Marisa Vallbona at 858.467.7990 Julie Dennehy at 508.533.8311 Lisa Faulkner-Dunne at 972.407.1969 Brian Knox at 414-276-6237 Ann Bouchard at 916.783.6161 Or email at info@prconsultantsgroup.com 
ALABAMA Melanie Berry McCraney McCraney Communications 3803 Glencoe Dr Birmingham, AL 35213 P: 205.870.8652 F: 205.870.7213 melanie@mcraneypr.com www.mccraneypr.com McCraney Communications is an award-winning public relations and marketing firm providing strategic message development, brand development, media relations, corporate and stakeholder communications, business to business marketing, issues management and multimedia services. Clients include First Southeast Mortgage, Infomedia, Krispy Kreme, Forensic CPAs Inc, Bull's Safety Equipment, Crawford McWilliams Hatcher Architects, Vision Landscapes, Inc. and others. Melanie Berry McCraney is the founder and President of McCraney Communications. An established public relations practitioner, Melanie has more than 20 years of experience in media management and strategic communications. Melanie worked as a corporate Director of Communications, speechwriter, and independent PR practitioner before founding McCraney Communications in 2001. She began her communications career in the newsroom as a reporter, anchor and broadcast news executive. Melanie's freelance work in includes reporting for NPR's "All Things Considered" and "Morning Edition," The Associated Press Radio Network and others. As radio News Director and Managing Editor, Melanie received numerous Associated Press Broadcast Awards including "Best Investigative Reporting," "Best Anchor," and "Best Newscast." She also served as a Judge for the prestigious Edward R. Murrow Awards. Melanie is a sustaining member of the Junior League of Birmingham and has served on the boards of the Alabama Ballet, Childcare Resources, Shades Valley YMCA, The Communications Studies Advisory Board of UAB and the Alabama Associated Press Broadcasters Association. ALASKA Kathy Day, APR Kathy Day Public Relations (KD/PR) Virtual 2440 Maylen Circle Anchorage, AK 99516 P: 907.868.4884 F: 907.868.2831 Kathy@kdprvirtual.com www.kdprvirtual.com Kathy Day Public Relations (KD/PR) Virtual is a virtual agency made up of sole practitioners who offer a complete suite of communications services. KD/PR Virtual team members include public relations and graphic design professionals as well as a media buyer, photographer, web/social marketing specialist and a videographer. Kathy Day, APR, opened her sole practitioner PR firm in 2000 and expanded the company to a virtual agency in 2007. Kathy has more than 18 years of public relations experience, specializing in Alaska media relations and media training, crisis communications, copywriting, collateral development and strategic planning. Current clients include the Anchorage Convention & Visitors Bureau, Rasmuson Foundation, Kenai River Sportfishing Association, World Wildlife Fund-Alaska Field Office, Spenard Builders Supply, Kiewit Building Group, St. Elias Specialty Hospital, Alaska Dinner Factory, Renewable Resources Coalition, Alaska Pacific University, Reclaiming Futures Anchorage and Aurora Productions. Prior to opening her independent counseling firm, Kathy Day, APR, was Director of Public Relations at Bernholz & Graham Public Relations for nine years. She also has experience as a radio and television reporter in Alaska. A journalism graduate of the University of Colorado Boulder, Kathy was named a "Top Forty Businessperson Under 40" by the Alaska Journal of Commerce and graduated from the Alaska Humanities Forum's "Leadership Anchorage" program in 2003. Kathy is a past president of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) Alaska Chapter. She is committed to mentoring and has volunteered as a PRSA mentor and on the Board of Directors and as a Big Sister with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Alaska. She also is secretary of the board of directors for Girl Scouts Susitna Council. ARIZONA Barb Harris teamworks public relations & marketing communications One W. Citation Lane Tempe, AZ 85284 with offices in Phoenix & St. Louis P: 480.491.5412 F: 480.491.5417 barb@teamworkspr.com www.teamworkspr.com Barb Harris and her partner Sharon Kreher in St. Louis have more than four decades of combined experience in public relations and marketing communications with an emphasis on strategic planning, promotions, writing and media relations. Account management experience includes the food & beverage, retail, non-profit and consumer products. Teamworks is a founding member of PRConsultants Group. Clients include 7-Eleven, T-Mobile, Cold Stone Creamery, Blockbuster, and St. Louis Area Foodbank. In 2006, teamworks managed 28 members of PRConsultants Group to provide publicity support for Cold Stone Creamery in 45 states, resulting in more than 250 million impressions during a nine-month period. Prior to joining forces as teamworks, Sharon and Barb worked at a regional public relations agency where they managed award-winning programs for Good Humor/Breyer's Ice Cream and Einstein Bros. Bagels. Prior to that, Barb worked for Edelman Public Relations Worldwide. Barb also is co-director of Mission Africa, a faith-based humanitarian effort (www.missionafrica.org). ARKANSAS John Deveney, ABC, APR Deveney Communication 2406 Chartres St New Orleans, LA 70117 P: 504.949.3999 F: 504.949.3974 jdeveney@deveney.com www.deveney.com Deveney Communication is a full-service public relations firm with expertise in a comprehensive suite of communication and marketing tactics, including strategic planning, media relations, crisis communication, media training, community relations and internet marketing. The firm, named one of the top five boutique public relations firms in the United States by PRWeek, garners an average $15 million to $400 million of coverage annually for clients such as Starbucks, Ruth's Chris Steak House, the Louisiana Office of Tourism, the March of Dimes and the New Orleans Museum of Art. John Deveney, founder of Deveney Communication, has some 20 years of professional public relations experience. He topped PRWeek's list of the profession's "brightest stars" and "ambassadors that are heroes," and was selected as PR News as "Agency Executive of the Year" less than a decade after making its first list of "15 to Watch." He has earned the highest national and international honors and awards in the communication profession, including the Jake Wittmer Research Award, numerous Bronze, Silver and Gold Quill Awards and Silver Anvils. John is accredited by the International Association of Business Communicators and the Public Relations Society of America. He honed his media relations experience through senior positions with The Mayor's Office/City of New Orleans, Loyola University New Orleans and United Press International before founding the firm in 1996. John is heavily involved with the Public Relations Society of America and the International Association of Business Communicators. Additionally he has served as a board member on numerous boards for organizations such as Loyola University New Orleans, Young Leadership Council and New Orleans Public Library to name a few. CALIFORNIA (Los Angeles/San Diego) Los Angeles: Marisa Vallbona, APR CIM Incorporated 9107 Wilshire Blvd. Suite 450 Beverly Hills, CA 90210 P: 310.461.1949 F: 310.461.1901 C: 619.708.7990 San Diego: 8459 Sugarman Dr. La Jolla, CA 92037 P: 858.467.7990 F: 858.467.7991 C: 619.708.7990 cim@cimincorporated.com www.cimincorporated.com An award-winning public relations counselor with more than 21 years of experience, Marisa Vallbona, APR, has created successful marketing communications programs for clients in the real estate, consumer products, B2B, finance, retail, marine, health care, sports, restaurant, and travel and entertainment industries. Her experience working on public relations account teams for world-renowned organizations has led her to win three prestigious Silver Anvil Awards from the Public Relations Society of America. (The Silver Anvil Award is the top national award in the public relations industry.) Working with such a high caliber of clients also has enabled Marisa to establish a broad network of media contacts. In addition to managing her firm, CIM Incorporated, Marisa is a co-founder of PRConsultantsGroup Inc. - a national affiliation of public relations consultants with offices in 32 states. PRConsultantsGroup Inc. was formed to offer national exposure for clients while providing individual local expertise in a number of major U.S. cities. Within the first 18 months of being formed, PRConsultants Group Inc. attained national recognition in numerous public relations trade publications and business magazines, and was featured in the cover story of INC Magazine's September 2001 issue. Prior to forming CIM Incorporated, Marisa was a principal and co-owner of Rayner & Vallbona, Inc., Advertising and Public Relations from 1990 to 1997. Before that, she was a public relations senior account executive for Berkman & Daniels, the San Diego affiliate office of Hill and Knowlton, one of the world's leading public relations firms. Prior to that, she was media relations assistant for America's Cup XXVII. She has previous experience at a promotional marketing firm, and at a public relations and advertising agency in Austin, Texas. Marisa was graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a bachelor's degree in journalism/public relations and minors in Spanish and French. She also attended L'Université de Dijon in France where she studied intensive French language, translation, culture and history. She speaks Spanish and French fluently. She has won numerous awards for public relations excellence from the Public Relations Society of America, Health Care Communicators, PR Club of San Diego, the Society for Marketing Professional Services (SMPS) and The San Diego Business Journal. Marisa's professional and community involvement is extensive and includes serving in leadership positions on various boards and committees. She is Accredited in Public Relations by the Universal Accreditation Board on which she serves as vice chair. She also is an active member of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) and serves as an Assembly Delegate and Ethics Officer for the San Diego chapter Board of Directors, as well as a director for the Western District Board. She also is a sustaining member of the Junior League of San Diego. An avid runner, Marisa has completed seven marathons, including the prestigious New York City marathon. Sacramento/Fresno Ann Bouchard President Bouchard Communications Group 1430 Blue Oaks Blvd Roseville, CA 95747 P: 916.783.6161 ann@bouchardmarketing.com www.bouchardmarketing.com For the past twenty years, Bouchard Communications Group (BMCG) has serviced clients in commercial companies, non-profits, and government agencies that are located in California and nationwide. As a truly full-service agency the firm offers a full suite of marketing, advertising, and public relations services. The BMCG team provides expertise in the areas of media relations, message strategy, strategic development, spokesperson coaching, special events, and crisis communications, as well as strategic marketing and advertising campaign planning, development and execution. The firm has won numerous awards for its public relations and advertising campaigns. Ann Bouchard has nearly 20 years experience developing award-winning marketing and advertising campaigns. Current and recent clients include: Blockbuster Video, Electronic Systems and Software (ES&S), California Department of Forestry, California Pharmacists Association, Kovar's Karate Centers, Griffith Solutions, Sacramento Food Bank Services