2024 Was the Year of #BrandIdentity Changes

Was your brand in the news during 2024? If not, don’t despair. There were many other brands that made headlines during 2024.

Here's a recap of interesting brands that either rebranded, changed their logo, changed their name, co-branded, formed an interesting partnership, created a unique hashtag to match a campaign, changed iconic packaging, or in some other way made branding or brand marketing news during 2024. What stood out as memorable to YOU?

BRAND IDENTITY:

1. Chrismukkah is a pop-culture portmanteau (a word formed by combining the sounds and meanings of other words) referring to the merging of the holidays of Christianity's Christmas and Judaism's Hanukkah. It was first seen in the 19th century, and after World War II, Chrismukkah became popular in the United States - but is also celebrated in other countries. The term has been used when the two holidays occur on the same day, as on December 25th, 2024. The first day of Hanukkah and Christmas have only coincided a handful of times since 1900, according to the Jewish Federations of North America. The holidays started on the same day in 1910, 1921, 1959, 2005, and 2024. (December)

2. While known as the ultra-low fare leader, Frontier Airlines introduced a suite of new products ranging from luxurious first-class seating and complimentary seat upgrades to unlimited companion travel and enhanced rewards. (December)

3. Kraft Mac & Cheese launched a new "Everything Bagel Mac & Cheese" flavor in response to "Zillennials," aka, a mix of Gen Z and Millennials, consumer behavior. (December)

4. A new term was coined due to the arrival of two films at the box office: "GLICKED" was a portmanteau (a word formed by combining the sounds and meanings of other words) to promote WICKED and GLADIATOR II. (November)

5. Comcast announced that it would spin off most of its cable television networks including MSNBC, CNBC, USA, Oxygen, E!, Syfy, and the Golf Channel into a separate company. Comcast's NBCUniversal is keeping Bravo, the NBC broadcast network, the Peacock streaming service, NBC Sports, and the Universal theme parks. (November)

6. According to Nation's Restaurant News, "Thanksgiving Eve, also referred to as "Drinksgiving" or "Blackout Wednesday," has become one of the busiest nights of the year for bars and restaurants." (November)

7. Mountain Dew got a makeover with the word MOUNTAIN reappearing on cans and bottles following a nearly two-decade-long hiatus. According to CNN, "The PepsiCo-owned beverage is unveiling a new logo and packaging design that drops its sharply angular font and abbreviated title for imagery that evokes its rustic roots, as well as bringing back its namesake title to cans and bottles. Consumers will see the new look roll out beginning in May 2025. (October)

8. The Los Angeles Clippers basketball team unveiled their new brand, establishing a set of marks that blend the team's past, present, and focus on the future with naval blue, ember red, and Pacific blue. The new logo features a Clippers "C" that surrounds the points of a compass and an oncoming ship with basketball seams on the hull, a nod to the organization's maritime roots and a symbol of its direction. (October)

9. Breaking a 50-year tradition, Southwest Airlines announced that it will begin selling assigned seats. Previously, customers would board planes by section rather than by specific seats. (August)

10. Copenhagen, Denmark's capital city, announced that it would offer free perks to tourists who make sustainability choices, such as walking, biking, taking public transportation, or picking up litter. Tourists could get a free kayak rental, free cup of coffee, or free ice cream. (August)

11. The Philadelphia Zoo celebrated its 150th anniversary. According to Dr. Jo-Elle Mogerman, President and CEO of America's first zoo since October 2023, "On July 1, 1874, the Zoo held its grand opening. On that day, more than 3,000 guests experienced the first zoo in America. Since then, we've welcomed nearly 100 million guests from our city, region, country, and around the world, connecting them to the wonders of wildlife and inspiring action to protect what is precious on our planet." (July)

12. 2024 Paris Summer Olympics took place during two weeks in July and August. Here were some ways that the Paris Olympics brand stood out:

• Was that a boat parade? Despite months, if not years, of naysayers saying it couldn't be done, the parade of athletes in the Opening Ceremony took place along the Seine River in an incredible manner. No host country will ever match the originality, creativity, and artistry of that opening arrival of athletes.
• The Olympic cauldron shone brightly in a large balloon and hung high in the sky (via a tether) each night so that Parisians could see and enjoy it.
• According to the Olympics, "The LOGO for Paris 2024 combines three separate symbols – the gold medal, the flame, and Marianne, the personification of the French Republic. Each of these symbols reflects a part of the French identity and values. It is also the first time in history that the same emblem has been used for both the Olympic Games and the Paralympic Games. The MOTTO of the Olympic Phryge and Paralympic Phryge is: "Alone we go faster, but together we go further," representing the ways in which the mascots, and the people of the world, can make each other better by working side-by-side."
• Which athletes stood out to you? To me, American gymnast Simone Biles with her four medals, American swimmer Katie Ledecky with her four medals, and Swedish and American-born pole vaulter Armand "Mondo" Duplantis with his gold medal and world record. Duplantis summed up his experience eloquently, "If I don't beat this moment in my career, I'm pretty ok with that. I don't think you can really get much better than what happened."
• For the Paris 2024 Olympics, 206 countries participated. Of those countries, 11,000 athletes participated. The United States, France, and Australia had the largest country representations – each between 450-600. And the least represented countries were Belize, Liechtenstein, Nauru, and Somalia – each sent only one athlete to compete. Russian and Belarusian athletes competed as "Individual Neutral Athletes" – because the International Olympic Committee (IOC) voted to suspend both countries from competition due to the ongoing war in Ukraine. And finally, for the first time, the IOC announced that an equal number of men and women athletes competed at the Olympics.
• This Paris Games hosted Olympians of a wide range of ages. The youngest competitor was skateboarder Zheng Haohao of China at 11-years-old; and the oldest was 65-year-old Juan Antonio Jimenez Cobo, an equestrian from Spain. Zeng Zhiying (age 58) competed at table top tennis and made her Olympic debut almost four decades after she missed out on being selected to represent China in Los Angeles in 1984. Zeng represented Chile and is affectionately called "The Table Tennis Grandma."
• The number of medal events was 329. The United States won total 126 medals (40 Gold, 44 Silver, and 42 Bronze), China won 91 total medals (40 Gold, 27 Silver, and 24 Bronze), and host country France came in fifth with 64 total medals. According to NBC, "Medalists at the Paris Olympics will get to own a piece of the one of the world's most iconic structures. An original piece of the Eiffel Tower is included at the heart of each Olympic and Paralympic medal this year as host nation France puts its own stamp on the 2024 medals...Approximately 5,084 medals were created: 2,600 for the Olympics and 2,400 for the Paralympics."
• Unfortunately, a disappointing asterisk will forever tarnish the Paris Olympics. American gymnast Jordan Chiles won the bronze medal for floor exercise, however, there was an appeal of the score. The dispute may be a months-long or even years-long battle over the gymnastics scores, and time will tell as to how this drama unfolds. Another reason why this is sad is that the photo from that floor exercise medal/victory ceremony will forever be etched into all viewers' minds as one of the highlights from the Paris Olympics. America's two gymnasts (Simone Biles and Jordan Chiles) bowed down to Brazil's gold medal winner.
• And, regarding medals, did you know that medals can equate to a financial reward other than advertising endorsements? According to Business Insider, "US athletes receive $37,500 for a gold medal, $22,500 for a silver medal, and $15,000 for a bronze medal. Hong Kong offers the highest reward of $768,000 for gold medalists."
• What products stood out due to their co-branding with the Olympics? Some of my favorites included the Minions from their mini-movie integrated into the Opening Ceremony and inclusion on athletes' attire, Krispy Kreme Doughnuts with their "Go USA" collection "to fuel your dreams and sweeten your victories," Chipotle (meals aligned with various athletes), designer Ralph Lauren (Team USA's Opening and Closing Ceremonies apparel), GK Elite (Team USA's Women Gymnasts' apparel), Visa, and Samsung. And let's not forget that each day during the competition, there was a unique Google Doodle!

13. Netflix announced that it will open two massive venues with experiences and shops themed to its shows. The experiential complexes called "Netflix Houses" would open in empty retail space in Dallas and Philadelphia. According to ABC, "For Netflix, it's just the latest move in a series of efforts to broaden its profile and income beyond standard streaming, even though the bulk of its profits come from its core business." (June)

14. After years of slowly gaining market share, Dr Pepper inched ahead of Pepsi as the number two soda brand in the United States, according to Beverage Digest. FYI, Coca-Cola leads the sector by a comfortable margin. Founded in 1885 in Waco, Texas, Dr Pepper established a small but devoted following in the American South. Today, Dr Pepper experiments with new flavors including Strawberries & Cream and Creamy Coconut. (June)

15. The Rubik’s Cube, invented in 1974 by Hungarian architect Ernő Rubik, celebrated its 50th anniversary. Originally called the "Magic Cube," this iconic puzzle sold over 500 million units worldwide and remains a beloved tool for teaching geometry, problem-solving, and cognitive skills. Naturally, to commemorate its 50th anniversary, a special edition Rubik’s Cube was released and featured classic boxy edges, slower turning, and traditional stickers, along with a gold side and an anniversary logo. (May)

16. McDonald's created a scented billboard in the Netherlands. It installed a tray of French Fries into the billboard and then used ventilators to suck and diffuse the scent. The billboard was also placed within 2,000 feet of a McDonald's restaurant so customers could follow the scent. (April)

17. Delta Airlines offered a special flight from Austin to Detroit on April 8,, specifically for umbraphiles (people who are passionate about eclipses, especially solar eclipses). Delta flight 1218 operated on an A220-300 and featured premium viewing due to the aircraft’s extra-large windows. The flight departed from Austin at 12:15 p.m. CT and landed in Detroit at 4:20 p.m. ET – timed to give those on board the best chance of safely viewing the solar eclipse at its peak. The April 8 eclipse was the last total eclipse over North America until 2044, according to Warren Weston, Delta Air Lines Lead Meteorologist.”

