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. 

-Rob Pasquinucci, APR (Cincinnati PRSA Chapter President)

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

On the local front:         

     September's Diversity Seminar & Luncheon   - click here

     New Pay Online Option for Events - click here

     Finalized Dates for APR Classes - click here

     New Diversity Section - click here

     Ethics Quiz Deadline Extended - click here   

     New Media Day Information - click here

     New Professionals 2009 Committee Request- click here

New articles from PRSSA chapters from:    

     Miami University – click here                

     Northern Kentucky University - click here     

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.  Including an opportunity to help Newport Aquarium & Hamilton County’s Foster Care Program - click here.

Editor's Note

Do the Research & Win!

By Shasta Taber

Dear Members:

As the previous and only winner of the Ethics Quiz, I highly recommend taking a quick break from work and do a small amount of research to answer those three questions.  It only took me about 5 – 10 minutes and the $20 gift card was worth it… trust me I’ve already spent it!  Where else can you work for just a short amount of time for that amount of money?

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!  In fact I would like to thank Stacy Sill for taking the Happy Hour pictures that are featured in this newsletter.

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

EVENT REGISTRATION MADE EASIER

By Anne Campbell

Online event registration will now be available for all monthly luncheons.  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 contact information for the event attendee.  Once you click submit you will be taken to a shopping page to select a registration option (Member, Non-Member, etc.).  After you click on the “Buy Now” button a secure window, hosted by PayPal, will open for you to view your cart.  You can continue to shop or check-out.  While PayPal hosts the online registration, you do not need a PayPal account to pay.  All major credit cards are also accepted.

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Chapter News

Pictures from July’s Happy Hour
At the Oceanaire

Pictures provided by Stacy Sill

Sponsorship Opportunity - Luncheon Raffles

By Sarah Pasquinucci, APR

Want two minutes to speak to the chapter without forking over the money to sponsor an event? Now you can! Just donate an item for a raffle (Must be $25 value or more) – whether it is Zoo tickets, Reds tickets, an ipod gift card or something related to your company or business. Just donate an item for a raffle and you can pick the winner at the meeting and give a brief elevator pitch about your business. Email Sarah Pasquinucci at spasquinucci@cgmarcom.com to set up your month for a drawing!

2008 New Sponsorship Structure

By Sarah Pasquinucci, APR

With the anticipation of ground-breaking speakers, unbeatable networking and dynamic events in 2008, we are changing our sponsorship structure to give our sponsors more opportunities.

Our growing chapter includes 260 members – communication going to more than 450 - who specialize in public relations, communications and marketing within corporations, agencies and non-profit. Our meetings fill ballrooms with nationally-known speakers and local experts. Our Web page receives countless visitors, accommodating those seeking information about the organization and the industry.

Please review the opportunities below. With our increased attendance and high-level speakers, we anticipate sponsorships will go fast. So, please contact Sarah Pasquinucci at spasquinucci@cgmarcom.com as soon as possible to secure your spot.

Corporate Sponsor (1) - $1,500 (pro-rated due to start in March)

• One ticket to every monthly luncheon
• $230 value (approx.)
• Right of first refusal for presenting sponsor at the Blacksmiths 2008
• Logo displayed on Cincinnati PRSA Web site for entire year (Jan-Dec)
• Logo on every postcard and meeting reminder
• One program sponsorship of your choice (first come first served re: date)
• $400 value

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

Program Sponsors (2) - must be non-competing businesses - $400 each

• 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

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

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 2009.

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

In addition to our luncheon sponsorships, we will have additional opportunities such as media day, happy hours, New Professionals events, brown bag lunches and Blacksmith Awards. We will make you aware of these opportunities as they arise.

Sponsorship opportunities are available beginning with our March program (in order to receive full exposure benefits, they must be secured soon).  Our March program will feature Buzz Buse from the Chamber.

Please secure your spot today!

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Mark Your Calendar

SEPTEMBER 9, 2008 - MORNING SEMINAR & MONTHLY LUNCHEON

In a nation rich with diverse cultures and ethnic identities, using just one approach to public relations can be limiting. The Cincinnati Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) is hosting an in-depth, professional development seminar and expert panel on maximizing multicultural initiatives on Tuesday, September 9, 2008.

Nadia Fiorello, Director, MultiVu Latino, a PR Newswire company, will present a program entitled “From Media Relations to Measurement: Maximizing Your Multicultural Initiatives in 2008,” which is traveling nationwide to various PRSA chapters. Fiorello will feature insights, tactics and tools for the execution and measurement of successful multicultural public relations programs with a concentration on media relations.

With more than seven years in the communications field, Fiorello helps clients create a full suite of media solutions for television, radio and the Internet targeted at the complex and fast growing U.S. Hispanic market. In addition, she has also worked in television production as a producer and story coordinator for Telemundo, Urban Latino TV and Inside Edition.

The morning seminar will be followed by a dynamic panel discussion that includes Fiorello and local multicultural public relations experts to discuss the latest trends and positioning strategies to reach diverse communities.

October 8, 2008 - Media Day

November 11, 2008 - Monthly Luncheon - Jim Wiseman, VP External Affairs, Toyota

December, 2008 - Joint Holiday Luncheon with AMA

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

FINAL Fall 2008 APR Review Course Dates Announced -

We're Serious This Time - Location Finalized Too!

