Blog
Summer Reading Roundup
Ashleigh Johnston, Account Executive Back in April, I was already itching for summer weather, which is my favorite time to pick up a good book and enjoy the sunshine. I read year-round, but there is something special about the summertime that is synonymous with devoting extra time to reading. I love using the morning hours
Lessons Learned
Patrick O'Connell, Intern Before I started this internship, I did not know how to tie a tie. I also never would have believed that a group of professionals would trust me with real client work. I expected to sit at a desk filing papers, or fetching lunch and coffee, considering many of my friends experienced
A Classic Never Goes Out of Style
Manny Ozaeta, Account Supervisor July was National Ice Cream Month, a fact I only learned at the end of the month. I’m sure there were some great special events, discounts and celebrations that I missed out on (sigh). President Ronald Reagan, adding that this deliciously cold treat was nutritious and fun, officially recognized this quasi-holiday
All of the Time, Some of the Time, None of the Time
Dennis Culloton, President and CEO I recently stated in a Sun Times article that I love all my clients but sometimes they listen to all my advice, sometimes they listen to some of my advice, and sometimes they listen to none of my advice. This statement has been true since my days in law school and I’ve
Historical Perspective Key to Avoiding Cynicism
Conor Culloton, Intern Something is rotten in the state of New York. Anthony Weiner, despite recently committing the same riotously impolitic error that caused him to resign from Congress after “Weinergate” in 2011, continues his campaign for mayor of New York City. Meanwhile, Eliot Spitzer, the man who might still be governor of New York
In Opposition – Actions, Ideas & Words Matter
Patrick Skarr, Account Supervisor In 2010 a white-hot electorate delivered a tidal wave unlike any other in history. Voters’ actions roiled state capitols, tossed long-tenured office holders to the curb and delivered a massive class of new members to the U.S. House. While this was “a long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away,”
Leading, Not Wilting, in Times of Crisis
Dave Bayless, Vice President One year ago, I had an opportunity to talk to a group of marathon race directors and marathon medical directors from across the country about something that keeps many of them up at night: their readiness to effectively manage a crisis and communicate in the midst of unfolding crises. The discussion
Did Chipotle Cry Wolf?
Tracey Mendrek, Executive Vice President It recently came to light in the media that Chipotle’s Twitter account had been hacked. Horror of all horrors, it happened again. First Burger King then Jeep. What is the Internet coming to when respectable brands lose control of their Twitter feeds? Fast-forward a few days and the truth comes
Summertime Chi
Whether you are visiting Chicago for the first time or are a lifelong Chicagoan, there is always something new to try. The CS team shares their favorite summertime activities! Dennis Culloton, President & CEO Way back during the Reagan administration, I discovered one of my favorite things about Chicago during the summer: internships. This
Working from the Inside-Out
Dennis Culloton, President and CEO Sometimes the best crisis communications is the crisis you prevent by getting your story out there. Often times, organizations fail to inform their key allies—beginning with employees—about the good work they do and their commitment to the community and a set of values. In a Daily Herald article, one of our
What Do You Mean Disney Wants to Make Money?
Ashleigh Johnston, Account Executive Are you Disney-ed out yet from my blogs? I didn’t think so and that’s great because yesterday just so happened to be Disneyland’s 58th birthday. While I have never visited the Happiest Place on Earth (the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World is the Most Magical, get it right!), I am
What does it mean to live to be 101 years old?
