(July 30, 2001) -- Hallmark Channel's marketing efforts in relaunching Aug. 5 (formerly it was the Odyssey Network) will now will move to Madison Avenue -- literally.

During lunch hours in New York City, people will pass out hand fans for hot ad executives outside buildings at major agencies to tout the channel.

Sandwich boards will offer pithy agency-targeted messages, such as: "Stories that really get to you. (Unlike packages in the MediaVest mailroom)," "More stories than a MindShare holiday party," and "Stories that stay with you. (Kind of like Optimum's cafeteria food.)."

Copyright July 2001, Crain Communications Inc.