News

Ketchum and Its Clients Take Home Two Awards at the 2008 PRWeek Awards

admin — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 12:29:18 -0500

Short Text

Ketchum and its work with Delta Air Lines and Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company have been recognized with two PRWeek Awards.

Body Text

Agency Receives Five Honorable Mentions, Including Large Agency of the Year and Campaign of the Year

Contact:

Robyn Massey

+1-646-935-3911

robyn.massey@ketchum.com

New York, March 7, 2008 – Ketchum, a leading global public relations agency, and its work with Delta Air Lines and Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company were recognized with two awards at last evening’s ninth annual PRWeek Awards ceremony, which was held at New York City’s Tavern on the Green restaurant. The agency was also honored with five honorable mentions, including Large Agency of the Year and Campaign of the Year, a special award honoring the best overall campaign of the year.

"I am extremely proud of the work that we continue to do on behalf of our clients and this recognition of that work," said Ray Kotcher, Senior Partner and CEO. "These awards are a reflection of the passion and precision our colleagues apply to their work and affirm the trust that our clients place in Ketchum as we work to help move their businesses forward. For all of this we are most grateful."

The award-winning programs:

Award Winners

Public Affairs Campaign of the Year

"The Campaign to Keep Delta My Delta"

Delta Air Lines

Arts, Entertainment & Media Campaign of the Year

"'Into the Fire': Igniting Support for America's Firefighters"

Fireman's Fund Insurance Company

Honorable Mentions

Large PR Agency of the Year

“Ketchum 2007: The Measure of Success”

Ketchum

Campaign of the Year

“The Campaign to Keep Delta My Delta”

Delta Air Lines

Product Development Campaign of the Year

“Scott Flushability”

Kimberly-Clark

Consumer Launch Campaign of the Year

“ThINK...Before You Ink! Kodak Revolutionizes the Inkjet Industry”

Eastman Kodak

Global Campaign of the Year

“ThINK...Before You Ink! Kodak Revolutionizes the Inkjet Industry”

Eastman Kodak

“Our team stood with Delta at its hour of need and in less than two months helped it defeat a hostile takeover and emerge as a strong, stand-alone company." said Kathy Jeavons, Senior Vice President, Ketchum Public Affairs, and Ketchum's lead on the campaign. “The Keep Delta My Delta campaign really did change the story from one focused on the financial benefits of a merger to Delta's story of an airline and its employees trying to stay independent and thrive. I am so proud of the work we did; we are honored to stand with Delta to receive this award.”

In addition to the award wins, Ketchum was proud to be nominated as a finalist in the following category:

Technology Campaign of the Year

“ThINK...Before You Ink! Kodak Revolutionizes the Inkjet Industry”

Eastman Kodak

PRWeek Awards are recognized as one of the industry’s highest accolades given annually to the best corporate, nonprofit and agency teams as well as the campaigns they produce. The awards honor best practices and creative excellence in public relations programming.

About Ketchum

A communications innovator, Ketchum ranks among the largest global public relations agencies, operating in more than 50 countries. With five global practices – Brand Marketing, Corporate, Healthcare, Food and Nutrition, and Technology – and specialty areas that include Concentric Communications (experiential marketing, events and meetings), Ketchum Entertainment Marketing, Ketchum Global Research Network, Ketchum Sports Network, Stromberg Consulting (change management and workplace communications) and The Washington Group (lobbying and government relations), Ketchum leverages its marketing and corporate communications expertise to build brands and reputations for clients. For more information on Ketchum, a unit of Omnicom Group Inc. (NYSE:OMC), visit www.ketchum.com.

Two Vice Presidents Join Ketchum Interactive Communications

admin — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 10:31:32 -0500

Short Text

Ketchum has announced the addition of James Andrews and Scott Kilroy to its digital-media group.

Body Text

James Andrews and Scott Kilroy Offer Added Depth in Online Engagement and Development

Contact:

Robyn Massey

+1-646-935-4068

robyn.massey@ketchum.com

New York, February 21, 2008 – Global public relations firm Ketchum announced the addition of two new vice presidents: James Andrews, Director, Atlanta, and Scott Kilroy, Director, New York, to its Ketchum Interactive Communications (KIC) division.

“With the digital revolution fully upon us, it is essential to provide clients with knowledgeable and strategic guidance in navigating the online space. James and Scott can offer this counsel as well as the proven technical know-how that companies need to leverage the interactive opportunities available to them,” said Chad Latz, Senior Vice President, Interactive Strategy and Solutions, Ketchum, who will oversee Andrews and Kilroy.

Under the senior leadership of David Rockland, Partner and Managing Director, Research and Interactive Communications, KIC combines Ketchum’s public relations expertise with fully integrated digital programs that earn high-impact, measurable business connections with the online communities that matter most to clients.

Andrews, a blogger for FastCompany.com, was the founder of BrandInfluence, a strategic marketing and cultural branding agency that specializes in the convergence of technology, culture and entertainment. He also publishes TheKeyInfluencer.com, an online and mobile property for executives and influencers in the entertainment, advertising and media industries. Early in his career, Andrews served as a senior executive at Columbia Records, where he pioneered online marketing efforts. In the late 1990s, he created Soul Purpose, an influential e-mail newsletter about the entertainment and advertising industries, which was sold to new-media company Urban Box Office. The sale, and subsequent success of the newsletter, earned Andrews recognition in The Wall Street Journal, NBC, Daily Variety, and Billboard.

With over 11 years of management experience in the online space, Kilroy has held director level positions for such companies as MTV.com, Vizy Interactive, publicly traded Alloy Inc. and Burson-Marsteller. Prior to joining Ketchum, he served as director of technology at Innovation Ads, where he led the development of the company’s lead management software. In these positions, he has directed large-scale interactive programs for clients such as Johnson & Johnson, SoBe Beverages (PepsiCo), and Solomon Smith Barney. He is currently a member of the Interactive Advertising Bureau and the Direct Marketing Association.