and more. San Francisco Bay Area Dawn Stranne Dawn Stranne & Associates 20 Oliva Drive, Suite A Novato, CA 94947 P: 415.893.1780 F: 415.209.6504 dawn@pr-dsa.com With more than 20 years of experience, Dawn Stranne is an award-winning public relations counselor, president of Dawn Stranne & Associates, and the exclusive San Francisco Bay Area member of the PRConsultants Group. Dawn Stranne & Associates has developed successful results-oriented marketing and public relations campaigns for clients in a variety of industries--retail, entertainment, media, consumer products, travel and hospitality, meetings, fitness, restaurant, non-profits, food and beverage. Current and recent clients include the San Francisco Flower & Garden Show, Blockbuster, Garden Conservancy, Cold Stone Creamery, Glaceau (VitaminWater), Popeyes, EQ3, Lladró porcelain, Buckelew Programs, MarinScapes, San Francisco Marriott, KFOG-FM, KNBR 680/1050 and 107.7 The Bone (KSAN-FM). With numerous travel writer contacts around North America, Dawn has successfully pitched stories about Wales, the State of Washington, Fort Worth, New Orleans and the State of Texas. In addition, Dawn Stranne & Associates was hired by various national PR agencies to manage their Bay Area media relations for Honda Civic, Pharmaca, Dreamerz, Stella Artois, Duracell, Hilton Garden Inns and Old Spice. Dawn Stranne has won awards for excellence from the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA), International Association of Business Communicators (IABC), the San Francisco Bay Area Publicity Club and Bay Area Travel Writers. She also earned a Golden Bell Award from the Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International. Before starting her own business, Dawn worked in public relations and marketing at the San Francisco Convention & Visitors Bureau and San Francisco Light Works. As National Chair of the Public Relations Society of America Travel & Tourism Section, she led the effort that restructured the section and significantly increased membership, conference attendance and annual revenue. Member: Public Relations Society of America, Society of American Travel Writers. COLORADO Linda Little, APR Linda Little Public Relations 808 S. Gilpin Street Denver, CO 80209 P: 303.733.9330 F: 303.733.5084 LLittlePR@comcast.net Linda Little, APR, founded her consulting business in 1985 and specializes in media relations, community relations, special events and promotions. Current clients include Verizon Wireless, 7-Eleven and Blockbuster. Other clients have included PainePR, Sprint PCS, Coors Brewing Company, CARL Corporation, Club Meza del Mar (Mexico), Colorado Resort Net, Tour Express, KCNC-TV (CBS affiliate) and Taste of Vail. Before starting her own business, Linda worked in the travel and hospitality industry in Hawaii and Chicago. She has produced a wide range of special events including film festivals in Hawaii and Palm Springs, sporting events, grand openings and consumer shows. Linda is an accredited member of the PRSA and is a past president of the Colorado PRSA Chapter. She has served on the Denver Metro Chamber and was recognized as a "Chamber Champion" for her outstanding work. Linda graduated from Iowa State University in journalism. CONNECTICUT Lisa J. Rhodes Rhodes Morell Communications, Inc. 23 Turkey Hill North Westport, CT 06880 P: 203.341.9801 F: 866.826.1432 C: 203.803.9610 rhodes@optonline.net Lisa J. Rhodes has over 25 years of experience delivering results-oriented public relations and marketing communications programs for global, national and regional clients in consumer products and services, business-to-business, and not-for-profit sectors. In 1990, she founded Rhodes Morell Communications. Since that time, the firm has become known for its creative and strategic campaigns, repeatedly meeting clients' business goals. The firm's areas of expertise include media relations, special events, new product/service launches, community relations, and strategic planning across a wide range of industries, including food/beverage, healthcare, retail, technology and financial services. Prior to establishing Rhodes Morell Communications, Lisa was a senior level practitioner with Shandwick (Dorf & Stanton Communications, Stamford, CT) and Ketchum PR (New York, NY) and managed public relations programs for companies such as Richardson-Vicks, Inc. (P&G), Guinness Import Company, Heublein, KitchenAid, Frito-Lay, Wear-Ever/Proctor-Silex and Greenwich Workshop. Rhodes Morell Communications has won numerous awards, including Women in Communications Matrix Awards, Connecticut Press Club Awards, Inside PR's Creativity in Public Relations Award, The Publicity Club Bell Ringer Award, New England Society for Healthcare Communications Lamplighter Award, and Jobson's Beverage Alcohol Industry Award. DELAWARE Amy Smith Write Ideas, Inc. P.O. Box 2481 Rockville, Maryland 20847 P: 301.294.2424 F: 301.294.0028 Amy@writeideas.com www.writeideas.com Maryland-based Write Ideas, Inc., has more than 15 years' experience and service in public relations. The firm is the exclusive PR firm for all publicity, events, and radio promotions for Blockbuster and 7-Eleven in the D.C. and Baltimore metros. The firm has completed projects for the Girl Scouts of America, Glaceau/Vitamin Water, the Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute, BenefitMall.com, Autos.com, MCI, Pumpkin Masters, Barnes&Noble.com, and more. The firm led a PRConsultantsGroup campaign for Lladro which generated significant PR for its multi-market tour. Write Ideas has a proprietary and well-developed database of media contacts in its markets. Company Founder and President Amy Smith is a charter member of PRConsultants Group, a nationwide affiliation of public relations professionals, and a member of the Public Relations Society of America. Smith, a graduate of the Medill School of Journalism/Northwestern, placed first nationwide in The William Randolph Hearst Writing competition, recognizing excellence in feature and event writing. Three times, the firm was part of collaborative efforts that achieved PRSA's Silver Anvil award. Detailed case studies and work samples are available at www.writeideas.com. Write Ideas creates and implements millions of dollars in value-added promotions and publicity each year. FLORIDA Susan Hamburg Susan Hamburg Public Relations 3633 Parkland Drive Orlando, FL 32814 P: 407.696.7825 F: 407.894.5501 shamburgpr@aol.com Susan Hamburg has more than 17 years of experience in the fields of public relations and marketing, she began Susan Hamburg Marketing and Public Relations Consultants in 1995. Current clients include Blockbuster, 7-Eleven and Bailey Banks & Biddle Fine Jewelers, for whom she provides all public relations and promotional efforts throughout the state of Florida. Susan has also performed public relations and promotional work for Barnes & Noble.com, Pantene, Pepsi and the Kennedy Space Center. Susan has served on the Board of Directors for the Florida Public Relations Association, the Public Relations Committee for the Central Florida Health Care Center for the Homeless and serves on the Panel of Experts in Capacity Building for the U.S. Department of Labor to serve as a consultant in the areas of public relations and marketing for the U.S. Employment and Training Administration. Susan Hamburg Marketing and Public Relations Consultants have offices in Orlando, FL and Nashville, TN. to manage public relations and marketing efforts in the states of Florida, Tennessee and Kentucky. GEORGIA Melissa Libby Melissa Libby & Associates 3500 Piedmont Road, Suite 301 Atlanta, GA 30305 P: 404.816.3068 F: 404.816.5011 melissa@melissalibbypr.com www.melissalibbypr.com Prior to founding Melissa Libby & Associates (MLA) in 1992, Melissa Libby enjoyed a successful career in hotel public relations, promoting upscale and casual restaurants, beverage outlets and room nights. Since starting MLA, Melissa has opened more than 150 restaurants and served hospitality and retail clients through publicity, event planning and implementation, marketing, strategic planning and crisis communications. Melissa is also active in the community. She is on the Executive Boards of Les Dames d'Escoffier and Adopt A Golden Atlanta, is an Advisory Board member of the University of Georgia's Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication, and is a member of the American Institute of Wine and Food, Georgia Organics, James Beard Foundation, National Restaurant Association, Public Relations Society of America, and Greystone Garden Club. Melissa has produced two cookbooks featuring local Atlanta chefs, Atlanta Cooks (2001 Longstreet Press) and Atlanta Cooks at Home (2006 CityBooks Publishing). Melissa graduated from the prestigious Buckhead Business Association leadership program and has been recognized as one of Atlanta's rising stars. She received the Crohn's & Colitis "Citizen of the Year" award in November 2007. Melissa is an original member of PRConsultants Group, a nationwide group of PR consultants providing public relations and marketing communications services to a wide range of clients. In her spare time, Melissa enjoys traveling, running long distances, studying Spanish, and dining out. HAWAII Juliana LaReaux LaReaux Communications 149 Mahealani Place Kailua, HI 96734 P: 808.262.0687 jla@hawaii.rr.com A boutique public relations firm, LaReaux Communications was founded in 1990. The company serves a wide range of clients from retail to healthcare to entertainment and non-profit organizations. LaReaux has a proven track record of producing results with effective public relations programs that support brand marketing strategies. With extensive experience in managing media relations, orchestrating special events and developing comprehensive collateral materials, LaReaux professionals are well-regarded industry performers. Clients benefit from the firm's depth of experience, strong commitment to service and professional integrity. Juliana brings over 20 years of experience to the helm of LaReaux Communications. Originally from Chicago, she relocated to Hawaii in 1987, opening the agency three years later. Creative energy and keen attention to detail drive her "hands-on" approach to client service. Media relations, writing, and events management are the agency's specialties. In addition, the firm manages creative advertising, media planning and graphic design services. Her public relations and marketing skills make Juliana a trusted client resource for board-level and front line staff alike. Prior to launching LaReaux Communications, Juliana was Senior Account Executive at Hill & Knowlton/Communications Pacific and Senior Account Manager in Travel/Retail at AdWorks. Juliana hails from Chicago, were she was a Media Specialist managing national publicity for network television specials. Current clients include: Hawaii's only professional opera company; the state's only psychiatric medical center; several shopping centers; two private country clubs and a host of small businesses. IDAHO Stacia Kirby Kirby Communications 16757 32nd Avenue, NE Seattle, WA 98155 P: 206.363.1492 F: 206.363.6281 C: 206.478.5841 stacia@speakeasy.net Stacia Kirby has a background that combines media and public relation experience. With over 20 years in the workplace, Stacia draws on her knowledge and understanding of the media, coupled with solid public relations expertise, to better serve the needs of her clients. Stacia specializes in media relations, promotions and strategic planning. A sampling of clients include: Starbucks, Washington Apple Commission, Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute, Blockbuster and 7-Eleven-- companies looking to make an impression in the consumer