According to Eric Beck, Managing Director of Domestic Network Planning at Delta, “This flight was the result of significant collaboration and exemplifies the close teamwork Delta is known for – from selecting an aircraft with larger windows to determining the exact departure time from Austin. Thanks to teams across the company, the idea of viewing a total eclipse from the air became a reality for our customers. And once at their seats, customers were greeted with co-branded goodie bags filled with items like ISO-certified eclipse viewing glasses from Warby Parker, limited-edition Sun Chips – which were on sale to the general public for only four minutes – and Delta-branded swag including special-edition solar eclipse socks.” (April)

18. Can you believe Facebook celebrated its 20th anniversary? It counts over three billion active monthly users – a third of the world’s population. But Facebook’s age is starting to show. According to Euronews, "Scroll through Facebook today and you'll find less posts from your actual friends and more sponsored ads harassing you to purchase things you searched for once, fake news articles with comments from conspiracy theorists, and old family friends documenting every aspect of their lives." (February)

19. An early version of The Walt Disney Company's internationally-recognized mascot, Mickey Mouse, that was featured in the 1928 short film, "Steamboat Willie," entered the public domain for the first time. (January)

20. Hello Kitty brand announced the celebration of its 50th anniversary during 2024. (January)

PERSONAL BRANDING:

1. Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, a longtime theater lover, made her Broadway debut in a one-night-only walk-on role in the Tony-nominated romantic comedy musical "& Juliet," a modern take on Shakespeare's tragedy that imagines what would have happened if the female protagonist survived and took control of her own life. (December)

2. With a record 99 Grammy nominations and acclaim as one of the most influential artists in musical history, Beyonce and her legacy will be the subject of a new course that will be offered for one unit at Yale University in 2025. Beyonce follows in the footsteps of other musicians as the subject of college courses including Bob Dylan and Taylor Swift. (November)

3. Claudia Sheinbaum was elected and took office as Mexico's first female president in the nation's more than 200 years of independence. (October)

4. Within minutes of the first and only Presidential debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump on September 10th, singer-songwriter-businesswoman Taylor Swift endorsed Kamala Harris. (September)

5. Norah O'Donnell, who has been the anchor of the evening broadcast for nearly five years, announced that she will transition to a new role as senior correspondent after the 2024 Presidential election. (August)

6. History was made when President Joe Biden announced his withdrawal from the 2024 Presidential race. His decision affected Vice President Kamala Harris' future and her personal brand - as well as former President Donald Trump. (July)

7. Two terms appeared as a result of singer Taylor Swift's international fame: "Visitor Economy" and "Economic Fairy Dust," translated to mean the impact on local economies where she performs because visitors flock to each location's airports, hotels, restaurants, and more - and Swift dusts the cities with an economic boom. (June)

8. In a historic decision on May 30, a New York jury found former President Donald Trump guilty on 34 counts of falsifying business records, marking the first criminal conviction of a United States President. While the legal repercussions are still to be determined, so, too, is the impact on his personal brand. (May)

9. Since baseball phenomenon Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Dodgers deferred much of his $700 million salary toward the end of his ten-year contract, he needed other ways to earn money. So, he did what many other professional athletes do, he signed endorsement deals. He also created his own logo with New Balance – the design depicts Ohtani rounding first base – with plans to use it on future projects around the world. (March)

10. Catherine, Princess of Wales, disappeared from January through March of 2024, and many British Royal watchers wondered why. There was so much conjecture that the Princess explained her cancer diagnosis and treatment in a recorded video message. (March)

11. Are you familiar with the rapper known as Snoop Dogg? He has evolved his personal brand from a hip-hop icon to a mainstream personality. He’s best buddies with lifestyle guru Martha Stewart, has been a "special correspondent" for the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, France, and most recently, served as a judge for NBC’s TV show, “The Voice.” According to Huffington Post, "Snoop has undergone a transition over the years from 1990's gangsta rapper to a family-friendly face who has co-starred in a variety show with Martha Stewart, made his own cereal, and partnered with dozens of recognizable brands." (January)

NAME CHANGES:

1. Taco Bell tested a new restaurant that was not focused on tacos. Instead, the newly-opened cafe concept in San Diego was called the Live Más Café, and featured a beverage-centric menu with milkshakes, coffee drinks, and fruity iced drinks. (December)

2. Once broadcaster Hoda Kotb announced her departure from NBC's morning line-up of "The Today Show" and "Today with Hoda and Jenna," the fourth hour needed a new name and will be temporarily called "Jenna & Friends" until a permanent co-host is named. (November)

3. A federal judge ordered Oakland airport officials to stop using "San Francisco Bay" in its name, amid a trademark dispute with San Francisco officials. U.S. Magistrate Judge Thomas Hixson issued a preliminary injunction against the Port of Oakland, which operates the airport, from using the name at its facilities and in advertising. San Francisco City Attorney David Chiu released a statement after the injunction was issued, "For months, we have tried reasoning with Oakland officials to avoid litigation and come up with alternative names that would work for all of us. Unfortunately, those efforts were not productive, and we had no choice but to ask the court to step in and protect our trademark. San Francisco has invested millions in making San Francisco International Airport the world class airport it is today. We have built an incredible brand, and we are happy the Court agreed that brand should be legally protected from trademark infringement." (November)

4. King Charles III established the Prince's Trust nearly 50 years ago when he was the Prince of Wales. Now it will be known as the "King's Trust." He launched the trust to help disadvantaged youth overcome challenging circumstances, get employment, or launch their own businesses. It has become one of the United Kingdom's leading youth organizations, and to date, has helped more than 1.3 million young people. The King's Trust has also launched a new logo and new tagline "Working for young people." (October)

5. According to CNN, "The Pepperidge Farm snack brand is tweaking its name for a limited time to "Chilean Sea Bass," a more grown-up title. It's part of a strategy to attract adults and re-establish its relevance amid a decline in snacking following a pandemic peak. Pepperidge Farm launched Goldfish in the United States in 1962 initially aimed at adults as a bar snack. Since the 1990's, however, Goldfish has been sold as a snack for kids with playful packaging." (October)

6. The 155-year-old Campbell Soup Company announced that it would drop the word "Soup" from its name and rebrand as The Campbell's Company. The company owns snack brands including Goldfish, Snyders of Hanover, Cape Cod, Pepperidge Farm, and others. Therefore, the brand wishes to move away from the idea that it only sells soup. (September)

7. The diner chain Perkins Restaurant and Bakery changed its name after 66 years to Perkins American Food Co. This means that the word "bakery," which had been part of its brand identity for five decades, disappeared, but actual bakeries will remain in the restaurants. According to Toni Ronayne, Perkins President, "The refreshed name really speaks to our American values and the American comfort food we deliver." In addition to the new name, the logo will feature an updated green color, and restaurants will be remodeled featuring brighter flooring plus new tables, silverware, and uniforms. (June)

8. Banknotes featuring King Charles III finally entered circulation in the United Kingdom. This marked the first time that the Bank of England changed the monarch on its notes, and this is only the second time that the monarch has appeared on banknotes issued by the Bank of England - the first was Charles' mother, Queen Elizabeth II. Charles' portrait appears on the 5, 10, 20, and 50 pound notes; and the rest of the design remains the same as the current notes that feature the late Queen Elizabeth II on their fronts. The Bank of England expects the new notes "to enter circulation very gradually." According to the British Retail Consortium, "Fewer Brits use cash. In 2023, there was an increase in cash usage for the first time in a decade, making up about 19 percent of total transactions. Cards still make up the overwhelming proportion of money spent, at 85 percent." (June)

9. Jaguar Land Rover rebranded and changed its name to JLR, but despite the new corporate identity, the Land Rover models (Defender, Discovery, and Range Rover) will continue to include the Land Rover badges due to the 75 years of history in the Land Rover brand. (June)

10. Beginning in February 2025, the Boy Scouts of America will officially become Scouting America. The new name displays a clear emphasis on inclusion. (May)

11. The city of San Francisco has 42 cable cars and dedicated Car 53 to singer Tony Bennett, whose iconic song, “I Left My Heart in San Francisco,” featured a line about “the city where little cable cars climb halfway to the stars.” (March)

12. While Artificial Intelligence, also known as AI, has been on everyone's mind these days, one company did not want it anywhere near its brand. Tropicana, the top-selling orange juice brand, released limited-edition bottles with a slight change to its name. On the bottles, the letters "A" and "I" were removed from the name so that it showed as "TROPCN." According to a company press release, the marketing campaign highlighted "the fact that there is nothing artificial, and never has been anything artificial" in the orange juice. (January)

LOGO RE-DESIGNS:

1. Jaguar unveiled its new logo combining upper and lower case letters into one word as it promises its future will be fully electric. According to CarDealerMagazine, "Utilizing a new font, designed especially for the manufacturer, the logo spells the word JaGUar. The car maker has also unveiled "Strikethrough," a barcode-like 16 horizontal lines of equal weight - which will be used across its brand image. There's also more exuberant colors and a reimagined Jaguar leaping car (the leaper) and a monogram JR to be stamped across its cars and advertising." (November)

2. According to Fast Company, "Verizon announced a new logo and updated brand system. Gone is the Verizon electricity-inspired checkmark, which has been with the brand in some permutation for more than 20 years. The new red wordmark features a glowing ribbon "V" that is strikingly similar to Netflix's signature N...Verizon will turn the V into signage for stores and other installations. They also imagine the V in physical spaces, shaping an entryway as the brand, and as abstract designs on newly designed employee uniforms, a collection of casual, mix-and-match tees, totes, and cross-body bags." (July)

PACKAGING RE-DESIGN AND/OR NEW PRODUCT PACKAGING:

1. Toy maker Mattel went into crisis mode once shoppers noticed that the packaging for its WICKED dolls included a website for pornography rather than the movie's correct website. Some consumers tried to make Mattel's loss their gain: Multiple sellers listed the toys on eBay for as much as $500 rather than the $40 regular price. (November)

2. The New York Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) Board voted to pass the congestion pricing plan in New York City, setting the base toll at $9 through 2027. (November)

