How Beyonce is Changing Music Promotion

By Kelda Rericha | Jan 27, 2014

Last night Beyonce and Jay-Z put on a show. The photos and video are exploding over social media, traditional media is in awe, and everyone and their grandma is rushing to download B’s latest album thanks to this unofficial music promotion. Oh yeah, and the performance was during the Grammys where a bunch of other […]

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Happy Word Nerd Day!

By Ann Smith | Jan 9, 2014

Today is National Word Nerd Day (although some feel strongly that it was yesterday…who are we to judge?).  We are celebrating with our friends (and clients) at the American Copy Editors Society (ACES).  Check out the great guest articles by ACES Board member Karen Martwick in PRNewser and ragan.com.  Now go unleash your inner word […]

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“Because” is the 2013 Word of the Year

By Mary Gorretta | Jan 9, 2014

The American Dialect Society has announced their 2013 Word of the Year is “because.” While “because” is a traditional word, in this case it is being recognized in a new form of use, as “introducing a noun, adjective, or other part of speech (e.g., ‘because reasons,’ ‘because awesome’).” Rising online Ben Zimmer, chair of the […]

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The Growth of Social Media in 2013

By Ann Smith | Dec 18, 2013

Social media continues to make leaps and bounds in how we communicate with one another. This is crucial to the world of public relations, as it is one of the leading avenues used to reach target audiences. 2013 was the year Twitter made it onto the stock exchange, Vine launches and Snapchat continued to break […]

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Ouvroir de Littérature Potentielle

By Ann Smith | Dec 16, 2013

More than writer’s block, what plagues me the most in writing is when I can feel my language getting stale. When my sentences aren’t popping like they should, my syntax is weak, and something just feels off. In creative fields like public relations, when the original and effective arrangement of words is vital to conveying […]

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A Christmas (and PR) Miracle

By Ann Smith | Dec 12, 2013

WestJet made Christmas dreams come true Oh Wow. Incredible idea. Brilliant PR move. WestJet shared a full serving of Christmas joy and happiness to customers, and the results will make any heart grow three sizes. Take the 5 minutes to watch this Christmas (and PR) miracle – it will inspire you to believe that miracles […]

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The End of Dave's Killer Bread as We Know It?

By Ann Smith | Nov 19, 2013

If you live in the Northwest and you aren’t on the gluten-free bandwagon, you’ve probably tried (and loved) Dave’s Killer Bread. GMO-free, organic, vegan and made with whole grains, it boasts everything that health-conscious Oregonians could ask for. Beyond tasty bread, the company’s message centers on the feel-good story of an ex-con that cleaned up […]

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Suck a Lemon, Lululemon

By Ann Smith | Nov 8, 2013

Lululemon has gone sour. OH MY GOODNESS. This is so bad, it’s downright laughable. Chip Wilson of Lululemon Athletica fame – those are shout outs to you. You should probably keep your hateful, judgmental mouth shut. And in the meantime, have fun with the PR firestorm you managed to create. I think it’s about time for one […]

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Giving Tuesday 2013

By Kris Travis | Nov 5, 2013

Halloween is barely behind us, and already the Christmas ads and holiday displays are popping up everywhere. While few of us are feeling truly ready for the holidays, it’s a consideration that is already top of mind for businesses; there are client appreciation gifts to pull together, holiday cards to design and print, and employee […]

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PR: Family Style

By Ann Smith | Oct 18, 2013

As PR professionals we’ve learned how to position, couch and direct certain messages so that they are received in the most desired manner. It’s how we interact with external influencers – media, clients and even colleagues. But what about when it’s family? I recently had an interaction with a distant family member that I haven’t […]

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Chobani Yogurt Offers Lesson in Crisis PR

By Kelda Rericha | Sep 9, 2013

Chobani’s PR team offers a lesson in crisis management do’s and don’ts. As so many things do these days, it all started on Facebook. In the last few days of August, fans of Chobani’s Facebook page began reporting “puffy lids” and a “carbonated” taste from the top-selling Greek-style yogurt maker in the U.S. The company quickly […]

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AT&T and Herzog Join Forces on PSA

By Ann Smith | Aug 12, 2013

It seems an unlikely match. Werner Herzog, director of bizarre but awesome films and documentaries such as “Aguirre, the Wrath of God” and “Grizzly Man”, has joined forces with AT&T to create a documentary on the devastating consequences of texting while driving. Sharing the stories of both victims and perpetrators of texting and driving, the […]

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