In case you missed this in the last PRSA Link, I thought it was worth mentioning.

A dynamic online resource to help those pursuing Accreditation is slated to be released later this year. Visit the Universal Accreditation Board website at www.praccreditation.org to learn when you can download the study guide for the Examination for Accreditation in Public Relations.

Compiled by the Universal Accreditation Board, the guide offers a tremendous amount of insight into the knowledge, skills and abilities that comprise the questions on the APR examination. The guide also includes preparation tips, recommendations on other study resources and three interesting case studies and public relations plan examples. Candidates who submit an application and pay the accompanying fee for the APR exam will be provided the guide at no charge.

Global public relations firm Weber Shandwick was named the best large PR agency in PRSourceCode's annual Top Tech Communicators Study. The survey of the IT industry's top PR agencies and corporate PR departments was conducted among more than 300 IT journalists. Weber Shandwick received top honors for adding the most value to technology journalists' editorial processes such as responsiveness, reliability, and overall recognition of editorial needs. Notably, Weber Shandwick was rated one of the "best of the best" firms for the second year in a row by editorial respondents from leading publications such as eWeek, InformationWeek and USA Today.

"As evangelists for technology, we are committed to advocating on behalf of our clients and being a respected and credible resource for the press," said Casey Sheldon, president of Weber Shandwick’s global technology practice. "We value our strong relationships with technology media around the world and we’re immensely proud to have earned this recognition."

"IT companies rely heavily on their agencies to be the stewards of their reputation with media, and our research clearly shows Weber Shandwick’s ability to deliver," said Steve Smith, general manager, PRSourceCode. "The agency scored well above average in terms of response and reliability to journalists’ needs."

Weber Shandwick’s global technology practice includes nine specialty segments spanning cleantech, digital media and entertainment, enterprise, security, semiconductors, services, storage, wireless, and verticals. The practice comprises 48 teams in 38 countries.

Do you feel like your public relations skills need rejuvenation? Do you need to broaden your knowledge about new technologies and tools? Are you ready to augment your knowledge about the rapidly-changing communications industry?

Join us at the Crowne Plaza in Brooklyn Park for the 2007 Minnesota PRSA Professional Practices Conference on Sept. 20, for an “Extreme Makeover: PR Edition!”

Stay tuned for more details.

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

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

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

The Twin Cities office of Weber Shandwick won a Bronze Anvil award, one Bronze Anvil Award of Commendation and two Silver Anvil Awards of Commendation from the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) at the annual awards event on June 14 in New York.

"We truly value this recognition from peers throughout our industry," Sara Gavin, president of Weber Shandwick’s Twin Cities office. "These honors are a testament to our clients’ imagination and forward thinking and our shared commitment to creativity and professionalism."

Weber Shandwick received a Bronze Anvil Award in the “More Than 17 Pages” category and a Bronze Anvil Award of Commendation in the “External Video Programs” category for “Forward: Living Life After Transplant” on behalf of the National Marrow Donor Program’s® (NMDP) Office of Patient Advocacy. The NMDP challenged Weber Shandwick to develop a compelling way to educate patients ages 14 to 23 about what to expect – medically, emotionally and socially – from a blood cell or bone marrow transplant. The brochure, paired with a video, featured transplant survivors’ personal stories as well as comments from family, friends and medical experts who explained the complex medical issues the patients faced.

Weber Shandwick received two Silver Anvil Awards of Excellence in the categories of Public Service and Integrated Communications for its work with The Allstate Foundation and the U.S. Department of the Treasury.

Weber Shandwick's program, Keep the Drive, for The Allstate Foundation involved educating and empowering teens and their peers to make smart driving decisions. The grassroots, teen-led movement challenges teens to become advocates for safe driving and reverse the rising number of automotive fatalities that are their number one killer.

On behalf of the U.S. Department of the Treasury, Weber Shandwick developed an integrated “surround-sound” approach – mobilizing national and local financial institutions, community-based organizations, police departments, elected officials and religious organizations as “trusted voices” on the Treasury’s behalf – to create a national campaign designed to convert Social Security and Supplemental Security Income recipients from dependence on paper checks to direct deposit. The high-profile, branded Go Direct campaign unites grassroots outreach with media relations, Web relations and direct mail to change the behavior of hard-to-reach, hard-to-convert check recipients.

BroadSign International, a worldwide provider of software solutions for digital signage networks, has chosen the Twin Cities office of global public relations firm Weber Shandwick to handle its public relations.

BroadSign provides hosted software that powers digital signage networks in many sectors including transportation, public venues, interactive kiosks, malls, and retail stores.

"Digital signage is a rapidly growing media channel, and BroadSign is well-positioned to emerge as a leader," said Sara Gavin, president of Weber Shandwick’s Twin Cities office. "As part of the Interpublic Group (IPG), Weber Shandwick is well-connected to the media community that will be critical to the future success of digital signage as a significant advertising medium."

BroadSign provides network operators and owners with digital signage software for managing, planning and executing digital signage campaigns. The software also measures and reports campaign effectiveness. BroadSign is headquartered in Minnetonka, Minn., and has clients operating in North America, South America, Europe, Middle East and Asia.

