Texas Techs Calendar Rolled Out

Time Warner Cable Houston has diversified. The system now sells calendars—a company first—in addition to video, high-speed and phone services. The brainchild of senior director of marketing Donna Hargis, the project benefits kids in need and highlights the weather-defying heroics of cable technicians. The 2005 calendar features tasteful (no beefcake) photos of a dozen technicians who, as characterized on the system’s website, work "up on poles and down in the trenches" and who serve as "role models who want to make a difference in the lives of children." The 12 technicians (all men—maybe 2006 could feature a few gals?) were nominated by Time Warner’s 2,000 Houston-area employees. All proceeds from sales of the calendars go to the Texas Gulf Coast chapter of Make-A-Wish Foundation. The 2005 calendar—a bargain at $10—can be purchased at timewarnercalendar.com and is available in Houston at 17 Time Warner retail locations as well as at kiosks in area malls. Great idea, Donna—merging marketing and public affairs and giving the local cable system a friendly face (one a month), while benefiting a local charitable organization. CTAM, are you listening?