Who We Are

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  Gigi Lubin, President

  Gigi has worked with leading consumer brands as a strategic partner in crafting high-visibility PR campaigns. She has the unique ability to capture the key message and strategically position an organization.

  • Former television news reporter
  • Strong relationships with media
  • Experienced message development and media trainer
  • National television lifestyle expert
  • Acting media spokesperson for many clients
  • More than 25 years of experience
  • Winner of Public Relations Society’s Silver Anvil and more
  • Master’s degree in broadcast journalism from Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism
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  Dianna Smoljan, Social and Traditional Media

  Dianna has 25 years of marketing communications experience. Her knowledge base spans working with all aspects of marketing including advertising, public relations and social media. Works closely with International Housewares Association in PR.

  • Expert in media relations having successfully worked with all levels of national and local television, radio, trade and print
  • Concentrated expertise in trade shows, consumer products, health care, housewares, hardware, safety and special events
  • Earned MBA in marketing, BA in Journalism Media/Public Relations
  • Achieved the “Accredited in Public Relations” designation from the Public Relations Society of America
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  Chris Hester, Communications/Media Relations

  Chris has an excellent working knowledge of the media, what they want, and how to deliver news stories in a format that gets “ink and air time.” She develops targeted, strategic campaigns that speak directly to the appropriate audience.

  • Worked at international agencies and leading boutique PR firms
  • Event planning expertise – venue selection, outsourcing talent and media coverage
  • Media representative for celebrities and sports figures
  • Nearly 15 years of experience
  • Earned awards from the Publicity Club of Chicago, the Public Relations Society of America and Home Media Magazine
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  Jenna Shields, Media Relations

  Jenna understands the media, has deep relationships and knows how to tell stories. She also is an avid writer and editor, experienced in internal communications, crisis management, book promotion and speaker placements.

  • Former NBC-TV reporter
  • Worked at leading PR agencies (Edelman, Weber-Shandwick)
  • Experience at top corporations (managed PR agencies)
  • Industry expertise: consumer, healthcare, education, financial services, technology
  • Nearly 20 years of experience
  • Active in the Business Marketing Association and the Executives Club of Chicago
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  Judy Smith, Strategic Planning, Message Development

  Judy helps leaders fulfill their company vision by defining the distinguishing attributes of their product /service and creating effective communication strategies to target audiences.

  • More than 30 years of experience
  • Winner of IABC Ace Award, PRSA Prism, PCLA Pro and ICSC Maxi Award
  • Author of Rainforests to Flowers; received Bronze Anvil PRSA award for book publicity
  • Member of the distinguished Counselor’s Academy of the Public Relations Society of America; served on the Board of Directors of the Publicity Club of Los Angeles
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  Steve Filmer, Media Producer and Strategist

  Steve is an Emmy Award-winning broadcast journalist and producer and a vivid and visceral story-teller. He creates platforms, video and other content for companies wishing to make the most of social media and the Internet.

  • Unique insight into what works – and what doesn’t – in media
  • Former on-air consumer editor for ABC News Good Morning America; reporter for network affiliates throughout the country
  • Current on-air talent at International Home & Housewares Show and for local/national news segments
  • More than 25 years of experience
  • Degree in broadcasting & film from Boston University
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  Rick Asa, Writer and Editor

  Rick is a versatile, award-winning, creative writer for magazines, newspapers and broadcast TV/radio, as well as PR firms and corporate clients.

  • Specializes in creative press releases and white papers that stand out and command attention
  • Extensive experience with consumer media
  • Regular contributor to Chicago Tribune’s “Good Eating”
  • Unique ability to find and expose interesting “news nuggets” – knows what reporters are seeking
  • More than 30 years of experience
  • Worked “in-house” at associations and corporations