About Ketchum

A communications innovator, Ketchum ranks among the largest global public relations agencies, operating in more than 50 countries. With five global practices – Brand Marketing, Corporate, Healthcare, Food and Nutrition, and Technology – and specialty areas that include Concentric Communications (experiential marketing, events and meetings), Ketchum Entertainment Marketing, Ketchum Global Research, Ketchum Sports Network, Stromberg Consulting (change management and workplace communications) and The Washington Group (lobbying and government relations), Ketchum leverages its marketing and corporate communications expertise to build brands and reputations for clients. For more information on Ketchum, a unit of Omnicom Group Inc. (NYSE:OMC), visit www.ketchum.com.

Ketchum Joins Forces With Clinical Trial Recruitment Agency MMG

admin — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 10:59:47 -0500

Short Text

MMG, an industry leader in patient enrollment for clinical trials, has joined the Ketchum network, greatly expanding the depth of services offered to Ketchum's healthcare clients.

Body Text

Partnership Expands Services Offered to Healthcare Clients Throughout a Product’s Lifecycle

Contact:

Robyn Massey

+1-646-935-3911

robyn.massey@ketchum.com

New York, N.Y., February 12, 2008 – Global public relations firm Ketchum announced today that Maryland-based MMG, an industry leader in patient enrollment for clinical trials, will join the Ketchum network, operating as a distinct business unit within the group. With this partnership, Ketchum will greatly expand the depth of services offered to its healthcare clients. MMG will have immediate access to all the resources and services of the Ketchum global network, an important benefit for clients in an industry that has become increasingly multinational. The two companies, both owned by Omnicom Group (NYSE: OMC), will retain their respective brand identities and office locations.

Together, Ketchum and MMG are positioned to provide a diverse set of services to clients. MMG has expertise in oncology, endocrinology/cardiology, the central nervous system and general medicine, as well as infectious and rare diseases. Ketchum’s experience is complementary and spans virtually every therapeutic category. Additionally, MMG’s in-depth understanding of the clinical trial business complements Ketchum’s healthcare offering and its ability to provide healthcare clients with communication services in the earliest phase of a product’s lifecycle. Ketchum’s global team of pharmaceutical, consumer healthcare, provider relations, advocacy relations, and media/new media experts provide additional depth to MMG's service offerings. Moreover, Ketchum's network, which includes more than 50 international markets, strengthens MMG’s global service offerings as the need for patient recruitment continues to grow outside of the U.S. In addition, Concentric Communications, an event marketing agency within Ketchum, specializes in creating and executing informative and memorable events and exhibits at pharmaceutical trade and sales shows.

“As science and technology continue to converge in new and exciting ways, the healthcare industry faces numerous global opportunities. This combination demonstrates Ketchum’s and MMG’s commitment to help healthcare organizations maximize the opportunities and minimize the challenges ahead,” said Ketchum Senior Partner Lorraine Thelian. “Matching Ketchum’s communications expertise with MMG’s focus on clinical trials will help clients identify and communicate valuable healthcare information about diseases and potential treatments to diverse global patient, physician and advocacy audiences.”

MMG is headed by John Benbrook, CEO, and a seven-member executive committee, which will continue to report directly to Benbrook. “Our number-one priority is to ensure that we are providing optimum value for our clients and growth opportunities for our employees,” said Benbrook. “I am extremely excited about the possibilities created by this partnership to enhance our already extensive service capabilities.”

The Ketchum healthcare leadership team also will remain in place. Along with Benbrook are Thelian in Washington, D.C.; David Gallagher, CEO, Ketchum London; Ann Moravick, EVP and Director, Global Healthcare and Brand Advocacy of Ketchum, based in New York; Susan Newberry, Senior Vice President and Director of Ketchum’s Washington, D.C., Healthcare Practice; and Sebastien Desprez, Managing Director, International Healthcare, based in London; all will work together to achieve innovative business results for both companies’ clients.

Founded in 1987 as a healthcare communications company, MMG is the premier full-service clinical trial enrollment agency specializing in helping pharmaceutical, biotech, and government clients find the best ways to reach and influence patient populations for participation in clinical trials, which simultaneously increases the effectiveness and sustainability of the programs. MMG’s focus on physician and patient education allows the company to reach patients directly and cost-efficiently, which benefits patients and clients alike. MMG joined Omnicom in 2000.

Ketchum ranks among the largest public relations agencies in the world. Founded 85 years ago, the firm specializes in marketing and corporate communications, helping to build brands and manage reputations for leading products, services, corporations, and governmental and nongovernmental organizations. Over the past decade, Ketchum’s Healthcare Practice has been continuously expanding in international markets to help pharmaceutical firms, hospitals, medical associations, and medical device manufacturers navigate the complex environment of consumer-driven healthcare, demands for transparency, and the entry of oblique competition – all in a highly regulated environment. Ketchum joined Omnicom in 1996.

About Ketchum

A communications innovator, Ketchum operates in more than 50 countries. With five global practices – Brand Marketing, Corporate, Healthcare, Food and Nutrition, and Technology – and specialty areas that include Concentric Communications (experiential marketing, events and meetings), Ketchum Entertainment Marketing, Ketchum Global Research, Ketchum Sports Network, Stromberg Consulting, (change management and workplace communications) and The Washington Group (lobbying and government relations), Ketchum leverages its marketing and corporate communications expertise to build brands and reputations for clients. For more information on Ketchum, a unit of Omnicom Group Inc. (NYSE:OMC), visit www.ketchum.com.

Ketchum Partners with Leading Social Network Expert Rob Cross to Enhance Social Network Analysis and Activation for Clients

admin — Thu, 07 Feb 2008 11:53:44 -0500

Short Text

Ketchum has formed a partnership with social network expert Rob Cross to help clients accelerate the movement of opinions, ideas and actions across networks.

Body Text

Contact:

Allison Slotnick

+1-646-935-4068

allison.slotnick@ketchum.com

New York, N.Y., February 7, 2008 - Precisely identifying and energizing the connections and influence of individuals within social networks is so crucial to successful brand and reputation building that Ketchum, a top-10 PR firm, has partnered with a leading social network expert to help clients accelerate the movement of opinions, ideas and actions across networks. The exclusive partnership, announced today, is with Rob Cross, the author of The Hidden Power of Social Networks and a professor at the University of Virginia (UVA). Cross also leads The Network Roundtable, a consortium of companies and experts focused on social networking, housed at UVA. The partnership gives Ketchum and its clients a highly precise methodology for mapping networks of influencers.

