Minnesota Public Relations Blog: April 2013Minnesota Public Relations Blog

Tuesday, April 30, 2013

Why You Should Create PR Content with Infographics

An infographic is a graphic that combines words and images to present information to a user. They can include charts, pictures, graphs, and other examples of visual communication. They are popular online because of their ability to make complex information easy to understand. Why try to explain a complicated idea to an audience when you can draw it out for them?

When people have a hectic schedule, they probably do not want to consistently read lengthy articles for information. These people will be drawn to infographics and, additionally, they will link to it, embed it, or post it on their social media page or website. The infographic does not need to directly promote your product or service. It is simply a useful tool that will generate inbound links from your followers who find it entertaining. The visual content will also let your audience know that you are familiar with all aspects of the industry and that you have useful “inside” information.

Along with being quick and convenient, infographics provide limitless opportunities for being creative in your PR or marketing strategy. To come up with a plan for an infographic, first think of a simple idea. For example, if you are promoting a tanning company in Malibu, you might produce “Best Beaches in Malibu to Soak Up the Sun.” In the infographic, you could have a few photographs of specific beaches that point to their location on a Malibu map. Under the photographs, you could include tidbits of information about the beach.

Infographics are easy and are fun to create. If you are not able to produce them yourself, they can be great mini-projects if you employ a graphic designer. For a list of creative infographic examples, please visit this page.

Job - Xcel Energy - Intern - Employee Communications

Kona Ice Now Serving Extraordinary Experiences Everyday in South Minneapolis

Bringing amusement park excitement everywhere it stops, South Minneapolis’ new Kona Ice truck blends entertainment and gourmet frozen treats into an experience unlike any other in the area.

“When our customers get a glimpse of the decked out truck with its tiki hut top and vibrant colors, the looks on their faces say it all,” said P.J. Fiske, local resident and entrepreneur who is shifting good times into overdrive in South Minneapolis, with the launch of his new Kona Ice truck. “At first they’re amazed, then they just can’t stop smiling – regardless of age.”

Kona Ice’s escape from the ordinary begins as the sounds of tropical calypso music fill the air at each event and group gathering. The fun continues as all in attendance get their overflowing cups of freshly shaved ice and then help themselves to any of the ten tastes on the truck’s Flavorwave™ (an interactive dispensing system in which individuals select from one or more of the flavors to pour over their fluffy snow) or the additional 20-plus flavors and 500 different combinations available.

“It’s an opportunity to enjoy a unique, tropical treat,” added P.J. “Kids go crazy and we see adults getting just as excited as the young ones. We’ll even throw a few leis or Kona t-shirts on our customers, and send them home with a fun Kona Ice cup. From start to finish, we engage all their senses.”

Equally as appealing about the launch of Kona Ice South Minneapolis is its philanthropic commitment to the communities it serves. P.J. Fiske is continuing Kona Ice’s tradition of donating thousands of dollars each year to local school groups, teams and community organizations. As they book events with these groups, they pledge to give back a percentage of the proceeds from each stop. Nationwide, Kona Ice has donated more than $10 million dollars to community-based organizations during the past five years.

“P.J. shares our passion for giving back,” said Tony Lamb, founder and president of Kona Ice, who created the concept after witnessing the fear in his daughter’s face during
a visit from an old rusty ice cream truck. “We want to engrain Kona Ice into the fabric of the towns where we live, work and have families. Returning a portion of what we earn back to the groups helps ensure that they continue to make a positive impact on the lives of our friends, neighbors and family members.”

Beyond fundraisers, popular spots for Kona Ice stops in South Minneapolis include fairs, festivals, corporate events, neighborhood socials, church events and birthday parties. P.J.’s truck also maintains regular weekday and weekend routes. To learn more, contact P.J. Fiske by email or by phone at 612-217-1ICE(1423).

Monday, April 29, 2013

Job - City of St. Paul - Community and Digital Services Manager

Spyglass Brand Marketing added new business

Spyglass Brand Marketing announced that Global Resource Associates (GRA) has selected the agency to help them prepare for growth in the online marketplace. St. Paul-based GRA provides FasTrack™ Global Expansion Business System technology to its customers, enabling companies around the world to capitalize on global expansion opportunities and accelerate their success in world markets. GRA is extending and converting its FasTrack™ system to a SaaS-based online tool.

