Smack Dab Studios Wins International Bid for Major New Custom Software Development Project

SAVANNAH, Ga. – Smack Dab Studios, an award-winning full-service Web development and graphic design firm headquartered in Savannah, recently beat out several national and international companies in a bid to design a multi-phase custom software package for Balaya, an innovative Internet start-up company.

“This will be a very comprehensive project requiring our full suite of services,” said Smack Dab Studios owner and chief creative officer Hannah L. Meurer. “We’re proud that such an exciting new company placed its trust in our firm.”

As part of its agreement with Balaya, Smack Dab Studios will create an innovative new communication system that will provide faster, more private exchange of text, video, and audio among groups.

“Our focus is on providing families, friends and organizations with the ability to develop closer and more productive bonds by improving their capability to create and share information and experiences,” said Bob Nunnally, co-founder and COO of Balaya. “We will deliver elegant, reliable and relevant tools—through the internet and mobile devices—groups can use to better communicate, create, organize and share.”

Meurer and her business partner Blake Ellis first learned of the groundbreaking project from Chris Miller, executive director of The Creative Coast. Miller put Nunnally in touch with Smack Dab who’s team has created custom Web applications for clients such as the Georgia Historical Society, HunterMaclean and Rodale Press.

We were looking for an innovative and receptive software developer, and Smack Dab Studios really got our concept,” said Nunnally. “After speaking with Chris a few times and meeting the Smack Dab team, we decided to set up our business here in Savannah.”

The Beta release for phase one of Balaya’s software development project, which already has three patents pending, is currently planned for early 2008.

Headquartered at 216 W. Broughton Street in downtown Savannah, Smack Dab Studios is one of the region’s largest full-service Web development and graphic design studios. The trend-setting, service-oriented design firm creates logos, brochures and Web applications for a wide range of clients including HunterMaclean, the Georgia Historical Society and Herty Advanced Development Materials. The company has won a prestigious Webby Award, the leading international honor for Web site design, and creates a team-oriented work environment that focuses on delivering the ultimate results to clients.

Smack Dab Studios relocated to Savannah from Atlanta three years ago and acquired Color Maria, an established Web application firm, earlier this year. The firm currently employs 10 Web developers, designers, project managers and support staff.

“We’re excited to develop this custom application,” said Meurer. “It’s totally unlike anything else that’s on the market. We’re incredibly proud to be a part of Balaya’s future success.”

ABOUT SMACK DAB STUDIOS:

Headquartered in Savannah, Smack Dab Studios is an award-winning full-service Web development and graphic design firm. Under the leadership of chief creative officer Hannah L. Meurer and chief technical officer Blake Ellis, Smack Dab Studios develops logos, brochures, Web applications and other collateral materials to create cohesive, successful brands for a wide range of clients. The service-oriented firm also creates customized Web sites, providing a seamless array of design and marketing tools to help clients reach their target audience. For more information about Smack Dab Studios, please call 912.544.1770 or visit www.smackdabstudios.com online.

GeorgiaWatch.org Recognized by Top International Honor for Web Sites

ATLANTA, GA - AUGUST 31 - The Webby Awards, the leading international honor for web sites, today recognized GeorgiaWatch.org as Webby Worthy, a distinction made for the first time this year to recognize sites exhibiting remarkable achievement.

Georgia Watch’s web site is produced by Smack Dab Studios, an Atlanta-based Web, print and multi-media design firm.

Hailed as the “online Oscars” by Time Magazine, The Webby Awards are determined by the International Academy of Digital Arts & Sciences, a global organization with a membership that includes musician David Bowie, Virgin Group founder Richard Branson, The Body Shop president Anita Roddick, “Simpsons” creator Matt Groening, Real Networks CEO Rob Glaser, and fashion designer Max Azria.

“The Webby Awards honors the outstanding web sites that are setting the standards for the internet,” said Tiffany Shlain, creative director and founder of The Webby Awards. “GeorgiaWatch.org’s Webby Worthy selection is a testament to the skill, ingenuity, and vision of its creators.”