The approach, proprietary to Cross and UVA, will now be used by a host of business units at Ketchum that already specialize in targeting and leveraging connections within networks. In particular, this sophisticated network mapping approach will enhance the work of Ketchum’s Stromberg Consulting unit, which focuses on change management and employee engagement; Zócalo Group, a Ketchum unit that helps brands drive sustainable word-of-mouth; and Ketchum Global Research Network, which provides research and measurement services to many of Ketchum’s multinational clients.

This first-ever partnership between Cross and a PR firm gives Ketchum’s clients a scientifically valid tool to map networks of influencers within their organizations and identify the roles and relative influence of opinion makers within and across such networks. These “influencers” within consumer, business-to-business or employee communities are increasingly pivotal in how brand reputation is shaped and how companies manage change.

“As the public relations industry evolves, social network engagement will enhance our work in change management, brand marketing and corporate reputation building,” said Rob Flaherty, senior partner, Ketchum. “Combining Ketchum’s resources with Rob Cross’s expertise gives clients deep insight into the networks of influence that matter to them.”

About Ketchum

A communications innovator, Ketchum ranks among the largest global public relations agencies, operating in more than 50 countries. With five global practices – Brand Marketing, Corporate, Healthcare, Food and Nutrition, and Technology – and specialty areas that include Concentric Communications (experiential marketing, events and meetings), Ketchum Entertainment Marketing, Ketchum Global Research, Ketchum Sports Network, Stromberg Consulting (change management and workplace communications) and The Washington Group (lobbying and government relations), Ketchum leverages its marketing and corporate communications expertise to build brands and reputations for clients. For more information on Ketchum, a unit of Omnicom Group Inc. (NYSE:OMC), visit www.ketchum.com.

Survey Reveals Communicators Are Out of Sync With the Way Consumers Use Media

admin — Mon, 10 Dec 2007 10:06:20 -0500

Short Text

Ketchum and the University of Southern California Annenberg Strategic Public Relations Center find that advice from family and friends is the No. 1 source that consumers turn to when making a variety of decisions, according to a survey that examined the use of more than 40 media channels in the U.S. and BRIC countries.

Body Text

Consumers Rely Most on Personal Experiences and Experts When Making Decisions

Contact:

Robyn Massey

+1-646-935-3911

robyn.massey@ketchum.com

New York, December 10, 2007 - The way communicators dispense information is out of sync with the way consumers use media, according to Media, Myths & Realities, a comprehensive survey of media usage among consumers and communications professionals conducted by global public relations firm Ketchum and the University of Southern California Annenberg Strategic Public Relations Center. Advice from family and friends is the No. 1 source that consumers turn to when making a variety of decisions – ranging from purchasing consumer electronics to planning a vacation – and advice from an expert rates highest when making medical decisions and purchases based on a product’s environmental impact. Despite the strong evidence that friends, family and experts play a key role in influencing decisions, only 24 percent of communicators report having a word-of-mouth program in place.

Another indication of this communication gap is the differing reliance on company Web sites. Communicators rank their companies’ own Web sites as the most effective way to share corporate news or issue a response to a crisis, but consumers rank company Web sites sixth and seventh among places they turn to for corporate news and crisis response, respectively.

In its second year, the Media Myths & Realities survey examines the use of more than 40 media channels, ranging from newspapers to social networking sites. This year’s survey was expanded to include the fast-growing BRIC countries – Brazil, Russia, India and China. The theme “public of one” emerged from this year’s findings to represent the way communicators should view today’s consumer audience. With digital media giving rise to increasing media choice, fragmentation and personal empowerment, the term “mass market” is being outmoded. As a result, it is imperative that communicators view their audience as distinct groupings of individuals.

“This year’s findings magnify the point of last year’s benchmark survey, which showed that communications professionals need to vigorously reassess their communication priorities to meet consumers’ needs in this multimedia channel world,” said Nicholas Scibetta, Ketchum Senior Vice President and Global Director, Global Media Network.

“The survey results also show that today, more than ever, each consumer can search out the specific information he or she is seeking while tuning out the media sources that aren’t personally relevant or meaningful,” Scibetta added. “Communicators must focus on speaking to individuals, not just broadcasting to the masses, when getting their messages across to this new ‘public of one.’”

Other Key Findings

Consumers in emerging markets may be setting the pace for media use. “This year’s survey deflated a major myth that the 2006 survey didn’t explore: the notion that emerging markets are less media-savvy than the U.S.,” said Jerry Swerling, Founder and Director of the USC Annenberg Strategic Public Relations Center. “Consumers in the BRIC countries are tech-savvy, they are accessing more mobile media and they deem media outlets to be more credible than do their U.S. counterparts. As more corporations operate globally, communicators must be aware of these differences.” Furthermore, overall media consumption in the BRIC countries is heavier than in the U.S., and BRIC consumers generally rate media sources higher in credibility than do U.S. consumers. For instance, in the U.S., 65 percent of consumers report using major television network news, compared to 85 percent in Brazil, 79 percent in Russia, 72 percent in India and 60 percent in China. Meanwhile, only Russian consumers rank major network news lower in credibility than U.S. consumers. On a scale of 0 to 10, major network news ranks 7.6 in Brazil, 7.6 in India and 7.4 in China. It ranks 6.7 and 6.2 in the U.S. and Russia, respectively.
U.S. consumers are more skeptical of nearly all media outlets. Another key finding underscores the fact that while U.S. consumers are using more media sources than ever before, they are less likely than they were a year ago to take the information they receive at face value. Consumers rated all media sources, with the exception of cable network news, as being less credible than in the 2006 survey. While local television news was seen as most credible, it dropped from 7.4 last year to 6.9 on a scale of 0 to 10. Celebrity endorsements ranked last, at 3.7, down from 4.7 last year. Cable network news ranked 6.8, compared to 6.4 in 2006.
Media preferences are more personalized than ever. The study reveals that 22 percent of U.S. consumers use social networking sites, up from 17 percent in 2006, and 19 percent of consumers use blogs, up from 13 percent. Among consumers over the age of 55, use of blogs and social networking sites more than doubled. At the same time, use of most other media outlets slipped from a year earlier. Search engines continue to be a gateway to consumer choice in information, with 60 percent of U.S. consumers using them to find and select the news and other information they want to receive. The trend toward more personalized media is even stronger among “influencers” – the 10 to 15 percent of the population who initiate changes in their community or society through a variety of activities – with 35 percent using both social networking sites and blogs and 72 percent using search engines.

