Orca’s Year in Review – 2014 Edition
How do we sum up 2014 here at Orca? Let’s put it this way….our annual list of top hits had to be edited last-minute due to four new phenomenal national features just this week . It honestly does not stop around here!
And this list, as impressive as it is, only tells a small part of the story. There are dozens upon dozens of features in regional outlets – entertaining TV segments on network affiliates, glossy spreads in regional magazines, interviews on syndicated radio programs and countless online media hits.
We are very appreciative to have had the opportunity to partner with and publicize so many innovative products, businesses and entrepreneurs this year.
As one year closes and another begins, we’re taking a look back at the most exciting press coverage our publicists secured for clients in 2014. It was quite a year! We couldn’t be happier for all of our wonderful clients that basked in the national spotlight!
From the entire team at Orca Communications, cheers to a prosperous 2015!
Top Features 2014
O, The Oprah Magazine featured the Pajogger by FootedPajamas.com on Gayle King’s “Live Your Best Life” page in the January 2014 issue!
The Today Show is on the wish list of so many of our clients. We’re thrilled to have helped make the wishes of Spicy Subscriptions, TwoAlity Boots, Keyport Slide, AllerMates, BeachBUB, The Beach Glass, My Cabana Boy, Grill Grates and Picture Bungalows a reality this year!
You can find inspiration for holiday entertaining in People Magazine’s special issue with beloved Hollywood actor Michael J. Fox on the cover. We are so proud that Orca client, Kim “Daisy” Nelson, is also spotlighted in People’s holiday entertaining issue for her divine Chocolate Pound Cake recipe and new cookbook. Congratulations Kim on making it into one of the most read magazines in the United States with 43 million readers!
Orca client Hood To Go was showcased in April on the hit show The View (see the segment by clicking on “Style Innovations”)! The segment was all about fashion innovations and this stylish, portable rain hood is just that. Plus, audience members each received their own Hood To Go.
No monkeying around –we landed outstanding coverage on Real Simple Online for our client, Monkey Mat! Real Simple named
the innovative mat one of the “6 Clever Items to Simplify Your Life” within the “Family & Work” section – Check out the awesome write-up!
The New York Times featured two Orca clients in 2014 – TaskOne and Sink Station.
‘Tis the season for colds and flu, so keep your dirty smartphone clean with PhoneSoap! This morning on “Wake Up With Al” on The Weather Channel Al Roker featured PhoneSoap, and he shared with viewers why you need to get your hands on one before you get sick. Check it out here: .
Congratulations to DUALTOOLS and Aquasana, which were announced as earning spots in the very prestigious “2014 Top 100 list” in This Old House Magazine. The fourth annual list, found in the November/December issue of This Old House, celebrates the 100 best new home products of the year.
US Weekly Magazine, featured Orca client Armpocket as the ideal workout partner.
Wall Street Journal is one of the nation’s largest and most respected publications. Two Orca clients enjoyed features in its pages this year. Neogenis’ BeetElite and Healthy Surprise!
House Beautiful Magazine featured Okidokeys in the December 2014 issue in this special on Dream Technology for the Home.
Pregnancy & Newborn Magazine, the monthly go-to guide for nearly 900,000 expectant and new moms, featured fabulous Orca clients in their January, February, April, June, August, October and December issues. Lisa Leonard Designs enjoyed two features in Pregnancy & Newborn Magazine this year and Candy Cakes, Lullaby Paints, Dressed to Deliver, Monkeez Make a Difference, Pocket Poppet, Aquasana and Trophy Skin also enjoyed the spotlight on their pages in 2014 as well.
CES is an über competitive place for technology companies vying for media attention. We were able to secure a slew of coverage for a paper airplane at CES. Yup, you read that right! PowerUp 3.0 enjoyed a great deal of attention,including from Yahoo and NBC News.
Self.com included Artifact Uprising in a roundup of holiday cards that everyone will love!
When The Chicago Tribune ran a feature on Pocket Poppet, we were thrilled. When that story was syndicated in dozens of newspapers throughout the country, including The Atlanta Journal Constitution, Newsday and Star-Ledger, we referred to the piece as the gift that kept on giving. The print publications that picked up the story totaled nearly 2.4 million in circulation!
Woman’s World Magazine showcased Orca clients throughout the year including Oola!, Walhub, Henry’s Humdingers, Cup-Pilot, Vintage TRADITION, Glide Bikes, Avery & Ethan, Lip Monthly and KeySmart – to name a few!
