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Thursday, May 26, 2016
Wednesday, May 25, 2016
Tuesday, May 24, 2016
MN PR Professionals Share Secrets of Career Success
In a recent career tip sheet, I shared my top tips for building a kick-butt PR career from hard won wisdom during my more than three decades of experience serving PR clients from Cirque du Soleil to General Mills. This two-page download is free by simply subscribing to the MaccaPR blog , and features 17 tips including these favorites:
1. Say Thanks. Master the exquisite art of individualized thank you’s – personal expressions of gratitude (not a mere email) to anyone who helps you on your career journey. When I was young and foolish, I innocently neglected to thank a Twin Cities business executive who had been enormously helpful when I was networking – and he remembered that slight for more than five years. Be young, but don't be foolish.
2. Understand the Power of Names. Try hard not to misspell people’s names. It’s one of the only minor transgressions that people never forgive and forget.
3. Return Phone Calls. Fast. Incredibly, few do this – and if you do, I swear it’ll make a positive impression. Former Minneapolis Star Tribune business writer Neal Gendler told me the story about his attempt to reach Edina Realty CEO Ron Peltier for an interview, only to be told by staff that Peltier was in an airplane en route to a distant business meeting. Minutes later, Gendler’s phone rings – incredibly, it’s Peltier, returning the journalist’s call from 30,000 feet. Decades later, Gendler still retells that story with reverence.
For even more career advice, check out recent MaccaPR round-ups of success secrets from PR luminaries Honeywell’s Greg Zimprich, Fast Horse founder Jorg Pierach, Lola Red’s Alexis Walsko, Explore Minnesota’s Alyssa Ebel, Haberman agency CEO Fred Haberman and more.
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Harvest PR Named Agency of Record for Marrone Bio Innovations
Marrone Bio Innovations (NASDAQ: MBII) (MBI) has selected Harvest PR & Marketing, Inc. as its marketing communications agency of record.
Founded by Dr. Pam Marrone and based in Davis, Calif., MBI is a leader in biological and sustainable pest control solutions. Experts at discovering, developing and commercializing naturally derived technologies, MBI offers an industry-leading platform of biopesticides that includes insecticides, fungicides, nematicides and a strong pipeline of proprietary products.
“The agriculture market is rapidly changing, and we saw in Harvest, a group of people who understand how the industry works and who shared our vision for sustainable agriculture,” said Nancy M. Hood, MBI vice president of marketing. “Harvest is the perfect fit for our vision and will help us deliver our message to the right audiences.”
The MBI story of technology and environmental sustainability represents the future of agriculture, added Heidi Nelson, Harvest PR principal and founder. “We’re excited to partner with Marrone Bio Innovations to deliver that story to farmers looking for effective biological solutions to pest control and pesticide resistance, and to help change the way producers view sustainable farming and integrated pest management.”
Harvest will provide full-service integrated marketing communications support, including content strategy, sales collateral, digital and social media management, media relations, influencer engagement and events.
Founded by Dr. Pam Marrone and based in Davis, Calif., MBI is a leader in biological and sustainable pest control solutions. Experts at discovering, developing and commercializing naturally derived technologies, MBI offers an industry-leading platform of biopesticides that includes insecticides, fungicides, nematicides and a strong pipeline of proprietary products.
“The agriculture market is rapidly changing, and we saw in Harvest, a group of people who understand how the industry works and who shared our vision for sustainable agriculture,” said Nancy M. Hood, MBI vice president of marketing. “Harvest is the perfect fit for our vision and will help us deliver our message to the right audiences.”
The MBI story of technology and environmental sustainability represents the future of agriculture, added Heidi Nelson, Harvest PR principal and founder. “We’re excited to partner with Marrone Bio Innovations to deliver that story to farmers looking for effective biological solutions to pest control and pesticide resistance, and to help change the way producers view sustainable farming and integrated pest management.”
Harvest will provide full-service integrated marketing communications support, including content strategy, sales collateral, digital and social media management, media relations, influencer engagement and events.
Thursday, May 19, 2016
Why Citations Are Crucial For Local Business SEO Success
Unlike a backlink, which is an actual link to your website, a citation occurs when your business name or address is mentioned on another web page. For example, an online business directory that has your business and contact information listed, but has no link to your website, would be considered a citation. Other sources of citations include documents, pamphlets, or other such information from the local chamber of commerce, a newspaper or magazine article, or local business association page.
When it comes to Google and Bing, citations are a major component in their ranking algorithm. Businesses with a greater number of citations will rank higher than those with a lesser amount. These businesses may possibly even rank higher than a business that has fewer links, or none at all.
The source of the citation directly impacts its value. A citation on a well-indexed and established directory like Yellow Pages is likely to convince Google of its authority or authenticity over a lesser known and less popular directory.
"Citations are especially valuable in less competitive online niches like specific construction services," said a marketing spokesperson for Crystal Kitchen + Bath Remodelers. "Many of these services are provided by local businesses that may or may not have an online presence. If these businesses are without websites, search engines like Google have little to go on beside valuable citations from credible sources."