So yesterday I wrote about the idea that perhaps newspapers should consider closing their doors and going to the Web instead. Today, The Same Rowdy Crowd, writes about life after journalism. Here is come of what they said:

As the Minneapolis Star Tribune and St. Paul Pioneer Press keep shedding journalists, several of us on this blog get calls from reporters and editors asking what it’s like to go from the newsroom to other work. In fact, many reporters wonder how the hell they might make a living doing something other than asking questions and writing real fast.

Not only are they proving there is life after journalism they also enjoy meeting to talk about it. Check it out.

I read an interesting article today written by Jon Fine of Business Week. In the article he suggests that it may be time for some for some enterprising newspaper to go completely online. He writes:

It's a question worth asking. This could be the worst year for newspapers since the Great Depression. The double-digit revenue declines long forecast by doomsters have arrived. While nearly all the major papers still post profits, albeit smaller than before, a few prominent ones are losing boatloads.

This struck me as interesting because I have thought for a long time that if, for example in our local market, the Pioneer Press focused all of its efforts online it could be a real dominate force. What do you think?

You can get Fine's full article here.

After completing a competitive pitch process, the Industrial Fabrics Association International (IFAI) and the Professional Awning Manufacturers Association (PAMA) have selected Risdall McKinney Public Relations to implement the second year of the Awnings Today (www.awningstoday.com) national consumer campaign.

"Expanding the campaign in year two, we wanted to select an agency that had both a passion for our calling and driving results," said Michelle Sahlin, managing director, PAMA. "Risdall McKinney understood and recognized our objectives, had knowledge of the insider channels for key messaging and provided insight to the places which could make the most impact."

Risdall McKinney will implement a strategic public relations plan that incorporates media relations, stakeholder communications, partnerships and special events to create consumer awareness for the benefits of awnings.

"As the Awnings Today campaign enters its second year, we’re excited to further the momentum and create even more buzz for awnings," said Rose McKinney, president of Risdall McKinney. "Public relations is an integrated component that will be powerful in driving this campaign to the results that matter for the member awning manufacturers."

A three-year consumer campaign, Awnings Today is supported by participating IFAI/PAMA members. The goals of the Awnings Today campaign are to generate awareness for the benefits of awnings, ultimately driving traffic to the Awnings Today Web site and generating qualified leads for members of the program.

Awnings, both aesthetically appealing and functional, create outdoor areas that can facilitate many activities. Whether designing an outdoor haven or creating an area for activities with kids, awnings provide protection from excessive heat, sun exposure or inclement weather conditions. Awnings also offer an energy-efficient solution to improve outdoor living while saving on home cooling costs.

Provident Partners, a public relations and new-media consulting agency, increased its workforce by 50 percent with its recent hire of Kirsten Johnson as an account executive.

Johnson is a recent graduate of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism. She previously worked in public relations for the Nebraska Soybean Board. Her addition to the Provident Partners staff means big things for this growing agency, which is at the forefront of integrating traditional, multimedia and social media PR tactics for clients.

"I've been in this business for 25 years – in front of the camera and in the inner circle of communication strategy sessions. Today we're witnessing a sea-change in the way our society, its members and its institutions communicate, learn and interact," said Albert Maruggi, president of Provident Partners. "I call this the 'trans-' era: trans-media, trans-generation, trans-location. This era calls for the right combination of traditional marketing communications, true public relations and new-media strategies. Kirsten’s strong writing, new media savvy, and unique perspective of potential solutions for clients is a perfect fit for the Provident Partners culture."

Johnson, a native of Roseville , Minn. , has also worked for Swanson Russell Associates, a 75-person public relations agency in Lincoln , Neb. Her recent work with colleagues in a senior campaign class, for which Johnson served as PR director, was honored with a "Marketing Maverick" award from the Lincoln chapter of the American Marketing Association.

"With this 50 percent increase in our workforce, we expect our productivity to increase by about 100 percent," Maruggi said. "In all seriousness, with everything that’s happening on the Web and with these new media tools, communication and marketing are changed for good. We don’t take ourselves too seriously, but we do take our work seriously. And to that end, we’re delighted to have Kirsten aboard."

Gutenberg. Radio. TV. Internet. We know the history of media. Got it. And today we see traditional media channels dissipate before our very eyes as multi-directional, consumer-generated media gain solid ground. Social media continues to proliferate across the world, affecting our ways of receiving – and producing – information. Yep, got that too.

But how accurate can we be with our predictions on how media and information sharing will evolve in years to come? Will we get it right?

The latest provides us with an interesting take on where we’ll be in the next fifty years.

Could Second Life become the new reality? Will virtual life capture the biggest market on the planet? The terrestrial avatar? Say it ain’t so! While a bit far-fetched in my opinion, what’s your take?

Oh, and what is a “prosumer”? Apparently, anyone. Check it out…

Please join...

