The cruise line operator Lindblad makes hay of their return to operations, with six ships providing service for that pent up demand for leisurely travel to far away destinations. https://edge.winmo.com/hubnews/articles/33802

Also, the Houston Rockets makes a major move by hiring their first ever team-specific CMO, with a wide range of responsibilities. https://edge.winmo.com/hubnews/articles/33803

John Zaldonis sits down with Matt Chollet, President of Catapult New Business, an outsourced business development team for growing agencies. They discuss the wide variety of activities involved in business development and how those activities come into play through today’s changing landscape. https://www.catapultnewbusiness.com/

Levi Strauss claims a high ROI from their recent campaign, “Buy Better, Wear Longer,” with good prospects for more investments into the campaign moving forward. https://edge.winmo.com/hubnews/articles/33757

Also, John Zaldonis and Samantha Stallard discuss working from home and what that means for new business. https://www.winmo.com/sales/what-does-the-shift-to-wfh-mean-for-new-business/

The Woodhouse Day Spa hires a new AOR to steer the company through a brand refresh, as they seem to feel great about their business prospects for the rest of the year. https://edge.winmo.com/hubnews/articles/33723

Also, Aidells Sausage continues an ongoing, multi-year trend of increasing their ad spending, with their YTD numbers already exceeding last year’s full spending. https://edge.winmo.com/hubnews/articles/33725

John Zaldonis and Samantha Stallard offer their monthly deep dive into Adbeat’s Movers and Shakers report, with insights into cinema ticket seller Fandango, real estate rental listing service Apartments.com, food and condiment maker Heinz, and job listing service Indeed.

Ampex Brands acquires the iconic lunch spot Au Bon Pain from Panera, with plans to invest in big improvements to the chain’s existing locations. https://edge.winmo.com/hubnews/articles/33670

Also, the emerging food delivery platform Hungryroot attracts a Series C funding round as they hire a new CMO. https://edge.winmo.com/hubnews/articles/33669

Ralph Lauren makes some moves in the Gen-Z demographic, striking a partnership with G2 Sports, and getting active on emerging social media platforms. https://edge.winmo.com/hubnews/articles/33647

Also, the Italian amaretto liqueur maker Disaronno makes an unusual play with two big campaigns making a summer splash. https://edge.winmo.com/hubnews/articles/33649

John Zaldonis and Samantha Stallard discuss the coming back-to-school season: what to expect for navigating the politics and the reality of going back to school this fall, plus seven advertisers who are already putting money down for the third quarter.

7 Back to School Advertisers Buying in Q3 2021: https://www.winmo.com/news/7-back-to-school-advertisers-buying-in-q3-2021/

The Body Shop increases their budget for digital spending as they hire a new PR AOR, with possibly more reviews to come. https://edge.winmo.com/hubnews/articles/33565

Also, America’s Car-Mart, a network of used car dealerships throughout the southeast and midwest, makes new, big ad investments to promote a new image for their brand. https://edge.winmo.com/hubnews/articles/33576

Bonus Article: This Deadly Simple Negotiation Mistake Is Costing You Deals. Here’s How To Avoid It. (Gong) https://www.gong.io/blog/this-deadly-simple-negotiation-mistake-is-costing-you-deals-heres-how-to-avoid-it/

Edible prepares for a new campaign as they hire a new media and creative AOR. https://edge.winmo.com/hubnews/articles/33545

Also, Alkaline Water takes an optimistic position on their future as they make significant new investments in ad spending and begin searching for their first ever CMO. https://edge.winmo.com/hubnews/articles/33552