Dobies Health Marketing News Archives

New Community Give-back Program Inspires Healthy Eating, One Apple at a Time

April 6, 2017/in Corporate Social Responsibility, Dobies Health Marketing News/by Dobies Health Marketing

Dobies Health Marketing launches “Apple a Day” – a program for corporate sponsors to choose a school and provide fresh, organic apples and nutrition education to local children, teens and families

As part of its Apple a Day program, Dobies Health Marketing (pictured above) handed out apples and nutritional flyers to students at Cristo Rey Kansas City.

April 6, 2017 – KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Dobies Health Marketing and Natural Grocers came together yesterday at Cristo Rey Kansas City to teach nearly 450 local high school students and staff about healthy food choices. The event, which included free apples for everyone in attendance, was part of Cristo Rey’s Health Day, a full day of interactive education related to health, fitness, safety and wellness.

The nutritional presentation took place in the school’s gymnasium. Upon entering the gym, each student and faculty member received an apple and a set of flyers with nutritional information in both English and Spanish. Meghan Meneely, nutritional health coach at Natural Grocers, delivered the presentation, while the team from Dobies Health Marketing and digital partners Group 3 Solutions handed out the flyers and apples.

Students from Cristo Rey Kansas City learned about healthy food choices through the Dobies Health Marketing Apple a Day program

Through the Apple a Day program, students from Cristo Rey Kansas City (pictured above) learned about nutrition and healthy food choices.

The occasion marked the inaugural event in Dobies Health Marketing’s newly launched Apple a Day program, which is part of the healthcare marketing firm’s social purpose and Give-Join-Care initiative.

“As a healthcare company, we are driven by one primary goal – inspiring people to make better choices about health,” explains Carol Dobies, CEO and Founder of Dobies Health Marketing. “Our vision for the Apple a Day program is to put an apple in the hands of every child, one small but powerful step toward inspiring a lifetime of health.”

There’s good reason to do just that. Obesity is among the most serious threats to our nation’s children, according to The State of Obesity, a project of the Trust for America’s Health and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. Nearly one-third (31.3%) of people ages 10-17 are overweight or obese, often due to lack of access to fresh, healthy foods. The link between poor nutrition and chronic health conditions like heart disease and diabetes is well known, and healthy diets are essential for lifelong health.

To educate children, teens and families on the benefits of eating fresh fruits and vegetables every day to offset the risk of chronic disease and obesity for generations to come, Dobies Health Marketing and Natural Grocers say they are united in their commitment to the three pillars of the Apple a Day program:

GIVE: an apple to each child in a sponsored school
JOIN: with schools to host an interactive, age-appropriate educational session with a highly trained nutritional health coach on the benefits of healthy eating
CARE: for kids and their families by providing each child with a healthy eating guide to take home and share with their families

“Knowledge is power, and we are thrilled to put our time, talent and resources into a program that delivers the tools people need to get the healthiest start in life, and to stay healthy for a lifetime,” says Julie Amor, Chief Strategy Officer at Dobies Health Marketing, adding that the Apple a Day program is designed to make it easy for other healthcare companies to sponsor schools in the same way for their own corporate social engagement initiatives. “It means so much to us to give back to our community in ways that foster better health and wellness, and we are so thankful to our partners at Natural Grocers and the administrative staff at Cristo Rey for joining us in bringing this program to life.”

View more photos from the event on Facebook. Companies interested in sponsoring a school through the Apple a Day program can contact Dobies Health Marketing online or by calling at 816.753.3336 for more information.

About Dobies Health Marketing

Since 1992, Dobies Health Marketing has offered highly specialized expertise in healthcare marketing strategy, branding and creative communications. Our Kansas City-based company serves the marketing and branding needs of the entire healthcare industry, from hospitals, health systems and payers to medical device manufacturers, associations and certifying boards. Together, we combine strategic marketing with creative communications to create healthier brands.

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Media Contact:
Sam Carlson
Dobies Health Marketing
scarlson@dobies.com
816.595.6731

Dobies Health Marketing Hires Strategic Marketing Expert

January 9, 2017/in Dobies Health Marketing News/by Dobies Health Marketing

Maurine Kierl, PMP, Strategic Marketing Manager

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Dobies Health Marketing, a healthcare-specialized marketing, branding and advertising firm now entering its 25th year, is pleased to welcome Maurine Kierl, PMP, as Strategic Marketing Manager. In this role, Kierl will co-develop and manage strategic marketing plans and initiatives for the firm’s clients.

