Welcome to PRVisions Cincinnati Chapter Newsletter.

Tell us about promotions, success stories or failures in your work world and let us share them with fellow PRSA members. To read about your fellow members, please click here.  Please email Shasta Taber (srtaber@hotmail.com) with your news. 

-Laura Carr (2009 Cincinnati PRSA Chapter President)

Inside you'll find the most up to date PRSA news:

On the local front:    

New Articles from PRSSA chapters from:

Also find out about other news about our chapter and more on the National PRSA front (including an opportunity to become involved on the national level) and many other amazing opportunities for our members to help each other, non-profit organizations and many others. 

Editor's Note

Pictures, Comments ... All are Welcome!

By Shasta Taber

Dear Members:

As always, if you take any pictures from any of our upcoming events (whether from luncheons, Blacksmith Awards, APR classes, New Pros events, etc.) please send them to me with some basic information.  Thanks!  

If you have any questions, comments or concerns regarding the newsletter, please feel free to let me know by emailing me at srtaber@hotmail.com.  ALSO please let us know what you think of the format of the  Email Blasts announcing the Newsletter... or at least let us know if you receive them as HTML or plain-text?

Shasta Taber

Newsletter Editor

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Chapter Administrator's Note

JOIN THE EXPRESS LANE!

By Anne Campbell

“I realized it was the express lane, I just didn’t realize how express!”

That was a comment heard by one of the attendees at the November luncheon.  He had registered himself and two guests online and paid via the new system.  By doing so the three of them did not have to stand in line to be checked in.  All they had to do was pick up their nametags, drop their business card in the bowl for the door prize drawing and start their networking.  I’m sure if you asked them they would recommend the new registration system to you.

Another benefit to paying online is that all major credit cards are accepted.  If you wait to pay at the door we can only accept MasterCard and Visa.  At least three people tried to pay with their corporate American Express card at the November luncheon and instead had to use a personal MasterCard or Visa.  They commented that they will be sure to use the online system next time.

The system is still fairly new and we appreciate any feedback.  Some improvements have already been made based on your comments.  The process is fairly straightforward.  Go to the meetings page of our website, www.cincinnatiprsa.org and click on the link for the event you wish to register for.  You will be taken to a page to give your contact information as well as the names of any guests you would also like to register.  Once you click submit you will be taken to a shopping page to select a registration option (Member, Non-Member, etc.).  You will be given both “Buy Now” and “Add to Cart” options for the various registration rates.  If you are paying for just one reservation, simply click “Buy Now” next to the appropriate option and follow the payment procedures.  If you are paying for more than one reservation you will need to click the “Add to Cart” button for each rate (Member, Non-Member, Student) you need to use.  Once you are in your cart you can change the quantity for each rate.  For example, if you are paying for 3 members, just click on the “Add to Cart” button once next to the Member rate.  Once your shopping cart comes up you will need to change the quantity shown to 3 before checking out.  If you are paying for one member and one non-member you will need to click “Add to Cart” next to the Member rate.  Then click “Continue Shopping” from the shopping cart, which will return you to the page where you can click “Add to Cart” next to the Non-Member rate.  Be sure to double check your shopping cart and then check out.

Please forward any questions or comments to Anne Campbell, Chapter Administrator, acampbell@fuse.net.

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Chapter News

Pictures from April's Twitter Event

Laura Carr & Jackie Reau

Kevin Dugan

Jackie Reau

 
Kevin Dugan, Laura Carr & Jackie Reau

Group Membership Program

By Jonathan Kissell

PRSA group membership program offers incentives and benefits for large organizations to join with multiple representatives. The memberships are organization-owned and transferable among employees, if an employee changes departments or leaves the company. The program also provides the convenience of consolidated billing for all members. Finally, the group membership program maximizes savings for organizations by covering the costs of chapter dues or professional interest section fees during the first year.

To qualify, at least eight employees from an organization must join, and two may be current PRSA members. Please contact Malia Moore, PRSA membership development manager, for complete details about the program.

Malia.Moore@prsa.org

Cincinnati PRSA Joins the Social Media Scene

By Megan Licursi

There are numerous stories every day about the impact of Web 2.0.  As PR folks, we know firsthand how effective social media campaigns can be.  A startling factoid: Readers are three times more likely to act upon a recommendation seen in a blog as opposed to that same article appearing in traditional media.

I’m pleased to announce that the Cincinnati PRSA has joined Web 2.0 on Facebook and Twitter.  What is Twitter?  Well, that’s probably the subject of another newsletter article. Or a luncheon.  But, to quote one of our members, Kevin Dugan, @prblog, Twitter has the immediacy of instant messaging with the permanence of a blog.   Twitter is broken down into two groups: Followers and Followees. You choose people to follow based on your personal preferences:  relevant postings, industry colleagues, friends, they like the color blue, too, or any other reason, however obscure.  People choose to follow you for the same reason. 