3. According to Axios, "Ford plans to give new EV buyers a free charging unit and free installation in an industry first. EV sales have been lagging behind expectations as many consumers remain wary of the unknowns and inconveniences around regularly charging their vehicles at home and on the road. So Ford announced that anyone who buys or leases a new Ford EV during the fourth quarter 2024 will qualify for a free EV charging unit and home installation through the Ford Power Promise program." (October)

4. The Atlantic did something unusual for a magazine in 2024: increased the number of issues it prints. The 167-year-old magazine, once known as The Atlantic Monthly, increased its pace of publication from 10 issues to 12, returning to a monthly publication for the first time since 2002. (October)

5. In an amazing first, Special K featured a pregnant woman on its cereal box. The box, which shows Molly Baz with an exposed pregnant belly, was available for purchase on the Kellogg website, part of the brand's "Special for a Reason" marketing campaign, which features "inspiring individuals." (June)

6. Venice, Italy, became the first city in the world to charge an entry fee for day-trippers. Anyone visiting Venice as a tourist for the day - except those who live in the local region - must pay the five Euro fee ($5.40 USD) if they arrive between 8am and 4pm. Tourists who stay overnight will not have to pay since an overnight tax is already added to their hotel bills. (April)

7. This year, on April Fools' Day, Oreo posted the best post after changing its brief description to: "We're done." Oreo posted the following message on Twitter/X: "After time and consideration, we have made the decision to separate the cookie and the creme duo that you all know to be as OREO cookies. There are no secrets or anyone to blame, we are just two best friends who met at a very young age and have grown over the past 112 years in our own ways. We appreciate your continuous support as we enter this new chapter, separately." A follow-up post stated: "Just the Creme and Just the Wafer hit shelves 4/31."

However, since April has only 30 days, that final post provided the gotcha! (April)

STRATEGIC BRANDING CAMPAIGNS:

1. WICKED the musical film partnered with dozens of other brands in a promotional blitz very similar to the BARBIE film in 2023. Some notable brand partnerships and/or co-branding campaigns: Starbucks, Lego, Ulta Beauty Stores, Vera Bradley, Croc's sandals, Hasbro's Monopoly, Kellogg Company's Rice Krispies Treats, and Lexus. (November)

2. To celebrate the 65th birthday of Barbie, Krispy Kreme Doughnuts partnered with Mattel and launched the limited-edition Barbie Collection featuring four doughnuts: the Barbie Pink Doughnut, the Barbie Berries 'n Kreme Doughnut, the Malibu Dream Party Doughnut, and the Barbie Sweet 65th Doughnut. (September)

3. Adidas sneakers brand partnered with jewelry brand Swarovski to launch a Swarovski-crystal covered edition of its Impact baseball cleat with a retail price of $440. The shoe was available in two choices, either Light Purple or Ice Lavender. Despite the crystals, the shoe featured cushioning and support for on-field performance. But who would wear these shoes anywhere other than on a red carpet? (September)

4. Known for its customizable ice cream options, Cold Stone Creamery announced its partnership with Illumination's "Despicable Me 4" film with the release of its Despicamallow Ice Cream. According to a press release, "The new creation, called Mega Minion Marshmallow Meltdown, features Despicamallow Ice Cream, Chocolate Chips, Marshmallows, and Yellow & Blue Sprinkles, inspired by the mischievous antics of the Minions. Cold Stone will also feature Heist Cream Cake with layers of moist Yellow Cake and Despicamallow Ice Cream with Yellow & Blue Sprinkles and wrapped in fluffy White Frosting featuring the Mega Jerry Minion. Guests can dive into these limited-time offerings at participating Cold Stone Creamery locations nationwide June 12 through July 30." (June/July)

5. Hello Kitty partnered with Nordstrom to celebrate Hello Kitty’s 50th anniversary. Nordstrom unveiled a pop-up shop featuring women’s and men’s apparel, accessories, home and entertainment, beauty, plush and toys, and pantry items – all inspired by the global icon. According to Nordstrom, “We are excited to partner with Sanrio to celebrate Hello Kitty’s milestone anniversary with this special shop and bring her world to life through immersive in-store and online experiences. Hello Kitty has been a beloved pop culture icon for the last 50 years as a powerful symbol of friendship, kindness, and inclusivity, and we look forward to offering our customers a unique and nostalgic product assortment across categories to celebrate this momentous occasion.” (June-August)

6. New Balance partnered with Archive, a resale company, to launch its in-store trade-in program in nearly 100 participating U.S. retail locations. When customers bring in gently worn footwear, they will receive a voucher for their next purchase. Interesting fact: According to New Balance, secondhand products supplied by customers sell 2.6 times faster than its new products. (June)

7. Did you see the solar eclipse on April 7th? Some brands made news with their promotions including Krispy Kreme Doughnuts, Vermont Teddy Bear, Doritos, and the Empire State Building. (April)

8. McDonald’s and Krispy Kreme Doughnuts formed a partnership to sell Krispy Kreme Doughnuts at McDonald’s locations starting in late 2024. (March)

9. In celebration of the new chapter in DreamWorks Animation’s action-comedy franchise, Kung Fu Panda 4, World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and DreamWorks Animation partnered to raise awareness about the plight of the real wildlife depicted in the film. According to WWF, “To connect viewers with what they see on screen and the real world, WWF has created several resources to educate, inspire, and motivate audiences to take action to protect species such as the giant panda. Educators and parents alike can explore WWF Wild Classroom resources such as toolkits, worksheets, videos, and learning activities to keep the momentum about conservation going after the film is over. WWF also has symbolic adoptions of some of the species featured in the film, which can serve as a meaningful contribution to helping protect wildlife. Partnerships like this are critical in helping to meet the general public where they are, such as in movie theaters, to stress the importance of taking steps to help protect our planet. Click here to learn more about the characteristics of each species featured in the film and access the full suite of resources.” (March)

10. Burt's Bees teamed up with Hidden Valley Ranch salad dressing to create a lip balm with the flavor of ranch dressing and buffalo wings. According to CNN, the lip balm sold out immediately. (January)

With all these changes, one wonders if brands that don’t make changes have staying power. Do logos need to be refreshed every so often? Do brand names need to change every so often? How do these changes impact brand equity and customer/fan/stakeholder recognition? These are important questions before considering, planning, and executing strategic branding changes.

What brand will make news during 2025? Swing by #DebbieLaskeysBlog in January 2026 for a comprehensive recap!

Image Credit: Bright Pink Agency.

Check out more about WWF's partnership with DreamWorks Animation:

https://www.worldwildlife.org/blogs/sustainability-works/posts/dreamworks-and-wwf-team-up-for-wildlife-conservation-with-kung-fu-panda-4

Ten Notable Deaths During 2024 and Some #PersonalBrandingTips

While many notable deaths occurred during 2024, we were left with a myriad of personal branding tips. Join me in learning from the legacies of these ten individuals.

BOB NEWHART

Whenever comedians are mentioned, one name has stood the test of time. Bob Newhart died at the age of 94 on July 18th. Since my Dad was a CPA, Bob was a favorite in my house due to his previous occupation as an accountant. Perhaps, my Dad had dreams of being a comedian, or perhaps, he simply appreciated Bob's dry wit as a stand-up comedian. Whatever the case, "The Bob Newhart Show" and later "Newhart" were must-watch television in my house. And then, the way that the final episode of "Newhart" harkened back to the original series! Sheer genius! If you haven't seen it, check it out! According to the CPA Journal, "Newhart leaves blanks and pauses in his one-person phone routines to try to get his audience actively involved. This style could only come from an accountant." He was inducted into the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences Hall of Fame in 1993, and in 1996, TV Guide ranked him number 17 of the 50 greatest TV stars of all time.

PERSONAL BRANDING TIP: While your career choice may not be clear to others, your talent may stand out - and make you a star. Bob Newhart proved this!  

BETTE NASH

The aviation world mourned the loss of Bette Nash, a Washington, D.C.-based flight attendant who died after spending nearly seven decades serving passengers in the skies — and making history along the way. She began her career with the now-defunct Eastern Airlines at age 21 in 1957, when Dwight Eisenhower was President. At the time, flights between New York and D.C. cost $12 and "stewardesses," as they were called, served lobster on platters and passed out cigarettes on board. According to NPR, "The industry changed drastically during Nash's tenure, especially with the introduction of technology (no more handwritten tickets, for example). American Airlines eventually took over some of Eastern's routes. But, as she said at a celebration of her 60 years of service in 2017, the joys of the job remained, "My favorite part of flying over the years has been greeting my passengers as they board and deplane. People really are fascinating and it’s truly been a joy." Nash became an increasingly recognizable fixture on American Airlines flights in recent years — particularly on shuttle flights between Washington and Boston. She earned the Guinness World Record for longest-serving flight attendant in 2022, by which point she had been working for more than 64 years."

PERSONAL BRANDING TIP: If you find a job that you love, it becomes a labor of love, rather than simply a job. Bette Nash proved that!

LILLY LEDBETTER

Lilly Ledbetter, whose gender pay equity legal fight was the inspiration for the Fair Pay Act of 2009, died at age 86 in October.

According to CNN, "In the 1990's, after 19 years of working for Goodyear, Ledbetter learned she had been making thousands of dollars less each month than male managers. She sued Goodyear in 1999 for gender discrimination. She initially won in federal court in 2003 and was awarded $3.8 million in backpay and damages. The decision was later overturned after the tire giant appealed. The case eventually made its way to the Supreme Court in 2007, which upheld the lower court's ruling. In a 5-4 decision, the justices ruled Ledbetter should have filed suit within 180 days of the very first time Goodyear paid her less than her peers. Having missed that window, Ledbetter had no grounds to sue, according to the court."

When Barack Obama became President, the first bill he signed into law was the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act. Ledbetter said in 2018, "That was the most awesome emotion I think that I have ever had. I'll put it behind having a son and a daughter." In retirement Ledbetter became an activist and advocate for gender equity.

