The inaugural event for the Minnesota chapter of the Business Marketing Association (BMA-Minnesota) will be held Oct. 21, 2008, and feature Jennifer Howard, head of Google’s business-to-business marketing.

In a presentation entitled “10 Digital Trends Shaping the Future of B-to-B Marketing,” Howard will explain how advancing technologies and media proliferation are changing the way people generate and consume information. With specific attention to how major trends in digital media impact business-to-business marketing, Howard will use examples from key players in the marketplace to inspire business-to-business marketers on how they can use digital media to their advantage.

“Within the B-to-B community, companies of all sizes are grappling with how to effectively incorporate digital media into their marketing strategy,” said Chris Schermer, president of BMA-Minnesota. “In the world of digital media, few have the experience and insight that Jennifer can provide and we’re excited to have someone of her caliber to speak at BMA-Minnesota’s first event.”

Sponsored by Minnesota ’s only professional organization dedicated exclusively to the needs of business-to-business marketing professionals, the event will be held at the Metropolitan Ballroom located at 5418 Wayzata Boulevard in Minneapolis . Programming will run from 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. with registration and continental breakfast beginning at 7:30. The cost of the event is $25 for BMA members and $40 for non-members. Attendees can register online at www.bmaminnesota.org through Oct. 17, 2008, with a limited number of onsite registrations available.

In addition to its professional development events, BMA-Minnesota will sponsor smaller, more interactive forums throughout the year designed to help busy business-to-business executives, marketers and communicators stay on top of the latest trends, products and strategies.

“As we came together to form the chapter, we had a shared goal of developing programs and events that addressed the dynamic needs of B-to-B marketers today,” Schermer said. “We intend to go beyond the typical ‘networking format’ of other organizations to provide our members with direct access to executives and managers from a broad base of local companies and agency professionals, as well as significant figures within the business-to-business marketing community.”

The following post is courtesy of:

Every Tuesday or Thursday Axiom Marketing Communications convenes for "Pitch Perfect", dedicated to mastering the art of sound e-mails and phone calls, uncovering trends and numbers for news hooks, and fits of creativity.

This week's topic they discussed microblogging:

Pitching is all about relationships. is all about instantaneous exchange of status updates/information. If you combine the two, you no longer need to muddle through stuffed inboxes to get to that prized reporter.

More reporters are hitting up the genius of Twitter nowadays, and they aren't just tech reporters. You can now find a whole slew of journalism mavens positing themselves on Twitter, Friendfeed, and . In pitching a reporter, Facebook has been the exchange agent of choice, though your best bet is microblogging – because it's personal, fast, and unconventional. Reporters love to be people.

In order to properly navigate this new information exchange, you might want to remind them of their humanness by sending a greeting. First, it's important to see what they've "tweeted" and respond to it in a professional manner. You can even "follow" them first and type in an @ followed by their handle to send a message. Same principles of a pitch: if they like what they see, they'll follow you too.

Next, check out their numerous tinyurl link updates that will give you access to their latest articles written. Follow same procedure as above, only this time mention their article and your client's area of expertise—but as with the length of a voicemail pitch, you must do it in 140 characters or less.

For more social media news and commentary, visit dailyaxioms.blogspot.com

Strother Communications Group (SCG) this week announced the launch of a company blog, "41 Stories." From prospecting advice to political analysis to stories about families – this blog showcases the many sides of SCG employees.

“We decided what the world needs right now is another blog” says Patrick Strother, SCG Founder and CEO. “So here it is.”

New blogs will be posted each Tuesday and Thursday. Tuesday blogs will cover topics within the realm of integrated communications. Thursday blogs will cover anything and everything - from analysis of a current event, a pet peeve, or review of a local restaurant or show

The following post is courtesy of:

Journalists are increasingly searching for information online. Not only are they researching ideas for stories, but they’re also looking for experts to act as credible sources/spokespeople for those stories. Establishing an online resource center for the media has become the centerpiece of many companies’ PR strategy.

One thing never changes, the easier you make it for journalists to find “usable” information about your company online, the more likely they are to write about you. Plus, if you provide valuable information that journalists can lift verbatim from your press room, you can control how your message is delivered.