IABC: International Association of Business Communicators
PRSA: Public Relations Society of America
AMA: American Marketing Association
Ad Fed: Advertising Federation of Minnesota

...as they host the 2nd Annual Alphabet Bash on Thursday, August 16 from 6 pm -9 pm at Trocaderos Night Club, 107 Third Ave N. in the Minneapolis Warehouse District.

The Alphabet Bash is a "can't miss" networking event celebrating Minnesota marketing and communications professionals! Make business connections, develop long-lasting relationships, explore other business development opportunities - or just come for a good time. Last year we had over 450 marketing and communications professionals in attendance — we hope to make this year even bigger and better!

Cost:
$30.00 for members of the above organizations
$40.00 for non-members
$20.00 for students
(cost will go up $10.00 if registering after August 2, 2007)

**Price includes drinks, heavy appetizers and a chance to win fabulous door prizes, including a pair of Sun Country Airline tickets to anywhere in the continental U.S. that Sun Country flies.

NEW THIS YEAR “Pre-Networking Workshop”
Beat the rush and check in early for the 2007 Alphabet Bash. Join us from 4:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. to learn the art of network from Joan Moser of Spoken Impact. Refresh your elevator pitch and get tips that you can put to work immediately – plus get an extra drink ticket to use at the event. Registration is an additional $10 and space is limited.

To register or for additional information please visit

The American Design Awards has announced its 2007 Winter Semi-Annual Contest winners. Yamamoto Moss Mackenzie, Minneapolis, received two accolades, including second place for self-promotion design for an agency holiday card and third place in brochure design for work for Cargill, Inc. Overall, sixty awards were given from a pool of nearly 1,250 design entries.

The American Design Awards hopes to change how people view graphic designers, by offering awards to the most creative, rewarding excellence in design and business, reaching out to young designers who need advice and mentoring, and providing positive criticism and feedback to those who are just a step away from stardom. Visit www.americandesignawards.com for a complete list of the winners and for more detail on the competition.

NATIONAL BUNDT DAY PR CAMPAIGN FOR NORDIC WARE

The PR campaign that won the best event category (7 days or more) in the MN PRSA Classic Awards this spring is profiled in the current issue of PR Week Kohnstamm Communications of St. Paul created National Bundt Day" for client Nordic Ware's 60th Anniversary last year, also winning a Summit International PR Award for best special event campaign of the year. The PR Week profile editorializes that Kohnstamm "gave Nordic Ware a campaign with legs, which can be used in years to come to remind customers just how much they love their Bundts."

The program's "Bundts Across America" recipe contest was featured during the holidays on The Martha Stewart Show together with Nordic Ware founder Dotty Dalquist, an effort that contributed to sales jumping 10 percent over the previous year, according to PR Week. The PR trade mag also said that The Smithsonian Institution is now considering Nordic Ware for a future exhibit, thanks to Kohnstamm's work. Trish Scorpio and Brianna Gallett lead the project on behalf of the agency.

Fast Horse, an integrated marketing services agency, has strengthened its interactive and media relations capabilities with the addition of two staffers. The Minneapolis-based firm named John Reinan as a senior director, and Amanda Mark as a client relationship manager.

Reinan, a longtime news reporter with several Pulitzer Prize nominations, and Mark, a non-profit communicator, began work this spring. Reinan will lead efforts to develop an agency blog and will work with clients such as Carlson Hotels and The Coca-Cola Company. Mark is focused on one of the firm’s newer clients – Nationwide Insurance.

As a reporter at the Star Tribune and six other newspapers, Reinan scooped up a closetful of awards for news coverage, business reporting, feature writing and investigative reporting. He is a leading thinker on social networking, legal and ethical issues on the Internet, and the changing media landscape. As the “Digital Drifter,” Reinan was among the first wave of bloggers nationally in the newspaper business, learning the ins and outs of Web 2.0’s signature feature.

Prior to joining Fast Horse, Mark worked at the national headquarters of the American Red Cross in Washington, D.C. leading the organization’s Web outreach efforts including the award-winning Spanish Web site Cruzrojaamericana.org, the Redcross.org Store and online marketing campaigns. During times of disaster, Mark served as a spokesperson with appearances on Good Morning America, Fox & Friends and CNN. A native of Minnesota, Mark previously worked with the City of Minneapolis on its public relations team and led communication strategy for the non-profit group representing the interests of the state’s two-year college students.

"What we sell is talent and experience," said Jörg Pierach, president and creative director, Fast Horse. "Amanda and John embrace our culture of pushing traditional marketing boundaries and continually reexamining our approach to engaging consumers."

Gabriel deGrood Bendt (GdB) is the recipient of a prestigious Silver Anvil Award, sponsored by the . The Silver Anvils, which recognize outstanding achievement in strategic public relations planning and implementation, were awarded at the Silver Anvil Awards Evening on June 14 in New York City .

GdB received a 2007 Silver Anvil Award for its "Takin' Names and Raisin' Help" campaign for Gold'n Plump Poultry which brought awareness to rural hunger, an often overlooked problem plaguing small communities in the Midwest . Featuring a traveling petition in the form of an old pickup truck, Gold'n Plump received thousands of pledges to “buy locally grown food” to support local farmers, raising awareness and funding for rural food shelters.

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