Mediastudio has repositioned itself further into the field of brand consulting, and selected a new name, Basis, to represent the firm accurately. This name change is the crowning finale to a year of refining processes and systems which has solidified the groundwork set during our previous 13 years of operation.

The team invited partners, vendors, clients and neighbors to celebrate this transition in their recently decorated offices Friday, June 20th.
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Each year, the Society of Financial Service Professionals (FSP) conducts a thorough investigation into ethical conduct among area businesses. As part of a nationwide effort, the local FSP chapter works with George Mason University statistics and journalism students to do the first round of interviews. Afterwards, one of the FSP judges spends a day at each of the nominated firms, observing, interviewing staff, and asking questions. Finally, the judges contact past and current customers, employees, and vendors before making their decision. Basis made it to the final round and was recognized today at a dinner for 400 FSP members—a tremendous achievement and honor. Other companies nominated in the same category included Association Management Bureau, F.B. Harding, Inc., Henggeler Computer Consultants, Kerns Group Architects, P.C., and Wholesale Equipment Brokers, Inc.

Among the 198 business nominated, Basis placed second in the Acacia Nice Guys Award today. Catherine Shaw, Basis President, accepted the award on behalf of Basis. In a style similar to the Academy Awards, she was joined by her mother “on the red carpet.” The event featured not only businesses, but also nonprofits as well as individuals who had a significant role in the community. It was begun in order to highlight positive change and efforts to balance some of the more grim news and events that seems so prevelant in our lives. It has grown from a banquet consisting of a handful of individuals to a celebration including hundreds. “I was so excited for Basis, I had to really keep my composure,” noted Sandra Shaw, when she stood by her daughter as Catherine received the award.
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Basis was honored by the Washington Business Journal and Greater DC Cares at the 10thAnniversary Business Philanthropy Summit in Washington, DC, receiving 1 of 4 philanthropy awards. In recognition for CreateAThon and Basis' efforts towards giving back to the nonprofit community, the agency was awarded the Excellence in Business Philanthropy: Total Contributed Dollars as a Percentage of Pre-Tax Dollars Award. This category,recently added to the Summit, is an effort to recognize smaller businesses whose contribution is measured in proportionate rather than absolute amounts. In addition to Basis, other winners this year included Raffa, Freddie Mac, and Fannie Mae.
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In an effort to save gas, form a more sustainable business enterprise, and support the local economy, many companies, even national ones, are considering forming distinct business relationships on a local level. Meanwhile, local businesses are aware that they need a site, but are eager to use their sites to attract customers who are just steps away from their doors. The thinking behind both of these marketing initiatives uses data offered in an entirely new way through the Internet. At the forefront of this trend is one of Basis’s long-time clients, LocalEZE. This group researches and prepares data for online search engines and resource portals including Yahoo, Google, YellowPages.com, and more.
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Saba Direct and Turnkey Office Solutions have joined forces with Basis to add mailing and organization services to the usual creative services offered for free to CreateAThon winners this year. If you are a nonprofit in dire need of services including: Reviewing an existing grant request/proposal, reviewing how long you need to keep grants and other records, reviewing your federal and state legal compliance for your paper records and electronic information, reviewing and assessing your development, fundraising, and/or communications plan, consulting on the expected return on investment or payback of key development, fundraising or communications programs, assisting in prioritizing development, fundraising or communications programs, reviewing an existing long-term or strategic plan for your organization, receiving consultation regarding ongoing communication efforts you plan to take place after CreateAThon, 2007, or receiving donated mailing services for a mailing prior to October 15th, 2007 (postage is not included), you may want to apply through an application available here.

In a new initiative to connect the many resources the County creates to new audiences, Fairfax County selected three agencies to support their efforts, one of which is Basis. “This is a logical next step for us to add to our campaign and nonprofit work. The departments of Family Services, Park and Human Resources are great matches for us, and we look forward to learning about the others that are in different arenas than our other nonprofit clients,” notes Harris Eisenberg, Basis’s Manager of Client Services. “In a way, we began with the biggies in the federal government first, but it is certainly time to see how we can help government entities here in Virginia, too,” claims Catherine Shaw, Basis President. “We look forward to this new chapter in our agency growth.”

