe Burrow and WNBA star Sabrina Ionescu and will make its debut during the NHL playoffs."

According to Tom Gargiulo, BodyAmor’s chief marketing officer, "One of our biggest barriers right now is just not a lot of people know about who we are and what we're about. We think there's a massive opportunity ahead in terms of really exploding this brand's growth."

LOS ANGELES POLICE DEPARTMENT ADVERTISING

The Los Angeles Police Department has launched a new recruitment campaign entitled "Unrivaled Since 1869" with hopes to attract a new generation of officers and address ongoing staffing challenges. Announced in mid-April, the campaign aims to reposition the department as a "dynamic, purpose-driven workplace," particularly targeting adults aged 21 to 35 from diverse backgrounds. In addition to traditional police work, the campaign highlights the more than 250 job types within the LAPD such as drone pilots, cybercrime investigators, and mental health specialists. The campaign's ads can be seen on YouTube, Instagram, Reddit, Twitch, and throughout the city on billboards.

CAPITAL ONE AND DISCOVER MERGER

Capital One Financial Corporation (NYSE: COF) and Discover Financial Services (NYSE: DFS) announced on April 18th that the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency approved Capital One's proposed acquisition of Discover. This follows approval of the transaction by the Delaware State Bank Commissioner in December 2024, and by shareholders of more than 99 percent of each company's shares voting in February of 2025. The transaction is expected to close on May 18th.

According to Richard Fairbank, Founder, Chairman, and CEO of Capital One, "This is an exciting moment for Capital One and Discover. We understand the critical importance of a strong and competitive banking system to our customers and our economy, and we appreciate the thoughtful and diligent engagement of our regulators as they thoroughly reviewed this deal over the past 14 months. I am grateful to the thousands of associates across Capital One and Discover who have worked tirelessly to help us achieve this significant milestone. We look forward to bringing these two great companies together with a profound sense of possibility and responsibility to deliver for our customers, associates, shareholders, and communities."

According to Michael Shepherd, Interim CEO and President of Discover. "The combination of our two great companies will increase competition in payment networks, offer a wider range of products to our customers, increase our resources devoted to innovation and security, and bring meaningful community benefits."

BLUE ORIGIN ALL-WOMEN SPACE FLIGHT

On April 14th, Blue Origin launched its all-female space flight. The flight lasted less than 11 minutes and took the crew to the edge of space (62 miles). This space flight brought back memories of when Valentina Tereshkova of Russia became the first woman in space in 1963. The Blue Origin six-women crew included Katy Perry, Gayle King, Lauren Sánchez, Aisha Bowe, Amanda Nguyen, and Kerianne Flynn. According to The Daily Mail, "While the flight was hailed as a landmark moment for women in STEM, it has drawn harsh criticism, with some questioning the commercial motives behind the 11-minute voyage."

FASHION FOR SPACE TRAVEL

What do you wear for a space flight? Monse designer co-founder Fernando Garcia explained, "We really didn't know where to start. There's no precedent. All the references are men's spacesuits. Simplicity was important, and comfort, and fit. But we also wanted something that was a little dangerous, like a motocross outfit. Or a ski suit. Flattering and sexy."

Lauren Sánchez said, "I think the suits are elegant, but they also bring a little spice to space." Gayle King noted that the suits looked "professional and feminine at the same time."

STARBUCKS NEW DRESS CODE

In mid-April, Starbucks announced a new dress code for its baristas that will go into effect on May 12th, part of CEO Brian Niccol's efforts to overhaul the coffee giant's image. The new uniform guidelines are designed to make the company's "iconic green apron" stand out more, and to "create a sense of familiarity for customers" at all Starbucks locations across North America.

The new policy will require baristas to wear the following items: any solid black short and long-sleeved crewneck, collared, or button-up shirts; any shade of khaki, black, or blue denim bottoms; any new company-branded t-shirts. The chain will provide two free shirts to each of its workers.

According to Starbucks' website, the new dress code will allow baristas to "deliver a more consistent coffeehouse experience that will also bring simpler and clearer guidance to our partners" and also allow baristas to "focus on what matters most, crafting great beverages and fostering connections with customers."

PRADA BUYS VERSACE

The Prada Group announced a deal during April to buy fashion rival Versace from the U.S. luxury group Capri Holdings. Prada said the 47-year-old Versace brand offered "significant untapped growth potential." Prada's Chief Executive Andrea Guerra said that the recent creative shakeup at Versace, with Dario Vitale replacing Donatella Versace as creative director effective April 1st, had nothing to do with the deal.

"This is exactly the strength for our group. There are no overlaps in terms of creativity, in terms of customer," said Lorenzo Bertelli, Prada's chief marketing officer.

