Aova Technologies Inc. announces collaboration, expansion into China

Madison-based Aova Technologies Inc. and J&Y World Solutions LLC have announced the formation of AG Solutions, a joint venture to be based in China. AG Solutions will exclusively sell and distribute Aova’s patented “BIG” product line for animals. The BIG product line features livestock supplements that optimize the growth and health of birds, pigs, cattle and fish. The BIG additives may be able to provide relief to China’s animal feed shortage as growing demands in the meat industry continue to put a strain on the delicate balance of supply and demand.

China has the fastest growing economy of any nation and feeds everyday an estimated 1.3 billion citizens. In 2005, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations reported that 66 million tons of meat (beef, buffalo, mutton, goat, pig and poultry) were produced in China’s livestock sector alone and that this number is on the rise. Since China’s land cultivation is already at top production, farmers and producers are looking for other alternatives that will increase meat production efficiency. Aova’s BIG supplementations hope to provide a solution by maximizing the health of livestock, thus minimizing meat and energy lost to diseases and malnourishment. 

“We believe that Ag Solutions joint venture will deliver Aova’s existing technology to an ever expanding China market where food consumption will continue to expand rapidly and where use of our technology will provide an opportunity to enhance efficiencies in animal agriculture for their diverse customer base,” says Jesus Martinez, president and CEO of Aova Technologies.

Under the terms of the agreement, AG Solutions will be responsible for marketing and sales of Aova’s patented technology. Additional terms of the agreement include AG Solutions manufacturing Aova’s proprietary products.

Culvers rolls out spicy new campaign

Culver’s, the award-winning family restaurant franchise system famous for its signature ButterBurger, is rolling out a new advertising campaign around its new 3-pepper menu items.

The new campaign, the 3-Pepper Serenade, revolves around Culver’s guests’ unexpected experience of being serenaded by a mariachi band singing about the new 3-Pepper Chipotle ButterBurger and 3-Pepper Chipotle Chicken Sandwich as the guests enjoy these new menu offerings. Television and radio ads for the campaign are currently airing in 18 states.

In addition to the commercials, Culver’s guests will experience the campaign across multiple touchpoints, including the Culver’s website, a radio ad, coupons, e-mail and social media efforts via the company’s Facebook and Twitter presence.

“Our new campaign entices the senses of our guests by highlighting the bold, layered flavors of the new 3-Pepper Chipotle menu offerings,” says Culver’s Vice President of Marketing David Stidham. “In addition to featuring the tasty menu options, the campaign draws on the franchise’s family values and charm by putting our CEO and co-founder Craig Culver at the forefront of the story, further strengthening guests’ connection with our brand.”

Madison-based Hiebing provides brand strategy, interactive, public relations and social media management as well as broadcast and print advertising for Culver’s as its agency of record.

MOVERS

>> Katherine K. Florig has joined M&I Wealth Management, Hilldale office, as vice president and portfolio manager.

 >> The Greater Madison Convention & Visitors Bureau recently announced a staff change with the transition of Stephanie Cloutier-Sabo from public relations and communications manager to convention sales manager.

>> Jerry Kilcoyne has been elected as chairman of the board of directors for First Business Bank.

BUSINESS BRIEFS

VERONA: The Employer Group, a human resources and payroll outsourcing company, has received a Dane County Small Business Award for innovation, success and community involvement. Angela Heim, owner and president, purchased The Employer Group three years ago and has doubled the staff size to accommodate small businesses in 23 states where The Employer Group offers benefit packages and human resource services to businesses with 2 to 275 employees.  

MADISON: The Charlton Group, a Madison-based contact center company with offices in Monroe, Whitewater and Eau Claire, has been acquired by iPacesetters LLC, a global teleservices and BPO solutions company. As part of the acquisition, current Charlton clients will now have access to a broader capability set, including offshore capacity as appropriate.