LaBreche, a Minnesota-based brand communications and public relations firm, and , the state’s premier magazine for entrepreneurs and small to medium emerging growth companies, will host an educational event on the topic of reputation – one of a company’s greatest business assets, from 2 – 5 p.m., on Feb. 3, at Best Buy Headquarters in Richfield.

Chris Brogan, one of the most influential online trust and reputation consultants in the world, President of New Marketing Labs, and author of the New York Times bestseller, Trust Agents, will headline the event.

Event tickets cost: $95

Extended VIP tickets cost: $125, includes book Trust Agents, and VIP reception with author Chris Brogan


For more information and to register, visit /

Business owners, business leaders, those who must build personal brands, those who speak for and market new and established brands and entrepreneurs who must 'make their own game' for a living are encouraged to attend.

Reputation is based on trust. And today’s trust is being built online — in communities and social networks. Learn how to become a Trust Agent for yourself, your business and your industry—and be prepared to enter a whole new world of reputation-building. Attend Reputations and you will learn:

• How to understand and use the Web to build business in ways you haven't before
• How to understand and master non-currency-based economies
• How online trust-building is replacing mass media and outdated ways of marketing
• How to humanize your business and your brands, build loyal followers and connect directly with those important to your success
• How to spread influence faster, wider and deeper

Best Buy Headquarters in Richfield – , . Best Buy Headquarters is located at the intersection of Penn Avenue and interstate highway 494.

The event will begin at 2 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 3 and will last 3 hours. VIP reception with Chris Brogan will follow the educational program.

How do you enter the public relations field if you are a college graduate?

This question was asked recently on my . I think it is one that many students graduating this year are dealing with. And in this competitive market there is not an easy answer. But there are three things you can do to better your odds of landing a job.

1. Informational Interview: Most PR agencies and many companies will invite you in to talk, either with a human resources person or someone in your field, to discuss what they look for in potential candidates. Work to set something up with a few companies well in advance of your graduation so that when you graduate you know where you want to work.
   
   
2. Network: In today's online world there are almost endless ways to network. With organizations like , , , , and many more. There is no reason, for people looking to get a job, to not be networking with these fine organizations.
   
   
3. Volunteer: With today's political climate heating up there are plenty of opportunities to volunteer and get some PR experience working for a local candidate. Even if you hate politics, there are plenty of non-profits or small businesses that could use your expertise. Find ways to apply your knowledge and show you are a strong candidate for full time work.

The fact is the job market is as competitive as it has been in years. There are jobs available, but it is going to take work to get one. Set aside 30-minutes of each day to work on setting up informational interviews, networking or finding volunteer opportunities. You can do it but you have to work at it! Good luck.

Rebecca Herbst, one of the very first to officially bring PR to OLSON, has been promoted to associate account director, from account supervisor. She has been with the agency for six years, and works on accounts including General Mills, Memorex and Phillips Distilling. Before joining OLSON, Rebecca was at Carmichael Lynch Spong.

“Rebecca, one of OLSON's PR pioneers, takes great pride in her work," says Kelly Puspoki, director of public relations, vice president, OLSON. "And it shows. She has an undying dedication to her clients and the agency, is committed to working through challenges, provides top-notch counsel for a variety of clients and gets results.”

has been promoted to principal at Carmichael Lynch Spong’s Minneapolis headquarters. In her new role as principal, Lavrenz is responsible for managing clients Cargill, ClearWay Minnesota and Jack Link’s Beef Jerky, while also chairing the firm’s food and beverage practice. Lavrenz joined the firm in 2001 and served for two years as a counselor, before heading off to Cardiff, Wales for a year to earn her master’s degree. Upon her return to Minnesota, Carmichael Lynch Spong welcomed her back to the role of senior counselor.

Prior to joining Carmichael Lynch Spong, Lavrenz served as an account supervisor for Bozell Kamstra and a senior account executive for Karwoski & Courage.

“Grete is one of the most dedicated professionals I’ve had the pleasure of working with during my career,” says Douglas K. Spong, APR, president of Carmichael Lynch Spong. “Her passion for learning, eagerness to seize new opportunities and her strong commitment in the community is impressive. She is so deserving of this recognition.”

Outside of work, Lavrenz is a member and leader in Rotary International and is on the board of the Twin Cities Nights Rotary Club. She leads the selection committee for the World Peace Fellowship scholarships and is a past scholarship winner herself. Grete received a $25,000 Rotary Ambassadorial Scholarship to attend Cardiff University in Cardiff, Wales, one of the top 100 universities.

Lavrenz is also a member of the International Association of Culinary Professionals (IACP) and the Interpublic Group’s Women’s Leadership Network.

