BidRx.com, a free website which is changing the way prescription drugs are marketed, sold, distributed and dispensed in the United States, has chosen to handle marketing activities, including public relations and website development.

"Online travel sites have changed how America shops for airfares and hotels online," says Andrew Mackenzie, CEO, Yamamoto Moss Mackenzie. "But BidRx.com is revolutionizing how consumers can learn about and shop for their prescription medications now too. And it’s our job to tell the story."

BidRx, LLC, based in Oshkosh , Wisc., connects consumers and prescribers with pharmacies, manufacturers, and benefit sponsors to empower them to make better, more cost-effective drug and service purchasing decisions. Visit www.BidRx.com to learn more.

Yamamoto Moss Mackenzie partnered with appliance maker Rowenta to design packaging for its recent "Iron for Pink" fundraising program, to benefit the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF).

The watercolor painting for the packaging was created by Miranda Moss , a painter and principal at Yamamoto Moss Mackenzie. The agency has also created breast cancer awareness-focused packaging and related merchandise for Frango® Mints.

After undergoing successful treatment for her own breast cancer in 2004, Moss wanted to create a positive view of a woman's battle against breast cancer. “My painting focuses on the effect of chemotherapy, the home and the daily chores that still need to be done, and the love and support of friends and family,” says Moss. “It offers a message of hope and renewal.”

The pink irons were sold in October 2006, during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, through stores including Macy's, Linens 'n' Things, Sears and JCPenney. All profits from the program were donated to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

Another Minnesota Blog covering PR has sprung up recently. Truth in PR (A.K.A. Positive O) says it "is a service that aims to acquire new client accounts and strengthen existing client relationships for PR agencies of the Twin Cities. Positive O provides excellent external counsel, thoughtful and thorough research, complete with measurable objectives and extraordinary programming —all to produce positive outcomes. The company's current endeavor- public affairs."

Truth in PR asks, "Tired of the slander, the backlashing and poor compromises in public relations? The truth is... You don't have to be a spin doctor." Check it out.

Exponent Public Relations is pleased to announce two promotions and welcome two new hires to the agency. Lisa Carlson was promoted from associate to senior associate. "Carlson’'s willingness to step into any account business and her take-charge approach has been extremely valued by our clients,"” said Riff Yeager, Exponent’s managing director. “"She’'s been integral on new business wins and we look forward to her continued success at the agency."” Carlson'’s accounts include United Health Foundation, Novartis Animal Health and General Mills, Inc.

Sara Peterson was also promoted from associate to senior associate. “"Peterson has shown exemplary performance on any business she’s touched,"” said Yeager. "“Her category expertise has been instrumental in the substantial growth of existing clients and in significant new business wins."” Peterson’'s current accounts include Agriliance, AgStar Financial Services, DuPont and Vistakon.

Christine Scherping joins the agency as an associate. Scherping arrives from Ridgedale Center’s General Growth Management, Inc., where she was the marketing and special events coordinator. Prior to that she was a senior field consultant at International Dairy Queen, Inc., planning and implementing local marketing programs for the stores. Scherping will provide support for several of the agency’'s consumer public relations accounts.

Troy Tepley also joins the agency as an associate. Tepley’'s prior experience at Tunheim Partners includes marketing communications planning, development and execution for clients such as SuperTarget, UnitedHealth Group, Solid Waste Management and the Minnesota Twins. Tepley will work on the DuPont, Schering-Plough and Industrial Fabrics Association International accounts.

“"When we look for new talent, we view solid skill sets as the price of admission,”" said Yeager. “"More important, we’re looking for people with a passion and appetite for collaboration that effectively sustains our culture. Lisa, Sara, Christine and Troy certainly meet these requirements.”"

ASI Communications announced today that Nadine Howe has been named the agency’s first-ever full-time traffic manager. In this role, Howe will manage workflow for ASI’s growing Marketing, Interactive & Digital Communications, and Alternative Media efforts.

