News

Marc Anthony: Living HIs Life

Thu, 23 May 2013 21:07:00 GMT

Marc Anthony performs before 150,000 fans at Mexico City’s famed Zocalo earlier this year.

Marc Anthony’s agenda became fantastically complicated two years ago, when he embarked on a journey that seems to thrive at full gear. Amid touring commitments and ongoing promotions for his signature Kohls clothing line, he found time to co-host the reality show, “Q Viva the Chosen,” with ex-wife Jennifer Lopez. Then in late 2011, after a visit to an orphanage in the Dominican Republic, he made a resounding pledge to desolate children in Latin America by launching the Maestro Cares Foundation.

An ASCAP Founders Award and Billboard Hall of Fame induction preceded a starring role in the record-breaking, CMN-produced “Gigant3s” Tour. That historic journey alongside pop legends Chayanne and Marco Antonio Solis set forth in motion a mountain of requests from Buenos Aires to Rome to see the five-time Grammy Award winner in concert.

But Anthony’s promise to the children was still top of mind for the singer/actor/fashion icon, and he made an even more powerful and involving impression by hosting, along with Maestro Cares Co-founder and impresario Henry Cardenas, a series of fundraisers that gave the charity an immediate boost in awareness. Anthony has also made personal monetary contributions, donating 100% of the proceeds from his sold-out Barclays Center show earlier this year to cap off a stellar homecoming for one of New York’s most esteemed sons.

These formidable efforts have led to the ground breaking of a new residence hall and learning center that will house more than 100 disadvantaged children in the Dominican Republic. Maestro Cares plans to replicate those efforts at orphanages and children’s causes throughout Latin America.

So, it was only natural for the 44-year-old pop magnate to find some sort of sanctuary at the recording studio, where he is creating his first original work in almost a decade. If his first single, “Vivir Mi Vida,” is any indication, the new album should satiate Latin music lovers. The song’s deliciously contagious beats and piercing lyrics should serve as a life anthem:

“Voy a vivir el momento, para entender el destino.. Voy a escuchar el silencio, para encontrar el camino…” (“I’ll live the moment to understand my destiny, I’ll listen to silence to find my way..”)

Although Anthony’s new album isn’t scheduled for release until later this summer, his status as the “king” of salsa was further elevated this weekend at Mexico’s International Salsa Music Festival in Veracruz, where his devastatingly effective performance delighted a record 200,000 spectators. “Marc Anthony Fires Up the Salsa Festival,” read the headlines.

With a world tour looming and philanthropic endeavors on the horizon, Marc Anthony is simply living his life.

--Diana Lopez

CMN Welcomes Key Personnel

Wed, 22 May 2013 22:35:00 GMT

Welcome to the Family!

CMN is proud to announce the addition of several new team members: Amy Palmer, Charles Sanchez, Alton Duderstadt, Alex Nevarez, and Valentina Rodriguez -- all key personnel who will play important roles as the agency experiences continued growth in all areas.

Palmer joined CMN-Chicago to support the company’s Experiential Marketing Division. Her experience in copy writing, editing, research, and presentations will come in handy as the agency upgrades levels of services and focuses on gaining new business. A graduate of the Carlson School of Management at the University of Minnesota and a native of Wisconsin, Palmer is happy to call yet another Midwest state home.

Sanchez brings a wealth of experience to CMN’s Business Development Group, having previously co-launched start-up communications firms and led national brand accounts at global marketing agencies. The Marquette University alum will help procure new business for CMN while assisting in the development of new promotional strategies.

Duderstadt is the sole owner of Searchology, a digital marketing firm that recently partnered with CMN in an effort to expand the integrated digital services to existing and future clients. He has more than a decade of online marketing experience in social media, search engine optimization, website development and analytics, pay per click marketing, display advertising, online media buying, email marketing, and other digital mediums.

Nevarez, a recent gradate of DePaul University who joined CMN’s Booking/Touring/Live Entertainment Division, hit the ground running as he helps finalize plans for Marc Anthony’s upcoming World Tour. The 22-year-old Chicago native will help develop national and international tours as well as other live entertainment platforms.

Meanwhile, Rodriguez, who will be based out of CMN’s Miami office, will provide project activation support to the agency’s expanding Experiential Marketing Division.

Additionally, Dustin Tyler has been promoted to Manager of Strategic Planning and Development. Tyler was formerly a Project Manager for CMN and worked on various accounts for clients such as Anheuser-Busch, MundoFox, Diageo, Dunkin’ Donuts, and McDonald’s, among others.

Congratulations to all and welcome to the family!!

CMN SPOTLIGHT

Wed, 22 May 2013 18:27:00 GMT

Petche visited the Orfanato Niños de Cristo orphanage in the Dominican Republic during CMN's winter retreat.

