Minnesota Public Relations Blog

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

Job - Xcel Energy - Intern - Employee Communications-25932

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

Xcel Energy - Intern - Employee Communications-25932

Job - AgriBank - Marketing & Communications Intern

2013-05-07T08:45:00.000-05:00

AgriBank - Marketing & Communications Intern

Meet Young Professional of the Year Award Winner Christina Milanowski

2013-05-06T08:30:00.001-05:00

At the 35th annual Minnesota Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) Classics Awards, Christina Milanowski of Maccabee Public Relations was named the Young Professional of the Year.

Christina Milanowski

1. Tell us a bit about your public relations experience so far.

I started my career as I think many PR pros do: tons of internships. While at the U of M, I volunteered my time for three different organizations and then another one just after college. Luckily that final internship at the legal company, National Arbitration Forum, turned into a full-time gig where I went on to lead all internal and external communications programs from launching an intranet to leading SEO efforts and overseeing crisis communications to pioneering social and blog channels for the company. After being laid off in the summer of 2009, I give great credit to the strong PR community – and you Brant – for helping to guide me into my next job. I’m so thankful to have landed at Maccabee Public Relations where I’ve blossomed from account executive to social media director/account supervisor. I’ve had the opportunity to blend traditional public relations, marketing and communications strategies with the new world of public relations involving YouTube, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Pinterest and Google Plus, corporate and thought leadership blogs, and content-driven inbound marketing.

2. What role has PRSA had in your career success?

PRSA has benefited me so much; it’s given me many opportunities to network and learn from other PR professionals. I have been a member of Minnesota PRSA for more than six years, volunteered on multiple committees, and now lead the chapter’s Membership Committee. I was humbled to earn the chapter’s Young Professional Award this spring reinforcing and giving credit to the value PRSA has provided to me. Anyone working in the local communications capacity should consider joining – and see me with any questions.

3. What best practices have you discovered to successfully integrate social media tactics into public relations campaigns?

Over the years, I’ve learned that social media, in its most basic form, is just another channel, but with its own bells, whistles and nuances. To successfully integrate social media tactics, you need to know your audience and how to engage with them; social media allows you to do this in real time and get immediate feedback in ways that continually transform. I believe we learn by doing, and this is one reason our agency is spending a lot of time building up our own blog (the MaccaPR blog, check it out!) and inbound marketing platform. The most exciting part for me is to see how other companies are using it successfully partnered with the ever changing channels and features. These are things that I translate for my clients – in different industries and corporate settings – everyday.

4. What is your desired career path?

I want to make sure I’m continually learning. I have an intellectual curiosity that is, perhaps, why I’ve found myself so active in attending local PR events and why I’m enrolled in the St. Thomas Masters of Business Communication degree. Where I go from here isn’t exactly clear, but I hope to evolve and learn with my clients and my team at Maccabee. They have fostered my growth and continue to support my development in areas previously unknown. I love the freedom that a small agency like Maccabee provides to learn on the job and forge my own path. I have a lot of people to thank for the coaching and encouragement that has gotten me to where I am today.

5. Is there anything else that you would like to add?

I would like to thank the Minnesota public relations community! There are several people here to which I owe a great deal. We are an inclusive community that supports and challenges each other to improve and learn from one another. I owe it to PRSA for building my relationship with Brant and others, and am thankful for the opportunity to share in my successes.

Follow Christina on Twitter or connect with her on LinkedIn.

-- Brant Skogrand, APR, MBC / Skogrand PR Solutions, LLC

Job - Lola Red - Associate Publicist

2013-05-06T08:30:00.000-05:00

Lola Red - Associate Publicist

Job - Inprela - Full-time Summer Intern

2013-05-03T08:00:00.000-05:00

Inprela - Full-time Summer Intern

Job - Ordway Center for the Performing Arts - PR & Marketing Assistant

2013-05-02T07:23:00.000-05:00

Ordway Center for the Performing Arts - PR & Marketing Assistant

Job - Trane is seeking two brand ambassadors

2013-05-01T13:59:00.001-05:00

Trane is kicking off it’s 100th anniversary by sponsoring the RACE ACROSS AMERICA BIKE RACE “powered by Trane.”

But they are also looking for two Brand Ambassadors to travel the country throughout the 3000-mile trek.

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.

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

Your dreams are making surprise phone calls in new campaign for Wings Financial.

2013-05-01T12:15:00.000-05:00

Clarity Coverdale Fury, a Minneapolis-based digital and advertising agency, recently launched a new campaign for Wings Financial Credit Union, Minnesota’s largest with $3.9 billion in assets.

The new campaign focuses on promoting the variety of loan options that Wings offers. Five radio spots were created around the theme of “Your Dreams Are Calling” for car, boat, home equity, and home mortgage, and shows that each dream can be affordable with the value Wings provides its members with each loan. Besides loans, one ad features a call from the “dream” Signature Rewards debit card.

One spot, “Dream Kitchen,” features a surprise phone call from a husky-voiced Dream Kitchen to an unsuspecting woman who has been dreaming about a new kitchen for years. The chatty, entertaining dialogue reminds her how long she’s been waiting and that her dream can become reality with a home equity loan from Wings Financial.

In addition to radio, the campaign includes multiple outdoor and online executions that tie into the loan promotion. Many of the online banners allow consumers to interact with the ads by calculating loan payments or clicking through to complete applications on the Wings web site.

To see the work please visit www.claritycoverdalefury.com.

Job - NEMER FIEGER – Social Media Intern

2013-05-01T08:30:00.000-05:00

NEMER FIEGER – Social Media Intern

Job - Lola Red - Public Relations Intern

2013-05-01T08:00:00.000-05:00

Lola Red - Public Relations Intern