Citations validate a businesses’ presence within a community. A business that is not involved with a chamber of commerce, the city, local paper, or other facets of the community is not likely to be cited by such valuable sources. This can drastically influence a company's local SEO efforts.
Tuesday, May 17, 2016
Clarity Coverdale Fury Creates 1st Tobacco Control Ad to Address Menthol Specifically
Clarity Coverdale Fury, the agency of record for ClearWay Minnesota, has created groundbreaking advertising for ClearWay Minnesota’s Still a Problem campaign. The campaign goal is to build awareness around the reality that tobacco continues to be a problem even though in 2014 the Minnesota adult smoking rate
was 14.4%, the lowest in history.
The messages in Still a Problem revolve around the impact tobacco has on Minnesota’s health, economy and youth, as well as the role the tobacco industry has in perpetuating the consequences of tobacco use. The new menthol messaging is tied to youth, as menthol is an additive that makes it easier to start smoking and harder to quit, and was exempted from the FDA’s 2009 ban on flavored cigarettes.
Almost half (44%) of Minnesota’s teen smokers smoke menthol cigarettes. The menthol Still a Problem messaging was tested in an online survey of adults and was found to be highly effective especially among parents.
The TV ad, “Bad Relationship,” is effective due to its clear message and relevance. In the spot, a teen is being provoked to smoke by her “friend,” menthol, via texting: Bad Relationship.
Previously, Clarity Coverdale created Still a Problem menthol “Not Cool” out-of- home ads, which
have been used in other states, including California, as well as ads for transit shelters and banner ads:
was 14.4%, the lowest in history.
The messages in Still a Problem revolve around the impact tobacco has on Minnesota’s health, economy and youth, as well as the role the tobacco industry has in perpetuating the consequences of tobacco use. The new menthol messaging is tied to youth, as menthol is an additive that makes it easier to start smoking and harder to quit, and was exempted from the FDA’s 2009 ban on flavored cigarettes.
Almost half (44%) of Minnesota’s teen smokers smoke menthol cigarettes. The menthol Still a Problem messaging was tested in an online survey of adults and was found to be highly effective especially among parents.
The TV ad, “Bad Relationship,” is effective due to its clear message and relevance. In the spot, a teen is being provoked to smoke by her “friend,” menthol, via texting: Bad Relationship.
Previously, Clarity Coverdale created Still a Problem menthol “Not Cool” out-of- home ads, which
have been used in other states, including California, as well as ads for transit shelters and banner ads:
“Other states in the U.S. have used the creative Clarity Coverdale Fury produced for ClearWay
Minnesota including California, which has been long-respected as one of the leading states in the country when it comes to tobacco control,” Molly Hull, Clarity Coverdale Fury Director of Brand Development said. “We have been helping tell the story for ClearWay Minnesota for 16 years and are thrilled about the successes ClearWay Minnesota has achieved.”
Minnesota including California, which has been long-respected as one of the leading states in the country when it comes to tobacco control,” Molly Hull, Clarity Coverdale Fury Director of Brand Development said. “We have been helping tell the story for ClearWay Minnesota for 16 years and are thrilled about the successes ClearWay Minnesota has achieved.”
Thursday, May 12, 2016
Summer is right around the corner...time to become a Water Watchdog
Almost 90 percent of childhood drownings occur with an adult nearby. With that in mind, Gabriel deGrood Bendt (Gdb) and Abbey’s Hope Charitable Foundation are imploring parents and other adults to practice constant vigilance when children are in the water. The foundation’s new PSA campaign, produced by GdB, alerts viewers and listeners to the horrors of what can happen when no one is watching.
Minnesotans Scott and Katey Taylor founded Abbey’s Hope after their 6-year-old daughter Abigail died in 2008 as a result of injuries sustained from an improperly maintained pool drain cover. Over time, the organization has transitioned its message to additionally include prevention of childhood drowning deaths via active supervision and its Water Watchdog program.
Tuesday, May 10, 2016
Coffee with a Legend: Building a Kick-Butt Career in PR
Join PRSA on May 11 for Minnesota PRSA's first-ever “Coffee with a Legend” event in the North Loop. To kick off our summer series, we have the legendary Paul Maccabee, president of Maccabee Public Relations. A public relations veteran with more than three decades of experience serving clients from Cirque de Soleil to General Mills, Paul has been hailed as a “creativity guru” by the Minneapolis Star Tribune and praised for being “always alert to offbeat angles” by the Wall Street Journal. Intimate and with limited spots, a lucky few registrants will have the opportunity to get to know Paul, ask questions about career strategies, take selfies, bring resumes and learn the secrets of a kick-butt public relations career! Coffee will be provided. !
| When: | Wednesday, May 11, 2016 9:00 AM |
| Where: |
The Bachelor Farmer’s Cafe 200 N 1st Street Minneapolis, Minnesota 55401 United States |
Gage Introduces Gage Channel Performance Suite
After navigating a path of innovation for 24 years, Gage is leveraging its marketing smarts and technological know-how to launch the Gage Channel Performance Suite. Comprising three platforms, the suite uses elearning, marketing automation and loyalty rewards, helping brands that sell through distribution be more effective with their channel partners.