In addition to her master’s degree from Cardiff University, she holds a bachelor’s degree in communication arts from Hamline University and is working toward a mini MBA from the University of St. Thomas

As part of its 2010 plan, Risdall Marketing Group (RMG) has reorganized its creative team to meet the needs of today’s businesses. Lara Balai and Tina Karelson have been named presidents of creative, and Erik Kvålseth has joined the agency as creative director/copywriter.

OLSON has hired two new interactive experts—Tony Saucier in PR and Phil Shannon in interactive—to complement and strengthen agency digital services, making OLSON one of the strongest digital agencies in the Midwest.

has joined OLSON’s PR team as associate account director and social media strategist, from Gabriel deGrood Bendt, Minneapolis, where he was PR account director. Tony has also worked for Shandwick and Exponent, both in Minneapolis.

has joined OLSON’s digital practice as senior web data analyst, from Ameriprise Financial, where he focused on web analytics and optimization. He has also worked in analysis and marketing planning for companies including BestBuy.com and ShopNBC.

"OLSON is growing our interactive offerings moment-by-moment. And since we’re now at about 40 percent digital, we’ve brought in these two to complement our existing services,” says Kevin DiLorenzo, president, OLSON. “Both Tony and Phil bring tremendous on- and off-line experience, and real smarts, to the OLSON table.”

The Minneapolis-St. Paul office of Weber Shandwick announced this week the win of a three-year campaign for Taste of the NFL. Weber Shandwick will support the organization’s campaign to tackle hunger in the United States and expose the organization using national media and new media along with driving ticket sales.

Taste of the NFL is an organization that exists exclusively to raise awareness and dollars for hunger relief organizations involved in tackling hunger in America. Taste of the NFL addresses the needs of the hungry and homeless by raising awareness and money through special events and programs mainly by hosting a culinary event on the eve of the Super Bowl in the host city.

"width="200">Taste of the NFL features a top chef from each NFL city. Each chef pairs with a current or former NFL player to form a culinary duo. Attracting thousands of attendees, guests sample specialty foods, meet the chefs, take photos with and get autographs from NFL greats while enjoying live musical entertainment. Founded in 1992, the Minneapolis-based Taste of the NFL has distributed more than $8 million to local and national food banks across the country. The agency will assist the core Taste of the NFL team by increasing corporate sponsorships and raising brand awareness of Taste of the NFL – not only as a party with a purpose but as an organization with a dedicated year-long mission to solve hunger issues.

“We are honored to be part of such a great campaign that benefits so many people across the United States,” says Dave Mona, chairman of Weber Shandwick’s Minneapolis-St. Paul office. “This work with Taste of the NFL will allow us to help ensure food banks across the country are receiving substantial donations each year.”

Tunheim Partners, a strategic communications company, is pleased to announce Jeana Blomme and Madeline Koch have been hired as account representatives. Blomme and Koch have worked as interns at Tunheim Partners since June 2009.

has experience with corporate and marketing communications. Blomme will continue coordinating media relations and tracking trends for her clients, including Target and Telvent DTN, as well as providing support for the agency’s business-to-business sector. Before coming to Tunheim Partners, Blomme held internships with Best Buy and the Grand Avenue Business Association. She graduated from Hamline University , earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in communications studies and English.
has experience in public affairs and public-interest communications. Koch is responsible for executing media relations and public affairs campaigns for her clients, including the Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission, Medtronic Foundation and the Minnesota High-Speed Rail Commission. Prior to joining Tunheim Partners, Koch held internships in then-U.S. Senator Norm Coleman’s Washington D.C. office and a boutique public relations agency in Chicago . She graduated magna cum laude from Loyola University with bachelor’s degrees in journalism and political science.

The Minneapolis-St. Paul office of Weber Shandwick today announced the promotions of four colleagues in the technology practice.

has been promoted to account group director. George joined Weber Shandwick in October 2008 and has been integral in retaining and expanding business in the agriculture sector. George has been a leader in developing key strategies and programs including new product launches, sales force communication, issues management, media relations and key influencer identification. George previously served as the director of issues management for the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association. She received a bachelor of arts degree in political science from Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois.

has been promoted to senior account executive. Goldthwait joined Weber Shandwick in October 2006 and immediately began demonstrating her project management, media relations and writing skills. Goldthwait has been a leader in crisis preparedness and has become an expert on issues and topics that are important to her clients. Goldthwait led the coordination and execution of a series of crisis drills held in 2009. Goldthwait received a bachelor of arts degree in political science and French from St. Olaf College.

has been promoted to senior account executive. Since joining Weber Shandwick in 2006, Purdy has been a leader in coordinating media outreach and media relations. Purdy is a leader in building relationships with local and national media. In addition to his work on client accounts, Purdy is a member of the office’s Employee Action Group and Diversity Council. Purdy received a bachelor of arts degree in mass communications/journalism from Iowa State University.

