MinneADpolis News

Campbell Mithun Provides Pro Bono Advertising for Local United Way Campaign - Campbell Mithun

9/3/2010

Ads urge community: “When you can’t do, donate.”

MINNEAPOLIS – Greater Twin Cities United Way’s workplace campaign has launched with ads donated by local agency Campbell Mithun. The “When you can’t do, donate” campaign emphasizes the make-a-difference power of a donation to the United Way. Ads feature people (real donors, by the way) who want “to do something” for others but feel ill-equipped to give hands-on help: a cook offers a burned turkey, a handyman falls off a ladder, etc.

“We wanted to capture the giving spirit of the Twin Cities community, but with a lighthearted approach appropriate for these economic times,” said executive creative director Reid Holmes. “These are fun, self-deprecating reminders that a donation to the United Way is easy and helps the community in very specific ways.”

Campbell Mithun developed versions of the creative for billboards, radio spots, online video and digital banners. Digital ads offer click-through-to-donate functionality, and donors can follow “yourUWdonations” via Twitter for updates about local donations in action. Advertising placements were secured by Haworth Media and will run from the end of August into October.

This campaign marks the sixth year Campbell Mithun has provided pro bono work to support Greater Twin Cities United Way’s workplace campaign. Chaired this year by US Bancorp CEO Richard Davis, the 2010 effort aims to raise $87 million to address the most pressing needs in the Minneapolis / St. Paul metro area. In past years, the annual drive has secured donations from approximately 120,000 donors at 1,200 different workplaces.

About Campbell Mithun
Since its formation in 1933, Campbell Mithun has a history of philanthropy inspired by founder Ray Mithun, who served on many community boards, set up minority scholarships at the U of MN, endowed a Chair of Advertising there and is quoted as saying: “There is no lasting success, happiness or reward unless a man is truly useful – useful to his family, to his business and to his community.” Current agency CEO Steve Wehrenberg teaches at the U of MN and sits on Greater Twin Cities United Way’s board of directors.

Campbell Mithun has a national brand-building reputation and, with its Compass Point Media unit and BrandOptix package-design resource, continues to build client marketplace success by making Everything Talk at each (increasingly granular) point of customer contact.

Websites: www.cmithun.com; www.compasspoint-media.com; www.brandoptix.com

Campbell Mithun and MRM Minneapolis Unite to Create Agency Aligned with Consumer-Engagement Needs of the Future - Campbell Mithun

8/16/2010

Campbell Mithun CEO Steve Wehrenberg names MRM managing director Rachael Marret as president

MINNEAPOLIS – In a move that accelerates its digitally centric future, Campbell Mithun announced plans to unite with the Minneapolis office of MRM Worldwide , the leading digital agency in the Twin Cities. The deal brings CEO Steve Wehrenberg additional assets for implementing his plan to optimize Campbell Mithun’s digital competence agency-wide and places MRM’s cutting-edge technology capabilities within deeper brand-building expertise.

“We’ve certainly been actively building our digital capabilities, but this combination instantly creates a full-service integrated offering with a deeper, more strategic digital competency than our typical competitors,” said Wehrenberg. “Rachael and her team will be incorporated not as a siloed department but infused throughout the agency.”

The new organization will retain the Campbell Mithun name as well as its Compass Point Media unit. As Campbell Mithun’s new president, Rachael Marret, a 15-year digital veteran, will oversee the integration of digital sensibilities throughout all aspects of the combined agency.

“This is a merger of equals,” said Marret. “With our ability to create technically sophisticated, immersive consumer experiences and Campbell Mithun’s proven brand-building expertise, we’re powerfully equipped to forge the consumer-brand connections of the future.”

Digital Assets
MRM executives will play key leadership roles in bringing best-in-class expertise to Campbell Mithun’s existing digital capabilities. Lynn Cerra and Sean O’Brien will join the leadership team as director of integrated operations and director of technology and innovation, respectively.

“This team will bring to the next level our ability to deliver forward-thinking solutions that drive client business,” said Marret. “Marketers now face an entirely new set of engagement needs; we’re placing ourselves ahead of that curve.”

The merger will deepen the combined agency’s ability to provide digital business strategy; user-experience planning; digital connections planning; systems architecture; mobile, game and other application development; agile development; social marketing and platforms; SEM/SEO; one-to-one digital communications; and performance analytics and optimization.

The Transition
Several factors will ease this transition for the two organizations. Campbell Mithun and MRM are both owned by parent company IPG, and the sister agencies have worked together for 10+ years to serve a number of clients including General Mills, National City, H&R Block and Supervalu.

“The merger is effective immediately, but our existing relationship and proximity gives us more time and flexibility to work out transition details and configure operations,” said Wehrenberg.

“Merging MRM Minneapolis with Campbell Mithun, provides our IPG sister agency with a stronger digital offering, said Reuben Hendell, MRM Worldwide Chief Executive Officer. “Concurrently, MRM Worldwide will both be able to support an integrated offering for the Worldgroup’s Minneapolis-based clients and create more focused growth on its other North American offices in New York, San Francisco, Detroit, Princeton and Toronto, Canada.”

About MRM Worldwide, Minneapolis
MRM Worldwide, Minneapolis was created in 1999 resulting from a merger of two Twin Cities digital shops that grew up during the nascent years of the Web. Over the past decade, MRM has established itself as the leading, full-service digital marketing agency in the Twin Cities and has been part of the MRM Worldwide Network (www.mrmworldwide.com) -- one of the top five digital and direct agencies in the world.

About Campbell Mithun
Began in a post-depression era on the 13th floor of the Northwestern Bank building in Minneapolis, Campbell Mithun thrived due to Ray Mithun’s founding philosophy: make “everything talk” for client brands. The agency has built a national brand-building reputation and, with its Compass Point Media unit and BrandOptix package-design resource, continues to build client marketplace success by making Everything Talk at each (increasingly granular) point of customer contact.

Websites: www.cmithun.com; www.compasspoint-media.com; www.brandoptix.com

Rachael Marret Named Campbell Mithun President - Campbell Mithun

8/16/2010

MINNEAPOLIS – Rachael Marret, former managing director of digital agency MRM Worldwide Minneapolis, has become Campbell Mithun’s first female president after the two companies announced a merger earlier today. A fifteen-year digital veteran, Marret will lead the charge to align the combined agency with future consumer-engagement needs.

“I’m happy to welcome Rachael to Campbell Mithun’s management team,” said agency CEO Steve Wehrenberg. “We’ve already had a very collaborative and successful partnership; going forward, we plan for her to focus on bringing our clients new solutions to drive business and build brands.”

Marret brings to the position more than 20 years of both agency and client marketing experience and, since 1995, has focused exclusively on marketing in the digital space.

“In a post-digital world, everything will be digital, social and mobile,” said Marret. “Our future is more than just deepening channel expertise; it’s about new and agile ways to create greater consumer insights, rich experiences, and ideas worth talking about.”

Under her leadership, the MRM Minneapolis office grew to being a top digital agency in the Twin Cities, serving clients such as General Mills, Nestle Purina, H&R Block, and Microsoft. The agency has collaborated with Campbell Mithun on shared clients for the past 10+ years.

Marret herself has performed as a leader, receiving several corporate honors in recent years: She was the 2006 inaugural recipient of the MRM Worldwide “Stimati Award” and also received the H. K. McCann Award for Outstanding Leadership, the highest honor of parent-company McCann Worldgroup.

Before joining MRM Minneapolis, she served on the client side, developing eCommerce platforms and online marketing strategies for Carlson Companies; and also spent nine years playing a creative role for various agencies.

Her strengths directly support the "Everything Talks" branding philosophy articulated by Campbell Mithun’s founder Ray Mithun. The agency has a 77-year national brand-building reputation and, with its Compass Point Media unit and BrandOptix package-design resource, continues to build client marketplace success.

Merger: Campbell Mithun and MRM Minneapolis Merger

Websites: www.cmithun.com; www.compasspoint-media.com; www.brandoptix.com

Famous Footwear launches new Back-to-School advertising developed by agency Campbell Mithun - Campbell Mithun

7/28/2010

Latest ads in national Make Today Famous campaign feature “time-slice” technology and an interactive text-for-coupon offer

MINNEAPOLIS – Famous Footwear’s national back-to-school ads debut this week featuring a time-slice filming technique new to the mid-tier shoe-retailer category. Developed by agency Campbell Mithun as part of the Make Today Famous campaign, the fast-paced ads capture teens in mid-air situations – garage-band jam, BMX tricks, break dancing, cheerleader jump splits -- with the most famous brands of shoes on their feet.

“Back-to-School is such a busy time for families, we wanted to depict the idea of stopping to absorb and enjoy the many great moments that make each day famous during this season,” said Will Smith, Famous Footwear’s senior vice president of marketing. “Campbell Mithun has been a terrific partner in understanding our vision and translating that through a technology that also gives viewers something exciting to watch.”

The ads aim to catch texters mid-action as well, with two of the campaign’s seven TV spots featuring a text-in offer for an additional 20 percent off the buy-one-get-one-half-off back-to-school sale. Consumers can also opt-in via text to receive future Famous Footwear offers.

Campaign Details
Campbell Mithun filmed the nine scenes of the back-to-school spots in three days, partnering with director Nez and a film crew that used a 20-camera rig and a Canon 5D camera for the shots. The flight of fast-paced Back-to-School ads includes general brand spots (:30, :15), text-for-coupon spots (:30, :15) and three buy-one-get-one-half-off spots (:30, two :15s).

“Everything – the choice of technique, cast and wardrobe – came together to create a spot that hopefully conveys the same inspiration consumers will get from the styles and brands they'll find at Famous Footwear,” said Robert Clifton, executive creative director at Campbell Mithun.

The national campaign runs on television for seven weeks and includes companion radio and print executions. The agency team included: art director, Andy Anema; copywriter, Bill Johnson; creative director, Robert Clifton; and producer, Alex Colvin. Other production partners include: editor, JD Smyth / Final Cut; visual effects, The Mill; and original soundtrack, Nylon. Spark is the media agency.

Make Today Famous
Famous Footwear’s Make Today Famous campaign was created by Campbell Mithun in 2009. The campaign features a series of vignettes showing how people can make even everyday activities “famous” in their own unique ways, influenced by the shoes on their feet. The 2010 Back-to-School executions dial up the power of these life moments and are the fourth seasonal effort under the Make Today Famous campaign umbrella.

About Famous Footwear
Famous Footwear is a leading family branded footwear destination, with 1,100 stores nationwide and e-commerce site FamousFootwear.com. The chain offers consumers more than 80 nationally recognized brands, including Nike, Skechers, Naturalizer, Puma, Steve Madden, Converse, New Balance, DC, Rocket Dog and Carlos by Carlos Santana, and features a broad assortment of toning footwear from brands like Skechers and Reebok. A proud national partner of the March of Dimes, the retailer sponsors March for Babies walk events in more than 1,000 communities nationwide. Famous Footwear is operated by the retail subsidiary of Brown Shoe Company, Inc. (NYSE:BWS), which has $2.3 billion in sales as a retailer and wholesaler of footwear. For more information, visit www.famousfootwear.com and www.brownshoe.com.

About Campbell Mithun
Minneapolis-based agency Campbell Mithun (www.cmithun.com) has 77 years of experience creating marketplace success for clients. The agency’s “Everything Talks” integration philosophy engages client brands with consumers at each and every point of contact.

Star Tribune Names Carmichael Lynch One of Twin Cities’ Top Workplaces - Carmichael Lynch

6/21/2010

Agency is among 100 companies to win inaugural award

MINNEAPOLIS – Carmichael Lynch was recently named one of the top workplaces in the Twin Cities metro area based on an employee survey project from the Star Tribune. The agency was among 100 selected companies to receive the award, which included popular brands Best Buy, Target and General Mills. The inaugural Star Tribune Top Workplaces special section was published in the Star Tribune on Sunday, June 20. The report can also be found at StarTribune.com/topworkplaces.

Produced by the same team that compiles the 19-year-old Star Tribune 100 report of the best-performing public companies in Minnesota, Top Workplaces recognizes the most progressive companies in the metro area based on employee opinions about company leadership, career opportunities, workplace flexibility, compensation and benefits.

