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, Nov. 9, 2011 – The International Olive Council (IOC) has selected Colle+McVoy and its public relations partner Exponent PR as agency of record to promote olive oil and olive consumption in the United States and Canada. An 18-month campaign, called “Add Some Life,” will be driven through public relations and events designed to inspire and expand North American interest in all things olive.

“The IOC awarded Exponent PR the business after a thorough evaluation of every proposal submitted,” said Jean-Louis Barjol, executive director of the IOC. “We were drawn to the fresh ideas the agency presented to promote olive products in North America, as well as Exponent’s proven track record of increasing share of voice within the food and nutrition industry.”

The new “Add Some Life” campaign celebrates the many culinary facets of olives and olive oil, including the flavor, health benefits and the sense of delight it adds to everyday eating. A key goal is to promote the health benefits of both olives and olive oil while showcasing the versatility of each.

“Olive products offer numerous health benefits and are a great value when you consider their many health, taste and versatility benefits,” said Tom Lindell, managing director for Exponent PR. “Our team will draw upon its deep food marketing experience to increase consumer purchase in the short term, while attracting new consumers in the long term.”

An information-rich website will launch this fall and provide consumers with health information, recipes and tips for cooking with olives and olive oil. The campaign also will feature a Facebook page and Twitter feed.

This new assignment adds to the explosive growth Exponent PR has experienced in the last year – expanding by more than 50 percent from 2009 to 2010. The agency projects continued double-digit growth in 2011. Exponent PR specializes in the food category (stretching from farm to table) and provides deep expertise from work with clients like the North American Olive Oil Association, Caribou Coffee, General Mills, Pillsbury, Muir Glen Organics, Land O’Lakes and DuPont.

About IOC
The International Olive Council (IOC) is the worldwide body that sets quality standards for the olive and olive oil industry. Based in Madrid, Spain, the council is an intergovernmental organization created in 1959. It is charged with implementing the 2005 International Agreement on Olive Oil and Table Olives, the purpose of which is to promote trade, consumption and international cooperation in the fields of olive oil and olives. 

Visit www.internationaloliveoil.org for more information.  

We’ve added some new recruits to the creative team in 2011 and to let you know a little bit more about the kind of people we hire, we asked them questions only slightly related to their jobs.

Lee Kimball, copywriter
If you were an advertising superhero, what would your name be and what would you do?
Exclaimo, Keeper of Superlatives. I would fly across the sky (in a glorious green, crushed velvet unitard) inspiring writers to gussy up their copy a bit and make everything grand.

Where do you find creative inspiration?
Music is huge for me. I like listening to music that fits the tone of the brand I’m working on to give me creative concepts, and then I write like mad while listening to jazz or classical music (or maybe techno if there's a glow stick in the vicinity).

When you want to hide in the Twin Cities, where do you go?
It depends on whom I'm hiding from, but generally I go for the men's restroom at C+M. But considering I don't own a cell phone, it's pretty easy to hide pretty much anywhere.


Phil Kjelland, production artist
Superhero: I'd be known as 'Kern-Duder' – able to rid the world of all poorly kerned text…and the misuse of smart quotes.

Creative inspiration: I work with so many talented individuals that it's impossible not to be inspired by their creative thinking and design solutions.

Hiding spot: It wouldn't be a very good hiding place if everyone knew about it.


Nick Watts, interactive producer
Superhero: Tim Machine – A fan-boy of Web pioneer, Tim Berners-Lee, who after hacking into Lee's original CERN mainframe was mysteriously given superpowers, including the ability to vocally mimic the dial-up login sound, and a lifetime membership to America Online.

Creative inspiration: I'm a motorcycle and bicycle fanatic, so I get creative inspiration while out riding. When I'm in front of a computer, I follow tons of blogs. One of my favorites is The Selvedge Yard http://theselvedgeyard.wordpress.com/. There's also a surprising amount of inspiration on Janet Reno's wiki page,  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Janet_Reno

Hiding spot: At 6'7" it's hard to hide anywhere, but I can always escape while riding my bicycle on the quiet roads along the Mississippi River.


Jonny Thompson, interactive producer
Superhero: That's a tough one, but I would want to be Jonny McFly. I would drive a DeLorean time machine with the ability to go back in time and create Facebook before Mark Zuckerberg.

Creative inspiration: I love watching TED talks. During my commute to work, I'll try to listen to one or two talks on my iPhone.

Hiding spot: I'm a big fan of Barrio in St. Paul. I drink their fantastic margaritas while playing Kung-Fu on the big screen. And if you go there in the summertime, they open up the giant doors to let in the cool breeze from Mears Park.


Sean Cooley, designer
Superhero: So as an advertising superhero, I believe my name would be something along the lines of Vectorer, Pica or maybe Steve the defender of Kerningville, not sure which one has the best ring to it. I feel like everyone needs a trusty sidekick, so maybe Sir Phot O. Shop (cousins of Sir Mix-A-Lot) or Madam Ill U. Strator. As a team, we would fight crime, kick butt, kern, track, lead (not sure what the verb is for adjusting leading) and maybe even start up a rec flag football team. My archenemies would probably be Widows, Orphans (not actual widows and orphans, but the ones that reference page layouts and design), Comic Sans, Curlz and Mayo (seriously that stuff creeps me out).

