PR Week (US) articles from April 2006

PR Week (US) archives from April 2006

Katrina fraud prompts Red Cross comms probe.
April 3, 2006... WASHINGTON: The American Red Cross is working on solidifying internal and external communication procedures in the wake of revelations of fraud by Hurricane Katrina volunteers. The accusations, some of them by former Red Cross volunteer -...

Regional Forum: Los Angeles.
April 3, 2006... Top PR pros from the area convene to discuss the business scene, talent, media, and a variety of topics that are impacting the local PR community - Page 15.

IPG Investor Day touts PR growth amid turnaround.
April 3, 2006... NEW YORK: The Interpublic Group has reached out to the investment community on an unprecedented scale, holding its first-ever 'Investor Day' last week in an attempt to build support for its turnaround efforts. IPG, which has been wracked...

Criminal trial of Dowie slated to start this week.(Brief article)
April 3, 2006... LOS ANGELES: Following a four-month postponement, the federal criminal trial of former Fleishman-Hillard, LA GM Doug Dowie and ex-SVP John Stodder is set to start April 4. The two have been charged with conspiracy and wire fraud in an...

NAACP national effort targets college students.
April 3, 2006... WASHINGTON: The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) is launching a national campaign this year backed by PR efforts to build awareness and membership among 21- to 40-year-old African Americans. The group, which...

Healthy Dining selects Fleishman as its AOR.( HealthyDiningFinder.com )(Brief article)
April 3, 2006... SAN DIEGO: In preparation for the launch of its HealthyDiningFinder.com Web site, Healthy Dining has tapped Fleishman-Hillard, San Diego, as AOR. Since 1990, the San Diego-based company has published a series of city-specific guides...

News brief: Maloney & fox retains Italian beer.
April 3, 2006... NEW YORK: Consumer marketing communications firm Maloney & Fox (M&F) has been retained by Peroni Nastro Azzurro, an Italian beer distributed by Miller Brewing Co. M&F will relaunch the brand in New York this spring/summer under the umbrella...

News brief: Sahlman Williams Public Relations and Marketing ..
April 3, 2006... TAMPA, FL: Sahlman Williams Public Relations and Marketing, which specializes in food-related industries, has been named AOR for the Georgia Peach Commission. The agency recently launched www.gapeaches.org. Georgia harvests more than 130...

News brief: The Bay Area hires Landis Communications.
April 3, 2006... SAN FRANCISCO: The Bay Area chapter of the American Red Cross has hired Landis Communications to implement a communications program for the launch of its 'Prepare Bay Area' project, a three-year initiative to prepare residents for disasters.

News brief: Financial Dynamics retained by AXA Equitable.
April 3, 2006... NEW YORK: Financial Dynamics has been retained by AXA Equitable (AXA) for a corporate communications program headed out of the firm's New York office. AXA Equitable, a subsidiary of AXA Financial, is a provider of annuity and life insurance...

News brief: Allison & Partners opens DC office.
April 3, 2006... WASHINGTON AND SAN FRANCISCO: Allison & Partners has opened a DC office, which Chris Stenrud, formerly of GMMB and GolinHarris, will run. In addition, Ubiquity Software, which develops software for mobile service providers, has selected the...

News brief: ACLU's taps Vanguard Communications.
April 3, 2006... DENVER: The ACLU's Lesbian and Gay Rights Project has tapped Vanguard Communications to head a national campaign to 'combat marriage-related discrimination against same-sex couples.' The work is a continuation of the ACLU's 'Marriage Campaign,'...

News brief: Racepoint Group ..
April 3, 2006... WALTHAM, MA: Racepoint Group has been named AOR by three new clients: Bay State Energy, IBRIX, and Optaros.

News brief: Recordant selects Trevelino/Keller as AOR.
April 3, 2006... ALPHARETTA, GA: Recordant has selected Trevelino/Keller Communications Group as AOR. Recordant develops technology that records employee-customer sales interactions, allowing companies to analyze how well employees are selling products and...