“We are thrilled to be recognized as one of the 100 top places to work in the Twin Cities,” says Mike Lescarbeau, CEO of Carmichael Lynch. “Our employees are the reason we’re receiving this honor – they’re wholeheartedly devoted to their work, and show an unmatched passion for the overall success of the agency and its culture.”

Over the past several years, Carmichael Lynch has earned recognition as a three-time “Best Place to Work” by the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal, an “Overall Leader in CSR Best Practices” by PR News and was recently named a two-time winner of Outside magazine’s “Best Places to Work.” Carmichael Lynch prides itself on being the greenest agency in America with its LEED-qualified work space; utilization of 100 percent wind-sourced power; commuter incentives and corporate social responsibility initiatives.

To reward its hard-working employees, the agency provides many events and perks including “Roofgating” (summer parties overlooking the Twins ballpark); the annual agency summer picnic; summer time off (seven additional paid days off in the summer) and the annual O’Gong Show – a celebration on St. Patrick’s Day allowing new agency members to perform in a talent show in front of their peers.

The rankings in the Star Tribune top places to work are based on survey information collected by Workplace Dynamics, an independent company specializing in employee engagement and retention. To qualify for the Star Tribune Top Workplaces, a company must have more than 50 employees in the Twin Cities metro area. More than 1,000 companies were invited to participate. The analysis included responses from approximately 33,000 employees at Minnesota public, private and nonprofit organizations.

Campbell Mithun plans live-streamed Talkinar to celebrate launch of Everything Talks website - Campbell Mithun

6/16/2010

MINNEAPOLIS -- Get ready to get talking about how social media impacts branding strategy. Campbell Mithun will celebrate the recent launch of its new website by hosting a live interactive online conversation between a panel of key industry players and you.

See the e-invite (and a 30-sec promo spot):
http://cmtalkinar.eventbrite.com/

Topic:	“How do you tell your Brand Story in a 140-character world?”
Date:	Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Time:	1-2 pm (CDT)
Save the date:	click “add to calendar” on invite: http://cmtalkinar.eventbrite.com/
To participate:	Join event via Talkinar link on our website; no registration required.

Talkinar Panelists

Will Smith, senior vice president of marketing, Famous Footwear division of Brown Shoe Company: In his role of directing all marketing of the Famous Footwear brand, Will has refined the brand’s positioning, upgraded in-store communications, led the brand’s foray into digital and social media, and launched the company’s successful “Make Today Famous” national advertising campaign.

John Eighmey, current Raymond O. Mithun chair in advertising, U of M’s School of Journalism / Mass Communication: A national authority on advertising and marketing, John was one of the ten most widely cited scholars on Internet Advertising in 2008.

John Rash, 25-year advertising/media veteran and current editorial writer and Editorial Board member at the Star Tribune: John has spent decades analyzing the cultural, creative and commercial factors that shape media and the public’s consumption of it.

About Campbell Mithun Minneapolis ad agency Campbell Mithun (www.cmithun.com) launched its new Everything Talks website on its 77th anniversary this spring. Named for a phrase penned by founder Ray Mithun, the website communicates the agency’s commitment – especially in this age of digital and interactive marketing – to helping clients achieve marketplace success by making Everything Talk for brands at each point of customer contact.

Carmichael Lynch Captures Coveted Kelly Award for Harley-Davidson Harlistas Campaign - Carmichael Lynch

5/21/2010

Firm earns Best Integrated Campaign Award

MINNEAPOLIS – Carmichael Lynch recently won the Kelly Award for Best Integrated Campaign for its “Harlistas” work on behalf of client Harley-Davidson.

The 2010 Magazine Publishers of America (MPA) Kelly Awards ceremony was held Tuesday night in New York City. The Kelly Award is bestowed annually to the agency whose campaign best demonstrates both creative excellence and campaign results.

“We have been recognized in this national competition before,” says Jim Nelson, chief creative officer of Carmichael Lynch. “But we’re especially proud to win in the hotly-contested integrated category. This demonstrates we’ve achieved excellence across multiple creative platforms, including digital.”

The Harley-Davidson Harlistas campaign was born of an opportunity to market directly to the Hispanic community. The team discovered that many Hispanic Harley riders identify themselves as Harlistas, a large, but somewhat underground rider group who advocate pride, living fearlessly and overcoming obstacles. Carmichael Lynch launched a Harlista section on H-D.com featuring a film about Harlistas created by award-winning documentarian Peter Gilbert. Highly personalized magazine ads featuring individual Harlistas drove traffic online, where hundreds of additional riders opted in and shared their own stories.

The campaign resulted in an 8.2-percent rise in share of motorcycle sales among the Hispanic target and a 615-percent increase in web traffic to the Hispanic section of the Harley-Davidson website.

Carmichael Lynch Hires Steve Knapp as Director of Brand Activation, Senior Partner - Carmichael Lynch

5/21/2010

Knapp to serve in newly created position for the agency

Minneapolis – Steve Knapp has been named director of brand activation, senior partner for Carmichael Lynch. In this role, Knapp will lead the development and implementation of nontraditional media and marketing solutions at the agency. Working with all agency disciplines, he’ll create innovative marketing programs using experiential, social media, mobile, sponsorships and other, still developing platforms.

Knapp previously served as vice president and media director for OLSON in Minneapolis. While there, he led the media department, both strategic planning and investments for all clients including Fifth Third Bank, Chinet, Northwestern Mutual, the Minnesota State Lottery and General Mills. He successfully increased agency media billings by more than 22 times and department staff by eight times through organic, new business and media-only client growth.

Prior to OLSON, Knapp was an associate media director and vice president for Campbell Mithun. During his twelve-year tenure, he worked on major agency clients H&R Block, Kimberly Clark, General Mills (Big G and Betty Crocker brands), Moneygram, Land O Lakes, and UnitedHealth Group.

“Steve has significant experience leading holistic marketing efforts and working in seamless collaboration across agency disciplines,” says Mike Lescarbeau, CEO of Carmichael Lynch. “We value his leadership and know he will significantly enhance our offering in the areas of emerging and non-traditional marketing.”

Knapp has won numerous awards for his work including Media magazine’s Creative Media Award, Mediaweek Media Plan of the Year Award, multiple EFFIE awards and a 2008 Marketing Sherpa Viral Hall of Fame award.

Knapp received his bachelor of arts in mass communication and minors in history and international studies from the University of Minnesota, Duluth.

Campbell Mithun wins three first-place awards at Best of NAMA - Campbell Mithun

5/6/2010

MINNEAPOLIS – Campbell Mithun's campaign to launch NK-1 Class Soybeans for Syngenta drove high-performance yields at the recent Best of NAMA awards. The agency received first-place awards in three different categories of the competition sponsored by the National Agri-Marketing Association: national multi-media campaign, single-page print (single ad), and radio (series).

“We were thrilled to have NAMA confirm what we already know about this campaign,” said Lori Thomas, head, marketing services, Syngenta Seeds. “From the beginning, it generated incredible buzz throughout the category and successfully launched our NK-1 Class Soybeans.”

Development of the agency’s “Beyond Expectations” campaign leveraged strong creative to garner attention for the new product and employed a multi-pronged media plan to give the campaign legs and push it into the digital space.

The ads depict everyday events happening in extraordinary ways to communicate that the high-yield soybeans perform beyond expectations: a cat stakes out a mouse hole with a gun, a dog mops up his own muddy paw prints, and a rooster actually pours coffee in the kitchen. Radio ads mention a garage-sale painting being a Rembrandt, an ultrasound predicting a baby will bat .400, and a dog fetching the paper and a cold beverage.

“We needed to communicate a real product breakthrough to high-acre growers across the country,” said Reid Holmes, executive creative director at Campbell Mithun. “But merely boasting would have been met with resistance. This campaign conveyed the product’s business advantage in a message delivered with charm and endearment.”

The agency’s three national NAMA wins build on last year’s regional accolades as well as its win of the Plambeck Award (distributed by the National Association of Farm Broadcasters) for the Beyond Expectations radio ad.

The Best of NAMA competition is sponsored annually by the National Agri-Marketing Association to honor the best in agricultural marketing communications. This year’s competition included 1,169 entries submitted by companies and agencies at the regional level; after being judged, 465 entries advanced to the national level. Awards were distributed in 59 different categories.

Campbell Mithun (www.campbell-mithun.com) just celebrated its 77th anniversary and remains the Twin Cities-market leader. The agency and its media division Compass Point Media (www.compasspoint-media.com) remain dedicated to making Everything Talk for client brands at every point of customer contact.

Syngenta (www.syngenta.com) is one of the world's leading companies with more than 25,000 employees in over 90 countries dedicated to one purpose: Bringing plant potential to life. Through world-class science, global reach and commitment to customers, Syngenta helps increase crop productivity, protect the environment and improve health and quality of life.

Carmichael Lynch Promotes Kelly Thompson to Director of Brand Planning, Partner - Carmichael Lynch

4/29/2010

Minneapolis – Kelly Thompson has been promoted to director of brand planning, partner at creative agency Carmichael Lynch. She joined the agency in 2008 and has served as group planning director for clients Calphalon, Jack Link’s Beef Jerky and Seventh Generation. In her new role, Thompson is challenged with leading a department of account planners and research professionals; developing strategies for positioning client brands; and ensuring clients’ brands are positioned to be highly relevant to consumers and poised for growth.

Prior to joining Carmichael Lynch, Thompson served as an associate director of strategy and insights at space150 in Minneapolis where she led brand strategy for Dairy Queen, General Mills and Andersen Windows. She also served as a brand planner at Campbell Mithun on the Burger King, Popsicle and General Mills Big G cereals accounts.

“Kelly has become an indispensible leader within the agency,” says Mike Lescarbeau, CEO of Carmichael Lynch. “She has not only led planning on key pitches and existing clients, but she’s also taken the initiative to propose and lead a number of projects that are making us a better agency. Kelly has demonstrated the kind of vision and collaborative spirit that embodies Carmichael Lynch.”

Outside of work, Thompson is involved in lobbying efforts on behalf of the Animal Humane Society and Animal Legal Defense Fund.

Thompson graduated cum laude from Macalester College in St. Paul, Minn., with a double major in English and theater and a minor in sociology.

Six Campbell Mithun employees receive well-deserved promotions - Campbell Mithun

4/29/2010

MINNEAPOLIS – Campbell Mithun announced the recent promotions of the following six employees: Peggy Arnson, promoted to associate creative director; Alex Colvin, promoted to integrated producer; Kristy Duenwald, promoted to account supervisor (Compass Point Media); Pete Leacock, promoted to vice president, management supervisor; Tim Putnam, promoted to network and systems administrator; and Quinn Risdall, promoted to art director.

Peggy Arnson’s promotion to associate creative director reflects her client-centered ability to bring wisdom and persuasion to her creative work. Her significant contributions to projects completed for Tresemmé, Nexxus, Land O’Lakes, Burger King Kids and SuperValu have proven her leadership skills.

Production-pro Alex Colvin has been promoted to integrated producer. This past year Alex pulled off photo shoots in South Africa, Paris and Prague for two major agency clients. In addition to managing international casting, integrating print and TV shoots, and rounding up talent around the globe, he “grew” tropical trees on one set and created a humid day on another. His work speaks for itself.

Kristy Duenwald, recently named account supervisor in media division Compass Point Media, brings a passion for research and strategic thinking to the advancement of client objectives. Currently working on the Great Clips and Chipotle accounts, Kristy also is a key member of the agency’s corporate social-media team.

A promotion to vice president, management supervisor, gives Pete Leacock well-deserved recognition for his ability to drive sound strategy and flawless execution. In his new role, he has assumed responsibility for the TRESemmé account and continues to oversee projects with Allianz and the United Way. Pete also has steered great work for clients including Burger King and Schwan’s.

In Tim Putnam’s new role as network and systems administrator, he has assumed responsibility for supporting the agency’s network and server infrastructure; developing, testing and implementing new systems and services; and overseeing user administration. Since joining Campbell Mithun in January 2009, Tim’s contributions have furthered the goals of both the IT department and the agency.

Quinn Risdall’s promotion to art director recognizes her ability both to generate great creative concepts and to execute them well. Recently contributing to work developed for clients TRESemmé, Nexxus, Land O’Lakes and Burger King Kids, Quinn now will assume more responsibility for directing a particular project’s ability to communicate with and appeal to a target audience.

