The American Red Cross Mid-America Division today announced that Nick Gehrig joined its staff as communications and public relations manager for the North Central Blood Services region.

Gehrig comes to the Red Cross from Saint Paul-based Kohnstamm Communications, where as a senior account executive he managed public relations campaigns for both consumer and business client accounts. Prior to that, he was communications director for the Saint Paul Area Chamber of Chamber of Commerce.

As communications and public relations manager in the North Central Blood Services region - which includes most of Minnesota, western Wisconsin and eastern South Dakota - Gehrig oversees communication initiatives that promote the need to give blood and the importance of becoming a blood donor.

The Twin Cities office of Weber Shandwick today announced promotions in its Public Relations and Web Relations groups.

Jake Reint is a member of a public relations group specializing in corporate communications and public affairs. He was promoted from group manager to account director. Reint joined Weber Shandwick in 1996 as a marketing intern and today helps lead the firm's public affairs practice. He provides strategic counsel, media relations services and communications support.

In his new role as account director, Reint will take on new leadership responsibilities for while continuing to serve his current clients. A graduate of Augsburg College, Reint holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism/public relations.

The Web Relations group has promoted Tim O’Regan from Web development assistant to senior account executive. O’Regan joined Weber Shandwick in 2004 and provides clients with creative design, programming, video editing and strategic advice on the latest Web technologies and how they can be utilized in public relations campaigns.

An Eagan, Minn. native, O’Regan has an associate’s degree in applied science from The Art Institutes International Minnesota in multimedia/Web design as well as a bachelor’s degree in English from St. John’s University.

Fleishman-Hillard’s Minneapolis/St.Paul office today announced the hiring of two public relations professionals, Jane Berg and John Feld. In recent weeks, in addition to significant new assignments from existing clients, the Twin Cities office has added Famous Dave’s and Gelco Expense Management as new clients.

Berg joins Fleishman-Hillard, as a managing supervisor in the healthcare practice, from the University of Minnesota, where she was director of communications and community outreach at the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy. In this role, she led all of the center’s public relations and communications efforts, while also working on broader policy initiatives. Prior to that, Berg worked in communications capacities at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., and Northwest Airlines in Eagan, Minn. Berg holds a B.A. in journalism and a master’s degree in public health from the University of Minnesota.

Feld joins the firm, as an account supervisor in the consumer marketing group, from Minneapolis-based Carmichael Lynch Spong, where he worked on consumer marketing and corporate relations accounts, including Cargill, Jack Link’s Beef Jerky, Maytag and Pentair. Previously, he spent four years in the consumer marketing and financial services groups at Weber Shandwick Worldwide’s Minneapolis office, where he worked on accounts such as H&R Block, Best Buy and the LPGA. A graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, Feld’s work has been recognized with two Minnesota PRSA Classics awards.

“Jane and John are proven communications professionals who bring great experience to our existing strength,” said Bob Hanvik, general manager, Fleishman-Hillard Minneapolis/St. Paul. “They represent key hires because Jane will help us maintain our momentum in healthcare, and John adds great depth to our consumer team.”

Agency Expands Roster, Grows Organically

Gelco Expense Management, headquartered in Eden Prairie, Minn., has seen significant growth over the past 24 months and has selected Fleishman-Hillard to help execute its media and analyst relations programming as it continues to expand globally.

Fleishman-Hillard is helping Famous Dave’s promote its national “World’s Biggest Backyard Barbeque,” which will raise money for Share Our Strength, one of the nation’s leading anti-hunger organizations. In addition, Fleishman-Hillard’s top four clients, representing the technology, financial and healthcare sectors, have added significant assignments to the firm’s activities.

Sarah McNeil was recently named winner of the John D. Graham Award for Excellence by Fleishman-Hillard International Communications. McNeil is a senior vice president at Fleishman-Hillard's Minneapolis/St. Paul office and leads its technology practice group. Among her clients are Imation Corp and CommVault -- two of the agency's top 50 clients.