marketplace. Prior to starting her own company in 1992, Stacia was Director of Media Relations for Publicis (formally Evans Group) in Seattle. At the agency, Stacia was primarily responsible for launching Starbucks onto the national scene. Earlier, she was a publicist for Hilsinger Mendelson, an agency specializing in promoting best-selling authors and successful books. Stacia worked closely with best-selling authors such as Tom Clancy, Robert Ludlum,Judith Krantz, and Dominick Dunne. In broadcast media, she has produced for ABC TV, Turner Broadcasting System and the Mutual Broadcasting. In print, she was on the editorial staff of Bon Appetite magazine. Stacia has a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Washington in Broadcast Journalism. ILLINOIS Toni Antonetti Public Relations Chicago 510 N. Prairie Ave. Mundelein, IL 60060 P: 847.949.0097 toni@prchicago.com www.prchicago.com Blog: www.prchicago.typepad.com Public Relations Chicago was founded by Toni Antonetti in 1987 to offer media relations, corporate communications and consumer and business-to-business public relations services to national and locally-based companies. PR Chicago's current clients include Blockbuster, 7-Eleven, Blue Chip Casino Hotel and Arbor Strategy Group. She has also worked on projects for Wal-Mart, CarMax, Paine PR (Duracell, Polaroid, Dockers, Lipton, Slates and XM Radio), Lake County Transportation Alliance, Cold Stone Creamery, Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America, UPG and MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving), among others. Before founding PR Chicago, Toni worked as managing editor of a trade publication and at Midwest-based PR and advertising agencies. Positions held include Director of Public Relations for Marsteller, Inc. and Director of Media Relations for Burson-Marsteller in Chicago. She has worked on projects and accounts for more than 150 companies, many in the Fortune 500. Among her specialty areas are: transportation, technology, food, healthcare and retail. She has a B.J. in journalism from the University of Missouri, Columbia and an M.A. in English from DePaul University, Chicago. She is a member of the Public Relations Society of America. INDIANA Toni Antonetti Public Relations Chicago 510 N. Prairie Ave. Mundelein, IL 60060 P: 847.949.0097 toni@prchicago.com www.prchicago.com Blog: www.prchicago.typepad.com Public Relations Chicago was founded by Toni Antonetti in 1987 to offer media relations, corporate communications and consumer and business-to-business public relations services to national and locally-based companies. PR Chicago's current clients include Blockbuster, 7-Eleven, Blue Chip Casino Hotel and Arbor Strategy Group. She has also worked on projects for Wal-Mart, CarMax, Paine PR (Duracell, Polaroid, Dockers, Lipton, Slates and XM Radio), Cold Stone Creamery, Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America, UPG and MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving), among others. Before founding PR Chicago, Toni worked as managing editor of a trade publication and at Midwest-based PR and advertising agencies. Positions held include Director of Public Relations for Marsteller, Inc. and Director of Media Relations for Burson-Marsteller in Chicago. She has worked on projects and accounts for more than 150 companies, many in the Fortune 500. Among her specialty areas are: transportation, technology, food, healthcare and retail. She has a B.J. in journalism from the University of Missouri, Columbia and an M.A. in English from DePaul University, Chicago. She is a member of the Public Relations Society of America. IOWA Deborah Trivitt, APR Trivitt Public Relations, Inc. 7428 Girard Street Omaha, NE 68122-1766 P: 402.573.7143 F: 908-573-7147 C: 402-598-7804 trivittpr@cox.net Deborah Trivitt, APR, founded Trivitt Public Relations, Inc. in 1997. Trivitt has more than 30 years experience in corporate, agency, education and non-profit public relations. Trivitt Public Relations¹ client base is diverse and includes restaurants, construction companies, real estate brokers and retail shopping centers. Through the PRConsultants Group, Trivitt Public Relations has been involved with projects involving the barnesandnoble.com national tour, the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA), and the March of Dimes. In 2006, we implemented media and community relations activities for Cold Stone Creamery franchises in Nebraska, Iowa, North and South Dakota. In addition, Trivitt Public Relations has coordinated customer appreciation events for Best Buy in North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa and Nebraska. An accredited member of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) since 1993, Trivitt earned the Nebraska chapter¹s 2005 Special Achievement in Public Relations Award. Trivitt is a member of the Construction Writers Association and she is on the Public Relations Committee of the Omaha Metropolitan Medical Response System (OMMRS). She is President of the Woodbridge Homeowners Association. She has bachelor and masters degrees in Journalism and Public Relations. KANSAS (Western Kansas) Eastern Kansas (Kansas City) Beth Paulsen Paulsen Communications 9300 Cherokee Place Leawood, KS 66206 P: 913-648-1710 F: 913.648.1883 C: 913.669.3319 beth@paulsencomm.com www.paulsencomm.com Beth Paulsen APR, president and owner of Paulsen Communications, Inc., is an accredited public relations professional with more than 25 years experience in the communications industry. Paulsen is a communications consultant who offers a variety of communications services designed to help her clients meet their goals and achieve results. She can step in and help with a project, or develop and implement a communications campaign. A seasoned professional, Beth has represented a wide variety of industries including health care, law and higher education. Current and past clients include: Union Bank, Discover Vision Centers, S. M. Wilson & Co., Epic Entertainment, Impact Design, HealthRidge Fitness Center, Sunrise Assisted Living of Leawood, Medical Diagnostic Center, Eagle Point Enterprises, Kansas City NARI, The Legends at Village West, Turning Point: The Center for Hope & Healing, the Greater Kansas City Community Foundation and Shook, Hardy & Bacon. Paulsen is a former president of the Greater Kansas City Chapter of Public Relations Society of America and the recipient of numerous industry awards; former chair of the Outreach Committee of the Greater Kansas City Affiliate of the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation; Executive Director of BreakPointe Charities, the charitable arm of BreakPointe Community Church; former public relations director, National Association of Women Business Owners - Kansas City chapter; public relations director, Kansas City Plaza Rotary Club. KENTUCKY Susan Hamburg Susan Hamburg Public Relations 7710 Nalan Dr. Louisville, KY 40291 P: 615.383.4487 F: 407.894.5501 shamburgpr@aol.com Susan Hamburg has more than 17 years of experience in the fields of public relations and marketing, she began Susan Hamburg Marketing and Public Relations Consultants in 1995. Current clients include Blockbuster, 7-Eleven and Bailey Banks & Biddle Fine Jewelers, for whom she provides all public relations and promotional efforts throughout the state of Florida. Susan has also performed public relations and promotional work for Barnes & Noble.com, Pantene, Pepsi and the Kennedy Space Center. Susan has served on the Board of Directors for the Florida Public Relations Association, the Public Relations Committee for the Central Florida Health Care Center for the Homeless and serves on the Panel of Experts in Capacity Building for the U.S. Department of Labor to serve as a consultant in the areas of public relations and marketing for the U.S. Employment and Training Administration. Susan Hamburg Marketing and Public Relations Consultants have offices in Orlando, FL and Nashville, TN. to manage public relations and marketing efforts in the states of Florida, Tennessee and Kentucky. LOUISIANA John Deveney, ABC Deveney Communication 2406 Chartres St. New Orleans, LA 70117 P: 504.949.3999 F: 504.949.3974 jdeveney@deveney.com www.deveney.com Deveney Communication is a full-service public relations firm with expertise in a comprehensive suite of communication and marketing tactics, including strategic planning, media relations, crisis communication, media training, community relations and internet marketing. The firm, named one of the top five boutique public relations firms in the United States by PRWeek, garners an average $15 million to $400 million of coverage annually for clients such as Starbucks, Ruth's Chris Steak House, the Louisiana Office of Tourism, the March of Dimes and the New Orleans Museum of Art. John Deveney, founder of Deveney Communication, has some 20 years of professional public relations experience. He topped PRWeek's list of the profession's "brightest stars" and "ambassadors that are heroes," and was selected as PR News as "Agency Executive of the Year" less than a decade after making its first list of "15 to Watch." He has earned the highest national and international honors and awards in the communication profession, including the Jake Wittmer Research Award, numerous Bronze, Silver and Gold Quill Awards and Silver Anvils. John is accredited by the International Association of Business Communicators and the Public Relations Society of America. He honed his media relations experience through senior positions with The Mayor's Office/City of New Orleans, Loyola University New Orleans and United Press International before founding the firm in 1996. John is heavily involved with the Public Relations Society of America and the International Association of Business Communicators. Additionally he has served as a board member on numerous boards for organizations such as Loyola University New Orleans, Young Leadership Council and New Orleans Public Library to name a few. MAINE Laura Davis Rinck Advertising 86 Main Street Auburn, Maine 04210 P: 207-755-9470 F: 207-755-9433 laura@rinckadvertising.com www.rinckadvertising.com MARYLAND Amy Smith Write Ideas, Inc. P.O. Box 2481 Rockville, Maryland 20847 P: 301.294.2424 amy@writeideas.com www.writeideas.com Maryland-based Write Ideas, Inc., has more than 15 years' experience and service in public relations. The firm is the exclusive PR firm for all publicity, events, and radio promotions for Blockbuster and 7-Eleven in the D.C. and Baltimore metros. The firm has completed projects for the Girl Scouts of America, Glaceau/Vitamin Water, the Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute, BenefitMall.com, Autos.com, MCI, Pumpkin Masters, Barnes&Noble.com, and more. The firm led a PRConsultantsGroup campaign for Lladro which generated significant PR for its multi-market tour. Write Ideas has a proprietary and well-developed database of media contacts in its markets. Company Founder and President Amy Smith is a charter member of PRConsultants Group, a nationwide affiliation of public relations professionals, and a member of the Public Relations Society of America. Smith, a graduate of the Medill School of Journalism/Northwestern, placed first nationwide in The William Randolph Hearst Writing competition, recognizing excellence in feature and event writing. Three times, the firm was part of collaborative efforts that achieved PRSA's Silver Anvil award. Detailed case studies and work samples are available at www.writeideas.com. Write Ideas creates and implements millions of dollars in value-added promotions and publicity each year. MASSACHUSETTS Julie Dennehy, APR Dennehy Public Relations 45 Village Street Medway, MA 02053 508.533.8311 