50^th Annual Midwest Emmy Awards Recognizes Online Brand Video for Navistar

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CHICAGO, October 20, 2008 – ProActive, A Freeman Company and Producer Chris Olsen received their first Midwest Emmy Award last weekend in the advanced media category for an instructional video created for client Navistar, Inc.

The "DuraStar 360 Walk Around" video highlights the transportation company's DuraStar line of vehicles, defining their versatility and advantages. Graphics and motion animation intertwine with on-location live shots in the 03:54 segment clearly conveying the distinctive features of the high-performance, medium-duty truck.

"We're pleased with the end result," said Al Saltiel, vice president of marketing for Navistar International. "Site visitors are watching the entire video and rewinding to specific content to help them with their purchase decision. Our dealer network is also using the video in their showrooms."

From among 25 categories, the outstanding achievement for advanced media group of awards recognize editorial content and video production creativity in original material created primarily for consumption on non-traditional viewing platforms such as computers, mobile phones, PDAs and similar devices. The DuraStar video appears online here.

All program entries are judged on three criteria: content, creativity and execution, with special weight given to utilization of advanced media capabilities, (i.e. interactivity and viewers' choice of images) for this category. Submissions were accepted from eight markets within Illinois, Wisconsin and Indiana. The 50^th Annual Midwest Emmy Awards ceremony, given by the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, was held at the Hyatt McCormick in Chicago.

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CHICAGO, October 1, 2008 – Gary Wokas has been named director of sales at ProActive, A Freeman Company, in charge of leading business development and account management. Gary joined the strategic communications and events agency as a national account director in July 2007.

"Gary has shown us strength in his thinking, work ethic, and ability to build strong relationships," said ProActive President Tony Lorenz, CMM. "He has been a critical component of much of our success over the past year. I am confident Gary will play an important role going forward."

A 15-year veteran of the live communications industry, Gary has contributed significantly to the growth of critical accounts, including the National Association of Convenience Stores and the National Association of Broadcasters. Gary fills a unique, strategic niche that transcends sales, with hands-on experience in integrated marketing, live production and overall corporate communications.

Prior to joining ProActive, Gary was regional vice president at TBA Global Events, delivering top-tier event strategies for clients in the financial services, media, pharmaceutical and technology industries, including Accenture, JPMorgan Chase, Motorola and Sprint. Gary also worked with ThinkTank as a project manager for three years and with Caribiner Inc. as an executive producer. His time on the client side was spent at Praxair and Prudential Insurance, developing strategic communications initiatives such as national conferences, sales meetings, training programs, branding and messaging, and exhibit management.

He is a graduate of Drake University with a bachelor of arts in journalism. He is based in the Chicago office and may be reached at 312.654.4324 or gwokas@proactiveinc.com. 

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CHICAGO, August 4, 2008 – Michael Goldman has joined ProActive, A Freeman Company, bringing more than 18 years experience as an executive producer, technical director and stage manager.

"Michael is equally comfortable with celebrities, corporate giants, sports superstars and rock stars – always knowing the best way to bring their message to life, be it at a product launch, conference, concert, expo or annual meeting," said ProActive President Tony Lorenz, CMM.

Michael brings to ProActive a wealth of experience in the entertainment and production business, previously holding long-standing positions with respected agencies PGI and MJM Creative Services. Highlights include The Juvenile Diabetes Association Grand Gala, The Florida 2012 Olympic Bid events, as well as three Red Bull/AMA SUPERMOTO Championship races.

During his almost 10 years (1989-1998) with Walt Disney World, Michael helped produce hundreds of shows and events, including Super Bowl XXIX's half-time show, The Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Hall of Fame Induction Ceremonies (twice), and grand opening ceremonies for the Swan & Dolphin Hotel.

Michael's extensive resume also includes productions for the American Red Cross, the Association for Financial Planners, BellSouth, Chevron/Texaco, KPMG Consulting, International Speedway Corporation, Pfizer, Schering-Plough, Sunoco, and musicians Kenny G, LeAnn Rimes, Smashmouth and Trisha Yearwood.

He is based in Orlando and may be reached at 407.319.2370 or mgoldman@proactiveinc.com.

