Inside you'll find the most up to date PRSA news on the local front (including local winners from East Central District’s Diamond Awards, pictures from the joint Holiday Event with the AMA, sponsorship opportunities for the Blacksmith Awards and 2008 plans for the New Professionals group), new articles from PRSSA chapters from Miami University and Northern Kentucky University, 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.
By Shasta Taber
Dear Members:
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.
Shasta Taber
Newsletter Editor
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By Rob Pasquinucci, APR
Those of you who know me know I tend to be short and sweet, so the "President's Letter" section of this newsletter will only appear when there is something of importance I would like to share with you. I'm very excited about our plans for the coming year, and hope to see you at the Blacksmith Awards or an upcoming luncheon.
As we get ready for a new year of PRSA, we want to hear your thoughts. Please visit our programming survey at http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=vDunL72b6okxgvXM2W69gQ_3d_3d.
Best wishes for the holidays and successful 2008!
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Below are pictures from the December 14th joint Holiday luncheon:
    
SPONSOR OPPORTUNITIES
Get some great exposure for your company and sponsor a section of the website or one of the Cincinnati chapter's meetings or events. Contact Elaine Zeinner via email, ezeinner@aaa-alliedgroup.com.
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Click here to check out further details on these upcoming luncheons and other events on the Cincinnati Chapter’s website. (http://www.cincinnatiprsa.org/meetings.htm)
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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!
By Connie Kolita, APR
Hi All … well, “they” say you can’t get what you want unless you ask … so I’m asking … I am in need of meeting room options for our spring/summer 2008 APR review course. As the individual who oversees this typically 10-week (once a week) evening course, my “wish list” includes space that is close to downtown, has (preferably free) parking, and may even be dog friendly a few times. The room should be able to accommodate, say, a dozen people, and I anticipate we’ll begin the class in late April. If you have ideas, please e-mail me. Thanks so much in advance… Connie K. p.s. If you are interested in taking our next review course, feel free to e-mail me also and I will put you on my list! Thanks.
(from March 2007 PRVisions)
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 Dinner- Thursday, January 24
Contemporary Arts Center
More details to be posted shortly.
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 two 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.
The Chapter would like to extend thanks to the following sponsors:
Presenting Sponsor:
Program Sponsors:
Award Sponsors:
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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:
Leslie R. Meiring
Pub Affrs Spec
Hamilton County Department of Environmental Services
250 William Howard Taft
Cincinnati, OH 45219
513-946-7754
Cassie J. Rodgers
P R Spec
Episcopal Retirement Homes, Inc.
3870 Virginia Ave
Cincinnati, OH 45227
513-272-5555, ext. 4288
crodgers@erhinc.com
Lilkeisha M. Smith
Mktg Coord
Coldwell Banker WestShell
7946 Beechmont Ave
Cincinnati, OH 45255
513-474-5000
lilkeisha.smith@cbws.com
Kathleen M. Sweeney
Mktg Coord
Messer Construction Company
5158 Fishwick Dr
Cincinnati, OH 45216
513-482-4436
ksweeney@messer.com
REINSTATED:
Adam R. Booher
Account Executive
Business Wire
1001 Lakeside Ave, Ste 1525
Cleveland, OH 44114
216-781-0220
adam.booher@businesswire.com
Zachary P. Hart
35 E Lakeside Ave
Lakeside Park, KY 41017
859-572-5573
hartz@nku.edu
Mary Ann Lynn
Dir, Mktg Commun & P R
Carew International
3805 Edwards Rd, 4th Fl
Cincinnati, OH 45209
513-621-0229
reedma5@fuse.net
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By Jonathan Kissell
The Cincinnati PRSA New Professionals committee met on Dec. 13 and discussed the future of the group. We discussed programming, committee roles and communication with new professionals. We also created a new e-mail address dedicated specifically for the New Pros group: cincynewpros@yahoo.com.
Programming Ideas for 2008
This is a list of topics for possible New Pros events in 2008. We would love to hear your feedback about these ideas. Send it to cincynewpros@yahoo.com.
- Media Partnerships
- PR in a Comprehensive Marketing Campaign
- Speed Networking with Mentors
- PRSA Luncheon Preview
- Communicating with Clients/Executive
- PR Campaign Planning: Back to Basics
- Focus on PR: B2B vs. Consumer vs. Public Affairs vs. Investor Relations
- Independent Practitioners: The Good, Bad and Ugly
- Copyright Laws During an Online Era
- PR Horror Stories
- Media Pitching
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 Announces 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
How to Become a Member
Please send an e-mail to cincynewpros@yahoo.com if you are interested in becoming a member of the Cincinnati PRSA New Pros group or if you would like additional information.
