Terri Kaminski Terri Kaminski offers nearly 20 years of marketing communications, advertising and public relations experience gained in major agency, corporate, association and media environments. Her broad experience includes clients in manufacturing, consumer goods and retail industries. As a consultant, Terri has served clients that include Futorian Furnishings, Inc. (Stratford and Simmons Upholstery), Rockwell International, Miller Brewing Co., Heritage Inks International, Brach’s Candy, iCastle.com, the National Confectioners Association and others.

Previously in her career, Terri served as Director of Communications and was a member of the senior management team at Brach’s Candy, one of the largest confectionery companies in the U.S. She was responsible for all aspects of corporate and marketing communications, from retail support and advertising to media relations and crisis management. Earlier, she worked for nearly five years at agency Burson-Marsteller, developing strategic communications programs and managing a variety of Fortune 100 accounts that included Quaker Oats (Gatorade), General Mills (Yoplait), S.C. Johnson (polishes, insect repellants), Procter & Gamble (Pampers), Ralston Purina (Protein Division), Pella Windows and others.

Some sample assignments include:

Heritage Inks International: Provided marketing/public relations support in a turnaround situation at major U.S. ink manufacturing company. Analyzed existing advertising and promotional programs, initiated communications strategies to retain key employees and keep staff members abreast of the company’s situation/progress and developed key customer presentations to shore up and grow the business. Developed a customer web site and coordinated a sales incentive program to quickly improve margins and gain new accounts. Other responsibilities included all media relations and trade show support. The company, on the brink of bankruptcy, regained profitability within one year.

Ralston Purina Protein Division: Managed all communications aspects of this business-to-business corporate spin-off from Ralston Purina. Activities included development of new brand identity, employee motivational programs, creation of key management presentations, etc. Developed business-to-business sales generation programs that increased sales of soy protein to the baking and dairy industries by nearly 30 percent in one year

Futorian Furnishings, Inc.: Created first Marketing Communications Department for $220 million furniture manufacturing company undergoing restructuring following four years of declining sales. Conducted research, introduced first retailer trade ad program on CD ROM, developed point of sale materials, managed trade show participation and arranged/conducted key media interviews to enhance corporate image. Negotiated and executed customized promotions with key national accounts. Developed quality improvement program directed at suppliers. Company was repositioned and sold within two years.

Miller Brewing Co.: Developed and coordinated a variety of consumer and retailer-driven programs, working closely with distributors and retailers to improve competitive position against number one brand. Managed publicity/retailer communications for national Molson Ice Polar Beach Party weekend event held at the North Pole. Managed special projects for Miller’s MGD brand, including web site copy development and event management. Developed articles for Miller CEO to effectively position Miller in international marketplace.

Gatorade: Formed coalitions between brand and influential groups including sports trainers, team physicians and dieticians to strengthen ownership of professional and college sports market segment. Introduced a new association created to share technical information on hydration and sports nutrition. Communications strategy also included trade show support, direct mail, events sponsorship and media relations.

Within Brach’s Candy: Served on company’s senior management team, which returned the company to profitability in less than two years. Directly responsible for all communications activities, including strategic planning, trade marketing/advertising, public relations and crisis management. Work included:

Corporate Image Enhancement: Foreign ownership, sliding sales, and a poor community image required extensive image repair. Gained access to key Chicago officials, including Mayor Richard Daley, on a regular basis; gained positive outlook media coverage in key consumer, business and trade publications. Increased involvement in high-profile community events.

Labor Relations: Member of the labor relations negotiating team during sensitive contract talks with the Teamster’s Union, which was threatening to strike. Developed internal communications campaign to gain employee support for management; developed CEO presentations, strategic media relations campaign, etc. Strike was averted; contract was signed on terms very favorable to the company.

Trade & Brand Marketing: Participated in repositioning nearly 100 year old brand for today’s consumers (new packaging, new product names, etc.) Developed award winning advertising/sales support materials and planned/coordinated retail events to move more product off the shelves at key accounts. Gained extensive coverage for company and CEO in top trade and consumer publications.

Terri also has worked as an editor at the Nashville Banner newspaper and has written articles for various national magazines. She holds a B.A. degree in marketing and public relations from the University of Wisconsin and is a member of the American Marketing Association.