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LoneStar Video for International Trucks Lauded

CHICAGO, July 31, 2008 – ProActive's LoneStar video produced for International Trucks has won a prestigious CINE Golden Eagle Award. This one-minute movie trailer-style piece brought International's "Stand Alone" campaign to the screen and increased awareness and excitement for the February 2008 unveiling of the new LoneStar, class 8 tractor at the Chicago Auto Show.

In the spring 2008 CINE competition more than 300 judges evaluated hundreds of distinguished entries.  Experienced professionals in the field of film and video production as well as subject matter experts serve in a volunteer capacity and judge entries on standards of overall excellence, storytelling, production value, artistry, the extent to which the film meets its stated goals and communicates with its intended audience.

The video's theme of "My road, my business, my life ... I'm proud to Stand Alone" comes through clearly in panoramic landscapes with sexy product shots. Filmed on northern California byways, the piece paints the picture of how truckers see their profession: full of individuality, self expression and innovation. Featuring a working truck driver, the video brings to life his connection with the road.

In addition to launching International's revolutionary new LoneStar vehicle at the Chicago Auto Show, the video was shown to press, customers and dealers at the 2008 Mid-America Truck Show. Working with ProActive, Editworks in Chicago directed and produced.

"We are thrilled," said Gloria Athanis, ProActive Senior Account Manager. "Launching a truck at an auto show was a brilliant, out-of-the-box approach that our client took, and we are proud to have been part of its success, much less to earn this honor for our contributions."

The LoneStar video also received two 2008 Telly Awards and a 2008 Tower Award from the Chicago Chapter of the Business Marketing Association.

About the CINE Awards: Since its founding in 1957, CINE (www.cine.org) has been dedicated to discovering, rewarding, education and supporting established and emerging talent in film and video.  Great talents whose first major awards included the CINE Golden Eagle are Steven Spielberg and Ron Howard. The CINE Golden Eagle Awards distinguish excellence in professional, independent and student works and are recognized internationally as symbols of the highest production standards in filmmaking and videography.

About ProActive: Founded in 1992, ProActive provides best-in-class, integrated, strategic experiential communications to global organizations in virtually every major industry sector. Since April 2007, ProActive has been a member of the Freeman family of companies (www.freemanco.com). ProActive delivers the creation, development and production of live events, business meetings, trade shows, corporate training and other communication-based programs.  ProActive is headquartered in Chicago, with offices in New York and Washington, D.C. For more information, visit www.proactiveinc.com or contact Sarah Polster at (312) 654-4325 or spolster@proactiveinc.com

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As appears in the July 28, 2008 issue of Tradeshow Week:

...There are other show managers who have thought of video. Jeff Lenard, vice president of communication for the TSW 200 No. 53-ranked Natl. Assn. of Convenience Stores, said his company is filming a series of vignettes to stream on both its Web site and the show's NACSTV. The vignettes, shot from the point of view of an RV traveling from California to the show's home in Chicago, give retailers - and potential attendees - a reason to want to go to the show. In 2007, NACS had 380,000 sq. ft., 1,255 exhibitors and 10,992 attendees. Projections for 2008 were unavailable at press time.

"The goal is to deliver value to retailers so they come to the show and deliver value to the buyers," Lenard said. "The equation only works if you deliver for retailers and suppliers."

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CHICAGO, Ill., July 10, 2008 – ProActive President Tony Lorenz is honored to be named to the 2008-2009 BMA Chicago Board of Directors. He joins the ranks of other business-to-business marketing professionals including executives from Accenture, Boeing, Google, Motorola and Wells Fargo.

BMA/Chicago is the Business Marketing Association’s single largest chapter, serving nearly 500 business-marketing professionals through professional development, networking events and programs.

“I am appreciative of the opportunity to contribute to this outstanding organization,” said Tony Lorenz, CMM. “The educational and networking value it brings to the B2B community has always been highly respected and critical to Chicago.”

ProActive, along with Freeman, are proud to be sponsors of the association’s annual MarketingMasters luncheon seminar, offering a powerful lineup of world-class marketers during the first week of each month, beginning September 5th.

About BMA/Chicago: BMA/Chicago enhances critical thinking, communication and managerial skills by bringing our members face to face with the nation’s top b-to-b marketing thinkers and practitioners. Visit www.bmachicago.org to learn more.