OCCUPATION: Graphic Designer. HOMETOWN: Ann Arbor, MI. EDUCATION: Bachelor of Fine Arts in Visual Communications, The Illinois Institute of Art. CONCEPT CREATOR: Petche’s unforgiving attention to detail has paid dividends at CMN, and he especially enjoys developing concepts and producing event renders for the CMN team. “I enjoy this process thoroughly from start to finish. It’s great to see the brilliant concepts come to life for our clients, and makes the hours spent in front of the computer well worth the time.” RE-ROUTING: Back in Michigan, Petche worked in real estate and admits he enjoyed it, but something was missing. “Luckily, I met my future wife Maria and she motivated me to pursue my inner passion, which is graphic design. Four years later, I landed at CMN and have never looked back.” EXPRESSIVE: A devout Detroit sports fan since childhood, Petche openly engages with the CMN staff with sports debates, igniting the natural Chicago-Detroit rivalry and belittling Chicago sports teams every chance he gets. FAIR WAY: At the company’s last winter retreat in the Dominican Republic, CMN President/CEO Henry Cardenas made Petche an offer he couldn’t refuse. “Henry invited me to play at one of the most prestigious golf courses in the world, Dye Fore. I played horribly that day, but I was humbled by his generosity and it was an experience I will never forget.” THE CMN WAY: “It’s a team effort here. A lot of people wear different hats, but no matter the project, and no matter the circumstances, we keep the ball rolling.” MOTTO: Be yourself, have fun and git’ er done!

The People's Choice

Wed, 22 May 2013 17:50:00 GMT

Photos: David Hernandez.

The People’s Choice

In year two of the fascinating community series, Modern Hispanic Gentleman (MHG), Ketel One Vodka has introduced its inaugural People’s Choice honoree. To help select its newest Modern Hispanic Gentleman, Ketel One called upon Chicago’s online community to choose between three deserving finalists, revealing Nicholas Delgado as the winner on May 14at an intimate reception at the tasteful Patron’s Hacienda in Chicago. The evening included music, specialty drinks and a great vibe among the more than 300 guests that showed up to support the finalistas. Ketel One also made a donation to Delgado’s charity, Community Media Workshop.

Delgado joins this year’s two other Modern Hispanic Gentlemen honorees, Sergio Fernandez and Carlos Jaramillo.

Ketel One’s Modern Hispanic Gentlemen series celebrates the efforts of socially conscious caballeros exuding the refined sophistication and substance of the Ketel One brand. Ketel One recognizes the importance of supporting distinguished Hispanic leaders who have chosen to make a positive impact in their communities by empowering societal change.

Learn more about a modern gentleman’s desire to a life of service and gusto at www.modernhispanicgentlemen.com.

NICHOLAS DELGADO, economist, investor, crisis manager

For the last four years, Nicholas Delgado has been invigorating his community by providing financial advice to Hispanic businesses struggling to find their place in the enormous commercial landscape. He launched Dignitas in 2009, and via the company’s “Coach for Growth” program, the University of Michigan graduate has helped businesses excel. Delgado, 34, has also served in a leadership capacity for both profit and non-profit organizations. One of those organizations is the Community Media Workshop (CMW), where he also serves as board member. “CMW provides non-profit organizations with the tools to more effectively communicate their stories,” says Delgado. “When you support CMW, you’re supporting thousands of worthwhile organizations.”

Bud Light Keeps Fans in the World’s Game!

Tue, 21 May 2013 18:50:00 GMT

Bud Light, the Official Beer and Sponsor of the Mexican National Team, has passion for fútbol. Year after year, Bud Light continues to provide passionate fans with the ultimate "Ya Se Armó" (“It’s On”) experience and elevate good times all the way to the highly anticipated 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil. This year’s U.S. Tour has become increasingly important for Mexico as the team works to secure a spot in the world’s biggest sporting event next summer. The team has tied its first two international friendlies, playing to a 1-1 draw against Denmark on January 30^th and goalless against Peru on April 17^th, when Peruvian goalkeeper Jose Carvallo denied Angel Reyna’s penalty kick effort in the 70^th minute to spoil an otherwise electrifying night for the 46,288 pro-Mexican fans at Candlestick Park. Despite the two draws, El Tri remains one of the best teams in the CONCACAF region. Jose Manuel de la Torre’s men are currently gearing up to take on Nigeria at Houston’s Reliant Stadium on May 31^st before entering the next stage of World Cup Qualifying with a critical match at Jamaica on June 4^th. Bud Light and El Tri are the perfect combination to bring friends together and get the party started. Ya Se Armó!

