Among those hiring this week are Adams County School District 14, Allstate Insurance, Arapahoe Library District, Catapult PR-IR, CH2M HILL, City and County of Broomfield (internship), City of Boulder, Colorado Department of Law/Attorney General’s Office, Colorado Energy Office, Communications Strategy Group (internship), Consulate General of Canada in Denver, Finish Line, High Line Partners Conservancy, MedSynergies, Oracle, Swingle, The Colorado Health Foundation, The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, United Power Inc., University of Colorado and Zayo Group.
B Public Relations Adds Account Coordinator
B Public Relations has added Catie Mayer as an account coordinator. Mayer recently graduated from the University of Colorado Boulder, and she previously was an intern with the agency. BPR also announced it has added the Town of Frisco to the company’s list of hospitality and tourism clientele.
Post Covers Deft Communications’ Podcast Series
Congratulations to Deft Communications’ Jon Ekstrom, who gets a shout-out from The Denver Post for his podcast series, Jon of All Trades.
Denver PR Jobs
Among those hiring this week are the Arabian Horse Association, Coalfire, the Coleman Institute for Cognitive Disabilities at the University of Colorado, Colorado Symphony Association, Cornerstone Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine, Denver Water, FRESC, GBSM (intern), Janus, Level 3 Communications, Newmont Mining, The International Mountain Bicycling Association and ViaSat.
Lutheran Family Services Retains GroundFloor Media for Messaging, SEO
Lutheran Family Services Rocky Mountains (LFS) has selected GroundFloor Media to conduct a search engine optimization (SEO) campaign for the organization and to develop a strategic message platform for the Older Adult & Caregiver Services program (OACS). The message platform will be developed to help LFS leverage its older adult program’s mission, care management and mental health counseling services provided to the community and to broaden its audience and client base. The SEO program will help increase online visibility and exposure among relevant audiences who may not be familiar with Lutheran Family Services.
Orapin Wins Five New Clients, Retains Additional One
Orapin Marketing + Public Relations has added five clients: 1940’s Ball, Bravo Bars, Dog Haus Centennial, Saving Moses and Skye Digital Marketing. Orapin also announced that Ella Bliss Beauty Bar will return as a client.
Colorado Symphony Association Seeks PR Director
The Colorado Symphony Association is hiring a Director of Media & Public Relations. The position is responsible for establishing and implementing the strategic direction for all Colorado Symphony Association (CSA) media and community relationships.
Metzger Albee Adds Three Clients
Boulder’s Metzger Albee has added three technology clients:
- Clip Interactive: A Colorado-based interactive mobile app developer, Clip Interactive is focused on the radio industry with the goal of improving listeners’ experience and creating a new revenue stream for radio stations.
- SQFT: SQFT is America’s first DIY real estate portal using cutting-edge technology and a team of local, independently operated, licensed real estate agents that allows users to buy and sell homes using only a smartphone.
- AllSource Analysis: AllSource Analysis is a leader in commercial imagery intelligence with a suite of multi-source information and analytic products for critical decision-makers in the energy, financial, government, humanitarian and insurance industries.
Visit Denver Names New Comms Director
Visit Denver has named Jesse Davis as its new director of communications. Davis, who formerly was director of international public relations for the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, succeeds the venerable Rich Grant.
Perini & Associates Adds Three Clients
Perini & Associates has added Colorado Springs Style Magazine, Pikes Peak Regional Medical Center Association and Rocky Mountain Pointing Labrador Club as clients. Services P&A is providing include market research, website development, press releases and social media support.
Indiana Hires Porter Novelli After Religious Freedom Act Fallout
Indiana’s Economic Development Corp. and Office of Tourism Development has hired public relations firm Porter Novelli to help “restore Indiana’s image after the recent controversy surrounding” the Religious Freedom Restoration Act. The account appears to be $1 million over two years.
Proof PR Adds Topolosky
Proof PR has added Jenny Topolosky to its Denver team. Topolosky has a decade of public relations and communications experience in lifestyle, consumer, arts and entertainment, b2b and personal brand management, and she previously was at IMA Financial and Cactus.
