Sean O’Brien has joined PadillaCRT as vice president of technology and innovation, leading PadillaCRT’s digital strategy, user experience and development teams from the agency’s Minneapolis headquarters. 

Sean O'Brien

“PadillaCRT is continuing to enhance our digital expertise and offerings,” said Heath Rudduck, PadillaCRT chief creative officer. “Sean brings an enormous amount of industry experience to the agency, and we’re thrilled to welcome him to the team.”


PadillaCRT CEO Lynn Casey added: “Sean’s talent and collaborative spirit make him a great fit for the agency. He brings superior digital strategy, creativity and innovation to our team.”

Minneapolis agency Wingnut Advertising has added two new staffers: as graphic designer and as senior account manager.

Get to know , the full-service Minneapolis agency that moves mountains for clients through the power of bold ideas and brilliant execution. Then head over to , a talented community of marketing superstars who provide project-based consulting, interim leadership, and staff augmentation to its clients. Stop by , a retail brand agency that focuses on understanding consumer behavior and using that knowledge to create programs that motivate customers to take action. Check out , a creative content house dedicated to putting lifestyle into companies. Find out how they not only make things look pretty but leave a lasting impression.

When: Thursday, April 7, 2016 Time: Cost: 5:30 - 8:30 PM Members: Free Non-Members: $15 Prior ($20 at the Door) Location: 219 North Second Street

Tour their spaces, hear from their principals. Mix and mingle with your fellow ad pros. We look forward to seeing you there!

This week, Deluxe Corporation announced a new partnership with “shark” Robert Herjavec and The Herjavec Group, providing marketing insights and services to the small businesses he invests in on ABC’s Shark Tank. Captured in a new video series called Behind the Business, Deluxe small business experts employ marketing tactics and techniques to further amplify the reach of businesses Herjavec chooses on the popular television series.

· The Natural Grip, whose innovative fitness product is changing the hand-protection industry for athletes of every fitness level 

· Happy Feet, whose popular slippers feature a variety of styles, colors, animals and sport teams

 · Nuts ’N More, whose first-of-its-kind peanut spread gives fans more protein and a smoother consistency than traditional whose first-of-its-kind peanut spread gives fans more protein and a smoother consistency than traditional spreads

With increasing client interest for groundbreaking public relations and media relations support, Russell Herder is thrilled to welcome industry expert Alison Griffin to the team. The agency’s growing public relations team, which includes several highly skilled practitioners, drives consumer, industry and media attention to client campaigns through highly strategic programs. 
 
With nearly a decade of integrated communications, public affairs and community engagement experience, Alison Griffin brings a thoughtful and collaborative approach to her public relations portfolio at Russell Herder. Most recently,

Alison served as Outreach Program Manager at MNsure, Minnesota’s state health insurance marketplace, where she implemented engagement strategies across a statewide network of community partners and communicated results to priority stakeholders.

Prior to her public sector service, Alison spent three years in the nonprofit sector, strategically communicating program initiatives and results to key influencers, from media and legislators to board members and donors. Alison's career began in public relations at The Integer Group, an advertising agency in Des Moines.At Russell Herder, Alison is most looking forward to developing client stories and connecting them to the most meaningful audiences. For more information about Russell Herder, please visit RussellHerder.com.

Spong was honored with a PRWeek Award in New York City on March 17 for its work with H&R Block. The effort was recognized as Cause Related Campaign of the Year, and also received an Honorable Mention for Community Relations Campaign of the Year. Spong was a leader among the midsize agencies at the show, with a total of five finalists representing four different clients at this year’s ceremony.

The PRWeek Awards, now in their 17th year, are considered to be one of the communications industry’s highest accolades. They recognize the best campaigns, agencies and individuals in 35 categories.

“We are thrilled to see this one-of-a-kind campaign get rewarded, as well as to have been nominated for categories in a wide range of industries and practice areas,” says Julie Batliner, president of Spong. “Being recognized by PRWeek speaks to the high-level work that our clients and staff continue to produce.”

Spong received the following PRWeek award:
Cause-Related Campaign of the Year:
H&R Block Budget Challenge Earns Major Dividends
Spong with H&R Block

Spong received an honorable mention for the following PRWeek award:
Community Relations Campaign of the Year:
H&R Block Budget Challenge Earns Major Dividends
Spong with H&R Block

Minneapolis agency Haberman was awarded a silver pushpin at the 2016 Ad Fed MN Show for its #ParentFail website for Olmsted County Public Health Service. The full campaign included a website, radio PSA, digital advertising and a display poster.

Gage, a Minneapolis-based engagement marketing agency, announced today the promotion of Tony Rivera and the hiring of Kara Nyberg, Brandon Simondet and Philip Moorjani.

Minneapolis-based Minnesota Honey Company has chosen PR and social media marketing agency Maccabee Public Relations to help promote its retail store at 50^th and Xerxes Avenue, S., the Minnesota Honey Company online e-commerce site and its specialized honey products for the corporate and special occasion gift market, specialty and grocery store channels and new product launches.