Creative inspiration: Not going to lie, generally the first 15 minutes at work, I kind of go through a list of design blogs for daily inspiration. The blogs' contents are anywhere from band posters, furniture design, illustrations, photos, diy projects, albums to just found objects. I'm a big fan of finding inspiration in the unexpected, whether it's music or something entirely unrelated to the current project.

Hiding spot: When I'm not out fighting crime, and I get some downtime in the Twin Cities, I tend to play Jenga against fellow competitors at the Jenga Centre just down the road from where I live or practicing the ability to bite my own ear (it has not been going well so far). Those more or less take up most of my time, but with the remainder hours, I frequent awesome places such as Bulldog, CC Club, Bryant-Lake Bowl, Triple Rock and Seventh St Entry. When I want to live life on the edge by crossing the river via car and running the risk of never finding another parking spot near where I live, I enjoy Northeast Minneapolis and Grand Ave area in St. Paul, especially burgers at the Blue Door. Biking is seriously bad ass in this town and I feel like it's a challenge to hit up all the routes, but something I'm definitely going to try and take on, granted it my be a 10 year process but I've got to aim high. I'm about 2% of the way there. Since I'm new to the area, I'm intrigued to take on the winters here, but definitely pumped about going to some hockey games. Yep, that's about it for now, oh and I'll get working on the logo for this superhero shindig asap.


TJ Beagan, broadcast producer and manager
Superhero: The Grinch – with a mission to eradicate poor planning.

Creative inspiration: The cinema.

Hiding spot: Any racquetball court.

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.  

MINNEAPOLIS, Aug. 31, 2011 – Explore Minnesota Tourism, Minnesota’s tourism promotion office, was awarded the prestigious 2011 Mercury Award last night by the U.S. Travel Association for the “More to Explore” television ad, created by Colle+McVoy, its advertising agency partner. The spot, which launched last spring, was recognized as the best state tourism TV ad broadcast in the country this year.  

“It’s very exciting to have our ‘More to Explore’ spot named as the best state tourism TV ad in the country,” said John Edman, director of Explore Minnesota Tourism. “We wanted to stand out among tourism ads by being fun and memorable, and our ‘More to Explore’ ads definitely achieve that.”

Showcasing a variety of fun things to do in Minnesota, the ad features playful graphics, a catchy song and quick sketches of Minnesota activities to convey the message that “There’s more to explore in Minnesota.” It also features cameo appearances by Twins baseball player Joe Mauer, Minneapolis indie band Solid Gold and other Minnesotans as they sing about all there is to see and do in the state.  The spot has become Explore Minnesota Tourism’s most buzzworthy initiative with extensive traditional and online media coverage in major Minnesota media markets, the generation of nearly 28,000 YouTube views within the first week of airing and over 45,000 views within one month, and yielding over 28,000 page views on exploreminnesota.com.

“By choreographing the more to explore concept, we created a vivid and memorable spot, which was very well received,” said Eric Husband, group creative director, Colle+McVoy. “We are grateful for partners such as Explore Minnesota Tourism who champion great work that stands out.”

In addition to the award, John Edman was elected vice chair (and next national chair) of the National Council of State Travel Directors.

Video and audio files can be downloaded here >>

MINNEAPOLIS, May 12, 2011 - Colle+McVoy won two Judge’s Choice Awards and had seven pieces selected (tied for the most selected) at the AIGA Minnesota Design Show 2011. The awards, sponsored by AIGA Minnesota, highlight the region’s top work, submitted by creative professionals and students, and is judged by a panel of nationally recognized design professionals.

"This is incredible recognition since the Twin Cities design community features some of the most creative work in the nation," said Ed Bennett, design director, Colle+McVoy.

Colle+McVoy won two of four coveted Judge’s Choice Awards for the corporate identity for People for Bikes, the nation’s largest unified movement to improve bicycling, and for the Schwinn Bell Choir, a holiday campaign for Schwinn featuring eight festive people on bikes performing e-carols that helped get bikes and helmets to kids across the country.

The other five pieces selected into the show include the agency’s All Set Card Set, Caribou Coffee Globe/Donate/I Heart You out-of-home (OOH) campaign, Caribou Coffee Oven OOH, Schwinn Calendar and the mobile site for TakeMeFishing.org.

AIGA Minnesota supports the interests of professionals, educators and students who are engaged in the process of designing, regardless of where they are in the arc of their careers. Its mission is to advance designing as a professional craft, strategic tool and vital cultural force. It is one of the largest chapters in the AIGA, serving nearly 1,300 members in Minnesota and the upper Midwest.

MINNEAPOLIS, April 20, 2011 - Craig Pladson has been named director of interactive innovation at Colle+McVoy to expand the current and identify the future interactive opportunities for its clients. In this new position, Pladson will lead the agency’s efforts to identify and build emerging platform solutions, as well as continue to infuse interactive marketing and technology throughout core disciplines at the agency.

"I am thrilled to recognize Craig, who has been instrumental in the development and tremendous growth of our interactive expertise at the agency," said Christine Fruechte, president and CEO, Colle+McVoy. "He will now lead our client partners in harnessing interactive and emerging platforms to grow their businesses."

Pladson, who was previously director of interactive strategy and joined the agency in 2007, is moving from a digital strategy role to a broader leadership position that drives the innovation behind the agency and client strategies for platforms such as social media, mobile, Web sites, content distribution and analytics. He will also help lead experimentation and innovation for branded platforms such as Squawq® and other proprietary tools and products.

"This is a very exciting time to be in the industry and at Colle+McVoy," said Pladson. "We invested in interactive early on and it’s paying off, so we can further invest in future and emerging technologies that drive our clients’ businesses."