Howe brings 25 years of experience to ASI Communications, with experience in interactive, print, broadcast, out-of-home, direct mail and alternative media. Prior to joining ASI, she worked with numerous other agencies, including Fallon, Wieden + Kennedy, and Colle + McVoy.

“My goal is simple: to make sure ASI continues its ability to grow without sacrificing its stellar reputation for high-quality creative coupled with quick turnaround times and responsive customer service,” said Howe.

“Nadine’s hire is both practical and symbolic,” added ASI President Will Sullivan. “She is a talented, senior-level professional who can manage our diverse practice area workflow, and she’s another sign of our business growth over the last three years. We welcome her to our team.”

Yeah it is about time I make it to another PRSA event. It has been awhile, maybe this would be something worth checking out:

Fresh Thinking Fridays - February 16, 2007

Utilizing Experiential and Guerilla Marketing to Reach Consumers and Media

What do human art galleries, singing chefs and giant rubber band balls have in common? They’re all forms of guerrilla marketing used to reach consumers and the media. As PR practitioners, we continuously look for ways our messages or brands can stand out in the crowd.

Location:
Metropolitan Ballroom

Golden Valley, MN 55416

Time:
8:00-8:30 a.m. – Registration and Breakfast
8:30-10:00 a.m. – Program and Discussion

Cost:
Members $25
Nonmembers $30

More info...

The Twin Cities office of Weber Shandwick today announced the hiring of Sara Entgelmeier and Stacey Tuthill.


Sara Entgelmeier has joined the corporate, community and public affairs practice group as an account executive. Prior to joining Weber Shandwick, Entgelmeier worked as a marketing and communications specialist for Hoigaard's Inc. where she coordinated media buys, developed sales collateral, created a weekly e-newsletter and managed community sponsorships. She also has worked as marketing and public relations associate for Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Greater Twin Cities and held internships, including one at the Star Tribune.

Committed to community, Entgelmeier volunteers her spare time to coordinate an annual charity race for Spare Key, an organization that helps families with critically ill children. A native of Inver Grove Heights, Minn., Entgelmeier graduated from Macalester College with a bachelor's degree in communication and media studies.


Upon completion of an internship, Stacey Tuthill has joined the corporate, community and public affairs practice group as an assistant account executive. Prior to joining Weber Shandwick, Tuthill worked on Gov. Tim Pawlenty's re-election campaign and also as a staffer at the Minnesota House of Representatives. She will utilize this experience as she supports several public affairs accounts at Weber Shandwick.

A native of Faribault, Minn., Tuthill graduated from the College of St. Catherine with a bachelor's degree in business entrepreneurship.

Exponent Public Relations is pleased to announce two promotions and welcome two new hires to the agency.

Lisa Carlson was promoted from associate to senior associate. Carlson's willingness to step into any account business and her take-charge approach has been extremely valued by our clients,” said Riff Yeager, Exponent’s managing director. "She's been integral on new business wins and we look forward to her continued success at the agency." Carlson's accounts include United Health Foundation, Novartis Animal Health and General Mills, Inc.

Sara Peterson was also promoted from associate to senior associate. "Peterson has shown exemplary performance on any business she’s touched," said Yeager. "Her category expertise has been instrumental in the substantial growth of existing clients and in significant new business wins." Peterson’s current accounts include Agriliance, AgStar Financial Services, DuPont and Vistakon.

Christine Scherping joins the agency as an associate. Scherping arrives from Ridgedale Center's General Growth Management, Inc., where she was the marketing and special events coordinator. Prior to that she was a senior field consultant at International Dairy Queen, Inc., planning and implementing local marketing programs for the stores. Scherping will provide support for several of the agency’s consumer public relations accounts.

Troy Tepley also joins the agency as an associate. Tepley's prior experience at Tunheim Partners includes marketing communications planning, development and execution for clients such as SuperTarget, UnitedHealth Group, Solid Waste Management and the Minnesota Twins. Tepley will work on the DuPont, Schering-Plough and Industrial Fabrics Association International accounts.

