When: Thursday, March 10, 2011
Time: 5:30pm to 8:00pm

Cost: FREE for Members / $15 Non-Members / $5 Students

Location: Periscope

Minneapolis, Minnesota 55415

Big paying clients aren't the only clients within the walls of an advertising agency. It's time to call attention to the strategic and challenging work between ad agencies and local non-profits. Periscope invites you to a happy hour event which will include an informative presentation in the Periscope photo studio, delightful social opportunity and an optional tour of the agency.

Periscope, one of the leading private Midwestern advertising agencies, will head up the discussion about some recent non-profit work. The snacks and beverages will leave you feeling good, and the non-profit conversations will leave you feeling even better. See you there!

Ad Fed and Ad2 Happy Hour at Periscope
Thursday, March 10, 2011
5:30pm to 8:00pm



or contact the Ad Fed office at .

Mobile Marketing | hosted by Boston Scientific + OLSON
Is this the year of mobile marketing? Each year seems to be the year of mobile marketing as the industry continues to evolve. And last year was no exception with mobile advertising being the fastest-growing advertising channel. This speaker session will provide insights to the current state of mobile marketing and provide examples of companies who are using it well. Learn and be inspired on how mobile marketing can fit with your marketing communications.

Thursday, March 3, 6–8 p.m.
Boston Scientific | Arden Hills Campus
|


Click here for more information and to register.

If you intend to maintain – or perhaps even increase – your marketing spend in the coming year, be ready to prove its effectiveness. Organizations large and small are taking a closer look at how they invest their dollars, making it imperative for you to justify the value of every one of your programs. On March 15, 2011 the Minnesota chapter of the Business Marketing Association (BMA-Minnesota) will host a lively panel discussion on how to measure the value and effectiveness of marketing communications.

The panel will feature Cargill’s, Ann Ness, vice president, corporate brand management; Padilla Speer Beardsley’s Matt Kucharski, senior vice president; and Honeywell’s Dan Joyce, global director, Automation Control Solutions. Together the panelist will:

• Discuss measurement best practices used at Cargill, Honeywell and a variety of other organizations
• Debate pros and cons of various marketing methods
•  Show sample dashboards and helpful tools for measuring programs

The event will be held on Tuesday, March 15, 2011, at the Metropolitan Ballroom in Golden Valley, Minn. Registration and breakfast will begin at 7:30 a.m., followed by the program from 8 to 9 a.m.

The cost of the event is $30 for BMA members and $45 for non-members. Attendees can register online at http://www.bmaminnesota.org/ through March 11, 2011. There will be a limited number of walk-up registrations are available.

OLSON announces today that it has hired Dennis Ryan to lead its creative efforts as Chief Creative Officer, a new position.

“Dennis emerged quickly as a favorite in OLSON’s CCO search. He has a sophisticated and polished creative sensibility, yet he embraces next-generation creativity,” says Kevin DiLorenzo, CEO, OLSON. “He has done the Super Bowl spots and the high-profile campaigns for blue-chip clients, but he understands the industry is now about much more. Dennis is a big believer in OLSON, where many disciplines are working together to blur the lines of creativity. And we were lucky to discover him just as he was exploring and writing about what’s next in this industry.”

The oft-awarded Ryan joins OLSON from Chicago’s Element 79, where he was partner and chief creative officer, elevating the agency’s national creative reputation. During his illustrious career, he has also served as executive creative director at JWT, working on Dell, Blockbuster and every last variety of Kraft cheese, along with heading JWT’s international creative council. Before that, he spent his first 13 working years at DDB, leading major clients like Budweiser, Bud Light, Frito-Lay and Discover Card. Beyond industry awards, Dennis takes great pride that his work has been featured on Dick Clark’s World’s Funniest Commercials (available on Betamax and VHS). He holds a degree in art and English from the University of Notre Dame.

Dennis Ryan will be relocating to Minneapolis, but during the next year, he will be spending one day a week helping to drive integration at OLSON’s Chicago office.

“I can’t think of a more exciting creative job right now than mashing up really smart marketing specialties into new brand ideas at OLSON,” says Dennis Ryan, Chief Creative Officer, OLSON. “In a time of real change in our industry, OLSON is doing so many things right—its focus on connections and emphasis on anthropology perfectly match today’s socially networked world.”

Carmichael Lynch recently added four new employees to its talented staff, including Anne Flavin, Stephanie Gorsh, Betsy Kalgren and Heather Winchell.

has taken on the role of account leader for Newell Rubbermaid. Previously, Flavin was an account manager at Fallon and also held similar positions at Campbell Mithun. Flavin earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in strategic communications from the University of Wisconsin, Madison.

has been named senior planner, and will work on clients FirstEnergy and Newell Rubbermaid. Gorsh previously served as a promotional manager for the portable electronics team at Best Buy in Richfield. She has a degree in public relations and marketing from St. Ambrose University in Davenport, Iowa.