Fenix Lighting Selects DStreet for Digital Campaign
Denver’s DStreet has added Fenix Lighting U.S. as a client. As part of the engagement, DStreet’s digital team will create a content marketing program that includes web analytics and consulting, SEO, blogging, social media content and promotions and online influencer relations.
Former MGA, Noble Energy Comms Leader Launches Deft Communications
Jonathan Ekstrom has launched Deft Communications, a firm specializing in communications training, content creation, employee engagement and employee activation. Ekstrom formerly was with Noble Energy, and MGA Communications before that. He also hosts the Jon of All Trades podcast series.
Dovetail Adds Client Services Partner
dovetail solutions has added Erin Pursel as client services partner. In her new role, Erin will “co-lead the firm’s client service and counsel clients in strategic communications, community engagement, media relations, branding and social media.”
Brilliant Media Strategies Launches
Brilliant Media Strategies, a new Denver-based advertising, branding and marketing agency, has officially launched. Brilliant is the result of the combination of Bradley Reid + Associates and Stage 2 Studios.
Brilliant’s principals include Rick Wright, vice president of Client Services; John Tracy and Debbie Reinwand, founding partners; John Conn, president of Broadcast Services; Tina Lindgren, executive vice president; and David Board, director of Interactive Services.
Hazlett Wins CUNA ‘Blockbuster’ Award
Congratulations to Patti Hazlett, Director of Corporate Communications for the Mountain West Credit Union Association (MWCUA), who won a Credit Union National Association (CUNA) “Blockbuster Award” for her public relations work. Her trade media campaign was recognized with the “Best Public Relations Campaign” award.
Colorado Public Radio Adds Newsroom Talent
Colorado Public Radio News has added four new members to its team:.
- Jo Ann Allen joins CPR as an afternoon host. She brings over two decades of public radio experience to CPR, including hosting “Morning Edition,” “All Things Considered” and “Weekend Edition” at WNYC for 18 years, and more recently hosting “Morning Edition” at WHYY in Philadelphia.
- Nathan Heffel joins CPR as a general assignment reporter and backup host. He has five years of local reporting experience, with three years as a reporter and host at KUNC covering an array of topics, including transportation, public infrastructure and LGBT issues.
- Grace Hood will launch CPR’s new energy and environment beat. Hood comes to CPR with over a decade of experience, including six years with KUNC where she covered a range of topics from fracking and agriculture to online education, earning her the Daniel Schorr Journalism Prize in 2012.
- Kareem Maddox is a producer for “Colorado Matters,” responsible for researching, writing and booking guests for CPR’s daily interview program. Maddox was formerly an assistant producer for KCRW in Los Angeles where he produced segments for the nationally syndicated show, “To The Point.”
Philosophy Adds Natural Grocers to Client List
Philosophy Communication has expanding its food and agriculture business with the addition of Natural Grocers to its client roster. Natural Grocers hired Philosophy to help communicate new store openings throughout the western United States and to help tell the Natural Grocers story in both traditional and new media.
Crisis Experts Praise Lufthansa
The Wall Street Journal spoke to crisis experts at Golin and Weber Shandwick, both of whom gave Lufthansa high marks for their response to the recent Germanwings crash: Continue reading “Crisis Experts Praise Lufthansa”
Denver PR Jobs
Among those hiring this week are Absio Corporation, CenturyLink, Morris Animal Foundation, SpotXchange, The Denver Post, The Keystone Center, University of Colorado Boulder, and the University of Northern Colorado.
Additionally, Centura Health is hiring a group marketing director.
Sprocket Adds Two
Sprocket Communications has added two new clients: Colorado-based Shaw Construction and Infinite Harvest, an agricultural engineering and sustainable crop production company based in Lakewood.
Burns Marketing Adds Three
Burns Marketing has added three staff members “to support a steady and substantial rise in demand for creative business technologies:” Associate creative director Marcus Fitzgibbons, senior account director Melissa Humbert, and interactive project manager Steven McKenzie.
