Stride Rite Research Leads to New Technology in Children’s Footwear

Through research and testing, Stride Rite Children’s Group learned that babies’ first steps help shape their walking gait into adulthood. Stride Rite commissioned a multiphase biomechanics study at the Leon Root, M.D. Motion Analysis Laboratory at Hospital for Special Surgery to better understand the effects of footwear at the important learning-to-walk stage of a child’s development. This study is the most in-depth research conducted on children’s footwear by Stride Rite and within the industry to date. The first phase of the study analyzed qualitative and quantitative measurements of babies’ gait, plantar pressure and the ability to negotiate different obstacles. Early findings indicate that in order to develop a healthy walking pattern, first walkers need shoes that allow them to feel and grip the surface beneath them, as well as distribute their weight properly to keep their balance. “Stride Rite’s investment in the continual pursuit of enhanced knowledge about growing feet is unparalleled in the industry. We are excited to be the only children’s footwear company to commission a study to analyze children’s movement patterns and stability on a variety of terrains,” said Pamela Salkovitz, president of Stride Rite Children’s Group. “Key learnings of the study have enabled us to develop the SRT collection. Its technology, comfort and style make it the ideal shoe for new walkers.” The SRT collection, which is available this fall, is made with patent-pending Sensory Response Technology™ (SRT™). This revolutionary children’s footwear technology improves the way a child learns to walk via a sensory feedback system, an ultra-flexible design that allows for more freedom of movement, and a unique construction that reduces the number of stumbles and falls. Shoes in the SRT collection are also designed to make baby comfortable. They feature moisture-wicking linings, which help keep babies’ feet drier longer, and eco-friendly materials such as a recycled EVA heel cup and a partially recycled outsole to protect baby and baby’s future environment. A great feature for mom and dad is a removable insole containing a Fit Check™ system that easily let’s them know when it is time to see a fit specialist. Mom or dad just removes the insole and places baby’s foot on it. If baby’s toes pass the Fit Check™ line, then it’s time to visit Stride Rite and see a fit specialist.

Survey: Moms Challenged to Keep Up with Demands while Relishing “Great Little Moments”

Keeping up with the demands of parenting in today’s fast-changing, economically-pressured world, while still taking time to relish the “great little moments” with their children, is a steep challenge for today’s moms, according to a new survey sponsored by the Pepperidge Farm® Goldfish® brand – but most wouldn’t trade parenting for anything. The Goldfish Moms Straight Talk on Parenting survey was conducted in late May by the market research firm, TNS, with 1,021 moms of kids 6-to-12 across the United States. The good news: An overwhelming majority of moms surveyed (94 percent) said that being a mom is “the best job I have,” and a similarly large majority reported that they are doing the best they can as a mother. However, despite doing their best, a large percentage of moms expressed concerns that their best may not be good enough with two out of three moms indicating that they “worry whether I’m doing a good enough job as a mother.” Moms are clear that being a mom isn’t easy. Eighty-five percent claimed that it is the hardest job they have.  A majority of moms (60 percent) maintain that raising kids is harder today compared to when they were growing up. The highest rated sources of worry for those moms were:

• Kids growing up too fast
• Too much social/peer pressure
• Concerns for children’s safety
• Too much exposure to disturbing world events, and
• Popular culture not being in line with their family values

Not surprisingly, financial pressures are another source of concern for parents today. Some 88 percent of moms surveyed said their families are being impacted by current economic conditions. Although a notable 61 percent of respondents are currently employed either full- or part-time, almost three quarters said they worry about being able to financially provide their child’s everyday wants and needs. A whopping 80 percent are concerned about paying for their child’s college education – and less than a third feel they are prepared to deal with this issue. Clearly parents today have a lot on their plates. In fact, half of the mothers polled reported that they “often feel overwhelmed by daily demands of being a parent” and nearly 60 percent confessed that they sometimes feel as though they are reaching their breaking point when it comes to dealing with their kids. The challenges facing parents appear to leave many moms questioning whether they will be able to deliver on their own lofty – in some cases, too lofty – goals as a parent. In fact, one out of three moms admitted to setting expectations for themselves as a parent that are “unrealistic.” And three quarters worry whether they can “provide the skills their kids need to reach their potential.” In fact, one survey respondent said her number one concern was “making sure that when my children become adults – and hopefully parents themselves – that I have given them the tools to be successful, happy and comfortable with who they are.”

