Minneapolis Among Cities Top Five for Young Professionals

Forbes magazine has been tracking the number of 20 to 35-year-old professionals in the 40 biggest metro areas in the United States to find out which ones are attracting fresh talent.

Minneapolis came in at number five, bolstered by its highest concentration of top companies status, above average paying jobs, and its low cost of living.

San Francisco displaced New York for the top spot this year. Adjusted for its population, the Bay Area has the highest share of young professionals who graduated from the 1998 class at prestigious schools such as Harvard, Stanford, Duke, Northwestern, and Princeton. Forbes’ methodology tracks where graduates settle 10 years after graduation as a way to find out where the best jobs are for young professionals. Those rankings are combined with Forbes' research on 400 of the best big companies and 200 of the best small companies, median salary data from the Census Bureau, and is adjusted for population (so, for example, cities the size of Minneapolis can compete with New York).

The top-five cities for young professionals are:

1. San Francisco
2. Boston
3. Houston
4. New York
5. Minneapolis

See last year's list here.

Katie Harholdt is associate editor for Twin Cities Business.

Don't Miss the Alphabet Bash - August 21

THURSDAY, AUGUST 21, 2008The Alphabet Bash is a "can't miss" networking event celebrating Minnesota marketing and communications professionals! Make business connections, develop long-lasting relationships, explore other business development opportunities - or just come for a good time.

Please join...

IABC: International Association of Business Communicators

PRSA: Public Relations Society of America

AMA: American Marketing Association

AdFed: Advertising Federation of Minnesota

MWMC: Minnesota Women in Marketing & Communications

...for the 3rd Annual Alphabet Bash.

Back by Popular Demand "Pre-Networking Workshop"
Beat the rush and check in early for the 2008 Alphabet Bash. Join us from 4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. for networking tips from Barb Krantz Taylor of The Bailey Group. Barb will share practical networking tips to meet others who are authentically interested in knowing you and how to sustain those relationships after the Bash. Registration is an additional $15 and includes an extra drink ticket. Space is limited.

Epic Event Center
110 North Fifth Street
Minneapolis, MN 55403
Phone: (612) 332-3742
Directions

Time:
4:30 p.m. - Pre-Networking Workshop
5:30 p.m. - Registration
6:00 - 9:00 p.m. - Alphabet Bash

Cost:
On or before August 4, 2008
$35.00 for members of the above organizations
$45.00 for non-members
$20.00 for students
After August 4, 2008
$45.00 for members of the above organizations
$55.00 for non-members
$25.00 for students


About The Alphabet Bash
The Alphabet Bash is a joint venture with PRSA, IABC, AMA, MWMC, and Ad Fed in an effort to connect marketing professionals in Minnesota. Why Alphabet Bash? Well, when you throw that many acronyms around, it starts to look and sound a lot like alphabet soup! This annual event serves as an outlet for our combined membership of over 4,000 to make business connections, develop long-lasting relationships and explore other business development opportunities.

PRSA May & June Membership Promotion

During May and June, PRSA is offering new members a free, one-year Chapter membership when they join PRSA National at the regular price. Former members who have been inactive for at least one year also may participate. This offer is not valid for Associate memberships.

To join online, go directly to http://www.prsa.org/membership/freechapter.html and use the promotion code CHAP2008.

Please spread the word with your co-workers and at upcoming networking and programming events, and help them reap the benefits of membership in PRSA!

Please Join Me and the MNPR group on LinkedIn

Starting today you can perfect your social networking skills by joining me on the new MNPR LinkedIn group. Just click here to join.

Mentorship Circle Event - Wednesday, May 14, 2008

A casual and engaging evening of interaction

The Ad Fed Mentorship Program is designed to allow members to individually interact with potential mentors by meeting them in an informal group setting called a Circle Group. These are held four times a year and offer introductions based on areas of interest. Following each Circle Group Event, Ad Fed facilitates the formal expression of interest between mentees and mentors. Once the pairs yes, it is easy! The mentee and mentor set their own schedule, their own topics and their own meeting forum/location. The rest is a fantastic experience for both the mentor and mentee to heighten the satisfaction they get from their respective careers. Participants can also choose to simply attend quarterly Circle Events where mentorship will happen via group discussions by area of interest.

