Staff members of the California Avocado Commission and TMA+Peritus in an avocado grove recently as members of the Wisconsin-based marketing firm were in California to meet with handlers, packers and shippers to become more familiar with the industry. (Photo courtesy of CAC)TMA+Peritus, one of Wisconsin's leading content marketing firms, has won a significant business assignment from the California Avocado Commission, following a comprehensive review of agencies from the West and Midwest. Finalists in the review presented to the commission in July, and the partnership was awarded to TMAP shortly thereafter.

Agency staff were in California in August for intensive brand immersion meetings, spending time at the CAC headquarters, in avocado groves and with avocado handlers, packers and shippers.

During the month of September, TMAP conducted research and listening sessions in three different growing regions across California, gaining insights into the needs of the commission's 5,000 avocado growers.

In addition, TMAP is assisting the client with its grower strategic communications initiative, and will be designing and developing work for a new grower website set to launch in the spring of 2013.

April Aymami, industry affairs manager for the commission, said in a press release, "Our partnership with TMAP emerged from a lengthy review process of many communications companies. We selected them because of their knowledge of agricultural growers and providers, technical expertise and track record of working with numerous clients that fit our precise needs."

Over the years, TMAP has been instrumental in developing content marketing, branding initiatives, and web and digital efforts for organizations and companies, including the Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association, the Ginseng Board of Wisconsin, American Indian Herbs, Dairyland State Academy, Alsum Farms & Produce, the Russet Potato Exchange, Native Wisconsin Herbal Cooperative and Bushman's Potatoes. Their experience in agriculture and grower communications was one of the deciding factors for the CAC.

"It's an honor for our agency to be selected," Kathy Marks, managing principal at TMA+Peritus, said in the press release. "Because agricultural communications is one of our agency's core competencies, we had actually been following the California avocado trade for many years. Obviously, we're incredibly excited about our new partnership, and look forward to working very closely with the avocado growers and the CAC in the months to come."