Steel City Mafia…The Premiere Fan Club of the Worldwide Steelers Family

One world, one team, one family!

After a great deal of deliberation and debate with my classmates and my professor, I have decided to choose a subject that is near and dear to my heart. My initial thoughts were that of three other subjects: The Landing (local bar), Quaker Steak & Lube (chain restaurant) and myself in a video resume. Each of these subjects offered unique opportunities and equally offered some barriers. It is therefore, my choice to help promote, The Premiere Fan Club of the Worldwide Steelers Family, The Steel City Mafia.

As a “Boss,” and a “Made” member in The Steel City Mafia, I felt the strong bond to this organization and have selected it as my IMC 693G subject. I was “made” during the 2008 Sit-Down and was pinned by former Steeler great, Andy Russell. I have the necessary access to the inner workings of this organization, in fact our 4th annual Sit-Down is this weekend. Typically, we meet on the first week that Steelers training camp opens in Latrobe, Pa in July. This year is the 1st to be held in Pittsburgh, during the weekend of the first home game. I will be in attendance.

The Steel City Mafia was formed in 2005, somewhat by accident in a bar in East Tennessee by Shawn Kennedy and Jeff Hertzog. As die-hard relocated Pittsburgh Steelers fans, they met on Sunday’s to share their passion for the Steelers with like-minded fans. As they gradually took over this bar with Terrible Towel-waving and chanting Steelers fans, the original patrons began to compare the group to the mafia, since they had taken over their place. With some help from Jeremy Kinnard and Duane Smyth the group became The Steel City Mafia. They proudly displayed a banner reading: Welcome to the home of The Steel City Mafia.

Steeler Nation is a phenomenon which occurs in almost every city on Steelers game days. No matter who you are or where you live, you see them everywhere … Pittsburgh Steeler fans! We are the most passionate, dedicated, knowledgeable, vocal, and widely represented professional fan base on the planet. We live and breathe Steeler football. We believe in fundamental football, a smash mouth style of play, pounding the rock, and making you sore in the morning. We love cheering for a team that is Family owned, that prioritizes a hard work ethic, and that doesn’t overpay the flashy players. We take pride in our players who play as a team and don’t stoop to off-field antics. We fans are not content simply to watch a football game; we want to be involved. (Steel City Mafia, 2010)

Project number 1, Week 2: Character Analysis of The Steel City Mafia.

Client name: The Steel City Mafia

Established: 2005

Current Branding: The Premiere Fan Club of the Worldwide Steelers Family

Related Clients and or Associations: The Pittsburgh Steelers, Maxim Tours & Travel and a proud partner of AWS Sports. Charitable partners include: Mel Blount’s Youth Home, Jerome Bettis’ “Bus Stops Here Foundation” and the Andy Russell Charitable Foundation.

Position in society and location/reach: The Steel City Mafia is rapidly expanding, from less than a few hundred members in 2006, to over 6,000 strong with over 100 Official Steel City Mafia hangouts, located across the country and overseas. Geographical distance does not limit our level of commitment to our team. We take over every bar, restaurant, city, or stadium on Steeler game days like no other team can even hope to do. Steeler bars can be found in every major U.S. city, a claim that no other professional football team can make. We don’t die; we multiply! Fans in rival stadiums just scratch their heads, wondering where all those towels come from. One fact will always remain: all Steeler games are home games! (SCM, 2010)

Client’s service: Steel City Mafia is a worldwide fan “Family” committed to creating unique experiences for Steelers fans. Through the organization of fans via membership, game day venues, fan and charitable events we hope to further strengthen, network and expand the already tremendous Steeler fan base.(SCM, 2010)

Mission Statement: Uniting Steelers fans worldwide, in the common interest of developing fan recognition, fan benefits, and a positive fan presence in all communities.(SCM, 2010)

Stance on competition: There is no competition, any Steelers fan or fan club is welcome to join up with us or to cheer on the Steelers with us.

Ambitions or desires for the future: Steel City Mafia is a worldwide fan “Family” committed to creating unique experiences for Steelers fans. Through the organization of fans via membership, game-day venues, fan and charitable events we hope to further strengthen, network and expand the already tremendous Steeler fan base.(SCM, 2010)

Significant milestones: Founded in 2005 with a few hundred members, reached 7500 world-wide members in 2010. SCM members are currently establishing Steel City Mafia hangouts in Pakistan and Italy.

Public Presence: SCM organizes and presents itself as a fun, very close-knit family of like-minded Steelers fans. Many of the members don the traditional “mafia” attire including pinstripe suits and fedoras.