"When we look for new talent, we view solid skill sets as the price of admission," said Yeager. "More important, we’re looking for people with a passion and appetite for collaboration that effectively sustains our culture. Lisa, Sara, Christine and Troy certainly meet these requirements."

“Energize Your Business with Viral Marketing,” presented by Amanda Brinkman of Fallon Minneapolis.

Date:
February 7, 2007

Time:
11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Location:
Woman’s Club of Minneapolis
reet, Minneapolis

Cost:
$20 students
$50 non-members (guests of members receive 20-percent discount)

Information and registration:
www.mnwc.org



About the program:
Viral marketing can create a lasting impact for an organization. Learn how to use these techniques effectively at Minnesota Women in Communications’ Learning Lunch, “Energize Your Business with Viral Marketing.” Amanda Brinkman, director of business development for the interactive department of the internationally renowned creative agency, Fallon, will define what viral marketing is and is not. Brinkman will discuss the risks and benefits of this marketing technique and show how it’s being used successfully in the Twin Cities market. Attendees will receive tips for using viral marketing effectively and information on current trends in new media. Visit www.mnwc.org for additional details and registration form.

ASI Communications announced today that Rick Marklund has been named executive vice president of the growing Minneapolis agency. In his new role, Marklund will oversee all major business units for ASI, including Marketing, Public Affairs, Public Relations, Interactive & Digital Communications, Creative Direction, Digital Asset Management and Alternative Media.

"ASI presents a unique logistical challenge in that we offer an unprecedented breadth of services under one roof," said Marklund. "My job is to make it all run as one seamless mechanism, and to ensure that each business unit has what it needs to thrive as the company continues its rapid growth."

Marklund had previously served as independent counsel to the agency. In his new role, he will report directly to ASI Communications President Will Sullivan. The position was created to further coordinate the integration of ASI's broad communications offering, and Marklund will oversee business development for each of ASI's business units.

"When you have so many offerings under one roof, you must have a central nervous system that brings everything together," said Sullivan. "Rick has an uncanny ability to keep a lot of balls in the air without dropping them. He’s a perfect fit for ASI’s "Agnostic Marketing" philosophy—plus he brings a wealth of international marketing experience to the firm. I have absolute confidence in his ability to grow every one of our practice areas."

Prior to joining ASI, Rick served in executive marketing positions for several major U.S. companies, as well as on boards of directors for seven companies in industries such as optical products, national restaurants, high-resolution graphic reproduction, toy manufacturers and residential heating controls.

I like to think of this site as a community of my professional colleagues. As I stated in my post yesterday, relationships are everything in this business. Recently, I have noticed a number of rouge commenter's are trying to break up this community by posting inappropriate comments on this site. I am sure that whoever the perpetrator is, thinks it is rather funny. But this site was created to be a professional forum where Minnesota Public Relations practitioners can come and learn about what is going on in our industry.

Unfortunately, some have taken to making inappropriate comments about people or companies. This is creating quite the headache for me in trying to keep up with the unnecessary comments. In an effort to try and curtail this behavior I will now be sent and e-mail whenever anybody posts a comment. This will allow me the capability to screen posts almost as they happen.

While I am not looking forward to having to further babysit this site, I am concerned for the people who may have been hurt by the childish comments. So on behalf of MNPR Blog, let me thank you in advance for only posting congratulatory notes, strategic thoughts about our industry or professional related comments.

Thanks,

Ryan

Relationships, it's what PR is all about right? I know that is what we hear PR is supposed to be about, but honestly, when I was early in my career I felt it was all about cold calling reporters. For those of you who have done cold calling, you know it sucks.

Besides being able to write well, one of the most important traits for a PR professional is the ability to build and sustain relationships. Relationship building goes beyond just getting to know reporters. It is about getting to know co-workers too.

Throughout the course of my career in PR I have done my best to build and sustain relationships, succeeding some and failing just as often. Networking is an important part of building relationships. Are you a member of an association? Do you get involved in things outside of work that help you develop as a professional? I hope you do because PR is all about relationships.

