JohnstonWells.com

Click here to read Gina Seamans’ 2010 PR forecast featured among a collection of other predictions on Denver PR Blog.

Elizabeth Jumel, APR, has been promoted to senior counselor at JohnstonWells Public Relations.

Elizabeth’s promotion reflects more than 11 years of comprehensive marketing and public relations experience. As a senior counselor, Jumel will continue to lead client account teams, while also assisting with the firm’s business development and marketing efforts. She will continue in her role as social media manager, blending traditional client programs with social media strategies and tactics.

She earned her accreditation in public relations (APR) in October 2008 and is actively involved with the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) Colorado Chapter. In 2010, she will chair the PRSA Colorado APR committee and continue as a co-chair of the Mile High Million marketing committee, an initiative of the City of Denver’s Greenprint Denver program. Elizabeth is also active in the community, volunteering for multiple organizations through the Metro Volunteers program.

Longtime communications and marketing executive Michele Wells will rejoin JohnstonWells, a leading Denver public relations and marketing firm, as a senior counselor starting in January.

“Michele and I have sustained a friendship and maintained a working relationship these past several years,” said Gwinavere Johnston, who returned to her role as CEO of JohnstonWells following the departure of former CEO GG Johnston.  “We’ve talked about working together again and now is the perfect time. It will be great to have her energy and experience.”

Wells said, “I’m jazzed at the prospect of working with JohnstonWells again.  I know many of the staff members and greatly admire them.”

Goodbyes are seldom easy and JohnstonWells saying goodbye to president and CEO, GG Johnston, is no exception. For 15 years GG has been an integral part of JohnstonWells, and her contributions have been significant and numerous.

“My decision to leave JohnstonWells and venture into the world outside family business is both exciting and sad for me,” says GG Johnston. “For 15 years, I have worked alongside Gwin and the talented team at JW. I am grateful for every minute of time I’ve spent here. I am well-prepared for whatever adventures are coming my way. I’m excited about what’s next for all of us.”

Founder Gwin Johnston has been actively involved in the firm for 38 years and will step back into her former role as president and CEO at the start of the New Year. She is supported by a top-notch team of 10 employees who are committed to a seamless transition.

“I believe that everyone deserves choices and the opportunity to pursue his or her own dreams, and I support GG in pursuing hers,” says Gwin Johnston. “These are challenging times, to be sure. But I’m not daunted because I’ve managed through challenging times before and have always come out stronger. We have a terrific staff and some very exciting projects in the works. We’re looking forward to 2010.”

JohnstonWells’ new home at 1321 15th Street (the former Rocky Mountain Seed Company building), received recognition from Historic Denver, Inc. last week with a Community Preservation Award.

The award presented jointly to JohnstonWells and building owner, Jerry Glick, celebrates the preservation of one of Denver’s historic buildings and its unique architectural heritage.

Mayor John Hickenlooper presented the honor at this year’s Annual Awards Dinner at the Brown Palace Hotel & Spa. Check out the evening’s video.

Take a virtual tour of JohnstonWells’ space, or better yet, drop in for a visit!

One benefit of Gina Seamans’ role as PRSA Colorado chapter president this year is the invitation to contribute columns to the Denver Business Journal. Today, the DBJ’s “Strategies” section features Gina’s latest column, “Act now; don’t wait for economic turnaround.” Gina describes three steps for how business leaders can create the brain space needed to think about creating the future, rather than waiting for the future to just happen.

JohnstonWells Public Relations is profiled in the 2009 Holmes Report PR Agency Report Card, amongst the leading public relations consulting firms in North America.

Highlights of JohnstonWells’ profile include the shift in leadership from founder, Gwin Johnston, to her successor (and daughter) GG Johnston, a track record that spans more than three decades, a steadfast reputation of stability and experience, agility in response to industry change as well as award highlights over that past couple of years.

Additionally, the 2009 PR Agency Report Card ranked JohnstonWells 26th amongst the best U.S. agencies to work for.

JohnstonWells Public Relations is proud to celebrate its 38th anniversary this October! Founded in 1971 by Gwinavere Johnston, JohnstonWells has seen a lot of exciting changes, economic shifts, business triumphs and transformations over the years.

We’re proud to be part of such a vibrant community and to look back on 38 years of smart and innovative clients. Perhaps the best part of 38 years in Denver is running into JW alumni nearly everywhere we go!

Check out our Facebook page with fun birthday wishes from friends and family of JohnstonWells.

A few of our favorite shared highlights include:

• Homer the Hedgehog’s wagon parade from Writer Square to the Denver Press Club
• The new rooftop patio celebrations
• The guy caucus

We appreciate all the birthday wishes, and can’t wait to celebrate another 38.

Party on.

This fall JohnstonWells is working with Pennies for Peace, an international service-learning program with tens of thousands of participants around the globe. JohnstonWells will help promote the “Journey of Hope” benefit concert at Red Rocks Amphitheater on Sept. 20. Find out more about the event and purchase tickets at: http://www.journeyofhopeconcert.org.