By Connie Kolita, APR

O.K., regardless of the information we may have publicized the past few months, below are the FINAL dates of the Fall 2008 chapter APR Review Course (and it’s all of these dates; it’s a once-a-week-for-10-weeks type of thing):

All THURSDAYS (not Tuesdays as stated previously):

September

• 18,
• 25,

October

• 2,
• 9,
• 16,
• 23,
• 30;

November

• 6,
• 13,
• 20.

TIME:  All 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.

LOCATION:  Yes, we finally have a location! It’s the Oakley Community Center, 3882 Paxton Ave., Oakley (7 mi. east of Cincinnati), 45209, 513.321.9320. The Center is in Hyde Park Plaza next to (to the left of) bigg’s grocery and Bob Sumerel Tire. There are softball fields behind the building. There is free parking. Thanks so much to the Oakley Community Center for accommodating us!

If you haven't already, e-mail Accreditation Chair Connie Kolita (KolitaCM@fhlbcin.com) if you would like to take the fall course ASAP.   We are trying to get an idea of the number of chapter members interested.

PLEASE NOTE:  A Person MUST be a member of SOME PRSA chapter (does not have to be Cincinnati) in order to take part in any of the activities related to earning an APR – PRSA Cincinnati review course, sitting for Readiness Review, taking the Computer-Based Examination.

The course is a great way to learn much of the information needed to earn your APR designation.

New E-mail Address, APR?  Let Us Know!

By Connie Kolita, APR

APRs: Anytime you get a new e-mail address (position change, etc.), please inform us via Accreditation Chair Connie Kolita (e-mail KolitaCM@fhlbcin.com). We strive to have the most current chapter APR list possible. Thanks!

Calling Current Chapter APRs: Readiness Review Help Needed

Are you an APR interested in sitting on a local APR Readiness Review panel? You’ll earn one (1) APR maintenance point for each panel on which you sit and help your fellow chapter members achieve the designation. We need three APRs per Readiness Review panel. We will help get you up to speed beforehand on how to serve as a panelist.

Let us know if you are interested in participating in either of these activities!

For more information about any of the blurbs above, contact Cincinnati Accreditation Chair Connie Kolita at KolitaCM@fhlbcin.com. You can also read about accreditation on the PRSA National web site, www.prsa.org, click on Accreditation (APR) link.

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Blacksmith Awards

Request for Committee Members

By Megan Licursi

Cincinnati PRSA annually recognizes the best of our area’s public relations people with our awards ceremony, the Blacksmith Awards.  Planning for 2008-2009 is underway and we’re starting by putting together the committee. Responsibility will be minimal (unless you want to play a bigger role!) and this is a great way to be a bigger part of our chapter. 

So, what does a committee member have to do?  We’re looking to elevate the Blacksmiths, really make them a sought-after award. The committee will play an instrumental role in that. Last year’s committee raised the bar with a YouTube video to launch the awards, so we have our work cut out for us.  We know the Blacksmiths need a new brand identity and we’ll start there. We’re also looking for ways to make this appeal to sponsors. And, one key change will be to open the application process to agencies outside of the area—provided the work they did took place in Cincinnati. 

As you can see, there’s a lot of work that needs to be done, so we’re looking for people willing to share their A-game with us. 

If that’s you, send me an e-mail: megan@licursi.net

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Diversity Section

September Event Focuses on Reaching Diverse Communities

By Renea Morris

Join fellow PRSA members on Tuesday, September 9th to gain insights for building and measuring successful multicultural public relations programs. With a concentration on media relations, hear Nadia Fiorello, Director, MultiVu Latino, present “From Media Relations to Measurement: Maximizing Your Multicultural Initiatives in 2008,” in Cincinnati as one of the stops on a traveling nationwide tour.

Scheduled for the day is a morning seminar followed by a panel that includes Fiorello and local multicultural public relations experts discussing the latest trends and positioning strategies to reach diverse communities.

August Features Left Handers Day

By Renea Morris

Each year I look forward to August because it is my birth month. Recently, however, I discovered another reason to celebrate – “Left Handers Day” on August 13. Left-handedness is the preference for the left hand over the right for everyday activities and it is common for many left-handers to do some things with their right hands.

In my family, my mom and I are the only left-handers and endured countless negative comments associated with doing things “backwards.” After discovering this special day just for left handers to recognize those individuals that make up less than 10 percent of the population, I realized that there are many reasons to celebrate this diversity. Here are a few facts about left-handers below:

• Many left- handed-people exhibit some degree of ambidexterity.

I use a computer mouse and wear a watch like most right-handers. Also, I can write pretty well with my right hand.

• Left-handed people can see more easily underwater and excel at some sports such as swimming and tennis.

I’m not sure how to gauge my underwater viewing capabilities, but I do enjoy tennis.

• Barak Obama, Angelina Jolie and one in four of the Apollo astronauts are left-handed.

I’ve probably shared a similar left-handed childhood experience with these well known personalities. Maybe politics, acting or even space travel are in my future!

“We all should know that diversity makes for a rich tapestry, and we must understand that all the treads of that tapestry are equal in value no matter their color " 

– Maya Angelou (And their handedness doesn’t matter either!)

How Left or Right-handed Are You?

There’s diversity within your handedness. We all, of course, know in which hand we hold a pen, but how far does this bias extend throughout your body? Are you left-eared? Left eyed? Here is a simple test you can apply to yourself.

