, who joined OLSON as an associate interactive account director, has been promoted to account director, a reflection of his success with agency clients including Capital One and UnitedHealth Group.

“About 40 percent of our agency revenues are from the digital group, thanks to the efforts of people like Marty,” says Kevin DiLorenzo, president and CEO, OLSON. “He drives strategy for some of OLSON’s standalone digital clients, but has also helped introduce our services to many of the agency’s other holistic clients. Marty’s optimistic and can-do attitude provides a positive influence felt by clients and through the entire agency.”

Marty graduated from St. John’s University, Collegeville, Minn., and holds a BA in business management. He joined OLSON from Ratchet in late 2009.

On the heels of a strong showing in 2010, Preston Kelly is forecasting significant growth in the New Year as a result of new business success in the fourth quarter of 2010. Last year, the agency launched noteworthy campaigns for brands such as Grand Casino, HealthPartners, Physicians Mutual and the YMCA of Greater St. Paul and Metropolitan Minneapolis. The agency also won major kudos such as Advertising Age’s Midwest Small Agency of the Year and “Integrated Campaign of the Year” in the Radio Mercury Awards. But with last month’s addition of new clients OfficeMax and Walker Methodist, 2011 is burning bright with potential.

Looking ahead, Preston Kelly expects double-digit growth in the New Year—and the agency looks forward to collaborating with clients on its proven iconic ideas approach for each brand. In addition to traditional advertising outlets such as television, radio, print and out-of-home, the agency anticipates that growth in 2011 will be driven by an unprecedented number of digital opportunities.

“This growth is the culmination of one of the best years in our agency history, and more than 30 percent of our business will be digital this year,” says agency president Chuck Kelly . “When we moved to Northeast Minneapolis and changed our name two years ago, we made significant changes to our structure, and focused our philosophy and positioning. Clients have noticed the changes in campaign results, and in the attention we’ve received in the media and from our peers. We’re starting to see some exciting new business opportunities as well.”

The New Year presents Preston Kelly with the opportunity to launch a variety of strategic branding, broadcast advertising and digital efforts for OfficeMax.

As one of the nation’s leading office supply retailers with more than 900 locations, the company began working with Preston Kelly for its prior success in building retail brands along with boosting retail traffic. Launched on January 8th, the first network TV spot and digital campaigns position OfficeMax as having the largest retail ink and toner supply in America .

With a mission to “engage seniors through vibrant living,” Walker Methodist is a non-profit organization that offers a range of senior housing communities, assisted living, skilled nursing, transitional care and adult day programs. In 2011, the nation’s first wave of baby boomers will turn 65, and Walker Methodist aims to capitalize on this historic moment as more Americans take an inventory of their retirement plans. Preston Kelly will guide the brand in its journey to build an iconic presence as a provider of eldercare services through marketing that is anything but old-school.

In addition to working with its new clients, Preston Kelly looks forward to continuing its growth through expanded opportunities for its roster of existing advertising partners.

Speakers:
Rose McKinney, APR, President of Risdall McKinney Public Relations
Jared Roy, President of Risdall Integration Group

In this session, you will learn the dos and don’ts of managing a crisis online—and, more specifically, in social media. Learn about the crucial steps necessary for controlling a groundswell and successfully navigating a crisis to build both your brand and your reputation.

, APR, President of Risdall McKinney Public Relations
With a strong background in integrated marketing communications, Rose’s area of expertise is public relations. She believes brand reputation is an organization’s most critical asset and that its ability to adapt and change with society and the environment impacts the ultimate success of the organization. Throughout her public relations career, Rose has provided crisis communications planning and counsel to companies preparing for and responding to a crisis. She has also spearheaded integrated marketing communications, social media strategies and tactics, branding and positioning development on behalf of numerous consumer, business-to-business and non-profit clients, including Blue Cross, Medica, General Mills, International Dairy Queen, Polaris, and others.

A passionate advocate for public relations, Rose is an adjunct professor at Metropolitan State University and is active in the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA). She served as president of the Minnesota chapter in 2007 and currently serves on the Universal Accreditation Board (UAB). Rose holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Drake University.

, President of Risdall Integration Group
Jared believes in the power of connecting brands with consumers in new and innovative ways. As President of Risdall Integration Group Jared focuses on leveraging the strengths of Risdall Marketing Group’s divisions to develop solutions for clients that harness the power of integrated marketing. He develops integrated digital and social marketing campaign strategies to help achieve client objectives. He develops and plans the convergence of traditional and new media to effectively influence inform and engage key audiences.