“According to the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development, exports to foreign countries account for more than $31 billion in revenue annually and tens of thousands of jobs in Minnesota,” said Molly Rice, president and founding partner of Spyglass. “The extension of the FasTrack™ Global Expansion Business System technology can help both local and international companies continue to expand in the global market. We are thrilled to be taking Global Resource Associates through our Brand FastForward™ process that will help them solidify their leadership position in the export marketplace.”

Through the Brand FastForward™ process, Spyglass will develop GRA’s brand story in anticipation of additional investment, including strategies for eventual growth into new and existing markets.

“We chose Spyglass Brand Marketing because their team has done this before with proven results, and they truly understand our need for goal-driven strategies and fast turnaround,” said Sandra L. Renner, president of GRA. “We’ve created an export process that has a proven, systematic approach to global expansion, and we’re confident that Spyglass will help us achieve our growth and expansion goals with current and future clients.”

Friday, April 26, 2013

Job - Haberman - Writer, Strategic Marketing

Job - Haberman - Account Supervisor, PR

Trane invites teams of two to compete for once-in-a-lifetime brand-ambassador internship on unstoppable cycling race

Trane is sponsoring the 2013 race in celebration of its 100^th anniversary as a brand of “unstoppably” reliable, comfortable and efficient heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems. The Trane Endurance Team members will represent the Trane residential business as they travel across the nation with athletes who will collectively ride the equivalent distance of circling theEarth 10 times.

Along the race route, the Trane Endurance Team will make personal connections with thousands of spectators and community members to bring Trane’s unmatched reputation for reliability, comfort and efficiency to life. They will host informational booths, visit Trane dealerships, interact with consumers at community festivals and other events, and share their stories, photos and videos from the road via Facebook and Twitter, all while supporting the unstoppable athletes.

Nationwide casting call for auditions

The selected brand ambassadors will receive a weekly salary, a per diem and invaluable job experience.

Additional information about the application, requirements and process, along with a complete job description, can be found at . Specific questions about the process should be directed to

Calling all hard news and Aaron Sorkin fans

"width="320">Calling all hard news and Aaron Sorkin fans – things just got real. Omaze.com is offering anyone the chance to channel your inner Anderson Cooper on the set of what New York Times calls “a fine piece of television,” The Newsroom, all for just $10. A lucky winner and their guest, will learn how to conduct an interview with unstable sources, the key to remaining unbiased in the face of extreme emotion, and how Aaron Sorkin makes journalism look so sexy. The best part: every 10 entries to win this experience provide mission supplies for one veteran’s entire fellowship. Anyone can enter to this dream day by visiting Omaze.com and making a $10 donation to This Mission Continues.

The details: The winner and their guest will be flown to LA and hang out on the set of The Newsroom. That’s right, you’re practically Dan Rather. Airfare & hotel included.

Job - Intern for Miss Minnesota Junior High, High School & Collegiate Pageants

Thursday, April 25, 2013

Job - Wells Fargo - Mountain Midwest Regional Communications Consultant

Job - Meet Minneapolis - Summer Web Editor Intern

Wednesday, April 24, 2013

Job - Spotlight Media Relations - Media Relations Summer Intern

Tuesday, April 23, 2013

Job - Risdall Public Relations - Summer 2013 Internship

AdFed Magazine Day

Join AdFed for Magazine Day 2013 on Wednesday, May 8th at Marriott City Center. The day will begin with our distinguished keynote speaker, Mary Berner, President and Chief Executive of MPA. The panel of industry experts from Meredith, Hearst, Time Inc. and Conde Nast will discuss the dual immersion in edits and ads that satisfies the interest and passions of millions of readers. The legendary magazine grab will feature over 100 of the best local and national publications. Doors open at 10:30 a.m for the magazine grab and networking, followed by lunch and the panel at 11:45 a.m.

Remember to register as this event is one of the most coveted by AdFed members.

When:	Wednesday, May 8, 2013
Time:	10:30am to 1:00pm
Cost:	Members: $55 for Members Non-Members: $75 Table of 10: $550
Location:	Marriott City Center 300 S 7th Street Minneapolis, Minnesota

Monday, April 22, 2013

Job - Girl Scouts - Public Relations Intern

Job - RSP Marketing - Internship

Sunday, April 21, 2013

Job - Black Label Services - Marketing/Social Media Intern

Saturday, April 20, 2013

Job - ATK - Communications Intern

Friday, April 19, 2013

Job - PR Account Executive Opening – Maccabee Public Relations

Padilla Speer Beardsley Business-to-Business Client Roster Growing Strong

Padilla Speer Beardsley has been engaged by three new clients -- SAP (NYSE: SAP), Surmodics, Inc, (Nasdaq: SRDA) and Qumu, Inc. -- for a range of communications services.

