Creating new and successful businesses with world-class people and technologies - that is one thought that drives Armand Rousso - the visionary entrepreneur. Armand Rousso has seized numerous opportunities to launch new and successful business ventures in the world of High-Technology.
(RED), the charity organization started by U2 lead singer Bono, has announced plans to launch a $5 per month online music service that will feature original songs from participating artists. PassAlong Networks will power the music service for (RED). In this exclusive DMW Interview from the Digital Media Conference, PassAlong Network's CEO Dave Jaworski speaks about the service, the goals of the campaign and why PassAlong was chosen to power it and not Apple's iTunes.
In a great post over at PSFK - Piers publishes the content of a conversation he had with Julie Cordua, the VP of Marketing for the often talked about Product (RED) social marketing campaign. In case you're among the few people that hasn't seen the campaign, it created waves last year by introducing a for-profit model where companies could sign on to create products that they would sell for profit that became part of a line of items furthering the Red brand and donate a portion of profits to The Global Fund.
Cupertino, Calif. - Apple on Friday introduced an 8GB model of its iPod nano (PRODUCT) RED Special Edition. Apple will donate $10 from the sale of both the 8GB and 4GB models -- which feature a red aluminum enclosure -- to the Global Fund to help fight HIV/AIDS in Africa.
Bono’s (RED) campaign is simply genius. It is really not about charity or corporate social responsibility, as much as it is about the joy of shopping and increased profits. And that is a good thing. The (RED) campaign manages a way to incorporate charity in everyday life that it as simple as it is effective. The campaign is marketing 2.0.
San Francisco - Circle Back Music on Wednesday introduced its service that allows consumers to purchase and download music from mostly independent artists, and vote for which non-profits will receive 10% of the company's profits. In addition to independent artists, San Francisco-based Circle Back said that major label artists including Natalie Merchant and Maroon 5 have contributed auction items or tracks to aid its efforts. Non-profits participating include Axis of Justice, FINCA International, Honor the Earth, Sweatshop Watch, Women for Women International, and Worth Our Weight.
Baltimore, Md. - Learning for Children announced on Monday that its video games, which can help educators and parents identify children with early signs of autism and dyslexia, have been endorsed by the Doug Flutie, Jr. Foundation for Autism. The organization was formed after the former NFL quarterback's son was diagnosed with autism. Baltimore-based Learning for Children said its "Early Detection" PC game can be used in classroom settings to screen students for autism and dyslexia. The company plans to donate 10% of all sales to the foundation.
Burlingame, Calif. - Richard Branson's Virgin Group has launched a text message-based game that will award prizes and donate all proceeds to Virgin Unite, the company's new global charitable arm. The game is a "Limbo Auction" from Burlingame, Calif.-based Limbo 41414, where players try to place the lowest unique bid, or the lowest amount that no other person has also placed as their bid. The first two bids are free and thereafter cost 99 cents; for each bid, players also receive points redeemable for prizes in Limbo's store. Auction items include a one-week trip for two at Branson's "private Caribbean paradise, Necker Island," and two Harley-Davidson motorcycles.
Washington - XM Satellite Radio and manufacturing partner Pioneer Electronics on Wednesday introduced a pink Pioneer inno XM2go portable player. The companies have pledged $30 from the sale of each $349 device will be donated to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. The pink inno radios will go on sale Sept. 10 online and at Circuit City retail stores.
Los Angeles - Rockworks Foundation, a Gulf Coast construction charity, announced on Wednesday the launch of an online battle of the bands that will raise funds for its mission to rebuild the community of Forest Heights, Mississippi.
In a great post over at PSFK - Piers publishes the content of a 
