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Randle Communications Earns Prestigious National Recognition from Inc. Magazine as Best Workplace in 2019

We are so honored to be named to Inc. magazine’s Best Workplaces for 2019. A record-setting 2,000 companies applied for the award this year, which was whittled down to a list of 346 recipients. We are the only Sacramento-based company to ever make the list.

The distinguished award reflects Randle’s focus on building a great workplace culture, team recruitment and engagement and providing quality financial and other employee benefits.

Hear from our team about what makes Randle a great workplace:

CULTURE

One of our newest team members, Joe Schutz, noticed the Randle camaraderie and powerful culture as soon as he joined the firm.

“Randle Communications has a culture of human kindness and productivity. In just under a week, I can tell that I’m not the only one who is passionate about my job and the work we do.”

Account Executive Rachael Serrao agrees.

“Everyone at Randle Communications shares a passion – a passion for our industry, a passion for our clients, a passion for the firm and a passion for seeing each other succeed and grow. This energy fosters an unparalleled culture that truly makes Randle the best place to work. This award means so much to me because it’s a recognition that the efforts we take to build a positive, team-centric atmosphere is truly something special.”

“Randle Communications is a very special place, and sometimes it’s hard to put into words just how different our team approach is. I think Randle being named a Best Workplaces for 2019 by a national, prestigious publication can help to illustrate that our culture is unique and our team is different. I hope it gives our clients another reason to be proud to work with us and prospective clients another reason to reach out.” – Director Erin Dunlay

“Randle Communications’ selection as one of Inc. magazine’s Best Workplaces Award is exciting and humbling. Inc. was a resource for us when we started the firm in 2001 and been our North Star as we’ve grown. Jeff, Kellie and I have always focused on serving our team and, as a result, our people have delivered extraordinary results for our clients. We credit our team and their families for making Randle Communications one of America’s top public relations and public affairs firms.” – Partner Mitch Zak

TEAMWORK

Director Mike Gazda relates Randle’s teamwork to the ballfield:

“You always want to be a part of the best team – that’s why the most-talented players in baseball flock to the Yankees and Red Sox. I enjoy coming to work at Randle every day because the culture of teamwork and winning is second to none.”

Senior Vice President Kevin Riggs agrees, adding he appreciates the teamwork atmosphere:

“It’s gratifying to work with a team that consistently performs at such a high level in delivering solutions to communications issues.  Inc.’s recognition of this work is enormously rewarding.”

PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL GROWTH

Encouraging growth and development of new skills equals a winning combination for team members.

Account Executive Daniel Wetter says he has been encouraged to reach new heights.

“I love Randle Communications because of the incredible people I have the opportunity to work with every day. I don’t think you can find a more amazing group of professionals all dedicated to achieving the best results for the entire team. It’s a culture that actively promotes continuous development and rewards innovation and collaboration. Randle has truly brought out the best in me – both professionally and personally.”

Senior Account Executive Scot Murdoch adds the value he has received by working at Randle:

“Randle is unique in that it provides the support needed to grow professionally and personally. We do this by building on each other’s strengths and working together to improve each other’s weaknesses. It’s exactly what I need to be the best person I can be.”

“I am so proud of Randle Communications for being named a Best Workplaces for 2019. Randle has challenged me to grow professionally and has given me the tools to grow personally. The team’s dedication to each other and to our clients is unparalleled. Even though we work in a tough industry and are constantly striving to deliver top-tier results for our clients, we do it while having fun. Not a day goes by when you won’t hear laughter coming from the office. I often say we are not only the best public relations and public affairs company in Sacramento, we are also the happiest, which is a testament to our positive, can-do attitude.” – Senior Account Executive Mary Parra

FAMILY

We treat each other with respect and are always there to support one another. Our relationships have grown to foster a family-like atmosphere.

Loyal. Supportive. Quality. I’ve worked with the Randle team since the early 90s on different projects. Jeff and Mitch are loyal and care about creating a positive, family atmosphere full of A-team professionals. Love these guys, the team, and doing high-level, meaningful, quality work for clients. It’s a great place to work.” – Senior Counselor Tovey Giezentanner

Vice President Julie Phillips agrees.

“Randle Communications is a special place. We have exceptionally talented team members who encourage us, visionary leaders who push us to grow and clients who inspire us. The support and opportunities offered at Randle Communications are unrivaled.”

“Working alongside coworkers who are dedicated and hardworking, while also prioritizing a team-first mindset, inspires me every day. Receiving Inc.’s Best Workplaces Award truly captures the incredible Randle atmosphere that I feel blessed enough to be a part of.”  – Executive Assistant Erin Coyle

“Randle Communications = Family. Each team member wants to help you elevate to the next level, whether that is on a personal level or on the professional level. It is the best place to work because at the end of the day, we all are family, we all are a part of one team, with one goal in mind.” – Digital Content Coordinator Alexis Polk

“Receiving the Inc. magazine Best Places to Work honor is a testament to the culture and values of Randle Communications. What sets Randle apart and makes the firm a “best place” to work is its people and team-focused culture. The focus on employees as the team’s most important asset has fostered a team that feels like family. The firm’s leadership offers incredible opportunities for employees to grow as individuals, while underscoring the importance of supporting each other. This culture creates an environment that allows us to achieve extraordinary results for clients.” – Vice President of Public Affairs Lindsey Goodwin

It’s April – Let’s Celebrate Volunteerism

April is National Volunteer Month – a time to spotlight Randle employees who are giving back to the community.

