UnitedHealthcare, a UnitedHealth Group company, provides network-based health and well-being benefits and services for employers and consumers nationwide. We use our strength, diversity and innovation to improve the lives of the more than 20 million people who receive our unique products and services. And our endless pursuit for excellence in everything we do extends to your career as well. Join us today for an inspired and purposeful mix of professional growth opportunities and personal rewards.

The Marketing Director will be responsible for the development and management of a national Marketing Plan and budget to support growth and retention of UnitedHealthcare business in the Key Accounts, large group 100 - 5,000 employer groups, including:

- Understanding subsegments (employer groups ranging from 100 - 5000)

- Understanding subsegment buying patterns and trends (ASO and FI groups)

- Development and management of national marketing strategies to source, sell and retain business, including:

o Business-building and prospecting programs

o Broker and consultant development programs

o Customer relationship management programs

• Budget management and cost analysis

- Marketing professional with 8-10 years of business-to-business marketing experience, preferably in public sector or health care.

- Experience with market segmentation, market and competitive analysis, product development.

- Demonstrated marketing communications and understanding of basic and advanced marketing tactics and practices.

- Good interpersonal communication, presentation and relationship skills; persuasive with colleagues, management and clients.

- Strong analytical skills.

- Ability to focus on bottom line.

- High energy, creative individual.

- Bachelor's degree in Marketing or related field required.

- Master's Degree in Marketing or Healthcare a plus.

Apply online, click here.

Ogilvy Public Relations Worldwide, a leading global communications firm, announced today the official launch of a new, comprehensive digital marketing offering, 360 Degree Digital Influence, that helps clients navigate an increasingly complex and rapidly changing digital environment. The new program combines the full range of the agency's award-winning interactive marketing and design services with the communications expertise of public relations professionals from across the Ogilvy PR global network.

"The growth of personal media - blogs, wikis, podcasting - combined with the exploding importance of search have kept us busy throughout the year. We actually see these trends as part of an overall shift in digital influence," said John Bell, creative director of Ogilvy PR and originator of 360 Degree Digital Influence. "With our new expanded offering we have a more sophisticated approach to help our clients really connect with a whole new breed of influencer."

Ogilvy PR's 360 Degree Digital Influence program offers clients a clear understanding of how their brand or issue is perceived in the digital world and provides the "road maps" needed to engage and influence key audiences. The program is comprised of two parts, Digital Influence Mapping and Digital Influence Engagement. The mapping component illustrates how a client is viewed across the digital space while simultaneously uncovering new opportunities to influence target audiences. Engagement provides the strategies and solutions necessary to connect with customers and constituencies across the digital spectrum. This digital space includes not only personal media such as blogs and wikis, but also search marketing, content syndication, Web site design, online contests and more.

"We formed 360 Degree Digital Influence to give our clients a comprehensive offering that integrates Ogilvy PR's full range of interactive design and marketing services with the rest of our communications expertise," said Marcia Silverman, chief executive officer of Ogilvy PR. "This program is already underway and with John Bell's leadership and our worldwide network of interactive specialists, we have significantly expanded our services and begun to help clients navigate the digital space to meet their communications objectives."

The 360 Degree Digital Influence offering will be based in Washington, DC and Hong Kong with digital influence leaders stationed across North America, Europe and Asia.

Minneapolis-based AdMedian LLC, announced today the addition of a comprehensive web-based support system for its clients.

"Clients on our Web site can now receive help at any stage of the campaign management process with one click of a button," said AdMedian Manager Brian Lematta. "Our clients already enjoy using a state-of-the-art campaign management system, and now they can get quick answers to commonly asked questions and guidance through the process."

AdMedian offers its advertising clients unprecedented campaign flexibility. Advertisers can choose from cost-per-impression (CPM) contextual, cost-per-click CPC keyword and CPM run of network and graphical advertisements to reach their target audience.

AdMedian’s account management system enables clients to create, execute and optimize campaigns in real-time while providing campaign volume capping, geo-targeting, easy ad content updating and other real-time management features. Offering complete budget flexibility, AdMedian allows advertisers of all sizes to effectively reach their audience.

The agenda for the 2005 Minnesota PRSA Professional Practices Conference has been published. This year's event will take place at the Earle Brown Heritage Center, Thursday, September 22, 2005.

Agenda

7:30 - 8:30 a.m. - Registration

8:30 - 9:30 a.m. - Breakfast Keynote More info...

Judith Rich, President, Rich Relations

9:45 a.m. - 10:45 a.m. - Breakout Session 1

• Are You Sure You're Ready for a Crisis? (Roundtable, limited to 20) More info...
  
• Getting a Seat at the Table (Master's Track) More info...
  
