Events started taking place today for IPE Week in Atlanta and Novus International got their schedule started with a presentation titled, “Like It: Consumers want to hear your expert opinion.” The session was conducted by David Armano, Executive Vice President – Global Innovation & Integration. His focus was on “how cutting edge research influences the everyday consumer via social media.”
I spoke with David afterward. He says he talked about what’s next in regards to social media and digital and how some of the technology shifts are being dictated by our behaviors and the ways we now communicate and do business. He especially zeroed in on the changes in media and talks about a Media Cloverleaf (Mainstream, New Media, Social and Owned). He also shared some polling study information from what they call the Trust Barometer. One of the findings was that traditionally academics and technical experts have been perceived as the most trustworthy. Last year the third most trusted individual was a financial industry analyst but this year it’s someone like yours truly ie. someone like you! I think you’ll find some great information in my conversation with David.
McCormick Company, a fully integrated communications agency, has announced plans to open an office in the Indianapolis area to further enhance service to clients in Indiana and nearby states. Norm Cosand, a leader in the art and science of marketing strategy, has joined McCormick as a vice president/group director and will manage this new office. Cosand will continue to provide branding, database and digital marketing expertise to his current clients, while offering strategic counsel to McCormick clients.
Most recently, Cosand provided integrated-marketing counsel to a broad range of agriculture, financial services and healthcare organizations through his company, Cosand Strategic Marketing in Indianapolis. Before that, he was chief executive officer of The Jackson Group in Indianapolis, and was a vice president at both Price/McNabb, Charlotte, N.C., and Marketing Technology Inc., Philadelphia. Cosand also held senior manager positions at Crow’s Hybrid Corn Company, Milford, Ill., and Callahan Seeds, Westfield, Ind. A Purdue University graduate, Cosand has served on several non-profit boards and as a director for Central Restaurant Products, Indianapolis.
McCormick Company’s new office in Indianapolis is expected to be operational by the second quarter of 2012.
I just received some sad news from Rhea + Kaiser. Agency co-founder, Van Kaiser, has passed away. We echo the sentiments expressed in this statement from the agency. We are deeply saddened to announce that John V. (Van) Kaiser, co-founder of Rhea + Kaiser, passed away this week. He was 68. Van’s creative prowess and contagious humor grounded and inspired the agency and our people. The business is stable and running business as usual. Steve and Van have long had plans in place for an orderly transition. Our hearts go out to Van’s family and friends.
You can learn more about Van and the starting of the agency on their website.
According to McCormick, they will serve USCP from the company’s Amarillo, Texas, location with assistance from staff in the Kansas City office.
USCP is headquartered in Lubbock, Texas, and is a producer-funded organization with focus on crop improvement, high-value markets and renewable fuel opportunities for grain and forage sorghums.
It was just over a year ago that I started doing a series of interviews with the leadership at agricultural agencies. I started out with Diane Martin, President/CEO, Rhea + Kaiser and thought it very appropriate to talk with her again to see how things have been going at the agency.
To start off, Diane says that things are going well with the celebration this year of a couple of milestones with various clients like GROWMARK – 30 years and Bayer at 26 years. Another development is the agency diversification into different industries like construction equipment and higher education. Diane says they’ve also been going through a cultural revolution internally. One example is a renewed effort to liven up client presentations so they become more enjoyable and educational.
There are a number of additional changes that have taken place at the agency during the last year. To learn more about them listen in on my conversation with Diane: Rhea + Kaiser a Year Later
Thanks to our ZimmCast sponsor, GROWMARK, locally owned, globally strong, for their support.
The ZimmCast is the official weekly podcast of AgWired. Subscribe so you can listen when and where you want. Just go to our Subscribe page.
I’m not getting tired of these seasons greetings. Hope you’re not either. This one comes from our friends at Gibbs & Soell.
Seasons greetings from everyone at Gibbs & Soell. As we look back on our 40th anniversary we are grateful to our clients, employees and friends whose support makes our existence possible. We salute everyone who helped celebrate this milestone by giving back. Please visit our Facebook page to read our stories.
