Job - Sunrise Banks - Marketing Manager

Sunrise Banks - Marketing Manager

Experienced Industry Leader Dave Schad Joins Risdall Team

Risdall is pleased to announce that Dave Schad has joined Risdall as Executive Vice President and General Manager. Schad most recently served as the General Manager of FleishmanHillard Minneapolis and has extensive agency leadership experience formed at FleishmanHillard, PadillaCRT, Group One, and Carmichael Lynch..

His experience in leading and growing agency teams will be a great asset to Risdall as his background aligns well with the agency given his strong belief in the value of an integrated model of digital platform development, digital marketing and communications, content strategy, paid digital engagement and analytics.

In joining Risdall, Schad said, “I’m excited about the opportunity to help shape the future of an agency that is so deeply committed to the growth of the brands we serve through impressive digital capability and true integration of communications and technology. The expertise that’s assembled here is drawn from both agency and corporate settings representing some of the brightest talent in the Cities. I’m looking forward to showcasing this team’s collective abilities.”

“In the past couple of years, Risdall has made some important hires to bring the level of experience and talent here to another level,” said Ted Risdall, Chairman/CEO of Risdall. “Dave Schad is a leader with a strong track record of success and his addition to guide our strategic growth will be a tremendous advantage to our clients and future.”

Risdall had previously announced additions to its brand development, creative, and digital marketing teams earlier in 2017 to provide industry-leading counsel for clients.

Job - Minneapolis Marriott Northwest - Junior Event Coordinator

Minneapolis Marriott Northwest - Junior Event Coordinator

Schad Joins Risdall

Risdall is pleased to announce that Dave Schad has joined Risdall as Executive Vice President and General Manager. Schad most recently served as the General Manager of FleishmanHillard Minneapolis and has extensive agency leadership experience formed at FleishmanHillard, PadillaCRT, Group One, and Carmichael Lynch.

His experience in leading and growing agency teams will be a great asset to Risdall as his background aligns well with the agency given his strong belief in the value of an integrated model of digital platform development, digital marketing and communications, content strategy, paid digital engagement and analytics.

In joining Risdall, Schad said, “I’m excited about the opportunity to help shape the future of an agency that is so deeply committed to the growth of the brands we serve through impressive digital capability and true integration of communications and technology. The expertise that’s assembled here is drawn from both agency and corporate settings representing some of the brightest talent in the Cities. I’m looking forward to showcasing this team’s collective abilities.”

“In the past couple of years, Risdall has made some important hires to bring the level of experience and talent here to another level,” said Ted Risdall, Chairman/CEO of Risdall. “Dave Schad is a leader with a strong track record of success and his addition to guide our strategic growth will be a tremendous advantage to our clients and future.”

Risdall had previously announced additions to its brand development, creative, and digital marketing teams earlier in 2017 to provide industry-leading counsel for clients.

Reader Giveaway: Three Tickets to MnSearch Summit

As a long-time proponent of the Twin Cities marketing and PR community, I’m always excited to share the latest and greatest marketing events and opportunities. Which is why I was elated when the Minnesota Search Engine Marketing Association approached me to collaborate.

This Friday, June 23, the association will be hosting its fourth annual MnSearch Summit in St. Paul. The event is regarded as the most forward-thinking digital marketing event of the year, and was named a top marketing event by Inc Magazine.

Topics like search engine optimization, pay-per-click, social media, email, content, video, analytics and more are packed into a one-day event. Plus, attendees will be hearing first-hand from national executives from Google, Facebook, LeadPages, Moz, Microsoft, Aimclear and more, all in a day’s work.

In collaboration with MnSearch Summit, I am giving away three tickets to my readers, worth $550+ each. To enter, simply subscribe to my enewsletter and follow my social channels. I will choose three lucky winners at random on Wednesday.

In addition to the giveaway, I’m excited to share an exclusive discount to my readers. If you are interested in attending, use code MNPR40 to get $40 off of your registration.

The Details

What: MnSearch Summit

Where: St. Paul RiverCentre

When: Friday, June 23, 2017

Who: Anyone serious about advancing their skills in SEO, content, analytics, video, social and more

E-mail me and let me know you are interested. Be sure to include Reader Giveaway in the subject.

