How one company used existing remote team management experience to take the rest of its sales staffers remote and set them up for long-term success Remote work went mainstream in 2020, and the forced experiment showed us that working from home doesn’t have to derail productivity. In fact, a 2020 survey from FlexJobs shows that 51% of respondents said they feel more productive in their home office than at a traditional workplace.

Organizations, to their detriment, often overlook opportunities to spotlight exemplary behavior—ethical behavior in particular. Increasingly remote workforces, with limited non-essential communication, likely worsen the situation. And the situation as it stands isn’t that great. Most of the time, the focus of employee recognition is not on ethics but on metrics related to the bottom line, or subjective perceptions of overall performance.

These events below provide excellent opportunities for

• Ad agencies to build campaigns and promotions
• Local media sales professionals to sell advertising to retailers

These events attract large audiences and offer high visibility for brands. By aligning advertising campaigns with these events, retailers can effectively reach and engage their target customers.

A new partnership between advertising platform Innovid and SiriusXM Media is bringing digital audio into the spotlight by integrating it into the same ad server tools used for video, display, and social media campaigns. For local media sellers — from newspapers and magazines to billboards, digital, and TV — this signals a major shift in how digital audio will be valued in ad models going forward. The collaboration promises better measurement, clearer attribution, and more trust in the value of audio advertising, especially for local markets. With new tools offering deeper insights and cross-channel consistency, digital audio is stepping into a more equal role within the ad ecosystem.

Business Background

• Supermarkets regain ground: Despite the rise of discounters, supermarkets are seeing a resurgence as the main grocery store for 40% of shoppers [FMI Trends 2024].
• Online grocery holds steady: The rapid growth of online grocery shopping has plateaued, but it remains a significant factor. More people are using digital tools for planning and comparing prices before heading to stores.
• Focus on efficiency: Consumers are looking for ways to save time and money. This translates to a rise in meal kits, click-and-collect services, and loyalty programs.
• Potential Kroger-Albertsons merger: This looming merger could significantly impact the grocery landscape, potentially leading to store closures and price adjustments.

Business Background

• Market Growth: Luxury car market continues to expand driven by increasing income, affluent population, and desire for premium features (source: J.D. Power)
• Shifting Consumer Preferences: SUVs and crossovers outselling sedans their versatility, practicality, and perceived status (source: Automotive News)
• Technological Advancements: Electric vehicles (EVs) gaining traction such as Tesla, Mercedes-Benz, and Audi leading the charge (source: IHS Markit)
• Competition: Intense competition among established brands and emerging players like Tesla, Rivian, and Lucid Motors challenging traditional luxury brands
• Economic Factors: Macroeconomic conditions influence demand, and strong economy generally favors luxury car sales

Business Background

• The US funeral services industry generates around $19.1 billion in annual revenue (IBISWorld, Funeral Homes in the US – Market Size, Industry Analysis, Trends and Forecasts (2024-2029)) with a projected CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) of 1.0% through the end of 2024 (though the pandemic caused a temporary spike).
• The industry is primarily made up of small, family-owned businesses with over 87% falling into this category (National Funeral Directors Association, Statistics). There are also some larger, publicly traded companies.
• The industry is experiencing a shift towards cremation as a more affordable and space-saving option. Additionally, there’s a growing demand for personalized funeral services that reflect the deceased’s life and values.

Business Background

• The combined market size for Pilates and Yoga studios in the US is estimated at a substantial $14.7 billion in 2024 [IBISWorld, Pilates Yoga Studios in the US industry analysis].
• According to Yoga Alliance, an estimated 38.4 million people in the US practice yoga regularly, which is roughly 10% of the population [Grand View Research, Yoga Market Size, Share, Growth Trends Report 2030].
• Demographics are evolving: While traditionally female-dominant, the gender gap is narrowing with more men attending classes, particularly those focused on strength and athletic aspects.
• Age is becoming less restrictive. Yoga studios offer classes designed for all ages, with programs specifically tailored to seniors and children.

Fuel your advertising with these can’t-miss promotions this week!
• Buick Certified Service Summer Ready Service Event! — Keep your Buick running smooth all summer.
• Vermeer Offers That Get Better and Better! — Great deals on powerful equipment.
• Dal-Tile Summer Sale! — Refresh your floors with summer savings.
• Hyundai Getaway Sales Event! — Hit the road with special deals on Hyundai.
• Polaris Slingshot Showstopper Summer Sales Event! — Stand out with exciting savings.
• Club Car Golden Opportunity Savings! — Save big on golf and utility vehicles.
• Simmons Beautyrest Labor Day Sale! — Rest easy with mattress deals for Labor Day.

Fuel your advertising with these can’t-miss promotions this week!
• Sweet Savings on Lynx Snowmobiles! — Great deals on winter rides.
• Baby Lock Annual Summer Sale! — Save on sewing machines and accessories.
• Valspar Summer Rebates Event! — Get money back on paint.
• Fireplace Xtrordinair Free Accessory Sale! — Free extras with your fireplace.
• Lennox Summer Rebate Offers! — Save on cooling and heating.
• Land Pride Gold Rush Instant Rebate! — Instant savings on outdoor equipment.
• Firestone Tires Summer Savings! — Discounts on trusted tires.

Seasonal Savings That Spark Results—Don’t Miss This Week’s Top Promotions!
From cozy comforts to outdoor performance, this week’s offers are built to energize your campaigns and capture consumer attention!

Elevate your advertising with this week’s standout promotions!
• Browning Safes Military First Responders Rebate – Exclusive offers honoring service.
• Simplicity Rev Up Rebate – Big savings on performance equipment.
• Wrangler Back-to-School – Must-have deals for the season.
• Can-Am Ride in Style for Less – Style and performance at a value.
• Mitsubishi Travel Ready Service – Prep customers for their journeys.

Back-to-school shopping in 2025 is starting earlier than ever, with 67% of K–12 families beginning purchases by early July—driven by inflation concerns and a desire to secure deals. Despite this early start, 84% of shoppers still have half their shopping left, creating a key opportunity for local media to influence purchasing decisions. K–12 families plan to spend an average of $858, while college households expect to spend $1,325, with electronics, clothing, and supplies topping the list. Online and discount stores remain dominant shopping channels, but local media can boost relevance by promoting value, supporting community events, and tailoring messages to both K–12 and college audiences.

AI is becoming a powerful creative partner for local media and ad agencies, not by replacing human imagination but by enhancing it. Rather than chasing the perfect prompt, creatives should treat AI as a collaborator—starting with their own unique ideas and refining outputs through conversation and iteration. Tools like ChatGPT and Claude can help generate scripts, taglines, and campaign concepts, but the human touch is essential for emotional resonance and cultural relevance. The most effective use of AI comes from using it to explore options, not finalize them, and by pushing back when results are too generic. Ultimately, AI reflects the creativity you bring to it—so start with your voice and let the machine help you shape it.

Boost your advertising impact with this week’s powerful summer promotions!
• Bobcat Summer Equipment Deals – Big savings on work-ready gear.
• Honda Marine Cruise Into Summer – Make waves with great offers.
• Mazda More to Move You Sales Event – Accelerate buyer interest.
• Ford Summer Sales Event – Keep momentum strong.
• Yamaha Let’s Ride Sales Event – Powersports excitement at a deal.
• Winchester Trophy Season Rebate – Gear up for the hunt.
• Whirlpool Labor Day Sale – Refresh home comfort just in time