Today, Basis was awarded the Seal of Social Responsibility from Greater DC Cares. This seal was developed in tandem with the Washington Business Journal’s Philanthropy efforts. It recognizes significant philanthropy within the DC business community such as company-wide volunteer efforts and donations to charitable organizations, as well as paid time off for volunteering. Basis joins businesses such as Accenture, AOL, Giant Food, Verizon, Kaiser Permanente, and other mega-corporations in recieving this honor, which represents a significant investment for the smaller entity. This choice was made as part of the corporate culture and brand: “We take volunteering seriously here, and support it wholeheartedly,” says Catherine Shaw, Basis president.“ Many of our employees list it as a highlight of their years with us.” The seal will be effective through June, 2008.

As a nod to our involvement in the industry, Basis’s President, Catherine Shaw, was invited to join a prestigious group of designers and industry leaders today to judge the M Awards. This annual competition is sponsored by the American Marketing Association’s local chapter, and culminates in a lively award ceremony in May. “I was glad to be a part of such a dynamic team, and look forward to seeing the entries,” notes Shaw.
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As part of our 10th anniversary last year, we listed the sites we have built over the years and realized we were very near a significant milestone. This year we reached this milestone—over 100 sites developed! From ecommerce to 'who we are/what we do' sites, we have built them all. This last year, we even built a site that builds sites. Bulletin boards, enews, blogs, content management systems, file sharing, calendars, interactive US maps, contact managers, databases, user management tools—Basis has built them all.

Today, Basis began a new tradition: a quarterly publication of communication tips and ideas. “It will be not so much ‘news you can use’ but more of an ‘ideas to chew on for later’ kind of publication,” says Matt Langley, the Director of Branding and originator of the publication. Matt goes on to explain,“It will be full of concepts linked to the branding industry, but also thoughts from industry leaders, hard data, lists, and commentary on significant influencers shared in a way that non-industry professionals can digest and enjoy.” The publication will come out four times a year and the first issue will be published in March of 2006.

As an integral new part of Basis’ nonprofit strategic services, the branding firm now offers digital toolkits produced on DVD as well as CD. “Basically, for a rapid digital world, this is a very cost-effective way to go,” notes Harris Eisenberg, Basis Manager of Client Services. “In my research on methods to help nonprofits get their word out cost-effectively as well as efficiently, this one is hard to beat.” Currently, Basis is developing its sixth such toolkit, and looks forward to sharing its expertise in this area with even more nonprofits.

Today, Catherine Shaw, Basis President, was inducted into Fairfax County’s Consolidated Community Funding Pool Selection Advisory Committee. As part of the committee’s work, the group will review applications from numerous nonprofit entities within Fairfax County to receive a portion of the $22 million dollar Funding Pool available to nonprofits. “It is quite a bit of reading and sifting through data, but in the end, it has opened my eyes to a series of underserved and unrepresented audiences both here in the county and nationwide," says Catherine Shaw. "Being apprised of groups including key minority populations is very valuable to know for any communication effort. I wish all communication firms could have this depth of exposure to these special groups needing our attention as we develop messages, work on campaigns, and make marketing recommendations. It would make our communities better places to live and work for all of us.” Basis' President will serve on the committee with other citizens, government representatives, and nonprofit specialists for the rest of 2005, and throughout 2006.

Today, Basis was featured in the premier issue of Create Magazine. “It represents who we are and why we do what we do really well,” comments Matt Langley, Basis’ Director of branding. The article describes the studio specialty: cause-related branding, and goes on to outline its culture and method of work, including the dog doorbell, field trips, and the “Italian Kitchen” approach to design, complete with a 22’ table in the studio. “Being selected from the multitude of talent in the DC area is a tremendous honor,” adds Catherine Shaw, Basis President.

Today, Basis President, Catherine Shaw, announced that Basis will be spearheading the DC CreateAThon effort in 2005, following up their first foray into the 24-hour design blitz for good causes the year before. Basis staff and volunteers delivered design and communications solutions for over ten groups in 2004 and plans to not only deliver these services, but also financial and management expertise as well in 2005. “This is an exciting development and addition that we are eager to share with our local nonprofits in dire need,” noted Matt Langley, Director of Branding. “We look forward to seeing who applies this year.” Click here for an application and to view photos as well as case studies of CreateAThon 2004 projects.

