The Minneapolis office of today announced the promotions of Andy Keith and Greg Swan to vice presidents in its Digital Communications practice.

joined the firm in April 2008, and has been an invaluable resource for clients and colleagues alike on integrating interactive and social media strategies into their campaigns. Keith has more than 15 years of experience with online media, including Web marketing, corporate blogging and e-learning, and is a leader in digital strategy design and implementation.

Keith plans and leads the execution of the digital element of the U.S. Treasury’s Go Direct campaign, helping recipients of Social Security and other federal benefits to understand the value of direct deposit through online communication and an accessible and understandable web presence. As the digital strategy lead for major clients including the American College of Surgeons and a big four accounting firm, he also provides ongoing counsel on establishing thought leadership through website design, clear online data presentation and search engine optimization.

“Andy has a systemic understanding of B2B marketing and a mastery over social media,” says David Krejci, senior vice president of the Digital Communications practice. “His skill at tying social media into a larger marketing picture in a directed, goal-oriented way has been a great asset to his clients.”

Prior to joining Weber Shandwick, Keith was a strategist and evangelist for interactive media tools, content and services. He earned his master’s degree in education from Lewis and Clark College in Portland, Ore., and his bachelor’s degree in theater from California State University at Northridge.

Since September 2005, has focused on helping clients, colleagues, and community members fully incorporate new and emerging marketing strategies – including digital and social media -- into their communications efforts. He has served as a leader of the U.S. Army account team, and drove the launch of the first-ever soldier blog, Army Strong Stories, now with more than 600 bloggers and 2,000 posts. Swan’s social media skills and traditional public relations expertise have helped him work with clients including Chevrolet and Polaroid and to integrate their marketing messages seamlessly into the digital realm.

“Greg’s passion for all things social is profound,” says Krejci. “His innovative thinking has helped clients and colleagues alike move forward in today’s ever-evolving media landscape.”

Programs Swan conceptualized and managed have won national and global industry awards, including a Bronze SABRE Award, an IABC Gold Quill Award and a PR News Platinum PR Award. He has been named to industry awards lists including “Top 20 Minnesota Social Media Innovators,” “The Twin Cities’ Top 25 Most Influential Social Media Professionals on Twitter” and “Twin Cities’ Top 10 Titans in Social Media 2010.” He was recently named one of the Business Journal’s “40 Under Forty.”

Before joining Weber Shandwick, Swan worked at Kohnstamm Communications in St. Paul, Minn. and The Meyocks Group in Des Moines, Iowa. He holds a bachelor’s degree in public relations from Drake University.

, the president of Carmichael Lynch, received the Donald G. Padilla Distinguished Practitioner Award at this year's Minnesota PRSA Classics Awards. He also is the founder and president of Carmichael Lynch Spong, a four-time winner of "PR Agency of the Year" by industry trade publications PRWeek, PR News and Holmes Report.

1. What are the highlights of your public relations career?

As you can imagine, there's a lot to love about 30 years of practicing the art and science of public relations. It's a tremendously fun, challenging and rewarding profession. If I had to choose just a few highlights in my career, three things come to mind. First, and most recently, I'm proud of my expanded role as president of Carmichael Lynch, one of America's most-admired creative agencies. Being responsible along with my two fellow managing partners for the advertising, digital, consumer engagement, brand activation, social and, of course, public relations disciplines is a rather unique and fresh challenge. Not many PR people are asked to share in the leadership of a large $350 million creative agency. The collaboration between our disciplines fosters creative thinking and inventive ideas that help redefine clients' business success in a meaningful way.

Second, I'm very proud of founding Carmichael Lynch Spong from scratch 20 years ago and building the public relations firm to the size and stature that it is today. We rank among the top three largest PR firms in Minnesota and one of the top 25 in fee revenue nationally. More important, Carmichael Lynch Spong ranks among the leaders in setting the high-water mark for creative awards and client results on a national stage. Over the past 15 years, we've won more and awards than all other Minnesota PR firms combined.

Third, I'm proud to say that after 30 years in the public relations profession, I'm as intrigued and motivated by the rapid pace of change today as I was when I was a young, dumb and excited PR account executive at Colle & McVoy in 1981. The opportunities to exercise both my left brain and right brain are endless. I work hard to stay abreast of the almost daily changes in the digital space and the socialization of brands in the heads and hearts of consumers. Change is a way of life in our business, and the real fun comes in understanding and embracing change.

