Batliner Promoted to Managing Principal at CLS

Julie Batliner has been promoted to managing principal, chief client relations officer for Carmichael Lynch Spong. In her new role, Batliner is responsible for ensuring the consistency of high-value thinking; smart and creative execution; and remarkable achievement on behalf of the firm’s 40 clients served by six offices. Batliner joined Carmichael Lynch Spong as a principal in 2005 and was promoted to senior principal in 2007.

In addition to leading the firm’s client relationship management practices, Batliner currently chairs the food and beverage practice group, overseeing clients including Jack Link’s Beef Jerky and Martek Biosciences. She also serves as the lead for clients ClearWay Minnesota and Trane Inc.

Before joining Carmichael Lynch Spong three years ago, Batliner was a senior vice president at Fleishman-Hillard Minneapolis where she managed public relations programs for clients such as Hormel Foods and The Schwan Food Company. Prior to that, she was a member of Fleishman-Hillard’s Kansas City office.

“Julie consistently delivers award-winning, best-in-category work for her clients,” says Douglas K. Spong, APR, president. “Her new role as chief client relations officer leverages her talents and allows her to demonstrate her natural leadership skills.”

In addition to her professional work, Batliner is a board graduate of the Minneapolis Community Capital Alliance, a nonprofit organization committed to preparing the next generation of citizen leaders. The Community Capital Alliance focuses on volunteer services in the Twin Cities. She currently volunteers on the marketing committee for the Jeremiah Program, a community initiative designed to assist low income mothers, helping them to complete their education and achieve economic self-sufficiency.

CLS Promotes Nelemans to Senior Associate

Carmichael Lynch Spong recently promoted Brittini Nelemans to senior associate. Nelemans works in the firm’s Minneapolis office and will continue to play an integral role on clients Martek Biosciences and Maytag.

Nelemans joined the firm as an intern in June 2006, and was hired as an associate in September of that year.

Prior to joining Carmichael Lynch Spong, Nelemans was a public relations intern for General Mills where she helped with PR programs for General Mills cereal brands. Nelemans also held an internship in entertainment marketing and promotions at Minneapolis-based firm Nemer Fieger, where she helped promote major motion pictures.

Nelemans received her bachelor of arts degree in journalism with a concentration in public relations and a minor in Spanish from the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul , Minn.

CLS Hires Gardeen

Ben Gardeen has been named senior associate at public relations firm Carmichael Lynch Spong and will be based out of the Minneapolis office. His role includes managing the Maytag Repairman campaign while assisting and managing the Maytag brand. In 2007, Carmichael Lynch Spong generated the campaign, "The Next Maytag Repairman: Could It Be You?" in order to revitalize the brand, which included an open-to-the-public, nationwide search for the next Maytag Repairman.

Gardeen comes to Carmichael Lynch Spong from Porter Novelli, a public relations firm in Chicago , Ill. , where he was an account executive in consumer, health care and sports marketing practices. While there, he represented clients Merck/Schering-Plough, Gillette, Alcon and Harman/Becker, along with several others. Gardeen successfully pitched media in the top 100 U.S. markets, planned and executed client activities and co-led national media relations in programs for Merck/Schering-Plough and Gillette.

"We are thrilled to welcome Ben to Carmichael Lynch Spong," says Douglas K. Spong, APR, president of the firm. "His experience working with a variety of well-known clients, along with his media relations exposure, will be valuable in continuing the success of the Maytag Repairman campaign."

While at Porter Novelli, Gardeen was a 2007 team recipient of the Bronze Anvil Award for work in media relations with Merck/Schering-Plough, and a 2008 team recipient of the Golden Trumpet Award for work with Idearc Media, publishers of the Verizon Yellow Pages.

Prior to his role at Porter Novelli, Gardeen completed an internship at Ogilvy Public Relations, also located in Chicago , Ill.

Gardeen received a bachelor of arts degree in journalism and mass communications and a bachelor of arts degree in Spanish from Iowa State University .

