Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Shabbat Music Video



This original music video was posted on youtube days before NJOP's annual Shabbat Across America event.

Shabbat is not new.

Music videos are not new.

But what about a Shabbat Music Video?

Strange, but true and new!

The video went viral immediately, with more than 7,000 views in the first day and a half.

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

Saying Goodbye to my Grandfather


Seymour Malkin, a public relations legend, journalist and Romeo, at 93


Wednesday, December 2, 2009
BY JAY LEVIN
The Record
STAFF WRITER

Seymour F. Malkin, an enterprising publicist who promoted the newly built Bergen Mall and located the perfect venue for an Israel Bonds fund-raiser — Albert Einstein's home — died on Thanksgiving.

He lived in Hackensack, where he was born 93 years ago.

Mr. Malkin earned a law degree but didn't go into law. He worked instead for The Bergen Evening Record, which he delivered as a paperboy.

Rising to real estate editor, Mr. Malkin penned the "Mr. Real Estate" column and became a trustee of the National Association of Real Estate Editors.

His column on Jan. 28, 1950 — and a full-page ad the same day — announced he was leaving the paper to begin an "independent public relations service for a growing New Jersey."

He knew his stuff. When charged with putting on the Israel Bonds fund-raiser to end all Israel Bonds fund-raisers, Mr. Malkin telephoned Einstein and arranged to use the physicist's Princeton home. Einstein stuck around, lending star power to the soirée.

When the Bergen Mall opened in Paramus in 1957, Mr. Malkin got the account. He thought up the annual Dirty Rotten Sneaker Contest, in which kids brought their smelliest footwear to what was then an open-air shopping plaza.

He represented many other businesses, including the Huffman Koos furniture store in River Edge, and did fund raising for Jewish charities.

Mr. Malkin and his wife, Dorothy, ran the public relations firm from their Maywood home. The business inspired their granddaughter Ilya Welfeld, who has her own public relations firm in Bergenfield.

"My grandfather's glass wasn't half-full; it WAS full," said Welfeld, who as a 5-year-old pasted up newspaper clippings for Malkin Public Relations. "He loved to love life."

Welfeld honored her grandpa last year by renaming her company after him: Seymour Public Relations.

Mr. Malkin retired in his 80s and began volunteering in Hackensack University Medical Center's public relations office. He edited press releases and organized press clippings, "and brought a wealth of knowledge and life experience to our department," said Ann Marie Campbell, HUMC's vice president, public relations.

He volunteered weekly at the hospital until several months ago.

"He'd go to Florida and always send us newspaper articles about health care and hospitals down there, and he'd write us little notes," Campbell said. "I can't begin to tell you how much this man meant to us."

Dorothy Malkin died in 2003. On Oct. 12, 2008, Mr. Malkin married Eleanor Baker, whom he met at his synagogue, Reconstructionist Temple Beth Israel in Maywood.

Mr. Malkin's daughters gave the couple a gift of dance lessons so they could cut the rug at the wedding reception. Eleanor and Seymour danced the foxtrot to Frank Sinatra's "Young at Heart."

Eleanor shared her husband's passion for volunteering at Hackensack University Medical Center — she held newborns. The couple also traveled and enjoyed strolling hand-in-hand on the Hackensack River walkway.

"We had wonderful times together, and we loved each other — how should I say? — like Romeo and Juliet," said Eleanor Baker Malkin, 85. "We were the greatest lovers in senior citizen land."

In addition to his wife, Mr. Malkin is survived by daughters Anna Gotlieb and Naomi Kolstein, both of Spring Valley, N.Y.; four grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, and Eleanor's daughter, Pamela Steckler, of State College, Pa.

Mr. Malkin was buried Friday at Cedar Park Cemetery, Paramus. Arrangements were by Robert Schoem's Menorah Chapel, Paramus.

Saturday, September 26, 2009

Hummus Ravioli (Seriously!)

Not only is this a great recipe for an easy appetizer but it's also a great recipe for getting media attention.

