TALLAHASSEE, Fl. – Ivette Marques, APR has joined Tallahassee-based Kidd Group as its PR Director. Prior to joining Kidd; she was a Senior Account Executive at Ron Sachs Communications, where she specialized in media buying, media relations, and special event planning. Before beginning her career in public relations, Ivette worked as a producer and general assignment reporter at WCTV, Tallahassee’s CBS affiliate.

“We are thrilled to have Ivette join our team,” said Jerry Kidd, President of Kidd Group. “Her diverse background of experience and many accomplishments will play a critical role in the growth and success of our PR department.”

Ivette is a graduate of Florida State University with a degree in Mass Media Studies and is Accredited in Public Relations. She is president-elect of the Florida Public Relations Association (FPRA) Capital Chapter and is also a member of the Junior League of Tallahassee, Access Tallahassee and Connect Florida.  Ivette is an FPRA Image and Golden Image Award winner and in 2009 she received her first EMMY award for her work on a 30-minute adoption TV special. In 2008 she was recognized as one of Tallahassee’s 25 Women You Need to Know.

“I am excited to begin this new chapter in my career,” said Ivette Marques, APR, Director of Public Relations. “This is a great opportunity for me to grow as a professional and play a key role in the future of Kidd PR.”

About Kidd Group and its parent company Kidd & Company, Inc. Now in its 31st year of business, Kidd & Company, Inc. offers in-house, integrated communication services, including branding, advertising, design, public relations and interactive solutions. Serving clients internationally, the team is committed to providing effective, creative marketing insight. To learn more about Kidd & Company and its award-winning divisions, call (850) 878-5433, or visit www.Kidd.com.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - Kidd Group received four awards at the Florida Public Transportation Association’s (FPTA) 2009 Marketing Awards for its work for client Bay Town Trolley of Panama City, Fla. A full-service communication and design firm, Kidd Group joined prominent marketing professionals from around the state who have developed campaigns for clients in public transportation. The team was honored for its outstanding achievements in public transportation marketing.

Among the company’s winning entries was the “Why I Ride” campaign. In 2009, Kidd Group worked with Bay Town Trolley to develop this initiative, asking riders to submit stories about why they ride the trolley. Testimonials were later used in video spots for the system.

“The FPTA Marketing Awards represent the best communication projects in public transportation,” said Kelly Robertson, APR, Public Relations Director for Kidd Group. “We’re honored to receive such recognition among our peers working in this challenging and ever-changing industry.”

Implementation, effectiveness and budget management were all considered for the Marketing Awards, which annually honor outstanding public transportation campaigns in the state of Florida. Kidd PR’s honors included two first-place awards, one second-place award and one third-place award:

First Place Awards Category: Advertising Collateral Entry: Bay Town Trolley: Trolley Talk newsletter

Category: Electronic Media/Audio-Visual: Television Entry: Bay Town Trolley: Why I Ride commercial

Second Place Award Category: Bus Exteriors: System Self-Promotion Entry: Bay Town Trolley: Exterior Trolley advertisements

Third Place Award Category: Sustaining Campaigns Entry: Bay Town Trolley: Why I Ride Campaign

To learn more about Kidd Group, visit Kidd.com, or call (850) 878-5433.

About Kidd & Company, Inc. Now in its 30th year of business, Kidd & Company, Inc. offers in-house, integrated communication services, including branding, advertising, design, public relations and interactive solutions. Serving clients internationally, the team is committed to providing creative marketing insight. To learn more about Kidd & Company and its award-winning divisions, call (850) 878-5433, or visit Kidd.com.

About Bay Town TrolleyFor the past 13 years, Bay Town Trolley has provided public transportation services to Bay County with the mission of moving riders of Bay County with clean, safe, efficient and dependable transportation while enhancing the quality of life and meeting the growing needs of the community. The system operates Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. – 8 p.m. For information on all routes, fares, Ride On Commuter Services and other news and updates, log on to BayTownTrolley.org.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -

The “Gather.Go.Get.” campaign developed by Kidd Group informs millions of residents on how to gather required documents, go to a driver license office and get their new cards when necessary. With Kidd’s help, DHSMV hopes residents will speed smoothly through the process, leading the nation in more secure identification practices.

