September 28, 2011

Smiley Joins Woodruff Sweitzer as Director of Public Relations

Woodruff Sweitzer announces the hiring of Janine Smiley to the position of director of public relations. Smiley is responsible for the management, growth and development of the Woodruff Sweitzer public relations functions.

Smiley

Smiley joins the organization with more than 20 years of experience in strategic communications, public relations and public affairs in the consumer and business-to-business sectors. Prior to joining Woodruff Sweitzer, Smiley was director of industry communications at Dairy Farmers of America, Inc.

“Janine’s experience and passion for public relations initiatives that engage audiences supports the agency’s commitment to continued growth and fits with our unique promise in delivering unexpected ideas,” says Terry Woodruff,  president of Woodruff Sweitzer. “We are excited to bring Janine’s marketing, consumer media and social media relations to the forefront of our clients’ brand successes. Her vast experience will strengthen their messages through new initiatives that will propel their brands farther.”

Prior to her position at Dairy Farmers of America, she worked for H&R Block, where she oversaw strategy and project work in support of media relations with advocacy/non-governmental issues management, legal and regulatory affairs, product promotion and employee communications. Smiley’s career has also included public relations roles at Kansas City area advertising agencies. Smiley graduated from Missouri State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in business communications.

September 27, 2011

Woodruff Sweitzer Responds to Continued Growth with Staff Promotions & New Hires

In response to continued business growth, Woodruff Sweitzer announces two staff promotions.

Kotovsky

Cynthia Kotovsky has been promoted to account manager. Kotovsky leads multiple client accounts and provides critical thinking to further their brands. She lends her sales and brand experience to clients like Diamond Pet Foods, MFA Oil,Independent Stave Company, Boone County National Bank and Central Dairy. Kotovsky has been with the agency for more than four years and prior to joining the advertising industry was a product manager at May Merchandising Company where she led cross-functional teams to grow sales and brand presence to the agency.

Emily Stoutenborough has been promoted to account executive. Stoutenborough has worked with Diamond Pet Foods, Mizzou Athletics, Kubota Tractor Corporation, Boone County National Bank and Missouri River Relief. Her leadership and insight has helped earn the agency several recognitions, including ADDY and NAMA awards.

Stoutenborough

“Our account staff work hard to challenge each other to bring forward unexpected ideas for our clients. Cynthia and Emily are great examples of living the brand and propelling our clients’ brands,” says Scott Kington, executive vice president. “We look forward to seeing what is next in their careers at Woodruff Sweitzer.”

 

 

 

 

Woodruff Sweitzer also welcomes two staff members to the team:

Jackson

A recent graduate from University of Missouri-Columbia School of Journalism, Dave Jackson has joined the Woodruff Sweitzer team as project manager. Jackson started at the agency as a production intern, learning the day-to-day workflow management of the agency. In his new role, Jackson serves as a conduit between the production and account service teams.

Pries

Erin Pries is also a recent graduate from University of Missouri-Columbia School of Journalism and started at Woodruff Sweitzer as an intern on the account service team before she was hired as an account coordinator. Pries works with the account teams on Diamond Pet Foods, Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Arysta LifeScience, Hubbell Power Systems, Independent Stave Company, MFA Oil and True Media.

 

 

 

 

 

September 2, 2011

Figuring it Out – an Article from Kansas City Business Journal

Woodruff Sweitzer was featured in the Sept. 2, 2011 issue of Kansas City Business Journal‘s Growth Strategies section. Take a look at the article and learn about our unique approach to business and how we’re inspired to continue Figuring it Out for our clients.

June 28, 2011

Woodruff Sweitzer Growth Drives New Hires

Woodruff Sweitzer announces the hiring of two account staff, Scott Lynn as Account Manager and Holly Van Steenhuyse as Account Coordinator.

Lynn brings more than 12 years of experience in diverse marketing roles within the agriculture, consumer and industrial markets. Prior to joining Woodruff Sweitzer, Lynn was Senior Account Executive at Osborn & Barr Communications.

Lynn

“In response to the agency’s rapid new business growth, primarily in the agriculture category, we are excited about adding Scott to the team,” says Terry Woodruff, President. “His experience in understanding our clients’ markets and business strategies along with marketplace dynamics and customer demands supports the agency’s ability to propel client’s brands farther, faster.”

Lynn earned his B.S. in Agribusiness from Kansas State University. Prior to his position at Osborn & Barr, Lynn served in account positions at Datacore Marketing, American Identity, Smith-Lamar and Associates Advertising and Charter Marketing Group.