• The Basics of Pitching (Skills Track) More info...
  
  11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. - Breakout Session 2
  
  
• Diversity: Discovering the Business Case (Roundtable, limited to 20) More info...
  
• Working the Multicultural Media (Master's Track) More info...
  
• Engaging Your Readers: Crafting a Strong Beginning (Skills Track) More info...
  
  12:30 - 1:30 p.m. - Luncheon Keynote More info...
  
  Nate Garvis, Government Affairs, Target Corporation
  
  1:45 p.m. - 2:45 p.m. - Breakout Session 3
  
  
• Advocating for the Public Relations Profession (Roundtable, limited to 20) More info...
  
• Freelancing (Master's Track) More info...
  
• Surfin' Safari: How to Use the 'Net to Research Corporate and Financial Information for Your Clients or Company (Skills Track) More info...
  
  3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. - Breakout Session 4
  
  
• To Blog or Not to Blog (Roundtable, limited to 20) More info...
  
• A New Age of Ethics? How Do Public Relations and the News Media Face Legal and Ethical Issues in the 21st Century? (Master's Track) More info...
  
• Client Service: PR Practitioners' Most Important Relationship Skills (Skills Track) More info...
  
  4:00 - Social Hour
  
  Conference Fees
  
  Full program (includes all sessions and lunch)
  
  PRSA member $180
  Nonmember $225
  Student $90
  
  Lunch Only
  
  PRSA member $45
  Nonmember $60
  Student $25
  
  Lunch + One (includes lunch seminar plus one additional session)
  
  PRSA member $80
  Nonmember $100
  Student $45
  

Persons registering after September 7 will be charged an additional $25.

For more information, registration and directions click here.

Find other public relations related events here.

Target and The New Yorker seem like an odd match. (The last time Target pulled off the buy-every-ad gimmick, it was the sole sponsor of an issue of People.) Only recently did the "Bloomingdale's of the discount industry" vanquish Wal-Mart and Kmart to win the hearts and minds of the middlebrow. Moreover, when compared to the modish boutiques that usually advertise in the New Yorker, Target looks rather vulgar; there is no sign at the entrance of Louis Vuitton, for example, that reads "Welcome to Low Prices." But let's say the New Yorker ads work their magic on our Mr. Tilley. He resolves to spend an afternoon at Target to see what all the fuss is about. He screws in his monocle, presses shoe to linoleum, and pushes forward into the interior. What will he find?

First off, a reassuring aroma of pomposity. Just like Louis Vuitton, Target has long viewed itself as floating above the rabble.

Of course, one may have trouble reconciling the purchase of exclusive rights to ads in the prestigious New Yorker at the same time they are using a remix of Sir Mix-a-Lot in TV commercial for Baby Got Backpack? What do you think? Comment below.

Are you a PR professional passionate about the quality of work you do? For the 12th consecutive year, Fleishman-Hillard has ranked No. 1 for quality work in the eyes of the clients the industry serves, according to the Harris/Impulse Survey.

If you are a talented, highly motivated consumer specialist, Fleishman-Hillard Minneapolis has a great opportunity for you! We are looking for a Senior Vice President in our expanding Consumer Marketing practice group. This position is the lead of a dynamic team that provides strategic counseling to highly visible, consumer packaged goods companies. Senior Vice Presidents at Fleishman - Hillard have the opportunity to develop exciting careers by providing outstanding client service, managing multi-faceted public relations programs and delivering results . Fleishman-Hillard encourages and supports building solid account management teams, balancing client workloads, developing and managing budgets, and ensuring account profitability. This position also involves the generation of new business, mentoring and developing junior staff, and participating in agency management.

Requirements include:

• 15+ years of demonstrably significant and successful client counseling, new business development and strategic program development in the consumer food and / or packaged goods industry.
• Solid public relations leadership experience in business-to-consumer is critical.
• Agency experience is a must.
• Strong industry and media contacts in nutrition, food, beverage and other consumer goods, and the ability to identify new business opportunities.
• Excellent all around communication skills, with a demonstrated flair for creativity.
• Proven ability to prioritize, be assertive, self-starting and a willingness to take ownership is essential to success. This translates to strong multi-tasking skills and the ability to effectively motivate staff and clients.
• A strong team orientation is critical based on the collaborative culture of the office and Fleishman - Hillard.
• Previous experience in successfully developing and managing substantial budgets.

Fleishman-Hillard offers a professional work environment with competitive salary and a complete benefits package.

Please visit http://jobs-fleishman.icims.com/fleishman_jobs/jobs/candidate/intro.jsp to apply for this position or to learn more about career opportunities with Fleishman-Hillard. Please do not contact the office directly – only resumes submitted through the above Web site will be considered.

