Archive for the ‘Uncategorized’ Category

BlackOut Art Director recounts trip to Oakley

Wednesday, April 29th, 2009

I am now at a point where the details have begun to blur together into passing glances and puffs of smokes on an event that can easily be looked upon as one of the best experiences I have had in my 30+ 1 years on this planet.  In late November 2008 Oakley inc. had announced a contest to repay all the loyal fans who have supported their brand with their own sheer insane love for the product.  Post a few pictures.  Answer a few questions.  Then sit back, relax and wait for the judging to begin.

For months I had to listen to my mom ask me every time we spoke, “Did you win yet?”  Finally when February 12 came I was able to call her and inform her that in mid March I was off to Southern California for a weekend in the sun at Oakley Interplanetary HQ with 49 other official Oakley Co-Pilots. (more…)

BlackOut launches housing websites

Monday, December 22nd, 2008

BlackOut recently designed and launched three websites, a blog and a wiki for the Insitutue for Public Policy and Economic Development, helping to bring online the Institute’s reputation as the most comprehensive resource for housing information in Northeastern Pennsylvania.

The project included an Institute for Public Policy and Economic Development portal page with information on the goals and history of the organization. From the portal page, users can find more detailed housing information by following links to the Lackawanna County Housing Coalition site or the Luzerne County Housing Partnership site.

Each county-specific site features a wealth of information on buying, selling, building or refinancing a home, as well as resources for contractors and developers.

BlackOut allowed the Institute to further extend the reach of its message with a wiki and a blog to open a dialogue with homeowners and potential homeowners in Northeastern Pennsylvania.

BlackOut designs La Festa logos

Friday, August 15th, 2008

La Festa LogoScranton is gearing up for one of its biggest annual events, La Festa Italiana, which brings close to 100,000 visitors to the downtown area each year to celebrate the culture and cuisine of Italy.

This year, BlackOut Design, Inc. was tasked with developing a design that captures the spirit and energy of Scranton’s Italian festival. Our designers generated a series of “looks” for La Festa organizers. Two of those were selected and will be seen on posters, shirts and promotional materials during the festival.

La Festa LogoWe at BlackOut are proud to be a part of this great community event. We’ll see you there over Labor Day weekend, August 30-September 1.

BlackOut expands professional staff

Thursday, May 22nd, 2008

BlackOut Design, Inc., Northeastern Pennsylvania’s leading provider of integrated marketing and design solutions, has expanded its professional staff recently with the addition of two new hires: Graphic Designer Jessica Confer and New Media Editor Nathan Milner.

Confer has already proven a valuable asset to the BlackOut team producing high quality work for BlackOut partners Independent Graphics Inc. and developing postcards to promote the new exhibit at the Melberger Arts Center Gallery, Philip A. Dente’s “Line Items.”

Line Items

Milner will be responsible for managing new media efforts for BlackOut and its clients. His work will dovetail with the efforts of BlackOut’s team of award-winning designers to ensure a consistent and dynamic communication of our client’s marketing message.

Confer is a student at Marywood University. Milner resides in Lake Winola, PA, with his wife, Lori, and two daughters, Hannah and Cora.

eNexus showcases Hydro4GE

Tuesday, May 13th, 2008

BlackOut client Hydro4GE was recently featured in the April issue of the Great Valley Technology Alliance’s newsletter “eNexus.”

The article highlights the groundbreaking work being done by Hydro4GE in the software development arena, as well as the collaborative efforts between Hydro4GE developers and local institutions of higher education like the University of Scranton and Misericordia University.

You can read the April issue of “eNexus” here.

Artz selected for Global Forum

Thursday, May 8th, 2008

BlackOut Design, Inc.’s Matt Artz is among the just 200 young professionals worldwide selected to participate in the third annual World Bank and Alliance Toward Harnessing Global Opportunities (ATHGO) Global Forum.

Titled “Miracles of Development: The Effects of Good Governance and Capacity Building on Economic Development,” the forum will be held July 9-11 at World Bank headquarters in Washington, DC.

At the forum, Artz will meet with forum ambassadors, including high-ranking World Bank officials, and private sector executives, who will share their expertise on the challenges associated with achieving economic growth through good governance and capacity building.

Following successful completion of all assigned projects during the forum, Artz will be entered into the ATHGO’s Alumni Network, which entitles members to receive priority consideration for fellowships, internships and the Associates Program.

It is a prestigious honor for Artz and we’re glad to have him as a member of the BlackOut team.

The value of Web 2.0

Wednesday, April 23rd, 2008

Here’s an interesting article regarding the quite natural reluctance of some to fully buy into the idea of Web 2.0.

Web 2.0 tools and services have yet to prove their resilience in the ever-changing tech marketplace and the full scope of their utility has yet to be explored.

At BlackOut, we utilize Web 2.0 technologies as one more component in our portfolio of services. Like any other technology we constantly evaluate its practicality, and when it suits our client’s business goals, we’ll use Web 2.0 to create a more effective campaign.

VAC Kentucky Derby invitation

Monday, April 21st, 2008

BlackOut donated its services to promote a good cause, producing an invitation postcard for the Voluntary Action Center’s Run for the Roses at The Kentucky Derby event.

Run for the Roses will be held Saturday, May 3, at 3 p.m. at the Waverly Country Club, 903 South Abington Road, Clarks Summit, PA. Patrons get to take a chance on a real horse race, while supporting the causes administered by The Voluntary Action Center. The Voluntary Action Center is a non-profit umbrella organization that provides direct and indirect services to community organizations like Big Brothers Big Sisters, Retired and Senior Volunteer Program, Christmas Holiday Bureau and Free Information and Referral (FIRST – 24 hour Hot Line).

Admission price of $50 includes an authentic Derby Dinner, complete with mint juleps and open bar. Wear your Derby attire. For more information, contact VAC at 347-5616.

Reager to receive Marywood award

Tuesday, April 15th, 2008

Jack Reager, MBA, President of BlackOut Design, Inc., was recently selected to receive the Award of Excellence in Creative Arts and Management from the Marywood University Alumni Association.

Reager, a Woodbridge, N.J., native, completed his undergraduate and graduate studies at Marywood University, earning his undergraduate degree in Computer Information Systems and his MBA in Management Information Systems.

The Award of Excellence in Creative Arts and Management recognizes excellence in achievement in professional life, service to the local and national community and leadership qualities, serving as a role model for current and future students and alumni of Marywood.

Along with this most recent award, Reager is a member of the Workforce Investment Board for Lackawanna County.

Reager will be officially recognized during Marywood’s Reunion Weekend ’08 scheduled for May 16-18.

BlackOut helps One Point better serve customers

Monday, April 14th, 2008

One Point, the 2006 Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce Small Business of the Year, took advantage of BlackOut Design’s services recently to generate a new website and optimize their position in the online marketplace.

Northeastern Pennsylvania’s leader in office supplies, printing and furniture with more than 100 years of experience, One Point needed a site that allowed customers and clients to shop quickly and easily through its catalog of products.

Through the BlackOut-designed site, One Point customers can keep their offices well-stocked and productive with just the click of a mouse.

Companies count on One Point to keep their offices working smoothly and One Point counts on BlackOut when bringing its reputation for exceptional quality, service and selection to the web.