Baltimore, Md. - gkv, a full-service marketing communications firm, announced today the addition of two sports-related Clients to its roster - Baltimore Racing Development, LLC (BRD) and US Lacrosse. The 29-year-old Baltimore-based firm will provide branding and national marketing support for both Clients.

The recent acquisition of these two accounts, in addition to existing Client work, positions gkv as an emerging leader in the sports marketing category. gkv’s category experience encompasses handling the marketing initiatives for the Maryland Lottery’s sports sponsorship programs, that includes the highly successful Baltimore Ravens Cash Fantasy scratch-off game; Werner Ladder’s sponsorship of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament; as well as Baltimore County Golf’s five public golf courses and its recent Million Dollar Hole-In-One Shootout.

“Over the past several years, gkv’s sports marketing experience has thrived in the Baltimore region and will continue to grow at the national level in working with such reputable organizations as US Lacrosse and Baltimore Racing Development,” said Roger Gray, chairman and CEO of gkv. “It’s been an exciting year at gkv, and the opportunity to work with each of these organizations to support the growth of the popular sport of lacrosse and bring national attention to Charm City with the Baltimore Grand Prix is quite an honor.”

Baltimore Racing Development
Earlier this month, the city of Baltimore announced a five-year deal with the Indy Racing League to bring the IZOD IndyCar Series to Baltimore. The newly named Baltimore Grand Prix has selected gkv as its Agency of Record for the inaugural race and the accompanying three-day Festival of Speed scheduled for August 5 - 7, 2011. This event is expected to draw more than 100,000 visitors to Baltimore.

As part of this partnership, gkv will provide strategic planning, creative development of all advertising, media planning and buying, grassroots marketing, event planning, and design and maintenance of the website.

“The Baltimore Grand Prix will bring world-renowned drivers, such as Danica Patrick and Helio Castroneves, as well as a weekend of entertainment for the whole family to Baltimore,” said Jay Davidson, President of Baltimore Racing Development, the group that led the effort to bring the event to Maryland. “We are excited to work with an experienced and local agency such as gkv to bring the national spotlight to Baltimore next August.”

US Lacrosse
As the national governing body of men’s and women’s lacrosse, Baltimore-based US Lacrosse recently selected gkv to assist in building its brand to support the rapidly growing sport of lacrosse.

gkv will provide strategic planning, as well as brand and creative development to assist in elevating communications about the benefits of US Lacrosse membership to a variety of audiences including program administrators, coaches, players and parents.

“gkv has been terrific in sinking their teeth into our very complex multi-constituency business model and developing highly strategic messaging that combines our core functional benefits with an emotional end benefit,” said Sara Noon, Managing Director, Membership of US Lacrosse.

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About gkv
gkv is a 29-year-old full-service integrated marketing communications firm specializing in helping challenger brands compete in hyper-competitive categories. With billings of more than $111 million, gkv provides a complete range of communications services including creative development, graphic design, production, media planning and buying, interactive, community relations, brand identity development, research, public relations, direct marketing, crisis communications, grassroots and word of mouth. gkv’s diverse international Client roster includes companies in travel and tourism, snacks and beverages, financial services, health industries and cause marketing. The Agency is headquartered at Tide Point, the renovated former Procter & Gamble plant in Baltimore, Md. Visit http://gkv.com/ or http://blog.gkv.com.

About US Lacrosse
US Lacrosse, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation, is the national governing body for men’s and women’s lacrosse. US Lacrosse has more than 300,000 members in 63 regional chapters around the country. Through responsive and effective leadership, US Lacrosse strives to provide programs and services to inspire participation while protecting the integrity of the game. To learn more about US Lacrosse, please visit www.uslacrosse.org.

As 3D television begins to gain credibility in the marketplace, many are skeptical that this newest television trend will drive people to switch from high-definition (HDTV) to 3D television. Over the next few weeks, more 3D movies, sporting events and video games are scheduled to be released, which may serve as a true test of loyalty of current HDTV viewers and serve as a sneak peak at the future of 3D television.

gkv Director of Broadcast Services, Kelly Gould, spoke with The Baltimore Sun reporter, David Zurawik, about how the World Cup is serving as a global platform to increase awareness of 3D television and how not everyone may be ready to fully switch to 3D.

Read all of Kelly’s comments on World Cup coverage in 3D television in The Baltimore Sun article, “World Cup coverage in 3D helping usher in new era of TV.”

gkv will work with PANDORA Chief Marketing Officer, North America, Angel Ilagan, and his team to provide marketing support in the areas of strategic planning, brand development, and communication strategies and tactics. In 2008, PANDORA was named the “Hottest Brand” by INSTORE magazine.

