Integrated campaigns for Sister Schubert’s Homemade Rolls and the Ohio Business Development Coalition were named winners in the 2009 Diamond Awards sponsored by the East Central District of the Public Relations Society of America.
Sister Schubert’s took home a Diamond award and Best of Show honors for integrated brand communications, while OBDC won an Award of Excellence for integrated communications. The winning campaigns were selected from a field of 65 entries representing nine local PRSA chapters within the East Central District. The awards were presented at the March 18 luncheon of Central Ohio PRSA.
One way that Paul Werth Associates has retained a role as trusted advisor to regional and national clients over the past five decades is our ability to predict and stay one step ahead of trends in our industry. A recent article in The Holmes Report highlighted several areas that have become a key focus in our practice over the past few years.
Editor Paul Holmes began “10 Trends That Will Define the Next Decade in PR” by predicting that public relations will take the driver’s seat in setting brand strategy for a growing number of companies.
“Brand-building in the 21st century means building relationships with consumers, rather than simply bombarding them with messages,” he wrote. “Savvy marketers will be much more interested in engagement, and engagement will rely on all the things PR is good at: informing consumers rather than promoting products; earning trust rather than buying time; developing conversations rather than delivering messages.”
Holmes went on to address a number of key trends in Werth’s practice, including increasing integration of public relations, marketing communications, reputation management, public affairs, advertising and digital communications and the need for public relations to offer general business consulting services.
To discuss how Werth can assist you in staying ahead of the trends in your industry, please contact President and CEO Sandra Harbrecht at (614) 224-8114 or swh@paulwerth.com.
COLUMBUS, OHIO – Integrated marketing firm Paul Werth Associates is bolstering its digital and social media marketing prowess with the acquisition of huber+co interactive. Founded by veteran designer and strategist Bryan Huber in 2003, huber+co. specializes in Internet marketing, Web design and development, social media integration, e-commerce, search engine optimization and analytics.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Bryan and his team on board,” said Sandra W. Harbrecht, president and CEO of Paul Werth Associates. “We expect their unique talents to fuel our continuing growth through expansion of the interactive marketing services most desired by our growing client base.”
Huber will become Werth’s chief interactive officer, where he and his team will lead the continuing integration of interactive marketing strategies into the firm’s strategic public relations, advertising, public affairs, market research and digital communications practice. The huber+co. team will relocate to Werth’s office at 10 N. High Street in Columbus.
“We’re excited to be joining a firm with Werth’s heritage and vision,” Huber said. “Together, we have the capability to deliver the unique insights, brand strategy and creative services needed to help 21st century brands engage today’s audiences across a diverse array of communications channels – from print and broadcast to digital and social media.”
Werth will continue to use the huber+co. name, which has won strong brand equity through an approach that combines Internet-focused strategy, user-centered Web design, search engine marketing, social media integration, analytics, creative communications and technology to make a brand more compelling and competitive. The company’s social media innovations include TweetMyTime – the first social media utility for endurance racing.
“This acquisition further distinguishes Werth among mid-sized marketing communications firms, as few can equal our strategic thinking, creative excellence and leading-edge digital capabilities,” Harbrecht said. “Our ability to deliver these services in a seamless and synergistic way creates even greater value for the clients we serve.”
About Paul Werth Associates
Founded in 1963, Paul Werth Associates is an integrated marketing communications firm offering a full range of public relations, advertising, interactive marketing, public affairs and market research services. Operating from offices in Columbus, Ohio and Chicago, Illinois, Werth provides executive-level expertise to leading consumer and business-to-business companies as well as government agencies and not-for-profit organizations. The firm offers specialized experience in the energy, education, food and beverage, health care and professional and financial services industries. Flagship accounts include the Ohio Business Development Coalition, Huntington Bancshares, White Castle, the Ohio State University Medical Center and SafeAuto Insurance.
COLUMBUS, Ohio – Health care organizations need to understand how the instant online spread of information factors into a developing crisis. To help, Paul Werth Associates is presenting an hour-long Webinar at 2 p.m. Nov. 17: “Health Care Rx: A Social Media Prescription to Prevent and Treat Crises.”
“Getting out the right message can literally make the difference between life and death,” said Sandra Harbrecht, Werth president and CEO. “While an organizational health care crisis can take many forms, getting the right message heard at the right time is most critical during a public health threat. We want to help health care communicators understand the social media culture and tools available to do the best job possible during a crisis.”
Werth Webinar instructors Kristin Mack Deuber and Kim Ratcliff, both vice presidents with the firm, will be joined by the internal communications and marketing director at the one of nation’s largest medical complexes, Julie Scott with The Ohio State University Medical Center.
The panel will discuss effective ways to integrate social media strategy into existing crisis plans. Webinar topics will also include tools available to detect crisis situations and what to do when one hits.
Werth’s Webinar will be hosted by online meeting service InstantPresenter. You can test your system for compatibility by clicking here. For more information about the presentation, e-mail contact@paulwerth.com.
