KraftMaid Cabinetry, one of the largest and most recognized brands of cabinetry for the home, has selected OLSON as its agency of record after a national competitive review. OLSON will partner with KraftMaid to develop and execute strategy, advertising, PR and interactive for the Ohio-based company.
 
“We were looking for a holistic partner that could bring new, better, different thinking to KraftMaid’s marketing program. And OLSON clearly demonstrated the passion and deep strategic understanding for our business we were looking for right from the beginning,” says Mara Villanueva-Heras, managing director, marketing, KraftMaid. “We have already built a great relationship—we’re very excited to begin work.”
 
“We’re honored to help KraftMaid redefine itself in this new economic reality. We knew after our first meeting these were people we really liked, and a brand we were excited about. OLSON looks forward to using traditional and nontraditional marketing approaches to help deliver the KraftMaid message,” says Kevin DiLorenzo, president, OLSON. “We already know we will take them in a distinctly new direction, that will certainly make them stand out. KraftMaid allows you to create a kitchen that reflects who you are and how you live.”
 
For more than 40 years, KraftMaid Cabinetry has been one of the nation’s largest manufacturers of semi-custom cabinetry. Today, KraftMaid continues to lead the industry in innovation and design with an extensive product selection featuring more than 100 trend-on door styles and more than 45 furniture-quality finishes. In 1990, KraftMaid was purchased by Masco Corporation of Taylor, Michigan, one of the world’s largest manufacturers of brand-name consumer products for the home and family. KraftMaid is the anchor brand of the Masco Retail Cabinet Group. All KraftMaid Cabinetry is backed by a limited lifetime warranty. For more information, visit www.kraftmaid.com.

Hope you all have a fabulous day of rest and relaxation as we dwell on all of the things we are thankful for today. I am counting my many blessings!

Red Kap work wear brand has chosen OLSON as agency of record, to handle holistic marketing efforts to build the ultimate movement and to reach microcommunities. 
 
“Every day, six million people wear Red Kap clothing to work, but very few of them even realize it,” says Stephen Phanco. director of marketing, VF Imagewear.  “We’ve hired OLSON to help change that.”
 
“Red Kap is the ultimate community brand, and it’s so right for the times,” says Kevin DiLorenzo, OLSON president. “The people who wear Red Kap to work today are the ones who keep our country moving, just like those who were wearing it back in 1923.  Red Kap is an authentic work wear brand, not a fashion statement.”

As part of the world’s largest publicly owned apparel company, VF Imagewear, Red Kap, based in Nashville, Tenn., is part of a family of leading brands, such as Wrangler, Lee, The North Face, Vans, Reef, Jansport and many more, that provide complete apparel solutions. 

Barb Iverson, president of Weber Shandwick’s financial services industry practice, has been appointed by the University of St. Thomas to serve on the Opus College of Business Executive Education Advisory Board. This group of Twin Cities business and community leaders advises on matters that advance the mission of the Center for Business Excellence to build the leadership capacity of individuals and the organizations they serve.

“Barb is a well-respected leader and counselor, and we are delighted she is sharing her knowledge and expertise to support the work of the Center for Business Excellence at the University of St. Thomas,” said Sara Gavin, president of Weber Shandwick’s Minneapolis-St. Paul office.

“The University of St. Thomas is honored to have an individual with Barb’s experience and leadership skills provide us with advice and counsel on the educational programs that can best serve business executives and other leaders in the Twin Cities and beyond,” said Durwin A. Long, assistant dean, executive and professional development at the University of St. Thomas.


Iverson has more than 30 years of communications management experience in business, government and education. She has spoken at national forums on trends, issues and communications challenges facing the financial services industry. In addition, she has particular expertise in the banking, electronic payments and retirement services industries. Her practice group’s blog can be found at http://www.financialstatementsblog.com/.

has been named social media specialist in the Minneapolis office of public relations firm Carmichael Lynch Spong, after previously serving as an intern for the agency. In this new role she is responsible for researching social media opportunities for client initiatives as well as advising client teams on strategic blogger relations and effective social media practices.

Morrison comes to Carmichael Lynch Spong from The Angel Foundation, a Minneapolis-based charitable organization working to fulfill unmet non-medical needs of adult cancer patients and their families. While there, she served as the public relations and communications intern where she planned, implemented and monitored a new social media initiative.

