SunTrust Bank will make its debut as a Super Bowl advertiser this year in part because bank CMO Susan Somersille Johnson believes Americans are "starting to recover from the financial footing from the decade-long recession," according to Lauren Johnson of ADWEEK. Somersille Johnson pointed to the Federal Reserve raising interest rates "for the first time in 10 years as proof that Americans are optimistic about their finances." She said, "It's a very optimistic tone because research shows that anyone can achieve (financial confidence) regardless of income level. It hits on the real pulse of the nation right now." ADWEEK's Johnson reports the 30-second ad will run "in the last slot before the two-minute warning of the fourth quarter, with a longer 60-second ad running online." StrawberryFrog, N.Y., is behind the ad. StrawberryFrog Founder & Chair Scott Goodson said that the spot "focuses on giving people money-related 'tools, tips, ideas and conversation starters'" (ADWEEK.com, 1/5). The ad "was filmed in several locations around the U.S." (ADAGE.com, 1/5).
MINI HAPPY RETURNS: AD AGE's E.J. Schultz reported BMW-owned Mini will make its first appearance in the Super Bowl in five years with a "30-second ad in the third quarter." A Mini spokesperson noted that the ad, via Butler, Shine, Stern & Partners, California, "will feature several Mini vehicles, including the new Clubman wagon." The spokesperson added that Mini "would be the lone BMW brand advertising during the game." There are now five confirmed automakers in the game -- Mini, Honda, Acura, Hyundai and Kia (ADAGE.com, 1/4).