“gkv is thrilled to partner with PANDORA, a brand that is willing to be different to stay true to its mission,” said Dan Collins, Strategic Planning Director. “Our experience in working with brands willing to challenge the status quo will help PANDORA remain true to its essence while further accelerating its popularity.”

PANDORA has a loyal consumer following and demand for its products has grown dramatically since its North American expansion in 2003. Today products can be found in 88 PANDORA stores and more than 2,500 fine jewelry retail locations throughout the North American market.

“The rapid growth that PANDORA has experienced over the last few years require us to seek a partner, like gkv, that can help us provide a consistent experience at every point in which people interact with our brand,” said Ilagan. “My team and I look forward to partnering with gkv to inspire women to express their individuality and celebrate life’s unforgettable moments.”

Founded in 1982, PANDORA is headquartered in Copenhagan, Denmark and has subsidiaries in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, Poland and Thailand, and is sold in more than 40 countries.

About gkv
gkv is a 29-year-old full-service integrated marketing communications firm specializing in helping challenger brands compete in hyper-competitive categories. With billings of more than $111 million, gkv provides a complete range of communications services including creative development, graphic design, production, media planning and buying, interactive, community relations, brand identity development, research, public relations, direct marketing, crisis communications, grassroots and word of mouth. gkv’s diverse international Client roster includes companies in travel and tourism, snacks and beverages, financial services, health industries and cause marketing. The Agency is headquartered at Tide Point, the renovated former Procter & Gamble plant in Baltimore, Md. Visit http://gkv.com/ or http://blog.gkv.com.

About PANDORA
PANDORA, a global Danish brand, has been making its mark in the international fine jewelry industry for almost 30 years, and is world-renowned for its high-quality, handcrafted design. The collections inspire women to embrace their individuality with romantic and feminine pieces that capture the unforgettable moments of life. PANDORA’s affordable luxury collections include customizable charm bracelets, rings, earrings, necklaces and watches made from sterling silver and 14K and 18K gold with precious gems that are hand-set into the jewelry. PANDORA jewelry is available in PANDORA retail stores and authorized dealers worldwide. To view the PANDORA collection, build a bracelet online or locate a jeweler, please visit PANDORA-jewelry.com or PANDORA.net.

gkv Senior Vice President, David “Boomer” Blum, spoke with The Baltimore Sun reporter, David Zurawik, about how the decline in viewership is symptomatic of living in today’s “instant world.”

Link to article: Read all of Boomer’s comments on the decline in viewership in late night newscasts in The Baltimore Sun article, “Late newscasts see steep ratings declines in Baltimore.”

Baltimore, Md. - gkv, a full-service integrated marketing and communications firm, was recently recognized as the Corporate Partner of the Year by Building STEPS™ (Building Science Technology and Education Partnerships, Inc.). Based in Baltimore, Md., Building STEPS is a not-for-profit organization that exposes bright, underserved high school students to science- and technology-based careers, and helps them excel in these fields where minorities are overwhelmingly under represented.

“Building STEPS is a great example of how one organization can change the lives of so many young adults right here in Baltimore,” said Roger Gray, chairman and CEO of gkv. “gkv is one of the many proud partners of this successful organization and we feel very privileged to be recognized as its most recent Corporate Partner of the Year.”

For the past decade, gkv has partnered with Building STEPS offering support through various events, internships and mentoring opportunities with students. gkv annually hosts a day-long seminar, teaching junior-level high school students about the various stages and elements that go into the creation and implementation of an advertising campaign with an emphasis on technology. In addition, gkv offers a rising senior student a summer internship opportunity each year.

“gkv has educated Baltimore-area students about various career opportunities they otherwise would not have access to,” said Debra Hettleman, Executive Director of Building STEPS. “gkv’s commitment to Building STEPS over the years has been invaluable. We are fortunate to have gkv as one of our partners.”

Building STEPS was founded in Washington, D.C., in 1995 by Matthew Weinberg, CEO of The Weinberg Group, a scientific and regulatory consulting firm. Building STEPS was relocated to Baltimore in September 1999 where a variety of corporate and institutional internship opportunities were made accessible to the students.

