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DSG's Jill Alper discusses the Republican Presidential race...

Sat, 07 Jan 2012 14:57:00 -0800

DSG's Jill Alper and Simon Rosenberg from NDN discuss the Republican Presidential race...

DSG's Jill Alper's latest article in the Detroit Free Press

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 07:04:00 -0800

DSG's Jill Alper has a Detroit Free Press column this week on 2012 political ads - and it includes a contest from the Detroit Free Press to enter your own ideas for the best 2012 political ad... Check it out here ...!

John Giesser and Ellen Moran Join Dewey Square Group: Giesser to Become DSG COO and Moran a Principal

Thu, 01 Dec 2011 09:00:00 -0800

National public affairs firm, the Dewey Square Group (DSG), announced today that former Democratic National Committee (DNC) General Election campaign manager John Giesser, currently CEO of the grassroots technology firm, Spoken Hub, will become DSG’s chief operating officer (COO) and Ellen Moran, U.S. Department of Commerce chief of staff and former White House communications director, will join the firm as a principal in its Washington, D.C. office.

An attorney and accomplished executive in politics and the private sector, Giesser has spent the past four years at the helm of Spoken Hub and from 2004 to 2007 was executive director of Sen. John Kerry’s Keeping America’s Promise PAC, helping to raise or donate nearly $14 million to 262 candidates and causes. Previously, Giesser served as COO of City Year, the national service organization.

“John has shown a steady hand at leadership, guiding the growth of major organizations and innovative businesses for nearly 15 years,” said Chuck Campion, chairman of Dewey Square Group. “John will bring that leadership and record of success to Dewey Square Group as we continue to deliver our clients the best in public affairs.”

Giesser is reuniting with DSG, which has grown over the past 10 years from three offices and 25 staff members to seven offices and more than 80 staff members. He was with the firm from 1994 to 1997, working with major corporations, non-profit organizations and political campaigns, including Clinton/Gore, Sens. Edward Kennedy, John Kerry and Rep. Joseph P. Kennedy III. He went on to become chief executive officer of the company NEChoice, LLC, an aggregator of electricity purchasers.

Giesser replaces DSG’s COO for the past 10 years, AJ Donelson, who is leaving to form an independent global advocacy and communications group. Donelson remain as a consultant to DSG through the transition.

Moran, who has over two decades of experience in politics and communications, will join DSG on December 28th. Moran joined the Obama administration in 2009 as White House communications director following the President’s inauguration. Prior to joining the White House staff, Moran had been executive director of EMILY’s List, managing the organization through two election cycles.

“Ellen has built a reputation as one of the nation’s leading and most talented communications and political strategists,” Campion said. “Ellen’s experience working with business leaders and organized labor as well as managing national organizations and campaigns will help her assist Dewey Square Group clients whose success hinges on integrated campaigns that are well-designed and effectively executed.”

Before serving as the EMILY’s List executive director, Moran worked for the AFL-CIO, and in 2004, she took a leave of absence from the labor union to manage the 20-state independent expenditure program of the Democratic National Committee. Her political career includes directing the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee’s $50-million issue advocacy campaign in 2000 and management of gubernatorial, U.S. Senate and U.S. House campaigns, field organizing for Sen. Tom Harkin’s 1992 presidential campaign and work on both inaugurals for President Clinton.

DSG's Jill Alper's Latest Detroit Free Press Article

Mon, 21 Nov 2011 06:46:00 -0800

See DSG's Jill Alper and John Truscott in Sunday's Detroit Free Press article on managing political crisis.

DSG's Jill Alper at Live GOP Debate Blog Tonight

Wed, 09 Nov 2011 07:14:00 -0800

Watch Wednesday’s GOP presidential primary debate with political strategists John Truscott and Jill Alper.

Truscott and Alper, who write the biweekly “Politically Speaking” debate in the Detroit Free PRess will be live chatting during the next primary showdown Wednesday analyzing the candidates’s and taking your questions and comments.

Feel free to post your questions and thoughts about the debate now at http://live.freep.com come back Wednesday at 8 p.m.