Torres Lands At Fox31 After Leaving 9News
Former 9News reporter storyteller Kevin Torres – who may or may not have been fired for a traffic citation that occurred in a station-owned vehicle – has landed a try-out with Fox31, according to The Denver Post’s Joanne Ostrow. From Torres’ Facebook page:
EXCITING NEWS to share: I will be staying in Colorado and joining the amazing news team over at FOX31 and Colorado’s Own Channel 2! To say I’m ecstatic would be an understatement. FOX31 was just named ‘Best Newscast’ by the Colorado Broadcasters Association this past weekend. The legacy both stations hold in this market can’t be matched.
Garbanzo Selects Brand Iron for Branding, Marketing
Denver-based Garbanzo Mediterranean Grill has named Brand Iron as its branding and marketing agency. Brand Iron will support a Garbanzo rebranding initiative, which will include expanding a new restaurant design prototype to other Garbanzo locations, new marketing initiatives and redesigning the Garbanzo logo.
Metzger Albee Celebrates 25th Anniversary
Congratulations to Metzger Albee Public Relations, which is celebrating its 25th year in business.
“As we celebrate another milestone, we’re emerging as the most established agency brand in the Rocky Mountain West,” said CEO and Founder John Metzger. “Much has changed over the last quarter century, yet we’ve always remained at the forefront of communications technology and dedicated to ‘doing the hard stuff:’ serving clients on the cutting edge of innovation and technological trends. Today, we remain focused on leading markets ranging from digital security and health care to advanced manufacturing and energy.”
Webb Adds Account Manager, Launches Drug Abuse Campaign
Webb Strategic has added 9News reporter Taunia Hottman as an account manager. Hottman is a veteran of CNN and stations in New York, Chicago and Kansas City, and she will provide strategic counsel to a mix of Webb’s clients. The firm also launched “Take Meds Seriously,” a statewide social marketing campaign aimed at increasing awareness of the problem of prescription drug abuse, for the Governor’s Office last week.
ADMHN Selects GroundFloor for Branding Work
The Arapahoe/Douglas Mental Health Network (ADMHN) has selected GroundFloor Media (GFM) to develop and launch a new brand name and identity for the organization. The branding efforts will position the organization with clients, doctors, counselors, health care partners and the community.
Ad Club Denver Recognizes Sprocket
Ad Club Denver has recognized Spocket Communications as Best PR Company as part of its recent “The Fifty” event.
Former DBJ Reporter Draper Joins Aiello
Former Denver Business Journal reporter Heather Draper has joined Aiello Public Relations & Marketing as a vice president.
Dovetail Solutions Wins Two, Adds One
Dovetail Solutions has added FRED Leadership and H+L Architecture as clients. The agency also added Alexandra Hogan as a client services associate.
Denver PR Jobs
Among those hiring this week are BenefitsPro.com, Comcast, Conservation Impact/Nonprofit Impact, Denver Public Schools, Donor Alliance, The Downtown Denver Partnership (DDP), Fyn Public Relations (Loveland), Greenhouse Partners, Key Media, SpotXchange, State of Colorado Department of Revenue, The Denver Hospice, NREL, The Service Employees International Union (SEIU), University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR), and the University of Denver.
Also, Centura Health is hiring a manager of digital strategy position.
Great Moments in Journalism
In Memoriam
Cher Pascoe, the founder of the healthcare marketing communications firm The Pascoe Associates, passed away recently. She was 63.
Four Denver PR Veterans form Moxie + Mettle
Meredith Bagnulo, Jen Roane, Michelle Baum and Courtney Walsh have formed Moxie + Mettle, a marketing communications agency targeting a variety of industries, including Energy, Entertainment, Healthcare, Hospitality and Technology.
Vanderholm Named to Boulder Valley 40 Under 40 List
Congratulations to Stephanie Vanderholm, a vice president at Metzger Albee Public Relations, who has been named to BizWest’s 2015 Boulder Valley 40 Under 40.
2015 DBJ 40 Under 40 Winners Announced
Congratulations to the communications-related honorees of this year’s DBJ 40 Under 40 Awards:
- Jeff Steepleton, president of the Galloway Group
- Jennifer Van Vleet, regional communications manager, MWH Global
- Katy Michael, VP of global communications, Crocs Inc.