He rejoined Risdall Marketing Group in 2008 with valuable experience working for Mullen and Keystone Sympoisa. While at Mullen he led the integrated marketing efforts for Embarq and Wachovia. Prior to Mullen he worked at Keystone Symposia a Bill and Melinda Gates-supported organization where he created a social network for scientists - that brought scientists from all over the world together in facilitating connections and expediting research. Jared holds a bachelor’s degree in marketing from the University of Minnesota and a master’s degree in integrated marketing communications from the University of Colorado.

Roundtables (formerly Fresh Thinking Fridays) are another opportunity to advance the professional by providing seasoned members a platform for discussing timely trends and issues facing the public relations profession. These breakfast sessions promote dialogue and discussion about topics most relevant to senior professionals.

announced the promotions of and to senior account executives in the firm’s Financial Services practice.

Kristin Gillard joined Weber Shandwick in 2006 and has been a leader in growing and maintaining strong partner and client relationships. She has focused on co-leading the financial institution partnership program for the U.S. Treasury’s Go Direct campaign, as well as securing positive media coverage from top media outlets. She has also played a key role in the Go Direct Champions program, working closely with banks and credit unions to encourage them to promote direct deposit. Gillard has worked with other major government clients to develop websites and media campaigns. Gillard graduated from the University of St. Thomas with a bachelor’s degree in mass communications and journalism.

Mary Westin also joined Weber Shandwick in 2006 and has served a number of government and financial services clients. She recently led multi-office media analysis teams to inform the direction of the 2010 Census media relations campaign. She has also supported new business development efforts in the Financial Services practice. Westin graduated from the University of St. Thomas with a bachelor’s degree in mass communications and journalism.

Lou Flores has joined OLSON as a creative director. He was most recently an associate creative director at Team One, Los Angeles, where he worked on the Lexus account.

“Lou is a true craftsman. And everywhere he has worked, groundbreaking work has followed,” says Tom Fugleberg, executive creative director, OLSON. “We’re pumped to have him on board at OLSON as we continue to elevate our creative product.”

“What excites me about coming to OLSON? So many things,” says Lou Flores, OLSON creative director. “There’s the opportunity to work across a wide range of media and categories, and the opportunity to work with really cool people who realize the importance of creating a positive culture. And I’m also excited about the opportunity to work with people who understand that moving forward is best done through forward thinking. And that’s OLSON in a nutshell."

Lou’s career has included time at agencies GSD&M, Colle+McVoy and Campbell Mithun. His work has been honored by top shows and publications and has even been banned in both the U.S. and the UK.

ADD or DELETE is a social initiative that asks people from all walks of life and the global marketing industry: Could the $500 billion dollars projected to be spent on advertising worldwide in 2011  be put to better use? ADD or DELETE provides a forum for people to identify advertisements that ADD value to society vs. merely being “ads” that consumers would rather DELETE. It’s also designed to spark a conversation that inspires businesses to redirect or leverage at least 5 percent of their advertising or marketing assets to solve social issues.




“Our industry needs to redirect some of its creative firepower towards creating positive change instead of generating more distasteful or wasteful ads,” says Fred Haberman, CEO and co-founder of Haberman, a media + marketing firm that is spearheading the ADD or DELETE initiative. “Allocating 5% of marketing budgets towards projects that create global benefit and showcase brands’ values creates a win-win proposition for marketers and our society alike.”

For Super Bowl XLV alone, reallocating just 5% of the $270 million ad spend would free up $13.5 million dollars to support positive change in our world. Given that 72 percent of consumers find ads “annoying or extremely annoying,” according to AdWeek [ii], it seems reasonable to suggest a more positive use for those funds.

“We are asking people who are watching the Super Bowl to look at all those expensive ads with a critical eye,” says Eric Block, managing director at Haberman. “Ask the question: ‘Is the approximately $3 million dollars being spent on every ad ADDing value or would you rather DELETE it?’ We think marketers and brands might get more benefit if they deployed those resources to impact social issues and causes that people are really concerned about. We created ADD or DELETE to begin that important conversation.”

Anyone may upload advertisements or examples from marketing campaigns that either ADD or DELETE to society on the ADD or DELETE Facebook page at:http://www.addordelete.com/facebook. Fans of the page will then have the opportunity to learn about campaigns that ADD to society, give their feedback to ads posted by others and share the ads that they would rather have DELETED. The forum may also create links between socially-minded companies who are ADDing to our world and consumers who prefer to support such brands.