Public Relations thrives on networking and collaboration, something that has just become easier with the launch of the industry’s first comprehensive Web forum and interactive community designed specifically for communication professionals, PublicRelationsChat.com.

The free forum aims to take advantage of the resources that the Internet has given communicators and is a place that public relations and communication professionals can go to gain valuable information, advice and resources from people around the world that want to improve their craft.

“We were looking to create a place on the Internet that would be easy to use, free and useful and that would benefit all types of communication professionals at all different skill levels,” said Minnesota-native Brian Flynn, co-founder of the forum and a public relations professional.

As the forum and user community grows, the value and resources that the site provides will grow as well. The Web site plans to add relevant user-generated articles and to post reviews and critiques of other industry blogs and organizations.

The forum will allow people to network with others from around the world, to discuss important industry trends, to find and post job opportunities and to learn about different aspects of communications. The forum is a place that will benefit those who want to get better at their communication careers, from those who are just entering the industry and seeking advice to seasoned veterans looking to keep their ideas fresh and interesting; all at one convenient Web site.

To sign up for the community go to http://www.publicrelationschat.com and click “register.”

The Minnesota Children’s Museum has retained the services of Risdall McKinney Public Relations to offer strategic public relations planning and execution for the Museum’s 25th anniversary.

“Risdall McKinney has already provided excellent service to Minnesota Children’s Museum by taking the time to truly understand our needs,” said Sarah Caruso, president, Minnesota Children’s Museum. “They have provided both strategic advice, as well as strong tactical support for a series of projects which celebrate the Museum’s 25th anniversary and our important role as a place of early learning in Minnesota .”

Kicked off with a one-of-a-kind birthday party on Dec. 12, the yearlong celebration will showcase the Museum’s mission of “sparking learning through play” through various events and activities. As the Museum’s anniversary is commemorated throughout the year, Risdall McKinney will assist in promoting various exhibits such as Curious George, Bob the Builder and 25 Days of Fun, and strengthening the Museum’s reputation as a pioneer in early childhood development.

“Recent studies have proven the importance of unstructured learning environments in education – a mission the Minnesota Children’s Museum has been dedicated to for 25 years,” said Rose McKinney, president, Risdall McKinney Public Relations. “By relaying that commitment to key audiences, Risdall McKinney will evolve the Museum’s reputation and drive results that matter.”

In addition to public relations support, Risdall McKinney will be providing strategic counsel on media placement and graphic design support.

You don't want to miss the Minnesota Women in Communications Professional Development Seminar on Jan. 18. The topic is: Energize Your Writing. There will also be a panel discussion on writing for diverse audiences, writing for the web and e-communications, and writing blunders in the new millennium. Details below.

• Writing for Global Audiences: Panel Presentation
  Diversity of the audiences to whom we communicate is expanding. In this fast-paced society we live in, it is sometimes hard to keep up! Our panel of experts will share their insights on writing for global audiences, giving you key take-away concepts and some “dos” and “do nots” to guide you through your writing. Time will be set aside for open dialogue and questions at the end of this session, so be sure to bring those burning questions you have!
  
  
• Writing for the Web and E-Communications
  Is your Web site copy making users feel smart and successful? Or is it driving them away in droves? Customers come to your web site for two main reasons: to gather information and to complete tasks. As Web writers, our job is to make their visits as effortless as possible. From how we organize information on the page to the way we structure a paragraph, the most important question we can ask is: what does the reader need to succeed? In this session, led by Kristina Halvorson, you'll learn:

  • How people read online (and why it matters)
    
  • Top 10 Web writing best practices
    
  • 4 easy ways to edit your Web copy
    
  • How a content inventory can change your life

• Writing for New Media: Don't Forget the Basics Though we all have had grammar drilled in to our heads from grade school on up, many of us did not learn about the Web and other new media until much later. Join us as Laura French, communications consultant and Star Tribune freelance writer, walks us through the basics of new media and the key writing blunders. You’ll leave this session feeling energized and able to apply the concepts learned to your own writing.

