Bar & Grilled: Ron Zappolo

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Fox31 anchor Ron Zappolo is the subject of Bill Husted’s “Bar & Grilled” column this morning. One interesting quote:

If you listen to the smart guys, they say (the future of local TV news is) not very bright. There will always be local news, but the face of it is going to change. I don’t think you’re going to see people like me anymore, people who spend 35 years in one market. You’re going to see a lot more young people with shorter deals, more turnover. I’m a survivor. People ask me what I’ve accomplished and I say, “I survived.”

Denver PR Jobs

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Among those hiring this week are Xanterra Parks & Resorts, Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals, Armada Medical Marketing, Aurora Loan Services, Black Hills Corporation, Humane Society of Boulder County, CaridianBCT, Colorado Mortgage Lenders Association, Community College of Aurora, National Wildlife Federation, University of Denver’s Daniels College of Business and Sky Ute Casino (Ignacio).

RIP, Reggie McDaniel

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For those of you who are Googling the recently departed Denver movie critic Reggie McDaniel and coming across this post, let me just say first that is was written two years ago. I am not, in fact, “dancing on his grave.” So quit emailing me. And, second, McDaniel was a critic, and he understood that criticism is part of being a public performer/personality.

NYT: In Case of Emergency: What Not to Do

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The New York Times uses BP as a reason to weigh in on the practice of public relations. A couple of the money quotes:

Eric Dezenhall, a communications strategist in Washington who worked in the White House for President Ronald Reagan, argues that the standard playbook is useless when the facts are sufficiently distasteful. …

Mr. Dezenhall is particularly scornful of the classic imperative to “get out in front of the story,” as if swift disclosure provides inoculation against all ugly realities. When the facts are horrible, he argues, the best P.R. fix may simply be to absorb the pounding and get back to business, while eschewing the sort of foolish communications gimmicks that can make things worse. …

“BP could apologize every day,” says Keith Michael Hearit, a communications professor at Western Michigan University. “They could have a situation where the C.E.O. goes on an environmental pilgrimage and falls on his knees going up a mountain, and it wouldn’t do them any good. Until the oil stopped, there was nothing that could be done to make it better, but there was plenty that could be said to make it worse.”

PRSA Colorado Trivia Night

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Have a gift for remembering useless information? Want to test your wits against your fellow marketing and PR professionals? Then Colorado PRSA invites you to Trivia Night on Wed., Sept. 1.

Colorado PRSA Trivia Night
Scruffy Murphy’s, 2030 Larimer St., Denver
Wednesday, Sept. 1, 2010
5:30 p.m. – Registration & Networking
6 p.m. – Trivia Begins – Don’t be late!

Click here to register. PRSA will pair up individuals that evening, and teams can have a maximum of six players. Prizes will be awarded to the top three teams. Last-place team will be required to pay Paula Berg’s bar tab.

Denver PR Jobs

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Among those hiring this week are the American Water Works Association, CoBank, The Colorado Trust, DaVita, Denver Botanic Gardens, DISH Network, EchoStar, Exempla, Functional Ingredients, International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer, Lincoln Financial Media, National Cattleman’s Beef Association, Skiing Magazine, Thule Organization Solutions, Unified West Corp., VISIT Denver, KSFY-TV (Sioux Falls, S.D.) and Jackson National (Lansing, Mich.).

Free PR Help for Colorado Nonprofits

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Do you know a nonprofit that is looking for guidance on PR campaigns, traditional and social media, crisis communications and other communications issues? Let them know about PRSA Colorado’s annual PR Boost event on Wednesday, Aug. 18, from 7:30 – 10:30 a.m.

PR Boost brings together experienced public relations practitioners with local nonprofits to provide PR counsel and guidance specific to your nonprofit organization’s communications needs.  Each attending nonprofit will be matched with a public relations volunteer for individual counseling sessions.

Click here to learn more or register.

You’ve Got to Like Their Style

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The Jens at Philosophy Communication may win the award for the year’s most honest press release:

“I’m excited to be a part of the Philosophy team. I’d heard a lot about Philosophy through my dad, who is the president of Roth Distributing, a regional distributor of Sub-Zero and Wolf appliances, and a nine-year Philosophy client,” admits Thielen. “I have to throw a shout out to my dad for being such a loyal Philosophy client.”

“Lynne started as a Philosophy intern, a position she absolutely received because of her dad. We like to support our clients, whether being customers ourselves or hiring their children as interns,” said Jennifer Miller, Philosophy co-founder.

Denver Agency News

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  • Duo Marketing & PR has added entrepreneur and radio personality Nick May to its client list. Duo will manage publicity and social media services for May.
  • Conversation Starters has been selected by Chemo101 to handle web and social media development.
  • Dovetail Solutions has added Amanda Pehrson and promoted Ryan Peacock to senior manager of client services. Pehrson formerly was with Pelligrini Solutions and The Fresh Ideas Group. And, on an unrelated note, members of the CJ Powell Fan Club (CJPFC) will be glad to know he has been added to the group shots on the Dovetail website.