508.533.8444 Julie@dennehypr.com www.dennehypr.com Julie K. Dennehy, APR is an accredited public relations counselor with nearly 20 years of experience "creating a buzz" in New England and beyond. After experience in radio, advertising and a downtown Boston PR firm, Dennehy founded her own boutique agency in 1996 and is now supported by an account executive and two part-time employees. The agency specializes in results-oriented media relations, charitable events and community relations, attention-getting broadcast promotions, and well-executed special events. Dennehy PR serves clients in the consumer, retail, restaurant, food/beverage, entertainment, hospitality and nonprofit/arts sectors. Clients include such global brands as Blockbuster, 7-Eleven, Labatt USA, as well as Cabot Creamery, Cold Stone Creamery, Rita's Water Ice, Stinger Mosquito Trap, and many more. A natural leader, Julie is one of five directors of the PRConsultants Group, and one of the founders of the Boston Independent Practitioners Network (an affiliation of PRSA/Boston). She has also held leadership positions with the Publicity Club of New England (president), International Special Event Society/New England (director), PRSA/Boston (board member), among others. She has been quoted in numerous publications and was featured in PR News' "Special Issue: 15 to Watch" (April 30, 2001) issue -- "15 Hot Properties: Highly Valued PR Assets." She has won over a dozen regional awards for creative excellence from the Publicity Club of New England, and has served as a long-term judge for these regional awards. She and her husband Tim have two children, Owen and Olivia, who help keep life in balance and the creativity flowing. MICHIGAN Brendy Barr Brendy Barr Communications, LLC 144 Knorrwood Ct. Oakland Township, MI 48306 248.651.4858 brendy@barrcommunications.com www.barrcommunications.com Brendy Barr is a specialist in news media relations and event publicity, with nearly 25 years of experience. She is an award-winning strategist of media relations programs on national, regional and local levels incorporating all aspects of press relations from coordinating media tours and editorial briefings, to planning and scheduling news conferences, to orchestrating and managing press room operations for major events, to story placement in print and electronic media. Brendy assists clients in a variety of business areas including retail, automotive, restaurant/hospitality, entertainment, health, business-to-business, banking and law, and also provides PR support to non-profit organizations. Brendy has created and directed promotional programs for 7-Eleven, Blockbuster, Marriott International, The Fisher Theatre, Audi of America, Detroit Institute of Arts, Comerica CityFest, TEC Detroit, glacéau's vitaminwater, WAL-MART, General Motors, Cold Stone Creamery, California Pizza Kitchen, North American International Auto Show, Cirque du Soleil, Denso International, Chevrolet, Kmart, Ford Motor Company, Best Buy, Comerica Bank, Northwest Airlines, HUMMER, Kelly Services, Coca-Cola, Junior League of Detroit, Hiram Walker, Urban Science, Paint Creek Center for the Arts, Warner Norcross & Judd and Inforum (Women's Economic Club of Detroit). Before starting her agency in 1999, Barr was a Vice President at the Detroit office of Shandwick International (Webber Shandwick). She also served as Director of Media Relations at Franco Public Relations Group for six years. Prior to this, she was Director of Public Relations for Olympia Entertainment, Inc., management company for the Fox Theatre and Joe Louis and Cobo Arenas. A University of Michigan graduate in corporate communications, Barr is a member of the Public Relations Society of America. MINNESOTA Gary Young Fat Frog Marketing 11220 86th Avenue North Maple Grove, MN 55369 P: 952.937.9859 C: 612.247.8123 Main: 763.274.2542 gary@fatfrogmarketing.com www.fatfrogmarketing.com Through the power of positive public relations, Gary Young Ink successfully achieves its clients' communications objectives. Principal Gary Young has more than 25 years experience heading up public relations operations in agency, corporate and non-profit settings -- perfecting the artful blend of creativity, strategy and targeted results. GYI's specialty areas include strategic PR counsel, diversity communications, trade and consumer media relations, newsletters (both electronic and print), special events, internal communications, speechwriting, and beyond. GYI's industry experience includes: food/restaurant (Morton's The Steakhouse, Dunn Bros Coffee, US Foodservice, McDonalds, Buca di Beppo); energy (Midtown Eco Energy, Kandiyohi Development Partners, NorthStar, Connections Etc.), consumer packaged goods (Pampers, Glaceau Vitamin Water, Lettieri's); home products (Sub Zero, Scotchgard), financial services (Venture Bank, RSM McGladrey), technology (Microsoft, Clearfield), health care (American Medical Systems, United HealthCare), travel/tourism (Visit Minneapolis North, MLT Vacations, Northwest Airlines, Minnesota AAA) and cause-related (Susan G. Komen's Race For The Cure, Minnesota Film & Television Board). MISSISSIPPI John Deveney, ABC Deveney Communication 2406 Chartres St. New Orleans, LA 70117 P: 504.949.3999 F: 504.949.3974 jdeveney@deveney.com www.deveney.com Deveney Communication is a full-service public relations firm with expertise in a comprehensive suite of communication and marketing tactics, including strategic planning, media relations, crisis communication, media training, community relations and internet marketing. The firm, named one of the top five boutique public relations firms in the United States by PRWeek, garners an average $15 million to $400 million of coverage annually for clients such as Starbucks, Ruth's Chris Steak House, the Louisiana Office of Tourism, the March of Dimes and the New Orleans Museum of Art. John Deveney, founder of Deveney Communication, has some 20 years of professional public relations experience. He topped PRWeek's list of the profession's "brightest stars" and "ambassadors that are heroes," and was selected as PR News as "Agency Executive of the Year" less than a decade after making its first list of "15 to Watch." He has earned the highest national and international honors and awards in the communication profession, including the Jake Wittmer Research Award, numerous Bronze, Silver and Gold Quill Awards and Silver Anvils. John is accredited by the International Association of Business Communicators and the Public Relations Society of America. He honed his media relations experience through senior positions with The Mayor's Office/City of New Orleans, Loyola University New Orleans and United Press International before founding the firm in 1996. John is heavily involved with the Public Relations Society of America and the International Association of Business Communicators. Additionally he has served as a board member on numerous boards for organizations such as Loyola University New Orleans, Young Leadership Council and New Orleans Public Library to name a few. MISSOURI Kansas City Beth Paulsen Paulsen Communications 9300 Cherokee Place Leawood, KS 66206 P: 913-648-1710 F: 913-648-1883 C: 913-669-3319 beth@paulsencomm.com www.paulsencomm.com St. Louis Sharon Kreher teamworks public relations & marketing communications 16040 Autumn Oaks Circle Ellisville, MO 63021 P: 636.207.5897 F: 636.207.5903 sharon@teamworkspr.com www.teamworkspr.com Sharon Kreher and her partner Barb Harris in Phoenix have more than four decades of combined experience in public relations and marketing communications with an emphasis on strategic planning, promotions, writing and media relations. Account management experience includes the food & beverage, retail, non-profit and consumer products. Teamworks is a founding member of PRConsultants Group. Clients include 7-Eleven, T-Mobile, Cold Stone Creamery, Blockbuster, and St. Louis Area Foodbank. In 2006, teamworks managed 28 members of PRConsultants Group to provide publicity support for Cold Stone Creamery in 45 states, resulting in more than 250 million impressions during a nine-month period. Prior to joining forces as teamworks, Sharon and Barb worked at a regional public relations agency where they managed award-winning programs for Good Humor/Breyer's Ice Cream and Einstein Bros. Bagels. Prior to that, Sharon was an account executive with Hill & Knowlton. Sharon provides pro-bono public relations services to her daughters' school and several organizations in the St. Louis area. MONTANA Margaret Nathan Strategic Communication, Inc. 1554 Aerie Dr. Park City, UT 84060 P: 435.658.2875 F: 415.373.1660 Margaret.Nathan@strategiccommunication.com www.strategiccommunication.com Margaret Nathan has 25 years of experience in a wide variety of communications disciplines, including political affairs, corporate communications, marketing, investor relations, merger and acquisition, crisis communications, and retail and consumer products. Ms. Nathan's unique expertise and accomplishments enabled her to build one of the premier public relations/public affairs firms in Dallas, Texas. She is now a principal in Strategic Communication, Inc., based in Utah, with her husband and business partner Kevin Kruke. They also maintain a Washington, D.C. based lobbying practice. Ms. Nathan has served as public relations counsel to Exxon Corporation, DF&R Restaurants, Inc., Chaparral Steel Company, Thai Airways International, Texas Monthly magazine, SuperShuttle, NationsBank and Price Waterhouse, LLP. She has represented leading Texas law firms and several investment houses including Haas, Wheat & Partners and Cardinal Investments. Ms. Nathan was also a member of the public relations team for Dow Chemical Company on the breast implant issue. Since moving to Utah, Ms. Nathan has maintained many of her Dallas-based clients as well as representing Labatt USA, Norwalk, CN; Chevys Fresh Mex Restaurants, San Francisco, CA; Blockbuster, Inc., Dallas, Peterson Ventures, Inc., Salt Lake City, Nike for the Salt Lake City Olympics in 2002, MARK IV, Toronto, Canada and The Montana Department of Transportation. Strategic Communication, Inc. maintains a stable of senior level counselors across the U.S., with subject matter expertise including broadcast journalists, transportation specialists, and federal lobbying. Strategic Communication is best known for building expert public relations teams for clients and along with membership in the PRCG, also is the Utah affiliate for Manning, Selvage and Lee. NEBRASKA Deborah Trivitt, APR Trivitt Public Relations, Inc. 7428 Girard Street Omaha, NE 68122-1766 P: 402-573-7143 F: 908-573-7147 C: 402-598-7804 trivittpr@cox.net Deborah Trivitt, APR, founded Trivitt Public Relations, Inc. in 1997. Trivitt has more than 30 years experience in corporate, agency, education and non-profit public relations. Trivitt Public Relations¹ client base is diverse and includes restaurants, construction companies, real estate brokers and retail shopping centers. Through the PRConsultants Group, Trivitt Public Relations has been involved with projects involving the barnesandnoble.com national tour, the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA), and the March of Dimes. In 2006, we implemented media and community relations activities for Cold Stone Creamery franchises in Nebraska, Iowa, North and South Dakota. In addition, Trivitt Public Relations has coordinated customer appreciation events for Best Buy in North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa and Nebraska. An accredited member of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) since 1993, Trivitt earned the Nebraska chapter¹s 2005 Special Achievement in Public Relations Award. Trivitt is a member of