Denver PR Blog


Denver PR Jobs
December 14, 2009, 12:02 pm
Filed under: Andrew Hudson, Jobs

Among those hiring this week are TIAA CREF, Starz, First Bank, Metro State College, Pearson Media, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (Seattle), Crete Carrier (Lincoln, Neb.), Nintendo of America (Redwood City, Calif.) and The Wilderness Society (Bozeman, Mont.).



‘True Spin’ PR Conference Scheduled for January
December 11, 2009, 1:48 pm
Filed under: Events

The mostly annual True Spin Conference, which bills itself as a national conference on communications for Progressives, is Jan. 21-22 in Denver. In addition to Denver’s own Jason Salzman, speakers include representatives from GLAAD, the Center for Media Justice and ProgressNow. The conference costs $400 to attend if you register by Tuesday, Dec. 15. Click here for more details.



Jeffco Introduces Nation’s First Hybrid Snowplow
December 11, 2009, 1:41 pm
Filed under: Government, Jeffco

Screw your Prius; I want one of these. Congrats to Jefferson County’s Jenn Kostka for television and print coverage of the nation’s first hybrid snowplow.



SWA’s Berg to Join Linhart?
December 11, 2009, 10:49 am
Filed under: Linhart, PR Moves

Is Paula Berg, Southwest Airlines’ manager of emerging media, leaving the airline to join Linhart PR in January? This Linhart blog post, which has since disappeared, implies she is.



RIP, Editor & Publisher
December 10, 2009, 9:33 am
Filed under: Newspapers, Obit

“America’s oldest journal covering the newspaper industry” realizes the same fate of so many newspapers it covered.



10 Reasons Media Relations Will Get Easier in 2010
December 10, 2009, 9:26 am
Filed under: Media Relations, Public Relations

Journalistics is feeling optimistic this morning, and offers its “10 Reasons Media Relations Will Get Easier in 2010:”

  1. Social Media
  2. Research Tools
  3. Commercial PR Products
  4. Analytics
  5. Collaboration Tools
  6. Diminished Reliance on the Press Release
  7. Expanded Media Options
  8. Mobile and the Rise of Location-aware Apps
  9. Improved Distribution
  10. Improved Filtering


104 West Adds Two Clients
December 9, 2009, 8:16 am
Filed under: 104 West, Wins

104 West Partners added Mojofiti and SharedBook as clients. Both companies specialize in social applications.



Vail Resorts Playing Hardball Over Coverage of Skier’s Death?
December 8, 2009, 7:08 pm
Filed under: Advertising, New York Times, Vail Resorts

Did Denver’s Vail Resorts threaten to pull its advertising from Ski Magazine after the publication blogged about the death of a 14-year-old girl on one of its slopes? The New York Times reports it did.



SE2/City of Loveland Media Training Open to the Public
December 8, 2009, 2:12 pm
Filed under: SE2

From SE2’s blog:

We do a lot of media trainings, but most aren’t open to the public. An exception is Wednesday, Dec. 9, when I’ll be presenting at a training hosted by the City of Loveland. The city has opened up registration, which costs only $25. I’m excited to participate with James D. Cope, who will be speaking specifically on crisis communications. Cope knows his subject; he handled media relations around the Tylenol murders in 1982.



Interesting PR Fact of the Week
December 8, 2009, 11:35 am
Filed under: MGA

MGA Communications’ Sarah Rasmussen grew up in a small, electricity-less cabin outside a small town in rural British Columbia, Canada. During the winter months, the family’s well often would freeze, so Sarah and her brother survived for months at a time drinking nothing but Moosehead beer.



SSA Rebrands to InView Communications
December 7, 2009, 3:16 pm
Filed under: InView Communications

If you see Carey Madsen any time soon, you might want to buy her a triple-shot espresso to keep her going. Her firm, SSA Public Relations, has just completed a rebrand to InView Communications, hired Joe Ricciardi as senior director, and added short-film Blake’s Ballad and agricultural, cooperative and financial organization consultant FCCServices as clients.



Is Denver a ‘Best Bang for Your Buck’ City?
December 7, 2009, 11:00 am
Filed under: Denver, Denver Business Journal, Forbes

Sort of, according to Forbes. The Denver Business Journal has the details.



DBJ Launches New Blog
December 7, 2009, 10:56 am
Filed under: Denver Business Journal, blogs

The Denver Business Journal has launched a new blog that features many of its reporters, including Mark Harden, Bruce Goldberg, Greg Avery, Boots Gifford, Bob Mook and Renee McGaw.



Andrew Hudson’s Latest Project
December 7, 2009, 10:48 am
Filed under: Andrew Hudson

Congratulations to Denver jobs guru Andrew Hudson and his wife Christine, who are the proud new parents of Julia Nicole Hudson. Julia was born Thursday at 12:33 a.m. Mother and daughter are doing well, but I hear Andrew is on medication for excessive giddiness.



