DECATUR, IL—Jones and Thomas recently launched an enhanced version of www.dickey-john.com, the web site for one of their full-service clients, DICKEY-john Corporation. This site builds upon the success of the original site, also designed by Jones and Thomas.

"After the original build, we closely monitored user activity on the site," said Nick Lane, Associate Creative Director, Interactive, who directed the project. "By conducting a thorough analysis prior to the redevelopment, we were able to determine that potential customers were spending the vast majority of their time on specific products. The new site highlights these products and is structured in a way that enables users to access this information quickly and easily."

The site also features a sophisticated distributor locator that lets potential customers search by product and product category. In the near future the site will also include short video features on key products. "We want to ensure that the site effectively communicates all unique benefits of DICKEY-john products," added Russ Proch, Vice President of Jones and Thomas and Account Supervisor for DICKEY-john. "This site is much more than just an electronic catalog. It will be a dynamic marketing tool for DICKEY-john."

Jones and Thomas regularly creates web sites for a variety of clients. Recent sites developed include www.christieclinic.com, www.floragems.com, and www.independentseeds.com.

Jones and Thomas, a full service marketing communications company based in Decatur Illinois, was founded in 1980. The full range of services provided includes market research, strategic marketing planning, creative development and execution, media planning and buying, trade show management, and trade and public relations.

Jones and Thomas Makes Managerial Changes

Jones and Thomas Marketing Communications, Inc. has promoted Bill Lehmann to President. Lehmann's duties involve corporate leadership, strategic planning, fiscal management, and overall supervision of client services and creative development. He also serves as President of JTnet, an affiliated company which provides a broad range of Internet and IT support services to clients throughout Central Illinois.

Lehmann, a Central Illinois native, graduated from Millikin University, Decatur, Illinois, with a degree in marketing and has served in a variety of assignments with Jones and Thomas for the past eleven years, including Director of Media and Research, as well as Vice President of Strategic Planning, and most recently as Senior Vice President.

Lehmann's experience encompasses numerous corporate management functions, including account supervision, market research and analysis, marketing strategy development and client-related services, such as supervision of the Archer Daniels Midland Company account. Most recently, he provided a keynote address to a national seed trade group. Lehmann was raised on an Iroquois County farm and was active in FFA and 4-H.

Jones and Thomas, a full service marketing communications company based in Decatur Illinois, was founded in 1980. The full range of services provided includes market research, strategic marketing planning, creative development and execution, media planning and buying, trade show management, and trade and public relations.

DECATUR, IL—Jones and Thomas Marketing Communications has developed a new web site that showcases its work with healthcare organizations: healthcare.jonesthomas.com. Targeted to healthcare providers, the site illustrates Jones and Thomas' vast experience through case studies and work samples.

"As Jones and Thomas continues to evolve as a marketing communications firm, we are discovering areas in which we excel for our clients. Healthcare is one of those areas," President Bill Lehmann explained. "However, we don't just specialize in healthcare. We serve a diversified client base, which keeps our ideas fresh and our strategies sound."

At healthcare.jonesthomas.com, visitors can learn more about Jones and Thomas' services and experience in the healthcare field and view the agency's healthcare client roster.

Jones and Thomas, a full service marketing communications company based in Decatur Illinois, was founded in 1980. The full range of services provided includes market research, strategic marketing planning, creative development and execution, media planning and buying, trade show management, and trade and public relations.

DECATUR, IL—Jones and Thomas has been tapped to develop and manage an integrated public relations and marketing strategy for leading energy provider PPM Energy.

Part of a world-leading energy generation family, PPM Energy is expanding its U.S. presence and is seeking government approval to build a large wind farm in northern Illinois.

"We are honored to have the opportunity to put our talents to work for PPM Energy," said Julie Toohill, Account Executive. "Our experience will serve well in helping PPM Energy successfully increase public support, navigate the approval process and maximize their status as a global leader to effectively position themselves for future growth."

