Minnesota Public Relations Blog

Happy Memorial Day Weekend. Please remember those that have paid the ultimate sacrafice.

2013-05-24T09:04:00.001-05:00

Hope we all take a minute to remember those that have given their lives for our freedom.

Job - Thrive Concepts - Public Relations Coordinator

2013-05-23T08:30:00.000-05:00

Thrive Concepts - Public Relations Coordinator

Padilla Speer Beardsley to Help Launch AIRBAC

2013-05-23T08:00:00.000-05:00

Padilla Speer Beardsley has been engaged as agency of record by AIRBAC – a revolutionary new backpack company based in Hopewell Junction, NY that uses a patented technology to relieve the stress and weight of carrying a heavy bag.

Padilla – a strategic communications firm based in Minneapolis with deep experience in consumer products – will help raise awareness and build credibility for the AIRBAC product and brand. The firm’s New York office will lead the work, which will include message development, national media relations, events and social media.

"We believe in and are excited about AIRBAC’s products,” said Greg Tarmin, SVP and managing director of Padilla’s New York office. “It’s a pleasure to put our expertise supporting consumer brands to work for them.”

Padilla’s New York office also leads work for client Coppertone, a relationship the firm retained in 2007. Coppertone engages Padilla to develop and execute thought leadership and national media relations strategies.

Job - Ecumen - Communications Specialist

2013-05-22T08:30:00.000-05:00

Ecumen - Communications Specialist

Job - NEMER FIEGER – Social Media & Public Relations Intern

2013-05-22T08:00:00.000-05:00

NEMER FIEGER – Social Media & Public Relations Intern

Job - CenterPoint Energy - CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS SUMMER INTERN - Today is the deadline to apply!!

2013-05-21T10:45:00.003-05:00

CenterPoint Energy - CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS SUMMER INTERN

Carmichael Lynch Wins Tempur-Pedic’s Media Account and Launches New Spots

2013-05-21T08:00:00.000-05:00

Carmichael Lynch is pleased to announce that it has been awarded media planning, buying and analytics for Tempur-Pedic. This follows the December announcement of the firm winning Tempur-Pedic's creative and public relations duties.

“During the pitch we knew they had landed on the big creative idea that could make the largest impact for our brand,” said Patrice Varni, senior vice president of marketing at Tempur-Pedic. "Once the creative began to take shape, we realized the importance of matching the delivery tightly with the work, so we decided to consolidate those efforts."

“We're honored to be awarded the business,” said Joe Germscheid, director of consumer engagement at Carmichael Lynch. “It gives us an opportunity to showcase our agency's full strategic services of market strategy and planning, consumer engagement and analytics, while offering our client one-stop shopping.”

Carmichael Lynch launched a new campaign this week on national broadcast, cable and digital video spreading the brand’s message: You are how you sleep. Filmed by award-winning director Mike Mills (The Beginners, Thumbsucker,) the first spot in the campaign, titled Bear, looks at the life of an unrested mom, but from the somewhat pragmatic point of view of her twin daughters. Rather than focusing on materials and restful bodies, the campaign reveals that the real value of a bed isn’t the eight hours spent sleeping, but the quality of your awake-time.

Today, Carmichael Lynch debuts the spot Free Samples. It’s no easy thing giving you the best sleep of your life but the folks at the Tempur-Pedic Sleep Innovation Lab sure have fun doing it. Here, we’re given a sneak peak of their top-secret facility in some faraway land where English is optional and rest is a requirement. Filmed by Martin Granger, this spot focuses on introducing the world to Dr. Nicklas Sandström and his wonderful world of sleep improving with a few slips of the tongue along the way.

Full credit lists for both spots are attached.

TV Spot YouTube:

TV Spot Vimeo:

TV Spot YouTube:

TV Spot Vimeo:

Job - ECFA - ReachNational Communications Coordinator

2013-05-20T12:57:00.000-05:00

ECFA - ReachNational Communications Coordinator

Job - Padilla Speer Beardsley is searching for a Designer in Minneapolis.

