What Open Source Frameworks can do for you?

Open Source Frameworks are sets of commonly used code that have been created by other developers out in the wilds of the internet. By using them you can drastically speed up your project completion time and add extra functionality without having to figure out the best solution on your own. You might ask is it safe to use them and the answer is a most certain yes, because they are open to public scrutiny anything that is done poorly or unsafe is pointed out by other developers that are interested in using that framework, rapidly the community polices itself and corrections are made. Frameworks allow you to extend them by adding plugins or modules that are specific to your project. You can also post these to their community sites if you think others might use them, or perhaps you figured out a way to do something better then their original team members.

I personally use the following Frameworks in my development and encourage you to check them out or find a few on your own:
jQuery – Javascript
CodeIgniter – PHP
BluePrint – CSS

Others
MooTools – Javascript
Prototype – Javascript
CakePHP – PHP
Zend – PHP
Baseline – CSS
960 Grid – CSS

If you have one that you think is awesome, post a comment and let us know!

I often find myself in a bit of a creative rut. I think many people think that Creatives are constantly creating something – that their minds never stop. Well, guess what? Not true! Sometimes my creativity just runs dry and I feel like I can’t think, focus or do anything creative. In those moments I find myself spending time visiting various blogs by other creatives (artists, interior designers, or even fabric designers). I’ve found that admiring the skills of others can give me that creative boost that I need. Here’s one that I frequent daily: designsponge. It’s loaded with interior design, graphic design, and even fashion design. With just one look of design sponge, I find myself wanting to increase my creativity and try new things.

What do you do at Willow?
I’m an Account Associate

How long have you worked at Willow?
Since September, 2009

When you were little, what did you want to be when you grew up?
My sister and I always said that we’d both be nurses, and live in matching condos on the beach.

What is your favorite pizza topping?
I like everything…Mushrooms, pineapple, grilled chicken and tomatoes

What was your first pet’s name?
Kasey, she was the meanest Coker spaniel I’ve ever met.

What was your favorite subject in school?
PE

What was your first job?
Cleaning and making salads at Papa Joes Jr in Avon.

What is your favorite movie of all time?
The Notebook

If you were a super hero, what would your super power be?
To fly!

Describe yourself in 5 words or less.
Quiet, Organized, Loyal, and Thorough

If you could be one animal, what would it be and why?
I would be a fish so I could explore the ocean.

Frozen custard or ice cream?
Frozen Yogurt

How do you eat an Oreo?
With milk! I love Oreos, but have to have them with milk.

If you could live anywhere, where would it be?
Somewhere on the beach.

Where do you like to sit in a movie theatre and why?
Towards the back, because I like to put my feet up on the seat in front of me.

What’s in the trunk of your vehicle at this moment?
Jumper cables (you can never be too safe!) an umbrella, and a softball glove.

What’s on your desk at work?
Stacks and stacks of papers

What’s your favorite part of working at Willow?
I love the people. We have a great group that works very well together.

What’s your favorite Indy restaurant?
The RAM

As always, we’re keeping busy here at Willow.

Monday June 21st Brad and Sue are headed on a road trip to visit Hall Render’s Troy, Michigan office. We’ll be introducing our team and learning about their business challenges.
Wednesday June 23rd Andrew will be shooting photography on location at Aero Industries. We’ll be taking photos for updating literature.
Thursday June 24th Kim will be meeting with Indiana FFA to kick off their Individual Giving Campaign.
Friday and Saturday June 25-26th, Brad will be showing off his golf skills at the Thrifty golf outing.

Phi Kappa Psi Foundation – Jerry Nelson Scholarship Campaign

Client Profile:
The Phi Kappa Psi Foundation funds a variety of programs and services which assist college Phi Psi students in meeting their educational objectives through scholarships, grants and fellowships, while promoting learning, high ethical standards and constructive citizenship. The Foundation wanted to recognize a passionate alumnus on his 80th birthday by establishing a scholarship in his honor.

Business Challenge:
Willow was tasked with raising $20,000 which is the minimum amount needed to establish a scholarship.

Willow Marketing Solution:
Willow helped the Phi Kappa Psi Foundation to develop a month-long campaign strategy and communication plan. The plan consisted of a series of targeted emails to Phi Psis, segmented by past giving levels/donation amounts, attendance at American Leadership Academy (ALA), association with Brother Nelson and age demographics. The emails offered members of the Fraternity an opportunity to send a personalized message to Nelson in an electronic birthday card. In order to leave a message each person had to donate a minimum of $19.29 (the year of Nelson’s birth). All of the messages would be featured in an online flip book and Brother Nelson was also presented with a hardcopy version of the birthday book with all of the messages as a gift.

Jerry Nelson Scholarship Campaign - Landing Page

The HTML emails were sent to approximately 22,000 people. Out of the 22,000 people, 3,300 opened the email and nearly 300 (9%) people clicked the link in the email to make a donation. Among the individuals who viewed the page, 60 percent made donations. The average donation trended well above $19.29, with one donation being above $10,000, for a total of more than $31,000 in gifts.

Jerry Nelson Scholarship Campaign - Birthday Book

Not only was the campaign effective but the Phi Kappa Psi Foundation loved what we were able to do for them. “With a limited budget, very little time to act, and a carefully crafted strategy, we were able to honor the dedication and service of one of Phi Psis beloved members and generate a new revenue channel in a down economy. ” said Ben Nicol, Managing Director of the Phi Kappa Psi Foundation.