Congratulations goes out to CareNow

Fri, 28 Oct 2011 14:36:00 -0700

Congratulations to CareNow, for their work being highlighted by the recent story on the CBS Evening News. This story highlights how CareNow provides a yearly clinic -- providing medical, dental and eye care - for over 3700 Los Angelenos lacking health insurance.

"Politically speaking: It won't be getting any easier for Obama"

Mon, 19 Sep 2011 09:00:00 -0700

The latest Detroit Free Press column from Jill Alpert: "Politically speaking: It won't be getting any easier for Obama".

"Future finally brightens for Assembly Square"

Mon, 27 Jun 2011 11:28:00 -0700

We'd want to congratulate DSG client Federal Reality Investment Trust for this key milestone in the revitalization of the Assembly Square region of Somerville, Massachusetts. From the Boston Globe:

After years of false starts, the developer of the $1.5 billion revitalization of Assembly Square in Somerville will begin construction this fall on hundreds of homes, stores, and an expanded park along the Mystic River....This fall’s work will also include construction of the Assembly Square Orange Line station and the revitalization of a large section of the Mystic River Reservation, which will be updated with new connections for bicycles and public transportation.

Minyon Moore Honored at this year's National Coalition on Black Civic Participation Spirit Awards

Fri, 13 May 2011 08:42:00 -0700

Attorney, TV personality, and author Star Jones to serve as host

WASHINGTON, May 12, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The National Coalition on Black Civic Participation (The National Coalition) will host the 14th annual "Spirit of Democracy Awards Black & White Gala," and kick off the organization's 35th anniversary celebration on May 18, 2011, 6 PM at the Renaissance DC Hotel. There will be a special tribute to Dr. Ronald Walters, National Coalition founding board member and internationally recognized political scientist who passed away last year, Melanie L. Campbell, president and CEO of The National Coalition, announced recently. For ticket information call (202) 659-4929 or events@ncbcp.org.

With former prosecutor and TV personality, Star Jones, serving as host, Spirit Award honorees are: Wade Henderson, president and CEO, Leadership Conference on Civil & Human Rights; Minyon Moore, principal, Dewey Square Group; Rev. Al Sharpton, president, National Action Network; Yelberton Watkins, chief of staff, Congressman James Clyburn's Office; Dennis Van Roekel, president, National Education Association; and Randi Weingarten, president, American Federation of Teachers.

"We could not have selected a better group of honorees to kick-off our 35th anniversary celebration. All of them are great leaders and are committed to empowering communities of color. Dr. Walters has touched all of our lives in a positive way," said Campbell. "This is the first of multiple anniversary events to take place throughout the year. We're taking the rest of the year to celebrate three decades of leadership and empowerment in Black communities."

Additional 35th anniversary events planned this year include the launch of the Eddie Williams Civic Engagement and Social Innovation Training Academy on Sep 17, and the Women of Power 35: Mentor/Protege Luncheon and Summit on Oct 20. The luncheon and summit will be the final tour stop for Black Women's Roundtable "Healthy, Wealthy, & Wise" National Empowerment Tour. Made possible by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, the tour provides tools to empower underserved women and girls.

The Spirit Awards are presented to individuals and organizations who support The National Coalition's mission of making civic participation a cultural responsibility and tradition. Title 35th Anniversary partners include AT&T and Verizon, among others. The event is open to the public. Individual ticket prices are $150. For more information call 202 659-4929 or visit www.ncbcp.org to purchase online.

Click here to read the original article.

DEWEY SQUARE GROUP TAKES ON NEW GRASSROOTS LEADERSHIP

Mon, 09 May 2011 07:15:00 -0700

Seasoned Strategists Join Firm’s Signature Practice

The Dewey Square Group (DSG) is kicking off spring with new leadership in its grassroots practice. Joe Eyer has been named Director of Grassroots after six years as a principal in the firm’s largest and signature practice. Eyer came to DSG in 2005, and has more than 15 years of experience in the government, political and public affairs world.

“I am eager to continue my career with the Dewey Square Group, and to continue the expansion of its industry-leading grassroots practice,” said Eyer, who has managed several of DSG’s most prominent campaigns for corporations and not-for-profits. Eyer previously worked in the Clinton Administration and with several Democratic presidential campaigns.

