CINCINNATI (September 13, 2018) – Empower is breaking ground on a new Chicago office slated to open in the fall where team members will lead its newest client, VTech. Found in nearly every home with a child, VTech makes learning loads of fun with its developmental stage‐based electronic toys.
Considered to be the world leader in play, Empower and VTech share many of the same family-oriented core values. As an independent, certified women-owned business where 70 percent of executives are female with families of their own, knowing the millennial mom hits close to home.
“There’s something powerful that happens when you’re personally passionate about your client’s products and can tie real-life experiences back into the strategy,” said Ashley Walters, SVP of Business Development. “As a mother of an infant and a toddler, VTech toys are at the center of our family’s play and learn time and I’ve personally seen how they can spark curiosity, expand knowledge and nurture confidence,” Walters proudly says.
In order to bring to life VTech’s vision to further strengthen its position as a learning authority, the company knew it had to identify a strong media agency partner with a growth mindset.
“It was Empower’s product-level approach to Creative Media that made them stand out above the rest,” said Danielle Norwood, senior director of marketing at VTech. “Empower’s deep experience within the CPG category, data-oriented approach and ability to leverage digital and social media to connect with moms along the purchase journey made them the perfect business partner,” Norwood said.
VTech worked with top consultant agency, Mercer Island Group to find the perfect match for their business.
Mercer Island Group owner, Robin Boehler says “Empower and VTech look like a spectacular partnership. VTech was looking for results focused media strategy, efficient buying and a service- oriented team and Empower fit the bill perfectly.”
As Creative Media AOR, Empower will lead research, digital, social media and content marketing efforts for VTech, LeapFrogTM and LeapFrogAcademyTM in the US. With Empower’s growing Chicago client portfolio, the agency is expanding its presence and moving from 325 West Huron to the vibrant river north area. The new space will eventually hold up to 32 employees.
About VTech
VTech is a world leader in age‐appropriate and developmental stage‐based electronic learning products for children. As a pioneer in the learning toy category, VTech develops high‐quality, innovative educational products that enrich children’s development and make learning fun. With a rich 40-year history, VTech has not only established itself as a learning authority but also consistently remains at the forefront of innovation with multiple award‐winning products, including prestigious Toy of the Year (TOTY) Award winners. The company also has a broad range of award‐winning infant, toddler and preschool products available in 31 different languages worldwide, with more than 100 new products introduced every year. In order to further strengthen VTech’s position as a learning authority, new products are developed with critical insights from a dedicated team of in‐house learning experts. VTech Electronics North America, L.L.C. is based in Arlington Heights, Illinois. VTech Electronics Limited is headquartered in Hong Kong with distribution globally. For more information about VTech’s electronic learning products, visit www.VTechkids.com, www.facebook.com/VTechtoys on Facebook or follow @VTechToys on Twitter.
About LeapFrog
LeapFrog Enterprises, Inc. is the leader in innovative learning toys for children that encourage a child’s curiosity and love of learning throughout their early developmental journey. For more than 20 years, LeapFrog has helped children expand their knowledge and imagination through award-winning products that combine state-of-the-art educational expertise led by the LeapFrog Learning Team, innovative technology, and engaging play – turning playtime into quality time that helps children leap ahead. LeapFrog’s proprietary learning tablets and ground-breaking developmental games, learn to read and write systems, interactive learning toys and more are designed to create personalized experiences that encourage, excite and build confidence in children. LeapFrog is a subsidiary of VTech Holdings Limited, which is based in Hong Kong. LeapFrog was founded in 1995 by a father who revolutionized technology-based learning solutions to help his child learn how to read. Learn more at www.leapfrog.com.
About Empower Media
America’s largest woman-owned media agency
Our advantage is simple: Clients first – not shareholders.
From the day we opened our doors in 1985, Empower has always challenged the media status quo.
Empower is a highly awarded and respected media agency. We are a multi-year recipient of “Agency of the Year” from MediaPost and Campaign US with honors from Ad Age and Adweek.
Our senior and experienced integrated team of Communications Strategy, Media Innovation, Media Planning and Buying, Creative, Marketing Scientists, Influencer Marketing and Data-Analytics work in collaboration on our client’s business daily.
Empower’s client tenure rate is unmatched–3X the industry average. Our clients include Tempur Sealy, Wendy’s, Brooks Running, Fifth Third Bank, Gorilla Glue, O'Keeffe's, E.W. Scripps, Jack Link’s, VTech, Bush Brothers, Zaxby’s, GNC, Famous Footwear, Ashley, LIXIL, O-Cedar, Rust-Oleum and RoC Skincare.
Empower Media is woman-run (67% female) and woman-owned – making it the largest woman-owned media agency in America.
Our offices are in Chicago, Cincinnati, Atlanta, New York, Houston and Palm Beach.
Find us on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and online.
