Apr 16, 2008 6:00 AM, PROMO Xtra, By Patricia Odell

Consumer promotion agency Ryan Partnership Minneapolis has changed its name to RPM Connect to better reflect the firm's expertise in retail and shopper marketing.

The name change does not affect Ryan Partnerships other offices in Wilton, CT, Chicago and Columbus, OH.

RPM Connect is a brand of D.L. Ryan Cos. and also has resources in other major retail locations including Cincinnati, San Ramon, CA, Tampa, FL, and Bentonville, AK.

"As Ryan Partnership Minneapolis has evolved, it only made sense for us have a name that talked about what we do, not only connect our client's brands with consumers, but connect our clients with key channels and the key customers within those channels," said Joe Robinson, president of RPM Connect. (Robinson had been president of Ryan Partnership Minneapolis).

The agency has worked with such brands as ConAgra, Energizer, Dairy Queen, 3M, Novartis, Tazo Tea, Land O'Lakes, Pepperidge Farm, Unilever, The Campbell Soup Co., Pillsbury, Hormel and Jenny-O Turkey Store.

RPM Connect has a number of proprietary retail marketing tools and methodologies including, Storehouse Connect and Concept Connect that canvass and track actual retail marketing executions and then determines ways to leverage consumer and shopper insights.

Ryan Partnership Minneapolis is a 10-year-old mid-sized agency that has more than 50 employees, many who have more than 10 years experience in retail and promotion.

"This is a natural evolution of what has been our unique approach and proven history of producing programs that drive and sustain retail transactions for consumer brands," said Dave Ryan, chairman of D L Ryan, in a statement.

Ryan Partnership was named Promo's Agency of the Year in 2007 with 2006 net revenue of $58.5 million and a staff of 360. The agency also rose to the top of Promo's creative ranking (from No. 12 in 2006).

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