The PR Week - May 24, 2012

, , May 24, 2012

Gideon Fidelzeid, Frank Washkuch, and Lindsay Stein discuss attacks on the Affordable Care Act campaign; Procter & Gamble's restructured comms; Facebook's IPO; and GM's ad spending.
 

A campaign worthy of a Dundie award

May 24, 2012

While considering how to differentiate in the paper category, Quills.com decided to launch Dunder Mifflin paper, named after the fictional paper company on "The Office."
 

GM's turn from Super Bowl ads creates PR opportunities

May 22, 2012

DETROIT: General Motors' decision to halt its Super Bowl and Facebook advertising will create more opportunities for the automaker to use traditional PR and social media to promote its brands.
 

Zapwater adds two clients to consumer roster

May 22, 2012

CHICAGO: Zapwater Communications has added American Blue Ribbon Holdings brand Bakers Square and Yumz Gourmet Frozen Yogurt to its consumer client roster.
 

Ann Taylor parent hires MSL New York as AOR

May 21, 2012

NEW YORK: Ann Inc., the parent company of retail stores Ann Taylor and Loft, has named MSL New York its AOR after a three-round review.
 

Online sweepstakes pumps up omega-3 product line

May 18, 2012

Walgreens began selling one of Coromega's omega-3 products nationwide.
 

Video: John Greenleaf, DoubleTree

May 18, 2012

PRWeek's Lindsay Stein speaks with John Greenleaf, VP of brand marketing at DoubleTree by Hilton, about the hotel brand's Little Things campaign.
 

The PR Week - May 18, 2012

May 18, 2012

Steve Barrett, Frank Washkuch, and Lindsay Stein discuss Yahoo CEO Scott Thompson's exit; JPMorgan's comms challenges; Zappos' RFP; PRWeek's public affairs roundtable; and Steve's trip to Minneapolis.
 

Ogilvy launches behavioral change practice

May 16, 2012

WASHINGTON: Ogilvy Public Relations has launched the OgilvyEngage practice with the goal of helping clients enhance their business results and motivate behavioral change among consumers.
 

Supima taps Hill+Knowlton as AOR

May 15, 2012

NEW YORK: Luxury cotton brand Supima has selected Hill+Knowlton Strategies as its first PR AOR following an RFP.
 

Rodale picks Catalyst to promote Nissan program

May 11, 2012

EMMAUS, PA: Rodale, the publisher of magazines such as 'Men's Health,' has chosen Catalyst Public Relations to lead communications for its annual marketing program conducted with Nissan.
 

Zappos starts PR agency search, hires VaynerMedia for social media

May 10, 2012

HENDERSON, NV: Online shoe and apparel retailer Zappos has issued an RFP for a PR AOR. The company also selected VaynerMedia as its first social media agency.
 

Capital Grille parent Darden conducts RFP

May 08, 2012

ORLANDO, FL: Darden Restaurants' Specialty Restaurant Group is conducting an RFP for an agency partner to promote its Capital Grille, Seasons52, Bahama Breeze, and Eddie V's chains.
 

MSLGroup promotes Vitola, Beaudoin to director roles

May 07, 2012

NEW YORK: MSLGroup New York has promoted Denise Vitola to practice director for consumer health and personal care and Scott Beaudoin to practice director for consumer.
 

Sur La Table selects M Booth as AOR

May 04, 2012

SEATTLE: Kitchenware company Sur La Table has selected M Booth as AOR after an RFP.
 

MoneyGram extends global holiday magic

May 04, 2012

Global money transfer company MoneyGram International began strategically aligning its communications function and global marketing efforts last year.
 

BMW motorcycle division picks S3 as AOR

May 01, 2012

BOONTON, NJ: BMW of North America's motorcycle division, BMW Motorrad USA, has hired The S3 Agency as its AOR.
 

Newsmaker: Zenia Mucha, The Walt Disney Company

May 01, 2012

Whether at the center of New York politics or her current role at a globally beloved brand, Disney's EVP and CCO is a champion of collaboration and honesty.
 

Haier extends work with Burson China

April 30, 2012

BEIJING: Haier Group has awarded Burson-Marsteller a one-year contract to support a brand communications program for its Casarte brand in China.
 