CMN Inks Partnership with Searchology.biz

Mon, 20 May 2013 22:12:00 GMT

Cardenas Marketing Network (CMN), the leading multicultural marketing agency in the U.S., has partnered with Searchology, a Chicago-based SEO and internet reputation management firm, to add digital marketing and technology to the agency’s existing experiential services. CMN will benefit from Searchology’s expertise in collecting, managing and tracking robust comprehensive data, allowing for a better understanding of consumer activities through the company’s unique insights across the customer life cycle – a highly effective resource for CMN’s diverse client roster, including Wrigley, Anheuser-Busch, Goya Foods, Maui Jim, Ketel One Vodka, and H&R Block, among others. Since 2006, CMN has more than tripled the size of its business, and its steady growth is attributed to activations for new clients including Net10 Wireless and Neutrogena. Last year, the award-winning agency brought in close to $70 million in revenue.

“I’m ecstatic about partnering with a successful company such as Cardenas Marketing Network,” said Alton Duderstadt II, Chief Searchologist and President of Searchology. “I’m confident that the tools and services offered by Searchology will complement the exciting campaigns designed by CMN and, ultimately, yield invaluable results for clients.”

The tech savvy company will offer online marketing services that include search engine optimization, pay per click advertising and banner ads, social media marketing and optimization, mobile advertising, reputation management, landing page optimization, local online marketing, website analytics, email marketing, website tracking and behavioral targeting.

CMN has been named to Event Marketer’s “It List” every year since 2009 and has received a number of other recognitions since its inception in 2003. In 2012 the agency received Billboard’s Best Tour Sponsorship Award (5® Gum / Camila U.S. Tour) for the second consecutive year and was named to Chief Marketer’s “Top 100” agency list, Hispanic Business’ HB 500 list, and Crain’s Chicago Business’ “Fast Fifty” list for the fourth consecutive time (2008, 2010, 2011 and 2012).

For information on CMN’s new digital marketing services, contact Alton Duderstadt II at 312-316-7202 or at altonjd2@gmail.com.

CMN, Net10 Wireless Capture Billboard Latin Music Marketing Award

Tue, 21 May 2013 11:39:00 GMT

Multicultural agency gets nod for third consecutive time

(L-R): CMN President/CEO Henry Cardenas, Erik Bankston, Senior Account Director for CMN, Leila Cobo, Executive Director for Latin Content and Programming for Billboard, and Stacy Pagan, Senior Account Director for Marca-Miami. Photo: CMN.

CMN, Net10 Wireless Capture Billboard Latin Music Marketing Award

Chicago, April 24, 2013 – For the third consecutive year, Cardenas Marketing Network (CMN) has captured the Billboard Latin Music Marketing Award (Best Tour Sponsorship Campaign) for its activation of the Net10 Wireless / GIGANT3S U.S. Tour, starring multiple Grammy Award winner Marc Anthony, international pop icon Chayanne, and leading Latin American singer/songwriter Marco Antonio Solis. The announcement was made yesterday at the 2013 Billboard Latin Music Conference, which took place at the JW Marriott Marquis in Miami.

The multicultural agency teamed with Marca – Tracfone Wireless, Inc.’s Hispanic marketing agency – to design and execute all promotional efforts for Net10 Wireless, including on-site activations, retail activations, and fan contests.

“This is a wonderful recognition by Billboard and we’re ecstatic about receiving this honor for the third consecutive time,” said Henry Cardenas, Chief Executive Officer and President of CMN. “I would like to thank Billboard, Net10 Wireless, the artists – Marc Anthony, Marco Antonio Solis and Chayanne – and, and, of course, my entire team for making GIGANT3S a tremendous success and a historic journey.”

GIGANT3S became one of the most successful productions in recent Latin music tours, grossing over $10 million in ticket sales during its seven-week, 14-city stateside tour last summer. The CMN production also captured the No. 1 spot on Billboard’s Hot Tours Chart (September 2012).

“Brands continue to be drivers of great music, especially now that the market has recognized the power of the Hispanic consumer,” said Leila Cobo, Executive Director for Latin Content and Programming for Billboard. “We’re very excited to once again recognize campaigns that are innovative and effective in integrating music and artists and reaching their target audience.”

The Billboard Latin Music Marketing Awards were judged by a panel of music industry experts. The winners will be showcased in Billboard magazine and Billboard.biz.

To read the article, visit http://tinyurl.com/by7sg4c.

CMN has been named to Event Marketer’s “It List” every year since 2009 and has received a number of other recognitions since its inception in 2003. In 2012 the agency received Billboard’s Best Tour Sponsorship Award (5® Gum / Camila U.S. Tour) for the second consecutive year and was named to Chief Marketer’s “Top 100” agency list, Hispanic Business’ HB 500 list, and Crain’s Chicago Business’ “Fast Fifty” list for the fourth consecutive time (2008, 2010, 2011 and 2012).