Thanks to our sponsors Digital People and The Times/Jitters Bar and Café, this event includes free appetizers and one free drink ticket.

When: Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Time:
5:30pm to 7:30pm
Where: The Times/Jitters Bar and Café
201 E Hennepin Ave
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55414
Cost: FREE for members and nonmember mentors

Guest Mentors:

Michael Delgado/Associate Publisher, METRO Magazine
Guest Mentor Media/PR

Scott Grand/Managing Account Director, Little & Company
Guest Mentor Marketing

Aaron Gasperi/Manager Interactive Campaigns, Kruskopf Coontz
Guest Mentor Interactive

Adam Kmiec/Interactive Account Director/Colle+McVoy
Guest Mentor Interactive

Bryan Nanista/Creative Director, METRO Magazine
Guest Mentor Creative

Christopher Taylor/Interactive Planner, Carlson Marketing’s Door C Group
Guest Mentor Account Management

Click here to register or call the Ad Fed office at (651) 917-6251.

Registration Deadline: 5:00PM, Monday, May 12, 2008

Selling Creative Ideas to Clients: A Client’s Perspective

Ad Fed Breakfast Meeting
Friday, May 16, 2008

Speaker: Michael D. Keller, International Dairy Queen Corporation, Chief Brand Officer

Michael Keller from Dairy Queen will share his insights on how to get clients to approve your creative ideas. He will share with us what it took to help DQ begin to modernize by embracing a cutting-edge creative, national TV campaign.

Click here to see the latest DQ Spot.

How do you get great creative approved? How do you sell edgy creative?

Come to find out from the guy who said yes.

Michael Keller, chief brand officer, is responsible for the brand, concept and product strategies for International Dairy Queen Corporation (IDQ). Keller began his career with IDQ in 2001. Prior to that, he worked for Jamba Juice, Inc., Realtor.com, Koo Koo Roo, Baskin Robbins USA, Nestle Chocolate Co., and Bain & Co.

Keller graduated from Dartmouth College in 1987 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology. In 1991, he earned a Masters of Business Administration degree from Amos Tuck School of Business Administration at Dartmouth College. Keller and his wife, Laura, have a daughter, Ava, and two sons, Davis and Alden. They have their home in Minneapolis, MN.

In his spare time, Keller currently enjoys serving on nonprofit boards, on the Children's Miracle Network Board of Directors and on the Pacer Center Advisory Board. He also enjoys training for and competing in triathlons, following the New York Giants and Yankees, driving his 1960 Morris Mini, building a tree house and spending as much time as he can with his wife and children.

Location:
The Woman’s Club
410 Oak Grove St
Minneapolis, MN 55403

Time:
8:00am - Registration/Networking
8:30-9:30am - Continental Breakfast and Speaker (including Q&A)

The Cost:
Ad Fed Members: $15
Nonmembers: $20
Students: $15

Register online or call the Ad Fed office at (651) 917-6251.

Registration Deadline: 5:00 pm, Wednesday, May 14, 2008

Women Launching Women Networking Event

Wednesday, May 14 6 p.m.

View Restaurant and Bar
2730 West Lake St (Calhoun Beach Club), Minneapolis

Register now

Leap into Spring and energize your network and career with a fabulous networking event at The View in Minneapolis on May 14. Women Launching Women, the networking component of Minnesota Women in Marketing and Communications, has sponsored guest speakers in the past who shared their career success stories. Now it is your opportunity to launch yourself. You have heard about the value of a great network, now is your time to build yours! Bring your business cards and meet other women and make connections. There is no cost for attending - Women Launching Women will sponsor the event and provide appetizers.

