Better get home early, get a good night’s sleep and prepare to be on your best behavior because “Ethics Month” for public relations practitioners starts tomorrow.
Month: August 2011
GroundFloor Media Celebrates 10 Years
Congratulations to Laura Love-Aden and the team at GroundFloor Media. They are celebrating the firm’s tenth anniversary by expanding its award-winning “Get Giving” community donation program to award a total of $10,000 – $1,000 for each year of service – to four local charities: Dress for Success, Colfax Community Network, Underwearness and Morris Animal Foundation.
GroundFloor also celebrated the anniversary with a party for clients, employees and friends at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science.
Denver PR Jobs
Among those hiring this week are the City of Boulder, the Delta-Montrose Electric Association, Google, ITT Techncial Institute, National Honey Board, Nimsoft, Northern Colorado Business Report, Rocky Mountain PBS, SendGrid, Sierra Nevada Corp., Sky Ridge Medical Center, The GLBT Community Center of Colorado and University of Colorado Law School.
Great Moments in Public Relations
U.S. Congresswoman Congressional candidate Kate Marshall (R-Nevada) is making headlines with her latest press release, but not in the way she intended.
As Las Vegas Sun reporter Jon Ralston noted, “You don’t see this too often: A campaign puts out a statement by a candidate on an issue she has never talked about and then helpfully explains the political strategy at play at the end.”
Unfortunately for her, the explanation was clearly intended for her rather than for the media. Here’s the text of the press release:
Kate Marshall Issues Statement of Support for Israel as Violence Escalates
Reno, NV – As violence continues to escalate in Israel, Kate Marshall released the following statement this morning in support of the nation:
“The past several days have proven very challenging for the people of Israel. Last Thursday gunmen from the Gaza Strip entered Israel and launched coordinated attacks against a tourist bus and other vehicles en route to the seaside city of Eilat. The terrorists murdered eight people and scores more were injured.
In further escalation of violence, terrorists operating within the Gaza Strip proceeded to fire hundreds of rockets into southern Israeli cities. Rockets fells on homes, a religious school, and other civilian targets. One man was murdered, many people were injured including children, and among the injured casualties was a four month old infant.
…
I am proud to consider Israel a friend and I reiterate my unwavering support for its fundamental right to exist and the absolute necessity for Israel to secure its people from outside threats. I stand ready and willing to assist Israel in defending itself against all acts of terrorism.”
Background: Israel has been in the news lately, and will be even more in the news with Beck’s “Rally to Restore Courage” in Jerusalem. In an R district, it will be useful to express support for Israel and demonstrate some foreign policy prowess while it is a timely topic – especially for people who are likely paying attention to Beck’s event.
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Shermer Joins Shaw Construction as Marketing Manager
Shaw Construction has hired Jennifer Shermer as marketing manager. Shermer will manage the marketing and PR activities at Shaw, which provides construction services throughout Colorado and Wyoming. Shermer previously has worked at Grant Thornton and Fransen Pittman, and she is a board member of the Denver Press Club.
Great Moments in Journalism XXXVIII
In the copy editor’s defense, “Loveland” is much easier to fit in a tight headline if you just drop the “e.”
(Hat tip: Elizabeth Robinson at Volume PR)
PRSA Colorado Taps Six All-Stars for Panel Discussion
If you are interested in learning first-hand what it takes to build one of Denver’s biggest and best PR agencies, plan to attend PRSA Colorado’s September luncheon. I am moderating an all-star panel discussion that features six of Denver’s most notable agency leaders:
- Jeff Julin, APR, Fellow | President, MGA Communications
- Pete Webb | Principal and Partner, Webb PR
- Laura Love-Aden | Founder and President, GroundFloor Media
- Sharon Linhart, APR | Founder and Managing Partner, Linhart PR
- Larry Holdren, APR | Partner, Pure Brand Communications
- Gwin Johnston, APR, Fellow | CEO and Founder, JohnstonWells
Send me an email or post a comment if you have a question you would like me to ask any or all of these agency leaders. And don’t be afraid to make them tough – they can take it.