The Graham Award is named after Fleishman-Hillard's chief executive officer and recognizes employees who excel at public relations while being an exemplary leader and team player. Fleishman-Hillard has more the 2,000 employees worldwide and McNeil was one of 14 employees to receive the award this year.

"Sarah's dedication to serving our clients with excellence is an inspiration for all of her colleagues," said Robert Hanvik, general manager, Fleishman-Hillard Minneapolis. "She is a standard-setter for the entire Fleishman-Hillard network and we are privileged to have her as a leader in our office."

The Twin Cities office of Weber Shandwick today announced the hiring of four new employees in the Web relations practice.

Sarah Stilp was hired as a senior project manager and will work on creating a systematic approach for employees to use when submitting and tracking projects with Web relations. Prior to joining Weber Shandwick, Stilp worked as a senior project manager for Colle + McVoy. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from St. Cloud State University in St. Cloud, Minn., with a bachelor’s degree in mass communications and a minor in graphic design.

Peter Abeln was hired as a Web developer in the Web relations practice. Peter previously worked at River City Mortgage & Financial, were he was as a programmer and designer. He holds a bachelor’s degree in business management from the University of Phoenix and an associate’s degree in Web design and development from the Minnesota School of Business.

After completing an internship with Weber Shandwick, Andrew Krupicka accepted a position as a junior designer with the Web relations practice. During his internship, Krupicka was quickly recognized as being hard working and possessing a commanding knowledge of graphic design. Krupicka earned his associate’s degree in visual communications from Brown College.

Erik Mattheis was hired as a Web programmer and developer in the Web relations practice. He will develop programming tools to interpret colleagues’ and client’s designs and ideas. Prior to joining Weber Shandwick, Mattheis was a freelance Web developer for ten years. He graduated from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington in Wilmington, N.C., with a bachelor’s degree in philosophy and religion.

New School Communications a full-service St. Paul-based public relations firm, is proud to announce the addition of Darin Broton as a counselor.

Broton will handle public affairs and communications for various clients including National Institute on Media and the Family and WindLogics. He looks forward to bringing to the firm his past experience working in fast-paced environments. Prior to joining New School Communications, Broton spent 12 years working for several public officials and political candidates, including three years with former Minnesota Congressman Bill Luther. He also served as communications specialist for the Minnesota Environmental Partnership. Broton graduated from Hamline University with a degree in political science in 1999.

Wild Tales from the New Client/New Agency Battlefield

Minnesota PRSA Fresh Thinking Friday - June 2, 2006

Presented by: Paul Maccabee, President, Maccabee Group

How can Minnesota PR agencies more effectively win the new clients they crave, and avoid clients who will cause them years of unspeakable agony? And how can the PR/Communications leaders of companies wisely evaluate which PR agency is appropriate for them — so that the hiring of a new PR firm isn’t followed by the firing of that agency 6 months later?

Join Maccabee Group president and new business maven Paul Maccabee -- who has helped four Twin Cities PR agencies successfully ‘pitch’ and win new business from the PR staffs at General Mills, Marshall Field’s, Cirque du Soleil, 3M, Carlson Companies, Hormel, MLT Vacations, Hazelden and Pitney Bowes — in a lively discussion about bold new business techniques, PR agency search strategies, hilarious new business gaffes, and how PR agencies and corporate PR departments can do The Courtship Dance smarter . . . so that the right PR firm ends up with the right client, and all ends Happily Ever After

Timing: 7:30 am to 9:30 am
Date: June 2, 2006
Location: University Club -- Clubhouse, 420 Summit Ave., St. Paul
Cost: $20
Register: www.mnprsa.com

If you’re still looking for a way to network with your fellow Minnesota PRSA members and haven't been to a First Tuesday's meeting yet, don’t miss the next Minnesota PRSA’s First Tuesday Networking event on Tuesday, June 6, 2006 at Nochee Restaurant and Bar, 500 Washington Ave in Minneapolis (Next to The Depot) from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

First Tuesdays’ allow you the down time you deserve after a stressful day of meetings and deadlines.