Despite the economic downturn, Colle+McVoy billings have grown annually for the fifth consecutive year. Much of this growth has been fueled by growth in interactive, which accounts for more than 40 percent of the agency’s work product. The agency has hired more than 15 digital specialists in the last year. Notable recent new business wins attracted to the agency’s digital expertise include Land O’Lakes Dairy Foods Division, Explore Minnesota Tourism, Mammoth Mountain Ski Area, and Dorel Recreational/Leisure segment (including the Cannondale, Schwinn, GT, Mongoose, IronHorse and SUGOi brands).

Recent recognition for the agency’s digital work includes three 2010 Webby Awards nominations (winners announced May 3, 2011) and three past Webby Awards for the pop culture phenomenon YearbookYourself.com, which generated increased mall visits for client Taubman Centers. The agency’s work has also been recognized by the Cannes Cyber Lions, One Show Interactive, Adweek Buzz Award and Communication Arts Interactive Annual.

MINNEAPOLIS, April 19, 2011 - The National Agri-Marketing Association (NAMA) awarded Colle+McVoy Best of Show (advertising) at the national 2011 Best of NAMA awards ceremony in Kansas City. The advertising Best of Show award was one of four first place wins for Colle+McVoy and its PR partner Exponent PR. The Best of NAMA program recognizes excellence in advertising, public relations and digital communications in agribusiness and related industries.

"Colle+McVoy strives to provide smart and creative work that achieves strong results for our agribusiness client partners," said Christine Fruechte, president and CEO, Colle+McVoy. "We are honored to have the work of our growing Food & Agribusiness practice recognized."

Colle+McVoy received the Best of Show and first place win for its Winfield Solutions, LLC 3-D direct mailing. The high-tech, high-impact direct mail piece featured mini-TV screens embedded in the brochure and played videos, highlighting Answer Plot® Knowledge Events and promoting products. In addition, NAMA awarded Colle+McVoy first place for its Winfield Solutions, LLC AgriSolutions® print ads (less than one page) that dealers could customize for their local markets. The agency received a merit award for an Answer Plot® direct mail campaign for Winfield Solutions, LLC.

Additionally, Colle+McVoy earned a first place award for the 2009 Annual Report and Stewardship Report for CHS, Inc. that featured dynamic photographs and stories highlighting individuals within the CHS system.

Colle+McVoy was awarded another first place award for the humorous invitations the agency created for the Region III Best of NAMA awards program.

The agency received a merit award for a DuPont Crop Protection advertorial describing the benefits of using DuPont® Matrix® herbicide for tree nut producers. The national awards are in addition to eleven regional NAMA awards won by Colle+McVoy and Exponent PR.

MINNEAPOLIS, April 12, 2011 - Minneapolis-based advertising agency Colle+McVoy and its public relations partner, Exponent PR, announced the expansion of their burgeoning Food & Agribusiness practice.

The agencies hired Carol Anderson as senior strategist and Julie Carver as account director to help lead the food and agriculture business.

"Carol and Julie are very strong additions to our team. They bring deep experience and leadership, as well as further expanding the offerings to our clients," said Phil Johnson, chief operating officer, Colle+McVoy.

The Food & Agribusiness practice offers integrated, multidisciplinary expertise in strategic planning, advertising, public relations, marketing, interactive, public affairs and media planning. Clients include CHS, DuPont, Purina Feed, Land O’Lakes, Novartis Animal Health, Winfield Solutions, General Mills and the North American Olive Oil Association.

Anderson, who worked at Colle+McVoy in the 1990s, rejoins the agency after founding Mariposa Partners, a boutique food and agriculture communications consultancy based in Kansas City. She also previously led the food and agribusiness practice at Fleishman-Hillard’s Kansas City office. A recent past president of the National Agri-Marketing Association, Anderson has counseled many leading brands, including Pfizer Animal Health, Iams, Washington Apple Commission, Chick-fil-A, National Pork Board, Monsanto, Welch’s, Caterpillar, Diamond Pet Food, DeKalb, Arysta LifeScience Corporation and John Deere, among others.

Carver has more than 20 years of communications experience in corporate, agency, nonprofit and journalism, including strategy development for clients in agriculture, food, health care and technology. She was most recently director of public affairs at Broadhead + Co. where she worked with several agencies within the U.S. Department of Agriculture, as well as Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc. Carver has held communications leadership positions at Honeywell Automation and Control Solutions and Andersen Windows. Her agency background includes Miller Meester, where she worked with American Cyanamid and its Harvest Partners program, as well as with clients in food, health and aviation markets. Previously she worked with DuPont and Agway brands at Saatchi & Saatchi/Rumrill Hoyt.

"Carol and Julie are joining us at an exciting time. We continue to integrate our successful legacy in food and agribusiness with our interactive expertise to develop breakthrough new ways for our clients to engage, connect and stand out," said Johnson.

