Advertise on MNPR

Advertise on MNPR

Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Weber promotes Gustner to Senior Vice President

The Minneapolis office of today announced the promotion of to senior vice president in its financial services practice.

Gustner brings a unique and powerful combination of strategic and critical insight, creativity and financial services acumen to all of her clients and assignments. In her 11 years with Weber Shandwick, she has developed a deep knowledge and expertise in the electronic payments industry, banking and asset management sectors, and with the hard-to-reach unbanked/underbanked audience.

For the past four years, Gustner has led Weber Shandwick’s work for a Big 4 accounting client, managing a team that pairs financial services with social strategy professionals to produce hard-working digital content strategies for the client’s highly targeted B2B thought leadership. Under Gustner’s direction, the team has advanced video and animation-enhanced reports and surveys, infographics, and multi-pronged search-engine marketing and social media campaigns. Her leadership has resulted in impressive increases to the client’s website traffic and its reputation in influential financial circles.
 
Gustner has set precedents for new digital and social media best practices. She also played a key role in architecting the media strategy and programming model for the agency’s award-winning Go Direct campaign, a U.S. Treasury initiative aimed at encouraging federal benefit recipients to switch from paper check payments to an electronic option. The long-standing campaign is a sought-after case study in effective metrics-driven public relations.
“Jackie is an extraordinary asset to all of her colleagues and clients,” said Sara Gavin, president of the Minneapolis office of Weber Shandwick. “This promotion recognizes her deep subject-matter expertise, key account leadership and dedicated and innovative client work.”
 
Gustner co-leads the office’s “Making a Difference” program, and provides senior oversight for the current pro-bono account, Minnesota Teen Challenge. She is accredited in public relations (APR) by PRSA, and has worked closely with many over the years to share her wisdom and to help them become stronger strategic counselors, media strategists and writers in their own right.
Prior to Weber Shandwick, Gustner worked as an independent PR practitioner and as a public relations specialist at NordicTrack. She holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism and public relations from the University of Minnesota.

Carmichael Lynch Takes the Sasquatch Out of His Element in New Campaign for Jack Link’s Beef Jerky

You can take Sasquatch out of the woods—but you can't take the woods out of Sasquatch.
 
Carmichael Lynch is putting beloved Jack Link’s brand mascot Sasquatch in unfamiliar territory in its latest effort for the brand, showing that jerky is way more than an outdoorsman’s snack.  The new “Snackin’ with Sasquatch” campaign puts Sasquatch in all new scenarios and environments, but maintains what fans of the Effie-winning “Messin’ with Sasquatch” campaign have loved all along: funny interactions with snack-hungry jerky fans.
 
Eight new “Snackin’ with Sasquatch” :15 spots find Sasquatch indoors -- a bit naïve and curiously exploring unfamiliar surroundings, such as a book club, gaming session, carpool and coffee break room.  In “Coffee Break” Sasquatch is horrified by the taste of hot coffee and goes to great lengths to protect colleagues from taking a sip.
 
The campaign also includes new “Messin’ with Sasquatch”:30 spots, in which Jack Link’s jerky eaters continue to prank an unsuspecting Sasquatch. The spots show new pranks, locations, and monster-size retributions.  In one, campers around a fire pull the classic “Snakes in a Can” trick on Sasquatch. They run back to the safety of their trailer, but are quickly one-upped when Sasquatch throws a live snake through the window.  
 
“Nature evolves.  And thus, so does nature’s biggest fan, Sasquatch. We are giving fans of this campaign what they love, and at the same time welcoming them to a whole new world of jerky snacking,” said Carmichael Lynch Chief Creative Officer Dave Damman.  “As this work shows, you can feed your wild side anywhere, anytime, and when you do, Sasquatch will be there--so be prepared."
 “’Messin’ with Sasquatch’ has become synonymous with Jack Link’s,” said Bret Ocholik, VP of Marketing at Jack Link’s. “We love how the ‘Snackin’ with Sasquatch’ campaign adds new layers and dynamics to the concept.”
The new spots begin running on Memorial Day, two weeks prior to National Jerky Day (June 12), and run throughout the summer. Additional components of the campaign include custom Sasquatch integrations on sites such as Funny or Die, Break.com, and the Onion.

Links to the work:
 
Snakes in a Can - 
 

Conference Call - http://bit.ly/N5UHYq

Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Job - Metro Sales, Inc - Internship

Popeyes® is celebrat’n Rip’n Chick’n by rip’n “-ings” out of the Internet

No “-ing” is safe on the Internet in June, thanks to Popeyes® Louisiana Kitchen, a division of AFC Enterprises, Inc. (NASDAQ: AFCE), launch’n an app turn’n each “-ing” into an “’n.”  To celebrate the return of Popeyes Rip’n Chick’n, consumers can start read’n rip’d up web copy by drag’n the Rip’n icon to their bookmarks bar, go’n to their favorite websites and click’n the Rip’n Chick’n tab. The bookmarklet, developed by the restaurant’s digital agency , turns everyday content into a surpris’n and entertain’n experience.
 