Van Steenhuyse is a recent graduate from Iowa State University with a major in Journalism and Mass Communication and a minor in Microbiology. She brings three years of experience in agriculture and science communication as an intern for Becker Underwood, Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc., and Pioneer Hi-Bred.

Van Steenhuyse

“Holly’s expanding experience in the agricultural industry and her passion for knowledge makes her a great addition to the team,” says Woodruff. “We are always looking for team members who challenge each other and themselves. Holly’s level of experience and enthusiasm makes it clear that she is committed to doing that.”

May 2, 2011

Woodruff Sweitzer Wins at Best of NAMA

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (May 2, 2011) – The National Agri-Marketing Association (NAMA) awarded Woodruff Sweitzer for its excellence in agricultural marketing and communications at the national 2011 Best of NAMA awards ceremony in Kansas City. The Best of NAMA program recognizes excellence in advertising, public relations and digital communications in agribusiness and related industries.

Woodruff Sweitzer wins included two Best of NAMA awards for work done on behalf of Wyffels Hybrids and Arysta LifeScience. Category wins for the agency included:
• “Multi-Media Campaigns-Regional” for the Wyffels Hybrids brand campaign, which supports in positioning the company as a superior provider of service and technology;
• “Advertising Spreads-Single” for the Arysta LifeScience “PRE-PARE print advertisement” which communicates critical product features for heightened performance in crop protection.

During the NAMA event, Woodruff Sweitzer also received two Merit Awards in the “Unique Print Advertising” (Wyffels Hybrids) and the “Direct Mail-Farmer Directed-Three-Dimensional” (Arysta LifeScience) categories.

The agency had six award submissions recognized as national finalists:
• Arysta LifeScience: “Single-page Ad-Single”; “Direct Mail-Farmer-directed, Flat”; “Point-of-Purchase Materials”; “Premium/Specialties”
Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc.: “Audio Visual Presentations-Farmer Directed”
• Wyffels Hybrids: “Billboards or Other Outdoor Ads”

April 1, 2011

Woodruff Sweitzer Named Public Relations Agency of Record for Boehringer Ingelheim Swine Division

Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc., headquartered in St. Joseph, Missouri, has selected Woodruff Sweitzer as its public relations agency of record for its swine products division.

Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc. (BIVI) is the U.S. subsidiary of Boehringer Ingelheim Corporation based in Ingelheim, Germany. BIVI operates four locations (St. Joseph, Mo., Elwood, Ks., Sioux Center, Iowa and Ames, Iowa) and acts as a center of competence in biological research, development and manufacturing for the worldwide animal health business. BIVI is focused on delivering high quality, innovative health products to the animal health industry.

In 2009, Woodruff Sweitzer was named agency of record specific to brand strategy, advertising, interactive and sales support for BIVI swine vaccines (including Ingelvac CircoFLEX®, Ingelvac MycoFLEX®, Ingelvac® CircoFLEX-MycoFLEX, Ingelvac® PRRS MLV, Ingelvac® PRRS ATP and Enterisol® Ileitis).

“Woodruff Sweitzer has demonstrated its ability to provide creative solutions to our swine vaccine brand strategies through high-impact advertising, digital and sales support recommendations,” says Tim Bettington, executive director, swine division. “Strategically, they understand the challenges within the category and provide results-driven marketing communications counsel and executions that continue to elevate our swine vaccine portfolio to new levels of success.”

With the added responsibility of public relations, BIVI is charging Woodruff Sweitzer in establishing an integrated marketing communications approach that endorses targeted and empowered message outreach specific to brand awareness, customer engagement and marketplace education.

“As a result of the earned trust and respect from our BIVI client partner, Woodruff Sweitzer is committed to strengthening their global presence as a leader in animal health research and development, brand and portfolio awareness, along with industry and media relationships,” says Scott Kington, executive vice president with Woodruff Sweitzer. “Through integration of all communication disciplines including advertising, interactive, media, experience marketing, social media and public relations, we look to propel BIVI brands even further via the agency’s intellectual courage, relevant experience and belief in the power of ideas.”

In response to immediate BIVI public relations objectives, Woodruff Sweitzer will become immersed in strategy development specific to the division’s vaccine portfolio, industry and media relations programs and issues management initiatives.

March 24, 2011

Woodruff Sweitzer Expands Digital Capabilities with New Strategist Lead

Scott Christian

Scott Christian has joined Woodruff Sweitzer as Director of Digital Marketing. In this role, Christian will serve as lead strategist to expand the agency’s capabilities in helping clients utilize a broad spectrum of digital and social media marketing channels.

Christian joins the agency with more than 10 years of digital marketing experience with a wide array of national and international brands and businesses. Most recently, he was Director of Digital Services at Nicholson Kovac, Inc., where he supervised the agency’s digital marketing initiatives for its consumer, agriculture and business-to-business clients.

