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:
Chapter News (find out how PRSA is getting in to the social
media scene and read a few of the survey results) - click here
New Accreditation Corner - click here
2009 Blacksmith Awards Update - click here
New Diversity Section – click here
New Professionals Section - click here
New articles from PRSSA chapters from:
Miami 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.
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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Left to Right: Darcy Little, Jonathan Kissell, Chris Kemper, Megan Licursi, Dawn Woods, Ashley Walters, Anne Campbell, Sarah Pasquinucci, Jackie Reau, Elaine Zeinner, Rob Pasquinucci, Lisa Desatnik, Shasta Taber, Maureen Richmond, Debbie Copeland-Bloom & Laura Carr
(Not pictured: Adrienne Gutbier, Joe Feiertag, Pam Gilchrist & Josh Hammond)
MEET YOUR 2009 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
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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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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!
Most popular topics requested for 2009 include:
- Technology/New Media Trends (38.2% deemed “I wouldn’t miss it!”)
- Role of PR in the Integrated Marketing Mix (44.6% deemed “Pretty Interesting”)
- Best Practices in Strategic PR Planning (39.3% deemed “Pretty Interesting”)
- Online social networks (32.7% deemed “Pretty Interesting”)
What is the best format for you to participate in Chapter events?
- Luncheon meetings ranked first at 66.7% as “Ideal/preferred”
- Brown-bag style lunch seminars ranked second with 55.8% as “Acceptable/I’d go occasionally”
- After-work events/happy hours ranked third with 41.5% as “Acceptable/I’d go occasionally”
- A combination of above ranked fourth with 37.8% as “Acceptable/I’d go occasionally”
Do you prefer hearing from:
- Nationally-known speakers who are industry experts – 55.6%
- Local pros who are at the top of their game – 44.4%
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.
Dear PRSA Cincinnati Chapter member:
We hope that your membership in PRSA continues to provide value to you, even
in this challenging economic environment. Over the past few years, we've
provided luncheon programs that feature industry leaders sharing best
practices in media relations, online social networking, diversity, green PR
efforts and more. We give members a chance to showcase their best work at
our Blacksmiths Award competition. We've held networking events for chapter
members to get together informally, and have a new professionals group to
help those new to the industry. We offer APR preparation classes to help
members get to the industry standard of excellence.
Of course, all these programs cost money. For the past 7 years, we've held
the line on chapter dues increases while our costs continue to increase.
Unfortunately, this year we need to make a small increase in Cincinnati
chapter dues to keep in line with chapter administrative costs. We continue
to run a "lean" operation, with most of the chapter's work being done by
volunteer board and committee members. So, we are raising Cincinnati chapter
dues $5 for 2009, putting us in line with similarly-sized chapters in
Columbus and Cleveland.
In addition to increased administrative costs, the cost of our monthly
luncheon programs also continues to increase. We endeavor to seek out venues
that offer the best value for our luncheon programs and are pleased to
announce that we are keeping luncheon costs the same for members in 2009. To
further increase member value, we will be announcing an opportunity to
purchase a block of luncheons at a discount. We will, however, be increasing
the nonmember lunch rate to $35. This cost increase puts us in line with the
nonmember lunch rates offered by similar marketing/advertising groups in the
Greater Cincinnati area.
We appreciate your understanding and are proud of the wonderful group of
professionals that choose to be a part of this chapter. We hope we continue
to provide a strong value for your professional development dollar.
Regards,
Cincinnati PRSA Board and Leadership Team
PRSA Cincinnati Chapter
PO Box 43242
Cincinnati, OH 45243
www.cincinnatiprsa.org
513-792-0402
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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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By Debbie Copeland-Bloom, APR
You work in public relations. Your career is sound. You are respected for your excellent work. Why would you add to your demanding career and over-flowing personal life to study, memorize, and prepare for a rigorous review and exam to earn an APR?
While I don’t presume to know all the reasons PR practitioners choose to earn their APR, here’s why I did: I wanted a certification that demonstrates that I am a qualified PR practitioner. After earning my APR, I felt greater confidence interacting with PR professionals at all levels in our profession. I believe that the APR demonstrates professional credibility.
Today, with the challenging economy, there is evidence that certifications like the APR can also help you in the job market. Check out this CNN article for more details: http://www.cnn.com/2009/LIVING/worklife/02/11/cb.jobs.certification/index.html
This fall, the Cincinnati chapter’s APR preparation course will be conducted. Watch this column for more details about the 10-week program. In the meantime, if you are considering earning your APR, please let me know by emailing me at dbloom@one.net.