Takeaways for Communicators

Treat audiences as groupings of individuals rather than faceless masses. Rather than rely on the reputation of a media outlet to carry your message, relate to the public by creating content that is relevant, authentic, and engaging, and motivates consumers to share information with like-minded people. The opportunity for communications professionals is to help provide context, rather than sheer content, and give consumers more of what they are seeking. Quantity of media impressions should not be the sole focus of a campaign – media should be used as a vehicle for reaching stakeholders in a way that is meaningful or useful.
Put word-of-mouth and search-engine-optimization strategies in place or miss out on tremendous potential for audience reach and sales. In addition to advice from family and friends being the No. 1 source that U.S. consumers turn to when making select decisions, search engines (such as Google, Yahoo, Cadê, Yandex, Baidu, etc.) rank No. 1 or 2 among all media channels in overall usage for BRIC countries and No. 3 in the U.S. among influencers.
Be wary of the communication flavor of the month. Be sure to stay on top of the latest research and avoid becoming reliant on any single communication technique regardless of how new or exciting it may seem. For example, usage of podcasts is registering in the single digit range with the exception of the 18-24 age group, which grew from 8 percent to 13 percent.
A company’s own Web site should not be the primary choice when communicating to stakeholders. While a company Web site provides communicators with a high degree of control over their message, consumers often turn elsewhere for information.

About the survey

The survey compares the media usage habits of 1,229 adult Americans (including 200 influential citizens, or “influencers” – the 10 to 15 percent of the population who initiate changes in their community or society through a variety of activities) and 500 communications industry professionals. The sample of 1,229 U.S. consumers was oversized to ensure inclusion of 300 Hispanics and 200 influencers.

In Brazil, Russia, India and China, 300 consumers and 200 influencers were surveyed in each country. The definition of an influencer was consistent for the U.S. and the BRIC countries, allowing for cultural and political differences within each country. The survey did not include communications professionals in the BRIC countries.

The survey was conducted through online distribution between Sept. 30 and Oct. 5, 2007.

About the University of Southern California Annenberg Strategic Public Relations Center

The USC Annenberg Strategic Public Relations Center (SPRC) plays a major role in the continuing evolution, professionalization and expansion of the public relations discipline. A unit of the USC Annenberg School for Communication’s Public Relations Studies Program, the Center’s mission is to advance the study, practice and value of public relations by conducting applied research in partnership with leading industry groups.

About Ketchum

A communications innovator, Ketchum ranks among the largest global public relations agencies, operating in more than 50 countries. With five global practices – Brand Marketing, Corporate, Healthcare, Food and Nutrition, and Technology – and specialty areas that include Concentric Communications (experiential marketing, events and meetings), Ketchum Entertainment Marketing, Ketchum Global Research, Ketchum Sports Network, Stromberg Consulting (change management and workplace communications) and The Washington Group (lobbying and government relations), Ketchum leverages its marketing and corporate communications expertise to build brands and reputations for clients. For more information on Ketchum, a unit of Omnicom Group Inc. (NYSE:OMC), visit www.ketchum.com.

Ketchum Recognizes Best and Worst Communicators in Canada

admin — Thu, 06 Dec 2007 16:35:38 -0500

Short Text

Ketchum's Toronto office has honored Conrad Black and Barbara Amiel with a Lifetime Achievement Award in its fourth annual ranking of Canada’s best and worst communicators.

Body Text

Black, Amiel Top List of Best and Worst of 2007

Contact:

Lindsey Coulter

Ketchum Public Relations

416-355-7430

lindsey.coulter@ketchum.com

Trevor Boudreau

Ketchum Public Relations

416-355-7425

trevor.boudreau@ketchum.com

Toronto, December 3, 2007 - Conrad Black and Barbara Amiel were honored with a “Lifetime Achievement Award” on this year’s list of Canada’s best and worst communicators – the fourth annual ranking by Ketchum Public Relations Canada that recognizes skillful, colorful and effective communication as well as the verbose, crassly manipulative and downright stupid.

Joining the high-profile couple on this year’s list were a minister, a labor leader, politicians, sports figures and civil servants. Every year, Ketchum professionals track hundreds of spokespeople as they deal with potentially damaging issues in the fields of business, government, spot news, sports, and the arts. The results are used to highlight valuable communication lessons.

“The best communicators help themselves by being credible and compelling,” said Ketchum Canada Managing Director Geoffrey Rowan. “The worst are unbelievable, in every sense of that word. If you can understand them at all, they sound vague, defensive, evasive, or downright dishonest, dismantling their own reputations in the process.”

Here are 10 lessons we learned from Canada’s best and worst communicators in 2007.

Lesson 1: Arrogance Doesn’t Win Friends and Influence People

Lord and Lady Black possess an extraordinary command of the English language – verbal and nonverbal – and a mystifying tendency to offer themselves up for public ridicule. The problem seems to be that they don’t really care whether the unwashed masses (anyone with a net worth below $100 million) understands them or sympathizes with them. After all, how likely is it that ordinary people would ever be able to sit in judgment of them in any meaningful way?

The Blacks teach us that pomposity rarely results in effective communication, unless the intention is to create distance between you and your audience, or to make your audience laugh at you. Likewise, obscene gestures and name-calling rarely evoke kindness or sympathy, unless you have been diagnosed with Tourette’s syndrome.

This year, when Ms. Amiel reportedly aimed her considerable intellect at a CBC producer and said, “You slut . . . You're all vermin. I'm sick of it," she only reinforced a perception that she feels she is above it all. Unfortunately for her, it’s the “vermin” and “sluts” who get the last word.

Likewise, Mr. Black again demonstrated his contempt for media with an obscene finger gesture as he entered a Chicago courthouse to await a jury ruling in the case against him. Not quite as wordy as he is usually, but we get the point.