At the recent NAMA Trends in Agriculture conference one of our panel discussions focused on “Trends In Energy/Alternative Fuels.” On the panel were Nathan Schock, POET & Matt Roberts, PhD.
What are the main influences escalating the demand for ethanol and other plant-based energy? This session examines the trends in the alternative fuel market and the initiatives needed to drive the production to meet the demand. You’ll also discover the messages and opportunities on which ag communicators and marketers need to focus.
Thanks to Paulsen Marketing for supplying this video clip with Nathan who talks about government’s role in ethanol’s future.
Heather says that purchasing decisions are becoming more and more important for farmers trying to meet the food needs of a growing population. So Paulsen conducted this study to find out how farmers are making those decisions. The study verifies some of the logical assumptions you might make like how important the input is from older farm family members. They conducted fourteen interviews with farm families throughout the midwest.
Sara says one of the most fascinating thing that came out of their study is that there is a lot of brand assimilation in farm families and there are several reasons for that including, familiarity, consistency, integration and relationships. Basically, it’s influence that comes down through the generations. For agrimarketers, this offers some challenges to break through that influence. She says that decisions are being made throughout the year now without the traditional seasonality that we used to have.
You can listen to my interview with Sara and Heather to learn more about the study here: Paulsen Thought Paper
At the recent NAMA Trends in Agriculture conference one of our panel discussions featured Tom Dorr, U.S. Grains Council. The panel topic was “Meeting the Growing Demand for Exports for Trade.” Thanks to Paulsen Marketing for supplying this video clip with Tom.
Much of American agriculture is dependent on international trade. What does this mean for the future if the ag industry in our country? NAMA Trends in Agriculture explored that issue with a panel that included Tom Dorr, the President and CEO of the U.S. Grains Council. Dorr shared his thoughts on what solid export policy for the U.S. should look like.
At the recent NAMA Trends in Agriculture conference our keynote closing speaker in a shared Session with NAFB was Jeff Simmons, Elanco. He spoke about “Productivity to Feed a Growing Population.” Thanks to Paulsen Marketing for supplying this video clip with Jeff.
A growing wave of food insecurity threatens more than 1 billion people around the world. Solutions exist today to help meet food needs. Jeff Simmons, President, Elanco, talked about the real issue we have today is feeding ourselves and how technology can play a major role in accomplishing that.
If you don’t know our new National Agri-Marketing Association President then give this week’s program a listen. I visited with Beth Burgy, Broadhead, who took over the helm at NAMA during the Trends in Agriculture conference.
Beth says the big project for NAMA is going to be implementing the new strategic plan. That plan includes three strategy areas that are: Increase our strategic partnerships on both the local and national level; Communicate with members and partners more effectively and Grow NAMA membership in non-traditional segments. Beth says NAMA is a growing organization and in great condition.
Rhea + Kaiser has AMPed up its account services department.
The renaming of the Rhea + Kaiser Account Management and Planning—or AMP—department, formerly known as Account Services, reflects the team’s role as comprehensive account leaders who provide smart, strategic counsel and cultivate big ideas.
“Our work has always been much more than servicing day-to-day account details,” said Cheryl Muzinic, director of the Account Management and Planning department at Rhea + Kaiser. “We needed a contemporary department name to communicate the full scope of our capabilities and responsibilities both to clients and internal teams.”
The 12-member AMP team unveiled its new name during an agency-wide celebration late last week, and AMP leadership is informing clients this week. The announcement follows a thorough review process that included determining the new department moniker, contemporizing individual titles, and updating the department’s mission, philosophy and vision statements.
“Our clients should expect the same outstanding brand planning and account management they’ve become accustomed to with R+K,” said Diane Martin, president and CEO of Rhea + Kaiser. “The new name AMP simply underscores our ongoing commitment to lead and advocate for creative solutions that drive business results and build meaningful partnerships with our clients.”