Merrick names Carmichael Lynch Spong its first AOR

April 27, 2012

MINNEAPOLIS: Merrick Pet Care has appointed Carmichael Lynch Spong as its first AOR after an RFP.
 

Southwest picks Edelman to streamline outreach

April 27, 2012

DALLAS: Southwest Airlines has hired Edelman for a one-year project to streamline communications within its various community outreach programs.
 

Video: Katy Lachky, Crocs

April 27, 2012

PRWeek's Lindsay Stein speaks with Katy Lachky, VP of global communications at Crocs, about the company's spring campaign and social media efforts.
 

US consumers draw back support of causes

April 26, 2012

NEW YORK: US consumers are doing less to support societal causes because of the unsteady economy, according to Edelman's 2012 "goodpurpose" study.
 

Sbarro hires Fishman as it fights back from Chapter 11

April 25, 2012

MELVILLE, NY: A year after filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, Italian quick service restaurant chain Sbarro has named Fishman Public Relations its AOR after an RFP.
 

Lipman's recipe for greater awareness

April 25, 2012

For the past 70 years, tomato grower Lipman has been known primarily as a b-to-b supplier.
 

Rust-Oleum gives consumers the tools to do it themselves

April 25, 2012

Last year, Rust-Oleum launched "Transformations," a line of first-to-market refinishing products for kitchen cabinets and countertops that lets consumers change the look of their kitchens for less than $500.
 

Promotion in Motion hires 5W Public Relations

April 23, 2012

CLOSTER, NJ: Confection and snack maker Promotion in Motion has hired 5W Public Relations.
 

Dancing Deer builds buzz with best brownie

April 20, 2012

Dancing Deer Baking Company and AOR Warner Communications launched a campaign last summer focused on its brownies that extended through the holiday gift-giving season.
 

Organic egg company taps C&W as it goes national

April 13, 2012

MONROE, NH: Farming company Pete & Gerry's Organic Eggs has selected Cohn & Wolfe as its PR AOR following an RFP.
 

Stanley Steemer names Coyne first PR AOR

April 12, 2012

DUBLIN, OH: Cleaning services company Stanley Steemer has named Coyne PR its first PR AOR after an RFP involving four agencies.
 

Best Buy works with H+K on corporate shake-up

April 12, 2012

MINNEAPOLIS: Best Buy has brought on H+K Strategies to handle the company's recent corporate shake-up, including the departure of CEO Brian Dunn.
 

Ogilvy hires Edelman veteran Markson as consumer president

April 11, 2012

NEW YORK: Ogilvy PR Worldwide has named Mitch Markson, a 21-year veteran of Edelman, president of its global consumer marketing practice and chief creative officer for purpose branding, two newly-created positions.
 

Abine names RF|Binder first PR agency of record

April 10, 2012

BOSTON: Online privacy technology provider Abine has selected RF|Binder Partners as its first PR AOR following an RFP.
 

Iconoculture trend data helps agencies win business

April 09, 2012

Iconoculture is a global consumer research and advisory firm.
 

Car brands tell comeback, innovation stories at New York Auto Show

April 06, 2012

Automakers are taking advantage of the New York Auto Show as a platform for high-profile vehicle launches and redesigns, as well as to build on the positive narrative of the recovering automotive industry.
 

The PR Week - April 6, 2012

April 06, 2012

Steve Barrett, Frank Washkuch and Lindsay Stein discuss IBM's Masters controversy; PepsiCo and Coca-Cola's break from ALEC; paid media placements in China; and Target's appointment of a Hispanic PR agency.
 

Visit Florida seeks firms to reach diverse audiences

April 05, 2012

TALLAHASSEE, FL: Visit Florida is looking for communications agencies that can help it reach out to black and Hispanic consumers.
 

Formula wins JDate account

April 05, 2012

BEVERLY HILLS, CA: Online personals company Spark Networks has selected Formula PR as AOR for Jewish dating website JDate, following a review.
 

Union, advocacy groups fight chicken-inspection changes

April 05, 2012

WASHINGTON: The American Federation of Government Employees and various advocacy groups are drawing attention to a pending federal policy that they say would make chicken less safe to eat.
 

Baby-care brand NUK hires H+K as AOR

April 04, 2012

MIAMI: Baby-care company NUK USA has hired H+K Strategies as its AOR.
 

