FreeThink: July 2005

FreeThink: a blog published by Maxwell PR

I Love New Seasons for So Many Reasons

One of my favorite places to shop, New Seasons Market, has implemented a new campaign called "Home Grown" to help consumers identify locally grown and produced products. The distinctive labeling program helps educate consumers on the benefits of buying locally grown and/or produced goods. There are many reasons to buy local food: it's fresher, it helps the environment by reducing travel and the fuel consumption and pollution that goes with this, it supports smaller farms that are more likely to use sustainable agricultural practices, it boosts the community's economy by keeping dollars in the region, the lists goes on. I really appreciate that this program is educational without beating consumers over the head with information.

The store bills itself as "the friendliest store in town," and while the staff is often friendly, I know for sure that they're listening to their customers. Several months ago when I was weaning my daughter and supplementing her diet with organic formula, I noticed I could buy the formula for $26.99 at a West Coast grocery chain, but it cost $29.99 at New Seasons. I e-mailed the store pointing out the price difference and noting that I'd rather spend my money at a local establishment like New Seasons. Two days later they lowered the price to $26.99. Now that's customer service!
--Sarah Lowles, sarahl@maxwellpr.com

posted on July 26, 2005

Life as a Maxwell Intern

Recent graduates often picture internships as glamorous, exotic placements sure to be a launching pad to their dream job. In reality, they find themselves trapped in an endless cycle of fetching coffee, making copies and working tucked away in a dark closet, safely away from any human contact.

Here at Maxwell PR Studio, it couldn't be more different. I am surrounded by committed, incredibly intelligent and passionate individuals who constantly challenge themselves to give clients exactly what they want. This is not an agency powered by menial tasks, but rather an agency of creativity, humor and constant learning.

During the past four years of studying PR at the University of Oregon's School of Journalism and Communication in Eugene, I secretly held the belief that public relations could be used to benefit those who need it most. I wanted, against all odds, to find a work environment where I could throw myself into my daily tasks, knowing that I was making a difference. I got a taste of that while managing our student-run PR firm, Allen Hall Public Relations, where we helped clients like HIV Alliance, the MDA and the Hult Center for Performing Arts. I was hooked.

Finally, after an agonizing senior year picturing myself homeless and jobless because of my high ideals, I met my match. In September 2004, I heard of an independent boutique Portland agency called Maxwell PR Studio that specializes in sustainable clients and non-profit agencies. What sounded like a dream turned out to be true. Asking everyone I knew, I pursued Maxwell from all angles with informational interviews, PRSSA tours and e-mails. After my official interview in May, I was offered an internship with this incredible agency.

Now, after my third week on the job, I can honestly say that my expectations have been completely exceeded. I am working for clients I believe in. I am making a difference and helping others. I am learning new things every day from clever professionals who love what they do. And, happily enough, I am never bored! I'm working with clients like New Avenues for Youth, CJ Foods, Nextel Partners, the Astoria Chamber of Commerce and Kettle Foods, which are just a sampling of the diverse experiences I get every single day.

If someone asked me last year to create my ideal work environment, I would have described everything that Maxwell embodies: creativity, honesty, integrity, determination, passion, fun… And just to make my job that much better, my desk has a window!

--Laura Bishow, laura@maxwellpr.com

Editor's comment: We're blushing

posted on July 13, 2005

A Rant And A Rave: Waterfront Blues Festival

Billed as the largest blues event west of the Mississippi River, the Waterfront Blues Festival guarantees a fun time in the heart of the city. It brings together the best of Portland -- great music, fascinating people watching, wonderful view of the Willamette River and Mt. Hood -- while generating $400,000 in cash and 133,000 pounds of canned goods for the Oregon Food Bank.

Several of us from the agency attended at different times over the July 4th weekend, enjoying ourselves immensely. Here is a photo of my husband Bob and me lazily drifting down the river on the Blues Cruise Saturday afternoon.

But a rant accompanies this rave. In a city known for its micro brews, the only kind of beer available was Miller Genuine Draft or Miller Lite. As an official sponsor, that was the privilege Miller bought. And there was only one location for rest rooms -- far away from the main stage. That was insufficient for tens of thousands of people.

So, even after 18 years, there is still room for improvement.

--Vicky Hastings

posted on July 11, 2005

	This spirited, open forum by Maxwell PR staff members, studio mates and colleagues features people who are, in our opinion, doing the right things to get people talking. You'll see us rave about organizations building communities and rant about those who are missing obvious opportunities. We sprinkle in a little marketing and PR rhetoric from time to time for extra vigor and enthusiasm, and will share observations and insight based on our own experience honing our craft every day.

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