Campbell Mithun (www.campbell-mithun.com) recruits staff to join what Ray Mithun himself described as a “smart army” of professionals possessing both the breadth and depth of talent to turn an idea into business success. Employees of the agency and its media division Compass Point Media (www.compasspoint-media.com) excel at making Everything Talk for brands at every point of consumer engagement.

Carmichael Lynch Unveils Public Art Downtown - Carmichael Lynch

4/15/2010

Ad Agency Animates Its Historic Water Tower for Twins Night Games

Minneapolis creative agency Carmichael Lynch is introducing something else for Minnesota Twins fans to marvel at while sitting in their seats at the new Target Field. Starting this Friday, April 16, and every night game at the new Twins stadium, Carmichael Lynch is unveiling a digital form of public art to the Warehouse District of Minneapolis.

The agency will be projecting motion graphics, animation and video art on its historic water tower atop the agency’s headquarters at 110 North Fifth Street. The digital public art will be clearly visible to fans sitting in Target Field, commuters arriving into downtown from eastbound I-94 and I-394 as well as residents and businesses in the Warehouse District. The digital public art will be projected 30 minutes after sunset until midnight, and the Twins schedule averages nine night games per month at Target Field.

To display the digital public art, Carmichael Lynch purchased a special, high-resolution projector and software to create animated video elements on its water tower, which sits directly in the line of sight behind center field at the stadium. The digital public art is concepted and produced by the nationally-renowned creative staff at Carmichael Lynch. In the future, the agency is partnering with the Minneapolis College of Art and Design (MCAD) in a program that allows students to create images and animation that will be projected onto the landmark water tower.

“As if there isn’t enough excitement surrounding outdoor baseball in Minnesota, Carmichael Lynch is going to provide even more visual stimulation to Twins fans and downtown Minneapolis residents and visitors,” says Mike Lescarbeau, chief executive officer of Carmichael Lynch. “Minneapolis is one of the most creative communities in the country, and Carmichael Lynch has and continues to be the leading contributor to that reputation. We’re delighted to partner with the students and faculty of MCAD to create something new, fun and visually exciting for each Twins night game.”

The digital public art projected on the historic water is a new and unique visual stimulation for downtown Minneapolis. Carmichael Lynch has a history of supporting public arts in the Twin Cities, including pro bono work for Public Arts St. Paul, the DesignWorks mural project in the Minneapolis skyway system and partnering with MCAD to nurture design and creative talent in Minnesota.

Carol Grothem of Compass Point Media honored with appointment to national board of the Alliance for Women in Media - Campbell Mithun

4/8/2010

MINNEAPOLIS – The national chapter of the Alliance for Women in Media (AWM) recently appointed Carol Grothem, vice president, broadcast media at Compass Point Media (division of Campbell Mithun), to a two-year term on its national board of directors.

Grothem, a member of the association for 15 years, served on the board of the local chapter for the past 10 years and also is its past president. She also has received the Diamond Member of the Year award twice since the local chapter created the award six years ago.

Other members of the 19-member AWM national board represent organizations including Google, Discovery Communications, CBS Radio, CNN and other media-related legal and consulting service providers nationwide. Grothem will be the only board member representing the advertising-agency industry. Only one other person from the Twin Cities has served on AWF’s national board: Norma Cox, national sales manager for Minnesota Public Radio.

The appointment acknowledges Grothem’s national leadership and visibility in the radio industry. She gives credit to her own local mentors – Mary Murphy of Initio Advertising and Anne McKean, Martin Williams – for igniting her passion and drive for the media business.

The Alliance for Women in Media (formerly known as American Women in Radio & Television) celebrates its 59th anniversary in 2010 and is the longest established professional association dedicated to advancing women in media and entertainment.

Campbell Mithun (www.campbell-mithun.com) and its media division Compass Point Media (www.compasspoint-media.com) together have nearly 250 employees committed to making Everything Talk for its clients’ brands at every point of consumer engagement.

Gold Ogilvy awarded to Campbell Mithun along with client Pactiv and research-partner Millward Brown - Campbell Mithun

4/5/2010

Campbell Mithun is sole Twin Cities agency to receive a 2010 David Ogilvy Award

MINNEAPOLIS – An advertising campaign for kitchen trash bags brought treasure -- gold -- to agency Campbell Mithun, its client Pactiv (owners of the Hefty® brand), and research agency Millward Brown.

The campaign to introduce Hefty Tall Kitchen Bags with Unscented Odor Block® Technology received top honors in the Household Products category at the 2010 David Ogilvy Awards in New York. The awards celebrate advertising campaigns that combine creative inspiration and research insight. Campbell Mithun was the only Twin Cities agency honored with a 2010 Ogilvy by the Advertising Research Foundation.

“Research informed every stage of ad development and confirmed in-market business results,” said Steve Gordon, senior vice president at Campbell Mithun. “People have strong feelings about smelly kitchen trash. We listened and used our findings to build a campaign that resonated with consumers to launch this product.”

The research paid off: Consumers identified with both the “stinky, stinky, stinky” horror of smelly garbage in “The Horror” and with the “wasting money stinks” premise of “Take it Out.” And product sales? Not stinky at all. In fact, sales volume quickly met initial business goals, and tracking by Millward Brown showed strong gains for the Hefty brand on numerous key measures.

“We are very pleased in being recognized with this award,” said John Schwab, senior vice president and general manager, Pactiv Consumer Products Division. “We have a long history of using market research to help guide our marketing and advertising decisions, and this award is confirmation that our rigorous approach to research is paying off.”

Lisle, Illinois-based Millward Brown, a global market-research agency, worked with Campbell Mithun and Pactiv to conduct the consumer research throughout the campaign.

Campbell Mithun and Pactiv celebrated a 10-year relationship on April 1, which also was the agency’s 77th anniversary. Campbell Mithun (www.campbell-mithun.com) has nearly 250 employees dedicated to making Everything Talk for its clients’ brands at every point of customer contact – even at the kitchen trash can.

Outside Magazine Names Carmichael Lynch One of America’s Best Places to Work - Carmichael Lynch

4/5/2010

Agency is a back-to-back winner of award

MINNEAPOLIS – Carmichael Lynch was once again named to Outside magazine’s Best Places to Work list, an honor the agency previously won in 2009. The agency was ranked No. 15 out of 50 selected companies, which included popular outdoor brands Patagonia, Timberland and KEEN. The full list and related story will be published in the May issue of Outside magazine, available on newsstands April 13, 2010.

“We are thrilled to be recognized among the 50 best places to work nationally,” says Douglas K. Spong, APR, president of Carmichael Lynch. “We have our outstanding employees to thank for this honor – they are the agency’s loudest cheerleaders and have a passion for their work and the agency that is unmatched.”

Over the past several years, Carmichael Lynch has earned recognition as a three-time “Best Place to Work” by the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal, a “Great Place to Work” by Minnesota Monthly and recently the agency was named “Overall Leader in CSR Best Practices” by PR News. Carmichael Lynch prides itself on being the greenest agency in America with its LEED-qualified work space; utilization of 100-percent wind-sourced power; commuter incentives and corporate social responsibility initiatives.

To reward its hard-working employees, the agency provides many events and perks including “Roofgating” (a kick-off to summer on the agency’s 17,000-square-foot rooftop patio); the annual agency summer picnic; summer time off (seven additional paid days off in the summer) and the annual O’Gong Show – a celebration on St. Patrick’s Day allowing new agency members to perform a talent show in front of their peers.

The Outside “Best Places to Work” list was compiled with the help of the Outdoor Industry Association (outdoorindustry.org) and Best Companies Group (bestcompaniesgroup.com).

The year-long selection process included employee-satisfaction surveys and employer questionnaires to collect information about benefits, compensation, policies, job satisfaction, environmental initiatives and community outreach programs. All of the results were analyzed by Best Companies Group experts, who selected the 50 companies that strive to enhance their employees’ enjoyment of active endeavors and environmental and social involvement.

CHIPOTLE MEXICAN GRILL AWARDS ACCOUNT TO COMPASS POINT MEDIA - Campbell Mithun

2/17/2010

Agency Named Media Agency of Record Following National Search

MINNEAPOLIS – January 8, 2010 – Compass Point Media announced today that it had been awarded the media Agency of Record planning and buying account by Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc.

The assignment will include planning and buying for all advertising media in support of Chipotle’s more than 900 restaurants nationwide.

“Chipotle is an outstanding brand whose vision and growth to-date we have greatly admired, and we’re confident that our Compass Point Media team will help play a big part in their continued success, ” said Dick Hurrelbrink, President of Compass Point Media.

Denver-based Chipotle selected Compass Point Media for the assignment after a national search of potential resources. “We were very pleased with their experience and their people,” said Mark Crumpacker, Chief Marketing Officer at Chipotle. “The Compass Point team really demonstrated a keen understanding of our brand and the ability to help us achieve our marketing goals.”

# # #

About Compass Point Media
Compass Point Media is Campbell Mithun’s brand of strategic media planning and execution. Founded in 1976, Compass Point Media serves a large and growing list of national and regional advertisers with a full suite of media solutions focused on connecting brands with consumers. For more information, please visit www.compasspoint-media.com.

About Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc.
Steve Ells, founder, chairman and co-CEO, started Chipotle with the idea that food served fast did not have to be a typical fast food experience. Today, Chipotle continues to offer a focused menu of burritos, tacos, burrito bowls (a burrito without the tortilla) and salads made from fresh, high-quality raw ingredients, prepared using classic cooking methods and served in a distinctive atmosphere. Through our vision of Food with Integrity, Chipotle is seeking better food not only from using fresh ingredients, but ingredients that are sustainably grown and naturally raised with respect for the animals, the land, and the farmers who produce the food. Chipotle opened its first restaurant in 1993 and currently operates more than 900 restaurants. For more information, visit www.chipotle.com

COMPASS POINT MEDIA AND GREAT CLIPS KICK-OFF NEW YEAR WITH NATIONAL BOWL GAME EFFORT - Campbell Mithun

2/17/2010

The leading salon retail chain's first system-wide effort

MINNEAPOLIS – December 31, 2009 – Great Clips will kick off the New Year with its Ultimate Man Cave Makeover promotional effort in a major college bowl game buy planned, negotiated and placed by its Compass Point Media agency partner.

The effort features Great Clips commercials during the major BCS college bowl games — the Sugar Bowl, the Fiesta Bowl, the Rose Bowl and the Orange Bowl — as well as a commercial during the Citi BCS National Championship Game. Also included in the media buy done by Compass Point Media are 10 other non-BSC bowl game commercials.

Already the largest single-brand salon franchisor in North America, Great Clips is thrilled with this college bowl game package as it marks a significant system-wide effort.

“Compass Point Media negotiated a great deal on a high-exposure venue for communicating our promotion. The buy represents a major investment in growing the Great Clips brand and our franchisees’ business as we drive toward our goal of $1 billion in sales.” noted David Randall, senior marketing manager at Great Clips, Inc.

The TV commercial aired by Great Clips during the bowl games highlights its current Ultimate Man Cave Makeover promotion, where a lucky winner will receive gift certificates to selected retailers to purchase $8,000 worth of enhancements to their own man cave, such as a high-definition flat-screen TV, a digital stereo surround sound system or furniture.

The Great Clips promotion requires consumers to submit a photo of their current man cave to the Great Clips Facebook fan page where the public will vote on which one of several finalists is the most deserving of the Ultimate Man Cave Makeover.

The TV commercial highlighting the promotion also features a voice-over by NASCAR celebrity Kasey Kahne, who will be one of the featured Great Clips car drivers on the 2010 Nationwide Series circuit.

# # #

About Great Clips
Great Clips was established in 1982 in Minneapolis. Today, Great Clips has more nearly 2,800 salons throughout the United States and Canada, making it the largest single-brand salon in North America. Great Clips salons employ nearly 30,000 stylists who receive ongoing training to learn advanced skills and the latest trends. Make Great Clips your choice for value-priced, high-quality haircare for men, women and children. No appointments needed, and salons are open nights and weekends. For more information about Great Clips, Inc. or to find a location near you, visit www.greatclips.com

RUSSELL HERDER AND HCMC HONORED WITH HEALTH LEADERS MEDIA AWARD - Russell Herder

12/11/2009

Russell Herder was recently presented with a Platinum award in the Best Service Line-Neurology category at the 2009 HealthLeaders Media Marketing Awards show for the agency's Save This Brain campaign on behalf of Hennepin County Medical Center (HCMC). The annual national awards celebrate the best results-based hospital, physician practice and health plan marketing campaigns.

