BURLEY SITE LAUNCH

The NEW Burley website launched today! Burley designs, manufactures and sells bike trailers, joggers, strollers and accessories. As a leader in child and cargo bicycle trailer design for nearly 30 years, earning a strong reputation for high quality, superior design, safety and trailer strength, Burley needed a strong web presence to communicate their powerful brand and align with offline marketing initiatives...enter Summit Projects and Voila...we're pretty excited about the result. The new site effectively engages customers via rich imagery and messaging that supports Outdoor Family Fun while presenting a consistent brand look, feel and voice that mirrors all other marketing collateral. Intuitive navigation, improved product visibility and technical information, an on-line dealer locator, on-line warranty registration and email sign-up are just a few of the many new features. A big thank you to everyone involved!

A dark cold December day in Hood River

AND THE WINNER IS...

JIM-BO!

FIRST ANNUAL SUMMIT BEARD GROWING CONTEST

BUCK PHOTO SHOOT

With our Creative Director running the show, the Buck Knives photo shoot went pretty smooth this week.

LEGO STAR WARS GOES LIVE

LEGO Star Wars: The Complete Saga is live!

SMARTWOOL SITE ENHANCEMENTS

SmartWool's quirky, energetic, fresh and fun brand always yields an enthused and entertained Summit design team. It’s been two years since we redesigned their site, however, we’ve been throwing in lots of extra love and attention lately to address some key visual and architectural elements on the homepage, key product pages and shopping cart to offer both a dramatically improved user experience as well as increased support for SmartWool’s ecommerce model.

FIELD TRIP TO THE ROSEY AWARDS

The Summit gang headed to Portland this week to attend Portland Advertising Federation's annual Rosey Awards, celebrating "world class" work in communication arts. Summit had a handful of entries up for awards...We went home smiling. Curious? Here's a recent press release highlighting our wins.

ROLLIN DOWN OAK STREET...FOR REAL?

This was sitting outside our office this morning. What is this doing in HR?! It is a McLaren F1. Yeah, it's the world's most expensive and powerful driving machine.

IT'S A BIRD... IT'S THE SUMMIT PLANE...

I came across this neat shot of Craig's Piper Malibu Jetprop this morning. It immediately won the pilot a few style points in my book despite his comment about looking a little "light in the loafers" in that floral print shirt.
This sparked my curiosity concerning the "best of" and "worst of" Craig's flights so I grabbed the Head Hauncho/Grand Master Pilot himself for the quick inside scoop.

Best Moments?
-Definitely the most memorable and rewarding flights so far have been the many trips for Angel Flight, an incredible organization that arranges free transportation for sick folks (mostly children) to and from various healthcare institutions.
Other highs:
-Flying Russ, Lance and a couple guys from local outdoor company Shockles to Salt Lake in August 2006. Beautiful day. Great photos. Down in the morning and back the same night.
- Picking up Amy's daughter in Nanaimo, BC in August 2006.
-Solo trip to APDF conference in Memphis, TN in September 2007. There was a lighting storm a safe distance away over western Kansas. Lightning was coming so rapidly it was like Machine Gun fire. Never seen anything like it!
-Solo trip to see Swiss Army Brands in Shelton, CT in summer 2003 (in the Piston Malibu that I had prior to this airplane). It was my first cross country trip.

Worst Moments?
Oh, boy!
-Last year in spring Amy and I were flying into Burbank for a meeting. There was mixed weather so we were flying an instrument approach with the Autopilot on. I was flying an ILS approach that uses ground-based equipment to present steady descending approach to the runway. As we intercepted the glide slope and the autopilot locked on, the plane began to climb rather rapidly instead of descend. It was a wiring issue after some new equipment had been installed. I disconnected the autopilot and hand flew the approach without incident. No big deal really.
- Perhaps it was the time that Amy, Eddie, Lucas and I were visiting Lucas Entertainment for the first time. We were vectored for the approach into Oakland at an altitude that was way too high (in the clouds again). We tried to dive down to the ILS glide slope but couldn't quite get there. Had to "go missed" as they say in the business when the approach isn't going well and you don't see the ground. We came around for another lap without incident...again, no big deal of course."

-Kate

Halloween Carving Competition 2007

The seeds were flying throughout the Summit floor on Halloween. Note: I think this movie was made by a first grader.

Psssst....

The chili back on our farm? The best gal-darn chili this side of China! Where do we get the ingredients? ...Let's just say that back on the farm we believe in survival of the fittest.

ba-BAM!

