Palio Communications
Company: Palio Communications
Company Description: Palio Communications is a full-spectrum advertising and communications agency. Palio's brand, Never Be Forgotten, defines the way Palio works with clients and describes the unique benefit that Palio offers clients–the ability to create unforgettable brands, strategies, and programs. With 77 employees, the agency currently works with 30 clients on 52 brands and products.
Nomination Category: Company, Office & Product Awards Categories
Nomination Sub Category: Best Agency, Brokerage, or Satellite Office
Nomination Title: Palio Communications
- Tell the story of what this nominated agency, brokerage, or satellite office has achieved in 2002 (up to 500 words). Focus on specific accomplishments, and relate these accomplishments to past performance or industry norms. Be sure to mention obstacles overcome, innovations or discoveries made, and outcomes:
For Palio Communications, 2002 was a yearlong celebration of growth. The agency pitched and won over 15 agency-of-record accounts, received industry recognition for its work, launched a major national direct-to-consumer (DTC) campaign, expanded its meetings and events offering, added a medical strategies component to its services, increased charitable contributions and added 27 professionals.
Most notably, Palio’s gross income grew from $8.7 million in 2001 to $11.3 million in 2002, a 30% increase. “Underlying all of our successes is a passion for the work, a commitment to delivering on our promise of creative that will “Never Be Forgotten,” and strategies and tactics that will drive brands,” said Ed Mitzen, president. “It goes far beyond the professionalism and dedication that any client should take for granted.”
The agency also earned more work from existing clients, which is the highest recognition of our commitment to their business. As a result of Palio’s dynamic client growth, 22 people were promoted and 27 new professionals joined the team. “With 82 employees, we are quickly outgrowing our space and have initiated plans to add additional office space,” said Mitzen.
Palio was recognized in over 20 regional, national and international competitions ranging from the New York and District Two ADDYs, in which Palio brought home gold and silver awards, to as far away as the Cannes Lion International Advertising Festival’s Cyber Lion, where the Palio Web site was short listed. The Cannes Cyber Lion competition received over 1,300 submissions from 41 countries to determine which agencies would be included on the short list in pursuit of the coveted Grand Prix award. Palio became one of only 19 agencies in the world to make it to the Cannes’ short list, and out of that number, was one of only three agencies in the United States to be recognized.
Palio’s meetings and events department, launched at the end of 2001, hit the ground running in 2002. They planned and executed over 15 memorable client events around the country – from continuing medical education (CME) symposia to regional advisory board meetings. “This is an invaluable area to clients as they work with the thought leaders driving their brands, and Palio is pleased to support them in their efforts,” said Mike Myers, executive vice president/managing director–client service.
During the year, Palio continued its commitment to give back to the community by working with local organizations such as the Saratoga Shakespeare Company, The Hyde Museum, Saratoga Care Foundation and one of the not-for-profit organizations founded by Paul Newman – Double H Hole in the Woods. In addition to pro bono work, Palio supported such charities as Community Hospice of Saratoga, Saratogian Newspapers in Education, Literacy Volunteers, Saratoga National Little League, National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Saratoga Center for the Family, Dana Farber Marathon, Saratoga County Deputy Sheriffs, Catholic Charities of Saratoga and Saratoga Children’s Museum. Working with the Saratoga Empty Stocking Program, the agency, along with its generous employees, provided more than $10,000 in holiday gifts to 96 local children in need – in lieu of sending corporate gifts to clients. Also with children in mind, Palio donated $10,000 to the nonprofit organization, Children’s Flight of Hope.
“Though 2002 was a year of significant growth and dynamic change for Palio, some things remain the same – like the way Palio operates, as a true strategic partner with our clients, and our passion for doing great work on behalf of our clients,” said Guy Mastrion, executive vice president/managing director- creative. “That will never change.”
- List hyperlinks to any online news stories, press releases, or other documents that support the claims made in the section above. To include a URL you must begin and end the URL with a square-bracket and include http:// Example: [http://www.yourdomain.com]
http://www.paliocommunications.com
- Provide a brief (up to 100 words) biography about the leader of this nominated agency, brokerage, or satellite office:
Ed Mitzen, president, is an innovative marketer with an interdisciplinary perspective on the healthcare and consumer marketplace. He is frequently sought out by clients at all levels to establish and deliver solutions to address critical strategic needs in all areas of business operations. Mitzen’s vast experience in the field of marketing and advertising has made him a dynamic leader in developing problem-solving and profit-increasing strategies. As the founder of Palio Communications, he has been a key player in the development of a broad variety of marketing and strategic endeavors for more than 40 healthcare and consumer clients. He holds a MBA from Simon School, University of Rochester and a BS from Syracuse University.
Guy Mastrion, executive vice president/managing director-creative, has strategic expertise in the areas of branding and direct marketing in all media, ranging from postcards to television production. At Palio, he manages the conception and execution of the agency’s creative work. Mastrion brings more than 19 years of Madison Avenue experience to Palio Communications. Prior to joining Palio, he was senior vice president, managing director/creative director for Lowe McAdams Healthcare, where he specialized in the development and execution of all DTC television advertising for a variety of clients. Mastrion has also held senior-level positions at Bates Worldwide-Bates Direct, Saatchi & Saatchi Worldwide-Saatchi Direct and McCann Erickson Worldwide. He has also received numerous peer and industry awards for his work. He holds a BFA from Parsons School of Design.
Mike Myers, executive vice president/managing director-client service, has a unique background in both professional and consumer healthcare marketing and advertising. From generic and branded manufacturers to managed care, market research and direct-to-consumer launch campaigns, Myers has the experience and skills to shepherd brands from product inception through generic and over-the- counter conversions. Prior to joining Palio, he was a senior vice president at Lowe McAdams Healthcare, where he was responsible for client acquisition, management and growth within the company’s direct marketing group. Additional healthcare marketing experience includes senior-level positions at several agencies, including NCI Advertising, PCS Health Systems, Walsh America/Pharmaceutical Marketing Services, Inc. and Eli Lilly and Company. He holds an MBA from the University of Southern California and a BSBA from the University of Arizona.