Forbes.com featured Genius Pack in its holiday gift guide for travelers. The writer says Genius Pack’s High Altitude Flight Bag is “a simple but brilliant concept.” Congratulations Genius Pack!
Tattoo Golf scores! The Senior Editor of Sports Illustrated Magazine’s Golf.com says Tattoo Golf has “ridiculously cool stuff” and if you have a golfer on your holiday shopping list you should check them out!
The Orca team landed another BIG feature on CNN, CNN.com and CNN Airport Network! TaskLab makes iPhone cases that work as hard as you do according to the world’s most extensive syndicated news service.
Saveur the wildly popular magazine for foodies has featured Orca client SinkStation in the “SAVEUR Selects” section of the April issue.
On National DNA Day the president and CEO of Family Tree DNA celebrated with an interview by Kevin Price of Bloomberg Radio. Bennett discussed with Bloomberg’s host how DNA has revolutionized genealogical research.
Sirius Satellite Radio is home to more than 49 Million listeners! Some of those listeners tuned into “Doctor Radio” to hear Dr. Michael Mittelman of Family Tree DNA discuss the clinical aspects of genealogical DNA testing during a 20 minute interview!
Make sure to check out this year’s Mother’s Day gift selections from Scholastic Parent & Child Magazine which featured Lisa Leonard Designs!
Pick up the March issue of Every Day With Rachel Ray Magazine to page 38 to see Tiny Hands Scented Jewelry’s new handmade pieces. Get a maple syrup waffle scented necklace just like the one Amy Poehler wore on the hit show Parks & Recreation or how about a scented cinnamon roll necklace and there’s even a fried egg necklace, which thankfully smells more like bacon!
The Beach Glass was featured Friday on Univision Network’s daily morning show “Despierta America” which is seen nationwide! Check out this fun segment right on the beach in Florida, which focused on ways to stay cool this Labor Day.
Center your life around what really makes you happy. Jessica DiPaola, Founder of silhouPETte is featured in the September issue of The Costco Connection within the “Member Connection” section. She shares the inspiration behind the launch of silhouPETte as well as a sneak-peak into the company, its products, and the charitable aspect of each and every sale.
What are MSN Canada’s favorite things? Orca clients of course! Aermate was featured in this column in February and YogaSmoga and Viatek’s Smart Touch Wine Opener were included in its list of Favorite Things for September.
The Tooth Fairy is putting something special under pillows: Tiny Tooth Fairy Cards from Leafcutter Designs! Readers of Parents Magazine will find out about the brilliant creations (complete with glitter and mini magnifying glass) in the February issue!
iPhone Life Magazine the world’s largest magazine focused exclusively on iOS, iPhone and iPad — posted this review of the Okidokeys lock system on September 13. The reporter states, “I was able to try this device and I loved how easy it was to use.”
The editors at House & Home Magazine encourage us to ‘liven up the little spaces’ with Orca client, ‘lil Fairy Door! The whimsical ‘lil Fairy Door was featured in the September 2014 issue of House & Home Magazine!
SheKnows.com, the award-winning women’s lifestyle website representing a network of more than 43 million UVPM, knows a good story when they see one. Check out the latest national online score for client Nightlight Christian Adoptions, which is the focus of the fantastic article below titled, “How Embryo Adoption Created a Family.” Congratulations NCA!!!!
The June issue of the prestigious national magazine Better Homes and Gardens features Modern Sprout Planters on the “Garden/Know-How” page.
CNBC.com is one of the most recognized and respected global news leaders. Congratulations to Orca client Genius Pack on being featured in a Road Warrior article showcasing the High Altitude Flight Bag.
Golf Media Network’s “The A Position” Magazine posted this review of the Koreball, with the reporter stating that it is, “one of the very best pieces of exercise equipment suitable for the home, office, on a business trip, camping or on vacation.”
Bad day gone good with Coffee Blocks in the mix! ESPN.com’s X Games editor featured the client on the slide for Energy & Hydration in a gear presentation for staying in the game during the “Xgames.”
Orca client Kippah Kantor, the Jewish version of Elf on the Shelf, is featured on the “Cool Stuff” page in the November issue of City Parent Magazine, Canada’s largest regional parenting publication
Features in In-flight magazines literally and figuratively take flight with millions of travelers each month picking up the publication to read during their travels. We were pleased to find placement for Pocket Poppet Cardigan on the Go, TwoAlity Boots, Frogglez Goggles and Bloxsun sun scarves in the pages of US Airways Magazine this year!