2. What are some of the key lessons that you have learned in your career?

Thirty years teaches you a lot. About people. About clients. About what's great thinking versus pedestrian ideas and ho-hum work.

Let's tackle the people lesson first. Great people have a tendency to hire other great people. Good people hire fair performers. And fair people hire poor performers. It all starts with picking the right talent in the agency business. I've been blessed to work with and around many of the best people in our profession. Great people have a way of developing insightful strategy that leads to fresh, breakthrough ideas. These ideas, in turn, help reinvent a client's business through remarkable results. At the end of the day, I work more to delight my people than they will ever work for me. My job is to create a firm our great people are proud to call home with clients they're proud to represent and like-minded others with whom they're proud to share a common purpose.

Douglas K. Spong, APR

Now the client lesson. I learned long ago to be as picky about the clients we represent as our clients are in choosing their outside PR counsel. If you were to profile our clients, the first thing you'd notice is they're the "dominant dog" in their respective categories with top market shares. They rank #1 or #2 in their respective industries. Second, our clients have the appetite as well as the resources to afford great thinking and creative work. There's nothing more frustrating than a mismatch in expectations with a client. If good enough is good enough, we're probably not the firm for that client. Likewise, if a client doesn't have the deep pockets to afford the level of work we offer, there are other agencies better suited to get it done on the cheap. Finally, we expect to grow with our clients. If we live up to our end of the bargain and help our clients defy gravity with the results, then we want to be rewarded for that with organic growth. Give us more responsibility. Another division. More corporate reputation work. Whatever helps us continue to be a bigger part of our clients' successes.

Finally, the ho-hum work question. I'm rather disappointed with the PR profession right now because I see so much ordinary, expected work coming out of it. If your idea begins with "The world's largest…" or "A tweetup…" you need to reexamine your thinking. At the end of the day, big ideas capture a client's attention and resources. We can't be seen as the red-headed stepchild to advertising, digital, social engagement and other agencies out there. PR needs to raise the bar on ideas that resonate with the head, heart and soul of the intended target.

3. Carmichael Lynch Spong is one of the most-awarded firms in the nation. What is the secret to your success in the awards realm?

The secret sauce is the right mix of art and science. The science includes robust consumer insight that reveals a distinct, proprietary position along with the use of analytics to both measure outcomes and, more important, better predict outcomes. The art of creating award-winning work begins with a healthy gag reflex to bland, ordinary and expected ideas. Really. You have to barf out the most obvious and textbook thinking right up front in the ideation process. If you haven't killed 50 ideas, you haven't found the right idea yet. Great ideas are inherently simple in nature, but take units of blood, sweat and tears to develop.

4. What advice would you give to new public relations practitioners?

Don't be profiled a "Millennial." I don't subscribe to the notion that today's young professionals are the trophy generation, can't swallow any feedback except praise and are only concerned about themselves. So don't act like one. You're not expected to have all the answers, so ask a lot of good questions. Accept the fact that you weren't born with a God-given gift to know it all, so solicit feedback on what you can do to improve your knowledge and skill set. Finally, pour your heart and soul into your career early on. Quit worrying about work-life balance when you're 25 years old. Nobody ever spontaneously combusted from hard work, so get your career off on the right foot by working harder than most to achieve great things at a young age.

5. Is there anything else that you would like to add?

Yes. I am humbled to be this year's choice for the Donald G. Padilla Distinguished Practitioner Award. Thanks to Minnesota PRSA and my friends at Padilla Speer Beardsley for honoring my commitment to the PR profession and our community with this huge honor.

--

The Minneapolis office of Weber Shandwick today announced the promotions of employees in its Public Affairs, Consumer Marketing, Healthcare and Technology practices.

was promoted to account director in the Corporate, Community and Public Affairs practice. His relationship management skills and defense industry expertise have led to the growth of a local defense account into a national project involving several Weber Shandwick offices and client divisions. He also has supported a number of local public affairs clients and has helped develop a team of rising professionals to strengthen the practice. Before joining Weber Shandwick, Benbo worked as communications coordinator at the Minnesota Department of Agriculture. He holds a bachelor’s degree in communications with a public relations emphasis from Northwestern College in St. Paul, Minn.

