Press Releases
Grassroots Enterprise's Kevin O'Neill named "Rising Star" by Campaigns & Elections Magazine
Move Caps Most Successful Year Ever for Firm
Contact:John Hlinko, 202-741-3798
John.Hlinko@grassroots.com
(WASHINGTON, D.C., June 7, 2006) Grassroots Enterprise (GRE), a firm specializing in building grassroots support for causes, products, and companies, today announced that Campaigns & Elections Magazine has named GRE employee Kevin O'Neill as one of its "Rising Stars" for 2006. O'Neill has been at the center of the phenomenal rise of Grassroots Enterprise over the last year, capped in 2005 by what was the firm's biggest year ever - 6 Pollie Awards, including 4 first place Internet Pollies, more than any other firm.
"A star is born, and no, we're not talking about Judy Garland in the 1954 version or Barbra Streisand in the remake, we are talking about Kevin O'Neill," said Anne Champlin, VP of Client Services with GRE. "Kevin was already shining brightly when he first joined Grassroots, and we are thrilled to see Campaigns & Elections honoring him with this distinction."
Campaigns & Elections chooses the Rising Stars each year, the "up-and-comers" of the political world. "You can expect to hear about these Rising Stars in future campaigns," stated Campaigns & Elections. "We're betting that they will form the next generation of standouts in the political consulting industry."
"This individual honor is wonderful, but this is an award I really need to share with the entire firm," said O'Neill, in a charming display of 'aw, shucks' modesty. "The level of creativity and innovation here has been an incredible inspiration. When you're at a firm that won top Pollie honors in viral, international, and podcasting all the same year, it's not hard to shine brightly."
John Hlinko, VP of Marketing and Creative Engagement with GRE, paused briefly during the writing of this press release to remind O'Neill that he had already been promoted, and really didn't need to lay it on so thick. Arvind Rajan, President and CEO of GRE, wandered over and told them both to just "get the damned release out already."
The Path of the Star
O'Neill joined Grassroots Enterprise in the fall of 2005, after working to help dramatically grow the membership of the American Association of Political Consultants, and to significantly enhance the profile and stability of the organization.
After joining GRE, his transition from overseeing political consultants to being one was seamless. Within just a few months, he had already been promoted to the level of director.
O'Neill has established a particular expertise in the creative use of blog advertising and blog outreach to spur awareness and viral buzz for a range of clients, on both the corporate and activist front.
About Grassroots Enterprise
Grassroots Enterprise is a bipartisan firm that specializes in merging cutting edge online technology with high-impact communications strategies to help build grassroots support for causes, products, and companies. The firm's programs help clients shape public opinion, and build and strengthen relationships with key stakeholder groups, including customers, employees, members, volunteers, and shareholders.
Its leadership team includes senior communications professionals who have helped lead some of the most successful grassroots efforts in history, ranging from the National Rifle Association to MoveOn.org. Its Board of Directors includes Mike McCurry, a highly recognized communications and political strategist and veteran of public affairs campaigns at the highest levels, and the Honorable Randy Tate, former Member of Congress and Executive Director of the Christian Coalition.
Grassroots Enterprise, Inc. has offices in Washington, D.C. and San Francisco.
For more information, contact: John Hlinko by email at john.hlinko@grassroots.com or by phone at 202-741-3798. The company Web site address is: www.grassroots.com