A one-day shoot (in the home of a Sabra fan) resulted in 6 beautiful recipes showcasing the versatility of Sabra. These videos are on the Sabra.com website but have also been tweeted, blogged and distributed on national TV. Thanks to a great spokesperson and a client that invests time and effort in pr - these vlogs have helped thousands learn about the versatility of our favorite hummus brand!

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Kosher.com brings 16 Foot Shopping Cart and Thousands of Apples and Honey

New Yorkers had a ton of fun with this wacky pr stunt!

I hate waking up at 4AM but I have to say Larry Hoff from WPIX kinda makes it worthwhile. He is so much fun and energetic at the ungodly hours he works.

To launch Kosher.com - the new online kosher supermarket - we not only hit up all of the major Jewish media but decided to get a little extra pre-Rosh Hashana attention with this:

This is yet another proof of our famous formula. Choose something eye-catching, timely and a bit (or a lot) wacky. And I promise... if you can imagine it... you can build it. Today we worked with Ch 11, WCBS radio and Fox News and we've got more lined up for tomorrow. We will be out again tomorrow at Times Square from 1-3 if you want to come get your own free bags of apples and honey.

Wednesday, July 15, 2009

Look Who is Talking About Cribs


We love working with the folks at LaJobi.
Have you noticed we like to focus on food and child-related clients?

Hmmm...those are a few of our favorite things. We are passionate about what we do but to be honest, that is because we select clients that we care about. You'll notice we don't represent any biotech companies, nor do we represent political hopefuls. We prefer to be spectators when it comes to things like that!

But when it comes to sweet babies... we're all about it!

Check out some of the celebs who have selected LaJobi-made cribs for their little ones.

Sunday, May 31, 2009

Communicator Award!



Grandma would have been proud. Seymour PR has won another award! We got word this week that we are being honored with the Communicator Award for the Better Than Your Bubby PR Campaign.

We are truly proud of recognition for this campaign. There was a lot of soup, sweat and tears of joy involved here - not to mention creativity, strategy and good, old-fashioned hard work. Most of all, we are proud that the budget for this entire initiative was well under $500.

“Bubby means grandmother in Yiddish and as any Jewish grandmother will tell you, chicken soup is a cure-all. We hoped that all of those bubbys were right when we worked with NJOP to launch a chicken soup contest as a cure for media disinterest in a proven program over a decade old called Shabbat Across America.

And Bubby knew what she was talking about. Just six weeks after the contest kicked off, top east coast culinary experts sniffed, sipped and slurped soup while dozens of cameras clicked away and members of the media took note at an event in New York City. This small budget program turned out to be the answer to the Jewish organization’s prayers.

In addition to raising awareness for SAA, we wanted to promote some of NJOP’s cutting-edge social media initiatives including a daily email called Jewish Treats and a successful Twitter initiative @Jewishtweets. The contest hinged upon a creative concept, an eye-catching graphic and a focus on online outreach. Entries poured in and as finalists were selected, an impressive group of culinary experts including Melissa Clark, food writer for the New York Times and Jeffrey Nathan of Abigael’s on Broadway, were invited to judge the final entries.

The quirky, kitschy national search for the best chicken soup recipe in America was chronicled at http://betterthanyourbubbys.blogspot.com where rules, releases, entries, graphics and winner information were posted.

Sunday, May 3, 2009

Real Hummus... Real Housewife...


Sabra worked with Real Housewife and natural food chef Bethenny Frankle to showcase the versitility of hummus to more than 7 million TV viewers during April. True to her TV character, Frankle was sharp, funny, blunt and genuine. A real Sabra fan, she did a great job demonstrating the ways hummus can enjoyed... dipped, spread and used instead of mayo any day. Thanks Bethenny- you're our favorite housewife!

Here's a link to her new best-selling book: http://www.bethenny.com/

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Cold, small hail and rain didn’t stop a team of Uncle Sams from taking to the streets of Manhattan sampling Original, Buffalo Wing and Chipotle Cheddar Pretzel Crisps. On April 15, 30 samplers dressed as Uncle Sams positioned in front of the three most trafficked post offices in Manhattan had New Yorkers crunching on tax day!