So what does a winning online press room contain? According to a recent poll conducted by the Public Relations Society of America, the top 10 elements to include in your online press room are:

1. Searchable archives
2. PR contacts
3. Press releases
4. Background information
5. Photographs
6. Product information/press kits
7. Crisis communications
8. Executive biographies
9. Events calendar
10. Financial information

There are a number of approaches you can take to hosting your online press room:

On your company’s website
When creating a press room on your website, make sure that it is easily accessible from your global navigation, a part of your onsite search functionality and structured in a way that’s user friendly for journalists. Here’s an example: http://www.bestbuynewscenter.com

Blog software
The benefits of an online press room are not limited to PR. There is significant search engine value in using a blog to manage your press room. Not only does it facilitate the indexing of your content in the search engines, but it also helps increase your website’s overall ranking. Search engines love fresh content and regular posts to a blog that lives within your website’s domain is an easy way to add new content to your website on a regular basis. Wordpress is a blog platform that can be easily integrated into your website in terms of hosting and design.

Third-party service
Leading press release distribution services such as PRNewswire and Business Wire are now offering online press room hosting, offering some significant benefits over hosting on your own website. These companies have already built credibility as a “go to” for journalists; they have the Web traffic and can offer you the media exposure you’re looking for. If you are an unknown company, hosting your press room on your own website means you have to invest the time in driving traffic to it. If you’re worried about your third-party press room being consistent with your company’s brand, most third-party services provide seamless integration, meaning that it isn’t apparent to the user that the press room is not part of your website. Here’s an example: http://mima.mediaroom.com/

Choose the hosting option that makes the most sense for your company’s business goals. You do need an online press room and for one reason alone – journalists expect you to have one. Don’t put your company at a disadvantage.

Brought together to address the unmet needs of business-to-business marketers in the region, a group of marketing professionals formed a Minnesota chapter of the Business Marketing Association (BMA).

Formally established in September 2008, BMA-Minnesota is the only professional association in Minnesota dedicated exclusively to help busy business-to-business executives, marketers and communicators keep on top of the latest trends, products and strategies.

"In addition to a robust marketing and communications community, Minnesota is home to some of the world’s largest business-to-business companies," said Chris Schermer, president, BMA – Minnesota . “While Minnesota has one of the country’s most active business-to-business marketing communities, there was a void in terms of a resource for professionals to improve their ability to manage business-to-business marketing and communications. BMA-Minnesota was created to fill that void with professional development, networking and leadership opportunities.”

BMA estimates that business-to-business marketers in the United States spend approximately $85 billion a year to promote their goods and services. Headquarters for Fortune 500 business-to-business companies — such as 3M, C.H. Robinson, Ecolab and Pentair — as well as a staple of mid-size companies and advertising/marketing/public relations agencies, Minnesota has a strong business-to-business marketing segment.

Professional Development and Networking

According to Schermer, the main differentiator between BMA-Minnesota and other marketing/communication focused organizations is the professional development programs and events.

"As we came together to form the chapter, we had a shared goal of developing programs and events that addressed the dynamic needs of B2B marketers today," said Schermer. “As a chapter, we intend to go beyond the typical ‘networking format’ of other organizations to provide our members with direct access to executives and managers from a broad base of local companies and agency professionals as well as significant figures within the business-to-business marketing community.”

The chapter’s first professional development event on Oct. 21, 2008 will explore the "Digital Trends Shaping the Future of B-to-B Marketing."

Leadership

Led by Chris Schermer, president of Schermer Kuehl, BMA-Minnesota’s inaugural board of directors is comprised of experienced business-to-business marketing professionals that represent some of Minnesota ’s largest and most-respected organizations.

Serving alongside Schermer on the 2008-2009 board of directors are: Secretary — Victor Hallberg, Brand Consultant; Treasurer — Steve Bunnell, ThermoFisher Scientific; Executive Vice President — Andrea Eidsness, Kroll; Vice President of Professional Development — Dave Hans, Minco; Vice President of Membership — Steve Harstad, Marketing Consultant; and Vice President of Communications — Eva Keiser, Risdall McKinney Public Relations. Directors include: Anne McGuire, 3M; Bob Cummings, Cummings Consulting; Michelle Gjerde, Compellent; Nyla Hoffman, OptumHealth; Amy Hubler, Northwest Airlines; Megan Nelson, Archway Marketing Services; Nick Wassenberg, EG Insights; and Heidi Wight, Padilla Speer Beardsley.

