Harte Hanks Expands in the Philippines

Manila – March 29, 2016:  – Harte Hanks (NYSE: HHS), a U.S-based leader in customer relationships, experiences and interaction-led marketing, helped Samsung grab attention and build engagement when it launched its Galaxy Note 4 in 2014.

Harte Hanks is well-known for creating many brand success stories for their clients that include Hewlett Packard Software EMEA, Microsoft UK Enterprise, Sony, and Samsung, will be opening a BPO-call center at the Mall of Asia Complex, in Pasay City on April 21.

Now, the Samsung campaign has been awarded Direct Marketing News’ 2016 Marketing & Tech Innovation Award in the Mobile Marketing category.

The campaign, directed at an under-30 audience, focused on using social media to turn someone’s bad day into a good day.  The campaign dubbed #NoteMyDay, helped turnaround bad days for those young people who tagged social media with #NotMyDay.

“Research tells us, millennials use social channels to share everything, even the bad things,” says Alan Kittle, creative director at Harte Hanks. “But we'd never seen a brand take direct action and find ways to make the bad days better, even though turnaround stories are popular. Using smartphone features to create happy endings felt so unusually emotional.”

To boost Samsung’s profile with this group, Harte Hanks teamed with Vine personality Rudy Mancuso and Snapchat artist Shaun “Shonduras” McBride.  The two ended up turning around bad days for 18 people in 10 countries over a three-day period.

The campaign generated 1.3 million interactions with the two social media stars; 15.2 million YouTube video views; 226,000 tweets of #NoteMyDay, which trended on Twitter in six key global markets. Most important the campaign helped Samsung sell 13.5 million phones in the fourth quarter of 2014.

#NoteMyDay has also been awarded by the Direct Marketing Association’s International Echo Awards and the Drum Dadi Awards, an award-giving body in Great Britain that celebrates excellence in digital, for “Best Consumer Campaign” and “Best Use of Video.”

“Our vision is to be the leader in smarter customer interactions,” said Jonathan Bondoc, Site Director of Harte Hanks Philippines, the US firm’s affiliate in Manila. “Our job is to bring companies closer to their customers through engaging and effective interactions no matter what channel or device they are using. For many brands that incudes call center solutions.  We are excited to be opening the new facility and growing Harte Hanks’ services here in Pasay City.”

The April 21 opening signals the integration of the secondary locations with Harte Hanks’ BPO-call center at 5E-com Center at the Mall of Asia (MOA) Complex. Harte Hanks Philippines currently employs about 2,000 people in its main and secondary locations in Metro Manila.

To see the campaign case study with a 2 minute video to:
http://www.hartehanks.com/work/case-studies/case-studies-samsung-mobile


ABOUT HARTE HANKS

Harte Hanks partners with clients to deliver relevant, connected and quality customer interactions. Our approach starts with discovery and learning, which leads to customer journey mapping, creative and content development, analytics and data management, and ends with execution and support in a variety of digital and traditional channels. We do something powerful: we produce engaging and memorable customer interactions to drive business results for our clients, which is why Harte Hanks is famous for developing better customer relationships, experiences and defining interaction-led marketing. For more information, visit the Harte Hanks website at www.hartehanks.com, call 844-233-9281, email pr@hartehanks.com or follow us on Twitter @hartehanks or Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/HarteHanks.


FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This press release contains forward-looking statements, including statements about the company's leadership transition, services and clients. A number of risks and uncertainties could cause actual results to differ materially from currently anticipated results. Additional important factors and information regarding Harte Hanks that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements are set forth in our Annual Report on Form 10-K, as filed with the SEC and available in the "Investors" section of our website under the heading "Financials & Filings." We specifically disclaim any obligation to update these forward-looking statements in the future even if circumstances change and, therefore, you should not rely on these forward-looking statements as representing our views after today.  

As used herein, "Harte Hanks" refers to Harte Hanks, Inc. and/or its applicable operating subsidiaries, as the context may require. Harte Hanks' logo and name are trademarks owned by Harte Hanks. All other brand names, product names, or trademarks belong to their respective owners. 