About gkv
gkv is a 29-year-old full-service integrated marketing communications firm specializing in helping challenger brands compete in hyper-competitive categories. With billings of more than $111 million, gkv provides a complete range of communications services including creative development, graphic design, production, media planning and buying, interactive, community relations, identity development, research, public relations, direct marketing, crisis communications and social marketing. gkv’s diverse international Client roster includes companies in travel and tourism, snacks and beverages, financial services, health industries and cause marketing. The Agency is headquartered at Tide Point, the renovated former Procter & Gamble plant in Baltimore, Md. Visit www.gkv.com or http://blog.gkv.com

About Building STEPS™
Building Science Technology and Education Partnerships Inc. is a not-for-profit organization that exposes bright, underserved high school students to science and technology-based careers, and helps them excel in these fields where minorities are overwhelmingly under represented. The multi-year program, supplementing each student’s classroom learning, includes seminars, a summer internship, college counseling and alumni services. More than 90 percent of Building STEPS^TM students have advanced to college, almost all of whom are the first to do so in their family. Visit www.buildingSTEPS.org

From left to right: Darren Myers, Production Manager/Internship Coordinator and Matthew Weinberg, CEO of The Weinberg Group, Founder of Building STEPS

Baltimore, Md. - gkv, a 29-year-old full-service marketing and communications firm based in Baltimore, announced today its decision to relocate its corporate headquarters to McHenry Row - a $117 million commercial, retail and residential complex located at Key Highway and East Fort Avenue in Locust Point. After nearly 30 years of business in downtown Baltimore, gkv will officially join the Baltimore skyline with the addition of its name to the five-story McHenry Row office building overlooking Federal Hill and Baltimore’s Inner Harbor.

One of Maryland’s oldest marketing and communications firms, gkv has been operating out of the fourth floor of The Cascade Building at the Tide Point campus - the renovated former Proctor & Gamble Plant - located at 1030 Hull Street in Locust Point for nearly a decade. The decision to relocate was based on accessibility of the development for out-of-town Clients and the many amenities the mixed-use project offers to gkv employees.

“gkv has called downtown Baltimore home for 29 years, so we are pleased to announce that we will continue to stay true to our Baltimore roots with our upcoming relocation to McHenry Row,” said Roger Gray, chairman and CEO of gkv. “McHenry Row represents the essence of the Baltimore community by offering a prime location for both Clients and employees with direct access to Interstate I-95 in addition to free covered parking.”

Founded in 1981, gkv specializes in creating and executing breakthrough strategies for Challenger Brands - brands typically outspent by category leaders. gkv serves local, regional, national and international Clients in industries such as travel and tourism; consumer and packaged goods; financial services; B2B; retail; health insurance; health care; sports, gaming and attractions; luxury items; B2G and cause marketing.

Over the years, gkv has received national and international honors for its work in the advertising industry, including being named an international shortlist finalist at the Cannes Lions International Festival and recipient of multiple awards from the American Advertising Federation (AAF), Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) and Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International HSMAI). gkv’s competitors range from national to international advertising agencies based in New York City, Washington, D.C., and Chicago.

Currently under construction, the McHenry Row office building is scheduled to be complete by fall 2010 with the rest of the project completed in June 2011. The complex combines 130,000 square feet of retail space, including a 61,000-square-foot Harris Teeter grocery store; 65,000 square feet of commercial office space referred to as “The Offices at McHenry Row;” 250 residential apartments and two covered garages totaling more than 900 spaces.

Designed for retail and commercial office use, The Offices at McHenry Row, is a five-story building constructed with brick and glass that has an additional lower level. The building’s ground floor and first floor levels combine for a total of 22,000 square feet and will accommodate retail space. Floors two through five include 16,000-square-foot plates and will accommodate office space.

Represented by MacKenzie Commercial Real Estate Services, LLC in the recent lease agreement, gkv is scheduled to move to its new location in early 2011. The company’s 85 employees will occupy the entire fourth floor and part of the third floor of The Offices at McHenry Row. Design Collective, Inc. is currently developing the space for gkv’s new home.

“McHenry Row has been a shining star in an otherwise conservative office leasing and retail leasing environment in the greater Baltimore City metropolitan region within the past two years,” said Mark Sapperstein, principal of 28 Walker Development. “To successfully attract relatively large and highly-recognizable users of Class A space to this development, like gkv, speaks extremely well to its quality of location, feasibility and marketability of design and availability of retail amenities.”

Commercial Retail Estate Brokerage Firm, NAI KLNB, in conjunction with Cushman & Wakefield handled the commercial office space marketing and leasing aspect of the office portion of the project for 28 Walker Development. The retail portion of the project is being leased by Street Sense.

