YAKIMA Destination Hardware Retains ad2, Inc. for Web Site Re-design

Business Wire, Nov 20, 2002

Business Editors

SANTA MONICA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 20, 2002

It was announced today that YAKIMA Destination Hardware, the premier supplier of car-racks and destination adventure gear, has retained ad2, Inc., a Santa Monica-based Interactive Agency, to redesign their consumer Web site. ad2 was selected after a review of four major interactive agencies. The company secured the contract based on their creative marketing background, team approach to the YAKIMA organization, and impressive track record in client retention that has spanned more than 22 years.

The ad2 teams' objective is to create a best of class Web site for YAKIMA and their adventure enthusiasts. John Dianuzzo, ad2's Director of Business Development, explains, "We approached YAKIMA from an angle that we felt would speak to their needs and to those of their customers. Our goal is to work closely with YAKIMA to enhance their online branding strategy and create a destination that appeals to a variety of lifestyles through a positive user experience. Additionally, we plan to showcase the innovation behind and quality built into their products, as well as providing useful information to help users select the right product for their needs."

Dean Hart, VP Marketing for Watermark Gear/YAKIMA, states, "The Web medium has become a significant driver for how consumers research product, solve problems and make purchase decisions. YAKIMA is counting on ad2's proven track record to produce a creative brand building, interactive and sales impacting site."

YAKIMA's award-winning product line includes: multi-sport car and truck rack systems for carrying bikes, skis, snowboards, boats, and cargo carriers, as well as a full line of trunk and hitch rack products. In addition, the company also produces a variety of outdoor products such as snowshoes, bike cargo trailers, inflatable PFDs and a line of products for transporting kids (bike trailers, jogging strollers and backpacks). The new YAKIMA Web site has an anticipated launch date of February 14th, 2003.

About YAKIMA Destination Hardware

The company was founded in Yakima, Washington in the 1960s, and first made kayak footbraces and light utility racks for transporting pruning equipment and the occasional canoe. In 1979, they moved to the Northern California coastal town of Arcata, where they began designing rack systems that could support their outdoor gear habits.

Arcata is home to raging whitewater rivers, ancient Redwood forests, miles of unspoiled beaches, and countless mountains. It's the perfect place for biking, kayaking, skiing, camping, climbing, and to raise families. The company gets plenty of inspiration for new products and lots of opportunity to test out their creations. YAKIMA employees are active outdoor enthusiasts who build racks and adventure gear not to get rich, but because they need them and use them. They are heavy users of their products, so expect them to exceed the highest standards around -- their own. The company demands the peace of mind that comes from safe, secure and easy to use systems. This commitment to innovation and quality lives in their motto: "No bad trips."

About ad2, Inc.

ad2 has been creating since 1980. Even though their first interactive project wasn't completed until 1992, when they developed the first interactive CD-ROM press kit for the movie "Schindler's List," they have been highly involved in creative marketing strategies and brand building solutions for their clients since day one.

ad2's robust experience attracts some of the top brands in the world, while their exceptional customer service keeps them coming back. The company specializes in creating interactive experiences for the Web, CD-ROMs and for killer presentations ... but they don't create the experience for their clients; ad2 creates it for their customers. More than 59 top interactive and design awards from the New York Festivals, London International Advertising Awards, One Show, Summit Creative Awards, Web Marketing Association and the International Web Page Awards are evidence that their solutions are a breed apart. ad2 has enjoyed lasting relationships with international corporate and entertainment clients including: Hilton Hotels, SANYO North America, Columbia Pictures, Pepsi International, Paramount Pictures and Electronic Arts among others.

Brad Mooberry is the founder and President of ad2, Inc., headquartered in Santa Monica, California. For further company information go to http://www.ad2.com or contact 310/394-8379, email: info@ad2.com. For new business inquiries, email: johnd@ad2.com.