The R+K AMP team includes Kimberly Bergmooser, Kim Berns, Laura Boynton, Jodi Carreon, Paul Durham, Julie Dykstra, Jim Haist, Neil Johnson, Sarah Lenkaitis, Cheryl Muzinic, Jeff Walter and Claudia Zellmann.
Swanson Russell announces the promotions of Staci Nass, Shelton Crouch, Nicole Hansen and Kassi Williams.
In the Lincoln office, Nass was promoted from graphic-tech specialist to graphic designer. She began her career with Swanson Russell in 2004 as a production artist. A native of Lincoln, Nass graduated with an associate degree in graphic design from Southeast Community College in Milford, Neb.
Hansen, who joined the Lincoln office in 2007 as a student runner, was promoted to associate account manager. Originally from Aurora, Neb., she received her bachelor’s degree in business marketing from University of Nebraska–Lincoln in 2009. Hansen’s primary account assignments will be Rain Bird, Turfco and Project Evergreen.
Crouch joined the Omaha agency in 2001 as a graphic designer and is now an interactive art director. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree from Dana College in Blair, Neb. Crouch assists healthcare clients with email marketing, digital advertising campaigns and online branding.
In the Omaha office, Williams was promoted to associate account manager. She began her career at Swanson Russell in 2010. A native of Knoxville, Iowa, she graduated with bachelor’s degrees in journalism and animal science from Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa. Williams’ clients include handles Merck Animal Health, Global Animal Management, eyeD, Land O’Lakes Purina Mills and the Nebraska Children’s Home Society.
Swanson Russell has launched a newly designed website.
“We’re proud to unveil our new site, which is a result of involvement from employees in every department.” said Brian Boesche, partner and chief creative officer at Swanson Russell. “The new design and content represents who we are, what we do, what we’re passionate about and the caliber of work we produce. The site serves as a face to the agency and demonstrates what we’re all about.”
Emphasizing the agency’s Real Connection™ philosophy is a main focus of the website content and design. The new website explains Swanson Russell’s approach to doing business through forging genuine relationships with clients and their audiences.
The new Orange Dot blog features posts from employees on a wide range of topics. Blog categories from each area of focus educate readers on that specific industry, while the “Agency” category provides insight into Swanson Russell activities and general industry tips.
What’s new in the world of agricultural marketing is Engle Creative Solutions, LLC. This morning I visited with Steve Engle, President. This is another episode in my informal series of interviews with the leadership of agricultural marketing agencies.
Steve started the new venture just last month. Steve says he’s focusing on small to mid sized businesses and wants to help them, “Stand Out In A Crowded World.” He’s offering a “complete array of implementation services, from mainstream advertising and public relations to new media, interactive services, motion media and more.”
It was just a year ago that Cindy interviewed Mark Gale, Charleston|Orwig, while attending World Dairy Expo. That started a series of ZimmCasts with the leadership of advertising and public relations agencies. Now we’ve come full circle.
At this year’s World Dairy Expo I visited with Brittany Unterweger, Account Supervisor for the agency. The agency was having a very busy week since they work with about ten different clients that are involved with World Dairy Expo. Brittany says the agency focus goes beyond the dairy industry though, into overall food systems, “from farm to plate, from producer to consumer.” She says there has been an internal shift within the agency to move beyond just agriculture. Interactive has also grown tremendously and that includes app building and the further development of their blog, Field Assignment.
Brittany says that she’s excited to have a more holistic approach with the food systems concept so they can helpt their clients see the big picture. She says their client list has been growing and that it’s an exciting time at Charleston|Orwig.
Does your nonprofit need some free public relations assistance? If so, get your application if for the 2012 Seed to Succeed PR Grant, valued at $25,000, from Harvest PR & Marketing.
Any U.S. nonprofit organization connected to the production and/or marketing of food, commodities, or committed to the cause of promoting agriculture, is encouraged to apply by Oct. 31, 2011.
