Wilmington, DE -- Associates International, Inc. – formerly Associates Graphic Services (http://www.agsprint.com) – a leading integrated marketing services provider, announced today that it and client, Barclaycard US, have won a Platinum Hermes Creative Award.  The award recognizes the team's work to support the US Airways Dividend Miles MasterCard marketing strategy and communications program.
 
An integral part of the program, Associates International partnered with Mindfire, Inc., to host a personalized and interactive microsite.  "We utilized just about every technology we possess to deliver a truly integrated and targeted 1 to 1 experience," stated Dave Zamorski, Chief Operating Officer, Associates International.  "All touchpoints – print,     e-mails, and purls – contained personalized images, fonts, and variable data to drive the most targeted, personal experience possible."
 
"We are pleased to have been recognized by the Association of Marketing and Communication Professionals," said Michelle Bottomley, Chief Marketing Officer, Barclaycard US.  "The US Airways credit card marketing program was designed to engage the target audience using highly digital channels with personalized content.  The response rates delivered beyond our expectations, showing the power of digitally engaged customers.  We are thrilled to have such creative partners who brought the idea to life in a high-impact way."
 

The Hermes Creative Awards program is an international competition to recognize effective, multi-faceted campaigns.  The Platinum Award is presented to entries judged to be among the most outstanding in the competition.  Members of the Association of Marketing and Communication Professionals (AMCP) judged more than 3,600 entries from more than 1,300 companies and institutions worldwide for the 2010 award.
 
"To be recognized by peers is an honor," said Karen Keenan, Director of Marketing, Associates International.  "We are happy to share this award with our client, Barclaycard US, as it truly acknowledges the power of an effective partnership and cohesive marketing strategy."