“We’re excited about how this digital overlay brings our Rip’n Chick’n promotion to life,” said Dick Lynch, chief global brand officer at Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen. “It enables our customers, who are very active online, to experience this product in a very memorable way.”
 
Consumers who use the app can share links to their rip’d up content via Facebook or Twitter. The Rip’n Chick’n landing page also features a number of rip’d headlines from across the Internet. Examples:
·        “Mom pleads not guilty to allow’n daughter in tann’n booth”
·        “Giant cannibal shrimp invasion grow’n”
·        “Economic output: eas’n from prior quarter, but maintain’n sustainable pace”
 
“The combination of Popeyes engaged consumer base in social environments and its informal, fun-loving brand character lends itself to this kind of digital experience,” said Rachael Marret, president of Campbell Mithun. “Delivering experiences that are entertaining and shareable is essential to helping Popeyes create more buzz and awareness for their Rip’n Chick’n product.”
 
The Rip’n Chick’n effort follows Popeyes May “Mood Wing” promotion featuring an app which rated the tone of users’ Twitter or Facebook posts to support the restaurant’s Spicy or Mild Bonafide® bone-in Chicken offer. Topline Mood Wing results indicate the promotion brought tens of thousands of incremental visits to Popeyes’ website and a 92-percent increase in traffic generated via social media sites in the first few weeks. That promotion debuted Campbell Mithun’s first work for Popeyes after being named digital agency of record for the restaurant.

Monday, May 28, 2012

Job - ABRA Auto Body & Glass - Marketing Internship

Sunday, May 27, 2012

Job - Edina Public Schools - Communications Intern

Saturday, May 26, 2012

Job - Graco - Marketing Internship

Friday, May 25, 2012

A newbie's perspective

I’m young. Impressionable. Ready to take on the world with little knowledge of what that entails.

My insight into the world of public relations is limited, but my eagerness to understand the in’s and out’s of the many sectors of the industry keeps me excited to learn more. After spending a year in the chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA), I have begun to understand more about myself, in particular I have become more aware of where I may fit into the industry in my years to come.

Speaking with the many public relations professionals who sacrifice time for us young professionals, I have come to realize the importance of feeling comfortable and excited about the work that I will be doing, who I will be working with, and the environment I will be performing my work in. After all, if this work is to become my career, I do need the motivation to keep rolling with it.

One of the best things that I have come to discover about the public relations industry is that, regardless of what you’re passionate about, what you support or don’t support, or what your goals are, there are areas within the industry that are suitable to every lifestyle. It has recently occurred to me that my first priority is to seek out a business with values that line up with my own. In turn, I hope to be spending my time working towards something I care about with people I can relate to and feel comfortable around.

With a desire to work in a collaborative, creativity-charged environment, I have been actively exploring the possibility of working at an agency. As previously mentioned, the thought of working in a setting that does not motivate me is very unappealing. After performing some research and weighing my values, I have realized that there are plenty of great agencies around the Twin Cities metro area that really excite me because the work that is done there. One such agency is Carmichael Lynch Spong, located in downtown Minneapolis.

At Carmichael Lynch Spong, an energetic and communication-based work model is derived from the desire to fulfill clients’ needs. The work performed there is driven by much more than the duties of the job, but also by a true commitment to the client. In addition, the sustainability efforts that Carmichael Lynch Spong puts forth in order to create less of a harmful impact on the environment is something to be applauded, and something that I value as a lifestyle choice.

It really is the little things that create the desire to turn dreadful duties at the office into an exciting and sought-after lifestyle…At least that is the perspective of a young, impressionable PR newbie.

You can contact Emily at . You can also connect with her via or

Job - Markit is looking for an MG intern

Job - Independent School District 197 - Director of Communications

Thursday, May 24, 2012

Beehive has added some sharp senior talent to our team.

has joined us as director, digital and social strategy. He has ten years experience developing and leading traditional and digital marketing programs for an impressive list of brands, including General Mills, 3M, OptumHealth and Mall of America. Before Beehive, Blaine was with space150, Atomic Playpen and Best Buy, Inc.
         
He is one part detective and one part techno-fan. His passion is user behavior and experience. By digging into behavior, Blaine helps brands design better user experiences and drive brand engagement. In his spare time, Blaine's a runner, a traveler and a bit of a gear head (cars and motorcycles). He also has an enviable collection of shoes and watches - for which he has won the admiration of all the women at Beehive.

is our newest group director. He has 20 years of PR and marketing communications experience. Before Beehive, Eric spent 11 years at Haberman Media + Marketing in Minneapolis, where he led PR strategies for Volvo, Green Depot, and a long list of local and national nonprofits and leading organic and green brands.
  
Eric's a master at connecting the dots to tell a brand story. He blends a natural curiosity of almost everything with an obsession for news media and a passion for developing ideas. The results are campaigns that drive lasting success for your brand and business. PRWeek magazine has recognized Eric's work for Volvo with its Brand Communications Campaign of the Year and Cause Campaign of the Year awards. And his media relations expertise was recognized in 2011 by The New York Times columnist David Pogueas as a "Pogue Perfect Pitch." Who wouldn't want this guy working on their business?

