BurrellesLuce Daily Briefing

Movers & Shakers

9 Nov 2009 16:47:23 GMT

ADVERTISING, MARKETING & PUBLIC RELATIONS Sandeep Kharidhi was named analytics leader at Merkle Inc., a customer relationship marketing agency based in Columbia, Md., leaving Acxiom Corp., where he led the analytics team. At Merkle, Mr. Kharidhi will also oversee analytics and marketing strategy for clients.

People on the Move: Nov. 9

9 Nov 2009 16:45:15 GMT

The weekly roundup of senior-level executive appointments in Greater Washington.

Washington Women in Public Relations Honors Sarah Temple with the 2009 'Washington PR Woman of the Year' Award

6 Nov 2009 18:39:09 GMT

WASHINGTON, Nov. 5 /PRNewswire/ -- Sarah Temple, Senior Vice President of Social Marketing Practice, Ogilvy Public Relations Worldwide, was named the 2009 "Washington PR Woman of the Year" by Washington Women in Public Relations (WWPR) at its awards ceremony. Each year, WWPR presents an award to a senior level Washington area female PR practitioner as a means to honor and celebrate the accomplishments of PR women and expand awareness of contributions to the industry. This year's luncheon marked the 20th anniversary of the PR Woman of the Year (WOY) event.

Cobbers in Washington D.C

6 Nov 2009 18:37:38 GMT

The Lutheran College Washington Semester program is an opportunity for students of any major, and six students Concordia students are currently in Washington, D.C. as a part of this program. As part of the LCWS program, students take two classes, intern four days a week somewhere in D.C., and take weekly group field trips to places like the Newseum and the Pentagon.

Tech PR Firm Crawford Public Relations Chosen by Leading Network Security Company � Wiresoft � For Full Range of Media Services

4 Nov 2009 15:02:37 GMT

Washington, DC (PRWEB) November 3, 2009 -- Crawford Public Relations today announced that it has been selected by Wiresoft, a leading provider of network security products, to provide media and analyst relations services, and content for social media.

New Study Demonstrates Importance and Impact of Digital Media in U.S. and European Policy Making

4 Nov 2009 15:01:02 GMT

New Study Demonstrates Importance and Impact of Digital Media in U.S. and European Policy Making Trans-Atlantic Poll of Senior Congressional and Parliamentarian Staff Reveals Regular Usage of Digital Tools to Research and Influence Policy, Reach Constituents

LIGATT Security International and SPOOFEM.COM Hires Urbanity Communications as Their New Marketing

2 Nov 2009 13:44:05 GMT

Statistics show that more than 45% of small businesses are outsourcing their marketing needs to effectively market and advertise their companies. LIGATT Security International (PINKSHEETS: LGTT) and SPOOFEM.COM (PINKSHEETS: SPOF) are pleased to announce their marketing agreement with Urbanity Communications (Courtney Rhodes and Associates), a paramount marketing communications firm based out of Atlanta, GA and Washington, DC.

Kinaya C. Sokoya Inducted into Cambridge Who's Who

2 Nov 2009 13:40:16 GMT

WASHINGTON, DC, October 30, 2009 /Cambridge Who's Who/ -- Kinaya C. Sokoya, Executive Director of the D.C. Children's Trust Fund, has been recognized by Cambridge Who's Who for demonstrating dedication, leadership and excellence in program development and implementation. Kinaya C. Sokoya has nine years of experience as Executive Director of the D.C. Children's Trust Fund. She is responsible for planning, training on a local, state and national level, conducting presentations at local and nationwide conferences, hiring employees, performing evaluations, developing staff, managing finances, dispersing funds, and managing public relations. She became involved in her profession because she started as a school social worker and wanted to take her career further to affect the environment and produce significant change. She attributes her success to her ability to her focused nature, dedication and to seeing the big picture and how the parts fit into it.

Ogilvy PR wins six government awards news

29 Oct 2009 13:34:33 GMT

Ogilvy Public Relations Worldwide in Washington has announced six new government contracts from clients including: the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) and the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs.

People on the Move

28 Oct 2009 15:24:55 GMT

Lobbying World - Andrew Noyes is joining Facebook, where he will manage public policy communications for the social-networking website. Waggener Edstrom Worldwide, a public relations firm, has hired Marshall C. Phelps Jr. and Ken Rietz to serve on its global public affairs advisory council.

Brunswick Group Adds Top Kennedy Aide to Washington D.C. Office

28 Oct 2009 15:19:06 GMT

WASHINGTON, Oct. 28 /PRNewswire/ -- Brunswick Group LLC, a leading global communications firm, today announced that senior Congressional staffer Anthony Coley will join the firm's Washington D.C. office as a Director. Coley most recently served as Communications Director to the late-Senator Edward M. Kennedy and the Senate's Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, which Kennedy chaired. Coley was Kennedy's chief spokesman to national media, and provided strategic communication guidance on HELP Committee priorities, including national health care reform. At Brunswick, Coley will focus on critical communications assignments involving public affairs, issues management, public advocacy and crisis communications.

SWIRE Sees Triple Digit Growth in Revenues for Fourth Straight Year

26 Oct 2009 18:36:25 GMT

Glendora, Calif. (PRWEB) October 26, 2009 -- SWIRE, an evolved marketing communications agency, today announced it has opened offices in the Washington, D.C. area (Reston, Va.) and Denver in order to serve its growing client roster. In addition, the agency hired Steven Seybold as Interactive Creative Director to lead the Denver office. This staffing and network expansion comes on the heels of SWIRE's fourth straight year of triple digit revenue increases, due both to organic growth and the addition of several new clients.

People on the Move: Oct. 26

26 Oct 2009 18:35:27 GMT

The weekly roundup of senior-level executive appointments in Greater Washington.

Michael W. Kempner to be Inducted Into PR News Hall of Fame at 2009 PR People

26 Oct 2009 18:30:35 GMT

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J., Oct. 26 /PRNewswire/ -- MWW Group (http://www.mww.com), one of the nation's top ten public relations firms, announced today that its founder, president and CEO Michael W. Kempner is to be inducted into the PR News Hall of Fame at the 2009 PR People Awards. As an inductee into the Hall of Fame, Kempner joins a select group of individuals who are pioneers and innovators within the public relations industry. The formal induction will take place at the PR News awards on December 1, 2009 in Washington, D.C. The Hall of Fame honor recognizes Kempner's leadership in and contribution to the communications industry, deep expertise in solving communications challenges, and his dedication to the firm he founded and its employees. Under Kempner's leadership over the past 23 years, MWW Group grew to become one of the largest and fastest growing firms in the nation, making it among the most sought-after agencies by clients across all categories. MWW Group's success is born out of Kempner's "Aim High. Deliver." mandate, a philosophy rooted in setting and achieving goals that exceed client expectations.

FaceTime Strategy buys ad agency

21 Oct 2009 14:53:41 GMT

FaceTime Strategy expanded into the Chicago market by merging with Cantele, Sedivy, and Associates Advertising Inc. The two advertising, marketing, and public relations firms will work with clients in the automotive, health care, franchised travel and nonprofit industries.

Exclusive: A Peek into the Student Loan Industry�s Messaging Machine

21 Oct 2009 14:51:13 GMT

... Qorvis Communications, a prominent Washington-based public relations firm that had gained notoriety earlier in the decade for its work on behalf of the Saudi Arabian government. Eager for the loan industry's business, one of the firm's partners made a pitch for the company at the 2007 legislative conference of the National Council of Higher Education Loan Programs, a trade group that represents guaranty agencies and non-profit lenders. In a power-point presentation entitled "What Just Hit Us?", this Qorvis executive said that the loan industry had lost the loan subsidy battle because it "had no organized constituency" to "counter" its critics. "The messages and messengers we used to defend the program were not effective and thus we need new voices, new messages, and new ways to mobilize these voices," he stated.

FaceTime Strategy Expands Into Chicago Market teaming Up With Cantele, Sedivy, and Associates Advertising, Inc.

20 Oct 2009 14:10:41 GMT

Washington D.C., Oct. 19, 2009 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- FaceTime Strategy announces today its expansion into the Chicago market as it merges with Cantele, Sedivy, and Associates Advertising, Inc. (CSA). The alliance of these two advertising, marketing, and public relations companies brings together significant expertise in the senior, automotive and health care markets as well as franchise retail travel and non profits. CSA was founded 14 years ago by Chris Cantele and Mike Sedivy. It has built an extensive and loyal national client base. Cantele will serve as Executive Vice President and Mike Sedivy as Senior Account Manager for FaceTime. The move into Chicago completes three of FaceTime's nine United States planned market expansions. Offices located in Washington D.C., Dallas and Chicago are linked via, video, data, and phone interconnect. This allows clients the seamless utilization of the entire FaceTime team, regardless of location.

Students Learn and Network in D.C. Internships

19 Oct 2009 14:27:55 GMT

Brynn Conapitski got the idea that she might have a career in sports public relations while doing an internship with the Hershey Bears. Now, as an intern at Brotman Winter Fried Communications in East Falls Church, Va., she's even more sure she'll pursue the field after she graduates from Shippensburg University this spring. Conapitski, 22, of Myerstown, snagged the internship through the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education's partnership with the Washington Center for Internships and Academic Seminars.

People on the Move: Oct. 19

19 Oct 2009 14:23:26 GMT

The weekly roundup of senior-level executive appointments in Greater Washington. For more People on the Move, check out the Washington Business Journal's print edition each week. Send announcements to washingtonbusinessleads@bizjournals.com.

Team California Wins the Communications Contest at U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon

14 Oct 2009 16:14:17 GMT

WASHINGTON, DC ? Team California today snagged the top spot in the Communications contest at the U.S. Department of Energy's Solar Decathlon. Today's contest is the third out of ten contests that make up the international competition taking place on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. Team California impressed jurors with the communications strategies, promotional materials, and people skills the team displayed while conveying the technical aspects of household solar energy systems to the public.

KCLS Look to Your Library Effort Named Finalist for National PR Awards

14 Oct 2009 16:13:05 GMT

ISSAQUAH, Wash., Oct. 13 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The King County Library System's Look to Your Library campaign received national attention as a finalist in two categories for the prestigious Nonprofit PR Awards sponsored by George Washington University and PR Web. "Look to Your Library" is the KCLS outreach effort to encourage area residents to use free library resources to help find jobs and improve their employment skills during the economic crisis.

Pew Study: Financial Coverage Ignores Average Americans

6 Oct 2009 14:12:49 GMT

NEW YORK Most coverage of the ongoing financial crisis has focused on the plight of big companies and banks, with less on the average person, according to a new study from the Pew Research Center's Project for Excellence in Journalism. "The government and big business have driven most of the coverage, have had the largest voice in the portrayal of it, and have accounted for most of the key ideas," the study states. "Meanwhile, the primary victims of the recession -- average Americans -- did not play a main role in press coverage of the crisis."

People on the Move: Oct. 5

5 Oct 2009 14:31:03 GMT

The weekly roundup of senior-level executive appointments in Greater Washington.

Audi of America Selects RTC Relationship Marketing As CRM Agency of Record

2 Oct 2009 14:16:30 GMT

Audi of America, a company that sells a line of German-engineered luxury vehicles, reportedly signed an agreement with RTC Relationship Marketing of Washington, D.C., to serve as its customer relationship marketing agency of record. RTC will assist Audi in enhancing its vehicle owner and prospective customer communications.