Job - Modern Promos - Account Supervisor

Modern Promos - Account Supervisor

FLM+ and Harvest PR & Marketing Join Forces as FLM Harvest

FLM+ and Harvest PR & Marketing today announced they will join forces, merging highly complementary competencies, cultures and client portfolios across the farm, food, environmental sciences and lifestyle spectrum. Together, the companies will rebrand as FLM Harvest.
 

The coming together of the firms is the culmination of two unique teams and success stories over the past decade. FLM+ and Harvest have been among the fastest-growing and most successful agencies in the food and agriculture space in recent years. Combined, the new organization will have more than 80 team members in operating locations from coast to coast.

“We have watched and admired the growth and business strategy of Harvest for some time,” said Rob McClelland, president/CEO of FLM Harvest. “This acquisition will help us realize a long-standing goal to fully build out a farmer-driven food practice, and have more depth and expertise in reaching consumers to tell the story of food, agriculture and environmental sciences.”

FLM+, a hybrid strategic consulting, marketing and communications company, specializes in agriculture and life/environmental sciences to improve the lives and health of plants, animals, people and communities. The FLM+ team focuses on setting strategies, aligning teams, framing opinions and creating demand.

Harvest PR & Marketing represents a unique spectrum of food and farm clients, with a heavy focus on grower organizations, national commodity boards and food associations. The agency has won more than 50 national awards in the past five years, and was recently named 2017 Outstanding Boutique Agency by PRWeek.

“Our goal is to harness the combined expertise of both teams and create an organization that delivers innovative solutions and results to clients in the industries that we serve,” said Heidi Nelson, executive vice president of FLM Harvest, and founder of Harvest PR. “We’re excited to bring consumer insights to our combined clients and proud to join with a company that is farmer driven and so deeply rooted in agriculture.”

Job - Mall of America - Fashion PR Internship

Mall of America - Fashion PR Internship

Job - Jostens - Social Media Strategist

Jostens - Social Media Strategist

Job - UnitedHealth Group - Social Media Analyst

UnitedHealth Group - Social Media Analyst

Job - Forterra - Marketing Manager

Forterra - Marketing Manager

Job - Cargill - Truvia Social Media and Marketing Coordinator

Cargill - Truvia Social Media and Marketing Coordinator

Job - Hennepin County - Communications Specialist, Principal

Hennepin County - Communications Specialist, Principal

Job - City of Edina - Communications Intern I or II

City of Edina - Communications Intern I or II

Job - MARCOMM Inc - Event Manager

MARCOMM Inc - Event Manager

Job - Exponent PR - Content Developer - Health

Exponent PR - Content Developer - Health

Digi.City Connects: Twin Cities Roundtable

This upcoming Tuesday, June 6, join Digi.City and some of the region's top business and government leaders for a private behind-the-scenes tour of the technology aspects of U.S. Bank Stadium & a discussion about the Twin Cities' smart city efforts & digital infrastructure prep for Super Bowl LII.

We will examine the role of cooperation among government, industry and communities as well as the social and economic benefits of 21st century digital infrastructure. This event is free of charge. Panel discussion will be held from 9:00-10:05 am and the optional tour follows.

Space will fill up for this unique event - please click here and register today to reserve your spot. All Twin Cities business, non-profit, government and civic leaders are welcome to attend - please share this invitation with your co-workers and others who might be interested in participating by forwarding them this email.

This event is part of a multi-city series, “Digi.City Connects,” spearheading thoughtful discussions in key metropolitan areas across the United States with local lawmakers and experts about the policy implications of smart city technologies.

Participants include:

• Chelsea Collier – Founder, Digi.City
• Patrick Talty – GM, U.S. Bank Stadium
• Margaret Anderson Keliher – President/CEO, Minnesota High Tech Association
• Rep. Joe Hoppe (R-Chaska) – Minnesota House of Representatives
• Jonathan Weinhagen – President/CEO, Minneapolis Chamber of Commerce

Register Now.

Job - Navegate - Marketing Intern

Navegate - Marketing Intern

Job - Hammer Made - Marketing Manager

Hammer Made - Marketing Manager

Happy Memorial Day!