Portman Hired at CLS

Catherine Portman has been named senior associate at public relations firm Carmichael Lynch Spong and will be based out of the New York office. Her new role includes leading clients Lutron® and Therma-Tru® and working with the media relations team to pursue broadcast opportunities for the firm’s clients.

Portman comes to Carmichael Lynch Spong from ABC News, where she was an associate producer for “Good Morning America.” While there, she produced tape pieces for anchors Diane Sawyer, Charles Gibson, Robin Roberts and ABC News correspondents.

"We are very pleased to have Catherine join our team of achievement addicts here at Carmichael Lynch Spong," says Douglas K. Spong, APR. "Her extensive experience with broadcast media will be beneficial to our clients who call for support in this area."

Portman has over five years of experience in television news. Prior to her role at “Good Morning America” she was a production assistant at the Washington Bureau of ABC News. While there she helped produce the show open for “This Week with George Stephanopoulos,” along with coordinating all graphic and tape elements for the weekly show.

Portman began her television career as an intern for CNN in the Washington , D.C. and Los Angeles , Calif. news bureaus. During her time at CNN she covered the contested election of 2000.

Throughout her television news career, Portman received several accolades for her work. In 2005, she was on the Emmy-award-winning team that produced Diane Sawyer’s reports from the tsunami-afflicted area. Then in 2007, as a part of the “Good Morning America” staff, she won a daytime Emmy for “Best Morning Show.”

Portman received her bachelor of arts degree in history from the University of California , Davis . She also studied abroad for a year at Trinity College , University of Dublin in Dublin , Ireland .

CaringBridge® Selects CLS As Agency of Record

CaringBridge, a nonprofit that offers free, personalized Web sites to connect seriously ill or injured people with their family and friends, recently selected Carmichael Lynch Spong as its agency of record. This adds to the Minneapolis-based public relations firm’s growing list of non-profit clients. CaringBridge, of Eagan , Minn. , is funded nearly 90 percent by individual donations. Nielsen//NetRatings ranks CaringBridge.org as the third-most heavily trafficked non-profit Web site in the world, behind AARP.org and MoveOn.org.

When family members and friends are concerned about a patient who is hospitalized, in treatment or recovery, CaringBridge offers free, easily-created, private and personalized Web sites to ease the communication process. A CaringBridge Web site can help keep loved ones aware of a patient’s day-to-day progress. The user can select varying levels of privacy for his or her site, and it is always free. CaringBridge Web sites do not contain banner ads, pop-ups or spam. Since its creation in 1997, visitors to CaringBridge sites have left more than 15 million messages of hope and encouragement. The CaringBridge community includes families in all 50 states and over 190 countries around the world.

"Having Carmichael Lynch Spong on board to help spread the word about our nonprofit service means a lot to our organization," says Chris Moquist, director of marketing and communications for CaringBridge. "We’re confident in the firm’s ability to increase broad awareness of CaringBridge, and therefore help more and more families stay connected to share information, love and support during a critical time in their lives."

As one of the 20 largest public relations firms in the nation, Carmichael Lynch Spong represents a select portfolio of clients that are the leaders of their industries. Current nonprofit clients include the American Humane Association and TransFair USA, owners of the Fair Trade Certified trademark.

"It brings us an immense sense of fulfillment to be able to work with an organization like CaringBridge," says Douglas K. Spong, APR, president of Carmichael Lynch Spong. "From a business standpoint, we’re proud to be affiliated with such a successful enterprise; and from a personal standpoint, it is fulfilling to be able to aid distressed families in any capacity."

CLS hires Shoemaker as Director of Operations

Kelley Shoemaker has been named director of operations at Carmichael Lynch Spong and will be based out of the Minneapolis office. Shoemaker, who brings 13 years of experience in the financial field to the agency, will manage financial operations for the 40-plus clients currently doing business with Carmichael Lynch Spong.

Shoemaker comes to Carmichael Lynch Spong with an extensive background involving finance, operations, human resources, management, marketing and sales. She was previously the director of finance and human resources at Ultra Creative in Minneapolis . Prior to that, Shoemaker was a senior financial analyst at the Minneapolis office of Fleishman-Hillard.