The American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO) described her: "Lilly Ledbetter simply wanted to be paid the same as her male Goodyear coworkers – and her fight took her to the Supreme Court, Congress, and the White House to sign the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act. She was a true hero."

Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff said on social media that Ledbetter's simple phrase "equal pay for equal work" had changed his understanding. He said, "It's shocking that, as a CEO, I witnessed firsthand how wide the pay disparities were – not just in my own company, but across so many others we acquired. Lilly taught me the fight for equality starts with pay equity. There can be no true equality without it."

As of 2024, for every dollar a man earns, a woman is paid 84 cents, according to the National Committee on Pay Equity and the Equal Pay Today campaign. That's based on earnings data for full-time, year-round workers from the US Census in 2022, which was the most recent full-year data set available. 

PERSONAL BRANDING TIP: In Ledbetter's own words: "That I never gave up and I did make a difference. In fact, I told my pastor, when he does my funeral, that's the last line I want...She made a difference."

SHARE THIS: The hashtag #EmbraceAmbition means to me: Being respectful of and supporting everyone's ambitions equally. ~Lilly Ledbetter #PersonalBranding #DebbieLaskeysBlog

WALLY AMOS

According to Biography, "Wallace WALLY Amos Jr., the man behind the Famous Amos cookies brand, has died. The 88-year-old was surrounded by family, who said the cause of death was complications from dementia. Amos was best known for the cookie brand he started in 1975 and sold in 1988. But before his entrepreneurial days, he was the first Black talent agent for William Morris Agency. While there, he discovered Simon & Garfunkel. Amos spent his later years developing additional cookie companies, a muffin brand, and promoting children's literacy.

In 1967, Amos moved to Los Angeles, where he struggled to set up his own personal management company. Burdened with the debt of his failing business, Amos began to take comfort in baking chocolate chip cookies. He started bringing cookies along to business meetings. With financial backing from singers like Marvin Gaye and Helen Reddy as well as an innovative marketing initiative that included an extensive advertising campaign and a gala grand opening, the first Famous Amos cookie store opened on Sunset Boulevard in Los Angeles in March 1975. (I vividly recall visiting that location often in my youth!) Within months, 38-year-old Amos had opened two more West Coast locations, and the New York–based Bloomingdale's department store had begun selling the cookies.

Outside of his entrepreneurial work, Amos traveled as a motivational speaker and dedicated himself to ending illiteracy in the United States. He worked with organizations such as Read to Me International, the YMCA, and Literacy Volunteers of America, serving as the group's national spokesperson from 1979 until 2002. President George H.W. Bush presented him with the Literacy Award in 1991. He even had a reading room at his cookie shop in Hawaii, where he relocated in 1977. Wearing a watermelon hat, he read to children at his shop on Saturdays."

PERSONAL BRANDING TIP: If, after a long career, you end up being the symbol of something that everyone loves, then that's okay. Wally Amos may have been the symbol of a chocolate chip cookie, but it was a yummy cookie!

PHIL DONAHUE

According to The Hollywood Reporter, "Phil Donahue, the talk show innovator who changed the conversation and the course of daytime television with the weekday program he hosted for nearly three decades, has died. He was 88. According to his family, he died at his New York City home following a long illness. Survivors include his wife of 44 years, "That Girl" star Marlo Thomas. They met when she was a guest on his show — he was a divorced single father living with and raising his four sons at the time — before marrying in May 1980. The Cleveland, Ohio-native hosted more than 6,000 iterations of "The Phil Donahue Show," from the first, broadcast from a Dayton, Ohio station on November 7, 1967, through the last, seen nationwide on syndication via Multimedia Entertainment, on September 13, 1996.

Donahue addressed contemporary and controversial topics and invited his studio audience to participate, carrying his microphone into the crowd. He became adept at interweaving their questions and remarks with his own commentary.

The issue-oriented approach was novel, and his topics — abortion, incest, artificial insemination, alcoholism, penile implants, homosexuality, same-sex couples raising children and priests' pedophilia, to name just a few — proved cutting-edge, making his show notorious and popular.

Donahue had things pretty much all to himself until 1985, when Oprah Winfrey launched her own talk show. He said, "It's just not possible to overstate the enormousness of her impact on the daytime television game. It was staggering." (She would dethrone him atop the ratings in 1987.)

After he had turned 60 and received 11 Daytime Emmy's, Donahue called it quits in 1996, and Winfrey presented him with a Lifetime Achievement honor. She said, "I want to thank you for opening the door so wide, wide enough for me to walk through. Had there not been a Phil Donahue, I don't believe there could have been an Oprah." In May 2024, he received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Joe Biden."

PERSONAL BRANDING TIP: Never be afraid of trying new things or new ways to tackle issues. Phil Donahue did just that, and in the process, ushered in an entirely new era of television talk shows.

CHARLES OSGOOD

According to CBS News, "Award-winning journalist Charles Osgood, who anchored "CBS Sunday Morning" for 22 years and was host of the long-running radio program "The Osgood File," died at age 91 in January 2024. He was a gifted news writer, poet, and author, and spent 45 years at CBS News before retiring in September 2016. Osgood began anchoring "CBS Sunday Morning" in 1994. During his run on the show it reached its highest ratings levels in three decades, and three times earned the Daytime Emmy as Outstanding Morning Program...And for almost 46 years, he wrote and hosted "The Osgood File," written radio commentaries on the day's news, broadcast up to four times a day, five days a week, that were occasionally rhymed. For each edition, which aired on stations around the country, he signed off with the familiar "I'll see you on the radio" – a phrase he carried over to his TV duties hosting "CBS Sunday Morning."

He explained, "Short words, short sentences, short paragraphs. There's nothing that can't be improved by making it shorter and better."

PERSONAL BRANDING TIP: When you're good at something, you can do it for a very long time, as Charles Osgood proved.

JEANINE EPPER

According to The Hollywood Reporter, "Jeannie Epper, the peerless, fearless stunt performer who doubled for Lynda Carter on Wonder Woman and swung on a vine across a 350-foot gorge and propelled down an epic mudslide as Kathleen Turner in Romancing the Stone, died at age 83 in May. Just one member of a dynasty of stunt performers that Steven Spielberg dubbed the "Flying Wallendas of Film" — starting with her father, John Epper, there were four generations of Eppers in show business since the 1930's — she worked on 150-plus films and TV shows during an amazing 70-year career. She put herself in harm's way for Kate Jackson on Charlie's Angels, for Lindsay Wagner on The Bionic Woman, for Angie Dickinson on Police Woman, for Jessica Walter in Play Misty for Me (1971), for Jill Clayburgh in Silver Streak (1976) and for Nancy Allen in RoboCop (1987)."

Wonder Woman TV actress Lynda Carter wrote that she and Epper in the 1970's were "united in the way that women had to be in order to thrive in a man's world, through mutual respect, intellect and collaboration. Jeannie was a vanguard who paved the way for all other stuntwomen who came after. Just as Diana was Wonder Woman, Jeannie Epper was also a Wonder Woman.”

PERSONAL BRANDING TIP: Often, it's important to ignore stereotypes and simply follow your dream - as Jeanine Epper did!

IRIS APFEL

Iris Apfel, the US businesswoman, interior designer, fashion designer, and actress, died at age 102 at her Palm Beach home in March. According to the BBC, "The matriarch of maximalism has died at aged 102. 'More is more, and less is a bore' was her mantra, and her unique style and wisdom brought joy and inspiration to many. "I like big and bold and a lot of pizzazz."  Apfel remained perennially young at heart, in her own words "the world's oldest living teenager." 

She's instantly recognizable: sitting amid a confection of canary yellow frills, or with a ton of costume jewelry around her neck. A different scintillating look for every day and occasion – but what didn't change for decades was her immaculate silver bouffant hairdo, coral-red lips, and huge spectacles – a black-rimmed infinity symbol broader than her face. 

Apfel's talent as a hot style innovator showed up in her 20s, such as when she spotted and adopted a garment that was to take the fashion world by storm (and hasn't stopped): jeans. We may imagine denim cool was invented by Marlon Brando in The Wild One (1953), or Marilyn Monroe in The Misfits (1961), but Apfel was ahead of these Hollywood stars. "In the '40s I was probably the first woman to wear jeans."

The world sat up to acknowledge her as a star, with a lifetime of building a brand based around herself, and she was soon sought after to sell everything from cars to tech startups. In 2018 she modelled for Vogue; and Mattel made a silver-haired Barbie in her name. Apfel's popularity is perhaps a sign of the times. In recent decades older celebrity fashion models, like Carmen Dell'Orefice, 92, and Daphne Selfe, 95, are increasingly held up as glamorous, relevant and sought after.

Photographer Ari Seth Cohen, who featured her in his documentary Advanced Style, on fashionable New Yorkers aged 60 to 100, described how Apfel promotes "personality and personal expression rather than a youthful idea of perfection and beauty."

PERSONAL BRANDING TIP: Iris Apfel was the epitome of being unique, and she was incredibly successful and happy by being herself!

SHARE THIS: I like big and bold and a lot of pizzazz. ~Iris Apfel #PersonalBranding #DebbieLaskeysBlog

WILLIE MAYS

One doesn't need to be a fan of the San Francisco Giants to be a fan of Willie Mays. Long considered to be one of the best all-around players in the history of baseball, Mays passed away in June. According to Leo Durocher (a former Dodgers manager), "If somebody came up and hit .450, stole 100 bases, and performed a miracle in the field every day, I'd still look you in the eye and say Willie was better." On Mays' Baseball Hall of Fame page, "In 1954, in Game 1 of the World Series against the Cleveland Indians, tied 2-2 in the top of the 8th inning with runners on first and second and no outs, Vic Wertz hit a towering drive that would have been a home run in most parks. Mays, playing shallow center field, took off and ran with his back to the ball, caught it over the shoulder an estimated 460 feet from the plate, turned, and fired. The Giants won the game and the World Series. "The Catch" is considered by many to be one of the greatest defensive plays in history." On a personal note, my father, despite being a lifelong Dodgers fan from age 7, was also a lifelong Willie Mays fan. Talk about the power of personal branding! 

