OMAHA, Neb., April 15, 2012 – There are fun places to work, and there is Ervin & Smith Advertising and Public Relations. The Omaha company placed second among medium-sized companies in the annual Best Places to Work survey.

The advertising, public relations and marketing firm prides itself on its fun, relaxing culture. How fun and relaxing? Ervin and Smith made up its own holiday — CRAPILAC — which is celebrated with special events and gifts over a number of days.

Read full article on Omaha.com

OMAHA, Neb., March 30, 2012 – Ervin & Smith Advertising and Public Relations announces the promotion of Dawnelle Werger to senior account executive and Fawn Wentz to billing coordinator. The agency also welcomes Bre Gehrken, Nicholas Burroughs and Ryan Pickard to its team.

Werger will now serve as a senior account executive and will be responsible for managing project strategy and execution on client accounts. She previously worked as an account manager at Swanson Russell and as a senior account manager at the minnow PROJECT. Werger has an associate of science degree in visual publications and a diploma in desktop publishing from Southeast Community College in Lincoln.

In her new role as billing coordinator, Wentz will be responsible for preparing and processing monthly billing and managing department budgets. She most recently served as the agency’s office manager. Prior to joining Ervin & Smith, Wentz worked as an office manager at WaterLink, Inc. Wentz is currently working on obtaining her associate degree from Metropolitan Community College.

As an account executive, Gehrken will be responsible for managing client projects and assisting with marketing strategy. Before joining the agency, she worked as a client relations manager for The Knot Inc., where she coordinated marketing projects for clients. Gehrken has a Bachelor of Science degree in communication from the University of Nebraska at Omaha.

Burroughs joins Ervin & Smith as a production artist and will be responsible for assisting with design on various client projects. He previously worked as a designer for Chemistry Advertising and as a design intern for both Film Streams and Oxide Design. Burroughs has an associate of applied science degree in graphic design from Iowa Western Community College. He also serves on the board of directors for AIGA Nebraska and on the graphic design advisory board at Iowa Western Community College.

As a production artist, Ryan Pickard will be responsible for assisting with design on various client accounts. Prior to joining Ervin & Smith, he worked as a graphic design intern at Sweetwater Sound, an online musical equipment retailer. Pickard will receive a Bachelor of Arts degree in communication arts and graphic design from the University of Saint Francis in May.

Founded in 1983, Ervin & Smith is a full-service advertising and public relations agency specializing in branding, digital services and account planning. Ms. Smith, the agency’s marketing-to-women division, provides gender-smart business strategies and campaigns that help clients connect more authentically with women. We never settle . . . and think the brands we serve shouldn’t either. For more information, visit www.ervinandsmith.com or mssmithmarketing.com.

OMAHA, Neb., March 28, 2012 – Sharon Carleton attributes her rise from intern to CEO at a southwest Omaha advertising firm in large part to her male boss who encouraged, mentored and pushed her to the top. Executive chairman and company founder Doug Smith says Carleton rose at Ervin & Smith Advertising and Public Relations on her own merits: She has the smarts, the drive and “is a lot more visionary than I am.”

Regardless of who is right, Carleton’s ascendency is part of why the company is being named Best Place to Work for the Advancement of Women. Ervin & Smith will get the award at this year’s Women’s Leadership Conference, an event expected to draw about 2,000 women to the CenturyLink Center Omaha on April 4.

Read full article on Omaha.com

OMAHA, Neb., March 27, 2012 – Ervin & Smith Advertising and Public Relations announces that Sharon Carleton has been named president and chief executive officer. Doug Smith, former CEO, is now serving as executive chairman.

Carleton joined Ervin & Smith nearly 20 years ago as a copywriter. For five years, she held various positions in the agency’s creative department before accepting an opportunity to work on the account services team. During that time, Carleton helped build successful marketing and public relations programs for clients such as TD Ameritrade, First National Bank, Chief Automotive and Borsheims. In April 2000, Carleton was named vice president of account services, where she oversaw all advertising, public relations, new business and media efforts for clients. It was during this time that she also led the development of the company’s marketing-to-women specialization, a division of the agency that’s known today as Ms. Smith.

In 2005, Carleton was named president of Ervin & Smith and honored as a Midlands Business Journal “40 Under 40” award recipient. In addition, Carleton was selected as one of Omaha’s leading role models for businesswomen by the Institute for Career Advancement Needs (ICAN) and was featured in a 2008 issue of PINK Magazine, a national publication for professional women.

The agency has experienced steady growth and recognition under Carleton’s leadership. During the last fiscal year alone, Ervin & Smith saw a 71 percent growth in revenue and a 50 percent increase in staff. In addition, the company was honored with a 2012 “Best Places to Work in Omaha” award.

Carleton’s community involvement includes holding committee and board positions for the Women’s Fund of Omaha, Creighton University College of Arts & Sciences, Omaha Network, ICAN Women’s Leadership Conference, Girl Scouts, OmahaCares and Marian High School.

