Agriculture in Napa Valley sure tastes good. Two weeks ago I was fortunate enough to have a little getaway to Northern California. Of course, I made certain to include a day of Napa Valley wine tasting in my agenda. I visited three wineries in the valley: Cakebread, St. Supery and Frog’s Leap. There are nearly 250 wineries in the wine growing region that boast wines comparable to those of Italy and France. So, there’s plenty of reason to go back.
Interestingly enough, Cakebread started off as a bakery before it became a Napa Valley winery. Of the 10 wines my friends and I tasted at St. Supery, I would say, in my humble amateur wine-taster opinion, that at least seven of them were great wines and three were exceptional: the cabernet sauvignon, the merlot and the Rutherford merlot. I case you haven’t noticed, I prefer dry reds. Frog’s Leap was the last stop on our mini-tour. Unfortunately, we only had time to taste one varietal and it was the merlot. It didn’t quite hold up to St. Supery. But, hands down, Frog’s Leap had the best landscaping, views and tasting lounge. It also has the best website, if you ask me.
Milwaukee-based Bader Rutter is welcoming three new associates to its public relations group. Anna Kirk, Josh Sova and Sara Pellowski are the newest additions to the marketing services agency.
Anna Kirk (pictured top right) joins Bader Rutter as a team leader. 
Kirk brings 11 years of professional communications experience to her position. Most recently, she owned and managed Launchpad MCPR, Inc. Kirk holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee. She will be working on the Schneider Electric account.
Josh Sova (pictured middle left) joins the agency as an assistant account executive. Most recently, Sova worked for The Promotions Network (TPN), Milwaukee. He holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin – La Crosse. 
Sova will be working on the Merial account, an animal health company.
Sara Pellowski (pictured bottom right) also joins the agency as an assistant account executive. Pellowski previously worked for Ron Sonntag Public Relations, served as a reporter for the West Bend Daily News and was a contributing writer for Soho Magazine. Pellowski is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin – Whitewater. She will be working on the Dow AgroSciences account.
Osborn & Barr has created a public affairs division led in part by Missouri’s just-past Director of Agriculture.
The new group will allow O&B, North America’s largest agency focused on agricultural and rural markets, help its current and future clients manage critical public policy priorities.
Specifically, the public affairs group will monitor key issues as they relate to agriculture, alternative energy and other rural priorities. It will provide strategic guidance for its clients as they manage particular issues, including grassroots communications efforts and community support. The group will do this while working closely with O&B’s public relations discipline in order to maximize all outreach opportunities and deliver the greatest value for its clients.
Co-leading the public affairs efforts for the practice will be Katie Smith, who most recently served as the Director of the Missouri Department of Agriculture. Smith’s strong background in agricultural and energy issues is a natural fit for O&B.
Smith will co-lead the new public affairs group with Neil Caskey, who currently oversees O&B’s growing government client roster. Caskey, who joined O&B almost two years ago, previously served as an association executive and legislative assistant.
It looks like we’ll be getting to work with a new agency for BASF.
Mullen has won integrated marketing communications duties for BASF U.S. Crop Protection to enhance awareness and sales of the company’s herbicides, fungicides, insecticides, plant regulators and seed treatment technologies that offer the highest level of crop protection solutions to growers across the U.S.
“Mullen’s team went to exceptional lengths to understand the complexity of our business and the impact our innovations and technologies have on the U.S. agricultural market,” said Ray Gilmer, BASF Crop Protection Division group communications manager. “We were impressed by the team’s passion and insights into the category and the integrated campaign that flowed from both.”
The agency’s work will include branding, advertising, public relations, digital strategy, direct marketing and media planning and buying for the U.S. Crop business.
Jean Hiller, Two Rivers Marketing, has received a big award from AEM’s Publications in Construction and Agriculture subgroup. She’s their 2008 Public Relations Person of the Year.