More than half of the agencie's 170 employees have experience in the food, nutrition and agriculture industries, making the practice one of the largest of its kind. More than 12 new employees have joined the practice in the last six months. Other members of senior leadership include:

- Greg Wetzel, group creative director, who has overseen the development of award-winning creative work for more than 20 years at Colle+McVoy

- Ed Bennett, design director, who has developed award-winning culturally relevant consumer design work

- Cynthia Clanton, practice leader, who is an all-around PR practitioner, writer and strategic counselor on award-winning agribusiness programs for more than 15 years at the agency

- Bernice Neumann, practice leader, a public relations counselor who has helped expand the consumer food business

- Craig Pladson, director of interactive innovation, who has been instrumental in the development and tremendous growth of the agency’s interactive practice

- Laurie Christen, media strategist, who has lead the media planning and buying activities, as well as helped guide the agency’s expertise on new and emerging media strategies

MINNEAPOLIS, April 1, 2011 - Exponent PR received 12 awards last night during the 33rd annual Minnesota PRSA Classics Awards, the most received by any agency or company. Sponsored by the Minnesota chapter of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA), the awards celebrate the best public relations campaigns of 2010.

"It’s an honor to have our work recognized as some of the region’s best," said Tom Lindell, managing director, Exponent PR. "This recognition is a tribute to great client partners and their success."

Exponent PR received recognition for its work on behalf of a range of clients, including Bikes Belong, Caribou Coffee, CHS Inc., DuPont Crop Protection, General Mills, Nestlé Purina and Winfield Solutions. Following are the specific awards:

- Marketing Products (Established budget more than $75,000): "Time’s Up, Cupcake. It’s Time for Pie!" for General Mills

- Public Service (Business/Industry): "Pedaling to Mainstream" for Bikes Belong

- Special Events/Observances (Less than seven days): "Caribou Coffee Grows Hope with Amy’s Garden" for Caribou Coffee

- Institutional Programs (Business/Industry): "Amy’s Blend Brews Hope" for Caribou Coffee

- Creative Tactics: "Staying Awake for Success" for Caribou Coffee

- Web sites: "Linking Advocates to peopleforbikes.org" for Bikes Belong

- Speech Writing: "Paying Respect to Environmental Respect" for DuPont Crop Protection

- Feature Writing: "Follow These Steps to Improve Pasture Productivity" for DuPont Crop Protection

- Magazines: "’C’ the World Through CHS" for CHS Inc.

- Newsletters: "Nourishing Veterinary Know-how" for Nestlé Purina

- Media Kits (More than $15,000): "Larger Than Life Granola Thins Make Media Hungry for Nature Valley" for General Mills

- Brochures: "Winfield Solutions Proves Seeing Is Believing" for Winfield Solutions

Minnesota PRSA is the tenth-largest chapter of the PRSA, the world’s largest organization for public relations professionals, with nearly 32,000 professional and student members. Minnesota PRSA comprises more than 400 members who represent business and industry, counseling firms, independent practitioners, military, government, associations, hospitals, schools, professional services firms, and nonprofit organizations.

MINNEAPOLIS, March 8, 2011 - Colle+McVoy announced today that Nicole Pomerleau has joined the agency as Media Director. She will be responsible for all media planning and buying activities, as well as providing expertise on new and emerging media strategies.

"Nicole is a tremendous asset to our team and our client partners," said Christine Fruechte, president and CEO, Colle+McVoy. "Her impressive national and international experience will expand the capabilities we offer our clients, as well as accommodate future agency growth and opportunities."

Pomerleau joins the agency from Fallon following stints at Mediacom London, Grey Worldwide, Universal McCann, and Foote Cone & Belding. Most recently she managed the media for the launch of the Cosmopolitan Hotel and Resort in Las Vegas along with leading the media on both Bravo and USA Network brands. She has extensive media planning and strategy experience leading blue chip brands across multiple categories, including Microsoft Office, Sandisk, Escada, Dunhill, Holiday Inn & Express, Lacoste, and Levi Strauss & Co.

Pomerleau believes the best media ideas come from building, not buying, and her passion for creative, innovative media brought her to Colle+McVoy. "The dynamic culture and drive for creativity and collaboration across all departments is inspiring," said Pomerleau. "I am excited to join a team with such tremendous growth and momentum."

Pomerleau is one of many recent significant new hires by Colle+McVoy, which boosted staff by more than 40 professionals in the last 12 months to manage new business and growth in digital billings. Colle+McVoy billings have grown annually for the fifth consecutive year and are expected to continue throughout 2011.

Gold, silver or bronze awards to be announced June 7 in New York

MINNEAPOLIS, March 8, 2011 - Colle+McVoy has reached the finalist stage in two Effie Award categories. The Effie Awards are the preeminent award in the industry honoring the most effective marketing communications campaigns. Gold, Silver and Bronze Effie trophies will be announced at the 43rd annual Effie Awards on June 7 in New York.

Colle+McVoy is a finalist in the David vs. Goliath and Retail categories for its overall marketing approach and rebranding of Caribou Coffee, the world’s second-largest coffee retailer. To better communicate the soul of the company and differentiate Caribou Coffee from its more-corporate competitors with giant budgets, Colle+McVoy completely relaunched the brand. The revitalization included uncovering the brand’s core DNA and reviving its original tagline, "Life is short. Stay awake for it," and providing a new logo, packaging and in-store signage, as well as Web site and advertising support.

The relaunched brand has positively affected sales and customer traffic. Since engaging Colle+McVoy, Caribou Coffee has achieved significant net sales increases, outperforming the QSR category and increasing shareholder.

About the Effie Awards

The Effie Awards honor the most significant achievement in marketing communications: ideas that work. Known by advertisers and agencies globally as the outstanding award in the industry, the Effies recognize any and all forms of marketing communication that contribute to a brand’s success. Any marketing medium is eligible for an Effie, as long as results are proven, including print, TV, radio, outdoor, internet, guerrilla, digital, package design, events, street teams, PR, paid or unpaid media. Since 1968, winning an Effie has become a global symbol of achievement. Today, Effie celebrates effectiveness worldwide with the annual World Effie Festival, the Global Effie, the EURO Effie, Effie Asia Pacific (Effie APAC) and more than 35 national Effie programs. For more details, visit www.effie.org.