Denver PR Jobs
December 7, 2009, 10:44 am
Filed under: Andrew Hudson, Jobs

Among those hiring this week are the Orton Family Foundation, Medical Group Management Association, 9Health Fair, Bishop Machebeuf High School, Donor Alliance, Lockheed Martin, PSA Security Network, Thomson Reuters, Memorial Hospital (Colorado Springs), Cartoon Network (Atlanta, Ga.) and Pizza Hut (Dallas, Tex.)



10 Brands That Will Disappear in 2010
December 7, 2009, 8:46 am
Filed under: Public Relations

The end of the year is near, so the 2010 business death watch has begun. Here are 10 brands predicted to disappear in the new year:

  1. Newsweek
  2. Motorola
  3. Palm
  4. Borders
  5. Blockbuster
  6. Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac
  7. Ambac
  8. Eastman Kodak
  9. Sun Microsystems
  10. E*Trade

(Hat tip: Jon Pushkin)



Bawmann Adds New Clients, Launches
December 7, 2009, 6:49 am
Filed under: Bawmann Group, Wins

The Bawmann Group recently added Lifeloc Technologies, CoverColorado, Colorado Center for Nursing Excellence, Total Community Options, TCO Foundation and Angus Mohr as new clients. TBG also led the launch of Colorado’s Campaign to End Childhood Hunger, an initiative designed to end hunger in our state by 2015.



GG Johnston to Leave JohnstonWells; Gwin Johnston Returns as CEO
December 3, 2009, 2:32 pm
Filed under: Johnston Wells, PR Moves

JohnstonWells founder and chairman Gwin Johnston will return full-time to the agency following her daughter GG Johnston’s decision to step down as president and CEO. GG joined JohnstonWells 15 years ago and was promoted to president and CEO in February when Gwin decided to step back from the day-to-day operations of the business.

The split is being described as amicable, and a statement from GG on the JohnstonWells Web site says:

“My decision to leave JohnstonWells and venture into the world outside family business is both exciting and sad for me. For 15 years, I have worked alongside Gwin and the talented team at JW. I am grateful for every minute of time I’ve spent here. I am well-prepared for whatever adventures are coming my way. I’m excited about what’s next for all of us.”



MGA Launches Updated Web Site, Blog
December 3, 2009, 6:19 am
Filed under: MGA

MGA Communications has launched a new Web site that includes its new blog, “Conversations that Matter.”



Vladimir Jones Land $5M State Contract
December 2, 2009, 8:18 pm
Filed under: Bill Ritter, Politics, Vladimir Jones

Congratulations to Joe Hodas and the team at Vladimir Jones, who nabbed a $5 million contract to help educate Coloradans on ways to save energy. Cathy Proctor at the Denver Business Journal has the details.



Obama Address Bumps ‘Charlie Brown Christmas’
December 1, 2009, 11:10 am
Filed under: Politics, TV News

When preschoolers across the country tune in to ABC tonight to watch “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” they may wonder why Franklin is getting all the air time. Imagine their disappointment when they finally realize that President Obama’s prime-time address on the war in Afghanistan has bumped the Charlie Brown tradition until next week. But not everyone is happy about the scheduling conflict.



Great Moments in Journalism XXII
December 1, 2009, 8:22 am
Filed under: TV News, Twitter

A digital billboard that combines an ad for the WPMI-TV news team with the station’s live Twitter feed goes bad.

(Hat tip to Dan Welch)

 

 



Ad Age: How NOT to Conduct a Social Media Campaign
November 30, 2009, 12:23 pm
Filed under: Social Media, Twitter

The college football season is nearly over, so it must be time to start complaining about the lack of a playoff system. To get ahead of the curve, the BCS launched a social media campaign last week touting its effectiveness, but Advertising Age takes the campaign to task for simply spewing propaganda rather than engaging fans.



PRSA Colorado Holiday Party
November 30, 2009, 12:15 pm
Filed under: Events, PRSA

Tomorrow is the deadline for reduced-cost tickets to the annual PRSA Colorado Holiday Party at Dazzle Lounge on Thursday, Dec. 10. Click here to get details and purchase tickets.



Denver PR Jobs
November 30, 2009, 12:01 pm
Filed under: Andrew Hudson, Jobs

Among those hiring this week are Qwest, Gay & Lesbian Fund for Colorado, Doctors Care, US Olympic Committee (Colorado Springs), Ft. Lewis College (Durango), and the John F. Kennedy Library Foundation (internships in Boston).



DDP Accepting Nominations for Annual Awards
November 25, 2009, 2:09 pm
Filed under: Awards

The Downtown Denver Partnership is accepting nominations for its Annual Downtown Denver Awards. The awards celebrate businesses, organizations, events and projects that have made significant contributions toward creating a unique, vibrant and diverse Downtown environment, and have made a lasting, positive impact on Downtown Denver. To nominate a colleague or client, click here.