Earning your APR is a journey. In our chapter there are many who are willing and able to guide you on your way.
Read more about accreditation on the PRSA National Web site, www.praccreditation.org .
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By Megan Licursi
Congrats to Brandy Williams of Metro for getting the first Blacksmith entries in!
Due to a delay with the printer, we’ve extended the deadline. We will be accepting additional entries through March 2nd.
Remember, pdf versions of the Call for Entry as well as a complete list of categories can be found at http://www.cincinnatiprsa.org/blacksmith/index.php
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By Dawn Woods, APR
Recognizing the 200th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln’s birth, it is great to take a moment for a holiday such as President’s day to reflect on being American. We are privileged to benefit from a democratic government whose founders had the wisdom and foresight to create distinct branches including the Executive branch and office of President to facilitate the appropriate distribution of power.
In addition, Black History Month gives us the opportunity to recognize and acknowledge the rich heritage and contributions that African Americans have made to this country. Suffice it to say, we would not be who we are today without the contributions of individuals such as Elijah McCoy (“the Real McCoy” engineer and inventor), Lewis Latimer (inventor of filament for the light bulb) Harriet Tubman (conductor of the underground railroad), Sojourner Truth (suffragette and speaker) and Joseph Varney Baker (public relations pioneer and the first person of African American heritage to serve as president of a chapter of PRSA) and many more. Their courage to overcome adversity and to not only stand up but also to innovate in the face of injustice is something that all of us can only hope to aspire to.
Lastly, as it goes without saying and regardless of politics, this year is a great year in that we are once again witnesses of the American Dream. This year, Barack Obama, the son of a Kenyan student and a White American woman from Kansas, became our first African American President of these United States.
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By Darcy Little
Join Cincinnati’s PRSA New Pros and our city’s chapter of the American Marketing Association’s Young Pros for another event in March:
- Thursday, March 12
- Start time: 5:30 p.m.
- First round of appetizers are free
- ½ price drinks end at 8 p.m.
RSVP to CincyNewPros@yahoo.com so we can give an estimated attendance number to the nice folks at Blackfinn!
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.
- Darcy Little, chair
- Lauren Boettcher
- Allison Brinkman
- Kristin Doige
- Ashley Van Sickle
- Brandy Williams
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To post a job or circulate your resume, please contact Maureen at maureenkaiser@yahoo.com. Job bank policies can be found at http://www.cincinnatiprsa.org/jobBank/index.php.
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By Sherri Lung
Connect2Success (C2S) has a commitment to help school dropouts get back on the right track. C2S is a network of local organizations that focuses attention on the issues of school dropouts and engages the community to recapture the lost potential of youth in getting a high school diploma, GED, or vocational training and the skills/knowledge necessary to succeed in postsecondary education and a career.
C2S is searching for a qualified volunteer to facilitate the creation of a marketing plan for the network. This work includes such activities as identifying target audiences, branding exercises, website direction, etc. The project can start immediately once the proper person is identified.
Please contact Khalilah Slater Harrington at harringtonkh@strivetogether.org or 513-929-1148 for more information.
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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University of Cincinnati PRSSA:
Miami University PRSSA:
http://www.orgs.muohio.edu/muprssa
By: Tara Pizzola
Hold on to your money. At least, that’s the instinct many Americans are getting from the current economic crisis.
But wait! Sales. They’re seemingly everywhere, and more often than not, too good to pass up regardless of the particular retailer.
Despite these massive sales from retailer competition, it is safe to say that American’s pockets are not the only ones that are feeling a pinch. We’re told to hold on to our money, an impulse felt increasingly more over the building economic crisis.
But, what about holding on to your store? Or, remaining faithful to those stores you have always shopped at?
Though it may sound harsh, many Americans have arguably become somewhat spoiled over the latest price wars.
Many shoppers are finding new ways to economize by focusing less on brand loyalty and more on price. After an unprecedented holiday season where retailers heavily slashed prices and offered countless promotions, Americans have become so fixated on price that they are refusing to purchase an item that isn’t significantly marked down.
In a recent national survey of 30,000 U.S. consumers by IBM’s Institute for Business Value, the term “shifter” was coined and given to such shoppers. According to the survey, a “shifter” is someone who exemplifies the rise of the new power shopper; someone who will shift from retailer to retailer in order to get what they want in terms of best price.
The survey also found that with 90 percent of Americans sacrificing on some spending, 63 percent of Americans are shopping only for products on sale while becoming more apt to use coupons.
In lieu of the post-holiday season, reported earnings were shown to be grim. Employees at Edelman have noticed that with major retailer’s sales plunging, several upscale brands are “gathering dust on the shelves.”
