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Airfoil News
September 08, 2010


Southfield, Mich., Sept. 8, 2010 – Airfoil Public Relations, an independent public relations agency specializing in public relations and marketing communications for technology companies, announced that it has promoted Keith Donovan, Keith Ragland, Jennifer Ristic and Tim Wieland.

Vice President Keith Donovan draws from nine years of experience leading media relations, event planning, marketing communications, promotions and communications strategy for clients spanning a wide range of industries. Keith oversees account planning and strategic communications programs for several Airfoil clients, including New Economy Initiative for Southeast Michigan, Plante Moran CRESA and L.R. Kimball.

Also, promoted from account supervisor to account manager positions are the following:

  • Jennifer Ristic has been with the agency for more than five years and specializes in media relations and analyst relations strategies for business-to-business technology companies. She manages program activities for the firm’s Altair, YouSendIt, Microsoft and Metafile accounts.
  • Tim Wieland has been with the agency for more than seven years and specializes in consumer and small- and mid-sized business campaigns for automotive, consumer electronics and software-as-a-service (SaaS) clients. He manages program activities for the firm’s Parrot, Carbonite, RatePoint and NCR accounts.
  • Keith Ragland has been with the agency for more than three years and specializes in planning, media relations and message development for technology and automotive enterprise and small- and mid-sized businesses. He manages program activities for several of the agency’s Microsoft accounts.

“It is gratifying to recognize these individuals for their unfailing pursuit of professional excellence,” said Airfoil President Janet Tyler. “Our clients are more focused than ever on the value of their marketing and public relations investments, and with leaders like Jen, Tim and Keith leading the way, they are certain to receive strategic thinking and leadership that exceed even these high expectations.” 

About Airfoil Public Relations, Inc. (http://www.airfoilpr.com)
Airfoil, with offices in Southfield, Mich. and Mountain View, Calif., is an independent firm specializing in marketing communications and public relations for technology companies. Airfoil also serves a growing roster of emerging and established clients across technology segments in consumer, enterprise, healthcare, cleantech and automotive. The agency’s client solutions group informs and accelerates clients’ marketing communications, digital and social media, and brand strategy programs. Airfoil has been named a PRSA Silver Anvil finalist, Technology Agency of the Year by the Holmes Report and recognized as a top firm in numerous industry rankings. For more information about Airfoil Public Relations, please call 866.AIRFOIL.



August 26, 2010


Southfield, Mich./Mountain View, Calif., Aug. 26, 2010 – Airfoil Public Relations, an independent public relations agency specializing in public relations and marketing communications for technology companies, has promoted seven staff members. Deana Goodrich, Angela Leon, Jeff Lutz, Kaitlin Slattery and Meg Soule have each advanced from account executive to senior account executive positions, while Caitlin Cassady and Katie Trautmann have advanced from account coordinator to account executive positions.

Promoted from account executive to senior account executive are the following:

  • Deana Goodrich works in Airfoil’s Detroit office executing program strategies for Altair Engineering, ilumisys, Michigan First Credit Union, Faurecia, RatePoint and New Economy Initiative.
  • Angela Leon works in Airfoil’s Detroit office executing program strategies for eBay Motors and Parrot. She led media relations around Parrot’s AR.Drone launch at the 2009 Consumer Electronics Show, which is an Airfoil campaign that received the PRSA Silver Anvil Award of Excellence; a Platinum Hermes Creative Award and an IABC Detroit Award of Excellence.
  • Jeff Lutz works in Airfoil’s Detroit office executing program strategies for several of the firm’s Microsoft accounts. In addition to media relations, he also manages podcast and other multimedia projects on behalf of his Microsoft clients.
  • Kaitlin Slattery works in Airfoil’s Detroit office executing program strategies for the agency’s Metafile, Plante Moran CRESA and solidThinking clients.
  • Meg Soule works in Airfoil’s Detroit office executing program strategies for the agency’s Carbonite, RatePoint and Microsoft National SMS&P accounts.