Meet Young Professional of the Year Award Winner Keegan Shoutz

At this year's Minnesota PRSA Classics Awards banquet on April 20, Keegan Shoutz of Lola Red Public Relations was named Young Professional of the Year.

1. Tell us a bit about your public relations experience so far.

Keegan Shoutz

I was the president of my PRSSA chapter at St. Cloud State University (SCSU) from 2009 to 2010. I graduated from SCSU with a degree in mass communications with an emphasis in public relations. In May of 2010, immediately following graduation, I started an unpaid internship at Lola Red.

Since then, I’ve grown into my role at Lola Red and have worked my way from intern to my current role as vice president.

Throughout the past seven years at Lola Red, I’ve had the opportunity to work with some amazing brands both big and small. Our main priority here at Lola Red is to achieve results for our clients and to always treat clients, and the media, with the best possible service. It’s been an incredible experience working with brands like Love Your Melon, Sphero, and JR Watkins as I’ve watched them grow and I too have grown over the years.

2. What role has PRSA had in your career success?

Coming directly from my role in PRSSA as president of my chapter, PRSA has had a huge impact in my career within the PR industry.

I attended numerous PSRA-led events while a student and have had the opportunity to serve on the student relations committee of PRSA as a professional. It’s been humbling to have the opportunity to plan and mentor students, just as I was mentored when starting my career.

The PR community in Minneapolis is incredible and there are so many inspiring professionals that I have gotten to meet and become friends with through my time in PRSA. I feel fortunate to have learned early on that your experience with PRSA is what you make it. You have the opportunity to be as involved as you’d like but if you put in the effort, the return comes back to you tenfold.

3. What campaign have you worked on that you are most proud of and why?

When I first met the founders of Love Your Melon, they were selling their hats as a part of a class project. After learning more about their story and their true vision for turning the project into a full-fledged business, I was able to see the potential they had to change lives and attract the interest of the media. I first got them on KARE 11 here in Minneapolis back in 2010 or 2011.

After parting ways as they finished school, they would occasionally reach out for assistance with projects or events.

In 2014, I got the call that they were heading on a cross-country road trip in a tour bus to visit campuses and hospitals. I KNEW that story needed to be told and that so many lives would be positively impacted by Love Your Melon if I could help them reach beyond Minnesota. As part of my outreach to national media about this tour, I was able to grab the attention of a producer for the TODAY Show, who ended up filming and airing a four-minute segment during the Winter Olympics in 2014.

Needless to say, it was incredible to watch the impact it had on their business. Today, Love Your Melon is one of our biggest clients here at Lola Red and I’m incredibly honored that they continue to put faith in me to help them spread their message.

4. What is your desired career path?

My desired career path is truly centered around being happy.

I’ve managed to remain extremely fulfilled throughout my seven years at Lola Red and I suppose if and when that ever changes, that is when I would begin to look for other paths to venture down.

Working not only with a team that is extremely dedicated and hardworking but with clients that equally treat me as partners in their business — strengthens my drive to succeed.

I look forward to continuing to grow and learn, while teaching others what I’ve managed to learn along the way.

I try not to worry about what I’m going to do five years down the road and instead focus on the immediate days ahead of me and how I can make the most of them. I feel incredibly fortunate to have the support of my team at Lola Red and I think in today’s professional landscape, remaining in one place for seven years is a testament of that.

A few things I look forward to refining throughout my career are finding mentors that can continue to teach and inspire me with their knowledge of life and the industry. As well as joining boards or organizations for which I feel a personal connection. I look forward to using my skills to make a positive impact on the issues that matter most to me as a person.

-- Brant Skogrand, APR, MBC, CPPM / Rocket55

Job - Crayola - Marketing Assistant

Crayola - Marketing Assistant

Breakfast with a Legend- James C. Burroughs, II

Join Minnesota PRSA on June 8 for Breakfast with a Legend, featuring James C. Burroughs, II., the Chief Inclusion Officer with the Office of Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton. This event is free, but registration is required.