About Business Marketing Association

Business Marketing Association (BMA) is the leading professional resource for business-to-business marketers and communicators. The organization develops and delivers services, information, skill enhancement, and networking opportunities that help its members grow, develop and succeed throughout their marketing careers. For more information on the BMA Minnesota, visit www.bmaminnesota.org.

Want to make ads AND news? Learn from Bob Thacker, named by Advertising Age as one of the 24 top media authorities in the industry, at Ad Fed’s luncheon "Creating a difference in an undifferentiated category."

Thacker is senior vice president of marketing and advertising for OfficeMax. Taking on big assignments, often with small budgets, he learned how to make a little mean a lot. Known first as one of Target’s brand pioneers and now as one of the marketing minds behind the turnaround of OfficeMax, Thacker has stories to tell of the lessons he’s learned.

At OfficeMax, Thacker guides the company’s brand position and all customer marketing interactions. Early successes with OfficeMax include standout creative campaigns such as “Save Money on Ink” (tattoo creative), “ElfYourself” (a viral marketing phenomenon), and “Schooled” (a reality back-to-school television show).

Thacker may be best known as the man who brought Michael Graves to Target. His work with Michael Graves Design Group started the wave of new partnerships with other companies and properties that were marketed exclusively at Target, and brought Target to a new level of consumer loyalty and national recognition as one of the hottest brands in American retailing.

The Event:
Want Change? Don’t Just Make Ads, Make News!
Creating a difference in an undifferentiated category

The Speaker:
Bob Thacker, SVP Advertising & Marketing, OfficeMax

The Schedule:
9.24.2008, 11:15am to 1:30pm
11:15am Registration and Networking
11:30am Lunch Buffet
11:50am Announcements
12:15pm Introduction and Luncheon Presentation
1:00pm Networking (optional)
1:30pm Adjournment

The Cost:
Members: $30*
Nonmembers: $65*
Students: $25*
*$10 more after September 19, 2008

The Venue:
Metropolitan Ballroom
5418 Wayzata Boulevard
Golden Valley, MN 55416

Minneapolis-based communications company LaBreche has integrated design capabilities into its business model. The company now offers a total portfolio of communications services, including marketing and communications strategy, public relations, design and interactive capabilities.

To jump-start the company’s new design team, Alicia Sauer, Andrew Lund and Fran Lu have joined the firm as directors.

"Design is a critical part of integrated marketing and communications and the new discipline augments our expanding business direction, providing clients a full continuum of communication tools to meet business goals," said Tim Ziaja, chief marketing officer for LaBreche.

Alicia Sauer comes to LaBreche from Best Buy Corporation, where she served as art director of the experience design group, leading teams to create design concepts, signage and collateral materials. Prior to Best Buy, Sauer was an art director for Target Corporation’s fashion department. She has a BFA in studio art from Augustana College and has established a strong reputation in graphic design with specialized skills in photo art direction, creative conception, fashion and beauty marketing, and youth marketing.

Andrew Lund brings more than eight years of experience as a graphic designer to his role as art director at LaBreche. Throughout his career, Lund has worked with such companies as Medtronic, The Science Museum of Minnesota and Prudential. He has a diverse portfolio with experience creating award-winning public service campaigns, marketing materials and packaging. Lund also has extensive experience in print, publication and corporate communications for Fortune 500 companies in addition to consulting for brand identity development. Lund holds an associate’s degree in applied science in graphic design from Art Institutes International Minnesota.

Fran Lu’s extensive experience in the design and interactive worlds adds an exciting facet to the design group at LaBreche. Previously, Lu served as senior designer at Spyglass Creative and art director of Riley Hayes Advertising, where he designed and developed online applications and web initiatives for Carlson Wagonlit, Microsoft, and Minnesota Office of Higher Education. His career path also included co-founding Archemedia, a 15-person web development company, as well as working at Lecy Design, Imaginality and Diagram Design in New York. Lu holds a BFA in graphic design from the University of Iowa.

