Agricultural Public Relations Hall of Famer Lyle Orwig

Chuck Zimmerman

During the 2012 Agricultural Relations Council Annual Meeting Lyle Orwig, CEO, Charleston|Orwig, was inducted into the inaugural Agricultural Public Relations Hall of Fame. Here’s Lyle with his award in between past ARC President, Deron Johnson (left) and current President, Mace Thornton. I visited with Lyle about his recognition at the meeting and he says he’s very honored and humbled to …

Agencies, ARC, Audio

McCormick Company Seeking New Opportunities

Chuck Zimmerman

I just spoke with Mark Perrin, President, McCormick Company, who says the agency is looking for a new opportunity. Post Update: The Pioneer account will be transitioning to the Ogilvy & Mather operating unit in Minneapolis, The Lacek Group LLC. Here’s why: McCormick Company announces that it will no longer be the agency of record for Pioneer Hi-Bred, a DuPont …

Agencies

Rhea + Kaiser Promotes Two

Chuck Zimmerman

New promotions means new Vice Presidents at Rhea + Kaiser. Rhea + Kaiser has promoted Jeff Walter to Vice President, Group Account Director, and Kathy Sedlacek to Vice President, Director of Finance. “Jeff and Kathy embody what makes R+K successful – smart thinking, outstanding knowledge of our clients’ businesses and an unwavering commitment to delivering great work and results,” said …

Agencies

Osborn Barr Honors John Becherer

Chuck Zimmerman

The United Soybean Board’s CEO, John Becherer, got a little bit of love from everyone attending the Osborn Barr reception at Commodity Classic. John is receiving this year’s National Agri-Marketing Association Agribusiness Leader of the Year Award which will be officially presented to him during next month’s Agri-Marketing Conference in Kansas City. However, Osborn Barr which has worked with USB …

Agencies, Commodity Classic, USB

R+K names Rob Merritt VP, Director, Public Relations

Melissa Sandfort

Rhea + Kaiser has named public relations professional Rob Merritt as VP, Director, Public Relations, effective immediately. Rob will lead public relations strategic planning and project implementation for all clients; oversee public relations new business efforts; and foster and build the agency’s public relations team. Rob brings more than 20 years of public relations and integrated marketing and communications experience …

Agencies

Expert Opinion Via Social Media

Chuck Zimmerman

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.” …

Agencies, Audio, Poultry Expo, Social Networking, ZimmCast

McCormick Company Opens Indy Office

Melissa Sandfort

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 …

Agencies

Passing of Van Kaiser

Chuck Zimmerman

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 …

Agencies

Sorghum Checkoff Chooses McCormick as Agency

Cindy Zimmerman

McCormick Company has been chosen as the agency of record for the United Sorghum Checkoff Program (USCP). 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 …

Agencies, sorghum

Rhea + Kaiser A Year Later

Chuck Zimmerman

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 …

Agencies, Audio, ZimmCast