Experience
The Sage Group serves clients in the financial services, medical/health care, technology, telecommunications, and manufacturing sectors. Following are representative examples of clients and services provided by The Sage Group or its team members.
Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union
(Minnesota’s largest credit union, 8th largest financial institution in state)
Comprehensive public and media relations services, event development, including broadcast advertising and media support
Comprehensive public and media relations services, event development, including broadcast advertising and media support
Agiliti
(Web-delivered applications services provider [ASP], pre-IPO)
Web capabilities brochure, case studies, and trade journal articles
Web capabilities brochure, case studies, and trade journal articles
Analytics Investment Advisors
(Portfolio management firm, separately managed accounts; ranked among World’s Best Investment Managers by Nelson’s)
Marketing, public and media relations, lead generation programs, qualitative research, marketing planning
Marketing, public and media relations, lead generation programs, qualitative research, marketing planning
Apogee Enterprises
(International company; manufacturer, architectural products and services; publicly held)
Executive speechwriting/presentation training, audio-visual production, corporate and division newsletters, executive communications, annual meeting production
Executive speechwriting/presentation training, audio-visual production, corporate and division newsletters, executive communications, annual meeting production
Carlson Marketing Group
(Privately held operating unit of Carlson Companies)
Managed all client marketing communications including strategic planning, design, copywriting and project management
Managed all client marketing communications including strategic planning, design, copywriting and project management
ChemRex/Degussa Building Systems
(U.S. subsidiary of Degussa AG and a leader in construction chemicals)
Strategic marketing communications plan development; Comprehensive North American communications program for all company constituent groups including employees, customers and prospects, general business and trade media, sister companies and upward communications to NAFTA division and German parent; name-change communication program
Strategic marketing communications plan development; Comprehensive North American communications program for all company constituent groups including employees, customers and prospects, general business and trade media, sister companies and upward communications to NAFTA division and German parent; name-change communication program
Childrens’ Hospitals and Clinics
(Largest pediatric health organization in Upper Midwest)
Developed strategic plan for Magnet Destination-Nursing initiative. Conducted patient family and nurse research for development of a CHC nursing brand and positioning strategy
Developed strategic plan for Magnet Destination-Nursing initiative. Conducted patient family and nurse research for development of a CHC nursing brand and positioning strategy
CIMA Labs, Inc.
(Oral drug delivery systems. Publicly held)
Annual report, financial communications development
Annual report, financial communications development
Comm-Works
(National provider of enterprise voice and data solutions)
Comprehensive M&A multi-constituent communications program planning and execution including media, customers, partners, employees and vendors; customer appreciation program; acting marketing director; marketing planning; public and media relations
Comprehensive M&A multi-constituent communications program planning and execution including media, customers, partners, employees and vendors; customer appreciation program; acting marketing director; marketing planning; public and media relations
Creative Health Care Management
(an international health care consulting firm specializing in the design and implementation of world-class patient care delivery systems, leadership development programs, transformational change processes)
Public and media relations in support of 25th anniversary, book launch and ongoing programs
Public and media relations in support of 25th anniversary, book launch and ongoing programs
Drake Bank
(Twin Cities bank catering to small to middle-market companies and individuals)
Special event planning and execution, including public and media relations and target marketing
Special event planning and execution, including public and media relations and target marketing
Datacom International, Inc.
(Web-delivered ERP solutions for manufacturing companies. Pre-IPO)
Public and media relations, investor presentation development, Web-site development
Public and media relations, investor presentation development, Web-site development
Delphax Technologies, Inc.