News brief: Semiconductor manufacturer retains Stanton Crenshaw.
April 3, 2006... NEW YORK: Semiconductor manufacturer STMicroelectronics has retained Stanton Crenshaw Communications as its US AOR. Initiatives will focus on increasing exposure in the US, particularly with business media.

News brief: RSC Equipment Rental selects Gibbs & Soell as AOR.
April 3, 2006... NEW YORK: RSC Equipment Rental, a construction equipment provider, has selected Gibbs & Soell as AOR.

News brief: Coherent selects Edelman as AOR.
April 3, 2006... SANTA CLARA, CA: Laser technology company Coherent has selected Edelman as AOR. The dollars 516 million company develops lasers, laser instruments, and optical devices for commercial and scientific uses. Edelman's Silicon Valley office will...

News brief: CCG opens a New York office.
April 3, 2006... NEW YORK: LA-based investor relations firm CCG has opened a new New York office. Brian Sapadin was promoted to MD of that office, and Marilyn Parker was hired as a market intelligence officer. CCG also is forming a joint venture with Hong...

Sepulveda to take helm at Euro RSCG Magnet.(Lisa Sepulveda )
April 10, 2006... NEW YORK: After 19 years, Lisa Sepulveda is leaving Edelman to take the role of CEO at Euro RSCG Magnet. She is currently GM and EVP of Edelman's New York consumer brands practice, and MD of the global consumer health sector. She will begin...

Kekst, Abernathy guide Alcatel-Lucent merger.
April 10, 2006... PARIS AND MURRAY HILL, NJ: Last week's mega-merger of Alcatel and Lucent Technologies involved two veteran US M&A communications firms working to shepherd the long-anticipated deal to completion. Lucent tapped Kekst & Co. for the...

Opening statements made as Dowie trial commences.(Brief article)
April 10, 2006... LOS ANGELES: 'It's not a complicated case,' said prosecutor Cheryl O'Connor in her opening remarks at the conspiracy and fraud trial of ex-Fleishman-Hillard execs Doug Dowie and John Stodder. 'It's third-grade math; first-grade morals.' ...

GE Healthcare initiates interactive DTC effort.
April 10, 2006... NEW YORK: GE Healthcare, a traditionally b-to-b company, has undertaken a large-scale, direct-to-consumer campaign to build awareness of its diagnostic and imaging technology. Deirdre Latour, director of PR for GE, said the effort is...

MS&L steers crisis comms for Reebok bracelet recall.
April 10, 2006... CANTON, MA: Reebok issued a voluntary recall of 300,000 charm bracelets in the US last month when it was alerted there may be a connection between the bracelet and the lead-poisoning death of a 4-year-old Minnesota boy. The bracelets were...

News brief: Frontier Airlines seeks PR agency.
April 10, 2006... DENVER: Frontier Airlines has begun a search for a PR agency after reorganizing its corporate structure. The airline, which currently does not have an AOR, retains Denver-based Schenkein for crisis communications. Schenkein is also pitching for...

News brief: Sears launches PR campaign.
April 10, 2006... HOFFMAN ESTATES, IL: This week Sears will launch the PR component of its 'Spring Changes Everything' campaign when 100 women dressed in identical Sears apparel will swarm the streets of New York handing out style guides, coupons, and flowers....

News brief: Absolut Spirits hires Courtney Rainey Group.
April 10, 2006... NEW YORK: Absolut Spirits has hired Toronto-based Courtney Rainey Group as North American AOR for its Plymouth Gin brand. Courtney Rainey will handle media relations, special event management, and sponsorship nationally, as well as other...

News brief: Epley Associates and Digiton Corp merge.
April 10, 2006... RALEIGH, NC: Communication agency Epley Associates and business intelligence firm Digiton Corp. have merged to create The Catevo Group. Catevo will combine Digiton's marketing, business, and technology intelligence with Epley Associates' PR...

News brief: AMA selects Fleishman-Hillard as AOR.
April 10, 2006... CHICAGO: The American Marketing Association (AMA) has selected Fleishman-Hillard as AOR. The agency will lead communications activities and will promote and build awareness for AMA's upcoming marketing conference Mplanet, created by AMA,...

