Karen J. LaFlamme, APR

KJL Communications
Strategic Marketing / Promotion

Partner

Seasoned consumer and foodservice food marketing professional who creates strategic plans, communications programs, and implements appropriate tactics. Works in public relations with branded and commodity accounts on a local, national and international basis. Handles both full-service contract work as well as special project assignments. Work activities:

• Develop long-range plan and corresponding annual programs
• Tie all relevant market research to measurable plans and tactics
• Analyze past tactics for pertinent program inclusion
• Execute tactics of plans
• Year-end ROI analysis (zero-base planning)

www.KJLCommunications.com

March 1987 - present

Ogilvy & Mather West Public Relations
(formerly Cole & Weber)

Handled consumer and foodservice public relations accounts. Worked with branded accounts, commodity groups and packaging segments. Work activities:

• Developed marketing and public relations programs for specific client market segments
• Maintained strong relationship with branded accounts
• Created local/national press contacts for clients
• Recognized as a national spokesperson focusing on demographics of the American consumer
• Collaborated on hardback photo recipe book for Chateau Ste. Michelle (published by Stewart, Tabori & Chang)
• Established new business program

February 1986 - March 1987 (plus consulting to 1988): Vice President

EvansGroup Marketing Communications
(formerly Evans/Kraft and Evans/Pacific)

Created one of the largest foodservice public relations divisions of a communications agency in the United States, growing from a staff of one to eight, and from minimal to significant agency profit contribution. National recognized as a key leader in foodservice communications. Work activities:

• Designed effective department system and programs
• Coordinated account servicing of over 22 national accounts, including both commodity and branded food
• Steward of diverse public relations budget (in excess of $1.3 million)
• Instrumental in new business presentations and account acquisitions
• Developed product public relations objectives and execution in Pacific Rim market
• Established relationships with local and national news media, conducted media tours and events
• Crisis management execution for international product
• Developed various collateral materials
• Handled all facets of account servicing

May 1984 - February 1986: Senior Vice President
May 1978 - May 1984: Vice President

Western Foodservice Magazine

Research, wrote articles featuring foodservice operators in Washington, wrote cover feature of National Restaurant Association president, Victor Rosellini.

January 1977 - May 1978

The Bon Marche

Public Relations Coordinator: Handled various public relations responsibilities to increase awareness of the retailer inWashington, assisted with television advertising, promotions.

April 1977 - May 1978

Nordstrom

Corporate Public Relations Coordinator: Wrote press releases concerning designer visitations, new product lines, and special promotions. Worked on corporate-wide events, fashion shows, and promotions.

June 1976 - April 1977

Education

University of Washington, Bachelor of Arts (1976)
Undergraduate studies: Public Relations and Home Economics
Graduate courses: Journalism and Accounting.

University of Puget Sound: Employee Development and Financial Management courses

Associations

Public Relations Society of America, 1978 - present
Sliver Anvil Finalist - Crisis Management, June 1999
National Delegate, 1990 - 1994
President, Puget Sound Chapter, 1989
Chapter Officer, 1986-1989
Accreditation (APR), 1984

International Foodservice Editorial Council, 1978 - present
Vice President, 1982-1983
Board Member, 1981-1983
Recipient of the “Betty Bastion Award” for Outstanding Service in the
Foodservice Marketing Industry, October 1997
Recipient of Foodservice Communicator Award, October 1998

Produce Marketing Association, 1978 - 1988
Division Board Member, 1985-1988

Involvement / member with the following organizations:

American Culinary Federation
American Dietetic Association
American Home Economics Association
American School Food Service Association
Home Economists in Business
International Foodservice Manufacturer’s Association
National Fisheries Institute
National Restaurant Association
Produce Marketing Association
University of Washington - Public Relations Certificate Program