• Did I mention that food and beverages are complements of Minnesota PRSA?
  
• Did I mention that committee members will be on-hand to discuss how you can become more involved in our chapter?
  
• Did I mention how much career experience and knowledge you could gain from your fellow professionals?

Don’t miss this opportunity to unwind! Please visit www.mnprsa.com for additional information and to check out other upcoming events.

In Sunday's Star Tribune there was a great article written by Aleksandra Todorova of SmartMoney on classic job-hunting errors made by recent grads. Here is a summary of what Todorova had to say:

TIP 1: Don't limit yourself to the Internet. Ask for help from people you know, even your parents.

TIP 2: Don't address your cover letter to no one in particular. Find out who's in charge and address the letter to that person.

TIP 3: Don't even think about wearing flip-flops or a revealing top. The right strategy ar the interview is to overdress.

TIP 4: Don't keep rambling on about yourself in the interview. Instead, LISTEN.

TIP 5: Don't just leave the interview and wave goodbye. Send a thank-you note.

I tried to find Todorova's article on StarTribune.com or on SmartMoney.com with no luck so I scanned it for your convenience here.

No matter what industry you serve, whether you work for an agency, corporation or not-for-profit, you’ve probably wrestled with some kind of ethical dilemma – on a monthly, weekly or even daily basis. Ethics are a cornerstone of our industry, when dealing with colleagues and customers.

On June 20th, Minnesota PRSA members will have the unique opportunity to learn tips and hear advice on handling your next ethical challenge from past National PRSA president, Judith Phair, APR, Fellow PRSA – someone who’s been through her fair share of ethical dealings produced for government organizations. Phair will be the keynote speaker at a half-day Ethics Summit – the first of its kind for Minnesota PRSA.

The summit will also feature past Minnesota PRSA presidents and former ethics officers, David Schoeneck, APR, managing director of the Praxis Group, Margaret Ann Hennen, APR, system director for communications and public relations with Fairview Health Systems, and current ethics officer, Theresa Palmersheim, APR, director of communications with the Academy of Holy Angels. In addition, a media panel will focus on ethical issues PR professionals face when dealing with the media. Panelists already confirmed for this inaugural event include Kate Parry, the reader's representative at the Star Tribune, one of only 40 fulltime news ombudsmen in the United States; and Don Brazeal, Assistant Professor in the University of Minnesota’s School of Journalism and Mass Communication. Brazeal was the first online editor for the Washington Post's Digital Ink (now called washingtonpost.com). Plus, attendees will take part in interactive sessions that will allow them to role play in a “what would I do?” situation.

All attendees are invited to remain at the Metropolitan after the summit for a new member luncheon with Judith Phair from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Veteran PRSA members are encouraged to attend and network with newer members. The cost for lunch is $20 and attendees may register for it on the same page as the Ethics Summit registration.

Date: Tuesday, June 20

Time: 8:00-11:30 a.m.

Sign-in: 8:00-8:30 a.m. (continental breakfast will be provided)

Optional new member welcome lunch: 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

Location:

Metropolitan Ballroom

.

Golden Valley, MN 55416

Cost:

PRSA Member $60
Nonmember $80
Student $40
(add $10 after the early registration deadline of Tuesday, June 13 at 5:00 p.m.)

Lunch (optional) $20

Registration:

Register online or call the Minnesota PRSA office at .

Minneapolis-based Mackenzie took home a merit award at the Best of NAMA (National Agri-Marketing Association) National Awards, held April 19 in Kansas City, Mo.

The agency won its award for a national multi-media campaign to relaunch John Deere Credit’s Farm Plan brand. The campaign included print ads, collateral, direct mail and website redesign, as well as corporate identity pieces and internal staff communications. One of the print ads, “Mohawk,” is attached to this email.

The Best of NAMA awards program honors the best work in agricultural communications. Companies and agencies first qualify through a regional competition in order to advance to the national competition. This year 1,283 entries were judged in six regions across the country.