DHL SHIPPING CHANGES

According to CNN, "DHL Express, a division of Germany's Deutsche Post, said it would suspend global business-to-consumer shipments worth over $800 to individuals in the United States effective April 21st, as U.S. customs regulatory changes have lengthened clearance. DHL said business-to-business shipments would not be suspended but could face delays. Shipments under $800 to either businesses or consumers were not affected by the changes. The move is a temporary measure, according to the company." Will this decision affect the brand and help its competition?

ELON MUSK AND POLITICAL ADVERTISING

According to Politico, "Democrats want to make Elon Musk the main character in their mid-term messaging. They're just not sure their bogeyman will be around long enough for it to matter. Democratic candidates and operatives are more convinced than ever that there's political advantage in attacking President Donald Trump's partner in slashing government programs. But there's already concern inside the party that Musk may not stay center-stage long enough to make him an effective target all the way through 2026. Trump has told those close to him that Musk will soon hang up his hatchet and has recently taken steps to rein in his special adviser's authority. And during early April, the controversies surrounding Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) were overshadowed by the drama over Trump's global tariff threats."

INCREASED US POSTAGE RATES?

According to People magazine, "The United States Postal Service (USPS) filed notice with the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC) for a five cents price increase to go into effect beginning July 13th. Should the plan go through, Americans could see the price of a first-class Forever stamp rise by five cents, from 73 to 78 cents."

UNVEILING OF BETTY WHITE STAMP

To quote the official press release on March 27th, "The U.S. Postal Service today celebrated beloved entertainer Betty White's mischievous wit, saucy persona, and tireless advocacy for animals with a new stamp at a first-day-of-issue ceremony at the Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens."

Amber McReynolds, chairperson of the USPS Board of Governors, said at the first-day-of-issue ceremony, "With this stamp, we honor and remember the beloved 'First Lady of Television' and the enduring mark she left on our American culture."

Dale Stephanos, the artist who worked on the stamp, also attended the ceremony and described how the tiniest design detail came to him at breakfast, "I was absentmindedly drawing instead of eating my eggs and looking back down at the mess I had been making in my sketchbook, I saw that at some point, I had drawn a paw print. I had a bit of a Eureka moment and thought, what if I just give Betty an earring that's in the shape of a paw print?"

What other recent marketing buzz caught your attention? Since there's always something happening that impacts marketing, read #DebbieLaskeysBlog for the scoop!

Image Credits: Shutterstock via Restaurant Business (Jersey Mike's), California Pizza Kitchen, ABC News (Nightline), and Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images (2025 White House Egg Roll).

Learn more about where the Earth ends and outer space starts:

https://www.astronomy.com/space-exploration/the-karman-line-where-does-space-begin/

Check out photos of the White House's Easter Egg Roll featuring sponsor signage:

https://www.npr.org/sections/the-picture-show/2025/04/21/g-s1-61666/white-house-easter-egg-roll

Read "Inspirational Leadership Can – And Does – Happen Anywhere" about Jackie Robinson Day:

https://www.debbielaskeysblog.com/2022/04/inspirational-leadership-can-and-does.html 

Best Social Media Post of the Month for March 2025

How many social media posts do you recall? Do some go viral because they are for charity, like the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge? Or do some go viral because they happened at the right moment in time, like the Oreo tweet when the lights went out at the 2013 Super Bowl? Or do some go viral and become memorable simply because they're funny?

In a new monthly series on my blog - appearing during the first week of each month - I will share the best social media post of the preceding month. The choice may appear on Twitter/X, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, Bluesky, LinkedIn, YouTube, etc.

According to Google, "The best social media post of the month is typically one that effectively combines high engagement with relevance to current events, holidays, or trending topics, while also aligning with your brand identity and authentically connecting with your audience; this could include a thought-provoking question, a relatable story, a visually appealing image, a timely meme, or a behind-the-scenes look, depending on your platform and target demographic."

Without further ado, the post that earns my recognition as the best social media post of the month from March 2025 was shared on March 2nd 2025, by the restaurant known for its Bloomin' Onion appetizer, Outback Steakhouse. On that day, the 97th Academy Awards ceremony, presented by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS), took place at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, California (my hometown).

The post featured the trophy emoji followed by the words, "And the award for Best Steak in a Leading Role goes to...our Victoria's Barrel Cut Filet Mignon." The emojis for a steak and applause were also included.

This post was memorable because it combined one of its products with timely content. Since the Oscars were the topic of the day, the post was a humorous way to align with the Oscars. Brands that can align their products or services to an event that everyone is talking about have the potential to be memorable.

What brand do you think will stand out during April, and why?

Image Credit: Outback Steakhouse via Twitter/X.