Michael Koenigs was promoted to account director in the Corporate, Community and Public Affairs practice, which he re-joined in 2006 as an account supervisor. He has led critical projects for the U.S. Army account team and built strong relationships with many public affairs clients through his counsel, attention to detail and passion for the business. Prior to re-joining Weber Shandwick, Koenigs worked for a Chicago-based PR agency. Koenigs holds a bachelor’s degree in public relations from Marquette University in Milwaukee.

was promoted to account director in the Consumer Marketing practice. Since joining the agency, Mason has managed FedEx’s NASCAR activation while also supporting the 2010 Census Road Tour and serving as a resource for sports programming across the network. His leadership in these roles as well as his work as a counselor to other consumer account teams has earned him accolades from colleagues and clients alike. Mason holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Minnesota.

was promoted to account supervisor in the Healthcare practice. She rejoined Weber Shandwick in September 2010 and currently concentrates on serving several accounts as a day-to-day client contact and organizer of high-profile advocacy campaigns. Rammer’s previous experience in community relations and public affairs field enables her to incorporate a spectrum of strategic outreach initiatives that bring issues directly to key audiences. Rammer is also a member of the agency’s Green Team tasked with creating inspiring ways for employees to live sustainable lives. She holds a bachelor’s degree in business entrepreneurship from St. Catherine University.

was promoted to account executive in the Technology practice. Bailey joined Weber Shandwick as an intern in 2008, and his work and ability to build relationships with clients have made him a valuable member of several project teams. He graduated from Luther College with a bachelor’s degree in economics and political science.

Minneapolis-based Padilla Speer Beardsley has selected Frank Hernandez to head its New York City office. As senior vice president and managing director, Hernandez will oversee the New York staff, lead business development activities, and supervise services for clients, including Merck, Elsevier and BraunAbility.

Hernandez brings 15 years of client-relations experience and organizational leadership from Taylor Global Inc., where his most recent position was managing partner and executive vice president. While at Taylor, Hernandez led the agency’s award-winning client services group, which concentrated on delivering greater strategic marketing communications counsel and value to key client partners. Within the client services practice, he led a cross-functional team of account planners, creative directors, digital strategists, consumer-insight specialists, and primary researchers who used marketing communications outputs to drive the business outcomes of clients such as Diageo, Kimberly-Clark, P&G, MasterCard, NASCAR, Coca-Cola and Allstate.

In 2009, Taylor was named “Strategic Agency of the Year” by The Holmes Report, and later that year was named “Consumer Agency of the Decade.”

Most recently, Hernandez ran his own consultancy, F.A.H. Communications.

“Frank is a highly effective developer and leader of teams,” said Lynn Casey, Padilla’s chief executive officer. “He also possesses proven business-building and major-brand experience, making him a perfect fit to lead the growth plans for our New York City office, as well as a great asset to our clients.”

Hernandez earned a bachelor’s degree in marketing communications from Monmouth University in West Long Branch, N.J., where he now is an adjunct instructor in communications. He also attended the Executive Leadership Education program through Harvard Business School. Hernandez is the winner of two Silver Anvil awards from the Public Relations Society of America, and was recognized by PR NEWS as a Top 15 Professional Under 30 in 2004.

Risdall Marketing Group has promoted Karen Van Heiden to online marketing manager in its Online Marketing Group division.  

University of St. Thomas, , ,

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Register http://www.mnwc.org/events/item/52

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About Our Speakers:

Kary Delaria, Principal, Kane Consulting

Kary Delaria is a principal at Kane Consulting and has 12 years of experience in public relations, media relations and marketing communication. She helps clients to develop and manage their online presence and reputation through social media analysis, monitoring and community engagement. Kary also acts as Kane Consulting's community manager and digital PR strategist. Kary is a contributing editor to the Minnesota Public Relations Blog and is a guest blogger for SpinSucks and Thinking Out Loud. She is an adjunct faculty member at Concordia University in St. Paul, Minn.

Mahtab Rezai, Chief Experience Officer, Eaton Golden

Mahtab Rezai has spent more than 17 years in the interactive space as a user experience designer, researcher, strategist, leader and mentor. If you spend any time with her, you're likely to hear her say, "What is the objective?" This means that you can be assured that there will be a solid understanding of your goals, a roadmap for how to achieve them and a plan for measuring success. She has worked on user experiences for companies ranging from startups to the Fortune 50 and is currently on the Board of Directors of the Minnesota Interactive Marketing Association (MIMA).

