Reading Ad Age today, two articles struck me. It seems Obama's message of community service has infiltrated corporate consumer marketing strategies. (OK so some of these were implemented last year but these campaigns would make him proud.) What better way to establish a positive image then to improve quality of life for the consumers they are appealing to. 

 

Charmin's SitOrSquat is a free service for mobile device users for the 411 on public restrooms. No more scary bathroom visits?  Thank you Charmin. 

 

KFC road warriors? Yes KFC is taking it to the street with a new initiative to improve roads, one pothole at a time. Currently in Louisville, KY, KFC is filling potholes and leaving their (temporary) mark by branding the fresh pavement with a \"Re-freshed by KFC\" chalk stamp. Not only making travels smoother for drivers but using marketing dollars to help alleviate the strained local government budget. Can their road crew stop by Norwalk, CT? 

 

Perhaps more marketers could take a lesson in these out-of-the-box marketing initiatives. In a time when consumers are tired of corporate greed, and very conscious of how they spend their money, allocating marketing dollars to public service seems like a winning strategy. 

 

Get charged up? If you've traveled via JFK, LAX or DFW airports, you may have gotten a free charge from Samsung. Samsung launched a mobile phone charging kiosk at airport terminals helping travelers stay connected.

 

A cup of Joe to help your \"neighbor\"? Starbucks partnership with HandsOn Network rewarded customers who pledged five hours of community service with a free cup of coffee.

 

The trend of future marketing? While we won't see the end of traditional and digital marketing, it is certainly a win-win strategy to incorporate community service oriented marketing to corporate branding campaigns to effectively ingrain a positive image. 

 

Jan Pierret