“Kelley is an asset to this agency. Her financial management expertise will satisfy our clients’ needs, especially in the areas of estimating, forecasting and accountability,” says Douglas K. Spong, APR, president.

During her tenure at the Minneapolis design firm, Ultra Creative, Shoemaker directed financial and human resources operations, including recruiting and retaining creative talent, developing and implementing systems and procedures and establishing policies for improved efficiency.

While at Fleishman-Hillard, Shoemaker managed the operating budgets and represented the public relations company, from a financial perspective, to its clients. Shoemaker was also accountable for quarterly sales forecasts and operating budget performance.

Shoemaker received her bachelor of science degree from Kaplan University , and a mini-MBA certificate from the University of St. Thomas . She also attended the Carlson Executive Development Center’s Strategic Pricing Program.

CLS Hires McNeil as Senior Principal

Sarah McNeil has been named senior principal and chair of the business-to-business and technology practice groups at public relations firm Carmichael Lynch Spong and will be based out of the Minneapolis office. Besides her role as chair of the two practice groups, McNeil will help lead clients Digital River and Foresters.

McNeil comes to Carmichael Lynch Spong from Fleishman-Hillard where she was a senior vice president leading its Minneapolis / St. Paul Technology and Business-to-Business practice. McNeil brings expertise in brand development, media and analyst relations, corporate reputation, and extensive experience leading international, category-leading accounts. She’s also experienced in global communications programs, including preparing companies for IPOs, acquisitions, divestitures and crisis issues.

With 15 years of experience, some of her former clients have included CommVault, Imation, Fair Isaac, GlassHouse Technologies, Sistina Software, the Association of Storage Networking Professionals, and I-TECH.

"Sarah is a star asset for Carmichael Lynch Spong," says Douglas K. Spong, APR, president of Carmichael Lynch Spong. "Not only does she have an exceptional business-to-business and technology pedigree, but she’s also a proven leader and will contribute greatly to the firm’s continued success. We feel fortunate to have her on our team."

Prior to joining Fleishman-Hillard, McNeil was an account executive at Kathleen Davies & Associates for five years. There she managed media relations programs for companies such as Plasmon IDE, Microboards Technology, Rimage, Taiyo Yuden and Ricoh DMS.

Active in the community, McNeil is the marketing chair for ProjectLead!, an advisory board of Junior Achievement of the Upper Midwest . She’s also a MENTTIUM 100 mentor, which is a one-to-one mentoring program designed to accelerate leadership learning for high-performing female talent. In addition, she’s served as an advisor to the Peace Maker Foundation, a Minnesota-based organization that provides Minnesota schools the tools they need to stop violence and is a resource for people interested in creating safe school environments and helping kids reach their full potential.

McNeil has also received several professional honors. In 2006, she received the John D. Graham Award from Fleishman-Hillard, which recognizes employees who excel at public relations while being an exemplary leader and team player. She was chosen from more than the 2,000 employees worldwide and was one of only 14 employees to receive the award. McNeil also received a first place award in the category of “Investigative Reporting” from the Minnesota Newspaper Association’s Better Newspaper Contest.

McNeil received her bachelor of science degree in mass communications from Bemidji State University .

CLS Promotes Powers and Nordeen

Carmichael Lynch Spong has promoted two employees of its Creative Resources team in the Minneapolis office. Robert Powers has been promoted from design director to creative director and Craig Nordeen has been promoted from designer to senior designer.

"Bob and Craig are catalysts of creative development at Carmichael Lynch Spong and they continue to bring ingenuity to the table and provide our clients with work that cuts through the PR clutter," says Douglas K. Spong, APR, president of Carmichael Lynch Spong.

Powers joined Carmichael Lynch Spong two and a half years ago from his last position as a freelance designer for clients including Carmichael Lynch Spong, as well as Wellbridge Inc. and the law firm of Briggs and Morgan. Prior to freelancing, Powers handled advertising design and brand management for Blount Inc., and various design assignments at Upfront Productions.