Aston Martin names Porter Novelli AOR in China

April 02, 2012

NEW YORK: Luxury car brand Aston Martin has selected Porter Novelli as its AOR in China after an RFP process.
 

Glenfiddich hires Porter for consumer account

April 02, 2012

LONDON: Single malt Scotch whiskey Glenfiddich has hired Porter Novelli to work on its global consumer PR strategy.
 

Lowdown: Social standouts

April 01, 2012

Analytical-based research firm PhaseOne studied what drives social-media engagement across owned and paid media.
 

Target uses detailed roadmap to cross border into Canada

April 01, 2012

In spring 2013, Target makes its first international retail expansion, opening 125 to 135 stores across Canada.
 

Beautiful Minds spurs people to think about DSM products

April 01, 2012

DSM Nutritional Products makes life'sDHA, an omega-3 ingredient brand that goes into products such as infant formulas and supplements.
 

Popchips leverages sports stars for charity campaign

March 30, 2012

SAN FRANCISCO: All-natural potato chip company popchips has launched a campaign to help consumers donate to charities in each of its 16 key markets in the US and Canada with the help of professional athletes.
 

It's the end of the world as we know it (and I feel fine)

David Richeson, Kaplow Communications March 30, 2012

A year ago, the head of marketing and communications for an iconic American brand told me that the job of communicating with the consumer had changed more in the past three years than it had in the past 30.
 

Lip service from Katy Perry puts product on the map

March 30, 2012

The president of GlitzyLips leveraged an existing relationship with a celebrity manicurist to get the company's foil lip appliqués on Katy Perry at the Grammy Awards.
 

Beef industry fights 'pink slime' claims

March 29, 2012

WASHINGTON: The US beef industry is fighting back against claims that "pink slime" oozes through its products.
 

Tupperware selects RF|Binder as global AOR

March 28, 2012

ORLANDO, FL: Tupperware Brands has named RF|Binder Partners its global PR AOR.
 

Deussen adds three clients to roster

March 26, 2012

NEW YORK: Deussen Global Communications was named AOR by three companies: The Fladgate Partnership, Frangelico Hazelnut Liqueur, and Somerston Wine Co.
 

Energi promotes Peterson-Chrisholm to GM

March 22, 2012

TORONTO: Energi PR has promoted VP Lindsay Peterson-Chisholm to GM of its Toronto office and consumer practice leader.
 

Banfi Vintners selects M Booth as first AOR

March 20, 2012

NEW YORK: Wine importer Banfi Vintners has named M Booth its first PR AOR after a competitive RFP process that began last fall.
 

Aqua Lung taps Formula as agency partner

March 19, 2012

VISTA, CA: Diving equipment manufacturer Aqua Lung has selected Formula PR as its agency partner to increase national brand awareness.
 

Celsius selects 5WPR as AOR

March 19, 2012

NEW YORK: Celsius, a maker of nutritional supplements and health products, has named 5W Public Relations its AOR, with a focus on increasing awareness of the brand's products.
 

Unilever's Mathieu pledges to make marketing 'noble'

March 14, 2012

NEW YORK: Marketers should stop thinking of people as consumers, shoppers, and targets and view them as human beings, said Unilever marketing SVP Marc Mathieu on Wednesday at the ANA/WFA Global Marketing Conference in New York.
 

Coke, Pepsi fight recipe-change reports

March 09, 2012

ATLANTA and PURCHASE, NY: Cola giants Coca-Cola and PepsiCo are pushing back against media reports that say they are changing the recipes for their beverages to comply with California state laws.
 

Husqvarna names Ketchum US AOR

March 08, 2012

ATLANTA: Outdoor lawn and garden equipment company Husqvarna has selected Ketchum as AOR for its US business.
 

Jaguar to take 'Feel Alive' effort social at SXSW

March 02, 2012

MAHWAH, NJ: Jaguar Land Rover will boost the consumer outreach and social media components of its global "Feel Alive" initiative at the annual South by Southwest music and film festival.
 

Newegg selects Finn Partners as AOR

March 02, 2012

CITY OF INDUSTRY, CA: Online electronics retailer Newegg has named Finn Partners its AOR as it expands its media-outreach strategy to include consumer outlets.
 

Marcomms execs are starting to show consumers the love

March 01, 2012

It's not often I hear the word "love" popping into marketing and communications conversations.
 