Policy Impact Communications Expands Arizona Practice with Two Top Lobbyists

2 Oct 2009 14:14:35 GMT

WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Policy Impact Communications, a premier public relations and government affairs firm based in Washington, D.C., is again expanding its Arizona practice with the addition of Brian Tassinari and Kelsey Lundy, two skilled lobbyists and public relations experts. Tassinari and Lundy join the firm as vice presidents. We are the fastest growing lobbying and public affairs firm in Arizona, said company chairman and CEO William H. Nixon. This explosive growth has occurred because we deliver superior results for clients. Tassinari and Lundy are the newest members of the Policy Impact team and Arizona office, following former Arizona Congressman and State Senator Matt Salmon, Mitch Menlove, Michael Haener, and Amy Mannes. The addition of these top-flight lobbyists will allow us to meet the growing needs of our expanding Arizona client base and new clients that come aboard, said Matt Salmon, president of Policy Impact Communications. This growth validates the hard work of our results-oriented team and our ability to help our clients move their agendas forward.

Delucchi+ Wins Several Accolades at 2009 Gala Awards Ceremony

1 Oct 2009 20:20:33 GMT

WASHINGTON, DC -- 09/30/09 -- Christine L. Delucchi, President of Delucchi+ (www.delucchiplus.com), an innovative, full-service, strategic real estate marketing firm located in Washington, D.C., announced today that the agency won four sales and marketing awards at the 2009 Great American Living Awards (GALA) Ceremony held Tuesday, September 29, 2009 at The Ritz Carlton Tyson Corner, Virginia. Delucchi+ took honors in the following categories:

Reingold - Ogilvy PR Team on Nation's Report Card Promotion

1 Oct 2009 20:18:51 GMT

WASHINGTON, Sept. 30 /PRNewswire/ -- Reingold Inc. is pleased to announce it has been awarded a contract valued at more than $600,000 per year, along with subcontractor Ogilvy Public Relations Worldwide (Ogilvy PR), to promote The Nation's Report Card. Reingold and Ogilvy PR will develop and execute a communications campaign to help the nation's opinion leaders and general public better understand the data and statistics presented in the reports. This outreach, dissemination, and communications contract is in support of the National Assessment Governing Board (NAGB), the independent, bipartisan board that sets policy for the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), commonly known as The Nation's Report Card.

People on the Move: Sept. 28

29 Sep 2009 14:28:38 GMT

The weekly roundup of senior-level executive appointments in Greater Washington. Christy Olliff has joined zcomm in Bethesda in the newly created position of team leader, media relations. Dewey Square Group hired Ginny Terzano, a public affairs and political strategist, to lead its communications practice. Maria Cardona, founder of the firm�s Latinovations practice, has been named to lead Dewey Square�s public affairs practice. GMMB named Toby Vann engagement strategist and senior vice president, and Dave Cook creative director and senior vice president.

Honduran Government Hires PR Shop

28 Sep 2009 13:35:21 GMT

The de facto government of Honduras that ousted President Manuel Zelaya has hired a well-known public relations firm to bolster its image in Washington. According to Justice Department documents, the Honduran government signed Chlopak, Leonard, Schechter & Associates to a four-month contract worth more than $290,000. Filed on Sept. 18 with Justice by the public relations firm, the documents say the company will “advance the level of communication, awareness and media/policy maker attention about the political situation in Honduras.

Merrick Towle Communications Announces Messiah Village as Firm's Newest Client

24 Sep 2009 21:27:59 GMT

WASHINGTON, Sept. 24 /PRNewswire/ -- Merrick Towle Communications, the largest independent advertising agency in the greater Washington, D.C. metropolitan region, today announced that it has been retained by Messiah Village, one of the oldest continuous care retirement communities in the country, located in Mechanicsburg, PA. The announcement was made by Glenn Towle, chief operating officer and partner at MTC.

US Chamber awards largest campaign to Powell Tate, Purple Strategies

24 Sep 2009 21:25:42 GMT

WASHINGTON: The US Chamber of Commerce selected Powell Tate and Purple Strategies as its AORs for the multimillion-dollar “Campaign for Free Enterprise� it plans to launch in mid-October. The firms will work in tandem on the integrated campaign, a years-long initiative that is expected to be the trade group's largest communications effort, said Tita Freeman, VP of communications and strategy for the Washington-based Chamber.

People on the Move

22 Sep 2009 14:29:12 GMT

The weekly roundup of senior-level executive appointments in Greater Washington. For more People on the Move, check out the Washington Business Journal's print edition each week.

Destination DC Builds Tourism Campaign Around 'Lost Symbol'

21 Sep 2009 14:12:46 GMT

WASHINGTON: Destination DC, the city's official convention and tourism corporation, launched a tourism campaign, promoting locations featured in Dan Brown's new book, The Lost Symbol, which is set in Washington. "The strategy is to capitalize on a major book release that is already gathering a lot of media attention, but also that fits really well with the product and brand that we promote on a day-to-day basis," said Rebecca Pawlowski, director of communications for Destination DC. "Knowing that there would be a tremendous amount of interest and excitement of this long-anticipated novel, it's a great opportunity for us to play up on the locations and sites that are featured in the book."

Landmark Study Reveals ROI of Business Travel

17 Sep 2009 14:37:34 GMT

Washington, DC September 2009 New research conducted by global research firm Oxford Economics establishes the first clear link between business travel and business growth as American businesses are planning their 2010 budgets and federal policymakers are looking to stimulate the American economy. For every dollar invested in business travel, businesses experience an average $12.50 in increased revenue and $3.80 in new profits, according to the study. This study shows that not all spending cuts are smart cuts, said Adam Sacks, managing director of Oxford Economics. When companies reduce their travel budgets, there are negative consequences that we can now quantify, in terms of lost revenue and profit growth, and in terms of giving competitors a distinct advantage.

UDS Group, Inc. Retains MSA/Market Smart Advertising Agency

17 Sep 2009 14:30:47 GMT

BOCA RATON, Fla.--(Business Wire)-- UDS Group, Inc. (Pink Sheets:UDSG) announced today that the company has retained MSA/Market Smart Advertising to spearhead the introductory marketing campaign for 888-SUB-TO-GO, and SUBWAY® Catering & Delivery. Durham, N.C.-based MSA is the marketing and communications agency that serves the Washington, D.C. franchise group, in the eighth largest U.S. Nielsen Metro Market, where the pilot program is being conducted. The announcement was made by UDS Group, Inc. CEO Ryan Coblin. As stated in a recent announcement, UDS will be launching delivery and catering & delivery services in the Washington D.C. area, where there are 450 SUBWAY restaurant franchisees, beginning in early October, 2009. This is the first major market to use the UDS one number solution to encompass an entire market, as was announced earlier.

MWW Group's Washington, D.C. Office Announces Two New Client Wins in Its Government...

15 Sep 2009 14:35:32 GMT

MWW Group's Washington, D.C. Office Announces Two New Client Wins in Its Government Relations and Lobbying Practice Account Wins Span the Financial and Healthcare Sectors WASHINGTON Sept. 14 /PRNewswire/ -- MWW Group (www.mww.com), one of the nation's top ten public relations firms, announced today the addition of two new accounts to the client roster of its Washington, D.C. office. The account wins, which span the financial and healthcare sectors, include First Financial Networks and Christiana Care Health System. The additions illustrate the continued growth of MWW Group's Washington, D.C. office and the wide breadth of expertise of the firm's government relations and appropriations team.

People on the Move

15 Sep 2009 14:31:25 GMT

Sage Communications Appoints Karen O'Shaughnessy as Vice President of Media Services

15 Sep 2009 14:29:35 GMT

VIENNA, VA -- (Marketwire) -- 09/15/09 -- Sage Communications, one of the fastest growing full-service marketing communications firms in Greater Washington, D.C. specializing in the technology, government and healthcare markets, today announced the appointment of Karen O'Shaughnessy to Vice President of its Media Services Division. Ms. O'Shaughnessy will oversee media research, strategy, planning and buying, as well as execution, measurement and analysis for print, broadcast, out-of-home and online advertising campaigns.

Laura Catalano Joins MWW Group, Leads Public Affairs For Washington, D.C. Office

Amanda Murphy of MWW Group — 8 Sep 2009 18:17:50 GMT

WASHINGTON, Sept. 8 /PRNewswire/ -- MWW Group (www.mww.com), one of the nation's top 10 public relations firms, announced today that Laura Catalano has joined the firm as senior vice president in its Washington, D.C., office, where she will lead the company's Washington-based public affairs practice. As a senior member of the D.C. team, Ms. Catalano brings 20 years of experience in many of the most important issues being debated in Washington and across the nation.

Brossman Extends Social Media Impact to Maryland /DC Area

2 Sep 2009 15:57:54 GMT

RALEIGH, NC On Friday, August 28, success coach and author Martin Brossman will speak at the Cost Saving Strategies Seminar hosted by Emerging Resource Group at Baltimore�s Ritz Carlton Residence Inn. This marketing-focused seminar will welcome real estate professionals, business managers, business owners, network marketers and entrepreneurs. Brossman�s Baltimore presentation, titled Twitter for Business: Building Brands and Customer Connection, reinforces the seminar�s theme of establishing powerful customer relationships, increasing brand loyalty and cultivating a rich network of supporters.

Texas Students Find that Washington Internships Can Open Doors for Jobs in Future

1 Aug 2009 13:50:48 GMT

WASHINGTON Internships have always been touted as a way to build r�sum�s, gain experience and network. But in the grim economy, they have added appeal as job leads. Though the positions often carry only meager stipends, they hold the promise of better paychecks to come. So with full-time jobs scarce, many interns from Texas are scraping by in Washington this summer finding free entertainment, picking up extra work on the side, and saving on whatever they can. While looking for a permanent gig in broadcast journalism, Kennea Anderson of Houston is interning at Capital Wire Public Relations. The 23-year-old, who recently graduated from Clark Atlanta University, had planned on doing an unpaid internship this summer but said the financial hardship of that decision hit her recently.

Study: The Whole World Is Watching (Online Video)

31 Aug 2009 13:48:19 GMT

A whopping 158 million U.S. Internet users -- or 80% of the nation's online population -- watched online video in July, according to new data from comScore Video Metrix. A total of 21.4 billion videos were viewed during the month. The duration of the average online video was 3.7 minutes, while the average online video viewer watched about 500 minutes of video, or 8.3 hours, according to the research company.

MarkNet Group, Inc. Receives 2009 Best of Brewster Award

28 Aug 2009 13:49:42 GMT

Washington D.C. (PRunderground) August 27, 2009 MarkNet Group, Inc. has been selected for the 2009 Best of Brewster Award in the Web Site Design category by the U.S. Commerce Association (USCA). The USCA Best of Local Business Award Program recognizes outstanding local businesses throughout the country. Each year, the USCA identifies companies that they believe have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category. These are local companies that enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and community.

SIIA Announces Appointment of New Vice President of Communications

28 Aug 2009 13:48:22 GMT

WASHINGTON, Aug. 27 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Software & Information Industry Association (SIIA), the principal trade association for the software and digital information industries, today announced the appointment of John Crosby, CAE, a veteran association marketing and public relations executive, to serve as its Vice President of Communications. Crosby has over 16 years of association management and leadership experience in both trade and professional associations. Though he started as a lobbyist on intellectual property and international trade issues in 1993, Crosby transitioned into association communications and online strategy in 1998. His most recent work has focused on developing social media strategies and online public relations campaigns in order to drive awareness and generate revenue.