To get more details on speakers and to register, please visit their Web site.

Here are the Minnesota 2006 Public Relations Society of America's Accreditation Recipients:

• David Brunet, APR, State Farm
  
• Nancy Conner, APR, Minnesota State Colleges and Universities
  
• Arik Hanson, APR, Beehive
  
• Leah Otto, APR, Best Buy
  
• Michael Walsh, APR, Capella University

Are you interested in advancing your career through the APR program? Join us for an informational meeting on the APR process on February 7 at 6:30 p.m. at Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Eagan.

Beginning February 21, classes will take place every Wednesday for five consecutive weeks and will address the following areas: communications models and theories, public relations planning, media relations, crisis communications, communications ethics and law, business literacy, and more.

For more information or to sign up, contact Joel Swanson at or .

Congrats to all of you on your hard work and dedication to our industry.

LaBreche Murray announced the addition of Miranda Rundquist as an account assistant and the promotion of Sara Cziok to account manager today.

Miranda Rundquist comes to LaBreche Murray from Weber Shandwick in Chicago , where she worked with several large clients including KFC, MilkPEP, Kraft and Masterfoods. She was also involved in several of the agency’s pro bono projects including the Namaste Charter School and the Chicago Freedom Movement.

Rundquist holds a bachelor’s degree in mass communications and marketing from Winona State University .

Sara Cziok has been with LaBreche Murray since 2003. Originally hired as an account assistant, Cziok has been promoted several times over the past three years.

“Year after year as we hear from her clients, it is easy to say that Sara exemplifies the standards of performance at this agency,” said Jacob Trippel, Partner and Principal with LaBreche Murray. “Her commitment to excellence and drive to succeed are key reasons Sara is constantly chosen to represent the firm with some of our largest clients.”

As an account manager, Cziok will lead the agency’s growth within the healthcare and sustainability practices. She holds a bachelor’s degree in public relations from the University of St. Thomas .

WHAT: Leaders of Minnesota businesses that support work-life balance initiatives will gather at a luncheon awards ceremony honoring winners of Minnesota ’s state-wide awards program spotlighting such efforts.

One employer in five size categories will receive the top honor of Outstanding Minnesota Work-Life Champion, other applicants will receive Advocate Awards and the Most Innovative work-life initiative will also be recognized. Minnesota employers had the opportunity to apply for the 2006 Minnesota Work-Life Champions Awards from Aug. 7 – Oct. 26, 2006. Small and large, for-profit, non-profit and public sector employers were evaluated on their organizational culture and leadership; work practice and flexibility; health, wellness and benefits; leave options; help with personal and family issues; community involvement; and an employee survey.

WHEN: Thursday, Jan. 25, 2007
11 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
(Registration at 11 a.m. Lunch served at 11:30 a.m. Keynote and award announcements begin at 12:15 p.m.)

WHERE: Doubletree Park Place Hotel
1500 Park Place Blvd., St. Louis Park , MN

FEATURES: The luncheon award ceremony includes:

• A keynote address by Chuck Feltz, President and COO of Lifetouch National School Studios, who will speak on leadership and culture within organizations.
  
  
• Photo and interview opportunities with senior level representatives from Minnesota Work-Life Champion award-winning companies.
  
  
• Work-life expert interview opportunities from delegates of the Minnesota Work-Life Champions Partnership.
  
  
• Photo opportunities with unique bronze Work-Life Champion Award sculpture designed by local artist Kenneth Borchardt.

NOTE: Media are encouraged and welcome to attend the event. Event is free, but RSVP is needed.

WHO: The Minnesota Work-Life Champions™ Awards are sponsored and presented by The Minnesota Work-Life Champions Partnership, a group of local chambers of commerce, business and professional associations, foundations, and non-profit work-life advocacy organizations committed to making Minnesota ’s employers the strongest in the nation. The awards program was initiated by a grant from The McKnight Foundation and is managed and organized by the Center for Ethical Business Cultures with assistance from WFC Resources. For more information and a list of last year’s winners, visit www.worklifechampions.org.