Annette Broner has been promoted to account executive. Since joining Weber Shandwick in July 2008, Broner has played a key role in managing analyst relations programs, helped introduce new innovations in client reporting and excels at traditional media relations and writing for a range of clients. Broner received a bachelor of arts degree in communication studies with a minor in political science from Gustavus Adolphus College.

Northwestern Mutual announced today that it has chosen OLSON as its agency of record after a national competitive review. OLSON will handle brand strategy and marketing responsibilities for the Milwaukee-based financial security company.

“Northwestern Mutual was looking for a next-generation agency, one with superior integrated marketing platforms, strong digital media experience and a deep understanding of our brand, business model and industry,” says Nag Odekar, director, brand strategy and advertising, Northwestern Mutual. “With OLSON’s thought leadership and unique strategic approach, we’ll pursue new strategies to highlight the company’s consistent strength and the value of its financial security products over the long-term.”

"We had a powerful edge in understanding Northwestern Mutual, because many of us at OLSON— including me—are long-standing clients. In a sense, we've already been working together for years," says Kevin DiLorenzo, president, OLSON. "We're looking forward to putting our strong financial pedigree and progressive marketing strategies to work to deepen the connection between Northwestern Mutual and its clients and prospects."

Northwestern Mutual has helped clients achieve financial security for more than 150 years. As a mutual company with more than $1 trillion of life insurance protection in force, Northwestern Mutual seeks to share its gains with clients and deliver consistent and dependable value to clients over time. Northwestern Mutual and its subsidiaries offer a holistic approach to financial security solutions including: life insurance, long term care insurance, disability insurance, annuities, investment products, and advisory products and services. Subsidiaries include Northwestern Mutual Investment Services, LLC, broker-dealer, registered investment adviser, member FINRA and SIPC; the Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Company, limited purpose federal savings bank; and Northwestern Long Term Care Insurance Company; and Russell Investments. Further information can be found at http://www.northwesternmutual.com.

Famous interactive legend Marty Barry (not famous hockey legend Marty Barry) joins OLSON as associate account director, interactive, from Ratchet, where he was account director. He will be working on interactive marketing campaigns with United Health Group and other OLSON clients.


“OLSON’s anthropological approach to building brand communities is a great fit with my background in market research. True knowledge of customers allows companies to build brand connections and, therefore, market share,” says Marty Barry, OLSON associate account director, interactive. “I'm excited to be a part of OLSON, an organization that truly values employees and practices what it preaches— I’m an especially big fan of OLSON’s internal community building.”

“Marty is a great score for OLSON,” says Kevin DiLorenzo, president, OLSON. “His background in strategic interactive planning adds significant bench strength to our team. Plus, his name is so excellent, how could we not hire him?”

Marty graduated from St. John’s University, Collegeville, Minn., and holds a BA in business management. Prior to Ratchet he worked for Razor, Dallas, and MarketTools, Minneapolis.

Merete Wells has been promoted to senior associate at Carmichael Lynch Spong. Wells joined the firm in 2007 as an associate. In her position, Wells is responsible for handling day-to-day activities and providing strategic thinking for clients ClearWay Minnesota, MasterBrand Cabinets and Sherwin-Williams.

Prior to joining Carmichael Lynch Spong, Wells worked on public affairs and retail accounts at New School Communications in St. Paul. Her past clients include the National Institute on Media and the Family, Kowalski’s Markets, Eden Prairie Center and Ridgedale Center.

“Merete has shown a great deal of professional growth since joining the firm,” says Douglas K. Spong, APR, president of Carmichael Lynch Spong. “Her willingness to take on new challenges and her ability to do so with a smile makes me proud to see her rewarded for her efforts.”

Wells is a member of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) where she serves on the Classics Awards Committee.

She earned a bachelor of arts degree in journalism and public relations at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul.

Weber Shandwick’s Minneapolis-St. Paul office traces its beginnings back to 1981 when founder Dave Mona was laid off from his corporate communications position at Toro after two consecutive winters of no snow. Thus, David L. Mona & Associates was born, eventually becoming Mona, Meyer, McGrath & Gavin (MMM&G) when Mona’s agency joined forces with another firm. Sara Gavin (of MMM&G fame) currently leads the office, and Mona continues to serve the office as its chairman. MMM&G was bought by Shandwick in the late ‘80s, giving the agency’s clients access to offices around the world. Shandwick was eventually sold to Interpublic Group (IPG), providing clients the full spectrum of marketing disciplines. In 2001, Shandwick merged with another IPG public relations firm, The Weber Group, becoming Weber Shandwick.

Today, the office employs more than 140 PR practitioners. The senior leadership team has more than 270 years of combined public relations experience with an average tenure of 11 years. Weber Shandwick’s staff includes people with a variety of backgrounds including former journalists, government officials and military personnel.