News brief: Weather Channel selects Trylon.
April 10, 2006... NEW YORK: The Weather Channel has selected Trylon Communications as AOR to conduct all PR activities.

News brief: Michael Russell Group extends relationship with press association.
April 10, 2006... LOS ANGELES: The Michael Russell Group has extended its relationship with the Hollywood Foreign Press Association through 2007, which includes providing all PR and promotional efforts for the 64th annual Golden Globe Awards. The independent LA...

News brief: ETS selects Connors Communications for PR.
April 10, 2006... NEW YORK: The Educational Testing Service (ETS) has selected Connors Communications to plan and implement PR strategies for its elementary and secondary education products and services. Connors will continue to promote the System 5 suite, a...

News brief: Global Consulting announces account wins.
April 10, 2006... NEW YORK: The Global Consulting Group, a Huntsworth financial communications firm, announced 12 new US and international account wins in the first quarter, including BioScrip, Lukoil Oil Co., and Compass Learning.

News brief: Bandai Visual USA chooses The Honig Co. as AOR.
April 10, 2006... LOS ANGELES: Bandai Visual USA, a Japanese animation company, has selected The Honig Co. as AOR. Honig will handle corporate PR for Bandai in North America, as well as product publicity and promotion for its new DVD titles.

Monster consolidates all PR work with WS.
April 10, 2006... NEW YORK: Monster Worldwide, parent company of job search Web site Monster.com, has selected Weber Shandwick as its global agency. WS has worked with Monster since 1999, but the company opted to consolidate global PR spending with one main...

Kirk Stewart joins APCO.
April 10, 2006... WASHINGTON: Kirk Stewart, former VP of corporate communications at Nike, has joined APCO Worldwide to lead its corporate communications practice. Stewart, who left Nike a year ago, had been much sought-after in the interim. He was rumored...

'Sunrise' set for its debut.(Sunrise Senior Living)(Brief article)
April 10, 2006... McLean, VA: Sunrise Senior Living (SSL), a McLean, VA-based company that operates more than 400 senior communities in North America and Europe, is looking to target caregivers with the launch of its new publication, Sunrise. The magazine,...

Launch Pad: Heineken's latest beer arrival has a distinct Hispanic flavor.
April 10, 2006... Company: Heineken Campaign: Hispanic PR for Heineken Premium Light launch PR Team: RL Public Relations Other marketing: General market PR and advertising Launching: March-ongoing Budget: Six figures IDEA: Heineken used an...

PR Play of the Week: The Bensons are married to publicity.
April 10, 2006... If you're a woman looking for a stable marriage, you probably shouldn't marry a professional athlete. If you're a man looking for a happy home, you probably shouldn't marry a stripper. And if a professional athlete marries a stripper, it's a...

Chevy perseveres with DIY ads despite spoofs.(General Motors Corp. Chevrolet Motor Div.)
April 10, 2006... DETROIT: Chevrolet, touting its full-sized Tahoe SUV through a promotion with The Apprentice, has encouraged consumers to generate their own Tahoe commercial on Chevyapprentice.com. But anti-SUV critics have used the site as a kiosk for...

Analysis: News Analysis - Global warming enters mainstream.
April 10, 2006... As awareness of climate change grows, the issue is evolving from a divisive one to a concern for all. Some news outlets are known to inject themselves into partisan political debates. Time isn't one of them. So when its April 3 cover...

Analysis: Newsmaker - LA Zoo's star is rising under Jacobs' direction.
April 10, 2006... Jason Jacobs' love affair with zoos began when he was just a kid, and his parents would drop him off to spend the day immersed in a world of elephants, lions, and lemurs. As other kids gobbled candy, Jacobs wandered around in awe, taking...

Companies: Corporate Profile - Thought leadership shapes PWC core.(Company overview)
April 10, 2006... PricewaterhouseCoopers uses steadfast theme as a platform to stand out in competitive environment. The world of accounting and consulting services is highly competitive, a world in which players must distinguish themselves beyond just...