"Adding design was the next logical step and necessary to providing full-circle strategy and execution," said Beth LaBreche, CEO and founder of the company.

Amanda Pierre has been promoted to senior media relations specialist at Carmichael Lynch Spong. Pierre works with several clients, executing earned media campaigns through outreach with both short and long-lead print reporters reaching consumer and trade audiences. Recent assignments include work with TransFair, Trane, Hasbro, Lutron, Therma-Tru and Juno Lighting.

Before joining Carmichael Lynch Spong in 2006, Pierre spent her early career as a news reporter for the Des Moines Register. After nearly three years as a general news reporter, she worked for five years on the features desk, with an emphasis on arts and entertainment writing. Prior to that, she was a courts and business reporter for the Columbia Missourian, a daily newspaper staffed by Missouri School of Journalism students in Columbia , Mo. Her previous experience in public relations includes an internship with Sony Electronics’ corporate communications department.

“Amanda’s experience in the newsroom has enabled her to garner great relationships with the media for Carmichael Lynch Spong. She is a wonderful player on our media relations team and we are happy to recognize her efforts with this promotion,” says Douglas K. Spong, APR, president.

In her spare time, Pierre stays active doing pro-bono public relations work for non-profits such as the Animal Humane Society, committee work for the Women’s Leadership Network and freelance writing. Pierre ’s work has appeared in several publications, including ArtPapers magazine, Meredith Corporation’s special publication Family Style, and Minnesota Bride magazine. She is also an avid runner, gardener and travel enthusiast.

Pierre earned her bachelor’s degree in news editorial journalism with a minor in French at the University of Missouri in Columbia , Mo. She enrolled in graduate-level studies in art history at Iowa State University in Ames , Iowa . Pierre has also pursued strategic communications studies at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities campus.

Evergreen Exhibitions, the company bringing the “Vatican Splendors from Saint Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican Museums and the Swiss Guard” exhibit to The Minnesota History Center, recently hired Risdall McKinney Public Relations (RMPR) to facilitate media relations for the exhibit’s last stop on its three-stop U.S. tour.

"Vatican Splendors" features approximately 200 works of art and historically significant objects, many of which have never left the Vatican . Two pieces will be uncrated at a press conference on Sept. 18, followed by a media tour on Sept. 25 and officially opens to the public Saturday, Sept. 27.

"This exhibition is about art, history, culture and the Church’s legacy over the last 2,000 years," said Mark Greenberg, president of Evergreen Exhibitions. "The Vatican has made a profound impact on culture throughout the centuries by commissioning, collecting and preserving historical objects and art. ‘Vatican Splendors’ is a moving tribute to an exquisite assemblage of art and objects associated with the papacy and the historic institution of the Vatican."

Together with Evergreen Exhibitions and The Minnesota Historical Society, RMPR has developed key messaging and has secured several media appointments through its interactive media kit distribution. Throughout the exhibit’s run, RMPR will facilitate media relations, continue to implement the strategic plan and help wrap up the exhibit’s tour.

"The ‘Vatican Splendors’ exhibit is a once in a lifetime experience – offering a rare insight into one of the largest and historically relevant collections of art," says Rose McKinney, president of RMPR. "We are delighted to debut the exhibit at The Minnesota History Center and help drive awareness and ticket sales."

The Minneapolis-St. Paul office of Weber Shandwick today announced the hiring of Jessey Mike, Natalie Horner, Chad Ballantyne and Annette Broner in its consumer marketing and technology practice groups.

Jessey Mike has joined Weber Shandwick as an account executive in the consumer marketing practice. Prior to joining the agency, Mike worked at a local PR firm where she helped execute media relations and strategic planning initiatives for organizations such as 3M, Vector Wealth Management, Wasau Paper and New Horizon Childcare. The University of St. Thomas graduate holds a B.A. in journalism with an emphasis in public relations and a minor in business administration.

