The latest innovation for shipping temperature sensitive medical materials has been announced by Minnesota Thermal Science, the industry leader in high performance, passive thermal containers. The patent-pending Credo Cube™ was unveiled at the 7th Annual Cold Chain Management and Temperature Control Summit in Toronto. Designed to provide the most scalable thermal packaging option on the market, the Credo Cube was conceived in response to industry demand for greater flexibility in transport packaging. With customizable wall dimensions, the Credo Cube is uniquely suited to the varying packaging designs of the pharmaceutical and related industries. Modular construction allows for a container perfectly sized for its contents, thus saving on both shipping costs and packing time.

The latest generation in the Credo line is an enhancement made possible via six interchangeable walls, providing unparalleled performance and flexibility. The modular walls stack easily into standard freezers for pre-conditioning, and precision-formed beveled edges ensure a tight thermal seal. The Credo Cube’s innovative design is ideal for shipping, through its easy and economical assembly, preparation and storage.

Minnesota Thermal Science provides innovative, scientific solutions for the safe transportation of sensitive tissue, pharmaceutical, blood and biologic products. MTS’s containers protect contents at defined temperatures longer than any other passive thermal control product available. They are reusable, environmentally friendly and deliver a strong return on investment.
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Students from several Minnesota high school and colleges were recognized recently for creative work designed to promote awareness of an important social issue. The innovative Videos to Beat the Odds Multimedia Competition invited Minnesota students to submit 30-second public service announcements about compulsive gambling. A particular challenge was that the entries differentiate between legal gambling and the destructive impact of reckless – or even addictive – gambling behavior. With video and film playing an increasingly significant role in communication, entertainment, and creativity among young adults, the competition - which was developed by Russell Herder in partnership with the Minnesota Problem Gambling Program - provided an engaging way for students to share information about this important issue. The event was judged by subject matter experts and industry professionals. To view the winning entries of the Videos to Beat the Odds, visit BeatTheBet.com. The work is also available on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/user/beatthebet2.
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Talking to a compulsive gambler about their issue can be difficult. The warning signs of what’s been called “the hidden addiction” can go unnoticed. But when it’s clear there’s a problem, it’s time to get them help. The Minnesota Problem Gambling Program recently partnered with Russell Herder to create a DVD designed to pave the way for such discussions. Entitled Conversations, it takes a look at five scenarios: a mother, an employer, an adult son, a wife and a friend all give moving and instructive examples of how to approach the subject with someone they care about. The stories stay true to the experiences of many. Problem gamblers can be evasive, defensive and even dishonest in the face of confrontation. The DVD illustrates the proper techniques for dealing with these situations - focusing on the concrete, affirming the person and detailing the steps toward recovery that they would like to see occur.
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Hennepin County Medical Center (HCMC) is launching a campaign to raise public awareness about the prevention, recognition and treatment of traumatic brain injuries.

As part of a larger prevention campaign intended to educate the public, HCMC is spreading the word on the streets of downtown Minneapolis in a unique way.

A rolling bathtub, complete with shower steam and a bevy of would-be bathers will make its way along Nicollet Mall on Tuesday, August 19 between 7:30 and 2:00 P.M. The tub is being used to call attention to the leading cause of traumatic brain injuries – falls. Representatives wrapped in robes and slippers will accompany the tub on its trip between Fifth Street and Peavey Plaza.

The campaign, created with Minneapolis agency Russell Herder, launches its second phase on Thursday, August 21 between 11:00 A.M. and 5:30 P.M., when Hennepin County Medical Center’s “Brain Bar” will navigate the bustling summer crowd on Nicollet Mall.

The Brain Bar is an educational, interactive kiosk that allows people to take a closer look at how their brain really makes them who they are. Visitors to the Brain Bar will have the opportunity to “build their own brain,” save it to an online gallery and/or share their brain with friends. The gallery and more information on traumatic brain injuries are available on SaveThisBrain.org.

Experts from Hennepin County Medical Center’s Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Center will also be available at these events to answer questions.

The Brain Bar will take to the road for the next month with event appearances at the Minnesota State Fair’s Kid’s Day on August 25; the Minnesota Thunder’s September 13 match versus the Charleston Battery at the National Sports Center; the Minneapolis Bike Tour on September 14; and the Walk for Thought in Como Park on October 4.

About Traumatic Brain Injuries Each year, more than 1.5 million Americans sustain a traumatic brain injury (TBI). That’s one every 23 seconds! Among children and young adults, TBI is the leading cause of death and disability.

In Minnesota, over 15,000 new traumatic brain injuries occur annually and 100,000 Minnesotans live with a disability caused by a brain injury. A large percentage of new injuries are mild to moderate cases and many go untreated. As a Level 1 Trauma Center, Hennepin County Medical Center admits more than 700 patients with traumatic brain injuries each year and has inpatient and outpatient programs for both adult and pediatric TBI patients. For more information about the Traumatic Brain Injury Center, visit hcmc.org.


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Russell Herder was recently recognized for excellence in communications media at the WorldMediaFestival in Hamburg, Germany.

The firm was awarded a Finalist Diploma in the Public Relations: Health category for its STD awareness campaign “Wrap It Up.” The campaign was developed in connection with the Minnesota Department of Health’s STD awareness and prevention initiatives. The program was designed to drive awareness of the risks of sexually transmitted diseases among teens and young adults. Efforts included out-of-home and online executions. The campaign was bolstered by public service announcements, street teams passing out information at events, and an original rap song developed by hip-hop artist Tremayne Williams.

The WorldMediaFestival is an international competition for audiovisual communications media. The awards gala was held on May 14, 2008, in Hamburg, Germany.

Russell Herder is an independent marketing communications firm providing award-winning advertising, public relations, interactive, research and media services for a roster of national clients. For more information on Russell Herder, visit russellherder.com or contact Daniel Domagala at 612.455.2366 or ddomagala@russellherder.com
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Dancewear manufacturer and instruction provider Just For Kix has recently entered into a collaborative relationship with Emmy-nominated hip-hop choreographer and performer Shane Sparks. Just For Kix partnered with Russell Herder to capture and illustrate the exciting endorsement, which represents an authentic creative collaboration and continues to position Just For Kix as a leading-edge dancewear and related streetwear provider.

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