“This site has done wonders for our ability to mobilize our members,” says Allison Wall, Executive Director of Georgia Watch. “We can now reach people across the state quickly and effectively—and rally their support for critical consumer protection legislation.”

The site employs CapWiz, a program that supports Georgia Watch’s cause by providing online and up-to-date information on legislation, viral marketing efforts and built-in letters to the editor.

The 9th Annual Webby Awards received a record number of entries from over 40 countries and all 50 states. Out of the over 4,000 entries submitted, fewer than 20% received this honor and were deemed Webby Worthy.

Winners were announced on May 3, 2005 and were honored at a gala event in New York’s landmark Gotham Hall on June 6, 2005.

Founded in 1996, The Webby Awards are known worldwide for its famous five-words-or-less acceptance speeches.

About Georgia Watch
Georgia Watch is the state’s leading non-partisan advocacy group working to improve consumer protections for Georgia families. The organization is dedicated to educating Georgia consumers on the health care, insurance and financial issues that impact them. Georgia Watch promotes consumer-friendly public policy and greater protections for victims of fraud, malpractice and misinformation. To accomplish this, Georgia Watch researches important consumer issues - predatory lending, insurance reform, patient safety - and provides accurate information that helps consumers get educated and get involved.

About Smack Dab Studios
Smack Dab Studios is an Atlanta-based Web, print and multi-media design firm helping their clients leverage their web site and other marketing collateral in support of business objectives. Formed by a group of savvy, experienced marketing creatives, the company distinguishes itself by creating appealing, user-friendly sites that attract visitors and keep them. Their site designs are known for not only being attractive and easy to use, but also for providing a high level of functionality and helping companies generate ROI through their site.

About The Webby Awards:
Called the “Oscars of the Internet” by the New York Times, the Webby is the leading international award honoring excellence in Web design, creativity, usability and functionality. Established in 1996, the 9th Annual Webby Awards received over 4,000 entries from all 50 states and over 40 countries worldwide. The Webby Awards are presented by The International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences. Sponsors and Partners of The Webby Awards include: The Creative Group; Adweek, Brandweek and Mediaweek magazines; IDG; Fortune and FSB; 2advanced Studius; The Online Publishing Association; PricewaterhouseCoopers, and Rackspace Managed Hosting. For more information visit www.webbyawards.com.

About the International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences (IADAS):
The International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences is dedicated to the creative, technical, and professional progress of the internet and interactive media. The Academy is an intellectually diverse organization that includes over 500 members consisting of leading experts in a diverse range of fields, such as musician David Bowie, Virgin Group founder Richard Branson, business guru and author Tom Peters, The Body Shop president Anita Roddick, fashion designer Max Azria, “Simpsons” creator Matt Groening and Real Networks CEO Rob Glaser. The Webby Awards and The International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences are registered trademarks of International Data Group. For more information, visit www.iadas.net.

The purpose of the site is to keep the public connected with the Southern Georgia Symphony. ”With the expansion and development of the Southern Georgia Symphony into the Coastal Georgia Region, including Savannah, a website was the first item we realized we needed, “said LaDawn Mohr, the Southern Georgia Symphony’s Marketing/Public Relations Director. She continued, “Internet technology is quickly changing the way any company or organization communicates and does business and is a vital part of the overall messaging. We are pleased to be able to offer our Symphony friends not only a convenient way to contact us or purchase tickets, but to also allow them to remain a part of the Symphony long after the last note of the last concert has been played. We want the website to be a preferred destination.”

Designed and developed by Smack Dab Studios of Savannah, www.smackdabstudios.com, this launch of the Southern Georgia Symphony website is Phase 1. As the Symphony plans and prepares for Phase 2, more interactivity will be involved including a blog spot, both for the Symphony staff and visitors, plus audio and visual elements to include music clips and podcasting. Hannah Meurer, Owner, Chief Creative Officer of Smack Dab Studios said, “We are thrilled to be working on this exciting endeavor with the Southern Georgia Symphony. The future plans for the website are extensive and allow for added interactivity to showcase the Symphony and to allow patrons to learn even more about music.”

