NEW BRIGHTON, MINN. (Feb 9, 2011) – Risdall Marketing Group (RMG) kicked off its 39th year of continuous operation with five new client engagements and a major expansion to its core capabilities. The addition of crisis communications and communications management guru Jim Lukaszewski, ABC, APR, Fellow PRSA, expands the agency’s ability to protect as well as build a company’s brand and reputation.

“As we enter 2011, the energy and excitement about the future is higher than it has ever been,” said John Risdall, vice chairman and CEO of RMG. “We’re growing on all fronts — from crisis communication to digital marketing and traditional advertising. But more importantly, we’re bringing these capabilities together to provide clients with integrated programs that deliver results.”

Led by Jim Lukaszewski, The Lukaszewski Group, a new division of Minneapolis PR firm Risdall McKinney Public Relations, will focus on crisis communications, communications management consulting, contentious corporate and community scenarios and senior executive counseling. Lukaszewski worked previously with RMG (then Risdall Advertising Agency) on client projects from 1976 to 1982.

“The capabilities that Jim brings to the agency are a great complement to our integrated offline and online programs,” said Risdall. “Our clients now feel secure in knowing that we’re here to not only build their brands but also to protect their reputations. Additionally, the clients that Jim brings with him to the agency will now have at their disposal a full suite of marketing strategies.”

In addition to the confidential client roster Lukaszewski brings to Risdall, the agency added the following clients in January:

• Katun Corporation – Website development
• LifeScience Alley – Email marketing and e-newsletter development
• Management Compensation Resources – Brand messaging and public relations
• Minnesota Angel Network – Website development
• Minnesota History Center – Public relations support of “The 1968 Exhibit”

About Risdall Marketing Group
Founded in 1972, Risdall Marketing Group has annual capitalized billings of $230 million and more than 80 employees. Headquartered in New Brighton, Minn., RMG is a full-service agency with 14 specialized divisions and is heralded as one of the oldest and most successful agencies in the Twin Cities. A variety of Twin Cities business media rank RMG as the largest Web developer, the third largest PR agency and the sixth largest advertising agency in Minnesota. For more information, visit www.risdall.com.

Eva Keiser
Risdall McKinney Public Relations
651.286.6765
eva@risdall.com

John Risdall
Risdall Advertising Agency
651.286.6702
john@risdall.com