Special thanks to Katie editor of for listing me as her blog of the week. Oh and also for the nice things she said about me. I am blushing.

-Ryan

Stay in “The Loop” with Speed Networking

In an effort to show how much we appreciate our IABC members (and potential members too), we offer you a night packed with speed networking, fabulous food and incredible company—all at a reduced price! We hope you’ll take advantage of the second annual speed networking event to make the second year an even bigger hit.
 
Stay in “The Loop” with Speed Networking will take place on Thursday, November 12 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.  For more information and to register, visit mn.iabc.com.

Special reduced pricing for November:
Advanced registration by Saturday, November 7:
Members $15
Nonmembers $25

Late registration
Members $20
Nonmembers $30

Jill Lewis, a senior account executive with Minneapolis-based public relations agency Maccabee Group, has been promoted to senior public relations counselor. Lewis now helps guide PR and social media marketing campaigns for Maccabee Group’s food, healthcare and technology clients.

In addition, Maccabee Group has hired Christina Doucet as Account Executive. Prior to joining Maccabee Group, Doucet served as senior PR and communications specialist for global legal services provider Forthright and its client, the National Arbitration Forum. At Forthright, Doucet developed social media strategies involving Facebook, Twitter and blogs, launched Forthright’s first-ever Intranet site and oversaw search engine optimization efforts that increased Google search results by 200 percent.

Having great ideas for how to help your business is one thing, but without being able to demonstrate certain success, it’s difficult to convince others that your marketing strategy is worth implementing. To address this key issue, the Minnesota chapter of the Business Marketing Association (BMA-Minnesota) will host “Building a Better Business Case for Marketing” on November 17, 2009.

Sponsored by Online Marketing Connect and led by Pat LaPointe, managing partner at MarketingNPV, the session will explore how to build a solid business case for marketing programs and enhance the credibility of your recommendations.

“As marketers, it is easy for us to understand the inherent value of our efforts, but expressing that value to decision-makers can be a challenge when dollars and cents are the primary measurement,” said Heidi Wight, vice president of programming for BMA-Minnesota. “Translating the benefits of a marketing communications strategy so that all stakeholders understand is crucial for credibility.”

Also presenting is Aaron Kahlow, chairman and founder of the Online Marketing Summit and its related educational arm, the Online Marketing Institute. Considered one of the leading educators in online marketing, Kahlow has a unique ability to translate online marketing technology jargon into simple and easy to understand marketing and business terms.

Together LaPointe and Kahlow will address the universal questions:

• How can I define the benefits of proposed actions in a more financially astute manner?
• How can I credibly assess risks and uncertain paybacks when I have so little data or history to work with?
• How do I build a business case that gets respect for its thoughtfulness and discipline, even if it doesn't get funded?
• Where does online marketing like search, email, social and website fit into the mix?
• How are world-class brands taking an integrated planning approach in order to obtain budget?
• Why must business-to-business companies consider social media components for 2010?

The event will be held on Tuesday, November 17, 2009 at the Metropolitan Ballroom in Wayzata , Minn. and will run from 8:00 to 10:15 a.m. Registration and breakfast will begin at 7:30 a.m. The cost of the event is $30 for BMA members and $45 for non-members. Attendees can register online at www.bmaminnesota.org through November 12, 2009. There will be a limited number of walk-up registrations also are available.

It seems that today everyone is looking for a job. Whether you were laid off, fired or just don't like the job you have it seems everyone is looking for work. It got me thinking...where are you looking for employment? Only in the Twin Cities or are you willing to move to where ever the jobs are? Please take the following poll:

The Minnesota Chapter of the American Marketing Association is offering a $1,000 scholarship for the 2009-2010 academic year. This year the scholarship is open to:

* Current collegiate members at our participating college chapters
* A child of a current member of the MN Professional Chapter of the AMA

The scholarship is based on the response to the following essay question:

Personal Branding will become more important than a killer resume or bio. Your personal brand is your public identity. It’s what you are known for within and outside your network. Describe what you think your personal brand is and define some ways for establishing it (i.e. social media).

Judging is based on application of marketing principles, creativity, writing style, punctuation and grammar.