Natalie Horner joins Weber Shandwick as an assistant account executive following her internship with the consumer marketing practice. As an intern, Horner helped execute activities for the 2008 CA Championship at Doral, Land O' Lakes, Project Cobalt and Egyptian Cotton. A University of Wisconsin-Madison graduate, Horner earned a B.A. in journalism and mass communication. Prior to her Weber Shandwick internship, Horner worked in the University of Wisconsin-Madison Athletic Communications department helping to market the school's 23 varsity sports teams and completed internships with the Minnesota Timberwolves and C.E.L Public Relations.

Chad Ballantyne has been hired as an assistant account executive after completing an internship with the consumer marketing practice. As an intern, Ballantyne provided support for the Polaroid, Verizon and Polaris accounts. He comes to Weber Shandwick after working at Schad Tracy Signs, managing national accounts and developing the company's Web site. The University of Minnesota graduate holds a B.A. in communications studies and minors in management from the Carlson School of Management and mass communications. While enrolled at the University of Minnesota, Ballantyne served as the director of communications and development for The Minnesota Daily student newspaper.

Annette Broner joins Weber Shandwick's technology practice as an assistant account executive where she will be a part of the public relations and analyst teams for Lawson Software and support activities for Xiotech Corporation. Broner previously worked as the corporate communications intern at Lawson Software where her responsibilities included assisting the analyst relations team and supporting live executive webcasts. A 2008 graduate of Gustavus Adolphus College, she holds a B.A. in communication studies with honors and a minor in political science.

Crystal Schweim has been promoted to senior counselor at Carmichael Lynch Spong. Currently she serves clients American Standard, CaringBridge, Hasbro, Jarden, Sherwin-Williams and Therma-Tru in several capacities including corporate communications, issues management, brand marketing and social media.

Before joining Carmichael Lynch Spong in 2003, Schweim spent three years as a public relations coordinator and women’s merchandise buyer at Bokoo Bikes, a bicycle and outdoor retail chain based in Minneapolis . Serving a variety of roles at Bokoo Bikes, Schweim gained a diverse background in event planning, media and customer relations, merchandise buying and management within the cycling and outdoor industries.

"Crystal has proven to be a go-to person for many account teams, providing guidance and counsel to several of our long-time clients," says Douglas K. Spong, APR, president. "We appreciate all that she has done for Carmichael Lynch Spong and for our clients. She is more than deserving of this promotion."

In her spare time, Schweim is actively involved in the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA), serving on the professional development conference committee. She is passionate about cycling and has worked with the International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA) to initiate and promote its annual “Take A Kid Mountain Biking Day,” which encourages adults to get kids out on the trails and interested in cycling and physical fitness.

Schweim graduated with a bachelor of arts in communication and a minor in health and fitness education from Bethel University in St. Paul , Minn.

11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
The Woman's Club
reet | Minneapolis, 55403

Tired of just surviving work? Learn how to "sur-thrive" with MWMC's Learning Lunch series! Our series of three Learning Lunches explores the various sides of communications, such as communications, creativity, crisis, leadership and mangaement.

Pat O'Donnell, McKinley Group, will discuss how to position yourself to get the job of your dreams.

Nicole DeBeaufort, Fourth Sector Consulting, will talk about bridge building for communicators--how communications is the balm for creating unusual but eminently effective partnerships between sectors.

Megan Wilker and Nancy Lyons, Clockwork Active Media Systems, and bloggers at The Geek Girls Guide, will provide fresh perspectives on the interactive industry and talk about how they demystify technology for women and girls.

Click on the dates above to register for each lunch:
$30 members; $50 non-members; $20 students

!
$80 members; $140 non-members; $50 students

Strategic communications agency Strother Communications Group (SCG) has promoted Joy Wagner to Creative Director, Trevor Nolte to Senior Art Director, Jamie Shubatt to Assistant Account Executive, and added one staff position. Chris Duffy, formerly of WBAY-TV, Green Bay, joins the firm as Account Executive.

Joy Wagner joined the agency in 2002 as a graphic designer. A graduate of Iowa State University, the Waterloo, Iowa native will lead all of SCG’s creative and graphic design undertakings. Trevor Nolte was also hired in 2002 as a Production Artist. A graduate of the School of Communication Arts, the Minneapolis native works closely with clients, using his diverse production skills to enhance both print and web-based collateral. Selected for an internship out of Wartburg College in Iowa, Jamie Shubatt will now join the SCG team full-time.