The launch of the website is just one of the many current activities for the Southern Georgia Symphony. The upcoming 2006-2007 Performance Season begins on September 23 in Statesboro and September 24 in Savannah with guest artist renowned cellist, Colin Carr. Season subscriptions are still on sale and can be purchased by visiting the website or calling the numbers listed below. “We are anticipating a successful season for the Southern Georgia Symphony and excited about the tremendous musical programs we will be offering to our audience,” said Allen Henderson, Executive Director. Henderson continued, “These are exciting times for both communities and the entire Coastal Georgia region as the growth and expansion of the Southern Georgia Symphony will resonate positively beyond the venues where we perform.” The Southern Georgia Symphony is led by Musical Director Cheung Chau.

The Southern Georgia Symphony is a partnership between Georgia Southern University and other organizations committed to bringing a high-quality symphonic series to the coastal region, including WTOC-TV, Clear Channel Radio Savannah, The River 98.7, East Georgia Regional Medical Center, Comcast, Bank South, Memorial Health, The Statesboro Herald, Connect Savannah, Connect Statesboro, Northland Cable and Smack Dab Studios. The Southern Georgia Symphony is proud to serve the artistic needs of the broad and diverse community of Coastal Georgia. The Southern Georgia Symphony has expanded its reach, visibility and influence within the region so it may substantially contribute to the wealth of cultural life in the area, enhance the musical education of young audiences, contribute to economic growth and build strong ties with each community.

SAVANNAH, Ga. – May 18, 2007 – Smack Dab Studios, an award-winning full-service Web development and graphic design firm headquartered in Savannah, recently acquired Color Maria, a successful local custom Web application company.

“We have partnered with Color Maria on application developments in the past, so this move really made sense,” said Smack Dab Studios owner and chief creative officer Hannah L. Meurer. “Our teams really work well together. After much consideration, we decided to bring everything together under one roof.”

Although Smack Dab Studios relocated to Savannah from Atlanta less than two years ago, its acquisition of the 10-year-old Web application firm demonstrates the firm’s strong commitment to growth in the regional market.

Color Maria’s former president Blake Ellis will serve as a partner at Smack Dab Studios. Over the past decade, Ellis has created custom Web applications for clients including Savannah Candy Kitchen, Byrd Cookie Company and Scuba Diving magazine. He has also launched several other successful companies in the region like www.Commercev3.com.

“We know that we need great people to grow Smack Dab Studios in the future,” said Meurer. “I can’t think of anyone better to partner with than Blake Ellis. We now have the best Web application team in town and can offer even more Web site content management services to our clients.”

Ellis explains that the two companies have complementary strengths that will enable Smack Dab Studios to reach an even higher level of excellence.

“Smack Dab Studios brings the branding expertise,” he said. “Their ability to create stellar marketing materials and to design innovative Web sites, combined with our custom Web application experience, will make the company even stronger. By any measure, the benefit for clients will be tremendous.”

Headquartered at 216 W. Broughton Street in downtown Savannah, Smack Dab Studios is one of the region’s largest full-service Web development and graphic design studios. The trend-setting, service-oriented design firm creates logos, brochures and Web applications for a wide range of clients including Savannah Quarters, Hunter Maclean, the Georgia Historical Society and S.L. Watson Construction. The company has won a prestigious Webby Award, the leading international honor for Web site design, and creates a team-oriented work environment that focuses on creating the ultimate designs for clients.

With the acquisition of Color Maria, Smack Dab Studios now employs 10 Web developers, designers, project managers and support staff.

“This strategic acquisition will enable Smack Dab Studios to grow and to deliver even better service, design and products for our clients,” said Meurer. “We’re incredibly excited about the future.”