SAP, the market leader in enterprise application software based in Newton Square, Pa., chose Padilla to support four global and North American industry-specific divisions with a thought-leadership program and media relations.

SurModics, Inc., a Minn.-based leading provider of surface modification for medical devices, selected Padilla for investor relations counsel and investor targeting initiatives.

Qumu, also based in Minn., is an enterprise video solutions company that helps organizations deliver custom video content to employees and other stakeholders. Padilla will provide marketing communications and media relations services to support Qumu’s branding initiatives and go-to-market strategy.

Padilla’s clients appreciate our ability to engage groups that are critical to their success,” said Lynn Casey, Padilla CEO. “We look forward to putting the breadth of our services to work for them.”

Risdall Public Relations Signals Growth with Two Promotions

Risdall Marketing Group (Risdall) announces two promotions among its senior Risdall Public Relations staff members, appointing Andrea Goodall as vice president and Laura Griffith as account supervisor.

“Both Andrea and Laura have grown into leaders within the public relations department, directing client projects and using the nuances of strategy and tactics to create successful client campaigns,” said Joel Swanson, APR, president of Risdall Public Relations. “These promotions reflect their mastery of using an integrated approach of public relations and marketing to deliver results that matter for clients.”

Goodall joined Risdall in 2008, most recently serving as account supervisor. Her promotion to vice president recognizes her growth in leading significant portions of workflow and professional development, as well as working with integrated teams across the agency and business development. As vice president, Goodall will lead new business efforts and manage the day-to-day workflow of the public relations staff. She is also part of the department’s leadership team, and oversees professional development, account management, strategic planning and hiring and staffing. Her clients include Vision-Ease Lens and RE/MAX North Central.

Griffith joined Risdall in 2007, and for the past two-and-a-half years served as senior account executive. Her new role as account supervisor reflects her growth in leading public relations and cross-functional agency efforts with large clients, improving workflow and mentoring junior staff. As account supervisor, she will lead public relations and integrated account teams and new business proposal development, in addition to working on client public relations efforts. Her clients include Smith System, Healthways, Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union and Stylmark.

TRANE LAUNCHES NATIONAL SEARCH FOR RACE ACROSS AMERICA POWERED BY TRANE ENDURANCE TEAM

Trane, a brand of Ingersoll Rand (NYSE: IR), is launching a national search for an unstoppable duo to serve as its Trane Endurance Team brand ambassadors throughout the 2013 Race Across America (RAAM) Powered by Trane. The world’s longest nonstop ultra-endurance cycling race, RAAM is a competition in which cyclists race more than 3,000 miles from coast to coast over the course of several weeks.
Trane is sponsoring the 2013 race in celebration of its 100^th anniversary as a brand of “unstoppably” reliable, comfortable and efficient heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems. The Trane Endurance Team members will represent the Trane residential business as they travel across the nation with athletes who will collectively ride the equivalent distance of circling theEarth 10 times.

Along the race route, the Trane Endurance Team will make personal connections with thousands of spectators and community members to bring Trane’s unmatched reputation for reliability, comfort and efficiency to life. They will host informational booths, visit Trane dealerships, interact with consumers at community festivals and other events, and share their stories, photos and videos from the road via Facebook and Twitter, all while supporting the unstoppable athletes.

Nationwide casting call for auditions

Teams of two that are interested in becoming the 2013 Trane Endurance Team members are invited to submit their resumes, writing samples and a 90-second audition video explaining why they deserve this unique internship. Candidates must be college graduates or enrolled in an accredited college and have strong communications skills, social media and interpersonal skills. Videos will be evaluated based on creativity and poise.

The internship will last for three weeks from June 5,2013 to June 27, 2013 and will include brand, message and media coaching.

The selected brand ambassadors will receive a weekly salary, a per diem and invaluable job experience.

Additional information about the application, requirements and process, along with a complete job description, can be found at . Specific questions about the process should be directed to .