Twin Cities-based Kohnstamm Communications is looking for a PR veteran to play a key role in driving results for national rising star clients such as Naked Juice, Seventh Generation, the Center for Ethical Business Cultures, Gorilla Glue and others. Hands-on natural consumer product experience is a plus.

Our programs focus heavily on national media relations, industry relations and strategic communications approaches that directly drive brand awareness for consumer and professional services clients. If you are a highly-motivated team player with success driving strategy, publicity and influencer outreach efforts that generate exceptional results for clients, we’re interested in talking with you about joining our firm.

We are looking for a seasoned individual who has developed and driven national media relations programs for innovative and demanding clients. We will only consider candidates that have at minimum 5-8 years of PR experience dominated by media relations work in an agency or corporate environment. Those individuals with concentrated PR experience working with national consumer products, food, health, business and online PR tools and tactics are of particular interest. Strong writing and proven coaching skills with an ability to multi-task and meet tight deadlines are a must. Our team members enjoy a competitive salary (PR Week salary survey), paid parking, year-round summer hours and excellent benefits in a fun, casual downtown work environment that offers tremendous growth potential.

Please send resume to .

Case Study: Successfully Branding a Virtual Enterprise

Over the past decade, Capella University has evolved from little more than a good idea to an accredited university with over 12,000 students pursuing degrees online in five schools. At the August professional development meeting, come learn how Capella used targeted research to build its brand from scratch, and how the university has leveraged effective brand management to help drive revenue from $20 million in 2000 to nearly $120 million in fiscal 2004. About the Speaker: Jason Van de Loo is a senior marketing manager at Capella University. He has been with Capella since 2002, and has responsibility for Capella's brand strategy and marketing communications efforts. WHEN Tuesday, August 30, 2005 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM WHERE The Metropolitan Golden Valley, MN 55416

FEE Registration Guest $46.00 for a limited time ($55.00 original price) Member $36.00 for a limited time ($45.00 original price) Speaker Complimentary Student $25.00 for a limited time ($30.00 original price)

RSVP Thursday, August 25, 2005

Get registration info by clicking here.

Find more PR related events by clicking here.

In this months issue of PRSA Tactics there is a thought provoking article on what is called the "Trust Deficit" in the media today. I was happy to see that PRSA decided to post this article online. Here is a flavor of what the article has to offer:

Addressing the trust deficit:
A profound and unsettling trend

By Alan Pell Crawford

For a few days in early summer, it looked as if you couldn’t trust anybody, in the government, the media or anywhere else.
For instance:

• The U.S. Centers for Disease Control were backing off their claims that obesity kills 400,000 Americans each year. (The real figure, CDC decided was 26,000 — or maybe 120,000.)
• A U.S. District Court found that Gillette’s claim that its M3Power razor raises hair up and away from the skin was “literally false.”
• The Federal Trade Commission told Tropicana to stop saying orange juice lowers blood pressure and cholesterol.
• United Airlines reneged on its pension promises.
• Newsweek had to admit it didn’t know whether its own reporting was true.

For a while there, the only person with any credibility left was a 91-year-old ex-FBI agent admittedly suffering from dementia who, 25 years ago, broke his oath to rat out the President for lying.

.

The Toro Company, a world leader in the manufacture of outdoor landscaping equipment and irrigation systems, is seeking a Senior Public Relations Specialist.

Major Function:

Act as a facilitator and collaborator for cross-department/divisional and corporate initiatives, ensuring consistency and alignment with strategic goals. Assist in developing and executing collaborative and integrated public relations campaigns. Employ excellent written and verbal communication skills to achieve results and exposure in a variety of media. Promote the Toro corporate brand and reputation by positioning the company as an industry leader, sound investment, employer of choice, and good corporate citizen in key national, local, and trade media. Aggressively pursue exposure of key messages/stories that support business-specific marketing strategies. Develop and maintain strong relationships with internal and external customers.

Responsibilities:

1. Develop and implement comprehensive and integrated tactical plans to achieve strategic public relations goals.
2. Develop and write company, business, product, and community interest press releases and feature stories.
3. Serve as corporate liaison for local, national, and trade media representatives. Fulfill corporate media inquiries, ensuring message consistency and cross-divisional benefits.
4. Utilize project management and leadership skills to execute tactics identified in the strategic plan, meeting tight deadlines and achieving results with limited resources.
5. Develop a proactive pitching calendar, target key media, and place stories as part of a focused, continuous program that supports organizational and business goals.
6. Provide corporate support and coordination at major tradeshows.
7. Develop and manage processes to maintain Toro public information files, including officer biographics, corporate history, news archives, and other relevant information.
8. Develop and manage systems to measure and report results and return-on-investment for public relations activities; keep management apprised of PR issues that may impact their businesses.
9. Build and maintain broad-based internal and external relationships that facilitate cost-effective and efficient execution of public relations strategies and processes. This includes business and marketing leaders, marketing communications teams, selected editors, and external agency representatives.
10. Assist the manager of corporate communications in developing integrated, proactive public relations strategic plans that align with Toro's short and long-range goals and leverage our affiliation with major public venues like Disney, Rose Bowl, Indianapolis Speedway, and others.
11. Continually develop innovative approaches to leveraging Toro's external and internal websites as effective public relations vehicles.
12. Advise internal customers on messaging and strategies related to general public relations matters.