Thirty years of experience including many of the regions largest communication campaigns, enabled Kidd Group to hit the ground running. In order to inform residents of new requirements that begin Jan. 1, 2010, the team is conducting extensive partner outreach, media and public relations, design, collateral and advertising components. The team also produced the campaign’s user-friendly Web site, which answers frequently asked questions and offers a variety of tools to help visitors identify which documents they will need. For more information on new requirements and the campaign itself, visit http://www.GatherGoGet.com.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -

Giving presentations to organizations large and small, Robertson explains how organizations can use social media to cost-effectively engage directly with target audiences, monitor what’s “being said” about them and enhance communication on many levels.

“Social media has the ability to virally reach millions of people in an instant,” said Robertson. “It creates a measureable impact. Organizations can share important news as it occurs, find new customers and shape strategies based on the conversations of their targets.”

To celebrate the “multilogue,” the Kidd team recently implemented the first-ever “Social Media Social,” a cocktail event held during the Florida Public Relations Association’s Annual Conference. Attendees enjoyed beverages like Tweet-tinis and Blog-o-beers while “tweeting” for prizes. The event itself generated online discussions, new social media followers for the company and positive organizational feedback.

“The Social Media Social is just one example of how social media can be used to enhance communication,” said Robertson. “Whether it’s an event, a fundraiser, a survey or breaking news, these tools are at your fingertips, but you’ve got to know how to use them.”

Whether you are ready to jump right into the pool of social media or just dip your pinky toe into the water, Robertson explains that she is able to tailor presentations to organizations at every level of involvement. For more information on social media presentations, contact KRobertson@kidd.com.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -

The Golden Image Awards acknowledge outstanding PR practices setting the state standard for excellence. Entrants participate in an extensive application process which must demonstrate thoughtful research, strategic planning, implementation and budget management.

Kidd Public Relations would like to thank both the Kidd team members and clients who contributed to the following programs:

• * Golden Image Award: “Ride Proud. Dress Loud. Motorcycle Campaign” – Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles
• Judges Award: “Grassroots Training Day” – Florida Developmental Disabilities Council, Inc.
• Judges Award: “Pier Park Express” – Bay Town Trolley and the West Florida Regional Planning Council
• Judges Award: “Ride Proud. Dress Loud. Motorcycle Campaign” – Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles
• Award of Distinction: “Grassroots Training Day” – Florida Developmental Disabilities Council, Inc.
• Award of Distinction: “Pier Park Express” – Bay Town Trolley and the West Florida Regional Planning Council

To learn more about the Florida Public Relations Association and its award program, visit http://www.FPRA.org.

* The Golden Image Award is presented to the top-scoring entry in each category if it meets predetermined criteria of excellence set by the judges. Judges Awards are presented to outstanding entries that achieve maximum results while using a minimum amount of money. Awards of Distinction are presented to entries that meet the standards of excellence set by a panel of judges.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -

Each week, interns completed tasks for non-profit client GovLoop, a social networking platform for government employees. Alyssa Canales, Kaitlyn Hastings, Sully Moreno and Lynsey Sherman, known as the “fierce four,” competed in challenges ranging from writing traditional press releases to creating strategic plans incorporating social media. All PR Apprentices proved talented, but only one was left standing in the boardroom…holding a job offer.

Hailing from the University of Florida, 21-year-old Hastings will complete her Public Relations degree in spring 2010. She previously worked at The Independent Florida Alligator newspaper and Sahlman Williams Public Relations.

“We congratulate all of the PR Apprentice participants,” said Kelly Robertson, Director of Kidd Public Relations. “By entering this internship, they pushed themselves to grow professionally, and for that they should all be proud.”

To learn more about the competition, visit http://www.ThePRApprentice.com.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - The boardroom table may not be as large as the one on Donald Trump’s “The Apprentice,” but for four interns at a local Public Relations Firm, it’s just as big of an opportunity.

