The Minneapolis office of today announced the promotion of to senior vice president in its financial services practice.

You can take Sasquatch out of the woods—but you can't take the woods out of Sasquatch.

No “-ing” is safe on the Internet in June, thanks to Popeyes^® Louisiana Kitchen, a division of AFC Enterprises, Inc. (NASDAQ: AFCE), launch’n an app turn’n each “-ing” into an “’n.”  To celebrate the return of Popeyes Rip’n Chick’n, consumers can start read’n rip’d up web copy by drag’n the Rip’n icon to their bookmarks bar, go’n to their favorite websites and click’n the Rip’n Chick’n tab. The bookmarklet, developed by the restaurant’s digital agency , turns everyday content into a surpris’n and entertain’n experience.

I’m young. Impressionable. Ready to take on the world with little knowledge of what that entails.

My insight into the world of public relations is limited, but my eagerness to understand the in’s and out’s of the many sectors of the industry keeps me excited to learn more. After spending a year in the chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA), I have begun to understand more about myself, in particular I have become more aware of where I may fit into the industry in my years to come.

Speaking with the many public relations professionals who sacrifice time for us young professionals, I have come to realize the importance of feeling comfortable and excited about the work that I will be doing, who I will be working with, and the environment I will be performing my work in. After all, if this work is to become my career, I do need the motivation to keep rolling with it.

One of the best things that I have come to discover about the public relations industry is that, regardless of what you’re passionate about, what you support or don’t support, or what your goals are, there are areas within the industry that are suitable to every lifestyle. It has recently occurred to me that my first priority is to seek out a business with values that line up with my own. In turn, I hope to be spending my time working towards something I care about with people I can relate to and feel comfortable around.

With a desire to work in a collaborative, creativity-charged environment, I have been actively exploring the possibility of working at an agency. As previously mentioned, the thought of working in a setting that does not motivate me is very unappealing. After performing some research and weighing my values, I have realized that there are plenty of great agencies around the Twin Cities metro area that really excite me because the work that is done there. One such agency is Carmichael Lynch Spong, located in downtown Minneapolis.

At Carmichael Lynch Spong, an energetic and communication-based work model is derived from the desire to fulfill clients’ needs. The work performed there is driven by much more than the duties of the job, but also by a true commitment to the client. In addition, the sustainability efforts that Carmichael Lynch Spong puts forth in order to create less of a harmful impact on the environment is something to be applauded, and something that I value as a lifestyle choice.

It really is the little things that create the desire to turn dreadful duties at the office into an exciting and sought-after lifestyle…At least that is the perspective of a young, impressionable PR newbie.

You can contact Emily at . You can also connect with her via or

announces the promotion of to senior vice president in its financial services practice.

Peace Coffee, the Minneapolis-based coffee roaster which purchases 100% organic, fair-trade coffee direct from small farmer co-ops around the world; and JAMF Software, the Minneapolis-based developer of Mac and iOS client management software developed exclusively for the Apple platform, have both chosen Maccabee as their public relations and social media marketing agency.

Minneapolis based advertising agency, Clarity Coverdale Fury, has teamed up with client Minnesota Zoo once again with a new campaign promoting the opening of the zoo’s newest exhibit, Dinosaurs!

Knowing from the moment most children are able to talk they morph into small “Dino Fans”, Clarity aimed to bring the dinosaur experience to life through radio, online, outdoor and TV. The new exhibit features moving, life-size dinosaurs and is sure to please all ages.

Creative Director Michael Atkinson said, “Seeing a genuine sense of awe on your child’s face is amazing. Our job is to simply remind parents that when their child is standing in front of a life-size, moving, roaring dinosaur, a sense of awe is pretty much guaranteed.”

Commuters will see Southwest transit bus wraps featuring the much-anticipated dinosaurs, as well as hear the radio spots featuring adults and children of all ages experiencing the new exhibit. The TV spot, which will first air on May 21st, brings the experience to life by showing a child in “awe” in the shadow of a dinosaur.

“The Minnesota Zoo is a great activity for all families. And the dinosaurs are just one more great reason to go,” said Clarity’s Director of Brand Development Rob Rankin.