1. Imagine the centre of your back is itching. Which hand do you scratch it with?
2. Interlock your fingers. Which thumb is uppermost?
3. Imagine you are applauding. Start clapping your hands. Which hand is uppermost?
4. Wink at an imaginary friend straight in front of you. Which eye does the winking?
5. Put your hands behind your back, one holding the other. Which hand is doing the holding?
6. Someone in front of you is shouting but you cannot hear the words. Cup your ear to hear better. Which ear do you cup?
7. Count to three on your fingers, using the forefinger of the other hand. Which forefinger do you use?
8. Tilt your head over on to one shoulder. Which shoulder does it touch?
9. Fixate a small distant object with your eyes and point directly at it with your forefinger. Now close one eye. Now change eyes. Which eye was open when the fingertip remained in line with the small object? (When the other eye, the non-dominant one, is open and the dominant eye is closed, the finger will appear to move to one side of the object.)
10. Fold your arms. Which forearm is uppermost?

If you have always considered yourself to be left or right-handed you will probably now have discovered that your body is less than total in its devotion to its favored side. If you are right-handed the chances are that you were not able to be 'right' 10 times.

Source: www.leftshandsday.com

Upcoming National Events

DIVERSITY IN ADVERTISING/PR CAREER DAYS

If you’re interested in exploring advertising and PR career opportunities at an event that embraces diversity, you can learn more by attending one of the upcoming Diversity in Careers Job Fair. Go to http://www.prsa.org/diversity/ for more information.

• October 23, 2008 - Navy Pier - Chicago, IL

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Ethics Brief

Ethics Quiz

By Debbie D. Copeland-Bloom, APR

Due to a lack of entries, last month’s Ethics Quiz has been extended. Don’t miss out on your chance to win a $20 gift certificate. You can review the PRSA Code of Ethics at http://www.prsa.org/aboutUs/ethics/preamble_en.html to find the answers to the three questions below. Send your answers to dbloom@one.net by midnight, Sunday, September 14. If you get all three answers correct, you’re in the drawing for a $20 gift certificate!

July/August/September Ethics Quiz

1.  The PRSA Code of Ethics currently in effect was adopted in:

     A.  2000

     B.  2001

     C.  2002

     D.  2003

2.  Support for the “right of free expression” is explicitly stated as part of PRSA’s professional value of:

     A.  Advocacy

     B.  Expertise

     C.  Independence

     D.  Fairness

3.  Providing “a voice in the marketplace of ideas” is an explicit aspect of the professional value of:

     A.  Advocacy

     B.  Expertise

     C.  Independence

     D.  Fairness

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MEDIA DAY

Decision 2008: It’s time for you to decide….

By Elaine Zeinner, APR

Traditional print or blogs?

Press release or phone call?

Employee communication campaign or company newsletter?

In today’s fast-paced environment, the decisions public relations professionals must make seem to be multiplying faster than the number of presidential candidates’ TV commercials.  How can you continue to keep your media relations campaigns relevant when target audiences are turning to more and more diverse news outlets? 

Join us for Decision 2008, Cincinnati PRSA’s annual Media Day program on Wednesday, Oct. 8th at Drees Pavilion in Devou Park, Covington to participate in the debate on media relations. 

You choose how to spend the day, based on what issues are most relevant to you.  David Mendell, reporter and author, will kick off the day speaking on his experiences writing about politics and working with PR professionals.  Participants can then choose from one of three break-out sessions, led by top PR professionals in the area.  Back by popular demand are media roundtables, giving you the opportunity to participate in three small group discussions hosted by members of the local media.  The event ends with a Happy Hour overlooking the Cincinnati skyline.  Watch your inbox for more details; including bios for speakers and roundtable hosts!

About David Mendell:

David Mendell is a politics and urban issues reporter for Chicago Tribune. He has also covered major national news including the Columbine High School shootings and the Seattle riots spurred by meetings of the World Trade Organization.  After covering Barack Obama’s campaign for U.S. Senate, David researched and wrote a biography on the Senator.  “Obama: From Promise to Power” was published in August 2007.  David, a native of Cincinnati and alumnus of Northern Kentucky University, currently lives in Oak Park, Illinois.  Read more about David at http://davidmendell.blogspot.com.

Decision 2008: Cincinnati PRSA Media Day

Space is limited.  Cost: $150 for PRSA Cincinnati Chapter Members; $175 for Non-members.  The deadline to register is Friday, Sept. 26.

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Mentoring Program

If interested in information about the mentoring program; either becoming a mentor or being matched up with a mentor please contact:

Pam Gilchrist, APR

PR~Link Public Relations

(859) 431-9090

pgilchrist@pr-link.com

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New Members

NEW:

REINSTATED:

Kathryn G. Bollmer

Corp Commun Mgr

Cognis Corporation

5051 Estecreek Dr

Cincinnati, OH  45232

513-482-3016

kathy.bollmer@cognis.com

Amy E. Caruso

Dir, Commun

National Speaking of Women's Health Foundation

625 Eden Park Dr, Ste 200

Cincinnati, OH  45202-6057

513-419-6581

Katherine M. Kossmann

Sr Assoc, Corp Commun

Convergys Corporation

201 E 4th St, Ste 14-167

Cincinnati, OH  45202

513-723-8956

katherine.kossmann@convergys.com

Pamela E. McDonald

VP of Pub Affrs

Time Warner Cable

11252 Cornell Park Dr

Cincinnati, OH  45242

513-489-5908

Amy Bly Williams

P R Spec

Convergys Corporation

201 E 4th St

Cincinnati, OH  45201

513-723-6161

amy.williams@convergys.com

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New Professionals

Be Part of the 2009 New Pros Committee

By Jonathan Kissell

Are you looking for a way to enhance your career? Do you have ideas about what is important to new PR practitioners?  If so, you may be the perfect candidate for the PRSA New Pros planning committee.