Chris Duffy, an Eden Prairie native, spent four years as a Wisconsin television news reporter, first in Eau Claire, then in Green Bay, before joining the SCG team. He will use his media expertise and creative knowledge to support planning and execution of clients’ strategic integrated marketing programs. Duffy holds a bachelor of arts degree in communication from Saint John’s University. He currently lives in Wayzata.

The International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) is hosting a seminar on Thursday, October 9, 2008 to discuss internal communications at St. Thomas University in downtown Minneapolis. Get an insightful look into body language from keynote speaker Carol Kinsey Goman, who will talk about nonverbal communication in the workplace.

Carol Kinsey Goman combines the latest research and 25 years of personal experience as a coach, consultant and therapist in her recent guide to understanding the nonverbal language we all use in the workplace. Nonverbal Advantage: Secrets and Science of Body Language at Work was published in May 2008 and promises to be a fun and practical guide for readers who want to better understand their coworkers’ cues, as well as have a better command of what their own body language communicates to others around them.

The conference will also feature four breakout sessions:

• Embracing Diversity – A Gold Quill Winner – Lockheed Martin
  
  
• Getting a Seat at the Management Table – Best Buy
  
  
• Using Technology to Engage Employees – Buck Consultants
  
  
• Reaching Employees without Technology – A Panel Discussion

Continue the conversation with your peers at the optional networking lunch. This conference has sold out for the past two years, so register early!Registration for this event ends at midnight on October 6, 2008. If you want to register for the event after that date, please contact the IABC Minnesota office at to inquire about availability and/or the ability to do walk-in registration on the day of the event.

Julie Batliner has been promoted to managing principal, chief client relations officer for Carmichael Lynch Spong. In her new role, Batliner is responsible for ensuring the consistency of high-value thinking; smart and creative execution; and remarkable achievement on behalf of the firm’s 40 clients served by six offices. Batliner joined Carmichael Lynch Spong as a principal in 2005 and was promoted to senior principal in 2007.

In addition to leading the firm’s client relationship management practices, Batliner currently chairs the food and beverage practice group, overseeing clients including Jack Link’s Beef Jerky and Martek Biosciences. She also serves as the lead for clients ClearWay Minnesota and Trane Inc.

Before joining Carmichael Lynch Spong three years ago, Batliner was a senior vice president at Fleishman-Hillard Minneapolis where she managed public relations programs for clients such as Hormel Foods and The Schwan Food Company. Prior to that, she was a member of Fleishman-Hillard’s Kansas City office.

“Julie consistently delivers award-winning, best-in-category work for her clients,” says Douglas K. Spong, APR, president. “Her new role as chief client relations officer leverages her talents and allows her to demonstrate her natural leadership skills.”

In addition to her professional work, Batliner is a board graduate of the Minneapolis Community Capital Alliance, a nonprofit organization committed to preparing the next generation of citizen leaders. The Community Capital Alliance focuses on volunteer services in the Twin Cities. She currently volunteers on the marketing committee for the Jeremiah Program, a community initiative designed to assist low income mothers, helping them to complete their education and achieve economic self-sufficiency.

If you are looking for a job or think you may want to explore your options, you should check out Placement Genius written by local HR/Recruiting expert Pat O'Donnell. Learn how to be in the right place at the right time.

Carmichael Lynch Spong recently promoted Brittini Nelemans to senior associate. Nelemans works in the firm’s Minneapolis office and will continue to play an integral role on clients Martek Biosciences and Maytag.

Nelemans joined the firm as an intern in June 2006, and was hired as an associate in September of that year.

Prior to joining Carmichael Lynch Spong, Nelemans was a public relations intern for General Mills where she helped with PR programs for General Mills cereal brands. Nelemans also held an internship in entertainment marketing and promotions at Minneapolis-based firm Nemer Fieger, where she helped promote major motion pictures.

Nelemans received her bachelor of arts degree in journalism with a concentration in public relations and a minor in Spanish from the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul , Minn.