Betsy Kalgren has joined as an account representative for Newell Rubbermaid. Previously she served as a marketing specialist for men’s clothing and in-store marketing at Target. She received her bachelor’s degree in communication studies from the University of Minnesota. In her spare time she is an active member in Big Brothers and Big Sisters of the Greater Twin Cities.

has been named senior project manager for Subaru. Prior to joining Carmichael Lynch, Winchell was a senior account manager at Mojo Solot in St. Paul. She graduated with an emphasis in advertising from the University of Minnesota’s School of Journalism and Mass Communication.

Rose McKinney, APR, president of Risdall McKinney Public Relations (RMPR), began a three-year term as a member of the Universal Accreditation Board (UAB) on January 11, 2011.

The UAB is the leading certification body for public relations professionals. Comprised of nine public relations associations, the UAB administers the process for becoming Accredited in Public Relations (APR).

“Accreditation is a mark of distinction for public relations professionals which demonstrates their expertise, knowledge and commitment to the profession,” said McKinney. “As an industry, we’ve reached a cross-road where the value conveyed by accreditation has been never been more critical. I am thrilled to be able to contribute to advancing this significant achievement in a PR professional’s career.”

As a member of the UAB, McKinney will work to develop and implement policies for the program and exam, review appeal cases, and promote the APR as an important merit among public relations practitioners.

Annual Academy Awards, to be held February 27, will feature the best glitz, glamour and filmmaking talent that Hollywood has to offer. But the Oscars also feature a hefty price tag for advertisers: $1.7 million for a 30 second spot. The ADD or DELETE initiative (created by Haberman, a Minneapolis media + marketing firm) is seeking submissions of the advertising or marketing campaigns that ADD the most value during the Academy Awards, via the
 

February marks the eighth year of the MNPR Blog. When I started blogging it was a foreign concept to many in the PR Profession. In fact this blog was the sixth PR blog in the world.

When I created the MNPR Blog, I was doing it as much for my personal development as professional development. There have been times where I have considered throwing in the towel, but I am glad that I have kept it going.

In the last eight years I have never asked my readers for anything, but today that changes. I have applied for a position as a Communications and Social Media Manager at Honeywell. I am convinced that this position is the one I have been waiting for. Now all I need to do is convince Honeywell that I am the one for the job.

That is where you come in. Today I am launching a campaign on Twitter. My hope is that you will help me Tweet and ReTweet posts on why Honeywell should hire me.

You can help me by Tweeting  a message including and , posting a recommendation on my , commenting below or sending me an e-mail -  and I will post it to my #HireMeHoneywell landing page.

http://www.mnprjobs.com/2011/02/hill-rom-marketing-intern.html

Fast Horse is hosting a party – a – on Feb. 24 and we want you to join us.
At Fast Horse, we’re big on helping our peers in the marketing community grow and develop professionally. Selfishly, we love the idea of cultivating great new talent. But we also know it’s important to give back. After all, none of us got where we are on our own.

That’s why we created , our Facebook page that’s designed to be a virtual informational interview of sorts – offering a peek at what it’s like to be at Fast Horse, sharing a bit of the diverse work we do and answering questions from job seekers (seeking work here or elsewhere).
That’s why we make time to do informational interviews with talented candidates who fit our integrated marketing approach – strong writers, social media strategists, graphic designers, sports marketing brains, Web developers and more.

That’s why we started our ongoing Intern-For-A-Day series to give bright young stars a chance to shine and get some real hands-on experience.
And that’s why we’re glad to host the first-ever face-to-face HAPPO event.
HAPPO – Help A PR Pro Out – was started a year ago this month by co-founders Arik Hanson and . Though the world of HAPPO includes a , , website and more, it’s best known for the on Twitter that’s used to track conversations about professional development and job openings in PR, marketing and other corners of corporate communications.

On Feb. 24, HAPPO makes the leap from the digital world to the real world with a series of simultaneous events across the country. In partnership with our friend Arik Hanson, Fast Horse is pleased to host the Minneapolis installment of this great series.

What is it? The HAPPO Hour chat will be one part Twitter chat and one part in-person networking event. It’ll take place at from 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 24. (Eight similar events will take place at the same time around the country.)

What can I expect? Great informal networking. Free drinks and light munchies. Opportunities to get feedback on your résumé, glean some interviewing tips or learn a bit about what agency life is like. You might even meet your next boss!