Denver Agency News

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Hodas Named Partner at Vladimir Jones

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Joe Hodas, EVP of Brand Communications at Vladimir Jones, has been named a partner. Hodas joined the agency in early 2009 and, according to VJ, “has been instrumental in advancing the agency’s integrated approach to brand communications, strategically incorporating emerging trends to address client goals, and infusing a new echelon of dry humor into the agency.”

Catfight Alert: CDOT vs. Gubernatorial Candidate Maes

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I love Stacey “The Stegger” Stegman as much as the next person, but is it wise for a state employee to talk trash someone who is running for governor?

Stern messages and signs

Maes has not been afraid to make brash statements as he seeks the state’s highest office.

Officials at the Colorado Department of Transportation chafed when Maes recently was quoted as saying the agency was spending federal stimulus dollars on vacations and payroll rather than on transit improvements.

“That’s not true,” said Stacey Stegman, spokeswoman for CDOT, who sent off an e-mail Tuesday to Maes asking him to check with her before making inaccurate statements.

UPDATE: Stacey told me she thought this post was unfair, and after reviewing the actual email she sent to the Maes campaign, I have to agree. Her email, which is below, was professional and contained none of the trash talk I inferred from the Post article:

On behalf of CDOT, I wanted to address some of the public comments that have been made regarding how we have spent federal transportation dollars. The Recovery Act was very specific on how funds can/cannot be spent and how they must be accounted for. CDOT has been a model state of accountability through numerous state and federal audits. In an effort to help provide you with accurate information, I just wanted to open the line of communication to you. I’m always willing to verify information for you so that you aren’t put in the position of making incorrect comments and we aren’t put in the position of having to dispute the same.

Regards,

Stacey Stegman
Director of Public Information
CDOT

PRSA Colorado Soliciting Non-profits that Need a ‘PR Boost’

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Do you know a nonprofit leader whose public relations efforts need a boost? If so, let them know about PRSA Colorado’s 2010 PR Boost on Wed., August 18, which connects non-profits and PR experts for a morning of PR counsel and guidance specific to the organization’s communications needs. Each nonprofit will be matched with a public relations volunteer for individual sessions. A $25 registration fee includes breakfast and free event parking.

Linhart Named AOR for Old Chicago

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Linhart PR has added Old Chicago to its stable of restaurant clients (which include Chipotle, Red Robin and Panera, among others). Linhart has been named agency of record for Old Chicago, and has been tasked with increasing brand awareness and helping drive traffic and sales through consumer media relations programs across the country. Additionally, Linhart will develop and execute a trade media relations program. Old Chicago is part of Louisville, Colo.-based Rock Bottom Restaurants, and has more than 100 locations across the country.

DBJ Names ‘Outstanding Women in Business’ Nominees

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The Denver Business Journal is out with its annual nominees for Outstanding Women in Business, and there are a number from the world of public relations and advertising:

  • Wendy Aiello, Aiello Public Relations & Marketing
  • Leanna Clark, IMA Financial Group
  • Lisa Cutter, Cutter Communications
  • Terri Douglas, Catapult PR-IR
  • Cindy Jennings, Cohn Marketing
  • Lora Ledermann, Scream Agency
  • Cathy McClain Finlon, Denver Art Museum
  • Alana Morris, VOCA PR
  • Ramonna Tooley, GroundFloor Media

Winners will be announced at a DBJ luncheon on Thursday, Aug. 26.

Fact or Fiction?

~ Jeremy Story ~ 7 Comments

That a former JohnstonWells CEO banned her employees (including Ef Rodriguez) from a Writer Square crepe restaurant because she didn’t like the way the employees smelled when they returned to the office. I’ll leave it up to JW employees to confirm or refute.

Rose Community Foundation Appoints Director of Marketing/PR

~ Jeremy Story ~ 1 Comment

Randy Blauvelt has been named director of marketing and communications at Rose Community Foundation, where he will oversee the Foundation’s publications, news media relations, marketing efforts, and strategic communications related to grant-making, philanthropic services and program initiatives. Blauvelt previously was vice president of marketing and communications for the American Humane Association.

Jim Hooley, PRSA Hosting Web Video Workshop

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PRSA Colorado and longtime Denver journalist Jim Hooley are hosting a hands-on web video workshop where participants can learn how to produce, edit and share web video. The workshop will focus on scripting, shot selections, audio tips and tricks, basic video editing techniques and how to share videos online. The details are:

Web Video Workshop
2:30 – 5:00 p.m. MDT | Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Denver Press Club | 1330 Glenarm Place | Denver, CO 80204
Click here for more information.