The Save This Brain campaign, initially launched in 2008, was a multifaceted initiative to educate consumers about the impact, treatment and prevention of traumatic brain injuries (TBI) that included a series of community events, outreach efforts and a website, SaveThisBrain.org. Minnesotans may best remember this brain-saving campaign by the rolling bathtub, complete with shower steam and would-be bathers in robes and slippers, that made its way along Nicollet Mall on a hot summer day last August; the bathtub was being used to call attention to the leading cause of TBI - falls.

According to HealthLeaders Media, a division of HCPro, a panel of judges chose the award winners using a formula that emphasized ROI, not just campaigns that look nice. Save This Brain was selected as the winner in its category based on four criteria: how well the team defined its objectives and strategy; how well the campaign aligned with the goals and objectives; measurement and return on investment; and creativity, message, and quality. HealthLeaders Media will add to an already impressive list of 10 marketing awards the agency has already captured for Save This Brain.

"This recognition represents an important seal of excellence for healthcare marketing, and we're proud to share this accolade with our friends at HCMC," said Brian Herder, executive creative director at Minneapolis-based Russell Herder. "This great work wouldn't be possible without their solid partnership and their willingness to push the envelope when it came to creative."

About Russell Herder
Russell Herder specializes in relevance management - leveraging research, social media and strategic creative to build meaningful relationships between individuals and organizations. The firm has offered clients across the U.S. deep insights and proven, measurable solutions for over 26 years. For more information, visit www.russellherder.com.

About Hennepin County Medical Center (HCMC)
Hennepin County Medical Center is a nationally recognized Level 1 Trauma Center with the largest emergency department in Minnesota. The comprehensive academic medical center and public teaching hospital includes a 424-bed acute care hospital and primary care and specialty clinics located in downtown Minneapolis, and four primary care clinics in Minneapolis and suburban Hennepin County. For the thirteenth year in a row, Hennepin County Medical Center is listed in the U.S. News & World Report rankings of the top U.S. Hospitals in its annual "America's Best Hospitals" report. For more information, visit hcmc.org.

New Jennie-O Ad Campaign Inspires Viewers to Conquer Fears, Live Healthier Motivational TV Ads to Jump Start the Wellness Brand Platform - BBDO Minneapolis

10/21/2009

WILLMAR, Minn., (Sept. 15, 2009) – No matter who they are, where they live, how much they make, or what they do for a living, people put a premium on their health; virtually everyone wants to be well…but without giving up the things they love. Today, Jennie-O Turkey Store taps into that universal truth with the launch of three broadcast advertisements that put a personal face on the challenges and triumphs associated with weight loss, weight maintenance and wellness.

“The Be Well campaign underscores an idea that has long been at the heart of our product portfolio: that lean protein can help people achieve the healthy lifestyles they desire,” said Cris Eide, director of marketing, Jennie-O Turkey Store. “The new TV ads are just one element of this campaign, which also includes sponsorship of NBC’s ‘The Biggest Loser’ for the fifth time, FSI’s and public relations programming.”

The 30-second spots will run in 11 major markets for the next four weeks during several TV network premieres, including NBC’s “The Biggest Loser,” ABC’s “Desperate Housewives,” CBS’s “Two and a Half Men,” FOX’s “Glee” and CW’s “Bones.”

The ads inspire viewers with three distinct success stories:

In “Shoelaces,” a man discusses his personal struggle with weight and his resolve to change. This new life includes adding Jennie-O Turkey Store® products to his diet.
In “Father/Son,” Michael Morrelli and his father Ron, former contestants on “The Biggest Loser,” share their real-life story of losing more than 400 pounds together. The viewer hears how Jennie-O Turkey Store® products were, and still are, a part of their new lifestyle.
In “Wrestling with Kids,” a mother shares her concerns about childhood obesity and pledges to take responsibility for ensuring her kids lead a healthy, active life – a goal achieved with the help of Jennie-O Turkey Store.

The ads were created and produced by BBDO Minneapolis. PHD-Chicago handled the media buying.

CAMPBELL MITHUN INTEGRATES MEDIA OFFERINGS UNDER COMPASS POINT MEDIA BRAND - Campbell Mithun

10/13/2009

MINNEAPOLIS – October 13, 2009 – Campbell Mithun announced today it is integrating its media department and its Compass Point Media unit under the Compass Point Media brand name. The integration formalizes a long-standing and successful relationship between the two units.

“Effective media planning and buying is a key competitive advantage we offer our clients, and is a critical component of our mission of making Everything Talk,” said Steve Wehrenberg, CEO of Campbell Mithun. “Our leadership in this area is a big reason why both Campbell Mithun’s media department and Compass Point Media have been experiencing significant growth. The integration of these two units allows us to offer a center of focus under a single entity, covering all aspects of communication engagement including the growing areas of digital and social media. We feel we will be better able to offer integrated thinking and solutions for both our full-service and our media-only clients.”

Dick Hurrelbrink will lead the newly combined operation as president. Earl Herzog will remain in his role as executive vice president director of media operations at Compass Point Media.

“Our mission will be the same as Campbell Mithun’s – to make Everything Talk effectively and efficiently for our clients’ brands,” said Hurrelbrink. “As the dynamic world of media continues to evolve, we need to be like a compass and point the way for our clients; navigating culture, trends and media to connect selling ideas to how people really behave and offering our clients a real return on their communication investment. Our combined team will now represent over 100 media professionals and some of the best clients in America like General Mills, Supervalu, DISH Network, The Hartford, Great Clips, Schwan’s, Johnsonville, Toro, Land O’Lakes, Pactiv and Syngenta.”

“Our current clients will experience no change during the integration,” added Hurrelbrink. “Our common traits of innovation, speed and commitment to client success will remain the hallmarks of the new Compass Point Media organization. And just as before, we will be dedicated to finding new, unique and cost-effective ways to engage consumers with the stories our clients’ brands want to tell.”

Additionally, senior vice president, director of media analysis, John Rash will continue his nationally recognized and influential commentary on media and culture via his daily “Rash Report” column in “Ad Age” and his appearances in other media venues as a part of the new Compass Point Media.

# # #

About Campbell Mithun

With a 75-year legacy as a pioneering national agency, Campbell Mithun provides its clients with effective integrated communications solutions based upon its mission of making “Everything Talk”. For more information, please visit www.cmithun.com.

About Compass Point Media

Compass Point Media is Campbell Mithun’s brand of strategic media planning and execution. Founded in 1976, Compass Point Media serves a large and growing list of national and regional advertisers with a full suite of media solutions focused on connecting brands with consumers. For more information, please visit www.compasspoint-media.com.

Martin|Williams awarded Raymond James Financial. - Martin|Williams

10/9/2009

Idea Factory Martin|Williams, Inc. has been awarded the full-service advertising account for Raymond James Financial. The agency was selected following an intensive six-month RFP-process that began with an initial field of 116 agencies.

Martin|Williams’ relationship with Raymond James will begin immediately and will include brand planning as well as a full range of advertising services such as media planning and buying, creative development and execution, interactive, engagement, and more.

"We were looking for an agency that could not only handle all of Raymond James’ current advertising needs, but also help us build on our success and take our brand to a new level within the financial services industry," noted Michael White, Director of Marketing for Raymond James. "We went through this process carefully and diligently and feel very strongly that Martin|Williams’ strategic process and creativity will help us accomplish our future goals."

"We are very excited about the opportunity to partner with Raymond James Financial," said Tom Moudry, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Creative Officer for Martin|Williams. "We have an enormous amount of experience in the financial category, and we look forward to getting started."

Adina Dahlin is CM's New VP/Director of Digital Experience - Campbell Mithun

9/15/2009

Campbell Mithun is excited to announce that Adina Dahlin has joined our agency as VP/Director of Digital Experience. In this newly created position, Adina will help us fulfill our mission of making Everything Talk for our clients' brands in the evolving digital space. We believe that she can add a new breadth and depth to our ability to create the kinds of ideas that our clients' customers want: constant creativity and innovative thinking.

Prior to joining us, Adina held a number of leadership positions for ten years at RMG Connect, Minneapolis, a global relationship marketing agency. She has a strong technology, strategy and client service background and has worked on big brands like Ford, Unilever, AOL Time Warner, U.S. Marines, Pfizer, 3M and Xerox. Most recently, she's helped several local agencies build digital capabilities. She holds a B.S. in Electrical Engineering and a Master's Degree in Engineering Management.

Chris Wexler Joins CM as VP Director of Digital Media - Campbell Mithun

9/15/2009

Campbell Mithun is pleased to announce that Chris Wexler has joined our agency as our new VP/Director of Digital Media. His unique experience will help us fulfill on our mission of making Everything Talk for our clients' brands in the digital space.

Chris was previously the Interactive Associate Media Director at Crispin Porter + Bogusky, leading the media work on clients like Microsoft, Volkswagen and Dominos. Prior to that he was an Associate Media Director at MRM, working on General Mills and National City. Chris holds a BA degree from American University in Washington, D.C.

BEACONS BECKON TO RUSSELL HERDER - Russell Herder

8/7/2009

Russell Herder was recently presented with six Beacon Awards for the agency's latest work in healthcare marketing communication in the annual competition from the Minnesota Health Strategy & Communications Network (MHSCN). Designed to promote effective communication in the field of healthcare, the awards were announced at this year's MHSCN summer conference in Chaska, Minn.

Russell Herder earned five Admiral's and one Captain's Award across a wide variety of categories on behalf of its clients Hennepin County Medical Center, Meeker Memorial Hospital and the Minnesota Department of Health. Admiral's Awards denote excellence and Captain's signal merit.

RH and their clients were honored with the following:

Integrated Marketing Campaign: Admiral's Award for Hennepin County Medical Center's "Save This Brain"
Integrated Marketing Campaign: Captain's Award for Meeker Memorial Hospital's New Brand Campaign
Print Advertising: Admiral's Award for Hennepin County Medical Center's "Save This Brain" Sports Jersey Campaign
Public Relations Project or Challenge: Admiral's Award for Minnesota Department of Health's "Say No Mas to HIV/STDs"
Public Relations Project or Challenge: Admiral's Award for Hennepin County Medical Center's "Save This Brain" Bathtub Event
Internal or External Web Page Design and Development: Admiral's Award for Hennepin County Medical Center's SaveThisBrain.org

"We all know healthcare can be very complex," said MHSCN Award's Chairwoman Martha Parsons. "Even so, the winners managed to convey their message clearly and compellingly to achieve enviable results."

Russell Herder specializes in relevance management - leveraging research, social media and strategic creative to build meaningful relationships between individuals and organizations. The firm, which is headquartered in Minneapolis, has offered clients across the U.S. deep insights and proven, measurable solutions for over 26 years. For more information, visit www.russellherder.com.

CONFIDENCE IN SOCIAL MEDIA EXISTS DESPITE CORPORATE CONCERNS ABOUT ITS RISKS - Russell Herder

8/7/2009

Social media has become a fixture on communication agendas across the country, fueled by the fact that Americans' time on such networking sites has increased 73 percent in the past year alone. But according to a new survey, social media use is also generating its share of corporate heartburn.

Recent research from Minneapolis-based Russell Herder and Ethos Business Law confirms confidence exists in social networking as viable communication outreach, but so do worries about the potential liabilities. Concerns regarding social media use were acknowledged by some eight in 10 businesses participating in the new national study, undertaken in July by Russell Herder and Ethos.

Fifty-one percent of executives surveyed said they fear social media could be detrimental to employee productivity, while 49 percent assert that using social media could damage company reputation.

Despite these apprehensions, social networking is being viewed as a key strategy. According to survey results, eight in 10 senior management, human resource and marketing executives believe social media can enhance relationships with customers/clients (81%) and build brand reputation (81%). Almost 70 percent feel such networking can be valuable in recruitment (69%), as a customer service tool (64%) and used to enhance employee morale (46%). The most popular vehicles being used include Facebook (80%), Twitter (66%), YouTube (55%), LinkedIn (49%) and blogs (43%).

"Particularly as Millennials compose a greater share of corporate ranks, social networks are likely to become more popular as communication channels with customers, colleagues and partners," observed Carol Russell, CEO of Russell Herder.