And in other people news (in case you missed it), Ayme Zemke has been promoted to vice president. After nine years with one of the Twin Cities' largest PR firms, Ayme took a huge leap of faith to become Beehive's third employee in January 2005. She was quickly promoted from account director to group director and has been a member of Beehive's leadership team for six years. As vice president, she oversees Beehive PR's client service and talent development, while continuing to lead her client portfolio and account teams. So raise a glass in Ayme's honor. Shoot her a or give her a ring. Congratulations are in order - and most richly deserved.

Wednesday, May 23, 2012

Weber Shandwick promotes Worden to senior vice president

announces the promotion of to senior vice president in its financial services practice.
 
Since joining Weber Shandwick in 2000, Worden has been dedicated to helping her clients succeed through her deep knowledge of their business and passion for strategically tying communications goals to their business goals. She is highly regarded by her colleagues and clients for her resourcefulness, and for offering big-picture thinking, broad knowledge and perspective to both clients and the account teams she directs.
 
Worden has been instrumental in growing Weber Shandwick’s financial services practice by winning Fortune 100 clients, leading major client campaigns, and driving organic growth in the insurance and investment sectors. Among dozens of other major projects, she led the 2010 Census public relations team, overseeing proactive media relations, social media, crisis communications, message development, media training, internal communications and multicultural agency partner integration and the 13-vehicle “Portrait of America” Road Tour, serving as a leader of this multi-office, multi-discipline team. She has also played a key role in building Weber Shandwick’s capability in the retirement and longevity space through industry thought leadership activities and client work, including subject matter expert testimony in 2010 at a joint public hearing held by the U.S. Department of Labor and the U.S. Department of the Treasury on lifetime income options in employer-sponsored plans.
 
“Brooke focuses on continuous improvement of our firm’s products, services and counsel – virtually everything we provide to our clients,” said Sara Gavin, President of Weber Shandwick’s Minneapolis office. “She’s driven – every minute of every day – to deliver results for her clients, and we are delighted to announce her well-deserved promotion.”
 
Worden is accredited in public relations (APR) by the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA). In 2011, she served as president of the Minnesota PRSA, and led the chapter to national recognition with its first-ever chapter diversity award. In 2010, she was named one of "25 Women to Watch" by the Minneapolis-St. Paul Business Journal and to PR Week's "40 under 40" list of early influencers in the public relations profession. In 2011, Worden was appointed to the editorial advisory board of PRSA’s Public Relations Journal.  In 2012, she served as a judge for PRSA’s Silver Anvils and as a member of the speaker proposal review team for PRSA’s International Conference. She also serves on the board of directors of the Twin Cities Media Alliance.
 
Prior to joining Weber Shandwick, Worden was a staff writer at Twin Cities Business magazine and worked in the financial services practice group at management consulting firm Accenture. She holds a B.A. in English and political science from Hamline University.

Tuesday, May 22, 2012

Job - Research Writer - University Relations - South Dakota State University

Job - Syngenta - Marketing Intern

Monday, May 21, 2012

PRSA - Meet & Mingle Summer Celebration at OLSON


What better way to celebrate the kick-off of summer in Minneapolis than a Meet & Mingle rooftop happy hour?! Join MN PRSA on Thursday, June 21, 2012, at OLSON’s new downtown location for an event offering networking opportunities with a diverse group of public relations, communications and media professionals while allowing you to experience the entertaining, contemporary environment of this agency in its exciting new space. 

Connect with industry professionals and expand your network while enjoying OLSON’s new rooftop venue overlooking Target Field. Check-in and site tours will begin at 5 p.m. with the main event taking place from 6 – 8 p.m. on the roof, weather permitting. Hors d'oeuvres and beverages will be provided and the event will feature music and trivia to provide a relaxed networking atmosphere. Parking is available for free in the visitor’s parking lot beside the building, located at , on the corner of N 5th St and 5th Ave. In addition, metered parking is available for $0.25 per half hour. There is not a Twins’ game that evening, so traffic congestion likely won’t be an issue for those commuting downtown.

Registration fees will be $10 for PRSA members and all students and $15 for non-members. We hope to see you there!

Twitter hashtags: #MeetMingle

For more information about OLSON, visit http://www.oco.com/

If you are looking for a chance to kick back with fellow professionals, discuss the challenges and highlights of your day, or gain a new perspective from another member, Meet & Mingle Networking Events are a “can’t miss” networking opportunity. These informal gatherings are designed to “advance the professional” and offer added value to our members.

DATE
Thursday, June 21, 2012

TIME
5:00 p.m. event begins
5:00 – 6:00 p.m. registration and site tours
8:00 p.m. event closes

LOCATION
OLSON


PARKING
Free parking is available in the visitor’s parking lot across the street. Street parking is also available.

PRICE
• $10 for PRSA members and all students and $15 for non-members.
• $15 for non-members

Appetizers and beverages included
Cancellations received by the Minnesota PRSA office at least 48 hours prior to the event are eligible for a refund of the registration fee. No refunds will be provided for cancellations received fewer than 48 hours prior to the event. No-shows will be billed for any unpaid registration fees.