- Erika Martinez, , director of communications and community outreach, City & County of Denver – North Denver Cornerstone Collaborative
- Ryan Huff, spokesperson and issues manager, University of Colorado Boulder
Denver PR Jobs
Among those hiring this week are Allstate Insurance, Communications Strategy Group, Decibel Blue Creative Marketing & PR, Devil’s Thumb Ranch Resort & Spa, E-470 Public Highway Authority, Skyport Development Company, Telligen, The Art Underground, The Association for Community Living, The City of Northglenn, U.S. Meat Export Federation, UCAR/NCAR and VisiTech PR.
And Barefoot PR is hiring a spring intern.
If Anyone Knows Customer Service, It’s a Billionaire from the Cable Industry
New York Knicks owner James Dolan – also the president and CEO of Cablevision – goes full Dick Montfort on a longtime fan who questioned his competence in an email:
Mr Bierman
You are a sad person. Why would anybody write such a hateful letter. I am.just guessing but ill bet your life is a mess and you are a hateful mess. What have you done that anyone would consider positive or nice. I am betting nothing. In fact ill bet you are negative force in everyone who comes in contact with you. You most likely have made your family miserable. Alcoholic maybe. I just celebrated my 21 year anniversary of sobriety. You should try it. Maybe it will help you become a person that folks would like to have around. In the mean while start rooting.for the Nets because the Knicks dont want you.
Respectfully
James Dolan
Good Times Taps DStreet for PR Campaign
DStreet has been retained by Good Times Restaurants to promote its all-natural beef burgers.
“The issue of all-natural sourcing continues to grow… . Good Times Burgers & Frozen Custard has been using all-natural beef from Montana for a long time and has a great story to share about sourcing natural, domestic beef for its burgers. We look forward to working with them to tell that story to a greater number of people.”
From Respected News Anchor to Punchline in One Night
The memes of NBC News anchor Brian Williams are in full force. #BrianWilliamsMisremembers #BrianWilliamsMemories
Denver Communications Veterans Form Cannabis-focused PR Firm
Denver public relations veterans Peter Kowalchuk and Jerry Brown have formed SativaCOMM, a new PR firm focused on providing communication services for the rapidly growing legalized cannabis industry.
Red Energy Adds 1, Promotes 1, Wins 4
Colorado Springs’ Red Energy has added Ansley Eskind as Multimedia Graphic Designer and promoted Senior Account Executive Cortney Quintero to Integrated Media Manager. The agency also has added several agency of record accounts, including American Data Technology, Cedarwood Development, Colorado Mountain Brewery and Colorado Dermatology Institute.
Denver PR Jobs
Among those hiring this week are Ball Corporation (internship), City of Westminster, Colorado School of Mines Foundation, DENY Designs, Qualistar Colorado, The Medical Group Management Association (MGMA) and the University of Colorado Boulder.
And Centura Health is hiring a social media intern.
Tennyson Center for Children Retains GroundFloor Media
GroundFloor Media (GFM) has been retained by Tennyson Center for Children (TCC) to serve as the organization’s outsourced communications partner. GFM will provide the nonprofit with media relations and donor relations support, as well as strategic counsel related to social media and advertising. GFM and TCC have a long-standing relationship; TCC was GFM’s pro-bono client from 2003-2010, and agency founder Laura Love serves on the TCC board of directors.
Dovetail Promotes Two, Adds Intern
dovetail solutions has promoted Rachell Buell to director of client services and transitioned Mary Kusek to chief of staff. The agency also added Lea Gralewski as its spring intern.
Denver PR Jobs
Among those hiring this week are Blake Communications (internship), Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office, City of Golden, Colorado Hospital Association, Comcast, Downtown Denver Partnership, Elevation Media Group, Kaiser Permanente Colorado, Keystone Resort, Level 3 Communications, The Medical Group Management Association, Moore Communications Group, MWH Global, Pinnacol Assurance, Rocky Mountain Human Services, Stapleton MCA, The Denver Museum of Nature & Science and WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group.
Also, The Fletcher Group is hiring a PR & Marketing Senior Associate.
Vladimir Jones Promotes Five
Vladimir Jones announced it has promoted five employees:
- Cody Gore was promoted to Account Director. He has been with the agency over eight years and specializes in strategic planning, brand building, product promotions and B2B communications.