Much of senior management's direct experience with social media appears to be reactive versus proactive, an interesting fact given the confidence they express in these new mediums. The majority (74%) of executives surveyed said that they, personally, visit social media sites at least weekly to read what customers may be saying about their company (52%), and routinely monitor competitors' use of social networking (47%). One in three search social media sites to see what their employees are sharing (36%); or check the background of a prospective employee (25%).

Even though social media communication is growing, only one in 10 executives surveyed said they have staff who spend more than 50 percent of their time on such efforts - perhaps somewhat surprising given that over half of the organizations participating in the research employ over 1,000 people. And only 13 percent have included social media in their organizations' crisis communications plans.

As well recognized as the benefits of social media appear to be, management believes social media can potentially be detrimental to employee effectiveness and company reputation. In fact, those surveyed who are not using social media on a corporate basis say non-implementation is primarily due to concern about confidentiality or security issues (40%), employee productivity (37%) or simply not knowing enough about it (51%).

Social media has delivered incredible potential to build relationships, increase organizational effectiveness and grow brands, but its use is clearly raising questions in the board room. Should employees be encouraged to use social networking to enhance marketing outreach? Or will such activity impede productivity in an already tight economy? And what about reputational risk?

These concerns may be why many organizations continue to prohibit workplace access to social networking sites. The recently completed Russell Herder/Ethos study found that 40 percent of companies technically block their employees from accessing social media while at work. At the same time, 26 percent of companies use social media to further corporate objectives, and just over seven in 10 said they plan to increase the use of these new opportunities.

Remarkably few efforts are being made to mitigate perceived risks. Only one in three businesses surveyed has a policy in place to govern social media use, and only ten percent said they have conducted relevant employee training. Why? One of the main reasons, according to respondents, is uncertainty about what to include in such policies.

Ignoring the need for responsible guidelines can impede an organization's ability to both protect itself and effectively compete in the marketplace. "Rather than bypass the social media opportunity, organizations should embrace it while taking steps to educate their team about internal guidelines and best practices," said Russell.

Instead, companies of all sizes should begin to define their strategy regarding social media, and most importantly, the rules for employee engagement. By doing so, management can take advantage of the benefits offered by these new communication channels, while mitigating undue risk.

According to Ethos President David Baer, who advises companies on business law issues, "Social media is a far different animal than traditional technology, so a company's current policies on IT matters are usually not sufficient. And remember, all companies are different, thus the rules for defining and implementing a social media policy are not universal. They must take into consideration the form, substance, philosophy and culture of the organization," he said.

There are key elements that a good policy should include, however, such as the need to respect confidential and proprietary information; as well as the sensitivity of potential conflicts of interest. "Due to the informal nature of social media, it's easy for employees to become less attentive to these issues," Baer said.

Russell Herder, a strategic marketing group that has served clients for over 26 years; and Ethos Business Law, a business-centric, managed legal services firm, provides strategy, counsel and executive briefings on social media for corporate clients. To download the whitepaper Social Media: Embracing the Opportunities, Averting the Risks, that includes research findings and key elements of a social media policy, go to www.russellherder.com/SocialMediaResearch.

About the Research
The study was conducted by Russell Herder and Ethos Business Law in July 2009. A total of 438 randomly selected management, marketing and human resources executives within companies across the U.S. completed the online questionnaire, providing a statistical reliability of +/-4.8% at the 95 percent confidence level. Carol Russell is CEO of Russell Herder, headquartered in Minneapolis. The firm specializes in relevance management, leveraging research, social media and strategic creative to build relationships between organizations and individuals. Attorney David Baer is the founder of Minneapolis-based Ethos Business Law, a firm providing business-centric, managed legal services to its corporate clients.

Campbell Mithun and United Way Partner to Change the Face of Poverty - Campbell Mithun

8/3/2009

Campbell Mithun’s new campaign for United Way, challenges people to “accept” poverty in their community

MINNEAPOLIS – August 3, 2009 – Who is the face of poverty? Poverty extends beyond a third world country or concentrated city block. Poverty is a single mom with mouths to feed, a recently laid-off worker in need of a paycheck or an elderly woman no longer able to care for herself. Poverty is all around and is a problem facing a growing number of people and affecting the long-term health and vitality of our communities. It is up to us whether we choose to accept or ignore it. Minneapolis-based advertising agency, Campbell Mithun has partnered with Greater Twin Cities United Way to develop “Connect with Poverty,” a new interactive campaign that demonstrates the changing face of poverty with a strong call-to- action.

“To my mind, we were up against two major issues with this United Way assignment. First, most non-profit work, however provocative and right-minded, leaves the viewer still wondering, ‘Ok, but what do you want me to do? How do I do it?’ Second, could we tap into new media capabilities to make the idea more relevant and actionable?” said Jonathan Hoffman, president and chief creative officer of Campbell Mithun. “I believe the ‘Connect with Poverty’ campaign answers both of these questions very effectively.”

In today’s economic environment, charitable organizations have been struggling to find the level of support needed for individuals within their communities. United Way and Campbell Mithun recognized this challenge, as well as how this recession has made poverty an issue closer to home, and sought to involve people through a series of radio, print and online advertisements, and via social networking sites.

“Knowing what we were up against, we set out to make it easier for people to support United Way than ever before. We tapped into the desire to connect with others through social networking to build a deeper level of engagement with United Way,” said Pete Leacock, vice president, account supervisor at Campbell Mithun.

The online ads state, “The face of poverty is changing,” then asks the user to either “accept” or “ignore” by clicking one of two icons. If the user chooses “accept,” they will then be prompted to the ConnectWithPoverty.org microsite, developed by interactive agency MRM Worldwide, where they are then able to further engage through donations, volunteerism or participation in the cause through United Way’s Twitter, Facebook and YouTube pages. Additionally, United Way will utilize a “text to give” feature on specific print executions and within the microsite, which will enable donations to come through via a text message.

“Thanks to the help of Campbell Mithun, this campaign allows us to reach out in new ways to raise awareness about the often-misunderstood issue of poverty in our local community, with a clear way to activate the audience to get engaged,” says Andy Goldman-Gray, vice president of marketing for Greater Twin Cities United Way.

Additionally, as part of the overall campaign, United Way will introduce the “LIVE UNITED in 2009” program encouraging participation by offering regular, cause-specific promotions throughout the campaign and encourage people to not only wear the t-shirt, but live the message by giving, advocating and volunteering. Each promotion highlights the greatest needs in the community by focusing on one of the ten “Agenda for Lasting Change” goals.

To “Accept” the “Connect with Poverty” campaign in its entirety, please visit www.campbellmithun.com/connectwithpoverty/.

About Campbell Mithun
With a 75-year legacy as a national agency, Campbell Mithun provides its clients with “Everything Talks” integrated communications solutions built around a big Pioneering Brand Idea. For more information, please visit www.cmithun.com and www.unitedwaytwincities.org.

About Greater Twin Cities United Way
Greater Twin Cities United Way addresses our community’s most critical issues through the Agenda for Lasting Change – 10 measurable goals to create pathways out of poverty. We partner with business, government and nonprofit organizations to create lasting solutions and carry out our call-to-action to LIVE UNITED by encouraging everyone to Give. Advocate. Volunteer. Greater Twin Cities United Way is an independent organization serving Anoka, Carver, Chisago, Dakota, Hennepin, Isanti, Ramsey, Scott and western Washington counties. Join the movement. LIVE UNITED. For more information visit www.connectwithpoverty.org and www.unitedwaytwincities.org or call (612) 340-7400.

Periscope Named One of the “Best Places To Work” by Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal - Periscope

7/24/2009

The Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal has just named Periscope among Minnesota’s “Best Places to Work for 2009.” In today’s economy, maintaining an engaging, great place to work is a noteworthy achievement.

Periscope earned this distinction by being one of the top-scoring businesses in an all-employee survey conducted by Wichita-based Quantum Market Research in conjunction with the Business Journal.

Employees were asked to rate Periscope’s work environment, people practices, culture, benefits, personal growth and development opportunities, organization leadership, how things work day-to-day and how well the company embraces innovation and new ideas.

“We're jazzed to have this distinction, given great agencies are essentially the client company they keep,” said Greg Kurowski, President & CEO of Periscope. “Our clients are the best in the country and allow us to produce great work and enjoy doing it along the way.”

“Best Places to Work” honorees will be recognized by the Business Journal at a luncheon on Thursday, August 27 at the Minneapolis Hilton and will be featured along with other winning companies in the August 28^th special issue of The Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal.

Engaging customers online - Preston Kelly

7/10/2009

Chris and Peter were interviewed by Andy Santamaria, @andysantamaria. In this interview, originally posted on building43.com, they discuss how the “new web” is for all businesses and explain why it’s important to engage customers with it.

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Andy Santamaria: What do you do tell clients who don’t know what Twitter is or how it can help them?

Peter Tressel: We get them familiar with it. First, on a personal level, then for their business. We tell them to create a personal account and listen for a while. As soon as they get their feet wet, they dive right in. My favorite thing to do during a client meeting is to pull up Twitter Search and type in the name of their biggest product. They see all the tweets about their company and instantly recognize the value.

Chris Preston: They’re just blown away, saying, “Hey, they can’t say that about our brand!” or “There are this many people talking about our product?” After that, they’re itching to get into the conversation.

AS: What are the questions that clients ask you about Twitter and social media?

Peter: Our clients typically ask three questions, “Why is this necessary? How do I engage in this? and What’s my role?” We tell them, “You just have a chair at the table.” People have been having conversations about brands for decades, but we haven’t been able to listen. Twitter is an invitation to come sit at the table and join in the conversation. However, joining the conversation means listening first. After you understand your customers, you can better understand your role. A good basic Twitter strategy is “Don’t be stupid.” Thankfully, our clients are really smart marketers and they get it pretty quickly.

AS: Can you tell me about a success you’ve had with social media?

Chris: We really saw the power of the new web with our Minnesota Zoo site called whopooped.org. Rachel Maddow, from MSNBC, came across it on the PR Newswire and tweeted about it. At the time, she had 600,000 followers and she even talked about it on her show. All of the sudden, exposure grew exponentially. Even if just one-tenth of her followers ReTweet her message, it makes a noticeable difference. They might only have 30 followers each, but it spreads quickly. In the first two days we counted a couple thousand tweets about it. They also got 45,000 visits to their site the first two days compared to a standard 400-500 visits per day.

Peter: We won five of the 25 awards for the “Best Zoo and Theme Park Advertising” this year at the Brass Ring Awards. Those five campaigns will only be a drop in the bucket compared to the whopooped.org website and the Tweets about it. It has actually given the Minnesota Zoo a chance to grow their reputation on a national level.

AS: What do you tell clients who understand it but say, “I don’t have time for this because I’m busy running my business.”

Peter: They make time for it. Once they see the conversation happening, they want to be a part of it.

Chris: Initially, clients have many concerns. They’re worried about how it’s going to work. They think we’re going to be managing their social media forever and it’s going to cost them a ton of money. They want to know their ROI and so on. We actually manage their accounts for a little while, which alleviates those fears. We help generate content for the first month and the clients usually take over half way through.

Peter: We advise them to check it at the beginning, middle, and at the end of the day. We really urge our clients to offer their followers things of genuine value. If there is value in what they say, like coupons or interesting conversation; the customer is rewarded and they will want to go visit their Facebook page or Twitter page.

AS: At the heart of it, this new web is all about human connection. It’s a medium to bring your customers to your brand, product, or physical location, and making them a part of it. Do you agree?

Peter: Definitely. Almost every campaign that we do here has, what we call, an “Iconic idea.” The idea is an umbrella that supports everything, so Twitter and Facebook are just another outlet.

Chris: If you’re a business wondering how to get into Twitter and Facebook, I’d advise you to get a personal account going. Just be yourself and speak for yourself, not your cafe or shop. Once you’re comfortable with the conversation, create your business account and join in … One of the frustrating things for businesses is not understanding how to function in a certain space … Businesses have to make a commitment for at least six months and participate regularly. You don’t have to post things all the time, but you can still listen.

Peter: I think you should be honest, when posting to Twitter and Facebook, and it should also be useful … think about the brand persona that your company has and stay within that character.

AS: How do you use Twitter to share something new?

