"Building Brands Without Breaking the Bank"

On a snowy day in February 2009, in conjunction with the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce (GPCC), Firstrust sponsored an informative panel discussion featuring local family-owned businesses that share their stories and relate unique, low-cost ideas on how you can build your brand without breaking the bank. Below you will find podcast recordings of highlights of the event.
 

The lively discussion focused on:

  • Identifying the customer you want to reach
  • Low cost media venues
  • Effect of happy customers on building your brand
  • Most effective decisions/processes that lead to building your brand
  • How charity support is important to your company, employees and customers 
  • Value of social networking

Panelists included:

Michael Holahan, Co-Founder and President, Pennsylvania General Store

  • Michael and his wife Julie founded the company to celebrate the urban and rural food traditions of Pennsylvania. The husband and wife team bring their heritage to the company as Michael is from West Philadelphia and Julie is from South Dakota.

 

Jack Asher, Co-Chairman, Asher's Chocolates

  • Jack is the third generation of the Asher family to run Asher's Chocolates. The company continues to employ team members from its early days in the Germantown section of Philadelphia.

 

Bruce Lev, Partner, Chief Creative Officer, LevLane Advertising

  • Bruce, a life-long resident of Philadelphia, co-founded the prominent ad agency in 1984. In addition to his agency duties, the award-winning ad professional is an adjunct professor of advertising at Temple University and donates his time to many local charities.  

The panel was moderated by Dawn Pelon, President of the Philadelphia Chapter of the American Marketing Association. Ms. Pelon is also the regional marketing manager for International Truck and Engine.

 

 

GPCC Panel Intro

This podcast includes the speaker introductions and background about Firstrust's Family Business Program. If you would like to learn more about Firstrust's own background as a family-owned business, click here.

Listen now:

Download in mp3 format (12:27 / 5.8MB)

 

Customer Relationship Marketing

In this Podcast, the panelists share their experiences building relationships with their customers, remaining relevant and offering a good product.

Listen now:

Download in mp3 format (7:56 / 3.7MB)

 

"Who Loves You?" Building Your Brand

According to panelist Bruce Lev, when you're building your brand, your not just trying to make a sale, you're building a relationship. Listen to the panel discuss ways to make your customers love you and your product.

Listen now:

Download in mp3 format (9:12 / 4.3MB)

 

Making Technology Work for Your Business

In this segment, you'll hear about the importance of using technology to the benefit of your brand and smart ways to get a return on your investment.

Listen now:

Download in mp3 format (3:36 / 1.6MB)

 

Using Media to Deliver Your Message

Learn how to use media to your advantage for your brand in this podcast. The panel agrees - develop a solid plan and deliver on your brand promise.

Listen now:

Download in mp3 format (9:05 / 4.2MB)

 

Charity Support - "Doing Good" and Telling About It

Supporting charities is a win-win for everyone - your company, your employees and the charity. And it makes your customers feel good about your product. Listen to what our panel had to say about the charities they support.

Listen now:

Download in mp3 format (11:37 / 5.4MB)

 

Missed Brand Opportunities

In this Podcast, the panel shares stories about the marketing beliefs they hold dear and what they would do over again if they could.

Listen now:

Download in mp3 format (5:49 / 2.7MB)

 

Q & A

Did you have a question about something you heard? Chances are one of the attendees did too. The next Podcast is a questions and answers session.

Listen now:

Download in mp3 format (11:03 / 5.6MB)

 

Beginning July 1, 2010 Firstrust has elected to opt out of the FDIC’s Transaction Account Guarantee Program. Learn more