Willoughby is proud to announce the launch of the new JET Magazine. Working in collaboration with the JET team at Johnson Publishing, we repositioned and refreshed this well-loved legacy brand. The goal? Keep in on the coffee tables of grandparents while getting it back on the radar of younger audiences. The new brandmark represents the evolution of JET into the future as a global media brand that will work across multiple channels. The look and feel update to the magazine is the first step in the evolution to the web and other forms of media. Now a more “snackable” read, JET quickly delivers the unique Black take on the latest in news and entertainment.

Known most famously for Wonder white bread, Hostess Brands has been working with Willoughby for the past few years to introduce Nature’s Pride. This “mega wheat” healthy premium bread line is all about health and wellness. 100% natural. 100% delicious. No high fructose corn syrup… And now, for those of us who prefer a softer, more sandwich sized all nautral bread, there is Nature’s Pride Oven Classics. For gourmet grilling all summer long, try Nature’s Pride Premium Harvest Bakery Buns and Deli Rolls! Launched this spring, both are available at a grocery store near you.

What was just a seed of an idea only a year ago has now hit the road. CarterEnergy came to Willoughby with a fun challenge: how to celebrate their big 50th with a bang while building on their legacy of harnessing the best talent, ideas and technologies to serve their clients in bigger and better ways. Most importantly, while looking to the next generation, our children, who are the minds and talents of the future. Introducing the What Will Fuel The Future? Road Show. This interactive, educational celebration includes games and learning experiences to explore the future of energy and transportation. The road show will be at Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead on May 1.

Where else could Google co-founder, Sergey Bring; chef, Jamie Oliver and singer/songwriter Sheryl Crow meet under one tent? The Kauffman Global Village Tent at TED2010. Willoughby worked with Steelcase and TED to design the Global Village hosted by Kauffman as a space to reflect, meet and be inspired. The space featured a cafe and lounge areas with simulcast viewing of the TED Conference.

Spring is a time for renewal and regeneration—not just in the garden, but in your business. Let Willoughby help you and your internal team ignite that spark for your next big idea.

If you need a fresh perspective and guidance we can provide thought leadership on a variety of creative disciplines that can help you move the needle. Whether its refining your creative process, tackling product innovation or identifying and solving a particularly feisty challenge facing your brand, Willoughby has the toolbox and expertise to help you ignite that spark.

Intrigued? Contact Megan Semrick or Katy Briggs to find out more about how we can develop a custom Vision Session just for you. Full and half day sessions available on your turf, our offices or even the Willoughby Design Barn for larger groups. Let’s talk.

It’s not too late, but this one is just around the corner! Join us April 29th for the 14th annual Forks & Corks, the premier food and wine sampling event benefiting Harvester’s Community Food Network . Every year, proceeds from Forks & Corks enable Harvester’s to provide nearly one milion meals to those in need in our community. Harvester’s is a long-time friend and client of ours and we’re once again thrilled to have partnered with them to design the artwork and materials for this year’s event. In fact, Ann Willoughby has been contributing original artwork to this event for almost as long as Harvester’s has hosted the event. Want a chance to bid on this year's piece? Event tickets are on sale now at harvesters.org.

If there was ever a question why we affectionately refer to her as our fearless leader, this news will put that to rest once and for all. Ann Willoughby bravely (and enthusiastically) put on her dancing shoes and trained tirelessly with her talented coach and dance partner, Romeo, to benefit Cristo Rey School.

On March 27th, all eyes were on Ann and a host of other local personalities and celebrities at Dancing with the Stars 2010. The event raised over $400,000 for Cristo Rey School that will be used to help over 200 local kids thrive, end the cycle of poverty and become contributing members of society. Ann’s hard work and competitive spirit once again pays off with a solid second place nod from the judges. Nicely done, Ann.

Willoughby is honored to be partnering with the Central Exchange and a steering committee of Kansas City’s leading women in the creation of the win|win campaign: a campaign to increase the number of women in Boards of Directors and in Executive Positions in Kansas City. Our Goal: 20% by 2015. We are looking forward to announcing the website launch this summer!