Based in the Minneapolis office of Carmichael Lynch Spong, Powers manages and implements the conceptual and production process for all creative materials produced by the firm. He works closely across all client teams.

Powers graduated with bachelor’s degree in art and English writing from Concordia College in Moorhead , Minn.

Nordeen joined the Minneapolis office of Carmichael Lynch Spong in early 2006 as a designer. His current responsibilities include providing art direction for all of the firm’s clients and leading the creative process on projects that range from media kit design to production of event marketing materials.

Prior to Carmichael Lynch Spong he worked at Robins, Kaplan, Miller & Ciresi L.L.P., a law firm in Minneapolis , where he created marketing and case-specific designs and illustrations for the firm and its clients.

Nordeen received a bachelor’s degree in fine arts from the University of Minnesota , Duluth .

Spong Named to Advisory Panel for University of Minnesota

Carmichael Lynch Spong President Douglas K. Spong, APR, has been named to the inaugural eight-member advisory panel for the Professional M.A. in Strategic Communication Program in the University of Minnesota School of Journalism and Mass Communication. The panel is comprised of some of the Twin Cities most recognized advertising and public relations professionals and will serve as a recommending, consultative body, helping to shape the strategic communication program.

Doug Spong founded Carmichael Lynch Spong in 1990. He is an accredited member of the Public Relations Society of America and has received five presidential citations for extraordinary service to the society. Spong is also a founding member of the Council of Public Relations Firms where he has served as both a four-year director and three-year treasurer.

Launched in the fall of 2005, the Professional M.A. in Strategic Communication provides advanced strategic thinking capabilities for early career professionals. The program is tailored to provide the best foundation for future communication leaders, recognizing the communication industry is changing rapidly. Participants include approximately 20 high-caliber students annually from a diverse range of professional backgrounds, and the program focuses on meeting the needs of the Twin Cities business community.

"I’m delighted to be partnering with a renowned institution like the University of Minnesota because I’ve always had a particular fondness for the journalism school," says Douglas K. Spong, APR, president of Carmichael Lynch Spong. "Our panel is excited to provide informed leadership for the University of Minnesota's first master’s program in strategic communications, and we believe this program will produce professionals that will play a key role in the success of Twin Cities businesses."

CLS Finalist for the PRWeek Midsize Agency of the Year Award

Carmichael Lynch Spong has been chosen as a finalist for the 2008 PRWeek Midsize Agency of the Year Award. Should Carmichael Lynch Spong win this accolade in March, it would mark the third time in the last four years that the agency has been named Midsize Agency of the Year. Carmichael Lynch Spong previously received this honor from PRWeek in 2005, and from The Holmes Report in 2004.

"We are thrilled to be recognized as a finalist for this celebrated award, and at the prospect of achieving the Midsize Agency of the Year title three times in the last four years," says Douglas K. Spong, APR, president of Carmichael Lynch Spong. "During the past year our firm has achieved new levels of success: another record year of outstanding revenue growth, ranking among the nation's top 20 PR firms and being one of the most award-winning public relations firms in the world."

The PRWeek Awards, the world's leading awards program for the public relations industry highlighting and showcasing the best PR campaigns, people and companies from the past year, will be held in New York City at Tavern on the Green on March 6, 2008. The Midsize Agency of the Year Award is given to one firm with annual fees between $10 and $65 million that’s shown impressive, steady growth over several years; leadership in its category (a highly competitive one); and a profound understanding of top-level service to clients and staff alike, according to PRWeek.com. Additional firms nominated for this year’s Midsize Agency of the Year Award are Capstrat, Peppercom, OutCast Communications and Text 100.

TransFair USA Selects Carmichael Lynch Spong as Agency of Record

TransFair USA, a nonprofit organization and the only third-party certifier of Fair Trade Certified™ products in the United States, recently selected Carmichael Lynch Spong as its agency of record. The firm will embark on a strategic communications campaign focused on raising awareness of Fair Trade Certified products and concepts, and the role Fair Trade Certified plays in alleviating third-world poverty.