2013-05-20T12:43:00.001-05:00

Padilla Speer Beardsley is searching for a Designer in Minneapolis

Job - Ordway - Public Relations/Marketing Coordinator

2013-05-20T11:43:00.000-05:00

Ordway - Public Relations/Marketing Coordinator

Job - Minnesota Pollution Control Agency - Information Officer

2013-05-17T08:30:00.000-05:00

Minnesota Pollution Control Agency - Information Officer

Skogrand Offers Small Businesses Public Relations Guidance with eBook

2013-05-16T08:00:00.000-05:00

Because of the numerous demands on entrepreneurs’ time and money, many small business owners neither are able to learn public relations on their own nor hire an outside public relations firm. As an opportunity for small business owners to learn the basics of public relations quickly, Brant Skogrand, APR, MBC, has published the eBook “19 Tips for Successful Public Relations: Insights on Media Relations and Reputation Management.” Skogrand is the chief communications officer for Skogrand PR Solutions, LLC.

“Many organizations struggle with how to successfully integrate public relations into their marketing mix,” said Skogrand. “My goal with this eBook is to help entrepreneurs learn small business public relations through straightforward tips and by analysis of real-life examples – and then be able to apply public relations strategies and tactics to help achieve their business goals.”

In “19 Tips for Successful Public Relations,” Skogrand covers topics such as: preparing for a newspaper or magazine interview, public relations plan elements, optimizing your online pressroom and more. Skogrand answers, “What is a press release?” and provides a press release example and a media advisory example.

“19 Tips for Successful Public Relations” is available for the Kindle, NOOK, and from www.skograndpr.com as a PDF.

Campbell Mithun’s Compass Point Media launches OdinRTB agency trading desk for retail/CPG clients

2013-05-16T07:30:00.000-05:00

The Compass Point Media unit of Minneapolis advertising agency Campbell Mithun has launched an agency trading desk called OdinRTB for retail and consumer packaged goods clients, tying together real-time bidding (RTB) fueled by sophisticated analytics. The category focus makes driving brick-and-mortar, in-store transactions (not just online conversions) top priorities for OdinRTB, which was named for Odin, the Norse God of wisdom. Real-time bidding is a key feature of programmatic ad buying in the digital space.

“This offering grew organically out of meeting very specific client needs,” said Chris Wexler, director of media strategy and interactive at Campbell Mithun’s Compass Point Media. “These marketers consistently reach out to connect online with consumers who purchase their products off-line, which requires a niche interactive strategy.”

That category-specific approach gives the OdinRTB team the ability to prioritize factors such as: understanding data sets that link online exposure to offline sales, identification of online behaviors that index highly for likelihood to purchase, and the importance of geography in developing the connection plan (given that consumers purchase the products at a retail location). Nimble strategies piloted by OdinRTB include the successful use of instant sampling and event/holiday-triggered promotions, among others.

The new trading desk has experienced solid early growth and already serves six of the agency’s existing media clients -- including GreatClips, KeyBank and Land O’Lakes, which relied on OdinRTB as part of the integrated connection plan that supported launch of its new Sauté Express® Sauté Starter.

“Development of OdinRTB grew out of our holistic approach to digital planning, a deepened analytics practice and a years-long test-and-learn process,” said Dick Hurrelbrink, president of Campbell Mithun’s Compass Point Media. “We’ve also built it with a transparent agency compensation model, which our clients value given increased cost pressures across the industry.”

The launch of OdinRTB by Campbell Mithun’s Compass Point Media adds heft to programmatic capabilities within the Interpublic Group (NYSE: IPG) network, complementing the Cadreon trading desk launched by IPG Mediabrands in 2009. Campbell Mithun is an independent, full-service agency within Interpublic.

Late July Organic Snacks Selects Haberman

2013-05-16T07:15:00.000-05:00

Late July Organic Snacks, Barnstable, Mass., has selected Haberman to handle the fast growing, family-owned company’s social marketing expansion and new 2013 campaign. Late July is celebrating its 10^th year of making great tasting organic, non-GMO snacks that the whole family can enjoy.

“Like Late July, Haberman is an independent, founder-driven company with a passion and a purpose, so we felt an immediate bond,” said Nicole Bernard Dawes, co-Founder and CEO, Late July Organic Snacks. “Haberman understands the meaning and importance of real, great tasting food — with its depth of experience in the organic food category, we know Haberman shares our beliefs and understands our vision. We’re thrilled to have the agency communicate our message to more consumers in an impactful and meaningful way.”

“Haberman adores what Late July stands for — how it’s pioneering the availability of healthier food choices,” said Fred Haberman, co-founder and CEO, Haberman. “It’s a perfect fit. We’re both authentic, pioneering businesses. We’re both working to do good in the world — and we share an abiding love of healthy, tasty snacks.”