*Register Today* - Green Lights & Red Flags: FTC/BBB Rules of the Road for Advertiser

On Thursday, April 24th, national advertising experts will gather in Minneapolis for Green Lights & Red Flags: FTC-BBB Rules of the Road for Advertisers, a dynamite advertising event highlighting the ‘how-to’s in complying with federal and state truth-in-advertising standards. Sponsored by the Better Business Bureau of Minnesota and North Dakota and the Federal Trade Commission, Green Lights & Red Flags will feature knowledgeable speakers discussing what you need to know about:

Advertising Law: Understanding the Rules of the Road – The FTC’s approach to ad claims, disclosures, endorsements, and substantiation

Avoiding a Promotion Commotion – Complying with new standards for rebates, gift cards, commercial email, and other promotional practices

The Secure Entrepreneur: Data Security & Consumer Privacy – Best practices to avoid, assess, and address a data security breach

If the Government Comes to Call – An inside look at federal and state consumer protection investigations

When Your Competitor Crosses the Line – Self-regulation or litigation? Weighing the options when a competitor’s practices violate the law

Presenters:

Honorable Lori Swanson, Minnesota Attorney General

Bert Hubbell, President, Better Business Bureau of Minnesota and North Dakota

Lesley Fair Attorney, Federal Trade Commission

Jim du Bois, President & CEO, Minnesota Broadcasters Association

Charles Weier Corporate Counsel, Best Buy Enterprise Services, Inc

Maureen English Carroll Advertising Attorney, ShopNBC

C. Steven Baker Director, Midwest Region, Federal Trade Commission

Rolando Berrelez, Deputy Director, Midwest Region, Federal Trade Commission

Paul Luehr, Managing Director & Deputy General Counsel, Stroz Friedberg, LLC

Prentiss Cox, Associate Clinical Professor, University of Minnesota School of Law

Karen Olson, Deputy Attorney General, Minnesota Attorney General’s Office

Rachel Williams, United States Postal Inspector

Steven Wernikoff, Attorney, Midwest Region, Federal Trade Commission

Lisa Jemtrud, Trade Practices Manager, Better Business Bureau of Minnesota and North Dakota

David Mallen, Associate Director, National Advertising Division, Council of Better Business Bureaus

Stephen R. Bergerson, Attorney, Fredrikson & Byron, P.A.

Event Partners:

Advertising Federation of Minnesota

American Association of Advertising Agencies

Department of Ethics and Business Law of the University of St. Thomas’ Opus College of Business

Greater Metropolitan Auto Dealers Association

Metropolitan Independent Business Alliance

Minneapolis Regional Chamber of Commerce

Minnesota Automobile Dealers Association

Minnesota Broadcasters Association

Minnesota Journalism Center of the University of Minnesota

Sales and Marketing Executives Association of Minneapolis/St. Paul

LAST DAY TO REGISTER IS WED., APRIL 23rd
Click Here to Register

Ad Fed Mentorship Program

The Ad Fed Mentorship Program is designed to allow members to individually interact with potential mentors by meeting them in an informal group setting called a Circle Group. These are held four times a year and offer introductions based on areas of interest. Following each Circle Group Event, Ad Fed facilitates the formal expression of interest between mentees and mentors. Once the pairs yes, it is easy! The mentee and mentor set their own schedule, their own topics and their own meeting forum/location. The rest is a fantastic experience for both the mentor and mentee to heighten the satisfaction they get from their respective careers. Participants can also choose to simply attend quarterly Circle Events where mentorship will happen via group discussions by area of interest.

Thanks to our sponsors Digital People and The Times/Jitters Bar and Café, this event includes free appetizers and one free drink ticket.
The Cost:

FREE for members (non-member mentors may also participate for free).
The Categories of Interests/Topics:

Creative

Marketing

Interactive

Account Management

Media/PR

When:

4.16.2008, 5:30pm to 7:30pm

Where:

The Times/Jitters Bar and Café
201 E Hennepin Ave
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55414

AdFed Monthly Meeting - March 19, 2008

More than ever, audiences are in control over when and how they receive information about products and services. Panelists from four well-known and highly respected agencies will talk about how advertisers are using digital media to reach them.