*This is Press Release

2015/2016 FIA Formula E Championship - Round 5 - Mexico

The Mexico City ePrix saw the MICHELIN Pilot Spot EVrise successfully to the very differentchallenge of competing around a permanent circuit, instead of at a temporary city-centre facility, as has been the case since the inaugural Formula E race in Beijing, in September 2014.
Previous venues have ranged from street tracks to public parks (as in London) and airfield runways (Berlin), but Mexico City chose the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguezand in the infield of a baseball stadium to stage its round of the FIA Formula E Championship.

Although the competition’s all-electric cars and their Michelin tyres have been tested previously at conventional tracks like Donington, England, and Issoire, France,purpose built circuits are very different to street circuits, notably in terms of the grip they provide, as well as the abrasiveness and dirtiness of the surface. For example, the exhaust fumes of ordinary traffic leave grimy deposits on city streets which are also covered in painted road signs, or crossed by tramlines. Permanent tracks have other hallmark characteristics.

“Until now, Formula E has tended to race along streets where thousands upon thousandsof vehicles are driven every day,” notes Serge Grisin, manager of Michelin’s Formula E programme. “In Mexico City, we were faced with an initially ‘green’, partially soiled track which took some time before it delivered maximum grip.Also, the temperature was initially quite cool in the morning before climbing very quickly.There were steady improvements in lap times as the surface started to rubber up during the free practice sessions.”

For example, Sébastien Buemi (Renault-e.dams) topped the timesheets in the two free practice sessions and improved his times by more than three seconds between mid-morning and the end of Free Practice 1 to set the benchmark at 1m3.341s.The other drivers improved to varying degrees, too, to illustrate the evolving conditions.

As lap times tumbled, any lingering doubts concerning the tyres’ ability to deliver around a race track were soon dissipated. “This was effectively unknown territory for us because we needed to take account changes in grip in places, as well as changes in the type of asphalt,” added Serge Grisin. “We were confident, though, thanks on the one hand to Michelin Motorsport’s experience of circuit racing and, on the other, because of the versatility the MICHELIN Pilot Sport EV has shown in the Formula E Championship to date. It performed impeccably in Mexico City and the way it evolved matched our predictions. Today, I think we can say that whatever the weather or surface type, the MICHELIN Pilot Sport EV is a match for all types of conditions, with no detriment to either wear or performance.”

The Mexico City ePrix was won by Jérôme D’Ambrosio (Dragon Racing), ahead of Sébastien Buemi (Renault e.dams) and Nicolas Prost (Renault-e.dams).

The next round of the 2015/2016 FIA Formula E Championship will take teams to Long Beach, California, USA, on April 2, ahead of the inaugural ePrix in Paris, France, on April 23.

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The mission of Michelin, leader of the tyre industry, is to contribute to the long-term mobility of people and assets. In this respect, the Group manufactures and sells tyres for all types of vehicles, ranging from planes to cars, not forgetting bikes and motorcycles, civil engineering and farming machinery as well as trucks. Michelin canals offer digital services to assist with mobility (ViaMichelin.com), and publishes travel guides, hotel and restaurant guides, maps and road atlases. The Group, headquartered in Clermont-Ferrand (France), ispresent in over 170 countries, employs 111,200 people worldwide, and has 67 production sites in 17 different countries. The Group has a technology centre responsible for research and development located in Europe, North America, and Asia. (www.michelin.com.ph)

*This is Press Release

Tutuban Center holds bomb explosion and simulation exercise

To maintain the safety and security of shoppers, Tutuban Center recently conducted an bomb explosion and simulation exercise to test the capability of its emergency response team.

The simulated exercise was also meant to determine the strength and weaknesses of its Disaster Emergency Response Team (DERT) in responding to emergency situations and enhance its response procedures when dealing with delicate situations.