The Greater Washington Sports Alliance

27 Aug 2009 13:52:27 GMT

Washington Informer Washington Redskins cheerleaders perform at the Greater Washington Sports Authority�s Sneakerball, the organization�s annual fundraiser, in 2008.Courtesy Photo Washington, D.C. is sometimes called an event town rather than a sports town, but through the efforts of the Greater Washington Sports Alliance (GWSA), the District is becoming one of the top destinations for hosting world class events. GWSA was founded to support the District bid to attract the Olympic Games, and is continuing their role as a sports bid entity. We have a four tiered mission. Essentially, we want to bring D.C. up to the same level as a sports town as Boston or Chicago. We are trying to attract major sporting events here, like the Army-Navy game, the NCAA Frozen Four, [and] the International Police and Fire games, said Keri Ann Meslar, GWSA�s Director of Development.

Mother Knows Best, According to McDonald's

27 Aug 2009 13:51:26 GMT

[2009-08-27] As part of the company's mission to make its supply chain more transparent to the public�and in time for the franchise to release its new Angus Third Pounder�McDonald's sent a group of four moms from the greater Washington, D.C. and Baltimore areas to tour a beef supplier in Ohio. The Baltimore Washington McDonald's Moms Quality Correspondents group, a regional offshoot of the national Correspondents group, had previously toured suppliers of McDonald's baked goods, poultry, and coffee before touring the Keystone Foods beef facility. "We understand that beef is what McDonald's is known for, and [the way] we timed this, it worked out very nicely with what worked with Keystone, and their ability to conduct this tour timed nicely with the Angus burger," says Becky Gallagher, marketing communication manager for the Baltimore Washington region of McDonald's USA.

Teens Inhabit 'Digital Marketing Ecosystem,' Research Suggests

25 Aug 2009 13:35:49 GMT

Today's teens inhabit a "digital marketing ecosystem" where their identities and interactions are virtually inseparable from the logos stamped all over them, new research suggests. "It becomes a part of how they communicate with their friends," says Kathryn Montgomery, a communications professor at American University in Washington, D.C. "If they're incorporating brands into their profiles and communicating those with their friends, if the companies are inserting the products into the games young people play, if they're part of the use of mobile technology so there's a brand presence that follows their every move that is creating a new kind of intimacy."

FRANK OVAITT, CEO EMERITUS OF INSTITUTE FOR PUBLIC RELATIONS, JOINS GW'S STRATEGIC PUBLIC RELATIONS MASTERS PROGRAM

25 Aug 2009 13:32:32 GMT

Media-Newswire.com) - WASHINGTON - Frank Ovaitt, CEO Emeritus of the Institute for Public Relations, will join the faculty of The George Washington University masters in strategic public relations program. He will teach applied public relations and public affairs research on campus and online starting in the Fall 2009 semester. "Professionals who understand research will rule this field," said Mr. Ovaitt. "It's critical that the students in this masters program-many of whom are already recognized rising stars-know how to use research effectively in their work."

People on the Move: Aug. 24

24 Aug 2009 14:19:54 GMT

Nominations Sought For Washington PR Woman of the Year Award

24 Aug 2009 14:16:16 GMT

Washington Women in Public Relations (WWPR) has issued a call for nominations for the 2009 Washington PR Woman of the Year award. Nominations are due Wednesday, September 16, 2009. Three finalists will be selected to be honored and the award winner will be named during the Washington PR Woman of the Year Luncheon, which will take place on November 4, 2009. To be eligible, candidates must be female professionals with a minimum of 10 years experience in the public relations field, at least five of which have been in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. The nominee does not have to be a member of WWPR. There is no fee to nominate a candidate for the award. A nomination consists of a cover letter, resume, and supporting materials. To learn more, visit WWPR online.

Award goes to Herreshoff Museum

21 Aug 2009 13:54:56 GMT

Herreshoff Marine Museum has received the 2009 Best of Bristol Award in the Museums category of the U.S. Commerce Association, which recognizes companies that achieve marketing success in their local community. The U.S. Commerce Association, a Washington, D.C.-based group funded by local businesses in towns across the country, advocates for small businesses and business entrepreneurs through public relations, marketing and advertising.

PRSA National Capital Chapter to Host 41st Annual Thoth Awards

21 Aug 2009 13:52:38 GMT

Marketwire) -- 08/20/09 -- Public Relations Society of America's National Capital Chapter (PRSA-NCC) announced today that it will "Celebrate the Value of PR" with its 41st Annual Thoth Awards Gala on Thursday, September 24 at the Willard InterContinental Hotel in Washington, D.C.

MBDA to Recognize Theresa Alvillar-Speake with the Ronald H. Brown Leadership Award

20 Aug 2009 13:48:09 GMT

The Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA), U.S. Department of Commerce, proudly announces the winner of the Ronald H. Brown Leadership Award for Minority Enterprise Development (MED) Week 2009. The recipient, Theresa Alvillar-Speake, will be honored at the Annual Awards Gala held August 28, 2009 from 7:00pm-10:00pm at the Omni Shoreham Hotel in Washington, D.C. The Ronald H. Brown Leadership Award recognizes individuals who are willing to take risks to achieve change and who have demonstrated exceptional leadership by significantly enhancing the development of diversity in the domestic and worldwide economies.

Retweet This: 'The Cool Twitter Conferences World Tour' Eighth Stop - New York City

19 Aug 2009 14:28:42 GMT

Washington, DC (PRWEB) August 19, 2009 -- Washington, DC-based technology group, The Cool Blue Company LLC announces "The Cool Twitter Conferences World Tour" eighth stop taking place in New York City on Thursday, August 27th at the Playwright Tavern - 202 W. 49th Street, New York NY, 10019.

Merrick Towle Communications Campaign Focusing on Sponsorships, Events and Bloggers Quickly Drives Record Numbers for Allegro Apartments

19 Aug 2009 14:15:50 GMT

WASHINGTON, Aug. 17 /PRNewswire/ -- An innovative apartment marketing strategy developed by Merrick Towle Communications, including outreach to neighborhood bloggers and a heavy focus on special events and social media, lead to a dramatic increase in visits to the leasing center and Web site and a record number of lease-signings in just three months for Allegro Apartments, a new luxury apartment building in Columbia Heights.

Nationals Try To Lure In Tourists

14 Aug 2009 14:11:15 GMT

The Washington Nationals� business team has a new marketing campaign designed to convince more of the city�s tourists to make baseball games part of their itineraries. The team is partnering with Destination D.C., Washington�s marketing arm, on a citywide tourism campaign. A main component: Distribute visitors cards giving tourists 40 percent off on Nationals tickets when they come to D.C.

Zalemark Design Studio Receives 2009 Best Jewelry Designers Award

14 Aug 2009 14:17:22 GMT

Washington, D.C. (PRWEB) August 14, 2009 -- Zalemark Design Studio has been selected for the 2009 Best of Sherman Oaks Award in the Jewelry Design category by the U.S. Commerce Association (USCA). The USCA "Best of Local Business" Award Program recognizes outstanding local businesses throughout the country. Each year, the USCA identifies companies that they believe have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category. These are local companies that enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and community. Various sources of information were gathered and analyzed to choose the winners in each category. The 2009 USCA Award Program focused on quality, not quantity. Winners are determined based on the information gathered both internally by the USCA and data provided by third parties.

For Some Young Workers, A Weakened Economy Means Changed Expectations

12 Aug 2009 14:03:22 GMT

The speeches Mario D'Ambrosio keeps hearing aren't the inspiring kind. Since graduating from the University of Maryland last year, the 23-year-old Chevy Chase resident has been trying to nail down full-time work. He hoped that a 2007 summer internship at the Warner Bros. office in Washington, D.C. working on promotions for big-budget films would turn into a post-graduate job, but he was told there wasn't room for him. Last year, he obtained a fellowship at a public relations firm in the District, but saw the office shrink around him and was eventually told the company couldn't keep him on. A temporary position at the Lyons Public Relations firm in Kensington ended in July.

WHITECOAT Strategies and Comprendia Sign Strategic Partnership Agreement to Better Target Key Opinion Leaders, Patients, and Advocates

12 Aug 2009 13:58:25 GMT

WASHINGTON, DC and SAN DIEGO, CA--(Marketwire - August 12, 2009) - WHITECOAT Strategies, a public relations firm specializing in the use of new media and online video for clients with innovative science, and Comprendia, leaders in marketing and social media for life sciences businesses and organizations, have agreed to a strategic partnership, officials from both companies announced today. The agreement will result in enhanced services for clients of both organizations and a cross-marketing alliance.

Allstate, Cisco, Dell, FedEx, Motorola, National Geographic Society, NBC Universal, Nokia to Share Insights at eMetrics Marketing Optimization Summit in Washington D.C.

10 Aug 2009 13:52:30 GMT

Washington DC (PRWEB) August 10, 2009 -- The eMetrics Marketing Optimization Summitin Washington D.C., October 19-23, features an impressive line-up of major organizations, gathering to share best practices and lessons-learned about using web data to improve their websites, their marketing and their businesses. Industry thought leaders and consultants will be on hand to provide workshops, clinics and labs for practical, tactical techniques and examples, but the spotlight this time is on those who are in the trenches, doing the work. The speaking roster includes AARP, Allstate, Avis Budget, Children's Defense Fund, Cisco, Dell, FedEx, Kohler, Met Life, Monster.com, Motorola, National Institute of Health, National Cancer Institute, National Geographic Society, NBC Universal, Network Solutions, Nokia, NPR, Quicken Loans, Sallie Mae, Sirius XM, Travelocity and more.

ABC's 'Extreme Makeover: Home Edition' Comes to Nation's Capital

10 Aug 2009 13:50:33 GMT

EMHE partners with two local builders to construct a family home and a community center WASHINGTON, Aug. 6 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition", ABC Television's Emmy-award winning hit reality show, is coming to the nation's capital to surprise a lucky family and a community center. This season's theme is "GET ON THE BUS" capturing the momentum of the Obama administration's focus on volunteerism. The program will air as a two-hour special featuring local builders Burch Builders Group LLC and G&M Contracting, Inc. as they construct a new house and community center in one week. The names and locations of the family home and community center will not be released until later this month. "We feel honored to have been selected," explained Tim Burch, Jr., President of Burch Builders Group. " We've been a proud part of this community for decades and it's nice to have an opportunity to help people who help others in our neighborhood." "This is a special opportunity to build not only a house but to create a special home for a deserving family," said Sean Murphy, CEO of G&M Contracting.

Social Media Workshop For Women Business Owners and Entrepreneurs

6 Aug 2009 14:39:01 GMT

Public Square Communications presents "Social Media Jumpstart for Women Business Owners and Entrepreneurs" on August 13. Social media tips are valuable as many women have Facebook and Twitter accounts but are unsure of how to effectively use them to promote their businesses. Public Square Communication will show how social media fits into the marketing and communication mix; and will teach how to leverage social media for brand building, expanding networks, and engaging current and prospective clients and customers.

How PR Agencies Can Land Federal Contracts

5 Aug 2009 13:53:29 GMT

Have you wondered how communicators and agencies obtain federal contracts? Would you like to get on the GSA Schedule? This video interview features Jim Krol, Vice President of Xenophon Strategies, a communications firm headquartered in Washington, DC. Jim will talk about the GSA Schedule, and the business opportunities it presents for communications professionals.

Movers & Shakers

3 Aug 2009 13:35:28 GMT

Nathaniel Sillin was named communications director for Rep. Mike Coffman, Colorado Republican. Mr. Sillin previously was an associate in the D.C. office of R&R Partners, an integrated marketing communications firm with offices in Nevada, Utah and the District.

New at the Top

3 Aug 2009 13:28:11 GMT

Monday, August 3, 2009 Martha Boudreau Position: President, Mid-Atlantic and Latin American regions for public relations firm Fleishman-Hillard International Communications. Career highlights: General manager, Washington office for Fleishman-Hillard; director of research, Columbia Institute for Political Research; legislative correspondent, Rep. David E. Bonior (D-Mich.).