PERSONAL BRANDING TIP: When your accomplishments are amazing, they stand out on their own!

JIMMY CARTER

Former President Jimmy Carter passed away on December 29th at the age of 100. Born in 1924, James Earl Carter Jr. was an American politician and humanitarian who served from 1977 to 1981 as the 39th President of the United States. 

According to President Joe Biden, "President Carter was an extraordinary leader, statesma, and humanitarian. Over six decades, we had the honor of calling Jimmy Carter a dear friend. But what's extraordinary about Jimmy Carter, though, is that millions of people throughout America and the world who never met him thought of him as a dear friend as well. With Carter's compassion and moral clarity, he worked to eradicate disease, forge peace, advance civil rights and human rights, promote free and fair elections, house the homeless, and always advocate for the least among us. He saved, lifted, and changed the lives of people all across the globe."

Biden thanked the Carter family and staff and told "young people in this nation and for anyone in search of what it means to live a life of purpose and meaning – the good life – study Jimmy Carter, a man of principle, faith, and humility."

Habitat for Humanity will forever be linked to Carter, because since 1984, the Carter Work Project took the former first couple across the United States and around the world to 14 countries, where he helped to build, renovate, or repair more than 4,300 houses alongside more than 100,000 volunteers.

PERSONAL BRANDING TIP: Dedication to one's ideals can, and do, make a difference. In Carter's own words, "I have one life and one chance to make it count for something...My faith demands that I do whatever I can, wherever I am, whenever I can, for as long as I can with whatever I have to try to make a difference."

What else did you learn from those we lost during 2024? Chime in and share.

Image Credits: CBS Photo Archive via Getty Images (Bob Newhart), AP Photo/Lennox McLendon (Fernando Valenzuela), and Tory Burch Foundation (Lilly Ledbetter).

Click to read an interview with equal pay activist Lilly Ledbetter:

https://www.toryburchfoundation.org/resources/create-diversity-and-inclusion/an-interview-with-equal-pay-activist-lilly-ledbetter/

Click to read "A Spectacle in Glasses" about Iris Apfel:

https://www.worldofinteriors.com/story/iris-apfel-eccentricity

Marketing News of the Week: Images, Books, Ageism, and More

During the last week, there were news stories that reflected brand announcements, brand identity, product packaging, personal branding, strategic partnerships, and more.

SHUTTERSTOCK AND GETTY IMAGES

What could have been called a surprise by all marketers, two large photography companies made news. According to AP, "Getty Images is buying Shutterstock to create a $3.7 billion visual content company. The merger comes at a time when companies that use still images are facing increased competition from images generated by artificial intelligence. Getty Images CEO Craig Peters will serve as CEO of the combined business...Getty Images shareholders will own about 54.7 percent of the combined company, and Shutterstock stockholders will own approximately 45.3 percent. The combined company will operate as Getty Images, and will continue to trade on the New York Stock Exchange under the 'GETY' ticker symbol." Time will tell as to how this impacts the marketing world and if this merger were a smart move.

MATTEL RECOGNITION

The National Women's History Museum (NWHM) based in Washington, D.C., announced that Mattel will be honored with the inaugural Evelyn Y. Davis Corporate Changemaker Award at NWHM's Women Making History Awards Gala on March 20th. Mattel was chosen for this award to recognize the societal impact of its brands like Barbie on generations and its purpose to empower ALL to explore the wonder of childhood and reach their full potential.

According to NWHM Board Chair Susan Whiting, "Mattel is a trailblazer in challenging stereotypes and advancing gender equity through the power of play and storytelling - and has shown an unwavering commitment to empowering girls to see themselves as limitless, capable, and powerful."

According to Toy World Magazine, "Evelyn Y. Davis, the namesake of the Corporate Changemaker Award, and Ruth Handler, Mattel's co-founder, first corporate president, and Barbie's creator, both shared a vision of challenging how women are perceived in society. Evelyn was an advocate for transparency, accountability, and gender equity in the corporate world, while Ruth revolutionized the toy industry by creating toys that challenged traditional gender roles and empowered girls to dream big.

The Women Making History Awards Gala will celebrate extraordinary trailblazing women, such as those previously honored like Rita Moreno, Maya Angelou, and Katherine Johnson — all of whom have also been celebrated by Barbie with dolls made in their likeness — who have made profound contributions and inspire the next generation of leaders, change agents and history makers. By honoring companies like Mattel, NWHM hopes to encourage more brands to take meaningful action to advance gender equity and representation, creating a lasting impact for future generations."

POLITICAL CHANGE IN CANADA

According to Audacy, "In a political development that sent shockwaves across Canada, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau officially announced his resignation on January 6th. After nearly a decade of leading the nation, Trudeau's decision marks the end of an era defined by bold policy initiatives, global influence, and moments of profound national debate. He did not elaborate on specific reasons behind his departure but cited a desire to allow new leadership to guide Canada into the future. During his time in office, Trudeau championed issues such as climate action, Indigenous reconciliation, and gender equality. However, his leadership also faced scrutiny, including controversies over ethics violations and criticism of his handling of economic challenges. His resignation has left Canada's political landscape in flux. Trudeau confirmed he would stay on as Prime Minister until a successor is chosen, ensuring a smooth transition. As Canada braces for this dramatic shift, questions abound about the direction the nation will take. Will the next leader continue Trudeau's progressive policies, or will Canada see a pivot in its political priorities (like its neighbor to the south)?"

GULF OF AMERICA?

According to Politico, "Donald Trump said he will change the name of the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America, because he said the new name has a beautiful ring. That covers a lot of territory. What a beautiful name. And it's appropriate."

This comment marked Trump's latest pledge (aka, crazy statement) to expand the United States' reach throughout the world, following statements about annexing Canada, Greenland, and the Panama Canal.

GREENLAND'S FUTURE

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen shared a message for Donald Trump that "Greenland belongs to the Greenlanders. Greenland is not for sale." To clarify further, the frigid island has been a territory of Denmark for hundreds of years, gaining rights to home rule in the 20th century. According to the Huffington Post, "Frederiksen noted that while selling off the territory may be a non-starter, U.S. investment in Greenland is more than welcome."

CANADA'S FUTURE

According to The Hill, "Some have shrugged off Trump's suggestion that Canada should become the 51st state as an old joke or mere posturing, while others dismiss it as a bad political idea, given Canada's blue leanings. But Trump has threatened economic force to annex the U.S.'s neighbor to the north. Together with talks of buying Greenland and controlling the Panama Canal, the comments suggest he's aiming to expand U.S. power after he takes office later this month. The concept, though, continues to be largely unpopular among Canadians. And with Trudeau exiting the political stage, it's unclear what impact Trump's remarks will have on the U.S.-Canada relationship under new leaders."

JENNA BUSH HAGER BECOMES A PUBLISHER

Jenna Bush Hager (one of President George W. Bush's twin daughters), who became a literary influencer when she launched a book club on the "Today" show nearly six years ago, announced that she plans to do more than just recommend books: She's now going to publish them. According to The New York Times, "Hager announced she is starting her own publishing venture with the Random House Publishing Group, called Thousand Voices x RHPG. Through the partnership, Hager will publish four to six books a year at various imprints within Random House, which is a part of Penguin Random House. She's looking to acquire books across a range of genres, including memoir, literary fiction, romance, and historical fiction...The imprint is a separate project from "Read with Jenna," and Hager won't select books for her club that she published. Her goal is to develop writers and support them." How will this venture impact Jenna's personal brand as well as her "Read with Jenna" brand? Time will tell.

META FACT-CHECKERS

Facebook, Instagram, and Threads plan to replace their (politically biased) fact-checkers with community notes, a move that Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg explained would allow the social networks to return "to our roots around free expression. We're replacing fact-checkers with Community Notes, simplifying our policies and focusing on reducing mistakes."

WOMEN OVER 50 AT GOLDEN GLOBES

According to Harpers Bazaar, "There was a time, not so long ago, when women aged between 40 and 60 all but disappeared in Hollywood. Bar a handful of exceptions – Meryl Streep and Judi Dench spring to mind – actresses who had laughter lines and grey hairs were at least temporarily aged out of the profession, sent back to the subs bench until they could come back and play an elder stateswoman or perhaps a grandmother. So how refreshing it was to see that women in midlife were being celebrated for their talent, style, and general fabulousness at the Golden Globes...Then there was the plethora of impeccably turned-out midlife women on the red carpet: Jennifer Coolidge (63), Salma Hayek (58), Angelina Jolie (49), Nicole Kidman (57), and Isabella Rosselini (71)...Take note, Hollywood: may this era of accepting the aging of women continue.

This year, many of the best actress gongs went to women over the age of 40, including Ali Wong (42), Fernanda Torres (59), Jodie Foster (62), Jean Smart (73), and Zoe Saldaña (46)...One of the most talked-about wins of the night was 62-year-old Demi Moore's. She took home best actress in a musical or comedy for last summer's epic body horror, The Substance. Collecting her award, she recalled being dubbed a "popcorn actress" by a producer three decades ago – classed as someone who, as she put it, could be in successful films that made a lot of money, but who would never have her talent critically acknowledged. Having worked in the industry for 45 years, the Golden Globe award was her first ever."

MCDONALD'S STRAWS

According to Audacy, "McDonald's move to switch to sustainable straws is stirring up frustration among customers who claim the new straws are altering the taste of their favorite beverages. At restaurants nationwide, the fast-food giant has phased out its classic white straw with a red and yellow stripe and replaced it with a clear alternative. Some customers say that the straws have a noticeable, unpleasant taste that ruins their drinks." And when drinking McDonald's famous shakes, the new straws crack, bend, break, and become unusable. Sounds like poor packaging.