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Miami University PRSSA:
http://www.orgs.muohio.edu/muprssa
From October 2007
By Emily Kuhn
Most people tend to think of a brand as something that is sold, but many forget that it can also be something that sells us. The school from which a person receives their degree often impresses potential employers or clients; because of the brand that University or College embodies.
A school’s brand represents more than just academics and research. Reputations, organizations and athletics are few among a list of other parts that make up a University’s brand. Hayes Roth, Vice President of worldwide marketing at Landor Associates said, "Schools have realized that this is a very competitive market. If you want more students and get more money, you need to give more point of difference.”
Every year dozens of publications go out to all different audiences of Miami University. Prospective students, current students, faculty, staff, alumni, and state legislators are just a few to name. Yet if one was to compare these materials sent out they may or may not realize they are from the same school because of the different variations and lack of cohesiveness they exhibit.
Dionn Tron started as the Associate Vice President for University Communications on October 1st and has many exciting and innovative plans for Miami. To go in-line with President David Hodge’s five-year strategic goals, a committee will be formed to centralize and promote the Miami brand in the upcoming years.
In Spring of 2002, Laws Hall & Associates worked to, “create a campaign to strengthen Miami University’s brand recognition among academically talented prospective students, their parents, and high school guidance counselors in targeted existing and newly identified secondary markets,” according to their website. Five years later, the new committee will seek to update and improve Miami’s brand recognition, building on these same principals.
Tron describes the main goal for Miami’s brand recognition as, “focusing and updating the Miami brand.” The committee to work on Miami’s brand will include a variety of individuals across the University, including students. “Students are a big piece of who we want to talk to, we want them to be part of the process,” Tron said, “My plan is to involve people in all different groups, bicentennial, athletics, deans of the different schools, everyone will be brought into this.”
A school’s website is a window into their image, and is seen by thousands annually. Tron describes the website as “pretty de-centralized” commenting on the separate and unlinked pages of different sites between the different schools. Tron comments that the website needs a modern and contemporary touch, with a standard outline shared by all departments and schools.
An important aspect of branding is a single image or logo that represents the organization. Currently Miami features several different logos found in publications, on the website and in mailings. The Miami “M”, the 1809 lantern, the University seal, and the Redhawk are among images used by different departments and services on campus. If a student were to pick up one of the official student planners, the “Miami Memos”, they would see all four images featured on the cover. One of the goals in brand recognition of Miami University is to centralize these images and make them more recognizable.
When speaking with many Miami University students, they will describe their four years as “one of a kind” or “irreplaceable”. A goal of this initiative is to find a better way to put that sentiment into one message. "Enlightened people want to have a cohesive argument for why their school is best," Roth said. "They need to simplify the cacophony of messages that go out."
"Recruitment directors and deans live or die by where they stand in the US News & World Report rankings," explains Roth. "Schools literally say 'We are at Number 32, how can we get to be Number 25?' One clear way to do that is to communicate better, to have a story—a brand.”
The U.S. News & World Report released their 2008 rankings in early September, ranking Miami University as number 67. “Miami has good ratings, but they are not where they should be because people don’t know us,” Tron said, “We really want more of the world to know about this place and what makes it unique.” 
Northern Kentucky University:
www.nkuprssa.org
By Kelly Warman
As the semester comes to an end, I realize that I graduate in just a few short days. My experience with the PRSSA helped me through four and a half years of school and I am sad to go. Looking back, our Chapter has taken great strides in the past four years, many of them in the past year.
This past semester we raised over $2500 in various sponsorships and fundraisers. We were able to send eight delegates to the 2007 National PRSSA Conference, allowing us to gain tools and knowledge necessary to excel in our field. Three members of our Chapter will be attending National Assembly in March, at least one is running for PRSSA National Committee. In addition to our presence at national PRSSA events, we held a Silent Auction, taught a PR seminar to local Girl Scouts Troops, volunteered at the Special Olympics and started a student-run PR firm at NKU. It has been quite a year.
Without the help of our advisor, Dr. Zach Hart and our professional advisor, Chris Kemper, some of these opportunities would have never come my way. I want to take this opportunity to express my gratitude not only towards them, but towards every PRSA member who has influenced one of us. We do watch you, we do pay attention and we do learn from you. It is you that keeps us motivated.
Thank you to Shasta for the opportunity of submitting an article to the PRSA newsletter. Each month I sit at my computer wondering what approach to take, whether I should write an article about a new trend or write about what is going on with our Chapter. It has been such a wonderful experience and I am truly blessed to have had it.
