Snow Communications today announced it has received a 2005 Crystal Clarion Award of Merit from the Association for Women in Communications on behalf of its print advertising campaign for Hormel Corporate Brands.

The Crystal Clarion Awards Competition annually recognizes superior work in all communications fields. Judges evaluated entries for substance, style, originality and achievement of the project’s stated objectives. Communications professionals in the Milwaukee, WI and Austin, TX chapters of the AWC judged this year’s entries.

I know it is only the end of May and we have along time till August, but my philosophy has always been it is never to early to start thinking about golf. So get ready, because AdFed's 2005 Golferoo is coming up.

When: Thursday, August 11, 2005

Where: Prestwick Golf Course, 9555 Wedgewood Drive; Woodbury, MN

Get your golf on. This year's Golferoo is new and improved with a focus on fun and more fun. The charitable event can be enjoyed by all advertising professionals, both genders, and any skill level. Join us for a day of good, honest fun and an excellent dinner at one of Minnesota's premier golf establishments.

Cost: $150 includes box lunch, 18 holes of golf, cart, $10 gift certificate to the pro shop, dinner at Axel's on-premise restaurant, contests, raffle, silent auction, prizes for men, women and mixed groups; $45 for dinner only

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From Monster:

HealthPartners is one of Minnesota's largest practice groups. Join us as we raise the bar on healthcare and transform the future.

POSITION PURPOSE:
This position develops targeted marketing communications and provides communications support for health-plan members and the consumer marketplace. This position will proactively assess communications needs and respond on a timely basis with complete, accurate, audience-targeted communications. Primary assignments include writing, editing and design of publications, displays and advertising; electronic communications, including email, Intranet and Internet; maintaining graphic standards; and participating in strategic planning, special communications, events, publications and projects.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
• Bachelor’s degree, generally in Marketing, Public Relations, Communications, English or Journalism.
• 3-5 years of professional communications experience, including plan development.
• Experienced in working with business segment and product managers.
• Excellent writing, proofreading and editing skills. Equally adept at writing for print and web.
• Excellent verbal communications and listening skills.
• Ability to thrive in fast-paced, collaborative work environment with multiple priorities.
• Ability to manage multiple, critical deadlines simultaneously.
• Ability to create communications plans to support business and marketing objectives.
• Demonstrated creativity in developing effective communications for consumer, business and internal audiences.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Proficient user of Microsoft Office, Quark (PC) and Adobe InDesign applications.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
• Experience in Web design
• Sales communications and product support
• Marketing/sales communications experience in health plan, financial services or insurance marketing
• Desktop publishing skills
• Project management experience

ACCOUNTABILITIES:
• Write, edit and format general, market-specific and group-specific marketing communications for consumer, business-to-business and internal audiences. Delivery vehicles include newsletters, brochures, website, electronic newsletters, CD-ROMs, Flash presentations, etc.
• Assess communications needs and respond on a timely basis with complete, accurate, audience-targeted communications.
• Work with Director to develop strategic communication plans health plan members and consumer marketplace. Analyze audience-specific needs and respond with targeted key messages.
• Provide consultation and act as a resource throughout the organization on marketing communications.

• Provide excellent customer service to internal and external customers.

• Other duties and projects as assigned.

We offer an excellent salary/benefits package, a rewarding environment, and a total commitment to providing exceptional care. For more information and to apply for this position, go to www.HealthPartners.com; Click on Careers, and then click on Search for Job Opportunities. Enter Job ID #4403.

When I started a little over two years ago most people in the PR industry didn't even know what a blog was, much less understand that blogs were of value. Today, the PR community has come to accept blogs as a new way to reach their target audience---even if they can be unpredictable at times.

In the PR industry's rush to pitch bloggers however, most PR agencies have been slow to adapt Really Simple Syndication (RSS) into their newsrooms, on their Web sites or their clients sites. The reason, I think, is because most people find it difficult to explain exactly what RSS is and how it works, much less why you should integrate it into a Web site.

In an effort to pull you onboard the RSS wagon, let me try and explain why it is of value. For those of us old enough to remember the world without the Internet, we remember the first time someone told us about the World Wide Web. At first the Internet seemed okay and most of us were able to enjoy e-mail and watching on occasion.

But, as the Internet became more sophisticated, programs like Flash were invented and suddenly the new movie couldn't be viewed on your computer without installing special Flash software.

This leads me back to RSS. You see, at every stage in the evolution of the Internet we have lost a certain percentage of the population. Today, there are still people that have never accessed the Internet, used e-mail, installed Flash, read a blog or downloaded an RSS news aggregator.