Connecting Communicators with the Capitol Communicator

3 Aug 2009 13:33:07 GMT

My colleague Mike Robinson and I represented BurrellesLuce at the sold-out Capitol Communicator�s inaugural event, Connecting Communicators, at Arnold DC on Thursday. The event was truly interactive with video cameras and still cameras roaming the room. Live tweets and messages posting to the Capitol Communicator social mash-up page were projected on the walls for everyone to see. The smash-up made it possible for those unable to attend to also participate.

David Bass Launches Raptor Strategies, a Washington-Based Public Relations and Public Affairs Firm

30 Jul 2009 13:48:55 GMT

WASHINGTON, July 30 /PRNewswire/ -- David Bass, longtime Washington media consultant, journalist and public relations exec, has launched Raptor Strategies, an aggressive new firm with the tagline, "New Times Demand New Strategies." Raptor's charter clients include those in the energy, media, insurance and international spheres. "Washington is a different place now," Bass said. "We must accept and address this new landscape with a much more careful eye and a more precise set of tools. The administration is different, Capitol Hill is different and the media are different. So strategies need to be sharper and more effective, with customized messages delivered through creative channels."

Howard Consulting Group Continues to Expand

29 Jul 2009 14:40:55 GMT

WASHINGTON, July 28 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Howard Consulting Group is continuing to expand and today announced the addition of four new staff members. HCG is a versatile boutique firm made up of experienced public affairs professionals guiding clients engaged in high stakes enterprises--domestic and international--with tactical, creative advice and vigorous execution of strategic plans.

Retweet This: 'The Cool Twitter Conferences World Tour' Fourth Stop - Los Angeles

28 Jul 2009 13:51:40 GMT

Washington, DC (PRWEB) July 28, 2009 -- Washington, DC-based technology group, The Cool Blue Company LLC announces "The Cool Twitter Conferences World Tour" fourth stop taking place in Los Angeles on Friday, July 31st at the House of Blues - 8430 Sunset Boulevard, West Hollywood, CA, 90069.

TD International Welcomes J. Frank Mermoud to its Executive Team

28 Jul 2009 13:49:33 GMT

WASHINGTON, July 27 /PRNewswire/ -- Strategic advisory firm TD International is pleased to announce that Mr. J. Frank Mermoud has joined its Executive Team. Mr. Mermoud has served a 25-year career in the public and private sectors promoting commercial interests around the world. He was most recently the U.S. Secretary of State's Special Representative for Commercial and Business Affairs. In this capacity, Mr. Mermoud was a key advocate and liaison between American executives and foreign leaders, facilitating more than $140 billion in commercial transactions. While at State, he managed the Department's advocacy programs in Washington, DC and U.S. embassies to promote American business interests and develop new opportunities. Mr. Mermoud engaged senior government officials, global business leaders, multi-national organizations, and international financial institutions to ensure the integration of commercial and business perspectives into U.S. foreign policy and global economic development initiatives.

KSG Strategic Consulting President Tapped to Participate in the Global Creative

28 Jul 2009 13:52:56 GMT

Jul 27, 2009 (Washington, DC) KSG Strategic Consulting President, Kesi Stribling, has been selected to present a panel discussion topic during the Global Creative Economy Convergence Summit in Philadelphia, PA. The event will draw thousands globally to discuss issues that impact the economy, entrepreneurship, the workforce, sustainability, and innovative technology.

Washington, DC's Travel and Tourism Industry Reports Modest Gains in 2008

27 Jul 2009 14:36:48 GMT

Washington, DC posted a 3% increase in visitation and a modest increase in visitor spending in 2008, according to a study released today by Destination DC, the city's official convention and tourism corporation. Despite the global economic downturn, international visitation rose 22%, driving visitor spending past $5.6 billion and generating $618 million in tax revenue for the District.

Up-and-Comers Who Are Breaking Down a Digital Divide

27 Jul 2009 14:19:57 GMT

Around town, I often hear people referring to a tech start-up as just "two guys in a garage." But that phrase excludes a gender that, some say, is too often overlooked in the technology industry. In Washington, a number of women are leaving their mark as entrepreneurs, social media enthusiasts and policy experts. And they're trying to make room for more girl geeks. Here are five women who have established themselves as influential figures in the region's tech circles and are worth keeping an eye on.

WMACCA Selects Allison & Partners to Raise Visibility of In-House Counselors and Their Invaluable Contributions to the Legal Industry

23 Jul 2009 14:15:07 GMT

WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Washington Metropolitan Area Corporate Counsel Association (WMACCA), the largest regional bar and professional association for in-house lawyers working in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia, has appointed Allison & Partners, a leading national communications firm, as its new agency of record. Allison & Partners� Washington, D.C.-based office will provide public relations support that augments WMACCA�s status as the premier legal organization for corporate counselors. The robust media relations initiative will leverage the expertise and insight of WMACCA�s 1,700 members via comprehensive thought leadership, speaker�s bureau, social media, and byline programs in a variety of practice areas, including bankruptcy, healthcare, immigration, commercial transactions, biotech, construction, employment and labor, government contracts, intellectual property and more.

Avenue100 Launches to Debut a New Collection of Digital Marketing Resources

22 Jul 2009 14:45:29 GMT

WAKEFIELD, MA -- 07/22/09 -- Avenue100 Media Solutions Inc., a newly formed digital marketing company catering to the postsecondary education market, officially launched today. A Washington Post Company, Avenue100 helps academic institutions, financial aid providers and recruitment firms find and acquire potential customers while optimizing customer acquisition costs.

Dawn Sweeney Receives Honors

21 Jul 2009 15:53:24 GMT

The American Academy of Chefs (AAC), the honor society of the American Culinary Federation (ACF), recognized Dawn Sweeney as an honorary inductee during a formal ceremony and dinner at the 2009 ACF National Convention held at the Orlando World Center Marriott, Orlando, Fla., July 10.

Cisneros Heads Up 2010 Census Publicity Office

21 Jul 2009 15:49:57 GMT

Washington, DC - Raul E. Cisneros has been appointed chief of the 2010 Census Publicity Office at the U.S. Census Bureau. The office manages the development of the 2010 Census paid media campaign in 28 languages and provides support for a $312 million communications contract for advertising services, public relations activities and the implementation of the partnership and Census in Schools programs.

Edward Mazria Receives the 2009 Hanley Award for Vision and Leadership in Sustainable Housing

17 Jul 2009 13:45:50 GMT

Washington, D.C. (PRWEB) July 17, 2009 --Santa Fe, N.M., architect and champion of building energy efficiency Edward Mazria, AIA was named this year's winner of The Hanley Award for Vision and Leadership in Sustainable Housing. Mazria was selected from among 18 distinguished nominees by a panel of judges that comprised Michael J. Hanley, president of The Hanley Foundation; Frank Anton, CEO of Hanley Wood; Steven Winter, FAIA, president of Steven Winter Associates; Allison Ewing, AIA, principal of Hays + Ewing Design Studio; and Sarah Susanka, FAIA, principal of Susanka Studios. Hanley Wood, LLC, is the premier media and information company serving housing and construction. Through four operating divisions, the company produces award-winning magazines and Web sites, marquee trade shows and events, rich data, and custom marketing solutions. The company also is North America's leading publisher of home plans. Hanley Wood Business Media (Washington, D.C.), publishes 30 award-winning residential and commercial construction titles, including builder, remodeling, custom home, concrete constructionand residential architect. Hanley Wood Business Media also offers the construction industry's foremost collection of Web sites, including builder online, remodeling online, and ebuild, the comprehensive online guide to building products, as well as the largest collection of house plans online through ePlans.com and Dream Home Source.

Leading Authorities, Inc. and Fleishman-Hillard Form Strategic Alliance

15 Jul 2009 13:55:49 GMT

Two top D.C. firms partner to increase value to trade and professional associations' members Washington, D.C. (PRWEB) July 15, 2009 -- Leading Authorities, Inc. (LAI) and Fleishman-Hillard (FH) announced today the formation of a strategic partnership to help clients obtain a greater return on investment from large association conferences, meetings, conventions and trade shows - through increased advance interest, attendance and, ultimately, revenue. Building upon their depth of experience in supporting trade and professional associations and industry-wide events, the two firms will offer a comprehensive suite of services to make any industry or association meeting a greater success - for attendees and organizers alike.

Focused Image Promotes Shannon Joyce to Public Relations Account Executive

15 Jul 2009 13:54:27 GMT

FALLS CHURCH, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Focused Image, Inc., a leading marketing communications agency for more than 20 years in the greater Washington, D.C., area, has promoted Shannon Joyce to public relations account executive, reporting to the company�s vice president of public relations. Shannon has been a great asset to our agency, said Focused Image President Toby Eckhardt. She has exhibited tremendous skills in managing and building relationships with clients and has helped expand our public relations division.

40 Under Forty: Kelly Donahue

14 Jul 2009 14:27:04 GMT

When Kelly Donahue was in her early 30s, she and her husband had several opportunities to move out of the area to take jobs in Boston, Washington, D.C., and Chicago. The toughest decision was to stay local, Donahue says. When the pro/con list was created, this area and all that it offers especially Washington County and the closeness to our families kept us here. She has never looked back. Donahue, 38, is corporate communications manager at Einhorn Yaffee Prescott Architecture & Engineering, one of the region�s largest architecture firms in terms of staffing and billings.

People on the Move: July 13

14 Jul 2009 14:25:01 GMT

A weekly roundup of senior-level executive appointments in Greater Washington. For more People on the Move, check out the Washington Business Journal's print edition each week.

Ogilvy Public Relations Worldwide Announces New Vice President, Senior Digital Strategist With 360-Degree Digital Influence Group

9 Jul 2009 13:47:45 GMT

July 9 /PRNewswire/ -- Ogilvy Public Relations Worldwide (Ogilvy PR), a leading global communications firm, today announced Rachel Polish as Vice President of Digital Strategy of the 360-degree Digital Influence Group (http://www.ogilvypr.com/en/expertise/360-digital-influence) on the West Coast. With more than 15 years of public relations, corporate and crisis communications, government affairs and social media strategy, Polish will provide counsel to clients across all practice groups and support business development efforts on behalf of the agency. "Our Digital Influence team has a proven approach to digital word of mouth that constantly attracts an ever-growing client base," said John Bell, managing director of 360-degree Digital Influence. "Rachel's experience, talent and leadership in the digital space will be an invaluable addition to our team, and we are thrilled she is joining us."

Savvis Selects Ogilvy Public Relations Worldwide as Agency of Record for Global Communications Support

8 Jul 2009 14:04:36 GMT

WASHINGTON, July 7 /PRNewswire/ -- Savvis, Inc. (NASDAQ: SVVS) has selected Ogilvy Public Relations Worldwide (Ogilvy PR), a global, multi-disciplinary communications leader, as its global PR agency of record, expanding a U.S. market relationship in place since October 2007. Ogilvy PR will provide Savvis services centered on strategic consulting, thought leadership and brand enhancement programs, and traditional media and social media relations. Additionally, Ogilvy PR will assist the company's international teams with developing brand awareness strategies.

Court: IP Addresses Are Not 'Personally Identifiable' Information

7 Jul 2009 13:53:41 GMT

In a ruling that could fuel debate about online privacy, a federal judge in Seattle has held that IP addresses are not personal information.

People on the Move: July 6

7 Jul 2009 13:37:42 GMT

A weekly roundup of senior-level executive appointments in Greater Washington. Steve Touhill has joined GM Ryan International in Bethesda as director in the digital media division.