The media are one of the early-adopters of Twitter. One local reporter, Gregory Korte at the Enquirer, @gregorykorte, regularly posts (aka “tweets”) requests for sources. CNN tweets their breaking news. To see the evergrowing list of media on Twitter, check out:  http://mediaontwitter.pbwiki.com/United+States+-+NATIONAL.  Here’s a list of Ohio reporters on Twitter:  http://mediaontwitter.pbwiki.com/United+States%3A+O+-+Z. 

Our Young Pros group took the lead, creating a twitter ID, @cinprsanewpros.  The rest of the chapter followed suite on Twitter. Come follow us at @CincinnatiPRSA. 

On the Facebook front, the Cincinnati PRSA chapter now has a group page:  http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/group.php?gid=48730262862.  Join us here to see photos from past luncheons, discuss subjects such as luncheon speakers and brown bag topics. And, to talk trash about the Blacksmith’s!

PRSAY Helps Build Bridge

By Jonathan Kissell

In January, PRSA launched a new blog, PRSAY, to connect members with the PRSA leaders. We encourage you to take advantage of this excellent opportunity to engage in dialogue and offer perspective about integral aspects of your professional career. The first several posts came from PRSA Chair and CEO Michael Cherenson, APR, making him available to listen to your comments and suggestions.

PRSAY is one of the many valuable components of a PRSA membership. Please take a moment to check it out at prsay.prsa.org.

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Mark Your Calendar

May 18: Blacksmith Awards

June 16: President’s Luncheon

June 18: Diversity Program,

National Underground Railroad Freedom Center

Tuesday, July 7- Monthly Luncheon / Light Lunch Session

Repeat of Distilling the Twitter Hype

Back by popular demand, Distilling the Twitter Hype will be ‘retweeted’ on Tuesday, July 7 by Kevin Dugan and Jackie Reau at the Greater Cincinnati Health Foundation Conference Facility.  Don’t miss out this round and register online today!

Love it or hate it, there’s no denying Twitter’s popularity. Even celebrities like Ellen DeGeneres, Martha Stewart and Ashton Kutcher are talking about Twitter – and using it.

What is Twitter? How can you use it to engage with key stakeholders?  What should you be “tweeting”? Who should you be following? Join Cincinnati’s own Kevin Dugan as he provides insight  at Cincinnati PRSA’s first light lunch session. Session moderator Jackie Reau will facilitate your questions and offer additional insight. Learn how you can effectively use Twitter to build awareness, engage key audiences and build your own social media presence.

July: Social Networking Event

August 11: Changes in the Media Landscape

September 25: Katie Paine,

PR Measurement Guru

October: Media Day

November 10: Peter Shankman,

HARO founder

December: Holiday Social Networking Event

Luncheons are typically held on the second Tuesday of each month but may vary depending on speaker and location availability.

Click here to check out further details on upcoming luncheons and other events on the Cincinnati Chapter’s website.  (http://www.cincinnatiprsa.org/meetings.htm)

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Accreditation Corner

Resources Available for APR Candidates

By Debbie Copeland-Bloom, APR

I earned my APR eight years ago. It wasn’t easy. It took commitment and work. Would I do it again? Absolutely. Do I recommend that others pursue accreditation? Yes!

My views are shared by others who have earned their APR. Research conducted by PRSA shows that:

• 96 percent of PR professionals say the APR is a valuable credential.
• 94 percent would become accredited again.
• 96 percent would recommend accreditation to a friend.
• 91 percent say accreditation is a source of pride.
• 78 percent say it has helped them develop their professional skills.
• 75 percent say it provides personal benefit.
• 58 percent say the accreditation process provided them with the knowledge necessary to help them resolve ethical issues.

In the past two years, PRSA has added valuable resources to help APR candidates prepare for the readiness review and exam. It has created an extensive study guide that provides an overview of topics candidates may find on the exam. There is an online study course and you can “demo” the exam. And, of course, there is our chapter’s 10-week APR prep class that will be held beginning in August.

If you are considering earning your APR, please email me at dbloom@one.net. If you know a colleague who you believe will benefit from earning accreditation, send me his or her name and email address, and I’ll reach out to the individual.

Read more about accreditation on the PRSA National Web site, www.praccreditation.org .

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Blacksmith Awards

Blacksmith Awards - Monday, May 18

Sponsorship Opportunities

By Ashley Walters

The Blacksmith Awards, presented by the Cincinnati Chapter of PRSA, honor the best of Greater Cincinnati’s public relations community, from talented, experienced practitioners to stellar work that has local, national and international impact. For the past four years, leaders in the profession have gathered to celebrate local PR excellence; and in doing so have made the Blacksmith Awards a premiere event to attend.

