Custom Media

By Deb Wenig.

About Custom Media

“Create, Communicate, Captivate” is Custom Media’s tagline—and for one of our newest sponsors we would add “Community.” That’s because Custom Media cares about the community and is a real friend of the Tyler Foundation. This month we shine the spotlight on Custom Media K.K., a rapidly expanding communications, design and publishing house.

Custom Media and the Tyler Foundation

Robert Heldt, Managing Director of Custom Media, said: “We have pledged to help the Tyler Foundation through our flagship publications, BCCJ ACUMEN, the official magazine of the British Chamber of Commerce in Japan, and WIFM, our bilingual lifestyle and business magazine for Tokyo residents and visitors.”

While WIFM, may ask “What’s in it for me?” Custom Media asked the Tyler Foundation “What can we do?” The Tyler Foundation’s Mark Ferris explained, “We were delighted to be approached by Custom Media to formulate a media partnership which will help the Tyler Foundation inform people through their large and expanding readerships about the work we are doing for families affected by childhood cancer, as well as our fundraising activities.”

Custom Media is also the Official Media Partner for the Japan Market Expansion Competition (JMEC), a program that strengthens the skills of up-and-coming executives and helps foreign companies enter or expand in Japan. They work on the communications, marketing and branding material for major Japanese and foreign multinationals operating here. Robert noted: “As a leading media company, we felt we could utilize our resources to express our corporate social responsibility by supporting a charity in much need of promotion. We looked at a number of NGOs and charities, but chose the Tyler Foundation as it was very active all year round and has introduced many programs that have helped put a smile on the faces of children with cancer and their families during their desperate time of need. We wanted to help spread the message to more people and to help promote its activities and events throughout the year.”

WIFM published a bilingual interview and feature on the Tyler Foundation featuring Kim Forsythe, President, in the WIFM summer 2009 issue. “In addition to advertising and promotion space in both our publications in print and online, we plan to cover key events and report the Tyler Foundation’s activities in our publications,” Robert said. Robert told us that Custom Media is especially gratified that they “… get to see first-hand the great things the Tyler Foundation is doing with its Shine On! House and programs it organizes.” Custom Media can experience the impact of their contribution, however big or small, and how it changes the lives of people who really need the help. “This makes us feel like we are a part of the Foundation rather than just sponsors and it is a very rewarding experience.”

In addition to the Tyler Foundation, Custom Media currently supports a UK charity, Help for Heroes, providing free advertising to help raise funds for returning soldiers’ rehabilitation, medical treatment, and reintegration into society.

Mark noted: “We have been impressed by Robert and his team at Custom Media because, although their business is still in its early stages, they have made a significant impact on the Tokyo media community and their work is impressive.” To encourage others, Robert suggested the Tyler Foundation was “…a good cause because you can actually see and feel the positive effect your contribution has on the beneficiaries. The Tyler Foundation is great to work with because the members are clearly genuinely committed to the cause and are very easy and friendly to work with. We think we made the right decision and we hope TF agrees! Mark agrees. “We hope our partnership may continue for many years to come! Thanks Custom Media!”

For more information on Custom Media, please see www.custom-media.com.