Promoted from account coordinator to account executive:

  • Caitlin Cassady works in Airfoil’s Silicon Valley office supporting speaking and awards programs, media relations and editorial content for clients including Geeknet, MarketTools, NCR, eBay ProStores, Speakeasy and YouSendIt. She also is also a member of the agency’s marketing team.
  • Katie Trautmann works in Airfoil’s Detroit office supporting metro and channel media relations, both traditional and digital, for several of the firm’s Microsoft accounts. She also is also a member of the agency’s marketing team.

"Airfoil’s rising young professionals are most deserving of these promotions and the new responsibilities that come with them," said Airfoil President Janet Tyler. "During a period when the economy has challenged the morale and productivity of businesses across the country, we are proud to reward these strategic thinkers for their dedication to our clients and our firm."

About Airfoil Public Relations, Inc. (http://www.airfoilpr.com)
Airfoil, with offices in Southfield, Mich. and Mountain View, Calif., is an independent firm specializing in marketing communications and public relations for technology companies. Airfoil also serves a growing roster of emerging and established clients across technology segments in consumer, enterprise, healthcare, cleantech and automotive. The agency’s client solutions group informs and accelerates clients’ marketing communications, digital and social media, and brand strategy programs. Airfoil has been named a PRSA Silver Anvil finalist, Technology Agency of the Year by the Holmes Report and recognized as a top firm in numerous industry rankings. For more information about Airfoil Public Relations, please call 866.AIRFOIL.



August 10, 2010


Southfield, Mich./Mountain View, Calif., Aug. 10, 2010 – Airfoil Public Relations, an independent public relations agency specializing in public relations and marketing communications for technology companies, has added three employees, Kali Fry, Jyotsna Grover and Mary-Katharine Juric, to its Mountain View, Calif., office.

Joining the agency as a senior account executive, Juric has significant experience in corporate communications, creative strategy, message building, media relations and campaign development. She is a prior member of the consumer health practice at Edelman San Francisco, where she developed comprehensive media campaigns and programs for companies in the consumer health, life science and environmental industries. Also previously, Juric represented small- and mid-sized technology clients at Schwartz Communications. She earned her bachelor’s degree in journalism from California State University, Chico.

With deep experience in the technology market and Silicon Valley market, Grover joins Airfoil as a senior account executive. She was employed by Bite Communications previously, where her clients were businesses in the semiconductor space as well as the financial divisions of a prominent software and services company.  Before her tenure at Bite Communications, Jyotsna worked at MCA Public Relations.  She gained her first experience with technology accounts at PRactice, a public relations firm in India. She holds a master’s degree in mass communication from Convergence Institute of Media Management and IT Studies (COMMITS) Bangalore, India, and a bachelor’s degree from Mount Carmel College, Bangalore, India.

Fry joins the agency as an account coordinator with public relations experience in consumer technology. Prior to joining Airfoil, she practiced B2C and B2B public relations for consumer and technology brands in New York and California. In this capacity, Fry secured relationships and coverage with leading publications.  Kali earned a bachelor’s degree in English from the University of California, Santa Barbara.

 “We have established a reputation for attracting – and keeping – exceptionally talented technology PR professionals who move as fast as our Silicon Valley clients,” said Tracey Parry, Airfoil Public Relations senior vice president and senior lead of the firm’s California office. “We are thrilled to welcome this group to our California office, and are confident that they will help us meet the growing demand for Airfoil’s strategic, research-based marketing communications counsel.”

The Silicon Valley team expansion is the most recent indicator that 2010 is a year of growth and success for Airfoil. In addition to significant existing account growth and retention and other key staff additions, Airfoil has received numerous prestigious accolades in the first half of the year. For its work with Parrot and the launch of its AR.Drone at the Consumer Electronics Show, Airfoil was awarded the 2010 PRSA Silver Anvil Award of Excellence and Bronze Anvil Award of Commendation; the 2010 IABC Renaissance Award of Excellence and the Platinum Hermes Creative Award. The IABC Renaissance Awards also recognized Airfoil’s work with Faurecia at the 2009 LA Auto Show with an Award of Merit in the multi-audience communication category.