- Nate Nicoll was promoted to Broadcast Media Buyer. Since joining the agency in 2011, he has been closely involved with implementing integrated campaigns for a myriad of clients.
- Eric Olson was promoted to Associate Digital Director. Eric joined the agency in 2011 and has worked across all clients in directing, creating, producing and distributing all aspects of their online strategies.
- Maddy Wold was promoted to Account Manager. Maddy joined the agency in 2012 and manages brand communications accounts through various traditional and modern public relations tactics.
- Brianna Wolff was promoted to Assistant Account Executive. She joined the agency in 2014 and supports the Xcel Energy account through directing and coordinating projects as well as strengthening relationships through on-going and in-depth communication.
Children’s Hospital Colorado Adds Two
Children’s Hospital Colorado has added Charlotte Isoline as vice president of marketing and communications and Sheryl Barto as corporate and community relations specialist in Aspen and the surrounding areas.
Verde Adds Two Clients
Boulder’s Verde Brand Communications has been retained by performance apparel designer Pearl Izumi and distiller Wyoming Whiskey.
In Memoriam
Suzanne Phipps, who founded two public relations firms – Results Unlimited and Phipps & Associates – in Denver in the 1950s and 1970s, passed away last month. She was 77.
Aurora Sentinel Trashes City’s Proposed PR Campaign
The editor of the Aurora Sentinel is not impressed with Adrenalin or the agency’s new PR campaign for the city:
Now it’s time for a serious mommy makeover for (Aurora). So (the city) hired Adrenalin, a high-powered image and branding consultant that recommended the city consider a powerful image-meme like: “Aurora, it’s worth discovering.”
Barf. In the interest of frank honesty, that’s just stupid. In fact, it’s awful. It’s publicrelationese for, “we don’t suck that bad.”
If you’re wondering just who the brains are behind such a sad little synaptic backfire, it comes from the same people that proudly stand behind the stellar marketing campaigns for PPIR. No? No Pavlov’s Bell there? How could you not know that PPIR is the Pike’s Peak International Raceway? Never mind that it went bankrupt years ago. Andrenalin still touts that wild success on their website.
Denver PR Jobs
Among those hiring this week are 9News, Arrow Electronics, Associated Skin Care Professionals, Colorado Public Radio, Colorado Technology Association, Craftsy, Fathom Events, Fireside Production, Inner City Health Center, Outdoor Industry Association, Penrose — St. Francis Health Services, Strategies 360 (intern), The American Water Works Association, The Farm Credit Council and Volume Public Relations.
Also, Aiello Public Relations and Marketing is hiring a seasoned Account Executive and an intern, Digital Fusion is hiring a Senior Digital Account Manager, and the Denver Preschool Program is hiring a public relations writer.
Synergy Management Lands Bronco TJ Ward as Client
Synergy Management signed Denver Broncos two-time Pro Bowl safety TJ Ward as a client and will handle all of his personal public relations at a local and national level.
Linhart Names Streeb Partner, Promotes Meyer
Linhart PR has named senior account director Tim Streeb as the firm’s seventh partner and promoted Amanda Meyer to account director. Streeb, who joined the firm in 2003, joins the firm’s other six partners: Sharon Linhart, founder and managing partner; Paul Raab, senior vice president and partner; Dawn Doty, vice president and partner; Kelly Womer, vice president and partner; Carri Clemens, chief financial officer and partner; and Kelly Janhunen, senior account director and partner.
Great Moments in Live TV
PRSA Colorado Announces 2015 BOD
PRSA Colorado announced its 2015 Board of Directors:
Executive Committee:
President: Cara Crifasi, co-founder, Evoke Creative Services
President-Elect: Nicole Yost, founder and president, Fyn Public Relations
Immediate Past-President: Julie Scott, director, Bonfils Blood Center Foundation
Secretary: Suzanne Trantow, Aguilar PR
Treasurer: Jerry Brown, APR, independent practitioner
Assembly Delegates:
Elizabeth Jumel, APR, president, Jumel Public Relations
Stacey Sepp, APR, principal, Xstatic Public Relations
Sara Spaulding, APR, vice president of communications and marketing, CenturyLink
Dana Stone, external communications director, Elavon, Inc.