When:

	Thursday, June 8, 2017 8:00 AM
Where:	L'Etoile du Nord Vault Room B15, Ceremonial Spaces, Capitol 130 State Capitol 75 Rev Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Saint Paul, Minnesota  55155 United States
Contact:	office@minnesotaprsa.org 952-564-3046

Job - Sleep Number - Digital Media Planner

Sleep Number - Digital Media Planner

Job - The College of St. Scholastica - Manager, Web Design

The College of St. Scholastica - Manager, Web Design

Greenheck Promoted to Group Director

Abigail Greenheck has been promoted to group director at Beehive Strategic Communication. In her expanded role, Greenheck will continue to set strategic direction for her clients and manage a portfolio of health care and retail accounts.

Greenheck joined Beehive in 2015 as an account director and has worked on behalf of clients including University of Minnesota Health, Beaumont Health and Christopher & Banks.

“In her nearly two years at Beehive, Abigail has demonstrated her ability to inspire clients with fresh, forward-thinking insights and strategies, and she is an energizing mentor for members of our team,” said Beehive CEO Lisa Hannum.

Prior to joining Beehive, Greenheck worked as an account director at Olson Engage where she led creative marketing and communication strategies for clients in industries ranging from food and beverage to financial affairs, nonprofit and health care. Greenheck holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism and communication with an emphasis in public relations from the University of St. Thomas.

To learn more about Abigail’s perspective on partnering with organizations to turn complex topics into coffee table conversation, read her latest post on the Beehive blog.

Job - City Pages - Marketing Intern

City Pages - Marketing Intern

Job - Be The Match - PR Intern

Be The Match - PR Intern

Job - Fagron - Marketing Communication Specialist

Fagron - Marketing Communication Specialist

Job - Media Relations Agency - Event Marketing Internship

Media Relations Agency - Event Marketing Internship

Job - Zumbrota Ford - Social Media Intern

Zumbrota Ford - Social Media Intern

Job - Humera - Senior Marketing Communications Specialist

Humera - Senior Marketing Communications Specialist

Job - Jefferson Lines - Marketing Intern

Jefferson Lines - Marketing Intern

Job - Periscope - Associate Media Planner

Periscope - Associate Media Planner

PR with Panache! Becomes First PR and Inbound Marketing Firm to Serve the Education Marketplace

PR with Panache! (PRP), the award-winning public relations, storytelling, and strategic marketing firm, is thrilled to announce that it has become the first full-service PR and inbound marketing firm specifically focused on serving the education and ed tech industries. This shift was driven by PRP’s passion for improving teaching and learning by supporting companies in their mission to best serve ed tech decision-makers.

“Becoming the education market’s first full-service inbound marketing, PR, and storytelling firm demonstrates our deep investment in our clients as well as improving outcomes within our industry,” said Jacob Hanson, managing partner at PRP. “An inbound marketing approach is perfectly suited to how decision-makers within education want to interact with vendors. We have the expertise to deliver our clients the world-class inbound marketing, inbound sales, and public relations support they deserve.”

According to Hanson, PRP’s transition to becoming education’s first full-service inbound marketing and storytelling firm began more than two years ago, when district CIO’s and other decision-makers made it clear to the industry that their purchasing decisions were not aligned with vendors’ end-of-year or promotional calendars. “District and school leaders prefer to work with vendors who approach them as a valued partner in solving their challenges, and who deploy a non-disruptive, inbound marketing approach that fits not only their purchasing cycle but also their teaching and learning needs,” said Hanson.

“By creating and leveraging dynamic content, as well as deploying powerful marketing automation tools, we attract and move education decision-makers through our client’s lead funnel that is aligned with their prospect’s journey to purchase,” added Hanson. “Over the past two years, we have consistently seen our vision for the future of PR and marketing align with the direction in which the education market and our clients are moving.”

PRP’s passion for increasing the effectiveness of clients’ PR, storytelling, and marketing campaigns led it to partner with HubSpot. With the inbound marketing platform at its fingertips, PRP has industry-leading tools for collecting and analyzing the data that clients need to engage their leads, prospects, and customers in productive conversations that lead to sales. Each inbound marketing-certified member of the PRP team brings a different area of expertise to its clients, from strategy to content creation to SEO. PRP supports all levels of inbound marketing, using not only HubSpot, but also Pardot, Marketo, and other marketing-automation platforms.

For more information about Inbound Marketing in Education, please visit our website.