HILLARY CLINTON RECEIVES HIGHEST CIVILIAN HONOR

According to Politico, "On January 4th, President Joe Biden bestowed the Presidential Medal of Freedom on 19 recipients — his last opportunity to give out the nation's highest civilian honor ahead of his upcoming exit from the White House. At the ceremony, he told the recipients, "You're leaving an incredible mark on our country with insight and influence that can be felt around the globe." Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton received the honor. 

According to Columbia University's Spectator, "In a citation read aloud prior to the presentation of her medal, a military aide described Clinton as someone who is guided by the Methodist creed 'Do all the good you can, in all the ways you can' and whose career has been dedicated to an eternal truth: America's ideals are sacred and we must always defend and live by them. Clinton served as a lawyer, first lady from 1993 to 2001, a New York senator from 2001 to 2009, and Secretary of State under President Barack Obama. She received the Democratic Presidential nomination in 2016, becoming the first woman to be nominated for President by a major political party. Clinton joined the Columbia University faculty in February 2023 and has taught the course 'Inside the Situation Room' since fall 2023."

KRISPY KREME AND POP-TARTS DOUGHNUTS

In what Krispy Kreme described as "Two Classic Treats, One Sweet Collaboration," in the brand's first collaboration of the new year, Krispy Kreme partnered with Pop-Tarts for the first time ever, unveiling an all-new Crazy Good Doughnut Collection. Beginning on January 6th for a limited time, fans can enjoy three classic Pop-Tarts flavors:  

(1) Pop-Tarts Frosted Strawberry Doughnut: Unglazed shell doughnut filled with strawberry filling, dipped in shortbread icing, topped with shortbread pieces, sugar sprinkles, strawberry filling drizzle, and Strawberry Pop-Tarts Bites. 

(2) Pop-Tarts Frosted Chocolatey Fudge Doughnut: Original Glazed doughnut dipped in chocolate icing topped with brownie batter flavored buttercreme, crushed Frosted Chocolatey Fudge Pop-Tarts Bites, and white nonpareils.

(3) Pop-Tarts Frosted Brown Sugar Cinnamon Doughnut: Cinnamon sugar doughnut topped with brown sugar cinnamon cream cheese flavored buttercreme and Frosted Cinnamon Roll Pop-Tarts Bites.

UNITED AIRLINES AND WIFI

According to Audacy, "United Airlines has announced accelerated plans to roll out Elon Musk's Starlink satellite WiFi service on its flights, with initial testing set to begin in February. In a move to enhance in-flight connectivity, the airline aims to equip its entire fleet with Starlink by the end of 2025, allowing travelers to enjoy the same high-speed, low-latency Internet service in the air that they do on the ground."

FUBO JOINS DISNEY FAMILY

According to Fubo, "FuboTV Inc. (NYSE: FUBO) and The Walt Disney Company (NYSE: DIS) announced on January 6th that they entered into a definitive agreement for Disney to combine its Hulu + Live TV business with Fubo, forming a combined virtual MVPD (Multichannel Video Programming Distributor) company. Fubo and Hulu + Live TV each provide customers the ability to stream a broad array of live broadcast and cable networks on their connected TVs, mobile phones, tablets, and other Internet-connected devices. Combining the businesses of Fubo and Hulu + Live TV — which together have over 6.2 million subscribers in North America — will facilitate an enhanced choice of programming packages and address a variety of consumer preferences at attractive price points. Disney will also enter into a new carriage agreement with Fubo that will allow Fubo to create a new Sports & Broadcast service, featuring Disney's premier sports and broadcast networks including ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, SECN, ACCN, ESPNEWS, as well as ESPN+. Fubo and Hulu + Live TV will continue to be available to consumers as separate offerings post-closing."

FUNERAL FOR JIMMY CARTER

The funeral for the 39th President, Jimmy Carter, took place on January 9th. As President Joe Biden said in his eulogy, "Throughout his life, Jimmy Carter showed us what it means to be a practitioner of good works, a good and faithful servant of God and of the people. Today, many think he was from a bygone era. But in reality, he saw well into the future. A white Southern Baptist who led civil rights. A decorated Navy veteran who brokered peace. A brilliant nuclear engineer who led nuclear proliferation. A hard-working farmer who championed conservation and clean energy. The president who redefined a relationship with the vice president. And as you know, Jimmy Carter also established a model of post-presidency by making a powerful difference as a private citizen in America, and I might add, as you all know, around the world. Through it all, (he showed us how) to make every minute of our time here on Earth count...To young people, to anyone, in search of meaning and purpose, study the power of Jimmy Carter's example."

SUPER BOWL 59

The biggest football game of the year takes place less than a month from now - on February 9th! Which brand's ads are you looking forward to watching?

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

Image Credits: Hillary Clinton via Instagram and Krispy Kreme Doughnuts.

Barbie Made News in 2024

During 2024, Barbie made news due to the brand's recognition of some inspiring women as well as holiday customs and colors. This post serves as a recap and a celebration.

But first, some HERstory. Mattel's Barbie has become one of the world's most popular dolls. Introduced in 1959, the Barbie doll owes its success to adapting to the ever-changing markets of various cultures and countries by launching Barbie dolls of shapes, colors, and sizes, and customization to the inhabitants of certain regions. Because Barbie has often been criticized for representing an unattainable beauty ideal for girls and women, the doll has evolved both in style and shape over the years.

The Barbie brand also honors pioneering women from throughout history. According to Mattel, "Barbie recognizes all female role models. The Inspiring Women Series pays tribute to the incredible heroines of their time; courageous women who took risks, changed rules, and paved the way for generations of girls to dream bigger than ever before."

Here are some interesting facts about Barbie. Her full name is Barbara Millicent Roberts. Since her inception, she has had 200 different careers. Around the world, a Barbie doll is sold every three seconds, and March 9th is celebrated annually as National Barbie Day.

And during 2024, to celebrate the 65th birthday of Barbie, Krispy Kreme Doughnuts partnered with Mattel and launched the limited-edition Barbie Collection featuring four doughnuts: the Barbie Pink Doughnut, the Barbie Berries 'n Kreme Doughnut, the Malibu Dream Party Doughnut, and the Barbie Sweet 65th Doughnut.

According to Dave Skena, Global Chief Brand Officer for Krispy Kreme, "We're excited to celebrate the Barbie brand's 65th birthday with a collaboration that's full of fun and flavor. We're bringing Barbie's iconic fashions to life through delicious doughnuts that are sure to thrill Barbie and Krispy Kreme fans alike."

According to Meredith Norrie, Mattel's Vice President of Global Licensing and Consumer Products, "Barbie and Krispy Kreme are two brands that immediately spark joy and elicit sweet memories. As we continue to celebrate Barbie's 65th anniversary this year, Krispy Kreme is the perfect partner to join us, inviting fans across generations to enjoy the perfect blend of flavor and style with nods to Barbie sprinkled into every bite."

BARBIE'S CAREER OF THE YEAR COLLECTION

In January, most likely inspired by the "Barbie" blockbuster film that appealed to movie fans of all ages during the summer of 2023, Mattel announced that its annual "Career of the Year" collection would feature a slate of film-related occupations including a film director, a studio executive, a cinematographer, and a movie star.

While Barbie has worked in more than 250 professions, the annual "Career of the Year" dolls highlight positions in which women are under-represented. According to Mattel, the dolls "inspire imaginations with endless possibilities."

LUNAR NEW YEAR BARBIE

In February, Mattel unveiled its 2024 Lunar New Year Barbie doll: "Barbie is enchanting in a traditional xifu costume, inspired by the beauty of Peking Opera, a cultural treasure of China and often performed to celebrate Lunar New Year and other Chinese holidays. Her elegant robe in lucky red with a colorful peony print symbolizes good fortune. Her dramatic water sleeves are used to create beautiful hand motions and expressions on stage. The look is completed with an ornate headdress with peony accents and cyan blue shoes with pink poms."

INSPIRING WOMEN SERIES HONORED KRISTI YAMAGUCHI

In May, Mattel's Barbie "Inspiring Women Series" - that pays tribute to courageous women who took risks, changed rules, and paved the way for generations of girls to dream bigger than ever before - celebrated Asian Pacific American Heritage Month by paying homage to trailblazing figure skater Kristi Yamaguchi, a two-time World Champion and Olympic gold medalist from the 1992 Winter Olympics in Albertville, France - and the first Asian-American woman to win a gold medal in figure skating. The doll sparkles in a black leotard with gold accents, a reproduction of the costume she wore for her gold medal performance. Following her Olympic career, she became an author and advocate, serving as the founder of nonprofit Always Dream, which is aimed at increasing children's literacy.

BLIND BARBIE

In August, Mattel unveiled its first blind Barbie doll, and alongside the blind Barbie, Mattel also released a Black Barbie with Down syndrome to further diversify its line and "allow even more children to find a doll that represents them and inspire all children to tell more stories through play." According to company press release, "We recognize that Barbie is much more than just a doll; she represents self-expression and can create a sense of belonging. We proudly introduce a new blind Barbie doll and Black doll with Down syndrome to our Barbie Fashionistas line, reinforcing our commitment to creating products that represent global belonging and inclusivity in the doll aisle."

"Mattel partnered with the American Foundation for the Blind, a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating a world of endless possibilities for individuals with blindness and low vision, to ensure that details of the blind Barbie, including face sculpt, fashion, accessories, packaging experience, and e-commerce communication, accurately depict individuals with blindness or low vision."

"In 2023, Mattel introduced the first-ever Barbie doll with Down syndrome, which won the Corporate Social Responsibility Initiative of the Year award presented by the Toy Association. This year, Barbie once again partnered with the National Down Syndrome Society to introduce its next doll with Down syndrome to the Barbie Fashionistas 2024 lineup."