Sarah Thornton, president, Thornton Public Relations
Directors:
Michelle Kern, marketing and communications manager, Optis
Claudia Morlan, communications specialist, Elmore Public Relations
Diane Mulligan, president, Mulligan & Co.
Renee Robinson, APR, corporate communications manager, Ball Corporation
Jessica Sidener, director of communications, Arapahoe Library District
Jennifer Tillis, account director, Linhart PR
Primavera Group Lands CBSA Account
The Primavera Group has taken over media relations and strategic public relations contract for the Colorado BioScience Association (CBSA) from Absolutely PR’s Owner/Principal Maggie Holben, who is retiring as CBSA’s PR consultant after more than ten years of service to the organization as a board member, contract PR resource and volunteer.
Great Moments in Travel Journalism
Vive Le Parisiens
This will be the enduring image associated with the murder of 12 people at the headquarters of the satirical newspaper, Charlie Hebdo, in France. Well done, Paris.
Great Moments in Car Design
Ford is recalling the 2015 Lincoln MKC because it placed the start-stop engine button too close to other buttons, and drivers are inadvertantly shutting off the car while driving. The good news for Ford? It only sold 13,500 of the cars so far, so the recall is manageable.
Grayling Names Palmer to Lead Government Affairs Practice
Steven Palmer, managing director of Grayling’s Denver office, has been named head of the firm’s U.S. State and Local Government Affairs practice. Palmer brings more than two decades of public affairs experience with business leaders, governors and elected officials at all levels of government throughout the U.S.
Newton Running Names Creation AOR
Boulder-based performance running shoe manufacturer Newton Running has named Creation as its agency of record. Newton Running adds to Creation’s growing client roster that includes endurance sports properties such as sports marketing and athlete management firm Human Interest Group and the Super Sprint Triathlon Grand Prix.
Proof PR Adds Online Menswear Retailer as Client
Proof PR has added the online boutique menswear retailer Standard & Strange as a client. Proof PR is helping the retailer launch a private label in early 2015.
Dovetail Solutions Hiring Client Services Associate
dovetail solutions is hiring a client services associate.
GroundFloor Media Adds Denver Post Community as Client
GroundFloor Media (GFM) has been retained by the Denver Post Community to provide messaging support, along with social media planning and SEO counsel. The Denver Post, through the Denver Post Community programs including the Denver Post Community Foundation and Denver Post Charities – Season to Share/McCormick Foundation Fund, raises and distributes funds to local nonprofit organizations throughout Colorado to improve and enrich the lives of those in the community.
CPR Adds Editor, Host
Colorado Public Radio has added an editor and an on-air host:
- Hart Van Denburg is the new digital editor for CPR News, responsible for leading the development and execution of CPR’s digital strategy, establishing the daily online news agenda and overseeing a digital team that creates a variety of multi-media content to enhance CPR’s online storytelling.
- Aaron Johnson is a new on-air host/production and fundraising coordinator for OpenAir. He’ll provide the OpenAir audience with insight and commentary about local musicians, new albums and upcoming events happening across the Denver-metro area and will also be responsible for OpenAir’s fundraising strategy.
In Memoriam
Longtime Denver public relations executive, journalist and professor Fred Hobbs passed away earlier this month. He was 82.
Weber Shandwick Hiring an AAE
The Denver Office of Weber Shandwick is hiring an assistant account executive.
SE2 Adds Former University of Colorado Health Communications Chief
SE2 has added veteran health care communicator Bill Sonn as a senior strategist focusing on health care issues. Sonn formerly was senior director of marketing of communications and media relations at University of Colorado Health.
At SE2, Sonn will work “with hospitals, hospital systems, provider groups, retail clinics, health plans, device manufacturers, data providers and others now busily expanding the definition what it means to deliver quality health care in a meaningful and effective way.”
The Bawmann Group Acquires Ubiquity Group
The Bawmann Group has acquired Ubiquity Group, a Denver-based marketing agency focused on the biotech and medical technology markets.