About Airfoil Public Relations, Inc. (http://www.airfoilpr.com)
Airfoil, with offices in Southfield, Mich. and Mountain View, Calif., is an independent firm specializing in marketing communications and public relations for technology companies. Airfoil also serves a growing roster of emerging and established clients across technology segments in consumer, enterprise, healthcare, cleantech and automotive. The agency’s client solutions group informs and accelerates clients’ marketing communications, digital and social media, and brand strategy programs. Airfoil has been named a PRSA Silver Anvil finalist, Technology Agency of the Year by the Holmes Report and recognized as a top firm in numerous industry rankings. For more information about Airfoil Public Relations, please call 866.AIRFOIL.



June 29, 2010


Creative media relations campaigns for Parrot, Faurecia earn accolades

Southfield, Mich., June 29, 2010 – Airfoil Public Relations, an independent public relations agency specializing in public relations and marketing communications for technology companies, was honored with the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) Detroit’s 2010 Renaissance Award for media relations in the communications management division for Parrot and in the multi-audience communication category for Faurecia.

The agency received the Award of Excellence for an integrated campaign conducted on behalf of Parrot and the launch of its AR.Drone, a quadricopter controlled by an iPod touch or an iPhone, at the 2010 Consumer Electronics Show (CES).

Airfoil’s work with Faurecia also earned an Award of Merit in the multi-audience communication category for Faurecia Clean - The 2009 LA Auto Show. Airfoil developed the press kit content highlighting Faurecia’s “clean” approach to vehicle innovation and conducted press outreach surrounding the show, with more than 50 media interviews and more than 300 attendees at the press announcement at the show.

“Launching a product in a new industry and building buzz at a crowded, news-laden event are not easy tasks,” said Janet Tyler, Airfoil president. “In true Higher Thinking form, our team rose to the challenge and exceeded all expectations.”

Appropriately titled “Out of Nowhere,” Airfoil’s award submission for Parrot effectively showcased the disruptive and buzz-building impact the campaign had at CES. In advance of the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), the Airfoil team created a strategic marketing communications program to build mystery and drive consumer demand for the AR.Drone. The launch drove more than 100 media briefings, 600 media mentions, more than 3,000 new Twitter followers, and was the most-viewed video on YouTube during the opening day of CES. The Parrot website also received a nine-fold increase of website visitors and received five Best of CES Awards from publications and industry groups like WIRED and Popular Science.

In addition, Airfoil was awarded the 2010 PRSA Silver Anvil Award of Excellence and Bronze Anvil Award of Commendation for the same campaign. Airfoil was also recently awarded platinum Hermes Creative Award for campaign.

Airfoil Public Relations is retained to provide media relations, digital media and marketing communications support for Parrot in North America, where it continues to support Parrot’s Bluetooth hands-free and designer collection product lines, including Zikmu Parrot by Philippe Stark wireless speakers and Grande Specchio by Martin Szekely Android-enabled digital photo frame.

About Airfoil Public Relations, Inc. (http://www.airfoilpr.com)
Airfoil, with offices in Southfield, Mich. and Mountain View, Calif., is an independent firm specializing in marketing communications and public relations for technology companies. Airfoil also serves a growing roster of emerging and established clients across technology segments in consumer, enterprise, healthcare, cleantech and automotive. The agency’s client solutions group informs and accelerates clients’ marketing communications, digital and social media, and brand strategy programs. Airfoil has been named a PRSA Silver Anvil finalist, Technology Agency of the Year by the Holmes Report and recognized as a top firm in numerous industry rankings. For more information about Airfoil Public Relations, please call 866.AIRFOIL.



June 07, 2010


 

“Out of Nowhere” creative media relations campaign for Parrot
earns national recognition

Southfield, Mich., June 4, 2010 – Airfoil Public Relations, an independent public relations agency specializing in public relations and marketing communications for technology companies, was honored with the Silver Anvil Award of Excellence at last night’s Public Relations Society of America’s (PRSA) Silver Anvil event in New York City.  The agency received the honor for an integrated campaign conducted on behalf of client Parrot and the launch of its AR.Drone, a quadricopter controlled by an iPod touch or an iPhone, at the 2010 Consumer Electronics Show (CES).