MINNEAPOLIS, February 25, 2011 - As AOR for Mammoth Mountain Ski Resort, Colle+McVoy recently launched its first campaign for the resort that in some ways is like a grand opening. For decades, Mammoth’s jaw-dropping topography and famous terrain parks were only accessible by car - preferably the 4x4 variety. But with new air service from Los Angeles, the Bay Area and beyond, Mammoth’s 11,000-foot summit is now accessible to all. Higher than any West Coast resort, we introduced the tagline, "The top of California."

View the work here

MINNEAPOLIS, February 24, 2011 - Today Colle+McVoy launched a new, fully integrated mobile Web site for the Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation (RBFF) and its Take Me Fishing brand. Mobile site users now have on-the-go access to plan, prepare and equip for a great day on the water. Overall, the mobile site works to take the most mobile-appropriate and relevant offerings from takemefishing.org (the most comprehensive source on the web for all things fishing and boating) and puts them into an easy to navigate layout, allowing visitors to access information quickly and simply.

http://www.takemefishing.org/mobile (best viewed on a mobile device)

MINNEAPOLIS, February 24, 2011 - There’s a fundamental human truth when people get a new hairstyle or cut: if it looks good, people they know will compliment them. Never before has this insight or moment been captured in a campaign. Recognizing this, Colle+McVoy based its creative concept for Cost Cutters TV spots on showing these complimentary moments to prove that Cost Cutters offers a salon cut at an affordable price. Two actors were hired, given new Cost Cutters hairstyles, and then the real reactions from friends and loved ones were documented as they unfolded.

MINNEAPOLIS, Dec. 16, 2010 - With the launch of a new Web site, the venerable 85-year-old LAND O LAKES brand has been infused with digital flavor and is poised to take on new and emerging technologies that develop in the future.

Colle+McVoy, digital agency for Land O’Lakes Dairy Foods business, today announces the launch of the new www.landolakes.com, which creates a sustainable online presence for the Dairy Foods brand and connects it with a younger demographic via a more relevant interactive experience.

"While the LAND O LAKES brand has been a key ingredient in American’s kitchens for generations, the new site makes our brand more relevant to emerging and growing families and helps us grow our business," said Joan Cowan, director of marketing services, Land O’Lakes. "We are now better connected to our consumers, and we’ve laid the foundation for interactive marketing success in the future."

Besides better connectivity, the revamped site, with more than 6,000 pages of comprehensive information, has a new overall look and feel. This includes a modernized color palette, engaging photography and simplified browsing to make the site more inspiring and relevant to consumers, while still maintaining the value of the Land O’Lakes heritage.

"We’ve created an interactive brand experience that better reflects the rich Land O’Lakes story and helps make the lives of our technology-savvy and busy consumers easier," said Craig Pladson, director of interactive strategy, Colle+McVoy, which oversaw the strategy, creative, production and development, and launch of social media profiles on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Flickr. "Extensive research and strategic planning went into building the site to make sure that consumer needs are anticipated and understood, so that cooks and bakers get the inspiration and support they need."

The centerpiece of the new site is the revamped Test Kitchen area, which allows users to have improved access to the expertise of Land O’Lakes. The company is now better able to share findings from its real-world Test Kitchen, the place where recipes are conceived, prepared and perfected by a team of experts. The new area is designed to guide people at home in their kitchens with tips and techniques, answers to submitted questions, and a blog about topics shared by the experts. The Test Kitchen will also continue to build a following through each of the social networking sites and offer help to users via social network channels.

Additional site features include:

- Recipes that are easier to find, read, share and discuss

- A more simplified, predictive search tool

- Visual walk-throughs of many recipes on the blog

- More relational content (e.g., side dish pairings for meals)

- Streamlined ratings and reviews

- Greater variety of recipe collections

- Tips, photos, videos and how-tos relevant to next-generation consumers

About Land O’Lakes

Land O’Lakes, Inc. is a major Minnesota-based food and agriculture company, and is a leading producer of quality dairy products. The Land O’Lakes consumer Web site, found at www.landolakes.com, supports its retail products, LAND O LAKES® Butter, Spreads, Deli Cheese, Dairy Case Cheese, All-Natural Eggs and other licensed dairy products such as Half and Half, Seasonings, Cocoa and Cappuccino mixes. For more information, visit www.landolakes.com, www.facebook.com/landolakes or follow on Twitter @landolakesktchn.

MINNEAPOLIS, Nov. 30, 2010 - Colle+McVoy announced today the addition of three employees and promotions for six others in its creative department. Recently, Colle+McVoy announced the expansion of the interactive and account service departments to meet growth in new business and current accounts. New clients include Dorel Recreational/Leisure, Mammoth Mountain Ski Area, Old Navy, Explore Minnesota Tourism, Medtronic Foundation and Regis Corp. The new hires include:

- Harlo Petoskey has been hired as senior information and user experience architect. Petoskey has extensive brand experience that includes the University of Minnesota, Thomson Reuters, General Mills, HBO, Dell, Disney and Buick.

- Aaron Purmort has been hired as senior interactive designer. Purmort has considerable brand experience, including Microsoft, Target, Best Buy, General Mills and American Standard.