AdFed Meeting Specifics

The Spot:
The Metropolitan,
5418 Wayzata Blvd, Golden Valley, MN 55416
Directions

The Time:
Registration/Networking: 11:15 am
Lunch: 11:45 am
Panel: Noon – 1:30 pm (Includes Q&A)

The Cost:
Members: $30
Nonmembers: $65
Students: $25

The Registration:
Register online or call the Ad Fed office at 651-917-6251. ($10 late fee applied after March 16.)
Registration deadline: 5:00 pm, Monday, March 17, 2008

Communication: The Ingredients of Leadership

Council of Agency Executives (CAE) Seminar
Communication: The Ingredients of Leadership

Please join your colleagues for a stimulating discussion of public relations practice and the role of the top executive in any organization. Because of a new partnership between Minnesota PRSA and the Council of Agency Executives, we can offer you two hours in the company of two of the nation’s best-known counselors to CEOs and other top leaders.

You’ll hear James E. Lukaszewski’s seminar, "Communication: The Ingredients of Leadership," a talk which advises top leaders on how to establish a communication strategy, and their personal role in executing it. Author of hundreds of articles and several books, Jim’s newest book, Why Should the Boss Listen to You? will be released two weeks before the Feb. 21 event. Preceding Jim’s seminar, you’ll hear remarks by Lynn Casey, Chair and Chief Executive Officer of Padilla Speer Beardsley, one of Minnesota’s oldest and largest public relations firms.

DETAILS:
Time: 8 a.m. continental breakfast; 8:30 - 10:30 a.m. program

Location: Padilla Speer Beardsley, 1101 West River Parkway, Suite 400, Minneapolis, MN 55415 (Down the street from the Guthrie Theater)

Cost: $30. Includes continental breakfast and a copy of Jim’s new book, which he will sign. Please note that this is a special members-only event for Minnesota PRSA and Council of Agency Executives members.

Register online!

Nonprofits gain valuable communications tools during free day-long workshop

On Saturday, February 9th, from 8:00 a.m. - 2:15 p.m., Weber Shandwick will be hosting its 16th annual Telling Your Story workshop for local non-profit organizations at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul. The free day-long workshop will provide over 25 local non-profits skills they can use to address their organization’s primary communications challenges.

The organizations will have the opportunity to participate in a variety of sessions including, "How to Get Value for Your Web Site" and "I Laughed, I Cried: Creating a Compelling Nonprofit video." CEO and founder of Minnpost.com, Joel Kramer will also address the non-profits about the changing landscape of the media in the Twin Cities.

In addition, the organizations will have the opportunity to participate in a one-on-one consulting session with a Weber Shandwick employee to address any specific communication needs and questions. This year's event is co-sponsored by the St. Thomas chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA).

For more information on this event contact Tara Tierney at Weber Shandwick.

8 Top Trends for 2008

Wondering what 2008 will bring for the world of marketing? Join the Minnesota American Marketing Association and Hans Eisenbeis, Sr. Editor at Iconoculture for a discussion on social networks and green technologies.

That's right, it's that time of year again. As the curtain closes on 2007, marketers, brand planners and media outlets across the country are pondering the same billion-dollar question: What's next for 2008?

From group solving of social issues to the maturing of social networks and green technologies, Iconoculture's 8 Top Trends for 2008 unearths future projections, trends and values that are impacting consumer behavior today and tomorrow - illuminating not only what consumer activity is transpiring, but why it's happening and where it's heading.

Presented by Hans Eisenbeis, Iconoculture's Sr. Editor, "8 Cultural Trends for 2008" is designed to inform and inspire spot-on marketing plans, savvy business strategies and innovative marketing solutions. This presentation will feature a full "8 in '08" countdown, expert analysis and a question and answer session.

About the Event Sponsor
The Master of Business Communications program at The University of St. Thomas is a unique program for professional communicators. It offers professional development for mid-career professionals, communications specialists, and people in transition. For more information, go to www.stthomas.edu/mbc or call (651) 962-4380.

Meeting Specifics

Date and Time
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
7:30-8:00 AM: Registration & Networking
8:00-9:00 AM: Program
9:00-9:30 AM: Q&A / Meet the Speaker

Location
University of St. Thomas
Minneapolis Campus, Opus Hall Room 201
1000 LaSalle Avenue
Minneapolis, MN 55403
(612) 926-4000
Directions

Cost
Member $25
Guest $50
Student $15

Click here for registration!