There have been too many colorful quotes from the Blacks over the years to catalog them here. As media hounds, we appreciate the entertaining stories the Blacks’ generate, but as business communicators we can’t ignore the fact that their pronouncements usually backfire. Hence the lifetime achievement award for a body of work that is unparalleled in creating animosity, ridicule and recriminations. (We grandfathered him in even though he renounced his Canadian citizenship to accept a relatively meaningless peerage, so he’d no longer be a commoner and so he could poke a finger in former Prime Minister Jean Chretien’s eye. That’s another poorly thought out communication that Mr. Black likely regrets now that he faces sentencing in the U.S.)

Was it smart business to call reporters, many of whom he employed, a "swarming, grunting masses of jackals?” Did he influence them effectively when he called them “ignorant, lazy, opinionated, intellectually dishonest and inadequately supervised?''

For her part, Ms. Amiel’s most infamous line, beyond the “slut” salutation, entrenched her reputation as an unsympathetic character. "I have an extravagance that knows no bounds."

Assuming it’s true, on what planet would that ever be considered an admirable characteristic? The planet Nouveau Riche?

Lesson 2: Stay Focused On What Matters

In an era where so many people are focused on the measurements of success (see above – ”extravagance that knows no bounds”) it can be easy to lose sight of the real goal. The Rev. David Giuliano, head of the United Church of Canada, clearly understands the importance of focusing on what you do and how you do it.

At a time when the United Church, like most churches, is losing members, he admonished congregations across the country to stop worrying so much about "buildings and budgets" and worry more about "the suffering of the world around us."

“Our hope is not for our survival or even growth,” said Rev. Giuliano. “I am praying that our preoccupation with getting people into church is transformed by a passion for getting the church out into the world. I am praying that we welcome strangers with a radical hospitality that sees in them the face of Christ — not an ‘identifiable giver’ or a ‘potential committee member.’”

The lesson then is that good communication makes an emotional connection. The Rev. Giuliano did a wonderful job of reminding his flock about their real emotional connection to their church.

Lesson 3: To Thine Own Self Be True

The collapse of John Tory’s campaign to become premier of Ontario was spectacular, in large part because the Ontario Conservative leader was seen as such a genuine and authentic leader before the campaign – a nonpolitician’s politician. The former businessman built a solid base of support because many voters liked his pragmatic, business-like approach, which included a promise not to engage in the standard politics of negativity.

Ironically, given the charges of broken promises faced by the Liberal government of Dalton McGuinty, Mr. Tory was undone by saying one thing and doing another. From the opening salvo of the campaign through the post-election commentary, Mr. Tory abandoned his business background and sounded like every other politician, running an almost entirely negative campaign. The more his support dropped the more negative he became.

History records that he lost because of his promise to fund faith-based schools and his subsequent flip-flop on that.

"I have always believed that listening to the people is at the very core of leadership," he said, admitting the policy had "become too much a source of division."

"MPPs will be allowed a free vote, so they are at liberty to vote their conscience and represent the wishes of their constituent," he said. "In this significant way, the public can be more involved in the decision making. They have expressed strong concerns and I have heard them."

We think he lost when he stopped sounding like the John Tory that his supporters thought they were going to get.

Lesson 4: Don’t Get Hooked By Someone Else’s Emotion

Herouxville, Quebec, is at the centre of the province's controversial ''reasonable accommodation'' debate over what are reasonable actions to accommodate cultural and ethnic differences. In some cases, public hearings have deteriorated into inflammatory rhetoric and offensive stereotyping, but some have shown an admiral ability to refrain from being goaded into vitriol.

We were especially impressed by the artful communication of a group of nine Muslim women from Montreal, who came bearing gifts and a simple but powerful message.

''Let's stop the prejudices,'' said the group's leader, Najat Boughaba. ''Let's be reasonable. Let's accommodate each other – that's our message.''

But at least one man in the audience was not willing to accept the olive branch. ''I want to know,'' he asked the Muslims angrily, ''how do you have the audacity to come here with your veils on?''

Ms. Boughaba defused the anger with grace and good humor, answering: ''It's not audacity. It's a piece of clothing.''

Lesson 5: Stop Multitasking and Pay Attention

Just about everyone thinks communication is dead easy and they’re great at it. Not so much. If you don’t give it your full attention you will screw up.

Job applicant Evon Reid was stunned when he opened an e-mail from the Ontario government's cabinet office where he'd applied for a position.

"This is the ghetto dude that I spoke to before," said the e-mail to the University of Toronto honors student from Aileen Siu, the very person handling his job application. Confronted with her offense, Ms. Siu just made matters worse.

"It wasn't directed at Evon at all. That was internal . . . It didn't have anything to do with any of the applicants," she said, suggesting that it’s acceptable to refer to job applicants inside the government with derogatory, racially loaded terms.

Lesson 6: Be Accessible, Be a Straight Shooter

Few things in Canada generate more ink and more emotion than hockey. That’s why we liked the communication style demonstrated by Paul Kelly, the new executive director of the NHL Players' Association.

Labor negotiations are almost always contentious, and the NHLPA has dealt with more than its share of hot issues in recent years. But Mr. Kelly knows you don’t drop the gloves as soon as you step on the ice. If anything is going to help the game, it will be a new era of collegial relationship between players and owners that keeps the attention on the puck.

"What I'd like to do is sit down with Gary (NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman) and just talk for awhile," Mr. Kelly said. "We need to get to know each other . . . I understand there's a line there, that we represent our sides. That doesn't mean we shouldn't have respect for one another."

Lesson 7: Too Much Hyperbole Blows Your Credibility

We’re as worried as the next guy about global warming, but Green Party Leader Elizabeth May gave herself a hot foot when she said Stephen Harper’s stand on climate change "represents a grievance worse than Neville Chamberlain's appeasement of the Nazis."

For the record, the direct and immediate result of the West's initial policy of appeasement was perhaps the worst genocide history has ever seen. Equating climate change, over which reasonable people might disagree, with unimaginable mass murder and a world war that killed millions and displaced a significant portion of the planet’s population might be just a little bit over the top.

Never mind that Prime Minister Harper is not in the same position to influence global action on the issue as was Prime Minster Chamberlain, the comparison was offensive and ridiculous at a time when the Greens were starting to make some gains in credibility.