QUESTIONS?
Contact Minnesota PRSA

Job - Haberman - Senior Digital Strategist

Job - Deluxe - Internship

Friday, May 18, 2012

Job - HealthPartners - Communications Intern

Peace Coffee, JAMF Software Choose Maccabee Group

Peace Coffee, the Minneapolis-based coffee roaster which purchases 100% organic, fair-trade coffee direct from small farmer co-ops around the world; and JAMF Software, the Minneapolis-based developer of Mac and iOS client management software developed exclusively for the Apple platform, have both chosen Maccabee as their public relations and social media marketing agency.

Thursday, May 17, 2012

Dino-Mite: Clarity Coverdale Fury Unleashes a New Campaign for Minnesota Zoo Sure to Thrill

Minneapolis based advertising agency, Clarity Coverdale Fury, has teamed up with client Minnesota Zoo once again with a new campaign promoting the opening of the zoo’s newest exhibit, Dinosaurs!

Knowing from the moment most children are able to talk they morph into small “Dino Fans”, Clarity aimed to bring the dinosaur experience to life through radio, online, outdoor and TV. The new exhibit features moving, life-size dinosaurs and is sure to please all ages.

Creative Director Michael Atkinson said, “Seeing a genuine sense of awe on your child’s face is amazing. Our job is to simply remind parents that when their child is standing in front of a life-size, moving, roaring dinosaur, a sense of awe is pretty much guaranteed.”

Commuters will see Southwest transit bus wraps featuring the much-anticipated dinosaurs, as well as hear the radio spots featuring adults and children of all ages experiencing the new exhibit. The TV spot, which will first air on May 21st, brings the experience to life by showing a child in “awe” in the shadow of a dinosaur.

“The Minnesota Zoo is a great activity for all families. And the dinosaurs are just one more great reason to go,” said Clarity’s Director of Brand Development Rob Rankin.

The Dinosaurs! exhibit opens Memorial Day weekend and will run through September 3rd at the Minnesota Zoo. For more information on Clarity Coverdale Fury please visit www.claritycoverdalefury.com. For more info on the Minnesota Zoo please visit www.mnzoo.org. To check out the work please click here: http://www.claritycoverdalefury.com/2012/05/leveraging-the-awe-factor-for-the-minnesota-zoo/.

Shandwick promotes Benbo to Vice President

today announced the promotion of to vice president in its Corporate, Community and Public Affairs practice.

Benbo directs teams responsible for the planning, managing and execution of strategic communications activities for corporate, B2B and business-to-government clients in a variety of industries. A specialist in defense and military affairs, he has supported many accounts for the Minneapolis office of Weber Shandwick, including leading defense contractor BAE Systems, Inc., which selected Weber Shandwick to be its Agency of Record in 2011.

Benbo also has helped lead corporate strategy for clients in the industrial equipment industry and has led Weber Shandwick’s public affairs work with a leading Twin Cities non-profit healthcare facility focused on children, working to raise awareness and support surrounding child health issues.

Prior to Weber Shandwick, Ryan worked at the Minnesota Department of Agriculture communications office. He holds a bachelor's degree in communications from Northwestern College, and recently completed a Master’s in Theology at his alma mater.

Job - Olson - Assistant Account Executive

Wednesday, May 16, 2012

A Pleasant Minnesota Surprise for PRWeek Editor-in-Chief

In his first trip to Minnesota, , editor-in-chief of PRWeek, learned that his perceptions of our state were quite different from the reality.

"I saw 'Fargo' and I know that Prince lived here," Barrett told a group of approximately 60 public relations professionals and students. "You have something green called grass, which we don't have in Manhattan."

At the Minnesota PRSA event hosted by Carmichael Lynch Spong, Barrett discussed what's driving agency growth, how PRWeek is changing, and how agencies are evolving.

Steve Barrett, editor-in-chief of PRWeek
Calling this "the most exciting time to be writing about PR and to be in the communications industry," Barrett said that integration is the way of the future for public relations agencies.

With skills perfectly suited to the modern media environment, PR professionals are integrating with the marketing and investor relations fields like never before.

Barrett pointed out that last year PR agencies were up 10 percent, while the national gross domestic product was up 1.7 percent. Social media and content generation are two of the keys to that growth -- providing PR agencies a way to bypass traditional media and, in the case of social media, a cheaper way to connect with customers.

"Advertising is expensive," Barrett said. "As the saying goes, 'Fifty percent of advertising is effective, and we don't know which half.'"

This growth could lead to a billion-dollar agency possibly within the next five to 10 years.

Other aspects of this growth include globalization -- particularly in Latin America and China -- with agencies filling in the gaps to have a consistent offering around the world.

Three years ago, PRWeek changed its format to a monthly print publication, and continues to evolve.

"It's hard to peer into the crystal ball, although I can say we are integrating print with digital," Barrett said. "We have 22,000 followers and a YouTube channel. Our is perfect for stories that wouldn't make the front page of the website."

Although there are no plans for a PRWeek iPad app, changes on tap for PRWeek include:  more special events, possibly a more global perspective, and more webcasts.