“We’ve believed in the power of authentic, relevant, pioneering campaigns that ADD value to our world since our inception as an agency,” Fred Haberman said. “ADD or DELETE inspires marketing professionals to consider their legacies; do you want to be known for gaining approvals for lavish ad shoots or for creating campaigns that positively impact our world?”

It's the time for Ad Fed/Ad2's annual tasting event. This year we are headed to the STP for a tour of the Summit Brewery. Join us for an exclusive, free tour of the home of one of the Twin Cities favorite brews. And what is a brewery tour without a little taste of the goods? You won't want to miss this opportunity to learn and sample one of Minnesota's finest, local, craft beers, while mingling with some of the best and brightest of the Twin Cities advertising industry.

One caveat, this event is limited to the first 75 registrants, so sign up now before we're full up.

Ad2 Annual Tasting Event
Summit Brewery Tour - Hone your craft...beer
February 10, 2011
5:00 to 7:00pm

or contact the Ad Fed office at .

Marketing Architects, a leader in direct response advertising, has
selected Beehive PR as its agency of record to develop and implement a marketing communications plan designed to tell its brand story and engage with key stakeholders online and offline.

“Beehive brings extraordinary strategic insight and experience to the table,” said Chuck Hengel, CEO, Marketing Architects. “With the talented team they have assembled, we are confident we have chosen the perfect partner for our marketing, PR and communication needs.”

“Excellence is already core to Marketing Architects – in operations, creative, technology and customer results,” said Lisa Hannum, president and CEO, Beehive PR. “We are very pleased to partner with Marketing Architects to create a smart, effective strategy that advances its business goals.”

Over the next year, Beehive will help Marketing Architects differentiate its brand, re-launch its corporate website, and develop and implement comprehensive content, SEO and SEM strategies.

Risdall Marketing Group (RMG) announced that has joined its Online Marketing Group as an online visibility specialist. Adding to RMG’s arsenal of online visibility experience and resources, Sutphen will assist clients in maximizing their online visibility through Search Engine Optimization and Search Engine Marketing.

“From the moment we met Brittany we were impressed with her ability to help clients make the most of their online presence,” said Jennifer Risdall, CEO of Risdall Online Marketing Group. “Her skills in analyzing numbers and thinking strategically will be an advantage to all our clients, helping them to achieve online success.”

In her role, Sutphen will also monitor web and search analytics, conduct keyword research and track and measure results to ensure the most effective online marketing strategies for clients.

Sutphen is a recent graduate of Saint Cloud State University with a degree in mass communications. Prior to joining RMG, Sutphen interned with AdFed/Ad 2 Student Advertising Summit and continues her work for AdFed as a volunteer lead and mentor on the current Student Advertising Summit committee.

Public Affairs Company CEO Steve Knuth is pleased to announce a new partnership with long time Minnesota political operative Tony Sutton of Winning Strategies LLC. This joint venture comes on the heels of a new political landscape in the state and greater need within the business community for leadership and experience with public relations advocacy.


Public Affairs Company, in its eleventh year of business in Minnesota , is a nationally recognized government relations firm specializing in grassroots advocacy and media relations.


“We have been meeting the needs of our clients for more than a decade. Large or small we have organized grassroots campaigns, handled media relations, and helped dozens of clients navigate challenging political landscapes,” said Public Affairs Company founder and CEO Steve Knuth . “We are excited to be working with Tony Sutton, a seasoned political operative who will bring his knowledge, enthusiasm and wide range of contacts to the Public Affairs Company team.”


Recently, Tony Sutton served as chairman of the Minnesota Republican Party in a year when both chambers of the legislature had historic gains, with the state GOP taking control of both bodies for the first time in almost forty years. Sutton has decades of political experience and years of doing work in Minnesota ; from grassroots outreach to working with political candidates and members of congress, he has established a reputation that demands respect.


“I’m elated to be joining with such a reliable Minnesota firm to continue advocating for the issues that will make Minnesota a great place to work and live,” said Tony Sutton the founder and CEO of Winning Strategies LLC. “ Steve Knuth and his team have developed strong relationships and represented their clients well. I look forward to the work we can do together on behalf of our clients.”

has joined OLSON as creative director, from Schematic. In his new role, Kraabel is creating innovative and effortless interactive experiences, working with clients including Ecolab, UnitedHealth Group and General Mills.

“Mike is a great problem solver, storyteller and creator,” says Tom Fugleberg, OLSON executive creative director. “He’s fully immersed in the most revolutionary ways people and technologies interact, and how brands are communicated and experienced.”