“It is now chic to buy only what you need, not what you used to crave,” said Edelman on the company’s blog.
On the upside, studies have shown that consumers are unwilling to compromise price on the items that they need; items in categories like personal care, personal technology, and health and nutrition, where they have formed close brand identity.
Yet, the Econocurious Consumer Survey found that more than 70 percent of American consumers are embracing frugality as they aim to lead a more basic lifestyle and show less brand resiliency in higher-end and luxury items.
In a January PR Newswire article, Daryl Lee, Global Head of Communications Planning at Universal McCann, said, “The economy has created a fundamental shift in consumers’ mindsets and their expectations for what brands should deliver. Brands will need to be more curious than ever about consumers and their needs, and there will be great rewards for the marketers that listen well, offer good deals and help consumers through these lean times.”
More brands grasping this idea are beginning to do just that. As they manage and respond to the current economic crisis, brands are finding that using PR tactics to show appreciation to customers in a time of insecurity is imperative.
Specifically, J. Crew has begun to target customers by personally thanking them for their patronage. Many customers are reporting that they are receiving hand-written cards delivered to their home after a recent purchase.
One example, found on David Mullen’s Wordpress blog, shows a similar signed, hand-written note that reads, “We’ve all read the news, and I think it’s safe to say, we’ve seen better times. We understand that now more than ever, where you shop is an important decision… so we just want to say thank you for your continued loyalty to J. Crew.”
Another company coping with maintaining their brand to customers is Marriott, the long-standing hotel chain. Celebrating their recent 25th anniversary, the company has amped up its guest loyalty program by offering Marriott Rewards, a program that combines brands and allows members to earn points towards free stays at multiple brands. This free program leads the way in guest loyalty by allowing members to redeem earned points for hotel stays, frequent flyer miles, cruises, car rentals, brand-name merchandise, and much more.
While the economy remains uncertain, one thing for sure is that aligning customer appreciation with smart deals is essential for brands to maintain customer loyalty and survive.
Northern Kentucky University:
www.nkuprssa.org
Xavier University PRSSA:
Contact Taryn Kukucka, Member, 412-292-0699
By Joni Sullivan Baker
 Gail Collins
Gail Collins, a New York Times syndicated columnist and Cincinnati native, will bring her unique perspective on American life and politics to Cincinnati on Thursday, March 12, speaking on “Scorpion Tongues: Gossip, Celebrity and American Politics.”
The Seton High School alumna returns to her hometown for the Woman’s City Club of Greater Cincinnati’s annual National Speaker Forum event at 7:30 p.m. at the Millennial Hotel, 141 W. Sixth Street.
Collins joined the New York Times in 1995 after stints at New York Newsday, the New York Daily News and UPI. In 2001 became the first woman ever appointed editor of the Times editorial page. Her syndicated columns run each week in the Cincinnati Enquirer.
She has also written three books about women and politics.
Tickets for the event cost $25 for the presentation alone, or $125 for a ticket to the lecture and the private reception with Gail Collins that follows.
To purchase tickets or for more information, contact Woman’s City Club at 751-0100 or by emailing wcc@womanscityclub.org.
By Chris Kemper, APR
We all have different things that we love about Cincinnati USA. Eden Park…the Loveland Bike Trail…Oktoberfest-Zinzinnati…Main Strasse…Graeter’s. Today, a new video contest begs the answer to the question, “What do you love about Cincinnati?” HYPE, the Chamber’s regional talent initiative, encourages all those who live here to capture what they love about Cincinnati USA on video in the contest, called HYPE Up Cincinnati.
“There are so many unique people, places and things that make you proud to call Cincinnati home,” said Karen Michelsen, vice president of Marketing at the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber. “It’s time we create some positive noise, put Cincinnati on the map and give people a reason to check out what makes Cincinnati ‘all together surprising.”
“Use your cell phone, a Flip or a hand-held video camera,” said Michelsen. “Share an unknown fact, hidden treasure, person, place or thing. It’s simple. Create, upload and win. And help us HYPE up Cincinnati in the process.”
Videos must be original, five minutes or less in length and can be in any style or level of sophistication. The videos must be uploaded to YouTube and an official entry form must be submitted via HYPEUpCincinnati.com. Video entries will be accepted until 12:00 a.m. on March 6, 2009. All entries then will be posted onto HYPEUpCincinnati.com, where videos can be viewed and voted upon starting Monday, March 9 and going through Friday, March 20. The winners will be unveiled at the region’s annual young professional summit, Bold Fusion, scheduled for March 26 at Aronoff Center.