During a recent video shoot in Las Vegas, Tom and Abe took advantage of some down time to get down with the roulette wheel. Their creative minds made short work of the complicated grid of numbers, creating a true rags-to-riches Vegas story. After winning one quadzillion dollars, they quit their jobs at Summit and are now underground waiting to strike again. Time will only tell when these high rollers will rise again.

FLASH BOYS BACK FROM AN INSPIRING SAN FRANCISCO WEEKEND

The flash team headed south this weekend for Adobe's ActionScript 3.0 From the Ground Up Tour event, led by Internationally renowned flash expert Colin Moock:
Neal:
The tour is tagged “from the ground up” for good reason, Colin did an excellent job of explaining what kind of changes occur in the code and the player itself with the new AS3 code base. A good chunk of the presentation was review for me of techniques/syntax that I had read about/already used, but it’s always inspiring to see how Colin approaches the tools available to flash developers and in my opinion, he’s the best in the industry at explaining actionscript in detail in a way that a regular Joe could understand. At the end of the day I learned a few new tricks and I’m inspired to push myself to the next level, try out some new software (Flex) and I’m just excited and feel very lucky to be a part of this industry!
Dru:
Personally, it was most valuable for me to pick up some tips and tricks as opposed to learning “here’s how programming works.” Watching Colin code, and explain the reasons why he’s coding the way he’s coding, was definitely the best part and got many wheels in my head turning. We’re going to reconvene as a team and discuss a few possible changes to our standard techniques and workflow. Adobe is definitely pushing Flex, and one thing we’re going to do is all give the Flex Builder 3 beta a trial run as our ActionScript coding tool, which is what Colin was doing — it has never occurred to us that we could use it for that purpose without building a whole Flex project. So, this might be our entry ticket to the world of Flex. Aside from the abundance of ActionScript knowledge floating around the room, it was great to also talk with Lee Brimelow, whom Neal and I had met at Flash Forward in Seattle in 2006. He talked to us as a team for several minutes and, if nothing else, it was pretty sweet to be able to talk personally to an Adobe employee. Plus, I got a free book for knowing a Paula Abdul song. It was awesome. And then, Colin thereafter knew me as “Pedro.”
Lucas:
Watching an expert do what they do is always exciting. Watching Colin Moock, one of the most talented Flash Developers out there, do what he does, was fascinating. He’s a very good speaker and took a lot of time to explain the theory behind why he makes certain decisions while building a project which had the four of us questioning some of our practices. We learned a lot while being entertained and would recommend any Flash developer go see Colin Moock if they ever have the opportunity. You won’t be sorry, even if you have to get up at four in the morning to fly out to see him. Larry and I hung out in San Francisco through Sunday. Larry got a new hoody with a unicorn molesting a sad panda, we found bunches of unique stores and ate some of the best food I’ve had in a while. Quite the weekend!
Larry:
Colin Moock is a fantastic teacher. I especially found the second half of the conference very helpful and inspiring. Once he had gotten past the basics of object-oriented programming and started delving more into the changes that AS3 brings, the veil was lifted for me, so-to-speak, as several concepts that I had been struggling with became not only clear but down-right uplifting. I too am a believer now and am ready to join the AS3 ministry! I now feel empowered to begin experimenting with the expanded developing environments (Flex, Air) and to put myself on a pathway that will soon have me writing real, stand-alone applications in AS3.

Interview With The Intern- Part I

Victim #1: Jenn

Name:
Jenn

Age:
Ummmm, that's illegal.

Status:
Hitched to Mr. Chizzle Chest.

(TR) What is your title at Summit?
(JH) Email Marketing Manager.
(TR) When did you start working at Summit?
(JH) July, 2004.
(TR) Career Background?
(JH) I was a programmer at various Interactive agencies and startups for seven years, then decided I was done programming.
(TR) How'd you get your ticket into Summit Projects?
(JH) It was the only interactive company in Hood River.
(TR) Where's your home town?
(JH) Madras, Oregon! Yeeehaaa, go white buffalos! http://www.whitebuffalos.net/MHS/
(TR) What were you like in High School?
(JH) I was a varsity cheerleader for four years, and a two year captain. Football players broke my heart.
(TR) What do you do in your down time?
(JH) Ooohhh, so many things! I love snowboarding, road biking, riding horses, dirt biking, mountain biking, white water kayaking, hanging with chill bro John Hart.
(TR) Who is your partner in crime at the office?
(JH) Durds. Word.
(TR) Favorite movies?
(JH) Princess Bride, I mean, duh. Oh, and A Knights Tale with Heath Ledger......hotzzzzz.
(TR) Favorite Books?
(JH) Feast of Roses and 20th Wife by Indu Sundaresan.
(TR) What does an average day at Summit look like for you?
(JH) Every day is just so different and unique and that's why I love it.
(TR) Pets?
(JH) Reed/my princess/my child.
(TR) Most memorable project at Summit"
(JH) bBoing, a mobile to email application launched in 2007. http://www.bboing.com/