“My primary goal at OLSON is to lead a team of designers and developers to build industry-defining projects and programs on behalf of our clients,” says Kraabel. “I’m excited to join an agency known for developing really great creative ideas and eager to expand the role of digital in our marketing mix.”

An early pioneer of interactive marketing and PR, Mike has been devising digital communications programs for companies for more than 15 years. At Schematic, he led a team to re-define and test the way retailers interact with consumers in the digital space. Throughout his career, Mike has designed and implemented many first- and second-generation social media strategies and digital marketing programs.


Mike has worked on both the client and agency side of the business, including Gage, The Nancekivell Group, Chronimed, Martin Williams, Rooster.com, eBody.com and Digital River. He holds a B.A. from St. John’s University, Collegeville, Minn., in political science, business and constitutional law. For the past five years he has served on the Board of Directors for the Minnesota Interactive Marketing Association (MIMA) and has been a frequent guest lecturer and speaker on digital marketing.

Benchmark Learning - Marketing Specialist

Internship Opportunities at ghost communications

University of Minnesota - Communications Intern

Creating a Brand Voice – Have you addressed this marketing must?

Join MWMC and Gwyneth Dwyer of Larsen, to learn how to give your brand a voice and make sure it is the right one. This hands-on workshop will present tips and techniques for creating a strong, clear brand voice that works across multiple marketing channels.

We’ll take an in-depth look at how several brands have created a voice — from ribald and rowdy to smart and sophisticated. Then, we’ll tackle these brand-voice fundamentals:

• What, exactly, is brand voice?
• How do you create a brand voice?
• Can you control brand voice? Should you?
• How do you build consensus for a brand voice?
• 7 ways to wreck your brand voice
• What’s grammar got to do with it?

Bring your laptop (or your pencil). Bring fabulous examples to share. Bring embarrassing examples (that you didn’t write, of course) to critique. We’ll roll up our sleeves and get to work creating a winning brand voice that works for your organization.


Event Information
Thursday, January 20
3 – 6 p.m.

University of St. Thomas (Minneapolis Campus)

| ,



Visit www.mnwc.org to register.



Cost

$48 Members

$78 Non-members

$33 MWMC Full-time Students

The today announced the promotion of to vice president in its Farm and Food Advocacy group.

George’s deep knowledge of agriculture issues and passionate dedication to her clients’ success make her a driving force behind Weber Shandwick’s rapidly growing Farm and Food Advocacy practice. Since joining Weber Shandwick in October 2008, she has worked with dozens of food, beverage, and agribusiness clients on business-to-business marketing, consumer education campaigns, crisis and issues preparedness and response and other agriculture-related topics. She led the high-profile launch of Syngenta Seeds’ new Agrisure Viptera corn trait which has won multiple regional, national and global marketing and product awards.

“JoDee’s depth-of-experience and subject matter expertise related to agribusiness and modern agriculture is an asset in serving our growing portfolio of Farm and Food Advocacy clients,” said Sara Gavin, president of Weber Shandwick’s Minneapolis office.

Across the agricultural community, George also represents Weber Shandwick as vice president of the North Central Chapter of the National AgriMarketing Association. Her work helps Weber Shandwick Minneapolis connect with and meet the needs of agricultural clients throughout the Midwest.

Prior to Weber Shandwick, George worked as the director of issues management for the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association. She graduated from Northwestern University with a bachelor’s degree in political science.

The Minneapolis office of announces the promotion of to vice president in the firm’s Technology practice.

Since joining Weber Shandwick in 1996, Myers has focused on helping clients manage thought leadership, vertical public relations, product public relations and executive visibility programs. With more than 14 years of industry experience, she has worked mainly with technology and healthcare clients. As the client relationship manager for Ingenix, Myers has been instrumental in building the company’s thought leadership platform through public relations and analyst relations activities. Myers also works with Children’s Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota, providing strategic counsel and ongoing support for the organization.

“Jenny began her public relations career at Weber Shandwick and we have watched her grow from an intern to an experienced leader who others turn to for critical client assignments,” said Sara Gavin, president of Weber Shandwick’s Minneapolis office. “We are excited to announce Jenny’s promotion, which recognizes her many contributions to our office’s growth and success and our desire to engage her as an integral part of the office leadership team.”

Myers managed the launch of multiple new products in the medical device industry and led vertical public relations programs for an enterprise software company within the healthcare, manufacturing, food and beverage, retail, government and education markets.

Myers also has lent her experience to her industry by serving as a Classics Awards Committee co-chair for the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) Minnesota Chapter, and a member of Weber Shandwick’s Washburn Child Guidance Center pro bono account. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Mass Communications and English from St. Cloud State University in Minnesota.