DIWALI BARBIE

In October, Mattel unveiled a new Diwali Barbie doll. According to Mattel, "In a continued commitment to promoting celebrations of heritage, Barbie is unveiling its first ever Barbie Diwali doll collaboration with globally recognized Indian fashion designer Anita Dongre. Blending tradition with Barbie's place in global fashion, the Barbie Diwali doll celebrates India's cultural richness with a worldwide audience. The limited-edition Barbie doll wears a Moonlight Bloom set with a choli top, floral Koti vest and lehenga skirt adorned with dahlias, jasmine and Indian lotus — symbols of strength and beauty. The outfit has been accessorized with gold bangles and shimmering earrings to complete the look and reflect the radiant lights of the festival."

DIA DE LOS MUERTOS DOLLS

Also in October, Mattel launched a special edition Día de Muertos Barbie doll created by Mexican fashion designer Kris Goyri. According to ABC7, "This doll is a tribute to the Mexican celebration in honor of deceased loved ones. This special edition Day of the Dead doll wears a pure white dress inspired by indigenous Oaxaca styles and adorned with papier-mâché cempasúchil flowers (marigolds) that symbolize the path to the afterlife. Goyri emphasizes the importance of connecting with pre-Hispanic roots and traditional crafts, such as those seen in the sash at the waist, representing a typical weaving of Mexican artisans. Goyri hand-designed the makeup, ensuring it captured the essence of the "Catrina," a dapper skull or skeleton character associated with Día de Muertos, and created the hairstyle to achieve authentic Mexican accents. This collaboration not only honors a much-loved tradition but also reflects Barbie's effort to celebrate cultural diversity. This limited-edition doll shows the importance of representation in the toy industry and the need to understand different cultures."

In addition, Mattel launched its 2024 Día de Muertos Collection designed by Javier Maebe. According to Mattel, "The Barbie doll looks luminous wearing a long, black ruffled gown with intricate, colorful detailing and embroidered sugar skulls. Her orange headband highlights her updo and evokes the festival's iconic marigold flowers. Calavera face paint and bright pink accessories complete her festive look. While sold separately, both Barbie and Ken dolls wear complimentary patterns."

BARBIE TRIBUTE COLLECTION HONORED RITA MORENO

In November, The Barbie Tribute Collection - that celebrates visionaries whose incredible contributions have helped shape and impact culture - introduced its Rita Moreno Barbie doll. According to Mattel, "This collectible Barbie doll honors award-winning actress, singer, dancer, and activist Rita Moreno. She is a rare recipient and the first Latina and Puerto-Rican to win the coveted EGOT – America’s most prestigious awards in television, music, film, and theater. The Mattel Rita Moreno doll wears an elegant black and gold boatneck gown reminiscent of her iconic outfit that she's worn twice on the red carpet, once in 1962 and again in 2018. Opera length gloves and classic heels complete her elegant ensemble."

However, during November, Mattel went into crisis mode once shoppers noticed that the packaging for its WICKED dolls included a website for pornography rather than the movie's correct website. Mattel said in a statement, "We were made aware of a misprint on the packaging of the Mattel Wicked collection dolls, primarily sold in the U.S., which intended to direct consumers to the official WickedMovie.com landing page. We deeply regret this unfortunate error and are taking immediate action to remedy this. The listed website is not appropriate for children. For consumers who have bought the dolls, discard the product packaging or obscure the link." However, some consumers are trying to make Mattel's loss their gain: Multiple sellers have listed the toys on eBay for as much as $500 (rather than the $40 regular price), some advertising "RARE URL ERROR MISPRINT."

What inspirational women would you like to see transformed into a Barbie doll? Tune in next January to see who Mattel recognizes with this unique honor during 2025.

Image Credit: Mattel and Krispy Kreme.

Marketing News of the Week: Hertz, Warning Labels, and Presidential Legacy

During the last week, there were news stories that reflected brand announcements, brand identity, product packaging, personal branding, and more.

HERTZ'S TESLA INVENTORY

Hertz is trying to sell its Tesla cars to renters as it tries to unload its electric vehicle inventory after a massive drop in value. According to Hertz communications director Jamie Line, "By connecting our rental customers who opt into our emails to our sales channels, we're not only building awareness of the fact that we sell cars but also offering a unique opportunity to someone who may be in the market for the same car they have on rent." In addition, Hertz is advertising a limited 12-month, 12,000-mile powertrain warranty for each EV, and customers will have seven days to return the car in case of buyer's regret.

BELGIUM'S BAN OF DISPOSABLE E-CIGARETTES

According to The Guardian, "Belgium has become the EU first country to ban the sale of disposable vapes in an effort to stop young people from becoming addicted to nicotine and to protect the environment. The sale of disposable electronic cigarettes is banned in Belgium on health and environmental grounds from 1 January. A ban on outdoor smoking in Milan came into force on the same day, as EU countries discuss tighter controls on tobacco." Time will tell as to how this ban will impact sales.

SIMONE BILES NEWS

Simone Biles, a four-time Olympian and the most decorated gymnast in history, has been named "Sports Illustrated's 2024 Sportsperson of the Year." The announcement came after the 27-year-old's remarkable performance at the Paris Olympics, where she secured three gold medals and a silver medal, adding to her 32 total global titles. According to Newsweek, "Biles's triumphs in Paris mark a dramatic comeback after the challenges she faced during the Tokyo Olympics in 2021. In Tokyo, Biles withdrew from several events due to mental health concerns after suffering from gymnastics vertigo. She is the first female recipient of the award since tennis and basketball stars Naomi Osaka and Breanna Stewart in 2020 respectively, and joins the likes of Serena Williams and three-time winner LeBron James in the magazine past selections of influential African American sporting titans."

HEALTH WARNING LABELS ON ALCOHOL

U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy called on Congress to require health warning labels that inform consumers about the link between alcohol consumption and the risk of cancer. He released a new advisory detailing how drinking alcohol increases the risk of developing seven types of cancer: breast, colorectal, esophagus, liver, mouth, throat, and voice box (larynx). According to Murthy, who leaves office later this month, "Alcohol is the third leading preventable cause of cancer behind tobacco and obesity. Just to put this in perspective, alcohol is responsible for about 100,000 cases of cancer in the United States each year and 20,000 cancer deaths."

How will alcohol marketers be impacted by the Surgeon General's recommendation?

BLUESKY NEWS

Bluesky's user base continues to rise (and users continue to leave Musk's X), and the social media site launched its version of "Trending Topics" to make it easier for users to tap into the latest discussions of interest.

DEMOCRATIC PARTY BRAND

An article in Politico asked the question, "Is the Democratic brand toxic? A growing number of Dems wonder if going 'independent' will help them win. After devastating losses across the map, some Democrats are thinking about a serious rebrand."

An independent who caucuses with Democrats, Maine Senator Angus King, said the Senate map is evidence of just how far the Democratic Party has slipped with voters outside of coastal states and major urban centers. It's a starkly different picture compared to when he took office nearly 12 years ago.

"When I came to the Senate, we had Democratic senators from North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa, two from Montana, Florida, Arkansas, Indiana, and about four or five more," King said, adding those states are now viewed as out of reach for today's Democratic Party. King said the 2026 midterms favor the GOP because Vice President Kamala Harris only carried one of the states held by Republicans who will be up for re-election. It happened to be Maine.

But, King cautioned, campaigning for office as an independent is no easy task. He abandoned the Democratic Party in 1993 when he ran for Governor of Maine and built support "coffee by coffee" during that bid. He explained, "Running as an independent is a difficult job because you don't have a party apparatus."

JIMMY CARTER'S LEGACY

With the funeral for the 39th President just days away, many people are talking about Carter's legacy. I will always associate Carter with his inspiring work with Habitat for Humanity. How about you?

SUPER BOWL

Oh, and that big game, I mean the day when some people gather for a football game and others gather to watch the expensive ads is just 35 short days away!

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

Image Credits: Hertz, Sports Illustrated, and Habitat for Humanity.

Read the full advisory from U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy:

https://www.hhs.gov/surgeongeneral/priorities/alcohol-cancer/index.html

Top Ten Marketing Highlights of 2024

With 2024 now history, it's time for my annual "Top 10" marketing highlights post – incredible that this is my 15th post featuring annual marketing highlights – and a traditional January 1st blog post.

What do you remember from the 2024 marketing reel? What stood out as marketing innovation, and what will go down in history that was as memorable as Apple's 1984 Super Bowl ad? Without further ado, let's get to it!

With a nod and thank you to David Letterman for the format, here's my list:

NUMBER 10: Effective January 1, 2024, an early version of the Walt Disney Company's internationally-recognized mascot, Mickey Mouse, that was featured in the 1928 short film, "Steamboat Willie," entered the public domain for the first time. According to CNN, "The good-humored rodent, which has been synonymous with the Disney brand for nearly a century, has grown into one of the most iconic characters in American pop culture. But since U.S. copyright law, last updated by Congress in 1998, allows copyright to be held for 95 years, Disney’s sole claim to the character has officially ended. A Disney spokesperson explained to CNN, 'More modern versions of Mickey will remain unaffected by the expiration of the Steamboat Willie copyright, and Mickey will continue to play a leading role as a global ambassador for the Walt Disney Company in our storytelling, theme park attractions, and merchandise.'"

NUMBER 9: In May, Cartier, the expensive international jewelry brand, made a mistake and listed gold-and-diamond earrings for 237 pesos ($14 USD) instead of the correct price of 237,000 pesos ($14,000 USD). A doctor in Mexico, who was doing his medical residency, ordered two sets. After months of back and forth discussions between the customer and the company, the customer received the earrings for the advertised price. According to Mexico's Consumer Protection Agency known as Profeco, "Companies have to respect the published price. If there's a mistake, it's not the consumer's fault."

NUMBER 8: In November, a federal judge ordered the Port of Oakland to stop using "San Francisco Bay Oakland International Airport" as its airport's new name, agreeing with San Francisco's claim of trademark infringement. The judge explained that, over the last 97 years, San Francisco had spent millions to develop its brand, and as a result, ordered Oakland's airport to remove any signs with the new name.