“This is a very exciting time in the healthcare industry, and smart, strategic planning is essential for success,” said Carol Dobies, CEO and Founder. “We are thrilled to start 2017 with added strength on our core strategy team, and it is our pleasure to welcome Maurine to our company.”

Kierl is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP) with more than 20 years of experience in marketing, strategic planning, project management and client relationship management. In her most recent role as Strategic Program Manager for the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), Kierl led strategic marketing, communications and rebranding initiatives targeted at healthcare and academic leaders nationwide.

Prior to her work at AAFP, Kierl managed strategic marketing and communications at the University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC), where she collaborated with health sciences schools and other academic units to develop and execute integrated marketing plans. She also spent 15 years at Sprint Corporation, serving in a variety of managerial roles in marketing and project management. Kierl has a bachelor’s degree in journalism with an emphasis in advertising from the University of Kansas. She has also held numerous board positions for organizations committed to health, wellness and education.

“I am excited to join such a highly talented and knowledgeable team,” said Kierl. “Having worked extensively with leaders in hospitals and clinics, academic medical centers, and health systems, I have a deep appreciation for Dobies Health Marketing’s strategy-first approach to positioning clients for future growth in healthcare.”

About Dobies Health Marketing

Since 1992, Dobies Health Marketing has offered highly specialized expertise in healthcare marketing strategy, branding and creative communications. Our Kansas City-based company serves the marketing and branding needs of the entire healthcare industry, from hospitals, health systems and payers to medical device manufacturers, associations and certifying boards. We combine strategic marketing with creative communications to create healthier brands.

Secrets for Success in Healthcare Marketing

June 2, 2016/in Dobies Health Marketing News, Healthcare Marketing Strategy/by Dobies Health Marketing

Insights from Carol Dobies, CEO and Founder of Dobies Health Marketing

As a member of the 25 Under 25® Class of 2016, Dobies Health Marketing was proudly named among several outstanding Kansas City small businesses earlier this year. Recently, CEO and founder Carol Dobies, MBA, spoke with Kelly Scanlon on Smart Companies KC Radio to discuss the driving force behind Dobies Health Marketing and its success as a specialized healthcare marketing and branding firm. You can listen to the full broadcast below:

Highlights from the on-air discussion include:

Strategy-First: The Driving Force for Dobies Health Marketing

Carol and her team have always championed a strategy-first approach to healthcare marketing. Unlike creative agencies that traditionally offer a new logo or advertising campaign focused on product promotion, Dobies Health Marketing says, ‘First, let’s talk about who you are and what you do’ before the creative work begins. The idea is to initiate meaningful conversations with clients about their brands – a process that begins with insightful questions about how they interface with customers and employees, how leadership impacts and drives culture, and how they “deliver” on their brand promise. The ultimate goal is to tactically align client operations (what they do) with their communications (what they say). Brand authenticity is deliberate, and therefore, the work that goes into it must be highly strategic.

The Greater Good: A Passion for Making a Difference

Both professionally and personally, Carol has long understood the need for expert information and guidance that drives smart health and healthcare decisions. She has always had a passion for making a difference by connecting consumers to providers, providers to partners, and so forth – and she fosters the same passion within every member of her team. In fact, the notion of inspiring better, more informed decisions about health and contributing to improved care and quality of life for patients is at the very heart of the company’s mission. “We come to work every day because we believe we can help people make better, more informed healthcare decisions—and the power of that is pretty significant,” says Carol.

Carol Dobies, CEO and Founder

A Forward-Thinking Business Model

It’s not easy being a small business, but Dobies Health Marketing embraces a smart and innovative business model that focuses on using talent and time wisely. From the beginning, Carol chose to embrace a virtual agency model, employing a small team of in-house healthcare marketing experts while strategically extending capabilities and reach through a national network of highly skilled, independent strategy leads. “The virtual model has really served us well,” she said. “It’s helped us play just as well, if not better than, any big business.”