The Dinosaurs! exhibit opens Memorial Day weekend and will run through September 3rd at the Minnesota Zoo. For more information on Clarity Coverdale Fury please visit www.claritycoverdalefury.com. For more info on the Minnesota Zoo please visit www.mnzoo.org. To check out the work please click here: http://www.claritycoverdalefury.com/2012/05/leveraging-the-awe-factor-for-the-minnesota-zoo/.

today announced the promotion of to vice president in its Corporate, Community and Public Affairs practice.

Benbo directs teams responsible for the planning, managing and execution of strategic communications activities for corporate, B2B and business-to-government clients in a variety of industries. A specialist in defense and military affairs, he has supported many accounts for the Minneapolis office of Weber Shandwick, including leading defense contractor BAE Systems, Inc., which selected Weber Shandwick to be its Agency of Record in 2011.

Benbo also has helped lead corporate strategy for clients in the industrial equipment industry and has led Weber Shandwick’s public affairs work with a leading Twin Cities non-profit healthcare facility focused on children, working to raise awareness and support surrounding child health issues.

Prior to Weber Shandwick, Ryan worked at the Minnesota Department of Agriculture communications office. He holds a bachelor's degree in communications from Northwestern College, and recently completed a Master’s in Theology at his alma mater.

In his first trip to Minnesota, , editor-in-chief of PRWeek, learned that his perceptions of our state were quite different from the reality.

"I saw 'Fargo' and I know that Prince lived here," Barrett told a group of approximately 60 public relations professionals and students. "You have something green called grass, which we don't have in Manhattan."

At the Minnesota PRSA event hosted by Carmichael Lynch Spong, Barrett discussed what's driving agency growth, how PRWeek is changing, and how agencies are evolving.

Steve Barrett, editor-in-chief of PRWeek

Calling this "the most exciting time to be writing about PR and to be in the communications industry," Barrett said that integration is the way of the future for public relations agencies.

With skills perfectly suited to the modern media environment, PR professionals are integrating with the marketing and investor relations fields like never before.

Barrett pointed out that last year PR agencies were up 10 percent, while the national gross domestic product was up 1.7 percent. Social media and content generation are two of the keys to that growth -- providing PR agencies a way to bypass traditional media and, in the case of social media, a cheaper way to connect with customers.

"Advertising is expensive," Barrett said. "As the saying goes, 'Fifty percent of advertising is effective, and we don't know which half.'"

This growth could lead to a billion-dollar agency possibly within the next five to 10 years.

Other aspects of this growth include globalization -- particularly in Latin America and China -- with agencies filling in the gaps to have a consistent offering around the world.

Three years ago, PRWeek changed its format to a monthly print publication, and continues to evolve.

"It's hard to peer into the crystal ball, although I can say we are integrating print with digital," Barrett said. "We have 22,000 followers and a YouTube channel. Our is perfect for stories that wouldn't make the front page of the website."

Although there are no plans for a PRWeek iPad app, changes on tap for PRWeek include:  more special events, possibly a more global perspective, and more webcasts.

In regard to agency trends, Barrett noted that agencies are getting to become choosier about their clients and in which RFPs they participate.

He added that measurement continues to be the holy grail. Agencies -- and corporations -- are building their own analytics tools but are secretive about it because of the inherent competitive advantage.

Speaking of transparency, Barrett also touched on the mistakes that caused the CEO of Yahoo! to resign, as well as Best Buy's CEO and founder to give up their positions.

"Everything is transparent these days," Barrett said. "You're playing Russian roulette if you think that something isn't going to come out."

Feel free to come back to Minnesota anytime, Steve. Maybe you can experience the joy of a good snowball fight or the thrill of catching a big walleye while ice fishing.

-- / Skogrand PR Solutions, LLC

Siodlarz joins Spyglass Creative

Risdall Marketing Group (RMG) will mark four decades of doing business on July 1, 2012, and it continues its profitable success in Quarter 1 by adding 12 new accounts. New clients include OminLingua Worldwide, a translation and localization services company, Minnesota Hospital Association, a trade association representing hospital and health systems in the state of Minnesota, and Northwest Youth & Family Services, a nonprofit serving the Twin Cities for the healthy development of children and families.