Candidates must send tweets during a 13-day period beginning February 13,

Agency will hire its group of 2011 Lucky 13 summer interns based on an application of 13 Career-Launching Tweets sent between the dates of February 13 – 25, 2011. The process gives job seekers thirteen 140-character chances to showcase their strengths and their social-media moxie. Interested applicants should register via the Lucky 13 website.

“Submitting an application via Twitter supports the digital and creative nature of our business,” said Debbie Fischer, vice president and human resources manager for the agency. “We anticipate a lively and interesting social-media exchange.”

Each summer the agency offers a paid internship to a group of Lucky 13 interns who have just completed their junior or senior year of college. Each intern becomes a member of a specific agency department, yet the interns also share and learn from each other. In 2011, interns will be hired in the following discipline areas:

• · Account Management: These teams guide and direct how the agency makes Everything Talk for a specific client brand.
• · Media: Staffers in the Compass Point Media unit recommend just the right way to deliver a brand message to its audience – and get the deal done.
• · Creative: Interns will work as an art director or a copywriter, depending on their own creative bent.
• · Technology: If you’re the type of person who would love to go to f8 or I/O, join our Tech team. Our technologists create immersive and engaging consumer applications and experiences for brands.

The 2011 10-week paid internship runs June 6 – August 12. Last summer, six Lucky 13 interns joined the agency; one received a job offer at summer’s end.



Lucky 13 Twitter Application Process

1. 1. January 13, 2011: Registration opens on www.lucky13internship.com. Eligibility: Applicants MUST be a college student with a graduation date between fall 2010 and summer 2012.
2. 2. February 13-25, 2011: Candidates submit application in the form of 13 Career-Launching Tweets. Each tweet must:

• Include primary #L13 hashtag
• Include secondary hashtag identifying targeted internship discipline;
• Account Management: #CMam
• Media: #CMcpm
• Creative: #CMcr8
• Technology: #CMt3ch
• Communicate applicant’s qualifications for the targeted discipline

Based on the 13-tweet application, finalists will be selected and invited to in-person interviews at the agency. Interns will be selected by the end of March.

Risdall Marketing Group (RMG) welcomed 16 students from the University of Minnesota Advertising (Ad) Club into the agency on Dec. 10, for a day of RMG speakers, agency discussion and knowledge sharing.

Throughout the day, Ad Club students were exposed to different specialties within the agency and given the opportunity to interact one-on-one with professionals within their specific area of interest, including creative staff, account executives and public relations specialists. One commented, “It was nice to talk in small groups and learn from people who have been in my place as a student, but now are successful in the industry.”

RMG staff members Glenna Dibrell and Cindy Lord (Account Planning / Service), Joel Swanson (PR), Josh Dahmes (Online Marketing), Jim Sandstrom (Media), Erik Kvålseth (Creative) and Eric McPherson (Account Service) presented information pertinent to their area of expertise and addressed questions from Ad Club students.

“The University of Minnesota’s Ad Club looks forward to this event every year and regards it as the most informative session the club participates in,” Brooke Lattin, president of University of Minnesota Ad Club. “Once again, students left the day buzzing with new information and new contacts to help pave their future into the bustling advertising industry! The University of Minnesota’s Ad Club will always remember the time and effort Risdall put forth for promising students.”

“It was inspiring to see the level of engagement and passion these students put forth towards the various presentations and activities,” said John Risdall, Chairman of RMG. “It is personally rewarding for me and each of my colleagues at Risdall to give back, knowing so much of our local industry’s talent comes from the University of Minnesota School of Journalism & Mass Communication.”

MN PRSA 2011 Pro-Am Day -
February 25, 2011

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 18.


Click here to \\register now.

In today's crowded and busy world, the Internet should make your marketing efforts go further and bring better results, but too often B2B businesses get bogged down with new technology, wasting time and money. How do you sort through the clutter and find the best outlets for your company? On February 15, 2011 the Minnesota chapter of the Business Marketing Association (BMA-Minnesota) will explore how to determine the best Internet strategies for your business.

Led by Kim Albee, founder and president of Genoo, LLC, attendees will learn how to be innovative and streamlined in their efforts on the Internet.


"Today's marketers are faced with the challenge of reaching target audiences with fast, fresh, relevant information," said Albee. "B2B companies must learn how to streamline their marketing efforts and leverage the power of the internet to increase both their top and bottom line performance."