CONTACT: David Rodbourne, Center for Ethical Business Cultures
or

Shandra Wendorff, Padilla Speer Beardsley
or

Please join Minnesota PRSA on Thursday, January 18, as we launch our core training program for 2007 where our panelists will delve into the topic: "Teaching the Value of Public Relations".

Come away from this discussion with a stronger strategy and vision of how to explain the role and value of public relations as well as ways in which to communicate what we do and how we do it to our colleagues, clients and members of the C-suite.

Time:
Registration: 11:00 a.m.
Lunch & Program: 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m

Location:
Metropolitan Ballroom

Golden Valley, MN 55416

Cost:
PRSA Member $30
Nonmember $45
Student $15
or call the Minnesota PRSA office at by 5:00 p.m. January 16.

Minnesota PRSA accepting nominations for the Donald G. Padilla Community Classic Award through Jan. 15, 2007

The Donald G. Padilla Community Classic Award honors an individual who has demonstrated a long-term commitment to strengthening the community by sharing his or her expertise and knowledge of public relations with nonprofit organizations.

We invite you to nominate a person who has consistently demonstrated volunteer commitment to our community through outstanding communications. Entries will be judged by a board-appointed subcommittee of senior practitioners on depth of volunteer commitment and on results achieved. The recipient will be recognized at the Classics awards banquet on March 15, 2007.

Entries must be received by 5 p.m., Monday, January 15, 2007. For more information, contact Jan Hennings, APR, at .

The Nomination Form
Click here for a printable version of the guidelines and nomination form. Forms must be filled out and returned to Minnesota PRSA by 5 p.m., Monday, January 15, 2007.

The Twin Cities office of Weber Shandwick today announced the hiring of two new employees in the financial services practice.


Kristen Gillard joined as an assistant account executive after her internship, in which she worked on an award-winning campaign to promote direct deposit. Prior to joining Weber Shandwick, Gillard worked as an intern in the marketing and public relations department at Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Greater Twin Cities. A native of Hutchinson, Minn., she earned her bachelor's degree in journalism and mass communication with a concentration in public relations from the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minn.


After completing her internship, Mary Westin also joined the financial services practice as an assistant account executive. Prior to joining Weber Shandwick, Westin provided marketing and public relations support as an intern for Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Greater Twin Cities, and worked as an intern for the Office of the Minnesota Attorney General. A native of Chaska, Minn., Westin graduated with a bachelor's degree in journalism and mass communication with a concentration in public relations from the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minn.

Lots of speculation on what is to come for the Public Relations world in 2007. I would love to hear your thought if you would like to comment below. It looks like from the blogging perspective 2007 will bring a leveling off. Here is an excerpt from an article that ran in Sunday's Star Tribune, talking about the downward trend in the blogging world:

The technology firm Gartner Inc. has announced that 2007 may be the year the blog world loses steam. Perhaps hot air is a better term.

Said Gartner:

• There were more than 56 million active weblogs ("blogs") in October 2006, according to Technorati, but the average life span is three months and declining.

• Given the trend in the average life span of blogs and the current growth rate of them, there are already more than 200 million ex-bloggers. So, the peak number of bloggers worldwide will be around 100 million at some point in the first half of 2007.

• MySpace and Facebook lost visitors in September, according to Nielsen/NetRatings, a Web-tracking service. The number of unique U.S. visitors at MySpace fell 4 percent to 47.2 million from 49.2 million in August, and the number of visitors to Facebook fell 12 percent to 7.8 million from 8.9 million.

• Today's overexuberance will level off to a stasis of at least 30 million active bloggers and 30 million frequent community contributors worldwide.

That's still a lot of yapping, but consider that Google recently estimated that the average blog is read by one person. In other words, for most bloggers, that means your mom's not even reading you anymore.

Get the article in its entirety here.

Happy New Year to all the MNPR Blog Readers. Wishing you all the best in 2007!

-Ryan