“The Award of Excellence recognizes top public relations programs in our industry,” said James J. Roop, APR, Fellow PRSA, 2010 Awards and Honors Committee chair and president of Roop & Co., Cleveland, Ohio. “To receive an Award of Excellence, programs must be of Silver Anvil caliber and represent some of the finest strategic and creative thinking in our profession.”

The campaign, in the “Marketing Consumer Products/Technology” category, was selected from a field of 823 entries and distinguished for outstanding demonstration of objectives, challenges, research, planning, execution and measurable results.

Appropriately titled “Out of Nowhere,” Airfoil’s award submission effectively showcased the disruptive and buzz-building impact the campaign had at CES. In advance of the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), the Airfoil team created a strategic marketing communications program to build mystery and drive consumer demand for the AR.Drone. The launch drove more than 100 media briefings, 600 media mentions, more than 3,000 new Twitter followers, and was the most-viewed video on YouTube during the opening day of CES. The Parrot website also received a nine-fold increase of website visitors and received five Best of CES Awards from publications and industry groups like WIRED and Popular Science.

“We are so proud that the most respected leaders and our peers in the industry have recognized this innovative work on behalf of Parrot,” said Janet Tyler, Airfoil president. “The Parrot AR.Drone campaign was an exhilarating challenge for Airfoil. It provided an extremely competitive and unique platform for showcasing our team’s talent for strategically planned and remarkably executed media relations campaigns, and to receive this honor for what we love to do is very rewarding.”

In addition, Airfoil was awarded the 2010 Bronze Anvil Award of Commendation for the same campaign. The Bronze Anvil competition drew 697 entries. Of those, only 78 organizations were selected as Award of Commendation winners. Airfoil was also recently awarded platinum Hermes Creative Award for the same campaign.

Airfoil Public Relations is retained to provide media relations, digital media and marketing communications support for Parrot in North America, where it continues to support Parrot’s Bluetooth hands-free and designer collection product lines.

The Silver Anvil Awards program has grown in scope and stature since its inception in 1946, and awards are now given in 59 categories and subcategories. In the 60-plus-year history of the Silver Anvils, many organizations have been recognized, including solo practitioners, agencies of all sizes, large and small businesses, top corporations, nonprofits, associations and government agencies.

About the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA)
With more than 31,000 members, PRSAis the largest organization of public relations professionals and students. PRSA is comprised of 111 local Chaptersorganized into 10 geographic Districts; 16 Professional Interest Sectionsthat focus on issues, trends and research relevant to specialized practice areas, such as technology, health care, financial communications, entertainment and sports, and travel tourism; and the Public Relations Student Society of America(PRSSA), which has more than 300 Chaptersat colleges and universities in the United States and abroad. PRSA is headquartered in New York.

About Airfoil Public Relations, Inc. (http://www.airfoilpr.com)
Airfoil, with offices in Southfield, Mich. and Mountain View, Calif., is an independent firm specializing in marketing communications and public relations for technology companies. Airfoil also serves a growing roster of emerging and established clients across technology segments in consumer, enterprise, healthcare, cleantech and automotive. The agency’s client solutions group informs and accelerates clients’ marketing communications, digital and social media, and brand strategy programs. Airfoil has been named a PRSA Silver Anvil finalist, Technology Agency of the Year by the Holmes Report and recognized as a top firm in numerous industry rankings. For more information about Airfoil Public Relations, please call 866.AIRFOIL.



May 17, 2010


Creative media relations campaign recognized for highest honor under the “Media Response” category

Southfield, Mich., May 17, 2010 – Airfoil Public Relations was recently awarded a platinum Hermes Creative Award in the competition’s “Media Response” category for an integrated campaign it conducted on behalf of client, Parrot and the launch of its AR.Drone, a quadricopter controlled and maneuvered by an iPod touch or an iPhone. Airfoil Public Relations provides media relations, digital media and marketing communications support for Parrot in North America.