Applications are due 11:59pm, Sunday, November 1, 2009.

We encourage everyone to participate for their chance to earn $1000 plus the winner will be invited to attend a Minnesota AMA monthly program to receive recognition for his or her effort and success. In addition, the college chapter with the most applicants will be eligible for grant money from the MNAMA.

More information and complete details

Minnesota Women in Marketing Communications (MWMC) announces it’s 2009-2010 board of directors: as president Nora Hayes, account supervisor at Weber Shandwick; as president-elect, Shannon M. Novotne, marketing communications specialist at Boston Scientific CRM; as past-president, Sara Masters, director of communications at Minneapolis Area Synod of the ELCA; as Finance VP, Sandy Syfko, marketing manager at GE Commercial Finance; as marketing VP, Susannah Prochazka, technical marketing specialist at Bonestroo; as marketing chair; Tricia Mathews, marketing communications specialist II at HR Green; as professional development VP, Sara Cziok, marketing communications manager at LaBreche; as professional development chair, Katie Fisher, marketing coordinator at Verisae; as networking VP, Bethany Bierman, leadership giving officer at Luther College; as membership VP, Michelle Josephson, director of international services at Cenveo; and as secretary, Laurie Klepinger, virtual assistant at LK Business Services, Inc.

In today's economic climate we are all looking for ways to separate ourselves from the competition.

Over the past few weeks I have been asked by several different college students what they could do to separate themselves from the crowd of intellectuals graduating this spring. That is not an easy question to answer. But it got me thinking.

I was reminded of being a grade school kid and listening to a "business man" who came to speak to my church group. He told our group that if you want to be successful all you have to do is show up, on time, prepared. He said that by doing those three simple things you eliminate eighty percent of the competition!

Fast forward to today and I find myself thinking...am I still showing up, on time, prepared? I can think of at least a handfull of times in the past couple of weeks where I haven't either shown up, been on time or prepared. The truth is...this is not rocket science. Figure out a way to , then make sure you are on time. Being prepared takes more work, but if you are looking to seperate yourself make sure you spend sometime preparing.

is pleased to announce the addition of Chris Wexler as vice president, director of digital media.

WCCO's 4th "Bloginar" will take place on Tuesday, Oct. 27 at 5:30 p.m.

WCCO-TV, located at 90 South 11th Street in downtown Minneapolis, will host the event.

A wide range of public transportation and parking ramps are available near the station.

Special guests are Kevin Gilbertson, the founder of TinyUrl.com, a company that was created as a free service to make posting long URLs easier. By going to the site, you can enter in a URL, then a tiny URL will be created that won't expire or break in e-mail postings. Gilbertson says TinyUrl gets 2 billion hits a month!

At the "Bloginar," there will also be free food, prizes and you can meet other WCCO personalities.

Plus, get a special sneak peek at a new WCCO online project called "The Wire."

Limited spaces are open for a station tour at 4:30 p.m. with a visit to the live "JasonCam" in the WCCO newsroom.

Please help us know how many will attend and RSVP by . You must RSVP to be part of the tour.

Note: WCCO will not be able to reimburse visitors for parking.

Sue Kraus, Senior President-SMK Marketing & Communications and Joyce Lorenz, Communications Manager-City of Eden Prairie have earned the (ABC) designation by the (IABC).

IABC’s accreditation process measures the strategic abilities and technical skills of a communicator, and is a critical step in a communicator’s career growth. “Accreditation validates the individual and the communication profession as well,” said Donna Vincent Roa, PH.D, ABC . “The ABC suggests that you have the ability to add value, you are confident in that ability, and you are invested in your work and the profession.”

The accreditation process consists of rigorous evaluation that identifies and recognizes the highly qualified, well-rounded communicator through a review of his/her portfolio of work, and a written and oral examination. Candidates meeting the exacting requirements earn the ABC designation.

In 2002, Sue Kraus opened her independent consulting firm, SMK Marketing & Communications. She is an award-winning communications professional with more than 20 years of experience. She helps clients in a variety of industries create organizational success through strategic and targeted communications and marketing support. From 2006-2008, Kraus served as president of IABC MN . Based on achievements during her first year as president, IABC Minnesota was named the 2008 International Chapter of the Year.