Lessons Learned

Carol noted she has learned a lot since she founded Dobies Health Marketing in 1992. Although it hasn’t always been this way, the company now has a C.P.A. on staff to proactively advise the company on finances, ensuring financial health. They are now “papered up” in ways they never were before with smarter, more binding contracts with clients and employees alike. Most importantly, Carol learned along the way the value of having a plan and vision for the company’s future. Looking forward, she anticipates continued growth for Dobies Health Marketing – particularly with the launch of three strategic marketing and branding products last year and another new product on the horizon.

For more information about who we are and what we do at Dobies Health Marketing, contact us.

About Dobies Health Marketing

Since 1992, Dobies Health Marketing has offered highly specialized expertise in healthcare marketing strategy, branding and creative communications. Our Kansas City-based company serves the marketing and branding needs of the entire healthcare industry, from hospitals, health systems and payers to medical device manufacturers, associations and certifying boards. We combine strategic marketing with creative communications to create healthier brands.

Dobies Health Marketing Names Chief Strategy Officer

February 16, 2016/in Dobies Health Marketing News/by Dobies Health Marketing

Julie Amor, MHA, Chief Strategy Officer at Dobies Health Marketing

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Dobies Health Marketing has appointed Julie Amor, MHA, as the firm’s Chief Strategy Officer. In this new role, Amor will engage in the development of market-leading strategies for health industry clients and lead innovative growth scenarios for Dobies Health Marketing, fostering long-term partnerships for the firm.

“This is an exciting time for our company – we are forming new relationships that allow us to define strategies essential to our clients’ success in the ever-changing healthcare environment,” said Carol Dobies, CEO and Founder. “Julie is a dynamic leader with decades of industry experience and knowledge to help us realize our vision of creating healthier brands across the entire healthcare industry.”

Amor’s healthcare background includes more than 25 years in strategy, marketing, branding and operational intelligence. In her most recent role as Vice President, Marketing and Corporate Communication at The University of Kansas Hospital, Amor led strategic and operational execution for the hospital’s corporate communication, internal branding, affiliation-related integration and employee engagement, serving an instrumental role in the strategic transformation of the hospital’s brand identity. Other former employers include New Directions Behavior Health and Tutera Group. Amor has a master’s degree in Healthcare Administration from Park University and a bachelor’s in Marketing Communications from the University of Missouri-Kansas City, where she also earned a Certificate in Gerontology. In addition, she has served on the Board of Directors for Kansas City Public Television since 2009.

“Healthcare marketing strategy is my passion, and I am thrilled to join this exceptional team, where our strategy-first approach positions us as a fierce competitor among the nation’s most prestigious healthcare marketing firms,” said Amor, adding that Dobies Health Marketing is superior in its ability to position clients for future growth. “Having spent my entire career in healthcare marketing, I know it is here that I can apply my experience in meaningful ways to truly impact future health.”

About Dobies Health Marketing

Since 1992, Dobies Health Marketing has offered highly specialized expertise in healthcare marketing strategy, branding and creative communications. Our Kansas City-based company serves the marketing and branding needs of the entire healthcare industry, from hospitals, health systems and payers to medical device manufacturers, associations and certifying boards. We combine strategic marketing with creative communications to create healthier brands.

Dobies Health Marketing Named a 25 Under 25® Small Business in Kansas City

December 18, 2015/in Dobies Health Marketing News/by Dobies Health Marketing

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Dobies Health Marketing was recently honored as a member of the 25 Under 25® Class of 2016 by Thinking Bigger Business Media.

Each year, the 25 Under 25 program recognizes a select group of small businesses for having a positive economic, social and community impact in the Kansas City area. Honorees are chosen based on demonstrated financial stability, community involvement, company vision and defining attributes, and ability to overcome adversity.

“I couldn’t be more proud of our team,” said Carol Dobies, MBA, President and Founder. “They feel strongly about making a difference in the way people think about health, and their passion carries over to every aspect of their lives–whether it be where they live, work or play.”

Dobies Health Marketing was among the 25 local businesses selected in 2016, out of nearly 1,500 companies that received nominations. As an honoree, Dobies Health Marketing will be featured in a special 25 Under 25® supplement in the February issue of Thinking Better Business magazine and star as a guest on the “Smart Companies” radio show.

