Surge Unplugged

At Surge, great marketing, advertising and online presence elevation is not only creating attractive websites or eye-catching graphics, it’s about telling meaningful stories that connect people, inspire action, and strengthen communities. That’s why we’re excited to share that our owner, Lisa Neitzel, has been appointed as the Rotary District 5580 Public Image Chair. District 5580 serves national & international Rotary clubs across all of North Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin & Ontario, Canada. In her new leadership role, Lisa will guide and support Rotary clubs in strengthening their public image through strategic communications, branding, websites, social media, storytelling, public relations, and marketing initiatives. A Natural Fit For those who know Lisa, this role couldn’t be a better match. For...Read More

Surge is proud to be certified as a Woman-Owned Small Business (WOSB.) This strategic move boosts credibility and helps clients reach their marketing, advertising and online goals. Key Benefits and Significance · Standards: The certification proves your business meets strict standards, showing potential partners that you are verified, credible, and ready to scale. Competitive Advantage: Many agencies and private firms prioritize suppliers with certified diverse backgrounds. · Increased Credibility: Certification adds a stamp of legitimacy so other businesses trust your business. · Networking and Resources: Access to specialized mentoring, training, and networks of other women entrepreneurs. · The WOSB program streamlines the process for businesses. For Surge, becoming certified is not just a badge, but a...Read More

There is a unique nostalgia in walking back into the news TV studio you once called home. My colleagues and I started Good Morning Northland, which I anchored and spent many years as a broadcast journalist. Recently, I had the pleasure to be interviewed at WDIO’s The Lift. But this time, I wasn’t there to report the news. I was there to make it. As the owner of Surge Communications, Innovations & Online Services (Surge), I’ve spent the last several weeks heading up the marketing efforts for the Rotary Club’s upcoming Duluth Skyline Rotary Club’s Rock the Skyline concert. My appearance on The Lift was more than just a trip down memory lane; it was...Read More

At Surge Communications, Innovations & Online Services we believe that powerful ideas and strategic branding aren’t just for corporate growth—they are the lifeblood of organizations making a real difference in the world. As the owner of a full-service marketing, advertising and online services firm, I’ve always been passionate about using our “Surge” strategies to amplify voices that need to be heard. Recently, I’ve had the privilege of wearing two hats: President of Surge and a Rotary Public Image Officer (PIO) for Rotary District 5580 and local Duluth Skyline Rotary. I recently returned from the Zone 25B & 29 conference, where the focus was clear: strengthening the voice of Rotary through better branding, online platforms and...Read More

Tune in to this podcast to hear from me, the Founder, Owner, and President of Surge Communications (Surge for short) on this podcast this week. We cover my career journey, starting with my 10-year tenure as a TV anchor and the pivotal moment I shifted to my other passion: Marketing and Advertising, which led to the founding of my own firm in 2011. The conversation delves into achieving professional goals while maintaining the balance required to be present for my wonderful family. Don’t miss this episode of Whole for insight and inspiration on how to leverage your intuition to help both your career and your family thrive. Listen to the Whole Mom podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify....Read More

Introducing Your Rotary 5580 Public Image Team for 2025-26 Shaping Tomorrow’s Vision, Today With great anticipation and excitement, we are proud to announce your District Public Team for 2025-26. Charged with the mission of elevating our district’s presence, fostering positive engagement, and advancing our story in the heart and minds of our community, this team brings together a dynamic blend of experience, creativity, and dedication. Whether you’re a club president, a committee chair, or a passionate member, get ready to be inspired by the leaders who will champion our district’s image in the year ahead. Linda Marrin, Kay Parries, Scott Soderberg, Stephen Margarit, Lisa Neitzel, Jim Herrington, Marquis Slay, and Brad Folta Our Mission The...Read More

In the whirlwind of digital advancements, it’s easy to overlook the tried-and-true methods of traditional marketing. However, dismissing them entirely would be a mistake. Traditional marketing still holds significant value, especially when strategically implemented. Let’s delve into when you should consider it and how to approach budgeting. What is Traditional Marketing? Traditional marketing encompasses all marketing efforts that predate the digital age. It relies on offline channels to reach audiences. These channels include: Print Advertising: Newspapers, magazines, brochures, flyers Broadcast Media: Radio and television advertising Direct Mail: Postcards, letters, catalogs Outdoor Advertising: Billboards, posters, signage Event Marketing: Trade shows, conferences, local events When Should You Use Traditional Marketing? While digital marketing offers unparalleled targeting and...Read More

Surge Communications recently had the honor of designing the new logo for The Knife River Heritage & Culture Center (KRHCC). Paul von Goertz, Board Chair of the non-profit KRHCC, read about Surge’s involvement in Rotary, a fellow non-profit group. After visiting and really liking our website and other client logos we’ve produced, he contacted us for the job. Surge was able to work with KRHCC’s budget and turn the project around quickly. Thank you KRHCC for choosing Surge for your project. We can’t wait to see your new logo all over town. If you’re planning a trip to the Knife River area, consider visiting The Knife River Heritage & Culture Center. Knife River has a...Read More

Originally published in Business North, this interview is part of a series where experts share their insights and predictions for the coming year. Reposted here by Surge, we’re excited to bring you their perspectives as they answer a few key questions about what lies ahead. First, could you give me a nutshell description of Surge Communications and what you offer … plus your official title? Surge Communications, Innovations & Online Services, or Surge, is a full-service marketing, advertising and online services agency. We work with business clients both big and small as well as non-profit and government organizations. We offer traditional marketing, advertising and media management, as well as digital and online services such as...Read More

At Surge, we work from home offices and pass those overhead savingsonto you. Therefore, we are the best cost-effective agency choiceoffering marketing, advertising, public relations, promotional products,printing and online services. We are your one-stop shop for all yourcommunication needs!In addition, with our work-from-home model, which we’ve used since2011 and have down pat, we can offer these services uninterruptedduring the current COVID-19 situation. We offer both short- andlong-term solutions and will help you save money, time and your sanity.Count on the Surge Team to help navigate the coronavirus and decide how bestto move your business forward.To see a list of just some of what we do, click here! Surge is fully prepared and here for you. Our...Read More

Do you have a website that needs a makeover? Or perhaps you are in the market for having a website but are unsure if it is the right choice for your business. These are common questions that often cross our minds. Here are 10 secrets to website success: 1. Memorable Visual Design Websites should have current styles and trends implemented. If your site looks out of date and lacks pleasing design principles, it can negatively affect the user’s impression of your company.  If you really want your site to say, we are a, “savvy, and professional business” then sprucing up you site design is a step in the right direction. 2. Brand Power Ultimately your...Read More