ACCESSIBLE360 Welcomes New Addition to executive team

Accessible360, a new consultancy that helps businesses ensure their websites are fully accessible to disabled Americans, announces two new hires to its leadership team. The firm, co-founded by Mark Lacek, has added Peter Quale as vice-president of accessibility and remediation and Kelly Heikkila as chief technology officer.

            Peter Quale joins Accessible360 after nearly two decades auditing websites for concerns ranging from e-commerce optimization, speed, and, of course, accessibility—an early area of focus for him. He was previously VP of search and analytics at Nina Hale, Inc., where he consulted with hundreds of local and national clients on every facet of digital functionality.  As VP of accessibility and remediation at Accessible360, he works with clients to effectively develop and manage accessible websites, apps, documents and emails. He also speaks and trains teams on the importance of digital accessibility and future developments in the assistive technology space.

“I’m thrilled to be playing a part in a mission I believe in so strongly, with a team I believe in emphatically,” said Peter. “Accessible360 will change the online experience of the disabled, a development that’s long overdue. I began my career building accessibility into websites two decades ago, only to watch with dismay as those concerns were eliminated from shrinking budgets over the last 15 years. Joining this company is coming full circle for me, and I can’t wait to see the impact our work will have.”

            Kelly Heikkila joins Accessible360 as CTO with 20 years of software development experience, having built solutions for some of the world’s largest organizations. After his web and mobile development agency :coderow was purchased by Kinetic Data in 2014, he became director of products at the company, which builds enterprise request management software. As chief technology officer at Accessible360, he oversees technology strategy and development, product services and deliverables, and fostering strategic partnerships.

            “I’m excited to join this particular team of people, many of whom I’ve enjoyed working closely with on previous projects,” said Kelly. “To help achieve the goals of Accessible360 is a tremendously meaningful opportunity, and I can’t imagine an assembly of talents better equipped to achieve it. As I see it, this company truly offers something rare: the combination of an amazing business potential and a crucial social good.”

“Peter and Kelly are already operating as huge assets to our team, and we’re so proud to have them applying their considerable talents to the Accessible360 mission,” said Mark Lacek, co-founder, Accessible360. “These two are both major stars in their areas of expertise, and their excellence is fueling our competitive edge. With Peter and Kelly on board, our quest to open up online spaces to disabled Americans will touch and improve the lives of an uncountable number of people — and that’s something to be very excited about.”

Accessible360, co-founded by Twin Cities entrepreneur Mark Lacek, helps businesses ensure their websites are fully accessible for disabled Americans — to make them ADA-compliant. Accessible360 provides counsel for businesses on this new mandate — including auditing websites for compliance, making repairs to restore usability and monitoring sites for ongoing issues. Accessible360 also provides training and guidance to bake accessibility into the technology design process, so it isn’t a one-off event but part of an ongoing effort and culture.

           

            Accessible360 makes the internet open to all through website accessibility consulting and services. Its diversified team brings a breadth of experience in accessibility, web development, marketing and technology that follow accessibility directives from courts and the US Department of Justice.  

Sarah Perron Joins broadhead as VP, Business Development

Broadhead announces the hiring of Sarah Zanger Perron as vice president, business development. Perron will lead in the growth of the agency, developing strategic partnerships and driving awareness of broadhead brands.
 

Perron’s career began as an early geek of Geek Squad fame, establishing marketing and PR efforts that supported the company’s distinctive brand. She has been at the forefront of the advertising and digital marketing world for two decades. She gained her experience at agencies like Fallon, Space150 and most recently KNOCK, inc. Her background includes groundbreaking work for Ameriprise, Best Buy, BMW, Starwood Hotels and Target.

"Sarah will play a vital role on our senior management team," says CEO Dean Broadhead. "She will be spearheading new business development and identifying areas of growth for broadhead brands. We’re excited to have her on board."

Perron also brings experience from the nonprofit sector. She is a board member of The Link, and sat on past boards such as WATCH MN. In 2016, she launched the nonprofit Amplified Voices, a nonprofit organization that is dedicated to ending juvenile sex trafficking through public awareness and the use of innovative tech solutions on a national level.

Job - Spotlight Media Relations - Account Coordinator

Spotlight Media Relations - Account Coordinator

Job - AQUENT - Digital Marketing Manager / Social Media

AQUENT - Digital Marketing Manager / Social Media

Caitlin Tvrdik Becomes Partner at Rocket55

Digital marketing agency Rocket55, one of the fastest-growing digital agencies in the Twin Cities, continues to propel forward with Caitlin Tvrdik becoming a partner and the hiring of eight more team members.