Founded in 1998 and based in Oakland , Calif. , TransFair USA is one of 20 members of Fairtrade Labeling Organizations International (FLO), the nonprofit umbrella organization based in Bonn , Germany , that sets Fair Trade certification standards. TransFair USA audits and certifies transactions between U.S. companies offering Fair Trade Certified products and their international suppliers. This guarantees that the farmers and workers producing Fair Trade Certified goods are paid fair prices and wages, have better working conditions, and it also promotes environmental stewardship and assists producers in quality improvement.

"We’re excited to have Carmichael Lynch Spong on board because they’re passionate about our mission of enabling sustainable development and community empowerment through certifying and promoting Fair Trade Certified products. The firm is driven to help us empower and enrich the lives of family farmers and workers around the world," says Anthony Marek, director of public relations and external communications for TransFair USA .

As one of the 20 largest public relations firms in the nation, Carmichael Lynch Spong represents a select portfolio of clients that are the leaders of their industries. Current nonprofit clients include the American Humane Association and Dunkin’ Brands Community Foundation.

"TransFair USA is helping to create a more sustainable economy for growers and producers around the world, and our firm is delighted to be a catalyst in this effort," says Douglas K. Spong, APR, president of Carmichael Lynch Spong.

Carmichael Lynch Spong’s Maria Reitan to Host Marketing-to-Women Program on WebmasterRadio.FM

Want to become best friends with the most powerful person in the country? A new global radio show will give you the inside track on today's woman — how to capture her attention, grow her loyalty and create such enthusiasm about your company or product that she spreads the word with her friends and family.

Carmichael Lynch Spong announced today that Maria Reitan, principal and chair of the firm’s Marketing to Women and Lifestyle Marketing groups and Emmy Award-winning news director and producer will host “PurseStrings” —- a weekly 30-minute marketing-to-women radio program on WebmasterRadio.FM, a 24-hour Internet business radio station.

"PurseStrings" will launch on October 16, 2007 at 3:00 p.m. EST and will air every Tuesday. The show will feature expert insight about how to successfully capture the attention of the country’s most coveted demographic — the 51 percent of the country who controls more than 80 percent of the household spending: the woman. Each show will feature female-savvy guests ranging from marketing executives to third-party experts and more. The show will be streamed LIVE over WebmasterRadio.FM and available in archive, distributed in podcast format through all major podcast portals (including iTunes and Mobilecast) and through RSS feeds.

"Carmichael Lynch Spong is the expert when it comes to capturing women’s attention. We’ve helped companies realize their marketing goals and gain market share by aligning themselves with the number one consumer today – the woman," says Maria Reitan, principal and chair of the Marketing to Women and Lifestyle Marketing practice groups. "Now, I'm excited to share that experience with WebmasterRadio.FM listeners."

Carmichael Lynch Spong Names Kargas and Latta Principals

Carmichael Lynch Spong has recently promoted David Kargas and Maclaren Latta to principals. Kargas, an eight-year Carmichael Lynch Spong veteran, currently leads the firm’s Denver office, while Latta, a six-year veteran of the firm, continues to create award-winning work from Bozeman, Montana.

Kargas joined Carmichael Lynch Spong in 1999 and relocated to the Carmichael Lynch Spong Denver office in January 2002. He brings a strong background in journalism, strategic planning, account management and media relations. In addition to heading the Denver office, he serves as the lead contact on clients such as The Clorox Company, Dunkin’ Brands, American Humane Association, TransFair USA , and he plays an integral role in new business.

Prior to joining Carmichael Lynch Spong, Kargas worked at Bozell Kamstra, a Minneapolis advertising and public relations firm. There, he focused on trade media relations and internal communications for his clients. Prior to that he was a news reporter at the Monroe Times in Southern Wisconsin . He continues to freelance write for local business and lifestyle publications.

