Ford's new MyKey a big media hit in Florida

On behalf of Ford Motor Company, Moore Consulting Group (MCG) team members just returned from a statewide tour promoting Ford’s new MyKey, an innovative technology debuting in select Ford models to improve teen safety on the road.

MyKey allows a parent to pre-program their teenage driver’s key to set limits for speed, radio volume and traction control in order to prevent aggressive driving. And if the driver doesn’t buckle up, MyKey has a solution for that, too—keeping the audio system on mute until the driver and passenger are safely fastened in. The new MyKey technology debuts later this year standard in the 2010 Ford Focus and will come standard on most Ford Lincoln and Mercury vehicles soon after.

To raise awareness about MyKey, MCG took the first drivable prototype vehicle (straight from Dearborn, Michigan) on a tour of eight cities throughout Florida, providing demos to media and community members. The new MyKey technology garnered statewide media coverage with television shows, radio and major daily papers.

MCG hosts FPRA social media roundtable with Deirdre Breakenridge

The sharp counsel of Deirdre Breakenridge, author of new book Putting the Public Back in Public Relations and president and director of communications at PFS Marketwyse, helped build the bridge for local public relations professionals between old school techniques and new methods of reaching audiences at a social media roundtable held on Wednesday, May 20th at Moore Consulting Group (MCG). Senior-level communications counselors discussed industry trends and challenges – including how to reach a new community of stakeholders with social media.

“In our industry it is so important to stay on the cutting edge of new technology,” said Terrie Ard, APR, CPRC, president of the FPRA Board and senior vice president of Moore Consulting Group (pictured above with MCG Vice President Jim Hunt, left, and Deirdre Breckenridge, center). “In the communications world, social media has to be in the mix to cut through the clutter of an increasingly competitive marketplace.”

Breakenridge will also be speaking at the 71st annual Florida Public Relations Association (FPRA) conference August 9-12, 2009 in Boca Raton, FL.

Moore Consulting Group ranked among top national firms

PRWeek, one of the most respected national journals of the public relations industry, rated Moore Consulting Group as one of the leading firms in the U.S. in its prestigious annual rankings. The firm ranked 108th in the nation for 2009.

“Moore Consulting Group has built a reputation of offering the highest level of expertise and counsel to our clients,” said Karen Moore, the firm’s president and CEO. “This recognition highlights our 16th year of producing award-winning work on behalf of local and national clients.”

This is the second time this year that a respected independent national ranking placed Moore Consulting Group among the top public relations firms in the country. In March, O’Dwyer’s, also a national public relations publication, ranked Moore Consulting Group in the top 100 in the nation for 2009. Additionally, the firm was ranked as the number one healthcare PR firm in Florida by O’Dwyer’s. Both annual rankings were based on rate of growth and revenue per staff member.

MCG conquers "final frontier” at local Image Awards

The hard work of Moore Consulting Group’s accounting servicing team was rewarded last night at the annual Capital Chapter Image Awards, where the Florida Public Relations Association recognized the firm for outstanding public relations programs. This year’s theme was “Image Trek: PR’s Final Frontier” and recognized those PR practitioners who “boldly go where no one has gone before.”

Moore Consulting Group won six awards—showcasing the best examples of innovation, planning and design, including a Grand Image Award, noting the best entry in the Printed Tools of Public Relations. Winning entries included “Employ Florida Banner Center for Digital Media—Launch,” “How Champions Became 925.” “Tourism Counts Education Campaign,” American Lung Association BreatheIn! Newsletter,” and the “American Lung Association’s State of the Air: 2008 News Release.”

This year’s Image competition was of special importance to Moore Consulting Group, as Senior Account Executive Amanda Fliger served as Image Award Chair and Senior Vice President Terrie Glover Ard is the Capital Chapter President of the Florida Public Relations Association.

MCG launches Facebook page for Florida Health Access

Moore Consulting Group took health care to a new level by bringing the Florida Health Access Network to Facebook. The Florida Health Access Network, a central location for health care information, provides updates for Floridians on Medicare, Medicaid, SCHIP, health care access, quality of care, and health care reform. Because being informed about health care is so important for all Floridians, Facebook was a natural fit for the Network to spread the word about all the resources it has to offer.


The Florida Health Access Network is an ideal way to stay updated and learn more about health care issues facing Floridians; become a fan today!

Sr. Director Nanette Schimpf earns accreditation

The Universal Accreditation Board of the Public Relations Society of America has awarded Nanette Schimpf Accreditation in Public Relations (APR). This outstanding achievement for a public relations professional certifies Schimpf as an expert in strategic, managerial and ethical public relations.

“Earning my APR epitomizes what Moore Consulting Group is all about—-top-notch integrated communications efforts led by a team who enjoys being challenged and using our expertise to benefit clients,” said Schimpf.

Schimpf has 17 years of experience in public relations, media advocacy and public affairs. She provides counsel to Moore Consulting Group’s clients and works with the account servicing team to manage and provide strategic focus on day-to-day activities. Her areas of expertise include media training, media advocacy, public affairs and grassroots outreach.

MCG helps the American Lung Association fight for air!