Agricultural seed company, SEEDS 2000®, based in Breckenridge, Minnesota, is showing their commitment to farmers and innovation with two new print ads in 2012. The new work, created by advertising agency Clarity Coverdale Fury in Minneapolis, graphically shows how their hybrid seeds become part of the farmer’s life and success. The print ads, which promote SEEDS 2000’s sunflower and corn hybrid seeds, each feature a portrait of a farmer made out of seeds.
 
Creative Director Jac Coverdale said: “Of course, we wanted the ads to stand out in the category, which tends to show a lot of the same types of images, and make the same product claims. Plus, make the point that SEEDS 2000 has a strong track record of developing hybrids with the success of the grower in mind. Making the portraits of the growers out of the seeds seemed like an honest, and engaging way to do that.”

The two print ads communicate that the company understands a new breed of grower who demands a higher level of genetics. “SEEDS 2000 is a very forward looking company. We wanted to stress that the same level of technology growers have come to trust and use was available in new and innovative varieties. The ads also demonstrate, in a unique way, the importance of these new hybrids to the ongoing success of our growers,” said Group Brand Director at Clarity Coverdale Fury, Gary Hellmer.

The first ad in the series promotes their sunflower hybrids and will run throughout 2012. The second ad will promote their multi-traited corn hybrids and will debut in Fall 2012. To see the work for SEEDS2000 please visit http://www.claritycoverdalefury.com/2012/05/seeds-that-have-the-grower-in-mind/.

SCHERMER - Account Director

has been promoted to vice president at Beehive PR.

Zemke now leads client service for the agency and has a lead role in talent development. She will continue to oversee Beehive’s business-to-business and corporate communications clients with a strong emphasis in financial services, health care and public affairs.

Zemke joined Beehive in 2004 as an account director and was promoted in 2006 to group director. Prior to joining Beehive, she was with Padilla Speer Beardsley for nine years.

Zemke has earned multiple awards for her uncommonly sharp work, including a Silver Anvil from the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA), a SABRE award, a Utility Communicators International award and several awards from the National Agri-Business Marketing Association.

“One of Ayme’s greatest strengths is building rock-solid relationships — with clients and her teammates,” said Beehive CEO Lisa Hannum. “Ayme’s a natural-born leader and mentor. That and her excellent problem-solving skills and creative thinking have earned her this new role on the agency’s leadership team.”

Risdall Marketing Group (RMG) is pleased to announce the addition of new hires Steve Tiongson, motion graphics designer and director of photography, Chris Liakos, senior copywriter, and Becky Brannan, online marketing specialist.

Maccabee, the national public relations and social media marketing agency located in the Warehouse District of downtown Minneapolis, was chosen as one of Minnesota's “100 Best Companies to Work For” by Minnesota Business magazine. The magazine said that the Maccabee agency and the other 99 winners “set the standard for leadership, benefits, best work environment, innovative training programs and employee happiness.”

The Minneapolis office of announces the promotions of Peter Abeln, Stephanie Connolly, Trish Corprew, Angela Gassett, Rebecca Mitchell, Emily Norine, John Poferl, Jacob Ricker, Brandon Sullivan, Carolyn Sullivan and Kelsy VonderHaar within its Consumer Marketing, Design and Development, Financial Services, Healthcare, and Corporate, Community and Public Affairs practices.

was promoted to senior application architect in the Design and Development practice. During his six years at Weber Shandwick, Abeln has been instrumental in the development of many high-profile websites for government and private-industry clients, including the American College of Surgeons and BAE Systems. He has also served as technical lead for the U.S. Army’s award-winning Army Strong Stories program. He holds a bachelor’s degree in business management from the University of Phoenix and an AA in web development from the Minnesota School of Business.

was promoted to account supervisor in the Corporate, Community and Public Affairs practice. She joined Weber Shandwick in January 2007 and currently leads the internal and external communications campaigns for a major sub-section of the BAE Systems account as well as leading a major account in the travel industry. She has expertly secured top-tier media placements, coordinated trade show media activities and planned long-term public relations campaigns and measurement strategies for all her clients over the past five years. Connolly holds a bachelor’s degree in political science and communication from the University of Wisconsin – La Crosse.