Who should come? 1) Anyone who’s interested in any corner of the marketing, PR and corporate communication world – designers, interactive types, event marketing specialists, media relations pros… 2) Anyone who aspires to be one of those things. 3) Anyone who hopes to meet and potential hire one of those people.

What’s up with the Twitter chat? Whether you’re at the in-person HAPPO Hour event or you just wish you could be, you can follow along with the professional-development and career-advancement-themed discussion on Twitter, as well. Follow along and participate by using the .

So what do I need to do? and show up at Fast Horse on Feb. 24!

Price: $30 for a team of 4 with no PRSA or SPJ members; $20 for a team of 4 with at least one PRSA or SPJ member; $10 for individuals

Registration: Click here.

The Twitter hashtag is #MeetMingle and .

For more information about the participating organizations, visit: http://www.mnprsa.com/ or http://www.mnspj.org/. This event is a partnership of Minnesota PRSA and the Minnesota Society of Professional Journalists.

As the nation’s economy continues to recover, a growing number of small businesses like Minneapolis-based SCHERMER are forecasting significant financial gains in 2011. Recognized nationally as a top business-to-business branding and marketing agency, SCHERMER finished 2010 earning nearly $4 million in total revenue – and doubling its gross profit from the previous year.

The agency was recently ranked on fastest growing companies list, earning No. 54 on the list of Minneapolis companies. SCHERMER president, , credits the growth and profitability to increased branding and interactive initiatives, and less reliance on traditional print media revenue.

Schermer creative director, , sees continued growth in 2011 being driven by companies wanting the agency’s unique B2B branding expertise and creative, content and digital capabilities. “Today’s B2B companies need to create content, provide tools, and deliver brand experiences that engage and enable people. There’s no boundary between a customer’s marketing, operations and service experience.”

DBA – SCHERMER
Formerly branded Schermer Kuehl, the agency is now doing business as SCHERMER. The agency has been privately held by Mr. Schermer since 2007, when his former business partner exited the business. The name change coincides with the 15th anniversary of the company’s incorporation and according to Mr. Schermer, reflects a past change in ownership and a future state of growth and evolution.

The name change is one of many highlights punctuating the agency’s 2010 success:

• Added five new business accounts, including two Fortune 1000 clients
• A 20% increase in gross agency revenue
• A 100% increase in gross agency profit
• Doubled its creative, account and administrative staff

New Clients Driving Future Growth
In 2010, SCHERMER secured Agency of Record and Marcom partnerships with several multinational businesses that span the retail, technology, manufacturing and data warehousing industries.

• Best Buy for Business, the small business segment of Fortune 50 retailer Best Buy. SCHERMER has served as the company’s AOR since 2007, and retained the business following a national review in 2010.

• Teradata, a Fortune 1000 data warehousing and analytics company retained SCHERMER as its Brand Agency in September 2010 following a national review.

• GN ReSound, a Danish hearing aid company, named SCHERMER the company’s North American Marketing Agency in October after a local review.

• Ideas, a SAS company, considered the premier provider of hotel revenue management solutions engaged SCHERMER as its brand and marcom agency.

• , a world leader in card personalization systems. SCHERMER became the company’s primary Marcom Agency partner early in 2010.

Agency Fills Key Positions; Doubles Staff
The growth from these new accounts created a need to add new talent and expertise. Over the past year, SCHERMER increased its staff by 100%, including; Phil Hoch, Creative Director; Matt Henry and Dan Stefaniak, Senior Account Managers; Kevin Freidberg, Senior Copywriter; and Frederic Le Bail, Senior Art Director. To accommodate the anticipated growth from its new clients, the agency plans to increase its talent by 25 percent within the first quarter.

After building communities inside and outside of OLSON for 14 years, Tom Fugleberg moves from his role as executive creative director to become chief brand officer for the fast-growing agency, a new position.

During Fugleberg’s tenure, OLSON has earned nearly every advertising creative accolade, but he's particularly proud of helping the agency bring home more than 20 EFFIES – the industry's highest honor, recognizing marketing effectiveness.

“Tom has long been responsible for leading the agency’s creative direction and development of client work, blurring the lines between disciplines like interactive, one-to-one, public relations and advertising, and crafting our holistic model that is fast becoming the agency of the future,” says Kevin DiLorenzo, OLSON president and CEO. “And now, as we grow into what’s next, we’ve entrusted him as the keeper of the flame of our own very important brand, OLSON.”