Do they utilize a recognizable spokesperson: yes, but only in an abstract way. The Godfather is the image used but in a hidden manner. Emails are sent from The Godfather, but it is not readily known by most members who he or she is.

Does the client have a masculine or feminine, quality of voice, mannerisms, manner of speech, personality, etc.? Absolutely, the presence of the powerful Godfather Don Corleone. The Godfather represents a very masculine presence with an aura about himself as well as a respectability.

As a character, The Steel City Mafia has two favorite colors: Black & Gold which represent the beloved Pittsburgh Steelers. Their favorite food would be Italian and tail-gating favorites such as brats, burgers and plenty of ice-cold Iron City Beer. The Steel City Mafia’s favorite artist has to be the Chairman of the Board, Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin. If SCM were to have a favorite animal, it would have to represent power such as a lion or bear, however since the Steelers play the Chicago Bears and Detroit Lions, I doubt they would admit to having a favorite animal. While the SCM is perfectly happy indoors (domed stadiums) they prefer a cold snowy day outside (on the turf, in the open-air stadium.) The Pittsburgh Steelers represent the hard-working blue-collar steelworkers of western Pennsylvania, therefore, the Steel City Mafia mirrors the image of the team that they so avidly represent.

The Steel City Mafia admires loyalty, passion and strong familial ties that bind its members to each other and to the team they love: The Pittsburgh Steelers.

SCM does not operate solely for profit, the goal of the organization is to expand its member base in order to further offer the “Mafia” experience to Steelers fans. SCM works very closely with many charitable enterprises of current and former Steeler players.

Strengths of SCM include devotion, loyalty, a passionate pride and a strong familial bond. The Steel City Mafia loves to travel, especially during the eight weeks in which the Steelers play away from home, it is their passion to take over the opposing city’s stadiums. They love to mingle amongst the crowds and intimidate on a friendly basis. SCM is a leader, setting the trends for other fan-clubs to follow. They recognize the negative connotations associated with the word “mafia”. However, they see it as a metaphor that represents the strong following of the Steeler Nation and the close camaraderie that exists within their Family of fans. They love the competitive nature of the sport but understand the importance of respect and sportsmanship.

The Steel City Mafia relies on emotions and passions of Pittsburgh Steelers fans and with these ties that bind, they place their trust with no hesitation.

Transactional analysis says that We all have a right to be in the world and be accepted. As it would apply to The Steel City Mafia, we all have a right to be a Pittsburgh Steelers fan and to be accepted as a proud card-carrying member of The Steel City Mafia. The parent/child relationship would be seen as the Pittsburgh Steelers giving birth to The Steel City Mafia which has become the adult.

References:

Steel City Mafia, About the Family. (2010) Retrieved September 6, 2010 http://www.steelcitymafia.com/ssp/about_the_family

Back in Black! 2010 Backyard Brawl WV Pro Combat Uniforms

This is the new Nike Pro Combat uniforms that WVU will be donning in 2010’s Backyard Brawl. I could see them storming the field to AC/DC’s Back in Black, except the game will be in Pittsburgh’s scenic Heinz Field. Check them out.

IMC 693G Digital Storytelling

This course is teaching us of the relevance and importance of storytelling and marketing. I have to admit that I did not think of the link between the two prior to this week’s lesson. In just a week’s time, I now not only see the correlation, I cannot see how I had missed the relationship or marriage of marketing and storytelling. If we as marketing professionals want to succeed, we must be able to effectively get our message touting a product or service to the targeted audience. What better way to gain the consumer’s attention, trust and buying power than to tell them a story. What commercials have you seen recently that touched you or made you remember them? What was it about the ad that made an impression on you? Was the ad related in a story? AT&T has an ad running currently about a guy boarding a train only to see a very attractive woman getting on a different train. He quickly uses his cellphone to change his ticket to the train that she boarded. The ad is run from ending to beginning with different stages of their lives together culminating with the innauguration of their son as the 57th president. The commercial is memorable to me because of the story being told.

Open letter to Mr. Roethlisberger by Bill Crawford

A Letter to Ben Roethlisberger
April 14, 2010
Source Credits – Comic Bill Crawford
—

Dear Ben,

Here’s a tip, when giving your SECOND public statement surrounding a sexual assault case against you, try not to look like a rapist. I know its difficult for you and that you have come a long way from the Phat Farm dress shirts and Penny Hardaway high-tops look you had going when you first entered the league (I am willing to believe that the devil tee-shirt was borrowed), but couldn’t you have at least shaved? Put on a three-piece suit? Not had a ridiculously greased back Rick Flair mullet? I was so nervous you were going to end your apology by screaming “WOOOOOOO!” that I almost didn’t notice your total lack of sincerity. I’ve seen more heart felt apologies on Sober House II. Next time you allegedly assault a chick in a bathroom somewhere, you might as well let Dog the Bounty Hunter make your statement for you. The way your look is going, people may not even realize that a swap has been made. Just have him read it in the first person and tell him to think about dropping n-bombs to get him emotional. All Bounty Hunting aside, I think we both know that there is only one way to make sure there isn’t a next time Ben: STOP ACTING LIKE A JAGOFF!