Denver PR Jobs
November 24, 2009, 9:30 am
Filed under: Andrew Hudson, Jobs

Among those hiring this week are Crocs, Upromise Investments, The Colorado Health Foundation, Home Instead Senior Care, Hunter Douglas Window Fashions, Pinnacol Assurance, SEIU, Professional Bull Riders (Colorado Springs), Cabela’s (Sidney, Neb.), GolinHarris (Washington, D.C.), High Plains Journal (Dodge City, Kans.), Interweave Press (Loveland), Intuit (Mountain View, Calif.) and St. Louis Metro (St. Louis, Mo.).



Is America Ready for Best Buy to Wish Us ‘Happy Eid al-Adha?’
November 24, 2009, 9:23 am
Filed under: Public Relations

I doubt it, but we’ll see.



M&A in the College Football World
November 23, 2009, 6:25 pm
Filed under: Football, Story + Welch

The football fortunes of Notre Dame and the University of Michigan have waned the last few years, so the Wall Street Journal suggests Dan Welch’s and Elaine Ellis’ worst nightmare: The Notre Michigan Irish Wolverines.



Boss of the Week
November 23, 2009, 4:44 pm
Filed under: Public Relations

You think your boss sucks? Try this guy.

(Hat tip to Voco Creative).



Denver Agency Wins
November 23, 2009, 11:36 am
Filed under: Guttau, Linhart, Wins


Brian Solis in Denver for Book Signing/Tweetup Tomorrow
November 23, 2009, 11:24 am
Filed under: Social Media, Twitter

Social media guru, author and MediaonTwitter co-founder Brian Solis will be in town Tuesday (tomorrow) for a book signing/tweetup. The event is from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. at Tryst Lounge in Larimer Square. Click here for additional details.



UCD School of Medicine: Don’t Bother Responding to Our RFP
November 19, 2009, 10:30 pm
Filed under: Johnston Wells, PRSA, RFP

You would probably think there are dozens of public relations firms in Denver capable of “building external and internal awareness of the [University of Colorado Denver School of Medicine's] Palliative Care Program and undertaking a successful fundraising campaign to raise philanthropic contributions for its educational and research program.” But not everyone sees it that way, and that has PRSA Colorado President Gina Seamans seeing red.

In a post today on JohnstonWells’ blog, Seamans takes the UCD School of Medicine to task for trying to sneak through a sham RFP Notice of Proposed Sole Source (NPSS) when the school has already decided to give the business to the only firm they think it qualified to handle the assignment. And while Seamans is too polite to name that firm, I’m not. It’s Davis Branding & Marketing.



Denver Magazine Names Brugeman Food Editor
November 17, 2009, 1:03 pm
Filed under: Denver Magazine, Journalism Moves

Denver Magazine has named former contributing editor Stacey Brugeman food editor. In her new role, Brugeman will manage the magazine’s “Savor” section, as well as other food and drink content.



A Guide to Magazines that Have Ceased Publication
November 16, 2009, 1:50 pm
Filed under: Obit

Ad Age compiles the list.

(Hat tip to Jordan Blakesley).



Weise Launches Two Client Web Sites
November 16, 2009, 1:47 pm
Filed under: Weise

Denver’s Weise Communications has launched two Web sites for clients – Eating Disorder Center of Denver and MidAmerica Stroke Network.



Denver PR Jobs
November 16, 2009, 1:06 pm
Filed under: Andrew Hudson, Jobs

Among those hiring this week are Red Rocks Country Club, MDC Holdings, Weaver Multimedia Group, Arthritis Foundation, New Frontier Media, Pikes Peak Council of Governments, Ubee Interactive and Westwood College.



SE2 Names New Associate
November 16, 2009, 10:52 am
Filed under: PR Moves, SE2

Public policy, issues and social marketing agency SE2 named Delores Tronco as an associate. Tronco formerly was a 9Health Fair special events and communications coordinator and El Pomar Foundation fellow and program associate.



Debate Over Value of Press Releases Continues
November 16, 2009, 10:15 am
Filed under: Press Releases

A recent survey of “corporate communicators” conducted by Ragan Communications found that 49% say they think press releases are “as useful as ever,” but that a third said press releases are “a necessary evil that won’t go away soon.” Are those mutually exclusive?



Denver PR Jobs
November 9, 2009, 11:24 am
Filed under: Andrew Hudson, Jobs

Among those hiring this week are the Aurora Sentinel, Brocade, Chipotle, Tetra Tech, The Arthritis Foundation, FoodServiceWarehouse.com, Maricopa County (Arizona) and Target (Minneapolis).



Thoughts and Prayers for Don Kirchoffner
November 5, 2009, 8:18 am
Filed under: Denver, Public Relations

Don Kirchoffner of Denver’s Don Kirchoffner & Associates has been diagnosed with cancer, and he is fighting it exactly like you would expect – head on. If you would like to send Don a message, you can do so through his Caring Bridge page: http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/donkirchoffner.