According to Thinking Bigger Business Media, small businesses comprise the largest number of companies both locally and nationally, with 83 percent of Kansas City area businesses employing less than 20 employees. The 25 Under 25® Awards program, which was established in 2002 to highlight the role small businesses play in the Kansas economy, aligns with Thinking Bigger Business Media’s mission of helping small business owners grow their companies. For more information about the 25 Under 25® Awards program, visit ithinkbigger.com.

About Dobies Health Marketing

Since 1992, Dobies Health Marketing has offered highly specialized expertise in healthcare marketing strategy, branding and creative communications. Our Kansas City-based company serves the marketing and branding needs of the entire healthcare industry, from hospitals, health systems and payers to medical device manufacturers, associations and certifying boards. We combine strategic marketing with creative communications to create healthier brands.

Dobies Health Marketing Launches New Healthcare Marketing Product

October 7, 2015/in Dobies Health Marketing News/by Dobies Health Marketing

Dobies Health Marketing is pleased to announce the launch of its new product, soviews+, a comprehensive analysis of competitive messaging and advertising data that empowers healthcare leaders and marketers to make highly informed decisions about local advertising efforts:

Uniquely designed for healthcare marketers by healthcare marketers, soviews+ is an interactive, online profile that delivers hard-to-find data and specialized insight to help clients:

Determine if their current media investments and share of voice are enough to stay competitive
Gain clarity on where to place media dollars
Compare local marketing strategies to those of competitors
View multimedia samples from competitors’ ad campaigns

In particular, soviews+ is useful for organizations considering new market entrance or a brand refresh as well as those seeking an independent summary of current advertising strategies in their market. The online profile is also beneficial for clients that want to ensure a strategic data-driven approach to their marketing and positioning efforts.

With intelligence that goes beyond traditional media investment reports, soviews+ combines a detailed ad spend analysis with creative samples from television, print, digital, mobile, social media and digital properties across each client’s competitive landscape to compare share of voice, media mix, brand positioning and message platforms.

“Our clients have long wanted more than just a share of voice report,” said Carol Dobies, President. “A market profile from soviews+ lets clients view and compare what competitors are doing and saying in their local markets and brings meaningful, data-driven insight to guide successful marketing and advertising strategies.”

For more information about soviews+ or to request a demo, click here.

About Dobies Health Marketing

Since 1992, Dobies Health Marketing has offered highly specialized expertise in healthcare marketing strategy, branding and creative communications. Our Kansas City-based company serves the marketing and branding needs of the entire healthcare industry, from hospitals, health systems and payers to medical device manufacturers, associations and certifying boards. We combine strategic marketing with creative communications to create healthier brands.

Strategic Healthcare Marketing Features Dobies Health Marketing Award-Winning Campaign

September 14, 2015/in Dobies Health Marketing News/by Dobies Health Marketing

As a new employee at Dobies Health Marketing, I was impressed to learn that our firm was recently featured in Strategic Healthcare Marketing for our award-winning 2014 campaign, Megan’s Journal: A Personal Journey through Breast Cancer Treatment and Triumph.

You can read the full story in Strategic Healthcare Marketing here.

As the article explains, Megan’s Journal was created to generate awareness that Lawrence Memorial Hospital (LMH) offers comprehensive, multidisciplinary expertise for patients fighting breast cancer. The 13-week campaign incorporated digital, print, billboard and radio spots that drove visitors to an online journal chronicling the day-by-day journey of Megan, a real-life breast cancer patient, from testing and diagnosis through care and treatment, all of which she received at LMH.

Through this compelling, authentic and very popular campaign, Megan served as a virtual beacon, guiding others who are weighing their options and wondering if they have to travel outside their own community for the level of cancer care they need. Megan personified the scope of oncology-related expertise available at LMH, the only hospital in Lawrence.

In fact, the campaign was so effective that it increased the number of mammogram visits at LMH and drove more traffic to the hospital’s website. Moreover, the Megan’s Journal campaign received an Emerald Award from the Association of Health Care Communicators in 2014 and a Healthcare Advertising Award from Healthcare Marketing Report earlier this year.