“There is renewed energy along the eastern edge of Baltimore City and an increasing number of service-oriented companies are selecting this location as a way to attract and retain quality workforces,” said Joe Nolan of NAI KLNB. “The added element of retail including the prestigious Harris Teeter grocer and restaurant amenities creates a critical mass of people for additional excitement, as well as convenience options that benefit the time-deprived office worker. The project also includes free covered parking for all of its retail and office tenants and their visitors.”

In addition to gkv, McHenry Row has also negotiated commercial leases with Baltimore Metropolitan Council (BMC) and KCI Technologies, totaling approximately 48,000 square feet of space at The Offices at McHenry Row, bringing the pre-leasing of the building to 75% capacity.

About gkv
gkv is a 29-year-old full-service integrated marketing communications firm specializing in helping challenger brands compete in hyper-competitive categories. With billings of more than $111 million, gkv provides a complete range of communications services including creative development, graphic design, production, media planning and buying, interactive, community relations, brand identity development, research, public relations, direct marketing, crisis communications, grassroots and word of mouth. gkv’s diverse international Client roster includes companies in travel and tourism, snacks and beverages, financial services, health industries and cause marketing. The Agency is headquartered at Tide Point, the renovated former Procter & Gamble plant in Baltimore, Md. Visit http://gkv.com/or http://blog.gkv.com.

About McHenry Row
McHenry Row is a mixed-use development on 9.5 acres located in the Baltimore City neighborhood of Locust Point at the intersection of Fort Avenue and Key Highway, close to Fort McHenry and just off I-95 (exit 55 Key Highway).The $117 million “main street” project is already under construction with completion scheduled for 2011. It includes two mid-rise residential buildings with a total of 250 apartment homes offering one- and two-bedroom floor plans. On the street level, the center will include over 130,000 square feet of retail space, anchored by a 61,000 sq. ft. Harris Teeter grocery store. Beneath the residential units there will be additional retail space and restaurants including M&T Bank, PNC, Greene Turtle, Dunkin’ Donuts and Hair Cuttery, as well as several other retail tenants. McHenry Row will also have a five story Class A office building with 75% of the available office space already leased. Parking will be provided by two structured garages with 900 spaces and an additional 80 short term surface spaces. Visit www.McHenryRow.com

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But does the recent Preakness Infield Fest ad campaign cross the line with its sexually-suggestive slogans?

After reading Jeff Millman’s recent gkv/blog post about the “Get Your Preak On” campaign, The Baltimore Sun’s Sam Sessa spoke with gkv’s Chief Creative Officer to get his first-hand opinion.

Read Jeff’s opinion, as well as other local opinions, on the new Preakness ad campaign.

Amber Bradford, Public Relations Senior Account Executive
Bradford, originally from Fallston, Md., was promoted to Public Relations Senior Account Executive from her position as public relations account executive. Bradford develops and contributes to internal and external communications plans, researches and produces story pitches and bylined articles, and executes elements of media campaigns and messaging strategies. Prior to joining gkv in 2007, Bradford worked at Carroll Hospital Center and was an editor/reporter at the Harford Business Ledger and The Aegis. Bradford assists in managing day-to-day public relations activities for Lance Sandwich Crackers, Archway Cookies, Aerotek, Western Maryland Health System, the opening of the new Patient Care Tower at Franklin Square Hospital Center and internal Agency public relations.

Diane Wiles, Media Planner
Wiles, originally from Hampstead, Md., was promoted to Media Planner from her position as junior media planner. Wiles manages media planning, research activities and media buying for advertising campaigns. Prior to joining gkv in 2007, Wiles worked at Chess Communications in Baltimore as a print media assistant. She manages the media planning activities for clients such as MedStar Health and its four Baltimore area hospitals, Aerotek, Martek Biosciences Corporation, Baltimore County Golf and Maryland Physicians Care.

