NEW BRIGHTON, MINN. (April 13, 2011) – The University of Minnesota College of Liberal Arts (CLA) recently honored John Risdall, vice chairman and CEO of Risdall Marketing Group (RMG), with the prestigious Alumni of Notable Achievement award. The award recognizes Risdall’s lifetime of accomplishments and leadership in business and the community; most notably founding Risdall Advertising Agency (now RMG) in 1972.

“ANA members are people without whose achievements our state, nation and world would be diminished. That is certainly true of John, who has grown one of the most innovative companies in Minnesota and the nation,” said James Parente, Jr., Dean of CLA.

In an evening ceremony on March 31, Risdall was honored with 17 other award recipients. Risdall joins the company of other notable CLA alumni and marketing leaders who have previously received the honor, such as Pat Fallon,Dave Floren and Lynn Casey.

“When I was at the University of Minnesota, I remember sitting in class with Pat Fallon,” said John Risdall. “It’s amazing to see how far we’ve come. While I only graduated two years ago, I know my education from the University of Minnesota helped prepare me for my endeavors today.”

In 1968, just two classes shy of his bachelor’s degree, Risdall left the University of Minnesota to jumpstart his advertising career, but to show his commitment to higher education, Risdall completed his degree at the University of Minnesota in 2009.

Created in 1994, the Alumni of Notable Achievement award celebrates significant achievements and contributions of CLA alumni, faculty and staff. Nominated by CLA alumni, faculty and staff, the Alumni of Notable Achievement award celebrates graduates that have brought distinction to their profession, communities and staff.

In addition to founding RMG, Risdall has also started several manufacturing companies, including Magnum Research, Inc., Smith System Manufacturing Co. and Clinch-on Products. An avid civic leader, Risdall founded the New Brighton Chamber of Commerce and has chaired New Brighton’s Economic Development Commission and Centennial Commission. Risdall has also held numerous leadership roles in the community and was founder of the New Brighton Rotary Club.

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

Ted Risdall
Risdall Advertising Agency
651.286.6701
ted@risdall.com