“Eyer has been a true asset to our team, and I look forward to DSG’s continued success under his leadership,” said Chuck Campion, chairman of the Dewey Square Group.

In addition to Eyer’s new role, both Tracey Lewis and Jonathan Drobis will be joining DSG as principals in the grassroots practice.

For more than 15 years, Lewis has been involved in grassroots organizing, issue advocacy, as well as campaign and event management in the political, government, non-profit and private sectors. She has worked on several presidential campaigns and managed statewide Democratic coordinated campaigns. For three years, Lewis was the deputy executive director for Senator John Kerry’s leadership political action committee. Most recently, she served as the national field director for the Alliance for Climate Protection, building and managing a national grassroots organization which spanned 28 states and managed the 2010 Connecticut coordinated campaign contributing to the elections of Senator Richard Blumenthal and Governor Dan Malloy.

Lewis was the statewide field director during Hillary Clinton’s historic comeback in the 2008 New Hampshire primary and served as the General Election Director for President Obama’s New Hampshire Campaign for Change.

Similar to Lewis, Drobis’s previous experience spans from campaigns to public affairs, including multiple presidential and statewide campaigns. In the 2010 election, Drobis managed Attorney General Jack Conway’s Senate campaign in Kentucky and was deputy campaign manager for Bill Thompson’s mayoral bid in New York City.

His experience includes work on the Obama campaign; for Alaska Senator Mark Begich, and for the governors from West Virginia, Montana and New Hampshire during his time at the direct mail firm, Ambrosino, Muir & Hansen. Drobis began his career in communications as the deputy press secretary for the Kerry-Edwards campaign in New Mexico and at Hill & Knowlton, a public-relations firm.

“The experience both Lewis and Drobis have will bring great new insight to the grassroots team,” said Eyer, “and I’m excited to get to work with them both.”

UNION FIGHT IS “MY FIGHT, TOO” NEW WEB AD SUPPORTS UNIONS UNDER ATTACK

Fri, 18 Mar 2011 11:22:00 -0700

UNION FIGHT IS “MY FIGHT, TOO” NEW WEB AD SUPPORTS UNIONS UNDER ATTACK
Ad Counters Recent Attacks on Public Employee Unions

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Dewey Square/Latinovations Media and Dewey Digital released a Spanish-language version of its Web ad, “My Fight, Too,” on Friday backing the union workers who have been targets of attacks from political leaders in Wisconsin. As the fight shifts to include organized workers in Michigan, Ohio and Indiana, the new ad calls attention to the contribution of teachers, firefighters, and nurses who “Stand up. Negotiate. And win fights for all of us.”

““My Fight, Too” says union members are the nurses who care for us, the police who protect us and the teachers who educate our children. Their fight is our fight, and they deserve our support in community after community throughout the country,” said Jill Alper, Dewey Square Media Principal.

Dewey Square posted the ad Friday on the Latinovations’ blog, La Plaza and at www.myfighttoo.com, asking viewers to share with supporters in affected states and throughout the country.

“The legacy of the labor movement has helped Latinos in their quest to achieve the American Dream,” said Maria Cardona, head of Dewey Square Public Affairs and Latinovations practice. “Latinovations created the Spanish-version of this ad to underscore the message that everything these hard-working men and women have accomplished has helped all Latinos in this country live a better life.”

Latinos are the fastest growing and largest minority group in the U.S., now an integral part of American society. The U.S. Census Bureau protected the total Latino population at least 16% in 2010.

The initial Web ad was posted on YouTube on March 3, in response to Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker’s ongoing assault on public-sector employee unions in that state.

“My Fight, Too” Script

They're under assault. (Están bajo ataque.)

The ones who care for the sick, teach the children, and run into fire. (Los que cuidan a los enfermos, educan a nuestros hijos, y nos protegen en los incendios.)

Union members. Hard working people, chasing the American Dream. (Miembros de los sindicatos, gente que trabaja arduamente, tratando de lograr el sueño americano.)

A fair wage. Health care. A secure retirement. (Un salario justo. Cuidado de salud. Una jubilación asegurada.)

They stand up. Negotiate. And win fights for all of us. (Ellos están listos para luchar, negociar y ganar batallas para todos nosotros.)