Saturday, March 28, 2009

Soup's On! (Link here to NYT Article and more photos)


“Bubby” means grandmother in Yiddish, and as any Jewish grandmother will tell you, chicken soup is a cure-all. We hoped that all of those bubbys were right when we re-introduced a national chicken soup contest as the cure for media disinterest in a proven but decades-old program called Shabbat Across America (SAA).

And Bubby knew what she was talking about. Just six weeks after the contest kicked off, top east coast culinary experts sniffed, sipped and slurped soup while dozens of cameras clicked away and members of the media took note at an event in New York City.

A quirky, kitschy national search for the best chicken soup recipe in America, resulted in widespread, national and local market media coverage for the National Jewish Outreach Program. A key placement in the New York Times (online and in print) was the answer to this Jewish organization’s prayers.

Monday, March 16, 2009

A Recipe for Success

Never underestimate the power of a contest. But keep in mind, contests work best when targeted to a very specific group of people... like those who think they make chicken soup better than your grandmother does!



The Better Than Your Bubby's Chicken Soup Challenge was a great success by all measures.

Tuesday, February 3, 2009

Start your Stovetops!


My bubby makes a better chicken soup than your bubby. Actually - you may make a better chicken soup than your bubby!

Whoever you are and however old you are... NJOP (www.njop.org) wants to taste your chicken soup and possibly give you props for your special brew.

What is in it for you? Oh, an apron, a trip to Israel, a kitchen design consult, some amazing gift certificates and total bragging rights.

We have not yet announced the panel of judges but I assure you- you want these people tasting your soup:) Who knows - this could be the start of a new culinary career for you. Ditch that cubicle....

Good Luck! ENTER HERE

Thursday, January 22, 2009

Dear KIDS: I've Been Laid Off: Stop Spending All my $$!

So while Obama wrote one kind of inspirational letter to his daughters... thousands of other parents are writing letters, having conversations and heck, screaming at the top of their lungs trying to get the attention of children who think the money grows on trees.

Luckily for them, we know just the expert... and just the show... to kick some sense into a senselessly spending country. Meet Susan and her Money Savvy Pig.

We have had the true pleasure of knowing Susan, Beacham, a renown financial expert for children, for more than a year. Her pig has helped inform my parenting methods when it comes to teaching about money and she has help countless others around the country as well. Now, Beacham, co-author of "Millionaire Kids Club" will get a chance to change some more lives with Dr. Phil.

To see the Money Savvy Pig and learn more about the great books and tools Money Savvy Generation offers (for great prices) - visit http://www.msgen.com/assembled/home.html

SEE THE CLIP HERE:
Bravos to Leslie for nailing this one!
Thanks to the Snack Factory, close to 50,000 people enjoyed free samples of Pretzel Cirsps a week before Christmas.

This year, last-minute shopping was "crunch time" more than ever, as people scurried to find last minute savings in a horrible economy. It was wonderful to help spread some cheer as hundreds of people grabbed a hug with Santa and his elves.

The media liked the rare, fun story in a down market too, and we enjoyed a succesful event all around - with almost 10 million media impressions from just one morning event!

Crunch Time for Shoppers in NYC




Thanks to the Snack Factory, close to 50,000 people enjoyed free samples of Pretzel Cirsps a week before Christmas.

This year, last-minute shopping was "crunch time" more than ever, as people scurried to find last minute savings in a horrible economy. It was wonderful to help spread some cheer as hundreds of people hug Santa and his elves.

The media liked the rare fun story in a down market too and we enjoyed a succesful event all around.

Friday, November 7, 2008

What's with the name change?



My first job in public relations involved pasting news clips (using a glass glue bottle and brush) at the age of 4. My grandparents owned Seymour F. Malkin Public Relations, a successful pr agency representing local businesses and national notables. Dorothy and Seymour opened the firm in 1950 and that was the beginning of a family passion for communicating! Growing up, we all thrived on participating in client events such as the “Dirty Rotten Sneaker Contest” held annually at the Bergen Mall in Hackensack, NJ.