“We are so pleased to welcome Anna to Carmichael Lynch Spong,” says Douglas K. Spong, APR, president of the firm. “Her diverse work history, coupled with her knowledge of social media makes her a valuable addition to our team, and ensures continued expertise in the social media space for our clients.”

Prior to her role at The Angel Foundation, Morrison was a high school English teacher for Greenville-Weston High School in Greenville, Miss. She also served as the public relations and marketing intern for the Brookings Institution in Washington, D.C.

In her spare time, Morrison serves on a grant-making committee through the Women’s Foundation of Minnesota, which gives grants to Minnesota nonprofits that work to build low-income girls’ future economic success.

Morrison received her bachelor of arts degree in English from Williams College in Williamstown, Mass. She has her masters in education from the University of Mississippi in Oxford, Miss.

Minneapolis-based public relations agency Exponent PR announces the hiring of Annie Basinski and Matt DePoint.

"width="200">Today, Tuesday, November 17th, 2009, your gift to any nonprofit listed on GiveMN.org will be matched, but only by using the www.GiveMN.org website. The gift needs to be made by credit card. GiveMN.org is an innovative online resource that is working to make giving a little easier while creating a stronger nonprofit community for Minnesota.

On November 17th, beginning NOW - 8:00 a.m. until http://givemn.razoo.com/8:00 a.m. November 18th, any credit card gift you give through www.GiveMN.org will be matched by of a generous $500,000 grant from The Saint Paul Foundation, Minneapolis Foundation and Bush Foundation. The exact match amount per dollar donated will be determined when the Give to the Max Day is over. There will be additional cash awards to three organizations for the most individual donors.

You may have received this from charities you support, but two important charities to me include the following:

ImpactLives

Association of the US Army - AUSA, General John W. Vessey Jr.


Thank you for considering a donation and maximizing your support through “Give to the Max Day!”

-Ryan

Tumultuous financial markets and the economic recession have brought about many challenges for communications professionals over the past year. Declining profits, decreasing charitable contributions and tightening budgets have impacted corporations, government entities, agencies and nonprofits. At the same time, the inevitable economic recovery will likely provide opportunities for those who can weather the storm.

Jorg Pierach, President and Creative Director at Fast Horse, will provide an agency perspective and Marsha Pitts-Phillips, Public Relations Manager for Greater Twin Cities United Way, will represent the nonprofit sector in this executive roundtable discussion on managing the economic downturn and preparing for the recovery.

Details & Registration:

Time:
7:30 a.m. Registration, light breakfast and networking
8:00–9:00 a.m. Roundtable discussion

Location:
Fast Horse




Price:
PRSA Member - $30
Nonmember - $45

Registration closes at 5 p.m. on November 18.
Walk-in registration is an additional $5.

Registration:
Register online or contact the PRSA office by November 18

We have four generations that are still active in the workplace: Silents, Boomers, GenX'ers and the Millennials. Does your marketing strategy cut through the clutter and resonate with each generation it targets? Or do you tend to fall into your own generational attitude and behavior? Find out at Ad Fed's luncheon presentation, "Generations: How Big is the Gap and Why is it RELEVANT?" on November 18 at Solera.

Guest speaker Chuck Underwood, host of the PBS series "America's Generations with Chuck Underwood," will discuss the dramatic differences among the generations, and why it is imperative for all marketers to understand the meaning behind these differences. He will help us appreciate the unique core values and career attitudes that each generation brings to their work. It is through this understanding that we can bridge the generation gaps with clients and customers, and achieve better sales results and customer satisfaction.

Underwood is the founder and principal of The Generational Imperative, an Ohio-based generational consulting firm. He consults and trains corporations and organizations on generational marketplace and workplace strategies. His clients include Macy's, Hewlett-Packard, Time Warner Cable and Coca-Cola. Underwood is a graduate of Ohio University School of Business.

Register online, or contact the Ad Fed office at .

When: Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Time:

11:15 am - 1:00 pm

Cost:

$25 members
$50 non-members
$25 students


Location:

Solera

Minneapolis, Minnesota 55403

To celebrate Veterans day I am headed to an event at Minnesota Wire in Eau Claire, Wisconsin with the Vessey chapter of  the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) today.

The truth is Veterans Day is one of those occasions that seems to come and go without most people noticing. I encourage you to not let it slip by. Take a moment today to send a kind word to a veteran in your life. Here are some ideas of ways to let them know you care.

