Proven Winners ColorChoice Taking Social and Cause Marketing to Next Level

Adds Stacey Hirvela, Former Garden Editor with Martha Stewart Living, as Marketing Specialist

Grand Haven, Mich., June 2011 –   Spring Meadow Nursery, the developers behind the Proven Winners® ColorChoice® brand of flowering shrubs, has hired Stacey Hirvela as marketing specialist. Hirvela was previously senior associate garden editor for Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia.

In her new position, Hirvela will be responsible for managing social media and cause marketing, as well as other marketing projects. She will also be leading the Invincibelle Spirit® Campaign to raise money for breast cancer research.

“We are excited to add Stacey to our marketing team,” said Tim Wood, product development and marketing manager for Proven Winners ColorChoice. “Not only is she bringing her enthusiasm for cause marketing and social media, she is also bringing her excitement to share the latest plants with consumers. Her experience working for a major consumer media outlet will be helpful in our efforts to better connect the brand with consumers.”

Social Media Marketing: Facebook Page Exploding to 17,100 Fans

For social media marketing, Hirvela will be leading the creation of ‘likeable’ content for sharing within the brand’s social networks. She will also be moderating the Proven Winners ColorChoice Facebook page, which has grown to 17,100 fans. In addition to enjoying the gardening content on the Proven Winners ColorChoice Facebook page, consumers are encouraged to post common questions about flowering shrubs such as “Where can I get this plant? What plant do you recommend for my zone?”  Hirvela will be personally answering these questions.  Is visit the Facebook page, go to http://www.facebook.com/pwcolorchoice.

“I'm really excited to help spread the word about what makes our varieties of shrubs so unique: how their growth habit, flower or leaf color, bloom time, or hardiness sets them apart from the rest,” said Hirvela. “Every plant we sell has a story behind it, and I can't wait to share that with gardeners everywhere. I’m also excited to lead the Invincibelle Spirit Campaign toward our goal of $1 million raised for breast cancer research.”

Cause Marketing: Invincible Spirit Campaign to Raise $1 Million for Breast Cancer Research

The Invincibelle Spirit Campaign, in partnership with Proven Winners® ColorChoice® and garden centers across the U.S. and Canada, is a national fundraising effort in support of the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF). The centerpieces of the donation drive are “Pink Days” – locally organized fundraisers at garden centers, greenhouses and other retailers.  

To raise money for breast cancer research, organizers are creating lively, fun events at local garden centers. In addition to helping a good cause, the Pink Days also drive traffic to the retailer. For more information on how to support the Invincibelle Spirit Campaign, visit http://invincibellespirit.net. For information on how to set up a Pink Day at your garden center, contact Stacey at stacey@springmeadownursery.com.

Proven Winners ColorChoice is the brand name of Spring Meadow Nursery, Inc., a market leader in flowering shrubs, potted liners and starter plants.  Located in Grand Haven, Mich., the. Spring Meadow Nursery has over 500 varieties in their catalog, including more than 100 varieties marketed under the Proven Winners® ColorChoice® brand, including Incrediball® Hydrangea, ‘Limelight’ Hydrangea, Pinky Winky™ Hydrangea, My Monet™ Weigela, Little Henry® Itea, Wine & Roses® Weigela, Quick Fire® Hydrangea and Invincibelle® Spirit Hydrangea.  For more information, visit www.colorchoiceplants.com and www.springmeadownursery.com.

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