Perini & Associates Adds Three Clients
Perini & Associates has added Woodland Aquatic Project, Wild Blue Animal Rescue & Sanctuary and UTE Pass Symphony Guild as clients. The firm will manage a number of projects for the clients, including community surveys, government relations, media relations, writing services, fund raising and special events.
JA Names Scott Director of Communications
Congratulations to Julie Scott, who has been named communications director at Junior Achievement. Scott formerly was communications manager at Bonfils Blood Center.
Linhart Promotes Streeb
If you run into Tim Streeb today, make sure he buys the drinks – Linhart PR has promoted him to account director from account supervisor. Streeb joined Linhart in 2003, and he leads several accounts, including Comcast, FirstBank and Johns Manville.
Denver PR Jobs
Among those hiring this week are the American Diabetes Association, the City and County of Denver, the Colorado Coalition for the Homeless, Denver Center for Performing Arts, Downtown Boulder, Janus, the Museum of Contemporary Art Denver, North Metro Fire Rescue District, Southeast Business Partnership, The Geological Society of America, Xcel Energy, Pure Brand (internship), Turner PR (internship), National CineMedia (internship), CSU College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences (Fort Collins) and Blackhills Corp. (Pueblo).
Behind-the-Scenes Look at 5280’s Redesign
After feasting on the remains of Denver Magazine, 5280 celebrated by redesigning the magazine and creating a new logo. Art Director Dave McKenna and Deputy Editor Geoff Van Dyke narrate a behind-the-scenes video that shows the decisions involved in the redesign.
Turner PR Hiring Two Interns
Turner PR is accepting applications for two unpaid internships to support the agency’s travel public relations team in Denver. Duties include media relations outreach assistance, drafting press releases, story pitches, creating and updating media lists and editorial calendars, tracking coverage by monitoring local and national media, researching industry trends, etc.
Qualifications should include students or graduates majoring in journalism, communications or public relations, excellent writing skills and understanding of AP Style, strong internet research skills, great communication skills with the ability to multi-task and work in a deadline-oriented environment. Turner will work with schools to ensure class credit is received, if applicable.
If you are interested, email cover letter and resume to Ashley Taufen (no phone calls).
Second Annual Rocky Mountain Product Camp
Great Moments in Journalism XXXVII
Just because you are wearing ear protection doesn’t mean your microphone is.
Colorado Non-profits Need Your PR Help
Okay, PR experts. It’s time to give a little something back. PRSA Colorado is soliciting experts to help counsel non-profits as part of its annual “PR Boost” event. The event connects local non-profits with Denver PR experts for a morning of PR counsel and guidance tailored to the organizations.
PRSA Colorado ‘PR Boost’
7:30 – 11 a.m., Wednesday, Sept. 7
Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce
1445 Market Street, 5th Floor
Denver, CO 80202
And if you know a non-profit that could use some PR help, point them to the PRSA Colorado non-profit sign-up page.
Conversation Starters Announces Two New Clients
Bawmann Group Lands Three New Clients
The Bawmann Group has added Heartland Network for Social Research, Platinum Senior Services and Groves Elder & Estate Law as clients.
JohnstonWells Teams with LUNGevity Foundation
National lung cancer charity LUNGevity Foundation is teaming up with JohnstonWells for a 5K walk/run at INVESCO Field at Mile High on November 5. The event, Breathe Deep Denver, is being produced by a steering committee led by Gwinavere Johnston that includes U.S. Rep. Diana DeGette, Don Kirchoffner and Associates’ Don Kirchoffner, former Rocky Mountain News Business Editor Rob Reuteman and City and County of Denver marketer Steve Sander. Those interested in sponsoring or volunteering for the event should visit its website.