 



Boise State Football Team Turns to PR to Help BCS Bowl Bid
November 5, 2009, 8:05 am
Filed under: Public Relations

Tired of being left out of the BCS bowl games year after year, the Boise State football team has retained the PR firm of Scott Peyron & Associates to help make its argument off the field.



Ten Things Social Media Can’t Do
November 3, 2009, 8:54 am
Filed under: Social Media

Advertising Age compiles the list.



How to Pitch a Busy TV Reporter
November 3, 2009, 8:21 am
Filed under: Pitches

Ragan’s PR Daily interviews WGN medical reporter Dina Bair to find out how to best pitch her.



Does Your Non-profit Need PR Help? Try #PRBoost
November 3, 2009, 8:10 am
Filed under: PRSA, Twitter

PRSA Colorado is taking its PR Boost program for nonprofits to Twitter. A panel of local PR experts, including Gina Seamans, Bill Green, Lisa Cutter, Jane Dvorak and Kristy Bassuener, will answer questions from non-profits tomorrow (Wednesday), Nov. 4, from 11-11:45 a.m. MST. Click here for information on how to participate in – or just follow – the Twitter conversation.



Bawmann, SE2, Weise Nab CHC Awards
November 2, 2009, 12:50 pm
Filed under: Awards, Bawmann Group, SE2, Weise

Congratulations to The Bawmann Group, SE2 and Weise Communications for picking up the hardware at Colorado Healthcare Communicators’ 2009 Gold Leaf Awards. And to Bawmann’s Tammy Stratton who was named the CHC 2009 ”Professional of the Year.”



Andrew Hudson’s JobsGobble
November 2, 2009, 12:30 pm
Filed under: Andrew Hudson, Jobs

Denver PR jobs guru Andrew Hudson’s annual JobsGobble job-seeker seminar and networking party is Tuesday, Nov. 10 at Comedy Works South in Greenwood Village. Click here for details/registration.



Denver PR Jobs
November 2, 2009, 12:22 pm
Filed under: Andrew Hudson, Jobs

Among those hiring this week are ARCADIS, Clear Channel Communications, Keypoint Government Solutions, Leprino Foods, OtterBox, University of Denver, Vail Resorts and VMWare.



Schwarzenegger’s Next Veto: A Haiku
October 29, 2009, 6:01 pm
Filed under: Politics

You have to give the Governator credit: He knows how to veto a bill. Time to step up your game, Gov. Ritter.



A Geek Halloween
October 29, 2009, 12:39 pm
Filed under: Halloween, Social Media

Triangle eyes and noses are for amateurs. Check out these social media/tech-inspired Halloween pumpkins.

(Hat tip to 104 West Partners/Johanna Erickson)



Are There Any Male News Anchors in Denver?
October 28, 2009, 12:46 pm
Filed under: Colorado View, Denver Magazine, Fox31

After seeing the public relations bonanza that Denver Magazine garnered with its Fox31 news “skankors” cover photo, Colorado View magazine called in a couple of Photoshop experts for its inaugural cover. Michael Roberts at Westword has the background. In the meantime, don’t hold your breath waiting for that Ron-Zappolo-and-Mike-Landess-in-Speedos covershot.



Denver Post Trumpets Circulation Figures
October 26, 2009, 1:51 pm
Filed under: Denver Post, Westword

The Denver Post is touting its strong circulation figures in the latest Audit Bureau of Circulation report, while Westword’s Michael Roberts digs beneath the surface to see whether the numbers are as strong as the Post claims.



Denver PR Jobs
October 26, 2009, 1:40 pm
Filed under: Andrew Hudson, Jobs

Among those hiring this week are the Colorado Center on Law and Policy, Colorado Women’s Chamber of Commerce, CH2MHill, Colorado Statesman, Denver Options, Department Of Agriculture (Forest Service), Douglas County Libraries, Gardner Edgerton School District, Interweave Press (Loveland), Jeppesen, Swisslog, The Kempe Foundation, Waste Management,  American Cancer Society (Durango), City of Phoenix, Ariz., and AAA (Washington, D.C.).



PRSA Unveils New Web Site
October 26, 2009, 1:34 pm
Filed under: PRSA

PRSA has launched its new Web site (or website, if you are Ef Rodriguez). PRSA says the new site offers better search and customization tools, as well as a simpler interface.



GG Johnson Named DBJ Top Business Newsmaker
October 24, 2009, 11:26 am
Filed under: Awards, Johnston Wells

Congratulations to JohnstonWells CEO GG Johnston, who was named a Denver Business Journal 2009-2010 Top Business Newsmaker in the Media & Communications category.