This awards ceremony offers organizations a unique opportunity to stand before the best and the brightest PR professionals in the area. Approximately 150 practitioners are expected to attend. Several sponsorship levels are available to enable your organization to share its message and services to this unique audience. Opportunities include:

Presenting Sponsor - $2,500

• Overall event sponsorship: “2008 Blacksmith Awards presented by (company name)”
• Logo placement in event program
• Eight complimentary tickets (full table) to the event (valued at $400)
• Full-page ad in the Blacksmith Awards program
• Opportunity to welcome guests and deliver introduction to the host of the event
• Signage displayed at the event
• Invitation to provide literature/promotional items to attendees
• Recognition on the chapter’s Web site, which attracts an average of 1,800 visits per month
• Recognition on the chapter’s Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter pages
• Recognition in post-event news release announcing winners

Program Sponsors - $350

• Logo placement on event program
• Two complimentary tickets to the event (valued at $100)
• Full-page ad in the Blacksmith Awards program
• Signage displayed at the event
• Recognition on the chapter’s Web site, which attracts an average of 1,800 visits per month

Award Sponsors - $150

• Logo placement in the event program
• Company name announced prior to selected category
• One complimentary ticket to the event (valued at $50)
• Recognition on the chapter’s Web site, which attracts an average of 1,800 visits per month

For more information on these sponsorship opportunities, or to reserve your sponsorship, please contact Ashley Walters at 513-762-1783 or awalters@northlich.com. Deadline to secure a sponsorship is April 28, 2009.

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Diversity Section

Getting Started!

By Dawn Woods, APR

I was struggling a little this month with a topic to write about. However, after attending our most recent luncheon on Twitter which was a huge success (thank you, Kevin and Jackie) it was very apparent to me that out of an attendance of 80 Public Relations professionals, there were few Public Relations professionals of color at this meeting.  I and Laura Carr, our chapter President, were the only two African Americans, and judging from the last names, there may have been a few others at the meeting of Hispanic/Latino background.

Nevertheless, I left with the following thoughts and questions:

• Few people of color; what does it mean to our chapter and the future of Public Relations in Cincinnati?
• Do diverse members and guests feel welcomed and want to come back?
• What kind of outreach are we involved in to attract more Diversity to our chapter?
• As individual members what strategies can we use to reach out to individuals of different backgrounds?
• Are we able to articulate the PRSA commitment to Diversity?

• Are we providing enough education for members to understand the relevance of Diversity to their everyday work?

The PRSA National Diversity Mission Statement:

The PRSA National Diversity Committee advances the objectives of and develops an inclusive Society by reaching and involving members who represent a broad spectrum of groups, but not limited to, ethnic, racial and sexual-orientation, and by providing professional development, knowledge and support to professionals of diverse race, age, disabilities, gender, sexual orientation or ethnicity to help them succeed in public relations.

National PRSA Objectives:

• Develop a one-year effort that will further diversity within the Society by providing tools, information and outreach to at least 50 percent of the Chapters to create a Society that truly reflects the diversity of the country.
• Expand inclusion of diverse speakers and topics related to multiculturalism or diversity in at least 20 percent of the professional development programs.
• Become a resource for diversity knowledge, education and awareness in the industry by working closely with industry and ethnic media.
• Partner with at least three other organizations with diverse professional memberships to provide member benefits or work jointly on industry programs.

I am interested in your responses to my questions and welcome your answers, questions or comments.  I can be reached at dpwoods@health-partners.org and 513/551-1474. Also, please share your ethnicity or cultural background if possible. Thank you!

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Media Day

Looking for Committee Members
By Sarah Pasquinucci, APR

If you are looking to get more involved in PRSA, the Media Day Committee is looking for members. Media Day is our biggest event of the year, and gives committee members an opportunity to be a part of an amazing event with well-known professionals. The event takes place in the fall and meetings will start next month. If you are interested, please contact Sarah Pasquinucci at Pasquinucci.sm@pg.com or 513-983-2324.

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New Members

NEW:

Elliot Campbell

224 E 8th St, Apt. 613

Cincinnati, OH  45202

847-525-2048

elliotc@alumni.northwestern.edu

Kristen Leigh Jones

157 Fox Hills Lane

North Bend, OH  45052

513-258-4419

kljones@bu.edu

Michael Laatsch

VP Public Relations

Western & Southern Financial Group

400 Broadway

Cincinnati, OH  45202

513-629-1220

michael.laatsch@wslife.com  

REINSTATED:

William E. Brewer, APR

Clinical Faculty

Miami University

153 Williams Hall - Dept of Communication

Oxford, OH  45056

513-524-2227

brewerwe@muohio.edu

Gayle J. Linkletter

Mgr, Global Commun

Kendle

441 Vine St, Ste 1200

Cincinnati, OH  45202

513-562-1716

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New Professionals

New Professionals

By Darcy Little

May Event

Hey, New Pros!  We’re planning a Digital Media/Social Media workshop with a terrific speaker or two toward the end of May.  Keep an eye on your inbox for an invitation with more information in the next couple weeks!

Social Media

You can now follow Cincinnati’s PRSA New Pros on Twitter: @CinPRSANewPros!

Join our Facebook group, too (you must be in the Cincinnati FB network to have access): “PRSA New Professionals Cincinnati Chapter.”

Call for speakers

Would you be interested in sharing your experience with the PRSA New Pros?  We’d love to listen to your stories.  E-mail cincynewpros@yahoo.com if you’d like to be added to our speakers list!

Call for new members

If you’re a new or young professional, we’d be thrilled to have you at our events!  If you’d like to be added to the New Pros’ e-mail list, send a message to cincynewpros@yahoo.com.