Since launching Welfeld Public Relations in 2003, I have been blessed to work with some of the greatest talents in public relations. What began as a small consulting venture when I left The MWW Group as a vice president, turned into a career dream-come-true. Working with my colleagues, we create teams that care deeply about our clients, share a love for the profession of PR and are dedicated to making sure our clients do more, communicate more and see more PR as a result of working with us.

As of November 10th, we will be doing business as Seymour Public Relations in honor of my grandparent’s firm, in tribute to my grandfather who continues to inspire us and in celebration of the talented team members here who do not share my last name! It is about our clients and our pros -- Stephanie R., Leslie N., Liane W., Stan F., Stephanie M., Lisa A., Shira K, Heather W., Laura B. and Rebecca W … thank you for always going above and beyond, always dedicating more - and remaining committed to having a great time all the while!



Have a great weekend,

Ilya

Monday, September 22, 2008


Congrats to Angela Kinsey on a sweet baby girl. And congrats to LaJobi for the beautiful Bonavita crib set she chose to share with People Magazine as she showed off her peaceful baby nursery.

Thursday, September 4, 2008

Say Sorry


You know you are sorry for something. You regret it. You may even be ready to forgive someone. But sometimes, actually saying so is deeply difficult.

With the Jewish New Year around the corner, Project Forgiveness is sharing expressions of regret and forgiveness in an online collection.

Please visit the site and take a moment to share your sorry. Inspire forgiveness today.

"The Myth of Launch PR"

Funny thing for a PR person to post but I give kudos to Seth Godin for attempting to smash one pr myth (there are many.)

Read what he has to say below, there is value. I disagree only on a small point. Companies often do imagine Oprah, WSJ and NYT touting their newly launched product, but the truth is, there is great value in launch pr. It just may look little like you thought.

A great product launch likely invovles a slow, crawling process (yikes) of introducing a product to trade, influencers (and no, I don't mean celebrities) and regular people (who by the way are getting more and more credit for being the pr/marketing powerhouses they really are.)

Slow and steady wins the race. In my experience, it is the snowball effect. The more your product is enjoyed, the more people will want to enjoy it.


The myth of launch PR
New startups can spend hundreds of thousands of dollars racing after a dream: a giant splash on launch.

Just imagine... a big spread in Time Magazine, a feature on all the relevant blogs, a glowing review in the Book Review. Get this part right and everything else takes care of itself.

And yet.

Here are some brands that had no launch at all: Starbucks, Apple, Nike, Harry Potter, Google, William Morris, The DaVinci Code, Wikipedia, Snapple, Geico, Linux, Firefox and yes, Microsoft. (All got plenty of PR, but after the launch, sometimes a lot later).

I'm as guilty as the next entrepreneur. Great publicity is a treasured gift. But it's hardly necessary, and the search for it is often a significant distraction.

It works for movies, in fact, it's essentially required for movies. But for just about every product, service or company, the relentless quest for media validation doesn't really pay. If you get it, congratulations. If you don't, that's just fine. But don't break the bank or your timetable in the quest.

Sunday, June 29, 2008

Head to Head in Hummus



SABRA PRESENTS: McCAIN VS. OBAMA
THE GREAT HUMMUS FACEOFF

WHAT: Sand sculptor extraordinaire Kirk Rademaker, winner of 2008’s Sandblasters on The Travel Channel, will try his hand at molding the heads from the headlines—McCain, Obama, and Clinton, (because she said she would never give up). Rademaker will carve the famous busts from 100 lbs of delicious Sabra® hummus at the 54th Summer Fancy Food Show!

WHERE: Javitz Center, New York. Booth # 576.

Thursday, June 12, 2008

Turning Hummus into an American Tradition









Make Your Own Hummus Sundae

SABRA WANTS YOU TO DISCOVER A MEDITERRANEAN TREASURE!

Sabra invites you to taste our authentic hummus with your favorite toppings. We are touring the country, giving thousands of Americans a chance to take a Mediterranean Moment. Please be our guest when we come to your area!

