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For the third year running, Matrix Partners has received an American Graphic Design Award! This year, our innovative
package design for Sustainably Yours^TM Natural Cat Litter took home the honor.

The annual Graphic Design USA (GDUSA) awards celebrate attractive graphics and the ability to establish an emotional connection with consumers through visuals. GDUSA believes that package design and other visuals are what help buyers make that final purchase decision.

The Sustainably Yours^TM design reflects the simple ingredients and highlights the green mission behind this new brand. Our design features a sleek white backdrop accented by pops of color and foliage. It also has a convenient window so consumers can see the clean, white litter and quality texture prior to purchase. The litter itself contains only two simple, renewable and sustainable ingredients – corn and cassava – which are absorbent, natural and stop odor on contact. Plus, the eco-friendly brand supports The Rainforest Trust and donates a portion of every purchase to the organization’s efforts to protect and sustain threatened rainforests.

In addition to designing all of Sustainably Yours’ packaging and marketing materials, Matrix Partners will assist in the brand’s overall strategy and launch.

This honor is the latest in a group of design awards, thanks to the creative vision of the Matrix design team. The success of the Sustainably Yours^TM packaging is due to Natalie Murawski, our Graphic Designer and creative powerhouse. Natalie also had a hand in other award-winning designs for Caru^Ⓡ Pet Food, Freshworx Litter^TM and Replenish^Ⓡ Pet Food. We want to give a huge congrats to her on her amazing work!

To find out what Matrix can do to make your brand shine, please email hello@matrix1.com.

Sweater weather.
Pumpkin spice lattes.
Bonfires and smores.

Sure, you may love indulging in all fall has to offer, but don’t forget about sharing the season with your best friend!

Fall is the perfect time to enjoy all the things outdoors, so check out these local dog-friendly pumpkin patches. Or, if an 80’s party is totally your jam, dress up your best friend and check out Mutt Strut in Southport Corridor on October 20^th. This is a fun-filled 1.5 mile walk and block party, and the best part, ALL proceeds benefit Chicago Canine Rescue.

If you and your doggo prefer to enjoy the fall cozied up next to your fire watching Stranger Things on Netflix, we also have some great ways to bring the spirit of fall indoors!

Fresh Baked Treats: If you are up for creating some homemade goodness for your best friend, BarkPost has 13 yummy fall-inspired treats you can bake right at home.

Simple Shepherd’s Pie: Warm up your pup by making a delicious shepherd’s pie for Fido! This creation, inspired by Caru Pet Food, is simply delicious, and doesn’t take hours in the kitchen to make.

Grande PSL, Please: Who said Pumpkin Spice Lattes were only for YOU? Now you and your pup can enjoy the taste of the season with Honest Kitchen’s Instant Pumpkin Spice Latte powder. This PSL is packed with goat’s milk, pumpkin and a hint of cinnamon.

And, don’t forget these PSL toys are for the most basic doggos.

Trick or Treat: Let your dog in on the Halloween fun with limited edition treats from Bocce’s Bakery. All of Bocce’s treats are made in the USA, baked in small batches and only have 4 ingredients! Try the Ghost Grub, Monster Munch or Pumpkin Cheesecake.

Dress to Impress: Make sure your dog and kitty are the most stylish pets on the block with adorable bows from Third Coast Canine. Available in a delicate black stripe or bold orange gingham, all eyes will be on your pet this season.

Cheese Tray, Anyone?: For the dog and cat with an acquired taste, treat them to Answers Rewards Goat cheese treats. These delicious treats offer a healthy twist: anti-inflammatory help for arthritis, morning stiffness, and joint swelling – especially nice benefits with the start of cooler weather.

Let’s say you’ve decided to build a house. You could start by casually putting some lumber and shingles together on a rugged plot of land in favor of focusing all your attention on wall decorations and furnishings. Without a solid foundation, how long will this magnificent creation stay in place? A week? A month? A year? Though the amount of time may be unknown, the outcome is inevitable.

Of course, you’re looking for an agency that’s better than good. You want a marketing partner that’s innovative. Amazing. There for you and your brand. At Matrix Partners, we know what it takes to be all of those things and more for our clients. After all, you don’t thrive in the marketing world for three decades on “good.” If you find yourself wondering whether you’re talking to the right pet marketing agency, here are some positive signs.

1. Positioning, Positioning, Positioning. The vast majority of players in the pet product and service space don’t have unlimited cash – they need to spend what they have on what will work. At Matrix, strategic up-front thinking is built into our DNA. Before we shift into creative mode, we always start by gaining a thorough understanding of your product’s competitive advantages as well as your business objectives. Then we come up with a fresh, compelling and relevant way to optimally position your brand.

2. Connecting with Pet Parents. All great and soon-to-be great pet brands have one thing in common: they establish a strong positive relationship with pet owners. That’s why we spend so much time getting inside their heads. Over the past five years, we’ve conducted over 100 focus groups and interviews with thousands of pet-owning consumers, from Boomers to Millennials and beyond. And thanks to our hardworking social networking team, we’re tuned in to their hopes and concerns every day.

3. Staying on Top of Trends. A great pet marketing agency will notify clients of what’s new and what’s next in the FDM and specialty food store aisles. That’s where many of the freshest pet product ideas are hatched. At Matrix, we keep a close eye on new developments in human food, treats, supplements, beverages and grooming. We also monitor what’s trending in retail merchandising displays and share these discoveries with our marketing partners.

4. Understanding Pet Nutrition. Why waste time educating your agency about bioavailability, why feline hydration is so important, or the benefits of a low glycemic diet for canine health? At Matrix, we already get it, so we can focus our attention on launching or revitalizing your brand. Because we routinely attend pet industry nutritional seminars. We stay up to date on changing regulatory issues that could impact how your products are labeled and promoted. And we understand the food formulating and processing supply chain, having served and supported several human, companion animal and livestock ingredient providers.

5. Demonstrating Media Savviness. When you’re interviewing pet marketing agencies, find out if their public relations managers are on a first-name basis with editors and reporters at the leading trade industry publications. Ask them how frequently their social media team interfaces with prominent pet influencers and bloggers every week. Have them explain how they go about placing both traditional and digital ads. Also investigate whether they’re capable of scaling up with you to manage consumer print, broadcast and social campaigns. Needless to say, Matrix Partners passes all these mission-critical tests and more.

6. Being Passionate about Pets.^SM To promote branded pet products to people with empathy and energy, you need an agency that celebrates pets. Our staff actively supports a number of animal rescues and charities. [hotlink to Giving Back page on site] Plus, every Matrix member is or has been a passionate pet parent. We understand your target demographic because we ARE your target demographic.

In closing, we hope these six criteria help you separate the greatest pet marketing agencies from all the rest. Have more questions? Contact Matrix Partners at hello@matrix1.com.

Within the Matrix Partners office, word of mouth is more powerful than paid advertising. We’re all lifelong pet lovers, so when a coworker asks for product recommendations, someone on the team is ready to step up with suggestions. Food for sensitive tummies, safe harnesses for pulling pups, paw boots for harsh Chicago winters – if we don’t have a solution on our client roster, we have one on our personal favorites list.