Kargas received a bachelor of arts degree in journalism from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He’s also a board member of an anti-hunger charity group.

Latta joined Carmichael Lynch Spong in 2001 and brought with her a wide range of experience in account management, media relations and event planning. After five years in the firm’s Minneapolis office, she relocated to Bozeman , Montana .

Her current client responsibilities include managing the Maytag brand account team and providing counsel to the Dunkin’ Brands Community Foundation. As chair of the home and garden industry group, she also serves as a consultant to Sherwin-Williams, Lutron Electronics and other home-related clients. Her accounts have received national and regional recognition including two PRWeek Cause-Related Campaigns of the Year and multiple PRSA Silver Anvils and Bronze Anvils.

Latta’s background includes handling public relations and events for Big Sky Resort, operating a marketing consulting business and serving four years as a U.S. Senate staff member in Washington , D.C.

Latta is a graduate of the University of Colorado , where she earned a degree in economics and a minor in French. She is also an active member of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) and enjoys volunteering for nonprofit organizations such as the American Red Cross and Ducks Unlimited.

"David and Maclaren are invaluable members of our firm as they have successfully led numerous clients since they’ve been here," said Douglas K. Spong, APR, president. "David’s exceptional writing, media relations, creative and strategic thinking have made him invaluable in new business and endeared him to his clients. Maclaren is a remarkably talented, dedicated and successful leader. She’s adored by her teams, and highly valued by her clients."

CLS Promotes Curtis Smith and Leslie Jones

Carmichael Lynch Spong has recently promoted two integral team members from its Minneapolis and San Francisco offices. Curtis Smith has been promoted to director of business development, and Leslie Jones has been promoted to counselor.

“We’re pleased to announce the promotions of two achievement addicts at Carmichael Lynch Spong,” says Douglas K. Spong, APR, president of Carmichael Lynch Spong. “With Curtis leading all new business development initiatives that come through our door and Leslie directing our San Francisco office and many client accounts, both are key to our growth.”

Smith joined the firm in 2006 as business development manager, and brought with him over a decade of marketing and business development experience, and over seven years experience with two of the largest public relations agencies in the world.

Prior to joining Carmichael Lynch Spong, Smith was senior coordinator at the Minneapolis office of Fleishman-Hillard. For nearly five years, Smith directed marketing and new business opportunities and managed the production of that office’s client marketing material. Before joining Fleishman-Hillard, Smith was a member of the marketing and new business team at the Bloomington , Minn. , office of Weber Shandwick. There he was responsible for distributing promotional material, managing the prospect database and preparing capabilities and collateral for new business presentations.

Since arriving at Carmichael Lynch Spong, Smith has led each new business opportunity from beginning to end. He’s also played an integral role in developing business development strategies for all of the agency’s practice group marketing plans, as well as helping increase the firm’s national presence to leverage Carmichael Lynch Spong’s reputation as the national champion of best practices.

Smith is a member of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) and serves on that organization’s PRSA Classics Awards committee. He is also a paid, on-call firefighter for the City of Golden Valley, Minn., where he also resides.

Two years ago, Jones joined the Minneapolis office of Carmichael Lynch Spong as senior associate and brought with her more than 10 years of experience in PR, television and business/technology consulting.

In her new role as counselor, Jones will continue to manage client accounts such as Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Dixie-Pacific, Hasbro, PETCO, Therma-Tru and TRANE. Jones relocated to San Francisco in October 2006 to open the firm’s first West Coast office.

Prior to joining Carmichael Lynch Spong, Jones was a general news reporter and fill-in anchor at KMSP-TV (FOX) in Minneapolis , KRNV-TV (NBC) in Reno , Nev. , and KNVN-TV (NBC) in Chico , Calif.

Before entering into broadcast TV, Jones was a business process consultant and analyst at ACCENTURE in Minneapolis . There she specialized in customer relationship management and worked with clients such as Marriott International, Ford Motor Company and Best Buy. She is a graduate of the University of Minnesota ’s Carlson School of Management and is currently pursuing her MBA in San Francisco .