Home Talk USA is broadcast on more than 150 radio markets in the US and another 47 countries globally. We were thrilled to book three Orca clients on the show this year! Vitake’s Lou Lentine discussed the Night Start Landscape Lights, Brad Barrett was interviewed about his GrillGrate and Aermate founders Michael Roach and Bob Connors appeared on segments as well.
Having your story told by one of the country’s biggest news organizations is a dream come true. Congratulations Nightlight Christian Adoptions on a sensational interview scored with CBSNews.com which beautifully explains the Snowflakes Program!
At Orca we love making client’s dreams come true. A score in the November issue of Good Housekeeping Magazine is definitely a dream come true for Orca client, Sinkstation. The product is prominently displayed on 1/3rd of the “That’s Genius” page. Congrats on ANOTHER wonderful, national feature Sinkstation.
StemCyte customer & toddler Bailey Coates is the topic of a lead health story on FoxNews.com today about cord blood banking. Through infusions of her own cord blood, which Bailey’s parents banked privately with StemCyte, she was healed of the damage of Perinatal Stroke. Read her remarkable story here:
Arthur Frommer’s Budget Travel the most respected name in travel, included Luxi in this roundup of last-minute stocking stuffers.
Korner’d from Endless Games was picked as one of the top 15 games for kids and parents by Disney’s FamilyFun Magazine!
Walhub is the “product to buy” when it comes to keeping spaces clear of clutter. Featured in the Fall/Winter 2014 issue of the national publication, Better Homes and Gardens Storage Magazine. With an easy DIY function, Walhub keeps all the daily essentials in one place so they don’t get lost.
When infertility is a reality for so many individuals and couples, there is a solution. Featured on FOX News Online, the Nightlight Adoptions’ Snowflakes Program is that beacon of light.
Jenny Hutt from Sirius XM 106’s “Just Jenny” featured Dave Asprey on her Weight Wednesday segment today for a fascinating 11.5-minute interview.
Clean Cubes made the round-up of the must-have gadgets and gear in the January/February Tailgater Monthly Magazine! Clean Cubes are perfect for your next tailgate…. you can throw the whole thing away after your party.
The iconic ‘wrap dress’ turns 40 so FOX News Magazine interviewed celebrity stylists for tips to make the dress work for every woman’s body. Orca client Laurie Graham weighs in on how the wrap dress works for both petite and tall women!
The Grammys, SAG Awards and Golden Globes – The Hollywood awards season is in high gear! The editors of Monsters & Critics says now you can strut your stuff like a star on the red carpet by staying IN your shoes…with Sticky Shoes!
One of Canada’s most popular national newspapers the Globe & Mail has featured glowing reviews of both Drain-FX and ECHOage. Both companies were chosen as several of this year’s “Top 10 Eco Friendly Businesses to Watch” in Canada. Congrats Drain-FX on another national feature!!!
“Rachael Ray Show” featured the entire Vintage Marquee Lights alphabet collection in two days of Rachael’s Thanksgiving A to Z!
Popular national tech magazine Oracle, the official magazine of the Oracle Technology Network, included speeCup in its Mash Up section (News, Views, Trends, Tools) in the January/February 2014 issue.
Every year Huffington Post provides readers with a crash-course guide on the best and weirdest Valentine’s Day gifts. This year Orca is proud to have DuneCraft Message Beans included in the Valentine’s Day Gift Guide Huffington Post Hall of Fame.
ELLE Canada is hooked on Bulletproof Coffee! The very popular national Canadian magazine featured Bulletproof Coffee, complete with the recipe for a fully-charged cup of joe, in their ELLE Body pages of the March 2014 issue, on newsstands now!
Popular tech website The Next Web reviewed the Luxi light meter on February 13. The reporter says, “If you want to take your photography up a notch without spending big bucks, the $29.95 Luxi attachment for your iPhone can help.”
Regional television station, WCCO-TV, showcased Nightlight Christian Embryo Adoptions. Why does a regional television piece get featured on a top hits of the year list? Because the segment was syndicated on Yahoo! Sports and Yahoo.com! We love it when one Orca media feature leads to multiple media features!
Bulletproof Coffee has been dubbed the new power breakfast in Men’s Journal Magazine .
Say goodbye to dull pencils and hello to the ScoreBand. Sports Illustrated Golf+ Digital Magazine featured the ScoreBand in the January 29, 2014 issue in “A Few of Our Favorite Things” section.
