Lisa Merriam

Public Relations

Uh No, Not Business as Usual at the 2016 Olympics: Marketing Executive Networking Group

Zika • Recession • Security • Doping Scandals • Brazilian Politics & Public Apathy I will be on the panel of the Marketing Executives Networking Group’s panel discussion on the marketing challenges of the Rio Olympic Games RSVP by Thursday, JULY  28, noon at http://members.mengonline.com/e/in/eid=421  Photo I.D. required for building entry. Many issues are plaguing the …

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Can the Chipotle Brand Recover?

Can the Chipotle brand recover with recent company marketing moves? Chipotle Mexican Grill’s sinking sales and falling share prices follow a bacterial outbreak that sickened customers in at least 11 states. When news of widespread food poisoning at the “food with integrity” restaurants first broke, the internet filled with rumors of a chain-wide shutdown. Those …

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Branding Scandals: Gruber-Gate and Gate Scandal Naming Since Watergate

Watergate tops most top ten US scandal lists, which may explain the ubiquity of the ___-gate naming meme for scandals. Gruber-gate is only the latest in a long list of scandals with “gate” in the name. Scandal Naming–The -Gate Construct The -gate construct for scandal naming got its start shortly after Watergate and Nixon’s impeachment …

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Adrian Peterson and Vikings Brand Sponsorship: Guilty Until Proven Innocent

Brand sponsorship requires a rush to judgement. Though Adrian Peterson has not been found guilty of a crime, brands can’t afford to serve as a backdrop to the drama of indictments and investigations. Radisson’s brand did literally serve as a backdrop to yesterday’s press conference by Vikings general manger Rick Spielman as he discussed child …

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GM Smashes Its U.S. Recall Record and the Idea of a “New GM”

Yesterday, GM announced yet more recalls that brought the total number of vehicle call-backs to an all-time record. The damage to an already hurting brand–see “Switchgate”–is incalculable. The idea of a “new GM” is taking a beating. Toyota suffered similar negative press several years ago, but the strength of its brand, built over decades, helped …

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