In regard to agency trends, Barrett noted that agencies are getting to become choosier about their clients and in which RFPs they participate.

He added that measurement continues to be the holy grail. Agencies -- and corporations -- are building their own analytics tools but are secretive about it because of the inherent competitive advantage.

Speaking of transparency, Barrett also touched on the mistakes that caused the CEO of Yahoo! to resign, as well as Best Buy's CEO and founder to give up their positions.

"Everything is transparent these days," Barrett said. "You're playing Russian roulette if you think that something isn't going to come out."

Feel free to come back to Minnesota anytime, Steve. Maybe you can experience the joy of a good snowball fight or the thrill of catching a big walleye while ice fishing.

-- / Skogrand PR Solutions, LLC

Job - Mall of America - Digital Public Relatons Coordinator

Job - Evans Larson Communications is looking for a full-time summer intern

Siodlarz joins Spyglass Creative as project manager

Minneapolis-based Spyglass Creative has added a new employee to its roster: Ashlee Siodlarz joins the team as project manager.

 Siodlarz joins Spyglass Creative

In her new role, Siodlarz oversees clients’ digital, branding and public relations efforts – ensuring projects move smoothly and deliverables are met. With a background in public relations, Siodlarz will lend her expertise in media relations, social media outreach, digital strategy and monitoring and measurement to strategic marketing opportunities.

Currently, she is working with OptumHealth managing the development of web-tools and marketing sales collateral. Siodlarz also works closely with Carlson Wagonlit Travel, Group O, OptumHealth Financial Services, Reeher LLC and local non-profit Cookie Cart.

“We’re excited to add Ashlee to our team,” says Molly Rice, Spyglass Creative CEO. “Ashlee’s skills as a communicator contribute to our ability as a team to continuously produce exceptional work on behalf of ourclients.”  

Prior to joining Spyglass, Siodlarz sharpened her skills at St. Paul, Minn.-based Beehive PR, in the corporate communications department at Xcel Energy and at Aspect Communications Group in London.

A native of Milwaukee, she moved to Minneapolis and in 2011 graduated from the University of Minnesota Twin Cities School of Journalism and Mass Communication with a Bachelor of Arts degree in professional strategic communications.

Connect with

Tuesday, May 15, 2012

Job - Park Nicollet Methodist Hospital - Marketing Intern

Job - Humera - Events Coordinator

Monday, May 14, 2012

Job - Liberty Diversified International - Marketing Intern

Friday, May 11, 2012

Job - Osseo Area Schools - Marketing Communications Specialist

Risdall Marketing Group Continues to Grow as it Approaches its 40th Year

Risdall Marketing Group (RMG) will mark four decades of doing business on July 1, 2012, and it continues its profitable success in Quarter 1 by adding 12 new accounts. New clients include OminLingua Worldwide, a translation and localization services company, Minnesota Hospital Association, a trade association representing hospital and health systems in the state of Minnesota, and Northwest Youth & Family Services, a nonprofit serving the Twin Cities for the healthy development of children and families.

“Our unique structure positions us to offer clients a wide range of capabilities and includes a deep understanding of the digital space,” said John Risdall, vice chairman and CEO of RMG. “We continue to offer our clients brilliant marketing solutions in the most relevant and effective way possible — all while making an impact on their sales and profits.”

RMG’s new and expanded accounts include:
·         AgStar - Website redesign
·         CardioVascular Centers & Hypertension Diagnostics Public relations, branding, messaging, collateral and signage development
·         Eemax, Inc. Video writing, animation and production
·         Jacobs Incentive Travel
·         Meridian Behavioral Health - Marketing
·         Minnesota Hospital Association - Website redesign and strategy
·         Northwest Youth & Family Services Collateral development
·         Pathway Health Services Website and application development
·         OmniLingua Worldwide, LLC Search engine marketing
·         Ramsey/Washington County Resource Recover Project Website development
·         Tolomatic, Inc. Search Engine Optimization
·         Winthrop Resources Brand strategy and public relations

For Farmers, You are what You Grow

Agricultural seed company, SEEDS 2000®, based in Breckenridge, Minnesota, is showing their commitment to farmers and innovation with two new print ads in 2012. The new work, created by advertising agency Clarity Coverdale Fury in Minneapolis, graphically shows how their hybrid seeds become part of the farmer’s life and success. The print ads, which promote SEEDS 2000’s sunflower and corn hybrid seeds, each feature a portrait of a farmer made out of seeds.
 
Creative Director Jac Coverdale said: “Of course, we wanted the ads to stand out in the category, which tends to show a lot of the same types of images, and make the same product claims. Plus, make the point that SEEDS 2000 has a strong track record of developing hybrids with the success of the grower in mind. Making the portraits of the growers out of the seeds seemed like an honest, and engaging way to do that.”

The two print ads communicate that the company understands a new breed of grower who demands a higher level of genetics. “SEEDS 2000 is a very forward looking company. We wanted to stress that the same level of technology growers have come to trust and use was available in new and innovative varieties. The ads also demonstrate, in a unique way, the importance of these new hybrids to the ongoing success of our growers,” said Group Brand Director at Clarity Coverdale Fury, Gary Hellmer.