Parking & Directions:

Click here for a link to the University of St. Thomas Minneapolis campus map with directions and public parking options as well as a map of the downtown skyway system.

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Friday, May 13, 2011
7:30 AM - 4:30 PM

In March, Risdall Marketing Group (RMG) continued its strong momentum for the year, landing seven new or expanded engagements. New clients include Mechdyne, a technology solutions provider in audio visual and 3D; Fairview Health Services, a nonprofit healthcare system in partnership with the University of Minnesota; and Robert Hill Law, specializing in property tax appeal services.

• Mechdyne - Brand development, public relations, search engine marketing and advertising
• Fairview Health Services – Expanded engagement to include search marketing
• Robert Hill Law – Marketing, website development and design
• Como Park Animal Hospital – Online marketing
• CURRENT Restaurant – Public relations, special events and integrated marketing

• David Fong’s – Public relations, special events and integrated marketing
• – Public relations, special events and integrated marketing

, a Twin Cities-based public relations professional, today announced she is now operating as a freelance communications consultant, partnering with agencies and businesses in need of communications support.

A senior-level PR strategist with a rich agency background, Helmey develops and implements communications programs that help businesses lead conversations, rather than follow them. Helmey specializes in business-to-business PR and communication strategy, with areas of expertise including writing, media relations, social media and corporate communications.

Prior to opening her solo practice, Helmey most recently was a senior account executive on the PR team at LaBreche in Minneapolis. Other past experience includes positions with Michael A. Burns & Associates in its Dallas and Houston offices.

For more information about Karin Helmey, please visit www.helmeypr.com.

The announced the hiring of in its Consumer Marketing practice.

Iginla has been hired as an assistant account executive upon the completion of her internship. As an intern, she developed in-depth media monitoring reports for clients and conducted media relations outreach. Prior to joining Weber Shandwick, Iginla worked as a marketing intern with PureZone technologies. She holds a bachelor’s degree in English from Carleton College.

Frank Strong’s, “Is fuzzy definition of PR a case of lousy PR?” and Heidi Cohen’s, “What is PR (aka Public Relations)?” got me thinking; what exactly is PR? Almost every professional, professor, blogger, etc, will give a different perspective.

, “Public relations helps an organization and its publics adapt mutually to each other.” Strong argues that this definition doesn’t suffice and that until PR is accurately defined it “will be used as a callous characterization-the lipstick to the proverbial pig.” In my opinion, a field that cannot be entirely defined speaks to its creative side, to the magnitude of work it entails. In actuality, a debate for definition may just strengthen the field rather than harm it.

Cohen’s blog post lists 31 definitions of PR, each of them being about two sentences in length, some as long as a paragraph. The majority of them speak to PRSA’s “standard” definition of building mutually beneficial relationships with key audiences but some do stray from the pack.

For example, definition includes, “the art and science of sharing genuine, credible, relevant news and information to grow,”. Cohen then asks her readers to respond with their own definitions, now this is what the field needs; a forum of different perspectives that fosters growth and creativity.

Today, I think we are right where we need to be in terms of a “standard” definition. A brief, somewhat broad, and encapsulating definition is for the best because no matter what, no one will agree, which I might I add, is never a bad thing. Hearing different viewpoints gives us a chance to look at practice in a whole new light.

Let’s all agree to disagree; PRSA’s definition doesn’t work for all of us, because we each have our own definition. This is what makes PR unique and we should embrace the discourse. How many other fields’ definitions can be so hotly contested? Strong is right, bringing validity to the field is important but debate on what PR is, is even more important. The days of press agentry are long gone; the way we build relationships with key audiences differs greatly, so let’s embrace it, its 2011 and PR is far from defined.

Peter Kaiser
University of Minnesota
Jour 3279
Blog Assignment

April 19, 11:30 am–1:00 pm

Event Information

When thinking about professional development it’s hard to ignore the impact of social media in business. Networking no longer takes place on the golf course or during happy hour. It’s happening all the time and at the speed of light. So how do we think about and make use of Social Media tools in a strategic way? How do we make the right connections to support our business and our brand? This session is designed to illuminate the Social Media landscape in a way that’s accessible, strategic and fun.

