NEW BRIGHTON, Minn. – After completing a competitive pitch process, the Industrial Fabrics Association International (IFAI) and the Professional Awning Manufacturers Association (PAMA) have selected Risdall McKinney Public Relations to implement the second year of the Awnings Today (www.awningstoday.com) national consumer campaign.

“Expanding the campaign in year two, we wanted to select an agency that had both a passion for our calling and driving results,” said Michelle Sahlin, managing director, PAMA. “Risdall McKinney understood and recognized our objectives, had knowledge of the insider channels for key messaging and provided insight to the places which could make the most impact.”

Risdall McKinney will implement a strategic public relations plan that incorporates media relations, stakeholder communications, partnerships and special events to create consumer awareness for the benefits of awnings.

“As the Awnings Today campaign enters its second year, we’re excited to further the momentum and create even more buzz for awnings,” said Rose McKinney, president of Risdall McKinney. “Public relations is an integrated component that will be powerful in driving this campaign to the results that matter for the member awning manufacturers.”

A three-year consumer campaign, Awnings Today is supported by participating IFAI/PAMA members. The goals of the Awnings Today campaign are to generate awareness for the benefits of awnings, ultimately driving traffic to the Awnings Today Web site and generating qualified leads for members of the program.

Awnings, both aesthetically appealing and functional, create outdoor areas that can facilitate many activities. Whether designing an outdoor haven or creating an area for activities with kids, awnings provide protection from excessive heat, sun exposure or inclement weather conditions. Awnings also offer an energy-efficient solution to improve outdoor living while saving on home cooling costs.

About IFAI
The Industrial Fabrics Association International (IFAI) is a not-for-profit trade association with more than 2,000 member companies representing the international specialty fabrics marketplace. Member companies range in size from one-person shops to multinational corporations. Members' products span the entire spectrum of the specialty fabrics industry, from fiber and fabric suppliers to manufacturers of end products, equipment and hardware.

About PAMA
The Professional Awning Manufacturers Association (PAMA), a division of the Industrial Fabrics Association International (IFAI), is the only international trade association committed to the awning industry. PAMA membership is open to companies who are current members of IFAI and manufacture or sell awnings, as well as those who supply goods/services to the awning industry.

PAMA maintains two Web sites – www.awninginfo.com, which focuses on association members and commercial awning use, and www.awningstoday.com, which educates consumers about awnings and awning benefits.

About Risdall McKinney Public Relations
Risdall McKinney Public Relations, a division of Risdall Marketing Group, LLC, is an integrated, marketing-oriented PR agency headquartered in New Brighton, Minn. With 2006 billings of $3.3 million, the agency is ranked as the 7th largest PR firm in Minnesota. Its roster includes a variety of clients such as local, national and international work for business-to-business and consumer accounts.