Thursday, April 18, 2013

Mistakes to avoid in a PR campaign

There are many ways to make a publicity campaign successful. Additionally, there are numerous mistakes that can be made. Mistakes can be easy to make when you are new to PR and marketing. Below are a few common PR mistakes that can be easily avoided.

Not making a free offer. When selling a product or an idea (in this case, lets say we’re issuing a press release), it is important to offer something free in order to elicit a response. A few examples of free offers are informational / how-to manuals, newsletters, coupons, brochures, and podcast subscription information. Because your free offer is placed within a news story, readers may trust it more than a standard advertisement.

Relying ONLY on a news release. There are many resources that you can make use of in a publicity campaign. This may seem obvious, but there are companies that use their entire marketing budget on creating one television commercial or releasing one magazine ad. In order to maximize your marketing efforts, you need to reach the public through many different platforms. Submitting your press release to different media outlets is not enough. You must continue to connect with your audience social media, email, newsletters, and public speaking events.

Not learning how to spin a story. This statement of advice is relevant during crisis situations. PR experts know how to “spin” stories in the media by taking negative information and making it sound positive. You will see this occur often in politics. To avoid this mistake, try to predict bad situations ahead of time and think of responses that will maintain your positive reputation.

Failing to connect with the public consistently. You must continuously remind the public that you exist. When they think of an issue relating to your service, you must be the first thing that they think of. “As soon as you succeed with one area of your campaign, begin immediately with another area. Contact other publications. Write a new article. Give a new speech. Run a new ad. Do what you can to keep the media wave going. The consistent practice will ensure your place above the competition,” says journalist Roscoe Barnes. These days, social media is a great way for recurrent communication.

There are many more mistakes to avoid. However, with awareness, research and planning, you may not have to learn about them from experience.

Wednesday, April 17, 2013

No mowers are mowing in Campbell Mithun’s spring “Phenomenon” work for Toro

’s spring “;Phenomenon” work for The Toro Company goes from “mow” to “mowed” in the blink of an eye (magic!) to dramatize the time-saving benefits of Toro’s TimeMaster™ 30-inch walk-behind mower and . In a departure from the show-a-mower-mowing tradition, the spots present the “time machine” benefits: a pristine-looking lawn and a 40 percent time savings when mowing.

“We wanted to give the consumer credit for knowing what ‘a lawn mower cutting grass’ looks like,” said , executive creative director at Campbell Mithun. “That product demo happens in your head. What we show here is the beautiful result.”

“People continue to prioritize how they spend their valuable free time,” explained Rob Little, director of marketing for Toro’s Residential and Landscape Contractor Businesses. “We’re addressing that need with time-saving mowers that deliver a great result and help people more quickly move on to other activities. We’d like to think they’re spending less time mowing – and more time enjoying – their yards.”

“Phenomenon” runs nationwide through May. The media plan also includes airing the walk-behind mower spot created by Campbell Mithun in 2012. Both spots help support Toro’s brand promise – delivering smart features and timeless dependability – reflected in seasonal executions of the company’s “Count on it” series.

Agency Credits for “Phenomenon”

Chief creative officer:

ECD / copywriter:

Art director: Heath Rudduck
Executive integrated producer: Bill Smallacombe

Project management: Maria Roepke

Account leadership: Jim Romlin, Maria Roepke

Production Credits for “Phenomenon”

Director: Steve Chase

Production studio: Oil Factory Inc.

Editor/Post-production company: Charley Schwarz / Schnitt Edit

Adweek Honors “Vines 3-D” As Part of Most Eye Catching Ads on Billboards

First, a billboard covered in giant 3-D vines appeared in Minneapolis, Chicago, Milwaukee, Columbus and Kansas City - local bloggers, TV news and radio stations lit up with speculation about the mysterious giant vines. A week later, tomatoes the size of Volkswagens appeared on the billboard. On week three, the 3-D board transformed, with the addition of giant Red Gold cans, revealing the secret of the mysterious giant vines and the reason Red Gold canned tomatoes have that fresh-off-the-vine flavor.

The billboard, “Vines 3-D” created by Clarity Coverdale Fury Advertising of Minneapolis for Indiana-based Red Gold tomatoes, was recently honored by Adweek as one of the most eye-catching outdoor ads in the last three years (Adweek, March 11, 2013).