From marketing to education to building a community for yourself and your brand, there are myriad opportunities being missed. This session aims to bridge the gap by equipping attendees with the tools they need to make good use of digital tools now. Attendees will learn basic social media strategies and skills that you can immediately put to work for yourself, and your business.

University of St. Thomas





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$28.00

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$58.00

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Register at www.mnwc.org today.

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Minneapolis-based advertising agency Colle+McVoy and its public relations partner, Exponent PR, announced the expansion of theirburgeoning Food & Agribusiness practice.

The agencies hired as senior strategist and as account director to help lead the food and agriculture business.

“Carol and Julie are very strong additions to our team. They bring deep experience andleadership, as well as further expand the offerings to our clients,” said , chief operating officer, Colle+McVoy.

The Food & Agribusiness practice offers integrated, multidisciplinary expertise in strategic planning, advertising, public relations, marketing, interactive, public affairs and media planning. Clients include CHS, DuPont, Purina Feed, Land O’Lakes, Novartis Animal Health, Winfield Solutions, General Mills and the North American Olive Oil Association.

Anderson, who worked at Colle+McVoy in the 1990s, rejoins the agency after founding Mariposa Partners, a boutique food and agriculture communications consultancy based in Kansas City. She also previously led the food and agribusiness practice at Fleishman-Hillard’s Kansas City office. A recent past president of the National Agri-Marketing Association, Anderson has counseled many leading brands, including Pfizer Animal Health, Iams, Washington Apple Commission, Chick-fil-A, National Pork Board, Monsanto, Welch’s, Caterpillar, Diamond Pet Food, DeKalb, Arysta LifeScience Corporation and John Deere, among others.

Carver has more than 20 years of communications experience in corporate, agency, non-profit and journalism, including strategy development for clients in agriculture, food, health care and technology. She was most recently director of public affairs at Broadhead + Co. where she worked with several agencieswithin the U.S. Department of Agriculture, as well as Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc. Carver has held communications leadership positions at Honeywell Automation and Control Solutions and Andersen Windows. Her agencybackground includes Miller Meester, where she worked with American Cyanamid and its Harvest Partners program, as well as with clients in food, health and aviation markets. Previously she worked with DuPont and Agway brands at Saatchi & Saatchi/Rumrill Hoyt.

“Carol and Julie are joining us at an exciting time. We continue to integrate our successful legacy in food and agribusiness with our interactive expertise to develop break through new ways for our clients to engage, connect and standout,” said Johnson.

These days, marketing budgets are tight. When companies look to make cutbacks, marketing departments are often the first to bear the brunt of the axe. In these situations marketers have to do what they do best—get creative. How can you increase your marketing effectiveness with a minimal budget?

Our April Professional Development session will feature four marketing experts who have extensive experience in getting the most out of small marketing budgets:

Presenters:

• , Marketing Communications and Partnerships, LLC. Connie has been in the Public Relations industry for 30 years. She began her marketing career with Met Center and the Minnesota North Stars in the 1980s and served as the arena’s Marketing and PR Manager for nine years. Since then Connie has headed marketing campaigns for a plethora of companies including the Twin Cities Jazz Festival, Cirque du Soleil, the Lowertown Music Festival, the Ordway Center for the Performing Arts, and the Science Museum of Minnesota.
  
• , Director of Brand Public Relations, General Mills, Inc. A 17-year General Mills veteran with nearly 25 years of industry experience, Greg has applied his brand-building PR expertise to leading consumer products like Wheaties, Cheerios, Betty Crocker, Yoplait yogurt, and dozens of other household names. His efforts have been recognized with more than 50 PR industry awards, including PRSA’s Silver Anvil and Bronze Anvil. A native of Faribault, Minnesota, Zimprich received his undergraduate degree in psychology and public relations from Saint Mary’s University and holds a master’s degree in mass communications from Marquette University.

• , Executive VP of Business Development, Weber Shandwick. Prior to taking on this role at Weber Shandwick, Randy spent 25 years on the client side of the business, leading successful integrated communications strategies for B2B and B2C clients. He has led communications and client relations initiatives for a number of organizations including the U.S. Census Bureau, IRS, and Travelers Insurance. Randy is a graduate of the University of Kansas and a member of PRSA. In 2006, he completed the Public Relations Leadership Forum, sponsored by the Arthur W. Page Society and the Council of Public Relations Firms.

• Seth Pederson, Practice Leader, for Colle McVoy and Exponent PR.