Job Dimensions:

Business and marketing leaders within the company.
* Marketing communications staff/Communication Coalition members
* External media and press (national, regional/local, and industry)
* Selected trade associations and industry groups
* External public relations and advertising firms

REQUIREMENTS
Specifications:

• Strong written and verbal communication, persuasion, and presentation skills
  
• Ability to make decisions and take appropriate action with minimal supervision
  
• Ability to translate strategies into cost-effective tactics that achieve measurable results
  
• Applied project management and project leadership skills
  
• Effective team player; flexible and willing to execute multiple tasks simultaneously
  
• Ability to develop and maintain professional relationships with internal and external constituents
  Strong written and verbal communication, persuasion, and presentation skills
  
• Ability to make decisions and take appropriate action with minimal supervision
  
• Ability to translate strategies into cost-effective tactics that achieve measurable results
  
• Applied project management and project leadership skills
  
• Effective team player; flexible and willing to execute multiple tasks simultaneously
  
• Ability to develop and maintain professional relationships with internal and external constituents

Position requires a bachelor's degree in communications, public relations, or a related discipline, plus a minimum of five year's experience in corporate or agency public relations.

Roepke Public Relations is seeking a senior account executive. We have a dynamic, highly collaborative team and provide exceptional career growth opportunities for those motivated to excel.

Candidates must have a minimum of six years PR agency experience and a proven media relations track record supported by a portfolio of national print and broadcast clips. The ideal candidate is a highly motivated team player possessing the ability to work effectively under pressure and handle multiple clients simultaneously within a variety of industry sectors. Exceptional client management skills and superb communication skills are required.

Roepke Public Relations is a privately owned, rapidly growing company that provides consistent, high quality, strategic media relations for established companies and national startups in the fields of health care, technology, financial services, marketing communications, real estate, hospitality/entertainment and consumer products.

We have a high-energy, collaborative environment with exceptional benefits. We value integrity, dependability, entrepreneurial spirit, motivation, character and a positive attitude; in our clients and in our team. Our firm has been recognized and honored for our commitment to community service and a corporate vision that supports volunteer activities.

Please forward resume and salary requirements to:

Roepke Public Relations
2400 Foshay Tower
nue S.

Email:

There’s an old adage: “Do something you love and you’ll never have to work another day in your life.” We believe that. Public Relations isn’t going to change the world, but how many vocations really do? The key is doing something that’s going to change your world.

Fast Horse Inc. is founded on the idea that there really isn’t such a thing as a true separation between your personal and professional life. We believe the focus should be on how they fit together, and, more importantly, if they fit together.

We’re looking for a Client Relationship Manager (CRM) to join our growing team. The CRM has a minimum of 2-5 years PR agency experience and is responsible for driving programs and assisting with day-to-day account execution. The CRM also manages appropriate client engagements; contributes to and leads appropriate strategic discussions and applies critical judgment on all daily work; conducts consumer and industry research, and is responsible for timely invoicing and other basic account and agency management tasks.

Please send your resume to .

It seems that everyone has something to say about blogging and how company's can use it to make more money or communicate effectively. Whether it is, how to pitch a story to bloggers, discussing if it makes sense to advertise on blogs or figuring out how to create an effective corporate blog, everyone seems to have the solution.

The trouble with this is that there is too much information out there to process. At times it is down right overwhelming! Fortunately, I think I have a solution. Using a new , I have created a . I will post articles as I receive them to this site for your reference. In the future you will find a link to this site on the right hand tool bar titled .

If you stumble across or write a great piece that you want to we'll keep this site current and it will become a useful reference tool. Thanks.

You can get the RSS feed to this new site here .

THE AGENCY, a Minnesota based advertising, marketing, and public relations firm has hired Anthony Gruenke to direct business development.

THE AGENCY’s Jeff Tietz said “we are extremely excited to add Anthony to the roster. His fresh outlook, and off-the-wall thinking, provides a perfect overlay in our ability to give our clients an out-of-the- ordinary experience. He will play an integral part in driving new business.”