2009 Cincinnati PRSA New Pros committee:

• Darcy Little, chair
• Lauren Boettcher
• Allison Brinkman
• Kristin Doige
• Ashley Van Sickle
• Brandy Williams

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Job Bank

Cincinnati’s PRSA’s Job Bank

By Maureen Richmond

Looking for some economic stimulus in your life? Hoping to bail out of your current position into something bigger and better? Seeking to end unemployment in your corner of the world? Take a moment to review the Cincinnati PRSA Job Bank, http://www.cincinnatiprsa.org/jobBank/index.php.

This valuable resource connects local employers with talented professionals working to make a difference in the region’s communications landscape. Career opportunities are updated regularly, and participation is free for members.

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Sponsorships

Is Cincinnati’s PRSA Chapter the right platform to spread your message?

Just ask yourself two simple questions.

By Ashley Walters

• Do you want your message in the hands of 250 of the cities best and brightest PR professionals, decision makers and leading influencers?

• Does reaching 165 diverse organizations sound appealing?

If you answered yes to either of those questions then you are at the right place. Below are the exciting sponsorship opportunities available for Cincinnati’s PRSA Chapter this year.

If you don’t find what you are looking for, don’t worry. Give us a call and we will help create a specialized sponsorship package that meets your individual needs.

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Corporate Sponsor - $1,500 (August 2009 – July 2010)

• One ticket to every monthly luncheon - $230 value
• Right of first refusal for presenting sponsor at the Blacksmiths 2010
• Logo displayed on Cincinnati’s PRSA Web site for 12 months
• Logo on every postcard and meeting reminder
• One Program Sponsorship of your choice - $500 value (see Program Sponsor for more details)
• Five entries into our Sponsor Drawing (see Sponsor Drawing for more details)

NOTE: The corporate sponsor is an exclusive offering that will only include one company, agency or non-profit. It is on a first come, first served basis.

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Program Sponsors - $500 (maximum of two sponsors per month)

• Two tickets to program - $46 value
• Two minutes to speak about service/company before luncheon
• Ability to have a trade show booth, provided by sponsor
• Logo on all meeting materials
• Logo on Web site during month of the meeting
• Ability to put materials on tables during the meeting
• Ability to give away a prize - collect business cards
• One entry into our Sponsor Drawing

NOTE: This year we will be accepting up to two program sponsors. These sponsors cannot be competing businesses. It is on a first come, first served basis.

Additional Opportunities

In addition to our luncheon sponsorships, we have other opportunities such as media day, happy hours, New Professionals events, brown bag lunches and Blacksmith Awards. Specialized sponsorship packages can be designed based on your specific needs.

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Sponsor Drawing

In December, we will hold a sponsor drawing. Each program sponsor gets one entry per sponsorship and the corporate sponsor gets five entries. The drawing winner will receive an ad on our home page for the entire year of 2010.

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Sponsorships can be secured up to 12 months in advance. You can secure a date, a subject (e.g., ethics luncheon) or a specific speaker once known. Because of the increased demand this year, we recommend you secure your spot as soon as possible.

For more information on any of the above please contact Ashley Walters at awalters@northlich.com 513-762-1783. We are excited to have you be a part of Cincinnati’s PRSA Chapter.

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Volunteer Bank

UCAN Needs PR Volunteer

By Ann Keeling

UCAN is in need of a public relations professional who could volunteer his/her time ongoing (either as a member of the marketing committee or as a board member).  

The ideal candidate would have 3-5+ years of experience in public relations, specifically on the media relations side, and have solid contacts with local media (local meaning Greater Cincinnati and surrounding counties in Ohio, KY & Indiana), and have a passion for animals.  

The estimated time commitment would be 3-7 hours per month, depending on the needs of the organization, and whether or not this is a committee role or a board role.  

Interested candidates should contact Ann Hill, UCAN Executive Director at 513-762-0130 or arhill@ucancincinnati.org

Nonprofit for Elderly Needs Your Help!

Healthcare communications/marketing

By Nancy Lyons

PHC Foundation seeking PR help.  We want to get the word out to Cincinnati’s philanthropic community that there is an organization serving a seemingly forgotten generation right here at home. 

The PHC Foundation is a leader in providing home health care for low-income seniors in western Hamilton County.  PHC Foundation is the only independent (not affiliated with, nor supported by any national agency or charity), nonprofit home health care agency in western Hamilton County providing home health, personal care and homemaking services.

Certified Nurse’s Aides and Home Health Aides assist older adults with meal preparation, medication reminders, laundry, bathing, light housekeeping and companionship - under direct supervision of a Registered Nurse - in the privacy of their own homes.         

PHC Foundation’s clients are the poor, needy and elderly (at least 60 years of age) residents of western Hamilton County.  We serve an average of 65 seniors per year. 

Those who need our services are physically unable to perform everyday tasks without help.  Activities we take for granted every single day are simply unattainable for many older adults.

Any help with publicity, communications, writing, web, special events, etc. would be greatly appreciated!