“We are blessed to be able to grow our team with the addition of Ubiquity’s talented professionals and significant international client base,” said Brad Bawmann, President and CEO of The Bawmann Group. “Our existing clients will benefit from Ubiquity’s creative team, and Ubiquity’s clients will have access to a broader range of integrated marketing expertise, including public relations, crisis communication and social media services.”
Great Moments in Social Media
Example 1A of why you should never automate your social media content.
DStreet Wins Tech Client
Wireless product development solutions and services company LSR has retained DStreet to launch the company’s new TiWiConnect platform. TiWiConnect is an end-to-end Internet of Things (IoT) solution for connecting devices to a cloud server.
Voca Adds Three New Clients
VOCA PR has added three new clients: GoBreck, the Colorado Wine Industry Development Board and Katasi, a Boulder-based start-up developing a network-level solution to the epidemic of distracted driving/texting while driving.
Barefoot PR Celebrates Four Years
Congratulations to the Barefoot PR team, which just celebrated the firm’s fourth anniversary.
Linhart Promotes One, Hires One
Linhart PR has promoted Danielle Feldman to account director and hired Amber DiGiallonardo as an account associate. Feldman joined Linhart PR from Edelman in Chicago in 2011 and works with consumer brand clients such as Ancient Harvest and DSM. Prior to joining Linhart, DiGiallonardo was part of the firm’s JumpStart internship program and was a PR director for a local event production company.
Great Moments in Journalism
Less-than-optimal ad placement from the Halifax Chronicle-Herald:
(Hat tip: Romenesko)
PRSA Colorado Marijuana Brand Challenge Tonight
Standing Out in a Field of Cannabis Edibles and Other Brand Challenges of Legalization is the subject of this year’s Brand Challenge that takes place today at the Oxford Hotel in downtown Denver.
Join panelists Stacey Stegman from DIA, Ricardo Baca from The Denver Post and Joe Hodas from Dixie Elixirs as they and attendees discuss how the legalization of marijuana has changed our state brand, issues that exist at the state and federal levels as visitors travel to and from Colorado through DIA, some complicated definitions, and more.
No registration is required – walk-ins are welcome.
PRSA Colorado Brand Challenge
4-6 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 28
Oxford Hotel
1637 Wazee Street
Denver, CO 80202
$35 / $20 for students
Dovetail Adds Clients, Staff Member
Dovetail Solutions has added Century Communities, Delwest, Frascona Joiner Goodman & Greenstein and the Northern Colorado Economic Development Corporation as clients, and hired Monica Kurtz in a senior client service role. The firm also announced Colorado Succeeds and GoBistro as pro-bono clients.
Great Moments in Journalism
Former Washington Post Executive Editor Ben Bradlee offers his thoughts to an over-aggressive public relations person who complained to Bradlee when a section editor shot down a pitch. The classic Bradlee closing zinger:
“I would like to be sure that you understand that we trust our editors’ news judgment and that we distrust yours.”
Is there any question why his reporters would have killed for him?
Fahlgren Mortine Wins Wyoming Tourism Account
The Wyoming Office of Tourism has selected Fahlgren Mortine, the parent company of Turner PR, as its public relations agency of record.
Cactus Wins CDPHE Marijuana Account
Cactus has been selected by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment to create the state’s upcoming retail marijuana education and prevention campaign. The campaign will continue a statewide conversation with families, health care providers, schools, community groups and retailers about how to safeguard the health of those who use marijuana and those who don’t.
GBSM Adds Woolcott as Senior Associate
GBSM has hired communications and dispute resolution specialist Angela Jo Woolcott as a Senior Associate. Woolcott brings more than 15 years of communications experience, and she couples expertise in public involvement, dispute resolution and consensus building with extensive experience in marketing and brand management.
Prior to joining GBSM, Woolcott worked for CDR Associates providing expertise in facilitation and mediation; developing and delivering customized trainings; designing problem solving processes; and public involvement and outreach efforts.
Denver PR Jobs
Among those hiring this week are ARCADIS, Barnhart Communications (intern), Communications Strategy Group, Denver Public Schools, Development Counsellors International, Downtown Denver Partnership Inc., Janus Capital Group Inc., PCL Construction, Rocky Mountain Lions Eye Bank, Telligen and White Wave Foods.