the Construction Writers Association and she is on the Public Relations Committee of the Omaha Metropolitan Medical Response System (OMMRS). She is President of the Woodbridge Homeowners Association. She has bachelor and masters degrees in Journalism and Public Relations. NEVADA Solveig Thorsrud The Firm Public Relations & Marketing 6157 S Rainbow Blvd. Las Vegas, NV 89118 P: 702.739.9933 F: 702.739.9779 thefirm@thefirmpr.com www.thefirmpr.com Recognizing a need in the marketplace for an agency solely focused on public relations that offers specialized attention to clients, Solveig Thorsrud founded The Firm Public Relations in 1993. The Firm quickly earned a reputation as a creative yet professional full-service public relations company that delivers results to a wide variety of industries. The Firm has played a role in many successful public relations campaigns from the opening of Las Vegas' hottest destination, the Palms Casino Resort and the opening of the AAA Five-Diamond rated Ritz-Carlton, Lake Las Vegas to garnering coverage for the largest gaming trade show in the country, Global Gaming Expo and the opening of Nevada's first Whole Foods Market. Other high-profile and long-term clients who have entrusted The Firm include: Blockbuster Video; Sprint Publishing; 7-Eleven; KB Home; Monte Carlo Resort & Casino; Primm Valley Resorts; AGS Laboratories; Las Vegas International Hotel & Restaurant Show and Nevada Public Radio, just to name a few. As a full-service public relations agency, The Firm offers clients a wide range of services including: Solveig is one of the founding members of PR Consultants Group, a nationwide group of public relations specialists that joined forces in 2000 to create a powerful network aimed at servicing the needs of national accounts in local markets. NEW HAMPSHIRE Julie Dennehy, APR Dennehy Public Relations 45 Village Street Medway, MA 02053 P: 508.533.8311 F: 508.533.8444 Julie@dennehypr.com www.dennehypr.com Julie K. Dennehy, APR is an accredited public relations counselor with nearly 20 years of experience "creating a buzz" in New England and beyond. After experience in radio, advertising and a downtown Boston PR firm, Dennehy founded her own boutique agency in 1996 and is now supported by an account executive and two part-time employees. The agency specializes in results-oriented media relations, charitable events and community relations, attention-getting broadcast promotions, and well-executed special events. Dennehy PR serves clients in the consumer, retail, restaurant, food/beverage, entertainment, hospitality and nonprofit/arts sectors. Clients include such global brands as Blockbuster, 7-Eleven, Labatt USA, as well as Cabot Creamery, Cold Stone Creamery, Rita's Water Ice, Stinger Mosquito Trap, and many more. A natural leader, Julie is one of five directors of the PRConsultants Group, and one of the founders of the Boston Independent Practitioners Network (an affiliation of PRSA/Boston). She has also held leadership positions with the Publicity Club of New England (president), International Special Event Society/New England (director), PRSA/Boston (board member), among others. She has been quoted in numerous publications and was featured in PR News' "Special Issue: 15 to Watch" (April 30, 2001) issue -- "15 Hot Properties: Highly Valued PR Assets." She has won over a dozen regional awards for creative excellence from the Publicity Club of New England, and has served as a long-term judge for these regional awards. She and her husband Tim have two children, Owen and Olivia, who help keep life in balance and the creativity flowing. NEW JERSEY Bob Schiers RAS Associates New Jersey/Philadelphia, PA 1706 Cottage St. Hainesport, NJ 08036 P: 609.267.4861 F: 609.265.9142 C: 856.905.7851 bob.schiers@raspr.com www.raspr.com Based in Southern New Jersey, RAS Associates serves a wide range of retail, industrial, medical and technical clients throughout the greater Philadelphia region (NJ,PA,DE). Founded in 1987, RAS Associates is a full-service Public Relations, Marketing and Communications firm that specializes in event planning, product publicity crisis communications, media relations and targeted customer relations programs. Our client list includes industry leading Blockbuster, H.J. Heinz Foods International, Salomon Smith Barney, El Paso Energy, Tremix USA/Sweden, Ingersoll-Rand, 7-Eleven, Frito-Lay, Hussmann International, Pepsi, The American Red Cross, International Laser and a host of regional and local clients. RAS Associates founder and owner Bob Schiers has more than 20 years experience in the communications industry and has received dozens of PR and communications awards ranging from investigative news reporting to feature writing for local and regional publications and national advertising campaigns. RAS Associates is a charter member of the PRConsultants Group, a nationwide affiliation of public relations professionals. Working with various members of the PRConsultants Group network, Bob was an active part of two different teams that won a prestigious Silver Anvil Award each from the Public Relations Society of America (for 7-Eleven in1997 and for Blockbuster in 1999). To date, RAS Associates has developed, placed and/or executed more than $19 million in advertising, special events and value added promotions for its clients. Recognizing the importance of being a part of the community, Bob is an active member of several non-profit Boards including: The Muscular Dystrophy Association of South Jersey, Community Treatment Solutions for Abused Children, The Louis Vastardis/Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Neurosurgical Brain Tumor Research Foundation and the Hainesport Township School District Technology Committee. Additionally, RAS Associates is a proud corporate sponsor of the United Negro College Fund, American Red Cross, MDA, and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. NEW MEXICO Claude M. Gruener Austin Ink New Mexico/Austin, TX 1607 Mohle Drive Austin, TX 78703 P: 512.479.5080 C: 512.415.7819 ausink@texas.net http://cgruener.home.texas.net With over 30 years of experience in public relations, media relations, product promotions, crisis communications and events staging, Austin Ink's Claude M. Gruener has worked with major PR firms in Austin, Houston and New York City. A former Vice President at Donley Communications in New York, Gruener also served as an account executive at Martin/Salinas Public Affairs, Harshe-Rotman & Druck and Hill & Knowlton. At the PR/PA firms, he has handled local, national and international media relations; booked / toured spokespersons to media interviews across the country; developed advertising and promotional programs; staged groundbreakings for billion dollar projects; and ghostwrote and placed articles in major publications. His diverse clients or employers have included KPMG, Exxon-Mobil, Del Webb/Sun City, Kenner Toys, Dell Computers, AT&T, Humana, Blockbuster Entertainment, 7-Eleven, KB Homes, New York Trust, LaBatt Brewing, Oceana, La Frontera, Levi's, MADD, Old Spice, Polaroid, Zest, Waste Management, J.C. Penney Corporation, and WeServeHomes.com. Gruener has PR/PA and promotional experience in areas including food, retail/residential development, environment, entertainment, telecommunications, solid waste management, computers, consumer products and services, transportation, tax and accounting, publishing, retail, financial services, legal services, health care, management consulting and executive recruitment. A horticulturist and accomplished artist, his Austin garden was featured in Southern Living Magazine and his paintings are in offices and homes across the country. NEW YORK Lisa J. Rhodes Rhodes Morell Communications, Inc. 23 Turkey Hill North Westport, CT 06880 P: 203.341.9801 F: 866.826.1432 C: 203.803.9610 rhodes@optonline.net Lisa J. Rhodes has over 25 years of experience delivering results-oriented public relations and marketing communications programs for global, national and regional clients in consumer products and services, business-to-business, and not-for-profit sectors. In 1990, she founded Rhodes Morell Communications. Since that time, the firm has become known for its creative and strategic campaigns, repeatedly meeting clients' business goals. The firm's areas of expertise include media relations, special events, new product/service launches, community relations, and strategic planning across a wide range of industries, including food/beverage, healthcare, retail, technology and financial services. Prior to establishing Rhodes Morell Communications, Lisa was a senior level practitioner with Shandwick (Dorf & Stanton Communications, Stamford, CT) and Ketchum PR (New York, NY) and managed public relations programs for companies such as Richardson-Vicks, Inc. (P&G), Guinness Import Company, Heublein, KitchenAid, Frito-Lay, Wear-Ever/Proctor-Silex and Greenwich Workshop. Rhodes Morell Communications has won numerous awards, including Women in Communications Matrix Awards, Connecticut Press Club Awards, Inside PR's Creativity in Public Relations Award, The Publicity Club Bell Ringer Award, New England Society for Healthcare Communications Lamplighter Award, and Jobson's Beverage Alcohol Industry Award. NORTH CAROLINA Kim McKeeman, APR McKeeman Communications Group, Inc. North Carolina/South Carolina 12305 Canolder St. Raleigh, NC 27614 P: 919.488.4471 F: 919.488.4472 kim@mckeemanpr.com www.mckeemanpr.com McKeeman Communications Group, Inc. (MCG) is a public relations consulting group that specializes in media relations, marketing public relations and crisis and issues management. Kim McKeeman founded the group in 1994, and since then, she and her team have produced creatively effective results for their clients in the restaurant, retail, entertainment and technology industries in five southeastern states. MCG consultants bring consumer marketing and retail business experience, along with a full-scale understanding of the complete marketing communications arena. From executing single-market media outreach for a technology new product launch to managing media relations with hundreds of reporters in dozens of markets for the McDonald's All American High School Basketball Game, versatility is one of MCG's strong suits. Their commitment to quality and their management philosophy of "doing select things really well" has earned them the reputation of respected communications counselors with their clients and the media. MCG works with a variety of clients including McDonald's, Sprint PCS and Starbucks. NORTH DAKOTA Deborah J. Trivitt, APR Trivitt Public Relations, Inc. 7428 Girard Street Omaha, NE 68122-1766 P: 402.573.7143 C: 402.598.7804 trivittpr@cox.net Deborah Trivitt, APR, founded Trivitt Public Relations, Inc. in 1997. Trivitt has more than 30 years experience in corporate, agency, education and non-profit public relations. Trivitt Public Relations' client base is diverse and includes restaurants, construction companies, real estate brokers and retail shopping centers. Through the PRConsultants Group, Trivitt Public Relations has been involved with projects involving the barnesandnoble.com national tour, the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA), and the March of Dimes. In 2006, we implemented media and community relations activities for Cold Stone Creamery franchises in Nebraska, Iowa, North and South Dakota. In addition, Trivitt Public Relations has coordinated customer appreciation events for Best Buy in North Dakota, Iowa and Nebraska. An accredited member of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) since 1993, Trivitt earned the Nebraska chapter's 2005 Special Achievement in Public Relations Award. Trivitt is a member of the Construction Writers Association and she is on the Public Relations Committee of the Omaha Metropolitan Medical Response System (OMMRS). She is President of the Woodbridge Homeowners Association. She has bachelor and masters degrees in Journalism and Public Relations. OHIO Melinda Kruyer Kruyer & Associates 6509 Oregon Pass West Chester, OH 45069 P: 513.755.1818 F: 513.777.1567 kruyer@aol.com Kruyer & Associates specializes in integrated marketing communications, special events, advertising creation/placement, consumer promotions, and public relations. Melinda Kruyer started the Cincinnati-based business in 1991. Current clients include: The Procter and Gamble Company, Amerigroup Community Care, Cold Stone Creamery, Towne Properties, Blockbuster Inc. and the Cincinnati International Wine Festival. Kruyer & Associates has successfully completed projects for companies that range from Godiva Chocolatier, Crest, XM Satellite Radio, and Pantene to the Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute. Melinda is co-founder and Vice President of the Backstage Marketing Group, an association of restaurants that market collectively to promote the Backstage Entertainment and Theater District in Cincinnati. For the Backstage Marketing Group, Melinda spearheaded the Backstage Bengal Bash pep rally events. 