Chris: We are big believers in iconic ideas that hold multi-media campaigns together. We have Iconic Thursdays, where we ask our followers who or what is iconic in Minneapolis. It could be a sports team, political figure, or historical building. We really try to develop a conversation that is relevant to our business philosophy.

AS: Should businesses share their innovations on Twitter?

Peter: It really depends. Our clients have really exciting new products and businesses ideas. Although, you want consumers to help shape them, we like the element of surprise and coordination. If you’re a mom-and-pop shop, it makes a lot of sense because you’ve already got that local feel. If you’re trying to influence 15 competitive markets, then it probably isn’t a good idea to leak innovations before you’re ready to make the full splash.

AS: How do you feel about companies being transparent on Twitter?

Chris: Transparency is fabulous, for the most part. It makes consumers feel like they’re part of your brand. It gives your core fans information that helps them become better evangelists.

AS: What do you tell clients about approaching conflict on Twitter or Facebook?

Peter: We tell our clients to use their discretion. They’re experienced marketers and understand that dealing with issues on Twitter is like other situations, except it’s public.

Chris: One of our clients, Roundy’s, has had very positive results dealing with issues one on one. They’ve managed to turn disappointed customers/bloggers/ into evangelists. Their customer base is huge and it’s inevitable that one of them will have a bad experience. If someone posts something negative on Facebook or a blog, they usually reach out one on one… we have typically seen more success when our clients do something like send a replacement (product) instead of just talking about it or apologizing.

AS: What is your final advice for businesses trying to embrace the new web and generate buzz?

Chris: My advice to start would be to pick something that you’re well known for, something people are truly passionate about and build your entire program around it. It probably can’t be what you want (your customers) to be passionate about . . . your customers are going to pick what they like and make it (their own).

Colle+McVoy Receives Recognition by Prestigious Design Organizations - Colle+McVoy

7/9/2009

Two gold awards from Graphis and two pieces accepted by AIGA

Colle+McVoy’s design work is receiving as much attention as its adverting campaigns lately.

Two pieces created for Starwood Capital Group were just announced as gold winners in design by Graphis, the international bastion of excellence in design and visual imagery. The work will be included in the Graphis Design Annual 2010, which represents the best internationally produced work in that discipline from the previous year. The gold-winning pieces include a brand book for the Field & Stream Lodge Company and a logo for the Field & Stream Lodge resort in Islamorada, Fla.

In addition, two Colle+McVoy design projects were recently selected by AIGA in its “365: AIGA Annual Design competitions 30,” which selected only 182 projects from more than 3,800 entries as examples of outstanding design work produced in 2008. Postcards designed to promote the new Web site TakeMeFishing.org were selected in the Postcards, Print, Promoting category. The animated video “Timeline” for DuPont Crop Protection was selected in the Animations, Screen, Promoting category. Both projects will be included in the AIGA Design Archives at the Denver Art Museum, published in the AIGA annual 365: AIGA Year in Design, and on display in a public exhibition to travel throughout the country in 2010.

“This is incredible national recognition since the effort to create the best and most effective work is always challenging,” said Ed Bennett, design director, Colle+McVoy.

PK celebrates one year in NE Minneapolis with effort to unite underwear and owner - Preston Kelly

7/1/2009

July 1, 2009 marked the first anniversary of Preston Kelly’s move from suburban Edina to the bustling urban core of Northeast Minneapolis. One year removed from our swanky offices in the glass and concrete office park, we’ve had to learn to work shoulder-to-shoulder in the open space of our century-old brick fire barn. It’s been an interesting year.

We’ve learned a lot together. We’ve learned that bugs, rain, wind and cold are very good at exploiting cracks and holes in a building. But a year is enough time to find and patch most of the openings.

We’ve learned that close quarters and hard surfaces can compromise privacy. So if you insist on talking to your doctor about a private health matter at work, it’s best to avoid phrases like “milky discharge.”

We’ve learned that forgetting to plug your parking meter will cost you $34. Getting nailed by the speed trap on the Hennepin Avenue Bridge sets you back $145. And violating city noise ordinances by having keggers, wrestling, live music and hundreds of guests in your parking lot after curfew might get your President taken into custody. But that was a chance we were willing to take.

We’ve also learned that we live in an incredible neighborhood. It’s dotted with great Irish, Polish, Italian, Mexican, Caribbean, American restaurants and bars offering tons of wonderful options for lunch and happy hour.

The one thing we’re still struggling to learn is who belongs to the underwear in the doorway up the street. It’s been there since winter. Some of us walk by it daily, often without a glance. But today, in honor of PK’s first anniversary in the neighborhood, we’re reaching out. We want to help. But we can’t do it alone. If you recognize this underwear, please let us know. Together, let’s get it off the street and back into hands of its rightful owner.

Colle+McVoy Recognized At 2009 Cannes Lions Festival - Colle+McVoy

6/26/2009

Erbert & Gerbert’s work short listed in viral video category

Colle+McVoy was recognized today at the 56th annual Cannes Lions 2009 International Advertising Festival in Cannes, France, the world's only truly global meeting place for professionals in the communications industry who want to keep ahead of the curve.

Colle+McVoy was shortlisted in the Cyber Lions category for its viral video for Erbert & Gerbert’s Subs & Clubs, which celebrated the company’s 20th anniversary with the creation of a 20 foot air vortex cannon. The “Candle Cannon” was used to accurately blow out candles on a 20th anniversary cake from 180 feet away, and the feat was humorously captured on video and posted at www.candlecannon.com. The Web site featured footage of the cannon’s construction, behind-the-scenes action, a free downloadable Erbert & Gerbert’s coupon and a computer-mouse-operated air cannon that visitors could use throughout the Web site.

Now in its second year, the Cyber Lions category received 2205 submissions, including viral videos from brands like Levi's, Nike, Adidas, Absolut, Diesel and Burger King.

“This recognition is especially significant given the competition that Erbert & Gerbert’s faced,” said Mike Caguin, executive creative director, Colle+McVoy. “Working with a limited budget we created an experience that converted hundreds of thousands of people into brand advocates.”

Campbell Mithun Creates a ‘Colive’ in New TV Spot for Land O’Lakes - Campbell Mithun

6/13/2009

New campaign demonstrates the blending of two pure, natural ingredients

MINNEAPOLIS – June 25, 2009 – Butter comes from a cow, olive oil comes from olives, and butter with olive oil comes from – “Colives,”- of course. At least according to Minneapolis-based advertising agency, Campbell Mithun, in a new spot developed to promote LAND O LAKES® Butter with Olive Oil.

Shot by Irv Blitz, widely regarded as the most respected tabletop director in the United States, the “Colives” spot comes on the heels of the previously successful campaign for LAND O LAKES® Butter with Canola Oil. Utilizing a real cow on set for the opening frame, Campbell Mithun’s “Colive” spot illustrates the blending of two pure, natural ingredients, symbolized by a cow and an olive, to create the fictitious “colive,” the source of the rich and creamy LAND O LAKES® Butter with Olive Oil.

“With ’Colives,’ we sought out to use humor and simplicity to build awareness and bring the new LAND O LAKES® Butter with Olive Oil into America’s households,” said Steve Wehrenberg, CEO of Campbell Mithun. “Our goal with this spot is to not only make this butter a new household staple, but to illustrate the simple goodness Land O’Lakes has come to represent throughout the years.”

Launching June 29, the spot will air nationally and will also include an online banner advertising component, offering a coupon for the new LAND O LAKES® Butter with Olive Oil.

For 75 years, Campbell Mithun has developed integrated communication solutions for Land O’ Lakes. “The creating of the ‘colive’ was a way to bring Land O‘Lakes, a brand that has been around for over 85 years, to a new group of consumers,” said Robert Clifton Jr., creative director at Campbell Mithun. “As Land O‘Lakes products continue to evolve we have been given the opportunity to introduce the value each brings through such lighthearted communication as “Colives” that will appeal to this audience.”

About Campbell Mithun With a 75-year legacy as a national agency, Campbell Mithun provides its clients with “Everything Talks” integrated communications solutions built around a big Pioneering Brand Idea. For more information, please visit www.cmithun.com.

About Land O’Lakes Dairy Foods Land O'Lakes Dairy Foods Division is a leading supplier of quality dairy products. In 1921, Land O'Lakes Dairy Foods began making butter from sweet-not sour-cream. Ever since that breakthrough, the division has been a leading producer of butter and other pure, wholesome dairy products that deliver simple goodness to consumers. Visit www.landolakes.com for great recipes and meal ideas

Colle+McVoy At The Webby Awards - Colle+McVoy

6/12/2009

Colle+McVoy and client Taubman Centers attended the star-studded 13th Annual Webby Awards on Monday, June 8 in New York to accept the People’s Voice Award in the viral marketing category for YearbookYourself.com. More than a half a million votes were cast in the Webby Awards, the largest turnout in Webby history. When it launched last fall, YearbookYourself.com became an instant hit and a pop culture phenomenon with more than 15 million visitors and coverage on countless Web sites and blogs, as well as on the CBS Early Show. The fun was wildly infectious, inspiring Taubman Centers to launch the next generation of YearbookYourself.com this summer.

HealthPartners ad campaign wins Gold EFFIE Award in New York City - Preston Kelly

6/8/2009

Effie Worldwide, Inc., announced Wednesday that HealthPartners and its advertising agency Preston Kelly received the Gold award for the advertising campaign, “A New Way to Look at Healthcare.” The 2009 North American Effie Awards were announced last night at the awards gala in New York City.
The Effie Awards honor the most significant achievement in marketing communications: ideas that work. Known by advertisers and agencies globally as the pre-eminent award in the industry, the Effies recognize any and all forms of marketing communication that contribute to a brand’s success.
The “A New Way to Look at Healthcare” campaign was launched in May 2008 to build awareness and increase the number of people registered for HealthPartners online patient services which includes accessing test results, refilling prescriptions and viewing and printing medical records.

Preston Kelly shaped the campaign with new creative ideas. The campaign used giant medical props placed throughout the Twin Cities, including specimen cups and syringes, weighing up to 400 lbs and ranging from five to 10 feet tall. HealthPartners first mascot, Petey P. Cup, served as a brand ambassador at a variety of community events and on social networks.

HealthPartners and Preston Kelly’s campaign also received eight Healthcare Advertising Awards sponsored by Healthcare Marketing Report. More than 3,600 entries were received in this year’s competition. HealthPartners and Preston Kelly’s awards include:

Gold: Outdoor Transit/Billboard, A New Way to Look at Healthcare
Gold: Annual Report, Report to the Community
Gold: New Media, A New Way to Look at Healthcare
Gold: Total Adv. Campaign W/Out TV, A New Way to Look at Healthcare
Silver: Radio Advertising/Single, Bad Tooth
Bronze: Radio Advertising/Series, Hard Questions
Merit: Magazine Ad/Series, Healthy Should Be Simple
Merit: Other, Mascots

Colle+McVoy Receives Two Gold Effie Awards - Colle+McVoy

6/3/2009

Colle+McVoy received two gold Effie Awards tonight at the the 41st annual Effie Awards in New York. The Effie Awards are the pre-eminent awards in the industry honoring the most effective marketing communications campaigns.

Colle+McVoy received a gold award in the Culture & The Arts category for its work with Rhymesayers Entertainment and the underground hip-hop duo Atmosphere. Colle+McVoy created a Web site that reflects the duo’s unconventional and grassroots approach to connecting with fans. The site, PaintThatSh**Gold.com, allows fans to hear tracks from the much-anticipated album When Life Gives You Lemons, You Paint That Sh** Gold while they “tag” any Web site on the Internet.

In the David vs. Goliath category, Colle+McVoy received a gold effie for its overall marketing approach for Erbert & Gerbert’s Subs & Clubs. Working with a limited budget, the program celebrated the company’s 20th anniversary with unexpected executional elements such as a 20 foot air vortex cannon with a corresponding microsite and viral videos; as well as in-store identity, advertising and guerrilla marketing tactics. This is the second time in the last three years that Colle+McVoy has received recognition in this category.

“Our clients expect game-changing ideas that make a significant impact on their business,” said Christine Fruechte, president & CEO, Colle+McVoy. “This recognition is a testament to our client partners and the creativity, passion and effectiveness of our work.”