Volunteerism is a great way for companies to get involved in local charities and the communities they serve, build relationships and support causes they believe in.

While all Randle employees are involved in various philanthropic and volunteer efforts with great causes, we’re highlighting a few recent examples in celebration of the month!

Senior Account Executive Mary Parra and her family make volunteerism a family affair, often supporting organizations that have a direct impact on people they know. Mary and her husband Jerome merge their love of running with good causes, participating in the Shamrock’n Half Marathon as well as the Epilepsy Run. “The beneficiary in the Shamrock’n event was the Triumph Cancer Foundation, which our neighbor participated in during her recovery from Leukemia,” Mary says. A player on their son’s baseball team also has epilepsy, which prompted the two to participate in the Epilepsy run.

Another volunteer advocate is Jennifer Kifer, Randle’s longtime Controller. The Kifer family supports Saint John’s Hope for Change Polo Match. The tournament, themed “Polo for Change,” raises several thousand dollars annually for homeless women and children.

The Kifer Family, flanked by Randle Controller Jennifer (center), makes volunteering fun. Each year they participate in the annual Saint John’s Polo for Change Polo Match.

“It’s an event we all do together as a family,” says Jennifer. “Volunteering should be fun and worthwhile. We’re also proud to be involved in other events to support the Special Olympics.”

Erin Dunlay and her family balance work and volunteer life through a wide range of activities as well. Erin spent six years on the Board of Directors for River City Food Bank, and, also competed in this year’s 5K Bonnie J. Addario run/walk. Erin and husband Ryan volunteer at the annual reception for their alma mater, Creighton University, encouraging prospective students to consider the university for their collegiate career.

Ryan is also a member of the Knights of Columbus, the Dad’s Club and Patron of the Arts Council at St. Francis High School in Sacramento.
“Volunteering and giving back is something we take seriously and enjoy at the same time,” says Erin.

Erin Coyle Joins Randle Communications As Executive Assistant

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Randle Communications (Randle), Sacramento’s top-ranked public relations and public affairs firm, is pleased to welcome Erin Coyle to the team as executive assistant. Coyle supports CEO Jeff Randle and partner Mitch Zak while also assisting with the firm’s day-to-day operations.

“We are very excited to have Erin join the team. She is a bright, young professional who is detail- oriented and has a positive ‘can do’ attitude,” Jeff Randle, President and CEO of Randle Communications said. “She is a great addition to the Randle team, and I am confident Erin will achieve great things with our firm.”

As executive assistant, Coyle provides support to the firm’s leadership team, handles the complex scheduling needs of the firm and ensures that operations are functioning at optimal levels.

“Working for Randle has quickly provided me with the opportunity to grow both professionally and personally alongside an exceptional group of people. I am extremely grateful to be part of this tight-knit team and am excited for what the future holds,” Coyle said.

Prior to joining Randle, Coyle worked as an event and office assistant at Saint Agnes Medical Center in Fresno and as an event and fundraising assistant for A Family for Every Child in Eugene, Oregon. Coyle is a graduate of the University of Oregon.

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Four Tips for Spring Cleaning Your PR Program

Spring usually provides a polite nudge to clean—your closets, garages, cars, you name it. If you’re a public relations professional, it’s also a good time to look at ways to “Spring Clean” your communications program.

Out with the Old and In with the New

Update your media lists. With the ever-evolving media landscape, journalists are often shifting roles. Are you still contacting the appropriate media contacts? Are there new media contacts and outlets that should be added to your target pitching lists?

Sweep the Dust Off

Review and refine your key messages. Is your approved messaging gathering dust? It’s time to brush it off and ensure your key messages support your business’ or company’s current environment. Have conditions changed? Your goals evolved? This is especially true if your business has undergone a significant change or rebrand.

Assess your social media. Twitter and Facebook are ubiquitous in PR today. Because you’re using the platforms doesn’t mean you’re maximizing social media as a tool. Are you using social effectively? Are you testing, analyzing and refining your strategy? Are there emerging tools to leverage that would better reach your target audience?

Replenish and Refresh

Take a break to brainstorm new ideas. Thinking of new ways to be creative can not only spur more innovation in your program, it can also act as a brain palate cleanser for you and your team. Focusing on something new instead of the normal daily grind can be refreshing

Podcast: LA Times’ John Myers Talks Digital Influencer Report

Randle Communications Vice President Kevin Riggs sat down with Los Angeles Times Sacramento Bureau Chief John Myers to discuss our second annual Digital Influencer Report.