Attendees will receive a copy of the guide "Effective Online Marketing In A Nutshell" and will learn the following:

• A basic understanding of the marketing channels available via: websites and microsites with search engine optimization (SEO), Blogs, Adwords, pay-per-click (PPC) campaigns, email marketing and drip campaigns
• How to generate demand online and capture lead information
• How to build into your marketing process the kind of long-term lead nurturing that increases sales

The event will be held on Tuesday, February 15, 2011, at the Metropolitan Ballroom in Golden Valley, Minn. Registration and breakfast begin at 7:30 a.m., followed by the program from 8 to 9 a.m. A members-only networking event will follow immediately from 9 to 9:30 a.m.


The cost of the event is $30 for BMA members and $45 for non-members. Register online at www.bmaminnesota.org through February 10, 2011.

January 13, 5:30 pm–8:00 pm

• Location: St. Catherine University, Rauenhorst Hall - Coeur de Catherin
• Non-members are welcome at this event.
• Paid registration is required.

MWMC members: $15.00

Non-members: $35.00

Event Information

Email. Blog. Twitter. Facebook. LinkedIn. How do the Internet savvy really use these social networking tools to reach audiences? Meet an expert panel to learn more!

Social Networking Panel

• Lynsey Struthers | The Lawlor Group’s Web Whiz (http://www.thelawlorgroup.com/team/lynsey-truthers)
• Michael Wells, St. Catherine University’s Digital Communications Manager
• Griff Wigley, social media consultant to business and civic leaders (http://wigleyandassociates.com/about)

Visit www.mnwc.org to register today!

The Minnesota Women in Marketing and Communications SPs (Seasoned Professionals) targets the unique needs of professional women who have been in the work place for 15+ years. SP events offer lively discussion on topics relevant to their level of experience, information to re-energize their careers, and networking and support from peers.

Public Affairs Company is pleased to announce the addition of as web developer. Matt will help maximize our client’s internet presence with website creation, social media and search engine optimization.

Matt founded and ran Top Listing SEO, a company specializing in services such as search engine optimization and marketing, pay per click advertising campaigns, social media marketing, organic search placement and other cutting edge internet marketing strategies. As the founder of Top Listing SEO, Matt consulted for large Fortune 500 companies as well as small internet start-ups. Before joining Public Affairs Company, Matt also provided technical support for companies such as United Health Group, ADT Security and Northwest Airlines and served as an Information Systems Technician in the United States Navy.

“At Public Affairs Company we are committed to providing our clients with the most innovative marketing and grassroots strategies,” says Steve Knuth , president and CEO. “With Matt Grand on our team we will be in an even better position to maximize our client’s messages on the ground and on the web.”

“I’m really excited about my new projects at Public Affairs Company,” says Matt Grand , new Public Affairs Company web developer and SEO expert. “I’m looking forward to helping our clients reach their goals and get the most out of their online presence.”

Public Affairs Company is thrilled to have Matt as our in-house internet marketing expert as search placement results can make a big difference for our clients. Matt, with his years of experience, will be an integral part of Public Affairs Company’s continued web development services expansion.

The Minneapolis office of announced the promotions of five employees in the Healthcare, Financial Services, Public Affairs and Digital practices.

was promoted to account group manager in the Healthcare practice. Shepherd plans, manages, implements and evaluates media relations and advocacy efforts for clients in the healthcare industry. Since joining Weber Shandwick in 2005, Lisa has worked with a variety of clients, including the American College of Surgeons and Children’s Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota.

was promoted to account supervisor in the Financial Services practice. Finn joined the agency two years ago. She manages materials development for the award-winning Go Direct® campaign, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Treasury. She is a member of Weber Shandwick’s business-to-business social media group.

was promoted to account group director in the Corporate, Community and Public Affairs practice. Since joining the agency in 2007, Potts’s background in healthcare and public affairs has made him a vital member of the practice. He co-led the HealthEast account team, developed and executed an award-winning grassroots outreach campaign for the U.S. Army account team and helped secure a new public affairs account.

was promoted to senior account executive in the Corporate, Community and Public Affairs practice. Over the past year, Frederick has taken on additional responsibilities for a number of key clients, including Dairy Management Inc., BAE Systems, Prime Therapeutics, Ecolab and the U.S. Army. Most recently, she played a critical role during the U.S. Army grassroots training workshop.

was promoted to account executive in the Digital Communications practice. Since joining Weber Shandwick in 2008, Hamlin has worked on digital strategy for accounts including the U.S. Army and Syngenta Seeds. He recently provided critical support for the U.S. Army presence at BlogWorld and the rollout of the U.S. Army-branded IMV “skin” for Yahoo Messenger, and his comprehensive knowledge of emerging social and mobile technologies has been a valuable asset to the agency and its clients.