Looking back, these were some of the best times of my life, and I can’t wait to enter into grad school and work in the wonderful world of PR.
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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.
By Shasta Taber
East Central District’s Diamond Awards – please click on the link to see which Cincinnati PRSA members, agencies and companies received these awards…. http://www.ecd-prsa.org/events/diamond.html
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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Contact Joe DeRupo
917-579-9223
Rhoda Weiss, APR, Fellow PRSA – the National Chair and CEO of the 32,000-member Public Relations Society of America, the world's largest organization for public relations professionals – is available to help lead the expert commentary and dialogue on public relations and reputation management topics. Weiss is based in Los Angeles and is available for live/taped appearances via network affiliate studios in the L.A. market, as well as telephone interviews or comment via e-mail. Bio appended below.
Rhoda Weiss’s comments include:
• “Recent cases of national interest involving government offices/agency media relations lend themselves to an important dialogue about the roles and responsibilities public relations professionals have – acting as press secretaries in governmental settings or in any corporate / organizational communications position – in their day-to-day jobs of representing organizations while also serving and balancing the public good.”
• On press secretary decision-making when dealing with tenuous circumstances – “Public relations professionals who abide by a strong code of ethical conduct – such as PRSA’s Code of Ethics – and who speak or facilitate communications on behalf of their organizations, rely on a professional relationship with their organizational managements based on trust.”
o “If and when public relations professionals are used as a conduit to communicate inaccurate or misleading information, all fundamental aspects of an organization’s own reputation are undermined, not to mention the individual reputation of the public relations professional involved.”
o “Public relations professionals who discover that they are being placed in any kind of position to lie, mislead or obfuscate by their managements must make critical decisions that may well impact their employment status. The professional’s options generally fall into two categories:
1. Counsel their management as to the inherent ethical violations of the public trust that such behavior involves and to seek to direct management decision-making toward transparency and truth to preserve organizational reputation, or
2. Upon clear indication that management will not divert from deceptive or deliberately misleading communications practices, to submit one’s resignation forthwith.”
• “Public relations professionals must remain committed to a code of ethical conduct that may very well lead to a forced decision to resign from employment where the fundamental obligation to balance the public good is compromised. And indeed, such a level of commitment to ethics is what separates true professionals in the public relations field from those who knowingly engage in dishonest communication and thereby discredit this profession – not to mention themselves and their organizations as well.”
• “PRSA encourages organizations to employ qualified, ethics-driven public relations professionals at a senior management level of decision-making input and authority. Such professionals can help clarify and delineate not only what constitutes ethical management communications but also what constitutes ethical policy and decision-making where relationships with stakeholders are involved and the reputation of the organization is at stake.”
Relevant PRSA Code of Ethics Provisions:
The following PRSA Code of Ethics provisions are relevant to situations where public relations professionals are responsible for the management of information on behalf of organizations they represent:
FREE FLOW OF INFORMATION
Core Principle: Protecting and advancing the free flow of accurate and truthful information is essential to serving the public interest and contributing to informed decision making in a democratic society.
Intent
• To maintain the integrity of relationships with the media, government officials, and the public.
• To aid informed decision-making.
Guidelines
A member shall:
• Preserve the integrity of the process of communication.
• Be honest and accurate in all communications.
• Act promptly to correct erroneous communications for which the practitioner is responsible.
DISCLOSURE OF INFORMATION
Core Principle: Open communication fosters informed decision-making in a democratic society.
Intent
• To build trust with the public by revealing all information needed for responsible decision making.
Guidelines
A member shall:
• Be honest and accurate in all communications.
• Act promptly to correct erroneous communications for which the member is responsible.
• Investigate the truthfulness and accuracy of information released on behalf of those represented.
• Reveal the sponsors for causes and interests represented.
• Avoid deceptive practices.
ENHANCING THE PROFESSION
Core Principle: Public relations professionals work constantly to strengthen the public's trust in the profession.
Intent
• To build respect and credibility with the public for the profession of public relations.
• To improve, adapt and expand professional practices.
Guidelines
A member shall:
• Acknowledge that there is an obligation to protect and enhance the profession.
• Decline representation of clients or organizations that urge or require actions contrary to this Code.
• Report ethical violations, whether committed by PRSA members or not, to the appropriate authority.
To arrange interviews contact:
• Primary Contact: Joseph DeRupo, Associate Director, Public Relations / PRSA, 212-460-1495 (office) or 917-579-9223 (cell) or joseph.derupo@prsa.org
• Back-up Contact: Mary Beth West, APR, Chair, PRSA Advocacy Advisory Board, 865-982-6626 or mb@marybethwest.com
(found in March 2007 PRVisions)
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November 2007
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