In advance of the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), the Airfoil team created a strategic marketing communications program to build mystery and drive consumer demand for the AR.Drone. The launch drove more than 100 media briefings, 600 media mentions, more than 3,000 new Twitter followers, and was the most-viewed video on YouTube during the opening day of CES. The Parrot website also received a nine-fold increase of Web site visitors and received five Best of CES Awards from publications and industry groups like WIRED and Popular Science.

The Hermes Creative Awards is an international competition for creative professionals involved in the conceptualization, writing and design of traditional communications materials and programs, and emerging technologies. The awards are given to marketing and communication professionals who contribute their unique talents to public service and charitable organizations, and are administered and judged by the Association of Marketing and Communications Professionals.

“We’re so proud of this recognition because it showcases Airfoil’s expertise in strategic and focused media relations campaigns,” said Janet Tyler, Airfoil president. “The AR.Drone launch at CES was extremely successful in creating buzz around the product and increasing brand awareness for Parrot across the world.”

Airfoil provides strategic public relations and marketing communications services to leading and emerging technology-oriented companies.

About PARROT
Parrot, a global leader in wireless devices for mobile phones, stands on the cutting edge of innovation. The company was founded in 1994 by Henri Seydoux as part of his determination to drive the inevitable breakthrough of mobile phones into everyday life by creating high-quality, user-friendly wireless devices for easy living. Parrot has developed the most extensive range of hands-free systems on the market for cars, motorbikes and scooters, including wireless multimedia products geared towards audiovisual applications. In 2008, Parrot launched a new prestige line of high-end products bearing the hallmark of renowned artists. Parrot, headquartered in Paris, currently employs 450 people worldwide and generates 85% of its sales overseas.

Parrot is listed on NYSE Euronext Paris since 2006.

www.parrot.com                                                                         Euronext Paris – Eurolist C: FR0004038263 - PARRO

About Airfoil Public Relations, Inc.

Airfoil, with offices in Southfield, Mich. and Mountain View, Calif., is an independent firm specializing in marketing communications and public relations for technology companies. Airfoil also serves a growing roster of emerging and established clients across technology segments in consumer, enterprise, healthcare, cleantech and automotive. The agency’s client solutions group informs and accelerates clients’ marketing communications, digital and social media, and brand strategy programs. Airfoil has been named a PRSA Silver Anvil finalist, Technology Agency of the Year by the Holmes Report and recognized as a top firm in numerous industry rankings. For more information about Airfoil Public Relations, please call 866.AIRFOIL.



April 20, 2010


SOUTHFIELD, Mich., April 20, 2010 -- Airfoil Public Relations, an independent public relations agency specializing in public relations and marketing communications for both leading and emerging companies, has been named a finalist for the 2010 Silver Anvil awards presented by the Public Relations Society of America. Airfoil is among the 134 finalists for this year's award, out of a field of 823 entries.

Airfoil is a finalist in the Marketing Consumer Products/Technology category for an integrated campaign it conducted for the launch of the Parrot AR.Drone, a quadricopter controlled using an iPod touch or an iPhone.

“With more than 800 entries submitted, we are honored to be among the 134 finalists,” said Janet Tyler, Airfoil president. “Our team provides amazing results to our clients every day, and we’re proud to be recognized with this prestigious group of finalists.”

The Airfoil team created a strategic marketing communications program surrounding the Consumer Electronics Show to build mystery and drive consumer demand. The launch drove more than 600 media stories, more than 3,000 new Twitter followers, more than 1.5 million YouTube views, a nine-fold increase of Web site visitors and shocked big brands when Parrot was voted CNET’s “most exciting happening at CES”.

“The Parrot AR.Drone launch at CES was a big challenge and a major milestone for Parrot,” said Vanessa Loury, PR Director, Parrot. “It drew our company to a worldwide audience’s attention from the very first day. A well-contained and mastered communication approach was key to achieve this and is still essential now we move from prototype to retail launch.”

Established in 1946, the Public Relations Society of America’s (PRSA) Silver Anvil, symbolizing the forging of public opinion, is annually awarded to organizations that have successfully addressed a contemporary issue with exemplary professional skill, creativity and resourcefulness.