We’re just trying to make a difference in our community and let people know that we’re out here.  Cincinnati’s elderly community will benefit by us reaching potential board members, volunteers and donors. For more information www.privatehcfoundation.org

Contact Information:

Nancy Lyons

Development Director

PHC Foundation

Nancy@privatehcfoundation.org

513-662-8999

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College View

University of Cincinnati PRSSA:

Miami University PRSSA:
http://www.orgs.muohio.edu/muprssa

Stimulating Communication: How Obama is Voicing the Economic Recovery Plan

By Tara Pizzola

Since Dec. 2007, we have seen unemployment rise and the market lower.  We have seen the government talk down the practices of Wall Street big businesses, and in turn, we’ve seen the Obama administration talk up the needs of a stimulus package in the efforts to jumpstart the American economy.

On Feb. 17, President Obama signed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, a $787 billion stimulus package, into law.  Though admitting the bailout alone “won’t turn the economy around and solve every problem” (words from a police graduation ceremony in Columbus, Ohio), Obama has acknowledged in an NBC interview that it is his job to “get this thing back on track.”

While the unprecedented spending plan is developed and slowly entering implementation, there is no doubt that national conversation has certainly been seized.  Through traditional methods, Obama has gathered his team to help correspond with the American people as well; the team that exercised such blockbuster communication skills during the presidential campaign. 

Overwhelmingly, the Obama camp has sung the praises of this policy victory while attempting to rally American support through various means of communication.

Most notably was Obama’s presidential address to Congress on Feb. 24.  Though a traditional and necessary routine of communication to American legislature, Obama and company made sure coverage of his address to the joint session was especially exposed to the public.

Aside from the live feed of the address on the White House website, a first in presidential history, the Obama team arranged the text of the president’s remarks on The White House website.  The extensive speech was placed on the site promptly as the Congressional address began at 9 p.m. This was done so the public could read along as Obama spoke about the state of the economy and urged Americans, both its governmental bodies and its people, to accept the need for the massive spending plan.

Of course, Facebook has played a key role in Obama’s communication tactics.  Along every step of the way, the Obama team has updated its Facebook page with related posts of the Economic Recovery Plan; a strategy, perhaps, to inform the younger public of the march to economic relief.  The page contains several links to YouTube videos, forums, blog posts, and applications regarding his site www.my.barackobama.com.

To broaden communication and support, the Obama website displays several ways for Americans to become involved and spread their voice.  There is a page urging Americans to thank Congress for voting in favor of the Economic Recovery Plan—you simply enter your address to find out which of your Congressional representatives voted in favor of the Act. 

There is even a pledge page titled Organizing for American Pledge Project.  Here, the Obama team explains the two-part project: the plan and the pledge.  With a brief explanation of the plan—President Obama’s plan to rebuild and renew America by creating jobs and investing in what he believes are three areas most critical to America’s future:  energy, healthcare, and education—Americans can, in turn, pledge their support.  By doing this, you enter your name and email address to support Obama’s bold approach for renewing America’s economy.

Lastly, but not conclusively, the Obama administration has set up www.recovery.gov, a website that allows the public to literally track the Recovery Act’s progress every step of the way.  The site states, “The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act will be carried out with full transparency and accountability—and Recovery.gov is the centerpiece of that effort.” 

Within the site, the Obama administration has vowed to feature information on how the Act is working, tools to help the public hold the government accountable, and up-to-date data on expenditure of funds.  As time progresses, the site will include information about Federal grant rewards and contracts in addition to formula grant allocations.  This will be displayed through interactive graphics to illustrate where the money is going, as well as estimates of how many jobs are being created, and where they are located.  As Obama anticipates money beginning to flow, more data will become available in tracking the funds.

It is no lie that the Obama team is able to exhibit epic communication skills.  Regardless of how well Obama is currently displaying those campaign-winning communication skills, the status of America’s economy is undeniably unfamiliar turf, and thus, the need for transparent and consistent communication is imperative for both the knowledge and support of the American people. 

Northern Kentucky University:

www.nkuprssa.org

Xavier University PRSSA:

Contact Taryn Kukucka, Member, 412-292-0699

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Visions Viewpoint

Hoping To Inspire Good Things Going Around With New Blog

By Lisa Desatnik

Do you know someone who has gone out of his or her way to make a difference in the lives of others? Lisa Desatnik, communication contractor and consultant, is looking to share positive stories of just plain goodness, stories that will serve to inspire more goodness. And thus, help keep good things going around. If you’ve got something to share for consideration, please contact Lisa at lisadesatnik@fuse.net or 513-984-5474. Her blog is located at www.goodthingsgoingaroundcincinnati.com

Pitch Guests & Topics to Business Focus

By Rodger Roeser, APR

Eisen Management Group president Rodger Roeser is returning to his roots and parlaying his success with current radio talk show That Marketing Show into its online television counterpart – Business Focus. The online show, which features many local and national business leaders, is slated to debut at www.eisenmanagementgroup.com in October. The show records at the Greater Cincinnati EMG location in downtown Newport, Kentucky in their new online television recording and editing studio. The show will also do remote shoots on location for certain high profile guests.