Jones is a member of PRSA as well as the local PRSA chapter in San Francisco , where she chairs two committees. For the past four years she’s been a motivational speaker for high school students across the country with Monster’s “Making it Count” program and is a National Press Foundation Fellow.

CLS Hires Steve Solmonson as Senior Counselor

Steve Solmonson has been named senior counselor at public relations firm Carmichael Lynch Spong and will be based out of the Minneapolis office. Solmonson will help lead clients TRANE and JUNO.

Solmonson comes to Carmichael Lynch Spong with a breadth of public relations experience in strategy building and management. He was most recently the director of communications at Carlson Marketing Worldwide. In his seven years at Carlson Marketing, he was responsible for directing Carlson Marketing’s global media relations programs, including its agency relationships in the UK and Asia .

“Steve is a tremendous asset for Carmichael Lynch Spong,” says Douglas K. Spong, APR, president. “He’s a true achievement addict and has a broad experience within the industry and brings a great perspective to the table. We feel fortunate to have him under our roof.”

Before his internal transfer to Carlson Marketing, Solmonson was in the role of manager and director of media relations for Carlson Wagonlit Travel, the world’s second largest corporate travel and expense management company. In this role he was responsible for managing the company’s media relations efforts in North America .

Prior to joining Carlson, Solmonson spent the majority of his career in the United States Air Force as a public affairs officer.

Before retiring from the Air Force in 1997, Solmonson worked on various assignments such as directing public affairs efforts after the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster; working with Harrison Ford on the movie “Air Force One”; coordinating the international press pool during the visit of the U.S. Secretary of Defense to Saudi Arabia , and managing feature stories on NBC’s Today Show.

Solmonson received his bachelor of arts degree in communications from California State University , Sacramento , and his master’s degree in mass communications from the University of South Carolina . He is a graduate of the Executive Leadership Program at the Carlson School of Management, University of Minnesota , and is also a graduate of the Department of Defense Information School and the U.S. Air Force’s Squadron Officer School .

Solmonson is active in the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) and has been part of three Silver Anvil award-winning teams. He’s also on the board of directors of the Miracle League of Minnesota.

Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica Selects CLS

Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc., a subsidiary of Boehringer Ingelheim Corporation, one of the world’s 20 leading pharmaceutical companies and manufacturers of human and veterinary medicine, selected Carmichael Lynch Spong as its agency of record.

The firm began work immediately by recently leading the launch of Vetmedin® (pimobendan) Chewable Tablets, the world’s first canine drug approved by the FDA in more than 10 years. The new drug was launched at the American Veterinary Medical Association’s annual convention in Washington , D.C. While continuing to lead public relations efforts for VETMEDIN, the firm will also conduct a multi-faceted strategic communications program including trade media relations, sales training, trade show support, collateral development, direct mail and trade advertising and employee communications.

Founded in 1885 and based in St. Joseph , Mo. , Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica is a member of Boehringer Ingelheim Corporation, with global headquarters in Ingelheim , Germany . The family-owned company is committed to developing and marketing an extensive line of high quality biological and pharmaceutical products and technologies worldwide for companion animals, as well as horses, cattle and swine.

"We're excited to partner with Carmichael Lynch Spong on the VETMEDIN launch," says Heather Bolton, senior brand manager for Vetmedin at Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica. "Their passion for the brand is only exceeded by their understanding of what's required for an integrated introduction of a new product into the sales channel. They’ve helped bring the company’s concept of product launches to a new level."

Carmichael Lynch Spong Wins Four Silver Anvils

Carmichael Lynch Spong continues to remain one of the nation’s most decorated public relations firms by earning four Silver Anvil and two Bronze Anvil awards last night at the industry’s most coveted competition ― the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) Silver Anvil Celebration. The firm tied for the third highest number of awards and was the most award-winning public relations firm outside of New York City . The event was held in New York City at the Equitable Center .

The PRSA Silver Anvil recognizes excellence in overall public relations campaigns, while the Bronze Anvil celebrates the best public relations tactics.