PRSA Colorado Trivia Night
5:30 p.m., Wednesday, August 31
Whiskey Bar, 2203 Larimer St., Denver
(Free parking at Pure Brand)
Sponsored by Linhart PR & Pure Brand
Register
Denver PR Jobs
Among those hiring this week are the Aspen Art Museum, BENTEK, City of Aurora, Colorado PERA, Comcast, Correctional Healthcare Companies, eBags, Granby Ranch, Interweave (Beadwork), Jeppesen, Jewish Family Service of Colorado, KVCU Radio, Metropolitan State College, National MS Society (Colorado-Wyoming Chapter), National Stroke Association, Swallow Hill Music, University of Colorado at Boulder, Pikes Peak Community College (Colorado Springs), SRAM (Colorado Springs) and the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs.
Henley Named CSU’s PR Director for Denver Area
Colorado State University has named Kyle Henley director of Denver public relations. His role will be to lead CSU’s media relations, marketing and community relations activities in the Denver metro region, which is home to more than 40,000 CSU alumni. Henley formerly was with CoBank and Cohn Marketing.
USA Swimming Foundation Picks GroundFloor Media
The USA Swimming Foundation has selected GroundFloor Media to lead the communications efforts for the national Make a Splash Tour with Cullen Jones, presented by ConocoPhillips, as well as national water safety awareness. Through the tour, Jones, a survivor of a near-drowning incident at age five and the first African-American male to hold a world record in swimming, is visiting six cities this summer to address the importance of water safety in an effort to reduce the number of U.S. drownings, particularly among minority youth.
Dovetail Holds Annual ‘Day of Giving Back’
Dovetail Solutions is inviting clients, partners and friends to join the firm in its annual “Day of Giving Back” on Saturday, Sept. 17. This year, Dovetail will partner with Denver’s Ronald McDonald House Family Meal Program. RSVP by Sept. 2 to Emily Holleran if you are interested in participating.
Smashburger Poaches Qdoba PR Manager
Smashburger has named former Qdoba manager of non-traditional marketing public relations Doug Thielen as vice president of communications. The Denver Business Journal has the details.
Is PR Recession-proof?
GroundFloor Media’s Gil Rudawsky examines the issue and finds that many PR agencies (and budgets) grow during bad economic times.
VOCA’s Morris to Speak at Real-Estate Conference
VOCA PR’s Alana Morris will speak at the Fractional Summit USA in Miami later this month. Her session will focus on utilizing PR tactics to grow awareness of the fractional real-estate market.
2011 CHC Gold Leaf Awards – Call for Entries
The Colorado Healthcare Communicators is accepting entries for its 2011 Gold Leaf Awards. Entry deadlines are August 12 to meet the early entry deadline and August 19 for the final deadline. Check out the Call for Entries for details on submission guidelines, judging criteria and deadlines.
Moxie Picks Up Six Telly Awards
Moxie Creative Communications Agency won six national Telly awards for campaigns created on behalf of T-Mobile, CoBank, Xcel Energy, National Multiple Sclerosis Society and Universal Technical Institute (UTI). The Telly Awards honor local, regional and national cable television commercials and programs, as well as video and film productions, and work created for the Web.
Verde Expands into Paid Media
Verde PR & Consulting has launched a new paid media service platform that will provide clients with online and print media consultation and planning, paid search campaigns, search re-targeting campaigns and search engine optimization (SEO) services.
Happy 23rd, Webb PR
Happy 23rd birthday to Webb PR. You can celebrate by watching a three-year-old 20th-anniversary video the Webb team created.
Denver PR Jobs
Among those hiring this week are 5280, the Colorado Municipal League, Colorado State University Alumni Association, Colorado State University Career Center, Denver Health Hospital Authority, Denver Public Schools, ITT Technical Institute, National Conference of State Legislatures, National MS Society, Colorado-Wyoming Chapter, Parkview Medical Center, Rio Tinto Minerals, Starz, Team Player Productions, Telemundo, The Colorado Springs Gazette, The Daily Sentinel, The National Cannabis Industry Association, Tuff Shed, University of Colorado at Denver, VMware and Woodward Inc.
Kinkennon Adds Three Clients
Kinkennon Communications has added Colorado AIDS Project, The Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) and Hope Street Group as clients.
Radey Joins Suncor Energy
Suncor Energy has hired Brandy Radey as Senior Advisor for Communications & Stakeholder Relations. Radey previously was with Cohn Marketing.