Campaigns like Megan’s Journal remind me of the true potential of healthcare marketing and the impact that healthcare communicators can have in the community—by not only promoting quality providers, but also enabling patients to make better health care decision by providing them with information about the options available to them. For a hospital like LMH, which is located close enough to Kansas City that outmigration is a constant concern, it’s important that people in the LMH service area understand the breadth and depth of healthcare expertise available to them in their own community. The success of this campaign and the impact it had on the patient population are (just) two of the many reasons I am proud to call Dobies Health Marketing my new home.

About Dobies Health Marketing

Since 1992, Dobies Health Marketing has offered highly specialized expertise in healthcare marketing strategy, branding and creative communications. Our Kansas City-based company serves the marketing and branding needs of the entire healthcare industry, from hospitals, health systems and payers to medical device manufacturers, associations and certifying boards. We combine strategic marketing with creative communications to create healthier brands.

Dobies Health Marketing Expands its Healthcare Communications Team

August 18, 2015/in Dobies Health Marketing News/by Dobies Health Marketing

Melissa Coon joins as Public Relations Manager

Melissa Coon, Public Relations Manager

KANSAS CITY, Mo – Dobies Health Marketing, a healthcare marketing, branding and advertising firm, has expanded its communications team with the addition of Melissa Coon, Public Relations Manager.

Melissa develops, distributes and manages public relations, marketing communications, and social media content for Dobies Health Marketing and its clients. In addition, Melissa works closely with the firm’s creative, digital and strategy teams to align content development with client objectives and expectations.

“With her background in communications and her enthusiasm for connecting people with better health, Melissa makes a great addition to our team,” said Diane Morgan, Content Development Director. “We are thrilled to welcome her on board, and we know our clients will be very pleased with what she brings to the table.”

Originally from West Des Moines, Iowa, Melissa graduated from the University of Missouri with a degree in journalism and an emphasis in strategic communication, as well as a minor in business administration. Prior to joining Dobies Health Marketing, Melissa worked as the Marketing and Digital Media Manager for a local healthcare company, ARC Physical Therapy+. She also interned at Paris Communications and Agri-Pulse Communications, where she created content on a variety of topics including healthcare and public policy.

“I am extremely passionate about healthcare and have always considered myself a ‘niche’ marketer,” said Melissa. “Dobies Health Marketing provides the perfect opportunity for me to apply my passion while also honing my strengths as a writer and strategic communicator.”

Melissa also serves on the Board of Directors for The Call KC, a local outreach organization that strives to bridge the gap between volunteers and the community. As the Director of Marketing Operations, she acts as an ambassador for the organization and oversees all promotional efforts.

“Everything I have done up to this point – from my internships and volunteer work to my professional marketing experience – has been in hopes of pursuing a career at a healthcare-specialized firm like Dobies Health Marketing,” Melissa added. “I’m very excited to join such a highly talented and knowledgeable group.”

Meet the team at Dobies Health Marketing.

About Dobies Health Marketing

Since 1992, Dobies Health Marketing has offered highly specialized expertise in healthcare marketing strategy, branding and creative communications. Our Kansas City-based company serves the marketing and branding needs of the entire healthcare industry, from hospitals, health systems and payers to medical device manufacturers, associations and certifying boards. We combine strategic marketing with creative communications to create healthier brands.

Two Dobies Health Marketing Clients Bring Home National Healthcare Advertising Awards

May 5, 2015/in Dobies Health Marketing News/by Dobies Health Marketing

KANSAS CITY, MO – Dobies Health Marketing and our clients competed in the 32nd Annual Healthcare Advertising Awards, announced on April 24, 2015. We submitted two campaigns and each won! Not bad odds given more than 3,500 entries were submitted, making this the largest healthcare advertising competition in the United States and Canada. Winning campaigns were selected for excellence in creativity, quality, message effectiveness, consumer appeal, graphic design and overall impact. Many thanks to our great clients and exceptionally creative collaborators!

GOLD AWARD: ‘Hot for My Body’ Campaign for Midwest Transplant Network
Award Category: Health Promotion

This provocative campaign raised awareness of the need for organ donation in Kansas and Missouri with messaging and graphics designed to change the public’s perceptions of organ donors. As for results, the campaign exceeded industry standards and Midwest Transplant Network was pleased with the ROI.