(Formerly Check Technology Corporation, International company; manufacturer of automated document production systems. Publicly held)
Comprehensive marketing communications, corporate communications, investor and media relations, e.g., investor relations strategy research and development, all press releases, trade show and marketing collateral materials, corporate newsletter, executive speechwriting/presentation development, new product launch planning/execution, annual reports and financial communications, broker road show, etc. Developed Nicholson award-winning annual report
Comprehensive marketing communications, corporate communications, investor and media relations, e.g., investor relations strategy research and development, all press releases, trade show and marketing collateral materials, corporate newsletter, executive speechwriting/presentation development, new product launch planning/execution, annual reports and financial communications, broker road show, etc. Developed Nicholson award-winning annual report
Deluxe Corporation
(Nation’s largest provider of checks and printed forms. Publicly held)
Comprehensive corporate and marketing communications, advertising, collateral development, technical manuals, audio-visual presentations, customer training program/support materials, annual reports
Comprehensive corporate and marketing communications, advertising, collateral development, technical manuals, audio-visual presentations, customer training program/support materials, annual reports
Especially for Children
(Family owned chain of nine early childhood education centers)
Comprehensive marketing support including marketing planning, Web strategy development, research, collateral materials, anniversary events, media and public relations
Comprehensive marketing support including marketing planning, Web strategy development, research, collateral materials, anniversary events, media and public relations
El-Hy-Mec, a division of Dejarlais Industries
(Industrial machine service, preventive maintenance and safety programs for manufacturers and their customer companies)
Development of multi-use collateral materials system and all content
Development of multi-use collateral materials system and all content
Electromed
(Manufacturer of the SmartVest© Airway Clearance System)
New product launch, media relations program
New product launch, media relations program
Enpath Medical
(Formerly Medamicus. Designs, manufactures, and markets medical products, including percutaneous delivery systems; included gynecological division with its products for the diagnosis of incontinence through urodynamic testing, which was sold to CooperSurgical in 2001. Publicly held)
Media relations: active placement of articles in trade publications and general media. Financial communications including annual reports, annual meeting, and other investor relations support
Media relations: active placement of articles in trade publications and general media. Financial communications including annual reports, annual meeting, and other investor relations support
Fleming Companies
($18 billion food distribution and retailing company. Publicly held)
Investor communications, investor/securities analyst survey research, development of shareholder and employee annual reports
Investor communications, investor/securities analyst survey research, development of shareholder and employee annual reports
GlobalBridge, Inc.
(Institutional-quality separate accounts programs and Investment management operations services)
Strategic public relations plan development; manage and execute public and media relations programs
Strategic public relations plan development; manage and execute public and media relations programs
Graphic Packaging Corporation
(Nation’s largest carton packaging manufacturer. Publicly held.)
Annual report development
Annual report development
Green Tree Financial Corporation
(Formerly nation’s largest provider of manufactured housing loans; also in home improvement, commercial, and consumer lending.)
All corporate and investor communications, investor/analyst surveys, investor relations strategy development, investor conference (completely turnkey), annual meetings, media relations/press releases, executive speechwriting and presentation training, investor road shows (includes Europe), secondary offering support, division collateral materials
All corporate and investor communications, investor/analyst surveys, investor relations strategy development, investor conference (completely turnkey), annual meetings, media relations/press releases, executive speechwriting and presentation training, investor road shows (includes Europe), secondary offering support, division collateral materials
HickoryTech
(a diversified communications company located in Mankato, Minn., with operations in Minnesota, Iowa, No. and So. Dakota, and Wisc. Publicly held)
Financial communications and public relations including annual report, investor and annual meeting presentations, investor communications, analyst relations, media relations and special events.
Financial communications and public relations including annual report, investor and annual meeting presentations, investor communications, analyst relations, media relations and special events.
Honeywell- Honeywell Automation and Contol Solutions
(North American buildings systems service)
Bi-lingual comprehensive multi-constituent communications program on new Field Automation Service Technology (FAST); winner of Silver Anvil Award for communications excellence
Bi-lingual comprehensive multi-constituent communications program on new Field Automation Service Technology (FAST); winner of Silver Anvil Award for communications excellence
Honeywell – MyFacilities.com
(Online facilities management business)
Developed overall business plan for this business unit
Developed overall business plan for this business unit
Innovex, Inc.
(Leading manufacturer of high-density, flexible circuit-based interconnects. Publicly held)
Financial communications including annual report. Investor and annual meeting presentations incorporating PowerPoint and video
Financial communications including annual report. Investor and annual meeting presentations incorporating PowerPoint and video
International Thermal Systems, Inc.
