Since the weather turned in April, all we want to do is be outside! Several Franco frolics took place out and about in Detroit, just as our client event season is ramping up. Franconians were busy with media segments, conferences and events like normal but we also took time to go back to school at University Liggett School’s alumni weekend, celebrate Cinco De Mayo and the official start of spring while attempting a ‘turkey’ at PRSA’s Strikes for Scholarships.
Mingled at Michigan ATHENA
Franco President Tina Kozak attended the second annual Michigan ATHENA luncheon on May 9, 2018 at the Country Club of Lansing, in collaboration with the Michigan Chamber of Commerce Foundation. Executives from Consumers Energy, Inforum, BenKari and the Michigan Women Forward led the conversation on women’s leadership development through collaboration.
Sampled the Food Trucks at Campus Martius
On the first warm weather day of the year we made sure to enjoy it! Some of the Franco staff walked to Campus Martius and enjoyed lunch from local food trucks. Yum!
Traveled to the West Coast (of Michigan)
Account Supervisor Andrea Kenski road-tripped it to West Michigan for Hospice of Michigan’s 3rd Annual Barley, BBQ & Beats in Grand Rapids. The fundraiser featured delicious barbecue, handcrafted whiskey cocktails and live music while raising money for the nonprofit’s Open Access Fund.
Talked Business with DBusiness
Digital Account Executive Neekita Singla, Digital Marketing Specialist Adriane Groggins and Account Executive Kellen Crow had the opportunity to attend the May 8 DBusiness Breakfast Series event “Champions of the New Economy.” The event recognized business leaders driving growth in their industries and previewed the May/June edition.
Pedaled All Night Long
After a rain delay last fall, our Franco pedal pub outing was on! We had a great time riding through Detroit, checking out new restaurants and bars, listening to good tunes and enjoying the weather; we even had time to stop by Comerica Park! Nothing says #DetroitInspiresMe more than this event.
Went Back to Class
Video Marketing Specialist Nate Adkins and Assistant Account Executive Dana Blankenship headed to University Liggett School to film video for the school’s Annual Fund campaign. The pair had the opportunity to interview several alumni and students during the Friday of alumni weekend, including University Liggett School’s 2018 Distinguished Alumni Award Keith Richburg (pictured). Richburg, a Pulitzer Prize finalist for his 1992 coverage of Somalia, spent more than 20 years overseas for The Washington Post.
Cheered for Cinco de Mayo
Early May means one thing – Cinco de Mayo! Our annual guac-off returned with Digital Marketing Specialist Adriane Groggins crowned queen. There were plenty of tacos, quesadillas and dips to go around!
Hosted After 5 Detroit
Kerry Doman and Carrie Budzinski took time out of their busy schedules to meet with us and tell us about their new initiatives. They’re of course busy with After 5 Detroit, but they also have a new website, Little Guide Detroit, for kids! The new website features all kinds of classes, activities and events that you and your family can enjoy together.
Bowled a Perfect 300…At Least Attempted It
The Franco team had a great evening at PRSA’s annual Strikes for Scholarship event in Troy. We didn’t bowl a perfect 300 but we had fun trying. This year’s event featured a silent auction with all of the profits going to local PR students.
Talked Men’s Fashion
Account Supervisor Andrea Kenski and Assistant Account Executive Chase Rossman coordinated a “Gentleman’s Guide to Style” fashion segment at Fox 2 May 22. Jason Heinen is the cover model for Hour Detroit’s May issue fashion feature “Gentleman’s Guide to Style” and Wahl’s Man of the Year. The model’s outfits featured clothing from George Gregory in Corktown and Carl Sterr’s in Birmingham.
Learned the Ins and Outs of Moosejaw’s Brand
Assistant Account Executive Dana Blankenship attended AMA Detroit’s event “Building a Brand that People Will Love (or Possibly Hate).” Eoin Comerford, GM of Outdoor at Walmart and CEO of Moosejaw, told behind-the-brand secrets about staying true to your audience and passions no matter the circumstance.
May just might be our busiest month of the year, but we can’t promise that. Stay tuned for what we’re up to in June!
