SMITS, HAUSMANN JOIN THE CONCEPT WORKS

AUGUST 20, 2005 – Joel Smits and Abby Hausmann have joined The Concept Works as account executives.

Smits, 26, is a recent graduate from the University of Northern Iowa, where he earned a degree in public relations and communications.  Hausmann, also 26, earned a bachelor’s degree in public relations at Iowa State University and she is working toward a master’s degree in journalism and mass communications at ISU.

Smits’ passion for politics may draw him to a future run for public office, but for now, he prefers to work behind the scenes.  He will direct his considerable energies to several municipal referendums this fall and the 2006 campaign of Secretary of Agriculture candidate Karey Claghorn, a Milo Republican.

Joel has spent most of his life in Orange City, Iowa, and he credits his strong work ethic and conservative views to his Dutch upbringing.

Hausmann is also a native of northwest Iowa, growing up in Cherokee. She has studied in Great Britain and has four years of management experience in Hy-Vee’s pharmacy division.  Her focus will be on public relations and fund-raising activities on behalf of the Des Moines Salvation Army and statewide communications efforts for Easter Seals Iowa’s annual Disability Mentoring Day.

“Joel Smits and Abby Hausmann are outstanding individuals and talented public relations professionals who really take The Concept Works to the next level in our ability to meet the needs of current and future clients,” said firm owner Eric Woolson.  “Their decision to join our team is great news for us and our clients.”

The Concept Works, a West Des Moines, Iowa, firm, specializes in government, public and media relations and crisis management for corporations, associations, government entities and political clients.