Minnesota PRSA's Friday Roundtable

Recruiting the Industry’s Best ~ A Conversation with Minnesota’s Own Emerging Entrepreneur

Although it may sometimes feel like a crap shoot or a gut reaction, hiring and keeping top performers is anything but a game of chance. In other words, there are specific strategies you can use to recruit and retain your most productive employees.

The PRSA Friday Roundtable discussion will help Minnesota’s public relations industry leaders sharply focus on their recruiting practices. The roundtable will be led by Amy Langer, partner and co-founder of Sálo, which specializes in matching senior-level financial services professionals with positions that suit their skills. Langer was named “Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year” at the 2006 Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year® Awards. She’ll help guide the conversation through various staffing strategies, including the concept of Top Grading, which is applicable to all industries, whether it’s financial services or public relations. Top grading is the practice of filling every position in your company with an “A Player” at the appropriate level of compensation.

From the basic challenges facing recruiters today, to the qualities that make up a top job candidate, to the evaluation of top-performing employees, this will be an opportunity for discussion and idea sharing. Learn to watch for red flags during the interview process and find out how to ensure your newly-hired top performers succeed in their new environment. Your key hires ultimately lead to added value for your clients and your company. Attend this roundtable and help ensure the industry’s high performers don’t slip through your fingers.

Time:
7:30 a.m. Registration (continental breakfast provided)
8:00 – 9:30 a.m. Roundtable Discussion

Location:
Fast Horse Inc.
240 North 9th Avenue
Minneapolis, MN 55401

Cost: $25 for PRSA members, $35 for non-members

Register online!

When Baby Boomers meet Millennials

Executive Roundtable Presentation: The Baby Boomers Meet the Millens

When Baby Boomers meet Millennials in the workplace, there is sure to be conversation. Why are they so different? What are the strengths and challenges of each of these generational cohorts? It's not enough to just co-exist: today's organizations challenge us to thrive. But how?

Carol Rinkoff, professor and department chair of the Organizational Management and Leadership department at Concordia University will discuss these answers and more. For more details, visit the MWMC Web site.

Hosted by the MWMC Executive Roundtable (Must be a MWMC member to attend).

Details:
Thursday, January 24
5:30-7:30 p.m.
Jax Cafe, 1928 University Ave NE, Minneapolis

Please contact Rachel Fine, Events Chair, to reserve your place
Space is limited. (There is no charge for this event, but if you would like to order food, you may do so off their menu at your own expense.)

Last Chance - 2007 AdFed/Ad2 Holiday Party

UGLY SWEATER EXTRAVAGANZA!!!

In addition to celebrating the holidays with friends and co-workers, part of the proceeds from the event will benefit The Courage Center, a resource center that helps to empower, rehabilitate and uplift both children and adults experiencing barriers to health and independence.

Meeting Specifics

Location:
Trocaderos
107 3rd Ave. North
Minneapolis, MN 55401

Time:
5:00 PM Registration
5:00 PM - 8:00 PM Program

Cost:
Ad Fed/Ad2 Members: $25.00
Nonmembers: $40.00
Students: $25.00

For more information, call the Ad Fed office at (651) 917-6251, or revisit the Ad Fed Web site at www.adfed.org.

From Snoopy to SpongeBob

How Mall of America Brought Nickelodeon to the World’s Largest Indoor Amusement Park
Jill Renslow, Associate Director, Retail Marketing, Mall of America

When it is time to consider a new amusement park brand after 15 years with the world’s most famous beagle and his friends, it’s a job you take seriously. Jill Renslow will share the strategy behind the decision to move to a new partnership, the criteria they developed and how they found the right fit for the Mall and the families that visit to create a truly unique experience. You’ll get a sneak peek at what’s to come when the new Nickelodeon Universe opens in the spring of 2008.

What to Expect

Jill Renslow will address the following questions:

• What were the options at the outset?
• What were some of the considerations?
• Why Nickelodeon?
• What are the challenges of building the world’s largest exclusive Nickelodeon amusement park?
• What are the new rides and attractions?

About Jill Renslow

Jill Renslow is the Associate Director of Retail Marketing at Mall of America. Starting at the Mall over ten years ago, Jill began her career in event marketing coordinating hundreds of events with various celebrities, musical artists and touring shows. After a couple years of event life, Jill moved on to retail marketing and advertising where she has been involved with numerous advertising campaigns, media segments, fashion productions, trend analysis, retail enhancements, brand research projects and developments with the phase II expansion.