Group Awards Tophies To Businesses Naive Enough To Pay For Them

2 Jul 2009 14:17:39 GMT

St. Louis area business should be wary if they get e-mails announcing that they�ve won a “prestigious� award from the Washington-based U.S. Commerce Association. Businesses have to pay for the plaques and trophies and the group giving out the prizes seems fishy, the Better Business Bureau of St. Louis warned on Tuesday.

Facebook Hires Unlikely Ally As Chief D.C. Lobbyist

1 Jul 2009 14:27:56 GMT

SmartBrief on Social Media | 06/30/2009 Facebook has hired Timothy Sparapani, a former senior legislative counsel for the American Civil Liberties Union, as its chief lobbyist in Washington.

People On the Move: June 29, 2009

30 Jun 2009 14:44:22 GMT

A weekly roundup of senior-level executive appointments in Greater Washington. For more People on the Move, check out the Washington Business Journal's print edition each week.

Washington Times to launch national edition

26 Jun 2009 14:22:58 GMT

WASHINGTON The Washington Times said it will launch a national edition this fall. Executive Editor John Solomon said the paper is currently evaluating print sites, but said the national edition would likely run about 36 pages Monday through Friday.

Rapidshare Fined $34 Million for Copyright Infringement

Stan Schroeder — 25 Jun 2009 14:07:24 GMT

Let�s call a spade a spade: it�s no secret that file hosting service Rapidshare (Rapidshare) has long been a haven for distributing copyrighted content. However, it�s a question of principle: must a file hosting service, essentially unrelated to the actual content of the files it hosts, also act as a policeman, actively seeking and removing content that violates copyright? German court says - yes.

Porter Novelli Adds 2 Senior Players

24 Jun 2009 13:54:22 GMT

Global public relations agency Porter Novelli has hired veteran communications strategist Catherine "Kiki" McLean (shown) as partner, global head of public affairs and managing director of the shop's Washington DC office. Separately, the agency has added online marketing pioneer and popular blogger Stephanie Agresta, who will serve as evp, director of digital strategy and social media.

New AP 'Social Media' Policy Draws Union Fire

24 Jun 2009 14:23:32 GMT

NEW YORK Associated Press editors last week updated employee guidelines to include new rules for social media sites such as Twitter, Facebook and MySpace. But not everyone is happy. Leaders of the News Media Guild, which represents 1,520 AP employees in the U.S., complained that one policy requiring Facebook users who are AP employees to delete material posted -- by others -- that violates AP standards is over-reaching.

Focused Image Hires Kaitlin Milkovich as Marketing Communications Associate

23 Jun 2009 14:02:05 GMT

Focused Image Inc. a leading marketing communications agency for more than 20 years in the greater Washington, D.C., area, has hired Kaitlin Milkovich as marketing communications associate.

People on the Move: June 22, 2009

23 Jun 2009 14:06:09 GMT

C. Fox Communications in Silver Spring named Tina McCormack as senior public relations associate, and Julie Feldman as public relations associate. Levick Strategic Communications in D.C. named David W. Whitmore as chief operating officer and general counsel.

TiE DC Selects SpeakerBox Communications as Communications Agency of Record

22 Jun 2009 13:48:49 GMT

Vienna, VA (PRWEB) June 22, 2009 -- The Washington, DC Chapter of TiE (TiE DC), Washington's largest organization of entrepreneurs, announced today it has selected SpeakerBox Communications, a DC-based technology PR and content marketing firm, as its Agency of Record (AOR). In this capacity, SpeakerBox (SBX) will provide strategic counsel and tactical support of TiE DC's communications program. This announcement marks the commitment TiE DC has placed on publicizing and implementing its new branding.

Why is American University Becoming Center for New Journalism?

Mark Glaser — 19 Jun 2009 14:32:21 GMT

I visited American University last month to try to answer a burning question for me: Why was the School of Communications there becoming such a hotbed for new forms of journalism? The Center for Social Media is there. The J-Lab, the Institute for Interactive Journalism, moved to American from the University of Maryland. And Charles Lewis, the founder of the non-profit Center for Public Integrity, decided to start his new Investigative Reporting Workshop at American University as well.

Washington Is A 'Happening Place'? Hollywood Thinks So

19 Jun 2009 14:28:17 GMT

Why is Hollywood's spotlight shining on Washington? "Real or not, the perception outside of D.C. is that it's a happening place with a charismatic new leader in town and a revitalized social scene," says Frances Berwick, Bravo's general manager. The network is currently looking for D.C. women to cast on The Real Housewives of Washington, D.C.

Social Buying Website Comes to DC Market in July

17 Jun 2009 15:00:17 GMT

WASHINGTON, June 17 /PRNewswire/ -- Bringing the fastest growing trend in online shopping -- group buying -- to the Washington, DC market is BuyWithMe.com launching in July and offering consumers exclusive special prices and discounts on shopping, dining, health clubs, spas and other in-demand services. With a simple premise -- in order for a deal to kick in a minimum number of consumers must sign up -- the effect of group buying is felt both by the buyers and the merchants.

David W. Whitmore Joins Levick Strategic Communications as Chief Operating Officer and General Counsel

17 Jun 2009 14:58:43 GMT

WASHINGTON, June 16 /PRNewswire/ -- Levick Strategic Communications, global leader in high-stakes and litigation communications, welcomes David W. Whitmore as the Chief Operating Officer and General Counsel.

People on the Move - June 15, 2009

16 Jun 2009 14:10:45 GMT

Anne Woodbury has joined the TogoRun, a global health care communications firm, as senior vice president and managing director of a new D.C. office. Edward Allmann, former director of marketing for The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, has joined Global Communicators LLC in D.C. as a senior international adviser in charge of new business development and client marketing services. Health communications and public affairs firm Spectrum in D.C. named Katherine J. Maynard as its chief operating officer, a new position.

brandEdge Opens Washington Area Office

16 Jun 2009 14:17:05 GMT

Tallahassee-based brandEdge, a strategic brand development and marketing consulting firm, has opened a new office in the Washington, D.C., area, the firm has announced.

Universal Motown Artist Kicks Off Summer Edition of R&B Live DC

16 Jun 2009 14:04:02 GMT

June 15, 2009 It�s officially summer and R&B Live DC has an incredible series lined up for those steamy months! Live music, great people, great food and drinks. What more could you ask for? This month will continue to be a jam packed event with an energy and groove that cannot be found anywhere else in Washington, DC every third Tuesday of each month. CNPR is a Public Relations boutique firm that specializes in representing R&B, Pop, & Hip Hop artist, and entertainment events.

Sage Communications Expands Government Footprint With Acquisition of JDG Communications

15 Jun 2009 14:59:03 GMT

VIENNA, VA--(Marketwire - June 15, 2009) - Sage Communications, one of the fastest growing full-service marketing communications firms in the Greater Washington D.C. area, today announced it has acquired Falls Church-based JDG Communications, a strategic marketing communications and branding firm serving government, corporate and non-profit clients in the D.C. metro region. Sage's acquisition of JDG broadens its footprint in the government market and deepens its marketing communications services.

Origins of the Washington PR Woman of the Year Award

Mary Fletcher Jones — 15 Jun 2009 14:56:31 GMT

In 2009, Washington Women in Public Relations celebrates the 19th anniversary of the Washington PR Woman of the Year Award. In this 2-minute video, first organizer Kate Perrin describes the first Washington PR Woman of the Year award.

D.C.-centric Cell Phone Application Wins Webby

Tierney Plumb — 12 Jun 2009 15:31:49 GMT

A cell phone application that navigates users around D.C. has won a 2009 Webby Award, beating out such competition as Zagat Survey and NYTimes.com. D.C.-based Qorvis Communications LLC designed the software, which provides location-aware information about events and real-time updates on places to eat, Metro lines and directions to museums and other places in D.C.

About the DC Ad Club

Mary Fletcher Jones — 12 Jun 2009 14:19:05 GMT

Advertising and public relations go together like peanut butter and jelly! Join Conversations in Public Relations as we meet Karen Riordan, the president of the DC Ad Club (www.dcadclub.com), the professional membership association for advertising professionals in the Washington, DC metropolitan area. Learn about the activities of this well-organized group, and why public relations professionals may want to become involved with the DC Ad Club. Video by Mary Fletcher Jones.

Courtesy Associates� Sheila Stampfli Named Chairwoman of Destination DC

12 Jun 2009 14:25:36 GMT

6/11/2009 - Sheila Stampfli, former president and current chief business development officer of Courtesy Associates, a global meeting, conference and special event management firm owned by SmithBucklin, has been named chairwoman of Destination DC, the city�s official convention and tourism corporation.

Small Publishers Converge on Washington for IAB Long Tail Alliance Fly-In

Business Wire — 11 Jun 2009 14:34:09 GMT

In a first-of-its-kind show of strength, Long Tail web publishers from 25 Congressional districts and 13 U.S. states converged in Washington, D.C., to explain the importance of the advertising-supported Internet empowering small business growth in America. The Congressional action was part of a two-day event, hosted by the Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB) to showcase the importance of the ad-supported Internet to the U.S. economy.

Here's Some Good News: Loud TV Ads May Be Near An End

Carrie Wells — 11 Jun 2009 14:38:59 GMT

WASHINGTON - Congress soon might mute screaming TV-ad announcers who press viewers to "buy now!" if broadcasters don't beat the lawmakers to the volume button.

To Avoid Oblivion, Cable Looks for Web Solution

Frank Beacham — 10 Jun 2009 15:20:26 GMT

Two months ago, I wrote this column about how large numbers of people are turning off pay television � choosing instead to watch free television over the Internet. Since then the subject has become Topic A within the cable industry. At the recent Cable Show in Washington, D.C., executives scrambled to support the idea of allowing their paying subscribers access to their programming on the Web. The problem is they don�t have the business deals in place or the technology yet to block non-subscribers.

Spectrum Names Katherine Maynard Chief Operating Officer

10 Jun 2009 15:14:51 GMT

WASHINGTON, June 10 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Leading health communications and public affairs firm Spectrum named Katherine J. Maynard as its Chief Operating Officer, a new position.

The Cool Twitter Conferences World Tour' Kicks Off in Washington D.C. on Thursday, June 11, 2009

9 Jun 2009 14:45:08 GMT

Washington, D.C (PRWEB) June 9, 2009 -- A live simulcast of the 1st stop on "The Cool Twitter Conferences World Tour" in Washington D.C. on Thursday, June 11, 2009 will be made available on the web. The Cool Blue Company is partnering with TodoCast to provide this service to individuals unable to make the trip for the inaugural event. While participants convene at the venue for the event, Busboys & Poets, 2021 14th Street NW, Washington DC 20009 (intersection of 14th & V Streets), individuals unable to be present can attend virtually by pre-registering at TodoCast

Mingle360 Wins Accounts

9 Jun 2009 14:40:17 GMT

Frederick, MD June 9 Liz Lomicka heads-up meetings and conferences for Frederick County business networking, an expanding and bustling region 45 minutes northwest of Washington, DC. Creative Benefit Concepts is Lomicka�s company and she is a registered investment advisory doing business in Maryland, DC and Virginia. Lomicka also has her own networking group called the private Business Resource Network. Lomicka and her other networkers needed a new way to save contact information without the formality of a business card exchange. She turned to Mingle360, a Virginia-based provider of the MingleStick contact management and lead capture device.

People on the Move - June 8

8 Jun 2009 15:24:19 GMT

A weekly roundup of senior-level executive appointments in Greater Washington.

Noral Group International Launches New Company Web Site

8 Jun 2009 15:19:21 GMT

WASHINGTON - (Business Wire) Noral Group International, Inc. launched a new company Web site at www.noralgroup.com. The site was designed and programmed by D.C. area firm, D*MNGOOD, with consulting management provided by Voci Media Works East. Across its four primary content areas, the new site clearly communicates Noral Group�s approach and capabilities as a research-based social marketing firm, while dynamically sharing case study examples of the firm�s work.