2006 will be the fourth season that Cincinnati Bengal football fans get together with the Bengal players, cheerleaders and media personalities on Friday evenings before home games to hear about the upcoming game and celebrate. The event has doubled in size each year and received local and national coverage. In 2000, Kruyer & Associates created Holiday Jubilee, a free concert series that takes place during December in downtown Cincinnati. With the support of The Procter & Gamble Company, the Mayor of Cincinnati, schools, churches, and community organizations, each year Holiday Jubilee brings 60 choirs and performance groups together to share their talents and create a Cincinnati Holiday Tradition. This year marks the 7th Anniversary of Holiday Jubilee. Melinda serves on the board of Butler County Children's Services, and is Vice President of Major Gifts for the Greater Cincinnati Chapter of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation International board. Prior to creating Kruyer & Associates, Melinda worked for WKRC-TV and WRRM-FM, Cincinnati, CBS Sports, New York City, Congressman Jack Kemp, Washington, D.C., and the World Football League, Memphis. OKLAHOMA Aimee Mehl Littlefield, Inc. 1350 S. Boulder Ave. Suite 500 Tulsa, OK 74119 P: 918.295.1000 amehl@littlefield.us www.littlefield.us In business since 1980, Littlefield specializes in brand planning, strategic messaging and communications, including advertising and public relations. Littlefield's public relations team manages the relationships necessary to promote the customer's brand and preserve its reputation, including crisis communications, media training, media relations and promotions, channel planning, editorial marketing, collateral and Web site development and industry involvement and education. Littlefield's current brand development clients include Ditch Witch, Bank of Oklahoma, the Tulsa Convention and Visitors Bureau, Creek Nation Casino and Quik Print. Littlefield also commits a great deal of time and resources each year to providing pro bono work for a variety of non-profit organizations. Aimee Mehl, Littlefield's PR Director, has more than 18 years' experience in media, media/public relations, and marketing, including production of television and Internet news and programming. Her clients have included the National Rifle Association, Williams Energy, Doctors for Medical Liability Reform, Diamond Council of America, Houlihan's Restaurant Group and the Westin Crown Center Hotel. She is an active board member for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Oklahoma, and volunteers her time for Komen Tulsa Race for the Cure, Bishop Kelley High School, and the School and Church of Saint Mary. OREGON Stacia Kirby Kirby Communications 16757 32nd Avenue, NE Seattle, WA 98155 P: 206.363.1492 F: 206.363.6281 C: 206.478.5841 stacia@speakeasy.org Stacia Kirby has a background that combines media and public relation experience. With over 20 years in the workplace, Stacia draws on her knowledge and understanding of the media, coupled with solid public relations expertise, to better serve the needs of her clients. Stacia specializes in media relations, promotions and strategic planning. A sampling of clients include: Starbucks, Washington Apple Commission, Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute, Blockbuster and 7-Eleven-- companies looking to make an impression in the consumer marketplace. Prior to starting her own company in 1992, Stacia was Director of Media Relations for Publicis (formally Evans Group) in Seattle. At the agency, Stacia was primarily responsible for launching Starbucks onto the national scene. Earlier, she was a publicist for Hilsinger Mendelson, an agency specializing in promoting best-selling authors and successful books. Stacia worked closely with best-selling authors such as Tom Clancy, Robert Ludlum,Judith Krantz, and Dominick Dunne. In broadcast media, she has produced for ABC TV, Turner Broadcasting System and the Mutual Broadcasting. In print, she was on the editorial staff of Bon Appetite magazine. Stacia has a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Washington in Broadcast Journalism. PENNSYLVANIA Bob Schiers RAS Associates New Jersey/Philadelphia, PA 1706 Cottage St. Hainesport, NJ 08036 P: 609.267.4861 F: 609.265.9142 C: 856.905.7851 bob.schiers@raspr.com www.raspr.com Based in Southern New Jersey, RAS Associates serves a wide range of retail, industrial, medical and technical clients throughout the greater Philadelphia region (NJ,PA,DE). Founded in 1987, RAS Associates is a full-service Public Relations, Marketing and Communications firm that specializes in event planning, product publicity, crisis communications, media relations and targeted customer relations programs. Our client list includes industry leading Cabot Creamery Cooperative, Blockbuster, Wal-Mart H.J. Heinz Foods International, East Coast Displays, El Paso Energy, Tremix USA/Sweden, Ingersoll-Rand, 7-Eleven, Frito-Lay, Hussmann International, Pepsi, The American Red Cross, Lladro and a host of regional and local clients. RAS Associates founder and owner Bob Schiers has more than 27 years experience in the communications industry and has received dozens of PR and communications awards ranging from investigative news reporting to feature writing for local and regional publications and national advertising campaigns. RAS Associates is a charter member of the PRConsultants Group, a nationwide affiliation of public relations professionals. Working with various members of the PRConsultants Group network, Bob was an active part of three different teams that won a prestigious Silver Anvil Award each from the Public Relations Society of America (for 7-Eleven in 1997 and for Blockbuster in 1999 & 2007). To date, RAS Associates has developed, placed and/or executed more than $20 million in advertising, special events and value added promotions for its clients. Recognizing the importance of being a part of the community, Bob has served as an active member of numerous non-profit Boards including: The Muscular Dystrophy Association of South Jersey, Community Treatment Solutions for Abused Children, The Louis Vastardis/Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Neurosurgical Brain Tumor Research Foundation and the Hainesport Township School District Technology Committee. Additionally, RAS Associates is a proud corporate sponsor of the United Negro College Fund, American Red Cross, MDA and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. RHODE ISLAND Julie Dennehy, APR Dennehy Public Relations 45 Village Street Medway, MA 02053 P: 508.533.8311 F: 508.533.8444 Julie@dennehypr.com www.dennehypr.com Julie K. Dennehy, APR is an accredited public relations counselor with nearly 20 years of experience "creating a buzz" in New England and beyond. After experience in radio, advertising and a downtown Boston PR firm, Dennehy founded her own boutique agency in 1996 and is now supported by an account executive and two part-time employees. The agency specializes in results-oriented media relations, charitable events and community relations, attention-getting broadcast promotions, and well-executed special events. Dennehy PR serves clients in the consumer, retail, restaurant, food/beverage, entertainment, hospitality and nonprofit/arts sectors. Clients include such global brands as Blockbuster, 7-Eleven, Labatt USA, as well as Cabot Creamery, Cold Stone Creamery, Rita's Water Ice, Stinger Mosquito Trap, and many more. A natural leader, Julie is one of five directors of the PRConsultants Group, and one of the founders of the Boston Independent Practitioners Network (an affiliation of PRSA/Boston). She has also held leadership positions with the Publicity Club of New England (president), International Special Event Society/New England (director), PRSA/Boston (board member), among others. She has been quoted in numerous publications and was featured in PR News' "Special Issue: 15 to Watch" (April 30, 2001) issue -- "15 Hot Properties: Highly Valued PR Assets." She has won over a dozen regional awards for creative excellence from the Publicity Club of New England, and has served as a long-term judge for these regional awards. She and her husband Tim have two children, Owen and Olivia, who help keep life in balance and the creativity flowing. SOUTH CAROLINA Kim McKeeman, APR McKeeman Communications Group, Inc. 12305 Canolder St. Raleigh, NC 27614 P: 919.488.4471 F: 919.488.4472 kim@mckeemanpr.com www.mckeemanpr.com McKeeman Communications Group, Inc. (MCG) is a public relations consulting group that specializes in media relations, marketing public relations and crisis and issues management. Kim McKeeman founded the group in 1994, and since then, she and her team have produced creatively effective results for their clients in the restaurant, retail, entertainment and technology industries in five southeastern states. MCG consultants bring consumer marketing and retail business experience, along with a full-scale understanding of the complete marketing communications arena. From executing single-market media outreach for a technology new product launch to managing media relations with hundreds of reporters in dozens of markets for the McDonald's All American High School Basketball Game, versatility is one of MCG's strong suits. Their commitment to quality and their management philosophy of "doing select things really well" has earned them the reputation of respected communications counselors with their clients and the media. MCG works with a variety of clients including McDonald's, Sprint PCS and Starbucks. SOUTH DAKOTA Deborah J. Trivitt, APR Trivitt Public Relations, Inc. 7428 Girard Street Omaha, NE 68122-1766 P: 402.573.7143 C: 402.598.7804 trivittpr@cox.net Deborah Trivitt, APR, founded Trivitt Public Relations, Inc. in 1997. Trivitt has more than 30 years experience in corporate, agency, education and non-profit public relations. Trivitt Public Relations' client base is diverse and includes restaurants, construction companies, real estate brokers and retail shopping centers. Through the PRConsultants Group, Trivitt Public Relations has been involved with projects involving the barnesandnoble.com national tour, the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA), and the March of Dimes. In 2006, we implemented media and community relations activities for Cold Stone Creamery franchises in Nebraska, Iowa, North