“Clearly, it’s not easy being a parent today,” said Patsy Fox, Goldfish brand group marketing manager at Pepperidge Farm and mother of two. “Our research shows that moms welcome useful information to help boost their confidence about meeting the many daily demands of parenting. The Pepperidge Farm Goldfish brand is committed to providing parents with just that kind of help through our Fishful Thinking program. It’s an idea-filled resource that includes articles, activities, quizzes, videos and sharing opportunities to help moms enrich the little moments of parenting every day.”

The Fishful Thinking program continues to build upon its resources for parents and now includes a partnership with The National Association of School Psychologists (NASP). In coming months, school psychologists around the country will be sharing Fishful Thinking strategies with parents and reinforcing the reciprocal link between optimism and resilience and school success.

Mom Central Consulting Seeks Account Supervisors and Part-Time Editor

Mom Central Consulting has several open positions located in their Newton, MA office. For additional information or to submit a resume contact Stephanie Kaufman at skaufman@momcentral.com.

Account Supervisor Position
The position will lead national social media campaigns with Fortune 500 brands.  Ideal candidate will have 8 to 14 years of public relations, agency or marketing experience, with prior work with brands, consumer marketing, and social media preferred. This person will help run multiple high-profile national campaigns and lead strategic direction of individual programs. Our staff is highly collaborative, energized, and passionate about our work!  

Part-Time Account Supervisor Position
This part-time position will assist with national social media campaigns with Fortune 500 brands. Ideal candidate will have 8 to 14 years of public relations, agency or marketing experience, with prior work with brands, consumer marketing, and social media preferred. This person will help manage multiple high-profile national campaigns and coordinate special projects.  Position provides a great opportunity for Moms re-entering the workforce or for women looking for a better work/life balance. Position requires approximately 20 hours per week, with flexible scheduling available. 

Part-Time Editor Position
This part-time position will manage consumer editorial projects in conjunction with our Web content and national social media campaigns. Ideal candidate will have five to 10 years of editorial experience writing online and offline for a consumer audience. Prior work with consumer brands in either an agency (public relations, marketing, or social media agency) or brand-side setting preferred. This person will manage multiple high-profile projects including development/editing of Web content, editing product reviews, coordinating seasonal gift guides and editing client-focused materials for voice and clarity. Position provides a great opportunity for Moms re-entering the workforce or for women looking for a better work/life balance. Position requires approximately 20 hours per week, with flexible scheduling available.

Datran Media Looking for Marketing Director

Past M2W® speaker Dennis Syracuse, SVP of Marketing Analytics for Datran Media, is looking for a Marketing Director to focus on Metrics Trends & Optimization. The Metrics & Analysis position will collaborate with the Marketing and Analytics team to set the strategy in the areas of data analysis, measurement, pricing, optimization and interdependencies related to these functional areas. This person must understand how to model and report on company trends and make changes where necessary. Additionally, the successful candidate needs to be someone that is ready to take action with a clear analytical and focused approach. Essential Functions (Key Results Areas):

• Lead the design research methodologies and related agency product offerings.
• Lead the information services development including technical project management of web-based applications.
• Oversee and monitor the use of data across the company to assure alignment with both short and long term objectives.
• Oversee data warehouse design and deployment as well as database management.
• Oversee the use of Survey Research & Focus Groups for all business lines.
• Ensure the sound use of data to predict performance.
• Facilitate that data is accurately recorded and reported.
• Monitor the competitive landscape and evaluate industry trends.
• Provide leadership around the use of the latest data collection and reporting techniques.
• Identify and seek out 3rd party vendor solutions as needed.
• Provide leadership on the proper use of technology, data access and data usage.
• Provide leadership around business process development and reengineering.
• Promote the company as a leader in marketing measurement and performance modeling.

A PhD is required for this role with a preference going to candidates with undergraduate degrees in Marketing or Business Administration. 8-10 years of experience in market research and analysis required. Excellent negotiation, presentation skills, strong written/oral communication skills are required.
For additional information or to submit a resume, contact dsyracuse@datranmedia.com