The Silver Anvil and Award of Excellence winners for 2010 will be chosen from the finalists and announced on June 3 at the Silver Anvil Celebration Event in New York City.

Working with Parrot in North America, Airfoil provides media relations, social media and marketing communications support for the company. Airfoil has been retained for the AR.Drone launch in North America and continues to support Parrot’s Bluetooth hands-free and designer collection product lines.

About PARROT
Parrot, a global leader in wireless devices for mobile phones, stands on the cutting edge of innovation. The company was founded in 1994 by Henri Seydoux as part of his determination to drive the inevitable breakthrough of mobile phones into everyday life by creating high-quality, user-friendly wireless devices for easy living. Parrot has developed the most extensive range of hands-free systems on the market for cars, motorbikes and scooters, including wireless multimedia products geared towards audiovisual applications. In 2008, Parrot launched a new prestige line of high-end products bearing the hallmark of renowned artists. Parrot, headquartered in Paris, currently employs 450 people worldwide and generates 85% of its sales overseas.

Parrot is listed on NYSE Euronext Paris since 2006.

www.parrot.com                                                                         Euronext Paris – Eurolist C: FR0004038263 - PARRO

About Airfoil Public Relations, Inc.

Airfoil, with offices in Southfield, Mich. and Mountain View, Calif., is an independent firm specializing in marketing communications and public relations for technology companies. Airfoil also serves a growing roster of emerging and established clients across technology segments in consumer, enterprise, healthcare, cleantech and automotive. The agency’s client solutions group informs and accelerates clients’ public affairs, marketing communications, digital and social media, and brand strategy programs. Airfoil has been named a PRSA Silver Anvil finalist, Technology Agency of the Year by the Holmes Report and recognized as a top firm in numerous industry rankings. For more information about Airfoil Public Relations, please call 866.AIR.FOIL.



April 15, 2010


Airfoil again places 10th in O’Dwyer’s high-tech PR firm rankings

Southfield, Mich. – April. 15, 2010 – Airfoil Public Relations is again ranked 10th on a list of the largest firms specializing in technology and industrial public relations, according to  O’Dwyer's, a leading public relations publication.

"Being recognized as one of the largest technology and industrial public relations agencies in the U.S. is a result of our dedication and effort to our clients," said Airfoil CEO Lisa Vallee-Smith. “Our continued growth and success demonstrates how much technology companies, like software manufacturers, value the opportunity to tap into a team of strategic and creative thinkers.”

O’Dwyer’s rankings, published in March 2010, are a well-regarded method for PR firm comparison and evaluation and are based on audited tax documents.Overall, Airfoil is ranked 34th in O’Dwyer’s 2009 top independent PR firms list and recently was named a finalist in the PRSA Silver Anvil Awards.

About Airfoil Public Relations, Inc.

Airfoil, with offices in Southfield, Mich. and Mountain View, Calif., is an independent firm specializing in marketing communications and public relations for technology companies. Airfoil also serves a growing roster of emerging and established clients across technology segments in consumer, enterprise, healthcare, cleantech and automotive. The agency’s client solutions group informs and accelerates clients’ public affairs, marketing communications, digital and social media, and brand strategy programs. Airfoil has been named a PRSA Silver Anvil finalist, Technology Agency of the Year by the Holmes Report and recognized as a top firm in numerous industry rankings. For more information about Airfoil Public Relations, please call 866.AIR.FOIL.



March 12, 2010


 

Airfoil to expand recognition of ProStores as company expands its client base

ProStores, an eBay Company that provides a full-featured customizable ecommerce solution for small- and medium-size businesses, has chosen Airfoil Public Relations as its agency of record. Airfoil, based in Southfield, Michigan and Mountain View, California provides public relations and market communications for both leading and emerging technology companies.

“We are thrilled to be working with ProStores,” said Airfoil Senior Vice President and partner Tracey Parry. “We are excited about the chance to help them implement a strategic and creative public relations campaign that will increase their brand recognition in the ecommerce world.”