Gage Channel Performance Suite
Known as EDUCATE, MARKET and REWARD, Gage platforms help brands address their biggest challenges while optimizing their sales channel.
- Gage’s EDUCATE Platform trains channel partners to drive knowledge and excitement for a brand’s products and services, and is backed with robust reporting tools to evaluate and track knowledge comprehension. Our content creation tool quickly and easily allows brands to create and publish a variety of content—including quizzes, videos and resources materials—using brand-compliant templates, modules and page layouts.
- The Gage MARKET Platform provides partners with all the tools they need to quickly and effectively create and launch localized marketing campaigns—print, email and web—that are brand compliant.
- Gage’s REWARD Platform enables you to consolidate all sales promotions in one place while utilizing a wide range of programs—including auctions, sweepstakes and loyalty rewards—to help brands deliver the right sales incentive at the right time.
“Gage’s platforms can be used independently or in combination, and are currently in use by some of the world’s leading brands,” said Tom Belle, president & CEO of Gage. “In several cases, they are the most effective tool a company has in its marketing arsenal.”
To see a video of the Gage Channel Performance Suite, visit gage.com. To schedule a product demonstration or for more information, contact Russ Nolan at or .
Not Just a Marketing Shop
Founded in 1992, the Minneapolis-based agency entered the digital age early on by developing the first-ever branded websites for the NFL, NHL and Gatorade. Gage also developed an All-Star promotion for Gatorade with the NBA, which was one of the first national Internet promotions ever.
Since those early days of the World Wide Web, Gage has developed technical marketing solutions that are in use by some of the world’s most well-known brands, including Microsoft, Skype, Norwegian Cruise Line and Thomson Reuters.
“Given today’s trend of overlapping disciplines, the merging of technology and marketing is stronger than ever before,” said Belle. “Gage goes beyond traditional marketing by developing platforms and programs that are squarely at the intersection of marketing technology and customer experience.”
Thursday, May 05, 2016
Ann Bancroft Foundation Taps Clarity Coverdale Fury for Brand Evolution
With its 20th anniversary on the horizon, the Ann Bancroft Foundation has tapped Clarity Coverdale Fury for its brand evolution. The Foundation, founded in 1997 by its namesake and polar explorer, Ann Bancroft, has a mission to support girls’ dreams and their efforts to live to their potential. Clarity Coverdale Fury was chosen to expand the current brand to connect with the Foundation’s growing number of stakeholders and to prepare for the upcoming anniversary.
“Clarity Coverdale Fury has a long history of partnering with organizations that seek to better their communities and the world at large,” said Rob Rankin, President and CEO. “It makes a lot sense for us. The work they do to help inspire and support young women and girls is absolutely incredible. We are very excited to partner with the Ann Bancroft Foundation to help them evolve their brand. It’s an area where we have a lot of experience.”
The Ann Bancroft Foundation provides grants, mentorship, leadership development and networking for Minnesota girls age five through high school graduation. The Foundation works with like-minded individuals and organizations, which makes Clarity Coverdale Fury an ideal partner. Their work with ClearWay Minnesota, YWCA and Boy Scouts of America encourages improving communities through both digital and traditional communications and media expertise.
“We chose to partner with Clarity Coverdale Fury for their extensive branding and marketing experience, as well as their ability to achieve strong results,” said Sara Fenlason, Ann Bancroft Foundation Executive Director. “We also found their team to be passionate, inquisitive and collaborative; a great fit for the Foundation.”
The Ann Bancroft Foundation recently held its annual dreamXchange event with its fundraising efforts netting over $100,000.
*Ann Bancroft, explorer and founder of the Ann Bancroft Foundation, and Rob Rankin, Clarity Coverdale Fury President and CEO, celebrated their organizations' new partnership at the Foundation's annual dreamXchange event on April 28, 2016 (see picture).
“Clarity Coverdale Fury has a long history of partnering with organizations that seek to better their communities and the world at large,” said Rob Rankin, President and CEO. “It makes a lot sense for us. The work they do to help inspire and support young women and girls is absolutely incredible. We are very excited to partner with the Ann Bancroft Foundation to help them evolve their brand. It’s an area where we have a lot of experience.”
The Ann Bancroft Foundation provides grants, mentorship, leadership development and networking for Minnesota girls age five through high school graduation. The Foundation works with like-minded individuals and organizations, which makes Clarity Coverdale Fury an ideal partner. Their work with ClearWay Minnesota, YWCA and Boy Scouts of America encourages improving communities through both digital and traditional communications and media expertise.
“We chose to partner with Clarity Coverdale Fury for their extensive branding and marketing experience, as well as their ability to achieve strong results,” said Sara Fenlason, Ann Bancroft Foundation Executive Director. “We also found their team to be passionate, inquisitive and collaborative; a great fit for the Foundation.”
The Ann Bancroft Foundation recently held its annual dreamXchange event with its fundraising efforts netting over $100,000.
*Ann Bancroft, explorer and founder of the Ann Bancroft Foundation, and Rob Rankin, Clarity Coverdale Fury President and CEO, celebrated their organizations' new partnership at the Foundation's annual dreamXchange event on April 28, 2016 (see picture).
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