About Paul Werth Associates
Founded in 1963, Paul Werth Associates is a full-service public relations, marketing and public affairs firm counseling clients throughout the United States. The firm has offices in Columbus, Ohio and Washington, D.C.
Paul Werth Associates has previously received nine Silver Anvils, which is the highest level of recognition in the public relations industry. The Silver Anvil Award recognizes complete programs incorporating sound research, planning, execution and evaluation. They must meet the highest standards of performance in the profession.
COLUMBUS, Ohio – Paul Werth Associates has completed the video shoot for the third round of television spots for the popular “Justin Case” SafeAuto Insurance Company advertising series.
The Justin Case campaign debuted May 1 and the second ads in the series are currently on air. SafeAuto is continuing to invest in the Justin Case series because its popularity keeps driving customer traffic and new policies.
“With the five new ads we wanted to keep exploring who Justin Case is in his ‘real’ life,” said Werth Chief Creative Officer Ken Waldron. “Justin Case started out as this guy who’s always working, always ready to help the customer. Now that we’ve explored his back story, we wanted to get him out into the real world.”
The Justin Case character has gained a cult following, approaching 2,000 fans on the Justin Case Facebook page. SafeAuto has sent the actor who portrays Justin Case to locations throughout the country to promote the brand and meet with local fans.
The next Justin Case television spots will begin airing around the winter holiday season.
“Justin Case is here to stay,” Waldron said. “I can’t wait to see what we do with him next.”
About Paul Werth Associates
Founded in 1963, Paul Werth Associates is a full-service public relations, marketing and public affairs firm counseling clients throughout the United States. The firm has offices in Columbus, Ohio and Washington, D.C.
Paul Werth Associates has previously received nine Silver Anvils, which is the highest level of recognition in the public relations industry. The Silver Anvil Award recognizes complete programs incorporating sound research, planning, execution and evaluation. They must meet the highest standards of performance in the profession.
COLUMBUS, Ohio – Sometimes you still need to hold information in your hands. That’s why Paul Werth Associates is developing a new series of printed materials about our services to complement our online presence – starting with a standalone piece on Werth Research.
“We wanted to create an ‘aha’ moment about research that organizations can touch and feel,” said Sandra Harbrecht, Werth president and CEO. “So we’re telling the research story in a short, concise manner that can be handed from person to person. Even in today’s online world, there’s something special about the experience of learning from a beautifully produced brochure.”
Research is a complex process, but it can generate easy-to-understand bottom-line results. Werth Research explains the power of research insights and how they can be achieved.
“We’re working to tell the story of other Werth specialty areas and will be following Werth Research with Werth Education, highlighting our historic strengths in education sector marketing,” Harbrecht said. “We’re committed to walking the walk of integrated communications not just for our clients, but for ourselves.”
Printed copies of Werth Research are available now upon request. Ask us at contact@paulwerth.com.
About Paul Werth Associates
Founded in 1963, Paul Werth Associates is a full-service public relations, marketing and public affairs firm counseling clients throughout the United States. The firm has offices in Columbus, Ohio and Washington, D.C.
Paul Werth Associates has previously received nine Silver Anvils, which is the highest level of recognition in the public relations industry. The Silver Anvil Award recognizes complete programs incorporating sound research, planning, execution and evaluation. They must meet the highest standards of performance in the profession.
COLUMBUS, Ohio – As part of its annual “Backpack Index,” Huntington National Bank is wrapping up a back-to-school donation program equipping 14,000 children with backpacks and school supplies in the communities it serves. This is the fourth year Paul Werth Associates has supported the Huntington Backpack Index campaign, which compiles annually the approximate costs of required classroom supplies at the elementary, middle and high school grade levels.
“Werth is proud to be a partner with Huntington rolling out the Backpack Index every summer,” said Sandra Harbrecht, Werth president and CEO. “It was even more rewarding this year to share the message as Huntington took the program to the next level by supporting families in need in partnership with Big Lots and Meijer.
“Huntington has always understood that back-to-school supplies shopping can strain the budgets of families already having difficulty making ends meet,” Harbrecht said. “Werth applauds Huntington’s vision in enhancing the Backpack Index with this generous donation.”
Huntington’s donation announcement attracted media recognition throughout the bank’s Midwest service area, with coverage in all of the primary and surrounding Huntington markets: Akron/Canton, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton, Detroit, Grand Rapids, Indianapolis, Pittsburgh, Toledo and Youngstown. Additionally, the cost index appeared in coverage nationwide, including FOX Business’ “Money for Breakfast” program and Bloomberg.
Through tracking typical school supplies lists, Huntington has observed a significant increase over the past three years in the cost to send children back to school. Costs have risen 34 percent for elementary school children, from $351 to $472, and 11 percent for high school students, from $894 to $998. Only costs for middle school students have remained relatively stable, at $535.