PICA honored Hiller at AEM’s annual Marketing Council Seminar, held recently in Portland, Ore.
“Everyone at Two Rivers Marketing is very proud of Jean,” said Brian Jones, president. “Jean has a magnanimous spirit which not only makes her a natural leader but also the best kind of mentor. PICA couldn’t have chosen a more deserving recipient.”
The PICA Public Relations Person of the Year award is presented annually to an equipment manufacturing industry marketing communications professional whom the PICA editors believe exemplifies “best practices” in media relations with the trade press. Candidates are rated in the following categories: accuracy, knowledge of company/products (and ability to provide access to proper company officials), knowledge of industry publications, trustworthiness, professionalism, producer of press events, kits, materials etc. that are of high quality, value and completeness, and ability to represent company interests and respect trade press integrity and independence.
Two Rivers Marketing also received PICA awards for client advertising and marketing initiatives in direct mail campaigns, print advertising and press kit design.
You can view a list of all the winners here.
The Meyocks Group is brave enough to be independent.
Doug Jeske, chief operating officer of The Meyocks Group advertising agency, has acquired the firm from Hy-Vee, the two parties announced today. The Meyocks Group will continue to be advertising agency of record for Hy-Vee.
“This change in ownership gives The Meyocks Group the opportunity to operate and grow as an independent firm,” says Jeske, who joined the firm in 1993 and was elected to its management team in 1996. Jeske was named chief operating officer in 2006 and has been running the day-to-day operations of the agency since last December. “This transition will be seamless for our clients and our team members,” he says.
Hy-Vee purchased The Meyocks Group in 1994 when it was known as Meyocks Benkstein Associates. The agency later operated as Meyocks & Priebe Advertising. Richard “Dick” Meyocks retired in 1995 and passed away in 1996. Co-founder Ken Benkstein remains a senior counselor with the firm.
Bader Rutter, an integrated marketing services agency based in Milwaukee has added two associates to its public relations group.
Allyssa Berry joins the agency as an assistant account executive. A native of Pattonsburg, Mo., Berry recently graduated from the University of Missouri with a bachelor’s degree in agricultural journalism. She will be working on the Dow AgroSciences account.
Rick Stoner joins the agency as an account executive. A native of Milwaukee, Stoner most recently served as a public relations account executive at Alpaytac in Chicago. He will be working on the firm’s animal health account, Merial.
There have been some hirings and promotions at Osborn & Barr.
Sarah Yancey brings her award-winning skills to her new role as account executive on the United Soybean Board and QUALISOY accounts.
Rob Petrovich serves as a senior copywriter for accounts such as Michelin Ag Tires. Rob brings several years of experience to O&B having worked for agencies such as Adsavants, Momentum and Leo Burnett.
Kevin Massman joins O&B as account supervisor for the Hayward Pool Products and Goldline Controls accounts. His previous experience includes work for Ervin Marketing Creative Communications.
O&B promoted Jerris Breslin to the role broadcast business director. Jerris will manage the agency’s broadcast production for all of O&B’s clients.
Jenny Vatterott was promoted to broadcast business associate. In her new position, she oversees the broadcast business side of project production for all of the agency’s clients.
Promoted to senior graphics specialist, Steve Washburn will continue his work for O&B clients and take on more training and supervision responsibility.
Mandy Heth was named account executive for the QUALISOY, United Soybean Board and Ohio Soybean Council accounts.
More growth at Bader Rutter.
Bader Rutter, an integrated marketing services agency based in Milwaukee, hired Kim Wirth as an assistant account executive and promoted Lindsay Sasse to assistant account executive in the agency’s account management group.
Prior to joining Bader Rutter, Wirth worked for Publicis Dialog in San Francisco.
Wirth is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin – Madison. She will be working on the Dow AgroSciences account.
Sasse joined Bader Rutter in 2007 and most recently served as an administrative assistant. Sasse holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin – Green Bay. She will be working on the Dow AgroSciences account.