Let them know that you appreciate the sacrifices they've made and that you don't take their service for granted. As I reflect on my life and the freedom I have today, I am so thankful for those who have served, are serving and to those who have given their lives for my life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

Thank you.

-Ryan

The Minneapolis-St. Paul office of Weber Shandwick today announced the promotions of three colleagues in the Health Care practice.

Leslie Williamson has been promoted to account director. Williamson’s expertise includes issues and crisis management, thought leader program development, data publicity and product communications. Williamson graduated from the Honors College at the University of Michigan with a bachelor’s degree in art history and completed graduate coursework at New York University’s Wagner School of Public Administration. Williamson joined Weber Shandwick in 2007.

Jackie Dummer has been promoted to senior account executive. Since joining Weber Shandwick in 2007, Dummer has led media relations efforts, provided account management support, managed a client’s social media presence on Twitter, and executed public affairs and public awareness campaign tactics. Dummer is an active member of the Minnesota chapter of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) and volunteers on the planning committee for the Alzheimer’s Association of Minnesota-North Dakota’s annual Memory Walk fundraiser. She graduated from Northern Michigan University with a bachelor’s degree in public relations and a minor in sociology.

has been promoted to account executive. Wright also joined Weber Shandwick in 2007. With strong media relations and special event planning skills, Wright has expanded her professional skill set to include coordinating executive visibility initiatives and managing projects. Wright holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism and mass communication and communication studies from the University of Iowa.

The Minneapolis-St. Paul office of Weber Shandwick today announced the promotion of Brooke Worden, APR, to vice president in the financial services practice.

During Worden’s 10-year tenure with the firm, she has consistently produced measurable results for many of the firm’s marquee financial services and government clients. She has delivered communications programs for Prudential Retirement, Allianz Life, CIGNA Retirement, ING, the Business Roundtable/Pension Coalition, U.S. Treasury, U.S. Mint and the Internal Revenue Service. Prior to joining Weber Shandwick, Worden began her career in management consulting at Accenture and was also a reporter at Twin Cities Business.

Currently, Worden leads the Weber Shandwick U.S. Census Bureau team nationwide. She has been instrumental in developing the public relations strategy for the 2010 Census, which includes earned media, executive visibility, media training, digital media, and multicultural media briefings.

Worden graduated magna cum laude from Hamline University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and political science and is a member of Phi Beta Kappa. She is an active member of Public Relations Society of America (PRSA), and was elected to Minnesota PRSA’s board of directors in 2006. She currently serves on the Minnesota PRSA Executive Committee. Worden earned her Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) in 2005, and also served as a Minnesota PRSA delegate to last year’s PRSA National Assembly.

“Brooke is an accomplished practitioner and leader who contributes enormously to our clients, our financial services expertise, and our Minneapolis office by adding her broad experience, professional depth and winning attitude,” said Barb Iverson, president of Weber Shandwick’s financial services practice.

Rochester will be home to the 2010 Outdoor Writers Association of America Convention. I was contacted by the organization to put out a call to anyone that may want to speak or who have clients that would like to speak at this event. You can get more information on the 2010 Outdoor Writers Association - http://www.owaa.org/.

The conference will be held on June 10-13, 2010 in Rochester at the Kahler hotel.

• Women @ Work Workshops: Members receive discounted rates and speaking opportunities at our in-depth workshops designed to hone and develop attendees’ professional skills.
• Learning Lunches: Members receive discounted rates at our short-format programs designed to provide information on communications trends and best practices.
• Networking Events: Members receive discounted rates to our ongoing events providing a social atmosphere to share with others and to strengthen professional networks.
• Monthly Newsletter, “Member to Member”: Our monthly newsletter features industry-related articles, chapter updates, and member news. Members also have the opportunity to write articles for the newsletter or purchase advertising at a reduced rate.
• Web Site: The members-only portion of our Web site offers access to newsletter archives, membership directory, and other membership materials. New Web site coming in January 2010!
• Membership Directory: All members receive a print and electronic version of our annual membership directory.
• Leadership Opportunities: Volunteer positions are available on MWMC committees as well as the board of directors, which give members the opportunity to expand their skills and industry contacts.
• Member Benefit Partners: MWMC will provide visibility opportunities to our member benefit partners including: Promotion of its member benefit offerings throughout MWMC communications to members and prospects via our Web site, e-newsletter, newsletter, events, and membership kit; the opportunity to write a guest column related to your area of expertise in one of our newsletters; and a special nametag to wear when attending our events which will refer to you as a partner of our organization.