Maid Brigade Creates Strategic Partnership With Mom Corps

Maid Brigade, a national house cleaning company, has announced its partnership with Mom Corps, the pioneer and leader of the flexible employment market. Maid Brigade and Mom Corps developed their alliance to foster a better sense of work/life balance for working women who juggle career, family and household management and worry about “doing it all well”. Mom Corps CEO Allison O’Kelly commented, “We are excited to partner with Maid Brigade and present them to our candidates as a resource to preserve life symmetry. Of all the house cleaning companies we looked at, Maid Brigade embodies the same integrity and commitment to their clients that we foster at Mom Corps.” O’Kelly added, “We’re impressed with what Maid Brigade has done with green cleaning – it speaks volumes about their brand.” Maid Brigade facilitates work/life balance for working women by giving them back what is arguably their most precious commodity – time. For over 25 years the cleaning company has provided reliable, consistent housecleaning services that help to maintain a clean and healthy indoor environment so that its customers have more time to devote to other matters. Maid Brigade spear-headed the green cleaning movement in the residential cleaning sector by introducing its own Green Clean Certified® standard and has acted as an adviser to Green Seal, an organization which certifies products and services which meet established criteria for protecting the environment and human health, in the development of an independent green certification for the house cleaning industry. “Maid Brigade’s core audience is working mothers,” said Bart Puett, the company’s president. “By alleviating the weekly burden of housework from these women, we help free up valuable time for family, career and community,” added Puett. “As the premium housecleaning provider recommended by Mom Corps, we have the opportunity to help working moms and professionals create a cleaner, healthier sanctuary where they and their families can retreat, recharge, refuel and regroup at the end of the busy workday.” The first joint venture for the new partners is a research project. An online survey will study women’s attitudes and behaviors related to housecleaning, infectious disease and work/life balance. Consumers can participate in the survey by visiting www.maidbrigade.com/momcorps. A free copy of the survey findings will be available to the study participants and the general public once the research is complete.

Huggies Hosts Live And Online Shoe Auction For KaBOOM!

Recently, Huggies Brand brought together moms, dads and their speedy, on-the-go babies in Madison Square Park to celebrate Huggies Little Movers Diapers. The brand teamed up with Angie Harmon to kick-off the Huggies Big Movers shoe auction, with proceeds benefitting non-profit organization KaBOOM!, whose vision is a great place to play within walking distance of every child in America. Directly following the event, an online auction went live at www.huggies.com/shoeauction.  The auction kicked-off with Angie Harmon’s autographed Big Movers sneakers – shoes that get parents moving – going to the highest bidder.  In addition to the live auction, attendees had the chance to test their speed while Angie and ex-NFL husband, Jason Sehorn – with their youngest Little Mover, Emery, by their side – cheered on New York’s fastest babies in the Little Movers Adventure Zone, a play area designed specifically for babies on-the-go.  Following the kick-off activities, the Huggies brand is hosting an online auction at eBay Giving Works, where they will be auctioning off shoes signed by an assortment of celebrity Moms, Dads and parents to-be, including Jenny McCarthy, Jennie Garth and Peter Facinelli, Tori Spelling, Sarah Michelle Gellar and more! To bid on celeb-signed Huggies Big Movers shoes, visit www.huggies.com/shoeauction.  “Just like learning to hold their head up and learning to talk, crawling is a big step in a child’s life,” said Stu Schneider, senior director of Huggies brand. “The Huggies brand is proud to offer a diaper that gives little ones the ability to move with incredible freedom, and we’re excited to be a part of this important milestone for moms and dads. We’re so confident that our diapers will help babies move with eye-popping speed that we’ve also created a limited number of speed-enhancing Big Movers shoes to help parents keep up.”  Follow Huggies Brand on Twitter (www.twitter.com/huggies) and become a fan on Facebook (www.facebook.com/huggies) to chat with other parents and find out about Huggies Brand offers. In addition, Huggies brand has launched a reward program to show their ongoing support and appreciation for moms. Huggies Enjoy the Ride Rewards (www.enjoytheriderewards.com) offers moms the chance to earn points that will let them enter sweepstakes, instant win games and more.

Baby Genius Celebrates 10th Anniversary With New Products and Marketing Initiatives

Pacific Entertainment Corporation, the company which created the Baby Genius® brand in 1999, is celebrating the brand’s 10th anniversary with the worldwide launch of exciting new merchandise and marketing initiatives.  At the foundation of the merchandising campaign is new line of 24 individual Baby Genius early learning and development toys from master toy manufacturer, Battat Incorporated. Launched in August for the fall season at Walmart stores nationwide, the initial assortment of toys includes activity toys, musical toys, and role-play toys that incorporate the Baby Genius principle of music as a core learning tool to engage and encourage children to communicate, connect, discover, and use their imagination to express themselves. The Baby Genius toy line will be supported by a strategic advertising and marketing campaign targeting moms with children 2-5 years old. Online advertising will extend to leading parenting websites such as NickJr.com, Noggin.com and DisneyChannel.com. On-air television advertising spots will run on Comcast and Cox VOD channels where Baby Genius commands the #1 spot in children’s VOD on the Comcast Baby Boost Channel with over 10 million views per year. Baby Genius product information sheets promoting the line will be included in Baby Genius DVDs and CDs. A dedicated national publicity campaign including a television media tour hosted by Baby Genius creator, Larry Balaban, will include appearances on network, syndicated and local broadcast and cable programs this fall. The campaign will also include outreach to key mommy blogs and placement in holiday gift guides in top parent and consumer media. Through a licensing deal with publisher Meadowbrook Press, the Baby Genius brand is also being extended to retail bookshelves with the launch of a series of Baby Genius Sing ‘n Learn board books. Distributed through Simon & Schuster, the books celebrate the Baby Genius philosophy, “music makes a difference,” by teaching children through music and song. The program launched initially with four books, and four additional titles are planned for spring 2010. In addition, the brand has redesigned its website, www.babygenius.com, which will launch this fall with the debut the Baby Genius Club, a membership club offering valuable ways for parents and caregivers to enrich their child’s Baby Genius experience with exclusive, members only promotions, merchandise discounts, opportunities to earn points toward future purchases, and an exciting membership kit. Other new features include a dedicated “The Circle of Education” room, new games and activities, and a room for parents where they can share their experiences with other parents, read testimonials, get tips on parenting and link to external websites for important information.

