Minnesota Keystone Program
Posted by Curtis Smith on January 3, 2012 at 5:04 PMThe following keynote address by Lynn Casey, Padilla CEO, was presented at the Minnesota Keystone Luncheon, Dec. 14th, in Minneapolis.
The state of Minnesota has a good track record of exports. Exporting the Keystone notion is one we can all take credit for.
In fact, it's fair to say that there's a good amount of Keystone Envy beyond our borders. Several of us here today participate in something called the InterCity Leadership Visit. This is a program sponsored jointly by the Greater Minneapolis and St. Paul Chambers that brings about 100 people to a different city each year to explore best practices in transportation, education, housing and other critical functions to enable our cities to be the best they can be. I can't recall a visit when someone from one of those cities - most recently Portland - hasn't commented on our reputation for corporate philanthropy and volunteerism.
That notion extends outside the country as well. My company is part of a network of communications firms in 100 cities around the world. When Padilla distributes our annual community contributions report, we're sure to get a few wistful comments from one or more of our offices South of the Border, or in Europe or the Asia Pacific region.
So what is it about this community and this state that compels our businesses to be above-average givers? Are we so much wealthier than businesses in other states? Not really. Were we born with some sort of special Generosity Gene? Is there something in the water? Not likely.
In 2007, Joe Nocera tried to find out. Joe is a business columnist for The New York Times. He had heard so much about the spirit of corporate philanthropy in Minneapolis-St. Paul that he wanted to find out first-hand what it was all about. His story appeared on December 22 of that year. And reading it will make you smile. The headline of the piece is "Emerald City of Giving Does Exist." That title refers to a statement made by John D. Rockefeller III. He was in town speaking to Minneapolis Chamber of Commerce members shortly after the Five Percent Club - the forerunner to Minnesota Keystone - was established. Mr. Rockefeller said that he had heard so much about - and I quote -- the public spirit of your business community and about your remarkable Five Percent Club that I feel a bit like Dorothy in the Land of Oz. I had to come to the Emerald City myself to see if it really exists.
We may not be the Emerald City - although I feel like we've collectively beaten back our fair share of flying monkeys over the years. But we do have two things going for us: Number One, we have the power of a good idea. And Number Two: We have made the commitment to keep that idea alive through good times and bad.
Our early business leaders knew that creating jobs was businesses' greatest contribution to their community. That's still true today. But those leaders also realized that not everyone would be able to succeed in the world of work. And that the right thing to do - to give a hand up - was also the smart thing to do. It was a way to strengthen the communities in which they did business. That good idea that was formalized as the 5 Percent Club in the mid-'70s and - as I mentioned -- later became Minnesota Keystone.
So how is it that we're still celebrating that good idea more than three decades later? That's the commitment part of the equation. And here we must recognize the Greater Minneapolis Chamber for championing Minnesota Keystone's growth; the Minnesota Chamber for sponsoring a sister program in Greater Minnesota; the volunteer committee that keeps the Keystone fire burning; AND all of YOU who continue your company's commitment today.
I know that you are as proud as I am that Minnesota is a leader in corporate volunteerism and philanthropy. We're going to need that level of commitment and then some in the years ahead. Our state demographer and our state economist paint a fact-based picture of a population that has the potential to outlive our quality of life. And a former state finance commissioner put a finer point on it at a recent gathering of non-profits and foundations: Minnesota is on track to grow older with less wage-earning potential. We could see slower economic growth; more unemployment; reduced federal, state and local spending; more children in poverty and greater income disparity.
There's good news: There are lots of smart people trying to figure out how to reverse these trends. But this much is clear: We are going to have to dig even deeper to maintain our commitment to community and our quality of life.
We're also going to need to give smarter. To make certain that the time and the money we spend make the greatest positive impact.