“Doing the news has always been in my blood, and I will always say that I am a news person first – always will be,” Roeser said. “Being a newspaper editor, and also working in broadcast for years helped shape how I approach public relations and marketing, and I believe that is a key reason why our clients and EMG have been so successful. This show is an extension of that success, and reflects things that I am truly passionate about – that is sharing expertise to make better business leaders and helping our business community to promote itself in this medium.” 

Roeser explained that the show will be a simple talk format with host and guest, and each segment will run approximately five minutes. Business leaders or their public relations representatives are encouraged to pitch show producers regarding guests and topics at businessfocus@eisenmanagementgroup.com.

This program continuing in 2009 … look for ID cards at a PRSA Luncheon

F.I.N.S. Program

(Flash ID –N- Save)

The F.I.N.S. program is designed to offer PRSA members an easy, short-step option toward purchasing tickets to the Newport Aquarium at a discount.

What is F.I.N.S.?  

F.I.N.S. is an acronym for “Flash ID -N- Save”.  When members come to the Newport Aquarium, have them show their organization’s ID badge at the ticket window.  The Newport Aquarium is able to provide preprinted cards with PRSA’s name on them to be distributed soon to members.  These cards will act as an ID badge.  The member and their guests will receive discounted ticket prices. (They must have their current, valid, organization ID to receive the discount.)  Showing their organization’s ID badge will provide a $2 discount for each adult and child ticket purchased and a $3 discount for every senior ticket purchased.  This discount will be taken off of the regular general admission price.

Some of the unique benefits of this program are:

• No out-of-pocket money needed prior to a visit.
• No worries about losing a paper ticket.
• Member discount applies every day of the year…. no expiration date.
• Discounts can be applied to every visit members make to the aquarium, as long as they show a current, valid, member ID badge at the ticket window.

The Newport Aquarium reserves the right to change the General Admission Price, and/or benefit(s) to the F.I.N.S. Program at any time during the Agreement. 

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Member/Agency/Company News

• Northlich has been recognized as a finalist for the 2008 SABRE Award in two categories:
  1.) Government Agencies - Exposing the Infiltration of Tobacco, One Campus at a Time - The Ohio Tobacco Prevention Foundation with Northlich
  2.) Fashion and Beauty - You Can Stand Under Our Umbrella ‘Ella, ‘Ella - totes-ISOTONER with Northlich
• The U.S. Small Business Administration`s (SBA) Midwest Regional Office, which covers the states of Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio and Wisconsin, recently presented the 2009 Home Based Business Champion Award to The Voice of Your Customer, a marketing consulting firm that operates from a home based office in the residential community of Walnut Hills. 

Crystal L Kendrick, President, The Voice of Your Customer

Request for News!
By Shasta Taber

If you, or you know someone, that is a member of the Cincinnati Chapter of PRSA that has received an award, been promoted or recently hired, or even their company/agency has received an award, or new client please share it with the rest of the chapter by submitting a short article to Shasta Taber, newsletter editor at srtaber@hotmail.com.  Articles submitted in a Microsoft Word document would be greatly appreciated.

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PRSA National News (from www.prsa.org)

Hardship Plan for PRSA Members

PRSA is pleased to offer a financial hardship plan to our members who are unemployed or temporarily disabled. The plan will be launched April 1. The terms of the plan are stated below.

1. The financial Hardship Plan is available to anyone who has been a member of PRSA for a total of five or more years and is unemployed, and who is currently up for renewal of his/her membership (has received one or more invoices).

a. Those working part time — regardless of whether or not they are practicing public relations — are not eligible.

b. Members who recently lapsed and who meet these criteria may apply for the plan.

c. Members who recently renewed at the full dues rate and who meet these criteria may request a refund of $110; the amount of the hardship credit.

2. Temporarily disabled members, including those on maternity leave, also are eligible for the plan provided they meet the terms of service stated above.

3. The hardship dues rate for regular National members is $115, a savings of $110 from the full dues of $225. Some Chapters also have reduced their dues as part of this plan; ask us about your Chapter. Professional Interest Sections and Fellows dues have NOT been reduced.

4. The hardship dues must be paid in full. The hardship rate cannot be combined with the Quarterly Payment Program.

5. This is a one time offer of one year duration — in other words, an individual may only apply to have their dues reduced under the hardship program once over their lifetime.

6. Members who renew with the hardship plan will still receive all PRSA member benefits.

7. To apply for the hardship program, members must complete and sign a short application on which they attest that they are unemployed or temporarily disabled and must submit any applicable dues.

Members wishing to take advantage of the hardship plan should notify a Member Services representative at membership@prsa.org or (212) 460-1400. Member Services will send the member a short application which states the terms of the plan, asks the member to indicate whether they are unemployed or temporarily disabled, and asks them to sign it. Members may pay the adjusted dues by mail, fax or phone. They cannot renew online if they are opting for the hardship plan. The member’s renewal will be processed once the application and the renewal have been received at PRSA National.