Weber Shandwick's office in Chicago has hired the "bachelorette."In the light-hearted spirit of Friday news I thought I would bring you this story from The Sun Times.

From the Sun Times:

Cathy Calhoun, president of public relations giant Weber Shandwick's Chicago office, confirmed she has hired former television "Bachelorette" Jen Schefft, 29, as a senior account executive. Schefft's first day on the job will be Aug. 15.

Calhoun insists Schefft was hired not for her celebrity status, but rather because she is well-qualified for the post. "We talked to her over a period of several weeks, while many public relations firms in the city were trying to get her," maintains Calhoun.

But why Schefft? "A lot of our clients are interested in tapping into pop culture, and in a way Jen is pop culture and understands what it's all about," added Calhoun, who described Schefft as "smart, bright and energetic." Schefft also passed a writing test she was given at Weber Shandwick before being hired, Calhoun said.

Well if nothing else Schefft has extended her 15-minutes of fame. This is the best decision Weber's made since they hired bachelor Mike Teegardin here in Minneapolis. Cheers Mike!

Frank Parisi, who joined the Twin Cities’ office of Fleishman-Hillard in 2001, has resigned as the office’s general manager to take on a consulting position with the firm, it was announced today.

“I’ve truly enjoyed leading this office,” Parisi said. “This is an agency that is rich with quality people and the very best clients, and while I will miss the day-to-day interaction of the general manager position, I look forward to assisting the agency in a consulting capacity in the community.”

“Frank is a person of true character and integrity,” said John Graham, chairman and chief executive officer of Fleishman-Hillard. “There are few who have exemplified better the values and philosophy of our company. We are delighted that he will remain connected with Fleishman-Hillard.”

Rich Jernstedt, an executive vice president of the firm, and former chief executive officer of Golin Harris International, will serve as interim general manager until a replacement is found, Graham said. Assisting Jernstedt in the search for a new general manager will be Ann Barkelew, who founded the office for Fleishman-Hillard.

“Being a general manager of an office in the Fleishman-Hillard network is about as good as it gets in our business,” Jernstedt said. “I’m eager to comb the talent pool both internally and externally to find just the right fit.”

Jernstedt noted that Fleishman-Hillard Minneapolis/St. Paul, founded in 1996, is particularly strong in consumer communications, technology PR, healthcare, and corporate communications. “I expect we will find many people who understand public relations, but more importantly, we want someone who has a knack for attracting talent and creating an exceptional work experience,” he said. “Also, it’s difficult to overstate the career enrichment that working with global clients brings, especially in a network where more than 85 percent of clients are served by more than one office. That aspect of our firm tends to sell itself.”

Parisi was only the second general manager to run the St. Paul/Minneapolis Fleishman-Hillard office. Ann Barkelew, APR, Fellow PRSA, who founded the Twin Cities office 1996, resigned in 2001 and currently also serves as a consultant to the agency.

The Twin Cities Business Journal has picked up the story, get it here.

From Monster:

United Resource Networks provides specialized solutions for complex medical conditions. For more than a decade United Resource Networks (U.R.N.), a UnitedHealth Group company, has been identifying costly, complex and catastrophic conditions for which there is a quantifiable variance among treatment providers. Our products and services are developed to support safe, successful and cost-effective management of patients with these conditions. Clinical areas for which U.R.N. offers products include transplantation, kidney disease, congenital heart disease and cancer.

We have a new Sr. Communications Specialist position available in our Golden Valley office for an outgoing, personable individual. In this role you would report to a supportive, knowledgeable VP, making this an excellent chance to learn more about marketing and communications and further develop your skills. Additionally, the selected candidate will gain exposure to future advancement opportunities.

Primary responsibilities include:

• Editing, writing, proofreading and publishing company communication materials including magazines, newsletters, advertising and marketing materials and sales collateral
  
• Working closely with product managers to help them develop and fulfill marketing plans and proposals
  
• Obtaining and developing content for marketing projects
  
• Coordinating other internal staff and outside vendors (writers, designers, printers, etc.) to produce materials as needed

Prior experience writing marketing/communications materials is required. A background in marketing/communications within the field of healthcare would be preferred. Experience in web development/communications and knowledge of print processes would also be very helpful. Candidates with graphic design experience and/or experience working for an ad agency would be ideal. Solid computer skills and a Bachelor's degree in a related field are mandatory.

UnitedHealth Group offers a full range of comprehensive benefits, including medical, dental and vision, as well as a matching 401k and an employee stock purchase plan.

If you are interested in growing professionally within an innovative, highly respected organization, we invite you to explore this excellent growth opportunity!

