Colle+McVoy PR Partner Receives Silver Anvil Recognition

MINNEAPOLIS, April 27, 2012 – Exponent PR, Colle+McVoy’s public relations division, is a four–time finalist in the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) 2012 Silver Anvil Awards—one of only eight agencies nationwide to achieve at least four nominations.
 
The Silver Anvils honor organizations that have successfully addressed a contemporary public relations issue with exemplary professional skill, creativity and resourcefulness. This year’s winners will be announced during a ceremony on June 7 in New York.
 
Exponent received two finalist nods for work on behalf of Caribou Coffee, the nation’s second–largest gourmet coffeehouse retailer. The nominated entries, “Caribou Coffee Brews Hope for a Cure” and “Caribou Coffee Fights Breast Cancer One Cup at a Time,” summarize the company’s Amy’s Garden program, which helps raise awareness and funds for the Susan G. Komen Foundation and celebrates the memory of one of Caribou’s original roastmasters who passed away from breast cancer.
 
The agency’s other finalist programs include “Nestlé Purina Helping Pets Win a Losing Battle” and “Novartis Uncovers the Dirty Truth about Fleas.” Exponent developed a groundbreaking initiative on behalf of Purina to help battle the pet obesity epidemic through a strategic partnership with Jenny Craig.  Novartis’ “The Dirty Truth” campaign helped educate consumers on how dog owners can deliver the best care to their pets leveraging the quirky personality of spokesperson Mike Rowe.
 
“Our clients expect pioneering ideas that move the needle,” said Tom Lindell, managing director, Exponent PR. “This recognition exemplifies the creativity, passion and effectiveness of collaboration with our amazing client partners.”

PRSA has selected 143 finalists from 923 entries this year. Silver Anvil winners in all categories are automatically contenders for the Best of Silver Anvil Award, representing the finest example of public relations programming in 2011. 

To view PRSA’s official announcement, and a complete list of the 2012 finalists, visit: http://media.prsa.org

Colle+McVoy Promotes Senior Creative Staff

MINNEAPOLIS, April 12, 2012 – Colle+McVoy announced today promotions in its senior creative leadership. Mike Caguin has been named chief creative officer and Eric Husband has been promoted to executive creative director.

“This is wonderful recognition for two leaders who have guided the agency through years of strong growth, transformation and record-setting recognition,” said Christine Fruechte, president and CEO, Colle+McVoy. “As we continue down this path of expansion, we have the leadership in place to drive growth for us and our clients.”

Colle+McVoy has experienced six consecutive years of growth fueled by a significant investment in its social media and digital offering, organic growth from existing long-term client partners and the addition of new clients inspired by its ability to revitalize iconic brands, including most recently Indian Motorcycle and Mountain Hardwear. The agency’s work has received more national and international recognition than at any other time in its history and has been recognized by the O'Toole Awards, the Effies, the Webby Awards, The One Show, Communication Arts and Cannes Lions. It was also named a Best Place to Work in 2011 by Outside magazine, Advertising Age and the Star Tribune.

“It’s a great time to be at this agency,” said Caguin, who has led the creative team for the last three years as executive creative director. “Eric is an exceptional creative, our talent is at an all-time high and our clients are doing exciting things.”

Under Caguin’s leadership, the creative department has grown more than 35 percent in the last year alone. In addition to his time at Colle+McVoy, Caguin has worked at Butler, Shine, Stern & Partners and TBWA/Chiat/Day, among other agencies. He has worked with numerous leading national brands such as BMW MINI, Cannondale, Caribou Coffee, ESPN, GT, Indian Motorcycle, Infiniti, InterContinental Hotels, Land O’Lakes, Nestlé Purina, Nissan, Novartis, Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation, Sun Microsystems and Yahoo! His work has been recognized by The One Show, The One Show Interactive, D&AD, the Webby Awards, Cannes Lions, the Effies and the Kelly Awards.

Husband (previously group creative director) has been with Colle+McVoy for more than six years leading creative on numerous accounts, including Caribou Coffee, Schwinn, Mongoose Mountain Hardwear, Nestlé Purina and Explore Minnesota Tourism. He’s also created work for Target, Kellogg’s, BMW MINI and Sun Microsystems and spent time at Butler, Shine, Stern & Partners, as well as several local agencies. He’s won every color of Effie award (bronze, silver, gold), been recognized by the Kelly Awards, the Webby Awards, The One Show, and Cannes Lions. His work has been featured as ESPN's Play of the Day and enthusiastically discussed on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon.
 

MINNEAPOLIS, Feb. 1, 2012 – Mountain Hardwear, a leader in innovative, premium outdoor apparel, equipment and accessories, selected Colle+McVoy as its agency of record to lead its global branding, marketing and communications.

“The Colle+McVoy team showed tremendous drive and tenacity for our business and brought a level of professionalism, strategic thinking and creative bench strength that made us confident in their ability to be our strategic partner,” said Chris Harges, brand director, Mountain Hardwear. “Incredible opportunities exist for Mountain Hardwear, and we’re thrilled to have the agency by our side to help take advantage of them.”

“Mountain Hardwear is a beloved brand with the highest standards in the industry,” said Christine Fruechte, president and CEO, Colle+McVoy. “We are inspired by the entire brand team and look forward to partnering with them to launch the brand revitalization and further expand its global reach.”

Colle+McVoy is known for its expertise in the outdoor/recreation segment and has received recognition for its work in modernizing iconic brands, including Cannondale, Mammoth Mountain, Caribou Coffee, Indian Motorcycle, Land O’Lakes and Schwinn. The agency helps brands rediscover what made them beloved, harness this brand passion and then identify the opportunities that give them a 21st century footing.  

About Mountain Hardwear
Mountain Hardwear is a leader in innovative, premium outdoor apparel, equipment and accessories. We celebrate bold ideas, the drive to challenge the edges of our potential, and the joy, friendships and personal growth that come from that endeavor. We work with era-defining athletes to develop lightweight, easy-to-use and incredibly well-crafted outdoor clothing and equipment. Mountain Hardwear, Inc., founded in 1993 and based in Richmond, CA, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Columbia Sportswear Company and distributes its products through specialty outdoor, running, and sporting goods retailers in the United States and 58 countries worldwide. www.mountainhardwear.com

MINNEAPOLIS, Aug. 31, 2011 – Indian® Motorcycle, America’s first motorcycle brand, selected Colle+McVoy to lead its international branding, advertising, creative, design, retail and interactive marketing strategy.

“Colle+McVoy showed incredible passion for Indian Motorcycle and demonstrated prowess in how to evolve this iconic, global brand across a multitude of customer touchpoints,” said Ross Clifford, managing director, Indian Motorcycle. “We are delighted to have such a partner to help develop the brand for sustained growth.”

“Indian Motorcycle not only produces classic motorcycles, it is a symbol of American ingenuity and determination,” said Christine Fruechte, president and CEO, Colle+McVoy. “We are proud to be their partner and eager to leverage this legacy into powerful brand experiences that drive business success.”

Colle+McVoy has received international recognition for its work in modernizing iconic brands, including Caribou Coffee, Cannondale, Land O’Lakes and Schwinn. The agency helps brands find their 21st century footing by rediscovering what made them beloved and then identifying opportunities to harness this passion.