Mail: PRSA, Member Services Dept., 33 Maiden Lane 11th Fl., New York, NY 10038-5150    Fax: (212) 995-0757

San Diego to Host Premier Conference for Public Relations Professionals
The Public Relations Society of America Celebrates 50 Years in America’s Finest City

NEW YORK (April 1, 2009) — The Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) has selected San Diego as the host city for its 2009 International Conference, to be held Nov. 7-10 at the San Diego Marriott Hotel & Marina.

More than 3,000 attendees from 25 countries took part in last year’s International Conference, which injected $1.8 million into the local Detroit economy. San Diego — with its vibrant public relations community, strong Accreditation program, excellent educational connections and long-running ties to PRSA — offers a perfect backdrop for the 2009 Conference.

PRSA’s San Diego Chapter, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2009, is serving as the International Conference’s official host. What’s more, the City of San Diego won PRSA’s coveted Silver Anvil Award in 2008 for its communications outreach during the 2007 wildfires. San Diego Mayor Jerry Sanders’ communications team also was honored that year with PRSA’s PR Professional of the Year Award.

Understanding that the San Diego region is home to the country’s largest concentration of armed services, the International Conference also will offer a number of educational sessions tailored to unique military communications issues. Additionally, PRSA is offering active U.S. military personnel a special discounted rate to attend the conference.

“More than ever, this year’s Conference provides networking opportunities that public relations practitioners can’t afford to miss, especially in this economic environment,” said Marisa Vallbona, APR, Fellow PRSA, International Conference co-chair and director of San Diego-based CIM Incorporated and PRConsultants Group Inc. “Those who have attended the Conference in years past have come away with valuable contacts, knowledge and friendships, and some have even landed clients and jobs because of networking opportunities.”

PRSA, with more than 32,000 professional and student members, is the world’s largest and foremost organization for public relations professionals. The organization is responsible for representing, educating, setting standards of excellence, and upholding principles of ethics for its members and, more broadly, the $4 billion U.S. public relations profession.

World’s Foremost Public Relations Event
The PRSA International Conference is widely considered to be the world’s foremost event for public relations professionals. The Conference offers professional development sessions led by more than 200 experts in a variety of public relations disciplines.
 
This year’s Conference theme, “Delivering Value,” focuses attention on the importance of public relations at a time when many organizations are cutting back on their marketing expenditures. Trade publications Advertising Age and B2B, for example, have predicted that public relations will be among marketing’s bright spots in 2009, while The Economist noted that, “For business, public relations is an increasingly vital marketing tool — especially as traditional forms of advertising struggle to catch consumers’ attention.”

The International Conference will present four distinct study “tracks” organized around innovative strategies; effective tactics and techniques; specialization and practice areas; and public relations’ roles, outcomes and value to individuals, corporations, governments and other organizations. The curriculum also will include in-depth training on emerging trends and technologies.

Denis Wolcott, APR, president and CEO of the Los Angeles-based Wolcott Company, is International Conference co-chair. Honorary co-chair is U.S. Navy Lt. Cmdr. Brook DeWalt, APR.

PRSA to Offer Free Education and Training Webinars to Members, Nonmembers

NEW YORK (March 11, 2009) — In light of current financial uncertainties affecting the U.S. economy, the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) is offering a series of educational and training webinars, free of cost. The free webinars, which will be available to PRSA members and nonmembers alike, will cover timely industry topics and are intended to aid the professional development of public relations practitioners who are facing financial hardships in the current economy.

“While the economic slump is affecting individuals in different ways and to varying degrees, PRSA wants to ensure that it does not cost them opportunities to broaden their professional skills,” says William Murray, PRSA president and COO. “We understand that professional development budgets are under tremendous pressure, so this is a great opportunity for industry professionals to sharpen their knowledge and skills, at a time when such opportunities may be beyond their reach.”

An upcoming PRSA free webinar:

Proving and Improving PR’s Value and ROI
How So Many People Get It Wrong and How You Can Get It Right
May 5, 3–4 p.m. EDT
Join Mark Weiner, CEO of PRIME Research in North America, as he discusses the challenges facing the public relations profession in quantifying its value and return-on-investment (ROI). Learn how to uncover the value system within your own organization and develop public relations strategies and tactics which prove value and deliver ROI. Registration will be available in late April.

Also available is access to the playback of the March free webinar, “How Smart Measurement Can Help You Survive the Media Revolution.” This session surveys the largely uncharted terrain of today’s media landscape, the challenges it presents to public relations professionals and how a carefully conceived measurement program can help practitioners demonstrate their effectiveness in the new environment. Click here for the playback of this webcast.

PRSA is providing these webinars with the support of corporate partner, Thomson Reuters.

Additional free learning opportunities will be announced throughout the year. For more information on PRSA’s Professional Development offerings and a calendar of all upcoming events, click here.