The idea for Seed to Succeed materialized in 2009 when Harvest PR team members expressed interest in annually committing to a nonprofit focused on food and farm, and whose goals were limited mainly by resources. “We are firm believers that big ideas can sprout from small places,” says Heidi Nelson, principal. “Coming alongside a nonprofit that shares our values and commitment to the betterment of the industry has been a tremendous experience for our team. Our Seed to Succeed work thus far has been quite meaningful and successful.”
Organizations interested in 2012 pro bono marketing services can download more information at www.harvest-pr.com. Applications are due Monday, Oct. 31, at 5 p.m. PST. The recipient will be announced Dec. 1, 2011.
The AgChat Foundation has been a recipient of the grant and as a board member I can say we have truly appreciated the work done for the Foundation by Harvest PR & Marketing. They played a key role in the early development of the organization.
Broadhead is celebrating ten years in business by moving into new office space in the Colwell Building in Minneapolis.
It’s been said that the best minute you spend is the one you invest in people.
Dean Broadhead knows this all too well, as evidenced by his commitment to invest in top-notch talent for the past decade. It’s just one of many reasons the communications agency that bears his name is celebrating 10 years in business with a move into a new 20,000-square-foot office space in the Colwell Building in Minneapolis.
“I’d like to think I have a patented formula for success that I can attribute to my years of experience and education,” says Broadhead. “But in all honesty, what distinguishes this agency day-in and day-out is an experienced staff.”
Such thinking has resulted in the agency more than doubling in size in the last three years. Even more impressive is that only 10 years ago, Broadhead started his agency as a solo act, operating out of a converted spare bedroom.
Forty employees later and with a great deal more square footage than the spare room in the house, Dean Broadhead is still enjoying the ride.
“It’s been a thrilling 10 years, but I firmly believe the best is yet to come,” says Broadhead.
Rhea + Kaiser is expanding its areas of agency services to formally include technical writing.
“We have always valued and embraced technical writing at R+K,” said CEO Diane Martin. “It’s time to use our expertise in this discipline to garner greater value for both the agency and our clients.”
This new area of emphasis allows R+K to accomplish several core objectives. Foremost, it allows R+K to integrate technical writing directly with client business objective and strategies; provide market knowledge on best practices and benchmarks; and inform, develop and implement technical writing projects.
Heading up this area is Ben Potter, who has been promoted to Manager of Technical Writing. Potter has worked for R+K since 2005 in various public relations roles, driving core communications initiatives for several key clients. Martin is confident the new area of emphasis will have a “viral” quality that will positively affect the entire agency.
“We fully expect that Ben’s analysis, collaboration and expertise, along with his writing and editing skills, will create greater consistency and foster strong technical writing across the agency,” Martin said.
According to Martin, focusing on areas such as technical writing and digital strategy further positions R+K to remain in a constant state of discovery and maintain momentum heading into 2012 and beyond.
The 2011 NAMA Boot Camp is underway. To get a preview of the program I spoke with Erin Nash, Osborn & Barr, Vice Chairman for the conference.
Erin says we’ve got a lot packed into the program which includes hearing from farmers themselves. She says “We design Boot Camp to offer not only an introduction but introductory information to the junior staffer or someone who is new to the ag industry where we want to show them the producer side of things.” She wants to remind people that when you register for Boot Camp you get a one year membership in NAMA.
In the photo our group attended a dinner this evening where we learned some networking skills. I’ll more on that tomorrow morning.
In this week's program Chuck talks with Mike Adams, AgriTalk.
Chuck and Mike often wind up at the same events all over the country so it seemed like a good idea to do a little AgriTalking about the changes they've seen in the ag media landscape.
Events started taking place today for IPE Week in Atlanta and Novus International got their schedule started with a presentation titled, “Like It: Consumers want to hear your expert opinion.” The session was conducted by David Armano, Executive Vice President – Global Innovation & Integration. His focus was on “how cutting edge research influences the everyday consumer via social media.” 
The renaming of the Rhea + Kaiser Account Management and Planning—or AMP—department, formerly known as Account Services, reflects the team’s role as comprehensive account leaders who provide smart, strategic counsel and cultivate big ideas. 
In this week's program Chuck talks with Mike Adams, AgriTalk.