SAN FRANCISCO, CA
Join Sabra at the Bay to Breakers
When: May 18th – 9am-2pm
Where: Polo Field in Golden Gate Park, Fulton at 36th Ave / Lincoln at 41st Ave, San Francisco, CA 94102


BOSTON, MA
Join us at Fanueil Hall
When: May 25th 12pm-6pm and 26th 11am-4pm
Where: 340 Faneuil Hall Market Pl, Boston, MA


PINELLAS, FL
Join us at Taste of Pinellas
When: May 31 and June 1
Where: Vinoy Park, Downtown St Petersburg


CHICAGO, IL
Join us at RibFest
When: June 7 and 8
Where: Lincoln / Damen / Irving Park Intersection


NEW YORK, NY
Join us at Union Square Park
When: September 21
Where: Union Square Park South








To check out a video from last year's event at Union Square Park click here:http://youtube.com/watch?v=rjM5q8WwY0E

Welcome Wagatha's!


As of July 1, WPR friends and family will be treated to another range of amazing culinary treats (we are already very generous with sharing Sabra and Pretzel Crisps.)

How do I know they are amazing? Well, because I ate them - lots of them - when I was stuck in my car enjoying a two-hour conference call ...and got very hungry. A girl has got to eat, you know!

These special doggie treats are kosher (not kidding) and organic and made from human-grade ingredients. Honestly, the Breakfast Biscuits are to bark for - and check out the packaging - what dog wouldn't want that in a lunch bag?

Stay tuned! If you have a dog, send me an email at wag@welfeldpr.com with your mailing address.

Thursday, May 8, 2008

Turning Hummus into an American Tradition...









Make Your Own Hummus Sundae

SABRA WANTS YOU TO DISCOVER A MEDITERRANEAN TREASURE!

Sabra invites you to taste our authentic hummus with your favorite toppings. We are touring the country, giving thousands of Americans a chance to take a Mediterranean Moment. Please be our guest when we come to your area!

SAN FRANCISCO, CA
Join Sabra at the Bay to Breakers
When: May 18th – 9am-2pm
Where: Polo Field in Golden Gate Park, Fulton at 36th Ave / Lincoln at 41st Ave, San Francisco, CA 94102


BOSTON, MA
Join us at Fanueil Hall
When: May 25th 12pm-6pm and 26th 11am-4pm
Where: 340 Faneuil Hall Market Pl, Boston, MA


PINELLAS, FL
Join us at Taste of Pinellas
When: May 31 and June 1
Where: Vinoy Park, Downtown St Petersburg


CHICAGO, IL
Join us at RibFest
When: June 7 and 8
Where: Lincoln / Damen / Irving Park Intersection


NEW YORK, NY
Join us at Union Square Park
When: September 21
Where: Union Square Park South








To check out a video from last year's event at Union Square Park click here:http://youtube.com/watch?v=rjM5q8WwY0E

Friday, April 18, 2008

Uncle Sam Successssssssssss!




Congratulations Pretzel Crisps for taking a walk on the wild side! It surely paid off. Today show. CW. Good Day New York. Gawker. Gothamist. 36 thousand samples. 36 thousand coupons.

It made waking up at 4am very well worth it!
(If only Stephanie had made the tax deadline...)

Monday, April 14, 2008


WHEN: April 15, 2008



NYC post offices:

5:00am - 11:00am
• James Farley Post Office - 421 Eighth Avenue
• Grand Central Post Office - 450 Lexington Avenue

9:00am - 12:00pm
• Times Square Post Office - 340 West 42nd Street
• Murray Hill Post Office - 115 E 34th Street
• Madison Square Post Office - 149 E 23rd Street

BACKGROUND: From the creators and former owners of New York Style Bagel Chip Co. comes Pretzel Crisps, a unique pretzel cracker. Family owned and operated by entrepreneurial husband and wife team, Warren and Sara Wilson, the Snack Factory is based in Princeton, NJ. For more information, visit www.pretzelcrisps.com.

WHEN: April 15, 2008



NYC post offices:

5:00am - 11:00am
• James Farley Post Office - 421 Eighth Avenue
• Grand Central Post Office - 450 Lexington Avenue

9:00am - 12:00pm
• Times Square Post Office - 340 West 42nd Street
• Murray Hill Post Office - 115 E 34th Street
• Madison Square Post Office - 149 E 23rd Street

BACKGROUND: From the creators and former owners of New York Style Bagel Chip Co. comes Pretzel Crisps, a unique pretzel cracker. Family owned and operated by entrepreneurial husband and wife team, Warren and Sara Wilson, the Snack Factory is based in Princeton, NJ. For more information, visit www.pretzelcrisps.com.