“Sharon has been responsible for a tremendous string of successes and growth beyond any of our projections,” said Doug Smith, executive chairman of Ervin & Smith. “I can’t say I’ve ever worked with a more visionary executive; we’re lucky to have her leading our team.”

Founded in 1983, Ervin & Smith is a full-service advertising and public relations agency specializing in branding, digital services and account planning. Ms. Smith, the agency’s marketing-to-women division, provides gender-smart business strategies and campaigns that help clients connect more authentically with women. For more information, visit www.ervinandsmith.com or mssmithmarketing.com.

OMAHA, Neb., March 20, 2012 – Baird Holm LLP and the Institute for Career Advancement Needs (ICAN) has named Ervin & Smith Advertising and Public Relations the Best Place to Work for the Advancement of Women. The award will be presented to Ervin & Smith at the 2012 ICAN Women’s Leadership Conference, which will take place on April 4, 2012 at CenturyLink Center Omaha.

Now in its third year, the award seeks to recognize local companies that have effectively created a culture that attracts, retains and advances women in the workplace. Ervin & Smith is the only local company to receive this year’s honor based on the unique and supportive culture it fosters for both male and female employees.

Some of the opportunities the company offers its employees include:

• Bringing leadership coaches on-site regularly to provide career mentoring to employees at all levels
• Encouraging employees to hone their public speaking skills through internal training programs
• Encouraging cross-departmental book clubs that focus on best practices in business
• Significant flexibility based on contribution and accountability
• Monthly “Lunches with Leaders” that enable any employee to have a one-on-one lunch meeting with members of the company’s senior leadership team
• Promoting board and community organization involvement among its employees by paying annual fees and dues, supporting employee involvement through sponsorships and financial donations, providing office space for board meetings and enabling employees to participate in board/community events during business hours

Of the 18 employees currently in management positions at Ervin & Smith, the majority are women. The agency’s female leaders have been recognized both locally and nationally for their professional achievements, having been included among the Midlands Business Journal’s “40 Under 40” for their contributions to the Omaha community as well as being featured in PINK magazine in an article profiling Omaha women in leadership.

Despite its achievements in the advancement of female professionals, Ervin & Smith’s management says the company has never implemented a specific women’s initiative.

“Instead of implementing gender-based programs, we have worked hard to develop core practices and values within our culture that help all employees thrive as professionals,” said Sharon Carleton, president and CEO of Ervin & Smith. “These practices are embraced by the men of our agency just as much as the women.”

“Many organizations claim to recognize the value of women in the workplace, but few have developed programs to close the gap between men and women in upper-level leadership positions,” said Kelli Lieurance, a partner with Baird Holm. “Although programs exist to reduce inequity between men and women, some of the most successful organizations offer thoughtful and innovative programs to all employees, creating a culture that nurtures commitment to diversity from the executive level down.”

For more information about the ICAN Women’s Leadership Conference or to register for the event, visit www.icanglobal.net/womens_conference.

About Ervin & Smith
Founded in 1983, Ervin & Smith is a full-service advertising and public relations agency specializing in branding, digital services and account planning. Ms. Smith, the agency’s marketing-to-women division, provides gender-smart business strategies and campaigns that help clients connect more authentically with women. For more information, visit www.ervinandsmith.com or mssmithmarketing.com.

About Baird Holm LLP
For more than 135 years, Baird Holm LLP has provided its clients with advocacy and counseling solutions delivered by an experienced and diverse legal team. With more than 80 attorneys licensed in 17 states, the firm represents public and private companies, private funds and other investors, financial institutions, governmental entities and nonprofit organizations. For more information, visit www.bairdholm.com.

About the Institute for Career Advancement Needs
ICAN is a non-profit leadership development organization based in Omaha offering innovative and comprehensive leadership training for men and women at every level of their careers. Since its founding 30 years ago, over 18,000 professionals have participated in their programs. Visit www.icanglobal.net for more information.

OMAHA, Neb., February 29, 2012 – Ervin & Smith Advertising and Public Relations announces the promotion of Mary Kate Gulick to associate creative director, Maellyn Hain to account supervisor and Katie Herzog to senior account executive. The agency also welcomes Candice Wong, Charlie Stanard and Emily Lukken to its growing team.

In her new role as associate creative director, Gulick will oversee the agency’s copywriters and editors and direct the development of creative concepts for client projects. She most recently served as the agency’s managing copywriter. Prior to joining Ervin & Smith, Gulick worked for Snitily Carr. Gulick has a Bachelor of Arts degree in communications from Illinois State University and a Master of Arts degree in advertising, marketing and communications studies from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

As an account supervisor, Hain will oversee strategy, planning and growth of client accounts. Prior to joining Ervin & Smith, she worked as an account director at Snitily Carr. Hain has a Bachelor of Arts degree in sociology and anthropology from Saint Michael’s College in Colchester, Vt., and is a member of the Omaha chapter of the American Advertising Federation.

