Hoffman Lewis has recently landed a $2 million dollar account with Touchstone Energy Cooperatives, a brand representing a nationwide alliance made of more than 680 local, consumer-owned electric cooperatives in 46 states. Touchstone Cooperatives provide power to 30 million people in 46 states. 

 

Since landing the account in May, Hoffman/Lewis has added six new positions: Project Manager Michelle Rausch (Project Manager), Christine Birke (Interactive Project Manager), James Kirk (Interactive Designer), Blake Padberg (Account Director), an Art Director (TBD) , and a Copywriter (TBD.) 

 

Mark Schaeffer, president of Hoffman/Lewis is particularly excited about the new account because of its environmental benefit. He says, "It's great to help Coke sell more Coca Cola, or Huggies sell more diapers, but this is one that if we get right has marked societal benefits."

 

Schaeffer says, “The challenge Touchstone has presented to us is “to help customers adopt energy saving processes.” According to Schaeffer, there are different attitudinal groups of energy users: “groups who deny having an energy problem and groups who know they should be using energy saving processes.” 

 

Touchstone is targeting the second group with new advertising including TV, Radio, print, internet, and interactive web applications. Hoffman/Lewis is creating the interactive web applications to help the cooperatives learn energy saving processes. Schaeffer says, “Our goal for the cooperatives is to adopt three to five simple habits they can do to be more energy efficient.”

 

Hoffman/Lewis is creating an interactive website where cooperatives can learn ways to adopt these habits. The website is going to be customizable to each cooperative’s characteristics and needs. By going on the website and answering simple questions such as “How many CFL light bulbs are in your building”, cooperatives can learn ways to save money and become more energy efficient.  

 

Hoffman/Lewis is planning on revealing the campaign August 27th at the Rialto at the Centene Center in St. Louis. Touchstone is meeting at this event as part of a convention including an estimated 150 member cooperatives. 

 

Hoffman/Lewis is located in the Central West End. Their accounts include McDonalds, Missouri Division of Tourism, St. Louis CVC, and Ronnoco. Hoffman/Lewis generated over $5 million in revenue in 2008. For more information about the agency, visit Hoffman/Lewis at http://www.hoffmanlewis.com/