SURF MONKEY

Someone needs some action. The fidgeting and twitching is getting pretty bad. We won't name names but here's a shot of the victim. Medication? The afternoon off tomorrow to head up North and catch the swell for the weekend? It's a tough life. We hope it helps.

2007 WEB AWARDS- SUMMIT CLEANS UP.

WebAwards is the premier annual website award competition that names the best websites in a variety of industries while setting the standard of excellence for all website development. Put on by the Web Marketing Association, WebAwards recognize those responsible for creating today's most effective sites. We think we did pretty well this year:

Norwegian Cruise Line: Travel Standard of Excellence
Keen – Hybrid Life: Online Community Standard of Excellence

Nike Golf SUMO microsite: Outstanding Website (Note: Thanks to W+K and Nike Golf Image Design for their contributions)
Humane Society – Humane Index: Non-Profit Standard of Excellence
Dr. Martens: Outstanding Website
Camelbak Skull Candy: Outstanding Website
Keen: Outstanding Website
Tahoe Mountain Resorts: Real Estate Standard of Excellence

FRESH MEAT

We've managed to drag out of the water and rope in a new intern, Tory. With the birth of a new blog, there was no better time to throw a little fresh meat into the Summit fire. We'll soon be introducing "Interview with the Intern," a weekly interview series brought to you by one young and curious hipster, setting out to explore the fabulous (or disastrous) life of one not-so-young agency. Brace yourself for some dirt folks.

EPIC SUNDAY ADVENTURE

The days are getting shorter and wetter. So, we're doing our best to squeeze in as much biking as possible. Kate, Tom, April, Neal and Gary hit Falls Creek Falls trail in Washington's Gifford Pinchot National Forest with new buddies Jason and Justin from Instrument this morning. Three hours of silly muddy downhill and apparently only one elegant over-the-handlebar maneuver.

FIRST ANNUAL SUMMIT BEARD GROWING CONTEST

The rules: Starting November 1st any interested participant should come to work clean- shaven and announce their entry into the contest by writing their name on the list in Tom's office. No shaving can take place (aside from cleaning up around the neck) till Friday, November 30th.

On that date the remaining contestants, those who haven’t broken the rules, will then draw a random, fashionable, facial hair treatment that must be shaved into their beard. You’ll be expected to spend the next work day, Monday, December 3rd sporting this new look around the office. This could be a goatee, simple mustache, mutton-chops, etc. These styles will be supplied by the Summit women and must be carried out without argument or reservation.

Whoever carries this facial fashion the best will win a prize. Anyone who enters and shaves early will be responsible for a case of beer for the office. Who’s in?

DAVE'S FAMOUS IN LATVIA!

Our adrenaline junky recieved some pretty impressive press last week. If only we had a clue what the article said.

SPOTLIGHT

Fresh on the heels of being named one of Oregon's top 50 marketing agencies, The Portland Business Journal recognized Summit Projects as one of the state's 100 fastest growing private companies.

SUMMIT EMPLOYEES CHARGED IN PREMATURE BURN OF BURNING MAN

Hood River, Oregon (AP)* -- Jim Kimball and Rob McCready, of Hood River, Ore. were arrested Tuesday for allegedly torching Burning Man's giant effigy five days early. They won't admit to setting the icon on fire, but they effusively praised the action, and whoever did it, calling it a badly needed "reality check" for the desert art festival.

Kimball, 22, says Burning Man has turned into an "Alternative-Disney," while the early burn acted as a protest aimed at the event's increasing commercialization. McCready, 20, explained that he had been at Burning Man for years, explaining that he had tuned in and tuned out, “Ohhh, man. Where are we?”

Kimball and McCready both claim they were not directly responsible for the Tuesday morning blaze, for which they face charges of arson, possession of fireworks, ‘lifesavers’ and mainstream consumer Nike sneakers.