Barb Iverson, president of k’s Financial Services industry practice, has been named to the advisory council for the Greenlee School of Journalism at Iowa State University for a three-year appointment. She graduated from Iowa State in 1976 with a major in journalism and a minor in English.

“I’m honored to serve on this council because it’s an opportunity to give back to my alma mater in a meaningful way,” Iverson said. “Journalism schools are facing big challenges. Shrinking budgets for state-funded universities are only part of the problem. Then layer on the changing communications landscape plus encroachments by other academic departments, and it places journalism schools in a difficult spot. Journalism remains an excellent education for so many careers.”

The Greenlee School was established in 1905; it is the oldest journalism program in Iowa and the longest continuously accredited journalism program in the country.

“[We are] delighted that Barb Iverson has joined the ranks of our Advisory Council, which includes highly successful journalists, practitioners and entrepreneurs,” said Michael Bugeja, Director of the Greenlee School. “She has terrific skills in all areas of organizational and public communication and will help faculty provide top-notch training for our students.”

Iverson brings 34 years of communications management experience in business, government and education to Greenlee’s advisory council. She has been a long-time supporter of her alma mater, and has served on various committees over the years.

Campbell Mithun has announced the appointment of new chief creative officer Heath Rudduck, formerly executive creative director at Digitas Boston region (includes offices in Detroit, Atlanta and Boston). Rudduck, a 20-year international industry veteran widely considered one of the founders of digital creativity in Australia, assumed Campbell Mithun’s top creative post today, January 5, 2011.

“Heath truly understands how communications are rapidly evolving and has a vision for how we move beyond campaigns to create more meaningful connections between brands and consumers,” said Rachael Marret, president and director of integrated client services. “In addition to his creative firepower and passion, Heath has a unique depth of technical knowledge, which fortifies our already strong ability to create rich consumer experiences that drive real business impact.”

Rudduck’s appointment marks the second phase of the agency’s recent acceleration toward a more digitally centric future, following its merger this past summer with digital leader MRM Worldwide (Minneapolis). Together Rudduck and Marret, as chief creative officer and president, respectively, now fill the vacancy created by the departure of former president and CCO Jonathan Hoffman in December 2009.

“I’m very excited to join a team that has embraced from top to tail the changes coming across the marketing landscape,” said Rudduck. “Campbell Mithun has infused technical innovation and creativity throughout the organization instead of merely adopting a ‘digital swagger’ to pacify onlookers.”

Rudduck brings to the agency a strong track record of managing creative output for digital, integrated and traditional accounts, while also proving himself a master at nurturing client relationships and delivering new business to the bottom line. His passion for brand storytelling fits squarely with Campbell Mithun’s own venerable brand-building reputation.

“One of the great things about Heath, we felt, was how much his leadership style and experience complement the talent in our creative department, especially executive creative director Reid Holmes,” said CEO Steve Wehrenberg. “In partnership, Heath and Reid will continue to deliver big ideas that make for our clients’ brands. And we want to thank Reid for his passionate stewardship of our creative department this past year.”

While at Digitas, Rudduck contributed to the high performance of the Boston region by helping land the Aflac account, double the P&G business, win Goodyear, and assist GMC and Buick with emerging from the post-bankruptcy landscape. Previously, he played digital leadership roles at Tribal DDB (Australia) and DDB Melbourne, as well as at Squib, Zivo and BBDO Interactive (Australia), all of which he also founded/co-founded. He earned his creative stripes as an art director for both Clemenger BBDO and Young & Rubicam.

Rudduck to host live-streamed Talkinar on February 16 at 1 pm CST
Rudduck will jump right in as Campbell Mithun’s creative chief by hosting a live interactive Talkinar conversation about digital creativity via the agency’s on February 16 at 1 pm CST. On event day, website visitors can watch the live-streamed video and participate by submitting comments/questions via the event’s chat feature or on Twitter (hashtag: #talkinar). To receive more information about the upcoming Talkinar, send an email to , including “send details” in the subject line. The February 16th Talkinar will be the second in a series of video-streamed digital conversations hosted by the agency.

The Minneapolis office of Weber Shandwick has named as executive vice president for business development and promoted Kelly DiGrado to executive vice president in the office’s finance and administration group.

Sands has been with the agency for 12 years and was previously executive vice president in the financial services practice. With 25 years of business-to-business and business-to-consumer communications experience, he has led and provided strategic counsel to many of the firm’s financial services and government clients, such as the IRS, H&R Block and U.S. Census Bureau – where he directed the public relations and partnership strategies for the 2010 Census integrated communications campaign. In his new role, Sands will work closely with each practice area to further build relationships and implement new strategies for approaching new business.