RSS is easy. RSS is cheap. RSS is what's next. PR people need to jump onboard. RSS is as simple as using e-mail (see image above). Take 15 minutes this weekend and readup on RSS. Then download a free RSS news aggregator here and experiment. I think you'll find it is nice to be able to look at your news aggregator and find the latest news and information posted on your favorite sites. Just think, when RSS catches on you'll be the first to know when a new dancing monkey video comes out.

Ironically, to-date the one PR agency that has an RSS feed readily available on their site has never pitched MNPR Blog. But then again, I read their RSS feed so why should they have to pitch me?

Northern Tool + Equipment is partnering with advertising agency Colle+McVoy to handle strategic media planning for its retail store division. The agency's new assignment also includes media buying for the company's out-of-home efforts and a portion of its print business.

"Northern Tool + Equipment is a haven for every tool warrior in America," said Steve Thomas, director of integrated media at Colle+McVoy. "We're really looking forward to creating breakthrough media strategies that will help them grow."

Northern Tool + Equipment offers a wide selection of products — from consumer goods to industrial and construction equipment — for do-it-yourself consumers, contractors and professional shops. With headquarters in Minneapolis, the company sells its products through 50 retail stores in 10 different states, a catalog operation and online (www.northerntool.com). Northern Tool + Equipment also offers catalog and online shopping in the United Kingdom.

One of the most frequently asked questions I get about blogging is, what about "ethics?" Well, one of my favorite sites, About.com, has posted the best list of blogging standards I have seen to-date.

From :

1) Follow Hotlinking Guidelines.
When it comes to hotlinking or 'direct linking' - different weblog/website owners may have different rules. If you're not sure, just remember that most blog owners do not allow this.

2) Credit Your Sources.
When you use a certain part of an article or blog entry, it's important to attribute it to the author accordingly. It's also good practice to mention your source, if you found a useful piece or link from someone.

3) Check The Validity of Your Information.
If someone posted it online, it doesn't always mean it's true. Always check your sources! If you're not quite sure about the validity of your information, but you still want to blog about it for some reason, then please mention your uncertainty rather posting it as fact.

4) Correct Your Mistakes and Post Updates.
We can't be right about everything all the time. There may also be times when we blog before we think. When mistakes/errors happen, own up to it and post an update.

5) Never Leave Spam Comments.
You don't necessarily have to post things about viagra or online casinos to be considered a spammer. When you post comments like, "Visit my blog!" without posting relevant comments, it can also be considered spamming.

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The Twin Cities Business Journal reported this afternoon that eight Minnesota companies have made the Business 2.0 Top 100 Fastest Growing Technology Companies list, putting Minnesota ahead of 47 other states.From the Journal:

Minnesota ranks third among states for most companies on the list, behind California (32) and Massachusetts (11). Last year, Minnesota only had one company on the list.

New Hope-based Navarre Corp. was the highest-ranked Minnesota company on this year's list, coming in at No. 12. The other Minnesota companies on the list were Minnetonka-based American Medical Systems Holdings Inc. (49), Hutchinson-based (51), Minneapolis-based Fair Isaac Corp. (62), Hector-based Communications Systems Inc. (64), Fridley-based Medtronic Inc. (67), Minneapolis-based Techne Corp. (87) and Minneapolis-based Possis Medical Inc. (91)

Get the story here.

PRSAfter5! to the rescue

Minneapolis, May 12, 2005 -- Minnesota PRSA has a serious case of "The Jitters." Due to incessant new business pitches, product launches and trade show planning, the membership of Minnesota PRSA is in dire need of a relaxing, fun-filled evening to decompress and get over the stresses of life in public relations.

PRSAfter5! to the rescue!

On Thursday, May 26, Minnesota PRSA is treating PR colleagues to happy hour in an informal, networking-centered locale, to help them step out of the everyday grind. The event is being held at a retro 1950's designed bar, incongruously named Jitters, in northeast Minneapolis. Selected appetizers and all the water you can drink will be available for free. Alcoholic and other beverages will be available for purchase at the cash bar.

So, step out of those cold spring doldrums and come to Jitters on Thursday, May 26 for an evening of fun.

What: PRSAfter5!
Where: Jitters, 205 E. Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis, 55414
When: Thursday, May 26 at 5:30 p.m.

The Twin Cities office of Weber Shandwick is looking for candidates at the Account Executive and Senior Account Executive levels to work on accounts such as Coca-Cola, Microsoft, TiVo and Upromise. This is a great opportunity to be part of an exciting and growing organization. We provide amazing client service, work hard on great accounts, and have fun.