Moore Consulting Group helped raise money for the American Lung Association of the Southeast’s (ALASE) Tallahassee Lung Walk, held last weekend at the Centerville Conservation Community. MCG Senior Account Executive Amanda Fliger, ALASE Board Member, was the top fundraiser for the walk—raising more than $1,000. The Big Bend Region raised more than $34,000 to fight lung disease in all its forms through education, research and advocacy.

Audrey Stone joins Moore Consulting Group

Moore Consulting Group welcomed Audrey Stone as a new member to the account servicing team in April. As account executive, Stone provides advertising, marketing and public relations counsel and support for clients including Ford Motor Company and Workforce Florida. Stone previously worked as operations manager for Compass Marketing & Consulting, where she was responsible for the creation, implementation and measurement of all communications strategies. Stone’s areas of expertise include social media marketing, event planning, project management, and campaign development and implementation.

Fernando Senra joins Moore Consulting Group

Moore Consulting Group is pleased to announce Fernando Senra as a new member to our award-winning team. Senra joined in March as director and works with clients including VISIT FLORIDA, the Virginia Governor’s Office and the Florida Bar. Senra comes to Moore Consulting Group as former press secretary/director of communications for the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration, where he focused on building awareness and support for key target groups in Florida. His areas of expertise include media relations, project management and message development.

MCG Ranked in Top 100 PR Firms in the Nation

O'Dwyer's recently released their annual rankings of the leading public relations firms, placing Moore Consulting Group (MCG) among the best in the nation.

MCG earned the no. 95 spot in the nation from O'Dwyer's, jumping 6 spots from last year, and remains among the top 5 firms in Florida. As an integrated communications firm that provides counsel on public relations, media relations, marketing, crisis communications and more, MCG has consistently been ranked among the leading firms the nation.

O'Dwyers also recognized Moore Consulting Group as a leader in Florida for Environmental and Public Affairs, Technological and Industrial, Travel and Healthcare specialties.

“MCG takes pride in the diversity of our portfolio and is pleased to be recognized by O’Dwyers for the variety of work that we do,” said Karen Moore, President and CEO of Moore Consulting Group. “While we are honored to have received more than 320 awards for our work, we define success as making a difference in peoples’ lives and producing high impact results for our clients."

The complete rankings can be seen online.

Moore Consulting Group Takes Home 6 Addy’s

Moore Consulting Group received six Addy Awards—three silver and three gold—at the annual awards ceremony that was hosted Saturday by the Tallahassee chapter of the American Advertising Federation (AAF-T). Addy Awards recognize creative excellence in advertising and marketing. Recipients are chosen by an independent panel of judges based on creativity, originality and strategy, and are based on projects completed during the previous year.

Here’s a look at our award-winning work:

• Florida Governor’s Office of Film & Entertainment, advertising (fractional page) | Gold Addy Award
  

• Florida Governor’s Office of Film & Entertainment, advertising (full page) | Gold Addy Award
  

• Government Services Group, reception invitation | Gold Addy Award
  

• Workforce Florida, advertising (full page) | Silver Addy Award
  

• Buckeye Technologies, advertising (full page) | Silver Addy Award
  

• Workforce Florida, advertising (spread) | Silver Addy Award
  

“We owe our success to a talented team, and to the inspired partnerships we share with each of our clients,” said Moore Consulting Group CEO Karen Moore. “Each of these awards is a testament to the hard work and passion that go into the work we do every day at this firm.”

Moore Consulting Group’s website offers an online portfolio that showcases additional collateral materials developed for our clients. More information about AAF-T and the Addy’s can be found here.

Terrie Ard participates in Economic Straight Talk Roundtable

Hosted by the Professional Women’s Forum, Senior Vice President Terrie Glover Ard participated this week in a highly-attended Economic StraightTalk roundtable. Ard offered her expertise and feedback for Tallahassee’s business leaders on how marketing efforts are being affected by the current economy, and the importance of making sure your organization’s message is being heard to ensure long-term growth.

Moderated by Chamber President Sue Dick, other panelists included Glenda Thornton, Foley & Lardner LLP; Kim Moore, Workforce Plus; and Carol Easley, Tallahassee Community College. The Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce has recently made strides to engage local members on how they can weather the economic downturn and seek opportunities to sustain and expand their business.

Campaign helps secure funding through Gov. veto

Working in conjunction with VISIT FLORIDA, Moore Consulting Group celebrated the success of its grassroots campaign to help retain the organization’s public funding. Governor Charlie Crist announced today that he vetoed a proposed $9.9 million budget cut to VISIT FLORIDA, the organization charged with global marketing efforts to attract visitors to the Sunshine State.

The cut was originally passed by the Florida Legislature during the January special session. Moore Consulting Group worked closely with VISIT FLORIDA and industry partners to restore the funding, emphasizing the power of tourism marketing to generate increased visitation numbers and ignite sales tax revenues. Campaign efforts included extensive outreach to media and elected officials through various channels. Moore Consulting Group also spearheaded communication efforts through Twitter, engaging affiliates nationwide through up-to-the-second updates on the campaign.

