LaBreche announced the expansion of its team with the addition of two new employees this summer. Hilary Baril joins the public relations team as a full-time intern and Danielle Retzer was added to the marketing communications team as a part-time intern. The company also promoted team member, Whitney Johnson, to assistant account executive.

PR intern, , joins LaBreche from the University of Minnesota where she worked as a communications intern at the University of Minnesota Office of Admissions. She recently earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in professional strategic communication with an emphasis in public relations and a minor in business management from the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities. Baril’s client list includes law firm Fafinski Mark and Johnson, Wagner SprayTech, Computype, Tastefully Simple, Capital Safety and Proto Labs.

Marketing communications intern, , comes to LaBreche after working as a marketing intern at APi National Service Group and an investor relations intern at ICR, Inc. She recently earned her Bachelor of Arts in professional strategic communication with an emphasis in public relations and minors in business management and design from the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities. Retzer’s client roster is comprised of Computype, MicroCare Medical and Wausau Paper.

Newly promoted assistant account executive, , began her career as an intern at LaBreche in June 2010 and moved to an account assistant in September 2010. Johnson is a graduate of the School of Journalism and Mass Communication at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities. Her client roster includes: American Express, law firm Faegre & Benson, Wausau Paper, Stryker Sustainability Solutions (formerly Ascent), and Proto Labs.

The Minneapolis/St. Paul office of Fleishman-Hillard announces the addition of as vice president. Swanson brings more than two decades of international public relations experience in a broad range of industries including food, wine, agriculture, consumer packaged goods, tourism and global sustainability.

Swanson possesses vast experience in campaign development and implementation, global communication, media relations execution, corporate reputation management, crisis communications and brand strategy. Her experience spans the globe from Moldova, to the Republic of Georgia; Malawi; Kosovo; Germany; the United Kingdom; and Eastern Europe.

Before joining Fleishman-Hillard, Swanson was most recently owner of Flare, where she served as an international consultant to the United States Agency for International Development to garner publicity, improve market share and create sustainability in the food, wine, tourism and agriculture sectors in developing economies throughout the world. She has consulted for various NGOs throughout the United States. Additionally, she directed communications activities for corporate clients including special events, product publicity, cause-related marketing, media relations, employee communication and corporate communications.

Prior to that, Swanson served as the public relations director for Regis Corporation, the largest owner of beauty salons in the world. In this role she led a team to support SuperCuts, MasterCuts, Regis Hairstylists, Trade Secret and the Regis Foundation in their strategic communications activities.

Swanson also held positions at NordicTrack from 1992-1994. Swanson holds a bachelor’s degree in English and writing from Hamline University, St. Paul, Minn.

“We’re thrilled to have Tammy join Fleishman-Hillard,” said David Hakensen, senior vice president and general manager of the Minneapolis/St. Paul office. “She brings to the firm a varied and impressive set of experiences that will serve our clients well.”

Panel discussion will provide insight on next decade’s mobile marketing strategies and tactics

Mobile devices and applications have transformed our personal lives and are quickly transforming our business lives. On Aug. 11, the Minnesota chapter of the Business Marketing Association (BMA-Minnesota) will host a panel discussion on how to successfully add mobile technology to B2B marketing campaigns.

The panel will feature the leaders of two Twin Cities-based mobile companies: Dan Grigsby, Founding Partner of Drivetrain and Anders Davidson, CEO of Mobile On Services. Together the panel will:

• Share statistics on the adoption rate of mobile technology, including SMS (texting), MMS (video), mobile email, IVR (voice), mobile web advertising and mobile web sites
• Discuss the ROI of leveraging mobile as a new media channel
• Discuss how B2B marketers can integrate mobile into their marketing mix
• Discuss the effectiveness of specific mobile tactics
• Debate the benefits and challenges associated with building applications for smart phones, iPads and other mobile devices

According to a recent study, mobile is the third most used media channel, with consumers using this technology an average of 13.1 hours per week. "The adoption of smart phones and mobile applications continues to grow at a tremendous pace, and while it is pervasive in B2C, it is also infiltrating into the B2B space,” said Grigsby. “Our role is to provide the information marketing professionals need to convey the importance of mobile, and help them execute mobile tactics as part of an integrated campaign,” added Davidson.

Register online now.

This post of "Journey to My Job" features , who started at Fleishman-Hillard as an assistant account executive in March.

1. You recently returned to Fleishman-Hillard after working there as an intern. What kind of new responsibilities do you have in your assistant account executive role?

As an assistant account executive, I have more responsibility in my role than when I was an intern. I am expected to take a project and run with it. This is exciting, since I have the opportunity to showcase my creativity, and can really own some aspects of a campaign. I mentor our new intern, and help lead the social media strategy and outreach on behalf of clients. My role in media relations has expanded, and I actively participate in new business development.