Account Executive candidates should have 2-5 years of experience. We are looking for team players with strong research, writing and editing skills.

Senior Account Executives should have 5-8 years of experience and well-developed communication skills. Ideal candidates will have experience with client budgeting, media relations strategy, pitching to the media, creating written client material.

Agency or corporate communications experience a must. Must have the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment, always with a keen attention to detail. Excellent writing skills required, as well as strong interpersonal skills. Successful candidates will have ability to prioritize, with outstanding time management & organization skills.

We have a wonderful work environment and offer a competitive salary and benefits program.

If you would like to join Weber Shandwick, send a resume and salary requirements to:

Strother Communications Group (SCG), a Minneapolis-based marketing/public relations firm, announced the promotion of Danny Olsen to Account Executive. He will be responsible for helping clients communicate effectively with their customers through integrated strategic communications programs.

Olsen, an Apple Valley native, graduated from the University of Minnesota with a bachelor’s degree in public relations and advertising. Prior to joining SCG in 2003, he worked in the Media Relations office in the University of Minnesota sports department.

During his tenure at SCG, Olsen has contributed to seven award-winning programs including the international media relations program for Artic Transect honored as a 2004 Minnesota Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) Classics Award winner. Olsen also is a member of PRSA and a mentor in the Big Brother, Big Sister program.

Do you have a PR, marketing or advertising event you would like publicized? Now there is an easy way to reach the PR community. Simply enter your event into the new Minnesota Public Relations Calendar and reach over 1000 Minnesota PR professionals every month. Give it a try and what you think.

Unified Theory Inc (UTI) has awarded its advertising account to The Agency Marketing Group.

Minneapolis, MN (PRWEB) May 21, 2005 -- Unified Theory Inc (UTI) has awarded its advertising account to The Agency Marketing Group. Work will include web design, brand management, and new campaign development.

UTI is a full service engineering firm headquartered in St. Paul, MN. They currently operate offices nationwide--serving a global client base. UTI offers award winning engineering services to the food and beverage, industrial, and manufacturing industries.

"The Agency" is Minnesota’s newest advertising agency run by people with plenty of business-to-business experience, especially in food, industry, and technology. They offer the full slate of services, including strategic planning, new media, creative services, and public relations.

Minneapolis PR firm establishes new brand to reinforce best-in-class services

MINNEAPOLIS (April 8, 2005) — Given its ongoing growth with stand-alone public relations clients and ambitious plans for the future, Colle+McVoy announced today that the agency is establishing an independent brand: Exponent Public Relations.

Known for years in the industry as Colle+McVoy PR, the new brand helps reinforce the agency's position as a best-in-class public relations firm and offers greater opportunities to reach out to an ever-increasing number of companies that are specifically searching for public relations expertise.

"As Exponent, we will make the great work we've been doing for years as part of Colle+McVoy available to a much bigger universe of PR prospects," said Riff Yeager, managing director of the newly re-branded agency. "Exponent defines what we commit to accomplish for them -- to champion and advocate on their behalf, in ways that deliver meaningful, measurable ROI."

While the agency will market itself under the name Exponent Public Relations, the firm will remain a business division of parent-company Colle+McVoy, an advertising agency that is part of the MDC Partners network of agencies.

"Re-branding makes our PR expertise more visible to prospects and clients," said John Jarvis, chief executive officer and chief creative officer of Colle+McVoy. "Our PR group has continually demonstrated its ability to deliver great ideas to our clients, and launching Exponent will help us further underscore our culture and reputation as an idea-driven organization."

Exponent's expertise includes brand marketing and public affairs in selected practice areas, including food and nutrition, healthcare, lifestyle and agribusiness.

Recent idea-driven highlights originated by Exponent include the creation of an urban orchard in Manhattan to promote pie crust, giant mosaic wallscapes to draw attention to pets overcoming painful conditions, national promotion of a FDA health claim for olive oil designed to improve eating habits and a first-of-its-kind initiative to build support for a new treatment for patients suffering from narcolepsy.

Nicholas Gehrig, former Communications Director for the St. Paul Area Chamber of Commerce, has been hired by Kohnstamm Communications, the award-winning St. Paul-based PR firm, as its newest Senior Account Executive.

As Communications Director, Gehrig directed all of the Chamber’s internal and external communications, served as a key advisor on public policy, developed and implemented media, online, and public relations strategies, and won awards from the American Chamber of Commerce Executives for Communications Excellence. Gehrig received his BA in Communications Studies from Hamline University.

Gehrig is now a Senior Account Executive providing public relations services for Kohnstamm Communication’s professional services and consumer products clients including the University of St. Thomas College of Business, Halleland Lewis Nilan Law, and ergonomic consumer products manufacturer Delta Ergo.