Sunday, April 13, 2008

Things They've Said


What powerful sentiments have your former or current bosses shared with you? Both the people I admired most and those I least enjoyed working for... have imparted wisdom and left me with words that have helped me grow. Here are a few:

"Not everything is black and white, there are always shades of grey"

"Fake it till you make it"

"It is what it is"

"It is a nice-to-have, not a must-have"

"#^%^%^&^%#@@@^@%!!!"

"Seasoning"

"There are no bad ideas"

Wednesday, April 2, 2008

Love the little guy...


Do not be afraid of the small client. If you believe in what they have to offer society - than allow the smallness to motivate you! If they do what they aim to do... and you do what they hired you to do... you can expect growth on both sides.


This week, two of our clients were acquired and we congratulate them both. We are extremely proud to have been there from the very early days for Sabra (www.sabra.com) and look forward to many more.

Monday, March 31, 2008

Don't just count the clips!




Counting clips is missing the point. By all means, judge your pr firm on its ability to generate coverage, but do not stop there. Remember, your ultimate goal should be reaching the public. If you stop at wanting mentions in magazines, you are missing the millions of opportunities today's over-communicating culture avails. Allow your agency to guide you to strategic relationships, connect you with this group or that, send samples to a sub-set or have you stand on your head with your product balancing on your feet.

If each activity, in some way, relates your brand or your product to the public in a way that allows consumer to notice what you are selling... you are achieving public relations.

As consumers, we want to be in the know and consume whatever those around us recommend we consume. If you have an opportunity to show your product in a magazine - do so. But do not place any less value on the coupons you distribute, the college party you sponsor or the mommy blogger you court.

Friday, December 28, 2007

Judaica Across America

NJOP INVITES YOU TO DUST OFF YOUR HERITAGE!
Win two round trip tickets to Israel!

Enter the National Jewish Outreach Program’s Search for ‘Priceless’ Judaica Across America

About the Contest
Whether it is on your dining room table or deep in a box in Aunt Sarah’s basement, chances are … your family owns heirloom Judaica and the National Jewish Outreach Program (NJOP) wants to reward you for its safekeeping!

How to Enter
The official entry form can be downloaded here.

Sabra Spot

Sabra Go Mediterranean is inviting foodies and filmmakers, students and homemakers and anyone else who loves Sabra Go Mediterranean to help spread the word by creating an original commercial featuring our delicious dips and spreads.

Just three Easy Steps to have a chance at winning at trip for two to the Mediterranean!

  • 1. Make a commercial about enjoying Sabra hummus. You can use a home video camera,
    edit the clips we have provided, or any other artistic combination you can think of.

  • 2. Upload your video to www.youtube.com, tag it "sabra" and send us a link to Sabra@welfeldpr.com. In your email, please include your name, a title for your commercial, how you heard about the contest and how we can contact you.

  • 3. The deadline for entry is February 15, 2008
The winning spot will be featured on the Sabra website, in online marketing campaigns and at trade shows.

Thursday, December 27, 2007

Dust Off Your Heritage

NJOP INVITES YOU TO DUST OFF YOUR HERITAGE!
Win two round trip tickets to Israel!

Enter the National Jewish Outreach Program’s Search for ‘Priceless’ Judaica Across America

About the Contest
Whether it is on your dining room table or deep in a box in Aunt Sarah’s basement, chances are … your family owns heirloom Judaica and the National Jewish Outreach Program (NJOP) wants to reward you for its safekeeping!

Wednesday, December 19, 2007

Welcome

Hi!

Thanks for visiting the blog. Beginning in January - you will find highlighted media clips, promotions, contests and other fun client happenings here.

Stay tuned...

Wednesday, November 14, 2007

This Blog

Just some client highlights from time to time. Hope you enjoy.