"This is a defining moment in our company's history, and one we've been working toward for some time,” says Tom Fugleberg, OLSON chief brand officer. “To make the OLSON brand my sole focus, and to be able to hand the reins of creative leadership over to someone who’s going to kick things to eleven, is a great privilege. I'm proud to be part of a company that does what it needs to do to become better every day, and I’m ready for this incredible new chapter for OLSON.”

As Tom Fugleberg transitions to his new role, a nationwide search is underway for OLSON’s first-ever chief creative officer.

Tom joined OLSON in 1997, sharing his time between creative and account services. He worked extremely hard to grow the agency, and in turn his career. He eventually shifted his focus full time to creative and worked his way to the top as the agency’s ECD. During this time, he also helped small clients grow into big brands, and now has the opportunity to work on major brands like Target, General Mills, Bauer Hockey, PepsiCo, Capital One and Fifth Third Bank. He was recognized by the Minneapolis-St. Paul Business Journal as a 2009 40 Under Forty award recipient, which spotlights some of the region’s most talented and successful young leaders.

d/b/a Westinghouse Solar (Nasdaq:WEST), the leading manufacturer of alternating-current (AC) solar panels, has selected Carmichael Lynch Spong as its public relations agency of record.

Westinghouse has been at the forefront of developing safe electrical products that bring comfort and convenience to the home for more than 100 years. Today, Westinghouse Solar manufactures the award-winning Westinghouse Solar Power System that delivers the dependability, reliability and sleek design that homeowners and small business owners require.

The company continues to expand its distribution, ending 2010 with 135 dealers in 34 states and Canada. Its products also are available through 1,700 Lowe’s home improvement stores across the U.S.

“Carmichael Lynch Spong is the best partner for Westinghouse Solar on many levels,” says Barry Cinnamon, CEO of Westinghouse Solar. “The agency’s values and strong commitment to sustainability mesh extremely well with our company philosophy. They also have extensive media relations and home and building products experience, which will serve us well in our goal to build consumer awareness.”

“Westinghouse Solar offers a highly reliable solar power system, backed by a brand consumers know and trust,” says Julie Batliner, managing director of Carmichael Lynch Spong. “Westinghouse Solar’s efforts to help consumers select a clean, renewable technology that can save them hundreds of thousands of dollars over the life of the system fits well with our firm’s commitment to be the greenest agency in America.”

Carmichael Lynch Spong has earned the title as the greenest agency in America, offering a LEED-qualified work space that runs exclusively on wind-sourced power.

The firm was recently named Overall Leader in Corporate Social Responsibility Practices by PR News, a leading trade publication among communicators.

Local ad agency Campbell Mithun will host a live-streamed online conversation about how marketers can create Empathetic Brands in today’s Web 3.0 world. Three agency leaders will discuss with online participants how Empathetic Brands deliver heaps of value in real time because they naturally know, understand, and anticipate consumer needs. Guests will watch the conversation via live-streamed video and participate via online chat or #talkinar on Twitter.

Topic: Empathetic Brands: Delivering Value to Empowered Consumers

Date: Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Time: 1-2 pm (CT)

View invitation / register: http://bit.ly/TalkCM

To participate: On event day, click the Talkinar link on www.cmithun.com

Discussion Leaders:

Heath Rudduck, chief creative officer, could talk your ear off about his passion for big organizing ideas and untapped creative possibilities. He hails from Australia, has worked around the globe, and landed in January (hallelujah) at Campbell Mithun.

Rachael Marret, president and director of integrated client services, oversees the integration of digital capabilities throughout client services, technology and production.

Sean O’Brien, director of technology and innovation, develops (literally) solutions to power consumer-and-brand engagement. He’s a cross-platform architect and creator of rich social and mobile applications for the presentation layer as well. Cool stuff.

Phi Delta Theta, an international fraternity with 165 active chapters in 41 states and five Canadian provinces, has selected Pocket Hercules, a Minneapolis-based brand marketing firm to build a new brand architecture for the Phi Delta Theta brand.

Based in Oxford, Ohio, across the street from the campus of Miami University of Ohio where it was founded in 1848, Phi Delta Theta serves more than 235,000 members and 160,000 living alumni. Phi Delta Theta members have included international business leaders of Fortune 500 corporations and major nonprofits, national public office holders, influential journalists, and entertainers. One of its most famous alum includes astronaut Neil Armstrong, who took a Phi Delta Theta pin with him when he became the first person to walk on the Moon.

Pocket Hercules is assisting Phi Delta Theta with redeveloping its brand in light of one of the greatest growth spurts in the history of the 163-year-old fraternity. A growth spurt that Scott Mietchen, the Fraternity’s General Council President, says is due to its groundbreaking decision made by this Greek fraternal organization more than 10 years ago, when it decided to eliminate alcohol from its chapter houses across North America.