The New Pros group is seeking members to serve on the 2009 planning committee. Members of the committee develop, plan and implement monthly events and programs for the New Pros group. The New Pros committee usually meets four times each year to discuss the upcoming programs. The meetings typically last about an hour.

If interested, please contact Jonathan Kissell at cincynewpros@yahoo.com with your name and contact information.

Golf Outing with AMA Recap

By Jonathan Kissell

The Cincinnati chapters of PRSA and the American Marketing Association (AMA) teamed up this year for a golf outing. Nearly 70 golfers hit the fairways of the Ridge Club on Aug. 11. The AMA has hosted the outing for many years and invited PRSA to partner in this year’s event. Thank you to Cision, Marketwire and Enquirer Media for assisting as PRSA sponsors of the event.

About the PRSA New Professionals

The New Professionals group is a network of PR practitioners new to the industry, typically with five or fewer years experience. Our meetings address issues pertinent to a new PR professional. There are many benefits for becoming involved in the New Pros group, including:

• To establish relationships with fellow new professionals,
• To develop your professional career,
• To learn more about PRSA and its offerings.

Membership is free. You do not have to be a member of PRSA to attend New Pros functions, but we highly encourage you to join PRSA. Please send an e-mail to cincynewpros@yahoo.com if you would like to be added to our e-mail list or if you would like additional information

Call for Experts

Are you a PRSA member searching for a way to give back to your chapter? The New Pros group continually searches for experts willing to speak at our events. Please e-mail cincynewpros@yahoo.com if you are interested in becoming a featured speaker.

Join the New Pros on Facebook

There’s an easy way to stay connected with the New Pros group – join our Facebook group. The group’s name is “PRSA New Professionals Cincinnati Chapter.” We look forward to seeing you there.

New Pros 2008 Committee

The committee plans, implements and evaluates the New Pros events and programs.

• Katie Busching
• Emily Carpenter
• Susan Eggemeier
• Jessie Erickson Folmar
• Lauren Doyle
• Stephanie Kehn
• Jonathan Kissell, chair
• Darcy Little

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Volunteer Bank

Give Back Cincinnati (GBC) Seeks Volunteers for Communications Committee
By Cheryl Besl

Give Back Cincinnati (GBC) is looking for several volunteers for its Communications Committee.  GBC holds approximately 10 large-scale volunteer and civic engagement activities, as well as social events each year.  Members of the Communications Committee will help post events on calendar listings and generate media interest and coverage of the events.  GBC is a Cincinnati-based nonprofit organization of approximately 2,700 members that works to enhance its communities through volunteerism. In addition, the organization partners with local and regional nonprofits to broaden the scope of their impact outside the Cincinnati community. For more information, visit www.givebackcincinnati.org, and to express interest in the Communications Committee, please email communications@givebackcincinnati.org

The Cincinnati PRSA Volunteer Bank Is Open for Business
By Jeff Seal, APR

Volunteer your PR skills to a worthy cause and you can make new contacts, add material to your portfolio and earn APR maintenance points. 

Visit the volunteer bank at

http://www.cincinnatiprsa.org/volunteer/index.php

. If you know of a nonprofit organization that would like to request volunteer PR assistance, please have them contact Jeff Seal, APR, at jseal@fuse.net.

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College View

University of Cincinnati PRSSA:

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

from April 2008

Healthcare communication provides variety of opportunities

Healthcare is one of the fastest-growing fields in 2008, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.  It’s also a public relations specialty that you may not have considered as a career choice.  Within the healthcare field, like other areas of communications, there lies a wide variety of employers, specialties and tactics available to the public relations practitioner.

Employers for healthcare public relations and marketing specialists include hospitals, clinics, foundations, insurance companies, medical consulting firms, public relations agencies and many others.  Several major public relations agencies include healthcare divisions, as well. Edelman, the world’s largest independent public relations firm, owns a medical education and publishing unit called BioScience Communications.  In fact, O’Dwyer’s Public Relations database lists nearly 100 public relations firms in the United States that specialize in healthcare.

Health communications specialists may also find their niche in nonprofit organizations or government agencies that raise awareness or specialize in crisis communications.

One function of healthcare public relations is raising awareness about health topics.  In 2000, when asked the #1 killer of women, only 34% of women surveyed knew the answer was heart disease. To address the problem, Ogilvy Public Relations, partnering with the National Institute of Health, conducted a public awareness campaign.  The campaign, called “The Heart Truth,” introduced the red dress as a symbol for heart disease awareness. 

Symbols like the pink breast cancer ribbon, (PRODUCT)RED merchandise for AIDS awareness and yellow Livestrong bracelets (promoting the Lance Armstrong Foundation) are other high-profile examples of healthcare PR tactics.

Public relations specialists in the healthcare industry may also work with crisis communication, when faced with a disease outbreak or public health threat.  According to an article from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention posted on bnet.com, just like in any crisis communication situation, it is important to respond to a disease outbreak by defining your audiences, developing key messages and setting up an easy, efficient and direct communication system to report new developments.  Therefore, crisis communication training is important for professionals working in this niche.