Renee Rosenow

2. What worked well for you in your job searches that resulted in the ADC and Fleishman-Hillard positions?

During my previous job searches, I looked for opportunities to network and meet with agencies, and jumped at the chance to attend the informational session at Fleishman-Hillard. I also kept a close watch on agency websites for open intern positions. I was persistent with follow-up and stayed in touch with the professional contacts I had made along the way. For my position at ADC, I saw the job posting on Minnesota Public Relations Blog! I applied through the online website, and was called in for an interview a few weeks later.

3. What would you have done differently in your job searches?

I would have taken more time to handwrite thank-you notes. I think a hand-written note can go a long way, and it shows that you are willing to take the time and put in a little extra effort. Although a little old school, I don’t think anyone minds getting a note in the mail!

4. What advice do you have for job seekers today?

Whether you are graduating college, or making a career change, my advice would be to network, network, network! Get involved with your local PRSA chapter, attend an event for professionals in the area, or have coffee with someone whose career you admire. Don’t be shy and ask your professional contacts what they would be looking for in a candidate. Make sure your portfolio and resume are polished and don’t be afraid to try something new.

5. Buffalo Wild Wings is a client of Fleishman-Hillard. What is your favorite Buffalo Wild Wings sauce?

That one is easy – Honey BBQ™!

Connect with Renee through .

-- / Skogrand PR Solutions, LLC

In the last year, I have been brought closer to those that know the pain of hunger personally. Of course, I have never been near starving or even had to consider where my next meal will come from.

But this past weekend, I was fortunate enough to go to the concert at TCF Stadium. In his classic fashion Bono brought hunger front and center. In the U.S. we have spent nearly nine times more money on feeding our pets than we have on stopping world hunger. And 20 times more was spent on weight loss than helping those who don't have a meal. How is this possible?

According to the UN, the starvation problem in Kenya is the worst is has been in 60 years.

For me? It is time to stop and make a change. Let's work together. There are plenty of great organizations working to improve the situation. Here are a few:

• UNICEF - www.unicefusa.org
• WorldVision - www.worldvision.org
• Samaritans Purse - www.samaritanspurse.org
• The Hunger Project - www.thp.org

I hope you will commit today to donating and encouraging your friends and family to do the same.

Campbell Mithun’s back-to-school work for Famous Footwear breaks this week as part of the agency’s “A New You” campaign under the brand’s umbrella brand idea.  The “Flicker” spots  -- “Flicker” (Brand) (:30), “Flicker” (BOGO) (:30) -- visually demonstrate how different  shoes can change your look and how you present yourself to your world.

The announced the promotions of six employees in its Financial Services, Farm and Food Advocacy, Healthcare and Public Affairs practices.

was promoted to Account Director in the Financial Services practice. Warner joined Weber Shandwick in 2006 and immediately took on the responsibility of coordinating many teams around the nation working on the U.S. Treasury’s Go Direct® account. Her leadership and problem-solving skills have proved themselves many times over in her growing role on the account, and have earned the respect of colleagues and clients alike. Warner holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Wisconsin – Madison.

was promoted to Account Supervisor in the Financial Services practice. Written leads the partnership program of the U.S. Treasury’s Go Direct® campaign, focusing on outreach to national organizations including government agencies, professional associations and major financial institutions. She has also worked closely with non-profit partners such as the American Red Cross, the Salvation Army, and Community Action Partnership to direct and craft messaging in support of the campaign. Written came to Weber Shandwick as an intern in 2004, and since then her extensive knowledge of financial institutions has consistently been an asset to her colleagues. She is a member of the Public Relations Society of America and holds a bachelor’s degree in mass communication with an emphasis on public relations from Minnesota State University, Mankato.

was promoted to Account Executive in the Farm and Food Advocacy group. His work has been central to the development of trade media relationships and online engagement platforms. Prior to joining Weber Shandwick, Anderson interned with an Iowa advertising firm as well as with Dow AgroSciences and Monsanto. He holds a bachelor’s degree in communication and agricultural education and studies from Iowa State University.

was promoted to Account Executive in the Healthcare practice. Devore joined Weber Shandwick as an intern in 2009 and has since been a significant asset to the firm’s healthcare clients in their media monitoring and media relations efforts. Her expertise in the technical details of her clients work has helped her secure many significant local and trade media placements and successful award nominations. Prior to Weber Shandwick, Devore interned at University of Minnesota Academic Health Center, Wishes & More and at the University of Minnesota Medical Center, Fairview. She holds a bachelor's degree in strategic communications from the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities.

was promoted to Account Executive in the Corporate, Community and Public Affairs practice. Since joining Weber Shandwick in 2008, her project management skills, writing skills and enthusiasm have enabled her to oversee several complex initiatives for the U.S. Army account as well as supporting legislative efforts for various public affairs accounts. Over the past year Smolik has served as the day-to-day support for Weber Shandwick’s pro bono work with the Economic Club of Minnesota. Previously, she worked in public relations at the Mall of America. She holds a master’s degree in comparative politics and conflict studies from the London School of Economics and Political Science and a bachelor’s degree in political science and Spanish from the University of St. Thomas.