• Defines and demonstrates your brand
• Creates opportunities to future proof your brand
• Protects brand reputation from marketplace threats
• Instills confidence with the executive team and other stakeholders.

Content strategy – the emerging discipline focused on helping organizations effectively create, maintain, and manage content – is suddenly all the rage. But, why now and what's the web got to do with it? Attend the Women@Work Workshop to learn why content strategy is necessary; how to deliver useful, usable content online, where and when your customers need it most; what you can do to get (and keep) your online content in control. You’ll also get an up-close look at a couple of case studies that demonstrate how local companies are successfully integrating social media into their marketing mix.


Tuesday, November 17
1:00 to 4:00 PM
St. Catherine University
President’s Dining Room (#372) in the Coeur de Catherine building on the St. Paul Campus (map)

Cost:
$58 Members
$78 Non-members
$43 Students

Register Now



About Our Speakers:

Melissa Rach, Director of Content Strategy, Brain Traffic
Melissa is director of content strategy at Brain Traffic, an agency focused on helping clients tackle messy content problems. Using skills in messaging, information architecture, writing, and communication planning; Melissa has consulted for a wide variety of clients including General Mills, Best Buy, Target, United Health Group, Wolters Kluwer, and Wells Fargo. Melissa worked on her first online project in 1993. Since then, she has become a respected authority on how organizations incorporate interactive content into their overall communications strategy. Her methodologies have been taught at universities nationwide and recognized in books for nearly a decade, from Webmastering for Dummies (2000) to Content Strategy for the Web (2009).

Eva Keiser, APR, Senior Vice President, Risdall McKinney Public Relations
Eva has a proven track record of success and expertise in marketing communications and media relations. Working in an integrated agency, Eva is on the front lines bringing elements together – online and offline – to create momentum for a brand and drive Web site traffic. With a deep understanding of the media and storytelling, Eva has the uncommon ability to uncover stories within an organization that resonate with the media, and move readers to action. Over her career, Eva gained a wealth of experience through working on political campaigns, with grassroots organizations, and at various print and broadcast media outlets. Eva is an adjunct professor in the School of Journalism and Mass Communication at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities.

Ten years ago, an integrated campaign was one in which advertising and public relations worked in concert. Today, integration is often more about the convergence of online strategies and tactics with traditional, offline communications, an approach we call "Inline."

Please join us for a group discussion on creating and managing Inline campaigns facilitated by Andy Keith, B2B Account Director in Weber Shandwick's digital communications practice, Aaron Pearson, SVP of Weber Shandwick's technology practice and Ben Maurer, a member of the agency's Inline team.
 

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WHEN:	Tuesday, November 17th      Breakfast/registration: 7:45 a.m.      Roundtable discussion: 8-9 a.m.
WHERE:	Weber Shandwick, ,      Suite 400,
RSVP:	Please contact Leah Kondes at      or .

About your facilitators for this event


Aaron Pearson, Senior Vice President, Technology Practice

Aaron Pearson is a senior vice president and Vertical Markets Segment leader for Weber Shandwick's Global Technology Practice, directing programs that help B2B clients reach industry-specific technology buyers through traditional media, social networks, industry analysts and other influencers. Aaron has more than 15 years of experience applying his strategic communications and management skills to both emerging and large global clients, including ADC, Lawson Software, Microsoft and Syngenta.


Andy Keith, Account Director, Digital Communications Practice

As digital account director in Weber Shandwick's digital practice group, Andy Keith advises account teams and clients on how to best integrate interactive and social media strategies and tactics into the overall communications platform, with an emphasis on B2B marketing and PR. He brings more than 15 years of experience with online media, including Web marketing, online communities and portals, corporate blogging, social networks, knowledge management and e-learning.

Ben Maurer, Senior Account Executive, Corporate, Community and Public Affairs Practice

As a senior account executive in Weber Shandwick's corporate, community and public affairs practice group, Ben Maurer helps manage and execute public relations and consumer marketing programs, including national and local media relations initiatives, social media components, new product introductions and special events. Ben's current clients include BAE Systems, a key defense company; Polaris Industries, designers and manufactures of off-road vehicles, all-terrain vehicles, snowmobiles and Victory motorcycles; and Duluth Metals, a mining exploration company.