“Phi Delta Theta chose to return the focus of the Fraternity to its founding principles in the face of growing concerns and evidence concerning alcohol abuse (and related problems) on college campuses across the country,” said Jack Supple, managing director of Pocket Hercules, “They made the tough decision to do the right thing and to blaze a new trail for college fraternities. Ten years later, Phi Delta Theta is stronger than ever offering its members a unique fraternal experience that emphasizes academic performance, lifetime fellowship, and values-based leadership -- all the ingredients that young men need to succeed and live with integrity in today’s complex world.”

Pocket Hercules’ work will include developing a new brand platform and provide the strategic direction to communicate the new Phi Delta Theta brand across multiple media platforms, including traditional, social and mobile media. The new brand platform will be essential for Phi Delta Theta to accelerate membership growth and continue to reconnect with alumni.

“The intent of focusing our brand is to capture the spirit of today’s Phi Delta Theta,” added Mietchen. “There’s a huge demand for the type of values-based, leadership-driven fraternity experience that we offer. We believe Pocket Hercules, which has a track record of branding for enthusiast groups, has the strategic and creative energy to help us communicate the essence of who we are and what we stand
for.”

Join Minnesota Woman in Marketing and Communications for a night of mixing and mingling with women in the marketing and communications industry at McGovern's Pub. We'll play an interactive networking game to "break the ice" in hopes that everyone will make a lasting connection, or two! Non-members are welcome to attend.

Event Information:
Thursday, February 17
6:00 pm–8:00 pm

Patrick McGovern's Pub



Cost:

MWMC members:
$10.00
Nonmembers:
$15.00
Full-time Student MWMC Members:
$5.00

Register at www.mnwc.org today!

The Minnesota chapter of the Business Marketing Association (BMA) is pleased to announce the additional of three new members to its board of directors: Bonnie Hanson, Deluxe Corp., Daniel Joyce, Honeywell and Ron Michalak, DCM Services. The additions reflect continued growth of the organization among both agency and corporate business-to-business marketing professionals in the
Twin Cities.

“We’re no longer a ‘newcomer,’ and we’ve proven ourselves to be a valuable resource to the Twin Cities business-to-business marketing community,” said Chris Schermer, president, BMA–Minnesota. “I’m proud of what the chapter has accomplished in such a short time. With the addition of Bonnie (Hanson), Daniel (Joyce) and Ron (Michalak) to our board, we further strengthen our ability to deliver value.”

Now in its third year, BMA–Minnesota is the only organization in Minnesota dedicated solely to the professional development of business-to-business executives, marketers and communicators. The chapter currently boasts more than 110 members and provided business-to-business specific programming to more than 400 individuals in 2010 making it one of the strongest in the nation.

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

Members of BMA–Minnesota's 2011 Board of Directors are:

• President — Chris Schermer, Schermer
• Treasurer — Steve Bunnell, ThermoFisher Scientific
• Communications Vice President — Eva Keiser, Risdall McKinney Public Relations
• Membership Vice President —Ron Michalak, DCM Services
• Professional Development Vice President — Heidi Wight, Padilla Speer Beardsley

Directors — Bonnie Hanson, Deluxe Corp.; Amy Hubler, independent consultant;
Daniel Joyce, Honeywell; Jane Payfer, Ergotron; Ann McQuire, 3M; Michelle Siebert,
Propel Communications; and Nick Wassenberg, EG Insights.

For additional information about BMA–Minnesota and upcoming programming, please
visit www.bmaminnesota.org.

The Minneapolis office of today announced the promotions of Chad Ballantyne, Ellen Hudson and Johnna Vogelbacher to senior account executives in its Consumer Marketing practice.

joined Weber Shandwick in 2008, and has provided account support and expertise in the areas of brand building, reputation management, new product launches and digital communications for a wide range of clients, including Polaroid, Verizon, the U.S Army and Amway. Most recently, Ballantyne’s focus has been on developing and managing a global media monitoring program and assisting in the creation of multi-national strategic communications programs for Amway and its health and beauty brands. He holds a bachelor of arts degree in communication studies and minors in management and mass communications from the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities.

Since joining Weber Shandwick in June 2008, Ellen Hudson has applied her media relations and strategic thinking skills to help insurance industry clients raise awareness about the teen driving issue, managing complex events and earning favorable media coverage to reach teen and adult audiences alike. She also played key roles in government accounts including the U.S. Army’s Racing team and the 2010 U.S. Census Road Tour. Hudson holds a bachelor of arts degree in journalism from the University of St. Thomas, with a public relations and communication studies concentration.

joined the Consumer Marketing practice in 2008 and brings additional agricultural expertise to the Farm and Food Advocacy group. She played a key role in the publicity campaign for Syngenta Seeds’ new Agrisure Viptera trait, including helping launch an agronomy blog that won first place at the regional awards ceremony of the National Agri Marketers Association. She also supports local media relations efforts and campaigns for Kemps. Vogelbacher holds a bachelor of arts degree in journalism and political science from the University of St. Thomas.