Moderator:
, APR, Vice President, Weber Shandwick. Brooke currently leads the life insurance and financial services work for a major national insurance company and an employee benefits company. Recently, she led the 2010 Census public relations team. Brooke specializes in helping financial services companies and government agencies achieve their business objectives through integrated marketing programs. During her 11 years at Weber Shandwick, her clients have included several marquee names in financial services and government, including Prudential Retirement, Allianz Life, the Business Roundtable’s Pension Coalition, MasterCard International, Deluxe Corporation, the U.S. Treasury, the United States Mint, the Internal Revenue Service and the U.S. Census Bureau. Brooke graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Hamline University in 1993 with a B.A. in English and political science. She earned her APR accreditation from the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) in May 2005. In 2006, Brooke was elected to the board of directors of Minnesota PRSA where she served for one year before being named to the executive committee of the board. She is currently Minnesota PRSA's President.

Take away best practices for increasing the effectiveness of your marketing campaign and learn key lessons from the experts in this lively, engaging panel discussion and Q&A session.

Thanks to our sponsors (insert here) for supporting Minnesota PRSA programming
Professional Development events advance the professional by helping each of us stay on top of issues and trends and by providing access to experts in the industry. Professional Development sessions are a hybrid of our former Core Training events that are more interactive, focusing on topics you requested in the most recent member survey.

Life is busy. But strengthening your core will make you a more productive professional. After attending a Professional Development event, you’ll return to work with new ideas, knowledge and the excitement to put these thoughts into action!

Register online now.

Price: $25 PRSA members
$35 Non-members
$15 Students

Date: Friday, April 29, 2011
Time: 7:30-8:00 am – Registration
8:00-9:00 am – Program
9:00-9:30 am – Networking

Location: Padilla, Speer, Beardsley
#400

Parking: Free lot

Register online now

The today announced the promotion of to vice president in its Healthcare practice.

Since joining the firm in 1997, Thistle has been a driving force in the Healthcare practice, focusing on major technical and scientific clients. She has also worked as a team leader on public affairs and issues management campaigns, helping clients navigate state and federal legislative and regulatory issues.

“Kristen is a great collaborator and a mentor to colleagues and clients alike,” said Nancy Longley, executive vice president at Weber Shandwick. “She has become a go-to person for us to deal with some of the most complex and interesting challenges in healthcare communications, including data announcements, crisis management and quality improvement positioning.”

Thistle also contributed to Weber Shandwick’s Minneapolis office and its community through her service on the board of Ronald McDonald House Charities – Upper Midwest from 2005-2009.

Thistle previously worked as public relations manager for the National Marrow Donor Program. She graduated summa cum laude from St. Olaf College with a bachelor’s degree in speech/communication.

Marketplace Events, producer of the Minneapolis Home & Garden Show, has hired Danielle Ottman as its new Minneapolis Show Manager.

With more than 15 years of sales, marketing and event planning experience, Ottman brings a mix of creative event planning, sales and marketing talent to Marketplace Events. She will oversee the development of the 2012 Minneapolis Home & Garden Show, and is an essential part in the planning and execution of the show. Ottman honed her event planning skills with the Twin Cities Food & Wine Experience, and the St. Paul Women’s Expo. She most recently served as a sales representative for the 2011 Minneapolis Home & Garden Show.

“Danielle is a hard-working, energetic and dedicated individual with extensive partnership, sales and event expertise that will help us to continue to raise the Home & Garden Show to new levels with fresh and innovative ideas,” said Bruce Evans, U.S. Marketing Director for Marketplace events. “Her commitment to creating an exciting show for both our exhibitors and guests is essential to the success of the show, and we are thrilled to welcome her in her new role as show manager.”

“I am thrilled to be working with Marketplace Events and the Minneapolis Home & Garden Show,” Ottman said. “We are already in the planning stages for next year’s show, and look forward to bringing new ideas and experiences to one of the premiere home shows in the country.”

The Minneapolis office of Weber Shandwick announced it has been awarded the communications business for San Antonio-based National Trauma Institute (NTI). Weber Shandwick will work with NTI to raise awareness of the need for increased trauma research in the United States and support a policymaker outreach program to secure sustained congressional funding.