PRSA's Jobcenter Launches New Job Mentoring Program Providing Expert Career Advice for Public Relations and Communications Professionals

Participants Receive Career Advice, Resume-Writing Tips and Interview Coaching From PRSA's Accredited Experts

NEW YORK (March 9, 2009) — Professionals using the Public Relations Society of America’s (PRSA) Jobcenter will now find the site easier and more functional when searching for communications and public relations jobs. PRSA recently added “Job Mentor” and “Ask the Experts” (courtesy of College of Fellows) programs to the Career Resources portion of Jobcenter, making it a fully featured career resource site that offers more information and easy-to-use functionalities for job seekers and employers.

Jobcenter provides job seekers access to free advice from a job mentor who is a career expert in resume writing, interviewing techniques and building networks. Job seekers also can access the “Ask the Experts,” which allows them to pose questions regarding what to say and not say in interviews, how to respond to salary requirement queries, what to do if submitting resumes but not getting interviews, and much more.

“These two newly launched Jobcenter programs give job seekers the edge they need in today’s market,” said PRSA President and COO William Murray. “The PRSA Jobcenter provides career development tools and expert advice to aid job seekers in securing their first job, advancing in their field or transitioning into the public relations and communications industry.”

PRSA also continues to engage TopRank Online Marketing to provide search engine optimization and promotion services to extend the visibility of Jobcenter listings on Web sites, such as Google, Yahoo and Microsoft Live. TopRank works with some of the largest companies on the Internet.

Attention PRSA Members: Take Advantage of Preferred Insurance Rates
New Insurance Offerings for Members and Chapters Now Available

NEW YORK (Feb. 18, 2009) — The Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) announces a new member benefit that allows you to get the insurance coverage you need for you, your family and your business at preferred rates. The new program includes health, dental and life insurance for members or their families, and general liability, directors and officers, and errors and omissions insurance for your business. The general liability insurance also is available to Chapters for special events.

“PRSA is pleased to extend the insurance benefits program, which members may find cost-effective for their families and businesses,” said William Murray, PRSA president & COO.  “We’ve made this available as a pass-through benefit for our members — so they’ll be getting the best deal the broker has available, with PRSA having no financial stake in the transaction.”

This new program replaces insurance programs previously available to PRSA members and Chapters. Members receive preferred rates through PRSA's insurance broker. Below is a sampling of products offered to members:

• Health Insurance — covers medical and hospital expenses for individuals and organizations. Plans vary by state.
• Dental — covers treatments and services, including orthodontics. Plans are available to corporations, individuals and their families.
• Business Office Insurance — covers against “all risks” to the contents of your office, extra expenses incurred if you are unable to use your office space, as well as General Liability/Special Event Liability. Limits available up to $5 million.
• Public Relations Professional Liability — protects your business from lawsuits against an error of omission. Limits available up to $5 million.
• Cyber/Internet Liability — protects your intellectual property if your laptop computer is lost or stolen.

For more information, log in to MemberNet and click on Member Benefits.

Search Thousands of Public Relations Jobs for Communications Professionals on PRSA’s Updated Jobcenter
Job Seekers Can Post Resumes Anonymously at No Cost; Pre-Screened Filters Helps Employers Narrow Down Candidates

NEW YORK (June 16, 2008) Using the Public Relations Society of America’s (PRSA) Jobcenter is now easier and more functional than ever when searching for communications and public relations jobs. PRSA recently launched the updated and redesigned Jobcenter, which is now a fully featured career resource site that offers more information and easy-to-use functionalities for job seekers and employers.

Posting a resume is FREE, and an anonymous resume posting option for job seekers is now available. Career resources also include a job alert system, career search management, access to Job Bulletin, a weekly e-newsletter, and a library offering more than 100 career-based articles. Posting a resume on Jobcenter provides members with career resources and access to a public relations and communications targeted community of more than 32,000 members, including more than 9,900 students, as well as a database of 45,000 public relations, corporate communications and other communication professionals from across the country.

“The PRSA Jobcenter now contains enhanced career development tools in a more user friendly platform,” said PRSA President and COO William Murray. “As the world’s largest and most targeted association for public relations professionals, it was only fitting for us to develop one of the most robust public relations and communications job centers in the industry. Our newly launched Jobcenter guides job seekers and employers with career-related articles, filtering capabilities, easy access for viewing resumes and job postings, career mentoring and increased coverage of listings for the functional areas of public relations, communications and marketing.”

Employers now have the benefit of pre-screen filters, bulk posting and a user-friendly candidate management system. Moreover, PRSA has developed a new heavily discounted pricing structure for members. A targeted public relations job board, designed for job seekers, saves time for employers when identifying prospects since candidates are asked their location preferences, job specializations and salary requests. 

In addition to enhancing the Jobcenter design and functionality, PRSA has engaged TopRank Online Marketing to provide search engine optimization and promotion services to extend the visibility of Jobcenter listings on Web sites, such as Google, Yahoo and Microsoft Live. TopRank works with some of the largest companies on the Web.

Make a Difference - PRSA is Seeking Volunteers!

(found in March 2007 PRVisions)

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National PRSA Calendar of Events (April & May)

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Past PRVisions Issues

March 2009

February 2009

January 2009

December 2008

November 2008

October 2008

September 2008

August 2008

July 2008

June 2008

May 2008

April 2008

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