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UNDERSTANDING BUSINESS ON THE COLONY - NEWS RELEASEv3 / May 27.10 (Winnipeg, Manitoba - May 27, 2010) - Blacksheep Strategy announced today that it is making available its new research study Understanding Business on the Colony, a syndicated survey of western Canadian Hutterite farm bosses. The quantitative survey was fielded in December 2009 and included representation from 40% of Hutterite acres in western Canada. The study provides insight into Hutterites' preferences, expectations, and perceptions regarding the agricultural companies that seek to do business with them - direct from the colonies' senior decision makers. Hutterite farm bosses are responsible for all aspects of crop production including planning, management practices, agronomy, crop inputs, and grain marketing. "For companies that are attempting to develop business with Hutterite colonies, it is important to realize that a single 'Hutterite Strategy' may not be enough," said Sharon Barker, Director of Research Strategy at Blacksheep Strategy. "These colonies differ significantly based on geography and sect, so companies may want to consider the sub-segments that exist within the overall Hutterite segment." Highlights of study's key findings: * The study results contain significant detail on differences between the Hutterite sects (Lehrerleut, Dariusleut, Schmiedeleut) and geographies. There were notable differences in business patterns, technology adoption, operation of non-farm business, and current usage and intentions with respect to the Internet. "There was high interest in this multi-client syndicated study. Sponsors found particular value in learning what they might do differently in their approach to colonies. Future studies are planned to focus in on particular topics and possibly other decision makers within the colonies," said Barker. Results of the Understanding Business on the Colony study were recently presented to the study's sponsors. The complete report - or a presentation of findings - is now available for purchase from Blacksheep Strategy.
LARGE, PROGRESSIVE FARMERS PROFILED BY BLACKSHEEP STRATEGYJuly 28, 2009 (Winnipeg, MB) - Blacksheep Strategy recently completed the second installment of its western Canadian syndicated research series, FarmShift (2009). One of the most striking results from the study is the discovery that many large farmers are moving from an expansion mentality to a focus on management and operational efficiency. "It's evident that these larger farmers believe that a solid strategy in marketing, production efficiency and financing is critical to their success. Firms that develop offerings and communications that meet these needs and concerns will win business from this segment," said Sharon Barker, Director of Research at Blacksheep Strategy. Initiated in 2007, FarmShift is a syndicated in-depth research study that captures insight and commentary from Canada's most successful farmers, identifying key drivers that govern their decisions. The research provides insight into the impact that shifts in the business of farming have had on leading, large-acreage farms. Respondents to the study have over a half million acres, with the average respondent having approximately 9,000 acres under crop. The study explored a wide range of topics, including growth plans, marketing, financing, and information sources. The impact of current economic conditions was an important theme of the 2009 research as well. Throughout the study, Blacksheep Strategy observed that larger farmers appreciate thoughtful offers and insightful communications from their suppliers. "Basically, firms that understand and address individual farmers' core concerns have the opportunity to build lasting relationships. Those that use a blunt, one size fits all approach will have less success," said Barker. The research also included a module dedicated to Hutterite farm operations, contrasting that model with other farmers' ownership and management approaches. "The Hutterite component of the study generated considerable interest and Blacksheep Strategy is planning follow up research that specifically addresses doing business with Hutterites," said Barker. Blacksheep Strategy is a consulting firm that provides brand strategy and market research services to large organizations and entrepreneurial businesses. Blacksheep is at the forefront of the agricultural industry with respect to understanding farmers' perceptions and expectations of their suppliers. While the firm has extensive experience working in Canadian agriculture, much of its work comes from applying brand strategy in other sectors, including heavy equipment, finance, technology, and non-profit organizations. See www.blacksheepstrategy.com. -30- For more information: Sharon Barker Russell Jeffrey
TOP BRANDING AWARD FOR BLACKSHEEP STRATEGYJuly 7, 2008 [WINNIPEG, MB] The brand developed by Blacksheep Strategy for Innovation Credit Union took home top honours in the credit union industry's national awards. The Achievement in Marketing Excellence (AIME) awards for both Brand Enhancement and People's Choice, were recently awarded to Innovation Credit Union at the MACU conference in Whistler, BC. Brought in as the result of a credit union merger, Innovation Credit Union engaged Blacksheep to develop a research-driven brand strategy. After carrying out extensive research with financial institution customers and employees, Blacksheep formulated the brand strategy and created all of the supporting materials required for launching the new brand. Mergers are often the impetus for the creation of new brands and we're fortunate to have helped companies through this process on multiple occasions, said Derrick Coupland, Principal of Blacksheep Strategy. The opportunity to explore audience perceptions through research and develop a new brand is always exciting because you're really creating a new identity for an organization. What makes the process even more satisfying is when we see a new brand help to unify the merged entity under a common banner it goes far beyond advertising as it helps create common ground and actually helps bring two organizational cultures together. Blacksheep Strategy (www.blacksheepstrategy.com) is a branding and research firm focused on developing distinct, relevant and differentiated brands. Blacksheep deploys world-class facilitation and research expertise in the areas of brand development, strategic planning and public relations -30- For more information: Call Derrick Coupland at 204.927.9300.
HUMAN RIGHTS VIDEO AWARDS FOR BLACKSHEEP STRATEGYJuly 9, 2008 [WINNIPEG, MB] – Multiple honours have been awarded to the video created for the Friends of the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, “Forever Changed.” Friends of the Canadian Museum for Human Rights approached Blacksheep Strategy for help to create a tool that would tell their story to people around the world and aid with fundraising efforts. Blacksheep Strategy developed a creative theme for the video rooted in the real-life personal account of human rights victims and activists. Producing the video in conjunction with Frantic Films and Friends of the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, it has proven to be a highly effective tool in the fundraising efforts for the museum. “Forever Changed” just received its fifth award – the CINE Golden Eagle Award. The other awards that were recently accepted include two Telly Awards, a Summit International Creative Award, and a DV Award. “Rarely have we had an opportunity to work on a project that has impacted us as personally as this one”, says Derrick Coupland, Principal of Blacksheep Strategy. “We whole-heartedly applaud the efforts of the Friends of the Canadian Museum for Human Rights and we couldn’t be happier about having the opportunity to assist them in their noble pursuit.” View the video at: http://www.blacksheepstrategy.com/index/video Blacksheep Strategy (www.blacksheepstrategy.com) is a branding and research firm focused on developing distinct, relevant and differentiated brands. Blacksheep deploys world-class facilitation and research expertise in the areas of brand development, strategic planning and public relations. -30- For more information: Call Derrick Coupland at 204.927.9300. About the Awards: About Friends of the Canadian Museum for Human Rights
Blacksheep Strategy (www.blacksheepstrategy.com) is a branding and research firm focused on developing distinct, relevant and differentiated brands. Blacksheep deploys world-class facilitation and research expertise in the areas of brand development, strategic planning and public relations. -30- For more information email us at wool@blacksheepstrategy.com or call: Sharon Barker Russell Jeffrey
>>>>>> Blacksheep Strategy Inc. http://www. blacksheepstrategy.com/ Contact us by email at wool@blacksheepstrategy.com. Copyright © 2007, Blacksheep Strategy Inc.
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