“Since joining Rocket55 in 2013, Caitlin has gone from simply a stellar employee to a major contributor to business growth,” said Steven Ayres, Founder and CEO of Rocket55. “I realized in the last year that her contributions and commitment warrant an equity position in the business and I am pleased to call her a partner.”

Tvrdik currently is Chief Marketing Officer for the agency, and also has worked for the organization as Marketing Director and Senior Project Manager. She was named to the AdFed MN “32 Under 32” list last year.

Rocket55 also has expanded by adding the following new employees:

• Pierre Balian -- Web Developer
• Jenna Ferrell -- Sales and Marketing Assistant
• Rachel Holtz -- Web Developer
• Tracy Kelly -- Account Executive
• Matthew Pfeifer -- SEO Specialist
• Jon Robson -- Web Designer
• Greg Thompson -- Account Manager
• Jenessa White -- Project Manager

“We continue to position Rocket55 as a powerhouse digital agency, and we pride ourselves on offering all of our services in-house,” said Jake Butzer, Partner at Rocket55. “These new hires help to set us up for future success with our holistic search marketing strategies.”

Balian and Holtz, new Web developers, will create and update websites for clients, assisting both SEO and pay-per-click clients with website changes that will increase leads and improve campaign return on investment. Balian most recently worked as lead Web developer for Hooker & Company Advertising, and before that was a freelance website designer for a variety of corporate and business clients for more than 10 years. He has an associate’s degree from Minneapolis Community and Technical College. Holtz worked for Ready Set Scout and has a bachelor’s degree from University of Wisconsin-La Crosse and an associate’s degree from Minneapolis Community and Technical College.

Ferrell, Sales and Marketing Assistant, will support the work of marketing managers and executives on projects directed at maximizing company profits. She has an associate’s degree from Minneapolis Business College.

As Account Executive, Kelly will help organizations start their journey with Rocket55 and begin to utilize digital marketing strategies to accomplish measurable objectives. He previously worked in sales and marketing roles for Starcke Abrasives USA, shop4grit.com, State Farm and Schaefer Ventilation Equipment. Kelly earned the Excellence in Leadership Award while attending St. Cloud State University, where he double-majored in marketing and Spanish.

As SEO Specialist, Pfeifer will analyze and implement opportunities for Rocket55 clients to become more visible to target audiences online. He also has worked for MP Fire Marketing, Robert Half Technology and Pioneer Industries. Pfeifer has a bachelor’s degree from St. Cloud State University.

Web Designer Robson also has worked for Capella University, Absolute Marketing Group and Smart Search. In addition, he worked as a freelance web designer and front-end developer for several years. Robson majored in web and multimedia from the Minneapolis College of Art & Design. He also has an associate of applied science degree in graphic design from Minnesota State Community and Technical College.

Account Manager Thompson will play an essential role in determining strategy and guiding Rocket55 clients to success in their digital marketing endeavors. He recently worked as the Digital Marketing and Events Specialist for CFMOTO USA and as Visual Media Producer and Advanced Services Client Liaison with Erik’s Bike Shop. Thompson has a bachelor’s degree in journalism and film from the University of Iowa.

As Project Manager, White will ensure that client work is done on time and budget. She will also establish communication with clients to make sure processes go smoothly. In terms of her experience, White is a freelance web developer, and has worked for SportsEngine and DIRECTV. She has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Minnesota.

Job - The Phoenix Residence, Inc.- Public Relations and Development Coordinator

The Phoenix Residence, Inc.- Public Relations and Development Coordinator

Job - ICF - Account Supervisor (Media Relations)

ICF - Account Supervisor (Media Relations)

Minnesota PRSA Celebrates 39th Annual Classics Awards on April 21st

The Minnesota chapter of the Public Relations Society of America (Minnesota PRSA) held its 39th Annual Classics Awards last night at The Machine Shop in Minneapolis, celebrating cutting-edge creativity and innovative thinking in the public relations industry throughout the past year. Top campaigns featured extraordinary talent and craft by driving engagement among diverse audiences through digital, content marketing, influencer outreach, experiential events and much more.