The Spring 2014 issue of the national Magazine Baby Couture hit newsstands today and is packed with Orca clients! Congrats to Cake Lingerie p. 57, Monkey Mat p. 58, Lisa Leonard Designs p. 61, Wee Urban p. 67, Monkeez Makes A Difference p. 69 & p. 77, Daddy n Company p. 70, Loopy Gear p. 73, and Snowtime, Anytime p. 76
The editor at RetailMeNot.com LOVED Tiggly Shapes & Apps so much, she plans to feature again tomorrow in a taped segment on CNBC.com.
A sensational feature on the front page of ABC News.com’s health section highlights Nightlight Christian Adoptions was fabulous enough on its own! When the story was picked up by Yahoo.com, CBN- the Christian Broadcasting Network and World News Network, we were thrilled!
What’s the coolest little pocket tool to carry around in your purse, wallet or gym bag? According to Experience Life Magazine– one of the top health/lifestyle magazines in the world – it’s the Pocket Monkey, which was featured in the January 2014 issue under “Problem Solvers.”
An Orca client makes the front page of a national home décor website: HGTV.com! Congrats to Pegeen founder Marg Hyland whose gorgeous home is profiled today in the “Cool Houses Daily” section of HGTV Front Door.
Believe it or not what you you eat plays an important role in the overall health of your teeth. Eating your way to a healthy smile has never tasted so good thanks to Dr. Matthew Steinberg’s ultimate cheat sheet of the best and worst foods for your teeth. Dr. Steinberg’s interview and tips are showcased in an article titled, “14 Best and Worst Foods For Your Teeth” featured in The Huffington Post.
You might not want to tell your Eye Doctor some of the things that you do or to your eyes. You’re caught because she already knows! VisionSource Optometrist, Dr. Emily Thomas writes a fabulous blog post on the national site, LiveStrong.com on “3 Things Your Eye Doctor Wishes You Didn’t Do.” Don’t worry, we’re all guilty. Enjoy!
Get your summer beauty on with Sofi & Liv! Featured in the popular “Beauty Section” of the international publication, Fashion Affair Magazine within its June 2014 issue. Sofi & Liv is the all-natural and cruelty-free skincare product line that safe and gentle for baby and sophisticated for Mom. Follow the link for coverage on page 158.
TaskOne G3 Pro is a must-have to take on your next picnic… that’s according to USA Today Weekend! The multi-purpose iPhone case made the top ten picnic accessory list.
Oola can be found in the January issue of Girls’ Life Magazine within the crazy popular “Giveaway” section.
The web’s ultimate source for what’s hot People.com featured Vintage Marquee Lights in a story today about Saturday Night Live comedian’s Cecily Strong’s apartment makeover.
It’s not every day when a member of the media refers to the president and CEO of a company as “legendary,” but that’s exactly what happened today when Sirius Satellite radio host Maggie Linton signed off from her 20 minute interview with Bennett Greenspan of FamilyTree DNA! Sirius XM Radio in home to more than 300 channels heard in cars, offices and homes across the nation!
Forbes.com included GrillGrate in this Father’s Day Gift Guide titled, “BBQ Season: Best Father’s Day Grilling Gifts.” The reporter said GrillGrates provide the “easiest upgrade” to your existing old-school BBQ grill.
Military.com — the #1 online military destination and the #1 male composition community on the web — featured the Grab It Mount by Viatek in its Gadget Section, “Under the Radar.”
40 years ago, there was exactly one way for humans to reproduce. Cutting edge science and technology has now given couples struggling with infertility several miraculous options to choose from. The bump.com has written a wonderful article that explains the unique option of adopting embryos.
For so many couples in the United States the dream of growing their families can never be a reality due to insurmountable infertility challenges. The Christian Broadcasting Network and the 700 Club investigated Nightlight’s Snowflake Embryo Adoption Program in order to provide additional awareness of this miracle opportunity that has presented itself to countless families throughout the country
Peeling and washing fresh produce can be a hassle, but Sinkstation’s flat colanders make the process super simple! The editors of All You Magazine dedicated almost a 3rd of a page to rave about the nifty device on page 91 of the current issue.
We helped Bulletproof Coffee become the the featured coffee beverage back stage on this season of Dancing With The Stars.
Tragic recent deaths of little babies dying from heatstroke after being left in hot vehicles, has prompted discussion on how these accidents happen and prevention. This week in Atlanta, a 22-month old boy died after being left in his car seat. Police are now investigating but CNN Anderson Cooper 360 correspondent Gary Tuchman is helping parents and caregivers find solutions in a special report. Included in his coverage is information about Baby Alert International’s ChildMinder SoftClip.