was promoted to account supervisor in the Healthcare practice. Corprew has brought strategic counsel, superb media relations skills and a talent for project management to all her accounts, including deftly securing numerous placements in national newspapers and interviews with local and national broadcast media for major Weber Shandwick Healthcare clients. In addition, since joining the agency in January 2010, she has been heavily involved in Weber Shandwick Minneapolis’ annual Telling Your Story pro bono workshop. She holds a bachelor’s degree in communications studies from the University of St. Thomas.

was promoted to account supervisor in the Corporate, Community and Public Affairs practice. Gassett joined the agency as an intern in 2005 and has contributed to the continued growth and success of the firm through her strategic account leadership and involvement in the local PR community. Gassett leads and manages the U.S. Army’s award-winning Army Strong Stories program, including blogger relations, event support, relationship building with partners, and mobile app development. In addition, she has served as the Minnesota PRSA Classics co-chair for two years. She holds a bachelor’s degree in public relations and psychology from the University of St. Thomas.

was promoted to senior account executive in the Financial Services practice. Her positive attitude, resourcefulness and dedication have made her a sought-after team member for colleagues and clients. Mitchell is a key member of the team working on the Taxpayer Advocate service account, handling client communications with aplomb and expertly leading the development of a complex financial website on a short timeline. She also serves as social media expert and web advisor for the U.S. Treasury Go Direct and Bureau of the Public Debt Ready.Save.Grow campaigns, and provides media relations and corporate communications support for the MasterCard account. Prior to Weber Shandwick, Mitchell interned at the Ordway Center for the Performing Arts. She holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities.

was promoted to senior project manager in the Design and Development practice. Norine joined the firm two years ago and has played a crucial role in managing vendors, meeting budgets and ensuring that all projects are completed on deadline. She has led the development of print advertising projects and branding collateral for major clients including the Minnesota Twins and the U.S. Army, as well as supporting more than 50 new business efforts in the last year alone. She holds a bachelor’s degree in theology from Calvin College.

was promoted to senior account executive in the Financial Services practice. Poferl has managed social media strategy for major clients including the U.S. Census and led grassroots media relations for U.S. Army NASCAR racing events. Additionally, he has developed case studies on complex B2B financial products as a member of the ADP account team, used his media relations expertise to secure coverage for a large national property and casualty insurance company and clients in the retirement industry, and served on the FedEx NASCAR account team. Poferl will also serve as social media chair for the seventh annual Alphabet Bash in August, a Twin Cities networking event for communications professionals. He holds a bachelor’s degree in mass communication and public relations from St. Cloud State University.

Jacob Ricker was promoted to account supervisor in the Consumer Marketing group. Since Ricker joined Weber Shandwick in January 2007, he has combined strong sports expertise with inline program executions to help drive some of the Consumer Marketing group’s most dynamic campaigns. He has been key to executive visibility, corporate communications, inline media relations and sponsorship activation programs for clients including the U.S. Army, Polaris Industries and the Notah Begay III Foundation. He holds a bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities.

was promoted to web developer in the Design and Development practice. Since 2009, Sullivan’s HTML slicing skills, WordPress expertise and innovative thinking have contributed to the success of dozens of campaigns and the polish of as many websites for clients including the U.S. Army, the U.S. Treasury, the American College of Surgeons and the IRS. He holds an associate’s degree in web design and interactive media from The Art Institutes International Minnesota.

was promoted to account director in the Corporate, Community and Public Affairs group. Sullivan leads the day-to-day management of communication efforts for a national commercial real estate brand and manages the Inspire Stories blogger engagement initiative for the U.S. Army’s award-winning Army Strong Stories program. She also served as co-chair of the 20th annual Weber Shandwick pro bono communications workshop for local non-profit organizations, Telling Your Story. Carolyn holds a bachelor’s degree in communications and Spanish from the College of Saint Benedict.

Kelsy VonderHaar was promoted to graphic designer in the Design and Development practice. Since joining Weber Shandwick in 2010, she has supported dozens of new business pitches and existing clients with clear and compelling design work. She holds a bachelor’s degree in graphic design from the University of Minnesota – Duluth.

The Minneapolis office of Weber Shandwick announced the hires of Anna Evenson, Sarah Hamman and Meagan Pick in its Consumer Marketing; Design and Development; and Corporate, Community and Public Affairs practices.