Risdall Marketing Group (RMG) kicked off its 39th year of continuous operation with five new client engagements and a major expansion to its core capabilities. The addition of crisis communications and communications management guru Jim Lukaszewski, ABC, APR, Fellow PRSA, expands the agency’s ability to protect as well as build a company’s brand and reputation.

“As we enter 2011, the energy and excitement about the future is higher than it has ever been,” said John Risdall, vice chairman and CEO of RMG. “We’re growing on all fronts — from crisis communication to digital marketing and traditional advertising. But more importantly, we’re bringing these capabilities together to provide clients with integrated programs that deliver results.

Led by Jim Lukaszewski, The Lukaszewski Group, a new division of Minneapolis PR firm Risdall McKinney Public Relations, will focus on crisis communications, communications management consulting, contentious corporate and community scenarios and senior executive counseling. Lukaszewski worked previously with RMG (then Risdall Advertising Agency) on client projects from 1976 to 1982.

“The capabilities that Jim brings to the agency are a great complement to our integrated offline and online programs,” said Risdall. “Our clients now feel secure in knowing that we’re here to not only build their brands but also to protect their reputations. Additionally, the clients that Jim brings with him to the agency will now have at their disposal a full suite of marketing strategies.”

In addition to the confidential client roster Lukaszewski brings to Risdall, the agency added the following clients in January:

• Katun Corporation – Website development
• LifeScience Alley – Email marketing and e-newsletter development
• Management Compensation Resources – Brand messaging and public relations
• Minnesota Angel Network – Website development
• Minnesota History Center – Public relations support of “The 1968 Exhibit”

Robert Koski has been named digital strategist at public relations agency Carmichael Lynch Spong. In this new role he is responsible for providing digital leadership and guidance for the agency. He will be working across holistic teams to develop digital strategies that connect audience needs with core business objectives.

Koski comes to Carmichael Lynch Spong from StoneArch Creative in Minneapolis, where he served as Interactive Strategist. While there, he developed and managed digital programs and tactics for a variety of clients. Prior to that, he was the director of interactive solutions at Hanley Wood, also in Minneapolis. There, he managed staff on the interactive team and was heavily involved in the creation of multi-channel marketing solutions.

“Digital is inherent in everything we do,” says Julie Batliner, managing director for the firm. “Robert’s expertise in the digital space will assist us in including creative and strategic online strategies for our clients. We are happy to have him on board.”

In his spare time, Koski is a member of the Minnesota Interactive Marketing Association and attends many other interactive and social media events around the Twin Cities.

Koski received his Bachelor of Arts degree in finance and marketing from Central Michigan University in Mount Pleasant, Mich. He received his master’s degree from Lake Superior State University.

The Minnesota Interactive Marketing Association (MIMA) announces
that Teressa Iezzi, editor of Advertising Age’s Creativity magazine will be speaking at the February 2011 monthly event on February 16, 2011 at the Nicollet Island Pavilion in Minneapolis.

Teressa will talk from her recently published book, The Idea Writer: Copywriting In A New Media andMarketing Era about how the digital age has transformed copywriters as inventors and the advertising business into the business of invention.

“Teressa is one of the most influential voices in the advertising and design industries today. We’re excited to have her share her wisdom about the new role content creators play in creating brand narratives. She'll be sharing lots of keen insights and observations around the state of advertising creative, especially digital.

Anyone working in the creative and marketing industry in the Twin Cities should definitely attend this event.” said Tim Brunelle, MIMA president.

This year's monthly programming has been made possible due to the generosity of our corporate partners and sponsors. We welcome our Gold Sponsors: Celarity; Silver Sponsors: Larsen and Azul7; and Bronze Sponsors: Silverpop, Plaudit Design, Evantage Consulting, Weber Shandwick, and True Talent Group.

Register at www.mima.org today.

Azul 7 has hired as lead digital architect.

“Andrew brings an impressive history of leadership in user centered research, interactive strategy, design, and usability making him a key addition to our agency,” said Lisa Helminiak, principal of Azul 7. “His extensive history as a thought leader grounded in user centric design make him a key addition to the team which will further position Azul 7 as innovators in the digital space.”