The Governor emphasized tourism’s importance as an economic and employment generator during today’s press conference, publicly stating that “Maintaining VISIT FLORIDA’s funding will serve to invigorate Florida’s travel industry and protect the vital state tax revenue generated by our visitors.”

Moore Consulting Group is headquartered in Tallahassee, Florida, and was recently ranked among the top 30 environmental and public affairs firms in the nation.

MCG receives national ranking for public affairs

O’Dwyer’s has ranked Moore Consulting Group no. 29 in the nation among firms specializing in environmental PR & public affairs. The full rankings, along with MCG’s profile, can be seen in the Feb. issue of O'Dwyer's PR Report.

O’Dwyer’s also ranked Moore Consulting Group in the top 120 firms in the nation overall.

Tally Award update: MCG among "Top 3" finalists

Everything Tallahassee has named Moore Consulting Group (MCG) as a finalist for the 2008 Tally Award for the Best Marketing Firm in Tallahassee. Finalists are determined by popular vote; winners with the most votes in each business category will be announced at the January awards gala.

“Our firm prides itself on our reputation for superior client service, and we are thankful to have the support of so many friends, colleagues and people from throughout the community,” said MCG President and CEO Karen Moore.

Moore Consulting Group has been no stranger to accolades in 2008, earning the Tallahassee Chamber’s Family Friendly Business of the Year award, national rankings from PRWeek and O’Dwyers, four Image Awards and a Silver Addy. Karen Moore was also recently recognized as a nominee for the Girl Scouts of the Big Bend’s Women of Distinction honor.

MCG gives special holiday news update

Moore Consulting Group pairs up with Santa for another successful campaign. View the 2008 MCG holiday news update.

Terrie Ard presents to EDC on campaign success

Moore Consulting Group Senior Vice President Terrie Glover Ard, APR, CPRC, recently joined the Tallahassee Economic Development Council (EDC) and other business leaders to present to the Leon County Commissioners on the strategy behind the Tallahassee EDC’s “Be a Part of Our Secret” campaign to attract new businesses to the area.

The integrated campaign was developed by Moore Consulting Group in collaboration with the EDC earlier in 2008, and included grassroots, social media, marketing and advertising components. The campaign website, online at www.BeAPartOfOurSecret.com, served as the anchor for the campaign, providing a one-stop resource for information and featuring several cutting-edge features for site selectors and prospective businesses.

“The results of the branding initiative and website have been so impressive,” remarked Ard.

The Tallahassee EDC has reported an increase in consultant calls—both consultants who already have clients and investments in the community as well as new investors. Enterprise Florida, the state resource for business development and relocation, also recognized the Be a Part of Our Secret website as a model for economic development offices statewide.

MCG helps students make professional gains

Last night, local college students gained valuable insight into the integrated communications industry, thanks to Moore Consulting Group (MCG)’s “Success in 60” seminar. MCG provided an hour packed full of tips and strategies to help students land their next big internship or job.

“As communication professionals, we know how hard it can be to break into the industry, especially during these hard economic times,” said Terrie Glover Ard, Moore Consulting Group senior vice president. “We want to help the emerging professionals in our community get a head start and provide them with the tools and resources they need to be successful.”

“Success in 60” is designed to provide students with real-world industry knowledge and tips for getting ahead in the job market. Students were able to hear from experts about what it’s really like to work at an agency, tips and strategies for their cover letter and resume, what to do once they secure an interview and how to gain relevant experience.

“There are some skills you just can’t learn from a textbook, so having the Moore Consulting Group team give us advice and encouragement was invaluable,” said Megan Burgess, president of the Florida Public Relations Association’s Tallahassee student chapter.

Not only did students receive advice from top-level executives at Moore Consulting Group, they also left with a “Career Field Guide” full of useful tips and resources as they embark on their journey into the workforce.

MCG up for Tally Award as 'Best Marketing Firm'

Go online and take a look at this year’s candidates for best marketing firm in Tallahassee, and you’ll find Moore Consulting Group on the list.

Supporters of all kinds of businesses are being encouraged to visit EverythingTallahassee.com and vote for their favorite businesses now through December 15th. Moore Consulting Group’s listing can be found under Marketing in the Professional Services category.

Winners with the most votes in each category will be announced at the Tally Awards Gala on January 31, 2009. All proceeds go to benefit the Florida Disabled Outdoors Association.

To cast your vote for MCG, click here.

Karen Moore receives ‘Women of Distinction’ nomination

Karen Moore has been named a nominee for the 2008 Women of Distinction awards. The awards, given by the Girl Scout Council of the Apalachee Bend (GSCAB), will recognize female leaders from across the Panhandle. Moore was selected as a finalist in the PR, advertising, media and technology category.

While the nomination also considers Karen Moore’s recent accomplishments as a business leader in the Big Bend community, Moore has deep roots with the Girl Scouts; she was the youngest person to be appointed to the Girl Scouts of Citrus Council’s Board of Directors, and served as a camp counselor for five years. She was also a Girl Scout from 2nd through 12th grade.

The 2008 Women of Distinction Awards Gala will take place on November 18th.