Brands lean on social media to win the approval of mom

March 01, 2012

Moms control about 85% of household spending in the US.
 

Phonak taps Ketchum as US AOR after review

February 29, 2012

WARRENVILLE, IL: Hearing technology manufacturer Phonak has selected Ketchum as its PR AOR in the US following a review.
 

Child's Play picks up Entertainment One

February 29, 2012

NEW YORK: Entertainment One has selected Child's Play Communications to support PR efforts in the US.
 

5W named AOR for Iredale Mineral Cosmetics

February 29, 2012

NEW YORK: Beauty brand Iredale Mineral Cosmetics has selected 5W Public Relations as its AOR.
 

SCA Americas taps Burson as PR partner for Tork

February 24, 2012

PHILADELPHIA: Personal hygiene products manufacturer SCA Americas has selected Burson-Marsteller as its agency partner for its Tork brand after an RFP.
 

Consumer education puts secondary market player on top

February 24, 2012

Genco, a b-to-b wholesaler of surplus inventories, started NoBetterDeal.com in 2007 as a site where employees, family, and friends could buy merchandise below wholesale prices.
 

PepsiCo presses agencies for improved performance

February 17, 2012

PepsiCo's move to trim the number of agencies on its roster is likely intended to drive more value from agency partners instead of being a cost-cutting move, according to agency executives.
 

PRWeek visits the Toy Fair

February 17, 2012

PRWeek's Lindsay Stein met with executives from three toy companies to discuss their marketing strategies at the Toy Fair in New York.
 

Saban picks Burson for brand awareness, event work

February 13, 2012

LOS ANGELES: Burson-Marsteller, hired by entertainment properties company Saban Brands last year as agency partner, will manage an event for the business at this week's Toy Fair industry conference.
 

Video: Dustee Tucker Jenkins, Target

February 10, 2012

Dustee Tucker Jenkins, VP of communications at Target, spoke to PRWeek's Steve Barrett about the company's involvement with New York Fashion Week and its expansion into Canada.
 

Latest Hershey's launch takes flight

February 10, 2012

A branded hot air balloon helped The Hershey Company and long-time agency JSH&A Public Relations launch Air Delight, aerated chocolate bars, and Hershey's Kisses.
 

Moms trust brand sites more than social channels

February 08, 2012

BOSTON: Mothers trust brands' websites more than their Facebook pages, according to research conducted by 360 Public Relations and shopping site Cool Mom Picks.
 

Child's Play adds Gund to client roster

February 07, 2012

NEW YORK: Child's Play Communications has added plush toy manufacturer Gund to its client roster.
 

Fresh Produce taps Susan Magrino as AOR

February 06, 2012

BOULDER, CO: Sportswear and casual apparel retailer Fresh Produce has selected Susan Magrino Agency as its AOR.
 

Nutrisystem picks Impression Partners as AOR

February 06, 2012

HORSHAM, PA: Weight-loss products and services company Nutrisystem has named recently launched firm Impression Partners its PR AOR after an agency review.
 

Ace Hardware ratchets up business with zombie campaign

February 03, 2012

Westlake Ace Hardware challenged digital AOR Bozell to create a unique way to engage consumers and drive website traffic. Bozell answered with a zombie campaign.
 

Goodyear NA appoints Curran VP, comms

February 01, 2012

AKRON, OH: Goodyear has appointed Chris Curran VP of PR and communications for its North American tire business, effective February 6.
 

Dunkin' Donuts taps into Boston's love of sports to attract new fans

February 01, 2012

After being named Dunkin' Donuts AOR in October 2010, RF|Binder launched a three-part effort rooted in Boston, the company's hometown.
 

Charity takes starring role as eBay launches celebrity auction website

February 01, 2012

Amanda Miller, eBay's senior manager of consumer communications, had her "aha!" moment when Justin Bieber's hair was up for bid - earning $40,000 for charity - and searches for Bieber-related items rose 107%.
 

Memorex remembers family in 50th anniversary initiative

February 01, 2012

Memorex, which became well known to consumers in the 1970s as a maker of cassette tapes, turned 50.
 

Opportunity Shoes takes its Ballasox brand to the streets

January 27, 2012

When Opportunity Shoes began selling Ballasox, its foldable ballet flat, the shoes sold so well that the company patented them and made Ballasox a standalone brand.
 