Denver Agency Wins
October 22, 2009, 1:52 pm
Filed under: Bawmann Group, Linhart, Wins
  • The Bawmann Group was hired by MyTeleHealth Solutions and the national Flu Information & Care System to launch www.amafluhelp.org. The Web site is the nation’s first comprehensive online flu assessment program to coordinate care among patients and their families.
  • Linhart PR has been retained by mix1 Beverage Company. Boulder-based mix1 is an emerging leader in the functional beverage and performance nutrition category.


Pushkin PR Moving to New LoDo Office
October 22, 2009, 11:11 am
Filed under: Pushkin PR

Pushkin Public Relations is relocating from Greenwood Village to Larimer Square downtown at the end of this month.



Great Moments in Journalism XXI
October 22, 2009, 11:03 am
Filed under: Balloon Boy

Apparently the Heenes aren’t the only crazies on their street. Maybe someone should check the neighborhood’s water supply.

(hat tip to Andrew Hudson)



Bob Kendrick Update, Sponsored by Ohio State
October 22, 2009, 10:53 am
Filed under: Journalism Moves, KUSA

Perpetually underappreciated former 9News anchor/reporter Bob Kendrick’s career death spiral continues. In July, Kendrick took a reporter and occasional weekend anchor position with CHEK News in Vancouver. However, CHEK News was sold to a new owner in September, and Kendrick has now accepted a position as an anchor on the combined ABC/FOX newscast in Columbus, Ohio. Kendrick told the Columbus Dispatch, “I’m thrilled to call central Ohio home. And, yes, I’ve already started practicing my ‘Go Bucks.’ “



GBSM Seeks Executive Assistant
October 20, 2009, 3:17 pm
Filed under: Andrew Hudson, GBSM, Jobs

Denver management consulting, strategic communications and public affairs firm GBSM is seeking an Executive Assistant. For more information, check out Andrew Hudson’s Jobs List, the single best resource for Denver marketing and PR jobs.



Separated at Birth
October 20, 2009, 8:22 am
Filed under: Balloon Boy

Nutjob “Balloon Boy” hoax artist Richard Heene (left) and even nutjobbier Hollywood actor Crispin Glover.



Tip #6: ‘Know any vulnerability that might make you appear batshit crazy’
October 20, 2009, 8:08 am
Filed under: Balloon Boy, SE2

SE2, through its blog, offers some no-nonsense PR advice to Balloon Boy’s family.



Denver PR Jobs
October 19, 2009, 8:38 am
Filed under: Andrew Hudson, Jobs

Among those hiring this week are the National Stroke Association, Metropolitan State College, CaridianBCT, Department of Veteran Affairs, National Enrichment Facility/LES (Eunice, NM), Kansas State University (Manhattan, Kans.) and Cargill (Wichita, Kans.).



Ticket Deadline for DPC’s ‘Gridiron Show’ Today
October 19, 2009, 6:50 am
Filed under: Denver Press Club, Events

Today is the deadline to purchase tickets to the Denver Press Club’s 2009 “Gridiron Show.” Among those who will be on stage are Bruce Goldberg, John Hickenlooper, Bill Owens, Andrew Hudson, Mike Landess, Cynthia Hessin, Reggie Rivers, Neil Westergaard, TaRhonda Thomas, Gregg Moss and Steve Saunders.

The details are:

Denver Press Club’s 2009 Gridiron Show
Friday, Oct. 23 (silent auction at 5:30 pm, dinner at 6 pm and entertainment at 7 pm)
Marriott Center City
1701 California Street, Denver, CO 80202
Click here to purchase tickets



DBJ Offers October Subscription Deal
October 15, 2009, 6:55 am
Filed under: Denver Business Journal

If you don’t subscribe to the Denver Business Journal, you should. It covers Denver business at a depth that you simply won’t find anywhere else in town. And for the month of October, the DBJ is offering $20 off its one-year subscription. Call or email Jan to subscribe (303.803.9280 or jwambolt@bizjournals.com).

UPDATE: No, this is not an ad. I did not receive anything tangible or intangible from the DBJ for posting it. I’m just a fan, and think you should be, too.



Denver PR Jobs
October 15, 2009, 6:46 am
Filed under: Andrew Hudson, Jobs

Andrew Hudson is on fire this week, and he has posted a slew of new jobs since Monday in his “Jobs that Just Can’t Wait” section. So if you are job hunting, check them out.



Shameless Self-promotion Alert
October 14, 2009, 2:29 pm
Filed under: 104 West, Digital Idea Media, Metzger, Social Media, Story + Welch, Turner PR, blogs

If you are devotee of social media and its implications for public relations, check out a new social-media specific blog that features posts by 104 West’s Elaine Schoch, Metzger’s Elaine Ellis, Digital Idea Media’s (and MediaOnTwitter’s) Melissa Hourigan, Turner PR’s Ef Rodriguez and me. The blog is called Social Byte – http://socialbyte.net.