About Mall of America

Mall of America is the nation's largest retail and entertainment complex. The 4.2 million square foot complex is home to more than 520 world-class shops; the nation's largest indoor family amusement park; Underwater Adventures® Aquarium, a 1.2 million gallon walk-through aquarium; a 14-screen movie theater and more. The Mall opened in August of 1992 and is located in Bloomington, Minn., just minutes from downtown Minneapolis and St. Paul

Meeting Specifics - Date and Time
Tuesday December 11, 2007
7:30-8:00 AM: Registration & Networking
8:00-9:00 AM: Program
9:00-9:30 AM: Q&A / Meet the Speaker

Cost
Member $25
Guest $50
Student $15
(walk-ins add $10 to the prices above)

Location
*Please Note New Venue. If you arrive prior to 8am, you will need to park on the west side of the Mall*
Executive Center - Level 4, Mall of America
Directions

Registration

Register online here.

Social Networking Question

Ad2 Returns, Like the Jedi

Still worried about the three month drought of Ad2 events? Worry not, because September is finally here and we're about to make it rain.

Drop by for a long awaited evening of networking, prize giveaways, food and cocktails. We'll also get reacquainted and hear from the Ad2 board about what's been, and what's yet to be in the world of advertising and Ad2. Plus we'll be giving away many door prizes including two iPOD Shuffles! We hope to see you there.

The Spot
Grumpy's Bar & Grill
1111 Washington Ave S
Minneapolis, MN
612-340-9738
click here for directions

The Details
Thursday, September 20
5:30-6:30 p.m. - Registration
6:30-7:00 p.m. - Ad2 Board
7:00-8:15 p.m. - Ad Games & Networking (Door prizes will be awarded after the presentation. Must be present to win.)


The Price
Ad2 Members: Free with
pre-registration, $5 at the door
Ad Fed Members: $10 with
pre-registration, $15 at the door
Students: $5 with pre-registration.
$10 at the door
Nonmembers: $15 with
pre-registration, $20 at the door

Ad2 Members Register Here
Ad Fed Members Register Here
Students Register Here
Nonmembers Register Here

MWC Women Launching Women Networking Event

September 19, 2007

Details:
Wednesday, Sept. 19
6-7:30 p.m.
Tryg's, 3118 W. Lake Street, Minneapolis
Cost: Members: $15: Non-members: $25; Students: $15
Register now.

Mary Beth Schubert, director of corporate affairs for Comcast, will share the story of her success that led her to be named one of The Women of 40 under Forty by The Twin Cities Business Journal.

MWC's Women Launching Women networking series is dedicated to helping women connect with colleagues to exchange ideas, establish mentoring opportunities and build their professional network. Each event will feature a local woman who has made significant contributions to the industry. Don't forget your business cards!

About our speaker:
From spokeswoman at Northwest Airlines Corp. to the director of corporate affairs for the cable provider Comcast Corp, Mary Beth Schubert has been on the front lines in some of the biggest and most controversial industries in the state of Minnesota.

Big change is nothing new to Shubert, a graduate of the University of St. Thomas who was immediately drawn to public relations.

After working on the MN Attorney General's Office anti-drug DARE project, she took a media relations job with Northwest. There she handled media relations through labor clashes, industry change and major expansions along with the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. During that tumultuous time, Mary Beth was front-and-center of the airlines communications efforts.

While at Comcast Mary Beth has once again stepped up to the plate and went head-to-head with the Minnesota Twins after the team launched its own cable channel. Cable providers balked at putting the station, Victory Sports, on their standard lineup, and fans went without televised Twins games until Victory folded and games moved to FoxSports.

Mary Beth also finds time to manage Comcast's volunteer efforts, including Comcast Cares, a one-day rally bringing as many employees as possible together to work on a single project. She has also become chapter president of Women in Cable and Telecommunications.

Minnesota Women in Communications
email: info@mnwc.org
phone: 763.208.1385
web: http://www.mnwc.org