Currently, Sands is the chair of the board of directors of the Bloomington Chamber of Commerce. He is also a member of Minnesota PRSA and in 2006, completed the Public Relations Leadership Forum, sponsored by the Arthur W. Page Society and the Council of Public Relations Firms. Under his leadership, his account teams and clients have received industry recognition with SABRE awards, PRWeek awards and PRSA Bronze Anvil awards.

Since joining Weber Shandwick in 1988, DiGrado has grown into an executive leadership role, demonstrating not only her knowledge of the business, but also providing strategic advice and counsel. During her time with the agency, she has been involved with and overseen a variety of operations, including client reporting, budgets, forecasts, financial reporting and day-to-day accounting.

Currently, DiGrado serves on the board of directors and finance committee of St. Paul Regional Medical Center in Shakopee, Minn. She graduated with honors from the University of Minnesota with a bachelor of arts in business administration with an emphasis in financial management and a minor in economics.

Let your outstanding communications work shine among communicators statewide by entering it into IABC Minnesota’s 2011 Bronze Quill Awards competition. Practitioners in a range of organizations – agencies, corporations, government, nonprofits and solo businesses – representing numerous industries will compete to have their work judged as the best in one of the 27 categories in the following three communication divisions:

* Management – projects, programs or campaigns guided by strategy
* Skills – a variety of electronic and paper communication channels along with writing proficiency
* Creative – a showcase for creative talent and graphic design

Bronze Quill is open to IABC members and non-members. Winners will receive:

* A personalized Bronze Quill Award statue.
* If you’re an Award of Excellence winner, you have the chance to win the Pinnacle Award, which is awarded to the top scoring entry.
* Recognition during IABC Minnesota’s annual Bronze Quill Awards Celebration in May/June 2011.
* One half-price ticket to the awards ceremony.
* Access to electronic winner logo to use for promoting throughout the year.
* Recognition in the IABC Minnesota’s monthly online newsletter.

Get more information at mn.iabc.com

Nicolas Will has returned to OLSON as a creative director. He was most recently at Dolby Laboratories in San Francisco where he was a senior creative lead, helping the global tech leader launch its first-ever consumer campaign and expand its brand identity.


Nicolas, an oft-awarded creative, was a cofounder of YarnellWill, a San Francisco–based agency focused on non-traditional digital media, which merged with OLSON in 2007. He also helped launch Wexley School for Girls in New York, where he was a creative director for accounts including Microsoft and T-Mobile. Nicolas’s other client experience includes Nike, Xbox 360,

Capital One, Target, General Mills, Visa, Subaru, Con Agra, eBay, Shockwave, Budweiser, Porsche, American Standard and IBM.

“Nicolas is an awesome next-generation thinker,” says Tom Fugleberg, Executive Creative Director, OLSON. “He’s truly a hybrid—he has a strong base in digital, but is able to holistically lead major pieces of business. It’s great to have his talents back at OLSON.”

“Joining OLSON in Minneapolis was a simple choice for me,” says Nicolas Will, new OLSON creative director. “Execution is king and no one knows how to connect with brands and deliverbetter than OLSON. Pair that with quite possibly one of the most modest, bright and egoless creative groups in the business and you’ve found yourself a recipe for a wonderful brand connection agency.”

I thought it might be interesting to write something about what happened in 2010, but so many people have covered it I decided to just post a summary of the coverage. Here's my summary of the current conversations feel free to offer your own take:

Here is a wrapup of the greatest hits of 2010.

2010's worst media gaffes.

The Top 10 Everything of 2010

5 Social Projects That Tanked In 2010

YouTube’s Most-Viewed Ads of 2010 

Top 10 biggest social media stories of 2010

Predicting what to expect in 2011 is not as easy as reflecting on the past, but I think there are several things that will define 2011.

First, Search Engine Optimization (SEO) will continue to increase in importance as corporations demand more metrics on their online marketing efforts. Competition between , and Bing will grow and understanding how that impacts SEO will be important.

Second, I think we will see mobile applications continue to grow as 4G networks become more prevalent, battery life improves on phones and location based programs like Foursquare continue to develop.

Finally, if I was a student I would look at Paper.li as a way to promote myself and better define my capabilities. With Paper.li you can turn your Twitter stream into a kind of daily newspaper to constantly update an aggregated news flow.

As always, I welcome your observations and comments below.