Collin Hurrell was promoted to Assistant Account Executive in the Corporate, Community and Public Affairs practice. Since joining Weber Shandwick, Hurrell has supported major U.S. Army events as well as multiple other public affairs and consumer marketing accounts. He holds a bachelor’s degree in mass communication from Miami University.

has been promoted to Senior Account Executive at Maccabee, the Minneapolis-based public relations and social media marketing agency. Prior to joining Maccabee in 2010, Landree worked with pharmaceutical and healthcare clients at two of the largest PR agencies in the world, Edelman and Weber Shandwick in Chicago.

August 11, 5:30 pm–10:00 pm

• EPIC EVENT CENTER
  
  
  Phone:

About The Alphabet Bash

A joint venture with Minnesota-based professional development organizations serving marketing, communications and creative industries, this annual event serves as an outlet to make business connections, develop long-lasting relationships and explore other business development opportunities.

The Minneapolis office of announced three new hires in its Digital Communications, Financial Services and Video Production practices.

has been hired as an assistant account executive in the Financial Services practice upon the completion of her internship. Since joining Weber Shandwick, she has worked with the Go Direct® team and demonstrated her skills for media pitching, writing, partner outreach and website management. Previously, Long interned at the Greater Twin Cities United Way and Adsoka Inc. She holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism and Spanish from the University of Minnesota.

has been hired as an assistant account executive in the Digital Communications practice after completing his internship. He has worked on research projects, media monitoring and media relations for several consumer marketing and healthcare clients, as well as supporting the office’s business development team. Prior to Weber Shandwick, he completed internships with the Angel Foundation, The Whole Learning School and the Utne Reader. He holds a bachelor’s degree in history from Carleton College.

has joined the Video Production practice as a production coordinator. Nolan will work as project and logistics coordinator, assistant producer, writer and scheduler for Weber Shandwick’s award-winning video production team. Previously, Nolan worked as communications and content coordinator at WCCO-TV. She holds a bachelor’s degree in mass communications from Minnesota State University, Mankato.

has welcomed back as Senior Counselor after 17 years of extensive senior-level work in the corporate and public affairs sector. Her past experience includes Senior Vice President of Corporate Communications for Thomson Legal & Regulatory, a professional division of Thomson Reuters; former State Chair of the Minnesota DFL Party and Senior Transition Advisor to Governor-elect Mark Dayton.

Orrick will lead and expand Himle Horner’s corporate reputation management and social responsibility business portfolio, including advising corporate clients on integration strategies that will aid in achieving core business goals.

Mallof America^® is pleased to announce the appointment of two new vice presidents; Jeff Hoke now holds the title Vice President of Marketing and Dan Jasper holds the title Vice President of Public Relations.

Today's creative agency, like any business, faces a myriad of major challenges. The toughest of which is how we build teams to adapt for our clients ever changing needs. We know that throwing bodies at problems is not a financially sustainable solution for any firm, so how do we build a team that not only enables the development of great ideas, but also can deliver them in a timely and unique way.

Join us as Heath Rudduck, chief creative officer at Campbell Mithun shares his vision of creative brainpower in this new agency world and how the art and science of advertising can be brought together. What are the effects of new technologies and media on the psychology of our markets? It's one thing to have a shiny technology, but what happens when other influences have an effect on the use of it. The future is about breaking thing down, forgetting the layers and politics and getting back to why we get out of bed in the morning to create great ideas.

when:	Wednesday, July 20, 2011 5:15 pm Registration & cash bar 6 pm Presentation 7 pm Networking, food & cash bar
where:	McNamara Alumni Center, U of M Campus Minneapolis, MN 55455 Please park in the Washington Avenue ramp to avoid construction delays. Scroll to the bottom of the page for directions.
cost:	Pre-registration Fees Members = FREE Student Members = FREE Non-Members = $40 Walk-in Registration Fees Members = $40 Student Members = $40 Non-members = $45

Register online now.

In its continuing effort to provide its diverse client roster with a range of marketing services, Gabriel deGrood Bendt (GdB) has hired as its new public relations director.

“We’re excited to have Dan on board to help existing clients and to help grow our public relations and social media business,” said Tom Gabriel, agency CEO. “He brings more than 20 years of corporate, agency and publishing experience.”