“Scott’s depth of expertise in customized digital solutions will assist our clients in more effectively reaching today’s increasingly fragmented target audiences,” says Terry Woodruff, President. “As the digital space becomes more saturated, our clients can look to us for successful executions of rich media that is more compelling and engaging. Scott brings the experience needed for savvy digital delivery that can build brands, drive opportunities and enhance corporate reputations.”

Christian holds a M.A. from Emporia State University in Emporia, Kansas, and a B.A from Albion College in Albion, Michigan. Prior to his position at Nicholson Kovac, Christian served in a variety of digital project management roles for Astrachan, Inc. and Plattform Advertising.

As the digital lead for Woodruff Sweitzer, Christian will oversee all client web-based platform architecture, website development and traffic growth, online lead generation, CMS, loyalty and retention programs, mobile and SMS marketing and social media initiatives.

“The global public is consuming ever-increasing amounts of web-based information which is influencing brand awareness and brand alliances,” says Woodruff. “As our clients’ needs for interactive deliveries evolves, so will our strategic and creative approach for digital technology adoption and application.”

March 11, 2011

Adams Joins Woodruff Sweitzer as Vice President, Director of Public Relations

Lisa Adams

Woodruff Sweitzer announces the hiring of Lisa Adams to the position of Vice President, Director of Public Relations. In this role, Adams is responsible for the management, growth and development of the Woodruff Sweitzer U.S. public relations functions and team. Adams will be based in the agency’s Kansas City office.

Adams supports the organization with 20 years of experience in strategic product and portfolio campaign management, public relations and public affairs in the agribusiness and business-to-business sectors. Prior to joining Woodruff Sweitzer, Adams was Director of Public Relations for AdFarm.

“Lisa’s experience, talent and passion for results-driven public relations supports our commitment to superior client service, continued growth and our unique promise in delivering unexpected ideas,” says Terry Woodruff, President of Woodruff Sweitzer. “We are excited to bring Lisa’s marketing and corporate communications skills to the forefront of our clients’ business and brand strategy successes. Her contributions will strengthen the equity of their brands and messages through new public relations initiatives and reputation management strategies.”

Adams holds a M.B.A. from Lake Forest Graduate School of Management and a B.S. in Agricultural Communications from The University of Illinois. Prior to her position at AdFarm, Adams’ career has included public relations, advertising and corporate communications roles with Rumrill-Hoyt/Saatchi & Saatchi, TBWA/Chiat Day, Bader Rutter & Associates and IMC Global.

“In response to the agency’s rapid new business growth, especially in the agriculture category, we are excited about having Lisa as the newest member of our senior management team,” Woodruff adds. “We look for our clients to quickly embrace her strategic insights into brand management and strategic product publicity, public affairs, event management, media training and reputation management.”

March 3, 2011

Woodruff Sweitzer Dominates Awards Competition

Woodruff Sweitzer was recognized for exceptional creative work completed on behalf of their clients and walked away with Best of Show and Best of Print at the Mid-Missouri American Advertising Federation ADDY Awards.

The Best of Show and Best of Print were awarded to Woodruff Sweitzer for work completed on behalf of Wyffels Hybrids. The agency received nine first place “Gold” awards for clients in a wide range of industries from agriscience and animal health to higher education and collegiate athletics. An additional eight projects received second place acknowledgement. Woodruff Sweitzer’s Gold ADDYs will now move on to the next round of judging, the 9th District ADDY competition, which includes entrants from Nebraska, Kansas, Iowa and Missouri.

“It’s a great honor to be recognized by our peers for our work and to partner with clients who allow us to bring unexpected ideas to fruition,” says Steve Sweitzer, Principal and Chief Creative Officer.

February 10, 2011

Woodruff Sweitzer Recognized at Regional Award Competition

Woodruff Sweitzer was recognized for exceptional creative work completed on behalf of three of their clients – Arysta LifeScience, Boehringer Ingelheim and Wyffels Hybrids in the Regional Best of NAMA awards in the MoKan, Carolinas/Virginias and Iowa regions.

Woodruff Sweitzer received three first place awards and seven merits in the three regional programs. All 10 projects will advance to the National Best of NAMA held on April 13 in Kansas City. NAMA, the National Agri-Marketing Association, is the nation’s largest professional association for professionals in marketing and agribusiness.

“Our team continually challenges each other, and our clients, to look beyond the expected,” says Steve Sweitzer, Principal and Chief Creative Officer. “It’s refreshing and rewarding to work with clients who trust us to do whatever it takes to propel their brands farther and then to be recognized by our peers for that work.”