Late July Organic Snacks, Barnstable, MA, is an independent, family-owned company dedicated to making delicious organic, non-GMO snacks. Its mission is to ensure future generations of families always have access to delicious food — free from GMOs, toxic persistent pesticides and antibiotics. Founded in 2003 by Nicole Bernard Dawes and her late father, Steve Bernard, Late July is celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2013. For more, visit www.latejuly.com.

New Online Marketing Manager Adds to Risdall’s Digital Dominance

2013-05-16T07:00:00.000-05:00

Risdall Marketing Group (Risdall) expands the depth of its online marketing division with the addition of Tracy Henry as online marketing manager.

“Risdall is known for its expertise in the digital space as the second largest web/online marketing agency in Minnesota. Tracy’s blend of marketing and online experience enhances our integrated and Web-focused approach to projects,” said John Risdall, vice chairman and CEO of Risdall. “With his advanced knowledge of online applications and strategies, Tracy is adept at establishing and adapting online campaigns to align with client goals.”

As online marketing manager, Henry works closely with Risdall’s online marketing team. He specializes in search engine optimization, sponsored search and social media strategy and marketing. Through the applications Google Adwords and Analytics, SEOMoz and others, he monitors and adapts online marketing campaigns to reach desired results.

Education is also part of Henry’s role. In addition to speaking to industry groups, he meets with clients to first learn about their businesses and goals, and then shape online marketing activities.

“I like working with clients and asking them questions to get at the heart of what they want from online campaigns,” he said. “Setting up appropriate goals is the first step in campaigns, so this information-gathering step is critical.”

Henry’s past work experiences include SEO analyst at Best Buy, senior search marketer at Spyder Trap Online Marketing and marketing manager at Dex One. He has a bachelor’s degree in mass communications and advertising and an MBA, both from St. Cloud State University.

Job - Neighborhood Housing Sevices of Minneapolis - Social Media Intern

2013-05-15T08:30:00.000-05:00

Neighborhood Housing Sevices of Minneapolis - Social Media Intern

Job - martin | williams - Assistant Account Manager-PR

2013-05-14T08:30:00.001-05:00

martin | williams - Assistant Account Manager-PR

Job - martin | williams - Account Manager-Public Relations

2013-05-14T08:30:00.000-05:00

martin | williams - Account Manager-Public Relations

Help Minnesota PRSA Give Back to the Community

2013-05-14T07:00:00.000-05:00

Volunteer today for the Minnesota PRSA service event. Join us on Thursday, May 30, at Feed My Starving Children in Coon Rapids. We will pack food for those in need in the metro area.

After the service event, the Communications Team at Feed My Starving Children will discuss their outreach locally and nationally as they raise awareness of those in need. The FMSC Communications Roundtable includes Holly Donato, Communications Manager, FMSC; Drew Gneiser, Online Community Associate (social media mgr.), FMSC; and Gwen Cowle, Marketing Manager, FMSC.

Want to help? You can volunteer individually or as a group! Please RSVP to Michelle at mmsmnpr@yahoo.com.

Please include registration information (Limit of 20 people):

Name

Organization

Phone

Time and location details are available on the MN PRSA website. Volunteer today!

Job - SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE (PUBLIC RELATIONS)

2013-05-13T08:00:00.000-05:00

SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE (PUBLIC RELATIONS)

Clarity Coverdale Fury hires Senior Copywriter and Assistant Media Planner

2013-05-13T07:30:00.000-05:00

Clarity CoverdaleFury is proud to announce the hiring of new faces to the media and creative teams.

Ian Simpson, writer and cheese lover, joins CCF as a Senior Copywriter. He arrives from Campbell Mithun after several years of churning out smart, distinctive work for a plethora of national and local brands, including H&R Block, Burger King and Mayo Clinic. He was also integral in organizing an all-agency Nerf War, of which there were no survivors.

Jamie Peterson joins the CCF media department as an Assistant Media Planner. She was previously Advertising Account Manager for Boulder Weekly Newspaper in Boulder, Colorado. She also has the capability of flight (when she’s on an airplane).

Job - Edina Public Schools - Communications Specialist

2013-05-10T08:30:00.000-05:00

Edina Public Schools - Communications Specialist

Job - SRF Consulting Group - Marketing Communications Specialist

2013-05-09T08:00:00.000-05:00

SRF Consulting Group - Marketing Communications Specialist

Job - Himle Rapp - Account Team – Digital Media

2013-05-08T09:30:00.000-05:00

Himle Rapp - Account Team – Digital Media

Job - MnCUN - Director of Communications

2013-05-08T08:30:00.000-05:00

MnCUN - Director of Communications