Companies: The Agency Business - Virtual firms lack office space, not experience.
April 10, 2006... It may be a truism that a company's image, reputation, and self-esteem depend almost as much on having a centralized, formal location as on the business in which it is engaged. That may be especially true for PR firms, where a bona fide office...

Editorial: Lack of buzz around trial good news for Fleishman.
April 10, 2006... The Los Angeles criminal trial of former Fleishman-Hillard employees Doug Dowie and John Stodder is less a media circus than a 'media neighborhood church revival on a rainy afternoon,' as our LA bureau chief Randi Schmelzer describes it. If...

Op-Ed: Government giving PR bad name.
April 10, 2006... It's now official. Communications by ruse, artifice, and false-face has been not only acknowledged and condoned, but fully legitimized and defended. And by none other than the US government. While we've been appalled for months over the...

Opinion: New York show is last stop for automakers' PR efforts.
April 10, 2006... When the New York International Auto Show rolls into town this week, it will attempt to graft, if only for a moment, its Motown/LA car ethos onto the Big Apple. But New York is a place where driving (and parking) is not the free-wheeling...

Opinion: Sears' Lampert shows value of annual report as comms tool.
April 10, 2006... This is the time of year when mailboxes get stuffed with company annual reports. The reports range in shape, size, and cost. Some companies use it as a sales tool, while others include little more than what the Securities and Exchange...

Opinion: Fact File - French labor protests show strength of unions in disputes.
April 10, 2006... IN THE NEWS A law was put on record April 2 in France to curb youth unemployment through added job flexibility. The law, which has brought public discord and throngs of protesters to the streets of Paris, will allow employers to fire any...

Media: Analysis - Web audience could offset print decline.
April 10, 2006... For anyone who has been paying close attention to the ever-changing media landscape, these findings may not exactly qualify as a news flash: A report released last week from the Newspaper Association of America (NAA), culled from Nielsen Net...

Media: Journalist Q&A - Choire Sicha, New York Observer.(Discussion)
April 10, 2006... Name: Choire Sicha Outlet: New York Observer Title: Senior editor Preferred contact method: csicha@observer.com Web site: www.nyobserver.com PRWeek: How do you define your beat? Choire Sicha: The Transom (section) normally...

Media: Research - Growing patient power in Asia.
April 10, 2006... Conducted by: Weber Shandwick. SAMPLE: 817 patients in Asia who had filled a prescription in the past year GOAL: To prove that patients in Asia are becoming more resourceful when it comes to their pharmaceutical treatment KEY...

Media: Roundup - Elder-care issues are a timeless topic.
April 10, 2006... With people now living much longer, elder care is an issue growing in national importance with each passing year. And surprisingly, it's also a trend the youth-obsessed media are slowly catching up to. 'It tends to be an underreported...

Media: Critical Hit - 'Diva' author dominates O'Reilly.(Interview)(Brief article)
April 10, 2006... What were your client's media goals? Shirley Sandler: Our clients are Avalon Press and authors Georgia Payne and Julie Taylor, who were looking to get national radio and TV coverage for their book How to be a Dominant Diva, which is aimed...

Media: Media Ups and Downs.(Bertelsmann AG targets older audience through internet community)(ABC News suspends producer)(Gaylord Entertainment Co. Cable Networks Div. to do a relaity series)(Brief article)
April 10, 2006... Mexican newspapers, frustrated by futile police probes, simultaneously publish articles about missing journalists. The New York Times revamps its Web site to include more video, improved navigation, and ways to personalize the site ...

Media: Inside Information - Growth of MVNOs making 'third screen' more targeted.
April 10, 2006... The marketing slang for mobile phones is a misnomer. While people talk about the 'third screen,' recent industry changes have made it clear that there are also fourth, fifth, and so-on screens. As mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs)...

Cover Story: Skilled at networking.
April 10, 2006... For agencies, an independent network can provide ballast. For clients, it can open up doors all over the world. Rockwell Automation was looking for a way to make its European PR operations run more reliably. A mishmash of unaffiliated firms...

PR Technique: The 24-hour new-business tool.
April 10, 2006... An agency Web site isn't merely a brochure; it can benefit current and prospective clients. A recent Web Marketing Association report asserted that PR agency Web sites ranked among the worst in the online world. While judging consumer...