Joyce Lorenz leads the City of Eden Prairie ’s internal and external communications efforts. Lorenz has more than 15 years of experience working in the public, private and nonprofit sectors, including positions with Sprint and the Indianapolis Museum of Art. She earned her bachelor’s degree in journalism and mass communications from Kansas State University in Manhattan , Kansas .

Ad agency Carmichael Lynch and sister public relations firm Carmichael Lynch Spong recently realigned assets to position the agencies as leaders in advertising, public relations and digital communications. The business development team of Curtis Smith, Chris Nilsen and Chelsea DeSousa report to Doug Spong, president of both Carmichael Lynch and Carmichael Lynch Spong.

Curtis Smith has added director of business development for the overall agency to his title. Curtis is responsible for fostering new and organic business opportunities as well as managing the agency’s marketing. With nearly 15 years of experience in business development, Curtis has worked at some of the largest firms in the world, including Fleishman-Hillard and Weber Shandwick. He also regularly speaks at the Mirren New Business Conference, the largest new business conference in the nation for advertising, public relations and digital agencies.

Chris Nilsen has been promoted to manager of business development for Carmichael Lynch. Chris, who joined the agency in June 2008, will work to drive new business opportunities for Carmichael Lynch. Previously, Chris worked as an associate at Lynn Hazan & Associates, a Chicago-based executive search firm specializing in marketing and communications, and as marketing manager for The Assembly Hall, the second largest entertainment venue in the state of Illinois. Chris graduated from the University of Illinois with a bachelor of science degree in advertising.

Chelsea DeSousa is responsible for supporting new business for Carmichael Lynch Spong and leading overall agency communications. Chelsea joined Carmichael Lynch Spong in 2008 as marketing and business development specialist.

Before working at Carmichael Lynch Spong, Chelsea served as donor relations intern for the Iowa State University Foundation in Ames, Iowa. She earned a bachelor of arts degree in journalism and mass communications with an emphasis in public relations from Iowa State University.

“Since new business is the lifeblood of the agency, it was important for us to realign this crucial department to ensure the best processes and outcomes,” said Doug Spong, president of Carmichael Lynch and Carmichael Lynch Spong. “Our business development team of Curtis, Chris and Chelsea is second to none in identifying and attracting the world’s most envied brands to our doorstep.”

announced today it is integrating its media department and its unit under the Compass Point Media brand name. The integration formalizes a long-standing and successful relationship between the two units.

“Effective media planning and buying is a key competitive advantage we offer our clients, and is a critical component of our mission of making Everything Talk,” said Steve Wehrenberg, CEO of Campbell Mithun. “Our leadership in this area is a big reason why both Campbell Mithun’s media department and Compass Point Media have been experiencing significant growth. The integration of these two units allows us to offer a center of focus under a single entity, covering all aspects of communication engagement including the growing areas of digital and social media. We feel we will be better able to offer integrated thinking and solutions for both our full-service and our media-only clients.”

Dick Hurrelbrink will lead the newly combined operation as president. Earl Herzog will remain in his role as executive vice president director of media operations at Compass Point Media.

“Our mission will be the same as Campbell Mithun’s – to make Everything Talk effectively and efficiently for our clients’ brands,” said Hurrelbrink. “As the dynamic world of media continues to evolve, we need to be like a compass and point the way for our clients; navigating culture, trends and media to connect selling ideas to how people really behave and offering our clients a real return on their communication investment. Our combined team will now represent over 100 media professionals and some of the best clients in America like DISH Network, General Mills, Great Clips, Johnsonville, Land O’Lakes, Pactiv, Schwan’s, Supervalu, Syngenta, The Hartford and Toro.”

“Our current clients will experience no change during the integration,” added Hurrelbrink. “Our common traits of innovation, speed and commitment to client success will remain the hallmarks of the new Compass Point Media organization. And just as before, we will be dedicated to finding new, unique and cost-effective ways to engage consumers with the stories our clients’ brands want to tell.”

Additionally, senior vice president, director of media analysis, John Rash will continue his nationally recognized and influential commentary on media and culture via his daily “Rash Report” column in “Ad Age” and his appearances in other media venues as a part of the new Compass Point Media.