But Scott Walker's power grab could stop all that. (Pero la ambición de Scott Walker puede terminar con estos esfuerzos.)

It’s time to fight back. (Es hora de luchar.)

www.myfighttoo.com

This is the Spanish version of “My Fight, Too,” an ad by Latinovations.

Dewey Square Group Wins Prestigious Award

Fri, 18 Mar 2011 09:41:00 -0700

DEWEY SQUARE GROUP WINS GOLD POLLIE
FOR LIVING PORTRAIT OF GOVERNOR JENNIFER GRANHOLM
American Association of Political Consultants Give Award to Media, Public Affairs & Grassroots Firm

WASHINGTON, D.C.— The American Association of Political Consultants (AACP) awarded The Dewey Square Group and Joe Slade White & Company a Gold Pollie Award for best non-broadcast video. The video details the major accomplishments of Michigan’s two-term governor, Jennifer M. Granholm.

"The Dewey Square Group, along with Joe Slade White & Company, is honored to have had the opportunity to memorialize the historic work of Governor Granholm,” said Chuck Campion, Founding Partner of the Dewey Square Group. “We are also pleased to have been acknowledged for this video by our peers.”

It is tradition that upon leaving office, each Michigan governor has a portrait painted and hung in the State Capitol. The Michigan 2010 Foundation was established in part to commission and fund Governor Granholm’s portrait, in addition to this video.

“In the Internet age, there are new and innovative ways to capture history, and in kind, we created this living portrait for the Michigan 2010 Foundation,” said Dewey Square Principal, Jill Alper, one of the video’s producers . “These stories captured on video by major elected, business, and community leaders from throughout the state will remain a colorful testament to Governor Granholm’s legacy of driving to diversify Michigan’s economy, and working to educate and protect its citizens.”

The living portrait can be viewed at www.GranholmPortrait.com.

March 16th: Congressional Briefing on Bullying of Special Needs Children

Tue, 15 Mar 2011 13:58:00 -0700

March 15, 2011

Dear Colleague:

Children with special needs are often the victims of the bullying epidemic plaguing our communities. Although bullying is finally becoming a national conversation, too little attention is paid to children with special needs, who are among the most vulnerable targets.

Dewey Square Group teamed up with Ability Path, Community Gate Path, Special Olympics and Best Buddies to release “Walk a Mile in Their Shoes”, one of the few U.S. reports to focus exclusively on the bullying of children with special needs.

“Walk a Mile in Their Shoes” resulted from interviews with experts, educators and parents of special needs children about this escalating issue. This groundbreaking report exposes a startling statistic. An estimated 60% of children with special needs will be target of bullying while on average, 25% of US students will be a victim of bullying.

On Wednesday, March 16th, Congressmember Jackie Speier, along with Congressmember Cathy McMorris Rodgers, will host a briefing on this important report and Dewey Square Group would like to extend an invitation to you to attend this important briefing, which will also feature Sheryl Young, CEO of AbilityPath.org and Glee actress Lauren Potter, a 20-year-old woman with Down syndrome. Space is limited. Please RSVP.

What: Congressional Briefing about Bulling of Special Needs Children

Where: 210 Cannon House Office Building

Who: Congressmember Jackie Speier, Congressmember Cathy McMorris Rodgers, Sheryl Young, CEO of AbilityPath.org and Glee actress Lauren Potter

When: Wednesday, March 16, 2011 11:00 am – 12:00 pm

RSVP to Josh Connolly at josh.connolly@mail.house.gov

Dewey Square Web Video Supporting American Workers

Fri, 04 Mar 2011 11:45:00 -0800

Dewey Square Web Video Supporting American Workers

Today Dewey Square launched a new web video that supporting America’s workers in Wisconsin and across America.

This video was produced by Dewey Square Media.

DSG cited for good performance by parent company WPP

Fri, 04 Mar 2011 10:17:00 -0800

Our parent company, WPP Group, said like-for-like revenue for its PR and public affairs businesses grew 3.7% to $1.38 billion in 2010, with the unit growing 5.6% in the fourth quarter. Dewey Square Group was one of the firms WPP cited for good performances!

The full text of the PR Week article is below.