This isn't brand-new thinking, but it's really caught on in the last decade. In the very early days of our country's industrialization, business leaders often talked about giving back to their communities as a repayment of sorts for extracting their wealth from the land. That thinking has evolved over time as our corporations have come to understand that they create more wealth than they extract. What's more, these companies are demanding that the dollars they do put back into the community are invested wisely. Businesses are not simply giving back any more - they are investing in the future and expecting measureable impact.
Many organizations in the room today have corporate foundations and staff who screen requests for donations. They not only look for requests that fit their giving guidelines and areas of interest. They also look for non-profit organizations and programs that will steward their gifts toward the best result.
Other businesses are taking the lead of our largest givers. Some of us have formed giving committees that vet requests for contributions to make sure each dollar is invested wisely. For many of us, that investigation step is also why we continue to make the United Way one of our highest corporate and individual giving priorities -- especially when it comes to funding human services. The United Way has its finger on the pulse of basic needs in our community. You can think about giving to the United Way almost like investing in a mutual fund or having a trusted financial advisor. Those of us without the time and talent to thoroughly investigate individual companies' stocks rely on these experts to choose on our behalf. So it goes with the human services experts at the United Way.
That expertise becomes even more valuable during difficult financial times. The strong United Ways around the country - and ours is among the strongest, by the way -- hold agencies accountable for outcomes. They help the most promising new social service models get traction, and they help financially troubled non-profits merge their best programs with others for the good of the community. It's not the stuff of headlines or sparkling copy points. But it is the hard work that goes on behind the scenes. And it's needed now more than ever.
I count the generosity of Minnesota's business community among our blessings. That generous spirit was accelerated by a good idea - that's Minnesota Keystone. And an unwavering commitment to that idea -- that's all of you. So when you leave today, be sure to take the list of members with you. It's in your program. Thank those members by buying their products and services. And think about that companies you know who should be on this list. Encourage them to join the Keystone movement. Chances are they are already volunteering and giving at a level that would qualify them for membership. They just need to be asked.
Even an idea that's as good as investing time, talent and treasure in our communities is only as good as the commitment to keep it going. Thank you for your commitment to Minnesota Keystone. I'll look forward to celebrating with you again next year.
Comments (0) | TrackBack (0) |
Live On Turfgrass - The Facts About Turf's Benefits
Posted by David Schad on December 16, 2011 at 10:28 AMI always get a real sense of pride when looking at my freshly cut lawn, and I love the feel of grass between my bare toes. Other than that I hadn't given grass much thought. In fact, turfgrass is often overlooked by most of us, but it's very important. It's one of the most widespread, beneficial and economical plants in the country.
To tell turf's story, BASF Professional Turf & Ornamentals partnered with Padilla to develop Live On Turfgrass, an animated video that shares how turfgrass--in parks, lawns, golf courses, recreational sport fields and green spaces--benefits everyone.
The video, launched in early November, is already a hit among members of the turf industry but is gaining interest from many non-industry folks ... like me.
Watch, share and repost this short video about how turfgrass benefits you and let us know what you think.
Comments (0) | TrackBack (0) |
Cruising on the Integrated Communications Bus
Posted by Bob Brin on October 6, 2011 at 2:43 PMIt's been a smooth ride, helping Jefferson Lines update its brand to where they're headed, versus where they've been. The refreshed brand and integrated marketing program has been rolling outta here with a road-ready new identity, a sleek e-commerce website, online advertising and publicity.
All of this is about reaching a cost-sensitive, energy-smart and connected population, especially college students and boomers who'd rather be texting and leave the driving to Jefferson.
The Padilla team recently boarded a freshly wrapped Jefferson Rocket Rider for a road trip to our 50th anniversary (James) Bonding session at a super-secret location.
Comments (0) | TrackBack (0) |
Enter to win prizes by August 31, 2011 - DEEP Focus Creative Media Contest highlights East Downtown's vibrant community
Posted by Jan Gagnon on August 17, 2011 at 3:28 PMDo you live, work or play on the east side of downtown Minneapolis? Are you creative? Help the capture and celebrate what makes East Downtown a cool community through photos, video or other creative media for the chance to win cash, a Vikings game experience, or free biking for a year!