- Josh Van Patter has been hired as editor. Van Patter previously worked with brands that include Motorola, Journeys, Oppenheimer Funds and the University of Minnesota.

The six promotions include:

- Kristen Evanoff, promoted to director of creative output.

- John Neerland, promoted to associate creative director.

- Chris Peters, promoted to senior art producer and photographer.

- Lindsey Aho, promoted to senior designer.

- Micah Dahl, promoted to editor.

- Nina Orezzoli, promoted to senior art director.

"The creative group at Colle+McVoy comprises diverse talent with a big appetite for client success," said Mike Caguin, executive creative director, Colle+McVoy. "We could not be more excited to kick off a new year with our expanded and energized team."

Photos available upon request.

MINNEAPOLIS, Nov. 17, 2010 - For the second year in a row, Colle+McVoy is the most awarded agency at The Show, this year’s Advertising Federation of Minnesota’s annual award show. The agency won 74 awards in total, including the most gold (14), silver (12), bronze (10) and merit awards (38). Work was accepted into every medium of the awards (design, print, radio, TV, digital, OOH, guerrilla, integrated), recognizing the agency’s truly integrated offering.

"As an agency, it’s very rewarding to see our drive for standout work pay off and be recognized alongside the best work in the community," said Mike Caguin, executive creative director, Colle+McVoy.

Colle+McVoy received awards for creative work for Caribou Coffee, Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation, People For Bikes/Bikes Belong, Taubman Centers, Koala Ranch Wine, Minnesota State Lottery and more.

The Show is a widely recognized standard of excellence in the advertising industry. The awards honor the best work in advertising, design and interactive, as well as student work.

MINNEAPOLIS, Nov. 3, 2010 - Colle+McVoy announced today the addition of nine new employees to its account service team to meet the rapid growth of current accounts and new business. This latest round of hires follows the expansion of the interactive team and in other areas. Recent new clients include Dorel Recreational/Leisure, Mammoth Mountain Ski Area, Old Navy, Explore Minnesota Tourism, Medtronic Foundation and Regis Corp. The new hires include:

- Rob Hagemann has been hired as account director. Hagemann has a lengthy history of accomplishments with several General Mills brands and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina.

- Nat Jungerberg has been hired as account supervisor. Jungerberg has considerable brand experience that includes work for Best Buy, Great Clips, Macy’s, Microsoft, Pizza Hut and Taco Bell.

- Josh Thompson has been hired as account supervisor. Thompson has extensive business-to-business brand experience with previous accounts that include Pfizer Animal Health and Cargill Animal Nutrition.

- Sarah Biggerstaff has been hired as senior account executive. She has previous experience with several General Mills brands.

- Sarah Markel has been hired as account executive. Markel previously worked on consumer brands at Target Corp.

- Casie Cook has been hired as assistant account executive. She is a graduate of the University of Minnesota.

- Amanda Goplen has been hired as assistant account executive. She has experience in agriculture business.

- Ryan Sadeghi has been hired as assistant account executive. He is a graduate of the University of Southern California and recently worked on the SuperValu brand.

- Matt Stengel has been hired as assistant account executive. Previously, he worked on accounts such as the Chicago Museum of Science & Industry, University of Notre Dame, Thomson Reuters, Ecolab, Minnesota Vikings and Mayo Clinic.

"Our success is the product of the phenomenal talent of our employees," said Stacy Janicki, director of account management, Colle+McVoy. "These new team members share our vision and passion for client success."

Photos available upon request.

MINNEAPOLIS, Nov. 1, 2010 - Medtronic Foundation has selected Exponent PR, the public relations division of Colle+McVoy, as its public relations partner to support the Foundation’s flagship project.

The project brings together prominent health organizations to reduce the country’s leading cause of death, sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). While SCA kills more than 300,000 Americans each year, the survival rate of 8 percent has not improved in three decades.

"Exponent PR impressed us and stood out by crafting a cohesive campaign of action that we are confident will contribute to the project’s goal of saving many lives," said Rich Fischer, global communications director, Medtronic Foundation.

Exponent PR has the significant task of not just increasing public awareness of effective SCA response, but also helping generate action by the public and medical professionals.

"We are humbled at the responsibility of providing the public relations force behind what is a historic and unprecedented project that is intended to save thousands of lives," said Tom Lindell, managing director for Exponent PR. "Our team will draw upon its deep healthcare experience and strong abilities in integrated cause marketing to help the Medtronic Foundation make a difference."

MINNEAPOLIS, Oct. 27, 2010 - The League of American Bicyclists has recognized Colle+McVoy as a Bronze Level Bicycle Friendly Business (BFB). As an award winner, Colle+McVoy is providing a more bicycle-friendly lifestyle for its employees and serves as an example for best practices and innovations in bicycle friendliness at the workplace.

"Colle+McVoy is making a difference for employees, clients and communities," said Bill Nesper, Director of the Bicycle Friendly America Program. "The agency promotes bicycling as a viable form of transportation and gives their employees choices and options that make biking to work easy and fun."

Colle+McVoy makes bicycling an easy option for transportation and provides amenities such as a locker and shower room for changing, in-office bike parking, direct access to hundreds of miles of bike trails and free bike repair gear. It also offers incentives such as an employee bicycle financing program.