 

More than 50 awards were presented to agencies, corporations, nonprofit organizations and associations for exemplary work over the past year on programs in consumer products, consumer services, technology, health care, nonprofit, B2B and more.

“This year the Classics Awards are not only about recognizing outstanding work, but also celebrating what makes this community so special — the talent in it,” said Heather Cmiel, APR, president of Minnesota PRSA. “Public relations continues to evolve, shift and change, and I believe the work produced in Minnesota, and recognized at this event, shows our community not only understands the changing dynamic of this profession, but that we are also shaping it.”

2017 Best in Show Award

Padilla and Niagara Conservation received the Best in Show award, as well as the Industry Campaign of the Year award, for “#WhatTheFlush: Disrupting the Water Conservation Conversation.” This innovative and holistic campaign called out the white elephant in the bathroom — the toilet, which wastes up to 5 gallons per flush — by drawing connections to California’s extreme drought. Padilla successfully launched the world’s most water-efficient toilet, designed by Niagara Conservation, with limited budget. The #WhatTheFlush campaign utilized online video, out-of-home ads and digital media to surpass client expectations and ultimately save millions of gallons of water.

Donald G. Padilla Distinguished Practitioner Award

Minnesota PRSA honored Rose McKinney, APR and former Minnesota PRSA chapter president, with the Donald G. Padilla Distinguished Practitioner Award. The award is presented to an outstanding individual who has made selfless contributions to the public relations industry and demonstrated exceptional professional achievement. McKinney received the award for her dedication to public relations and her commitment to the community, such as her work with Our Young Addicts, a growing community of parents and professionals concerned about the number of young people using drugs and alcohol.

Young Professional of the Year Award

Receiving Minnesota PRSA’s Young Professional Award was Keegan Shoutz, vice president of client services at Lola Red PR. The award recognizes a Minnesota PRSA rising star who has contributed to the organization, industry and community. Shoutz demonstrates his commitment to the public relations profession through internal team building, client work and community mentorship.

Dr. Willard Thompson Scholarship

Zach Spanton from Winona State University was honored as the winner of the coveted Dr. Willard Thompson Scholarship. He received $2,000, a free PRSA associate membership and a special lunch with Heather Cmiel, APR, president of Minnesota PRSA.

Student Awards

Minnesota PRSA also honored Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) students for their exceptional work. Julie Vu from Augustana University received an Influencer Outreach award for her blog: Julie Vu’s Blog. William Curtis from the University of Minnesota received the Creative PR Campaign award for the Red Balloon Campaign Project: Where Will Your Balloon Take You?

Classics Awards Programs Winners

Community Relations, Agency/Organization with >25 employees
Insurer Takes a Leap of Faith to Save Its Flock

Padilla with Concordia Plan Services

Community Relations, Agency/Organization with <25 employees
Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge - 40th Anniversary 

Gage with Minnesota Valley Trust, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

Institutional Programs, Agency/Organization with >25 employees
Elevating Science at the American College of Surgeons Clinical Congress 

Weber Shandwick with American College of Surgeons

Institutional Programs, Agency/Organization with <25 employees
Revitalizing 3M's Award for Excellence in Skin Safety 

Inprela Communications with 3M

Special Events (Less than 7 Days), Agency/Organization with >25 employees
A Simply Better #CheesePull for National Grilled Cheese Day

Carmichael Lynch Relate with Arla Foods
 

Special Events (Less than 7 Days), Agency/Organization with <25 employees
Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge - 40th Anniversary

Gage with Minnesota Valley Trust, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
 

Special Events/Observances (More than 7 days), Agency/Organization with >25 employees
National Painting Week Inspires Care for Communities

Carmichael Lynch Relate with Sherwin-Williams

Public Service, Agency/Organization with >25 employees
Guns in the Hands of Artists 

Skogrand PR with Pillsbury United Communities & City of Minneapolis

Public Service, Agency/Organization with <25 employees
Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge - 40th Anniversary

Gage with Minnesota Valley Trust, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

Marketing Services, Agency/Organization with >25 employees
Making a Lane Change to Redefine Logistics Software