NUMBER 7: After six seasons as a co-host of the popular ABC morning talk-show made famous by Regis Philbin and many co-hosts over the years, Ryan Seacrest said goodbye to the show in April. Kelly Ripa welcomed her husband, Mark Consuelos, to join the show, and the promotional tagline became "From Co-Stars in Life to Co-Hosts on Live." The show's name changed from "Live with Kelly and Ryan" to "Live with Kelly and Mark." Time will tell if viewers tire of the married couple's stories. In addition, Seacrest left the morning show to take over from retiring TV show host Pat Sajak of the nearly 50-year-old evening game show, "Wheel of Fortune," for which he served as host for 43 years.

NUMBER 6: On April Fools' Day, Oreo posted the best joke of the year after changing its brief description to: "We're done." Oreo posted the following message on Twitter/X:

"After time and consideration, we have made the decision to separate the cookie and the creme duo that you all know to be as OREO cookies. There are no secrets or anyone to blame, we are just two best friends who met at a very young age and have grown over the past 112 years in our own ways. We appreciate your continuous support as we enter this new chapter, separately."

Then, "Follow @just_the_water and @just_the_creme on Instagram for more."

The message was signed: "Wafer and Creme."

On Instagram, @just_the_creme described itself as: "Better off alone."

On Instagram, @just_the_wafer described itself as: "This cookie won't crumble."

A follow-up post stated: "Just the Creme and Just the Wafer hit shelves 4/31."

However, April has only 30 days, so if fans didn't realize that this content was an April Fools' Day joke, that final post provided the gotcha!

NUMBER 5: In late-October, after a decade of division wins and great season-ending records, the Los Angeles Dodgers finally won a World Series Championship! And against the rival New York Yankees to boot! The two franchises have clashed on the Fall Classic stage 12 times, five more than any other matchup in World Series history. This was the Dodgers' eighth World Series title in franchise history and first since the 2020 pandemic-shortened season. As a lifelong Dodgers fan, this championship was very sweet!

NUMBER 4: Two terms appeared during 2024 as a result of singer-songwriter-entrepreneur Taylor Swift's international fame: "Visitor Economy" and "Economic Fairy Dust." These terms reflect the impact on local economies where she performs because visitors flock to each location's airports, hotels, restaurants, and more - and Swift dusts the cities with an economic boom.

NUMBER 3: After years of filming plus delays caused by the Covid pandemic and the SAG-AFTRA and Writers Guild strikes, the movie that is based on the 20-year-old musical "Wicked" opened in movie theaters on November 22nd. According to NBC, "Grammy-winning pop sensation Ariana Grande brings her huge vocal talents to the young witch's musical role, playing Galinda in her pre-Good Witch days as she befriends the picked-on Elphaba after the two first meet as students. Where Elphaba is unpopular at school, Galinda is just the opposite. Everyone thinks she's pretty (and POPULAR), yet she forms an unlikely friendship with Elphaba that has sweeping implications for the musical's bigger story." During the movie's opening weekend, it broke a record with an estimated $114 million at the domestic box office, marking the highest cinematic opening for a Broadway adaptation. That's a lot of popcorn!

While two summer blockbusters from last year created a new portmanteau (a word formed by combining the sounds and meanings of other words), "Barbenheimer" derived from BARBIE THE MOVIE and OPPENHEIMER, this year's pre-Thanksgiving weekend saw the arrival of "Glicked" to promote WICKED and GLADIATOR II. According to CNN, "A lesson learned is that two very high-profile movies can go head-to-head, and both can thrive in the theatrical marketplace." And according to Yahoo Entertainment, fans were asked to "Celebrate Glicked by watching both movies either as a double feature or over the course of a weekend and dress the part donning something earthy and Romanesque for Gladiator II and either Galinda pink or Elphaba green for Wicked."

While the movie's story was the main attraction, countless brands jumped on the co-branding bandwagon to cash in on Wicked's buzz. Some of the brand partnerships and/or co-branding campaigns included Starbucks, Lego, Ulta Beauty Stores, Vera Bradley, Croc's sandals, Hasbro's Monopoly, Kellogg Company's Rice Krispies Treats, and Lexus.

NUMBER 2: During the summer of 2024, the eyes of the world were on Paris, France, and the Summer Olympics (also referred to as Paris 2024) did not disappoint! Here were some highlights:

Was that a boat parade, or was that a boat parade? Despite months, if not years, of naysayers saying it couldn't be done, the parade of athletes in the Opening Ceremony took place along the Seine River in an incredible manner. No host country will ever match the originality, creativity, and artistry of that opening arrival of athletes.

The Olympic cauldron shone brightly in a large balloon and hung high in the sky (via a tether) each night so that Parisians could see and enjoy it.

According to the Olympics, "The LOGO for Paris 2024 combines three separate symbols – the gold medal, the flame, and Marianne, the personification of the French Republic. Each of these symbols reflects a part of the French identity and values. It is also the first time in history that the same emblem has been used for both the Olympic Games and the Paralympic Games. The MOTTO of the Olympic Phryge and Paralympic Phryge is: "Alone we go faster, but together we go further," representing the ways in which the mascots, and the people of the world, can make each other better by working side-by-side."

Which athletes stood out to you? To me, American gymnast Simone Biles with her four medals, American swimmer Katie Ledecky with her four medals, and Swedish and American-born pole vaulter Armand "Mondo" Duplantis with his gold medal and world record. Duplantis summed up his experience eloquently, "If I don't beat this moment in my career, I'm pretty ok with that. I don't think you can really get much better than what happened."

For the Paris 2024 Olympics, 206 countries participated. Of those countries, 11,000 athletes participated. The United States, France, and Australia had the largest country representations – each between 450-600. And the least represented countries were Belize, Liechtenstein, Nauru, and Somalia – each sent only one athlete to compete. Russian and Belarusian athletes competed as "Individual Neutral Athletes" – because the International Olympic Committee (IOC) voted to suspend both countries from competition due to the ongoing war in Ukraine. And finally, for the first time, the IOC announced that an equal number of men and women athletes competed at the Olympics.

This Paris Games hosted Olympians of a wide range of ages. The youngest competitor was skateboarder Zheng Haohao of China at 11-years-old; and the oldest was 65-year-old Juan Antonio Jimenez Cobo, an equestrian from Spain. Zeng Zhiying (age 58) competed at table top tennis and made her Olympic debut almost four decades after she missed out on being selected to represent China in Los Angeles in 1984. Zeng represented Chile and is affectionately called "The Table Tennis Grandma."

The number of medal events was 329. The United States won total 126 medals (40 Gold, 44 Silver, and 42 Bronze), China won 91 total medals (40 Gold, 27 Silver, and 24 Bronze), and host country France came in fifth with 64 total medals. According to NBC, "Medalists at the Paris Olympics will get to own a piece of the one of the world's most iconic structures. An original piece of the Eiffel Tower is included at the heart of each Olympic and Paralympic medal this year as host nation France puts its own stamp on the 2024 medals...Approximately 5,084 medals were created: 2,600 for the Olympics and 2,400 for the Paralympics."

Unfortunately, a disappointing asterisk will forever tarnish the Paris Olympics. American gymnast Jordan Chiles won the bronze medal for floor exercise, however, there was an appeal of the score. The dispute may be a months-long or even years-long battle over the gymnastics scores, and time will tell as to how this drama unfolds. Another reason why this is sad is that the photo from that floor exercise medal/victory ceremony will forever be etched into all viewers' minds as one of the highlights from the Paris Olympics. America's two gymnasts (Simone Biles and Jordan Chiles) bowed down to Brazil's gold medal winner.

And, regarding medals, did you know that medals can equate to a financial reward other than advertising endorsements? According to Business Insider, "US athletes receive $37,500 for a gold medal, $22,500 for a silver medal, and $15,000 for a bronze medal. Hong Kong offers the highest reward of $768,000 for gold medalists."

What products stood out due to their co-branding with the Olympics? Some of my favorites included the Minions from their mini-movie integrated into the Opening Ceremony and inclusion on athletes' attire, Krispy Kreme Doughnuts with their "Go USA" collection "to fuel your dreams and sweeten your victories," Chipotle (meals aligned with various athletes), designer Ralph Lauren (Team USA's Opening and Closing Ceremonies apparel), GK Elite (Team USA's Women Gymnasts' apparel), Visa, and Samsung. And let's not forget that each day during the competition, there was a unique Google Doodle!

According to Tony Estanguet, President of Paris 2024, "The most difficult part of any love affair is saying goodbye. And at the Closing Ceremony, we are all in love with the Games. The feelings of hope, inspiration, and love will remain. And when the time comes, we will be reunited in Los Angeles in 2028."

And finally, drum roll please...

NUMBER 1: Vice President Kamala Harris became the Democratic Party's nominee for President after President Joe Biden pulled out of the race. The 2024 Presidential campaign was littered with negative language, some terms stood out and became battle cries: "Childless Cat Ladies," "Felines Versus Felons," and more.

As Hillary Clinton said following her November 2016 Presidential election loss, "We still have not shattered that highest and hardest glass ceiling. But some day, someone will." Who could have forecast that another educated and talented woman would run for President so soon? With VP Harris' foray into the race as the first woman of color and first woman of South Asian heritage, the election contained many firsts. Hopefully, the third time that a woman participates in the U.S. Presidential race, the female candidate will be victorious.

In the meantime, let's remember what Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren said, "Remember, every step toward progress in American history came after darkness of defeat. Abolitionists, suffragettes, Dreamers, and marchers for civil rights and marriage equality all faced impossible odds, but they persisted. Now it is our turn to pull up our socks and get back in the fight."

Lastly, let's always remember what VP Harris said, "While I concede this election, I do not concede the fight that fueled this campaign. The fight for freedom, for opportunity, for fairness and the dignity of all people. A fight for the ideals at the heart of our nation. The ideals that reflect America at our best. That is a fight I will never give up."

What would you add to this list? Here's to 2025 and another year of marketing highlights. Happy New Year!

Image Credits: iStock, Wicked the Movie/Universal, Paris 2024 Olympic Organizing Committee, and Harris Walz Campaign.