Hospitals, insurance companies and businesses specializing in medical equipment employ public relations and marketing specialists to promote products and services. Some medical facilities send direct-mail newsletters and magazines to patients.  These publications may include health tips or doctor profiles.  Vim & Vigor is a large, syndicated, hospital-sponsored magazine that reaches several different markets in the United States. Healthcare businesses may also promote products and services through business-to-business communications, because trade publications are a major source of information about complex products like medical equipment.

Opportunities for training and professional development are available for students and professionals interested in this field.  Masters degrees in health communication, technical and scientific communication, health marketing and community health education are available in schools throughout the country.  Coursework in public relations is important, but more technical coursework may be required for certain positions.

Healthcare communications professionals can also take advantage of professional networking opportunities.  PRSA recently held a Health Care Communications Strategy workshop in Chicago in early April.  Also, the Healthcare and Communication & Marketing Association (HCMA) is a national organization founded in January 2008 to meet the needs of this growing segment of PR and marketing.  Regional associations like the Midwest Healthcare Marketing Association also provide education, career development and networking opportunities for healthcare communications professionals.

With the growing popularity and development of the health communications industry, it is a realm of public relations worth pursuing for students interested in the public relations field.

Northern Kentucky University:

www.nkuprssa.org

Some Quick Announcements:

By Susan Straw

A new website is being created for our organization and will be packed with info about our organization and its officers and past events and successes.

Check out our site which is coming soon www.nkuprssa.org 

Also we will be trying to fundraise for our conference trip to Detroit this fall.  Notice of any opportunities would be greatly appreciated. 

We will have more announcements in the Fall after the semester begins and classes and events get rolling.

Xavier University PRSSA:

Contact Taryn Kukucka, Member, 412-292-0699

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Visions Viewpoint

Volunteers Needed for Aquarium Event

By Nicole Ropp

Newport Aquarium's Nauti Nite is Saturday, October 18th, 2008.

Nauti Nite benefits the Aquarium's conservation efforts and youth education programs.

Join Honorary Captain Holter Graham of Planet Green's Wa$ted, a reality show that goes inside homes around the country, teaching people how to shrink their ecological footprint (and save money in the process!) We'll cruise for conservation and travel the aquarium to honor and protect sharks, penguins and sea turtles.         

At Nauti Nite, guests cruise from port to port enjoying cuisine and cocktails from Jean-Robert de-Cavel and Oceanaire and will have the opportunity to have exotic animal encounters, watch dive shows and participate in a silent auction featuring incredible items.

Thanks to our friends at Wordsworth Communications for their support of this event! We welcome additional assistance by way of volunteers, sponsors or donations of silent auction items.

If you can help the WAVE Foundation, or would like to be added to the guest list for this event, please contact Nicole Ropp at nropp@deanhouston.com or Jill Isaacs at jill@okeeffecom.com.   

For more information about WAVE at the Newport Aquarium, visit http://www.wavefoundation.org/events/index.php

We are a FaceBook event at http://www.new.facebook.com/event.php?eid=20967685764

Matthew 25: Ministries

By Joodi Archer

August 21, 2008 CINCINNATI, OH – Matthew 25: Ministries, an international humanitarian aid and disaster relief organization located at 11060 Kenwood Road in Blue Ash is shipping humanitarian aid and conflict relief to the country of Georgia, formerly the Georgian Soviet Socialist Republic.  Located in Southwestern Asia, bordering the Black Sea between Turkey and Russia, Georgia is the center of an armed conflict that is driving inhabitants out of their homes and disrupting villages and towns.  Strategically located east of the Black Sea, Georgia controls much of the Caucasus Mountains and the routes through them.  31% of Georgians live below the poverty line, and conditions during these late summer months are exacerbating the already flammable situation. 

Two containers including donations from Matthew 25: Ministries just arrived in Georgia and were distributed to refugees from Tshinvali and Gori, two of the major areas affected by the current conflict.  As part of its Disaster Preparedness Program, Matthew 25: Ministries hopes to ship six containers to the conflict area in September.  According to one of Matthew 25’s distribution partners, who are currently on the ground near the disputed area, the refugees and victims of this armed controversy are in urgent need of fall and winter clothing, sturdy shoes, cleaning products such as soap and detergent and personal care items.  Shipping to this part of the world is extremely expensive, so additional funding support will also be required to complete this delivery. 

Georgia is largely mountainous and prone to earthquakes, with some good soil in river valley flood plains.  Only 12% of the land is arable.  Georgia is also struggling with air and water pollution as well as soil pollution from toxic chemicals.  This current clash is affecting those who can least afford it the most.  Matthew 25: Ministries is accepting cash donations for the shipment of disaster relief products to Georgia, as well as donations of NEW clothing and shoes, cleaning and personal care items.

Matthew 25: Ministries rescues and reuses 10,000,000 pounds of corporate discontinues, misprints, overruns, off-spec, slightly damaged, returned and past season products each year and redistributes them to people in desperate need throughout the US and worldwide. In 2007, Matthew 25: Ministries rescued 10,106,582 pounds of products valued at $83,378,144.  These products generated more than 11,000,000 individual acts of assistance.  Matthew 25’s disaster preparedness program was developed as a result of relief efforts with the Tsunami, Hurricane Katrina and the Pakistani earthquake.  This program allows Matthew 25 to respond quickly with life-saving products and monetary donations for product purchase.

