Contact:
Leslie Denner
405-694-0240
ldenner@thevibrand.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

OKLAHOMA CITY (October 23, 2019) – VI Marketing and Branding has launched the 30 Days of Change campaign to celebrate the agency's 30th year in business. Oklahomans are encouraged to join the celebration and participate in this month’s activities.

In 1989, Tim Berney, a young media buyer, seized the opportunity to open a small media-buying firm named Visual Image Media Consultants. Soon after, at the Braum's on NW 23rd Street in Oklahoma City, Tim met with future partner, Steve Sturges. The two solidified a partnership that led to the award-winning, mold-breaking, modern marketing agency known today as VI Marketing and Branding. 

VI's last 30 years have been filled with milestones including client successes, national creative and results-based awards, invitations to speak at local and national conferences, and agency growth to over 70 staff with experts in every cutting-edge marketing discipline.

But what is VI most proud of? The portfolio of clients and community involvement that have contributed to fulfilling the organization's primary goal: changing the world.

From recycling to water and energy conservation to tobacco prevention, obesity reduction, highway safety, HIV awareness, opioid addiction, and many more behavior change categories, VI is leading the charge to use marketing expertise for good. Every team member at the agency is certified in Behavior Change Marketing. In addition to client work, VI encourages volunteerism and supports the leaders of non-profit, professional and civic organizations.

In celebration of the 30th anniversary and this impactful work, VI has launched the 30 Days of Change campaign.

On September 30, VI began dedicating 30 business days to action-driven initiatives that focus on conservation, public health, and community. These activities include both internal and public-facing events, education messages, and awareness-raising efforts to reinforce the agency's mission of uplifting communities, making a difference, and changing the world.

During the 30 Days of Change, VI is hosting events and supporting local organizations that are doing just that. VI invites the entire Oklahoma community to join in each business day until November 8th. Further, VI is inviting the entire downtown business community and surrounding districts to celebrate its birthday at VI's 17th Annual Carne Diem Chili Cook-off on October 25th in Kerr Park. 

"We encourage everyone to get involved during the 30 Days of Change campaign. Thirty years in business is a milestone that we want to share with everyone, and we're proud to celebrate by giving back," said Tim Berney, VI President, Brand Strategy. 

Join VI for all the festivities in person or on social media by following the hashtag #30DaysOfChange.

A few events to look out for: 

• October 23rd: Cash Mob to Farmer's Market District - Let's show support for local farmers and local businesses by visiting the Farmer's Market District today.  
• October 25th: VI Marketing and Branding Carne Diem Chili Cook-off, Kerr Park 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM, $10 with all proceeds benefitting the United Way of Central Oklahoma. 
• November 5th: A Day of Service - Sign up to volunteer at your favorite non-profit today. Follow along with VI as we do the same!
• November 8th: Support for MAPS 4 - Follow along as VI shares its support for the MAPS 4 vote on December 10th. 

More information about the events of each day can be found at 30DaysOfChange.events. 

About 2019 Carne Diem Chili Cook-off: VI Marketing and Branding hosts the 17th Annual Carne Diem Chili Cook-off in a new location: Kerr Park, downtown OKC. Carne Diem boasts over 60 kinds of chili from restaurants and amateurs, including Jones Assembly and Scottie's Deli. Carne Diem takes place October 25th from 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM. For a $10 minimum donation benefitting United Way of Central Oklahoma, attendees receive three serving of chili, drinks, and entertainment from local band, Born in November. For more info, visit carnediem.events. 

About VI Marketing and Branding: VI Marketing and Branding is a full-service marketing communications firm with expertise in developing marketing programs for behavior change, strategic planning, branding, public relations, social media and digital media, in addition to the creative and media services of traditional advertising agencies. The 30-year old firm is headquartered on Park Avenue in Oklahoma City. vimarketingandbranding.com