Bridgestone/Firestone Celebrates Firestone Legacy by Launching Centennial Web Site
20 March 2000
Bridgestone/Firestone Celebrates Firestone Legacy by Launching Centennial Web Site
NASHVILLE, Tenn.--March 20, 2000--Let your fingers do the walking, through history -- that is -- on the recently launched Firestone Centennial Web site. The site (www.firestone100.com) commemorates 100 years of the Firestone legacy by offering a look back in history at the Firestone brand, and a look forward, through an on-line promotion, to discover and award the philanthropic efforts of individuals today.
Throughout the year 2000, Bridgestone/Firestone, the successor to the company started by Harvey S. Firestone, is celebrating the legacy he began when he established the Firestone Tire and Rubber Company in 1900.
According to Kenji Shibata, president of Bridgestone/Firestone, "The concept of launching a Centennial Web site was to educate the world on the contributions made by Harvey S. Firestone, one the 20th century's greatest entrepreneurs. In addition, to celebrating the Firestone brand, the Web site and the corporation want to mirror the company's early philanthropic efforts. The `100 Who Serve' promotion, which is one of the elements on the Centennial Web site, lets Bridgestone/Firestone give back to society, by offering monetary contributions to the selected charity of 100 individuals `who serve' in their communities.
"The site takes users back to the horse and buggy age and then thrusts them into contemporary times with advanced technology and interactive elements," says Shibata. "The news releases and photos offer a snapshot of life in the early 1900s. The Centennial Survey results and the `100 Who Serve' promotion showcase life today in the year 2000."
Firestone100.com taps the resources of company archives, the University of Akron Library, the tire and rubber industry archives and historic photo collections to showcase the company's development. It also offers site visitors a nostalgic trip down memory lane to relive one of Firestone's most memorable marketing campaigns by listening to the jingle, "Where the Rubber Meets the Road."
Firestone100.com offers the following content modules:
History - An overview of the company's history beginning in 1900 and through the year 2000 as Bridgestone/Firestone now boasts an impressive global presence after following a successful merger with the Bridgestone Corporation of Japan.
Photo Archive - Rare and unusual glimpses of company and American history are featured in this module including some of the world's most famous innovators, who were also friends, Harvey S. Firestone, Henry Ford and Thomas Edison.
"100 Who Serve" - This is an on-line promotion which offers the chance to nominate someone who is always giving. Promotion winners receive monetary donations to the charity of their choice.
The Road Ahead - Community events and new technologies will appear here as they are announced throughout the Centennial Year.
Centennial Catalog - Wearable merchandise and commemorative items may be ordered from this on-line catalog which offers unique Centennial merchandise.
News - News releases offer a look at the company's past as well as modern-day developments.
Centennial Driving Survey - This interactive survey tests automotive knowledge and driving trends against individuals polled in the Firestone Centennial Driving Survey offered last year.
Additional promotional activities and more interactive elements will be added to the site as a second phase of the Web site in launched later this year.
Firestone100.com was designed by Laughlin/Constable, Inc. Laughlin/Constable Inc., with offices in Chicago and Milwaukee, is a fully-integrated, research-based marketing communications firm which specializes in consumer products and services. Agency disciplines include advertising, public relations, interactive marketing, promotions and media planning. Servicing both regional and national clients, L/C's annual billings are in excess of $160 million. The agency's clients include Bridgestone/Firestone, Montgomery Ward & Company, OshKosh B'Gosh, Harley-Davidson/Buell Motorcycles and Wolverine World Wide.
Bridgestone/Firestone, Inc. is celebrating 100 years of innovation that began in 1900 through a company founded by Harvey S. Firestone. Throughout the year 2000, "Firestone: A Legend. A Century. A Celebration." recognizes the entrepreneurial spirit that built a brand that has been admired worldwide.
Nashville-based Bridgestone/Firestone, Inc. is the largest subsidiary of Bridgestone Corporation of Japan, the world's largest manufacturer of tires and other rubber products. Bridgestone/Firestone develops, manufactures and markets Bridgestone, Firestone, Dayton and associate and private brand tires. The company also produces Firestone air springs, roofing materials, synthetic rubber, and industrial fibers and textiles.