Hamp to leave top PepsiCo comms position

January 26, 2012

PURCHASE, NY: Julie Hamp, SVP of consumer relations and CCO of PepsiCo, has resigned her position. She will leave the food and beverage giant on March 2.
 

McDonald's learns lesson from Twitter campaign

January 24, 2012

McDonald's launched a campaign on Twitter this month with the goal of getting consumers talking about the brand in a positive light. But the plan backfired and caused a storm of critical and derogatory tweets.
 

Cohn & Wolfe promotes Beck to US consumer head

January 23, 2012

NEW YORK: Cohn & Wolfe has promoted Liz Beck to leader of its US consumer practice. She previously served as the agency's EVP and New York consumer practice leader.
 

Glidden taps Emanate as first PR AOR

January 23, 2012

STRONGSVILLE, OH: AkzoNobel Paints has selected Emanate PR as the first AOR for its Glidden Paint brand, following an RFP process.
 

Clearpoint adds Zodiac Pool Systems to roster

January 20, 2012

SAN DIEGO: Zodiac Pool Systems, a pool equipment company, has hired Clearpoint Agency as its AOR.
 

The PR Week - January 20, 2012

January 20, 2012

Gideon Fidelzeid, Frank Washkuch and Lindsay Stein discuss Weber Shandwick's injunction against Hill+Knowlton Strategies; US Cellular's agency search; SOPA/PIPA protests; and results of Ikea's agency review.
 

Video: Steve Shannon, Hyundai

January 20, 2012

PRWeek's Lindsay Stein speaks with Steve Shannon, VP of marketing at Hyundai Motor America, about the company's marketing plans for the Super Bowl.
 

Elizabeth Arden taps Lippe Taylor as AOR

January 19, 2012

NEW YORK: Cosmetics company Elizabeth Arden has selected Lippe Taylor as its first AOR to handle the brand's consumer PR efforts.
 

IPG acquires Nicole Weber, adds firm to Golin network

January 19, 2012

CHICAGO: Interpublic Group has acquired German consumer lifestyle agency Nicole Weber Communications, which it will add to GolinHarris' European network.
 

LifeSpan taps Adam Ritchie Brand Direction as AOR

January 19, 2012

SALT LAKE CITY: Fitness equipment manufacturer LifeSpan has selected Adam Ritchie Brand Direction as its AOR.
 

Ikea retains Lippe Taylor for corporate work

January 16, 2012

PLYMOUTH MEETING, PA: Ikea has retained Lippe Taylor as its corporate agency following a competitive review.
 

Costa Crociere blames 'human error' for dramatic accident

January 16, 2012

Pier Luigi Foschi, CEO of Carnival's Costa Crociere line, blamed the captain for a widely publicized accident that killed six people aboard its Costa Concordia boat this weekend.
 

Wholly Guacamole drives nutritional messaging

January 13, 2012

Texas-based Wholly Guacamole took its 255-foot "GuacMobile" on a "Check Your Choice" tour in September to increase brand awareness and drive wellness and nutrition messaging in elementary schools.
 

The PR Week - January 13, 2012

January 13, 2012

Steve Barrett, Frank Washkuch, Danielle Drolet and Lindsay Stein discuss Edelman's newly created agency for Kellogg; Tony Blankley's death; updates on the California High-Speed Rail Authority account; the 2012 International Consumer Electronics Show; and ICR XChange.
 

Saville joins Staples as VP, global comms

January 13, 2012

FRAMINGHAM, MA: Staples has hired Kirk Saville, former Hershey VP, as VP of global communications.
 

Content is a connection with the social consumer

Aedhmar Hynes, Text 100 January 13, 2012

Every company is a media company. It's a phrase we've heard time and time again since Tom Foremski penned it.
 

Emmi retains S3 to boost brand awareness

January 11, 2012

BOONTON, NJ: Dairy brand Emmi of Switzerland has hired The S3 Agency to raise awareness of its yogurts, cheeses, and fondues in the US.
 

Weber's Morales joins Hill+Knowlton Strategies as NY consumer leader

January 10, 2012

NEW YORK: Hill+Knowlton Strategies has hired former Weber Shandwick VP Sergio Morales to serve as SVP and head of its New York consumer marketing practice.