The office has deep industry expertise in financial services, health care, technology, public affairs, government, agribusiness, nonprofits and defense. Services include consumer marketing, youth marketing, sports marketing, digital communications, media training, video production, crisis preparation and management, graphic design and strategic counsel.
Weber Shandwick prides itself on several things:

• Long-standing client relationships. The average tenure of the agency’s top 40 clients is 8 years plus, and it received the highest client-satisfaction honors in PRWeek’s Agency Excellence Survey. Weber Shandwick’s Minneapolis-St. Paul office has served 14 clients for more than ten years.
• Doing award-winning work that delivers real business results to its clients. In 2009, Weber Shandwick won more Minnesota PRSA Classics awards that any other agency, including Best of Show.
• Being a great place to work. Weber Shandwick has made the Minneapolis / St. Paul Business Journal’s Best Places to Work list for the past four years.
• >Commitment to the community. The office has a 20+ year history of supporting local non-profit organizations through pro bono client relationships, mentorships, work projects and an annual day-long workshop designed to help non-profits effectively tell their stories.

“Mall of America has appreciated its strong relationship with Weber Shandwick for more than 19 years,” said Maureen Bausch, executive vice president at Mall of America. “Weber Shandwick has been with us since the Mall’s inception – through crisis and celebrations – and they continue to be a key partner. Their strategic council, real world experience and on-site support have been invaluable over the years.”

today announces that it has been awarded the media agency of record, planning and buying account by Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. The assignment will include planning and buying for all advertising media in support of Chipotle’s more than 900 restaurants nationwide.


“Chipotle is an outstanding brand whose vision and growth to-date we have greatly admired, and we’re confident that our Compass Point Media team will help play a big part in their continued success,” said Dick Hurrelbrink, president of Compass Point Media.


Denver-based Chipotle selected Compass Point Media for the assignment after a national search of potential resources.


“We were very pleased with their experience and their people,” said Mark Crumpacker, chief marketing officer at Chipotle. “The Compass Point team really demonstrated a keen understanding of our brand and the ability to help us achieve our marketing goals.”

MN PRSA 2010 Pro-Am Day - February 26, 2010


Registration is now open for Professionals!


To host a student or participate in the Professional/Student “Speed” Networking event, please register no later than Friday, February 12.


Visit Non-Profit Solutions to register.

, will present practical tips to transform your business growth at the Minnesota Women in Marketing and Communications (MWMC) Learning Lunch on January 19, 2010. Whether your firm is losing more RFPs than winning, uncomfortable being proactive about seeking new opportunities or simply “stuck” in the same old/same old “take the clients out to lunch or golf”, Betsy’s incredible track record and energetic transfer of knowledge will truly inspire you to transform the way you do business. By attending this event, you will begin to reframe your own feelings about and approach to generating new business and growing existing clients; explore whether or not using “ambassadors” can make your business growth matter; learn daily, weekly, monthly practices to keep your desired growth on track; and commit to five growth goals for 2010.

If you are a non-member and decide to become a member after attending the January Learning Lunch, MWMC will waive the $35 membership processing fee.

Event Information
Tuesday, January 19
11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Woman’s Club, 410 Oak Street, Minneapolis
Visit www.mnwc.org to register.

MinnPost announced today that will be launching a new feature "Community Sketchbook" that will run about six times a month. The pieces written by Cindy Boyd, will focus on the economic and social challenges facing communities, especially low-income communities and communities of color, and how people are trying to address them.

Read more about this new feature here.

Dan Hill, Ph.D., author of “Emotionomics,” to share insights at February event for organizations to be more effective in marketing efforts

While the B2B decision-making process may be more complicated and involve more people than the B2C process, the two have more in common than many may think. To look at the commonalities and the role of emotions in both, the Minnesota chapter of the Business Marketing Association (BMA-Minnesota) will host “(On-Message, So Yesterday) On-Emotion: The Essence of Effective Advertising” on February 11, 2010.

The session will be led by Dan Hill, Ph.D., president of Sensory Logic, Inc., and author of “Emotionomics: Leveraging Emotions for Business Success.” Hill is a recognized expert on the role of emotions and body language in business. Hill’s book, Emotionomics, was chosen by AdAge as one of the 10 books you should have read in 2009.

“While B2B and B2C marketing differ in many ways, there are many similarities because, in the end, it’s all B2P – business to people,” said Heidi Wight, vice president of programming for BMA-Minnesota. “Research has shown that people are primarily emotional decision makers, and connecting through relevancy, credibility and loyalty is important to communicate value successfully.”


Hill’s presentation will address:

• Emotions rule: scientific basis of why everyone feels before they think
• How B2B is really B2P
• Guiding rules and examples for B2B marketing

The event will be held on Thursday, February 11, 2010 at the Metropolitan Ballroom in Golden Valley, Minn., and will run from 8:00 to 9:00 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 February 8, 2010. There will be a limited number of walk-up registrations also available.