Compounding her gaffe, Ms. May went on to say that everyone does it, so it’s OK: "Obviously the idea is out there everywhere. I won't retract what I didn't say."

Lesson 8: There’s Still Something To Be Said For Grace, Dignity, Humility

We can never know the anguish that Steven Truscott has experienced during a 48-year battle to clear his name in the murder of classmate Lynne Harper, but if ever there was anyone entitled to rage against the system, Mr. Truscott is that person.

Instead, he was composed and quietly charming when told he had been cleared.

"Oh, that's fantastic," Mr. Truscott said quietly when told of the news. “Fantastic. They finally got it right after all these years. I'm so used to fighting. Now we don't have to fight anymore. I'm going to have to rethink what to say. . . . The whole day was unbelievable. This is the first time in 48 years that something positive has come out."

Lesson 9: In Today’s Multimedia World, Nothing Goes Unnoticed

The organization Mothers Against Drunk Driving had a rough year, learning the hard way that wishful thinking won’t make public problems go away.

MADD thought it had quietly removed founder John Bates from two of the charity’s committees that monitor the organization’s spending after he spoke out against their spending practices. It appears the organization thought it could sweep its PR problem under the rug.

"I feel betrayed," said the 79-year-old, whose 25-year battle against drinking and driving earned him the Order of Canada. "This seems to be in response to asking too many questions. But I don't believe in spending donor money the way MADD head office does and I feel I had a responsibility to speak out."

A Toronto Star investigation found that most of the millions MADD fundraises stays with the paid telemarketers, door knockers and direct- mail companies hired by the charity to raise cash. MADD vice-chairman Al Newton said Mr. Bates was removed because he is a nonvoting member of the board and the board had decided that only voting members should be on committees.

Another communication lesson MADD might take from this is that sometimes actions speak louder than words.

Lesson 10: Speak From the Heart, Be Authentic

Did we mention that Canadians care about hockey? So it was front-page news when some politicians attacked the selection of Shane Doan as Team Canada’s captain because of an alleged incident during a NHL game in December 2005 between Doan's Phoenix Coyotes and the hometown Montreal Canadiens.

Wearing his emotions on his sleeve, Mr. Doan stuck up for himself with a genuine message that struck a chord with Canadians and left some members of the House of Commons wishing they’d picked on someone else.

"As a player, as a citizen of Canada, it hurts,” he said.

"I've made it a personal goal in my life. My dad has established it, my grandfather established it. Our family has established the fact that [we're] character, quality people. For someone to question that and call that out and say that I'm a bad role model, I'd rather you call me the worst hockey player in the world and that I don't deserve to be on the team. Anything like that, that's fine. You can say whatever you want. But don't question my character. Don't question the basis of what I am."

The Best and Worst of 2008

If you would like to get in on the fun for Canada’s Best and Worst Communicators of 2008, send nominations to geoffrey.rowan@ketchum.com. Each nomination must contain the quote, its speaker, the date it was spoken and a verifiable reference to the media outlet where it was reported.

About Ketchum

A communications innovator, Ketchum ranks among the largest global public relations agencies, operating in more than 50 countries. With five global practices – Brand Marketing, Corporate, Healthcare, Food and Nutrition, and Technology – and specialty areas that include Concentric Communications (experiential marketing, events and meetings), Ketchum Entertainment Marketing, Ketchum Global Research, Ketchum Sports Network, Stromberg Consulting (change management and workplace communications) and The Washington Group (lobbying and government relations), Ketchum leverages its marketing and corporate communications expertise to build brands and reputations for clients. For more information on Ketchum, a unit of Omnicom Group Inc. (NYSE:OMC), visit www.ketchum.com.

Global Survey Finds That Companies Should Bear Greater Responsibility for Addressing Societal Problems

admin — Tue, 13 Nov 2007 10:45:32 -0500

Short Text

Corporations have a growing responsibility to go beyond their traditional roles to help solve global social problems, according to a global study of the roles and responsibilities of corporations and CEOs conducted by Ketchum.

Body Text

Dissatisfaction Over Business Ethics, Honesty and Environmental Commitment Fails to Dim Expectations That Companies Can Help Solve Wide Range of Societal Issues

New York, November 13, 2007 - Corporations have a growing responsibility to go beyond their traditional roles to help solve global social problems, including improving water and air quality, reducing poverty, and increasing access to adequate healthcare, according to a global study of the roles and responsibilities of corporations and CEOs conducted by global public relations agency Ketchum.

The study also finds that respondents do not believe corporations are meeting some of these broadened expectations, falling short as environmental stewards and failing to measure up in honesty and ethics. In addition, there is distrust of CEOs because a substantial portion of the public does not believe that corporate leaders balance integrity and open communication with business and financial performance. And most respondents – with the exception of those in developing markets – would not want to be a CEO.

The study polled some 2,750 influential citizens in 11 countries. Influential citizens are defined in the study as the 10% to 15% of the population who initiate changes in their community or society through a variety of activities. They do not include elected officials.

“Ketchum commissioned the study to explore the expectations influential citizens have of corporations and CEOs,” said John Weckenmann, Director, North American Corporate Practice, Ketchum. “The study points to a somewhat ironic set of findings. While citizens have a low level of trust in all institutions, especially corporations, they also believe that these same companies can and should address a range of societal issues. Their apparent disillusionment with corporations does not dim their expectations that companies and their leaders have the skills and resources to help improve the world today.”

In the U.S., the U.K., Canada and Germany, for example, respondents think that corporations have as much responsibility as governments in preventing global warming. Expectations of corporations are also high in improving water and air quality and in mitigating poverty. U.S. respondents feel that companies have a significant obligation to provide access to adequate healthcare.

Trust in institutions generally—corporations, major media, religious institutions, government and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs)—is low. Corporations have the lowest scores.

Overall trust of institutions and their leaders is lowest in developed countries, with corporations, governments and NGOs falling below major media and religious institutions. However the developing nations of Brazil, China and India showed the greatest levels of trust in institutions, led by major media, corporations and NGOs.

In addition to gauging citizens’ trust of corporations and CEOs relative to other institutions, the study also measures the following:

Identifies the expectations influential citizens have for corporations and benchmarks actual corporate performance against these expectations;
Determines the elements that distinguish well-regarded CEOs; and
Further defines influentials’ preferences on key issues through a series of trade-off choices.