"We are proud to be recognized for our efforts to make Colle+McVoy and the Twin Cities a more bike-friendly place," said Christine Fruechte, president and CEO, Colle+McVoy. "Part of our commitment to the outdoor recreation category is encouraging our employees to live the lifestyle. Supporting bicycling is a big part of this and allows us to promote something we love, as well as health and wellness. It’s a win for everyone."

The Bicycle Friendly Community and Bicycle Friendly Business programs are generously supported by program partners Bikes Belong and Trek Bicycle’s One World, Two Wheels Campaign.

MINNEAPOLIS, Oct. 26, 2010 - Today Colle+McVoy was named global advertising agency of record for Dorel Industries Inc.’s (TSX: DII.B, DII.A) Recreational/Leisure segment, a worldwide leader and innovator in high-end and enthusiast bicycles and sports apparel, including the Cannondale, Schwinn, GT, Mongoose, IronHorse and SUGOi brands. The agency will lead global strategic and creative development of integrated programs across all traditional and nontraditional mediums targeted to consumers, independent bike dealers, mass merchants and sporting goods retailers.

"As Dorel Recreational/Leisure grows, we need a best-in-class partner to help us continue to evolve and maintain the relevance of our iconic consumer brands," said Andrew Coccari, CMO Global Marketing, Dorel Recreational/Leisure segment. "Colle+McVoy’s passion for bicycling is evident in their work with groups like Bikes Belong. Their consumer-centric focus toward building beloved lifestyle brands is tried and true, and their appreciation for the dynamics and pace of this industry is unparalleled."

"Enthusiast lifestyles are a core focus and expertise of ours. It’s an honor to partner with Dorel Recreational/Leisure to advance the growth of its iconic brand portfolio," said Christine Fruechte, president and CEO, Colle+McVoy.

This substantial AOR assignment is the latest win by Colle+McVoy, which was also awarded new business recently from Old Navy, Mammoth Mountain Ski Resort, Medtronic Foundation, Explore Minnesota Tourism, Regis Corporation, General Mills, Land O’Lakes and Nestlé Purina.

MINNEAPOLIS, Oct. 14, 2010 - Colle+McVoy, a member of the MDC Partners network, announced today that it has been named agency of record for the Mammoth Mountain Ski Area. Mammoth is a world-class mountain resort in Mammoth Lakes, Calif., that is expanding its marketing investment to help increase guest visits after recently adding direct plane access from Los Angeles, San Francisco and San Jose.

As AOR, Colle+McVoy will lead strategic and creative development of digitally driven, integrated marketing programs targeted to adventure enthusiasts. MDC Partners agencies Communefx and Varick Media Management will also share in the assignment, providing CRM activities targeted to different customer segments and online spot media buys, respectively.

"We have chosen to lead with digital engagement based on how our customers and guests want to be connected to Mammoth Mountain," said Howard Pickett, Chief Marketing Officer, Mammoth Mountain Ski Area. "Colle+McVoy and the MDC network are best able to position Mammoth Mountain as a leader through digital engagement."

This substantial new assignment is the latest win by Colle+McVoy, which has also recently been awarded new business from Old Navy, Explore Minnesota Tourism, Regis Corporation, General Mills, Land O’ Lakes, Nestlé Purina and Zimride.

"We are honored to help promote one of the top mountain destinations in the country by using our expertise in the category and our deep understanding of how interactive experiences along with traditional mediums affect the decisions of adventure enthusiasts," said Christine Fruechte, president and CEO, Colle+McVoy. "This is also a tremendous opportunity to showcase the strength of the MDC Partners network of agencies and how working together, we can create customized agency models to benefit our clients."

MINNEAPOLIS, Oct. 6, 2010 - The Colle+McVoy-produced film, LOTOLOGY, won Best Short Documentary in the 2010 Midwest Advertising Community Shorts Program during last night’s Midwest Independent Film Festival in Chicago. Presented by the Association of Independent Commercial Producers (AICP) Midwest, the program honors outstanding movies created by filmmakers in the Midwest advertising community.

LOTOLOGY is a heart-warming, laugh-out-loud short documentary that explores the lives of a group of lottery ticket collectors who believe an unscratched "mint" ticket is worth more than the potential prize lurking under the latex.

"LOTOLOGY explores the lives of "lotologists" and captures their passion for a very unusual hobby that most of us have never heard of," said Nina Orezzoli, senior art director at Colle+McVoy and co-director of the film.

"Producing this film was a unique opportunity for us and a project the agency loved to support," said Mike Caguin, executive creative director, Colle+McVoy. "We thrive on finding creativity wherever we can, as well as producing work that stands out, whether it’s a film, ad campaign or viral video."

A trailer of the film, original music and more information can be found at www.lotologythemovie.com.

MINNEAPOLIS, Sept. 23, 2010 -Colle+McVoy announced today the addition of six new hires to its thriving interactive team to meet the growth in digital billings for clients such as Land O’Lakes, Caribou Coffee, Taubman Shopping Centers and the Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation (RBFF). They include:

- Bridget Charon has been hired as senior interactive producer. Previously she specialized in green/sustainable marketing with high-profile companies including Nature Works LLC and Cargill Dow.

- Ryan Olson has been hired as interactive account supervisor and has extensive national brand marketing experience with General Mills, Hormel Foods, H&R Block, Dish Network, Great Clips and Famous Dave’s Restaurants.

- Tiffany Hahnfeldt has been hired as interactive producer and recently worked with clients such as Target, Best Buy, Ameriprise, St. Jude Medical and Minnesota Public Radio.

