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For Immediate Release
August 1, 2019
Contact: Kristen Fowler Lindsey
Phone: 907-222-3254, Ext. 101
Email: kristen@tonbodigital.com
Tonbo is an Inspired Evolution for Thrively Digital
Anchorage-based digital marketing agency Thrively Digital is now Tonbo Digital in a rebranding inspired by a somewhat whimsical aspect of both Alaskan and Japanese culture.
“Tonbo” is the word for dragonfly in Japan, where the legendary flyer is a symbol of strength and agility. For the Samurai, tonbo is a victory image reminding warriors to never give up.
Here in Alaska, the dragonfly – specifically the four-spot skimmer – has been our state insect for nearly 25 years since its election to notoriety by elementary school students in Aniak. As the Anchorage Daily News reported, State Rep. Irene Nicholia, who sponsored the bill making it official, said “The dragonfly’s ability to hover and fly forward and backward reminds us of the skillful maneuvering of the bush pilots in Alaska.”
So, what’s it got to do with Thrively’s new brand?
“While we’re still very much invested in seeing our clients thrive, Tonbo evokes the agility, speed and efficiency needed to deliver high quality digital marketing and web design,” says Kristen Fowler Lindsey, founder and president of Tonbo Digital.
And why now?
Despite due diligence, a large international agency trademarked after Thrively’s launch and enforced it.
“We had a bit of a challenge that turned into a great opportunity,” Fowler Lindsey says. “With things changing so quickly in our industry, we have to zig and zag just like the dragonfly. We need to be responsive and nimble as we meet client needs.”
Despite its new name, Tonbo is Alaska’s oldest and largest digital agency. The Anchorage-based company provides comprehensive, integrated digital marketing services to businesses in the tourism industry, as well as in the non-profit, healthcare, transportation, education, government, telecom, publishing and retail sectors.
Fowler Lindsey is an industry veteran with 25 years of technology marketing experience. Her fondness for Japanese culture was as integral part of the company’s rebranding effort.
“I’ve always loved the sound of the word ‘tonbo’ and everything the dragonfly stands for,” says Fowler Lindsey, who spent three years living and working in Japan after earning a degree in East Asian Studies from Harvard University.
“At first the news about our name seemed like a setback. But, like the samurai, we decided not to give up. I feel like Thrive did us a favor, nudging our company into a new brand identity that truly reflects the way we want to deliver services to our clients.”
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The only constant is change, especially in digital marketing.
In business, when there is a challenge, the most nimble of organizations rise up and make it an opportunity. After a large international agency trademarked following our rebrand and enforced it, we are making it an opportunity.
While Thrively was a good transition from our original name (Apokrisis) in 2016, the rapid transformation of our product delivery in the past few years to better help our clients compete makes this need to rebrand practically a favor. (Thanks, Thrive Digital!).
While we still endeavor to help our clients thrive, we have turned to a brand that evokes the agility, speed and efficiency needed to deliver high quality digital marketing and web design.
We present to you:
Tonbo is the Japanese word for dragonfly. Not only is it the Alaska state insect, but it also has both amazing physical qualities and resonant meanings in Asian culture. Since my days living in Japan, it has always been my favorite Japanese word. We are becoming Tonbo because we feel our agency embodies the following qualities of the Dragonfly:
Agility: Dragonflies can fly backward, and cut turns that are too abrupt for any human pilot to stomach.
Speed: Dragonflies can reach speeds of 45 miles per hour and stop on a dime at 35 miles an hour.
Efficiency: Dragonflies are so nimble and fast despite only flapping their wings 30 times a minute while mosquitoes and houseflies need to flap their wings 600 and 1000 times a minute respectively. Now that is efficiency!
Just like the dragonfly, we are looking forward to continue using those skills on your behalf.
One of the latest examples of our commitment to agility, speed and efficiency is our newest product – Tonbo Blocks. They can be used for design, marketing or development tactics that can quickly give your business a leg up.