Jeff Berg has been named creative director at OLSON after four years with the agency. He was previously associate creative director.

“To say Jeff has earned it would be an understatement,” says Tom Fugleberg, OLSON executive creative director. “His eye and his design talents have helped transform OLSON’s product over the past four years into the melting pot of creativity we now enjoy, where art directors, copywriters and designers cohabitate. Jeff is beloved by clients, and his cultural contributions are immeasurable. We’re thrilled to recognize his achievement in a bigger way.”

Outside of OLSON, Jeff is helping build community in any number of inspired ways, including as an instructor at the Minnesota College of Art and Design and as captain of the Magnificent Secret Science Club, a discussion group he founded which is gaining popularity in the Twin Cities. Check it out at http://www.ms2c.org. He’s also the proud father of three.

The Minneapolis-St. Paul office of Weber Shandwick today announced the new hires of four employees in the Health Care, Technology and Corporate, Community and Public Affairs practices.

After completing her internship, Amy Devore joined the Health Care Practice as an assistant account executive. Prior to Weber Shandwick, Devore interned at University of Minnesota Academic Health Center, Wishes & More and at the University of Minnesota Medical Center, Fairview. A native of Bloomington, Minn., Devore graduated with a bachelor's degree in strategic communications from the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities.

The Minneapolis-St. Paul office of Weber Shandwick today announced the promotions of two colleagues in the Corporate, Community and Public Affairs practice.

has been promoted to senior account executive. Since joining Weber Shandwick in 2007, Connolly has been a leader in coordinating media outreach, event and trade show media activities and long-term public relations campaigns, and has helped to grow business organically through new social media strategies. In addition to her work on client accounts, Connolly played a key leadership role in securing significant publicity for Weber Shandwick’s 2008 pro-bono campaign. Connolly received a bachelor of science degree in political science and communication from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse.

has been promoted to senior account executive. She joined Weber Shandwick in 2006. With strong media relations and special event planning skills, Gassett has expanded her professional skill-set to include social media. Gassett is an “inline” liaison for Weber Shandwick, educating colleagues on how to integrate social media strategies into communications campaigns, a member of the agency’s “green” committee and serves on the Minnesota Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) Classics Awards planning committee. Gassett holds a bachelor’s degree in public relations and psychology from the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minn.

Chapter expands engagement opportunities with innovative networking sessions and professional and interactive blog


While other associations are losing members at a disturbing rate, the newly-formed Minnesota chapter of the Business Marketing Association (BMA) is celebrating the completion of its inaugural year this month with over one hundred and ten new members. BMA-Minnesota is the only organization in the state focused exclusively to help business-to-business marketers network and stay current on the latest trends, products and strategies.

Fleishman-Hillard Minneapolis/St. Paul named a new general manager and announced expansion of its management team to handle the growing business across its communications practice.

David Hakensen, who joined FH in July as a senior vice president to lead the office’s corporate communications practice, has been promoted to general manager succeeding Emily Frager, who is taking on new regional responsibilities. Before joining FH, Hakensen was vice president, public relations, at Pearson Education in Bloomington, Minn., where he oversaw communications for the company’s assessment and information business. He joined Pearson in 2001 soon after its acquisition of Eden Prairie, Minn.-based National Computer Services, the K 12 testing and large-scale data management company.

Previously, Hakensen was senior vice president, media relations, at Minneapolis-based Padilla Speer Beardsley. During his 19-year career at PSB, he established the firm’s media relations practice and became recognized for crisis communications experience. He is past president of the Minnesota Chapter, Public Relations Society of America, and earlier this year he was honored by Minnesota PRSA with the Donald G. Padilla Distinguished Practitioner Award.

Frager will remain a senior leader for the office with additional responsibilities, including client relationship manager for one of the firm’s largest accounts. Frager, a senior vice president and partner, also heads the FH Global Retail Practice Group. With FH since 1998, Frager took the helm of the Twin Cities office in June of 2008 and spurred significant growth.