Seriously dude, you have a 100 million dollar potential net worth, you are the face of the most storied franchise in football, and you live in a city where people literally rely on the Steelers for hope and happiness in their lives. No one is saying you can’t have fun, but do you really need to be in a dirt bag college bar in some po-dunk town in Georgia getting blowies in a urine-puddled restroom? Your judgment is extremely questionable at best, and its time to take a look in that fogged up bathroom mirror that has confederate flag stickers and nazi quotes written all over it. You may not be guilty of rape, but you have to be responsible for the situations you put yourself in. You need to realize that your legacy and our collective future cannot afford to be put in some jager-bombed 20 year old’s hands. So please STOP ACTING LIKE A JAGOFF!

20 year olds Ben? Really? I can’t stand to be around drunk 20 year old chicks and I have a net worth of $153.00; they are annoying, stupid and can’t be trusted. You need to adjust your scope and start sniping cougars. An older woman will let you do the dirtiest things you can think of and ADD some crap you haven’t even thought of yet; then go over the playbook with you and give you a ride to practice the next morning. A cougar knows what’s up and she is down to get filthy. You need a wily old vet who’s battle-tested , not a skittish rookie who’s never seen a regular season snap. 20 year olds got you into this mess Ben; cougars can get you out of it. But if you do decide to continue with the club hopping, for the love of Rod (Woodson) STOP ACTING LIKE A JAGOFF!

The thing you don’t seem to be getting Ben is that this isn’t just about YOU anymore, it’s about US. When you put on that jersey like it or not, you become a part of this family, you become part of our history, you represent a nation that spans the globe. Its goes beyond sports with this team. If you treat it with respect and honor and play your hardest, you will always be a celebrity in this town. We will eat at your restaurant even if the food is terrible, we will buy your book even if its poorly written and we will donate to your charity even if it’s not our cause. (Hell, if you make a miraculous play we will put your statue next to the Father of our nation in the Airport). But you better be humble and appreciate the privilege of playing for this organization and representing this city. People here don’t expect anyone to be perfect, but they do expect someone to fully appreciate the opportunities they are given. When they feel like someone is ungrateful at every turn and acting like they are above the family code, people get pissed off. You are not above this family Ben. Clean up your act and STOP ACTING LIKE A JAGOFF!!

With love,

Steeler Nation
Thanks to Comic Bill Crawford for his creativity and providing us with this letter to Ben.

Take back America!

It is time to take back our country from all of the power-hungry criminal elements known as Congress. If we start a true grassroots effort to pledge to vote all incumbents out, we could truly be represented again. The time for action is now. We must take away the ability to extort their way. The Louisiana Purchase, the Nebraska sweetheart deal are just the tip of the iceberg. As a West Virginian, we have known pork barrel politics from former KKK Senator Byrd and the powerful Rockefeller. I am not just picking on Democrats, we need to strip them all and sent just representation. Anyone interested in producing a dedicated website that we can set up to make our pledges to vote out all incumbents as a nation and state by state? I realize that Mr. Byrd will not be alive for too many more terms, but WV is a Democrat state who did not vote Obama, but has always been to the left and I’m sure that we will continue to vote for him years after his death.

One of the legit “Good Guys” will be missed by so many!

In these times, we lose focus on what truly is important in life! We are in such a hurry that we naturally take people for granted, we miss an opportunity to make another smile or laugh. Sadly, we lost a true “good guy” yesterday. Craig was a soccer-coach,a basketball-coach and a referee for youth leagues. He ran his business at an excellence that will not be replaced, he was such a master of promotions. His passions for his family, his work, and golf will be such an incredible loss for all of those that loved him. Craig always had time to make you smile, laugh or think and just make your day better. I like to live by a simple philosophy, “Life is about experiences, make a memory today for yourself or especially for another” Craig was able to do that, whether on the golf course, at work or play. I guess, what I am getting to is that he left a mark on all who were lucky enough to know him or to call him a friend. Craiggers, you will be missed, unfortunately, probably even more than you knew. Much love, respect and fondess are my memories…May God give you the best seat in the house to watch over your loved ones and perhaps a Jack-Two Flush, pars and birdies, you deserve it.