(Leading manufacturer of industrial heating, processing, and finishing systems)
Naming and brand development, comprehensive marketing communications and collateral materials development, marketing planning and research
Naming and brand development, comprehensive marketing communications and collateral materials development, marketing planning and research
Interlogix
(Formerly ITI Technologies, Inc. Designers and manufacturers of security equipment and access control systems for home and commercial markets. Publicly held)
Developed concept and wrote financial reports including annual reports
Developed concept and wrote financial reports including annual reports
Javelin Solutions
(E-business firm providing creative, as well as technical, consultation for high-transaction B2B Web sites. Privately held)
Communications planning, media relations, media tracking and evaluation, press releases, media training, employee surveys, article writing and placement
Communications planning, media relations, media tracking and evaluation, press releases, media training, employee surveys, article writing and placement
Kinetic Data
(Global provider of tailored and packaged Remedy-based software solutions for call/contact centers, help desks and service management providers)
Product launch planning and support, ongoing public and media relations, trade show optimization, e-communications and marketing communications
Product launch planning and support, ongoing public and media relations, trade show optimization, e-communications and marketing communications
Kraus-Anderson
(Commercial design-build company)
Editing and proofreading of 167-page corporate history book
Editing and proofreading of 167-page corporate history book
Krones, Inc.
(International company; the world’s leader in the manufacture of hard packaging machinery. Publicly held, German stock exchange)
Customer surveys, communications planning, trade show support, print advertising, press releases, media relations, article writing, newsletters, marketing communications media, Web site development
Customer surveys, communications planning, trade show support, print advertising, press releases, media relations, article writing, newsletters, marketing communications media, Web site development
Lawson Software
(The largest software company in Minnesota; Publicly held)
Strategic development of national PR, marketing communications and C-level relationship building initiatives which contribute to the signing of contracts and creation of new customer opportunities in the retail food business sector, including direct new customer introductions at the C-level.Create brochures, data sheets, Web content, magazine articles, trade shows, market promotions
Strategic development of national PR, marketing communications and C-level relationship building initiatives which contribute to the signing of contracts and creation of new customer opportunities in the retail food business sector, including direct new customer introductions at the C-level.Create brochures, data sheets, Web content, magazine articles, trade shows, market promotions
Lee Financial
(Dallas-based financial planning firm)
Development of branding and marketing communications materials
Development of branding and marketing communications materials
Legal Research Center
(Outsourced legal research conducted on behalf of private law firms and corporate legal departments. Publicly held.)
Public relations and investor relations planning and support including setting up meetings with prospective investment bankers and security analysts, investor relations strategy development and execution, media relations and article writing and placement
Public relations and investor relations planning and support including setting up meetings with prospective investment bankers and security analysts, investor relations strategy development and execution, media relations and article writing and placement
Leonard, Street and Deinard
(Law firm)
Practice development planning, media relations, press releases, media training, media tours, press conferences, article writing, community relations program planning
Practice development planning, media relations, press releases, media training, media tours, press conferences, article writing, community relations program planning
Mall of America
(Melvin Simon, developer. Private company)
Development of pre-opening media/event plan, media tours, groundbreaking event, media relations, marketing staff selection screening
Development of pre-opening media/event plan, media tours, groundbreaking event, media relations, marketing staff selection screening
Medical Graphics Corporation
(Manufacturer of cardiorespiratory diagnostic equipment. Publicly held, currently a subsidiary of Angeion Corporation)
Comprehensive marketing and corporate communications, advertising and investor relations support; trade show coordination/support, executive speechwriting/presentation training, annual meetings, media relations, investor surveys, physician education program development/marketing
Comprehensive marketing and corporate communications, advertising and investor relations support; trade show coordination/support, executive speechwriting/presentation training, annual meetings, media relations, investor surveys, physician education program development/marketing
Medtronic Inc.
(World’s leader in pacing, cardiac rhythm control, neurological devices. Publicly held)
Worldwide crisis communications plan, 40th anniversary plan and execution, repositioning program, full-line product and event media/public relations
Worldwide crisis communications plan, 40th anniversary plan and execution, repositioning program, full-line product and event media/public relations
Merrill Corporation
(One of top financial documents providers in U.S.)
E-business marketing planning, market research on new Web-based services; marketing communications materials development, survey research, Web site design and content direction
E-business marketing planning, market research on new Web-based services; marketing communications materials development, survey research, Web site design and content direction
Minnesota Life
(Securian) (Nation’s largest provider of mortgage life insurance programs; other insurance and investment products)
Developed all group division direct mail programs, media relations, customer training programs/support, collateral materials
Developed all group division direct mail programs, media relations, customer training programs/support, collateral materials
Minuti-Ogle
(100- year-old wall and ceiling contractor)
Writing and editing 100-page corporate history book, developing trade publication articles
Writing and editing 100-page corporate history book, developing trade publication articles
NAPFA
(National Association of Fee-Only financial planners)
Comprehensive marketing communications and event development support for annual national and regional conferences. Branding and logo design. Web site development and design
Comprehensive marketing communications and event development support for annual national and regional conferences. Branding and logo design. Web site development and design
Network Instruments
(Developer of network analyzation software)
Comprehensive public relations support including preparation of press releases and customer application articles, media relations including placement of new releases for product reviews, relations with industry analyst organizations, development of corporate PowerPoint Presentations
Comprehensive public relations support including preparation of press releases and customer application articles, media relations including placement of new releases for product reviews, relations with industry analyst organizations, development of corporate PowerPoint Presentations
Northwest Airlines, Inc.