Denver Public Schools Hires Clevelander as CCO
Denver Public Schools has named Maureen Harper Chief Communications Officer. Harper has spent the past nine years serving as the Chief of Communications for the City of Cleveland.
28 Colorado Companies on Outside Magazines’ 100 Best Places to Work
Colorado had a record 28 companies make the Outside Magazine list of the Top 100 Best Places to Work, including my colleagues at GroundFloor Media who made the list at No. 4. The full list of Colorado communications/marketing/digital services providers is:
4. GroundFloor Media
18. TDA_Boulder
40. Sterling-Rice Group
48. Bluetent
55. Slice of Lime
80. Development Counsellors International
95. Backbone Media
Somewhere, Kirk Montgomery is Seething
KWGN infotainment reporter Chris Parente has trouble keeping his movies straight.
Dstreet PR Offers Pro Bono Support for HDSA
DStreet PR announced a pro-bono partnership with the Rocky Mountain Chapter of the Huntington’s Disease Society of America (HDSA). DStreet will garner media exposure for the organization and enhance its ability to increase awareness and funds for the charity.
Founded in 1968 by Marjorie Guthrie, the wife of legendary folk musician Woody Guthrie, who lost his own battle with Huntington’s at age 55, the HDSA is dedicated to improving the lives of people affected by the disease. Huntington’s Disease is a genetic neurodegenerative disorder that affects muscle coordination and leads to cognitive and physical decline. There is no known cure for the disease.
Great Moments in Marketing
Amelie Adds Two
Amélie Company has added Sean Eno as Account Coordinator and Andy Hellmuth as Project Manager & Producer. Eno joins Amelie from Cactus, and Hellmuth’s previous experience includes BuyMyTronics.com and MastCheck.
Hughes Named Director of Denver Post TV
Former CBS4 anchor Molly Hughes has been named director of Denver Post TV, the newspaper’s online video platform. Hughes has spent the past several years as a speech and media coach, and her role at Denver Post TV will include “helping newspaper folks improve their on-air presence,” according to Post editor Greg Moore.
Great Moments in Journalism
R&R Partners Expands to Mexico City
R&R Partners, whose offices include Denver, has moved into the Latin America market by acquiring a stake in CMV, a full-service agency based in Mexico City.
“The Denver office of R&R is pleased to be part of an international agency that will offer clients an authentic Hispanic vision and voice and as we help navigate them through an increasingly globalized economy, said Sean Tonner, president of Denver’s R&R office. “It is crucial for communications and government affairs firms to not only be culturally competent but also have a keen understanding of global and foreign affairs—R&R has a proven track record in delivering on all fronts.”
Orapin Adds Seven Clients
Orapin Marketing + Public Relations has added seven new clients: Transcription Outsourcing, Signarama DTC , Colorado Sign Fabricators, thresholdHR, speaker and consultant Julia Gentry, Skin Essentials Medical Skin Care and Day Spa and The Barn at Raccoon Creek.
Great Moments in Law Enforcement
From the great city of Philadelphia this morning:
Birko Selects Gonder PR for Crisis Plan
Gonder Public Relations has been retained by Birko Corp. to develop a crisis communications plan and media train key leaders. Birko is a family-owned company that helps protect the safety of the food supply using chemistry and equipment that helps food processing plants provide clean, safe meat, fruits and vegetables and beverages.
Novitas Adds Junior Associate
Novitas Communications has added Jenna Schmitt as a Junior Associate in its Denver office. Schmitt previously was a freelance writer whose published work included business management books, international travel guides and articles on topics ranging from interior design to healthcare.
2014 Denver Press Club ‘Gridiron Show’ Tickets Available
Denver Press Club Gridiron Show
6 p.m., Friday, October 10, 2014
University of Denver’s Reiman Theater
2101 S. University Blvd.
DCP Midstream Adds Rasmussen
DCP Midstream has added Sarah Rasmussen as Senior Manager of Corporate Communications. Rasmussen formerly was a Vice President with MGA Communications.
Great Moments in Journalism
(Hat tip: Patti Hazlett)
Denver Public Relations Blog 