SWAN PROMOTED TO ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

Kohnstamm Communications also announced that Greg Swan was promoted to Account Executive at Kohnstamm Communications. Swan serves Kohnstamm’s consumer product and professional services clients including Cornerstone Development Group, Canyon Grille restaurant, Gorilla Glue of Cincinnati and Hyland’s Homeopathic of Los Angeles. Swan joined Kohnstamm after four years with Des Moines advertising agency The Meyocks Group, and as editor-in-chief of Art Scene, Iowa’s only statewide arts publication.

Once in a while I begin to think that I have found all of the valuable resources on the Web, but just when I think I know it all, I stumble across a and it reminds me that I don't really know anything.

It happened again today when I stumbled across . MNSpeak is a that sums up whats happening in Minnesota. Enjoy.

CHICAGO, May 17 /PRNewswire/ -- Radio host and best-selling humorist Garrison Keillor will write a new, weekly column for Tribune Media Services (TMS), which plans to distribute it to newspapers in the U.S. and abroad beginning July 3. Each week, Keillor will offer readers his take on current events, life in the Midwest and other topics.

"We're pleased that a classic American humorist is eager to write a column for newspapers," said David D. Williams, TMS president and CEO. "He's tossing his hat in the ring with Will Rogers and Mark Twain and all the others who wrote journalism that wound up as literature. We're looking forward to seeinghis work."

"Newspapers have been waving fistfuls of money at me for years," said Keillor. "But in the end it was the offer of frequent-flier mileage that convinced me to take the plunge. I am an everyday newspaper reader. I would walk a mile to get one. I would no sooner get my news from TV than I would buy bread at a gas station. As for radio, it has its merits, but you can't swat a fly with a radio."

Best known as the host of A Prairie Home Companion, heard weekly by more than 4 million listeners on public radio stations across the country, Keillor is also the author of more than a dozen books, including Lake Wobegon Days, The Book of Guys, Love Me and Homegrown Democrat. For many years, he contributed casuals and "Talk of the Town" pieces to The New Yorker magazine,and, most recently, he's been an essayist for Time.

A profile in Time called Keillor "the funniest American writer still open for business," and the Washington Post described him as "a storytelling genius." Said the Houston Chronicle: "He's Will Rogers with grammar lessons, Aesop without the ax to grind, the common man's Moliere."

His 800-word newspaper column will carry the title "The Old Scout," a reference to Keillor's early, unsuccessful experience in the Scouting movement.

"We expect most papers to publish the column on Sundays," said Williams. "And because Garrison will be taking his cues largely from the headlines of the day, we anticipate many will run it on their op-ed pages."

Keillor was born in Anoka, MN, in 1942 and graduated from the University of Minnesota. He lives in St. Paul with his wife and daughter. He is a member of the American Academy of Arts & Letters, the Jack's Auto Repair softball team, and the Episcopal Church.

About Tribune Media Services
Tribune Media Services (TMS) is a leading provider of information and entertainment products for print, electronic and on-air media in the U.S. and abroad. It distributes TV and movie listings and related editorial content under the TMS and Zap2it brands; syndicates comics, features and opinion columns; creates and syndicates a variety of online information products; licenses editorial content from national periodicals; and manages national advertising networks. Through its Knight Ridder/Tribune partnership, TMS also markets news, features, information graphics and multimedia content to media clients around the world. Headquartered in Chicago, with offices in Los Angeles, New York, Glens Falls, N.Y., Dallas, Houston, Milwaukee, Amsterdam, London and Hong Kong, TMS is a subsidiary of the Tribune Company (NYSE: TRB).

For more information about TMS and its products and services, visit: ( http://www.tms.tribune.com ).

Fast Horse Inc., a Minneapolis-based consumer marketing public relations agency, has hired Tim Laughlin as Client Relationship Director and Laura Oakes as Client Relationship Manager.

Laughlin specializes in developing and executing strategic consumer marketing and PR campaigns, research, writing and special event management. He will play an integral role in day-to-day execution, planning and client counsel for accounts including The Coca-Cola Company and Airstream Inc.

Oakes brings strong writing, media relations, event planning, strategic planning and research experience to her role at Fast Horse and her clients, which include Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota and Northern Tool + Equipment.

“Tim and Laura bring us incredible resumes of success in public relations and journalism, respectively,” said Jörg Pierach, president of Fast Horse Inc. “They will be invaluable assets to our clients and staff as we continue to grow as an agency.”