(Publicly held)
Developed/executed new corporate identity worldwide launch plan; takeover defense plan/execution, media relations, on-site media and investor relations
Developed/executed new corporate identity worldwide launch plan; takeover defense plan/execution, media relations, on-site media and investor relations
O’PIN Systems, Inc.
of Applied Healthcare Infomatics (Developer of healthcare management software for managed care organizations. Owned by United Healthcare)
Communications strategy development, creations of sales development/presentation plan, press releases/media relations
Communications strategy development, creations of sales development/presentation plan, press releases/media relations
Piper Capital Management
(Investment management, fund arm of Piper Jaffray)
Developed financial reports to shareholders for company mutual funds
Developed financial reports to shareholders for company mutual funds
Prodigy
(Online service)
Developed and executed media plan and product launch events
Developed and executed media plan and product launch events
CNT/Propelis
(Business process management and enterprise application integration software and services company. Sold to Jacada in 2001)
Marketing communications writing, press releases, media relations,
new company launch planning and execution, speech writing, Web
site development – all in anticipation of IPO/spin-off of company
Marketing communications writing, press releases, media relations,
new company launch planning and execution, speech writing, Web
site development – all in anticipation of IPO/spin-off of company
Rosemount National Bank
(Independent, community bank)
Comprehensive marketing and branding services; product promotion and advertising; public relations.
Comprehensive marketing and branding services; product promotion and advertising; public relations.
RSM McGladrey/McGladrey & Pullen
(Nationwide accounting/audit and consulting firm)
Developed multi-constituent internal and external communications plan and communications media; developed and executed business tax seasons media plan; M&A communications and national media relations
Developed multi-constituent internal and external communications plan and communications media; developed and executed business tax seasons media plan; M&A communications and national media relations
Research, Inc.
(Manufacturer of precision heat-control systems for use in printing [ink-drying] and EMS and semiconductor manufacturing markets. Publicly held)
Corporate communications/investor relations support, e.g., annual reports, investor/analyst surveys, investor relations strategy development, presentation development, press releases/article development and placement, media relations
Corporate communications/investor relations support, e.g., annual reports, investor/analyst surveys, investor relations strategy development, presentation development, press releases/article development and placement, media relations
RocketChips, Inc.
(Privately held development-stage company that designs and develops high-speed, high-performance analog and mixed- signal integrated circuits for wired and wireless applications. Acquired By Xilinx in 2000.)
Media relations, article development and placement, trade show support – all in anticipation of IPO/sale of company
Media relations, article development and placement, trade show support – all in anticipation of IPO/sale of company
Rollerblade
(Leading manufacturer of in-line skates.)
Developed/executed media relations plan
Developed/executed media relations plan
Rural Cellular Corporation
(A wireless telecommunications services company. Publicy held)
Provided investor relations support for initial public offering, including development of slides for road show and presentation-coaching for management; developed corporate mission brochure. Analyst research; development of annual meetings and annual reports
Provided investor relations support for initial public offering, including development of slides for road show and presentation-coaching for management; developed corporate mission brochure. Analyst research; development of annual meetings and annual reports
Solutran, Inc.
(Treasury management services including check processing and
conversion to electronic payment processing)
Marketing communications materials development, media and public relations
conversion to electronic payment processing)
Marketing communications materials development, media and public relations
SS&C, Digital Visions
(Provider of financial services to banks, credit unions, and investment bankers via the Internet, including fixed-income securities trading and management system)
Public and media relations, marketing communications
Public and media relations, marketing communications
St. Jude Medical, Inc.
