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Spotlight On Angela Evans-Evans

How long with DCI and what brought you here? Angela: I’ve been here at Direct Choice for two years. Previously, I was a Senior Accountant for an affordable housing non-profit. Although rewarding, I eventually realized I need a position with a company that was less frenetic and overly stressful. That’s what led me here. What keeps you there? Angela: While I still take on responsibilities beyond accounting, I’ve always thrived at smaller companies. I prefer the friendly atmosphere and respect that everyone has for one another. What’s the worst job you ever had? For me, it would be my first job as a dishwasher. Angela: I can’t say that any job, even retail work I had through college, was a negative for me. I’ve always learned something valuable and met great people throughout my working life. You have a very calm and composed quality, yet you live a very active life. Tell me a little about that. [caption...

September 26, 2018

Lonnie “the man” Bidwell now Director of IT!

Along with the planned expansion of our Information Technology (IT) capabilities comes the advancement of Lonnie Bidwell from Senior Programmer to Director of IT. Lonnie has been an integral part of Direct Choice for eight years and leads all the agency’s programming functions. During his tenure here, Lonnie has advanced our data processing through new protocols while continually winning accolades from clients. “The feedback I usually hear from our clients is, “Lonnie’s the man!” He’s not just technically savvy, he’s a people person and a strategic leader.” – Nick Lanzi, President and CEO In his new role, Lonnie will continue to work in development and data processing for our clients while expanding our IT department’s capabilities beginning in 1Q19....

September 20, 2018

SPOTLIGHT ON: Tom Mellon, Production Director

Your title is "Production Director" but we also know you as a staff photographer and creative brainstormer. Are there some other roles missing from that title? The other role would be Graphic Designer....

July 5, 2018

IMCA Showcase Awards Recognize DCI

Direct Choice wins a 2018 IMCA Showcase Award! Awards season continues to shower our agency with accolades. Scott Morrison recently returned from The Insurance Marketing & Communications Association (IMCA) annual conference with a Showcase Award in hand for Highmark’s “Be Ready” renewal campaign. We are excited for everyone here at Direct Choice, Inc. and our partners at Highmark who overcame the challenges of the ever-changing health insurance landscape to build a highly successful multi-touch campaign. “We had a shortened enrollment window and significant changes in health plan offerings,” says Rob Crossley, Direct Choice Inc.’s Senior Account Manager for this project. “Fortunately, we formed a solid strategy and a compelling creative approach for capturing re-enrollment early on.” The IMCA Showcase Awards recognize the most effective and innovative work from the best minds in insurance marketing and communications. 2018 is the 60th year the awards have been recognizing outstanding marketing and communications work in the...

May 8, 2018

Spotlight on Patricia Uhrich, Marketing Manager

How long have you been with DCI? Patti: I've been with DCI for almost 2 years. Prior to this, all of my experience has been on the client side. It seems most people tend to move in the other direction (agency to client side). What attracted you to the agency life? Patti: I like the fact that I have opportunities to work with clients from a cross-section of industries with a variety of goals and campaigns. I also enjoy DCI because I’m able to work with a more tight-knit group in a less corporate environment. It’s challenging yet more enjoyable and relaxed at the same time. As trendy and current as you have to be in the marketing world, I hear that you enjoy kicking back with a classic movie when you’re at home, right? Patti: Within the past few years, I've become a Turner Classic Movies nerd. I probably watch at least 2 old...

April 4, 2018

Spotlight on Kathleen Halligan

You’ve been in the print and direct mail business for over 30 years. What surprises you most about how your career has changed or hasn’t changed? Kathleen: Technology. When I was in print sales I had to purchase cars large enough to fit full spread mechanicals into the trunk. Now, I can put 25 jobs in my handbag. What hasn’t changed is the importance of relationships. My greatest career accomplishment is the deep and long-standing relationships developed with clients and vendors. What aspect of your job at DCI would your colleagues find surprising? Kathleen: We are only as strong as our weakest link. That could be as simple as the pressman that’s distracted the day he runs your job. We live in the weeds and are responsible for many details. Every single bit of production minutiae is important to us. I suppose that can become pretty nerve-racking. Does it keep you up at night? Kathleen: Rarely....

February 12, 2018

The Best of Eagles Victory Week … and why we loved Dundee

Like our fellow members of the Eagles Nation, we are still glowing green over here at DCI. It was seriously difficult to focus on anything else with fighter jets buzzing your office and team members tweeting pics from the parade. So, before we get into an overdue commentary on the Super Bowl ads, here are our favs from the Eagles mania of last week: BEST HEADLINE: PHINALLY!Newsday Sport BEST SLOGAN:From Wentz we came. In Foles we trust. BEST CELEBRITY TWEET ABOUT VICTORY:Hard to explain if you’re not from Philly. The joy. The joy. THE JOY. #FlyEaglesFlyRob McElhenney BEST COMMENT ON OVERLY-HYPED MAYHEM: The knucklehead contingent was extremely small. ~ Mayor Jim Kenney BEST VICTORY SPEECH: Jason Kelce Now, about those Super Bowl ads… Our top pick goes to Tourism Australia’s Crocodile Dundee remake. Between the online release of a movie trailer and the subsequent Super Bowl ad, pretty much everyone was thinking, “Is this for real?” Objective achieved! ISpot.tv found that...

February 1, 2018

by ecityAdmin

How To Motivate Millennials To Consider Making A Purchase From Your Brand

We live in interesting times, not just on the global political stage but also in the world of retail marketing. In recent years consumers have rapidly taken control of the buying process and expect a memorable customer experience (CX) along the way....

January 23, 2018