About Paul Werth Associates
Founded in 1963, Paul Werth Associates is a full-service public relations, marketing and public affairs firm counseling clients throughout the United States. The firm has offices in Columbus, Ohio and Washington, D.C.
Paul Werth Associates has previously received nine Silver Anvils, which is the highest level of recognition in the public relations industry. The Silver Anvil Award recognizes complete programs incorporating sound research, planning, execution and evaluation. They must meet the highest standards of performance in the profession.
COLUMBUS, Ohio – Kristin Mack Deuber, recently promoted at Paul Werth Associates to vice president, shared her background and insights in the Aug. 28 edition of Columbus Business First in the “People on the Move” Spotlight feature.
Business First’s Spotlight is a featured Q&A that provokes responses about career decisions and professional trends.
“There is a growing need for public relations in all areas of business, so I have always felt the career opportunities in this business are endless,” Mack Deuber wrote. “My day is never the same. I can be helping a client deal with a crisis, developing a social media strategy, scheduling media interviews and planning a grassroots community event – all in the same day.”
Mack Deuber cited her best career move as her decision to return back to Paul Werth Associates after a corporate stint in commercial real estate. Her biggest job challenge: “Keeping up with the ever-changing media world.”
About Paul Werth Associates
Founded in 1963, Paul Werth Associates is a full-service public relations, marketing and public affairs firm counseling clients throughout the United States. The firm has offices in Columbus, Ohio and Washington, D.C.
Paul Werth Associates has previously received nine Silver Anvils, which is the highest level of recognition in the public relations industry. The Silver Anvil Award recognizes complete programs incorporating sound research, planning, execution and evaluation. They must meet the highest standards of performance in the profession.
COLUMBUS, Ohio – Paul Werth Associates’ August Webinar on social media strategy attracted public relations and marketing professionals from across the country to learn about managing a crisis in the digital era.
Werth crisis communications experts guided an hour-long discussion on social media strategy illustrated by real-world corporate examples of effective – and less-than-effective – crisis management in the digital space.
“Our participants share with us they ‘get it’ after sitting down with Werth to learn what’s happening with social media strategy and digital crisis management,” said Sandra Harbrecht, Werth president and CEO. “Keeping up with social media strategy can be overwhelming. By presenting it in the framework of time-tested crisis communications practices everyone can understand, Werth has been able to engage our clients and other professionals in recognizing the importance of social media as another component of the communications toolkit.”
Webinar participants said they walked away with a greater understanding of the next steps necessary to improve digital crisis preparedness within their organizations.
“Werth’s Webinar provided good, solid advice for any communicator, and a good reminder that we need to be updating our crisis plans on a regular basis,” said Susan Shafer, director of Standard and Poor’s School Evaluation Services.
“Participating in this Webinar provided an important insight into the rapid changes in the world and the need to update our plans accordingly to incorporate the latest in social media,” said Sharron Kornegay, public affairs manager of Abbott Nutrition.
Stay tuned for more Werth Webinar presentations - Werth in November will present a health care crisis communications Webinar and is developing presentations for additional industries to share in the months to come.
About Paul Werth Associates‘
Founded in 1963, Paul Werth Associates is a full-service public relations, marketing and public affairs firm counseling clients throughout the United States. The firm has offices in Columbus, Ohio and Washington, D.C.
Paul Werth Associates has previously received nine Silver Anvils, which is the highest level of recognition in the public relations industry. The Silver Anvil Award recognizes complete programs incorporating sound research, planning, execution and evaluation. They must meet the highest standards of performance in the profession.
COLUMBUS, Ohio – Paul Werth Associates senior account supervisor Caroline Cofer Golon has been featured – along with her cat Romeo – in Columbus Dispatch feature writer Joe Blundo’s Aug. 18 column. This is the latest coverage of Golon’s endeavor to raise money for animal rescues leveraging social media platforms.
The Dispatch column chronicles the Werth origins of Golon’s free-time pastime, which arose from a friendly debate among colleagues whether Twitter users would follow updates posted in the guise of her Persian rescue cat Romeo.
More than 6,000 Twitter followers later, having raised more than $20,000 for animal rescues and more than $250,000 in earned media coverage, Romeo’s popularity continues unabated, Golon said.
“Romeo has become something of a star,” Golon said. “While this is a fun personal project for me, it also allows me to make a difference for worthy animal rescue causes across the country. I have also been invited to speak about my experience at professional conferences and by pet-focused businesses. Who knew that Twittering could make such a difference?”
“It’s a testimony to the power of Twitter – or, perhaps, cats,” Blundo wrote in his column’s introduction. “Of course, the cat has a good ghost-Tweeter: Caroline Cofer Golon, who works for Paul Werth Associates, a public-relations company in Columbus.”
About Paul Werth Associates
Founded in 1963, Paul Werth Associates is a full-service public relations, marketing and public affairs firm counseling clients throughout the United States. The firm has offices in Columbus, Ohio and Washington, D.C.