Tutuban’s Assistant Vice President-Safety and Compliance, Ted Mosquito, led the activity in close coordination and collaboration with PNP Police Station 2 to comply with the National Disaster Risk Reduction Management and Council (NDRRMC) manual and its implementing rules. The station, located at Nolasco corner Morga Streets in Tondo, Manila, has jurisdiction over Tutuban, and is headed by P/Supt. Nick Pinion.

“We have conducted this activity on a yearly basis in our efforts to serve our customers better, and maintain a safe and secure shopping center. By doing so, we also train and equip with enough knowledge and awareness our DERT staff, our tenants, employees and contracted service providers on how to respond and react properly in this kind of emergency,” explains Mosquito.

The activity was conducted in two phases: preparation and actual. Preparation involved coordination, collaboration and meetings with concerned offices/units and careful planning in terms of personnel and logistics, and the actual, where there were lectures, briefings and rehearsals of Tutuban’s DERT and other participants to ensure success.

Bottom line, the participants were proven effective and efficient in performing their individual roles and assigned tasks when responding to this type of emergency.

There were a total of 168 registered participants, comprised mostly of Tutuban personnel and police officers from Precincts 6 and 7 both under Police Station 2. Other units that participated include the Explosive Ordinance Disposal Unit (EOD), the Special Reaction Unit (SRU), Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO) and the Manila Traffic Bureau, plus other Manila Police Department (MPD) units headed by no less than P/Senior Superintendent Carlito Felicano.

Tutuban Center is located along C.M. Recto Avenue in Manila and is open daily from 9 a.m. to 12 midnight. Visit our Facebook page Fb.com/TutubanCenter, follow us at Twitter and Instagram accounts, @TutubanCenter. 

WPT National Philippines Festival of Poker Runs Jan. 2-8; Features $1,650 Buy-in Main Event and $200,000 Buy-in Super High Roller

Hot on the heels of the wildly successful WPT® National China Main Event at MGM Grand Sanya, where 882 players competed for their share of a nearly $1.4 million main event prize pool, World Poker Tour® today announced the schedule for the Season XIV WPT National Philippines festival at the luxurious Solaire Resort & Casino from January 2-8. For a second-consecutive year, Solaire will play host to a $1,650 buy-in WPT National Main Event and a diverse selection of side events, including a $200,000 buy-in super-high roller, the largest buy-in tournament held in World Poker Tour history.

The action kicks off on January 2 with the $275 buy-in, $50,000 guaranteed Poker King Cup, then heats up on January 3 with the start of the two-day, $200,000 buy-in Super High Roller. Organized by Poker King Club and Cali Group, the Super High Roller will pit top professionals against wealthy enthusiasts to compete in this massive buy-in event.

President and CEO of Poker King Club, Winfred Yu says, “We at Poker King Club always aim to push the boundaries of poker, which led to us being named the ‘Home of the World’s Biggest Game.’ That aim is now coming to WPT National Philippines with a Super High Roller, and we are happy to add the gravitas of well-known poker players into that mix, such as Aussie Millions champion and businessman, Mr. Richard Yong.”

Day 1A of the $1,650 buy-in WPT National Philippines Main Event begins on January 4, and is followed by Day 1B on January 5. Late registration for each starting flight closes at the start of Level 7, and one re-entry per day is allowed. Players who bag chips on Day 1A may play again on Day 1B, and their largest stack will be put into play on Day 2.

The WPT National Philippines festival also includes a $330 buy-in deep-stacked event, a $275 buy-in pot-limit Omaha event, a $165 buy-in ladies event, a $5,400 buy-in high roller, and a $770 buy-in second-chance tournament. At least six $180 buy-in satellites to the WPT National Philippines Main Event are already scheduled from January 2-4, and there will be many more opportunities to qualify in single-table satellites on property.


