C. Blohm & Associates

The CB&A Team

A wise person once said, “It’s not about where you are, it’s about who you’re with.” We couldn’t agree more. CB&A’s team of smart PR pros is dedicated to providing stellar customer service and unparalleled education market expertise. Whether planning an event or creating a social media campaign, we collaborate with you to bring out the best in your brand, every day.

• Charlene Blohm – Founder & President

  Charlene earned a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of the Incarnate Word and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism from the University of Wisconsin–Madison. She has more than 20 years experience in the communications and marketing fields. Since founding CB&A in 1991, Charlene has worked with publishers and manufacturers whose products span the educational landscape, from traditionally printed books to broadband-delivered online curriculum. Her expertise in developing and implementing strategic marketing plans has been fine-tuned over the years, and she’s now one of the “go-to” people in the educational publishing industry. Charlene began her career as a reporter, columnist and managing editor for newspapers in Montana and Texas.

  

• Kristen Plemon – Account Executive

  As a mother and former aspiring teacher, Kristen has a true passion for education. Although she doesn’t feel she could lead a classroom, experience shows she can help lead clients to PR success. After receiving her Bachelor of Arts degree in Public Relations and Marketing Communications, Kristen began working with clients from a variety of industries to plan and implement PR programs. This included work for one of the largest apprenticeship programs in the country, and a joint program between the National Foundation for Energy Education and a Chicago-based trade association. She’s produced everything from press kits to company newsletters and specializes in media relations with local, regional and national media outlets. Kristen’s goal is to help clients deliver the right message to the right audience utilizing a bit of creativity and finesse!

  

• Emily Embury – Senior Account Executive

  A graduate of the University of Wisconsin–Madison, Emily earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism and Women’s Studies. Devoted to working with organizations whose overall mission benefits the community, she completed internships with two nonprofit organizations while in college. Emily joined CB&A in 2004, and was promoted to Account Executive in 2007 and Senior Account Executive in 2012. She works in partnership with clients to develop and execute strategic public relations and social media plans to achieve their visibility goals. In her expanded leadership role, Emily also oversees campaigns, manages team members and supports the overall growth of the agency. She is an active member of PRSA and regularly attends Social Media Breakfast events. A certified Master Gardener, Emily enjoys digging in the dirt and spoiling her dog Barley.

  

• Betsy Francoeur – Account Executive

  After earning her bachelor’s degree in Public Relations from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, Betsy’s first job was to educate Wisconsinites of all ages about the state’s agriculture industry as the 57th Alice in Dairyland. As “Alice,” Betsy visited hundreds of fourth grade and high school classrooms to teach students about the variety and nutritional value of Wisconsin food products. Post-”Alice,” Betsy worked at various marketing communication agencies providing strategic counsel, creating messaging, conducting successful trade media campaigns and executing tactics for national and international clients, including Dow AgroSciences, Arm & Hammer Animal Nutrition and the Illinois Soybean Association. In her spare time, Betsy enjoys playing World of Warcraft, creating iTunes playlists for friends and special events, and performing with local theatre groups.

  

• Martha Jacobs – Administrative and Project Coordinator

  A true go-getter and diligent organizer, Martha brings CB&A an element of “quality assurance” for clients. Martha earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Marketing from the University of Wisconsin–La Crosse. With meticulous attention to detail, Martha tracks and analyzes client coverage in media outlets worldwide. Essentially, Martha maintains the large information base necessary to keep a busy public relations firm connected with its success! Additionally, Martha assists our bookkeeper and supervises special events at education conferences and trade shows. When she’s not at the office, Martha can be found reading a good book, catching up on her favorite TV shows or cheering for her favorite football team—the Packers!

  

• Lauren Rothering – Account Coordinator

  Lauren received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Literature and Public Relations from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota in scenic Winona. While in school, Lauren was editor-in-chief of the campus newspaper, The Cardinal, worked as a writing tutor and was social media director for a local music festival. Prior to joining CB&A, Lauren served as a Public Affairs-Media Relations intern at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., where she gained valuable hands-on experience in media relations while working with some of the most well-established media outlets in the world. When not at the office, Lauren can be found reading Russian novels, watching The Office or exploring the Wisconsin countryside.

  

• Saul Hafenbredl – Account Coordinator

  Saul attended the University of Wisconsin–Madison where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism with an emphasis in strategic communication. While in school, he held positions with several Madison-based organizations such as the Associated Students of Madison, StudyBlue, Inc. and the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce. As an Account Coordinator with CB&A, Saul collaborates with Account Executives to create dynamic and nimble communications plans suited for an increasingly complex media environment. He prides himself on adding innovative nuances to traditional methods and helping clients surpass their goals. A Wisconsin native, Saul enjoys active outdoor sports in the state’s narrow warm-weather season.

  

• Lili Beck – Account Coordinator

  Lili attended Colorado State University and received her Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Technical Communication with a concentration in Public Relations, in addition to a minor in English. She’s had several years of public relations experience working for Isthmus Publishing Company, Leprino Foods Company, Lightsource Creative Communications Inc. and Rodale Inc. While working for Rodale Inc., Lili was selected to be an apprentice for two NBC Today Show segments and created The Biggest Loser Club Twitter account delivering 1,000 followers in eight weeks. When not at the office she has a love for skiing, reading and photography.

  

• Katie Steil – Account Coordinator

  Katie earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism with an emphasis in public relations and a minor in Speech Communication from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh. A strong advocate of college internships, Katie backed her classroom experience with four PR internships in a variety of industries including radio broadcasting, university relations, non-profit/association and relocation/moving. Prior to joining the CB&A team, Katie worked as a Marketing Specialist for Stanley Convergent Security Solutions in Naperville, Ill, where she was responsible for overseeing and developing consistent brand messaging for all of Stanley’s marketing initiatives. Her blended background in marketing and public relations provides clients a well-rounded perspective in helping them achieve visibility. Outside of the workplace, Katie enjoys running, traveling and cheering on her beloved Green Bay Packers.

• Paul Mamelka – IT Admin

  Paul administers our Macintosh network, maintains the RSS feed, and tries valiantly to keep the Web site up-to-date. He’s also the author of our in-house database system, resident podcast producer and copy editor of last resort. Although loathe to admit it, he’s spent some 30 years working with computers as a systems analyst, programmer and web designer, including stints with Control Data Canada, the State of Wisconsin, University of Wisconsin–Madison and the Southwest Foundation for Biomedical Research in San Antonio, Texas. He studied Mathematics and Computer Science at the University of Waterloo in Ontario, Canada. Though definitely a Packer Backer, his sports loyalties are rooted in Toronto, where the Argonauts and Maple Leafs play, which is mostly a losing cause … but hope springs eternal.