Among the findings in the main survey categories are the following:

Expectations

On a worldwide basis, the survey shows that influentials expect corporations to be good environmental stewards, act honestly and ethically, and place people—in the form of fair employee compensation, consumer care, and community responsibility—ahead of profits.

Respondents in most European nations say that corporations should focus more attention on environmental protection, while those in North America and the developing nations—India, China and Argentina—attach approximately equal significance to environmental issues and profits.

On a worldwide basis, environmental stewardship is the area where the gap between expectations and performance is the greatest, followed closely by honesty and ethics. Expectations and performance are more closely aligned in the more traditional business areas of generating profits, creating shareholder value and innovation.

CEOs

In general, the study acknowledges the significance of—and gives CEOs high marks for—the traditional areas of business management. At the same time, influentials believe that honesty, ethics and fairness are among the most important personal characteristics for a CEO but the ones that are least often fulfilled. In addition, the study identifies employee relations and communication as CEO weak spots that need improvement.

Trust in what the leaders of corporations say is generally as low or lower than the level of trust influentials have in the institution itself, with the U.K., Canada, Germany and the U.S. giving the lowest marks to CEOs for being ethical.

Among the traditional business strengths that influentials look for in a CEO, strong financial management and building a strong management team top the list.

On the subject of CEO compensation, respondents agree that CEO compensation is a significant concern and impacts how they view companies. But influentials in developed countries say CEO pay is too high and they would not want the CEO’s job, while those in developing nations feel CEOs are paid appropriately and would welcome the opportunity to run a company. The percentage of influentials saying they would want to be a CEO ranged from a high of 84% in India to a low of 33% in Germany.

Trade-offs

Faced with a series of choices, influentials in the U.S. favor positions that protect local employment and enhance employee benefits. For example, they prefer the following:

Increase consumer prices by 15% rather than move operations to a location where wages are lower;
Give employees a 10% pay increase rather than contribute to local schools; and
See the value of a stock drop 10% rather than lay off 10% of the workforce.

But outside the U.S., Canada and Germany, the trade-offs often favor a commitment to research and development. For example, influentials prefer the following:

Increase R&D spending rather than enhance the performance of a public pension fund;
Invest in new technology to increase gas mileage rather than provide healthcare benefits to retirees; and
Increase R&D spending to create new jobs rather than improve health benefits for current employees.

About Ketchum

A communications innovator, Ketchum ranks among the largest global public relations agencies, operating in more than 50 countries. With five global practices – Brand Marketing, Corporate, Healthcare, Food and Nutrition, and Technology – and specialty areas that include Concentric Communications (experiential marketing, events and meetings), Ketchum Entertainment Marketing, Ketchum Global Research, Ketchum Sports Network, Stromberg Consulting (change management and workplace communications) and The Washington Group (lobbying and government relations), Ketchum leverages its marketing and corporate communications expertise to build brands and reputations for clients. For more information on Ketchum, a unit of Omnicom Group Inc. (NYSE:OMC), visit www.ketchum.com.

Council of Public Relations Firms Announces 2008 Board of Directors; Ketchum CEO Ray Kotcher Is 2008 Chair

admin — Thu, 08 Nov 2007 11:26:50 -0500

Short Text

The Council of Public Relations Firms announced today the election of Ray Kotcher, CEO and Senior Partner of Ketchum, as the Council's new chair for 2008.

Body Text

New York, November 8, 2007 - The Council of Public Relations Firms, www.prfirms.org, the industry’s trade association, announced today the election of its new officers and directors.

The new chair of the Council’s board is Ray Kotcher, CEO of Ketchum, one of the world’s leading public relations firms. Kotcher was named to his current post of CEO in 2000 after joining Ketchum as Vice President in 1983, then moving on to President of the firm in 1992. Additionally, Kotcher is a member of the World Economic Forum and PR Seminar, and is a trustee of the Arthur W. Page Society.

The Council also announced the election of its new board members, all CEOs/principals of their firms: Mark Hass (Manning Selvage & Lee); Lou Hoffman (The Hoffman Agency); Jim Terman (Jasculca/Terman and Associates); John Seng (Spectrum Science Communications); and Otis Wragg (Wragg & Casas Public Relations).

Continuing directors, all CEOs/principals of their firms, are Fred Cook (GolinHarris); Andy Cooper (CooperKatz); Joel Curran (CKPR); Rick French (French/West/Vaughan); Aedhmar Hynes (Text 100); Margery Kraus (APCO Worldwide); Marina Maher (Marina Maher Communications); Cos Mallozzi (Gibbs & Soell Public Relations); Kathy Obert (Edward Howard); Helen Ostrowski (Porter Novelli); Mark Penn (Burson-Marsteller); and Marcia Silverman (Ogilvy Public Relations Worldwide).

“Being a voice for the value created by public relations firms will be my top priority,” said Kotcher. "Now, more than ever before, the consumer is in control of defining corporate reputations and shaping brands. This personal empowerment provides an even greater need for giving voice to the power of public relations. As chair, I will work hard to provide that voice and represent the industry's role and its continued expansion in this evolving landscape."

“The Council is committed to not only building, but defining the market for public relations,” said Kathy H. Cripps, President of the Council of Public Relations Firms. “It is equally important that we help our members meet the needs of an increasingly dynamic and complex marketplace. Ray Kotcher has been an active board member for the last two years; we know that he will bring his renowned passion and energy to his role as chair.”

The Council of Public Relations Firms is composed of America’s leading public relations firms. Its membership represents the premier global, mid-size, regional and specialty agencies across every discipline and practice area. The Council’s mission is to advance the business of public relations firms by building the market and firms’ value as strategic business partners. For more information about the Council, visit www.prfirms.org.

Karen Strauss Named Chief Innovation Officer of Ketchum

admin — Mon, 05 Nov 2007 09:20:37 -0500

Short Text

Ketchum Partner Karen Strauss has been appointed to a role in which she will shape Ketchum’s process for identifying new communications products and parlay talent from within Ketchum's creative culture.

