Michelle Rivard Email and Phone Number

In this role I was responsible for strengthening Coolibar's position as the world leader in UPF 50+ sun protection you wear amongst key stakeholders. I created and maintained positive, collaborative relationships with any individual or entity who would help increase brand awareness and further solidify the brands position as a leader. This included medical professionals and institutions, social media influencers, sun safety ambassadors, nonprofits, professional athletes and coaches, media, like-minded brands, customers, and more. I also helped build a reputation for the brand as an authentic, community-oriented apparel company that exists-first and foremost-to keep the world safe from sun damage. I did this by building partnerships that focused on supporting individuals with sun-related medical conditions. Over the course of four years I worked with partners to help hundreds of individuals who needed sun-protective clothing, and in doing so I created national community brand evangelists and supporters.

As the PR Manager at Gage I am responsible for: - Managing PR strategies for clients - Maintaining relationships with media relevant to our clients' businesses - Securing media coverage to achieve business objectives - LOVING EVERY MINUTE OF IT!!! Current clients include: 3M Commercial Workplace Solutions, Capital Safety - a 3M company, Tastefully Simple and Oak Grove Capital

o Managed activities on multiple accounts including: consumer products in grocery, home improvement, toys, national and local Twin Cities retailers, business associations, non-profits, fitness centers, consumer services and moreo Notable accomplishments:-Increased impressions and overall hits for long-standing clients Creative Kidstuff, Grand Avenue Business Association, Lifetime Fitness and Parrano -Launched a new health-food brand in the Twin Cities-Built and maintained strong regional media relationships in key markets including: Atlanta, Chicago, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, New York, Salt Lake City and San Diego-Secured placements with top outlets including: American Baby, Associated Press, FamilyFun Magazine, Fit Pregnancy, Forbes.com, Fox and Friends, The Huffington Post, Life and Style, MarketWatch, New York Times, Parents Magazine, Reader's Digest, Reuters, This Old House TV, Wall Street Journal and Working Mother

o Helped manage and perform daily tasks on multiple accounts including: Konami Digital Entertainment, Sony Online Entertainment, Paramount Digital Entertainment, TOMY Corporation, THQ, 505 Games and more.o Notable accomplishments: • Created the global PR strategy for the release of Planet Michael, a virtual world based on the late Michael Jackson, in collaboration with the Michael Jackson Estate • Built and executed the PR strategy for the North American release of TOMICA, Japan’s number one die-cast car and toy train line • Contributed to the launch of numerous AAA titles including: DC Universe Online, Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker, NARUTO Shippuden: Clash of Ninja Revolution 3, various DanceDanceRevolution, Castlevania, and Silent Hill titles, and Karaoke Revolution Glee • Secured great placements with top outlets including: Associate Press, MarketWatch, BET, KCAL, Yahoo! Kids, MSN’s Wonderwall, KOL, Entertainment Weekly, Game Informer, EGM, etc. o Daily activities included (but were not limited to): • Assisted in the management of PR activities and deliverables for each client • Created and contributed to numerous PR materials including: fact sheets, press releases, media alerts, pitches, wrap reports, etc. • Built strategic documents such as PR plans, asset calendars, FAQs and messaging documents • Oversaw the development of media lists, coverage reports and various other documents and materials • Developed strong relationships with media ranging from mommy bloggers to gaming enthusiasts • Pitched and secured coverage in broadcast, print and online media • Booked and/or staffed press tours and trade shows including E3 and Comic-Con • Worked directly with the client to make sure we were constantly working to exceed their expectations and garner great results for each of their products • Mentored all new hires on the junior level in order to maintain strong and effective teams

Provided support for clients such as Sunkist Growers, Inc., Munchkin, Nestle, IHOP, and California Citrus Growers Association. Developed media lists, secured various media placements through pitching, maintained results reports and assisted in developing awards entries.