It’s been a whirlwind year for the Giant Voices team, and we’d like to share some of our favorite strategic marketing moments from 2022. Here’s to hustle, excellence, passion, our incredible Giant clients and the amazing Giant team.
A Decade of Giant Voices
In July, Giant Voices celebrated 10 years in business under Pascha Apter, our founder and CEO. Giant Voices evolved from The JPG Group—a marketing and advertising firm founded in the mid-80s in Virginia, Minnesota.
Pascha joined The JPG Group in 2005 as an account executive. She purchased the company and rebranded it Giant Voices in 2012, becoming one of the first women to wholly own a marketing firm in northern Minnesota.
“When I look back over the past 10 years, I’m filled with pride for the enterprise we’ve grown. What began as a small but mighty team in Canal Park has grown into a powerful firm with a national client presence. I’m incredibly proud of and grateful for my partners and the team of Giants who have contributed to our growth and success.”
— Pascha Apter
Ready, Set, Travel! Digital Advertising Campaign for Visit Cook County
Now that we’re easing out of the pandemic, travelers are itching to explore. When the Visit Cook County team was ready to promote the stunning northeast corner of Minnesota again, they tasked Giant Voices with creating a fun, welcoming and pointed digital advertising campaign.
Our "Ready. Set. Travel." campaign highlighted popular adventures and locations throughout Cook County. The campaign ran through every season and drove impressive results:
- 87% increase in year-over-year website sessions
- 118% increase in website users
- 540% increase in year-over-year lodging page sessions
- 560% increase in new users to the lodging page
- .14% average digital ad click-through-rate (2x above the industry average)
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Giant Thrills—Celebrating, Teambuilding and Whitewater Rafting
In August, the Giant team continued our 10th-anniversary celebrations with a whitewater rafting trip through Swiftwater Adventures!
After we tumbled and twisted down the St. Louis River, we headed to Carlton Streetcar for some celebratory drinks, delicious food and time with the Giant crew.
We couldn’t be more proud of our courageous team. We approach challenges—both in and out of the office—with tenacity and drive. We’re excited to grow our team and expand our services as we embark on our second decade in business.
Involta—Ambitious Growth Under New Leadership
Involta, an award-winning data center, hybrid IT and cloud-forward consulting firm (and Giant Client for over a decade), had an incredibly transformative year.
The company completed an acquisition by the global investment firm Carlyle and made significant strategic shifts to its executive leadership team. Jim Buie, former Involta President, became President and CEO to lead the company into its next growth phase.
Bruce Lehrman, Involta's founder and former CEO, continues to guide the company as the Vice-Chair of Involta’s Board of Directors.
Lisa Bodine, Giant Voices President and Partner, along with a team of Giants, supported Involta throughout these transitions and is helping set ambitious growth goals for the next phase of Involta.
Strengthening the Giant Team
We feel so fortunate to have curated an incredible team of Giants. This year, we added Joann Puglisi to our accounting team, and she’s been an essential behind-the-scenes part of our company.
Heather Wink transitioned from account assistant to account executive, and she’s taking on big clients and having a blast.
Mary Aimone became a full-time account assistant, jumping in to assist with content creation, traffic management, project management and more. We wouldn’t be where we are today without our team, and we’re grateful for the lot of them.
Green Building Initiative Certifies Over Half a Billion Square Feet
The Green Building Initiative (GBI) reached a major milestone this year. The organization has officially certified over half a billion square feet of commercial building space!
GBI achieved this milestone with the certification of the IDS Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota, which has taken significant actions to reduce climate impacts and promote health and wellness for building occupants.
Two Giant Clients Listed to TCB 100
Twin Cities Business recently announced its TCB 100 list. Key business leaders, trailblazers, and newsmakers poised to make an impact in 2023 were evaluated and selected, and we’re incredibly proud that two of our Giant Clients made the cut!
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Rachel Johnson, President and CEO of the Area Partnership for Economic Expansion (APEX), has ambitious visions for Minnesota and Wisconsin’s roles in a greener and more sustainable future. Collaboration across industries is key to business attraction, retention and growth. |
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Julie Lucas, Executive Director of MiningMinnesota, understands that responsible domestic nonferrous mining development is critical to achieving the nation’s climate action goals. Nonferrous projects in Minnesota can set the standard for the rest of the world. |
Please join us in congratulating our outstanding Giant clients!
Bags & Brews Blood Drive for Memorial Blood Centers
Giant Voices was extremely proud to sponsor a Memorial Blood Centers Mobile Drive as part of Northwestern Mutual’s 2022 For The Kids: Bags + Brews fundraiser.
Between the Giants and our clients, friends, families and networks, we surpassed our goal and collectively donated 33 units of blood—enough to make a lifesaving impact on 99 patients.
We’d like to send a Giant THANK YOU to all who participated. Stay tuned for future opportunities to support our community.
Due to recent weather events in Minnesota, blood supply is critically low heading into the holidays. Give a life-saving gift this season—please consider donating soon to help MBC prepare for patients in need.
Cheers to an Ambitious New Year
We hope you enjoyed a happy, healthy and fun holiday season, and we wish you an ambitious start to the new year. Thank you for being Giant!