If you’d like us to post what’s happening at your agency then make sure you send me your annoucements.
Filament Marketing has added a couple of new people to their staff.
Filament Marketing, LLC has announced the hiring of Buffy Sacia as an associate marketing executive. In this role, she will coordinate marketing projects and conduct public relation activities in order to carry out strategic marketing plans for many of the company’s clients.
Sacia has worked as an intern for Filament Marketing since May 2007 assisting on a variety of client projects. She has previous professional experience as a specialty writer for Agri-View newspaper and as an equine specialist intern for University of Wisconsin Extension.
“As an intern, Buffy has proven to be an exceptional member of our team,” says Ed Peck, owner and president of Filament Marketing. “Buffy’s vivacious personality and marketing skills make her a valuable, long-term addition to Filament and an immediate asset to our clients. And, her cattle, equine and diverse livestock experience add considerable depth to the team.”
Filament Marketing, LLC announces the hiring of Kristina Duwe. As an associate marketing executive, Duwe is responsible for strategic project management for several of the company’s clients.
Duwe most recently worked as Special Projects Coordinator for the Dairy Business Association (DBA) of Wisconsin where she planned and coordinated association events, managed association public relations, and assisted with member recruitment initiatives. Prior to that, Duwe gained valuable project management and client service experience as an account executive for Neighbors and Dane County Kids, community-based newspapers in the greater Madison, Wis. area.
I’m really glad I’m going through my email. Somehow I missed this when I took my Mac in.
Erin Malewicki has joined Bader Rutter & Associates as an assistant account executive in the agency’s Account Management Group. Malewicki comes to the agency from GMR Marketing where she was an account coordinator.
She will be working on the firm’s animal health account, Merial. A native of Elm Grove, Wis., Malewicki graduated from the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee with a bachelor’s degree in marketing.
The agency will be their marketing and communications firm.
Charleston|Orwig will assist Pfizer Animal Genetics with introducing and establishing its new brand as the global leader in livestock genomics. Initially, the agency will help develop new public relations and customer advocacy strategies to effectively position Pfizer as a leader in this category.
“Our goal in finding a partner to help us enter into livestock genomics was to identify someone whose business acumen could provide strategic insights and campaign development and then execute them globally,” says Doug Ricke, Director of Marketing for Pfizer Animal Genetics. “We found that experience at Charleston|Orwig.”
In March Pfizer announced the purchase of two genetics companies, Catapult Genetics and Bovigen, and the creation of Pfizer Animal Genetics as a business unit of Pfizer Animal Health. The product offerings include genetic markers for traits leading to greater management efficiencies, and improved meat and carcass quality. More product offerings are currently in development.
Bader Rutter just announced some promotions.
Kevin Kahler has been promoted to senior interactive media specialist in the agency’s Digital Solutions Group. He has been with Bader Rutter since 2003, most recently holding the title of interactive media specialist.
Zach Szewczyk has been promoted to account executive. He joined the agency in 2007 as an assistant account executive in the Account Management Group. Szewczyk will continue to work on the GE Healthcare account.
Wendy Mayo has been promoted to account executive in the Public Relations Group. She began her career for Bader Rutter as an intern before joining the team as a writer in 2006. Mayo will continue to work with Merial, the agency’s animal health account. She graduated from Kansas State University with a bachelor’s degree in agricultural communications and journalism.
Toni Czajka has been promoted to team leader in the agency’s Account Management Group. She joined Bader Rutter in 2006 as an account supervisor for the GE Healthcare and John Deere Credit accounts.
Here’s something for all you ag media buyers out there. Tired of the sales calls? Pick up a Colt, Lazer or M16 and take care of those bothersome pests. Courtesy of Intergi, it’s the Intergi Shooters Game.
