Penn’s Northeast partners with Calex ISCS on national marketing campaign

PITTSTON — John Augustine, President/CEO of Penn’s Northeast, on Monday called it “creative, innovative and never tried before,” and if a new marketing campaign is successful, it could be viewed better than roadside billboards.

Only these billboards will be on 18 wheels, painted on the sides of two tractor-trailers operated out of Calex ISCS in Pittston.

The brainstorm was brought to Penn’s Northeast by Doug Barbacci, owner of Calex ISCS, who came up with the idea of mobile billboard advertising with his Chief Operating Officer Tom Grimes.

“Penn’s Northeast is always looking for innovative ways to market Northeastern PA,” Augustine said. “When Calex presented this opportunity to us at one of our marketing meetings we jumped on the chance.”

Augustine and Barbacci explained that two trucks will travel across the United States — one up and down the East coast, with the other traveling to California and back.

The trucks have been branded with the “Live Work Play” theme, along with messaging emphasizing NEPA’s strategic location. On the back of the trucks the messaging includes the proximity of NEPA to one-half of Canada and one-half of the U.S.

“In addition, we placed a QR code on all sides of the truck, as well as an easy to remember URL code so that folks can go directly to our website for more information,” Augustine said.

“In addition, due to specialized GPS software, we can see in real time where the trucks are located. This allows us to cross reference the amount of traffic we are getting to our website on any given day. Utilizing this technology will allow us to focus additional target advertising in different parts of the country as we aim to attract quality employers to Northeastern PA.”

Augustine said Calex has been gracious enough to offer their trucks to Penn’s Northeast at no cost and the trucks will remain on the road for a period of three years.

“We are excited about the future potential that this creative marketing initiative will bring,” Augustine said.

The advertising signage showcasing Northeastern PA has been placed on two 53-foot trailers that will travel across the U.S. The messaging promotes Northeastern PA as a great place to do business.

The trucks will also include a website link to — www.Pennsnortheast.com .

“The cross-country truck will travel 250,000 miles per year,” Barbacci said. “With the East coast truck also in service, the two will provide tremendous visibility for Northeastern Pennsylvania.”

Grimes said during warmer months, the cross-country truck will travel Interstate 80 and in the winter months, it will take a more southern route, using Interstate 40.

Augustine said the goal is to continue to market Northeastern Pa as a premier location for companies looking to expand and grow in our region.

“We not only want companies to locate here, we want them to learn as much as they can about the region and what is has to offer,” Augustine said.

Calex Integrated Supply Chain Solutions provides the trucks, drivers, warehouse space, staff, and technology, and asset-based logistics to help companies of all sizes maximize the efficiency in their supply chain management and distribution network.

For more information, go to: https://www.calexiscs.com

Penn’s Northeast (PNE) serves as Northeastern Pennsylvania’s regional economic development agency for site selection consultants, real estate brokers, developers, and businesses looking to expand or locate to our 9 county region that includes Carbon, Columbia, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Monroe, Pike, Schuylkill, Wayne, and Wyoming counties.