NTI is a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing trauma research that saves lives, improves care delivery and reduces the economic costs associated with traumatic injury in the U.S. Each year, trauma accounts for 37 million emergency room visits and 2.6 million hospital admissions, and is the leading cause of death for people under the age of 44. Trauma injuries are sustained every day in a variety of ways, including car crashes, domestic violence, accidents, assaults and natural disasters. NTI works to advance the national trauma research agenda by coordinating large-scale, multi-center clinical studies between military and civilian teams, and supports ongoing innovation in the field.

“We are honored to work with mission-driven organizations such as the National Trauma Institute because the work they do contributes to the knowledge base that will save lives and improve health,” said Nancy Longley, executive vice president at Weber Shandwick. “We look forward to enhancing awareness of the need for trauma research and funding which helps ensure that the important advances in trauma medicine made today, in the U.S. and abroad, help fuel even better treatments tomorrow.”

CITGO Petroleum Corporation has selected Carmichael Lynch as its digital agency of record (AOR). The agency will provide digital strategy and support for CITGO’s “Fueling Good” program, a cause-related campaign that recognizes and rewards people who are making a difference in their communities.

With heritage dating back to the early 1900s, CITGO is one of the largest refiners and marketers of transportation fuels, lubricants, petrochemicals and other industrial products. The CITGO network consists of more than 6,000 locally owned gas stations in 27 states and the District of Colombia.

A core value of CITGO is to help those in need, and the Fueling Good philosophy allows the company to do just that. The Fueling Good program (www.FuelingGood.com) launched in June 2009 with the goal of rewarding individuals who do the most good by rewarding them with gas for a year. The program encourages local heroes to go online and share their stories of how they support their communities. People across the country can vote for their favorite story, and the individual whose story receives the most votes wins a year’s supply of fuel. Recently, the program was expanded to include the stories of charities and community groups. A Facebook page was created to provide another avenue for recognizing and rewarding individuals who are making a difference.

“We are very proud to have found a partner in Carmichael Lynch,” said Jennifer Moos, general manager of brand development for CITGO. “The agency’s proven success and expertise in the digital realm, unique approach to forging brand devotion and agency-wide passion for social responsibility set Carmichael Lynch apart from other agencies.”

Carmichael Lynch President Doug Spong said, “Our team was very impressed by the CITGO commitment to support worthy causes through its Fueling Good program. The many initiatives and thousands of dedicated volunteer hours that CITGO commits to social development is impressive. We are very honored to be named digital AOR for CITGO.”

Carmichael Lynch ranks among the top digital agency brands in the creatively-driven Minneapolis market, with experience delivering digital strategy and execution for brands such as American Standard, Calphalon, Cargill, Jack Link’s, MasterBrand, Subaru of America, ThermaTru, and Trane.

Goff Public (formerly Goff & Howard) has named Jennifer Hellman as chief operating officer and Heidi Larson as chief financial officer.  Both principals in the company and longtime employees, Hellman and Larson will continue to help clients plan and implement communications efforts in addition to serving in their new roles. An active Saint Paul Chamber of Commerce member, she serves on the Chamber Honors Task Force and the Citizen’s League Communications Committee and graduated in Leadership Saint Paul’s class of 2009.  Larson is a University of Minnesota graduate.

, vice president, broadcast media, at (unit of Campbell Mithun) has been appointed to a second term on the national board of directors for Alliance for Women in Media (AWM). The 2011 AWM Board was recently installed in Washington, DC; Valerie K. Blackburn, market controller at CBS Radio in Los Angeles will serve as the national chair.

“I am honored and excited about serving a second term on the national board of the Alliance for Women in Media,” said Grothem. “This group is filled with influential and highly respected women in the industry who are committed to achieving goals set forth for 2011. As we celebrate our 60th anniversary this year, we will also focus on creating an atmosphere that engages people about the need for greater diversity and representation in the media industry.”

The 19-member board includes members from organizations such as Google, C-SPAN, Discovery Communications, Arbitron, Oprah Radio and CNN. Grothem is the only representative from the advertising/media agency industry and only the second person from the Twin Cities to serve on AWM’s national board: Norma Cox of Minnesota Public Radio was the first.

Grothem has been a member of AWM for 15 years and served on the board of the local chapter for much of the past decade, also as past president. She has been named Diamond Member of the Year twice since the local chapter created the award seven years ago.