Clinton power-broker, Dick Morris: The Nobel Prize to Obama: Europe’s Bid to Recolonize America

By Dick Morris And Eileen McGann 10.9.2009 Whether it was rewarding Jimmy Carter for criticizing the Iraq War or supporting Al Gore in his crusade against global warming, the Norwegian Parliament – which chooses the winners of the Nobel Peace Prize – has sought to use the award as a political tool to influence American politic s. Its prestige and moral power make the prize a potent weapon with which to help steer the direction of the colossus beyond the seas that controls a quarter of the world’s economy and most of its military power.

Now, the Norwegians have weighed in to support Barack Obama in his bid to reshape America so it looks more like, well, Norway, or at least like Europe.

European socialism cannot succeed without conquering the United States. If the European Union has high taxes and the US keeps its levies low, business and brains will flow to America. If the EU’s labor standards require long vacations, high benefits, and proscribe layoffs and ours’ do not, employers will migrate across the ocean to do their business in the States. If the Old World curbs ambition by taxation, regulation, and social opprobrium, the ambitious will flock to the New World as they have done for four hundred years.

So, Lenin was right. Socialism cannot exist in just one country – or one continent. It must dominate worldwide or wealth and power will flow to those who remain committed to the free market. Europe realizes this reality and it makes Obama’s election as president of the United States all the more welcome.

The Nobel Prize is really Obama’s payback for disciplining the unruly United States and taming it to be a member of the European family of nations. Europe wants to reverse the American Revolution and re-colonize us and it sees in Obama a kindred spirit willing to do its bidding.

Does the United States let its entrepreneurs run wild, coming up with fanciful new ideas and making billions from them? Obama will regulate and subdue business just like they do in Europe. Do U.S. businesses compete by slashing prices, aggressively pursuing markets, and jockeying for market share? Obama will make them behave themselves and stay in line just like European companies do. Do Americans work hard and push aggressively to make as much money as they can? Obama will raise taxes, emphasize community values, and narcotize their ambition by offering government largesse.

And does the United States still believe in a sloppy, contrarian democracy in which ordinary people can directly affect their government, states have powers, and courts can reel in executive authority? Obama will use his rubber stamp majority in Congress to pass new laws regardless of public opinion and make us obey.

In foreign policy, is the United States still willing to stand up, alone if necessary, to protect human rights in Bosnia, in Iraq, and in Afghanistan? Obama will curb this unruly independence and mold it within the fabric of appeasement that has dominated Europe for the past half a century.

All this heavy lifting, this conversion of America into a European state, deserves a reward. And what is a more fitting one than to give Obama than the Nobel Peace Prize? He obviously doesn’t deserve the award for economics or, given his health care ideas, for medicine. But the Peace Prize expresses Europe’s longing: to take back the nation its overly ambitious and uppity children founded.

What does a Nobel Peace Prize Represent?

King Obama wins the Nobel Peace Prize based on 11 days in office! Feb.1st was the deadline for his nomination. The Nobel people have admitted that they awarded him based on what he may do in the future. I see it as a way for the Europeans to attempt to shape our foreign relations. With the President thinking about adding troops in Afghanistan, (2 months) this could be their way of influencing our decisions. The White House has declared war on Fox News, their wording is treating FNews as an opponent (sounds like campaign mode).
The Nobel committee recently gave Al Gore the same prize for his declaring Peace with the environment (we just recorded the 11th consecutive year of global cooling). The award was also given to the absolute hands down worst foreign relations President of all time in Jimmy Carter (he was as bad as the French at giving up). I will probably be getting an FBI background check just for posting this, but I wanted to see how others felt about Nobel?

Steelers 2009

This should be an improved team this season over last year’s Super Bowl Champions. The schedule looks on paper to be much easier than last year. Barring major injuries, I cannot see them losing more than 4 or 5 games and winning their division again. Week one was a very impressive performance by Big Ben and the offensive line in terms of pass protection. The running game is going to do better than 36 yrds. for the overtime game. It was an absolutely perfect evening for the game and we had awesome seats. Go Steelers

Gas Prices… Here we go again, $1.85 on April 21st, $2.89 May 31

It looks like we did not learn our lesson from last summer’s record gas prices. It seems as if the Drill Here, Drill Now is passe.

I have an idea to help families,travelers and everyone who drives: eliminate all federal and state taxes on fuel, only on the 14th and 28th of each month. By forgiving the taxes on just two days a month, it will encourage everyone to conserve fuel until the next tax-free day. The fuel taxes are anywhere from 70 to 90 cents per gallon, this will save people $15 to $20 per fill-up. What do you think of this idea?