Adweek’s Michael Bürgi wrote, “Minneapolis agency Clarity Coverdale Fury has tackled decidedly unsexy category,” referring to tomato products and honored the billboard with one of “the most visually fun and arresting work over the last three years.”

Creative Director Jac Coverdale said, “The teaser board captured people’s imaginations. It became a media event, resulting in 13 million additional impressions. Awareness of Red Gold tomatoes really jumped.”

Learn more about the feature here.

Engulfing the entire billboard were 140 feet of vines, five tomatoes at five feet tall and 13 feet in diameter, with leaves eight feet tall and four feet wide. Accompanying the massive display were giant Red Gold cans measuring 16 ½ X 12 ½ feet.

Job - Gillette Children’s Specialty Healthcare - Digital Content Developer

GLOBAL BRAND THERMOS® SELECTS CARMICHAEL LYNCH SPONG AS AGENCY OF RECORD

Thermos L.L.C., the leading manufacturer worldwide of insulated food and beverage containers and children’s soft lunch kits, has selected Carmichael Lynch Spong as agency of record. Thermos joins the firm’s largest industry group, which works with food and beverage leaders, retailers, social influencers and prominent branded consumer products on a regular basis.

Since 1904, Thermos has provided unique solutions for keeping food and beverages hot, cold and fresh. Today, the Schaumburg, Ill.-based company manufactures an expanding range of innovative portable food and beverage containers that provide a more comfortable, enjoyable eating and drinking experience for people on the go. The global company sells products in more than 70 countries.

"Carmichael Lynch Spong is the best public relations partner for Thermos on many levels. The firm not only offers the creativity and industry knowledge to take our brand to new heights, but the staff is also a perfect fit for our values and culture,” said Rick Dias, president, chief operating officer,

Thermos L.L.C. Carmichael Lynch Spong has a long pedigree of success with food and beverage industry clients. In addition to Thermos, it serves many well-known food and beverage brands including Jennie-O Turkey Store, Jack Link’s Beef Jerky, DSM Nutritional Products, SUPERVALU, Save-A-Lot and Calphalon. “Thermos is one of the world’s great brands and one that we’ve all grown up with and loved. We’re proud to put our expertise to work to inspire even more brand devotion for this respected industry leader,” said Doug Spong, president of Carmichael Lynch Spong.

Tuesday, April 16, 2013

Minnesota Corn Growers Association Welcomes Four New Staff Members

The Minnesota Corn Growers Association (MCGA) today announced the hiring of four new staff members to strengthen the organization’s research, field coordination and communications activities.

“We are now more equipped than ever to tell the story of Minnesota’s farmers and identify opportunities to improve agriculture,” said Tim Gerlach, Executive Director of MCGA. “All four new team members have results-driven experience working with issues that impact farmers and rural communities. We’re looking forward to exploring new opportunities that will be made possible by our new staff members.”

The new staff members include:

Adam Birr, Research Director
Adam started as the research director for MCGA on March 6. Previously, Adam was the water research coordinator with the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA). He earned his Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science from Calvin College and his MS and Ph.D. degrees in Water Resources Science from the University of Minnesota. Adam is currently an adjunct assistant professor in the Department of Soil, Water, and Climate at the University of Minnesota. A majority of Adam’s work has focused on the fate and transport of nutrients and sediment in agricultural watersheds. Adam grew up in rural Michigan prior to moving to Minnesota in 1998.

Adam Czech, Public Relations Manager
In his role as public relations manager, Adam will work with regional media outlets, write news releases, and author content for MNCorn.org and MCGA’s CORNerstone blog. Adam has spent the previous nine years managing communications for USDA Rural Development, a federal agency that works to build strong rural communities by investing in infrastructure, housing, high-speed Internet, renewable energy and value-added agriculture. Adam also is a freelance sports reporter and covers the Twins, Wild, Timberwolves and Gophers for the Associated Press. Adam grew up in Little Falls, Minn. and has a Master of Arts degree in Organizational Development from the College of St. Scholastica and a Bachelor of Science in Journalism from St. Cloud State University.

Meghan Flaagan, Communications Manager
Meghan brings more than seven years experience in community relations and marketing campaign management to her new role as communications manager. Meghan also has experience in video production, print and web design. Before joining MCGA, Meghan was the community services coordinator/producer at FOX 9 KMSP in the Twin Cities. She earned a Master of Arts degree in Strategic Communication from the University of Minnesota and an undergraduate degree in Communications from the University of North Dakota. Meghan grew up on a farm in North Dakota and will oversee MCGA’s social media activities, publications, photography, videography and special projects.

