Mike Minford Email & Phone Number

Murray, NE

Professional communication services specializing in content development and strategic communication planning for agricultural clients. Deep technical understanding of crop genetics, including GMOs, crop protection and beef, swine and poultry animal health. Event planning and management services for agencies, manufacturers, associations and not-for-profit.

• Developed client strategies for an integrated communication agency and led creative staff of up to 11 professionals. Created and directed campaigns that included advertising, public relations, interactive, special.
• Devised creative briefs, brand names, slogans and taglines that positioned offerings’ unique benefits to meet technical and emotional needs of target audiences.
• Implemented input and project management systems that increased efficiency of the creative process and ability to manage large work flows.
• Increased awareness and improved brand perceptions for Monsanto Roundup and Dimension, Cargill Animal Nutrition, Case IH Ag Equipment, Novartis Animal Health, Kruger Seeds, Boumatic Milking Systems and California.

• Directed account teams for Rohm and Haas, Monsanto and Monsanto Choice Genetics.
• Orchestrated multi-year campaigns including advertising, public relations, promotions, events and technical and sales literature that drove brand to category leadership.
• Launched a new turf and ornamental crop protection technology in a new market for client.
• Created a University-style training meeting for sales and field R&D staff, including a “College Bowl” that tested learning and built team spirit.

Freelance marketing and communications consulting for clients in the arts, consumer products and business to business while attending graduate school.

Managed line of specialty products for turf and ornamental plants.Created positioning, name and packaging for brand that became the market leader.

Managed the Marketing Communications and PR functions for manufacturer of leading crop protection products. Oversaw professional staff and four pr/ad agencies. Introduced integrated marketing communications approach coordinating advertising, PR, & promotions around single-minded product messaging.

Developed promotional materials for United States and international markets. Prepared education-oriented product introductions for China, Latin America and the Middle East.

Conceived and implemented PR campaigns, including publicity, publications and events for DowAgro and Funk Seeds International (now Syngenta Seeds).

Managed media relations and product publicity, published newsletters and custom magazines and produced A/V presentations.

M.A., Arts, Entertainment & Media Management

B.S. In Agricutlural Journalism, General Agriculture & News Editorial Journalism

Activities and Societies: Pi Kappa AlphaCompleted a double major in general agriculture and news editorial journalism. Interned in the Ag.

Education record