and South Dakota. In addition, Trivitt Public Relations has coordinated customer appreciation events for Best Buy in North Dakota, Iowa and Nebraska. An accredited member of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) since 1993, Trivitt earned the Nebraska chapter's 2005 Special Achievement in Public Relations Award. Trivitt is a member of the Construction Writers Association and she is on the Public Relations Committee of the Omaha Metropolitan Medical Response System (OMMRS). She is President of the Woodbridge Homeowners Association. She has bachelor and masters degrees in Journalism and Public Relations. TENNESSEE Susan Hamburg Susan Hamburg Public Relations Florida/Tennessee/Kentucky 3633 Parkland Drive Orlando, FL 32814 P: 407.696.7825 F: 407.894.5501 shamburgpr@aol.com Susan Hamburg has more than 17 years of experience in the fields of public relations and marketing, she began Susan Hamburg Marketing and Public Relations Consultants in 1995. Current clients include Blockbuster, 7-Eleven and Bailey Banks & Biddle Fine Jewelers, for whom she provides all public relations and promotional efforts throughout the state of Florida. Susan has also performed public relations and promotional work for Barnes & Noble.com, Pantene, Pepsi and the Kennedy Space Center. Susan has served on the Board of Directors for the Florida Public Relations Association, the Public Relations Committee for the Central Florida Health Care Center for the Homeless and serves on the Panel of Experts in Capacity Building for the U.S. Department of Labor to serve as a consultant in the areas of public relations and marketing for the U.S. Employment and Training Administration. Susan Hamburg Marketing and Public Relations Consultants have offices in Orlando, FL and Nashville, TN. to manage public relations and marketing efforts in the states of Florida, Tennessee and Kentucky. TEXAS Austin Claude M. Gruener Austin Ink 1607 Mohle Drive Austin, TX 78703 P: 512.479.5080 C: 512.415.7819 ausink@texas.net cgruener.home.texas.net With over 30 years of experience in public relations, media relations, product promotions, crisis communications and events staging, Austin Ink's Claude M. Gruener has worked with firms and clients in Austin, Houston and New York City. A former Vice President at Donley Communications in New York, Gruener also served as an account executive at Don Martin Public Affairs and Hill & Knowlton. At the PR/PA firms, he has handled local, national and international media relations; booked / toured spokespersons to media interviews across the country; developed advertising and promotional programs; and ghostwrote and placed articles in major publications. His diverse clients or employers have included KPMG Peat Marwick, Mobil Oil, Del Webb Corporation, Kenner Toys, Dell Computers, AT&T Wireless Services, Humana, Blockbuster Entertainment, 7-Eleven, KB Homes, New York Trust, LaBatt Brewing/Interbrew, Waste Management, J.C. Penney Corporation, and WeServeHomes.com. Gruener has PR/PA and promotional experience in areas including retail/residential development, environment, entertainment, telecommunications, solid waste management, computers, consumer products and services, transportation, tax and accounting, publishing, retail, financial services, legal services, health care, management consulting and executive recruitment. A horticulturist and accomplished artist, his Austin garden was featured in Southern Living Magazine and his paintings are in offices and homes across the country. Dallas/Ft. Worth Lisa Faulkner-Dunne Lisa Faulkner-Dunne and Associates Public Relations 6314 Duffield Drive Dallas, TX 75248 P: 972.407.1969 F: 972.407.1980 C: 214.287.1969 lisafd@mindspring.com Lisa Faulkner-Dunne has more than 20 years of experience in public relations and marketing, and has had her own firm, Lisa Faulkner-Dunne Public Relations, for 16 years. She served as Mayor Pro Tem Annette Strauss' executive assistant for the City of Dallas before becoming the Director of Public Relations for the Volunteer Center of Dallas County. In 1992, she created her own agency, specializing in community relations and consumer products. Clients have included Blockbuster, 7-Eleven, JC Penney, Farmers Branch Chamber of Commerce, Chevy's restaurants, Labatt, Land Rover, Alaskan Salmon Marketing Institute, Boyd Gaming Corporation and PhRMA; and through Paine PR: XM Radio, Polaroid, Lipton Tea, Hilton Garden Inns, Toshiba, Old Spice and Duracell. In 1993, while working with client 7-Eleven, Lisa brought together a group of experienced PR agencies, many of them sole proprietorships and small firms, to handle public relations, media relations and sales promotional activities in local markets. The concept was so successful that it was implemented for another Dallas firm, Blockbuster. Many of these PR professionals are now members of the PRConsultant's Group. Lisa is a graduate of Leadership Dallas and was a founding board member of the Dallas County Adult Literacy Council, and of the 100 of Dallas of Dallas, which raised money for agencies targeting at-risk children. She served as Vice President, Communications for the Leadership Dallas Alumni Association, and is currently a member of Dallas Junior Forum, and a board member for the Pearce Excellence In Education Fund and the PTA at her son's school, where she handles publicity. She is a director and one of the original members of the PRConsultants Group. Awards and recognitions include a Matrix Award from Women in Communications and two Silver Anvils from PRSA. Lisa has a B.A. from The University of Kentucky and an M.P.A from Southern Methodist University, ans resides in Dallas with her husband and two sons. Houston Petri Darby, APR darbyDarnit Public Relations 19303 Arbor Breeze Ct. Spring, TX 77379 P: (713) 724-9917 F: (281) 257-4775 pdarby@darbyDarnit.com www.darbyDarnit.com Petri Darby is the chief darn officer of darbyDarnit, a public relations, marketing communications and freelance writing business. He represents clients spanning various industries including professional services, health care, real estate, aviation, nonprofits, consumer products, and more. Petri previously served as the sole PR/corporate communications representative for one of the nation's top full-service law firms, served as the Brand Manager in the Make-A-Wish Foundation global headquarters in Phoenix, Arizona, and worked as an account executive at one of Arizona's top PR firms, developing and implementing crisis management, environmental community relations, and public affairs campaigns. He also served as the public affairs director and lobbyist for a higher education advocacy association and has worked on a number of political campaigns. Petri is on the boards of several charity and professional association boards of directors. He received his Bachelor's Degree in media arts and a minor in sociology from the University of Arizona in Tucson and achieved an Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) in 2003. He and his wife Shannon and their young son Finley live in Spring, Texas. UTAH Margaret Nathan Strategic Communication, Inc. 1554 Aerie Dr. Park City, UT 84060 P: 435.658.2875 F: 415.373.1660 Margaret.Nathan@strategiccommunication.com www.strategiccommunication.com Margaret Nathan has 25 years of experience in a wide variety of communications disciplines, including political affairs, corporate communications, marketing, investor relations, merger and acquisition, crisis communications, and retail and consumer products. Ms. Nathan's unique expertise and accomplishments enabled her to build one of the premier public relations/public affairs firms in Dallas, Texas. She is now a principal in Strategic Communication, Inc., based in Utah, with her husband and business partner Kevin Kruke. They also maintain a Washington, D.C. based lobbying practice. Ms. Nathan has served as public relations counsel to Exxon Corporation, DF&R Restaurants, Inc., Chaparral Steel Company, Thai Airways International, Texas Monthly magazine, SuperShuttle, NationsBank and Price Waterhouse, LLP. She has represented leading Texas law firms and several investment houses including Haas, Wheat & Partners and Cardinal Investments. Ms. Nathan was also a member of the public relations team for Dow Chemical Company on the breast implant issue. Since moving to Utah, Ms. Nathan has maintained many of her Dallas-based clients as well as representing Labatt USA, Norwalk, CN; Chevys Fresh Mex Restaurants, San Francisco, CA; Blockbuster, Inc., Dallas, Peterson Ventures, Inc., Salt Lake City, Nike for the Salt Lake City Olympics in 2002, MARK IV, Toronto, Canada and The Montana Department of Transportation. Strategic Communication, Inc. maintains a stable of senior level counselors across the U.S., with subject matter expertise including broadcast journalists, transportation specialists, and federal lobbying. Strategic Communication is best known for building expert public relations teams for clients and along with membership in the PRCG, also is the Utah affiliate for Manning, Selvage and Lee. VERMONT Julie Dennehy, APR Dennehy Public Relations 45 Village Street Medway, MA 02053 P: 508.533.8311 F: 508.533.8444 Julie@dennehypr.com www.dennehypr.com Julie K. Dennehy, APR is an accredited public relations counselor with 15 years of experience "creating a buzz" in New England and beyond. After a stint in radio and advertising before finding her niche in consumer-oriented public relations at a Boston agency, Dennehy founded her own boutique agency in 1996 and is now supported by Audrey Juliano, Account Executive, and a host of part-time employees. The agency specializes in results-oriented media relations, charitable events and community relations, attention-getting broadcast promotions, and well-executed special events, and serves clients in the consumer, retail, restaurant, food/beverage, entertainment, hospitality and nonprofit/arts sectors. She currently represents such global brands as Blockbuster, 7-Eleven and Labatt USA, and a host of area nonprofits. With an extensive rolodex filled with Boston VIPs and personal media contacts, she has also provided ongoing support to major regional special events and news conferences. Julie is an active member of the national PRConsultants Group network, and one of the founders of the Boston Independent Practitioners Network, a subgroup of PRSA/Boston chapter, and the Greater Boston Convention and Visitors Bureau, among others. She has been quoted in numerous publications and was featured in PR News' "Special Issue: 15 to Watch" (April 30, 2001) issue -- "15 Hot Properties: Highly Valued PR Assets." She has won over a dozen regional awards for creative excellence from the Publicity Club of New England, and held numerous board and leadership positions with PRSA, the International Special Event Society, Boston Women Communicators, as well as numerous community nonprofits. She and her husband Tim have two small children, Owen and Olivia, who help keep life in balance and the creativity flowing. VIRGINIA Northern Va. Amy Smith Write Ideas, Inc. P.O.Box 2481 Rockville, Maryland 20847 P: 301.294.2424 Amy@writeideas.com www.writeideas.com Maryland-based Write Ideas, Inc., has more than 15 years' experience and service in public relations. The firm is the exclusive PR firm for all publicity, events, and radio promotions for Blockbuster and 7-Eleven in the D.C. and Baltimore metros. The firm has completed projects for the Girl Scouts of America, Glaceau/Vitamin Water, the Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute, BenefitMall.com, Autos.com, MCI, Pumpkin Masters, Barnes&Noble.com, and more. The firm led a PRConsultantsGroup campaign for Lladro which generated significant PR for its