Three FSU students and one University of Florida student were selected for Kidd Communication’s competitive summer internship, called “PR Apprentice: Season Two.”

Each week, the four girls compete for prizes and the honor of being titled challenge winner.

“I thought that it just looked really creative, very different from any other internship opportunity out there and a little competition never hurts anybody,” says intern Kaitlyn Hastings.

So far, they’ve completed four out of thirteen challenges, all with hands-on experience for a real client.

At the end of the summer, the winner will be offered either a part-time or full-time position at the firm.

Find more at: www.wctv.tv/home/headlines/46866517.html

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - Donald Trump may not be in the boardroom, but the stakes are just as high for four interns at a Tallahassee-based public relations company.

Four women working as public relations interns for Kidd Group, a Tallahassee communications company that represents state agencies and other governmental entities and banks among other clients, are competing for a job with the company in an internship modeled after the Donald Trump TV show, “The Apprentice.”

“I think it’s so fun because I really love competition and I’ve always wanted to be on “The Apprentice” since it first came out — like Donald Trump-style, so when I first saw this I thought it was so different and creative,” said Kaitlyn Hastings, a rising senior at the University of Florida.

Hastings, Sully Moreno, Lynsey Sherman and Alyssa Canales all want the job come the end of the summer. For Hastings and Moreno, who still have school to finish, it would be a part time gig. For Sherman and Canales, it could mean a full time job.

Allison Fogt, an account manager for the firm, said the four interns are given tasks each week and the one who does the best is declared the winner. The ultimate winner of course, wins gainful employment.

“Should they accept…they would be able to have the opportunity to work for us part time and see how that goes,” Fogt said. It’s the second year the firm has run the competition.

The four women have as their client Govloop.com, a social networking site for federal employees.

One of their biggest tasks so far has been to plan a one year anniversary party for the site that will be held in Washington D.C. later this month.

A potential party plan was submitted in the “boardroom” by the interns on Wednesday. Four Kidd Group employees plus a guest panelist then quizzed them over details.

Would the party DJ consider a discount if Govloop did free advertising? If the party is held outdoors, are there bathrooms? Would it be a cash bar or open bar?

At the end of the presentation, the women learn who won the previous week’s challenge. Last week’s was to write a press release about two awards that Govloop won. Moreno, a Florida State junior, was declared the winner.

“Oh my God, finally!” she said, smiling.

Find more at: www.jaxobserver.com/2009/06/02/tallahassee-pr-firm-looking-for-an-apprentice/

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - After a successful first season, Kidd Public Relations brings students back to the boardroom this summer during “The PR Apprentice: Season Two.” Unlike other internships, students are not just in it for the experience or school credit. They are competing for weekly prizes from boardroom sponsors, along with the title of “The PR Apprentice.” Kidd PR revealed that the students’ “client” will be international organization, GovLoop, the premier social networking site for the government community.

Representatives from Kidd PR, a division of Kidd & Company, Inc., selected four ambitious interns hailing from Florida State University and the University of Florida. They were chosen after a rigorous application process consisting of writing assignments and interviews:

• Kaitlyn Hastings, University of Florida, Public Relations
• Alyssa Canales, Florida State University, Creative Writing
• Sully Moreno, Florida State University, Media/Communication Studies
• Lynsey Sherman, Florida State University, Professional Communication

Interns will have their public relations skills tested as they compete in weekly challenges on behalf of GovLoop. One-by-one, they will be knocked “out of the loop,” but representatives warn not to worry. Those interns no longer in the running will remain on-board as team members, working with Kidd PR account managers to support other clients for the remainder of the semester.

“What we’re creating here is as close as it gets to a real-world environment for these aspiring professionals,” said Tom Derzypolski, Vice President of Client Communications, Kidd & Company, Inc. “The PR Apprentice allows students to fine tune their skills. There is no question they will come out stronger and more prepared for a career in the public relations field.”

