LaBreche and Minnesota Business Magazine Launch Reputations Program

MINNEAPOLIS, Jan. 21 /PRNewswire/ -- LaBreche, a Minnesota-based brand communications and public relations firm, and Minnesota Business, the state's premier magazine for entrepreneurs and small to medium emerging growth companies, today announced a unique collaboration to launch an educational program around the topic of reputation – one of a company's greatest business assets.  The program includes an annual event that gathers leaders and experts on the topic of building, managing and protecting reputations.  The kick-off event is scheduled for Feb. 3, 2010, and will feature Chris Brogan, one of the most influential online trust and reputation consultants in the world, President of New Marketing Labs, and author of the New York Times' bestseller, Trust Agents.

"Companies are increasingly interested in how to affect their reputations, especially in this 24/7, one-voice-to-millions world influenced by so many factors that may seem out of a company's control," said Beth LaBreche, CEO of LaBreche, who writes a monthly column in the magazine on the topic of reputation.  "Our goal is to bring local and national thought leaders together to discuss the intangibles around reputation."

"The program is in line with our mission to inform, educate and inspire business owners and key decision-makers in Minnesota-based companies," said David Gee, editor of Minnesota Business.  "We were looking for another way to be a resource for our readers around something they deem valuable—something unique.  While most companies recognize that their reputation is of utmost importance, they don't have a forum through which they can dedicate time and commit to action toward effectively managing this valuable asset."

The program will deliver and inspire relevant, current thinking and real-time applications around the topic of reputation management.  Current sponsors include Best Buy, which has a dedicated team of reputation management professionals who act in new ways of engaging with and responding to customers, such as the company's new Twelpforce, a customer service initiative powered via Twitter.  The February kick-off event will be held at Best Buy's corporate campus in Richfield.

Tickets can be purchased by visiting www.minnesotabusiness.com.  

About Minnesota Business Magazine

Minnesota Business is a highly respected source that informs, educates and inspires business owners and key decision makers of Minnesota-based, small to medium privately held businesses. And, it is the premier business resource for entrepreneurs and emerging growth companies throughout the entire state of Minnesota. For more information, visit www.minnesotabusiness.com.

About LaBreche

LaBreche is an independently owned brand communications company that builds, manages and protects the brands of category leaders.  Founded in 1990, LaBreche has evolved from a public relations-focused firm to provide brand development, public relations, interactive and design services.  Based in Minneapolis, the LaBreche client portfolio spans markets on a local, national and global level. For more information, visit www.labreche.com.

SOURCE LaBreche