“I’m excited to work with such a talented and committed group of media professionals to accomplish our goals this year,” said national chair Valerie Blackburn. “Our agenda is ambitious. From our Symposia Series to the Gracie Awards to our 60th Anniversary celebration, AWM is actively engaging, recognizing and promoting women in media.”

AWM’s Symposia series addresses issues relevant to women in media. A recent event in Washington, DC, focused on Women’s Media Ownership; subsequent Symposia will center on Digital Literacy for Women (Chicago, September 13) and Media Branding to Women (New York, November 3).

When I joined Foursquare in September 2010, I did the standard search of my friends, followers, and contacts who already use the website. The results: two. Despite the low numbers, I joined anyway and began checking in here and there, but I quickly became bored because of the low interaction I was experiencing.

Although my encounter with Foursquare was lackluster, I recently read a post on the Los Angeles Times Technology Blog about how successful the company has been in the past year. It claims that the website saw a 3,400 percent growth in 2010, and the number of users is now up to 6,000,000. In addition, Foursquare has shown strength against Facebook’s Places app that many believed would kill the smaller company.

I figured that with such large growth, I should give Foursquare another try, and there had to be more people I knew that were now active users. I did the same search, but yet again was disappointed with the results. Excluding companies, only three of my Facebook friends, Twitter followers, and Gmail contacts were even signed up for the website. Numbers don’t lie, and there is no disputing that Foursquare is growing at an astonishing rate. However, I don’t see it making any sort of impact around me at all. I acknowledge that it could be the demographic of the people I associate with (middle class, mid-western, college students), but I’m just not sure why I don’t see it catching on.

I read in articles and hear in class about how important it is for companies to be on top of social media, but from personal experience as a public relations intern at Greater Twin Cities United Way and through my personal social media usage, I know that it takes valuable time and resources to maintain it all. My question for you is this: Is Foursquare really worth it? So many companies are still trying to get a solid grasp on how to use Facebook and Twitter; is it realistic to advise them that getting involved with Foursquare will be beneficial to their business?
 

B2B agency SCHERMER has a new vice president. President announced the promotion of to vice president-creative director. In this elevated role, Hoch will oversee all creative engagements, staff contributions and assist the executive team with directing agency strategy and growth.

Join us on April 26th for a very student special event The Intern Game where five paid internships at top Minneapolis agencies will be AWARDED* ON THE SPOT! WCCO's Jason DeRusha, will be hosting as representatives from each participating agency will interview their three top finalists.

We'll have a room packed full of top talent from local schools along with agencies looking to hire, how much fun is that. And, besides being the second best networking event all spring (the first being the MIMA Spring Social). We'll have free appetizers, a cash bar and a chance to finally apologize to that guy you spilled cocktail sauce on at last year's MIMA Summit Happy Hour.

Want to be a contestant or check out submissions? Visit www.theinterngame.com. All contestant entries are due April 19, 2011. Visit www.theinterngame.com. All contestant entries are due April 19, 2011.

On March 19, 2011, the social networking site Twitter turns five. Currently 200 million users send more than 100 million tweets each day. Issac Biz Stone, one of Twitter co-founders, talked to NPR about the popular social media as Twitter turns five.

The first question coming up was “why 140 characters,” which have been around our head. “The limit internationally for text messages is 160 characters,” said Stone. So where are the other 20 characters? “We needed to reserve room for the name of the author of tweet,” Stone explained. “So we decided to standardize on 140 characters. That way, you can read and write tweets in their entirety or any mobile phone on the planet.”

Stone has very positive and bright view of the social media. Also, his optimistic view is based on believing in people’s ability. “People basically good, they’re basically smart, and when given a simple tool that allows them to express that, they’ll prove it to you every single day.”

So, if you have been used Twitter, what does it mean to you? At the moment as I had started Twitter three years ago, I was very confused of it because it was too simple. It sounds very ironic. However, after fully understanding of Twitter features, it is hard to get out of it. I check Twitter at least three times a day.
Twitter is mingled with every aspect of society, such as politics, literature, health, art, marketing and so on. One of followers recommends music; one of them argues about Libya issue; one of them prays for Japan; one of them talks that he went to BWW. We can share our idea, life, and feeling through Twitter. So, what does Twitter mean to you? Please follow me and tweet your answer. Then, next posting will be your answers that I have collected.

Yeonah Nam
University of Minnesota
Jour 3279
Blog Assignment