Maestro Cares to Host Chicago Fundraiser May 9 at Mystic Celt

Wed, 17 Apr 2013 20:23:00 GMT

The children living at Orfanato Niños de Cristo in La Romana, Dominican Republic.

The Maestro Cares Foundation has announced that it will hold a fundraiser in Chicago on Thursday, May 9 from 8:00-11:00 p.m. at Mystic Celt, located at 3443 N. Southport Ave. in Chicago. For a donation of $35, attendees will enjoy complimentary cocktails, music, and light appetizers. All proceeds raised at the event will benefit the completion of a new residence hall and learning facility for orphaned and neglected children at Orfanato Niños de Cristo in La Romana, Dominican Republic. The orphanage will be the first to directly benefit from the Maestro Cares Foundation, founded by entrepreneur Henry Cardenas and pop icon Marc Anthony in January 2012 to assist charitable organizations in developing Latin American countries. Make a difference in a child’s life today by securing your tickets to the event at http://www.eventbrite.com/event/6297840009. For more information, visit www.maestrocares.com or call 312-980-7788.

Billboard En Concierto Reaches Unprecedented Success

Wed, 17 Apr 2013 23:03:00 GMT

On April 2 tribal guarachero group 3BallMTY rocked Houston’s House of Blues to kick off the 4th Annual Billboard En Concierto, presented by State Farm and produced by CMN and Telemundo. The Mexican band, which is competing for eight Billboard Latin Music Awards, delighted the invite-only attendees and went on to draw capacity crowds in Dallas, Los Angeles and San Francisco. The series took on a new dimension when pop superstar Tito El Bambino entered the scene, performing before sold out crowds in Chicago, Miami and New York and closing out the series with a bang. The Puerto Rican singer/songwriter is also competing for two Billboard Latin Music Awards, including Tropical Artist of the Year and Latin Rhythm Albums Artist of the Year. “There’s something very alluring about seeing your favorite artists in person at a private show,” says Vicky Quintana, CMN’s Billboard En Concierto project manager. “That’s what this series is about – it’s about connecting fans, consumers, sponsors and artists in a very special. It also speaks volumes about Billboard’s commitment to showcasing and supporting Latin talent.”

State Farm, the presenting sponsor of the series for the fourth consecutive year, invited consumers to participate in unique promotions, including Meet and Greet opportunities with fans and the artists.

Pepsi and Net10 Wireless, who served as In Association sponsors for Billboard En Concierto, showcased their products and services in select markets throughout the series. The concert series helped usher in the highly anticipated Billboard Latin Music Awards, presented by State Farm, scheduled to air live on Telemundo on Thursday, April 25 at 7:00 p.m. ET from Miami’s BankUnited Center. Billboard En Concierto attendees secured their invitations by tuning into their Telemundo local station and participating in promotions held by event sponsors.

To view photos of the seven-city series, visit the gallery section at cmnevents.com.

Maui Jim's Aloha Tour in Full Swing

Wed, 17 Apr 2013 22:51:00 GMT

The Maui Jim Aloha Tour is rock 'n' rollin'! As part of CMN’s activations for the luxury brand of sunglasses, which kicked off earlier this year, a total of 80 stops are scheduled to take place at various rock and roll marathons, festivals and conventions through the summer. Consumers have been enlightened by Maui Jim’s mobile marketing vehicle, dubbed “The Flying Jimmy” and named after the sunglass maker’s mascot, Jimmy the Parrot. The clean and elegant unit, which unfolds its wings into a dynamic display space, showcases 300 pairs of polarized Maui Jim sunglasses, featuring PolarizedPlus®2 technology that enhances color, reduces glare and protect the eyes from UV rays.

With a myriad of styles, the Maui Jim Aloha Tour brings a wide range of sunglasses for all lifestyle activities. The Flying Jimmy even caught the attention of former NFL great and three-time Super Bowl Champion Roger Craig (pictured). Maui Jim sunglasses are currently available for purchase at the mobile unit. CMN’s Jedd Davis, project manager for the Maui Jim Aloha Tour, observes: “The majority of Maui Jim customers who visit the booth truly have a passion for the brand and on average already own between three to five Maui Jim sunglasses.”

The Maui Jim Aloha Tour marks the first time ever that Maui Jim seeks an independent agency to manage activations. For more information, visit www.mauijim.com.

NFL legend Roger Craig (second from right) stopped by the Maui Jimmy display and took home a pair of sunglasses.