The first ad in the series promotes their sunflower hybrids and will run throughout 2012. The second ad will promote their multi-traited corn hybrids and will debut in Fall 2012. To see the work for SEEDS2000 please visit http://www.claritycoverdalefury.com/2012/05/seeds-that-have-the-grower-in-mind/.

Thursday, May 10, 2012

Job - Ameriprise - Director, Communications-Enterprise Content

Job - SCHERMER - Account Director

SCHERMER - Account Director

Job - Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Greater Twin Cities - Communications and Public Relations Associate

Wednesday, May 09, 2012

Job - Snap Social Media - Social Media Manager

Job - Imation - Corporate Communications/Public Relations Intern

Zemke Promoted to Vice President at Beehive PR

has been promoted to vice president at Beehive PR.

Zemke now leads client service for the agency and has a lead role in talent development. She will continue to oversee Beehive’s business-to-business and corporate communications clients with a strong emphasis in financial services, health care and public affairs.

Zemke joined Beehive in 2004 as an account director and was promoted in 2006 to group director. Prior to joining Beehive, she was with Padilla Speer Beardsley for nine years.

Zemke has earned multiple awards for her uncommonly sharp work, including a Silver Anvil from the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA), a SABRE award, a Utility Communicators International award and several awards from the National Agri-Business Marketing Association.

“One of Ayme’s greatest strengths is building rock-solid relationships — with clients and her teammates,” said Beehive CEO Lisa Hannum. “Ayme’s a natural-born leader and mentor. That and her excellent problem-solving skills and creative thinking have earned her this new role on the agency’s leadership team.”

Risdall Marketing Group Hires Three

Risdall Marketing Group (RMG) is pleased to announce the addition of new hires Steve Tiongson, motion graphics designer and director of photography, Chris Liakos, senior copywriter, and Becky Brannan, online marketing specialist.

“We are very excited about the range of specialization Chris, Becky and Steve bring to our team,” said John Risdall, vice chairman and CEO. “Each individual not only expands RMG’s overall capabilities, but specifically grows our web and digital media services as the largest web developer in Minnesota, keeping our clients ahead of their peers in their online efforts.”

Tiongson joins Risdall as motion graphics designer and director of photography and will serve as a resource for client work that includes the production and post-production of videos and the creation of motion graphics for web delivery. Past client work on accounts such as Target, PepsiCo/Gatorade, Nike Bauer and 3M, showcase Tiongson’s multidisciplinary background in digital media and videography.

Liakos is an award-winning advertising copywriter bringing 14 years of industry experience to his position at RMG as senior copywriter. Prior to joining RMG, Liakos worked at Wingnut Advertising, RJC Advertising and the University of Minnesota. He is the recipient of four Addy Awards and has done extensive work in print, television and radio. As senior copywriter, Liakos will specialize in conceptualizing and creating a brand voice for clients.

With a background in creating successful social media campaigns, Brannan will help clients as an online marketing specialist to establish a concrete online presence through social media, search engine optimization and on-page website optimization. Previously, Brannan worked at Popular Front in social media and received her degree in communication arts from the University of Wisconsin, Madison in 2007.

Tuesday, May 08, 2012

Job - University of Minnesota - Lead Creative Video Specialist

Job University of Minnesota - Assistant Creative Video Specialist

Monday, May 07, 2012

Job - KorConnect- Account Services Team Member

Maccabee chosen as one of Minnesota's “100 Best Companies to Work For” by Minnesota Business magazine

Maccabee, the national public relations and social media marketing agency located in the Warehouse District of downtown Minneapolis, was chosen as one of Minnesota's “100 Best Companies to Work For” by Minnesota Business magazine. The magazine said that the Maccabee agency and the other 99 winners “set the standard for leadership, benefits, best work environment, innovative training programs and employee happiness.”

Among the corporate culture elements that stand out at the Maccabee agency: annual retreats and outings featuring private chefs, blues guitar anthems and sleight-of-hand magicians; in-house training and professional development events featuring guest speakers from Twin Cities advertising, mobile marketing, online video and search engine optimization agencies; unlimited free soda pop and an ever-refillable Candy Bowl of Temptation; a remote-control disco ball; generous health, dental, IRA and other employee benefits; monthly therapeutic in-office massages from Sister Rosalind Gefre Massage Centers; WorkFit Sit-Stand computer workstations for the most possible ergonomic comfort; and a jukebox filled with 1950s Chicago blues and soul classics.

Other Twin Cities interactive, advertising and PR agencies joining Maccabee on the elite list of “Best Companies To Work For” include Ciceron, Fast Horse, Haberman, Karwoski & Courage, LaBreche, mono, Nina Hale, Schermer and Spyder Trap. 