Denver CyberKnife Selects Mulligan & Co.

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Denver-based Mulligan & Co. has added Denver CyberKnife to its roster of clients. The firm will implement a public relations campaign surrounding the state’s lack of Medicare coverage for CyberKnife treatment for prostate cancer patients.

Also, the Stroke of Hope Foundation has appointed Mulligan & Co. President Diane Mulligan to its national executive board of directors. Stroke of Hope provides medical and emotional support to stroke survivors and their families.

PRSA Colorado Sponsors Mentoring Event

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PRSA Colorado is hosting a free (that’s right, Ef Rodriguez, FREE) mentorship event on Tuesday, July 13, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at The Lobby (2191 Arapahoe St. in Denver). The event will include:

  • Extended happy hour and complimentary appetizers
  • An opportunity for attendees to connect with potential mentors/mentorees in an organic setting

According to PRSA, “A recent PR Tactics article found the most valuable mentor relationships evolve through everyday work interactions and civic and volunteer activities. We’re bridging the two and providing the resources and a fun environment for all PR pros, young and old, to nurture meaningful relationships and possibly, life-long friendships.” RSVP to Erin Collins.

Catfight Alert: ColoradoPols.com vs. a Bunch of Newspapers

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A slew of Colorado Newspapers – the Denver Post, the Colorado Springs Gazette, the Greeley Tribune and the Boulder Daily Camera among them – are accusing the political website ColoradoPols.com of “flagrant and persistent theft … of intellectual property.” Frankly, I was surprised that the Denver Post generates enough of its own content to make this complaint. If ColoradoPols was effectively reprinting content from the Post, I figured it would be the Associated Press that would have an issue.

What Is, “The Denver Press Club’s Jeopardy Night?’

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I have a feeling it will end up more like Saturday Night Live’s version than Alex Trebek’s, but see for yourself this Thursday at 6 p.m. when I join the Denver Post’s Dan Haley, 9News’ Kirk Montgomery, PBS’s Cynthia Hessin, the Denver Business Journal’s Wayne Hicks and Pushkin PR’s Jon Pushkin, among others, at the Denver Press Club’s annual “Jeopardy Night.” The event is free and open to the public, so feel free to attend and heckle last year’s winner, Dan Haley.

Cohn Adds Senior PR Strategist, Wins New Client

~ Jeremy Story ~ 1 Comment

Cohn Marketing has formally announced the addition of Brandy Radey as a senior PR strategist. Radey, who has more than a decade of experience in strategic planning, media relations, public affairs and community outreach, formerly was with PopSpring Communications and Schenkein.

Cohn also announced that it has been retained by New York-based L.M. Zuckerman & Company for brand development, brand expression and website redesign services. L.M. Zuckerman & Company is a wholesale coffee dealer, serving clients worldwide with a broad range of coffee types and qualities from sources that include Columbia, Brazil, India and Mexico.

DFS Launches Support Group for Young Professionals

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Denver Magazine PR director Katie Shapiro has co-founded Reel Social Club, a support organization for the Denver Film Society that targets young professionals in their 20s and 30s. The club “will introduce fresh audiences to the DFS and help foster an appreciation of film culture through exclusive parties, screenings and weekend trips.”

Reel Social Club will celebrate its official launch on Friday, July 16, at Casselman’s Bar & Venue (2620 Walnut Street). Featuring a private performance by Denver rock band Snake Rattle Rattle Snake, members will gain free admission and enjoy a sponsored bar. General admission tickets for non-members are available for $15 at http://www.casselmansdenver.com.

‘Entrepreneur of the Year’ Award Winners Named

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Congratulations to the 2010 Ernst & Young Rocky Mountain Entrepreneur of the Year award winners:

  • Retail and consumer products — Trevor Tice, CorePower Yoga
  • Healthcare — Jack McClurg, HealthTrans
  • Services — Anita Padilla-Fitzgerald, MegaStar Financial Corp.
  • Energy — Blake Jones, Namaste Solar
  • Technology — Paul Ford, NetQuote
  • Hospitality — Kevin Reddy, Noodles & Company

The Rocky Mountain region winners will move on to the national Entrepreneur of the Year awards in Palm Springs, Calif., in November.

Fox31’s Vittert Named Fox News’ Middle East Correspondent

~ Jeremy Story ~ 1 Comment

Fox31 weekend anchor Leland Vittert is the latest Denver television news personality to make the move to a national spot. Vittert has been named Fox News’ Middle East correspondent and will be based in Jerusalem.

As the Denver Post’s Bill Husted points out, Vittert follows Bill O’Reilly, Phil Keating, Jeremy Hubbard, Tom Costello, Thanh Truong, Kevin Corke and Harry Smith as local personalities who have made the move to the national stage.

