YRG Expands Creative Staff
Strengthening Its Focus on Branding and Design

Portland, Ore., November 24, 2008 – YRG, an integrated marketing communications agency, rounds out its talented creative team with two new additions to its staff.  John Malarkey joins the agency as Creative Director, and Matthew Ryf as Design Director. Malarkey and Ryf intensify YRG’s strong capabilities in client brand development, design and visual communications which have led a growing number of new clients to seek out its communications services that inspire, engage and motivate audiences. 

With more than two decades of creative marketing experience, Malarkey uses strategic thinking and creative firepower to help clients differentiate their brand from the competition and reach their marketing goals. His background includes diverse roles such as advertising copywriter and creative director, and he spent several years running his own freelance consultancy. Malarkey has developed and built client brands for such companies as Bridgeport Brewing, Hewlett-Packard and Jeld-Wen.

Matthew Ryf’s background in film and design has enabled him to use his numerous talents to create visually arresting designs across a broad spectrum of communications vehicles including Web sites, annual reports, packaging design, and brand identity programs. He has applied his artistic skills in a wide range of projects for B-to-B and B-to-C companies including Arbor Custom Homes, Unitus Community Credit Union, and Nabors Industries.

“In today’s competitive business environment, companies must build a connection with their target audience and inspire them to take action,” said Mike Heiser, president and CEO of YRG. “John and Matthew enhance the creative resources that we’ll offer clients based on their strong experience in both B-to-B and B-to-C marketing, and proven by the top tier award winning campaigns they’ve produced for clients in advertising, identity, branding and design.”

This year, YRG marks its 40th anniversary serving clients by developing strategic integrated marketing programs designed to build brand preference and increase demand for their products and services. This is accomplished through a combination of print and on-line advertising, public relations, Web design and new media. Most recently, YRG created brand solutions for Travel Portland, Climax Portable Machine Tools, Samaritan Health Services, CHP Group, Pathfinder Logistics and Numonyx.