Campaigns: Subimo solidifies its standing.
April 10, 2006... SUBIMO PR TEAM: Subimo (Chicago) and Schwartz Communications (Waltham, MA) CAMPAIGN: Subimo 'Healthcare at Your Fingertips' DURATION: August 2005 to January 2006 BUDGET: dollars 60,000 Web-based healthcare decision-support tools...

Campaigns: Cottonelle contest reaches families using puppy appeal.
April 10, 2006... KIMBERLY-CLARK PR TEAM: Ketchum (Chicago) and Kimberly-Clark's Cottonelle brand (Neenah, WI) CAMPAIGN: Tales of Best Friends and Family DURATION: Mid-July to late October 2005 BUDGET: dollars 1 million 'We wanted the puppy to...

Campaigns: Media effort helps position Freebirds for expansion.(Freebirds World Burrito)(BlabberMouth )(Brief article)
April 10, 2006... FREEBIRDS WORLD BURRITO PR TEAM: Freebirds World Burrito (College Station, TX) and BlabberMouth PR (Austin, TX) CAMPAIGN: Freebirds World Burrito restaurant chain promotes expansion of franchise DURATION: January 2005 - ongoing...

PR Toolbox: Pitching Spanish-language radio, PSA 'dos,' and more.
April 10, 2006... Radio It seems like more and more radio stations are converting to Spanish-language formats. Do Spanish-language radio stations accept pitches in English? Many of the big radio networks are buying Spanish stations or converting...

Careers: People moves - Brunswick Group.(appointments)(Brief article)
April 10, 2006... NEW YORK: Brunswick Group has hired Bill Lash, former assistant secretary of commerce for market access and compliance in the Bush administration, as a senior advisor. Lash will work on public policy, issues management, and regulatory issues...

Careers: People moves - The Interpublic Group.
April 10, 2006... NEW YORK: The Interpublic Group has appointed Richard Goldstein as its new presiding director. He has been on IPG's board since 1995. Currently, he is CEO of International Flavors & Fragrances, and was formerly CEO of Unilever US. Goldstein...

Careers: People moves - Chase Card Services.
April 10, 2006... WILMINGTON, DE: Paul Hartwick has been promoted to SVP and director of business affairs at Chase Card Services. He replaces Kelly Presta, who left the company last month. Hartwick, who was previously head of internal communications and interim...

Careers: People moves - Carmen Group Communications.(appointments)(Brief article)
April 10, 2006... WASHINGTON: Ken Ericson, assistant managing editor for the broadcast division of the AP, has joined PR and lobbying firm Carmen Group Communications as VP. He will lead its efforts on union outreach and client management. Other hires include...

Careers: People moves - ARAY Business Communications.
April 10, 2006... BOSTON: Brodeur Worldwide COO Ray Thomas is leaving to become an independent consultant. His agency - ARAY Business Communications - will focus on positioning and messaging, communications strategy developments, resource planning,...

Careers: People moves - Dan Klores Communications.
April 10, 2006... NEW YORK: Dan Klores Communications has hired Rachel Carr as an SVP in its corporate group. Carr, who spent the last two years with Historic Hudson Valley, had previously worked for DKC from 1999-2003. She will work on corporate and media...

Careers: People moves - Bookspan.(appointments)(Brief article)
April 10, 2006... GARDEN CITY, NY: Bookspan, a partnership between Bertelsmann AG and Time Warner Inc., has appointed Sue Geramian to the newly created position of SVP, corporate communications. Geramian will report directly to CEO Markus Wilhelm and will be...

Careers: People moves - MWW Group.(appointments)(Brief article)
April 10, 2006... LOS ANGELES: MWW Group has added John Musella as VP in its Los Angeles office. Prior to joining the firm, Musella was director of PR for homebuilders KB Home. He has also served as communications director for Los Angeles County supervisor Don...

Careers: People moves - Arketi Group.
April 10, 2006... ATLANTA: Arketi Group, a marketing communications agency, has hired Nancy Jackson as a PR and marketing consultant. According to Arketi, Jackson was the first woman to graduate from The Citadel.