To facilitate the process, Jones and Thomas worked with PPM staff to develop a public relations and marketing plan that includes open houses, print and radio advertising and media placement, press releases, large-scale posters and signage, and collateral. In addition, Jones and Thomas helps manage landowner relations, personally contacting PPM leaseholders, coordinating open houses, and handling media relations throughout the approval process.

Jones and Thomas, a full-service marketing-communications company based in Decatur, Illinois, was founded in 1980. The full range of services provided includes market research, strategic marketing planning, creative development and execution, media planning and buying, interactive media development, trade show management, and trade and public relations. For more information about Jones and Thomas, visit the web site at www.jonesthomas.com.

DECATUR, IL—Jones and Thomas Marketing Communications is pleased to announce that it will be providing services for two new clients: The Knapheide Manufacturing Company and Big River Telephone Company.

"Each of these companies is uniquely positioned in its market," said Jeff Hendricks, Agency President, "and Jones and Thomas is eager to put our strategic tactics and talent behind them to maximize their successes."

The agency's work with Knapheide begins with a focused communications effort capitalizing on the company's 160th anniversary. At the industry's flagship trade show event, Jones and Thomas, the first agency ever retained by the company, will provide high-impact marketing materials built around Knapheide's reputation for quality and durability. The campaign will be part of a larger differentiated marketing strategy for bringing new products to market.

"It's a privilege to associate ourselves with such a long-standing, well-established market leader as Knapheide, and we look forward to helping build on their brand equity," said Gary Augustine, Vice President and Account Supervisor.

For Big River Telephone Company, the agency will help launch an integrated marketing campaign in an intensely competitive market. As the company looks to introduce its cable-based internet and digital telephone services, Jones and Thomas will first release high-impact, hard sell materials in test markets, then assess the results and assist with full market rollout.

"This B2C effort is essential for this rapidly growing telecommunications provider's success," said Russ Proch, Vice President and Account Supervisor, "and Jones and Thomas' strong creative, media, and strategic abilities will serve them well." Jones and Thomas, a full-service marketing-communications company based in Decatur, Illinois, was founded in 1980. The full range of services provided includes market research, strategic marketing planning, creative development and execution, media planning and buying, trade show management, and trade and public relations. For more information about Jones and Thomas, visit the web site at www.jonesthomas.com.

Jones and Thomas Marketing Communications and GovPlus Capitol Consulting have created an alliance to provide a broad range of governmental relations and lobbying services for their current clients and assist Illinois agriculture with its communication to the Illinois General Assembly and the U.S. Congress. CEO Phil Jones of Jones and Thomas and President Tom Madsen of GovPlus Capitol Consulting created GovPlus Capitol Consulting, Inc., which becomes effective on January 1, 2008.

GovPlus will assist clients in communicating with members of the legislative and executive branches of the state and federal governments, as well as with opinion research, issue management, media relations, and development of lobbying events for organizational members. GovPlus will also provide legislative alerts to clients urging members to contact their legislator on critical issues pending in Springfield and Washington.

"The complex political process in both capitals makes it difficult for anyone to communicate with the senators, representatives, and regulators who can have a positive impact," said Madsen. "That is why it makes so much sense to offer a complete range of governmental relations services, which are not available to the typical contract lobbyist. And agriculture will be a primary beneficiary of our expertise."

Madsen, who becomes Senior Director of Governmental Relations, has more than 35 years in governmental policy, strategic planning, and political management. For more than two decades he directed the legislative initiatives for Illinois Power Company and its successors. More recently he has provided representation in Springfield for other utility clients, as well as the Illinois Corn Growers Association and the Illinois Soybean Association. Madsen's experience includes journalism and association management.

Stu Ellis, Vice President of Public Relations for Jones and Thomas, becomes Director of Governmental Relations. He has been an agricultural journalist and agricultural association executive for 35 years, and has led numerous groups of farmers and others to Washington while employed by Illinois Farm Bureau and University of Illinois Extension.

Jones and Thomas, a full service marketing communications company based in Decatur Illinois, was founded in 1980. The full range of services provided includes market research, strategic marketing planning, creative development and execution, media planning and buying, trade show management, and trade and public relations.