News Services spoke with the two self-proclaimed hackers by phone Thursday as they waited outside a hotel in Nevada.
News Services: So, the big question is, did you set the Man on fire?
McCready: Well, Jim had passed me the kind and I was busy checking out the sky, dude. I didn’t know the dubberoo had slipped between the wood man's toes!”
Kimball: I was, like, running man that day dude, not burning man.
News Services: You have been to Burning Man in 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, and 2006. What made you commit this crime this year?
McCready: It’s better to burn out than to fade away, man!
Kimball: This is my first year, I swear!
News Services: A cult following has supposedly risen from the left, on your behalf, to defend the consumerism you have denounced with the premature burning. Are you prepared to lead such an uprising?
McCready: Like, man, are you for real? Cults are cool.
Kimball: We're, like, revolutionaries.

*No Summit Projects employees were hurt in the making of this blatantly false news report

PRANA INSPIRATION

A pretty epic part of bringing prAna's new online presence to life took place today as many crowded around the Great Room to witness yoga practice (aka "I'll-be-fine-because-I've-got-a-solid-health-insurance-plan") at its worst.

WHAT IS DAVE SAYING?

An oldie but a goodie. It was circa 1982 (year of the moon boots baby!), Pietro's Pizza, Hood River, OR, and a proud moment for the wee hipster. Someone found the photo and triggered a free-for-all "what is Dave saying?" Who knew the old fart programmer had style?

OH, THE PERKS

What could possibly be more exciting than our newly launched OXY Nation site? That's right, the arrival of Garb, sweet Garb. There was a little Special Delivery package on our doorstep this morning. The perfect thank you, free blemish control bacteria fighting spot treatment, stylin' OXY beanies and more - oh, boy! And it's not even Christmas yet.

OXY NATION IS LIVE!

OXY Nation is live. Cultivating Oxy's position as a favorite among the teenage male demographic is no easy task. We knew we would have to challenge tradition and push the limits of online interactivity with this one. Mission accomplished.

“A PARTY IN YOUR MOUTH” EDDY’S FAMOUS CEVICHE RECIPE

Eddy finds his domestic side. He walked around the office with his newly famous Tupperware of mouth-watering-goodness today. He wants us all to experience that yes, design is not his only forte.

From the man himself:
"People here have requested my recipe for Ceviche since everybody seems to love it. It is a party in your mouth! Here it is… with pretty detailed instructions.”

Ingredients:
1 pound fresh baby scallops
1 cup fresh lime juice
1 cup diced avocado (1 normal avocado is about the right size)
1/2 cup minced red onion
1/2 cup finely chopped seeded tomato
1/4 cup cilantro
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 teaspoons minced jalapeno (he doesn’t use these, but you can if you like more spice)
1 teaspoon salt
A few dashes of cayenne
A few dashes of cumin

Preparation:
Cook scallops in boiling water until just opaque, around 3-4 minutes. Cut one open to make sure the middle is also white and not the clear fleshy raw color. Pat the seafood dry and place in a glass bowl. Cover with the 1 cup of lime juice, stir a bit, and let marinate in the refrigerator about 3 hours. Remove from fridge, take a small cup and scoop some of the lime juice out. We will use this later. Strain scallops from lime juice. Add the remaining ingredients to the seafood, gently stirring to mix. Add a few table spoons of the left over lime juice to taste. Refrigerate for 1 hour, and serve chilled in a tall martini or cocktail glass.

QUESTION OF THE DAY

Should there be a legal age limit for trampoliners (yeah, I made up the word, it’s cool)? Perhaps I should rephrase the question: Should a 30-year-old amateur male jumper with no prior experience be allowed to enter “the rink”?

Allow me to set the stage. Abe (sorry to divulge the name man, your secret’s already out) arrives at the Annual Summit Summer Party on Friday. It’s a classic Gorge afternoon at Craig’s backyard paradise hugging the Columbia River. Clients and fellow Summiteers, dirty from epic mountain bike/hike/kite board excursions, are enjoying food, drinks, conversation, etc. A few pulls off the old keg, a ray of light flashes on Craig's trampoline, a few more pulls.

Abe suddenly decides he's got something to contribute to the world. He bee-lines to “the rink”. He enters. Whoa. Let’s just say it’s an uneasy sight. When Head Honcho CEO Sabina (aka Flip-Master-Ex-World Class Mogul Skier Extraordinaire) is scared enough to jump in and play referee, things have headed south. We'll leave it at that. We love you Abe. Stick to the snowboarding. Winter is just around the corner.

BIRTH OF THE SUMMIT BLOG