Korf brings more than 15 years of experience with noteworthy digital advertising and online interactive companies to Azul 7. In his new position, Korf will be responsible for providing leadership in helping clients enhance and extend their brands through research, strategy and design.

Previously, Korf was senior user experience designer with Space 150, a digital advertising agency that specializes in branding, strategy and product development for enterprise engagements. He also has served as principal at Doctype Design and Technology Group and as lead user experience designer at Carmichael Lynch. Additionally, Korf served as user experience director at FUN Technologies, leading providers of online and interactive casual and fantasy sports games and sports information, and as interactive art director at Fanball.com.

Korf earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Applied Design from the University of Minnesota.

Azul 7 has hired as marketing and business development director.

“Christina has a history of developing creative and successful new business strategies,” said Lisa Helminiak, principal at Azul 7. “We are excited to have her as part of our team and she fits perfectly with our agency evolution plans.”

Jackson brings more than 20 years of experience with several noteworthy advertising and marketing agencies to Azul 7. In her new position, Jackson will be responsible for leading Azul 7’s efforts to build new and existing client relationships. Jackson also will serve on the executive and management teams.

Previously, Jackson was president at Rocket Design Resources, a professional services company that provides insights, information and resources to designers and design-focused businesses and organizations. She recently served as president of AIGA Minnesota, and as marketing director for Catalyst Studios. Jackson also devoted eight years to Aquent, a global creative staffing agency, as the marketing director of strategic alliances.

Jackson earned a Master of Arts degree in Publications Design from the University of Baltimore and a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from Anderson University.

Minneapolis-based OLSON is acquiring Toronto, Canada–based MyThum to create OLSON mobile, an industry-leading mobile marketing discipline that will serve clients across North America. MyThum’s agency business is now known as OLSON mobile.

MyThum is a 30-person full-service mobile marketing agency that connects brands to communities through mobile devices. Through proprietary technology, access to wireless networks and deep understanding of how people use mobile devices, the company develops and executes mobile strategies for clients to engage, interact and build lasting relationships.

MyThum’s co-founder Michael Carter will serve as the discipline’s new president, and will remain based in the agency’s Toronto office. Together, the new OLSON mobile boasts a combined client list in Canada and the U.S. that includes existing OLSON clients such as Target, Capital One and Bauer Hockey, and MyThum clients like MolsonCoors, Live Nation, Ontario Lottery Group, Ford, Atlantic Lottery Corporation and Sony.

This is the first international acquisition for OLSON, and comes on the heels of the agency’s December 2010 acquisition of Dig Communications. The purchase is the latest move in OLSON’s vision to create the agency of the future—a holistic agency that provides a wide set of solutions to clients, yet offers deep vertical expertise for those looking to specialize.

“Mobile devices are no longer the third screen, they have become the first. And they’re the only screen we carry with us everywhere,” says Kevin DiLorenzo, president and CEO, OLSON. “When you look at all of OLSON’s capabilities today, mobile is a critical component of each, and that will only be more so in the future.”

“We searched for a world-class mobile partner, and found it in Toronto with MyThum, one of the leading mobile agencies in North America. We were impressed by the team, and by its innovative and hard-working client efforts,” adds DiLorenzo. “MyThum is a smart company, and a great cultural fit for OLSON. We are looking forward to having OLSON mobile on board to fortify our services and enhance mobile opportunities for our clients.”

“MyThum was ready to accelerate its growth, and this opportunity came at a great time. We are looking forward to combining efforts with OLSON,” says Michael Carter, co-founder of MyThum and new president of OLSON’s mobile discipline. “We are delighted to be part of this outstanding agency and look forward to being the architects of groundbreaking digital programs for clients—present and future.

MyThum also operates a successful Canadian gateway business that connects text messaging applications to Canadian wireless operator networks for various third-party clients. That business will retain the MyThum brand.

Dale Carnegie Minnesota, the #1 Dale Carnegie team in North America and #3 in the World, has chosen Minneapolis-based Maccabee Group as its public relations agency to assist with corporate communications, social media marketing and media relations.

Named one of “Best Places to Work” in Minnesota, Edina-based Dale Carnegie Minnesota provides performance-based leadership training focused on giving businesspeople the opportunity to sharpen their skills to build positive, steady and profitable results.

Carmichael Lynch recently hired four new professionals, including Elizabeth Charron, Laura Coyle, Sarah Kruse and AnneMarie Rooney.