Apply Online

The Twin Cities office of Weber Shandwick is looking for a Senior Account Executive for its Financial Services Group. We offer the chance to work with outstanding clients in an exciting and energetic office.

Senior Account Executive candidates should have 5 – 8 years of experience. Must have the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment, always with a keen attention to detail. Candidates must be motivated team player with a strong client focus. The position offers the opportunity to supervise and mentor junior team members.

The ideal candidate will have excellent communication skills, with an emphasis on outstanding writing. Must have solid background in media relations, and be comfortable with everything from writing high-profile news releases and pitching/placing stories to planning media launches events, satellite media tours, etc. Financial services and/or political background is a strong plus.

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

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

Human Resources
Weber Shandwick

Suite 400

Fax

Email:

AdWeek reported today that Minneapolis agency Kerker has been awarded a $12-million advertising account by Roundy's Supermarkets, the parent company of Rainbow Foods, Copps and Pick 'n Save.

According to AdWeek, Kerker beatout Interpublic Group's and WPP Group's Young & Rubicam in Chicago for the business, according to sources. The incumbent, independent agency Periscope in Minneapolis, did not participate.

Get the full story here.

Provident Partners, a full-service marketing and public relations firm, is leading businesses into the world of podcasting, using the new technology to increase clients' brand image, strengthen customer loyalty and improve communications.

A podcast is audio content downloaded to a computer or portable digital audio player, allowing people to listen to what they want, when they want. Provident Partners' podcasting practice is based on experience in radio and television, strategic communications, and using innovative technologies to build brands and generate business.

"We were skeptical at first, but we've already had tremendous results from podcasting," said Kent Kedl, executive director of Technomic Asia, an international consultancy specializing in developing China strategies for U.S. and European businesses. Kedl's "China Business Podcast" is available at http://technomicasia.blogspot.com .

"We live in a world where people demand information when it's convenient for them, and multi-tasking has become almost a necessity," said Albert Maruggi, president of Provident Partners and host of the "Marketing Edge" podcast, which is available at http://providentpartners.blogspot.com .

"The flexibility of audio meets both those demands." Kedl is just one of Provident Partners' clients who are using podcasting. Jack Boyer, president of Boyer & Associates, a company that customizes and resells Microsoft, Great Plains and Solomon software, recently launched his "Best Accounting Practices" podcast with strategy and execution from Provident Partners.

"We've used webcasts and other Internet media for years, but podcasting has the potential to make a greater impact than any of its predecessors," Boyer said. "Podcasting is flexible, personal and convenient, and we're always looking to reach people in ways that are convenient for them." Boyer's podcast is available at http://www.bestaccountingpractices.com .

"The power of podcasting is that individuals seek out the topics they want to hear," Maruggi said. "That's the first standard for generating a meaningful relationship with a potential buyer or for continuing a relationship with an engaged customer."

In case you missed it last Friday's Business Journal had a thought provoking piece on podcasting and Minnesota business. Here is an excerpt:

According to a recent article in Newsday, the amount of time people spend listening to traditional radio is about 19 hours, down from 22 hours per week in 1993. Meanwhile, more than 6 million people listen to podcasts, according to a report by Solana Beach, Calif.-based The Info Guru, and that number is growing quickly.

The newest version of Apple iTunes, Internet audio software that is used by more than 38 million consumers, lists, indexes and facilitates downloading of podcasts.

"iTunes adding a podcasting directory I think will exponentially increase the popularity and viability of podcasts," said Meghan Wilker, interactive strategist for Colle+McVoy Inc. in Bloomington. "It expands the audience and it makes it easier for people to subscribe."

For the full article click here.

It's hard to believe but we are approaching that time of year again...time to start submitting your award winning programs and pr efforts, so you can be recognized by your industry-peers.

In the coming months we, as PR professionals, will be submitting award entries for the PRSA Classic Awards, the 2006 Crystal Clarion Awards and more. But the first among these awards programs is the MarCom Creative Awards which honor excellence in marketing and communications. The deadline for submitting an entry is September 9, 2005. Find out how to enter by visiting http://marcomawards.com/.

Be sure to take a minute and check out all of the events happening in the world of public relations and advertising this month in Minnesota. Tomorrow PRSA is hosting a teleconference on "How to create a Podcast," Ad Fed is hosting their Golferoo this Thursday and on the 23rd of August AdFed is hosting their 5th Annual Schmooze Cruise. Find out more about these and other cool events at Minnesota Public Relations Events Calendar!

Peter Jennings, the Canadian-born anchor of ABC's flagship network news program for more than two decades, has died of lung cancer.

Get the full story here.

The Twin Cities office of Weber Shandwick today announced the promotions of three employees in the technology practice.