Also joining the management team as senior vice president is Kathleen Harrington, former senior vice president, corporate communications and chief of staff to the CEO of the Public and Senior Markets Group of UnitedHealth Group. Harrington is an experienced healthcare policy expert and previously served as director of the office of external affairs for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and as vice president, federal government relations, for Aetna, Inc. She also held appointed positions with the Millennium Challenge Corporation and the Department of Labor, and served on the staff of two members of Congress. Harrington was appointed chair of the Minnesota Board on Aging earlier this year.

“This extended leadership team is an indication of our commitment to the vibrant market and the global clients we serve,” said Dave Senay, president and CEO of Fleishman-Hillard.

The office offers global capabilities in the areas of corporate communications, consumer and business-to-business marketing, healthcare, public affairs, employee communications, sustainability and environmental communications, and digital communications.

Minnesota Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) 2009 Professional Practices Conference

"width="138">The Minnesota Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) 2009 Professional Practices Conference is focused on ROI for your career. The Professional Practices Conference is open to PRSA members, nonmembers and students. Attendees will have the opportunity to network with other professionals and gather valuable industry insights.

The 2009 conference will also feature two keynote speakers. In the morning, Mary T. Henige, Director of Social Media, Broadcast, Diversity & Consumer Communications at General Motors Corporation will talk about the company's historic Chapter 11 filing on June 1 and its successful emergence as a new company on July 10. During lunch, Kevin Smith, Executive Director of Public Affairs for the Minnesota Twins, will discuss the communications efforts behind Target Field and the plans for the future.

Date:	Thursday, October 29
Time:	8:00 AM ― 1:30 PM
Cost:	$80 ― PRSA Members
	$100 ― Non-PRSA Members
	$40 ― Students
	Cost includes continental breakfast and lunch. Online registration will end on October 25 at midnight. After this time prices will increase to $120 for PRSA Members, $140 for non-PRSA Members and $60 for students.
Location:	The Metropolitan Ballroom & Clubhouse 5418 Wayzata Boulevard Golden Valley, MN 55416

 To register visit: http://www.mnprsappc.com/

McFarland Cahill Communications (MCC), a local boutique public relations firm, recently expanded its list of clients in the consumer/entertainment sector with the addition of BODIES…The Exhibition, MagiQuest and CRAVE, all located at Mall of America.

In addition, MCC recently added Sara Danzinger to its staff. Danzinger will serve as a senior media relations specialist.

BODIES…The Exhibition

MCC is currently handling public relations for BODIES…The Exhibition, an international exhibit at Mall of America that provides visitors an unprecedented educational view of the human body through real, whole and partial body specimens.

MagiQuest

In addition, MCC will be working with MagiQuest, a new, interactive game that bridges the gap between physical play and computer play with three-dimensional characters, creatures and scenes where an adventure is unlocked by a magic wand that players carry throughout their Quests.

MagiQuest has 14 locations around the world, including Japan. MCC will work to generate local and national coverage for the innovative concept as it opens its first location in Minnesota at Mall of America in October.

CRAVE

MCC also recently began working with CRAVE to handle the public relations activities for its three locations including Galleria, Mall of America and its soon-to-open location at The Shops at West End in St. Louis Park. CRAVE offers fresh, vibrant American fare and sushi in a casual yet sophisticated setting.

“It is exciting for us to be working with these clients for many reasons including the fact that all have ties to Mall of America, which is where Maureen and I met and worked together on a variety of large-scale events and creative initiatives before founding MCC,” said Teresa McFarland, co-founder of McFarland Cahill Communications. “In addition, each of these clients has a unique story to tell, which will allow us to use our creativity to generate coverage both locally and nationally.”

Danzinger Joins MCC Team

MCC recently welcomed Sara Danzinger to its team as a senior media relations specialist, where she will manage media relations and social media practices and assist in overall strategic communications. Prior to joining McFarland Cahill Communications, Danzinger worked at Weber Shandwick and Jacobson Rost Advertising. She started her career as a TV news producer in Washington State and Albuquerque, New Mexico.

“Sara brings a wealth of knowledge and media relations expertise to the MCC team,” said Maureen Cahill, co-founder of McFarland Cahill Communications. “Her experience will be a great asset as we develop and implement unique campaigns that effectively and efficiently tell our client stories to media and beyond.”