Cooper Hong Inc.

ST. CHARLES, Ill. (Oct. 13, 2009) – Cooper Hong Inc., or CHI, a provider of integrated marketing communications services based in St. Charles, Ill., won a Silver Quill Award of Merit in the prestigious 2009 Silver Quill communications contest sponsored by the International Association of Business Communicators. CHI earned an Award of Merit in the Special Events category for a public relations campaign the agency conducted for one of its largest clients, Case Construction Equipment of Racine, Wis. The annual, regional competition for IABC’s Pacific Plains Region spanned 19 states, from Illinois to Hawaii.

CHI’s winning PR campaign reinforced Case Construction Equipment’s reputation as the premier manufacturer of loader/backhoes, created positive visibility for the Case brand and generated a measurable increase in loader/backhoe sales. It also served to establish a mutually beneficial partnership between Case, its dealers and local affiliates of Habitat for Humanity—a cause relevant to the Case customer base.

“We are proud that our work with Case has once again earned recognition and praise from our peers in communication,” said Jane Cooper, president, Cooper Hong Inc. “It’s a great honor to win a Silver Quill Award of Merit for planning and executing a strategic and creative PR campaign. We’re even more excited that it delivered measurable results for our client.”

CHI worked with Case to promote a series of local events across North America that created buzz among Case dealers, customers and the media—not just once, but over time.

Construction contractor “cowboys” were invited to local dealer-sponsored loader/backhoe rodeos to test their skills as equipment operators. More than 75 Case dealers chose to host Case Rodeo Series events, which CHI publicized through local television, radio and newspaper outlets and through construction trade media.

CHI’s efforts garnered more than 10 million impressions in publicity coverage for Case, its participating dealers and local Habitat for Humanity affiliates. CHI also facilitated relationships between Case dealers and their neighboring Habitat for Humanity chapters to help raise money and skilled volunteers for homebuilding. In 2008, after the North American grand champion operator won the keys to a new Case loader/backhoe valued at nearly $120,000, the local Habitat affiliate received a check that brought the aggregate contributions to the cause to more than $140,000. “That same night, the president of Case announced that the company had seen a stunning two-percent increase in loader/backhoe market share,” Cooper said.

Silver Quill Awards are presented annually by IABC within a large geographic region to recognize excellence in communication. As in previous years, the judges who reviewed entries for the 2009 IABC Pacific Plains Region Silver Quill competition were all seasoned business communicators from chapters in multiple states.

About Cooper Hong Inc.
Established in 2006, Cooper Hong Inc. delivers successful, integrated business-to-business marketing communications solutions for clients in a variety of industries. CHI combines the contacts, expertise and resources of a large agency with the agility, creative firepower and drive of a smaller firm. The team at CHI is comprised of passionate marketing communications professionals with years of public relations, advertising, branding, Web development, graphic design and direct marketing experience. To experience the power of CHI—the energy, commitment and positive attitude inherent in everything we do—call 630… or visit www.cooperhong.com.