Public Relations Leader Porter Novelli Adds Respected and Connected D.C. Communications Leader Catherine 'Kiki' McLean

5 Jun 2009 13:58:18 GMT

NEW YORK, June 4 /PRNewswire/ -- Global public relations leader Porter Novelli today announced that it has hired highly regarded Washington, D.C. communications strategist Catherine A. (Kiki) McLean, 46, as partner, global head of public affairs and managing director of the agency's Washington, D.C. office.

DCSEC Merger Approved

Tim Lemke — 5 Jun 2009 14:09:16 GMT

The D.C. Council approved a measure calling for the D.C. Sports and Entertainment Commission to be merged into the Washington Convention Center Authority in a cost-saving effort.

Air America, Bonneville Reach Local Marketing Agreement For 1050 AM

4 Jun 2009 14:12:18 GMT

Air America Media is landing in Washington. The progressive talk radio network has reached a local marketing agreement with Bonneville International Corp. to begin broadcasting its programming on Bonneville�s 1050 AM signal in the Washington area. Air America expects to launch during the month of June, although an official date, call letters and programming line-up have not yet been determined. As part of the agreement, Air America will essentially lease the signal from Bonneville, and then handle operations, programming and advertising sales.

Sustainable Business Network of Washington Won't Name Permanent Replacement For Outgoing Chief

Vandana Sinha — 4 Jun 2009 13:59:32 GMT

Even as its executive director leaves for another job, the Sustainable Business Network of Washington said the harsh economy will cause it to hold off on choosing a permanent replacement until more money comes in the doors. After one year in the post, Pam Skarda, SBNOW�s second executive director to date, said she is opting to take another private-sector job offer rather than renew her contract with the nonprofit this month. Before Skarda joined the regional business group, she had served for five years as president and CEO of her own consulting firm for public relations, marketing promotions and federal lobbying. I�m truly entrepreneurial by nature, Skarda said. And I want to take advantage of the current environment politically and the social changes that are happening to bring those changes to the private sector.

Blue Water Media Designs Website for Chris Groves' Commercial Office Furniture

4 Jun 2009 14:10:06 GMT

Washington, DC (PRWEB) June 4, 2009 -- Blue Water Media recently launched a newly designed website for Office furniture dealer, Chris Groves of Washington Workplace. The new website promotes the various service offerings that Chris provides as well as highlights the different product and manufacturers that Chris makes available to his clients. The new office furniture website was officially launched on May 21st, 2009.

Google's Washington Presence Keeps Growing

Gautham Nagesh — 3 Jun 2009 14:44:23 GMT

Internet search giant Google has been steadily increasing its presence in Washington as the company seeks to capture a larger share of the federal market for information technology products and services. Google officials discussed the company's increasing involvement in the government space on at an event on Tuesday. At the event Matthew Glotzbach, director of product management for Google Enterprise, unveiled Google Search Appliance 6.0, the latest version of the company's enterprise search tool that many federal agencies use.

TogoRun(TM) Builds Washington, D.C. Presence to Help Clients Navigate Healthcare Reform Challenges

3 Jun 2009 13:54:28 GMT

NEW YORK, June 3 /PRNewswire/ - TogoRun, a global healthcare communications firm, announced that it will open an office today in Washington, D.C. Anne Woodbury, a recognized healthcare public affairs and public policy expert, has joined the firm as senior vice president and managing director of the new office. Formally launched on April 28, with an office in London and headquarters in New York City, TogoRun specializes in global healthcare communications, pharmaceutical and consumer wellness public relations and public affairs. Its client roster includes many of the world's leading healthcare brands.

Nation�s Most Prestigious Student Advertising Competition To Be Held This Week

3 Jun 2009 14:27:33 GMT

WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--College advertising students from across the country will gather this week to present competing entries for the launch of a social marketing campaign to fight the dangerous abuse of alcohol by college students, also known as binge drinking. The National Student Advertising Competition (NSAC) will be held in Arlington, Virginia June 4-5, 2009. The students will present their campaigns to The Century Council, a national not-for-profit organization funded by distillers dedicated to fighting drunk driving and underage drinking and the sponsor of this year�s competition. This year�s competition is unique in that it is the first time participants will address a social issue to promote a positive behavioral change: the prevention of dangerous overconsumption of alcohol among college students. The nation�s premier student advertising competition, NSAC showcases the talent and creativity of individuals who represent the future of the advertising industry. Out of the more than 140 schools that participated in the district competitions this spring, 18 teams advanced to this week�s final round of competition where they will present their campaigns to executives representing The Century Council, the Advertising Council, a nonprofit organization that marshals the pro bono resources of the advertising and media industries to create public service campaigns, and the American Council on Education (ACE), the major coordinating body for all the nation's higher education institutions. Both the Ad Council and ACE assisted The Century Council in developing the case study.

People on the Move - June 1

2 Jun 2009 14:43:48 GMT

A weekly roundup of senior-level executive appointments in Greater Washington.

Vocus Named Best Place to Work in Greater Washington Area

2 Jun 2009 15:02:49 GMT

Leader in On-Demand PR Software Recognized As One of the 50 Best Companies to Work for by the Washington Business Journal Lanham, MD (Vocus) June 1, 2009 -- A leading provider of on-demand software for public relations management, today announced that Vocus has been named one of the Top 50 Best Places to Work in Greater Washington for 2008 by the Washington Business Journal. The Washington Business Journal will announce the winners as well as their rankings at a breakfast awards program on Friday, June 13 at the McLean Hilton hotel at 7:30 a.m. Winning companies will also be profiled in the June 13 edition of the Washington Business Journal.

Australian Journal of Management to be published by SAGE

2 Jun 2009 14:39:22 GMT

Los Angeles, London, New Delhi, Singapore and Washington DC (June 1, 2009) - The Australian School of Business at the University of New South Wales and SAGE have announced that from 2010 the Australian Journal of Management will be published by SAGE. The Australian Journal of Management (AJM) aims to encourage and publish research in the field of management.

The Burbank Group Wins Two More International Summit Creative Awards 2009

29 May 2009 15:21:01 GMT

The Burbank Group, LLC, a corporate branding specialist, was awarded two Bronze 2009 Summit Creative Awards for rebranding the Georgetown University DC Alumni Club and creating their new interactive site. The winning categories include: "Website: Academic Institution;" and "Best Web Rebrand/Redesign." "Both of the awards received on behalf of work done for Georgetown University's Flagship Alumni means that the strategic planning and analysis that went into this site has achieved a superior result.

Politech: What Twitter Hath Wrought and Hath Not

Wesley Vaughn — 29 May 2009 15:21:56 GMT

Like a not-so-apocalyptic disease, Twitter has spread quickly around the country and provided both the media and politicians with a new toy to play with and discuss. This phenomenon has been framed in many different ways, but few have conveyed it entirely. Those on the outside of the strange world of Twitter hold common misconceptions, but even the twits (I think that's the right terminology) on the inside have yet to analyze all that is Twitter.

Report: Online Video Fastest-Growing Medium In The History Of The World

Gavin O'Malley — 29 May 2009 15:44:46 GMT

Having gone from zero to mass market globally in three short years, online video is the fastest-growing media platform in history, according to a new report from social media research consultancy Trendstream and research firm Lightspeed. In one week in January, 97 million Americans viewed a streaming clip online -- as many as are tuning into any major broadcast network -- according to a recent survey of 1,000 U.S. active Web users ages 16-65.

LivingSocial Opens New Chapter for Book Industry With Social Marketing Portal

28 May 2009 14:51:44 GMT

BookExpo America --LivingSocial, the innovative social media company behind Visual Bookshelf, the largest interactive book network on the web, and Pick Your Five, the No. 1 Facebook application, today announced a new social media portal for authors to engage with an active community of book-lovers online. Independent authors can now tap into the same cutting-edge social marketing tools as leading book publishers like HarperCollins, Macmillan, Penguin, Random House, and Simon & Schuster. Authors and publishers alike will have access to a community that has collectively shared 5 million book reviews and catalogued 72 million books.

On and On PR and Marketing to Handle UPF World Premiere of 'Inside Islam: What a Billion Muslims Really Think'

28 May 2009 14:49:23 GMT

On and On PR announced today their office has been selected to execute the strategic PR for the world premiere of Unity Productions Foundation's (UPF) newest film, Inside Islam: What a Billion Muslims Really Think. The event is a private screening at Georgetown University Wednesday, June 3 with an introductory keynote speech by Madeleine K. Albright.

Smartphones Deliver More Than One-Third Of Mobile Ad Impressions

Mark Walsh — 28 May 2009 15:16:22 GMT

Smartphones made up only 12% of device sales worldwide in 2008, but accounted for 35% of mobile ad impressions in April 2009, according to AdMob's latest mobile metrics report. Using phone sales data from Gartner, the study also showed that while the iPhone accounted for only 8% of the smartphone market, it generated 43% of mobile ad impressions in April. (Ads served into iPhone applications made up a significant portion of overall impressions.)

Tweet This: DC Duo Announces 'The Cool Twitter Conferences World Tour'

28 May 2009 14:53:04 GMT

Washington, DC-based technology group, The Cool Blue Company announces "The Cool Twitter Conferences World Tour" with the first of several global one-day events kicking off Thursday, June 11, 2009, 10:00am - 5:00pm at Busboys & Poets, 2021 14th Street NW, Washington DC 20009 (intersection of 14th & V Streets). The Cool Twitter Conference provides an environment for developers, people in business, and enthusiasts from multiple disciplines, who seek to understand and maximize the power of Twitter, the chance to contribute to the discussion and tap into this real-time use of the web.

Movers & Shakers

26 May 2009 14:41:54 GMT

ADVERTISING, MARKETING & PUBLIC RELATIONS O'Neill and Associates, a Boston government and public relations firm, hired Carlos E. Iturregui as a senior vice president in its Washington office, where he will focus on homeland security and immigration issues. He previously worked at the firm in the early 1990s

Tuvel Communications Provides an Edge in Communicating with Government IT, Homeland Security and Law Enforcement Communities

26 May 2009 14:47:12 GMT

Homeland security and law enforcement professionals have an exciting new resource for building community among colleagues and increasing involvement in one of their leading annual events, thanks to the technical expertise of Tuvel Communications, a Washington, DC-area communications firm that specializes in social media and networking. Tuvel is helping the 1105 Government Information Group, which manages the Federal Office Systems Exposition (FOSE) and GovSec/U.S. Law, create excitement and drive traffic to their 2009 Conference and Expo.

Online magazine tries to be a lab for media future

Andrew Vanacore — 26 May 2009 14:49:09 GMT

The Web edition of a cover story from Fortune this spring took a sharp turn from what you might expect at a 79-year-old magazine. Dispensing advice on finding a job during a recession, the piece had a soundtrack, a troupe of improv actors from Chicago and about 4,000 fewer words than your average magazine feature. Instead of scrolling through a column of text, readers (if the term can be applied) flipped through nine pages that told the story with a mix of text, photo-illustrations, interactive graphics and video clips.

Nation's Capital Seeks 'Museum' Film Tie-In

Karl Greenberg — 26 May 2009 16:41:57 GMT

Destination DC, a not-for-profit marketing group that promotes Washington, D.C., is hoping to boost tourism with a campaign tying the Smithsonian Institution and other area attractions to a new 20th Century Fox motion picture, "Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian," in which they serve as major set pieces. The advertising and promotional campaign seeks to get people to visit D.C. by focusing on locations featured in the movie, and offering themed hotel packages and special evening programs.