GBSM Named Finalist for PR News’ Nonprofit Award
October 14, 2009, 2:04 pm
Filed under: Awards, GBSM

Congratulations to Tracy Boyle and her team at GBSM, which was named as a finalist in the annual PR News’ Nonprofit PR Awards for their work with client Delta Dental Foundation.



Sprengelmeyer’s ‘Tom Sawyer Business Plan’
October 14, 2009, 1:58 pm
Filed under: Journalism Moves, New York Times, Rocky Mountain News, journalism

The New York Times profiles former Rocky reporter and current Guadalupe County Communicator publisher Michael “M.E.” Sprengelmeyer. Interestingly, Michael only went by “M.E.” professionally because the byline “Michael Sprengelmeyer” was too long to fit in one column width.



WSJ Now Nation’s Largest Newspaper
October 14, 2009, 1:50 pm
Filed under: Newspapers, USA Today, Wall Street Journal

The Wall Street Journal has passed USA Today as the most-subscribed newspaper in the U.S. Unfortunately, the WSJ nabbed the honor only after USA Today raised its newstand price 33 percent saw a resulting 17 percent decline in circulation.



Denver PR Jobs
October 12, 2009, 1:18 pm
Filed under: Andrew Hudson, Jobs

Among those hiring this week are Kaiser Permanente, Qdoba, Dumb Friends League, Volume Public Relations, BusinessWire, Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep Foundation, The Hach Company, Arrow Electronics, Elbert County Early Childhood Council, the Colorado Chapter of the National MS Society, Waste Management and Winter Park Resort.



A Business Primer on New FTC Transparency Rules
October 8, 2009, 8:49 am
Filed under: GBSM, Scatterbox

Scatterbox’s (and GBSM’s) Steve Silvers offers a business primer on the new FTC blogging rules that require bloggers to disclose any “material connections” they have to companies they write about.



Tickets Available for Denver Press Club’s ‘2009 Gridiron Dinner’
October 8, 2009, 8:13 am
Filed under: Denver Press Club, Events

Come see some of Denver’s biggest names in politics and media, onstage in the Denver Press Club’s annual Gridiron Show – a hilarious night of political and cultural satire and songs. The details are:

Denver Press Club’s 2009 Gridiron Dinner
Friday, Oct. 23 (silent auction at 5:30 pm, dinner at 6 pm and entertainment at 7 pm)
Marriott Center City
1701 California Street, Denver, CO 80202
Click here to purchase tickets



‘The Jens’ to Offer Drinks, PR Advice at the DPC
October 8, 2009, 7:18 am
Filed under: Denver Press Club, Events

Dig out your copy of Mr. Boston’s Bar Guide to find the most difficult drink around: Philosophy Communication principals Jennifer Lester and Jennifer Miller will be guest bartenders at the Denver Press Club, 1330 Glenarm, on Wednesday, Oct. 14 from 6 – 8 p.m. All tips will benefit HomeAid Colorado, a nonprofit that builds homes for Colorado’s temporarily homeless, and Teaching Humane Existence (T.H.E.), sponsor of The Watch House project, a residential campus facility for repeat sex offenders.



Metzger Client Raises $2 Million for Cancer Research
October 8, 2009, 7:12 am
Filed under: Events, Metzger

Congratulations to Metzger Associates, whose client The Denver Metropolitan Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure raised more than $2 million this past weekend at its annual Race for the Cure event.



Guttau Lands New Client
October 8, 2009, 7:08 am
Filed under: Wins

Guttau Public Relations has been hired by BellaLu Home & Design to handle the company’s public relations.



Rick Reilly to Headline APDC Gala Dinner Tomorrow
October 8, 2009, 6:59 am
Filed under: Events

Fresh off his capitol dome-licking demonstration, Denver sports author Rick Reilly will be the keynote speaker at the Asian Pacific Development Center’s Gala Dinner on Friday, October 9 at 6:30 p.m. Reilly will be joined by his 20-year old daughter, Rae, who was adopted from Korea as an infant. Details about the event are here.



Denver PR Jobs
October 5, 2009, 4:58 pm
Filed under: Andrew Hudson, Jobs

Among those hiring this week are CSG|PR, The Farm Credit System, Karsh\Hagan, Cherry Creek Shopping Center, Sandy Puc’ Portrait Design, CH2MHill, Hunter Douglas, Child Health Corp of America (Shawnee Mission, Kans.), Midstream Energy (Salt Lake City), Valley of the Sun United Way (Phoenix) and Cargill Meat Solutions (Wichita, Neb.).



IOC Stiffs Obama, Chicago
October 2, 2009, 9:11 am
Filed under: Politics

Lawyers never ask questions they don’t already know the answer to, and PR people never send CEOs to fancy award events if they don’t already know the CEO is the winner. Why? Because unless you are a kid, surprises almost always suck. Why risk your political capital or credibility when the upside is so small compared to what the downside could be?