- Josh Vadnais has been hired as interactive creative developer. Formerly a web application developer, Vadnais worked with Medtronic, Rochester Medical, UnitedHealth Group and Abbott Vascular.

- Alex Ehlen has been hired as junior interactive designer. As an intern at Colle+McVoy, he worked with Caribou Coffee, Taubman Shopping Centers, CHS and IBA.

- Grant Olson has been hired as an associate interactive strategist. During his summer internship at Colle+McVoy, he worked on Land O’Lakes, Zimride, Taubman Shopping Centers and RBFF.

"These new hires enhance our team and increase the depth of interactive offerings available to our clients," said Craig Pladson, director of interactive strategy, Colle+McVoy. "Colle+McVoy is and will continue to be an industry leader in delivering smart, results-driven interactive experiences."

Photos available upon request.

MINNEAPOLIS, Sept. 21, 2010 - Colle+McVoy has received recognition in the prestigious O’Toole Awards program, known as one of the toughest advertising industry competitions. The agency has been recognized as a finalist in the Mid-Sized Agency of the Year category and is a two-time finalist in the O’TooleBox Category.

Established in 1991, The O’Toole is one of the most competitive and highly regarded award programs in advertising. Its purpose is to recognize those agencies that consistently set and maintain the very highest standards. To win, an agency must submit a body of stellar work for several different clients. Only 20 finalists in four categories were selected this year and awards will be announced in New York City on Sept. 27.

Colle+McVoy is one of four finalists in the Mid-Sized Agency of the Year. To enter, advertising agencies from all over the world had to submit five pieces of work for five separate brands.

In the O’TooleBox category, Colle+McVoy has been honored as a finalist twice (only six finalists are selected), for the rebranding of Caribou Coffee, the world’s second-largest coffee retailer, and developing the People for Bikes program, a first-of-its kind new brand and movement to make our world a more bike-friendly place. The O’TooleBox honors excellence in creative and original thinking for a body of work, for a single campaign idea across multiple contact points.

"We are all about creating standout, effective work for our clients," said Mike Caguin, executive creative director, Colle+McVoy. "To be recognized by the O’Toole awards as one of the best, most creative agencies in the country is an absolute honor and reflection of our strong client partnerships."

Proceeds from the O’Toole Awards are donated to the 4A’s Foundation, Inc. A primary goal of the Foundation is to award scholarships to multicultural students of the advertising arts. More information can be found at www.aaaa.org and www.otooleawards.com.

MINNEAPOLIS, July 15, 2010 - Zimride, the leading online rideshare community, named Colle+McVoy agency of record today.

"Colle+McVoy clearly gets how to build a brand, and its breadth and depth of capabilities blew us away," said John Zimmer, COO, Zimride. "Our main objective is to make "Zimride" a verb and create a new form of transportation that changes consumer behavior for good."

"Zimride provides an amazing online platform for ride sharing," said Christine Fruechte, president and CEO, Colle+McVoy. "It's truly defining the category through innovation and we are thrilled to be partnering with them."

Encouraging new means of transportation is nothing new at Colle+McVoy, which is known for its advocacy work in the bike industry. The agency recently launched the successful People for Bikes brand and movement to encourage more people to bike and make our world a more bike-friendly place.

Colle+McVoy will be responsible for strategic planning, identity design, advertising, media planning, online marketing, social marketing, promotional materials and public relations. Project budgets are unavailable.

MINNEAPOLIS, June 10, 2010 - Colle+McVoy has been selected as the advertising agency for Explore Minnesota Tourism, the state agency responsible for promoting travel in Minnesota. The agency was chosen following a competitive review process.

"We were impressed by Colle+McVoy’s approach, which offered the best combination of strategy, creativity, effectiveness and return on investment," said John Edman, director, Explore Minnesota Tourism. "The team demonstrated an understanding of the business and presented a great campaign that will be flexible and work across several mediums."

"We have always been proud of our Minnesota roots and we look forward to using our expertise and groundbreaking programs to creatively promote Minnesota as a travel destination and achieve measurable results," said Christine Fruechte, president and CEO, Colle+McVoy.

Colle+McVoy will assist Explore Minnesota Tourism with strategic planning, advertising, media planning, online/electronic marketing, social marketing, promotional materials, public relations and additional marketing needs. The marketing budgets have not been finalized.

MINNEAPOLIS, June 7, 2010 - Christine Fruechte, president and CEO of Minneapolis-based advertising agency Colle+McVoy, has been recognized by Advertising Age in its annual "Women to Watch" report. The annual report honors the most innovative, empowered and accomplished women in the world of advertising, marketing and media and appears in the June 7 edition of Advertising Age. Fruechte will be honored at an awards luncheon in New York on Aug. 11.

"This is a wonderful honor and one that I share with the entire agency," said Fruechte. "I would not have been included on this incredible list of women if it weren’t for the agency’s transformative growth, creative accomplishments and forward thinking."

For 14 years, Advertising Age, the leading global source of news, intelligence and conversation for marketing and media communities, has published a special report on the women in advertising, marketing and media whose accomplishments and potential have made them standouts. The honorees are recognized for having played significant roles in defining the future of their fields.

Fruechte has also been selected by Minnesota Monthly magazine to be the June keynote speaker in its monthly "Women of Influence" speaker series hosted by media personality Sue Zelickson. The luncheon will be held at Ruth’s Chris Steak House in downtown Minneapolis on June 17. More information is available at www.MNMO.com/woi.