The digital revolution continues according to Allure Magazine which featured the newest in kegel exercisers, the kGoal on July 3.
The Internet isn’t Vegas. What’s posted there doesn’t stay there! Kids need to learn what they should and shouldn’t post online so it doesn’t haunt them in real life, so says an editor of Parenting.com. The super smart and do-able tips on Internet etiquette were provided by Kids Email!
10Best.com, a division of USA Today included Rocktape and Rock Sauce in this article “10Best Gifts for Men Who Travel.” The reporter states, “Sore muscles or joints shouldn’t keep him from reaching the top of that mountain.”
Joy of Kosher Magazine the national magazine for Kosher cooking and living, featured two Orca clients this year. Aermate wine aerator were included in a wine gadgets feature in the Spring 2014 issue GrillGrates were in the Gifts and Gadgets section of the Summer 2014 issue.
Food Huggers may change your life! That’s according to FoxNews.com! Food Huggers will help save the planet one plastic baggie at a time and keep your fruits, veggies and open jars longer in your refrigerator. Check out the top four list here:
The fashion bible has spoken! According to VOGUE.com Adea is a must-have for styling the perfect laying pieces this fall! Check out slide 5 for this amazing Adea feature!
Oxygen Magazine just released the 2014 Holiday Gift Guide. Orca client Suntegrity Skincare earns a spot in the ‘Gear of the Year’ feature. One tester said Suntegrity’s Self Tanner is so hydrating, it is more like a great moisturizer – the added tan was just a great perk!
She’s called the Queen of Cakes for a reason! Kim Nelson from Daisy Cakes recently released her first cookbook and now she’s sharing her decadent recipes with viewers across the country. Today, Kim whipped up her mouth-watering Miss Daisy’s Chocolate Pie recipe on the national lifestyle program The Better Show. She also gave viewers all kinds of great tips on ways to save time in the kitchen this holiday season and how to ice a cake.
National powerhouse New You Magazine featured Orca client Armpocket in the 2014 Holiday Gift Guide.
The Fox Network announced its 2014 Holiday Gift Guide on Fox Dallas last night … and congrats to Beardski, which was included in the “They definitely don’t have this” segment.
Green Child Magazine, which connects natural parents with eco-friendly and health conscious companies, featured Primal Pit Paste and Beach Frames, LLC in its Summer 2014 issue in the Eco Fab section.
He may only pick a handful of weird gifts, and luckily Festified made the cut in this year’s “Christmas Gifts for Weird People: The Official 2014 Guide” in the Huffington Post! Check out Festified’s Lighted Fireplace Sweater in the annual guide here.
Orca sure knows how to end a year right with a fantastic feature on The Doctors daytime talk show! In the segment, Family Tree DNA unraveled a mystery to see if two women were switched at birth decades ago. AOL.com with it 52 million visitors per month re-ran the clip from the episode too!
Simple Shapes Wallpaper and Vintage Marquee Lights lit up the pages of the winter issue of Better Homes & Gardens Kitchen + Bath Ideas Magazine, the magazine that inspires home makeovers nationwide!
Delicious Living Magazine with its 405,000 national subscribers has voted the Ronco Food Dehydrator as one of this year’s best people pleasers! Congratulations Ronco on making it into the December issue of this prestigious magazine for foodies.
Teens and tweens turn to M Magazine for the hottest fashion news, celeb gossip, and to win fun stuff! DuneCraft is featured in the Oct/Nov issue and they are giving away five magical Fairy Triad sets.
Men’s Journal featured the BBQ Dragon as one of the “50 Great Last-Minute Gift Ideas (From $10 to $1,000)”
Travel authority Mapquest tested four of the newest travel pillows on the market, including NapAnywhere, on December 19.
Huffington Post Okidokeys is included in this roundup, “Three Ways to Replace That Old Hide-A-Key,” which posted on December 15.
TechCrunch’s 18.5 Million readers learned all about the new smart shower coming to market called EVA: The Smart Shower. Readers are sure to get a kick out of this new innovation that hopes to conserve water in your home and up the ante on your shower experience overall!
Blogher.com posted its 2014 “What-Were-They-Thinking,” roundup and included Gooey Louie and Doggy Doo from Goliath Games
Orca client Festified’s Meoowwwy Christmas Sweater was featured on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon on Day 9 of the “Twelve Days of Christmas Sweaters,” segments.