Jenny (Gantz) Myers has been promoted from account supervisor to group manager. Myers joined the agency in 1996 as an intern, and currently manages vertical media relations programs for applications software and healthcare clients. Prior to joining Weber Shandwick Myers was an intern for the Multiple Sclerosis Society's North Star chapter. Myers holds a bachelor's degree in mass communications and English from St. Cloud State University.

Polly O'Grady has been promoted from account supervisor to group manager. O'Grady joined the agency in 2000 as a senior writer and became an account supervisor in August 2002. She plays pivotal roles in writing, media relations and management for the group. Prior to joining Weber Shandwick, O'Grady was director of public relations for a non-profit organization that serves people with developmental disabilities, a writer and a project manager for a Minneapolis-based public relations firm. O'Grady holds a bachelor's degree in agricultural journalism and a master degree in agricultural economics from Virginia Tech.

Kaitlin Creager has been promoted from assistant account executive to account executive. Creager joined Weber Shandwick as an intern in 2003, served as the tech team account coordinator beginning in October of that year and became assistant account executive in February 2004. Creager is a consistent contributor to clients in the technology group. Prior to joining the agency, she interned for the Guggenheim Museum in New York City and Lifetouch of Eden Prairie, Minnesota. She holds a degree in public relations and psychology from Syracuse University.

The Twin Cities Business Journal is reporting that Adculture has named Perry Graham as their new president. From the Business Journal:

The Canadian agriculture-oriented marketing consultancy announced Graham will be responsible for the company's North American operations, which are based in Minneapolis.

"Perry's mandate is to grow the organization to service clients on both sides of the border and those who operate across it," Adculture CEO Pierre Doyon said in a statement. "This will mean increasing the type and sophistication of the services we offer, and Perry has already demonstrated his capabilities to do this."

Get the full article here.

The Explore Minnesota Tourism campaign "Don't Hibernate This Winter," produced by Colle+McVoy, has won a 2005 Odyssey Award from the Travel Industry Association of America (TIA) in the Domestic Travel Advertising category.

Explore Minnesota Tourism, the state's tourism promotion office, is one of 10 organizations nationwide to receive a 2005 Odyssey Award from TIA. The annual award program recognizes the outstanding achievement of TIA-member organizations that have demonstrated originality, creativity and effectiveness in categories such as Cultural Heritage, Domestic Travel Marketing, the Environment, Public Community Service, and Education, Training and Employment.

"This was just a fun and original campaign that turned out to be extremely effective for us," said John Edman, the executive director of Explore Minnesota Tourism. "Receiving the Odyssey is especially rewarding because our campaign stood out among those produced by some of the country's largest travel-related companies and states with much larger tourism promotion budgets."

"Don't Hibernate This Winter" starred a creature native to Minnesota — a black bear — cranking up an ice fishing auger, losing his car after shopping, navigating the tow rope at a local ski hill and showing off some hot moves on a dance floor. The campaign helped Explore Minnesota exceed its inquiry goal by more than 30 percent. "After several low-snow years, it was important to showcase the wide variety of things to do in Minnesota during the season, both indoors and outside," said John Jarvis, Colle+McVoy's CEO and chief creative officer. "While we supported our popular winter sports activities, we also found an unconventional way to showcase the state's shopping attractions, its nightlife and the arts." In addition to six 15-second TV spots, the "Don't Hibernate This Winter" ad campaign included radio, newspaper, outdoor and online advertising. The campaign ran from November 2004 through February 2005. The Odyssey Award recipients will be honored at the TIA's Annual Awards banquet on October 27, 2005, in Seattle during the TIA Marketing Outlook Forum.

According to a new Technorati study there is a new blog born every second. What does this mean? Well it amazing when you consider ten years ago blogging didn't exist and today blogs are doubling number every five months. From Technorati:

As of the end of July 2005, Technorati was tracking over 14.2 million weblogs, and over 1.3 billion links. Interestingly, this is just about double the number of blogs that we were tracking 5 months ago. In March 2005 we were tracking 7.8 million blogs, which means the blogosphere has just about doubled again in the past 5 months, and that the blogosphere continues to double about every 5.5 months.

Get the full report here.

More articles on this study:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/4737671.stm
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2005/08/02/tech/main713494.shtml

Wal-mart is looking for three motivated, and driven communications and public relations professionals. This is an exciting opportunity with a growing team. Listed below are the job descriptions. Send questions or resumes to


Senior Manager of Internal Communications.

Will have responsibility for identifying key issues and developing communication to Associates in agreement with an overarching strategic campaign - improving perception and increasing awareness to facts. Will be tasked with supporting and maintaining cooperation for corporate communication strategy among many divisions and stakeholders. This position will provide content for broadcasts, Wal-Mart World articles, responses to Associate questions and external/internal criticism, as well as a corporate web site.