Intergi is the premier gaming site representation company that serves customers on a global scale. With years of experience in the gaming community and the largest reach online, we are a driving force in the game society. Our diverse online presence allows us to stay tapped into a variety of our core audiences needs, and also provides our clients with a number of advertising venues to reach the gamer in everyone.
Via AdRants.
Rhea + Kaiser are turning 30 today. Happy Anniversary Steve and Van.
Rhea + Kaiser Marketing Communications is celebrating its 30th anniversary today. Since Steve Rhea and Van Kaiser co-founded the company in 1978, the business has grown from a six-person advertising agency into a full-service, integrated marketing communications agency with more than 110 employees.
Van and I saw the opportunity to create and manage an independent agency specializing in agriculture, but we had no idea where this business might take us, said Rhea, president and CEO. Were proud of our accomplishments and grateful to our employees and clients who have become our allies along the way. (more…)
Many of you AgWired readers probably congratulated Ken Anderson last week at the NAMA Convention for his new position with Ayres Kahler as VP/Director of Public Relations. I saw him the first night I was in KC and learned the news. Feel free to send him your congrats when you get a chance.
In his new position, Anderson is responsible for interpreting clients strategic marketing plans through PR and publicity efforts. This includes building and strengthening media relationships in broadcast, print and on-line venues in order to deliver appropriate messages for the agencys clients.
Anderson will also serve as an account director for several of the Ayres Kahlers key clients and contribute to the agencys new business task force.
Anderson has nearly 30 years of communications and marketing experience in Nebraska, including positions with Lexington radio station KRVN and Lincoln-based seed company NC+ Hybrids. Most recently, he was an account executive with a Hastings advertising firm.
Congratulations from AgWired to the CEO of the National Corn Growers Association, who received the Agribusiness Leader of the Year award at the National Agri-Marketing Association conference in Kansas City on Thursday.
Rick Tolman has been in charge of NCGA for almost eight years, during a time of dramatic changes, new challenges and the highest prices in history for corn growers. He told me that he was fortunate to be able to lead the industry as it began to benefit from some of the decisions that were made more than a decade ago.
Listen to a short interview with Rick here.
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Speaking of rock. We were speaking of rock weren’t we?
Colle + McVoy held the 6th Annual Agri-Rock Fest this evening. Here’s some of the band. There were a lot of body piercings and tattoos and specialty rock legend beverages.
It’s now getting too late even for an agriblogger so you’ll have to check the photo album for some new ones and wait for more NAMA excitement in the morning.
2008 Agri-Marketing Conference Photo Album
I don’t know about you but Deron is one of those people that just always makes me smile when I talk to him. If you see him this week at the NAMA Convention then you need to congratulate him.
Rhea + Kaiser Marketing Communications announces the promotion of Deron Johnson to Vice President, Public Relations Director.
Johnson, who joined Rhea + Kaiser in 2005 as director, public relations, manages an 18-person team while overseeing the development of PR strategy and programs for all Rhea + Kaiser clients, including Athenix Corporation, Bayer CropScience, Pfizer Animal Health, Sandvik Mining and Construction, Underwriters Laboratories and Valley Irrigation.
Deron brings invaluable leadership to Rhea + Kaiser, and our clients benefit every day from his unique insight into their needs, said Steve Rhea, president and CEO of Rhea + Kaiser Marketing Communications. This promotion recognizes his accomplishments and the importance of public relations as a part of the fully integrated communications services we offer our clients.
NAMA invites are coming in.
This one’s from Colle+McVoy promoting their 6th Annual Agri-Rock Fest called Phenamanon.
There’s a game involved along with some animal sounds and some rock and roll of course. I’ve got the t-shirt, tats and ear ring and have put it on the calendar.
Want your NAMA event promoted here on AgWired?
You know who to call (or email).
You can expect to get one from ZimmComm in the near future too.
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Digital cattle news pioneer, Rob Cook, is now working for Vance Publishing after the company acquired CattleNetwork.com.