I note this because of President Barack Obama’s trip this week to lobby for Chicago to host the 2016 Olympics. After sticking his political capital on the line to lobby in person for Chicago, he was stiffed in the first round of voting by the IOC today. Seriously, did Air Force One even land back in Washington before they rejected Chicago? Tokyo – where the 50M swim events would probably require 60 laps in a pool the size of a hot tub – made it farther than Chicago in the balloting process. Ouch.



Why Don’t You Take Another Crack At It, AT&T?
October 2, 2009, 8:45 am
Filed under: GBSM, Public Relations

Remember Iraqi Information Minister Mohammed Saeed al-Sahhaf (a.k.a Baghdad Bob)? He achieved new heights in propoganda during and after the U.S. invasion of Iraq in 2003, proclaiming on TV that no American troops were in Baghdad and that American soldiers instead were “committing suicide by the hundreds at the city’s gates.” For about a week, he had more face time on CNN than Wolf Blitzer.

Anyway, AT&T spokesman Mark Siegel apparently went to the same school as Baghdad Bob. Here’s is Mark’s statement to C/NET on the vast and increasing number of complaints about AT&T’s pathetic service quality:

“We have a strong, high-quality mobile broadband network. It is the nation’s fastest 3G network, now in 350 major metropolitan areas.”

Here’s a free PR tip to all of you starting out in the business: Don’t – repeat, DO NOT – grab the nearest brochure and start reading from it when an unexpected question from a reporter causes you to panic. Instead, do what GBSM’s Steve Silvers does: pretend your building’s fire alarm is going off and tell the reporter you’ll have to call them back in a few minutes.



Ad of the Week
October 2, 2009, 8:24 am
Filed under: Advertising

T-Mobile wins the “Ad of the Week” award for its commercial featuring both Yusuf Islam (a.k.a. Cat Stevens), who called for author Salman Rushdie’s death for writing The Satanic Verses, and Whoopi Goldberg, who argued that director Roman Polanski’s guilty plea to statutory rape charges shouldn’t be pursued because the then-44-year-old Polanksi’s sexual encounter with a 13-year-old girl wasn’t really “rape-rape.”



Happy Birthday, JohnstonWells
October 1, 2009, 12:39 pm
Filed under: Johnston Wells

Congratulations to GG Johnston and the crew at JohnstonWells, who are celebrating the agency’s 38th birthday today.



How Much Are You Paying An Agency for Social Media Help?
October 1, 2009, 7:10 am
Filed under: Social Media, Wall Street Journal

Probably somewhere between $400 and $20,000 per month, according to the The Wall Street Journal.



Turner PR Seeking Fall Interns
September 30, 2009, 8:53 pm
Filed under: Jobs, Turner PR

Turner PR is seeking “recent graduates or current students majoring in journalism, communications or public relations” for its unpaid fall internship program. Duties include media relations assistance, drafting press materials, creating and updating media lists and editorial calendars, media monitoring, research, measurement assistance, and social and emerging media outreach. To be considered, email Charlotte Smith a cover letter and resume (no phone calls).



25 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a PR Firm
September 30, 2009, 7:14 am
Filed under: Public Relations

Media Orchard compiles the list.



Tickets Available for Denver Press Club’s ‘2009 Gridiron Dinner’
September 29, 2009, 9:33 pm
Filed under: Denver Press Club, Events

Come see some of Denver’s biggest names in politics and media, onstage in the Denver Press Club’s annual Gridiron Show – a hilarious night of political and cultural satire and songs. The details are:

Denver Press Club’s 2009 Gridiron Dinner
Friday, Oct. 23 (silent auction at 5:30 pm, dinner at 6 pm and entertainment at 7 pm)
Marriott Center City
1701 California Street, Denver, CO 80202
Click here to purchase tickets



Cohn Named ‘Top Place to Work in PR’ by PR Week
September 29, 2009, 8:45 pm
Filed under: Awards, Cohn Marketing

Congratulations to Denver-based Cohn Marketing, which was among the winners in PR Week’s first annual “Top Places to Work in PR.”



Metzger Lands Start-up Client
September 29, 2009, 8:40 pm
Filed under: Metzger, Wins

Metzger Associates has been selected by Denver-based start-up company NextWave Performance to launch its web-based SaaS platform.



Voca PR Launches New Web Site, Wins 2 Clients
September 29, 2009, 8:32 pm
Filed under: Voca PR, Wins

Voca PR has unveiled its new Web site and landed two new clients: Boca Raton, Fla.-based Revelex and Boulder-based Boulder Creek Life and Home.



MCG Hosting Bra Art Exhibit to Benefit Susan G. Komen
September 29, 2009, 8:25 pm
Filed under: Events

B2B technology marketing strategy and design firm Market Creation Group is showcasing its expanded office by hosting a bra art exhibit to benefit the Denver Metropolitan Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure. The networking event and exhibit will be held in the Art District on Santa Fe from 6-9 p.m. this Friday (Oct. 2) at the MCG studios, 910 Santa Fe Drive, Studios 11 and 12, as part of the district’s First Friday Art Walk.