“We are proud of our work with John Deere Credit and are truly happy to see it recognized nationally by our peers,” says Andrew Mackenzie, president and chief executive officer, Mackenzie. “Awards honoring our clients inspire us all to do more great work together.”

It's finally spring in Minnesota! That means two things. Spending more time outdoors and of course…baseball season.

Join us on the open-air terrace of Vic's Restaurant located on the Minneapolis riverfront to enjoy the world-class view of Minneapolis and network with fellow IABC members.

Hear from our guest speaker Patrick Klinger, VP of Marketing for the Minnesota Twins Baseball Club as well as other communication professionals from the baseball industry. As always, non-members and members alike are welcome and there will be plenty of time for food, drinks and door prizes. Don't miss this major league networking event!

(Please note: There is validated guest parking in the attached ramp.)

WHEN
Thursday, May 18, 2006 6:00 PM - 8:30 PM

WHERE
Vic's



FEE
Registration Fee

Guest
$30.00 for a limited time
($35.00 original price)

Member
$20.00 for a limited time
($25.00 original price)

Student
$10.00 for a limited time
($15.00 original price)

RSVP Tuesday, May 16, 2006

Stormwater360? was named one of the world's best rebrands in the second annual ReBrand 100 Awards. Risdall Advertising Agency's (RAA) rebranding efforts for Stormwater360 helped RAA achieve the award, which recognizes the world¹s most effective rebrands: the repositioning, revitalizing and redesign of existing brand assets to meet strategic goals.

"The strongest brands in the world are relevant, credible, differentiated and sustainable," says Po Cheung, managing director of FutureBrand in China and 2006 ReBrand 100 juror. "Winners of the 2006 ReBrand 100 Awards embody these qualities and have a positive impact on the businesses of their brand holders."

Prior to the rebrand of Stormwater360, Contech purchased Vortechnics and Stormwater Management, which operated as competitors with unique products at both ends of the full spectrum in stormwater filtration. RAA¹s rebranding efforts brought the emergence of Stormwater360 to combine products and services into a comprehensive offering to contractors and engineers.

"Risdall embraced both companies and their side of the business in the marriage for Stormwater360,² says Kevin Deshler, senior vice president and director of account services at RAA. ³We came up with a clear and concise brand that not only provided strong internal marketing, but an opportunity for a new face in the marketplace."

To select the winners for the ReBrand 100 award, an international jury reviewed the "before" and "after" scenarios of each brand transformation ­ a process unique among marketing, design and business award competitions. Eligible projects consisted of rebranded products, services, companies, non-profit organizations, individuals, cities, countries, buildings and interior environments launched anywhere in the world between January 2003 and September 2005. Winning rebrands range from a single brand
component such as a website or packaging, to enterprise-wide initiatives.

RAA and Stormwater360 introduced their nine-month rebranding project
through a Webinar in August 2005.

"As marketers, we don't always get to see the immediate results of our work," says Deshler. "It was gratifying to hear applause from both the East and West Coast viewers during the Webinar launch. That proved instantaneous acceptance."

The time has come for the annual Alive After Five: Pub Crawl. So brush off those old business cards and drinking caps and prepare to loosen up with your colleagues on Thursday, May 18th, 2006.

This year's event is located in the heart of downtown Minneapolis on Nicollet Mall, with three featured bars: Brit's Pub, The Local, and . Great drink and appetizers specials, and without a doubt lots of NETWORKING will be provided.

While encouraging a great night out for all, we ask everyone to please be safe and plan your transportation for this event.

Register now by contacting Ad Fed at or online at .
:: $10 for Ad2 and Ad Fed members.
:: $25 for non-members.

The Twin Cities office of Weber Shandwick won a national in the Consumer Technology category for creating and implementing a highly successful program for TiVo and Microsoft for the consumer launch of TiVoToGo on Windows-based Portable Media Centers in 2005. To reinforce the portable entertainment benefits of this technology, TiVo and Microsoft partnered with American Airlines, targeting frequent travelers at the start of the busy summer travel season. The program included targeted media relations and an in-flight event at literally 35,000 feet in the air.