"The numerous awards we received are a testament to our firm’s commitment to produce exceptional award-winning work for our clients," says Douglas K. Spong, APR, president of Carmichael Lynch Spong.

Carmichael Lynch Spong Wins at NY PRSA awards

Carmichael Lynch Spong won top honors at the 20th Annual Big Apple Awards, held at the Rainbow Room in New York City. The awards are sponsored by the New York Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA).

Carmichael Lynch Spong received the first-ever “Best Use of Research, Measurement and Evaluation Award” on behalf of client TRANE. The award was presented by the Institute for Public Relations, an independent foundation dedicated to the Science Beneath the Art of Public Relationsä. Carmichael Lynch Spong also brought home two additional honors: a Big Apple Award for TRANE and an honorable mention for Martek Biosciences.

Carmichael Lynch Spong earned the following honors:

Best Use of Research, Measurement and Evaluation Award

“Selling the Invisible: The TRANE CleanEffects Story” - Carmichael Lynch Spong with TRANE

Big Apple Award

Marketing Consumer Products: Non-Packaged Goods "Selling the Invisible: The TRANE CleanEffects Story" - Carmichael Lynch Spong with TRANE

Honorable Mention

Marketing Consumer Products, Food & Beverage “The ‘Big 3 For Baby And Me’ Boosts DHA Omega-3 Into The Limelight” - Carmichael Lynch Spong with Martek Biosciences

"It's an honor for our firm to be recognized as a leader in research, measurement and evaluation, as this is one of the most challenging and rapidly evolving areas of our industry," says Douglas K. Spong, APR, president of Carmichael Lynch Spong. "Our team of achievement addicts is proud to produce award-winning work for our clients."

Carmichael Lynch Spong wins five awards

Carmichael Lynch Spong experienced a strong showing at the PRSA/Chicago Skyline Awards. The agency captured five awards, including one Skyline Award and four Merit Awards. The PRSA Skyline Awards recognize Chicago area PR campaigns that have successfully addressed communications opportunities and challenges with superior skill, creativity, and resourcefulness.

The event, held Wednesday night at the Mid-America Club, was sponsored by the Chicago Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA).

Carmichael Lynch Spong earned the following honors:

Skyline Award

Brochures - Clearing the Air with American Standard HVAC

Merit Awards

Brochures - Taking a Peek Behind the Bathroom Door with American Standard Bath & Kitchen

Marketing Consumer Products/Non-Packaged Goods -
American Ingenuity at Work in the Bathroom with American Standard Bath & Kitchen

Press Kits/Media Kits - Stirring Up Dust and Results with American Standard HVAC's Dust Bunny Challenge

Events and Observances/Business Products (more than seven days) -Stirring Up Dust and Results with American Standard HVAC's Dust Bunny Challenge

"It's an honor to be recognized for producing exemplary work in Chicago , and to remain one of most decorated PR firms in the nation" says Douglas K. Spong, APR, president of Carmichael Lynch Spong. "The Skyline Awards are an excellent opportunity to recognize our clients for the great work we’ve produced together in the past year."

Carmichael Lynch Spong earned a Gold SABRE award

Carmichael Lynch Spong celebrated another success at the U.S. SABRE Awards last night in New York City . The agency continues to show off its best practices as a leader in the home and garden arena by winning a Gold SABRE Award for client MasterBrand Cabinets in the Business- to-Business Marketing category. Overall Carmichael Lynch Spong was honored with eight nominations at the award ceremony, which was held at the Sheraton New York Hotel and Towers.

Carmichael Lynch Spong earned a Gold SABRE award in the following category:

Business-to-Business Marketing – Existing Product “Designs on Designer Loyalty,” with MasterBrand Cabinets

"We're proud of our firm's performance last night, and specifically our continued success within the home products industry," says Douglas K. Spong, APR, president of Carmichael Lynch Spong. "With the majority of our client base being in the home and garden arena, it’s an honor to be recognized for this level of creative work."