Wishing you a great holiday season and even better 2009.

Sincerely,
Azul 7

Azul 7 has hired Paul Armstrong as technology development lead. His web experience includes two years at space150 and over three years as a web designer and developer for the University of Minnesota’s Student Union and Activities office. Paul has a B.A. in new media communications studies and a minor in art from the University of Minnesota.

“With a background in both technology and art, Paul brings a unique set of skills that combine a software mindset with a strong understanding of visual expression,” said Chris Cortilet, principal and chief creative director, Azul 7.“ His approach to problem-solving will help us to continue to push the limits of what we can do for clients.”

In association with University of Minnesota colleague Zach Johnson, Paul created the website www.scribbls.com. The site allows users to create their own customized drawings based on what they think would result from a random combination of other users’ drawings (e.g. vampire + fly = mosquito). Additionally, Paul is an accomplished photographer. His photography can be viewed at paularmstrongdesigns.com/photos/main.php.

“Paul’s diverse range of interests and capabilities make him an ideal Azul 7 employee”, said Lisa Helminiak, principal and strategist. “We have set out to create a company culture that values the totality of an individual’s talents and life experiences, and we look forward to having Paul as a part of our team.”

Lisa Helminiak, principal and strategist of Azul 7 will present “Search 101: Strategies to Raise Visibility and Drive Web Traffic” on Thursday, October 2, 2008, from 11:30 to 1:30 p.m. The event is being sponsored by the St. Paul Chamber of Commerce and will be held at the Roseville Skating Center, 2661 Civic Center Drive.

The topic of this session will address driving traffic to your website through search marketing. On average, 60 million American adults are using search engines every day. Search engine marketing is one of the most powerful tools to build a businesses’ presence online.

Azul 7 is a full service digital agency that addresses companies’ web presences by holistically addressing strategy, design and technology.

Azul 7 has been recognized by the Minneapolis-St. Paul Business Journal as one of the Twin Cities’ Best Places to Work. The award was given based on responses to a confidential survey by Azul 7 employees.

“We’re a young, quickly growing company with all the joys and tribulations that growth brings,” said Chris Cortilet, principal and co-founder. “To be recognized as a great place to work affirms that we are creating the kind of culture that we intended to create”.

Azul 7 will be officially recognized along with the other honorees at a luncheon in September.

Azul 7 is a sponsor of the St. Paul Area Chamber of Commerce’s 21st Annual Golf Classic on Monday, August 18 at North Oaks Country Club.

As a sponsor, Azul 7 representatives will be available at Hole # 7 to cheer on participants and provide information about Azul 7. Golfers who shoot a “7″ on the Par 4 hole will be eligible for a special prize.

Azul 7’s sponsorship is part of the firm’s ongoing support for the Chamber. The firm is also currently redesigning their website which should launch in January 2009.

Azul 7 has been hired by the St. Paul Area Chamber of Commerce to redesign its website to reflect an updated brand positioning and enhance functionality. The new site will provide value-added services designed to attract new members and increase the Chamber’s ability to be a trusted, timely resource for all members. According to Liz Bogut, director of communications for the St. Paul Chamber, Azul 7 was selected from a field of candidates based on the firm’s demonstrated ability to integrate and apply business goals, design and Web 2.0 technology. The new site is scheduled to launch by January 2009.