Amy Zimmerman, Director of Print Production
Zimmerman, a Baltimore native, was promoted to Director of Print Production from her pervious position as print production manager. Zimmerman oversees the print collateral and direct mail projects while working with account services to produce successful campaigns. Zimmerman has more than 20 years experience in print production. Prior to joining gkv in 2007, she worked at T. Rowe Price and TBC, Inc. Zimmerman oversees print production activities for clients such as BGE HOME, Coventry Healthcare, Aerotek, L-3 Communications, Lance Snack Foods, Intercontinental Hotels Group Latin America, Maryland State Lottery, Metropolitan Jewish Health System, Werner Ladder, Martek Biosciences Corporation, and Baltimore County Golf.

gkv is a 28-year-old full-service integrated marketing communications firm specializing in helping challenger brands compete in hyper-competitive categories. With billings of more than $111 million, gkv provides a complete range of communications services including creative development, graphic design, production, media planning and buying, interactive, community relations, identity development, research, public relations, direct marketing, crisis communications and social marketing. gkv’s diverse international Client roster includes companies in travel and tourism, snacks and beverages, financial services, health industries and cause marketing. The Agency is headquartered at Tide Point, the renovated former Procter & Gamble plant in Baltimore, Md. Visit www.gkv.com or http://blog.gkv.com.

Katey Clark, Public Relations Account Executive
Clark of Baltimore, joins gkv as a Public Relations Account Executive. Clark will contribute to daily public relations activities for Archway Cookies, Lance Sandwich Crackers as well as internal Agency activities. Prior to joining gkv, Clark was a project manager for Project Big Fish in Washington, D.C. and a legislative assistant for U.S. Rep. Patrick Tiberi of Ohio. She received her bachelor’s degree in journalism from Miami University of Ohio.

Chuck Fischer, Vice President, Account Director
Fischer of Catonsville, joins gkv as a Vice President, Account Director. Fischer will manage day-to-day branding activities for Lance Sandwich Crackers, Cape Cod Potato Chips and Archway Cookies. Fischer has more than 15 years of marketing, advertising and event planning experience. He returns to gkv after pursuing an entrepreneurial opportunity in 2001 as a co-founder of Management Worldwide, an international membership community of business professionals. Fischer also created The Business Affairs Forum, an event series featuring prominent business leaders. Prior to joining gkv in 1999, Fischer worked for Lyons Marketing and DuPont. Fischer received a bachelor’s and master’s degree from the University of Maryland.

Joey Helsel, Account Executive
Helsel of Baltimore, joins gkv as an Account Executive for its grassroots marketing division - gkv REACH. Helsel will manage outreach and grassroots initiatives for Metropolitan Jewish Health System. Prior to joining gkv, Helsel was an assistant VIP tour manager for Paid, Inc. where she managed the VIP experience for Aerosmith during the band’s 2009 tour and was a sponsorship coordinator for Live Nation at Nissan Pavilion. Helsel received her bachelor’s degree in communications from Marymount Manhattan College in New York.

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gkv is a 28-year-old full-service integrated marketing communications firm specializing in helping challenger brands compete in hyper-competitive categories. With billings of more than $111 million, gkv provides a complete range of communications services including creative development, graphic design, production, media planning and buying, interactive, community relations, identity development, research, public relations, direct marketing, crisis communications and social marketing. gkv’s diverse international Client roster includes companies in travel and tourism, snacks and beverages, financial services, health industries and cause marketing. The Agency is headquartered at Tide Point, the renovated former Procter & Gamble plant in Baltimore, Md. Visit www.gkv.com or http://blog.gkv.com.

Meredith Gilbert, Account Executive
Gilbert, originally from Charlotte, N.C., was promoted to Account Executive from her position as assistant account executive. Gilbert assists in managing day-to-day account management activities for L-3 Communications and Western Maryland Health System. In her new role, Gilbert also will focus on new business development. Gilbert is a graduate of Wake Forest University.

Jon Gregory, Account Executive
Gregory, a Silver Spring, Md., native, was promoted to Account Executive from his position as assistant account executive. Gregory assists in managing day-to-day account management activities for Aerotek, L-3 Communications and BGE HOME. Gregory is a graduate of McDaniel College.

Haley Ulloa, Account Executive
Ulloa, originally from Elizabeth, N.J., was promoted to Account Executive from his position as assistant account executive. Ulloa assists in managing day-to-day activities for Maryland State Lottery, Intercontinental Hotels Group Latin America and Baltimore County Golf. Ulloa is a graduate of University of Scranton.

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gkv is a 28-year-old full-service integrated marketing communications firm specializing in helping challenger brands compete in hyper-competitive categories. With billings of more than $111 million, gkv provides a complete range of communications services including creative development, graphic design, production, media planning and buying, interactive, community relations, identity development, research, public relations, direct marketing, crisis communications and social marketing. gkv’s diverse international Client roster includes companies in travel and tourism, snacks and beverages, financial services, health industries and cause marketing. The Agency is headquartered at Tide Point, the renovated former Procter & Gamble plant in Baltimore, Md. Visit www.gkv.com or http://blog.gkv.com.