Cara Soper, Field Coordinator
As field coordinator, Cara will work closely with MCGA’s regional representatives and affiliated county organizations. Before joining MCGA, Cara worked with Syngenta in seed sales and field support, and served as a brand ambassador for Monsanto’s Mobile Technology Unit, touring 15 states over eight months. Cara also gained valuable experience in Washington while serving as an intern for the U.S. House Committee on Agriculture while the 2007 Farm Bill was being created. Cara graduated from the University of Minnesota – Twin cities with a degree in agricultural education and grew up in Glenville, Minn. on a corn and soybean farm. She was an American FFA Degree recipient and is in her sixth year as manager of the Miracle of Birth exhibit at the Minnesota State Fair.

MCGA has over 6,400 members and represents the interests of more than 24,000 corn farmers throughout Minnesota. The Minnesota Corn Research & Promotion Council (MCR&PC) administers the efficient and effective investment of Minnesota’s corn check-off. The shared mission of both organizations is to identify and promote opportunities for corn farmers, while building better connections with the non-farming public.

To learn more about MCGA and MCR&PC, visit www.mncorn.org and follow @mncorn on Twitter.

Monday, April 15, 2013

Job - Dorsey & Whitney - Marketing Communications Manager

Minneapolis Branding Vets Launch KNOWN

Two Mpls. branding veterans that have been in the biz for nearly 50 combined years (Marshall Field's, Martin Williams, etc.) are now formalizing their long-term collaboration to launch KNOWN.

Jeff Turner

Chris Everett

KNOWN will specialize in bringing the right-brain/left-brain approach to building strong brand personas. Brand architecture, messaging, positioning and coaching internal and external marketing teams on how to present that brand to target audiences is where they shine.

Chris Everett (formerly of See Design) and Jeff Turner (independent copywriter/brand consultant) have created a strong reputation in this market and beyond with some high caliber brand-building work for General Mills, Bulgari, Smithsonian, Philips Electronics and Public Radio International.

Please take a look at the attached release and their site to learn more.

Friday, April 12, 2013

Job - American Academy of Neurology - Intern, Media and Public Relations

Emily Florin has joined Carmichael Lynch Spong as managing counselor

Emily Florin has joined Carmichael Lynch Spong as managing counselor in the firm’s New York City office. In this role, she will lead client work and teams in both New York and Minneapolis.

Florin returns to agency life after working for two years at Mindspark Interactive Network, an IAC Company, where she drove the company’s media presence and developed a speaking platform for company executives. She also led the company’s rebranding efforts. Prior to Mindspark, Florin was a vice president at Edelman, where she worked on a variety of lifestyle and consumer technology accounts.

Florin brings a wealth of communications experience in public and media relations, brand marketing, experiential events, mobile marketing, sponsorship activation and spokesperson engagement. Her client portfolio includes consumer brands Nair, Trojan, Barilla America, The Dannon Company, Dr. Scholl’s for Her, Listerine Whitening, Microsoft, Canon USA Inc., AT&T and Samsung Electronics Corporation.

Florin holds a bachelor’s degree in public communications from American University.

“Emily’s success in leading big, envied brands and her diversity of experience in traditional and social campaigns will really benefit our clients as we continue to grow our New York office,” says Doug Spong, president of Carmichael Lynch Spong.

Minneapolis-based Carmichael Lynch Spong opened its New York office in 2000. Since then, the firm has expanded its offerings to encompass a full range of public relations services through its brand marketing, corporate and business-to-business practice groups; its food and beverage, home, retail and technology industry groups; and its departments including media relations, social engagement, brand strategy and others.

Job - Explore Minnesota Tourism - INFORMATION OFFICER 3

2013 IABC Minnesota Bronze Quill Awards

Welcome to the 2013 IABC Minnesota Bronze Quill Awards program.
Submit your entry here.
A Bronze Quill Award from IABC MN means:

Branding that shouts “Excellence!”
Applause from other communicators
Respect from your boss, peers or clients
A stronger portfolio or resume

Entering the competition also means:

Helpful critiques on every entry from expert judges
Self analysis and growth for you and your team

New this year, making it easier to enter and win:

Entries are accepted until May 21, giving you more time to enter.
Divisions and categories align with the new international Gold Quill divisions and categories, meaning you have more opportunities to win.
Evaluation aligns with the international Gold Quill evaluation, meaning more valuable feedback.