Trio of D.C. TV Stations to Share Local Newsgathering

Katy Bachman — 22 May 2009 17:01:34 GMT

Three TV stations in the nation's capital announced Thursday (May 21) the formation of a local news service to pool video newsgathering resources. A practice that has been spreading across the nation, WTTG-TV, Fox Television's owned-and-operated station; WRC-TV, NBC Universal's owned-and-operated station; and WUSA-TV, Gannett's CBS affiliate, will launch the service June 15.

Awarded Full-Service Marketing and Creative Services Contract for Florida Project

22 May 2009 14:52:05 GMT

In a statement issued today, Christine L. Delucchi, President of Delucchi+ (www.delucchiplus.com), an innovative, strategic real estate marketing firm located in Washington, D.C., announced that the agency was awarded a full-service marketing and creative services contract for Waterside at Coquina Key, a waterfront condominium project located in St. Petersburg, Florida. Delucchi+ will partner with Atlanta-based sales and marketing firm The Marketing Directors, LLC to complete the sales and marketing efforts for this established community.

Former Chief of Staff to Moynihan Will Join Ogilvy Government Relations

22 May 2009 15:00:41 GMT

Tony Bullock, former Chief of Staff to the late Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan of New York, will join Ogilvy Government Relations (OGR) as a senior vice president starting June 1, 2009. Bullock was the last person to hold the Chief of Staff position in Moynihan's office, serving from 1996 until the Senator's retirement at the end of his fourth term in 2000. As chief of staff to Senator Moynihan, Tony served as the principal political advisor, legislative strategist and spokesperson for the senator. He was responsible for 60 full-time employees in Washington, D.C., New York City and upstate New York.

Some Newspapers Booking Local Ads Online Thanks to Yahoo

Nat Ives — 22 May 2009 15:01:56 GMT

There's no Manhattan Project out there, micropayments and e-readers included, that can win newspapers their old glory back. But there are fronts where newspapers are holding their ground or even advancing a bit, like the push to wring more money out of print readers. Now newspapers are reporting success with another intriguing industry effort: chasing local advertising with technology and ad inventory from Yahoo. The Yahoo newspaper consortium has sold nearly $50 million in Yahoo inventory so far, according to estimates.

Pioneering Social Media Entrepreneur Honored Among Nation's Tech Elite

21 May 2009 15:58:22 GMT

New Media Strategies, the industry pioneer and market leader in social media marketing and measurement, is proud to announce that its founder and CEO, Pete Snyder, was honored as one of the "Top Tech Titans" by Washingtonian Magazine. Snyder was selected because of his "proven track record" and "leadership and vision" as an entrepreneur in the tech world.

Washington, D.C. tourism industry doing well during recession

Ben Shlesinger — 21 May 2009 14:40:42 GMT

The great public relations staff at Destination DC, the tourism and marketing arm for the District, has provided me with information regarding how the city is doing during this recession. Considering how the economy is struggling these days, a little drop in business is considered a success. Anecdotally, I do not know of any city that is experiencing an increase in tourism business.

EXCLUSIVE: Top 30 News/Current Event Sites for April -- Huff Post and Fox Both Gain

Jennifer Saba — 21 May 2009 16:59:50 GMT

MSNBC.com continues to secure the top 30 current event and global news destination sites in the month of April. The site reported 40 million monthly uniques, a 24% increase year-over-year, according to Nielsen Online. Meanwhile, NYTimes.com, which is generally ranked in the top five, dropped down a bit to No. 6 with 16.5 million uniques with year-over-year decline of 8%.

Printed Direct Mail Declining

Katy Bachman — 21 May 2009 16:03:30 GMT

The rise of the Internet has taken its toll on a number of media and is about to claim its third analog victim: direct mail. The largest of the print media, printed direct mail will decline 39 percent over the next five years with annual spending dropping from $49.7 billion in 2008 to $29.8 billion by the end of 2013, according to a study from Borrell Associates to be released later today (Wednesday, May 20) at BIA's Winning Media Strategies conference in Washington, D.C.

Why Washington doesn�t get new media?

Chris Battle — 20 May 2009 14:45:39 GMT

When I first started working in Washington, in the �90s, websites were still a novelty - a bad novelty. The average congressional website was little more than an electronic pamphlet featuring the face of a member of Congress smiling out like a trial attorney airbrushed onto an interstate billboard. The federal agencies were even worse. Agency officials saw the Internet as a piece of technology, not a communications tool.

Google chief Eric Schmidt hints at partnership with Twitter

Amanda Andrews and Emma Barnett — 20 May 2009 15:10:57 GMT

Speaking to reporters following the annual Google Zeitgeist conference, Mr Schmidt said the internet giant "can work" with Twitter without having to buy the social network, hinting that Twitter feeds could be indexed on Google. Mr Schmidt suggested he had held conversations with the Twitter founders about a strategic partnership and said: "We do not have to buy everyone to work with them."

TV Advertisers Are Offered Closer Ties With Content

Stuart Elliott — 20 May 2009 14:49:25 GMT

IN another sign of how hard television executives are working to attract advertising in tough times, two cable channels plan to significantly expand an initiative that pairs commercials with relevant scenes in the shows they interrupt. At a presentation on Wednesday, Turner Entertainment Networks - part of the Turner Broadcasting System unit of Time Warner - intends to announce the expansion of the initiative, called TV in Context. It is to be available in 100 movies and scripted series during the 2009-10 season on TBS and TNT; it has been available in 50 movies on those channels during 2008-9.

Citizen Journalism: Women unite in business

Renee Tinsley — 19 May 2009 14:53:10 GMT

Times are tight. But don't tell that to Dawn Jackson, president of Women Business Owners of Prince George's County. She's telling her group's members not to participate in the recession. "Women must work smarter and harder," Ms. Jackson says. The county is home to an estimated 19,000 female entrepreneurs, according to the Prince George's business and licensing office. Many of them are running both their businesses and their households.

IAB Issues Social Advertising Guidelines

Mark Walsh — 19 May 2009 15:03:55 GMT

Taking a step toward creating more formal standards, the Interactive Advertising Bureau Monday released a set of best practices for social media advertising covering key terms, creative elements, and user privacy, among other topics. The guidelines unveiled at the IAB's Social Media Marketplace conference in New York are intended to encourage the growth of social advertising by giving marketers, agencies and social networks preliminary rules to navigate a category that now spans hundreds of millions of users.

U.S. Travel Association Delivers Over 21,000 Keep America Meeting Petition Signatures to Senate Commerce Committee

19 May 2009 14:56:47 GMT

In an impressive show of industry unity, more than 21,000 signatures from the Keep America Meeting online petition were delivered by the U.S. Travel Association to the Senate Commerce Committee last week during its Senate Hearing on Travel chaired by Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) with ranking member Mel Martinez (R-FL).

FaceTime Strategy Expands Its Team With Newly Created Federal Accounts Executive

18 May 2009 15:07:37 GMT

FaceTime Strategy is proud to announce the hiring of Drew Caracciolo to the newly created position of Federal Accounts Executive. Drew will focus on creating stronger ties with federal clients and government contractors. Drew has an extensive history of developing federal contracts and working with clients to create long-lasting partnerships that meet their unique needs. Drew has worked with government agencies such as the National Archives and State Department to government contractors like Northrop Grumman.

D.C. Bills Itself as the Capital of Tourism, Too

V. Dion Haynes — 18 May 2009 15:09:08 GMT

Rain or shine, summer begins this Memorial Day weekend for the travel industry, and the forecast is cloudy with a strong chance of scattered tourists. Nationally, the travel industry is expecting a 2.2 percent decline this summer for all tourism businesses -- including bookings for planes, hotels, theme parks and resorts -- after taking a similar dip in 2008.

Zen and the art of Twitter maintenance

Terry Brock — 18 May 2009 15:15:13 GMT

"It's not the technology that's scary. It's what it does to the relations between people, like callers and operators, that's scary." - Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, p. 155 As a professional speaker who travels around the world, I often hear people lamenting what technology is doing to us. Many complain that people are spending so much time on social networking services like Twitter, Linkedin, Facebook and others that they are losing track of being with real people. I've heard business owners complain about people putting too much time into Twitter, Facebook, etc. and not enough time into business.

AWC-DC Honors Michelle Singletary and Kate Perrin with the 2009 Matrix Award for Professional Achievement

15 May 2009 14:52:27 GMT

Michelle Singletary, nationally syndicated columnist for The Washington Post and author, and Kate Perrin, CEO, PRofessional Solutions, LLC, are the 2009 Matrix Awards honorees at the annual Matrix Awards luncheon held today by the Washington, DC Chapter of the Association for Women in Communications (AWC-DC) at the National Press Club. Singletary�s award-winning column "The Color of Money" is carried by 120 newspapers and her third book, "The Power to Prosper: 21 Days to Financial Freedom" is scheduled to be released next year.

MASN ads define split among fans

Tim Lemke — 15 May 2009 15:01:56 GMT

The District is filled with polarizing issues. Health care. Government spending. Taxes. And the latest series of commercials from the Mid-Atlantic Sports Network. Area baseball fans are divided in their opinions about MASN's "Defining Moments" campaign, which features fans cheerfully providing accounts of their favorite moments from the Nationals' and Orioles' 2008 seasons.

TV Revisited: Hulu Soars In Streams, YouTube Commands Marketplace

Wayne Friedman — 15 May 2009 15:21:09 GMT

Just in time for TV's upfront, NBCUniversal/News Corp.'s Hulu illustrates why the Internet video could be a growing factor in traditional TV media plans. The big premium video site has grown nearly 500% this April versus a year ago to some 373 million streams per month, according to Nielsen Online. Nielsen says 30% of Hulu's audience is between the ages of 35 and 49.

New Crisis Study Shows Speed and Use of Social Media Outlets Are Keys to Crisis Communication

14 May 2009 14:56:09 GMT

Organizations communicating health and safety information during a crisis need to respond quickly and in common terms when communicating to the public, otherwise audiences will seek information elsewhere, according to a study by a University of Texas at Austin researcher. "Thanks to the Internet and social media applications, such as blogs, Facebook and Twitter, the public is able to seek and share information quickly during a health or safety crisis," said Keri Stephens, assistant professor of communication studies at The University of Texas at Austin. "If an organization involved in the crisis doesn't provide information quickly and clearly, the public will turn to third-party sources to fill the vacuum - and that information may not be accurate."

Blue Water Media Takes Home a Win in the American Design Awards Semi-Annual Design Contest

14 May 2009 14:55:15 GMT

Blue Water Media, a web design company in Washington DC, has been awarded 3rd place in the non-flash web design category of the American Design Awards' 2009 winter, Semi-Annual Design Contest. The contest received over 1300 submission from various designers and agencies across the country.

Google News: Now With YouTube Videos

Adam Ostrow — 14 May 2009 18:07:00 GMT

Local broadcast news video has typically been relegated to the sites of the media companies that broadcast it, plus sometimes YouTube. But now, Google News is adding local news video to its aggregation of stories, letting users watch related YouTube clips alongside the links to news content.

The Association for Downloadable Media/Edison Research to Present "The Podcast Consumer Revealed" Webcast

13 May 2009 16:20:07 GMT

The Association for Downloadable Media today announced the presentation of "The Podcast Consumer Revealed - 2009," on May 21, 2009, at 1:00 EST. Tom Webster from Edison Research will present this special joint ADM/Edison Webcast of the fourth iteration of this widely-cited, authoritative look at the growing audience for audio and video podcasts. The event will be free and requires pre-registration.