Listen to the podcast:

Randle Communications Announces Key Promotions

Randle Communications (Randle), Sacramento’s top-ranked public relations and public affairs firm, today announced promotions of three key staff members: Daniel Wetter, Jenna Sharp and Rachael Serrao have earned the title of account executive given their talent, shared commitment to teamwork and exceptional client service.

“These promotions reflect the horsepower of a strong team that has worked to elevate the firm’s services across public relations and public affairs,” Jeff Randle, President and CEO of Randle Communications said. “The steadfast dedication and hard work by Jenna, Rachael and Daniel is fueling the firm through innovation and tremendous client service. They are immensely talented professionals, and we look forward to their continued growth and success.”

Wetter joined Randle in May 2018 and immediately elevated the firm’s bandwidth in digital and social media strategies. He drove Randle’s development of the second annual Digital Influencer Report released in February and continues to lead innovation and enhanced public affairs strategies through Randle’s digital practice. He is a May 2018 graduate of George Washington University, School of Media and Public Affairs, with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Communication.

Serrao and Sharp both interned at Randle, a reflection of the firm’s commitment to fostering talent from within. Wetter previously founded DW Digital Consulting, a former Northern California-based firm that specialized in the design and execution of social media and digital advertising strategies.

Sharp has worked across several accounts since joining Randle in May 2017. Her portfolio of work includes Golden 1 Credit Union, Golden State Water Company and day-to-day management of Bear Valley Electric Service. In addition, Sharp played a central role in coalition building for the California Earthquake Authority. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations with a concentration in Marketing from Pepperdine University.

Serrao has demonstrated a keen aptitude for messaging, design and branding know-how for Liberty Utilities and Golden State Water Company and supports public affairs activities across several Randle clients. She joined Randle in December 2017 shortly after graduating from the University of Nevada, Reno, with a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism with an emphasis in Public Relations.

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POLITICO’s Carla Marinucci Talks Digital Advocacy

In 2019, you can’t afford to sit on the digital sidelines. Our new podcast explores why.

Earlier this year, we released our second annual Digital Influencer Report analyzing End-of-Session digital advocacy as well as lists of influencer scores among the Capitol press corps and California lawmakers.

Now, we’re thrilled to share our first podcast featuring a conversation with one of 2018’s top Digital Influencers. Our very own Kevin Riggs sat down with POLITICO’s Carla Marinucci – the #1 Digital Influencer among the Capitol press corps – to talk about the report, her ranking and, of course, reminisce about their time in the press corps together.

It’s a must-listen for insight into how Twitter and other digital tools shape not only media coverage but also policymaking.

The Digital Influence of the Capitol Press Corps

Twitter is changing the face of how political news is reported, especially when it comes to California politics.

Capitol press corps reporters are using the platform as a tool for real-time reporting on issues under the dome and provide a unique behind-the-scenes perspective. The collective engagement from reporters can be tremendously helpful for public affairs programs, serving as one of the best ways to measure the pulse of policy and political issues, including housing, health care, environmental justice and more.

The top five Capitol press corps reporters are:

*@CapitolAlert formerly managed by Alexei Koseff; now managed by Bryan Anderson; Reporters with the same rankings reflect tied influencer scores

This year’s top list includes a number of returners, including POLITICO’s Carla Marinucci. As an editor of the California Playbook, she maintains a strong hand on the conversations taking place at California’s Capitol.

You can learn more about the top digital influencers in the Capitol press corps in our 2018 Digital Influencer Report Capitol press corps rankings.

Digital Advocacy is No Longer Optional

Last year, we released our inaugural Digital Influencer Report, which demonstrated the impact of digital tools in running a successful advocacy campaign. In our second annual report, we found that not only is digital advocacy important, it’s mandatory. This is clearly evidenced by examining the impact of digital advocacy during the final two weeks of the 2018 legislative session, also known as “End-of-Session.”

The use of #CaLeg, the most popular hashtag for sharing general policy and political comments, news and discussion about the California Legislature, continues to grow. Use of #CaLeg increased more than 100 percent during the 2018 End-of-Session as compared to the rest of the year. More than 10,100 tweets used this hashtag in that time period, an increase of almost 14 percent compared to the 2017 End-of-Session. It’s used by a number of influencers including legislators, advocacy groups, trade associations and the Capitol press corps.

Despite the increase in the use of digital advocacy and activity around #CaLeg, there are still a number of organizations and campaigns who are not embracing digital advocacy as an essential tool to educate lawmakers on key issues. At the start of a two-year legislative session with a social savvy Governor as well as new lawmakers, those organizations not already engaging in digital advocacy need to start immediately or risk being left behind.

The bottom line is digital engagement is no longer optional and choosing not to participate is a losing strategy. Read more about why in the 2018 Digital Influencer Report. You can download the full report for free here.