Strother Communications Group with RateLinx

Marketing Services, Agency/Organization with <25 employees
GradStaff Knows Entry-Level Hiring

Bellmont Partners with GradStaff

Marketing Products, Agency/Organization with >25 employees
Introducing a "Simply Better" Choice in the Dairy Aisle

Carmichael Lynch Relate with Arla Foods

Marketing Products, Agency/Organization with <25 employees
Launching an Original Bootleg in the Beverage Industry 

Strother Communications Group with 19th Hole Ventures

Crisis/Issues Management

Medtronic Launches Global Reputation Management Program

Medtronic

Internal Communications

HOPE: The Deluxe United Way Campaign

Beehive PR with Deluxe Corporation

Reputation/Brand Management

Unbroken Hearts: Shaping the Interventional Cardiology Story

Weber Shandwick with the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions

Integrated Communications (Products)

#WhatTheFlush: Disrupting the Water Conservation Conversation

Padilla with Niagara Conservation

Integrated Communications (Services)

Making a Lane Change to Redefine Logistics Software

Strother Communications Group with RateLinx
 

Integrated Communications (Government/Nonprofit)

Swim United: With Liberty and Flip Turns for All

Exponent PR with USA Swimming

International/Multicultural Public Relations

Getting Smart: Launching the Honeywell Smart Building Score

Weber Shandwick with Honeywell

Creative Social Campaign, Agency/Organization with >25 employees
Unbroken Hearts: Shaping the Interventional Cardiology Story

Weber Shandwick with the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions

Creative Social Campaign, Agency/Organization with <25 employees
Rudy Goes Pro

Lola Red with Kyle Rudolph

Industry Campaign of the Year (Consumer Products)

#WhatTheFlush: Disrupting the Water Conservation Conversation

Padilla with Niagara Conservation

Industry Campaign of the Year (Consumer Services)

U.S. Bank Inspires With the Power of Possible

Carmichael Lynch Relate with U.S. Bank

Industry Campaign of the Year (B2B)

Living Acres: Preserving Monarch Butterflies

Padilla with BASF

Industry Campaign of the Year (Health Care)

Unbroken Hearts: Shaping the Interventional Cardiology Story

Weber Shandwick with the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions

Industry Campaign of the Year (Nonprofit)

Bringing Families Together Again Through Memorable Fishing Experiences

Exponent PR with Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation
 

Classics Awards Elements Winners

Special Purpose Publications

Big Data Comes in Small Packages

Exponent PR with DuPont Industrial Biosciences

Multimedia

Tuning In To Listener Needs: The Deal With Yield

Exponent PR with WinField United

Annual Reports, Agency/Organization (Corporate, Government, Nonprofit) with >25 Employees

Sustaining Lives Through Partnership and Passion

Exponent PR with Progressive Agriculture Foundation

Influencer Outreach

A Simply Better #CheesePull for National Grilled Cheese Day

Carmichael Lynch Relate with Aria Foods

Newsletters

Operation: Newsletter

Weber Shandwick with the American College of Surgeons

Media Relations, Agency/Organization (Corporate, Government, Nonprofit) with >25 Employees

Blue Bunny Answers LeBron James’ Ice Cream Truck Request

Olson with Blue Bunny

Media Relations, Agency/Organization/Contractor/Independent with <25 employees

Angie’s BOOMCHICKAPOP Creates a Buzz With Popcorn Ale

Kohnstamm Communications with Angie’s BOOMCHICKAPOP

Feature, Speech and Public Relations Writing

Operation: Newsletter

Weber Shandwick with the American College of Surgeons

Digital Execution

Turning Social Boards Into Cheese Boards to Educate Consumers About Castello

Carmichael Lynch Relate with Castello

Brand Research and Insights
Introducing a “Simply Better” Choice in the Dairy Aisle 

Carmichael Lynch Relate with Arla Foods

Social Content Series, Agency/Organization (Corporate, Gov., Nonprofit) with >25 employees
Unbroken Hearts: Shaping the Interventional Cardiology Story

Weber Shandwick with the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions

Social Media Promotion, Agency/Organization with >25 Employees
Engineers Swipe Right for Rockwell Automation

Padilla with Rockwell Automation

Creative PR Campaign

Building a Bridge to Modern Agriculture

Exponent PR with WinField United