A Creative Approach to Sales

Michael Malone — 13 May 2009 16:24:39 GMT

Taking a cue from another New York boss decades before, WCBS New York President/General Manager Peter Dunn is making advertisers an offer he hopes they can't refuse. Reaching out to clients that typically have not advertised on television, Dunn's retooled creative services department pre-produces spots from ads they see in the newspaper, on the Web, even on signage at hockey games. The salespeople at the CBS O&O then bring the commercials on their sales calls, and tell prospective customers that all they have to do is sign up to have the ads run. "We want to give the sales department as much ammunition as possible," says VP of Creative Services Bruce Erik Brauer.

Twitter Still Headed To The Moon With 17 Million U.S. Visitors In April

Erick Schonfeld — 13 May 2009 16:37:15 GMT

Looking at Twitter�s visitor growth charts every month is like watching a rocket go to the moon. ComScore released its U.S. numbers for April, 2009 today and it shows Twitter reaching 17 million unique visitors in the U.S. during the month, an 83 percent increase from March when Twitter had 9.3 million domestic visitors. While Twitter nearly doubled its audience in April, its monthly growth rate did temper down from the 131 percent growth in March.

Destination DC Targets Travelers with Powerful Summer Marketing Campaign

13 May 2009 16:17:02 GMT

As part of National Travel and Tourism Week, Destination DC, the official convention and tourism corporation for the nation's capital, announced a new multi-platform marketing campaign targeting regional travelers, families and urban explorers. Designed to boost summer travel to DC, the campaign combines print, online, in-movie theater and television advertising, along with creative partnerships with consumer products and films, catering to value-minded travelers by focusing on DC's free attractions, fun festivals and hot hotel deals.

Lobbyists Use the Web to Target Messages

Emily Cadei — 11 May 2009 15:03:45 GMT

Billionaire oilman T. Boone Pickens gave a condensed account of his Capitol Hill education in a speech before this year�s National Governors� Conference in Washington: Initially, when Pickens would come to Congress on lobbying trips, lawmakers would keep him waiting half an hour before they would meet him. But, he joked, once he had made his billions, he could make them wait.

Maryland hopes new sports marketing office boosts state�s economy

Ryan Sharrow — 11 May 2009 14:48:56 GMT

Maryland formally unveiled its sports marketing office Friday, an initiative officials hope will be a launching pad to luring more events and visitors to the state. But officials say they�ll need support from the business community to make it happen. In a press conference attended by more than 100 business and tourism leaders, Terry Hasseltine, head of the sports marketing office, touted a new Web site housing a database of Maryland�s 800 facilities and venues, upcoming sporting events and contacts for each of the state�s 24 counties.

Study Confirms Display Ads, Paid Search Work in Concert

Laurie Sullivan — 11 May 2009 15:24:08 GMT

Display ads influence search behavior, according to a study from iProspect released today. The findings rely on data to support industry rhetoric that display ads and search work together to provide a bigger impact on campaigns. The "Search Engine Marketing and Online Display Advertising Integration Study" suggests that while 31% of people click on display ads, nearly as many -- 27% -- go to search engines to provide a search. More than 20% type the company Web address into their browser and directly navigate to the Web site, and 9% respond by investigating the product, brand, or company through social media.

Numbers in April: Twitter and Facebook Shine, MySpace Stagnates

Stan Schroeder — 8 May 2009 15:20:50 GMT

Facebook�s growth, both in terms of the number of users, as well as visitors, has to slow down one day. Well, it is slowing down now, but it�s still huge given how big Facebook already is. Compete�s numbers for April show that Facebook (Facebook reviews) has grown from 91,000,000 to 104,000,000 unique visitors, a healthy 14.35% increase from March.

Senators Remain Committed to Helping Newspaper Industry Get Back In the Black: Kerry Suggests Nonprofit Status, Tax Breaks

8 May 2009 15:20:07 GMT

The U.S. government could provide tax breaks for newspapers or allow them to operate as nonprofits to help the struggling business survive, Sen. John Kerry said this week. The Massachusetts Democrat said Congress can help the industry hit by a collapse in advertising revenue, debt that is getting harder to repay and the drift of print subscribers to free online news websites, Reuters reports. Without newspapers, Kerry and other lawmakers said at a Senate subcommittee hearing Wednesday, there will be too few journalists investigating governments, companies and individuals. "I think there are definitely some things we can do to encourage, to help the situation without stepping over any line," Kerry told Reuters writer John Poirier after holding a hearing on the future of journalism.

comScore's Fulgoni: Rumor Of Display's Death Greatly Exaggerated

Joe Mandese — 8 May 2009 15:10:36 GMT

During the opening keynote at the Search Insider Summit here, comScore Chairman and Co-Founder Gian Fulgoni told members of the search marketing world's elite that the economic downturn - and its negative impact on the digital advertising marketplace - "appears to have bottomed out." He also revealed data contradicting the conventional believe that online display advertising has been eroding.

Michelle Singletary and Kate Perrin to Be Honored at 2009 AWC-DC Matrix Awards Luncheon

7 May 2009 14:43:16 GMT

Michelle Singletary, nationally syndicated columnist for The Washington Post and author, and Kate Perrin, CEO, PRofessional Solutions, LLC, will be honored May 14 by the Washington, DC chapter of the Association for Women in Communications (AWC-DC) during the 2009 Matrix Awards Luncheon at the National Press Club. Each year, AWC-DC honors top women communicators with the Matrix Award.

The Influencer Algorithm

David Goetzl — 7 May 2009 15:08:12 GMT

Marketers place a lifetime value on customers with addresses on their email list based on their purchasing activity. For Netflix, it could be $9. At US Airways, maybe $2. But how do you place a similar value on a person active on a company's Facebook or MySpace page? With social-networking booming, marketers are now in hot pursuit of the metric. Identifying those pacesetters and understanding what drives them can help marketers send them more targeted messages, aiming to drive even more referrals and launch successful viral marketing.

Word Of Mouth Goes Far Beyond Social Media

Karlene Lukovitz — 7 May 2009 14:54:08 GMT

Social media conversation is not only a subset of total word of mouth (WOM); it also differs substantially in content, according to research conducted by WOM research and consulting firm Keller Fay Group. The group compared the 50 most talked-about brands on social media last year as measured by social media consultancy Vitrue's Social Media Index, with "all" WOM -- both offline and online -- as measured by Keller Fay's own TalkTrack system.

Media Marketers Embrace Embedded Video In Email

David Goetzl — 6 May 2009 15:38:24 GMT

Turner Broadcasting and Target have begun using a new service allowing them to insert video directly into promotional emails. When consumers click on a link, the video is ready to watch. The system, branded as CertifiedVideo and launched in mid-April, comes from Silicon Valley's Goodmail Systems and has obvious value to media companies like Turner.

Future of online news may be 'hyperlocal'

John D. Sutter — 6 May 2009 16:04:52 GMT

On a recent morning, when many newspapers and news sites were buzzing about swine flu, voiceofsandiego.org wrote instead about a local science professor and his quest to understand the beginning of the universe. The swine flu story was nowhere to be found. To some news junkies, it may seem like the nonprofit news site missed the big story of the day. But this intentional omission fits right in with the independent publication's values.

Digital Taking Bigger Role in Branded Content

Gavin O'Malley — 6 May 2009 15:39:38 GMT

The overall importance of branded entertainment continues to climb in the strategic planning of top marketers, according to a new white paper released by think tank Event Marketing Institute and agency TBA Global. More than two-thirds of respondents -- 68% -- reported investing in some type of branded entertainment as a means to reach consumers. "There has been a lot of confusion in the marketplace regarding branded entertainment and its role in a brand's marketing mix," said Brian Murphy, EVP at TBA Global.

ASAE & The Center for Association Leadership Enlists Ogilvy PR to Broadcast Associations' Power to Propel America Forward

5 May 2009 14:42:12 GMT

ASAE & The Center for Association Leadership (ASAE & The Center) today launched a communications campaign intended to broadcast how associations across all industry sectors and in every state harness the power of millions to help jumpstart America's economic engine and help propel the nation toward recovery. ASAE & The Center hired Ogilvy Public Relations Worldwide (Ogilvy PR) in mid-March to design and implement the integrated campaign.

Internet Display Spending Expands Amid Recession In Overall Ad Marketplace

Joe Mandese — 5 May 2009 14:43:07 GMT

Internet display advertising grew 4.6% during 2008, making it the fastest-growing of the major media tracked by ad monitoring firm TNS Media Intelligence. By contrast, ad spending in the total measured media marketplace fell 4.1% as the recession took hold, driving advertising budgets down for most of the major media.

Nielsen: Future Looks Bright for Online Media

Charlie Buckwalter — 5 May 2009 15:00:04 GMT

Discussing the trajectory of the online medium in the midst of an historic economic downturn is a perilous business. Assaulted every day with downward-facing red arrows, many of the indicators concerning all things digital veer to the negative:

WeissComm Partners Named 2008 Healthcare Agency of the Year by The Holmes Report

4 May 2009 14:43:14 GMT

WeissComm Partners announced today that it has been named Healthcare Agency of the Year for the second year in a row by The Holmes Report, a leading international trade publication that follows the public relations industry. The agency also climbed nine spots to #11 in PRWeek's annual rankings and was the fastest-growing independent agency in the United States according to annual rankings published by O'Dwyers, another major public relations trade publication.

The Year Of Advertising Dangerously?

David Young — 4 May 2009 15:13:15 GMT

As if shrinking advertising budgets, failing business units, and toxic levels of consumer cynicism were not enough to contend with, the changeover to a new administration and at key leadership positions in Congress presage a challenging year for advertisers on legal and regulatory fronts. Numerous issues such as green advertising, behavioral targeting and drug advertising, among others, loom large. One Member of Congress has even introduced legislation directing the Federal Communications Commission ("FCC") to regulate the volume of television commercials. More importantly, however, reliance upon industry self-regulation, an important aspect of the advertising compliance regime, is likely to come under heavy pressure.

Nonprofits and Social Media -- Another Perspective

Kim Hart — 4 May 2009 15:20:20 GMT

An earlier story about the effectiveness of social networks to raise money for nonprofits hit a nerve in philanthropic and social media circles. The intent of the story was certainly not to "dis" the hugely popular Facebook application Causes, as some blogs have said. To be sure, some groups have successfully raised money through the application, and even more have used it to raise awareness about a cause.

VibrantNation.com Announces Participation in Upcoming Marketing Conferences

1 May 2009 15:02:34 GMT

VibrantNation.com, the online destination for women 50+ and the first peer-to-peer information exchange populated by these smart and passionate women, is continuing to establish their reputation as the thought leader on issues relating to women 50+. Vibrant Nation founder and CEO Stephen Reily and Senior Strategist Carol Orsborn, Ph.D., will lend their expertise to several upcoming marketing and boomer conferences - M2W(R) - The Marketing to Women

THE CABLE SHOW - Finding direction in D.C.

Mike Robuck — 1 May 2009 15:58:19 GMT

Though the cherry blossoms were in bloom in Washington, D.C., the reason for plunking Cable Connection Spring down in the nation�s capital was something short of aesthetic: The show was a big lobbying tool. By the count of one NCTA mole, well over 200 members of Congress had accepted invitations to tour the show and learn about the cable industry first-hand - many for the first time ever.

D.C. Council proposes splitting up D.C. Sports & Entertainment Commission

Jonathan O'Connell — 1 May 2009 15:56:15 GMT

In good times, the D.C. government was eager to use the D.C. Sports & Entertainment Commission and Washington Convention Center Authority to drive new economic development projects. The city has a new baseball stadium and convention center to show for it. But facing an $800 million budget shortfall, Mayor Adrian Fenty used his 2010 budget to propose merging the sports commission into the authority in his 2010 budget.