Reorganization and New Business Development Deliver Results
NAPA, CA August 11, 2004 – After a cooling trend things have been heating up and are expected to get hotter in the coming months. No, it’s not the local weather report or harvest prediction, this is the business trend that has HC (Huffman Communications) busier than usual during these 2004 summer months.
Since September 2001, business in Northern California had slowed throughout the region. HC, which provides graphic design, communications and website development for a wide variety of clients, was not immune to the sluggish economy, prompting internal reorganization and some belt-tightening. Realizing increased local and global competition, the company aggressively pursued new business. Today, that investment is paying dividends as new clients look to HC for marketing services.
“Typically, this is a slower time of year for new business,” says Don Huffman, owner of HC. “People are typically on vacation and wineries are preparing for harvest. This summer we have received more new business than I can recall in the last six years.”
In the past year HC has welcomed customers from various market sectors including manufacturing, agriculture, non-profit, services and education. The agency provides business programs and project work for new and existing clients including: Accent Party Rentals, Beaman Construction, Chardonnay Golf Club, Delicato Vineyards, Buttercream Bakery, Biagi Brothers, Carrie Olsen Gerrard, Daisy May’s Thrifts & Gifts, Distribution Services Group, Girard Winery, Justin Siena High School, Milat Vineyards, North Bay Employment Connection, Napa Valley Symphony, Paso Robles Vintners and Growers Association, R & D Guns and Gunsmithing, St. Johns School, Soter Vineyards, Sandra Rogers & Associates, Vista Creek Vineyards, Verdugo Hills Autism Project, Wiens Family Cellars, Your Home Nursing.
Five Star Productions uses HC for web design, print advertising, marketing and public relations. "It's much more cost effective," says Mary Ross, owner of Five Star Productions in Napa. "The cost of labor is so high now, and it really takes someone who has those specific skills and talents. We go to HC Napa because it has an excellent staff."
The agency is working to expand its services the wine industry and supporting manufacturing businesses. In April 2004, HC hired Mark Van Gorder as Account and Development Manager. Prior to joining HC, Van Gorder served for six years as public relations manager for a St. Helena based vineyard management company. Before that he served as Executive Director of California North Coast Grape Growers Association, worked for the Executive Division of California State Controller’s office providing internal communications and media relations services, and served CBS affiliate, KOVR-13 News, Sacramento, in production and news writing.
“Because we are located in downtown Napa, most new clients think that our agency primarily serves the wine industry,” Huffman says. “That’s actually new territory for us. We hired Mark van Gorder to work with our wine industry clients. He speaks the language.”
HC has focused on diversifying its business portfolio – not only within business sectors but geographically. In the past the company focused primarily on Napa, Sonoma and Solano businesses. Today, HC has major clients in Zebulon, North Carolina, Paso Robles, California, and the greater Bay Area.
“We work in a global market,” says Huffman. “We go where the business takes us.”
HC is a full-service agency, offering project-based and turnkey services including: Graphic Design, Advertising, Marketing, Public Relations, and Website Development and Management. For more information or to receive a free consultation about any HC services, please call Don Huffman or Mark van Gorder (707) 257-2585 or visit www.hcnapa.com.