Colle+McVoy was also a finalist in two other Effie categories. The agency’s work for the Minnesota State Lottery was a finalist in the Brand Experience category, which was introduced for the first time this year and received the most entries. A campaign for the Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation was a finalist in the Leisure Products & Services category.

About the Effie Awards

The Effie Awards honor the most significant achievement in marketing communications: ideas that work. Known by advertisers and agencies globally as the pre-eminent award in the industry, the Effies recognize any and all forms of marketing communication that contribute to a brand’s success. Any marketing medium is eligible for an Effie, as long as results are proven, including Print, TV, Radio, Outdoor, Internet, Guerrilla, Digital, Package Design, Events, Street Teams, PR, Paid or Unpaid Media. Since 1968, winning an Effie has become a global symbol of achievement. Today, Effie celebrates effectiveness worldwide with the annual World Effie Festival, the Global Effie, the EURO Effie, Effie Asia Pacific (Effie APAC) and more than 35 national Effie programs. For more details, visit www.effie.org.

Campbell Mithun Wins Silver at The One Show - Campbell Mithun

5/20/2009

Campbell Mithun has won a Silver “pencil” for our work for the UnConvention and the RNC spot “Park”. This is huge! There were no Golds in our category, and the other winners represented the best agencies in the world. Please visit the website (http://www.oneclub.org/os/) and check out the caliber of the competition. Credits: Paul Brink, Gary Carter, Alex Colvin, Kathy DiToro, Steve Gordon, Reid Holmes, Lindsey Shirey and Jennifer Weiberg.

Carmichael Lynch Named Best Place To Work - Carmichael Lynch

5/19/2009

Carmichael Lynch has been named one of the top 10 "Best Places to Work" in America by Outside magazine (May 2009 issue). The agency's experience with great outdoor brands like PowerBar and the International Mountain Bicycling Association, its bold eco-initiatives, and its strong bicycle-friendly commuter incentives are just part of the story. Also important to the judges were service to community initiatives and the agencys utilization of 100 percent wind power. Michael Roberts, executive editor of Outside put it well "These companies share a common belief: that the secret to success in any economy is empowering employees to live balanced lives and remain committed to their communities and the environment."

Top honors under the Big Top - Modern Climate

5/19/2009

Circus Mashimus, the contest that challenges programmers to mash-up on line information to create the most unique and useful application, has awarded Wolfmotell not one but two “Best in Show” awards. Our two entries delivered unique experiences using "mashed up" content from Bestbuy.com the New York Times and Billboard.

CEO Recognized - Modern Climate

5/9/2009

While a monster recession swallowed businesses at a frightful pace last year, Minneapolis advertising and branding agency Wolfmotell defied the trend, ending the year with a 94 percent increase in revenue.

Wolfmotell’s been around for a decade but hit its stride last year, reeling in heavy-hitter clients like Target, Best Buy and St. Jude Medical.

Wolfmotell’s success and ambition are attributed to a strong core of four partners, including its aggressive CEO, 43-year-old Geoff Bremner.

“The sales guy in me is what motivates me every day,” says Bremner. “I absolutely love the hunt, going after new business, wowing a client to the point of building trust and likability.”

Bremner’s background is in high-pressure software sales. He was very successful at it, working hard and benefiting from the late ‘90s tech boom. But after the September 11th terrorist attacks, Bremner says he re-evaluated the jet-set lifestyle which kept him away from his wife and two sons. “I decided I’d rather have time than money,” says Bremner.

When he joined Wolfmotell as a sales representative in December 2001, the agency made just $700,000.

As the years went by, the company grew, and today it has 45 employees. During his tenure at Wolfmotell, Bremner has proven his sales chops. And a year and a half ago, he became CEO. “As CEO, I’m in charge primarily of profit, that’s my No. 1 responsibility,” says Bremner.

Bremner’s strategy for higher profit is smart and simple.

It combines online technical savvy with a back-to-basics emphasis on the fundamental principles of marketing.

Additionally, Bremner has successfully wooed a handful of top clients in the medical device and health care field.

While not recession-proof, their products are not on the discretionary spending list for their customers,” says Bremner. “If you need a heart valve, you’ve got to get one. So the industry tends to hold its own through the (economic) ups and downs.”

This article originally appeared in the April 2009 issue of Finance and Commerce.

When clean needs a refresh - Modern Climate

5/9/2009

The City of Minneapolis is involved in many programs that help make the city clean and litter-free throughout the year. At Wolfmotell we chipped in with a pro bono campaign to reinvigorate those efforts. With a fresh design and online presence www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/cleancity, this campaign showcases the benefits of getting involved in Clean City programs and taps into community pride to get folks to pitch in.

Wolfmotell is a Microsoft Surface partner - Modern Climate

5/9/2009

You’ve heard the hype around Microsoft Surface, the hands-on interface that lets users interact with digital content through simple gestures and touches. At Wolfmotell, we’re turning that hype into dynamic brand experiences. We’ve signed on to be an exclusive partner of Microsoft Surface technology and we’re currently creating applications that will increase brand engagement for our clients.

Colle+McVoy Wins Acclaimed Internet Honor - Colle+McVoy

5/5/2009

YearbookYourself.com wins Webby People’s Voice Award

The Colle+McVoy-produced Web site YearbookYourself.com won the coveted People’s Voice Award today in the viral marketing category of The 13th Annual Webby Awards. Hailed as the "Internet's highest honor" by The New York Times, The Webby Awards is the leading international award honoring excellence on the Internet.

“We are absolutely thrilled to win this award, especially in such a competitive category of one of the toughest award shows out there,” said Mike Caguin, executive creative director, Colle+McVoy. “Creating an idea that goes viral is one of the biggest challenges in marketing. This award recognizes the hard work of many people, as well as the forward-thinking of our client partner, Taubman Centers.”

YearbookYourself.com was one of only five finalists in the viral marketing category and was voted the people’s favorite after fans voted online. More than a half a million votes were cast in The Webby People's Voice Awards, the largest turnout in Webby history. The cross-section of winners hailing from 14 countries will be honored alongside Webby Awards Winners at an event hosted by Seth Meyers in New York City on June 8. A full list of winners can be found at www.webbyawards.com.

When it launched last fall, YearbookYourself.com became an instant hit and a pop culture phenomenon featured on countless Web sites and blogs, as well as on the CBS Early Show. More than 15 million visitors uploaded photos to the site to see themselves with classic hairdos and in vintage outfits spanning five decades. Once "yearbooked," people sent their pictures to friends and posted them to blogs and social networking sites, including Facebook and MySpace. The fun was wildly infectious, inspiring Taubman Centers to launch the next generation of YearbookYourself.com late this summer.

"All of this year's winners embrace the Internet as the medium where they can take risks, experiment, and share new ideas," said David-Michel Davies, executive director of the Webby Awards. "Their vision and creativity, like those of all of our winners, have helped make the Internet a richer, more exciting, and more vibrant experience."

About The Webby Awards

Hailed as the "Internet's highest honor" by The New York Times, The Webby Awards is the leading international award honoring excellence on the Internet, including Websites, interactive advertising, online film and video, and mobile web sites. Established in 1996, the 13th Annual Webby Awards received over 10,000 entries from all 50 states and over 60 countries worldwide. The Webby Awards is presented by The International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences. Sponsors and Partners of The Webby Awards include: Microsoft Silverlight; The Creative Group; .ORG; Getty Images; The Barbarian Group; Digital Kitchen; Variety; Wired; IDG; PricewaterhouseCoopers; 2advanced.Net; KobeMail and Museum of the Moving Image.

BBDO-Yeah! Straps On Rally Caps - BBDO Minneapolis

4/28/2009

BBDO-Yeah! Fans, Yesterday was opening day for the Ad Agency Softball League (AASL). BBDO-Yeah! returned to the field with last year’s high-caliber squad intact (with three players inactive this week). We called one of our top prospects, Erika Salmela, up from AAA to fill in for the night. The season-opening opponent was Colle McVoy, who enter the season with high hopes for a deep run into the playoffs. For the first five innings, we traded blows back and forth. BBDO-Yeah! managed to hold Colle McVoy scoreless in the third and fourth, but a few lapses in other innings allowed eight runs. Still, we had the offense to back us up, scoring ten runs of our own. In the sixth inning, BBDO-Yeah! showed signs that we still had some rust to kick off, allowing Colle McVoy to score five runs, while going three-and-out in the bottom of the inning, making the score 13-10 in favor of Colle McVoy heading into the final inning. That’s when BBDO-Yeah! went into clutch mode. We shut down Colle McVoy’s offense, and entered the bottom of the inning down by three runs and our last chance to pull out a win. With two outs against us, we managed the ultimate rally, scoring four runs and ending the game in a 13-14 BBDO-Yeah! victory! Zaar Taha and Ryan Andrist share player of the game honors, both going 4-for-4, each with a home run, each driving in 4 RBI’s. And a special shout-out to Suzy Hart, who drove in the go-ahead run for her first hit of the season.

Lorenz Esguerra joins the Proximity network as SVP, Managing Director of Proximity Minneapolis - BBDO Minneapolis

2/22/2009

His particular area of expertise: marketing and customer strategy, online customer experience strategy and brand strategy. He has developed that expertise on both the agency and the client arena. Lorenz comes to us by way of Blast Radius in San Francisco. In just under three years he grew that office from a handful of people to its current size and strength. Prior to that Lorenz spent six years in senior positions with the Carlson Companies locally. He also spent three years in strategic planning and product management with Mattel and five years in brand management with Procter & Gamble. Lorenz will be a terrific asset to our clients and the force behind a Proximity Minneapolis that is growing in reach and resources. Join us in welcoming him to the the Proximity and BBDO family.

Old Pence Gains New Tenants - Modern Climate

2/5/2009

The former home of a Minneapolis advertising agency is getting another ad firm and $4 million in renovations.

A small but significant building in downtown Minneapolis is getting a new major tenant.

Advertising agency Wolfmotell will move its offices from Minneapolis' Warehouse District to the Pence Building, former home of Carmichael Lynch, at 8th Street and Hennepin Avenue S. The agency will occupy two floors of the eight-story building, which is nearly 100 years old.

Wolfmotell is the second significant tenant to lease space in the Pence Building in the last several months. Last fall, Art Institutes International Minnesota kept its current facilities at 9th Street and Hennepin but leased three floors in the Pence Building for expansion. The school offers courses in visual arts, fashion and cooking.

The Pence Building changed hands in 2007 after Carmichael Lynch moved to the Wyman-Partridge Building in the Warehouse District.

The Pence's new owner, Minneapolis-based Turnstone Group, is investing about $4 million to renovate the property, according to Mike Wendorf, vice president of the Sherman Group, which manages the property.

Some improvements, such as new elevators and plumbing, have been completed, Wendorf said. Other upgrades will include new windows and mechanical systems and restoration of the exterior.

Wendorf said Wolfmotell has hired 20 Below Studio, a Minneapolis interior design firm, to renovate its 18,000-square-foot facilities in the Pence.

The offices will be more than twice Wolfmotell's space at 431 N. 1st Ave., which the 10-year-old agency has occupied for about four years, Wendorf said.

This article originally appeared in the Star Tribune in February 2009

New Campaign For Red Gold Tomatoes Thinks Big. Like Really, Really Big. - Clarity Coverdale Fury

2/1/2009

Agency Clarity Coverdale Fury Launches Outdoor and Digital Campaign to Promote Tomato Country

MINNEAPOLIS (February 1, 2009) - Clarity Coverdale Fury, recently released its first campaign for their new client, Red Gold. Based in Indiana, Red Gold specializes in the production and marketing of premium quality tomato products.

According to Rob Rankin, Clarity Coverdale Fury's VP/Director of Brand Development, "The new campaign uses traditional outdoor in a very unconventional manner and continues that unconventional thinking with a innovative online campaign."

The "outdoor spectacular" in Columbus, Ohio, is kicking off the campaign with a "teaser" showcasing a giant Jack 'n the Beanstalk-type tomato vine growing up the pole and engulfing the huge outdoor board.

Think really big here -- because there are 5 tomatoes, which are 5 feet tall and 13 feet in diameter. There's 140 feet of tomato vines, with leaves 8 feet tall and 4 feet wide, and each Red Gold can is 16 ½ feet tall by 12 ½ feet wide. All on one really big outdoor board.