PR and public affairs up just 3.7% at WPP in 2010

PR Week
Jaimy Lee
March 04, 2011
NEW YORK: WPP Group said like-for-like revenue for its PR and public affairs businesses grew 3.7% to $1.38 billion in 2010, with the unit growing 5.6% in the fourth quarter.

The 5.6% growth in like-for-like revenue at the PR and public affairs unit in Q4 excludes the impact of acquisitions and currency fluctuations.

WPP cited Burson-Marsteller and specialty firms such as Dewey Square Group, Robinson Lerer & Montgomery, and Public Strategies for good performances. Other PR agencies in the WPP family include Hill & Knowlton, Ogilvy PR Worldwide, and Cohn & Wolfe.

The PR and public affairs sector, which makes up 9% of WPP's total revenues, showed the least growth compared to WPP's advertising, consumer insight, and branding and identity and healthcare and special communications units.
WPP said the group's overall like-for-like revenue rose 5.3% to $15.19 billion in 2010, compared to the $14.13 billion it reported for 2009.

The group's like-for-like revenue in the fourth quarter jumped 8.5%, which WPP said is the fastest rate of quarterly growth for the group since Q4 of 2000.

“2010 was a year of significant recovery, as clients re-focused on top-line sales growth and expansion, particularly in faster-growth geographic markets, as well as continued cost containment in the slower-growth markets of the United States and Western Europe," said WPP CEO Martin Sorrell in the earnings statement.

Sorrell also addressed the group's strong performance in the US. WPP's North America unit generates 35.1% of total revenues and reported a 7.6%-increase in like-for-like revenue in 2010 – the largest annual growth for any of the marketing services network's regions.

“The strong finish to 2010 has continued into 2011, with like-for-like revenues in January 2011 up over 8%,” said Sorrell in the earnings statement. “Geographically, we are seeing stronger growth in both Asia and Latin America and with the United States remaining strong.”

*All figures were converted from the British pound to the US dollar using the XE currency converter.

Link: http://www.prweekus.com/pr-and-public-affairs-up-just-37-at-wpp-in-2010/article/197607/

Politically Speaking: Does Snyder's budget add up for state?

Tue, 22 Feb 2011 10:37:00 -0800

This week’s Free Press column by Jill Alper, "Politically Speaking: Does Snyder's budget add up for state?"

(link to this: )

Lynda Tocci receives the 2011 Eleanor and Franklin Roosevelt Award

Wed, 16 Feb 2011 18:00:00 -0800

Our colleague Lynda Tocci is a 2011 recipient of the Eleanor and Franklin Roosevelt Award from the Massachusetts Democratic Party.

Previous Roosevelt Awardees include: Philanthropist Barbara Lee, Attorney General Martha Coakley, Senate President Therese Murray, Joseph P. Kennedy, II, Congressman Ed Markey (2003). Alan Solomont-Current Ambassador to Spain, former Treasurer of DNC,

Lynda has been a tireless advocate of Democrats and women candidates for years doing the hard work that gets people elected: field. Nobody is better at getting folks organized and to the polls in a campaign than Lynda. Ted Kennedy, John Kerry, Hillary Clinton, Jeanne Shaheen and countless others know just how talented and relentless Lynda is when it comes to winning campaigns.

The Roosevelt Dinner is an annual event hosted by the Massachusetts Democratic Party to honor members of the community who have demonstrated an outstanding commitment to furthering the ideals of the Democratic Party through public service. This tradition celebrates those values, by awarding one woman and one man with awards signifying their impact in continuing the values that President Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt brought to their work and to the lives of so many Americans. This year Lynda Tocci will be honored the Eleanor Roosevelt Award on May 12, 2011 at the Fairmont Copley Plaza Hotel.

Please join us in congratulating her.

Dewey Square helps coordinate today’s launch of “Disable Bullying”

Tue, 15 Feb 2011 15:26:00 -0800

Dewey Square group was honored to help coordinate today’s launch of “Disable Bullying”, a nationwide campaign sponsored by AbilityPath.org, Special Olympics,and Best Buddies International to end the bullying of youth with special needs. Glee actress Lauren Potter will serve as the campaign’s spokesperson and has recorded a public service announcement available here.

