Big-Idea Bakeoff Winners!
Well, the votes have been counted and the results are in for the second annual Big-Idea BakeOff, the company-wide competition which gives staff members the opportunity to share their own ideas for the future of our brand. After the seven finalists pitched their ideas, we invited viewers to vote for their favorite idea on this blog. The number of votes was astounding – 625,114 votes total! First place is shared by two winners – Alexis Givens with her allergy-friendly recipe publication idea and Shara Lasky with her idea for a publication focusing on pets and pet crafts. Their prize is to receive their choice of either one thousand dollars in cash or twelve hundred dollars worth of MSLO stock and the chance to help develop their project for the company. It will be most interesting to see where all this leads. Congratulations to everyone!
BIG-IDEA BAKEOFF EXPLANATION
We have received some comments from people who were not happy with the results of the Big-Idea Bakeoff. And yes, it’s true that Alexis did win 57% of the popular vote. However, choosing two winners for first place was a strategic process and was taken very seriously. We absolutely felt that both were such good ideas for the future of this company, and rather than focus on just one concept, we are excited to bring both ideas from the co-winners to fruition.
Co-Winner!
Shara, Associate Product Manager
Special publication for pet lovers/pet food
Big Idea: To create a yearly or biyearly publication focusing on pets and pet crafts, where readers will be encouraged to create their own pet-related products, and we'll also offer tips for including your pet in your life...
My alternate idea is to create a packaged line of Martha-branded pet craft items. This line would vary from holiday-themed products, like a bone-shaped Christmas stocking, to wedding items, like a ring pillow your dog could wear down the aisle.
View Shara's presentation
Co-Winner!
Alexis, Deputy Home Editor
Special publication catering to those with food allergies and sensitivities that would include recipes
Big Idea: To publish a special magazine that offers delicious allergy-friendly recipes, making life for people with food allergies and sensitivities easier and more delicious. Millions of people, including myself, can't eat nuts, dairy, wheat or gluten, and I’d like to empower people to make great recipes even if they can't use all the standard ingredients.
View Alexis's presentation
Co-Runner up!
Barbara, Television Producer
Freestanding Martha Stewart store for merchandising and workshops
Big Idea: A huge Martha Stewart store right here in New York, and soon to come to a city near you! Imagine floors and floors of shopping, learning, creating -- all under one roof. Meet celebrities, join in live demonstrations, get one-on-one help from our editors, advice from our experts, be a guest on our radio shows, eat fabulous food, take a class, make the perfect cappuccino, and maybe even get to drink it with Martha. A store that's everything Martha? It's a good thing waiting to happen.
View Barbara's presentation
Co-Runner up!
Jacqueline, Product Manager
MSLO employee cookbook
Big Idea: To publish an "Employee Cookbook," which will be a collection of the best handed-down family recipes from the 700-plus employees at MSLO. It will feature favorites such as my coworker Sabrina's carrot cake and my fiance's third-generation "Sunday Sauce." I guarantee there will be something for everyone in this cookbook, and it will also help to justify the "Martha 15" that everyone gains when they start working here!
View Jacqueline's presentation
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