multi-market tour. Write Ideas has a proprietary and well-developed database of media contacts in its markets. Company Founder and President Amy Smith is a charter member of PRConsultants Group, a nationwide affiliation of public relations professionals, and a member of the Public Relations Society of America. Smith, a graduate of the Medill School of Journalism/Northwestern, placed first nationwide in The William Randolph Hearst Writing competition, recognizing excellence in feature and event writing. Three times, the firm was part of collaborative efforts that achieved PRSA's Silver Anvil award. Detailed case studies and work samples are available at www.writeideas.com. Write Ideas creates and implements millions of dollars in value-added promotions and publicity each year. Norfolk/Richmond Jennifer Sisk JLS Communications 400 Harlan Circle Richmond, VA 23226 P: 804.285.4525 F: 804.285.1412 JLSiskComm@aol.com JLSisk Communications is an advertising and public relations firm, established in 1989 by Jennifer Sisk and located in Richmond, Virginia. The firm offers expertise and services in marketing planning and development, new product introductions, promotions, special events, consumer-oriented relations and collaborative creative development. Ms. Sisk has been in the industry for 16 years and her experience extends from work for Blockbuster, XM Radio, Barnes & Noble.com, DIRECTV and Ruth's Chris Steakhouse to Ralph Lauren Womenswear, Monkey's, NTW , Fairfax County Economic Development Authority and numerous area banks and real estate firms. Special non-profit promotional projects have included, Sheltering Arms Rehabilitative Hospital's Bal du Bois, Blockbuster's National Kid's Day with the Boys and Girls Clubs of America and the Virginia Museum of Fine Art's Jumpin in July. WASHINGTON Stacia Kirby Kirby Communications 16757 32nd Avenue, NE Seattle, WA 98155 P: 206.363.1492 F: 206.363.6281 C: 206.478.5841 stacia@speakeasy.org Stacia Kirby has a background that combines media and public relation experience. With over 20 years in the workplace, Stacia draws on her knowledge and understanding of the media, coupled with solid public relations expertise, to better serve the needs of her clients. Stacia specializes in media relations, promotions and strategic planning. A sampling of clients include: Starbucks, Washington Apple Commission, Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute, Blockbuster and 7-Eleven-- companies looking to make an impression in the consumer marketplace. Prior to starting her own company in 1992, Stacia was Director of Media Relations for Publicis (formally Evans Group) in Seattle. At the agency, Stacia was primarily responsible for launching Starbucks onto the national scene. Earlier, she was a publicist for Hilsinger Mendelson, an agency specializing in promoting best-selling authors and successful books. Stacia worked closely with best-selling authors such as Tom Clancy, Robert Ludlum, Judith Krantz, and Dominick Dunne. In broadcast media, she has produced for ABC TV, Turner Broadcasting System and the Mutual Broadcasting. In print, she was on the editorial staff of Bon Appetite magazine. Stacia has a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Washington in Broadcast Journalism. WASHINGTON, D.C. Amy Smith Write Ideas, Inc. P.O. Box 2481 Rockville, Maryland 20847 P: 301.294.2424 Amy@writeideas.com www.writeideas.com Maryland-based Write Ideas, Inc., has more than 15 years' experience and service in public relations. The firm is the exclusive PR firm for all publicity, events, and radio promotions for Blockbuster and 7-Eleven in the D.C. and Baltimore metros. The firm has completed projects for the Girl Scouts of America, Glaceau/Vitamin Water, the Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute, BenefitMall.com, Autos.com, MCI, Pumpkin Masters, Barnes&Noble.com, and more. The firm led a PRConsultantsGroup campaign for Lladro which generated significant PR for its multi-market tour. Write Ideas has a proprietary and well-developed database of media contacts in its markets. Company Founder and President Amy Smith is a charter member of PRConsultants Group, a nationwide affiliation of public relations professionals, and a member of the Public Relations Society of America. Smith, a graduate of the Medill School of Journalism/Northwestern, placed first nationwide in The William Randolph Hearst Writing competition, recognizing excellence in feature and event writing. Three times, the firm was part of collaborative efforts that achieved PRSA's Silver Anvil award. Detailed case studies and work samples are available at www.writeideas.com. Write Ideas creates and implements millions of dollars in value-added promotions and publicity each year. WEST VIRGINIA Melinda Kruyer Kruyer & Associates 6509 Oregon Pass West Chester, OH 45069 P: 513.755.1818 F: 513.777.1567 kruyer@aol.com Kruyer & Associates specializes in integrated marketing communications, special events, advertising creation/placement, consumer promotions, and public relations. Melinda Kruyer started the Cincinnati-based business in 1991. Current clients include: The Procter and Gamble Company, Amerigroup Community Care, Cold Stone Creamery, Towne Properties, Blockbuster Inc. and the Cincinnati International Wine Festival. Kruyer & Associates has successfully completed projects for companies that range from Godiva Chocolatier, Crest, XM Satellite Radio, and Pantene to the Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute. Melinda is co-founder and Vice President of the Backstage Marketing Group, an association of restaurants that market collectively to promote the Backstage Entertainment and Theater District in Cincinnati. For the Backstage Marketing Group, Melinda spearheaded the Backstage Bengal Bash pep rally events. 2006 will be the fourth season that Cincinnati Bengal football fans get together with the Bengal players, cheerleaders and media personalities on Friday evenings before home games to hear about the upcoming game and celebrate. The event has doubled in size each year and received local and national coverage. In 2000, Kruyer & Associates created Holiday Jubilee, a free concert series that takes place during December in downtown Cincinnati. With the support of The Procter & Gamble Company, the Mayor of Cincinnati, schools, churches, and community organizations, each year Holiday Jubilee brings 60 choirs and performance groups together to share their talents and create a Cincinnati Holiday Tradition. This year marks the 7th Anniversary of Holiday Jubilee. Melinda serves on the board of Butler County Children's Services, and is Vice President of Major Gifts for the Greater Cincinnati Chapter of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation International board. Prior to creating Kruyer & Assaciates WISCONSIN Evan N. Zeppos, APR Zeppos & Associates, Inc. 400 East Mason Street/Suite 200 Milwaukee, WI 53202-3703 P: 414.276.6237 F: 414.276.2322 ezeppos@zeppos.com www.zeppos.com Milwaukee-based Zeppos & Associates, Inc. is a public relations and governmental affairs firm created in 1994 with three people. Celebrating its 11th anniversary this year, Zeppos and Associates is ranked as one of the top 80 independent public relations firms in the country. Evan N. Zeppos, APR is the president of the now 16 member firm, that has a motto "to be the best, not the biggest." The firm has worked with a wide variety of clients over the years including Blockbuster Video, Ocean Spray Cranberries, Wisconsin Gas, Miller Brewing Company, Extendicare, P.F. Changs, Krispy Kreme, Kohls department stores and many others. The Zeppos & Associates team has won numerous Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) Paragon Awards for its work including assisting a grassroots group to help pass a referendum to establish an entertainment complex and casino in southeastern Wisconsin, communicating to a variety of audiences about a major environmental cleanup project, promoting events surrounding the All Star Game at Miller Park, assisting the state's largest grocery store chain in communicating the sale of seven stores, and promoting one of the nation's only free bus ride programs on New Year's eve. With nearly three decades of public relations experience, Mr. Zeppos is recognized throughout the state of Wisconsin as a leader in the field. He is a past president of the Milwaukee Chapter of the PRSA, former Communications Director for Congressman David R. Obey, Chief of Staff to Congressman Gerald D. Kleczka, and Deputy Press Secretary to Wisconsin Governors Patrick J. Lucey and Martin J. Schreiber. Zeppos is a member of The Counselors Academy of PRSA, The Rotary Club of Milwaukee and a past board member of the Milwaukee Press Club. Brian Knox, is a vice president at Zeppos & Associates with more than 10 years of public relations experience and previously spent 11 years as an award winning television reporter/anchor. Knox worked at network news affiliates in Nashville, Tennessee, Rockford, Illinois, Green Bay and Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Mr. Knox has used his experience to media train numerous community and business leaders, coordinate crisis communications, write and edit communications documents, create and implement publicity and marketing efforts, develop successful radio and television promotions, and more. Knox's work with Zeppos & Associates team members has resulted in numerous PRSA Paragon awards, including one for planning a community relations event that celebrated the completion of the Miller Park stadium, home to the Milwaukee Brewers. The event drew more than 5,000 people from around the state and resulted in the collection of two tons of food for a local hunger agency WYOMING Margaret Nathan Strategic Communication, Inc. 1554 Aerie Dr. Park City, UT 84060 P: 435.658.2875 F: 415.373.1660 Margaret.Nathan@strategiccommunication.com www.strategiccommunication.com Margaret Nathan has 25 years of experience in a wide variety of communications disciplines, including political affairs, corporate communications, marketing, investor relations, merger and acquisition, crisis communications, and retail and consumer products. Ms. Nathan's unique expertise and accomplishments enabled her to build one of the premier public relations/public affairs firms in Dallas, Texas. She is now a principal in Strategic Communication, Inc., based in Utah, with her husband and business partner Kevin Kruke. They also maintain a Washington, D.C. based lobbying practice. Ms. Nathan has served as public relations counsel to Exxon Corporation, DF&R Restaurants, Inc., Chaparral Steel Company, Thai Airways International, Texas Monthly magazine, SuperShuttle, NationsBank and Price Waterhouse, LLP. She has represented leading Texas law firms and several investment houses including Haas, Wheat & Partners and Cardinal Investments. Ms. Nathan was also a member of the public relations team for Dow Chemical Company on the breast implant issue. Since moving to Utah, Ms. Nathan has maintained many of her Dallas-based clients as well as representing Labatt USA, Norwalk, CN; Chevys Fresh Mex Restaurants, San Francisco, CA; Blockbuster, Inc., Dallas, Peterson Ventures, Inc., Salt Lake City, Nike for the Salt Lake City Olympics in 2002, MARK IV, Toronto, Canada and The Montana Department of Transportation. Strategic Communication, Inc. maintains a stable of senior level counselors across the U.S., with subject matter expertise including broadcast journalists, transportation specialists, and federal lobbying. Strategic Communication is best known for building expert public relations teams for clients and along with membership in the PRCG, also is the Utah affiliate for Manning, Selvage and Lee. |