Matthew 25: Ministries holds a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator and was awarded the “Best Charities in America” seal from the Independent Charities of America.  For every $1 donated, Matthew 25 delivers $124 in humanitarian aid.

For additional information contact Joodi Archer at (513) 793-6256.  

Foster Parents Needed:

Collaboration Brings New Campaign for Hamilton County Foster Care Program

By Mike Boehmer, APR

More than 800 Hamilton County kids in foster homes and 260 awaiting adoption need your help.

They would greatly appreciate your assistance in getting the word out about the need for foster and adoptive parents.  

Invite a speaker to talk to your employees -- or request a supply of brochures or posters. Run an article in your an internal newsletter. Any other ideas welcome! 

Hamilton County suffers from a critical shortage of foster homes, placing our most vulnerable children at great risk.   

Foster home capacity has reached a critical low point. 

In Hamilton County, there are more than 800 children in foster care on any given day, while less than half the number of parents who expressed interest in years past have stepped forward this year.  

Among the factors contributing to this decline is media coverage surrounding the Marcus Feisel case, which painted foster parenting in a negative light, stigmatizing what is an honorable and respected service.   

With fewer homes available, about a third of Hamilton County foster children must be placed in homes outside of the county -- a practice that has harmful consequences for their long-term success.   

• The transition into foster care is even more traumatic, magnifying behavior issues.
• Changing schools makes academic success even more unlikely.
• Keeping siblings together becomes more difficult.
• Reunification is more complicated, causing longer stays in foster care. 

Our community must increase the number of local foster homes to ensure that children stay in familiar surroundings.  A coalition of community leaders has developed a publicity campaign aimed at recruiting new foster parents. This collaborative includes all three Hamilton County Commissioners, Northlich, the United Way of Greater Cincinnati, Clerk of Courts Greg Hartmann, Hamilton County Job and Family Services, the Foster Child Enrichment Council and eight of the region's private foster care providers.   

This campaign, developed pro bono by Northlich, has raised awareness and generated interest in foster parenting.  The theme, "Everyday Heroes," presents foster parents as heroes for providing stable homes to children in need.   

This message has been incorporated in a television commercial, outdoor advertising and a grassroots recruitment effort.  Several media outlets and advertising companies are donating airtime and billboard space. 

We have begun to support those efforts with grassroots efforts such as community presentations and literature distribution. 

Any help from you would be greatly appreciated.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Cincinnati Flier

This program continuing in 2008 … 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.

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Member/Agency/Company News

• Kevin Wilson Public Relations, Inc. (KWPR), a full service public relations agency, announced that Brandy Williams has joined the agency as Account Coordinator.

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)

Arthur Yann Joins PRSA as Vice President of Public Relations

NEW YORK (Aug. 14, 2008) — The Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) announced today that Arthur Yann has joined the organization as its vice president of public relations.

In this position, Yann will strengthen PRSA’s efforts to advocate for the public relations industry and its professionals through thought leadership and public discourse on communications best practices, ethics and other relevant topics, and by helping to create a broader understanding of public relations’ role and value as a business tool. He also will work closely with PRSA President and Chief Operating Officer William Murray to support the achievement of key organizational goals in the Society’s 2008–2010 Strategic Plan, such as maximizing member value, facilitating interactive dialogue, and creating a more diverse and global society.

“Arthur impressed us with his ability to research, plan, execute and measure award-winning public relations campaigns for a diverse clientele with wide-ranging needs,” says Murray. “His membership in PRSA and volunteer work also has exposed him to our Society and the spirit of working in a volunteer organization. As such, I’m sure he will assess our opportunities and challenges quickly and start to move our public relations function in some new and exciting directions.”

In his more than 20 years of New York agency experience, Yann has launched and revitalized consumer and business products, developed national and local media relations strategies, managed corporate reputations and crises, and built brands. Prior to joining PRSA, he was a senior vice president at HealthStar Public Relations, where the campaign he directed in 2007 and 2008 for weight-loss aid, alli®, won a Gold SABRE, three Big Apple and three Silver Anvil awards for outstanding public relations research, execution and results.

Earlier, Yann spent three and a half years as director of the New York office of CKPR, where he led a team of professionals serving a roster of iconic consumer and business brands, such as Brookstone, GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare, HBO Video, KeyBank, Kohl’s Department Stores and MeadWestvaco. While there, he led the team that won a 2007 Silver Anvil for its campaign to launch Nicorette® gum.
 
For the past two years, Yann has served on PRSA’s Honors and Awards Committee, and chaired its Bronze Anvil Subcommittee in 2008. He also is a former speaker at the Society’s annual Counselors Academy Spring Conference. He holds a journalism degree from Ohio University.

Scripps Executive Gary McCormick Nominated as 2009 PRSA Chair-Elect

14 Others Nominated to National Leadership Positions

NEW YORK (Aug. 5, 2008) – Gary McCormick, APR, Fellow PRSA, director, partnership development, HGTV, Scripps Networks, Knoxville, Tenn., has been nominated as the 2009 Chair-elect of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) by the Society’s national Nominating Committee, stated PRSA Nominating Committee chair Cheryl Procter-Rogers, APR, Fellow PRSA.