Body Text

Role Offers Opportunities to Create Communications Products and Services with Clients and Colleagues

New York, November 5, 2007 - Ketchum announced today that Karen Strauss, Partner, has been promoted to the newly created position of Chief Innovation Officer. In this role, Strauss will shape Ketchum’s process for identifying new communications products and services and parlay the talents from within the top-10 agency’s creative culture to meet emergent client needs. Formerly Ketchum’s Director of Strategic and Creative Services, Strauss will examine global business trends and seek to capitalize on them by bringing new communications products and services to market.

Strauss, one of Ketchum’s product and service pioneers, will work with the firm’s global leadership team to guide the company’s innovation process by assessing marketplace needs, advancing ideas with the best chance of profitable returns, and then taking new services and products to market in partnership with Ketchum’s blue-chip clients.

“In more than two decades at Ketchum, Karen always has encouraged her colleagues to challenge paradigms,” said Dale Bornstein, Partner and Director, Global Practices, Ketchum. “As Chief Innovation Officer, she now has an opportunity to work with clients and colleagues to explore the implications of sweeping changes in the way we communicate globally. Karen will identify unmet needs and shape services to help keep us ahead of our competitors. Innovation fuels growth and this role emphasizes Ketchum’s dedication to building the brands of Ketchum and our clients.”

While acting as Ketchum’s Director of Strategic and Creative Services, Strauss led the team that developed the Ketchum Planning Process, a proprietary system that set an industry standard for delivering strategic and creative communications programs with measurable impact, helping Ketchum maintain its industry-leading awards track record. Strauss recently launched an updated version of the process that employs interactivity and reflects changes in the media landscape. Inn-Fusion, a program to encourage fresh thinking for long-time clients, as well as ReCreativity, which provides an inventive approach to choices in messaging, media, messengers, moments in time, and measurement on behalf of clients, are among Strauss’s previous brainchildren.

Strauss is currently focused on reinventing the firm’s brainstorm techniques by optimizing the brainpower of Ketchum’s professional network via instant messaging and online enthusiast groups.

Strauss will continue to be based out of New York and will report to Bornstein.

About Ketchum

A communications innovator, Ketchum ranks among the largest global public relations agencies, operating in more than 50 countries. With five global practices – Brand Marketing, Corporate, Healthcare, Food and Nutrition, and Technology – and specialty areas that include Concentric Communications (experiential marketing, events and meetings), Ketchum Entertainment Marketing, Ketchum Global Research, Ketchum Sports Network, Stromberg Consulting (change management and workplace communications) and The Washington Group (lobbying and government relations), Ketchum leverages its marketing and corporate communications expertise to build brands and reputations for clients. For more information on Ketchum, a unit of Omnicom Group Inc. (NYSE:OMC), visit www.ketchum.com.

Ann Moravick Joins Ketchum as Director, Global Healthcare and Brand Advocacy

admin — Wed, 15 Aug 2007 11:06:59 -0400

Short Text

Ann Moravick has been named as Ketchum's Director, Global Healthcare and Brand Advocacy, and will spearhead the continued growth and expanding global reach of the agency’s Healthcare Practice.

Body Text

Contact:

Robyn Massey

+1-646-935-4068

robyn.massey@ketchum.com

New York, August 15, 2007 - Ketchum announced today that Ann Moravick has joined the agency as Executive Vice President and Director, Global Healthcare and Brand Advocacy, effective Sept. 4. In this role, Moravick will spearhead the continued growth and expanding global reach of the agency’s Healthcare Practice by bridging the work of its international offices. She also will lead a new approach to brand building through product and service development that blends traditional and nontraditional marketing tools to create brand awareness and passionate advocates for healthcare clients.

Moravick will be based in New York and report to partners Dale Bornstein, Director, Global Practices, and Barri Rafferty, Director, New York. She will work closely with Ketchum’s global healthcare team leaders to continue to strengthen its collaborative network and will be responsible for the practice’s strategic direction, business development and acquisition of talent.

“Ketchum puts a priority on assembling the industry’s top leaders to guide our clients in the new world of consumer-driven marketing. No where is this more important than healthcare, where companies must now navigate through an increasingly complex world of patient empowerment,” said Bornstein. “Ann’s integrated approach to healthcare and brand advocacy will serve the evolving needs of our clients and further differentiate Ketchum’s Healthcare Practice from others in the industry. With Ann’s diverse experience, both in the U.S. and in Europe, she will prove to be an asset to our healthcare clients as they navigate the global markets.”

A 25-year public relations veteran, Moravick has a wealth of experience as a leading communicator. In her past positions, she counseled clients on communications challenges ranging from international global strategy, organizational and product positioning, brand marketing, issues and crisis management, and corporate philanthropy. Most recently, she served as the U.S. Chief Executive Officer of Publicis Consultants PR. Prior to joining Publicis, Moravick spent 18 years at Manning, Selvage & Lee, where she held a number of key positions, including Managing Director of the firm’s London office, Deputy Managing Director of the New York office and Managing Director of the firm’s global healthcare practice.

Moravick has worked with a wide range of clients, including some of the industry’s largest pharmaceutical companies, professional services firms, and industry organizations. Among her past clients are Johnson & Johnson, Roche, Sanofi-aventis, Novartis, Pfizer, Eli Lilly & Company, and Procter & Gamble.

“I’m honored to join Ketchum and lead their well-respected healthcare practice. The agency has a long record of achievement in healthcare communications and I’m excited to bring my expertise to their talented pool of public relations professionals. My position demonstrates the agency’s commitment to seeking new and innovative approaches to servicing its clients,” said Moravick.

Moravick is co-chair of the healthcare committee of the Word of Mouth Marketing Association (WOMMA) and a former board member of the organization.

About Ketchum

A communications innovator, Ketchum ranks among the largest global public relations agencies, operating in more than 50 countries. With five global practices – Brand Marketing, Corporate, Healthcare, Food and Nutrition, and Technology – and specialty areas that include Concentric Communications (experiential marketing, events and meetings), Ketchum Entertainment Marketing, Ketchum Global Research, Ketchum Sports Network, Stromberg Consulting (change management and workplace communications) and The Washington Group (lobbying and government relations), Ketchum leverages its marketing and corporate communications expertise to build brands and reputations for clients. For more information on Ketchum, a unit of Omnicom Group Inc. (NYSE:OMC), visit www.ketchum.com.