“We are pleased to welcome these four professionals to Carmichael Lynch,” says Mike Lescarbeau, CEO, Carmichael Lynch. “Each of them has a rich background in the industry, and we’re excited that they’ll be helping to create brand devotion for our clients.”

has been named senior project manager. Prior to joining Carmichael Lynch, Charron was a senior account executive at Leo Burnett in Chicago, where she worked on the Proctor & Gamble, McDonald’s and BlackBerry accounts. Charron is a graduate of the University of Kentucky, where she double-majored in integrated strategic communications and Spanish.

has been named senior digital producer. Coyle previously served as a senior project manager for the digital group at Fallon in Minneapolis. She then changed careers and worked for Peterson Milla Hooks as an art buyer for Target. Coyle has an English degree from the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul.

has been named senior brand planner for Subaru. Most recently, Kruse was a senior planner at DDB and has also held similar positions at Element79 Partners and Leo Burnett. Kruse earned her bachelor of arts degree in American studies with a minor in art history from Dickinson College in Carlisle, Pa. She received her MBA in marketing from the University of Iowa in Iowa City, Iowa.

has been named assistant digital engagement planner. Prior to joining Carmichael Lynch, Rooney worked as the environmental sciences intern for Padilla Speer Beardsley. She’s also served as an intern for a music marketing company in London, called Wild-UK. Rooney earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in strategic communications with a minor in business management from the University of Minnesota.

After 25 years in New York operating The Lukaszewski Group Inc., crisis communications and communications management guru Jim Lukaszewski, ABC, APR, Fellow PRSA, has returned to Minnesota and joined Risdall McKinney Public Relations (RMPR) as president of its new division, The Lukaszewski Group (TLG).


The Lukaszewski Group division will focus on crisis communications, communications management consulting, contentious corporate and community scenarios and senior executive counseling. RMPR will provide additional counsel and strategic implementation.

“Jim’s practice is very much aligned with our agency’s brand-reputation philosophy and Results-that-Matter approach,” said Rose McKinney, APR, president, RMPR. “His depth of experience and expertise complements our integrated offline and online programs.”

Lukaszewski advises, coaches and counsels the leaders of large corporations and organizations facing serious internal and external problems. Considered by many in the PR profession to be a top American crisis communication expert, his counsel has built Lukaszewski a reputation as the “expert to call when all hell breaks loose,” (Corporate Legal Times) and a “crunch-time counselor who should be on the speed dial in a crisis” (PRWeek).

“A gifted counselor and strategist, Jim is an exceptional mentor and a tremendous asset to the PR and business community both in the Twin Cities and at a national level,” said McKinney. “He and the e911.com website are a highly regarded brand.”

The range of problems Lukaszewski advises clients about is broad, from significant bankruptcies of major institutions, to product recalls, to medical malpractice and scientific misconduct, and civil and criminal litigation. Lukaszewski also advises government agencies, leaders in succession scenarios, and has health care and utility clients in 35 states and Canada.

A prolific speaker and author, Lukaszewski’s latest book, “Why Should the Boss Listen to You, The Seven Disciplines of The Trusted Strategic Advisor,” has become a ‘must read’ for public relations, human resources, finance, security, planning and all staff functions that advise senior operation executives. His next book is due out later this year.

He is also a familiar face and voice within the industry to the thousands of participants who attend his public and in-house professional development presentations, programs, seminars, workshops, teleseminars, and webinars. His programs for the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) and Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) have been attended by thousands of participants.

After developing an award-winning campaign for the Minnesota launch of the “Vatican Splendors” exhibit in 2009, Risdall McKinney Public Relations (RMPR) and the Minnesota History Center are once again joining forces – this time for the national launch of the much anticipated “1968 Exhibit.”

Robert Prevost has been named senior counselor in the Minneapolis office of public relations firm Carmichael Lynch Spong. Prevost will provide strategic guidance for client Trane® as well as the firm’s health related clients.

Prevost is no stranger to Carmichael Lynch Spong. He was a senior associate for the agency from 1999 to 2003, working with former clients Harley-Davidson and Maytag, and long-term current clients Cargill Salt and Rapala. Most recently, he served as the public relations manager at North Memorial Health Care and in his seven years there, directed media relations for North Memorial’s expanding health care system and was responsible for leading strategic efforts to support business growth.

“We are excited to have Robert back at Carmichael Lynch Spong,” says Julie Batliner, managing director for the firm. “Robert has a great combination of agency and corporate experience to offer the team. While we know Robert well from his past work with us, he is coming back to us even more experienced and bringing new insight from his recent work on a holistic, strategic team in the health sector.”

Prevost is an active member in the Society for Healthcare Strategy and Market Development. He served as a committee member for the Next Generation Task Force and has presented at its national conference.

Prevost received his Bachelor of Science degree in mass communications from North Dakota State University and his MBA from the University of St. Thomas.