11 Promoted at Weber Shandwick

The Minneapolis office of announces the promotions of Peter Abeln, Stephanie Connolly, Trish Corprew, Angela Gassett, Rebecca Mitchell, Emily Norine, John Poferl, Jacob Ricker, Brandon Sullivan, Carolyn Sullivan and Kelsy VonderHaar within its Consumer Marketing, Design and Development, Financial Services, Healthcare, and Corporate, Community and Public Affairs practices.

was promoted to senior application architect in the Design and Development practice. During his six years at Weber Shandwick, Abeln has been instrumental in the development of many high-profile websites for government and private-industry clients, including the American College of Surgeons and BAE Systems. He has also served as technical lead for the U.S. Army’s award-winning Army Strong Stories program. He holds a bachelor’s degree in business management from the University of Phoenix and an AA in web development from the Minnesota School of Business.

was promoted to account supervisor in the Corporate, Community and Public Affairs practice. She joined Weber Shandwick in January 2007 and currently leads the internal and external communications campaigns for a major sub-section of the BAE Systems account as well as leading a major account in the travel industry. She has expertly secured top-tier media placements, coordinated trade show media activities and planned long-term public relations campaigns and measurement strategies for all her clients over the past five years. Connolly holds a bachelor’s degree in political science and communication from the University of Wisconsin – La Crosse.

was promoted to account supervisor in the Healthcare practice. Corprew has brought strategic counsel, superb media relations skills and a talent for project management to all her accounts, including deftly securing numerous placements in national newspapers and interviews with local and national broadcast media for major Weber Shandwick Healthcare clients. In addition, since joining the agency in January 2010, she has been heavily involved in Weber Shandwick Minneapolis’ annual Telling Your Story pro bono workshop. She holds a bachelor’s degree in communications studies from the University of St. Thomas.

was promoted to account supervisor in the Corporate, Community and Public Affairs practice. Gassett joined the agency as an intern in 2005 and has contributed to the continued growth and success of the firm through her strategic account leadership and involvement in the local PR community. Gassett leads and manages the U.S. Army’s award-winning Army Strong Stories program, including blogger relations, event support, relationship building with partners, and mobile app development. In addition, she has served as the Minnesota PRSA Classics co-chair for two years. She holds a bachelor’s degree in public relations and psychology from the University of St. Thomas.

was promoted to senior account executive in the Financial Services practice. Her positive attitude, resourcefulness and dedication have made her a sought-after team member for colleagues and clients. Mitchell is a key member of the team working on the Taxpayer Advocate service account, handling client communications with aplomb and expertly leading the development of a complex financial website on a short timeline. She also serves as social media expert and web advisor for the U.S. Treasury Go Direct and Bureau of the Public Debt Ready.Save.Grow campaigns, and provides media relations and corporate communications support for the MasterCard account. Prior to Weber Shandwick, Mitchell interned at the Ordway Center for the Performing Arts. She holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities.

was promoted to senior project manager in the Design and Development practice. Norine joined the firm two years ago and has played a crucial role in managing vendors, meeting budgets and ensuring that all projects are completed on deadline. She has led the development of print advertising projects and branding collateral for major clients including the Minnesota Twins and the U.S. Army, as well as supporting more than 50 new business efforts in the last year alone. She holds a bachelor’s degree in theology from Calvin College.

was promoted to senior account executive in the Financial Services practice. Poferl has managed social media strategy for major clients including the U.S. Census and led grassroots media relations for U.S. Army NASCAR racing events. Additionally, he has developed case studies on complex B2B financial products as a member of the ADP account team, used his media relations expertise to secure coverage for a large national property and casualty insurance company and clients in the retirement industry, and served on the FedEx NASCAR account team. Poferl will also serve as social media chair for the seventh annual Alphabet Bash in August, a Twin Cities networking event for communications professionals. He holds a bachelor’s degree in mass communication and public relations from St. Cloud State University.

Jacob Ricker was promoted to account supervisor in the Consumer Marketing group. Since Ricker joined Weber Shandwick in January 2007, he has combined strong sports expertise with inline program executions to help drive some of the Consumer Marketing group’s most dynamic campaigns. He has been key to executive visibility, corporate communications, inline media relations and sponsorship activation programs for clients including the U.S. Army, Polaris Industries and the Notah Begay III Foundation. He holds a bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities.

was promoted to web developer in the Design and Development practice. Since 2009, Sullivan’s HTML slicing skills, WordPress expertise and innovative thinking have contributed to the success of dozens of campaigns and the polish of as many websites for clients including the U.S. Army, the U.S. Treasury, the American College of Surgeons and the IRS. He holds an associate’s degree in web design and interactive media from The Art Institutes International Minnesota.

was promoted to account director in the Corporate, Community and Public Affairs group. Sullivan leads the day-to-day management of communication efforts for a national commercial real estate brand and manages the Inspire Stories blogger engagement initiative for the U.S. Army’s award-winning Army Strong Stories program. She also served as co-chair of the 20th annual Weber Shandwick pro bono communications workshop for local non-profit organizations, Telling Your Story. Carolyn holds a bachelor’s degree in communications and Spanish from the College of Saint Benedict.

Kelsy VonderHaar was promoted to graphic designer in the Design and Development practice. Since joining Weber Shandwick in 2010, she has supported dozens of new business pitches and existing clients with clear and compelling design work. She holds a bachelor’s degree in graphic design from the University of Minnesota – Duluth.