Laughlin comes to Fast Horse Inc. from Strother Communications Group in Minneapolis, and also has held positions with Carmichael Lynch Spong and Tripp Public Relations during his 10-year career. He’s worked with clients such as General Mills, Rapala, Harley-Davidson and Cargill and been recognized with a Silver Anvil, a Bronze Anvil Award of Commendation and several other industry awards. He graduated from Marquette University with a B.A. degree in communications and a minor in English.

Prior to joining Fast Horse, Oakes was a producer and reporter/anchor for WCCO-AM in Minneapolis. A distinguished 15-year veteran of the journalism industry, Oakes has also held reporting and anchoring positions with KSTP-AM in St. Paul, Minn. and KDLH-TV in Duluth, Minn. She has interviewed numerous newsmakers and won more than 20 awards for her writing and feature and breaking news coverage. She holds B.A. degrees from the University of Minnesota-Duluth in communication and history.

According to DMNews.com yesterday, FEI Women's Health has chosen Bloomington-based Colle + McVoy to develop a national ad campaign for its ParaGard intrauterine contraceptive.

FEI specializes in the development of hormone-free anti-impregnation drugs. Colle + McVoy will use brand advertising, direct, e-mail and online marketing, brand design, collateral, sales support and event promotions to create national awareness for ParaGard. This is Colle + McVoy's first account in the women's reproductive area.

Get the full story from DMNews.com here.

Last Thursday President Judith T. Phair testified in front of the United States Senate Committee on Commerce, Science & Transportation on "issues surrounding the production of VNRs by government entities or with federal funds" specifically S.967 known as the "Truth in Broadcasting Act."

Here is an excerpt from Phair's testimony:

Our Society recognizes that, in strategic communications planning, video news releases can be valuable tools promoting the free flow of information. Just as “print” news releases follow the style of print journalism, VNRs utilize a format that is most adaptable to electronic media. Both print and video news releases present information in a way that is preferred by these respective media and that meets public information needs and interests.

But we also believe that VNRs should be produced and disseminated with the highest levels of transparency, candor and honesty. To provide open communication that fosters informed decision, we must do more than simply funnel information through the media to the public. We must reveal the sponsors for causes and interests represented and disclose all financial interests related to the VNR. We believe that most of our members and the 120,000 men and women practicing public relations in the United States today hold that view.

Therefore, we see no issue regarding the codification of a practice that government communications professionals and their contracted agents should already be doing.

Get the rest of Phair's testimony from .

Watch the full committee hearing here.

What do you think, who is responsible for disclosing video news release (VNR) sources? Take Minnesota PRSA's poll here.

Read the full bill to amend the Communications Act of 1934 here.

Fake News Is Hazardous to Your Health - May 16, 2005

I am interested in hearing what you think, take a minute and post your comments below.

With ethnic markets at more than 40 percent of the U.S. population, and with less than 10 percent of business communicators representing these communities, corporate America faces a serious gap in cultural competence. Companies wishing to attract and retain members of these populations (both as customers and as employees) need to develop "culturally competent" strategies that will enable them to create relevant messages for all their constituencies, as well as encourage a workplace environment that will foster productivity, motivation and creativity.

This program will include a brief presentation on the American immigrant experience and will focus on ways in which communications professionals can target, acquire and retain immigrants as both customers and employees. Join IABC and Minnesota PRSA this month to learn how to more effectively communicate with multicultural audiences.

Biography of Speaker:
Rico Vallejos is a frequent presenter and speaker at industry and community functions. With more than two decades of experience helping Fortune 500 companies (Marketing and HR Departments) with their multicultural marketing communications and corporate communications needs, he is not only an expert in the field, but also an educator in both business and academia. His presentations are informative, high-energy and enormously entertaining. Drawing from his experience working in Europe, Latin America and across the United States, he presents strategies for success when targeting and working with the new immigrant communities in America.

Mr. Vallejos has lectured widely in graduate and undergraduate courses at colleges, universities and conferences nationwide, including the University of Minnesota, University of St. Thomas, Metropolitan State University, Bethel College and Seminary, the Midwest Hispanic Marketing Conference and USAID educational programs. Vallejos currently serves as a member of the Board of Trustees of Hamline University and the Board of Directors of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Minnesota. He owns and manages LatinoCreative.com, an award-winning communications firm.

Get times, cost and registration information here.

The Twin Cities office of Weber Shandwick today announced the promotion of employees in the financial services, consumer marketing and healthcare practices.

Lida Poletz has been promoted to account group manager in the financial services practice. Poletz joined the agency in 2003 as an account supervisor and leads an award-winning national campaign to promote direct deposit.