(Designer, manufacturer and distributor of cardiac
devices for rhythm management; mechanical valves; sutureless connectors and specialty catheters. Publicly held)
Developed direct mail product introduction campaign content/copy for sutureless connector product line; name development for new ablation system; name development for valve repair product system through Yanovick & Associates
devices for rhythm management; mechanical valves; sutureless connectors and specialty catheters. Publicly held)
Developed direct mail product introduction campaign content/copy for sutureless connector product line; name development for new ablation system; name development for valve repair product system through Yanovick & Associates
The Saint Paul Companies/Travelers
(Worldwide insurance and financial services company. Publicly held)
Researched and developed articles for the company’s global employee publication and other executive communications
Researched and developed articles for the company’s global employee publication and other executive communications
Mark Shale
(Leading men’s and women’s clothier. Private company)
Developed/executed store opening first-year and event plan, press releases, media relations, direct mail
Developed/executed store opening first-year and event plan, press releases, media relations, direct mail
Sheldahl, Inc.
(Manufacturer of advanced materials for electronics applications in vehicles, computers, telecommunications devices.)
Corporate communications/investor relations support, e.g., annual reports, investor/analyst surveys, investor relations strategy development, investor road shows (includes Europe), secondary offering support, executive speechwriting/presentation development, annual meetings, video production, press releases/article development and placement, media relations, event development/support, etc.
Corporate communications/investor relations support, e.g., annual reports, investor/analyst surveys, investor relations strategy development, investor road shows (includes Europe), secondary offering support, executive speechwriting/presentation development, annual meetings, video production, press releases/article development and placement, media relations, event development/support, etc.
SuperValu, Inc.
(A $16 billion food distributor and retailing company, supplying some 4,600 supermarkets in the U.S. Publicly held)
Developed corporate marketing planning process
Developed corporate marketing planning process
TopLine Federal Credit Union
(Formerly Firstel. Full-service financial
institution with more than $200 in assets)
Strategic planning and execution of public and media relations program
institution with more than $200 in assets)
Strategic planning and execution of public and media relations program
The Toro Company
(Publicly held)
Executive media training, media crisis planning
Executive media training, media crisis planning
Ultrapac, Inc.
(PETE food packaging solutions. Formerly public; sold to Ivex)
Comprehensive public and investor relations support including annual report development and trade show media relations
Comprehensive public and investor relations support including annual report development and trade show media relations
United Companies Financial Corporation
(Consumer lending services.
Publicly held)
Planning and executing investor conference, including pre-conference research, presentation development, training, site selection, event marketing and turnkey conference execution
Publicly held)
Planning and executing investor conference, including pre-conference research, presentation development, training, site selection, event marketing and turnkey conference execution
United Companies Funding, Inc.
(Manufactured housing finance subsidiary of United Companies Financial Corporation.)
Executive presentation development, securities analyst presentations, recruitment presentation, press releases, media relations, collateral materials development, print advertising, trade show display, pre-show direct mail promotion, in-display traffic builder development/execution, internal and customer newsletters, classified advertising development/placement
Executive presentation development, securities analyst presentations, recruitment presentation, press releases, media relations, collateral materials development, print advertising, trade show display, pre-show direct mail promotion, in-display traffic builder development/execution, internal and customer newsletters, classified advertising development/placement
Upsize Minnesota
(How-to magazine dedicated to helping small businesses grow)
Turnkey conference development and execution, subscription development program, public and media relations
Turnkey conference development and execution, subscription development program, public and media relations
U.S. Bancorp
(Formerly First Bank System. Publicly held provider of banking and financial services)
Developed articles for company-wide publication
Developed articles for company-wide publication
Vida Healthcare
(A disease management and information services company serving managed care organizations. Merged into Lifespire in 2000.)
Public relations support including relations with business and trade press, preparation for trade shows, development of targeted distribution lists, research and writing of press releases and case histories, placement of articles about the company
Public relations support including relations with business and trade press, preparation for trade shows, development of targeted distribution lists, research and writing of press releases and case histories, placement of articles about the company
Vital Images, Inc.
(Developer and manufacturer of advanced medical visualization software and systems that provide clinicians with 2D and 3D views of the human body. Publicly held)
Provided corporate and financial communications, and marketing communications support including trade show lead-generation, financial communications and annual report development, investment community surveys, press and media relations
Provided corporate and financial communications, and marketing communications support including trade show lead-generation, financial communications and annual report development, investment community surveys, press and media relations
Xcel Energy
(Upper Midwest provider of gas and electric services)
Complete turnkey support for quarterly web newsletter
Complete turnkey support for quarterly web newsletter