Most recently, Hauser served as senior communications consultant with Xcel Energy, the Minneapolis-based Fortune 500 utility. Prior to that, he created the public relations division for a suburban Minneapolis-based marketing agency and edited several international magazines.

“Though marketing tools continue to evolve, we’ve always been about providing our clients a broad range of disciplines within a streamlined team,” Gabriel said. “Dan’s unique experience and track record are a great fit.”

Padilla Speer Beardsley has hired Curtis Smith to lead business development and marketing for the firm. Smith is responsible for cultivating new business for Padilla by conveying the firm’s integrated communications capabilities to potential clients across the nation. He also leads Padilla’s internal marketing team, which creatively promotes the firm’s brand through a broad range of outreach programs across all media channels.

“Curtis’ entire career has been focused on business development and marketing in the agency environment,” said Lynn Casey, Padilla CEO. “His deep experience in building client rosters will help Padilla attract new business from across the country..”

Smith has nearly 15 years of marketing and business development experience gained at public relations agencies including Fleishman-Hillard and Weber Shandwick. Before joining Padilla, Smith served as director of business development at the advertising agency of Carmichael Lynch and its public relations group Carmichael Lynch Spong. He helped secure relationships with brands such as Hasbro, Newell Rubbermaid, Seventh Generation, Sherwin-Williams, SUPERVALU and Target. He also managed both agencies’ reputations in the advertising, public relations and digital arenas.

Smith also is a regular speaker at the Mirren New Business Conference, the nation’s largest new-business conference for advertising, public relations and digital agencies.

The National Hockey League’s (NHL) Minnesota Wild today announced the premiere of “Becoming Wild” presented by Toyota, Official Vehicle of the Minnesota Wild. It will air on FOX Sports North on Friday, July 8, immediately following the Twins vs. White Sox game, at approximately 10:30 p.m. “Becoming Wild” is being produced by the Wild and Olson.

Watch a preview at http://wild.nhl.com/club/page.htm?id=69948&navid=DL|MIN|home.

“Becoming Wild” follows the Minnesota Wild hockey operations department with behind-the-scenes coverage of perhaps the busiest off-season in franchise history. From the excitement of the Houston Aeros’ Calder Cup playoff run and hiring of Head Coach Mike Yeo, through the preparation and drama of the 2011 NHL Entry Draft weekend and training camp, fans will see the Wild build its roster for the 2011–12 season and beyond.

“We are proud to unveil ‘Becoming Wild’ thanks to the great support from Toyota, FOX Sports North and Olson,” said John Maher, Wild Vice President of Brand Management. “The show is a must-see for Wild fans because it provides incredible access to our team as it prepares for the 2011–12 campaign.”

Toyota and the Twin Cities Area Toyota Dealers have been long-time partners of the Minnesota Wild organization and proud supporters of The State of Hockey. “We are excited to be a part of this new venture as the Official Vehicle of the Minnesota Wild, and are looking forward to a successful season with the team,” said Shawn Caso, Regional Merchandising Manager for Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.’s Chicago sales office.

The first episode of “Becoming Wild” follows the Houston Aeros, including some key Wild prospects, during their quest for the Calder Cup in the American Hockey League playoffs, as they develop as a team, and ultimately, become players who know what it takes to win. A total of six episodes are scheduled to air on FOX Sports North. The first air dates of the additional five episodes are as follows: episode two on July 22, episode three on Aug. 5, episode four on Aug. 19, episode five on Sept. 9 and episode six on Sept. 30. Each episode will also be replayed on Friday and Tuesday nights between episodes. For more information on “Becoming Wild” and for exclusive content from the program, please visit www.wild.com.

The Minneapolis/St. Paul office of Fleishman-Hillard today announced the addition of as an assistant account executive to support its growing consumer and healthcare practices. Rosenow brings experience in media relations, online brand management and marketing communications.

Before joining Fleishman-Hillard, Rosenow provided marketing support to Tyco Electronics, formerly ADC Telecommunications. Previously Rosenow served as an intern at Fleishman-Hillard’s Minneapolis/St. Paul office from 2009 to 2010.

In 2009, Rosenow received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, where she majored in mass communication with a public relations emphasis, and Spanish liberal arts with a business/professional emphasis. She was the vice president of the Public Relations Student Society of America chapter and assistant firm director of the student-run public relations firm, Blugold PRo.

The Minneapolis office of announced the hiring of and in its Digital Communications practice.

The Fourth of July is a time to remember the awesome freedoms we have and consider the many freedom's we've gained through the sacrifices others have made.

In these difficult economic times, I hope you find time to count your blessings.

Cheers, Ryan