TopRank CEO to Highlight Business Blogging and Social Media during IABC Event at St. Thomas University

Minneapolis, MN – March 2007 – TopRank Online Marketing, a leading internet marketing agency based in Minneapolis, has announced that CEO Lee Odden will share industry insights on what blogs mean for business communications at a Minnesota International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) Event for Senior Communicators.

The Senior Communicators Special Interest Group (SIG) comes together three times a year, to meet and discuss a key issue or challenge facing senior communicators.

“It is encouraging to see industry leaders interested in learning more about the implications of blogging for business communications,” said Lee Odden. “Over the past 3 years TopRank has worked with companies ranging from online startups to Fortune 20 companies to develop practical blogging strategies and it’s exciting to see even more companies exploring the channel.”

The event focuses on how companies can incorporate blogging into corporate communications strategies – for example, internal communications, public relations, or as part of a customer relationship program. Specific topics Odden will discuss include:
* Introduction to social media
* Trends with business blogging
* Applications for blog software such as blog enabled media rooms
* Blogger relations tips
* Establishing blogging policies

Odden will speak along side Sarah Bjelland, Assistant VP and marketing consultant for Wells Fargo, who will share how Wells Fargo uses blogs to engage its workforce, its customers, and the general public in conversations.

The event is open to IABC members with 15 years experience - or holding a Director-level position - and their non-member guests only.

Event Details:
IABC Minnesota Senior Communicators SIG
When: March 7, 2007
Where: University of St. Thomas
Minneapolis Campus
Terrence Murphy Hall
Room 252
Cost:
$20 advance, $25 at the door IABC senior members
$30 advance, $35 at the door Non-members or guests

Registration and additional details are available online. Walk-ins will be accepted as space allows.
* 7.30 a.m. Registration and continental breakfast
* 8 a.m. Presentation

About IABC
The Minnesota Chapter of the International Association of Business Communicators brings together professionals who want to excel in the communications field. It provides lifelong learning opportunities by giving members the tools and information they need at any stage in their career.

About Lee Odden and TopRank
A frequent speaker on the topics of blog marketing, social media, online PR and search marketing, Lee Odden is CEO and founder of TopRank Online Marketing. TopRank has been recognized as a leading search marketing agency in Marketing Sherpa’s Guide to SEO firms and has clients ranging from BtoB software companies to a Fortune 20 healthcare services corporation. Lee has written articles for several publications including Yahoo Publisher Network, AllBusiness.com and DM News. He's also been quoted by The Economist, U.S. News & World Report and is editor of the Online Marketing Blog.