Before joining Weber Shandwick, she was a senior financial journalist for Reuters news agency, with postings in New York, London and Kiev, Ukraine. Poletz graduated with honors with a bachelor's degree in Journalism from the University of Minnesota. She holds an M.B.A. with a marketing focus and an M.S. in Journalism from Columbia University.

Kelly Puspoki has been promoted to account group manager in the consumer marketing practice. Puspoki joined the agency in 2000 as an account executive and manages accounts in the consumer electronics, food and beverage, retail and home products categories. Prior to joining Weber Shandwick, Puspoki worked at Kerker Marketing Communications.

Jon Mason has been promoted to senior account executive in the consumer marketing practice, which he joined in 2003 as an intern. He specializes in strategic sports marketing programs and works with clients in the food and beverage and powersports industries. Prior to joining Weber Shandwick, Mason worked on the communications staff for former Minneapolis mayor, Sharon Sayles Belton, and for the Democratic-Farmer-Labor party during the 2002 campaign.

Jill Favilla has been promoted from assistant account executive to account executive in the healthcare practice. Favilla, who joined the agency in 2002 as an account coordinator, serves as a representative for Weber Shandwick's Employee Action Group and the office's awards committee.

From Monster:

PRIMARY FUNCTION

* Develop and implement senior management communication strategies and messages.
* Create communication plans and strategies that support business objectives and reinforce company culture, vision and values.
* Provide excellent client service.
* Approach all projects with a strategic orientation.
* May lead a team of communication professionals.



PRINCIPLE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITES
Senior Executive Support

* Work as internal business partner providing strategic counsel to senior management on issues, business opportunities, special projects and high-level communications.
* Provide communication counsel to assigned client groups, applying detailed understanding and knowledge of both business and business needs.
* Develop client relationship as trusted business advisor.


Communication Planning and Implementation

* Research, design and implement successful communication plans on a variety of topics and initiatives (including goals, objectives, tactics, timing and measurement) to increase team member engagement.
* Manage the development and appropriate dissemination of highly sensitive business information.
* Manage the strategic speechwriting process for assigned clients including gathering executive input, conducting research, engaging resources to develop draft speech, create supporting visuals and finalizing speech in time and within budget.
* Measure and evaluate effectiveness of communication strategies.
* Research, write/edit and manage production of articles for internal publications.


Team Management

* Act as back-up for Manager with senior-most clients, and independently manage own senior executive relationship(s).
* Share best practices with counterparts at the other operating companies.
* May lead team of communication professionals as a supervisor.


REPORTING/WORKING RELATIONSHIPS
Internal:

* Report to Manager, Internal Communications
* Develop extensive relationships within IC as well as within assigned client groups
* Serve as first point of contact for assigned senior executive(s)


External:

* Manage and provide work direction to vendors

SKILLS/ABILITIES
o Four to six years experience in communications field.
o Strong verbal communication skills.
o Excellent communication planning skills.
o Possess sound judgment in decision making.
o Can quickly solve problems, takes risks and identifies contingency plans when necessary.
o Ability to develop and present a compelling case for a new idea.
o Advanced presentation, writing and interpersonal skills.
o Solid project management skills and experience including ability to manage extremely complex projects.
o Adaptability to quickly shift number of clients and number of projects.
o Ability to make decisions independently.
o Skilled in identifying trends and applying them to business strategies.
o Ability to work with individuals from diverse areas and different levels within the company, from senior leaders to individual contributors.
o Understanding of and experience with communication disciplines such as graphic design, advertising, marketing, public relations and print/video production.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

Minimum Requirements:
o Bachelor's degree with emphasis in Communications, Journalism, Advertising, English or Public Relations.
o Strategic thinking skills to anticipate client needs and proactively implement solutions.
o Strong verbal, written, presentation and interpersonal skills.
o Excellent organizational, project management and problem solving skills.
o Solid understanding of the Target Corporation brand and developing knowledge of brand management.

Desired Requirements:
o Retail environment experience.
o Vendor and budget management strength.

To apply for this position, please click here. Visit Monster.com for more info.

Roepke Public Relations was honored with the Outstanding Volunteer award at Tuesday evening's annual Minnesota Ovarian Cancer Alliance meeting at the Hennepin County Library. The firm has provided public relations counsel and services to Minnesota Ovarian Cancer Alliance since 2002.


The Minnesota Ovarian Cancer Alliance Outstanding Volunteer award is designed to recognize and honor volunteers who have made an outstanding impact on the organization. "We are thrilled with the resources and expertise that Roepke Public Relations provides to help us generate awareness," said Kathleen Gavin, executive director of Minnesota Ovarian Cancer Alliance. "Through their exceptional media relations counsel, we have received print and broadcast coverage that effectively promotes our year round events and supports our mission to educate the public about ovarian cancer."