“Our objective was to raise awareness that anyone can be a potential donor,” says Diane Morgan, Content Development Manager at Dobies Health Marketing. “We went with eye-catching headlines and visuals to help dispel the myth that some people are too young, too old, or too unhealthy for the donor registry.” That’s an important message to spread – and spread widely – so the campaign includes posters, brochures, radio and digital ads, a unique campaign landing page, social media advertising, and more.

Update: The Midwest Transplant Network campaign was also named Judge’s Choice in this year’s Aster Awards, one of only eight campaigns to receive this recognition for excellence in healthcare marketing and advertising in 2015.

MERIT AWARD: ‘Megan’s Journal,’ a breast cancer campaign for Lawrence Memorial Hospital
Award Category: Total Ad Campaign without TV

Megan’s Journal followed a real patient’s journey through breast cancer diagnosis and treatment at LMH, detailing the struggles she overcame to become a cancer survivor. The campaign also won an Emerald Award from the Kansas Association of Health Care Communicators late last year. Campaign elements include the Megan’s Journal blog, print and digital ads, radio spots, and billboards.

“As a designer, I don’t always have the privilege of working directly with patients for ad campaigns,” says Shelly Searles, Creative Services Manager at Dobies Health Marketing. “That wasn’t the case with this project – Megan is a real patient who shared her compelling journey to cancer survivorship with us. Putting her at the center of creative infuses more emotion and authenticity, making the campaign more powerful.”

About Dobies Health Marketing

Since 1992, Dobies Health Marketing has offered highly specialized expertise in healthcare marketing strategy, branding and creative communications. Our Kansas City-based company serves the marketing and branding needs of the entire healthcare industry, from hospitals, health systems and payers to medical device manufacturers, associations and certifying boards. We combine strategic marketing with creative communications to create healthier brands.

We are proud to be among the Top Digital Agencies in Kansas City and the Top Integrated Marketing Agencies in 2021 as ranked by DesignRush.

New Hires Bring Additional Healthcare Marketing Experience for Clients

January 5, 2015/in Dobies Health Marketing News/by Dobies Health Marketing

The people of Dobies Health Marketing

KANSAS CITY, Mo – Dobies Health Marketing, a healthcare marketing, branding and advertising firm, has hired two new marketing professionals to its core marketing team in recent months. The new hires, Thom Ludtke and Rachel Caldwell, bring new talent to the agency’s breadth of marketing expertise.

As Vice President of Client Services, Ludtke is in charge of strategic planning and client satisfaction. He ensures all client deliverables are on time, on budget, and aligned with both client expectations and the desired results. Ludtke has two decades of experience helping clients build their brands and grow revenue through integrated marketing programs. As a skilled leader in data-driven strategic planning and creative execution, he enjoys engaging with clients to achieve their business goals.

Caldwell joined the team as Healthcare Content Specialist in November. She is responsible for writing, editing and deploying content with key messages across a wide variety of media, including print, web, social media, television/video, radio and more. Her background includes experience in hospital marketing, copywriting, journalism and public relations.

Over the past year, Dobies Health Marketing also expanded its virtual team to meet the expanding client base of hospitals and health systems, physician practices, insurance carriers, health technology firms and professional service firms. With depth of knowledge across healthcare quality and safety, clinical data analysis, managed care and finance – plus strong skill sets in market research, strategy and healthcare program development – these Healthcare Associates complement the core marketing staff to deliver targeted solutions in the post-healthcare reform environment.

“The entire team is well prepared to build stronger brands and create healthier companies, particularly as the complexity of the healthcare industry continues to evolve,” says Carol Dobies, company Founder and President. Using a unique Discover-Connect-Promote approach, the team has proven its ability to navigate clients through those complexities.

Meet the people of Dobies Health Marketing.

About Dobies Health Marketing

Since 1992, Dobies Health Marketing has offered highly specialized expertise in healthcare marketing strategy, branding and creative communications. Our Kansas City-based company serves the marketing and branding needs of the entire healthcare industry, from hospitals, health systems and payers to medical device manufacturers, associations and certifying boards. We combine strategic marketing with creative communications to create healthier brands.