"I am honored to be given this opportunity to lead PRSA on behalf of the 22,000 members who are committed to advancing the profession of public relations,” said Gary McCormick. “Drawing from the diverse viewpoints of our membership, I am confident that we can become one voice to guide the profession’s future growth and success."

Joining McCormick as 2009 nominees are 14 public relations leaders from diverse geographic and professional sectors of PRSA and the profession.

Completing the Committee’s slate of nominees are:

Treasurer
Thomas E. Eppes, APR, Fellow PRSA, senior partner, general manager, Eric Mower and Associates, Charlotte, N.C.

Secretary
Leslie J. Backus, APR, president, Leslie J. Backus Public Relations, Davie, Fla.

Director, East Central
Catherine A. Huggins, APR, assistant vice president of corporate communications, Western & Southern Financial Group, Cincinnati, Ohio

Director, Mid-Atlantic
Steven Lewis Grant, APR, senior manager, public relations, National Education Association, Washington, D.C.

Director, Midwest District
Gail D. Liebl, APR, director, corporate communications, Travelers, St. Paul, Minn.

Director, Northeast District
Gail A. Winslow-Pine, APR, vice president, marketing & corporate communications, Catholic Medical Center, Brentwood, N.H.

Director, Sunshine District
Kathy Nelson Barbour, APR, communications program manager, Mayo Clinic Jacksonville, Jacksonville, Fla.

Director, Tri-State District
Lynn Appelbaum, APR, Fellow PRSA, associate professor of advertising/public relations, program director, The City College of New York, New York, N.Y.

Director, Western District
Donald P. Kirchoffner, APR, Fellow PRSA, senior communications consultant, Don Kirchoffner Consulting, Broomfield, Colo.

At-Large
Deborah A. Silverman, Ph.D., APR, assistant professor of communication, Buffalo State College, Buffalo, N.Y.

Assembly Delegates-at-Large
Additional public relations professionals were nominated to serve as Assembly delegates-at-large at the 2009 Assembly. Nominated to represent members who are not in Chapter areas are:

Carolyn G. Bobo, APR, Fellow PRSA, adjunct instructor, TCU, Fort Worth, Texas and university relations, University of North Texas, Denton, Texas

Susan Van Barneveld, APR, chief executive officer, Antarra Communications, Garden Grove, Calif.

International Assembly Delegates-at-Large
There are two positions available to represent members of PRSA who reside outside the United States and Canada. The Nominating Committee has nominated the following individuals: 

Ann P. Knabe, APR, public relations instructor, communications department, University of Wisconsin-Whitewater and United States Air Force, Waterford, Wis.

Mary Graybill, APR, principal, Graybill Communications, Los Angeles, Calif.

“The Committee had a difficult task with such a large pool of qualified and dedicated PRSA members and leaders,” explained Nominating Committee Chair Cheryl I. Procter-Rogers, APR, Fellow PRSA. “I would like to commend the hard work of the committee, and the professionalism and dedication of all our candidates.”

The nominees will stand for election October 25 at the Society’s annual Assembly, which precedes the PRSA 2008 International Conference in Detroit, Mich. If elected, they will join the 2009 PRSA Board of Directors, which will be headed by current Chair-Elect Michael G. Cherenson, APR, executive vice president of Success Communications Group. As immediate past chair, current PRSA Chair and CEO Jeffrey Julin, APR, will join them in the Society’s governance.

In addition to nominations made by the PRSA Nominating Committee, candidates can also run for election from the floor of the Society’s Assembly. Qualified candidates may enter their names on the ballot by filing a petition with the secretary of PRSA no later than Thursday, September 25. The petition must be signed by at least ten 2008 Assembly delegates. For more information on how you can utilize a petition to get on the ballot, send a request to nomcomm@prsa.org.

Craig Newmark, Founder of Craigslist, to Deliver Keynote Address at PRSA 2008 International Conference for Public Relations and Communications Professionals

Newmark, Creator of the Noncommercial Community Bulletin Board and Top-10 Internet Company, Will Share His Views on the Future of Online Community and Commerce

NEW YORK (July 16, 2008) — The Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) announced today that Craig Newmark, founder of Craigslist, will be a keynote speaker at the PRSA 2008 International Conference, Oct. 25–28, in Detroit. Newmark will deliver the keynote address during the Conference’s General Session on Sunday, Oct. 26. The PRSA International Conference is considered the world’s foremost event for public relations and communications professionals.

“Craig Newmark is one of social media’s chief pioneers, moving from visionary to legend in a few short years,” said PRSA Chair & CEO Jeffrey Julin, APR. “With Craigslist, he has not only become a household name, but also defined a new brand of online communication that has benefited millions around the world.”

Craig Newmark
Newmark created the concept behind Craigslist in 1995 as a simple e-mail exchange service from his bedroom computer. Today, the site has about 10 billion page views per month, about 35 million unique visitors and serves more than 550 cities in 55 countries. As huge as the site has become, it remains a model of modesty and community service, remaining true to its motto of “Give people a break.”

While chairman of the company, which was incorporated in 1999, Newmark continues to work full time as a customer service representative, fighting off spammers, scammers, bad New York apartment listers and other evildoers. Holding 25 years of experience as a Web-oriented software engineer, Newmark worked for IBM for 18 years, as well as for Charles Schwab & Co. He holds a master’s degree in computer science.