"We are extremely honored by this recognition from MOCA," said Katherine Roepke, president of Roepke Public Relations. "Our firm has a strong commitment to providing volunteer services that benefit the community. We are proud to represent such a well respected organization that is so passionately dedicated to educating and supporting the fight to overcome ovarian cancer."

Roepke Public Relations has a long-standing record of community service and a corporate vision that supports volunteer activities. The firm has formed relationships with several nationally recognized nonprofit organizations, while also encouraging employees to volunteer locally for additional charitable causes that have meaning to them.

President and CEO Judith T. Phair, APR, Fellow PRSA, has been invited to testify during a full committee hearing this Thursday, May 12 at 10:00 a.m. EDT, on U.S. Senate Bill S. 967 - pending legislation that, if passed, would require any video news release (VNR) produced by a U.S. Government agency to carry a frame-by-frame disclaimer when broadcast that identifies the sponsoring agency. The invitation was sent by Senator Ted Stevens (Alaska), chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation.

"PRSA believes that VNRs should be produced and disseminated with the highest levels of transparency, candor and honesty," said Phair. "That means public relations professionals - both in and out of government - who are involved in the production of VNRs and audio news releases must in all cases reveal to broadcasters who the sponsors are for the causes and interests represented and disclose all financial interests related to the prepackaged products."

Phair will join a yet-to-be-disclosed group of witnesses invited to testify concerning the need to require broadcasters, cable providers and others to specify, according to government regulations, the origin of prepackaged news stories produced by federal agencies.

The hearing will be broadcast via a live webcast. To view the webcast, click on the following link: http://commerce.senate.gov/hearings/witnesslist.cfm?id=1497 or visit www.senate.gov. The hearing may also be broadcast on C-SPAN (check your local provider for the daily broadcast schedule). Phair's testimony to the Senate Committee will be available following the conclusion of the hearing.

City-County Communications and Marketing Association (3CMA) is hosting their regional conference June 16-17, 2005 in Bloomington. 3CMA's mission is: "Connecting local government innovators to achieve the highest ideals of public service through the power of communications and marketing." The organization continues to build its network of individuals committed to improving government/citizen relationships and the delivery of services through the application of marketing strategies and techniques.

Event Topics include:

"Making News" panel, presentation and individual tapings

Shopping for Content Management Systems & Site Usability Studies - Content Management Systems (CMS) can help keep content fresh and Web site management simple. But can you tell a CMS deal from a dud? And how do you know if your site provides good customer service or just a glitzy showroom? Web site Usability Studies can provide the customer feedback you desire.

Sponsorships and the Public Sector - Learn from cities with experience

Becoming a "Savvy" Shopper - Learn how you, too, can take home a Savvy award from the 3CMA annual conference! You’ll leave this session with a bag full of ideas on how to position your communications projects to compete for awards at the national level. Topics will include: application process, benefits of winning (for window shoppers too) and how to maximize the impact of winning for your organization.

"Packaging Your City or County or Schools" - Branding a place is in some ways more difficult than branding a product. It's a powerful way to give your city, county or schools an identity that will stick. Hear how one city turned to branding experts from General Mills to create a memorable brand.

"The Price of Government" - Tim Penny, Keynote Speaker - Is the price of government really going up? Budgeting for outcomes; and price-results are just a couple of themes covered in the book, "The Price of Government" (the buzz among City Managers).

Interested in attending? .

Thursday, May 19, 2005

With ethnic markets at more than 40 percent of the U.S. population, and with less than 10 percent of business communicators representing these communities, corporate America faces a serious gap in cultural competence. Companies wishing to attract and retain members of these populations (both as customers and as employees) need to develop "culturally competent" strategies that will enable them to create relevant messages for all their constituencies, as well as encourage a workplace environment that will foster productivity, motivation and creativity. This program will include a brief presentation on the American immigrant experience and will focus on ways in which communications professionals can target, acquire and retain immigrants as both customers and employees.

Join IABC Minnesota and Minnesota PRSA this month to learn how to more effectively communicate with multicultural audiences.

Biography of Speaker:
Rico Vallejos is a frequent presenter and speaker at industry and community functions. With more than two decades of experience helping Fortune 500 companies (Marketing and HR Departments) with their multicultural marketing communications and corporate communications needs, he is not only an expert in the field, but also an educator in both business and academia. His presentations are informative, high-energy and enormously entertaining. Drawing from his experience working in Europe, Latin America and across the United States, he presents strategies for success when targeting and working with the new immigrant communities in America.