Hannah Meurer

Excerpt from article…

In addition to her Savannah office, which opened last January, Meurer also operates an Atlanta division of Smack Dab Studios, the original location for her Web design and development firm. She graduated from the University of Maryland with a degree in liberal arts and achieved a graphic arts degree from the Art Institute of Atlanta.

While in Atlanta, Meurer was employed on the technology side of the business as a CIO for several different firms - all before the advent of the Internet. She then worked as a partner for What’s Up Interactive with such clients as Snapper, FOX TV, Tropicana, UPS and Coca-Cola, before launching Smack Dab Studios.

Meurer’s full service agency is associated with numerous clients including the Southern Georgia Symphony, Hunter Maclean Exley & Dunn, The National Peanut Board, Verity Association, Blooming Cookies, Centivia, a software developer, and Palmetto Realty on St. Simons Island, Ga.

“The clients I work with have a minimum of three needs, such as a logo, brochure or Web site. We establish a brand and take it to the next level, but our association is long-term - at least 10 years or more,” she said.

Meurer’s staff of seven is enmeshed in every aspect of a client’s needs. “We learn the business, support them on all creative endeavors and even do sales presentations.”

Smack Dab Studios is currently located on Maupas Avenue and is planning a move in the future to a space on Broughton Street.

As for the future of creative design? “It’s all technology-driven,” she noted, “and technology will dictate the next trend.”

Savannah Business Report & Journal
August 21, 2006
Mary Beth Spence

Atlanta is too busy and too crowded, according to 15-year resident Hannah Meurer. Meurer is the owner and chief creative officer of Smack Dab Studios, which specializes in a variety of print and Web design work such as logo creation, Web site development and direct mail campaigns.

Although business was good for the Atlanta-based graphic design company she started in 2003, she wanted more than just a steady income. “I want to be involved in a smaller community,” Meurer said. Meurer liked the idea of a more personable environment, where she gets to meet with her clients face-to-face rather than just communicate by phone or through e-mail. She said Savannah provides that type of environment.

In October she rented an apartment to confirm the viability of operating here. She thought there might not be enough work to sustain her, but Chris Miller, executive director of the Creative Coast Initiative, convinced her otherwise. Miller introduced her to many of the other designers in the area. Meeting with her cohorts dispelled any fears Meurer had of a cutthroat environment, or of the market becoming saturated with businesses such as hers.

“Everyone is very amenable to working together,” Meurer said. Cari Clark, the owner of 2-year-old graphic design firm Clark Creative, agreed. Clark said her company’s three employees currently serve about 150 regional, national and international clients, but wasn’t worried about any of those clients being siphoned off. The growing number of knowledge-based businesses in Savannah is a positive thing.

“We all compliment each other,” Clark said, adding that the increased talent pool adds to the company’s own creative options. “Plus, the more creative businesses, the more we retain students that are learning design,” Clark said. “It becomes a little more competitive, but in a healthy way.”

Smack Dab will initially operate out of Meurer’s house in Baldwin Park, but the company will soon occupy an office. Along with Meurer, Smack Dab’s illustrator, Joshua Hood, has relocated to Savannah and the company’s lead developer, Jeff Huelsbeck will be joining them in a couple of months. So far the move looks promising.

Smack Dab isn’t officially open until Monday and the company has already landed four Savannah clients. The firm’s first local contract was with the Farmer’s Almanac TV, designing direct mail, media kits and business cards for the series’ creators. Smack Dab continues to operate in Atlanta. Meurer plans to hire a manager for that location so she can focus most of her attention on Savannah. She also plans to hire additional Savannah employees to help with the 45 to 50 clients Smack Dab has between the two locations.

Meurer said she doesn’t miss Atlanta. She enjoys the perks of living in a smaller community. “I know my mailman,” Meurer said. “For a city girl, that’s awesome.”

Savannah Morning News
January 6, 2006
Eric Curl
912.652.0362 l eric.curl@savannahnow.com