The grand prize winner, determined by votes, will receive a Samsung 42" plasma television. Second place will receive an Apple iPod touch and third place will receive a Flip Video Mino HD camera, the first mini camcorder that records in HD.
Other prizes also are available, including $10 iTunes gift cards for the first 50 entrants, a $50 iTunes gift card for the video to receive the highest YouTube rating, and a $50 iTunes gift card for the video to receive the most YouTube views.
And the top videos will receive recognition around town, including on the LED board at Fountain Square during the Taste of Cincinnati and Oktoberfest-Zinzinnati.
The competition is one component of the HYPE initiative, the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber’s effort to grow Cincinnati USA as a top destination for young talent. Standing for Harnessing Young Professional Energy, the mission of HYPE is to support regional companies in their efforts to attract, acclimate and retain young talent.
HYPE seeks to increase awareness and buzz about Cincinnati USA as a quality place to live and work by connecting and engaging young professionals to one another and to YP organizations, companies and community leaders through social and professional programs, events and online communities.
More information, including official contest rules, details and entry forms, is available at HYPEUpCincinnati.com. The HYPE Up Cincinnati video competition is made possible through partnership with CiN Weekly and The Enquirer Media Group.
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
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.
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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Cincinnati Bell Names Northlich Agency of Record for Media Buying and Planning.
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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Dr. Rochelle Ford, of Howard University, Tapped as New Host for Podcast Series
NEW YORK (Feb. 23, 2009) — Gain a new understanding of the role of Black media in lives of African Americans by listening in on the Public Relations Society of America’s (PRSA) series of free podcasts, “PRSA Diversity Today.” Produced in partnership with WebmasterRadio.FM, the podcast is a monthly series that reinforces the importance of diversity in today’s business and society. 
Joining the series as the new host, Dr. Rochelle Larkin Ford, APR, is an award-winning scholar who also has published work on diversity and public relations pedagogy. Dr. Ford is an associate professor at Howard University, where she teaches public relations and serves as associate dean for research and academic affairs coordinator. She writes the column “Diversity Dimensions” for Public Relations Tactics. Dr. Ford has spoken at several national conferences, and is winner of the 2008 D. Parke Gibson Multiculturalism Award. She received a Master of Arts from the University of Maryland and a Ph.D. from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale.
Guests for the Feb. 24 podcast include: Hazel Edney Trice, editor-in-chief National Newspapers Publishers Association news service and Blackpressusa.com; Neil Foote, president of Foote Communications; and Maiya Hollie, public relations director, REACH Media Inc./The Tom Joyner Morning Show.
Show topics include:
• Understanding the African American market better.
• Gaining loyalty of Black consumers.
• Building partnerships with grass roots organizations.
• Gaining notice within Black media.
Click here to listen to the Feb. 24 podcast. The show also will be hosted on WebmasterRadio.FM on the PRSA Conference Channel. Subscribe to the show via an RSS feed or through iTunes, where you also can download the podcasts. At the iTunes Store, search for “PRSA,” and shows will be listed by date.
About WebmasterRadio.FM
WebmasterRadio.FM lifts the “veiled curtain” of the Internet, bringing the business community together through an interactive radio network. Its listeners are a global group, comprised of everyone from corporate executives and decision makers to small and mid-sized businesses and individual entrepreneurs. WebmasterRadio.FM’s stellar lineup of radio programming includes “CoverStory,” with Joe Beaulaurier of PRWeb, WebmasterRadio.FM’s official newswire; “The Hook with Katie Kempner,” with Katie Kempner, vice president of Crispin Porter + Bogusky; “The Daily SearchCast,” featuring search authority Danny Sullivan of SearchEngineLand.com; and more. To tune into WebmasterRadio.FM’s live content or check out the show lineup, visit www.WebmasterRadio.FM.
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.
The 2009 Silver Anvil Call for Entries is now available at www.prsa.org/awards.
Visit the Silver Anvil section of www.prsa.org/awards for:
• Detailed category descriptions.
• Entry guidelines and checklist.
• Tips for preparing your entries.
• The MP3 of “Getting the Rewards — and Awards — That Your Work Deserves.”
• Silver Anvil FAQ.
• Access to the Anvil Reading Room.
• Winning Silver Anvil entries and two-page summaries.
Important Entry Deadlines:
Early Deadline: February 13, 2009, 5 p.m. EST (in-hand)
Final/Late Deadline: February 27, 2009, 5 p.m. EST (in-hand)
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.
(found in March 2007 PRVisions)
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