“Weber Shandwick was highly successful in reaching the target consumer and helped influence the stock price, which shows how PR can make a big mark, beyond raising awareness,” said Sara Gavin, president of Weber Shandwick’s Twin Cities office. “I‘m very proud of our consumer team's work, and this award recognizes the creative and innovative solutions that our teams provide to clients everyday.”

Microsoft and American Airlines are longstanding clients of the firm. Microsoft has been a client since 1996 and is managed out of Weber Shandwick in Seattle, and American Airlines has been a client since 1986 and is managed out of Weber Shandwick’s Dallas office. Both offices partnered with the Twin Cities consumer marketing practice on this campaign.

, a leading newsletter for PR professionals, presents the annual awards in recognition of the ability to influence public opinion through the media. A panel of journalists and public relations professionals judge nominees based on creativity, originality, strategy, fast-thinking and overall results.

Carmichael Lynch Spong (CLS) celebrated another success at the U.S. SABRE Awards last night in New York City. The agency took home two awards, including: one Silver SABRE Award and one Bronze SABRE Award. The firm also received several Certificates of Excellence at the event, which was held at the Sheraton New York Hotel and Towers.

Altogether the firm garnered 15 finalists in 14 categories.

CLS earned awards in the following categories:

Silver SABRES

• Household Products “Setting A Higher Standard In The Bathroom,” with American Standard
  
  Bronze SABRES
  
  
• Issues Advertising “Uniting Guns and Greens to Improve Minnesota’s Environment,” with Rally for Ducks, Wetlands and Clean Water

“We are very proud of our outstanding performance at this year’s SABRE Awards,” says Douglas K. Spong, APR, managing partner and founder of Carmichael Lynch Spong. “More importantly, we’re proud of the excellent work we do for our clients. To be recognized at this level confirms our dedication to superior client service.”

Minneapolis-based public relations firm LaBreche Murray announces the promotion of Jennifer Jasinski to assistant account executive.

In less than a year, Jennifer has amassed an impressive performance record across a diverse portfolio of clients. Her clients and experience span several industries including financial services, transportation and hospitality as well as residential, retail and commercial real estate development.

Jennifer came to LaBreche Murray Public Relations on the heels of a post-graduate internship with Fleishman-Hillard’s Minneapolis office. Jennifer attended the University of Wisconsin – River Falls and received a bachelor’s of science degree in both marketing communications and speech communications.

“Jennifer is a creative and outgoing individual who is committed to providing clients with her best work,” says Beth LaBreche, founder and principal of LaBreche Murray Public Relations. “Her hard work, dedication and commitment to excellence have earned her a well-deserved promotion,” LaBreche continues.

Padilla Speer Beardsley Inc., an independent public relations consulting firm with offices in Minneapolis and New York, recently promoted six employees who have contributed to the firm's reputation for excellent client service and satisfaction: directors Amy Fisher and Chris Higgins, senior account executive Sarah Voigt and account executives Courtney Goetz and Katie Reynolds.

Directors Fisher and Higgins support the firm's technology, manufacturing and agribusiness practice areas. Fisher manages client work for Minneapolis-based Allot Communications, Raleigh-based BASF and San Francisco based Genesys. Higgins provides strategic direction and communications expertise to clients BASF and Milwaukee-based Rockwell Automation.

Senior account executive Voigt provides essential writing, media relations and crisis communications for several Padilla Speer Beardsley clients, including Minneapolis-based Dominium Management Services, Rockwell Automation and Minneapolis-based Ryan Companies.

Account executives Goetz and Reynolds work for clients in the firm's manufacturing and technology practice areas.

Today’s Groom Magazine, the new, Twin Cities based, quarterly magazine catered to grooms, will be doing a wedding gift registry gift guide in their July issue.

This gift guide will feature approximately 10-15 products/services in the following categories—home entertainment, barware, kitchenware, grilling accessories, power tools, etc. If you have clients that have products or services that you feel fit well in one of these categories (or others that may be of interest to grooms) and would like to submit it/them for consideration, please send product information by May 25th to Jacob Schraufnagel, publisher, at or send product samples to:

Today’s Groom
P.O. Box 50153


The Today’s Groom editorial team will be in touch with PR professionals if his/her client’s product/service is chosen for feature.