We invite you to spring forward in your career with the Bronze Quill program this year!

Learn more here.

Thursday, April 11, 2013

Job - Basilica of Saint Mary - Marketing & Communications Intern, Summer 2013

Job - Risdall Public Relations is looking for Senior Account Executive

Wednesday, April 10, 2013

Job - The Minnesota Homeownership Center - Framework Marketing and Outreach Coordinator

Job - FreezeCrowd - Social Media Internship

Tuesday, April 09, 2013

Ad Agency Campbell Mithun picks 13 internship finalists based on “Dear Twinkies…” ideas

Ad agency picked 13 finalists for its Lucky 13 Internship based on brand-engagement ideas to take the iconic Twinkies brand into the future (meet the finalists and view highlights video on the L13 website). Applicants represented students attending schools ranging from portfolio schools and small colleges to large universities and Ivy League institutions nationwide; nearly 60 percent attend schools outside of Minnesota, where Campbell Mithun is based.

, they submitted a Twinkies idea along with a “Dear new owners of Twinkies…” letter, a “Campbell Mithun hire me because…” note and resume. Applicants were screened via just their Twinkies ideas and letters to preserve focus on their work.

“Our Lucky 13 applicants rose mightily to the challenge of addressing this real-time marketing situation,” said , director of human resources at Campbell Mithun. “Their recommendations were digitally savvy, divergent and reflected a lot of effort and good thinking. Reviewing the work was an honor; I look forward to meeting the finalists.”

Layered social/digital strategies anchor many of the finalists’ Twinkies ideas, which range from online games, sponsorships, pop-up stores, Times Square kick-offs, treasure hunts, a Twinkies Truck, a Zombie idea and a traveling carnival. Even the Twinkies-based Campbell Mithun logo above was part of an application. (Thank you L13 finalist Benjamin Blaska!)

Finalists will interview in person or via Skype in the next few weeks; interns will be hired by the month’s end.

Introducing the 2013 Lucky 13 Internship finalists

Name School Twinkies Idea

1. Benjamin Blaska University of Minnesota “The Twinkie Zone” online game site

2. Noah Carlson St Olaf College (MN) “Twinkie Town” traveling carnival

3. Michael Christianson Winona State Univ (MN) “Survival of the Fittest” campaign

4. Philip Jesse Donaldson Marquette University “The Hunt for the Golden Twinkie” contest, party

5. Ruben De Avila Indiana Univ (Bloomington) “You Deserve the Reward” fitness campaign

6. Maggie Hughes Iowa State University “The Year of the Twinkie” movement w/Twinkie Truck

7. Anita Joo University of Minnesota “Twinkies Throwback” competition

8. Rose Kim New York University “Where’s the Last Twinkie?” Zombieland tie-in

9. Kayleigh O’Brien Wake Forest University “Fate of the Twinkie Hoarders” reality campaign

10. Brian Skalak Iowa State University “Bring Back the Good Times; Harness the Hype” social

11. Jonathan Unger UNC-Chapel Hill “Twinkies: Since the Dawn of Time” geo-hunt, microsite

12. Harry Whitaker Syracuse University “Twinkie the Kid’s Return from Space” flavor extensions

13. Blair Winders Duke University “Twinkies on Tour” phased (traveling) product rollout

Twinkies and Campbell Mithun go way back: Campbell Mithun originated the “Where’s the cream filling?” tagline when Twinkies was a client nearly 20 years ago. Twinkies former parent company, Hostess Brands Inc., recently declared bankruptcy and auctioned the Twinkies brand for $410 million to investment firms Apollo Global Management and Metropoulos & Co., who aim to have the snack cake back on shelves by summer 2013. The “Dear new Twinkies owners…” application occurs during Campbell Mithun’s 80^th anniversary year (and Twinkies were born in the ‘30s too).

The application process

The Lucky 13 Internship application was announced March 1 on www.lucky13internship.com, for college students with a graduation date between fall 2012 and summer 2014. To apply, applicants submitted the following:

URL address for their Twinkies recommendation (presented via blog, YouTube, SlideShare, etc.)
A “Dear new owners of Twinkies” statement
A “Dear Campbell Mithun, hire me because…” note
Resume

Subscribe to: