Minnesota Public Relations Blog

Job - General Mills - Marketing Communications Intern

2010-09-02T10:03:00.003-05:00

General Mills - Marketing Communications Intern

Job - University of Minnesota - News Service Media Relations/Multimedia Assistant

2010-09-01T14:30:00.001-05:00

University of Minnesota - News Service Media Relations/Multimedia Assistant

OLSON Promotes duo to Group Media Directors

2010-09-01T14:08:00.001-05:00

OLSON has promoted two associate media directors, Steve Lynch and Stephanie Thompson, to group directors of the agency’s media discipline.

Here is a picture of the two of them.

Lynch joined OLSON’s media group in 2005 from Campbell Mithun, and quickly rose through the ranks, directing work for clients including Fifth Third Bank, the Minnesota State Lottery, Imation Brands and UHG Ovations. He holds a BA in economics from Saint John’s University in Collegeville, Minn.

Thompson came to OLSON in 2008 from Carmichael Lynch and before that, Martin Williams, and has led media efforts for OLSON clients including Northwestern Mutual, KraftMaid Cabinetry, Country Inns & Suites by Carlson and Discover Boating. She is a graduate of the University of Minnesota, Duluth, holds degrees in organizational management and marketing, and serves as alumni association marketing chair for the UMD Labovitz School of Business and Economics.

Lynch and Thompson and their department have been recognized with national awards including Effies and a Creative Media Award finalist for Creative Use of Newspaper. And, in an environment where “flat is the new up,” OLSON has been up, thanks in part to the work of these two and their group. In fact, media has experienced 1,600 percent in billings growth in the last five years.

“What makes these two great is that they’re the ultimate yin and yang, which means they’re perfect to serve together as media group directors,” says Kevin DiLorenzo, president and CEO, OLSON. “Stephanie and Steve balance each other with how they work, think and lead their team— and that’s important with the wide variety of programs we manage in our media department each day.”

Read the Twin Cities Business Journal article here.

Job - American Red Cross - Communications & PR Specialist

2010-09-01T11:24:00.001-05:00

American Red Cross - Communications & PR Specialist

Job - Carmichael Lynch Spong seeking social media specialist

2010-08-31T14:08:00.001-05:00

Carmichael Lynch Spong seeking social media specialist

Job - Fairview Health Services - Internal Communications Intern

2010-08-31T13:58:00.001-05:00

Fairview Health Services - Internal Communications Intern

Job - LaBreche is seeking Senior Account Executive

2010-08-30T21:51:00.003-05:00

LaBreche is seeking Senior Account Executive

Job - Dominium - Marketing Intern

2010-08-29T22:38:00.001-05:00

Dominium - Marketing Intern

Discover Boating gets on onboard with OLSON

2010-08-28T11:02:00.001-05:00

Discover Boating announces its selection of OLSON as agency of record for the relaunch of the national consumer marketing campaign for the recreational boating industry in U.S. and Canada. It’s OLSON’s first major new business win since acquiring OLSONdenali in June. The agency will handle a mix of traditional and non-traditional marketing— including digital and response-oriented marketing.

The agency was selected by a special task force comprised of industry representatives from the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA), Marine Retailers Association of America (MRAA) and Sail America. Jones Lundin Beals conducted the national search.

Discover Boating promotes the boating lifestyle to key target audiences throughout the year. The program was built on the foundation that boating helps you connect with the people you care about and disconnect from stresses on land.

“OLSON is a first-class agency that will help the recreational boating industry ramp up our national marketing efforts,” says Carl Blackwell, chief marketing officer for NMMA and Discover Boating. “OLSON’s experience and understanding of our industry made them the best fit for helping us enhance Discover Boating’s broad-based community engagement and brand-building needs to ultimately grow boating.”

“Speaking to communities is our sweet spot, and working with Discover Boating provides a great opportunity for OLSON to flex our brand-building muscles,” says Kevin DiLorenzo, CEO, OLSON. We’re looking forward to working together to grow this business.”

Discover Boating is a national awareness campaign developed by the recreational boating industry in the U.S. and Canada and managed by the industry’s trade group, the National Marine Manufacturers Association. Discover Boating programs focus on improving the boating experience and building interest in recreational boating by providing a resource for Americans to explore the benefits, affordability and accessibility of the boating lifestyle. To find out more, visit DiscoverBoating.com.

RMPR Promotes Amanda Draxton and Laura Griffith

2010-08-27T21:28:00.001-05:00

Risdall McKinney Public Relations (RMPR) today announced that Amanda Draxton and Laura Griffith each have been promoted to senior account executive.

“Over the past several years, Amanda and Laura have gained experience, confidence and expertise at managing and implementing integrated PR programs with kudos from coworkers and clients alike,” said Rose McKinney, APR, president of Risdall McKinney Public Relations.

Since joining RMPR in May 2007, Draxton has worked on a variety of consumer and business-to-business accounts, including Premier Mounts, Solid Waste Management Coordinating Board, Archway, Twin Cities Originals, Mall of America and many more. In addition, she coordinated RMPR’s updated website and has been a point person for agency media relations. Draxton also has provided pro bono efforts for the Ramsey County Library and Rotary Club. She is the incoming co-chair of the PRSA Minnesota Classics awards committee.

Griffith, who joined RMPR full time in May 2008 after serving as an intern at the agency, has played a key role on Smith System, Hearing Components, GoGirl and several other accounts. In addition, she has provided pro bono work for Baby Angels Foundation, coordinated the agency’s numerous PR award submissions and contributed to several integrated new business pitches. Griffith currently serves on the PRSA Minnesota programming committee.

Draxton received a bachelor’s degree in public relations from the University of St. Thomas. Griffith graduated from the University of Minnesota with two bachelor’s degrees – one in strategic communications and another in communication studies.

Job - Beehive PR Hiring Account Supervisor

2010-08-26T14:16:00.001-05:00

Beehive PR Hiring Account Supervisor

Leading Online Marketing Agency, aimClear, names Jalivay as Director, Plans Minneapolis / St. Paul Office

2010-08-26T13:37:00.002-05:00

Kathy Jalivay, respected Twin Cities marketing & public relations executive, brings her expertise to online marketing agency-thought leader, aimClear. Jalivay joins the Duluth-based agency to head a new Twin Cities office and serve aimClear's burgeoning roster of international B2B and B2C clients.

aimClear, an internationally recognized online marketing agency with its corporate office in Duluth, Minnesota, has Named Kathy Jalivay as director. Jalivay will report directly to aimClear founder and president, Marty Weintraub. With the addition of Jalivay, aimClear plans to open a new Twin Cities office.
Jalivay has over 24 years of marketing experience and a proven track record in strategically defining and implementing opportunities which lead to brand-success. She has a talent for creating synergy between campaign elements, the team and her clients which leads to effective execution.

“I am thrilled to be working with such a talented group of marketers, led by someone whom I believe is one of the best online marketers on the planet,” said Jalivay. “This is a great opportunity to bring aimClear's expertise to marketing directors around the world, helping them bridge the traditional marketing mix to marketing's future. I expect great success, not only for our clients but for myself.”

Jalivay continued onto say that, aimClear has serious passion and already provides best-in-class SEO, Pay Per Click, PR, reputation management and social media services and that the company brings keen insight, unmatched strategic wit and tactical perspective to elevate client-brands.

"Kathy Jalivay is a consummate public relations and marketing professional, street wise, savvy and beloved by her clients. She adds a new dimension to aimClear's rapidly expanding team of specialized online marketers," said Marty Weintraub.

Jalivay joins aimClear from LaBreche, a Twin Cities-based, public relations and marketing communications firm. As a director at LaBreche she was responsible for working with clients on their strategic marketing communications plans and insuring successful implementation across all disciplines.

Landree Joins Maccabbee Group Public Relations

2010-08-26T08:31:00.001-05:00

Caroline Landree, formerly an Account Executive with Edelman Public Relations in Chicago, has joined Minneapolis-based Maccabee Group Public Relations as its new Account Executive.

Landree brings to Maccabee Group clients her experience working at Edelman on Pfizer’s Prevnar and Prevnar 13 and AstraZeneca’s Symbicort products, along with healthcare client PassportMD. Prior to working at Edelman, Landree was a PR intern with the Chicago office of Weber Shandwick Worldwide and the St. Louis, Missouri-based PR agency The Hauser Group, where she worked on projects for the American Lung Association, St. Louis Regional Clean Air Partnership and Delta Dental of Missouri.

Job - Metropolitan Airports Commission - Marketing Generalist

2010-08-25T14:10:00.001-05:00

Metropolitan Airports Commission/MSP International Airport - Marketing Generalist

Job - Kohnstamm Communications - Senior Account Executive

2010-08-25T11:51:00.001-05:00

Kohnstamm Communications - Senior Account Executive – Consumer Team

Job - University of Minnesota - Student Graphic Design Intern

2010-08-25T08:13:00.001-05:00

University of Minnesota - Student Graphic Design Intern

MWMC - Networking Happy Hour

2010-08-25T08:01:00.001-05:00

Minnesota Women in Marketing and Communications(MWMC) - September 8, 6:00 pm–8:00 pm

Location: Sweeney’s Saloon | 96 North Dale Street, St. Paul Google Map »
Non-members are welcome at this event.
There is no charge for this event.

Event Information
Join us for this fun, free event to kick off our event year. Here’s your chance to meet new people and catch up with friends. You’ll also learn about what MWMC can do for you, and find out about exciting upcoming events, including Trish Santini at the Guthrie and Angela Chambliss from Best Buy’s WOLF program. We’ll also talk about membership, mentoring and more!

FREE for members and non-members. Appetizers included; cash bar.
We look forward to seeing you!
www.mnwc.org

Job - One Simple Plan is hiring

2010-08-24T08:06:00.001-05:00

One Simple Plan is hiring

Job - St. David’s Center Marketing and Events Internship

2010-08-24T07:56:00.001-05:00

St. David’s Center Marketing and Events Internship

Job - Job Opportunity at Weber Shandwick

2010-08-24T07:33:00.001-05:00

Job Opportunity at Weber Shandwick

Her Brand Matters: Creating Brands that Resonate

2010-08-24T07:13:00.001-05:00

Minnesota Women in Marketing Communications (MWMC) announces Renita Van Dusen of Affina to speak at the first Learning Lunch of the 2010-2011 programming season on Tuesday, September 21 at the University of St. Thomas (Minneapolis Campus).

Whether you're confined by a tight budget or have a team of maxed resources, now is the time to engage yourself in efforts to improve next year's branding strategy. Through case studies and practical applications, learn three key insights from Van Dusen into creating a brand that resonates. You will discover not only how to engage the women in your audience but also how to find out who YOUR target audience is and HOW to reach them in your branding strategy – even on a small budget.

Renita Van Dusen, founder and CEO of the strategic branding and design firm, Affina, is an expert and national speaker on marketing to women.

Event Information
Tuesday, September 21
11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
University of St. Thomas (Minneapolis Campus)
Opus Hall Room 201 | 1000 LaSalle Ave. | Minneapolis, MN 55403
Visit www.mnwc.org to register.

Cost:
$28 Members
$58 Non-members
$18 Students

LaBreche adds three new clients

2010-08-23T14:09:00.001-05:00

LaBreche announced today that three new clients have joined its roster: PLATO Learning, Bioenergy, Inc. and Great Plains Telehealth Resource and Assistance Center (GPTRAC).

LaBreche is providing PR services for PLATO Learning based in Bloomington. PLATO Learning is a leading provider of education technology solutions for kindergarten through adult learners, offering curricula for reading, writing, mathematics, science, social studies and life and job skills. PLATO Learning’s innovative curriculum and interactive instruction solutions help educators effectively integrate the traditional and virtual learning environment. The company’s research-based model of student achievement and industry-leading professional services support continuous school improvement and help to ensure that all learners achieve academic success. The company has been at the forefront of educational technology for almost 50 years.

Also, LaBreche is coordinating PR initiatives for Bioenergy, Inc. based in Minneapolis. Bioenergy, Inc. is an integrated biotechnology company developing products that restore energy and improve the body’s response to metabolic stress using ribose. Ribose helps to regenerate energy when tissues are stressed, such as in cardiovascular diseases, or for healthy people, provides needed energy reflected in less fatigue and greater exercise performance and recovery. Bioenergy, Inc. develops and commercializes various ribose-based products from nutraceuticals to medical foods to pharmaceuticals. The company’s pharmaceutical division centers on the use of ribose in chronic diseases, such as heart disease, and its cutting-edge cell technology solutions are designed to improve transfusable blood products.

In addition, Great Plains Telehealth Resource and Assistance Center (GPTRAC) signed on for an awareness campaign with LaBreche. GPTRAC is housed at the University of Minnesota in the Institute for Health Informatics. The center is supported by a grant from the federal Office for the Advancement of Telehealth, Health Resources Services Administration and the Department of Health and Human Services. GPTRAC assists both rural and urban health care facilities, providers and organizations within Minnesota, Iowa, Michigan, Nebraska, North Dakota and South Dakota in order to better utilize and implement telehealth technology. GPTRAC is a resource for those looking to develop telehealth applications, projects and programs within their health care organizations.

Social CRM: A New Realm of B2B Engagement

2010-08-23T08:17:00.001-05:00

Is your organization using Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and other social media sites to its advantage?

On Thursday, September 16, 2010, the Minnesota chapter of the Business Marketing Association (BMA-Minnesota) will explore how B2B companies can manage their social relationships by employing Social CRM and how Social CRM can create a unique opportunity for businesses to engage, differentiate, innovate, and grow.

The session will be led by Eric Scheel, co-founder and CTO of Reside. Scheel has years of experience in strategic design and implementation and is a nationally-renowned expert on building and integrating applications on the Force.com platform.

Scheel will teach attendees how to:

Define and apply Social CRM for B2B organizations
Engage, differentiate, innovate, and grow within Social CRM
Sort through the FICO (formerly Fair Isaac) B2B community
Generate powerful results through sales and marketing collaboration

Date: Thursday, September 16, 2010
Time: 7:30 a.m. Registration and breakfast
8:00 - 9:00 a.m. Presentation
Location:
Minneapolis Golf Club
2001 Flag Ave. South
St. Louis Park, MN 55426
Directions
Cost: Members $30 / Non Members $45
Register by: September 13, 2010
Register Now

Job - Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs - Communications and Public Relations Intern

2010-08-21T08:02:00.001-05:00

Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs - Communications and Public Relations Intern

South by Southwest - Support Panels from Minnesota

2010-08-20T08:30:00.005-05:00

The biggest and arguably, the most energetic and well-known conference in the interactive marketing industry, South by Southwest Interactive, brings together more than 10,000 like-minded professionals to Austin, Texas for five days for the opportunity to share ideas, experiences, and yes ... a good time.

While opening day of the 2011 conference isn't until March 11, preparations to fill the programming slate are well underway. Last week, the SXSW PanelPicker went live. This online voting system gives the public a chance to vote "thumbs up" or "thumbs down" to the more than 2,300 proposals being considered. The voting round is the second round of the process, and accounts for 30% of the decision to accept a proposal (40% is by the advisory boards in the first round, and the remaining 30% is determined by SXSW in the final round).

What does all of this have to do with PR professionals in Minnesota, you ask?

Well, several things ...

First, whether you are attending, or are even aware of the South by Southwest Interactive conference, it's important for PR pros to keep their perspectives broad, and be aware of the trends being presented at conferences such as these.

Second, voting is open to EVERYONE. You don't need to be a past or future attendee, or even an "interactive" professional. You just need to have an opinion and be willing to share it.

Last, but definitely not least, there are some whip-smart folks from right here in your community who are vying for a presentation slot, and they could really use your support.

Are you ready to help get some Minnesotans on the bill of this internationally renowned conference?

To get you started, I've begun to compile a list of Minnesotans with proposals in the PanelPicker:

Note - In order to prevent fraudulent voting, you do need to create an account. It doesn't take long or require a lot of info, and you won't be placed on any mailing lists.

"Case for a Caregiver Centric Personal Health Record"

Sheetal Dube, Evantage Consulting

"Challenges of SOA with a Legacy Brand (Best Buy)"

Steve Bendt, Best Buy

(post update, 8/20/2010) "Creative Alternatives: What if we Reinvented Healthcare Today?"

Robert Fabricant, frog design and Doug Powell, Schwartz Powell Design

"Cultivating a User-Centered Culture"

Nancy Lyons and Meghan Wilker, The Geek Girls Guide

"Finding Your Brand's "Social" Voice"

Jennifer Kane, Kane Consulting

(post update 8/26/2010): "Healthy Privacy: Can Health Insurance Companies Be Social?"

Tammy Young, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota

(post update 8/20/2010) "Human Centered Journalism: Changing news with Design Thinking"

Andrew Haeg, Public Insight Network

"Human API - The Evolution of Best Buy's Twelpforce"

John Bernier, Best Buy

"Not My Job: The Ultimate Content Strategy Smackdown"

Kristina Halvorson, Brain Traffic

(post update, 8/20/2010) "RDFa, Microdata, Microformats: Gateway Drugs to Semantic Web"

Jay Myers, BestBuy.com

"The State of Music Blogs in 2011"

Greg Swan, PerfectPorridge.com (Greg also has a proposal for consideration in SXSW Music.)

(post update, 8/23/2010) "The Value of Personal Health Social Networks"

Sona Mehring, CringBridge.org

"Why Did They Do That? UX + Analytics"

Fred Beecher, Evantage Consulting

Voting closes at 11:59 p.m. on August 27 - so, be sure to cast your votes before then. What other suggestions do you have? Please feel free to add to this list in the comments.

Kary Delaria is Vice President of Kane Consulting, a social media marketing and PR agency specializing in social media analysis, strategy, integration and measurement. You can contact her via email, Kary@KaneConsulting.biz or @KaryD on Twitter.