About ProActive: Founded in 1992, ProActive provides best-in-class, integrated, strategic experiential communications to global organizations in virtually every major industry sector. Since April 2007, ProActive has been a member of the Freeman family of companies (www.freemanco.com). ProActive delivers the creation, development and production of live events, business meetings, trade shows, corporate training and other communication-based programs.  ProActive is headquartered in Chicago, with offices in New York and Washington, D.C.

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Video Work Earns National Recognition

CHICAGO, July 3, 2008 – Strategic communications and events agency ProActive, A Freeman Company received five awards for outstanding film/video in the 29^th Annual Telly Awards. The diverse body of work ranges from a product launch video to an environmental feature to a promotional animation. The national Tellys, a symbol of creative excellence, recognized top-tier productions from a record-breaking 13,500 entries this year.

"Strong creative vision continues to be the watchword at ProActive," said Tony Lorenz, CMM, president of ProActive. "With a business need driving our visionary solutions every time, we aim for strategic and artistic excellence. We are honored by this recognition from a judging panel that is the creative gold standard in this industry." The 2008 winning entries are:

 Campaign: LoneStar Launch

Client: International Truck

Category: Non-Broadcast Productions - Automotive/Vehicles

This video launched International's revolutionary new LoneStar vehicle at the 2008 Chicago Auto Show with a powerful focus on individuality, comfort on the road, fuel economy and serviceability. With the motto "My road, my business, my life ... I'm proud to stand alone," the narration by a working truck driver brings to life his connection with the road. Filmed on scenic northern California byways, this video successfully pairs panoramic landscapes with sexy product shots. Working with ProActive, Editworks in Chicago directed and produced.

Campaign: Sunfuel for "Dieselution: The Clean Diesel Tour"

Client: Volkswagen of America

Category 1: Non-Broadcast Productions - Automotive/Vehicles

Category 2: Non-Broadcast Productions - Corporate Image

 Subtle cinematography and clear dialogue express Volkswagen's commitment to the environment in this educational piece. Turning a complex subject into an easy-to-follow story, the video demonstrates how VW is harnessing the energy of the sun to develop biofuel. The video was created in conjunction with Volkswagen of America's 2007 Dieselution mobile marketing tour that ran nationwide for 20 weeks. ProActive Executive Producer Tim Byer produced the piece featuring Volkswagen's Dr. Wolfgang Steiger.

Campaign: Possibilities

Client: Freeman (internal)

Category: Non-Broadcast Productions - Corporate Image

 Rich surround sound and vibrant animation blend and explode in this energetic corporate image video. A contemporary music track with a driving rhythm builds excitement mixed with elegance. Moody textural sounds add an atmospheric quality while images of outer space and an abstract journey through a sketchbook hint at the endless possibilities of Freeman's service offerings. The video was directed and produced by Maday Productions in Chicago.

 Campaign: Kiosk Demo

Client: Seattle's Best

Category: Internet/Online Programs, Segments, or Promotional Pieces - Direct Marketing

 This demonstration video was pitched to Seattle's Best as an add-on to their self-service automatic coffee drink kiosks. Employing a mix of overt and subtle visual and audio cues, this video integrates the coffee brand with an aromatic, romantic journey to a coffee drinker's ideal paradise. The viewer discovers something new buried in the coffee beans every time, reinforcing the possibility of a unique beverage experience every day. The video was directed by ProActive VP/Creative Director Michael McCauley and produced by AnswersMedia with an HD motion control rig.

 About the Telly Awards: With a 29-year history, the Telly Awards is a widely known and highly respected international competition lauding outstanding video and film production as well as TV commercials and programs. Winners represent the best work of the most respected advertising agencies, production companies, television stations, cable operators, and corporate video departments in the world. For more information, visit www.tellyawards.com.

About ProActive: Founded in 1992, ProActive provides best-in-class, integrated, strategic experiential communications to global organizations in virtually every major industry sector. Since April 2007, ProActive has been a member of the Freeman family of companies (www.freemanco.com). ProActive delivers the creation, development and production of live events, business meetings, trade shows, corporate training and other communication-based programs.  ProActive is headquartered in Chicago, with offices in New York and Washington, D.C. For more information, visit www.proactiveinc.com or contact Sarah Polster at (312) 654-4325 or spolster@proactiveinc.com

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