Mr. Vallejos has lectured widely in graduate and undergraduate courses at colleges, universities and conferences nationwide, including the University of Minnesota, University of St. Thomas, Metropolitan State University, Bethel College and Seminary, the Midwest Hispanic Marketing Conference and USAID educational programs. Vallejos currently serves as a member of the Board of Trustees of Hamline University and the Board of Directors of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Minnesota. He owns and manages LatinoCreative.com, an award-winning communications firm.

Meeting Specifics

Thursday, May 19, 2005
Registration: 11:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Program: 12:00 - 1:00 p.m.

Location:
Metropolitan Ballroom
.

Cost:
Members: $36.00 for a limited time ($45.00 original price)
Guests: $46.00 for a limited time ($55.00 original price)
Students: $24.00 for a limited time ($30.00 original price)

PRSA members can get the member rate by choosing PRSA member on the registration page.

Register By: noon Friday, May 13, to receive the discounted rate.

Registration:
Register on the IABC Minnesota Web site or call the Minnesota PRSA office at .

Mother's Day is this Sunday, May 8, 2005, so don't forget! At the very least send her a card or give her a call to let her know you appreciate her.

There is a new PR blog in town or at least in the MidWest. The new blog (PRSA - Midwest District) is a courtesy of the Midwest District of PRSA for all related chapters: - Central Illinois - - - Greater Dubuque - - Madison - - Minnesota - - - Quad Cities - - Southeastern Wisconsin - Southwest Missouri - Suburban Chicagoland -

Take a look here.

According to yesterday's Duluth Budgeteer News, ad/pr/marketing agencyWestmorelandFlint has hired Amy Rutledge as an account executive.

Get the full story here.

, Pocasting is continuing to grow as . Former MTV VJ's are leading the revolution to launch podcasting into the mainstream. For those of you old enough to remember when MTV actually had videos, you might enjoy listening to Adam Curry's podcast - check it out.

If you still don't know what podcasting is, here is a tutorial.

Fast Horse Inc., a Minneapolis-based consumer marketing public relations agency, has hired Jason Sprenger as Client Relationship Manager and Kate Campbell as Account Administrative Assistant.

Sprenger specializes in media relations, consumer research, writing and editing and special events. He plays an instrumental role in day-to-day execution, planning and client counsel for such clients as The Coca-Cola Company and Lawson Software.

Campbell provides comprehensive account support by compiling client status reports, coordinating program logistics, sourcing vendors and more. She also assists with Fast Horse agency marketing initiatives.

“Both Jason and Kate bring a strong skill set to their work and an intense desire to help our clients achieve their goals,” said Jörg Pierach, president of Fast Horse Inc. “They will serve as valuable assets as our agency continues to grow.”

Prior to joining Fast Horse, Sprenger served a variety of local and national consumer and business clients at Kohnstamm Communications in St. Paul, Minn., including Ecolab, Green Mill Restaurants, The Gorilla Glue Company and the University of St. Thomas College of Business. He graduated summa cum laude with a B.A. in Journalism from the University of Minnesota.

Campbell began her career at Pro Staff, working with clients such as Guidant, Deluxe, Star Tribune and Wells Fargo. She graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire with a B.A. in English Literature and Creative Writing.

Account Supervisor / Senior Account Executive
This is a dream job for the person who thinks creatively and writes with flair. Use your passion for knowledge and ability to create ideas to lead integrated branding, PR, advertising and collateral programs within a fun, dynamic, team environment. With 5-10 years agency or marketing experience, create and implement award-winning programs for national and international accounts. Learn more about us at www.scgpr.com. Send your resume with a convincing cover letter to:

Strother Communications
2700 Foshay Tower

Communications Coordinator
Lake City Medical Center Mayo Health System


Primary responsibilities include the development, coordination, and implementation of strategic marketing and communication plans for Lake City Medical Center and Wabasha Clinic. This position will require a diverse communications skill set and will be responsible for internal and external communications. The position conducts research as needed and performs various communication duties including managing intranet and internet websites, advertising, photography, writing and designing, handling media inquiries, and coordinating special events. The Communications Consultant will also develop and maintain relationships within the community. A Bachelor's degree in English, Journalism, Mass Communications, or a related field is required. A minimum of 5 years' experience is also required, with healthcare experience preferred. Must be proficient in computer applications, including Microsoft Suite. Experience with print shop and ad design programs preferred. This position reports to the Chief Administrative Officer of Lake City Medical Center and coordinates with Mayo Clinic Communications representatives.


Apply online at www.lakecitymedicalcenter.org.