Archive for September, 2009

Scranton Enterprise Center Web Portal

Thursday, September 17th, 2009

While many small business operations start up with a bang, it often requires a bit of work to keep them moving in the right direction. As entrepreneurs map out their dreams of starting and growing a small business, how many of them know that a specialized environment exists to help them establish a solid foundation in their first years of operation?

As both a rapidly-developing interactive agency and a client of the facility, BlackOut Design was pleased to partner with the Scranton Enterprise Center in the recent launch of the center’s new web site. BlackOut specializes in spreading the word about the latest business trends and developments in NEPA, and in the case of the SEC, there is plenty to talk about.

Located in both a Keystone Opportunity Expansion Zone as well as a Keystone Innovation Zone, the SEC goes above and beyond the norm by offering a unique business incubator space for clients. The business incubator assists start-up businesses to develop their operations in a supportive and constructive setting, offering them access to many services that would not be available elsewhere. This includes shared office spaces such as conference and mailing facilities, as well as networking and training opportunities that are tailored to the needs of developing firms.

In addition to a full list of current clients, prospective tenants can view floor plans for the entire building, as well as information on the KOEZ and KIZ status of the facility. Information on financing opportunities for startup businesses is also provided, as well as a comprehensive list of useful web links.

See the results at http://www.scrantonenterprisecenter.com/

Branding Package for Local Entreprenuers, Cognition Media

Friday, September 11th, 2009

After founding and building BlackOut Design into Northeastern Pennsylvania’s leading interactive agency, BlackOut President Jack Reager likes to support other local entreprenuers.

In conjunction with the Great Valley Technology Alliance Business Plan competition, BlackOut offers its logo design and branding services, free of charge, to competition winners. We help these upstart local companies develop a custom brand and logo that allows them to put their best foot forward as they enter the marketplace.

We developed a branding package for Cognition Media and its product, Minerva. The Cognition plan was prepared by University of Scranton students Joseph Casabona, Matthew Pfahl and Kristen Said and involves the design and development of a content management system specifically for high schools to manage their websites.

After a few design iterations, these are the logos we settled on with the Cognition team. It was a pleasure working with Cognition and we wish them continued success in the future.

Hexagon Project Postcards for the MAC Gallery

Wednesday, September 2nd, 2009

BlackOut continued its collaborative relationship with the Melberger Arts Center Gallery, designing postcards to promote the upcoming Hexagon Project exhibit at the gallery.

The Hexagon Project is part of Interdependece Day activities in Scranton. Interdependence Day aims to “acknowledge the inevitability and significance of interdependence in our time, and set out to build constructively and culturally a global civic society.”

Reflecting that theme, the Hexagon Project invites school students respond creatively to global issues and design unique hexagon art. More than 300 hexagons will be on display in the MAC exhibit.

Interdependence Day 2009 will be celebrated on Thursday, September 10, 2009. The Hexagon exhibit opens Friday,
September 4, 2009, and will remain on display through October.