Video Contest Seeks Moms Who Have Been Affected By The Economy

The economic recession is often reported in terms of big numbers: numbers of people laid-off, dollars lost in the stock market, numbers of home foreclosures. Our friends at Reel Insights, whose parent company SNiPPiES is the Video Journalism Resource for M2Moms®-The Marketing To Moms Conference, is looking to narrow those huge numbers down to one person — a mother who has been affected in some way by the recession. Reel Insights is currently taking video submissions (3-5 minute edited videos) that profile a Mom who has been changed in some way by the current state of the economy. The Mom doesn’t have to have to be one who lost her job or her house, though she might have. She doesn’t have to be down and out, though she may be. Maybe the Mom simply had to make some spending adjustments. Maybe the recession just made her think – and changed her outlook on her life or her family. Reel Insights wants to understand who this Mom is – what she values, what she believes, and how those deep seated ideals have been changed or challenged by the recession, or how they have guided the Mom in her response to the changing events around her. Deadline for submissions is September 27, 2009. In addition to cash prizes, the best videos will be shown during M2Moms® 2009. Visit Reel Insights  for additional eligibility details and a list of proposed questions to be used during the “Mom” interview.

P&G Launches DinnerTool.com To Help Solve The “What’s For Dinner” Dilemma

Providing culinary inspiration to busy parents everywhere, Procter & Gamble Productions, Inc. has announced the launch of DinnerTool.com, a website aimed at helping families solve the never-ending “what’s for dinner” dilemma. The site, which is run in partnership with NBC Digital Networks, enables users to search through thousands of recipes based on the ingredients they typically have in their kitchens. No more running to the store every night or throwing out leftover ingredients, DinnerTool helps parents make something everyone will love with the food already in their pantry or fridge.  Simple and easy to use, DinnerTool.com features a user-friendly recipe generator and meal planning application as well recipe search, storage and “drag and drop” meal planning functionality. DinnerTool.com’s recipe database comes from multiple sources including cookbooks such as Mark Bittman’s How to Cook Everything and 1000 Gluten Free Recipes, among others. In addition, the site features a blog from Chef Ariane Duarte, a restaurant owner, working mom, and former chef’testant on the award-winning Bravo television show Top Chef. Ariane’s blog features her own easy and delicious dinner recipes as well as tips on how to make nightly family dinners a success.  “As a full-time chef and a mother of two, family dinners are very important to me, but I also know they can be a challenge,” said Ariane Duarte, Top Chef chef’testant and DinnerTool blogger. “DinnerTool is exactly what busy families need–it allows you to quickly find recipes without flipping though cookbooks or running to the store every night. You can save time and money and still gather the family together for a delicious dinner.”

Cozi honored by The National Parenting Center

Cozi (www.cozi.com), a free web service that helps busy families organize and simplify their daily lives has been awarded the 2009 Seal of Approval from The National Parenting Center. Additionally, Cozi has been designated a 2009 Parents’ Choice Foundation Recommended Award winner. Both are repeat honors for Cozi, a second year in a row. The National Parenting Center and Parent’s Choice Foundation are both independent organizations working to help families sort through the best products and services. The National Parenting Center awarded Cozi their highest recommendation, citing ―superb design and quality. While Parent’s Choice Foundation found Cozi to exceed their strict standards. “Our mission at Cozi is to simplify family life and feedback from our users is very important,” said Jan Miksovsky, chief product officer, Cozi. “We are always innovating and working on behalf of busy families, so it’s a tremendous honor to be recognized by national organizations like The National Parenting Center and Parents’ Choice Foundation.”