Today, in conjunction with the Washington Historical Society, Heritage Media Corp. Publishers released their new volume, “Washington D.C.: The Conscience of America,” which features Basis' story, along with other significant D.C. corporations and their role in the community, the D.C. economy, and overall D.C. tapestry of working life. The book, written by Rex M. Oppenheimer, features sections on Washington neighborhoods, the area’s immigration history and diversity, and the marketplace this area represents: technology, education, business and finance, as well as professional services corporations, including Basis.

Basis, along with Citibank and Cox Communications, is pleased to support the Virginia Conference for National and Civic Service taking place today through Thursday, September 2nd in Richmond, Virginia. Governor Warner and his staff have recognized Basis for their support by saying, “VCNCS extends enormous gratitude to Basis for its work on our behalf, as well as its generous community spirit and civic activism.”
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To take their pro bono efforts to the next level, Basis has decided to host the DC and Virginia CreateAThon in their studio this fall. Their designers, as well as printers and other donors gathered by the group, will be creating for 24 hours straight for nonprofits who otherwise could not afford creative services. “It is a great way to donate to many worthy causes in one fell swoop and celebrate the many good works coming from the nonprofits in our community,” shared Catherine Shaw, Basis’s president.
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The EITC information kit, commissioned by Corporate Voices for Working Families, was sent to the National Chamber of Commerce, among many other nationally known corporations, for their use. According to a chamber official it was “one of the first things that caught our attention about EITC because of the design.” As a result, the Chamber commissioned several hundred more kits to be sent to the US Senate and House of Representatives. Basis rose to the cause, coordinating a second press run in record time.

Today Basis qualified as a Women’s Business Enterprise in the Commonwealth of Virginia, meeting all requirements as set forth by the Virginia Department of Business Assistance. This certification joins that of The Women’s Business Enterprise National Council, which is relied upon by corporations nationwide.
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Associated Press, The Chicago Sun Times, and The Washington Post have featured stories about the EITC Corporate Voices campaign, spurred by the toolkits designed at Basis. According to the Associated Press, “…an organization of large employers with low-wage workers called Corporate Voices for Working Families started a campaign to teach employers how to introduce the concept of credit to their workers. It's very much a hand-holding process," said Marriott Vice President Donna Klein, president of Corporate Voices for Working Families. "It almost needs to be explained to employees on a one-to-one basis. About 75 percent of those eligible for the credit claim it, according to IRS statistics.”

Today, the National Association of Women Business Owners, Northern Virginia Chapter, awarded their prestigious Catalyst Award to Catherine Shaw, President of the Falls Church-based branding agency, Basis. The association recognizes one individual annually who furthers their mission to foster interdependence and success among the 30,000 women business owners of Northern Virginia. During their annual dinner—Celebrating Women Who Make a Difference—the organizations’ leadership gathered on the stage to outline the accomplishments that the agency, under Catherine Shaw’s leadership, provided to the organization, creating a catalyst for change and moving the organization forward significantly.

Under the auspices of the Annie E. Casey Foundation and in conjunction with a PR firm, The Hatcher Group, Basis released the new designs for the 2003/2004 EITC campaign to the 27 centers nationwide who will use the materials to help disadvantaged wage earners. “We are so excited about the designs this year…there are so many options and possibilities for our group to spread the word!” exclaimed one site coordinator. Since its enactment, the EITC has given millions of low-income families a chance to obtain some things only money can buy—a nice home, a college education, dependable transportation to work and a savings account.

Today, Basis was honored during the Fifth Annual DC Corporate Philanthropy Summit, hosted by Greater DC Cares and The Washington Business Journal. The award was presented in front of over 400 non-profit and corporate philanthropists. It was in recognition of the $19,000 of in-kind services and donations made to groups including Washington Very Special Arts, The Violence Policy Center, and, the DC AIDS ride. Basis President Catherine Shaw was noted in a Journal article as saying,"We enjoy being a part of the community, so it is easy to gather up a group and design something for a good cause."
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