PRSA 2008 International Conference
Newmark’s keynote address spotlights the theme of the PRSA 2008 International Conference, “The Point of Connection.” This public relations and communications conference will offer more than 100 comprehensive Professional Development sessions led by more than 200 experts in a variety of public relations strategies and techniques. Sessions are divided into tracks designed for optimal learning and a focus on expertise specific to targeted members of the audience: Innovative Strategies; Effective Tactics and Techniques; Specialization and Practice Areas; and The Connected Profession. Public relations and communications professionals can gain insider strategies and techniques on the hottest topics, including social media, new media, emerging technologies, green marketing, crisis communications, sustainability, reputation, branding, integrated communications — and much more.

General Motors announced earlier this year that it will be the premier sponsor of the PRSA 2008 International Conference. To date, more than 45 corporations, universities and other organizations have signed on to support the Conference. Visit http://www.prsa.org/conf2008/ to view the full Conference schedule and download a PDF of the Conference brochure. The Web site provides a Conference overview, news about keynote speakers, program details, registration information, sponsorship opportunities, hotel and travel options, and more. As the Conference date draws near, additional information will be added. Online registration is now open. Register today at early bird prices and save $200.
 
Other Keynote Speakers
Mitch Albom, best-selling author of “Tuesdays with Morrie,” “For One More Day,” and “The Five People You Meet in Heaven;” sports columnist and popular radio show host and ESPN analyst; founder of metropolitan Detroit-area charities, The Dream Fund, A Time to Help and S.A.Y. Detroit.

Penelope Trunk, author of “Brazen Careerist: The New Rules for Success,” the guide to successfully navigating the modern workplace; blogger of the popular “Brazen Careerist: Advice at the Intersection of Work and Life;” and syndicated columnist at the Boston Globe.

Bob Lutz, General Motors vice chairman of global product development; blogging enthusiast on GM’s “Fastlane Blog,” where he engages customers, car enthusiasts and GM executives, and receives voluminous visitor comments and feedback.

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.

Save the Date

PRSA International Conference, The Point of Connection, To Take Place October 25 – 28 in Detroit

“Tuesdays With Morrie” Author Mitch Albom, Boston Globe Business Advice Columnist Penelope Trunk and GM Executive and Auto Industry Legend Bob Lutz are Among Keynoters

NEW YORK (April 30, 2008) — The Public Relations Society of America (PRSA), the world's largest organization for public relations professionals, formally announced today its 2008 International Conference. The annual meeting, which features more than 100 sessions and 200 speakers, will take place Oct. 23–25 at the Renaissance Center in Detroit. PRSA also released information on some guest speakers who will deliver keynote addresses at the Conference.

Additional information on PRSA’s 2008 International Conference — The Point of Connection — is available at www.prsa.org/conf2008.

Guest Speakers

Among the current roster of keynote speakers is Mitch Albom, who will address the Conference’s General Session on Tuesday, Oct. 28. Albom is a best-selling author, award-winning sports columnist, popular radio show host and ESPN analyst. His writings include “For One More Day,” “The Five People You Meet in Heaven” and “Tuesdays With Morrie,” his chronicle of time spent with a beloved but dying college professor, which spent four years on the New York Times bestsellers list and holds the distinction of being the most successful memoir ever published. All three books have been turned into successful films. Produced by Oprah Winfrey in 1999, "Tuesdays With Morrie" starred Jack Lemmon and Hank Azaria and won four Emmy awards, including best TV film, director, actor and supporting actor. Albom also is known for his charitable works, which anchor him solidly in the Detroit community. He founded three charities that deliver food, shelter and educational services to Detroiters.

Addressing the Monday business luncheon will be Penelope Trunk, expert business advice columnist for the Boston Globe, author of “Brazen Careerist: The New Rules for Success,” and writer of the popular blog, Brazen Careerist: Advice at the Intersection of Work and Life. Her career reflects a dedication to defining success in the modern workplace, where the lines between work life and personal life continue to blur. Her advice speaks to a new business milieu where old rules — such as pay your dues, climb the ladder and work late — no longer apply. She began her career as a marketing executive in the software industry, founding three companies of her own. Her own career choices have been featured by TIME Magazine and the London Guardian as examples of how successful careerists can surmount a surfeit of new workplace issues. Both the New York Times and Business Week have cited Trunk's writings for their targeted insights into the new workplace.

Bob Lutz, who will address the Conference at its Monday General Session on Oct. 27, is vice chairman of global product development for General Motors. His career began at General Motors in 1963 and has led him to senior positions at BMW and the Ford Motor Company. He also spent 12 years with Chrysler, where he led all of the company’s automotive activities, including sales, marketing, product development, manufacturing, and procurement and supply. His Chrysler years are chronicled in his 1998 book, “Guts: The Seven Laws of Business That Made Chrysler the World's Hottest Car Company,” which was revised, updated and retitled in 2003 as “Guts: 8 Laws of Business From One of the Most Innovative Business Leaders of Our Time.” Today, the automotive legend and former Marine fighter pilot is also at the forefront of social media as one of the nation’s top corporate bloggers. GM’s Fastlane Blog, where he is chief blogger, engages customers, car enthusiasts and GM executives and receives voluminous visitor comments and feedback.

Make a Difference - PRSA is Seeking Volunteers!

(found in March 2007 PRVisions)

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National PRSA Calendar of Events (September)

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Past PRVisions Issues

July 2008

June 2008

May 2008

April 2008

March 2008

February 2008

January 2008

December 2007

November 2007

October 2007

September 2007

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