Today’s press conference announcing the launch featured Potter and her mother Robin Sinkhorn, Abilitypath.org CEO Sheryl Young, Special Olympics Chairman Timothy Shriver, Best Buddies International Chairman Anthony Shriver, Calif. Congresswoman Jackie Speier and California State Superintendant for Public Education Tom Torlakson. More information about the “Disable Bullying” Campaign can be found at www.Abilitypath.org. The event was covered by national press, including KTLA-TV, CBS radio, La Opinion, the Huffington Post and blogs around the country.

Join Us for a Very Important Briefing at 10:30 am PST/1:30 pm EST: Abilitypath.org to Launch Disable Bullying Campaign

Mon, 14 Feb 2011 15:42:00 -0800

Tomorrow, Abilitypath.org will launch its nationwide “Disable Bullying” campaign in collaboration with Special Olympics and Best Buddies International, the country’s premier organizations representing those with intellectual disabilities. Participants will be available to brief media on the launch of the “Disable Bullying” Campaign on Tuesday, February 15, at 10:30 am PST/1:30 pm EST. A summary on the report may be viewed here.

Join us!

Who: Sheryl Young, CEO, Abilitypath.org
Lauren Potter, Actress, Glee, & mother Robin Sinkhorn
Timothy P. Shriver, Chairman and CEO, Special Olympics
Anthony K. Shriver, Founder and Chairman, Best Buddies International
Congresswoman Jackie Speier, U.S. Representative (CA-12)
Tom Torlakson, California State Superintendant of Public Instruction

Call-in Number: (866)219-5269
Call Title: Abilitypath.org Bullying Report
When: Tuesday, February 15, 10:30 am PST/1:30 pm EST

Difficulty Balancing Commitments is Top Reason Adult College Students Drop Out

Fri, 11 Feb 2011 08:27:00 -0800

SAN FRANCISCO—Almost 30 percent of dropouts among adult college students are due to challenges balancing school, work and family, according to a study of more than 45,000 non-traditional students across the United States. Coupled with financial strain, work and family commitments account for more than 50 percent of adult college student dropouts, according to the study conducted by InsideTrack, a national student coaching company. Just seven percent of adult students who dropped out cited academic challenges.

“The vast majority of adult college students can successfully handle the academic rigors of completing a degree,” said Alan Tripp, InsideTrack CEO. “But if we want to improve our nation’s graduation rates, particularly among non-traditional students, we need to support them in managing the work, family and financial obstacles that get in the way.”

Nearly two-thirds of adult college students in the U.S. drop out prior to graduation, according to Indiana Wesleyan University research. InsideTrack’s study found, however, about a third of those who drop out do so because of their difficulty balancing commitments. Finances, at 26 percent, were listed as the second-most reported drop reason, with personal effectiveness following at about 14 percent. Academic reasons alone were reported as the least likely cause for students dropping out. The study’s results were based on a review of 45,000 student records used to document the results of structured InsideTrack one-on-one coaching sessions and included students from 17 colleges and universities throughout the country.

The majority of university students under 25 years old (about 31 percent) attributed finances as their lead cause for dropping out, according to the InsideTrack data. For the same age group, managing commitments followed in second place at 23 percent. Overall, men were a bit more likely than women (31.3 percent for men compared with 27.5 percent for women) to list managing commitments as the main reason for discontinuing their studies.

Of the approximately two million students who begin bachelor’s degree programs every year, 800,000 will never graduate. In recent years, the United States has lost valuable ground to other nations, slipping to 9th among nations with the highest percentage of college graduates. In his 2011 State of the Union address, President Obama said improving the graduation rate is crucial to the U.S. becoming more competitive globally.

“Non-traditional students are quickly becoming the norm in higher education,” Tripp said. “Addressing our nation’s graduation crisis and regaining our competitive edge will require an increased focus on the factors that prevent adult students from successfully completing their college degrees.”

###

The study’s results can be viewed here.

About InsideTrack, Inc.
InsideTrack is the nation’s premier provider of student coaching services. Our mission is to improve student engagement, persistence, and success. InsideTrack has coached more than 250,000 students at more than 50 campuses nationally. Our clients include Penn State University, University of Dayton, Florida State University, and Chapman University. To learn more about InsideTrack, please visit: www.insidetrack.com