Herzog, who will now serve as a senior account executive, will be responsible for managing the execution and strategy on various client projects. She previously worked as an account executive at Nelnet and as an account coordinator at Sleight Advertising in Omaha. Herzog has a Bachelor of Journalism degree from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Wong, a graphic designer, will assist with design and production efforts for client projects. Prior to joining Ervin & Smith, she worked as a designer for the Art Institute of Chicago. in Evanston, Ill. Wong holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and also studied graphic design in London at Central Saint Martins. She is currently a member of AIGA Nebraska.

Stanard joins Ervin & Smith as a front-end developer and will be responsible for programming websites and other digital media for various clients. He previously worked at Sandhills Publishing in Lincoln and also worked as a freelance Web designer and developer. Stanard holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Web design and interactive media from The Art Institute of Colorado.

As a production artist, Lukken will be responsible for assisting with design work on various client projects. Prior to joining Ervin & Smith, she worked as a graphic designer for Avery Brothers Sign Company in Sioux City, Iowa. Lukken holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the Creative Center in Omaha.

Founded in 1983, Ervin & Smith is a full-service advertising and public relations agency specializing in branding, digital services and account planning. Ms. Smith, the agency’s marketing-to-women division, provides gender-smart business strategies and campaigns that help clients connect more authentically with women. For more information, visit www.ervinandsmith.com or mssmithmarketing.com.

February 3, 2012 – Ervin & Smith is looking for a Senior Human Resources Manager to work with a growing operations team in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.

Job Summary:

The human resources manager will partner with Ervin & Smith management and individual departments to lead the design, implementation, communication and management of company human resources initiatives.

General Duties:

Knowledge and Skills:

Required Experience:

Preferences:

About Us:

Ervin & Smith Advertising and Public Relations is a rapidly growing full-service national agency located in Omaha. We offer a competitive salary, a full benefits package and a company culture focused on inspiration, collaboration and accountability. Ervin & Smith is an equal opportunity employer.

To apply, please e-mail your resume to jobs@ervinandsmith.com.

February 3, 2012 – Ervin & Smith Advertising and Public Relations is looking for a positive, enthusiastic, energetic, resourceful, organized and proactive receptionist that is passionate about hosting and greeting guests. This person will serve as the first impression to a diverse group of high-level external callers and visitors, as well as internal contacts at all levels of the organization. A friendly voice and face with a warm welcome to all guests is a must. A professional behavior with the ability to react with poise, confidence and tact while providing a high level of customer service in every situation is critical.

This position is a job-share/part-time position.

Responsibilities:

Desired Skills & Experience:

About Us:

Ervin & Smith Advertising and Public Relations is a rapidly growing full-service national agency located in Omaha. We offer a competitive salary, a full benefits package and a company culture focused on inspiration, collaboration and accountability. Ervin & Smith is an equal opportunity employer.

To apply, please e-mail your resume to jobs@ervinandsmith.com.

(OMAHA, Neb.) February 23, 2012 – Ervin & Smith Advertising and Public Relations announced today that the company has been named one of Omaha’s “Best Places to Work” for 2012. The company was one of ten chosen for this year’s honor.

Sponsored by Baird Holm LLP and the Greater Omaha Chamber, “Best Places” is an annual initiative that measures employee engagement, productivity and satisfaction.

“Five years ago, our management team intentionally set out to build a culture filled with smart professionals who never settle, as well as create a great experience for our employees every day. We’re thrilled that our team is thriving, especially with our substantial growth the past three years,” commented Sharon Carleton, president and CEO of Ervin & Smith. In the last fiscal year, the company saw a 71 percent growth in revenue and a more than 50 percent growth in staff.

Ervin & Smith holds employees accountable to eight core values: collaboration, resourcefulness, accountability, passion, inspiration, loyalty, abundance and creativity. Team members who embrace the values are consistently rewarded by management through additional opportunities and compensation.

In addition, management shows its appreciation through a wide variety of popular employee “perks” such as:

Ervin & Smith will be among those honored at an awards ceremony on April 19, 2012, at CenturyLink Center in Omaha. For more information, visit www.bairdholm.com/news-events-57.html.

About Ervin & Smith

Founded in 1983, Ervin & Smith is a full-service advertising and public relations agency specializing in branding, digital services and account planning. Ms. Smith, the agency’s marketing-to-women division, provides gender-smart business strategies and campaigns that help clients connect more authentically with women. For more information, visit www.ervinandsmith.com or mssmithmarketing.com.

February 3, 2012 – Temporary designers and developers wanted

If you’re interested in doing on-call work on national brands for a creative, progressive agency, Ervin & Smith is looking for you. We need exceptionally talented designers and front-end developers to work in our Omaha office on a temporary, on-call basis.

About Us:

Ervin & Smith Advertising and Public Relations is a rapidly growing full-service national agency located in Omaha. We offer a competitive salary, a full benefits package and a company culture focused on inspiration, collaboration and accountability. Ervin & Smith is an equal opportunity employer.

To apply, please e-mail your resume to jobs@ervinandsmith.com.