A leading poker and resort destination in Asia, the Philippines is home to countless professional and recreational players, including WPT Champions Club™ member Noli Francisco. Solaire Resort & Casino is the premier gaming property in Manila, featuring unparalleled hotel, entertainment, and dining amenities. Whether you simply want to enjoy a cocktail in the comfort of the bar, or prefer to take in the sunset over Manila Bay from a world-class pool, Solaire truly has something for everyone.

“We are looking forward to kicking off 2016 with the exciting WPT National Philippines Festival,” said Cyrus Sherafat, SVP of Casino Marketing for Solaire Resort and Casino. “Last year, both local and international players showcased their skills at Solaire, and we are confident they will continue to demonstrate the very best in poker during Season XIV of the WPT. We also believe poker fans enjoy watching the world-class poker competition here at Solaire, and look forward to welcoming back the great fans and players.”

WPT President and CEO Adam Pliska adds, “After experiencing tremendous success in Manila Bay during Season XIII, and generating yet another million-dollar prize pool this season in Sanya, World Poker Tour is proud to return to the Asia-Pacific region this January for the WPT National Philippines festival at Solaire Resort & Casino. With the addition of the $200,000 buy-in Super High Roller, the largest buy-in in WPT history, we look forward to welcoming some of the best poker players on tour to the Philippines, along with some of the world’s wealthiest enthusiasts. Having personally spent time at Solaire Resort & Casino, I am confident that all of the attendees will discover that it is one of the finest resort destinations in the world.”

For a full schedule of World Poker Tour events, head to WPT.com.

About World Poker Tour
World Poker Tour (WPT) is the premier name in internationally televised gaming and entertainment with brand presence in land-based tournaments, television, online, and mobile. Leading innovation in the sport of poker since 2002, WPT ignited the global poker boom with the creation of a unique television show based on a series of high-stakes poker tournaments. WPT has broadcast globally in more than 150 countries and territories, and is currently producing its 14th season, which airs on FSN in the United States. Season XIV of WPT is sponsored by ClubWPT.com, a unique online membership site that offers inside access to the WPT, as well as a sweepstakes-based poker club available in 35 states across the United States. ClubWPT.com also sponsors Season 2 of the new WPT Alpha8 series of super-high roller poker tournaments which is currently in production and which airs on FOX Sports 1 in the United States. WPT participates in strategic brand license, partnership, and sponsorship opportunities. WPT Enterprises Inc. is a subsidiary of Ourgame International Holdings, Ltd. For more information, go to WPT.com.

You can also check:
www.WorldPokerTour.com

Bavaria Philippines Launch

Bavaria has been brewing its own taste of beer for over 300 years. That makes it 7 generations of perfecting quality beer brewed by using the finest mineral water from their own spring. Bavaria is focused on following its family traditions of brewing high quality
beers for the present and future generations to come. It prides in brewing its finest pilsner since 1719 and introducing the first truly alcohol-free beer in 1978. With a deep and rich history, the company wants to share their precious creations to the world.

Here in the Philippines, they introduce Bavaria Premium as their flagship product from the Bavaria product line-up. It is a classic pilsner perfect for the classic Filipino. A perfect night cap after a long day. It has a profile of a premium and clear lager where you
will experience the taste of a real beer: premium malts, hops, and the freshest spring water from Holland. Refreshing and light, this beer will make you feel like you’re bathing in the fresh water springs of Bavaria. Bavaria Premium is coming your way and is now available
in 7-11 outlets near you.

Other Bavaria products coming your way are the 8.6 and Bavaria 0.0% Malt Drink. 8.6 which has an alcohol content of 8.6% (Thus the name) is a strong and edgy blonde ale that will make you feel a special buzz from a special brew. For those who are looking for a more wholesome night, they will be launching the first ever Bavaria 0.0% Malt Drink that comes in 3 flavors: Original, Peach, and Pomegranate. An alcohol-free alternative great for any party.

Each of these variants has its own Bavarian twist, so watch out for these and experience Bavaria soon in establishments near you! Be Bold, Be Bavaria.

For more updates, like them on Facebook: BavariaPH or tag them #BeBavaria