The campaign's message is that "the best tomatoes are from Tomato Country," which is the area that Red Gold tomatoes are grown. Email blasts and an online campaign will reinforce the "best tomatoes are from tomato country" positioning.

There is also a newly designed "Welcome to Tomato Country" section on the Red Gold website that highlights why the best tomatoes come from tomato country.

In addition, "Tomato Country," offers website visitors a valuable new online resource – Linda, the Red Gold nutritionist. Linda's job is to help make life in the kitchen easier with recipe ideas, tips on preparation, and answers to questions. Visitors can also sign up for a free interactive meal planner and get money-saving coupons and promotion offers. The direct link to "Tomato Country" is www.redgoldtomatoes.com.

Red Gold Marketing Director, Greg Metzger said, "We're very excited about developing new online relationships with customers. We see our nutritionist, Linda, as a very helpful resource for anyone who wants to put the best food on the table for family and friends."

About Clarity Coverdale Fury

Clarity Coverdale Fury specializes in helping brands make an emotional connection with customers through digital marketing, brand development, advertising, promotions and public relations. Current brands in the agency's portfolio include: ClearWay Minnesota, Medtronic, International Dairy Queen, Explore Minnesota Tourism and Purina Mills Feed among others. Information on Clarity Coverdale Fury can be located on www.claritycoverdalefury.com.

About Red Gold Tomatoes

Red Gold is a premier full-line tomato processing company with its corporate headquarters located in Orestes, Indiana. The company operates state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities in Elwood, Orestes and Geneva, Indiana, as well as RGT Logistics in Elwood, Indiana. Red Gold produces premium quality canned tomatoes and tomato-based products for the retail, foodservice, private label, and club channels of distribution. The Red Gold family of consumer brands includes Red Gold, Redpack, Tuttorosso, and Sacramento. Exceptional quality and operational excellence are the shared values that contributed to the employee-created mission statement: "To produce the freshest, best tasting tomato products in the world." For more information, visit Red Gold's website, www.redgold.com.

Credits:

Client: Red Gold
Agency: Clarity Coverdale Fury

Executive Creative Director/Art Director: Jac Coverdale

Creative Director/Writer: Jerry Fury

Group Brand Supervisor: Rob Rankin

Print Producer: Caroline Ryan Gibbs

Interactive Designer: Kristen Angel

How Much Does Tobacco Really Cost? - Clarity Coverdale Fury

1/29/2009

New Super Bowl Spot From ClearWay Minnesota Shows The Price We All Pay.

MINNEAPOLIS (January 29, 2009)—ClearWay Minnesota will release its new multi-media campaign during the Super Bowl by debuting a 30-second television spot entitled "Cash Register." The new spot is an intense fast-moving story of how smoking makes us all pay the price for tobacco. Clarity Coverdale Fury, Minneapolis, is the agency that created the campaign.

The new campaign revolves around the question "How much does tobacco really cost?" As David Willoughby, Chief Executive Officer of ClearWay Minnesota, remarked, "Everyone already knows that smoking is hazardous to your health. With the new campaign we want to raise awareness of the tremendous economic, emotional and health costs associated with tobacco use."

The campaign includes two television spots, outdoor, and an online campaign. There is also a newly created website that reveals the actual economic, emotional and health costs of smoking. In addition, the new website has sections that offer help for those who want to stop smoking, including various tips for quitting.

Jerry Fury, Clarity Coverdale Fury Creative Director/Copywriter of the spots said, "The power of these spots is they really show that the cash register isn't the only place we pay for tobacco. The spots are very real and very emotional." The "Cash Register" spot is scheduled to air during the Super Bowl in Minneapolis, Duluth and Rochester, and statewide in the months to follow.

Clarity Coverdale Fury is a Minneapolis advertising agency specializing in helping brands make an emotional connection with their customers. It offers brand development, advertising, digital, promotions and public relations. Current clients include ClearWay Minnesota, Medtronic, International Dairy Queen, Explore Minnesota Tourism and Red Gold Tomatoes among others. Information on Clarity Coverdale Fury can be found at www.claritycoverdalefury.com.

Credits:

Client: ClearWay Minnesota
Agency: Clarity Coverdale Fury

Brand Development Supervisor: Rich McCracken

Creative Director/Writer: Jerry Fury

Art Director: Karl Madcharo

Producer: Kris Wong Barrie

Production company: Hungry Man

Director: Scott Vincent

Editor: Schnitt/Charley Swartz

Music: "Cash Register" & "Hallway"/Echo Boys/Tom Lescher

Sound Design: "Back Step"/Planet Rumble/Jess Ford

Minnesota Vikings Draft BBDO Minneapolis As Their First Brand Agency of Record - BBDO Minneapolis

1/12/2009

The Minnesota Vikings have selected BBDO Minneapolis to be their first Brand Agency of Record. Steve LaCroix, VP of Sales & Marketing/Chief Marketing Office for the Minnesota Vikings commented, “We selected BBDO Minneapolis because of the quality of their work and the untraditional thinking they brought to the table, as well as the genuine passion they showed for our brand. We look forward to working together as we look to build on our record of 115 straight sold-out home games.” “We are thrilled & honored to have been chosen to help create a movement for this iconic Minnesota brand”, stated Brian Kroening, Executive Creative Director of BBDO Minneapolis. “We will be tapping into the fanaticism of the Vikings’ “all-weather” fans to help us create great work that gets folks more engaged with the Purple on a year round basis.” New work from BBDO is expected to break in Spring 2009.

Clarity Coverdale Fury Puts Monkey to Work - Clarity Coverdale Fury

1/8/2009

Agency Clarity Coverdale Fury Launches Multimedia Campaign to Help Smokers Get the "Monkey Off Their Back."

MINNEAPOLIS (January 8, 2009)—Clarity Coverdale Fury launches new work for QUITPLAN Services, a stop-smoking resource in Minnesota. The new campaign, which combines animation and live-action, features television, radio, online and outdoor. Each execution presents QUITPLAN Services as the go-to source to help smokers find the strength to "get the monkey off their back."

"Every smoker identifies with the 'monkey on their back' analogy," says Clarity Coverdale Fury Executive Creative Director, Jac Coverdale. "The monkey icon is a great visual shorthand to talk about overcoming the power of addiction to tobacco," Coverdale adds.

The television spot, entitled "Bogart," opens with live-action of a man sitting at a table next to a pack of cigarettes. Through the use of animation, the pack morphs into a series of cigarette marketing icons—a sexy woman, a tough cowboy and a rebellious biker. When the images fail to tempt the man, the pack reveals the dark side of cigarette addiction, changing into a demonic monkey that clings to the man's back tightly and morphs into a number of monstrous forms. The voice over says, "Cigarettes know your weaknesses. We'll help you find your strength…"

"Most smokers have tried to quit before," say Clarity Coverdale Fury Creative Director/Writer, Michael Atkinson, "Smokers need a reason to try again. So the notion of helping smokers connect with their own inner strength is supportive and empowering."

Online and outdoor executions extend the campaign concept, with messages like "Free Monkey Removal" and "Welcome to Quittin' Country" (featuring a somewhat crazed monkey wearing a cowboy hat).

Three humorous :60 sec radio spots feature two regular guys demonstrating how QUITPLAN Services helped them get the monkey off their back using an actual "monkey." In each spot, it's apparent that they are unable to acquire a real monkey for their demo, so they find the next best thing they can find in Minnesota — a penguin, cat and robot monkey.

Credits:

Client: QUITPLAN Services
Agency: Clarity Coverdale Fury

Executive Creative Director/Art Director: Jac Coverdale

Creative Director/Writer: Michael Atkinson

Group Brand Supervisor: Rich McCracken

Agency Producer: Kris Wong-Barrie

Animation Company: SuperFad, Seattle

Red Gold Tomatoes Plants its Advertising Seeds in Minneapolis Soil - Clarity Coverdale Fury

12/5/2008

Indiana Tomato Company Selects Clarity Coverdale Fury to Help Grow Brand

MINNEAPOLIS (December 5, 2008) – After weeks of ideation, preparation and anticipation, Minneapolis ad agency Clarity Coverdale Fury was thrilled to learn it had landed the Red Gold account. Based in Indiana, Red Gold specializes in the production and marketing of premium quality tomato products. The tomato aficionados had been scouting advertising agencies when Clarity Coverdale Fury received a request for proposal in August.

Red Gold's Marketing Director, Greg Metzger said, "Although we invited several agencies to participate in our review, Clarity Coverdale Fury proved to be the best fit for us. The team provided valuable insight into the target audience as well as a meticulous and metric-based marketing communications plan. We were looking for a firm with extensive digital and web based marketing experience and a broad knowledge of both traditional and non-traditional tactics."

Red Gold is a family-owned business located in the heart of tomato country that has been producing premium quality canned tomatoes and tomato-based products since 1942. President and CEO of Clarity Coverdale Fury, Tim Clarity, said, "We couldn't be happier to work with a brand like Red Gold. They are a company with a rich history of success and we look forward to working with the Red Gold team to take the brand to new heights." Clarity Coverdale Fury will provide Red Gold with creative services, media planning and buying, digital services and account management.

Red Gold is a great win for Clarity Coverdale Fury and a constructive addition to its diverse brand portfolio. This past May, Clarity Coverdale Fury also added Uvision, a German manufacturer of precision surgical eyewear, to its client list.

To view Clarity Coverdale Fury's portfolio of work or explore the services they provide, please visit www.claritycoverdalefury.com.

About Clarity Coverdale Fury

About Red Gold Tomatoes

A Potato Wrestler, Cab Driver and Vegetable Heckler Help Land Clarity Coverdale Fury Industry Award - Clarity Coverdale Fury

9/16/2008

Explore Minnesota Tourism's My Favorite Minnesota Campaign Recognized with a Silver Magellan Award

MINNEAPOLIS (SEPTEMBER 16, 2008) – Clarity Coverdale Fury has been awarded a Silver Magellan Award by Travel Weekly for its My Favorite Minnesota campaign. My Favorite Minnesota was recognized in the Destinations/Advertising/Marketing Campaign category. The five-piece campaign entered consisted of the new My Favorite Minnesota site, a nightlife banner ad, festival webisodes, a TV spot and a print ad from USA Today.

Each year, Travel Weekly honors the best in travel, saluting those professionals who exude excellent standards in their creative marketing and design services. Categories range from hotel and resort marketing to online travel services and collateral produced by travel agents/agencies. Entries are assessed by a panel of judges within the travel industry and evaluated on an individual basis using a 10-point performance scale.

The idea behind My Favorite Minnesota is to encourage Minnesotans to share their favorite activities and destinations by posting pictures and videos on the Explore Minnesota website. This visually showcases what Minnesota has to offer provided by the best sources: Minnesotans. "The insight behind the campaign is that travelers want 'insider information' on travel destinations. We created an online community of people passionate about their favorite Minnesota spots and activities," said Executive Creative Director, Jac Coverdale. "It's a great platform to inspire and inform travelers about hundreds of specific statewide attractions and experiences." As a result, the campaign has served as a significant factor in increasing website traffic.

My Favorite Minnesota has also been a big winner in numerous travel and creative award shows, including the Odyssey Awards.

About Clarity Coverdale Fury

About the Magellan Awards

The Magellan Awards are sponsored by Travel Weekly and TravelWeekly.com to honor the best in travel. Travel Weekly and its online division are the most influential B2B news resources for the travel industry, providing global perspectives and in-depth coverage of travel-oriented business sectors. For more information, visit www.travelweekly.com.

About Explore Minnesota Tourism

As the state's tourism office, Explore Minnesota Tourism pursues an entrepreneurial approach, leveraging the state's tourism investment with increased involvement by the private sector. A council of representatives from the state's tourism industry strongly connects Explore Minnesota Tourism with tourism businesses and organizations. Tourism is a $10.2 billion industry in Minnesota, a key sector of the state's economy. The leisure and hospitality industry, a major provider of tourism services, employs over 242,000 Minnesotans. More information can be found at www.exploreminnesota.com.

Credits:

Client: Explore Minnesota Tourism
Agency: Clarity Coverdale Fury

Executive Creative Director: Jac Coverdale

Creative Director/Writer: Michael Atkinson

Senior Art Director: Karl Madcharo

Interactive Designer: Kristen Angel

Brand Development Supervisor: Rob Rankin

Producer: Caroline Ryan Gibbs