Were seeking multimedia submissions highlighting unique and beloved spots around town, such as the:
• Getty Row brownstone row homes
• Historic immigrant churches
• Mill Ruins Park
• Local eateries with a good story and cultural influence, like Band Box
• Up and coming residential buildings
• Guthrie Theatre and MacPhail Center
• Power and beauty of the Mississippi River
Deadline is August 31, 2011 - Creative Media Contest Submission Details
The public is invited to enter the East Downtown "Can You Picture It?" creative media contest. Photos, videos, or other presentations about East Downtown will be accepted through August 31, 2011. Entries will be judged based on their creativity, originality, and the extent to which they capture what makes this part of Minneapolis a special place to work, live, play, pray and heal.
First prize is five hundred dollars. Second prize is two press box/field pregame passes to a Minnesota Vikings game next season. Third prize is a one-year subscription to ride Nice Ride Minnesota bicycles found stationed throughout downtown and the U of M area.
For contest details and how to enter, visit edcmpls.org. Or contact Jan Gagnon, East Downtown Council board member, at jgagnon@padillaspeer.com for information.
The East Downtown Council is a geographically-based business and professional association which supports the activities of businesses, non-profit corporations and property owners in the Downtown East and Elliot Park neighborhoods of Minneapolis. The East Downtown Council serves as an advocate for the Downtown East and Elliot Park business community, promoting a safe, productive business environment and communication between business and civic leaders.
Comments (0) | TrackBack (0) |
Jokes Aside: 10 Signs You Work in Public Relations at Padilla Speer Beardsley
Posted by Heather Mueller on August 4, 2011 at 11:11 AMAs I read the August 2, 2011, Ragan article, "10 Signs You Work in Public Relations," I related to many of the humorous admissions outlined below by David Brimm, president of BrimmComm Inc., -- but wanted to personalize a short list that describes tell-tale signs you're a Padilla Speer Beardsley PR pro.
Brimm's list: "10 Signs You Work in Public Relations"
10. During a date you are tweeting a reporter about a new pooper scooper.
9. A TV assignment editor threatens to break your dialing finger if you call again on deadline.
8. You didn't take a single public relations course before entering the field.
7. Your friends become nauseous when you want to talk about another new media placement.
6. You sent a pitch to editor Jim Harris and realized it was Jill Harrison.
5. You lost a PR job because you told the recruiter that you "like people."
4. You get excited when anyone at The New York Times takes your call.
3. At 4 a.m. you're at a TV station for an early morning segment.
2. You have a PR budget that will just about cover a large latte.
1. Your mother still doesn't understand what you do for a living.
My spin-off list: "Jokes Aside: 10 Signs You Work in Public Relations at Padilla Speer Beardsley"
10. During a date you are tweeting a reporter who caught your check-in on Foursquare and wants to join you for a drink.
9. A TV assignment editor threatens to add you as a friend on Facebook because they like you as a professional and a person.
8. You didn't take a single class in college that hasn't in some way contributed to your creative but on-point ideas for a great media pitch.
7. Your friends become "Minnesota nice" when you want to talk about how your job is cooler than theirs.
6. You sent a pitch to editor Jim Harris and realized he shares your middle name.
5. You lost a PR job offer from a competing agency because you told the recruiter that you "enjoy your current co-workers."
4. You get excited when The New York Times takes your call and agrees to interview your B2B client.
3. At 4 a.m. you're at a TV station for an early morning segment, and you've got a post-interview scone ready for your client to enjoy with coffee.
2. You have a PR budget that just about covers a large latte, and you're going to make every drop count.
1. Your mother does understand what you do for a living and provides word-of-mouth referrals to her business network.
Please feel free to add your reactions or contributions to the list in our comment box.