The main “client” for Season Two, GovLoop, was created for government employees to facilitate communication between federal, state and local “government-thought” leaders. It has already crossed oceans, with 500 of its more than 10,000 members stemming from international governments in New Zealand, Britain, Canada, Germany and Hong Kong. Apprentices will be tasked with creating an entire public relations campaign for GovLoop, including social media initiatives, targeted audience outreach and a one-year anniversary event held in Washington, D.C.

“The pairing of GovLoop with The PR Apprentice program came at a perfect time,” said GovLoop.com Founder Steve Ressler. “Students in the communication industry are exposed to emerging technologies and social mediums of the generation, and they will be able to apply these tools in real-world experiences working with GovLoop. I look forward to meeting the interns and video conferencing with them during boardroom meetings. They don’t have too much to worry about though. I am no Simon or Donald.”

Local businesses have also shown support for the internship program, donating prizes for the winners of each weekly challenge. Boardroom sponsors currently include Sunberry, Rita’s Ice, Hometown Coffee, Momo’s, Crepevine and Cold Stone. Fans can show support by voting online for their favorite intern throughout the semester. Votes will be taken into consideration when selecting the winner. The Web site also features intern bios and clips from weekly video confessionals. Follow progress and learn more about the program at ThePRApprentice.com.

About Kidd & Company, Inc.
Now in its 30th year of business, Kidd & Company, Inc. offers in-house, integrated communication services, including branding, advertising, design, public relations and interactive solutions. Serving clients internationally, the team is committed to providing creative marketing insight. To learn more about Kidd & Company and its award-winning divisions, call (850) 878-5433, or visit Kidd.com.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - Award-winning interactive design agency 3W Studios recently completed the Web site design and launch for Florida Boots to Books, unveiled by Governor Charlie Crist at a press conference this week at the Florida Capitol. Part of Florida’s GI Bill Program, Boots to Books is a statewide initiative led by the Board of Governors and its partners. It showcases the curriculums and services available to veterans under the new GI Bill, ensuring they have the resources available to pursue educational and career goals upon returning home to Florida.

3W Studios, a division of Kidd & Company, Inc., was selected to design the program’s Web site in an effort to create a seamless transition from the battlefield to the classroom. The user-friendly FLBootsToBooks.org offers up-to-date information on GI Bill details, application instructions, community colleges and public and private universities along with links to various veterans groups. 3W Studios also designed the program’s logo, which received a Silver ADDY award in March for excellence in advertising and high standards of creative communications.

“We are proud to be part of a project that recognizes service men and women,” said Jeremy Spinks, 3W Studios Director. “Our team cannot thank veterans enough. We wish this program the utmost success and hope the Web site continues to provide information that helps them reach their goals.”

During the press conference launch, Governor Crist thanked all partners involved in the program, which included 3W Studios and the following organizations:

• Board of Governors/State University System of Florida
• Florida Department of Veterans Affairs
• Student Veterans of America
• Collegiate Veterans Association
• Executive Office of the Governor
• Florida Community Colleges
• ICUF (Independent Colleges and Universities of Florida)
• Agency for Workforce Innovation

The Florida Boots to Books initiative will undoubtedly help our troops,” said Vice President of Kidd & Company, Inc., Tom Derzypolski, who attended college on the GI Bill. “As someone who benefitted directly from these resources, I know what a difference the support can make in the transition home.”

The GI Bill, which was signed into law in 2008, is expected to provide more than $62 billion in assistance nationwide beginning Aug. 1, 2009, according to the Governor’s Office. Veterans with three years of active service qualify for full benefits for up to 36 months, including tuition and fees, monthly housing allowance and $1,000 a year for books and supplies. Partial benefits are also available to qualifying veterans. Visit FLBootsToBooks.org to learn more about the program and its benefits.

About 3W Studios
3W Studios is an award-winning interactive design agency specializing in design, development and management for innovative companies and associations. Since its inception as the interactive division of Kidd & Company, Inc., now in its 30th year of business, 3W Studios has established itself as one of the most accomplished interactive design and development companies in Florida, with clients spanning 12 time zones. To learn more, call (850) 878-5433, or visit 3Wstudios.com.