CPR Appoints Jefferson Taussig as PR Manager

~ Jeremy Story ~ 3 Comments

Colorado Public Radio has hired Lana Jefferson Taussig as public relations manager to direct social and traditional media outreach, organize various community and listener engagement programs, and contribute to other strategic marketing initiatives. Jefferson Taussig previously was director of communications at Project C.U.R.E. Before that, she led and supported PR efforts for several local and national accounts at Schenkein.

WILD Foundation Seeks PR Volunteer

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The WILD Foundation is seeking a volunteer to manage public relations for its Fall Gala – “Faces of the WILD World” – on Sat. Oct. 23, 2010 at the Sleeper House (aka The Sculptured House) in Genesee. Responsibilities include:

  • Creating buzz in the Denver/Boulder area for the event
    • List event on community/media calendars
    • Pitch pre-event article on WILD Foundation in September issue of high-profile Denver medium
    • Compile mailing list for invites (we have already started a list of organizations and individuals)
    • Other outreach

The position requires a commitment of approximately 8 hours per week. If you are interested, contact Susan Bruce at susan@wild.org.

Fabric Media Announces Two New Clients

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Denver’s Fabric Media has landed two new clients:

  • Bebo – Criterion Capital Partners hired Fabric Media to handle the media surrounding its acquisition of Bebo from AOL and will be retained as media counsel for the world’s fourth largest social network.
  • ShortsHD – The world’s largest distributor of short films and global TV network operator  has retained Fabric to handle its U.S. corporate PR in conjunction with the launch their HD TV Network in the states (ShortsHD) and celebrity driven digital releases.

Chicken Feature Lands Award for CPR Reporter

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Congratulations to Colorado Public Radio (CPR) reporter Megan Verlee for her second-place award for “Use of Sound” from the 2010 Colorado Associated Press Broadcasters Association Contest. Verlee’s story, featuring sounds mixed by CPR Audio Producer David Fender, covered the changing nature of municipal ordinances for livestock in urban areas, with a special focus on her neighbor’s chickens living on a converted sun porch in northeast Denver.

GBSM Hires Former Adviser to Colorado Governor

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GBSM has hired Kyle Miller, a government and public affairs specialist who formerly advised Colorado Gov. Bill Ritter, as an Associate. Miller most recently served as the Director for the Governor’s Office of Economic Recovery where he managed a team responsible for implementing the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.  In his new position, Miller will help craft strategy and communications efforts for GBSM clients.

PRSA Luncheon to Focus on Community Partnerships

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Creative Strategies Group’s Bruce Erley will discuss how to “create compelling storytelling opportunities for event sponsorships and community partnership initiatives that align with your organization’s strategic objectives” at PRSA Colorado’s June luncheon:

“Bring Strategic Sponsorships and Community Partnerships to Life through PR”
11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Curtis Hotel (1405 Curtis Street, Denver, CO 80202)

Click here to register.

Ef Rodriguez to Join CP+B, Never Leave Boulder Again

~ Jeremy Story ~ 15 Comments

Ef Rodriguez’s dream of never again leaving Boulder County is a step closer to reality. Ef has accepted a position with advertising giant Crispin Porter + Bogusky, where he will be the “Curator of Conversation” responsible for helping develop social media strategy for CP+B clients. In lieu of congratulatory emails or phone calls, Ef respectfully requests that donations be made to PRSA Colorado in his name.

Ef previously was part of Cherry Creek-based Turner PR’s social media team, and the good news is that his departure has opened up a spot at Turner. Angela Berardino, who leads Turner’s social media group, has formally posted that position (no phone calls, please).

Scream Soliciting Locals for Website Redesign

~ Jeremy Story ~ 2 Comments

Scream is launching a new website this week, and the agency is inviting Denver locals, business owners, passers by and any wanna-be models to come down to be immortalized as part of the site’s revolving design. Scream will capture real people, real faces and real action that will appear on the site daily through digital photography and live streaming video feeds. Stop by the Scream studio (1501 Wazee directly across from Wazee Supper Club) on Thursday, June 10, from Noon – 1 p.m. All of the action will appear at www.screamagency.com when the site launches.

Cactus Sponsors 2nd Annual “Bike from Work Bash”

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Time to break out the spandex – Cactus is celebrating “Bike to Work Day 2010” with its second annual Bike from Work Bash on Wednesday, June 23 at 5 p.m. The Cactus soiree will feature “free beer from Breckenridge Brewery, wine from The Infinite Monkey Theorem, complimentary burritos from Illegal Pete’s, a bike check-up by Salvagetti’s, BMX stunts by the Yellow Designs Stunt Team, a bike polo demo by the Denver Mallet Mafia, free bike valet by Bike Denver, beats by DJs Pictureplane, poncie lifestyle and §creen§saver§ and live music by Zach Heckendorf.”

Click here for more information.