New Talent Joins Weber Shandwick

The Minneapolis office of Weber Shandwick announced the hires of Anna Evenson, Sarah Hamman and Meagan Pick in its Consumer Marketing; Design and Development; and Corporate, Community and Public Affairs practices.
 
has been hired as an assistant project manager in the Design and Development practice. Since joining Weber Shandwick as an intern in February 2011, she has helped guide dozens of projects to successful conclusions, including planning and developing e-communications and print materials and managing vendors for clients including the U.S. Army. Prior to Weber Shandwick, she worked at an Arizona web design and marketing firm. Evenson holds a bachelor’s degree in strategic communications from Arizona State University.
 
has been hired as an assistant account executive in the Consumer Marketing practice after completing her internship. She will support the U.S. Army as well as account work on major consumer packaged goods with her media relations and media monitoring skills. Previously, Hamman led a student-run public relations firm at the University of Minnesota and interned at the University of Minnesota Academic Health Center, where she received a Minnesota PRSA Student Classic award for her work in media relations and new media. She holds a bachelor’s degree in strategic communications from the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities.
 
has been hired as an assistant account executive in the Corporate, Community and Public Affairs practice. Since joining Weber Shandwick as an intern in 2011, her ability to research and summarize complex regulatory and environmental issues, combined with her initiative in proposing new ideas, has been invaluable to the accounts she has worked on. Prior to Weber Shandwick, Pick led a team of community fundraisers. She holds a bachelor’s degree in political science/international relations and a concentration in Latin American studies from Carleton College.

Friday, May 04, 2012

New Trane Campaign From Carmichael Lynch Tests the Limits of Product and Category


A team from Carmichael Lynch made a great discovery while touring Trane’s headquarters in Tyler, Texas. They were introduced to Trane’s SEET lab, where Trane’s heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems undergo rigorous testing in the most extreme conditions. Carmichael Lynch was so impressed by the durability of Trane’s products that they wanted to see just how far they could take Trane’s iconic tagline.
“It’s Hard To Stop A Trane®. For years this tagline has proven what we already know: that these are the most reliable HVAC machines in the world," said Dave Damman, chief creative officer at Carmichael Lynch. “But much like Frankenstein, the only one that could kill the monster was the one person who created it -- Dr. Frankenstein."

Carmichael Lynch then took that idea to Ingersoll Rand Residential Solutions VP of Marketing Scott Martin, who saw the opportunity to set the heating and air conditioning category on its ear while also reinforcing the Trane brand promise.
"This campaign is true to everything Trane represents. It's reliability with a capital 'R,' said Martin. "Only Trane can legitimately demonstrate this type of extreme, exaggerated testing. It's because our engineers take our products to the limit every day. And consumers understand that."

Carmichael Lynch, with the help of production company Bandito Brothers LLC brought to life Trane’s testing message in a highly cinematic way. “There we were, right on the edge of Death Valley, putting Trane’s units through the most unexpected testing conditions and breaking world records,” said Sheldon Clay, creative director at Carmichael Lynch. One of the four TV spots, , features a 39-foot city bus that sets a world record for biggest remote-controlled jump, which belly flops on a Trane cooling unit. The Bandito Brothers recycled the destroyed city bus by turning it into an office bar.
“We are fortunate to have a client that’s willing to go to the edge in demonstrating a product benefit, especially when it involves fire, lightning and explosives. Probably not what you’d expect from a 100-year-old HVAC company. It turned out to be a big idea that blew them away. Literally." said Damman.
The Bandito Brothers, who specialize in high-action filmmaking, incorporated a lot of the same filming techniques that they used in their blockbuster hit, “Act of Valor.” The TV spots brought to life Trane’s iconic tagline and demonstrated just how hard it is to stop a Trane heating and air conditioning unit.
You can view the four TV spots by clicking on the titles below:

        

       



A full list of credits is listed below. 







Carmichael Lynch 
Dave Damman: Chief Creative Officer
Sheldon Clay: Group Creative Director, Writer
Jeff Terwilliger: Associate Creative Director, Art Director
Conn Newton: Associate Creative Director, Writer
Joe Grundhoefer: Director of Integrated Production
Jon Mielke: Content Producer
Vicki Oachs: Director of Business Affairs
Maria Reitan: Senior Principal
Andrew Pautz: Account Leader
Anne Flavin: Account Leader
BANDITO BROTHERS, LLC: Production Company
Suzanne Hargrove: Executive Producer
Mouse McCoy: Director
Leonardo Veras: Producer
Shane Hurlbut: Director of Photography
Butcher Edit: Editorial
Dave Henegar: Editor
Rob Van: Executive Producer
Drive Thru: Online & VFX
Beth Wilson: Executive Producer
Derek Johnson: VFX Artist & Online Editor

CO3: Color
David Hussey: Colorist

The Motion Picture Company: VFX for "Nature's Wrath" only
Justin Brukman: Executive Producer
Kelly Bruce: VFX Artist
BWN: Record/Mix
Annie Holoein: Producer
Carl White: Mixer
Lime Studios: Sound Design
Jessica Locke: Executive Producer
Joel Waters: Sound Designer
Newer Posts Older Posts Home