REQUIREMENTS:

• 3-5 years of corporate communications experience.
• Demonstrate oral and written communication skills including ability to write in a variety of media, strong presentation skills, and knowledge of design elements.
• Ability to establish strong partnerships with multiple divisions and stakeholders.
• Understands Associate needs, business needs, differences between corporate and field environments.
• Sensitivity to confidential issues.
  

Public relations manager:
The Corporate Public Relations Manager will have responsibility for creating and executing communications plans for numerous internal merchandising clients.

Duties will include proactive and reactive media relations; providing strategic communications counsel to clients on traditional and crisis issues and writing press materials and communications plans. This position will also focus on additional corporate reputation initiatives as needed. Position participates in after-hours media call duty.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Strong writing skills and extensive media relations experience with the ability to design and execute strategic communications plans.
• 5+ years public relations/ corporate communications experience -Self-starter with a high degree of on-target productivity
• Ability to work effectively within a team or as an individual contributor while handling multiple projects at once.
• Ability to perform professionally in a high volume, high expectation work environment.
  

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Client service experience in an agency or large corporate PR setting. -Retail experience -Project management experience
• Bachelors Degree in Public Relations, Communications, Journalism or related Liberal Arts field -Second Language (i.e. Spanish, French)
  

Community affairs manager: These positions could be located anywhere in the country. Work from home! The Community Affairs manager is responsible for representing Wal-Mart interests to local government officials, opinion leaders, local media representatives,
and communities in a designated geographic regions. As part of the government relations team, this position is responsible for all issues that impact the company at the local level, including those actions of local government that impact the company's ability to expand existing or locate new stores and facilities.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor's Degree
• 5-7 years experience in government relations, community affairs, or related field.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to travel extensively
• Ability to be based within region

PRSA Teleseminar

APR Study Program: Public Relations Planning and Preparing for Crises

August 23, 2005

3:00 p.m. ET

Duration: 1 hour

This session is designed to give you an overview of the following knowledge, skills and ability areas:

For the Readiness Review:

• Creative conceptualization/creativity
• Initiative
• Management Skills and Communication Skills
• Writing and Editing
  

For the computer-based Examination:

• Research
• Planning, implementing and evaluating programs
• Crisis Communication Management
• Media Relations

You Will Hear From:

Jim Haynes, APR, Fellow PRSA, co-author of Public Relations Writing: Form and Style, serves on the Universal Accreditation Board, has taught public relations at four universities and has conducted scores of seminars and workshops. Douglas Newsom, APR, Fellow PRSA, professor, director of journalism graduate programs, and undergraduate international journalism at Texas Christian University, is the senior co-author of This Is PR and Public Relations Writing. She serves on PRSA's Educational Task Force and is a member of the Commission on Public Relations Education.

Register Today!

­$50 PRSA Member or Universal Accreditation Partner Organization Member

­$75 Nonmember

Only one registration per site is required. Registration deadline is 24 hours prior to the call. Your registration entitles you to one telephone connection. Invite as many people as you wish to listen to the teleseminar on your speakerphone.

Click here for registration details:

For other events happening this month visit Minnesota Public Relations Events Calendar.

Maccabee Group Inc., public relations agency, has become the first Minnesota public relation to offer PR Newswire¹s new MediaRoom technology to its clients.

MediaRoom, awarded 2004 "Innovation of the Year" by PR Week magazine, appears as a section of a client¹s corporate Web site, which is devoted to the content needs of journalists and editors. The MediaRoom site contains a client¹s press releases, image gallery of photos and logos, interviews with key executives, management biographies, video links, digital press kits, fact sheets, backgrounders and industry white papers.

Clients can instantly publish, edit and update all information in the MediaRoom, without relying on IT personnel and Web designers ­ putting the control of Web content in the hands of the client and its PR agency.

The secure, password-protected MediaRoom also offers a media "Request an Interview" tool, "Media Opt-In To Company Mailing List" form and the ability to deliver audio messages to a phone list stored in the event of a company crisis.
"Numerous studies such as the , have made it clear that a majority of working journalists use an organization's Web site as a source of information while researching a story ­ but these studies show that journalists were frustrated by finding old information, difficult navigation and no downloadable photos on many company Web sites," said Paul Maccabee, president of Maccabee Group, which is partnering with PRNewswire to implement MediaRoom with the agency's clients.

"With reporters working in a 24/7 deadline environment and more than half of breaking news stories coming from online news sources ­ MediaRoom technology enables companies and their agencies to instantly update their Web site with new text, high-resolution images and other files with easy online tools," added Maccabee.