ProStores selected Airfoil to develop a PR program to support the company as it builds solutions to meet increasingly sophisticated and larger merchants. Airfoil will implement a program that furthers ProStores’ business plan by helping the company engage with media, analysts and industry influencers. Additionally, Airfoil will assist ProStores with the launch of products and services that will provide ProStores’ clients with advanced ecommerce solutions to grow sales and manage their businesses more efficiently. ProStores has worked with Airfoil in the past and indicated that they chose to engage again with Airfoil because the agency understands their business and will continually bring creativity and strategic thinking to each and every campaign.

“Airfoil understands our business model, because they have great experience and success working in the ecommerce technology sector,” said ProStores Head of Marketing Lin Shearer. “We look forward to partnering with Airfoil and realizing success through our new business endeavors and media outreach.”

About ProStores

ProStores, an eBay Company, enables small- and medium-sized businesses to sell online through their own professional online stores, customized with their own branding and domain name. ProStores was incorporated as an eBay Company in November 2004, followed by eBay’s acquisition of Kurant’s StoreSense technology in January 2005. ProStores launched its full-service ecommerce solution to merchants in June 2005. For more information about ProStores visit www.prostores.com.

About Airfoil Public Relations, Inc.

Airfoil, with offices in Southfield, Michigan and Mountain View, California, is an independent firm specializing in marketing communications and public relations for both emerging and technology companies. Airfoil Industry Leadership Groups serve a growing client roster across a multitude of technology segments in consumer, enterprise, health care, industrial/green and automotive. The agency’s client solutions group provides depth of experience to inform and accelerate clients’ marketing communications, digital and social media, brand strategy and public affairs programs. Airfoil has been named Technology Agency of the Year by the Holmes Report and recognized as a top firm in numerous industry rankings. For more information about Airfoil Public Relations, please call 866.AIR.FOIL.



January 12, 2010


In a newly released Cleantech Point-of-View (POV), Airfoil Public Relations urges the automotive industry to adopt the flexible, fast-to-market strategies of the technology industry and points out that tech developers have much to learn from best manufacturing practices developed by auto companies.

“It’s time for the automotive and technology industries to embrace partnerships, share best practices and speak the same language to accelerate clean technology and enable the U.S. to regain its manufacturing dominance,” declares the paper, titled “Alternative Energy Vehicles, Clean Technologies Going Mainstream – Pipe Dream or Reality?”
 
Airfoil Vice President and Cleantech Industry Leader Rich Donley points out that many innovations, including electric vehicles have been around since the early 1990s, but “nearly 20 years later, only a small percentage of those technologies are now in vehicles.” He suggests that an elemental difference exists between the way the auto and technology companies reach out to the marketplace. The POV notes, “The technology industry does not have the bandwidth for hype and concept products and timelines—it’s too busy rolling out actual products that we can use, right away.  Automotive companies say, ‘Look at what’s coming.’  Technology companies say, ‘Experience it today.’”
 
The POV lays out five steps that auto and tech companies should take to communicate better with each other and raise America’s manufacturing prowess:
  1.  Automotive, technology and cleantech industries need to speak a common language to make vehicles better, more efficient and environmentally friendlier.
  2. Forge true partnerships and share best practices, so that cleantech startups are taken seriously by automakers and industrial companies and so that the auto industry can be on the leading edge of technology.
  3. The automotive/industrial sector must be more agile and innovative, introducing new and green technologies.
  4. Technology/cleantech companies must understand the needs of well-established auto companies to become supplier partners.
  5. Communicators should seek to drive actions that create and foster fast companies, bridging the communication gap between tech and auto producers.
Headquartered in the Detroit area, with a principal office in Silicon Valley and practice areas dedicated to cleantech and automotive/industrial technology, Airfoil more than ever supports automakers, the Detroit region and Michigan.  The agency, which employs 60 public relations professionals, works with a number of clients to help them bridge market segments and build their brands.
 
The POV paper is available for download from the Airfoil Web site at www.airfoilpr.com/expertise/cleantech.


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