Careers: People moves - Expert Advice - Steve Fogarty, senior staffing partner, Waggener Edstrom.(Brief article)
April 10, 2006... Why do PR agencies seem to compare themselves only to other firms when it comes to HR practices? A: This is a major problem in our industry if you ask me, and it's a problem that HR should solve. I've been doing recruitment in the PR...

Duke deals with fallout from lacrosse scandal.
April 24, 2006... Durham, NC: Duke University is attempting to focus on positive aspects of its student body, and deflect questions about the criminal investigation into two student athletes. Last week, the lacrosse players were indicted for allegedly raping...

US companies capitalize on President Jintao's visit.(growing economy of China)(Brief article)
April 24, 2006... Seattle: As American businesses seek to tap into the financial power of China's growing economy, a number of iconic US brands used Chinese President Hu Jintao's recent visit to the US to open a dialogue about expanding US-Asia commerce. ...

McClellan departure has pundits mulling successor.(resignation of White House press secretary Scott McClellan)(Brief article)
April 24, 2006... Washington: The resignation of White House press secretary Scott McClellan last week has DC observers speculating about the future of White House communications. McClellan told reporters he expects to remain on the job for two to three...

McDonald's ramping up consumer, media efforts.
April 24, 2006... Oak Brook, IL: McDonald's is ramping up its media and consumer relations programs. The fast food company's chief executive officer Jim Skinner last week emphasized that the company needs to do a better job of communicating its story to...

EPA seeks firm to assist with its aging campaign.(Environmental Protection Agency )(Brief article)
April 24, 2006... Washington: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is looking for a firm to provide communications support to increase awareness of environmental health issues. The RFP is part of the EPA's Aging Initiative, which educates older...

News brief: Starbucks Coffee Co. selects Airfoil PR.
April 24, 2006... Detroit: Starbucks Coffee Co. has selected Airfoil PR to support marketing initiatives in the Great Lakes, North Central Ohio, and Allegheny Mountain regions. Airfoil will assist Starbucks with its strategic media relations efforts and will...

News brief: VMS releases AdSite4.(Video Monitoring Services introduces application software)(Brief article)
April 24, 2006... New York: VMS has released AdSite4, an integrated, Web-based application that allows users to search, filter, track, and organize competitive advertising intelligence data from their desktops. It includes TV, print, radio, Internet, and outdoor...

News brief: News-Market launches a new search engine enterprise.(Online information services introduction)(Brief article)
April 24, 2006... New York: The News-Market is launching a new search engine enterprise in conjunction with enterprise software provider Autonomy. Some of the new features will include cross-marketing of video content, meaning journalists will be able to view...

News brief: AG Properties retains Dan Klores Communications.(Brief article)
April 24, 2006... New York: AG Properties, American Greetings' new internal division dedicated to developing multi-platform entertainment, licensing, and merchandising campaigns, has retained Dan Klores Communications to help officially launch the company's...

News brief: Access Communications adds three new consumer clients.(Brief article)
April 24, 2006... San Francisco: Access Communications has added three new consumer clients: Luna, a nutrition bar for women made by Clif Bar; everGirl, a lifestyle brand for tween girls from Nickelodeon; and Spreadshirt, which allows users to design and sell...

News brief: Appointment at CarryOn Communications.(Mark Bennett )(Brief article)
April 24, 2006... Washington: CarryOn Communication has launched an advocacy and social marketing practice to service its healthcare clients; newly hired SVP and MD Mark Bennett will run the new practice. Bennett joins the agency from MS&L, where was SVP and...

News brief: Appointment at Ariat International.
April 24, 2006... New York: Ariat International, which makes equestrian footwear, belts, and apparel, has retained Sally Fischer Public Relations for brand PR.

News brief: The Alexander Co. hires 360JMG.(marketing contract)(Brief article)
April 24, 2006... Madison, WI: The Alexander Co., a real estate development company specializing in urban revitalization and historic preservation, has hired Washington-based strategic communications firm 360JMG to manage national outreach efforts.