About Today’s Groom

Today’s Groom is a new, quarterly magazine that is dedicated to being the premium resource for men getting married. As a magazine and organization, Today’s Groom provides men with the latest and very best tools to successfully get engaged, get married and begin married life. Editorial content covers everything from picking the best engagement ring, financing the wedding, picking the ultimate honeymoon destination, looking stylish at the alter, getting along with the in-laws and keeping the “spark” in a marriage. For more information, visit http://www.todaysgroomonline.com.

Every minute of the day you are networking. You "present" yourself to dozens of people from every facet of life in everything you do everyday; all you have to do is be alert to the opportunity for possible connections.

Take this as an example, when I was employed at a newspaper, I was also volunteering as a reading tutor at a local elementary school and worked on the marketing committee for United Way. To launch United Way's volunteer drive, I interviewed the teacher in charge of the school
district's volunteer reading program and the piece ran in the paper. From that, the local Chamber of Commerce launched a volunteer reading program where chamber members volunteered to read at all the area elementary schools. At the wrap-up of the chamber program, I launched a special section in the paper and ran photos of their volunteer award ceremony with
editorial content explaining the program. And, oh, it was easy to sell the advertising to each chamber member's business.

Connection opportunities are present every day. Some of them may require a bit more creative thought than others, but hey, if you're blogging, you're already being creative.

Thanks for you comments Sandy.

Sandy currently works at Burnsville High School as registrar and attends Metropolitan State University. She will graduate next spring with a journalism degree and history minor.

They are the relationships that PR professionals can’t live without – the members of the media who are relied upon to accurately portray messages that PR practitioners work so diligently to craft. This month’s Minnesota PRSA Core Training focuses on helping you build and maintain those relationships. Our panel of current and former newsroom professionals will each share candid advice and answer questions on what it takes to get the media’s attention, how to hold onto it and better yet…how to deliver your message to the proper audience.

The panel consists of:

Courtney Johnson – Assignment Editor, KMSP-TV
Topic: Building Lasting Relationships with the Media

Steve LeBeau – Assistant Editor, Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal
Topic: Pitching to Business Publications

Walter L. Parker – Sr. Vice President, Media Relations, Minneapolis, Weber Shandwick Worldwide
Topic: Developing Winning Pitches that Get Picked Up

Meeting Specifics:
Thursday, May 18, 2006

Registration and Networking: 11:30 a.m. - noon
Lunch: Noon - 12:30 p.m.
Program: 12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Location:
Metropolitan Ballroom
.
Golden Valley, MN 55416

Cost:
PRSA Member $30
Nonmember $45
Student $15
(add $10 after the early registration deadline of Friday, May 12 at 5:00 p.m.)

Registration:
Call the Minnesota PRSA office at or register online starting May 3, 2006.

Risdall Advertising Agency (RAA) announces the addition of Patrick Bettenburg, vice president/account supervisor. Also joining RAA is Shannon Brown, art director, who started as an interactive and web development intern.

“It’s exciting to add highly qualified staff to meet our clients’ growing needs,” says John Risdall, chairman of Risdall Advertising Agency. “It’s also exciting to see the start of a successful career like Shannon’s.”

Bettenburg joins RAA with 14 years of experience in account service. Within this time, he has been at four other Twin Cities agencies and has worked with clients like Ecolab, Hormel, Land O’Lakes and Famous Dave’s.

Brown, a 2006 spring graduate of the University of Minnesota School of Journalism, started at RAA with an internship in January. Throughout her college career, Brown has played a vital role as captain of the U of M National Student Advertising Competition (NSAC) team, and will be competing with the team at nationals in June.

This post marks the 1001 post to . A quick , will show you exactly how much this site has changed. Thanks to all MNPR Blog readers for making this site successful and for contributing to its content. Many thanks.

-Ryan