Early Registration for PRSA Colorado Retreat Ends Friday
September 29, 2009, 8:20 pm
Filed under: Events, PRSA

The Second Annual PRSA chapter retreat is Friday, Oct. 16, at the Curtis Hotel. Events include morning sessions for young professionals, a luncheon with keynote speaker Dana Perino, former White House Press Secretary, afternoon workshops covering topics for all types of professionals, an all-day resource fair, and a cocktail and networking reception. The early registration deadline ends Oct. 2. Click here for details.



5280’s Brogan Named President of CRMA
September 29, 2009, 8:16 pm
Filed under: 5280

5280 magazine editor and publisher Daniel Brogan has been elected president of the City and Regional Magazine Association’s (CRMA) board of directors. The national organization represents more than 80 local and regional lifestyle magazines throughout the United States and Canada.



Rebrand of the Week
September 29, 2009, 8:13 pm
Filed under: Marketing

The Wisconsin Tourism Federation held out as long as it could, but the rebrand to the Tourism Federation of Wisconsin was inevitable.



Denver PR Jobs
September 28, 2009, 11:05 am
Filed under: Andrew Hudson, Jobs

Among those hiring this week are Amelie Company, Remax, Department of Energy, Entercom Denver, Longmont Times-Call, Adrenaline Garage (Winter Park), American Public Health Association (Washington, D.C.), Monster.com (Maynard, Mass.) and the United States Agency for International Development (Afghanistan).



MediaOnTwitter Seeks Volunteer Editors
September 24, 2009, 8:31 pm
Filed under: Social Media

Want to rub shoulders with social media stars such as Brian Solis, Peter Shankman and Melissa Hourigan? Apply to be a volunteer MediaOnTwitter editor. If you are interested, email Melissa Hourigan a 200-word resume.



HuffPo Contributor EfRod Goes Live
September 24, 2009, 10:05 am
Filed under: Social Media

Congratulations to Denver social media guru Ef Rodriguez, who launched his inaugural Huffington Post column this morning.



Picture of the Week
September 23, 2009, 7:27 am
Filed under: Denver

A Denver parking enforcement vehicle, courtesy of the Rocky Mountain Independent.



Rocky’s Milstead Headed to Toronto
September 22, 2009, 3:29 pm
Filed under: Journalism Moves, Layoffs, Rocky Mountain News

Denver’s loss is Toronto’s gain. David Milstead, the talented business and financial columnist for the Rocky Mountain News, has accepted a reporter position with Toronto-based Globe and Mail. Milstead would have been a strong addition to the Denver Post, but his candid coverage of the events surrounding the Rocky’s closing – and the Post’s own less-than-solid financial footing – seemingly cost him that chance.

Here is Milstead’s email announcing the news to friends and colleagues:

From: David Milstead
Date: September 22, 2009 3:44:43 PM MDT
To: undisclosed recipients
Subject: Milstead update

I will be joining the Globe and Mail, Canada’s Toronto-based national newspaper, as a reporter in its Report On Business section. I’ll be doing something similar to what I did at the Rocky Mountain News – specialty finance coverage. (No column, however.)

The Globe and Mail competes directly with The National Post, which describes itself as a national newspaper, but fails to distribute in some provinces and has suspended publication of its Monday paper. The Toronto Star and The Sun provide local news in the market.

I consider myself fortunate to find a full-time job with benefits with an excellent newspaper that has a serious commitment to business journalism. The Report On Business has about three dozen reporters; the day I interviewed, it was 20 broadsheet pages. All told, the Globe and Mail has more than 300 newsroom employees and circulates about 330,000 copies a day.

My first day will be Nov. 2.

I believed from the beginning that I would face the choice of leaving journalism or leaving Denver, and thought it more likely I’d leave journalism. I had prepared myself for that possibility, and am somewhat shocked to be heading right back into the newspaper business.

It was not our goal or preference to leave Denver, and we will miss all the wonderful people we’ve met in the last eight years. We will keep in touch.



Bawmann Group Lands New Client
September 21, 2009, 5:28 pm
Filed under: Bawmann Group, Wins

The Bawmann Group has been retained by the Colorado Egg Producers for PR, social media, advertising and interactive services.



Denver PR Moves
September 21, 2009, 5:24 pm
Filed under: GBSM, Linhart, PR Moves
  • GBSM has added Becky Karlin as an associate. Karlin formerly served as a senior policy advisor to Gov. Bill Owens on health care, insurance and higher education issues. She also worked in the corporate communications department of Frontier Airlines.
  • The Humane Society of Boulder Valley named Kim Sporrer as director of communications. Sporrer most recently was with Linhart PR.