Tracey Mendrek, Executive Vice President The year 1912 marked several firsts; the Girl Scouts of America was founded, the Titanic set sail on its maiden voyage and Fenway Park opened. Those born in 1912 came before World War I, the Great Depression and a woman’s right to vote. Eleanor Jean Phelps was born that year,
Reputation on Display
Julia Schatz, Account Executive Earlier this week, a story broke about 11-year-old Lexi Haas being denied entrance to the Ships of the Sea Museum in Savannah, Ga. because her wheelchair would “get the carpets dirty.” To summarize the ridiculous and, in my opinion, appalling event, a staff member of the museum would not allow the
Chicago: A City of Fair Weathered Fans with an Unruly Sporting Climate
Patrick O'Connell, Intern The prestige of Chicago sports is undeniable: the historic ’85 Bears and their shuffle into the hall of fame, the international phenomenon of the Jordan-era Bulls and the recent championship run made by the Blackhawks. One can argue, however, that despite its obvious presence in the sporting world, Chicago may be
How I Spent My Summer Vacation
The CS Team took a trip down memory lane reminiscing about our best, worst, favorite or funniest summer jobs. Dennis Culloton, President and CEO My first summer job to pay for school and expenses was at the O’Hare Airport International Terminal moving heavy carts of food. As a young, unseasoned worker my attitude came
A Lesson in Contrast
Ashleigh Johnston, Account Executive I wrote earlier this year on Carnival’s infamous “poop ship” scandal, and how competing cruise lines should try to quell a potential backlash on the industry. Initially, it appeared that cruise lines continued with the status quo and seemed to be no more or less transparent than normal. However, a recent
The Chicago Cubs: More Than Just a Ballclub
By Patrick O'Connell, Intern At the corner of Clark and Addison, a historic landmark resides. Symbolizing over a century of joy and passion, Wrigley Field is home to the beloved Chicago Cubs, whom I had the opportunity to work alongside as a groundskeeper for two summers prior to joining Culloton Strategies. Working on the grounds
A Statesman Must Compromise
Patrick Skarr, Account Supervisor I recently had the fortune of attending a speech by Governor Jim Edgar on public service. He referred to his talk as “pontification from a retired politician,” but there was nothing pompous about his remarks. Rather, they were an inspirational reminder of the importance of solving problems through our legislative process.
Dear Graduates…
First jobs aren't always glamorous but they can teach you a great deal. As another class of college graduates begins the next chapter of their lives, the CS team reflects on our own experiences entering the workforce and shares our advice to the class of 2013. Dennis Culloton, President and CEO Graduates, thank you for
Lawmakers and Constituents Brace for the End of this Legislative Session
Dennis Culloton, President and CEO Illinois’ lawmakers are scrambling like college freshmen, pounding coffee and pulling all-nighters before finals, to compensate for the months of procrastination that characterizes the legislative session. This week of chaos, cramming, and caffeine can be a stressful time for anyone with an interest in the legislative process. Having a plan
Scandal? Or Conspiracy Theory?
Dennis Culloton, President and CEO Since the Watergate Scandal, the media is quick to apply the tag of “Nixonian” to any and all scandals in government to emphasize their belief that the scandal goes “all the way to the top.” In a post-Watergate, increasingly cynical world, it is easy to see how the public could
Moonshot: How Questions About Google Glass Are Good for Business
Dennis Culloton, President and C.E.O. Many accounts handled by a public relations firm are crisis calls. However, that is only half of what public relations can be. The other half consists of proactive PR. Often, an individual or a business will hire Culloton Strategies to build an image, generate buzz, help to get a deal
Thank You For Smoking
Tracey Mendrek, Executive Vice President A colleague recently recommended the book "Thank You for Smoking" by Christopher Buckley with a glowing review, calling it the funniest, best and maybe ONLY book about our business. Being an avid reader who tallies the pages I’ve read in an Excel document, I jumped right in. It was a
A Summer of Experience and Opportunity
Patrick O'Connell, Intern I recently decided to make the switch from education to public relations – a switch involving professions that sit at opposite sides of the spectrum, I know. But when it came down to it, I realized that history and working with kids was a hobby that I enjoyed, not something that I
It's a Tricky Business Staying Magical
Ashleigh Johnston, Account Executive The New York Post first reported there is a company in Florida that caters to New York’s wealthy elite (or insanely desperate) by offering the opportunity to ‘rent’ a physically disabled person, to gain advantage while touring Walt Disney World. The company Dream Tours Florida offers this service at $130 an
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